¶ A TRAGICAL History of the troubles and Civil wars of the low Countries, otherwise called Flanders.  
Wherein, is set forth the original and full proceeding of the said troubles and Civil wars, with all the stratagems, sieges, forceble takings, and manlike defences, of divers and sundry Cities, Towns, and Fortresses of the same, together, the Barbarous cruelty and tyranny of the Spaniard, and treacherous Hispaniolized Walloons, & others of the said low Countries.  
And there withal, the Estate and cause of Religion, especially, from the year 1559. unto the year 1581.  
Besides many Letters, Commissions, Contracts of Peace, Unions, Articles and agreements, published and Proclaimed in the said Provinces. Translated out of French into English, by T.S. gent  
¶ Imprinted at London by John Kyngston for Toby Smith, dwelling in Paul's Churchyard, at the sign of the Crane.   


BRIDGEWATER LIBRARY   blazon or coat of arms   

TO THE RIGHT Honourable, the Lord Robert Dudley, earl of Leicester, Baron of Denbigh, Knight of the most noble Order of either Garter, and of saint michael's, Master of her majesties Horses, and one of her highness most honourable Privy Counsel, increase of all honour, health and wealth in this life, and in the world to come, the blessed Estate of life everlasting.  
AFter I had finished the Translation of this Tragical History (Right honourable) containing the very original of the wars, in the now miserable low Countries, which before those troubles, were taken, as it were, to be the Paragon, or rather, yearthly Paradise, of all the Countries in Europe, which wars and troubles, as mine Author hath set down, began in the year 1559. and hath continued his Story unto the year 1581.: In which I find, how, the most righteous God, in his most just judgement hath, with his rods of corrections, I mean the Spaniards, and certain other Hispaniolized low Country men, fatherly chastised that people for their great disobedience, and wonderful unthankfulness, especially for the contempt of the glorious Gospel, of his dear beloved Son, our only Saviour and redeemer Christ Jesus, so freely offered unto them, besides all the rest of his notable benefits: which rods and scourges, when he hath in his great wisdom, teawed upon them, for their amendment, he will surely, like a tender and loving Father, cast into the fire. Which his fatherlike dealing, should move us of the English nation thoroughly consider of. For, in my simple opinion (saving the judgement of far graver, wiser, and learneder than myself) our staff standeth next the door: For, where can we read either in the old Testament, or yet in any other profane History, that ever GOD, dealt more bountifully, with any Nation then with us, either for things needful and necessary, or delightful and pleasant for this life. So that it may vetie well be said of us, that we enjoy a land, flowing with Milk and Honey. But especially, for the plentiful bestowing of his most holy and blessed word amongst us: which chief and principal benefit, is in such sort by the greater number of us so contemned, as that it must needs cause him, one day, make us feel his heavy hand, as these low Countries, have already ●elt, without we speedily return unto him, in true and unfeigned repentance: for we must not think that if we fault in the like sins, but to reap the like judgement, because he is one and the self same God in punishing from everlasting. No 〈◊〉 ●use (sir) this history declareth unto us, that the beginning of these troubles, came by reason of the refusing of the Spanish Inquisition, and of the defence of the state of Religion, which we at this day profess. And which, (the Lord be thanked for it) ever sithence the first blessed entrance of her majesties most Godly and gracious government, over this noble Realm of England, hath, by the good advise of your lordship, & the rest of her highness most honourable privy Counsel, been by her excellency maintained and defended: I therefore, both because of your holy faith, knowledge, zeal, and obedience, in the truth of the same Religion, (which, the Lord more and more, increase, strengthen and continue in you) as also by reason of the aiding of all those godly Ministers, whom Satan, with his Imps and Supposts, have sought and daily seek, by all means possible to deface, as manifestly hath been seen, and yet still appeareth: have the rather for these virtues aforesaid, presumed upon your honourable courtesy, to choose you out, from amongst the rest of the right honourable, to be the Patron of this my poor travel, under whose godly protection it might march, and be sheelded. Humbly beseeching your Lorshippe not to regard so much my boldness in my choice, (for the which I crave pardon) as the end, wherefore the History was first written, and for what cause also, I have put the same in English. And then I doubt not, but that your good Lordship will the better accept of the one, for the cause of the other. And, for your honourable and godly dealing, aswell to wards the word, as also towards the godly Ministers, you have showed yourself to resemble, that valiant and mild leader of the children of Israel, Moses a very true, and faithful servant of GOD, over his house and Church all his life long. And so your Lordship still persevering therein, as you have begun, shall not only resemble Moses, but follow also the godly steps of that valiant captain Josua, Moses his successor, who, as we read in the last Chapter of his Book, after he had assembled all the people together, and recounted unto them the wonderful things, which God had done for them, he exhorted them therefore, to serve the lord in perfectness and truth: and not serve those Gods which their forefathers had served, on the other side of the stood, and in Egipte, saying further unto them, that if they thought it not good to serve that Lord, that they should choose that date, whom they would serve. For (●he) if you intend to serve the Gods whom your forefathers served, or the Gods of the Ammorites, in whose land you dwell, you shall serve them alone for me: For, I and my house will serve the Lord, who hath done all these things for us. Which Grace and boldness, I beseech the Lord our God, even for his mercy and truths sake, grant you, and all her Matesties' most honourable and faithful Counsellors. I shall not here need (right honourable) make any longer discourse of the first occasi● of these troubles, other then as I have in the beginning touched: for if I did, I should trouble our honourable ears with superfluous matter, seeing the reading over of the same (which, if it might so please you, I gladly wish) will lead you to a more sufficient and better understanding thereof, which hath been one especial cause, why I have offered it unto your Lordship: But more especial, to show unto your good Lordship some part of my poor affection, and good will to wards you, who desireth nothing more, then in all humble and dutiful manner, to do you such service, as 〈…〉 agree with your honourable liking 〈◊〉 so most himbly take my leave. Beseeching 〈◊〉 Lord further, so to rule and guide your heart and mind continually in his faith, fear, and love, as hitherto he hath done, that his glorymaie be advanced, his Church, and this commonweal, partly by your means, in peace and Godliness, preserved and maintained. London the xv. of March 1583.  
Your Lordship's most humble in the Lord always to be commanded. Thomas Stocker.   

TO THE HIGH, NOBLE, Honourable and wise Lords, my Lords of the Estates, the Deputies, Presidents and Counsels, Burroughmaisters, Scouts or marshals, Majors, Bailiefes, and to all other Officers and Ministers of the Provinces whatsoever, united to the low Countries: your most humble and obedient vassal and subject Theophile, wisheth Grace, Peace, and love from GOD, through jesus Christ his only beloved Son our Lord.  
seeing (my good Lords) that all, Princes, Rulers, and Governors are the ordinance of God, and, as Saint Paul in the 13. to the Romans, and divers other places of the holy Scripture witnesseth unto us: Carry not the sword in vain, but for the preservation and maintenance of the good, and the resisting and punishing the wicked and ungodly: Well then, have my Lords, the Estates, and Magistrates of the Provinces united to the low Countries, deserved all honour and commendation, who, after the wonderful dissensions and breaches of certain of the Provinces and Cities (that separated them selves from the greater number, both forgetting all their honour, and oath, and condescending and agreeing to the Enemy) have not only continued their unity, but have a great deal more confirmed the same: and therefore when I thoroughly consider of the great constancy and stability of the Estates of holland and Zealande, as also of the marvelous great fidelity of my Lord the Prince of Orange, who jointly, and altogether, very faithfully have performed all office & duty in the maintenance of the wars against tyrants. I could not possibly but commend and set forth their deserved honour, commendation, and praise, above all the rest of the Nations whatsoever, that have been so wonderfully advanced and renowned, aswell by the Ancient, as also by the late Historiographes. And therefore, in my poor opinion and judgement, I can not see how the confedered and united Provinces may do better, then to follow the ways and steps of the Hollanders and Zealanders, in every point and condition, in making war, and standing against the force of all the rest of the Lords and Princes of the other fifteen Provinces: For, if they had otherwise done, they had neither won honour, nor yet gained any thing else thereby. For, what a more wholesome, better, profitable, and necessary thing could they have taken in hand, then to fight and make war for the Religion, and defence of their Country, by which mean they might keep themselves from the horrible oppression of bloody tyrants: seeing the very Heathen have gotten themselves great honour, by defending of their Country.  
Wherefore, sith the defence of a man's Country is so good and honourable a thing: and the defence of Religion, a thing far more excellent, and of greater importance: there is great reason the Magistrate should wholly endeavour himself to defend his good and faithful Subjects. But what way may any Common weal most fitly be defended, when as there reigneth such great discord and dissension among Subjects? Surely, there are two meet kinds of means to be had and used amongst three estates of men, for the defending and upholding of a Common weal, in peace and unity. And first of all, the Magistrates, are to observe two things for the defence and maintenance of a Commonweal in tranquillitie●to wit, judgement and justice. By judgement, in severely, and not rashly, using the sword given unto them by God, for the punishing of the wicked and offenders, to the end the good Subjects might be saved harmless, and preserved from all oppression and injury: They are also to have a diligent care, not to shed innocent blood, for fear that the blood of the Innocentes cry out to God against them, for vengeance, and so he require the blood of them at their hands: For, in the book of the Chronicles it is said unto the judges: Behold ye judges what you do, you execute not the judgement of men, but of God, you do justice, when as you pronounce true and right Sentences: in defending the Widows and Fatherless, in doing of them speedy justice, not corrupting the Law either for money or reward, and not giving judgement to the hurt of any of the parties, either for want of not knowing the cause, or else through ignorance. Wherefore, it is a most necessary thing for judges to be learned in the Civil Law, which thing Plato the Heathen Philosopher well considered, when as he said: That, that Common weal was very happy, which was governed by wisemen, and Philosophers. secondarily, two things are necessary in every Christian Church, to the end that no offences or dissensions arise amongst the people: The first is, the pure and sincere doctrine of the word of God, with the true administration of the Sacraments, neither adding to, or taking fro, any one of them: for, it is written in the Apocalypse, That that man is cursed which either addeth or taketh away any thing from the word of the Lord. The other is, that discipline and judgement be straightly kept in the Church of God, without toleration, or dissimulation, or without respect of any person or persons: That all Whoremongers, Drunkards, and all other whatsoever that do continue and abide in grievous and gross sins, be excommunicated and cast out of the Church, to the end the whole Church be not corrupted and infected by them, and others, take offence at their doings  
Thirdly, 
〈◊〉 sect of the anabaptists ariseth in divers places.  there are two things necessary to be observed in every particular Family or household. The first is, that fathers and mothers of households must bring up their Family of honestly, and not suffer their meney to want things necessa●orie: For, S. Paul saith, that that man is worse than an Infiderawhiche provideth not for his household. The other thinking of the correction and chastesing of their children and serua● tes, who are to be corrected and kept in awe. For, Solomon saith: He that spareth the Rod, hateth his Child. For, youth is compared, unto young Trees, because whosoever he be that will have strait young Trees, must set a very strait staff hard by every of them: And so, if young youths be well taught and brought up from their cradle in the fear of the Lord, and in his ways and paths, those youths I say, will become very honest, and fear the Lord. Now than my good Lords, if these three estates of men were well brought up, the world would be at a far better stay then now it is, for than we should be sure to hear no news of so perilous civil wars, shedding of blood, burning, and destructions of Provinces, as now presently we see: for, many Provinces are now brought to nought, many Cities sacked, the Enhabitauntes murdered, and utterly spoiled: and the only cause and original of altogether is this, that the three estates aforesaid are not duly and truly ordered and governed, and therefore of very right and reason, we justly feel the heavy indignation and wrath of God fallen upon us. Now, for conclusion my Lords, I have been very desirous to dedicate this my Book unto your Lordships, containing the civil wars in the low Countries, wherein you may behold, the original and first beginning of these troubles and bloody wars, together the stratagems and practises of the Popish and Spanish Inquisition, utterly to root up the Church of God. Beseeching you my good Lords to take all in good part.  
Your most humble and obedient Servant. Theophile. D. L.   

The first book of the histories of the troubles in the Low countries: containing the very original and chief beginning of all those troubles, and cruel wars, which sithence have ensued.  
THe Scriptures of the Prophets and Apostles, whereon the Church of God is built, have of long time been unknown unto christendom, and overshadowed with horrible darkness, and so were hid by the religious●rable and balaamitical priests, because they might thereby, so much the more confirm and establish their vain opinions and foolish devices, as the very foundation of all their wealth, and only pillar of their honour and dignity.  
For, 
Luther, the author of the light of the Gospel.  when Martin Luther began to bring to light the holy Scriptures, and had now manifested by the preaching of the Gospel many faults and abuses, this doctrine of Luther's was extremely hated, not only because it seemed to set forth a new way and path unto salvation, and so condemned our ancestors and predecessors: but also because it taught what men's inventions were, and beside, laid open all the deceipts and abuses wherewith the Church of God was infected: Insomuch, that by that means was no more called the Church of Christ, but the Romish Church.  
Howebett this doctrine was principally contemned, 
The feet of the anabaptists ariseth in divers places.  rejected, and judged to be most wicked, at such time as the sect of the brainsick anabaptists began to start up in the Towns of Munster, Amstelredam, and in the old Monastery of Fryse: to wit in the year 1535. As by this short latin versicle engraven over the Gates of Munster, in these capital letters, bearing bate the self same years, manifestly may appear. Ecce peccata tua venerunt super caput tuum: that is to say, Behold thy sins are fallen upon thine own head.  
The which anabaptists went about under the colour of religion and of the Gospel, utterly to deprive the Magistrate of all authority, and had devised to make all things in common, saying that they were stirred up by the spirit of GOD to reform the world, and to ordain and set up another kind of civil government.  
Whereupon, the enemy of the true doctrine which was preached in the beginning, had then that which he looked for: insomuch that the most mighty and invincible Monarch of famous memory the Emperor Charles the fifth, was advertised that all such as spoke against the faults and abuses of the Church of Rome, and refuted them, were infected with that heresy, and had determined to take away from Princes and Magistrates their authority and power, to abolish all politic government, to confound all civil ordinances, and would set up and put in practise an horrible change in all things: by which information, his Imperial Majesty was easily persuaded to ordain and set down very severe ordinances & edicts tou● ch the cause of religion.  
And to prove this to be true, his Maisties' edict published at Worms, is a sufficient testimony: by which was declared, that his Majesty was thoroughly informed, that their doctrine tended to the same effect, & therefore, his will & pleasure was, that the same edict should with out dissimulation, or toleration, & with out respect of any person or persons, of what estate or condition soever, be put in execution. Insomuch, that all officers followed the same presently, some for the hatred that they had to the same doctrine, othersome again, for the spoil which they looked for, sought to charge innocent men with the doctrine of Luther: being readier to obey the emperors commandment, than Gods, who saith unto tyrants, when his people suffer persecution, why persecute you me? And although the anabaptists doctrine was nothing like unto the doctrine of Luther and Zwinglius, which tendeth to no kind of sedition at all, yet for all that, the officers went so near the consciences of men, as that they spared not to torment poor miserable souls with all kind of cruelty, to the end his majesties will might be thoroughly followed and furthered, which tended to the utter rooting up of them at once. Insomuch, that within fifty years next ensuing, there were without all doubt, more than an hundredth thousand people put to violent death, by virtue of these ordinances and edicts: either else were forced through fear of the horrible torments to fly the country.  
Now then, as easily may be perceived, although the Lutherans were greatly persecuted in all quarters of Alma●e, and on the otherside, the Zwinglians, or they of the religion in the low Countries, who for the greater number fully jumped with the Lutherans, yet for all that, the great fidelity and obedience which they bear to their King and natural liege Lord, very manifestly and notoriously appeared: as they of Flanders oftentimes declared, in hazarding their lives and goods for their Lord, and sovereign, when as they chased the French out of their borders: And beside, it is well known how patiently they abode the tyranny, in keeping still, a good and pure conscience to God alone, always obeying God rather than men, in the cause of religion, insomuch that one force of them was burnt, another sort hanged, the third drowned, 
The great patienc● of those of the Religion.  and the fourth fort had no more hurt but their heads cut offiyea, they endured all the torments that might be, and yet used they not once any word tending to sedition, following therein, their Master Christ jesus, who being reviled and evil dealt withal, never gave foul language, but always in their greatest torments praised God, wishing to the Magistrate which tormented and executed them, all good and amendment of life, still praying to God for them.  
Surely, these were no seditious dealings, neither yet tending to sedition: yea the very enemies themselves of the Lutherans and Gospelers, were enforced maugre their herds to confess as much, but they said in deed, the reason was, because they were not strong mough to withstand them.  
Surely they would have showed some token of their insolency, if there had been any spice of sedition in their hearts.  
For, notwithstanding the long absence of their king, and the great troubles and c●uile wars amongst their neighbours, their consciences were continually thralled and oppressed, and they themselves most wickedly and cruelly handled by some of the officers and inquisitors, and suffered most obediently to be led like lost sheep to the slaughter, and their goods to be taken from them and made away, so that their children were enforced to beg: or else being driven out of the land, were constrained to come into some other strange country to dwell, and live there poorly, insomuch, that many ended their days in sorrow, and great misery.  
But, when the enemies of the Bospel perceived that the number of the Protestants or Lutherans in Germany, the huguenots in France, and the Gueses in the low Countries, daily increased, 
The increase of those of the religion.  they cold them find out or devise no better way to hinder the blessed proceeding of the preaching of the Gospel, then to bring in the Spanish Inquisition, or the corporation and house of the Inquisitors, by which they might attain to the authority of Magistrasie. And although his princely Majesty, openly declared to the County Egmont and other noble men Knights of the order, that his majesties meaning was not to bring into thraldom his subjects, but to mitigate & ordain milder and gentler laws, whereby the religion might be directed and set forth in a good and commendable order: yet was it driven in the end to this point, through the instructions and persuasions of the Inquisitors, that his Majesty altered his opinion, & gave express commandment, that the new Bishops should be appointed, the counsel of Trent to be kept, the Inquisition of spain to be brought in, & put in execution, as you may briefly understand by the letters sent by the Duchess of Perma, lady regent of the low countries, to all the governors, Senates & Cities, with the copy of his M. letters, containing an express commandment, that the same should be done throughout all the provinces of the low countries. Now, mark I beseech you, how little authority the king had in Spain, when as his words and letters were of so small force and effect.  
When these things were published, 
The Inquifition, the very well spring of all the ●iuill wars.  and the manner of the proceeding of them, delivered to the hands of the Inquisitors, such trouble of mind, fear, & sorrow, so possessed the hearts of every one, as if they had received sentence of condemnation, & yet not with standing, there appeared no sign or token of sedition, neither was there any wicked practice once thought of, or showed by any person whatsoever: but still kept a plain & direct course, by way of supplication, as the supplication presented by the Antwarpians sufficiently testifieth: declaring, that the ancient privileges & statutes granted by the Dukes and Princes of old in the Belgic provinces, ought not to be infringed or broken: as by the Article next ensuing, may very well appear, that is to say:  
The Duke shall not change the ancient statutes and privileges but by the Council and advise of all the estates in general, and those, to be assembled duly and in good order: neither may they be commanded and assembled by the Clergy men. For that were against the prince's oath which he taketh, at his joyful entrance into the Dukedom: wherefore, they will not have the ancient privileges and franchises defaced, but sound conserved, as well as those acts, especially which king Philip hath granted, upon that point.  
But before I go any further, I will set forth unto you more at large their meaning, to the end you may the better understand the matters that follow, 
The most exc'llent priu●●edges of Braband.  & the marvelous things which fell out about them. To be short, I will set down unto you the excellent privileges of brabande, in six articles following, whereof the first beginneth thus.  
First. The Duke shall not assemble the Clergy, without the knowledge or consent of the other two estates, to wit, of the nobility and citizens.  
The second. The Duke shall not pursue any of his subjects or enhabitantes, but by the ordinarte way of justice or law, to the end the accused may defend himself by his advocates or counsellors of the law, so that they may thereby in all points be able to defend his cause.  
The third. The Duke shall not impose any taxes or tollages upon his subjects, without the consent of the estates of the country.  
The Fourth. No stranger may take upon him the administration of any honourable office in Brahand, but such offices as are of small estimation or importance.  
The fifth. When the Duke summoneth and sendeth for the general estates, to obtain any thing at their hands, the Brabanders are not bound to remove, or conclude of any thing out of their country.  
The sixth, if the Duke will forcibly or otherwise infringe or deface their privileges, the Brabanders, after dutiful and gentle protestation, are discharged of their oath made to the Duke, & at their free choice to do whatsoever they think good.  
Over and beside the aforesaid supplication of the Brabanders, 
A supplication exhibited by those of Flanders.  they of Flanders, exhibited another supplication: & although answer was made them, that the King's meaning neither had been, nor yet now was, to bring in the Inquisition (which made the people greatly suspect, that the king's commandments & edicts were counterfeited in the low countries without his Ma. knowledgee) yet for all this, there was great & marvelous preparation made in all places. For, in all Senate's, courts & Parliaments, some were appointed, to look, whether his subjects went to mass or no, & whether they followed the ordinances of the romish church: which officers were bound to make true certificate thereof once every 3. months at the court of Bruxelles: yea & the Inquisitors themselves had full authority to execute such their imagination and devise as was conformable & agreeing with that instruction that was granted the 31. of May in the year 1550. By which they had full commission & authority to administer the Inquisition, to condemn, correct, & chastise, or to imprison, and appoint into the hands of the magistrate and officer whom they would. Moreover, that they might have & use what filthy prisons soever they pleased, to judge without any ordinary manner of law, 
A secret & most subtle persuasion of the Spanish Inquisition.  & sometimes chose any one of his Ma. counsel to give judgement as pleased them, & according to the form & tenure of the popish Bul. This sentence was given against all such as were susperted to be of the religion, or as they themselves said, of Luther's or Zwinglius heresy: and as many as read any of the books forbidden by the Pope, should be burnt with those books: and as many also as frequented any conventicles, where any disputing or reasoning of the holy scriptures was. Over & beside this, all his majesties subjects of what estate or condition soever they were, whether Precedent, Counsellor, Boroughmaister, or whatsoever officer else, were enforced before the Inquisitors, to take knowledge of as many as were presented unto them, & punish all those that were favourers of heresy and heretics.  
Furthermore, the Inquisitors took a note of all merchants & artificers, poor, or rich, that were any way suspected of the reform religion. The Inquisitors are commonly franciscans, or preaching Friars, which take a note of all such as come not to confession, or that offer not to their box: giving a copy of them to the new bishops: whose officers, as ushers, & Sariauntes, first of all, by composition burdened the poor souls, who soon after were enforced to flee the country if they would not be taken, & so put to death: as by experience, often was seen.  
At that time it was noised all the low country throughout, 
A brute & rumour of wars in the low countries.  & supposed to be a most certain truth, that Duke Erike of Brunswike had levied a mighty army both of horsemen & footmen, to plant the Inquisition in the low countries by force of arms, accordingly as he had before, by the devise & purpose of the Cardinal of Granuelle, enterprised to accomplish, & so by that mean meant to make a conquest of the provinces of the land of Belgic, and abolish all privileges and franchises, and in the end make an absolute kingdom of it: & for this cause, was the charge committed to the rulers and captains, who had received money of Duke Erike for the levying of men of war.  
These newness engendered such a great fear in the hearts of the people, as that the notablest & richest merchants of the country, 
Many merchants got them away into other countries.  got, & packed up all their goods together, & went away into other lands: insomuch that the artificer had no work, to set himself upon, all rents & revenues decreased, many cities & towns were unpeopled, so that it was a lamentable thing to see into what a miserable estate the low country, which before, was the Paragon of all trade of merchandise, & not the like in the universal world to be found, was fallen, & now become thus suddenly desolate & ruined. Again, there were certain governors & officers of great authority & wealth, who first considering of the horrible effect & tenure of the letters, manifestly declaring, that in case there were any man that would oppose himself against the meaning of those letters, & not aid the Inquisitors for the accomplishing of their commission, that he, whatsoever he was should be deposed from his estate, & another placed in his room, & next of all, they seeing the fury and wrath of the people to be greatly moved through such disorderly charges and tyrannies, and become so outrageous & mad, that they would not spare any magistrate or officer whatsoever. And last of all considering that they could not with a good conscience in such a case, be both plaintiffs & judges, they were fully resolved to yield up their offices into the king's hands, if he purposed to persist in that his intended opinion.  
On the otherside, the ancient enemies of the house of Burgoin, would in no wise let slip, this occasion, but carefully and diligently sounded the hearts of the enhabitaunts of this low Country, to see if they could by any means possible make them shake off their fidelity from their Prince & Lord, having gotten men for that purpose, to she we unto them, how insupporlable a bondage, that is, by which all other franchifes, privileges, and other ordinances are defaced and broken: and that there should be other Laws and Statutes appointed after the manner of Spain, which should have full power and authority over their movable and unmovable goods, their wives and children: yea, that all the goods which they have so long possessed, should now be no longer theirs, but should themselves also be brought into slavery and bondage: Howbeit they told them that this thing should not take effect, before such time as his Majesty should submit himself unto the Inquisition. Neither did they forget to show the great damage and loss which the country was like to receive, through the want of the recourse and company of the Merchants: seeing that merchandise is the very nurse of these Provinces, and that by reason of the trade thereof in other parts, the enhabitantes of the low Countries, should be ready to starve: And that which is more, that the bondage of conscience, whereunto they should be always tied, was now concluded upon. Moreover, they compared all these things to other provinces and regions, with their franchises and liberties, saying, that these provinces, far passed all other in trade of merchandise, and goodness of Ground: and further told them, of the great commodity which other provinces received from these low Countries, and could not be without them. Nevertheless, their fidelity and constant loyalty to their prince was so great, and wrought so in them, as that they gave no ear to such suborners: but advertised the Magistrate to be ware of this fetch and drift, and preveut it: howbeit, they were no whit the more abashed for all this, neither knew they what was best for them to do, or what best, to be left undone.  
Now, for the better understanding of the cause why, 
The bringing in of the new Bishops.  and in what fort these new bishops were erected, we are to know, that the Priests & Inquisitors, for their better assurance of the bringing in of the inquisition into king Philip's dominions, considering that certain ecclesiastical prelate's, in some measure favoured the Protestants, and were in great authority and very rich, they therefore greatly envied them for it. For which cause the Inquisitors imagined to erect a new estate of prelate's, and to divide the Archbishoprics, Bishoprics, abbeys, Pryories, etc. into many parts. And to this end, in the year 1558. was appointed at the request of king Philip, by the Exclesiasticall estate, Francis Sonnius a Doctor in 〈◊〉, and sent to Rome: 
Sonnius sent to Rome.  who having set forth the noblensse of the low Countries, and the great riches of the Ecclesiastical prelate's there, wrought his matters so wisely, as that he compassed this much, That Pope Paul the 4. of that name, by the advise of seven Cardinals, appointed for that put pose, gave the said Sonnius audience, and granted him his demand. Whereupon, they took from the archbishopric of Coloigne, whose diocese was overlarge, the Bishopric of Vtrecht, & made the same an Archbishopric, whereunto they subjecteth five other Bishops: to wit, the Bishopric of Deventer in the country of Tranfisselaine, the Bishopric of Harlem in Holland, the Bishopric of Leauwarden in Friesland, the Bishopric of Middlebourgh in Zealande, and the Bishopric Groening in the country of Wed. All which plates are far distant from the City of Coloigne, neither do their languages agree with them of Coloigne, and therefore the sentences pronounced at Coloigne, could not well be understood by the low country men. And again, the city of Coloigne was so far thence, as that it was an eight days journey in passing, and very chargeable, and beside, the bishop of Coloigne had not kept his ordinary disitations long time before. And therefore, for the moderating and qualifying hereof, they erected V●recht iuto an Archbishopric, because it stood in the midst of the other suffragan bishoprics. Besides, they exected the Bishopric of Cambray into an Archbishopric, whereunto they sub●ed 4. other suffragan bishoprics: to wit, in Artois, the Bishopric of Arras, and the bishopric of S. Omer: in Tournois, the Bishopric of Tournay, in the countrse of Namur, the Bishopric of Namur. They also erected the church of S. Rumold at Malines, into an archbishopric, whereunto they subjecteth 6. Bishops, to wit, in Braband, the Bishopric of Antwerp, & the Bishopric of Boysleducke: in Gelderland, the Bishopric of Rurmond: in Flaunders the Bishopric of Gaud, the Bishopric of Bruges, & the Bishaprick of Ypres, There was appoyured to every one of these new bishoprics for the maintenance of the estate, six thousand florins of yeerelyrent: but to the bishopric of Malines ten thousand. Now, for the more 〈◊〉 and better assigning out of these 6. thousand florins there were certain Suffraganeships of cathedral churches convertedinto Bishoprics, 
〈…〉.  & if the revenue of the Suffraganeship amounted not unto 6. M. florins as aforesaid, the rest was assigned out of the Abbeys next adjoining. But because the city of Tyrwine, and the Cathedral church thereof were in the former wars destroyed & razed, that diocese was equally divided amongst thiee bishoprics, for, that part that was in Flaunders, was assigned to the bishopric of Ypres: and that part that lay in Artois to the bishopric of S. Omer: and that part which lay in France, to the bishopric of Boulogne.  
Now this division of suffragan vishopricks under the Archbishoprickes, was made to this end, that every archbishopric should have within itself one self same language, to wit, either Wallonish, Flennsh, or else Guelderlish. It was also appointed in every of these Cathedral churches, 
Doctors of divinity appointed in every cathedral church.  that the niene Prebende● which were first void, shatilde be assigned after this manner, to wit, three unto Noble men, three to Divines, and three to canonists, upon condition, that they should assist the Bishop in the Inquisition, but chief and especially the Divines and Canonists, of which, 2. of the ancientest & learnedest divines should be Inquisitors. These men, for their pain, travel, & advancement of the religion, next unto the Dean, should have the first voice in the Chapter, & au hundred florins wages. Furthermore, that no Pastor of any Church should be amnitted, except be were first examined by a Doctor of divinity and a Canonist, and by them found to be a mere man for that purpose. That every bishops which should be abseut from his bishopric by the space of 6. months (unless he were sent by the Pope or the prince in some commission or embassadge) should lose his revenue for that time, cven aswell as any of the rest of the Canons. Lastly, that the archbishopric of Malines, should be chief above the rest, & that the Archbishop which was Legatus natus, should be there resident & abiding in his own person, that he might be always near unto the kings court at Bruxelles, which preferment, Lopin the Cardinal of Granuelle had got for himself. That the king should have the nomination of the bishops, and the Pope, the confirmation.  
But because we might the better understand to what end all this gear tended, I have thought it very expedient and good, to set down the 12. articles that were invented & practised by the Spanish Inquisition, to the end they might invade, get, and tyramnize the Belgic provinces: which articles were found in the house of M. I. Hessels a councillor of the council of troubles: by which, every man may easily perceive, the good will they bear unto the low countries, & to the prosperity & welfare of our common weal, as hereafter in the drift & purpose of this history, by the resolution or determination of the Inquisition, confirmed at Madrid. the 26. of Febr. 1568. by the sentence of his Majesty, against the low countries, manifestly may appear.  
Articles and determinations of the Spanish Inquisition for the invading, getting, and tyrannising of the low Countries.  
THE most sacred or holy office of the Inquisition so often times by his Majesty attempted in the low Countries, and even unto this very present stayed and hindered, shall by this most expedient manner of dealing be instituted and advanced.  
First, the exring and wickedly confederating Emperor with the Heretics, must be persuaded, to resign over unto his son all the dominions, terretories and full government of the low Countries. For, we have hitherto too too vainly gone about our business with the Emperor, but we shall at our pleasure deal well enough with his young and simple son, concerning this holy Inquisition.  
Secondly, soon after that the Emperor and his two sisters have given over their charges, left the low countries, and god ten themselves into Spain, we may assnre ourselves that they mill not return thence, to hurt the sequel of our proceed.  
Thirdly, These being dispatched, it shall behove us also to remove the king from us, and so deal with him, as that he never return thence, and that no Fleming be suffered to have access unto him, or yet speak with him.  
Fourthly, That the king shall write and send unto the orders of the Clear gie men of the low countries, to accept fifteen new Bishops with the inquisition, who shall have free power over all secular jurisdiction, yea even to deal in matters of high treason.  
Fiftly, The subjects of the low countries, by reason of their malice and over full fed, will reuoult, raise commotions and tumults agreeing to all things, saving unto those that we bring in.  
Sixtly, The princes and nobles, with the chief leaders and Authors of these factions, as also the subjects, may hereupon by some sly and subtle dealing be dispatched of their lives, and the rest brought into good frame and order.  
Seventhly, we will at our own peril like of the reavers & robbers of all churches and images, and by some subtle shift or other make all the woride impute the fault thereof unto the rebels, and so by that mean we shall get the upper hand of them.  
Eightly, we will overthrow all traffic, trade of merchaudise, riches, wealth, liberties, and privileges: and bring them all unto extreme beggary: and so by this mean the Realm shall be ever ours.  
Nienthly, There shall none in all the low countries (except those of our faction) be thought worthy to live, so that in the end we will root out from amongst them all goods, lands, occupations, and all good order: and make a new kingdom and new people thereof.  
Tenthly, For accomplishing of this office and dealing, the wise and valiant duke of Alba shall be personally present, and in regard of him, no man else shall be esteemed of, no although he be of the king or prince's blood: and that if any of them, be suspected of never so small a crime, they shall be by cunning deprived of their lives.  
eleventhly, That no contracts, laws, promises, pardons, oaths, privileges and solemn grants, of the low countries, shallbe to the inhabitants thereof of any effect, but be found all as guilty of high treason.  
Twelfthly, above all things great heed must be had, that in these so weighty causes, & matters of so great importance, there be no violent dealing all at once, but fair and easily, and by lietle and little in very good order: to the end the princes, nobles, & commonalty might fall our amongst themselves, and one persecute another, insomuch that the persecutor himself might fall into the grin. For, in all Christendom, there is not a more foolish and indiscrete nation, and more easily to be deceived then the Fleming, whose infidelity God by this mean will punish.  
In the year 1559, the Inquisitors & other their complices, with the help of Pope Paul the 4. 
The estates will not allow the new bishops  went about to put in practise the establishing of the new Bishops, but they were as yet withstood, and put of by the Estates. Whereupon they of the low country exhibited their supplications and complaints unto the king for the staying of the same, howbeit they took small effect: which thing when the noble men of the low country saw, they thought this change of the Ecclesiastical estate to be very strange, and perceived it to tend to none other end, but to the bringing in of the Spanish inquisition into the low country. Whereupon, they again made their supplications and complaints unto the Duchess of parma governess of the low country for the king, unto the year 1562. In which year, they were very desirous to see an end of the troubles and civil wars in France: in the mean while continually beseeching the said Lady Regent to entreat his Majesty for some moderation, which she received in the year 1563. Afterward they besought that they might obteme the same liberty, that the French had obtained at the hands of their king: considering that the French king had never brought his Realm unto that peace and quietness, neither yet his subjects unto that obedience, but by the granting of them the liberty of conscience, and exercise of religion, according to the edict made at Orleans: and therefore they besought his Catholic majesty, to grant unto them the same grace and favour. After that the principal Lords had showed and laid open, the ancient privileges, and liberties, the oath of the king, the chedience of the subjects unto his majesty, the concord of the country, and the great number of the Protestants, they obtained release of the rigorous commissions, and a surceasing of the Inquisition, whereupon the troubles for the more part were appeased, which thing greatly displased the Clergy men, but especially the Cardinal Granduelle: For they saw their purpose made void, and the word of God advanced, with increase of a great number of people which frequented the sermons. Which thing caused the Cardinal of Granuelle haste him into Spain, and never gave over until such time as he had set all his affairs in good order, and brought them to pass even as he would.  
Over and beside all this, 
Ambassadors sent to the king from the conusel of Trent.  there arrived at the Court of Spain, certain Ambassadors from the Council of Trent, seut from the Inquisitors, who advertised his majesty of all that was concluded upon in the said Council, even from the beginning unto the end, which was in januarie 1564. Whereupon, his Catholic majesty was persuaded and induced to publish those decrees, and cause them to be kept from point to point, and to this end sent he them into the low countries, that they might there take effect, as also into all other Countries under his subjection, with express commandment unto the Duchess of Parma, that she should with all diligence establish the Inquisition, & go orderly on with it, as by the copy of the letters here set down manifestly appeareth.  
Margaret by the grace of God, Duchess of Parma & Plaisance etc. Lady Regent and governess, etc.  
RIght dear and well-beloved, although since the beginning of the government of my Lord the king, hereabout in the low Conntries, as well by the renewing and publication of the commissions and ordinances of the late, of most famous memory my Lord Charles the Emperor (now reasting in the glory of God) about the cause and state of religion, ratified and confirmed by his royal majesty, as also that, which sithence he wrote unto you of by the same, even at his last departure from these countries, vuto his realms of Spain: you have been always able to understand his majesties good zeal and most holy affection, for the preservation of our ancient, true, catholic faith, & religion, and the rooting out of all the sects & heresies here about in the low countries: yet not withstanding seeing it hath pleased his said Majesty by reason of certain occasions to put us again in mind by his last letters, of his most holy intent and purpose, we, by his express charge and commandment are very desirous to impart unto you that, which he hath written unto us the effect whereof is this much: That his majesty desiring nothing more than the conservation of the said religion, and the keepng of his good subjects hereabout in good tranquillity, peace unity, and concord, and to preserve them from all inconveniences, which we see to happen in divers places of Christendom, by reason of the alteration of the said religion: his majesties meanyug and intent is, that the said commissions and ordinances of his late imperial majesty, and his, be entirely and wholly observed and kept, as also his majesties meaning is, that they truly and straightly observe all whatsoever the holy council of Trent and provincial Synods have established, as touching the reformation set down by the Clergy, without contradiction or gain saying thereof, to the end that in punishing the heresies, manners also may be reform and amended: and beside, that the Inquisitors of the faith may have all the favour and assistance that can be, about the executing of their offices, and that the Inquisitors shall deal with their said inquisition, even as they have been used to be dealt withal unto this present, both by the laws of God and men, which thing his majesty also expressly commandeth by his said letters. And according to this answer of his majesty, as also for the obeying thereof in so holy and favourable a thing, we could not forget to write this unto you, to beseech, & require you, & in his majesties behalf straightly to charge you, to govern & guide you herein, according to his majesties ordinance, wout crossing the same in any one point or article, & that you let all officers & lawyers of the principal Cities of province to understand the same, to the end they may therein frame themselves accordingly without dissimulation or toleration, upon pain of the punishment contained within the said Commissions. And for your better understanding hereof, you shall charge and depute a councillor of your college (who nevertheless may be changed from half year to half year, because one man should not always stand charged with the same) that shall do nothing else but have an eye to the said country, in regard of the observing of the decrees of the said holy counsel, and always advertise you of whatsoever cometh to hand, that you may therein make provision according to his majesties said meaning. And for as much as we might always understand the state of the religion, accordingly as hath been before said: we beseech and will you as aforesaid, that you writ particularly unto us, from three months to three months of the success therein, having always recourse unto us in any case of controversy, or to some of his majesties privy counsel, that may make report thereof unto us, unto whom also we will give the like charge, and shall have a particular care thereof, and agree with you, and him, whom you shall put in trust, in every condition touching the same. And to the end you may the better see the express will of his said Majesty, concerning all the things aforesaid, we have caused to be annexed unto this, the points of the letters, & of the rest of his majesties writings, touching this matter, that you might according to the form and tenure of the same, order yourself without committing of any error therein. And thus for the present, right dear and well-beloved I commit you to God.  
From Bruxelles the 18. of December 1565. and underneath was written Margaret: And underneath it, signed d' Oue'rloope. The Superscription was, To our right dear and well-beloved the Precedents and counsellors of the king, in Christ.  

An abstract of the kings last letters and writings, sent to my Lady the Duchess, with the last dispatch as touching the state of religion.  
FIrst, concerning as well the old as the new commissions and ordinances of the said state of religion, his majesty understanding in what state and condition the matters of religion here about stood, it was not meet that any change should be made of the said commissions and ordinances: but that the said commissions of the late imperial majesty, and also his majesties, should be put in execution. And so his majesty might perceive that the occasion why this mischief increased and went so far, was by the negligence, looseness, and hypocrisy of the judges. And that seeing there were some judges who either durst not, or else would not put them in execution, for fear of tumult or uproar, that his majesty might be counseled to provide for men there, that were of greater courage, and more zealous to take in hand the said execution, whereof could be no want in those countries, where were so many catholics that desired to serve God and his majesty, and that in so doing, & executing of the said commissions, it was to be hoped that the harm which grew thereby, might by that means be the sooner and better remedied, than any way else. For the second: which concerned the Inquisitors of the faith, his majesty charged her highness to hold such an hand on the matter, as that the Inquisitors might find favour as touching the exercise & administration of their charge, in whatsoever was meet for the benefit and maintenance of the religion, his majesty having this meaning that the Inquisitors should deal with the said inquisition, as it was wont to be dealt with all even unto that present, both by the laws of God & men, & that this was no new or strange matter, seeing it had been always so used from the time of the late imperial Majesty, and his, the inconveniences which they over much feared being mamfester, nearer at hand, and far greater, in not foreseeing unto those things which were behoveful for the office of the Inquisitors, and for their assistance. And sith her highness might well see that, which this matter imported, his majesty gave her in charge, that she should as much as in her lay, do that that was so necessary, & never yield to have any other thing than it, to be dealt in, seeing her highness knew how near it touched his heart, and what pleasure and contentation it would bring him.  
Thirdly, his majesty willed her highness, that seeing the holy counsel of Trent was now published, and that there remained nothing else to be done but the setting up of the new erected bishops, that her highness would put to all the possible help she could, for the effectual and convenient proceeding thereof. And that she should also see, the ordinance of the council of Trent executed about the reformation of the lives & manners of the clergy, by which both his majesty, her highness, and all other his majesties officers were charged to show all their favour, & help, as far as was needful in that behalf. & if so be it should so fall out, as that his majesty should be driven to make provision for the same, that it should forthwith dispatch even amongst those clergy men which would not submit themselves to the reformation set down by the bishops, agreeing with the decree of the said council of Trent.  
And in the end, this was the closing up of altogether, that the thing which his majesty wrote to her highness of, as aforesaid, was most convenient for the benefit of the religion, and the countries thereabout, which without it, were of no valour, because that the religion was it that must be the lock and key to censerue them in their right, & keep them in peace, rest, and quietness. And seeing that her highness saw the great importance thereof, his majesty again required her to take that course, because, as he said, it would be the thing that he best liked of, and would cause him to think the better both of her highness, and also of the Lords that were about her, whom of very right she ought to charge, to bestow their pain and travel about the same, according to the trust which his majesty reposed in them, wherein they right well knew that they should not only greatly content & please him, but also do such offices & duties therm, as became such noble estates as they are, and so acquit & discharge that bond wherein they stand bound for the service of God, his majesty, the common weal of the low countries thereabout, and their own particular benefit.  
Many of the nobility being greatly abashed and amazed at 
The protestants abashed at this commandment  this his majesties charge and commandment, and foreseeing a most assured and utter desolation necessarily following the execution of this his excellencies, and her highness, determinations: so wisely dealt with the Duchess of parma in that matter, as that in the end she sent the Count Egmont towards the king of Spain, giving him charge & commission, to seek by all means possible the mitigation of his majesties heart, in getting him to cease the inquisition in the countries thereabout. When the Count was returned out of Spain, he brought letters thence with him to the Duchess, charging her to devise some sound & fit means for the quiet & tranquillity of the country, always provided that the catholic religion should in no wise be impaired. For performing whereof, she appointed 3. bishops, & three doctors, who were well seen both in dininitie, and also in the civil & cannon laws, that they might be the better able to discern & judge of such as were accused of heresy. But because this seemed to be over weak a moderation, & tending to the abasing of princes amongst their subjects, the inquisition was a fresh brought in & established, & commandment given, that the decrees of the council of Trent should be observed, & a severe proceeding has, against the aforesaid supplyants'. Now, as the common people were hereat greatly troubled & perplexed: the nobility were determined to declare unto her highness the mischief that thereupon might ensue, protesting that they had sufficiently discharged the duty of loyal subjects & vassals unto his majesty, if for want of such provision therein as they had devised, any ruin or desolation should arise unto the country. And for this end & purpose there met at Bruxelles the 5. of April, 1566, about 200. Gentlemen, & exhibited to her highness this supplication here set down.   

The speeches which the L. of Brederode used unto the lady Regent, before he delivered up the supplication.  
Madam, the gentlemen in this city here assembled, 
The oratione● the Lord of Brederode.  and the rest of the same condition and quality, who are not in number few, have not met and stayed here together for any other respects then for the service of the prince, and common weal of the low countries, in most humble wise to exhibit unto your highness this supplication, upon the view & sight whereof it may please you to take such order as by the same may seem convenient, beseeching your highness to take it in good part. Over and beside this, Madam, we are let to understand that we are charged before your highness, the Lords of the Council, and others, that our chief determination hath been, to stir up tumults, to cause revolts, and to make sedition: and that which is most detestable, they have charged us that we go about to change the prince, by practising of leagues and conspiracies with strange princes and captains, as well French, Germans, as others: which thing we never once thought of, and is the very thing in deed, that is clean contrary to our fidelity and allegiance, and that your highness shall find by reading over this supplication, most humbly beseeching your highues by the way, to show us so much favour, as to discover and name unto us those persons who have so unjustly slandered so noble and honourable a company.  
And besides this, madame, the Lords here present, are let to understand, that there are some of them particularly accused and charged to have lift up their hands, & gone about to put in execution the above said wicked enterprise, as well with the French, as also with other strangers, wherewith we find ourselves not a little grieved: and therefore we most humbly beseech your highness to do us the good & pleasure, to name unto us both the accusers & the accused, to the end that the wrong & wicked deed being discovered, your highness may make thereof a quick and speedy example of justice, whereby you may meet with the mischiefs & hurt that thereby might fall out, assuring ourselves, that your highness will never suffer so noble & honourable a company, to stand unjustly charged, with so shameful & wicked attempts.   

The supplication of the nobility of the low countries exhibited to the Duchess of Parma and Plaisance, etc.  
Madam, it is right well known (as presently also may be seen) that the great fidelity of the people of the low countries, towards their Lords & natural princes hath ever, all christendom over, been highly renowned, in which allegiance the nobility have always been chief, as men who never made any reckoning either of their bodies or goods, for the increasing of their Prince's honour and glory. Wherein we, his majesties most humble vassals, intend (by the grace of God) for ever to continue from good to better, insomuch as we will day and night be ready, both with our bodies and goods most humbly to serve him, and therefore we seeing upon what terms the state presently standeth, have rather chosen to take a little fault upon ourselves, then to conceal such things as hereafter might turn to his majesties hurt, and so eftsoons trouble the peace and quietness of these countries: trusting that the effect will in time show, that of all the services which we might have done, or may do, in time to come unto his majesty, this, which now we are about, will be thought to be the notablest, & to greatest purpose, whereupon we assuredly persuade ourselves, that your highness will not but take it in good part. Although then Madam we doubt not, that what soever his majesty hath heretofore, yea and at this present doth ordain for the cause of the Inquisition, and the strait observing of the commissions upon the state of the religion, hath not had any sound ground and just title, and so continue the same, which the late Emperor Charles, of famous memory, had upon a good meaning stayed: yet nevertheless, seeing that the difference of times, bringeth therewith diversity of remedies, & that although not many years sithence, the said commissions for all this, were not rigorously executed, yet have they given occasion to breed many grievous inconveniences. Surely, his Ma. last determination, where in he did not only forbid that any moderation of the said commissions should be had, but also gave express commandment, that the Inquisition should be observed, & the commissions most sharply executed, giveth us very just occasion to fear, that thereby not only the said inconveniences may come & grow: but that there may also in the end, a general commotion ensue thereof, tending to the miserable destruction of the whole country, as the manifest tokens of the alteration of the people (which every where may be perceived) layeth it wide open before our faces, Wherefore, we knowing the manifest likelihood & greatness of the danger which threaten us, were in good hope even until now that either the nobility, or else the Estates of the country, would at some conventent time, have made supplication unto your highness: to the end some remedy might have been found for the same, by taking away the cause & original of the mischief: & therefore, after we had seen, that they were therein nothing forward, upon what occasions we know not, and that in the mean while, the sore daily increased and grew worse and worse, insomuch that the danger of a general commotion & revolt was even at the door: have thought it our duty, according to the oath of our fidelity and allegiance, and with all the honest and good zeal which we bear unto his Ma. & to the cause: no longer to stay, but rather to be the very first to set for ward, a matter of so necessary and needful a duty, & so much the freelier and readilier, by how much we have the greater occasion to hope, that his Ma. will take our advertisement in very good part, considering that it toucheth us more nearly than any of the rest, because we are such as are soon to be thrust out unto all inconveniences and miseries which commonly arise upon the like accidents, having for the more part our houses & goods situating & being abroad in the country, and therefore lying as a pray for all the world: considering also, that in the general pursuing of the sharpness of the said commissions, as his Ma. had given express commandment for their proceeding, there should not one man amongst us, no not one in all the country hereabout, of what estate & condition soever he were, which should not be found guilty of the loss both of body and goods, & subject to the slander of the first enemy that came, who, to have part of the spoil, would, under the colour of the commissions, accuse any whatsoever, leaving none other refuge unto the party but the only favour of the officer, into whose mercy both his life & goods should be thrust. In consideration whereof we have so much the greater occasion, most humbly to beseech your highness (and that by this our supplication) to take some good order herein. And (because it is a matter of importance) that it would please you, assoon as might be possible, to dispatch and send some careful and meet man towards his Ma. to advertise him, & on our behalf most humbly beseech him, that it would please him to foresee for the same, as well presently, as for the time to come. And because the same cannot be done by letting the said commissions to stand in their full strength, considering that thereon hangeth the original of the said inconveniences, that it would please him to hearken to the abolishing of them, which will be the very necessary mean to withdraw the whole destruction and overthrow from all these countries hereabout.  
And to the end he should not have any occasion to think that we (who have none other purpose but to yield him our most humble obedience) would go about to bridle him, or else otherwise force him to make such laws as pleased us (as we doubt not but that our adversaries will interpret our meaning to the worst) that it would please his majesty to make other ordinances by the advise and consent of all the estates in general assembled together, to the end the things abovesaid might be foreseen and prevented, by other meet & convenient means, & without such most evident dangers.  
Most humby also beseeching your highness, that when as his majesty shall have understood of our just petition, & ordered the same as shall seem good unto his good and just will and pleasure, that it would please him in the mean while to provide for the foresaid dangers, by a general surceasing aswell of the said inquisition as also of all the executions of those commissions, until such time as his majesty hath set some other order therein.  
Expressly protesting, that as much as to us appertaineth and belongeth, we have discharged ourselves of our duty by this present advertisement: So that now, we have acquitted ourselves both before god, & the world, declaring, that if so be any inconvenience, disorder, commotion, revolt, or bloodshed, hereafter shall fall out about this matter, for want of finding out of a remedy for the same in due time & season, that we are not to be found fault with, and blamed, as men having concealed so apparent a mischief: wherein, we take God, the king, your highness, the Lords of the counsel, & our own consciences to witness, that we have proceeded as hath become the kings good, loyal servants & faithful subjects, without exceeding the bounds of our duties, whereupon also we so much the more instantly beseech your highness to under stand the same, before such time as any other mischief ariseth thereon. In doing whereof you shall do right well.  
Exhibited by Henry of Brederode, Lord of the said place, accompanied with the nobility of the low country, the 5. of April. 1565, before Easter.   

The answer, which the Lady Regent made in the counsel of Estate, to this supplication, is this that followeth.  
WHen her highness had understood the contents of the supplication, she was fully purposed to send messengers with the same unto his majesty, & to do him all the good offices that her highness could devise, which might any way serve to dispose & incline his majesty to condescend unto the request of the petitioners who never looked for any thing, but for that that was worthy & agreeing unto his natural & accustomed benignity: howbeit, her highness had already, before the coming of the aforesaid suppliants, by the help and advice of the governors of the provinces, knights of the order, and council, that were with her, traveled to devise and set down a moderation of the commission for the state of religion, to be exhibited unto his majesty, which moderation her highness hoped should be such, as in duty should reasonably content every man. And seeing that her highness authority, as the suppliants might very well consider of & understand, extended not so far, as to be able to surcease the Inquisition and commissions, according to their desire, & that it was unfit to leave the country in the matter of religion without law, her highness had this good confidence in the petitioners, that they would be contented with her sending unto his majesty, to the end aforesaid, and in the mean while that she looked for answer, her highness would take order that the Inquisitors (where there were any as yet remaining) as also the officers should have respect, to deal so discreetly & soberly in their charges, as that no man should have cause to complain: & her highness also trusted, that the suppliants likewise would so behave themselves, as that there should be no need, otherwise to use the same, and it was well to be hoped, that her highness would deal so dutifully towards his majesty, as that he would be contented to difcharge the rest of the Inquisition where she was, so far forth as she was able to understand, as had already been declared by the supplication of the chief cities of Brabant, that they should not be charged therewith. And that her highness would so much the more frankly dispose herself to do all good offices unto his majesty, to the end and effect aforesaid, because she did assure herself, that the suppliants were purposely determined, not to make any innovation about the ancient religion, observed in the countries here about, but the same to maintain & observe with all their power and might.  
Given by her highness at Bruxelles the 6. of April 1565. before Easter.   
Whereunto the nobility replied the 8. April, as followeth.  
Madam, after we had seen & read your highness answer sent unto us, we could not but first of all most humbly thank the same for the speedy dispatch thereof, but especially for the contentment and good liking which your highness had of this our assembly, which was for none other cause, save only for the service of his Majesty, and the common good & tranquillity of the country. And for the greater contentation and quiet of the same country, we would have been very glad, that your graces said answer had been set down more largely and plainly, nevertheless, sith your highness, as we understand, hath not now that authority that we would be glad you had, for the which we are right sorry, yet we trust, upon the hope and assurance which your highness hath given us, that you will set such an order therein, aswell amongst the Magistrates as amongst the inquisitors, as shall enjoin them to stay all suits commenced by the Inquisition, or by any either of the old or yet of the new Edicts or Commissions: until such time as his Majesty hath taken some other order about them. And seeing we for our part, Madam, desire nothing else, but to follow whatsoever his Majesty with the advise and consent of the general Estates assembled, shall ordain for the maintenance of the ancient religion, we trust so to behave ourselves, as that your highness shall have no occasion to be displeased: & if any one commit any grievous or seditious fact, let your highness and those of the counsel of the Estate appoint such chastisement, as the desert of the fact requireth. And we here again protest, that if any inconvenience hereupon doth arise, for want of good order set herein, that we have satisfied and performed our duty: Most humbly beseeching your highness to have good liking of this our bounden duty, and receive it as our service for his Majesty: Offering ourselves to remain your highness most humble & obedient seruances, & to die at his feet in his service, whensoever it shall please your highness to command us.  
The Marquis of Bergues, & the Baron of Mountigni, were by the common advise of the counsel of estate, sent towards his Ma. into Spain, & in the mean while there was some mitigation & release of the accustomed sharp dealing, but yet they of the reformed religion continued their assemblies in houses by small numbers, attending his majesties will and pleasure.  
Now, a little before that the Nobility of the country had exhibited this supplication, her Highness suspecting some mischief, by reason of the assembly of the Nobility, had made the worst market of the matter that possibly she could have devised, had it not been, that some of the counsel encouraged and comforted her, amongst whom, was one man especially, which (as it is said) was the Lord of Barlaymont, who said unto her, Tush, tush, 
The Original or first bringing up of the Gueses.  Madam, be not dismayed, neither fear these Gueses, for there are ways and means enough both to overthrow them, & utterly root them out. This saying, truly uttered by him, the confederates accepted, and took it up for a common name amongst them, and thereupon clothed themselves in whitish or friars grey, every man having hanging at his girdle a wooden clap dish, trimmed round about with an hoop of silver enamaled black, wherein were engraven these words, Vive les Gueux, that is, God save the Lazare or spittle man. And after that, one of the chief of that company, drunk at Bruxelles the fift of April in such another dish, and when he had drunk, he cried, Vive les Gueux.  
moreover, in sign and token of their wonderful fidelity towards their prince, they did wear about their necks the picture of king Philip, some graven in gold, & some in silver, & on the backside of the same picture, was the figure of hand in hand, with the clap Dish and Wallet: and about it, this devise,  
Fideles an Roy, insgues a la Besace, that is, faithful unto the king even unto beggars state. They had also Copper Counters, on the one side of which was engraven, Escu de viane, that is, the shield or arms of Viane, and on the other side, Per feu et flames, to wit, through the hot burning fire and flame, with the arms of the house of Burgome.  
In the month of May the year 1566. 
A surceasing of the Inquisition and of the commissions.  the Inquisition and Commissions surceased, and beside, all Magistrates and Officers were forbidden the exercise and execution of them, against the subjects, upon pain of the punishments contained in the Commissions.  
But as a fire long time kept in, waxeth very hot, & after bursteth out into great fiery flames: even so they of the religion, having this advantage, and being no longer able to keep in, began to manifest themselves, and make common and open assemblies: First in low Flanders, and soon after at Antwerp, where they began openly to preach the 24. of june, being S. john's day in the aforesaid year: about a quarter of a mile out of the City. Shortly after, they of Tournay followed, and so likewise did many other Cities of holland, Zelande, Brabant, Flanders, and other places. The number of them came to the assemblies, so daily increased, as that a man would have thought the people had come to a fair or market, when after long dearth, great store of Corn had been brought thither.  
Now, for the first preaching that was at Antwerp, the people resorted thither without their forbidden weapons. But when they were advertised of a conspiracy, intended against them, they began, contrary to the Kings and Regentes Proclamations, to carry them for their defence against the Invasion and fury of the conspirators.  
But after they were come back into the City, they laid them away, and in the mean time besought the chief officers, either to grant them some guard or defence against those people, or else suffer them to meet together within the City, that they might not be thrust out into any such danger, and in case they would so do, they would altogether lay away their weapons.  
In this mean while, 
The prince of Oranges coming to Antwerp.  the Prince of Orange was entreated to come to Antwerp, to prevent the troubles that were like to ensue. And when he was come for that purpose, he traveled by very instant Orations to cause the preachings cease for three weeks or a month.  
In which time, he put them in good hope, that the general Estates would meet together for purveying for the same. But forsomuch as, they of the religion foresaw not any good to arise by this surceasing, but an assured occasion of trouble and mutiny amongst the people, which could in no wise abide to be spoiled of the benefit that they tasted of, by preaching, and that this surceasing would turn to an utter abolishing thereof, because the Estates had not met together, as also experience had taught them, besides many other reasons: It was told unto his excellency, that it was neither reasonable dealing with God, nor yet expedient for the common benefit of the cit●e, to surcease the said preachings. And so by this means, the exercise of the religion was continued. And as for the bearing of weapons, when as they of the religion had showed in what danger they stood by their meeting together out of the city without weapons: it was told them that they might very well use them whiles they were in their assemblies: But that they should leave them without and not bring them back againeinto the City, wherewithal they were very well contented, therein more and more showing their simplicity, in not looking into the waranting of themselves, their wives and children, against these hellhounds that then lay abroad.  
The 18. 
A solemn procession of out lady of Anti●erpe.  of August solemn processions of our Lady of Antwerp were made, after the old custom, wherein they carried about with them, the image of our Lady, garnished and appareled in cloth of gold, & with many other precious jewels, as if she had been a Queen.  
This Image was carried about by the worshipfullest men of the City, always changing them at certain quarters and cross ways of the Streets. There were at that time at the prince of Drange his house, the Princess his wife, his brother, the count Lewis, and many other Gentlemen to behold this solemn festival procession. When this solemn procession was ended, the Image was set up in the midst of the Church as it was wont to be, where it was accustomed to stand, until the Saturday following. But because my masters of the Chapter feared some disorder to come, by reason of certain words that the people spoke in the time of the procession, saying, O Marry Marry, the Carpenter's wife, this shall he thy last festival day, she was taken away and setup again the Tewesday following in her own Chapel, where she was wont to stand.  
The 19 of August, the Prince departed from Antwerp, 
The prince of Orange his going to 〈◊〉.  and went to Bruxelles, to the endelto receive, with the rest of the Counsel of the Estate, an answer which her highness had promised to make to the deputies of the nobles, the 20. or 21. of that instant, by reason of a supplication which they had exhibted, tending to the withstanding of the apparent troubles and commotions in the countries.  
Now, as they continued in manner and form as aforesaid in their common and public Sermons, certain of low Flanders began to put down the Idols and Images, which thing was prosecuted in many Cities of the Country, and amongst the rest at Antwerp, with such assurance and diligence, as if some man had had express commandment from the Magistrate to execute such an exploit with expedition. This defacing of Images was the morrow after that the Prince was gone from Antwerp to Bruxelles, which was on Tewesday, being the 20. of August about six of the clock in the after noon: And the occasion hereof grew by this mean, that the Sunday next before, as afore is said, a great Image of the virgin Marie was carried about in solemn procession, which was wonted to be set up and left in a certain place of the Temple for eight days together, about which every man and woman according to their devotion, crept on their knees two or three times: and on the Tewesday following the Priests, having shut up the Church doors, placed her again in her ordinary room. And about two of the clock in the afternoon, there came to our Lady's Church certain Mariners, and other young fellows, and marveling that they had so often removed the Image, cried out and said, Marry, cry vine les Gueux, that is, God save the Gueses, we will giu● you the place, with such other like pleasantiestes. They asked also the woman that was wont to sell the wax candles, and gather up the offerings, why they had so often removed the said Image: and said further unto her that she might now shut up her Shop well enough, for there were none that would buy any of her merchandise.  
The woman, moved and grieved with these words, cast the Ashes which she had there in a pot into their eyes. Whiles they were thus jesting and sporting, there went to the Town house two substantial men, and told the Magistrate of these tumults and uproars: The Magistrate amazed with these news, went to the College, and coming thence, after he had paused there a while, he went with the Margrave, accompanied with four Seriantes, four Halberdiers, and a great train of people unto the Church: And when the Boys and young Fellows saw the Magistrate, they went out of the Church, and then began the Magistrate to use these discreet speeches, unto the people, saying: My good friends, I pray you get you hence, howbeit there was never a man that would once stir, so that he was fain to get him out without any more to do.  
Soon after, the young fellows aforesaid came back to the Church with one of the captains of the Guard of the preachers, & shutting in the Church doors fell a singing of Psalms, which Psalms being sung, every man begun to pull down & deface the Images, in so much that the very same night they had thrown down the Images not only in the great temple, called our Lady Church, but also in all the rest: yea and in all chapels, & Cloisters: where they made very great unwonted caves, as if they would have drowned the Hoggesheades of wine and bear, after they had drunk more then enough, and carried away all the store of flesh and of other provision which they could lay hands on: Howbeit there were none that did thus, but beggars, women, and wild headed young fellows. And beside, they delivered out of prison in the covent of the Franciscane Friars, a poor Friar that had been kept in prison 12. years for the preaching of the truth, and delivered also a French Baker: who had been a year and an half in the town Prison, for the religion, and confession of the Gospel.  
The Wednesday and Thursday following, the worshipful companies of liveries, or brotherhoods that had their Altar or Chapel in the aforesaid Lady Church, began to pull down that, that remained, and carried it out of the Church, whereupon, there were others that followed them in the same Church, and also in the rest, to pull down also that which they had left, and this was done as if they had had commission to do it, the Magistrate not once setting himself against them to defend it, until at the last it came to pass, that his majesties Arms were broken. But when the Magistrate heard of that, 
The king's arms broken.  the Borroughmaster Stralen entered into the Church, with a certain number of Mariners, all shot, who discharging their pieces, drove away all the Beggars, and so shut up the Church doors.  
The Tewesday in the evening, the chief officers being troubled with these beginnings, desired one of the ministers of the Flemish Church, to go to the Temple, and exhort those that had broken down the Images, to leave off. Whereunto he obeyed, and going up into the pulpit to that end, spoke unto them. But when he saw that they would give no ear unto him, he, for the avoiding of a greater mischief, departed. Nevertheless, they of the religion were charged with this violence. Whereupon also, they were blamed for robberies, and other insolences which thereon had ensued.  
Inregarde whereof, the said minister Herman Strycker of Swelle, went up again into the pulpit of the said Lady Church, on Thursday in the morning, being the 22. of August, and there, made a short collation unto the people, protesting in the first place, that this violence of pulling down of the Images, was done without the knowledge of the ministers, and the rest who had the charge of the Church committed unto them: and in the second place, disallowing and detesting the spoils, pilferies, and other insolences that had ensued: and exhorted all such as had any of the pillage and spoil, to carry it to the Magistrate.  
And to knit up the matter withal, he admonished the people of the obedience that was due to the Magistrate, and of the concord and peace requisite amongst the people.  
With this exhortation were many moved, & delivered up into the hands of the Magistrate, not only silver crosses, but also many gilt chalices, & other jewels, telling their names, surnames, and dwelling places, offering themselves to become prisoners, if it were so the Magistrates pleasure. Howrbeit, the Magistrate received their jewels, and thanke● them for their fidelity and loyalty.  
The same day in the after noon, the people notwithstanding that there were men set of purpose at the Church doors, to tell them that there should be no Sermon, for they were in deed made to believe that there should be one, yet for all that they came together in great numbers unto the said Church, instantly desiring that they might have a sermon: Insomuch, that for fear of an uproar, the minister which had exhorted them in the morning, was fain to get him up again into the pulpit, where he made a reasonable long exhortation, tending to the same end and purpose, as in the morning.  
This Tewesday being the 20. of August, a great number of the Citizens of Antwerp, both flemings and Walons, had made themselves ready to go in the morning to Brussels towards the Duchess of Parma, Lady Regent of the low Country, to the end to beseech her that they might obtain to have a public Church in the city of Antwerp, for the exercise of their religion.  
The Friday following, 
The ministers, and consistory, purge themselves before the Magistrate.  being the 23. of August, the ministers, & the rest, who had the charge of the Church of flemings and Walones committed unto them, for the effectual purging of themselves of certain slanders, and to assure the chief officers of their affection 〈◊〉 good will, exhibited unto the Boroghmaster M. Verheyen, the Pencioner Wesonbeck being assistant there with him, the propositions and articles ensuing.  

To the right worshipful the Boroghmasters, Sheriffs, and Counsel of the City of Antwerp.  
RIght worshipful, we in truth protest as before the Lord, that this pulling down and abolishing of Images, hath been done without our knowledge and consent.  
And as for the pilferies, pillages, robberies, and the other dissolute arrogant parts, which have followed, we mislike and abhor.  
And therefore our meaning is, that the Ministers shall exborte, as they have already done, their Auditory in their Sermons, that they wholly abstain from such kind of dealing, & bring again into your possession, that which hath been fellonously taken away.  
They of our Church, are ready to yield themselves altogether obedient unto your worships, for the opposing of themselves, by your commandment, against all sackings, violences, thefts, and such other like insolences.  
For, we acknowledge ourselves to be established by the Lord, through the office of the Magistrate: and therefore, are bound to obey you, not only for fear of punishment: but also for conscience sake. And so consequently, we ought and will faithfully pay all taxes, tollages, customs, impostes, subsidies, tenths, and whatsoever charges else that shall be laid upon us, whether they be ordinary or extraordinary: Confessing, that they which shall refuse to do it, or deceitfully deal in this behalf, shall offend GOD, and are punisheable at your W. hands.  
And for the greater assurance of that that hath been before said, the Ministers of the word, and the rest which have the charge of the government of the Church committed unto them, are ready, if need be, to swear unto you to be faithful and obedient in all things, according to the will of God, and his word, for the conservation of the benefit and commodity of the Citizens and Inhabitants, and also of the City.  
Beseeching you, that under your authority and protection, we may assemble ourselves in some Churches, meet and able to receive us for the exercise of our Religion, and not take it in ill part, if we serve our turns with any one of them, according to the present necessity, attending vnti●● such time as you have purveyed for the same.  
In the mean while our meaning is not to enforce any man's conscience, or constrain them to receive our Religion, contenting us, and praising God, that he hath given us the mean to serve him after our manner of religion, trusting that your W. will so provide, as that both one and other shall have that that shall content them.  
And that it would please you to set down an order, that the one injury not, nor offer violence to another,, about the cause of religion.   
This was exhibited in the name of the Ministers of the word, and of the rest of the governors of the Churches, both of the flemings and French the twenty five of August. 1566.  
The Pencioner, in the name of the said worshipful Borough-maister, answered, that they would communicate these propositions with the College. And that in the mean while, they should advertise those of the Religion, on the behalf of the chief Officers, not to come at two of the Churches, to wit, the great Church, called our Lady's Church, and Saint George's. That same evening the Pencioner did let them understand that the intent of the chief Officers was, that they should abstain from two other Churches, to wit, from Saint michael's, and saint james, as appeareth by a Billet signed with his hand, the tenure whereof ensueth.  
My masters, after I had made report of your good will, which appeared by that you had proposed, together with the writing, the same evening exhibited, as I was forthwith enforced to depart for the cause you wot of: The chief Officers for certain respects and notable advertisements which sithence come, have commanded me that over and beside our Lady Church, and S. George's that were this day named, that you should like wise, for the present, abstain from S. james and S. Michael's. Which your obedience shall greatly please the Magistrate, and you therein shall show your good wills. And so with my commendations, I end.  
In post haste the 23. of August, 1566. All yours, james of Wesen beck Pensioner of Antwerp.  
WHen they of the Religion heard that they were forbidden the occuping of these four Churches above specified, they had conceived this opinion, that the Magistrate would be contented at the least to wink, at the serving of their turns with the rest of the Churches. Wherefore they that spoke Flemish, would needs preach on sunday morning being the 24. of August at the Borough Church, and the Walonnes meant to preach at the jacopins.  
But the very same morning, there came two Gentlemen from the Prince, showing them, that they must at no hand have recourse to any of the Churches, howbeit that the chief Officers could be contented that they should meet together in the new Town. And for this purpose they deputed one of the Sberiffes to go and appoint the wards to suffer the people peaceably to pass as they went to the Sermon in that place.  
But forsomuchas the flemings were already assembled in great multitudes in the said Churches, it was thought best to let them alone for that morning, upon condition that they should in the Afternoon, go to the Sermon in the new Town, as the Walonnes did. Who being not as yet gotten into the jacopins (for they kept the doors shut upon them, when as they heard that there was a discharge brought, that they should not come in any Church) assembled themselves in the new Town, by the authority and permission of the Magistrate.  
Now, at that time was greet trouble in Antwerp, as well by reason of the pulling down of the Images, as also in regard of the public Sermons, which then served in steed of Masses: insomuch that the whole City kept almost continual watch and ward, and the Gates, and shops thereof were close shut up. Which was the cause that the Prince of Orange, (who, as before is said, was gone to Bruxelles) made speedy return to Antwerp the six and twenty of August, with the charge as Governor appointed by his Majesty, for the pacifying of the troubles.  
For the bringing of which to pass, he caused two gentlemen to require at the hands of the two Churches, to wit, the flemings and Walonnes, to depute each of them, four wise & skilful personages, who should communicate with his excellency, what means were best to appease & assure the people both of the one religion and of the other.  
To this charge were chosen and deputed for the flemings, Mark Peris, Charles of Bombergue, Herman vander Mere, and Cornelius of Bombergue: And for the Walonnes, Francis Godyn, john Carlier, Nicholas du vinier, and Nicholas Sellyn.  
Which eight deputies were allowed and authorized to this charge by the Prince the 28. of August, and by the chief Officers, the last of the said month by their deeds granted to these ends. Now, for the first conference, his Excellency propounded to the said Deputies, these fifteen Articles ensuing, with the answers to every of them exhibited by the said Deputies in the name of both the Churches, and his Excellencies answers again, to every of their answers.  

To my Lord Monsieur, the Prince.  
MY Lord forsomuchas in your Excellency's absence, we may have some other his Ma. Lieutenant, not endued with such wisdom, justice, and affection unto the common weal & quiet of this City, as yourself, we are therefore enforced for our greater assurance in time to come, to have certain points to us propounded more particularly to be cleared & manifested, which we would not think needful, if we were assured always to have to deal with your Excellency, by reason of the great trust which we repose in the same.  

The first and second Articles.  
FIrst, you shall be no let to the Papists, for their going to their Churches, neither yet trouble them for the having of such exercise of their religion as they shall think meet & convenient.  
2 You shall not preach in any Church, but only in the new Town, and that in such places as shall be assigned to you.  

The Answer.  
ALthough the Churches are common and free for all the Burgesses, and not particular to the Papists, yet do we promise neither to take nor occupy either by force or violence any of them, neither yet trouble the Papists in the exercise of their Religion. Yet notwithstanding we humbly beseech your Excellency, to appoint us some Church of theirs, for the exercise of ours, having regard to the multitude, and to the right that we have as Citizens, which we can by no means lose, by reason of the embracing of the doctrine of the Gospel.    

The third Artile.  
3 You shall have but two Preachers, and those to be of the same country borne.  

The Answer.  
WE pray that the number of the ministers may be according to the multitude of the people, and that you will grant unto us for the present necessity, at the least eight for the flemish Church, and three for the Walonnes. For the rest, we agree that the ministers of the word shallbe of the same country borne, the king's subjects, or received Citizens in some good city hereabout.    

The fourth Article,  
4 You shall not carry any forbidden weapons unto the Sermons, but shall lay down at the Prince's feet all forbidden weapons.  

The Answer.  
AS for the first point, we verily believe, that his excellency's meaning is not, but that it shallbe lawful and free for every of us to wear a sword and a dagger, and that he will not grant a larger liberty unto the rest, than the said sword and dagger.  
And as for the second point, which is to lay down all forbidden weapons at the Prince's feet, under correction, it should seem that such a proposition concerning the privileges of the city, aught to be made general to all Citizens and inhabitants of the same.    

The fift.  
5 You shall make a Catalogue or roll of all their names that be of your Church, and the Prince shall call them before him, to know of them if they had the same Catalogue.  

The Answer.  
FOrsomuchas, the liberty which we presently enjoy, is not confirmed by the king and the general Estates, therefore there are many, that will hardly grant to have their names in writing, and withal, it will be very hard to make such a Catalogue, as his Excellency desireth, by reason of the great multitude of the people: and therefore we beseech him not to take it in evil part, if herein we satisfy not his desire: but that he may be somewhat informed of the number: beseeching his Excellency to appoint commissioners for the viewing of the assemblies.    

The sixth.  
6 You shall obey the Magistrate, and give your attendance for the conservation of the common weal, accordingly as he shall appoint.  

The Answer.  
WE agree to that, always provided that the privileges be kept sound, and without prejudice to the Religion that now is permitted unto us.    

The seventh.  
7 All such Preachers as shall preach seditiously against the Magistrate, or others, shalve driven out and banished the City.  

The Answer.  
WE agree to that, so that the reprehending of false doctrine, the abuse of Ceremonies, and corruption of manners, be not taken for seditious speeches, and that the same which shallbe alleged, shall be duly verified by men worthy to be believed and unsuspected, and that all other preachers may be subject to the same law.    

The eight.  
8 You shall not change, increase, nor diminish those that are of your Consistory, without the knowledge of the Prince, nor yet take in new ministers.  

The Answer.  
FOr the more assurance and safety of his Excellency, we beseech that it would please him to depute one Magistrate or other that professeth our Religion, upon whose fidelity your Excellency may rest, who may be assistant to the choosing of the mininsters, Elders, and Deacons, and to all the affairs which shall be dealt withal amongst them, for the government and rule of their Church.    

The ninth.  
9 You shall not trouble nor lay hands one of another, by reason of the diversity of the religion, but aid and defend them, if any man shall seem to offer them wrong.  

The Answer.  
We agree to that, so that they do promise as much in our behalf.    

The tenth.  
10 You shall not hinder the proceeding of the law in any cause whatsoever, but especially in the executing of the spoilers of the Church.  

The Answer.  
We agree to that, always provided that we be not barred of any lawful means or ways.    

The eleventh.  
11 You shall not sing in the streets in companies, but only at Sermons, and the exercises of your Religion.  

The Answer.  
We agree, that no man shall sing in the streets in companies.    

The twelfth.  
12 A thousand of you shall subscribe to these points above said.  

Answer.  
forsomuch as the resolute establishment of our Religion is put to the deciding of the general Estates, we think that there are many which will hardly subscribe, nevertheless if the     

occurranses: always provided that they be no strangers: and beside, they may have other officers for their consistory.  
To the fourth, he saith, that they may not go with, nor have at their sermons, assemblies, and exercises of their religion, any harquebuses, pistols, holbards, nor any other forbidden weapons, always provided, that no man shall forbid them the wearing of sword and dagger.  
To the fift, he saith, that he is contented to temporize, or serve the turns of these suppliants, and to stay a while for the delivering up of this roll, for the reasons by them declared.  
For the sixth, his Excellency accepteth of the accord hereupon agreed, willing them to keep it accordingly.  
For the seveuth, his Excellency also accepteth of the answer to this Article, and it is his mind, and of the magistrate likewise, that all Preachers in general, of what religion soever they be, shall abstain from all invectives, wrongs, and reproaches, which thing he would also have to be given in commandment to the preachers of the Suppliants, & likewise to those of the other religions.  
For the eighth, his Excellency, accepting of the offer upon this Article, will depute and name unto the suppliants some one Officer, for the purposes in this supplication contained.  
For the ninth, his Excellency accepteth also of the accord agreed upon this Article, and will take order with the Magistrate, that all the Catholics shall observe it in like manner, whereof they have already begun to make a good assay, by the Proclamation that was yesterday made, for the abstinence of wrongs.  
For the tenth, his Excellency also accepteth it, & agreeth to the answer of this Article.  
For the eleventh, he likewise accepteth of the accord, had upon this present article.  
For the twelfth, his Excellency supposeth it to be both requisite and convenient, that the ministers, Elders, Deacons, Officers, and the rest which are of the Consistories, with some sufficient good number of the best qualified of the Religion, do subscribe, agree, and promise to keep and make effectual these present answers, with the articles & offers in this writing agreed upon: and his Excellency also doubteth not but to get the same to be signed by one of the Secretaries of the city, in the name of the Magistrate: who, as he is to command in general, and keep in obedience all the Inhabitants of this city: so by that mean, he shall be much better able to serve for the tuition, assurance, and quiet of these Suppliants and their assemblies, being certain and sure that by reason of this singing, none of the suppliants shall hereafter be suspected, hunted after, nor troubled.  
For the thirteenth, his Excellency accepteth the accord upon this Article, and doubteth not but that the suppliants will be glad of the case to come, for the liberty which they themselves required.  
For the fourteenth, he would assure these suppliants, as well by reason of the said singing, as also of the proclamations, that all the Inhabitants living in obedience, & politic tranquillity should be protected without regard of Religion either of papacy or protestancy.  
For the fifteenth, his Excellency accepteth of the answer to this present Article.  
And as for the other points of the suppliants answers his Excellency replieth as followeth.  
For the first he aunsweareth, that the levying was not for to trouble any in the exercise of his Religion: But contrariwise, for the safety and quietness, as well of the Supplyauntes, as of all others, insomuch as they were all citizens, and sworn to do nothing against the Privileges, nor against any that were of the Religions, but indifferently to stand in defence against all violences, as they might at large see by their Articulations, of which, his Excellency would not stick to bestow on them a Copy, who also should not be burdenous to the Inhabitants, nor yet hinder their traffic, but preserve the City from all troubles, and inconveniences, and assure the merchant, again to set up, and place the accustomed trade of merchandise.  
For the second, he aunsweareth, that it is provided for, by the Proclamation already set forth: Agreeing to all the rest, as it were by way of colleration, until such time as his Majesty, by the advise of the general Estates shall otherwise ordain, which determination every man shall be bound to follow.  
And his Excellency willeth them, forthwith to give knowledge to those of the religion of all these points, commanding them to hold them within the compass before said, Given at Antwerp, the 30. of August. 1566.   
From these propositions and answers, the Deputies culled out certain Articles, which should serve for a full resolution, which, his Excellency having received, digested them in order as followeth.  

Articles agreed upon, and signed.  

Articles digested into form and order.  TO the end that all troubles and discords which have fallen out within this City of Antwerp, by reason of religion, might cease & be for ever stayed, and that all the Citizens & Inhabitants thereof might from henceforth live soberly and peaceably in all love and amity together, and the negotiation or traffic be brought again unto the old trade, and this City be defended from all further inconveniences: So it is, that after divers communications and deliberations heereuppon had, and holden, and divers points and Articles propounded both on the one side and on the other, my Lord the Prince of Orange, Viscount of this City, and the appointed Governor thereof, in his majesties name, and the right worshipful the Scout or Martial, Boroughmaisters, and Sheriffs of the same, have, as it were by way of toleration, until such time as his Majesty, with the advise of the General Estates of these low Countries, shallbe able otherwise to dispose and ordain, agreed with those of the new Religion, and permitted and tolerated these points and Articles hereafter written: which, they of the Religion have also promised, and are bound to keep and follow.  
1 First of all, they may no way hinder nor trouble the Service, Sermons, nor other Church matters, nor yet any of the Catholic religion, nor cause them to be hindered, troubled, nor endamaged by any manner of means soever.  
2 Also, they may not occupy, nor yet keep their Sermons, or other exercises of their religion, in any Churches, Monasteries, or other hallowed places, but only in some of the three places vndernamed: to wit, in the void or waste ground of Paul van Gammer in the horse market: In the void or waste ground of Master Lyekercke in Wapper, or in the whiting garden, in the Hospital meadows, hard by the Garden of the Archers and Arbalisters: Provided always, that if they can get none of these places aforesaid, that then by the consent of his Excellency, they may, in steed of them, use some other places, of the like bigness and situation, and for so many, use those places in the new Town, which heretofore they ware wonted to have their Sermons in.  
3 At which places they may all at one time preach on the Sunday, and upon festival or holy days, but upon none other days except it be on the Wednesday, when there falleth not an holy day in that week. And they may have for every preaching place a Minister, and another to be joined with him, who by reason of sickness, absence, or other let, may supply the others place, as an assistant.  
4 Also, that all these Preachers and Ministers, must be borne in the Country's Subject to his Majesty, or else be Citizens of some good City or Town of those low Countries. And thereupon shall swear unto his Excellency, or in his absence, to the Magistrate, to be obedient and faithful in all matters of policy, so long as they shall remain there.  
5 They may not have, nor bear, to, nor fro, unto the Sermons, and of assembly, any Harquebuses, Pistols, Holbardes, or other forbidden weapons: Always provided, that no man shall trouble any of them for wearing either sword or dagger.  
6 Item, they shall in all matters of policy be obetient unto the Superiors and Magistrates, and be contributories to all the common charges of the City, even as all the rest of the Inhabitants, and employ themselves for the conservation, tranquillity, and common weal thereof, as well as they.  
7 Item, that all Preachers of what Religion soever they be, shall take heed how they utter any despiteful railing, and injurious words, and generally all seditious speeches, whether it be against authority or the magistrate, or against those of another religion: Always provided, that any thing concerning doctrine, or the exercise of religion, & the reprehending of manners, and disordered kind of life, shall not be taken for seditious words.  
8 Item, that his Excellency may depute any Magistrate to be present at the choosing of any ministers, Elders, or deacons of their Churches, or at their meetings together for the handling of any other cause concerning their Religion, to that end he might always make a true and faithful report both to his Excellency and to the Magistrate.  
9 Item, that one of them may not mock another, neither yet hinder, hurt, nor do violence one to another any manner of way, by reason of the diversity of Religion, but shall be bound to help one another if so be any violence or wrong be done unto them.  
10 Item, that no person whatsoever he be, of the one religion or the other, may stop the law, either in apprchending, punishing, or executing of church-robbers, or offenders, either yet in any other cause whatsoever, but that the malefactors may be dealt withal according to justice.  
11 Item, that none may sing in the streets where any people shall assemble, or may be assembled.  
12 Item, that his excellency & the Magistrate of this city, shall not only protect those of the religion, but also generally all the inhabitants of this city, living in obedience, peace, and politic unity, without regard whether they be of the Catholic or of this religion.  
13 All which points & articles the ministers & preachers of their Religion, shall in all their sermons declare again unto the people & admonish them with all speed to order and behave themselves accordingly.  
14 Item, that all the points heretofore mentioned, shall as it were by way of toleration, be inviolably observed and kept, until such time, as his Majesty with the advise of the general estates of this country, have otherwise ordained, unto the which ordinance those of the religion from thenceforth shallbe subject, and from this present promise to follow and keep, Always provided, that if herein any thing shallbe established, contrary to their conscience and religion, that in this case, there shallbe a fit time agreed upon that they may without impeachment, freely get them away out of the country, with their goods, whethersoever they please.  
15 Item, that the Preachers, ministers, elders, deacons, and other servitors in their Churches, with a good number of the best qualified in their Religion, shall agree to these articles, & promise to keep & cause them to be kept to theuttermost of their power, & subscribe also for the greater assurance of this present act: Provided always, that they shall not by reason of this subscribing in time to come, be suspected, troubled nor hunted after. And his Excellency with a secretary in the name of the Magistrate of this city, shall subscribe also for their safety unto this present Act, of which, two shall be expedient, the one for his Excellency and the Magistrate, and the other for those of the religion.  
In witness whereof, this present act is concluded upon and subscribed as aforesaid the 12. of September 1566. And signed by William of Nassau, & Mandato commissorum.   
Polities. AND although there were two or three points herein, which the Deputies would gladly have altered, or at the least have had them more plainly set down, yet nevertheless being satisfied with the words of his Excellencies own mouth, this accord was signed by the Ministers and Governors of the Church, with a good number of the best qualified, and other members thereof.  
The first day of the said conference and communication with his Excellency, the said deputies having understood of the slanders that they of the religion were still more and more charged with, and that the chief Officers made show to believe them: First, that the people had been excited and stirred up by the Sermons to pull down Idols, as having been taught to thrust out all Idols, not only from their hearts, but from their eyes also, and not only to break them in peers, but also to burn them to ashes, that the memory of them might clean be quenched out. Moreover, that the say●e suppliants had hired certain people to pull down the Images.  
Item, that the ministers had also taught, that they were no more bound to pay the Assizes or custom, or at the least not so great as heretofore they had done. Item, that they had concluded to take the Town house, change the Magistrate, and expulse all such out of the city as were not of their religion.  
Item, that they should brag that they would not once suffer any exercise of the Romish religion in this City: and many such other like leasings: whereupon they were enforced for the purging and justifying of themselves, to exhibit a supplication as well to his Excellency, as also to the Magistrate and Counsel of the City of Antwerp: containing, over and beside the said justification, a grant of certain Churches built within the said City, so great and so many, as should be thought necessary for the greatness and multitude of the people.  
Moreover, the said Suppliants of the religion, prayed to have a good answer unto their supplication, & of every act, with a copy thereof, & forthwith a grant that they might cause the same to be imprinted, for the benefit, unity, and quiet of the city of Antwerp.  
Now, there was no answer unto their supplication, because the chief Officers presupposed that the Articles which were ready to be concluded upon, should be a sufficient proviso for the whole. And as for that point of the burying of the dead, it was said unto them, that they might bury them in the public churchyards of the City.  
There was also at that time published the abolition of the Spanish Inquisition, and commissions, in manner and form as followeth.  

A Proclamation proclaimed and set forth by Sir john of Imersele knight, Lord of Bowdrie, the Scout or Martial, the Boroughmaisters, Sheriffs, and Counsel of the City of Antwerp: the last of August, 1566.  
BE it known unto all men on the behalf of my Lord the Prince of Orange, 
The abolishing of the inquisition and commissions.  as gevernor and chief of thy City of Antwerp, appointed thereto by his majesty, and also on the behalf of the Lords of the said city: First, that our sovereign Lord the kings most excellent majesty, according to his great clemency, and nature all goodness, & tender affection, having had regard and consideration to and of the quiet, benefit, and prosperity of the low countries his true and lawful inheritance, hath expressly agreed, declared, and consented, that the inhabitants and citizens of this city, and of all the low countries, shall be delivered and for ever continue acquitted, discharged, and utterly disburdened of the Inquisition, which not many months sithence hath been so much spoken of, and muttered at, through out all the said low countries: And henceforth shall be, and so still continue frank and free, utterly discharged of all the ordinances and Commissions set down and granted about the cause of heresies, and controversies in religion, which have any way heretofore been had and published: And that for, and until such time, as by new and general Commissions (which by his Majesty with the advise of the general Estates of the said countries, about the state of religion shall be ordained and established) it be generally otherwise purveyed for, and ordained, according to which from that time forward every man ought to behave and govern himself, and whereon they must rely, and be assured.   
A Grapheus. AND to the end, that they of either the religion, might be more assured and rest the quietlier, there was another edict published, by which the chief Magistrates took upon them to procect both the one and the other, forbidding either of them not to seek to wrong and deal cruelly one with another, as by the tenure hereof ensuing may appear.  

A Proclamation made and set forth before the Town house by the Lord Diericke Ʋander Meeren, under the Scout or Martial, the Boroughmaisters, and the Sheriffs and council of the city of Antwerp, the 3. of September. 1566.  
TO the end that all troubles and divisions within this City might be prevented & withstood, & therewithal in like sor●, that the negotiation and traffic might be restored to his old trade, and that every man might understand & know, that hence forth he may assuredly without any doubt or fear of impeachment or disturbance, most peaceably exercise his negotiation, and so eftsoons the exercise of his religion, Be it known, and by my Lord the Prince of Orange, etc. The appointed governor in the name of his majesty, and likewise of the chief officers of the city it is commanded.  
First. That no man whatsoever he be, do take in hand or upon him, to impeach or trouble the service of the Churches, Monasteries, and of the old Catholic Religion, neither yet missay or wrong any, either in word or deed, in whatsoever matter, upon pain of the loss both of body and goods, or otherwise to be punished by arbitrement according to the merit of the fact, for an example to all others.  
Item. That no man of what Estate and condition soever he be, shall impeach nor trouble the exercise of the other religion at this present permitted by way of toleration, neither ill, or wrong any man any kind of way, either in word, or deed for the same, upon the like pain and punishment.  
Over and beside, declaring that his Excellency and the City, do take in hand to protect and save harmless all the enhabitannts and dwellers of the same in general, without respect whether they be of the Catholic, or of the other religion, which as before is suffered by way of toleration, and hath already been treated of and agreed upon: with condition notwithstanding that every man shall live peaceabile, and quietly, and obediently to the Magistrate in all matters of policy, without charging, hunting after, and molesting any man either of the one religion or the other, for the exercise of the same.  
We enjoin also and command every enhabitaunt, of which of the said religions soever he be, so to acquit and govern himself, that with all his power he aid, succour, and defend every one, although he be of a sundry Religion, against all such as would violently and cruelly use him, as for the quiet of the public weal, and assurance of the enhabitauntes is most requisite.  
According to which, they of the new religion have promised to behave themselves, and follow the same, and with all their power and force aid, and make it effectual. All which is granted by the way of toleration, and until such time as his Majesty with the advise of the general Estates shall otherwise ordain, according to which, every man from thenceforth shallbe hound to be ordered.   

The Articulations whereof mention is made in the end of the Articles agreed upon.  
ARticulations for the Citizens and enhabitauntes of the City of Antwerp, which, my Lord the Prince of Orange & Viscount of the said City, etc. As Collonnel and Governor of the said, ordained by his Majesty, hath caused to be enroled in the name and behalf of the said City, with the Armour and weapon for the safety, guard, and sure defence thereof, for the easing of the Citizens and enhabitauntes, who hitherto have been over charged with watch and ward.  
1 First. They shall be sworn and promise to be good and faithful unto the king's Majesty, as Duke of Brabant & Marques of the holy Empire, etc. And also unto his excellency, Viscount of this City, and well and faithfully serve this City, and as much as in them lieth keep and conserve the same with all careful diligence: Likewise defend & conserve for his Maiefties service, the welfare, and public quiet thereof, for the safety of the citizens, merchants, and enhabitantes of the said city: and in like manner countergard and look well to it, that no outrage, spoil, sacking, nor any other inconveniences come to pass therein.  
2 Item. That they shall be obedient unto his excellency, as also to his Lieutenant, and to the Captains, Servants of hands, Diseners, and others that have charge, committed or to be committed thereunto by his excellency, in whatsoever shall be set down, or commanded unto them for the assurance, quiet, and prosperity of the said city.  
3 Item. That at all tide & times whensoever they shall be commanded, they shall be bound to be ready furnished and armed with their ordinary weapons at such gate, street, or place, whereunto they shallbe appointed.  
4 Item. That when the alarm Bell, or Drum, shall sound to the alarm, every man shall forthwith be ready furnished with his armour and weapon, under his ensign, although it be not then his ordinary watch or ward, and therefore it is meet that every man should at all times have his armour and weapon ready at hand.  
5 Item. That they shall be bound to serve in proper person, without substituting any other in their stead.  
6 Item. That they must not be absent or departed from their watch or ward where they are appointed, but at the ordinary hour, or with the leave of their Captain.  
7 Item. That during the time of the watch or ward, they shall not drink nor sleep, neither yet draw any weapon, or discharge any pystoll, nor be droonke when they come to watch or ward, neither shall they make any noise either by singing and hollowing, or otherwise.  
8 Item. That they shall not refuse, nor show themselves disobedient to do what so ever his Excellency, the Captains, or corporals shall command them, tending to his majesties service, the prosperity of the said city, and the quiet of the inhabitants.  
9 Provided always, that they shall not be employed against any in the cause of the religion, neither yet about the empeaching of any of the religious, here as yet for a time tolerated: But contrary wise, if so be that any (by reason of the old Catholic or of the other religion aforesaid) be wronged, impeached, or assaulted, that they shall be bound to aid, defend, and protect them so far forth as they are able.  
10 Item. That they shall be bound to abide to be appointed in such places, & in such number, & with demies or whole dizaines, or otherwise, whither they be more or fewer, and for such a time, as often, and at all times so ever as they shall be commanded and enjoined.  
11 Item. That they shallbe bound to come to the musters as often as they shallbe commanded, without refusal.  
12 At which musters, none of them shall cause himself to be enroled or bylled by any other name, but by the same that was given him at the Font, nor wear any other armour, nor take and carry any other weapons but his own, or such, as that during the time of his service, he will serve withal.  
13 Item. That no man that hath once taken wages or pay, shall depart or forsake his service, without leave or consent, nor yet go from one Captain to another without passport.  
14 Item. That they shall not make any controversy, dissension, and stir amongst themselves, neither yet with any other, but especially, with the Archers of the City, or with the ordinary town watch or ward.  
15 Item. That they shall not wrong, force, or threaten any Citizen, Merchant, nor enhabitant of the City, neither Ecclesiastical person or others, whither it be man or woman, or of what religion so ever he or she be, nor do them any scathe any manner of way.  
16 Item. That they shall not make any common assembly, or alarm, without the consent and knowledge of his excellency or his Lieutenant.  
17 Item. That they shall not take in hand any quarrel, neither yet contend one with another, nor with any else, for any cause soever, but make their captains privy of the hard dealing, who shall agree them, and if so be the case so standeth, as that they be not able to do it, that then his excellency to be made privy to the controversy.  
18 Item. They shallbe bound to suffer justice to be ministered between and against such as have offended: and beside, they shallbe bound to aid and assist their provost: Always provided that punishment of all offences and transgressions by them committed in the watch or ward, & which touch the said service, whereon neither life nor limb dependeth, shallbe at the discretion of his Excellency, & the rest, & at the discretion of the scout or Marshal, the Borroughmasters, & Sheriffs, under whose government also, (in all matters else not concerning the said service) they shall remain as all the rest of the Citizens  
19 Over and besides this, they shall be wholly bound, well and faithfully to discharge themselves as becometh good and loyal subjects and Citizens of this City, as in deed they are of right bound to do.  
20 Neither shall they do or attempt any thing which may any way be against the joyful entrance, the ancient customs, privileges, & franchises of this City, or against the Citizens and enhabitauntes thereof, but aid, defend, and keep them, as much as is possible for men to do.  
21 And if they understand any thing tending to the hurt of his majesties service, or the disquieting of the City, they shall be bound, forthwith to advertise their Captains thereof, that they may make report of the same to those to whom it shall appertain.  
22 All which they shall do, upon pain and punishment, both of bodies, goods, limbs, and banishment, or other arbitrary or pecuniary correction, according to the demerit of the fact and circumstances thereof.  
23 Unto all which articles, every one of them when they shall be enroled shall be bound to swear, and really promise unto God almighty to keep, and not cross any manner of way, nor yet rebel against them upon the pain and peril aforesaid.  
Over and beside all this, the Lieutenant, Captains, Ensigns, corporals, sergeants of bands, and diseners, shall swear and promise, with all their power to hold and keep so farforth as they are able, all the Soldiers and Dizaines in good policy, obedience, and modesty, and shall effectually bring to pass whatsoever at any time shallbe commanded them to do with their companions and dizaines: and likewise to countergard and prevent all discord, sedition, and ill will, which may arise between the soldiers, and the Citizens. And if it so fall out, that they be not able to appease them, then immediately to advertise his Excellency, his Lieutenant, or their Captain, for redress thereof.  
And so it was subscribed, By his Excellencies appointed.   
De Penants. AT the very same time there was openly sold a printed picture, in which was pictured Commissions and letters from his Majesty, with the Inquisition, tied and hanging at a Bow that was bend: The Protestants or those of the religion going about to pull it down with ropes.  
The Pope and his shavelings labouring with might and main, to uphold and maintain them.  
The Protestants crying out and saying, Pour Placcars, et Inquisition casser, travaillous tous sanscesser. To wit: for the overthrowing of these Commissions and this vile Inquisition, we never cease traveling till we have brought them all down.  
The Pope on the other side answering and saying, Per force et aussi counsel bon, Retenous les Placars et le Inquisition, to wit: And we for our parts, with all the force and counsel we can, will retain and keep them in despite of any man.  
All these things aforesaid were done whilst my Lord the Prince of Drange was at Antwerp, but the pulling down and breaking of the Images was the cause that the Catholics yielded more to the Protestants, than they at the first intended.  
For, the fear of the rage and fury of the people, and the help of the Gentlemen Strangers struck them to the very heart: and beside, they knew well ynoughe● that the kings Majesty was a great distance off, to help them, wherefore they were enforced to behave themselves accordingly as the time served, and of necessity, to make a virtue, in despise of them, and of their great sorrow and grief.  
In the mean while, 
The L. Regent tolerateth the sermons.  the Lady Regent, by the counsel of the Lords of the Golden Fleece, and others, granted and permitted the Protestauntes to have public Sermons, promising to appoint them some place without the City, for the exercise of their religion. Over and beside, that the Inquisition, and severe Commissions should from thence forth, be abolished, so that no man should any more be pursued, and bunted after, for his conscience: But yet upon this condition, that the confedered Gentlemen, which took no part, should swear, that they would procure the people to forsake and lay down their armour and weapon, and that the Churches should be no more spoiled, nor any thing that should be prejudicial unto the Clergy men, or Catholics.  
To be short, that they should be ready to yield all obedience unto his Majesty. Hereupon an accord was made in August 1566. Duer and besides this, the Regent had procured the most qualified Catholics to be sworn to the same, and confirmed by his majesties commandment, which was proclaimed in divers places.  
The noble men, for the performing of their promise and oath, wrote and declared to the Consistories, all those things which had been treated of, which was, that they should lay down and leave off their armour and weapon, and behave themselves, as good and obedient subjects ought to do, towards their princes, for if they so did not, the matter would go ill with them: whereupon, the people, to show their obedience, willingly left off, and laid down their weapons.  
During these troubles, king Philip being advertised by his suborners, and flatterers, of the pulling down, and breaking, of the images, was marvelously angry, & determined, in his own person to come down into the low countries with a main force for the avenging of the contempt and misbehaviour committed and done unto his majesty. But before he had called together his council at Madrid, to consult about the appeasing of the low countries, it was concluded that his majesty should not go thither, because that this sire, might otherwise, be well enough quenched by force of arms, howbeit, as for the choosing of a general that should execute the same, they were of sundry opinions. For, many were of the opinion, that the prince of Spain Don Charles, his majesties only son and heir, should be appointed general, not only for that that by right of nature it appertained unto him, but also by reason of the good affection which the catholics of the low countries be are him, as being their natural prince, and the only son of the king their Lord, unto whom they would sooner yield their obedience, and love, then to any other. 
The duke of Alva 〈…〉 be general of the arm●e for Flaunders.  Some of them were loath to lay upon this young prince so weighty a burden, and warlike commission, but said, that the Duke of Medina Celi was a meet man for that purpose: Some others again, gave their consent to the Duke of Alva, whereupon in the end, it was so determined. The young prince being advertised of this resolution, was greatly grieved and despited therewith, and for that cause conceived a marvelous great harred against the Duke of Alva, and other Lords: which being once known together his good affection that he had, to the low countries, was the cause of his death, as hereafter more at large shallbe declared.  
Whiles they were about to make ready for this war, 
The king's letters unto the lady Regent  his majesty wrote to the lady Regent, and to other chief Lords of the low countries, very sharp letters, expressly signifying how angry and grieved he was at the insolences passed, commanding in flat words, a restoration of the commissions unto their former strength, and accustomed course, with many other things hereafter following.  
Hereupon, the confederates might easily consider, & gather, to what end this preparation of war and ireful threats of his majesty tended, but the Catholics especially, who with their crafty clayning and subtle daubing might the easilier deceive the Regent, feigned that they would rather become neuter, or else if they did any thing, that they would after a sort take part with her excellency (as they said) for the common wealth, and yet it was well enough perceived, that they showed themselves secret enemies, both to the Inquisition, and also to the Spaniards: howbeit, because they hoped to obtain the good will and moderation, which the Regent on the behalf of her brother, had given than to understand, they to the end, they would not have their enterprises to be discovered nor hindered, fell to plain dissembling. But when both the confederates and catholics, understood of the rumour of the setting forward of the Spanish wars, either party began to bestir him, and make shift for himself: yea, and some of the Protestants, who before had refused and forsaken the gentle offer and aid of strange captains and soldiers, because they would strengthen themselves the better, confirmed with them their confederacy, and thereupon caused men to be levied who had taken and possessed certain towns, making thereby the romanists practices of none effect, etc.  
Now, because the spoil of the Churches greatly displeased the Catholics, they also levied a great number of men of war, that they might be avenged of the down pullers and breakers of their Images, punishing many in divers places, without being any thing at all gainsaid by any of the rest of the protestants. For the third part of the confederates, haunted no whit any of the assemblies, but interdicting also the preachings, imprisoned as many as continued constant in the exercise of religion, rechristening the infants, and remarrying those persons, which by the ministers had been before baptized and married: and beside, when they had caused the preachings to cease, they hunted and chased the ministers, and gave them up unto the Inquisition, and to all the rest of the old ordinances. Whereupon, many were forced to get them away into other countries, and cities, where the exercise of the religion had free course: amongst which, Valencia was the most famous.  
For this cause, the Lady Regent had required and commanded the Valencians to take in a garrison: to wit, five ensigns of footmen, and four troops or companies of horsemen, which, Monsieur de Noircarmes, the Marquis of Bergues lieutenant Governor of Henault had brought. But the Valencians flatly refused them the 22. of September, the very self same year, trusting to the strength of their city, and the aid of certain french which were with them.  
Valencia, is the second chief city of Henault, 
The situation of Valencia.  situate in a fruitful soil, & full of moisture by reason of two rivers which stream down thither, and there meet, the greater of which is called the Escante, whose spring head cometh from the country of Vermand out of the East mountains, and running down by Cambray, and the territories thereof, taketh his couse by Valencia, & so unto Conde, where the River called the Hayne, whereof all the country is named, falleth into Escant: The which, separating and dividing Artoys from Henault, runneth down by Tournay in Flaunders, even unto Gand, where it toyneth with Lys, Which descendeth from Artoys, and so parting itself into divers arms, runneth by Deuremond, and Antwerp, and lastly disgorgeth itself into the Ocean Sea. Moreover, Valencia is a fair city, well fenced with rampires, and ditches: But the chiefest commodity it hath, is, that they may drown all the whole Champion Country thereabout, through the opening of certain sluices or flood gates made for the same purpose, for the stopping of all such as intended to come near the Town. Over and beside this, it is a city well furnished with all kinds of merchandise, serving for the trade and traffic of the French, and low country men.  
When the lady Regent had understood of this refusal, she again commanded to have the gates to be set open, 
Valencia refu●eth a garrison.  to take in a garrison, which she had sent thither by letters, and withal, the Duke of Arescote and the Count Egmont to persuade them. But when they could by no means bring to pass their purpose, the Valencians were taken for his majesties enemies, and so declared and proclaimed in many places, which terrified and feared the other cities. Nevertheless, at the last the said lords had so persuaded them, as that they agreed to receive a garrison, although against their privileges: but because they would gladly be discharged of them, they were contented to give them a sum of money upon condition, that they would agree to certain articles. Howbeit, the catholics would in no wise accept thereof: saying, that it was against all reason, that any subject should prescribe laws or articles unto his Lord: wherefore, they straightly besieged the city, and made their trenches, and environed them both on foot and horse back. In this mean while Monsieur de Noircarmes had gotten a little village somewhat near thereto, called Spr Amand, and had schooled and appointed them what they should do: and afterward in December 1566. he came before Valencia with his whole camp. The besiegeants likewise had prepared to defend themselves against the assaults and attempts of the catholics, and had written to the cities confedered, beseeching their aid, but especially to the gentlemen confedered, because they would gladly have been assisted by them, seeing that by their incitation and encouragement, they had taken in hand that war.  
The nobility would at no hand have to do with that cause, but some of the common people gathered themselves together in low Flanders, to raise a camp, but forsomuch as they were not provided of an expert captain for the wars, they in steebe of marching against the enemy, made war with the Priests and Churches, and by that mean procured the loss of Valencia, and were the cause of their own destruction. For when the governor of Douai and Orchies was advertised of this assembly, he sent against them both footmen & horsemen, to charge them in the rear ward. Which thing when they of Tournay understood, they put themselves in arms, for the aiding of the Valencians, & removing of the siege. The governor of Douai had all that night gotten his people together, & sent them into the champion country, so that about 6. of the clock in the morning there were in Arms, 3. hundred Harquebuziers & an hundred horses, forbidding them not to fight until such teime as Monsieur de Noircarmes were come with his ten Ensigns of footmen, & an hundred horse: who assoon as they were come violently & suddenly charged the men of war of the Protestants, 
They of T●urnay discomfited.  and put them to the foil, so that the third part of them lay dead in the place, and the rest were saved by their fast running into Tournay: The enemy pursuing of them, came before the City with niene ensigns, and bade them let them in, whereupon they rendered the town, where they hung up certain ministers, and the best, or most qualified Protestants.  
When Noircarmes saw that the Valencians were no whit discomfited with the overthrow of their neighbours, and that they continued full and whole, stiff and constant in their purpose, he retired from Tournay to Valencia, 
A skirmish between Noircarmes & the Valencians.  and skirmyshed with those of the said City, where immediately were stain, an hundred and threescore of the Valencians: wherefore the said Noircarmes sent as well to Douai and Tournay, as to other Cities thereabout, for as much Artillery as was possibly to be had: and after he had made his trenches, and planted his artillery or great shot, he summoned Valencia with the cannon, so that they of the said City, considering, that the Noble men and Gentlemen had forsaken them, took counsel, and after some debates about the Regent's letters, 
Valencia yielded up.  the Catholics yielded up the city against the minds of the French, and many others, the 24. of March 1567. Howbeit they kept not their promise which they had made them. For, Monsieur de Noircarmes keeping the gates shut for certain days, committed that while, many cruel deeds for the satisfying of his bloody mind, for, he hung & s●ew many French ministers, 
The 〈◊〉 of Noircarmes.  and other very well qualified Protestants, confisked their goods, abolished preaching, & restored the Ecclesiastical state. This wicked deed, & cruel execution, marue●lously astonished the rest of the cities, insomuch that Cambresis was forsaken, Mastright rendered, and the rest shortly after, received Catholic garrisons.  
While these things above said thus hung, 
A disputation at Antwerp.  Mathias Flaccus Illiricus, A man well known, Spangenberger, and other Ministers of the confession of Ausbourgh arrived at Antwerp, and provoked the ministers of the reformed Religion to dispute, upon the point of the presence of Christ jesus his body in the Supper, truly a matter of over great weight, for so an evil favoured unfit tyme. Either party had published and printed the confession of their faith. This controversy not well understood, is as yet undecided, and at that time nothing was concluded upon, wherefore the German Doctors a few days after went from Antwerp, without doing of any thing.  
At this very time the Protestants, considering the great prosperity and advancement of the Catholics, and their own declining and abasing: (and besides the Regent persisting in following the Protestants, made small account of her promises made to the nobility, nor yet of her ordinances by her published and proclaimed, to wit, that the Inquisition should cease, and public preaching be granted, but laid all the blame upon his Majesty,) exhibited the 27. of October, 1566. A supplication unto my Lord the Count of Hoogstrate Governor, etc. And to the Lords of the city of Antwerp, the tenure whereof ensueth.  

To the King.  
IN all humble and most obedient wise, show unto your Majesty your faithful vassals and true Subjects of all the low Countries: That whereas they have always employed their bodies and goods, and all other duties in your highness service, as well in your absence as in your presence, never refusing to pay, any customs, Impostes, tollages, nor other extraordinary subsidies, for your majesties conservation, but still bearing and continuing the same their good wills and fervent affections to wards you, and desiring to increase & surpass daily more and more therein, do likewise trust that they shall perceive, & find by experience such your Ma. great favour and clemency, as heretofore they have felt by singular and notable tokens and testimonies. For, although your majesty hath been always counseled and induced, to pursue by most cruel death, and loss of goods, as many as will not in all points receive the doctrine of the romish Church, as also hath of late been propounded and set forth by the council of Trent, thereby to maintain the inquisition, where it was first planted, and to bring it into other places, where it was never before received, being a devise wholly against the liberties and privileges of your low countries hereabouts, and also your faithful subjects in them. Nevertheless so it is, that your majesty, having understood it by the supplication of the nobility hereabout, the estate of this low country, was well contented, not only to cause the said Inquisition to cease, but also according to your own natural clemency and benignity, to surcease the commissions proclaimed about the cause of religion, and the same to find out by the way of moderation and tolerations, for the pleasing of your people: for the which we have to render thanks unto our good God, and to attend and look for all favour and grace at your majesties hands.  
Now, the people having been as it were a long time brought into slavery, by keeping of the said commissions, and yet having secretly very well profited in the true knowledge of their salvation, as well by reading of the holy Scriptures inspired by God, as also by the teaching and exhorting of certain good and godly Preachers, well instructed both in divinity and humanity, being moved by the continual slanders and false accusations of some evil willers, who never ceased to cause them to be suspected of their religion, knew not, nor could not any longer hide it: and therefore for the shutting up of the mouths of all Backbiters and staunderers, and the satisfying and contenting of themselves by showing their own zeal and fervency, they went to the public exercises of the said religion, to the end every man might know, what the religion was, which they before so secretly used amongst themselves, which being done, there met such great numbers of men so well qualified at the assemblies and preachings, as that they could hardly be counted, and the matter more hardly be believed of those, that were not present at the doing and sight there of: and beside, the multitude still daily so increased as that it passed all man's understanding. But although the ministers in their Sermons greatly traveled in exhorting the people to all modesty, and dutiful reverence and obedience unto the magistrate, and in preaching, namely, against idolatry, admonished them to contain themselves within the bounds of their vocation, without usurping of the said magistrates office, by thrusting themselves forward to the pulling down of Images and such like things: yet it so fell out, as that certain companies of people, carried with an over hot and indiscrete zeal, amongst whom were some dissolute and wicked persons, who looked after nothing but spoiling and pilfering, & accompanied with a multitude of women, young youths and children, gave themselves to the pulling down of the Images in the Churches, and such other like disorders, to our unspeakle grief, whereupon the magistrates every where, were in such a fright and fear, because they doubted of more grievous inconveniences as that they did not only let them alone, but which is more, commanded the companies of Liveries or Brotherhoods in many places to take away the Images and ornaments of their altars, which could not be done so hastily and confusedly, but that they must needs break some of them. Which kind of dealing, when some of the people saw, they in like sort put thereto their helping hand, thinking it to be a thing both lawful, allowed, and also commanded by the magistrate to rid the Churches of them all. Wherefore, it is so far of that they were neither at the first, nor yet afterwards stirred up thereto by the Sermons, as that contrariwise the Preachers, and such as have the government of the Church, as much as in them lay, traveled to stay them, never having commanded any such act to be done, nor yet knowing thereof before, either else allowing of it after, as by many reasons may well be verified, and also namely appear by the testimony of a very great number of prisoners, who for the same cause have been miserably tormented. Which thing nevertheless we have to our great grief understood, that these two points, to wit, The preachings & breaking of the Images, which notwithstanding have no way been any furtherance, but altogether quite and clean against them, having there with no community at all, have been so reported of unto your majesty, as that you being thereat greatly offended, were fully determined to come hither with force of arms, for the indifferent rooting out both of the one and the other. Which thing considered, we have thought it our duty most humbly to beseech your majesty, that it would please you most certainly think, that the religion being imprinted in the hearts and minds of men, into the which no threatenings nor outward forces can any way enter or pierce, considering, that sith the point standeth upon the salvation or condemnation of their souls, it is not so easy a matter to pluck away by force of arms, as by that means, to cause some weak souls to dissemble the same, and thereby, in time make them become people without religion, and very Libertines, and Atheists, at whose hands, is neither fidelity nor yet loyalty of conscience, to be looked for. And withal that the saying of Gamaliel may well be weighed, That if it be of God, it cannot be overthrown: and therefore an hard and dangerous matter to make war against him. And that which is more, when your majesty shall see into the chief points of the enterprises that have been put into your head, by such, as either through ignorance, by their particular affections, or for fear, have given you that council, that none other thing will follow nor come thereon, but an irrecoverable ruin and destruction of your so flourishing low Countries, and so necessary for the conservation of your mightiness, and the increasing of the Princes your neighbours, who being enriched with the spoils of these Countries, may thereby be strengthened to make war against you.  
And therefore we your most humble vassals and faithful servants, desiring always to live and die under your majesties obedience, and to advance the mightiness thereof as much as in us lieth both with our bodies and goods, thoroughly considering and weighing all these circumstances, and being persuaded that our humble and reasonable requests and supplycations will take some place with your excellency, by reason of your natural and wont clemency and benignity: beseech you in the name of our Lord jesus Christ, to grant us, that such as cannot by any means like of the romish doctrine and ceremonies, and yet for all that in a● other things, are your very faithful and obedient subjects, may fully and wholly have such an assured liberty openly to meet in such places as your majesty, and the Magistrates under you, shall please to assign them, for the exercise of their religion, wherein they truly protest, as before God, that their full pretence and meaning is, to believe, live and die, in the doctrine of the Prophets and Apostles, contained within the old and new Testament, & summarily comprised in the Creed of the said Apostles, and of all Counsels agreeing with the word of GOD, submitting themselves besides, unto whatsoever shall hereafter be determined and ordained by a free and general Council: Where attending and looking for the same council, which shall by the common consent of the Euamgelike Churches both of high and low Germany, France, England, and other quarters of Europe be agreed upon, they purpose to follow & keep all such orders as shall generally be set down by the said churches. And to the end that this liberty and exercise being established and assured, the traffic (whereupon hangeth the whole wealth of this country) might have a more ample course, which as yet is, and still remaineth a thing very uncertain by way of toleration, that it would please your majesty, according to your wont clemency and benignity, to confirm this benefit by an especial grant and grace, ratified by the general estates of this Country, for the same purpose assembled. And as for your supplyants', it is so far off, that by the means of this liberty, they intend to alter the politic government, as to change the prince, to refuse the paying of taxes, tollages, customs, tributes, etc. As their adversaries openly slander them, that contrariwise, in witness of their affection and love towards you in the bestowing of that they have in your service, in acknowledging of your grace and favour, and as a new homage, in ratifying of their oath and fidelity, and to grant and acknowledge, that this privilege of liberty, & exercise of their religion, which they require & look for at your majesties hands, increaseth their hearts to dedicate and consecrate, both their bodies and goods in your service, and offer to give the day of the grant of the said favour and grace, which you yourself shall find to be a sufficient caution or pledge, over and beside the imposts, customs, and other extraordinary contributions, the sum of three millions of Florins, wherewith they will furnish you by a reasonable day assigned towards the defraying of your majesties ordinary charges here in these countries: promising further not to come into any of the Romish Churches, neither yet to trouble or let either by force, or otherwise, the service of their religion. Humbly beseeching your S. to take well in worth this offer and small present at your humble subjects hands, proceeding from such hearts as desire nothing else but the establishment of God's service and your majesties, with the benefit, quiet, and prosperity of these countries. And we trust, that your majesty will not think it any strange thing for subjects, having received some notable favour and reward from their natural Prince, to acknowledge themselves thankful for the same, according to their small ability by such a like mean. As also it is no new thing for such grace and benefit to have been granted unto subjects as by the example of that mighty Emperor Alexander, surnamed Severe, well appeareth, who being an Heathen Prince & an Idolater, gave leave to the Christians whom he took to be heretics, to have Churches in Rome, being the chief city within his dominion: and also of the Emperor Constantine, surnamed Constantine the great: because that contrary to the order of his Predecessors, he licenced the Christians to have certain places for their meetings, even as the Heathen had their Temples. In doing whereof, he surpressed an infinite number of quarrels, stayed the apparent effusion of blood, ruled his Empire peaceably, and by mean of this accord, his authority prospered, and he daily increased. And if any man shall put into your majesties head, that it is another thing to suffer christians to have the exercise of their religion, than heretics, as it pleaseth some to esteem of us: first of all, our preachings, prayers, and exercise of religion, do right well show us to be Christians, and neither Heretics, nor yet Idolaters: which we are ready more at large to verify, if it shall please your majesty to give gentle and safe audience.  
Moreover, if so be that we were as notable heretics as the jews, Arrians, and novatians, yet the present example of the Pope, who, calling himself the head of the Church, and saith he cannot err, doth not only maintain the jews, the very professed and sworn enemies unto our Lord jesus Christ, but also suffereth them to have their Synagogues, and the exercise of their religion, within his own city of Rome, and in divers other places under his subjection. And besides all this, the examples of the Catholic and well instructed Emperors, which have granted Churches to the Arrians and novatians, may be a great quieting to your conscience: And chief your late father of most high and inumcible memory, the Emperor Charles the fifth, wh● by the advise of the Estates of the Empire, granted the like to the Protestants in Germa nigh, notwithstanding that he took them to be heretics, as also the French king not long sithence, hath done unto his subjects. All which doings ought to quiet and content your majesty to grant unto us this grace, until such time, as by the consent of all christendom we might all agree in one and the self same religion, and manner of divine service. By mean whereof, both your majesty, and also these countries, shall without all doubt, receive great blessing and prosperity, for so much as, God undoubtedly shall be served, through the avoiding of a very great, most apparent, and pitiful effusion of blood, and that your Countries shall be peaceably maintained, without being thrust out as a pray unto your near neighors, & the merchants and in habitants of the Country remain in such safety, as that all such, and many others as are gone out of the Country for the self same cause, shall have occasion to reforte thither again with their goods, titles and trades.  
Lastly, all these matters by this mean being brought to a quietness, and contentation both to one and other, the countries shall flourish more than ever they did, with an increase of your crown and dignities, and all men shall be so much the more bound continually to pray unto the Lord, for the prosperity and high estate of your majesty.  
Subscribed, by your majesties humble subjects, the Citizens and inhabitants of your City of Antwerp, professing the Gospel, so far forth as they are therein permitted, for somuch as it toucheth and appertaineth unto them as members of the supplyants' in this behalf.   
THis Supplication was exhibited by the hands of Mark Peres, with the assistance of Giles de Grave, Charles de Bombergue, Giles Ʋander Banderies, Francis Godin, Henry Ʋander Broecke, Cornill de Bombergue, Thomas van Geer, john Carlier, Nicholas de Vmier, & Nicholas Sellyn, as deputies, and in the name of the supplyants' of the member of Antwerp, unto my Lord the Count of Hoogstrate, governor for his majesty, and to the right worshipful the Burroughmasters and Shierifs of the said City of Antwerp, assembled in the college of the same City, in the presences of the right worshipful the Margrave & Allemman, the 27, of October 1566, betwixt 12. and 1. in the afternoon.  
When the Count Hoogstrate had seen this supplication, 
The suppil●, on sent to the Lady regent.  he sent it to the Lady Regent, and to the council that were with her, that it might be sent to the king with convement and meet commendation, to the end the fame might take good effect: A thing so necessary (●ouing Reader) as thou in thy wisdom and discretion mayest judge and understand. But so soon as the Regent and Governors of the low Countries had seen ●he contents thereof, they thought it to be but a proud and arrogant brag of their riches and great treasure: even to engender in the hearts of man●e honourable personages, some sinister and lewd suspicion, as if the Protestants had made this supplication, to draw unto them thereby strange princes and great potentates, to the end they might have aid and secure of soldiers.  
Howbeit, notwithstanding all this, the people gave not over to devise & bethink themselves of all the means possible they could, not only with the Duchess who was not to be entreated, but also with the nobility, who had promised (although they were in the self same predicament and danger that the people was, as may appear by the end of this tragedy) to accomplish new promises, and to forsake their faith, for the liberty of consctence, protesting notwithstanding that for the exercise of the religion, they would do all possible duty that might be, for the obtaining thereof: But sith that she had not given her promise, the subjects should be found guilty of all the mischiefs that should come in the low countries about that cause. Wherefore the Lord Heury Brederode, 
The L. of Brederode exhibiteth the supplication.  by the nobility appointed for that purpose, required the 15. of February 1567. the Lady Duchess that he might have audience, albeit she had forbidden him to come within the city of Bruxelles: notwithstanding, he so behaved him in his business, as that the supplication was delivered up into her own hands: wherein was showed to her highness, that the people could no longer abide and suffer the great contempt and horrible persecution which the catholics used towards them, and therefore had implored and lamentably besought the assistance of the nobility, that by them they might obtain the performance of that which was agreed upon. And therefore seeing they saw that no contract could take effect, but by the consent of both parties: and that the one party making default, the other had great reason to complain: Duer and besides this, sith they were appointed unto her highness as pledges, and answerable for the Protestant's, who at that present by reason of the catholics breaches of promise, they found themselves greatly grieved: they could do no less than speak unto her, that their contract and promises might be sure & sound, seeing that she seemed by manner of an ordinari way to shake & make void the contracts, insomuch that it brought all the countries in an uproar & trouble, notwithstanding the great diligence & pain which they had taken, about the establishing of a good peace & public unity, which, by reason of the marvelous lightness of their enemies is spurned at: wherefore they beseech your highness, to suffer the people to have their preachings, and to surcease and abolish the new commissions, ordained against them: and withal likewise, that all the ministers and the rest of the religion which are now prisoners, may be released and delivered.  
Moreover, that all the men of war which are already and hereafter to be lcuied aswell without, as within the countries, together, the garnisons in every city, be cast, and every man licenced to return home to his house and abiding place: To the end the provinces of the low countries, may be governed after their own liberties and privileges, and therefore do beseech your highness to make them a short resolute answer thereto. 
The Lady 〈◊〉 gents answeate unto the supplication.   
The 16. of February 1567., the Lady Regent answered the said supplication in manner and form following. I cannot a little marvel, ne yet think what noble men, or people these are, which exhibit unto us this supplication: seeing that many of the Lords confedered are contented, that not only the inquisition and commissions should he observed, but are also well pleased with the assurance that is promised them: and therefore do daily offer up unto his majesty their humble services and obedience: And she herself also thinketh it very strange, that they can persuade themselves, that it was ever her highness will & meaning, to grant unto the exercise of the religion, seeing she had given it out sufficiently enough to be other wise understood, by the article of the agreement: although it was contrary to the promise that some of the nobility made to the people, touching the faide exercise, which was plainly against her well and intent. And whereas the L. L. desired that all levying of soldiers, should cease, and be cast, so likewise ought they to be contented to have the ancient religion, without bringing in any new, whereunto she never agreed.  
Over and beside this, if they did well remember themselves, with what grudging and grief of mind the preachings were in divers places suffered, without taking of offences and giving of blows, they might easily guess, what small pleasure she took in favouring the preachings, I will not speak of the rest of the exercises of the religion. But so much as concerned the liberty of conscience, I agreed only to that, and granted the same that was contained in their supplication, exhibited the fifth of April the year last passed, howbeit at that time, was no mention made of the cause of religion, which they contrary to their conscience and duty suffered long before to enter.  
Wherefore I have just occasion to be grieved, seeing they have of their own authority taken upon them a matter prejudicial and hurefull unto his majesty.  
And therefore had his majesty also great reason to be moved and angry, when as he was advertised that his subjects used an other exercise of religion, and that, by their new magistrates, they had enforced his majesties officers, 
The Regent refecteth the demand of the Gueses.  the doing whereof they should shortly feel: and for answer thereof, the Duchess did them to wit: That they had not observed the conditions promised, and that these speeches are false and feigned. For, many of the magistrates would never grant to any such thing: and also that she never went against her promises, although they had by her appointment imprisoned certain for their faults & offences. For, she was never of the mind to deliver the Church robbers, and pullers down and breakers of Images, especially such as were put in prison since the argreement made with some of the nobles confedered.  
Besides all this, they yet continue their preachings in some Cities, where were never any before. Moreover, that they had taken certain Churches, Monasteries, and gentlemen's houses, driven out thence the knights of the order, threatened the Clergy men, preached in places where in time past were never any, yea, & that the people is stirred up & encouraged by the confederates, and do keep certain Cities and places belonging to his majesty, bringing in Artillery, and munition, depose and expulse his majesties officers, are come in open field in arms, and have not only threatened all the Catholics, but her highness also.  
And by the intercepting of letters, and the men of war of Valencia, their purpose is found out and known: to wit, if god had not provided for it, even to have deprived his majesty of all his countries. And as for their request about the casting of the soldiers that are levied, and the commissions newly published, thereby their meaning is to take away the sword which GOD hath given us.  
Lastly, her highness intent is, that the Lord of Brederode and his confederates, do admonish the people of their uproar and rebellion, & give them warning that they take heed they pull not his majesties wrath more and more upon their heads.  
After that these complaints and answers were made, every man on either side provided for himself as much as was possible, but especially the Catholics, who had the wind in the poop, insomuch that the confederates feared them, by reason of the great number of soldiers that were levied, and the king taking their part.  
The Count of Megue was come with certain ensigns of footmen, 
Bolsteduke besieged by the count of Megus  and companies of horemen before the Town of Boisleduke, who held it for the confederates. After that, the said Count sent twelve ensigns about Vtryght to surprese the soldiers and Town of Vyane. And as many as were taken prisoners in all the Countries, were condemned and punished as rebels and seditious persons, and the destroyers of the images were hanged, and their goods confisked and forfeited.  
Over and beside, all those that were of the reformed religion, or that had frequented the Sermons, were holden for Rebels. Wherefore a great number of them conveyed themselves away into strange Countries, and chiefly into England: But some that were of courage, assembled themselves in companies.  
In this mean while, the Lords and Knights of the golden Fleece, were newly sworn, 
The league of the knights of the order.  to keep inviolably the Catholic faith, amongst whom a secret league was made by the counsel of the Count Egmount: who traveling through the Cities of Flanders and Artois, where remained as yet some Protestauntes, did his best to cause the Sermous to be left: Even as the Prince of Orange and the Count of Hoogstrate had done at Antwerp: And about Antwerp, the Lord of Tolonse caused men of war to be levied in the name and behalf of the Protestants, who by reason of the situation and commodity of the place, assembled themselves at Oosterwell, a short mile from Antwerp.  
When the Duchess understood of this, she sent the 13. of March, under the conduct of Hans de Gravedrossat of Brabant, four hundred footmen, and five hundred horse, which were piked out of the Garrisons aswell of Brabant as of Flaunders, who assailed and fought with the Protestants, overthrew them and put them to flight. 
The Gueses discomfited & pu● to flights.   
There were slain at that instant their Captain Mounsieur de Tolonse, and a great many of others, some got into the Meadow ditches, thinking thereby to save themselves, howbeit they were slain with arqebus shot, and some of them were burnt up in the Barns, and Houses of Oosterwell, without any resistance.  
They took also a prisoner, who had a scroll of the names of all those that subscribed to the Conspiracy, by which mean they learned and came to the knowledge of many secret purposes, whereupon also ensued very much mischief. When the Protestants of Antwerp understood of these dealings, they put themselves in arms, and passing by the Meire Bridge, marched on towards the Gate, that they might get out of the City to help their people. But my L. the P. of Orange who remained still in Antwerp, governor for his Majesty, being hereof advertised, came unto them, and admonished & counseled them to leave off that enterprise, saying, that it was impossible for them to aid the soldiers of Oosterwell, and that if so be they issued out of the Town, they should taste of the same sauce, and be laid on God's dear earth (as we say) as the rest were, because they were too too weak to deal against Horsemen. But if they would abide in the town, that their bodtes and goods should be saved, for there should no man take any wrong in his presence.  
Whiles the Prince was thus talking with the Citizens, 
A sedition and tumult in Antwerp.  the tumult increased more and more. For both horsemen and footmen had taken and kept the Meire Bridge and the street called Hawetters street, where they continued in arms until it was after noon. During these troubles, the Prince had talked and agreed with the Magistrate and counsel of Antwerp, that the three companies of the soldiers, that were levied for the safeguard of the City (as before hath been said) which were ranged in order of battle in the market place, should return home, and the artillery be drawn to the ordinary place. And although through the good and gentle words of the Prince of Orange, this tumult and trouble was supressed, yet renewed it again, by reason that the Italians, Spaniards, & Catholics, together those of the religion had gotten the Market place on horseback: jusomuch that they of the reformed religion, assembled themselves a fresh. This sedition continued two days together, and every man doubted that some mischievous issue would thereon eusue. And as they were all very desirous to have one another by the ears, it was feared that there would be a wonderful great effusion of blood, and that the victors would sack the vanquisheds' houses: Insomuch that there was great mourning and weeping of women, and children in every house.  
But as either part kept their order of battle, the Prince and the Boroughmasters travailed in all they might to agree them, 
The tumult● suppressed.  and stayed the apparent effusion of blood, and dealt so earnestly between them, as that they appeased the parties as followeth.  
1 First. That all the Citizens both of the one religion & of the other, should be sworn to be faithful and loyal to the king, and to the Prince of Drange, for the common quiet and benefit of the city of Antwerp, and with all their care and fidelity stoutly keep and defend the same.  
2 The Governors and Magistrates shall not receive any men of war into the City, without the common consent of the three members of the City.  
3 All the privileges and liberties of the City of Antwerp shall be observed.  
4 Item. That for the benefit of the common weal and the advancing of the negotiation or trade, the agreement made in september concerning the religion, shall abide in full strength without any fraud or guile whatsoever, until such time as his Majesty with the advise of the general Estates shall otherwise have appointed the same.  
5 Item. That the best qualified of either Religion shall promise not to molest one the other, but in any need, assist and aid, one the other, to the uttermost of their power.  
6 That for the better assurance, the keys of the City shall be delivered up into the hands of the Prince of Orange, to shut and open the Gates thereof.  
7 There shall be a good watch appointed, of Citiznes and soldiers of the City.  
8 All things that are past, shall be forgiven and forgotten.  
9 Whosoever he be that watcheth not, shall keep his house, and tend his business.  
10 Item. That for the greater safety of the City, there shall be levied by the consent of the three members, four hundred Horsemen, and the Skelde to be guarded by the furnished Ships of war, if it shall seem good to those of the religion, and the Chieftains who by the common counsel are thereto appointed.  
11 All the enhabitauntes of the City of Antwerp, none excepted, shallbe bound to help bear the charges, which shall be made for the conservation of the City.  
12 All the Artillery that is planted on the Bulwarks, and on other places, shall be delivered up into the hands of the governors.  
13 All the troubles with a common assistance shall be suppressed, for the common quiet of the City, and the seditious imprisoned.  
14 For the greater assurance, and observing of the things and points aforesaid: The Governor, Magistrate, and other officers of the City, & all those of the religion, shall by oath confirm themselves to keep them, without fraud or guile whatsoever.  
15 The Captains and Soldiers which are now levied, or that are hereafter to be levied, shallbe retained until such time as it be otherwise agreed upon.  
Lastly. They of the religion beseech her Excellency, that it would please her to be always mindful for the welfare of the City, and have a care for his majesties profitand the Cities.  
These Articles being accepted on either side, The spaniards and Italians departed first, next the Gueses (who at that time were so called) and last of all the Catholics, and the laying all at once, their Armour and weapon aside.  
During these troubles, 
The L. of Bre●erode taken for treble.  the Duchess had sent one of the Secretaries of the prinie Counsel, to the Lord of Brederode and to his consorts, who lay in Holland in the city of Amsterdame, sharply commanding them to depart the City and Country, by reason of the rebellion which they had committed against his Majesty, if they would not be pursued as enemies to the Country, and perturbers of the common weal.  
The Lord of Brederode gave the Secretary none other answer but this: Thou art a man, not worthy any answer, etc.  
The Antwerpians, after long resistance agreed with the Duchess, in manner and form following: That the Sermons should cease, but none to be sifted or troubled, for the cause of Religion: And therefore for the very same purpose, it was ordained, and proclaimed in Antwerp the 7. of April, 1567. That all ministers should departed thence, and the preachings cease, That all Catholics should be restored to their offices, and the first Commissions be observed and kept: Always provided, that no man should be sifted or troubled for the religion, until such time as his Majesty by the advise of the general Estates, had otherwise appointed it.  
This matter was accomplished after that the ministers were gone out of the City of Antwerp, and their Churches were fast shut and sealed up. In this sort passed the matters of Flanders, holland, zealand, and the rest of the Provinces, and the persecution daily increased against such as had taken arms upon them, broken down the Images, and opposed themselves against the Edicts and Commissions.  
The 18. of April. The Lady Regent entered into Antwerp, 
Count Manfields' garnysoneth Antwerp.  and with her the Count Mansfielde, with 16. Ensigns of footmen, and five hundredth horse: After that the Prince of Orange, was departed thence, which was the 11. of the said month, with a great number of Citizens and enhabitauntes of the same City, in very great misery, and with much weeping and wailing.  
When the Lord of Brederode had received the sharp message aforesaid, he soon after in the dead of the night, 
The L. of Brederode flieth from Amsterdame.  departed the Country, with many noble men and other soldiers, whom the Count Megue pursued, but it was to small purpose.  
The 5. of May the same year, there fell in Friselande into the Count Arenberge his hands, certain of the nobility, that were betrayed by a Mariner, who in steed to carry them over the seas, set them on the plain ground, where they were taken by, Captain Mulert, as a captain of one of the companies of the Count Arenberge: The Lords of Battenbrough, and two Lords of Friselande, to wit, Herman Galama, and Sir Beyma, besides many other Gentlemen and Captains.  
The tenth of May there entered into Amstelredame, certain bands of Soldiers, and a little before into Bostleduke and Vyane, of which the Duke Ericke of Brunswike was chief, and the Country of Vtryght was delivered to the Catholics.  
The 21. of May, 
The Marquis of Bergues died in Spain.  The Marquis of Bergues (as it is said) was poisoned in Spain, of whom we have before spoken. And the marquess his wife at another time, caused many Infants to be baptised, and many to be married again by the priests, whom the ministers had before baptised and married: and such as refused it must forsake the Country, so that many men and women were fain to depart and go into other countries.  
The 24 of this month by her highness appointment, was a Proclamation proclaimed in Antwerp, much more for the behoof of the Catholics, then for the Protestauntes, wherein was declared, That as many as would remain in the Country should from thence forth live peaceably and in quiet, and that all ministers and such as frequented Sermons, and had defaced the Images, should lose both bodies and ●oodes, and that the Father, Master, or Lord, should answer fortheir children and servants.  
And beside, that all Infants which were baptised by the ministers, should be rebaptized, by the Priests after the manner of the Catholic Church. Also, that no Schoolmasters might teach, before such time as they were examined, and their books allowed. Moreover, against Printers and Statyoners which sold books not allowed of, and against all such officers as did permit and suffer them. Against all such, as without his majesties knowledge, be collectors of money, upon any of his subjects. Against every assembly, which is made against the ordinance or consent of his Majesty. Against all Strangers which depart not the Country within 24 hours, or bring not a testimonial from the place from whence they come, and the cause of their remaining there. Lastly, that no man should withstand any Ecclesiastical person.  
The persecution daily increased, which caused the people to forsake the Country by thousands.  
There were in one day at Tournay an hundred and six rich merchants and many others, spoiled of their goods, and a great number put and detained in prison, and there ill entreated.  
The 18. of july, The Duchess departed from Antwerp to Bruxelles, and the Count Manssielde remained there with his Garnison.  

An addition of certain things worthy remembrance, which happened in divers places and provinces.  
THe 26. and 27. of june, 1566. The public preaching of the sincere word of God began throughout all the low Countries with the administration of the Sacraments in many Cities and Towns.  
About the 16. and 17. of August the same year, The images in divers cities and towns of the low Countries were broken in pieces, and the altars and ornaments of the Churches pulled down and destroyed: The date of this year when this gear was done is to be found by the Capital letters of this verse following, 
Con Cio: saCra ●●Vit tVMidi CeCidere deastri.   
The 6. of September, the same year, were in three parish Churches of Leawarde, all the altars pulled down and the Images broken, by the appointment of the Magistrate.  
The 8. of the said month, and the same year, were the first Sermons made in the chief parish Church of the City of Oldenbone by the ministers of the word of God, and that by the consent of the Magistrate. And the 15. of the said month was the supper of the Lord, there administered.  
The 10. of September that year, were the Altars of the franciscane Friars in Gr●ening pulled down by the leave of the Magistrate, and the Images broken.  
The 25. of September the same year, was the first stone of the foundation of the reformed Church in Antwerp laid.  
The same day, were they of the reformed Religion of the city of Nymmegue in Gelderlande driven out of the same.  
The 3. of October the same year, the Ministers of the word of GOD were forbidden at Bruxelles, upon pain of hanging to preach within the said City, or in any other places there about. This was the first dispersing, sithence the public preachings.  
The 17. of October aforesaid, there were certain insolent parts played by certain young persons, in our Lady Church of Antwerp: Whereupon the Lord of Hooghstrate, Governor at that time, beset the Church round about with soldiers, and entering into it took certain prisoners, and the next day in the morning about the dawning, were six or seven of them hanged in the market place.  
The 10. of januarie 1567. The ministers of the reformed religion were expulsed the City of Leunwarde in Fryselande.  
The 9 of March the same year, The tyrannous Papists troubled the preachings in the Town of Andenarde, and slew five of the company with harquebuses. The same tynie also, the reformed Churches in Flanders were utterly dispersed.  
The 27. of April the same year, were the last Sermons made in Amstelredame, when as the Lord of Brederode with the noble men and ministers departed the same City, and was the last dispersion of the Churches in the low Countries.  
The end of the first book.    

The second Book of the Histories of the troubles in the low countries: In the beginning whereof shall be described and set forth, the Inquisition of Spain and the execution thereof: and next after, how the banished Princes, Noble men, Gentlemen, and others, assailed the low Countries both with horsemen and footmen good store, for the recovery of their inheritances and goods, from which, they were driven away by the tyranny of the Duke of Alua.  
WE have discoursed and set down in the first book the manner of the passing of all the dealings in the low Countries, before the D. of Alva his coming: and also in what state they stood at his arrival: And beside, how all they of the reformed religion, after the forbidding of the exercise of preaching, were persecuted and condemned by the Inquisition.  
But now, if thou wilt a while give ear, I will discover unto thee what manner a thing the same inquisition is, which is more famous, then rightly known, all Europe over. The declaration here of would be taken of many but for a fable and leasing, if the spring head and first original thereof were not manifestly set forth: and to say truly, the gentle reader should take small pleasure, if we should but only speak of the bare name there of, without telling what it is in deed. Wherefore for the first point, I will declare unto you what it is, who are the judges thereof, and the manner of the administration of it. And because there is not the least within these lowe Countries, but knoweth that this Inquisition of Spain hath been the very true original of all the troubles: I will not forget to lay wide open, and set down in writing the declaration and beginning thereof.  
Spain at the first was governed by mean kings, 
Spain in old time governed by petty kings  and after ward, the greatest part thereof was conquered by the africans who at last peaceably possessed it, and freed it from the bondage of the Romans. After this the same Province was for a while governed by the Uandales and Alanes, whom the Goths in the days of the emperors Theodose, and Valentinian the third, expulsed out of France, who conquered many Lands and countries, destroying the Roman Empire. At last these wandering people were by the ordinance of Boniface, governors in Africa, who through the dealing of the other African governors, were sent and called thereto. But as they were by the vice Bothes pursued on this side the sea, there passed over of men, women, and children, under the conduct of Gontram and Gensericke their kings and lords in the year 720. about eight hundred thousand persons, to destroy and conquer Africa. After this retreat of this foresaid Uandales, the Goths, by the consent of the Emperors, governed the realm of Spain, until the days of K Rodrigue, who having violated and deflowered Cana, Count julians' daughter, was ruined & slain, with all his kindred. For the same count julian, in revenge of the wrong and shame that was done him, sent the Uandales, Mores, africans, and Saracens, under the conduct of Musa their king, who hane discomfited and slain in many battles, more than seven hundredth thousand men, conquered all Spain, and divided it into divers kingdoms, to wit, Granade, Ualence, Portugal, Toledo, Cordua, and many others. But the christians which came of Goths, for the avoiding of the intolerable oppressions, and horrible fury of these nations, retired and withdre we themselves into the Mountains of Arragon, who at that time were called the Cantabrians, and Asturians, and chose one named Pelagius to be their king. This Pelagius forsaking the name of a Gothe, began to make very great wars against the Mores, but he had therein but evil success.  
Wherefore, his successors required aid and help of the French kings, to wit of Pepin, Charlemeine, Lewis, and many others: so that in short time the Countries that were lost, were conquered again, which were divided into Provinces, and after into kingdoms, giving them the names of the fortresses and Towns, whereby they were conquered: to wit, of the City or Town of Leon or Legion, the kingdom of Leon, of Tarracon, Arragon: of Barcinone, Barcelone: of the Castle which Pelagius built so soon as he had won Leon, against the assault of the Mores, the kingdom of Castille: and after all this, the kingdoms of Portugal, Navarre, Galice, Toledo, Ualence, Cordua and Granade, were erected: to wit, when the Mores were enforced to become subject to Christian kings and Countries, at such time as every one warred against them in his own Country, the chief of which were the Arragonians and Castilians.  
Now amongst all the Princes and Potentates that warred upon the heathen and Infidels, Ferdinando king of Arragon was the most famous. But after that the Country was out of the danger of the Mores, by reason of the happy success of the heathen wars, the said king Ferdinando suffered the Mores (as his predecessors had also done) to live in quiet subjection and obedience, paying certain tribute: Nevertheless their kind of life was painful, especially amongst those that were freemen, and yet tolerable enough, seeing they were not troubled or molested for the cause of religion.  
But as the things of this world never continue in one self and the same estate, and that the hearts of kings and princes do often change, which causeth the subjects for the present time to be overcharged and burdened: There were some that persuaded the said king to choose certain persons, who should have an eye to their many superstitions and infidelities, to the end the Mahometishe and jeweshe religion, might not any way derogate from the Catholic Religion.  
Nevertheless we see by experience, that oftentimes they which make pits for others, fall themselves into them: For it is an hard matter to stumble against a stone: when as they will labour to reduce others to their opinion and fantasy. The king had appointed for this purpose the most qualified men, following therein the order of his predecessors: And as a king careth not what pain he ordinarily taketh to excel all other kings and monarchs in honour and fame: Even so this king Ferdinand purposed and concluded to show himself a no less true and politic, than a warlike Christian: for, in leaving all his warlike affairs, he bestowed all his care about the advancing of christian Religion, which is a most good kingly deed, and worthy great commendation: as also it is the part and duty of a king, who is the Image of the most excellent and Almighty king, to use justice and true mercy unto his subjects. In doing whereof he hath been most happy and blessed, and is a sign of a true testimony of that name which the Pope gave unto him and to his successors kings of Spain, to wit, the title of most Catholic king: which Pope Gregory, the third of that name granted the year 1230. To Alfonse king of Galice, who also hath given to all Spaniards the titles of double Catholic.  
Now, this thing was the cause that all the Mores, Saracens, and the jews themselves, who (as the Histories witness) sithence the sacking and destruction of jerusalem, having by the appointment of the Emperor Titus continued in these countries, have withdrawn themselves out of spain: because they were enforced to believe & confess jesus Christ to be the son of God, and therefore forsook they the Country, & sought out for themselves some other better place to dwell in:: Insomuch that many thousands have gotten them away unto the borders of Gibalter, and from thence into Affricque, & into divers other places.  
But the rest who like well of Spain, continue there still, and both themselves and their children are baptized. Nevertheless, not long after, when the spaniards perceived, how greatly the opinion of the Godhead, whether it be good or bad, taking once impression in men's imaginations, prevailed, and what force it hath in men's hearts, when it is once rooted therein, especially when in long process of time it is successively learned from one to another: for than they will become obstinate, and never forego it: Then was the exercise of the jewish Religion forbidden them: and as they could not in truth forget and forego the said exercise, the Spaniards fell to persecuting of them, and yet by a certain kind of justice, meaning utterly to root them out: But it was impossible to root out such a people so obstinately bend and settled in their Infidelity.  
A little before this, there was a new order of Friars instituted by a spaniard, 
The beginning of the order of the jacopins.  borne within the diocese of Lexonie, to wit, in Caliroga, named Dominicke: which was called the order of the lacopins, and authorized by Pope Honorius the third of that name, the year 1216. And this was brought in, by reason of a vision that appeared to him as he lay a sleep, by which was showed him that the Church being shaken and ready to fall, was held up by Saint Dominicke only, albeit Pope Innocent the third his predecessor had no will to yield to the Institution and exection of that order of Friars.  
This Religious order is grown into such credit, and so highly esteemed of, as that the king of Spain, hath committed unto the jacopins all the affairs concerning conscience, and religion: and although there was before time a certain form and manner of Inquisition instituted, yet was it by this order of the jacopins, which was thought to be the most holy of all the rest, confirmed and established.  
For when they saw that the jews, could neither by the prayers, preachings, and admonitions of the jacopins, be converted: they than proceeded with them after a rigorous manner, and took upon them the sword to force them to the religion, if so be they would not departed and get them out of the country.  
This rod or sword whereof I here intend to speak, which the jacopins unto this present have usurped against these poor people, hath been the cause, as it is said, that the Inquisition began in the days of King Ferdinand whilst he reigned: Because that this manner and form of Inquisition is more rigorous than the first was, against those heresies and heretics, which they called Marans: 
The original of the marans.  which name is used amongst many Christian nations against such as of a singular desire wish to have a new religion, forsaking and rejecting the old, whereupon the original of the Marans was but a little before that known. For, as the jews looked for the promised Messiah, and had always in their mouths this name Maran, to wit, Our Lord: Even so the jews which had received the Christian faith, said Maranathi, that is to say, The Lord is come.  
Shortly after, there arose a dissension and ennemitie amongst the Christians, to wit, between the true Christians, and those which denied that the said saviour was come, who were called Marans, and condemned for a pernicious and wicked sect.  
This is the cause why the jews had always that name in their mouths, and that the Spaniards on the other side called them Apostates and heretics, which word they also used against all such as held not the true doctrine of the romish Church.  
And therefore the jacopins were the authors of the Inquisition, who devised a better form thereof, then that, that was before. The king forth with ratified this form, and Pope Sextus the Genua confirmed it. Without all doubt, the king had great occasion to do this, for the rooting out of the wicked and reprobate doctrine of the Mahometistes and jews, who went about none other thing but to burden men's consciences, with the looking for the promised Messiah: and beside, the Saracens and Arabians, which the Mores had sent into Spain, committed great mischief. Yea and the jews themselves were condemned by Pope Sextus the year 1475. Because they had crucified a child of two years of age, cutting off his genitories and right pap, 
The jews put to death a child of two years 〈◊〉.  and afterward pierced him unto death, and then cast him into the river: which thing they did upon palm Sunday, in despite and mockery of jesus Christ, and to the dishonour and shame of all christians: which jews were punished and executed, after they had by torture, & sharp examination and proof, confessed the fact.  
These jacopins, by reason of the reputation which they had gotten by the setting up of their new order of Religion, called themselves, the defenders of the Christian doctrine and Religion, not only in Spain, but also in Italy, and in other places of Christendom, where they had brought in, and planted their order. The first commission they had, was granted them against the jews and Mahometists: but after, when their authority increased, and extended itself further, than they called themselves the Inquisitors of Heretics, for the persecuting of all such, as would not observe the ordinances and institutions of the Catholic religion. Now, that we might know what kind of men these Inquisitors have been, Experience hath showed unto us, to wit, such men as through their wickedness have perverted all things. For these good Gentlemen proceed even as they are affected against the accused, which is the cause that all men bate them: especially sithence the agreement which the Pope made between the four orders of begging Friars: And the cause of this controversy was, by reason that the inquisitors had examined certain divines of the order of the Carmelites upon some articles of the faith, of which number was julian of Bresse in Lombardie, a very famous doctor and preacher, & another called Peter de Novellans, in whose behalf Mantuam hath written an excellent apology, containing four books.  
The Pope considering to what end this partial dealing and partaking would come, and that it would tend to the hurt and dishonour of either party, yea even to the hurt & great loss of the Ecclesiastical state, seeing that either party was grounded upon a matter of small importance, and that this dissension might in time to come bring great damage to all the orders of begging Friars, amongst whom the jacopins were the chief and most esteemed, and presumed of themselves to be the best, it was ordained at the instance & earnest suit of Christopher Martignes, that they should in all places be a like as touching the privileges & immunities which the Pope had granted them. Nevertheless, the commission of the Inquisition had procured them hatred, and made them become so odious, as that many greatly suspected them, because they alone had to do with the office of the Inquisition.  
In the end, king Ferdinand was forced of necessity, to appease this discord and dissension: Howbeit he very lovingly, & honourably placed in their stead very learned popish clergymen, who had long before favoured this Inquisition. And to the end the Worshipful jacopins should not take this deprivation and deposing of their estate in ill part, the king had authorized them that they might be present in council, and at the deliberations and judgements of the Father's Inquisitors of the faith: Insomuch that they may have at this day to do with the examination: And although they have rather lost the estimation and commanding then their being forgotten, which brought them into so great reputation with every man: yet for all that, they hold notwithstanding the name of Inquisitors still, with good hope that they are not so far from the matter but that they may one day recover the same estate and dignity.  
I have heretofore told you how the Inquisition came to be erected in Spain, and although as then it was not so rigorously administered and put in execution, as it is at this present: yet had not the Spaniards themselves any good will to receive it, no more than many other subjects beside. For when the king of Arragon would have brought the Inquisition into his Country, 
Arragon will not receive the inquisition.  The Estates & nobles of the country there, very reverently gaynesaide, and set themselves against it: First by words and Supplycations: But when he would have enforced them unto it, than they opposed themselves against it in deed, and would in no wise accept of it: Because the Estates considered, that such an Inquisition would be hurtful and pernicious to the liberty of the kingdom: insomuch that it was not only brought in by a lively force, but also with great effusion of blood, as well on the one side as on the other, as may appear by the death of master Aepile, who was sent with full authority from the king, to bring the Inquisition into the Realm of Arragon: for the which he was slave and massacred in the Catheorall Church of Sarragouse.  
Now there remaineth yet that I declare unto you, the manner of the justification of this Inquisition, whereby every nation may understand, 
The form and manner of the Inquisition.  whereby every nation may understand, which ways the Spaniards administer both civil and criminal justice unto every man.  
When any is accused of heresy, a sergeant is sent to cite him, and setteth him a day for his personal appearance, at which ●ay he must come in & obey, for there is not a more hurtful delay than it: But if he deny it, and confess nothing, they let him pass back home to his house: but one of their flies followeth him, who diligently watcheth whither he goeth and what he doth, and if he perceive either by the words or deeds of him that was cited, that he hath any sinister or evil meaning, he declareth it to the Father's inquisitors, who again put him in suit, as followeth.  
When he that is accused, appearing at the first day appointed, confesseth all things freely: or that they themselves through long examination may draw any thing out of him: then the accuser, or buzzing fly is hid behind the tapistry or hangings to hear if he confess the truth: nevertheless the cited, if he be an inhabitant or Citizen is sent back home to his house: but if he be a stranger, they send him to prison. Afterward, they send to the Curate or Bishop of the place or Diocese, where the accused dwelleth, to the end they would not unadutsedly lay hands upon the silly lamb of a strange shepherd: and therefore they send unto him and tell him, that they have one of his sheep in the pound, but if by adventure the Prisoner break out of prison, they send letters to the Tippestaffe or Marshal's Bailiff, signifying unto him the fashion and features of the face, and other circumstances of the fugitive prisoner, who followeth him in every place where he thinketh to find him, until such time as he hath found him, taken him, and brought him back to prison. This pursuit is commonly made after such as are of great estate, or very learned men, whom they fear will forsake the catholic faith. When the accused is brought again to prison, they call for the keys of his house, and deliver them unto a public notary, who must make an Inventory of all his movables, letters, writings, & jewels that are within his house: which Inventory is delivered into the hands of one of his rich neighbours, who keepeth it until the suit be ended: and when the accused is condemned, and judged for an Heretic, than all his goods are forfeited for the behoof of the king. For the custom is, although the sentence be not capital, that all his goods shallbe as a divided spoil, by reason of the heresy, and that the accused is not worthy to enjoy his goods, but are adjudged to be the kings, by the Pope's grant. The Gaoler, so soon as the accused is committed to ward, inquireth of him, and diligently searcheth, whether he have any knife, paper, or such other like thing about him: and ransacketh and searcheth him even to his shirt. Eight days after, the Inquisitors suborn the Baoler, to counsel the Prisoner, instantly to pray, that he may have a day of hearing, and the prisoner beseecheth the Gaoler, to crave it in his name, which thing he doth. Now, when the prisoner cometh to be heard, he beseecheth them to make a short suit of it: Then he is admonished to discharge his conscience, and acknowledge his faults, promising him all the favour and mercy that possibly may be had, if he will convert. And if he confess it, he is never a whit the sooner delivered thereby, as you may here understand. But if he will not confess his fault, he is carried back to prison, and the Inquisitors will tell him, that they will make a short suit of it. Then he hath again audience granted him, but nothing is done, neither will they tell him wherefore he is accused, because their meaning is, to overthrow him by his own confession.  
After this, he is once more brought before the Inquisitors, who give him very hard speeches, and say: If thou wilt not otherwise answer, and discharge thy conscience, thou shalt be committed to the Attorney general, who will handle thee after another manner, & fashion, to wit, he will shrewdly put thee to thy trump and trial. For, his purpose, is first of all to make a forfeiture of the goods of the accused, for the kings behoof. But when the cunning admonitions of the Inquisitors cannot make him confess, nor yet win him from his perseverance & constancy, they then practise another way with him. For, than they cause a cross & mass book to be brought, & laying the hand of the accused upon them, would put him to his oath, but if he will not swear, he is already convinced, & if he do swear, than they make diligent search what country man he is, what his friends, his profession, & companions are, & other such like, by which they draw & gather great arguments & tokens. But such as are wise and cunning, will not give them one word to answer, because they before hand see the information and sifting of the matter, whereof they are accused. In the end the Action is delivered him in writing, that he may defend himself by his attorney and counsellor, who calleth unto him the prisoner, and taketh upon him the defence of his cause, and after that the suit is set forward according to the custom, he addeth unto it in writing, what the law is, exhibiting the same into the hands of the Inquisitors, who, the third day after, send again for the prisoner and his counsellor, to come before them: then they command him to tell the truth, seeing that in that auditory they desire nothing else: But if he will confess nothing, they carry him back to prison, and at last the depositions are showed him, without naming the witnesses: But if any man will depose any thing against him, the prisoner inquireth of the quality and condition of the person: and it cometh also many times to pass, that the Inquisitors are of the opinion with the prisoner accused, that if he can guess or imagine who is his accuser, by calling to mind, with whom he had any talk of matters of religion, that the same man ought to brought before him, and accuse him face to face. They that are subtle & cunning will call for a copy of the action, that they may answer it by writing. But if there are two witnesses, they may then without all doubt give judgement and sentence of death against the prisoner: and one witness is sufficient to put him to a shrewd trump or trial. The advocate Fis kall pleadeth the condition and the accusers are the witnesses. Two or three days after, when as the prisoner is again sent for to come before the Inquisitors, his councillor showeth unto him the principal articles whereof he is accused, and setteth down unto him the substanciallest reasons and testimonies of his accusers, that he may consider of them whether they are like to be true or not: And beside, he hiddeth the prisoner to be well advised, to see if he can be able to bring it to pass to understand what they are that have wit nessed matter against him, that he might challenge them: for doing whereof, certain days of deliberatton are given to the prisoner to record with himself, who or what his enemies be, which are able to depose against him, and lay any thing to his charge: and if he cannot devise who they should be, God have mercy on him, for he hath then no more to say. But if he can guess what they are or name them, no man telleth him that it is they, but his councillor telleth it to him secretly, & then he is asked before the inquisitors, by what way or mean he is able to challenge the accuser. And beside, if he would excuse and purge himself or that he be able to prove that he hath been always a great friend unto the clergy, and observed all the ceremonies of the Church, to wit, that he hath heard Mass, been confessed, and worshipped the cross and Images: To be short, That he hath done all clean contrary to that that his accusers have deposed, which must be ordinarily done within niene days, and then his cause is marvelously well amended: howbeit all the excuses that he can make therein are to no purpose, except there come in no witnesses against him, & when the contrary are examined by the judge, they conclude upon the matter, and the advocate Fiskall prayeth an instance that it may be ended, as it pleaseth him. After this, certain Friars and Doctors of Divinity examine his belief, that is to say, they make an interpretation of whatsoever the prisoner hath spoken of faith, and if in their opinion he hath said well, he is adjudged to be set free and at liberty, and yet notwithout his great damage, which he shall both feel, and smell of again, as followeth.  
When they can get nothing at all of him, 
A m●cruel examination or trial.  but that he is able to excuse himself, they then put him to a shrewd trump or trial: For first they bring him through many odd doors of certain caves under the ground, unto a place where the judge sitteth. And thither presently cometh the hangman, appareled in a black linen cassock much like unto the garment, which the Spaniards wear upon maundy Thursday, when as for penance sake they beat themselves until the blood trickle down withal. Their head and face is covered with an hood, having no more but 2. holes in it, for to look out at: In this sort cometh in the hangman appareled, to terrify the prisoner, as if the Devil himself would correct him for his sins: when this is done, the judge admonisheth him to tell the truth, procesting that if through torture any leg or limb of his be broken, that the fault and scathe shall be his, and lie in his own neck. After this, the poor prisoner is shaken out of all his clouts, save that they tie a linen rag to cover his privities. Anon after he maketh the hangman a sign, what torment he shall have.  
Now the ordinary torment of the prisoner is this: First, his hands are bound together behind his back, and his body being trysed up into the air with a tormentrous engine, they bind to his feet instruments of pron of twenty five pounds weight: then the Inquisitors say unto him: understand thou fellow, that if thou wilt not confess the troth, assure thyself we will leave thee here to die in these torments: In this pain hangeth this wretched and miserable patient, all his weeping and tears helping him nothing at all. Then the hangman letteth him slip at one chop almost to the ground, by mean whereof one joint falleth from another. When this is done, the hangman giveth him the second and third charge, and then getteth him up: and thus this unnatural torture and horrible torment lasteth from niene of the clock until it be eleven or twelve. When the prisoner continueth constant and will confess nothing, he is carried to the Church, where the Barbour Surgeons put him to three times somuch pain. The patiented being in this miserable estate, they will him to be confessed or shriven, whereupon they find of what religion he is: and if so be that he will confess himself to the Priest, they have a notary hid behind some clothes to write and note all the prisoners confession, because he maketh him to speak distinctly and a loud. Then the Priest telleth him: That he hath power & authority to deliver him out of the hands of the father's Inquisitors. By these and such like words they sometimes deceive and beguile the poor prisoners, for if they confess any thing, they bring their own testimony against them, to render them punishable. Then the Inquisitors give it openly out both abroad and in the prison, that the prisoner hath confessed enough, and beside, hath accused and named all his companious and fellow brethren, although it be nothing so. Which thing causeth the neighbours that have heard of the great crosses of the patiented, accuse themselves, before any body else hath accused them, because they would be reconciled to the fathers and Inquisitors of the faith, thinking they should be out of all danger, when as they had once confessed their faults.  
The hurt and sick prisoners are carried to an Hospital, where the Surgeons and servitors of the Hospital deal reasonably with them, until such time as they are carried back again to prison. The Notary, and Gailor or keeper of the prison, twice a month visit the prisoners, to see them have such necessaries as they want, and to find fault with those which either take away their victuals from them, or do them any hurt.  
When the day of giving sentence, and of execution draweth near: to wit, two days before, they send for the prisoners, whom the Inquisitors command to tell and she we them of all their movable and unmovable goods, willing them to conceal nothing, to the end that they which are in their houses be not accused of theft, or that they themselves by the judgements of God, fall not dead to the ground, as Ananias and Saphyra his wife did at the Apostles feet, because they lied and kept back some of their goods.  
The night before the day appointed, they are shriven, & that day in the morning, the officers of the Inquisition bring unto them Saint Bennets furniture of apparel, which is a galley cassock without fleeves, much like unto the Romans cloaks, covered with black linen cloth. And upon their heads they have a Bishop's mitre made of paper, upon which is painted a man sitting by the fire: 
The sentence of heretics.  and the man aforesaid, hath his hands bound to his neck, who first is led about the flame, and afterward to the fire. When he is brought to the place of execution, the scholars go singing before him, and as many as are condemned in any pecuniary or bodily punishment: on either side of them, follow the Sergeant of the Inquisition: and beside, two Friars or jesuits to exhort and admonish the citizens: over & beside, there follow the sworn officers, judges, Precedents, Governors, and Lieutenants of the king for that Country, with many Noble men & Gentlemen, being all assembled together in their palaces.  
Moreover, there are the Priests, and Chapter of the cathedral Church, Abbots, and priors, and a great many more, to shed innocent blood. But the advocate Fiskal, and the Attorney general ride also unto the place of execution, having a banner of red damask carried before them, on the one side whereof is arms richly embroidered, with the name of the Pope, who hath confirmed and established the Inquisitors, & on the other side arms, and the name of king Ferdinando, and on the top of the pole of the banner head, is a silver cross guilt. There are also on horseback the father's Inquisitors of the faith, and their officers. After this so honourable a troop, follow a great multitude of people, who come twenty mile of to this goodly feast, & they go all together unto a great plain, where two scaffolds are set up, the one for the accused, and the other for the father's Inquisitors: amongst whom, one of them maketh an oration in the praise and honour of the Inquisition, and in the discommending and abolishing of all heresies. This oration being ended, one beginneth openly to pronounce the judgements upon the poor patients, orderly one after another, beginning first with these that have the most gracious & easiest kind of punishment. After the publication of these sentences, the chief and head Inquisitor, singeth certain collects, to wit, Oremus and Quaesumus, for the converts, praying also unto God that it would please him of his mere favour and grace, to grant them perfeverance in the Romish catholic faith unto their lives end. When he hath thus said, all the Clergy sing the Psalm Miserere mei deus, which being ended, the Inquisitor singeth certain versicles, whom the singing men answer in their musical notes, crying, yelling, and bleating out like calves, as they are. Last of all, the said Inquisitor singeth the absolution, whereby the penitents are absolved of the error of heresy, but not of the punishment or pain, which is incontinently to be executed, with out favour or mercy, yea contrary to all right and reason.  
After that this absolution is given, the Inquisitors cause an oath to he ministered to the people, to wit, that they shall live and die in the faith, obedience, and religion of the Romish Church: and shall defend the same, and the Inquisitors in all points, and against all men: hazarding their bodies against all such as would do them any hurt or set upon them. Over and beside, that they shall renounce and abture whatsoever is contrary to the doctrine, and institutions or ceremonies of the Romish church: Moreover, that they shall withal their power and might, defend the holy office, and all their officers, ministers, or servants thereof: taking both one and other to witness, for the safety & assurance of the matter.  
And if there be amongst these penitents or converts, any Clergy man, 
The degrading of priests.  be he religious man or Priest, that is found to have deserved less punishment than death, that man is degraded only by words. This degradation is done by the Bishop clad in all his pontificalibus, and by none other, by which he is interdicted from the administration of his office, benefice, and Priestly dignity, until such time as the Pope shall have absolved, enhabiled again, or restored him to his dignity. But if the father's Inquisitors have condemned and judged him to death, than the patiented is degraded in very deed the self same day, as followeth: First, he is appareled in all his Churchrobes, as if he should go to mass. All which are taken from him by one that playeth the Bishop's part, using certain ceremonies and words, as he bereaveth him of them, one after another, utterly clean contrary to the ceremonies and words that are used unto him, when he is Priested. After this, they scrape his hands, lips and crown, with a glass or razor, to take away the holy oil wherewith he was anointed. All these ceremonies are openly used in the sight of the whole world.  
Now, when all the sentences are pronounced, & the priests degraded as aforesaid, The secular magistrate receiveth them, that must die, according to the appointment and commandment of my masters the Inquisitors, to execute and dispatch them out of the world at the ordinary place, having with them such devilish and shameless Proctors, as never cease calling upon them to renounce the truth which they had confessed and received.  
But if the Inquisitors understand that there are some of them that have not truly repent, but that the wolf is covered with the sheeps skin, they deliver them into the temporal magistrates hands, they beseech him to deal favourably with them, and to beware that they break none of their limbs, nor yet draw any blood of them: and in their chief giving of judgement, they say: seeing that the pain and travel which we have taken about to convert these persons is all in vain and to no purpose, we deliver them into the hands of the temporal magistrate, to be punished according to law and justice: yet beeseeching him that if so be they shall acknowledge their errors and be converted, that they will show them all the favour and mercy that they may possibly.  
And all the rest which are not adjudged to die, are sent back again to prison, but the next day in the morning, they that are condemned to be whipped, are scourged round about the streets: some are condemned to the Galleys, other some to perpetual imprisonment, and some of the rest to wear S. Benet's furniture and carry him about. But if any of those happen again to slip, and fall into their hands, they are then without all redemption.  
Thou hast now (gentle Reader) heard the causes & occasions of the Spaniards warring in the low countries, & of their warring heretofore against the Mores in Spain, by whom thou mayst understand from whence the very right spring head of these dolorous waters come, wherewith they had overflowed & drowned the low countries had not God of his mere mercy provided for the same. And beside, thou shalt forthwith understand of wonderful things, to wit, who, by whom, what time, & wherefore, the Spaniards are dispersed all the low countries about. And therefore I beseech thee consider, whether the matters aforesaid set forth in the 1. book, be not the amiable & kind deeds of a liberal Duchess, against the horrible cruelty of the inquysition: Truly, she hath given us honey mingled with great bitterness, for it is well enough known to all the world, what cruelty & unmercifulness she hath used against the poor and miserable subjects.  
The king of Spain fearing that the Protestants Religion would increase and grow in the low Countries, to the great hurt and disadvantage of the Catholic church, and loss of the Inquisition, sent very earnestly (as hath been heretofore in the first book set down) unto his sister the Lady Margaret Duchess of Parma, willing her to prevent this Empayre & downfall. But when he understood that the matter waxed every day worse than other, and that the Duchess dealt not cruelly enough against his subjects: he sent out of Spain Don Ferdinand Aluares of Toledo, Duke of Alva, 
The departure of the Duke of Alva out of Spain.  to be Governor and Lieutenant general of the low countries. Who embarked himself with his men of war at Barcelone in Spain, in the month of May 1567. sailing towards Genues with the wind in the poop. The king had commanded all the captains of the realms of Naples, Scicile, Lombardie, and the rest, to march with their bands unto the territory of Milan, which they performed: & whiles the Duke lay sick of an ague, there was a mighty company of men of war come together: Chiapin Vitelli was his lieutenant, and Gabriel Serbellon, master of the ordinance.  
When the Duke of Alva was rid of his Ague, 
The manner of the Duke of Alva his going on his voyage.  he took his journey through Savoy, towards the count of Burgoine, having with him eight thousand Spaniards, eight thousand Savoyans, & a thousand light horse: and from thence, through the Dukedom of Lorraine towards Luxenbourgh: where he put into pay, the count Albert of Lodron with three thousand Almains, & three hundred horse, and came down together into the low countries unto Bruxelles. And there he imparted unto the duchess the cause of his coming, showing unto her his commission, authority and power: which when she had seen, she sent to the king her brother desiring leave, that she might return to her L. & husband the Duke of Parma: and having resigned her estate and office unto the Duke of Alva, 
The departure of the duchess out of the low countries.  she departed out of the low countries the tenth of Apryll 1568. to the no small grief and sorrow of the people: who considered, that the Duke had taken upon him all authority and power, and meant to continue the dews which he had conceived in his brain, favoured and fortified by the strength of the Spaniards, which were with him, to the great and miserable ruin and destruction of the low countries.  
Now, when the Duke of Alva had gotten into his possession all the Towns and fortresses well furnished with Spanish soldiers: he caused the commissions of the institution of the Inquisition to be proclaimed, commanding every man in the name of the king, to observe the catholic religion, and obey the church of Rome.  
afterward, 
The erection of the council of troubles.  he ordained a new council (called the council of troubles) of twelve councillors, who should have full power to give sentence, judge, and pronounce sentence of death, and in many places, put in new magistrates as pleased himself. This done, he, by reason of the troubles already passed, caused a great number of the people to be taken, besides those whom the Duchess of Parma had before imprisoned, and executed on them cruel justice.  
Moreover, he caused a proclamation to be made for the fugitives, assigning them a day for their coming in, and whosoever miss, his goods to be confisked. This foresaid Duke, at his first entrance greatly dissembled, and would in no wise punish any for the troubles passed with any corporal pain, to the end to feed the people with a vain hope, and said, that the king had given a general pardon for all the hurly burly that had been committed against the catholic religion, for he hoped thereby to get into his clutches the counts of Egmont and Horn.  
But after that the Inquisition, and the council of troubles were ordained & instituted, the Inquisitors at the first chop caused many to be imprisoned, christened again the Protestants children, & married again all such as had been married in other Churches, in the catholic Churches. And some of the fugitives which returned home to their houses upon the vain hope aforesaid, were sent to prison by the council of troubles, & condemned to death, insomuch that blood was there spilled as plentifully as if it had been water. For many had their heads cut off, some were drowned, and some hanged.  
In the beginning of September, 
The Duke of Alva taketh away the keys from them of Gaunt.  the Duke of Alva with full power and authority, took from the Lords and Citizens of Gaunt, the keys of the City: and delivered the castle into the hands of Colonel Alfonse, a spaniard. The Gauntois complained hereof to the count Egmont governor of Flaunders: which count went to the Duke of Alva in their defence, and told him that be had done them great wrong: The Duke answered him, that which he had done was for the benefit and service of his majesty: howbeit this complaint of the Gauntois, stuck very near his heart.  
When the Estates of the low countries were met together at the city of Bruxelles, 
The Estates see the authority of the D. of Alua.  the Duke made them partakers of the authority and power which the king had given him, and sent the counts of Egmont and Horn to prison as followeth. The Duke sent for them to come to council, and when they were there, he brought them into a little hall or parlour as it were, as though he would have had some secret conference with them: In which hall was his son accompanied with certain spanish soldiers armed, who took them and kept them prisoners. The Duke's son, caused the Countess' weapons, to wit, their rapiers and daggers, to be taken from them, telling them that they must become his majesties prisoners: 
The Countess of Egmount & Horn become Prisoners.  ask them also, if those were the weapons wherewith they had defended the low countries, & in great despite and anger threw away their rapiers and Daggers. This being done, the Duke commanded the Captain of the Castle of Gaunt, to receive the Spaniards into the Castle, which was done. The same day also were taken Prisoners, the Lord of Backezele, john Casimbrot, a Counsellor of the Count Egmount, and the Count horns Secretary: & within a few days after, the said Egmount and Horn, were carried to the Castle of Gaunt, by three thousand Spaniards. The same day likewise, did the Count Lodron take the Lord Stralen near Antwerp, and brought him to Bruxelles, and the said Lodron made an Inuentorye of all his goods, and sealed it with his seal. Not long after, there were many taken Prisoners in the low Country, which caused a great number of the low Country to get them over into England, as also into germany, and the East Countries, amongst whom, one of the chiefest was the Count Charles Mansfield, with many Gentlemen, Captains, and other soldiers.  
The 24. of December, 
The building of the castle of Antwerp.  after that the Duke of Alva was arrived in the low Country, began the Castle of Antwerp to be built, so strengthened with rampires and Platforms, as that the like was not to be found: The builder and Engyner whereof, was one Pachiotto a Savoyan, whom the Duke had appointed for that purpose. Now, when this Castle was made defenceable and meet to receive a garnison, the Duke of Alva came to Antwerp with four hundredth horse, leaving the rest of the Soldiers at Bruxelles: But as he was riding towards Antwerp, the munition house at Malynes' had taken fire. When the Duke was come to Antwerp, he caused five Bulwarks to be built within the castle, giving to every of them his several proper name. The first was called, Duke, the second, Toledo, the third, Ferdinand, the fourth, in the honour of his race and stock, Toletan, & the fist in the honour of the Enginare or master workman, Pachiotto.  
The very same time, 
The Duke of Alva aideth the French.  the French desired the Duke of Alva of aid and assistance, and because he would continue the amity between the two kings, he sent unto them the Count Arenberge with twelve hundred low country men and Burgonions, and two thousand Spaniards and Burgonions. In the Guydones of the horsemen, was a devise figured, with two armed hands thrusting themselves out of an Azure Cloud, and out of two black ones, clipping one another in manner of a Cross, and at the end of each Cloud was a kingly Crown with a cross. And upon the 2. black ones: were two hearts, and two crowns interlaced and bound together with a silk rybbande, and in the midst, was a Cross, a Chalice, and a singing cake, which ribbande hung very low, garnished with very rich knots. This devise was interpreted as followeth: The two Clouds did signify the Divinity: The two hearts, the amity and unity of the two kings: the armed hands, their force and power: the Chalice, the Catholic religion, for defence whereof wars were made in both the Realms.  
For the building of the said castle of Antwerp, which was made to keep them of the City in obedience and awe, it was agreed by the great Counsel of the said City, that there should be gathered four hundred thousand Florins, which were taken out of the hundredth penny, two tenths, and two twenties, of all the movable goods which were within the jurisdiction of the same city, for the receipt of which were appointed for Supertendentes, Master Paul Schuermans' Sheriff, M. Francis Cross and M. Giles Smith Merchants. This Castle being as it were almost finished, the Duke caused an Image of Brass to be set up in the midst of the said Castle, very artificially wrought by that excellent workman james joughelinke of Bruxelles, lively representing the said Duke, having under his feet a body with two heads, representing the chief Governor of the Gueses, as hereafter more at large shallbe declared, and then the Duke going from Antwerp, returned to Bruxelles.  
In this mean while, at the instance of the Attorney general, there was by a public edict of his Ma. proclaimed & cited to appear, to wit, the nienteenth of january, William of Nassau Prince of Orange, who now long time ago departed out of Brabant, & kept himself within the county of Nassau, the tenure whereof ensueth.  
His Ma. being informed by the Attorney general, 
A Proclamation or Citation against the prince of Orange.  how William of Nassau Prince of Orange, being as well by the Emperor Charles the fift of famous memory, his Lord & father, as also by his Ma. advanced, to high and great dignity, as to be made Knight of the order of the golden fleece, a Counsellor of the council of estate, and governor of the county of Bourgoyne, of Holland, Zealande, and the honour of Vtright: by which may well be understood the great good will and loving affection that his Ma. beareth him: and contrariwise, the unthankfulness of the said Prince who hath otherwise behaved himself, and against all the duty of a true and faithful subject. Which Prince having forgotten both his honour, oath, & fidelity given and promised unto his Majesty, hath showed himself to be the original, cause, defender, & fautor of all the rebels & traitors: who forthwith, after his majesties departure out of the low countries, with others many more, have sought by all means possible to invest and take possession of the said low countries, & challenge unto himself the whole government. And beside, that after many practises, without regard of promise, faith, and fidelity, hath by arms gone about to advance and oppose himself against his said Majesty, and sack his country of Brabant: which hath as yet taken no effect, only because he is not of power and force able to bring it to pass: and yet nevertheless he hath secretly practised to suborn his majesties subjects, and persuade them to leave of the good affection and obedience which they have always borne unto his Majesty: insomuch that their good affection should be converted into horror and ill will, under the pretence of Religion, persuading them by secret devices, that his Majesty would bring into Brabant the Inquisition of Spain, and that they ought to set themselves against it: As also the said Orange hath heretofore encouraged and stirred up, the greater part of the nobility to confederate with him by oath, to oppose themselves against the ordinances and commissions, which so long ago have been observed in the country of Brabant. Moreover, that the said Orange hath held within his houses as well at Breda, as at Bruxelles, secret congregations and assemblies, to aid, assist, and comfort one another, as also have here and there put themselves in arms against his Majesty: Over and beside, the L. of Brederode being made Captain & chief of the Gueses, hath taken in hand, by the counsel of the said Oraunge, to fortify his Town of Viane against his majesties forces: yea and that at Antwerp, although it belongeth unto his highness, he caused soldiers to be levied, notwithstanding his Grace's commandments before published to the contrary, which soldiers were carried down by water with all kind of provision to Viane, as also the said Orange sent unto the said Brederode certain pieces of Artillery, and in some places forbidding the receiving in of any of his majesties garrisons, and taking from his majesty the entrance to the water. Furthermore, as he was sent to Antwerp to appease the troubles and sedytions of the Citizens, he took upon him to do more than was his Commission, in suffering all Heretics and sectaries to have the liberty of their religion, and gave his consent that they might build Churches, and erect Consistoryes, which hath been the very original, as all men well know, of all the mischiefs which followed: and hath also accorded and suffered, to cause, there to be levied and disbursed money, for the paying and entertaining of soldiers, with many other things by him committed, which the said Attorney general in time & place, if the necessity of the cause shall require, will more at large declare: all which doings tend to none other end but to enjoy the country of Brabant, which of right appertaineth unto his Majesty, wherein he hath most grievously endangered himself unto his Ma. so that he is no way to be excused, but worthy to be punished, and his faults and offences to be laid wide open before his face. Wherefore the Attorney General beseecheth his highness to grant an Indictment of high treason to be drawn against Orange with this clause: For, so it is our will & pleasure. When his Ma. had cousidered of the articles which the Attorney General had set down, he willed and commanded, that every man to the uttermost of his power should aid and assist the said Attorney General, for the taking of the said Orange Prisoner, and to send him with a sufficient guard to Bruxelles to the Duke of Alva his grace's trusty and well-beloved Cousin & Lieutenant, to whom this thing was especially committed, that he might be punished for an example to all others according to the quality of his offences, transgressions, and rebellion: and if so be he cannot be taken and laid hold on, let him be cited by public edicts, upon pain of confiscation of all his goods, personally to appear peremptorily within fifteen days, before the said Duke of Alva at Bruxelles, or some other place of the low Countries, to answer to all such Articles as his majesties Attorney General shall lay to his charge. And if so be he appear not at the day prefixed & appointed, then let the Duke of Alva proceed against him according to the declaration aforesaid, simply, and without any other solemnity of ordinary law and justice. But in case he be gone out of the low Countries, as his Ma. is so advertised, his Grace's express will is, that the indictment be read in the city of Bruxelles by a public edict, and a copy thereof set up upon the doors of the Town house, and upon all the church doors wheresoever this Indictment shallbe published, to the end he shall not pretend ignorance: which Indictment shall be of as great force as if it had been read & pronounced before Oranges own face.  
The same day was likewise indicted and summoned, 
A Citation against the count of Hoogstrate.  Anthony de la Laing, Count of Hoogstrate, to appear before the Duke of Alva, to defend himself, and answer unto the Articles set down by the Attorney General, in form following: how that the Lord of Hoogstrate even from his youth, had been by his Majesty advanced unto great honour and dignity, and especially to the order of the golden fleece, and to be one of the band of his majesties own ordinance: And beside to Honourable Ambassades to the Emperor and to other Princes, whereby he might very well consider of the singular affection that his Grace bore him, and of the good meaning he had to exalt him in time to come, to a far higher degree of honour: Yet notwithstanding, he forgetting these benefits, and degenerating from the virtue of his Predecessors and Ancestors, who always behaved themselves towards their natural Lord, as true and faithful subjects, hath so much forgotten himself, as that he hath with all his power and might assisted and taken part with the Prince of Orange, favouring him both with his counsel and otherwise, to set forward the troubles, which two years past had been in his majesties low countries: And first the said Hoogstrate did assist, treat, and talk of in his castle with the Prince of Orange and his Adherentes, of maltitious and seditious counsels, whereat his majesties subjects were greatly offended, in so much that means and occasions were given to the wicked to commence new practices: who, after the exhibiting of one supplication engendered many seditions, disorders, and rash parts, as every man well enough knoweth. The which sedition the L. of Hoogstrate did not only not appease, & admonish the Citizens to desist and leave of, as being against the authority of his Ma. but contrariwise, encouraged them thereto: & personally was all in all to favour them, as afterward in very deed it wenl appeared, when as he counseled them to renew their Supplication, which was the only clean contrary mean and way, to make the Country of Brabant ready, to become dutiful and obedient: but rather enbolden them to put in execution their devices & practises. And after, as he was with the Prince appointed to the government of the city of Antwerp, to keep the people in the obedience & fidelity of his Ma. the said Hoogstrate committed grievous acts: and amongst others openly defended the L. of Brederode against his Ma. wittingly suffered soldiers to be levied, & sent them by water to Vyane with all necessary provision: I will cease to speak of the great favour and affection that he hath showed to the people, whereby he maintained the seditious part, and took more authority upon him than his Ma. & the Duchess of Parma his well-beloved sister, than Lady Regent of the lowe Countries, very undutifully behaving himself towards her, & not doing that honour which appertained to her highness. To be short, he so exalted himself, yea rather so for forgot himself, as that he published in the town of Malines belonging to his Majesty, a commandment and edict, without the charge and appointment of the said Duchess, being then Governess: which caused the people become more unruly, and go on to do, whatsoever they lusted: Insomuch that by this mean he encouraged the people to disobey the king, after that he had both writ, & sent some of the nobility unto them. Lastly, he was with the Prince of Orange and his consorts at Tennond, to take counsel how they might put themselves in arms against his Ma. to drive him out of Brabant, and the Regent his Lieutenant, which thing had long before been concluded amongst them, so that there remained nothing else but the putting of it in execution, & that was only for want, that they were not of power able to go on with it. All which things & many others which in time & season might be declared, are the acts of a rebellious & disobedient subject, by which he hath committed high treason, & therefore worthy to be punished in example to others, beseeching eftsoons his Ma. to grant him authority to be able to proceed upon life and death against the said Hoogstrate.  
During this time, the Duke of Alva understanding of the pacification in France, & that the Almains which served the Prince of Condie, meant to come into Flanders, as the king of Spain's Ambassador had both sent and writ unto him, he sent his army of Spaniards and Italians unto the borders of Liege, and also the L. jerges with two thousand Walonnes: he farther gave commission to take into pay the discharged Italians which served the French king.  
The 24. of April William Prince of Orange, 
The answer of the Prince of Orange.  and Anthony de la Laing Count of Hoogstrate answered to the Indictment of the Attorney General of Brabant: and laid all the fault of the troubles, wars, dissensions and seditions, upon the Inventors and Authors of the Inquisition of Spain, and discharged themselves before the Counsel of troubles, especially of high Treason, accusing eftsoons the Duke of Alva of his tyranny, who was so angry with them for it, as that he declared their goods to be confisked, and made a seizure of the Count of Buren, the Prince of Oraunge his Son, who studied at lovayne, and sent him into Spain quite against the Privileges of the university. The content of the answer and defence of these noble men is this.  
Whises the Prince of Orange had authority and Government, he from the first beginning of the troubles and dissensions, was very painful and diligent, to appease and pacify all the troubles that were in the Country of Brabant: and I will leave unto the Reader to weigh and consider of the estate wherein the said Country of Brabant stood, both before and after the troubles of the low Countries: and first tell of the notable wars that the Emperor Charles the fift of famous memory, and after him, king Philip of Spain being Lords of the low Countries, made, as it were for the space of ten years with the French king: and what effusion of blood happened in France, the overthrow of many thousands of men may sufficiently testify: and the Princes and French noblemen, and other nations, which assisted king Henry, who bestowed both their bodies and goods in his service. As also may the ruined and destroyed Towns, Fortresses, Castles and others, or if they were well garnisoned yet they were fain to shake off, their obedience from their natural Lord, and swear new obedience to a new Lord, others that were utterly ruined and destroyed, were brought and reduced into villages, and the Citizens, and all the rest of the Inhabitants were sacked and brought to such poverty as that they were all the days of their life very poor and miserable. These are the fruits of cursed war, which (alas) continued over long.  
But as by the suppressing of the wars in Brabant and the Countries near adjoining, the people began to prosper, and the Country flourish: the people of the low countries were grievously charged & vexed with the Spanish Inquisition, which daily augmented, by reason of the increasing of the reform religion: insomuch that it was great wonder, how the said Inquisitiou was so long borne withal: And yet it is most manifestly known that the subjects of the said low countries were always ready not only to yield all their dutiful obedience, but also hazard their lives and goods in his Ma. service. On the other side, the Nobility both did and showed, all their duty, fidelity, and loving affection: and as for the Estates, they richly gave for the maintenance of the War a marvelous sum of money, and that so with good hearts, as that it was impossible for any man to imagine any sign or token of misliking in them: so that it is most like to be true, that the said low Countries have so loved his Majesty, as that they behaved themselves as faithful subjects in all things which touched the obedience, and reverence due to him, to the end that his low Countries might always be assured against all foreign invasion and war.  
Seeing then that the subjects, especially the nobility, so obediently and serviceably stood unto his Majesty, and in the end governed the wars which continued so long, the subjects had a wonderful great hope, that his Majesty would procure, that the said low countries should be frank and free from the danger of civil wars. And, so long as the subjects saw all things go well forward, they always continued constant in their obedience and fidelity: and although the Brabanders, who heretofore flourished in all kind of trade of merchandise, had in the former wars been in great peril and danger, yet for all that they gathered a great piece of money: so that it is too too manifest, that the king was well assured against all the force of any monarchs and Princes: and that which is more, being reconciled with his enemies, he was not only discharged of all the debts which grew by reason of the wars, but also in a very few years, attained to wonderful great wealth, prosperity and honour. For, when his Majesty was raised vy to so high a degree of honour, foreign Potentates & Princes feared him, because his subjects so honoured and reverenced him: and his Majesty was thought to be the most mighty Monarch, yea so far passing all others, as that it must of necessity needs be granted, that whatsoever they were that would go about to impeach and disturb, this his so great good felicity, must undoubtedly by this notable vuyon, be oppressed and beat down: jusomuch that all they have greatly offended, which have busied themselves about matters, prejudicial or hurtful to his Majesty, and the common weal, and done such things as are worthy punishment to the example of others, when as the wars being suppressed, they have renewed fresh commotions, and caused civil wars: and therefore the Prince of Orange doth verily and steadfastly believe, that they which have brought the country of Brabant into this extreme misery, calamity, & bondage, ought likewise to be punished and chastised.  
And sith the Prince of Orange is publicly in the Indit ement, accused by the Attorney general, to be the original & first mover of the alterations happened in Brabant, he is contented to abide the pains in the said Indictment expressed, if so be it be true that the Attorney hath set down. The said Attorney general affirmeth, that the Prince is ambitious, and of an unbridled mind to govern, whereupon ensueth, that he hath a purpose to take upon him, and enjoy an other man's office and Estate, and hath pretended nothing else in all his counsels and affairs.  
For the confutation of this article, as the original and chief point of the complaint of the Attorney general, it is sufficient that he refer the matter over unto all such as know the prince of Orange, by whom it may be understood, if ever he was desirous of rule: and beside, that he hath well governed his goods and possessions, which by God's grace were left and given unto him, by which he hath more increased his honour and reputation, then by any other charge that ever he had. And all men know, that if the Prince had sought and hunted after his own particular gain, that he had a far better way and mean to have heaped riches together, by which he might have come to estimation and authority, & there held him, then to be at great charge and expenses in Court, in hope to come to authority by others procurement: so that all the world knoweth, that the prince in all his actions and behaviour never sought his own particular benefit.  
And beside, the Prince never once thought to draw away his Ma. subjects from their obedience due unto the same, notwithstanding that the people always most earnestly loved him, but contrariwise continually to keep them in a good liking of his Ma. but the very cause, in truth, of this their estranging them, is the cruelty of the commissions newly published. This then is the only way and mean, that may be said, that the Prince even to the last cast, hath always showed his good and sincere affection unto his Majesty & his low Countries: and it must of necessity be granted, that the Prince at no hand hath at any time, meant to take upon himself any authority over his Majesty: which as some thought, might more commodiously have been conserved in tranquillity and peace: whereupon followeth, that the Prince his meaning was far otherwise. For, his majesties authority could no way have been peaceably conserved, if so be the Country of Brabant should have been conserved in her ancient and former prosperity, but by consenting to the exercise of the cruel Inquisition. For he meant to oppose himself against the said Inquisition: All which his actions do witness, that he is no whit ambitious, but clean contrary. For, long before that time, he had resigned his dignity of the Counsel of Estate, as also the dignity of the kings chief officer of the treasure that arose upon penal Statutes, which is the meetest office of all other to bind the Estates to be beholden unto him: Yea he was offered to take upon him the government of altogether, if he would have accepted of it, whereunto, all the rest of the nobility laboured most carefully to attain: But the Prince so abhorred this Ambition, as that he resigned these two dignities into his majesties hands, when he considered that he could do his Majesty but slender service in counsel, by reason of certain beastly dealings which bereaved him of the mean for that service.  
Nevertheless, when his Majesty had appointed him to be of his Counsel, he so dutifully administzed this function and dignitte, as his conscience witnessed unto him to be necessary, to each man's most profit, although he afterward perceived that his majesties love altered and abated, through the practice and devise of one or two noble men.  
But after that his Majesty had advisedly every way considered of the Prince of Oranges good and faithful service, as he departed out of Zealand towards Spain, he most earnestly besought the said P. to be of his counsel, who after long excuse accepted thereof. Now, when as the Prince saw, that they held on their old course, and far otherwise then his M. had commanded and appointed him, two years after or near there about, he again besought that he might be discharged. Wherefore the ●e we devices were more and more set forward, which were the causes of the beginning of the troubles and commotions: By which the Inquisition was somewhat moderated and a fresh surceased: But as in these Countries the Regiment of Aimaines, as a necessary thing, was brought into them for their defence and safeguard, they were suffered to have Sermons as well in the Towns as in the fields abroad: and namely in divers places, some (except where the reformed religion had been already accepted of in the countries near there about) kept the exercise of the said religion secretly: whereby, the said reform religion daily increased in this so populous Country, so that at the last in few years, the name of the Inquisition became very odious, considering that by it above fifcie thousand had been put to death in Europe, and a greater number were enforced to forsake their goods, kinsfolks, and all their friends, and spend their lives in perpetual misery: which things did not only cause great alterations and changes, but an hatred against the inquisition: Insomuch that in many places, the officers durst not openly put it in execution, but very secretly, and yet not without great peril and danger of commotion. Which thing some of the officers can bear witness of, who had some of the prisoners taken from them against their wills: which caused all such as experience had taught, long before to foresee, that the said Inquisition would be the cause of some trouble and commotion, if in continuance of time it were not wisely provided for, and good order taken about it.  
The Queen of hungry then governess of the low Country, greatly feared this mischief and misery. Wherefore she took her voyage to Ausbourgh towards her brother the Emperor of famous memory Charles the fifth, with whom she so handled her business, as that the cruelty of the Counsel of Trent, then concluded upon, should be moderated, and that the Antwerpians and Brabanders that would not receive the Inquisition, should be quite and clean rid of it, as afterward they were.  
Now, whiles the Country of Brabante had been in quiet a good long time, through the authority of the Governess, and that all things were ordered by the advise of the Counsel of estate, the Attorney General thrust himself in to treat or deal immediately after his Ma. departure, either alone or else with some tyrannous noblemen, of & in matters of great charge and weight, and immediately signified unto his Ma. of their perverse counsel. When the king was advertised that the Inquisition had not his right course and proceeding, he was very angry & pensive: nevertheless some courteous noblemen earnestly besought him, to have an hearty remembrance, of the services & good deeds which his subjects had done in the former wars: & so rule himself as the state of the time required, & abolish all new devices, as the new Bishops & the Inquisition, according to the privileges of the countries: seeing that some wicked men had practised these new devices in the low Countries, contrary to the state of the time, and against all the immunities and privileges of the low Countries: and that those things might be abolished, considering that the troubles and commotion in France which happened there, by reason of the Inquisition, are appeased and suppressed by the ceasing thereof. Moreover, that the erection and institution of the new bishoprics, is hurtful to the foreign archbishops and bishops, which have any jurisdiction and diocese in these low countries. For this and many other reasons therefore, they of the low Countries considering, that the new devices were the causes of great misery and many mischiefs, if in time they were not provided for and remedied, made complaint unto the Governess: who, by, and upon, the deliberation and determination of the Counsel of estate dispatched the Baron of Montigni knight of the order, and sent him post into Spain to his Majesty, with commission to declare unto the king the Estate, and general misliking of the low countries, which hath risen by reason of these new devices: and that for this cause it is come to pass, that the nobility of Brabant to meet with this mischief and misery, have been pressed and constrained, especially to have their desire and demand accomplished, always hoping, that his Majesty would satisfy their request, or that he would at the least moderate the charge and burden wherewith they were too too much oppressed, and especially the bishops and Abbots which heretofore flourished in Brabant, were now greatly endamaged: wherefore they have likewise sent their Deputies unto his Ma. as also the Antwerpians, for the withstanding and letting of the Inquisition, and the Institution of the new Bishops. The which message at sometimes had kept in suspense the troubles of the low countries, because every man hoped, that the said Deputies, and Ambassades, might by his majesties good counsel and conclusion, receive some good ordinance for their advancement and profit, accordingly as the affairs required. But that the reformed Religion was so rooted every where, as that in some places Sermons were openly preached, to wit, at Valence, Tournay, and other Cities and Towns: & the reason was, that because the liberty of the religion in France was agreed upon, the low country men hoped, & verily thought themselves to have as well deserved for their services passed, towards their king, & his precedents, as the Frenchmen towards the French king, and therefore that they ought likewise to be agreed, & have the liberty of conscience granced of them.  
For it might be manifestly seen, that it was impossible for the ancient Romish ordinances to be observed and kept in the countries aforesaid, because that they which used the trade of merchandise, bought & sold their commodities with such nations their near neighbours, as were of another religion. But when the adverse party began to suppress & root out the reformed religion, them it might be easily seen, how it continually grew & increased. And yet nevertheless the cardinal of Granuelle so hotly followed his business, as that he put the afore said Bishops in possession, because be himself had the Archbishopric of Malines for his share, by virtue whereof he was Legatus natus, & Primate over all the other bishops, & had over & beside for a commendum, the Abbotship of Affligam, which was one of the richest in all the whole country: having gotten also to himself of the abbeys that remained certain of the Divines to be his favourites.  
And although contrary to all hope & expectation, this new devise was brought in into divers cities, yet might the envy & malice of many be easily seen & known herein: for, divers cities would at no hand receive & accept of these new bishops, but opposed themselves against them: to wit, the Antwerpians, Rurmondians, Goreningians, Deventrians, & others, Howbeit, by this doing, the cardinal of Granuelle had obtained such authority & favour, as that he might give away & bestow all his M. offices & benefices where it pleased him, insomuch that he had gotten for his part to be Lord & king over all his other fellow bishops: for by the mean divers devices were practised, to obtain & keep the authority & superintendentship in his Ma. countries. And to the end he might understand the state of all the whole doings there: as also to get the love and good will of all the kings, princes, & potentates near about, he had authority to make & place all his Ma. commissaries & other officers: & amongst the rest made his brother Germaine Ambassador in France, who had won there such favour as that the king and the Queen sent with all careful diligence, to have him sent back unto their Ma. for the quiet of the common weal.  
And whosoever would consider & thoroughly weigh the things afore said, might easily judge who it was, that had usurped, & challenged to himself power & authority above his Ma. from whence have proceeded all these troubles & griefs. But all these things, & new devices aforesaid, bread such great sorrow & heaviness in the P. of Oranges heart, as that he desired not once nortwise, but many and sundry times, to be discharged of his Counsellership of estate, & of the Lord Treasorership of the revenue of his highness forfeitures of penal laws, desiring nothing so much as to have these new devices abolished. But when the said Prince considered & understood, that they sought by all means possible, utterly to bring in subjection the country of Brabant, to that end he might be no occasion to withstand and gainsay the same, he carefully stood upon it to be discharged of the said offices & dignities, seeing it was neither hurtful, either to his M. or yet to the common weal, to the end he might be at a more leisure to look to his own business, & not be found guilty of the disorders which he foresaw was like to come through the strage & new devise. And for this cause he besought both his Ma. & also the Duchess of Parmathen Lady Regent to be discharged of his estate & government, & sith that the gentlemen confederates had exhibited their supplication, whereof the adversaries talked diversly their pleasures. Truly, if the Prince had been so ambitious, as to have taken to himself his Ma. authority, it is most likely, that his highness would have discharged him, & not expressly commanded him to continue in his Estate: for it is a most just law to discharge ambitious noblemen of their estates: lest in the end they would go about to take upon them the possession of all the kings countries, & make them their own. And therefore this is clean contrary to that that the Attorney general hath set down: for it is before sufficiently declared, that the prince neither before nor yet after his highness departure, was suspected to be ambitious, or meant to take upon him his majesties authority, either yet make himself Lord of Brabant, seeing it is most evident that the prince sought by all possible means to be unburdened of his Estate. For all men may well understand, that will at least consider any thing of the matter, that since his majesties departure, the cardinal of granuel hath had all power and authority: and therefore it may truly both by many testimonies and examples be verified, that I had great reason to seek to be discharged of mine estate & dignity: howbeit I cannot forget to speak one thing, which is this, that the duchess of Parma hath confessed, that since the departure of the said Cardinal, that she within a few months understood more of the state and affairs of Brabant than she did in all the time that the Cardinal continued there.  
Moreover, when as in the last troubles at Bruxelles, the dutthes was purposed to fly unto mons in Haynault, and from thence towards the Alps, to give place unto such as desired to have greater authority than she had: The Prince in the company of other noble men instantly besought her, not to work such injury to herself, nor shame to his majesty: whereupon evidently & truly appeareth, that all the Prince's actions and purposes are far from all ambition: for if the prince would have taken upon him the whole government, he could never have had a better & fit occasion to have brought it to pass, them the duchess departure: howbeit he was of another mind, & therefore used all the means possible he could to stay her going, & prevent the disorderly dealing.  
And desides, when council was given to his majesty, that it would be very profitable for his council of Estate to be increased with noble men and wealthy learned men, for the preventing of all dissension & discord, & that all things might be better administered: and chief because that the ordinances of the council aforesaid might be observed, & diligently executed, & to be short, to the end that all occasions might be cut off from every one for the moving of controversies, according to every mansfantafie, or else to hunt after and seek their own game of the goods of the common weal: to the which end also the Duchess of Parma required the prince, to set down unto her the names of meek and worthy men for the same estate, the said Prince for the avoiding of all suspicion in seeking after his own particular commodity, referred the matter to his majesties good pleasure, which is a manifest token that he never sought his own particular advantage: so that it must needs follow, that it is very far of, that he is ambitious, & desirous of rule, as he is accused, seeing it is the property & condition of all ambitious men, ordinarily to to bear sway alone without companion or mate: now his meaning was clean contrary, for his purpose was to have more councillors of the estate, & that many might be partakers of the same authority.  
And further he required & said that he was minded to get him home to his own house, & leave his room to some other, as the Duchess and divers else of the council of estate, had thereof rendered good testimony. It is therefore not necessary to lay open more certain & apparent occasions of these troubles: namely, when a man weigheth & considereth how desirous the Brabanders are most earnestly to defend their privileges, which they so long ●yme have mioyed by virtue of the mutual contracts made betwixt their Dukes and them, and also to maintain their privileges which they have obtained partly by those Dukes, & partly by the Emperors of old time granted unto them: especially when they feared to have been bereaved of them through the great oppression and burden of strange people. But as the Cardinal of granuel persisted & continued in his imagination and opinion: and that in his absence his adherents and complices proceeded on further in the matter, forthwith all discord & diffention began to revive, so that it could not be met withal, by reason of the dissension that was between those of the council of estate, of the privy council, & the treasurers of the receipt of the revenues of the forfeitures of penal laws, who were so over ruled by the cardinal, & the Lords that took his part, as that they could never agree together.  
And because that this and many other such like things bred and nourished great dissension, wherefore to the end to meet with all apparent disorders & mischiefs, it was determined that the Count of Egmont should be sent unto his Majesty, at whose return every man comforted himself with good hope, and an express declaration of amendment, and remedy of every thing, and especially for the moderation of the Inquisition. And for the same purpose in the year 1565. there assembled three Bishops, three Divines, three Doctors of the civil law, and as many canonists, to conclude a moderation upon the said Inquisition: whereupon in the end it was sent to his majesty, howbeit no whit agreed unto, neither yet published. Over and beside this, in the end of the same year his majesty gave express commandment, that the new bishops should be brought in without contradiction, or else proclaim the decrees of the council of Trent, & give unto the Inquisitors their authority and power, by which they had both temporal & ecclesiastical knowledge & authority, & that the determination & couclusion of the Tridentine council should forthwith be put in execution with all severity.  
The copies of this commandment were by and by sent unto all the cities & towns of the low countries, expressly commanding them to rule themselves according to his majesties commadement and commissions. This was the second cause and chief occasion of the alterations and disorders as hereafter shallbe showed.  
Seeing then that the inquisition principally, was by his majesty expressly commanded, it must of necessity follow, that all the fault of the troubles and disorders passed, is to be laid upon himself & upon none else. Wherefore it neither agreeth with the truth, nor yet any way like to be true, that through the exhortation of the prince of Orange the subjects should rebel against his highness, or that he first of all should by his persuasions draw them out of the way, & stir up the greatest part of the nobility to confederate themselves with him, or to be mutinous, and by an oath confirm their league, to the end to oppose & defend themselves at all times against his majesty & his ordinances, which were from the first beginning observed & kept. And beside, it is unlike to be true, that this assembly and confederacy was made in his courts of Breda & Bruxelles, & so accordingly to be the author, fautor & chief of the obstinate & mutinous rebels, or disturber of the public weal. For, he never stirred up sedition or dissension against his majesty, & therefore ought not to be accused thereof: for the said conspiracy began not by any exhorting of his, but through the griefs proceeding from the Inquisition, and because that the promises and other incidents made in the year, 50.55.62.65. as before hath been declared and showed, were not performed and kept. Wherefore the prince of Orange affirmeth that by the foresaid league, and the accusations, and other matters ensuing, the self same thing came to pass which the Duchess of Parma heretofore had spoken in open council: to wit, that the declaration of the cruel commissions published by his majesty, would cause a marvelous alteration, seeing that many had conceived some good hope, of the good tidings that the Count of Egmont would bring with him at his return out of Spain.  
And it is sithence also come to pass, that it was written to the Duchess, as she herself hath confessed in her answer, that the declaration of the Commissions published by his majesty, was the cause of the whole alteration: which commissions (as before is said) are the very spring head of the league, made against his knowledge and will. But so soon as the same declaration was come to the hands of the said Duchess, and understood the content thereof, 15. days before the confederates had assembled themselves at the Town house: she said and expressly declared, that the same declaration liked her not in all those points, & that she could not devise how the rigour of the commissions could by any means keep the low countries in peace and ●nitie. Surely, her highness took not the meaning of the confederates to be seditious: seeing she vertly believed that the confederates would attempt nothing against his majesty, nor their country, neither yet any thing that might be hurtful thereto: so that this is a clear case, that these alterations & troubles came first and principally from the Inquisition. Here are to be considered and weighed the examples of Germany, France, England, and Scotland: ho wheit it must needs be granted, that his majesty meant to show nothing else by the setting forth of these cruel commissions, but in time utterly to destroy the country of Brabant. And contrariwise, in the countries where the religion, or at least the liberty of conscience is granted and agreed upon, & where the Inquisition hath had nothing to do, there is a peaceable and quiet abiding and dwelling. Which thing witnesseth unto us, that there is a greater difference to live with liberty of conscience without the Inquisition, then in all malice, iniquity, and licentiousness, without correction and chastifement: neither yet did it ever like the princes & potentates of Germany, who ever desired the peace of their countries, & always sought the public weal of them, unto whom the matter as greatly appertaineth as unto his majesty, but to suffer the liberty of religion or conscience, if at any time they feared commotions and rebellion.  
Moreover, his majesty might well enough understand the meaning of the confederates, seeing they never showed themselves obstinate, or went about by force, to obtain that which they craved: but only besought his majesty to understand their grief and supplication, & thereupon take the advise of the general Estates, promising hereafter to live in the cause of religion, according to the ordenauce & determination of the said Estates. And then if any man should be disobedient, seditious, or a disturber of the common weal, that he might be punished according to the quality of the offence. Now the confederates desire nothing else, but to have their supplication heard, or that the general Estates might be called & assembled together: and seeing that this business had so fallen out in Brabant, that is, was also necessary that a thing of so great importance should be propounded to the said estates, who in all ages, upon such occasions according to the tenure of their privileges, were called together by the Emperor Charles the fift: to determine & conclude upon the state of religion according to the ordinances, which clearly may be seen in the text granted and published in the year of our Lord. 1531.  
Wherefore the confederates thought it lawful for them to require and crave so much, sith it hath been always the custom in such sort to require such kind of things. As also in the books of the Maccabees, we shall find good and holy confederacies made, for the advancing of the glory of God, the welfare and health of the Governors and Magistrates, and the prosperity of the common wealth & of the country. Likewise the prince of Orange thinketh, that the confederacy of the nobility ought not to be taken for sedition or rebellion against his majesty, forsomuch as concerning the same, the confederates have toyntly promised to ay● and assist one the other against the same: but yet upon this condition that this conspiracy, as before is said, should end, when as his majesty had by experience found, that the Inquisition would be enemy to all peace & tranquillity: wherefore they also offered to desist & leave off their petition & purpose, & yield unto his majesty alobedience & be ruled by the determination & ordinance of the general estates.  
The duchess also was of this mind, who had said, before the arrival of the confederates, that she was of the opinion to moderate his majesties determination as touching the Inquisition: yea she made a kind of show in the kings name, that she would exempt the country of Brabant from the Inquisition: howbeit since her first coming into these low countries, until her departure hence, she hath in very deed showed the contrary. For she took this confederacy, and the exhibiting of the supplication, for disobedtence and sedition, although she had notwithstanding heretofore dissembled the same both in word and deed. This her dissembling and hypocrisy the prince minded to show, not that he had been the inventor and furtherer of this confederacy, which no way toucheth him, but because he would hereeby declare that she jumped with his majesties opinion, who esteemed of the confederates as rebels & traitors.  
But when as the duchess by his majesties commandment & by the advise of all the counsels, had agreed to the supplication of the confederates, yea, so far as that she had promised under her own hand and seal, that the confederates should not be holden guilty, nor yet accused by reason of this confederacy, nor of what soever followed thereon, it followeth that neither his majesty, nor yet the duchess, had just occasion to distrust the confederates: neither say that the Duchess had done it for any other purpose, & to appease those that had undutifully behaved themselves, and cast down the Images, which was altogether done against his will and pleasure. Nevertheless, a man might say, that his majesties meaning and the Duchess were diverse, although they agreed and were all one. For the intent of either of both was none other, but to win the friendship and good will of the confederates, whereby the welfare of his majesty (as they thought) should be more advanced than hindered.  
For the declaration of his Majesty, and of the Duchess, hath been so at large set down, as that it is enough to excuse and purge them of the accusation wherewith they were charged: wherefore it is to be considered, that neither his Majesty, nor yet the Duchess, do take the confederates to be seditious, thus a man may easily weigh, how variable and inconstant the hearts and thoughts of Kings and Princes are.  
Moreover, the king had written with his own hand to the same intent and purpose in the month of August, to wit, after and before that the said confederacy and supplication were made, that his Majesty greatly liked of the prince of Oranges services, neither did he make any account of that that had passed: and that the Prince should not leave off for any other reasons to be persuaded, touching his fidelity, but that his Majesty wholly trusted him, and would not believe any reasons that should tend to his hurt, of whom he wrote, that they had been too blame, and done very ill.  
Thus by the reasons above said may easily be perceived, that there is no likelihood, why the said Prince should be called the chief, inventor, and fautor of those that were rebels, seeing it could not be found, that he had stirred up, maintained, and defended the said confederates, neither was any man able to say that ever he protected any of the confederates or others: and therefore why should he be there of accused? furthermore, he is charged, that some of the confederates put themselves in arms and stood at defence in divers places, without regard of any thing what so ever: which matter toucheth no whit the said Prince, and therefore not bound to answer it, neither yet to excuse himself for other men's faults and offences: and again he is not to be charged in that, that some of the confederates became after Rebels and Traitors: seeing that what so ever ensued thereof, was done not only without his commandment, but also to his great sorrow and grief.  
Yea and that which is more, all these things were committed in his absence, and for that cause, levied he men of war for his own defence, although his adversaries say to the contrary: and that this was done, by reason that he would take all his majesties authority to himself, considering that he had at that time in his hands both cities and castles.  
Howbeit the Prince had none other meaning, but according to the Duchess commandment, reduce the said Countries, especially Holland, Zealand, and Vtryght, of which he was goveruour, to peace and quiernesse, and them to conserve under his majesties obedience and fidelity: doing all duty for the faithful administering of his Estate and office. Whereof the presidents, Counsels, Estates, Officers, and Magistrates of the said Countries, and Cities, can bear him good witness: and that he was no whit partial, but admonished either party to be obedient and faithful unto his Majesty, as he also so did in many other places where he had any dominion. Which thing may manifestly be seen, by that that the Prince, by the grace of God, hath there resisted and letted, that in all these troubles and seditions, no City or Town belonging to his Majesty, hath been endamaged, taken, or withdrawn either from his, or the Duchess obedience.  
And for confutation and overthrow of the Count Hooghstrate his indictment, and the accusation of his ambition: and for the holding of an assembly in his castle of Hooghstrate, or the conspiring with the Countess of Egmont and Horn at Deuremond, & likewise his conspiracy with the Prince of Orange, in jointly joining together in arms against his Majesty and the stopping with all their power and might the entrance of his army into Brabant: The Prince protesteth, and referreth himself over to the testimonies of the Lords that then were assembled at Hoogstrate, who can report whither any other matters were there treated of, then visiting of one another, and to be merry together, in meeting of certain noble men strangers, their good friends & kinsmen, neither shall it ever be proved that any thing in that place was determined & concluded upon, that might any way, turn to his M. hurt. And again, they shall never be able, truly prove, that he had been at any assembly either at Deuremond, or in any other place, about the consulting & conspiring for the stopping of his M. arrival into Brabant. But he right well understandeth, that all these actions have sinisterly been interpreted unto his M. which hath greatly impaired his highness loving affertion to wards him: For he had gotten the copy of a letter written by Francis of Alana, his M. ambassador in France, to the Duchess, that when time & place served, the Countess of Egmond & Horn, and the P. of Orange, should be punished as they had deserved: but that in the mean while, they should be gently and lovingly entreated: and in the said letter was also contained, that the troubles and commotions in Brabant were imputed to them.  
Thus here we see the principal cause of their assembly at Deuremond: But these noble men do trust and stick to their innocency: concluding none otherwise, but to propound to the Duchess the content of this letter, and to keep themselves safe from it. And that which might be herein more talked of, he trusted that the Lords which were then in prison had more at large declared the same.  
And as concerning the rest of the articles of the indictment, to wit, that the Prince had counseled the L. of Brederode, to fortify and fence his castle of Viane against his M. that is a very lie, and against all truth: But this is true in deed, that about certain years past, the prince himself, being at Vyane, the L. of Brederode said unto him: That the L. his father had appointed him as it were by will, to make up the ditches and rampires of Vyane already begun, whereupon he answered, that for the accomplishing of his fathers will he would do it: But there was not a word spoken of the king, neither had he once the heart to attempt any thing against him. And as touching the advice of fortification, the nobility were in all times at their free choice and livertie to fortify their Manors when it pleased them. Moreover, Viane, with all the jurisdiction thereunto belonging, properly apperte●neth to the L. of Brederode: and although his ancestors have been in suit for it, yet hath the L. of Brederode continued still in peaceable possession. Wherefore there can be no matter of treason concluded upon, in this behalf: for that talk which they had together, was nothing else but about the fortifying of the said Town, but no mention was made of his majesties affairs, and this conference was long before the time of these troubles.  
As touching the other point, that the Prince suffered the Lord of Brederode to levy men of war at his pleasure, in the City of Antwerp, and sent secretly to Vyane certain munition against the duchesses Countermand; The P. answereth, that he came to Antwerp, to deliver the City from those sudden troubles: and when he understood the case, he advertised the Margrave thereof, who never found out any thing of the matter, but only such as were sitting at a table, having Commission to levy men, howbeit they secretly got themselves away.  
True it is that the Prince offered unto the Lord of Brederode, certain pieces of Artillery that were made at Vtright, howbeit this was long before these troubles: and at that time it was about his majesties service, so that he could not refuse them, seeing that Vyane was not far from Vtryght, and besides, he had also required and demanded them.  
And as concerning those points, that the Prince should forbid the receiving of his majesties garnisonnes into certain places and Towns, especially in Zelande, where he himself had sent men of war to take up the place, and stop his majesties entrance by sea: As for the garnysonnes, the Prince saith, that he never had it once in his thought to forbid them, and if in case it be true they ought to tell, when, and at what time, and in what place this gear was wrought.  
Notwithstanding when he was in Zealand, he was advertised, that there was a practice to take Zealande, if it were possible, which was a matter of great importance, and therefore he commanded the Lord of Boxtell, that no Garnison should be received without his leave, for that is the manner of all lieutenants.  
But when he was afterward advertised by the Captain of the Rammekins, which was under his charge, that two hundred of the duchesses soldiers were there arrived, requiring to have the Castle opened unto them, which the Captain denied, howbeit he was afeard of some mutiny and sedition, by reason his people were unpaid, and the Castle but hardly bestead with victuals: he commanded him that no man should enter into the Castle, without the duchesses commandment, and his leave: whereof the Duchess being advertised, was well pleased, and sent them their pay: although the Duchess had been before otherwise informed, whiles she lay at Bruxelles, and he in Antwerp: and if the said soldiers had entered the Castle, he must have answered it. Moreover, the Antwerpians desired that they might have no garnisons thrust into their City, promising to be always obedient unto his Ma. and neither spare body nor goods to do him service, no not once to hinder him in these affairs. It is very true that certain small vessels were laden with soldiers to come to Antwerp, who for the common quiet of the City could not be suffered to enter, wherefore they sailed towards Zealand, where they were forbidden & stayed for coming on land: Insomuch, that they enforced through famine, to return to Antwerp, and as it is said, that as they were in the L. of Brederode his service, being about a mile from Antwerp, to wit, at Easterwell, and coming on land, were there discomfited. When the reformed Churches of Antwerp heard of this, they armed themselves to help the said soldiers: which caused a great alarm within the city, so that the Prince in the end appeased the same, without the effusion of any citizen's blood. By which Bee gave them to understand, that he never pretended to attempt any thing in Zealand, which might any way tend to the hindrance of any of his majesties devices & practices.  
But in that he would not receive garnisons into the country, and towns, he did that for the avoiding of all dissension, and to keep the subjects in peace & unttie. Wherefore the prince greatly marveleth that such great learned men, as would be so well thought of, would set down and propound such matters, as never can nor shallbe any way verified.  
There is beside in the Articles of this indictment declared, that the prince was sent to Antwerp to appease the troubles, but that he suffered the exercise of all heretical Sects indifferently.  
Whereunto he answereth, That he expressly told the Counsel, that it was impossible for him to stay those of the religion: notwithstanding that he would be as careful to do what so ever lay in him to be done as a man mought be: Insomuch that all the Townsmen gave him great thanks, for the appeasing of the troubles through his advise and counsel. The Magistrate of the City, and not he, suffered the building of the Churches, and the exercise of the religion, for the aveyding of a greater offence and mischief.  
The Consistories were ordained before he came thither: yea even before the public preachings: and to meet from thenceforth with all troubles, he permitted them a way or mean, whereby all the circumstances of the affairs that might suddenly happen, might be talked upon and dealt withal: and did not believe that his Majesty by this occasion could any way be endemnified, seeing it served more for the keeping of his subjects in peace and tranquillity.  
For the last Article, where it is said, that he should ordain impositions and exactions, or levy money for the paying of soldiers: he faith, That he neither ordained impositions, nor yet levied movey: But that that which was therein done, had been done before he came there, for the maintenance of the poor, and of the ministers, and for the building of their Churches: wherefore it is very apparent and probable, that this money was not employed about his profit.  
Hereby also may very well be perceived, that his meaning was not to impose any exactions, when as he refused fifty thousand Florines which were frankly offered him, for the good service which he had done. It was impossible to stop such a thing, in such a city of Merchandise as Antwerp, seeing that there is daily great sums of money disbursed and laid out for divers and sundry things. Wherefore by these reasons aforesaid is sufficiently set down, that he was not the Author of the troubles.  
These words and speeches may suffice for the excuse and defence of the Prince of Orange: with the which also accordeth the excuse and defence of the L. of Hooghstrate, saving that he hath answered, as thou hast heard upon other points and articles, as before hath been declared.  
Hitherto have we orderly set down and declared, in what sort the Duke of Alva arrived in the low Countries with his men of war, and of his whole proceedings therein: And likewise how the Prince of Orange withdrew himself, and procured all men to prepare for soldiers both on horseback and on foo●e, to the end to withstand the fury of the bloody tyrant the D. of Alva: who for the defence against the invasion of his enemies, put himself in arms, and provided men of war, not only within the Country, but also without, because he greatly presumed that the banished Lords, and the rest that were fled, would give an attempt to return into their possessions and inheritances: so that, all his care was, how he might be able to hurt the enemy.  
And as the Duke of Alva had made all the provision that might be for the wars to come, he caused all the goods, debts, titles, and actions of the fugitives and banished men, to be confisked, having made commissioners for the very purpose, who were bound to answer to the hands of the ordinary judge, to deliver the money into the Treasurer of the wars possession, for the paying of the soldiers and horsemen which were to be used about those wars: which was the way to hurt his enemy, and to spare his majesties purse. Over and beside, he imposed great exactions & tollages, and levied wonderful sums of money upon his matesties' credit, for the paying of the garnisons, the building of castles, & for the fortifying of the fronter & border towns of the country: and to have continual store of money for all occurrants whatsoever.  
On the other side, The Prince of Orange being driven out of these countries, and spoiled of his goods, not meaning to do as the rest of the counties had done, knew none other better way, then to excuse himself towards his king and prince: & implored and pitifully besought the aid of other potentates, to be his intercessors in that behalf.  
And although the Emperor himself had done therein as much as he could, yet would not the king once listen to him, nor yet understand the matter: But put over the Prince unto the Duke of Alva to be ordered by him, which thing he thought would neither be good nor profitable for him, and therefore was of necessity driven to enter into arms with the aid of his kinsfolks, friends, and favourers, as well Germans, as the low Country men.  
Moreover, all such as took part with him, and as yet remained under the yoke of the Spaniards, furnished him with all the money they were able to make, because they hoped thereby to recover their lost liberty. Now, when the Prince was thus provided, he, by his brother Count Lodwickes' help, procured an army of footmen and horsemen, and for the better furthering of the cause, the Prince wrote to all the Princes and Lords, complaining himself unto them, of the tyranny and extreme wrong of the Duke of Alva, that he had spoiled him of his goods, hereaved him of his manners, lands, and tenements, and contrary to all right and equity, had taken away the Count of Buren his son, and sent him over into Spain.  
The Princes of Germany were greatly displeased that the low countries should thus be oppressed by a tyrannous spaniard and Stranger: and therefore they assembled themselves together, to consult and devise which way was best for them, to help the prince of Orange.  
The May following, there was mustering of soldiers in every place: But when the Duke of Alva heard of it, he took order for the matter, and got him into the plain field: Insomuch that they which had first assembled themselves beyond the Maze, and afterward about Dalham, which is a little town in the Country of juilliers, whose chief & Captain was the Lord of Hooghstrate, were by the Duke of Alva his people discomfited, and a thousand soldiers slain: not regarding that they had committed that fact, within the Land and jurisdiction of the Empire: Howbeit it is the natural condition and property of Spaniards and Italians to be always too to● proud, and think themselves better than all other nations: For it so fell out even at that present, as that the governor of Hinisverge and his Lieutenant who were come to Dalham to admonish and summon the fugitives and banished men to departed out of the borders of the Duke of juillers his Lord and Master, were there murdered and slain as if they had been enemies.  
Notwithstanding all this, they which escaped and remained were no whit the more discouraged thereby, but invaded his majesties low Countries with Duke Lodowick, and for the encouraging of the people agayns●●he Spaniards, they were very well appointed and fortified, and of all hands bestirred them, intending to go on with these wars, for the exercise of religion, the defence of the privileges of the low Countries, and for the restoring of the banished men and fugitives, into their ancient possession and inheritance: which was the cause that some of them bare in their ensigns, this devise or posy, Recuperare, aut mori, that is to say: we will either recover our loss, or else lose our lives.  
Wherefore many of the people assembled themselves in all quarters, in so much that Count Lodwycke finding himself well strengthened, took many towns and places, The first of which, was the Castle of Wed, and after that, the Dam, in the Country of Groening.  
Now when the Duke of Alva heard of this, he waxed stark mad, and doubting that his jolly felicity might turn to to great misery: he would in no wise give Count Lodowick any time to fortify in that place, but sent thither Sardigne his Regiment or Tertio, with the Master of his Camp, and three ensigns of the Regiment or Tertio of lombards, and four hundredth Spanish and Italian horse, and the Count Megue with a jolly company of soldiers.  
And over and beside, five companies of the Regiment of the Count of Arenbergue. Howbeit all these people could do Count Lodowick no hurt, because his army daily increased.  
The Duke of Alva sent thither Sir john of Ligny Count Arenbergue, who was newly come out of France, with a Regiment of Spaniards, and five ensigns of Almains, to set upon the enemy, which he did in deed, but to his great loss, before the Count Megue was come.  
The first skirmish was very bravely handled, in a place where a thousand shot of the Count Nasious lay in wait for the coming of the Count Arenbergue: Howbeit the night separated them, and the Spaniards retired unto their Camp: but the Count Nassou in the night raised his Campe. When the day was come, the Spaniards thought that the Count Nassou and his people had fled, and therefore, they followed them. But when Count Lodowick understood, that there were no more horsemen but Curtius Martinengo his band, he charged the Count Arenbergue with three hundred horses, and overthrew ten ensigns of Spantardes, and five companies of Almains.  
The Count of Arenbergue for the saving of his honour, defended himself valiantly: Howbeit his horse was slain under him, and he falling to the ground, was suddenly surprised by a shot and slain, 
The Count of Arenbergue ●layne.  notwithstanding that he cried out and said, save my life, for I am a Count, but all would not serve, and so his noble blood was there split. Certain of the Spaniards fled unto a Monastery not far from the place where the overthrow was given, called Heiligher Lee, to hide and save themselves: Howbeit they were forthwith set upon, where, at the very first assault was slain Count Adolfe of Nassou, 
Count Adolf of Nafsou slain.  count Lodowick his brother, and his Chancellor: The rest of the Spaniards and Almains saved themselves in the town of Groening. By this overthrow, the Duke of Alva lost six pieces of great Ordinance with all their munition, but chief the count of Arenbergue, who was all his comfort.  
Over and beside the great store of money, which they had brought with them for the paying of their soldiers, their plate and other riches, which the Nassovans made good butin of. This battle was fought the 23. of May 1568. between Heiligher Lee, and Winschote in Friselande, The Count of Arenbergue was buried in the Church of the said Monastery, and the Count Adolfe at Welden.  
The 29. of May the Duke of Alva caused a Proclamation to be placlaymed at Bruxelles: That all such as were departed their Country, should return to their place of abode, upon pain of confiscation both of body and goods. The wealthy fugitives, were expressly named, howbeit few or none returned, because they hoped of a better way, and a more convenient time to do it.  
This discomfiture greatly grieved the Duke of Alva, but he was avenged for it upon the noble men, and Gentlemen, and other wealthy Citizens whom he had in prison, whose lives he took away.  
For the first day of june, he caused eighteen gentlemen's heads to be stricken off in the Horsemarket at Bruxelles: 
The tyranny of the Duke of Alua.  to wit, Gysbert and Thierry of Batenbourgh Barons, Peter de Andelot, Philip de Winglen, Maximilian Cock, Philip Triest a Gantois, john de Blays, Bortholomew de Val, Sir Beyma a gentleman of Friesland, and Harman Galama a gentleman of Friselande also, james de Pentan, Ferdinand Peletier, Constantine of Bruxelles, john de Rumaul, Lewis Carlier of Cambray, Peter and Philip de Altz, brethren.  
The next day being the second of june, were put to death, the Lord of Vilers, and the Lord of Due, who were taken at the overthrow of Dalham, Quintin Benit, and a minister of the word, named Cornille Nyeen, a very learned and famous doctor: upon all these persons aforesaid vomited he up his choler.  
The third of the said month he caused to be brought forth the Count Egmond and Philippe de Memorencie count of Horn, knights of the order, two very famous gentlemen, both for their language and honour, as also for their notable feaces of arms: especially the Count Egmonde, for the good service which he had done his Majesty in the voyage to Saint Quintin's, where the Constable, and many other French noble men were taken: and afterward in the voyage to Groening, where he valiantly overcame the French, to their great loss both of men and otherways. Howbeit all these his notable, good and faithful services stood him in no stead. These two Counts were brought from Gand to Bruxelles in a waggon, with a convoy of ten ensigns of Spaniards, and a band of Horses, and led to the market place of Bruxelles, and lodged at an house called the Breadhouse, about three of the clock in the after noon: and there were indicted and sentence pronounced as followeth.  
The Duke of Alva his highness, Marquis of Coria, governor, Lieutenant and Captain general for his Majesty, our redoubted and beloved Lord, in his low Countries, and Lord chief justice in the Counsel of life and death over his majesties prisoners: having seen the Attorney general his declaration and information, and also the minutes, documents, depositions, and letters by him exhibited, but especially the confession and propositions of the prisoners, their answers and defence, and the bills by them exhibited, by which the L. that are  
 
But now to return to my first matters which I was in hand withal, 
The Count of Egmond his answer unto the sentence.  when the Count of Egmond heard of this severe sentence, he said, Truly, this is an hard judgement: I do not believe that ever in all my life I have so offended his Majesty, as to have deserved so severe sentence: Nevertheless if so be that I have offended, I beseech the Lord that my death may take away all my sins, to the end that neither I nor none of mine be any more dishonoured, and that my dear wife and fear, and my innocent children suffer no more torment, after that my body and goods shall be confisked: my good services have deserved, not to have any such grace granted unto me: But sith it is the pleasure of almighty God, and my Lord the king, that thus it shallbe, I will patiently suffer death. And afterward he wrote unto the king this letter.  
The Count Egmonde his letter to the king.  
I have heard the decree of your majesties sentence given upon me, although I never either meant or thought to commit any thing that might be hurtful unto your person, service, or the ancient Catholic religion: But I take in good part what so ever it shall please the Lord to lay upon me: and if I have during these troubles in the low Countries any way offended, or suffered any thing that might have happened to others and not to myself, the same hath come from a loyal and faithful heart, to the honour of God, your majesties service, and as the time required.  
Wherefore I most humbly beseech your Majesty, that if it so be, that I have any way offended you, to pardon and forgive me, and have pity on my dear wife, my innocent children, and my poor servants, commending myself for the present to the mercy of God.  
Given at Bruxelles the 5. of june 1568. subsigned. Prepared to die, Amurathes de Egmond.  
WHen the Count of Egmond had written and sealed up this letter, he delivered it to the bishop of Ypre, beseeching him that he would send it to his Majesty, which the Bishop promised upon his faith to do, and so performed it.  
The Count of Horns would not from the beginning be shriven by the Bishop, saying: I have made my confession unto God: Nevertheless at the great entreaty of the Bishop, he in the end was shriven of him.  
Upon Whitsun eve in the morning, the Count Egmond boldly called upon them, that he might finish his days, seeing it was neither good nor profitable, for a condemned man to remain long time in suspense, in the torment and anguish of death. And about Noon the Count Egmond was brought unto the great market place, accompanied with the Bishop of Ypre and other Church men: after them followed the Master of the Camp to the Spaniards, and Captain Salines with nyenteene ensigns of Spaniards, who marched on in order of battle very well appointed, for the staying of all disorders and troubles, or for defence, if any of the Citizens should haply make any stir by reason of the said Count The Count was not bound nor manacled, neither yet guarded nor held by any of the sergeants: For he had promised in the faith of a knight that he would go quietly to the place of execetion.  
In the market place was a Scaffoulde set up, covered all over with black cloth, and above upon it, two black Cushions, and two long iron poles. Below the scaffold was the knight Martial carrying a red wand in his hand, and the Hangman upon the scaffold. The Count aforesaid went up with the bishop, and kneeling upon a Cushion, after he had a while talked with the bishop, the hangman according to the manner besought him of Pardon, and the Bishop withdrawing him behind the Count, the Count, after he had cast off his night gown of red Damask and his velvet cloak laid on with parchment lace of Gold, and his black cap garnished with white feathers, covered his own face with a Coyffe which he ware under his Cap.  
Then, he joining his hands together, and kissing the Cross, recommended himself to the mercy of God, looking for death.  
The body was forth with put into a Coffin, and the place stained with his blood, was covered with a black cloth.  
When this was done, the Count horn was brought forth who besought GOD to forgive him his sins, and wished all blessed felicity to all the standers by, taking his leave of them: and pulling a wimple over his eyes, after he had laid down his velvet Cloak, was executed as the other Count was.  
When this execution was accomplished, the Spaniards retired from the market place, saving two ensigns that kept the heads, which were set upon the two iron poles: which were taken away about three of the clock in the after noon, and laid with their bodies.  
Now Egmonds' body was carried to Saint Clares Abbay, and Horns, to the Cathedral Church, and buried amongst their predecessors tombs.  
The Count Egmonde his servants had according to the custom nailed up his arms at his Court gate, but the Duke of Alva caused them to be taken down immediately. All the world greatly complained the death of the said Count, and marvelously mourned for him.  
These two Counts from the beginning took exceptions to john du Boys attorney general, as an unlawful judge, and therein continued: For, they being Knights of the order, could not be condemned nor judged, but by the Knights of the same order: Nevertheless the Duke of Alva, having thereto no regard, proceeded on, & caused the said sentence to be pronounced.  
Many great men in authority, and learned, and infinite number of others were marvelously abashed at this cruel sentence and execution, pronounced and executed against the laws and privileges not only of knights of the order, but also against all the whole low Countries, yea against all civil and common law, seeing that the Count Egmond his arraignment had not the full and right course of the law in such a case provided: Nevertheless, they which now had the copy of the resolution of the Inquisition of Spain, given by information, which was taken by the inquisitors here abouts and sent over into Spain: which resolution, was granted in the city of Madrid the sixth of February 1568. and beside, the sentence that his Majesty pronounced in the said City the 26. of the said month ensuing, may clearly perceive, from whence this tyranny and injustice had their first beginning: and no whit marvel, at all the tyranny which the said Duke of Alva committed: But a great deal the rather marvel, that there should or could be yet, even at this present, such a number of men in the low countries so favouring the Spaniards, as that they will put in adventure their bodies and goods for defence of their quarrel, & bring them in yet once again, to have the government of the low countries seeing that not one of them, more than any of the rest, shall be exempted from their tyranny, as may manifestly appear by the said resolution and sentence, the tenure whereof ensueth.  

A resolution of the office against the people of the low Countries.  
THe office of the most holy and sacred Inquisition, requireth in the presence of his royal majesty, to speak, and resolutely set down somewhat of the abominable offence of Apostasy and heresy, committed by his majesties subjects in the low countries: after it had seen and diligently considered, as well of his majesties information on those things: as also upon the view of the letters, minutes, authentic documents, or instructions worthy the credit, annexed to the said information, & by the officers of the sacred holy inquisition, faithfully sent over from the low countries: saith, and fully resolveth upon that, which toucheth the divine and holy profession, and conscience: That all and every subject of the said low countries, and the whole corporation and body of them (except only such as are severally noted in the information) as well in regard of such as are public and manifest Apostates, heretics, and backeslyders from God, our mother holy Church, and commandment of the catholic king, and his obedience, as also in respect of the rest of the counterfeit catholics, have not done their duty, wherein, both towards God, and his majesty, in respect of the catholic religion, and the oath which they have made, they are and aught to be bound to have withstood, with all their power & might all open and manifest Apostates, heretics, and rebels, and have suppress their wicked and cursed faction, which, at the first beginning of the troubles they might easily have done: But contrariwise they forbore so godly and holy a resistance, & therefore are worthy to be judged to be partakers and favourers of open and manifest Apostates, heretics and rebels. Certain also of the Nobility, and in the name of subjects, exhibyting bills of complaint and supplications against the most holy Inquisition have crafcily inflamed, and encouraged the Heretics, Apostates, and Rebels, and therefore, have all offended in the highest degree of treason.  
And thus it is said, and fully determined upon, in the City of Madrid the sixteenth of February. 1568.   
When his royal majesty had seen the Information drawn, and by his commandment received, upon the cursed offence of Apostasies, Heresies, and rebellions, committed by his subjects of the low Countries: and had likewise seen the minutes and authentic instructions worthy credit, annexed unto the said Information, and faithfully sent over by the officers of the sacred and holy Inquisition of the low Countries: and had beside seen the holy advise of the office of the sacred holy Inquisition with the wise reasons which were there thrust in: concerning the administration of law and justice, & thereby for that purpose, to use his kingly and absolute power and might,  

Sayeth and decreeth: That all and every subject of the said low Countries, and all bodies corporate and politic of the same (those only excepted which in the said Information are noted, whose names we will in time and place command to be put into our Treasury Court of our low Conntries) as well for their public and manifest Apostasy, heresy, and falling away from God, our mother holy Church, and his Catholic commandment and obedience: as also in respect of the unduetyfull dealing of those counterfeit Catholics which were amongst them, wherein notwithstanding, both towards God and his majesty, in regard of the catholic religion and their oath, they are and were bound to have resisted all public and manifest Apostates, heretics, and rebels, with all their main power, and force, and suppressed their wickedness: which at the first beginning of the troubles and commotions, they might with ease lawfully have done: But they herein contrariwise did utterly forbear this so holy a resistance and suppression, and greatly rejoiced therein, and therefore are of right to be judged the favourers, and procurers of the said public and manifest Apostates, heretics and rebels.  
They also, who under the name of the nobility and subjects, having exhibited supplications and bills of complaint against the most holy Inquisition, and having thereby, under the pretence of godliness inflamed and encouraged the hearts and minds of Apostates, heretics, and rebels: have committed the deteftable offence of treason, and therefore, to be all condemned, without respect, either of sex or age, in such pains and punishment as the law hath ordained against backslyders. Wherefore his majesty willeth and commandeth, who, by so severe sentence, pretendeth to show some fearful example for the terrifying of all posterity hereafter to come: That the pains and punishments of this severe sentence shall without any hope of favour, grace, farbearing, or winking at, take full force and effect: But yet, in such order and manner, as shall in time and place be revealed and manifested in thee, of our low countries.  
And thus is it determined and judged in the City of Madrid, the 26. of February. 1568.   
Let us now come again to our first matter: 
The siege of Groening.  after that the Count Lodwick of Nassau had gotten the victory against the Spaniards, he divided his soldiers into two companies, and besieged the town of Groening on both sides, not without the great wonder of the whole world, in that he durst without munition take upon him to set upon such a town so strongly fortified with walls and rampires, and so well victualled.  
The Count Megue was in the said town with eight ensigns of Almains, and a thousand Spaniards: and Curtains Martinengo with three hundred horse.  
The towns men oftentimes sallied out, and skirmished, but chief the 22. of june when as the bestegeants were gotten into certain of the ditches, to trench. The horsemen were very forward, when as the Nassovans were busy to hinder the building of the fort or trench, and made lively skirmishes, so that of the Nassovans were slain about two hundredth, and so were in like sort a good many of Spaniards. Captain Martinengo also was in great peril of losing his life, by reason that his horse was gotten into a quackmyre. There was likewise one of the Gueses taken, who, as himself confessed, meant to set on fire divers places of the town: to the end that when the Citizens have been busied about the quenching of the fire, the Nassovans might the better have scaled and won the town. Which Guese was hanged by the appointment of Captain Albanezo.  
During these exploits, Chiapin Vitelli had assembled as many men as he possibly could, and whiles the Duke of Alva was preparing of his things, he erected also his camp before the said town of Groening for the defence thereof, and the driving away of the Nassovans, but it was all in vain. There were then many skirmishes, & many stratagems and warlike policies. Count Lodwick at one time offered captain Vitelli the battle, but he would none of it: saying, That he had not as yet any opportunity, because he still attended the Duke of Alva his coming with his army.  
The Emperor, at the Duke of Alva his request, sent to Count Lodwick, and commanded him upon pain of banishing the Empire, to raise his camp from before the town, and to get him out of the Country with as little hurt doing as was possible.  
Count Lodwick sent him word again, 
Duke Lodwick his answer to the Emperor.  That he could not do it before such time as he had advertised the prince of Orange, and the rest of the Princes and Potentates his confederates thereof, and that then he would make him a short answer. Notwithstanding many of the Noble men of the Empire were afraid of this message, and thereupon returned home into their own countries.  
Howbeit this siege of Groening continued until the coming of the Duke of Alva, who, whiles he was making of prepartion, executed at Bruxelles many prisoners, as hath been before said, and in the month of july marched towards Boisleduke, with seventeen ensigns of footmen, and certain great ordinance which came from Malynes': so that he encamped himself before Groening the fourteenth of the said month.  
When Count Lodwick heard of this, he raised his camp, and retired towards Embden, making havoc of all things in his passage, breaking down of bridges, 
Count Lodwik● raiseth his camp.  and marring the high ways, for the staying and back keeping of the enenue, but not without continual skirmishing. The Duke of Alva had sent Duke Erycke with his horsemen to Groening, because the territory about the town was moist and soft, so that the horse men could not pass it: and he himself with his foot men pursued Count Lodwick, having espials every where to advertise him out of what quarter of the country count Lodwick meant to go.  
At last, the Duke was advertised that count Lodwick stayed at jemming, in the count of Embden his dominions, and had there pitched his camp, being a fit place for entrenching, considering that on the one side he had water enough, and on the other, he had the jolly city of Embden, to furnish his camp with victuals and all other necessary provision.  
When the Duke of Alva was hereof thoroughly advertised, he caused his army to march towards count Nassou his camp, and sent before him, captain Sancho de Auila, and captain Mentero to hold them play and apply them with skirmishes, thereby to withdraw the Nassovans from the commodious place wherein they were. And after him, he sent julian Romero, master of the camp with five hundred harquebuziers & three hundred musketeers. After him, followed Don Sanches de Lodogno with a thousand harquebuziers, appointed for the two wings of the foot men: and Caesar Gonzago & Martinengo with two bands of horse men: the rest of the vanguard were under the conduct of Alfonse de Vlloa, and Don consalvo de Bracamont, with express commandment, that none of those soldiers should otherwise be placed. In the rearward were specially appointed six ensigns of Almains, and after them fifteen ensigns signs of Walloons: who followed the light horse one by one: For the passage was very strait, and full of water on either side.  
When the Nassovans saw the mighty army of the Duke of Alva, in steed of showing themselves valiant and courageous they began to cry out, Money, money, and would not once fight, showing themselves to be neither of valour, nor yet wise, and they who should not have fought for money, but for the defence of religion, durst not now once put in hazard their lives, either for their country, or yet for religion. Which thing when the Duke of Alva saw, and considering of their pusylanimitie or faint heartedness, set upon count Nassou his camp about ten of the clock in the morning, and so put them to flight, and in killing of a certain number, he paid them the wages which count Lodwick ought them. Howbeit, many of them were saved in passing the river of Embden by boat: and especially the most valiant count Lodwick, and some of the noble men escaped the tyrant's hands, notwithstanding that he stood to his defence even to the last man: for when he saw that his soldiers would not fight, he saved himself with great peril of his life, by passing the river in a very small boat. The count of Hoogstrate was but two days before gone from the camp, and count just of Scouwenbourgh, saved himself and the greater number of his horsemen at the beginning of the battle, when he perceived the soldiers would not fight, but called still for money.  
When the Duke of Alva had gotten this victory, 
The Duke of Alva writeth to Bishop of Munster.  he wrote the particularities of this battle unto john bishop of Munster, who was the chief within the compass of Westphalia: by which letter the said Duke complained of the wrong which count Lodwick had done, that he would have no peace, and contemned the emperors message: and excused himself of that, that he had burdened and endamaged the count Embden, by the entering of soldiers, laying all the blame on the count Embden, who had helped count Lodwick with victuals, and showed himself in very deed, the king of Spain's enemy, seeing he had, during the time of the Battle, discharged upon the Spaniards certain great ordinance out of the ships.  
After this great victory, the Duke of Alva took his way by Amstelredame towards Vtright, where he cut off the head of one of Duke Lodwikes captains whom he had taken prisoner.  
The twenty of july the Prince of Orange by an Apology and certain public writings, declared the occasion, cause, 
The prince publisheth his defence.  and necessity, which enforced his excellency, his friends, and the confedered noble men, to take arms against the Duke of Alva and his adherentes: to wit, by reason of his horrible and detestable tyranny and persecution, against the poor and blameless professors of the word of God, and of the holy Gospel, and also against the general Estates of the low countries, to their utter rooting out and desolation: but because the said Apology hath oftentimes been printed, and thereby gotten into the hands of all the world, we have not here for brevity sake put it in.  
We have heretofore said how that the prince of Orange had waged a great many both foot men and horsemen: who being arrived about the monastery of Romerstorf, in the country of Treues, remained there unto the end of the month, to the great hurt of the country men. The captains of the horsemen, were Frederick de Rolhuisen, Martial of Hessen, who was a famous man in the French wars 1562. Thierry of Schonbrough count Just of Schuwenbourgh, count Albert of Nassau, count Burchart of Barby, Ottho of Malsbrough, Herman Riedesal, and Adam Welles.  
The Colonels of the foot men, were Nicholas of Harstadt, a man of an ancient and noble house, an expert man of war, and for his valour very famous, Feyt Schooner, and Balthasar of Woluen. The French captains were, Ien●is, Moruillier, the baron of Renty, Movy, Antrycourt, Esternay, the parson, and others, of twelve bands of horse, and a thousand harquebuziers. Captain Poyet, was also a captain of soldiers. With these also joined count Lodwick after his discomfiture at lemmingen.  
In the beginning of September, the prince caused the camp to march on, after that they had made a general muster, and passed the Rhine at Saint Vit, a town within his jurisdiction. The Prince's army was 44 ensigns of Almains, 
The army of the Prince.  four thousand French and Walloons, the most of them shot, and 7. thousand horse men well armed, some of the foot men had in their ensigns this posy, Pro lege, grege, & rege: That is to say, for the law, the people, and the king. Some bear the Pelican, by reason of the love she beareth to her young ones, nourishing them with the blood which issueth out of her hurt breast. Upon their Morions were roses painted, an old English devise, as if the Queen of England had assisted them. Over and beside, the prince had ten pieces of ordinance, six faucons, and four canons, but small provision of munition: and this was in harvest, a very moist and rainy season, and therefore very unfit to march with so great an army.  
When the Duke of Alva had heard these news at Vtright, he mustered his people. The Colonel of the Alamaines, were the Count Lodyon, and count Philip of Ouerstein. Over and beside, he had forty ensigns of Spaniards, and forty ensigns of Wallous, saving those that lay in garnison in the towns & castles, who, for the more part were Spaniards, & whom he most trusted. He had also four thousand horse of Spaniards Italians, Almains, Burgonions, and others. With this army he encamped before Mastright to stay the enemy for passing over at the Maze: he made also a bridge over the Maze, that he might every way cut the enemy from victuals.  
The Prince of Orange took by assault Arenberg, 
The prince taketh certain places.  and Ep pen, two towns standing between Coloigne and Duren, and Hormeson also, belonging to king Philip, where his Ma. garnison was stain, which caused the Duke of Alva to spare none, either yet to receive any to mercy. But as the prince marched still for ward, the Duke knew not whether he would into France, to aid the Prince of Conde, or whether he would come down into the low countries: howbeit the Prince's army coasted the river of Maze even unto Stockum, where he passed the river to meet with the Duke of Alva his camp.  
While these matters were in hand, the Duke of Alva caused aproclamation to be made in Antwerp: that every man which had, or knew of any goods belonging to the Gueses, should tell it to the Lord Treasurer, or to the magistrate and officer of the place where those goods were, upon pain that whosoever concealed them, or suffered them to be carried out of the Countries, should pay the valour of the said goods: The one third part whereof should be to the Informer, and the rest confisked to his majesties use: but he that was not able to restore them, should be arbitrarily punished. This Proclamation caused great mischief.  
In the end of September the Duke of Alva came on Mastright side. The Liegeois would have taken up a certain passage for the stopping of the army: but the Prince marched with his people on the other side: and although there had been a controversy between the bishop and the Liegeois, yet they agreed by a common consent to levy six ensigns of men for the defence of the city.  
The fifteenth of October the Orangians discomfited certain ensigns of Aluaianes. But when the Prince had passed the Maze, be marched forward the twentieth of October, leaving on his right hand the town Tilmont, and passed the river which divideth the land of Liege from Brabant, seeking all the ways he could to fight with the enemy: howbeit the Duke of Alva had no will to hazard it, and therefore fearing the Prince of Orange his forces kept himself in his trences before the City of Mastright. But Don Frederick of Toledo his son, came one day out of the camp, with six Culuerines, four thousand shot, and an hundred men at arms, but no great matter was exploited, save that in skirmishing many on both sides were thrust out of wages.  
When the Prince saw that Winter drew near, and the time passed away, without giving battle to the Duke of Alva, who lay in his Trenches before Mastright, although at the first the Prince's army might have fought and discomfited the enemy, had it not been through evil counsel, or else that the Lord GOD would not suffer it, because he would further punish the low countries for their horrible and grievous sins.  
But now again to our purpose: the Prince meaning to avoid the unprofitable charges in the consuming and spending of victuals, money, and munition, thought it the best Council, to forsake for a time the low Countries: and make a voyage into France: where the Marshal Cossey pursued him with two thousand shot, & two hundred horse, which was to his great hurt. Which thing the Marshal did at the request of the Duke of Alva, and followed the Prince even unto Cambresie.  
The French would gladly have had the German horse men to have come down into France: But the greatest number of them returned home into Germany, for want of pay: and taking their way through champaign, entered into Lorraine, and being come near unto Straesbrough, they divided themselves, not well pleased with their pay, and thus ended this war between the Prince of Orange, and the Duke of Alva: who ever sithence hath continued a more tyrannous persecutor, in murdering, emprisoning, cutting off of heads, hanging, burning, confisking of goods, publishing of Proclamations and Commissions, and bringing in of new Bishops, as at Leewarde in Friselande, where Cunerus Petri was ordained the first bishop, the first of February 1568. And afterward were very solemnly ordained certain others, in the provinces of the low Countries.  
Now, this tyrants great persecution and tyranny aforesaid continued from the year 68 unto the year 72. When as the miserable and comfortless inhabitants of the low countries, had, through God's assistance and mercy some ease of their calamities, by reason that the said Duke obstinately persisted in demanding of the tenth penny, without regard of the complaints of all the Estates of the low Countries, thinking thereby to heap up such an infinite treasure, and keep a continual mine of gold and silver, to withstand all kings, princes and potenrates, that would oppose themselves against his unnatural tyranny.  
And although the Lord hath suffered this tyrant to be a scourge to plague the low Countries, which sometimes so notably flourished, yet hath it been to none other end but to advertise us, that we in the time of our great prosperity wallowing and tumbling in all worldly pleasures, forgot the Lord our God, and that, forsaking our wicked life, through the chastisement of this rod, we might frame ourselves to newness of life, according to his most holy and blessed commandments. For the good God, chas●iseth all those whom he loveth: neither hath these low countries been only so greatly scourged, through the tyranny of this cruel and unnatural monster, but hath also visited them with a most fearful overflowing of waters: Insomuch that the first of November in the year 70. were drowned in holland, Zealand, Friesland, Gelderland, and others, many thousands of people, and an innumerable multitude of cat-tail for man's sustenance. This wound (Gentle Reader) is healed, and almost for gotten, but the tyranny of the Duke of Alva is yet in force.  
Wherefore, let us beseech the Lord our God to deliver us out of the hands of this tyrant, to the end we may serve and honour him in peace and tranquillity, all the days of our life.  
And here an end of the second Book.   

The third Book of the Histories of the troubles in the low Countries, wherein shallbe set down, the second invasion, of the Nobility, Gentlemen and other fugitives, and banished men into the same.  
IN the first and second books (Gentle Reader) hath been declared unto thee, what hath come to pass, from the year 1566. unto the year 1572. and the very first original of this present war: But in this third, shall be described all the matters that have fallen out from this year 72. unto the taking of the Council of Estate in Bruxelles, which was put in execution by the Lord of Heze, Captain of the same city, the 4. of September 1576. by the ordinance of the Estates of Brabant,  
And now to continue this our history, The Duke of Alva seeing that the Prince with his army, had forsaken the low Countries, as a triumphant conqueror: pursued the tyrannous persecution which he had begun against those of the reformed religion, as more at large is set down in the book next before: and although that in these Countries, the wars were for the space of four years, surpressed: to wit, from the year 1568. unto the year 1572. Yet have they not been free from the abundant spilling of innocent blood, through the horrible fury of this unnatural and cruel tyrant.  
But when the Lord would grant us a beginning of our deliverance, he suffered this foresaid Tyrant to abuse himself through his own insatiable covetousness, 
The duke deman death the tenth penny.  by demanding of all the merchandise both going out & coming in unto these low Countries, the tenth penny: & also the xx. penny of all the unmovable goods that should be sold within the said countries: & although all the Estates of the Provinces told him of the inconveniences that might fall out, by reason of this extreme exaction, yet persisted he in his demand, thinking that no man durst once gainsay him, notwithstanding that it was clean against their Privileges. Which thing greatly moved the common people, and the Citizens of all the Cities were marvelously grieved, as well for the tenth penny which the Duke would have no nay of, as also for the great tyranny he used. Lastly, he purposed to put this tenth penny in execution in the City of Bruxelles, where his Court was, thinking that by reason of his presence no man durst say him nay. But the Bruxellians diversly set themselves against it. For, neither would the Brewers brew any drink, nor yet the Bakers, bake any bread. To be short, there arose so great troubles in this City of Bruxelles, as that the Duke himself feared the tumult and fury of the common people. And therefore the Citizens of Bruxelles are worthy all honour and praise, for so boldly defending the privileges of their Country.  
During these troubles in Bruxelles, the common people of the rest of the cities and towns both in Brabant & Flanders, were also troubled: so that the Hollanders and Zelanders begun likewise to rouse themselves out of their sleep: which made the fugitives, and banished men to think on their business, and determined once again to invade the low countries, seeing the Inhabitants of the said countries began to oppose themselves against the tyrant.  
Wherefore, De Lumay Earl of March being in England, 
Briele taken by the, L. of Lumay.  & having at his commandment certain ships, got himself & his reti●●e to Sea, & upon the sudden took the Briele a town in Holland, the 1. of April, 1572. For the said Count first set the South gate on fire, by mean whereof Inhabitants kept themselves close in their houses: and in the mean while, the soldiers scaled the town, and the North gate, and so won it, & afterward broke and destroyed the Images and altars of the Churches.  
The Duke of Alva was forthwith advertised of this sudden taking, and although the news pleased him never a whit, yet made he small account of his enemies, because he had continually most victoriously driven them out of the country. Wherefore, he sent two ensigns of Spaniards from Vtright to the Briele, to drive out the Gueses: Howbeit the Gueses met them with their boats: who discharging their harquebuses upon the spaniards, and coming on land, made the Spaniards lustily fly through the mire and dirt, and drove them to Dordright.  
The Count Bossu, having the charge of ten ensigns of spaniards, considering with himself that the Gueses would not willingly forsake and lose the Briele, but were rather more like to get many other towns, he therefore came to Rotterdame, willing them that he might pass through the town: Which thing, the Citizens at the first chop, denied him: nevertheless in the end they were contented that his people should pass by Di●aines: 
A Massacre in Rotterdame.  but they making head all at once at the gates, entered together into the town, and villaynously murdered a great number of the Citizens, and this was done the ninth of April. 1572.  
Three days before, 
Flushing revolteth.  which was Easter day, the town of Flushing revolted, wherein was a garnison of Walonnes. And it so fell out, that as the Citizens were at Church, suddenly there was an uproar, by reason that it was bruited, that the Spaniards were coming to lodge in the Town: and as the Harbingers were appointing the lodgings, they picked a quarrel with one of the Citizens, and gave him ill language as they could well enough. The Citizens who were at Church hearing of this noise, came forth, and drove the Walonnes clean out of the Town, and kept the gates themselves. When the spaniards were come before Flushing, they would not let them come in, whereupon, they hearing that the garnison of the Walons were driven out, took their course to Middlebrough, the chief city of the Isle of Walcheren, where they were received. Now when the Captain of the spaniards, who was the Duke of Alva his kinsman, arrived at Flushing, he thought to have found the spaniards there: But the towns men, who knew well enough that he was coming, went to meet him, bidding him welcome, and doing him great honour, as the manner is to honour such noblemen, howbett that honour lasted not long, for they forthwith laid hands on him, and hanged him on the gallows.  
And so this town hath been ever sithence kept for the prince of Orange, which is the chief key of the Sea to come into the low countries to be brought into subjection: howbeit it is worthy great commendation, by reason of the noble feats of war which the Citizens have exploited against the practises and stratagems of the Spaniards for the defence of the country.  
The 24. of May following, after that the count Lodwick of Nassou had made a new covenant in France with the confederates, he surprised Monts in Haynault, after this manner: 
Mons in Haynault surprised.  The night before, there went into Mons twelve adventurers appareled like merchants, and being at the table in the evening, they asked of the host, what time in the morning the Gates were opened. The host told them at four of the clock, and if so be they would go out any timelier, he said that if they would give the porter the wine, the Gates should be opened for them as early as they would.  
These jolly Merchants rose very timely, and caused the Gates to be opened, promising to give the Porter a piece of money: But so soon as the Gates were open, they dispatched the Porter with a Pistol shot, and took away the keys. When the Gates were open, count Lodwick entered the town with forty men, and placed them at the corners of the streets: and if any man went about to open either door or window, they would discharge their Pystols on them, crying together with one voice: you have liberty, liberty, granted you, the Prince of Orange is come to aid you, and you shall be set free from the tenth penny, and all other charges, wherewith the Duke of Alva would burden you. This cry dured certain hours, with such a marvelous noise, as if thousands of soldiers had entered the town.  
But count Lodwick having long time tarried for his people, and saw that none of them came, he himself went out, to understand the cause of their so long tarrying, and what were become of the horse men: but they were out of the way in the woods, from whence the Count Lodwick conducted them unto the town of Mons, to the number of five hundredth, and every man a shot behind him: who being entered the town, first took the Town house, and set themselves in order of battle: In this sort than took they the Town, which was in truth a kingly deed of a noble and famous Count, and worthy everlasting memory, to win by sleight and policy a town so strongly fortified.  
The same day also was the city of Valencia surprised, 
Valencia surprised.  but not many days after, the Duke of Alva took it again. For as he had sent thither Don john de Mendoza with a certain number of horse men, to make provision for the Castle that was but ill furnished with victuals and munition: he, who in the name of Counce Lodwick had surprised the city, understanding of the coming of the Spaniards, forthwith contrary to the opinion of all men, especially of the Spaniards forsook and least the town, who thought not so easily without besieging, to have won it.  
The Duke receiving news of the taking of Mons, would not believe it, trusting more to the letters which he had from the Frence king, by which he was advertised, that count Lodwik had been a few days sithence in France: howbeit by the continuance of the news, he did assure himself that the Town was taken: whereupon he was cast into such a rage, as that he tore his garments, and trod upon his cap, storming and chafing as if he had been out of his wit, and mad.  
But as the Duke of Alva was altogether put by, for resisting of his enemies, the Lord of Lumay got himself by little and little to be master of the Cities and towns of holland, who freely yielded themselves under the protection of the famous Prince of Orange, although he himself was not there: for every man desired to be delivered from the slavery of the said Duke and of the Spaniards.  
The City of Enchusen standing in the North parts of holland, was the first that opposed itself against the tenth penny, and the tyranny of the said Duke, and it was by reason of certain soldiers which were in the ships of war, whom they of Enckhuysen and Amstelredame had armed. For as upon the tenth of june 1572. Boshuysen, Captain of the said Ships, was entered Enckhuysen to furnish his Ships with victuals, and other warlike furniture, there entered by little and little, many soldiers thinking to take the Town: which dealing, the Citizens perceiving, made them pack out of the Town, and took the said Captain Boshuysen prisoner, whom, after a while they released out of prison.  
But as the Citizens were thus troubled, and fearing the receiving in of soldiers, for the enforcing of them to pay the tenth penny, they sent for Count Lumay his soldiers, and put themselves under the obedience of the famous Prince of Orange: and within a while after, the towns of Alkmer, Horn, Edam, and Memmelicke, did the like.  
When the towns of holland that lay nearest the briel, heard of this, they in like manner set open their gates to the Prince's people, and submitted themselves under his obedience, saving they of Schoonehove and Amstleredam, who stoutly resisted: But the Lord of Lumay besieged Schoonehove, who seeing the breach made, rendered: so that all Holland yielded to the said Lord, except Amstelredam, which the said Count besieged once or twice, but it was in vain, and unprofitable, for it was over strong, neither could he ever win the Citizen's hearts, because they were very obstinate papists.  
Whiles the Count of March played his part in Holland, 
The Count of Ber● invadeth the Country of zurphen.  the Count Berge, the Prince of Oranges brother in law, levied men of war, and took the County of zurphen, the Towns of Dortcum, Doebrough, and zurphen: and in the Duchy of Gelderlande, Hardwyke, Ter, Elberich, and Hattum: But in the Country of Twent, Oldezele, Goer, and others.  
The Count of Berge seeing the good affection of the Citizens of the Towns, passed on like a Conqueror, and came down into the country of Oueryssel, besieging the Town of S. Lawrance 1572. The town of Tampen: But because the Citizens were unprovided of victuals and munition they rendered the Town: and so afterward did they of Swolle, Hasselt, and Steenewyke. Towns of the Country of Oueryssel.  
Whiles the low Countries were assailed on every side by the Lords, Gentlemen, fugitives, and banished men of the said Countries, the D. of Alva bend only all his forces against Count berwick his chief enemy: and had sent into the borders of France, a sufficient number of Spaniards, to fight with, and discomfit the French, that were sent by the Lords of the reformed religion in France, to assist Count berwick, who were between seven and eight thousand men, whom the Spaniards, 
The overthrow of the French at Chieurayns.  the 17. of july 1572. overthrew at Thieuraine in a great broad fallow field, for want of good conduct: and took their chief Captains, Master jenlis, and Master jumelle, the one of which was carried to Antwerp, where, without being sick that any man knew, he was one morning found suddenly dead: and the other to the Castle of Tournay, who was delivered in exchange for another prisoner, being a spaniard.  
After this discomfiture, 
The Duke of Alva besiegeth Monts.  the Duke of Alva himself went and encamped before Montes, and very straightly besieged it. And the Count berwick valiantly defended it, still looking for aid from the Prince of Orange his brother.  
Amongst these exploits, 
The Gueses in vade Friesland  there was likewise another invasion made in west Friselande by the Gentlemen, and the rest of the banished, with their train, amongst whom, even from the first beginning, was captain general the Lord of Newderworinter, and after, the Count Just of Schouwenbourgh, who were received into the Towns of Sneecke, Boelswerd, & Franique. But the Court of Friesland taking part with the adversary, called from Groening the Lord of bili, to be an aider against these Gueses: who came with a jolly company of well appointed Walloons, and was received into the Town and Castle of Leewarde, into the Castle of Harlingue, and into the Castle of Stavere.  
The first enterprise that the Gueses took in hand, was against Doccum, for they came with good store of soldiers and Countrymen, and drove away the Walloons which lay in Garnison at Doccum. Now there were five of these Walons, which had gotten up into the Church steeple, & shot at as many as went abroad in the streets. Which when the Gueses saw, they set fire on the steeple, to cause the said Walons to come down: howbeyt there was but one of them burnt, and the rest tarried still in the steeple, until the 16. of September 72. when as the Walons drove the Gueses out of Doccum, and recovered the Town, which was burnt and sacked: so that the Citizens were in great misery, for they, are always the men, that are driven to the wall, and pay for all.  
When the Lord of bili, acunning & an expert man of war, perceived that the Gueses soldiers for the most part were country men, and Prenteses, who were unacquainted with discharging of an haguebuze: he made void their second enterprise which they took in hand at Stavere: where the Gueses had besieged the castle. For he came with his Walloons, 
The castle of Stavere aided.  and drove them from Stavere, and so set fire on the town: But as the Walloons returned from Stavere with great butin, the Gueses of Sneecke, Boelswerd, and Franique gathered themselves together, to take away the butin from the Walloons, & overthrow them: but so soon as the captain of the Gueses was stricken from his horse with an arqebus shot, all the rest fled: and the other Gueses were driven from the forts that stood upon the baucke, and other places with shame enough, having gotten neither wealth nor yet victory on their enemies.  
The Prince had once again assembled a very great army about Duyibourgh, who passing the Rhine, took by assault, 
The Prince winneth many towns.  the fourth of August the Town of Ruremonde: and passing further into Brabante, Lovayne, rendered to him, and Malynes', with many other Towns, were surprised.  
After that, he marched on towards Montes in Haynault to aid Count Lodwick his brother: 
A massacre at Paris the 24. of Aug. 1572.  Howbeit the massacre committed at Paris, and in many other Towns in France, so altered the case, as that the Prince returning by Malines, with his army, unto the Rhine, discharged his army, & himself with a small company of men of war went into Holland, whether he was sent.  
After the long battery of Mants, 
Monts in Haynault rendered.  Count berwick seeing no way how to be helped, fell to a part, and the 21. of September rendered the Town to the Duke of Alva, upon certain conditions, to wit, that Duke berwick should be sent with a safe convey unto the borders of the empire. Which thing, when the garnisons of Malynes', Duremond, and others, which kept them to his use, understood, they forsook the same towns, & went their ways.  
The Duke of Alva returning with his army from Mouts, 
Malynes' sacked.  came to Bruxelles, and sent his soldiers to sack Malines: which they did the 1. of October, notwithstanding that the clergy and all the Citizens of the town received them in with banners & streamers displayed to appease their fury, but all was in vain. For the Duke had given the soldiers the Town, who wholly spoiled it, killed many citizens, and deflowered great store of women and young maidens.  
The Prince being come into his government of Holland, traveled in all he could, about the affairs for the wars: and the Duke of Alva clean contrary, sent Colonel Mondragon with twenty ensigns of Walloons into the isle of South Beveland, where they arrived at a low water mark, through the conduct of certain traitors to their country, and raised the siege from before Tregoes, which was greatly distressed & straightly cooped up.  
The 21. of November the Duke of Alva his army came before the town of Zurphen, 
Surphen taken without resistance.  which was taken without any resistance: for the citizens had set the gates wide open for them to come in at.  
But so soon as they were entered, the Duke exercised very great tyranny both upon the citizens and also on the soldiers, hanging some, and strangling and drowning other some in the river of yssel.  
This tyranny of the Duke, so greatly feared the rest of the Towns, that the count Berge forsaking all the Towns which he had gotten, fled from thence with all his soldiers. And so did likewise the count Scauwenbourgh in Friesland, in memory whereof, they of Sneecke enprysonned their Patron, the Lord of Netherwormter, whom they had sent for, and with great solemnity received into the town.  
Duke Fridericke, the Duke of Alva his son, 
A massacre at Narden.  and Lieutenant, came from zurphen, towards Narden in holland, where he so cruelly and unnaturally handled the Citizens that had yielded themselves, as that it is a fearful thing to think on, and that, against all the laws of arms, either in Christendom or heathenness.  
For, when the Spaniards were entered, and lovingly received, and had been as well entreated as was possible: there was immediately after, proclaymation made by the sound of the Droombe, that all the Citizens and enhabytauntes of the Town should come to the Hospital Chapel, where should be declared unto them such ordinances as they must line, and direct themselves by.  
But when the miserable Citizens were come thither, the Spaniards murdered every mother's son of them, sack and burnt the town, ravished the women, yea, and murdered some of them, and left the rest live in great martyrdom. Now, when I call to mind the wonderful works of God, I can not pass over but tell you, how that after the murder and massacre of Narden, and the whole Town on a flaming fire, a young lad of the age of seven years was saved, by running out of the gates of the Town into a little garden full of roots: The father of this Boy was murdered, and his mother being ravished, was hanged up by the arms of the tyrannous Spaniards, and when the fire came and took hold of her house, she being tied by the arms, could not get away, so that she was burnt in her own house.  
This young lad having not eaten any thing for the space of three whole days together, wept bitterly both for the death of his Parents, as also by reason that he was hungerbit. But God who never forsaketh his, sent him relief, for the very same night, there came unto him a well favoured young man in white apparel, who gave him whereon to fed, and said: Weep no more, my fatherless child, for I will never leave thee.  
Eat, and be of good cheer, for they that have murdered thy father and mother, shall have a double plague light upon them. Thy tears shall be turned into toy and gladness, and their laughing into tears and mourning: And forthwith the young man vanished out of sight.  
Thus we see gentle reader, the merciful and bountiful goodness of God, who never forsaketh his, but keepeth them as the apple of his eye.  
After the massacre and murder at Narden, 
Harlem besieged  the Spaniards besieged the City of Harlem. The Citizens considering of their neighbour's case and example, were determined, notwithstanding the weakness and small defensablenesse of their town, to resist the force of the enemy, choosing a great deal rather, honourably to die for the defence of their Country, then to become the slaves of such murderers. And therefore I will describe unto thee in order, the whole history of the town of Harlem, how all things went from the first beginning of the siege, even unto the very last end thereof.  
The Duke of Alva, being not yet satisfied with the innocent blood, which he had spilled aswell at zurphen as at Narden, not thinking that the Lord of hosts had an eye unto his tyrannous devices, purposed to bring all the Cities and Towns under his yoke and kondage●: insomuch, that having executed some tyranny and cruelty, he purposed to begin another. To be short, he besieged the good City of Harlem, meaning thereby, to reduce all the rest of the Towns under his yoke, after he had once gotten it, which, God in his providence would not suffer him to do.  
Don Fridericke of Toledo, the Duke of Alva his son, through the counsel and advice, both of the Boroughmaisters of Amstelredam, as also (which is very likely) because he was loath to cast away his soldiers, practised by treachery and warlike policy, with the Magistrate of Harlem, who partly favoured him, especially, one Thyerrie a Friselander sometime Boromaister, in whom was reposed the whole state and dealing of the Town, although he performed not therein that duty that he ought to have done, but purposed to deliver all the people into the hands of the bloody tyrants, so that he might have his pardon, as manifestly appeareth by a letter that was sent.  
The third of December in the year 1572. at seven of the clock in the morning, the great counsel of Harlem assembled by reason of a letter that was sent, by one Master james Wye, Curate of grand Beginage secretly written, and directed to a Brother of his that was then in the Town, containing the tyrannies which the Duke and his people had committed in many Towns, but that if so be any would crave pardon, he would grant it them.  
When the Magistrate had caused this letter to be red in open counsel, he asked the opinion and advise of them that were there, whither it were best to send to Don Fridericke or no: Wherein (alas) was the counsel of Achitophel followed, and for the bringing of it to pass, there went out secretly at Spaerwouwer gate, upon a sled drawn on the ice, the aforesaid Thierry the Fristander, Thristopher Schagen, and Adrian of Assendelft the pensioner, telling the Wagonner nothing else, but that they would go to Sparendam. But so soon as they were come unto the bank or dike, they said unto him, bring us half way, and from thence to Sloterdike, where the Wagonner set them on land, and would bring them no further, so that they were enforced to foot it to Amstelredam.  
The same day were the sworn men of the Town of Harlem, summoned to appear at two of the clock in the afternoon at the crossbow Archers Garden, where also appeared Captain Weybout Repperda, Sir Launcelet of Brederode, Adrtan jansons Marshal of Harlem, and Stuner the Boroughmaister, when these sworn men were assembled, Captain Ripperda began his oration, and said: Worshipful Citizens, the cause of your assembly here in this place, is a letter that was seat to one of our Citizens, containing, that as yet there is favour & grace to be had at Don Fridericke his hands, to the which end, Thierry the Friselander and others are gone to Amstelredam. But my good fellow Citizens, if you well weigh and consider of the grace that you are like to have at his hands, as also of the oath which you have made to the Prince of Orange, I doubt not but that you yourselves, as well as I myself, will do all you can to observe it.  
For, I am fully determined, so long as I have one drop of blood in my body, to hazard myself for the defence of the Citizens of this City, and therefore if you yourselves be of the same opinion, tell me your minds boldly: Whereupon, the sworn men answered all with one accord, that for the defence of their Country, they would hazard both their bodies and goods: so that after many other loving exhortations, they broke up, and every man departed home to his own house. Howbeit the said Captain and Marshal wrote forthwith unto the Prince of Orange, declaring unto him the state of the town.  
They wrote in like manner unto the colonel Master Lazarus Muller, who lay at new Dam with ten ensigns of foot men, willing him to send to Harlem some of his company: Whereupon the said Muller, departed from the same place with all his Regiment, and passing through base or low holland, came to the aid of Harlem.  
So that he, arrived there the fourth of the said month with ten ensigns, four of which went into the town: whose Captains were, captain Stenbach the Colonel's Lieutenant, Christopher Vader, Lambarde of Wirtenberge, and Martin Pruys.  
And the self same day were the Churches rid and cleansed of all the Idols and filthy Imageries, that the pure word of God might there be preached.  
The fifth of December, returned from Amstelredame Christopher Schagen, and Adrian Assendelft the pencioner, who were forthwith sent as prisoners to the Prince of Orange. The same day was brought unto the Town, from a place called the five houses, a messenger of Amstelredam by Thierry the Friselander, to the Boroughmaisters of Harlem: Howbeit when the said messenger was come near to the Town, he durst not come in himself, but sent his letter by a Countryman: The which messenger after he had been examined and tried, was hanged all but the head.  
The 6. of the same month, the enemy came to Sperwouwe, and skirmished, to small purpose, with those of Sparendam. Whereupon, the Boroughmasters and Captains sent the next morrow three hundred soldiers to aid Sparendam, under the charge of Martin Pruys then Captain. The same day, the enemy returned and skirmished, & the Sparendames lustily saluted them with their great ordinance.  
The 8. of the said month the Boroughmaisters and captains sent to Sparendam, certain Citizens of Harlem and others to pierce the Dike which is between Sparendam and Sperwowe, because they would have the water overflow the land. Howbeit it was not digged nor cut down deep enough. The same day also had the spaniards entrenched themselves, upon the said Dyke, against the Sparendames, and made the Countrymen fill up the said ditch. The same day also arrived at Harlem, Monsieur Saint Aldegond, sent by the Prince of Orange, to be a Commissioner, for the choosing of a new Magistrate, & the placing of honest men, & right patrons there, which in deed he did.  
The 9 day at ten of the clock in the morning: the sworn men, once again met together at the Garden aforesaid, whither also came Monsieur Saint Aldegond, a very eloquent man, declaring unto the sworn men, the good and natural affection which the Prince of Orange bare unto the low Countries, but especially to the county of Holland, as by divers examples had been showed.  
Declaring likewise the estate of the town, by the stinking away of Thierry the Friselander, as before hath been said, showing eftsoons the authority of the commission which his excellency had granted him, which charged and commanded him to depose the old magistrate of Harlem, and appoint an other: to wit, to choose Burroughmasters, Shieriffes, and a Council, which he said, was not meant to disworship and discredit the old Magistrate, seeing that many of them had always showed their fidelity and friendship to the commonalty, but only to keep the said Town presently in greater safety.  
And he further said, that his excellency did it not for that he meant, any way to diminish the Privileges thereof, but for the preventing of a mischief: And therefore, he very lovingly required and prayed the sworn men, that every diziner would bring in the voices of his companions, for the choosing of eight Boroughmaisters, fourteen Sheriffs, and twenty counsellors to rule the next year.  
The which election the Diziners gave him the same evening in writing at the house of Peter Keys, where the said substitute might appoint a new magistrate, which was accomplished.  
The tenth of the said month, it was such an extreme cold night, that the rivers of Spare and Tye, were so hard frozen at Sparendam, that the enemy assailed it on every side. But after that the Sparendams had valiantly defended themselves, and discharged many times their great ordinance, the enemy so lively assailed them on every side, as that the garnison that was in it, was enforced to fly, having before done great hurt to the spaniards, howebeyt it was not without the loss of their valiant Captain Martin Pruys, and some of their chief soldiers.  
The eleventh of the said month, the Spaniards both on foot and horse back, compassed about the Town of Harlem, against whom the towns men sallied, and about the Spittle, gave them the skirmish, but because some of the Spaniards had got into the Steeple, the towns men could no way come to fight with the enemy. The same day were some of the old magistrates, being suspected because they had yielded unto Thierry the Friselanders commission kept in their houses. And they which Monsieur Saint Aldegond had appointed to the government are these which follow. Burroughmasters, Nicholas Laen, john Vliet, Gerrard Stunyer, Peter Keys. Shiriefs. William Adriensnes, james Huesden, Cornelius Ricken, Peter Bell, Nicholas Matthew, Adrian Berkel, Matthew Augustine.  
The 12. of the said moveth, unto the 17. the enemy approached and trenched, by reason of the favour of the Bulwarks which were daily made: and on the other side, the Townsmen very carefully fortified their Town where they saw it most needful.  
The 18. of December, at 8. of the clock in the morning, the spaniards began to batter the inward gate of S. Cross, and both the flankers thereof, with bullets of 40. & 46. pound weight, discharging 14. Canons at once: The townsmen again sat not idle, but cheerly fortified their rampires with wood, earth, stones, wool sacks, and other things. About midnight the sworn men and Soldiers of the town, forsook the body of the watch, which was by the Bulwark of the said gate, seeing the most part of the outward gate to be beaten down, so that there was no going nor coming from the Bulwark to the town: howbeit in the evening the Soldiers and sworn men entered again into the Bulwark, making away in the night under the gate, that the enemy had that day beaten down, with 6. hundredth and fourscore Canon shot.  
The 19 of the said month, the enemy continued the battery against S. john's gate, & shot against the said Bulwark six hundredth threescore and fifteen Canon shot: Nevertheless the townsmen repaired the breach by reason of the Bulwarks, and beside, made a new rampart, from S. john's gate to S. Katherine's bridge.  
The 20. of the said month, the enemy continued the battery against the Bulwark until about noon, & shot an hundredth and fifty six times, and then made ready to the assault: whereupon the Alarm Bell sounded out. The enemy on every side had set a guard before the gates both of footmen and horsemen, and about one of the clock in the after noon, came with ensigns displayed from the Spittle to the town, carrying on their shoulders bridges ready made, to cast over the ditches, and so pass to the Bulwark. Over and beside this, they had furnished their trenches with Hayquebuziers, continually shooting at the walls and rampires, to the end they might take away the Curtines from the townsmen. Now, as they assaulted the Bulwark, the townsmen so lively beat them back with chain shot, & from the Courtines so liberally hailed them with small shot, as that they made them give over the assault: which thing the enemy seeing renewed the assault with f●●sh men, howbeit they were lively repulsed, so that they were feign to retire to their trenches with great dishonour, leaving in the ditches for pawn, good flore of spaniards, and other dead and hurt men, and amongst the rest, two Spanish ensign bearers, who valiantly had gotten up, but more lustily beaten back, besides many Morions, Harquebus, pikes and Rapiers that were left behind in the ditches, which did the townsmen very good service.  
In the evening when the assault was ended, they took a soldier on foot and brought him to the town to the Boroughmasters and Captains, who being racked, confessed that Don Fridericke himself was there, and lodged at a house called the cliff, the count Bossu at Nicholas Lanes farm house, and Noircarmes with Peter Nicholas Lonsgen, and many great Lords, Gentlemen, and Captames at the Spittle. And further he said, that the whole Camp was threescore and ten ensigns, and eight hundredth horse, to wit, 36. companies of Spaniards, 22. ensigns of Walloons, and 16. ensigns of Almains, whose Colonel was the Count of Euerstein, who with the said Almains had his quarter appointed out unto him in the woods and at Hemsted.  
The 21. of the said month, the said soldier was hanged: and the enemy did nothing a long time together but undermine ●o overthrow the Bulwark aforesaid.  
The same day the townsmen coined pieces of money of fine silver, of 32. and 16. souls.  
The 24 of the said month, M. Adrian of Assendelfe aforesaid, was hanged at Delft for his treasons, and his head set upon a pole or stake for the space of two hours.  
The 27. of the said moveth, the townsmen took a Wallon without Scaelwike gate, and forth with hanged him. The same day they of Harlem receitted letters from the Prince of Orange, which certified them that he would send them certain Walon Herquebuziers in their aid.  
The 28. was Peter johnsons the enginare of the town slain with arqebus shot, so that he was put by for repairing of the Bulwark, and died the next morrow.  
The 29. of the said month, Master Jerome Serates a Commisssioner, entered by night with three ensigns of Walons, under the charge of Captain Michael, Cousin, and Vemi.  
The 30. of the said it was misty and cloudy which greatly favoured the Spaniards, so that they might dig and undermine even hard to the town side.  
The last of this said month, there issued out of the wood gate certain Horsemen, meaning to surprise the watch, but all in vain, for the time was too clear, and the enemy fled, so that, they got but some of their weapons. There issued also certain out of Scaelwike gate, and killed three of their enemies, taking from them 22. harquebuses.  
The first of januarie 1573. the Townsmen made a camisad, and issued out of the wood gate, coming suddenly upon the Spaniards in their trenches, who forsook them: But the enemy returning with a greater number, the Townsmen also returned carrying away with them but two Countrymen, and a young strypling.  
The 2. of the said month, were brought into the said town, twelve fleds laden with wheat, and one laden with bread, came in at Scaelwyke gate. But the 5. of the said month, entered 27. fleddes laden with corn, & a band of soldiers, under the charge of captain Mandares.  
The 8. of the said month, the Townsmen hung up a soldier on the top of the Bulwark: and the enemy which had given over battering, from the 20. of December unto that day, began again the battery with 24. Canon shot: But on the 9 they spent 133. shot: in which mean while, there entered in by the said gate, seven ●●eddes laden with powder and Corne.  
The 10. day at night were sent, for the aid of the Town of Englishmen, Scottishmen, Walons, and Almains, about two thousand: But by reason of the wonderful misty and cloudy weather, they went out of their way, insomuch, that many of them got to an house, called the cliff, some to the downs, others to the wood: Howbeit, the greatest number went to the Prince's Camp, by reason they could not hit upon the Town, and yet there was a great light burning upon the top of the Tower, and the Bell also was rounge, which was the cause that some of them got to the Town, amongst whom, was an Almain, one of the enemy's Camp, who asked them of the town, which were come out of Scaelwike gate to skirmish, whether he were near Amstelredam yea or no: who answered and said yea, and so took him, and led him to the Town, prisonner, where, to be short, he was hanged: This day, the enemy had discharged 14. Canon shot.  
The 11. day there were two Alarms given to the Town: because the Spaniards and Walons, had made themselves ready to the assault.  
The same night, entered into Harlem 48. steddes laden with corn and gunpowder, and with all a band of soldiers, under the conduct of Captain Gasper.  
The 12. of the said month, the enemy had with battery, greatly decayed the Bulwark, Parapetti, Maisons, houses, cloisters, and Churches, yea, had almost as it were, utterly beaten them down, with the valee of an 150. Canon shot: howbeit the Townsmen had in the night, with earth and wood so not ahly repaired the breach, as that it was thereby, stronger than ever it was before. And besides all this, the enemy had wrought by all means possible to have mined hard under the house which stood in Saint Cross street.  
The 13. day, there entered six steddes, laden with Corn and Meal: And the Townsmen also sounded the Alarm, when as they saw the preparation of the enemy.  
The same day likewise, were two men slain as they sat at the Table eating of their meat, with a Canon shot, and therewith also, a maid servant: howbeit, there was a lock of hair of a young damosel clean carried away covercheffe and all, with an Harquebouze shot, without any other hurt.  
The 14. day the Townsmen sallied out, and took three victuallers, and two Almains prisoners, and brought them away with them.  
And the 15. day, the enemy gave the Alarm to the Townsmen: Howbeit they lost an ensign, which was had to the Town.  
The 16. of januarie in the forenoon, the Spaniards had cast an head out of their trenches unto the Town Bulwark, whereunto was tied a little scroll, written with these words: This is king Philip his head the Captain: Whereupon, the Townsmen in recompense of this villainy caused twelve prisoners to be hanged, to wit, Three victuallers of Amstelredam, a Walon, and eight Almains.  
The night following when the dead men were cut from the gallows, they pact eleven of their heads in a berrell, having their hair, and beards cut Gueses fashion, and so cast it down from the Bulwark into the enemy's trenches. Upon the head of which barrel was nailed a piece of paper written with these words: Carry these heads to the Duke of Alva, in payment of the teuth penny, which hath been so long demanded and not yet paid: and therefore besieged he this Town: But for as much as he shall have no just cause to complain, by reason it hath been so long a coming, we have sent him the eleventh, for interest, and in consideration.  
The 17. of the said month there entered 65. ●●eddes laden with Corn, and an ensign of soldiers, under the charge of Captain Schram of Brunswike. The same day, the soldiers & others sallied out at Scaelwike gate, to skirmish with the Almains, who had fortified at Rustenbourg house: and first they won the watermyll, which the enemy had forsaken, and after that, entered the trenches at once, and drove out the enemy, sending into another world as many as they could catch: where the ensign bearer of briel, valiantly got an ensign out of the hands of one of the ensigns bearers of the enemy, & ●iue him: so that they carried with them to the Town, that ensign, & three drums, besides their well and thirsty dispsing and cooling of the more part of the soldiers. It was also that day ordained, that that night, they should leave the Bulwark standing without the Town, because so many men were killed there daily.  
The 18. of the said month; the Townsmen began to fortify Saint Crosses Gate, and strengthened it with earth, faggots, Horse dungge, and other things, enterlasing it with timber logs after the manner of a Gridiron, so that this gate was a great deal stronger than the Bulwark aforesaid. The same day the towns men sallied out of Scaelwike gate to skirmish with the Almains, but it was to small effect. In the after noon there were sent back unto the Prince's Camp, certain s●edds, which, by the convoy of three hundred soldiers were brought thwart the enemy: so that the enemy began to revive the skirmish, who by the lively resisting of the Soldiers of the Town, were put to flight to their great loss, for they that could not swim over the river of Spare were drowned.  
There was but one soldier of the Town that died in that skirmish, and he was an Englishman. In the evening, Mounsieur de Vemi, a valiant Captain was shot through the arm with an arqebus, as he was on the new Bulwark of the said gate.  
The 19 day in the afternoon, Adrian de Berkerode, sheriff, went from the Town towards his Majesty, with a certain number of steddes for corn, with a convoy of certain Horse, and about five hundred shot, with whom the enemy encountered at Scaelwike, Harlemmeruliet, and the five houses, but notwithstanding that the enemy was far more in number, yet were they, with shame enough enforced to fly, with the loss of two hundred men and me: so that the soldiers of the Town got an honourable victory.  
The 21. day entered into the Town, three fleddes, laden with corn, fish, and gun powder. The same day in the morening, sallied out of the wood gate to charge the Spaniards which lay under the walls, six hundred Almains, whiles the Walloons passed over the water by boat, & were set on land at S. Ratherins' gate, to the end they might light upon the back of the Spaniards, and poison the great ordinance. But because the Almains marched not evenly with the Walloons, who were not able to understand what the Almains did by reason of the Bulwarks, notwithstanding that they had a sign given them out of the Town by the blow of an arqebus, that they should not all at once set upon the enemy, they were enforced to retire to the town, with loss both on the one side and on the other.  
The 22. of the said month, there entered into the Town 13. steddes laden with corn, and other victuals. Moreover, they of Delft, Leyden, Goud, and other Towns of south holland, sent of a brotherly love to those of Harlem, to know if they would be rid of their lame, decrepide and old people that were unfit for the defence of the Town, so that if they would, every of them granted to take and keep them according to their proportions.  
The 23. day entered into Harlem 22. steddes laden with corn, and the soldiers sallied out of Scaelwike gate, & skirmished with the enemy, whom they drove over the Spare hard to their doors: and beside, burnt Rustenbourgh hard to the ground, and having taken six or seven of the enemy's boats, brought them home with them to the town. Then sailed they towards a ship which road in the Spare, to the end, to set upon the towns men, and when they had set her on fire, and hurt & slain some of the enemies, they returned triumphantly home with two prisoners. In the evening about seven of the clock the Alarm bell, and the drums also founded the Alarm, but nothing ensued thereof.  
The 24. of january, came into the town 35. steddes laden with corn, wheat, fish, and other victuals. Then had the enemies planted two pieces of great ordinance upon the Bulwark, fitly to beat down the town.  
The 25. day of the said month came into the Town other 35. s●eddes laden with corn and victuals: and the 26. day 37. s●eddes laden with victuals. The same day was Peter Flashman one of the seven Captains of the Town hurt, with the scattering about of stones, and died thereof soon after.  
The 27. day, a maids head, dwelling at the sign of the Hearts head, as she was pulling the roasted Chickens of the spit, carried clean away with an iron bullet, which came through the kitchen. The same day the towns men had pulled down Saint john's Tower, because they feared it would have fallen into the ditches, by reason of the battery of the enemy, which would greatly have advantaged them. The Alarm also was at that time sounded to no purpose.  
The 28. day, the Burrough masters, chief Officers, and Captains received letters from his Excellency by the Post, who was forthwith sentbacke. The same day, sallied out of the wood gate seven men at arms to make play with the enemy, who returned without any encounter. The same day also, entered 80. s●eddes laden with victuals, and certain barrels of powder, conducted with about four hundred English men, Scots, and Walloons, men well given and disposed, and of very good behaviour, who were brought into a monastery, and there well entreated by the Lords: the name of the Captain of the English men was, Captain Symons: Baufour, of the Scottish men, and Marottin one of his Excellency's guard: and Captain Varduer one of the Count March his guard.  
The 29. day was a Proclamation made, that no Butcher should sell a pound of the best Beef above a patart & an half: and a pound of cow beef, but for a patart and a quarter, upon pain of the forfeiture of the same flesh, and arbitrary correction.  
The 30. day, the soldiers of the town sallied out in a great heat, to poison, or peg, the great ordinance of the enemy: but because the towns men were not equally at one instant ready to do it, it turned to nothing: and so much the rather, because the enemy was ready in the trenches to give the assault: so that the towns men were enforced to retire, and thereby were many of them hurt, to wit, Captain Michael in the hand, Cousin, in the knees with a pike, his ensign bearer in the arm, with an arqebus shot, and Captain Lambart of Wirtenberg in the breast with a Lance. The towns men gave fire to the mine of the Bulwark, and thereby killed a great number of the enemies.  
The last day of januarie, the enemy was prepared, to give a lively attempt to the town, as in very deed came to pass. For, as the Almains, who that night watched near unto the gate of Saint Cross, and Saint john's gate, were negligent in their watch: the enemy before the day break, was ready at hand, and had placed all the ensigns about Saint john's gate, a number of which souldters, had already got themselves into the chambers and other places of the gate half beaten down, before the towns men knew any thing of it. On the other side, many of the enemies were passed underneath the bulwark that was beaten down, at Saint cross gate, and hid themselves under an hedge of thorns all alongst the ditches, from S. Cross gate, unto S. john's gate, by reason that the ditches were frozen. Moreover, they of the Bulwark, and fort at Saint Cross gate, were placed in good order with ensign displayed: and all the rest kept the trenches of S. Cross gate, which was beyond S. john's gate, even unto the Tower of Revelin, in very good order, so that to any man's thinking, the victory was already theirs: for there were to begin the assaust, 18. or 19 ensigns of Spaniards, Almains, and Walloons. There were also placed near to the spittle betwixt five and six hundred horse, and beside, in the links likewise, about two hundred horse, & an other part was accompanied with soldiers lying at the entry of the wood, attending the victory of this assault, for the murdering of the Citizens and soldiers, who, after the town was taken, should any way seek to fly thence and save themselves.  
This assault was to be given by the Spaniards, Almains, and Wallous: to wit, by the Spaniards and Almains from Saint Cross gate down all alongst the overthrown rampires, unto S. john's gate. And the Walons to give the assault at the said Saint john's gate, who had already gotten the advantage of the said gate and rampires, before any of the towns men perceived it.  
Now, as the enemy had this great advantage against the towns men which could no way be recovered without great effusion of blood, if God by his grace had not provided for it, the souldters & sworn men which watched this night in that quarter, so soon as it was day, had quickly perceived it: wherefore fifty or threescore of them lustily charged them between the gates, and valiantly pealed them with arqebus shot, crying alarm, which noise awaked them that were there about, & made them run with their weapons to the rampires, and so did likewise all the towns men, charging the enemy very courageously, so that therein they siue many, and beat back the rest from the top, down beneath the walls and rampires, so that all the Spaniards, Walloons, and Almains, were in a short tune dispatched in great numbers: for they so valiantly withstood the enemy, as that there could not a man so soon peep above the rampire but that he died for it.  
The strongest assault that the enemy gave, and were most in number, was, at the old bulwark at Saint Cross gate, which the enemy had gotten hard by the new fort, that the towns men had fortified, and the enemy, for the giving of the assault, had undermined it, because they meant to win it by main strength. But they within, had so countermined, and made such a pit below under the breach, & put into it certain barrels of powder and such other like stuff, as that in giving fire thereto, when as the Spaniards, with ensigns displayed, were in greatest number gotten up to the top of the walls, they so lustily bestirred themselves, as that the mine and as many as were upon it, and there about, were blown up into the air: so that a great number of the enemies were sent to heaven headless, armeles, and legles, yea torn and rend in pieces, besides those that there were buried.  
It was a fearful thing to see, how the heads, arms, and legs, yea, & whole bodies also, harquebuses, halberdes, rapiers, and drums, flew up into the apre. Over and beside all this, the towns men got them into the trenches of the enemy, and slew of them in great numbers, as many as were not able to fly thence. They discharged also a demie Serpentine & other iron pieces, amongst them which stood in order of battle before Saint john's gate, making therewith great slaughter of the enemy: which caused the Spaniards and Walloons retire with shame enough into their trenches, carrying away all their dead that were of any reputation, as fast as they could. In this assault, of the cownes men that were deadly hurt, was captain Lambart of Wirtzenbourgh, who shortly after yielded up the Ghost to God.  
Whiles the Spaniards gave the assault at Saint Cross gate, and Saint john's, there entered in at Scaelwike gate 170. sleds laden with corn and other victuals, which came from the Prince's camp, with a convoy of 300 shot, and about 70. horse, upon the ice: who were pursued even unto Harlem gates with an hundred horse, and certain shot, to have taken away their victuals, but all in vain, howbeit in very deed the Prince's Cornet bearer, and one other of that company lost their lives.  
In the evening the Burroughmasters sent two messengers with letters to his Excellency, who immediately upon their return, brought with them an Almain horse man prisoner that was riding towards the wood to his company. These two messengers were sent by Skeveling, to carry news to the prince of the state of the town.  
The first of February, sallied out of Scaelwyke gate 27. horsemen to maintain a skirmish, but they encountered with no man save an Almaigne soldier, whom they brought to the town.  
The second of the same month, the towns men were advertised that the evemy had made a bridge with boats about the Barnardynes, to pass over certain horsemen for the cutting off of the sleds of the town which brought in their victuals: wherefore 36. horsemen and 600. on foot sallied out of the town in the morning through the favour of the Bulwarks: But when they could find no bridge, they returned, bringing with them a Walon, and a young stripling, who were in an house near Scaelwyke. The same day was an Alarm given.  
The 3. of the said month, was proclaimed by the sound of the bell, that a loaf of bread of fix pound weight should not be sold for above two patartes, and a pound of Cow cheese for half a brass penny, a pot of sweet milk, a groat and an half, and a pound of butter two souls. The men at Arms and certain Harquebuziers sallied out of the wood gate in the morning to maintain a skirmish, & found certain Spanish horse, whereof, one horse and two men at Arms of the enemy which went from the skirmish, were siryken with a canon shot that came out of the fort of the said gate.  
The fourth of the said month, sallied out at the said gate the men at arms with certain Harquebuziers, who conveyed certain empty sleddes as far as the Mere, which went for Corn: where the horsemen fell upon the enemy, howbeit they parted fairly without any hurt doing. The same day, the enemy thought to give fire to the mine which they themselves had made, at Saint Cross gate, thinking thereby, greatly to endamage the town, but it was by God's grace so prevented with a Countermyne, as that the towns men gave fire to the mine, where they dispatched a great many, both of Soldiers and Pyovers, without any hurt or loss to the town.  
The 5. of February in the afternoon, were 8. sleds laden with victuals brought into the Town, which came from his Excellency's camp: and the sixth day there went to the Prince Caprayne Vemi, and with him Adrian, de Berquenroede, for the sending thither of victuals, and other things necessary, the alarm also was given, but nothing came of it.  
The 8. of the said month, entered an 150. sleds laden with corue, & the enemy gave the alarm without any more to do for that rhyme. But at the second alarm, the towns men made them give an assault.  
The 9 of Febr. the enemy began within the Bulwark at S. Cross gate, which the towns men had given over, their platform of earth and timber logs, for the planting of their artillery there, that they might thereby batter at their pleasures. the Walls, rampires, Bulwarks, houses, and streets of the town.  
The 10. of the said month, the enemy never giving over undermining, caused the towns men also to ply it with countermyning as fast, and gave forth with fire thereto, sending thereby a great number of the enemies into another world. The same day, by the advise of the Borroughmaisters and Captains of the town was ordained, that a new Ditch and rampire should be made like an half moon: for they were afeard that the enemy would undermine the said Fort or Bulwark, which in the end they beat down, which Ditch and rampire was with one consent, and great diligence begun and finished: so that there was no man absent at the doing of it, but Borroughmaisters, head Officers, Captains, Lieutenants, Citizens, Soldiers, Soldiers wives, and Pages, lay at it day & night: Insomuch that it was quickly dispatched & made an end of.  
The eleventh of the said month, an Almaigne coming from the entry of the wood, passed by boat over Spare, and giving a sign with his Cap: came towards the Town, desiring to comein: and being in the Town, asked for Captain Steinbach, showing Letters which were written unto him. Wherefore he was brought to the said Steinbache his lodging who forthwith brought him to the town house, where he was thoroughly examined, and after put in prison,  
The 12. day of February, arrived a boat laden with victuals, which came from Leyden, and the next day being the thirteenth of the said month, there came a messenger with letters from his Excellency unto the Magistrate.  
The 14. of the said month, there came in the convoy of 40. harquebuziers 2240. Rasieresof corn and other victuals: and the next day came in a boat laden with turfs, very good firing in the low countries.  
The 16, day came in a great Bark laden with bread and fish. But the next day being the 17. came in twenty and eight small boats laden with victuals, and four hundred soldiers, the greater number of them in double pay, under the charge of captain Christopher Gunter: The same day also were four or five alarms given, because the evemie offered to give the assault, setting fire on the mine, whiles they stood about the Spittle in order of battle with ensign displayed, although the firing of the mine stood them in small steed, which was the cause that the assault began not.  
The 18. day of February the first Galley, of 84. feet by the keel, having a board in her, certain soldiers got into Harlem Mere. The same day also entered in four or five small Boats laden with victuals, & one other laden with two pieces of brass, which came from Leyden.  
The 19 of the said month, there arrived a boat laden with ten iron pieces, powder, shot, and victuals. The same day arrived at Penninkfer the little Galley of Amsterdam with four or five small boats, to the intent to cut down the bank or dyke for the getting in into Harlen Mere: who were encountered with the little Galley of Harlem and other small boats, and by that mean stayed. In the mean while the towns men fired a mine which they had cast under the Bulwark, whereupon ensued a brave skirmish. The next day, fled out of the town a Wallon whom before they had taken prisoner, into the Almains camp.  
The 21. of the said month the Amstelredamians returns from Pennykfer with their boats to accomplish the work which they had begun: who before had fought with the little galley of Harlem.  
There were also certain horse men sent from Harlem, why the came out of the Sparewouwer gate upon bridges, and took one of the enemy's Boats fraught with men, the greater number of which were slain, and the rest hanged at Fuyke.  
The 24. of February the Harlemians sent two of their Galleys to Fuyke, and the 25. they received two brass pieces from the Dordrightians, one of which carried a bullet of forty & four pound weight, and the other of thirty, and four or five iron Serpentines. The same day entered five small vessels laden with victuals and grain, to wit, with where, rye, barley, beans and pease.  
The 26. of the same month the great Galley of Harlem, got before all the rest of the men of war, and entered the Mere, where she fell amongst a dozen men of war of Amstelredam, whereupon four or five of them began to assail her to have clapped her a board, before such time as she perceived that they were their enemies, so that she lost some of her men: But Captain Gerard the younger being hurt, saved himself and his lieutenant in a small vessel, leaving his people in danger, whom the enemy forthwith overcame: an hour or two after the loss of the great Galley, came the little Galley of Harlem (under the charge of Captain james Antony) with other sinal men of war, who valiantly recovered the great Galley, and won of the enemy a new Carvel, killing as many as were within board, save three, whom they brought to Harlem, one of them being a Gentleman of lovayne, named Ranscot, and the Harlemians returned to Fuyke having played the tall soldiers. The same day also entered into Harlem certain small vessels laden with victuals.  
The 27. of the said month the said Galleys once again met with the enemy, and put the Amsterdamians to flight: where upon the Harlemians stopped the hole which the Amsterdamians had made, with boats, stones, and other things.  
The last of this month very early in the morning, the towns men fired a little Mine that was digged at Saint cross gate, to the loss of some of the enemies.  
The third day of March, the Harlemians set a work and played with the great ordinance before named: for, as the enemy had made a platform before the Fortor Bulwark, john Coningham the Scottish Lieutenant played so lustily with the battery, as that in half a day he had beat it smooth to the ground. The same day also entered into Harlem two small vessels laden with victuals and powder.  
The fourth of March the enemy gave the alarm, and in the mean while victuals entered into the town. And the next day, the Chase of Harlem entered the Mere hotly appointed.  
The seventh of the said month, the towns men had beaten down the enemy's platform. The same day also a Proclamation was made that no assize should be paid of any thing within the town.  
The eight day entered into Harlem two ensigns of English men and Walloons, which were quickly sent away again, because it was thought that there were about four thousand soldiers in the town.  
The ninth day● as Captain Enchuise and his horse men enbarqued, wherefore the towns men skirmished against the enemy that lay in the wood: and so did they likewise the xi. day, but to small purpose.  
The twelfth of March came victuals into Harlem, and alarm was given. But the fourteenth of the said month the Harlemians fired a mine, which dispatched some of their enemies, amongst whom a Spaniard covered with earth was retired, howbeit he never spoke word, and soon after died. The same night a Walon came out of the wood to the town, who was immediately sent to the prince of Orange.  
The eighteenth of the said month, the enemy had made ready to assault the town about noon, and the towns men sounded the alarm, but there was nothing done. Howbeit the next day the enemy had fired a mine, but with no hurt or loss to the town. And the 20, day the towns men played the like part, and the very same effect followed. They likewise thought to set fire on the platform, but it had no good success.  
The 22. of March, which was Easter day, the enemy stood in order of battle both about the Spittle, as also in the higher links and in the wood. Wherefore the Burroughmasters and Captains commanded the alarm to be sounded, but nothing was done. The same day sallied out of the wood gate, five or six horsemen, and 120. shot to make play with them which lay in the wood, howbeit they were repulsed with the loss of two soldiers and a few hurt men. The same day also came into Harlem in three ships 70. last of corn, which are 1625. razieres.  
The 24. of this month, Marine Brand Admiral of the Mere, brought with him two prisoners, who after they had been racked, were hanged about Fuyke.  
The 25. of the said month at niene of the clock in the morning sallied out of the wood gate about 200. Walons to skirmish with the enemy which lay at the entry of the wood, and got the outward trench of the enemy: but because they were not strong enough, they retired to the town, without doing of any great exploit, save that they hung two soldiers. But when the Burroughmasters understood the state of that quarter, The Colonels and Captains determined to surprise the same quarter in the after noon with niene or ten ensigns, which was executed at four of the clock in the afternoon by six companies of soldiers and many citizens, who sallied out of the water gate, & about 200. French and Walon soldiers that sallied out of the wood gate, where after they had shaken off their shot, they coupled the skirmishers together. In the mean while, issued out the aforesaid Chase of Harlem, & certain small men of war with her, and thereby surprised the enemy in three or four places, who having once discharged their great ordinance, took their heels, howbeit the towns men followed them for life, from thence to Faert, killing & slaying: so that they slew a thousand of their soul dyer's, a great number of which were men of estimation, & wealth, as appeared by the rich jewels & apparel that were brought to the town: And beside, the towns men burnt above 300. tents, and carried their great ordinance out of the field, to wit, 5. Falconnets & 2. brass pieces, with great store of munition & powder, and niene ensigns which the soldiers in the evening, to the shame and despite of the enemy, as it were in great triumph, carried with drums & mischiefs alongst the new rampires, & in the end placed them upon the _____. Over & beside all this, they brought to the town about 30 horse, a great number of Cows & calves, garments, cloaks, great store of plate, rings, gilt Morions, & an in, numerable number of corselets, harquebuzers & sword. To be short, there was never a soldier of the town but had a good large butin. For, there was a drummer that had 200. ducats for his share. Which victory was won with the loss of a few men, for the towns men lost not above 8. amongst which, was one Captain Derdeind a Walon, a very valiant & wise man, who had done great good service about the fortification of the Town, & had in this victory with his soldiers, bravely charged the enemy.  
The 26. of March the towns men had placed in the morning upon the bulwark 11. ensigns, which they had aswell the day before as also at other times got from the enemy. But the 27. was slain from the platform with a musket shot, Thierry Braesseman, Lancelot Brederode his Lieutenant.  
The 28. of this month the ships of war, were gotten to the other side, half way to Easterpe.  
The 29. of the said month, were gotten into Harlem Mere thirty and three shippesand seven galleys of the enemy, which would have bereft us the Mere, having cut down the dyke about the Terbert house. And the Harlemians had with great speed by reason of a prosperous wind, got to the Mere the third Galley under the charge of captain Binchorst, and also captain john Mantegnault, who with certain citizens sailed towards Caghe, where the rest of their ships lay.  
The 30. day of March, the enemy had began a fort near Fuyke, for the safety of their ships, & the last of the said month the enemy fired a mine, howbeit no hurt came to the City thereby, save only that the Alarm was sounded by reason of the battery.  
The first of April, there came into the town a Bark laden with powder which came over the fields that were overflown. The same day, the soldiers destroyed S. john's Abbey, which stood whole and sound till then.  
The second of this month, came thirty and eight s●ippe● & Galleys of Amsterdam before Fuyke, where from morning until the evening they did nothing else but shoot off their great ordinance.  
The fourth of the said month the towns men hung up without Scaelwyke gate eleven soldiers which were prisoners, and drowned a woman. And the sixth of the said month, a Post came in at the wood gate, which immediately returned. The same day the enemy blewe up a mine, howbeit the town was no whit hurt thereby.  
The seventh of the said month the towns men sallied out at Scaelwyke gate, thinking to have coupled together in skirmish, but it was to final purpose. And the eight of the same month the towns men fired a mine, but it availed little.  
The ninth of this month, came, as it were about an hundred of the Prince's ships from Caghe towards Fuyke. And the harlemians having a dozen well appointed ships, first sailed with a great large vessel unto a bridge near unto the wood, where she stayed without being able to pass or yet stir: And the second which was a carvel flayed against the low dyke. But as two hundred soldiers or there about sallying out of the water gate to set upon the enemy, were lively repulsed: the soldiers which were in the great vessel, and in the Carvel, came out of them, and some of them came on shore in a boat, leaving both the ships in the power of the enemy. The others seeing that the bridge would not stir, forsook also both their vessels, and in skirmishing retired to the town with the loss of six or seven of their company: in the mean while, our vessels kept them of Amsterdam, which lay before Fuyke, play, by reason of the North-east wind, & the fort of Fuyke, where the Spaniards were provided of great ordinance, they could not come to grapple with the enemy: Wherefore our men in the evening sailed thence, and so rested themselves for that night. There was also in the eavening a skirmish upon the Summer way, and at night were two alarms sounded.  
The tenth day of April were sent out of Scaelwyke gate four Posts to the Prince's ships. The same day the evemie had made a long trench, which reached from the wood hard to Fuyke, so that none could come out of the town, but must needs fall into their laps.  
The 11. of the said month, the Prince's ships were come to Hemsteede, which made the towns men think that they would set some men a shore: so that for the helping of them, there issued out of the wood gate about 150. soldiers, out at the water gate about 500 and out at Scaelwike gate. 200. But although the vessels approached not, yet the soldiers were hoatlie chased back, and two of the Captains were hurt by their own soldiers. The same day, seven or eight of the enemies had desperately gotten up unto the fort or Bulwark with two ensigns, crying, victory, victory, the town is ours. But the ward so lustily repulsed them, as that one of the ensign bearers was left behind dead, with his ensign.  
The 14. of this month in the night came three messengers thwart the fields in at the wood gate, and so did also three other messengers, the night following. The 15. day, the towns men put the fourth Galley to the Mere, being 180. feet by the keel. And the seventeen day were three messengers sent towards the Prince.  
The 18. day of Apryll entered Jerome Serrates and the L. L. Rosoni, Bordell, Dorhem, Maligau, and others, to the number of fifteen, and with them certain men laden with powder.  
The 19 day the Prince's ships had set on land at the corner of the five houses, two thousand soldiers to skirmish with the enemy: But by reason of the long waiting, for the Harlemians, nothing was done. The same day was an adventurer sent towards the Prince's ships, who, although he was hastily pursued by the enemy, thwart their camp, yet, maugre their herds, he returned safe and sound. The same day at night Captain Baufoure with his scottishmen, and certain citizens, sallying out at Scaelwike and Sparewouwer gates, made a camysado and took by force Rustenbourgh house, and dispatched a good many of the enemies.  
The 20. of Apryll, there came from Fuyke certain Spaniards, some by Galley, and some by land, to recover Rustenbrough, howbeit they were so lustily repulsed by the towns men, as that they were feign to retire. The same day were sent from Harlem to the Prince four Posts or messengers. And the 21. of the said month an alarm was given to the town.  
The 22. of this month, they that were taken in the trenches of Rustenbrough, were hauged without Scaelwyke Gate. The same day, the Ships of the Mere, bravely skirmished, howbeit to small purpose. And the next day, there re-entered at Scaelwike gate, four posts: and others sent a way out at the wood gate.  
The twenty and four of the said month entered in at the wood gate, 24. Citizens of Harlem, bringing with them powder, and then was an alarm sounded at the town. The same day at night issued a good number of Englishmen, Scots, Walons, and Pioneers, and went towards Spiquerbord hole, but returned without doing of any thing, and so leveled the work begun.  
The 25. day of Apryll at five of the clock in the after noon the enemy came in, on three several parts, to skirmish upon Rustenbrough, but was feign for all that in the end to retire. The same day the enemy gave the alarm, to the loss of some of their own conpanie. The next day, there departed from Harlem four posts in one Bark towards the Prince's ships: but the 27. day came into Harlem two small vessels laden with powder, thwart the fields & ditches. And immediately after was an alarm given.  
The 28. of this month, the towns men, about eight of the clock at night blewe up a mine, whereupon certain Spaniards and others were well cooled: which was the cause that made them discharge eighteen Canon shot, wherewith they slew Captain Henry Lassens, and one Christopher Scagen Gentleman. The same day went out four soldiers to surprise certain warders, to wit, the one being near the wood, and the other in the way to the wood: but because the said warders could nor see the way to be gone before, it cost them their lives.  
The next day, there went out enbarqued, at Scaelwike gate certain messengers, and sailed towards the prince's ships, where they arrived without stay, as well appeared by a token of the fire which they gave.  
The last of this month sallied out the Prince's guard to skirmish with the enemy, in which their captain Margotin was slain. About this time the towns men had coined certain pieces of gold, with the arms of Harlem on the one side, & their own posy on the other: Vincit vim virtus.  
The first day of May entered into the town two men, who being chased by the enemy, forsook both their vessels, wherein they had 800. li. of powder, which they thought to have brought into the town. And the second of this month entered a boy of fifteen years of age, in at the wood gate as a messenger, with eight pound of powder, saying, That the Burroughmasters of Leiden had sent him, and that he was to have back with him two messengers of the town. This boy was kept prisoner, as one sent by the enemy.  
The third day of this month was a through search made in all the citizens houses both rich and poor, about the making of an Inventory of all the victuals, that were not of any great importance, and of Soap and spices. Soap was sold for six or seven souls the pound, homely butter, at four souls the pound, and an egg at half a patart.  
The fourth of this month, the Walons began to mutyne, because that Captain Vemi in executing the law, had hanged a Walon in the night: and therefore the soldiers of the Lord of Dorein came, and offered their harquebuses hard to his breast to the great hazard of his life: For they would needs know of him, who was the Author of this executing of justice: howbeit the uproar was in the end appeased, by reason of the freeing of another soldier that was prisoner.  
The sixth of May, the enemy of Fuyke, five with shot six or seven Cows of the town, because they fed nearer them than they were wonted: but in recompense thereof, the towns men slew three of their soldiers withshot.  
The next day, they which lay in the wood sallied out to take the Cows of the town, howbeit the Soldiers of the town kept them safe enough from that. This night sallied out of the little gate of the wood five or six soldiers, who slew one of the watch.  
The eight of this month the enemy shot with the great ordinance, quite through the great Steeple, hard adjoining to the dyke: and the same night went four messengers towards the ships, with a convoy of twenty or thirty shot, which gave an alarm to the enemy lying in the trenches, as these posts passed, carrying with them three old doves, that should bring answer back again.  
The ninth of this month which was Whitsun eve, the enemy had cast a man's head by the Town walls about the Bulwark, with this inscription: this is captain Oliver his head. The same day were taken and committed toward master Quintin and his daughter, and master Lambert sometime Burroughmaster of Harlem, because they were suspected of treason.  
The next morrow at four of the clock in the afternoon, the enemy issued forth to drive the town cattle, & drove before them in deene about thirty kine, but although they which drove them were to the number of 150. yet, eight or ten soldiers of the town, maugre their heads, recovered them all, from them.  
The 12. of May, about eight of the clock in the morning, returned one of the flying posts, having tied to his leg a little round scroll. But the thirteenth of the said month there entered all helly naked, one, whom, the enemy had taken upon the Mere dike. The same day in the morning, arrived another flying post with a letter, but about four of the clock, the enemy which lay in the dens, and in the wood, came down to drive the kine out of the meadows, that lay before the wood gate, howbeit thirty soldiers coming out of the Town to skirmish with them, frustrated their intent and purpose.  
The fourteenth of this month, one of the town mines sunk, by reason of the enemies continual undermining, and great abundance of rain that fell, so that three soldiers were overwhelmed therein: and therefore, the Town sounded the Alarm.  
The 15. day the Harlemians sent another Post towards the ships, with a Canuoye of 30. Harquebuziers, which gave the enemy such an Alarm, as that he in the mean while escaped their hands.  
The 16. of the said month, the Sonldiers of the Town sailing out, chased the enemy from the trench next to the wood, and having flame one of the ward, brought back with them three Morions and two harquebuses. The next morrow one of the Soldiers of Rustenbrough Guard, took the trench by Fuyke, carrying back with him for butin, three pikes & a Musket. The same night, the Guard of Rustenbrough made an Incursion as far as john Pittamans' houses, where they slew two of the watch, having gotten for their pains, three cloaks, one Cushion, and a sarge.  
But the next day the townsmen killed out of their mine with a shot, a Spaniard, who was esteemed, a man of some reputation and credit, because he had a chain of Gold about his neck. The same day the townsmen blew up a mine, which cost the enemy very dear. The same day also, commandment was given, that all the earth which was carried up to the rampires, should be cast over the said rampires, because the enemy lay under them, which was very good counsel, by reason that the townsmen thereby, ramforced them above two faddomes thick. The same day also was a proclamation, that every man, should be allowed but one pound of bread the day, women and maids half a pound, and three children, one pound: But strumpettes and Pages to eat nothing else but Grains. And they that were not able to live with a pound of bread, had free liberty given them of the said Grains. For there was not a bit of rye bread left. Neither might the Brewers brew any bear above 20. souls the barrel.  
The 19 of May, there got up into the town Bulwark, four or five of the enemies, and with shot, slew three men and a maid, as she was carrying of earth: whereupon, the Drums sounded the Alarm. The same day, the Soldiers of the town sallied out, and drew near to the wood, where they slew two Soldiers, and brought the third away prisoner. The next morrow, they that lay in the wood, by the Spittle, and in the way which leadeth to the wood, made excursions, for the driving of the Town cattle, whom the Harlemians stayed, and with the loss of one soldier, slew two men at arms.  
The same day the Townsmen sent back a prisoner which was brought in by night, to the Camp of the Enemy, giving him in his purse two Harlem half collars, a loaf, and a Letter to deliver to his Captain: the content whereof was this, That he should be taken or charged, before such time as he had eaten that lose. This warning they gave him, because he should have no occasion to complain, and find himself grieved, if ever he were surprised.  
The 21. of the said month, the Enemy having gotten up to the Ramparts, dispatched nine Pioneers carrying of earth: But the day following, they shot out of their mortyer pieces eight bullets of wild fire: so that the fire caught hold in the kings street, at the corner of the Bath street, but it was forthwith put out.  
The three and twenty of may in the After noon, the Enemies of Fuyke and others, to the number very near of five hundred, had lustily skirmished with our trench, and with the fort of Rustenbrough, where, at the first, were not above eight or ten soldtours, for many were gotten into the Town, where the enemy so forcibly assailed, as that they wan the first trench on that side adjoining even barred to the bridge of the chief fort, where some Spanish Lord, or Captain of estimation, and an other Captain, not far from thence were slain, and six or seven other Spanish soldiers taken, and some of their heads cut off.  
And the same evening, were the heads of two Captains and two other Spaniards, set upon long poles, upon the top of the Bulwark in the view of the Enemy, where they stood until the next morrow.  
There were also at this skirmish of the enemy's side hurt and slain betwixt thirty and forty, some of which they carried away in a small vessel into their trenches.  
And one of the Captains had a chain of gold about his neck, besides two or three hundred crowns about him, which was a very good booty for the soldiers of the town▪ But in the retrayt of the enemy, the powder which john Scatter the Ensign had brought thither, was set on fire, as he heide it betwixt his arms: so that both he and Serrates were shrewdly heat, and six or seven others, some of which took no harm.  
The four and twenty of the said month the Enemies beesette themselves in every corner, to drive the Town cattle: seven or eight of which they had gotten at their commandment: But they were so worthily pursued, as that the Enemy was fain to forego them, leaving beehind them for a pawn, six or seven of their soldiers.  
The same day, the navies on the Mere, played one with the other with their great Ordinance, but to small purpose.  
The five and twenty of may in the after noon, came in a Dove, or flying Post with Letters: In the evening was a great light made upon the lowest pinnacle of the Tower, whereupon at eleven of the clock at night, issued a great number of people out of the Town, to assist those which came from our ships with powder.  
All that night the great Ordenounce was heard to shoot off very terribly: But the greatest loss fell upon our own people. For they hearing the noise of our men which came out of the Town: and seeing them, thought verily they had been the Enemy, by mean whereof, many lost their lives, and cast all the powder into the water. This noise and cry, and shooting off, of the great Ordinance, lasted all night long: so that the Alarm sounded in every corner of the town.  
Nevertheless, the townsmen brought away with them, two or three prisoners, one of which, by the report of the enemy self, was a Captain. They like wise, which accompanied those that went to the ships, and were bringing of powder to the town, said, that in their first issuing out towards the ships, they lost 16. or 20. of their men.  
The 26. of the said month, the enemy attempted an other skirmish, for the driving of the town cattle: howbeit they were well yvough met with all, for they left there in pawn, a Sergeant of a band, and two or three other Soldiers: and but three of the to wnesmen, only hurt. At the same time, one of the country men, from whom the enemy had taken away his Cow, went to the wood, and there took an horse in exchange, and brought him home.  
The 27. of the said moveth, at eight of the clock at night, the enemy set up a Gallows on the plat form, and hung up certain Citizens and Soldiers whom they had taken the second night before, when as they thought to have come into the Town with the powder. Some they hung up by the neck, and some by the feet, which deed, so moved our Soldiers, as that they also set up a Gallows on the top of the Bulwark, in the sight of the enemy, where they hung up Master Lamhert, Master Quirin, and a Priest, Adrian Groenenthuich and the young lad which came from the wood, notwithstanding that the latter two were condemned to be scourged and whipped, and the boy beside, to be burnt in the face: all which, accompanied the other five Soldiers that were taken in the wood: But master Quirin his daughter, and a Walon, that was brought from the wood, were drowned in Backnesse ditch. These twelve were exeruted without the consent and leave either of the Magistrate or Captains. Over and beside, they had taken the same night, Sir jasper and Sir Reynold Roothoofte, Doctor Elsen, and the Preacher of the Spittle.  
The 28. of May, the enemy coming with 63. ships, fought on Harlem Mere, with the Prince's ships, and put them to flight, with the loss of 21. vessels, on which victory, the enemy had the night before, greatly triumphed. The same day, the enemy assailed the fort which stood upon the side of the mere: where they were thrice bravely repulsed: howbeit when they of the fort saw, that the ships had forsaken them, and left them without either victual, Munition or powder, they rendered up the Piece, with the safety of their lives and goods.  
The 30. of May, the enemy blewe up a Mine, so that thereby, three of the town were slain, and Captain Vemi, with Cochim, were in great hazard of their lives. Then sounded the Alarm: and Captain Vemi, who was as it were buried with the earth, was by the help of the pioneers recovered, and another Soldier with him. And another Soldier that was cast beponde the ●leftblank; returned to the town by reason of the smoke, without any hurt, & yet he was saluted with many a shot.  
The first of june, the enemy again, hung up upon their plaltform, ten or eleven men. And the next morrow, issued out of the town 40. shot, to see if they could find out them which lay in the wood, but perceiving the number of the enemy to be over many for them to deal withal, they retired, without executing that their enterprise.  
The third of this month, the enemy had mounted a fair square Cage, fast tied with cords, to the top of four ship Masts: all open both above and behind, and full of holes, out of which, the Harquebuziers might shoot: howbeit they had not shot above twice, but that the townsmen, had so beaten their cords wherewith it was bound, as that it hung all on the one side, and the rest fell from the top to the ground, and two or three of the enemies with all, making therewith an horrible shoot, by reason they fell from such an height: At the same time, a Citizen, and two messengers more were sent to the Prince, carrying with them certain Doves for the bringing back of letters.  
The 4. of june, the enemy caused the townsmen to fallie out of the Bulwark, whereupon, it cost six of them their lives: And the next day, commandment was given, that the Citizens, should eat nothing else but Grains, howbeit, it was lawful for the soldiers to eat wheat bread as they did before.  
The seventh of the said month, the Townsmen found a Mine of nine faddomes deep, digged under saint john's Bulwark, to be blown up: where they found a dead man, a Moryon, and a white loaf:, But the eigh day, came in a Dove sent from the Lord of Batenbrough, by whom he wrote, that he much marveled, that they had not received Letters, by those Doves which came before from him, and that the Prince would shortly send them aid, which was but a cold comfort to the poor Citizens.  
The ninth of the same month, the Townsmen gave the Enemy a breakfast from out of the Wood-Gate, because they said, that they had neither bread nor beer in the Town.  
The tenth of june were six of the Sworn men chosen, for the continual looking to, and understanding of the Letters sent by the Posts in the air: because the Citizens were not well pleased, that that business was so slenderly looked unto. The same day were killed with a Cannon shot, Peter johnson the carpenter, Simon Score, and two young children.  
This day the Enemy blewe up a mine: howbeit there was no hurt done: But yet through the favour of the Smoke, the Townsmen wan also an other mine of them.  
The eleventh of this month the Dean of the Canons of Harlem, and many other Citizens being in the Camp of the Enemy, desired to come to a parley with the Townsmen, but they would none of that, they thanked them.  
Howbeit the next morrow, the Enemies came in great number out of the wood, to take the Town kine, but after that they had lost eight soldiers, and we one, they retired.  
The same day, in the after noon the Enemy returned for the execution of the said enterprise: But having gotten six of the kine within their possession, six of the Town soldiers so played with them, as that they recovered them again from them, which dealing drove the Enemy into such a rage, as that they left playing with the soldiers, and shot at the kine.  
The same day also came a Walon from Rustenbrough to parley with the Chaptayne, howbeit be refused it.  
The thirteenth of the said month, there came flying to the Town two Doves without Letters: in which day the Town soldiers had gotten a mine guarded by the Spaniards, three of which were slain, and the rest full of life in the heels, saved themselves.  
The same day, the Magistrate caused certain pieces of silver to be coined of ten and twenty Souls a piece: howbeit they were not worth above the one half, in silver.  
The 15. of june the Enemy showed himself ready on all hands to give the assault: and through the bloweing up of a mine there were hoist up into the air, between thirty and forty soldiers of the Town, and not one of them slain.  
And eftsoons, whiles the smoke lasted, the Enemy with targets mounted up lustily to give the assault: but when they see the Townsmen ready to receive them, they forth with made their retreat.  
The next morrow there came in a Dove, which Dove, as it seemed had escaped from out of the hands of the Enemy. The same day, the enimse had again set up a little house fast pinned to the tops of four ship masts, where into, they both went in, and came out behind.  
The 17. day of the same month, M. Serrats', and M. Goutin, were sent in a convoy of many shot, towards Fuyke, to advertise the Prince of every thing, and carried with them certain Doves in a basket, giving knowledge by the making of a fire, of their safe passage.  
The next morrow M. Serrats', sent one of the Doves with Letters, the contents whereof were these, that the Prince of Orange was at Leyden, that the Lord of Batenbroughe, lay between Vtright and Amsterdame, to cut them from victuals, and that himself, would set forward the matter as much as was possible for him to do. In this mean while, they beeganne to cast a new rampire and ditch within the Town, all alongst from Saint Margarettes unto Saint john's Gate, and finished it. There was also at that time great misery in the Town: for than they began to eat horses, and cow hides.  
The 19 of the said month, came in another of the said Doves with the Prince's Letters, written from Leyden, the contents whereof were these, that he much marveled, that he had not had any post sent unto him from the town in all that while, seeing he had sent posts thither both by water and by land, which never came into Harlem.  
The 22. of june there came from the wood, a Lieutenant or some other Officer, requiring to have answer of his message, which he had. And the 24, which was saint john's day, there returned a Dove with Letters from the Prince, That his excellency would shortly aid them, and at that time was none other meat to be had in the Town, but horse flesh, cats, bread made of navettes and of chanure seed.  
The 25. of the same month, the Townsmen shot from a Courtin, twice or thrice through the little house that was pinned to the four Masts: and in the Evening, a walon shot, came from Fuyke, about the rendering up Rustenbrough, and from thence went to the Town.  
The 27. of the said month at night, a Camysado of about five or six hundred men was made to go to Fuike, hoping to be aided by the Prince's ships, but all in daive, and therefore they returned without doing of any thing.  
The 28 of june, at five of the clock in the morning, arrived an other flying post, with Letters of comfort to the Townsmen: And the night following was another camysado of above a thousand men made, to go to Fuyke, howbeit the enterprise took none effect, because the ships holp them no whit, which greatly discouraged the townsmen. These two nights, the enemy gave the Alarm in many places of the cowne.  
The 29. was a proclamation made, that the townsmen should show to the deputies thereto appointed, all their victuals, because the soldiers under the colour of searching for them, rob and spoiled the common people. The next morrow returned a post of the air, with two letters, whereat all the town rejoiced, by reason of the good news contained in them.  
The 1. of july at 11. of the clock in the forenoon, Captain Pelican, & Captain Cornelius Matthew, with a soldier or two with them, fell to a parley with the Enemy in a field without the wood gate, where they showed them the wife of an Ensign bearer of theirs, whom they held as prisoner, who talked with her husband: And after ward the provost Marshal of the Enemy, said, that their colonel desired to come to a parley with the Governor of the town, which was brought to pass at 5 of the clock in the after noon. For after these 2. Captains had had each of them their safe conduct granted, they came to a parley together. afterward came the Count Ouerstein accompanied with four others, and when safeconduct was granted on either side, the Burroughmaister john Fliet, captain Steinbach, Rosoni, and Pelican, had an hours conference with him, between the little Wood gate, and the Water gate, deliberating three times together one with another before they left: & then very courteously took their leaves.  
About four of the clock in the afternoon, a Walon page of an 18. or 19 years old, came running from the trench of the Enemy towards the Town, whom our soldiers brought through Scaelwyke gate into the Town: who said that they wanted victuals in the Camp, and so did they also in the town. The next morrow, the Enemies planted all the great ordinance they had any where, in the trenches before the Town, and so battered Pyntoren, and Ravestein, as that the Tower and the wall fell to the ground: they shot also through many houses, & overthrew great store of them: howbeit through a violent east wind, the little house that was fast pinned to the four masts ends & set upon the platform, was blown down: Thus, that which the great ordinance could not beat down, was by God hisgrace overthrown by the wind. In the afternoon, was the tower near to S. Ratherins' bridge beat down and destroyed. The same day was the Enemy set in order, to have given the assault, whereupon the bell sounded to the Alarm, howbeit nothing ensued thereof. At night the Enemy had brought to the ditches two bridges, for their better & more easy giving of the assault: but whiles the townsmen still waited for them, they flew 20. of the Enemy's soldiers. The same day had the Townsmen set upon the Tower, a black flag, letting the ships thereby understand of their miserable distress.  
The 3. of july, the Enemy marvelously beat the Town with canon shot: howbeit about 5. of the clock in the afternoon, the townsmen once more parled with the Enemy, at the place aforesaid. The next morrow, they again set up the black flag, upon the Tower, to signify unto the ships their great penury & distress. The same day returned one of the flying posts with letters from the Prince, advertising them, that he meant the night following to victual them. The same night, all the soldiers in the Town issued out at Scaelwike gate in a Camisado, looking ettery hour when the shippss should set their men on land, for the aiding and relieving of the Town, but it was all in vain. The next day the Townsmen parled again with the Enemy, to wit, 6. on either side, where was the Count Bossu, & the Count Ouerstein, & four others on the Enemy's behalf, and Steinbach, john Fliet, Rosoni, Sohey, Pelican, and Cornelius Matthew, on the behalf of the Town: but they could not agree. For the soldiers would at no hand departed the town without their armour and weapon.  
The 5. of july at noon, the Prince's ships showed themselves to the townsmen: whereupon the citizens & a great number of the soldiers sallied out of the town to assist them, which thing the Enemy seeing, gave the Alarm before the bulwark, the alarm bell also sounded out, so that the enemy was forced to recyer, & then discharged they the 8. last canon shot bullets of 10256, which had been discharged upon the town, from the beginning of the siege, even unto the day. The 6. of that month, was a white flag set upon the Tower, and they also sent by plain force in a small vessel, acaptaine of the Town named Nycholas Barnard, to the Prince of Orange his ships, carrying with him four Doves, and a Letter to the Prince of Orange, advertising, and praying him that he would send victuals by the Barks, because they were no longer able to abide the famine.  
The 7. of the said month came a letter from the Prince of Orange subsigned also by the last post: praying them to have patience for a day or two, & he would, by the help of God, raise the camp of the Enemy. Which news greatly rejoiced the citizens & soldiers of the Town: albeit every man before, was ready to have quite and clean forsaken it: for many of them had given away their goods and apparel to them that would take them, and beside, the souldieres spoiled some of them, of all they had: insomuch, that it was a lamentable case, to see the misery wherein they were.  
The same day also the soldiers forcibly set upon a lombard or usurers house, and took away all the goods he had, for they looked every hour when they should leave the Town.  
The 8. of july returned a flying post with letters from the Prince, containing, that he trusted the night following to aid the Town, & that his ships should give a false Alarm to Fuyke: howbeit the whole force lighted upon them which lay in the wood, which news wakened the geatest part of the town, & above 2000 soldiers & citizens watting & looking for them, had put on whit shirts to give them the camisado, that they might thereby help the rest: which enterprise as then took not effect, which greatly discomfited the townsinen, seeing, that what by reason of famine, and want of victuals they were wonderfully weakened. The same night the princes ships gave a false alarm to Fuyke, shooting off their great ordinance, without doing of any thing that availed. There was at the time so great a famine in Harlen, as that many died of hunger.  
The 9 of july came in a flying post, bringing news that the Prince's people were discomfited at Mannepat: whereupon certain captains were of the opinion, that the best way was for every man to prepare himself to be gone, and leave the town with the women and children only in it, but yet they did not so: for when the women understood, that they meant to leave them and then children in the town, they forthwith so disorderly ran about, weeping & crying, as that no good course could be taken therein. The 10. of the said month, the soldiers of the town prepared themselves once again to forsake the town: And for the making of the way sure, they first appointed seven Eusignes for the vanguard, the very body and strength whereof, should be altogether shot: next to it, should the magistrate, the swornmen, the citizens with their wives & children follow: & for the rearward, they appointed nine other Ensigns. Howbeit this enterprise took no effect, by reason of a letter which came from the enemy in the wood, containing, that as many as were in the town should be received to mercy, whereupon the Almain captains & soldiers giving credit thereunto, this device immediately ceased. The same day the Spaniards in token of victory had placed upon their bulwark the 9 ensigns which they had the day before won from the princes people. The 11. of july in the evening 4. or 5. Ensigns of walons all shot, concluded to go out at Scaelwik gate, & in deed the greater number of them were already gotten out, with many citizens and swornmen, so that there was scarce any man left to defend the breach, which was a difordered & confused kind of dealing: but because there were none of those ready at hand, which had charge of the letting down of the bridges, every man retired with great trouble and annoy between the citizens and soldiers in every quarter. And surely, if God of his especial grace had not miraculously kept the town, the enemy might easily have surprised it: for there was not a soldier left at the breach, betwixt 11. & 12. of the clock at midnight. The same day the Townsmen wrote an answer to the Enemy, in such sort, as that the messenger went, and came back, twice. In which day, the soldiers had most cruelly murdered M. Quintin his daughter, and the sexton his wife of the Church, which may be an example for all such as think to do themselves good by the misery of their neighbours & fellow citizens.  
The 12. of the said month in the evening, Steinbach, Rosoni, Christofer Vader & 2. Burroughmaisters, agreed with the enemy to render the town upon composition: howbeit this composition no whit pleased Rosoni, and therefore he forthwith advertised the other Walon captains, who immediately opposed themselves against it, and pulling up the draw bridge, would not suffer the persons aforesaid come in: nevertheless, at last they came in, greatly encouraging the citizens & soldiers, saying, that Don Frederick would show them greater favour, than they either hoped, or yet looked for.  
The 13. of the said month, Proclamation was made by the sound of the drum, that all the companies should assemble themselves at a certain place, where they were asked whether they would tarry in the town with the favour or disfavour of the Duke of Alva, or else departed without armour and weapon: whereupon, answer was made, that they had rather abide in the town, & stand at the courtesy of the said duke, them to departed without armour & weapon: & beside, the Scots & Easterlings were let to understand, that they were received into favour: wherefore the rest of the soldiers commending themselves to the mercy of God, waited to see what would become of them. When the L. Bordethard then speak of grace, he forthwith commanded one of his soldiers to kill him with anharquebuze, saying. I beseech thee friend, 
A soldier killeth his captains being ●o commanded by him.  that thou which hast done me many good services, wouldst now at this present do me the last, even to disbend thine arqebus upon me, which thing the soldier after long refusal, accomplished. The cause why this Roman act was done, was by reason that the enemy had said upon the composition, that as many as had been at Monts in Haynault, should have no grace showed them. At 9 of the clock in the morning, they went out at the wood gate, to confirm this composition: and the sworn men were sent to the Town house, to know of them, 
The Hariemians, for the redemption of thei● City, pay to Don Frederick 240 thousand Florins.  if the said composition liked them, seeing they were the men, which were to make up the full sum of two hundred & forty thousand Florings, which the Burroughmasters had promised for the redeeming of the Town, to be paid at two payments: to wit, an hundred thousand florins within 12. days, & the rest within three month's next ensuing, with which composition the sworn men must be contented. 
The City of Harlem yielded up to the Duke Alua.   
Now, when the City was yielded up into the duke of Alva his hands, a proclamation was forthwith made by the ringing of the great Bell, That all Citizens and soldiers, should bring in all their armour and weapon into the town house, and that all the men should immediately go to the wood Abbay, the women, to the cathedral Church, and all the soldiers to Bakenesse Church: Howbeit the Scots & Almains were appointed to guard the rampires. When this was done, one Philippe Matines sometimes a Borroughmaister, came to the wood Abbay, praying the Borroughmaisters that they would forthwith make ready all such money as every man was taxed to give, to the end the town might not be sacked, and that he was a substitute sent from the Duke for that end and purpose. At that very present also was a loaf of bread of two pound weight divided amongst six men.  
The 14. of july, there came again to the Abbey aforesaid the said substitute with julian Romero, who put them in good heart, saying: That all their lives were saved, by the making up of that sum of money. The same day that the Spania●ds entered, The Scots and Almains were commanded to carry their armour and weapon to the town house, from whence, they were conducted to the Monasteries of Saint Ratherine, and saint Ursula, where the Spaniards kept them. Then entered done Frederick, and the Count Bossu, and with them, a great many of Gentlemen. And the same day the Captains and Ensign bearers, who the day before had presented their ensigns, were led prisoners to cliff house. But whiles the citizens and soldiers were kept in the Church, the Spaniards sacked and spoiled some of the Citizen's houses.  
The 15. 
Soldiers hanged and their heads cut off at Harlem.  of the said month, three hundred Walon soldiers were hanged, and beheaded without any more hurt. The same day the duke of Alva came to Amsterdam, to take a view of the outward part of the City of Harlem: wherefore he road round about the Town, and when he had well viewed the platform, and the rest of the forts and trenches, he returned to Amsterdam.  
The 16 of the said month, captain Ripperda, and his lieutenant were beheaded, & the minister or preacher of Steinbach was hanged, & 247. soldiers drowned in Harlen Mere. The next morrow the money for the first payment was gathered, & one part of the soldiers were beheaded without Scaelwyke gate. The 18. day, were more than 300. soldiers put to the sword, without the said gate, amongst whom were many citizens, who thought to pass with the soldiers, and afterward save themselves. The same day, was Simon Symons a minister beheaded.  
The 20. of july, Lancelot Brederode, Rosoni, and the receiver of the Briele, were taken, who were beheaded at Scooten. And the 24. day all the men who had lately fled for religion, were taken, & so were likewise the Boroughmaster Peter Reis, james Gerard, treasurer, Arnold Thierry, Florence Willians a shoemaker, Arnold Thierry the Coeman of the Brooke, hagueman Margliseur, Adrian platermaker, Scagen & Michiel the sons of a walon.  
The 25 of july, commandment was given by the sound of four drums, that every man should make a discovery of as many as they knew to be fled, upon pain of hanging at his own porch. And the 27. were taken Adryan johnson, Martial, john Fluet, and Gerard Stover, Burroughmaisters, john Albert secretary, john de Fore Colonel, james Bartilmewe a Captain, Peter Bal Sheriff, and james Barnerd capcaine, who soon after died in prison, and was buried in the Town. There were also taken john Adrianson the younger lieutenant Colonel, john Thierry and Peter Thierry, Ensign bearers, and john zael under marshal: which may be a lamentable example for almagistrates, Captains, citizens, and others, how ever they trust, or build, to or upon the promises of perverse, malicious, and subtle Tyrants.  
The 26. of july, the Spaniards summoned the Town of Alkmere: But so soon as they had gotten in captain Ruchaver, they then withstood the whole Spanish Camp, and thereupon all the Spaniards retired towards Harlem, where they began to mutiny, which fell very well out for the Alkmerians, because they had then some leisure in the mean while to fortify their town, whereby they might the better abide the force of these barbarous tyrants.  
The 19 of this month at night, much to do there was amongst the Spaniards in the Camp, 
A mutiny amongst the spanish soldiers.  because they would feign have been in the Town, that they might have had part of the spoil with the rest: Now it was an hard matter for the Governors to suppress these mutenyes, because they had then newly chosen other captains, lieutenants, seriantes, and Ensigns, who were also upon the sudden, at that present entered into the town. surely (Gentle Reader) it cannot be otherwise thought, but that this dissension and disorder, was even the very mighty work of GOD, considering the great commodity, benefit, and gain that redounded to these countries hereby, & it continued well near seven whole weeks, or thereabout. For, during all this time, they could attempt nothing against the other Towns and places: and again, the Towns hard by were in the mean time at good leisure to build them Bulwarks, & fortresses for their strength, always looking and attending for the force of the enemy.  
The 30. of this month, great troubles & controversies arose amongst the Spaniards, so that it grew to the Alarm: whereupon, a cornet of horsemen entered the Town: howbeit they tarried there but a while: and the last of this month the Spaniards brought in 13. or 14 pieces of great ordinance.  
The 6. of August Signior Chiapin Vitelli entered into Harlem to content and satisfy, or at least wise to agree with the soldiers on his majesties behalf, for their pays, wherewith the Spaniards were no whit sorry.  
The 7. of this month, the soldiers of Lazarus Muller with their Captains were conducted out of the Town, by certain footmen and horsemen: And when they had brought them near unto Niewer church, they were discharged by captain Broeckhuyse soldiers and others. The next morrow at night, the Spaniards gave the Alarm, and Simon Scorl, who thereby thought to escape, was taken prisoner. The same day the Citizens and all the Walon Captains were brought to Scooten, which was no small grief to their friends.  
The 11 of this month, about three hundred, what of Englishmen, French, Scots, and walons, who till then lay in prison, were beheaded. And the day ensuing; was Don Frederick, captain general of the Spanish camp, most triumphantly brought into the City: For it was agreed upon, that every man should have 30. crowns a piece for his wages.  
The 15. 
The Bishop of Harlem hassoweth the great Church.  of August, being one of our Lady days, Godfray de Amerlede, Bishop of Harlem, very solemnly hallowed saint Bavons Church. And beside he soonge mass, whereat Don Frederick was present: Immediately after that the Ghospel was sung, the bishops secretary propounded unto the said Don Frede. 9 articles, which he in every condition promised to observe by an oath, & confirmed the same in the presence of the said bishop.  
The 16. of this month, the Spaniards came into the cathedral Church of Harlem to pass the musters: but because they would have abated them their priest money, they departed thence, without any more to do. Howbeit the next day following, they came again to the Church to receive their money, & so departed the town, for the siege of Leyden. Nevertheless, after they had long consulted of the matter, they encamped before Alkmer, from whence in the end they went with small honour. The same day, so soon as the Spaniards were gotten out, the Almains entered. And the next morrow, 18. Walon Captains and ensigns were beheaded at Scooten.  
The 19 day, were beheaded on the Spittle key, certain soldiers which lay sick in the said Spittle, and the Citizens which were carried to Scooten, were brought back again to the city.  
The 21. day, a general pardon was proclaimed for all the Citizens, 57 excepted, which pardon, together with the name of the Citizens shall hereafter be set down.  
The 20. of August, the chief of the sworn Brotherhood, assembled all the sworn men, & out of every Brotherhood were 12. pioneers chosen to serve in the camp of Alkmer, about to be besieged by the enemy.  
The 21. of August, 
The siege of Alkmer.  the Spaniards pitched their camp before Alkmer, to besiege it, and so straightly beset it, as that no man was able to pass either in or out. Over and beside, they fortified themselves sundry days with many Forts, or trenches, giving sundry Alarms both by day and night: whereupon the Soldiers and Citizens had many times occasion given them to skirmish.  
The 15. of September at night, the towns men had surprised the Spaniards trenches without Groenenbergh, and brought with them, a rich butin to the town, & a spaniard also, named john jeronimo, who discovered unto them many secret enterprises, which the towns men afterward found to be very true: and amongst other things he said, be of good courage my masters, for our men intent to batter the town, & give the assault the 20. of this month, and if they then win it not, they will remove, and a way. The night ensuing, the enemy summoned the town, at the prison gate, twice.  
The 18. of this month, the enemy began the battery against the town, with 20. canons, every bullet weighing 40. pounds, & continued it from morning to night, having spent in that while, to the number of 2036. bullets. And at 3. of the clock in the afcernoone they began the attempt at the Fishmarket gate, & the red tower, for 3. hours together: howbeit they were again lustily answered both with great shot, harquebuses, Holberdes, wild fire and stones, at the hands of men, women, and children: so that a great number of the enemies were there well cooled: and beside, the towns men had drawn up into the town, the two bridges which were made for the Assault. The same day, the Spaniards gave another Assault about the salt pans, howbeit they were driven to retire with the loss of a great many of their people.  
The 20. of September, the enemy again saluted the town with 800. canon shot, & was arranged of purpose to give the assault: howbeit the Citizens so lustily answered them with their great ordinance, as that they beat their assault bridge all to fitters. And beside: the citizens, women, & children, had prepared an hotter mess of pottage for them, than was at the first Assault.  
The night ensuing, the enemy gave them two Alarms, and the next night after that, three, but thanked be God, no hurt was done.  
The 22. of this month, was brave skirmishing, to the enemy's cost. For a Walon soldier of the enimtes camp, came to the Town and said: that at the former Assault, were above 600. soldiers slain, and very near 300. hurt, by reason whereof, as also because of the great rain that fell, they were agreed to remove their camp.  
The 25. of the said month, and four days after, the Spaniards embarked all their great ordinance, & spoil, saving six pieces. The same day the town coined, 10500. Tin collars, to pay the soldiers.  
The third of October, three of the principal Tents of the camp were taken away, and the enemy burned Buckler house. And the next morrow, the rest of the great ordinance was enbarqued. The fift of the said month, the Alkemerans issuing out of the town, took from the enemy a great bark laden with spoil, and the enemy burned Coedike.  
The sixth of this month, the enemy forsook certain Forts or trenches, which the towns men sacked, and brought the butin to Alkemer. And the eight day, the enemy set fire on an house standing near a mill, called the Rint mill, and so took Outdorpway, and from thence to Bergue. Whereupon the Citizens pursued the enemy, and in the flight, did them much mischief.  
The tenth of October in the afternoon, the enemy forsook their principal quarter and trenches, which was near to the new gate, whom the Citizens pursued even to Heylos and Costell, greatly annoying them, and beside brought back with them to the town good store of butin. Thus was the good City of Alkmer by God's help, and their lusty defence, delivered from the enemy: for the which be all bonour, glory, and praise unto the Lord our God for ever.  
During the siege of Alkmer, to wit, the fourth of October, in the year 1573. the Castle of the Rammekens in Zealande, was yielded up into the prince's hands, because that they which were within the castle, greatly feared, that the mine which was digged under one of the greatest Towers of the said castle would be blown up, and also by reason of the assault which they saw prepared against them.  
The 11. of this month, in the year aforesaid, 
Gertrudenbe●gue surprised.  the L. Poyet the prince's lieu●tenant for the wars, surprised by a wonderful practice, the town of Gertrudenbergne, and slew all the Walons that lay there in garnison.  
During the time of these exploits, 
A battle by Sea.  the duke of Alva had prepared a navy, which, under the charge of the count of Bossu, kept a course to meet, & fight with the North Holland fleet: And the name of the Admiral wherein the count Bossu was, was called the inquisition. These two Navies encountering together, there began a fearful thundering of Canon shot between them, and in the joining was a wonderful fight: and although, at the first encounter, the victory seemed to lean to the Count Bossu his part, yet the North Hollenders, by reason of a new strength wherewith they were supplied, had the victory: For when they had encompassed the admiral, they without ceasing, so plied the Spaniards with balls of vuslaked lime, as that they could not tell where to bestow themselves: and in the mean time, the rest so lustily assailed the enemy, as that they were driven to yield upon composition, whereupon the Spaniards were determined to have set all their powder on fire, because they feared to find no mercy at the North Hollenders hands: which thing when the rest of the ships saw, they packed on all their sails, and made towards Amsterdam, save only captain Festen his ship which was sunk with a Canon shot. After that, they brought the Count Bossu & his Spaniards with the noble prize, the admiral called the Inquisition to the triumphant City of Horn, where they marvelously triumphed and feasted, to the great comfort of all the Country thereabout. And therefore the towns of the North Holland, to wit, Anchusen, and Horn, are worthy all commendation for ever for their valiant and renowned acts in the defence of their country.  
When the Spaniards saw that there was no way for them to win Alkmer, 
The first siege of Leyden.  and having understood that Leyden was ill provided for, both of victuals & munition, they upon good advise removed thence, & marched on towards Leyden, where they encamped themselves, & planted their ordinance the last of October, before the said town, being in good hope to win it, because of their want of victuals: and they so straightly besieged it, as that no man could once stir out thereof.  
Whiles the Duke of Alva his devise & purpose was thus made void as well by the dishonourable retire of his son Don Frederick from Alkmer, as also by reason of Count Bossu his loss at Sea, so that, it seemed that the world went not on their side: News were carried by post into Spain, that the Duke of Alva through his tyranny, and obstinate demanding of the tenth penny, 
Don Lewis de Requesens cometh into the low countries.  had made all the whole low country's revolt, whereby there was no likelihood nor hope of victory. Whereupon done Lewis of Requesens the great commendator of Castil, was sent to be governor of the low countries, & arrived at Bruxelles the seventeenth of November in the year aforesaid.  
When the Duke of Alva was called home into Spain, 
The Duke of Alva playeth the bankroute.  he being mindful of his own profit, levied a great sum of money of the merchants, because he meant to carry home a great butin with him. And being lodged at the house of one john Persins in Amsterdam, from whence he intended to departed the country, he caused it to be proclaimed twice by the sound of the Trumpet, that as many as he owed any thing unto, should repair thither and receive their money. Whereupon, many came to his lodging, one demanding two thousand crowns which he had disboursed for him in ready money: another two thousand five hundred, and so a great many more, according to the proportion of their due. When the Duke had seen this account, he appointed every of them to resort unto him the next day at eight of the clock in the morning, to receive their money: howbeit he was somewhat earlier than they, and departed timely in the morning, without bidding them once farewell.  
Thus, when the said Duke had (as aforesaid) most tyrannously and cruelly governed the low countries and brought it into extreme poverty, misery, and desolation, be returned thence into Spain, leaving there behind him a great number of widows, and fatherless children, without either wealth, kindred, or friends, and so got him out of Bruxelles the tenth of December 1573.  
The great Commendator being received for governor, arrived at Antwerp, where, was a Navy prepared by Sea, to revictual and aid Middlebrough in Zealand, being very straightly besieged by the Prince of Orange his people: and as the said Commendator greatly desired to have the battle go on his side, so likewise would he be an eye witness thereof: & thereupon going to Bergues upon Zoome, got himself that day that the battle should be fought, upon the top of the wall, or dyke bank to behold it: where he manifestly and in deed saw, that in steed of victory which he had promised to himself, his Spaniards and Walons were vanquished, 
The victory of the flushingers.  many plunged over head and ears in the water, and many lead away prisoners, being in this sort hanseled with a newyear's gift, the second of Ianuari● in the year, 1574.  
After that they of Middlebrough, had by this long, straight, and hard siege been wearied, and left bare and naked without all hope of aid and succour, because the Flushingers had oftentimes been victors at Sea, and taken such a number of well appointed ships with great ordinance and other munition, and beside, had gotten thereby great and rich prizes, their hearts were in their hose: Insomuch that by reason of the great poverty, misery and famine which they had sustained, they were driven of necessity to yield themselves into the Prince of Oranges hands, whose soldiers entered into it the 22. of February, and his excellency, the 24 of the said month in the year aforesaid.  
During these exploits, Duke Christopher of Baviere, the son of count Palatine the Elector, accompanied with the two brethren, Count berwick, and Count Henry of Nassou, came in the midst of Winter, with a good sort both of horse men and footmen, within two miles of Mastright: whereupon the Spaniards which lay at the siege of Leyden, were driven of necessity to raise their siege the 21. of March in the year aforesaid, to resist them.  
When the Lords aforesaid understood that the Spaniards were coming on to seek them out, they marched on and encountered them at Moquerhead: 
The battle at Moquerhed.  where a great many of their soldiers, having nothing else in their mouths, but money, money, refused to fight: whereupon, these valiant Noble men with the rest of their people were enforced of necessity to abide the charge of the enemy, losing there, both tourney and life at once, after they had the fourteenth of April 1574. valiantly fought it out.  
When the Spaniards had won this victory, 
The mutiny of the Spaniards in Antwerp.  they again mutined for their pay: but by the advise of Sancho de Auila, they were conducted to Antwerp, where they jointly entered into the Castle the 26. of Apryll, receiving to their contentment, from the great commendator, which he had extorted upon the Citizens of Antwerp, the sum of four hundred thousand florins, usurping on them all kind of cruelty, and warlike licence & liberty.  
Moreover, the Lord of Champigni, governor of the said Town, was by them enforced to pack out thereof, with all his Walons: and because they feared the ships of war, which lay there near for the defence of the city, well purveyed of all forts of munitions, they made them departed, and ride farther off from thence.  
Whereupon the Flushingers being thereof advertised, 
A vietorls of 〈◊〉 Flushingers.  surprised them on a whitsunday, when as the Spaniards were feasting and banqueting in all their jollity, tormenting & mastering the poor Citizens of the city.  
After the discomfiture of the aforesaid Lords, the Spaniards being advertised that the Town of Leyden, 
Leyden besleged the second time.  sithence their departure was unprovided of victuals, and munition, they encamped before it, and planted their battery, the twenty and sixth of May, and more straightly enclosed it then they did at the first. For the Spaniards had built in divers places about the water side. 22. Bulwarks, in either of which, were swoor three pieces of great ordinance: The history of which siege here after ensueth.  
Now before such time as I take in hand to touch and handle the principal matter, I am (Gentle Reader) to beseech thee not to take in evil part, my summary declaration of this war of holland and Zealande, although it be here before described. And first to begin with all, The Duke of Alva having seen that the taking of Mons in Haynault, the wonderful departure of Count berwick of Nassou, with the mightiness and strength of his army, and the horrible murder at Paris, had made ready so open a way for his bloody tyranny: he like unto a second Antiochus, full of all pride and arrogancy, pursued his victory, and to begin withal, he in October, first sacked the Town of Malines. After that, because he would show his fury and insatiable erueltie, he the sixteenth of November caused above five hundred men and women to be murdered, hanged, headed, and drowned, at the Town of Zurphen: and within a while after, he committed another far more cruel and horrible slaughter at the Town of Narden, where he slew as it were all the whole Town, after he had made them many fair promises, and bereft them of their armour and weapon, pursuing afterward with tyranny the Towns of holland. Howbeit the Almighty God, whose mercy is always most seen in the time of necessity, took them into his protection, miraculously sending unto them the Prince of Orange, as a second judas Machabeus, to resist the bloody tyrant.  
Now it is well enough known by the Stories which have gone before, what the bridge was, over which he entered into the garden of Holland, before the city of Harlem, for the committing of his cursed murders, here before largely enough set down, after it had abidden the siege for the space of eight months: where Don Frederick, the said Duke his son, was general of the camp, who followed the fathers own natural inclination (having for all that lost at that siege, above twelve thousand men, through the valtantise of the Harlemians) after that the town was rendered unto him, through the discomfiture of the prince's army, and extremity of the famine, caused above two thousand three hundred soldiers to be executed by the sword, halter, and the water, who valiantly had defended this town: insomuch, that the Gentle Reader may manifestly consider, that at that time, the Hollanders were even up to the chin in the water, ready to be drowned, and sink to the ground. For, through the loss of Harlem, Alkemer, and Leyden, they were all in great danger. Howbeit, the Lord God, who commonly delivereth his from oppression, deprived the Spaniards of their reasonable understanding, when as through their mutiny they left pursuing of their victory: which caused the Hollanders to take courage again unto them, fortified their towns, and by a common accord agreed to abide & sustain a defensive war, for the defending of their wives & children, and to hazard their bodies and goods, for the benefit and welfare of their country. Which in very deed clearly appeared by them of Leyden, who, according to the right custom of wars, burnt and pulled down half a mile about the town, all the houses, castles, villages, monasteries, and trees, thereby to fortify their town, and weaken the enemy. And so likewise had the Alkemerians done.  
And to speak the truth, the yielding up of Harlem, was a great loss to the Hollanders: but on the other side, whosoever will consider and weigh, what towns and fortresses of the enemy, the Lord God hath given & delivered up unto them, shall find, that their conquest hath been greater than their loss. For, they conquered the castle of the Rammekens in Zelande, called Zeabrough, whereby, they not only became masters over all Zealand, but obtained the key of the Sea, and of all the low countries. And shortly after, the L. Lewis of Boyset, admiral of the quarter of the sea for the Prince of Orange, wan a jolly victory against the army by Sea, which was set forth of Antwerp: where ten of the greatest ships with the Admiral of the enemy were taken, besides those that were sounke, and the soldiers which were cast over the board, save only their Captain julian Romero, who saved himself by swimming, where they lost above 1500, of their best Soldiers, as well spaniards as others.  
The jolly victory likewise in North holland, which the valiannt Captain Nicholas Ruychaver of Harlem had against the Army of Amsterdam: where were taken Prisoners the Count of Bossue, and with him many more aswell Spaniards as others, that were in the admiral, which they thought invincible.  
I will here for this time pass over the siege of Alkmer, and the shameful retreat of Don Frederick, after he had given 7. assaults. And also the Duke of Alva his retreat into Spain: and how, to his shame, the proud Image which stood in the Castle of Antwerp, was destroyed and carried away. Besides the arrival of the great Commendator of Castille, Don Lewis de Requesens, and the second battle that was fought at Sea. And to make an end, I leave to the Historiographers, the surprising of the Town of Gertrudenberge and many other skirmishes, and things, because I would return to the said siege of Leyden.  
The Town of Leyden then, was for the first time, besieged from the last of October 1573. unto the 21. of March 74. For at that time the siege was raised, by reason of the coming down of Count berwick of Nassou into the low countries: so that as then, Holland was as it were, quite rid of all soldiers. For the famous P. of Orange came with his army to Govicque by Bommel, whenas the great commendator lay not far off with his. The principal cause, why the Prince of Orange pitched his camp there was, for that his brother Count berwick had written unto him, from about Mastright, that he purposed the next morrow to departed from thence with his army, and would be at Herwerd, between the Rhine and the Maze, by reason he meant there to set over his horse men, and join with his brother, and therefore required the Prince his brother to come and meet him with his men, Ships, Barks, and Bridges. And although this advercisement nothing pleased his brother, seeing that by reason of the shortness of the time, it was impossible to send into the river, these warlike preparations and furniture, yet came he with his army, to the place aforesaid, using these or such like speeches: although the coming of my brother is a thing which I like well of, yet I would he were an hundred miles off with his army. For, his Excellency knew right well, that his coming could not be without great danger, as the issue thereof in the end, clearly showed. Howbeit, as afore hath been said, this holp the Leydens' well.  
The Commendator aforesaid, who after the victory at Moker head, against Duke Christopher of Bavier, the Count Palarine his son, Count Lodwick, and Count Henry his brother, seemed to be very quiet and still, was not for all that idle with his council at Brussels, but had conceived in his head three encerprises. The first was, to subdue North holland: The second, to make himself master of the Maze: and the third, once again to besiege Leyden, for he was thoroughly informed by the Popish fugitives, and others their fautors which were in the town: that they had neither garnison, nor yet corn, & that the villages were bare, by reason of the continual forestalling of certain ill willers.  
Now, all the world knoweth, what good success the firsie enterprise which he took in hand against the North Hollanders had, for he lost at it above two thousand soldiers. And beside, the success of his Antwerp army (which should have made him master of the Maze) before Lillo, is at large set forth by the dead and drowned soldiers, and the Ships which were brought ●●to Zealande, and the taking of the vice Admiral, Adolf of Hamsteed. There resteth now no more but the third enterprise, which is the siege of Leyden.  
The twenty and six of May, at two of the clock in the morning, there came before this Town, Francis Baldez with an army, between seven and eight thousand men, both of Spaniards, Walons, and Almains. His first arrival was from Amsterdam, by Harlem Mere, with ships, Caruelles, & Barks laden with men and victuals, hard to Leyerdory bridge, where they struck sail. And about midnight, there issued out of the Town a certain Captain, named, master Andrew with thirty soldiers, who falling into the Spaniards hands, was carried away with a shot, dead, before the Town. Howbeit the Citizens got him up, and carried him to the Town, and there honourably buried him: nevertheless they left in his place a dead Spaniard, whom they had taken prisoner.  
As the enemy was arrived at Leyden, they began again to make their first trenches & bulwarks, the citizens which were upon the rampires, began about the day break to march with two or three Ensigns of soldiers towards Zoeterwood, part of which tarried still at the said place, and the rest went to the Trench, or Fort of Leyderdam, which Fort through the negligence of the towns men was whole and sound. The Leydens', sent messengers to Hay, Delft, Roterodam, and Dortright, where at that present was arrived the Prince of Orange, having raised his camp about bommel, to the end he might prevent and stop the enemy. But the valiant Captain Ruychaver which was at Hay, received the news somewhat too late: and yet nevertheless, through his industry and diligence he did so much, as that, what by reason of the Trenches and skirmishes at the Spirit bridge, they of the religion which were in hay, saved the greater part of their movables, although the Papists came that day in the evening, not only to Hay, but also to Leyderdan  
But when the rest of Baldez army a few days after arrived in two companies: the one from Vtright towards Goude sluice, and Alsen: and the other from Harlem, by Northwyke to Falkebrough, at which places the Prince's people had two forts, and at every fort five hundred English men, under the conduct of Edward Chester, the said English men abode the first Shocque or charge. For Goude sluice was hotly assailed by the Papists that came from Vtright, howbeit the Englishmen lustily repulsed them to their great shame and loss, and that by the valiancy of Captain Genforde an English man. But because the horsemen, had none other way to come into Holland, but by these forces, they were enforced by very lusty hand strokes so to continue the assault, 
The English men driven out of their fort  as that the Englishmen were driven of necessity to forsake the said fort: which had not been so lightly done, if their companions at Alsen, which is but half a mile thence, had done their duties aswell as they which were in the said for't: for as they were coming to aid them, the fort was already won: wherefore they all fled at once.  
To be short, the Spaniard paid dearly for this victory, for it caused many wagons laden with dead bodies to be brought thither. In this manner then, the 27. of May, joined in part the first troop that came from Vtright, to the camp of Baldez at Leyerthorpe & the rest passing the links went to Hay.  
The third troop also passing the twenty & seven of May by Northwyke, arrived before the great fort which was not fully finished: But the five companies of the Englishmen had forsaken it before they saw the enemy: although they had the night before, required the Leydens' of certain horsemen, to discover the enemy, whom, as they said, they had not as yet perceived and seen: albeit they had drawn themselves near to Wadding, where the spaniard pressing hard upon them, gave them the skirmish, which skirmish, the Citizens saw as they stood upon the rampires, and beside, they never saw either on the side, or yet on the other, any man fall down dead, although they had beaten one another with shot along time together, which dealing the Citizens greatly suspected.  
When this false skirmish was finished, the English men approached nearer the town, to wit, between the Citizen's Trench that ran between Boshouse bridge and the town: so that the Captain and certain with him, came into the Town, making this contract with the Citizens, That when the said Captain should see himself and his put to the worse by the Spaniards, that they should then retire under Hay gate, where the greatest part of the great ordinance was planted: But so soon as they should see the Ensign taken from the gate, that both he and his should draw towards the side, for than they meant to discharge all the great ordinance upon the enemy.  
But time showed that this conclusion no whit liked the English men. For they were no sooner out of the Town, but that they marched towards the enemy with ensign displayed, where they were upon a certain condition reverently received. Howbeit an harder matter befell them immediately after, for they had not been there very long, but that they were commanded to put out their matches, and the horsemen that came from Forscote, drane them before in chase upon the Spaniards: which thing certain of them to the number of thirty two, or thirty and three seeing, amongst whom were certain officers both English, & Flemish, retired themselves again under the town, who not long after got into it.  
The rest were had to Falkebrough, where their armour and weapon were taken from them before Torenfleete house, and the next morrow being uncased of their gallant apparel, were carried to Harlem, where, some of them were put to be Pioneers, and some of them passing through Flanders, returned into England.  
But here I am not to forget one thing, that some of these soldiers which could not tell by what means to get into the Town, chose rather to leap from the scluse into the water, and so drown themselves, than so villainously fall into the hands of the enemy.  
By this mean than was the town of Leyden, in four or five quarters besieged, and the enemy had built round about it, sixty and two forts. When Leyden was now in this estate, the Citizens had forth with aducrtised his Excellency lying at Dordright of the matter. Howbeit, the Prince having advertisement hereof, before their letters came to his hands, sat in council with the deputies of the Estates of holland, which were there present, and so the 27. of May, wrote to the Leydens' as followeth.  
His Excellency having delibered with the Estates aforesaid thought it most expedient, That colonel Chester, who was at Falk borough with 600. soldiers, or there about, should, if it were possible, enter into Leyden, which by that mean might take away all hope & occasion, either of the besieging or assailing of it any longer.  
Over and beside, that the Magistrate should cause all the beggars and impotent persons to departed the Town, which might rather trouble then aid them in their distress. 
His excellencies advise to the Leydens'.  And beside, to take such order for the sparing delivery of their victuals, as that they might serve them for 3. months: exhorting them of himself, that they would valiantly behave themselves as he fully and wholly trusted they would: and in the mean while, that his Excellency, and the Estates would not forget to seek by all means possible, their aid and deliverance from the enemy.  
And although that this could not so soon be brought to pass as they wished, yet not to be thereby discouraged, but rather constantly persist in a short trouble and distress, then yield themselves to an everlasting thraldom and misery. And to that end he would have them consult and take advise together, discreetly and wisely weighing, if they could in so needful a case, to withstand the time of the said three months, for fear of falling into the mischief and misery of the Harlemians, and if so be they were able to withstand the said three months, that then they should give two nights ensuing at midnight, a sign with fire, to the end the answer might not come to the enemy's hands.  
The day before that they received this answer, The Leydens' had already made proclamation, that all the women, children, and strangers passengers should get them out of the town. And Butter, Milk, Flesh, Bread, & such like necessary things were set at a reasonable price. The Brewers also were forbidden to brew any beer above twenty and five souls the barrel, which thing, alas, was evil observed. The 30. of May they answered the said letters, much like as followeth: That as for Colonel Chester and his soldiers, 
The answer of the Leydens' to his excellency.  that the matter stood in another state, as they had written to his Excellency in their former letters which were intercepted. And as for their victuals, there should be no fault in them, but that they would stretch them out to the uttermost, neither would they suffer any unprofitable person consume them if it were possible for them to do it. Howbeit that they were not able to abide to tarry so long: notwithstanding, that they would write to him hereof more at large, & in the mean while repose all their trust and confidence for their deliverance, in the assistance of God, his Excellency, and their fellow brethren, & confederates. In that they would not give any tokens with fire, was because the enemy should not thereby any way suspect their extreme necessity, and so the rather more strictly enclose them, & thereby stop those ways which are now free and at liberty for their messengers to pass. And beside, they sent for powder, and wrote that they were reasonably well determined to keep the Town, and therefore would put their Citizens in pay.  
They sent also unto his Excellency, the copy of certain letters which the enemy had written unto them, by which they understood that the enemy had small hope of going forward in forcible manner. Last of all, they most humbly besought his Excellency to have a fatherly care of them, as their trust was in him, and hasten their deliverance, but yet not so, as that the over haste therein might break the neck thereof.  
The Prince of Orange being greatly troubled for the town of Leyden, because it was unfurnished of soldiers: and by reason also that it was not, according to his commandment, sufficiently purveyed for of corn, & other warlike munitions, & fearing likewise that his letters of the 27. were by the enemy intercepted, wrote unto them the 29. another to the same effect, with this addition: 
another letter sent by the prince of Orange to Leyden.  That if they well considered of the strength of their Town, although that the Euglishmen were not with them, yet that they might very well keep out the enemy for 3. months, for if they were of one mind & consent, it was impossible for the enemy to take them perforce.  
Moreover, they were well to weigh and consider, that if so be they did not all that was possible for men to do, that they should not only lose their Town of Leyden, but also all the whole Country beside, which should be to them and their successors a most cursed and shameful reproach for ever.  
And therefore that they were lustily to hold out the enemy, and so be the cause of not only preserving themselves, but of the whole country also, and get themselves thereby, an everlasting famous name. And for the better effecting of this matter, sparily to spend their victuals, after the example of the Harlemians, and Middlebroughians.  
Now followeth the answer to these letters, written the first of june: Although their corn would not stretch so far as the time mentioned in those letters, yet they hoped, lustily to hold out the force of the enemy, during the time aforesaid, yea they were fully resolved rather to abide the extremity of famine, then to become their enemy's slaves. In the mean while, they required that the Delftians, Roterodamians, and Goudians, might be forbidden to suffer any victuals pass out of any of them by land, because the enemy should thereby be greatly weakened. Protesting against them, that if they otherwise did, that they more sought their own private gain, then the endomaging of those, who went about none other thing, but the turning away of the enemy from their gates. etc.  
And now let us again return to Francis Baldez his enterprises. So soon as Baldez had, in this manner without any great ordinance besieged the town of Leyden: For he right well knew the marvelous charge of that, which was planted before Harlem, and withal the small effect it wrought: he therefore knowing that it would less avail against this town, which was so notably strengthened with mighty strong rampires, bethought him, either by sugared speeches, cunning letters, or severe threats to subdue it: And for so much as he had many fugitive Hollanders with him, who were at his beeke and commandment, and at that time called in the Hollanders language Glippers, he intended to employ them about these affairs, and it may be that it was their own suit and request, seeing there were some of them too too careless for the loss and liberty of their country: and therefore thought by their sundry letters, written from divers places to the Leydens', to draw them to the call, and so deceive them: some of which said letters shallbe here set down at large as they were written, and the brief contents only of othersome.  
And first and foremost, john Adryanson the wild, and Ewout Arent, the son of Gerard, sent the twenty eight of may from Harlem, to the Magistrate, and whole body of the Town, the Letters hereafter following, signed with their hands, but not all written by them, which made the matter greatly to be suspected, that the Letters were no part of their invention.  
My Masters, the great and singular affection and love which we have unto our Country, accompanied with an horrible terror and heart break, 
A Letter sent to the Leydens' by certain sugitive Hollanders  have been the cause to let you understand, that we foreseeing you, my masters, to be in great hazard to fall into extreme calamity and misery, if you in mind persist to defend the Town of Leyden against his majesties will and honour, our most gentle Lord and natural Prince: seeing we are more than informed, of the innumerable numbers of men of war already assembled, and do yet still assemble both on foot and on horseback, with purpose to come down into our poor and desolate country of Holland: some of which are already on the way, and are daily still coming on, and chief to set upon you, my masters, and to turn you clean out of your doors: over and beside a great number of Spanish ships, daily approaching, which are prepared and furnished for the same effect. Wherefore my masters, we heartily beseech you, to have a very good and discrete regard unto this matter, and look thoroughly unto it, that you be not over long in deliberating hereon, least by your obstinate purpose and intent, all good means be altogether cut off and taken from you.  
For you, my masters, know well enough the meaning and purpose of soldiers, who only are inclined to sack and spoil, for their particular profit: beseeching you likewise to have regard to your poor wives and children, your miserable old fathers and kinsfolks, who are no way able to help and relieve you: and be not the cause of suffering that to be lost and evil dealt withal, which ought so much to be had in honour with you, and amongst the rest, the little wealth and substance, which yet remaineth, through the insupportable exactions, by you my masters, as it were for the space of two years upholden, which we day and night see before our eyes. For this cause, we in the beholding of you, are enbolvened to exhibit a certain supplication to monsieur de Liques, Governor of Harlem, a very courteous, civil and discrete noble Gentleman, and borne within his majesties low Countries, where all his wealth lieth, who is wonderfully inclined to unity, peace and tranquillity: who hath answered us: that if you yourselves would become sorry and repentant, and so submit you unto his Majesty, that he knoweth such a way for the saving both of your bodies and goods, as you yourselves cannot wish a better, always provided that this submission be made, before such time as you be more straightly cooped up by his majesties garrisons.  
And for this cause, my masters, he hath enjoined us, to advertise you, that the Lords of the Town might devise to set down certain points and Articles, with such conditions as you would crave your pardon, extending the same no farther, then to you should seem most expedient, and to send the same over with all possible speed unto the said Lord de Liques, who will procure you a favourable answer, and give you good direction to the great Commaundator of Eastile, now Governor for his Majesty, of all his Low Countries. For, we know not better how to counsel you, then to be directed by him, who likewise made the League at Mons in Haynault, which in every condition was fully and wholly observed according to the promises, and which we also trust, that you will more firmly keep.  
Beseeching the Lord God, that it would please him so to inspire you with his holy spirit, as that at last you having by it a right judgement, be not carried away with an obstinate and froward constancy, to refuse that good occasion which presently is offered you for your so great advantage.  
The 29. of May, Gerard of Hooghstrate, wrote two Letters from Leyerthorpe, 
Other letters sent from the spaniolated Hallanders to Leyden.  the one to the Leydens', which was unsealed, and without superscription: And the other, of the same effect, to his cousin Gerard johnson. It is insinued to the Burroughmaysters, that by the ordinance of the Captains which were at Leyerthorp, namely Le Drossat of Wed, and Gerard of Sichem, advertised them of the singular grace and favour, which should be granted to the Leydens', if so be they would in any reasonable order submit themselves unto his Majesty: and that they should have a gracious and commendable pardon. Wherefore, if they were so minded, that they might send their deputies: and for the surety of their persons, they offer the said Captain and Drostat to he their Hostages or pledges, and to come to the Town, until such time as they had conferred with francis Baldez, General of the Camp, who then lay at hay, etc.  
The Townsmen, after the Roman and Grecian manner, briefly answered these Letters in this one verse following.  
Fistuladulce canit, volucrem dum decipit Auceps: That is to say, The Fowler with the sweet call of his pipe, beguileth the Bird, and driveth him into his net.  
The said Hooghstrate wrote another Letter the same day, unto his Cousin, advertising him, that he feared, that his first Letter, which he sent by a maid servant, never came to his hands: seeing he had received a Letter, endorsed: To Master Gerard of Hooghstrate: But nothing was written in it save, Fistula dulce canit etc. without any subscribing: which caused him to write another Letter, to put him in mind of the contents of the first, advertising him, that it would turn neither to a fable, nor yet to any merry jest, if the Leydens' contemned his majesties pardon, greatly threatening the Townsmen beside, with the great preparation and furniture now already in hand, and yet still in preparing and furnishing for the chastising of obstinate rebels, with many such other like reasons. 
They Spany●lated john le Hutter writeth to the Leydens'.   
The 29. day aforesaid, john le Hutter, wrote a letter from Hay to the Burroughmaisters of Leiden, as it were to the same effect, the Hooghstrate his letter was. He wrote, that some of his majesties men of war, were returned again into the country, to the end to ease and deliver the paysauntes, of the great charges and exactions which were laid upon them, and also of the Leydens', & to offer them a general pardon, aswell for the offences committed in the year 1566. as at this present: and certified (as he which hath seen the precincts of the exceptions) that no person within Leyden is excepted in the said pardon, because they had about a month sithence refused to take in the Prince's men of war, save only now about two days past.  
And therefore he advised them to accept of his majesties grace, while it is time, to the end they fell not through the force of the Camp, which was at hand, into extreme misery and calamity. And that Signior Baldez would make intercession for them by his Letters, unto the great Commaundator, that they might even with the first comers have their parden: and therefore if they minded to accept thereof, that they should send their deputies to parley of the matter. For so soon as they had gotten their pardon, they should then be charged but with a small garrison of Almains: promising them all aid & assistance for the doing hereof.  
The same day also wrote john Gautier of Wybesma, to the Leydens', vehemently urging the matter in the beginning of his Letters, and greatly commending their fidelitic, in that they had not received in, any of the Prince's Garrisons, supposing that the same would greatly avail them, and was a singular service for his maiestin.  
He also set before them as the rest did, the general pardon, and that it was not the kings pleasure, that there should be any effusion of blood within his Cities and Towns. counseling them to keep their Gates fast locked, as well against his majesties people, as also against the Princes, until such time as they had obtained their request, and gotten it signed with the kings own hand, promising them in the mean while to lie quietly and still, without doing any hurt to their Town, and that they would give commandment, that all their cattle should freely feed in their meadows, and pastures. Offering them to come in person to Leyden, and hazard with them both their bodies and goods: promising beside, that for seven years space, no not whiles he lived, they should have any Garrison in the Town, for he know what the express charge was, which he had from his Majesty. Deal not (saith he) with any man, and let none enter, until such time as I myself have talked with you, and write unto me an answer hereof, and let every of us be loyal and faithful.  
My intent and purpose was, here to set down the Hyspaniolized Hollanders letters, thereby to she we the constancy of the good Citizens, who notwithstanding this sweet and sugared writing, and cruel threats, calling to mind the confederacy which they had made with an oath, remaining firm and constant, made these letters profitable unto them. Let these letters and Citizens therefore, be an example to all the rest of the Cities and towns, which hereafter may be besieged, that in this or the like occasion, they become steadfast and constant, and keep their faith and promise with their fellow country men.  
After that the Papists aforesaid had been in council at Zoeterwood, and had there as in other places, enforced the peasants to lad their boats and barks with earthen clods, seeing what small effect their letters had wrought, but only discovered thereby their own intent and purpose, and encouraged the Citizens, they so straightly hemmed in, and cooped up the City with their Trenches and Forts, at Poele bridge, and Harlem Mere bridge, as that from thence forth nothing could be carried to the town, but in marvelous danger, which before might easily have been done, & in this manner the Goudeans attempted this enterprise the 6. of june.  
Certain Citizens who by the sudden besieging of the Town, wild they nild they, were shut out of Leyden, had laden by his excellency's licence, and the assistance of the Governor and Burroughmaisters of Goude 30. Barks, with wheat and Rye. By reason that two Paysaunts and a Marshal had bragged that they would guide them in a secret way through Coppiereka, which they had cut through, and after got into the barks to conduct them to Leyden.  
Now the Barks being well furnished with water men, and having also in every of them two soldiers, sailed by night to the said Coppiereka, which they found to be very deep cut, howbeit the paysaunt which should have been their Pilot was not there: wherefore they sailed on, and where they should have taken the left hand way, they took the right, sailing still a wrong course, until such time as the day began to break: and they thought the Paysant had betrayed them, who indeed, by reason of the great pain that he had taken, was fallen a sleep behind in the way. Wherefore they returned back to Gaude, without executing of this enterprise.  
When the Leydens' heard of this enterprise they took all the pains that was possible to receive them, for they attended the said Barks on the Rhin, with certain Freebutters, or rather desperate Adventurers Boats, but all in vain for this matter, and yet their going out was not altogether in vain, for they took by force near unto Haynault bridge two wasters, and speedily dispatched those that were within them. When they had thus done, they unladed these ships of all the provision and furniture that was within board, as artillery, munition, victuals, bread, bear, silks, & velvets, parchment lace of gold, silver, and silk, fifteen pieces of ordinances called Bases, three Barrels of Corn powder, and a very great number of bullets, and fraught their own boats with them. afterward, they bouged one of the enemy's vessels, and sounke her, and set fire on the other, returning in the morning with their prize to the Town. The spaniards who encamped at Leyerthorpe, made their account to stay these boats with all the whole prize within them, at the wood bridge: but the Citizens being in armour, looking for the coming of their boats with the victuals aforesaid, very courageously sallied out of Hoogweert gate, and gave the Alarm to Leyerthorpe fort, and skirmished so lustily with their enemies, as that the boats and the prize passed by: and beside, they afterwards for the defence of the cattle, which the enemy went about to carry away, so skirmished with them, as that they returned all together with the said butyn, without loss of any of the Town cattle, having taken Prisoner amongst those ships, one Peter Quaegelate, an horrible Traitor to his country: whom they forthwith executed, and quartered, and set up his quarters upon the city gates: which thing the Leydens' signified by their letters to his Excellency, dated the 7. of Inn  
The Citizens daily exercised themselves more and more to the Skirmishes, aswell the youngest sort, 
A young youth named Lion, by reason of his valiancy.  as also the ancients: But amongst the rest, there was a proper young youth of the age of sixteen years, named Lion, and in courage and valour a Lion in deed: For, at the first siege of Leyden, he behaved himself not as a young youth, but like a Lion against the Enemy, and that to their cost.  
This young Lion was afterward in a Skirmish: and laying himself down upon the grass, the Spaniards took him, and having cut off his nose and ears, they hung him up by the toes: But being a very able and strong man, he laid hands on the halter, and imped up to the top of the Gallows, where the Enemy slew him with arqebus shot. From this Lion, & such an other which was taken with him, the said Baldez wrong much matter, as touching the affairs and state of the Town.  
Master Thierry of Bronchorst, his excellency's Substitute at Leyden, and being now made Governor thereof, The Magistrate and Nobility considering that the siege might last long, and thereby turn to a distress of famine, during this month of june, made all the necessariest ordinance that possibly they could, aswell for the long saving of their victuals, as also for the fortifying of their Ramparts and Gates, the better and longer to keep their Town.  
And when an Inventory was taken of all the Come within the Town, there was found to be 4125. bushels. There were also then in the Town 14000 persons. Wherefore there was appointed to every one for the first two months, half a pound of bread, which oftentimes would scarcely suffice some tavellers to breakfast. And therefore the Gentle Reader may easily guess upon what kind of victuals they fed most. There was also an ordinance set down for pot herbs, and no milk to be sold, whereon butter might be made.  
Whiles the Town of Leyden was in this sort besieged, and that the Townsmen were altogether occupied about making of provision of all things necessary for the defence thereof, the principal part of the said Commaundators Army arrived in the quarters of Bommel, Gorcum, and Lowestein. Howbeit the Prince & the Estates made no great reckoning thereof. For, at bommel, which was well provided of all things necessary, was Captain Baufour Colonel of the Scettishmen, with seven Ensigns of Scots, who daily sallied out with some Citizens and Gentlemen Hollanders, to skirmish brauly with the Enemy: And besides the sufficient Garryson, that was at Gorcum, and Lowestein, there was always means to s●ccour and deliver the Town of Gorcum, as afterward well appeared by the cutting and piercing of the dikes.  
The Spaniard afterward determined to go against Worcum, where lay in Garrison five companies of the Prince, to trouble and annoy the Spaniards as much as was possible, that came from Antwerp, where, by constraint and force, they made the Citizens pay them four hundred thousand. Florins, besides the common damage which they there presently sustained about their costs and charges.  
This little village was shrewdly beaten with Artillery: but because the Prince of Orange would not cast away his men, about the defence of so ruinous a place, 
Worcomme taken by the Spaniards.  and standing only upon five families or households, he therefore commanded them which were in it, to forsake it, and so they did: howbeit, they could not so well, nor so speedily enbarque themselves, but that they left above 150 persons behind them.  
When the spaniards the 8. of june began to build their fort, and trench themselves near Lammen, which is about a quarter of a mile from Leyden, standing upon a passage of waters which flow over towards Delft, zoeterwood, and Leyerthorpe, the Leydens' having intelligence thereof, and considering what mischief and damage might ensue to them thereby, haled out the 8. of the said month six small Vessels to let their fortifying and entrenching. But when they were come near to Lammen, the Enemy so lustily charged them, as that notwithstanding their marvelous defence, they were informed to retire and return back to the Town: neither could they so speedily do it, but that they were fain to leave four of the hyndermost vessels behind them, by reason that the nose of one of them so touched upon the shore of the river, as that she was not able well to turn herself about, and therefore they forsook them, and saved all her people in the rest of the vessels, except four or five. The 9 of the said month the Leydens' had given the Prince to understand hereof, and wroate: That if it so fell out, as that the enemy went about to trouble their coming with their boats (which they hoped they would not) yet, that commandment was given to them of Woerden, Ouldwater, and the rest, to be still molesting of Harlem Mere, & in the mean while, they for their parts would indeed, according to their bounden duties, show their great zeal, affection, and continual travel, towards the benefiting of the common weal of their country.  
And on the other side, the enemy slept not, but still went on with all the cunning and slight means that possibly could be devised, to overcharge and win them: so that some of the Hyspaniolized aforesaid, who lay in the camp of the enemy, thought that the first letters which were written to the Leydens' for the stirring of them up, to the wyning of them, were not sufficiently, nor effectually enough penned: or it may be, they thought that the time, by reason of the strait siege, gave some more fit occasions, whereby the enterprise aforesaid took none effect. Wherefore, because they would do their best, they wrote again, the 17. of june to the Leydens', without any, subscription, for that, it may be they doubted they should receive the like answer, that was sent to Hooghstrate, the content whereof was this.  
For so much as we, and all others whatsoever, that consider of the Estate wherein the Town of Leyden, and all the Inhabitants thereof, presently stand, adding therewith all the desolation and misery which is like to light upon you above all the rest, if you do not the sooner accept of the grace that hath been so often times offered, and faithfully promised you, it greatly lamenteth, and marvelously amazeth us, upon what hope, and by what means you possibly can longer detain and hold yourselves, and all your fellow Citizens, your wives and children, in such misery and anguish of mind, as now presently you are in, being on every side environed and besieged, and bereaved of all conference amongst men, evil provided of victuals, and in a great deal less hope to receive from abroad any help to relieve you in the time of the siege, which in truth shall not be raised, no, not & if it should lie here these two years space, before such time as you have yielded yourselves, or shallbe driven by very force (which GOD forbidden) shortly to be brought under the obedience of the king of Spain your natural liege Lord. Wherefore we could not but of very pity and love, albeit to our knowledge, we have never a kinsman within your Town, to exhort you all, very advisedly and considerately to determine upon your affairs, and weigh what a notable contentation of mind it is, to have such occasion to be offered, as to be absolutely received into grace and favour, which is not only offered presently to some, but generally to all, of what estate or condition soever they be, which grace, ere it be long, so it may fall out, (as GOD forbid it should) you shall never be able once come near unto. For if you would well and wisely consider of the whole matter: first, you yourselves are in disgrace with the Prince of Orange: and next the other rebellious Towns of his Majesties, seeing themselves by your means, bereaved of four Ensigns of Englishmen, who being shut out of your Town, rendered themselves unto his majesties mercy and devotion, so that you therefore are now little to hope, for the least succour and aid that may be, from those foresaid Towns. And although they have the will and mind to help you, yet you may easily consider of the small ways that they have to do it withal, seeing they had (as you might if you would understand) great business to do for the men of war which now are in their service: As at Gorcum, which presently is besieged with a greater Army than you are besieged withal, and against his majesties puissant Army which cometh out of Spain. Again, over and beside the loss of Count berwick his people, amongst which there was no man more forward, yet were they so lustily curried near Nimmeguen, as that in a short time, they lost seventeen Ensigns of the bravest Soldiers in their company: to wit, the 6. Ensigns which were discomfited at Alphen, the aforesaid four, which yielded themselves in your sight, and the other seven which the last friday at Worchum forte, were miserably cooled even to the last man.  
Moreover, if you shall consider of the means which have served your turns to this present, for the maintenance of the war, as Chalices, Pixes, and capital Impositions, which do now greatly fail you, so that you now have not any more such, or the like things to help yourselves with: and again, the daily contributions, are for the more part taken from you, by reason that the whole Country is taken up.  
Over and beside, the great power and force of his Majesty our most gracious Lord and natural Prince, 
The king of Spain ought to pawn his kingdoms, to make war against us.  who would rather pawn one of his kingdoms, were it Naples, Sicily, Sardigne, or any other such like, then suffer himself to be spoiled of these▪ Countries, his most ancient Patrimony, and Inheritance. What step or mean can you any way have, to persevere in your great errors and anguishes, wherein you are so wrapped and swaddled, with the great danger of the mischief which is like to fall on your heads. And therefore, were it not better for you, to conform and frame yourselves unto his majesties will and pleasure, and in time and season, accept this his grace, which as yet is generally offered unto you all: Now if any of you would say, that there would be no promise kept: The same is but a frivolous, and sinister Imagination of some of you, who in these troubles can help yourselves, by other men's losses.  
For what greater assurance more is it possible for you to have, than such an assurance, as we have understood from the mouth of Monsieur de Licques, he hath so assuredly offered you: who being a Gentleman of the best and ancientest houses of these low Countries, and of great possessions, would not promise you, as you may very well think, any thing whereof he were not well assured, firmly to be able to perform unto you, seeing his credit is as great in Court as any man's: As you may very well understand by the English Soldiers, who yielded themselves unto him before your Town: All which at his intercession, were very well dealt withal, and in good sort sent into England. Wherefore address yourselves unto him, rather than to any other stranger,, and the sooner the better: for we are certainly advertised, that he shall shortly departed hence, to be employed about greater affairs of his Majesties. And we have understood from his own mouth, that he being mooned with pity and love, had thought to have written again unto you, if so be you had but briefly answered his former letters.  
Wherefore, if you mean to employ him about this business, 
No want of fair promises in the Hispaniolized.  it standeth you in hand, without delay, to advertise us hereof: and when we understand your minds herein, we assure you, to send you shortly the said Monsieur de Licques letters, with all good assurance and offer: and therefore look you not for the copy of the pardon, proclaimed at Bruxelles the 6. of this month, for every of you in particular, shall out of all doubt obtain better conditions, how heinous so ever the offence be, if you will not stand to the aforesaid pardon, although indeed it be very large. And therefore eschew you the great plague, and distress that is near you: and if you have not compassion of yourselves, ye at least, have pity of your fellow Citizens which are many in number. Suffer not yourselves to be abused by fables and trifling toys, neither be you carried away with a Wanhope, as it is very apparent that you are, and heartened and comforted thereto by some. For as we understand, there are certain which daily cry out on you at your gates & say: Where is your king: Meaning thereby the French king, who died about Whitsuntide last: from whom you shall have but small & weak aid, seeing that in France, the troubles are now greater than in the low countries. Howbeit if the french were coming to help you, assure yourselves that they should find some in the way that would talk with them, as they did, who came with Count Lodwick, & Duke Christopher, the son of the Count Palatine, who through the help of GOD, were as well cooled as the Almains. For our king hath already above 250. ensigns of Soldiers, besides his horsemen: & where can you find so great an army to encounter it: Wherefore, see that you consider & deeply weigh of the matter, and send us hereupon some answer, because we have zealously & lovingly written thus much unto you. And so for the present, commit you to God, beseeching him so to mollify your hearts, & enlighten you with his grace, as that it may be for the preservation of you all. From his majesties camp before Leyden the 17. of june 1574. And subscribed as followeth.  
By three credible and honest men, whose names you may not yet know.  
THE said Matenes of Wybesma, wrote also from the port of Poele the 22. of june 1574. to the Leydens': greatly commending the pardon which was proclaimed the sixth of june at Bruxelles: whom they as yet liked, but not always. For, he made no little to do of the force, trenches, and forts of his camp: and he so set down all his forts, with the names of a dozen of them, as that he thought it impossible for the town to be victualled. He likewise offered free passage to the most Trayeerous rebels to his Matesty, that would come out. And beside, he further offered, that if they feared to be deceived, as the Duke of Alva deceived them, to put himself, and others into the Town for Hostages, and there remain, until such time as they which went out, were not only embarked at Catwye, but also until (some of them being safely arrived) had written news thereof, and thereupon might draw the Articles of agreement.  
When the Prince understood the content of these letters, he wrote the 28. of this month, from Roterodam to Leyden, and amongst other things, greatly thanked them for their constaney, admonishing them not to fear those men, who shamed to subscribe their names: & beside, confuted the jangling toys of the first letter: & told them, that the nemy had maliciously concealed the loss of their ships, but especially, the loss of the 2000 Soldiers in North Holland.  
Monsieur de Licques and his fautors, from whom it was thought the first letters came, or it may be, that Baldez and his friends seeing that these letters, and the letters from Wibesma, took as little effect as the first, sought by all means possible to overcharge the Citizens, and recompense their virtue and constancy, with as wicked dealing as was possible for men to do. Wherefore, they considering in what great steed their Garden herbs stood them, because they had plentifully sown of them in the month of May, which was their chief food and relief, built a fort, between the 17. & 18. of july, near to Rhinbrough gate at the very entrance or mouth of the river, to bar the Citizens, from coming out of the gate, to go to their Kitchen gardens.  
Nevertheless, the aforesaid M. Thierry de Bronchorst, who during the siege, had valiantly behaved himself unto the death, had by the advise of the magistrate, ordained a certain reward, for whatsoever Citizen, should first set foot into the said fort. Wherefore, a great number of them sallied out at the gate at once, and so lustily charged the enemy, as that they were enforred with great loss, and shame enough, to forsake the place, the 18. of july.  
When the great commandator & his adherents saw, that a great number of their enterprises took no effect, & that the Towns in Holland and Zelande and else where, were so well provided for, as that they could do little or nothing that Summer, they put their whole confidence in the great army at sea, which came out of Spain, the fame whereof more and more so spread abroad, as that it might indeed have so fallen out, had not the Lord God by his secret judgements as well by the pestilence, as otherwise, provided well for the matter.  
But to the end some diligence in the performing hereof might appear, as well at Rome by the Pope & his Cardinals, as also in Spain by the fathers of the holy Inquisition, by their acts & prowesses, and that the aforesaid holy fathers might see, whereupon their money was bestowed, Chiapin Vitelli, about this time, had with fifteen Ensigns of Swysses, and other ensigns of Spaniards, besides twelve pieces of great ordinance, besieged Lerdam, 
Lerdam befleged & rendered.  a little Town belonging to the Count of Bure: which was continually battered from 2. of the clock in the morning, until one of the clock in the afternoon, especially the Castle Flanker, which was utterly beaten to the ground. And about noon they came to a parley, wherein they demanded the Town, bodies and goods reserved. And that the 2. companies of the Prince's people which lay there in Garnyson, should departed thence with their armonr and weapon, which in the end was agreed upon, and performed in the beginning of july.  
The 10. of july, the Leydens' coined certain pieces of silver of 28. & 14. souls a piece. And on the one side was stamped, as it is printed in the paper coin, which was coined at the first coining. Haec libertatis ergo, & on the other side, Godt behoedt Leyden, Nummus obsessae urbis Lugdunensis, sub gubernatione Illustris simi Principis Auriaci cusus. And upon the little penny: Lugdunum Batavorum.  
The 29. of the said month Proclamation was made, that no bear should be made above 24. souls the barrel. In this mean while was Leyden very straightly besieged, but especially about hay gate, where one captain Carion a spaniard, had entrenched himself at the Waddinghe, & made many loop holes to shoot through in the dikes, & his first trench ran alongst heard to Boshuysen: which greatly anoied the town. Wherefore the Citizens, because they had no soldiers, concluded to salie out in this manner.  
First, Gerard Lane, went out in a Galley well purveyed of artillery, and the greater part of his Citizens, were Musketters. Master john Dwenword, captain of the Adventurers or Freebutters, issued out by the Fleet, the one half of his people being appointed with long staves, called Sprittes, and the other half, shot. And Adrian Scot went out at the Rinbrough gate. The two Companies of Master john Does Lord of Northwike, with Bartholomew Havies, took in hand to see upon the Fort and trench, at Boshouse bridge. At the place called the Sand, were placed a good many of Pioneers. Now when all things were thus prepared and set in order, and a reward set down for the first that entered the fort, & for every Spaniards head, so soon as the fire was lighted, they all at once with a great noise and cry on every side, set upon the Fort, especially the Companies of the Lord of Northwike and of Bartholomew havies. The 60. Spaniards which were in the fort, valiantly defended them selves with their muskettes, but the towns men were gotten so near the Fort, as that they pushed at them in the fort, with their foresaid long staves, & so soon as they had discharged their harquebuses, 
The Citizeus of Leydeu, surprise the Spaniards fort.  they fell upon the enemy. In the mean while, the citizens approached with their fire works: to wit, with vials of glass full of gunpowder & brimstone, having lighted matches hanging without them: and cast those vials into the fort of the enemy: whereupon the Spaniards were enforced to forsake their trench or fort where the citizens entered, & there slew their enemies, who in the destroying of the fort, were roasted there alive, and buried by the Citizens, without having mercy upon any, although they very lamentably cried upon them: Misericordia, Misericordia. And the pioneers aforesaid, were so busy against the enemy, at a trench near Poeley bridge, as that they came not time enough to lay flat the fort, and therefore the Citizens themselves did it.  
During these exploits, by reason of the sign of the fire aforesaid, Alarm was sounded through all Baldez his Camp: insomuch that they of Lammen, came to help them of Wadding: & so did like wise the horsemen of Leyerthorpe, Forscote, & Wassenar: who with a few of those which scaped, gave three assaults upon the lost fort, but they were with shame and loss enough, lustily repulsed. Now because the Citizens meant not to keep the said fort, but raze it, if it were possible, and to show, that although there were no soldiers in the Town, yet that necessity & daily experience made a soldier, being also of necessity driven to retire, by reason of the force of the enemy which came upon them, they, after this brave skirmish of two hours, retired them selves towards the town. Thus the 29. of july they made ready hand, & speedy dispatch of an hundred Spaniards & Italians, or near thereabout.  
It were over long to write of the continual skirmishing that was there, 
The Leydens' are over forward in skirmishing.  both on the 14. & 15. of july, by reason of the multitude of the kine that went thereabout, being very near to the number of 700. For the Citizens were grown now so warlike, and forward in skirmishing, as that the Magistrate was enforced to call them from it with the sound of a bell. And here is to be understood, that none of Baldez camp ever took the value of one Tow, but that it cost the lives of some of his soldiers, especially before the trench without the wood gate, because they went over planchers, where they were cut off from the way: so that the 8. of August, there were in the place 8. spaniards stain, & 3. taken prisoners: & there was not taken from them during the whole siege, but 1. cow, & 3. young calves. And it was a marvelous thing to see, how this kind of cattle had the wit to save themselves under the Town in the time of necessity, for by use, they had learned to know the shooting, both of the Harquebouze, and also of the great ordinance.  
During these Exploits, 
An attempt against Delft,  Baldez people which lay at hay and thereabout, attempted the Town of Delft, which they thought to obtain by reason of certain intelligence & conference that they had with some of the town: but they were therein deceived, because that these inhabitants faithfully dealt in the matter, in advertising the magistrate thereof. So that a banquet of gunpowder was prepared for the spantard: for if they had once entered the gate, they had ever after been excused for the eating of victuals. But as the keys of the gate, were not so ready at hand as they ought to have been, & beside, the draw bridge was so long, before it could be let down, which might be, by reason of the fear that took some of them who had commission to do it, as that the spaniards wentbacke, being terrified by the great ordinance of the Town, but it came too late, for there was no hurt at all done.  
Nevertheless, notwithstanding all these enterprises & attempts, and besides the great distress of the Leydens', yet was it not long before, but that there began a treaty of peace: and for the same intent and purpose, were first sent to Vtright (although under another colour) Master john Matenes, Lord of the river, and the Advocate or Counsellor at the law, Trelon: And after that, Master Philip of Marnisse, Signior de Saint Aldegond, who came out of prison, by the consent of Master Champigni, But because this matter is already set down in print, I will send the gentle Reader thereto, if he mean to understand any further thereof.  
After a few days had been spent in this warhope of peace, & that the Deputies both of Holland and Zelande, with Signior Saint Aldegond, who according to his oath became Prisoner again, had exhibited their request unto his Maiesite in way of a Supplication, containing these two points: That if the low Countries might be rid of the strangers which were in them, than the Estates of Holland and zealand, and their adherents, would submit themselves to the general estates: & beside, seeing that the other deputies were gone back to outright, that the siege of Leyden continued, & their victuals went very low: therefore, his excellency, & the estates discreetly & wisely weighed & considered, which way Leyden might be most commodiously holpen. Nevertheless when they saw, that there could come no aid by land but with great hazard, by reason of the straight besieging, & strength of so many trenches or bulwarks, & the multitude of the enemies, without the hazarding of a great number of people, & forsomuch as the greatest part of all the champion countries was destroyed, & the enemies of the Hollanders to possess the countries least annoyed: And beside, that a great deal of corn & hay, by reason of the edict published in july, was had into the towns of the Prince's part, his excellency & the estates fully & wholly agreed not so much to esteem what might become of the rawness of the low country, & lay it waste, for the delivering of those that lay oppressed in Leiden, & to declare unto the enemy what power and will they had, to wit, that they had rather overwhelm the whole country with water, 
The prince and the states, conclude to overflow & drown the whole country with water  and bear the loss (as it is thought) of 300000. crowns of the son, then suffer their fellow brethren & members of one public weal, to be trod under foot, and deprived of the liberty of their country. And therefore I say, it was concluded upon, and declared by a common accord: That better is a waste, than an utterly lost country: and so agreed, that the scluses should be taken up, that all South Holland, if it were possibly, might be laid under the water, both by the laying open of these scluses, as also by the cutting of the Dykes which stand, either upon the Maze or upon Yssele: procuring by this mean a Sea, to ebb and flow upon the firm land, that they might, after the water was become once navigable, sail to Leyden, for the victualling and aiding thereof. And to bring this matter to pass, were deputed, M. William de Palestine, and Daniel de Wingard: who having full commission for the executing hereof, departed forthwith from Roterodam with a great number of Pioneers.  
The 3. and 4. of August, his excellency and M. Paul Bush, an advocate of the country of Holland, accompanied with certain of the estates, went upon the chapel dyke of Yssele, whereon stood a fort very well furnished with soldiers, cutting down of the bank in about 16. places, so that the foremost gate was answerable unto Issilmond. And between Roterodam and Delfshaven, was likewise a great deep gate cut, through which ran wonderful abundance of water. The scluses at Roterodam, Scledam, the 5. scluses etc. were altogether pulled up, so that Roterodam scluse yielded marvelous store of water.  
When these dyke banks were cut down, 
Admiral Boysot is sent to take up men 〈◊〉 the aiding of Leyden.  & the scluse laid wide open, his excellency sent into zealand, for admiral Lewis Boysot: and after he had deliberated and consulted with the estates and thoroughly considered of all the means that might be, as in what manner, with what number of people, & with what ships & artillery, Leyden might be soon aided, and rid of the enemy, he departed towards zealand for the doing hereof. And in the mean while there were certain flat bottommed vessels, & many galleys also, made ready for that service.  
During these exploits, Baldez, having encompassed Leyden with his soldiers, gave not over the practising of his subtle and threatening exhortations, as well by words, as also by this Letter written the 30. of july from hay, the brief content whereof hereafter ensueth.  
That the Leydens' should beware, not to suffer themselves to be villainously abused by frivolous and vain words. And that they had also caused it to be published abroad amongst their citizens, how his Ma. sought a kind of iniurtous severity, & desire of revenge against them, where contrariwise, he showed all the grace and mercy that was possible, as appeared by those of Leyden, & 100 people more at outright, & else where, & that this mercy gate stood, as yet wide open for them, if they would heartily call for the same. But if they would still persevere in their obstinacy that then they were to look for, all disgrace, punishment & cruelty to be presently laid upon them. Insomuch that the conclusion of this letter, was as it were much like unto Rabsakeiss when he can before the city of jerusalem. hearken, saith he, what the great king of Assyria saith, to wit, the great commandator. Take heed you be not abused and seduced by Hezekia, to wit, by your Prince of Orange, lean not unto a weak & shaking reed, which is not able to stay & deliver you, never regard any thing that he biddeth you do, for the Lord will send you a mean for your deliverance, neither shall your Town of Leyden fall into the hands of the great Commaundator. Give no ear to the Prince, but believe me, that his majesties intent and purpose is, not to departed from before the Town, until such time as he hath brought it under his obedtence: and beside let Delft also know, and all the rest of the other Towns, that they shallbe besieged, which, the Delftians if they be not wilfully blind may well-enough perceive. And therefore, see you trust not to the prince of Orange his aid, for if you do, you shall but abuse yourselves with a vain hope. But show you me thus much favour, as to render yourselves into my hands, be you the first, and you shall be sure to obtain grace & mercy.  
The Leydens' made no answer to this letter, neither were they any whit the more afeard or discouraged: But according to the example of the Bethulians, and johel his doctrine, they fell to prayer and fasting, being expressly commanded by the Magistrate, not once to think that they deserved any thing by reason of this fast. And beside, they ordained certain laws and ordinances, and the 2. of August they were commanded to take up all their horses out of the meadows, and stable them in the Town, to the end their milk kine might feed the longer abroad: and at that time they began to kill the kine that were dried up: And the fift day, they made ordinances concerning their flesh victual, and Grains, which they then began to bake, which kind of food, although they esteemed not of it so well as of bread, yet cost it more than the rye bread, for a pound of it, cost 13. Holland pence, and every man was allowed half a pound thereof a day.  
The Leydens' standing in this estate, wrote to his excellency the 21 of August, 
The Leydens' write a letter to his Excellency.  as followeth. That his excellency right well understood by their last Letter in what state they stood, that their grains would serve them but four days longer, whereupon it appeared, that they had made a verygood reckoning for 3. months, to wit, to live the first 2. month with bread, & the third in misery & poverty. And that the greater sort of the common people drunk water, by reason that the grains was baked into bread. And besides that they greatly marveled that they never received Letters from the estates their confederates, and therefore supposed, that they had clean forgotten them, seeing they knew, how greatly their letters would increase the weak courages of their citizens, beseeching God in the end of these letters, to give them an invincible patience, and to his excellency, wisdom, and courage, for their aid and deliverance.  
But before these letters were dispatched, the Leydens' had received letters from his excellency, by which he advertised them of all that heretofore hath been said, and how high the water was already risen, whereat they greatly rejoicing, highly thanked his Excellency: signifying to him further, which of them in their opinions was first to be cut & let out, sending these two letters the 22. of this month. Now, the cutting of these dykes seemed not only strange to some, but the devise also was scorned, 
Divere speeche● used upon the cutting of the dykes.  & not only by the Prince's enemies, who in diverse places, diversly in a mockery, cried out of it before the Town: But also some of the chief of those which had agreed thereto, because they thought it an impossible thing to bring to pass: & beside, some of the Leidens thought that the water would be close penned up against the dykes, or at least be forcibly kept back. And some, who until then had dissimuled the matter, said in a mockery: now on afore my Gueses, get you up into the top of the tower, & with your looks go before the water of the Maze, with many other reproachful words not worthy here to be set down: insomuch that many cowardly mates, became not only faint hearted, but also by little began to breed dissension.  
The Magistrate, and the rest that were in authority, seeking to prevent this inconvenience, they therefore, to the end to increase the courage of their citizens, & especially with all possible diligence to further their aid and deliverance, sent the 27. of August, 3. of their citizens with 2. letters: The one written to his Excellency, and the other to the states of Holland their confederates. The contents of which concerned chief the estates, whom they, but in very deed causeless, charged with negligence, forsomuchas they had not, before the siege written unto them one word, & that they lay as still, as if there had been no confederacy between them, with many other things more. Further declaring, that they had most miserably abidden distressed, the whole time by his Excellency prefixed: and that they saw as yet none other thing but vain hope: And therefore protested before the most mighty GOD, and the whole woride, that they had done their duties, and no fault to be found on their behalf, but in the Estates: who might see, when convenient tune should serve, that they were able to excuse themselves thereof: And therefore required, that in case they were no way able to help them, or that there was no hope in the means alreardye begun, to send them flat word thereof, that they might be discharged of their oath and confederacy.  
The Prince of Orange at that time was visited with a marvelous dangerous disease: which was not the least threat of the Lord unto his people, who were very heavy and sorrowful for the same, and therefore he could by no means answer these letters. In the mean while, the Leydens' put in execution the ordinance which forty of them had agreed upon, and made an Inventory of all the Ryne, beeves, Sheep, Calves and hogs, and all the streets & houses were bylled, wherein were any. There were also deputed Cornelius Nicholas of Aix, and john Lucas of Wassena Commissaries, as well for this matter, as also for all other kind of flesh, lard, and whatsoever else, 
The Leydens' make an Inventory of all the cattle and victuals they have.  who, according to reason and equity were to look to this gear, to the end that no man so long as it was possible to help it, should perish through famine. And if any man was found to conceal any cattle or victuals, the same to be taken from him, and himself to be punished. All kind of cattle was taxed, and the magistrate gave to the Owner, according to the value of the taxing. And from thence forth a Lot was cast from four days to four days, to kill as much cattle, as necessarily might serve for those aforesaid days, to wit to every paul, half a pound of flesh the day.  
Whiles the Leydens' were in this estate, the water had by little and little overflowed all the whole Country over, and all preparation possible, was made for the help and delivery of the Town: and at Roterodam, arrived the Admirals of Flushing and Siericksea: to wit, Lewis of Boysot Lord of Ruart, & Adrian Williams: with seven Ships called Cromstevens, well appointed both with men and great Ordinance, and 800. mariners. And beside, they brought with them certain other ships, which carried less Artillery, to use in the flat bottomed boats, to wit, above an hundred of brass & iron cast pieces, and a great number of double and single bases, & other small preces, which immediately were at Roterodam, with about 200. 
The order of the preparation and furniture of the vesseiss of war.  flat bottomed vessels well appointed & ordered after this manner. Every vessel had in her nose 1. piece, & some 2. pieces of brass, and 6. bases on a side. They had also within board, half pikes & masts, and some of them had 10. twelve, fourteen, sixteen, & eighteen Oars a piece.  
The arrival of these zelanders, greatly feared the enemy, for they are a very valiant people by water, as their notable deeds of arms sufficiently testify. And although many of them are very savage, yet behaved they themselves good Captains most virtuously, and showed their great valiancy by reason they had imprinted in their minds 2. things, towit, the liberty of their Country, & tyranny of the Spaniards, and Inquisition. Wherefore some of them bare about them in a silver crescent these words, Rather the Turk then a Papist: For they thought the tyranny of the Pope & the Spaniards to be far greater than the Turks, who suffered the people, paying their tribute, to live with the liberty of conscience, and would as well or a great deal better, keep his promises then the Pope. They were beside, so much the more afeard, because they received no man to mercy, how honourable or noble soever he was: insomuch that they durst in express words say, that if they found aboard, either the great commander, pope, Emperor, or the king himself, coming against them as enemies, to tyrannize them, & to take from them their lives, and liberty of their country, or bring them under the pope's subtection, they would no more spare than, than they wol● the basest Spaniard. I speak not this by the Captains, but by the savagest and most obstinate, the more lively to paint them o●t in their colours, to the end that every man which seethe them might judge, what manner of people they were.  
When all the meadows about Roterodam and Gaude, 
The 〈◊〉 about Roterodame 〈…〉 navigable.  were in the end of August, covered over with water, so that a flat bottemmed vessel laden with hay might pass on it, and arrive at Roterodam before Ysselmond gate: and that notwithstanding the water stayed against the foresaid banks or dykes, so that it could have no course towards Leyden: the Adventurers of Gaude, and certain pioneers with them, went out at the appointment of their Governor, M. Wyngard, and of M. Gerard Wyngard, one of his Excellency's Counsel there assigned, and cut down the 3. of September, Hildam bank or dike. Howbeit, it availed them smally, because the Spaniards had stopped up the day following, with hay and wood, the self same seven gates that they had made.  
Now Baldez and his adherents, who lay before Leyden, did nothing else all this while, but war upon them with the pen, seeking a fresh to conquer the Leydens' with pleasant and threatening letters, but especially by Matenes of Wibesma his letter, written the 3. of September, from his fort at Poele, and by two letters written in spanish, and subscribed by Baldez himself.  
The sum of Wibisma his letter aforesaid was this: That about two months passed, he had written them letters, which concerned both their profit and welfare, and yet received no answer from them. But because that he & his adherents were advertised that they had no more corn left in the town, & that the people lived & fed upon roots, grains, & other kind of such like fool, which caused great mortality amongst them: & would more & more cause it, if they looked not better to it: & beside, that their state & condition would still grow from ill to worse, considering it was impossible for them to be helped: & that the water which came in upon them, did them more hurt then good, forsomuch as that the country upon the Rhine, was higher than the country of Scye, or Delft, so that it could not possibly be brought to pass to make the water overflow it.  
And beside, that the prince's succours which were between 30. & 40. ensigns, could by no means help, because the passages were so guarded, as that it was impossible for them to come to Leyden. Furthermore, that there arrived at Leyerthorpe 600. old trained Soldiers all shot, so that there were in that place three thousand old Spanish soldiers, besides 27. Companies of Almains, and 18. ensigns of Walonnes, and all the horesemen, & as many else as could be gotten to send thither. And yet notwithstanding all this that hath been said, his Majesty was contented graciously to receive the Town without exception: and suffer them to enjoy their ancient privileges, & never charge them with any Garnison. And that if there were any within the Town who mistrusted the matter, that safe conduct should be given them, to go whither soever they thought best themselves. And that if any of them would have the Articles subscribed by the great Commaundor, that he himself would bring them unto them. And further, that if they would come to a parley with him, that they should obtain more, than they were ware of. Hereupon, there were many which offered to make their peace and atonement.  
Moreover, that they should not give too too much credit, nor trust impossible things, to the end they procured not the destruction both of themselves, and also of their wives and children. Lastly, he desired to be answered unto that which hath been said.  
Baldez his first letter written the fourth of September from Leyerthorp, began with a very loving spanish salutation, in manner and form as followeth: Ye obstinate Leydens' both against God, & your king and Lord: containing summarily, these points & articles, and many other things me: That the grace which the king offered by him, to those which were obstinate and rebellious both against God and their king, was yet ready for them, so as they would convert & confess their fault. He promiseth pardon to all, aswell to the Deputy Bronchorst, the Lord of Northwike, & Peter Adrianson, as to all the rest. He giveth them time to answer, & leisure to send their deputies with procuration, until the monday ensuing, sending them to the end, a passport written in spanish.  
The second Letter written in Spanish, dated the sixth of September beeganne thus: My Lords the Burroughmaisters, I have received your Letters, etc. And required as above said, the Deputies with procuration, to treat with them. These were subscribed.  
Fran de Valdes.  
Don Ferdinando de Lannoy, Count dela Roche, who at that time was said to be captain general of Holland, 
The Count be la Roche his letters to the Leydens'.  Zealand, Frizeland, and outright: sent the 6. of September by his trumpet, letters to the Leydens' written from Vtright, as it were to the same effect: offering to come himself to Leyden, to set forward the matter with all equity, to the end they might be preserved from the imminent danger and horror: Protesting before God and the world, that they might impute the whole fault of their utter destruction, to their wicked and obstinate opinion. Wherefore he had sent them these letters for a latter farewell, and not to look for any further matter from him, wishing them in the end a true understanding and good will, to accept of their welfare.  
The said Trumpet had another letter of the same date, written from Vtright by ten fugitive Citizens of Leyden: which contained, that they had with great prayer and entreaty obtained the same letters from the Count de la Roche, That the Leydens' as yet presently might be received to grace, if it pleased them: but if so be they refused it, that they protested to advertise their country of the great and horrible dangers which might light upon their heads, aswell in body as goods. Lastly, wishing them to understand, that they might be brought from a miferable estate unto liberty. These present letters were subscribed, by Cornelius de la Hoogh, the son of Nicholas, Gerard Roelofs, Nicholas Dom, the son of john Buytenwech, Bartholomew Alewyins, Geerbrand Mees, john Adrianson de Wylde, Rene, the son of james, and I. Thierry. The Leydens' the sixth of the said month answered these letters: That they had sworn to the prince of Orange, as lieutenant & Captain general for his majesty in Holland, & like wise to the Estates of the said country. And until such time as they were discarged of that ●ath, they hoped to keep it.  
And secondly, they demanded passport, before they came to a parley, to the end they might send some of their Citizens to his Excellency and the Estates, promising that they should return within eight days.  
The Leydens' desired this passport under this colour, that they might more safely send their messengers about their other affairs: And this was a stratagem or warlike policy against Enemies from whom they craved this, to keep them in that opinion: for they right well knew, that an Hare could not well get out of Leyden, through their Camp, because it was so staightly besieged, and therefore much less could their Messengers go towards his Excellency without their leave: although they knew contrariwise, three other ways: yea, for the very same night, that the Enemies thought themselves most safe, they went out, and passed where a man would have thought it most impossible. And beside, they knew well enough the popish faith, and spanish promises, and also after what manner the Commandator had handled the Granades.  
The fugitives of Leyden, which were at Leyerthorpe, had already made their reckoniug, that they should home to their houses, for so they verily thought, when as they said unto the Messengers: what excuse are you able to make for yourselves: In deed the Harlemians might have some excuse, to say that the soldiers enforced them to hold out so long: But you have no soldiers, and therefore are no way excusable, nor no grace to be left for you: for they never thought, that the Leidens' meaning was to make the names of their fellow Citizens, even by their own testimonies, immortal, and themselves receive everlasting shame. For once it was well known, that in the first place, Leyden was enforced to pay all the men of war within the Campe. And some of the fugitives have since the deliverance, expressly confessed even in the Town of Amsterdame: That notwithstanding all the fair promises of the Spaniards, there was a device, if they had entered the town, to have murdered all the defensable personnes, yea, all the married women.  
And it may be, that the young damsels might have found favour, because the Spaniards would have abused them, for the serving of their filthy lusis and pleasures.  
This writing from so many and sundry places, beeganne to breed some jealousy: For, every man sought most carefully to get all the commendation that was possible to be had at the Commandators hands, for the yielding up of Leyden, which in part appeared, by john de Huiter his Letters, dated the ●yenth of September, from Leyerthorpe, to the Lord of Northwyke when as he said: When that your Dromb was come to the Camp, I myself was there present, but so far forth as I am able to judge, the General of the Camp is angry with the colonel and Captain, because they suffered the Trumpet pass with certain Letters. Wherefore, I would advise you, as a friend, That if you intent to treat of the matter, to do it with Baldez, whom you know to be merciful, to the end that all things might pass through his hands, as General of the Campe. For if you do not so, he will take it in evil part, and thereby do you no good.  
And I, as a frieud to the Town, wherein I continued five years in the flower of mine age, could not but advertise you hereof.  
These foresaid Letters, were not altogether unprofitable or fruitless in the hearts of some unconstant men: and as if the Town of Leyden had not been already sufficiently overcharged with three plagues and scourges, which commonly go hand in hand together, to wit, plague, pestilence, and famine, the fourth pain is joined hereunto: For many Citizens, who had hitherto dissimuled the matter, said, that they had redeemed their tongue of a Lombard: because that the Commissary Bronchorst aforesaid, died the 6. of September, who, if he had lived, would have coupled such brave prattlers to the Gallows, by reason that he was a good and severe justicer in the Town, so that whiles he lived, both Papist and Guese-feared him. Howbeit, of this inconstancy, which was also amongst some of the Lords of the Town, we will hereafter speak more at large.  
Now, when the admirals aforesaid, through the diligence of the Hollanders, the chief of which being Master Cornelius of Bronchorst, Master Henrye Duyst, and M. Lenyn, were according to the necessity, reasonably well furnished and appointed, & that the 5. of September, certain barks had discovered, that the limits and divisions of the fields, were not passing a foot and a half above the water, his Excellency appointed that the Dikes between Soetermeir, and Willevene should be opened, that they might come down from thence, unto Soetermen Mere, which is about a quarter of a mile, from the divisions of the fields aforesaid: so that the admirals before named departed the 11. of the said Month, with many other Captains of Holland, and Deputies of the Estates and Admiralty, alongst by the Rot, having 30. Galleys, and certain other which came from Delft and Gaude, and the victuallers, two Ensigns of Pioneers, and other necessary things, sailing towards the divisions of the fields aforesaid. And beside, his Excellency had appointed certain Ensigns of soldiers, to wit, Frenchmen, the Captain of the Guard. Durant, and Catteville, for thedefending of the Trenches in the place aforesaid, on both sides, an hour before day, and if it were possible, before the enemy should perceive them, which with marvelous diligence they performed: and the two Admyrals placed their ships on either side, to defend the trench with their Artillery. Half an hour before the trench was finished, the Spaniards came from Soetermeir, towards the place afore said, to skirmish, appointing on the high fields side, to wit, the common field, about five brave companies of Almains. The French which were of the Regiment of the Coloniel of the guard, and other of his Excellency's Guard, which were come thither of pleasure: notwithstanding that the admiral Boyso●, had prayed and commanded them, not to come near the Enemy within the Cannon shot, yet ran they so fiercely out of their Trenches, as that the admiral with his ships, could not play with the artillery as they would: howheit the artillery only of 6. Galleys, gave them the whole side so lustily, as that they durst not only march forward, but were also twice enforced with loss and shame enough, to return to Soetermeir, and there were no more wounded, but the admirals pilot only, & that was with Turrian harquebuz shot, & a few of his mariners lightly hurt.  
Now on the other side, to wit, from Wylsuene or Leytherdam quarter, in the evening came the Spaniards both on foot & on horseback, where was a brave skirmish. And by reason of the small shot, and the great ordinance, which on the side lustily displed them from the Galleys, they were constrained of very shame to retire: so that the Galleys which pursued with strength of oars slew some of their horses and also the riders. But herein fell out a very cruel deed, committed by a zelanber, who have a wonderful desire to be fleshed of the Spaniards, and the Spaniards likewise of them. For the zelanders had learned it of the Spaniards former deeds, who had learned the same of the Mores & Turks (although in very deed it is no whit commendable in a Christian) and the matter was thus. A zelander had taken one of the stain Spaniards, and plucked the heart out of his body, as he lay half dead, and when he had gnawn it with his teeth, he cast it away from him. 
The mariners fleshed upon a Spaniard.   
This gnawn heart was afterward seen at Delft by many credible people, and the very print of the teeth in it. There were also after that, as it should seem, certain latin verses set forth by the Lord of Northwike upon the same deed: as followeth. 
Lugdunum tingit Batavorum miles Iberus,  
A Batavo contra, cingitur ille mari.  
Non opus est gladiis, ferroque rigentibus armis,  
Solo pro Batavo belligerentur aquae.  
jacturam pecoris Bataws quam fecit & agri,  
Humano decies sanguine Ibere lues.  
Mercator sapiens tamen haud mercabiturvan  
Hispani generis corpora mill bovi.  
Macra caro est, nuper cum cor gustasset Iberi  
Respuit, & canibus nauta vorare dedit.  
Deseruere agros Batavi, & Nassovius heros  
Nullus enim fixos abstulit hostis agros.  
invenit ratio sine sanguine pellere long  
Hostilésque manus, Hisperiumque jugum.  
Tolle motus, Hispane fuge, & ne respice terras  
Pro quibus Oceanus, pugnat & ipse Deus.  Which verses may be thus englished. 
With heart most merciless the vile proud Spaniard  
hath Leyden round about beset, to spoil it with his Guard:  
But Holland sea hath given the Spaniard such a blow,  
as that with arms & drums also, he may go shoot the crow.  
'tis water force that fights, genist you the battle strong  
dispatch therefore, and pack you hence, least wailing be your song.  
For, for loss of one beast, and spoil of Holland field  
The Spaniards blood shall it repay, and ten for one it yield,  
For, the wise merchant doth, of one ox more esteem  
Then of a thousand carrions lean, of Spanish breed I ween.  
For, when a poor Mariner, of heart had taste the juice  
he cast it down unto the dogs, it was too vile to use.  
The Orange Prince, and eke the Hollanders, I say  
forsook the fields, and yet of them, was no whit take away.  
For, he found out the mean, without any blood shed  
the enemy to drive far off, and put Spain yoke to bed.  
And therefore get thee hence, thou spaniard proud & vile,  
for Ocean sea, and God himself, do fight for us the while.   
Now, as the Leydens', had written & advertised his Excellency by letters of the 4. of this month, which they sent by certain Citizens, to wit john Fre●que, Lubert Chaudronnier or Brasier, Ge●rg Scot, Nightuigall and others, who travailed sundry ways, the poor Estate of their Citizens being through famine, overwatching, and warding greatly weakened, required and prayed, their speedy aid and deliverance, because they feared that the field banks and ditches were not as yet gawged and cut, by reason they saw not the water come down. Whereupon, his Excellency, and the general Estates of Holland wrote briefly back unto them the 12. of the said month of September, as followeth.  
That all men right well knew, how careful, and at what great charges they had been, and were at, for their aid and deliverance, and therefore doubted not, but that the Leydens', for their part, would show themselves most constant, and like faithful Confederates, stand manfully for the maintenance of their just and honest cause, and reject all cxaftye practices and sugared promises, by which the Enemy hoped to win, and yoke them. And that they should also have great regard, how they lost the commendation, which they had already universally gotten. Signifying unto them further, that the messengers whom they sent, had seen with their own eyes the gawging and cutting down of the field banks or ditches the day before, as by their own report by word of mouth, they might more at large understand. They sent also a copy of those letters, which they had sent the 4. and 7. of this month, letting them thereby bnderstand their great care over them, and the de●ice and council they gave them, together, the promises of their prius●odges and franchises in time to come. And underueach was subscribed, your good confederates, The knights Nobles, and Towns of Holland, representing the Estates of the said Country, together the counsel of those, which were then present with his Excellency, and subscribed by  
Ottes of Egmond, Adryan Myle, William johnson of Henskerke, Cornelius Bouchorst, William Loo, Cornelins Gautier: And a little beneath subsigned by the Secretary C●de Rechtere.  
The Leydens' answered these Letters the 16. of the same month. Thanking and praising God with joyful hearts, and all the Estates, for that foresaid gawging. Showing them beside, their great necessity and misery, requiring, that the enterprise begun for their deliverance, might be hastened.  
The same day there were letters likewise dispatched, and written in Cifers to the Admsrall Boisot, declaring unto him their extreme distrosse, and praying him to haste with all the possible speed that might be, desiring with all, to understand, in what fort they should deal, wherein they trusted, should neither be seen, nor found in them, any negligence, or want of good will. But now, to leave our wandering discourse, we will again return to our other matters: There were some, who thought themselves very well seen about these field banks, had persuaded his Excellency, that his people which were passed the said limits, might without annoyance, come down into the afore said Sacternieir Mere: notwithstanding the experience, showed the clean contrary. For, first there was a green way, which lay a foot higher than the water: and the same likewise was to be gotten, and trenthed, before the Enemy understood it, which was performed without the loss of any man, and yet the enemy lay within a musket shot thereof: Secondly, they thought they might have passed from thence into Soetermeir, by reason of the sundry ditches, whereout turfs had been digged, howbeit but one of them went so far, and the same also driven to go under Soeterm●ir bridge, which standeth full in way, where the Spaniards on either side lay, to wit, even at the houses hard upon the bridge, and the bridge also was fortified with thirty ensigns of soldiers, who lay in all the houses alongst the way. Insomuch that none could pass by them, but that they would have displaced them with their great ordinance.  
His excellency lying at Delft, and hearing hereof, sent forthwith by the master of the ordinance, four demie Canons, placed and planted in fit vessels for the purpose, and withal the broken ice of Delft. These vessels being of a mighty thickness, were trimmed before with very great planks, & between the planks were massy nets rammed in for the saving of the Canonier. These vessels being arrived at the camp the seventeenth day, the admiral sent presently all his Galleys towards the said bridge by sundry Channels. And himself sailed down the channel, which directly ran unto the bridge, and came so near, as that he was within danger of the arqebus shot. And on his left side in another Channel, were two of the demie Canons aforesaid: and on the right hand was the Admiral of ziericksea with two other demie Canons: and some of the Galleys were come through another Channel, and had gotten so very near the enemy, as that they slew four or five of the Mariners, and galled divers of the rest. These lay battering at the bridge from morning till noon.  
But as one of the aforesaid vessels began to splyt, by reason of the force of a bullet that was shot, & that the other might likewise have been so served, and withal seeing the enemy, notwithstanding the great loss of his people not once remove, the admiral caused to sound the retreat. Now, this retreat could not be without the loss of the prince's people, especially of those, which were with the admiral of ziericksea.  
There were amongst this company certain French gentlemen Captains, as Catteville, Durant, and Guileresse, who were too too forward with their soldiers against the enemy, for they had gotten with their barks, behind the turf heaps, not far from the enemy's houses & trenches, thinking to have set them on fire. But the admiral retiring without any noise, and not knowing them to be so far forth, the enemy perceiving them to be there, so lustily assailed them with such a great number of boats, as that Catteville, Guileresse, and seven soldiers more, by reason of the reculing of their bark, were drowned.  
But Durant and certain soldiers with him, saved themselves by swimming, nevertheless the enemy as it was after well known, received a far greater loss, through the shooting off, of the great ordinance. For, their boats were full fraught with their dead, hurt, and galled men, and carried to outright: Insomuch that some scoffing fellows, jested and said, That friars Grace was very dear ware, because that whosoever would go to the Pope's heaven must needs be buried in a Friars Minors cowl, and the time was that they would put them coffin & all into the cowl, when as they carried them very unsavoury from the camp, as commonly it fell out both at Amsterdam and also at Vtright, where they are buried in the body of the Church.  
And although the prince's army, had with the great ordinance marvelously annoyed the enemy, as had also the valiant soldiers of the Colonels of the Baron of Noyelle, and of the Captain of the guard, yet it should seem, that they won no great matter by it. For the water rose not so high, as they looked for, and that was by reason of the infinite thousands of hassocks which sucked up the water, the wind also served them to no purpose: and beside, the enemy used many and sundry means to drain the water aside.  
Moreover, the said bridge was marvelous strongly fortified, and again, the boats which had the demie canons in them, would otherwise have been trimmed: so that it seemed, all that cost and travel to be utterly lost, and themselves at their wit's end. Howbeit, the Lord God purveyed for them two manner of ways: to wit, first by reason of the Nottheast wind which blew up a mighty gabe, the 18.19. & 20. days of September: & secondly through the good counsel that was given to M. Peter wastel, one of his Excellency's counsel, who in this dealing was very diligent and careful: for as he was devising with two country men, they told him, that they needed not pass by that bridge, seeing they might pass the way called Segwart, lying between Soetermeir and Benthouse. When the councillor heard thus much, he told it to his Excellency, and returning to the camp, sat hereupon in council, with the Admiral Noielles, the Captain of the guard, and with certain estates of the Admiralty, and they all concluded, as abovesaid.  
And hereupon, admiral Boysot, accompavied with wastel aforesaid, with the guard, eight galleys, and senentie soldiers, directed his course that night towards Segwart way, and there arrived before such time as the enemy had any understanding of them: for, the vice admiral lay with the army before the said Soetermeir bridge.  
Now, when they had gotten this way, the Captain of the guard, desired Citadelle an Italian Gentleman, and the Baron of Noielles Lieutenant, to fortify and entrench with Vawgiraut, and half the soldiers on Benthouse side: And master Bochart with Captain Ladriere, and the other half of the soldiers, on Soetermeir side. And the meaning here of was this, that although the whole force of the enemy should suddenly break upon them, yet thought they hereby safely to return to their ships, howbeit all in vain: for the enemy seeing himself deceived, had no great stomach to ferret them out: and the Almains who lay at Benthouse, so soon as night came, showed a fair pair of heels, & they which lay at Soetermeir, in the morning forsook their trench, & retired towards Leyden, to wit, towards Northaske, Soeterwouwe, Kyrkwegge, & Weyport, carrying with them their artillery, and fortified themselves in many houses, Now, the treaches in Segwart way, were not finished without the great travel of the prince's people, who laboured all that night up to the knees in the water, the wind mightily blowing at the north-east. The next morrow Admiral Boysot, sent the Captain of the guard to look for the army, which through God's mighty hand, arrived there, without the loss of any one man.  
The Almains aforesaid, were no sooner gone from Benthouse but that captain Ladriere had gotten their trench. When the Prince's people were passed Segwart way, having set on fire the houses which stood on Soetermeir way, Captain Cret an Orengian arrived at Soetermeir with three companies of soldiers, and the ark of Delft. This Ark, 
The ark of Delft.  was a strange built and trimmed vessel, well furnished with great ordinance, but very noisome to the army, by reason of the lownes of the water, insomuch that they thought once to have burnt her, but because she had in her betwixt fifteen & twenty pieces of great ordinance, they found the means to bring her to the foresaid place, that riding there, she might keep the passage. This Ark, was built of two ships joined together, and was rowed neither with spirits, nor oars, neither yet oriven with the help of any sails, but by wheels, wrought within her, & so very strongly built all over, as that no musket shot was able to pierce her. She was of burden able to bear fifty lusty men for defence, and twelve to turn the wheels.  
The next morrow they were determining, whether they should go on, or tarry a while longer. The Admiral Boysot thought it best to pursue the enemy, recoiled: and to the end that both the Leydens', and also the enemy might descry him a far off, he was resolved, to take this enterprise in hand, with twenty Galleys, and appointed the rest of the armte to follow him. We have heretofore spoken how the vessels which bear the demie Canons, were riven with the force of the Canon. But because they had need of them, they were speedily new calked, pitched, and tallowed at Delft, and being trimmed with lead and salt bides against the force of the powder, they followed the army the third day after. The Admiral having sailed not passing a mile from benthouse, was told as it was guessed, that about the waters which ran down towards Norta, that the enemy might strengthen himself in certain houses thereabout, howbeit, when they had inquired after it, the thing was found to be far otherwise: wherefore he mad towards Norta, and got him even within a musket shot thereof, where he might perceive how that between two or three hundred well armed Almains, had left two houses, and were fled with all possible speed, to the other side of Norta little Mere, where the Spaniards were entrenched. Whereupon the Admiral lustily pursued them with force of Oars, and orderly enbattailed himself within an barquebuze shot of the enemy. From this trench in Norta houses, were the muskets bravely discharged, but the Orengians so defended themselves with their great ordinance, as that the spaniard knew not where to hide his head.  
When the aforesaid Almains had closely conveyed themselves behind two hay stacks, to keep them out of the danger of the great shot, they retired towards Soeterwood: which skirmish lasted from noon, until the Evening: But about midnight, the admiral caused an Alarm to be given by certain small shot, whom the Spaniards answered four or five times, to the end, to show them, that they were not departed, but they fearing of surprising, so stilly and flyly retired towards Soeterwood, as that the Admiral never perceived it, until the next morrow.  
The Orengians were greatly annoyed, by reason that the Spaniards had stopped the course of the water, which ran down towards Soeterwood: & beside, they were in a great fault, in that they made not a trench at the entry of the little Mere: for if they had, the admiral had found as dangerous a piece of work of it, as was the enterprise at Soetermeir bridge: howbeit, the Lord God meaning to increase his glory, so blinded them, as that they became senseless. When all the rest of the army were come with the great ordinance, 
The liveliness of a lusty captain, revived men half dead.  the Admiral & all his whole army were gotten into a very large & broad stream, running towards Suyten, where they discharged all their great ordinance, because the Leydens' should both see, hear, and be encouraged, for in seven days before, they had not heard so much as a word from them. The Leydens' again answered them with their great ordinance, in token, that they were not as yet discouraged, although their food was no better than Cow beef, and horse flesh. They had in the town about nienty horses, and from the fourteenth of September, they began to distribute half a pound of thesayde horse flesh to a man for one days victual.  
The Colleagues and adherents of proud Baldez, came daily before the gates of the Town, menacing, mocking, and jesting, and mixing withal sometimes very sweet and sugared words. And on a time certain of his Captains and Officers, meeting with a young youth, going from the Town to Leyer thorp: said unto him: Tell your towns men, that it is as possible for your Prince to aid and deliver your Town, as it is for you, to catch the stars in the sky with your hands. These were the slanderous, high, and proud words of this Infidel Maran, and of his adherentes, who thought themselves to have as well provided for the Camp, and siege about the Town, as that neither the Towns men, nor yet any man living, was able to withstand him, or hinder his devise: never thinking that there was a God, who could and would deliver the poor afflicted souls from the hands and sword of the Tyrant. Howbeit these threatening words, & fair promises withal, were not altogether fruitless, because they wrought effectually in some inconstant & unsettled minds: by which they being moved by reason of the great famine, which so grievously touched them, as that there was like to have been a manifest discord in the Town, had not the Lord God by M. james & john de la Does, Lords of Northwyke, wisely and gravely provided against it. For about the very self same time, that these things thus fell out, 15. Citizens (who as they said, had above 300. more of their confederacy) went to the Town house, calling for victuals, and that if none were there to be had, that means might be found for that providing of some: where one of the Borroughmaisters protested, 
A discord in Leyden by reason of the famine.  that he would not be the cause of the death of those which died of hunger: who (as they said) had at that instant, 7. Bacon hogs left in his house, insomuch that these words had wrought a far greater effect, had not the Deputies & the rest of the Magistrates, with the Captains & the other citizens in authority, been more constant, & faithful, & had beside, trusted more assuredly to the merciful providence of God. For where some of the rest of the Magistrates, earnestly traveled to persuade the people of the great mercy of Baldez, and of the notable pardon, and withal, of the promises contained within the letters above written, these men on the other side set before the eyes of the simple and faynthearted Citizens, all examples to the contrary. For the said pardon was by some, so lustily maintained, as that they shamed not to give their good fellow citizens reproachful words only, but of a froward affection belied them also: saying, that they which trusted not to the pardon, were errand the eves, which saying, put them in great fear: not sticking beside, freely to cry out & say, that they had redeemed the tongues of their Lombard: & this speech, as before hath byu said, arose by reason that the commissary Bronchorst was dead, who so long as he lived held them at the staves end, and trussed some of them up in an halter.  
Over & beside these iniurions & reproachful words, the secret counsels which they there oftentimes held, came to little effect, for the Lord God had stirred up the heart of a godly woman, who from time to time advertised the faithful ones of all their whole devices, so that they continually put themselves in arms, before their secret enemies could bring any part of their enterprise to pass, and it was so wisely and discreetly handled, as that they thought it to be done upon some other occasion: which caused the dissemblers and counterfeits, not once dare to take in hand that their devise, by reason they were inwardly stricken with shame and fear.  
There were certain also, which came the very same time to Peter Adryanson the Burrough master, showing him both by lamentable & threatening words, of their poverty & hunger, thinking that they should thereby move him to seek some means to agree with the enemy. Howbeit, he in these few words answered them, and said: My good friends, & beloved fellow citizens, I have made an oath, which by the grace of god, I mean constantly to keep: If my death, sith I am sure I must once die, may any way pleasure you, it is all one to me, whether you or the enemy kill me: for, for mine own part, I intent (god willing) to go on a plain & direct course: & therefore, if this carcase of mine will do you any good, in god's name take it, cut it in pieces, & divide it as far as may possibly stretch, for I shallbe contented therewith. The citizens were at this answer so amazed, as that they went away without any more words. Now, for the better maintaining & nourishing of this dissension, & the encouraging of the faithless, & discouragiug of the godly & valiant, & withal, for declaration that the words aforesaid, of the impossibility of their deliverance were true, the aforesaid de Wibesina & certain other fugitives of the town, had even for the up shot, written the 22. of September to the Leydens', the sum whereof ensueth.  
That their great affection & love, 
A letter of the hispaniolized fugitives to the Leydens'.  enforced them once more to write unto the Leydens', willing them to take heed, that they brought not their town to extreme misery & calamity, when as all hope of grace shall fail them. And therefore wished them not to trust over much to their own wisdom, by their overmuch crediting of the aid which they lookedfor from the prince of Orange. And to the end they might see, how greatly they desired their deliverance from all wretchedness and misery, they verily believed, that they should be able to send them passport for three or 4 persons, which might come & visit his majesties camp, to see if they might possibly deliver them either by water or land, and in the mean while offered to send some of their company for hostages to the town. Or if it pleased them to send certain to talk of the matter, they would also find the means, that it should so be: and would as much as was possible, help them both with their act and council.  
Wherefore, they advised them not to neglect this advertisement, and send an answer by the bearer hereof. Beseeching in the end, God to preserve them: and so inspire them as that it might all turn to a good end. Subscribed thus:  
By your good friends to the uttermost of our powers. I.U. mateness of Wibisma, Cornelius de la Hoogh, the son of Nicholas, Nicolas Oom johnson, Butenwegh, Bartholemew Alewiis, Gerbrant Meessens, Rene, the son of james.  
Unto the reproachful words aforesaid, 
A most noble & couragiove answer of certain citizens to those of the camp.  and to these letters, and slanders, which the enemy daily spoke, certain Citizens in the end, standing upon the rampires, answered the Machabite, saying: You altogether build all your reasons upon our famine, and that it is impossible for us to be aided and delivered. You call us dog and cat eaters. We tell you, that we want no victuals, you bear that in our Town, are both dogs kine, and horses. And if we should in the end want these, yet hath every one of us a left arm to eat, and reserve the right arm to beat the cyrant and the rest of you which are his bloody ministers from our walls: but if at the last, our force shall not be strong enough, and that the Lord God meaneth by your hands to punish us for our demerits, which we, through the confidence that we have in his divine goodness, hope he will not do, yet will we never forsake his holy word, nor yet give over the defence of the liberty of our country, choosing rather when we are at the very worst, to set our Town on fire, then that it should any way be gainful unto you, and we become your slaves. For it is more tolerable for us, to be slain in fight with the Maccabees then to see the misery of our people, and endure your tyranny both in our bodies and consciences: an answer undoubtedly, worthy eternal memory: whereunto, and such other like were the good Citizens encouraged by their wives. For, there were a great number of them, which rather would have died of hunger in their houses, then to have yielded into the tyrants hands, because that the tyrannies of Narden, Surphen, Malyves, & Harlem were yet fresh in their heads.  
We are now to return to speak of the prince's army whithe we left at Norta, where it was feign to stay a few days for want of water: because the enemy lay in the channel towards Soeterwood, and also at Soeterwood, and thereby stopped the said channel. This lying still of the army, pleased no whit such idle persons, as commonly will do all things with their tongue, although they have no experience in the whole world in warlike affairs: most reproachfully crying out and ask, why the Admyrals went not on, which in very deed they might have done, if the ships had had wings, seeing that the water in these furmost fields was not above niene inches deeep, & the galleys drew a foot and an half, or two feet.  
Wherefore the captains required his Excellency, being now whole to come to the army, 
His excessencie cometh to see the fleet.  whither about that very time indeed he came. His coming greatly rejoiced the army, but no whit the enemy, who perceived it by the triumph of the Canon. The order of the army marvelously pleased his Excellency, and gave forthwith order to seek for the way which was to be gawged, to wit, the Ryrkweg, which thing was done by a gentleman Orengian named Bultran, and the vice Admiral Cornelius Nycolsons, accompanied with Just the Moor, who made report thereof to his Excellency, 
The determinetion of the● confed●●● 〈◊〉 the revictualing of the town.  the Admirals and Colonels. afterward, the way how to gauge it was appointed. But because it pleased not the Lord that the water should wax higher, nor none other wind blow, then at that time did, which made the water lower, they were resolved to thrust in by stealth into the Town, thirty or forty Barks laden with bread. For the doing whereof captain Grenu offered his service. And afterward, when his Excellency had commanded the Admirals, Colonels and captains to make all the possible speed that might be, he returned to Delfr.  
Although the Citizens of Leyden had conceived some good hope for their deliverance, as well by the letters from the Estates the twelfth of that month, as also by the hearing and seeing of the effect of the great ordinance: yet because they had not long before that, neither received or yet sent any letters, by reason of the great war de that was about the Town, they sent two messengers, who arrived the 26. of September about the admiral: to declare unto him the extreme necessity of the Citizens, which was in deed very great, but yet not so great as they said: and also to see the estate of the army, whereof they themselves, if it were possible, should come back to make report to their fellow Citizens, if not, that then they should send letters by the posts of the air: for to that end, had the messengers aforesaid, carried with them six old doves.  
Now, as the messengers thought to return towards the Town with the Admiral's letters, they found all the passages belaid, and therefore were driven of necessity to return: howbeit the Admire all Boysot, 
Necessity, the inventrix of a cunning policy  had sent his letters the 27. of September by a flying post, having written to the towns men, that by the grace of God, he would procure their aid and deliverance, praying them to remain constant, & not lightly and unadvisedly receive in any victuals, without they saw himself, or some assurance from him, for he feared that the Spaniards under his name might by some stratagem abuse and deceive them. 
A flying messenger arriveth at Leyden.  The first flying messenger, arrived at Leyden the 28. of that month, which the magistrate by sound of the bell, gave the people to understand, & the 29. day he read the letters openly. Declaring unto them how that his Excellency himself had been with the army, to give order for their deliverance, and that he had him commended unto them all, beseeching them, yet for a while to continue constant, for the Lord of Hosts would send means to deliver them. These letters greatly gladded and encouraged the people: prayfing God, and incessantly, as the other confedered Towns had done, made their prayers unto the Lord.  
Now, this great joy, was not without some mixture of sorrow, because that before, and the same very day, the wind blew up at the North-east, which caused the water to fall rather than rise: so that the prince's army thought, that they had as it were lost all hope of delivering them, if the invisible means of God, to wit, the great flowing of the water, which began that 29. day, & lasted until the second of October, had not helped them. Wherefore the Admiral Boysot, wrote unto his Excellency, that if God of his mercy did not help both with wind & also with the rising of the water, and by such means as no man was able as yet to perceive, that he saw not which way possible to bring to pass the revictualling of the town for this time, and feared that after it would be too late: considering that there was not a beast left, and that there were but two dissributions more to be had, and these, but to last for right days. Insomuch that the misery (besides the pestilence, diseases, and discord) was in the town very great as he understood by the messengers: and as was also after found to be most true.  
For many of them had not in seven weeks space, eaten one bit of bread, & drunk nothing else but water. Horse flesh also was then as good meat with the wealthiest of them, as mutton is at this present. Cats and dogs amongst the adventurers, 
Strange kinds o● meats which the Leydens' did eat.  and others which lay at the gates of the Town, were thought to be delicate meat, and so eaten. It is impossible to describe unto you all their manner of cookery, although many told me of it. Some of them eat vine leaves mingled with amel flower and salt. There was great difference in the leaves of trees, & therefore they made sundry kinds of meats of leek blades, roots and root stalks, and the root leaves which fell to the ground, was a very ordinary kind of good meat. Roots and skins cut in small gobbins, and sodden in butter milk, was an ordinary and common meat for many. Gentlewomen were driven to eat their little pupprelles, in whom before they took great pleasure. To the place where the flesh was wonced to be cut out and divided, the poor children came, and eat blood raw, the pieces of the flesh which fell away in the division. All the old rotten shoes in the town, which lay in the dirt, were taken up, & eaten forthwith The Poor women were seen sitting upon the dounghils, with their cloaks cast over their heads, gathering up of the best bones they could find, and carried them home to their houses. And they no sooner found the least stalk of a root, but that they immediately eat it up. The young boys oftentimes sucked the bones, which the dogs had gnawn. Every woman that lay in childbed, was fain to be pleased with a quarter of a pound of biscuit a day. Some women again were so hunger bitten, as that the child in their womb was almost pined to death. The blood of the cattle was gathered up out of the filthy & stinking gutters of the town, 
The prices of certain victuals in Leyden.  and eaten. Nevertheless their drink was somewhat more to be borne withal: for beside the water, they had Bear made of Dates, which cost an Holland penny the pot. Yea some made drink of the very husks of the grains, mingling therewith herb Grace & Rue in steed of Hemlock. Othersome drank vinegar & water mingled together, so that when the town was freed & at liberty, there was scarcely any vinegar to be had. A pound of butter was worth xv. souls. A yellow carot one souls, a rootstalk half a souls, a Pear or Apple a groat. There was offered for a sack of wheat an hundred florins.  
Over and beside this great misery, the plague was so rife all the Town over, as that there died of it almost six thousand persons. The young children which were staruen to death, said, as it is written in the lamentations of jeremy: Where is the bread, where is the wine, and so fell down stark dead in the streets or between their mother's arms: 
The insupportable calamity and misery of the Leydeus.  and therefore after that, many young children were feign to eat horse flesh. The men which could scarscely go over the bridge, were enforced to ward as good as naked, and in their return, found neither wife nor children alive. They that were wont to go with their dizaines to the ward, came back again with eight, six, and sometimes three. Noble women and their children which were wont to be clad in silks and fed upon the most delicate meats, died of very hunger.  
There was a dead man brought, and laid before the gate of the Buroughmasters, thereby to show him (as it was thought) both closely and expressly, that he had been the cause thereof, & therefore that it appertained to him to seek the mean to prevent it.  
To be short, the extreme misery in the Town was such, as is impossible for me to describe and set down. But they who, after the deliverance thereof, had seen their lean faces, and small and feeble legs, might easily have witnessed the same.  
And now to return again unto the Prince's army, it had not needed to have tarried long at Norta, if it had been certainly known, that the Leydens' could have held out longer time. Again, the Prince and chief rulers of the army, knew right well, that the nearer Winter drew on, the greater abundance of water would ensue. And the general of the army knew well enough also, that he must pass between Soeterwood, & Suyten house, and so did the enemy likewise, and therefore had especially placed his whole ward there. In the mean while many thought it best, to attempt by night Soetermeir Mere way, towards Stompwyke way, but it was to no purpose, because that all the ditches and channels lay in and out crokedlie: & beside, the Spaniard also warded there. The Papists aforesaid, had lying upon the Rhyin, five great galleys, and well appointed boats, howbeit they wanted mariners.  
As these things in this wise most lamentably stood, the most mighty God and Lord of Hosts, who on extreme necessity never forsaketh his, having compassion on his miserable afflicted ones, would needs she we forth his strong and outstretched arm, for the delivery of his desolate people out of the hands of a Tyrant.  
Wherefore, he sent the winds his Ministers, 
The waters by reason of the winds arise up marvelously.  who so violently blew up, as that the waters arose and wonderfully overflowed. For beside, the great ouerslowing of the waters, the North-east wind wonderful violently blewe up, and brought again the fallen water upon the face of the earth: who so prospered the Southeast wind, as that it drove the same water towards Leyden: Insomuch, that the Prince's army, which before, as abovesaid, had but niene inches of water, had then above two feet and an half, and was able to pass even at the first, over the high fields, unto Ryrkweigh aforesaid, & if at any time they saw the water fail them, than would ten or twelve men go out of every ship, and so lighten her, that she might float, & afterward passed over Kirkweigh: wherefore, they took their course towards the quarter in the night, betwixt the first & second of October, after they had given a false alarm unto Stompwyke way.  
The order of this army of the princes by Sea, 
The order of the prince's army at Sea.  passing over the said high Territory, was ranged & placed in manner as followeth. The admirals of Flushing & Ziericksea, had following each of them fifceene galleys, which spread themselves abroad like two wings. And first, Admiral Boysot accompanied with the Colonel of the guard, had the leading of the left wing, on Soeterwood side, because it was thought that the greatest force of the enemy lay there: The Admiral of Zericksea had in his company master Citadel, Bultran, captain Paul Duyrant and others. The vice Admiral was placed on the right side of Suyten, accompanied with the Baron of Noieles, master Corns & Bourchart, and with Captains, Henry & Grenu. Philip de Asseliers, master of the ordinance, and warlike munitions, was appointed to tarry with the great ordinance, & eight or ten galleys upon Norta, for the keeping of the victuals, until such time as the said admiral's had gotten Ryrkweigh aforesaid, & that then he should follow, and bravely salute the Soeterwoodens with the great ordinance, which ordinance was charged with pretty little bags stuffed full of leaden bullets, to wit. 300. in every bag finely and artificially couched, and those to be dispersed amongst the thickest of the enemy.  
When all things were thus orderly arranged & placed, the army departed about midnight, the day aforesaid, and the Galleys and ships were severed an arqebus shot one behind another, having in the midst about eighteen or twenty Barks laden with Pioneers, and all kinds of tools for entrenching, to the end they might so soon as it was possible, fortify themse lues at the said Church way. But the Spaniards had appointed so great a watch in their small vessels, as that it might have served for the whole body of a ward. And when they saw the Admiral somewhat near, they called aloud, and said: Who is there, who is there, but not a word was given them, until such time as the admiral was gotten within Gun shot: and then he so saluted them with the roaring and thundering of the Canon, as that the night seemed to be day.  
This watch answered them again with calivers, muskets, and certain faulconet shot, and then left their vessels, & by little and little retired, still playing with their small shot, until they had gotten to the body of their ward, which was entrenched at every corner of the way. Then sallied they bravely out on every side, fiercely delivering their muskets against the Orengians: but the Zealanders so resaluted them with such on hail of Bullets, as that they were driven with great loss to retire to their trenches, leaving there behind them, only a few soldiers to maintain the skirmish: who soon after also made their retreat: 
The Orengland skirmish bravely against the Spaniards.  for the French Captains, the captain of the guard, Bultran, and Bourchart went on land, and entrenched themselves on Soeterwood side, and Grenu, Ladriere, and others on the right side. In the mean while that they were quietly entrenching of themselves before the day break, the Zealanders played from their ships with their canons upon the Soeterwoodens, but chief where they saw any fire or light, and shot fire also, into some of their houses. The Mariners & french soldiers which were on land, cast fire likewise into divers of their houses. The captains aforesaid returning on both sides from the skirmish stuck thick into the ground all alongst the way stakes with long iron pikes at the end of them, to the end that the enemy being once driven from that way might never return thither again.  
Now when the Orengians had taken this Church way, entrenched themselves, & placed a ward there: they gawged it in three places, to make a way for the passing of their galleys: In the mean while, the ships laden with victuals being about an hundred, were sent away, and arrived all near the army, two excepted, which going out of the right way, fell on the dry land, and so consequently into the hands of the enemy. And surely, here is one thing greatly to be considered of, that in the feats and deeds of arms of so great importance, done in the sight and midst of the whole force of the enemy, there were not above five or six men of the Prince's side slain: But to say truly, this was Gods work and not man's, for the good GOD when it pleaseth him, keepeth and defendeth his, even in the greatest and most perilous dangers, to the end he would show unto Tyrants and proud men, that he is able to abase and throw down the power and strength, whereof they so highly brag, that thereby he might make his glory, magnificence, and praise, appear the greater.  
When all the whole army by Sea, and victuallers, had passed that way: The Admiral of Flushing directed his course towards the mere bridge: Nevertheless, after he had sailed a little way, where he thought to have found it deepest, it proved very shallow.  
And then, the Zealanders showed themselves to be men of great stomach, for they, for the unburdening of their ships leapt presently into the water, and like men that had rather have carried their vessels away upon their shoulders, then to have left them, by that means got to Meerbrough.  
When the Spaniards and the rest which lay encamped about Soeterwood Church in divers Trenches, had seen the next day in the morning which was the second of October, that the Prince his army had not as yet directed her course towards Leyden, thought that because they saw all on a light fire behind them, that they meant to enclose them in Soeterwood. And that which most of all amazed them, was, that they saw the water in so short time risen so high: 
Baldes and his company take a fair pair of heels.  And therefore Baldez, the general of their camp, considering, what advantage the Orengeans, now had, began to quail, and with such speed left Soeterwood, as that he had not the leisure to carry away his great ordinance with him. Howbeit, he was no sooner fled, but that Alfonse Loupes Gallio, followed him with his seven Ensigns, and took the way from Forscote, through a place, which he had for that purpose caused to be heightened with boughs and faggots.  
When the admiral and his retinue, were in Meirbrough he understood nothing of this flight, until it was too late: and that the greater number of them were gotten away. Howbeit certain Galleys cutting the way off from them, so bravely played with the great ordinance amongst the lusty heel lifters, as that a good many of them were driven to return: who being thus scattered one from another, the Zealanders thereupon, getting out of the water, fell upon the tail of those which fled towards Forscote, and with their long rusty prages, slew every mother's son of them, and so lustily pursued them, as that many of the Enemies running directly before them, not knowing they way, drowned themselves in the ditches and channels.  
The rest, which could not get to Forescote, for fear of the great ordinance of the Galleys, which had cut the way off from them, fled towards Stompwyke way, and casting their weapons farinough from them, took their heels towards Leyerdam and Forebrough. In this flight, and with the battery that was the night before, about 200. of Baldez soldiers, were prettily well cooled.  
There were also certain Barks taken, laden with Baldez wine, victuals, and baggage, which were delivered to the Admiral. But here is a thing greatly to be considered of, that notwithstanding that the Lord God, what by reason of the great overflowiug of the waters, as also because of the good counsel which he inspired into them, had mightily assisted the Orengers, whereby they might use the fittest means for this purpose, yet had all this been even as good as nothing, seeing that the great numbers of the Enemy, and their forts, seemed to be invincible, if so be that he had not mightily feared and astonished them. For even at that very instant, such a great fear came upon them that lay at Leyerthorpe and Lammen, as that they trembled withal, to see their companions thus fly: and although the church and houses of Soeterwood, were all on a light fire, yet they which lay at Lammen, thought it best, not once to stir one step from thence.  
But to return now again to the Leydens', it hath heretofore been said, That the Messengers which came from Leyden to the Prince's Navy, brought Doves with them, one of which was sent back again, who faithfully carried over her Letters: and beside, the Leydens' looked for none other news nor advertisements, but when they should issue out of the Town, to set upon the fort and trench of Lammen: which thing was written unto them the first of October, howbeit, the flying post did not her duty, but was the first, that came the next day to the town, so that the citizens gave not the sign, which they we● appointed to do, and therefore Admiral Boysot, who first arrived at the wives bridge, thought the Town had been yielded up, because the Citizens were so still. Howbeit, when the Citizens saw the fire at Soeterwood, but especially the Church, to be on a light fire, knowing right well that the Spaniards lay there, and were round about well fortified in their trenches, they all marvelous joyfully leapt upon the Ramparts, notwithstanding the Enemies being welfortified in Lammen fort, the Cannon playing bravely from the trench against the Orengers Army: and beside, their seeing in the afternoon 300. soldiers at Tronstone, decayed house: Wherefore they carried their Ensigns to the Ramparts, and tied them to the Wind mills sails, in token that they were of good courage, and merry. And afterward, caused these four points of the great penalty to be proclaimed.  
First, that no women, young children, nor people unmeet to bear arms, should come to the Ramparts: and that as many as did bear arms, must be with their accustomed armour & weapon, in his quarter, and place appointed.  
That they which had watch the night before, should be the next time at the body of their ward.  
That none of them should departed from the Ramparts, until the Magistrate called for them.  
That all Boats and Barks, should depart out of the main Channelles and stream▪ ●nto the side ditches or creeks, to the end that the ships which were to come into the town, should no way be stopped, but have free passage: that the Citizens might help them, whether it were in the deep, on the side, or in the coming out, according as they saw it needful and necessary.  
Then the Burroughmaisters, showed the ships to their Citizens, saying: Behold loving fellow Citizens, here behind this fort, is now, bread, what think you of it, shall we let it alone there: Then cried the Citizens with one voice, nay, but let us rather pull down the gate with our nails, then suffer it to be stayed before Lammen.  
Now, when the Admiral had for two causes, made the great Artillery to be brought through Soeterwood to Papen mere: First for that, from thence Lammen fort was far nearer on the left side: Secondly, because the shppes with victuals, might annoy one the other at Meerbrough: and so cause great encumbrance, if so be the Enemy, (as hath been aforesaid) were not discomfited.  
The spaniards marvelously played with their great ordinance against the Orengers army, both from Lammen fort, and also from james Nycholsons fort at Wed: so that they slew with one Cannon shot seven of the Admyrals' men at a blow, making thereby, the world believe that they were fully determined to keep the said forts. But because this Trench of Lammen was the chiefest, 
The situation of Lammen fort  which the Prince's people most feared, by reason it stood on the higher ground, I have thought good to make some small description of the situation thereof.  
This place standeth in a plain field, having no high ground nor hills about it, and all the Channels and streams were quite and clean dammed up, about a quarter of a mile from the Town. And the stream which runneth towards Delft, is like the bout of a man's arm, and on the one side thereof runneth a Channel from it as far as the Rhine, and on the other side, an other Channel running towards Soeterwood: the rest of this place with ditching and ramparing, might easily have been made sure & strong, by reason of the store of trees growing round about it.  
The rampire of this Trench was reasonably thick, but yet not able to hold out the Cannon shot: It was also well furnished with great ordinance, soldiers, & with what soever else necessary for a Trench, so that (in any man's reason) if the spaniards had well kept this one only Trench, the Orengers Army had never been able to have passed, without the great loss of men. And yet notwithstanding, 
The 〈…〉. deter 〈…〉 batter 〈…〉 for't.  the strength hereof, the admiral certainly determined, to set upon it: Wherefore on the second of October, about the Evening, he sent Captain Grenu, Asseliers, and Captain Harry, to see where he might, to the most advantage plant his ordinance, where they found, that they might plant two demye Cannons at the corner of a channel, but not without great pain and peril.  
This night, the Admiral wrote to his Excellency, of all this situation aforesaid, and withal, how he meant the next morrow to batter it. But if so be the thing fell not out as he looked for that he would be contenced, until such time as the water should wax deep, that it might be navigable on the one side over their land. And although his Excellency, had committed the whole dealing hereof into the hands of God, yet these news, pleased him no whit, but greatly doubted of the deliverance of Leyden, aswell because of the reasons aforesaid, as also for that he feared, there could be no sufficient breach made, to give the assault, considering with all the fewness of his men. Howbeit the Lord of hosts would alone provide for all these difficulties, and small hope, and give the honour to his most mighty Arm, to the end, men might understand, that although they knew many practices, for the vanquishing of the Enemy, yet, that all should be in vain, & to no purpose, without he put to his helping hand, and the victory, to come from him alone.  
For, after that the two admirals, the third of October had very early in the morning laid open the channels, which were marvelously choked up with great stakes and piles, for the planting (as before hath been said, of their artillery, and battering of Lammen fort, they perceived that the Lord God had prevented them, and would not have the Enemy driven away by the force of men. 
The Spaniards forsake Lammen.  For he had driven such a fear into the hearts of the Enemy, as that they made a shameful flight, casting their Artillery into the ditches and channels: Insomuch, that this night, they forsook the strong trench of Lammen. Howbeit there was never a man, either without, or yet within the Town that once understood of this flight and retraicte: although in very deed, a great noise was heard in the night, as they sunk a great piece of ordinance, in the channel right before the said fort: Nevertheless, there was a young stripling, who watching that night on the rampire, saw many light matches go out of the Fort, and none return again: And therefore he presumed  
as in deed it was true, 
A young stripsing 〈…〉 to the magistrate that 〈◊〉 men fort 〈◊〉 forsaken.  that the Spaniards had forsaken the fort of Lammen, which thing he opened, and craved leave, to go thither: Now, this his request, was easily granted him, with promise of six Florins., to say, if the Enemy were there, that he ran out of the Town for very hunger.  
When he was come to the fort, and found never a man there he wayved with his cap, but yet for all this the Townsmen believed him not because they doubted, that the Spaniard by some sleight had so commanded him: Nevertheless, when they saw, that an other which followed him passed before the fort towards the admiral, wading up to the knees; to salute him, great joy and mirth was made on every side. And thereupon the valiant Captain Gerard Lane, took his way with his Adventurers towards Lammen fort, until he came to the first place that was strengthened with piles, where he received with great joy the admirals two first Galleys. For the admiral being a man of judgement, and not light of beeliefe, had sent these two Galleys before, which found all to be true, that was could him: to wit, that they had left the Fort, and sunk two great pieces of ordinance in the Channel.  
After that the passages were laid open, 
The Admiral Boysot entereth Leyden.  and cleared of the piles, the admiral Lewis Boysot, joyfully praising GOD, made out the Vauntguarde towards Leyden, where he quietly entered at eight of the clock in the morning.  
And Adryan Guyllanne the admiral of ziericksea led the rearward. But it was a lamentable thing to see, the miserable starved people devour the raw Herrings, which the admiral at his entry, cast unto the people: and likewise the bread, whereof, some of them eat so greedily, as if they should never have been filled: Whereupon, many of them which so fed, surfeited, and by little and little, great numbers died thereof.  
On the other side of the Town, towards Harlem Mere, were three Galleys of Amsterdam, who now and then saluted the Town with the Cannon: But when they perceived the aid, and with all the Artyllarye of the Town, they were so hearty afeard, as that they part away with all their whole company.  
When the Admyrals were in the Town, they with their retinue, and Citizens, went to the Church, to thank God with all their hearts, for his laying under the water, the fields, and dry land, and conducting of them to the desired place and port.  
Baldes his people, who the day before forsook their forts, had fired Soeterwood but chief Weyporte, and being stricken with fear, forsook also the third of October, their Cabyns, without burning of them, but especially the fort of Leyerthorp, and all thereabout. For although they were above three, to one Orenger, 
The number of the Orengers soldiers & mariners, is not in all above 1500. men.  who when they were altogether, were not both of soldiers, mariners, and others which bore Arms, besides those which had the leading of the vitcualles, above two thousand five hundred, whereas Baldez men, after their own reckoning, were, betwixt eleven and niene thousand at least, as also may very well appear by their Letters above mentioned: But the Almighty God, as before hath been said, for the deliverance of his people, struck them with a marvelous great terror, as he in old time stroke Senacherib, for the delivery of his people Israel. And I think, that if the Hispaniolized. Leydens', would confess the truth (as some of them have already done at Leyerthorpe) they would testify that fear was the cause. For the Orengers are not ashamed, for their parts to confess, that if their hope and confidence had not been in an invisible aid, and that they before hand saw, that thing, which now they see, to wit, that the Town being on every side encompassed, with so many Trenches and Bulwarks, as that it was unlikely that they ever once durst have attempted, to revictuall and secure the Town with so few people. But the Lord God would needs show his mighty hand, and stretched out arm, to the end that all glory might be given to his heavenly wisdom and goodness.  
And we are not here to forget a very great and marvelous accident, to wit, that the self same night, wherein the spaniard forsook the Fort of Lammen, there fell down a pane of the wall, and vauntmure of the Town, between the Cow gate and Bourgoine Tower, six and twenty Poles long, so that there was a breach made without any battery. If the Enemy had had this advantage before, to wit, two or three nights before, when as they thought, in the night, by scale, to have surprised the Town at Hoogewoert Gate, which they scaled, and thought to have won, because a fond young Wench had given them to understand, that the watch was very small: Howbeit, they found it otherwise. For, before such time as three Harquebouzes were discharged, they all retyered: No doubt of it, they might have thought the same, to be as wonderful a thing, as the Citizens now make of this, hurt and fear only excepted, because that their breach was made without battery: But it pleased the Lord GOD to deal otherwise with the Citizens: for they, in steed of taking of harm, received benefit. For, the great noise was it, that increased the fear of the Enemy, by reason they thought, that the Citizens had sallied out of the Town, to charge them in the face, and the Orengers on the back, and therefore had the Townsmen so much the more cause to praise the Lord.  
When the admiral was come to Leyden, he forthwith wrote to his Excellency sying at Delft, how that God had stricken the Enemy with such an horrible fear, as that they had forsaken the fort of Lammen, which was the cause of his entry into the Town.  
This Letter was carried to his Excellency the 3. of October, and delivered unto him at two of the clock in the afternoon, being at the Sermon, which without all doubt, were other manner of news then that came in the morning: Wherefore, so soon as the French Sermons were finished, he caused the minister, openly to read the Letter, most thankfully and joyfully praising the Lord. The like also was done at the 2. great churches, so that these news were joyfully spread all over, in a very great Company and Congregation of the people, and in his excellency's presence. The same also was done in the rest of the Towns of Holland, with bonsters, and such like tokens of joy.  
After that the Admyrals had thus victualled the Town of Leyden, thanked and praised the lord of his grace, encouraged the Citizens, and filled them with meat, they pursued the victory, and fell upon the Enemy that lay entrenched about Leyerthorpe.  
The Trench at Leyerthorpe was wonderful strong, and they which lay there greatly bragged, and told the messengers which came thither, of their marvelous force, which tended, as it now fell out, to their greater shame, and the Lords far greater honour: and more villainously forsook the Forts and Trenches of hay, and the Oldwatring, where they had remained a full year and a day. For a very small number of the Prince's Vauntcurrers, which, as it is said was not above a dozen, put two of the Enemy's Ensigns to flight: some of which fled with such speed, as that they ceased not running until they came to the gates of Amsterdame, saying, in their own excuse, that all the whole Camp was discomfited and put to flight. At the same time likewise, did Baldez his people forsake, not only Gaude scluse Trenches, but also all the rest, to the number of two and twenty, save Wadding alone, where remained certain soldiers for the freeing of the passage. Now, in this voyage and expedition, there were no more of the Prince's part slain, than forty, but of the Enemies, by their own confession, above a thousand. Howbeit, here is one thing not to be forgotten, which the said Baldez left in his lodging, to wit, the Town of Leyden pyctured, with all her royal ways, paths, and Channels of water, and all in such manner as they were guarded, and defended with forts. And when he was enforced to raise his Camp, 
A few Latin words written by Baldes.  he wrote under this picture: Vale Civitas, valet Castelli parvi, Quia relicti estis propter aquam, & non per vim Inimicorum. That is to say, Farewell Leyden, and all the small Castles about thee, for the Waters have driven us out of you, and not the force of the Enemy.  
I confess in deed, that the waters were one of the principal means to cause Baldes leave the Town and Trenches: But if he would have spoken truly, he should have said: It is the mighty and strong arm of the Lord which hath enforced me to leave you, who hath put me in such a terrible fear, as that Antiochus, never fled out of Persia with greater dishonour, neither Timothe towards Gazara, nor yet Lysias from the Maccabees, than I and my people, O Leyden, have been driven to leave thee and all my forts.  
When his Excellency had heard of the foresaid news, 
His Excellence goeth to 〈◊〉  he went the next day to Leyden, giving the citizens great thanks, both for their fidelity, and also for their so valiantly defending of themselves without soldiers, against so populous an enemy, and therefore told them, that both they and their children should be well rewarded for their great travel. And afterward, he set an order in every thing, as well about the affairs of the Town, as of the wars, to the end he might make his profit of the victory, which the Lord had given him.  
Howbeit for the greater manifestation of the wonderful works of GOD, I have one thing more here to speak of which is not to be passed over in silence, and that is this, that the four of October the wind being then at the Southeast, & the next 3. or 4. days following, so lustily blowing up at the North-east, as that no man without great danger, was able to passed from Delft to Leyden, because the water as fast as was possible left the fields, and returned again to Sea.  
Over and beside the victuals aforesaid, which were brought to Leyden, his Excellency, and his counsel thought it good, that all the rest of the Towns round there about, should aid and assist the poor famished Leydens', to the end that the miserable souls who had so long time got nothing, but consumed all their movable goods might be helped, and so the rich men's victuals thereby last the longer.  
For which cause, the deputies of Delft, went all Delft through with their Wagons and Boats, gathering amongst the Citizens, great store of Bread, Butter, Flesh, Cheese, Lard, Fish, and money, to the value of a 1000 Florins and better. Which did not only mightily help the poor, but also so eased the rich as that the Town was thereby likewise revictualled, which increased not only a far greater amity, between the Towns, but confirmed also their alliance, a great deal the more.  
And although all the world knoweth, that not only this war of Leyden, but also of the whole low countries, was taken in hand, partly for the defence of the liberty of the Country, yet shall it better appear by certain pieces of Artillery, which the Enemies of the liberty of it, had caused to be made, to the utter abolyshing of the whole liberty thereof, as by the manner of it even very now, we shall understand. For, the Leydens' being thus distressed about the liberty of the same, and in the end delivered, found the very same day of their liberty and deliverance, a very great piece of ordinance, named the Liberty, which the spaniards had sunk in the midst of the Channel. The Lord therefore grant them, that they may with all preserve the liberty of their Country, and use it to his glory.  
The 8. of October, his Excellency departed from Leyden towards hay, where be took order, if it were possible, for the conservation and holding of the place, as the only key of Harlem Mere.  
The 9 day his Excellency went to Gaude scluse, about the ordering of all things necessary there, where was a very strong Trench: But by reason of the dangerous disease which his highness had at Roterodam, the Spaniards presumed, that the war was made in his name being dead: and therefore two Spaniards were sent to Leyden with Passport from julyan Romero, to see if he were alive: and if they found him so, that they should talk with his Excellency about the delivery of M. S. Aldegonde, in exchange of colonel Mondragon, whereupon they agreed: and when his Excellency had dispatched their passport and Letters, he within two hours after, sent them away. And after that his Excellency, for the causes abovesaid sufficiently set down, had changed the great counsel of Leyden, 
M. S. Aldegond delivered cut of prison.  the 14. of that month, he took his way to Gaude the 15. where M. S. Aldegond having remained prisoner about a years space, returned frank and free, and was with joy received of many good people.  
A little while after, that the said Baldez was come to Harlem, he daily lamented and bewailed his great mishap: For there began a great uproar amongst his soldiers, and they mortally hated him, and gave it openly out, that he had dealt for the Leydens', and received of them two barrels of gold for the saving of the Town: Insomuch that this brute, together the Arrearages of their pay, for many months, gave them such occasion, so to disdain, and mislike him, as that they took him prisoner, and after they had placed one Eletto in his rowine, to be their goveruour, they caused him, 
〈…〉 dyer's mut●.  writ Letters to the great Commaundator of Cashall, to send them their pay with in ten days, or else they would seek some other place of service, and get money where it was to be had.  
When the ten days were expired, which was about a month after the deliverance of Leyden, they forsaking the Scluse of Maesland, Leyerdam, Forescote, Falkenbrough, and other places, assembled themselves on foot and horseback, betwixt six and seven thousand men, both of Spaniards, Almains, and Walloons, and leaving the whole Country of Southhollande, took the way to Harlem, and Amsterdame, 
Baldes' soldiers marched to outright.  but when they found the Gates shut upon them, they marched towards Vtright, where they hoped to be paid: so that the Country of holland, for that time, through the great goodness of GOD, was quite and clean rid of those Enemies.  
When the spaniards and their Company were arrived the eight of December before Vtright, the Lord of Hierges, Floion, and Baldez proclaimed them his majesties Enemies, by which mean, it was lawful for the Citizens to kill as many of them as they could catch: for performing whereof, a little eutreatie would have served: wherefore the Spaniards had brought that day with them, pitch, straw, and goonpowder, to set Weerd Gate on fire: But the Citizens valiantly sallying out of the Town, so bravely repulsed them, as that they slew about fifty spaniards. But not being contented herewith, they, the 17. of the said month, about the day break, issued out of the ditches, with their Eletto john Bianco, to scale Saint Ratherines' Gate, & some of them having entered before day, slew certain of the watch: howbeit the said john Bianco having swron that he would enter outright, either alive or dead, after he had a good auntly defended himself against the mighty multitude of the Citizens, 
john Bianco, the mutynous Spaniards Eletto slain.  he was there by main force of Arms, slain, and all his company beaten back, and driven from the Ramparts. For the Citizens were so fleshed on them, and thereby so enbouldened against them, and they of the Castle, so holp the spaniards, by the annoying of the Citizens with their great ordinance, as that there were but 200. Spaniards laid on God's dear earth.  
Now after that the Leydens' had first thanked God, and next his Excellency, as before hath been said, they thanked also the admiral Boysot, and presented him with a chain of gold, having hanging at it a great picture of gold. The Estates also of holland, gave unto the said admiral a Chain of gold worth six hundred Florins. When the great Commandator of Castille saw, that Leyden was aided against the opinion of all the world, and that his people were merueilouslye miscontented, he sent his Deputies in December 1574. unto his Excellency, and to the Estates of Holland and Zealand, about the Communication of a peace, which was granted him, and the Assembly appointed to be at Breda.  
When the Emperor heard of this, he sent in Februarye 1575. the Count of Swartsenbrough to the said treaty of peace, where the said Count, as a mediator, sought by all meames possible to conclude it on either side. 
The Treary of peace at Breda broken of 1575.   
But whiles the said Prince and Estates of holland and Zelande stood siyflye for the keeping of the exercise of the reformed Religion, and that the said Commandator would not agree thereto, this conference and assembly broke of, and did nothing.  
The Spaniards besieging the Town and Castle of Buren, 
Buren besieged and rendered.  was by the Governor of the said Town, without any battery, yielded up: wherefore the Estates of Holland would have put him to death: howbeit the Prince for all that, sent him to the Castle of Gaude, there to be safe kept.  
The 11. 
The marriage of the Prince.  of june his Excellency married at the briel, the most famous Princess, Charlotte of Bourbon, Duke Montpensier his daughter, the very true mirror of all virtue.  
As the Spaniards were besieging the Town of Oldwater, the eight of August 1575., his Excellency arrived at Gaud, 
Olowater surprsied by assault.  and caused the Dykes to be gauged, that the fields might be laid under the water, for the raising of the Spaniards camp. Which when the enemy understood, furiously battered the town with the Canon, made a breach, and forthwith gave the assault, so that at the third attempt the town was taken, and at their entry, they slew all the Citizens and souldeer, and burned the greater part thereof.  
The 12. of the said month, 
Schoonhour rendered.  as the enemy upon the sudden encamped before the Town of Scoonhove, his Excellency sent thither the Captain of the guard a french Colonel, a man very well experimented, as well in war like Affairs as in matters of state, who had very faithfully done to the said prince and Estates of Holland and Zealand many good offices and services.  
And although that this Town was no way able to hold out, both by reason of the weak rampires, as also because of the faint hearts of many of the Citizens, yet this Colonel so nobly saved his honour, as that he attended all the day long for the assault, where a breach through the force of 23. Canons, was made 300, paces broad.  
But the next morrow, although he wanted able men for defence, yet he in such sort repaired the rampires & breach, as that he made an honourable peace, saving his people both with bag and baggage.  
The great conunendator being assisted by the treason of certain Hollanders, passed, 
The enterprise of the commandator upon the country of Sconwenu●.  contrary to the opinion of the whole world, at a low water mark, through the Isles of Saint Anne, Philippeslant, and Dwelant, the 28. of September, the year aforesaid, where governor Boysor was slain. After that, he took by assault and force, the fort of Bommenem, but not without the great loss of his Spaniards, and then encamped, before the Town of Ziericksea.  
The eleventh of February 1576. the Prince wan Crympen for't, which greatly availed him, for by it, he preserved & kept Swyndright, and all the rest of the places near about Roterodame and Dordright.  
During these exploits, 
The death of the commaneator.  the Commandator died at Bruxelles the fift of March of the Plague, wherefore the government of the country was committed by his majesties appointment, to the hands of the council of Estate.  
In May the year aforesaid, 
Ziericksea rendered.  Ziericksea was by reason of famine rendered to the Spaniards, although all the Hollanders & Zealanders, had done what they could to help and revictuall it, but all was in vain. The Spaniards at that time beginning again to mutiny for their pay, thought to have surprised Brurelles, for they presumed to have good store of butin there. Howbeit when the Citizens heard of it, they so well looked about them, 
The Mutinous spaniard● enter the town of Alost.  as that master Spaniard went without his purpose: wherefore, they took the way to Alost, where they entered without any resistance, in the end of july, dealing with the Citizens, as if the Town had been taken by assault, sacking and injuring them, as if they had been their enemies.  
The Estates of Brabant considering of the outrages, infolences, and rebellion of the Spanish soldiers, complamed of them to the council of Estate: but where they thought they should have been punished, the council bore most with them, although for the further abusing of the said Estates, 
The spaniard● proclaimed rebels.  they were by the said council proclaimed rebels against his majesty and the low countries, without setting any other order in the matter, which caused a general revolt of all the low countries, & an union of Holland and Zealand, with the rest of the provinces, as more at large shallbe set forth in the fourth book of these histories.  
The end of the third book.   

THE FOURTH BOOK of the Histories of Troubles, wherein shall be set forth the utter Revolt of all the low Countries, and the union of the Estates, with Holland and Zealand, and many other things thereon ensuing.  
NOw, the Estates of Brabant, as in the Book next before hath been declared, being not well pleased with the injurious dealing of the Spaniards, and the little care that the counfel of Estate had: certain of the Prelattes therefore set down a decree the 4. of September 1576. that the Lord of Heze Captain of the City of Bruxelles, and Glymes, with the aid of the Citizens, should apprebende the Counsel when they were altogether at the Court, 
The counfel of Estate made prisoners.  and be taken as Prisoners by the Estates of Brabant: which thing was executed, but especially upon those which were suspected to be Enemies to their Country, & supporters of the Spaniards: as namely, the Countess of Maussield and Barlmunt, the Counsellor Assonuille, and the Secretaries Berty and Schaberge, who were lead all prisoners together.  
When these men were thus apprchended, monsieur, the Duke of Aniowe the sun of France, and only brother to the Ring, being required by certain persons of authority, in the name of the Estates of Brabant, that it would please him to accept and receive them into his protection, against the tyranny of the spaniards, which in deed be did, and to that end made preparation for the Wars, verily monding to aid them. And in the mean while, the Estates aforesaid of Brabant, greatly solycited the rest of the Princes of the low Countries, to join with them, for the driving and beatung out of the spaniards, and other foreign and strange 〈◊〉, from out of the said Countries. And the first which io●●ed 〈◊〉 them were 〈◊〉 naulters, by the advise and counsel of the Renneberge, and the Baron Frezin. They of Flaunders, Lyle, Douai, Artois, and the rest of the Provinces joined likewise with them, and treated together of an everlasting union.  
Now as the spaniards travailed this way and that, in the Country of Brabant, committing many wrongs, Glymes was sent with certain Ensigns, and about six hundred Horse in post to surprise the spaniards, which lay between Louvain and Dielmunt: How be it, the spaniards put him to flight, where was slain the Captain of Delft, who so valiantly defended himself with his Soldiers, as that this victory cost the spaniards the settyug on.  
Sun after the Spaniards went towards Mastright, where through the unfaithful dealing and cowardice of the Almains, 
The tyranny of the spaniards at Mastright.  they entered, who she wed themselves, the very slaves to the spaniards tyranny, forgetting the ancient honour of the name Almain: which time the spaniards sacked, and according to their old manner of dealing, committed all tyranny and villainy.  
In the end of October, monsieur Champagny, being Governor of the City of Antwerp, 
The sacking and massacre of Antwerp  agreed with the Estates, and so did likewise the Count Ouersceine with his Almains, and thereupon the Estates sent thither, the Marquis of Hawre, Count Egmunt, and monsieur Beercele with a jolly company of Soldiers, for preservation and defence of the said City, against the force of the spaniards then lying in the Castle. But when Sacho of Auila Captain of the said Castle, had sent for the spaniards which lay at Aloft and Mastright, and were all gotten together into the same strength: the 4. of November 1576. they in great fury set upon the Town, where the Citizens did the best they could to preserve it: But what through the cowardice of the Almains, and the treason of Cornelius Vaneynd, who lay in the Town with four Ensigns of Almains, as also by reason of the wilful negligence of the Leaders: in the end, the flower of all the Cities in Europe was sacked, a great number murdered, and the triumphant Town house set on fire, whereupon every quarter round about it was dissolved into ashes, so that an inestimable treasure of all kind of Merchandise was therein consumed, over and beside the horrible and grievous villainies committed, both by the spaniards and traitorous Almains.  
Which horrible dealing, when the Estates of the 15. Provinces already united, understood, who right well knew to their cost, the spaniards old cankered malice towards the low Countries, treated a peace with the Prince of Orange, and the Estates of Holland and Zealand, the 8. of November 1576. at the City of Gant, the Copy of which pacification ensueth.  

Philip, by the grace of God, King of Castille, Leon, 
The p●ci●●ration of Gant.  Arragon, Navarre, Naples, Sicily, Maiorque, Sardingne, of the Isles, Indians, and firm land of the Ocean Sea: Arch Duke of ostrich, Duke of Burgonie, Lothier, Brabant, Limbrough, Luxenbrongh, Gelderland, & Mylaine: Count of Harbsbrough. Flanders, Artois, Burgonie, Palatine, and Haynault, Holland, Zealand, Namure, and Zurphen: Prince of Suane, Marquis of the holy Empire, Lord of Friesland, Salines, Malines, of the City, Cities, and Country of Vtright, Transsissolaine, and Groening: Governor and chief Ruler in Asia and Africa: To all those to whom these presents shall come to be seen or heard, Greeting.  
For so much as the general Estates being assembled in this our City of Bruxelles, have showed unto our dear and well-beloved Subjects of our Counsel of Estate, by us deputed to the general government of our low Countries, as it is amongst the deputies of the Prelates, Nobles, Cities and Members of Brabant, Flanders, Artois, Haynault, Valencian, Lyle, Douai, and Orchie, Namure, Tournay, Touruesy, Vtright, and Malines, representing the Estates of the said Countries: and the Deputies of the Prince of Orange, and Estates and Cities of Holland and Zealand, and their Associates, respectively on either side deputed, having made and set down a certain treaty of pacification, have required the parties aforesaid, to make Letters Patents thereof under our name and seal, with and insertion of the procurations of the said Deputies, and there withal a clause or proviso, that all the Subjects of the Countries in the said pacification comprised, shallbe bound to observe the same in every point and condition. And beside, to command and charge all Governors, Precedents, Counsels, and Magistrates of our Countries, to proclaim the said pacification: of which treatise, the content thereof, with the said procurations, hereafter ensue.  

To all men to whom these presents shall come, to be seen, heard, or read, Greeting.  
For so much as the Countries here about, these nine or teune years now last passed, through the civil Wars, the proud and cruel government, looseness of life, and such other like disorders of the spaniards and their adherentes, are fallen into great misery and calamity: for the preventing whereof, and also for the ceasing of all other further troubles, oppressions, and miseries of the said Countries, by the means of some sure peace and pacification to be had: there were in February, in the year 1574. deputed, and assembled at Breda, the Commissaries of his Majesty, of the Prince of Orange, and of the Estates of Holland and Zealand, & of their Associates: by whom were propounded divers means and offers, greatly serving for the setting forward of the said pacification, and yet for all that, there followed not thereof, the fruit that was looked and hoped for, but contrariwise, whiles they looked and hoped for comfort, and means, from his majesties benignity, the said spaniards daily went on in oppressing and spoiling, thereby to bring the poor Subjects into perpetual bondage, and slavery, threatening Noble men, and Cities, and after a Warlike manner, invading, sacking and burning: and therefore, the Substitutes proclaimed them Enemies to his Majesty and the common weal. And the Estates here about were enforced, by the leave of the said Substitutes, to take Arms upon them, for the preventing of a further mischief, or rather the utter ruin of the whole: And that the Enhabitauntes of all these low Countries, being united together in a firm peace and accord, might jointly drive out the said spaniards and their adherentes, disturbers of the Countries, and reduse them unto the form and manner of their old and ancient Laws, Privileges, Customs, and Liberties, whereby the traffic and wealth might be restored unto them again: And for that cause, was the former meeting of the said Lords Deputies of the Countries: according to the treaty of the peace begun at Breda, to the honour of God, and service of his Majesty, between the Lords of the Clergy, the Nobility, Cities, and Members of Brabant, Flaunders, Artois, Haynault, Valencien, lisle, Douai, and Orchies, Namure, Tournay, Tournesy, Vtright, and Malines, representing the Estates of the said Countries: And the Prince of Orange, the Estates and Cities of Holland and Zealand, and their Associates, by the Commissaries of either side, respectively deputed: To wit, the Reverend Father Dan John of Lynden, Abbot of Saint Bertrude in Lowaine, Dan Gislain, Abbott of Saint peter's in Gant, Dan matthew, Abbot of Saint Gislain chosen Bishop of Arras, Lord John of Mole, Master of Octingue. Master Frances Alewin, Master of Suevegem, Governor and Captain of Andenerde, and Commissary for the renewing of the Magistrates in Flanders, Master Charles Gaure, Lord of Frezin, Knights: Master Elbert Leonine Doctor of the law, and professor in the Vniversite of Lowain: Master Peter Beure, Counsellor to his Majesty, in his Counsel in Flaunders, and Master Quintin Prietz high Sheriff of Mons in Haynault, with John de Penants, a Counsellor also and Master of his majesties Chamber of Accounts in Brabant: The honourable Secretary on the behalf of the said Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Artois, Haynault, etc. And Master Philip Marnix Master of Saint Aldegond, Arnold Thorpe, Master of Teemsick: William Zuilen of Newfielde, Master of Heexartbergue Esquire: Master Adryan Myle, Doctor of the Laws, and one of his Excellency's Counsel, and also of the Provincial Counsel of Holland: Master Cornelius King, a practizer of the Laws, and an other of his Excellency's Counsel: Master Paul Buys an Advocate of Holland: Master Peter rich, Bailiff of Flusshing: Anthony Sickell, Counsellor of Zealand, and Adryan Young, Burrough master of Middlebrough, for the said Prince, the Estates of Holland, Zealand, and their Associates, according to the tenure of their Commission, inserted at the end of this present Treaty made and established: Wherein is concluded between the parties aforesaid, an everlasting and firm peace, Confederacy, and Union, upon the conditions hereafter ensuing.  
First, that all offences, injuries, faults, and damages, 
Articles of the pa●tion 〈…〉  committed by reason of the troubles, between the Enhabitauntes comprised within this present Treaty, or in what sort soever, shall be pardoned, forgotten, and taken as though they had never been, so that no mention hereafter shall ever be made of those matters, or yet any man accused about them.  
2 The said Estates of Brabant, Flanders, Artois, Haynault, etc. and also the Prince: The Estates of Holland, Zealand, and their Associates: do without hypocrisy and in truth, accordingly promise hereafter to observe, and cause all the rest of the Countries to perform and keep a firm and inviolable amity and peace: and likewise at all such time and times as occasion shall serve, to help one an other, both with their counsel, deed, bodies, and goods: but especially for the driving and keeping out of all spaniards and foreign Soldiers, from the Low Countries, who with teeth and nail have gone about contrary to all law and equity, to put to death all the Lords and Noble men, because they themselves would have hold, occupy, and enjoy the riches and wealth of the foresaid Countries, and beside would reduice, and bring the people into perpetual slavery. And therefore, that they would both for that, and for all other matters, to be furnished with all things necessary for the withstanding of as many, as would in deed take upon them, to oppose themselves against the said Confederates and Allies, promising to be always ready to yield unto all necessary and reasonable contributions and impositions.  
3 It is over and beside agreed, that soon after that the said spaniards and their Adherentes shall be departed, and that all things shallbe at quiet and in safety, either party shall be bound to procure, and that very speedily and carefully, a convocation and assemble of the general Estates, in such manner and form as 〈◊〉 as in that time, whereas Charles the fift Emperor, of most famous memory, granted and assigned over, these Low Countries into the hands of his Majesty our sovereign and redoubted Lord, for the ordering of the Affairs of the Low Countries both generally and particularly, aswell in the matter and exercise of Religion, in Holland, Zealand, bommel, and other places their Associates, as also for restitution of the Forts, great ordnance, Ships, and other things appertaining to his Majesty, by the said Hollanders, and Zealanders' taken during the said troubles, or otherwise, as to the service of his Majesty, the prosperity and unity of the Countries shall appertain: where, neither on the one side or yet on the other, shall be any more contradiction, let, or delay, in respect of the ordinances, sentences, and resolutions, which there were made and ordained, then for the execution of them what soever: whereunto the parties aforesaid fully and wholly, have in truth submitted themselves.  
4 That the Enhabitauntes both on the one side and on the other, of what Country soever hereabout, or of what estate, quality, or condition soever they be: may notwithstanding, frequent, and also come, tarry, and traffic here, both freely and safely in the trade of Merchandise, or otherwise. Provided always, that it shall not be lawful nor tolerable, for the Hollanders, Zealanders, or any other, of what Country, condition, and quality soever they be, to attempt hereabout, out of the said Countries of Holland, Zealand, and the places their Associates, against the common quiet and peace, especially against the Catholic romish Religion, and exercise thereof, to wrong, or stir up either in word or deed: neither yet by any such like mean give offence, upon pain to be punished as a disturber of the common quiet, to the example of all others.  
5 To the end, that no man in the mean while, might upon the sudden be overtaken, or come within danger: It is further agreed, that all the Commissions heretofore made and published as touching Heresy, together the ordinances upon life and death made by the Duke of Alva, with the pursuit and execution of them, shall surcease, until such time as the general Estates shall therein, have taken other order. Always provided, that there be no offence given, as before hath been said.  
6 That the Prince shall continue Lord admiral, and his majesties Liutenaunt of Hellande, Zealande, bommel, and others their Associates, and be all at his commandment, as presently it is, with all the self and same justices, Officers and Magistrates, and no way to be changed, without his will and consent: and the same also to stand through all the Cities, Towns, and places which his Excellency presently holoeth, until such time as the general Estates, after the departure of the spaniards, shall set some other order therein.  
7 That as concerning the Towns and places comprised within his majesties Commission, by him received, which are not now at the commandment, and under the obedience of his Excellency: Shall in that point surcease, until such time as the said Towns and places having joined themselves with the rest of the Estates in this union and accord, his Excellency shall have satisfied them in all such points, as they could justly find themselves aggrieved, and in whiles he governed, diminished, whether it were in respect of the exercise of Religion, or otherwise, aswell to the end, that the Provinces might not be dismembered, as also for the avoiding of discord and dissension.  
8 That in the mean time, no Commissions, Proclimations, tolerations nor exploits of the said Countries, under the said Prince his Government, shall take any place, other than such as shall by his Excellency, or his Counsel, be decreed and allowed, either else by the Magistrates or Officers there appointed, and those also to be such, as shall in no case in time to come, be prejudicial to the jurisdiction of his majesties great Counsel.  
9 It is also conditioned, that all men which have been taken Prisoners, by reason of the troubles passed, namely the Count Bossu, shall be set free without any Ransom, save only the charges of the Prison, although the Ransoms (before the date of these presents) were paid, or agreed upon to be paid.  
10 It is moreover covenanted and agreed, that the said Prince and all the rest of the Nobilttie, Knights, particular Gentlemen, and Subjects, of what estate, quality, or condition soever they be, together their endowed Widows, Children, and inheritors, shall mutually be restored, as if they had never been attainted, and repossess all their Lands and Possessions, goods, Prerogatives, Actions and Debts, which are not sold, in such manner and condition, as the aforesaid things presently are, and to this effect therefore, are all defaults, Rebellions, Arrests, Sentences, Saisures, and Executions, which have been granted and made, from the beginning of the troubles in the year 1566. aswell concerning the cause of Religion, as also for the taking of Arms, and what soever ensued thereon, made utterly void and of none effect. And the same, with all their Acts and Actitates, drawn and set down in writing, shall be made void and razed out of their Registers, without it be needful for the taking of some other Instructions, or else for the obtaining of some other toleration than this present Treaty. Nevertheless, what soever Incorporation, Rights, Customs, Privileges, Prescriptions, aswell legal, Conuentionale, Customary, as Locale: nor yet any other exceptions what soever to the contrary, which herein, or in any other matters else, concerning the said troubles, shall be void and of none effect, as being things (if need were) hereunto especially derogatory, neither is a settled law any general derogation, without there be some former mention thereof made.  
11 It is always provided, that herein shall be comprised, for the enjoying of this present benefit, the right honourable Lady, now wife to the right noble Count Palatine of the Rhine, Elector, sometime the Lord of Brederede his Widow, so far forth as concerneth the Country of Vyane, and the rest of the Goods and Possessions there, wherein the said Countess Palatine, or any other that taketh her cause in hand, may have law and justice.  
12 There shall likewise herein be comprised the Count Buren, so far forth as toucheth the City and Castle of the Country of Buren, and the same enjoy, as his own proper goods and Possessions, after that the Garnison is displaced.  
13 All the Pillars, Trophies, Inscriptions, and other Monuments, which the Duke of Alva caused most dishonourably and shamefully to be erected and set up, aswell of the things aforesaid, as of what soever thing else, shall be defaced and utterly destroyed.  
14 As concerning the commodities of the Lordships and Possessions aforesaid: the Arrearages, and Revenues of Dowries, Rent, Victual, House rent, aswell the King, Country, Cities and Towns, as also all other things what soever before the date of this presents, and yet neither paid, nor received by his Majesty, or having his Action, every man may receive his own Goods and rents, and quietly enjoy them.  
15 Provided always, that what soever of the said Lands, Revenues, Rents, or Goods hath been escheated since the Feast of John Baptist last passed in the year 1576. shall remain and be answerable to the behoof of him to whom it belongeth: notwithstanding, that the receiver fiscal, or any other, have received any of the revenues of those Lands, Rents and Goods, whereupon in such a case, a restitution shall be made.  
16 That if so be his Majesty shall have for certain years, taken, or else given unto him any of the said House rents, or other revenues, under the title of confiscation, that every man shall for those years, be holden as frank and free, and acquitted of all charges real, and rents, going out of his Possessions, and shall be also at all times frank and free, and acquitted of all Rents, wherewith the Lands and Possessions are charged, which they could not quietly enjoy by reason of the troubles past, and according to the full rate of the time of the said estoppel, which they could enjoy because of the occasion aforesaid, that then so fell out.  
17 And as for movable Goods, and all such short ends which were on either side rob, sold, or otherwise chopped and changed, that no man look for any recompense of them.  
18 And as for the immovable Goods: as Houses, Rents, and Revenues, which under the title of confiscation, are sold, or chopped, and changed: the general Estates shall appoint some of the said Estates in every Province, to be Commissioners, to examine the said Controversies, if any such be, and provide, that reasonable satisfaction be made aswell to such, to whom those things of right appertained, as also to the buyers and sellers of the Possessions and Rents aforesaid, in respect of their eviction.  
19 The like also shall be done about the Arrearages of rents, and Obligations, personals, and all other pretences and plaints, which the Losers on either side, by reason of the troubles, would bring in and convence, in what manner soever.  
20 That all Prelates, and all other Ecclesiastical parsons, whose abbeys, Monasteries, Foundations, and Residentships, which lie without the Countries of Holland and Zealand, and yet have their Possessions and Goods in the said Countries, shall enter into the propriety and enjoying of their said goods and Possessions, as heretofore they had done, as if they were secular.  
21 But as touching the cloisterers, and such other like Church men, which are in the said Provinces and their Associates, professed, or Prebenders, and have absented themselves, or gone away from thence, by reason that the greater part of their goods and possessions are taken from them: To these shall from henceforth be allowed a reasonable portion to live by, with those that remain, or otherwise, they shall be permitted to enjoy their Possessions: How be it at the appointment of the Estates, altogether by way of toleration, and until such time as upon their further pretence, it shall be otherwise appointed by the general Estates.  
22 It is also moreover agreed: that all Grants, Exhereditations, and other disposed goods, Intervivos, vel causa mortis, made and granted by particular and private persons, by whom the true enheritors, either by reason of the troubles, or of the Religion, are disturbed, made no bodies, or utterly dishenerited of their due succession, shall by virtue of these presents, be void and of none effect.  
23 And whereas the Hollanders and Zealanders for the better defraining of the charge of the Wars, have set on higher price of every piece of Gold and Silver, than the rest of the Provinces can allow of, without loss: It is conditioned, that the deputies of the general Estates, so soon as they can possible, shall take advise, for the setting in of a general foot thereto, to the end that the said money might run as equally as could be, for the maintenance of this union, and the mutual intercourse of Marthaundrise.  
24 Moreover, to the end that upon the supplication made by the Deputies of Holland and Zealand, all the low Countries in general might be charged with all the debts, which the Prince hath contracted for, about the making of the two expeditions, whereunto, both the Hollanders and Zealanders, and the Provinces and Cities which yielded themselves unto the last expedition, were bound, as they said, the same point is left unto the discretion and deciding of the said general Estates, wherein when all things shall be appeased, such a report or declaration shall therein be made, as that a meet and convenient regard shall be had about the same.  
25 And in this common accord and pacification, the Countries, signiories, Lordships, and Cities, which are on the contrary part, are clean exempt from the enjoying of this benefit, until such time as they have in deed, conjoined themselves with this confederacy, which, when it pleaseth them they may do.  
Which treaty and pacification according to the relation, agreement and trust, aswell of the Lords, who have the government of the Country committed unto them, as also of the Estates themselves, together of the Prince, Estates of holland and Zealande, and their associates, in all the points and Articles aforesaid, and withal, what soever by the general Estates in that which hath been said, and others, shallbe decreed and ordained: The said Deputies, have by virtue of their Commission and authority promised and sworn, and by their presents, do promise and swear, inviolably to observe, keep and accomplish, and mutually cause every part and parcel of them, respectively to be ratified, sworn unto, subscribed and sealed, by the Prelate's Nobility, Cities, and other members of the said Countries, especially by the foresaid Prince, aswell generally as particularly, and that within one month next ensuing, to the contentation of all men. In witness whereof, the said Deputies to this present Treaty have set to their hands, in the Sherief house of Gant the 18. of November. 1576.  
John Lynden Abbot of Saint Gertrude, Gislaine, Abbot of Saint peter's, Francis matthew, Abbot of saint Gislaine etc. John Mole, Francis Alewyn, Charles Gaure, Elbert Leonyne, Q. Predt, P. Bevero, Philip Marnix, Arnold Thorpe, W. Zuilen of Newfild, A. Myle, Peter, Rich, John King, P. Buys, and andrew Zickelen the younger.  
I being present John de Penants.    

¶ The Commission of the General Estates.  
THe Prelates, Nobility and Cities, representing the Country is here about, and presently assembled at the City of Bruxelles, To all to whom these presents shall come to be seen, Greeting. Where long ago the Prince of Orange, with the Hollanders and Zealanders, were determined and fully resolved to enter into communication, with the Commissioners of our Sovereign Lord the King, and that about the month of February in the year 1574. according to the ancient order of Brabant. The said Commissioners of his Majesty met at Breda, with the said Princes Deputies, together with the Hollanders and Zealanders their adherentes, and associates, and hold there many meetings and treaties, about the case of pacification, and yet not withstanding the same took none effect, to the no small grief of the said Estates: Considering the long miseries, poverty, and afflictions of the said Countries, and because, it is a thing necessary, to avoid the utter ruin and destruction of all the said Countre●s: It is thought necessary, for the speedy redress thereof, that they should again enter into communication, and proceed unto the said pacification: Be it known, that we, having regard to the so extreme and utterly desolated Countries aforesaid, and being also very desirous to redress, and bring again the enhabitauntes hereaboutes, to peace and quietness, that they might thereby live, in all wealth and prosperity, as heretofore they were long sithence wonted: and using the best and fittest meaves that may be, for the causing of all troubles, divisions, and Civil wars to cease, to God's glory, and his Majesties, and the common weal of the said Countries: have deputed and substituted, and by these presents do depute and substitute, for the continuance and affectual bringing to pass, of the aforesaid communication & pacification. The right reverent father in God, John Lind, Abbot of Saint Gertrude in Lowayne, Dan Gislain Tymmerman, Abbot of Saint peter's in Gant, or in his steed Dan Bucho Apta, Archbishop of Ypres, Dan Mathe we, Abbot of Saint Gyslaine, chosen Bishop of Artas, The right worshipful John de Moll, master Detingue, master Francis Alewyn, master Suevegem, master Charles de Gaure, master de Frezin knights, master Elbert Leonyne, Doctor & professor of the Laws in the University of lovayne, master Peter de Bevere, or master joest Houseman, Counsellor in Flanders, and master Quintin Deprat high Sherief of Mons in Hainault, with such a Secretary as they shall name and appoint: All which together, or to six of them we have given & granted, and by these presents, both particularly & generally do give and grant, full power and authority to meet with the Deputies of the said Prince, of the Hollanders and Sealanders, their Adherentes and associates, at the City of Gant, the 12. of this month of October, to proceed forward in the said Communication and Pacification, according to those points and orders already propounded, or others, that may hereafter be propounded, generally and especially, about that which before hath been spoken of, and thereon doth depend, and to speak and do whatsoever their shall think to be convenient, especially for the assuring, and agreeing, of all controversies, that may be propounded, for the finishing of a pacification, and public peace, promising if need be, to give them more large authority, for the due and true bringing of the same effectually to pass. And we further, in truth and faithfully do promise, and both for the present, and hereafter, do hind ourselves, our Successors, in all that we are worth, both generally and particularly: Do hold for firm and effectual for ever, in every point and points, all such articles as the said Commissioners, or six of them, shall in our behalfs consent & agree unto, and the same to ratify, and inviolably keep and accomplish, without for ruer, directly or indirectly to cross, the same, in manner whatsoever. In witness whereof, we have caused to be set the seal of the Estates of Brabant, in the name, and at the request of all the rest of the Estates: Given at the said City of Bruxelles the 10. of October. 1576. And underneath was written and subscribed, at the express commandment of the Deputies of the Estates of the low Countries assembled at Bruxelles, Cornelius Wee●emans. And the said Commission was sealed with the great seal of the said Estates of Brabant in red Wax, upon a double Label hanging thereat.   


The Commission of the Deputies of the Prince of Orange.  ¶ The Commission of the Deputies of the Prince of Orange, and of the Estates of Holland● and 〈◊〉.  
WE Willym by the grace of GOD, Prince of Orange, Count of Nassou, Catsene lebog●, Vianden, Diets, Buren, Lerdam etc. Lord and Baron of Breda, Dreft, Grimberge, Arlay, Nozeron etc. Viscount of Antwerp and Bysanson: Lieutenant and Captain General, of holland, Sealande, West Friselande, Vtright, together the Knights, Nobility and Cities of holland and Scalande, do by these presents let all the world understand: That where it hath pleased almighty God of his singular favour and grace, to offer occasions and mean●●, whereby the low Countries, Cities, and enhabitauntes thereof, which through the spaniards, and their Eyrannous government, for certain years even unto this present, have been miserably troubled with dissensions, and civil wars, might have been brought to nought, and utterly destroyed, and be again restored to the ancient liberty, trassique and wealth, amongst the Commons and Subjects of the said Countries, and also that the said Countries might from henceforth be established in their rights, liberty, and wealth, to the honour of God, the service of his Majesty, and the rest and prosperity of the enhabitauntes of these Countries, whereunto all good subjects and lovers of their Country, of very right offer themselves, and the rather she we themselves ready, because all the world knoweth, of the perverse counsel and devise of the said spaniards and their Adherentes, as tending, after the long patience of their insupportable outrage, in the end to the utter ruin, destruction, and slavery of all the Provinces of the low Countries, and the faithful enhabitauntes of the same, whereunto it was apparent they would come, had it not been, that some other convenient remedy, above all other things, in time had been provided, and that chiefly by the common power and agreement of all the low Countries, for the departure, and driving away of the spaniards and their Adherentes, and that after certain loving warnings and admonitions by his excellency, and the said Estates of holland and Scalande, given to that end, unto the rest of the Provinces of the said low Countries, seeming to be thereto inclined, and altogether affected, so that for the advancement of the benefit, quiet, and unity of the said Low Countries, his Excellency, and the Estates aforesaid agreed on either side to meet, and enter into communication together, about the same: when his Excellency and the Estates of holland and Sealande were agreed, and withal had joined and strengthened themselves together in this matter for the Bommelians, and all the rest of their associates: For the sending, to this end and purpose, their Deputies, at a certain day, to Gant: And therefore, for this cause, his Excellency, together the Estates of holland and Sealande, have substituted, and by these presents do substitute, The noble, honourable and good Lord, Philip de Marnix, Master saint Aldegonde, Arnold Thorpe, William Zuilen of Newfield, Adrian Myle, Cornelius King, Adrian the younger, in the behalf and name of his Excellency and the Estates, to be all together, or the greater part of them at the said conference, in the City of Gant, and with the said Estates, and the rest of the Provinces of the low Countries, or their lawful Deputies being there present, to treat, advise, and conclude, upon whatsoever may best serve for the setting fore ward of the peace, Amity, and Unity, of the said low Countries, and the enhabitauntes of the same, having always a regard to the former speeches and honest offer, oftentimes by his Excellency, and the sard Estates of holland and Sealande, and their associates, but especially to the last treaty of peace, with the Kings Deputies at Bred●, and to that which there, upon the matter of pacification, might have been treated of and made: whereupon the said Deputies might proceed further on, if they thought it requisite or necessary. Giving and granting unto the said Substitutes, or to the more part of them, full authority, and also, general and especial Commission, to accord and agree with the said Estates, and the rest of the Provinces, about whatsoever they shall find to be any w●e profitable, and for the 〈◊〉 theraunce and 〈◊〉 of the Common wealth, but especially for the resisting, weakening and driving out of the said spaniards, as common enemies to the Country, and common quiet thereof: and to the same end also, bind themselves with the rest of the Provinces, under such reasonable conditions and articles, as ma●e be godly and honouble, for the repose, and wealth of the Country: His Excellency, and the Estates of holland and Sealande aforesaid, promising upon their fidelity and honour to hold the same, as good, and effectual, and so farforth as concerneth them, irrevocably and inviolably to keep whatsoever their said Deputies, as before is mentioned, and in that which hath been before said, shall treat of, without crossing, or suffering the same to be crossed, directly, or inderectly, binding themselves, their goods, and generally all the inhabitants both of holland and Sealande, and their associates, by these presents, both for this time, and the time to come, without exception of any.  
In witness whereof, his Excellency, and the said Estates of Holland and Sealand, to these presents have Subscribed, and for confirmation thereof, put to their seals. Given at Middlebrough the 12. of October, and at Delft, the 14. of September in the year 1576. Subscribed by William of Nassou. And by the especial commandment of the Estates of holland, subscribed by Peter Bush. And by the express commandment of the Estates of Sealande, subscribed by Faymon, and sealed with three Seals in red Wax at a double Label of Parchment.   

The Commission of the Secretary.  

The Secretary Commission.  WHere, about the service of the Lords the Commissioners chosen by my Lords of the Estates of the Countries here about, assembled at Bruxelles, for a new entrance into the conference of the pacification, with the Deputies of my Lord the Prince of Orange, and of the Estates of Holland and Zealand, and their Associates, it was necessarily required, that they should have a Secretary, for the dispatching, siegniing, and an end taking in their name, all the Letters, Acts, Copies, and other writings about their business, who, was left by my said Lords, to be chosen by the Commissioners aforesaid.  
My said Lords of the Estates, having chosen and named, John de Penantes, one of our sovereign Lord the King his counsellors, and Master of his Chamber of the Accounts of Brabant, a man according to their hearts desire: have and do by these presents, authorize the said Penantes, to make, dispatch, siegne, and authentic of knowledge, in the name and by the appointment of the said Lords Commissioners, all Acts, Letters, Copies, writings, that the same might be the better believed: and all other needful business, and what soever in them contained, to be received and admitted, as things very true and credible. Provided always, that he shall be duly sworn unto the said Lords Commissioners therein, accordingly as to them shall seem most meet. Given at Bruxelles by virtue of the Estates of Brabant, in the name, and at the request of all the rest, and siegned by their Secretary, the 13. of October 1576. and underneath was written: by the express commandment of the said Lords of Estates, and subscribed by Cornelius Weelemans, and sealed with the privy Seal of the said Estates, after the manner of a Commission.  
Be it known unto all men, that at the suppication and request of our said Estates, and according to the agreement and confirmation of our said Counsel of Estate, in manner and form as it is set down the 5. of this present month. We will and command our well-beloved and faithful chief Presidents, and those of our privy Counsel, and Counsel at large: Our Chancellor and Counsel of Brabant: Our Governor Precedent and Counsellors of Flaunders, and Artois, our great Bailiff of Haynault and Counsellors at Mons: The provost of Valencia, Governor of Lys●e, Douai, and Orchies: Our Gonernour, Precedent and Counsellors at Namure: Our Governor, Bailiff, and Counsel at Tournay: Our Liutenaunt Precedent and Counsellors at Vtright, and the Sheriff of Malines: That they cause the said Treaty of pacification, with the insertion as aforesaid, to be proclaimed, in every of the Precinckes of their jurisdictions, at such place and places where they are wonted to make their Proclamations: And the same to be observed and kept, according to the form and tenure thereof.  
In witness whereof, we have hereto put our Seal. Given at our City of Bruxelles the 13. of November. 1576. And of our Realms and Kingdoms: to wit, of Spain, Cicile, etc. the 21. of Naples the 23. By the King In his Counsel. de Ouerloepe.   
AFter that the accord and pacification, 
Gant Castle besieged, and rendered.  both of the one side, and of the other, was concluded upon, the Count de Reusse, Governor of Flanders besieged the Castle of Gant, in the custody of the spaniards, who having gotten from my Lord the Prince, help both of men, Artillery, and Munition, had many days together battered the same. Whither also came the Count de Lalaing, General of the Army, in the absence of the Duke of Arscot, and the Marquis of Haurech, and battered the said Castle in two sundry places. Now, when the breaches were made, and that the spaniards desired to come to a parley, the Colonel of the Ward, was deputed by the Lords, to talk with them: But when as they could not agree about their Armour and weapon, Monsire de la Motte promised the besieged, the worth of them: whereupon they yielded themselves with the safety of their bodies and goods, the 11. of November 1576.  
In this mean while, 
Valencia, rendered to the Estates.  the Almains began to prepare them themselves to go from Valencia, meaning to treat of some secret and cunning enterprises, and new treasons with the spaniards that were in the Castle. For the meeting and crossing of which devise, the General Estates sent thither the Count of of Renneberge, Baron de Ville, Governor and Captain general of Haynault, in the absence of Monsire de Lalaing, who, although he had but a regiment of eight Ensigns of Walloons, yet he so valiantly pursued the assault, as that the said Almains departed the Town upon composition the 12. of November, every Soldier having a Doller to his share. And soon after, that he was entered into the Town, he with the help of the honest Citizens besieged the Castle, wherein were 140. spaniards, whom he enforced to yield, and upon composition give over and leave the place, in the month and year aforesaid.  
The 22. of November, the Walloons which lay in Garnison at Broening, taking part with the Estates, there fell a controversy between them and their Captain Monsire de Billy, the succease whereof, was this.  
When men wisely consider and weigh the secret judgement of God, they are to call to mind the words of the kingly Prophet David, saying: If the Lord keep not the City, the watch men watch in vain. But although we daily see many and soudrie examples thereof: yet fell there out here, the 13. of November 1576. and divers days after, at Groening in Friseland a most manifest example of the same. For, after that the miserable covetous and bloody Spaniards, had as it were, for the space of ten years, used in all the Countries there about, their arrogancy, tyranny, and lose life, and had murdered, spoiled, and rob the honest Enhabitauntes of those Countries, deflowered their wives and daughters, and through intolerable exactions drawn dry their great riches, spoiled their Trades, and Occupations, and that which is most vile & devilish, had driven out of the Country the greater part of the honest and godly people, and meant even presently, 
The spaniards imagine themselves to be masters of the low Countries.  to take as their own proper inheritance, all the Countries, Houses, Cities, burroughs, Castles, Gold, Silver, and all other movable Goods, but especially, to bring the men into staverie, bragging, and boasting, that all the 17. Provinces, and what soever was within them, was given them for a spoil: Yet it so fell out now, as that the almighty God of his grace and mercy, had so opened the eyes of some of the Estates, as that they would no longer abide their over great looseness, tyranny, and pride, but set themselves flatly against it. When the Spaniards, and Hispaniolized Almains and Walloons (who were ●ladd with the Spanish brutish tyranny, 
The Spanish Soldiers assemble them selves in Brabant.  looseness, and arrogancy, and were become Spanish confederates) saw this, they joined themselves all together in Brabant, at Antwerp, Liar, Mastright, and certain other places, to the intent to put the Estates of the Country in fear, and sow dissension amongst them. Nevertheless, when they in the end saw, that all this their hellish policy availed them nothing, they vomited out, all their covetousness and tyranny upon the City of Antwerp, where, the greatest part of the Treasure and riches of all the low Countries, lay, besides the inestimable Treasure that the Almains, French, English, Italians, Spanish, and Easterling Merchants had there, committing there, a most cruel & shameful murder, & took away so much wealth, as that they did his Majesty, so great hurt in his Low countries thereby, as that all the service which they shall do him these twenty years, will never be able to countervail again. Which example, Colonel jasper de Robles, Governor of Groenyng, and of Westfriselande, presuming upon, and thinking that no man durst withstand him, thought to follow: And first he began at the town of Groenyng, and afterward, proceeded in the same Country of Groenyng, and West Friselande, where he committed the like murder, with burning and spoiling, and to that end entered into the City of Groenyng: Howbeit the good and merciful Lord, looking upon the said Town of Groenyng, with the eyes of his mercy and grace, marvelously and mercifully delivered the citizens and Enhabitauntes thereof, and stopped the tyrannous Arrogancy and devise of the said Colonel, as hereafter shall be declared.  
The said jasper de Robles Lord of Billy, caused an oath of fidelity to be ministered of Ferdinando Lopes, and other Captains, as Monceau, and Champi, and also to their sergeants, Corporelles and Officers, by which oath, he would have them sworn to him, in the name of his Majesty, to be for the space of three months, good and faithful, about whatsoever business he should employ them: And said, that he would in the mean while, send into Spain to his Majesty, to know whether it were his highness pleasure and will or not, That the Countries and Cities should grow to an atonement with the Prince of Orange: And that if it were so his majesties will, that then he would also do, as the rest of the Countries and Cities thereabouts did, but yet he trusted, that in the mean time, he would he Master of the Treasure and wealth of all the Country of Groenyng and Westfreseland, by sacking and spoiling of them. Which oath, the said Colonel jasper de Robles, offered also the 23. of November 1576. to Captain Losy, by which he would had him sworn to be faithful unto him, for that helping of him, about the accomplishing of whatsoever he should make him privy unto. Captain Losy perceiving the condition, to be very hard, about which he had moved him unto, said. That he could not be sworn to any such thing, before such time as he had made his sergeants and Corporelles privy of it, which answer drove the Colonel into so great heat and Choler, as that he forthwith sent for the sergeants and Corporelles of Losy his company, offering to them also the said oath, howbeit they had no lust to hearken unto it neither, saying, that they were sworn to his Majesty nine years paste, 
Robles people make it strange to be sworn unto him.  which they meant faithfully to keep, until such time as his Majesty should have discharged them of it: Where withal the said Colonel was marvelously grieved, and asked the sergeant Mayor, named Gautier, what he meant to do, giving him the pen in his hand, to subscribe unto the said oath. But the said sergeant rastyng the pen into the fire, said unto him: That he had rather die, than he would subscribe unto such an oath, and so said also the other Scriaunt and Corporell, of which, one of them height Mobill. The Colonel being greatly moved with this answer, said unto them. Well, get you hence, I see well enough what I must do with you all: They answered again, patience perforce.  
After this resolution, the aforesaid two sergeants and corporals, assembled all the rest of Captain Losy his corporals, and agreed that every of them should propound to his Soldiers, all that the Colonel had said, to the end they might thereby know, their intent and purpose: and then, that they would once more assemble them, and conclude upon that, which they meant from thenceforthe to do: which speech, when the corporals had delivered over to their Soldiers, they answered all with one voice, that they were also resolved to make none other oath, and therefore, would hazard together, their bodies and lives one for an other, which answer, when the corporals had made relation of, they sent for the Servants of Captain Villers company, who warded that day, to come unto them, to whom they declared the words, which the Colonel had imported unto them, and the answer which they received from their Soldiers, demanding of them their intents, and meaning, whereunto Captain Villers sergeants answered, that they were of the same opinion, and would live and die with them. Then they concluded to apprehend the Colonel, and prevent him, knowing well enough that the Colonel would not s●eape a w●nke, so that in case after that the watch was set, and they separated, that he would prevent them. Wherefore, they commanded all those Soldiers which went to the watch, not once any man to discharge his piece, before such time as the sergeants and corporals commanded them.  
All this while, there came no sleep in the Colonelles eye, but caused the great Ordinance to be charged with hail shot, and planted it in the street, where the Soldiers should pass to and fro to the watch: Commanding Ferdinando Lopes, to be ready with his Soldiers in order of battle, and forthwith, so soon as the great Ordinance was discharged, to fall upon Captain Losy his Soldiers. 
Losy his company oppose themselves against Coloneu Robles.  But one of Captain Villers sergeants understanding of this devise, advertised Losy his Ensign hereof, as he was marching on, to the watch: Whereupon, they marched an other way, and as they came before the Colonel his lodging, they did not once discharge a piece, neither yet used their accustomed reverence to the Colonel, in so much, that the Master of the watch cried out unto them, to discharge their pieces, howbeit the Soldiers flatly answered, that the● would not, except they were first paid for their powder and shot: upon which answer, Captain of the watch, after his old manner, would have laid upon the Soldiers: which they seeing, cried Arm, Arm, and then the Captain of the watch fled. Then Captain Losy smote himself on the breast, and said: My beloved Soldiers, dispatch now your enterprise: which thing Captain Villers company seeing, as they were coming from the ward, joined themselves with the rest, and crying out, saying: Be of good cheer my galants, for we will ●●ue and die with you, and swore by and by, that they would help one an other: openly showing that they meant to apprehend the Colonel.  
When Ferdinando Lopes, who was verse careful about his business, saw that the Soldiers which came from the ward, came not the wonted way, which caused, that his enterprise took no effect: And hearing the great noise, got him in haste to horse, crying out and asking, what the matter was, thinking thereby to appaise the Soldiers: But they so bravely halsed him with Harquebouze shot, as that he made such speed away, that his hat fell from his head, and coming to Ebbing street where his Soldiers stood in order of battle, lighted from his horse, and thinking to have marched on with his people to help the Colonel, he was no sooner come with them, to the corner of the same street, and his Soldiers seeing the two companies of Losy and Villers standing in order of battle, but that they cried with a lusty courage, All whole noble mates all whole, we will with one mind and consent, take such part as you do. When Ferdinando Lopes see how this gear fell out, he ran into a Hog sty in a Baker's house to save himself: And his Soldiers pulled their Ensign from the staff, and tear it all in pieces, and joined with the two Ensigns of Losy and Villers, and swear that they would with all their hearts, and in very deed live and die with them. And afterward, they went all together to the Colonel his lodging with a great Alarm, bidding him come out. The Colonel being greatly amazed with this trouble and noise, came to the gate, and with his hat in his hand, said lovingly unto them: My beloved and faithful Soldiers, content yourselves, and tell me what it is that you would have: And if it be money, I promise you that you shall have it within this three days, using these and many other such like words unto them.  
Then said the Soldiers unto him, 
Colonel Roblesmade a prisoner.  as for our pay, we doubt not of it, but in the mean while thou shalt be our Prisoner, giving him many reproachful words, as calling him vile villain and traitor, and so lead him to the Town house, where customably waited the chief Ward: And from thence they went to Signior Rushbrooke his Lodging his Son in Law, whom they also took as a Prisoner, giving him likewise many vile words. When the said Rushbrooke saw this disorder, he did what he could to appaise the Soldiers, saying: My good Soldiers, and companions in Arms, I pray you be contented, and you shall see that my Father in law will pay you your whole duties. How beit, all these words went for no payment, but carried him on to accompany the Colonel company. 
Robles his Captains, made prisoners.  When they had thus done, they took also four more Captains: to wit, Losy, Villers, Moncean, and Champi, and their Ensign bearers. After this, they went to the Brake where they were wonted to be tortured and corrected when they had misused themselves, or committed any offence, and there with Harquebouze shot and Hatchettes they beat down and cut in sunder the cords and instruments, wherewith the Strappado was given them, and carrying them to the Market place, set them on fire, and cried with a loud voice and lusty courage.  
God save the Prince of Orange, and the Estates.  
And until then, the Citizens were in a great maze, fearing that such a like mischief would have fallen upon them as fell upon Mastright and Antwerp, etc. But after they had heard that noise and out cry, their hearts were wonderfully eased and gladded.  
This being done, the Soldiers went to the Provosts house, or Deputy for the Estates of the low Countries, named Francis Martini Stella, whom the Colonel himself had tortured, 
The Deputy of the Estates delivered out of prison.  and being hurt in his torture, remained still prisoner: And because they could not in that heat find the keys of the Iron stocks, they with the force of an Iron bar broke them up, and got out his arms and legs, and lead him to the controller his Lodging: and after they had put a red Scarf about his neck, they lead him to the Market place, amongst all the Soldiers, where they all swore unto the said Francis Martini as Deputy, and in the name of the Estates, to live and die with the Estates. Over and beside all this, they sent the said Deputy, accompanied with certain Citizens in the behalf of the Town, and certain in the behalf of the Soldiers, to Bruxelles, to declare unto the Count this History, requiring some order to be set down, under which, they might from thence forth be governed.  
When they had this done, they sent 50. Soldiers to Signior Fafcus lodging the spaniard, Colonel of Zurphen: 
Colonel Fascus, appareled in a Friars cowl.  and not finding him there, they went from thence to the Covent of the franciscans, where they diligently sought for him with candles in their hands. How beit, they could not find him, because he was gotten into a Friars cowl, with beard and head shaven and shorn, and himself with a Candle in his hand, seeking as diligently for himself, as the Soldiers did, until such time as an other Friar, an Almain, discovering Fascus, and pointing him out, said: Here is a Friar of our Order, but none of our Covent: which words, when he perceived that the Soldiers understood not, he again said: jesus est, tenete eum, that is to say: that is the man, and therefore hold him fast. Then they laid hold on him, and brought him in his Friars cowl to the Market place, where they made an example of him, in the sight of all the world, 
Fascus, by reason of his new Habit, is made a laughing stock to the whole world.  saying: that they had recovered a new Bishop, using these and such other like reproachful and skoffing words on him. And afterward, they for that night set the Watch, and the next morrow, proclamation was made by the sound of the Drum, that whosoever had lodged and hid Captain Ferdinando Lopes, the Provost, and Captain of the Ward, should bewray them, upon pain of loss both of body and goods, and his house to be set an fire. So that by this means, the Provost was found, in the Chimney of the Curates house, and had to Prison, and lodged in one of the Dungeons thereof: But when they could not find the Captain of the Ward, they sought for him at the Stews, where for the most part he was wont to lie: and because they found him not there, they took an Whore named long Alice, and binding her with their matches, said unto her: Thou vile bawdy Drab, tell us where thy husband is, using these and many such other like reproachful words unto her. Then went they to the Friary, where the Captain of the Ward had lodged the night before, and ask one of the Friars for him, 
The Captain of the Wards whore, and a Friar, coupled together.  they, because he could tell them no tidings of him, coupled him fast to the said Alice, and so led them both together through the streets for a spectacle: but because they could get nothing out of the Friar what was become of him, they uncoupled him and ●●tt him go, and left the Whore amongst the young boys, whom they so vilely besmeared with mire and dirt, as the like had not been seen many years before.  
And after, that they had likewise gotten Doctor Westenthorpe: 
Doctor Westenthorpe prisoner.  notwithstanding all the protestations that he could make to the Soldiers, willing them to have a good regard what they did, and take good heed how they made him a Prisoner being his majesties servant: yet had they him to the Tavern, and there said unto him: If the Colonel be Ring of Spain, than art thou in deed, the King of Spain's servant: otherwise, thou art servant to a villain, and traitor to thy Country: and for thy serving of such a King and Master, thou shalt receive the like hire.  
In this mean while, came the rest of the Soldiers with Ferdinando Lopes, crying out, and saying: 
Ferdinando Lopes, called the Hang man of Groenyng.  we have brought the Hangman of Groening, and first they carried him to the Town house, and afterward to the jacobin Friars, where the rest of the Captains were kept in Prison. And the third day, they found the Captain of the Ward in a priests Gaberdine, whom they laid in one of the Dongeous of the Prison, to accompany the Colonel of Groenyng and Fascus.  
On Monday, came the there the company which lay at Dam, 
The compame which late at Dam, ●oyne with them of Groenyng.  bringing with them their Captain Stark, and his Ensign, prisoners, and marching by night, eutred into Groenyng the next day in the morning, where the Soldiers by oath, joined themselves with the rest, unto the Estates. The same very dase, the Soldiers took Mepsque, Liutenaunt of Groenyng, and caused him to be guarded with fifty Soldiers, in his own house.  
Upon Tewesdaie at night when the Watch was set, the Soldiers of Delftes Icy came to Groenyng, 
The franciscans call again for Fascus his Friar's weed  and brought their Captain Barnicourt and his Ensigns Prisoners. The same day, came two franciscans to demand of the Liutenaunt, the cowl which Fascus ware, when he was taken: the Lintenaunt answered, that he had nothing to say to the matter. Whereupon, they went to the Soldiers, who answered the Friars, that the Cou●e was where it must remain, for 〈◊〉 they, we dare not once lay hands upon so holy a thing: and beside, that the confession of the Colonel and the rest was to be heard, and should go to Bruxelles with the said Cowl.  
On wednesday, came a messenger from the Lieutenant to the Town Clarke, calling for a Passport, that he might go out of the Town, which made the Town Clarke suspect the matter: wherefore be was taken, and ●eyng examined, secret letters were found about him, from the Lieutenant Mepsque, containing many secret things of great importance.  
This being done, there was a stay made of all things, until the return of those, which were sent to Bruxelles, for the doing of all matters accordingly, as the Estates should find to be necessary for the peace and quiet of the Country.  
When the Estates had set an order about these things, they gave unto the Count Rennenberg, 
The Count of Renneberge, cometh into Friselande.  the dignity and office of this Robles, and sent him thither for the ordering of those affairs, which he so wisely handled, as that after the Soldiers were paid, The Town of Groenyng and all the Country of Friselande, submitted themselves under the obedience of the Estates. And the Castle which was now built for a strength, was by the appointment of the Count Rennenberg, utterly defaced and razed.  
In januarie 1577. 
Anno. 1577. A skirmish, by Liege.  the Scots which were in pay under the Estates, under the conduct of their Colonel Baufour, meeting at the Foot bale within a mile of Liege, were so bravely skirmished withal by the spaniards, as that a great sort of them were left dead in the place, and the rest fled away.  
Whiles the Estates warred against the spaniards, the king of Spain sent into the low Countries, 
Don John cometh in to the low Countries.  Don John of ostrich to be Governor: who tarrying a while in the Country of Luxenbrough, for the confirmation and ratifying of the pacification that was made at Gaunt, before he came into Brabande, there was and accord thereof made at March in Famine, between Don John, and the Estates the 12. of February 1577.  
The 13. 
The Castle of Vtright, ●endred,  of the said month, the spaniards who kept the Castle of Vtright, being besieged by the Count Bossu, and Signior Hierges, for want of victuals, rendered the same by composition into the hands of the Count Bossu.  
The aforesaid accord that was made by Don John, was in manner and form of a perpetual Edict, and in the end proclaimed at Bruxelles the 17. of February, and the 27. at Antwerp: The Copy whereof, hereafter ensueth.  

A perpetual Edict, made by Don John  
Philip, by the grace of God, King of Castille, Leon, Arragon, Navarre, Naples, Sicily, Maiorque, Sardigne, of the Isles of Indie, and of the firm land of the Ocean Sea: Ar●h Duke of Ostrich, Duke of Burgonie, Lothier, Brabant, Limbrough, Luxenbrough, Gelderlande, and Mylaine: Count of Harbsbrough, Flaunders, Artois, and Burgonie, Palatine of Haynault, holland, Zealande, Namure, and Zurphen: Prince of Suane, Marquis of the holy Empire, Lord of Friselande, Salines, Malines, of the City, Tounes, and Country of Vtright, Oneryssell and Groening, Commander over all Asia and Africa. To all to whom these our Letters patents shall come to be seen, heard, and read, Greeting.  
Where sithence julie last to our no small grief and sorrow, there have many things fallen out in our low Countries, by reason of certain alterations which have come to pass between our Soldiers of Spain, and other foreign Soldiers serving there: by means whereof, what changes about the affairs of the Common weal, what troubles, together what disorders, inconveniences, evil dealings, and miseries, have thereon ensued, all the world right well knoweth. We therefore, for the reconciliation, peace, and tranquillity of our said low Countries, and for the administration and general Government of the same, have sent into our said low Countries, our most dear and entirely beloved Brother, Don John of Ostrich, Knight of our order of the golden Fleece: after whose arrival in our said low Countries, our foresaid good Brother dealt, and concluded, first in our City of Luxenbrough, with our most dear, faithful and well-beloved the reverent Father in God, Dan matthew Abbot of Saint Gislaine, chosen Bishop of Arras, Charles Philip of Croye, Marquis of Hawriche, etc. Our Cousin and one of the Gentlemen of our Chamber, Charles Hanart, Baron of Liekirke, Viscount of our City of Bruxelles, and Adolf Meerkirke, a Counsellor, and Receiver of our low Country of Franque within our County of Flanders, being all of them Commissioners and Deputies for the general Estates of our said low Countries. And afterward, at our City of March, and next at our Town of Hue in the Country of Liege: By the entermeeting and intercession, at the said Town of Hue, of the Lords here under named, Ambassadors and Deputies for our most worthy and right well-beloved Brother, Rodolf the second of that name, chosen Emperor of the Romans, always Augustus, etc. for the bringing to pass and setting forward of the said reconciliation, union, and accord, by the aforesaid Imperial Majesty especially appointed, and sent: to wit, the most reverent Father in GOD, our dear and good Friend Dan Gerarde of Grossebeke, Bishop of Liege, Duke of Buillon, Marquis of Frauchimont, Count of Loo, etc. Prince of the holy Empire, Lord Philip le Alde, Fraucq Baron, and Precedent of Wineabergh, and Andrew gail Doctor of the Laws, one of the Counsel of the said imperial Majesty, Werner, Lord of Gimniche Drossat of the Country of juliers, and John Louwerman, a practiser in the Laws, both Counsellors to the high and mighty Prince our most dear and right well-beloved Uncle, William Duke of juliers, Cleve etc. and Prince of the holy Empire, as Deputies of the said Prince and Duke, and Ambassador unto the said Imperial Majesty, chosen and appointed to the thing aforesaid by the said Prince and Duke in his absence, with our most dear and faithful Counsellors of Estate, substituted by us to the general and private government of our said low Countries. And the aforesaid Dan matthew Abbot of Saint Gislaine, chosen Bishop of Arras, Dan Bucho Ayta, Archdeacon of Ypres, Lord Frederick Perenot Baron of Renay: The worshipful Master Champigni, Governor of our City of Antwerp, John of Sainet Omer, Lord of Morbecque, Governor of our City and Castle of Air: Francis de Alewin Master of Suevegem, chief Bailiff and Captain of our Town and Castle of Audenarde, Knights: and the said Adolf of Meerkirke Substitutes and Deputies to the said Estates, and lastly in our City of Bruxelles, where, for the containing and finishing of the said Treaty and Accord, met and joined together, with our said Counsel of Estate, and with the Counsel of the said Estates, the said Lords, Ambassadors and Deputies of the Empire, and the Subdeleagues of the said Prince and Duke of juliers, together our most dear, and very faithful counsellor, the Lord O●tauyan Gouzage Knight, Substituted with our said good Brother for that end and purpose, by whom was sent certain points and Articles, tending and serving for the said reconciliation, accord, and union, and for the good address and direction thereof. We according to the determination, counsel and advise of our said good Brother Don John of ostrich, and of our said Counsels of Estate, and also of our privy Counsel, have for agreement sake, and according to the tenure and preporte of the said points, and means, betwixt us on the one side, and the said Estates on the other, treated and agreed, for us, our Heirs, and Successors, and have also appointed and ordained, and by these presents by way of a perpetual and erreconcible Edict, do constitute and ordain the points and Articles hereafter ensuing.  
1 That all offences, injuries, faults, hurts, harms, and generally, all facts and acts done, happened, and accomplished by reason of the changes, alterations and troubles aforesaid, by all and every of the Enhabitauntes and Citizens of our said low Countries, in whatsoever place, and in what manner soever, aswell generally as particularly, shall be utterly forgotten, and taken, as not done or happened: so that never hereafter, any mention, molestation, grief, nor sifting out, shall be made or had upon any of the Citizens and Enhabitauntes aforesaid, for the same.  
2 And because that the Bishops, Abbots, and other Prelattes and Ecclesiastical parsons of our foresaid low Countries, together the Divines and Lawyers of the University of Lowaine, by divers their Letters patents thereon by them made, have given counsel and testimony, that according to the Estate of the affairs of our said low Countries, wherein at that time they were, the treaty of the peace made in our City of Gaunt, and concluded the 8. of November last, between the aforesaid Estates on the one side, and our said Cousin Lord William of Nasson, Knight of our order aforesaid, Prince of Orange, and the Estates of our Countries of holland and Zealande and their associates and confederates on the other side, containing nothing, that was any way prejudicial to our holy Faith, and the Catholic and Apostolic romish Religion: but contrartwise, to the advancing and setting up of the same, and our said Counsel of Estate having likewise given advise, testimony, and Certificates, that according to the Estate of the affairs of the said low Countries, wherein they then were, the said treaty of peace likewise not containing any thing, hurtful to our highness, authority, and obedience, due to us, by our said low Countries, and especially, the said Lords Ambassadors and Deputies of the Empire, and Subdelegates of the said Prince and Duke of juliers, having witnessed and certified that, which before is said, according to the conformity of the said Bishops, Abbots, and other Prelattes and Ecclesiastical parsons, and of all the rest of our said Counsel of Estate. We have agreed, approved, and ratified, and by this our said present treaty of peace, do agree, approve, and ratify, to, and all, and every of these points and Articles: First, by the faith, and in the word of a King and Prince, so far as this treaty of peace may touch and concern us, and inviolably to observe and keep the same for ever, and likewise, cause all and every one, whom it shall touch, to observe and keep, and according thereto, we agree and ordain, that the convocation and assemble of the general Estates of our said low Countries, mentioned in the third Article of the said treaty of peace, shallbe made in such manner and form, and to such effect, as in the said Article more at large is contained.  
3 Also, we agree, appoint, and ordain, that all and every our men of war, aswell spaniards, Almains, Italians, Bougonians, and all other foreign Soldiers whatsoever, whether they serve on foot, or on horseback, being now in our said low Countries, shall departed frankly and freely by land, without any stop or stay of any of our said low Countries, and never to return again, nor any other to be sent thither, and not one foreign Soldier to remain there generally, and forbidding also, all foreigners, without they have necessary business of their own, or have leave, and be allowed, by the general Estates, of our said low Countries.  
4 As for the time, and term, of the departure, of our said men of war, we agree, appoint, and ordain, that all the spaniards, Italians, and Bougonions must and shall be gone with in twenty days of the insinuation, which thereon shall incontinently be made, by our said good Brother, out of our City and Castle of Antwerp, and out of all other Cities, Castles and fortresses of our said low Countries, which they presently hold and enjoy, or in any place else wheresoever, within any of all our said low Countries, and namely in our Duchy of Luxenbrough within other twenty days, and sooner if sooner may be: about which, our said good Brother, will with all his power and might, employ himself. And during the time of the said forty days, all and every of our men of war, shall bear, and behave themselves, honestly, and peaceably, without ransacking, pilling, and polling, and in no manner whatsoever, oppress and hurt our low Countries, nor yet any of the Countries, or enhabitauntes of them, near adjoining.  
5 As for the time, and term, of the departure, of the aforesaid Almains, they shall depart and go out of our said Low Countries, so soon as the said Estates shall have agreed with them, upon the finishing (as hereafter in the 15. Article of our present Letters, shall more at large be set down, and foreseen of their account and reckoning made with them, and they paid all such duties, as in equity and conscience are due unto them.  
6 That all our said men of war, aswell spaniards, Almains, Italians, Bourgonions, and all the rest, must, and shall leave behind them, after their departure out of our said Cities and Castles, all the Victuals, Provision, Artillery, and all the warlike furniture that they there have: which our Cities, and Castles, with the Victuals, Provision, Artillery, and warlike furniture, we will, by the advise of our said Counsel of Estate, put into the hands, of the most qualified, and mere natural borne Country men, within our said Low Countries, according to the privileges of our said Low Countries, and for the time being, into the possession of such, as our said Estates shall best like of.  
7 And as touching the oppression, taxes, and compositions, which by any of our said men of war whatsoever, have in our said low Countries been committed: we will leave the same to be ordered, accordingly as shall appertain to Law, reason and equity, and which also, for quietness sake, may by most apparent likelihoods be performed and brought to pass. We will also, that inquiry be made, aswell about the heads, and chief of our men of War, as also about all and every of our said inferior Soldiers, who, in any manner and sort whatsoever, have misused themselves, and offended, within our said low Countries, or the Countries to them adjoining, and thereupon, will see, that Law and justice be administered, whether it be in our low countries, or otherwise within our Realms of Spain, or else, wheresoever we shall find the same, best appertain.  
8 We also agree, appoint, and ordain, that all and every prisoner and prisoners, who, by reason of the said changes, alterations, and troubles, have been put to ransom, shall be mutually released and freely delivered thereof: Always provided, that as concerning the return of our Cousin Philip William of Nassou, Count of Buren in our said Low Countries, shall by all the means possible we can, be set forthwith free, and at liberty in our said Low Countries, immediately upon the breaking up and ending, of the said assembly of the General Estates, and upon the real, and actual accomplishing of the said Prince of Orange his promiss, determined and concluded, in the aforesaid assembly.  
9 We also agree, appoin●t, and ordain, that the question, difference, and controversy, for the reestablishing and restoring of any of the Lords and Officers unto their governements, Estates, and Offices, from which, by reason of the changes, alterations, and troubles aforesaid they are deposed, shall be suspended and surcease, until the end of the Assemble of the said General Estates: and then, the same question, difference, and controversy to be put to the Law, and respectively committed to the ordenatie Eounselles and justices of our said Low Countries, and according to such knowledge as they shall find out, to be truly and justly decided and determined.  
10 We promise upon the faith of a King and Prince, to observe and maintain, and in the behalf of our said good Brother and of all other Governors, and every of them, aswell General as particular, and in the behalf also of as many as are by us, or hereafter shall, by our successors be substituted, to cause all and every Privileges, Laws, uses, and Customs of our Low Countries, to be observed and maintained. Neither will we appoint to be substituted under us, either our said good Brother, nor any other Governors of our said low Countries, in counsel nor otherwise, for the true Government and public administration of our said Low Countries, save only such, as are naturally borne within our said Countries.  
11 And so likewise have thesay Estates mutually for their part, upon their conscience, faith, and honour, before God and men, promised to observe and maintain, and must, and shall also observe and maintain, each and every where, our holy, Catholic, and romish faith, and all authority and obedience to us appertaining, without crossing the same, any way whatsoever.  
12 The said Estates, have also promised to renounce, and must and shall renounce, all and every Alleaunce and Confederacy, which they for their safety and defence have with foreigners, sithence the aforesaid changes, alterations, and troubles.  
13 The said Estates have in like sort and manner also promised, to cause to be licenced and sent away, and must and shall licence and send away out of our Low Countries, all and every foreign Soldiers, by them levied, or caused to be levied. And to also against, and must and shall be against all the rest, for their coming into our said Low Countries.  
14 The said Estates also, in token of the true and natural affection, which they bear towards our service, have freely offered and granted unto us the some of six hundred thousand pounds, at forty flemish Groats to the pound. The one half of which some they have faithfully promised, forthwith to pay into the hands of the said Lords Ambassadors of the Empire, and Subdeleagues of the said Prince and Duke of juliers: to the end that the said moiety, might by the said Lords Ambassadors, Deputies and Subdealeagues, be equally paid and delivered unto the hands of our said good Brother, or to his Substitutes, at the will and discretion of the said Lords Ambassadors and Deputies, for our said men of war, Spaniards, Italians, Bourgonions, and other Foreigners, for the dispatching of them out of our City and Castle of Antwerp, and out of all the rest of our other Cities, Castles, and Fortresses, always reserving the said Almains, until such time as there have fully and wholly reckoned with them, as hereafter shall be declared. And the other half, the said Estates shall by their sufficient letters, send the same to Geennes in exchange, within two months after that the said spaniards, Italians, and Bourgonians, shall depart from our said City and Castle of Antwerp, and there pay it into the hands of such as our said good Brother, shall give full power and authority to receive.  
15 The said Estates have in manner and form as aforesaid, promised to take, and have already taken the charge, to content our said Almains their wages and hire, after that they have reckoned with them, and as they find them in reason and equity to be behind. For accomplishing whereof, we, and our good Brother do promise to help the said Estates, and according to our powers, authority and credit, will help them to all such recknynges and notes, into their hands, as may induse, or any way persuade the said Almains, that their whole meaning and intent is to pay them that which is their due, and whatsoever else they shall think to be reasonable. And again, the said Lords and Deputies of the Empire, and the Subdealeagues of the said Prince and Duke of juliers, did likewise frankly offer to do the like unto the said Almains: And beside, that they would desire the said Imperial Majesty, to be so good and gracious, as to use and employ his said authority, upon the aforesaid Almains: And command them, that until such time as they were satisfied, to remain peaceably in such places of our Low Countries, as we by the advise of our said Counsel of Estate, should appoint them, for the defence and assurance of us, and of our said Estates.  
16 The said Estates also, have in manner and form aforesaid promised, and are to stand bound, that after the departure, of the aforesaid spaniards, Italians, and Bourgonions, out of our Low Countries, to receive our said good Brother, who hath with him, Letters patents of Commission thereto serving, made for the same purpose. And when, according to Custom, he is sworn, and hath received all the Ceremonies, that are to be used and observed, about the choosing of a Governor, Lieutenant, and General for us, in our low Countries. That then the sated Estates are to behave themselves to him, as to their Governor, and shall behave themselves towards him in such regard, honour and obedience, as to the like Potentate appertemeth: Always provided, that the said treaty of peace, made in our city of Gaunt, and whatsoever else thereon depending, shall not withstanding remain in full strength and virtue.  
17 We also enact and ordain, that our Successors at their joyful entry, and our said good Brother, and all the rest of our Governors, by us or our Successors admitted into our Low countries, aswell general as particular, and all and every of our Presidents, Counsellors, Officers, and justicers, before the coming in, entry, and beginning of their Administration and charge of their governments, Dignities, and Offices, shall be solempely sworn, to keep and observe, and asmuch as in them lieth, cause this our present Act and ordinance, to be observed and kept.  
18 And lastly we agree, approve, and hold for effectual and good, all constitutions of Rents, Pensions, and all Bonds and Assuraunces, which the said Estates have made and passed, or, which as yet they shall make and pa●se, to all and every one which have assested, furnished, and lent them, or which shall hereafter assessest, furnish, or lend them any money for the serving of their turns, and helping of them, by reason of the aforesaid troubles, and tumults, and especially, all Bonds and Assuraunces made, to the most high and mighty Princess, our most dear Sister the Queen of England.  
19 To the end, that all the points and Articles aforesaid might faithfully and in deed, be observed, accomplished, and take effect, and that, whatsoever contained within these our present Letters, might remain firm, constant, and remain inviolable for ever. We have caused these presents, by our said good Brother, to be signed and sealed, on the one part: And the said Estates, on the other part, have caused the Seal of the Estates of our Duchy and Country of Brabant, for, and in the name, and at the request, of all the rest of the said Estates to be put to, and caused the same to be signed at the especial and express commandment and appointment of all the said Estates, by our dear and beloved Cornelius Weellemans, Secretary to the said Estates of Brabant. And likewise, at the request and entreaty on the behalf both of us, and our said good Brother, about this act, as also at the request of the said Estates: the said Lords Ambassadors Deputies of the Empire, and Subdelegates of the said Prince and Duke of juliers, as Mediators and Intercessors, for the said reconciliation, accord, and union, comprised in our present deed, have in like sort been a mean, to set forward with their own hands, the said our present deed signed: Having also willingly offered, to get the same to be commended, confirmed, approved, and ratified, and whatsoever else if it shall be thought necessary, by the imperial Majesty, for the setting forward of the said reconciliation, accord, and unyou, by them made, and treated of.  
Given at our City of March in Famine the 12. of February 1577. And of our Kingdoms, to wit of Spain, Sicily etc. the 23. And of Naples, the 25. subscribed, Ihon. And underneath was written: By the appointment of his highness, and signed, F. le Vasseur. And on the other side was written: Given at our City of Bruxelles the 17. of February 1577. And of our Reign, to wit of Spain, Sicily etc. 23. And of Naples the 25. And underneath was written: By the ordinance of the Counsel of Estate of our sovereign Lord the king, Substituted by his Majesty, to the general Government of our Low Countries hereabout: and signed D'ouerloepe And then again was written: By the especial and express appointment of the Lords of the general Estates of the Low Countries. And signed Cornelius Weellemans and underneath it, Girard Bishop of Liege, Philip the Elder, Baron of Winnenberg etc. Audre we Gaill D. Wernertzo: Gimmiche and John Louwerman. And underneath all this was written:  
Proclaimed at Brurelles the 17. of February 1577. in the presence of my Lords the Counsel of Estate, Substituted by the king, to the general Government of the Low Countries. And by the prinie Counsel, and by my Lord the most reverend Bishop and Prince of Liege, and the other lords Ambassadors and Deputies of the Imperial Majesty, and my Lords the general Estates of the Low Countries.  
By me the Secretary of the City of Bruxelles: And subscribed Aerssens.   
The Prince of Orange, and the Estates of holland and Sealande, having received the Copy of the said perpe tuall edict, make protestation unto the points and Articles of the peace of Don John, as followeth.  


The Prince of Orange, his protestation.  THe Prince of Orange, and the Estates of holland and Sealande, having seen letters of credit, which letters on the behalf of my Lords the Estates of the Low countries hereabout, by the lord Wileruall, and master Paul Bush Advocate of holland, accompanied with the Lords the Ambassadors of the Emperor, who were hereunto instanly required, are showed to his Excellency: by which, my Lords the Estates, demand advise, and answer, unto certain Articles framed in form of a perpetual Edict in the kings name, tending to the umon of the Countries here about, and by Don John of ostrich, to them for that purpose delivered: Have answered, and by these also do answer: that they, as concerning the said Articles, do greatly praise and commend the holy zeal, good meaning and intent, which the said Lords of the Estates declare themselves to have, for the reducing again of our poor and miserable Country, unto such a desired tranquillity and union, greatly assuring themselves, that thesay Lords of the Estates seek herein nothing else, but the deliverance of the poor afflicted enhabitauntes, from the great poverty and misery, wherein, they are as it were, clean over head and ears, by the cruel and insupportable Eyrrannie, of the proud Spanish nation, and their ill ordered government, and that for the observation of the ancient Privileges, Laws, and Francheses', they had set a good and sure order, to the end they might not hereafter fall into the like inconvenience, but principally, in approaching fully and wholly by the said Articles, unto the last pacification made at Gaunt the 8. of November last passed: So that they have in all their matters and protestation, always promised, and also made, commendable acts, and worthy perpetual memory: Nevertheless, after that the renowned and worthy Prince, together the Estates of holland and Sealande, had from point to point taken in hand to peruse the aforesaid Articles, and had, according to the extreme necessity of the matter, considerately weighed them (as in deed, our predecessors in the like case, never wonted to forget, the obtaining of all new and commendable Privileges at their Lords and Princes hands) they were fully persuaded, that by thesay Articles, the zeal and desire of the Lords of the Estates above declared, was not as yet thoroughly satisfied. For, first it seemeth, that the said ancient Privileges of the Countries, which they would in all points wrongfully defend, are very prejudicial, both because, that the liberty of the assembling of the general Estates, to whom of right it anciently appertaineth, is thereby quite and clean taken from them, and also, because the Estates, are driven to a new bond and oath, not to be used. And this may easily appear in the new infringing of the Privileges, even by the injust detaining of the County Buren, who, in the open sight of all men, was, contrary to law, reason, and the Privileges of the Country carried clean away: Which ought so much the more to be considered of, seeing that the said Privileges in so jolly a beginning and treaty, which should expressly have tended to the confirmation and advancing of them, are thereby, deminisshed and lessoned in a particular person that never offended, which dealing, offereth small hope, of observing the Privileges with the people, and Cities, in general, when as, every light occasion will easily be made rebellion, and treason against them. And beside, every man, that will not be wilfully blind, faith, that the last pacification made at Gaunt, about the causes aforesaid, is broken, the infringing whereof, is the very break neck of all together, and therefore it is evident, whereunto the said Articles tend, because, the allowing and ratefiing of the said pacification, is not so clearly and perfectly made, as the weightiness of such a thing requireth, but wholly hangeth, upon certain restraints and interpretations, whereon may ensue much deceit, and crafty dealing, consideryug, that the Articles are altogether like unto those, which in the time of the Duchess of Parma, were the causes of such an horrible effusion of blood: Against which, the Deputies of the Prince of Drenge, and the Estates of holland and Sealande, made open protestation, and caused also, a public Act, both of their acceptation, and also of the Counsel of Estate to be likewise made.  
And beside, sith the Prince, and Estates of holland and Sealande, finding therein, certain points, which to them seemeth to be so prejudicial to the honour of their Country, as that they fear to run into an everlasting infamy and shame, because we ourselves, do not only think them, which have so villainously handled and sacked us, but do also join hand in hand with them, so that we, by a Commission publicly declared by the aucthoritte of his Majesty, and of the Estates of the holy Empire, have accused ourselves to be Villains and Rebels, with all those, which have made alliance and confederacy with the spaniards, and that which is more, we have wittingly and gladly suffered our jewels, Gold, Silver, Money, Marchandrise, and extorted Exactions, to be carried out of our Country, without any gainsaiing. And beside, they persuade the Prince, and the Estates of holland and Sealande, that they have not fully discharged their honour and thankfulness in the said Articles, unto the Queen of England's highness, and to Monsire the Duke, the French Kings brother, who unto us, in the time of need, had showed their good affection, for the freeing of us from the oppression and slavery wherein we were, seeing that both reason, and occasion, sufficiently required, to comprehend them therein, with more express and honourable Articles. Lastly, it is not to be found in the said Articles, that any assurance is granted unto the Enhabitauntes of Holland and Sealand, sith that at the treaty of Breda, they had a more fit and reasonable offer made them: Which thing they also in the end, greatly required at the pacification of Gant, had it not been that their Deputies declared both by mouth and writing, that they would in no wise treat with any other, then with the said Estates, showing thereby, how roundly on their behalf, they then proceeded. Protesting, that if so they meant to receive Don John of ostrich, and deal with him in such sort as now they have, that they would have demanded an other manner of assurance, as in very deed, they had good occasion. And beside, that as there was no mention made in these Articles for their safety and assurance, no more also was there any forwardness of any matter set down, whereby, any man should be restored to his goods, possessions, Estate, & Government, as in many other places, both in the Countries there abouts, and also in the County of Burgundy it was, which notwithstanding, according to the pacification (the same point in the said treaty, which the general Estates at that time, could not be expressly declared) ought to have been conditioned and covenanted. Moreover, neither could there be any assurance perceived to be made, for the rest of the Countries and Provinces, nor yet for the poor Commonalty of the same. For, there was no mention at all therein made, about the pulling down of the Cytadelles or Castles, by reason of which, as all men well enough know, proceeded many mischiefs: neither yet any plain declaration of the forgetting and forgiving of that, that was already passed, no, nor yet of that, whereof mention is made in the said Articles: which dealing, made the people very suspicious, because, that they being openly threatened in the last Assemble at Hue, aught to have been well assured for the time to come, seeing the Country was unarmed, and Don John of ostrich appointed to be Governor: considering also there with, that the former examples plainly enough showed the sequel of some such like thing. And again, it seemed that for this time, they meant to join him only with the general Estates, but as joint Governors, that they might thereby, deprive the people of all means, wherewith, hereafter to be able, to assure themselves against the ill will of him, whom they intended to appoint over them, as Governor. To be short, there were yet many more points, which the Princes, and the Estates of holland and Sealande, thought necessary to be well weighed and considered of: and therefore every of them meant to set down the same particularly by themselves, in writing, and send them to the Lords of the Estates, declaring unto them, that the Prince and Estates of holland and Sealande were fully persuaded, that it was now high time, to follow the examples of our Predecessors, to the end, that the Privileges, Laws, and Franchises, which they left behind unto us, might with one consent, and by this good opportunity, now at hand, offered, be augmented, so that they might never hereafter fall again, into the like inconveniences. But whiles they made some stay about the setting down of these Articles in writing, a copy of Lettees was brought unto them, which the Lords of the Estates had written to Don John of ostrich, by which they perceived, that the Lords of the Estates were fully determined, to conclude and make an end, without tarrying for answer from the Prince, and Estates of holland and Zealande, with Don John of ostrich, requiring him to sign them, and promising that they would proclaim them, and receive Don John of ostrich into the Countries, as Governor. Whereupon, when the Prince, and Estates of holland and Sealande saw this alteration, they greatly marveled, considering that the date of the said Letters (which was also brought ●o them in post) bear the very same date as it were, that the Lord of Wileruall arrived. For, they were out of all doubt, fully persuaded, and thought they should so find it, that in a treaty of such importance and weight, whereon depended the whole welfare, or ruin, of all the low Countries, they had greatly over shot themselves. Nevertheless, seeing that they think and constantly believe, that it is so much the rather done, for the ridding of the spaniards and other foreigners out of the Country, they could not but wish, and with all their hearts do wish and pray to God, that the end may be such, as all good defenders of their Country's hope and look for. And as for themselves, sith it were now in vain to yield reasons against things concluded upon and ended, they promise, and do assure the Lords of the Estates, to pursue and defend by all means possible, the pacification concluded upon at Gant, living in good hope also, the same to be the meaning likewise, of the Lords of the Estates, and therefore do beseech them, in all places to show, that they for their part are in very deed, ready to do the like.  
And to the end, that every man might in truth see, that they have none other purpose but to rid away the spaniards and the rest of the Foreigners, and seek nothing else but the procuring of peace, and restablishing of certain Privileges, Laws, and Franchises of the Countries: they are contented to accept, and subscribe, of, and to, the said Articles, if it shall please my Lords of the Estates, first to promise firmly and irrevocably it, and thereupon pass their deed obligatory, and the same to be also subscribed by the Governors, chief Officers, and Colonelles, of all the Provinces, that seeing the time, agreed upon with Don John of ostrich, for the driving away of the spaniards, is now expired: to call to a reckoning upon such a day of this Moveth, as the Estates shall appoint, all such spaniards as are not yet departed the Countries there abouts, and my Lords the Estates, for the avoiding once again of all delays which unto this day have been so prejudicial, to cut of and suspend all further communication, and treaty, with Don John of ostrich, and consequently, with force of Arms, lustily pursue the insolent and proud spaniards, without meaning for ever after, any more to enter into communication, or treaty, whatsoever, with them. And beside, that it would please them not to pass, and communicate the like act and deed obligatory in form and manner of an agreement, otherwise, then that after the departure of the Strangers, neither they, nor yet the said Governors, Chieftains, and Colonelles, to accept of Don John of ostrich, or any other, as Governor, until such time as he shall have restored into their ancient estate, whatsoever, made, against the prestinate Privileges, Laws, and Franchises of the Countries, or otherwise against the pacification of Gaunt, by which, all and every person and persons whatsoever, are to be restored to their goods and Possessions, aswell in Burgundy, as also in the rest of the Countries there abouts: and that all the said Privileges and Franchises shall be confirmed, as the Lords of the Estates, in the end of the said pacification of Gaunt, by the Letters of the 28. of October 1576. written to their Deputies, had solemnly promised.  
Given at Middlebrough the 19 of February 1577. And subscribed by William of Nassou: And a little beneath: By the ordinance of the Estates of holland and Sealande. And subscribed by G. Faymon.   

The Answer of the General Estates, upon the Protestation of the Prince of Orange etc. And of the Estates of holland and Sealande. 
Anno. 1577. The answer of the general Estates to the protestation of the Prince of Orange.   
THE first day of March 1577.  
The Lords of the general Estates thereabouts, having seen the writing of the Prince of Orange, and of the Estates of holland and Sealande, exhibited upon the agreement, between Don John of ostrich, Knight of the golden Fleece, and the general Estates of the Low Countries, the 19 of February 1577. the said general Estates pronounce and declare, that their intent and purpose hath always been, and yet is, to maintain and keep in deed and truth, the pacification made at Gaunt in November last, between the said Prince his Excellency, the Estates of holland and Sealande, and their confederates, and the said general Estates: and amongst the rest, that they also intended, to cause all things to be redressed, which they shall find out of order, and contrary, aswell to the general, as to the particular Privileges, Laws, Franchises, and Customs, of the low Countries, and by force of Arms likewise, drive out of the low Countries, all the Spanish, Italian, and Bourgonion Soldiers, according to the conformity of the said accord, if so be the said Soldiers be not in deed gone out of the low Countries by the time prefixed, and accordingly as they were expressly commanded by his highness, without any further looking to other treaty or communication, about the deferring any way, of the retraicte of the said spaniards: And seeing that the Liutenauntes of the Provinces, Chieftains and Colonelles of the men of war, are bound to do the like, we require them also with the same resolution to subscribe: For the which cause, this present Act is dispatched, and by the ordinance of the said general Estates, Subscribed by the Secretary of Brabant, the day and year abovesaid.   
And according to the agreement, the Spaniards, 
The spaniards driven to leave the City and Castle of Antwerp.  by the appointment of Don John (who otherwise, could not be received unto the Government) departed the City and Castle of Antwerp the 10. of March 1577. with great butin and spoil. Which Castle, was delivered over unto the Duke of Arscot, who placed there for his Lieutenant, the Prince of Chimay his son, to the great liking of the whole world, because he was a very noble young Prince, and such a one as in whom, was great hope of good. And although the Castle and City of Antwerp, were freed of the spaniards, Italians, and Bourgonions, yet were they still kept in subjection: For, the kings Almains, and such as assisted the spaniards at the sacking of Antwerp, remained still there, under their Colonelles, Focquer and Fronsberg, who lay there for their pay, which was an intolerable charge to the poor citizens.  
The 7. of August in the year aforesaid, 
The King ratifieth Don John his peace with the Estates.  the king ratified the perpetual Edict and Accord, which Don John had made with the Estates. And the 21. of April the Spaniards departed Mastright, with their butin and thievery.  
Don John having hid the subtle Fox under a plain cloak, 
Don John his entry in to Bruxelles  entered Bruxelles the first of May 1577. where he was received with great pomp, triumph and joy, of the lords, and whole commonalty, and the fourth of the said month, took upon him the government of the Country, where he was sworn, which oath soon after he broke.  
The 11. of june, 
Don John goeth from Bruxelles to Malines.  he departed from Bruxelles to Malines, to talk (as he said) with the Colonelles, and Captains of the Almains, who being once paid, had their passport to depart out of the Country after the spaniards: Howbeit under this colour, he in very deed, treated with them about the keeping of the City of Antwerp for himself, to the end he might the better assure himself of the Castle: In so much, that he retained them into his service, as afterward, by the intercepting of many letters, and the doings which thereon ensued manifestly appeared. And for the bringing of this his said purpose to pass, he sent for the Prince of Chinay, to come to him to Malines, under a coulorable desire of his company, to the City of Namure about the tongratulation of the Queen of Navarre. Appointing eftsoons for his Lieutenant in the said Castle the lord of Terlon.  
Then departed Don John from Malines, 
Don John goeth from Malines, to Namure.  accompanied with many noble men, which at that time, were there with him, for the conveying of him as Governor of Namure: Where he, in war like manner seized upon the Castle the 24. of julie, under the pretence of riding an hunting. When Monsieur de Froymont, Governor of the Country of Namure, a wise and stout gentleman, had told Don John of his great wrong and fault committed, considering the vanity of the act, and beside, that the Soldiers would not remedy it by force of Arms, departed from him, and came to the said Estates. And the two brethren, to wit, the Duke of Arscot, and the Marquis of Haurech, being noblemen of great authority, and such as Don John had good liking of, perceiving his wicked purpose and intent, and that no fair and reasonable speeches would once remove him, from his determination, refrained from coming to counsel afterward, any more. Don John seeing this, and fearing the loss of them, caused good espial to be laid for them, for the staying of them as it were: howbeit for all his good watch and ward, they very wisely, without his knowledge, departed from Namure without any of their baggage, the 20. of the said month. And they were no sooner come to Bruxelles, but that they, like good patrons of their Country, went immediately to counsel with the Estates, for the salving of this new wound.  
Whiles Don John late at Namure, 
Don John soliciteth Terion, and the Almains  he solicited both by letters, and by word of mouth Terlon, and the Almain Colonelles, about the full accomplishing of that matter in deed, whereof they concluded amongst themselves at Malines, which was the supprising of Antwerp Castle. But it turned all to nothing, by reason of the great care, pain, and fidelity of Monsieur le Bours. For by his wisdom and noble courage, he so handled the matter, as that he drove out the Traitors, and took Terlon prisoner, whom he delivered unto the Estates, the first of August 1577.  
When Foveques and Fronsberg heard of this, it so amazed them as that they armed their people, and in the evening withdrew themselves to the great Market place of Antwerp, but fearing, that the same would not be strong enough for them, and their people, they withdrew themselves after Midnight, unto the strongest place of the new Town, amongst the water conducts: where being well fortified and strengthened, they kept themselves quiet, until the next day in the afternoon. But when they saw the arrival of the Prince of Orange Ships, they grew into such a fear, as that they forsook the town, and fled, to wit, Focques, to Bergues upon Zoom, and Fronsberg to Breda.  
After that, the Estates besieged the Castle of Wave, 
The Castle of Wave rendered.  where in Foucquers Regiment of Almains lay, but the 4. of the said month, it was rendered by composition to Monsieur de Champigni, general of the field at that present, for the Estates: and so were likewise, the Towns of Thole and Stonebergue, the 19 of the said month and year.  
The 30. of August, an Alarm was given to the Castle of Leeward, 
The Castle of Leeward, rendered.  into which, Captain Mattenes Wylisma, had taken more new Soldiers then his own: thinking thereby, to have taken some of the Magistrates. Howbeit, the new Soldiers under Captain Wybe of Goutum, got to be Masters of the Castle parforce, so that by the same means, arose a great Alarm, by reason that the Soldiers were all in arms, one against an other: whereupon the Citizens also got than to Arms, fearing the Town had been surprised: and so besieged the Castle, which the Soldiers afterward rendered unto them upon condition, that they might be paid. Then the citizens entered into the Castle the 2. of September, and kept it until the Governor Monsieur de Ville came.  
When Don John saw, that the great Camp of the Estates drew near to Namure, where he was but ill provided of men of War, he made show, as though he would again treat with the Estates, to the end that thereby, his force might the better be gathered together, and thereupon, required Commissioners for that purpose. Then the Estates deputed for that use, the Abbot of Saint Gislaine, Wilerual, Grobbendocque, and others, who after many delays and conferences, returned without doing of any thing, considering, that the said Duke John meant nothing else but wars.  
The 28. of August, 
The Castle of Antwerp razed.  1577. the Castle of Antwerp which had of long been a den of murderers, was that very day utttrly razed and defaced by the Citizens.  
The 9 of September following, the Estates published their justification, for the taking of Arms in their defence, against Don John, and withal certain letters of Don John, which the● had intercepted, wherein was contained his Treason, and because they have been Imprinted severally by themselves, I have left the inserting of them, at this present.  
The 10. of September, Charles Focquer being at Bergues, 
Bergues upon Zoome rendered.  and being besieged by the Lord of Ehampigni, Baron of Renay, General of the field for the Estates, was taken by his own Almains, and delivered prisoner to the said Lord de Champigni, and therefore they frankly and freely set out of the Town.  
The Almains of the Count Ouerstone, 
Boisleduke, rendered.  who lay at Boisleduke being besieged, were forced at last, to depart upon composition, and delivered up the Town to the Count of Hohenloo, General of the field, the 22. of September 1577.  
The Estates sent to the Prince lying in Holland, & besought him of aid, and so he did, for the love he bear to his Country: 
The Prince, of 〈◊〉 comme●n to Brabant.  And in the end, although long first, he arrived at Antwerp the 18. of September, where, the whole multitude received him with great joy and pleasure. The Prelates of Vilers and Marolles, with the Baron of Frezin, and the Lord of Capres, were sent by the general Estates, to congratulate the Prince, for the receiving and bringing him to Bruxelles, where, the 23 of the said month and year, he was with great triumph and joy marvelously received.  
The Almains at Breda, were by the Estates besieged, who delivering up their Colonel Fronsberg prisoner, departed upon composition, frankly and freely the 4. of October.  
The 22. of October, the Prince was chosen Governor of Brabande, to the great contentation of the whole Country, 
The Prince of Orange chosen Governem of Brabant.  making Bonfires at Bruxelles, in token of wonderful joy.  
After that the Duke of Arscot was appointed Governor of Flanders, he went to Gande, where, the Citizens and Enhabitauntes lovingly received him, having marching before him 23. Ensigns of footmen, and 300. horse, she wing all the tokens of joy that might be. Now, three days after that he was received as Governor, to wit, the 28. of October, they having some tumults and uproars growing amongst themselves, went of their own heads to his house, and took, and led him away prisoner, to the no small grief, both of the Prince, 
The Duke of 〈◊〉 ●aken prisoner by them of Gaunt.  and Counsel of Estate, and also of the General Estates. But the 14. of November, acknowledged their fault, and the great in●urie which they had done him, they set him free and at liberty, and yet with this condition, that he should forget his evil handling, and pardon the wrong that was done unto him, and never once think of it more.  
At the very same time likewise, they took the Bishops of Bruges, and Ypres: The Baron of Rassingem, the Lord of Champigni, the Lord of Moucron and his son: The Lord of Suevegem and Eycke.  
The first of November 1577. 
Prelates and Gentlemen, taken prisoners at Groenyng.  the Citizens and Enhabitants of the City of Groening in Friselande, took certain Prelattes and Gentlemen of the Country of Groening prisoners, by reason of the ancient quarrel and dissension, that the City long time had against the Country men. Wherefore, thither was sent Monsire Saint Aldegonde and Sille, by his Excellency, the Counsel of Estate, and of the Estates general. Howbeit, they could win nothing at the common people's hand. Nevertheless, some of the Prisoners afterward, very craftily got out of Prison, and escaped out of the Town also.  
The 9 or 10. of November 1577. appeared a fearful Comette in the low Countries, 
A blazing Star seen.  whereupon ensued great shedding of blood and the death of Don Ihon.  
The chief Lords there abouts, 
The Archduke Mathias cometh into the ●owe Countries.  trusting to mollify the Kings heart, by making some of his own blood Governor general, sent the Lord of Malstede, to the right high, Mathias Archduke of ostrich, son and Brother to the Emperor, beseeching him to come thither for that end and purpose. But, the Archduke seeing, that the Emperor was afeard to displease the King, and therefore would not consent thereto, secretly departed from Vienne, without having any body with him, save the L. de Danwi●tes, his chief Chamberlain. And at last came to Antwerp the 12. of November 1577.  
The 7. of December, 
Don John and his adherentes, proclaimed open enemies.  Don John and his Adherentes were declared to be the Kings and Countries enemies, and so proclaimed, the tenure whereof ensueth.  

By the King. OUR dear and faithful Knight, Lord George de Lalaing, Count of Renneberge, free Baron de Ville, Governor, and Captain general of our Country of Friselande, overissel, Groenyng, and Lingem: Greeting.  
Whereas certain Cities, Castles, Fortresses, and other places of certain Provinces hereabout, especially certain Noblemen, Gentlemen, and private persons, have gone about and do, contrary to the dutiful fidelity, which they own to us and then Country, directly to over reach and cross, the pacification made at Gaunt, and the perpetual Edict which thereon ensued, by us agreed upon: and breaking the union which the general Estates of our Countries here abouts made, and by some of them subscribed unto, taking part with the spaniards, whom we of late declared and proclaimed Rebels, and had held, and did still h●lde, with Don John of ostrich and the said spaniards, and their adherentes, favouring, a●yng, and assisting them, with counsatle, Men, Munition, Victuals, Mone●, and other necessaries, showing themselves as adversaries, and taking arms against us, the said Estates general, and their own Country, for the which they are to be taken as Rebels, and worthy so to be punished, both in body and goods. And we are further informed, and advertised, that the said Cities, places, and persons, which favour our adverse party, as before hath been said, seek by all means possible, to change, altar, levy, and recover their Goods, Revenues. Rents, and debts, which they have had, and yet have, in ou● Countries here about, both for the helping of themselves, and also for the bestowing of the same against us, and their Country, and more would bestow, if we on our behalf looked not to the same in tyme. And therefore we, having considered of the matters aforesaid, and being very desirous to remedy the same, have by the advise of our most dear and well-beloved, the Prelattes, Nobles, and Deputies of the Provinces and Cities, representing the said general Estates of our Countries here abouts, presently assembled in this our City of Bruxelles, ordained, and by these presents do ordain, all our lieutenants, Governors, Officers, Ammans, Drossartes, Bailiffs, marshals, provosts, and Receivers of our Revenues, every one within his Precinct, and jurisdiction, and as many to whom this shall appertain, to take a note, and make seizure of all the movable, and immoneable Bloods, Action's, and Credittes of our said Adversaries, their adherentes and fauters, aswell those which belong unto the Cities, Towns, Commonalty, as also to private persons, and the same to be kept and conserved for the benefit and use of those to whom it shall appertain, and after, to be ordered and disposed as shallbe thought good. We also further, will and command all those which have in possession, pawn, or that can otherwise tell, if any goods, debts, or actions, belonging to such as take part with our said adversaries and enemies of the general Estates, of what estate and condition so ever they are, that forthwith or at the least within eight days after the publication hereof, they denounce, signify, and declare, unto the chief Officer, resiant amongst them, together unto the Receiver of our Revenues there, aswell whatsoever they have in pawn and possession, and whatsoever else they own unto the said persons, favouring our said adversaries, or whatsoever else they know, others, to have in pawn or possession, or might any way own them. And beside, where we have heretofore inhibited and forbidden, we also by these presents do inhibit and forbid, all our Subjects or other Enhabitauntes and resiants in our said Countries hereabout, of what estate or condition soever they be, to pay or deliver unto any of the said Enemies and Adversaries of the Countries, or their adherentes, whether it be to Cities, Towns, Burroughes, Fraternities, or other private persons, upon pain of repaiing the same, or such as have concealed the thing afore said, or have not opened the same, to cause the value of the same to be paid which they have concealed, and the forfeitures afore sated to be counted as followeth, that is to say: One third part to our benefit and use, and the same to be bestowed about the defence of our Countries against the said Enemies and Rebels: an other third part to the benefit of him that describeth it: and the last third part to the benefit of him which putteth it in execution. And last of all, we clearly forbid all and every Cities, Towns, Burroughes, Places, brotherhoods, and other private persons, to aid and assist the said Don John of Ostrich, and all others which be our Adversaries and Enemies of our general Estates, either with connsaile, Men, Victuals, Munition, Armour, Weapon, or Money, nor yet any way benefit them by advertisements or otherwise, directly, or indirectly, in what manner soever, upon pain of such punishment both in body and goods, as is due to the fauters and abbetrors of Rebels, and enemies of the Countries. And for as much as there are a great many of principal Officers in our said Countries, who, sithence the retreat of the said Don John of ostrich into the Castle of Namure, have absented themselves without leave and consent, and by reason thereof, have not executed their said Offices, but have been resiant out of our said Countries: We will and command all such, as have so absented themselves, and all the rest likewise which have openly shewe●●hem selves parties and adversaries to the said Countries, to return in proper person, for the executing of their said Offices, within fifteen days at the farthest, after the publication of these presents, upon pain of the loss, and depravation of their said Offices and dignities, and to be taken as fauters and abettors of Rebels, and enemies of the said Countries in manner as aforesaid. And to the end, that none should pretend ignorance of this our ordinance and Inhibition, we expressly will, and command, that forthwith, and without delay, you cause these presents to be proclaimed, in all such places, where commonly Proclamations are proclaimed, throughout all the Cities, burroughs, and Towns of our said Countries of Friselande, overissel, Groenyng, and Lingen. And for the better proceeding in the observation hereof, to execute the forfeitures and pains aforesaid, upon all the transgressors of the same, without favour, meed, or supporting what soever. For performance whereof, and whatsoever else depending thereon, we give you, and all others to whom it shall appertain, full power, authority, and special commandment, and do farther will and command all and every of them which so do, that both you, and they themselves, do rightly understand and obey the same, because it is our pleasure, it should be so.  
Given at our City of Bruxelles under our Country seal which is here put to this Commission the 7. of December 1577. And underneath was written: By the King, and under it, subscribed. Mesdach.   

An open declaration made by the General Estates of the Countries thereabout, against Don John of Ostrich, and against such natural Country men borne, as are his followers and assisters.  
THE Prelates, 
A declaration of the Estates, against Don Ihon.  Nobility, and Deputies of the Provinces and Cities, representing the general Estates of the Countries hereabout, being presently assembled, and met together, at the City of Bruxelles, having understood, that there are certain which stand in doubt, whether Don John of Ostrich ought to be dealt withal, and holden as enemy to the Countries or not: N●t●standyng, that through his devices and doings, he hath she wed himself to be such a one in deed, sithence his retreat to the Castle of Namure: Which his dealing, the said Estates, by their justification do also openly declare, whereby is found, that many inconveniences, have thereupon risen. For remediing whereof, the said general Estates have been very willing, by these presents, to declare and publish to all and every person and persons, that they never took Don John of Austric●e, to be his majesties Lieutenant, Governor, nor Captain General of the said Countries. But always took him to be a breaker, and already an infringer, of that pacification whereunto he was sworn, and an enemy to our Country, ever since his retreat to Namure aforesaid: And as many as are naturally borne within the said Countries, being his followers, aiders, and abbettors, to be no better, but Rebels unto the said Countries, and fully and wholly so to be taken, in all places soever, and to be dealt withal in such maver, both in their bodies and goods, as by his majesties Proclamation hath been published.  
Given at Bruxelles the 7. of December 1577. And underneath was written, By the ordinance of my said Lords the general Estates. Cornelius Weellemans.   
The 10. of December, the general Estates of the Low Countries being assembled at Bruxelles, devised and made an union and confederacy, which was concluded upon, the ninth of january ensuing, the Copy whereof hereafter followeth.  

We the Prelates, Churchemen, Lords, Gentlemen, judges of the Laws, 
The union of the general Estates.  Cities, Castle keepers, and others here under written, representing the Estates of the low Countries, at this City of Bruxelles presently met together, besides certain others also, being under the obedience of the most high, mighty, and famous Prince, king Philip, our Sovereign Lord and natural Prince, do all men to understand, both now present, and hereafter to come, that we, seeing our common Country to be afflicted by a most barbarous and tyrant oppression of Spaniards, have been stirred up, and enforced, to unite and join ourselves together, and with Arms, Counsel, Men, and Money, to help one an other, against the said spaniards, and such their adherentes, as were proclaimed rebels unto his Majesty, and our enemies: and that this union and conjunction hath sithence, been confirmed by the last pacification, altoger made by the authority and agreement of the Counsel of Estate, which his Majesty had deputed to the general Government of the said Countries. And because, the pretended scope and drift of this union, requireth forever, all fidelity, constancy, and mutual assistance, and that we would by no means through misunderstanding, that any matter of suspicion should grow thereby, and much less, any finister will to be found in any of us: But contrariwise, to the end, the affairs of this union, might, with all sincerity, fidelity, and diligence be procured, cared for, and executed so that none of the subjects, and enhabitauntes of the said Countries, might have any just occasion to be miscontented, or doubt of us: for these reasons therefore, and also to the end, that nothing should, unfaithfully be done, to the hurt of the common wealth of our Country, and just defence thereof, or any thing else, by negligence, or dissimulation, to be overslipped, which is, or shall be required, for the just defence thereof: we have by ver●ue of our authority and Commission, respectively and otherwise, both for ourselves, and our successors, promised, and by the faith of good Christians, honest men, and true patrons of our Country do promiss to hold and keep, inviolably and for ever, the said union and fellowship: Without any of our disjoining or separating the same, either by dissimulation, secret intelligence, or any other manner whatsoever, and that, for the conservation of our holy Faith, the Catholic, Apostolic romish Religion, and accomplisment of the pacification: And jointly for the driving out of the spaniards and their adherentes, and our dutiful obedience unto his Majesty: the benefit and quiet of our Country: and withal, for the maintenance of all and every of our Privileges, Rights, Franchises, Statutes, Customs, and ancient Usages. For bringing of which to pass, we will adventure and hazard all the means pnssible we are able, both our Money, People, Counsel, and goods, yea, our lives and all, if need require. And beside, none of us ma●e, either in particular, give any counsel, advise, or consent, nor yet talk secretly or particularly, without any which are not of this union: nor contrariwise, reveal any thing which is or shallbe treated of advised, or resolved in, in our assembly to any of them: but be conformable to whatsoever our general and common resolution shall establish. And if so be, that any Province, Estate, Country, City, Castle, or House, be besieged, attempted, invaded, or oppressed, in what sort soever: and beside, if any of us, or any others endeavour to stand for the Country, and common defence thereof, against any of the spaniards, or any other affairs depending thereon, aswell in general as in particular, or hath been hunted after, imprisoned, ransomed, hindered, molested, or disquieted, in his person, goods, honour, estate, or otherwise, we promiss to assist the same by all the means aforesaid, and beside, do also promiss, to procure the deliverance of such as are either forcebly, or otherwise imprisoned: upon pain if we do not, to be disgraded of all nobility, name, Arms, and honour, and to be taken for perjured and unfaithful persons, and enemies to our said Country, before God, and all the world, and for ever to be accounted infamous and cowards.  
And for the strengthening of this our holy union, and brotherly fellowship, we have subscribed to these presents with our own hands, and sealed the same with our own seals, the ninth of january. 1577.   
And underneath was set down every man's signature by itself. And underneath them, this agreement, made by my Lords the Counsel of Estate.  

When the Deputies of the general Estates about said, had hereunto subscribed, they forthwith required those of the Counsel of Estate, whom his Majesty had substituted, to the general Government of the Countries hereabout, that it would please them to give their consent, to the contents of the union next before written, whereupon, the said Counsel, giving good ear unto their said request, and to the reasons above mentioned, Have, and do, in all, that in them lieth, agree, and consent, by these presents, unto the whole tenure and form of the said union.  
Given at Bruxelles in the Town house: in the assembly of the said Estates, the ninth of january. 1577. And underneath was written: By the ordinance of my said Lords of the Counsel Estate. Signed. Berti.   
The 17. day of December 1577. The Prelates of Saint Gertrude and Marolles, the Duke of Arscot, and the Baron of Frezin, presented unto the most famous Archduke Mathias, the Government of all the low Countries, upon certain conditions and Articles, which he accepted of, and subscribed unto.  
The City of Amstelredame, 
The enterprise of the Orengers upon Amstelredame.  which would not acknowledge the Prince to be Governor, as he ought to be, according to the pacification of Gaunt, was, by Colonel healing, who very courageously took upon him the matter, purposed, to be forcebly surprised and taken. Which dealing, when the Citizens saw, they put themselves in Arms, and stood marvelously to their defence, so that the said Colonel was there stain in valiant fight, and his people presently, driven out of the Town.  
The 18. of january 1578. 
Anno. 1578. The entry of the Archduke into Bruxelles,  the most famous Archduke Mathias entered into Bruxelles, where, being the 20. of the said month solemnly sworn, was with great Magnificence, appointed Governor of the Low Countries. The Prince also was chosen to be his Lieutenant general, who taking upon him the charge, was like wise sworn.  
The same month arrived thereabout, the Lord of sells, 
The Baron of Seiles, sent from the King.  sent from the king of Spain, to answer the letters of the Estates, of the 24. of August, and the 8. of September, by which they desired that Don John might be sent for, home again, and another governor to be sent in his room. Then they began to talk with the said sells, about the devising of some means for peace: but because the king confirmed the said Don John in Government, and ratified the war which he had begun, all their talk was to no purpose.  
The last day of january, 
Don John his victory.  when the Camp of the Estates removed, and that Don Ihou, had by his horsemen, broken the array of the Soldiers, the whole Camp was put to flight about Giblowe: Whereupon, the Country being greatly amazed, with such an unlooked for loss (as in such distresses commonly cometh to pass) the Enemy took, the towns of Giblowe, Lowaine, Arscot, Tielmont, Diest, and Sichem: And at Sichem, he committed a most barbarous cruelty, against the Officers of the said place.  
When the Duke of Anjou understood of this discomfiture, 
The Duke of Antowe sendeth to the Estates.  he sent monsieur de Fougere and his Secretary to the Estates, to offer them his own person, and the means how to help them. Which thing being accepted of, he sent thither the Lords of Rochepot and Pruneauls, to the meeting of whom, were sent the Count de Lalaing, the Baron of Frezin, and the Counsellor Leifield, Deputies for the general Estates, about the treaty aswell for the aiding of the Town of Gis●aine, as also for the assurance thereof.  
Now, after this discomfit the Town of Saint Gislaine, shook in the soket, and was at the point to have fallen into the hands of Don John, by reason of the Bishop of Arras his secret intelligence: Howbeit the Lord of Hernisart by cunning, got into it and so by that means frustred this enterprise, and having well provided for the Town, to the benefit of the Country, delivered it up into the hands of Count de Lalaing Governor of Hainault the second of February 1578.  
The 8. of the said month and year, 
Amstelredame, ag●eth with the Prince of Orange.  the Town of Amstelre: ●ame fell to composition with the Prince and Estates of holland, and reunited itself, with the rest of the Cities of the said Country, under his Excellency's Government, upon certain points and Articles: But because the Catholics had not observed the said Articles of a grement, they of the reformed Religion, sent the old Magistrate and Franciscane Friars out of the Town, because they would not agree to grant them of the reformed Religion any liberty: and beside, they had also broken that point of the agreement, which was made about the cause of the sworn men.  
As the spaniards lay at the siege of Nyvelle, 
Nivelle rendereth.  Monsire de Villers Governor of the Town, abode the Canon, and although it was not to hold out, yet he so valiantly held out four assaults, to wit, from twelve of the clock in the afternoon, unto seven of the clock at night, as that the enemte made his retreat without order: and afterward, held it two days without parley, still looking for aid. In the mean while, the Prince and the Count of Bossu, wrote unto him, that he should withdraw himself with the safety of his people aswell as he could: which thing he did, and departed thence by composition with bodies, and goods, sword, and daggers, and so did likewise, the Captames and Chieftains of the Horsemen, the 15. of February. 1578.  
During these exploits, 
An imperial diet at Worms.  there was an imperial diet appointed at Worms, whether was sent Monsire Saint Aldegonde counsellor for the Estate, by his Excellency and the Estates, to show there, the estate of the affairs hereabout, together for the requiring of aid from the Empire and German Princes, their good Neighbours, as to people, who ought to have had some feeling and compassion of this their great misery and calamity.  
The Estates also meaning to make the same request to the Queen of England, appointed for that purpose the 9 of March, 
The Estates request to the Queen of England.  the Marquis of Hawreche, who so well plied his business, as that he obtained at her majesties hands assueraunce, both of men and money, for the aiding of the said Estates, who was also greatly honoured for his own private cause, and beside, received at her highness hands, a very goodly present.  
The 21. of March, the great Counsel of Friselande was taken at Leeward, to wit, the Precedent Ygrammes Ichlum, juliers Dekema, Peter Fritzma, Forco Bommerts, A●thony Levaly, Counsellors, and many others, and in their stead were appointed new Counsellors, to wit, Master Franc●s Kysinga, Master Fecco Baida, Master John de Steveren, and many others. And beside, the chief being the Bishop of Leewarde, was sent to the Castle (and also certain Counsellors) which was taken, and the rest were restrained within their own houses.  
The 7. of April, the year aforesaid, seven of the Wallon Ensigns, 
A mutynie amongst some of the Soldiers at Mastright.  of the nine, which lay in Garnison at Mastright, mutyned for their pay, and took the Baron of Heze their Colonel, and Governor of the said Town prisoner, and all the Captains, Liutenauntes, Ensign bearers, and Officers of his Regiment: And beside, conspired to deliver up the Town into the hands of the Enemy. But after they had sent Signior Nycholas Salmier Knight, Lord of Melcroye with the said pays, and contented the Soldiers, he first of all, released the prisoners, and afterward, by his w●t and policy, became Master of the Conspirators, some of which were drowned, and some hanged, and having brought in an other Garnison, was assured thereby of the Town, in the behalf of the Country.  
The 22. of April, 
An ordinance upon the pacification of Gaunt.  there was a new ordinance published at Antwerp, about the observation of the pacification at Gant, and that all the Enhabitauntes and Citizens there about, of what estate or condition soever they were, should be sworn, and as many as refused the same, to be taken for enemies. In so much that all persons, both Ecclesiastical and secular took the same oath, saving the jesuits: who, because they would not obey, were marvelously suspected: by reason whereof, the common people mutyned against them. Howbeit, they were for all that, no way misused, because of the good order which the Colonelles had set in the Town, 
The Ie●uites, and Frters go out of the City of Antwerp.  save only were honestly sent out of the Town, aswell for their private assueraunce, as also (being suspected) for the benefit and saufetie of the Commonweal: which thing was done upon Whitsondaie. Then the Friars craved time to deliberate upon: but when they saw in the end, that the rest of the begging Friars, Prelattes, Cathedral Churches, and all Ecclesiastical persons were obedient to the said commandment, they were resolved to do the like: except the Prior and three others of his Covent, who obstinately stood in●t, and therefore were likewise (as men suspected) turned out of the Town. Whiles these Friars were deliberating what to do, some of the people that were in Arms, being not well pleased, went on forward with the matter, and would have enforced them, which their fond dealing, the Burroughmaister clearly frustred. Nenerthelesse, two of the company being Soldiers, so far forgot themselves, as that they held the points of their sword before him, for the which they lost their heads.  
The Duke of anjou, 
The men of war of the Duke of anjou enter into the Country,  sent his men of war unto the Borders of Haynault, where they were greatly oppressed by the enemy. And the Estates likewise had appointed Colonel Combelle to enter into the said Country, and lay with his people at Leus in Haynault, a Town of Monsire de Barlaymont: whom the spaniards coming to set upon, were bravely repulsed, and ioliilie cooled, and thereupon, were enforced to retire the 21. of Ma●e. 1578.  
After that the Spaniards had long time besieged the Town of Phillippeville, it was enforced at last, 
Phillippeville, begged and rendered.  for want of Victuals and Munytion, to yield upon composition, the said 21. of May.  
While the Enemy was making preparation to besiege Limbourg, 
Limbourg besieged and rendered.  the Governor and Soldiers demanded Victuals and Munytion, and promised, that if they might have them, to keep the Town and Castle. Then the Archduke Mathias and the Estates provided for all things necessary. And yet notwithstanding they fell to a parley with the Enemy, and yielded the same place the 15. of june, the year a oresaied.  
The Duke of anjou, for the better accomplishing of his devise, came with a small company to Mons in Haynault, the 11. of julie: howbeit, his trame followed him. 
Campen besieged and rendered.   
The Almain Soldiers of the Regiment of Polwyler, who before the pacification of Gaunt, la●e in Garnison in the Country of overissel, in Campen, and Deveuter, refused to come thence: yea they so greatly and so long dissembled the matter, as that the said peace was broken, declaring then, that they held the said Towns for Don Ihon. Whereupon the Estates besieged them, and first, the Count of Rennenberge, Baron of Ville, and Governor of Friselande, who was there named the general of the field, besieged Campen, and because he would lose no time, he summoned the Town: and having refused his offer, made a fearful battery, until such time as he had made a Breach: howbeit, when the Almains saw them ready to give the assault, they fell to a par●e, and in the end, departed the Town, the 20. of july in the year aforesaid. 
The Castle of Hawreche taken.   
The Castle of Haurech being besieged and battered by the French, on the behalf of the Duke of anjou, was yielded up the 26. of july. Howbeit the spaniards who were come the there before, for the raising of the siege, were repulsed with great loss of their people. And the same time, had the Duke thrust in a French Garrison into the Towns of Soignie, Mawbuge, and Reusse, which the enemy had forsaken.  
When the archduke Mathias and the Estates had arreared a great and mighty Army, 
The Camp of the Estates pitched near Rimenant.  under the conduct and government of the Count of Bossu, a valiant and stout man, and very warlike, he pitched his Camp abount Rimenant in Brabande: whether Don John, meaning to play double or quite, came, purposing to set upon the Campe. Howbeit this second enterprise had not so good success as the first: because it cost agreate number of his spaniards lives: so that he was enforced, through the notable endeavour and diligence of all these, whom the Count had sent to fight to retire, where Master Norris Colonel of the Englishmen, and Master Stiward Colon● of the Scots, having resisted, and pursued the greatest force of the enemy, showed theimselues so valiant in Arms, and warlike feats, and so courageous and stout, as that they carried away the whole praise and commendation of this victory, which was won the first of August 1578.  
Mensire de la Nove, one of the valiantest Captains that ever was in our days accounted, and in France, most famous for his notable deeds of Arms, was sent by the Estates, to be Marshal of the field, who accepting of this charge, came to Antwerp, to the great contentation of all the men of war.  
In August the year aforesaid, Signior Archies, being by his highness and the Counsel of Estate, 
A Tumult pacified at Matenc●a.  sent to Valencia, to make inquisition about certain particular matters, concerning the common benefit of the said City, there arose a great uproar and controversy amongst the common people: the one side taking part with the said Archies, and the other with the Magistrate, for remeding and appaising whereof, his highness sent thither Signior Richardot one of the privy Counsel, a very learned man, accompanied with an other Commissioner, where, through his mediation, after many conferences had, there was a comen and general assembly of the people held, so that the 17. of August, those troubles were appeased, and the Citizens thereupon went forthwith, every man under his Ensign, putting of their Armour and weapon, after they had kept watch and ward eight days and nights together, one against an other, not without the great danger and hazard, of a miserable and lamentatable effusion of blood.  
The General Estates meaning to do all things for the best, they, 
An accord with the Duke of anjou.  to the end they might repulse the enemy with the greatest force, treated with the Duke of anjou about that matter. The Duke bound himself to levy ten thousand footmen, and two thousand horse, at his own cost and charge, for the space of three months, and that time being expired, and the wars not ended, that he would continue to aid them with three thousand Soldiers, and five hundred Horse, and manifest himself an enemy to Don John and his adherentes, whereupon, the Estates named him the defender of the Country, promising further to prefer him to all the rest, if so be they were enforced to change their Lord and Prince, giving him beside, the Duchy of Luxembrough, and the County of Bourgundie, and for the safety of his people, and himself, the Towns of Landersey, Quesnoy, and Bavais, besides many other Articles contained in the accord for that behalf, made and published at Antwerp, in the presence of the Prince, the Estates, and Ambassadors of the said Duke, the 29. of August 1578.  
As the Camp of the Estates lay about two Miles from Lowaine, Count Bossu departed thence, 
A Skirmu hard by Louvain.  with two thousand Harquebouziers and two thousand Horse, and coming near to Lowaine where the Enemy was, either part shook of their shot, and coupled themselves together in a brave Skirmish. The Viscount of Gaunt and Lanowa, charged the Enemy with the men at Arms, and chased them hard unto the Ramparts sides of the Town, so that some of their Tippettes were there turned up, and so were divers of the French likewise. The said Count had a great desire to besiege this Town, but because he wanted three or four thousand Pioneers, and thirty, or forty Canon's, for the winning of so great and large a Town, well funished with five thousand Soldiers, he left of his enterprise, as a thing devoid of all reason.  
The said Army drawing towards Champain, took the Castles of Mote, and Sart: the first, by assault, after it had been once summoned by the Canon, and the other by Composition. For, Genap and Nivelies yielded themselves without the summons of the Canon.  
The● of the reformed Religion, 
A supplication exhibited for the having of the exercise of the Religion.  exhibited a supplication for the having of public exercise, but especially, the Antwerpians, first desired of Archduke Mathias his excellency, and Counsel of Estate, certain Churches: which request, greatly amazed the Lords: Howbeit, the suppliants were so many in number, and so importunately urged the matter, as that when his highness had asked counsel of the general Estates, it was thought to be necessary for the common quiet, and preventing of all inconvenience, to grant them the Castle Chapel (named the Moabites, because the Spaniards built it) the jesuits Church, half of the Friars franciscans Church, of the jacobines, and Saint Andrew's: so that by licence, the public Sermons began the last of August 1578. And afterward through the continual exhibiting of Supplications of all the low Countries, the peace of Religion, or free liberty of the Religion was permitted and proclaimed, the Copy whereof ensueth.  
It is known to all men, 
The peace of Religion.  that the tyrannous Commissiones long sithence, Proclaimed about the cause of Religion, by the persuasion, counsel, and advise of Strangers, especially of the Spanish nation, without hearing of the Estates of the Country in that behalf, and beside, being with most intolerable cruelty, entertained and observed, have been, and presently are, the very original of all the controversies amongst us, considering, that by those occasions, the Privileges, Laws, and laudable Customs, are sundry ways broken, and troad under foot, and lastly, by the enemies of our Countries, have caused most lamentable war to be, began to our utter esclavisshing and destruction for ever. And therefore, none other remedy could be had about this matter, but the making of an alliance and confederacy, betwixt all the said Provinces hereabout, and thereupon proceeded the pacification of Gaunt, which, after many deliberations and consultations about the same, was aswell by the Bishops, Divines, as also the Counsel of Estate, and others here about, approved, confirmed, and by a solemn o'th' openly sworn, not only by the Ecclesiastical, and Temporal, Estates, of these Low Countries, both generally and particularly, but also by Don John, whose office chief was, as one substituted to the government and good direction of the said low Countries, to see them to be kept in peace and tranquillity: But he contrariwise, hath in many points enfrenged the said pacification, and against his oath, many ways declared, himself not to be willing to stand thereto: So that, he a new began the foresaid war, which hath enforced us to stand for the conservation, and defence of our natural liberty, and jointly, again to take Arms upon us, being also thereby, and through other great extremities, whereunto the said war, the mother of all dissensions, and inconveniences, hath brought us, and against our wills and meanings, enforced us to do and suffer, many things, hurtful both to Religion, and also to his majesties obedience, being such things, as otherwise, we never once minded or thought on, and which at this present we are no way able to help, as often times before this war began, we have sufficiently showed and protested, aswell by our letters, as also by our Ambassadors, sent, both to his Majesty, and likewise to the said Don John, And although it were so, that we neither could nor would want any thing that might defend us, yet because the diversity of the Provinces, and men's opinions, do make little account hereof, it is to be doubted, that neither our will nor ability may any way remeady it, without we entre jointly into an other League, and an inviolable accord and union, but especially in respect of the Religion. For, seeing that not only by reason of the war, but also because of the mevitable haunting and conservation of the Merchants, and the rest of the Enhabitauntes of the Realms, and Countries near about, as France, England, Germany, and others, who have accepted of the pretended reformed Religion, which said Religion, many of the Countries here about have followed, and sticketh near their hearts: It is greatly to be feared, that if the exercise thereof be not by a loving accord and Religious, permitted, as well as the ancient Religion, taking example both by Germany and France, which by the like mean were brought to an unity, whereby they have lived in peace and prosperity, where before, thet could not abide one an other, but were still at mortal war, so that for want thereof ensued great dangers, shedding of blood, and many other inconveniences: by which, a mean shall more and more be laid open, and given to the enemy, for us that still remain in the Countries, where contrariwise, we alliing and confederating together in an amiable unity, may defend ourselves from all imment inconveniences, and fear. All which things, duly and truly considered, but especially the matter which the enemy lest feareth, which is, our uniting of ourselves together in the respect of Religion, and therefore will by all means possible, under colour thereof, keep us still at variance and dissension. And if it so fall out, that, by senister practises, subtle muentions, or forcibly, he enter into the Countries, he will neither spare Ecclesiastical person, Catholic, nor no man else. And where also, they of the reformed Religion, have been most instant suitors, and made many requests to have the free exercise hereof granted them, with and under such rule and order, as shall thereto appertain: we therefore, afore we had thoroughly considered of this point, not only with the Deputies of the general Estates, but also of the particular, and have heard the muides of the Estates of each Province, have, for their common quiet and benefit, ordained and appointed, and by these presents, do ordain, and appoint these Articles ensuing: which we have set down for the good, and union, of the Provinces here about: And are not to be altered, nor separated one from an other: Chief considering, that no man is enforced to change his Religionrno, yet accept of this liberty, if he think it not good.  
1 It is ordained, that all offences, and injuries which have been committed, sithence the said pacification of Gaunt, about the cause of Religion, shall be pardoned and forgotten, as though they had never been: In so much, that no man shall be accused, nor yet by Law sued, or otherwise, for any of them: neither shall there be any mention once made of them, upon pain of punishing the Transgressor's, as infringers and disturbers of the common quiet of the Countries.  
2 To the end, that according hereunto, in respect of the Religion (which can, neither by force of Arms be entertained, planted, nor suppressed) there arise no quarrel, nor dissension: It is established and ordained, that every man which is, of either of those two Religions, may be at his free choice so to use them, as that one of them give no occasion of offence to an other about the same, as they will auns●re it before God: but that every man, whether he be● Ecclesiastical or Temporal, shall live quietly with his own Religion, and serve God according to his understanding and knowledge, as he will answer at the dreadful day of Dome, at least so far forth, and till such time, as either party shallbe freely heard before a General or prounciall Counsel, and that therein, it be otherwise determined and concluded upon.  
3 To the end also, that the liberty of the Religion, be for either party ruled over with convenient and peaceable conditions to both their quietnesses and assueraunce: It is ordained, that the Catholic romish Religion, shall be redressed aswell in the Cities and places of Holland and Sealand, as also in all the r●st of the Cities and places hereabout, where it is banished, and there to ●e peaceable and freely exercised, without troubling or vexing of any of them, which shall desire to have it: so that there be not under an hundred households, either in City or Town, which have continually remained and dwelled there, at the least an whole year, and the same there abode, so to be certified, by the greater part of the common Enhabitauntes.  
4 And so may likewise, the said reform Religion be publicly exercised, in all the Cities and places hereabout, where there shall also be found the like number by the Enhabitauntes of the said Cities and places.  
5 Provided always, that they both of the one and of the other Religion, shall come before the Magistrate, where either of them shall respectively require the exercise of their interlaced Religion, who shall forth with appoint them meet places: To wit, there shall be appointed out for them of the romish Religion, both in Holland and Sealand, such Churches and chapels as shall be thought meet, for them, there to be had, and for want of such, they shall be appointed certain places, where they had been before time, and there the Catholics shall have full power to build up again, their ruined Churchee and chapels: And in the rest of the Provinces, they shall have such places, as the Magistrate shall assign them: howbeit, they shall be a good distance of, from the Churches of the Catholics, if it may possibly be brought so to pass, to the end there might no quarrels arise amongst them, by reason of their over near standing together, as commonly hath been seen come to pass.  
6 That every of them shall respectively according to the custom, observe, hear, and celebrate their divine Service, Sermons, Prayers, Sing, Baptize, administer the Supper, Bury, Marry, keep Schools, and whatsoever things else respectively appertaining to their Religion.  
7 If any of them shall privately exercise their Religion, the same person shall not be ferited nor troubled any manner of way, although it be done at home in his own house.  
8. We expressly forbid all those both of the one and other Religion, upon the pains aforesaid, of what estate, condition, or quality soever they are, not to trouble nor molest one the other, either in word or deed, in respect of their Religion, or in any thing depending thereon, nor yet give offence one to an other about the same.  
9 We will that every man abstain from going to the place, where any other Religion than his own is exercised, were it not for none other cause but to keep himself from giving of offence, and live according to the statutes and ordinances of those Churches whereof he is a member, upon the pain aforesaid.  
10 It shall be lawful for all Friars, Religious men, and all other Ecclesiastical persons, freely and without molestation, enjoy all his goods, tenths, and other rights.  
11 This shall not be hurtful to the Provinces of holland and Sealande, as concerning the goods of any Ecclesiastical person there, but shall live according to the 21. Article of the pacification of Gant, until such time as the general Estates shall have set some other order therein.  
12 For the avoiding of all quarrels, we forbid all slanderous Songs, Ballads, or other Libels, and infamous writings to be openly sung, and carried abroad, neither yet to have them to be printed, or sold, either by the one side or by the other.  
13 We forbid all Ministers, Readers, or others, which speak or preach publicly, of what Religion soever they be, to use any speeches or reasons, tending to dissension or breeding of troubles, but honestly and modestly behave themselves, speaking nothing but that which shall be to the edisiing of the Auditory, upon the pains aforesaid.  
14 We moreover, forbid upon the like pains, all Soldiers, of what Religion so ever they be, to bear about them any devices or toys, whereby they may provoke one an other to dissension and quarrelling.  
15 That they which are of thesay Religion, aswell in Holland and Sealande, as else where, shall be bound to observe all the laws and observances of the Catholic Church, about the making and contracting of Marriages, in respect of the degrees of Consanguinity and Affinity. Provided always, that as concerning Marriages already contracted in the third or fourth degree, they of the said Religion shall not be molested, nor the force of the said Marriage brought in question, ne yet the children borne in the said marriage, to be deprived of their succession and inheritance.  
16 Provided always, that no Spiritual affinity, shall any way hurtful to the marriages.  
17 Neither shall there be any more difference or distinction made, in the respect of Religion, for the entertaining of Scholars, sick, and poor persons, into any University, College, School, Hospital, Spittle, then into common Alms houses, or otherwise.  
18 That they of the Religion without holland and Sealande, shall be bound to observe all the holy days, which the Catholic romish Church hath appointed to be kept holy: To wit, all Sundays, Christmas day, the Feasts of the Apostles, the Annunciation, Assumption, and Purification of our Lady, and Corpus Christie day. Neither shall they work, sell, nor open their shops on those days.  
19 That upon those days wherein the said Church hath forbidden eating of flesh, no Butcher shall sell any of his wares, but every man, dutifully live according to the ordinance of each place.  
20 And for the better uniting and agreeing together of the subjects hereabout, we pronounce, that such both of the one Religion and the other, as are meet to bear office, shall hold, enjoy, and exercise all offices and Estates, aswell of justice as otherwise, without exacting of those of the reformed Religion, any other oath, than they are already sworn unto, nor yet to be bound to any other duties, but well and faithfully exercise their Estates and Offices, and observe the ordinances in this behalf made and agreed upon.  
21 And because the administration of Law and justice is the most principal mean, to keep Subjects in peace and concord: And yet the same, nevertheless, what through the diversity of Religions, and otherwise, is in many suppressed, to the great oppressing and wronging of Innocentes, and others which require the Law: For the better helping whereof, as also for the suppressing of all slanders, which at this day bear too too great a sway, all Magistrates and judges are forbidden from henceforth, to lay hold upon any private person, or to take any man, without the observation of these three accustomed means: To wit, the one, that the party be presently taken with the committing of the fault, or at the appointment of the judge, or else, where on the contrary party, the same is caused to be set down in writing.  
22 And the persons, which are by any of these three means taken, to be forthwith sent, and delivered up, into the power of their lawful judge, for to be examined upon the fact or facts and thereupon, the Law to be pronounced accordingly.  
23 But to the end, that all the evil humours of Commonweals, might be the better purged and expulsed, it shall be lawful for every man, although it touch not his own particular harm, to accuse an other whatsoever he be, so that it be done upon justice and due information, and before a lawful judge: and the said party complainant to be bound, that he shall within viii. days, or rather, according to the custom of the place shall afford, fiend for the party accused before the justice and afterward, with all diligence procead, either to condemning or acquiring, as shallbe thought, by good Law and justice be doen.  
24 Nevertheless, it shall not be lawful for any man, to slander one an other, or lightly, and without good ground accuse one an other, neither yet impair the good name and same of one an other, upon the pain above said.  
25 And for the due execution, as well of matters of life and death as civil, and the reasonable satisfing of every man: It is ordained, that all Laws and Magistrates of particular Cities, Castles, Towns, and Manors of all the Countries hereabout, shall be chosen to be such men as are best qualified, and lovers of their Country, without difference of Religion.  
26 Which Laws and Magistrates shall intermeddle themselves only, and altogether in the state of justice, Policy, or Government of those Cities and places where they are chosen.  
27 That no man shall herein, any way, hinder, trouble, or let them, nor by any means have to do with them, in any matter, or under any colour whatsoever.  
28 And seeing that in this behalf, there have of late new Magistrates been chosen, they which are called the eighteen, or others which are appointed in their steads, whether they be more, or fewer, shall fully and wholly be deposed, and forbidden to thrust themselves in about any dealings of the public affairs, nor yet with the fortefiing and guarding of any of the Cities, except they be especially chosen and deputed thereto by the said Magistrates.  
29 And as concerning this point, they may not set doime any order of importance, without they first talk thereof with those Magistrates of the Cities, where they are appointed to deal, and that, by their express appointment, upon the pains aforesaid.  
30 And to the cud, that this our ordinance might the better be observed: the Commissioners, and the rest of the Deputies, or such as have authority to choose new Magistrates, shall substitute four notable, virtuous, and well qualified persons, who upon all occasions, without exception, may, by virtue of their Office, make inquisition of the infringing and crossing of the said ordinance: and the same so made, to set it down in writing, and three of their hands at the least, to be at it, and immediately to be delivered up into the hands of the Magistrate, and he having taken a sommary knowledge thereof, to proceed against the transgressors with speedy execution, upon the pains aforesaid.  
31 Provided always, that the Office of the said notable and virtuous men, shall last but one year, and be new chosen and changed with the Magistrate.  
32 And by reason that the disobedience of certain Cities hereabout against their Magistrate, giveth occasion of great distrust, having partly even unto this present, hindered the permission of the liberty of the Religion, and that, without the sincerity of the said obedience, there can no good ground of any assueraunce be looked for: It is therefore enacted, ordained, and accorded, that not only all Magistrates, but also all others, of what estate, quality, or condition soever they are, shall from henceforth be bound to obey and follow, all the ordinances, Commissions, Letters, and Commandments, aswell of the said Archduke his highness, being Governor and Captain General, as also of the said Lords the general Estates, both for the levying, discharging, entertaining, and waging, of men of War and Garmsons, and shall also, according to the custom and manner of a Governor and Captain, receive, and pay out, all such sums of money as are mere for the maintenance of this present War, and generally for all things else.  
33 And all Prisoners without exception of any, of what quality or condition soever they be, and where soever they are kept, shall, forthwith be brought to the Law, before their ordinary judge: or for want hereof, to be released under such conditions, as for the Common wealth, the safety both of themselves and Country, shall be thought convement, upon pain that the offenders both in general and particular, shall be left to themselves, as enemies and disturbers of the Common wealth, and their goods to be bestowed upon the necessity of the rest in general.  
34 Provided always, that if so be any reasonable causes, may be showed, why men should not forthwith be bound to obey the aforesaid ordinances, Letters, and Commandments, that then the execution of them to be deferred (in case the matter be able to abide any delay) until such time, as upon the receipt of a gentle and reverend answer back again, some other order be taken therein.  
35 And the same second ordinance and Commandment, every man shall be bound to obey, without further repliing or delay.  
36 All this to be done, without hurt to the Privileged, and laudable Customs, or Orders of every of the said Provinces, which are still in their full force and strength, notwithstanding this ordinance, by which, we mean not, any way to derogate, from the said Privileges.  
Always reserving to his highness, and the general Estates, and to either of them, the interpretation, declaration, diminution, augmentation, or change of this ordinance, and every part and parcel of the same, as to the welfare and peace of the Country, hereafter shall be found to appertain.  
And for a full confirmation and assurance of all that hath been before said, the high and mighty Princes, willingly, and in good earnest, have comprised themselves within this treaty, which Princes, and either of them, have, as a warrant and pledge of their fidelity, as well on the one part as the other, and for a full accomplishment, and settled observation, of whatsoever hath been abovesaid, promised and sworn in the words of a Prince, and by the faith and Religion which they received at their Baptism, to defend, warrant, & make restitution, both on the one side and on the other, unto him whosoever he be, that shall find himself hereafter to be endamaged, in what manner soever, either in part or in all, by the breaking or crossing of that which heretofore hath been said. And will also, if it be possible, singularly protect the Prelates, and all other Ecclesiastical persons, so that they shall not any way be molested or troubled, either in their persons, exercises of their said Religion, neither yet in the peaceable possessing and entoiing either of their Tithes, or whatsocuer goods and possessions else.  
And this, is both by the Counsel of Estate, and also of the general Estates of the Countries hereabout, assembled at Antwerp, devised and decreed the 12. of july 1578.  
After the publication of this peace of the Religion, 
Public preaching throughout all the towe Cowtreis'.  the reformed Religion was publicly used in many Cities of the low Countries, but especially at Leeward in Friselande, was the first Sermon, that was openly preached, the 13 of August 1578 in the jacopines Church, even by the consent of the Friars themselves, that were owners of the said Church.  
The Cities of Quesnoy and Landercy, which the Estates had promised to Monsieur Duke of anjou, would not receive in, the French, but refused them. And thereupon the Abbot of Marolles was sent, to see if he could cause them to grant unto it, howbeit it was to no purpose: And therefore the said Duke required to have some other places.  
The Emperor being grieved, in weighing and considering of the misery and war hereabout, sent the Count of Swertsenbergh to the Estates, offering them, if it were possible, to agree them with their king, and to be an intercessor for them: yea, and promised further, all the aid and service he was able to make and do for that purpose. 
The Emperor, the French king, and the Queen of England, send their ambassadors to the Estates.  The French king also by Monsieur de Ballenre, and the Queen of England, by the Lord Cobham, and Master Secretary Walsingham, one of her majesties privy Counsel, being sent all at one time to his highness, to Monsieur the Prince, and to the Estates, made the same declaration and offer, which was, to go to Don John, to hear him speak of that, which they pretended to get of him: which thing they did, and so took their journey towards him, carrying with them, the Articles of the Estates, and they were all so forward in their business, as that the Deputies on either side met at Louvain. And as they had brought the matter to a jolly forwardness, the king wrote to Don John to leave of that matter, and put it into the emperors hands: Whereupon, every man returned from whence he came, without any forwardness or conclusion of the thing. And this matter begun to be treated of in the latter end of August, and ended in the beginning of September 1578.  
Duke Casunere having rested himself for a time, 
Casimere coineth himself with the Camp of the Estates.  in the Country of Zurphen, about the mustering of his men, to wit, seven. thousand footmen, whereof four thousand, were French shot, and six thousand horse, arrived in Brabande, and joined himself with the Estates the 26. of August.  
Certain Prelates, and Gentlemen of the Country of Groenyng, who were kept in prison in Groening, seeing, that they could not be released by any of the chief Lords letters, to wit, neither by his highuesse excellency, and Estates, neither yet by the Commissioners, which were expressly sent thither, found the mean to make an escape, and the 17. 
Certain prisoners escape from Groenpng.  of September, they by a devise, got away, saving three Prelates, and three gentlemen, who durst not put it in such an adventure, because they feared to be surprised in their departure. For, there was great partiality between the City of Groenyng, and the Country men, by reason of certain Rights and Privileges which was the cause that they were taken prisoners. They called also to remembrance, that the Nobility had heretofore armed themselves against the City, and had levied and gotten together men of war, whom, the citizens of Groening, drove out of the Castle of Coverden, and took Bartholmewe Eyents their Captain prisoner, who was afterward released.  
So soon as the force of Monsire the Duke of anjou, 
Bins' taken by the Duke of anjou.  was gotten into the Countries, he besieged the City of Bins, which, being well battered with ten Canons, and six Serpentines, rendered the 7. of October, at the discretion of the said Duke, who pardoning the Soldiers, put his own people in Garnison.  
The first of October, 
The death of Don Ihon.  Don John died of the Pestilence in his Camp which lay hard by Namure, in whose stead, came Alexandra the Prince of Parma, unto whom, the whole Camp swore their obedience and fidelity 1578.  
The 15. of October, the year aforesaid, at Leeward in Friesland, in the Church called Niewenhove, and in the franciscans Church, were all the Images broken in pieces, which were afterward restored by the Letters of the Liutenaunt the Count Rennenberge.  
The 17. of October 1578. the Magistrate of Arras, 
The Magistrate of Arras, clapped in prison.  was by some of the Citizens, and with the help of Captain Ambrose, and his people, taken and kept in the Town house, which came by reason of a certain Rumour that was there sown abroad, that he had received certain intelligeuce from the Enemy. How beit, the 21. of the said month, the people delivered him: and some others were clapped up in prison, part of which were afterward executed, and part banished.  
Now, 
The original of the Malcontents  when the Gantois had driven out all their Church men, and broken down all the Images in their Churches, because that Don Ihou and his Adherentes had broken the pacification of Gaunt: certain Wallon Ensigns, under colour of their pay, and the restoring of Gaunt unto the romish Religion, she wed themselves malcontents, willing that the Ecclesiastical persons should be restored to the possession of their goods, and that the Prisoners which were kept in Gaunt, from the 20. 
Montigni taketh Menin.  of October 1577. should be released: Whereupon also, they took the City of Menin: who, after they had therein fortified themselves, and their number increased, their Chieftain the Lord Montigni and they together, began to make open war upon Gaunt, for the reasons aforesaid: But Duke Casimere being sent for, came with certain Bands of Boyters to the aid of Gaunt, without making the Estates privy thereto.  
The Almains that were besieged in the City of Deventer, 
Deventer besieged and rendered.  stood to the defence thereof, so long as was possible: yea even unto the 20. of November, and until such time, as that Count Rennenberge Baron de Ville, had three whole days together lain beating at it with the force of the Canon, by which mean they were constrained to render it upon Composition, as they of Campen had done before.  
Master Saint Aldegonde, and soon after him, certain others were sent to Gaunt, to decide the quarrel between them and the Walloons: howbeit, they found those matters grown to such a point, and the parties so well fleshed, as that men judged, it to be most necessary for the Prince to go thither, 
The Prince of Orange, goeth to Gaunt.  for the appaising of them, who, to that end took his journey the 24. of November 1578.  
The first of December, the year aforesaid, the Count Swertsenbergh the Emperor his Ambassador, was sent again to the Estates, with the advise of the Emperor, and of the Electors, about the last treaty of peace, and thereupon demanded an answer from the Estates, with the which, he was forthwith changed, and all, by reason of the great affection which he had, about the suppressing of this war, and the restoring of this miserable low Countries to unity and peace, with the Prince of Parma.  
The 21. 
The death of the Count Bossu.  of this month, the Lord Maximilian, Count Bossu Captain general of the Camp for the Estates, Lord great Master of his highness household, and a counsellor of the Estate, died in Antwerp, of an hot buruing Fever, to the great sorrow and grief, not only of all the Soldiers, but also of all the Lords of the Countries, and people in general.  
The 25. of December, Mousire the Duke of anjou, 
The Duke of anjou, returneth in to France.  defender of the liberty of the low Countries, sent, by Master Dampmartin unto the Estates, what the cause was, of his returning into France, and of the forsaking of the low Countries, and amongst other things, he wrote unto them, of the loving request of the King his Brother: by reason of an uproar that arose in France: So that hereby, some body had persuaded the people, that his presence was an hindrance to the general peace of the low Countries, and beside, that he went about none other thing, but to make himself Lord and Master of all the Cities hereabout: which his dealing, he forsooth, would aswell as he could, needs excuse: saying, that it was utterly untrue, and his reason was, because that at his departure, he rendered up all things into the hands of the Estates: further offering, that wheresoever he became, he would always remain their good friend: and so taking his leave, required, that they would in regard hereof, be mindful of the great charges he had been at, for the aiding of them, leaving with the said Estates, Master Pruneaux, as his Ambassador lydger.  
The Estates, greatly marueiling, 
The Estates send thanks to the Duke of Antowe  at this his so sudden and unlooked for departure, dispatched Seigmour Froymont, and Gyles Martin a Doctor of the Civil Law, and Secretary of the City of Antwerp towards the said Duke, to declare unto him, how greatly they had weighed and considered of his departure, beseeching him to take such a course, as that he might still remain hereabout, and acknowledging the benefits, which they had received by him, offered him all their service, with promise of such satisfaction and contentation, as was meet for one in so high a calling.  
Now, the Prince of Orange had so well and wisely handled his matters at the City of Gaunt, as that the peace of the Religion, was there proclaimed, the 27. of December 1578. and with all, certain other Articles, concerning the Ceremonies of the romish Religion.  
The 29. of january 1579. The Estates of holland and Sealande, Vtright, Gelderlande, Friselande, and the rest of the Provinces wisely considering, that the Enemy went about, to dismember the Provinces, as hereafter you shall hear, and that the malcontents were very forward in the suppressing of those of the reformed Religion, fell to a conclusion of a far better union at Vtright, the tenure whereof, hereafter ensueth.  

We having by woeful and lamentable experience found out, 
The union of Vtright.  that since the pacification of Gaunt (by which all the Provinces of the Low Countries, sufficiently bound themselves, to aid one an other, both with their bodies and goods, for the driving out of these Countries, the spaniards, and other Foreign nations, with all their adherentes) the spaniards, with Don John of ostrich, and the rest of their Chieftains, and Captains, have hunted, and still by all means possible do daily hunt after the said Provinces, aswell wholly as in part, for the bringing of them under their subjection, tyrannical government, and sclaucrie: And both by arms and practises to dismember thesay Provinces, and make the union, which was made sithence thesay Pacification, of none effect, to the utter ruin and desolation of thesay Countries, which we in deed have found, not long sithence, by their perseverance in their said purposes, through the soliciting of certain Cities and places, by their letters, as, the Country of Geldrelande, and the surprising of others by Arms: And therefore all they of the Duchy of Geldrelande, and of the Country of Zurphen, and all they of the Counties of holland and Sealande, Vtright, and the Countries about Friselande, being between the River of Eems and Lauwers, have thought it both good and profitable, to bind and unite themselves together more nearly, and particularly, not that they mean to cut themselves of from thesay general union that was made by the Pacification of Gaunt: but to be thereby a great deal the stronger, and provide against all inconveniences whereunto they might fall, through the Stratagems, enterprises, or force of the Enemy, and understand how and in what sort, the aforesaid Provinces might behove themselves in such occurraunces, and so defend themselves against the power of the Enemy: And for the avoiding of a further separation of the said Provinces, and the particular members of the same, leaving still the said general union and Pacification of Gaunt in full strength and virtue, are according thereunto, by the Deputies of the said Provinces, fully by theirs respectively authorized to the same, agreed and concluded upon the points and articles ensuing, not meaning thereby, whatsoever shall otherwise fall out, to separate themselves from the holy romish Empire.  
1 And first it is agreed and concluded upon, that the said Provinces, shall bind, confederate, and unite them sclues together, and by these prefentes do bind, confederate, and unite themselves for ever, to hold together, every manner of way, as if they were but one only Province, without also, for ever to separate, divide, or cut of themselves one from an other, either by will, grant, alteration, contract, treaty of peace, or of marriage, nor yet for any other occasion whatsoever that might happen, and to uphold and maintaives, the Prluiledges, franchises, Exemptions, Laws, Statutes, laudable and ancient Customs, Usances, and whatsoever either especial or particular Rights, of every Province, particular Cities, and all the members and enhabitawtes of the same: and none of them to hurt and hinder one an other, but rather aid and help one an other by all the means possible they can, yea) if need be) maintain, confirm, strengthen, guard and defend one an other, both with their bodies and goods, against all and every person and persons, whether it be man or woman, which shall go about, in deed, any way to infringe them: Provided always, that the controsies that are, or hereafter may be, between some of the said Provinces, members, or Cities of this union: as touching their particular and special Privileges, franchises, Exemptions, Laws, Statutes, Laudabse, and ancient Customs, Usances and other rights, shallbe decided by the ordinary course of law, arbitrement, or friendly agreement, and none of the other Countries and Provinces, Cities or members of any of them (so long as either party is contented to submit himself to the law) once to have to do with them, without it shallbe their pleasures, to go friendly between them, for the making of a loving and peaceable accord.  
2 Item, for the conforming and accomplishing of the said union and confederacy, the said Provinces shallbe bound, to aid one an other, both with their bodies, goods, and blood, against all the force and violence that any way may be offered them, under the colour and name of his Majesty, or in his behalf, whether it be by reason of the Pacification made at Gant, or because they took arms upon them against Don John of Ostrich, received Archduke Mathias for their governor, and whatsoever dependeth, or hath fallen, or shall fall out, thereon, although it should be under colour only, of re-establishing, restoring, or bringing in again, of the Catholic Romish Religion, or of any innovations or alterations, which have happened in some of the said Provinces, Cities, or members of the same, sithence the year 1558. either yet by reason of this present vuion and confederacy, or such like occasions, and the case, to be all a like, in using the said forces and violences, against one of the said Provinces, Estates, Cities, or any one only member of the same, as if they used them against all the rest in general.  
3 And the Provinces aforesaid, shall in like manner be bound, to assist, aid, and defend one an other, against all Lords, Dukes, or Princes, Countries, Provinces, Cities, or the members of them, who generally or particularly would use any force, violence, or wrong against them, or yet make war upon them: always provided, that the general assistance of this union, shall upon good understanding and knowledge, and according to the necessity of the cause, be decreed.  
4 And for the better assurance and safety of the said Provinces, Cities, and members of them, against all power, the frontier Cities, and all the rest also, in whatsoever Province they are, if it shall be so thought necessary, shall by the advise and appointment of these united Provinces, be fortesied and doubt strengthened, at the costs and charges of those Cities and Provinces, wherein they are situate, and therein be generally assisted, of the one moiety: safe, that it shallbe lawful for the said Provinces, if they think it good and profitable, to plant, certain new forts, and Fortresses, or if any be there already, to change or pull them down, and the necessary charges of the same, to be borne by all the Provinces in general.  
5 And for providing of the necessary charges (in the cases aforesaid) for the defence of the said Provinces, it is agreed upon that there shallbe continually in a readiness, for the common defence of the said Provinces, certain impositions imposed, and commonly at the farthest, from three months to three months, or at some other fit times, to be gathered throughout all the united Provinces, Cities, and members of the same, upon all kinds of Wines, Bear, Brewed either within, or without them, grinding of all kind of Corn, Salt, Cloth of Gold and Silver, Silks, and Wool, Oxen, and Kine, Corn ground, all kind of flesh meat that is killed, Horses, Oxen sold, or chopped and changed, all things sold by weight, and all other things else that may hereafter be found, by common advise and consent to be good, and according to the ordinance, which shall hereon be devised and made: and shall employ the revenues of his majesties Demeines, the charges of the same being deducted, to that use.  
6 Which impositions shall by a common advise be raised and abased, as in that behalf and in those cases shall be thought needful, and be only employed for the common defence, and so far forth as they in general, shall therein be bound to bear, and yet not so fully and wholly to be employed thereon, as that the said impositions, may not be converted to some other necessary uses.  
7 That the said Frontier Cities, and all the rest also, if need be, shall at all times be bound, to receive into them, such a garrison as the said united Provinces shall think good of, and beside, if any Governor of the Provinces, shall by his own advise, appoint any Garrison to be thrust in into any of them, they shall in no wise refuse the same: Provided always, that the said united Provinces, shall pay the said Garrisons their wages: And that all Captains and Soldiers, over and beside their general oath, shallbe particularly sworn, to the City or Cities and Provinces wherein they shallbe placed, and this point also, for this end and purpose, shallbe put in amongs the rest of their Articles: That such order & discipline, shallbe kept amongst the Soldiers, as that the Citizens and Enhabitauntes of the Cities and Country, aswell Ecclesiastical, as Temporal, shall not hereby be vexed, nor injuried: neither shall the said Garrisons, be any more exempt from the Assizes and Impostes, than the Citizens and Enhabitauntes of the place, where they shallbe placed: and beside there shall in general be given unto the said Citizens and Enhabitauntes, money for the soldiers lodgings, even as it hath unto this present been used, throughout all holland.  
8 And for the more assured aiding, and maintenance of the Countries at all time and times, all the Enhabitauntes of every of these Provinces, Cities, and upland Countries, thus united, being between 18. and 60. years of age, shall within one month at the farthest, after the date of these presents, be enrolled and mustered, to the end, that the number of the poles being known, there might be some further order taken, after the first assemble of these confederates, as shall seem most meet, for their better defence and savetic of these united Provinces.  
9 Neither shall there be any agreement of truce or peace, no, nor yet any War taken in hand, nor any impositions or contributions imposed, touching this general League, but by the common advise and consent of the said Provinces. Nevertheless, as concerning the government of this confederacy in other things, and which may fall out, and ensue thereon, every man shall live and be governed, accordingly as shall be advised and concluded upon, by the greater number of the voices of the Provinces comprised within this League, which shallbe gathered together, even as it hath been wonted generally to be used of the Estates unto this day, that by way of toleration, until such time as by the common advise of these confederates, there be other provision therein made: safe that if it so fall out, that the Provinces in matters of truce, peace, war, or contribution, can not agree together, the controversy, shall by way of toleration, be referred and set over, unto the lords lieutenants of the said Provinces, being at this present united together, who shall deal indifferently about the controversy between the said parties, or else pronounce therein accordingly, as they shall find appertain, to the equity of the cause. Provided always, that if the lords lieutenants can not herein make them agree, that then they shall take and join unto them such indifferent assistants, as they shall think good: and the parties shall be bound, to stand to such order, as shall be by the said Lords lieutenants accordingly set down, in manner and form as before hath been said.  
10 That none of the said Provinces, Cities, or any of their Members, shall make any Confederacy or League, with any Potentates, or their near Neighbours, without the consent of the rest of the united and confedered Provinces.  
11 It is agreed and accorded, that if any Provinces, Potentates, Countries, or Cities near adjoining, will unite themselves with the said Provinces, and yield unto this confederacy, that they shall be received into it by the advise and consent of these Provinces,  
12 That the said Provinces shall be bound to be conformable to the currauntnesse of the Coin, and course of the Money, according to the content of such ordinances, as at the first were thereon made and ordained: which Coins, the one without the other may not be changed.  
13 And as for the matter of Religion: the Hollanders and Zealanders shall use their religion, as to them shall seem good: And the rest of the Provinces of this union, shall frame themselves to live, according to the content of the peace of the Religiou, which hath already been devised and set forth, by Archduke Mathias, Governor and Captain general of these low Countries, and his counsel, and also by the advise and counsel of the General Estates, or else set such an order herein, either generally or particularly, which they shall think to be most meet for the quiet and benefit, of the Provinces, Cities, and every particular Member of them, and as shall appertain to the conservation, of the goods and inheritances, of either, Ecclesiastical or Temporal person or persons whatsoever: without this, that there may be by some other Province, some obstacke or stay made: seeing that every private person, is at his own choice to have his Religion free to himself: Neither shall any one find fault or trouble one an other, for his Religion's sake, but rest only upon that point, of the pacification made at Gant.  
14 All Religious houses and Ecclesiastical persons, shall (according to the pacification) enjoy their goods and possessions, which were mutually placed in any of these united Provinces: And therefore, seeing that certain Ecclesiastical persons of the Provinces, who, during the wars, between the Countries of holland and Zealand, against the spaniards, were under the jurisdiction of the said Spany ardes, and forsook their Monasteries or Colleges, under the jurisdiction of the Hollanders and Sealanders, there shall be a sufficient living provided for them during their life: and so shall also the like provision be made for all such as withdrew themselves out of holland and Sealande, into certain other Provinces of this union, where they as yet still remain.  
15 And they also, which are or have been professed in any of the Monasteries, or Ecclesiastical Colleges, of these Low Countries, and which either by reason of the Religion, or upon any other reasonable occasion, will forsake, or that have already forsaken them, a sufficient portion to live withal shall be taken out of the revenues of their Covent or Colleges, during their life time, so far forth as the quality of their goods and possessions will extend. Always provided, that whosoever, after the date of these presents, shall enter into any of the Monasteries, and afterward forsake them, shall have no relief out of them: but may for their benefit and relief withdraw them selves to the place whether they carried them. And that they likewise which presently are, or hereafter shall be in any Covent or Colleges, shall be at free choice, to use their Religion, and apparel also: safe, that in all other things, they shall be obedient to the Prior of the Covent.  
16 And if it shall so fall out (which thing God forbidden) that any intended mischief, dissension, or discord shall arise between the said Provinces, whereof they will not be aknowne one to an other, that then the said mischief, in case it concern any of the Provinces in particular, shall be suppressed and decided, by the rest of the Provinces, or by them, who in that behalf shallbe thereto deputed: But if the matter concern all the Provinces in general, that then it shall be decided by the lieutenants of the Provinces, according to the manner and form of the 19 Article heretofore mentioned, who shall be bound to yield to either party his right, or else agree thereon within one month (or else sooner, if the necessity of the matter so requireth) after it hath been called upon, or required to that end, either by the one party or th' other: and whatsoever shallbe pronounced by the rest of the said Provinces, or their Deputies, or by the said Lords lieutenants, shall be observed and followed, without any further provocation, or toleration of Law, therein, whether it be by appeal, relief, revysion, adnichilation, or any other quarrels whatsoever, which any way might be required or used.  
17 That the said Provinces, Cities, and the Members of them, shall have great regard, how they offer any occasion of War, to Princes, Potentates, foreign Countries, or Cities. And therefore, for the avoiding of all such occasions, the said Provinces, Cities, and every Member of them, shall be bound to administer true law and justice, aswell to Strangers, as to the Enhabitauntes of the said Provinces: and if any default be herein found, to be in any of them, the rest of the confederates shall procure by all just and true means, to find it out that it is so, and all such abuses, whereby any such thing might be made frustrate, and law neglected, shall be corrected, and reform, according to the laws and abilities of the Privileges, and the laudable ancient customs of every of them.  
18 Neither shall any one of the united Provinces, Cities, or any Member of them, raise, to the charge and hurt of one an other, and without common consent, any impositions, pressed money, nor any such like charges, neither yet charge or burden any of these confederates, more than they would their own Enhabitauntes.  
19 And to the end that all occurraunces and controversies, might be well provided for, and looked unto: The confede red Princes shallbe bound, at his sending for, who shall thereto be authorized, to appease if it were possible at Vtright, at such a day as the same shallbe sent for, about those things and cointroversies aforesaid, which shallbe expressed in the letters missives, neither must the matter, by common advise and consent, be kept secret, nor yet be determined and resolved on, by the plurality of voices, in manner as aforesaid, although there should not some appear there, by which event, the rest which did appear might also very well proceed, & conclude upon whatsoever they should find, might tend to the Commonwealth of these united Countries & Provinces: And that whatsoever they shall conclude upon, shall likewise be observed by those which appeared not: Except the matters were of such great weight, as that they might abide to be delayed, in which case, they that appear not, might be sent for at some other time, to appear at some other certain appointed day, upon pain of losing their voice for that time, and that whatsoever shall be concluded upon by those which are there present, to stand in full power and virtue, notwithstanding the absence of all the rest of the Provinces, saving that, that the same Province which cannot well and conveniently appear, may send their opinion in writing, and thereupon, such a regard to be had in the collection, as appertaineth.  
20 To this end also, all and every of the said confedered Provinces shallbe bound, to write all those things, which shall fall out and occur amongst them, and whereon they shall think either the public welfare, or overthrow, of the united and confedered Provinces, doth depend, to such as are in authority that may command to send, that by him, the rest of the Provinces in this behalf, might be sent for, in manner as aforesaid.  
21 And if herein, any obscurity or doubt is to be found, whereon any question or dispute might arise, that then the Provinces confedered, to have the interpretation of the true meaning thereof, who by a common advise and consent, shall hereon ordain, as they shall think most meet, and pertinent. But if so be, they are not able to agree hereupon, that then they shall have recourse unto the lords lieutenants of the Provinces, in form as aforesaid.  
22 Likewise, if so be that it were thought to be a thing necessary, either to augment, or alter the Articles of this union, confederacy, or league, in any the points or Articles, that then the same also to be done by the common advise and consent, of the said Provinces confedered, and not otherwise.  
23 All which Points and Articles, and every of them in particular, the said Provinces have promised, and by these presents do promise, to observe and follow, cause to be observed and followed, without crossing, or causing them to be crossed, neither yet suffer them directly, or indirectly to be crossed, in any manner whatsoever. And if so be, that any thing be by any one of them, done or attempted to the contrary, they pronounce the same to be nothing, nor of any valour, and herein bind themselves, and all the enhabitauntes of their Provinces: and respectively all the Cities, and every member of them, and also, all persons and goods, and that all those whatsoever, which any way should go about the crossing of the observation of these presents, and whatsoever dependeth thereon, might be arrested, and troubled in all places, and before all Magistrates, judges, and justices, where soever they shall be found or taken: And for this cause might cast of all Exceptions, Graces, Pri●ledges, Relevementes, and generally all other benefits of Laws, which any wait might serve their turns contrary hereunto, and especially against the Law, saying, that a general forsaking, or casting of, taketh no place, where an especial goeth not before.  
24 And for the greater confirmation hereof, the lords Liutenauntes of the said Provinces which now are, or hereafter shall be, together all Magistrates and chief Officers of every Province, City, or any member of them, shall be bound to promiss to observe, and keep, and cause to be observed and kept, this union, and confederacy, and every Article thereof in particular.  
25 All sworn-men, Brotherhoods, & Collegiannes' likewise, who are resiant within any of the Cities, or places of this union, aught by oath to promiss, to observe and keep them,  
26 And hereupon, shall letters be made in due form, which by the lords lieutenants, and principal members, and Cities of the Provinces, especially required by the rest, be sealed, and by their Secretary respectively subscribed.   
These points and articles aforesaid, 
A subscribing of the union of Vtright by the Lords and Deputies of the Cities.  are subscribed by the Deputies of Geldreland, & the Count of Zurphen, and namely, by my Lord John Count of Nassou, Lieutenant of the said Countries, for himself, and with the rest of the Substitutes, in the name of the common order of Knighthood of the said Duchy of Geldrelande, and County of Zurphen, together with the Deputies of holland, Sealande, Vtright, and the Countries near round about outright assembled, and authorized, as above said: finally stayed, and concluded upon: And thesay Deputies of the Countries of Geldrelande, and County of Zurphen, for a larger declaration of the Barons, of the great and small Cities, and of the said Duchy and County, have taken a further & longer day, unto the 9 of February next coming, in the City of Vtright, with the Commissioners of the Estates there. And this was done at Vtright the 13. of january 1579. And for the greater assurance amongst the rest, was subscribed underneath the signature of Mounsieur the Lieutenant abovesaid, and the said Deputies, John Graeffzu Nassou Catzenellebogh etc. And on the behalf of the knights of the Duchy of Geldrelande, and County of Zurphen, Alexandre de Telight, Giles Piec, joachim de Liere, Alexandre Bentink. On the behalf of the Hollanders. G. Poelgeest. P. bush, Rene Cant. On the behalf of the Estates of Sealande, William Roesius, Nieholas Blankis, Peter le rich jasper Vospergen. On the behalf of the Estates of Vtright, Ausonius de Galama, By the commandment of the Chapter Scorus, james Verbaer, vicedeane of S. Peter's: Of the Chaplers Mandate. Adrian de Suylen, Lambert de Bourgh. By the commandment of the Chapter: F. de Wyen Eng. Reignold de Azewyne, Bartholomewe de la wael, Nicholas de la Zuylon. A. D. Leyden, Lubert de Cleves. On the behalf of the Estates of the Countries near round about, Egbert Clants, E. jerges.  
As certain seemed to make some difficulty upon the 13. Article of this union, and so stayed, the 13. of this month, amongst the Deputies of the Countries of Geldrelande and Zurphen, holland, Sealande, Vtright, and the Countries near about, between Eems and Leuwers, as if they had meant to receive none into the said union, but such as would suffer the peace of the Religion, devised by the archduke of of ostrich, and his Counsel, with the advise of the general Estates, or at the least, which of the two Religions, to wit, the romish Catholic, and the reformed: And therefore for this cause have the said Deputies, which are to deal in this union, and establishing of the same, for the avoiding of all intended mischief and mistrust, meant hereby to declare, that they never yet endended, nor at this time do intend, to bar any Cities or Provinces, who will only stand to the romish Catholic Religion, from the said union and league, and where the number of the Enhabitauntes of the said reform Religion is not great, yet that they may by virtue of the said peace of Religion, enjoy the exercise of the reformed Religion: And yet they shall, notwithstanding the same, be ready to receive into this union, all such Cities and Provinces, which will only stand to the said romish Religion, so that they will be bound to all the rest of the points and Articles of the said union, and behave themselves as good defenders of their Countries, seeing there is none other meaning, but that one Province or City, should not deal and contend against an other in the cause of Religion, and that to be done, for the better holding of the peace and concord, amongst the Provinces, and the avoiding and cutting of the principallest occasions, which might cause diffention and discord, Given at Vtright the first of February 1579.  
An Amplification of the 15. Article.  
Where in the 15. Article here above rehearsed, a Proviso is made and set done, for the relieving of some Ecclesiastical persons, who had lived and been brought up, in certain Monasteries and Colleges, and by reason of the Religion forsook them, and may hereafter also forsake them, and because of the same, it is to be feared, that some suits and controversies may grow, and which they know well enough, to be already on foot, because such persons will pretend a right, in the succession of the goods and possessions of their Parents, Brethren, Sisters, and the rest of their kinsmen and affinity, which are by their deaths left unto them, or yet to be left, and also those whom they had in their life time, under the title of Gift changed, or else certain others might be altered, changed, and alienated, or after their deaths be assured: For this cause, the said Provinces confedered, for the preventing of the said suits and controversies, which thereon might arise, have thought good to suspend and surcease all the suits instituted, or hereafter to be instituted, by reason of the cause aforesaid, until such time, as the said confedered Provinces and the rest, which in this union and league, may hereafter join together, be otherwise, in this behalf (and that by the authority of the Magistrate also, if need be) ordained and declared.  
Given also by the faied Deputies, the first of February, 1579. and subscribed Lantzweerrot.  
The 4. of February 1579. appeared in the assembly of the said Deputies at Vtright, the Deputies of Gaunt hereafter underwritten, who said, that after they had seen and perused the points and Articles of the said union, and that by virtue thereof, had long before been needful, and by them thought to be good, & by virtue of their letters of trust, their especial procuration and instruction, dated the 27. of january 1579. had allowed and ratified them, promising with the rest of the confedered Provinces, to keep, observe, and follow the said Articles, and every point and tittle of them. In witness whereof, the said Drputies have here underneath set to their hands, the day, month, and year aforesaid. And in the behalf of the Gantois was subscribed, Adolf de Grutere, Levyn Tayart, Christofer de la Becque, and Lucas Mayart.  
The 5. of March 1579. appeared in the assembly of the said Deputies at Vtright, the Deputies of the ordinary knighthood in Nymegue quarter, and those also of the City of Nymegue, who declared, that they had seen and perused the points, and Articles of the said Union, and whatsoever else, by virtue thereof, is further needful and thought to be good and necessary: whereupon, by virtue of their instruction, they have sealed them with the privy signet of their said City of Nymegue, dated the 12. of February 1579. and by these presents allowed and ratified the same &c: Promising with the rest of the confedered Provinces, to keep, observe, and follow, all those points, and every part and parcel of them in particular: In witness whereof, the said Deputies, together with the ordinary knight hood of the City and quarter of Nymegue, have hereunto set to their own hands, the day, month, and year aforesaid. And subscribed, Giles Piec, John Kelsken, Arnold de Seller, Thierry Fleming, Lambert Ihonson, John de Hans.  
The 9 of March, appeared in the assembly of the said Deputies of the united Provinces, the ordinary knighthood in the quarters of Arnhem, who declared, that they had seen and perused the points and Articles of the said Union, and whatsoever else, by virtue thereof, was further needful, and thought to be good, and the same, by virtue of their letters of trust, dated the 18 of February, and according to certain instruction, dated the 16 of the same month 1579. both sealed with the secret signet of the City of Arnhem, have by these presents, after long and ripe consideration, allowed and ratified, and the same do also allow &c: Promising upon the condition as aforesaid, to keep, observe, and follow them, and every part and parcel of them in particular: In witness whereof, the said Deputies of the Court of the ordinary knighthood, in Arnhem quarter, have underneath set to their hand, the day, month, and year abovesaid: And subscribed, Alexandre Bentincq.  
The 13. of March 1579. appeared in the assembly of the said Deputies of the united Provinces, assembled at Vtright, the Deputies of Leewarden, Sneecq, Franiquer, and of certain places called Grietmen, and Grietenien, with certain particular Gentlemen of Friselande, whose names are set down in their procuration: Who said, that they had seen and perused, the points and articles of the said Union, and whatsoever else, by virtue of them, was further needful, and which they thought to be right good: who, by virtue of their procuration, dated the 12. of March 1579. had allowed, approved, & ratified, & by these presents did also allow, approve, and ratify them: promising with the rest of the confedered Provinces, to keep, observe, and follow those points, and every part and parcel of them in particular: In witness whereof, the said Deputies of the said Cities of Leewarden, Sneecque, Franiquer, and of certain places called Grietmen and Grietenien, with certain particular Gentlemen of Friselande, have here underneath set to their hands, the day, month, and year aforesaid, and subscribed, B. Idzaerde, lelle Sibess.  
The 11. of April 1579. appeared in the assembly of the said Deputies of the United Provinces at outright assembled, the Deputies of the City of Venlo, namely Gerard de Loha, Harman de Laet Cornelissen, Sheriffs, james Goris a Counsellor, and John de Groot, as ordinary Deputies for the same place Who there said, that they had seen and perused the points and Articles of the said Union, and whatsoever, by virtue thereof, was further needful, they thought to be good, and had allowed approved, and ratified, & by these presents, did allow, approve, and ratify them to be such, by virtue of their instruction, dated the 3. of April 1679: Promising with the rest of the confedered Provinces, to keep, observe, & follow them, and every part and parcel of them in particular: In witness whereof, the said Deputies of the said City of Venlo, have here underneath set to their hands, the day, month, and year abovesaid: And subscribed Girard de Lohn, Herman de Laet Cornelissen, james Goris, Ibon de nn.  
Where his Excellency, for the conservation and maintenance of the Common weal, the Laws, and franchises of the low Countries, thought it always very profitable and necessary, that all good amity, union, and concord, between the Provinces of the said Countries, Cities, and particular members of the same, was to be kept, whereby, the common Enemy, might with greater force, common power, and mutual assistance, be not only resisted and repulsed: But also to cut of all means of sowing and procuring any intended unschiefe or dissentiou, amongst the same Provinces, Cities, or their members, aswell by reason of the difference that is in Religion, as otherwise: and therefore his Excellency having seen, a certame Union and League made and established at Vtright, in january last paste, between the right honourable, Count John of Nassou, Lieutenant of the Duchy of Geldrelande, and County of Zurphen, and those of holland, Sealande, Vtright, and the Countries near about Friselande scituating between Eems, and Lauwers, hath well allowed and liked of the same union and league, nevertheless, to the end that the same might the better, and by a more fit occasion be propounded and set for the, generally for all the Provinces hereabout, for the accepting and establishing of an universal peace, union, and concord, all the Countries throughout, with a common consent, hath until this present stayed himself from subscribing unto this union: And whereas his highness, and a great part of the said Provinces hereabout have declared, that they have thought it both good and profitable, that such an union should be concluded upon, and accepted, for the better government of the affairs of the Commonweal of our Country: His Excellency at this time meaneth to declare, and by these presents declareth, that where the said union was made and established at Vtright, between the said Provinces, he thinketh, and so taketh it, to be right good and so accepteth thereof, & is well assured that there is nothing therein, which doth any way diminish or impair the superiority & authority of the Archduke his highness: and to be short, would, that the said united Provinces, should meet together, for the further concluding and establishing of all the particular points, and Articles of the said union, which might altogether tend to their greater, and more firm concord: Wherefore his Excellency, by these presents declareth, that he will accept and keep the said points, and Articles, even as the said Provinces of Geldrelande, holland, Sealande, Vtright, and as many else, as shall admit, conclude, and account of them as good In witness whereof, his Excellency hath, hereunto subscribed his own name, and caused it to be sealed, as by way of Commission, with his privy signet in the City of Antwerp, the 3. of May 1579. Subscribed, William of Nassou. And underneath was written, by his Excellency's appointment, Subscribed, N Bruninox.  
The first of january 1579. After that the procurators of the Cities assembled, at the diet of Leewarden, in the Monastery of the jacopins, had heard the proposition of the Deputies of the nearest union of Vtright, and certain their procurators of the said Cities: They, at the request of the said Deputies, had appointed, for, and in the name of them all, to confer more strictly with the said Deputies, and peruse the points and Articles of the said most near union, which being done, and having withal heard, the report of their fellow procurators: And the procurators of the Cities declared, that they had, by virtue of their Procurations, allowed, approved, and ratified, and by these presents, allowed, etc. all thesay points and Articles of the said union: Promising with the rest of the confedered Provinces, to keep, observe, and follow, the same, and every part and parcel of them in particular, aswell of whatsoever hath heretofore herein been made, or whatsoever hereafter by virtue thereof shall be made: In witness whereof, the said Procurators of the Cities, have hereunto set their hands, the day, month, and year abovesaid. And subsbribed I. julius de Bothouse, Proctor of Franiquer, juerrin Henriox, Proctor of Franiquer, Henry jaricks, as Proctor of Leerwarden, John Ihonson, as Ady Lambert's Substitute, who had a Procuration, and was gone out of the City, Nicholas Hotthyss, in the the behalf of the Counsel of the City of Sneecq Peter Lievenss, in the behalf of the commonalty of the City of Sneecq. james Sieveris, as Proctor for Bolswerd, Francis james Frerioss, in the behalf of those of Bolswerd, Bawdein Peterss, as Proctors for the Burgomasters of the City of Ilst, jeltse de Garlama, as Proctor also for Ilst. Rene Oldfress of Stavere, William Sippess Proctor of Sloten, joannes Bottegh Burroughmaister of Worcum as Proctor, Douwe Addess Proctor of Worcum.  
Whereas we George de Lalaing, Count of Renuenbergh, free Baron de Ville, Lord of Villero, Imbrechies, Lieutenant and Captain general in Friselande, overissel, Groenyng, Omlanden, Drente, and Lingen, Chief of his Magesties' finances, have thought it very profitable and necessary, for the conservation and maintenance of the Commonweal, the laws and Franchises of the low Countries, that all good amity, union, and concord between the Provinces of the said Countries, and being under our goveruement, and like wise between the Cities, and particular members of the same be kept, whereby the common Enemy, shall not only by a greater force, common power, and mutual assistance be resiuned, and repulsed: but shall also cut of from him the means, whereby he shall not be able to sow and procure any intended mischief or dissension, between the said Provinces, Cities, or members of the same, aswell by reason of the difference of the Religion, as otherwise, which in any manner might happen. And therefore we having in our presence seen, in Summer last, a certain union and league, and by our advise devised at Arnhem, and in january last, made and established at Vtright, between the right honourable Lord, Count John of Nassou, Lieutenant of the Duchy of Geldrelande, and Count of Zurphen, and them of holland, Sealand Vtright, Ommelandes, Friselande and the rest, together a certain act of Approbation and acceptation of thesay union, by Monsire the Prince of Orange, Lieutenant general to Archduke Mathias, Governor general of thesay low Countries, dated the third of May 1579. have ratified, approved and allowed, and by these presents, do accept, certify, approve, and allow, the same union, being well assured, that there is nothing therein, any way derogatory from the authority and superiority, of the Archduke his highness: Promising with the rest of the confedered Provinces to keep the same, and every part and parcel thereof, observe, and follow: In witness whereof, we have to these presents set our hand, and caused our privy seal to be put thereto, as it were a Commission. Given at Winse in Ommelandes the 11. of july 1579. And underneath was written George de Lalaing.  
The 10. of july, 1579. appeared, in the assembly of thesay Deputies assembled together at Vtright, the Deputies of the City of Ypres, namely, Seigneor John de Languedull Sherief, and Master Peter Baelde, Pensioner of the said City of Ypres, who declared, that they had seen and perused, the points and Articles of thesay union, and whatsoever, by virtue thereof, is further needful, and the same to be thought good: and had by vertne of their letters of credit, and procuration, dated the 23. of june 1579. allowed, approved, and ratified, and by these presents did allow etc. the same: Promising with the rest of the confedered Provinces, to keep, observe, and follow them, and every part and parcel of them in particular. In witness whereof, the said Deputies of the City of Ypres, have signed this with their own hand, the day, month, and year aforesaid. And subscribed, John de Languedul, M Peter Baelde.  
The 29. of july 1579. 
The Substitutes of the of the 〈…〉 Antwerp.  appeared in the said assembly of the Deputies, of the nearest union of the united Provinces, assembled together at Vtright, the Substitutes of the City of Antwerp namely, Signior John de Stralen, the first & principal Burroughmaister, Signior Phislip de Scoonhove, M. of Waroy, Sherief, John de Bright, the old Sherief, Adam Verhult, colonel, Valerius de Dale, and John Gysels Deane, who declared, that they had seen, and perused the points and Articles of the said union, and whatsoever else, by virtue thereof, is beautiful, and the same thought to be good: have, by virtue of their Procuration dated the 22. of july, and by their letters of credit, dated the 23. of the said month 1579. allowed, approved, and ratified, and by these presents do allow, approve, and ratify them: Promising with all the rest of the confedered Provinces to keep, observe, and follow them, and every part and parcel of them in particular: In witness whereof, the said Deputies of the said City of Antewerpe, have with their hands subscribed hereunto, the day, month, and year abovesaid. And underneath was subscribed, John de Strahen. Philip de Schoonehove, John de Brecht, Adam Verhult. Valerius van Dale. John Gysels.  
The 13. 
The Deputies of Breda.  of September 1579. appeared in the assembly of the said Deputies, assembled together at Vtright, the Deputies of the City of Breda, namely, Goddard de Lughtenbergh Burroughmaister of the said City, Geffray Montens Sherief and Lieutenant to a colonel, and a Captain also, noel Back Master of the Orphelins, and a dizinier: who, declared, that they had seen and perused, the points, and Articles of the 〈◊〉 union, and whatsoever else, by virtue thereof, is further behoveful, and the same supposed good: and by virtue of their Procuration, dated the 10. of September 1579. allowed, approved, and ratified, and by these presents, do allow, approve, and ratify the same: Promising with the rest of the confedered Provinces, to keep, observe, and follow them, and every part and parcel of them in particular: In witness whereof, the said Deputies of the said City of Breda, have hereunto set their hands, the day, moveth, and year abovesaid. Subscribed Godart de Lughtenbergh, Geoffray Montent, noel Back, the son of Francis.  
The first of February 1580. 
The Substitutes of Bruges.  appeared in the assembly of the said union of the united Provinces, assembled together at Vtright, Signior Guido de Bruecque Sherief of the City of Bruges: who said, that he had seen and perused the points and Articles of the said union, and whatsoever else, by virtue thereof, is further needful, and finding the same to be good, hath, without the approbation of Signior Levin Step Sherief, and master james Yman Pensioner of thesay City of Bruges, by virtue of their Procuration sealed, dated the 7. of November 1579. made at Antwerp, the 26. of the said month: by virtue of their letters of Credit, and Procuration, both at once sealed, the 15. of january 1580. allowed, approved, and ratified, and by these presents doth allow, etc. thesay union: promising with the rest of the confedered Provinces, to keep, observe, and follow the same, and every part and parcel thereof in particular. In witness whereof, the said Deputies of the said City of Bruges, hath signed this with his own hand, the day, month, and year above said. And subscribed, Guydo de Braeck.  
The first of February also 1580. 
The Substitutes of Frank in Flanders.  appeared in the assembly of the said Deputies of the united Provinces, assembled together at Vtright master Gawter de Ecke, Sheriff of the Country of Frank: who said, that he had seen and perused the pomtes and Articles of the said union, and whatsoever by virtue thereof, is further needful, which he findeth to be good: and doth without the approbation of master Isebrant Provin, pensioner of the said Country of Franque, by virtue of their Procuration, sealed, and dated the seventeen of October a thousand five hundred seventy and nine. Given at Antwerp, the six and twenty of November, by virtue of his Procuration sealed, dated the three and twenty of january that year, and letters of credit, dated the five and twenty of the said month, hath, allowed, approved, and ratified, and by these presents, alloweth, approveth, and ratefieth the said union: Promising with the rest of the confedered Provinces, to observe and follow the same, and every part and parcel thereof. In witness whereof, the said Deputy of the Country of Francq, hath signed this with his hand, the day, month, and year above said: Subscribed, Gautier de Ecke.  
The Estates of Artois, Haynault, Lisle, Douay, 
The peace of Artois & Haynault, with the Prince of Parma.  and Orchies, agreed, and concluded a peace the 17. of May 1579. with the Prince of Parma, forsaking the Pacification of Gaunt, and the general union which thereon ensued, whereunto they had both subscribed and sworn. And the Prince of Parma held for good and stable, in the name of his Majesty, whatsoever was between Sir Matthew Mowlerdt Bishop of Arras, Sir John of Noircarmes knight, Baron of sells, and William le Vasseur of Valuen, Deputies, and sent unto him: and between them of the said Countries, there was at Arras, in the Abbay of Saint Vast, a certain writing established, wherein were comprised 28. Articles, signed by either party, and withal, by the Marquis of Richbrough, the Count Lalaing, and Seigneor Willeruall, Governors respectively, of the said Countries. The summary of which Articles, is the observation of the Catholic romish Religion, and the obedience of his Majesty: But because it nothing agreeth with the Pacification made at Gannt, we have for brevities sake, left it quite and clean out.  
The 12. 
Mastright besieged, and w●nne.  of April 1579. The Prince of Parma, besieged the City of Mastright, and with such force so straightly cooped it up, and gave so many assaults, as that these great many years the like siege hath not been heard spoken of, for although, what by force of the Cannon, and their wonderful undermining, the Enemy had already won both their Gates, and rampires, yet were they no whit discouraged, but valiantly, like noble Soldiers and men of war, continually repulsed them, wherein, they in very deed showed their great loyalty and constancy, towards their Country, reproving hereby, the cowardice of the Wallonnes Nobility, who for a small portion of a share, did so farforth forget itself, as that they became the Spaniar des Pages, their professed enemies, aiding them, to the utter overthrowing both of themselves, and their people. And although the valiant Citizens, were in very great misery and calamity, by reason of the often battery of the Enemy, and the continual assaults, yet they never yielded to that pusilianimitie, but still stoutly stood to this terrible siege: and whiles they were looking so wishely, and so long time, for aid and succour, behold, they were in a morning assailed, both within and without, for the Enemy had in such fort wrought his Mine works, as that he had gotten into a Monastery within the City, in so much that the poor Citizens, and Soldiers, seeing themselves on every side, thus suddenly assailed, and not able to make any shift to defend themselves against the force of the Enemy, who so furiously coupled with them, as that the greatest number both of men and women, and children, were there driven, miserably to lose their lives: for the women, chose rather to drown themselves in the River of Maze, then to be dishonoured with so Barbarous a Maran, and faithless forsworn Wallon.  
The 4. of May 1579. 
The grea● Council of Friselande banished.  commandment was given to the Precedent and counsellors of the Court of Friselande (who before had been taken prisoners, and deprived of their Estate) to depart the City, before the Sun setting, and afterward to be banished the Country.  
The 5. of May 1579. The Count Rennenbergh, Lieutenant of the Country of Friselande, taking part with the Ommelandes, besieged the City of Groening, with one Regiment of Soldiers, under the charge of one Captain Bartell Ents, a very warlike man: in so much, that the Groennigistes, were enforced to come to a composition with the Count Rennenbergh and the Ommelandes.  
In june, july, and August 1579. 
An assembly at Coloigne  there assembled at Coloigne, many noble men of the Empire, to wit, Ambassadors from the Pope, from the Emperor, from the king of Spain, and from certain other Bishops and Lords on the one side, and for the low Countries, the Duke of Arscote and other noble men, and Deputies of every Province on the other side: But because they of the low Countries, would by no means condescend to the treaty devised at Coloigne, every man returned from whence he came: Nevertheless, the noble men that were there assembled, established a peace, the effect whereof was this: An observation of the Catholic romish Religion, and of the obedience of his Majesty. And over and beside this, that all old officers should be restored again into their Estate, and that his Majesty would at no hand admit, and suffer those of the reformed Religion: And therefore, if there were any of the reformed Religion, which would not be contented with the romish Religion, that then they might depart the Country, sell their goods, and so enjoy them: which peace, was but a trap, to entrap them, for the ruinyng, and utter extirping of all those of the reformed Religion, or else to drive them quite and clean out of the Country: howbeit, none of the Provinces of the low Countries, would accept of this, but Artois and Hainault, as hath been before said: and so did likewise Malines, and Boisleduke: but the seven Provinces which joined with those of Flaunders, Antwerp, and Brussels, had rather hazard both bodies and goods for their Country, then that they would suffer both themselves, their children or successors, to be brought into everlasting bondage and sclaverte.  
The 2. of june 1579. there was a new gate set up at Leeward, called our Lady Gate, and was by the honourable advise of the Counsel of the City there, that year finished: to wit, by Aedge Lambert, Meynart Wychers, and jelle Sybes, Burroghmaisters, and is a most excellent principal piece of work, as every man may judge which hath seen it.  
In September 1579. 
An enterprise against the Briele.  there was a treason counterfeited, between the Captain of the Briele, and the Malcontents of Artoys, and Haynault, conditionally, that they should come by sea, with their Ships and people furnished, and trimmed like unto the Princes, and then the Captain would set open the gates and let them in: But as the malcontents were on the way to bring this matter to pass, the Hollanders were gotten to Sea with all their men and Ships, and so welcomed them, as that they made a massacre of some of them, and the rest were drowned by storm and tempest.  
The 26. of October, 
Menine furprised by the Estates.  in the year aforesaid, the Estates of Flanders, had by surprise, taken the Fort of Menin, which the malcontents, before had won: For whiles the malcontents were thinking to get into the gates of Courtray, for it was in deed promised them, that they should be left open, the Scots upon the sudden entered Menin. Whereupon, this Proverb arose, Menin thought to win Courtray, but Menin, caused Menin to be lost.  
The first of February 1580. 
1580. The Castle of Leeward besleged and rendered.  a great Alarm was given to the Castle of Leeward in Friselande, in this manner and order as followeth. It fell out one day, about seven of the Clock in the Morning, that the Soldiers of the Town warded near the Castle: whereupon the Captain fearing, that the Castle would be taken from him perforce, caused to sound the Alarm: but when the Drums never ceased sounding, the Citizens and Soldiers fell in Arms, and environing the Castle, began to trench. And the Citizens had advanced four Ensigns amongs their own Soldiers, Arnold Herdenberg, Wybe Obbes, Douwe Egbertes, and Ebb Douwe. These Captains had bravely trained their Citizens and Soldiers, and made show as though they would have given an assault: but yet they first meant to make their Trenches, and fill up the Castle Diches with the earth. Now, for the making of their Trenches, and filling of their Diches, they appointed for that purpose, the soldiers wives of the Castle, which lay in the Town, driving also before them to work, and fill up the Diches, a great many of Friars and Priests. But when the Soldiers of the Castle saw one of the sides of the Diche, to be made in Trenches, there were marvelously afeard, partly because that the greater number were the citizens children, whom they were loath any way to hurt, or yet the Town, and partly because of their own wives and Citizens, whom they meant to spare, besides many other things of importance, which were over long, here to rehearse. Whereupon, when Captain John Scagen, saw his Soldiers forsake him, he was amazed: In so much he yielded up the Castle, with the safety of body and goods. And yet there were two other companies of Soldiers lying in Fly, within the Suburbs of Leeward, who lay quiet and still, till need were, whose Captains were Master Bouma, and John Veruew: There was also ready with his company, Owen Grovestins. Now, when the citizens were masters of the Castle, they threw down the rampires, and filled the ditches, and the children, drew all the great Drdenance into the City, which was a marvelous thing to behold, considering that there were horses enough in the City to have do●n it. Whiles the citizens were troubled about the pulling down of the Castle, the two companies of John Bouma, and John Veruew showed themselves, & came with great triumph, as though they had been Conquerors, which was to the great honour of the commendable citizens of Leeward, who had won the Castle with ensign displayed. And that, which is worthy the laughing, they had put and interlaced all the Friars of the City, amongst the Soldiers all behind the Ensign: so that the poor Friars, which were not wonted to march in order of battle, were greatly amazed, and so had out of the City. In this sort, was overthrown and razed the Castle of Leeward, having continued 79. years: For, it was built in the year 1501. and was destroyed and razed, as before hath been said, the first of February 1580.  
The 2. 
Harling Castle rendered.  of February in the year aforesaid, the Captains John Bouma, John Veruew, and Owen Grovestins, besieged the Castle of Harling, howbeit, they of the Castle resisted for certain days, and sometimes so shot of their Artillery into the Town, as that three men were slain there withal: But after they had seen certain letters, which were written unto them, and understood the content of them, they rendered the Castle the 5. of February, in the year aforesaid. Which the citizens pulled down to the ground, and filled up the Diches. Thesame year Harling new gate, and the Scluses began to be built, and was then also finished: and afterward the Town was fortified with Bulwarks, which before time had never a one.  
The same year and month, 
Stavere Castle razed  was the Castle of Stavere thro' wen down and razed. All these things were executed by the good counsel and appointment of the honourable Lords, the Deputies of Friselande: To wit, by Signior Rienich Caminga, Seigmor Sipppe Meckema, Doctor Baert Ytzerda, John Oedzinga, and many others of the Nobility, to the end that the whole Country of Friselande, might be the better conserved in peace against all treason, and that all means might be cut of from the Enemy to serve his turn, for coming in into the said Country: Seeing they had considered, that their own Lieutenant, had conceived in his mind, to render the Country unto the Enemy by treason, as hereafter shall more at large be declared.  
The 19 
I puiling down of Images at Leeward.  of February, there began new wars against Images, and Churches in the City of Leeward, and all the Monasteries thereof. There were also certain Priests driven out of the Town: Nevertheless, this war against Images was not made only in Leeward, but in all the Cities and towns of Friesland beside, following therein the steps and examples of the Hollanders. The goods & movables of the Monasteries were sold, & bestowed upon the wars, for the ibertie of the Country.  
The 3. of March 1580. 
The Count of Rennenberg, showeth himself a partaker with the malcontents.  began a great and miserable sedition in the City of Groenyng, about four of the Clock in the morning. For George de Lalaing County of Rennenberg having taken part with the malcontents, and renouncing the union of Vtright, whereunto, he himself had put his own hand, as manifestly appeareth by thesay copy, showed then in very deed, that, which long time before he had conceived in his mind. For, as upon that day, all the citizens of Groening, which took part with the Malcontes, wear on their left arms white Scarves, and at the time prefixed, came to the Market place, so soon as the Drums had sounded the Alarm, where an harquebouze was shot of, and the Governor, there on horebacke, with a naked sword in his hand, saying: Now, my good fellow Citizens, qd he, let me at this time have your aid, and let us accomplish that, which tendeth to the service of his Majesty, and our own defence, to th'end, we might vanquish and overcome our enemies. And he had no sooner spoken these words, but that all the malcontents ran forthwith, to the houses of the Citizens that were of the reformed Religion, breaking down their doors, and taking the citizens prisoners: In this mean while the governors horsemen, road throughout all the streets, and there could no man sooner put out his head at a window, but that he was by and by hausled with a Pistol: and amongst all the rest, there was one man of estimation, who had sometimes been a Counsellor, named james Hillebrandes, who said to the Governor, is this the part of a faithful gentleman, so incivily to deal with his subjects: And the words were no sooner out of his mouth, but that he was shot into the head with a pistol, and so died of the blow. There were also in this sedition, an other man and a woman slain. The Governor still persisted in his wicked purpose, and went on, in taking those of the reformed Religion prisoners: In so much, that there was great misery and calamity, 
All those of the Religion in Groening are made prisoners.  and wonderful weeping and wailing of women and children: For as it is thought, there were at that time of the reformed Religion, about three hundred Citizens taken, of whom, some were kept in Churches, and other some in strait prison. And in this manner revolted the City of Groenyng, against all the whole Country, and took part with the malcontents, which caused the City to be encompassed, and besieged on every side. When the Leewarders, heard of the certainty of this news, the Magistrate and all the citizens did wonderfully stomach the Catholics, in so much, that they were once bend, to have dealt with them, even as the Groemgistes had dealt with those of the reformed Religion: howbeit, after some deliberation had, the desisted from that purpose, not meaning to use any such, or the like Tyranny, but only shapped up some of the Catholics within their own house, and afterward banished them the 7. and 8. of March 1580.  
When thesay Count of Renneberg, had gotten the greater part of Friselande, he came, and encamped himself before the City of Steenewike, in the Territory of Transisselaine, howbeit gentle reader, I mean not to frustrate thee, about the success of this siege, in showing unto thee, the going forward of the same, as by the history ensuing, thou mayest see.  
After that the Army of the united Provinces, 
1580.  under the conduct of the Count of Hohenloo, was the 17. of june 1580. overthrown, and discomfited by the Malcontents, under the conduct of Marten Scheuck, in the land of Hardenbergue: The City of Groening was aided, and rid of their Governor the Count of Rennenbergue: And although the said Count of Hohenloo, had at an other time levied a reasonable great company of Soldiers both on foot and on Horseback, and so repaired his Army, yet was it once more discomfited the 4. of September, about Linigen, by the said malcontents: which was the cause, that many of the Cities, fearing the force and power of the Enemy, were driven to receive Garnisons into them for their defence. And when the Count of Rennenbergue saw that he had not men of war enough, to assail certain renowned Cities, and of some importance, he was again strengthened with 11. Ensigns of Footmen, and certain Horsemen, under the charge of Hans Storiff of Enbricke, whereupon he caused his Army to march towards the City of Oldenzeel, which City not meaning to tarry the siege, rendered to the said Count of Rennenbergue, the 24. of September. When they of Steenwike heard of this, they received in a Garnison and Soldiers, for their defence against the Enemy, and so fortified their City and Ramparts, still looking for the Army of the Euemie, who planted his siege before the same, the 18. of October about noon, with 20. 
The Siege before Steenwyke.  companies of Almains and others, and 1500. Horse. Whereupon, that Evening, two of the Gates of the City, the one named the Giest Gate, and the other Onniger Gate, were with Earth and Trees fast rampard up, against the force of the Artillery of the Enemy.  
The self same day, the Soldiers of the Town, sallied twice out, to skirmish with the Enemy, and so also did they the 19 day ensuing, and carried home with them four Prisoners. Towards the Evening, the Enemy passed the River of Ae, with eleven companies of Friselanders, and entrenched about the Chapel, Steendicq.  
The 20. day there issued out of the City, certain Soldiers at the Wood Gate, and had won and defaced the little Trench about the Chapel, carrying home the butin with them, which Trench, the night following, was made up again. The same day in the Afternoon, they again sallied out at the East Gate, and after they had skirmished with the Enemy, they carried back with them, three Prisoners, and two Horses.  
The 23. of October in the night, the Enemy marched towards the Kuynder, to the end they might light upon the two companies of John de Eschede, and Roeloff de Laughen, which thing, they performed: For the next day ensuing, as they returned to the Camp, they trailed at an Horse tail, just before the Town, one of their Ensigns.  
The 25. day, there was a brave skirmish, where the Enemy received a notable loss, both of Soldiers and Horses, and our men returned to the City without any loss, carrying with them, two Prisoners and three Horses.  
The 28. day of the said month, the Count George de Lalaing, as Governor for his Majesty in Friesland, sent a Trumpet to summon the City, for the yielding thereof, whom, Captain Conrade answered, that he kept the City for his Majesty, the Estates, and the Prince of Orange, and would defend it against whom soever came: Commanding the Tumpett to be packing, without they loved to be hausled with a Cannon shot. The Count of Rennenbergue beyug stirred with this answer, caused three pieces of great ordinance to be planted, which he had that day received, and that evening discharged against the City, three of the same Cannot shot.  
This day, at the instance of certain good honest citizens, was an ordinance made, and a price set upon Victuals, in manner and form following, which was proclaimed, and afterterwarde set up, upon one of the posts of the Town house. And first, it was ordained, that no man should Brew, nor sell any Bear, above half a Patart the pot, of Steenwike measure.  

A pound of lard was priced at three Sous.  
A pound of Butter four Sous.  
A pound of Cream Cheese two Sous.  
A pound of course Cheese, one Sous and one Lyard.  
A Stockfishe, two Sous saving a Lyard.  
Twelve pound of weighty Rye bread, six Sous.  
A measure of Eastland Grains, eighteen Sous.  
A measure of Country Grains, sixteen Sous.  
A measure of Barley fifteen Sous.  
A measure of Buckweyt, foreteene Sous.  
A Bushel of Salt, twelve Sous.  
A pot of Bear, called jupenbere, seven Sous.  
A pot of Rennishe Wine, nine Sous.  
A pot of French Wine, five Sous.   
Which was proclaimed, and commanded to be straightly observed, by the Enhabitauntes of the City.  
The 29. of October, were six great pieces of ordinance more, brought to the Camp of the Enemy and planted, to batter the City withal, which was in deed done the next day following, so that thereby they had no use of the two mills of the City. The same day, the City understood, by Captain Herman Olthoff his man, that the Enemy meant to give them a lively assault, 
The Citizens make themselves ready for the assault.  and therefore every man prepared himself, to give them an hot repulse: and to that end, they brought all the brewing Vessels in the City to the Ramparts, which they had filled with hot scalding water and Lime, for the washing of the heads and bodies of the Enemy. They prepared also all kinds of necessary Armour and Weapon, to defend themselves, against the force of the Enemy: in so much, that the Soldiers, and all the Citizens were fully determined to receive, and withstand the assault of the Enemy, who in stead of assaulting the City, cast up his trenches from Giest Gate, even unto Onniger Gate.  
The first of November, a Messenger was sent to the Estates, to advertise them of the estate of the City. And about 10. of the Clock in the night, there issued 26. valiant Soldiers, under the conduct of John Vorberg, Captain Cornput his Lieutenant, who charged the very body of the Watch, which lay between Giest Gate, and Onniger Gate, and there, so prettily well cooled the courages, of 24. men of the said Watch, as that 20. of them were left dead in the place, and three carried away prisoners, and one of them which would not go, was hurt unto death, and left without the City, where he died that night: but he that was in the watch, saved himself with a light pair of heels.  
The 2. of the said month in the night, the Enemy cast up the Trench between the foresaid Gates, as if he would have made there some Mount, and therefore, they likewise within began to make an other Mount, about Giest Gate, and then were the Captains quartered, for the defending of the Ramparts. The same day also, were two deep ditches made at Giest Gate, because they feared, that the Enemy would undermine the City.  
The 3. day at night, issued certain Soldiers, and suddenly fell upon the Pioneers, certain Country men, and Soldiers, whereof many were slain, and afterward they retiered to the City with their butin.  
The 7. Day they sallied out at the East Gate, and brought away two Soldiers, and a Victualler, Prisoners, leaving behind them upon the way many hurt men, which would not go with them. They carried also away with them, in despite of the Enemy, five Cows, and a soldiers wife. The same day in the afternoon, there was the like sally, whereat was a lively skirmish, so that by reason of the retreat of Captain Oltholffe his Ensign bearer, and of Captain Herman Olthoffe, they were both hurt. The Ensign bearer also of Captain Cornput, standing upon the City Rampere, was with a Cannon shot, slain in the place.  
The 9 day, the Messenger returned with Letters from the Prince and the Estates, to the City, promising to aid the City, and raise the Camp of the Enemy. And again, the night following, came in two Citizens, saying that the aid was coming on, which should help the City.  
The 11. day, the Horsemen of the Enemy trooped on from Onnen by Westwyke, towards the Wood, who were bravely hausled with great ordinance, from the Town, to the great loss of their people.  
The 12. of the said month, there was a sally and a Skirmish made, to the hurt of the Enemy, in which, one William Dorth, Captain Olthoffe his Sergeant, was hurt to death, and died the next morrow: On which day in the Sermon while, there came to the Gate, a man at Arms on Horseback, very well armed, who was received into the Town: But when the Soldiers saw, that he was none of the wisest, or rather a counterfeit, they thrust him out of the Gates, after the Sermons were ended, and slew him with Harquebouze shot, keeping behind with them his Horse and Armour.  
The 16. and 17. day the Enemy battered the Town, and the same Evening, in token they had obtained a victory of Hegemans people, the Enemy trailed an Ensign at his horse tail, and made Bonfires round about the City, as though they would have assaulted it with fires.  
The 18. 
The fire taketh hold in Steenwyke.  day, the Enemy shot fire into many places of the City, in so much that at one time, the City was all on a light fire, by reason whereof, there were 70. houses burnt. By this fire, was much victual, and other Munitions burnt, to the great loss of the enhabitauntes. diverse houses in Onnigerstreate, through the great diligence of the Citizens, were saved: and so had there been also in many other places, if the soldiers had not guarded the rampires, because the Enemy costed all alongst one side of the City with Ensign displayed, as though he would have given the assault, which he might easily hat done, by reason that in many places, the Diches were hard frozen up. 
The Enemy summoneth the City.  Thesame day, about the Evening, the Enemy sent two Trumpets to summon the City in his majesties name, and to yield itself unto the Prince of Parma, as Captain General, and to the Count of Rennenberg as Lieutenant, and governor of Friselande, and so, they should departed with bag and baggage. Whom, Captain Francis Platte, in the name of all the rest of the Captains, answered: That they kept the City in the behalf of his Majesty, of Archduke Mathias of ostrich, as Captain General, of the Prince of Orange, his Lieutenant, and of the Estates: And that they had none other thing, for the Count of Rennenberg to command, but Bullets and powder: and therefore wished them quietly depart, without they liked to be saluted with Cannon shot. Thesame night, a messenger was dispatched towards Campen, to declare unto them, what loss they had received by fire.  
The 19 day, the Enemy, most diligently went about, to shoot fire again into the City, but it was to no purpose. This night, there came a messenger into the City: who said, that he had cast away his letters, which he had of the Estates, because he feared (as he said) they carried no good news with them: and within one hour after, there came in the tail of him, three other Citizens, agreeing all with one voice, that there was no aid in the whole world ready: for, they said, that the people of the Hegemans was discomfited, and the Scluse and Bloczeell forsaken: whereupon, the next day following, ensued great trouble and dissension: For, 
A division in Steenwyke.  many of the Papistical Citizens and others, cried out and said, that it was reason a Oromme should be sent to the Enemy, and the City to be rendered up. Howbeit, there were certain Soldiers, and all the reformed citizens, which would none of that, who, both with fair speeches, & also with threatening words, said: that they would rather kill one an other, than they would so yield unto the Enemy, considering, that they had no want of victuals: In so much, that many honest and constant Citizens, did wear that day, both Armour and weapon under their cloaks: Some others, grievously accused the Prince and the Estates, because they had not helped certain Cities, which had been besieged, as, Dopslach Delffziell, Coverden, Maestright, Harlem, and Ziericzea, could largely witness, nevertheless, the rest stood stoutly to their trckle, so that in the end, the trouble and sedition was suppressed. And soon after, there came a Drum to the gate, bringing letters from captain Gedeon Pameren, praying that he might have his soldiers delivered for other prisoners; or else for a months wages, which was granted him. In the evening, the Enemy, very diligently sought, to shoot more Fire into the Town, but it was to no purpose. This night, came in the faithful and virtuous servant of the Country, Mathias Kies, bringing with him good news: saying, that the Estates were making of the most diligent preparation that was possible, to aid the City, 
Some hope of aid.  as also it appeared by the letters of the Estates, which refreshed again the hearts of all the white liuered knights of the Town: and this night, Herman Henricx, and George Waterwike with one of Hans Vrancquebourg Soldiers, were sent out of the City.  
The 21. of November, there issued, about the day break, out of the east gate, 70. shot, who lay hid in a secret place, until some of Westwike Camp came that way: And then, with the aid of the horsemen of the City, they set upon them, and carried away with them 11. horses, with a Charrette and Chariot, and a victualler, slaying such, as would not go with them. This victualler, had about him in gold, to the worth of 20. Florins: and when he was examined, he said, that he thought in his opinion, that the Enemy meant to plant the great ordinance in Eastwike, and batter the City on that side, or else cast fire into it, for the doing of it the more mischief, but it proved nothing.  
The 22. the Enemy sent a Drum for certain prisoners which thing the Captain of the Town denied him, for that day, because he understood not of the sedition, that had been in the City, by reason of the ill news, and former fire. The drum said, that the Count by reason of this refusal, would hang all those prisoners which were ours, and that they should hear of other news shortly: but he was answered again, that if they so did, they would in like manner, deal with the prisoners, which they had of theirs.  
The 23. day, the Enemy began to cast up a mighty and strong Trench from Eastwike, about the wind Milne hill: and towards evening, he brought thither, three companies of Soldiers: But as the horsemen trooped, on the side of the City, some of them were slain with Musket shot, and the same day, they began to fill up the East gate with earth, and ramforce the rampires, and Vauntmures betwixt the said gate, and Onniger gate. In the Evening, the Enemy made a false Alarm, and shot at the City, as though he would have given the assault, but nothing came of it: It is thought, that they did thus, because they would not have the pioneers troubled, and also, for that he might the better pitch his Camp in Eastwike: and the 24. day, he also ramforced that Trench, and the watch being set, brought his people out of the Wood, and made them give a false Alarm about eleven of the clock: But because the Tounesmen, so tickled them with their ordinance, there came nothing of it.  
The 29. day, money was cried up to the double valour, to pay the soldiers withal. The next morrow, certain issued out at the Wood gate, towards the Eastbridge, to catch a soldier, that was laden with Gambons of Bacon and Butter: who being talked with, said: that the Count of Rennenbergue was gone to Groening to take up money, for the appaising of the mutinous soldiers. And further told, that our aid was gathered together at Winsome, about Zwolle, and that their horsemen, and six Ensigns of footmen, were marched towards Havelt, to stay the aid.  
The first of December: the weather which had of long favoured the Enemy, began to alter: and fell to raining, blowing, and blustering. And this Evening, there issued out of the Giest gate, about forty soldiers, to surprise the pioneers, but when they found no pioneers there, there issued out of the Wood gate, about thirty soldiers more, to sound the depth of the River of Ae, and with their shot, slew certain of the enemies behind, as they sat about the fire side, and gave many their deaths wound. Some of ours also returned not scotfree, and lost beside, two of Hans Platte his soldiers, bringing away with them notwithstanding, some spoil.  
The third day, about eight of the Clock in the Morning, they sallied out upon the Enemy, 
The Enemy driven out of his Trench with fire.  whom they chased out of Westerwike trenches, to the great loss of their people, came back with the spoil of the Armour and weapon of forty soldiers, besides cloaks and other apparel. This night, was the enemy driven out of his Trench, with a ball of wild fire, which the Tounsmen had cast into the said Trench.  
The fourth day, the Enemy forsook his little Trench, which lay wholly about the City: and the same evening, they began to set open the Onniger gate, which had been rampard up with earth. The night ensuing, there issued out again about thirty shot, who hausled the body of the Watch with a lively volee of shot: and in the mean while, other thirty set upon the Trench, which was but slenderly manned, some of which they five. This night also, came into the City, two of our messengers, who brought good news of our aid.  
The sixth day, Onniger gate, was set so wide open as that a 150. Soldiers and Horses, went out of it, where they made an hot skirmish with the Enemy, who, so forsook his Trenches, as that he was driven from all the Trenches that were between Onniger gate, and the Wood gate, which was driven open with the force of a Mallet, for the saving of our men from the great ordinance of the Enemy. This night, our men gave the Enemy three Alarms, at the first of which, he shot of twice against Onneger Gate, howbeit there was no hurt doen.  
The seventh day, they began to build up a counter scarf before Onniger gate: whereupon, there came out of the Wood two Cornets of horsemen, and a band of Almain horsemen: but so soon as they were come into the south part of the Camp, the Enemy began to set himself in order, as though he would have given the Alarm: and then they sent many shot to the counter scarves of the City, and setting upon the Trenches, drove out the Enemy. This night, the Enemy had six Alarms, so lustily given him, as that he took no rest at all. And our men had a sign of fire given them, upon Coldervene Tower, as it was promised them. But after that our aid was once passed the Black water, the Enemy began to make a Bridge of boats over the River of Ae, and so filled low plain ground with faggots and other things, that he might come from one quarter of his Camp to the other.  
The ninth day in the morning, certain Soldiers issued out, and took away two fat Oxen from the Enemy. Then was there Alarm sounded in the Camp, whereupon, the Enemy began to show his head: and had placed a band of Eastwike Wood, and therefore, for that day, were no more sallies made. The soldiers of the Town likewise, 
The towns men, set up a band of horsemen.  had set up a band of horsemen, for the daily making of their sallies, over whom, they appointed Captain Girard Holten of Geldrelande, a man of great valour, and Lieutenant to Conrad Edenrats of Steenwike.  
The tenth day, a sally was made as before, in which they took three prisoners, and because one of them would not go on, he was slain, and one of the other was delivered the same day upon his ransom. And as our Captains had delivered the prisoner unto the Drum, there was a Camnon shot came out of the Camp, which so sprinkled the dirt about their ears, as that both the Drum, and the prisoner, were in great danger of their lives.  
The eleventh day, the horsemen of the Town, assembled themselves in the Market place, and had gotten up, upon the rampires with their Guidon, as if a band of horsemen had entered the Town: Whereupon, the Enemy began to break down the bridge towards Niestiecke, but they were soon driven thence, by certain soldiers which issued out of the town who brought with them such instruments, as they were wonted to use, after some small skirmish. Thesame day, the Enemy put two Kine into the Meadows lying on the town side, thinking thereby, to entrap some of our men, because they laid in ambush many horsemen and others, which thing out people suspecting, said unto the Enemy, that the Kine were over lean, and therefore willed them to send fatter thither.  
The 12. of the said month, the Enemy discharged three Cannon shot upon the Town, for a watch word: whereupon, both, the Lances, and shot, she wed themselves abroad in the plain fields, whether also were come, from Westerwyke two Companies of Footmen. And then they began to entrench about Onnen, that they might keep back our aid, but it was to no purpose. The same Evening were sent two Messengers to ask council about the affairs of the wars, to get aid, and to show the estate of our City and the estate of the Enemy. The Soldiers who had the convaiing of the Messengers, fell immediately upon the Enemy and slew three of the Watch, making a great and long Alarm upon them.  
The 13. day, they sallied out twice, to see if they could catch any, but at last Gerarde Holt, took an Harquebouzer: and after he had taken his Harquebouze from him, he carried him away Prisoner, who was recovered, by two bands of Horsemen, and two Ensigns of Footmen, but yet they carried away the Harquebouze with them.  
This night before Midnight, were seen two signs of fire, and an other after midnight, accordingly as the Messengers were enjoined to do, the meaning whereof, our Captains right well knew.  
The 14. day, the Enemy she wed himself with four Squadrons of Horsemen, 
The Count of Rennenberg, goeth to see the Horsemen.  who at last, put themselves in order of battle: At which time, the Count of Rennenbergue came thither, who wheeling about, went from him, the Enemies discharging all their Pistols, to honour him withal. Then, the Towns men, discharged a great piece of ordinance against the Troop, and against Westerwyke Camp also, and likewise against Haustroyffe quarter, where he lighted from his Horse. There was also another token of fire that night seen towards Scluse.  
The 15. 
The Soldiers of the town break the Ice.  day, because the water in the Ditches was hard frozen over, the Soldiers went out to break the Ice, and in the mean while, there went over four of the enemies driving an Ox before them towards Eastwyke. Which thing, when our men which were breaking of the Ice, saw, went, and took away the Ox from the enemy: and although many of the Soldiers of the Enemy, came thither to recover it, yet did they nothing in it, because our Soldiers had in haste driven it to the Town. This night about 11. of the Clock, the Enemy sounded a great Alarm, both with drums, and Trumpets. And at that time also was fire cried at Giethorne, and soon after, many houses were seen on a light fire: in so much, that the Enemy discharged three Cannons for the watch word, that the Horsemen might get together. There was also a great noise, of above an hundred Cartes and Horses heard, which came out of the Country of Drenthe: but when the day appeared, both, the carts and also the carters were clean gone: for they which had set Giethorne on fire, came not near it. 
A fort of of Carted.  The next Morrow in the evening, Stuper his company, had broken the Ice, between Onniger Gate, and Giest Gate, and so even unto the Wood Gate. This night likewise, was a great noise, both of Cartes and Horses in the Enemies Campe.  
The 17. day, issued out seven Soldiers to entrap some of the Enemies near unto the Eastern bridge, three of which were upon Frederick Lutgene his land, and the other four in the Bank ditch. But so soon as two of the Enemies of Easterwyke Camp saw, that the aforesaid three, would needs charge them, they purposed forth with to save themselves through the lightness of their heels. Which thing when the other four saw, they left their ambusshing, and took the one, and the other escaped with leaping over the River of Ae. When they had brought the prisoner to the Town, he was examined, who said, that our people had been at Giethorne, and taken Ortho of Sauton Drossat of Harderwike prisoner, slain his son, grievously wounded his guard corpses, and put his Soldiers to flight. And beside, that our men were come to Meppell, with 23. Ensigns of Footmen, whom the Enemy thought to remove, going thither but with 10. Ensigns of Footmen, & a certain number of Horsemen, but it was all in vain. And further he said, that the knight of Nievorte, was in the Country of Groenyng with a great number of Soldiers. There was also a Drum sent to the Enemy, to know whether he would redeem his Soldier with a ransom or no. And he said that he would, howbeit, he threatened for all that to hang him, so soon as he had him, if so be that they of the Town would not do it before: but they of the Town, according to their custom, and former promise, would not do it, and the reason which moved the enemy to cause him to be hanged was this, that he went from the Camp without their leave and licence. The same day, the two Soldiers which broke the Ice of the Ditches, set upon a Soldier of the enemy, who had given them some occasion, having none other weapons about them, but the tools wherewith they broke the Ice, one of which, named John Montiew, as he was coupled to the enemy, was slain with an Harquebouze shot, and after he was dead, the enemy gave him many a stappe with his dagger, 
The cruelty of the enemy  crying with a loud voice: we are the Soldiers of Suater, and thus will we handle all the rest of you, ye Horse eaters. This their cruelty, restranged the hearts of many from them, and encouraged many, to withstand them to the uttermost. This night, about twelve of the Clock, came into the Town, our three Messengers of the City, bringing news that they had left at the Black Scluse 36. companies of Soldiers, and at Bergmer Bridge 300. horse, coming to aid us. There was also a token of fire, made upon the Tower, which when the Enemy saw, he discharged a great piece of ordinance, but (thanks be to God) did no hurt at all, and the bullet was found in the Churchyard.  
The 18. day being rainy and misty, there was a sally made, to know whether the Enemy that lay so still, was strong or no: and after they had skirmished a while, they retiered on either side, by reason of the mist: But about eight of the Clock at night the Enemy gave a false Alarm, and shot of, twice.  
The 19 day, the Enemy shot of thrice, which was, as it was thought, a certain watch word: for, three Horsemen came from the Wood, and the Enemy sounded the Alarm: and there might be seen many Soldiers march without weapon from Westerwike, towards the Wood This night, about midnight came into the Town, certain Messengers with charge and letters of Colonel Norris an English man, advertising them that the Enemy had been the 18. day, with 11. Ensigns of Foot men, and six Cornets of Horsemen at the Black Scluse. After that the Army of the Estates, was retired from Meppell, the Enemy thought to have discomfited and overthrown the three Companies which were left at the said place: howbeit, they met there, with such an encounter, as that two of their Captains were slain in the place, two Ensigns taken, about 500 Soldiers slain, the Armour and weapon of 500 men left behind, 
A discomfiture of the Enemy at the Black Scluse.  and an Ensign bearer taken prisoner: and because, that after the entry of these Messengers, a token of fire was given upon the Tower, the Enemy shot of a great piece of ordinance.  
The twenty day, there was so great an hurly burly in the Camp of the Enemy, as that they might be heard crying, even to the Ramparts of the Town, money, money: but because certain of our Captains went out with some of their Soldiers into their empty trenches, to understand something more of this hurly burly, some of the enemies perceiving them, there was anon plentiful dealing of Harquebouze shot, on either side, and beside, the Enemy let fly a Cannon shot amongst the thickest. Then began some of the Captains of the Town to make a counterscarp before the Wood Gate, which was an hazardous thing to do. And soon after, the Enemy fell on crying out and saying, ha poor souls, get you out, and look for Walter Hedgemans: Then answered the Tounesmen them again saying: It were very small honour to us to serve such traitors: but (qd they) we will go to the Black Scluse, and Meppell, and we doubt not, but to find there, both Ensigns, Armour, Weapon, and pay of yours. After midnight, the Enemy once again discharged three Cannon shot, and the Horsemen of the Wood shocked on, and eftsoons was a noise in the Camp, crying, Arm, Arme.  
The 21. day, they made a sally, and took a Page, who being examined, could say nothing: whereupon, they shore his head like a Friar, and then drove him out of the Town. And about three of the Clock in the afternoon, the Enemy shot of seven Caunon shot, besides six balls of wild fire, one of which lighted in the plain before the Town, and an other upon Martial Tongeren his Barn, which, through the great diligence of the Citizens was quenched. The same day also, the Citizens and the Soldiers, had devised an enterprise against Eastwike: how be it, the Captains frustrated their purpose. This night also, went four Messengers out of the Town, whose convey, caused a great Alarm, in both the Camps.  
The 22. day, they went on, with their said counterscarp, and the Enemy paid a prisoners ransom, who had been a month prisoner, it was thought that they did it, to the end that by him, they might the better understand the state of the Town. This night ensuing, there came into the Town, two Messengers, who brought with them 40. Soldiers, carrying on their backs 700. pounds of Gunpowder in leather bags, and an Ensign, which the Enemy had lost at the Black Scluse.  
The 23. day in the afternoon, some of Meppell made a road to Steenwike, and fired certain houses at Ounen. When the Enemy saw this he marched with a great company towards the place, and the Towns men sallied out, and bravely skirmisshed with him, where many, both on the one side and the other were slain: and yet but one Towns man, whose name was Francis Platt. Then the Enemy, carried a way his dead, both, on horseback, and also by waggon, and lost beside, a good sort of Horses. The Ensign that was brought from the Black Scluse, was carried in despite, round about the Town upon the Ramparts. This night also, certain Messengers which were gone out of the Town, came in again, by reason that the Moon shone so bright, fearing thereby, to be discovered. This night likewise, the Enemy began to entrench in Isseene way, but the next morrow, the Towns men had cast it quite and clean down.  
The 24. day at night, Captaive Conrade of Steenwike, Master ziger-ter steigh and others, went out of the Town, which those Soldiers had brought in the powder aforesaid, meaning to go to Meppell, to devise and conclude with the General of the Army, and the council for the wars, about some enterprise and means, that might best serve for their deliverance and aid: but as they were about the little trench which was cast up, upon the way aforesaid, and should pass ●uer a narrow plank, which remained upon the passage of the East bridge, 
The Enemy & the towns men encounter at a fourd  the Enemy was come thither to cast up again, the said trench, and so soon as they were met, either side was amazed, but by and by, let fly their shot one against an other. Then sounded the Enemy, the Alarm: and thereupon our men retiered, because they knew not the number which came against them: And as they went over the foresaid plank, three Englishmen fell into the River of Ae, and so were drowned. And forthwith, the Enemy had the Alarm given him on either side, to the end he should not understand our people's meaning and devise.  
The 25. of the said month, Captain Francis Platt was buried in our Lady Church, and the 26. certain Messengers were sent out, to declare the state of the Town.  
The 27. day at night, the Enemy began to cast a trench before Ouniger Gate, to keep them back from falling. This night also were certain houses burnt at Onnen. This day likewise, the Enemy made a passage, from Easterwike Camp, over the River of Ae, towards the little trench of Isueniger Bank.  
The 28. day in the morning, Onnen houses, were again seen on fire, and it was thought that the Enemy did it, to the end that we should have no shelter for our safety. The Enemy also, caused certain long pieces of Timber to be carried away: and in the afternoon, sent a Trumpet to the Wood Gate, summoning the Town to render itself into the hands of George de Lalaing: who was answered, that they could not do it, 
The Enemy summoneth the Town.  with out they should lose their honour, and break their oath, which they meant not to do, so long as they had one drop of blood in their bodies. When the Captains were returned from the said Trumpet, they fearing, that some trouble, hereupon, might arise amongst the Citizens, told them, that the Enemy had lost two Gentlemen, and thinking them, to be taken prisoners by some of the Town, was sent to crave their deliverance, in paying their ransom.  
The 29. day in the morning, they sallied out at Onniger Gate, but it was to no purpose, because there was never a man come from the Campe. At night, the Musketers were placed before the wood Gate, who shrewdly galled the Horsemen which shocked to and fro the Watch.  
The 30. day, about the day break, there came certain messengers into the Town, who brought from the Estates 1600. 
The Estates send moner to pay the Soldiers.  Florins to pay the Soldiers. The same day also, came one of the Soldiers of the Enemy unto Onniger Gate, moving with vile and slanderous speeches and deeds, the towns men to anger, who was slain there, for his great pains. This morning, Letters were brought from the General of the Camp, and from Colonel Stayper, by which, one John van Beerenbrooke John Staypers Lieutenant, was appointed Captain, in Captain Francis Platt his place, lately slain, and the said Lieutenauntship, was given to Michael Haghen of Embricke.  
The 31. of the said month, as our aid, had given the Alarm to Nievene, there sallied bravely out of the Town, Captain Courade of Steenwike, John Verberg, Captain Cornput his Lieutenant, and Lazarus of ostrich, Captain Olthoff, his Lieutenant: who, so lively coupled themselves in skirmish together, as that many, on either side, lost their lives therein: 
A lively skir mishe made with the Enemy.  For, on the Enemy's part were slain an Ensign, certain Horsemen, and a great many Soldiers: and on our side were slain Hans de Drees, and some Soldiers. In this skirmish, the Towns men fought as courageously as Lions: for they drove the Enemy, clean out of all his Trenches of Westwike: broke one piece of ordnance, and pegged or poisoned an other: They took beside, two Batches of hot bread, and carried them to the Town. This night also, the Towns men began to cast a Trench, near to Onniger Gate, which ran as far as the enemy's trench, which very fitly served the Town Soldiers for their salliing, and that, greatly grieved the Enemy.  
The first of january 1581. 
●581.  The Enemy sounded a false Alarm in the morning, placing his whole force upon the plain fallows lying under Onnen, where an house was set on fire: he shot of also two pieces of ordinance at the Town, thinking thereby, and the help of the Mist, to toll our men out of the Town, to be avenged of their former days loss, as it was told us by a Drum, who was sent that day thither, for two prisoners. Howbeit, the Lord GOD who ever defendeth his, showed therein a wonderful piece of work: For, our men were no sooner gone out of the Town, but that the Mists broke up, and that the air became so clear, as that our men, might easily perceive and see, all the ambushes, which were lated for them: in so much that the Enemy lost more of his men, than we had lost the day before, and so for that time, we returned to the Ton, without any loss at all.  
The 2. day, the Enemy discharged two pieces of Ordnance upon the pioneers, as they were labouring about the counterscarp, & casting of the trenches. And this night, the Magistrate and certain Eaptaines, made a sign with fire, which deed, no whit liked the rest of the Eaptaines, by reason that thereby, something was revealed, which they would not have had known.  
The 3. day, an other Trench was cast up, between Westwike and Ae, because they had lost such a number of their people the last day of the former month. This night, about 8. or 9 of the clock, was a very great thundering of the Cannon heard, about Blockzill, besides a great number of Harquebouzes & Muskets: and after that, a sign of fire was made at Blockzill Mill.  
The fourth day in the morning, messengers came to the Town, who brought news, that the same cannoning and harquebouzing was done in a iollite and triumph, by Thierry Snoy of North holland, who was gotten into his Trenches, by reason of the victory of Hattemerbridge. Where, Drossat, that traitor his father, and his school master, with many other more, were taken prisoners. And that Walter Heghemans also, and two of his Captains were delivered: and that the Roiters of the Estates were at Gelumuide, coming to aid them. There was also this day, a sally made, with the loss of two or three horses, and a soldier of the Enemy. And beside, the little Trench of the Enemy over against Onniger gate, was overthrown, without any resistance on the behalf of the Enemy. There were this day likewise seen, above an hundred empty Wagons coming out of Drenthe, which were all laden with a part of the camp.  
The fift of this month, there began a very great trouble, and as it were a sedition, to arise aswell amongst the Citizens as the soldiers, & that through a mischievous mistaking of a matter, by reason of a ladder of cords, which the Magistrate and Eaptaines had caused to be wrought, and made none else privy to it, so that it bred a vengeable suspicion in the heads of many. This night at ten of the clock, Captain Conrad of Steenwike, Olthoff his Lieutenant, and Lazarus of ostrich with thirty soldiers more, went out of the Town, to go to Meppell, for the bringing forward of our aid. Who, the night following, made a sign with fire, declaring thereby, that they were come thither, safe and sound.  
The sixth day, our men working about the counterscarffe, kept watch abroad, that they might the boldlier travel: and against this Ward, certain Lances and others set themselves, howbeit they lost by it, about three or four horses. This night the Enemy about midnight shot of two pieces of ordinance, and one after midnight, which doing was thought to be as a watch word: for the Tounesmen and they also which lay in the Vain, or links, took it both that night, and the night ensuing, in stead of many and sundry Alarms.  
The seventh day, the Enemy had many Alarms given him before day, wherefore both they of Westwike, and also they of Eastwike, put themselves in battle ara●e towards Onnen: whereupon, our men shrewdly tossed them, but did them no great hurt.  
Theight day at night, two messengers came and told, that our aid would be come within ten days, and couple with the Enemy, but that was nothing. This night after the messengers were come in, a sign of fire was given: wherefore the Enemy shot of thrice, for a watch word, and then all his horse men and footmen got to arms.  
The ninth day of january, the Enemy caused the Town to be summoned once again, offering by his letters the last grace, that they might saufly depart with bodies and goods. These letters were written to the Captains, Burroughmaisters, Soldiers and Citizens, containing at the first, very loving words, but threatening in the end, to kill the children in their cradles. Whereunto the Trumpet was answered by word of mouth: That if so be there were no aid from the Estates near at hand, yet that they could not with their honour, render up the Town, upon these braving and threatening Letters: and that it would cost a dearer price, than a piece of written papar: with which answer, the said Trumpet returned. This night about eight of the clock, there was a great fire in Weasterwike Campe. There went certain messengers also out of the Town, who likewise carred the said letters of George Lalaing, to the Counsel for the wars, who being saufly come thither, made a sign of fire upon Colderuaine. The Enemy that night, had planted his Artillery in other places of his camp: as though he intended to have enterprised some other new matter.  
The tenth of this month, the Enemy caused a prisoner to be sent for, that by him, he might understand, the state of the Town: but because there was over great a ransom asked, he was not delivered. And our aid at Giethorne, gave the enemy the Alarm, wherefore, they shot thrice of for a watchword. About the evening, the tounsmen sallied out, but it was to no purpose.  
The eleventh of the said month, our people of Giethorne gave the Enemy diverse Alarms, day and night: and the Enemy shot of six times, and then showed himself with six companies of Soldiers, and certain horsemen, in order of Battle, about the high water Milles.  
The twelft day, as the Soldiers of the Town were breaking the Ice, there were certain Roiters which troubled them: Whereupon, certain Harquebouziers went out to keep them play. And beside, the Giethornistes plied the Enemy day and night with Alarms: And at night, two messengers came in, who brought promises of their deliverance, both by letters and by word of mouth, and a further authorizing of Harman Olthoffe.  
The thirteen day of january, a bill was made of all the Kine, Horses, Swine, Corn, and all other kinds of Victuals: And a skirmish also was between our Giethornistes and the Enemy. And at night two signs of fire was seen at Giethorne: and the night following the Enemy had two Alarms given. About the day break, the Enemy called to our Watch, and asked them, if they had eaten all their Dogs and Cats: telling them further, that they would before it were long, come into the Town, and hang up Olthoffes Soldiers upon the rampires: and beside, that our looking for aid was in vain, because we were like to have none: and that we should be delivered even as Delfziill was, where in deed our aid was most manifestly to be seen, which words they spoke, to discourage the Soldiers of the Town.  
The fourteenth of january, there came out from about the Bulwoorkes, about thirty horsemen, shocking first on towards Eastwike Trench, and anon towards Westwike, somewhat near the Artillery of the Enemy, but it was to no purpose, for the Enemy lay quietly in his Trenches. This night about nine of the clock, six messengers were sent, to wit, four Soldiers, and two Citizens, to have some assurance of aid, from the Counsel of the wars. And afterward, the Giethornistes gave the Enemy three several Alarms: and so they did the next night following.  
The fifteen day of this month, George de Laling, sent by a Drum, a despiteful letter to Captain John Cornput, and beside, there were certain letters written in French by the Prince of Orange, and sent to the Duke of Alenson, which were intercepted, and the Commentaries that were made of them. These letters caused many mutinous Soldiers to mutin, because they might not know the contents of them.  
The sixteen day before Dinner, there issued out certain horsemen, and harquebouziers, and brought home with them a Country man, of the land of Hessen, who knew nothing of the estate of the Enemy. About noon, the Enemy came forth to anger the Ice breakers: whereupon certain Soldiers set upon them in skirmish, where they hurt some of the enemies: and amongst the rest, was an over hazardous Walon slain, and pitifully dealt withal, in the revenge of John Montieu of Northdike. In the afternoon, an other sally was made, as before, where they got a Page prisoner, who gave them sufficient knowledge of the estate of the Enemy. This day also, was there a great controversy between the Magistrate and the Captains, about the Soldiers pressed. And this night came back the six messengers aforesaid, who brought news, that upon friday next, our aid would be at the Wood  
The eighteen, the Camp of Giethorne removed before the day break, and came to the Wood, setting many houses on fire, where the Roiters, and the Camp of the four companies were driven away. Then the Tounesmen sallied out in great numbers, bravely skirmishing on every side: where many on either part were slain, and taken prisoners. After this the Enemy marched very strongly towards the Wood, 
The English men ready to set upon the Town.  meaning to charge the Englishmen, and discomfit them: but in the end he was enforced, for all his jolly cannoning of about three score bullets, both upon them of the Town, and upon them in the Wood, to retire with great loss. And his loss had been far greater, if the Tounesmen and their assistants, had had any watch word between them. Then began the weather to break up and thaw, and to be very Misty, which greatly advantaged the Englishmen, and those which lay in the wood. Who, in the night retired from the wood to Blockzill, giving us notice thereof by the signs of fire.  
The nineteen of january, the Enemy a fresh summoned the Town by letters, containing, that all Strangers and honest Citizens should be licenced, to depart with their bodies and goods: but that he would have the perjured ones to be delivered into his hands, that he might execute the Law upon them. Bragging and boasting further, in lying manner, that our aid had charged the very weakest corner of his Camp, and were with shame enough, repulsed and chased clean away left many of their weapons behind them, had lost much of their victual, besides certain of their Captains. He called also for the prisoners, and threatened likewise to hang our prisoners, ere many days were at an end: Howbeit, Captain Conrade of Steenwike and others, who were appointed for that purpose, answered him again by word of mouth: that it was not lawful for them, so to forget, and break their oath: because they had sworn to the united Provinces, to keep the Town, so long as they had any life within them: and therefore would observe the same still, looking for whatsoever it should please the Lord God to lay upon them. And as concerning the prisoners, they answered by letters, that they were contented to keep the accustomed law of Arms, and therefore desired to have in writing a specification from the prisoners, because they never thirsted after their blood: and that if they hung any of them, they should be assured, that they would do the like. Which letters were sent by a prisoner, who, upon his oath, was sent from the Enemy, to them of the Town, and was afterward delivered with the rest of the prisoners.  
The 20. day, there came two messengers into the Town, bringing news, of certain succour. The same day, the Enemy offered to observe, the law at Arms, as was meet●, to wit, to deliver a prisoner for a months wages, or else prisoner for prisoner. There was also a Copy taken of that despiteful letter of the Enemy, and put upon a Poles end without the Town which was pitched before his Camp, smally for his honour and pleasure. These said Messengers declared, that the cause why our succour retired from the Wood, was for want of Victual and Powder: and did further assure them, that the Lord of Nievorte was marching on with 1800. men to join with the English men, for our aid. At that time likewise, the Enemy sent the Towns men word, that if they would forbid their Soldiers the committing of injuries, that he would also do the like to his.  
The 21. day, the Enemy ransomed, and also delivered, certain prisoners, for a Months wages. He wrote likewise letters to the Captains, whereupon, might easily be conjectured, that he sought by cunning and practice to sow dissension amongst the Companies.  
The 22. day, the Enemy, as before, delivered his prisoners by the Drum. This night, were certain Messengers, a fresh sent, to declare the necessity of the Town, who, in the morning, made a sign with fire, that they were saufly got thither.  
The 24. day, a piece of ordinance was heard shot of, four times, towards Saint Ihons' Gate, and many Harquebouzes also: whereupon, our men issued out of the Town, but to no purpose. And about the evening, they made an other sally, in which, they took a Victuallers wife of Groenyng, who told them all the history and success, which the Enemy had, against the Lord of Nievorte, and that he was returned to his Camp with great loss, and marvelous shame: which thing fell out happily, 
The English men driven of necessitte, to eat their horses.  both for us, and the English men, whom the Enemy had so distressed, as that they were driven to eat their horses. In so much, that our case stood in poor estate, had not the Lord God provide for us the assistance of the Lord of Nievorte and his Friselanders.  
The 25. of januarie in the morning, a sally was made, and two Country men taken, who confirmed all that, which the woman had said. All this day, was as great shooting of, of Harquebouzes, heard about Giethorne, as was on the day and night, immediately before. And the Enemy also, had set two houses on fire about the high water Milles. He was also seen retiering from the Wood, with his baggage, and this night was heard a great noise of Wagons, and in the morning, were a great number of the Royters Wagons seen about the great ordinance.  
The 26. day, was a sally made, but all in vain, because that the Royters of the Enemy, were over hasty in the charging of them. And about the evening, were seen a company of Soldiers, marching towards Giethorne, and at night were seen, signs of fire. There were likewise at sundry times heard, both of Cannon and Harquebouze shot, aswell at Blockzill, as also at Saint Ihons' Campe.  
The 27. day, were sallies made both evening and morning, wherein, a Page was taken, who at large declared, how the Enemy had been evil dealt withal at saint Ihons' Camp: and that his Soldiers mutined for their wages, yea, some of them would not stick to say that they would tear in sunder their Ensigns. And at night, was a great fire seen at Giethorne.  
The 28. day, the Tounesmen sent a Drum, for the delinerie of certain prisoners, but it was to no purpose: for the Enemy had other matters to do. This day, were four sallies made, whereof, three were in vain: but in the fourth, a Musketeer was taken: who said, that the Soldiers held a council for their wages, which was promised them within four days, or else be brought into a better corner. There were a great many of Soldiers seen marching to and fro, laden with their baggage. This night, two Messengers came in, and three went out, from whom, the signs of fire were seen: The news were good which they brought from Saint Ihons' Camp: and beside, that the good Knight of Nievort, came with three hundred Wagons, laden with Victuals.  
The 29. day, certain prisoners were delivered upon a Months wages, and some without ransom, but spoiled of all their apparel: The night ensuing, came out two Messengers: and the last day of this month, the Enemy began to cast his Trench on the North Common: and then was there two sallies made, the one, at the Wood gate, and the other, at Ouniger gate: where, one of the enemies was slain, and an other taken prisoner. This night, returned the two last Messengers, with the Lord of Merodes Lieutenant, Governor of Friselande, named Adrian Mennickes.  
The first of February, the Enemy showed himself with ten companies of Soldiers in Westwike, and with one Ensign in Eastwike: where, he caused the place to be changed, and caused also certain pieces of Artillery to be brought on the other side: he broke likewise the Cannon stocks, and placed them in the plain fallow fields about Westwike, keeping the depth of Ae altogether on high. This night also went out two Messengers, but the Enemy chased them in again with heave and hoe.  
The second of this month, to wit the night following, the said Lord of Merodes Lieutenant, returned towards Oldmerct assuring us, that we should eftsoon, see our aid.  
The third day, the Enemy began an other Trench, adjoining to the other in North Common. This day they visited every house, and took an Inventory of all the Victuals: and they, which said they had no Victuals, the Victuals which they had, were taken from them, and given to the Soldiers. This day, came flying into the Market place three Partridges, which the Soldiers took and eat: which was a notable token sent from God, betokening the time of the deliverance of the City: for within three weeks after we were delivered, even as Captain Cornput had interpreted it.  
The fourth day, the aid came, according to the said Adrian Mennickes promise, from Oldmerct, to the Wood, and the Enemy was driven away by our Horsemen: And after that, the whole force of our Army came together. Then the Enemy shot of, twice, at the Town. And when he had so done, he planted his ordinance upon the Trench in North Common. He shot of also, ten times at our aid, and yet did no hurt: but our ordinance paid them a little otherwise, to the no small loss of his people. This day, was begun a Rampart, at north new gate, by which our aid meant to victual us: for, they encamped at the foot of Hiddyngberg, on Steenwike Town side.  
The fift day, being sunday, a sally was made, and in the skirmish, young Conrade, the son of Captain Conrade, was slain with an Harquebouze shot. And on the other side, they in the Wood, had a brave skirmish with the Enemy: then the Enemy, courageously got up against our men, unto the top of Hiddyngberg, but he was lustily received, and beaten back to his loss. Whiles the Enemy lay in the Wood, Captain Conrade, and John Berenbrooke sallied out, and se●te Easterwicke Camp on fire, and after returned with a ●ollie spoil. And the Enemy had discharged three score Cannon shot at our Army.  
The sixth day, the Enemy was driven with all his forces, to keep a continual Ward: because our people oftentimes skirmished with them.  
The seventh day, our Soldiers took a prisoner, who told us that Captain Snater, was slain the sunday before, as he was leading his men against our Succours. But at this sally, it was twenty to one, that the Enemy had not got Onniger gate, but he was lustily, and courageously resisted and repulsed. This day, the Magistrate and Captains, 
They of Steenwike make a new view for victuals.  made a new view for Victuals, as aforesaid: and the same date, was greater store of Victuals confisked in poor men's houses, then in rich, and all because they were hidden. This night returned into the City, four Citizens, who brought good news of certain ●●de and deliverance.  
The ninth day, our men and the Enemy coupled together in a brave skirmish, who lost many horses.  
The eleventh day of this month, was an other skirmish made, so that our men received three companies of Soldiers. And the next morrow in an Alarm, set fire on the Cannon stocks which were on the Mill hill and Common.  
The thirteen day, the Enemy cast up an other Trench in the said North Common, keeping Steendicque Trench: And although that this Trench was hurtful, both to us, and ours, yet was there nothing said, nor done against it: So that the night ensuing, the Enemy began to cast up an other Trench in Ysueene way, holden all in, with the River of Ae, which greatly hindered us: because that the messengers, which were gone out of the Town, were enforced to return back.  
The fourteen day, the Tounesmen on the day time, had given upon the Tower a sign of fire, which, they of the Wood might well see, whereby they understood, that Victuals grew scant in the Town. And beside for want of Wood, they were feign to pull down their houses to make them fires. The Tounesmen also sallied out upon the hindermost Trench, which was cast up in Ysueene way, but it was to no purpose: For they were repulsed by the other Trenches, because that they which lay in the Wood, would not once help them: So that they were driven to retire, without bringing to pass their purpose and devise.  
The fifteen day, four Citizens entered the Town without stay, which was a wonder: because the Enemy had set a watch round about the Town, not above a stones cast one from an other. This day a sign with fire was given, that the Tounesmen, were ready with their Bridges, to pass the River of Ae, according to the General of the Army's commandment. The Tounesmen also cast up certain Trenches in the Garden ditches, on the north side of the Town, out of which, the Soldiers of the Town, might skirmish with the Enemy: In the mean while, the Bridges were with all possible speed, laid over the River of Ae, to the end, that our aid should not have any occasion to stay: and in the making of this Bridge, there fell out a marvelous strange case: For, whiles the Citizens, about nine of the clock at night, were busied about this Bridge, the Enemy in the next Trenches, tainted four of them, with the shot of one Harqucbouze, one of which was Captain Conrade, and yet not one of them once hurt.  
The sixteen date, the Enemy made a Trench of Wagons against our Garden Trenches: and the next morrow, a sally was made out of Onniger gate, wherein was taken a Soldier and a woman, which woman was examined: and forthwith a Drum was sent towards the Enemy, to know whether he would deliver the prisoner or no, which he utterly refused. The night following, the Enemy had a notable Marme given him, as if our aid would have marched upon him, but all in vain, because the Enemy, with all diligence mustered himself with all his forces, upon north Common.  
The nineteen day, 
The Enemy chargeth them in the Wood  about the day break, the Enemy armed himself with all his forces, to charge them in the Wood: but he was so lustily repulsed, as that he was driven to make his retreat.  
The twenty day, about 200. persons came to the Town house crying out for bread: 
Not one 〈◊〉 of bread left in the town.  and each man had for his share one piece, for him and his Family, because there was a morsel of bread more left in the Town. This day, even at broad noon day, came into the Town, four Citizens and three soldiers, who in despite of the Enemy, came between the Ward, and the Trenches: and although the Enemy coming out of his trenches, pursued them, yet was there not one of them once tainted, nor hurt, which so encouraged our aid, that they purposed the next day in the morning to revictuall the Town.  
The 21. day of this month, they in the Wood, 
The Town revictualled in the v●ewe of the enemy.  laded certain Soldiers with Bread and Cheese, and sent them the very same way that the rest aforesaid had gone: and although the Enemy skirmished to stop their passage, yet passed they in despite of him, with more loss to himself, then to our men: and brought to the Town, about 250. Loaves, and 150. Cheeses. The night ensuing, they of the Wood, began to cast a new Trench, some what nexer the Town. And in the day the Enemy, with all his forces, pressed near to Steendicque Common, but it was not known for what cause. He very busily trauciled also, to bring his Artillery behind Easterwike, but it was to no purpose. This day in the evening, came a flying Post to the Town with a letter: And the night following, the Enemy made a fort of Wagons, at the passage, where our men carried over the bread and Cheese.  
The 22. day, the weather began to thaw, and the Towns men began to cast up a new Trench, within the new Bridge, without North new gate. About noon, a skirmish began to be coupled between the Roiters of the Wood, and the Roiters of the Enemy. In so much, that nine of our men issued out of their Trenches, and came to North Common, chase out of the one of them, the better part of their Lances: which caused the Enemy cry Arm, Arm, throughout all his Camp: suddemly rushing with all his forces, upon the Common: how be it, they in the Wood, would at no hand retire, although they were but a few Roiters, and an handful of small shot, but most courageously made head upon the Enemy, drawing towards the Town way, whereupon, the Soldiers of the Tnune in such sort, issued out to help and aid, those of the Wood, as that the Enemy received hurt enough. And although the Enemy, by reason of the multitude of his Royters, won a passage, yet what with those of the Town behind, and those of the Wood before, they were gallantly hansled with Harquebouze shot: and in the end so handled, as that his Soldiers squared somewhat out of order, in so much that it seemed, rather a battle, than a skirmish: for, otherwise, could not the Roiters bring their soldiers to the fight: And therefore, many valiant Officers, Captains of Horsemen, and others of name, were there, slain: In so much, that they were driven by reason of the rain, to retire in order of battle: This day also, the Cannon on either side, played her part lustily: and the fort of Wagons, which the Enemy had made the night before, was broken in pieces, and carried to the Town. About four hours, after the Enemy was got to rest, 
The Town again revictualled.  they of the Wood had revictualled the Town, with a pretty sprinkling of some 75. Busshelles of Wheat, Meal, Cheese, and Powder. Now, the Enemy would by no means trouble them, by reason that the Tounesmen, had assailed the very nearest Trench of that passage: in which were two Ensigns, of such noble courage, as that they won the Trench, took the Artillery, slew 17. Soldiers, and carried away the rest that were hurt, as prisoners: yea, and had drawn away Artillery and all, had not the force of the Lances stayed them: for they were not half well provided to go away upon the spur: and again, the night coming suddenly upon ●hem, every man retiered himself to his strength. But, because the Enemy had fought but ill that day, the next night he forsook his seven Trenches, upon north Common, and Steendicque, and drew away his Artillery.  
The 23. 
The siege raised from before Steenwike.  of February, which was the day of the deliverance of the Town, about the break of the day, three Engishe men came out of the Wood, and passed between the Trenches: but when they perceived, that there was neither watch nor ward within them, they came to the Town, and told them of it: then issued out of the Town many men, and looking into the Trenches, found never a man, but the seventeen dead men which lay there, and three dead Roiters before the Trench. Within a while after, the Enemy set fire on his Camp, and having before day, sent his Artillery with his footmen before: his horsemen stood in order of battle until the afternoon, in the plain fallow fields of Onnen, until such time as the English Colonel, general of the Camp, came with his Colonelles, Captains, and Officers, and a few horsemen, to pass by Steenwike, in the tail of the Enemy, who as yet bravely mustered and showed himself. And then was the Town thoroughly victualled with all things necessary, and delivered from the strait siege, 
The slege of Steenwike lasted four whole months.  which it endured four whole Months together, and therefore we can not sufficiently enough praise our good GOD, who hath so lovingly and mercifully dealt with us, most miserable wretches.  
The 24. of February, the Army of the Estates, departed from the Wood, and marched towards Oldemerct, to expulse the Garnisons, which the Enemy had thrust in into Ruynder, Lemmer, Sloten, and many other places more, which afterward was performed. In so much that all these places were again restored into the hands of the Estates, and united Provinces. Unto whom, I beseech the Lord of his mercy and grace, grant wisdom, providence, and strength, daily more and more to continue their blessed enterprises, to the end they may with force resist their enemies, providently, guide all their affairs, and maintain this debonair people with all wisdom and equity. And thus (gentle Reader) I conclude and end this present History: reserving the rest of the affairs which shall succeed, for the beginning of an other Book, and if it shall please the Lord our God to grant me that his favour, I will surely make thee partaker thereof.  
FINIS.   

A Table containing the principal matters contained within this History, of the troubles and Livill wars in the low Countries.  

A.  
Ambassadors sent to the King from the Council of Trent. 7.  
An advertisement or warning of those of the reformed Religion. 21.  
Articles digested, into form and order. 22.  
An abolishing of the Inquisition and Commissions. 25.  
Arragon, will not receive the Inquisition. 44.  
Alkmere, besieged. 101.  
Ark of Delfte. 126.  
A lusty captains linelinesse revived men, half dead. 127.  
Admiral, determineth to batter Lammen forte. 134.   

B.  
Braband Privileges, most excellent. 3.  
bringing in of the new Bishops. 5.  
Brute and rumour of wars in the low Countrels. 4.  
Boisleduke besieged by the Count of Megne. 37.  
Briel taken by the Lord of Lumay. 75.  
Bishop of Harlem, halloweth the great Church. 102.  
Battle by Sea. 102.  
Battle at Moquerhed. 103.  
Boysot the Admiral, sent to take up men for the aiding of Leyden. 118.  
Baldez and his company, take a fair pair of heels. 132.  
Boysot, the Admiral, entereth Leyden. 155.  
Baldez writeth a few Latin words, upon his departure from the siege before Leyden. 136.  
Baldez his Soldiers mutiny. 138.  
Baldez Soldiers march to outright. Ibidem.  
Buren, besieged and rendered Ibidem.   

C.  
Count Menssield garnisonneth Antwerp. 39  
Counsel of troubles erected. 49.  
Castle of Antwerp built. 50.  
Citation against the Count of Hooghstrate. 52.  
Count Arenbergue slain. 65.  
Count Adolf of Nassou slain. Ibidem.  
Count Lodwick his answer to the Emperor. 70.  
Count Lodwick raiseth his Campe. 71.  
Count Egmond his answer to his Sentence of condemnation. 67.  
Count Egmond his letters unto the King. Ibidem.  
Count Bergue invadeth the Country of Surphen. 77.  
Castle of Stavere aided. 78.  
Count de la Roche his letters to the Leydens'. 121.  
citizens most noble and courageous answer of Leyden, to Baldes Campe. 128.  
Calamity and misery of the Leydens' insupportable. 130.   

D.  
Doctors of divinity, appointed in every Cathedral Church. 5.  
Duke of Alva, appointed General of the Army for Flanders. 29.  
Disputation at Antwerp. 31.  
Duke of Alva cometh out of Spain. 49.  
Duke of Alva his order in the going of his voyage. Ibidem.  
Duchess of Parma goeth out of the low Country. Ibidem.  
Duke of Alva taketh away the keys from the Gauntois. 50.  
Duke of Alva, showeth his authority to the Estates. Ibidem.  
Duke of Alva, aideth the French. 51.  
Duke of Alva, tyrannizeth. 65.  
Duke of Alva writeth to the Bishop of Munster. 71.  
Duke of Alva demandeth the tenth peney. 74.  
Duke of Alva besiegeth Monts 77.  
Don Lewis de Requesens, cometh into the low Countries. 102.  
Duke of Alva, plareth the bankrupt. 103.  
Delft, attempted. 117.  
divers speeches used, about the cutting and piercing of the Dykes or Banks. 119.  
Discord in Leyden, by reason of the famine. 127.  
Death of the Commandator. 139.   

E.  
Increase of those of the Religion. 2.  
Examination or trial most cruel. 46.  
Egmond and Horn prisoners. 50.  
English men driven out of their fort. 106.  
Enterprise of the Commandator upon the Country of Sconwene. 139.   

F.  
Form and manner of the Inquisition. 44.  
Flusihing, revolteth. 75.  
French, overthrown at Chieverane. 77.  
Fugitive Hollanders letters to the Ley dens. 109.  
flying meslenger, arriveth at Leyden. 129.   

G.  
Gueses demand, rejected by the Regent. 37.  
Gueses discomfited, and put to flight. Ibidem.  
Great patience in those of the Religion. 1.  
Gueses, invade Friselande. 77.  
Gertrudenbergue besieged. 102.   

H.  
Harlem, besieged. 79.  
Harlemians, for the redemption of their City, pay to Dom Frederick 240. thousand Florins. 99  
Harlem, yielded up to the Duke of Alua. Ibidem.   

J.  
Inquisition, the very well spring of the civil wars. 2.  
jews put to death a child of two years of age. 43.  
John Biancu, the mutinous spaniards Eletto, slain. 138.   

K.  
Kings Arms broken down. 16.  
King of Spain, aught to pawn his kingdoms, to make war for the low Countries. 114.   

L.  
Luther the Author of the light of the Gospel. 1.  
Lord of Brederode, exhibiteth a supplication. 35.  
Lady Regent, her answer to the same supplication. 36.  
League of the Knights of the order. 37.  
Lady Regent tolerateth the Sermons. 28.  
Letters of the Kings unto the Lady Regent. 29.  
Lord Brederode, taken for a Rebel. 38.  
Lord of Brederode fleeth from Amsterdame. 39  
Leyden, the first time, besieged. 102.  
Leyden, besieged the second tyme. 104.  
Leydens' answer to the Prince. 107.  
Leirdame besieged and rendered. 115.  
Leydens', surprise the spaniards forte. 116.  
Leydens' over forward in skirmisshing. Ibidem.  
Leydens', writ a letter to his Excollencie. 118.  
Leydens' make an lnuentory of all the Castle & victuals they have. 119.  
Letters of the Hispaniolized fugitives to the Leydens'. 128.  
Lords confedered, determine upon the revictualling of the town. 129.   

M.  
merchants get them away into other Countries. 4.  
Ministers, and Consistory purge themselves before the Magistrate. 16.  
Marks of Bergues dieth in Spain. 39  
Massacre in Rotterdame. 75.  
Mons in Haynault surprised. 76.  
Massacre at Paris the 24. of August. 1572. 78.  
Mons in Haynault rendered. Ibidem.  
Malines sacked. Ibidem.  
Massacre at Narden. 79.  
Miracle happened at Narden. Ibidem.  
Mutiny, amongst the Spanish Soldiers. 100  
Mutiny of the spaniards at Antwerp. 103.  
Mariners, fleshed upon a spaniard. 123.  
Mo. S. Aldegond, delivered out of prison. 137.  
Mutinous spaniards, enter the Town of Aloft. 123.  
Noircarmes his tyranny. 31.  
New Bishops, not allowed by the Estates. 5.  
No want of fair promises in the Hispaniolized. 114.  
Necessity, the lnuentrix of a cunning policy. 129.   

O.  
Oration of the Lord of Brederode. 10.  
Order of the jacopins, first begun. 3.  
Original of the Marans. Ibidem.  
Order, of the preparation and furniture, of the vessels of war. 120.  
Order of the Prince's Army at Sea. 131.  
Orangians, skirmish bravely against the spaniards. 132.  
Oldwater, surprised by an assault. 139.   

P.  
Protestauntes abashed at the Kings commandment. 10.  
Prince of Orange goeth to Bruxelles. 15.  
Priests, degraded. 48.  
Proclamation or Citation against the Prince of Orange. 52.  
Prince of Orange his answer to his Inditemen. 53.  
Principal cause of the death of the Countess, Fgmond and Home. 67.  
Prince of Oranges prophesy upon Count Egmond. Ibidem.  
Prince of Orange, publisheth his defence. 72.  
Prince of Orange his Army. 72.  
Prince of Orange, taketh certain places. Ibidem.  
Prince of Orange, winneth many Towns. 78.  
Prince of Orange his advise to the Leydens'. 107.  
Prince of Orange his letters to the Leydens'. 108.  
Prince of Orange and the Estates agree, to overflow and drown the whole Country with water. 127.  
Prince of Orange cometh to view the fleet. 129.  
Prices set upon certain victuals in Leyden. 131.  
Prince of Oranges Soldiers, and Mariners, not above 1500. men. 135.  
Prince of Orange, goeth to Leyden. 137.  
Prince of Orange his marriage. 138.   

R.  
Roterdame meadows, made navigable. 120.   

S.  
So●ips sent to Rome. 5.  
Sect of the anabaptists, ariseth in divers places. 1.  
Citation of Valencia. 3.  
Solemn Procession of our Lady of Antwerp. 14.  
Supplication exhibited, by those of Flanders. 3.  
secret and most subtle persuasion of the Spanish Inquisition. Ibid.  
skirmish between Noircarmes and the Valencians. 31.  
Supplication sent to the Lady Regent. 35.  
Sedition and tumult in Antwerp. 37.  
Spain, in old time governed by petty kings. 41.  
Sentence of Heretics. 47.  
Soldier, killeth his Captain being so commanded by him. 99  
Soldiers, hanged and headed at Harlem. Ibidem.  
Spanyolized Hollanders letters to Leyden. 109.  
Spanyolized ●hon le Hutter writeth to the Leydens'. 110.  
Strange kinds of meats which the Leydens' used. 130.  
Situation of Lammen forte. 134.  
spaniards, forsake Lammen. Ibidem.  
Schoonhove rendered. 139.  
spaniards, proclaimed Rebels. Ibidem.   

T.  
The Ministers, and Consistory purge themselves before the Magistrate. 16.  
Tournyans discomfited. 31.  
Tumult suppressed in Antwerp. 38.  
Treaty of the peace at Breda, broken of. 138.   

V  
Valencia, refuseth a Garnison. 30.  
Valencia yielded up. 31.  
Valencia surprised. 76.  
Victory won by the Flushyngers. 103.  
Victory won by the Flushyngers. 104.   

W.  
Worcome, taken by the spaniards. 112.  
Waters, by reason of the wind arise up meru●ilously. 131.   

Y.  
Young youth, named Lion, by reason of his valiancy. 112.  
Young stirpling, discovereth to the Magistrate, that Lammen fort was forsaken. 135.   

Z.  
Zurphen, taken without resistance. 78.  
Ziericksea rendered. 139.   
The fourth book.  

A.  
Articles of the pacification at Gaunt. 3.  
Answer of the general Estates to the Prince of Oranges protestation. 22.  
Antwerp Castle razed. 24.  
Archduke Mathias, cometh into the low Countries. 25.  
A declaration of the the Estates against Dom Ihon. 27.  
Amsterdame, agreeth with the Estates. 29.  
An accord with the Duke of anjou. 32.  
A subscribing to the union of Vtright by the Lords and Deputies of the Cities. 44.  
An assembly at Colaigne. 50.   

B.  
Bergues upon some rendered. 24.  
Boisleduke rendered. 25.  
Blazing Star seen. Ibidem.  
Baron sells, sent from the King. 29.  
Bins' taken by the Duke of anjou. 38.   

C.  
Counsel of Estate, made prisoners. 1.  
Commission of the general Estates. 7.  
Commission of the Deputies of the Prince of Orange. 8.  
Commission of the Secretary. 9  
Count Rennenberg cometh into Friselande. 14.  
Campen, besieged and rendered. 31.  
Camp of the Estates, pitched near Rymenant. Ibidem.  
Cassimere, joineth himself, with the Camp of the Estates. 37.  
Certain prisoners escape from Groening. 38.  
Count Rennenbergue, shewerh himself a partaker with the malcontents. 52.  
Citizens ready to resist the assault in Steenwike. 53.  
Count Rennenberge goeth to view the horsemen. 57  
Cruelty of the Enemy before Steenwike. 58.   

D.  
Deputy of the Estates, deliu●red out of prison. 13.  
Dom John, cometh into the low Countre●s. 14.  
Dom John his entre into Bruxelles. 23.  
Dom John goeth from Bruxelles to Mal●nes. Ibidem.  
Don John, goeth from Malines, to Namure. Ibidem.  
Dom John soliciteth Terlon, and the Almains. 24.  
Duke of Arscot taken prisoner by the Gantois. 25.  
Dom John and his adherentes proclaimed open enemies. Ibidem.  
Dom John his victory about Giblowe. 29.  
Duke of anjou, sendeth to the Estates. Ibidem.  
Duke of Aniowe his soldiers enter into the Country. 31.  
Death of Dom Ihon. 38.  
Deventer besieged and rendered. Ibidem.  
Death of the Count Bossu. Ibidem.  
Duke of anjou, returneth into France. 39  
Deputies of Breda assembled at Vtright. 48.  
Division in Steenwike. 55.  
Discomfiture of the Enemy at the Black Scluse. 58.   

E.  
Edict perpetual, made by Dom Ihon. 14.  
Enterprise of the Orengers upon Amsterdame. 29.  
Entre of the Archduke into Bruxelles. Ibidem.  
Emperor, French King, and the Queen of England, send their Ambassadors to the Estates. 37.  
Estates, send thanks to the Duke of anjou. 39  
Enterprise, against the Briele. 50.  
Enemy, summoneth the City of Steenwike. 54.  
Enemy driven out of his trench with fire, lying before Steenwike. 56.  
Enemy, and the tounesmen of Steenwike encounter at a fourd. 59  
Enemy summoneth the Town of Steenwike. 60.  
Estates, send money to pay the Steenwikeans. Ibidem.  
Englishmen ready to set upon the Town. 62.  
Englishmen driven of necessity to eat their horses. 63.   

F.  
Fascus the Colonel, found in the habit of a Friar. 23.  
Fascus, by reason of his new habit, is made a laughing stock to the whole world. Ibidem.  
Ferdinando Lopes, called the hangman of Groenyng. 14.  
franciscans, call again, for Fascus his friars weed. Ibidem.  
Fire, taketh hold in Steenwike. 54.   

G.  
Gaunt Castle, besieged and rendered. 10.  
Great Counsel of Friselande banished. 50.   

H.  
Hawrech Castle, taken. 31.  
Harling Castle rendered. 51.  
Hope of aid for Steenwike. 55.   

J.  
Imperial diet at Worms. 30.  
jesuits and Friars, pack out of the City of Antwerp. Ibidem.   

K.  
King of Spain, ratefieth Dom John his peace with the Estates. 23.   

L.  
Losy his people, appose themselves against Colonel Robles. 12.  
Leeward Castle rendered. 24.  
Lymbourg besieged and rendered. 31.  
Leeward Castle, besieged and rendered. 50.   

M.  
Mutiny, amongst the soldiers at Mastright. 30.  
Magistrate of Arras, clapped in prison. 38.  
Montigni, taketh Menine. Ibidem.  
Mastright, besieged and won. 49.  
Menine, surprised by the Estates. 50.   

N.  
Nyvell rendereth. 30.  
Not one bit of bread left in the Town. 66.   

O.  
ordinances, upon the pacification of Gaune. 30.  
Original of the malcontents. 38.   

P.  
Pacification of Gaunt. 2.  
Prince of Oranges protestation. 20.  
Prince of Orange cometh into Brabant. 25.  
Prince of Orange, chosen Governor of Brabant. Ibidem.  
Prelattes and Gentlemen taken prisoners at Groenyng. Ibidem.  
Phillipuille, besieged and rendered. 31.  
Peace of the Religion. 32.  
Public preaching, throughout all the low Countries. 37.  
Peace of Artois and Haynault with the Prince of Parma. 49.  
Pulling down of Images at Leeward. 51.   

R.  
Robles people, make it strange to be swum unto him. 11.  
Robles, made a prisoner. 12.  
Robles his Captains, made prisoners. 13.  
Request of the Estates to the Queen of England. 30.   

S.  
Sacking and massacre of Antwerp. 1.  
spaniards, imagine themselves to be masters of the low Countries. 11.  
Spanish soldiers, assemble themselves in Braband. 11.  
skirmish by Liege. 14.  
spaniards, driven to leave the City and Castle of Antwerp. 23.  
skirmish hard by Lowaine. 32.  
Supplication exhibited for the having of the exercise of the Religion. Ibidem.  
Substitutes, of the City of Antwerp. 48.  
Substitutes of Bruges assembled at V●●ight. 48.  
Substitutes, 〈…〉 in Flanders, assembled at Vtright. 49.  
Stavere Castle rendered. 51.  
Siege of Steenwike. 53.  
Soldiers of Steenwike break the Ice. 57  
Steenwikeans skirmish lively with the Enemy. 60.   

T.  
Tyranny of the spaniards at Mastright. 11.  
The company which lay at Dam, join with them of Groening. 14.  
Tumult pacified at Valencia. 31.  
The Tounesmen of steenwike, set up a band of horsemen. 51.  
They of Steenwike make a new view for victuals. 65.  
The Enemy chargeth them in the Wood 65.  
The Town revictualled in the view of the Enemy. 66.  
The Town again revictualled. Ibidem.  
The siege raised, from before Steenwike. Ibidem.  
The siege of Steenwike lasted four whole months. 67.   

V  
Valencia rendered to the Estates. 10.  
Union of the general Estates. 27.  
Union of Vtright. 39   

W.  
Westenthorpe, the Doctor, made prisoner. 13.  
Wave Castle rendered. 24.   
FINIS.