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+The Project Gutenberg EBook Rise of the Dutch Republic, Entire, 1566-74
+#23 in our series by John Lothrop Motley
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+Title: The Rise of the Dutch Republic, Entire, 1566-74
+
+Author: John Lothrop Motley
+
+Release Date: January, 2004  [EBook #4823]
+[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule]
+[This file was first posted on March 19, 2002]
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+Edition: 10
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+Language: English
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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DUTCH REPUBLIC, 1566-74 ***
+
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+This eBook was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net>
+
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+[NOTE: There is a short list of bookmarks, or pointers, at the end of the
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+MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, 1566-1574, Complete
+
+THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
+
+By John Lothrop Motley
+
+1855
+
+
+VOLUME 2, Book 1., 1566
+
+
+1566 [CHAPTER VIII.]
+
+     Secret policy of the government--Berghen and Montigny in Spain--
+     Debates at Segovia--Correspondence of the Duchess with Philip--
+     Procrastination and dissimulation of the King--Secret communication
+     to the Pope--Effect in the provinces of the King's letters to the
+     government--Secret instructions to the Duchess--Desponding
+     statements of Margaret--Her misrepresentations concerning Orange,
+     Egmont, and others--Wrath and duplicity of Philip--Egmont's
+     exertions in Flanders--Orange returns to Antwerp--His tolerant
+     spirit--Agreement of 2d September--Horn at Tournay--Excavations in
+     the Cathedral--Almost universal attendance at the preaching--
+     Building of temples commenced--Difficult position of Horn--Preaching
+     in the Clothiers' Hall--Horn recalled--Noircarmes at Tournay--
+     Friendly correspondence of Margaret with Orange, Egmont, Horn, and
+     Hoogstraaten--Her secret defamation of these persons.
+
+Egmont in Flanders, Orange at Antwerp, Horn at Tournay; Hoogstraaten at
+Mechlin, were exerting themselves to suppress insurrection and to avert
+ruin.  What, meanwhile, was the policy of the government?  The secret
+course pursued both at Brussels and at Madrid may be condensed into the
+usual formula--dissimulation, procrastination, and again dissimulation.
+
+It is at this point necessary to take a rapid survey of the open and the
+secret proceedings of the King and his representatives from the moment at
+which Berghen and Montigny arrived in Madrid.  Those ill-fated gentlemen
+had been received with apparent cordiality, and admitted to frequent, but
+unmeaning, interviews with his Majesty.  The current upon which they were
+embarked was deep and treacherous, but it was smooth and very slow.  They
+assured the King that his letters, ordering the rigorous execution of the
+inquisition and edicts, had engendered all the evils under which the
+provinces were laboring.  They told him that Spaniards and tools of
+Spaniards had attempted to govern the country, to the exclusion of native
+citizens and nobles, but that it would soon be found that Netherlanders
+were not to be trodden upon like the abject inhabitants of Milan, Naples,
+and Sicily.  Such words as these struck with an unaccustomed sound upon
+the royal ear, but the envoys, who were both Catholic and loyal, had no
+idea, in thus expressing their opinions, according to their sense of
+duty, and in obedience to the King's desire, upon the causes of the
+discontent, that they were committing an act of high treason.
+
+When the news of the public preaching reached Spain, there were almost
+daily consultations at the grove of Segovia.  The eminent personages who
+composed the royal council were the Duke of Alva, the Count de Feria, Don
+Antonio de Toledo, Don Juan Manrique de Lara, Ruy Gomez, Quixada,
+Councillor Tisnacq, recently appointed President of the State Council,
+and Councillor Hopper.  Six Spaniards and two Netherlanders, one of whom,
+too, a man of dull intellect and thoroughly subservient character, to
+deal with the local affairs of the Netherlands in a time of intense
+excitement!  The instructions of the envoys had been to represent the
+necessity of according three great points--abolition of the inquisition,
+moderation of the edicts, according to the draft prepared in Brussels,
+and an ample pardon for past transactions.  There was much debate upon
+all these propositions.  Philip said little, but he listened attentively
+to the long discourses in council, and he took an incredible quantity of
+notes.  It was the general opinion that this last demand on the part of
+the Netherlanders was the fourth link in the chain of treason.  The first
+had been the cabal by which Granvelle had been expelled; the second, the
+mission of Egmont, the main object of which had been to procure a
+modification of the state council, in order to bring that body under the
+control of a few haughty and rebellious nobles; the third had been the
+presentation of the insolent and seditious Request; and now, to crown the
+whole, came a proposition embodying the three points--abolition of the
+inquisition, revocation of the edicts, and a pardon to criminals, for
+whom death was the only sufficient punishment.
+
+With regard to these three points, it was, after much wrangling, decided
+to grant them under certain restrictions.  To abolish the inquisition
+would be to remove the only instrument by which the Church had been
+accustomed to regulate the consciences and the doctrines of its subjects.
+It would be equivalent to a concession of religious freedom, at least to
+individuals within their own domiciles, than which no concession could be
+more pernicious.  Nevertheless, it might be advisable to permit the
+temporary cessation of the papal inquisition, now that the episcopal
+inquisition had been so much enlarged and strengthened in the
+Netherlands, on the condition that this branch of the institution should
+be maintained in energetic condition.  With regard to the Moderation, it
+was thought better to defer that matter till, the proposed visit of his
+Majesty to the provinces.  If, however, the Regent should think it
+absolutely necessary to make a change, she must cause a new draft to be
+made, as that which had been sent was not found admissible.  Touching the
+pardon general, it would be necessary to make many conditions and
+restrictions before it could be granted.  Provided these were
+sufficiently minute to exclude all persons whom it might be found
+desirable to chastise, the amnesty was possible.  Otherwise it was quite
+out of the question.
+
+Meantime, Margaret of Parma had been urging her brother to come to a
+decision, painting the distracted condition of the country in the
+liveliest colors, and insisting, although perfectly aware of Philip's
+private sentiments, upon a favorable decision as to the three points
+demanded by the envoys.  Especially she urged her incapacity to resist
+any rebellion, and demanded succor of men and money in case the
+"Moderation" were not accepted by his Majesty.
+
+It was the last day of July before the King wrote at all, to communicate
+his decisions upon the crisis which had occurred in the first week of
+April.  The disorder for which he had finally prepared a prescription
+had, before his letter arrived, already passed through its subsequent
+stages of the field-preaching and the image-breaking.  Of course these
+fresh symptoms would require much consultation, pondering, and note-
+taking before they could be dealt with.  In the mean time they would be
+considered as not yet having happened.  This was the masterly
+procrastination of the sovereign, when his provinces were in a blaze.
+
+His masterly dissimulation was employed in the direction suggested by his
+councillors.  Philip never originated a thought, nor laid down a plan,
+but he was ever true to the falsehood of his nature, and was
+indefatigable in following out the suggestions of others.  No greater
+mistake can be made than to ascribe talent to this plodding and pedantic
+monarch.  The man's intellect was contemptible, but malignity and
+duplicity, almost superhuman; have effectually lifted his character out
+of the regions of the common-place.  He wrote accordingly to say that the
+pardon, under certain conditions, might be granted, and that the papal
+inquisition might cease--the bishops now being present in such numbers,
+"to take care of their flocks," and the episcopal inquisition being,
+therefore established upon so secure a basis.  He added, that if a
+moderation of the edicts were still desired, a new project might be sent
+to Madrid, as the one brought by Berghen and Montigny was not
+satisfactory.  In arranging this wonderful scheme for composing the
+tumults of the country, which had grown out of a determined rebellion to
+the inquisition in any form, he followed not only the advice, but adopted
+the exact language of his councillors.
+
+Certainly, here was not much encouragement for patriotic hearts in the
+Netherlands.  A pardon, so restricted that none were likely to be
+forgiven save those who had done no wrong; an episcopal inquisition
+stimulated to renewed exertions, on the ground that the papal
+functionaries were to be discharged; and a promise that, although the
+proposed Moderation of the edicts seemed too mild for the monarch's
+acceptance, yet at some future period another project would be matured
+for settling the matter to universal satisfaction--such were the
+propositions of the Crown.  Nevertheless, Philip thought he had gone too
+far, even in administering this meagre amount of mercy, and that he had
+been too frank in employing so slender a deception, as in the scheme thus
+sketched.  He therefore summoned a notary, before whom, in presence of
+the Duke of Alva, the Licentiate Menchaca and Dr. Velasco, he declared
+that, although he had just authorized Margaret of Parma, by force of
+circumstances, to grant pardon to all those who had been compromised in
+the late disturbances of the Netherlands, yet as he had not done this
+spontaneously nor freely, he did not consider himself bound by the
+authorization, but that, on the contrary, he reserved his right to punish
+all the guilty, and particularly those who had been the authors and
+encouragers of the sedition.
+
+So much for the pardon promised in his official correspondence.
+
+With regard to the concessions, which he supposed himself to have made in
+the matter of the inquisition and the edicts, he saved his conscience by
+another process.  Revoking with his right hand all which his left had
+been doing, he had no sooner despatched his letters to the Duchess Regent
+than he sent off another to his envoy at Rome.  In this despatch he
+instructed Requesens to inform the Pope as to the recent royal decisions
+upon the three points, and to state that there had not been time to
+consult his Holiness beforehand.  Nevertheless, continued Philip "the
+prudent," it was perhaps better thus, since the abolition could have no
+force, unless the Pope, by whom the institution had been established,
+consented to its suspension.  This matter, however, was to be kept a
+profound secret.  So much for the inquisition matter.  The papal
+institution, notwithstanding the official letters, was to exist, unless
+the Pope chose to destroy it; and his Holiness, as we have seen, had sent
+the Archbishop of Sorrento, a few weeks before, to Brussels, for the
+purpose of concerting secret measures for strengthening the "Holy Office"
+in the provinces.
+
+With regard to the proposed moderation of the edicts, Philip informed
+Pius the Fifth, through Requesens, that the project sent by the Duchess
+not having been approved, orders had been transmitted for a new draft,
+in which all the articles providing for the severe punishment of heretics
+were to be retained, while alterations, to be agreed upon by the state
+and privy councils, and the knights of the Fleece, were to be adopted--
+certainly in no sense of clemency.  On the contrary, the King assured his
+Holiness, that if the severity of chastisement should be mitigated the
+least in the world by the new articles, they would in no case receive the
+royal approbation.  Philip further implored the Pope "not to be
+scandalized" with regard to the proposed pardon, as it would be by no
+means extended to offenders against religion.  All this was to be kept
+entirely secret.  The King added, that rather than permit the least
+prejudice to the ancient religion, he would sacrifice all his states, and
+lose a hundred lives if he had so many; for he would never consent to be
+the sovereign of heretics.  He said he would arrange the troubles of the
+Netherlands, without violence, if possible, because forcible measures
+would cause the entire destruction of the country.  Nevertheless they
+should be employed, if his purpose could be accomplished in no other way.
+In that case the King would himself be the executor of his own design,
+without allowing the peril which he should incur, nor the ruin of the
+provinces, nor that of his other realms, to prevent him from doing all
+which a Christian prince was bound to do, to maintain the Catholic
+religion and the authority of the Holy See, as well as to testify his
+personal regard for the reigning pontiff, whom he so much loved and
+esteemed.
+
+Here was plain speaking.  Here were all the coming horrors distinctly
+foreshadowed.  Here was the truth told to the only being with whom Philip
+ever was sincere.  Yet even on this occasion, he permitted himself a
+falsehood by which his Holiness was not deceived.  Philip had no
+intention of going to the Netherlands in person, and the Pope knew that
+he had none.  "I feel it in my bones," said Granvelle, mournfully, "that
+nobody in Rome believes in his Majesty's journey to the provinces."  From
+that time forward, however, the King began to promise this visit, which
+was held out as a panacea for every ill, and made to serve as an excuse
+for constant delay.
+
+It may well be supposed that if Philip's secret policy had been
+thoroughly understood in the Netherlands, the outbreak would have come
+sooner.  On the receipt, however, of the public despatches from Madrid,
+the administration in Brussels made great efforts to represent their
+tenor as highly satisfactory.  The papal inquisition was to be abolished,
+a pardon was to be granted, a new moderation was to be arranged at some
+indefinite period; what more would men have?  Yet without seeing the face
+of the cards, the people suspected the real truth, and Orange was
+convinced of it.  Viglius wrote that if the King did not make his
+intended visit soon, he would come too late, and that every week more
+harm was done by procrastination than could be repaired by months of
+labor and perhaps by torrents of blood.  What the precise process was,
+through which Philip was to cure all disorders by his simple presence,
+the President did not explain.
+
+As for the measures propounded by the King after so long a delay, they
+were of course worse than useless; for events had been marching while he
+had been musing.  The course suggested was, according to Viglius, but "a
+plaster for a wound, but a drag-chain for the wheel."  He urged that the
+convocation of the states-general was the only remedy for the perils in
+which the country was involved; unless the King should come in person.
+He however expressed the hope that by general consultation some means
+would be devised by which, if not a good, at least a less desperate
+aspect would be given to public affairs, "so that the commonwealth, if
+fall it must, might at least fall upon its feet like a cat, and break its
+legs rather than its neck."
+
+Notwithstanding this highly figurative view of the subject; and
+notwithstanding the urgent representations of Duchess Margaret to her
+brother, that nobles and people were all clamoring about the necessity of
+convening the states general, Philip was true to his instincts on this as
+on the other questions.  He knew very well that the states-general of the
+Netherlands and Spanish despotism were incompatible ideas, and he
+recoiled from the idea of the assembly with infinite aversion.  At the
+same time a little wholesome deception could do no harm.  He wrote to the
+Duchess, therefore, that he was determined never to allow the states-
+general to be convened.  He forbade her to consent to the step under any
+circumstances, but ordered her to keep his prohibition a profound secret.
+He wished, he said, the people to think that it was only for the moment
+that the convocation was forbidden, and that the Duchess was expecting to
+receive the necessary permission at another time.  It was his desire, he
+distinctly stated, that the people should not despair of obtaining the
+assembly, but he was resolved never to consent to the step, for he knew
+very well what was meant by a meeting of the States-general.  Certainly
+after so ingenuous but secret a declaration from the disciple of
+Macchiavelli, Margaret might well consider the arguments to be used
+afterward by herself and others, in favor of the ardently desired
+measure, as quite superfluous.
+
+Such then was the policy secretly resolved upon by Philip; even before he
+heard of the startling events which were afterwards to break upon him.
+He would maintain the inquisition and the edicts; he would exterminate
+the heretics, even if he lost all his realms and his own life in the
+cause; he would never hear of the national representatives coming
+together.  What then were likely to be his emotions when he should be
+told of twenty thousand armed heretics assembling at one spot, and
+fifteen thousand at another, in almost every town in every province, to
+practice their blasphemous rites; when he should be told of the whirlwind
+which had swept all the ecclesiastical accumulations of ages out of
+existence; when he should read Margaret's despairing letters, in which
+she acknowledged that she had at last committed an act unworthy of God,
+of her King, and of herself, in permitting liberty of worship to the
+renegades from the ancient church!
+
+The account given by the Duchess was in truth very dismal.  She said that
+grief consumed her soul and crimson suffused her cheeks while she related
+the recent transactions.  She took God to witness that she had resisted
+long, that she had past many sleepless nights, that she had been wasted
+with fever and grief.  After this penitential preface she confessed that,
+being a prisoner and almost besieged in her palace, sick in body and
+soul, she had promised pardon and security to the confederates, with
+liberty of holding assemblies to heretics in places where the practice
+had already obtained.  These concessions had been made valid until the
+King by and with the consent of the states-general, should definitely
+arrange the matter.  She stated, however, that she had given her consent
+to these two demands, not in the royal name, but in her own.  The King
+was not bound by her promise, and she expreesed the hope that he would
+have no regard to any such obligation.  She further implored her brother
+to come forth as soon as possibe to avenge the injuries inflicted upon
+the ancient church, adding, that if deprived of that consolation, she
+should incontinently depart this life.  That hope alone would prevent her
+death.
+
+This was certainly strong language.  She was also very explicit in her
+representations of the influence which had been used by certain
+personages to prevent the exercise of any authority upon her own part.
+"Wherefore," said Margaret, "I eat my heart; and shall never have peace
+till the arrival of your Majesty."
+
+There was no doubt who those personages were who, as it was pretended,
+had thus held the Duchess in bondage, and compelled her to grant these
+infamous concessions.  In her secret Italian letters, she furnished the
+King with a tissue of most extravagant and improbable falsehoods,
+supplied to her mainly by Noircarmes and Mansfeld, as to the course
+pursued at this momentous crisis by Orange, Egmont, Horn, and
+Hoogstraaten.  They had all, she said, declared against God and against
+religion.--Horn, at least, was for killing all the priests and monks in
+the country, if full satisfaction were not given to the demands of the
+heretics.  Egmont had declared openly for the beggars, and was levying
+troops in Germany.  Orange had the firm intention of making himself
+master of the whole country, and of dividing it among the other
+seigniors and himself.  The Prince had said that if she took
+refuge in Mons, as she had proposed, they would instantly convoke the
+states-general, and take all necessary measures.  Egmont had held the
+same language, saying that he would march at the head of forty thousand
+men to besiege her in that city.  All these seigniors, however, had
+avowed their determination to prevent her flight, to assemble the
+estates, and to drag her by force before the assembly, in order to compel
+her consent to every measure which might be deemed expedient.  Under all
+these circumstances, she had been obliged to defer her retreat, and to
+make the concessions which had overwhelmed her with disgrace.
+
+With such infamous calumnies, utterly disproved by every fact in the
+case, and unsupported by a tittle of evidence, save the hearsay reports
+of a man like Noircarmes, did this "woman, nourished at Rome, in whom no
+one could put confidence," dig the graves of men who were doing their
+best to serve her.
+
+Philip's rage at first hearing of the image-breaking has been indicated.
+He was ill of an intermittent fever at the wood of Segovia when the news
+arrived, and it may well be supposed that his wrath at these proceedings
+was not likely to assuage his malady.  Nevertheless, after the first
+burst of indignation, he found relief in his usual deception.  While
+slowly maturing the most tremendous vengeance which anointed monarch ever
+deliberately wreaked upon his people, he wrote to say, that it was "his
+intention to treat his vassals and subjects in the provinces like a good
+and clement prince, not to ruin them nor to put them into servitude, but
+to exercise all humanity, sweetness, and grace, avoiding all harshness."
+Such were the avowed intentions of the sovereign towards his people at
+the moment when the terrible Alva, who was to be the exponent of all this
+"humanity, sweetness, and grace," was already beginning the preparations
+for his famous invasion of the Netherlands.
+
+The essence of the compact agreed to upon the 23d August between the
+confederates and the Regent, was that the preaching of the reformed
+religion should be tolerated in places where it had previously to that
+date been established.  Upon this basis Egmont, Horn, Orange,
+Hoogstraaten, and others, were directed once more to attempt the
+pacification of the different provinces.
+
+Egmont departed for his government of Flanders, and from that moment
+vanished all his pretensions, which at best had been, slender enough, to
+the character of a national chieftain. During the whole of the year his
+course had been changeful. He had felt the influence of Orange; he had
+generous instincts; he had much vanity; he had the pride of high rank;
+which did not easily brook the domination of strangers, in a land which
+he considered himself and his compeers entitled by their birth to rule.
+At this juncture, however, particularly when in the company of
+Noircarmes, Berlaymont, and Viglius, he expressed, notwithstanding their
+calumnious misstatements, the deepest detestation of the heretics.  He
+was a fervent Catholic, and he regarded the image-breaking as an unpardon
+able crime.  "We must take up arms," said he, "sooner or later, to bring
+these Reformers to reason, or they will end by laying down the law for
+us."  On the other hand, his anger would be often appeased by the grave
+but gracious remonstrances of Orange.  During a part of the summer, the
+Reformers had been so strong in Flanders that upon a single day sixty
+thousand armed men had been assembled at the different field-preachings
+within that province.  "All they needed was a Jacquemart, or a Philip van
+Artevelde," says a Catholic, contemporary, "but they would have scorned
+to march under the banner of a brewer; having dared to raise their eyes
+for a chief, to the most illustrious warrior of his ages."  No doubt, had
+Egmont ever listened to these aspirations, he might have taken the field
+against the government with an invincible force, seized the capital,
+imprisoned the Regent, and mastered the whole country, which was entirely
+defenceless, before Philip would have had time to write more than ten
+despatches upon the subject.
+
+These hopes of the Reformers, if hopes they could be called, were now
+destined to be most bitterly disappointed.  Egmont entered Flanders, not
+as a chief of rebels--not as a wise pacificator, but as an unscrupulous
+partisan of government, disposed to take summary vengeance on all
+suspected persons who should fall in his way.  He ordered numerous
+executions of image-breakers and of other heretics.  The whole province
+was in a state of alarm; for, although he had not been furnished by the
+Regent with a strong body of troops, yet the name of the conqueror at
+Saint Quentin and Gravelines was worth many regiments.  His severity was
+excessive.  His sanguinary exertions were ably seconded also by his
+secretary Bakkerzeel, a man who exercised the greatest influence over his
+chief, and who was now fiercely atoning for having signed the Compromise
+by persecuting those whom that league had been formed to protect.  "Amid
+all the perplexities of the Duchess Regent," Says a Walloon historian,
+"this virtuous princess was consoled by the exploits of Bakkerzeel,
+gentleman in Count Egmont's service.  On one occasion he hanged twenty
+heretics, including a minister, at a single heat."
+
+Such achievements as these by the hands or the orders of the
+distinguished general who had been most absurdly held up as a possible
+protector of the civil and religious liberties of the country, created
+profound sensation.  Flanders and Artois were filled with the wives and
+children of suspected I thousands who had fled the country to escape the
+wrath of Egmont.  The cries and piteous lamentations of these unfortunate
+creatures were heard on every side.  Count Louis was earnestly implored
+to intercede for the persecuted Reformers.  "You who have been so nobly
+gifted by Heaven, you who have good will and singular bounty written upon
+your face," said Utenhove to Louis, "have the power to save these poor
+victims from the throats of the ravenous wolves."  The Count responded to
+the appeal, and strove to soften the severity of Egmont, without,
+however, producing any very signal effect.  Flanders was soon pacified,
+nor was that important province permitted to enjoy the benefits of the
+agreement which had been extorted, from the Duchess.  The preachings were
+forbidden, and the ministers and congregations arrested and chastised,
+even in places where the custom had been established previously to the
+23d August.  Certainly such vigorous exertions upon the part both of
+master and man did not savor of treason to Philip, and hardly seemed to
+indicate the final doom of Egmont and Bakkerzeel.
+
+The course of Orange at Antwerp was consistent with his whole career.  He
+honestly came to arrange a pacification, but he knew that this end could
+be gained only by loyally maintaining the Accord which had been signed
+between the confederates and the Regent.  He came back to the city on the
+26th August, and found order partially re-established.  The burghers
+having at last become thoroughly alarmed, and the fury of the image-
+breakers entirely appeased, it had been comparatively easy to restore
+tranquillity.  The tranquillity, however, rather restored itself, and
+when the calm had succeeded to the tempest, the placid heads of the
+burgomasters once, more emerged from the waves.
+
+Three image-breakers, who had been taken in the act, were hanged by order
+of the magistrates upon the 28th of August.  The presence of Orange gave
+them courage to achieve these executions which he could not prevent, as
+the fifth article of the Accord enjoined the chastisement of the rioters.
+The magistrates chose that the "chastisement" on this occasion should be
+exemplary, and it was not in the power of Orange to interfere with the
+regular government of the city when acting according to its laws.  The
+deed was not his, however, and he hastened, in order to obviate the
+necessity of further violence, to prepare articles of agreement, upon the
+basis of Margaret's concessions.  Public preaching, according to the
+Reformed religion, had already taken place within the city.  Upon the
+22d, possession had been taken of at least three churches.  The senate
+had deputed pensionary Wesenbeck to expostulate with the ministers, for
+the magistrates were at that moment not able to command.  Taffin, the
+Walloon preacher, had been tractable, and had agreed to postpone his
+exercises.  He furthermore had accompanied the pensionary to the
+cathedral, in order to persuade Herman Modet that it would be better for
+him likewise to defer his intended ministrations.  They had found that
+eloquent enthusiast already in the great church, burning with impatience
+to ascend upon the ruins, and quite unable to resist the temptation of
+setting a Flemish psalm and preaching a Flemish sermon within the walls
+which had for so many centuries been vocal only to the Roman tongue and
+the Roman ritual.  All that he would concede to the entreaties of his
+colleague and of the magistrate, was that his sermon should be short.
+In this, however, he had overrated his powers of retention, for the
+sermon not only became a long one, but he had preached another upon the
+afternoon of the same day.  The city of Antwerp, therefore, was clearly
+within the seventh clause of the treaty of the 24th August, for preaching
+had taken place in the cathedral, previously to the signing of that
+Accord.
+
+Upon the 2d September, therefore, after many protracted interview with
+the heads of the Reformed religion, the Prince drew up sixteen articles
+of agreement between them, the magistrates and the government, which were
+duly signed and exchanged.  They were conceived in the true spirit of
+statesmanship, and could the rulers of the land have elevated themselves
+to the mental height of William de Nassau, had Philip been able of
+comprehending such a mind, the Prince, who alone possessed the power in
+those distracted times of governing the wills of all men, would have
+enabled the monarch to transmit that beautiful cluster of provinces,
+without the lose of a single jewel, to the inheritors of his crown.
+
+If the Prince were playing a game, he played it honorably.  To have
+conceived the thought of religious toleration in an age of universal
+dogmatism; to have labored to produce mutual respect among conflicting
+opinions, at a period when many Dissenters were as bigoted as the
+orthodox, and when most Reformers fiercely proclaimed not liberty for
+every Christian doctrine, but only a new creed in place of all the rest,
+--to have admitted the possibility of several roads, to heaven, when
+zealots of all creeds would shut up all pathways but their own; if such
+sentiments and purposes were sins, they would have been ill-exchanged for
+the best virtues of the age.  Yet, no doubt, this was his crying offence
+in the opinion of many contemporaries.  He was now becoming apostate from
+the ancient Church, but he had long thought that Emperors, Kings, and
+Popes had taken altogether too much care of men's souls in times past,
+and had sent too many of them prematurely to their great account.
+He was equally indisposed to grant full-powers for the same purpose to
+Calvinists, Lutherans, or Anabaptists.  "He censured the severity of our
+theologians," said a Catholic contemporary, accumulating all the
+religious offences of the Prince in a single paragraph, "because they
+keep strictly the constitutions of the Church without conceding a single
+point to their adversaries; he blamed the Calvinists as seditious and
+unruly people, yet nevertheless had a horror for the imperial edicts
+which condemned them to death; he said it was a cruel thing to take a
+man's life for sustaining an erroneous opinion; in short, he fantasied in
+his imagination a kind of religion, half Catholic, half Reformed, in
+order to content all persons; a system which would have been adopted
+could he have had his way."  This picture, drawn by one of his most
+brilliant and bitter enemies, excites our admiration while intended to
+inspire aversion.
+
+The articles of agreement at Antwerp thus promulgated assigned three
+churches to the different sects of reformers, stipulated that no attempt
+should be made by Catholics or Protestants to disturb the religious
+worship of each other, and provided that neither by mutual taunts in
+their sermons, nor by singing street ballads, together with improper
+allusions and overt acts of hostility, should the good-fellowship which
+ought to reign between brethren and fellow-citizens, even although
+entertaining different opinions as to religious rites and doctrines, be
+for the future interrupted.
+
+This was the basis upon which the very brief religious peace, broken
+almost as soon as established, was concluded by William of Orange, not
+only at Antwerp, but at Utrecht, Amsterdam, and other principal cities
+within his government.  The Prince, however, notwithstanding his
+unwearied exertions, had slender hopes of a peaceful result.  He felt
+that the last step taken by the Reformation had been off a precipice.  He
+liked not such rapid progress.  He knew that the King would never forgive
+the image-breaking.  He felt that he would never recognize the Accord of
+the 24th August.  Sir Thomas Gresham, who, as the representative of the
+Protestant Queen of England in the great commercial metropolis of Europe,
+was fully conversant with the turn things were taking, was already
+advising some other place for the sale of English commodities.  He gave
+notice to his government that commerce would have no security at Antwerp
+"in those brabbling times."  He was on confidential terms with the
+Prince, who invited him to dine upon the 4th September, and caused
+pensionary Wesenbeck, who was also present, to read aloud the agreement
+which was that day to be proclaimed at the town-house.  Orange expressed
+himself, however, very doubtfully as to the future prospects of the
+provinces, and as to the probable temper of the King.  "In all his
+talke," says Gresham, "the Prince aside unto me, 'I know this will
+nothing contente the King!'"
+
+While Egmont had been, thus busied in Flanders, and Orange at Antwerp,
+Count Horn had been doing his best in the important city of Tournay. The
+Admiral was not especially gifted with intellect, nor with the power of
+managing men, but he went there with an honest purpose of seeing the
+Accord executed, intending, if it should prove practicable, rather to
+favor the Government than the Reformers.  At the same time, for the
+purpose of giving satisfaction to the members of "the religion," and of
+manifesting his sincere desire for a pacification, he accepted lodgings
+which had been prepared for him at the house of a Calvinist merchant in
+the city, rather, than, take up his quarters with fierce old governor
+Moulbais, in the citadel.  This gave much offence to the Catholics; and
+inspired the Reformers, with the hope of having their preaching inside
+the town.  To this privilege they were entitled, for the practice had
+already been established there, previously to the 24th October.
+Nevertheless, at first he was disposed to limit them, in accordance with
+the wishes of the Duchess, to extra-mural exercises.
+
+Upon his arrival, by a somewhat ominous conjuncture, he had supped with
+some of the leading citizens in the hall of the "gehenna" or torture
+room, certainly not a locality calculated to inspire a healthy appetite.
+On the following Sunday he had been entertained with a great banquet, at
+which all the principal burghers were present, held in a house on the
+market-place.  The festivities had been interrupted by a quarrel, which
+had been taking place in the cathedral.  Beneath the vaults of that
+edifice, tradition said that a vast treasure was hidden, and the canons
+had been known to boast that this buried wealth would be sufficient to
+rebuild their temple more magnificently than ever, in case of its total
+destruction.  The Admiral had accordingly placed a strong guard in the
+church as soon as he arrived, and commenced very extensive excavations in
+search of this imaginary mine.  The Regent informed her brother that the
+Count was prosecuting this work with the view of appropriating whatever
+might be found to his own benefit.  As she knew that he was a ruined
+man, there seemed no more satisfactory mode of accounting for these
+proceedings.  Horn had, however, expressly stated to her that every penny
+which should come into his possession from that or any other source would
+carefully be restored to the rightful owners.  Nothing of consequence was
+ever found to justify the golden legends of the monks, but in the mean
+time the money-diggers gave great offence.  The canons, naturally alarmed
+for the safety of their fabulous treasure, had forced the guard, by
+surreptitiously obtaining the countersign from a certain official of the
+town.  A quarrel ensued which ended in the appearance of this personage,
+together with the commander of the military force on guard in the
+cathedral, before the banqueting company.  The Count, in the rough way
+habitual with him, gave the culprit a sound rebuke for his intermeddling,
+and threatened, in case the offence were repeated, to have him instantly
+bound, gagged, and forwarded to Brussels for further punishment.  The
+matter thus satisfactorily adjusted, the banquet proceeded, the merchants
+present being all delighted at seeing the said official, who was
+exceedingly, unpopular, "so well huffed by the Count."  The excavations
+were continued for along time, until there seemed danger of destroying
+the foundation of the church, but only a few bits of money were
+discovered, with some other articles of small value.
+
+Horn had taken his apartments in the city in order to be at hand to
+suppress any tumults, and to inspire confidence in the people.  He had
+come to a city where five sixths of the inhabitants--were of the reformed
+religion, and he did not, therefore, think it judicious to attempt
+violently the suppression of their worship.  Upon his arrival he had
+issued a proclamation, ordering that all property which might have been
+pillaged from the religious houses should be instantly restored to the
+magistracy, under penalty that all who disobeyed the command should "be
+forthwith strangled at the gibbet."  Nothing was brought back, however,
+for the simple reason that nothing had been stolen.  There was,
+therefore, no one to be strangled.
+
+The next step was to publish the Accord of 24th August, and to signify
+the intention of the Admiral to enforce its observance.  The preachings
+were as enthusiastically attended as ever, while the storm which had been
+raging among the images had in the mean time been entirely allayed.
+Congregations of fifteen thousand were still going to hear Ambrose Wille
+in the suburbs, but they were very tranquil in their demeanor.  It was
+arranged between the Admiral and the leaders of the reformed
+consistories, that three places, to be selected by Horn, should be
+assigned for their places of worship.  At these spots, which were outside
+the walls, permission was given the Reformers to build meeting-houses.
+To this arrangement the Duchess formally gave her consent.
+
+Nicholas Taffin; councillor, in the name of the Reformers, made "a brave
+and elegant harangue" before the magistrates, representing that, as on
+the most moderate computation, three quarters of the population were
+dissenters, as the Regent had ordered the construction of the new
+temples, and as the Catholics retained possession of all the churches in
+the city, it was no more than fair that the community should bear the
+expense of the new buildings.  It was indignantly replied, however, that
+Catholics could not be expected to pay for the maintenance of heresy,
+particularly when they had just been so much exasperated by the image-
+breaking Councillor Taffin took nothing, therefore by his "brave and
+elegant harangue," saving a small vote of forty livres.
+
+The building was, however, immediately commenced.  Many nobles and rich
+citizens contributed to the work; some making donations in money; others
+giving quantities of oaks, poplars, elms, and other timber trees, to be
+used in the construction.  The foundation of the first temple outside the
+Ports de Cocquerel was immediately laid.  Vast heaps of broken images and
+other ornaments of the desecrated churches were most unwisely used for
+this purpose, and the Catholics were exceedingly enraged at beholding
+those male and female saints, who had for centuries been placed in such
+"reverend and elevated positions," fallen so low as to be the foundation-
+stones of temples whose builders denounced all those holy things as
+idols.
+
+As the autumn began to wane, the people were clamorous for permission to
+have their preaching inside the city.  The new buildings could not be
+finished before the winter; but in the mean time the camp-meetings were
+becoming, in the stormy seasons fast approaching, a very inconvenient
+mode of worship.  On the other hand, the Duchess was furious at the
+proposition, and commanded Horn on no account to consent that the
+interior of Tournay should be profaned by these heretical rites.  It was
+in vain that the Admiral represented the justice of the claim, as these
+exercises had taken place in several of the city churches previously to
+the Accord of the 24th of August.
+
+That agreement had been made by the Duchess only to be broken.  She had
+already received money and the permission to make levies, and was fast
+assuming a tone very different from the abject demeanor which had
+characterized her in August.  Count Horn had been used even as Egmont,
+Orange and Hoogstraaten had been employed, in order that their personal
+influence with the Reformers might be turned to account.  The tools and
+the work accomplished by them were to be thrown away at the most
+convenient opportunity.
+
+The Admiral was placed in a most intolerable position.  An honest,
+common-place, sullen kind of man, he had come to a city full of heretics,
+to enforce concessions just made by the government to heresy.  He soon
+found himself watched, paltered with, suspected by the administration at
+Brussels.  Governor Moulbais in the citadel, who was nominally under his
+authority, refused obedience to his orders, was evidently receiving
+secret instructions from the Regent, and was determined to cannonade the
+city into submission at a very early day.  Horn required him to pledge
+himself that no fresh troops should enter the castle.  Moulbais swore he
+would make no such promise to a living soul.  The Admiral stormed with
+his usual violence, expressed his regret that his brother Montigny had so
+bad a lieutenant in the citadel, but could make no impression upon the
+determined veteran, who knew, better than Horn, the game which was
+preparing.  Small reinforcements were daily arriving at the castle; the
+soldiers of the garrison had been heard to boast "that they would soon
+carve and eat the townsmen's flesh on their dressers," and all the good
+effect from the Admiral's proclamation on arriving, had completely
+vanished.
+
+Horn complained bitterly of the situation in which he was placed.
+He knew himself the mark of incessant and calumnious misrepresentation
+both at Brussels and Madrid.  He had been doing his best, at a momentous
+crisis, to serve the government without violating its engagements, but he
+declared himself to be neither theologian nor jurist, and incapable,
+while suspected and unassisted, of performing a task which the most
+learned doctors of the council would find impracticable.  He would
+rather, he bitterly exclaimed, endure a siege in any fortress by the
+Turks, than be placed in such a position.  He was doing all that he was
+capable of doing, yet whatever he did was wrong.  There was a great
+difference, he said, between being in a place and talking about it at a
+distance.
+
+In the middle of October he was recalled by the Duchess, whose letters
+had been uniformly so ambiguous that he confessed he was quite unable to
+divine their meaning.  Before he left the city, he committed his most
+unpardonable crime.  Urged by the leaders of the reformed congregations
+to permit their exercises in the Clothiers' Hall until their temples
+should be finished, the Count accorded his consent provisionally, and
+subject to revocation by the Regent, to whom the arrangement was
+immediately to be communicated.
+
+Horn departed, and the Reformers took instant possession of the hall.
+It was found in a very dirty and disorderly condition, encumbered with
+benches, scaffoldings, stakes, gibbets, and all the machinery used for
+public executions upon the market-place.  A vast body of men went to work
+with a will; scrubbing, cleaning, whitewashing, and removing all the foul
+lumber of the hall; singing in chorus, as they did so, the hymns of
+Clement Marot.  By dinner-time the place was ready.  The pulpit and
+benches for the congregation had taken the place of the gibbet timber.
+It is difficult to comprehend that such work as this was a deadly crime.
+Nevertheless, Horn, who was himself a sincere Catholic, had committed the
+most mortal of all his offences against Philip and against God, by having
+countenanced so flagitious a transaction.
+
+The Admiral went to Brussels.  Secretary de la Torre, a very second-rate
+personage, was despatched to Tournay to convey the orders of the Regent.
+Governor Moulbais, now in charge of affairs both civil and military, was
+to prepare all things for the garrison, which was soon to be despatched
+under Noircarmes.  The Duchess had now arms in her hands, and her
+language was bold.  La Torre advised the Reformers to be wise "while the
+rod was yet green and growing, lest it should be gathered for their
+backs; for it was unbecoming is subjects to make bargains with their
+King."  There was hardly any decent pretext used in violating the Accord
+of the 24th August, so soon as the government was strong enough to break
+it.  It was always said that the preachings suppressed, had not been
+established previously to that arrangement; but the preachings had in
+reality obtained almost every where, and were now universally abolished.
+The ridiculous quibble was also used that, in the preachings other
+religious exercises were not included, whereas it was notorious that they
+had never been separated.  It is, however, a gratuitous task, to unravel
+the deceptions of tyranny when it hardly deigns to disguise itself.  The
+dissimulations which have resisted the influence of centuries are more
+worthy of serious investigation, and of these the epoch offers us a
+sufficient supply.
+
+At the close of the year, the city of Tournay was completely subjugated
+and the reformed religion suppressed.  Upon the 2nd day of January, 1567,
+the Seignior de Noircarmes arrived before the gates at the head of eleven
+companies, with orders from Duchess Margaret to strengthen the garrison
+and disarm the citizens.  He gave the magistrates exactly one hour and a
+half to decide whether they would submit without a murmur.  He expressed
+an intention of maintaining the Accord of 24th August; a ridiculous
+affectation under the circumstances, as the event proved.  The notables
+were summoned, submission agreed upon, and within the prescribed time the
+magistrates came before Noircarmes, with an unconditional acceptance of
+his terms.  That truculent personage told them, in reply, that they had
+done wisely, for if they had delayed receiving the garrison a minute
+longer, he would have instantly burned the city to ashes and put every
+one of the inhabitants to the sword.  He had been fully authorized to do
+so, and subsequent events were to show, upon more than one dreadful
+occasion, how capable Noircarmes would have been of fulfilling this
+menace.
+
+The soldiers, who had made a forced march all night, and who had been
+firmly persuaded that the city would refuse the terms demanded, were
+excessively disappointed at being obliged to forego the sack and pillage
+upon which they had reckoned.  Eight or nine hundred rascally peasants,
+too, who had followed in the skirts of the regiments, each provided with
+a great empty bag, which they expected to fill with booty which they
+might purchase of the soldiers, or steal in the midst of the expected
+carnage and rapine, shared the discontent of the soldiery, by whom they
+were now driven ignominiously out of the town.
+
+The citizens were immediately disarmed.  All the fine weapons which they
+had been obliged to purchase at their own expense, when they had been
+arranged by the magistrates under eight banners, for defence of the city
+against tumult and invasion, were taken from them; the most beautiful
+cutlasses, carbines, poniards, and pistols, being divided by Noircarmes
+among his officers.  Thus Tournay was tranquillized.
+
+During the whole of these proceedings in Flanders, and at Antwerp,
+Tournay, and Mechlin, the conduct of the Duchess had been marked with
+more than her usual treachery.  She had been disavowing acts which
+the men upon whom she relied in her utmost need had been doing by her
+authority; she had been affecting to praise their conduct, while she
+was secretly misrepresenting their actions and maligning their motives,
+and she had been straining every nerve to make foreign levies, while
+attempting to amuse the confederates and sectaries with an affectation
+of clemency.
+
+When Orange complained that she had been censuring his proceedings at
+Antwerp, and holding language unfavorable to his character, she protested
+that she thoroughly approved his arrangements--excepting only the two
+points of the intramural preachings and the permission to heretics of
+other exercises than sermons--and that if she were displeased with him he
+might be sure that she would rather tell him so than speak ill of him
+behind his back.  The Prince, who had been compelled by necessity, and
+fully authorized by the terms of the "Accord", to grant those two points
+which were the vital matter in his arrangements, answered very calmly,
+that he was not so frivolous as to believe in her having used language to
+his discredit had he not been quite certain of the fact, as he would soon
+prove by evidence.  Orange was not the man to be deceived as to the
+position in which he stood, nor as to the character of those with whom
+he dealt.  Margaret wrote, however, in the same vein concerning him to
+Hoogstmaten, affirming that nothing could be further from her intention
+than to characterize the proceedings of "her cousin, the Prince of
+Orange, as contrary to the service of his Majesty; knowing, as she did,
+how constant had been his affection, and how diligent his actions, in the
+cause of God and the King."
+
+She also sent councillor d'Assonleville on a special mission to the
+Prince, instructing that smooth personage to inform her said cousin of
+Orange that he was and always had been "loved and cherished by his
+Majesty, and that for herself she had ever loved him like a brother or a
+child."
+
+She wrote to Horn, approving of his conduct in the main, although in
+obscure terms, and expressing great confidence in his zeal, loyalty, and
+good intentions.  She accorded the same praise to Hoogstraaten, while as
+to Egmont she was perpetually reproaching him for the suspicions which he
+seemed obstinately to entertain as to her disposition and that of Philip,
+in regard to his conduct and character.
+
+It has already been partly seen what were her private sentiments and
+secret representations as to the career of the distinguished personages
+thus encouraged and commended.  Her pictures were painted in daily
+darkening colors.  She told her brother that Orange, Egmont, and Horn
+were about to place themselves at the head of the confederates, who were
+to take up arms and had been levying troops; that the Lutheran religion
+was to be forcibly established, that the whole power of the government
+was to be placed in the triumvirate thus created by those seigniors, and
+that Philip was in reality to be excluded entirely from those provinces
+which were his ancient patrimony.  All this information she had obtained
+from Mansfeld, at whom the nobles were constantly sneering as at a
+faithful valet who would never receive his wages.
+
+She also informed the King that the scheme for dividing the country was
+already arranged: that Augustus of Saxony was to have Friesland and
+Overyssel; Count Brederode, Holland; the Dukes of Cleves and Lorraine,
+Gueldres; the King of France, Flanders, Artois, and Hainault, of which
+territories Egmont was to be perpetual stadholder; the Prince of Orange,
+Brabant; and so on indefinitely.  A general massacre of all the Catholics
+had been arranged by Orange, Horn, and Egmont, to commence as soon as the
+King should put his foot on shipboard to come to the country.  This last
+remarkable fact Margaret reported to Philip, upon the respectable
+authority of Noircarmes.
+
+She apologized for having employed the service of these nobles, on the
+ground of necessity.  Their proceedings in Flanders, at Antwerp, Tournay,
+Mechlin, had been highly reprehensible, and she had been obliged to
+disavow them in the most important particulars.  As for Egmont, she had
+most unwillingly entrusted forces to his hands for the purpose of putting
+down the Flemish sectaries.  She had been afraid to show a want of
+confidence in his character, but at the same time she believed that
+all soldiers under Egmont's orders would be so many enemies to the king.
+Notwithstanding his protestations of fidelity to the ancient religion and
+to his Majesty, she feared that he was busied with some great plot
+against God and the King.  When we remember the ruthless manner in which
+the unfortunate Count had actually been raging against the sectaries, and
+the sanguinary proofs which he had been giving of his fidelity to "God
+and the King," it seems almost incredible that Margaret could have
+written down all these monstrous assertions.
+
+The Duchess gave, moreover, repeated warnings to her brother,
+that the nobles were in the habit of obtaining possession of all the
+correspondence between Madrid and Brussels; and that they spent a vast
+deal of money in order to read her own and Philip's most private letters.
+She warned him therefore, to be upon his guard, for she believed that
+almost all their despatches were read.  Such being the cases and the
+tenor of those documents being what we have seen it to be, her complaints
+as to the incredulity of those seigniors to her affectionate
+protestations, seem quite wonderful.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IX., Part 1., 1566
+
+     Position of Orange--The interview at Dendermonde--The supposititious
+     letters of Alava--Views of Egmont--Isolation of Orange--Conduct of
+     Egmont and of Horn--Confederacy, of the nobles dissolved--Weak
+     behavior of prominent personages----Watchfulness of Orange--
+     Convocation of States General demanded--Pamphlet of Orange--City of
+     Valenciennes refuses a garrison--Influence of La Grange and De Bray
+     --City, declared in a state of siege--Invested by Noircarmes--
+     Movements to relieve the place--Calvinists defeated at Lannoy and at
+     Waterlots--Elation of the government--The siege pressed more
+     closely--Cruelties practised upon the country people--Courage of the
+     inhabitants--Remonstrance to the Knights of the Fleece--Conduct of
+     Brederode--Orange at Amsterdam--New Oath demanded by Government--
+     Orange refuses--He offers his resignation of all offices--Meeting at
+     Breda--New "Request" of Brederode--He creates disturbances and
+     levies troops in Antwerp--Conduct of Hoogstraaten--Plans of
+     Brederode--Supposed connivance of Orange--Alarm at Brussels--
+     Tholouse at Ostrawell--Brederode in Holland--De Beauvoir defeats
+     Tholouse--Excitement at Antwerp--Determined conduct of Orange--Three
+     days' tumult at Antwerp suppressed by the wisdom and courage of
+     Orange.
+
+It is necessary to allude to certain important events contemporaneous
+with those recorded in the last chapter, that the reader may thoroughly
+understand the position of the leading personages in this great drama at
+the close of the year 1566.
+
+The Prince of Orange had, as we have seen, bean exerting all his energies
+faithfully to accomplish the pacification of the commercial metropolis,
+upon the basis assented to beforehand by the Duchess.  He had established
+a temporary religious peace, by which alone at that crisis the gathering
+tempest could be averted; but he had permitted the law to take its course
+upon certain rioters, who had been regularly condemned by courts of
+justice.  He had worked day and night--notwithstanding immense obstacles,
+calumnious misstatements, and conflicting opinions--to restore order out
+of chaos; he had freely imperilled his own life--dashing into a
+tumultuous mob on one occasion, wounding several with the halberd which
+he snatched from one of his guard, and dispersing almost with his single
+arm a dangerous and threatening insurrection--and he had remained in
+Antwerp, at the pressing solicitations of the magistracy, who represented
+that the lives of not a single ecclesiastic would be safe as soon as his
+back was turned, and that all the merchants would forthwith depart from
+the city.  It was nevertheless necessary that he should make a personal
+visit to his government of Holland, where similar disorders had been
+prevailing, and where men of all ranks and parties were clamoring for
+their stadholder.
+
+Notwithstanding all his exertions however, he was thoroughly aware of the
+position in which he stood towards the government.  The sugared phrases
+of Margaret, the deliberate commendation of the "benign and debonair"
+Philip, produced no effect upon this statesman, who was accustomed to
+look through and through men's actions to the core of their hearts.  In
+the hearts of Philip and Margaret he already saw treachery and revenge
+indelibly imprinted.  He had been especially indignant at the insult
+which the Duchess Regent had put upon him, by sending Duke Eric of
+Brunswick with an armed force into Holland in order to protect Gouda,
+Woerden, and other places within the Prince's own government.  He was
+thoroughly conversant with the general tone in which the other seigniors
+and himself were described to their sovereign.  He, was already convinced
+that the country was to be conquered by foreign mercenaries, and that his
+own life, with these of many other nobles, was to be sacrificed.  The
+moment had arrived in which he was justified in looking about him for
+means of defence, both for himself and his country, if the King should
+be so insane as to carry out the purposes which the Prince suspected.
+The time was fast approaching in which a statesman placed upon such an
+elevation before the world as that which he occupied, would be obliged to
+choose his part for life.  To be the unscrupulous tool of tyranny, a
+rebel, or an exile, was his necessary fate.  To a man so prone to read
+the future, the moment for his choice seemed already arrived.  Moreover,
+he thought it doubtful, and events were most signally to justify his
+doubts, whether he could be accepted as the instrument of despotism, even
+were he inclined to prostitute himself to such service.  At this point,
+therefore, undoubtedly began the treasonable thoughts of William the
+Silent, if it be treason to attempt the protection of ancient and
+chartered liberties against a foreign oppressor.  He despatched a private
+envoy to Egmont, representing the grave suspicions manifested by the
+Duchess in sending Duke Eric into Holland, and proposing that means
+should be taken into consideration for obviating the dangers with which
+the country was menaced.  Catholics as well as Protestants, he intimated,
+were to be crushed in one universal conquest as soon as Philip had
+completed the formidable preparations which he was making for invading
+the provinces.  For himself, he said, he would not remain in the land to
+witness the utter desolation of the people, nor to fall an unresisting
+victim to the vengeance which he foresaw.  If, however, he might rely
+upon the co-operation of Egmont and Horn, he was willing, with the advice
+of the states-general, to risk preparations against the armed invasion of
+Spaniards by which the country was to be reduced to slavery.  It was
+incumbent, however, upon men placed as they were, "not to let the grass
+grow under their feet;" and the moment for action was fast approaching.
+
+This was the scheme which Orange was willing to attempt.  To make use
+of his own influence and that of his friends, to interpose between a
+sovereign insane with bigotry, and a people in a state of religious
+frenzy, to resist brutal violence if need should be by force, and to
+compel the sovereign to respect the charters which he had sworn to
+maintain, and which were far more ancient than his sovereignty; so much
+of treason did William of Orange already contemplate, for in no other way
+could he be loyal to his country and his own honor.
+
+Nothing came of this secret embassy, for Egmont's heart and fate were
+already fixed.  Before Orange departed, however; for the north, where his
+presence in the Dutch provinces was now imperatively required, a
+memorable interview took place at Dendermonde between Orange, Horn,
+Egmont, Hoogstraaten, and Count Louis.  The nature of this conference was
+probably similar to that of the secret mission from Orange to Egmont just
+recorded.  It was not a long consultation.  The gentlemen met at eleven
+o'clock, and conversed until dinner was ready, which was between twelve
+and one in the afternoon.  They discussed the contents of a letter
+recently received by Horn from his brother Montigny at Segovia, giving a
+lively picture of Philip's fury at the recent events in the Netherlands,
+and expressing the Baron's own astonishment and indignation that it had
+been impossible for the seigniors to prevent such outrages as the public
+preaching, the image-breaking and the Accord.  They had also some
+conversation concerning the dissatisfaction manifested by the Duchess at
+the proceedings of Count Horn at Tournay, and they read a very remarkable
+letter which had been furnished them, as having been written by the
+Spanish envoy in Paris, Don Francis of Alava, to Margaret of Parma.  This
+letter was forged.  At least the Regent, in her Italian correspondence,
+asserted it to be fictitious, and in those secret letters to Philip she
+usually told the truth.  The astuteness of William of Orange had in this
+instance been deceived.  The striking fidelity, however, with which the
+present and future policy of the government was sketched, the accuracy
+with which many unborn events were foreshadowed, together with the minute
+touches which gave an air of genuineness to the fictitious despatch,
+might well deceive even so sagacious an observer as the Prince.
+
+The letters alluded to the deep and long-settled hostility of Philip
+to Orange, Horn, and Egmont, as to a fact entirely within the writer's
+knowledge, and that of his correspondent, but urged upon the Duchess the
+assumption of an extraordinary degree of apparent cordiality in her
+intercourse with them.  It was the King's intention to use them and to
+destroy them, said the writer, and it was the Regent's duty to second the
+design.  "The tumults and troubles have not been without their secret
+concurrence," said the supposititious Alava, "and your Highness may rest
+assured that they will be the first upon whom his Majesty will seize, not
+to confer benefits, but to chastise them as they deserve.  Your Highness,
+however, should show no symptom of displeasure, but should constantly
+maintain in their minds the idea that his Majesty considers them as the
+most faithful of his servants.  While they are persuaded of this, they
+can be more easily used, but when the time comes, they will be treated in
+another manner.  Your Highness may rest assured that his Majesty is not
+less inclined than your Highness that they should receive the punishment
+which they merit."  The Duchess was furthermore recommended "to deal with
+the three seigniors according to the example of the Spanish Governments
+in its intercourse with the envoys, Bergen and Montigny, who are met with
+a smiling face, but who are closely watched, and who will never be
+permitted to leave Spain alive."  The remainder of the letter alludes to
+supposed engagements between France and Spain for the extirpation of
+heresy, from which allusion to the generally accepted but mistaken notion
+as to the Bayonne conference, a decided proof seems to be furnished that
+the letter was not genuine.  Great complaints, however, are made, as to
+the conduct of the Queen Regent, who is described as "a certain lady well
+known to her Highness, and as a person without faith, friendship, or
+truth; the most consummate hypocrite in the world."  After giving
+instances of the duplicity manifested by Catherine de Medici, the writer
+continues: "She sends her little black dwarf to me upon frequent errands,
+in order that by means of this spy she may worm out my secrets.  I am,
+however, upon my guard, and flatter myself that I learn more from him
+than she from me.  She shall never be able to boast of having deceived a
+Spaniard."
+
+An extract or two from this very celebrated document seemed
+indispensable, because of the great importance attached to it, both at
+the Dendermonde Conference, and at the trials of Egmont and Horn.  The
+contemporary writers of Holland had no doubt of its genuineness, and what
+is more remarkable, Strada, the historiographer of the Farnese family,
+after quoting Margaret's denial of the authenticity of the letter, coolly
+observes: "Whether this were only an invention of the conspirators, or
+actually a despatch from Alava, I shall not decide.  It is certain,
+however, that the Duchess declared it to be false."
+
+Certainly, as we read the epistles, and observe how profoundly the writer
+seems to have sounded the deep guile of the Spanish Cabinet, and how
+distinctly events, then far in the future, are indicated, we are tempted
+to exclaim: "aut Alava, aut Diabolus;" either the envoy wrote the
+despatch, or Orange.  Who else could look into the future, and into
+Philip's heart so unerringly?
+
+As the charge has never been made, so far as we are aware, against the
+Prince, it is superfluous to discuss the amount of immorality which
+should belong to such a deception.  A tendency to employ stratagem in his
+warfare against Spain was, no doubt, a blemish upon his--high character.
+Before he is condemned, however, in the Court of Conscience, the
+ineffable wiles of the policy with which he had to combat must be
+thoroughly scanned, as well as the pure and lofty purpose for which
+his life's long battle was fought.
+
+There was, doubtless, some conversation at Dendermonde on the propriety
+or possibility of forcible resistance to a Spanish army, with which it
+seemed probable that Philip was about to invade the provinces, and take
+the lives of the leading nobles.  Count Louis was in favor of making
+provision in Germany for the accomplishment of this purpose.  It is also
+highly probable that the Prince may have encouraged the proposition.  In
+the sense of his former communication to Egmont, he may have reasoned on
+the necessity of making levies to sustain the decisions of the states-
+general against violence.  There is, however, no proof of any such fact.
+Egmont, at any rate, opposed the scheme, on the ground that "it was wrong
+to entertain any such ill opinion of so good a king as Philip, that he
+had never done any thing unjust towards his subjects, and that if any one
+was in fear, he had better leave the country."
+
+Egmont, moreover; doubted the authenticity of the letters from Alava,
+but agreed to carry them to Brussels, and to lay them before the Regent.
+That lady, when she saw them, warmly assured the Count that they were
+inventions.
+
+The Conference broke up after it had lasted an hour and a half.  The
+nobles then went to dinner, at which other persons appear to have been
+present, and the celebrated Dendermonde meeting was brought to a close.
+After the repast was finished, each of the five nobles mounted his horse,
+and departed on his separate way.
+
+From this time forth the position of, these leading seigniors became more
+sharply defined.  Orange was left in almost complete isolation.  Without
+the assistance of Egmont, any effective resistance to the impending
+invasion from Spain seemed out of the question.  The Count, however, had
+taken his irrevocable and fatal resolution.  After various oscillations
+during the stormy period which had elapsed, his mind, notwithstanding all
+the disturbing causes by which it had hitherto been partially influenced,
+now pointed steadily to the point of loyalty.  The guidance of that pole
+star was to lead him to utter shipwreck.  The unfortunate noble,
+entrenched against all fear of Philip by the brazen wall of an easy
+conscience; saw no fault in his past at which he should grow pale with
+apprehension.  Moreover, he was sanguine by nature, a Catholic in
+religion, a royalist from habit and conviction.  Henceforth he was
+determined that his services to the crown should more than counterbalance
+any idle speeches or insolent demonstrations of which he might have been
+previously guilty.
+
+Horn pursued a different course, but one which separated him also from
+the Prince, while it led to the same fate which Egmont was blindly
+pursuing.--The Admiral had committed no act of treason.  On the contrary,
+he had been doing his best, under most difficult circumstances, to avert
+rebellion and save the interests of a most ungrateful sovereign.  He was
+now disposed to wrap himself in his virtue, to retreat from a court life,
+for which he had never felt a vocation, and to resign all connection with
+a government by which he felt himself very badly, treated.  Moody,
+wrathful, disappointed, ruined, and calumniated, he would no longer keep
+terms with King or Duchess.  He had griefs of long standing against the
+whole of the royal family.  He had never forgiven the Emperor for
+refusing him, when young, the appointment of chamberlain.  He had served
+Philip long and faithfully, but he had never received a stiver of salary
+or "merced," notwithstanding all his work as state councillor, as
+admiral, as superintendent in Spain; while his younger brother had long
+been in receipt of nine or ten thousand florins yearly.  He had spent
+four hundred thousand florins in the King's service; his estates were
+mortgaged to their full value; he had been obliged to sell, his family
+plate.  He had done his best in Tourney to serve the Duchess, and he had
+averted the "Sicilian vespers," which had been imminent at his arrival.
+He had saved the Catholics from a general massacre, yet he heard
+nevertheless from Montigny, that all his actions were distorted in Spain,
+and his motives blackened.  His heart no longer inclined him to continue
+in Philip's service, even were he furnished with the means of doing so.
+He had instructed his secretary, Alonzo de la Loo, whom he had despatched
+many months previously to Madrid, that he was no longer to press his
+master's claims for a "merced," but to signify that he abandoned all
+demands and resigned all posts.  He could turn hermit for the rest of his
+days, as well as the Emperor Charles.  If he had little, he could live
+upon little.  It was in this sense that he spoke to Margaret of Parma,
+to Assonleville, to all around him.  It was precisely in this strain and
+temper that he wrote to Philip, indignantly defending his course at
+Tourney, protesting against the tortuous conduct of the Duchess, and
+bluntly declaring that he would treat no longer with ladies upon matters
+which concerned a man's honor.
+
+Thus, smarting under a sense of gross injustice, the Admiral expressed
+himself in terms which Philip was not likely to forgive.  He had
+undertaken the pacification of Tournay, because it was Montigny's
+government, and he had promised his services whenever they should be
+requisite.  Horn was a loyal and affectionate brother, and it is pathetic
+to find him congratulating Montigny on being, after all, better off in
+Spain than in the Netherlands.  Neither loyalty nor the sincere
+Catholicism for which Montigny at this period commended Horn in his
+private letters, could save the two brothers from the doom which was now
+fast approaching.
+
+Thus Horn, blind as Egmont--not being aware that a single step beyond
+implicit obedience had created an impassable gulf between Philip and
+himself--resolved to meet his destiny in sullen retirement.  Not an
+entirely disinterested man, perhaps, but an honest one, as the world
+went, mediocre in mind, but brave, generous, and direct of purpose,
+goaded by the shafts of calumny, hunted down by the whole pack which
+fawned upon power as it grew more powerful, he now retreated to his
+"desert," as he called his ruined home at Weert, where he stood at bay,
+growling defiance at the Regent, at Philip, at all the world.
+
+Thus were the two prominent personages upon whose co-operation Orange
+had hitherto endeavored to rely, entirely separated from him.  The
+confederacy of nobles, too, was dissolved, having accomplished little,
+notwithstanding all its noisy demonstrations, and having lost all credit
+with the people by the formal cessation of the Compromise in consequence
+of the Accord of August.  As a body, they had justified the sarcasm of
+Hubert Languet, that "the confederated nobles had ruined their country by
+their folly and incapacity."  They had profaned a holy cause by indecent
+orgies, compromised it by seditious demonstrations, abandoned it when
+most in need of assistance.  Bakkerzeel had distinguished himself by
+hanging sectaries in Flanders.  "Golden Fleece" de Hammes, after creating
+great scandal in and about Antwerp, since the Accord, had ended by
+accepting an artillery commission in the Emperor's army, together with
+three hundred crowns for convoy from Duchess Margaret.  Culemburg was
+serving the cause of religious freedom by defacing the churches within
+his ancestral domains, pulling down statues, dining in chapels and giving
+the holy wafer to his parrot.  Nothing could be more stupid than these
+acts of irreverence, by which Catholics were offended and honest patriots
+disgusted.  Nothing could be more opposed to the sentiments of Orange,
+whose first principle was abstinence by all denominations of Christians
+from mutual insults.  At the same time, it is somewhat revolting to
+observe the indignation with which such offences were regarded by men of
+the most abandoned character.  Thus, Armenteros, whose name was
+synonymous with government swindling, who had been rolling up money year
+after year, by peculations, auctioneering of high posts in church and
+state, bribes, and all kinds of picking and stealing, could not contain
+his horror as he referred to wafers eaten by parrots, or "toasted on
+forks" by renegade priests; and poured out his emotions on the subject
+into the faithful bosom of Antonio Perez, the man with whose
+debaucheries, political villanies, and deliberate murders all
+Europe was to ring.
+
+No doubt there were many individuals in the confederacy for whom it was
+reserved to render honorable service in the national cause.  The names of
+Louis Nassau, Mamix of St. Aldegonde, Bernard de Merode, were to be
+written in golden letters in their country's rolls; but at this moment
+they were impatient, inconsiderate, out of the control of Orange.  Louis
+was anxious for the King to come from Spain with his army, and for "the
+bear dance to begin."  Brederode, noisy, bawling, and absurd as ever,
+was bringing ridicule upon the national cause by his buffoonery, and
+endangering the whole people by his inadequate yet rebellious exertions.
+
+What course was the Prince of Orange to adopt?  He could find no one
+to comprehend his views.  He felt certain at the close of the year that
+the purpose of the government was fixed.  He made no secret of his
+determination never to lend himself as an instrument for the contemplated
+subjugation of the people.  He had repeatedly resigned all his offices.
+He was now determined that the resignation once for all should be
+accepted.  If he used dissimulation, it was because Philip's deception
+permitted no man to be frank.  If the sovereign constantly disavowed
+all hostile purposes against his people, and manifested extreme affection
+for the men whom he had already doomed to the scaffold, how could the
+Prince openly denounce him?  It was his duty to save his country and his
+friends from impending ruin.  He preserved, therefore, an attitude of
+watchfulness.  Philip, in the depth of his cabinet, was under a constant
+inspection by the sleepless Prince.  The sovereign assured his sister
+that her apprehensions about their correspondence was groundless.  He
+always locked up his papers, and took the key with him.  Nevertheless,
+the key was taken out of his pocket and the papers read.  Orange was
+accustomed to observe, that men of leisure might occupy themselves with
+philosophical pursuits and with the secrets of nature, but that it was
+his business to study the hearts of kings.  He knew the man and the woman
+with whom he had to deal.  We have seen enough of the policy secretly
+pursued by Philip and Margaret to appreciate the accuracy with which the
+Prince, groping as it were in the dark, had judged the whole situation.
+Had his friends taken his warnings, they might have lived to render
+services against tyranny.  Had he imitated their example of false
+loyalty, there would have been one additional victim, more illustrious
+than all the rest, and a whole country hopelessly enslaved.
+
+It is by keeping these considerations in view, that we can explain his
+connection with such a man as Brederode.  The enterprises of that noble,
+of Tholouse, and others, and the resistance of Valenciennes, could hardly
+have been prevented even by the opposition of the Prince.  But why should
+he take the field against men who, however rashly or ineffectually, were
+endeavoring to oppose tyranny, when he knew himself already proscribed
+and doomed by the tyrant?  Such loyalty he left to Egmont.  Till late in
+the autumn, he had still believed in the possibility of convoking the
+states-general, and of making preparations in Germany to enforce their
+decrees.
+
+The confederates and sectaries had boasted that they could easily raise
+an army of sixty thousand men within the provinces,--that twelve hundred
+thousand florins monthly would be furnished by the rich merchants of
+Antwerp, and that it was ridiculous to suppose that the German
+mercenaries enrolled by the Duchess in Saxony, Hesse, and other
+Protestant countries, would ever render serious assistance against the
+adherents of the reformed religion.  Without placing much confidence in
+such exaggerated statements, the Prince might well be justified in
+believing himself strong enough, if backed by the confederacy, by Egmont,
+and by his own boundless influence, both at Antwerp and in his own
+government, to sustain the constituted authorities of the nation even
+against a Spanish army, and to interpose with legitimate and irresistible
+strength between the insane tyrant and the country which he was preparing
+to crush.  It was the opinion of the best informed Catholics that, if
+Egmont should declare for the confederacy, he could take the field with
+sixty thousand men, and make himself master of the whole country at a
+blow.  In conjunction with Orange, the moral and physical force would
+have been invincible.
+
+It was therefore not Orange alone, but the Catholics and Protestants
+alike, the whole population of the country, and the Duchess Regent
+herself, who desired the convocation of the estates.  Notwithstanding
+Philip's deliberate but secret determination never to assemble that body,
+although the hope was ever to be held out that they should be convened,
+Margaret had been most importunate that her brother should permit the
+measure.  "There was less danger," she felt herself compelled to say,
+"in assembling than in not assembling the States; it was better to
+preserve the Catholic religion for a part of the country, than to lose it
+altogether."  "The more it was delayed," she said, "the more ruinous and
+desperate became the public affairs.  If the measure were postponed much
+longer, all Flanders, half Brabant, the whole of Holland, Zeland,
+Gueldrea, Tournay, Lille, Mechlin, would be lost forever, without a
+chance of ever restoring the ancient religion."  The country, in short,
+was "without faith, King, or law," and nothing worse could be apprehended
+from any deliberation of the states-general.  These being the opinions of
+the Duchess, and according to her statement those of nearly all the good
+Catholics in the country, it could hardly seem astonishing or treasonable
+that the Prince should also be in favor of the measure.
+
+As the Duchess grew stronger, however, and as the people, aghast at the
+fate of Tournay and Valenciennes, began to lose courage, she saw less
+reason for assembling the states.  Orange, on the other hand, completely
+deserted by Egmont and Horn, and having little confidence in the
+characters of the ex-confederates, remained comparatively quiescent but
+watchful.
+
+At the close of the year, an important pamphlet from his hand was
+circulated, in which his views as to the necessity of allowing some
+degree of religious freedom were urged upon the royal government with his
+usual sagacity of thought, moderation of language, and modesty in tone.
+The man who had held the most important civil and military offices in the
+country almost from boyhood, and who was looked up to by friend and foe
+as the most important personage in the three millions of its inhabitants,
+apologized for his "presumption" in coming forward publicly with his
+advice.  "I would not," he said, "in matters of such importance, affect
+to be wiser or to make greater pretensions than my age or experience
+warrants, yet seeing affairs in such perplexity, I will rather incur the
+risk of being charged with forwardness than neglect that which I consider
+my duty."
+
+This, then, was the attitude of the principal personages in the
+Netherlands, and the situation of affairs at the end of the eventful year
+1566, the last year of peace which the men then living or their children
+were to know.  The government, weak at the commencement, was strong at
+the close.  The confederacy was broken and scattered.  The Request, the
+beggar banquets, the public preaching, the image-breaking, the Accord of
+August, had been followed by reaction.  Tournay had accepted its
+garrison.  Egmont, completely obedient to the crown, was compelling all
+the cities of Flanders and Artois to receive soldiers sufficient to
+maintain implicit obedience, and to extinguish all heretical
+demonstrations, so that the Regent was at comparative leisure to effect
+the reduction of Valenciennes.
+
+This ancient city, in the province of Hainault, and on the frontier of
+France, had been founded by the Emperor Valentinian, from whom it had
+derived its name.  Originally established by him as a city of refuge, it
+had received the privilege of affording an asylum to debtors, to outlaws,
+and even to murderers.  This ancient right had been continued, under
+certain modifications, even till the period with which we are now
+occupied.  Never, however, according to the government, had the right of
+asylum, even in the wildest times, been so abused by the city before.
+What were debtors, robbers, murderers, compared to heretics?  yet these
+worst enemies of their race swarmed in the rebellious city, practising
+even now the foulest rites of Calvin, and obeying those most pestilential
+of all preachers, Guido de Bray, and Peregrine de la Grange.  The place
+was the hot-bed of heresy and sedition, and it seemed to be agreed, as by
+common accord, that the last struggle for what was called the new
+religion, should take place beneath its walls.
+
+Pleasantly situated in a fertile valley, provided with very strong
+fortifications and very deep moats, Valenciennes, with the Scheld flowing
+through its centre, and furnishing the means of laying the circumjacent
+meadows under water, was considered in those days almost impregnable.
+The city was summoned, almost at the same time as Tournay, to accept a
+garrison.  This demand of government was met by a peremptory refusal.
+Noircarmes, towards the middle of December, ordered the magistrates to
+send a deputation to confer with him at Conde.  Pensionary Outreman
+accordingly repaired to that neighboring city, accompanied by some of his
+colleagues.  This committee was not unfavorable to the demands of
+government.  The magistracies of the cities, generally, were far from
+rebellious; but in the case of Valenciennes the real power at that moment
+was with the Calvinist consistory, and the ministers.  The deputies,
+after their return from Conde, summoned the leading members of the
+reformed religion, together with the preachers.  It was urged that it was
+their duty forthwith to use their influence in favor of the demand made
+by the government upon the city.
+
+"May I grow mute as a fish!"  answered de la Grange, stoutly, "may the
+tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth, before I persuade my people to
+accept a garrison of cruel mercenaries, by whom their rights of
+conscience are to be trampled upon!"
+
+Councillor Outreman reasoned with the fiery minister, that if he and his
+colleague were afraid of their own lives, ample provision should be made
+with government for their departure under safe conduct.  La Grange
+replied that he had no fears for himself, that the Lord would protect
+those who preached and those who believed in his holy word, but that He
+would not forgive them should they now bend their necks to His enemies.
+
+It was soon very obvious that no arrangement could be made.  The
+magistrates could exert no authority, the preachers were all-powerful;
+and the citizens, said a Catholic inhabitant of Valenciennes, "allowed
+themselves to be led by their ministers like oxen."  Upon the 17th
+December, 1566, a proclamation was accordingly issued by the Duchess
+Regent, declaring the city in a state of siege, and all its inhabitants
+rebels.  The crimes for which this penalty was denounced, were
+elaborately set forth in the edict.  Preaching according to the reformed
+religion had been permitted in two or three churches, the sacrament
+according to the Calvinistic manner had been publicly administered,
+together with a renunciation by the communicants of their adhesion to
+the Catholic Church, and now a rebellious refusal to receive the garrison
+sent to them by the Duchess had been added to the list of their
+iniquities.  For offences like these the Regent deemed it her duty to
+forbid all inhabitants of any city, village, or province of the
+Netherlands holding communication with Valenciennes, buying or selling
+with its inhabitants, or furnishing them with provisions; on pain of
+being considered accomplices in their rebellion, and as such of being
+executed with the halter.
+
+The city was now invested by Noircarmes with all the troops which could
+be spared.  The confederates gave promises of assistance to the
+beleaguered citizens, Orange privately encouraged them to holdout in
+their legitimate refusal.  Brederode and others busied themselves with
+hostile demonstrations which were destined to remain barren; but in the
+mean time the inhabitants had nothing to rely upon save their own stout
+hearts and arms.
+
+At first, the siege was sustained with a light heart.  Frequent sallies
+were made, smart skirmishes were ventured, in which the Huguenots, on the
+testimony of a most bitter Catholic contemporary, conducted themselves
+with the bravery of veteran troops, and as if they had done nothing all
+their lives but fight; forays were made upon the monasteries of the
+neighborhood for the purpose of procuring supplies, and the broken
+statues of the dismantled churches were used to build a bridge across
+an arm of the river, which was called in derision the Bridge of Idols.
+Noircarmes and the six officers under him, who were thought to be
+conducting their operations with languor, were christened the Seven
+Sleepers.  Gigantic spectacles, three feet in circumference, were planted
+derisively upon the ramparts, in order that the artillery, which it was
+said that the papists of Arras were sending, might be seen, as soon as it
+should arrive.  Councillor Outreman, who had left the city before the
+siege, came into it again, on commission from Noircarmes.  He was
+received with contempt, his proposals on behalf of the government were
+answered with outcries of fury; he was pelted with stones, and was very
+glad to make his escape alive.  The pulpits thundered with the valiant
+deeds of Joshua, Judas Maccabeus, and other bible heroes.  The miracles
+wrought in their behalf served to encourage the enthusiasm of the people,
+while the movements making at various points in the neighborhood
+encouraged a hope of a general rising throughout the country.
+
+Those hopes were destined to disappointment.  There were large
+assemblages made, to be sure, at two points.  Nearly three thousand
+sectaries had been collected at Lannoy under Pierre Comaille, who, having
+been a locksmith and afterwards a Calvinist preacher, was now disposed to
+try his fortune as a general.  His band was, however, disorderly.
+Rustics armed with pitchforks, young students and old soldiers out of
+employment, furnished with rusty matchlocks, pikes and halberds, composed
+his force.  A company similar in character, and already amounting to some
+twelve hundred in number, was collecting at Waterlots.  It was hoped that
+an imposing array would soon be assembled, and that the two bands.
+making a junction, would then march to the relief of Valenciennes.  It
+was boasted that in a very short time, thirty thousand men would be in
+the field.  There was even a fear of some such result felt by the
+Catholics.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+1566, the last year of peace
+Dissenters were as bigoted as the orthodox
+If he had little, he could live upon little
+Incur the risk of being charged with forwardness than neglect
+Not to let the grass grow under their feet
+
+
+
+End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Dutch Republic, v12
+by John Lothrop Motley
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 13.
+
+THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
+
+By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY
+
+1855
+
+
+
+1567 [CHAPTER IX., Part 2.]
+
+     Calvinists defeated at Lannoy and at Waterlots--Elation of the
+     government--The siege pressed more closely--Cruelties practised upon
+     the country people--Courage of the inhabitants--Remonstrance to the
+     Knights of the Fleece--Conduct of Brederode--Orange at Amsterdam--
+     New Oath demanded by Government--Orange refuses--He offers his
+     resignation of all offices--Meeting at Breda--New "Request" of
+     Brederode--He creates disturbances and levies troops in Antwerp--
+     Conduct of Hoogstraaten--Plans of Brederode--Supposed connivance of
+     Orange--Alarm at Brussels--Tholouse at Ostrawell--Brederode in
+     Holland--De Beauvoir defeats Tholouse--Excitement at Antwerp--
+     Determined conduct of Orange--Three days' tumult at Antwerp
+     suppressed by the wisdom and courage of Orange.
+
+It was then that Noircarmes and his "seven sleepers" showed that they
+were awake.  Early in January, 1567, that fierce soldier, among whose
+vices slothfulness was certainly never reckoned before or afterwards,
+fell upon the locksmith's army at Zannoy, while the Seigneur de
+Rassinghem attacked the force at Waterlots on the same day.  Noircarmes
+destroyed half his enemies at the very first charge.  The ill-assorted
+rabble fell asunder at once.  The preacher fought well, but his
+undisciplined force fled at the first sight of the enemy.  Those who
+carried arquebusses threw them down without a single discharge, that they
+might run the faster.  At least a thousand were soon stretched dead upon
+the field; others were hunted into the river.  Twenty-six hundred,
+according to the Catholic accounts, were exterminated in an hour.
+
+Rassinghem, on his part, with five or six hundred regulars, attacked
+Teriel's force, numbering at least twice as many.  Half of these were
+soon cut to pieces and put to flight.  Six hundred, however, who had seen
+some service, took refuge in the cemetery of Waterlots.  Here, from
+behind the stone wall of the inclosure, they sustained the attack of the
+Catholics with some spirit.  The repose of the dead in the quiet country
+church-yard was disturbed by the uproar of a most sanguinary conflict.
+The temporary fort was soon carried, and the Huguenots retreated into the
+church.  A rattling arquebusade was poured in upon them as they struggled
+in the narrow doorway.  At least four hundred corpses were soon strewn
+among the ancient graves.  The rest were hunted, into the church, and
+from the church into the belfry.  A fire was then made in the steeple and
+kept up till all were roasted or suffocated.  Not a man escaped.
+
+This was the issue in the first stricken field in the Netherlands, for
+the cause of religious liberty.  It must be confessed that it was not
+very encouraging to the lovers of freedom.  The partisans of government
+were elated, in proportion to the apprehension which had been felt
+for the result of this rising in the Walloon country.  "These good
+hypocrites," wrote a correspondent of Orange, "are lifting up their
+heads like so many dromedaries.  They are becoming unmanageable with
+pride."  The Duke of Aerschot and Count Meghem gave great banquets in
+Brussels, where all the good chevaliers drank deep in honor of the
+victory, and to the health of his Majesty and Madame.  "I saw Berlaymont
+just go by the window," wrote Schwartz to the Prince.  "He was coming
+from Aerschot's dinner with a face as red as the Cardinal's new hat."
+
+On the other hand, the citizens of Valenciennes were depressed in equal
+measure with the exultation of their antagonists.  There was no more talk
+of seven sleepers now, no more lunettes stuck upon lances, to spy the
+coming forces of the enemy.  It was felt that the government was wide
+awake, and that the city would soon see the impending horrors without
+telescopes.  The siege was pressed more closely.  Noircarmes took up a
+commanding position at Saint Armand, by which he was enabled to cut off
+all communication between the city and the surrounding country.  All the
+villages in the neighborhood were pillaged; all the fields laid waste.
+All the infamies which an insolent soldiery can inflict upon helpless
+peasantry were daily enacted.  Men and women who attempted any
+communication--with the city, were murdered in cold blood by hundreds.
+The villagers were plundered of their miserable possessions, children
+were stripped naked in the midst of winter for the sake of the rags which
+covered them; matrons and virgins were sold at public auction by the tap
+of drum; sick and wounded wretches were burned over slow fires, to afford
+amusement to the soldiers.  In brief, the whole unmitigated curse which
+military power inflamed by religious bigotry can embody, had descended
+upon the heads of these unfortunate provincials who had dared to worship
+God in Christian churches without a Roman ritual.
+
+Meantime the city maintained, a stout heart still.  The whole population
+were arranged under different banners.  The rich and poor alike took arms
+to defend the walls which sheltered them.  The town paupers were enrolled
+in three companies, which bore the significant title of the "Tons-nulls"
+or the "Stark-nakeds," and many was the fierce conflict delivered outside
+the gates by men, who, in the words of a Catholic then in the city, might
+rather be taken for "experienced veterans than for burghers and
+artisans."  At the same time, to the honor of Valenciennes, it must be
+stated, upon the same incontestable authority, that not a Catholic in the
+city was injured or insulted.  The priests who had remained there were
+not allowed to say mass, but they never met with an opprobrious word or
+look from the people.
+
+The inhabitants of the city called upon the confederates for assistance.
+They also issued an address to the Knights of the Fleece; a paper which
+narrated the story of their wrongs in pathetic and startling language.
+They appealed to those puissant and illustrious chevaliers to prevent the
+perpetration of the great wrong which was now impending over so many
+innocent heads.  "Wait not," they said, "till the thunderbolt has fallen,
+till the deluge has overwhelmed us, till the fires already blazing have
+laid the land in coals and ashes, till no other course be possible, but
+to abandon the country in its desolation to foreign barbarity.  Let the
+cause of the oppressed come to your ears.  So shall your conscience
+become a shield of iron; so shall the happiness of a whole country
+witness before the angels, of your truth to his Majesty, in the cause of
+his true grandeur and glory."
+
+These stirring appeals to an order of which Philip was chief, Viglius
+chancellor, Egmont, Mansfeld, Aerschot, Berlaymont, and others,
+chevaliers, were not likely to produce much effect.  The city could
+rely upon no assistance in those high quarters.
+
+Meantime, however, the bold Brederode was attempting a very extensive
+diversion, which, if successful, would have saved Valenciennes and the
+whole country beside.  That eccentric personage, during the autumn and
+winter had been creating disturbances in various parts of the country.
+Wherever he happened to be established, there came from the windows of
+his apartments a sound of revelry and uproar.  Suspicious characters in
+various costumes thronged his door and dogged his footsteps.  At the same
+time the authorities felt themselves obliged to treat him with respect.
+At Horn he had entertained many of the leading citizens at a great
+banquet.--The-health-of-the-beggars had been drunk in mighty potations,
+and their shibboleth had resounded through the house.  In the midst of
+the festivities, Brederode had suspended a beggar's-medal around the neck
+of the burgomaster, who had consented to be his guest upon that occasion,
+but who had no intention of enrolling himself in the fraternities of
+actual or political mendicants.  The excellent magistrate, however, was
+near becoming a member of both.  The emblem by which he had been
+conspicuously adorned proved very embarrassing to him upon his recovery
+from the effects of his orgies with the "great beggar," and he was
+subsequently punished for his imprudence by the confiscation of half his
+property.
+
+Early in January, Brederode had stationed himself in his city of Viane.
+There, in virtue of his seignorial rights, he had removed all statues and
+other popish emblems from the churches, performing the operation,
+however, with much quietness and decorum.  He had also collected many
+disorderly men at arms in this city, and had strengthened its
+fortifications, to resist, as he said, the threatened attacks of Duke
+Eric of Brunswick and his German mercenaries.  A printing-press was
+established in the place, whence satirical pamphlets, hymn-books, and
+other pestiferous productions, were constantly issuing to the annoyance
+of government.  Many lawless and uproarious individuals enjoyed the
+Count's hospitality.  All the dregs and filth of the provinces, according
+to Doctor Viglius, were accumulated at Viane as in a cesspool.  Along the
+placid banks of the Lech, on which river the city stands, the "hydra of
+rebellion" lay ever coiled and threatening.
+
+Brederode was supposed to be revolving vast schemes, both political and
+military, and Margaret of Parma was kept in continual apprehension by the
+bravado of this very noisy conspirator.  She called upon William of
+Orange, as usual, for assistance.  The Prince, however, was very ill-
+disposed to come to her relief.  An extreme disgust for the policy of the
+government already began to, characterize his public language.  In the
+autumn and winter he had done all that man could do for the safety of the
+monarch's crown, and for the people's happiness.  His services in Antwerp
+have been recorded.  As soon as he could tear himself from that city,
+where the magistrates and all classes of citizens clung to him as to
+their only saviour, he had hastened to tranquillize the provinces of
+Holland, Zeland, and Utrecht.  He had made arrangements in the principal
+cities there upon the same basis which he had adopted in Antwerp, and to
+which Margaret had consented in August.  It was quite out of the question
+to establish order without permitting the reformers, who constituted much
+the larger portion of the population, to have liberty of religious
+exercises at some places, not consecrated, within the cities.
+
+At Amsterdam, for instance, as he informed the Duchess, there were swarms
+of unlearned, barbarous people, mariners and the like, who could by no
+means perceive the propriety of doing their preaching in the open
+country, seeing that the open country, at that season, was quite under
+water.--Margaret's gracious suggestion that, perhaps, something might be
+done with boats, was also considered inadmissible.  "I know not,"
+said Orange, "who could have advised your highness to make such a
+proposition."  He informed her, likewise; that the barbarous mariners
+had a clear right to their preaching; for the custom had already been
+established previously to the August treaty, at a place called the
+"Lastadge," among the wharves.  "In the name of God, then," wrote
+Margaret; "let them continue to preach in the Lastadge."  This being all
+the barbarians wanted, an Accord, with the full consent of the Regent,
+was drawn up at Amsterdam and the other northern cities.  The Catholics
+kept churches and cathedrals, but in the winter season, the greater part
+of the population obtained permission to worship God upon dry land, in
+warehouses and dock-yards.
+
+Within a very few weeks, however, the whole arrangement was coolly
+cancelled by the Duchess, her permission revoked, and peremptory
+prohibition of all preaching within or without the walls proclaimed.
+The government was growing stronger.  Had not Noircarmes and Rassinghem
+cut to pieces three or four thousand of these sectaries marching to
+battle under parsons, locksmiths, and similar chieftains?  Were not all
+lovers of good government "erecting their heads like dromedaries?"
+
+It may easily be comprehended that the Prince could not with complacency
+permit himself to be thus perpetually stultified by a weak, false, and
+imperious woman.  She had repeatedly called upon him when she was
+appalled at the tempest and sinking in the ocean; and she had as
+constantly disavowed his deeds and reviled his character when she felt
+herself in safety again.  He had tranquillized the old Batavian
+provinces, where the old Batavian spirit still lingered, by his personal
+influence and his unwearied exertions.  Men of all ranks and religions
+were grateful for his labors.  The Reformers had not gained much, but
+they were satisfied.  The Catholics retained their churches, their
+property, their consideration.  The states of Holland had voted him fifty
+thousand florins, as an acknowledgment of his efforts in restoring peace.
+He had refused the present.  He was in debt, pressed for money, but he
+did not choose, as he informed Philip, "that men should think his actions
+governed by motives of avarice or particular interest, instead of the
+true affection which he bore to his Majesty's service and the good of the
+country."  Nevertheless, his back was hardly turned before all his work
+was undone by the Regent.
+
+A new and important step on the part of the government had now placed him
+in an attitude of almost avowed rebellion.  All functionaries, from
+governors of provinces down to subalterns in the army, were required to
+take a new oath of allegiance, "novum et hactenua inusitatum religionia
+juramentum,"  as the Prince characterized it, which was, he said, quite
+equal to the inquisition.  Every man who bore his Majesty's commission
+was ordered solemnly to pledge himself to obey the orders of government,
+every where, and against every person, without limitation or
+restriction.--Count Mansfeld, now "factotum at Brussels," had taken the
+oath with great fervor.  So had Aerachot, Berlaymont, Meghem, and, after
+a little wavering, Egmont.  Orange spurned the proposition.  He had taken
+oaths enough which he had never broken, nor intended now to break: He was
+ready still to do every thing conducive to the real interest of the
+monarch.  Who dared do more was no true servant to the government, no
+true lover of the country.  He would never disgrace himself by a blind
+pledge, through which he might be constrained to do acts detrimental,
+in his opinion, to the safety of the crown, the happiness of the
+commonwealth, and his own honor.  The alternative presented he willingly
+embraced.  He renounced all his offices, and desired no longer to serve a
+government whose policy he did not approve, a King by whom he was
+suspected.
+
+His resignation was not accepted by the Duchess, who still made efforts
+to retain the services of a man who was necessary to her administration.
+She begged him, notwithstanding the purely defensive and watchful
+attitude which he had now assumed, to take measures that Brederode should
+abandon his mischievous courses.  She also reproached the Prince with
+having furnished that personage with artillery for his fortifications.
+Orange answered, somewhat contemptuously, that he was not Brederode's
+keeper, and had no occasion to meddle with his affairs.  He had given him
+three small field-pieces, promised long ago; not that he mentioned that
+circumstance as an excuse for the donation.  "Thank God," said he,
+"we have always had the liberty in this country of making to friends or
+relatives what presents we liked, and methinks that things have come to a
+pretty pass when such trifles are scrutinized."  Certainly, as Suzerain
+of Viane, and threatened with invasion in his seignorial rights, the
+Count might think himself justified in strengthening the bulwarks of his
+little stronghold, and the Prince could hardly be deemed very seriously
+to endanger the safety of the crown by the insignificant present which
+had annoyed the Regent.
+
+It is not so agreeable to contemplate the apparent intimacy which the
+Prince accorded to so disreputable a character, but Orange was now in
+hostility to the government, was convinced by evidence, whose accuracy
+time was most signally to establish, that his own head, as well as many
+others, were already doomed to the block, while the whole country was
+devoted to abject servitude, and he was therefore disposed to look with
+more indulgence upon the follies of those who were endeavoring, however
+weakly and insanely, to avert the horrors which he foresaw.  The time for
+reasoning had passed.  All that true wisdom and practical statesmanship
+could suggest, he had already placed at the disposal of a woman who
+stabbed him in the back even while she leaned upon his arm--of a king who
+had already drawn his death warrant, while reproaching his "cousin of
+Orange" for want of confidence in the royal friendship.  Was he now
+to attempt the subjugation of his country by interfering with the
+proceedings of men whom he had no power to command, and who, at least,
+were attempting to oppose tyranny?  Even if he should do so, he was
+perfectly aware of the reward, reserved for his loyalty.  He liked not
+such honors as he foresaw for all those who had ever interposed between
+the monarch and his vengeance.  For himself he had the liberation of a
+country, the foundation of a free commonwealth to achieve.  There was
+much work for those hands before he should fall a victim to the crowned
+assassin.
+
+Early in February, Brederode, Hoogstraaten, Horn, and some other
+gentlemen, visited the Prince at Breda.  Here it is supposed the advice
+of Orange was asked concerning the new movement contemplated by
+Brederode.  He was bent upon presenting a new petition to the Duchess
+with great solemnity.  There is no evidence to show that the Prince
+approved the step, which must have seemed to him superfluous, if not
+puerile.  He probably regarded the matter with indifference.  Brederode,
+however, who was fond of making demonstrations, and thought himself
+endowed with a genius for such work, wrote to the Regent for letters of
+safe conduct that he might come to Brussels with his petition.  The
+passports were contemptuously refused.  He then came to Antwerp, from
+which city he forwarded the document to Brussels in a letter.
+
+By this new Request, the exercise of the reformed religion was claimed as
+a right, while the Duchess was summoned to disband the forces which she
+had been collecting, and to maintain in good faith the "August" treaty.
+These claims were somewhat bolder than those of the previous April,
+although the liberal party was much weaker and the confederacy entirely
+disbanded.  Brederode, no doubt, thought it good generalship to throw
+the last loaf of bread into the enemy's camp before the city should
+surrender.  His haughty tone was at once taken down by Margaret of Parma.
+"She wondered," she said, "what manner of nobles these were, who, after
+requesting, a year before, to be saved only from the inquisition, now
+presumed to talk about preaching in the cities."  The concessions of
+August had always been odious, and were now canceled.  "As for you and
+your accomplices," she continued to the Count, "you will do well to go
+to your homes at once without meddling with public affairs, for, in case
+of disobedience, I shall deal with you as I shall deem expedient."
+
+Brederode not easily abashed, disregarded the advice, and continued
+in Antwerp.  Here, accepting the answer of the Regent as a formal
+declaration of hostilities, he busied himself in levying troops in
+and about the city.
+
+Orange had returned to Antwerp early in February.  During his absence,
+Hoogstraaten had acted as governor at the instance of the Prince and of
+the Regent.  During the winter that nobleman, who was very young and very
+fiery, had carried matters with a high hand, whenever there had been the
+least attempt at sedition.  Liberal in principles, and the devoted friend
+of Orange, he was disposed however to prove that the champions of
+religious liberty were not the patrons of sedition.  A riot occurring
+in the cathedral, where a violent mob were engaged in defacing whatever
+was left to deface in that church, and in heaping insults on the papists
+at their worship, the little Count, who, says a Catholic contemporary,
+"had the courage of a lion," dashed in among them, sword in hand, killed
+three upon the spot, and, aided by his followers, succeeded in slaying,
+wounding, or capturing all the rest.  He had also tracked the ringleader
+of the tumult to his lodging, where he had caused him to be arrested at
+midnight, and hanged at once in his shirt without any form of trial.
+Such rapid proceedings little resembled the calm and judicious moderation
+of Orange upon all occasions, but they certainly might have sufficed
+to convince Philip that all antagonists of the inquisition were not
+heretics and outlaws.  Upon the arrival of the Prince in Antwerp, it was
+considered advisable that Hoogstraaten should remain associated with him
+in the temporary government of the city.
+
+During the month of February, Brederode remained in Antwerp, secretly
+enrolling troops.  It was probably his intention--if so desultory and
+irresponsible an individual could be said to have an intention--to make
+an attempt upon the Island of Walcheren.  If such important cities as
+Flushing and Middelburg could be gained, he thought it possible to
+prevent the armed invasion now soon expected from Spain.  Orange had sent
+an officer to those cities, who was to reconnoitre their condition, and
+to advise them against receiving a garrison from government without his
+authority.  So far he connived at Brederode's proceedings, as he had a
+perfect right to do, for Walcheren was within what had been the Prince's
+government, and he had no disposition that these cities should share the
+fate of Tourney, Valenciennes, Bois le Duc, and other towns which had
+already passed or were passing under the spears of foreign mercenaries.
+
+It is also probable that he did not take any special pains to check the
+enrolments of Brederode.  The peace of Antwerp was not endangered, and
+to the preservation of that city the Prince seemed now to limit himself.
+He was hereditary burgrave of Antwerp, but officer of Philip's never
+more.  Despite the shrill demands of Duchess Margaret, therefore; the
+Prince did not take very active measures by which the crown of Philip
+might be secured.  He, perhaps, looked upon the struggle almost with
+indifference.  Nevertheless, he issued a formal proclamation by which the
+Count's enlistments were forbidden.  Van der Aa, a gentleman who had been
+active in making these levies, was compelled to leave the city.
+Brederode was already gone to the north to busy himself with further
+enrolments.
+
+In the mean time there had been much alarm in Brussels.  Egmont, who
+omitted no opportunity of manifesting his loyalty, offered to throw
+himself at once into the Isle of Walcheren, for the purpose of dislodging
+any rebels who might have effected an entrance.  He collected accordingly
+seven or eight hundred Walloon veterans, at his disposal in Flanders,
+in the little port of Sas de Ghent, prepared at once to execute his
+intention, "worthy," says a Catholic writer, "of his well-known courage
+and magnanimity."  The Duchess expressed gratitude for the Count's
+devotion and loyalty, but his services in the sequel proved unnecessary.
+The rebels, several boat-loads of whom had been cruising about in the
+neighborhood of Flushing during the early part of March, had been refused
+admittance into any of the ports on the island.  They therefore sailed up
+the Scheld, and landed at a little village called Ostrawell, at the
+distance of somewhat more than a mile from Antwerp.
+
+The commander of the expedition was Marnix of Tholouse, brother to Marnix
+of Saint Aldegonde.  This young nobleman, who had left college to fight
+for the cause of religious liberty, was possessed of fine talents and
+accomplishments.  Like his illustrious brother, he was already a sincere
+convert to the doctrines of the reformed Church.  He had nothing,
+however, but courage to recommend him as a leader in a military
+expedition.  He was a mere boy, utterly without experience in the
+field. His troops were raw levies, vagabonds and outlaws.
+
+Such as it was, however, his army was soon posted at Ostrawell in a
+convenient position, and with considerable judgment.  He had the Scheld
+and its dykes in his rear, on his right and left the dykes and the
+village.  In front he threw up a breastwork and sunk a trench.  Here then
+was set up the standard of rebellion, and hither flocked daily many
+malcontents from the country round.  Within a few days three thousand men
+were in his camp.  On the other handy Brederode was busy in Holland, and
+boasted of taking the field ere long with six thousand soldiers at the
+very least.  Together they would march to the relief of Valenciennes, and
+dictate peace in Brussels.
+
+It was obvious that this matter could not be allowed to go on.  The
+Duchess, with some trepidation, accepted the offer made by Philip de
+Lannoy, Seigneur de Beauvoir, commander of her body-guard in Brussels,
+to destroy this nest of rebels without delay.  Half the whole number of
+these soldiers was placed at his disposition, and Egmont supplied De
+Beauvoir with four hundred of his veteran Walloons.
+
+With a force numbering only eight hundred, but all picked men, the
+intrepid officer undertook his enterprise, with great despatch and
+secrecy.  Upon the 12th March, the whole troop was sent off in small
+parties, to avoid suspicion, and armed only with sword and dagger.  Their
+helmets, bucklers, arquebusses, corselets, spears, standards and drums,
+were delivered to their officers, by whom they were conveyed noiselessly
+to the place of rendezvous.  Before daybreak, upon the following morning,
+De Beauvoir met his soldiers at the abbey of Saint Bernard, within a
+league of Antwerp.  Here he gave them their arms, supplied them with
+refreshments, and made them a brief speech.  He instructed them that
+they were to advance, with furled banners and without beat of drum, till
+within sight of the enemy, that the foremost section was to deliver its
+fire, retreat to the rear and load, to be followed by the next, which was
+to do the same, and above all, that not an arquebus should be discharged
+till the faces of the enemy could be distinguished.
+
+The troop started.  After a few minutes' march they were in full sight of
+Ostrawell.  They then displayed their flags and advanced upon the fort
+with loud huzzas.  Tholouse was as much taken by surprise as if they had
+suddenly emerged from the bowels of the earth.  He had been informed that
+the government at Brussels was in extreme trepidation.  When he first
+heard the advancing trumpets and sudden shouts, he thought it a
+detachment of Brederode's promised force.  The cross on the banners soon
+undeceived him.  Nevertheless "like a brave and generous young gentleman
+as he was," he lost no time in drawing up his men for action, implored
+them to defend their breastworks, which were impregnable against so small
+a force, and instructed them to wait patiently with their fire, till the
+enemy were near enough to be marked.
+
+These orders were disobeyed.  The "young scholar," as De Beauvoir had
+designated him, had no power to infuse his own spirit into his rabble
+rout of followers.  They were already panic-struck by the unexpected
+appearance of the enemy.  The Catholics came on with the coolness of
+veterans, taking as deliberate aim as if it had been they, not their
+enemies, who were behind breastworks.  The troops of Tholouse fired
+wildly, precipitately, quite over the heads of the assailants.  Many of
+the defenders were slain as fast as they showed themselves above their
+bulwarks.  The ditch was crossed, the breastwork carried at, a single
+determined charge.  The rebels made little resistance, but fled as soon
+as the enemy entered their fort.  It was a hunt, not a battle.  Hundreds
+were stretched dead in the camp; hundreds were driven into the Scheld;
+six or eight hundred took refuge in a farm-house; but De Beauvoir's men
+set fire to the building, and every rebel who had entered it was burned
+alive or shot.  No quarter was given.  Hardly a man of the three thousand
+who had held the fort escaped.  The body of Tholouse was cut into a
+hundred pieces.  The Seigneur de Beauvoir had reason, in the brief letter
+which gave an account of this exploit, to assure her Highness that there
+were "some very valiant fellows in his little troop."  Certainly they had
+accomplished the enterprise entrusted to them with promptness, neatness,
+and entire success.  Of the great rebellious gathering, which every day
+had seemed to grow more formidable, not a vestige was left.
+
+This bloody drama had been enacted in full sight of Antwerp.  The fight
+had lasted from daybreak till ten o'clock in the forenoon, during the
+whole of which period, the city ramparts looking towards Ostrawell, the
+roofs of houses, the towers of churches had been swarming with eager
+spectators.  The sound of drum and trumpet, the rattle of musketry, the
+shouts of victory, the despairing cries of the vanquished were heard by
+thousands who deeply sympathized with the rebels thus enduring so
+sanguinary a chastisement.  In Antwerp there were forty thousand people
+opposed to the Church of Rome.  Of this number the greater proportion
+were Calvinists, and of these Calvinists there were thousands looking
+down from the battlements upon the disastrous fight.
+
+The excitement soon became uncontrollable.  Before ten o'clock vast
+numbers of sectaries came pouring towards the Red Gate, which afforded
+the readiest egress to the scene of action; the drawbridge of the
+Ostrawell Gate having been destroyed the night before by command of
+Orange.  They came from every street and alley of the city.  Some were
+armed with lance, pike, or arquebus; some bore sledge-hammers; others had
+the partisans, battle-axes, and huge two-handed swords of the previous
+century; all were determined upon issuing forth to the rescue of their
+friends in the fields outside the town.  The wife of Tholouse, not yet
+aware of her husband's death, although his defeat was obvious, flew from
+street to street, calling upon the Calvinists to save or to avenge their
+perishing brethren.
+
+A terrible tumult prevailed.  Ten thousand men were already up and in
+arms.--It was then that the Prince of Orange, who was sometimes described
+by his enemies as timid and pusillanimous by nature, showed the mettle he
+was made of.  His sense of duty no longer bade him defend the crown of
+Philip--which thenceforth was to be entrusted to the hirelings of the
+Inquisition--but the vast population of Antwerp, the women, the children,
+and the enormous wealth of the richest Deity in the world had been
+confided to his care, and he had accepted the responsibility.  Mounting
+his horse, he made his appearance instantly at the Red Gate, before as
+formidable a mob as man has ever faced.  He came there almost alone,
+without guards.  Hoogstraaten arrived soon afterwards with the same
+intention.  The Prince was received with howls of execration.  A thousand
+hoarse voices called him the Pope's servant, minister of Antichrist, and
+lavished upon him many more epithets of the same nature.  His life was in
+imminent danger.  A furious clothier levelled an arquebus full at his
+breast.  "Die, treacherous villain?"  he cried; "thou who art the cause
+that our brethren have perished thus miserably in yonder field."  The
+loaded weapon was struck away by another hand in the crowd, while the
+Prince, neither daunted by the ferocious demonstrations against his life,
+nor enraged by the virulent abuse to which he was subjected, continued
+tranquilly, earnestly, imperatively to address the crowd.  William of
+Orange had that in his face and tongue "which men willingly call master-
+authority."  With what other talisman could he, without violence and
+without soldiers, have quelled even for a moment ten thousand furious
+Calvinists, armed, enraged against his person, and thirsting for
+vengeance on Catholics.  The postern of the Red Gate had already been
+broken through before Orange and his colleague, Hoogstraaten, had
+arrived.  The most excited of the Calvinists were preparing to rush forth
+upon the enemy at Ostrawell.  The Prince, after he had gained the ear of
+the multitude, urged that the battle was now over, that the reformers
+were entirely cut to pieces, the enemy, retiring, and that a disorderly
+and ill-armed mob would be unable to retrieve the fortunes of the day.
+Many were persuaded to abandon the design.  Five hundred of the most
+violent, however, insisted upon leaving the gates, and the governors,
+distinctly warning these zealots that their blood must be upon their own
+heads, reluctantly permitted that number to issue from the city.  The
+rest of the mob, not appeased, but uncertain, and disposed to take
+vengeance upon the Catholics within the walls, for the disaster which had
+been occurring without, thronged tumultuously to the long, wide street,
+called the Mere, situate in the very heart of the city.
+
+Meantime the ardor of those who had sallied from the gate grew sensibly
+cooler, when they found themselves in the open fields.  De Beauvoir,
+whose men, after the victory, had scattered in pursuit of the fugitives,
+now heard the tumult in the city.  Suspecting an attack, he rallied his
+compact little army again for a fresh encounter.  The last of the
+vanquished Tholousians who had been captured; more fortunate than their
+predecessors, had been spared for ransom.  There were three hundred of
+them; rather a dangerous number of prisoners for a force of eight
+hundred, who were just going into another battle.  De Beauvoir commanded
+his soldiers, therefore, to shoot them all.  This order having been
+accomplished, the Catholics marched towards Antwerp, drums beating,
+colors flying.  The five hundred Calvinists, not liking their appearance,
+and being in reality outnumbered, retreated within; the gates as hastily
+as they had just issued from them.  De Beauvoir advanced close to the
+city moat, on the margin of which he planted the banners of the
+unfortunate Tholouse, and sounded a trumpet of defiance.  Finding that
+the citizens had apparently no stomach for the fight, he removed his
+trophies, and took his departure.
+
+On the other hand, the tumult within the walls had again increased.  The
+Calvinists had been collecting in great numbers upon the Mere.  This was
+a large and splendid thoroughfare, rather an oblong market-place than a
+street, filled with stately buildings, and communicating by various cross
+streets with the Exchange and with many other public edifices.  By an
+early hour in the afternoon twelve or fifteen thousand Calvinists, all
+armed and fighting men, had assembled upon the place.  They had
+barricaded the whole precinct with pavements and upturned wagons.
+They had already broken into the arsenal and obtained many field-pieces,
+which were planted at the entrance of every street and by-way.  They had
+stormed the city jail and liberated the prisoners, all of whom, grateful
+and ferocious, came to swell the numbers who defended the stronghold on
+the Mere.  A tremendous mischief was afoot.  Threats of pillaging the
+churches and the houses of the Catholics, of sacking the whole opulent
+city, were distinctly heard among this powerful mob, excited by religious
+enthusiasm, but containing within one great heterogeneous mass the
+elements of every crime which humanity can commit.  The alarm throughout
+the city was indescribable.  The cries of women and children, as they
+remained in trembling expectation of what the next hour might bring
+forth, were, said one who heard them, "enough to soften the hardest
+hearts."
+
+Nevertheless the diligence and courage of the Prince kept pace with the
+insurrection.  He had caused the eight companies of guards enrolled in
+September, to be mustered upon the square in front of the city hall, for
+the protection of that building and of the magistracy.  He had summoned
+the senate of the city, the board of ancients, the deans of guilds, the
+ward masters, to consult with him at the council-room.  At the peril of
+his life he had again gone before the angry mob in the Mere, advancing
+against their cannon and their outcries, and compelling them to appoint
+eight deputies to treat with him and the magistrates at the town-hall.
+This done, quickly but deliberately he had drawn up six articles, to
+which those deputies gave their assent, and in which the city government
+cordially united.  These articles provided that the keys of the city
+should remain in the possession of the Prince and of Hoogstraaten, that
+the watch should be held by burghers and soldiers together, that the
+magistrates should permit the entrance of no garrison, and that the
+citizens should be entrusted with the care of, the charters, especially
+with that of the joyful entrance.
+
+These arrangements, when laid before the assembly at the Mere by their
+deputies, were not received with favor.  The Calvinists demanded the keys
+of the city.  They did not choose to be locked up at the mercy of any
+man.  They had already threatened to blow the city hall into the air if
+the keys were not delivered to them.  They claimed that burghers, without
+distinction of religion, instead of mercenary troops, should be allowed
+to guard the market-place in front of the town-hall.
+
+It was now nightfall, and no definite arrangement had been concluded.
+Nevertheless, a temporary truce was made, by means of a concession as to
+the guard.  It was agreed that the burghers, Calvinists and Lutherans, as
+well as Catholics, should be employed to protect the city.  By subtlety,
+however, the Calvinists detailed for that service, were posted not in the
+town-house square, but on the ramparts and at the gates.
+
+A night of dreadful expectation was passed.  The army of fifteen thousand
+mutineers remained encamped and barricaded on the Mere, with guns loaded
+and artillery pointed.  Fierce cries of "Long live the beggars,"--"Down
+with the papists," and other significant watchwords, were heard all night
+long, but no more serious outbreak occurred.
+
+During the whole of the following day, the Calvinists remained in their
+encampment, the Catholics and the city guardsmen at their posts near the
+city hall.  The Prince was occupied in the council-chamber from morning
+till night with the municipal authorities, the deputies of "the
+religion," and the guild officers, in framing a new treaty of peace.
+Towards evening fifteen articles were agreed upon, which were to be
+proposed forthwith to the insurgents, and in case of nonacceptance to be
+enforced.  The arrangement provided that there should be no garrison;
+that the September contracts permitting the reformed worship at certain
+places within the city should be maintained; that men of different
+parties should refrain from mutual insults; that the two governors, the
+Prince and Hoogstraaten, should keep the keys; that the city should be
+guarded by both soldiers and citizens, without distinction of religious
+creed; that a band of four hundred cavalry and a small flotilla of
+vessels of war should be maintained for the defence of the place, and
+that the expenses to be incurred should be levied upon all classes,
+clerical and lay, Catholic and Reformed, without any exception.
+
+It had been intended that the governors, accompanied by the magistrates,
+should forthwith proceed to the Mere, for the purpose of laying these
+terms before the insurgents.  Night had, however, already arrived, and it
+was understood that the ill-temper of the Calvinists had rather increased
+than diminished, so that it was doubtful whether the arrangement would be
+accepted.  It was, therefore, necessary to await the issue of another
+day, rather than to provoke a night battle in the streets.
+
+During the night the Prince labored incessantly to provide against the
+dangers of the morrow.  The Calvinists had fiercely expressed their
+disinclination to any reasonable arrangement.  They had threatened,
+without farther pause, to plunder the religious houses and the mansions
+of all the wealthy Catholics, and to drive every papist out of town.
+They had summoned the Lutherans to join with them in their revolt, and
+menaced them, in case of refusal, with the same fate which awaited the
+Catholics.  The Prince, who was himself a Lutheran, not entirely free
+from the universal prejudice against the Calvinists, whose sect he
+afterwards embraced, was fully aware of the deplorable fact, that the
+enmity at that day between Calvinists and Lutherans was as fierce as that
+between Reformers and Catholics.  He now made use of this feeling, and of
+his influence with those of the Augsburg Confession, to save the city.
+During the night he had interviews with the ministers and notable members
+of the Lutheran churches, and induced them to form an alliance upon this
+occasion with the Catholics and with all friends of order, against an
+army of outlaws who were threatening to burn and sack the city.  The
+Lutherans, in the silence of night, took arms and encamped, to the number
+of three or four thousand, upon the river side, in the neighborhood of
+Saint Michael's cloister.  The Prince also sent for the deans of all the
+foreign mercantile associations--Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, English,
+Hanseatic, engaged their assistance also for the protection of the city,
+and commanded them to remain in their armor at their respective
+factories, ready to act at a moment's warning.  It was agreed that they
+should be informed at frequent intervals as to the progress of events.
+
+On the morning of the 15th, the city of Antwerp presented a fearful
+sight.  Three distinct armies were arrayed at different points within its
+walls.  The Calvinists, fifteen thousand strong, lay in their encampment
+on the Mere; the Lutherans, armed, and eager for action, were at St.
+Michael's; the Catholics and the regulars of the city guard were posted
+on the square.  Between thirty-five and forty thousand men were up,
+according to the most moderate computation.  All parties were excited,
+and eager for the fray.  The fires of religious hatred burned fiercely in
+every breast.  Many malefactors and outlaws, who had found refuge in the
+course of recent events at Antwerp, were in the ranks of the Calvinists,
+profaning a sacred cause, and inspiring a fanatical party with bloody
+resolutions.  Papists, once and forever, were to be hunted down, even as
+they had been for years pursuing Reformers.  Let the men who had fed fat
+on the spoils of plundered Christians be dealt with in like fashion.  Let
+their homes be sacked, their bodies given to the dogs--such were the
+cries uttered by thousands of armed men.
+
+On the other hand, the Lutherans, as angry and as rich as the Catholics,
+saw in every Calvinist a murderer and a robber.  They thirsted after
+their blood; for the spirit of religious frenzy; the characteristic of
+the century, can with difficulty be comprehended in our colder and more
+sceptical age.  There was every probability that a bloody battle was to
+be fought that day in the streets of Antwerp--a general engagement, in
+the course of which, whoever might be the victors, the city was sure to
+be delivered over to fire, sack, and outrage.  Such would have been the
+result, according to the concurrent testimony of eye-witnesses, and
+contemporary historians of every country and creed, but for the courage
+and wisdom of one man.  William of Orange knew what would be the
+consequence of a battle, pent up within the walls of Antwerp.  He foresaw
+the horrible havoc which was to be expected, the desolation which would
+be brought to every hearth in the city.  "Never were men so desperate and
+so willing to fight," said Sir Thomas Gresham, who had been expecting
+every hour his summons to share in the conflict.  If the Prince were
+unable that morning to avert the impending calamity, no other power,
+under heaven, could save Antwerp from destruction.
+
+The articles prepared on the 14th had been already approved by those who
+represented the Catholic and Lutheran interests.  They were read early in
+the morning to the troops assembled on the square and at St. Michael's,
+and received with hearty cheers.  It was now necessary that the
+Calvinists should accept them, or that the quarrel should be fought out
+at once.  At ten o'clock, William of Orange, attended by his colleague,
+Hoogstraaten, together with a committee of the municipal authorities, and
+followed by a hundred troopers, rode to the Mere.  They wore red scarfs
+over their armor, as symbols by which all those who had united to put
+down the insurrection were distinguished.  The fifteen thousand
+Calvinists, fierce and disorderly as ever, maintained a threatening
+aspect.  Nevertheless, the Prince was allowed to ride into the midst of
+the square.  The articles were then read aloud by his command, after
+which, with great composure, he made a few observations.  He pointed out
+that the arrangement offered them was founded upon the September
+concessions, that the right of worship was conceded, that the foreign
+garrison was forbidden, and that nothing further could be justly demanded
+or honorably admitted.  He told them that a struggle upon their part
+would be hopeless, for the Catholics and Lutherans, who were all agreed
+as to the justice of the treaty, outnumbered them by nearly two to one.
+He, therefore, most earnestly and affectionately adjured them to testify
+their acceptance to the peace offered by repeating the words with which
+he should conclude.  Then, with a firm voice; the Prince exclaimed, "God
+Save the King!"  It was the last time that those words were ever heard
+from the lips of the man already proscribed by Philip.  The crowd of
+Calvinists hesitated an instant, and then, unable to resist the tranquil
+influence, convinced by his reasonable language, they raised one
+tremendous shout of "Vive le Roi!"
+
+The deed was done, the peace accepted, the dreadful battle averted,
+Antwerp saved.  The deputies of the Calvinists now formally accepted and
+signed the articles.  Kind words were exchanged among the various classes
+of fellow-citizens, who but an hour before had been thirsting for each
+other's blood, the artillery and other weapons of war were restored to
+the arsenals, Calvinists, Lutherans, and Catholics, all laid down their
+arms, and the city, by three o'clock, was entirely quiet.  Fifty thousand
+armed men had been up, according to some estimates, yet, after three days
+of dreadful expectation, not a single person had been injured, and the
+tumult was now appeased.
+
+The Prince had, in truth, used the mutual animosity of Protestant sects
+to a good purpose; averting bloodshed by the very weapons with which the
+battle was to have been waged.  Had it been possible for a man like
+William the Silent to occupy the throne where Philip the Prudent sat,
+how different might have been the history of Spain and the fate of the
+Netherlands.  Gresham was right, however, in his conjecture that the
+Regent and court would not "take the business well."  Margaret of Parma
+was incapable of comprehending such a mind as that of Orange, or of
+appreciating its efforts.  She was surrounded by unscrupulous and
+mercenary soldiers, who hailed the coming civil war as the most
+profitable of speculations.  "Factotum" Mansfeld; the Counts Aremberg and
+Meghem, the Duke of Aerschot, the Sanguinary Noircarmes, were already
+counting their share in the coming confiscations.  In the internecine
+conflict approaching, there would be gold for the gathering, even if no
+honorable laurels would wreath their swords.  "Meghen with his regiment
+is desolating the country," wrote William of Orange to the Landgrave of
+Hesse, "and reducing many people to poverty.  Aremberg is doing the same
+in Friesland.  They are only thinking how, under the pretext of religion,
+they may grind the poor Christians, and grow rich and powerful upon their
+estates and their blood."
+
+The Seignior de Beauvoir wrote to the Duchess, claiming all the estates
+of Tholouse, and of his brother St. Aldegonde, as his reward for the
+Ostrawell victory, while Noircarmes was at this very moment to commence
+at Valenciennes that career of murder and spoliation which, continued at
+Mons a few years afterwards, was to load his name with infamy.
+
+From such a Regent, surrounded by such councillors, was the work of
+William de Nassau's hands to gain applause?  What was it to them that
+carnage and plunder had been spared in one of the richest and most
+populous cities in Christendom?  Were not carnage and plunder the very
+elements in which they disported themselves?  And what more dreadful
+offence against God and Philip could be committed than to permit, as the
+Prince had just permitted, the right of worship in a Christian land to
+Calvinists and Lutherans?  As a matter of course, therefore, Margaret of
+Parma denounced the terms by which Antwerp had been saved as a "novel and
+exorbitant capitulation," and had no intention of signifying her
+approbation either to prince or magistrate.
+
+
+
+
+1567 [CHAPTER X.]
+
+     Egmont and Aerschot before Valenciennes--Severity of Egmont--
+     Capitulation of the city--Escape and capture of the ministers--
+     Execution of La Grange and De Bray--Horrible cruelty at
+     Valenciennes--Effects of the reduction of Valenciennes--The Duchess
+     at Antwerp--Armed invasion of the provinces decided upon in Spain--
+     Appointment of Alva--Indignation of Margaret--Mission of De Billy--
+     Pretended visit of Philip--Attempts of the Duchess to gain over
+     Orange--Mission of Berty--Interview between Orange and Egmont at
+     Willebroek--Orange's letters to Philip, to Egmont, and to Horn--
+     Orange departs from the Netherlands--Philip's letter to Egmont--
+     Secret intelligence received by Orange--La Torre's mission to
+     Brederode--Brederode's departure and death--Death of Bergen--Despair
+     in the provinces--Great emigration--Cruelties practised upon those
+     of the new religion--Edict of 24th May--Wrath of the King.
+
+Valenciennes, whose fate depended so closely upon the issue of these
+various events, was now trembling to her fall.  Noircarmes had been
+drawing the lines more and more closely about the city, and by a
+refinement of cruelty had compelled many Calvinists from Tournay to act
+as pioneers in the trenches against their own brethren in Valenciennes.
+After the defeat of Tholouse, and the consequent frustration of all
+Brederode's arrangements to relieve the siege, the Duchess had sent a
+fresh summons to Valenciennes, together with letters acquainting the
+citizens with the results of the Ostrawell battle.  The intelligence was
+not believed.  Egmont and Aerschot, however, to whom Margaret had
+entrusted this last mission to the beleaguered town, roundly rebuked the
+deputies who came to treat with them, for their insolence in daring to
+doubt the word of the Regent.  The two seigniors had established
+themselves in the Chateau of Beusnage, at a league's distance from
+Valenciennes.  Here they received commissioners from the city, half of
+whom were Catholics appointed by the magistrates, half Calvinists deputed
+by the consistories.  These envoys were informed that the Duchess would
+pardon the city for its past offences, provided the gates should now be
+opened, the garrison received, and a complete suppression of all religion
+except that of Rome acquiesced in without a murmur.  As nearly the whole
+population was of the Calvinist faith, these terms could hardly be
+thought favorable.  It was, however, added, that fourteen days should be
+allowed to the Reformers for the purpose of converting their property,
+and retiring from the country.
+
+The deputies, after conferring with their constituents in the, city,
+returned on the following day with counter-propositions, which were not
+more likely to find favor with the government.  They offered to accept
+the garrison, provided the soldiers should live at their own expense,
+without any tax to the citizens for their board, lodging, or pay.  They
+claimed that all property which had been seized should be restored, all
+persons accused of treason liberated.  They demanded the unconditional
+revocation of the edict by which the city had been declared rebellious,
+together with a guarantee from the Knights of the Fleece and the state
+council that the terms of the propose& treaty should be strictly
+observed.
+
+As soon as these terms had been read to the two seigniors, the Duke of
+Aerschot burst into an immoderate fit of laughter.  He protested that
+nothing could be more ludicrous than such propositions, worthy of a
+conqueror dictating a peace, thus offered by a city closely beleaguered,
+and entirely at the mercy of the enemy.  The Duke's hilarity was not
+shared by Egmont, who, on the contrary, fell into a furious passion.  He
+swore that the city should be burned about their ears, and that every one
+of the inhabitants should be put to the sword for the insolent language
+which they had thus dared to address to a most clement sovereign.  He
+ordered the trembling deputies instantly to return with this peremptory
+rejection of their terms, and with his command that the proposals of
+government should be accepted within three days' delay.
+
+The commissioners fell upon their knees at Egmont's feet, and begged for
+mercy.  They implored him at least to send this imperious message by some
+other hand than theirs, and to permit them to absent themselves from the
+city.  They should be torn limb from limb, they said, by the enraged
+inhabitants, if they dared to present themselves with such instructions
+before them.  Egmont, however, assured them that they should be sent into
+the city, bound hand and foot, if they did not instantly obey his orders.
+The deputies, therefore, with heavy hearts, were fain to return home with
+this bitter result to their negotiations.  The, terms were rejected, as a
+matter of course, but the gloomy forebodings of the commissioners, as to
+their own fate at the hands of their fellow-citizens, were not fulfilled.
+
+Instant measures were now taken to cannonade the city.  Egmont, at the
+hazard of his life, descended into the foss, to reconnoitre the works,
+and to form an opinion as to the most eligible quarter at which to direct
+the batteries.  Having communicated the result of his investigations to
+Noircarmes, he returned to report all these proceedings to the Regent at
+Brussels.  Certainly the Count had now separated himself far enough from
+William of Orange, and was manifesting an energy in the cause of tyranny
+which was sufficiently unscrupulous.  Many people who had been deceived
+by his more generous demonstrations in former times, tried to persuade
+themselves that he was acting a part.  Noircarmes, however--and no man
+was more competent to decide the question distinctly--expressed his
+entire confidence in Egmont's loyalty.  Margaret had responded warmly to
+his eulogies, had read with approbation secret letters from Egmont to
+Noircarmes, and had expressed the utmost respect and affection for "the
+Count."  Egmont had also lost no time in writing to Philip, informing him
+that he had selected the most eligible spot for battering down the
+obstinate city of Valenciennes, regretting that he could not have had the
+eight or ten military companies, now at his disposal, at an earlier day,
+in which case he should have been able to suppress many tumults, but
+congratulating his sovereign that the preachers were all fugitive, the
+reformed religion suppressed, and the people disarmed.  He assured the
+King that he would neglect no effort to prevent any renewal of the
+tumults, and expressed the hope that his Majesty would be satisfied with
+his conduct, notwithstanding the calumnies of which the times were full.
+
+Noircarmes meanwhile, had unmasked his batteries, and opened his fire
+exactly according to Egmont's suggestions.
+
+The artillery played first upon what was called the "White Tower," which
+happened to bear this ancient, rhyming inscription:
+
+              "When every man receives his own,
+               And justice reigns for strong and weak,
+               Perfect shall be this tower of stone,
+               And all the dumb will learn to speak."
+
+              "Quand chacun sera satisfaict,
+               Et la justice regnera,
+               Ce boulevard sera parfaict,
+               Et--la muette parlera."--Valenciennes MS.
+
+
+For some unknown reason, the rather insipid quatrain was tortured into a
+baleful prophecy.  It was considered very ominous that the battery should
+be first opened against this Sibylline tower.  The chimes, too, which had
+been playing, all through the siege, the music of Marot's sacred songs,
+happened that morning to be sounding forth from every belfry the twenty-
+second psalm: "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
+
+It was Palm Sunday, 23d of March.  The women and children were going
+mournfully about the streets, bearing green branches in their hands, and
+praying upon their knees, in every part of the city.  Despair and
+superstition had taken possession of citizens, who up to that period had
+justified La Noue's assertion, that none could endure a siege like
+Huguenots.  As soon as the cannonading began, the spirit of the
+inhabitants seemed to depart.  The ministers exhorted their flocks in
+vain as the tiles and chimneys began to topple into the streets, and the
+concussions of the artillery were responded to by the universal wailing
+of affrighted women.
+
+Upon the very first day after the unmasking of the batteries, the city
+sent to Noircarmes, offering almost an unconditional surrender.  Not the
+slightest breach had been effected--not the least danger of an assault
+existed--yet the citizens, who had earned the respect of their
+antagonists by the courageous manner in which they had sallied and
+skirmished during the siege, now in despair at any hope of eventual
+succor, and completely demoralized by the course of recent events outside
+their walls, surrendered ignominiously, and at discretion.  The only
+stipulation agreed to by Noircarmes was, that the city should not be
+sacked, and that the lives of the inhabitants should be spared.
+
+This pledge was, however, only made to be broken.  Noircarmes entered the
+city and closed the gates.  All the richest citizens, who of course were
+deemed the most criminal, were instantly arrested.  The soldiers,
+although not permitted formally to sack the city, were quartered upon the
+inhabitants, whom they robbed and murdered, according to the testimony of
+a Catholic citizen, almost at their pleasure.
+
+Michael Herlin, a very wealthy and distinguished burgher, was arrested
+upon the first day.  The two ministers, Guido de Bray and Peregrine de
+la Grange, together with the son of Herlin, effected their escape by the
+water-gate.  Having taken refuge in a tavern at Saint Arnaud, they were
+observed, as they sat at supper, by a peasant, who forthwith ran off to
+the mayor of the borough with the intelligence that some individuals,
+who looked like fugitives, had arrived at Saint Arnaud.  One of them,
+said the informer, was richly dressed; and wore a gold-hilted sword with
+velvet scabbard.  By the description, the mayor recognized Herlin the
+younger,--and suspected his companions.  They were all arrested, and sent
+to Noircarmes.  The two Herlins, father and son, were immediately
+beheaded.  Guido de Bray and Peregrine de la Grange were loaded with
+chains, and thrown into a filthy dungeon, previously to their being
+hanged.  Here they were visited by the Countess de Roeulx, who was
+curious to see how the Calvinists sustained themselves in their
+martyrdom.  She asked them how they could sleep, eat, or drink, when
+covered with such heavy fetters.  "The cause, and my good conscience,"
+answered De Bray, "make me eat, drink, and sleep better than those who
+are doing me wrong.  These shackles are more honorable to me than golden
+rings and chains.  They are more useful to me, and as I hear their clank,
+methinks I hear the music of sweet voices and the tinkling of lutes."
+
+This exultation never deserted these courageous enthusiasts.  They
+received their condemnation to death "as if it had been an invitation to
+a marriage feast."  They encouraged the friends who crowded their path to
+the scaffold with exhortations to remain true in the Reformed faith.  La
+Grange, standing upon the ladder, proclaimed with a loud voice, that he
+was slain for having preached the pure word of God to a Christian people
+in a Christian land.  De Bray, under the same gibbet; testified stoutly
+that he, too, had committed that offence alone.  He warned his friends to
+obey the magistrates, and all others in authority, except in matters of
+conscience; to abstain from sedition; but to obey the will of God.  The
+executioner threw him from the ladder while he was yet speaking.  So
+ended the lives of two eloquent, learned, and highly-gifted divines.
+
+Many hundreds of victims were sacrificed in the unfortunate city.
+"There were a great many other citizens strangled or beheaded," says an
+aristocratic Catholic historian of the time, "but they were mostly
+personages of little quality, whose names are quite unknown to me."--
+[Pontus Payen]--The franchises of the city were all revoked.  There was a
+prodigious amount of property confiscated to the benefit of Noircarmes
+and the rest of the "Seven Sleepers."  Many Calvinists were burned,
+others were hanged.  "For--two whole years," says another Catholic, who
+was a citizen of Valenciennes at the time, "there was, scarcely a week in
+which several citizens were not executed and often a great number were
+despatched at a time.  All this gave so much alarm to the good and
+innocent, that many quitted the city as fast as they could."  If the good
+and innocent happened to be rich, they might be sure that Noircarmes
+would deem that a crime for which no goodness and innocence could atone.
+
+Upon the fate of Valenciennes had depended, as if by common agreement,
+the whole destiny of the anti-Catholic party.  "People had learned at
+last," says another Walloon, "that the King had long arms, and that he
+had not been enlisting soldiers to string beads.  So they drew in their
+horns and their evil tempers, meaning to put them forth again, should the
+government not succeed at the siege of Valenciennes."  The government had
+succeeded, however, and the consternation was extreme, the general
+submission immediate and even abject.  "The capture of Valenciennes,"
+wrote Noircarmes to Granvelle, "has worked a miracle.  The other cities
+all come forth to meet me, putting the rope around their own necks."
+No opposition was offered any where.  Tournay had been crushed;
+Valenciennes, Bois le Duc, and all other important places, accepted their
+garrisons without a murmur.  Even Antwerp had made its last struggle, and
+as soon as the back of Orange was turned, knelt down in the dust to
+receive its bridle.  The Prince had been able, by his courage and wisdom,
+to avert a sanguinary conflict within its walls, but his personal
+presence alone could guarantee any thing like religious liberty for the
+inhabitants, now that the rest of the country was subdued.  On the 26th
+April, sixteen companies of infantry, under Count Mansfeld, entered the
+gates.  On the 28th the Duchess made a visit to the city, where she was
+received with respect, but where her eyes were shocked by that which she
+termed the "abominable, sad, and hideous spectacle of the desolated
+churches."
+
+To the eyes of all who loved their fatherland and their race, the sight
+of a desolate country, with its ancient charters superseded by brute
+force, its industrious population swarming from the land in droves, as if
+the pestilence were raging, with gibbets and scaffolds erected in every
+village, and with a Sickening and universal apprehension of still darker
+disasters to follow, was a spectacle still more sad, hideous, and
+abominable.
+
+For it was now decided that the Duke of Alva, at the head of a Spanish
+army, should forthwith take his departure for the Netherlands.  A land
+already subjugated was to be crushed, and every vestige of its ancient
+liberties destroyed.  The conquered provinces, once the abode of
+municipal liberty, of science, art, and literature, and blessed with an
+unexampled mercantile and manufacturing prosperity, were to be placed in
+absolute subjection to the cabinet council at Madrid.  A dull and
+malignant bigot, assisted by a few Spanish grandees, and residing at the
+other extremity of Europe, was thenceforth to exercise despotic authority
+over countries which for centuries had enjoyed a local administration,
+and a system nearly approaching to complete self-government.  Such was
+the policy devised by Granvelle and Spinosa, which the Duke of Alva, upon
+the 15th April, had left Madrid to enforce.
+
+It was very natural that Margaret of Parma should be indignant at being
+thus superseded.  She considered herself as having acquired much credit
+by the manner in which the latter insurrectionary movements had been
+suppressed, so soon as Philip, after his endless tergiversations, had
+supplied her with arms and money.  Therefore she wrote in a tone of great
+asperity to her brother, expressing her discontent.  She had always been
+trammelled in her action, she said, by his restrictions upon her
+authority.  She complained that he had no regard for her reputation or
+her peace of mind.  Notwithstanding, all impediments and dangers, she had
+at last settled the country, and now another person was to reap the
+honor.  She also despatched the Seigneur de Billy to Spain, for the
+purpose of making verbal representations to his Majesty upon the
+inexpediency of sending the Duke of Alva to the Netherlands at that
+juncture with a Spanish army.
+
+Margaret gained nothing, however, by her letters and her envoy, save a
+round rebuke from Philip, who was not accustomed to brook the language
+of remonstrance; even from his sister.  His purpose was fixed.  Absolute
+submission was now to be rendered by all.  "He was highly astonished and
+dissatisfied," he said, "that she should dare to write to him with so
+much passion, and in so resolute a manner.  If she received no other
+recompense, save the glory of having restored the service of God, she
+ought to express her gratitude to the King for having given her the
+opportunity of so doing."
+
+The affectation of clement intentions was still maintained, together with
+the empty pretence of the royal visit.  Alva and his army were coming
+merely to prepare the way for the King, who still represented himself as
+"debonair and gentle, slow to anger, and averse from bloodshed."
+Superficial people believed that the King was really coming, and hoped
+wonders from his advent.  The Duchess knew better.  The Pope never
+believed in it, Granvelle never believed in it, the Prince of Orange
+never believed in it, Councillor d'Assonleville never believed in it.
+"His Majesty," says the Walloon historian, who wrote from Assonleville's
+papers, "had many imperative reasons for not coming.  He was fond of
+quiet, he was a great negotiator, distinguished for phlegm and modesty,
+disinclined to long journeys, particularly to sea voyages, which were
+very painful to him.  Moreover, he was then building his Escorial with so
+much taste and affection that it was impossible for him to leave home."
+These excellent reasons sufficed to detain the monarch, in whose place a
+general was appointed, who, it must be confessed, was neither phlegmatic
+nor modest, and whose energies were quite equal to the work required.
+There had in truth never been any thing in the King's project of visiting
+the Netherlands but pretence.
+
+On the other hand, the work of Orange for the time was finished.  He had
+saved Antwerp, he had done his best to maintain the liberties of the
+country, the rights of conscience, and the royal authority, so far as
+they were compatible with each other.  The alternative had now been
+distinctly forced upon every man, either to promise blind obedience or
+to accept the position of a rebel.  William of Orange had thus become a
+rebel.  He had been requested to sign the new oath, greedily taken by the
+Mansfelds, the Berlaymont, the Aerachot, and the Egmonts, to obey every
+order which he might receive, against every person and in every place,
+without restriction or limitation,--and he had distinctly and repeatedly
+declined the demand.  He had again and again insisted upon resigning all
+his offices.  The Duchess, more and more anxious to gain over such an
+influential personage to the cause of tyranny, had been most importunate
+in her requisitions.  "A man with so noble a heart," she wrote to the
+Prince, "and with a descent from, such illustrious and loyal ancestors,
+can surely not forget his duties to his Majesty and the country."
+
+William of Orange knew his duty to both better than the Duchess could
+understand.  He answered this fresh summons by reminding her that he had
+uniformly refused the new and extraordinary pledge required of him.  He
+had been true to his old oaths, and therefore no fresh pledge was
+necessary.  Moreover, a pledge without limitation he would never take.
+The case might happen, he said, that he should be ordered to do things
+contrary to his conscience, prejudicial to his Majesty's service, and in
+violation of his oaths to maintain the laws of the country.  He therefore
+once more resigned all his offices, and signified his intention of
+leaving the provinces.
+
+Margaret had previously invited him to an interview at Brussels, which he
+had declined, because he had discovered a conspiracy in that place to
+"play him a trick."  Assonleville had already been sent to him without
+effect.  He had refused to meet a deputation of Fleece Knights at
+Mechlin, from the same suspicion of foul play.  After the termination of
+the Antwerp tumult, Orange again wrote to the Duchess, upon the 19th
+March, repeating his refusal to take the oath, and stating that he
+considered himself as at least suspended from all his functions, since
+she had refused, upon the ground of incapacity, to accept his formal
+resignation.  Margaret now determined, by the advice of the state
+council, to send Secretary Berty, provided with an ample letter of
+instructions, upon a special mission to the Prince at Antwerp.  That
+respectable functionary performed his task with credit, going through the
+usual formalities, and adducing the threadbare arguments in favor of the
+unlimited oath, with much adroitness and decorum.  He mildly pointed out
+the impropriety of laying down such responsible posts as those which the
+Prince now occupied at such a juncture.  He alluded to the distress which
+the step must occasion to the debonair sovereign.
+
+William of Orange became somewhat impatient under the official lecture
+of this secretary to the privy council, a mere man of sealing-wax and
+protocols.  The slender stock of platitudes with which he had come
+provided was soon exhausted.  His arguments shrivelled at once in the
+scorn with which the Prince received them.  The great statesman, who, it
+was hoped, would be entrapped to ruin, dishonor, and death by such very
+feeble artifices, asked indignantly whether it were really expected that
+he should acknowledge himself perjured to his old obligations by now
+signing new ones; that he should disgrace himself by an unlimited pledge
+which might require him to break his oaths to the provincial statutes and
+to the Emperor; that he should consent to administer the religious edicts
+which he abhorred; that he should act as executioner of Christians on
+account of their religious opinions, an office against which his soul
+revolted; that he should bind himself by an unlimited promise which might
+require, him to put his own wife to death, because she was a Lutheran?
+Moreover, was it to be supposed that he would obey without restriction
+any orders issued to him in his Majesty's name, when the King's
+representative might be a person whose supremacy it ill became one of
+his' race to acknowledge?  Was William of Orange to receive absolute
+commands from the Duke of Alva?  Having mentioned that name with
+indignation, the Prince became silent.
+
+It was very obvious that no impression was to be made upon the man by
+formalists.  Poor Berty having conjugated his paradigm conscientiously
+through all its moods and tenses, returned to his green board in the
+council-room with his proces verbal of the conference.  Before he took
+his leave, however, he prevailed upon Orange to hold an interview with
+the Duke of Aerschot, Count Mansfeld, and Count Egmont.
+
+This memorable meeting took place at Willebroek, a village midway between
+Antwerp and Brussels, in the first week of April.  The Duke of Aerschot
+was prevented from attending, but Mansfeld and Egmont--accompanied by
+the faithful Berty, to make another proces verbal--duly made their
+appearance.  The Prince had never felt much sympathy with Mansfeld, but
+a tender and honest friendship had always existed between himself and
+Egmont, notwithstanding the difference of their characters, the incessant
+artifices employed by the Spanish court to separate them, and the
+impassable chasm which now, existed between their respective positions
+towards the government.
+
+The same common-places of argument and rhetoric were now discussed
+between Orange and the other three personages, the, Prince distinctly
+stating, in conclusion, that he considered himself as discharged from all
+his offices, and that he was about to leave the Netherlands for Germany.
+The interview, had it been confined to such formal conversation, would
+have but little historic interest.  Egmont's choice had been made.
+Several months before he had signified his determination to hold those
+for enemies who should cease to conduct themselves as faithful vassals,
+declared himself to be without fear that the country was to be placed in
+the hands of Spaniards, and disavowed all intention, in any case
+whatever, of taking arms against the King.  His subsequent course, as we
+have seen, had been entirely in conformity with these solemn
+declarations.  Nevertheless, the Prince, to whom they had been made,
+thought it still possible to withdraw his friend from the precipice upon
+which he stood, and to save him from his impending fate.  His love for
+Egmont had, in his own noble; and pathetic language, "struck its roots
+too deeply into his heart" to permit him, in this their parting
+interview, to neglect a last effort, even if this solemn warning were
+destined to be disregarded.
+
+By any reasonable construction of history, Philip was an unscrupulous
+usurper, who was attempting to convert himself from a Duke of Brabant and
+a Count of Holland into an absolute king.  It was William who was
+maintaining, Philip who was destroying; and the monarch who was thus
+blasting the happiness of the provinces, and about to decimate their
+population, was by the same process to undermine his own power forever,
+and to divest himself of his richest inheritance.  The man on whom he
+might have leaned for support, had he been capable of comprehending his
+character, and of understanding the age in which he had himself been
+called upon to reign, was, through Philip's own insanity, converted into
+the instrument by which his most valuable provinces were, to be taken
+from him, and eventually re-organized into: an independent commonwealth.
+Could a vision, like that imagined by the immortal dramatist for another
+tyrant and murderer, have revealed the future to Philip, he, too, might
+have beheld his victim, not crowned himself, but pointing to a line of
+kings, even to some who 'two-fold balls and treble sceptres carried', and
+smiling on them for his.  But such considerations as these had no effect
+upon the Prince of Orange.  He knew himself already proscribed, and he
+knew that the secret condemnation had extended to Egmont also.  He was
+anxious that his friend should prefer the privations of exile, with the
+chance of becoming the champion of a struggling country, to the wretched
+fate towards which his blind confidence was leading him.  Even then it
+seemed possible that the brave soldier, who had been recently defiling
+his sword in the cause of tyranny, might be come mindful of his brighter
+and earlier fame.  Had Egmont been as true to his native land as, until
+"the long divorce of steel fell on him," he was faithful to Philip, he
+might yet have earned brighter laurels than those gained at St. Quentin
+and Gravelines.  Was he doomed to fall, he might find a glorious death
+upon freedom's battle-field, in place of that darker departure then so
+near him, which the prophetic language of Orange depicted, but which he
+was too sanguine to fear.  He spoke with confidence of the royal
+clemency.  "Alas, Egmont," answered the Prince, "the King's clemency, of
+which you boast, will destroy you.  Would that I might be deceived, but I
+foresee too clearly that you are to be the bridge which the Spaniards
+will destroy so soon as they have passed over it to invade our country."
+With these last, solemn words he concluded his appeal to awaken the Count
+from his fatal security.  Then, as if persuaded that he was looking upon
+his friend for the last time, William of Orange threw his arms around
+Egmont, and held him for a moment in a close embrace. Tears fell from the
+eyes of both at this parting moment--and then the brief scene of simple
+and lofty pathos terminated--Egmont and Orange separated from each other,
+never to meet again on earth.
+
+A few days afterwards, Orange addressed a letter to Philip once more
+resigning all his offices, and announcing his intention of departing from
+the Netherlands for Germany.  He added, that he should be always ready to
+place himself and his property at the King's orders in every thing which
+he believed conducive to the true service of his Majesty.  The Prince had
+already received a remarkable warning from old Landgrave Philip of Hesse,
+who had not forgotten the insidious manner in which his own memorable
+captivity had been brought about by the arts of Granvelle and of Alva.
+"Let them not smear your mouths with honey," said the Landgrave.  "If the
+three seigniors, of whom the Duchess Margaret has had so much to say, are
+invited to court by Alva, under pretext of friendly consultation, let
+them be wary, and think twice ere they accept.  I know the Duke of Alva
+and the Spaniards, and how they dealt with me."
+
+The Prince, before he departed, took a final leave of Horn and Egmont,
+by letters, which, as if aware of the monumental character they were to
+assume for posterity, he drew up in Latin.  He desired, now that he was
+turning his back upon the country, that those two nobles who had refused
+to imitate, and had advised against his course, should remember that, he
+was acting deliberately, conscientiously, and in pursuance of a long-
+settled plan.
+
+To Count Horn he declared himself unable to connive longer at the sins
+daily committed against the country and his own conscience.  He assured
+him that the government had been accustoming the country to panniers,
+in order that it might now accept patiently the saddle and bridle.  For
+himself, he said, his back was not strong enough for the weight already
+imposed upon it, and he preferred to endure any calamity which might
+happen to him in exile, rather than be compelled by those whom they had
+all condemned to acquiesce in the object so long and steadily pursued.
+
+He reminded Egmont, who had been urging him by letter to remain, that his
+resolution had been deliberately taken, and long since communicated to
+his friends.  He could not, in conscience, take the oath required; nor
+would he, now that all eyes were turned upon him, remain in the land, the
+only recusant.  He preferred to encounter all that could happen, rather
+than attempt to please others by the sacrifice of liberty, of his
+fatherland, of his own conscience.  "I hope, therefore," said he to
+Egmont in conclusion, "that you, after weighing my reasons, will not
+disapprove my departure.  The rest I leave to God, who will dispose of
+all as may most conduce to the glory of his name.  For yourself, I pray
+you to believe that you have no more sincere friend than I am.  My love
+for you has struck such deep root into my heart, that it can be lessened
+by no distance of time or place, and I pray you in return to maintain the
+same feelings towards me which you have always cherished."
+
+The Prince had left Antwerp upon the 11th April, and had written these
+letters from Breda, upon the 13th of the same month.  Upon the 22d, he
+took his departure for Dillenburg, the ancestral seat of his family in
+Germany, by the way of Grave and Cleves.
+
+It was not to be supposed that this parting message would influence
+Egmont's decision with regard to his own movements, when his
+determination had not been shaken at his memorable interview with the
+Prince.  The Count's fate was sealed.  Had he not been praised by
+Noircarmes; had he not earned the hypocritical commendations of Duchess
+Margaret; nay more, had he not just received a most affectionate letter
+of, thanks and approbation from the King of Spain himself?  This letter,
+one of the most striking monuments of Philip's cold-blooded perfidy, was
+dated the 26th of March.  "I am pleased, my cousin," wrote the monarch to
+Egmont, "that you have taken the new oath, not that I considered it at
+all necessary so far as regards yourself, but for the example which you
+have thus given to others, and which I hope they will all follow.  I have
+received not less pleasure in hearing of the excellent manner in which
+you are doing your duty, the assistance you are rendering, and the offers
+which you are making to my sister, for which I thank you, and request you
+to continue in the same course."
+
+The words were written by the royal hand which had already signed the
+death-warrant of the man to whom they were addressed.  Alva, who came
+provided with full powers to carry out the great scheme resolved upon,
+unrestrained by provincial laws or by the statutes of the Golden Fleece,
+had left Madrid to embark for Carthagena, at the very moment when Egmont
+was reading the royal letter.  "The Spanish honey," to use once more old
+Landgrave Philip's homely metaphor, had done its work, and the
+unfortunate victim was already entrapped.
+
+Count Horn remained in gloomy silence in his lair at Weert, awaiting the
+hunters of men, already on their way.  It seemed inconceivable that he,
+too, who knew himself suspected and disliked, should have thus blinded
+himself to his position.  It will be seen, however, that the same perfidy
+was to be employed to ensnare him which proved so successful with Egmont.
+
+As for the Prince himself, he did not move too soon.  Not long after his
+arrival in Germany, Vandenesse, the King's private secretary, but
+Orange's secret agent, wrote him word that he had read letters from the
+King to Alva in which the Duke was instructed to "arrest the Prince as
+soon as he could lay hands upon him, and not to let his trial last more
+than twenty-four hours."
+
+Brederode had remained at Viane, and afterwards at Amsterdam, since the
+ill-starred expedition of Tholouse, which he had organized, but at which
+he had not assisted.  He had given much annoyance to the magistracy of
+Amsterdam, and to all respectable persons, Calvinist or Catholic.
+He made much mischief, but excited no hopes in the minds of reformers.
+He was ever surrounded by a host of pot companions, swaggering nobles
+disguised as sailors, bankrupt tradesmen, fugitives and outlaws of every
+description, excellent people to drink the beggars' health and to bawl
+the beggars' songs, but quite unfit for any serious enterprise.  People
+of substance were wary of him, for they had no confidence in his
+capacity, and were afraid of his frequent demands for contributions to
+the patriotic cause.  He spent his time in the pleasure gardens, shooting
+at the mark with arquebuss or crossbow, drinking with his comrades, and
+shrieking "Vivent les gueux."
+
+The Regent, determined to dislodge him, had sent Secretary La Torre to
+him in March, with instructions that if Brederode refused to leave
+Amsterdam, the magistracy were to call for assistance upon Count Meghem,
+who had a regiment at Utrecht.  This clause made it impossible for La
+Torre to exhibit his instructions to Brederode.  Upon his refusal, that
+personage, although he knew the secretary as well as he knew his own
+father, coolly informed him that he knew nothing about him; that he did
+not consider him as respectable a person as he pretended to be; that he
+did not believe a word of his having any commission from the Duchess,
+and that he should therefore take no notice whatever of his demands.  La
+Torre answered meekly, that he was not so presumptuous, nor so destitute
+of sense as to put himself into comparison with a, gentleman of Count
+Brederode's quality, but that as he had served as secretary to the privy
+council for twenty-three years, he had thought that he might be believed
+upon his word.  Hereupon La Tome drew up a formal protest, and Brederode
+drew up another.  La Torre made a proces verbal of their interview, while
+Brederode stormed like a madman, and abused the Duchess for a capricious
+and unreasonable tyrant.  He ended by imprisoning La Torre for a day or
+two, and seizing his papers.  By a singular coincidence, these events
+took place on the 13th, 24th, and 15th of March, the very days of the
+great Antwerp tumult.  The manner in which the Prince of Orange had been
+dealing with forty or fifty thousand armed men, anxious to cut each
+other's throats, while Brederode was thus occupied in browbeating a
+pragmatical but decent old secretary, illustrated the difference in
+calibre of the two men.
+
+This was the Count's last exploit.  He remained at Amsterdam some weeks
+longer, but the events which succeeded changed the Hector into a faithful
+vassal.  Before the 12th of April, he wrote to Egmont, begging his
+intercession with Margaret of Parma, and offering "carte blanche" as
+to terms, if he might only be allowed to make his peace with government.
+It was, however, somewhat late in the day for the "great beggar" to make
+his submission.  No terms were accorded him, but he was allowed by the
+Duchess to enjoy his revenues provisionally, subject to the King's
+pleasure.  Upon the 25th April, he entertained a select circle of friends
+at his hotel in Amsterdam, and then embarked at midnight for Embden.
+A numerous procession of his adherents escorted him to the ship, bearing
+lighted torches, and singing bacchanalian songs.  He died within a year
+afterwards, of disappointment and hard drinking, at Castle Hardenberg,
+in Germany, after all his fretting and fury, and notwithstanding his
+vehement protestations to die a poor soldier at the feet of Louis
+Nassau.
+
+That "good chevalier and good Christian," as his brother affectionately
+called him, was in Germany, girding himself for the manly work which
+Providence had destined him to perform.  The life of Brederode, who had
+engaged in the early struggle, perhaps from the frivolous expectation of
+hearing himself called Count of Holland, as his ancestors had been, had
+contributed nothing to the cause of freedom, nor did his death occasion
+regret.  His disorderly band of followers dispersed in every direction
+upon the departure of their chief.  A vessel in which Batenburg, Galaina,
+and other nobles, with their men-at-arms, were escaping towards a German
+port, was carried into Harlingen, while those gentlemen, overpowered by
+sleep and wassail, were unaware of their danger, and delivered over to
+Count Meghem, by the treachery of their pilot.  The soldiers, were
+immediately hanged.  The noblemen were reserved to grace the first great
+scaffold which Alva was to erect upon the horse-market in Brussels.
+
+The confederacy was entirely broken to pieces.  Of the chieftains to whom
+the people had been accustomed to look for support and encouragement,
+some had rallied to the government, some were in exile, some were in
+prison.  Montigny, closely watched in Spain, was virtually a captive,
+pining for the young bride to whom he had been wedded amid such brilliant
+festivities but a few months before his departure, and for the child
+which was never to look upon its father's face.
+
+His colleague, Marquis Berghen, more fortunate, was already dead.
+The excellent Viglius seized the opportunity to put in a good word for
+Noircarmes, who had been grinding Tournay in the dust, and butchering the
+inhabitants of Valenciennes.  "We have heard of Berghen's death," wrote
+the President to his faithful Joachim.  "The Lord of Noircarmes, who has
+been his substitute in the governorship of Hainault, has given a specimen
+of what he can do.  Although I have no private intimacy with that
+nobleman, I can not help embracing him with all my benevolence.
+Therefore, oh my Hopper, pray do your best to have him appointed
+governor."
+
+With the departure of Orange, a total eclipse seemed to come over the
+Netherlands.  The country was absolutely helpless, the popular heart cold
+with apprehension.  All persons at all implicated in the late troubles,
+or suspected of heresy, fled from their homes.  Fugitive soldiers were
+hunted into rivers, cut to pieces in the fields, hanged, burned, or
+drowned, like dogs, without quarter, and without remorse.  The most
+industrious and valuable part of the population left the land in droves.
+The tide swept outwards with such rapidity that the Netherlands seemed
+fast becoming the desolate waste which they had been before the Christian
+era.  Throughout the country, those Reformers who were unable to effect
+their escape betook themselves to their old lurking-places.  The new
+religion was banished from all the cities, every conventicle was broken
+up by armed men, the preachers and leading members were hanged, their
+disciples beaten with rods, reduced to beggary, or imprisoned, even if
+they sometimes escaped the scaffold.  An incredible number, however, were
+executed for religious causes.  Hardly a village so small, says the
+Antwerp chronicler,--[Meteren]--but that it could furnish one, two, or
+three hundred victims to the executioner.  The new churches were levelled
+to the ground, and out of their timbers gallows were constructed.  It was
+thought an ingenious pleasantry to hang the Reformers upon the beams
+under which they had hoped to worship God.  The property of the fugitives
+was confiscated.  The beggars in name became beggars in reality.  Many
+who felt obliged to remain, and who loved their possessions better than
+their creed, were suddenly converted into the most zealous of Catholics.
+Persons who had for years not gone to mass, never omitted now their daily
+and nightly visits to the churches.  Persons who had never spoken to an
+ecclesiastic but with contumely, now could not eat their dinners without
+one at their table.  Many who were suspected of having participated in
+Calvinistic rites, were foremost and loudest in putting down and
+denouncing all forms and shows of the reformation.  The country was
+as completely "pacified," to use the conqueror's expression, as Gaul had
+been by Caesar.
+
+The, Regent issued a fresh edict upon the 24th May, to refresh the
+memories of those who might have forgotten previous statutes, which were,
+however, not calculated to make men oblivious.  By this new proclamation,
+all ministers and teachers were sentenced to the gallows.  All persons
+who had suffered their houses to be used for religious purposes were
+sentenced to the gallows.  All parents or masters whose children or
+servants had attended such meetings were sentenced to the gallows, while
+the children and servants were only to be beaten with rods.  All people
+who sang hymns at the burial of their relations were sentenced to the
+gallows.  Parents who allowed their newly-born children to be baptized by
+other hands than those of the Catholic priest were sentenced to the
+gallows.  The same punishment was denounced against the persons who
+should christen the child or act as its sponsors.  Schoolmasters who
+should teach any error or false doctrine were likewise to be punished
+with death.  Those who infringed the statutes against the buying and
+selling of religious books and songs were to receive the same doom;
+after the first offence.  All sneers or insults against priests and
+ecclesiastics were also made capital crimes.  Vagabonds, fugitives;
+apostates, runaway monks, were ordered forthwith to depart from every
+city on pain of death.  In all cases confiscation of the whole property
+of the criminal was added to the hanging.
+
+This edict, says a contemporary historian, increased the fear of those
+professing the new religion to such an extent that they left the country
+"in great heaps."  It became necessary, therefore, to issue a subsequent
+proclamation forbidding all persons, whether foreigners or natives,
+to leave the land or to send away their property, and prohibiting all
+shipmasters, wagoners, and other agents of travel, from assisting in
+the flight of such fugitives, all upon pain of death.
+
+Yet will it be credited that the edict of 24th May, the provisions of
+which have just been sketched, actually excited the wrath of Philip on
+account of their clemency?  He wrote to the Duchess, expressing the pain
+and dissatisfaction which he felt, that an edict so indecent, so illegal,
+so contrary to the Christian religion, should have been published.
+Nothing, he said, could offend or distress him more deeply, than any
+outrage whatever, even the slightest one, offered to God and to His Roman
+Catholic Church.  He therefore commanded his sister instantly to revoke
+the edict.  One might almost imagine from reading the King's letter that
+Philip was at last appalled at the horrors committed in his name.  Alas,
+he was only indignant that heretics had been suffered to hang who ought
+to have been burned, and that a few narrow and almost impossible
+loopholes had been left through which those who had offended alight
+effect their escape.
+
+And thus, while the country is paralyzed with present and expected woe,
+the swiftly advancing trumpets of the Spanish army resound from beyond
+the Alps.  The curtain is falling upon the prelude to the great tragedy
+which the prophetic lips of Orange had foretold.  When it is again
+lifted, scenes of disaster and of bloodshed, battles, sieges, executions,
+deeds of unfaltering but valiant tyranny, of superhuman and successful
+resistance, of heroic self-sacrifice, fanatical courage and insane
+cruelty, both in the cause of the Wrong and the Right, will be revealed
+in awful succession--a spectacle of human energy, human suffering, and
+human strength to suffer, such as has not often been displayed upon the
+stage of the world's events.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+God Save the King!  It was the last time
+Having conjugated his paradigm conscientiously
+Indignant that heretics had been suffered to hang
+Insane cruelty, both in the cause of the Wrong and the Right
+Sick and wounded wretches were burned over slow fires
+Slender stock of platitudes
+The time for reasoning had passed
+Who loved their possessions better than their creed
+
+
+
+
+End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Dutch Republic, v13
+by John Lothrop Motley
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 14.
+
+THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
+
+By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY
+
+1855
+
+
+
+1567 [Part III., ALVA, CHAPTER 1.]
+
+     Continued dissensions in the Spanish cabinet--Ruy Gomez and Alva--
+     Conquest of the Netherlands entrusted to the Duke--Birth, previous
+     career and character of Alva--Organization of the invading army--
+     Its march to the provinces--Complaints of Duchess Margaret--Alva
+     receives deputations on the frontier--Interview between the Duke and
+     Egmont--Reception of Alva by the Duchess of Parma--Circular letters
+     to the cities requiring their acceptance of garrisons--Margaret's
+     secret correspondence--Universal apprehension--Keys of the great
+     cities demanded by Alva--Secret plans of the government, arranged
+     before the Duke's departure--Arrest of Orange, Egmont, Horn, and
+     others, determined upon--Stealthy course of the government towards
+     them--Infatuation of Egmont--Warnings addressed to him by De Billy
+     and others--Measures to entrap Count Horn--Banquet of the Grand
+     Prior--The Grand Prior's warning to Egmont--Evil counsels of
+     Noircarmes--Arrests of Egmont, Horn, Bakkerzeel and Straalen--
+     Popular consternation--Petulant conduct of Duchess Margaret--
+     Characteristic comments of Granvelle--His secret machinations and
+     disclaimers--Berghen and Montigny--Last moments of Marquis Berghen--
+     Perfidy of Ruy Gomez--Establishment of the "Blood-Council"--Its
+     leading features--Insidious behavior of Viglius--Secret
+     correspondence, concerning the President, between Philip and Alva--
+     Members of the "Blood-Council"--Portraits of Vargas and Hessels--
+     Mode of proceeding adopted by the council--Wholesale executions--
+     Despair in the provinces--The resignation of Duchess Margaret
+     accepted--Her departure from the Netherlands--Renewed civil war in
+     France--Death of Montmorency--Auxiliary troops sent by Alva to
+     France--Erection of Antwerp citadel--Description of the citadel.
+
+The armed invasion of the Netherlands was the necessary consequence of
+all which had gone before.  That the inevitable result had been so long
+deferred lay rather in the incomprehensible tardiness of Philip's
+character than in the circumstances of the case.  Never did a monarch
+hold so steadfastly to a deadly purpose, or proceed so languidly and with
+so much circumvolution to his goal.  The mask of benignity, of possible
+clemency, was now thrown off, but the delusion of his intended visit to
+the provinces was still maintained.  He assured the Regent that he should
+be governed by her advice, and as she had made all needful preparations
+to receive him in Zeland, that it would be in Zeland he should arrive.
+
+The same two men among Philip's advisers were prominent as at an earlier
+day--the Prince of Eboli and the Duke of Alva.  They still represented
+entirely opposite ideas, and in character, temper, and history, each was
+the reverse of the other.  The policy of the Prince was pacific and
+temporizing; that of the Duke uncompromising and ferocious.  Ruy Gomez
+was disposed to prevent, if possible, the armed mission of Alva, and he
+now openly counselled the King to fulfil his long-deferred promise, and
+to make his appearance in person before his rebellious subjects.  The
+jealousy and hatred which existed between the Prince and the Duke--
+between the man of peace and the man of wrath--were constantly exploding,
+even in the presence of the King.  The wrangling in the council was
+incessant.  Determined, if possible; to prevent the elevation of his
+rival, the favorite was even for a moment disposed to ask for the command
+of the army himself.  There was something ludicrous in the notion, that
+a man whose life had been pacific, and who trembled at the noise of arms,
+should seek to supersede the terrible Alva, of whom his eulogists
+asserted, with, Castilian exaggeration, that the very name of fear
+inspired him with horror.  But there was a limit beyond which the
+influence of Anna de Mendoza and her husband did not extend.  Philip was
+not to be driven to the Netherlands against his will, nor to be prevented
+from assigning the command of the army to the most appropriate man in
+Europe for his purpose.
+
+It was determined at last that the Netherland heresy should be conquered
+by force of arms.  The invasion resembled both a crusade against the
+infidel, and a treasure-hunting foray into the auriferous Indies,
+achievements by which Spanish chivalry had so often illustrated itself.
+The banner of the cross was to be replanted upon the conquered
+battlements of three hundred infidel cities, and a torrent of wealth,
+richer than ever flowed from Mexican or Peruvian mines, was to flow into
+the royal treasury from the perennial fountains of confiscation.  Who so
+fit to be the Tancred and the Pizarro of this bicolored expedition as the
+Duke of Alva, the man who had been devoted from his earliest childhood,
+and from his father's grave, to hostility against unbelievers, and who
+had prophesied that treasure would flow in a stream, a yard deep, from
+the Netherlands as soon as the heretics began to meet with their deserts.
+An army of chosen troops was forthwith collected, by taking the four
+legions, or terzios, of Naples, Sicily, Sardinia, and Lombardy, and
+filling their places in Italy by fresh levies.  About ten thousand picked
+and veteran soldiers were thus obtained, of which the Duke of Alva was
+appointed general-in-chief.
+
+Ferdinando Alvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alva, was now in his sixtieth
+year.  He was the most successful and experienced general of Spain, or
+of Europe.  No man had studied more deeply, or practised more constantly,
+the military science.  In the most important of all arts at that epoch he
+was the most consummate artist.  In the only honorable profession of the
+age, he was the most thorough and the most pedantic professor.  Since the
+days of Demetrius Poliorcetes, no man had besieged so many cities.  Since
+the days of Fabius Cunctator; no general had avoided so many battles, and
+no soldier, courageous as he was, ever attained to a more sublime
+indifference to calumny or depreciation.  Having proved in his boyhood,
+at Fontarabia, and in his maturity: at Muhlberg, that he could exhibit
+heroism and headlong courage; when necessary, he could afford to look
+with contempt upon the witless gibes which his enemies had occasionally
+perpetrated at his expense.  Conscious of holding his armies in his hand,
+by the power of an unrivalled discipline, and the magic of a name
+illustrated by a hundred triumphs, he, could bear with patience and
+benevolence the murmurs of his soldiers when their battles were denied
+them.
+
+He was born in 1508, of a family which boasted, imperial descent.  A
+Palaeologus, brother of a Byzantine emperor, had conquered the city of
+Toledo, and transmitted its appellation as a family name.  The father of
+Ferdinando, Don Garcia, had been slain on the isle of Gerbes, in battle
+with the Moors, when his son was but four years of age.  The child was
+brought up by his grandfather, Don Frederic, and trained from his
+tenderest infancy to arms.  Hatred to the infidel, and a determination to
+avenge his father's blood; crying to him from a foreign grave, were the
+earliest of his instincts.  As a youth he was distinguished for his
+prowess.  His maiden sword was fleshed at Fontarabia, where, although but
+sixteen years of age, he was considered, by his constancy in hardship,
+by his brilliant and desperate courage, and by the example of military
+discipline which he afforded to the troops, to have contributed in no
+small degree to the success of the Spanish arms.
+
+In 1530, he accompanied the Emperor in his campaign against the Turk.
+Charles, instinctively recognizing the merit of the youth who was
+destined to be the life-long companion of his toils and glories,
+distinguished him with his favor at the opening of his career.  Young,
+brave, and enthusiastic, Ferdinand de Toledo at this period was as
+interesting a hero as ever illustrated the pages of Castilian romance.
+His mad ride from Hungary to Spain and back again, accomplished in
+seventeen days, for the sake of a brief visit to his newly-married wife,
+is not the least attractive episode in the history of an existence which
+was destined to be so dark and sanguinary.  In 1535, he accompanied the
+Emperor on his memorable expedition to Tunis.  In 1546 and 1547 he was
+generalissimo in the war against the Smalcaldian league.  His most
+brilliant feat of arms-perhaps the most brilliant exploit of the
+Emperor's reign--was the passage of the Elbe and the battle of Muhlberg,
+accomplished in spite of Maximilian's bitter and violent reproaches, and
+the tremendous possibilities of a defeat.  That battle had finished the
+war.  The gigantic and magnanimous John Frederic, surprised at his
+devotions in the church, fled in dismay, leaving his boots behind him,
+which for their superhuman size, were ridiculously said afterwards to be
+treasured among the trophies of the Toledo house.
+
+     [Hist. du Due d'Albe, i. 274.  Brantome, Hom.  Illust., etc.
+     (ch. v.), says that one of the boots was "large enough to hold a
+     camp bedstead," p. 11.  I insert the anecdote only as a specimen of
+     the manner in which similar absurdities, both of great and, of
+     little consequence, are perpetuated by writers in every land and
+     age.  The armor of the noble-hearted and unfortunate John Frederic
+     may still be seen in Dresden.  Its size indicates a man very much
+     above the average height, while the external length of the iron
+     shoe, on-the contrary, is less than eleven inches.]
+
+The rout was total.  "I came, I saw, and God conquered," said the
+Emperor, in pious parody of his immortal predecessor's epigram.
+Maximilian, with a thousand apologies for his previous insults, embraced
+the heroic Don Ferdinand over and over again, as, arrayed in a plain suit
+of blue armor, unadorned save with streaks of his enemies' blood, he
+returned from pursuit of the fugitives.  So complete and so sudden was
+the victory, that it was found impossible to account for it, save on the
+ground of miraculous interposition.  Like Joshua, in the vale of Ajalon,
+Don Ferdinand was supposed to have commanded the sun to stand still for a
+season, and to have been obeyed.  Otherwise, how could the passage of the
+river, which was only concluded at six in the evening, and the complete
+overthrow of the Protestant forces, have all been accomplished within the
+narrow space of an April twilight?  The reply of the Duke to Henry the
+Second of France, who questioned him subsequently upon the subject, is
+well known.  "Your Majesty, I was too much occupied that evening with
+what was taking place on the earth beneath, to pay much heed to the
+evolutions of the heavenly bodies."  Spared as he had been by his good
+fortune from taking any part in the Algerine expedition, or in witnessing
+the ignominious retreat from Innspruck, he was obliged to submit to the
+intercalation of the disastrous siege of Metz in the long history of his
+successes.  Doing the duty of a field-marshal and a sentinel, supporting
+his army by his firmness and his discipline when nothing else could have
+supported them, he was at last enabled, after half the hundred thousand
+men with whom Charles had begun the siege had been sacrificed, to induce
+his imperial master to raise the siege before the remaining fifty
+thousand had been frozen or starved to death.
+
+The culminating career of Alva seemed to have closed in the mist which
+gathered around the setting star of the empire.  Having accompanied
+Philip to England in 1554, on his matrimonial-expedition, he was destined
+in the following years, as viceroy and generalissimo of Italy, to be
+placed in a series of false positions.  A great captain engaged in a
+little war, the champion of the cross in arms against the successor of
+St. Peter, he had extricated himself, at last, with his usual adroitness,
+but with very little glory.  To him had been allotted the mortification,
+to another the triumph.  The lustre of his own name seemed to sink in the
+ocean while that of a hated rival, with new spangled ore, suddenly
+"flamed in the forehead of the morning sky."  While he had been paltering
+with a dotard, whom he was forbidden to crush, Egmont had struck down the
+chosen troops of France, and conquered her most illustrious commanders.
+Here was the unpardonable crime which could only be expiated by the blood
+of the victor.  Unfortunately for his rival, the time was now approaching
+when the long-deferred revenge was to be satisfied.
+
+On the whole, the Duke of Alva was inferior to no general of his age.
+As a disciplinarian he was foremost in Spain, perhaps in Europe.  A
+spendthrift of time, he was an economist of blood, and this was, perhaps,
+in the eye of humanity, his principal virtue.  Time and myself are two,
+was a frequent observation of Philip, and his favorite general considered
+the maxim as applicable to war as to politics.  Such were his qualities
+as a military commander.  As a statesman, he had neither experience nor
+talent.  As a man his character was simple.  He did not combine a great
+variety of vices, but those which he had were colossal, and he possessed
+no virtues.  He was neither lustful nor intemperate, but his professed
+eulogists admitted his enormous avarice, while the world has agreed that
+such an amount of stealth and ferocity, of patient vindictiveness and
+universal bloodthirstiness, were never found in a savage beast of the
+forest, and but rarely in a human bosom.  His history was now to show
+that his previous thrift of human life was not derived from any love of
+his kind.  Personally he was stern and overbearing.  As difficult of
+access as Philip himself, he was even more haughty to those who were
+admitted to his presence.  He addressed every one with the depreciating
+second person plural.  Possessing the right of being covered in the
+presence of the Spanish monarch, he had been with difficulty brought to
+renounce it before the German Emperor.  He was of an illustrious family;
+but his territorial possessions were not extensive.  His duchy was a
+small one, furnishing him with not more than fourteen thousand crowns of
+annual income, and with four hundred soldiers.  He had, however, been a
+thrifty financier all his life, never having been without a handsome sum
+of ready money at interest.  Ten years before his arrival in the
+Netherlands, he was supposed to have already increased his income to
+forty thousand a year by the proceeds of his investments at Antwerp.
+As already intimated, his military character was sometimes profoundly
+misunderstood.  He was often considered rather a pedantic than a
+practical commander, more capable to discourse of battles than to gain
+them.  Notwithstanding that his long life had been an, almost unbroken
+campaign, the ridiculous accusation of timidity was frequently made
+against him.  A gentleman at the court of the Emperor Charles once
+addressed a letter to the Duke with the title of "General of his
+Majesty's armies in the Duchy of Milan in time of peace, and major-domo
+of the household in the time of war."  It was said that the lesson did
+the Duke good, but that he rewarded very badly the nobleman who gave it,
+having subsequently caused his head to be taken off.  In general,
+however, Alva manifested a philosophical contempt for the opinions
+expressed concerning his military fame, and was especially disdainful
+of criticism expressed by his own soldiers.  "Recollect," said he, at a
+little later period, to Don John of Austria, "that the first foes with
+whom one has to contend are one's own troops; with their clamors for an
+engagement at this moment, and--their murmurs, about results at another;
+with their 'I thought that the battle should be fought;' or, 'it was my,
+opinion that the occasion ought not to be lost.'  Your highness will have
+opportunity enough to display valor, and will never be weak enough to be
+conquered by the babble of soldiers."
+
+In person he was tall, thin, erect, with a small head, a long visage,
+lean yellow cheek, dark twinkling eyes, a dust complexion, black
+bristling hair, and a long sable-silvered beard, descending in two waving
+streams upon his breast.
+
+Such being the design, the machinery was well selected.  The best man in
+Europe to lead the invading force was placed at the head of ten thousand
+picked veterans.  The privates in this exquisite little army, said the
+enthusiastic connoisseur Brantome, who travelled post into Lorraine
+expressly to see them on their march, all wore engraved or gilded armor,
+and were in every respect equipped like captains.  They were the first
+who carried muskets, a weapon which very much astonished the Flemings
+when it first rattled in their ears.  The musketeers, he observed, might
+have been mistaken, for princes, with such agreeable and graceful
+arrogance did they present themselves.  Each was attended by his servant
+or esquire, who carried his piece for him, except in battle, and all were
+treated with extreme deference by the rest of the army, as if they had
+been officers.  The four regiments of Lombardy, Sardinia, Sicily, and
+Naples, composed a total of not quite nine thousand of the best foot
+soldiers in Europe.  They were commanded respectively by Don Sancho de
+Lodiono, Don Gonzalo de Bracamonte, Julien Romero, and Alfonso de Ulloa,
+all distinguished and experienced generals.  The cavalry, amounting to
+about twelve hundred; was under the command of the natural son of the
+Duke, Don Ferdinando de Toledo, Prior of the Knights of St. John.
+Chiapin Vitelli, Marquis of Cetona, who had served the King in many a
+campaign, was appointed Marechal de camp, and Gabriel Cerbelloni was
+placed in command of the artillery.  On the way the Duke received,
+as a present from the Duke of Savoy, the services of the distinguished
+engineer, Pacheco, or Paciotti, whose name was to be associated with the
+most celebrated citadel of the Netherlands; and whose dreadful fate was
+to be contemporaneous with the earliest successes of the liberal party.
+
+With an army thus perfect, on a small scale, in all its departments, and
+furnished, in addition, with a force of two thousand prostitutes, as
+regularly enrolled, disciplined, and distributed as the cavalry or the
+artillery, the Duke embarked upon his momentous enterprise, on the 10th
+of May, at Carthagena.  Thirty-seven galleys, under command of Prince
+Andrea Doria, brought the principal part of the force to Genoa, the Duke
+being delayed a few days at Nice by an attack of fever.  On the 2d of
+June, the army was mustered at Alexandria de Palla, and ordered to
+rendezvous again at San Ambrosio at the foot of the Alps.  It was then
+directed to make its way over Mount Cenis and through Savoy; Burgundy,
+and Lorraine, by a regularly arranged triple movement.  The second
+division was each night to encamp on the spot which had been occupied
+upon the previous night by the vanguard, and the rear was to place itself
+on the following night in the camp of the corps de bataille.  Thus
+coiling itself along almost in a single line by slow and serpentine
+windings, with a deliberate, deadly, venomous purpose, this army, which
+was to be the instrument of Philip's long deferred vengeance, stole
+through narrow mountain pass and tangled forest.  So close and intricate
+were many of the defiles through which the journey led them that, had one
+tithe of the treason which they came to punish, ever existed, save in the
+diseased imagination of their monarch, not one man would have been left
+to tell the tale.  Egmont, had he really been the traitor and the
+conspirator he was assumed to be, might have easily organized the means
+of cutting off the troops before they could have effected their entrance
+into the country which they had doomed to destruction.  His military
+experience, his qualifications for a daring stroke, his great popularity,
+and the intense hatred entertained for Alva, would have furnished him
+with a sufficient machinery for the purpose.
+
+Twelve days' march carried the army through Burgundy, twelve more through
+Lorraine.  During the whole of the journey they were closely accompanied
+by a force of cavalry and infantry, ordered upon this service by the King
+of France, who, for fear of exciting a fresh Huguenot demonstration, had
+refused the Spaniards a passage through his dominions.  This
+reconnoitring army kept pace with them like their shadow, and watched all
+their movements.  A force of six thousand Swiss, equally alarmed and
+uneasy at the progress of the troops, hovered likewise about their
+flanks, without, however, offering any impediment to their advance.
+Before the middle of August they had reached Thionville, on the Luxemburg
+frontier, having on the last day marched a distance of two leagues
+through a forest, which seemed expressly arranged to allow a small
+defensive force to embarrass and destroy an invading army.  No
+opposition, however, was attempted, and the Spanish soldiers encamped at
+last within the territory of the Netherlands, having accomplished their
+adventurous journey in entire safety, and under perfect discipline.
+
+The Duchess had in her secret letters to Philip continued to express her
+disapprobation of the enterprise thus committed to Alva, She had bitterly
+complained that now when the country had been pacified by her efforts,
+another should be sent to reap all the glory, or perhaps to undo all that
+she had so painfully and so successfully done.  She stated to her
+brother, in most unequivocal language, that the name of Alva was odious
+enough to make the whole Spanish nation detested in the Netherlands.  She
+could find no language sufficiently strong to express her surprise that
+the King should have decided upon a measure likely to be attended with
+such fatal consequences without consulting her on the subject, and in
+opposition to what had been her uniform advice.  She also wrote
+personally to Alva, imploring, commanding, and threatening, but with
+equally ill success.  The Duke knew too well who was sovereign of the
+Netherlands now; his master's sister or himself.  As to the effects of
+his armed invasion upon the temper of the provinces, he was supremely
+indifferent.  He came as a conqueror not as a mediator.  "I have tamed
+people of iron in my day," said he, contemptuously, "shall I not easily
+crush these men of butter?"
+
+At Thionville he was, however, officially waited upon by Berlaymont and
+Noircarmes, on the part of the Regent.  He at this point, moreover, began
+to receive deputations from various cities, bidding him a hollow and
+trembling welcome, and deprecating his displeasure for any thing in the
+past which might seem offensive.  To all such embassies he replied in
+vague and conventional language; saying, however, to his confidential
+attendants: I am here, so much is certain, whether I am welcome or not is
+to me a matter of little consequence.  At Tirlemont, on the 22d August,
+he was met by Count Egmont, who had ridden forth from Brussels to show
+him a becoming respect, as the representative of his sovereign, The Count
+was accompanied by several other noblemen, and brought to the Duke a
+present of several beautiful horses.  Alva received him, however, but
+coldly, for he was unable at first to adjust the mask to his countenance
+as adroitly as was necessary.  Behold the greatest of all the heretics,
+he observed to his attendants, as soon as the nobleman's presence was
+announced, and in a voice loud enough for him to hear.
+
+Even after they had exchanged salutations, he addressed several remarks
+to him in a half jesting, half biting tone, saying among other things,
+that his countship might have spared him the trouble of making this long
+journey in his old age.  There were other observations in a similar
+strain which might have well aroused the suspicion of any man not
+determined, like Egmont, to continue blind and deaf.  After a brief
+interval, however, Alva seems to have commanded himself.  He passed his
+arm lovingly over that stately neck, which he had already devoted to the
+block, and the Count having resolved beforehand to place himself, if
+possible, upon amicable terms with the new Viceroy--the two rode along
+side by side in friendly conversation, followed by the regiment of
+infantry and three companies of light horse, which belonged to the Duke's
+immediate command.  Alva, still attended by Egmont, rode soon afterwards
+through the Louvain gate into Brussels, where they separated for a
+season.  Lodgings had been taken for the Duke at the house of a certain
+Madame de Jasse, in the neighborhood of Egmont's palace.  Leaving here
+the principal portion of his attendants, the Captain-General, without
+alighting, forthwith proceeded to the palace to pay his respects to the
+Duchess of Parma.
+
+For three days the Regent had been deliberating with her council as to
+the propriety of declining any visit from the man whose presence she
+justly considered a disgrace and an insult to herself.  This being the
+reward of her eight years' devotion to her brother's commands; to be
+superseded by a subject, and one too who came to carry out a policy which
+she had urgently deprecated, it could hardly be expected of the Emperor's
+daughter that she should graciously submit to the indignity, and receive
+her successor with a smiling countenance.  In consequence, however, of
+the submissive language with which the Duke had addressed her in his
+recent communications, offering with true Castilian but empty courtesy,
+to place his guards, his army, and himself at her feet, she had consented
+to receive his visit with or without his attendants.
+
+On his appearance in the court-yard, a scene of violent altercation and
+almost of bloodshed took place between his body-guard and the archers of
+the Regent's household, who were at last, with difficulty, persuaded to
+allow the mercenaries of the hated Captain-General to pass.  Presenting
+himself at three o'clock in the afternoon, after these not very
+satisfactory preliminaries, in the bedchamber of the Duchess, where it
+was her habit to grant confidential audiences, he met, as might easily be
+supposed, with a chilling reception: The Duchess, standing motionless in
+the centre of the apartment, attended by Berlaymont, the Duke of
+Aerachot, and Count Egmont, acknowledged his salutations with calm
+severity.  Neither she nor any one of her attendants advanced a step to
+meet him.  The Duke took off his hat, but she, calmly recognizing his
+right as a Spanish grandee, insisted upon his remaining covered.
+A stiff and formal conversation of half an hour's duration then ensued,
+all parties remaining upon their feet.  The Duke, although respectful;
+found it difficult to conceal his indignation and his haughty sense of
+approaching triumph.  Margaret was cold, stately, and forbidding,
+disguising her rage and her mortification under a veil of imperial pride.
+Alva, in a letter to Philip, describing the interview, assured his
+Majesty that he had treated the Duchess with as much deference as
+he could have shown to the Queen, but it is probable, from other
+contemporaneous accounts, that an ill-disguised and even angry arrogance
+was at times very visible in his demeanor.  The state council had advised
+the Duchess against receiving him until he had duly exhibited his powers.
+This ceremony had been waived, but upon being questioned by the Duchess
+at this interview as to their nature and extent, he is reported to have
+coolly answered that he really did not exactly remember, but that he
+would look them over, and send her information at his earliest
+convenience.
+
+The next day, however, his commission was duly exhibited.
+
+In this document, which bore date 31st January, 1567, Philip appointed
+him to be Captain-General "in correspondence with his Majesty's dear
+sister of Parma, who was occupied with other matters belonging to the
+government," begged the Duchess to co-operate with him and to command
+obedience for him, and ordered all the cities of the Netherlands to
+receive such garrisons as he should direct.
+
+At the official interview between Alva and Madame de Parma, at which
+these powers were produced, the necessary preliminary arrangements were
+made regarding the Spanish troops, which were now to be immediately
+quartered in the principal cities.  The Duke, however, informed the
+Regent that as these matters were not within her province, he should take
+the liberty of arranging them with the authorities, without troubling her
+in the matter, and would inform her of the result of his measures at
+their next interview, which was to take place on the 26th August.
+
+Circular letters signed by Philip, which Alva had brought with him, were
+now despatched to the different municipal bodies of the country.  In
+these the cities were severally commanded to accept the garrisons, and to
+provide for the armies whose active services the King hoped would not be
+required, but which he had sent beforehand to prepare a peaceful entrance
+for himself.  He enjoined the most absolute obedience to the Duke of Alva
+until his own arrival, which was to be almost immediate.  These letters
+were dated at Madrid on the 28th February, and were now accompanied by a
+brief official circular, signed by Margaret of Parma, in which she
+announced the arrival of her dear cousin of Alva, and demanded
+unconditional submission to his authority.
+
+Having thus complied with these demands of external and conventional
+propriety, the indignant Duchess unbosomed herself, in her private
+Italian letters to her brother, of the rage which had been hitherto
+partially suppressed.  She reiterated her profound regret that Philip
+had not yet accepted the resignation which she had so recently and so
+earnestly offered.  She disclaimed all jealousy of the supreme powers now
+conferred upon Alva, but thought that his Majesty might have allowed her
+to leave the country before the Duke arrived with an authority which was
+so extraordinary, as well as so humiliating to herself.  Her honor might
+thus have been saved.  She was pained to perceive that she was like to
+furnish a perpetual example to all others, who considering the manner in
+which she had been treated by the King, would henceforth have but little
+inducement to do their duty.  At no time, on no occasion, could any
+person ever render him such services as hers had been.  For nine years
+she had enjoyed not a moment of repose.  If the King had shown her but
+little gratitude, she was consoled by the thought that she had satisfied
+her God, herself, and the world.  She had compromised her health, perhaps
+her life, and now that she had pacified the country, now that the King
+was more absolute, more powerful than ever before, another was sent to
+enjoy the fruit of her labors and her sufferings.
+
+The Duchess made no secret of her indignation at being thus superseded
+and as she considered the matter, outraged.  She openly avowed her
+displeasure.  She was at times almost beside herself with rage.  There
+was universal sympathy with her emotions, for all hated the Duke, and
+shuddered at the arrival of the Spaniards.  The day of doom for all the
+crimes which had ever been committed in the course of ages, seemed now to
+have dawned upon the Netherlands.  The sword which had so long been
+hanging over them, seemed now about to descend.  Throughout the
+provinces, there was but one feeling of cold and hopeless dismay.
+Those who still saw a possibility of effecting their escape from the
+fated land, swarmed across the frontier.  All foreign merchants deserted
+the great marts.  The cities became as still as if the plague-banner had
+been unfurled on every house-top.
+
+Meantime the Captain-General proceeded methodically with his work.
+He distributed his troops through Brussels, Ghent, Antwerp, and other
+principal cities.  As a measure of necessity and mark of the last
+humiliation, he required the municipalities to transfer their keys to
+his keeping.  The magistrates of Ghent humbly remonstrated against the
+indignity, and Egmont was imprudent enough to make himself the mouth-
+piece of their remonstrance, which, it is needless to add, was
+unsuccessful.  Meantime his own day of reckoning had arrived.
+
+As already observed, the advent of Alva at the head of a foreign army was
+the natural consequence of all which had gone before.  The delusion of
+the royal visit was still maintained, and the affectation of a possible
+clemency still displayed, while the monarch sat quietly in his cabinet
+without a remote intention of leaving Spain, and while the messengers of
+his accumulated and long-concealed wrath were already descending upon
+their prey.  It was the deliberate intention of Philip, when the Duke
+was despatched to the Netherlands, that all the leaders of the anti-
+inquisition party, and all who had, at any time or in any way, implicated
+themselves in opposition to the government, or in censure of its
+proceedings, should be put to death.  It was determined that the
+provinces should be subjugated to the absolute domination of the council
+of Spain, a small body of foreigners sitting at the other end of Europe,
+a junta in which Netherlanders were to have no voice and exercise no
+influence.  The despotic government of the Spanish and Italian
+possessions was to be extended to these Flemish territories, which were
+thus to be converted into the helpless dependencies of a foreign and an
+absolute crown.  There was to be a re-organization of the inquisition,
+upon the same footing claimed for it before the outbreak of the troubles,
+together with a re-enactment and vigorous enforcement of the famous
+edicts against heresy.
+
+Such was the scheme recommended by Granvelle and Espinosa, and to be
+executed by Alva.  As part and parcel of this plan, it was also arranged
+at secret meetings at the house of Espinosa, before the departure of the
+Duke, that all the seigniors against whom the Duchess Margaret had made
+so many complaints, especially the Prince of Orange, with the Counts
+Egmont, Horn, and Hoogstraaten, should be immediately arrested and
+brought to chastisement.  The Marquis Berghen and the Baron Montigny,
+being already in Spain, could be dealt with at pleasure.  It was also
+decided that the gentlemen implicated in the confederacy or compromise,
+should at once be proceeded against for high treason, without any regard
+to the promise of pardon granted by the Duchess.
+
+The general features of the great project having been thus mapped out,
+a few indispensable preliminaries were at once executed.  In order that
+Egmont, Horn, and other distinguished victims might not take alarm, and
+thus escape the doom deliberately arranged for them, royal assurances
+were despatched to the Netherlands, cheering their despondency and
+dispelling their doubts.  With his own hand Philip wrote the letter, full
+of affection and confidence, to Egmont, to which allusion has already
+been made.  He wrote it after Alva had left Madrid upon his mission of
+vengeance.  The same stealthy measures were pursued with regard to
+others.  The Prince of Orange was not capable of falling into the royal
+trap, however cautiously baited.  Unfortunately he could not communicate
+his wisdom to his friends.
+
+It is difficult to comprehend so very sanguine a temperament as that to
+which Egmont owed his destruction.  It was not the Prince of Orange alone
+who had prophesied his doom.  Warnings had come to the Count from every
+quarter, and they were now frequently repeated.  Certainly he was not
+without anxiety, but he had made his decision; determined to believe
+in the royal word, and in the royal gratitude for his services rendered,
+not only against Montmorency and De Thermes, but against the heretics of
+Flanders.  He was, however, much changed.  He had grown prematurely old.
+At forty-six years his hair was white, and he never slept without pistols
+under his pillow.  Nevertheless he affected, and sometimes felt, a light-
+heartedness which surprised all around him.  The Portuguese gentleman
+Robles, Seigneur de Billy, who had returned early in the summer from
+Spain; whither he had been sent upon a confidential mission by Madame de
+Parma, is said to have made repeated communications to Egmont as to the
+dangerous position in which he stood.  Immediately after his arrival in
+Brussels he had visited the Count, then confined to his house by an
+injury caused by the fall of his horse.  "Take care to get well very
+fast," said De Billy, "for there are very bad stories told about you in
+Spain."  Egmont laughed heartily at the observation, as if, nothing could
+well be more absurd than such a warning.  His friend--for De Billy is
+said to have felt a real attachment to the Count--persisted in his
+prophecies, telling him that "birds in the field sang much more sweetly
+than those in cages," and that he would do well to abandon the country
+before the arrival of Alva.
+
+These warnings were repeated almost daily by the same gentleman, and
+by others, who were more and more astonished at Egmont's infatuation.
+Nevertheless, he had disregarded their admonitions, and had gone forth
+to meet the Duke at Tirlemont.  Even then he might have seen, in the
+coldness of his first reception, and in the disrespectful manner of the
+Spanish soldiers, who not only did not at first salute him, but who
+murmured audibly that he was a Lutheran and traitor, that he was not so
+great a favorite with the government at Madrid as he desired to be.
+
+After the first few moments, however, Alva's manner had changed, while
+Chiappin Vitelli, Gabriel de Serbelloni, and other principal officers,
+received the Count with great courtesy, even upon his first appearance.
+The grand prior, Ferdinando de Toledo, natural son of the Duke, and
+already a distinguished soldier, seems to have felt a warm and unaffected
+friendship for Egmont, whose brilliant exploits in the field had excited
+his youthful admiration, and of whose destruction he was, nevertheless,
+compelled to be the unwilling instrument.  For a few days, accordingly,
+after the arrival of the new Governor-General all seemed to be going
+smoothly.  The grand prior and Egmont became exceedingly intimate,
+passing their time together in banquets, masquerades, and play, as
+joyously as if the merry days which had succeeded the treaty of Cateau
+Cambreais were returned.  The Duke, too, manifested the most friendly
+dispositions, taking care to send him large presents of Spanish and
+Italian fruits, received frequently by the government couriers.
+
+Lapped in this fatal security, Egmont not only forgot his fears, but
+unfortunately succeeded in inspiring Count Horn with a portion of his
+confidence.  That gentleman had still remained in his solitary mansion
+at Weert, notwithstanding the artful means which had been used to lure
+him from that "desert."  It is singular that the very same person who,
+according to a well-informed Catholic contemporary, had been most eager
+to warn Egmont of his danger, had also been the foremost instrument for
+effecting the capture of the Admiral.  The Seigneur de Billy, on the day
+after his arrival from Madrid, had written to Horn, telling him that the
+King was highly pleased with his services and character.  De Billy also
+stated that he had been commissioned by Philip to express distinctly the
+royal gratitude for the Count's conduct, adding that his Majesty was
+about to visit the Netherlands in August, and would probably be preceded
+or accompanied by Baron Montigny.
+
+Alva and his son Don Ferdinando had soon afterwards addressed letters
+from Gerverbiller (dated 26th and 27th July) to Count Horn, filled with
+expressions of friendship and confidence.  The Admiral, who had sent one
+of his gentlemen to greet the Duke, now responded from Weert that he was
+very sensible of the kindness manifested towards him, but that for
+reasons which his secretary Alonzo de la Loo would more fully
+communicate, he must for the present beg to be excused from a personal
+visit to Brussels.  The secretary was received by Alva with extreme
+courtesy.  The Duke expressed infinite pain that the King had not yet
+rewarded Count Horn's services according to their merit, said that a year
+before he had told his brother Montigny how very much he was the
+Admiral's friend, and begged La Loo to tell his master that he should not
+doubt the royal generosity and gratitude.  The governor added, that if he
+could see the Count in person he could tell him things which would please
+him, and which would prove that he had not been forgotten by his friends.
+La Loo had afterward a long conversation with the Duke's secretary
+Albornoz, who assured him that his master had the greatest affection for
+Count Horn, and that since his affairs were so much embarrassed, he might
+easily be provided with the post of governor at Milan, or viceroy of
+Naples, about to become vacant.  The secretary added, that the Duke was
+much hurt at receiving no visits from many distinguished nobles whose
+faithful friend and servant he was, and that Count Horn ought to visit
+Brussels, if not to treat of great affairs, at least to visit the
+Captain-General as a friend.  "After all this," said honest Alonzo,
+"I am going immediately to Weert, to urge his lordship to yield to the
+Duke's desires."
+
+This scientific manoeuvring, joined to the urgent representations of
+Egmont, at last produced its effect.  The Admiral left his retirement at
+Weert to fall into the pit which his enemies had been so skilfully
+preparing at Brussels.  On the night of the 8th September, Egmont
+received another most significative and mysterious warning.  A Spaniard,
+apparently an officer of rank, came secretly into his house, and urged
+him solemnly to effect his escape before the morrow.  The Countess, who
+related the story afterwards, always believed, without being certain,
+that the mysterious visitor was Julian Romero, marechal de camp.  Egmont,
+however, continued as blindly confident as before.
+
+On the following day, September 9th, the grand prior, Don Ferdinando,
+gave a magnificent dinner, to which Egmont and Horn, together with
+Noircarmes, the Viscount of Ghent, and many other noblemen were invited.
+The banquet was enlivened by the music of Alva's own military band,
+which the Duke sent to entertain the company.  At three o'clock he sent
+a message begging the gentlemen, after their dinner should be concluded,
+to favor him with their company at his house (the maison de Jassey), as
+he wished to consult them concerning the plan of the citadel, which he
+proposed erecting at Antwerp.
+
+At this moment, the grand prior who was seated next to Egmont, whispered
+in his ear; "Leave this place, Signor Count, instantly; take the fleetest
+horse in your stable and make your escape without a moment's delay."
+Egmont, much troubled, and remembering the manifold prophecies and
+admonitions which he had passed by unheeded, rose from the table and went
+into the next room.  He was followed by Noircarmes and two other
+gentlemen, who had observed his agitation, and were curious as to its
+cause.  The Count repeated to them the mysterious words just whispered to
+him by the grand prior, adding that he was determined to take the advice
+without a moment's delay.  "Ha!  Count," exclaimed Noircarmes, "do not
+put lightly such implicit confidence in this stranger who is counselling
+you to your destruction.  What will the Duke of Alva and all the
+Spaniards say of such a precipitate flight?  Will they not say that your
+Excellency has fled from the consciousness of guilt?  Will not your
+escape be construed into a confession of high treason."
+
+If these words were really spoken by Noircarmes; and that they were so,
+we have the testimony of a Walloon gentleman in constant communication
+with Egmont's friends and with the whole Catholic party, they furnish
+another proof of the malignant and cruel character of the man.  The
+advice fixed forever the fate of the vacillating Egmont.  He had risen
+from table determined to take the advice of a noble-minded Spaniard, who
+had adventured his life to save his friend.  He now returned in obedience
+to the counsel of a fellow-countryman, a Flemish noble, to treat the
+well-meant warning with indifference, and to seat himself again at the
+last banquet which he was ever to grace with his presence.
+
+At four o'clock, the dinner being finished, Horn and Egmont, accompanied
+by the other gentlemen, proceeded to the "Jassy" house, then occupied by
+Alva, to take part in the deliberations proposed.  They were received by
+the Duke with great courtesy.  The engineer, Pietro Urbino, soon appeared
+and laid upon the table a large parchment containing the plan and
+elevation of the citadel to be erected at Antwerp.  A warm discussion
+upon the subject soon arose, Egmont, Horn, Noircarmes and others,
+together with the engineers Urbino and Pacheco, all taking part in the
+debate.  After a short time, the Duke of Alva left the apartment, on
+pretext of a sudden indisposition, leaving the company still warmly
+engaged in their argument.  The council lasted till near seven in the
+evening.  As it broke up, Don Sancho d'Avila, captain of the Duke's
+guard, requested Egmont to remain for a moment after the rest, as he had
+a communication to make to him.  After an insignificant remark or two,
+the Spanish officer, as soon as the two were alone, requested Egmont to
+surrender his sword.  The Count, agitated, and notwithstanding every
+thing which had gone before, still taken by surprise, scarcely knew what
+reply to make.  Don Sancho repeated that he had been commissioned to
+arrest him, and again demanded his sword.  At the same moment the doors
+of the adjacent apartment were opened, and Egmont saw himself surrounded
+by a company of Spanish musqueteers and halberdmen.  Finding himself thus
+entrapped, he gave up his sword, saying bitterly, as he did so, that it
+had at least rendered some service to the King in times which were past.
+He was then conducted to a chamber, in the upper story of the house,
+where his temporary prison had been arranged.  The windows were
+barricaded, the daylight excluded, the whole apartment hung with black.
+Here he remained fourteen days (from the 9th to 23d September).  During
+this period, he was allowed no communication with his friends.  His room
+was lighted day and night with candles, and he was served in strict
+silence by Spanish attendants, and guarded by Spanish soldiers.  The
+captain of the watch drew his curtain every midnight, and aroused him
+from sleep that he might be identified by the relieving officer.
+
+Count Horn was arrested upon the same occasion by Captain Salinas, as he
+was proceeding through the court-yard of the house, after the breaking up
+of the council.  He was confined in another chamber of the mansion, and
+met with a precisely similar treatment to that experienced by Egmont.
+Upon the 23d September, both were removed under a strong guard to the
+castle of Ghent.
+
+On this same day, two other important arrests, included and arranged in
+the same program, had been successfully accomplished.  Bakkerzeel,
+private and confidential secretary of Egmont, and Antony Van Straalen,
+the rich and influential burgomaster of Antwerp, were taken almost
+simultaneously.  At the request of Alva, the burgomaster had been invited
+by the Duchess of Parma to repair on business to Brussels.  He seemed to
+have feared an ambuscade, for as he got into his coach to set forth upon
+the journey, he was so muffed in a multiplicity of clothing, that he was
+scarcely to be recognized.  He was no sooner, however, in the open
+country and upon a spot remote from human habitations, than he was
+suddenly beset by a band of forty soldiers under command of Don Alberic
+Lodron and Don Sancho de Lodrono.  These officers had been watching his
+movements for many days.  The capture of Bakkerzeel was accomplished with
+equal adroitness at about the same hour.
+
+Alva, while he sat at the council board with Egmont and Horn, was
+secretly informed that those important personages, Bakkerzeel and
+Straalen, with the private secretary of the Admiral, Alonzo de la Loo,
+in addition, had been thus successfully arrested.  He could with
+difficulty conceal his satisfaction, and left the apartment immediately
+that the trap might be sprung upon the two principal victims of his
+treachery.  He had himself arranged all the details of these two
+important arrests, while his natural son, the Prior Don Ferdinando,
+had been compelled to superintend the proceedings.  The plot had been
+an excellent plot, and was accomplished as successfully as it bad been
+sagaciously conceived.  None but Spaniards had been employed in any part
+of the affair.  Officers of high rank in his Majesty's army had performed
+the part of spies and policemen with much adroitness, nor was it to be
+expected that the duty would seem a disgrace, when the Prior of the
+Knights of Saint John was superintendent of the operations, when the
+Captain-General of the Netherlands had arranged the whole plan, and when
+all, from subaltern to viceroy, had received minute instructions as to
+the contemplated treachery from the great chief of the Spanish police,
+who sat on the throne of Castile and Aragon.
+
+No sooner were these gentlemen in custody than the secretary Albornoz was
+dispatched to the house of Count Horn, and to that of Bakkerzeel, where
+all papers were immediately seized, inventoried, and placed in the hands
+of the Duke.  Thus, if amid the most secret communications of Egmont and
+Horn or their correspondents, a single treasonable thought should be
+lurking, it was to go hard but it might be twisted into a cord strong
+enough to strangle them all.
+
+The Duke wrote a triumphant letter to his Majesty that very night.  He
+apologized that these important captures had been deferred so long but,
+stated that he had thought it desirable to secure all these leading
+personages at a single stroke.  He then narrated the masterly manner in
+which the operations had been conducted.  Certainly, when it is
+remembered that the Duke had only reached Brussels upon the 23d August,
+and that the two Counts were securely lodged in prison on the 9th of
+September, it seemed a superfluous modesty upon his part thus to excuse
+himself for an apparent delay.  At any rate, in the eyes of the world and
+of posterity, his zeal to carry out the bloody commands of his master was
+sufficiently swift.
+
+The consternation was universal throughout the provinces when the arrests
+became known.  Egmont's great popularity and distinguished services
+placed him so high above the mass of citizens, and his attachment to the
+Catholic religion was moreover so well known, as to make it obvious that
+no man could now be safe, when men like him were in the power of Alva and
+his myrmidons.  The animosity to the Spaniards increased hourly.  The
+Duchess affected indignation at the arrest of the two nobles, although
+it nowhere appears that she attempted a word in their defence, or lifted,
+at any subsequent moment, a finger to save them.  She was not anxious to
+wash her hands of the blood of two innocent men; she was only offended
+that they had been arrested without her permission.  The Duke had, it is
+true, sent Berlaymont and Mansfeld to give her information of the fact,
+as soon as the capture had been made, with the plausible excuse that
+he preferred to save her from all the responsibility and all the
+unpopularity of the measure, Nothing, however, could appease her wrath at
+this and every other indication of the contempt in which he appeared to
+hold the sister of his sovereign.  She complained of his conduct daily to
+every one who was admitted to her presence.  Herself oppressed by a sense
+of personal indignity, she seemed for a moment to identify herself with
+the cause of the oppressed provinces.  She seemed to imagine herself the
+champion of their liberties, and the Netherlanders, for a moments seemed
+to participate in the delusion.  Because she was indignant at the
+insolence of the Duke of Alva to her self, the honest citizens began to
+give her credit for a sympathy with their own wrongs.  She expressed
+herself determined to move about from one city to another, until the
+answer to her demand for dismissal should arrive.  She allowed her
+immediate attendants to abuse the Spaniards in good set terms upon every
+occasion.  Even her private chaplain permitted himself, in preaching
+before her in the palace chapel, to denounce the whole nation as a race
+of traitors and ravishers, and for this offence was only reprimanded,
+much against her will, by the Duchess, and ordered to retire for a season
+to his convent.  She did not attempt to disguise her dissatisfaction at
+every step which had been taken by the Duke.  In all this there was much
+petulance, but very little dignity, while there was neither a spark of
+real sympathy for the oppressed millions, nor a throb of genuine womanly
+emotion for the impending fate of the two nobles.  Her principal grief
+was that she had pacified the provinces, and that another had now arrived
+to reap the glory; but it was difficult, while the unburied bones of many
+heretics were still hanging, by her decree, on the rafters of their own
+dismantled churches, for her successfully to enact the part of a
+benignant and merciful Regent.  But it is very true that the horrors of
+the Duke's administration have been propitious to the fame of Margaret,
+and perhaps more so to that of Cardinal Granvelle.  The faint and
+struggling rays of humanity which occasionally illumined the course of
+their government, were destined to be extinguished in a chaos so profound
+and dark, that these last beams of light seemed clearer and more
+bountiful by the contrast.
+
+The Count of Hoogstraaten, who was on his way to Brussels, had, by good
+fortune, injured his hand through the accidental discharge of a pistol.
+Detained by this casualty at Cologne, he was informed, before his arrival
+at the capital, of the arrest of his two distinguished friends, and
+accepted the hint to betake himself at once to a place of Safety.
+
+The loyalty of the elder Mansfeld was beyond dispute even by Alva.  His
+son Charles had, however, been imprudent, and, as we have seen, had even
+affixed his name to the earliest copies of the Compromise.  He had
+retired, it is true, from all connexion with the confederates, but his
+father knew well that the young Count's signature upon that famous
+document would prove his death-warrant, were he found in the country.
+He therefore had sent him into Germany before the arrival of the Duke.
+
+The King's satisfaction was unbounded when he learned this important
+achievement of Alva, and he wrote immediately to express his approbation
+in the most extravagant terms.  Cardinal Granvelle, on the contrary,
+affected astonishment at a course which he had secretly counselled.
+He assured his Majesty that he had never believed Egmont to entertain
+sentiments opposed to the Catholic religion, nor to the interests of
+the Crown, up to the period of his own departure from the Netherlands.
+He was persuaded, he said, that the Count had been abused by others,
+although, to be sure, the Cardinal had learned with regret what Egmont
+had written on the occasion of the baptism of Count Hoogstraaten's child.
+As to the other persons arrested, he said that no one regretted their
+fate.  The Cardinal added, that he was supposed to be himself the
+instigator of these captures, but that he was not disturbed by that, or
+by other imputations of a similar nature.
+
+In conversation with those about him, he frequently expressed regret that
+the Prince of Orange had been too crafty to be caught in the same net in
+which his more simple companions were so inextricably entangled.  Indeed,
+on the first arrival of the news, that men of high rank had been arrested
+in Brussels, the Cardinal eagerly inquired if the Taciturn had been
+taken, for by that term he always characterized the Prince.  Receiving
+a negative reply, he expressed extreme disappointment, adding, that if
+Orange had escaped, they had taken nobody; and that his capture would
+have been more valuable than that of every man in the Netherlands.
+
+Peter Titelmann, too, the famous inquisitor, who, retired from active
+life, was then living upon Philip's bounty, and encouraged by friendly
+letters from that monarch, expressed the same opinion.  Having been
+informed that Egmont and Horn had been captured, he eagerly inquired if
+"wise William" had also been taken.  He was, of course, answered in the
+negative.  "Then will our joy be but brief," he observed.  "Woe unto us
+for the wrath to come from Germany."
+
+On the 12th of July, of this year, Philip wrote to Granvelle to inquire
+the particulars of a letter which the Prince of Orange, according to a
+previous communication of the Cardinal, had written to Egmont on the
+occasion of the baptism of Count Hoogstraaten's child. On the 17th of
+August, the Cardinal replied, by setting the King right as to the error
+which he had committed.  The letter, as he had already stated, was not
+written by Orange, but by Egmont, and he expressed his astonishment that
+Madame de Parma had not yet sent it to his Majesty.  The Duchess must
+have seen it, because her confessor had shown it to the person who was
+Granvelle's informant.  In this letter, the Cardinal continued, the
+statement had been made by Egmont to the Prince of Orange that their
+plots were discovered, that the King was making armaments, that they were
+unable to resist him, and that therefore it had become necessary to
+dissemble and to accommodate themselves as well as possible to the
+present situation, while waiting for other circumstances under which to
+accomplish their designs.  Granvelle advised, moreover, that Straalen,
+who had been privy to the letter, and perhaps the amanuensis, should be
+forthwith arrested.
+
+The Cardinal was determined not to let the matter sleep, notwithstanding
+his protestation of a kindly feeling towards the imprisoned Count.
+Against the statement that he knew of a letter which amounted to a full
+confession of treason, out of Egmont's own mouth--a fact which, if
+proved, and perhaps, if even insinuated, would be sufficient with Philip
+to deprive Egmont of twenty thousand lives--against these constant
+recommendations to his suspicious and sanguinary master, to ferret out
+this document, if it were possible, it must be confessed that the
+churchman's vague and hypocritical expressions on the side of mercy were
+very little worth.
+
+Certainly these seeds of suspicion did not fall upon a barren soil.
+Philip immediately communicated the information thus received to the Duke
+of Alva, charging him on repeated occasions to find out what was written,
+either by Egmont or by Straalen, at Egmont's instigation, stating that
+such a letter was written at the time of the Hoogstraaten baptism, that
+it would probably illustrate the opinions of Egmont at that period, and
+that the letter itself, which the confessor of Madame de Parma had once
+had in his hands, ought, if possible, to be procured.  Thus the very
+language used by Granvelle to Philip was immediately repeated by the
+monarch to his representative in the Netherlands, at the moment when all
+Egmont's papers were in his possession, and when Egmont's private
+secretary was undergoing the torture, in order that; secrets might be
+wrenched from him which had never entered his brain.  The fact that no
+such letter was found, that the Duchess had never alluded to any such
+document, and that neither a careful scrutiny of papers, nor the
+application of the rack, could elicit any satisfactory information on the
+subject, leads to the conclusion that no such treasonable paper had ever
+existed, save in the imagination of the Cardinal.  At any rate, it is no
+more than just to hesitate before affixing a damning character to a
+document, in the absence of any direct proof that there ever was such a
+document at all.  The confessor of Madame de Parma told another person,
+who told the Cardinal, that either Count Egmont, or Burgomaster Straalen,
+by command of Count Egmont, wrote to the Prince of Orange thus and so.
+What evidence was this upon which to found a charge of high treason
+against a man whom Granvelle affected to characterize as otherwise
+neither opposed to the Catholic religion, nor to the true service of the
+King?  What vulpine kind of mercy was it on the part of the Cardinal,
+while making such deadly insinuations, to recommend the imprisoned victim
+to clemency?
+
+The unfortunate envoys, Marquis Bergen and Baron Montigny, had remained
+in Spain under close observation.  Of those doomed victims who, in spite
+of friendly remonstrances and of ominous warnings, had thus ventured into
+the lion's den, no retreating footmarks were ever to be seen.  Their
+fate, now that Alva had at last been despatched to the Netherlands,
+seemed to be sealed, and the Marquis Bergen, accepting the augury in its
+most evil sense, immediately afterwards had sickened unto death.  Whether
+it were the sickness of hope deferred, suddenly changing to despair, or
+whether it were a still more potent and unequivocal poison which came to
+the relief of the unfortunate nobleman, will perhaps never be ascertained
+with certainty.  The secrets of those terrible prison-houses of Spain,
+where even the eldest begotten son, and the wedded wife of the monarch,
+were soon afterwards believed to have been the victims of his dark
+revenge, can never perhaps be accurately known, until the grave gives
+up its dead, and the buried crimes of centuries are revealed.
+
+It was very soon after the departure of Alva's fleet from Carthagena,
+that the Marquis Bergen felt his end approaching.  He sent for the Prince
+of Eboli, with whom he had always maintained intimate relations, and whom
+he believed to be his disinterested friend.  Relying upon his faithful
+breast, and trusting to receive from his eyes alone the pious drops of
+sympathy which he required, the dying noble poured out his long and last
+complaint.  He charged him to tell the man whom he would no longer call
+his king, that he had ever been true and loyal, that the bitterness of
+having been constantly suspected, when he was conscious of entire
+fidelity, was a sharper sorrow than could be lightly believed, and that
+he hoped the time would come when his own truth and the artifices of his
+enemies would be brought to light.  He closed his parting message by
+predicting that after he had been long laid in the grave, the
+impeachments against his character would be, at last, although too late,
+retracted.
+
+So spake the unhappy envoy, and his friend replied with words of
+consolation.  It is probable that he even ventured, in the King's name,
+to grant him the liberty of returning to his home; the only remedy, as
+his physicians had repeatedly stated, which could possibly be applied to
+his disease.  But the devilish hypocrisy of Philip, and the abject
+perfidy of Eboli, at this juncture, almost surpass belief.  The Prince
+came to press the hand and to close the eyes of the dying man whom he
+called his friend, having first carefully studied a billet of most minute
+and secret instructions from his master as to the deportment he was to
+observe upon this solemn occasion and afterwards.  This paper, written in
+Philip's own hand, had been delivered to Eboli on the very day of his
+visit to Bergen, and bore the superscription that it was not to be read
+nor opened till the messenger who brought it had left his presence.  It
+directed the Prince, if it should be evident Marquis was past recovery,
+to promise him, in the King's name, the permission of returning to the
+Netherlands.  Should, however, a possibility of his surviving appear,
+Eboli was only to hold out a hope that such permission might eventually
+be obtained.  In case of the death of Bergen, the Prince was immediately
+to confer with the Grand Inquisitor and with the Count of Feria, upon the
+measures to be taken for his obsequies.  It might seem advisable, in that
+event to exhibit the regret which the King and his ministers felt for his
+death, and the great esteem in which they held the nobles of the
+Netherlands.  At the same time, Eboli was further instructed to confer
+with the same personages as to the most efficient means for preventing
+the escape of Baron Montigny; to keep a vigilant eye upon his movements,
+and to give general directions to governors and to postmasters to
+intercept his flight, should it be attempted.  Finally, in case of
+Bergen's death, the Prince was directed to despatch a special messenger,
+apparently on his own responsibility, and as if in the absence and
+without the knowledge of the King, to inform the Duchess of Parma of the
+event, and to urge her immediately to take possession of the city of
+Bergen-op-Zoom, and of all other property belonging to the Marquis, until
+it should be ascertained whether it were not possible to convict him,
+after death, of treason, and to confiscate his estates accordingly.
+
+Such were the instructions of Philip to Eboli, and precisely in
+accordance with the program, was the horrible comedy enacted at the
+death-bed of the envoy.  Three days after his parting interview with his
+disinterested friend, the Marquis was a corpse.--Before his limbs were
+cold, a messenger was on his way to Brussels, instructing the Regent to
+sequestrate his property, and to arrest, upon suspicion of heresy, the
+youthful kinsman and niece, who, by the will of the Marquis, were to be
+united in marriage and to share his estate.  The whole drama, beginning
+with the death scene, was enacted according to order: Before the arrival
+of Alva in the Netherlands, the property of the Marquis was in the hands
+of the Government, awaiting the confiscation,--which was but for a brief
+season delayed, while on the other hand, Baron Montigny, Bergen's
+companion in doom, who was not, however, so easily to be carried off
+by homesickness, was closely confined in the alcazar of Segovia, never
+to leave a Spanish prison alive.  There is something pathetic in the
+delusion in which Montigny and his brother, the Count Horn, both
+indulged, each believing that the other was out of harm's way, the one
+by his absence from the Netherlands, the other by his absence from Spain,
+while both, involved in the same meshes, were rapidly and surely
+approaching their fate.
+
+In the same despatch of the 9th September, in which the Duke communicated
+to Philip the capture of Egmont and Horn, he announced to him his
+determination to establish a new court for the trial of crimes committed
+during the recent period of troubles.  This wonderful tribunal was
+accordingly created with the least possible delay.  It was called the
+Council of Troubles, but it soon acquired the terrible name, by which it
+will be forever known in history, of the 'Blood-Council'.  It superseded
+all other institutions.  Every court, from those of the municipal
+magistracies up to the supreme councils of the provinces, were forbidden
+to take cognizance in future of any cause growing out of the late
+troubles.  The council of state, although it was not formally disbanded,
+fell into complete desuetude, its members being occasionally summoned
+into Alva's private chambers in an irregular manner, while its principal
+functions were usurped by the Blood-Council.  Not only citizens of every
+province, but the municipal bodies and even the sovereign provincial
+estates themselves, were compelled to plead, like humble individuals,
+before this new and extraordinary tribunal.  It is unnecessary to allude
+to the absolute violation which was thus committed of all charters, laws
+and privileges, because the very creation of the council was a bold and
+brutal proclamation that those laws and privileges were at an end.  The
+constitution or maternal principle of this suddenly erected court was of
+a twofold nature.  It defined and it punished the crime of treason.
+The definitions, couched in eighteen articles, declared it to be treason
+to have delivered or signed any petition against the new bishops, the
+Inquisition, or the Edicts; to have tolerated public preaching under any
+circumstances; to have omitted resistance to the image-breaking, to the
+field-preaching, or to the presentation of the Request by the nobles, and
+"either through sympathy or surprise" to have asserted that the King did
+not possess the right to deprive all the provinces of their liberties, or
+to have maintained that this present tribunal was bound to respect in any
+manner any laws or any charters.  In these brief and simple, but
+comprehensive terms, was the crime of high treason defined.  The
+punishment was still more briefly, simply, and comprehensively stated,
+for it was instant death in all cases.  So well too did this new and
+terrible engine perform its work, that in less than three months from the
+time of its erection, eighteen hundred human beings had suffered death by
+its summary proceedings; some of the highest, the noblest, and the most
+virtuous in the land among the number; nor had it then manifested the
+slightest indication of faltering in its dread career.
+
+Yet, strange to say, this tremendous court, thus established upon the
+ruins of all the ancient institutions of the country, had not been
+provided with even a nominal authority from any source whatever.  The
+King had granted it no letters patent or charter, nor had even the Duke
+of Alva thought it worth while to grant any commissions either in his own
+name or as Captain-General, to any of the members composing the board.
+The Blood-Council was merely an informal club, of which the Duke was
+perpetual president, while the other members were all appointed by
+himself.
+
+Of these subordinate councillors, two had the right of voting, subject,
+however, in all cases to his final decision, while the rest of the number
+did not vote at all.  It had not, therefore, in any sense, the character
+of a judicial, legislative, or executive tribunal, but was purely a board
+of advice by which the bloody labors of the duke were occasionally
+lightened as to detail, while not a feather's weight of power or of
+responsibility was removed from his shoulders.  He reserved for himself
+the final decision upon all causes which should come before the council,
+and stated his motives for so doing with grim simplicity.  "Two reasons,"
+he wrote to the King, "have determined me thus to limit the power of the
+tribunal; the first that, not knowing its members, I might be easily
+deceived by them; the second, that the men of law only condemn for crimes
+which are proved; whereas your Majesty knows that affairs of state are
+governed by very different rules from the laws which they have here."
+
+It being, therefore, the object of the Duke to compose a body of men who
+would be of assistance to him in condemning for crimes which could not be
+proved, and in slipping over statutes which were not to be recognized, it
+must be confessed that he was not unfortunate in the appointments which
+he made to the office of councillors.  In this task of appointment he had
+the assistance of the experienced Viglius.  That learned jurisconsult,
+with characteristic lubricity, had evaded the dangerous honor for
+himself, but he nominated a number of persons from whom the Duke
+selected his list.  The sacerdotal robes which he had so recently and
+so "craftily" assumed, furnished his own excuse, and in his letters to
+his faithful Hopper he repeatedly congratulated himself upon his success
+in keeping himself at a distance from so bloody and perilous a post.
+
+It is impossible to look at the conduct of the distinguished Frisian at
+this important juncture without contempt.  Bent only upon saving himself,
+his property, and his reputation, he did not hesitate to bend before the
+"most illustrious Duke," as he always denominated him, with fulsome and
+fawning homage.  While he declined to dip his own fingers in the innocent
+blood which was about to flow in torrents, he did not object to officiate
+at the initiatory preliminaries of the great Netherland holocaust.  His
+decent and dainty demeanor seems even more offensive than the jocularity
+of the real murderers.  Conscious that no man knew the laws and customs
+of the Netherlands better than himself, he had the humble effrontery to
+observe that it was necessary for him at that moment silently to submit
+his own unskilfulness to the superior judgment and knowledge of others.
+Having at last been relieved from the stone of Sisyphus, which, as he
+plaintively expressed himself, he had been rolling for twenty years;
+having, by the arrival of Tisnacq, obtained his discharge as President
+of the state council, he was yet not unwilling to retain the emoluments
+and the rank of President of the privy council, although both offices had
+become sinecures since the erection of the Council of Blood.  Although
+his life had been spent in administrative and judicial employments,
+he did not blush upon a matter of constitutional law to defer to the
+authority of such jurisconsults as the Duke of Alva and his two Spanish
+bloodhounds, Vargas and Del Rio.  He did not like, he observed, in his
+confidential correspondence, to gainsay the Duke, when maintaining, that
+in cases of treason, the privileges of Brabant were powerless, although
+he mildly doubted whether the Brabantines would agree with the doctrine.
+He often thought, he said, of remedies for restoring the prosperity of
+the provinces, but in action he only assisted the Duke, to the best of
+his abilities, in arranging the Blood-Council.  He wished well to his
+country, but he was more anxious for the favor of Alva.  "I rejoice,"
+said he, in one of his letters, "that the most illustrious Duke has
+written to the King in praise of my obsequiousness; when I am censured
+here for so reverently cherishing him, it is a consolation that my
+services to the King and to the governor are not unappreciated there."
+Indeed the Duke of Alva, who had originally suspected the President's
+character, seemed at last overcome by his indefatigable and cringing
+homage.  He wrote to the King, in whose good graces the learned Doctor
+was most anxious at that portentous period to maintain himself, that the
+President was very serviceable and diligent, and that he deserved to
+receive a crumb of comfort from the royal hand. Philip, in consequence,
+wrote in one of his letters a few lines of vague compliment, which could
+be shown to Viglius, according to Alva's suggestion.  It is, however, not
+a little characteristic of the Spanish court and of the Spanish monarch,
+that, on the very day before, he had sent to the Captain-General a few
+documents of very different import.  In order, as he said, that the Duke
+might be ignorant of nothing which related to the Netherlands, he
+forwarded to him copies of the letters written by Margaret of Parma from
+Brussels, three years before.  These letters, as it will be recollected,
+contained an account of the secret investigations which the Duchess had
+made as to the private character and opinions of Viglius--at the very
+moment when he apparently stood highest in her confidence--and charged
+him with heresy, swindling, and theft.  Thus the painstaking and time-
+serving President, with all his learning and experience, was successively
+the dupe of Margaret and of Alva, whom he so obsequiously courted, and
+always of Philip, whom he so feared and worshipped.
+
+With his assistance, the list of blood-councillors was quickly completed.
+No one who was offered the office refused it.  Noircarmes and Berlaymont
+accepted with very great eagerness.  Several presidents and councillors
+of the different provincial tribunals were appointed, but all the
+Netherlanders were men of straw.  Two Spaniards, Del Rio and Vargas,
+were the only members who could vote; while their decisions, as already
+stated, were subject to reversal by Alva.  Del Rio was a man without
+character or talent, a mere tool in the hands of his superiors, but Juan
+de Vargas was a terrible reality.
+
+No better man could have been found in Europe for the post to which he
+was thus elevated.  To shed human blood was, in his opinion, the only
+important business and the only exhilarating pastime of life.  His youth
+had been stained with other crimes.  He had been obliged to retire from
+Spain, because of his violation of an orphan child to whom he was
+guardian, but, in his manhood, he found no pleasure but in murder.  He
+executed Alva's bloody work with an industry which was almost superhuman,
+and with a merriment which would have shamed a demon.  His execrable
+jests ring through the blood and smoke and death-cries of those days of
+perpetual sacrifice.  He was proud to be the double of the iron-hearted
+Duke, and acted so uniformly in accordance with his views, that the right
+of revision remained but nominal.  There could be no possibility of
+collision where the subaltern was only anxious to surpass an incomparable
+superior.  The figure of Vargas rises upon us through the mist of three
+centuries with terrible distinctness.  Even his barbarous grammar has not
+been forgotten, and his crimes against syntax and against humanity have
+acquired the same immortality.  "Heretici fraxerunt templa, boni nihili
+faxerunt contra, ergo debent omnes patibulare," was the comprehensive but
+barbarous formula of a man who murdered the Latin language as ruthlessly
+as he slaughtered his contemporaries.
+
+Among the ciphers who composed the rest of the board, the Flemish
+Councillor Hessels was the one whom the Duke most respected.  He was not
+without talent or learning, but the Duke only valued him for his cruelty.
+Being allowed to take but little share in the deliberations, Hessels was
+accustomed to doze away his afternoon hours at the council table, and
+when awakened from his nap in order that he might express an opinion on
+the case then before the court, was wont to rub his eyes and to call out
+"Ad patibulum, ad patibulum," ("to the gallows with him, to the gallows
+with him,") with great fervor, but in entire ignorance of the culprit's
+name or the merits of the case.  His wife, naturally disturbed that her
+husband's waking and sleeping hours were alike absorbed with this
+hangman's work, more than once ominously expressed her hope to him, that
+he, whose head and heart were thus engrossed with the gibbet, might not
+one day come to hang upon it himself; a gloomy prophecy which the Future
+most terribly fulfilled.
+
+The Council of Blood, thus constituted, held its first session on the
+20th September, at the lodgings of Alva.  Springing completely grown and
+armed to the teeth from the head of its inventor, the new tribunal--at
+the very outset in possession of all its vigor--forthwith began to
+manifest a terrible activity in accomplishing the objects of its
+existence.  The councillors having been sworn to "eternal secrecy as to
+any thing which should be transacted at the board, and having likewise
+made oath to denounce any one of their number who should violate the
+pledge," the court was considered as organized.  Alva worked therein
+seven hours daily.  It may be believed that the subordinates were not
+spared, and that their office proved no sinecure.  Their labors, however,
+were not encumbered by antiquated forms.  As this supreme and only
+tribunal for all the Netherlands had no commission or authority save the
+will of the Captain-General, so it was also thought a matter of
+supererogation to establish a set of rules and orders such as might be
+useful in less independent courts.  The forms of proceeding were brief
+and artless.  There was a rude organization by which a crowd of
+commissioners, acting as inferior officers of the council, were spread
+over the provinces, whose business was to collect information concerning
+all persons who might be incriminated for participation in the recent
+troubles.  The greatest crime, however, was to be rich, and one which
+could be expiated by no virtues, however signal.  Alva was bent upon
+proving himself as accomplished a financier as he was indisputably a
+consummate commander, and he had promised his master an annual income of
+500,000 ducats from the confiscations which were to accompany the
+executions.
+
+It was necessary that the blood torrent should flow at once through the
+Netherlands, in order that the promised golden river, a yard deep,
+according to his vaunt, should begin to irrigate the thirsty soil of
+Spain.  It is obvious, from the fundamental laws which were made to
+define treason at the same moment in which they established the council,
+that any man might be at any instant summoned to the court.  Every man,
+whether innocent or guilty, whether Papist or Protestant, felt his head
+shaking on his shoulders.  If he were wealthy, there seemed no remedy but
+flight, which was now almost impossible, from the heavy penalties affixed
+by the new edict upon all carriers, shipmasters, and wagoners, who should
+aid in the escape of heretics.
+
+A certain number of these commissioners were particularly instructed to
+collect information as to the treason of Orange, Louis Nassau, Brederode,
+Egmont, Horn, Culemberg, Vanden Berg, Bergen, and Montigny.  Upon such
+information the proceedings against those distinguished seigniors were to
+be summarily instituted.  Particular councillors of the Court of Blood
+were charged with the arrangement of these important suits, but the
+commissioners were to report in the first instance to the Duke himself,
+who afterwards returned the paper into the hands of his subordinates.
+
+With regard to the inferior and miscellaneous cases which were daily
+brought in incredible profusion before the tribunal, the same
+preliminaries were observed, by way of aping the proceedings in courts of
+justice.  Alva sent the cart-loads of information which were daily
+brought to him, but which neither he nor any other man had time to read,
+to be disposed of by the board of councillors.  It was the duty of the
+different subalterns, who, as already stated, had no right of voting,
+to prepare reports upon the cases.  Nothing could be more summary.
+Information was lodged against a man, or against a hundred men, in one
+document.  The Duke sent the papers to the council, and the inferior
+councillors reported at once to Vargas.  If the report concluded with a
+recommendation of death to the man, or the hundred men in question,
+Vargas instantly approved it, and execution was done upon the man, or the
+hundred men, within forty-eight hours.  If the report had any other
+conclusion, it was immediately sent back for revision, and the reporters
+were overwhelmed with reproaches by the President.
+
+Such being the method of operation, it may be supposed that the
+councillors were not allowed to slacken in their terrible industry.  The
+register of every city, village, and hamlet throughout the Netherlands
+showed the daily lists of men, women, and children thus sacrificed at the
+shrine of the demon who had obtained the mastery over this unhappy land.
+It was not often that an individual was of sufficient importance to be
+tried--if trial it could be called--by himself.  It was found more
+expeditious to send them in batches to the furnace.  Thus, for example,
+on the 4th of January, eighty-four inhabitants of Valenciennes were
+condemned; on another day, ninety-five miscellaneous individuals, from
+different places in Flanders; on another, forty-six inhabitants of
+Malines; on another, thirty-five persons from different localities, and
+so on.
+
+The evening of Shrovetide, a favorite holiday in the Netherlands,
+afforded an occasion for arresting and carrying off a vast number of
+doomed individuals at a single swoop.  It was correctly supposed that the
+burghers, filled with wine and wassail, to which perhaps the persecution
+under which they lived lent an additional and horrible stimulus, might be
+easily taken from their beds in great numbers, and be delivered over at
+once to the council.  The plot was ingenious, the net was spread
+accordingly.  Many of the doomed were, however, luckily warned of the
+terrible termination which was impending over their festival, and
+bestowed themselves in safety for a season.  A prize of about five
+hundred prisoners was all which rewarded the sagacity of the enterprise.
+It is needless to add that they were all immediately executed.  It is a
+wearisome and odious task to ransack the mouldy records of three
+centuries ago, in order to reproduce the obscure names of the thousands
+who were thus sacrificed..  The dead have buried their dead, and are
+forgotten.  It is likewise hardly necessary to state that the proceedings
+before the council were all 'ex parte', and that an information was
+almost inevitably followed by a death-warrant.  It sometimes happened
+even that the zeal of the councillors outstripped the industry of the
+commissioners.  The sentences were occasionally in advance of the docket.
+Thus upon one occasion a man's case was called for trial, but before the
+investigation was commenced it was discovered that he had been already
+executed.  A cursory examination of the papers proved, moreover, as
+usual, that the culprit had committed no crime.  "No matter for that,"
+said Vargas, jocosely, "if he has died innocent, it will be all the
+better for him when he takes his trial in the other world."
+
+But, however the councillors might indulge in these gentle jests among
+themselves, it was obvious that innocence was in reality impossible,
+according to the rules which had been laid down regarding treason.
+The practice was in accordance with the precept, and persons were daily
+executed with senseless pretexts, which was worse than executions with no
+pretexts at all.  Thus Peter de Witt of Amsterdam was beheaded, because
+at one of the tumults in that city he had persuaded a rioter not to fire
+upon a magistrate.  This was taken as sufficient proof that he was a man
+in authority among the rebels, and he was accordingly put to death.
+Madame Juriaen, who, in 1566, had struck with her slipper a little wooden
+image of the Virgin, together with her maid-servant, who had witnessed
+without denouncing the crime, were both drowned by the hangman in a
+hogshead placed on the scaffold.
+
+Death, even, did not in all cases place a criminal beyond the reach of
+the executioner.  Egbert Meynartzoon, a man of high official rank, had
+been condemned, together with two colleagues, on an accusation of
+collecting money in a Lutheran church.  He died in prison of dropsy.  The
+sheriff was indignant with the physician, because, in spite of cordials
+and strengthening prescriptions, the culprit had slipped through his
+fingers before he had felt those of the hangman.  He consoled himself by
+placing the body on a chair, and having the dead man beheaded in company
+with his colleagues.
+
+Thus the whole country became a charnel-house; the deathbell tolled
+hourly in every village; not a family but was called to mourn for its
+dearest relatives, while the survivors stalked listlessly about, the
+ghosts of their former selves, among the wrecks of their former homes.
+The spirit of the nation, within a few months after the arrival of Alva,
+seemed hopelessly broken.  The blood of its best and bravest had already
+stained the scaffold; the men to whom it bad been accustomed to look for
+guidance and protection, were dead, in prison, or in exile.  Submission
+had ceased to be of any avail, flight was impossible, and the spirit of
+vengeance had alighted at every fireside.  The mourners went daily about
+the streets, for there was hardly a house which had not been made
+desolate.  The scaffolds, the gallows, the funeral piles, which had been
+sufficient in ordinary times, furnished now an entirely inadequate
+machinery for the incessant executions.  Columns and stakes in every
+street, the door-posts of private houses, the fences in the fields were
+laden with human carcasses, strangled, burned, beheaded.  The orchards in
+the country bore on many a tree the hideous fruit of human bodies.
+
+Thus the Netherlands were crushed, and but for the stringency of the
+tyranny which had now closed their gates, would have been depopulated.
+The grass began to grow in the streets of those cities which had recently
+nourished so many artisans.  In all those great manufacturing and
+industrial marts, where the tide of human life had throbbed so
+vigorously, there now reigned the silence and the darkness of midnight.
+It was at this time that the learned Viglius wrote to his friend Hopper,
+that all venerated the prudence and gentleness of the Duke of Alva.
+Such were among the first-fruits of that prudence and that gentleness.
+
+The Duchess of Parma had been kept in a continued state of irritation.
+She had not ceased for many months to demand her release from the odious
+position of a cipher in a land where she had so lately been sovereign,
+and she had at last obtained it.  Philip transmitted his acceptance of
+her resignation by the same courier who brought Alva's commission to be
+governor-general in her place.  The letters to the Duchess were full of
+conventional compliments for her past services, accompanied, however,
+with a less barren and more acceptable acknowledgment, in the shape of a
+life income of 14,000 ducats instead of the 8000 hitherto enjoyed by her
+Highness.
+
+In addition to this liberal allowance, of which she was never to be
+deprived, except upon receiving full payment of 140,000 ducats, she was
+presented with 25,000 florins by the estates of Brabant, and with 30,000
+by those of Flanders.
+
+With these substantial tokens of the success of her nine years' fatigue
+and intolerable anxiety, she at last took her departure from the
+Netherlands, having communicated the dissolution of her connexion with
+the provinces by a farewell letter to the Estates dated 9th December,
+1567.  Within a few weeks afterwards, escorted by the Duke of Alva across
+the frontier of Brabant; attended by a considerable deputation of Flemish
+nobility into Germany, and accompanied to her journey's end at Parma by
+the Count and Countess of Mansfeld, she finally closed her eventful
+career in the Netherlands.
+
+The horrors of the succeeding administration proved beneficial to her
+reputation.  Upon the dark ground of succeeding years the lines which
+recorded her history seemed written with letters of light.  Yet her
+conduct in the Netherlands offers but few points for approbation, and
+many for indignant censure.  That she was not entirely destitute of
+feminine softness and sentiments of bounty, her parting despatch to her
+brother proved.  In that letter she recommended to him a course of
+clemency and forgiveness, and reminded him that the nearer kings approach
+to God in station, the more they should endeavor to imitate him in his
+attributes of benignity.  But the language of this farewell was more
+tender than had been the spirit of her government.  One looks in vain,
+too, through the general atmosphere of kindness which pervades the
+epistle; for a special recommendation of those distinguished and doomed
+seigniors, whose attachment to her person and whose chivalrous and
+conscientious endeavors to fulfil her own orders, had placed them upon
+the edge of that precipice from which they were shortly to be hurled.
+The men who had restrained her from covering herself with disgrace by a
+precipitate retreat from the post of danger, and who had imperilled their
+lives by obedience to her express instructions, had been long languishing
+in solitary confinement, never to be terminated except by a traitor's
+death--yet we search in vain for a kind word in their behalf.
+
+Meantime the second civil war in France had broken out.  The hollow truce
+by which the Guise party and the Huguenots had partly pretended to
+deceive each other was hastened to its end; among other causes, by the
+march of Alva, to the Netherlands.  The Huguenots had taken alarm, for
+they recognized the fellowship which united their foes in all countries
+against the Reformation, and Conde and Coligny knew too well that the
+same influence which had brought Alva to Brussels would soon create an
+exterminating army against their followers.  Hostilities were resumed
+with more bitterness than ever.  The battle of St. Denis--fierce, fatal,
+but indecisive--was fought.  The octogenarian hero, Montmorency, fighting
+like a foot soldier, refusing to yield his sword, and replying to the
+respectful solicitations of his nearest enemy by dashing his teeth down
+his throat with the butt-end of his pistol, the hero of so many battles,
+whose defeat at St. Quintin had been the fatal point in his career, had
+died at last in his armor, bravely but not gloriously, in conflict with
+his own countrymen, led by his own heroic nephew.  The military control
+of the Catholic party was completely in the hand of the Guises; the
+Chancellor de l'Hopital had abandoned the court after a last and futile
+effort to reconcile contending factions, which no human power could
+unite; the Huguenots had possessed themselves of Rochelle and of other
+strong places, and, under the guidance of adroit statesmen and
+accomplished generals, were pressing the Most Christian monarch hard in
+the very heart of his kingdom.
+
+As early as the middle of October, while still in Antwerp, Alva had
+received several secret agents of the French monarch, then closely
+beleaguered in his capital.  Cardinal Lorraine offered to place several
+strong places of France in the hands of the Spaniard, and Alva had
+written to Philip that he was disposed to accept the offer, and to render
+the service.  The places thus held would be a guarantee for his expenses,
+he said, while in case King Charles and his brother should die, "their
+possession would enable Philip to assert his own claim to the French
+crown in right of his wife, the Salic law being merely a pleasantry."
+
+The Queen Dowager, adopting now a very different tone from that which
+characterized her conversation at the Bayonne interview, wrote to Alva,
+that, if for want of 2000 Spanish musketeers, which she requested him to
+furnish, she should be obliged to succumb, she chose to disculpate
+herself in advance before God and Christian princes for the peace which
+she should be obliged to make.  The Duke wrote to her in reply, that it
+was much better to have a kingdom ruined in preserving it for God and the
+king by war, than to have it kept entire without war, to the profit of
+the devil and of his followers.  He was also reported on another occasion
+to have reminded her of the Spanish proverb--that the head of one salmon
+is worth those of a hundred frogs.  The hint, if it were really given,
+was certainly destined to be acted upon.
+
+The Duke not only furnished Catherine with advice, but with the
+musketeers which she had solicited.  Two thousand foot and fifteen
+hundred horse, under the Count of Aremberg, attended by a choice band of
+the Catholic nobility of the Netherlands, had joined the royal camp at
+Paris before the end of the year, to take their part in the brief
+hostilities by which the second treacherous peace was to be preceded.
+
+Meantime, Alva was not unmindful of the business which had served as a
+pretext in the arrest of the two Counts.  The fortifications of the
+principal cities were pushed on with great rapidity.  The memorable
+citadel of Antwerp in particular had already been commenced in October
+under the superintendence of the celebrated engineers, Pacheco and
+Gabriel de Cerbelloni.  In a few months it was completed, at a cost of
+one million four hundred thousand florins, of which sum the citizens, in
+spite of their remonstrances, were compelled to contribute more than one
+quarter.  The sum of four hundred thousand florins was forced from the
+burghers by a tax upon all hereditary property within the municipality.
+
+Two thousand workmen were employed daily in the construction of this
+important fortress, which was erected, as its position most plainly
+manifested, not to protect, but to control the commercial capital of the
+provinces.  It stood at the edge of the city, only separated from its
+walls by an open esplanade.  It was the most perfect pentagon in Europe,
+having one of its sides resting on the Scheld, two turned towards the
+city, and two towards the open country.  Five bastions, with walls of
+hammered stone, connected by curtains of turf and masonry, surrounded by
+walls measuring a league in circumference, and by an outer moat fed by
+the Scheld, enclosed a spacious enceinte, where a little church with many
+small lodging-houses, shaded by trees and shrubbery, nestled among the
+bristling artillery, as if to mimic the appearance of a peaceful and
+pastoral village.  To four of the five bastions, the Captain-General,
+with characteristic ostentation, gave his own names and titles.  One was
+called the Duke, the second Ferdinando, a third Toledo, a fourth Alva,
+while the fifth was baptized with the name of the ill-fated engineer,
+Pacheco.  The Watergate was decorated with the escutcheon of Alva,
+surrounded by his Golden Fleece collar, with its pendant lamb of God; a
+symbol of blasphemous irony, which still remains upon the fortress, to
+recal the image of the tyrant and murderer.  Each bastion was honeycombed
+with casemates and subterranean storehouses, and capable of containing
+within its bowels a vast supply of provisions, munitions, and soldiers.
+Such was the celebrated citadel built to tame the turbulent spirit of
+Antwerp, at the cost of those whom it was to terrify and to insult.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Conde and Coligny
+Furnished, in addition, with a force of two thousand prostitutes
+He came as a conqueror not as a mediator
+Hope deferred, suddenly changing to despair
+Meantime the second civil war in France had broken out
+Spendthrift of time, he was an economist of blood
+The greatest crime, however, was to be rich
+Time and myself are two
+
+
+
+
+End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Dutch Republic, v14
+by John Lothrop Motley
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 15.
+
+THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
+
+By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY
+
+1855
+
+
+
+1568  [CHAPTER II.]
+
+     Orange, Count Louis, Hoogstraaten, and others, cited before the
+     Blood-Council--Charges against them--Letter of Orange in reply--
+     Position and sentiments of the Prince--Seizure of Count de Buren--
+     Details of that transaction--Petitions to the Council from Louvain
+     and other places--Sentence of death against the whole population of
+     the Netherlands pronounced by the Spanish Inquisition and proclaimed
+     by Philip--Cruel inventions against heretics--The Wild Beggars--
+     Preliminary proceedings of the Council against Egmont and Horn--
+     Interrogatories addressed to them in prison--Articles of accusation
+     against them--Foreclosure of the cases--Pleas to the jurisdiction--
+     Efforts by the Countesses Egmont and Horn, by many Knights of the
+     Fleece, and by the Emperor, in favor of the prisoners--Answers of
+     Alva and of Philip--Obsequious behavior of Viglius--Difficulties
+     arising from the Golden Fleece statutes set aside--Particulars of
+     the charges against Count Horn and of his defence--Articles of
+     accusation against Egmont--Sketch of his reply--Reflections upon the
+     two trials--Attitude of Orange--His published 'Justification'--His
+     secret combinations--His commission to Count Louis--Large sums of
+     money subscribed by the Nassau family, by Netherland refugees, and
+     others--Great personal sacrifices made by the Prince--Quadruple
+     scheme for invading the Netherlands--Defeat of the patriots under
+     Cocqueville--Defeat of Millers--Invasion of Friesland by Count
+     Louis--Measures of Alva to oppose him--Command of the royalists
+     entreated to Aremberg and Meghem--The Duke's plan for the campaign--
+     Skirmish at Dam--Detention of Meghem--Count Louis at Heiliger--Lee--
+     Nature of the ground--Advance of Aremberg--Disposition of the
+     patriot forces--Impatience of the Spanish troops to engage--Battle
+     of Heiliger-Lee--Defeat and death of Aremberg--Death of Adolphus
+     Nassau--Effects of the battle--Anger and severe measures of Alva--
+     Eighteen nobles executed at Brussels--Sentence of death pronounced
+     upon Egmont and Horn--The Bishop of Ypres sent to Egmont--Fruitless
+     intercession by the prelate and the Countess--Egmont's last night in
+     prison--The "grande place" at Brussels--Details concerning the
+     execution of Egmont and Horn--Observation upon the characters of the
+     two nobles--Destitute condition of Egmont's family.
+
+Late in October, the Duke of Alva made his triumphant entry into the new
+fortress.  During his absence, which was to continue during the remainder
+of the year, he had ordered the Secretary Courteville and the Councillor
+del Rio to superintend the commission, which was then actually engaged in
+collecting materials for the prosecutions to be instituted against the
+Prince of Orange and the other nobles who had abandoned the country.
+Accordingly, soon after his return, on the 19th of January, 1568, the
+Prince, his brother Louis of Nassau, his brother-in-law, Count Van den
+Berg, the Count Hoogstraaten, the Count Culemburg, and the Baron
+Montigny, were summoned in the name of Alva to appear before the Blood-
+Council, within thrice fourteen days from the date of the proclamation,
+under pain of perpetual banishment with confiscation of their estates.
+It is needless to say that these seigniors did not obey the summons.
+They knew full well that their obedience would be rewarded only by death.
+
+The charges against the Prince of Orange, which were drawn up in ten
+articles, stated, chiefly and briefly, that he had been, and was, the
+head and front of the rebellion; that as soon as his Majesty had left the
+Netherlands, he had begun his machinations to make himself master of the
+country and to expel his sovereign by force, if he should attempt to
+return to the provinces; that he had seduced his Majesty's subjects by
+false pretences that the Spanish inquisition was about to be introduced;
+that he had been the secret encourager and director of Brederode and the
+confederated nobles; and that when sent to Antwerp, in the name of the
+Regent, to put down the rebellion, he had encouraged heresy and accorded
+freedom of religion to the Reformers.
+
+The articles against Hoogstraaten and the other gentlemen mere of similar
+tenor.  It certainly was not a slender proof of the calm effrontery of
+the government thus to see Alva's proclamation charging it as a crime
+upon Orange that he had inveigled the lieges into revolt by a false
+assertion that the inquisition was about to be established, when letters
+from the Duke to Philip, and from Granvelle to Philip, dated upon nearly
+the same day, advised the immediate restoration of the inquisition as
+soon as an adequate number of executions had paved the way for the
+measure.  It was also a sufficient indication of a reckless despotism,
+that while the Duchess, who had made the memorable Accord with the
+Religionists, received a flattering letter of thanks and a farewell
+pension of fourteen thousand ducats yearly, those who, by her orders, had
+acted upon that treaty as the basis of their negotiations, were summoned
+to lay down their heads upon the block.
+
+The Prince replied to this summons by a brief and somewhat contemptuous
+plea to the jurisdiction.  As a Knight of the Fleece, as a member of the
+Germanic Empire, as a sovereign prince in France, as a citizen of the
+Netherlands, he rejected the authority of Alva and of his self-
+constituted tribunal.  His innocence he was willing to establish before
+competent courts and righteous judges.  As a Knight of the Fleece, he
+said he could be tried only by his peers, the brethren of the Order, and,
+for that purpose, he could be summoned only by the King as Head of the
+Chapter, with the sanction of at least six of his fellow-knights.  In
+conclusion, he offered to appear before his Imperial Majesty, the
+Electors, and other members of the Empire, or before the Knights of the
+Golden Fleece.  In the latter case, he claimed the right, under the
+statutes of that order, to be placed while the trial was pending, not in
+a solitary prison, as had been the fate of Egmont and of Horn, but under
+the friendly charge and protection of the brethren themselves.  The
+letter was addressed to the procurator-general, and a duplicate was
+forwarded to the Duke.
+
+From the general tenor of the document, it is obvious both that the
+Prince was not yet ready to throw down the gauntlet to his sovereign,
+nor to proclaim his adhesion to the new religion: Of departing from the
+Netherlands in the spring, he had said openly that he was still in
+possession of sixty thousand florins yearly, and that he should commence
+no hostilities against Philip, so long as he did not disturb him in his
+honor or his estates.  Far-seeing politician, if man ever were, he knew
+the course whither matters were inevitably tending, but he knew how much
+strength was derived from putting an adversary irretrievably in the
+wrong.  He still maintained an attitude of dignified respect towards the
+monarch, while he hurled back with defiance the insolent summons of the
+viceroy.  Moreover, the period had not yet arrived for him to break
+publicly with the ancient faith.  Statesman, rather than religionist,
+at this epoch, he was not disposed to affect a more complete conversion
+than the one which he had experienced.  He was, in truth, not for a new
+doctrine, but for liberty of conscience.  His mind was already expanding
+beyond any dogmas of the age.  The man whom his enemies stigmatized as
+atheist and renegade, was really in favor of toleration, and therefore,
+the more deeply criminal in the eyes of all religious parties.
+
+Events, personal to himself, were rapidly to place him in a position from
+which he might enter the combat with honor.
+
+His character had already been attacked, his property threatened with
+confiscation.  His closest ties of family were now to be severed by the
+hand of the tyrant.  His eldest child, the Count de Buren, torn from his
+protection, was to be carried into indefinite captivity in a foreign
+land.  It was a remarkable oversight, for a person of his sagacity, that,
+upon his own departure from the provinces, he should leave his son, then
+a boy of thirteen years, to pursue his studies at the college of Louvain.
+Thus exposed to the power of the government, he was soon seized as a
+hostage for the good behavior of the father.  Granvelle appears to have
+been the first to recommend the step in a secret letter to Philip, but
+Alva scarcely needed prompting.  Accordingly, upon the 13th of February,
+1568, the Duke sent the Seignior de Chassy to Louvain, attended by four
+officers and by twelve archers.  He was furnished with a letter to the
+Count de Buren, in which that young nobleman was requested to place
+implicit confidence in the bearer of the despatch, and was informed that
+the desire which his Majesty had to see him educated for his service, was
+the cause of the communication which the Seignior de Chassy was about to
+make.
+
+That gentleman was, moreover, minutely instructed as to his method of
+proceeding in this memorable case of kidnapping.  He was to present the
+letter to the young Count in presence of his tutor.  He was to invite him
+to Spain in the name of his Majesty.  He was to assure him that his
+Majesty's commands were solely with a view, to his own good, and that he
+was not commissioned to arrest, but only to escort him.  He was to allow
+the Count to be accompanied only by two valets, two pages, a cook, and a
+keeper of accounts.  He was, however, to induce his tutor to accompany
+him, at least to the Spanish frontier.  He was to arrange that the second
+day after his arrival at Louvain, the Count should set out for Antwerp,
+where he was to lodge with Count Lodron, after which they were to proceed
+to Flushing, whence they were to embark for Spain.  At that city he was
+to deliver the young Prince to the person whom he would find there,
+commissioned for that purpose by the Duke.  As soon as he had made the
+first proposition at Louvain to the Count, he was, with the assistance of
+his retinue, to keep the most strict watch over him day and night, but
+without allowing the supervision to be perceived.
+
+The plan was carried out admirably, and in strict accordance with the
+program.  It was fortunate, however, for the kidnappers, that the young
+Prince proved favorably disposed to the plan.  He accepted the invitation
+of his captors with alacrity.  He even wrote to thank the governor for
+his friendly offices in his behalf.  He received with boyish
+gratification the festivities with which Lodron enlivened his brief
+sojourn at Antwerp, and he set forth without reluctance for that gloomy
+and terrible land of Spain, whence so rarely a Flemish traveller had
+returned.  A changeling, as it were, from his cradle, he seemed
+completely transformed by his Spanish tuition, for he was educated and
+not sacrificed by Philip.  When he returned to the Netherlands, after a
+twenty years' residence in Spain, it was difficult to detect in his
+gloomy brow, saturnine character, and Jesuistical habits, a trace of the
+generous spirit which characterized that race of heroes, the house of
+Orange-Nassau.
+
+Philip had expressed some anxiety as to the consequences of this capture
+upon the governments of Germany.  Alva, however, re-assured his sovereign
+upon that point, by reason of the extreme docility of the captive, and
+the quiet manner in which the arrest had been conducted.  At that
+particular juncture, moreover, it would, have been difficult for the
+government of the Netherlands to excite surprise any where, except by
+an act of clemency.  The president and the deputation of professors
+from the university of Louvain waited upon Vargas, by whom, as acting
+president of the Blood-Council, the arrest had nominally been made, with
+a remonstrance that the measure was in gross violation of their statutes
+and privileges.  That personage, however, with his usual contempt both
+for law and Latin, answered brutally, "Non curamus vestros privilegios,"
+and with this memorable answer, abruptly closed his interview with the
+trembling pedants.
+
+Petitions now poured into the council from all quarters, abject
+recantations from terror-stricken municipalities, humble intercessions
+in behalf of doomed and imprisoned victims.  To a deputation of the
+magistracy of Antwerp, who came with a prayer for mercy in behalf of some
+of their most distinguished fellow-citizens, then in prison, the Duke
+gave a most passionate and ferocious reply.  He expressed his wonder that
+the citizens of Antwerp, that hotbed of treason, should dare to approach
+him in behalf of traitors and heretics.  Let them look to it in future,
+he continued, or he would hang every man in the whole city, to set an
+example to the rest of the country; for his Majesty would rather the
+whole land should become an uninhabited wilderness, than that a single
+Dissenter should exist within its territory.
+
+Events now marched with rapidity.  The monarch seemed disposed literally
+to execute the threat of his viceroy.  Early in the year, the most
+sublime sentence of death was promulgated which has ever been pronounced
+since the creation of the world.  The Roman tyrant wished that his
+enemies' heads were all upon a single neck, that he might strike them off
+at a blow; the inquisition assisted Philip to place the heads of all his
+Netherland subjects upon a single neck for the same fell purpose.  Upon
+the 16th February, 1568, a sentence of the Holy Office condemned all the
+inhabitants of the Netherlands to death as heretics.  From this universal
+doom only a few persons, especially named; were excepted.  A proclamation
+of the King, dated ten days later, confirmed this decree of the
+inquisition, and ordered it to be carried into instant execution, without
+regard to age, sex, or condition.  This is probably the most concise
+death-warrant that was ever framed.  Three millions of people, men,
+women, and children, were sentenced to the scaffold in: three lines; and,
+as it was well known that these were not harmless thunders, like some
+bulls of the Vatican, but serious and practical measures, which it was
+intended should be enforced, the horror which they produced may be easily
+imagined.  It was hardly the purpose of Government to compel the absolute
+completion of the wholesale plan in all its length and breadth, yet in
+the horrible times upon which they had fallen, the Netherlanders might be
+excused for believing that no measure was too monstrous to be fulfilled.
+At any rate, it was certain that when all were condemned, any might at a
+moment's warning be carried to the scaffold, and this was precisely the
+course adopted by the authorities.
+
+Under this universal decree the industry of the Blood-Council might, now
+seem superfluous.  Why should not these mock prosecutions be dispensed
+with against individuals, now that a common sentence had swallowed the
+whole population in one vast grave?  Yet it may be supposed that if the
+exertions of the commissioners and councillors served no other purpose,
+they at least furnished the Government with valuable evidence as to the
+relative wealth and other circumstances of the individual victims.  The
+leading thought of the Government being that persecution, judiciously
+managed, might fructify into a golden harvest,--it was still desirable to
+persevere in the cause in which already such bloody progress had been
+made.
+
+And under this new decree, the executions certainly did not slacken.
+Men in the highest and the humblest positions were daily and hourly
+dragged  to the stake.  Alva, in a single letter to Philip, coolly
+estimated the number of executions which were to take place immediately
+after the expiration of holy week, "at eight hundred heads."  Many a
+citizen, convicted of a hundred thousand florins and of no other crime,
+saw himself suddenly tied to a horse's tail, with his hands fastened
+behind him, and so dragged to the gallows.  But although wealth was an
+unpardonable sin, poverty proved rarely a protection.  Reasons sufficient
+could always be found for dooming the starveling laborer as well as the
+opulent burgher.  To avoid the disturbances created in the streets by the
+frequent harangues or exhortations addressed to the bystanders by the
+victims on their way to the scaffold, a new gag was invented.  The tongue
+of each prisoner was screwed into an iron ring, and then seared with a
+hot iron.  The swelling and inflammation which were the immediate result,
+prevented the tongue from slipping through the ring, and of course
+effectually precluded all possibility of speech.
+
+Although the minds of men were not yet prepared for concentrated revolt
+against the tyranny under which they were languishing, it was not
+possible to suppress all sentiments of humanity, and to tread out every
+spark of natural indignation.
+
+Unfortunately, in the bewilderment and misery of this people, the first
+development of a forcible and organized resistance was of a depraved and
+malignant character.  Extensive bands of marauders and highway robbers
+sprang into existence, who called themselves the Wild Beggars, and who,
+wearing the mask and the symbols of a revolutionary faction, committed
+great excesses in many parts of the country, robbing, plundering, and
+murdering.  Their principal wrath was exercised against religious houses
+and persons.  Many monasteries were robbed, many clerical persons maimed
+and maltreated.  It became a habit to deprive priests of their noses or
+ears, and to tie them to the tails of horses.  This was the work of
+ruffian gangs, whose very existence was engendered out of the social and
+moral putrescence to which the country was reduced, and who were willing
+to profit by the deep and universal hatred which was felt against
+Catholics and monks.  An edict thundered forth by Alva, authorizing and
+commanding all persons to slay the wild beggars at sight, without trial
+or hangman, was of comparatively slight avail.  An armed force of
+veterans actively scouring the country was more successful, and the
+freebooters were, for a time, suppressed.
+
+Meantime the Counts Egmont and Horn had been kept in rigorous confinement
+at Ghent.  Not a warrant had been read or drawn up for their arrest.
+Not a single preliminary investigation, not the shadow of an information
+had preceded the long imprisonment of two men so elevated in rank,
+so distinguished in the public service.  After the expiration of two
+months, however, the Duke condescended to commence a mock process against
+them.  The councillors appointed to this work were Vargas and Del Rio,
+assisted by Secretary Praets.  These persons visited the Admiral on the
+10th, 11th, 12th and 17th of November, and Count Egmont on the 12th,
+13th, 14th, and 16th, of the same month; requiring them to respond to a
+long, confused, and rambling collection of interrogatories.  They were
+obliged to render these replies in prison, unassisted by any advocates,
+on penalty of being condemned 'in contumaciam'.  The questions, awkwardly
+drawn up as they seemed, were yet tortuously and cunningly arranged with
+a view of entrapping the prisoners into self-contradiction.  After this
+work had been completed, all the papers by which they intended to justify
+their answers were taken away from them.  Previously, too, their houses
+and those of their secretaries, Bakkerzeel and Alonzo de la Loo, had been
+thoroughly ransacked, and every letter and document which could be found
+placed in the hands of government.  Bakkerzeel, moreover, as already
+stated, had been repeatedly placed upon the rack, for the purpose of
+extorting confessions which might implicate his master.  These
+preliminaries and precautionary steps having been taken, the Counts had
+again been left to their solitude for two months longer.  On the 10th
+January, each was furnished with a copy of the declarations or
+accusations filed against him by the procurator-general.  To these
+documents, drawn up respectively in sixty-three, and in ninety articles,
+they were required, within five days' time, without the assistance of an
+advocate, and without consultation with any human being, to deliver a
+written answer, on pain, as before, of being proceeded against and
+condemned by default.
+
+This order was obeyed within nearly the prescribed period and here, it
+may be said, their own participation in their trial ceased; while the
+rest of the proceedings were buried in the deep bosom of the Blood-
+Council.  After their answers had been delivered, and not till then, the
+prisoners were, by an additional mockery, permitted to employ advocates.
+These advocates, however, were allowed only occasional interviews with
+their clients, and always in the presence of certain persons, especially
+deputed for that purpose by the Duke.  They were also allowed
+commissioners to collect evidence and take depositions, but before the
+witnesses were ready, a purposely premature day, 8th of May, was fixed
+upon for declaring the case closed, and not a single tittle of their
+evidence, personal or documentary, was admitted.--Their advocates
+petitioned for an exhibition of the evidence prepared by government, and
+were refused.  Thus, they were forbidden to use the testimony in their
+favor, while that which was to be employed against them was kept secret.
+Finally, the proceedings were formally concluded on the 1st of June, and
+the papers laid before the Duke.  The mass of matter relating to these
+two monster processes was declared, three days afterwards to have been
+examined--a physical impossibility in itself--and judgment was pronounced
+upon the 4th of June.  This issue was precipitated by the campaign of
+Louis Nassau in Friesland, forming a aeries of important events which it
+will be soon our duty to describe.  It is previously necessary, however,
+to add a few words in elucidation of the two mock trials which have been
+thus briefly sketched.
+
+The proceeding had been carried on, from first to last, under protest by
+the prisoners, under a threat of contumacy on the part of the government.
+Apart from the totally irresponsible and illegal character of the
+tribunal before which they were summoned--the Blood-Council being a
+private institution of Alva's without pretext or commission--these nobles
+acknowledged the jurisdiction of but three courts.  As Knights of the
+Golden Fleece, both claimed the privilege of that Order to be tried by
+its statutes.  As a citizen and noble of Brabant, Egmont claimed the
+protection of the "Joyeuse Entree," a constitution which had been sworn
+to by Philip and his ancestors, and by Philip more amply, than by all his
+ancestors.  As a member and Count of the Holy Roman Empire, the Admiral
+claimed to be tried by his peers, the electors and princes of the realm.
+
+The Countess Egmont, since her husband's arrest, and the confiscation of
+his estates before judgment, had been reduced to a life of poverty as
+well as agony.  With her eleven children, all of tender age, she had
+taken refuge in a convent.  Frantic with despair, more utterly desolate,
+and more deeply wronged than high-born lady had often been before, she
+left no stone unturned to save her husband from his fate, or at least to
+obtain for him an impartial and competent tribunal.  She addressed the
+Duke of Alva, the King, the Emperor, her brother the Elector Palatine,
+and many leading Knights of the Fleece.  The Countess Dowager of Horn,
+both whose sons now lay in the jaws of death, occupied herself also with
+the most moving appeals to the same high personages.  No pains were
+spared to make the triple plea to the jurisdiction valid.  The leading
+Knights of the Fleece, Mansfeld, whose loyalty was unquestioned, and
+Hoogstraaten, although himself an outlaw; called upon the King of Spain
+to protect the statutes of the illustrious order of which he was the
+chief.  The estates of Brabant, upon the petition of Sabina, Countess
+Egmont, that they would take to heart the privileges of the province,
+so that her husband might enjoy that protection of which the meanest
+citizen in the land could not be justly deprived, addressed a feeble
+and trembling protest to Alva, and enclosed to him the lady's petition.
+The Emperor, on behalf of Count Horn, wrote personally to Philip, to
+claim for him a trial before the members of the realm.
+
+It was all in vain.  The conduct of Philip and his Viceroy coincided in
+spirit with the honest brutality of Vargas.  "Non curamus vestros
+privilegios," summed up the whole of the proceedings.  Non curamus
+vestros privilegios had been the unanswerable reply to every
+constitutional argument which had been made against tyranny since Philip
+mounted his father's throne.  It was now the only response deemed
+necessary to the crowd of petitions in favor of the Counts, whether they
+proceeded from sources humble or august.  Personally, the King remained
+silent as the grave.  In writing to the Duke of Alva, he observed that
+"the Emperor, the Dukes of Bavaria and Lorraine, the Duchess and the
+Duchess-dowager, had written to him many times, and in the most pressing
+manner, in favor of the Counts Horn and Egmont."  He added, that he had
+made no reply to them, nor to other Knights of the Fleece who had
+implored him to respect the statutes of the order, and he begged Alva
+"to hasten the process as fast as possible."  To an earnest autograph
+letter, in which the Emperor, on the 2nd of March, 1568, made a last
+effort to save the illustrious prisoners, he replied, that "the whole
+world would at last approve his conduct, but that, at any rate, he would
+not act differently, even if he should risk the loss of the provinces,
+and if the sky should fall on his head."
+
+But little heed was paid to the remonstrances in behalf of the imperial
+Courts, or the privileges of Brabant.  These were but cobweb impediments
+which, indeed, had long been brushed away.  President Viglius was even
+pathetic on the subject of Madame Egmont's petition to the council of
+Brabant.  It was so bitter, he said, that the Duke was slightly annoyed,
+and took it ill that the royal servants in that council should have his
+Majesty's interests so little at heart.  It seemed indecent in the eyes
+of the excellent Frisian, that a wife pleading for her husband, a mother
+for her, eleven children, so soon to be fatherless, should indulge in
+strong language!
+
+The statutes of the Fleece were obstacles somewhat more serious.  As,
+however, Alva had come to the Netherlands pledged to accomplish the
+destruction of these two nobles, as soon as he should lay his hands upon
+them, it was only a question of form, and even that question was, after a
+little reflection, unceremoniously put aside.
+
+To the petitions in behalf of the two Counts, therefore, that they should
+be placed in the friendly keeping of the Order, and be tried by its
+statutes, the Duke replied, peremptorily, that he had undertaken the
+cognizance of this affair by commission of his Majesty, as sovereign of
+the land, not as head of the Golden Fleece, that he should carry it
+through as it had been commenced, and that the Counts should discontinue
+presentations of petitions upon this point.
+
+In the embarrassment created by the stringent language of these statutes,
+Doctor Viglius found an opportunity to make himself very useful.  Alva
+had been turning over the laws and regulations of the Order, but could
+find no loophole.  The President, however, came to his rescue, and
+announced it as his legal opinion that the Governor need concern himself
+no further on the subject, and that the code of the Fleece offered no
+legal impediment to the process.  Alva immediately wrote to communicate
+this opinion to Philip, adding, with great satisfaction, that he should
+immediately make it known to the brethren of the Order, a step which was
+the more necessary because Egmont's advocate had been making great
+trouble with these privileges, and had been protesting at every step of
+the proceedings.  In what manner the learned President argued these
+troublesome statutes out of the way, has nowhere appeared; but he
+completely reinstated himself in favor, and the King wrote to thank him
+for his legal exertions.
+
+It was now boldly declared that the statutes of the Fleece did not extend
+to such crimes as those with which the prisoner were charged.  Alva,
+moreover, received an especial patent, ante-dated eight or nine months,
+by which Philip empowered him to proceed against all persons implicated
+in the troubles, and particularly against Knights of the Golden Fleece.
+
+It is superfluous to observe that these were merely the arbitrary acts of
+a despot.  It is hardly necessary to criticise such proceedings.  The
+execution of the nobles had been settled before Alva left Spain.  As they
+were inhabitants of a constitutional country, it was necessary to stride
+over the constitution.  As they were Knights of the Fleece, it was
+necessary to set aside the statutes of the Order.  The Netherland
+constitutions seemed so entirely annihilated already, that they could
+hardly be considered obstacles; but the Order of the Fleece was an august
+little republic of which Philip was the hereditary chief, of which
+emperors, kings, and great seigniors were the citizens.  Tyranny might
+be embarrassed by such subtle and golden filaments as these, even while
+it crashed through municipal charters as if they had been reeds and
+bulrushes.  Nevertheless, the King's course was taken.  Although the
+thirteenth, fourteenth, and fifteenth chapters of the Order expressly
+provided for the trial and punishment of brethren who had been guilty of
+rebellion, heresy, or treason; and although the eleventh chapter;
+perpetual and immutable, of additions to that constitution by the Emperor
+Charles, conferred on the Order exclusive jurisdiction over all crimes
+whatever committed by the knights, yet it was coolly proclaimed by Alva,
+that the crimes for which the Admiral and Egmont had been arrested, were
+beyond the powers of the tribunal.
+
+So much for the plea to the jurisdiction.  It is hardly worth while to
+look any further into proceedings which were initiated and brought to a
+conclusion in the manner already narrated.  Nevertheless, as they were
+called a process, a single glance at the interior of that mass of
+documents can hardly be superfluous.
+
+The declaration against Count Horn; upon which, supported by invisible
+witnesses, he was condemned, was in the nature of a narrative.  It
+consisted in a rehearsal of circumstances, some true and some fictitious,
+with five inferences.  These five inferences amounted to five crimes--
+high treason, rebellion, conspiracy, misprision of treason, and breach of
+trust.  The proof of these crimes was evolved, in a dim and misty manner,
+out of a purposely confused recital.  No events, however, were
+recapitulated which have not been described in the course of this
+history.  Setting out with a general statement, that the Admiral, the
+Prince of Orange, Count Egmont, and other lords had organized a plot to
+expel his Majesty from the Netherlands, and to divide the provinces among
+themselves; the declaration afterwards proceeded to particulars.  Ten of
+its sixty-three articles were occupied with the Cardinal Granvelle, who,
+by an absurd affectation, was never directly named, but called "a certain
+personage--a principal personage--a grand personage, of his Majesty's
+state council."  None of the offences committed against him were
+forgotten: the 11th of March letter, the fool's-cap, the livery, were
+reproduced in the most violent colors, and the cabal against the minister
+was quietly assumed to constitute treason against the monarch.
+
+The Admiral, it was further charged, had advised and consented to the
+fusion of the finance and privy councils with that of state, a measure
+which was clearly treasonable.  He had, moreover, held interviews with
+the Prince of Orange, with Egmont, and other nobles, at Breda and at
+Hoogstraaten, at which meetings the confederacy and the petition had been
+engendered.  That petition had been the cause of all the evils which had
+swept the land.  "It had scandalously injured the King, by affirming that
+the inquisition was a tyranny to humanity, which was an infamous and
+unworthy proposition."  The confederacy, with his knowledge and
+countenance, had enrolled 30,000 men.  He had done nothing, any more than
+Orange or Egmont, to prevent the presentation of the petition.  In the
+consultation at the state-council which ensued, both he and the Prince
+were for leaving Brussels at once, while Count Egmont expressed an
+intention of going to Aix to drink the waters.  Yet Count Egmont's
+appearance (proceeded this indictment against another individual)
+exhibited not a single sign of sickness.  The Admiral had, moreover,
+drank the toast of "Vivent leg gueux" on various occasions, at the
+Culemberg House banquet, at the private table of the Prince of Orange,
+at a supper at the monastery of Saint Bernard's, at a dinner given by
+Burgomaster Straalen.  He had sanctioned the treaties with the rebels at
+Duffel, by which he had clearly rendered himself guilty of high treason.
+He had held an interview with Orange, Egmont, and Hoogstraaten, at
+Denremonde, for the treasonable purpose of arranging a levy of troops to
+prevent his Majesty's entrance into the Netherlands.  He had refused to
+come to Brussels at the request of the Duchess of Parma, when the rebels
+were about to present the petition.  He had written to his secretary that
+he was thenceforth resolved to serve neither King nor Kaiser.  He had
+received from one Taffin, with marks of approbation, a paper, stating
+that the assembling of the states-general was the only remedy for the
+troubles in the land.  He had, repeatedly affirmed that the inquisition
+and edicts ought to be repealed.
+
+On his arrival at Tournay in August, 1566, the people had cried "Vivent
+les gueux;" a proof that he liked the cry.  All his transactions at
+Tournay, from first to last, had been criminal.  He had tolerated
+Reformed preaching, he had forbidden Catholics and Protestants to molest
+each other, he had omitted to execute heretics, he had allowed the
+religionists to erect an edifice for public worship outside the walls.
+He had said, at the house of Prince Espinoy, that if the King should come
+into the provinces with force, he would oppose him with 15,000 troops.
+He had said, if his brother Montigny should be detained in Spain, he
+would march to his rescue at the head of 50,000 men whom he had at his
+command.  He had on various occasions declared that "men should live
+according to their consciences"--as if divine and human laws were dead,
+and men, like wild beasts, were to follow all their lusts and desires.
+Lastly, he had encouraged the rebellion in Valenciennes.
+
+Of all these crimes and misdeeds the procurator declared himself
+sufficiently informed, and the aforesaid defendant entirely, commonly,
+and publicly defamed.
+
+Wherefore, that officer terminated his declaration by claiming "that the
+cause should be concluded summarily, and without figure or form of
+process; and that therefore, by his Excellency or his sub-delegated
+judges, the aforesaid defendant should be declared to have in diverse
+ways committed high treason, should be degraded from his dignities, and
+should be condemned to death, with confiscation of all his estates."
+
+The Admiral, thus peremptorily summoned, within five days, without
+assistance, without documents, and from the walls of a prison, to answer
+to these charges, 'solos ex vinculis causam dicere', undertook his task
+with the boldness of innocence.  He protested, of course, to the
+jurisdiction, and complained of the want of an advocate, not in order to
+excuse any weakness in his defence, but only any inelegance in his
+statement.  He then proceeded flatly to deny some of the facts, to admit
+others, and to repel the whole treasonable inference.  His answer in all
+essential respects was triumphant.  Supported by the evidence which, alas
+was not collected and published till after his death, it was impregnable.
+
+He denied that he had ever plotted against his King, to whom he had ever
+been attached, but admitted that he had desired the removal of Granvelle,
+to whom he had always been hostile.  He had, however, been an open and
+avowed enemy to the Cardinal, and had been engaged in no secret
+conspiracy against his character or against his life.  He denied that the
+livery (for which, however, he was not responsible) had been intended to
+ridicule the Cardinal, but asserted that it was intended to afford an
+example of economy to an extravagant nobility.  He had met Orange and
+Egmont at Breda and Hoogstraaten, and had been glad to do so, for he had
+been long separated from them.  These interviews, however, had been
+social, not political, for good cheer and merry-making, not for
+conspiracy and treason.  He had never had any connection with the
+confederacy; he had neither advised nor protected the petition, but, on
+the contrary, after hearing of the contemplated movement, had written to
+give notice thereof to the Duchess.  He was in no manner allied, with
+Brederode, but, on the contrary, for various reasons, was not upon
+friendly terms with him.  He had not entered his house since his return
+from Spain.  He had not been a party to the dinner at Culemburg House.
+Upon that day he had dined with the Prince of Orange, with whom he was
+lodging and, after dinner, they had both gone together to visit Mansfeld,
+who was confined with an inflamed eye.  There they had met Egmont, and
+the three had proceeded together to Culemburg House in order to bring
+away Hoogstraaten, whom the confederates had compelled to dine with them;
+and also to warn the nobles not to commit themselves by extravagant and
+suspicious excesses.  They had remained in the house but a few minutes,
+during which time the company had insisted upon their drinking a single
+cup to the toast of "Vivent le roy et les gueux."  They had then retired,
+taking with them Hoogstraaten, and all thinking that they had rendered a
+service to the government by their visit, instead of having made
+themselves liable to a charge of treason.  As to the cries of "Vivent les
+gueux" at the tables of Orange, of the Abbot of Saint Bernard, and at
+other places, those words had been uttered by simple, harmless fellows;
+and as he considered, the table a place of freedom, he had not felt
+himself justified in rebuking the manners of his associates,
+particularly, in houses where he was himself but a guest.  As for
+committing treason at the Duffel meeting, he had not been there at all.
+
+He thanked God that, at that epoch, he had been absent from Brussels, for
+had he, as well as Orange and Egmont, been commissioned by the Duchess to
+arrange those difficult matters, he should have considered it his duty to
+do as they did.  He had never thought of levying troops against his
+Majesty.  The Denremonde meeting had been held, to consult upon four
+subjects: the affairs of Tournay; the intercepted letters of the French
+ambassador, Alava; the letter of Montigny, in which he warned his brother
+of the evil impression which the Netherland matters were making in Spain;
+and the affairs of Antwerp, from which city the Prince of Orange found it
+necessary at that moment to withdraw.--With regard to his absence from
+Brussels, he stated that he had kept away from the Court because he was
+ruined.  He was deeply in debt, and so complete was his embarrassment,
+that he had been unable in Antwerp to raise 1000 crowns upon his
+property, even at an interest of one hundred per cent.  So far from being
+able to levy troops, he was hardly able to pay for his daily bread.  With
+regard to his transactions at Tournay, he had, throughout them all,
+conformed himself to the instructions of Madame de Parma.  As to the cry
+of "Vivent les gueux," he should not have cared at that moment if the
+populace had cried 'Vive Comte Horn', for his thoughts were then occupied
+with more substantial matters.  He had gone thither under a special
+commission from the Duchess, and had acted under instructions daily
+received by her own hand.  He had, by her orders, effected a temporary
+compromise between the two religious parties, on the basis of the Duffel
+treaty.  He had permitted the public preaching to continue, but had not
+introduced it for the first time.  He had allowed temples to be built
+outside the gates, but it was by express command of Madame, as he could
+prove by her letters.  She had even reproved him before the council,
+because the work had not been accomplished with sufficient despatch.
+With regard to his alleged threat, that he would oppose the King's
+entrance with 15,000 men, he answered, with astonishing simplicity, that
+he did not remember making any such observation, but it was impossible
+for a man to retain in his mind all the nonsense which he might
+occasionally utter.  The honest Admiral thought that his poverty, already
+pleaded, was so notorious that the charge was not worthy of a serious
+answer.  He also treated the observation which he was charged with having
+made, relative to his marching to Spain with 50,000 men to rescue
+Montigny as "frivolous and ridiculous."  He had no power to raise a
+hundred men.  Moreover he had rejoiced at Montigny's detention, for he
+had thought that to be out of the Netherlands was to be out of harm's
+way.  On the whole, he claimed that in all those transactions of his
+which might be considered anti-Catholic, he had been governed entirely by
+the instructions of the Regent, and by her Accord with the nobles.  That
+Accord, as she had repeatedly stated to him, was to be kept sacred until
+his Majesty, by advice of the states-general, should otherwise ordain.
+
+Finally, he observed, that law was not his vocation.  He was no
+pettifogger, but he had endeavored loyally to conform himself to the
+broad and general principles of honor, justice, and truth.  In a very few
+and simple words, he begged his judges to have regard to his deeds, and
+to a life of loyal service.  If he had erred occasionally in those times
+of tumult, his intentions had ever been faithful and honorable.
+
+The charges against Count Egmont were very similar to those against Count
+Horn.  The answers of both defendants were nearly identical.
+Interrogations thus addressed to two different persons, as to
+circumstances which had occurred long before, could not have been thus
+separately, secretly, but simultaneously answered in language
+substantially the same, had not that language been the words of truth.
+Egmont was accused generally of plotting with others to expel the King
+from the provinces, and to divide the territory among themselves.
+Through a long series of ninety articles, he was accused of conspiring
+against the character and life of Cardinal Granvelle.  He was the
+inventor, it was charged, of the fool's-cap livery.  He had joined in the
+letters to the King, demanding the prelate's removal.  He had favored the
+fusion of the three councils.  He had maintained that the estates-general
+ought to be forthwith assembled, that otherwise the debts of his Majesty
+and of the country could never be paid, and that the provinces would go
+to the French, to the Germans, or to the devil.  He had asserted that he
+would not be instrumental in burning forty or fifty thousand men, in
+order that the inquisition and the edicts might be sustained.  He had
+declared that the edicts were rigorous.  He had advised the Duchess, to
+moderate them, and remove the inquisition, saying that these measures,
+with a pardon general in addition, were the only means of quieting the
+country.  He had advised the formation of the confederacy, and promised
+to it his protection and favor.  He had counselled the presentation of
+the petition.  He had arranged all these matters, in consultation with
+the other nobles, at the interviews at Breda and Hoogstraaten.  He had
+refused the demand of Madame de Parma, to take arms in her defence.  He
+had expressed his intention, at a most critical moment, of going to the
+baths of Aix for his health, although his personal appearance gave no
+indication of any malady whatever.  He had countenanced and counselled
+the proceedings of the rebel nobles at Saint Trond.  He had made an
+accord with those of "the religion" at Ghent, Bruges, and other places.
+He had advised the Duchess to grant a pardon to those who had taken up
+arms.  He had maintained, in common with the Prince of Orange, at a
+session of the state council, that if Madame should leave Brussels, they
+would assemble the states-general of their own authority, and raise a
+force of forty thousand men.  He had plotted treason, and made
+arrangements for the levy of troops at the interview at Denremonde, with
+Horn, Hoogstraaten, and the Prince of Orange.  He had taken under his
+protection on the 20th April, 1566, the confederacy of the rebels; had
+promised that they should never be molested, for the future, on account
+of the inquisition or the edicts, and that so long as they kept within
+the terms of the Petition and the Compromise, he would defend them with
+his own person.  He had granted liberty of preaching outside the walls in
+many cities within his government.  He had said repeatedly, that if the
+King desired to introduce the inquisition into the Netherlands, he would
+sell all his property and remove to another land; thus declaring with how
+much contempt and detestation he regarded the said inquisition.  He had
+winked at all the proceedings of the sectaries.  He had permitted the cry
+of "Vivent les gueux" at his table.  He had assisted at the banquet at
+Culemburg House.
+
+These were the principal points in the interminable act of accusation.
+Like the Admiral, Egmont admitted many of the facts, and flatly denied
+the rest.  He indignantly repelled the possibility of a treasonable
+inference from any of, or all, his deeds.  He had certainly desired the
+removal of Granvelle, for he believed that the King's service would
+profit by his recal.  He replied, almost in the same terms as the Admiral
+had done, to the charge concerning the livery, and asserted that its
+principal object had been to set an example of economy.  The fool's-cap
+and bells had been changed to a bundle of arrows, in consequence of a
+certain rumor which became rife in Brussels, and in obedience to an
+ordinance of Madame de Parma.  As to the assembling of the states-
+general, the fusion of the councils, the moderation of the edicts, he had
+certainly been in favor of these measures, which he considered to be
+wholesome and lawful, not mischievous or treasonable.  He had certainly
+maintained that the edicts were rigorous, and had advised the Duchess,
+under the perilous circumstances of the country, to grant a temporary
+modification until the pleasure of his Majesty could be known.  With
+regard to the Compromise, he had advised all his friends to keep out of
+it, and many in consequence had kept out of it.  As to the presentation
+of the petition, he had given Madame de Parma notice thereof, so soon as
+he had heard that such a step was contemplated.  He used the same
+language as had been employed by Horn, with regard to the interview at
+Breda and Hoogstraaten--that they had been meetings of "good cheer" and
+good fellowship.  He had always been at every moment at the command of
+the Duchess, save when he had gone to Flanders and Artois to suppress the
+tumults, according to her express orders.  He had no connexion with the
+meeting of the nobles at Saint Trond.  He had gone to Duffel as special
+envoy from the Duchess, to treat with certain plenipotentiaries appointed
+at the Saint Trond meeting.  He had strictly conformed to the letter of
+instructions, drawn up by the Duchess, which would be found among his
+papers, but he had never promised the nobles his personal aid or
+protection.  With regard to the Denremonde meeting, he gave almost
+exactly the same account as Horn had given.  The Prince, the Admiral, and
+himself, had conversed between a quarter past eleven and dinner time,
+which was twelve o'clock, on various matters, particularly upon the
+King's dissatisfaction with recent events in the Netherlands, and upon a
+certain letter from the ambassador Alava in Paris to the Duchess of
+Parma.  He had, however, expressed his opinion to Madame that the letter
+was a forgery.  He had permitted public preaching in certain cities,
+outside the walls, where it had already been established, because this
+was in accordance with the treaty which Madame had made at Duffel, which
+she had ordered him honorably to maintain.  He had certainly winked at
+the religious exercises of the Reformers, because he had been expressly
+commanded to do so, and because the government at that time was not
+provided with troops to suppress the new religion by force.  He related
+the visit of Horn, Orange, and himself to Culemburg House, at the
+memorable banquet, in almost the same words which the Admiral had used.
+He had done all in his power to prevent Madame from leaving Brussels,
+in which effort he had been successful, and from which much good had
+resulted to the country.  He had never recommended that a pardon should
+be granted to those who had taken up arms, but on the contrary, had
+advised their chastisement, as had appeared in his demeanor towards the
+rebels at Osterwel, Tournay, and Valenciennes.  He had never permitted
+the cry of "Vivent les gueux" at his own table, nor encouraged it in his
+presence any where else.
+
+Such were the leading features in these memorable cases of what was
+called high treason.  Trial there was none.  The tribunal was
+incompetent; the prisoners were without advocates; the government
+evidence was concealed; the testimony for the defence was excluded; and
+the cause was finally decided before a thousandth part of its merits
+could have been placed under the eyes of the judge who gave the sentence.
+
+But it is almost puerile to speak of the matter in the terms usually
+applicable to state trials.  The case had been settled in Madrid long
+before the arrest of the prisoners in Brussels.  The sentence, signed by
+Philip in blank, had been brought in Alva's portfolio from Spain.  The
+proceedings were a mockery, and, so far as any effect upon public opinion
+was concerned, might as well have been omitted.  If the gentlemen had
+been shot in the court-yard of Jasse-house, by decree of a drum-head
+court-martial, an hour after their arrest, the rights of the provinces
+and the sentiments of humanity would not have been outraged more utterly.
+Every constitutional and natural right was violated from first to last.
+This certainly was not a novelty.  Thousands of obscure individuals,
+whose relations and friends were not upon thrones and in high places, but
+in booths and cellars, and whose fate therefore did not send a shudder of
+sympathy throughout Europe, had already been sacrificed by the Blood
+tribunal.  Still this great case presented a colossal emblem of the
+condition in which the Netherlands were now gasping.  It was a monumental
+exhibition of the truth which thousands had already learned to their
+cost, that law and justice were abrogated throughout the land.  The
+country was simply under martial law--the entire population under
+sentence of death.  The whole civil power was in Alva's hand; the whole
+responsibility in Alva's breast.  Neither the most ignoble nor the most
+powerful could lift their heads in the sublime desolation which was
+sweeping the country.  This was now proved beyond peradventure.  A
+miserable cobbler or weaver might be hurried from his shop to the
+scaffold, invoking the 'jus de non evocando' till he was gagged, but the
+Emperor would not stoop from his throne, nor electors palatine and
+powerful nobles rush to his rescue; but in behalf of these prisoners the
+most august hands and voices of Christendom had been lifted up at the
+foot of Philip's throne; and their supplications had proved as idle as
+the millions of tears and death-cries which had beep shed or uttered in
+the lowly places of the land.  It was obvious; then, that all
+intercession must thereafter be useless.  Philip was fanatically
+impressed with his mission.  His viceroy was possessed by his loyalty as
+by a demon.  In this way alone, that conduct which can never be palliated
+may at least be comprehended.  It was Philip's enthusiasm to embody the
+wrath of God against heretics.  It was Alva's enthusiasm to embody the
+wrath of Philip.  Narrow-minded, isolated, seeing only that section of
+the world which was visible through the loop-hole of the fortress in
+which Nature had imprisoned him for life, placing his glory in
+unconditional obedience to his superior, questioning nothing, doubting
+nothing, fearing nothing, the viceroy accomplished his work of hell with
+all the tranquillity of an angel.  An iron will, which clove through
+every obstacle; adamantine fortitude, which sustained without flinching a
+mountain of responsibility sufficient to crush a common nature, were
+qualities which, united to, his fanatical obedience, made him a man for
+Philip's work such as could not have been found again in the world.
+
+The case, then, was tried before a tribunal which was not only
+incompetent, under the laws of the land, but not even a court of justice
+in any philosophical or legal sense.  Constitutional and municipal law
+were not more outraged in its creation, than all national and natural
+maxims.
+
+The reader who has followed step by step the career of the two
+distinguished victims through the perilous days of Margaret's
+administration, is sufficiently aware of the amount of treason with which
+they are chargeable.  It would be an insult to common sense for us to set
+forth, in full, the injustice of their sentence.  Both were guiltless
+towards the crown; while the hands of one, on the contrary, were deeply
+dyed in the blood of the people.  This truth was so self-evident, that
+even a member of the Blood-Council, Pierre Arsens, president of Artois,
+addressed an elaborate memoir to the Duke of Alva, criticising the case
+according to the rules of law, and maintaining that Egmont, instead of
+deserving punishment, was entitled to a signal reward.
+
+So much for the famous treason of Counts Egmont and Horn, so far as
+regards the history of the proceedings and the merits of the case.  The
+last act of the tragedy was precipitated by occurrences which must be now
+narrated.
+
+The Prince of Orange had at last thrown down the gauntlet.  Proscribed,
+outlawed, with his Netherland property confiscated, and his eldest child
+kidnapped, he saw sufficient personal justification for at last stepping
+into the lists, the avowed champion of a nation's wrongs.  Whether the
+revolution was to be successful, or to be disastrously crushed; whether
+its result would be to place him upon a throne or a scaffold, not even
+he, the deep-revolving and taciturn politician, could possibly foresee.
+The Reformation, in which he took both a political and a religious
+interest, might prove a sufficient lever in his hands for the overthrow
+of Spanish power in the Netherlands.  The inquisition might roll back
+upon his country and himself, crushing them forever.  The chances seemed
+with the inquisition.  The Spaniards, under the first chieftain in
+Europe, were encamped and entrenched in the provinces.  The Huguenots had
+just made their fatal peace in France, to the prophetic dissatisfaction
+of Coligny.  The leading men of liberal sentiments in the Netherlands
+were captive or in exile.  All were embarrassed by the confiscations
+which, in anticipation of sentence, had severed the nerves of war.  The
+country was terror-stricken; paralyzed, motionless, abject, forswearing
+its convictions, and imploring only life.  At this moment William of
+Orange reappeared upon the scene.
+
+He replied to the act of condemnation, which had been pronounced against
+him in default, by a published paper, of moderate length and great
+eloquence.  He had repeatedly offered to place himself, he said, upon
+trial before a competent court.  As a Knight of the Fleece, as a member
+of the Holy Roman Empire, as a sovereign prince, he could acknowledge no
+tribunal save the chapters of the knights or of the realm.  The Emperor's
+personal intercession with Philip had been employed in vain, to obtain
+the adjudication of his case by either.  It would be both death and
+degradation on his part to acknowledge the jurisdiction of the infamous
+Council of Blood.  He scorned, he said, to plead his cause "before he
+knew not what base knaves, not fit to be the valets of his companions and
+himself."
+
+He appealed therefore to the judgment of the world.  He published not
+an elaborate argument, but a condensed and scathing statement of the
+outrages which had been practised upon him.  He denied that he had been
+a party to the Compromise.  He denied that he had been concerned in the
+Request, although he denounced with scorn the tyranny which could treat
+a petition to government as an act of open war against the sovereign.
+He spoke of Granvelle with unmeasured wrath.  He maintained that his own
+continuance in office had been desired by the cardinal, in order that his
+personal popularity might protect the odious designs of the government.
+The edicts, the inquisition, the persecution, the new bishoprics, had
+been the causes of the tumults.  He concluded with a burst of indignation
+against Philip's conduct toward himself.  The monarch had forgotten his
+services and those of his valiant ancestors.  He had robbed him of honor,
+he had robbed him of his son--both dearer to him than life.  By thus
+doing he had degraded himself more than he had injured him, for he had
+broken all his royal oaths and obligations.
+
+The paper was published early in the summer of 1568.  At about the same
+time, the Count of Hoogstraaten published a similar reply to the act of
+condemnation with which he had been visited.  He defended himself mainly
+upon the ground, that all the crimes of which he stood arraigned had been
+committed in obedience to the literal instructions of the Duchess of
+Parma, after her accord with the confederates.
+
+The Prince now made the greatest possible exertions to raise funds and
+troops.  He had many meetings with influential individuals in Germany.
+The Protestant princes, particularly the Landgrave of Hesse and the
+Elector of Saxony, promised him assistance.  He brought all his powers of
+eloquence and of diplomacy to make friends for the cause which he had now
+boldly espoused.  The high-born Demosthenes electrified large assemblies
+by his indignant invectives against the Spanish Philip.  He excelled even
+his royal antagonist in the industrious subtlety with which he began to
+form a thousand combinations.  Swift, secret, incapable of fatigue, this
+powerful and patient intellect sped to and fro, disentangling the
+perplexed skein where all had seemed so hopelessly confused, and
+gradually unfolding broad schemes of a symmetrical and regenerated
+polity.  He had high correspondents and higher hopes in England.  He was
+already secretly or openly in league with half the sovereigns of Germany.
+The Huguenots of France looked upon him as their friend, and on Louis of
+Nassau as their inevitable chieftain, were Coligny destined to fall.  He
+was in league with all the exiled and outlawed nobles of the Netherlands.
+By his orders recruits were daily enlisted, without sound of drum.  He
+granted a commission to his brother Louis, one of the most skilful and
+audacious soldiers of the age, than whom the revolt could not have found
+a more determined partisan, nor the Prince a more faithful lieutenant.
+
+This commission, which was dated Dillenburg, 6th April, 1568, was a
+somewhat startling document.  It authorized the Count to levy troops and
+wage war against Philip, strictly for Philip's good.  The fiction of
+loyalty certainly never went further.  The Prince of Orange made known
+to all "to whom those presents should come," that through the affection
+which he bore the gracious King, he purposed to expel his Majesty's
+forces from the Netherlands.  "To show our love for the monarch and his
+hereditary provinces," so ran the commission, "to prevent the desolation
+hanging over the country by the ferocity of the Spaniards, to maintain
+the privileges sworn to by his Majesty and his predecessors, to prevent
+the extirpation of all religion by the edicts, and to save the sons and
+daughters of the land from abject slavery, we have requested our dearly
+beloved brother Louis Nassau to enrol as many troops as he shall think
+necessary."
+
+Van der Bergh, Hoogstraaten, and others, provided with similar powers,
+were also actively engaged in levying troops; but the right hand of the
+revolt was Count Louis, as his illustrious brother was its head and
+heart.  Two hundred thousand crowns was the sum which the Prince
+considered absolutely necessary for organizing the army with which he
+contemplated making an entrance into the Netherlands.  Half this amount
+had been produced by the cities of Antwerp, Amsterdam, Leyden, Harlem,
+Middelburg, Flushing, and other towns, as well as by refugee merchants in
+England.  The other half was subscribed by individuals.  The Prince
+himself contributed 50,000 florins, Hoogstraaten 30,000, Louis of Nassau
+10,000, Culemberg 30,000, Van der Bergh 30,000, the Dowager-countess Horn
+10,000, and other persons in less proportion.  Count John of Nassau also
+pledged his estates to raise a large sum for the cause.  The Prince
+himself sold all his jewels, plate, tapestry, and other furniture, which
+were of almost regal magnificence.  Not an enthusiast, but a deliberate,
+cautious man, he now staked his all upon the hazard, seemingly so
+desperate.  The splendor of his station has been sufficiently depicted.
+His luxury, his fortune, his family, his life, his children, his honor,
+all were now ventured, not with the recklessness of a gambler, but with
+the calm conviction of a statesman.
+
+A private and most audacious attempt to secure the person: of Alva and
+the possession of Brussels had failed.  He was soon, however, called upon
+to employ all his energies against the open warfare which was now
+commenced.
+
+According to the plan of the Prince, the provinces were to be attacked
+simultaneously, in three places, by his lieutenants, while he himself was
+waiting in the neighborhood of Cleves, ready for a fourth assault.  An
+army of Huguenots and refugees was to enter Artois upon the frontier of
+France; a second, under Hoogstraaten, was to operate between the Rhine
+and the Meuse; while Louis of Nassau was to raise the standard of revolt
+in Friesland.
+
+The two first adventures were destined to be signally unsuccessful.  A
+force under Seigneur de Cocqueville, latest of all, took the field
+towards the end of June.  It entered the bailiwick of Hesdin in Artois,
+was immediately driven across the frontier by the Count de Roeulx, and
+cut to pieces at St. Valery by Marechal de Cossis, governor of Picardy.
+This action was upon the 18th July.  Of the 2500 men who composed the
+expedition, scarce 300 escaped.  The few Netherlanders who were taken
+prisoners were given to the Spanish government, and, of course, hanged.
+
+The force under the Seigneur de Villars was earlier under arms, and the
+sooner defeated.  This luckless gentleman, who had replaced the Count of
+Hoogstraaten, crossed the frontier of Juliers; in the neighborhood of
+Maestricht, by the 20th April.  His force, infantry and cavalry, amounted
+to nearly three thousand men.  The object of the enterprise was to, raise
+the country; and, if possible, to obtain a foothold by securing an
+important city.  Roermonde was the first point of attack, but the
+attempts, both by stratagem and by force, to secure the town, were
+fruitless.  The citizens were not ripe for revolt, and refused the army
+admittance.  While the invaders were, therefore, endeavoring to fire the
+gates, they were driven off by the approach of a Spanish force.
+
+The Duke, so soon as the invasion was known to him, had acted with great
+promptness.  Don Sancho de Lodrono and Don Sancho de Avila, with five
+vanderas of Spanish infantry, three companies of cavalry, and about three
+hundred pikemen under Count Eberstein, a force amounting in all to about
+1600 picked troops, had been at once despatched against Villars.  The
+rebel chieftain, abandoning his attempt upon Roermonde, advanced towards
+Erkelens.  Upon the 25th April, between Erkelens and Dalem, the Spaniards
+came up with him, and gave him battle.  Villars lost all his cavalry and
+two vanderas of his infantry in the encounter.  With the remainder of his
+force, amounting to 1300 men, he effected his retreat in good order to
+Dalem.  Here he rapidly entrenched himself.  At four in the afternoon,
+Sancho de Lodrono, at the head of 600 infantry, reached the spot.  He was
+unable to restrain the impetuosity of his men, although the cavalry under
+Avila, prevented by the difficult nature of the narrow path through which
+the rebels had retreated, had not yet arrived.  The enemy were two to
+one, and were fortified; nevertheless, in half an hour the entrenchments
+were carried, and almost every man in the patriot army put to the sword.
+Villars himself, with a handful of soldiers, escaped into the town, but
+was soon afterwards taken prisoner, with all his followers.  He sullied
+the cause in which he was engaged by a base confession of the designs
+formed by the Prince of Orange--a treachery, however, which did not save
+him from the scaffold.  In the course of this day's work, the Spanish
+lost twenty men, and the rebels nearly 200.  This portion of the
+liberating forces had been thus disastrously defeated on the eve of the
+entrance of Count Louis into Friesland.
+
+As early as the 22d April, Alva had been informed, by the lieutenant-
+governor of that province, that the beggars were mustering in great force
+in the neighborhood of Embden.  It was evident that an important
+enterprise was about to be attempted.  Two days afterwards, Louis of
+Nassau entered the provinces, attended by a small body of troops.  His
+banners blazed with patriotic inscriptions.  'Nunc aut nunquam,
+Recuperare aut mori', were the watchwords of his desperate adventure:
+"Freedom for fatherland and conscience" was the device which was to draw
+thousands to his standard.  On the western wolds of Frisia, he surprised
+the castle of Wedde, a residence of the absent Aremberg, stadholder of
+the province.  Thence he advanced to Appingadam, or Dam, on the tide
+waters of the Dollart.  Here he was met by, his younger brother, the
+gallant Adolphus, whose days were so nearly numbered, who brought with
+him a small troop of horse.  At Wedde, at Dam, and at Slochteren, the
+standard was set up.  At these three points there daily gathered armed
+bodies of troops, voluntary adventurers, peasants with any rustic weapon
+which they could find to their hand.  Lieutenant-governor Groesbeck wrote
+urgently to the Duke, that the beggars were hourly increasing in force;
+that the leaders perfectly understood their game; that they kept their
+plans a secret, but were fast seducing the heart of the country.
+
+On the 4th May, Louis issued a summons to the magistracy of Groningen,
+ordering them to send a deputation to confer with him at Dam.  He was
+prepared, he said, to show the commission with which he was provided.
+He had not entered the country on a mere personal adventure, but had
+received orders to raise a sufficient army.  By the help of the eternal
+God, he was determined, he said, to extirpate the detestable tyranny of
+those savage persecutors who had shed so much Christian blood.  He was
+resolved to lift up the down-trod privileges, and, to protect the
+fugitive, terror-stricken Christians and patriarchs of the country.
+If the magistrates were disposed to receive him with friendship, it was
+well.  Otherwise, he should, with regret, feel himself obliged to proceed
+against them, as enemies of his Majesty and of the common weal.
+
+As the result of this summons, Louis received a moderate sum of money,
+on condition of renouncing for the moment an attack upon the city.  With
+this temporary supply he was able to retain a larger number of the
+adventurers; who were daily swarming around him.
+
+In the mean time Alva was not idle.  On the 30th April, he wrote to
+Groesbeck, that he must take care not to be taken napping; that he must
+keep his eyes well open until the arrival of succor, which was already on
+the way.  He then immediately ordered Count Aremberg, who had just
+returned from France on conclusion of hostilities, to hasten to the seat
+of war.  Five vanderas of his own regiment; a small body of cavalry, and
+Braccamonte's Sardinian legion, making in all a force of nearly 2500 men,
+were ordered to follow him with the utmost expedition.  Count Meghem,
+stadholder of Gueldres, with five vanderas of infantry, three of light
+horse, and some artillery, composing a total of about 1500 men, was
+directed to co-operate with Aremberg.  Upon this point the orders of the
+Governor-general were explicit.  It seemed impossible that the rabble
+rout under Louis Nassau could stand a moment before nearly 4000 picked
+and veteran troops, but the Duke was earnest in warning his generals not
+to undervalue the enemy.
+
+On the 7th May, Counts Meghem and Aremberg met and conferred at Arnheim,
+on their way to Friesland.  It was fully agreed between them, after
+having heard full reports of the rising in that province, and of the
+temper throughout the eastern Netherlands, that it would be rash to
+attempt any separate enterprise.  On the 11th, Aremberg reached
+Vollenhoven, where he was laid up in his bed with the gout.  Bodies of
+men, while he lay sick, paraded hourly with fife and drum before his
+windows, and discharged pistols and arquebuses across the ditch of the
+blockhouse where he was quartered.  On the 18th, Braccamonte, with his
+legion, arrived by water at Harlingen.  Not a moment more was lost.
+Aremberg, notwithstanding his gout, which still confined him to a litter,
+started at once in pursuit of the enemy.  Passing through Groningen, he
+collected all the troops which could be spared..  He also received six
+pieces of artillery.  Six cannon, which the lovers of harmony had
+baptized with the notes of the gamut, 'ut, re, mi, fa, sol, la', were
+placed at his disposal by the authorities, and have acquired historical
+celebrity.  It was, however, ordained that when those musical pieces
+piped, the Spaniards were not to dance.  On the 22d, followed by his
+whole force, consisting of Braccamonte's legion, his own four vanderas,
+and a troop of Germans, he came in sight of the enemy at Dam.  Louis of
+Nassau sent out a body of arquebusiers, about one thousand strong, from
+the city.  A sharp skirmish ensued, but the beggars were driven into
+their entrenchments, with a loss of twenty or thirty men, and nightfall
+terminated the contest.
+
+It was beautiful to see, wrote Aremberg to Alva, how brisk and eager were
+the Spaniards, notwithstanding the long march which they had that day
+accomplished.  Time was soon to show how easily immoderate, valor might
+swell into a fault.  Meantime, Aremberg quartered his troops in and about
+Wittewerum Abbey, close to the little unwalled city of Dam.
+
+On the other hand, Meghem, whose co-operation had been commanded by Alva,
+and arranged personally with Aremberg a fortnight before, at Arnheim, had
+been delayed in his movements.  His troops, who had received no wages for
+a long time had mutinied.  A small sum of money, however, sent from
+Brussels, quelled this untimely insubordination.  Meghem then set forth
+to effect his junction with his colleague, having assured the Governor-
+general that the war would be ended in six days.  The beggars had not a
+stiver, he said, and must disband or be beaten to pieces as soon as
+Aremberg and he had joined forces.  Nevertheless he admitted that these
+same "master-beggars," as he called them, might prove too many for either
+general alone.
+
+Alva, in reply, expressed his confidence that four or five thousand
+choice troops of Spain would be enough to make a short war of it, but
+nevertheless warned his officers of the dangers of overweening
+confidence.  He had been informed that the rebels had assumed the red
+scarf of the Spanish uniform.  He hoped the stratagem would not save them
+from broken heads, but was unwilling that his Majesty's badge should be
+altered.
+
+He reiterated his commands that no enterprise should be undertaken,
+except by the whole army in concert; and enjoined the generals
+incontinently to hang and strangle all prisoners the moment they should
+be taken.
+
+Marching directly northward, Meghem reached Coeverden, some fifty miles
+from Dam, on the night of the 22d.  He had informed Aremberg that he
+might expect him with his infantry and his light horse in the course of
+the next day.  On the following morning, the 23d, Aremberg wrote his last
+letter to the Duke, promising to send a good account of the beggars
+within a very few hours.
+
+Louis of Nassau had broken up his camp at Dam about midnight.  Falling
+back, in a southerly direction, along the Wold-weg, or forest road, a
+narrow causeway through a swampy district, he had taken up a position
+some three leagues from his previous encampment.  Near the monastery of
+Heiliger Lee, or the "Holy Lion," he had chosen his ground.  A little
+money in hand, ample promises, and the hopes of booty, had effectually
+terminated the mutiny, which had also broken out in his camp.  Assured
+that Meghem had not yet effected his junction with Aremberg, prepared to
+strike, at last, a telling blow for freedom and fatherland, Louis awaited
+the arrival of his eager foe.
+
+His position was one of commanding strength and fortunate augury.
+Heiliger Lee was a wooded eminence, artificially reared by Premonstrant
+monks.  It was the only rising ground in that vast extent of watery
+pastures, enclosed by the Ems and Lippe--the "fallacious fields"
+described by Tacitus.  Here Hermann, first of Teutonic heroes, had dashed
+out of existence three veteran legions of tyrant Rome.  Here the spectre
+of Varus, begrimed and gory, had risen from the morass to warn
+Germanicus, who came to avenge him, that Gothic freedom was a dangerous
+antagonist.  And now, in the perpetual reproductions of history, another
+German warrior occupied a spot of vantage in that same perilous region.
+The tyranny with which he contended strove to be as universal as that of
+Rome, and had stretched its wings of conquest into worlds of which the
+Caesars had never dreamed.  It was in arms, too, to crush not only the
+rights of man, but the rights of God.  The battle of freedom was to be
+fought not only for fatherland, but for conscience.  The cause was even
+holier than that which had inspired the arm of Hermann.
+
+Although the swamps of that distant age had been transformed into
+fruitful pastures, yet the whole district was moist, deceitful, and
+dangerous.  The country was divided into squares, not by hedges but by
+impassable ditches.  Agricultural entrenchments had long made the country
+almost impregnable, while its defences against the ocean rendered almost
+as good service against a more implacable human foe.
+
+Aremberg, leading his soldiers along the narrow causeway, in hot pursuit
+of what they considered a rabble rout of fugitive beggars, soon reached
+Winschoten.  Here he became aware of the presence of his despicable foe.
+Louis and Adolphus of Nassau, while sitting at dinner in the convent of
+the "Holy Lion," had been warned by a friendly peasant of the approach of
+the Spaniards.  The opportune intelligence had given the patriot general
+time to make his preparations.  His earnest entreaties had made his
+troops ashamed of their mutinous conduct on the preceding day, and they
+were now both ready and willing to engage.  The village was not far
+distant from the abbey, and in the neighborhood of the abbey Louis of
+Nassau was now posted.  Behind him was a wood, on his left a hill of
+moderate elevation, before him an extensive and swampy field.  In the
+front of the field was a causeway leading to the abbey.  This was the
+road which Aremberg was to traverse.  On the plain which lay between the
+wood and the hill, the main body of the beggars were drawn up.  They were
+disposed in two squares or squadrons, rather deep than wide, giving the
+idea of a less number than they actually contained.  The lesser square,
+in which were two thousand eight hundred men, was partially sheltered by
+the hill.  Both were flanked by musketeers.  On the brow of the hill was
+a large body of light armed troops, the 'enfans perdus' of the army.  The
+cavalry, amounting to not more than three hundred men, was placed in
+front, facing the road along which Aremberg was to arrive.
+
+That road was bordered by a wood extending nearly to the front of the
+hill.  As Aremberg reached its verge, he brought out his artillery, and
+opened a fire upon the body of light troops.  The hill protected a large
+part of the enemy's body from this attack.  Finding the rebels so strong
+in numbers and position, Aremberg was disposed only to skirmish.  He knew
+better than did his soldiers the treacherous nature of the ground in
+front of the enemy.  He saw that it was one of those districts where peat
+had been taken out in large squares for fuel, and where a fallacious and
+verdant scum upon the surface of deep pools simulated the turf that had
+been removed.  He saw that the battle-ground presented to him by his
+sagacious enemy was one great sweep of traps and pitfalls.  Before he
+could carry the position, many men must necessarily be engulfed.
+
+He paused for an instant.  He was deficient in cavalry, having only
+Martinengo's troop, hardly amounting to four hundred men. He was sure of
+Meghem's arrival within twenty-four hours.  If, then, he could keep the
+rebels in check, without allowing them any opportunity to disperse, he
+should be able, on the morrow, to cut them to pieces, according to the
+plan agreed upon a fortnight before.  But the Count had to contend with a
+double obstacle.  His soldiers were very hot, his enemy very cool.  The
+Spaniards, who had so easily driven a thousand musketeers from behind
+their windmill, the evening before, who had seen the whole rebel force
+decamp in hot haste on the very night of their arrival before Dam,
+supposed themselves in full career of victory.  Believing that the name
+alone of the old legions had stricken terror to the hearts of the
+beggars, and that no resistance was possible to Spanish arms, they
+reviled their general for his caution.  His reason for delay was theirs
+for hurry.  Why should Meghem's loitering and mutinous troops, arriving
+at the eleventh hour, share in the triumph and the spoil?  No man knew
+the country better than Aremberg, a native of the Netherlands, the
+stadholder of the province.  Cowardly or heretical motives alone could
+sway him, if he now held them back in the very hour of victory.  Inflamed
+beyond endurance by these taunts, feeling his pride of country touched to
+the quick, and willing to show that a Netherlander would lead wherever
+Spaniards dared to follow, Aremberg allowed himself to commit the grave
+error for which he was so deeply to atone.  Disregarding the dictates of
+his own experience and the arrangements of his superior, he yielded to
+the braggart humor of his soldiers, which he had not, like Alva, learned
+to moderate or to despise.
+
+In the mean, time, the body of light troops which had received the fire
+from the musical pieces of Groningen was seen to waver.  The artillery
+was then brought beyond the cover of the wood, and pointed more fully
+upon the two main squares of the enemy.  A few shots told.  Soon
+afterward the 'enfans perdus' retreated helter-skelter, entirely
+deserting their position.
+
+This apparent advantage, which was only a preconcerted stratagem, was too
+much for the fiery Spaniards.  They rushed. merrily forward to attack the
+stationary squares, their general being no longer able, to restrain their
+impetuosity.  In a moment the whole van-guard had plunged into the
+morass.  In a few minutes more they were all helplessly and hopelessly
+struggling in the pools, while the musketeers of the enemy poured in a
+deadly fire upon them, without wetting the soles of their own feet.  The
+pikemen, too, who composed the main body of the larger square, now
+charged upon all who were extricating themselves from their entanglement,
+and drove them back again to a muddy death.  Simultaneously, the lesser
+patriot squadron, which had so long been sheltered, emerged from the
+cover of the hill, made a detour around its base, enveloped the rear-
+guard of the Spaniards before they could advance to the succor of their
+perishing comrades, and broke them to pieces almost instantly.  Gonzalo
+de Braccamonte, the very Spanish colonel who had been foremost in
+denunciation of Aremberg, for his disposition to delay the contest, was
+now the first to fly.  To his bad conduct was ascribed the loss of the
+day.  The anger of Alva was so high, when he was informed of the
+incident, that he would have condemned the officer to death but for the
+intercession of his friends and countrymen.  The rout was sudden and
+absolute.  The foolhardiness of the Spaniards had precipitated them into
+the pit which their enemies had dug.  The day, was lost.  Nothing was
+left for Aremberg but to perish with honor.  Placing himself at the head
+of his handful of cavalry, he dashed into the melee.  The shock was
+sustained by young Adolphus of Nassau, at the head of an equal number of
+riders.  Each leader singled out the other.  They met as "captains of
+might" should do, in the very midst of the affray.  Aremberg, receiving
+and disregarding a pistol shot from his adversary, laid Adolphus dead at
+his feet, with a bullet through his body and a sabre cut on his head.
+Two troopers in immediate attendance upon the young Count shared the same
+fate from the same hand.  Shortly afterward, the horse of Aremberg,
+wounded by a musket ball, fell to the ground.  A few devoted followers
+lifted the charger to his legs and the bleeding rider to his saddle.
+They endeavored to bear their wounded general from the scene of action.
+The horse staggered a few paces and fell dead.  Aremberg disengaged
+himself from his body, and walked a few paces to the edge of a meadow
+near the road.  Here, wounded in the action, crippled by the disease
+which had so long tormented him, and scarcely able to sustain longer the
+burthen of his armor, he calmly awaited his fate.  A troop of the enemy
+advanced soon afterwards, and Aremberg fell, covered with wounds,
+fighting like a hero of Homer, single-handed, against a battalion, with a
+courage worthy a better cause and a better fate.  The sword by which he
+received his final death-blow was that of the Seigneur do Haultain.  That
+officer having just seen his brother slain before his eyes, forgot the
+respect due to unsuccessful chivalry.
+
+The battle was scarcely finished when an advancing trumpet was heard.
+The sound caused the victors to pause in their pursuit, and enabled a
+remnant of the conquered Spaniards to escape.  Meghem's force was thought
+to be advancing.  That general had indeed arrived, but he was alone.  He
+had reached Zuidlaren, a village some four leagues from the scene of
+action, on the noon of that day.  Here he had found a letter from
+Aremberg, requesting him to hasten.  He had done so.  His troops,
+however, having come from Coevorden that morning, were unable to
+accomplish so long a march in addition.  The Count, accompanied by a few
+attendants, reached the neighborhood of Heiliger Lee only in time to meet
+with some of the camp sutlers and other fugitives, from whom he learned
+the disastrous news of the defeat.  Finding that all was lost, he very
+properly returned to Zuidlaren, from which place he made the best of his
+way to Groningen.  That important city, the key of Friesland, he was thus
+enabled to secure.  The troops which he brought, in addition to the four
+German vanderas of Schaumburg, already quartered there, were sufficient
+to protect it against the ill-equipped army of Louis Nassau.
+
+The patriot leader had accomplished, after all, but a barren victory.
+He had, to be sure, destroyed a number of Spaniards, amounting, according
+to the different estimates, from five hundred to sixteen hundred men.
+He had also broken up a small but veteran army.  More than all, he had
+taught the Netherlanders, by this triumphant termination to a stricken
+field, that the choice troops of Spain were not invincible.  But the
+moral effect of the victory was the only permanent one.  The Count's
+badly paid troops could with difficulty be kept together.  He had no
+sufficient artillery to reduce the city whose possession would have
+proved so important to the cause.  Moreover, in common with the Prince of
+Orange and all his brethren, he had been called to mourn for the young
+and chivalrous Adolphus, whose life-blood had stained the laurels of this
+first patriot victory.  Having remained, and thus wasted the normal three
+days upon the battle-field, Louis now sat down before Groningen,
+fortifying and entrenching himself in a camp within cannonshot of the
+city.
+
+On the 23rd we have seen that Aremberg had written, full of confidence,
+to the Governor-general, promising soon to send him good news of the
+beggars.  On the 26th, Count Meghem wrote that, having spoken with a man
+who had helped to place Aremberg in his coffin, he could hardly entertain
+any farther doubt as to his fate.
+
+The wrath of the Duke was even greater than his surprise.  Like Augustus,
+he called in vain on the dead commander for his legions, but prepared
+himself to inflict a more rapid and more terrible vengeance than the
+Roman's.  Recognizing the gravity of his situation, he determined to take
+the field in person, and to annihilate this insolent chieftain who had
+dared not only to cope with, but to conquer his veteran regiments.  But
+before he could turn his back upon Brussels, many deeds were to be done.
+His measures now followed each other in breathless succession,
+fulminating and blasting at every stroke.  On the 28th May, he issued an
+edict, banishing, on pain of death, the Prince of Orange, Louis Nassau,
+Hoogstraaten, Van den Berg, and others, with confiscation of all their
+property.  At the same time he razed the Culemburg Palace to the ground,
+and erected a pillar upon its ruins, commemorating the accursed
+conspiracy which had been engendered within its walls.  On the 1st June,
+eighteen prisoners of distinction, including the two barons Batenburg,
+Maximilian Kock, Blois de Treslong and others, were executed upon the
+Horse Market, in Brussels.  In the vigorous language of Hoogstraaten,
+this horrible tragedy was enacted directly before the windows of that
+"cruel animal, Noircarmes," who, in company of his friend, Berlaymont,
+and the rest of the Blood-Council, looked out upon the shocking
+spectacle.  The heads of the victims were exposed upon stakes, to which
+also their bodies were fastened.  Eleven of these victims were afterward
+deposited, uncoffined, in unconsecrated ground; the other seven were left
+unburied to moulder on the gibbet.  On the 2d June, Villars, the leader
+in the Daalem rising, suffered on the scaffold, with three others.  On
+the 3d, Counts Egmont and Horn were brought in a carriage from Ghent to
+Brussels, guarded by ten companies of infantry and one of cavalry.  They
+were then lodged in the "Brood-huis" opposite the Town Hall, on the great
+square of Brussels.  On the 4th, Alva having, as he solemnly declared
+before God and the world, examined thoroughly the mass of documents
+appertaining to those two great prosecutions which had only been closed
+three days before, pronounced sentence against the illustrious
+prisoners.  These documents of iniquity signed and sealed by the Duke,
+were sent to the Blood-Council, where they were read by Secretary Praets.
+The signature of Philip was not wanting, for the sentences had been drawn
+upon blanks signed by the monarch, of which the Viceroy had brought a
+whole trunk full from Spain.  The sentence against Egmont declared very
+briefly that the Duke of Alva, having read all the papers and evidence in
+the case, had found the Count guilty of high treason.  It was proved that
+Egmont had united with the confederates; that he had been a party to the
+accursed conspiracy of the Prince of Orange; that he had taken the rebel
+nobles under his protection, and that he had betrayed the Government and
+the Holy Catholic Church by his conduct in Flanders.  Therefore the Duke
+condemned him to be executed by the sword on the following day, and
+decreed that his head should be placed on high in a public place, there
+to remain until the Duke should otherwise direct.  The sentence against
+Count Horn was similar in language and purport.
+
+That afternoon the Duke sent for the Bishop of Ypres, The prelate arrived
+at dusk.  As soon as he presented himself, Alva informed him of the
+sentence which had just been pronounced, and ordered him to convey the
+intelligence to the prisoners.  He further charged him with the duty of
+shriving the victims, and preparing their souls for death.  The bishop
+fell on his knees, aghast at the terrible decree.  He implored the
+Governor-General to have mercy upon the two unfortunate nobles.  If their
+lives could not be spared, he prayed him at any rate to grant delay.
+With tears and earnest supplications the prelate endeavored to avert or
+to postpone the doom which had been pronounced.  It was in vain.  The
+sentence, inflexible as destiny, had been long before ordained.  Its
+execution had been but hastened by the temporary triumph of rebellion in
+Friesland.  Alva told the Bishop roughly that he had not been summoned to
+give advice.  Delay or pardon was alike impossible.  He was to act as
+confessor to the criminals, not as councillor to the Viceroy.  The
+Bishop, thus rebuked, withdrew to accomplish his melancholy mission.
+Meanwhile, on the same evening, the miserable Countess of Egmont had been
+appalled by rumors, too vague for belief, too terrible to be slighted.
+She was in the chamber of Countess Aremberg, with whom she had come to
+condole for the death of the Count, when the order for the immediate
+execution of her own husband was announced to her.  She hastened to the
+presence of the Governor-General.  The Princess Palatine, whose ancestors
+had been emperors, remembered only that she was a wife and a mother.  She
+fell at the feet of the man who controlled the fate of her husband, and
+implored his mercy in humble and submissive terms.  The Duke, with calm
+and almost incredible irony, reassured the Countess by the information
+that, on the morrow, her husband was certainly to be released.  With this
+ambiguous phrase, worthy the paltering oracles of antiquity, the wretched
+woman was obliged to withdraw.  Too soon afterward the horrible truth of
+the words was revealed to her--words of doom, which she had mistaken for
+consolation.
+
+An hour before midnight the Bishop of Ypres reached Egmont's prison.
+The Count was confined in a chamber on the second story of the Brood-huis,
+the mansion of the crossbowmen's guild, in that corner of the building
+which rests on a narrow street running back from the great square.
+He was aroused from his sleep by the approach of his visitor.  Unable to
+speak, but indicating by the expression of his features the occurrence of
+a great misfortune, the Bishop, soon after his entrance, placed the paper
+given to him by Alva in Egmont's hands.  The unfortunate noble thus
+suddenly received the information that his death-sentence had been
+pronounced, and that its execution was fixed for the next morning.
+He read the paper through without flinching, and expressed astonishment
+rather than dismay at its tidings.  Exceedingly sanguine by nature, he
+had never believed, even after his nine months' imprisonment, in a fatal
+termination to the difficulties in which he was involved.  He was now
+startled both at the sudden condemnation which had followed his lingering
+trial, and at the speed with which his death was to fulfil the sentence.
+He asked the Bishop, with many expressions of amazement, whether pardon
+was impossible; whether delay at least might not be obtained?  The
+prelate answered by a faithful narrative of the conversation which had
+just occurred between Alva and himself.  Egmont, thus convinced of his
+inevitable doom, then observed to his companion, with exquisite courtesy,
+that, since he was to die, he rendered thanks both to God and to the Duke
+that his last moments were to be consoled by so excellent a father
+confessor.
+
+Afterwards, with a natural burst of indignation, he exclaimed that it was
+indeed a cruel and unjust sentence.  He protested that he had never in
+his whole life wronged his Majesty; certainly never so deeply as to
+deserve such a punishment.  All that he had done had been with loyal
+intentions.  The King's true interest had been his constant aim.
+Nevertheless, if he had fallen into error, he prayed to God that his
+death might wipe away his misdeeds, and that his name might not be
+dishonored, nor his children brought to shame.  His beloved wife and
+innocent children were to endure misery enough by his death and the
+confiscation of his estates.  It was at least due to his long services
+that they should be spared further suffering.  He then asked his father
+confessor what advice he had to give touching his present conduct.  The
+Bishop replied by an exhortation, that he should turn himself to God;
+that he should withdraw his thoughts entirely from all earthly interests,
+and prepare himself for the world beyond the grave.  He accepted the
+advice, and kneeling before the Bishop, confessed himself.  He then asked
+to receive the sacrament, which the Bishop administered, after the
+customary mass.  Egmont asked what prayer would be most appropriate at
+the hour of execution.  His confessor replied that there was none more
+befitting than the one which Jesus had taught his disciples--Our Father,
+which art in heaven.
+
+Some conversation ensued, in which the Count again expressed his
+gratitude that his parting soul had been soothed by these pious and
+friendly offices.  By a revulsion of feeling, he then bewailed again the
+sad fate of his wife and of his young children.  The Bishop entreated him
+anew to withdraw his mind from such harrowing reflections, and to give
+himself entirely to God.  Overwhelmed with grief, Egmont exclaimed with
+natural and simple pathos--"Alas! how miserable and frail is our nature,
+that, when we should think of God only, we are unable to shut out the
+images of wife and children."
+
+Recovering from his emotion, and having yet much time, he sat down and
+wrote with perfect self-possession two letters, one to Philip and one to
+Alva.  The celebrated letter to the King was as follows:
+
+     "SIRE,--I have learned, this evening, the sentence which your
+     Majesty has been pleased to pronounce upon me.  Although I have
+     never had a thought, and believe myself never to have done a deed,
+     which could tend to the prejudice of your Majesty's person or
+     service, or to the detriment of our true ancient and Catholic
+     religion, nevertheless I take patience to bear that which it has
+     pleased the good God to send.  If, during these troubles in the
+     Netherlands, I have done or permitted aught which had a different
+     appearance, it has been with the true and good intent to serve God
+     and your Majesty, and the necessity of the times.  Therefore, I pray
+     your Majesty to forgive me, and to have compassion on my poor wife,
+     my children, and my servants; having regard to my past services.
+     In which hope I now commend myself to the mercy of God.
+
+               "From Brussels,
+                    "Ready to die, this 5th June, 1568,
+     "Your Majesty's very humble and loyal vassal and servant,
+                                             "LAMORAL D'EGMONT."
+
+Having thus kissed the murderous hand which smote him, he handed the
+letter, stamped rather with superfluous loyalty than with Christian
+forgiveness, to the Bishop, with a request that he would forward it to
+its destination, accompanied by a letter from his own hand.  This duty
+the Bishop solemnly promised to fulfil.
+
+Facing all the details of his execution with the fortitude which belonged
+to his character, he now took counsel with his confessor as to the
+language proper for him to hold from the scaffold to the assembled
+people.  The Bishop, however, strongly dissuaded him from addressing the
+multitude at all.
+
+The persons farthest removed, urged the priest, would not hear the words,
+while the Spanish troops in the immediate vicinity would not understand
+them.  It seemed, therefore, the part of wisdom and of dignity for him to
+be silent, communing only with his God.  The Count assented to this
+reasoning, and abandoned his intention of saying a few farewell words to
+the people, by many of whom he believed himself tenderly beloved.  He now
+made many preparations for the morrow, in order that his thoughts, in the
+last moments, might not be distracted by mechanical details, cutting the
+collar from his doublet and from his shirt with his own hands, in order
+that those of the hangman might have no excuse for contaminating his
+person.  The rest of the night was passed in prayer and meditation.
+
+Fewer circumstances concerning the last night of Count Horn's life have
+been preserved.  It is, however, well ascertained that the Admiral
+received the sudden news of his condemnation with absolute composure.  He
+was assisted at his devotional exercises in prison by the curate of La
+Chapelle.
+
+During the night, the necessary preparations for the morning tragedy had
+been made in the great square of Brussels.  It was the intention of
+government to strike terror to the heart of the people by the exhibition
+of an impressive and appalling spectacle.  The absolute and irresponsible
+destiny which ruled them was to be made manifest by the immolation of
+these two men, so elevated by rank, powerful connexion, and distinguished
+service.
+
+The effect would be heightened by the character of the, locality where
+the gloomy show was to be presented.  The great square of Brussels had
+always a striking and theatrical aspect.  Its architectural effects,
+suggesting in some degree the meretricious union between Oriental and a
+corrupt Grecian art, accomplished in the medieval midnight, have amazed
+the eyes of many generations.  The splendid Hotel de Ville, with its
+daring spire and elaborate front, ornamented one side of the place;
+directly opposite was the graceful but incoherent facade of the Brood-
+huis, now the last earthly resting-place of the two distinguished
+victims, while grouped around these principal buildings rose the
+fantastic palaces of the Archers, Mariners, and of other guilds, with
+their festooned walls and toppling gables bedizened profusely with
+emblems, statues, and quaint decorations.  The place had been alike the
+scene of many a brilliant tournament and of many a bloody execution.
+Gallant knights had contended within its precincts, while bright eyes
+rained influence from all those picturesque balconies and decorated
+windows.  Martyrs to religious and to political liberty had, upon the
+same spot, endured agonies which might have roused every stone of its
+pavement to mutiny or softened them to pity.  Here Egmont himself, in
+happier days, had often borne away the prize of skill or of valor, the
+cynosure of every eye; and hence, almost in the noon of a life
+illustrated by many brilliant actions, he was to be sent, by the
+hand of tyranny, to his great account.
+
+On the morning of the 5th of June, three thousand Spanish troops were
+drawn up in battle array around a scaffold which had been erected in the
+centre of the square.  Upon this scaffold, which was covered with black
+cloth, were placed two velvet cushions, two iron spikes, and a small
+table.  Upon the table was a silver crucifix.  The provost-marshal,
+Spelle, sat on horseback below, with his red wand in his hand, little
+dreaming that for him a darker doom was reserved than that of which he
+was now the minister.  The executioner was concealed beneath the
+draperies of the scaffold.
+
+At eleven o'clock, a company of Spanish soldiers, led by Julian Romero
+and Captain Salinas, arrived at Egmont's chamber.  The Count was ready
+for them.  They were about to bind his hands, but he warmly protested
+against the indignity, and, opening the folds of his robe, showed them
+that he had himself shorn off his collars, and made preparations for his
+death.  His request was granted.  Egmont, with the Bishop at his side,
+then walked with a steady step the short distance which separated him
+from the place of execution.  Julian Romero and the guard followed him.
+On his way, he read aloud the fifty-first Psalm: "Hear my cry, O God, and
+give ear unto my prayer!"  He seemed to have selected these scriptural
+passages as a proof that, notwithstanding the machinations of his
+enemies, and the cruel punishment to which they had led him, loyalty to
+his sovereign was as deeply rooted and as religious a sentiment in his
+bosom as devotion to his God.  "Thou wilt prolong the King's life; and
+his years as many generations.  He shall abide before God for ever!
+O prepare mercy and truth which may preserve him."  Such was the
+remarkable prayer of the condemned traitor on his way to the block.
+
+Having ascended the scaffold, he walked across it twice or thrice.  He
+was dressed in a tabard or robe of red damask, over which was thrown a
+short black mantle, embroidered in gold.  He had a black silk hat, with
+black and white plumes, on his head, and held a handkerchief in his hand.
+As he strode to and fro, he expressed a bitter regret that he had not
+been permitted to die, sword in hand, fighting for his country and his
+king.  Sanguine to the last, he passionately asked Romero, whether the
+sentence was really irrevocable, whether a pardon was not even then to be
+granted.  The marshal shrugged his shoulders, murmuring a negative reply.
+Upon this, Egmont gnashed his teeth together, rather in rage than
+despair.  Shortly afterward commanding himself again, he threw aside his
+robe and mantle, and took the badge of the Golden Fleece from his neck.
+Kneeling, then, upon one of the cushions, he said the Lord's Prayer
+aloud, and requested the Bishop, who knelt at his side, to repeat it
+thrice.  After this, the prelate gave him the silver crucifix to kiss,
+and then pronounced his blessing upon him.  This done, the Count rose
+again to his feet, laid aside his hat and handkerchief, knelt again upon
+the cushion, drew a little cap over his eyes, and, folding his hands
+together, cried with a loud voice, "Lord, into Thy hands I commit my
+spirit."  The executioner then suddenly appeared, and severed his head
+from his shoulders at a single blow.
+
+A moment of shuddering silence succeeded the stroke.  The whole vast
+assembly seemed to have felt it in their own hearts.  Tears fell from the
+eyes even of the Spanish soldiery, for they knew and honored Egmont as a
+valiant general.  The French embassador, Mondoucet, looking upon the
+scene from a secret place, whispered that he had now seen the head fall
+before which France had twice trembled.  Tears were even seen upon the
+iron cheek of Alva, as, from a window in a house directly opposite the
+scaffold, he looked out upon the scene.
+
+A dark cloth was now quickly thrown over the body and the blood, and,
+within a few minutes, the Admiral was seen advancing through the crowd.
+His bald head was uncovered, his hands were unbound.  He calmly saluted
+such of his acquaintances as he chanced to recognize upon his path. Under
+a black cloak, which he threw off when he had ascended the scaffold, he
+wore a plain, dark doublet, and he did not, like Egmont, wear the
+insignia of the Fleece.  Casting his eyes upon the corpse, which lay
+covered with the dark cloth, he asked if it were the body of Egmont.
+Being answered in the affirmative, he muttered a few words in Spanish,
+which were not distinctly audible.  His attention was next caught by the
+sight of his own coat of arms reversed, and he expressed anger at this
+indignity to his escutcheon, protesting that he had not deserved the
+insult.  He then spoke a few words to the crowd below, wishing them
+happiness, and begging them to pray for his soul.  He did not kiss the
+crucifix, but he knelt upon the scaffold to pray, and was assisted in his
+devotions by the Bishop of Ypres.  When they were concluded, he rose
+again to his feet.  Then drawing a Milan cap completely over his face,
+and uttering, in Latin, the same invocation which Egmont had used, he
+submitted his neck to the stroke.
+
+Egmont had obtained, as a last favor, that his execution should precede
+that of his friend.  Deeming himself in part to blame for Horn's
+reappearance in Brussels after the arrival of Alva, and for his, death,
+which was the result, he wished to be spared the pang of seeing him dead.
+Gemma Frisius, the astrologer who had cast the horoscope of Count Horn at
+his birth, had come to him in the most solemn manner to warn him against
+visiting Brussels.  The Count had answered stoutly that he placed his
+trust in God, and that, moreover, his friend Egmont was going thither
+also, who had engaged that no worse fate should befal the one of them
+than the other.
+
+The heads of both sufferers were now exposed for two hours upon the iron
+stakes.  Their bodies, placed in coffins, remained during the same
+interval upon the scaffold.  Meantime, notwithstanding the presence of
+the troops, the populace could not be restrained from tears and from
+execrations.  Many crowded about the scaffold, and dipped their
+handkerchiefs in the blood, to be preserved afterwards as memorials of
+the crime and as ensigns of revenge.
+
+The bodies were afterwards delivered to their friends.  A stately
+procession of the guilds, accompanied by many of the clergy, conveyed
+their coffins to the church of Saint Gudule.  Thence the body of Egmont
+was carried to the convent of Saint Clara, near the old Brussels gate,
+where it was embalmed.  His escutcheon and banners were hung upon the
+outward wall of his residence, by order of the Countess.  By command of
+Alva they were immediately torn down.  His remains were afterwards
+conveyed to his city of Sottegem, in Flanders, where they were interred.
+Count Horn was entombed at Kempen.  The bodies had been removed from the
+scaffold at two o'clock.  The heads remained exposed between burning
+torches for two hours longer.  They were then taken down, enclosed in
+boxes, and, as it was generally supposed, despatched to Madrid.  The King
+was thus enabled to look upon the dead faces of his victims without the
+trouble of a journey to the provinces.
+
+Thus died Philip Montmorency, Count of Horn, and Lamoral of Egmont,
+Prince of Gaveren.  The more intense sympathy which seemed to attach
+itself to the fate of Egmont, rendered the misfortune of his companion in
+arms and in death comparatively less interesting.
+
+Egmont is a great historical figure, but he was certainly not a great
+man.  His execution remains an enduring monument not only of Philip's
+cruelty and perfidy but of his dullness.  The King had everything to hope
+from Egmont and nothing to fear.  Granvelle knew the man well, and,
+almost to the last, could not believe in the possibility of so
+unparalleled a blunder as that which was to make a victim, a martyr,
+and a popular idol of a personage brave indeed, but incredibly
+vacillating and inordinately vain, who, by a little management, might
+have been converted into a most useful instrument for the royal purposes.
+
+It is not necessary to recapitulate the events of Egmont's career.
+Step by step we have studied his course, and at no single period have
+we discovered even a germ of those elements which make the national
+champion.  His pride of order rendered him furious at the insolence of
+Granvelle, and caused him to chafe under his dominion.  His vanity of
+high rank and of distinguished military service made him covet the
+highest place under the Crown, while his hatred of those by whom he
+considered himself defrauded of his claims, converted him into a
+malcontent.  He had no sympathy with the people, but he loved, as a grand
+Seignior, to be looked up to and admired by a gaping crowd.  He was an
+unwavering Catholic, held sectaries in utter loathing, and, after the
+image-breaking, took a positive pleasure in hanging ministers, together
+with their congregations, and in pressing the besieged Christians of
+Valenciennes to extremities.  Upon more than one occasion he pronounced
+his unequivocal approval of the infamous edicts, and he exerted himself
+at times to enforce them within his province.  The transitory impression
+made upon his mind by the lofty nature of Orange was easily effaced in
+Spain by court flattery and by royal bribes.  Notwithstanding the
+coldness, the rebuffs, and the repeated warnings which might have saved
+him from destruction, nothing could turn him at last from the fanatic
+loyalty towards which, after much wavering, his mind irrevocably pointed.
+His voluntary humiliation as a general, a grandee, a Fleming, and a
+Christian before the insolent Alva upon his first arrival, would move our
+contempt were it not for the gentler emotions suggested by the infatuated
+nobleman's doom.  Upon the departure of Orange, Egmont was only too eager
+to be employed by Philip in any work which the monarch could find for him
+to do.  Yet this was the man whom Philip chose, through the executioner's
+sword, to convert into a popular idol, and whom Poetry has loved to
+contemplate as a romantic champion of freedom.
+
+As for Horn, details enough have likewise been given of his career to
+enable the reader thoroughly to understand the man.  He was a person of
+mediocre abilities and thoroughly commonplace character.  His high rank
+and his tragic fate are all which make him interesting.  He had little
+love for court or people.  Broken in fortunes, he passed his time mainly
+in brooding over the ingratitude of Charles and Philip, and in
+complaining bitterly of the disappointments to which their policy had
+doomed him.  He cared nothing for Cardinalists or confederates.  He
+disliked Brederode, he detested Granvelle.  Gloomy and morose, he went to
+bed, while the men who were called his fellow-conspirators were dining
+and making merry in the same house with himself: He had as little
+sympathy with the cry of "Vivent les gueux" as for that of "Vive le Roy."
+The most interesting features in his character are his generosity toward
+his absent brother and the manliness with which, as Montigny's
+representative at Tournay, he chose rather to confront the anger of the
+government, and to incur the deadly revenge of Philip, than make himself
+the executioner of the harmless Christians in Tournay.  In this regard,
+his conduct is vastly more entitled to our respect than that of Egmont,
+and he was certainly more deserving of reverence from the people, even
+though deserted by all men while living, and left headless and solitary
+in his coffin at Saint Gudule.
+
+The hatred for Alva, which sprang from the graves of these illustrious
+victims, waxed daily more intense.  "Like things of another world," wrote
+Hoogstraaten, "seem the cries, lamentations, and just compassion which
+all the inhabitants of Brussels, noble or ignoble, feel for such
+barbarous tyranny, while this Nero of an Alva is boasting that he will do
+the same to all whom he lays his hands upon."  No man believed that the
+two nobles had committed a crime, and many were even disposed to acquit
+Philip of his share in the judicial murder.  The people ascribed the
+execution solely to the personal jealousy of the Duke.  They discoursed
+to each other not only of the envy with which the Governor-general had
+always regarded the military triumphs of his rival, but related that
+Egmont had at different times won large sums of Alva at games of hazard,
+and that he had moreover, on several occasions, carried off the prize
+from the Duke in shooting at the popinjay.  Nevertheless, in spite of all
+these absurd rumors, there is no doubt that Philip and Alva must share
+equally in the guilt of the transaction, and that the "chastisement" had
+been arranged before Alva had departed from Spain.
+
+The Countess Egmont remained at the convent of Cambre with her eleven
+children, plunged in misery and in poverty.  The Duke wrote to Philip,
+that he doubted if there were so wretched a family in the world.  He, at
+the same time, congratulated his sovereign on the certainty that the more
+intense the effects, the more fruitful would be the example of this great
+execution.  He stated that the Countess was considered a most saintly
+woman, and that there had been scarcely a night in which, attended by her
+daughters, she had not gone forth bare-footed to offer up prayers for her
+husband in every church within the city.  He added, that it was doubtful
+whether they had money enough to buy themselves a supper that very night,
+and he begged the King to allow them the means of supporting life.  He
+advised that the Countess should be placed, without delay in a Spanish
+convent, where her daughters might at once take the veil, assuring his
+Majesty that her dower was entirely inadequate to her support.  Thus
+humanely recommending his sovereign to bestow an alms on the family which
+his own hand had reduced from a princely station to beggary, the Viceroy
+proceeded to detail the recent events in Friesland, together with the
+measures which he was about taking to avenge the defeat and death of
+Count Aremberg.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Deeply criminal in the eyes of all religious parties
+He had omitted to execute heretics
+Holy Office condemned all the inhabitants of the Netherlands
+Not for a new doctrine, but for liberty of conscience
+Questioning nothing, doubting nothing, fearing nothing
+The perpetual reproductions of history
+Wealth was an unpardonable sin
+
+
+
+
+End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Dutch Republic, v15
+by John Lothrop Motley
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 16.
+
+THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
+
+By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY
+
+1855
+
+
+
+
+1568 [CHAPTER III.]
+
+     Preparations of the Duke against Count Louis--Precarious situation
+     of Louis in Friesland--Timidity of the inhabitants--Alva in
+     Friesland--Skirmishing near Groningen--Retreat of the patriots--
+     Error committed by Louis--His position at Jemmingen--Mutinous
+     demonstrations of his troops--Louis partially restores order--
+     Attempt to destroy the dykes interrupted by the arrival of Alva's
+     forces--Artful strategy of the Duke--Defeat of Count Louis and utter
+     destruction of his army--Outrages committed by the Spaniards--Alva
+     at Utrecht--Execution of Vrow van Diemen--Episode of Don Carlos--
+     Fables concerning him and Queen Isabella--Mystery, concerning his
+     death--Secret letters of Philip to the Pope--The one containing the
+     truth of the transaction still concealed in the Vatican--Case
+     against Philip as related by Mathieu, De Thou, and others--Testimony
+     in the King's favor by the nuncio, the Venetian envoy, and others--
+     Doubtful state of the question--Anecdotes concerning Don Carlos--His
+     character.
+
+Those measures were taken with the precision and promptness which marked
+the Duke's character, when precision and promptness were desirable.
+There had been a terrible energy in his every step, since the successful
+foray of Louis Nassau.  Having determined to take the field in person
+with nearly all the Spanish veterans, he had at once acted upon the
+necessity of making the capital secure, after his back should be turned.
+It was impossible to leave three thousand choice troops to guard Count
+Egmont.  A less number seemed insufficient to prevent a rescue.  He had,
+therefore, no longer delayed the chastisement which had already been
+determined, but which the events in the north had precipitated.  Thus the
+only positive result of Louis Nassau's victory was the execution of his
+imprisoned friends.
+
+The expedition under Aremberg had failed from two causes.  The Spanish
+force had been inadequate, and they had attacked the enemy at a
+disadvantage.  The imprudent attack was the result of the contempt
+with which they had regarded their antagonist.  These errors were not to
+be repeated.  Alva ordered Count Meghem, now commanding in the province
+of Groningen, on no account to hazard hostilities until the game was
+sure.  He also immediately ordered large reinforcements to move forward
+to the seat of war.  The commanders intrusted with this duty were Duke
+Eric of Brunswick, Chiappin Vitelli, Noircarmes, and Count de Roeulx.
+The rendezvous for the whole force was Deventer, and here they all
+arrived on the 10th July.  On the same day the Duke of Alva himself
+entered Deventer, to take command in person.  On the evening of the 14th
+July he reached Rolden, a village three leagues distant from Groningen,
+at the head of three terzios of Spanish infantry, three companies of
+light horse, and a troop of dragoons.  His whole force in and about
+Groningen amounted to fifteen thousand choice troops besides a large but
+uncertain number of less disciplined soldiery.
+
+Meantime, Louis of Nassau, since his victory, had accomplished nothing.
+For this inactivity there was one sufficient excuse, the total want of
+funds.  His only revenue was the amount of black mail which he was able
+to levy upon the inhabitants of the province.  He repeated his
+determination to treat them all as enemies, unless they furnished him
+with the means of expelling their tyrants from the country.  He obtained
+small sums in this manner from time to time.  The inhabitants were
+favorably disposed, but they were timid and despairing.  They saw no
+clear way towards the accomplishment of the result concerning which Louis
+was so confident.  They knew that the terrible Alva was already on his
+way.  They felt sure of being pillaged by both parties, and of being
+hanged as rebels, besides, as soon as the Governor-general should make
+his appearance.
+
+Louis had, however, issued two formal proclamations for two especial
+contributions.  In these documents he had succinctly explained that the
+houses of all recusants should be forthwith burned about their ears, and
+in consequence of these peremptory measures, he had obtained some ten
+thousand florins.  Alva ordered counter-proclamations to be affixed to
+church doors and other places, forbidding all persons to contribute to
+these forced loans of the rebels, on penalty of paying twice as much to
+the Spaniards, with arbitrary punishment in addition, after his arrival.
+The miserable inhabitants, thus placed between two fires, had nothing for
+it but to pay one-half of their property to support the rebellion in the
+first place, with the prospect of giving the other half as a subsidy to
+tyranny afterwards; while the gibbet stood at the end of the vista to
+reward their liberality.  Such was the horrible position of the peasantry
+in this civil conflict.  The weight of guilt thus accumulated upon the
+crowned head which conceived, and upon the red right hand which wrought
+all this misery, what human scales can measure?
+
+With these precarious means of support, the army of Louis of Nassau, as
+may easily be supposed, was anything but docile.  After the victory of
+Heiliger Lee there had seemed to his German mercenaries a probability of
+extensive booty, which grew fainter as the slender fruit of that battle
+became daily more apparent.  The two abbots of Wittewerum and of Heiliger
+Lee, who had followed Aremberg's train in order to be witnesses of his
+victory, had been obliged to pay to the actual conqueror a heavy price
+for the entertainment to which they had invited themselves, and these
+sums, together with the amounts pressed from the reluctant estates, and
+the forced contributions paid by luckless peasants, enabled him to keep
+his straggling troops together a few weeks longer.  Mutiny, however, was
+constantly breaking out, and by the eloquent expostulations and vague
+promises of the Count, was with difficulty suppressed.
+
+He had, for a few weeks immediately succeeding the battle, distributed
+his troops in three different stations.  On the approach of the Duke,
+however, he hastily concentrated his whole force at his own strongly
+fortified camp, within half cannon shot of Groningen.  His army, such as
+it was, numbered from 10,000 to 12,000 men.  Alva reached Groningen early
+in the morning, and without pausing a moment, marched his troops directly
+through the city.  He then immediately occupied an entrenched and
+fortified house, from which it was easy to inflict damage upon the camp.
+This done, the Duke, with a few attendants, rode forward to reconnoitre
+the enemy in person.  He found him in a well fortified position, having
+the river on his front, which served as a moat to his camp, and with a
+deep trench three hundred yards beyond, in addition.  Two wooden bridges
+led across the river; each was commanded by a fortified house, in which
+was a provision of pine torches, ready at a moment's warning, to set fire
+to the bridges.  Having thus satisfied himself, the Duke rode back to his
+army, which had received strict orders not to lift a finger till his
+return.  He then despatched a small force of five hundred musketeers,
+under Robles, to skirmish with the enemy, and, if possible, to draw them
+from their trenches.
+
+The troops of Louis, however, showed no greediness to engage.  On the
+contrary, it soon became evident that their dispositions were of an
+opposite tendency.  The Count himself, not at that moment trusting his
+soldiery, who were in an extremely mutinous condition, was desirous of
+falling back before his formidable antagonist.  The Duke, faithful,
+however, to his life-long principles, had no intentions of precipitating
+the action in those difficult and swampy regions.  The skirmishing,
+therefore, continued for many hours, an additional force of 1000 men
+being detailed from the Spanish army.  The day was very sultry, however,
+the enemy reluctant, and the whole action languid.  At last, towards
+evening, a large body, tempted beyond their trenches, engaged warmly with
+the Spaniards.  The combat lasted but a few minutes, the patriots were
+soon routed, and fled precipitately back to their camp.  The panic spread
+with them, and the whole army was soon in retreat.  On retiring, they
+had, however, set fire to the bridges, and thus secured an advantage at
+the outset of the chase.  The Spaniards were no longer to be held.
+Vitelli obtained permission to follow with 2000 additional troops.  The
+fifteen hundred who had already been engaged, charged furiously upon
+their retreating foes.  Some dashed across the blazing bridges, with
+their garments and their very beards on fire.  Others sprang into the
+river.  Neither fire nor water could check the fierce pursuit.  The
+cavalry dismounting, drove their horses into the stream, and clinging to
+their tails, pricked the horses forward with their lances.  Having thus
+been dragged across, they joined their comrades in the mad chase along
+the narrow dykes, and through the swampy and almost impassable country
+where the rebels were seeking shelter.  The approach of night, too soon
+advancing, at last put an end to the hunt.  The Duke with difficulty
+recalled his men, and compelled them to restrain their eagerness until
+the morrow.  Three hundred of the patriots were left dead upon the field,
+besides at least an equal number who perished in the river and canals.
+The army of Louis was entirely routed, and the Duke considered it
+virtually destroyed.  He wrote to the state council that he should pursue
+them the next day, but doubted whether he should find anybody to talk
+with him.  In this the Governor-general soon found himself delightfully
+disappointed.
+
+Five days later, the Duke arrived at Reyden, on the Ems.  Owing to the
+unfavorable disposition of the country people, who were willing to
+protect the fugitives by false information to their pursuers, he was
+still in doubt as to the position then occupied by the enemy.  He had
+been fearful that they would be found at this very village of Reyden.
+It was a fatal error on the part of Count Louis that they were not.
+Had lie made a stand at this point, he might have held out a long time.
+The bridge which here crossed the river would have afforded him a retreat
+into Germany at any moment, and the place was easily to be defended in
+front.  Thus he might have maintained himself against his fierce but wary
+foe, while his brother Orange, who was at Strasburg watching the progress
+of events, was executing his own long-planned expedition into the heart
+of the Netherlands.  With Alva thus occupied in Friesland, the results of
+such an invasion might have been prodigious.  It was, however, not on the
+cards for that campaign.  The mutinous disposition of the mercenaries
+under his command had filled Louis with doubt and disgust.  Bold and
+sanguine, but always too fiery and impatient, he saw not much possibility
+of paying his troops any longer with promises.  Perhaps he was not
+unwilling to place them in a position where they would be obliged to
+fight or to perish.  At any rate, such was their present situation.
+Instead of halting at Reyden, he had made his stand at Jemmingen, about
+four leagues distant from that place, and a little further down the
+river.  Alva discovered this important fact soon after his arrival at
+Reyden, and could not conceal his delight.  Already exulting at the error
+made by his adversary, in neglecting the important position which he now
+occupied himself, he was doubly delighted at learning the nature of the
+place which he had in preference selected.  He saw that Louis had
+completely entrapped himself.
+
+Jemmingen was a small town on the left bank of the Ems.  The stream here
+very broad and deep, is rather a tide inlet than a river, being but a
+very few miles from the Dollart.  This circular bay, or ocean chasm, the
+result of the violent inundation of the 13th century, surrounds, with the
+river, a narrow peninsula.  In the corner of this peninsula, as in the
+bottom of a sack, Louis had posted his army.  His infantry, as usual,
+was drawn up in two large squares, and still contained ten thousand men.
+The rear rested upon the village, the river was upon his left; his meagre
+force of cavalry upon the right.  In front were two very deep trenches.
+The narrow road, which formed the only entrance to his camp, was guarded
+by a ravelin on each side, and by five pieces of artillery.
+
+The Duke having reconnoitred the enemy in person, rode back, satisfied
+that no escape was possible.  The river was too deep and too wide for
+swimming or wading, and there were but very few boats.  Louis was shut up
+between twelve thousand Spanish veterans and the river Ems.  The rebel
+army, although not insufficient in point of numbers, was in a state of
+disorganization.  They were furious for money and reluctant to fight.
+They broke out into open mutiny upon the very verge of battle, and swore
+that they would instantly disband, if the gold, which, as they believed,
+had been recently brought into the camp, were not immediately distributed
+among them.  Such was the state of things on the eventful morning of the
+21st July.  All the expostulations of Count Louis seemed powerless.  His
+eloquence and his patience, both inferior to his valor, were soon
+exhausted.  He peremptorily, refused the money for which they clamored,
+giving the most cogent of all reasons, an empty coffer.  He demonstrated
+plainly that they were in that moment to make their election, whether to
+win a victory or to submit to a massacre.  Neither flight nor surrender
+was possible.  They knew how much quarter they could expect from the
+lances of the Spaniards or the waters of the Dollart.  Their only chance
+of salvation lay in their own swords.  The instinct of self-preservation,
+thus invoked, exerted a little of its natural effect.
+
+Meantime, a work which had been too long neglected, was then, if
+possible, to be performed.  In that watery territory, the sea was only
+held in check by artificial means.  In a very short time, by the
+demolition of a few dykes and the opening of a few sluices, the whole
+country through which the Spaniards had to pass could be laid under
+water.  Believing it yet possible to enlist the ocean in his defence,
+Louis, having partially reduced his soldiers to obedience, ordered a
+strong detachment upon this important service.  Seizing a spade, he
+commenced the work himself, and then returned to set his army in battle
+array.  Two or three tide gates had been opened, two or three bridges had
+been demolished, when Alva, riding in advance of his army, appeared
+within a mile or two of Jemmingen.  It was then eight o'clock in the
+morning.  The patriots redoubled their efforts.  By ten o'clock the
+waters were already knee high, and in some places as deep as to the
+waist.  At that hour, the advanced guard of the Spaniards arrived.
+Fifteen hundred musketeers were immediately ordered forward by the Duke.
+They were preceded by a company of mounted carabineers, attended by a
+small band of volunteers of distinction.  This little band threw
+themselves at once upon the troops engaged in destroying the dykes.  The
+rebels fled at the first onset, and the Spaniards closed the gates.
+Feeling the full importance of the moment, Count Louis ordered a large
+force of musketeers to recover the position, and to complete the work of
+inundation.  It was too late.  The little band of Spaniards held the post
+with consummate tenacity.  Charge after charge, volley after volley, from
+the overwhelming force brought against them, failed to loosen the fierce
+grip with which they held this key to the whole situation.  Before they
+could be driven from the dykes, their comrades arrived, when all their
+antagonists at once made a hurried retreat to their camp.
+
+Very much the same tactics were now employed by the Duke, as in the
+engagement near Selwaert Abbey.  He was resolved that this affair, also,
+should be a hunt, not a battle; but foresaw that it was to be a more
+successful one.  There was no loophole of escape, so that after a little
+successful baiting, the imprisoned victims would be forced to spring from
+their lurking-place, to perish upon his spears.  On his march from Reyden
+that morning, he had taken care to occupy every farm-house, every
+building of whatever description along the road, with his troops.  He had
+left a strong guard on the bridge at Reyden, and had thus closed
+carefully every avenue.  The same fifteen hundred musketeers were now
+advanced further towards the camp.  This small force, powerfully but
+secretly sustained, was to feel the enemy; to skirmish with him, and to
+draw him as soon as possible out of his trenches.  The plan succeeded.
+Gradually the engagements between them and the troops sent out by Count
+Louis grew more earnest.  Finding so insignificant a force opposed to
+them, the mutinous rebels took courage.  The work waged hot.  Lodrono and
+Romero, commanders of the musketeers, becoming alarmed, sent to the Duke
+for reinforcements.  He sent back word in reply, that if they were not
+enough to damage the enemy, they could, at least, hold their own for the
+present.  So much he had a right to expect of Spanish soldiers.  At any
+rate, he should send no reinforcements,
+
+Again they were more warmly pressed; again their messenger returned with
+the same reply.  A third time they send the most urgent entreaties for
+succour.  The Duke was still inexorable.
+
+Meantime the result of this scientific angling approached.  By noon the
+rebels, not being able to see how large a portion of the Spanish army had
+arrived, began to think the affair not so serious.  Count Louis sent out
+a reconnoitring party upon the river in a few boats.  They returned
+without having been able to discover any large force.  It seemed
+probable, therefore, that the inundation had been more successful in
+stopping their advance than had been supposed.  Louis, always too rash,
+inflamed his men with temporary enthusiasm.  Determined to cut their way
+out by one vigorous movement, the whole army at last marched forth from
+their entrenchments, with drums beating, colors flying; but already the
+concealed reinforcements of their enemies were on the spot.  The patriots
+met with a warmer reception than they had expected.  Their courage
+evaporated.  Hardly had they advanced three hundred yards, when the whole
+body wavered and then retreated precipitately towards the encampment,
+having scarcely exchanged a shot with the enemy.  Count Louis, in a
+frenzy of rage and despair, flew from rank to rank, in vain endeavouring
+to rally his terror-stricken troops.  It was hopeless.  The battery which
+guarded the road was entirely deserted.  He rushed to the cannon himself,
+and fired them all with his own hand.  It was their first and last
+discharge.  His single arm, however bold, could not turn the tide of
+battle, and he was swept backwards with his coward troops.  In a moment
+afterwards, Don Lope de Figueroa, who led the van of the Spaniards,
+dashed upon the battery, and secured it, together with the ravelins.
+Their own artillery was turned against the rebels, and the road was
+soon swept.  The Spaniards in large numbers now rushed through the
+trenches in pursuit of the retreating foe.  No resistance was offered,
+nor quarter given.  An impossible escape was all which was attempted.
+It was not a battle, but a massacre.  Many of the beggars in their flight
+threw down their arms; all had forgotten their use.  Their antagonists
+butchered them in droves, while those who escaped the sword were hurled
+into the river.  Seven Spaniards were killed, and seven thousand rebels.
+
+     [Letter of Alva to the Council of State.  Correspondanee du Duc
+     d'Albe, 158.  The same letter is published in Igor, iv. 245, 246.
+     All writers allow seven thousand to have been killed on the patriot
+     side, and--the number of Spaniards slain is not estimated at more
+     than eighty, even by the patriotic Meteren, 55.  Compare Bor, iv.
+     245-246; Herrera, av.  696; Hoofd, v, 176, and Mendoza, 72.]
+
+The swift ebb-tide swept the hats of the perishing wretches in such
+numbers down the stream, that the people at Embden knew the result of the
+battle in an incredibly short period of time.  The skirmishing had lasted
+from ten o'clock till one, but the butchery continued much longer.  It
+took time to slaughter even unresisting victims.  Large numbers obtained
+refuge for the night upon an island in the river.  At low water next day
+the Spaniards waded to them, and slew every man.  Many found concealment
+in hovels, swamps, and thickets, so that the whole of the following day
+was occupied in ferreting out and despatching them.  There was so much to
+be done, that there was work enough for all.  "Not a soldier," says, with
+great simplicity, a Spanish historian who fought in the battle, "not a
+soldier, nor even a lad, who wished to share in the victory, but could
+find somebody to wound, to kill, to burn, or to drown."  The wounding,
+killing, burning, drowning lasted two days, and very few escaped.  The
+landward pursuit extended for three or four leagues around, so that the
+roads and pastures were covered with bodies, with corslets, and other
+weapons.  Count Louis himself stripped off his clothes, and made his
+escape, when all was over, by swimming across the Ems.  With the paltry
+remnant of his troops he again took refuge in Germany.
+
+The Spanish army, two days afterwards, marched back to Groningen.  The
+page which records their victorious campaign is foul with outrage and red
+with blood.  None of the horrors which accompany the passage of hostile
+troops through a defenceless country were omitted.  Maids and matrons
+were ravished in multitudes; old men butchered in cold blood.  As Alva
+returned, with the rear-guard of his army, the whole sky was red with a
+constant conflagration; the very earth seemed changed to ashes.  Every
+peasant's hovel, every farm-house, every village upon the road had been
+burned to the ground.  So gross and so extensive had been the outrage,
+that the commander-in-chief felt it due to his dignity to hang some of
+his own soldiers who had most distinguished themselves in this work.
+Thus ended the campaign of Count Louis in Friesland.  Thus signally and
+terribly had the Duke of Alva vindicated the supremacy of Spanish
+discipline and of his own military skill.
+
+On his return to Groningen, the estates were summoned, and received a
+severe lecture for their suspicious demeanour in regard to the rebellion.
+In order more effectually to control both province and city, the
+Governor-general ordered the construction of a strong fortress, which
+was soon begun but never completed.  Having thus furnished himself with
+a key to this important and doubtful region, he returned by way of
+Amsterdam to Utrecht.  There he was met by his son Frederic with strong
+reinforcements.  The Duke reviewed his whole army, and found himself at
+the head of 30,000 infantry and 7,000 cavalry.  Having fully subdued the
+province, he had no occupation for such a force, but he improved the
+opportunity by cutting off the head of an old woman in Utrecht.  The Vrow
+van Diemen, eighteen months previously, had given the preacher Arendsoon
+a night's lodging in her house.  The crime had, in fact, been committed
+by her son-in-law, who dwelt under her roof, and who had himself, without
+her participation, extended this dangerous hospitality to a heretic; but
+the old lady, although a devout Catholic, was rich.  Her execution would
+strike a wholesome terror into the hearts of her neighbours.  The
+confiscation of her estates would bring a handsome sum into the
+government coffers.  It would be made manifest that the same hand which
+could destroy an army of twelve thousand rebels at a blow could inflict
+as signal punishment on the small delinquencies of obscure individuals.
+The old lady, who was past eighty-four years of age, was placed in a
+chair upon the scaffold.  She met her death with heroism, and treated her
+murderers with contempt.  "I understand very well," she observed, "why my
+death is considered necessary.  The calf is fat and must be killed."  To
+the executioner she expressed a hope that his sword was sufficiently
+sharp, "as he was likely to find her old neck very tough."  With this
+grisly parody upon the pathetic dying words of Anne Boleyn, the
+courageous old gentlewoman submitted to her fate.
+
+The tragedy of Don Carlos does not strictly belong to our subject, which
+is the rise of the Netherland commonwealth--not the decline of the
+Spanish monarchy, nor the life of Philip the Second.  The thread is but
+slender which connects the unhappy young prince with the fortunes of the
+northern republic.  He was said, no doubt with truth, to desire the
+government of Flanders.  He was also supposed to be in secret
+correspondence with the leaders of the revolt in the provinces.
+He appeared, however, to possess very little of their confidence.
+His name is only once mentioned by William of Orange, who said in a
+letter that "the Prince of Spain had lately eaten sixteen pounds of
+fruit, including four pounds of grapes at a single sitting, and had
+become ill in consequence."  The result was sufficiently natural, but it
+nowhere appears that the royal youth, born to consume the fruits of the
+earth so largely, had ever given the Netherlanders any other proof of
+his capacity to govern them.  There is no doubt that he was a most
+uncomfortable personage at home, both to himself and to others, and that
+he hated his father' very cordially.  He was extremely incensed at the
+nomination of Alva to the Netherlands, because he had hoped that either
+the King would go thither or entrust the mission to him, in either of
+which events he should be rid for a time of the paternal authority, or
+at least of the paternal presence.  It seems to be well ascertained that
+Carlos nourished towards his father a hatred which might lead to criminal
+attempts, but there is no proof that such attempts were ever made.  As to
+the fabulous amours of the Prince and the Queen, they had never any
+existence save in the imagination of poets, who have chosen to find
+a source of sentimental sorrow for the Infante in the arbitrary
+substitution of his father for himself in the marriage contract with the
+daughter of Henry the Second.  As Carlos was but twelve or thirteen years
+of age when thus deprived of a bride whom he had never seen, the
+foundation for a passionate regret was but slight.  It would hardly be
+a more absurd fantasy, had the poets chosen to represent Philip's father,
+the Emperor Charles, repining in his dotage for the loss of "bloody
+Mary," whom he had so handsomely ceded to his son.  Philip took a bad old
+woman to relieve his father; he took a fair young princess at his son's
+expense; but similar changes in state marriages were such matters of
+course, that no emotions were likely to be created in consequence.  There
+is no proof whatever, nor any reason to surmise; that any love passages
+ever existed between Don Carlos and his step-mother.
+
+As to the process and the death of the Prince, the mystery has not yet
+been removed, and the field is still open to conjecture.  It seems a
+thankless task to grope in the dark after the truth at a variety of
+sources; when the truth really exists in tangible shape if profane hands
+could be laid upon it.  The secret is buried in the bosom of the Vatican.
+Philip wrote two letters on the subject to Pius V.  The contents of the
+first (21st January, 1568) are known.  He informed the pontiff that he
+had been obliged to imprison his son, and promised that he would, in the
+conduct of the affair, omit nothing which could be expected of a father
+and of a just and prudent king.  The second letter, in which he narrated,
+or is supposed to have narrated, the whole course of the tragic
+proceedings, down to the death and burial of the Prince, has never yet
+been made public.  There are hopes that this secret missive, after three
+centuries of darkness, may soon see the light.--[I am assured by Mr.
+Gachard that a copy of this important letter is confidently expected by
+the Commission Royale d'Histoire.]
+
+As Philip generally told the truth to the Pope, it is probable that the
+secret, when once revealed, will contain the veritable solution of the
+mystery.  Till that moment arrives, it seems idle to attempt fathoming
+the matter.  Nevertheless, it may be well briefly to state the case as it
+stands.  As against the King, it rests upon no impregnable, but certainly
+upon respectable authority.  The Prince of Orange, in his famous Apology,
+calls Philip the murderer of his wife and of his son, and says that there
+was proof of the facts in France.  He alludes to the violent death of
+Carlos almost as if it were an indisputable truth.  "As for Don Charles,"
+he says, "was he not our future sovereign?  And if the father could
+allege against his son fit cause for death, was it not rather for us
+to judge him than for three or four monks or inquisitors of Spain?"
+
+The historian, P. Matthieu, relates that Philip assembled his council of
+conscience; that they recommended mercy; that hereupon Philip gave the
+matter to the inquisition, by which tribunal Carlos was declared a
+heretic on account of his connexion with Protestants, and for his attempt
+against his father's life was condemned to death, and that the sentence
+was executed by four slaves, two holding the arms, one the feet, while
+the fourth strangled him.
+
+De Thou gives the following account of the transaction, having derived
+many of his details from the oral communications of Louis de Foix:
+
+Philip imagined that his son was about to escape from Spain, and to make
+his way to the Netherlands.  The King also believed himself in danger of
+assassination from Carlos, his chief evidence being that the Prince
+always carried pistols in the pockets of his loose breeches.  As Carlos
+wished always to be alone at night without any domestic in his chamber,
+de Foix had arranged for him a set of pulleys, by means of which he could
+open or shut his door without rising from his bed.  He always slept with
+two pistols and two drawn swords under his pillow, and had two loaded
+arquebusses in a wardrobe close at hand.  These remarkable precautions
+would seem rather to indicate a profound fear of being himself
+assassinated; but they were nevertheless supposed to justify Philip's
+suspicions, that the Infante was meditating parricide.  On Christmas eve,
+however (1567), Don Carlos told his confessor that he had determined to
+kill a man.  The priest, in consequence, refused to admit him to the
+communion.  The Prince demanded, at least, a wafer which was not
+consecrated, in order that he might seem to the people to be
+participating in the sacrament.  The confessor declined the proposal,
+and immediately repairing to the King, narrated the whole story.  Philip
+exclaimed that he was himself the man whom the Prince intended to kill,
+but that measures should be forthwith taken to prevent such a design.
+The monarch then consulted the Holy Office of the inquisition, and the
+resolution was taken to arrest his son.  De Foix was compelled to alter
+the pulleys of the door to the Prince's chamber in such a manner that it
+could be opened without the usual noise, which was almost sure to awaken
+him.  At midnight, accordingly, Count Lerma entered the room so
+stealthily that the arms were all, removed from the Prince's pillow and
+the wardrobe, without awakening the sleeper.  Philip, Ruy Gomez, the Duke
+de Feria, and two other nobles, then noiselessly, crept into the
+apartment.  Carlos still slept so profoundly that it was necessary
+for Derma to shake him violently by the arm before he could be aroused.
+Starting from his sleep in the dead of night, and seeing his father thus
+accompanied, before his bed, the Prince cried out that he was a dead man,
+and earnestly besought the bystanders to make an end of him at once.
+Philip assured him, however, that he was not come to kill him, but to
+chastise him paternally, and to recal him to his duty.  He then read
+him a serious lecture, caused him to rise from his bed, took away his
+servants, and placed him under guard.  He was made to array himself in
+mourning habiliments, and to sleep on a truckle bed.  The Prince was in
+despair.  He soon made various attempts upon his own life.  He threw
+himself into the fire, but was rescued by his guards, with his clothes
+all in flames.  He passed several days without taking any food, and then
+ate so many patties of minced meat that he nearly died of indigestion.
+He was also said to have attempted to choke himself with a diamond, and
+to have been prevented by his guard; to have filled his bed with ice; to
+have sat in cold draughts; to have gone eleven days without food, the
+last method being, as one would think, sufficiently thorough.  Philip,
+therefore, seeing his son thus desperate, consulted once more with the
+Holy Office, and came to the decision that it was better to condemn him
+legitimately to death than to permit him to die by his own hand.  In
+order, however, to save appearances, the order was secretly carried into
+execution.  Don Carlos was made to swallow poison in a bowl of broth, of
+which he died in a few hours.  This was at the commencement of his
+twenty-third year.  The death was concealed for several months, and was
+not made public till after Alva's victory at Jemmingen.
+
+Such was the account drawn up by de Thou from the oral communications of
+de Foix, and from other sources not indicated.  Certainly, such a
+narrative is far from being entitled to implicit credence.  The historian
+was a contemporary, but he was not in Spain, and the engineer's testimony
+is, of course, not entitled to much consideration on the subject of the
+process and the execution (if there were an execution); although
+conclusive as to matters which had been within his personal knowledge.
+For the rest, all that it can be said to establish is the existence of
+the general rumor, that Carlos came to his death by foul means and in
+consequence of advice given by the inquisition.
+
+On the other hand, in all the letters written at the period by persons
+in Madrid most likely, from their position, to know the truth, not a
+syllable has been found in confirmation of the violent death said to have
+been suffered by Carlos.  Secretary Erasso, the papal nuncio Castagna,
+the Venetian envoy Cavalli, all express a conviction that the death of
+the prince had been brought about by his own extravagant conduct and
+mental excitement; by alternations of starving and voracious eating, by
+throwing himself into the fire; by icing his bed, and by similar acts of
+desperation.  Nearly every writer alludes to the incident of the refusal
+of the priest to admit Carlos to communion, upon the ground of his
+confessed deadly hatred to an individual whom all supposed to be the
+King.  It was also universally believed that Carlos meant to kill his
+father.  The nuncio asked Spinosa (then president of Castile) if this
+report were true.  "If nothing more were to be feared," answered the
+priest, "the King would protect himself by other measures," but the matter
+was worse, if worse could be.  The King, however, summoned all the
+foreign diplomatic body and assured them that the story was false.  After
+his arrest, the Prince, according to Castagna, attempted various means
+of suicide, abstaining, at last, many days from food, and dying in
+consequence, "discoursing, upon his deathbed, gravely and like a man of
+sense."
+
+The historian Cabrera, official panegyrist of Philip the Second, speaks
+of the death of Carlos as a natural one, but leaves a dark kind of
+mystery about the symptoms of his disease.  He states, that the Prince
+was tried and condemned by a commission or junta, consisting of Spinosa,
+Ruy Gomez, and the Licentiate Virviesca, but that he was carried off by
+an illness, the nature of which he does not describe.
+
+Llorente found nothing in the records of the Inquisition to prove that
+the Holy Office had ever condemned the Prince or instituted any process
+against him.  He states that he was condemned by a commission, but that
+he died of a sickness which supervened.  It must be confessed that the
+illness was a convenient one, and that such diseases are very apt to
+attack individuals whom tyrants are disposed to remove from their path,
+while desirous, at the same time, to save appearances.  It would
+certainly be presumptuous to accept implicitly the narrative of de Thou,
+which is literally followed by Hoofd and by many modern writers.  On the
+other hand, it would be an exaggeration of historical scepticism to
+absolve Philip from the murder of his son, solely upon negative
+testimony.  The people about court did not believe in the crime.  They
+saw no proofs of it.  Of course they saw none.  Philip would take good
+care that there should be none if he had made up his mind that the death
+of the Prince should be considered a natural one.  And priori argument,
+which omits the character of the suspected culprit, and the extraordinary
+circumstances of time and place, is not satisfactory.  Philip thoroughly
+understood the business of secret midnight murder.  We shall soon have
+occasion to relate the elaborate and ingenious method by which the
+assassination of Montigny was accomplished and kept a profound secret
+from the whole world, until the letters of the royal assassin, after
+three centuries' repose, were exhumed, and the foul mystery revealed.
+Philip was capable of any crime.  Moreover, in his letter to his aunt,
+Queen Catharine of Portugal, he distinctly declares himself, like
+Abraham, prepared to go all lengths in obedience to the Lord.  "I have
+chosen in this matter," he said, "to make the sacrifice to God of my own
+flesh and blood, and to prefer His service and the universal welfare to
+all other human considerations."  Whenever the letter to Pius V. sees the
+light, it will appear whether the sacrifice which the monarch thus made
+to his God proceeded beyond the imprisonment and condemnation of his son,
+or was completed by the actual immolation of the victim.
+
+With regard to the Prince himself, it is very certain that, if he had
+lived, the realms of the Spanish Crown would have numbered one tyrant
+more.  Carlos from his earliest youth, was remarkable for the ferocity of
+his character.  The Emperor Charles was highly pleased with him, then
+about fourteen years of age, upon their first interview after the
+abdication.  He flattered himself that the lad had inherited his own
+martial genius together with his name.  Carlos took much interest in his
+grandfather's account of his various battles, but when the flight from
+Innspruck was narrated, he repeated many times, with much vehemence, that
+he never would have fled; to which position he adhered, notwithstanding
+all the arguments of the Emperor, and very much to his amusement.  The
+young Prince was always fond of soldiers, and listened eagerly to
+discourses of war.  He was in the habit also of recording the names of
+any military persons who, according to custom, frequently made offers of
+their services to the heir apparent, and of causing them to take a solemn
+oath to keep their engagements.  No other indications of warlike talent,
+however, have been preserved concerning him.  "He was crafty, ambitious,
+cruel, violent," says the envoy Suriano, "a hater of buffoons, a lover of
+soldiers."  His natural cruelty seems to have been remarkable from his
+boyhood.  After his return from the chase, he was in the habit of cutting
+the throats of hares and other animals, and of amusing himself with their
+dying convulsions.  He also frequently took pleasure in roasting them
+alive.  He once received a present of a very large snake from some person
+who seemed to understand how to please this remarkable young prince.
+After a time, however, the favorite reptile allowed itself to bite its
+master's finger, whereupon Don Carlos immediately retaliated by biting
+off its head.
+
+He was excessively angry at the suggestion that the prince who was
+expected to spring from his father's marriage with the English queen,
+would one day reign over the Netherlands, and swore he would challenge
+him to mortal combat in order to prevent such an infringement of his
+rights.  His father and grandfather were both highly diverted with this
+manifestation of spirit,  but it was not decreed that the world should
+witness the execution of these fraternal intentions against the babe
+which was never to be born.
+
+Ferocity, in short, seems to have been the leading characteristic of the
+unhappy Carlos.  His preceptor, a man of learning and merit, who was
+called "the honorable John", tried to mitigate this excessive ardor of
+temperament by a course of Cicero de Officiis, which he read to him
+daily.  Neither the eloquence of Tully, however, nor the precepts of the
+honorable John made the least impression upon this very savage nature.
+As he grew older he did not grow wiser nor more gentle.  He was
+prematurely and grossly licentious.  All the money which as a boy, he was
+allowed, he spent upon women of low character, and when he was penniless,
+he gave them his chains, his medals, even the clothes from his back.
+He took pleasure in affronting respectable females when he met them in
+the streets, insulting them by the coarsest language and gestures.
+Being cruel, cunning, fierce and licentious, he seemed to combine many
+of the worst qualities of a lunatic.  That he probably was one is the
+best defence which can be offered for his conduct.  In attempting to
+offer violence to a female, while he was at the university of Alcala, he
+fell down a stone staircase, from which cause he was laid up for a long
+time with a severely wounded head, and was supposed to have injured his
+brain.
+
+The traits of ferocity recorded of him during his short life are so
+numerous that humanity can hardly desire that it should have been
+prolonged.  A few drops of water having once fallen upon his head from a
+window, as he passed through the street, he gave peremptory orders to his
+guard to burn the house to the ground, and to put every one of its
+inhabitants to the sword.  The soldiers went forthwith to execute the
+order, but more humane than their master, returned with the excuse that
+the Holy Sacrament of the Viaticum had that moment been carried into the
+house.  This appeal to the superstition of the Prince successfully
+suspended the execution of the crimes which his inconceivable malignity
+had contemplated.  On another occasion, a nobleman, who slept near his
+chamber, failed to answer his bell on the instant.  Springing upon his
+dilatory attendant, as soon as he made his appearance, the Prince seized
+him in his arms and was about to throw him from the window, when the
+cries of the unfortunate chamberlain attracted attention, and procured a
+rescue.
+
+The Cardinal Espinoza had once accidentally detained at his palace an
+actor who was to perform a favorite part by express command of Don
+Carlos.  Furious at this detention, the Prince took the priest by the
+throat as soon as he presented himself at the palace, and plucking his
+dagger from its sheath, swore, by the soul of his father, that he would
+take his life on the spot.  The grand inquisitor fell on his knees and
+begged for mercy, but it is probable that the entrance of the King alone
+saved his life.
+
+There was often something ludicrous mingled with the atrocious in these
+ungovernable explosions of wrath.  Don Pedro Manuel, his chamberlain, had
+once, by his command, ordered a pair of boots to be made for the Prince.
+When brought home, they were, unfortunately, too tight.  The Prince after
+vainly endeavouring to pull them on, fell into a blazing passion.  He
+swore that it was the fault of Don Pedro, who always wore tight boots
+himself, but he at the same time protested that his father was really at
+the bottom of the affair.  He gave the young nobleman a box on the ear
+for thus conspiring with the King against his comfort, and then ordered
+the boots to be chopped into little pieces, stewed and seasoned.  Then
+sending for the culprit shoemaker, he ordered him to eat his own boots,
+thus converted into a pottage; and with this punishment the unfortunate
+mechanic, who had thought his life forfeited, was sufficiently glad to
+comply.
+
+Even the puissant Alva could not escape his violence.  Like all the men
+in whom his father reposed confidence, the Duke was odious to the heir
+apparent.  Don Carlos detested him with the whole force of his little
+soul.  He hated him as only a virtuous person deserved to be hated by
+such a ruffian.  The heir apparent had taken the Netherlands under his
+patronage.  He had even formed the design of repairing secretly to the
+provinces, and could not, therefore, disguise his wrath at the
+appointment of the Duke.  It is doubtful whether the country would have
+benefited by the gratification of his wishes.  It is possible that the
+pranks of so malignant an ape might have been even more mischievous than
+the concentrated and vigorous tyranny of an Alva.  When the new Captain-
+general called, before his departure, to pay his respects to the Infante,
+the Duke seemed, to his surprise, to have suddenly entered the den of a
+wild beast.  Don Carlos sprang upon him with a howl of fury, brandishing
+a dagger in his hand.  He uttered reproaches at having been defrauded of
+the Netherland government.  He swore that Alva should never accomplish
+his mission, nor leave his presence alive.  He was proceeding to make
+good the threat with his poniard, when the Duke closed with him.
+A violent struggle succeeded.  Both rolled together on the ground,
+the Prince biting and striking like a demoniac, the Duke defending
+himself as well as he was able, without attempting his adversary's life.
+Before the combat was decided, the approach of many persons put an end to
+the disgraceful scene.  As decent a veil as possible was thrown over the
+transaction, and the Duke departed on his mission.  Before the end of the
+year, the Prince was in the prison whence he never came forth alive.
+
+The figure of Don Carlos was as misshapen as his mind.  His head was
+disproportionately large, his limbs were rickety, one shoulder was
+higher, one leg longer than the other.  With features resembling those
+of his father, but with a swarthy instead of a fair complexion, with an
+expression of countenance both fierce and foolish, and with a character
+such as we have sketched it, upon the evidence of those who knew him
+well, it is indeed strange that he should ever have been transformed by
+the magic of poetry into a romantic hero.  As cruel and cunning as his
+father, as mad as his great-grandmother, he has left a name, which not
+even his dark and mysterious fate can render interesting.
+
+
+
+
+1568 [CHAPTER IV.]
+
+     Continued and excessive barbarity of the government--Execution of
+     Antony van Straalen, of "Red--Rod" Spelle--The Prince of Orange
+     advised by his German friends to remain quiet--Heroic sentiments of
+     Orange--His religious opinions--His efforts in favor of toleration--
+     His fervent piety--His public correspondence with the Emperor--His
+     "Justification," his "Warning," and other papers characterized--The
+     Prince, with a considerable army, crosses the Rhine--Passage of the
+     Meuse at Stochem--He offers battle to Alva--Determination of the
+     Duke to avoid an engagement--Comparison of his present situation
+     with his previous position in Friesland--Masterly tactics of the
+     Duke--Skirmish on the Geta--Defeat of the Orangists--Death of
+     Hoogstraaten--Junction with Genlis--Adherence of Alva to his
+     original plan--The Prince crosses the frontier of France--
+     Correspondence between Charles IX. and Orange--The patriot army
+     disbanded at Strasburg--Comments by Granvelle upon the position of
+     the Prince--Triumphant attitude of Alva--Festivities at Brussels--
+     Colossal statue of Alva erected by himself in Antwerp citadel--
+     Intercession of the Emperor with Philip--Memorial of six Electors to
+     the Emperor--Mission of the Archduke Charles to Spain--His
+     negotiations with Philip--Public and private correspondence between
+     the King and Emperor--Duplicity of Maximilian--Abrupt conclusion to
+     the intervention--Granvelle's suggestions to Philip concerning the
+     treaty of Passau.
+
+The Duke having thus crushed the project of Count Bouts, and quelled the
+insurrection in Friesland, returned in triumph to Brussels.  Far from
+softened by the success of his arms, he renewed with fresh energy the
+butchery which, for a brief season, had been suspended during his
+brilliant campaign in the north.  The altars again smoked with victims;
+the hanging, burning, drowning, beheading, seemed destined to be the
+perpetual course of his administration, so long as human bodies remained
+on which his fanatical vengeance could be wreaked.  Four men of eminence
+were executed soon after his return to the capital.  They had previously
+suffered such intense punishment on the rack, that it was necessary to
+carry them to the scaffold and bind them upon chairs, that they might be
+beheaded.  These four sufferers were a Frisian nobleman, named Galena,
+the secretaries of Egmont and Horn, Bakkerzeel and La Loo, and the
+distinguished burgomaster of Antwerp, Antony Van Straalen.  The arrest of
+the three last-mentioned individuals, simultaneously with that of the two
+Counts, has been related in a previous chapter.  In the case of Van
+Straalen, the services rendered by him to the provinces during his long
+and honorable career, had been so remarkable, that even the Blood-
+Council, in sending his case to Alva for his sentence, were inspired by a
+humane feeling.  They felt so much compunction at the impending fate of a
+man who, among other meritorious acts, had furnished nearly all the funds
+for the brilliant campaign in Picardy, by which the opening years of
+Philip's reign had been illustrated, as to hint at the propriety of a
+pardon.  But the recommendation to mercy, though it came from the lips
+of tigers, dripping with human blood, fell unheeded on the tyrant's ear.
+It seemed meet that the man who had supplied the nerves of war in that
+unforgiven series of triumphs, should share the fate of the hero who had
+won the laurels.
+
+     [Bor, Cappella, Hoofd, ubi sup.  The last words of the Burgomaster
+     as he bowed his neck to the executioner's stroke were, "Voor wel
+     gedaan, kwaclyk beloud,"--"For faithful service, evil recompense."
+     --Cappella, 232.]
+
+Hundreds of obscure martyrs now followed in the same path to another
+world, where surely they deserved to find their recompense, if steadfast
+adherence to their faith, and a tranquil trust in God amid tortures and
+death too horrible to be related, had ever found favor above.  The "Red-
+Rod," as the provost of Brabant was popularly designated, was never idle.
+He flew from village to village throughout the province, executing the
+bloody behests of his masters with congenial alacrity.  Nevertheless his
+career was soon destined to close upon the same scaffold where he had so
+long officiated.  Partly from caprice, partly from an uncompromising and
+fantastic sense of justice, his master now hanged the executioner whose
+industry had been so untiring.  The sentence which was affixed to his
+breast, as he suffered, stated that he had been guilty of much
+malpractice; that he had executed many persons without a warrant,
+and had suffered many guilty persons for a bribe, to escape their doom.
+The reader can judge which of the two clauses constituted the most
+sufficient reason.
+
+During all these triumphs of Alva, the Prince of Orange had not lost
+his self-possession.  One after another, each of his bold, skilfully-
+conceived and carefully-prepared plans had failed.  Villers had been
+entirely discomfited at Dalhena, Cocqueville had been cut to pieces in
+Picardy, and now the valiant and experienced Louis had met with an entire
+overthrow in Friesland.  The brief success of the patriots at Heiliger
+Zee had been washed out in the blood-torrents of Jemmingen.  Tyranny was
+more triumphant, the provinces more timidly crouching, than ever.  The
+friends on whom William of Orange relied in Germany, never enthusiastic
+in his cause, although many of them true-hearted and liberal, now grew
+cold and anxious.  For months long, his most faithful and affectionate
+allies, such men as the Elector of Hesse and the Duke of Wirtemberg, as
+well as the less trustworthy Augustus of Saxony, had earnestly expressed
+their opinion that, under the circumstances, his best course was to sit
+still and watch the course of events.
+
+It was known that the Emperor had written an urgent letter to Philip on
+the subject of his policy in the Netherlands in general, and concerning
+the position of Orange in particular.  All persons, from the Emperor down
+to the pettiest potentate, seemed now of opinion that the Prince had
+better pause; that he was, indeed, bound to wait the issue of that
+remonstrance.  "Your highness must sit still," said Landgrave William.
+"Your highness must sit still," said Augustus of Saxony.  "You must move
+neither hand nor foot in the cause of the perishing provinces," said the
+Emperor.  "Not a soldier-horse, foot, or dragoon-shall be levied within
+the Empire.  If you violate the peace of the realm, and embroil us with
+our excellent brother and cousin Philip, it is at your own peril.  You
+have nothing to do but to keep quiet and await his answer to our letter."
+But the Prince knew how much effect his sitting still would produce upon
+the cause of liberty and religion.  He knew how much effect the Emperor's
+letter was like to have upon the heart of Philip.  He knew that the more
+impenetrable the darkness now gathering over that land of doom which he
+had devoted his life to defend, the more urgently was he forbidden to
+turn his face away from it in its affliction.  He knew that thousands of
+human souls, nigh to perishing, were daily turning towards him as their
+only hope on earth, and he was resolved, so long as he could dispense a
+single ray of light, that his countenance should never be averted.  It is
+difficult to contemplate his character, at this period, without being
+infected with a perhaps dangerous enthusiasm.  It is not an easy task
+coldly to analyse a nature which contained so much of the self-
+sacrificing and the heroic, as well as of the adroit and the subtle; and
+it is almost impossible to give utterance to the emotions which naturally
+swell the heart at the contemplation of so much active virtue, without
+rendering oneself liable to the charge of excessive admiration.  Through
+the mists of adversity, a human form may dilate into proportions which
+are colossal and deceptive.  Our judgment may thus, perhaps, be led
+captive, but at any rate the sentiment excited is more healthful than
+that inspired by the mere shedder of blood, by the merely selfish
+conqueror.  When the cause of the champion is that of human right against
+tyranny, of political ind religious freedom against an all-engrossing and
+absolute bigotry, it is still more difficult to restrain veneration
+within legitimate bounds.  To liberate the souls and bodies of millions,
+to maintain for a generous people, who had well-nigh lost their all,
+those free institutions which their ancestors had bequeathed, was a noble
+task for any man.  But here stood a Prince of ancient race, vast
+possessions, imperial blood, one of the great ones of the earth, whose
+pathway along the beaten track would have been smooth and successful,
+but who was ready to pour out his wealth like water, and to coin his
+heart's blood, drop by drop, in this virtuous but almost desperate cause.
+He felt that of a man to whom so much had been entrusted, much was to be
+asked.  God had endowed him with an incisive and comprehensive genius,
+unfaltering fortitude, and with the rank and fortune which enable a man
+to employ his faculties, to the injury or the happiness of his fellows,
+on the widest scale.  The Prince felt the responsibility, and the world
+was to learn the result.
+
+It was about this time that a deep change came over his mind.  Hitherto,
+although nominally attached to the communion of the ancient Church, his
+course of life and habits of mind had not led him to deal very earnestly
+with things beyond the world.  The severe duties, the grave character of
+the cause to which his days were henceforth to be devoted, had already
+led him to a closer inspection of the essential attributes of
+Christianity.  He was now enrolled for life as a soldier of the
+Reformation.  The Reformation was henceforth his fatherland, the sphere,
+of his duty and his affection.  The religious Reformers became his
+brethren, whether in France, Germany, the Netherlands, or England.
+Yet his mind had taken a higher flight than that of the most eminent
+Reformers.  His goal was not a new doctrine, but religious liberty.  In
+an age when to think was a crime, and when bigotry and a persecuting
+spirit characterized Romanists and Lutherans, Calvinists and Zwinglians,
+he had dared to announce freedom of conscience as the great object for
+which noble natures should strive.  In an age when toleration was a vice,
+he had the manhood to cultivate it as a virtue.  His parting advice to
+the Reformers of the Netherlands, when he left them for a season in the
+spring of 1567, was to sink all lesser differences in religious union.
+Those of the Augsburg Confession and those of the Calvinistic Church, in
+their own opinion as incapable of commingling as oil and water, were, in
+his judgment, capable of friendly amalgamation.  He appealed eloquently
+to the good and influential of all parties to unite in one common cause
+against oppression.  Even while favoring daily more and more the cause of
+the purified Church, and becoming daily more alive to the corruption of
+Rome, he was yet willing to tolerate all forms of worship, and to leave
+reason to combat error.
+
+Without a particle of cant or fanaticism, he had become a deeply
+religious man.  Hitherto he had been only a man of the world and a
+statesman, but from this time forth he began calmly to rely upon God's
+providence in all the emergencies of his eventful life.  His letters
+written to his most confidential friends, to be read only by themselves,
+and which have been gazed upon by no other eyes until after the lapse of
+nearly three centuries, abundantly prove his sincere and simple trust.
+This sentiment was not assumed for effect to delude others, but cherished
+as a secret support for himself.  His religion was not a cloak to his
+designs, but a consolation in his disasters.  In his letter of
+instruction to his most confidential agent, John Bazius, while he
+declared himself frankly in favor of the Protestant principles, he
+expressed his extreme repugnance to the persecution of Catholics.
+"Should we obtain power over any city or cities," he wrote, "let the
+communities of papists be as much respected and protected as possible.
+Let them be overcome, not by violence, but with gentle-mindedness and
+virtuous treatment."  After the terrible disaster at Jemmingen, he had
+written to Louis, consoling him, in the most affectionate language, for
+the unfortunate result of his campaign.  Not a word of reproach escaped
+from him, although his brother had conducted the operations in Friesland,
+after the battle of Heiliger Lee, in a manner quite contrary to his own
+advice.  He had counselled against a battle, and had foretold a defeat;
+but after the battle had been fought and a crushing defeat sustained, his
+language breathed only unwavering submission to the will of God, and
+continued confidence in his own courage.  "You may be well assured, my
+brother," he wrote, "that I have never felt anything more keenly than the
+pitiable misfortune which has happened to you, for many reasons which you
+can easily imagine.  Moreover, it hinders us much in the levy which we
+are making, and has greatly chilled the hearts of those who otherwise
+would have been ready to give us assistance.  Nevertheless, since it has
+thus pleased God, it is necessary to have patience and to lose not
+courage; conforming ourselves to His divine will, as for my part I have
+determined to do in everything which may happen, still proceeding onward
+in our work with his Almighty aid.  'Soevis tranquillus in undis', he was
+never more placid than when the storm was wildest and the night darkest.
+He drew his consolations and refreshed his courage at the never-failing
+fountains of Divine mercy.
+
+"I go to-morrow," he wrote to the unworthy Anne of Saxony; "but when I
+shall return, or when I shall see you, I cannot, on my honor, tell you
+with certainty.  I have resolved to place myself in the hands of the
+Almighty, that he may guide me whither it is His good pleasure that I
+should go.  I see well enough that I am destined to pass this life in
+misery and labor, with which I am well content, since it thus pleases the
+Omnipotent, for I know that I have merited still greater chastisement.
+I only implore Him graciously to send me strength to endure with
+patience."
+
+Such language, in letters the most private, never meant to be seen by
+other eyes than those to which they were addressed, gives touching
+testimony to the sincere piety of his character.  No man was ever more
+devoted to a high purpose, no man had ever more right to imagine himself,
+or less inclination to pronounce himself, entrusted with a divine
+mission.  There was nothing of the charlatan in his character.  His
+nature was true and steadfast.  No narrow-minded usurper was ever more
+loyal to his own aggrandisement than this large-hearted man to the cause
+of oppressed humanity.  Yet it was inevitable that baser minds should
+fail to recognise his purity.  While he exhausted his life for the
+emancipation of a people, it was easy to ascribe all his struggles to the
+hope of founding a dynasty.  It was natural for grovelling natures to
+search in the gross soil of self-interest for the sustaining roots of the
+tree beneath whose branches a nation found its shelter.  What could they
+comprehend of living fountains and of heavenly dews?
+
+In May, 1568, the Emperor Maximilian had formally issued a requisition to
+the Prince of Orange to lay down his arms, and to desist from all levies
+and machinations against the King of Spain and the peace of the realm.
+This summons he was commanded to obey on pain of forfeiting all rights,
+fiefs, privileges and endowments bestowed by imperial hands on himself or
+his predecessors, and of incurring the heaviest disgrace, punishment, and
+penalties of the Empire.
+
+To this document the Prince replied in August, having paid in the
+meantime but little heed to its precepts.  Now that the Emperor, who at
+first was benignant, had begun to frown on his undertaking, he did not
+slacken in his own endeavours to set his army on foot.  One by one, those
+among the princes of the empire who had been most stanch in his cause,
+and were still most friendly to his person, grew colder as tyranny became
+stronger; but the ardor of the Prince was not more chilled by their
+despair than by the overthrow at Jemmingen, which had been its cause.
+In August, he answered the letter of the Emperor, respectfully but
+warmly.  He still denounced the tyranny of Alva and the arts of Granvelle
+with that vigorous eloquence which was always at his command, while, as
+usual, he maintained a show of almost exaggerated respect for their
+monarch.  It was not to be presumed, he said, that his Majesty, "a king
+debonair and bountiful," had ever intended such cruelties as those which
+had been rapidly retraced in the letter, but it was certain that the Duke
+of Alva had committed them all of his own authority.  He trusted,
+moreover, that the Emperor, after he had read the "Justification"
+which the Prince had recently published, would appreciate the reason
+for his taking up arms.  He hoped that his Majesty would now consider
+the resistance just, Christian, and conformable to the public peace.
+He expressed the belief that rather than interpose any hindrance, his
+Majesty would thenceforth rather render assistance "to the poor and
+desolate Christians," even as it was his Majesty's office and authority
+to be the last refuge of the injured.
+
+The "Justification against the false blame of his calumniators by the
+Prince of Orange," to which the Prince thus referred, has been mentioned
+in a previous chapter.  This remarkable paper had been drawn up at the
+advice of his friends, Landgrave William and Elector Augustus, but it was
+not the only document which the Prince caused to be published at this
+important epoch.  He issued a formal declaration of war against the Duke
+of Alva; he addressed a solemn and eloquent warning or proclamation to
+all the inhabitants of the Netherlands.  These documents are all
+extremely important and interesting.  Their phraseology shows the
+intentions and the spirit by which the Prince was actuated on first
+engaging in the struggle.  Without the Prince and his efforts--at this
+juncture, there would probably have never been a free Netherland
+commonwealth.  It is certain, likewise, that without an enthusiastic
+passion for civil and religious liberty throughout the masses of the
+Netherland people, there would have been no successful effort on the
+part of the Prince.  He knew his countrymen; while they, from highest
+to humblest, recognised in him their saviour.  There was, however,
+no pretence of a revolutionary movement.  The Prince came to maintain,
+not to overthrow.  The freedom which had been enjoyed in the provinces
+until the accession of the Burgundian dynasty, it was his purpose to
+restore.  The attitude which he now assumed was a peculiar one in
+history.  This defender of a people's cause set up no revolutionary
+standard.  In all his documents he paid apparent reverence to the
+authority of the King.  By a fiction, which was not unphilosophical,
+he assumed that the monarch was incapable of the crimes which he charged
+upon the Viceroy.  Thus he did not assume the character of a rebel in
+arms against his prince, but in his own capacity of sovereign he levied
+troops and waged war against a satrap whom he chose to consider false to
+his master's orders.  In the interest of Philip, assumed to be identical
+with the welfare of his people, he took up arms against the tyrant who
+was sacrificing both.  This mask of loyalty would never save his head
+from the block, as he well knew, but some spirits lofty as his own, might
+perhaps be influenced by a noble sophistry, which sought to strengthen
+the cause of the people by attributing virtue to the King.
+
+And thus did the sovereign of an insignificant little principality stand
+boldly forth to do battle with the most powerful monarch in the world.
+At his own expense, and by almost superhuman exertions, he had assembled
+nearly thirty thousand men.  He now boldly proclaimed to the world, and
+especially to the inhabitants of the provinces, his motives, his
+purposes, and his hopes.
+
+     "We, by God's grace Prince of Orange," said his declaration of 31st
+     August, 1568, "salute all faithful subjects of his Majesty.  To few
+     people is it unknown that the Spaniards have for a long time sought
+     to govern the land according to their pleasure.  Abusing his
+     Majesty's goodness, they have persuaded him to decree the
+     introduction of the inquisition into the Netherlands.  They well
+     understood, that in case the Netherlanders could be made to tolerate
+     its exercise, they would lose all protection to their liberty; that
+     if they opposed its introduction, they would open those rich
+     provinces as a vast field of plunder.  We had hoped that his
+     Majesty, taking the matter to heart, would have spared his
+     hereditary provinces from such utter ruin.  We have found our hopes
+     futile.  We are unable, by reason of our loyal service due to his
+     Majesty, and of our true compassion for the faithful lieges, to look
+     with tranquillity any longer at such murders, robberies, outrages,
+     and agony.  We are, moreover, certain that his Majesty has been
+     badly informed upon Netherland matters.  We take up arms, therefore,
+     to oppose the violent tyranny of the Spaniards, by the help of the
+     merciful God, who is the enemy of all bloodthirstiness.  Cheerfully
+     inclined to wager our life and all our worldly wealth on the cause,
+     we have now, God be thanked, an excellent army of cavalry, infantry,
+     and artillery, raised all at our own expense.  We summon all loyal
+     subjects of the Netherlands to come and help us.  Let them take to
+     heart the uttermost need of the country, the danger of perpetual
+     slavery for themselves and their children, and of the entire
+     overthrow of the Evangelical religion.  Only when Alva's blood-
+     thirstiness shall have been at last overpowered, can the provinces
+     hope to recover their pure administration of justice, and a
+     prosperous condition for their commonwealth."
+
+In the "warning" or proclamation to all the inhabitants of the
+Netherlands, the Prince expressed similar sentiments.  He announced his
+intention of expelling the Spaniards forever from the country.  To
+accomplish the mighty undertaking, money was necessary.  He accordingly
+called on his countrymen to contribute, the rich out of their abundance,
+the poor even out of their poverty, to the furtherance of the cause.
+To do this, while it was yet time, he solemnly warned them "before God,
+the fatherland, and the world."  After the title of this paper were cited
+the 28th, 29th, and 30th verses of the tenth chapter of Proverbs.  The
+favorite motto of the Prince, "pro lege, rege, grege," was also affixed
+to the document.
+
+These appeals had, however, but little effect.  Of three hundred thousand
+crowns, promised on behalf of leading nobles and merchants of the
+Netherlands by Marcus Perez, but ten or twelve thousand came to hand.
+The appeals to the gentlemen who had signed the Compromise, and to many
+others who had, in times past, been favorable to the liberal party were
+powerless.  A poor Anabaptist preacher collected a small sum from a
+refugee congregation on the outskirts of Holland, and brought it, at the
+peril of his life, into the Prince's camp.  It came from people, he said,
+whose will was better than the gift.  They never wished to be repaid, he
+said, except by kindness, when the cause of reform should be triumphant
+in the Netherlands.  The Prince signed a receipt for the money,
+expressing himself touched by this sympathy from these poor outcasts.  In
+the course of time, other contributions from similar sources, principally
+collected by dissenting preachers, starving and persecuted church
+communities, were received.  The poverty-stricken exiles contributed
+far more, in proportion, for the establishment of civil and religious
+liberty, than the wealthy merchants or the haughty nobles.
+
+Late in September, the Prince mustered his army in the province of
+Treves, near the monastery of Romersdorf.  His force amounted to nearly
+thirty thousand men, of whom nine thousand were cavalry.  Lumey, Count de
+la Marek, now joined him at the head of a picked band of troopers; a
+bold, ferocious partisan, descended from the celebrated Wild Boar of
+Ardennes.  Like Civilis, the ancient Batavian hero, he had sworn to leave
+hair and beard unshorn till the liberation of the country was achieved,
+or at least till the death of Egmont, whose blood relation he was, had
+been avenged.  It is probable that the fierce conduct of this chieftain,
+and particularly the cruelties exercised upon monks and papists by his
+troops, dishonored the cause more than their valor could advance it.  But
+in those stormy times such rude but incisive instruments were scarcely to
+be neglected, and the name of Lumey was to be forever associated with
+important triumphs of the liberal cause.
+
+It was fated, however, that but few laurels should be won by the patriots
+in this campaign.  The Prince crossed the Rhine at Saint Feit, a village
+belonging to himself.  He descended along the banks as far as the
+neighbourhood of Cologne.  Then, after hovering in apparent uncertainty
+about the territories of Juliers and Limburg, he suddenly, on a bright
+moonlight night, crossed the Meuse with his whole army, in the
+neighbourhood of Stochem.  The operation was brilliantly effected.
+A compact body of cavalry, according to the plan which had been more than
+once adopted by Julius Caesar, was placed in the midst of the current,
+under which shelter the whole army successfully forded the river.
+The Meuse was more shallow than usual, but the water was as high as the
+soldiers' necks.  This feat was accomplished on the night and morning of
+the 4th and 5th of October.  It was considered so bold an achievement
+that its fame spread far and wide.  The Spaniards began to tremble at the
+prowess of a Prince whom they had affected to despise.  The very fact of
+the passage was flatly contradicted.  An unfortunate burgher at Amsterdam
+was scourged at the whipping-post, because he mentioned it as matter of
+common report.  The Duke of Alva refused to credit the tale when it was
+announced to him.  "Is the army of the Prince of Orange a flock of wild
+geese," he asked, "that it can fly over rivers like the Meuse?"
+Nevertheless it was true.  The outlawed, exiled Prince stood once more on
+the borders of Brabant, with an army of disciplined troops at his back.
+His banners bore patriotic inscriptions.  "Pro Lege, Rege, Grege," was
+emblazoned upon some.  A pelican tearing her breast to nourish her young
+with her life-blood was the pathetic emblem of others.  It was his
+determination to force or entice the Duke of Alva into a general
+engagement.  He was desirous to wipe out the disgrace of Jemmingen.
+Could he plant his victorious standard thus in the very heart of the
+country, he felt that thousands would rally around it.  The country would
+rise almost to a man, could he achieve a victory over the tyrant, flushed
+as he was with victory, and sated with blood.
+
+With banners flying, drums beating, trumpets sounding, with all the pomp
+and defiance which an already victorious general could assume, Orange
+marched into Brabant, and took up a position within six thousand paces of
+Alva's encampment.  His plan was at every hazard to dare or to decoy his
+adversary into the chances of a stricken field.  The Governor was
+entrenched at a place called Keiserslager, which Julius Caesar had once
+occupied.  The city of Maestricht was in his immediate neighbourhood,
+which was thus completely under his protection, while it furnished him
+with supplies.  The Prince sent to the Duke a herald, who was to propose
+that all prisoners who might be taken in the coming campaign should be
+exchanged instead of being executed.  The herald, booted and spurred,
+even as he had dismounted from his horse, was instantly hanged.  This was
+the significant answer to the mission of mercy.  Alva held no parley with
+rebels before a battle, nor gave quarter afterwards.
+
+In the meantime, the Duke had carefully studied the whole position of
+affairs, and had arrived at his conclusion.  He was determined not to
+fight.  It was obvious that the Prince would offer battle eagerly,
+ostentatiously, frequently, but the Governor was resolved never to accept
+the combat.  Once taken, his resolution was unalterable.  He recognized
+the important difference between his own attitude at present, and that in
+which he had found himself during the past summer in Friesland.  There a
+battle had been necessary, now it was more expedient to overcome his
+enemy by delay.  In Friesland, the rebels had just achieved a victory
+over the choice troops of Spain.  Here they were suffering from the
+stigma of a crushing defeat.  Then, the army of Louis Nassau was swelling
+daily by recruits, who poured in from all the country round.  Now,
+neither peasant nor noble dared lift a finger for the Prince.  The army
+of Louis had been sustained by the one which his brother was known to be
+preparing.  If their movements had not been checked, a junction would
+have been effected.  The armed revolt would then have assumed so
+formidable an aspect, that rebellion would seem, even for the timid,
+a safer choice than loyalty.  The army of the Prince, on the contrary,
+was now the last hope of the patriots: The three by which it had been
+preceded had been successively and signally vanquished.
+
+Friesland, again, was on the outskirts of the country.  A defeat
+sustained by the government there did not necessarily imperil the
+possession of the provinces.  Brabant, on the contrary, was the heart of
+the Netherlands.  Should the Prince achieve a decisive triumph then and
+there, he would be master of the nation's fate.  The Viceroy knew himself
+to be odious, and he reigned by terror.  The Prince was the object of the
+people's idolatry, and they would rally round him if they dared.
+A victory gained by the liberator over the tyrant, would destroy the
+terrible talisman of invincibility by which Alva governed.  The Duke had
+sufficiently demonstrated his audacity in the tremendous chastisement
+which he had inflicted upon the rebels under Louis.  He could now afford
+to play that scientific game of which he was so profound a master,
+without risking any loss of respect or authority.  He was no enthusiast.
+Although he doubtless felt sufficiently confident of overcoming the
+Prince in a pitched battle, he had not sufficient relish for the joys
+of contest to be willing to risk even a remote possibility of defeat.
+His force, although composed of veterans and of the best musketeers and
+pikemen in Europe, was still somewhat inferior in numbers to that of his
+adversary.  Against the twenty thousand foot and eight thousand, horse of
+Orange, he could oppose only fifteen or sixteen thousand foot and fifty-
+five hundred riders.  Moreover, the advantage which he had possessed in
+Friesland, a country only favorable to infantry, in which he had been
+stronger than his opponent, was now transferred to his new enemy.  On the
+plains of Brabant, the Prince's superiority in cavalry was sure to tell.
+The season of the year, too, was an important element in the calculation.
+The winter alone would soon disperse the bands of German mercenaries,
+whose expenses Orange was not able to support, even while in active
+service.  With unpaid wages and disappointed hopes of plunder, the rebel
+army would disappear in a few weeks as totally as if defeated in the open
+field.  In brief, Orange by a victory would gain new life and strength,
+while his defeat could no more than anticipate, by a few weeks, the
+destruction of his army, already inevitable.  Alva, on the contrary,
+might lose the mastery of the Netherlands if unfortunate, and would gain
+no solid advantage if triumphant.  The Prince had everything to hope, the
+Duke everything to fear, from the result of a general action.
+
+The plan, thus deliberately resolved upon, was accomplished with
+faultless accuracy.  As a work of art, the present campaign of Alva
+against Orange was a more consummate masterpiece than the, more brilliant
+and dashing expedition into Friesland.  The Duke had resolved to hang
+upon his adversary's skirts, to follow him move by move, to check him at
+every turn, to harass him in a hundred ways, to foil all his enterprises,
+to parry all his strokes, and finally to drive him out of the country,
+after a totally barren campaign, when, as he felt certain, his ill-paid
+hirelings would vanish in all directions, and leave their patriot Prince
+a helpless and penniless adventurer.  The scheme thus sagaciously
+conceived, his adversary, with all his efforts, was unable to circumvent.
+
+The campaign lasted little more than a month.  Twenty-nine times the
+Prince changed his encampment, and at every remove the Duke was still
+behind him, as close and seemingly as impalpable as his shadow.  Thrice
+they were within cannon-shot of each other; twice without a single trench
+or rampart between them.  The country people refused the Prince supplies,
+for they trembled at the vengeance of the Governor.  Alva had caused the
+irons to be removed from all the mills, so that not a bushel of corn
+could be ground in the whole province.  The country thus afforded but
+little forage for the thirty thousand soldiers of the Prince.
+The troops, already discontented, were clamorous for pay and plunder.
+During one mutinous demonstration, the Prince's sword was shot from his
+side, and it was with difficulty that a general outbreak was suppressed.
+The soldiery were maddened and tantalized by the tactics of Alva.  They
+found themselves constantly in the presence of an enemy, who seemed to
+court a battle at one moment and to vanish like a phantom at the next
+They felt the winter approaching, and became daily more dissatisfied with
+the irritating hardships to which they were exposed.  Upon the night of
+the 5th and 6th of October the Prince had crossed the Meuse at Stochem.
+Thence he had proceeded to Tongres, followed closely by the enemy's
+force, who encamped in the immediate neighbourhood.  From Tongres he
+had moved to Saint Trond, still pursued and still baffled in the same
+cautious manner.  The skirmishing at the outposts was incessant, but the
+main body was withdrawn as soon as there seemed a chance of its becoming
+involved.
+
+From Saint Trond, in the neighbourhood of which he had remained several
+days, he advanced in a southerly direction towards Jodoigne.  Count de
+Genlis, with a reinforcement of French Huguenots, for which the Prince
+had been waiting, had penetrated through the Ardennes, crossed the Meuse
+at Charlemont, and was now intending a junction with him at Waveron.  The
+river Geta flowed between them.  The Prince stationed a considerable
+force upon a hill near the stream to protect the passage, and then
+proceeded leisurely to send his army across the river.  Count
+Hoogstraaten, with the rear-guard, consisting of about three thousand
+men, were alone left upon the hither bank, in order to provoke or to
+tempt the enemy, who, as usual, was encamped very near.  Alva refused to
+attack the main army, but Frederic with a force of four thousand men,
+were alone left on the hither bank, in order to provoke or to tempt the
+enemy, who as usual, was encamped very near.  Alva refused to attack the
+main army but rapidly detached his son, Don Fredrick, with a force of
+four thousand foot and three thousand horse, to cut off the rear-guard.
+The movement was effected in a masterly manner, the hill was taken, the
+three thousand troops which had not passed the river were cut to pieces,
+and Vitelli hastily despatched a gentleman named Barberini to implore the
+Duke to advance with the main body, cross the river, and, once for all,
+exterminate the rebels in a general combat.  Alva, inflamed, not with
+ardor for an impending triumph, but with rage, that his sagely-conceived
+plans could not be comprehended even by his son and by his favorite
+officers, answered the eager messenger with peremptory violence.  "Go
+back to Vitelli," he cried.  "Is he, or am I, to command in this
+campaign?  Tell him not to suffer a single man to cross the river.  Warn
+him against sending any more envoys to advise a battle; for should you or
+any other man dare to bring me another such message, I swear to you, by
+the head of the King, that you go not hence alive."
+
+With this decisive answer the messenger had nothing for it but to gallop
+back with all haste, in order to participate in what might be left of the
+butchery of Count Hoogstraaten's force, and to prevent Vitelli and Don
+Frederic in their ill-timed ardor, from crossing the river.  This was
+properly effected, while in the meantime the whole rear-guard of the
+patriots had been slaughtered.  A hundred or two, the last who remained,
+had made their escape from the field, and had taken refuge in a house in
+the neighbourhood.  The Spaniards set the buildings on fire, and standing
+around with lifted lances, offered the fugitives the choice of being
+consumed in the flames or of springing out upon their spears.  Thus
+entrapped some chose the one course, some the other.  A few, to escape
+the fury of the fire and the brutality of the Spaniards, stabbed
+themselves with their own swords.  Others embraced, and then killed each
+other, the enemies from below looking on, as at a theatrical exhibition;
+now hissing and now applauding, as the death struggles were more or less
+to their taste.  In a few minutes all the fugitives were dead.  Nearly
+three thousand of the patriots were slain in this combat, including those
+burned or butchered after the battle was over.  The Sieur de Louverwal
+was taken prisoner, and soon afterwards beheaded in Brussels; but the
+greatest misfortune sustained by the liberal party upon this occasion was
+the death of Antony de Lalaing, Count of Hoogstraaten.  This brave and
+generous nobleman, the tried friend of the Prince of Orange, and his
+colleague during the memorable scenes at Antwerp, was wounded in the foot
+during the action, by an accidental discharge of his own pistol.  The
+injury, although apparently slight, caused his death in a few days.
+There seemed a strange coincidence in his good and evil fortunes.
+A casual wound in the hand from his own pistol while he was on his way
+to Brussels, to greet Alva upon his first arrival, had saved him from
+the scaffold.  And now in his first pitched battle with the Duke, this
+seemingly trifling injury in the foot was destined to terminate his
+existence.  Another peculiar circumstance had marked the event.  At a gay
+supper in the course of this campaign, Hoogstraaten had teased Count
+Louis, in a rough, soldierly way, with his disaster at Jemmingen.
+He had affected to believe that the retreat upon that occasion had been
+unnecessary.  "We have been now many days in the Netherlands;" said he,
+"and we have seen nothing of the Spaniards but their backs."--"And when
+the Duke does break loose," replied Louis, somewhat nettled, "I warrant
+you will see their faces soon enough, and remember them for the rest of
+your life."  The half-jesting remark was thus destined to become a gloomy
+prophecy.
+
+This was the only important action daring the campaign.  Its perfect
+success did not warp Alva's purpose, and, notwithstanding the murmurs of
+many of his officers, he remained firm in his resolution.  After the
+termination of the battle on the Geta, and the Duke's obstinate refusal
+to pursue his advantage, the Baron de Chevreau dashed his pistol to the
+ground, in his presence, exclaiming that the Duke would never fight.
+The Governor smiled at the young man's chagrin, seemed even to approve
+his enthusiasm, but reminded him that it was the business of an officer
+to fight, of a general to conquer.  If the victory were bloodless, so
+much the better for all.
+
+This action was fought on the 20th of October.  A few days afterwards,
+the Prince made his junction with Genlis at Waveren, a place about three
+leagues from Louvain and from Brussels.  This auxiliary force was,
+however, insignificant.  There were only five hundred cavalry and three
+thousand foot, but so many women and children, that it seemed rather an
+emigrating colony than an invading army.  They arrived late.  If they had
+come earlier, it would have been of little consequence, for it had been
+written that no laurels were to be gathered in that campaign.  The
+fraternal spirit which existed between the Reformers in all countries
+was all which could be manifested upon the occasion.  The Prince was
+frustrated in his hopes of a general battle, still more bitterly
+disappointed by the supineness of the country.  Not a voice was raised
+to welcome the deliverer.  Not a single city opened its gates.  All was
+crouching, silent, abject.  The rising, which perhaps would have been
+universal had a brilliant victory been obtained, was, by the masterly
+tactics of Alva, rendered an almost inconceivable idea.  The mutinous
+demonstrations in the Prince's camp became incessant; the soldiers were
+discontented and weary.  What the Duke had foretold was coming to pass,
+for the Prince's army was already dissolving.
+
+Genlis and the other French officers were desirous that the Prince should
+abandon the Netherlands for the present, and come to the rescue of the
+Huguenots, who had again renewed the religious war under Conde and
+Coligny.  The German soldiers, however would listen to no such proposal.
+They had enlisted to fight the Duke of Alva in the Netherlands, and would
+not hear of making war against Charles IX. in France.  The Prince was
+obliged to countermarch toward the Rhine.  He recrossed the Geta,
+somewhat to Alva's astonishment, and proceeded in the direction of the
+Meuse.  The autumn rains, however, had much swollen that river since his
+passage at the beginning of the month, so that it could no longer be
+forded.  He approached the city of Liege, and summoned their Bishop, as
+he had done on his entrance into the country, to grant a free passage to
+his troops.  The Bishop who stood in awe of Alva, and who had accepted
+his protection again refused.  The Prince had no time to parley.  He was
+again obliged to countermarch, and took his way along the high-road to
+France, still watched and closely pursued by Alva, between whose troops
+and his own daily skirmishes took place.  At Le Quesnoy, the Prince
+gained a trifling advantage over the Spaniards; at Cateau Cambresis he
+also obtained a slight and easy-victory; but by the 17th of November the
+Duke of Alva had entered Cateau Cambresis, and the Prince had crossed the
+frontier of France.
+
+The Marechal de Cosse, who was stationed on the boundary of France and
+Flanders, now harassed the Prince by very similar tactics to those of
+Alva.  He was, however, too weak to inflict any serious damage, although
+strong enough to create perpetual annoyance.  He also sent a secretary to
+the Prince, with a formal prohibition, in the name of Charles IX.,
+against his entering the French territory with his troops.
+
+Besides these negotiations, conducted by Secretary Favelles on the part
+of Marechal de Cosse, the King, who was excessively alarmed, also
+despatched the Marechal Gaspar de Schomberg on the same service.  That
+envoy accordingly addressed to the Prince a formal remonstrance in the
+name of his sovereign.  Charles IX., it was represented, found it very
+strange that the Prince should thus enter the French territory.  The King
+was not aware that he had ever given him the least cause for hostile
+proceedings, could not therefore take it in good part that the Prince
+should thus enter France with a "large and puissant army;" because no
+potentate, however humble, could tolerate such a proceeding, much less a
+great and powerful monarch.  Orange was therefore summoned to declare his
+intentions, but was at the same, time informed, that if he merely desired
+"to pass amiably through the country," and would give assurance, and
+request permission to that, effect, under his hand and seal, his Majesty
+would take all necessary measures to secure that amiable passage.
+
+The Prince replied by a reference to the statements which he had already
+made to Marechal de Cosse.  He averred that he had not entered France
+with evil intent, but rather with a desire to render very humble service
+to his Majesty, so far as he could do so with a clear conscience.
+
+Touching the King's inability to remember having given any occasion to
+hostile proceedings on the part of the Prince, he replied that he would
+pass that matter by.  Although he could adduce many, various, and strong
+reasons for violent measures, he was not so devoid of understanding as
+not to recognize the futility of attempting anything, by his own personal
+means, against so great and powerful a King, in comparison with whom he
+was "but a petty companion."
+
+"Since the true religion," continued Orange, "is a public and general
+affair, which ought to be preferred to all private matters; since the
+Prince, as a true Christian, is held by his honor and conscience to
+procure, with all his strength, its advancement and establishment in
+every place whatever; since, on the other hand, according to the edict
+published in September last by his Majesty, attempts have been made to
+force in their consciences all those who are of the Christian religion;
+and since it has been determined to exterminate the pure word of God,
+and the entire exercise thereof, and to permit no other religion than
+the Roman Catholic, a thing very, prejudicial to the neighbouring nations
+where there is a free exercise of the Christian religion, therefore the
+Prince would put no faith in the assertions of his Majesty, that it was
+not his Majesty's intentions to force the consciences of any one."
+
+Having given this very deliberate and succinct contradiction to the
+statements of the French King, the Prince proceeded to express his
+sympathy for the oppressed Christians everywhere.  He protested that he
+would give them all the aid, comfort, counsel, and assistance that he was
+able to give them.  He asserted his conviction that the men who professed
+the religion demanded nothing else than the glory of God and the
+advancement of His word, while in all matters of civil polity they were
+ready to render obedience to his Majesty.  He added that all his doings
+were governed by a Christian and affectionate regard for the King and his
+subjects, whom his Majesty must be desirous of preserving from extreme
+ruin.  He averred, moreover, that if he should perceive any indication
+that those of the religion were pursuing any other object than liberty of
+conscience and security for life and property, he would not only withdraw
+his assistance from them, but would use the whole strength of his army to
+exterminate them.  In conclusion, he begged the King to believe that the
+work which the Prince had undertaken was a Christian work, and that his
+intentions were good and friendly towards his Majesty.
+
+     [This very eloquently written letter was dated Ciasonne, December
+     3rd, 1568.  It has never been published.  It is in the Collection of
+     MSS, Pivoen concernant, etc., Hague archives.]
+
+It was, however, in vain that the Prince endeavoured to induce his army
+to try the fortunes of the civil war in France.  They had enlisted for
+the Netherlands, the campaign was over, and they insisted upon being led
+back to Germany.  Schomberg, secretly instructed by the King of France,
+was active in fomenting the discontent, and the Prince was forced to
+yield.  He led his army through Champagne and Lorraine to Strasburg,
+where they were disbanded.  All the money which the Prince had been able
+to collect was paid them.  He pawned all his camp equipage, his plate,
+his furniture.
+
+What he could not pay in money he made up in promises, sacredly to be
+fulfilled, when he should be restored to his possessions.  He even
+solemnly engaged, should he return from France alive, and be still unable
+to pay their arrears of wages, to surrender his person to them as a
+hostage for his debt.
+
+Thus triumphantly for Alva, thus miserably for Orange, ended the
+campaign.  Thus hopelessly vanished the army to which so many proud hopes
+had attached themselves.  Eight thousand teen had been slain in paltry
+encounters, thirty thousand were dispersed, not easily to be again
+collected.  All the funds which the Prince could command had been wasted
+without producing a result.  For the present, nothing seemed to afford a
+ground of hope for the Netherlands, but the war of freedom had been
+renewed in France.  A band of twelve hundred mounted men-at-arms were
+willing to follow the fortunes of the Prince.  The three brothers
+accordingly; William, Louis, and Henry--a lad of eighteen, who had
+abandoned his studies at the university to obey the chivalrous instincts
+of his race--set forth early in the following spring to join the banner
+of Conde.
+
+Cardinal Granvelle, who had never taken his eyes or thoughts from the
+provinces during his residence at Rome, now expressed himself with
+exultation.  He had predicted, with cold malice, the immediate results
+of the campaign, and was sanguine enough to believe the contest over,
+and the Prince for ever crushed.  In his letters to Philip he had taken
+due notice of the compliments paid to him by Orange in his Justification,
+in his Declaration, and in his letter to the Emperor.  He had declined to
+make any answer to the charges, in order to enrage the Prince the more.
+He had expressed the opinion, however, that this publication of writings
+was not the business of brave soldiers, but of cowards.  He made the same
+reflection upon the alleged intrigues by Orange to procure an embassy on
+his own behalf from the Emperor to Philip--a mission which was sure to
+end in smoke, while it would cost the Prince all credit, not only in
+Germany but the Netherlands.  He felt sure, he said, of the results of
+the impending campaign.  The Duke of Alva was a man upon whose
+administrative prudence and military skill his sovereign could implicitly
+rely, nor was there a person in the ranks of the rebels capable of,
+conducting an enterprise of such moment.  Least of all had the Prince of
+Orange sufficient brains for carrying on such weighty affairs, according
+to the opinion which he had formed of him during their long intercourse
+in former days.
+
+When the campaign had been decided, and the Prince had again become an
+exile, Granvelle observed that it was now proved how incompetent he and
+all his companions were to contend in military skill with the Duke of
+Alva.  With a cold sneer at motives which he assumed, as a matter of
+course, to be purely selfish, he said that the Prince had not taken the
+proper road to recover his property, and that he would now be much
+embarrassed to satisfy his creditors.  Thus must those ever fall, he
+moralized, who would fly higher than they ought; adding, that henceforth
+the Prince would have enough to do in taking care of madam his wife, if
+she did not change soon in humor and character.
+
+Meantime the Duke of Alva, having despatched from Cateau Cambresis a
+brief account of the victorious termination of the campaign, returned in
+triumph to Brussels.  He had certainly amply vindicated his claim to be
+considered the first warrior of the age.  By his lieutenants he had
+summarily and rapidly destroyed two of the armies sent against him; he
+had annihilated in person the third, by a brilliantly successful battle,
+in which he had lost seven men, and his enemies seven thousand; and he
+had now, by consummate strategy, foiled the fourth and last under the
+idolized champion of the Netherlands, and this so decisively that,
+without losing a man, he had destroyed eight thousand rebels, and
+scattered to the four winds the remaining twenty thousand.  Such signal
+results might well make even a meeker nature proud.  Such vast and
+fortunate efforts to fix for ever an impregnable military tyranny upon a
+constitutional country, might cause a more modest despot to exult.  It
+was not wonderful that the haughty, and now apparently omnipotent Alva,
+should almost assume the god.  On his return to Brussels he instituted a
+succession of triumphant festivals.  The people were called upon to
+rejoice and to be exceeding glad, to strew flowers in his path, to sing
+Hosannas in his praise who came to them covered with the blood of those
+who had striven in their defence.  The holiday was duly called forth;
+houses, where funeral hatchments for murdered inmates had been
+perpetually suspended, were decked with garlands; the bells, which had
+hardly once omitted their daily knell for the victims of an incredible
+cruelty, now rang their merriest peals; and in the very square where so
+lately Egmont and Horn, besides many other less distinguished martyrs,
+had suffered an ignominious death, a gay tournament was held, day after
+day, with all the insolent pomp which could make the exhibition most
+galling.
+
+But even these demonstrations of hilarity were not sufficient.  The
+conqueror and tamer of the Netherlands felt that a more personal and
+palpable deification was necessary for his pride.  When Germanicus had
+achieved his last triumph over the ancient freedom of those generous
+races whose descendants, but lately in possession of a better organized
+liberty, Alva had been sent by the second and the worse Tiberius to
+insult and to crush, the valiant but modest Roman erected his trophy upon
+the plains of Idistavisus.  "The army of Tiberius Caesar having subdued
+the nations between the Rhine and the Elbe, dedicate this monument to
+Mars, to Jupiter, and to Augustus."  So ran the inscription of
+Germanicus, without a word of allusion to his own name.  The Duke of
+Alva, on his return from the battle-fields of Brabant and Friesland,
+reared a colossal statue of himself, and upon its pedestal caused these
+lines to be engraved: "To Ferdinand Alvarez de Toledo, Duke of Alva,
+Governor of the Netherlands under Philip the Second, for having
+extinguished sedition, chastised rebellion, restored religion, secured
+justice, established peace; to the King's most faithful minister this
+monument is erected."
+
+     [Bor, iv.  257, 258.  Meteren, 61.  De Thou, v.  471-473, who saw it
+     after it was overthrown, and who was "as much struck by the beauty
+     of the work as by the insane pride of him who ordered it to be
+     made."]
+
+So pompous a eulogy, even if truthful and merited, would be sufficiently
+inflated upon a tombstone raised to a dead chieftain by his bereaved
+admirers.  What shall we say of such false and fulsome tribute, not to a
+god, not to the memory of departed greatness, but to a living, mortal
+man, and offered not by his adorers but by himself?  Certainly, self-
+worship never went farther than in this remarkable monument, erected in
+Alva's honor, by Alva's hands.  The statue was colossal, and was placed
+in the citadel of Antwerp.  Its bronze was furnished by the cannon
+captured at Jemmingen.  It represented the Duke trampling upon a
+prostrate figure with two heads, four arms, and one body.  The two
+heads were interpreted by some to represent Egmont and Horn, by others,
+the two Nassaus, William and Louis.  Others saw in them an allegorical
+presentment of the nobles and commons of the Netherlands, or perhaps an
+impersonation of the Compromise and the Request.  Besides the chief
+inscription on the pedestal, were sculptured various bas-reliefs; and the
+spectator, whose admiration for the Governor-general was not satiated
+with the colossal statue itself, was at liberty to find a fresh,
+personification of the hero, either in a torch-bearing angel or a gentle
+shepherd.  The work, which had considerable esthetic merit, was executed
+by an artist named Jacob Jongeling.  It remained to astonish and disgust
+the Netherlanders until it was thrown down and demolished by Alva's
+successor, Requesens.
+
+It has already been observed that many princes of the Empire had, at
+first warmly and afterwards, as the storm darkened around him, with less
+earnestness, encouraged the efforts of Orange.  They had, both privately
+and officially, urged the subject upon the attention of the Emperor, and
+had solicited his intercession with Philip.  It was not an interposition
+to save the Prince from chastisement, however the artful pen of Granvelle
+might distort the facts.  It was an address in behalf of religious
+liberty for the Netherlands, made by those who had achieved it in their
+own persons, and who were at last enjoying immunity from persecution.
+It was an appeal which they who made it were bound to make, for the
+Netherland commissioners had assisted at the consultations by which the
+Peace of Passau had been wrung from the reluctant hand of Charles.
+
+These applications, however, to the Emperor, and through him to the King
+of Spain, had been, as we have seen, accompanied by perpetual advice to
+the Prince of Orange, that he should "sit still."  The Emperor had
+espoused his cause with apparent frankness, so far as friendly mediation
+went, but in the meantime had peremptorily commanded him to refrain from
+levying war upon Alva, an injunction which the Prince had as peremptorily
+declined to obey.  The Emperor had even sent especial envoys to the Duke
+and to the Prince, to induce them to lay down their arms, but without
+effect.  Orange knew which course was the more generous to his oppressed
+country; to take up arms, now that hope had been converted into despair
+by the furious tyranny of Alva, or to "sit still" and await the result of
+the protocols about to be exchanged between king and kaiser.  His arms
+had been unsuccessful indeed, but had he attended the issue of this
+sluggish diplomacy, it would have been even worse for the cause of
+freedom.  The sympathy of his best friends, at first fervent then
+lukewarm, had, as disasters thickened around him, grown at last stone-
+cold.  From the grave, too, of Queen Isabella arose the most importunate
+phantom in his path.  The King of Spain was a widower again, and the
+Emperor among his sixteen children had more than one marriageable
+daughter.  To the titles of "beloved cousin and brother-in-law," with
+which Philip had always been greeted in the Imperial proclamations, the
+nearer and dearer one of son-in-law was prospectively added.
+
+The ties of wedlock were sacred in the traditions of the Habsburg house,
+but still the intervention was nominally made.  As early as August, 1568,
+the Emperor's minister at Madrid had addressed a memorial to the King.
+He had spoken in warm and strong language of the fate of Egmont and Horn,
+and had reminded Philip that the executions which were constantly taking
+place in the provinces were steadily advancing the Prince of Orange's
+cause.  On the 22nd September, 1568, the six electors had addressed a
+formal memorial to the Emperor.  They thanked him for his previous
+interposition in favor of the Netherlands, painted in lively colors the
+cruelty of Alva, and denounced the unheard-of rigor with which he had
+massacred, not only many illustrious seigniors, but people of every
+degree.  Notwithstanding the repeated assurances given by the King to the
+contrary, they reminded the Emperor, that the inquisition, as well as the
+Council of Trent, had now been established in the Netherlands in full
+vigor.  They maintained that the provinces had been excluded from the
+Augsburg religious peace, to which their claim was perfect.  Nether
+Germany was entitled to the same privileges as Upper Germany.  They
+begged the Emperor to make manifest his sentiments and their own.  It
+was fitting that his Catholic Majesty should be aware that the princes
+of the Empire were united for the conservation of fatherland and of
+tranquillity.  To this end they placed in the Emperor's hands their
+estates, their fortunes, and their lives.
+
+Such was the language of that important appeal to the Emperor in behalf
+of oppressed millions in the Netherlands, an appeal which Granvelle had
+coldly characterized as an intrigue contrived by Orange to bring about
+his own restoration to favor!
+
+The Emperor, in answer, assured the electoral envoys that he had taken
+the affair to heart, and had resolved to despatch his own brother, the
+Archduke Charles, on a special mission to Spain.
+
+Accordingly, on the 21st October, 1568, the Emperor presented his brother
+with an ample letter of instructions.  He was to recal to Philip's memory
+the frequent exhortations made by the Emperor concerning the policy
+pursued in the Netherlands.  He was to mention the urgent interpellations
+made to him by the electors and princes of the Empire in their recent
+embassy.  He was to state that the Emperor had recently deputed
+commissioners to the Prince of Orange and the Duke of Alva, in order
+to bring about, if possible, a suspension of arms.  He was to represent
+that the great number of men raised by the Prince of Orange in Germany,
+showed the powerful support which he had found in the country.  Under
+such circumstances he was to show that it had been impossible for the
+Emperor to decree the ban against him, as the Duke of Alva had demanded.
+The Archduke was to request the King's consent to the reconciliation of
+Orange, on honorable conditions.  He was to demand the substitution of
+clemency in for severity, and to insist on the recall of the foreign
+soldiery from the Netherlands.
+
+Furnished with this very warm and stringent letter, the Archduke arrived
+in Madrid on the 10th December, 1568.  A few days later he presented the
+King with a copy of the instructions; those brave words upon which the
+Prince of Orange was expected to rely instead of his own brave heart and
+the stout arms of his followers.  Philip having examined the letter,
+expressed his astonishment that such propositions should be made to him,
+and by the agency, too, of such a personage as the Archduke.  He had
+already addressed a letter to the Emperor, expressing his dissatisfaction
+at the step now taken.  He had been disturbed at the honor thus done to
+the Prince of Orange, and at this interference with his own rights.  It
+was, in his opinion, an unheard-of proceeding thus to address a monarch
+of his quality upon matters in which he could accept the law from no man.
+He promised, however, that a written answer should be given to the letter
+of instructions.
+
+On the 20th of January, 1569, that answer was placed in the hands of the
+Archduke.  It was intimated that the paper was a public one, fit to be
+laid by the Emperor, before the electors; but that the King had also
+caused a confidential one to be prepared, in which his motives and
+private griefs were indicated to Maximilian.
+
+In the more public document, Philip observed that he had never considered
+himself obliged to justify his conduct, in his own affairs, to others.
+He thought, however, that his example of severity would have been
+received with approbation by princes whose subjects he had thus taught
+obedience.  He could not admit that, on account of the treaties which
+constituted the Netherlands a circle of the Empire, he was obliged to
+observe within their limits the ordinances of the imperial diet.  As to
+the matter of religion, his principal solicitude, since his accession to
+the crown, had been to maintain the Catholic faith throughout all his
+states.  In things sacred he could admit no compromise.  The Church alone
+had the right to prescribe rules to the faithful.  As to the chastisement
+inflicted by him upon the Netherland rebels, it would be found that he
+had not used rigor, as had been charged against him, but, on the,
+contrary, great clemency and gentleness.  He had made no change in the
+government of the provinces, certainly none in the edicts, the only
+statutes binding upon princes.  He had appointed the Duke of Alva to the
+regency, because it was his royal will and pleasure so to appoint him.
+The Spanish soldiery were necessary for the thorough chastisement of the
+rebels, and could not be at present removed.  As to the Prince of Orange,
+whose case seemed the principal motive for this embassy, and in whose
+interest so much had been urged, his crimes were so notorious that it was
+impossible even to attempt to justify them.  He had been, in effect, the
+author of all the conspiracies, tumults, and seditious which had taken
+place in the Netherlands.  All the thefts, sacrileges, violations of
+temples, and other misdeeds of which these provinces had been the
+theatre, were, with justice, to be imputed to him.  He had  moreover,
+levied an army and invaded his Majesty's territories.  Crimes so enormous
+had closed the gate to all clemency.  Notwithstanding his respect for the
+intercession made by the Emperor and the princes of the Empire, the King
+could not condescend to grant what was now asked of him in regard to the
+Prince of Orange.  As to a truce between him and the Duke of Alva, his
+Imperial Majesty ought to reflect upon the difference between a sovereign
+and his rebellious vassal, and consider how indecent and how prejudicial
+to the King's honor such a treaty must be esteemed.
+
+So far the public letter, of which the Archduke was furnished with a
+copy, both in Spanish and in Latin.  The private memorandum was intended
+for the Emperor's eyes alone and those of his envoy.  In this paper the
+King expressed himself with more warmth and in more decided language.
+He was astonished, he said, that the Prince of Orange, in levying an army
+for the purpose of invading the states of his natural sovereign, should
+have received so much aid and comfort in Germany.  It seemed incredible
+that this could not have been prevented by imperial authority.  He had
+been pained that commissioners had been sent to the Prince.  He regretted
+such a demonstration in his favor as had now been made by the mission of
+the Archduke to Madrid.  That which, however, had caused the King the
+deepest sorrow was, that his Imperial Majesty should wish to persuade him
+in religious matters to proceed with mildness.  The Emperor ought to be
+aware that no human consideration, no regard for his realms, nothing in
+the world which could be represented or risked, would cause him to swerve
+by a single hair's breadth from his path in the matter of religion.  This
+path was the same throughout all his kingdoms.  He had ever trod in it
+faithfully, and he meant to keep in it perpetually.  He would admit
+neither counsel nor persuasion to the contrary, and should take it ill if
+counsel or persuasion should be offered.  He could not but consider the
+terms of the instructions given to the Archduke as exceeding the limits
+of amicable suggestion.  They in effect amounted to a menace, and he was
+astonished that a menace should be employed, because, with princes
+constituted like himself, such means could have but little success.
+
+On the 23rd of January, 1569, the Archduke presented the King with a
+spirited reply to the public letter.  It was couched in the spirit of the
+instructions, and therefore need not be analysed at length.  He did not
+believe that his Imperial Majesty would admit any justification of the
+course pursued in the Netherlands.  The estates of the Empire would never
+allow Philip's reasoning concerning the connexion of those countries with
+the Empire, nor that they were independent, except in the particular
+articles expressed in the treaty of Augsburg.  In 1555, when Charles the
+Fifth and King Ferdinand had settled the religious peace, they had been
+assisted by envoys from the Netherlands.  The princes of the Empire held
+the ground, therefore, that the religious peace, which alone had saved a
+vestige of Romanism in Germany, should of right extend to the provinces.
+As to the Prince of Orange, the Archduke would have preferred to say
+nothing more, but the orders of the Emperor did not allow him to be
+silent.  It was now necessary to put an end to this state of things in
+Lower Germany.  The princes of the Empire were becoming exasperated.  He
+recalled the dangers of the Smalcaldian war--the imminent peril in which
+the Emperor had been placed by the act of a single elector.  They who
+believed that Flanders could be governed in the same manner as Italy and
+Spain were greatly mistaken, and Charles the Fifth had always recognised
+that error.
+
+This was the sum and substance of the Archduke's mission to Madrid, so
+far as its immediate objects were concerned.  In the course, however, of
+the interview between this personage and Philip, the King took occasion
+to administer a rebuke to his Imperial Majesty for his general negligence
+in religious matters.  It was a matter which lay at his heart, he said,
+that the Emperor, although, as he doubted not, a Christian and Catholic
+prince, was from policy unaccustomed to make those exterior
+demonstrations which matters of faith required.  He therefore begged the
+Archduke to urge this matter upon the attention of his Imperial Majesty.
+
+The Emperor, despite this solemn mission, had become more than
+indifferent before his envoy had reached Madrid.  For this indifference
+there were more reasons than one.  When the instructions had been drawn
+up, the death of the Queen of Spain had not been known in Vienna.  The
+Archduke had even been charged to inform Philip of the approaching
+marriages of the two Archduchesses, that of Anne with the King of France,
+and that of Isabella with the King of Portugal.  A few days later,
+however, the envoy received letters from the Emperor, authorizing him to
+offer to the bereaved Philip the hand of the Archduchess Anne.
+
+     [Herrera (lib. xv. 707) erroneously states that the Archduke was,
+     at the outset, charged with these two commissions by the Emperor;
+     namely, to negotiate the marriage of the Archduchess Anne with
+     Philip, and to arrange the affairs of the Netherlands.  On the
+     contrary, he was empowered to offer Anne to the King of France,
+     and had already imparted his instructions to that effect to Philip,
+     before he received letters from Vienna, written after the death of
+     Isabella had become known.  At another interview, he presented this
+     new matrimonial proposition to Philip.  These facts are important,
+     for they indicate how completely the objects of the embassy, the
+     commencement of which was so pretentious, were cast aside, that a
+     more advantageous marriage for one of the seven Austrian
+     Archduchesses might be secured.--Compare Correspondance de Philippe]
+
+The King replied to the Archduke, when this proposition was made, that if
+he had regard only to his personal satisfaction, he should remain as he
+was.  As however he had now no son, he was glad that the proposition had
+been made, and would see how the affair could be arranged with France.
+
+Thus the ill success of Orange in Brabant, so disheartening to the German
+princes most inclined to his cause, and still more the widowhood of
+Philip, had brought a change over the views of Maximilian.  On the 17th
+of January, 1569, three days before his ambassador had entered upon his
+negotiations, he had accordingly addressed an autograph letter to his
+Catholic Majesty.  In this epistle, by a few, cold lines, he entirely
+annihilated any possible effect which might have been produced by the
+apparent earnestness of his interposition in favor of the Netherlands.
+He informed the King that the Archduke had been sent, not to vex him, but
+to convince him of his friendship.  He assured Philip that he should be
+satisfied with his response, whatever it might be.  He entreated only
+that it might be drawn up in such terms that the princes and electors to
+whom it must be shown, might not be inspired with suspicion.
+
+The Archduke left Madrid on the 4th of March, 1569.  He retired, well
+pleased with the results of his mission, not because its ostensible
+objects had been accomplished, for those had signally failed, but because
+the King had made him a present of one hundred thousand ducats, and had
+promised to espouse the Archduchess Anne.  On the 26th of May, 1569, the
+Emperor addressed a final reply to Philip, in which he expressly approved
+the King's justification of his conduct.  It was founded, he thought,
+in reason and equity.  Nevertheless, it could hardly be shown, as it was,
+to the princes and electors, and he had therefore modified many points
+which he thought might prove offensive.
+
+Thus ended "in smoke," as Granvelle had foretold, the famous mission of
+Archduke Charles.  The Holy Roman Emperor withdrew from his pompous
+intervention, abashed by a rebuke, but consoled by a promise.  If it were
+good to be guardian of religious freedom in Upper and Nether Germany, it
+was better to be father-in-law to the King of Spain and both the Indies.
+Hence the lame and abrupt conclusion.
+
+Cardinal Granvelle had been very serviceable in this juncture.  He had
+written to Philip to assure him that, in his, opinion, the Netherlands
+had no claim, under the transaction of Augsburg, to require the
+observance within their territory of the decrees of the Empire.  He
+added, that Charles the Fifth had only agreed to the treaty of Passau to
+save his brother Ferdinand from ruin; that he had only consented to it as
+Emperor, and had neither directly nor indirectly included the Netherlands
+within its provisions.  He stated, moreover, that the Emperor had revoked
+the treaty by an act which was never published, in consequence of the
+earnest solicitations of Ferdinand.
+
+It has been seen that the King had used this opinion of Granvelle in the
+response presented to the Archduke.  Although he did not condescend to an
+argument, he had laid down the fact as if it were indisputable.  He was
+still more delighted to find that Charles had revoked the treaty of
+Passau, and eagerly wrote to Granvelle to inquire where the secret
+instrument was to be found.  The Cardinal replied that it was probably
+among his papers at Brussels, but that he doubted whether it would be
+possible to find it in his absence.  Whether such a document ever
+existed, it is difficult to say.  To perpetrate such a fraud would have
+been worthy of Charles; to fable its perpetration not unworthy of the
+Cardinal.  In either case, the transaction was sufficiently high-handed
+and exceedingly disgraceful.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Age when toleration was a vice
+An age when to think was a crime
+Business of an officer to fight, of a general to conquer
+Cruelties exercised upon monks and papists
+For faithful service, evil recompense
+Pathetic dying words of Anne Boleyn
+Seven Spaniards were killed, and seven thousand rebels
+The calf is fat and must be killed
+The illness was a convenient one
+The tragedy of Don Carlos
+
+
+
+
+End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Dutch Republic, v16
+by John Lothrop Motley
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 17.
+
+THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
+
+By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY
+
+1855
+
+
+
+1569-70 [CHAPTER V.]
+
+     Quarrel between Alva and Queen Elizabeth of England--Spanish funds
+     seized by the English government--Non-intercourse between England
+     and the Netherlands--Stringent measures against heresy--Continued
+     persecution--Individual cases--Present of hat and sword to Alva from
+     the Pope--Determination of the Governor--general to establish a
+     system of arbitrary taxation in the provinces--Assembly of estates
+     at Brussels--Alva's decrees laid before them--The hundredth, tenth,
+     and fifth pence--Opposition of Viglius to the project--Estates of
+     various provinces give a reluctant consent--Determined resistance of
+     Utrecht--The city and province cited before the Blood Council--
+     Sentence of confiscation and disfranchisement against both--Appeal
+     to the King--Difficulty of collecting the new tax--Commutation for
+     two years--Projects for a pardon-general--Growing disfavour of the
+     Duke--His desire to resign his post--Secret hostility between the
+     Governor and Viglius--Altered sentiments of the President--Opinions
+     expressed by Granvelle--The pardon pompously proclaimed by the Duke
+     at Antwerp--Character of the amnesty--Dissatisfaction of the people
+     with the act--Complaints of Alva to the King--Fortunes and fate of
+     Baron Montigny in Spain--His confinement at Segovia--His attempt to
+     escape--Its failure--His mock trial--His wife's appeal to Philip--
+     His condemnation--His secret assassination determined upon--Its
+     details, as carefully prescribed and superintended by the King--
+     Terrible inundation throughout the Netherlands--Immense destruction
+     of life and property in Friesland--Lowestein Castle taken by De
+     Ruyter, by stratagem--Recapture of the place by the Spaniards--
+     Desperate resistance and death of De Ruyter.
+
+It was very soon after the Duke's return to Brussels that a quarrel
+between himself and the Queen of England took place.  It happened thus.
+Certain vessels, bearing roving commissions from the Prince of Conde, had
+chased into the ports of England some merchantmen coming from Spain with
+supplies in specie for the Spanish army in the Netherlands.  The trading
+ships remained in harbor, not daring to leave for their destination,
+while the privateers remained in a neighbouring port ready to pounce upon
+them should they put to sea.  The commanders of the merchant fleet
+complained to the Spanish ambassador in London.  The envoy laid the case
+before the Queen.  The Queen promised redress, and, almost as soon as the
+promise had been made, seized upon all the specie in the vessels,
+amounting to about eight hundred thousand dollars--[1885 exchange rate]--
+and appropriated the whole to her own benefit.  The pretext for this
+proceeding was twofold.  In the first place, she assured the ambassador
+that she had taken the money into her possession in order that it might
+be kept safe for her royal brother of Spain.  In the second place, she
+affirmed that the money did not belong to the Spanish government at all,
+but that it was the property of certain Genoese merchants, from whom, as
+she had a right to do, she had borrowed it for a short period.  Both
+these positions could hardly be correct, but either furnished an
+excellent reason for appropriating the funds to her own use.
+
+The Duke of Alva being very much in want of money, was furious when
+informed of the circumstance.  He immediately despatched Councillor
+d'Assonleville with other commissioners on a special embassy to the Queen
+of England.  His envoys were refused an audience, and the Duke was taxed
+with presumption in venturing, as if be had been a sovereign, to send a
+legation to a crowned head.  No satisfaction was given to Alva, but a
+secret commissioner was despatched to Spain to discuss the subject there.
+The wrath of Alva was not appeased by this contemptuous treatment.
+Chagrined at the loss of his funds, and stung to the quick by a rebuke
+which his arrogance had merited, he resorted to a high-handed measure.
+He issued a proclamation commanding the personal arrest of every
+Englishman within the territory of the Netherlands, and the seizure of
+every article of property which could be found belonging to individuals
+of that nation.  The Queen retaliated by measures of the same severity
+against Netherlanders in England.  The Duke followed up his blow by a
+proclamation (of March 31st, 1569), in which the grievance was detailed,
+and strict non-intercourse with England enjoined.  While the Queen and
+the Viceroy were thus exchanging blows, the real sufferers were, of
+course, the unfortunate Netherlanders.  Between the upper and nether
+millstones of Elizabeth's rapacity and Alva's arrogance, the poor remains
+of Flemish prosperity were well nigh crushed out of existence.
+Proclamations and commissions followed hard upon each other, but it was
+not till April 1573, that the matter was definitely arranged.  Before
+that day arrived, the commerce of the Netherlands had suffered, at the
+lowest computation, a dead loss of two million florins, not a stiver of
+which was ever reimbursed to the sufferers by the Spanish government.
+
+Meantime, neither in the complacency of his triumph over William of
+Orange, nor in the torrent of his wrath against the English Queen, did
+the Duke for a moment lose sight of the chief end of his existence in the
+Netherlands.  The gibbet and the stake were loaded with their daily
+victims.  The records of the period are foul with the perpetually renewed
+barbarities exercised against the new religion.  To the magistrates of
+the different cities were issued fresh instructions, by which all
+municipal officers were to be guided in the discharge of their great
+duty.  They were especially enjoined by the Duke to take heed that
+Catholic midwives, and none other, should be provided for every parish,
+duly sworn to give notice within twenty-four hours of every birth which
+occurred, in order that the curate might instantly proceed to baptism.
+They were also ordered to appoint certain spies who should keep watch at
+every administration of the sacraments, whether public or private,
+whether at the altar or at death-beds, and who should report for
+exemplary punishment (that is to say, death by fire) all persons who made
+derisive or irreverential gestures, or who did not pay suitable honor to
+the said Sacraments.  Furthermore, in order that not even death itself
+should cheat the tyrant of his prey, the same spies were to keep watch at
+the couch of the dying, and to give immediate notice to government of all
+persons who should dare to depart this life without previously receiving
+extreme unction and the holy wafer.  The estates of such culprits, it was
+ordained, should be confiscated, and their bodies dragged to the public
+place of execution.
+
+An affecting case occurred in the north of Holland, early in this year,
+which, for its peculiarity, deserves brief mention.  A poor Anabaptist,
+guilty of no crime but his fellowship with a persecuted sect, had been
+condemned to death.  He had made his escape, closely pursued by an
+officer of justice, across a frozen lake.  It was late in the winter,
+and the ice had become unsound.  It trembled and cracked beneath his
+footsteps, but he reached the shore in safety.  The officer was not so
+fortunate.  The ice gave way beneath him, and he sank into the lake,
+uttering a cry for succor.  There were none to hear him, except the
+fugitive whom he had been hunting.  Dirk Willemzoon, for so was the
+Anabaptist called, instinctively obeying the dictates of a generous
+nature, returned, crossed the quaking and dangerous ice, at the peril of
+his life, extended his hand to his enemy, and saved him from certain
+death.  Unfortunately for human nature, it cannot be added that the
+generosity, of, the action was met by a corresponding heroism.  The
+officer was desirous, it is true, of avoiding the responsibility of
+sacrificing the preserver of his life, but the burgomaster of Asperen
+sternly reminded him to remember his oath.  He accordingly arrested the
+fugitive, who, on the 16th of May following, was burned to death under
+the most lingering tortures.
+
+Almost at the same time four clergymen, the eldest seventy years of age,
+were executed at the Hague, after an imprisonment of three years.  All
+were of blameless lives, having committed no crime save that of having
+favored the Reformation.  As they were men of some local eminence, it
+was determined that they should be executed with solemnity.  They were
+condemned to the flames, and as they were of the ecclesiastical
+profession, it was necessary before execution that their personal
+sanctity should be removed.  Accordingly, on the 27th May, attired in the
+gorgeous robes of high mass, they were brought before the Bishop of Bois
+le Duc.  The prelate; with a pair of scissors, cut a lock of hair from
+each of their heads.  He then scraped their crowns and the tips of their
+fingers with a little silver knife very gently, and without inflicting
+the least injury.  The mystic oil of consecration was thus supposed to be
+sufficiently removed.  The prelate then proceeded to disrobe the victims,
+saying to each one as he did so, "Eximo tibi vestem justitiae, quem
+volens abjecisti;" to which the oldest pastor, Arent Dirkzoon, stoutly
+replied, "imo vestem injustitiae."  The bishop having thus completed the
+solemn farce of desecration, delivered the prisoners to the Blood
+Council, begging that they might be handled very gently.  Three days
+afterwards they were all executed at the stake, having, however, received
+the indulgence of being strangled before being thrown into the flames.
+
+It was precisely at this moment, while the agents of the Duke's
+government were thus zealously enforcing his decrees, that a special
+messenger arrived from the Pope, bringing as a present to Alva a jewelled
+hat and sword.  It was a gift rarely conferred by the Church, and never
+save upon the highest dignitaries, or upon those who had merited her most
+signal rewards by the most shining exploits in her defence.  The Duke was
+requested, in the autograph letter from his Holiness which accompanied
+the presents, "to remember, when he put the hat upon his head, that he
+was guarded with it as with a helmet of righteousness, and with the
+shield of God's help, indicating the heavenly crown which was ready for
+all princes who support the Holy Church and the Roman Catholic faith."
+The motto on the sword ran as follows, "Accipe sanctum gladium, menus a
+Deo in quo dejicies adversarios populi mei Israel."
+
+The Viceroy of Philip, thus stimulated to persevere in his master's
+precepts by the Vicegerent of Christ, was not likely to swerve from his
+path, nor to flinch from his work.  It was beyond the power of man's
+ingenuity to add any fresh features of horror to the religious
+persecution under which the provinces were groaning, but a new attack
+could be made upon the poor remains of their wealth.
+
+The Duke had been dissatisfied with the results of his financial
+arrangements.  The confiscation of banished and murdered heretics had not
+proved the inexhaustible mine he had boasted.  The stream of gold which
+was to flow perennially into the Spanish coffers, soon ceased to flow at
+all.  This was inevitable.  Confiscations must, of necessity, offer but
+a precarious supply to any treasury.  It was only the frenzy of an Alva
+which could imagine it possible to derive a permanent revenue from such a
+source.  It was, however, not to be expected that this man, whose tyranny
+amounted to insanity, could comprehend the intimate connection between
+the interests of a people and those of its rulers, and he was determined
+to exhibit; by still more fierce and ludicrous experiments, how easily a
+great soldier may become a very paltry financier.
+
+He had already informed his royal master that, after a very short time,
+remittances would no longer be necessary from Spain to support the
+expenses of the array and government in the Netherlands.  He promised,
+on the contrary, that at least two millions yearly should be furnished by
+the provinces, over and above the cost of their administration, to enrich
+the treasury at home.  Another Peru had already been discovered by his
+ingenuity, and one which was not dependent for its golden fertility on
+the continuance of that heresy which it was his mission to extirpate.
+His boast had been much ridiculed in Madrid, where he had more enemies
+than friends, and he was consequently the more eager to convert it into
+reality.  Nettled by the laughter with which all his schemes of political
+economy had been received at home, he was determined to show that his
+creative statesmanship was no less worthy of homage than his indisputable
+genius for destruction.
+
+His scheme was nothing more than the substitution of an arbitrary system
+of taxation by the Crown, for the legal and constitutional right of the
+provinces to tax themselves.  It was not a very original thought, but it
+was certainly a bold one.  For although a country so prostrate might
+suffer the imposition of any fresh amount of tyranny, yet it was doubtful
+whether she had sufficient strength remaining to bear the weight after it
+had been imposed.  It was certain, moreover, that the new system would
+create a more general outcry than any which had been elicited even by the
+religious persecution.  There were many inhabitants who were earnest and
+sincere Catholics, and who therefore considered themselves safe from the
+hangman's hands, while there were none who could hope to escape the gripe
+of the new tax-gatherers.  Yet the Governor was not the man to be daunted
+by the probable unpopularity of the measure.  Courage he possessed in
+more than mortal proportion.  He seemed to have set himself to the task
+of ascertaining the exact capacity of the country for wretchedness.  He
+was resolved accurately to gauge its width and its depth; to know how
+much of physical and moral misery might be accumulated within its limits,
+before it should be full to overflowing.  Every man, woman, and child in
+the country had been solemnly condemned to death; and arbitrary
+executions, in pursuance of that sentence, had been daily taking place.
+Millions of property had been confiscated; while the most fortunate and
+industrious, as well as the bravest of the Netherlanders, were wandering
+penniless in distant lands.  Still the blows, however recklessly
+distributed, had not struck every head.  The inhabitants had been
+decimated, not annihilated, and the productive energy of the country,
+which for centuries had possessed so much vitality, was even yet not
+totally extinct.  In the wreck of their social happiness, in the utter
+overthrow of their political freedom, they had still preserved the
+shadow, at least, of one great bulwark against despotism.  The king could
+impose no tax.
+
+The "Joyeuse Entree" of Brabant, as well as the constitutions of
+Flanders, Holland, Utrecht, and all the other provinces, expressly
+prescribed the manner in which the requisite funds for government should
+be raised.  The sovereign or his stadholder was to appear before the
+estates in person, and make his request for money.  It was for the
+estates, after consultation with their constituents, to decide whether or
+not this petition (Bede) should be granted, and should a single branch
+decline compliance, the monarch was to wait with patience for a more
+favorable moment.  Such had been the regular practice in the Netherlands,
+nor had the reigning houses often had occasion to accuse the estates of
+parsimony.  It was, however, not wonderful that the Duke of Alva should
+be impatient at the continued existence of this provincial privilege.
+A country of condemned criminals, a nation whose universal neck might
+at any moment be laid upon the block without ceremony, seemed hardly fit
+to hold the purse-strings, and to dispense alms to its monarch.  The
+Viceroy was impatient at this arrogant vestige of constitutional liberty.
+Moreover, although he had taken from the Netherlanders nearly all the
+attributes of freemen, he was unwilling that they should enjoy the
+principal privilege of slaves, that of being fed and guarded at their
+master's expense.  He had therefore summoned a general assembly of the
+provincial estates in Brussels, and on the 20th of March, 1569, had
+caused the following decrees to be laid before them.
+
+A tax of the hundredth penny, or one per cent., was laid upon all
+property, real and personal, to be collected instantly.  This impost,
+however, was not perpetual, but only to be paid once, unless, of course,
+it should suit the same arbitrary power by which it was assessed to
+require it a second time.
+
+A tax of the twentieth penny; or five per cent., was laid upon every
+transfer of real estate.  This imposition was perpetual.
+
+Thirdly, a tag of the tenth penny, or ten per cent., was assessed upon
+every article of merchandise or personal-property, to be paid as often as
+it should be sold.  This tax was likewise to be perpetual.
+
+The consternation in the assembly when these enormous propositions were
+heard, can be easily imagined.  People may differ about religious dogmas.
+In the most bigoted persecutions there will always be many who, from
+conscientious although misguided motives, heartily espouse the cause of
+the bigot.  Moreover, although resistance to tyranny in matters of faith,
+is always the most ardent of struggles, and is supported by the most
+sublime principle in our nature, yet all men are not of the sterner stuff
+of which martyrs are fashioned.  In questions relating to the world
+above; many may be seduced from their convictions by interest, or forced
+into apostasy by violence.  Human nature is often malleable or fusible,
+where religious interests are concerned, but in affairs material and
+financial opposition to tyranny is apt to be unanimous.
+
+The interests of commerce and manufacture, when brought into conflict
+with those of religion, had often proved victorious in the Netherlands.
+This new measure, however--this arbitrary and most prodigious system of
+taxation, struck home to every fireside.  No individual, however adroit
+or time-serving, could parry the blow by which all were crushed.
+
+It was most unanswerably maintained in the assembly, that this tenth and
+twentieth penny would utterly destroy the trade and the manufactures of
+the country.  The hundredth penny, or the one per cent. assessment on all
+property throughout the land, although a severe subsidy, might be borne
+with for once.  To pay, however, a twentieth part of the full value of a
+house to the government as often as the house was sold, was a most
+intolerable imposition.  A house might be sold twenty times in a year,
+and in the course,  therefore, of the year be confiscated in its whole
+value.  It amounted either to a prohibition of all transfers of real
+estate, or to an eventual surrender of its price.
+
+As to the tenth penny upon articles of merchandise, to be paid by the
+vendor at every sale, the scheme was monstrous.  All trade and
+manufactures must, of necessity, expire, at the very first attempt to put
+it in execution.  The same article might be sold ten times in a week, and
+might therefore pay one hundred per cent. weekly.  An article, moreover,
+was frequently compounded of ten, different articles, each of which might
+pay one hundred per cent., and therefore the manufactured article, if ten
+times transferred, one thousand per cent. weekly.  Quick transfers and
+unfettered movements being the nerves and muscles of commerce, it was
+impossible for it long to survive the paralysis of such a tax.  The
+impost could never be collected, and would only produce an entire
+prostration of industry.  It could by no possibility enrich the
+government.
+
+The King could not derive wealth from the ruin of his subjects; yet to
+establish such a system was the stern and absurd determination of the
+Governor-general.  The infantine simplicity of the effort seemed
+incredible.  The ignorance was as sublime as the tyranny.  The most
+lucid arguments and the most earnest remonstrances were all in vain.
+Too opaque to be illumined by a flood of light, too hard to be melted
+by a nation's tears, the Viceroy held calmly to his purpose.  To the keen
+and vivid representations of Viglius, who repeatedly exhibited all that
+was oppressive and all that was impossible in the tax, he answered simply
+that it was nothing more nor less than the Spanish "alcabala," and that
+he derived 50,000 ducats yearly from its imposition in his own city of
+Alva.
+
+Viglius was upon this occasion in opposition to the Duke.  It is but
+justice to state that the learned jurisconsult manfully and repeatedly
+confronted the wrath of his superior in many a furious discussion in
+council upon the subject.  He had never essayed to snatch one brand from
+the burning out of the vast holocaust of religious persecution, but he
+was roused at last by the threatened destruction of all the material
+interests of the land.  He confronted the tyrant with courage, sustained
+perhaps by the knowledge that the proposed plan was not the King's,
+but the Governor's.  He knew that it was openly ridiculed in Madrid,
+and that Philip, although he would probably never denounce it in terms,
+was certainly not eager for its execution.  The President enlarged upon
+the difference which existed between the condition of a sparsely-peopled
+country of herdsmen and laborers in Spain, and the densely-thronged
+and bustling cities of the Netherlands.  If the Duke collected 50,000
+ducats yearly from the alcabala in Alva, he could only offer him his
+congratulations, but could not help assuring him that the tax would prove
+an impossibility in the provinces.  To his argument, that the impost
+would fall with severity not upon the highest nor the lowest classes of
+society, neither upon the great nobility and clergy nor on the rustic
+population, but on the merchants and manufacturers, it was answered by
+the President that it was not desirable to rob Saint Peter's altar in
+order to build one to Saint Paul.  It might have been simpler to suggest
+that the consumer would pay the tax, supposing it were ever paid at all,
+but the axiom was not so familiar three centuries ago as now.
+
+Meantime, the report of the deputies to the assembly on their return to
+their constituents had created the most intense excitement and alarm.
+Petition after petition, report after report, poured in upon the
+government.  There was a cry of despair, and almost of defiance, which
+had not been elicited by former agonies.  To induce, however, a more
+favorable disposition on the part of the Duke, the hundredth penny, once
+for all, was conceded by the estates.  The tenth and twentieth
+occasioned--severe and protracted struggles, until the various assemblies
+of the patrimonial provinces, one after another, exhausted, frightened,
+and hoping that no serious effort would be made to collect the tax,
+consented, under certain restrictions, to its imposition.--The principal
+conditions were a protest against the legality of the proceeding, and the
+provision that the consent of no province should be valid until that of
+all had been obtained.  Holland, too, was induced to give in its
+adhesion, although the city of Amsterdam long withheld its consent;
+but the city and province of Utrecht were inexorable.  They offered
+a handsome sum in commutation, increasing the sum first proposed from
+70,000 to 200,000 florins, but they resolutely refused to be saddled with
+this permanent tax.  Their stout resistance was destined to cost them
+dear.  In the course of a few months Alva, finding them still resolute in
+their refusal, quartered the regiment of Lombardy upon them, and employed
+other coercive measures to bring them to reason.  The rude, insolent,
+unpaid and therefore insubordinate soldiery were billeted in every house
+in the city, so that the insults which the population were made to suffer
+by the intrusion of these ruffians at their firesides would soon, it was
+thought, compel the assent of the province to the tax.  It was not so,
+however.  The city and the province remained stanch in their opposition.
+Accordingly, at the close of the year (15th. December, 1569) the estates
+were summoned to appear within fourteen days before the Blood Council.
+At the appointed time the procureur-general was ready with an act of
+accusation, accompanied, as was usually the case, with a simultaneous
+sentence of condemnation.  The indictment revived and recapitulated all
+previous offences committed in the city and the province, particularly
+during the troubles of 1566, and at the epoch of the treaty with Duchess
+Margaret.  The inhabitants and the magistrates, both in their individual
+and public capacities, were condemned for heresy, rebellion, and
+misprision.  The city and province were accordingly pronounced guilty
+of high treason, were deprived of all their charters, laws, privileges,
+freedoms, and customs, and were declared to have forfeited all their
+property, real and personal, together with all tolls, rents, excises, and
+imposts, the whole being confiscated to the benefit of his Majesty.
+
+The immediate execution of the sentence was, however, suspended, to allow
+the estates opportunity to reply.  An enormous mass of pleadings,
+replies, replications, rejoinders, and apostilles was the result, which
+few eyes were destined to read, and least of all those to whom they were
+nominally addressed.  They were of benefit to none save in the shape of
+fees which they engendered to the gentlemen of the robe.  It was six
+months, however, before the case was closed.  As there was no blood to
+be shed, a summary process was not considered necessary.  At last, on the
+14th July, the voluminous pile of documents was placed before Vargas.  It
+was the first time he had laid eyes upon them, and they were, moreover,
+written in a language of which he did not understand a word.  Such,
+however, was his capacity for affairs, that a glance only at the outside
+of the case enabled him to form his decision.  Within half an hour
+afterwards, booted and spurred, he was saying mass in the church of Saint
+Gudule, on his way to pronounce sentence at Antwerp.  That judgment was
+rendered the same day, and confirmed the preceding act of condemnation.
+Vargas went to his task as cheerfully as if it had been murder.  The act
+of outlawry and beggary was fulminated against the city and province, and
+a handsome amount of misery for others, and of plunder for himself, was
+the result of his promptness.  Many thousand citizens were ruined, many
+millions of property confiscated.
+
+Thus was Utrecht deprived of all its ancient liberties, as a punishment
+for having dared to maintain them.  The clergy, too, of the province,
+having invoked the bull "in Coena Domini," by which clerical property was
+declared exempt from taxation, had excited the wrath of the Duke.  To
+wield so slight a bulrush against the man who had just been girded with
+the consecrated and jewelled sword of the Pope, was indeed but a feeble
+attempt at defence.  Alva treated the Coena Domini with contempt, but he
+imprisoned the printer who had dared to-republish it at this juncture.
+Finding, moreover, that it had been put in press by the orders of no less
+a person than Secretary La Torre, he threw that officer also into prison,
+besides suspending him from his functions for a year.
+
+The estates of the province and the magistracy of the city appealed to
+his Majesty from the decision of the Duke.  The case did not directly
+concern the interests of religion, for although the heretical troubles of
+1566 furnished the nominal motives of the condemnation, the resistance to
+the tenth and twentieth penny was the real crime for which they were
+suffering.  The King, therefore, although far from clement, was not
+extremely rigorous.  He refused the object of the appeal, but he did not
+put the envoys to death by whom it was brought to Madrid.  This would
+have certainly been the case in matters strictly religious, or even had
+the commissioners arrived two years before, but even Philip believed,
+perhaps, that for the moment almost enough innocent blood had been shed.
+At any rate he suffered the legates from Utrecht to return, not with
+their petition, granted, but at least with their heads upon their
+shoulders.  Early in the following year, the provinces still remaining
+under martial law, all the Utrecht charters were taken into the
+possession of government, and deposited in the castle of Vredenberg.
+It was not till after the departure of Alva, that they were restored;
+according to royal command, by the new governor, Requesens.
+
+By the middle of the year 1569, Alva wrote to the King, with great
+cheerfulness of tone, announcing that the estates of the provinces had
+all consented to the tax.  He congratulated his Majesty upon the fact
+that this income might thenceforth be enjoyed in perpetuity, and that it
+would bring at least two millions yearly into his coffers, over and above
+the expenses of government.  The hundredth penny, as he calculated, would
+amount to at least five millions.
+
+He was, however, very premature in his triumph, for the estates were not
+long in withdrawing a concession which had either been wrung from them by
+violence or filched from them by misrepresentation.  Taking the ground
+that the assent of all had been stipulated before that of any one should
+be esteemed valid, every province now refused to enforce or to permit the
+collection of the tenth or the twentieth penny within their limits.  Dire
+were the threatenings and the wrath of the Viceroy, painfully protracted
+the renewed negotiations with the estates.  At last, a compromise was
+effected, and the final struggle postponed.  Late in the summer it was
+agreed that the provinces should pay two millions yearly for the two
+following years, the term to expire in the month of August, 1571.  Till
+that period, therefore, there was comparative repose upon the subject.
+
+The question of a general pardon had been agitated for more than a year,
+both in Brussels and Madrid.  Viglius, who knew his countrymen better
+than the Viceroy knew them, had written frequently to his friend Hopper,
+on the propriety of at once proclaiming an amnesty.  There had also been
+many conferences between himself and the Duke of Alva, and he had
+furnished more than one draught for the proposed measure.  The President
+knew full well that the point had been reached beyond which the force of
+tyranny could go no further.  All additional pressure, he felt sure,
+could only produce reaction, the effect of which might be to drive the
+Spaniards from the Netherlands.  There might then be another game to
+play.  The heads of those who had so assiduously served the government
+throughout its terrible career might, in their turn, be brought to the
+block, and their estates be made to enrich the Treasury.  Moreover, there
+were symptoms that Alva's favor was on the wane.  The King had not been
+remarkably struck with the merits of the new financial measures, and had
+expressed much, anxiety lest the trade of the country should suffer.
+The Duke was known to be desirous of his recal.  His health was broken,
+he felt that he was bitterly detested throughout the country, and he was
+certain that his enemies at Madrid were fast undermining his credit.  He
+seemed also to have a dim suspicion that his mission was accomplished in
+the Netherlands; that as much blood had been shed at present as the land
+could easily absorb.  He wrote urgently and even piteously to Philip, on
+the subject of his return.  "Were your Majesty only pleased to take me
+from this country," he said, "I should esteem it as great a favor as if
+your Majesty had given me life."  He swore "by the soul of the Duchess,"
+that he "would rather be cut into little pieces" than retire from his
+post were his presence necessary, but he expressed the opinion that
+through his exertions affairs had been placed in such train that they
+were sure to roll on smoothly to the end of time.  "At present, and for
+the future," he wrote, "your Majesty is and will be more strictly obeyed
+than any of your predecessors;" adding, with insane self-complacency,
+"and all this has been accomplished without violence."  He also assured
+his Majesty as to the prosperous condition of financial affairs.  His tax
+was to work wonders.  He had conversed with capitalists who had offered
+him four millions yearly for the tenth penny, but he had refused, because
+he estimated the product at a much higher figure.  The hundredth penny
+could not be rated lower than five millions.  It was obvious, therefore,
+that instead of remitting funds to the provinces, his Majesty would,
+for the future, derive from them a steady and enormous income.  Moreover,
+he assured the King that there was at present no one to inspire anxiety
+from within or without.  The only great noble of note in the country was
+the Duke of Aerschot, who was devoted to his Majesty, and who, moreover,
+"amounted to very little," as the King well knew.  As for the Prince of
+Orange, he would have business enough in keeping out of the clutches of
+his creditors.  They had nothing to fear from Germany.  England would do
+nothing as long as Germany was quiet; and France was sunk too low to be
+feared at all.
+
+Such being the sentiments of the Duke, the King was already considering
+the propriety of appointing his successor.  All this was known to the
+President.  He felt instinctively that more clemency was to be expected
+from that successor, whoever he might be; and he was satisfied,
+therefore, that he would at least not be injuring his own position by
+inclining at this late hour to the side of mercy.  His opposition to the
+tenth and twentieth penny had already established a breach between
+himself and the Viceroy, but he felt secretly comforted by the reflection
+that the King was probably on the same side with himself.  Alva still
+spoke of him, to be sure, both in public and private, with approbation;
+taking occasion to commend him frequently, in his private letters,
+as a servant upright and zealous, as a living register, without whose
+universal knowledge of things and persons he should hardly know which
+way to turn.  The President, however, was growing weary of his own
+sycophancy.  He begged his friend Joachim to take his part, if his
+Excellency should write unfavorably about his conduct to the King.  He
+seemed to have changed his views of the man concerning whose "prudence
+and gentleness" he could once turn so many fine periods.  He even
+expressed some anxiety lest doubts should begin to be entertained
+as to the perfect clemency of the King's character.  "Here is so much
+confiscation and bloodshed going on," said he, "that some taint of
+cruelty or avarice may chance to bespatter the robe of his Majesty."
+He also confessed that he had occasionally read in history of greater
+benignity than was now exercised against the poor Netherlanders.  Had the
+learned Frisian arrived at these humane conclusions at a somewhat earlier
+day, it might perhaps have been better for himself and for his
+fatherland.  Had he served his country as faithfully as he had served
+Time, and Philip, and Alva, his lands would not have been so broad, nor
+his dignities so numerous, but he would not have been obliged, in his old
+age; to exclaim, with whimsical petulance, that "the faithful servant is
+always a perpetual ass."
+
+It was now certain that an act of amnesty was in contemplation by the
+King.  Viglius had furnished several plans, which, however, had been
+so much disfigured by the numerous exceptions suggested by Alva, that
+the President could scarce recognize his work.  Granvelle, too, had
+frequently urged the pardon on the attention of Philip.  The Cardinal
+was too astute not to perceive that the time had arrived when a continued
+severity could only defeat its own work.  He felt that the country could
+not be rendered more abject, the spirit of patriotism more apparently
+extinct.  A show of clemency, which would now cost nothing, and would
+mean nothing, might be more effective than this profuse and wanton
+bloodshed.
+
+He saw plainly that the brutality of Alva had already overshot the mark.
+Too politic, however, openly to reprove so powerful a functionary, he
+continued to speak of him and of his administration to Philip in terms
+of exalted eulogy.  He was a "sage seignior," a prudent governor, one on
+whom his Majesty could entirely repose.  He was a man of long experience,
+trained all his life to affairs, and perfectly capable of giving a good
+account of everything to which he turned his hands.  He admitted,
+however, to other correspondents, that the administration of the sage
+seignior, on whom his Majesty could so implicitly rely, had at last
+"brought that provinces into a deplorable condition."
+
+Four different forms of pardon had been sent from Madrid, toward the
+close of 1569.  From these four the Duke was to select one, and carefully
+to destroy the other three.  It was not, however, till July of the
+following year that the choice was made, and the Viceroy in readiness to
+announce the pardon.  On the 14th of that month a great festival was held
+at Antwerp, for the purpose of solemnly proclaiming the long expected
+amnesty.  In the morning, the Duke, accompanied by a brilliant staff, and
+by a long procession of clergy in their gorgeous robes, paraded through
+the streets of the commercial capital, to offer up prayers and hear mass
+in the cathedral.  The Bishop of Arras then began a sermon upon the
+blessings of mercy, with a running commentary upon the royal clemency
+about to be exhibited.  In the very outset, however, of his discourse,
+he was seized with convulsions, which required his removal from the
+pulpit; an incident which was not considered of felicitous augury.  In
+the afternoon, the Duke with his suite appeared upon the square in front
+of the Town House.  Here a large scaffolding or theatre had been erected.
+The platform and the steps which led to it were covered with scarlet
+cloth.  A throne, covered with cloth of gold, was arranged in the most
+elevated position for the Duke.  On the steps immediately below him were
+placed two of the most beautiful women in Antwerp, clad in allegorical
+garments to represent righteousness and peace.  The staircase and
+platform were lined with officers, the square was beset with troops, and
+filled to its utmost verge with an expectant crowd of citizens.  Toward
+the close of a summer's afternoon, the Duke wearing the famous hat and
+sword of the Pope, took his seat on the throne with all the airs of
+royalty.  After a few preliminary ceremonies, a civil functionary,
+standing between two heralds; then recited the long-expected act of
+grace.  His reading, however, was so indistinct, that few save the
+soldiers in the immediate vicinity of the platform could hear a word of
+the document.
+
+This effect was, perhaps, intentional.  Certainly but little enthusiasm
+could be expected from the crowd, had the text of the amnesty been heard.
+It consisted of three parts--a recitation of the wrongs committed, a
+statement of the terms of pardon, and a long list of exceptions.  All the
+sins of omission and commission, the heresy, the public preaching, the
+image-breaking, the Compromise, the confederacy, the rebellion, were
+painted in lively colors.  Pardon, however, was offered to all those who
+had not rendered themselves liable to positive impeachment, in case they
+should make their peace with the Church before the expiration of two
+months, and by confession and repentance obtain their absolution.
+The exceptions, however, occupied the greater part of the document.
+When the general act of condemnation had been fulminated by which all
+Netherlanders were sentenced to death, the exceptions had been very few,
+and all the individuals mentioned by name.  In the act of pardon, the
+exceptions comprehended so many classes of inhabitants, that it was
+impossible for any individual to escape a place in, some one of the
+categories, whenever it should please the government to take his life.
+Expressly excluded from the benefit of the act were all ministers,
+teachers, dogmatizers, and all who had favored and harbored such
+dogmatizers and preachers; all those in the least degree implicated in
+the image-breaking; all who had ever been individually suspected of
+heresy or schism; all who had ever signed or favored the Compromise or
+the Petition to the Regent; all those who had taken up arms, contributed
+money, distributed tracts; all those in any manner chargeable with
+misprision, or who had failed to denounce those guilty of heresy.  All
+persons, however, who were included in any of these classes of exceptions
+might report themselves within six months, when, upon confession of their
+crime, they might hope for a favorable consideration of their case.
+
+Such, in brief, and stripped of its verbiage, was this amnesty for which
+the Netherlands had so long been hoping.  By its provisions, not a man or
+woman was pardoned who had ever committed a fault.  The innocent alone
+were forgiven.  Even they were not sure of mercy, unless they should
+obtain full absolution from the Pope.  More certainly than ever would the
+accustomed rigor be dealt to all who had committed any of those positive
+acts for which so many had already lost their heads.  The clause by which
+a possibility of pardon was hinted to such criminals, provided they would
+confess and surrender, was justly regarded as a trap.  No one was
+deceived by it.  No man, after the experience of the last three years;
+would voluntarily thrust his head into the lion's mouth, in order to fix
+it more firmly upon his shoulders.  No man who had effected his escape
+was likely to play informer against himself, in hope of obtaining a
+pardon from which all but the most sincere and zealous Catholics were in
+reality excepted.
+
+The murmur and discontent were universal, therefore, as soon as the terms
+of the act became known.  Alva wrote to the King, to be sure, "that the
+people were entirely satisfied, save only the demagogues, who could
+tolerate no single exception from the amnesty; but he could neither
+deceive his sovereign nor himself by such statements."  Certainly, Philip
+was totally disappointed in the effect which he had anticipated from the
+measure.  He had thought "it would stop the mouths of many people."
+On the contrary, every mouth in the Netherlands became vociferous to
+denounce the hypocrisy by which a new act of condemnation had been
+promulgated under the name of a pardon.  Viglius, who had drawn up an
+instrument of much ampler clemency, was far from satisfied with the
+measure which had been adopted.  "Certainly," he wrote to his confidant,
+"a more benignant measure was to be expected from so merciful a Prince.
+After four years have past, to reserve for punishment and for execution
+all those who during the tumult did not, through weakness of mind, render
+as much service to government as brave men might have offered, is
+altogether unexampled."
+
+Alva could not long affect to believe in the people's satisfaction.  He
+soon wrote to the King, acknowledging that the impression produced by the
+pardon was far from favorable.  He attributed much evil effect to the
+severe censure which was openly pronounced upon the act by members of the
+government, both in Spain and the Netherlands.  He complained that Hopper
+had written to Viglius, that "the most severe of the four forms of pardon
+transmitted had been selected;" the fact being, that the most lenient one
+had been adopted.  If this were so, whose imagination is powerful enough
+to portray the three which had been burned, and which, although more
+severe than the fierce document promulgated, were still entitled acts of
+pardon?  The Duke spoke bitterly of the manner in which influential
+persons in Madrid had openly abominated the cruel form of amnesty which
+had been decreed.  His authority in the Netherlands was already
+sufficiently weakened, he said, and such censure upon his actions from
+head-quarters did not tend to improve it.  "In truth," he added, almost
+pathetically, "it is not wonderful that the whole nation should be ill-
+disposed towards me, for I certainly have done nothing to make them love
+me.  At the same time, such language transmitted from Madrid does not
+increase their tenderness."
+
+In short, viewed as a measure by which government, without disarming
+itself of its terrible powers, was to pacify the popular mind, the
+amnesty was a failure.  Viewed as a net, by which fresh victims should be
+enticed to entangle themselves, who had already made their way into the
+distant atmosphere of liberty, it was equally unsuccessful.  A few very
+obscure individuals made their appearance to claim the benefit of the
+act, before the six months had expired.  With these it was thought
+expedient to deal gently; but no one was deceived by such clemency.
+As the common people expressed themselves, the net was not spread on
+that occasion for finches.
+
+The wits of the Netherlands, seeking relief from their wretched condition
+in a still more wretched quibble, transposed two letters of the word
+Pardona, and re-baptized the new measure Pandora.  The conceit was not
+without meaning.  The amnesty, descending from supernal regions, had been
+ushered into the presence of mortals as a messenger laden with heavenly
+gifts.  The casket, when opened, had diffused curses instead of
+blessings.  There, however, the classical analogy ended, for it
+would have puzzled all the pedants of Louvain to discover Hope
+lurking, under any disguise, within the clauses of the pardon.
+
+Very soon after the promulgation of this celebrated act, the new bride
+of Philip, Anne of Austria, passed through the Netherlands, on her way
+to Madrid.  During her brief stay in Brussels, she granted an interview
+to the Dowager Countess of Horn.  That unhappy lady, having seen her
+eldest son, the head of her illustrious house, so recently perish on the
+scaffold, wished to make a last effort in behalf of the remaining one,
+then closely confined in the prison of Segovia.  The Archduchess solemnly
+promised that his release should be the first boon which she would
+request of her royal bridegroom, and the bereaved countess retired almost
+with a hope.
+
+A short digression must here be allowed, to narrate the remaining
+fortunes of that son, the ill-starred Seigneur de Montigny.  His mission
+to Madrid in company of the Marquis Berghen has been related in a
+previous volume.  The last and most melancholy scene in the life of his
+fellow envoy has been described in a recent chapter.  After that ominous
+event, Montigny became most anxious to effect his retreat from Spain.
+He had been separated more than a year from his few months' bride.
+He was not imprisoned, but he felt himself under the most rigid although
+secret inspection.  It was utterly impossible for him to obtain leave to
+return, or to take his departure without permission.  On one occasion,
+having left the city accidentally for a ride on horseback to an adjoining
+village, he found himself surrounded by an unexpected escort of forty
+troopers.  Still, however, the King retained a smiling mien.  To
+Montigny's repeated and urgent requests for dismissal, Philip graciously
+urged his desire for a continuance of his visit.  He was requested to
+remain in order to accompany his sovereign upon that journey to the
+Netherlands which would not be much longer delayed.  In his impatience
+anything seemed preferable to the state of suspense in which he was made
+to linger.  He eagerly offered, if he were accused or suspected of crime,
+to surrender himself to imprisonment if he only could be brought to
+trial.  Soon after Alva's arrival in the Netherlands, the first part of
+this offer was accepted.  No sooner were the arrests of Egmont and Horn
+known in Madrid, than Montigny was deprived of his liberty, and closely
+confined in the alcazar of Segovia.  Here he remained imprisoned for
+eight or nine months in a high tower, with no attendant save a young
+page, Arthur de Munter, who had accompanied him from the Netherlands.
+Eight men-at-arms were expressly employed to watch over him and to
+prevent his escape.
+
+One day towards the middle of July, 1568, a band of pilgrims, some of
+them in Flemish attire, went through the streets of Segovia.  They were
+chanting, as was customary on such occasions, a low, monotonous song,
+in which Montigny, who happened to be listening, suddenly recognized the
+language of his fatherland.  His surprise was still greater when, upon
+paying closer attention, he distinguished the terrible meaning of the
+song.  The pretended pilgrims, having no other means of communication
+with the prisoner, were singing for his information the tragic fates of
+his brother, Count Horn, and of his friend, Count Egmont.  Mingled with
+the strain were warnings of his own approaching doom; if he were not able
+to effect his escape before it should be too late.  Thus by this friendly
+masquerade did Montigny learn the fate of his brother, which otherwise,
+in that land of terrible secrecy, might have been concealed from him for
+ever.
+
+The hint as to his own preservation was not lost upon him; and he at
+once set about a plan of escape.  He succeeded in gaining over to his
+interests one of the eight soldiers by whom he was guarded, and he was
+thus enabled to communicate with many of his own adherents without the
+prison walls.  His major-domo had previously been permitted to furnish
+his master's table with provisions dressed by his own cook.  A
+correspondence was now carried on by means of letters concealed within
+the loaves of bread sent daily to the prisoner.  In the same way files
+were provided for sawing through his window-bars.  A very delicate ladder
+of ropes, by which he was to effect his escape into the court below, was
+also transmitted.  The plan had been completely arranged.  A certain Pole
+employed in the enterprise was to be at Hernani, with horses in readiness
+to convey them to San Sebastian.  There a sloop had been engaged, and was
+waiting their arrival.  Montigny, accordingly, in a letter enclosed
+within a loaf of bread--the last, as he hoped, which he should break in
+prison--was instructed, after cutting off his beard and otherwise
+disguising his person, to execute his plan and join his confederates at
+Hernani.  Unfortunately, the major-domo of Montigny was in love.  Upon
+the eve of departure from Spain, his farewell interview with his mistress
+was so much protracted that the care of sending the bread was left to
+another.  The substitute managed so unskilfully that the loaf was brought
+to the commandant of the castle, and not to the prisoner.  The commandant
+broke the bread, discovered the letter, and became master of the whole
+plot.  All persons engaged in the enterprise were immediately condemned
+to death, and the Spanish soldier executed without delay.  The others
+being considered, on account of their loyalty to their master as
+deserving a commutation of punishment, were sent to the galleys.  The
+major-domo, whose ill-timed gallantry had thus cost Montigny his liberty,
+received two hundred lashes in addition.  All, however, were eventually
+released from imprisonment.
+
+The unfortunate gentleman was now kept in still closer confinement in his
+lonely tower.  As all his adherents had been disposed of, he could no
+longer entertain a hope of escape.  In the autumn of this year (1568) it
+was thought expedient by Alva to bring his case formally before the Blood
+Council.  Montigny had committed no crime, but he was one of that band of
+popular, nobles whose deaths had been long decreed.  Letters were
+accordingly sent to Spain, empowering certain functionaries there to
+institute that preliminary examination, which, as usual, was to be the
+only trial vouchsafed.  A long list of interrogatories was addressed to
+him on February 7th, 1569, in his prison at Segovia.  A week afterwards,
+he was again visited by the alcalde, who read over to him the answers
+which he had made on the first occasion, and required him to confirm
+them.  He was then directed to send his procuration to certain persons in
+the Netherlands, whom he might wish to appear in his behalf.  Montigny
+complied by sending several names, with a clause of substitution.  All
+the persons thus appointed, however, declined to act, unless they could
+be furnished with a copy of the procuration, and with a statement of the
+articles of accusation.  This was positively refused by the Blood
+Council.  Seeing no possibility of rendering service to their friend by
+performing any part in this mockery of justice, they refused to accept
+the procuration.  They could not defend a case when not only the
+testimony, but even the charges against the accused were kept secret.
+An individual was accordingly appointed by government to appear in the
+prisoner's behalf.
+
+Thus the forms of justice were observed, and Montigny, a close prisoner
+in the tower of Segovia, was put upon trial for his life in Brussels.
+Certainly nothing could exceed the irony of such a process.  The advocate
+had never seen his client, thousands of miles away, and was allowed to
+hold no communication with him by letter.  The proceedings were
+instituted by a summons, addressed by the Duke of Alva to Madame de
+Montigny in Brussels.  That unhappy lady could only appeal to the King.
+"Convinced," she said, "that her husband was innocent of the charges
+brought against him, she threw herself, overwhelmed and consumed by tears
+and misery, at his Majesty's feet.  She begged the King to remember the
+past services of Montigny, her own youth, and that she had enjoyed his
+company but four months.  By all these considerations, and by the passion
+of Jesus Christ, she adjured the monarch to pardon any faults which her
+husband might have committed."  The reader can easily judge how much
+effect such a tender appeal was like to have upon the heart of Philip.
+From that rock; thus feebly smitten, there flowed no fountain of mercy.
+It was not more certain that Montigny's answers to the interrogatories
+addressed to him had created a triumphant vindication of his course, than
+that such vindication would be utterly powerless to save his life.  The
+charges preferred against him were similar to those which had brought
+Egmont and Horn to the block, and it certainly created no ground of hope
+for him, that he could prove himself even more innocent of suspicious
+conduct than they had done.  On the 4th March, 1570, accordingly, the
+Duke of Alva pronounced sentence against him.  The sentence declared that
+his head should be cut off, and afterwards exposed to public view upon
+the head of a pike.  Upon the 18th March, 1570, the Duke addressed a
+requisitory letter to the alcaldes, corregidors, and other judges of
+Castile, empowering them to carry the sentence into execution.
+
+On the arrival of this requisition there was a serious debate before the
+King in council.  It seemed to be the general opinion that there had been
+almost severity enough in the Netherlands for the present.  The spectacle
+of the public execution of another distinguished personage, it was
+thought, might now prove more irritating than salutary.  The King was
+of this opinion himself.  It certainly did not occur to him or to his
+advisers that this consideration should lead them to spare the life of
+an innocent man.  The doubts entertained as to the expediency of a fresh
+murder were not allowed to benefit the prisoner, who, besides being a
+loyal subject and a communicant of the ancient Church, was also clothed
+in the white robes of an envoy, claiming not only justice but
+hospitality, as the deputy of Philip's sister, Margaret of Parma.
+These considerations probably never occurred to the mind of His Majesty.
+In view, however, of the peculiar circumstances of the case, it was
+unanimously agreed that there should be no more blood publicly shed.
+Most of the councillors were in favor of slow poison.  Montigny's meat
+and drink, they said, should be daily drugged, so that he might die by
+little and little.  Philip, however, terminated these disquisitions by
+deciding that the ends of justice would not thus be sufficiently
+answered.  The prisoner, he had resolved, should be regularly executed,
+but the deed should be secret, and it should be publicly announced that
+he had died of a fever.
+
+This point having been settled; the King now set about the arrangement
+of his plan with all that close attention to detail which marked his
+character.  The patient industry which, had God given him a human heart
+and a love of right, might have made him a useful monarch, he now devoted
+to a scheme of midnight murder with a tranquil sense of enjoyment which
+seems almost incredible.  There is no exaggeration in calling the deed
+a murder, for it certainly was not sanctioned by any law, divine or
+human, nor justified or excused by any of the circumstances which are
+supposed to palliate homicide.  Nor, when the elaborate and superfluous
+luxury of arrangements made by Philip for the accomplishment of his
+design is considered, can it be doubted that he found a positive pleasure
+in his task.  It would almost seem that he had become jealous of Alva's
+achievements in the work of slaughter.  He appeared willing to prove to
+those immediately about him, that however capable might be the Viceroy of
+conducting public executions on a grand and terrifying scale, there was
+yet a certain delicacy of finish never attained by Alva in such business,
+and which was all his Majesty's own.  The King was resolved to make the
+assassination of Montigny a masterpiece.
+
+On the 17th August, 1570, he accordingly directed Don Eugenio de Peralta,
+concierge of the fortress of Simancas, to repair to Segovia, and thence
+to remove the Seigneur Montigny to Simancas.  Here he was to be strictly
+immured; yet was to be allowed at times to walk in the corridor adjoining
+his chamber.  On the 7th October following, the licentiate Don Alonzo de
+Avellano, alcalde of Valladolid, was furnished with an order addressed by
+the King to Don Eugenio de Peralta, requiring him to place the prisoner
+in the hands of the said licentiate, who was charged with the execution
+of Alva's sentence.  This functionary had, moreover, been provided with a
+minute letter of instructions, which had been drawn up according to the
+King's directions, on the 1st October.  In these royal instructions, it
+was stated that, although the sentence was for a public execution, yet
+the King had decided in favor of a private one within the walls of the
+fortress.  It was to be managed so that no one should suspect that
+Montigny had been executed, but so that, on the contrary, it should be
+universally said and believed that he had died a natural death.  Very few
+persons, all sworn and threatened into secrecy, were therefore to be
+employed.  Don Alonzo was to start immediately for Valladolid; which was
+within two short leagues of Simancas.  At that place he would communicate
+with Don Eugenio, and arrange the mode, day, and hour of execution.  He
+would leave Valladolid on the evening before a holiday, late in the
+afternoon, so as to arrive a little after dark at Simancas.  He would
+take with him a confidential notary, an executioner, and as few servants
+as possible.  Immediately upon his entrance to the fortress, he was to
+communicate the sentence of death to Montigny, in presence of Don Eugenio
+and of one or two other persons.  He would then console him, in which
+task he would be assisted by Don Eugenio.  He would afterwards leave him
+with the religious person who would be appointed for that purpose.  That
+night and the whole of the following day, which would be a festival, till
+after midnight, would be allotted to Montigny, that he might have time to
+confess, to receive the sacraments, to convert himself to God, and to
+repent.  Between one and two o'clock in the morning the execution was to
+take place, in presence of the ecclesiastic, of Don Eugenio de Peralta,
+of the notary, and of one or two other persons, who would be needed by
+the executioner.  The ecclesiastic was to be a wise and prudent person,
+and to be informed how little confidence Montigny inspired in the article
+of faith.  If the prisoner should wish to make a will, it could not be
+permitted.  As all his property had been confiscated, he could dispose of
+nothing.  Should he, however, desire to make a memorial of the debts
+which he would wish paid; he was to be allowed that liberty.  It was,
+however, to be stipulated that he was to make no allusion, in any
+memorial or letter which he might write, to the execution which was about
+to take place.  He was to use the language of a man seriously ill, and
+who feels himself at the point of death.  By this infernal ingenuity it
+was proposed to make the victim an accomplice in the plot, and to place a
+false exculpation of his assassins in his dying lips.  The execution
+having been fulfilled, and the death having been announced with the
+dissimulation prescribed, the burial was to take place in the church of
+Saint Saviour, in Simancas.  A moderate degree of pomp, such as befitted
+a person of Montigny's quality, was to be allowed, and a decent tomb
+erected.  A grand mass was also to be celebrated, with a respectable
+number, "say seven hundred," of lesser masses.  As the servants of the
+defunct were few in number, continued the frugal King, they might be
+provided each with a suit of mourning.  Having thus personally arranged
+all the details of this secret work, from the reading of the sentence to
+the burial of the prisoner; having settled not only the mode of his
+departure from life, but of his passage through purgatory, the King
+despatched the agent on his mission.
+
+The royal program was faithfully enacted.  Don Alonzo arrived at
+Valladolid; and made his arrangements with Don Eugenio.  It was agreed
+that a paper, prepared by royal authority, and brought by Don Alonzo from
+Madrid, should be thrown into the corridor of Montigny's prison.  This
+paper, written in Latin, ran as follows:
+
+     "In the night, as I understand, there will be no chance for your
+     escape.  In the daytime there will be many; for you are then in
+     charge of a single gouty guardian, no match in strength or speed for
+     so vigorous a man as you.  Make your escape from the 8th to the 12th
+     of October, at any hour you can, and take the road contiguous to the
+     castle gate through which you entered.  You will find Robert and
+     John, who will be ready with horses, and with everything necessary.
+     May God favor your undertaking.--R. D. M."
+
+The letter, thus designedly thrown into the corridor by one confederate,
+was soon afterwards picked up by the other, who immediately taxed
+Montigny with an attempt to escape.  Notwithstanding the vehement
+protestations of innocence naturally made by the prisoner, his pretended
+project was made the pretext for a still closer imprisonment in the
+"Bishop's Tower."  A letter, written at Madrid, by Philip's orders, had
+been brought by Don Alonzo to Simancas, narrating by anticipation these
+circumstances, precisely as they had now occurred.  It moreover stated
+that Montigny, in consequence of his close confinement, had fallen
+grievously ill, and that he would receive all the attention compatible
+with his safe keeping.  This letter, according to previous orders, was
+now signed by Don Eugenio de Peralta, dated 10th October, 1570; and
+publicly despatched to Philip.  It was thus formally established that
+Montigny was seriously ill.  A physician, thoroughly instructed and sworn
+to secrecy, was now ostentatiously admitted to the tower, bringing with
+him a vast quantity of drugs.  He duly circulated among the townspeople,
+on his return, his opinion that the illustrious prisoner was afflicted
+with a disorder from which it was almost impossible that he should
+recover.  Thus, thanks to Philip's masterly precautions, not a person in
+Madrid or Simancas was ignorant that Montigny was dying of a fever, with
+the single exception of the patient himself.
+
+On Saturday, the 14th of October, at nightfall, Don Alonzo de Avellano,
+accompanied by the prescribed individuals, including Fray Hernando del,
+Castillo, an ecclesiastic of high reputation, made their appearance at
+the prison of Simancas.  At ten in the evening the announcement of the
+sentence was made to Montigny.  He was visibly agitated at the sudden
+intelligence, for it was entirely unexpected by him.  He had, on the
+contrary, hoped much from the intercession of, the Queen, whose arrival
+he had already learned.  He soon recovered himself, however, and
+requested to be left alone with the ecclesiastic.  All the night and the
+following day were passed in holy offices.  He conducted himself with
+great moderation, courage, and tranquillity.  He protested his entire
+innocence of any complicity with the Prince of Orange, or of any disloyal
+designs or sentiments at any period of his life.  He drew up a memorial,
+expressing his strong attachment to every point of the Catholic faith,
+from which he had never for an instant swerved.  His whole demeanor was
+noble, submissive, and Christian.  "In every essential," said Fray
+Hernando, "he conducted himself so well that we who remain may bear him
+envy."  He wrote a paper of instructions concerning his faithful and
+bereaved dependents.  He placed his signet ring, attached to a small gold
+chain, in the hands of the ecclesiastic, to be by him transmitted to his
+wife.  Another ring, set with turquois, he sent to his mother-in-law, the
+Princess Espinoy, from whom he had received it.  About an hour after
+midnight, on the morning, therefore, of the 16th of October, Fray
+Hernando gave notice that the prisoner was ready to die.  The alcalde Don
+Alonzo then entered, accompanied by the executioner and the notary.  The
+sentence of Alva was now again recited, the alcalde adding that the King,
+"out of his clemency and benignity," had substituted a secret for a
+public execution.  Montigny admitted that the judgment would be just and
+the punishment lenient, if it were conceded that the charges against him
+were true.  His enemies, however, while he had been thus immured, had
+possessed the power to accuse him as they listed.  He ceased to speak,
+and the executioner then came forward and strangled him.  The alcalde,
+the notary, and the executioner then immediately started for Valladolid,
+so that no person next morning knew that they had been that night at
+Simancas, nor could guess the dark deed which they had then and there
+accomplished.  The terrible, secret they were forbidden, on pain of
+death, to reveal.
+
+Montigny, immediately after his death, was clothed in the habit of Saint
+Francis, in order to conceal the marks of strangulation.  In the course
+of the day the body was deposited, according to the King's previous
+orders, in the church of Saint Saviour.  Don Eugenio de Peralta, who
+superintended the interment, uncovered the face of the defunct to prove
+his identity, which was instantly recognised by many sorrowing servants.
+The next morning the second letter, prepared by Philip long before, and
+brought by Don Alonzo de Avellano to Simancas, received the date of 17th
+October, 1570, together with the signature of Don Eugenio de Peralta,
+keeper of Simancas fortress, and was then publicly despatched to the
+King.  It stated that, notwithstanding the care given to the Seigneur de
+Montigny in his severe illness by the physicians who had attended him, he
+had continued to grow worse and worse until the previous morning between
+three and four o'clock, when he had expired.  The Fray Hernando del
+Castillo, who had accidentally happened to be at Simancas, had performed
+the holy offices, at the request of the deceased, who had died in so
+catholic a frame of mind, that great hopes might be entertained of his
+salvation.  Although he possessed no property, yet his burial had been
+conducted very respectably.
+
+On the 3rd of November, 1570, these two letters, ostensibly written by
+Don Eugenio de Peralta, were transmitted by Philip to the Duke of Alva.
+They were to serve as evidence of the statement which the Governor-
+General was now instructed to make, that the Seigneur de Montigny had
+died a natural death in the fortress of Simancas.  By the same courier,
+the King likewise forwarded a secret memoir, containing the exact history
+of the dark transaction, from which memoir the foregoing account has been
+prepared.  At the same time the Duke was instructed publicly to exhibit
+the lying letters of Don Eugenio de Peralta, as containing an authentic
+statement of the affair.  The King observed, moreover, in his letter,
+that there was not a person in Spain who doubted that Montigny had died
+of a fever.  He added that if the sentiments of the deceased nobleman had
+been at all in conformity with his external manifestations, according to
+the accounts received of his last moments, it was to be hoped that God
+would have mercy upon his soul.  The secretary who copied the letter,
+took the liberty of adding, however, to this paragraph the suggestion,
+that "if Montigny were really a heretic, the devil, who always assists
+his children in such moments, would hardly have failed him in his dying
+hour."  Philip, displeased with this flippancy, caused the passage to be
+erased.  He even gave vent to his royal indignation in a marginal note,
+to the effect that we should always express favorable judgments
+concerning the dead--a pious sentiment always dearer to writing masters
+than to historians.  It seemed never to have occurred however to this
+remarkable moralist, that it was quite as reprehensible to strangle an
+innocent man as to speak ill of him after his decease.
+
+Thus perished Baron Montigny, four years after his arrival in Madrid as
+Duchess Margaret's ambassador, and three years after the death of his
+fellow-envoy Marquis Berghen.  No apology is necessary for so detailed an
+account of this dark and secret tragedy.  The great transactions of a
+reign are sometimes paltry things; great battles and great treaties,
+after vast consumption of life and of breath, often leave the world where
+they found it.  The events which occupy many of the statelier pages of
+history, and which have most lived in the mouths of men, frequently
+contain but commonplace lessons of philosophy.  It is perhaps otherwise
+when, by the resuscitation of secret documents, over which the dust of
+three centuries has gathered, we are enabled to study the internal
+working of a system of perfect tyranny.  Liberal institutions, republican
+or constitutional governments, move in the daylight; we see their mode of
+operation, feel the jar of their wheels, and are often needlessly alarmed
+at their apparent tendencies.  The reverse of the picture is not always
+so easily attainable.  When, therefore, we find a careful portrait of a
+consummate tyrant, painted by his own hand, it is worth our while to
+pause for a moment, that we may carefully peruse the lineaments.
+Certainly, we shall afterwards not love liberty the less.
+
+Towards the end of the year 1570, still another and a terrible misfortune
+descended upon the Netherlands.  It was now the hand of God which smote
+the unhappy country, already so tortured by the cruelty of war.  An
+inundation, more tremendous than any which had yet been recorded in those
+annals so prolific in such catastrophes, now swept the whole coast from
+Flanders to Friesland.  Not the memorable deluge of the thirteenth
+century, out of which the Zuyder Zee was born; not that in which the
+waters of the Dollart had closed for ever over the villages and churches
+of Groningen; not one of those perpetually recurring floods by which the
+inhabitants of the Netherlands, year after year, were recalled to an
+anxious remembrance of the watery chaos out of which their fatherland had
+been created, and into which it was in daily danger of resolving itself
+again, had excited so much terror and caused so much destruction.  A
+continued and violent gale from the north-west had long been sweeping the
+Atlantic waters into the North Sea, and had now piled them upon the
+fragile coasts of the provinces.  The dykes, tasked beyond their
+strength, burst in every direction.  The cities of Flanders, to a
+considerable distance inland, were suddenly invaded by the waters of the
+ocean.  The whole narrow peninsula of North Holland was in imminent
+danger of being swept away for ever.  Between Amsterdam and Meyden, the
+great Diemer dyke was broken through in twelve places.  The Hand-bos, a
+bulwark formed of oaken piles, fastened with metal clamps, moored with
+iron anchors, and secured by gravel and granite, was snapped to pieces
+like packthread.  The "Sleeper," a dyke thus called, because it was
+usually left in repose by the elements, except in great emergencies,
+alone held firm, and prevented the consummation of the catastrophe.
+Still the ocean poured in upon the land with terrible fury.  Dort,
+Rotterdam, and many other cities were, for a time, almost submerged.
+Along the coast, fishing vessels, and even ships of larger size, were
+floated up into the country, where they entangled themselves in groves
+and orchards, or beat to pieces the roofs and walls of houses.  The
+destruction of life and of property was enormous throughout the maritime
+provinces, but in Friesland the desolation was complete.  There nearly
+all the dykes and sluices were dashed to fragments; the country, far and-
+wide, converted into an angry sea.  The steeples and towers of inland
+cities became islands of the ocean.  Thousands of human beings were swept
+out of existence in a few hours.  Whole districts of territory, with all
+their villages, farms, and churches, were rent from their places, borne
+along by the force of the waves, sometimes to be lodged in another part
+of the country, sometimes to be entirely engulfed.  Multitudes of men,
+women, children, of horses, oxen, sheep, and every domestic animal, were
+struggling in the waves in every direction.  Every boat, and every
+article which could serve as a boat, were eagerly seized upon.  Every
+house was inundated; even the grave-yards gave up their dead.  The living
+infant in his cradle, and the long-buried corpse in his coffin, floated
+side by side.  The ancient flood seemed about to be renewed.  Everywhere,
+upon the top of trees, upon the steeples of churches, human beings were
+clustered, praying to God for mercy, and to their fellow-men for
+assistance.  As the storm at last was subsiding, boats began to ply in
+every direction, saving those who were still struggling in the water,
+picking fugitives from roofs and tree-tops, and collecting the bodies of
+those already drowned.  Colonel Robles, Seigneur de Billy, formerly much
+hated for his Spanish or Portuguese blood, made himself very active in
+this humane work.  By his exertions, and those of the troops belonging to
+Groningen, many lives were rescued, and gratitude replaced the ancient
+animosity.  It was estimated that at least twenty thousand persons were
+destroyed in the province of Friesland alone.  Throughout the
+Netherlands, one hundred thousand persons perished.  The damage alone
+to property, the number of animals engulfed in the sea, were almost
+incalculable.
+
+These events took place on the 1st and 2nd November, 1570.  The former
+happened to be the day of All Saints, and the Spaniards maintained loudly
+that the vengeance of Heaven had descended upon the abode of heretics.
+The Netherlanders looked upon the catastrophe as ominous of still
+more terrible misfortunes in store for them.  They seemed doomed to
+destruction by God and man.  An overwhelming tyranny had long been
+chafing against their constitutional bulwarks, only to sweep over them at
+last; and now the resistless ocean, impatient of man's feeble barriers,
+had at last risen to reclaim his prey.  Nature, as if disposed to put to
+the blush the feeble cruelty of man, had thus wrought more havoc in a few
+hours, than bigotry, however active, could effect in many years.
+
+Nearly at the close of this year (1570) an incident occurred,
+illustrating the ferocious courage so often engendered in civil
+contests.  On the western verge of the Isle of Bommel, stood the
+castle of Lowestein.  The island is not in the sea.  It is the narrow
+but important territory which is enclosed between the Meuse and the Waal.
+The castle, placed in a slender hook, at the junction of the two rivers,
+commanded the two cities of Gorcum and Dorcum, and the whole navigation
+of the waters.  One evening, towards the end of December, four monks,
+wearing the cowls and robes of Mendicant Grey Friars, demanded
+hospitality at the castle gate.  They were at once ushered into the
+presence of the commandant, a brother of President Tisnacq.  He was
+standing by the fire, conversing with his wife.  The foremost monk
+approaching him, asked whether the castle held for the Duke of Alva
+or the Prince of Orange.  The castellian replied that he recognized no
+prince save Philip, King of Spain.  Thereupon the monk, who was no other
+than Herman de Ruyter, a drover by trade, and a warm partisan of Orange,
+plucked a pistol from beneath his robe, and shot the commandant through
+the head.  The others, taking advantage of the sudden panic, overcame all
+the resistance offered by the feeble garrison, and made themselves
+masters of the place.  In the course of the next day they introduced into
+the castle four or five and twenty men, with which force they diligently
+set themselves to fortify the place, and secure themselves in its
+possession.  A larger reinforcement which they had reckoned upon, was
+detained by the floods and frosts, which, for the moment, had made the
+roads and fivers alike impracticable.
+
+Don Roderigo de Toledo, governor of Bois le Duc, immediately despatched
+a certain Captain Perea, at the head of two hundred soldiers, who were
+joined on the way by a miscellaneous force of volunteers, to recover the
+fortress as soon as possible.  The castle, bathed on its outward walls by
+the Waal and Meuse, and having two redoubts, defended by a double
+interior foss, would have been difficult to take by assaults had the
+number of the besieged been at all adequate to its defence.  As matters
+stood, however, the Spaniards, by battering a breach in the wall with
+their cannon on the first day, and then escalading the inner works with
+remarkable gallantry upon the second, found themselves masters of the
+place within eight and forty hours of their first appearance before its
+gates.  Most of the defenders were either slain or captured alive.  De
+Ruyter alone had betaken himself to an inner hall of the castle, where he
+stood at bay upon the threshold.  Many Spaniards, one after another, as
+they attempted to kill or to secure him, fell before his sword, which he
+wielded with the strength of a giant.  At last, overpowered by numbers,
+and weakened by the loss of blood, he retreated slowly into the hall,
+followed by many of his antagonists.  Here, by an unexpected movement,
+he applied a match to a train of powder, which he had previously laid
+along the floor of the apartment.  The explosion was instantaneous.  The
+tower, where the contest was taking place, sprang into the air, and De
+Ruyter with his enemies shared a common doom.  A part of the mangled
+remains of this heroic but ferocious patriot were afterwards dug from the
+ruins of the tower, and with impotent malice nailed upon the gallows at
+Bois le Duc.  Of his surviving companions, some were beheaded, some were
+broken on the wheel, some were hung and quartered--all were executed.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Constitutional governments, move in the daylight
+Consumer would pay the tax, supposing it were ever paid at all
+Financial opposition to tyranny is apt to be unanimous
+Great battles often leave the world where they found it
+Great transactions of a reign are sometimes paltry things
+The faithful servant is always a perpetual ass
+
+
+
+
+End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Dutch Republic, v17
+by John Lothrop Motley
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 18.
+
+THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
+
+By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY
+
+1855
+
+
+
+1570 [CHAPTER VI.]
+
+     Orange and Count Louis in France--Peace with the Huguenots--
+     Coligny's memoir, presented by request to Charles IX., on the
+     subject of invading the Netherlands--Secret correspondence of Orange
+     organized by Paul Buys--Privateering commissions issued by the
+     Prince--Regulations prescribed by him for the fleets thus created--
+     Impoverished condition of the Prince--His fortitude--His personal
+     sacrifices and privations--His generosity--Renewed contest between
+     the Duke and the Estates on the subject of the tenth and twentieth
+     pence--Violent disputes in the council--Firm opposition of Viglius--
+     Edict commanding the immediate collection of the tax--Popular
+     tumults--Viglius denounced by Alva--The Duke's fierce complaints to
+     the King--Secret schemes of Philip against Queen Elizabeth of
+     England--The Ridolphi plot to murder Elizabeth countenanced by
+     Philip and Pius V.--The King's orders to Alva to further the plan--
+     The Duke's remonstrances--Explosion of the plot--Obstinacy of
+     Philip--Renewed complaints of Alva as to the imprudent service
+     required of him--Other attempts of Philip to murder Elizabeth--Don
+     John of Austria in the Levant----Battle of Lepanto--Slothfulness of
+     Selim--Appointment of Medina Celi--Incessant wrangling in Brussels
+     upon the tax--Persevering efforts of Orange--Contempt of Alva for
+     the Prince--Proposed sentence of ignominy against his name--Sonoy's
+     mission to Germany--Remarkable papers issued by the Prince--The
+     "harangue"--Intense hatred for Alva entertained by the highest as
+     well as lower orders--Visit of Francis de Alva to Brussels--His
+     unfavourable report to the King--Querulous language of the Duke--
+     Deputation to Spain--Universal revolt against the tax--Ferocity of
+     Alva--Execution of eighteen tradesmen secretly ordered--Interrupted
+     by the capture of Brill--Beggars of the sea--The younger Wild Boar
+     of Ardennes--Reconciliation between the English government and that
+     of Alva--The Netherland privateersmen ordered out of English ports--
+     De la Marck's fleet before Brill--The town summoned to surrender--
+     Commissioners sent out to the fleet--Flight of the magistrates and
+     townspeople--Capture of the place--Indignation of Alva--Popular
+     exultation in Brussels--Puns and Caricatures--Bossu ordered to
+     recover the town of Brill--His defeat--His perfidious entrance into
+     Rotterdam--Massacre in that city--Flushing revolutionized--
+     Unsuccessful attempt of Governor de Bourgogne to recal the citizens
+     to their obedience--Expedition under Treslong from Brill to assist
+     the town of Flushing--Murder of Paccheco by the Patriots--Zeraerts
+     appointed Governor of Walcheren by Orange.
+
+While such had been the domestic events of the Netherlands during the
+years 1569 and 1570, the Prince of Orange, although again a wanderer, had
+never allowed himself to despair.  During this whole period, the darkest
+hour for himself and for his country, he was ever watchful.  After
+disbanding his troops at Strasburg, and after making the best
+arrangements possible under the circumstances for the eventual payment of
+their wages, he had joined the army which the Duke of Deux Ponts had been
+raising in Germany to assist the cause of the Huguenots in France.  The
+Prince having been forced to acknowledge that, for the moment, all open
+efforts in the Netherlands were likely to be fruitless, instinctively
+turned his eyes towards the more favorable aspect of the Reformation in
+France.  It was inevitable that, while he was thus thrown for the time
+out of his legitimate employment, he should be led to the battles of
+freedom in a neighbouring land.  The Duke of Deux Ponts, who felt his own
+military skill hardly adequate to the task which he had assumed, was
+glad, as it were, to put himself and his army under the orders of Orange.
+
+Meantime the battle of Jamac had been fought; the Prince of Condo,
+covered with wounds, and exclaiming that it was sweet to die for Christ
+and country, had fallen from his saddle; the whole Huguenot army had been
+routed by the royal forces under the nominal command of Anjou, and the
+body of Conde, tied to the back of a she ass, had been paraded through
+the streets of Jarnap in derision.
+
+Affairs had already grown almost as black for the cause of freedom in
+France as in the provinces.  Shortly afterwards William of Orange, with a
+band of twelve hundred horsemen, joined the banners of Coligny.  His two
+brothers accompanied him.  Henry, the stripling, had left the university
+to follow the fortunes of the Prince.  The indomitable Louis, after seven
+thousand of his army had been slain, had swum naked across the Ems,
+exclaiming "that his courage, thank God, was as fresh and lively as
+ever," and had lost not a moment in renewing his hostile schemes against
+the Spanish government.  In the meantime he had joined the Huguenots in
+France.  The battle of Moncontour had succeeded, Count Peter Mansfeld,
+with five thousand troops sent by Alva, fighting on the side of the
+royalists, and Louis Nassau on that of the Huguenots, atoning by the
+steadiness and skill with which he covered the retreat, for his
+intemperate courage, which had precipitated the action, and perhaps been
+the main cause of Coligny's overthrow.  The Prince of Orange, who had
+been peremptorily called to the Netherlands in the beginning of the
+autumn, was not present at the battle.  Disguised as a peasant, with but
+five attendants, and at great peril, he had crossed the enemy's lines,
+traversed France, and arrived in Germany before the winter.  Count Louis
+remained with the Huguenots.  So necessary did he seem to their cause,
+and so dear had he become to their armies, that during the severe illness
+of Coligny in the course of the following summer all eyes were turned
+upon him as the inevitable successor of that great man, the only
+remaining pillar of freedom in France.
+
+Coligny recovered.  The deadly peace between the Huguenots and the Court
+succeeded.  The Admiral, despite his sagacity and his suspicions,
+embarked with his whole party upon that smooth and treacherous current
+which led to the horrible catastrophe of Saint Bartholomew.  To occupy
+his attention, a formal engagement was made by the government to send
+succor to the Netherlands.  The Admiral was to lead the auxiliaries which
+were to be despatched across the frontier to overthrow the tyrannical
+government of Alva.  Long and anxious were the colloquies held between
+Coligny and the Royalists.  The monarch requested a detailed opinion, in
+writing, from the Admiral, on the most advisable plan for invading the
+Netherlands.  The result was the preparation of the celebrated memoir,
+under Coligny's directions, by young De Mornay, Seigneur de Plessis.
+The document was certainly not a paper of the highest order.  It did not
+appeal to the loftier instincts which kings or common mortals might be
+supposed to possess.  It summoned the monarch to the contest in the
+Netherlands that the ancient injuries committed by Spain might be
+avenged.  It invoked the ghost of Isabella of France, foully murdered, as
+it was thought, by Philip.  It held out the prospect of re-annexing the
+fair provinces, wrested from the King's ancestors by former Spanish
+sovereigns.  It painted the hazardous position of Philip; with the
+Moorish revolt gnawing at the entrails of his kingdom, with the Turkish
+war consuming its extremities, with the canker of rebellion corroding
+the very heart of the Netherlands.  It recalled, with exultation, the
+melancholy fact that the only natural and healthy existence of the
+French was in a state of war--that France, if not occupied with foreign
+campaigns, could not be prevented from plunging its sword into its own
+vitals.
+
+It indulged in refreshing reminiscences of those halcyon days, not long
+gone by, when France, enjoying perfect tranquillity within its own
+borders, was calmly and regularly carrying on its long wars beyond the
+frontier.
+
+In spite of this savage spirit, which modern documents, if they did not
+scorn, would, at least have shrouded, the paper was nevertheless a
+sagacious one; but the request for the memoir, and the many interviews on
+the subject of the invasion, were only intended to deceive.  They were
+but the curtain which concealed the preparations for the dark tragedy
+which was about to be enacted.  Equally deceived, and more sanguine than
+ever, Louis Nassau during this period was indefatigable in his attempts
+to gain friends for his cause.  He had repeated audiences of the King,
+to whose court he had come in disguise.  He made a strong and warm
+impression upon Elizabeth's envoy at the French Court, Walsingham.  It is
+probable that in the Count's impetuosity to carry his point, he allowed
+more plausibility to be given to certain projects for subdividing the
+Netherlands than his brother would ever have sanctioned.  The Prince was
+a total stranger to these inchoate schemes.  His work was to set his
+country free, and to destroy the tyranny which had grown colossal.  That
+employment was sufficient for a lifetime, and there is no proof to be
+found that a paltry and personal self-interest had even the lowest place
+among his motives.
+
+Meantime, in the autumn of 1569, Orange had again reached Germany.
+Paul Buys, Pensionary of Leyden, had kept him constantly informed of
+the state of affairs in the provinces.  Through his means an extensive
+correspondence was organized and maintained with leading persons in every
+part of the Netherlands.  The conventional terms by which different
+matters and persons of importance were designated in these letters were
+familiarly known to all friends of the cause, not only in the provinces,
+but in France, England, Germany, and particularly in the great commercial
+cities.  The Prince, for example, was always designated as Martin
+Willemzoon, the Duke of Alva as Master Powels van Alblas, the Queen of
+England as Henry Philipzoon, the King of Denmark as Peter Peterson.  The
+twelve signs of the zodiac were used instead of the twelve months, and a
+great variety of similar substitutions were adopted.  Before his visit to
+France, Orange had, moreover, issued commissions, in his capacity of
+sovereign, to various seafaring persons, who were empowered to cruise
+against Spanish commerce.
+
+The "beggars of the sea," as these privateersmen designated themselves,
+soon acquired as terrible a name as the wild beggars, or the forest
+beggars; but the Prince, having had many conversations with Admiral
+Coligny on the important benefits to be derived from the system, had
+faithfully set himself to effect a reformation of its abuses after his
+return from France.  The Seigneur de Dolhain, who, like many other
+refugee nobles, had acquired much distinction in this roving corsair
+life, had for a season acted as Admiral for the Prince.  He had, however,
+resolutely declined to render any accounts of his various expeditions,
+and was now deprived of his command in consequence.  Gillain de Fiennes,
+Seigneur de Lumbres, was appointed to succeed him.  At the same time
+strict orders were issued by Orange, forbidding all hostile measures
+against the Emperor or any of the princes of the empire, against Sweden,
+Denmark, England, or against any potentates who were protectors of the
+true Christian religion.  The Duke of Alva and his adherents were
+designated as the only lawful antagonists.  The Prince, moreover, gave
+minute instructions as to the discipline to be observed in his fleet.
+The articles of war were to be strictly enforced.  Each commander was to
+maintain a minister on board his ship, who was to preach God's word, and
+to preserve Christian piety among the crew.  No one was to exercise any
+command in the fleet save native Netherlanders, unless thereto expressly
+commissioned by the Prince of Orange.  All prizes were to be divided and
+distributed by a prescribed rule.  No persons were to be received on
+board, either as sailors or soldiers, save "folk of goad name and fame."
+No man who had ever been punished of justice was to be admitted.  Such
+were the principal features in the organization of that infant navy
+which, in course of this and the following centuries, was to achieve so
+many triumphs, and to which a powerful and adventurous mercantile marine
+had already led the way.  "Of their ships," said Cardinal Bentivoglio,
+"the Hollanders make houses, of their houses schools.  Here they are
+born, here educated, here they learn their profession.  Their sailors,
+flying from one pale to the other, practising their art wherever the sun
+displays itself to mortals, become so skilful that they can scarcely be
+equalled, certainly not surpassed; by any nation in the civilized world."
+
+The Prince, however, on his return from France, had never been in so
+forlorn a condition.  "Orange is plainly perishing," said one of the
+friends of the cause.  Not only had he no funds to organize new levies,
+but he was daily exposed to the most clamorously-urged claims, growing
+out of the army which be had been recently obliged to disband.  It had
+been originally reported in the Netherlands that he had fallen in the
+battle of Moncontour.  "If he have really been taken off," wrote Viglius,
+hardly daring to credit the great news, "we shall all of us have less
+cause to tremble."  After his actual return, however, lean and beggared,
+with neither money nor credit, a mere threatening shadow without
+substance or power, he seemed to justify the sarcasm of Granvelle.
+"Vana sine viribus ira," quoted the Cardinal, and of a verity it seemed
+that not a man was likely to stir in Germany in his behalf, now that so
+deep a gloom had descended upon his cause.  The obscure and the oppressed
+throughout the provinces and Germany still freely contributed out of
+their weakness and their poverty, and taxed themselves beyond their means
+to assist enterprizes for the relief of the Netherlands.  The great ones
+of the earth, however, those on whom the Prince had relied; those to whom
+he had given his heart; dukes, princes, and electors, in this fatal
+change of his fortunes fell away like water.
+
+Still his spirit was unbroken.  His letters showed a perfect appreciation
+of his situation, and of that to which his country was reduced; but they
+never exhibited a trace of weakness or despair.  A modest, but lofty
+courage; a pious, but unaffected resignation, breathed through--every
+document, public or private, which fell from his pen during this epoch.
+He wrote to his brother John that he was quite willing to go, to
+Frankfort, in order to give himself up as a hostage to his troops for the
+payment of their arrears.  At the same time he begged his brother to move
+heaven and earth to raise at least one hundred thousand thalers.  If he
+could only furnish them with a month's pay, the soldiers would perhaps be
+for a time contented.  He gave directions also concerning the disposition
+of what remained of his plate and furniture, the greater part of it
+having been already sold and expended in the cause.  He thought it would,
+on the whole, be better to have the remainder sold, piece by piece, at
+the fair.  More money would be raised by that course than by a more
+wholesale arrangement.
+
+He was now obliged to attend personally to the most minute matters of
+domestic economy.  The man who been the mate of emperors, who was himself
+a sovereign, had lived his life long in pomp and luxury, surrounded by
+countless nobles, pages, men-at-arms, and menials, now calmly accepted
+the position of an outlaw and an exile.  He cheerfully fulfilled tasks
+which had formerly devolved upon his grooms and valets.  There was an
+almost pathetic simplicity in the homely details of an existence which,
+for the moment, had become so obscure and so desperate.  "Send by the
+bearer," he wrote, "the little hackney given me by the Admiral; send also
+my two pair of trunk hose; one pair is at the tailor's to be mended, the
+other, pair you will please order to be taken from the things which I
+wore lately at Dillenburg.  They lie on the table with my accoutrements.
+If the little hackney be not in condition, please send the grey horse
+with the cropped ears and tail."
+
+He was always mindful, however, not only of the great cause to which he
+had devoted himself, but of the wants experienced by individuals who had
+done him service.  He never forgot his friends.  In the depth of his own
+misery he remembered favors received from humble persons.  "Send a little
+cup, worth at least a hundred florins, to Hartmann Wolf," he wrote to his
+brother; "you can take as much silver out of the coffer, in which there
+is still some of my chapel service remaining."--"You will observe that
+Affenstein is wanting a horse," he wrote on another occasion; "please
+look him out one, and send it to me with the price.  I will send you the
+money.  Since he has shown himself so willing in the cause, one ought to
+do something for him."
+
+The contest between the Duke and the estates, on the subject of the tenth
+and twentieth penny had been for a season adjusted.  The two years' term,
+however, during which it had been arranged that the tax should be
+commuted, was to expire in the autumn of 1571.  Early therefore in this
+year the disputes were renewed with greater acrimony than ever.  The
+estates felt satisfied that the King was less eager than the Viceroy.
+Viglius was satisfied that the power of Alva was upon the wane.  While
+the King was not likely openly to rebuke his recent measures, it seemed
+not improbable that the Governor's reiterated requests to be recalled
+might be granted.  Fortified by these considerations, the President,
+who had so long been the supple tool of the tyrant, suddenly assumed
+the character of a popular tribune.  The wranglings, the contradictions,
+the vituperations, the threatenings, now became incessant in the council.
+The Duke found that he had exulted prematurely, when he announced to the
+King the triumphant establishment, in perpetuity, of the lucrative tax.
+So far from all the estates having given their consent, as he had
+maintained, and as he had written to Philip, it now appeared that not
+one of those bodies considered itself bound beyond its quota for the two
+years.  This was formally stated in the council by Berlaymont and other
+members.  The wrath of the Duke blazed forth at this announcement.  He
+berated Berlaymont for maintaining, or for allowing it to be maintained,
+that the consent of the orders had ever been doubtful.  He protested that
+they had as unequivocally agreed to the perpetual imposition of the tag
+as he to its commutation during two years.  He declared, however, that he
+was sick of quotas.  The tax should now be collected forthwith, and
+Treasurer Schetz was ordered to take his measures accordingly.
+
+At a conference on the 29th May, the Duke asked Viglius for his opinion.
+The President made a long reply, taking the ground that the consent of
+the orders had been only conditional, and appealing to such members of
+the finance council as were present to confirm his assertion.  It was
+confirmed by all.  The Duke, in a passion, swore that those who dared
+maintain such a statement should be chastised.  Viglius replied that it
+had always been the custom for councillors to declare their opinion,
+and that they had never before been threatened with such consequences.
+If such, however, were his Excellency's sentiments, councillors had
+better stay at home, hold their tongues, and so avoid chastisement.
+The Duke, controlling himself a little, apologized for this allusion to
+chastisement, a menace which he disclaimed having intended with reference
+to councillors whom he had always commended to the King, and of whom his
+Majesty had so high an opinion.  At a subsequent meeting the Duke took
+Viglius aside, and assured him that he was quite of his own way of
+thinking.  For certain reasons, however, he expressed himself as
+unwilling that the rest of the council should be aware of the change
+in his views.  He wished, he said, to dissemble.  The astute President,
+for a moment, could not imagine the Governor's drift.  He afterwards
+perceived that the object of this little piece of deception had been to
+close his mouth.  The Duke obviously conjectured that the President,
+lulled into security, by this secret assurance, would be silent; that the
+other councillors, believing the President to have adopted the Governor's
+views, would alter their opinions; and that the opposition of the
+estates, thus losing its support in the council, would likewise very soon
+be abandoned.  The President, however, was not to be entrapped by this
+falsehood.  He resolutely maintained his hostility to the tax, depending
+for his security on the royal opinion, the popular feeling, and the
+judgment of his colleagues.
+
+The daily meetings of the board were almost entirely occupied by this
+single subject.  Although since the arrival of Alva the Council of Blood
+had usurped nearly all the functions of the state and finance-councils,
+yet there now seemed a disposition on the part of Alva to seek the
+countenance, even while he spurned the authority, of other functionaries.
+He found, however, neither sympathy nor obedience.  The President stoutly
+told him that he was endeavouring to swim against the stream, that the
+tax was offensive to the people, and that the voice of the people was the
+voice of God.  On the last day of July, however, the Duke issued an
+edict, by which summary collection of the tenth and twentieth pence was
+ordered.  The whole country was immediately in uproar.  The estates of
+every province, the assemblies of every city, met and remonstrated.  The
+merchants suspended all business, the petty dealers shut up their shops.
+The people congregated together in masses, vowing resistance to the
+illegal and cruel impost.  Not a farthing was collected.  The "seven
+stiver people", spies of government, who for that paltry daily stipend
+were employed to listen for treason in every tavern, in every huckster's
+booth, in every alley of every city, were now quite unable to report all
+the curses which were hourly heard uttered against the tyranny of the
+Viceroy.  Evidently, his power was declining.  The councillors resisted
+him, the common people almost defied him.  A mercer to whom he was
+indebted for thirty thousand florins' worth of goods, refused to open
+his shop, lest the tax should be collected on his merchandize.  The Duke
+confiscated his debt, as the mercer had foreseen, but this being a
+pecuniary sacrifice, seemed preferable to acquiescence in a measure so
+vague and so boundless that it might easily absorb the whole property of
+the country.
+
+No man saluted the governor as he passed through the streets.  Hardly an
+attempt was made by the people to disguise their abhorrence of his
+person: Alva, on his side, gave daily exhibitions of ungovernable fury.
+At a council held on 25th September, 1571, he stated that the King had
+ordered the immediate enforcement of the edict.  Viglius observed that
+there were many objections to its form.  He also stoutly denied that the
+estates had ever given their consent.  Alva fiercely asked the President
+if he had not himself once maintained that the consent had been granted!
+Viglius replied that he had never made such an assertion.  He had
+mentioned the conditions and the implied promises on the part of
+government, by which a partial consent had been extorted.  He never could
+have said that the consent had been accorded, for he had never believed
+that it could be obtained.  He had not proceeded far in his argument when
+he was interrupted by the Duke--"But you said so, you said so, you said
+so," cried the exasperated Governor, in a towering passion, repeating
+many times this flat contradiction to the President's statements.
+Viglius firmly stood his ground.  Alva loudly denounced him for the
+little respect he had manifested for his authority.  He had hitherto done
+the President good offices, he said, with his Majesty, but certainly
+should not feel justified in concealing his recent and very unhandsome
+conduct.
+
+Viglius replied that he had always reverently cherished the Governor,
+and had endeavoured to merit his favor by diligent obsequiousness.
+He was bound by his oath, however; to utter in council that which
+comported with his own sentiments and his Majesty's interests.  He had
+done this heretofore in presence of Emperors, Kings, Queens, and Regents,
+and they had not taken offence.  He did not, at this hour, tremble for
+his grey head, and hoped his Majesty would grant him a hearing before
+condemnation.  The firm attitude of the President increased the
+irritation of the Viceroy.  Observing that he knew the proper means
+of enforcing his authority he dismissed the meeting.
+
+Immediately afterwards, he received the visits of his son, Don Frederic
+of Vargas, and other familiars.  To these he recounted the scene which
+had taken place, raving the while so ferociously against Viglius as to
+induce the supposition that something serious was intended against him.
+The report flew from mouth to mouth.  The affair became the town talk,
+so that, in the words of the President, it was soon discussed by every
+barber and old woman in Brussels.  His friends became alarmed for his
+safety, while, at the same time, the citizens rejoiced that their cause
+had found so powerful an advocate.  Nothing, however, came of these
+threats and these explosions.  On the contrary, shortly afterwards the
+Duke gave orders that the tenth penny should be remitted upon four great
+articles-corn, meat, wine, and beer.  It was also not to be levied upon
+raw materials used in manufactures.  Certainly, these were very important
+concessions.  Still the constitutional objections remained.  Alva could
+not be made to understand why the alcabala, which was raised without
+difficulty in the little town of Alva, should encounter such fierce
+opposition in the Netherlands.  The estates, he informed the King, made
+a great deal of trouble.  They withheld their consent at command of their
+satrap.  The motive which influenced the leading men was not the interest
+of factories or fisheries, but the fear that for the future they might
+not be able to dictate the law to their sovereign.  The people of that
+country, he observed, had still the same character which had been
+described by Julius Caesar.
+
+The Duke, however, did not find much sympathy at Madrid.  Courtiers and
+councillors had long derided his schemes.  As for the King, his mind was
+occupied with more interesting matters.  Philip lived but to enforce what
+he chose to consider the will of God.  While the duke was fighting this
+battle with the Netherland constitutionalists, his master had engaged at
+home in a secret but most comprehensive scheme.  This was a plot to
+assassinate Queen Elizabeth of England, and to liberate Mary Queen of
+Scots, who was to be placed on the throne in her stead.  This project,
+in which was of course involved the reduction of England under the
+dominion of the ancient Church, could not but prove attractive to Philip.
+It included a conspiracy against a friendly sovereign, immense service to
+the Church, and a murder.  His passion for intrigue, his love of God, and
+his hatred of man, would all be gratified at once.  Thus, although the
+Moorish revolt within the heart of his kingdom had hardly been
+terminated--although his legions and his navies were at that instant
+engaged in a contest of no ordinary importance with the Turkish empire--
+although the Netherlands, still maintaining their hostility and their
+hatred, required the flower of the Spanish army to compel their
+submission, he did not hesitate to accept the dark adventure which was
+offered to him by ignoble hands.
+
+One Ridolfi, a Florentine, long resident in England, had been sent to
+the Netherlands as secret agent of the Duke of Norfolk.  Alva read his
+character immediately, and denounced him to Philip as a loose, prating
+creature, utterly unfit to be entrusted with affairs of importance.
+Philip, however, thinking more of the plot than of his fellow-actors,
+welcomed the agent of the conspiracy to Madrid, listened to his
+disclosures attentively, and, without absolutely committing himself by
+direct promises, dismissed him with many expressions of encouragement.
+
+On the 12th of July, 1571, Philip wrote to the Duke of Alva, giving an
+account of his interview with Roberto Ridolfi.  The envoy, after relating
+the sufferings of the Queen of Scotland, had laid before him a plan for
+her liberation.  If the Spanish monarch were willing to assist the Duke
+of Norfolk and his friends, it would be easy to put upon Mary's head the
+crown of England.  She was then to intermarry with Norfolk.  The kingdom
+of England was again to acknowledge the authority of Rome, and the
+Catholic religion to be everywhere restored.  The most favorable
+moment for the execution of the plan would be in August or September.
+As Queen Elizabeth would at that season quit London for the country,
+an opportunity would be easily found for seizing and murdering her.
+Pius V., to whom Ridolfi had opened the whole matter, highly approved the
+scheme, and warmly urged Philip's cooperation.  Poor and ruined as he was
+himself; the Pope protested that he was ready to sell his chalices, and
+even his own vestments, to provide funds for the cause.  Philip had
+replied that few words were necessary to persuade him.  His desire to
+see the enterprize succeed was extreme, notwithstanding the difficulties
+by which it was surrounded.  He would reflect earnestly upon the subject,
+in the hope that God, whose cause it was, would enlighten and assist him.
+Thus much he had stated to Ridolfi, but he had informed his council
+afterwards that he was determined to carry out the scheme by certain
+means of which the Duke would soon be informed.  The end proposed was to
+kill or to capture Elizabeth, to set at liberty the Queen of Scotland,
+and to put upon her head the crown of England.  In this enterprize he
+instructed the Duke of Alva secretly to assist, without however resorting
+to open hostilities in his own name or in that of his sovereign.  He
+desired to be informed how many Spaniards the Duke could put at the
+disposition of the conspirators.  They had asked for six thousand
+arquebusiers for England, two thousand for Scotland, two thousand for
+Ireland.  Besides these troops, the Viceroy was directed to provide
+immediately four thousand arquebuses and two thousand corslets.  For the
+expenses of the enterprize Philip would immediately remit two hundred
+thousand crowns.  Alva was instructed to keep the affair a profound
+secret from his councillors.  Even Hopper at Madrid knew nothing of the
+matter, while the King had only expressed himself in general terms to the
+nuncio and to Ridolfi, then already on his way to the Netherlands.  The
+King concluded his letter by saying, that from what he had now written
+with his own hand, the Duke could infer how much he had this affair at
+heart.  It was unnecessary for him to say more, persuaded as he was that
+the Duke would take as profound an interest in it as himself.
+
+Alva perceived all the rashness of the scheme, and felt how impossible
+it would be for him to comply with Philip's orders.  To send an army from
+the Netherlands into England for the purpose of dethroning and killing a
+most popular sovereign, and at the same time to preserve the most
+amicable relations with the country, was rather a desperate undertaking.
+A force of ten thousand Spaniards, under Chiappin Vitelli, and other
+favorite officers of the Duke, would hardly prove a trifle to be
+overlooked, nor would their operations be susceptible of very friendly
+explanations.  The Governor therefore, assured Philip that he "highly
+applauded his master for his plot.  He could not help rendering infinite
+thanks to God for having made him vassal to such a Prince."  He praised
+exceedingly the resolution which his Majesty had taken.  After this
+preamble, however, he proceeded to pour cold water upon his sovereign's
+ardor.  He decidedly expressed the opinion that Philip should not proceed
+in such an undertaking until at any rate the party of the Duke of Norfolk
+had obtained possession of Elizabeth's person.  Should the King declare
+himself prematurely, he might be sure that the Venetians, breaking off
+their alliance with him, would make their peace with the Turk; and that
+Elizabeth would, perhaps, conclude that marriage with the Duke of Alencon
+which now seemed but a pleasantry.  Moreover, he expressed his want of
+confidence in the Duke of Norfolk, whom he considered as a poor creature
+with but little courage.  He also expressed his doubts concerning the
+prudence and capacity of Don Gueran de Espes, his Majesty's ambassador at
+London.
+
+It was not long before these machinations became known in England.  The
+Queen of Scots was guarded more closely than ever, the Duke of Norfolk
+was arrested; yet Philip, whose share in the conspiracy had remained a
+secret, was not discouraged by the absolute explosion of the whole
+affair.  He still held to an impossible purpose with a tenacity which
+resembled fatuity.  He avowed that his obligations in the sight of God
+were so strict that he was still determined to proceed in the sacred
+cause.  He remitted, therefore, the promised funds to the Duke of Alva,
+and urged him to act with proper secrecy and promptness.
+
+The Viceroy was not a little perplexed by these remarkable instructions.
+None but lunatics could continue to conspire, after the conspiracy had
+been exposed and the conspirators arrested.  Yet this was what his
+Catholic Majesty expected of his Governor-General.  Alva complained,
+not unreasonably, of the contradictory demands to which he was subjected.
+
+He was to cause no rupture with England, yet he was to send succor to an
+imprisoned traitor; he was to keep all his operations secret from his
+council, yet he was to send all his army out of the country, and to
+organize an expensive campaign.  He sneered: at the flippancy of Ridolfi,
+who imagined that it was the work of a moment to seize the Queen of
+England, to liberate the Queen of Scotland, to take possession of the
+Tower of London, and to burn the fleet in the Thames.  "Were your Majesty
+and the Queen of England acting together," he observed, "it would be
+impossible to execute the plan proposed by Ridolfi."  The chief danger
+to be apprehended was from France and Germany.  Were those countries not
+to interfere, he would undertake to make Philip sovereign of England
+before the winter.  Their opposition, however, was sufficient to make the
+enterprise not only difficult, but impossible.  He begged his, master not
+to be precipitate in the; most important affair which had been negotiated
+by man since Christ came upon earth.  Nothing less, he said, than the
+existence of the Christian faith was at stake, for, should his Majesty
+fail in this undertaking, not one stone of the ancient religion would
+be left upon another.  He again warned the King of the contemptible
+character, of Ridolfi, who had spoken of the affair so freely that it
+was a common subject of discussion on the Bourse, at Antwerp, and he
+reiterated, in all his letters his distrust of the parties prominently
+engaged in the transaction.
+
+Such was the general, tenor of the long despatches exchanged between the
+King and the Duke of Alva upon this iniquitous scheme.  The Duke showed
+himself reluctant throughout the whole affair, although he certainly
+never opposed his master's project by any arguments founded upon good
+faith, Christian charity, or the sense of honor.  To kill the Queen of
+England, subvert the laws of her realm, burn her fleets, and butcher her
+subjects, while the mask of amity and entire consideration was sedulously
+preserved--all these projects were admitted to be strictly meritorious in
+themselves, although objections were taken as to the time and mode of
+execution.
+
+Alva never positively refused to accept his share in the enterprise, but
+he took care not to lift his finger till the catastrophe in England had
+made all attempts futile.  Philip, on the other hand, never positively
+withdrew from the conspiracy, but, after an infinite deal of writing and
+intriguing, concluded by leaving the whole affair in the hands of Alva.
+The only sufferer for Philip's participation in the plot was the Spanish
+envoy at London, Don Gueran de Espes.  This gentleman was formally
+dismissed by Queen Elizabeth, for having given treacherous and hostile
+advice to the Duke of Alva and to Philip; but her Majesty at the same
+time expressed the most profound consideration for her brother of Spain.
+
+Towards the close of the same year, however (December, 1571); Alva sent
+two other Italian assassins to England, bribed by the promise of vast
+rewards, to attempt the life of Elizabeth, quietly, by poison or
+otherwise.  The envoy, Mondoucet, in apprizing the French monarch of this
+scheme, added that the Duke was so ulcerated and annoyed by the discovery
+of the previous enterprise, that nothing could exceed his rage.  These
+ruffians were not destined to success, but the attempts of the Duke upon
+the Queen's life were renewed from time to time.  Eighteen months later
+(August, 1573), two Scotchmen, pensioners of Philip, came from Spain,
+with secret orders to consult with Alva.  They had accordingly much
+negotiation with the Duke and his secretary, Albornoz.  They boasted that
+they could easily capture Elizabeth, but said that the King's purpose was
+to kill her.  The plan, wrote Mondoucet, was the same as it had been
+before, namely, to murder the Queen of England, and to give her crown to
+Mary of Scotland, who would thus be in their power, and whose son was to
+be seized, and bestowed in marriage in such a way as to make them
+perpetual masters of both kingdoms.
+
+It does not belong to this history to discuss the merits, nor to narrate
+the fortunes, of that bickering and fruitless alliance which had been
+entered into at this period by Philip with Venice and the Holy See
+against the Turk.  The revolt of Granada had at last, after a two
+years' struggle, been subdued, and the remnants of the romantic race
+which had once swayed the Peninsula been swept into slavery.  The Moors
+had sustained the unequal conflict with a constancy not to have been
+expected of so gentle a people.  "If a nation meek as lambs could resist
+so bravely," said the Prince of Orange, "what ought not to be expected of
+a hardy people like the Netherlanders?"  Don John of Austria having
+concluded a series of somewhat inglorious forays against women, children,
+and bed-ridden old men in Andalusia and Granada; had arrived, in August
+of this year, at Naples, to take command of the combined fleet in the
+Levant.  The battle of Lepanto had been fought, but the quarrelsome and
+contradictory conduct of the allies had rendered the splendid victory as
+barren as the waves: upon which it had been won.  It was no less true,
+however, that the blunders of the infidels had previously enabled Philip
+to extricate himself with better success from the dangers of the Moorish
+revolt than might have been his fortune.  Had the rebels succeeded in
+holding Granada and the mountains of Andalusia, and had they been
+supported, as they had a right to expect, by the forces of the Sultan,
+a different aspect might have been given to the conflict, and one far
+less triumphant for Spain.  Had a prince of vigorous ambition and
+comprehensive policy governed at that moment the Turkish empire; it would
+have cost Philip a serious struggle to maintain himself in his hereditary
+dominions.  While he was plotting against the life and throne of
+Elizabeth, he might have had cause to tremble for his own.  Fortunately,
+however, for his Catholic Majesty, Selim was satisfied to secure himself
+in the possession of the Isle of Venus, with its fruitful vineyards.
+"To shed the blood" of Cyprian vines, in which he was so enthusiastic
+a connoisseur, was to him a more exhilarating occupation than to pursue,
+amid carnage and hardships, the splendid dream of a re-established
+Eastern caliphate.
+
+On the 25th Sept.  1571, a commission of Governor-General of the
+Netherlands was at last issued to John de la Cerda, Duke of Medina Coeli.
+Philip, in compliance with the Duke's repeated requests, and perhaps not
+entirely satisfied with the recent course of events in the provinces, had
+at last, after great hesitation, consented to Alva's resignation.  His
+successor; however, was not immediately to take his departure, and in the
+meantime the Duke was instructed to persevere in his faithful services.
+These services had, for the present, reduced themselves to a perpetual
+and not very triumphant altercation with his council, with the estates,
+and with the people, on the subject of his abominable tax.  He was
+entirely alone.  They who had stood unflinchingly at his side when the
+only business of the administration was to burn heretics, turned their
+backs upon him now that he had engaged in this desperate conflict with.
+the whole money power of the country.  The King was far from cordial in
+his support, the councillors much too crafty to retain their hold upon
+the wheel, to which they had only attached themselves in its ascent.
+Viglius and Berlaymont; Noircarmes and Aerschot, opposed and almost
+defied the man they now thought sinking, and kept the King constantly
+informed of the vast distress which the financial measures of the Duke
+were causing.
+
+Quite, at the close of the year, an elaborate petition from the estates
+of Brabant was read before the State Council.  It contained a strong
+remonstrance against the tenth penny.  Its repeal was strongly urged,
+upon the ground that its collection would involve the country in
+universal ruin.  Upon this, Alva burst forth in one of the violent
+explosions of rage to which he was subject.  The prosperity of the,
+Netherlands, he protested, was not dearer to the inhabitants than to
+himself.  He swore by the cross, and by the most holy of holies,
+preserved in the church of Saint Gudule, that had he been but a private
+individual, living in Spain, he would, out of the love he bore the
+provinces, have rushed to their defence had their safety been endangered.
+He felt therefore deeply wounded that malevolent persons should thus
+insinuate that he had even wished to injure the country, or to exercise
+tyranny over its citizens.  The tenth penny, he continued, was necessary
+to the defence of the land, and was much preferable to quotas.  It was
+highly improper that every man in the rabble should know how much was
+contributed, because each individual, learning the gross amount, would
+imagine that he, had paid it all himself.  In conclusion, he observed
+that, broken in health and stricken in years as he felt himself, he was
+now most anxious to return, and was daily looking with eagerness for the
+arrival of the Duke of Medina Coeli.
+
+During the course of this same year, the Prince of Orange had been
+continuing his preparations.  He had sent his agents to every place where
+a hope was held out to him of obtaining support.  Money was what he was
+naturally most anxious to obtain from individuals; open and warlike
+assistance what he demanded from governments.  His funds, little by
+little, were increasing, owing to the generosity of many obscure persons,
+and to the daring exploits of the beggars of the sea.  His mission,
+however, to the northern courts had failed.  His envoys had been received
+in Sweden and Denmark with barren courtesy.  The Duke of Alva, on the
+other hand, never alluded to the Prince but with contempt; knowing not
+that the ruined outlaw was slowly undermining the very ground beneath the
+monarch's feet; dreaming not that the feeble strokes which he despised
+were the opening blows of a century's conflict; foreseeing not that long
+before its close the chastised province was to expand into a great
+republic, and that the name of the outlaw was to become almost divine.
+
+Granvelle had already recommended that the young Count de Buren should be
+endowed with certain lands in Spain, in exchange for his hereditary
+estates, in order that the name and fame of the rebel William should be
+forever extinguished in the Netherlands.  With the same view, a new
+sentence against the Prince of Orange was now proposed by the Viceroy.
+This was, to execute him solemnly in effigy, to drag his escutcheon
+through the streets at the tails of horses, and after having broken it in
+pieces, and thus cancelled his armorial bearings, to declare him and his
+descendants, ignoble, infamous, and incapable of holding property or
+estates.  Could a leaf or two of future history have been unrolled to
+King, Cardinal, and Governor, they might have found the destined fortune
+of the illustrious rebel's house not exactly in accordance with the plan
+of summary extinction thus laid down.
+
+Not discouraged, the Prince continued to send his emissaries in every
+direction.  Diedrich Sonoy, his most trustworthy agent, who had been
+chief of the legation to the Northern Courts, was now actively canvassing
+the governments and peoples of, Germany with the same object.  Several
+remarkable papers from the hand of Orange were used upon this service.
+A letter, drawn up and signed by his own hand, recited; in brief and
+striking language, the history of his campaign in 1568, and of his
+subsequent efforts in the sacred cause.  It was now necessary, he said,
+that others besides himself should partake of his sacrifices.  This he
+stated plainly and eloquently.  The document was in truth a letter asking
+arms for liberty.  "For although all things," said the Prince, "are in
+the hand of God, and although he has created all things out of nought,
+yet hath he granted to different men different means, whereby, as with
+various instruments, he accomplishes his, almighty purposes.  Thereto
+hath he endowed some with strength of body, others with worldly wealth,
+others with still different gifts, all of which are to be used by their
+possessors to His honor and glory, if they wish not to incur the curse
+of the unworthy steward, who buried his talent in the earth. . . . .
+Now ye may easily see," he continued, "that the Prince cannot carry out
+this great work alone, having lost land, people, and goods, and having
+already employed in the cause all which had remained to him, besides
+incurring heavy obligations in addition."
+
+Similar instructions were given to other agents, and a paper called the
+Harangue, drawn up according to his suggestions, was also extensively
+circulated.  This document is important to all who are interested in his
+history and character.  He had not before issued a missive so stamped
+with the warm, religious impress of the reforming party.  Sadly, but
+without despondency, the Harangue recalled the misfortunes of the past;
+and depicted the gloom of the present.  Earnestly, but not fanatically,
+it stimulated hope and solicited aid for the future.  "Although the
+appeals made to the Prince," so ran a part of the document, "be of
+diverse natures, and various in their recommendations, yet do they all
+tend to the advancement of God's glory, and to the liberation of the
+fatherland.  This it is which enables him and those who think with him to
+endure hunger; thirst, cold, heat, and all the misfortunes which Heaven
+may send. . . . . .  Our enemies spare neither their money nor their
+labor; will ye be colder and duller than your foes?  Let, then, each
+church congregation set an example to the others.  We read that King
+Saul, when he would liberate the men of Jabez from the hands of Nahad,
+the Ammonite, hewed a yoke of oxen in pieces, and sent them as tokens
+over all Israel, saying, 'Ye who will not follow Saul and Samuel, with
+them shall be dealt even as with these oxen.  And the fear of the Lord
+came upon the people, they came forth, and the men of Jabez were
+delivered.'  Ye have here the same warning, look to it, watch well ye
+that despise it, lest the wrath of God, which the men of Israel by their
+speedy obedience escaped, descend upon your heads.  Ye may say that ye
+are banished men.  'Tis true: but thereby are ye not stripped of all
+faculty of rendering service; moreover, your assistance is asked for one
+who will restore ye to your homes. Ye may say that ye have been robbed of
+all your goods; yet many of you have still something remaining, and of
+that little ye should contribute, each his mite.  Ye say that you have
+given much already.  'Tis true, but the enemy is again in the field;
+fierce for your subjugation, sustained by the largess of his supporters.
+Will ye be less courageous, less generous, than your foes."
+
+These urgent appeals did not remain fruitless.  The strength of the
+Prince was slowly but steadily increasing.  Meantime the abhorrence
+ with which Alva was universally regarded had nearly reached to frenzy.
+In the beginning of the year 1572, Don Francis de Alava, Philip's
+ambassador in France, visited Brussels.  He had already been enlightened
+as to the consequences of the Duke's course by the immense immigration of
+Netherland refugees to France, which he had witnessed with his own eyes.
+On his journey towards Brussels he had been met near Cambray by
+Noircarmes.  Even that "cruel animal," as Hoogstraaten had called him,
+the butcher of Tournay and Valenciennes, had at last been roused to
+alarm, if not to pity, by the sufferings of the country.  "The Duke will
+never disabuse his mind of this filthy tenth penny," said he to Alava.
+He sprang from his chair with great emotion as the ambassador alluded to
+the flight of merchants and artisans from the provinces.  "Senor Don
+Francis," cried he, "there are ten thousand more who are on the point of
+leaving the country, if the Governor does not pause in his career.  God
+grant that no disaster arise beyond human power to remedy."
+
+The ambassador arrived in Brussels, and took up his lodgings in the
+palace.  Here he found the Duke just recovering from a fit of the gout,
+in a state of mind sufficiently savage.   He became much excited as Don
+Francis began to speak of the emigration, and he assured him that there
+was gross deception on the subject.  The envoy replied that he could not
+be mistaken, for it was a matter which, so to speak, he had touched with
+his own fingers, and seen with his own eyes.  The Duke, persisting that
+Don Francis had been abused and misinformed, turned the conversation to
+other topics.  Next day the ambassador received visits from Berlaymont
+and his son, the Seigneur de Hierges.  He was taken aside by each of
+them, separately.  "Thank God, you have come hither," said they, in
+nearly the same words, "that you may fully comprehend the condition of
+the provinces, and without delay admonish his Majesty of the impending
+danger."  All his visitors expressed the same sentiments.  Don Frederic
+of Toledo furnished the only exception, assuring the envoy that his
+father's financial measures were opposed by Noircarmes and others, only
+because it deprived them of their occupation and their influence.  This
+dutiful language, however, was to be expected in one of whom Secretary
+Albornoz had written, that he was the greatest comfort to his father, and
+the most divine genius ever known.  It was unfortunately corroborated by
+no other inhabitant of the country.
+
+On the third day, Don Francis went to take his leave.  The Duke begged
+him to inform his Majesty of the impatience with which he was expecting
+the arrival of his successor.  He then informed his guest that they had
+already begun to collect the tenth penny in Brabant, the most obstinate
+of all the provinces.  "What do you say to that, Don Francis?"  he cried,
+with exultation.  Alava replied that he thought, none the less, that the
+tax would encounter many obstacles, and begged him earnestly to reflect.
+He assured him, moreover, that he should, without reserve, express his
+opinions fully to the King.  The Duke used the same language which Don
+Frederic had held, concerning the motives of those who opposed the tax.
+"It may be so," said Don Francis, "but at any rate, all have agreed to
+sing to the same tune."  A little startled, the Duke rejoined, "Do you
+doubt that the cities will keep their promises?  Depend upon it, I shall
+find the means to compel them."  "God grant it may be so," said Alava,
+"but in my poor judgment you will have need of all your prudence and of
+all your authority."
+
+The ambassador did not wait till he could communicate with his sovereign
+by word of mouth.  He forwarded to Spain an ample account of his
+observations and deductions.  He painted to Philip in lively colors the
+hatred entertained by all men for the Duke.  The whole nation, he assured
+his Majesty, united in one cry, "Let him begone, let him begone, let him
+begone!"  As for the imposition of the tenth penny, that, in the opinion
+of Don Francis, was utterly impossible.  He moreover warned his Majesty
+that Alva was busy in forming secret alliances with the Catholic princes
+of Europe, which would necessarily lead to defensive leagues among the
+Protestants.
+
+While thus, during the earlier part of the year 1572, the Prince of
+Orange, discouraged by no defeats, was indefatigable in his exertions to
+maintain the cause of liberty, and while at the same time the most stanch
+supporters of arbitrary power were unanimous in denouncing to Philip the
+insane conduct of his Viceroy, the letters of Alva himself were naturally
+full of complaints and expostulations.  It was in vain, he said, for him
+to look for a confidential councillor, now that matters which he had
+wished to be kept so profoundly secret that the very earth should not
+hear of them, had been proclaimed aloud above the tiles of every
+housetop.  Nevertheless, he would be cut into little pieces but his
+Majesty should be obeyed, while he remained alive to enforce the royal
+commands.  There were none who had been ever faithful but Berlaymont,
+he said, and even he had been neutral in the affair of the tax.  He had
+rendered therein neither good nor bad offices, but, as his Majesty was
+aware, Berlaymont was entirely ignorant of business, and "knew nothing
+more than to be a good fellow."  That being the case, he recommended
+Hierges, son of the "good fellow," as a proper person to be governor of
+Friesland.
+
+The deputations appointed by the different provinces to confer personally
+with the King received a reprimand upon their arrival, for having dared
+to come to Spain without permission.  Farther punishment, however, than
+this rebuke was not inflicted.  They were assured that the King was
+highly displeased with their venturing to bring remonstrances against the
+tax, but they were comforted with the assurance that his Majesty would
+take the subject of their petition into consideration.  Thus, the
+expectations of Alva were disappointed, for the tenth penny was not
+formally confirmed; and the hopes of the provinces frustrated, because
+it was not distinctly disavowed.
+
+Matters had reached another crisis in the provinces.  "Had we money now,"
+wrote the Prince of Orange, "we should, with the help of God, hope to
+effect something.  This is a time when, with even small sums, more can be
+effected than at other seasons with ampler funds."  The citizens were in
+open revolt against the tax.  In order that the tenth penny should not be
+levied upon every sale of goods, the natural but desperate remedy was
+adopted--no goods were sold at all.
+
+Not only the wholesale commerce oh the provinces was suspended, but the
+minute and indispensable traffic of daily life was entirely at a stand.
+The shops were all shut.  "The brewers," says a contemporary, "refused to
+brew, the bakers to bake, the tapsters to tap."  Multitudes, thrown
+entirely out of employment, and wholly dependent upon charity, swarmed in
+every city.  The soldiery, furious for their pay, which Alva had for many
+months neglected to furnish, grew daily more insolent; the citizens,
+maddened by outrage and hardened by despair, became more and more
+obstinate in their resistance; while the Duke, rendered inflexible by
+opposition and insane by wrath, regarded the ruin which he had caused
+with a malignant spirit which had long ceased to be human.  "The disease
+is gnawing at our vitals," wrote Viglius; "everybody is suffering for the
+want of the necessaries of life.  Multitudes are in extreme and hopeless
+poverty.  My interest in the welfare of the commonwealth," he continued,
+"induces me to send these accounts to Spain.  For myself, I fear nothing.
+Broken by sickness and acute physical suffering, I should leave life
+without regret."
+
+The aspect of the capital was that of a city stricken with the plague.
+Articles of the most absolute necessity could not be obtained.  It was
+impossible to buy bread, or meat, or beer.  The tyrant, beside himself
+with rage at being thus braved in his very lair, privately sent for
+Master Carl, the executioner.  In order to exhibit an unexpected and
+salutary example, he had determined to hang eighteen of the leading
+tradesmen of the city in the doors of their own shops, with the least
+possible delay and without the slightest form of trial.
+
+Master Carl was ordered, on the very night of his interview with the
+Duke, to prepare eighteen strong cords, and eighteen ladders twelve feet
+in length.  By this simple arrangement, Alva was disposed to make
+manifest on the morrow, to the burghers of Brussels, that justice was
+thenceforth to be carried to every man's door.  He supposed that the
+spectacle of a dozen and a half of butchers and bakers suspended in front
+of the shops which they had refused to open, would give a more effective
+stimulus to trade than any to be expected from argument or proclamation.
+The hangman was making ready his cords and ladders; Don Frederic of
+Toledo was closeted with President Viglius, who, somewhat against his
+will, was aroused at midnight to draw the warrants for these impromptu
+executions; Alva was waiting with grim impatience for the dawn upon which
+the show was to be exhibited, when an unforeseen event suddenly arrested
+the homely tragedy.  In the night arrived the intelligence that the town
+of Brill had been captured.  The Duke, feeling the full gravity of the
+situation, postponed the chastisement which he had thus secretly planned
+to a more convenient season, in order without an instant's hesitation to
+avert the consequences of this new movement on the part of the rebels.
+The seizure of Brill was the Deus ex machina which unexpectedly solved
+both the inextricable knot of the situation and the hangman's noose.
+
+Allusion has more than once been made to those formidable partisans of
+the patriot cause, the marine outlaws.  Cheated of half their birthright
+by nature, and now driven forth from their narrow isthmus by tyranny, the
+exiled Hollanders took to the ocean.  Its boundless fields, long arable
+to their industry, became fatally fruitful now that oppression was
+transforming a peaceful seafaring people into a nation of corsairs.
+Driven to outlawry and poverty, no doubt many Netherlanders plunged
+into crime.  The patriot party had long sine laid aside the respectful
+deportment which had provoked the sarcasms of the loyalists.  The
+beggars of the sea asked their alms through the mouths of their cannon.
+Unfortunately, they but too often made their demands upon both friend and
+foe.  Every ruined merchant, every banished lord, every reckless mariner,
+who was willing to lay the commercial world under contribution to repair
+his damaged fortunes, could, without much difficulty, be supplied with a
+vessel and crew at some northern port, under color of cruising against
+the Viceroy's government.  Nor was the ostensible motive simply a
+pretext.  To make war upon Alva was the leading object of all these
+freebooters, and they were usually furnished by the Prince of Orange,
+in his capacity of sovereign, with letters of marque for that purpose.
+The Prince, indeed, did his utmost to control and direct an evil which
+had inevitably grown out of the horrors of the time.  His Admiral,
+William de la Marck, was however, incapable of comprehending the lofty
+purposes of his superior.  A wild, sanguinary, licentious noble, wearing
+his hair and beard unshorn, according to ancient Batavian custom, until
+the death of his relative, Egmont, should have been expiated, a worthy
+descendant of the Wild Boar of Ardennes, this hirsute and savage corsair
+seemed an embodiment of vengeance.  He had sworn to wreak upon Alva and
+upon popery the deep revenge owed to them by the Netherland nobility, and
+in the cruelties afterwards practised by him upon monks and priests, the
+Blood Council learned that their example had made at least one ripe
+scholar among the rebels.  He was lying, at this epoch, with his fleet on
+the southern coast of England, from which advantageous position he was
+now to be ejected in a summary manner.
+
+The negotiations between the Duke of Alva and Queen Elizabeth had already
+assumed an amicable tone, and were fast ripening to an adjustment.  It
+lay by no means in that sovereign's disposition to involve herself at
+this juncture in a war with Philip, and it was urged upon her government
+by Alva's commissioners, that the continued countenance afforded by the
+English people to the Netherland cruisers must inevitably lead to that
+result.  In the latter days of March, therefore, a sentence of virtual
+excommunication was pronounced against De la Marck and his rovers.  A
+peremptory order of Elizabeth forbade any of her subjects to supply them
+with meat, bread, or beer.  The command being strictly complied with,
+their farther stay was rendered impossible.  Twenty-four vessels
+accordingly, of various sizes, commanded by De la Marck, Treslong, Adam
+van Harem, Brand, and Other distinguished seamen, set sail from Dover in
+the very last days of March.  Being almost in a state of starvation,
+these adventurers were naturally anxious to supply themselves with food.
+They determined to make a sudden foray upon the coasts of North Holland,
+and accordingly steered for Enkbuizen, both because it was a rich sea-
+port and because it contained many secret partisans of the Prince.  On
+Palm Sunday they captured two Spanish merchantmen.  Soon afterwards,
+however, the wind becoming contrary, they were unable to double the
+Helder or the Texel, and on Tuesday, the 1st of April, having abandoned
+their original intention, they dropped down towards Zealand, and entered
+the broad mouth of the river Meuse.  Between the town of Brill, upon the
+southern lip of this estuary, and Naaslandsluis, about half a league
+distant, upon the opposite aide, the squadron suddenly appeared at about
+two o'clock of an April afternoon, to the great astonishment of the
+inhabitants of both places.  It seemed too large a fleet to be a mere
+collection of trading vessels, nor did they appear to be Spanish ships.
+Peter Koppelstok, a sagacious ferryman, informed the passengers whom he
+happened to be conveying across the river, that the strangers were
+evidently the water beggars.  The dreaded name filled his hearers with
+consternation, and they became eager to escape from so perilous a
+vicinity.  Having duly landed his customers, however, who hastened to
+spread the news of the impending invasion, and to prepare for defence or
+flight, the stout ferryman, who was secretly favorable to the cause of
+liberty, rowed boldly out to inquire the destination and purposes of the
+fleet.
+
+The vessel which he first hailed was that commanded by William de Blois,
+Seigneur of Treslong.  This adventurous noble, whose brother had been
+executed by the Duke of Alva in 1568, had himself fought by the side of
+Count Louis at Jemmingen, and although covered with wounds, had been one
+of the few who escaped alive from that horrible carnage.  During the
+intervening period he had become one of the most famous rebels on the
+ocean, and he had always been well known in Brill, where his father had
+been governor for the King.  He at once recognized Koppelstok, and
+hastened with him on board the Admiral's ship, assuring De la Marck that
+the ferryman was exactly the man for their purpose.  It was absolutely
+necessary that a landing should be effected, for the people were without
+the necessaries of life.  Captain Martin Brand had visited the ship of
+Adam Van Haren, as soon as they had dropped anchor in the Meuse, begging
+for food.  "I gave him a cheese," said Adam, afterwards relating the
+occurrence," and assured him that it was the last article of food to
+be found in the ship."  The other vessels were equally destitute.  Under
+the circumstances, it was necessary to attempt a landing.  Treslong,
+therefore, who was really the hero of this memorable adventure, persuaded
+De la Marck to send a message to the city of Brill, demanding its
+surrender.  This was a bold summons to be made by a handful of men, three
+or four hundred at most, who were both metaphorically and literally
+beggars.  The city of Brill was not populous, but it was well walled and
+fortified.  It was moreover a most commodious port.  Treslong gave his
+signet ring to the fisherman, Koppelstok, and ordered him, thus
+accredited as an envoy, to carry their summons to the magistracy.
+Koppelstok, nothing loath, instantly rowed ashore, pushed through the
+crowd of inhabitants, who overwhelmed him with questions, and made his
+appearance in the town-house before the assembled magistrates.  He
+informed them that he had been sent by the Admiral of the fleet and by
+Treslong, who was well known to them, to demand that two commissioners
+should be sent out on the part of the city to confer with the patriots.
+He was bidden, he said, to give assurance that the deputies would be
+courteously treated.  The only object of those who had sent him was to
+free the land from the tenth penny, and to overthrow the tyranny of Alva
+and his Spaniards.  Hereupon he was asked by the magistrates, how large a
+force De la Marck had under his command, To this question the ferryman
+carelessly replied, that there might be some five thousand in all.  This
+enormous falsehood produced its effect upon the magistrates.  There was
+now no longer any inclination to resist the invader; the only question
+discussed being whether to treat with them or to fly.  On the whole, it
+was decided to do both.  With some difficulty, two deputies were found
+sufficiently valiant to go forth to negotiate with the beggars, while in
+their absence most of the leading burghers and functionaries made their
+preparations for flight.  The envoys were assured by De la Marck and
+Treslong that no injury was intended to the citizens or to private
+property, but that the overthrow of Alva's government was to be instantly
+accomplished.  Two hours were given to the magistrates in which to decide
+whether or not they would surrender the town and accept the authority of
+De la Marck as Admiral of the Prince of Orange.  They employed the two
+hours thus granted in making an ignominious escape.  Their example was
+followed by most of the townspeople.  When the invaders, at the
+expiration of the specified term, appeared under the walls of the city,
+they found a few inhabitants of the lower class gazing at them from
+above, but received no official communication from any source.
+
+The whole rebel force was now divided into two parties, one of which
+under Treslong made an attack upon the southern gate, while the other
+commanded by the Admiral advanced upon the northern.  Treslong after a
+short struggle succeeded in forcing his entrance, and arrested, in doing
+so, the governor of the city, just taking his departure.  De la Marck and
+his men made a bonfire at the northern gate, and then battered down the
+half-burned portal with the end of an old mast.  Thus rudely and rapidly
+did the Netherland patriots conduct their first successful siege.  The
+two parties, not more perhaps than two hundred and fifty men in all, met
+before sunset in the centre of the city, and the foundation of the Dutch
+Republic was laid.  The weary spirit of freedom, so long a fugitive over
+earth and sea, had at last found a resting-place, which rude and even
+ribald hands had prepared.
+
+The panic created by the first appearance of the fleet had been so
+extensive that hardly fifty citizens had remained in the town.  The rest
+had all escaped, with as much property as they could carry away.  The
+Admiral, in the name, of the Prince of Orange, as lawful stadholder of
+Philip, took formal possession of an almost deserted city.  No indignity
+was offered to the inhabitants of either sex, but as soon, as the
+conquerors were fairly established in the best houses of the place,
+the inclination to plunder the churches could no longer be restrained.
+The altars and images were all destroyed, the rich furniture and gorgeous
+vestments appropriated to private use.  Adam van Hare appeared on his
+vessel's deck attired in a magnificent high mass chasuble.  Treslong
+thenceforth used no drinking cups in his cabin save the golden chalices
+of the sacrament.  Unfortunately, their hatred to popery was not confined
+to such demonstrations.  Thirteen unfortunate monks and priests, who had
+been unable to effect their escape, were arrested and thrown into prison,
+from whence they were taken a few days later, by order of the ferocious
+Admiral, and executed under circumstances of great barbarity.
+
+The news of this important exploit spread with great rapidity.  Alva,
+surprised at the very moment of venting his rage on the butchers and
+grocers of Brussels, deferred this savage design in order to deal with
+the new difficulty.  He had certainly not expected such a result from
+the ready compliance of queen Elizabeth with his request.  His rage was
+excessive; the triumph of the people, by whom he was cordially detested,
+proportionably great.  The punsters of Brussels were sure not to let such
+an opportunity escape them, for the name of the captured town was
+susceptible of a quibble, and the event had taken place upon All Fools'
+Day.
+
+                   "On April's Fool's Day,
+                    Duke Alva's spectacles were stolen away,"
+
+became a popular couplet.  The word spectacles, in Flemish, as well as
+the name of the suddenly surprised city, being Brill, this allusion to
+the Duke's loss and implied purblindness was not destitute of ingenuity.
+A caricature, too, was extensively circulated, representing De la Marck
+stealing the Duke's spectacles from his nose, while the Governor was
+supposed to be uttering his habitual expression whenever any intelligence
+of importance was brought to him: 'No es nada, no es nada--'Tis nothing,
+'tis nothing.
+
+The Duke, however, lost not an instant in attempting to repair the
+disaster.  Count Bossu, who had acted as stadholder of Holland and
+Zealand, under Alva's authority, since the Prince of Orange had resigned
+that office, was ordered at once to recover the conquered sea-port, if
+possible.
+
+Hastily gathering a force of some ten companies from the garrison of
+Utrecht, some of which very troops had recently and unluckily for
+government, been removed from Brill to that city, the Count crossed the
+Sluis to the island of Voorn upon Easter day, and sent a summons to the
+rebel force to surrender Brill.  The patriots being very few in number,
+were at first afraid to venture outside the gates to attack the much
+superior force of their invaders.  A carpenter, however, who belonged to
+the city, but had long been a partisan of Orange, dashed into the water
+with his axe in his hand, and swimming to the Niewland sluice, hacked it
+open with a few vigorous strokes.  The sea poured in at once, making the
+approach to the city upon the north side impossible: Bossu then led his
+Spaniards along the Niewland dyke to the southern gate, where they were
+received with a warm discharge of artillery, which completely staggered
+them.  Meantime Treslong and Robol had, in the most daring manner, rowed
+out to the ships which had brought the enemy to the island, cut some
+adrift, and set others on fire.
+
+The Spaniards at the southern gate caught sight of their blazing vessels,
+saw the sea rapidly rising over the dyke, became panic-struck at being
+thus enclosed between fire and water, and dashed off in precipitate
+retreat along the slippery causeway and through the slimy and turbid
+waters, which were fast threatening to overwhelm them.  Many were drowned
+or smothered in their flight, but the greater portion of the force
+effected their escape in the vessels which still remained within reach.
+This danger averted, Admiral de la Marck summoned all the inhabitants,
+a large number of whom had returned to the town after the capture had
+been fairly established, and required them, as well as all the population
+of the island, to take an oath of allegiance to the Prince of Orange as
+stadholder for his Majesty.
+
+The Prince had not been extremely satisfied with the enterprise of De la
+Marck.  He thought-it premature, and doubted whether it would be
+practicable to hold the place, as he had not yet completed his
+arrangements in Germany, nor assembled the force with which he intended
+again to take the field.  More than all, perhaps, he had little
+confidence in the character of his Admiral.  Orange was right in his
+estimate of De la Marck.  It had not been that rover's design either to
+take or to hold the place; and after the descent had been made, the ships
+victualled, the churches plundered, the booty secured, and a few monks
+murdered, he had given orders for the burning of the town, and for the
+departure of the fleet.  The urgent solicitations of Treslong, however,
+prevailed, with some difficulty, over De la Marck' original intentions.
+It is to that bold and intelligent noble, therefore, more than to any
+other individual, that the merit of laying this corner-stone of the
+Batavian commonwealth belongs.  The enterprise itself was an accident,
+but the quick eye of Treslong saw the possibility of a permanent
+conquest, where his superior dreamed of nothing beyond a piratical foray.
+
+Meantime Bossu, baffled in his attempt upon Brill, took his way towards
+Rotterdam.  It was important that he should at least secure such other
+cities as the recent success of the rebels might cause to waver in their
+allegiance.  He found the gates of Rotterdam closed.  The authorities
+refused to comply with his demand to admit a garrison for the King.
+Professing perfect loyalty, the inhabitants very naturally refused to
+admit a band of sanguinary Spaniards to enforce their obedience.
+Compelled to parley, Bossu resorted to a perfidious stratagem.  He
+requested permission for his troops to pass through the city without
+halting.  This was granted by the magistrates, on condition that only a
+corporal's command should be admitted at a time.  To these terms the
+Count affixed his hand and seal.  With the admission, however, of the
+first detachment, a violent onset was made upon the gate by the whole
+Spanish force.  The townspeople, not suspecting treachery, were not
+prepared to make effective resistance.  A stout smith, confronting the
+invaders at the gate, almost singly, with his sledge-hammer, was stabbed
+to the heart by Bossu with his own hand.  The soldiers having thus gained
+admittance, rushed through the streets, putting every man to death who
+offered the slightest resistance.  Within a few minutes four hundred
+citizens were murdered.  The fate of the women, abandoned now to the
+outrage of a brutal soldiery, was worse than death.  The capture of
+Rotterdam is infamous for the same crimes which blacken the record of
+every Spanish triumph in the Netherlands.
+
+The important town of Flushing, on the Isle of Walcheren, was first to
+vibrate with the patriotic impulse given by the success at Brill.  The
+Seigneur de Herpt, a warm partisan of Orange, excited the burghers
+assembled in the market-place to drive the small remnant of the Spanish
+garrison from the city.  A little later upon the same day a considerable
+reinforcement arrived before the walls.  The Duke had determined,
+although too late, to complete the fortress which had been commenced long
+before to control the possession of this important position at the mouth
+of the western Scheld.  The troops who were to resume this too long
+intermitted work arrived just in time to witness the expulsion of their
+comrades.  De Herpt easily persuaded the burghers that the die was cast,
+and that their only hope lay in a resolute resistance.  The people warmly
+acquiesced, while a half-drunken, half-wined fellow in the crowd
+valiantly proposed, in consideration of a pot of beer, to ascend the
+ramparts and to discharge a couple of pieces of artillery at the Spanish
+ships.  The offer was accepted, and the vagabond merrily mounting the
+height, discharged the guns.  Strange to relate, the shot thus fired by a
+lunatic's hand put the invading ships to flight.  A sudden panic seized
+the Spaniards, the whole fleet stood away at once in the direction of
+Middelburg, and were soon out of sight.
+
+The next day, however, Antony of Bourgoyne, governor under Alva for the
+Island of Walcheren, made his appearance in Flushing.  Having a high
+opinion of his own oratorical powers, he came with the intention of
+winning back with his rhetoric a city which the Spaniards had thus far
+been unable to recover with their cannon.  The great bell was rung, the
+whole population assembled in the marketplace, and Antony, from the steps
+of the town-house, delivered a long oration, assuring the burghers, among
+other asseverations, that the King, who was the best natured prince in
+all Christendom, would forget and forgive their offences if they returned
+honestly to their duties.
+
+The effect of the Governor's eloquence was much diminished, however, by
+the interlocutory remarks, of De Herpt and a group of his adherents.
+They reminded the people of the King's good nature, of his readiness to
+forget and to forgive, as exemplified by the fate of Horn and Egmont, of
+Berghen and Montigny, and by the daily and almost hourly decrees of the
+Blood Council.  Each well-rounded period of the Governor was greeted with
+ironical cheers.  The oration was unsuccessful. "Oh, citizens, citizens!"
+cried at last the discomfited Antony, "ye know not what ye do.  Your
+blood be upon your own heads; the responsibility be upon your own hearts
+for the fires which are to consume your cities and the desolation which
+is to sweep your land!"  The orator at this impressive point was
+interrupted, and most unceremoniously hustled out of the city.  The
+government remained in the hands of the patriots.
+
+The party, however, was not so strong in soldiers as in spirit.  No
+sooner, therefore, had they established their rebellion to Alva as an
+incontrovertible fact, than they sent off emissaries to the Prince of
+Orange, and to Admiral De la Marek at Brill.  Finding that the
+inhabitants of Flushing were willing to provide arms and ammunition, De
+la Marck readily consented to send a small number of men, bold and
+experienced in partisan warfare, of whom he had now collected a larger
+number than he could well arm or maintain in his present position.
+
+The detachment, two hundred in number, in three small vessels,
+set sail accordingly from Brill for Flushing; and a wild crew they were,
+of reckless adventurers under command of the bold Treslong.  The
+expedition seemed a fierce but whimsical masquerade.  Every man in the
+little fleet was attired in the gorgeous vestments of the plundered
+churches, in gold-embroidered cassocks, glittering mass-garments, or the
+more sombre cowls, and robes of Capuchin friars.  So sped the early
+standard bearers of that ferocious liberty which had sprung from the
+fires in which all else for which men cherish their fatherland had been
+consumed.  So swept that resolute but fantastic band along the placid
+estuaries of Zealand, waking the stagnant waters with their wild beggar
+songs and cries of vengeance.
+
+That vengeance found soon a distinguished object.  Pacheco, the chief
+engineer of Alva, who had accompanied the Duke in his march from Italy,
+who had since earned a world-wide reputation as the architect of the
+Antwerp citadel, had been just despatched in haste to Flushing to
+complete the fortress whose construction had been so long delayed.
+Too late for his work, too soon for his safety, the ill-fated engineer
+had arrived almost at the same moment with Treslong and his crew.
+He had stepped on shore, entirely ignorant of all which had transpired,
+expecting to be treated with the respect due to the chief commandant of
+the place, and to an officer high in the confidence of the Governor-
+General.  He found himself surrounded by an indignant and threatening
+mob.  The unfortunate Italian understood not a word of the opprobrious
+language addressed to him, but he easily comprehended that the authority
+of the Duke was overthrown.  Observing De Ryk, a distinguished partisan
+officer and privateersman of Amsterdam, whose reputation for bravery and
+generosity was known, to him, he approached him, and drawing a seal ring
+from his finger, kissed it, and handed it to the rebel chieftain.  By
+this dumbshow he gave him to understand that he relied upon his honor for
+the treatment due to a gentleman.  De Ryk understood the appeal, and
+would willingly have assured him, at least, a soldier's death, but he was
+powerless to do so.  He arrested him, that he might be protected from the
+fury of the rabble, but Treslong, who now commanded in Flushing, was
+especially incensed against the founder of the Antwerp citadel, and felt
+a ferocious desire to avenge his brother's murder upon the body of his
+destroyer's favourite.  Pacheco was condemned to be hanged upon the very
+day of his arrival.  Having been brought forth from his prison, he begged
+hard but not abjectly for his life.  He offered a heavy ransom, but his
+enemies were greedy for blood, not for money.  It was, however, difficult
+to find an executioner.  The city hangman was absent, and the prejudice
+of the country and the age against the vile profession had assuredly not
+been diminished during the five horrible years of Alva's administration.
+Even a condemned murderer, who lay in the town-gaol, refused to accept
+his life in recompence for performing the office.  It should never be
+said, he observed, that his mother had given birth to a hangman.  When
+told, however, that the intended victim was a Spanish officer, the
+malefactor consented to the task with alacrity, on condition that he
+might afterwards kill any man who taunted him with the deed.
+
+Arrived at the foot of the gallows, Pacheco complained bitterly of the
+disgraceful death designed for him.  He protested loudly that he came of
+a house as noble as that of Egmont or Horn, and was entitled to as
+honorable an execution as theirs had been.  "The sword! the sword!"  he
+frantically exclaimed, as he struggled with those who guarded him.  His
+language was not understood, but the names of Egmont and Horn inflamed
+still more highly the rage of the rabble, while his cry for the sword was
+falsely interpreted by a rude fellow who had happened to possess himself
+of Pacheco's rapier, at his capture, and who now paraded himself with it
+at the gallows' foot.  "Never fear for your sword, Seilor," cried this
+ruffian; "your sword is safe enough, and in good hands.  Up the ladder
+with you, Senor; you have no further use for your sword."
+
+Pacheco, thus outraged, submitted to his fate.  He mounted the ladder
+with a steady step, and was hanged between two other Spanish officers.
+So perished miserably a brave soldier, and one of the most distinguished
+engineers of his time; a man whose character and accomplishments had
+certainly merited for him a better fate.  But while we stigmatize as it
+deserves the atrocious conduct of a few Netherland partisans, we should
+remember who first unchained the demon of international hatred in this
+unhappy land, nor should it ever be forgotten that the great leader
+of the revolt, by word, proclamation, example, by entreaties, threats,
+and condign punishment, constantly rebuked, and to a certain extent,
+restrained the sanguinary spirit by which some of his followers disgraced
+the noble cause which they had espoused.
+
+Treslong did not long remain in command at Flushing.  An officer, high
+in the confidence of the Prince, Jerome van 't Zeraerts, now arrived at
+Flushing, with a commission to be Lieutenant-Governor over the whole isle
+of Walcheren.  He was attended by a small band of French infantry, while
+at nearly the same time the garrison was further strengthened by the
+arrival of a large number of volunteers from England.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Beggars of the sea, as these privateersmen designated themselves
+Hair and beard unshorn, according to ancient Batavian custom
+Only healthy existence of the French was in a state of war
+
+
+
+
+End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Dutch Republic, v18
+by John Lothrop Motley
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 19.
+
+THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
+
+By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY
+
+1855
+
+
+
+1572 [CHAPTER VII.]
+
+     Municipal revolution throughout Holland and Zealand--Characteristics
+     of the movement in various places--Sonoy commissioned by Orange as
+     governor of North Holland--Theory of the provisional government--
+     Instructions of the Prince to his officers--Oath prescribed--Clause
+     of toleration--Surprise of Mons by Count Louis--Exertions of Antony
+     Oliver--Details of the capture--Assembly of the citizens--Speeches
+     of Genlis and of Count Louis--Effect of the various movements upon
+     Alva--Don Frederic ordered to invest Mons--The Duke's impatience to
+     retire--Arrival of Medina Coeli--His narrow escape--Capture of the
+     Lisbon fleet--Affectation of cordiality between Alva and Medina--
+     Concessions by King and Viceroy on the subject of the tenth penny--
+     Estates of Holland assembled, by summons of Orange, at Dort--Appeals
+     from the Prince to this congress for funds to pay his newly levied
+     army--Theory of the provisional States' assembly--Source and nature
+     of its authority--Speech of St. Aldegonde--Liberality of the estates
+     and the provinces--Pledges exchanged between the Prince's
+     representative and the Congress--Commission to De la Marck ratified
+     --Virtual dictatorship of Orange--Limitation of his power by his own
+     act--Count Louis at Mons--Reinforcements led from France by Genlis--
+     Rashness of that officer--His total defeat--Orange again in the
+     field--Rocrmond taken--Excesses of the patriot army--Proclamation of
+     Orange, commanding respect to all personal and religious rights--His
+     reply to the Emperor's summons--His progress in the Netherlands--
+     Hopes entertained from France--Reinforcements under Coligny promised
+     to Orange by Charles IX.--The Massacre of St.  Bartholomew--The
+     event characterized--Effect in England, in Rome, and in other parts
+     of Europe--Excessive hilarity of Philip--Extravagant encomium
+     bestowed by him upon Charles IX.--Order sent by Philip to put all
+     French prisoners in the Netherlands to Death--Secret correspondence
+     of Charles IX. with his envoy in the Netherlands--Exultation of the
+     Spaniards before Mons--Alva urged by the French envoy, according to
+     his master's commands, to put all the Frenchmen in Mons, and those
+     already captured, to death--Effect of the massacre upon the Prince
+     of Orange--Alva and Medina in the camp before Mons--Hopelessness of
+     the Prince's scheme to obtain battle from Alva--Romero's encamisada
+     --Narrow escape of the prince--Mutiny and dissolution of his army--
+     His return to Holland--His steadfastness--Desperate position of
+     Count Louis in Mons--Sentiments of Alva--Capitulation of Mons--
+     Courteous reception of Count Louis by the Spanish generals--
+     Hypocrisy of these demonstrations--Nature of the Mons capitulation--
+     Horrible violation of its terms--Noircarmes at Mons--Establishment
+     of a Blood Council in the city--Wholesale executions--Cruelty and
+     cupidity of Noircarmes--Late discovery of the archives of these
+     crimes--Return of the revolted cities of Brabant and Flanders to
+     obedience--Sack of Mechlin by the Spaniards--Details of that event.
+
+
+The example thus set by Brill and Flushing was rapidly followed.  The
+first half of the year 1572 was distinguished by a series of triumphs
+rendered still more remarkable by the reverses which followed at its
+close.  Of a sudden, almost as it were by accident, a small but important
+sea-port, the object for which the Prince had so long been hoping, was
+secured.  Instantly afterward, half the island of Walcheren renounced the
+yoke of Alva, Next, Enkbuizen, the key to the Zuyder Zee, the principal
+arsenal, and one of the first commercial cities in the Netherlands, rose
+against the Spanish Admiral, and hung out the banner of Orange on its
+ramparts.  The revolution effected here was purely the work of the
+people--of the mariners and burghers of the city.  Moreover, the
+magistracy was set aside and the government of Alva repudiated without
+shedding one drop of blood, without a single wrong to person or property.
+By the same spontaneous movement, nearly all the important cities of
+Holland and Zealand raised the standard of him in whom they recognized
+their deliverer.  The revolution was accomplished under nearly similar
+circumstances everywhere.  With one fierce bound of enthusiasm the nation
+shook off its chain.  Oudewater, Dort, Harlem, Leyden, Gorcum,
+Loewenstein, Gouda, Medenblik, Horn, Alkmaar, Edam, Monnikendam,
+Purmerende, as well as Flushing, Veer, and Enkbuizen, all ranged
+themselves under the government of Orange, as lawful stadholder for the
+King.
+
+Nor was it in Holland and Zealand alone that the beacon fires of freedom
+were lighted.  City after city in Gelderland, Overyssel, and the See of
+Utrecht; all the important towns of Friesland, some sooner, some later,
+some without a struggle, some after a short siege, some with resistance
+by the functionaries of government, some by amicable compromise, accepted
+the garrisons of the Prince, and formally recognized his authority.  Out
+of the chaos which a long and preternatural tyranny had produced, the
+first struggling elements of a new and a better world began to appear.
+It were superfluous to narrate the details which marked the sudden
+restoration of liberty in these various groups of cities.  Traits of
+generosity marked the change of government in some, circumstances of
+ferocity, disfigured the revolution in others.  The island of Walcheren,
+equally divided as it was between the two parties, was the scene of much
+truculent and diabolical warfare.  It is difficult to say whether the
+mutual hatred of race or the animosity of religious difference proved the
+deadlier venom.  The combats were perpetual and sanguinary, the prisoners
+on both sides instantly executed.  On more than one occasion; men were
+seen assisting to hang with their own hands and in cold blood their own
+brothers, who had been taken prisoners in the enemy's ranks.  When the
+captives were too many to be hanged, they were tied back to back, two and
+two, and thus hurled into the sea.  The islanders found a fierce pleasure
+in these acts of cruelty.  A Spaniard had ceased to be human in their
+eyes.  On one occasion, a surgeon at Veer cut the heart from a Spanish
+prisoner, nailed it on a vessel's prow; and invited the townsmen to come
+and fasten their teeth in it, which many did with savage satisfaction.
+
+In other parts of the country the revolution was, on the whole,
+accomplished with comparative calmness.  Even traits of generosity were
+not uncommon.  The burgomaster of Gonda, long the supple slave of Alva
+and the Blood Council, fled for his life as the revolt broke forth in
+that city.  He took refuge in the house of a certain widow, and begged
+for a place of concealment.  The widow led him to a secret closet which
+served as a pantry.  "Shall I be secure there?"  asked the fugitive
+functionary.  "O yes, sir Burgomaster," replied the widow, "'t was in
+that very place that my husband lay concealed when you, accompanied by
+the officers of justice, were searching the house, that you might bring
+him to the scaffold for his religion.  Enter the pantry, your worship; I
+will be responsible for your safety."  Thus faithfully did the humble
+widow of a hunted and murdered Calvinist protect the life of the
+magistrate who had brought desolation to her hearth.
+
+Not all the conquests thus rapidly achieved in the cause of liberty were
+destined to endure, nor were any to be, retained without a struggle.  The
+little northern cluster of republics which had now restored its honor to
+the ancient Batavian name was destined, however, for a long and vigorous
+life.  From that bleak isthmus the light of freedom was to stream through
+many years upon struggling humanity in Europe; a guiding pharos across a
+stormy sea; and Harlem, Leyden, Alkmaar--names hallowed by deeds of
+heroism such as have not often illustrated human annals, still breathe as
+trumpet-tongued and perpetual a defiance to despotism as Marathon,
+Thermopylae, or Salamis.
+
+A new board of magistrates had been chosen in all the redeemed cities, by
+popular election.  They were required to take an oath of fidelity to the
+King of Spain, and to the Prince of Orange as his stadholder; to promise
+resistance to the Duke of Alva, the tenth penny, and the inquisition;
+to support every man's freedom and the welfare of the country; to protect
+widows, orphans, and miserable persons, and to maintain justice and
+truth.
+
+Diedrich Sonoy arrived on the 2nd June at Enkbuizen.  He was provided by
+the Prince with a commission, appointing him Lieutenant-Governor of North
+Holland or Waterland.  Thus, to combat the authority of Alva was set up
+the authority of the King.  The stadholderate over Holland and Zealand,
+to which the Prince had been appointed in 1559, he now reassumed.  Upon
+this fiction reposed the whole provisional polity of the revolted
+Netherlands.  The government, as it gradually unfolded itself, from this
+epoch forward until the declaration of independence and the absolute
+renunciation of the Spanish sovereign power, will be sketched in a future
+chapter.  The people at first claimed not an iota more of freedom than
+was secured by Philip's coronation oath.  There was no pretence that
+Philip was not sovereign, but there was a pretence and a determination to
+worship God according to conscience, and to reclaim the ancient political
+"liberties" of the land.  So long as Alva reigned, the Blood Council, the
+inquisition, and martial law, were the only codes or courts, and every
+charter slept.  To recover this practical liberty and these historical
+rights, and to shake from their shoulders a most sanguinary government,
+was the purpose of William and of the people.  No revolutionary standard
+was displayed.
+
+The written instructions given by the Prince to his Lieutenant Sonoy were
+to "see that the Word of God was preached, without, however, suffering
+any hindrance to the Roman Church in the exercise of its religion; to
+restore fugitives and the banished for conscience sake, and to require of
+all magistrates and officers of guilds and brotherhoods an oath of
+fidelity."  The Prince likewise prescribed the form of that oath,
+repeating therein, to his eternal honor, the same strict prohibition
+of intolerance.  "Likewise," said the formula, "shall those of 'the
+religion' offer no let or hindrance to the Roman churches."
+
+The Prince was still in Germany, engaged in raising troops and providing
+funds.  He directed; however, the affairs of the insurgent provinces in
+their minutest details, by virtue of the dictatorship inevitably forced
+upon him both by circumstances and by the people.  In the meantime; Louis
+of Nassau, the Bayard of the Netherlands, performed a most unexpected and
+brilliant exploit.  He had been long in France, negotiating with the
+leaders of the Huguenots, and, more secretly, with the court.  He was
+supposed by all the world to be still in that kingdom, when the startling
+intelligence arrived that he had surprised and captured the important
+city of Mons.  This town, the capital of Hainault, situate in a fertile,
+undulating, and beautiful country, protected by lofty walls, a triple
+moat, and a strong citadel, was one of the most flourishing and elegant
+places in the Netherlands.  It was, moreover, from its vicinity to the
+frontiers of France; a most important acquisition to the insurgent party.
+The capture was thus accomplished.  A native of Mons, one Antony Oliver,
+a geographical painter, had insinuated himself into the confidence of
+Alva, for whom he had prepared at different times some remarkably well-
+executed maps of the country.  Having occasion to visit France, he was
+employed by the Duke to keep a watch upon the movements of Louis of
+Nassau, and to make a report as to the progress of his intrigues with the
+court of France.  The painter, however, was only a spy in disguise, being
+in reality devoted to the cause of freedom, and a correspondent of Orange
+and his family.  His communications with Louis, in Paris, had therefore a
+far different result from the one anticipated by Alva.  A large number of
+adherents within the city of Mons had already been secured, and a plan
+was now arranged between Count Louis, Genlis, De la Noue, and other
+distinguished Huguenot chiefs, to be carried out with the assistance of
+the brave and energetic artist.
+
+On the 23rd of May, Oliver appeared at the gates of Mons, accompanied by
+three wagons, ostensibly containing merchandise, but in reality laden
+with arquebusses.  These were secretly distributed among his confederates
+in the city.  In the course of the day Count Louis arrived in the
+neighbourhood, accompanied by five hundred horsemen and a thousand foot
+soldiers.  This force he stationed in close concealment within the thick
+forests between Maubeuge and Mons.  Towards evening he sent twelve of the
+most trusty and daring of his followers, disguised as wine merchants,
+into the city.  These individuals proceeded boldly to a public house,
+ordered their supper, and while conversing with the landlord, carelessly
+inquired at what hour next morning the city gates would be opened.  They
+were informed that the usual hour was four in the morning, but that a
+trifling present to the porter would ensure admission, if they desired
+it, at an earlier hour.  They explained their inquiries by a statement
+that they had some casks of wine which they wished to introduce into the
+city before sunrise.  Having obtained all the information which they
+needed, they soon afterwards left the tavern.  The next day they
+presented themselves very early at the gate, which the porter, on promise
+of a handsome "drink-penny," agreed to unlock.  No sooner were the bolts
+withdrawn, however, than he was struck dead, while about fifty dragoons
+rode through the gate.  The Count and his followers now galloped over the
+city in the morning twilight, shouting "France!  liberty!  the town is
+ours!"  "The Prince is coming!"  "Down with the tenth penny; down with
+the murderous Alva!"  So soon as a burgher showed his wondering face at
+the window, they shot at him with their carbines.  They made as much
+noise, and conducted themselves as boldly as if they had been at least a
+thousand strong.
+
+Meantime, however, the streets remained empty; not one of their secret
+confederates showing himself.  Fifty men could surprise, but were too few
+to keep possession of the city.  The Count began to suspect a trap.  As
+daylight approached the alarm spread; the position of the little band was
+critical.  In his impetuosity, Louis had far outstripped his army, but
+they had been directed to follow hard upon his footsteps, and he was
+astonished that their arrival was so long delayed.  The suspense becoming
+intolerable, he rode out of the city in quest of his adherents, and found
+them wandering in the woods, where they had completely lost their way.
+Ordering each horseman to take a foot soldier on the crupper behind him,
+he led them rapidly back to Mons.  On the way they were encountered by La
+Noue, "with the iron arm," and Genlis, who, meantime, had made an
+unsuccessful attack to recover Valenciennes, which within a few hours had
+been won and lost again.  As they reached the gates of Mons, they found
+themselves within a hair's breadth of being too late; their adherents
+had not come forth; the citizens had been aroused; the gates were all
+fast but one--and there the porter was quarrelling with a French soldier
+about an arquebuss.  The drawbridge across the moat was at the moment
+rising; the last entrance was closing, when Guitoy de Chaumont, a French
+officer, mounted on a light Spanish barb, sprang upon the bridge as it
+rose.  His weight caused it to sink again, the gate was forced, and Louis
+with all his men rode triumphantly into the town.
+
+The citizens were forthwith assembled by sound of bell in the market-
+place.  The clergy, the magistracy, and the general council were all
+present.  Genlis made the first speech, in which he disclaimed all
+intention of making conquests in the interest of France.  This pledge
+having been given, Louis of Nassau next addressed the assembly: "The
+magistrates," said he, "have not understoood my intentions.  I protest
+that I am no rebel to the King; I prove it by asking no new oaths
+from any man.  Remain bound by your old oaths of allegiance; let the
+magistrates continue to exercise their functions--to administer justice.
+I imagine that no person will suspect a brother of the Prince of Orange
+capable of any design against the liberties of the country.  As to the
+Catholic religion, I take it under my very particular protection.  You
+will ask why I am in Mons at the head of an armed force: are any of you
+ignorant of Alva's cruelties?  The overthrow of this tyrant is as much
+the interest of the King as of the people, therefore there is nothing in
+my present conduct inconsistent with fidelity to his Majesty.  Against
+Alva alone I have taken up arms; 'tis to protect you against his fury
+that I am here.  It is to prevent the continuance of a general rebellion
+that I make war upon him.  The only proposition which I have to make to
+you is this--I demand that you declare Alva de Toledo a traitor to the
+King, the executioner of the people, an enemy to the country, unworthy of
+the government, and hereby deprived of his authority."
+
+The magistracy did not dare to accept so bold a proposition; the general
+council, composing the more popular branch of the municipal government,
+were comparatively inclined to favor Nassau, and many of its members
+voted for the downfall of the tyrant.  Nevertheless the demands of Count
+Louis were rejected.  His position thus became critical.  The civic
+authorities refused to, pay for his troops, who were, moreover, too few,
+in number to resist the inevitable siege.  The patriotism of the citizens
+was not to be repressed, however, by the authority, of the magistrates;
+many rich proprietors of the great cloth and silk manufactories, for
+which Mons was famous, raised, and armed companies at their own expense;
+many volunteer troops were also speedily organized and drilled, and the
+fortifications were put in order.  No attempt was made to force the
+reformed religion upon the inhabitants, and even Catholics who were
+discovered in secret correspondence with the enemy were treated with such
+extreme gentleness by Nassau as to bring upon him severe reproaches from
+many of his own party.
+
+A large collection of ecclesiastical plate, jewellery, money, and other
+valuables, which had been sent to the city for safe keeping from the
+churches and convents of the provinces, was seized, and thus, with little
+bloodshed and no violence; was the important city secured for the
+insurgents.  Three days afterwards, two thousand infantry, chiefly
+French, arrived in the place.  In the early part of the following month
+Louis was still further strengthened by the arrival of thirteen hundred
+foot and twelve hundred horsemen, under command of Count Montgomery, the
+celebrated officer, whose spear at the tournament had proved fatal to
+Henry the Second.  Thus the Duke of Alva suddenly found himself exposed
+to a tempest of revolution.  One thunderbolt after another seemed
+descending around him in breathless succession.  Brill and Flushing had
+been already lost; Middelburg was so closely invested that its fall
+seemed imminent, and with it would go the whole island of Walcheren, the
+key to all the Netherlands.  In one morning he had heard of the revolt of
+Enkbuizen and of the whole Waterland; two hours later came the news of
+the Valenciennes rebellion, and next day the astonishing capture of Mons.
+One disaster followed hard upon another.  He could have sworn that the
+detested Louis of Nassau, who had dealt this last and most fatal stroke,
+was at that moment in Paris, safely watched by government emissaries; and
+now he had, as it were, suddenly started out of the earth, to deprive him
+of this important city, and to lay bare the whole frontier to the
+treacherous attacks of faithless France.  He refused to believe the
+intelligence when it was first announced to him, and swore that he had
+certain information that Count Louis had been seen playing in the tennis-
+court at Paris, within so short a period as to make his presence in
+Hainault at that moment impossible.  Forced, at last, to admit the truth
+of the disastrous news, he dashed his hat upon the ground in a fury,
+uttering imprecations upon the Queen Dowager of France, to whose
+perfidious intrigues he ascribed the success of the enterprise, and
+pledging himself to send her Spanish thistles, enough in return for the
+Florentine lilies which she had thus bestowed upon him.
+
+In the midst of the perplexities thus thickening around him, the Duke
+preserved his courage, if not his temper.  Blinded, for a brief season,
+by the rapid attacks made upon him, he had been uncertain whither to
+direct his vengeance.  This last blow in so vital a quarter determined
+him at once.  He forthwith despatched Don Frederic to undertake the siege
+of Mons, and earnestly set about raising large reinforcements to his
+army.  Don Frederic took possession, without much opposition, of the
+Bethlehem cloister in the immediate vicinity of the city, and with four
+thousand troops began the investment in due form.
+
+Alva had, for a long time, been most impatient to retire from the
+provinces.  Even he was capable of human emotions.  Through the sevenfold
+panoply of his pride he had been pierced by the sharpness of a nation's
+curse.  He was wearied with the unceasing execrations which assailed his
+ears.  "The hatred which the people bear me," said he, in a letter to
+Philip, "because of the chastisement which it has been necessary for me
+to inflict, although with all the moderation in the world, make all my
+efforts vain.  A successor will meet more sympathy and prove more
+useful."  On the 10th June, the Duke of Medina Coeli; with a fleet of
+more than forty sail, arrived off Blankenburg, intending to enter the
+Scheld.  Julian Romero, with two thousand Spaniards, was also on board
+the fleet.  Nothing, of course, was known to the new comers of the
+altered condition of affairs in the Netherlands, nor of the unwelcome
+reception which they were like to meet in Flushing.  A few of the lighter
+craft having been taken by the patriot cruisers, the alarm was spread
+through all the fleet.  Medina Coeli, with a few transports, was enabled
+to effect his escape to Sluys, whence he hastened to Brussels in a much
+less ceremonious manner than he had originally contemplated.  Twelve
+Biscayan ships stood out to sea, descried a large Lisbon fleet, by a
+singular coincidence, suddenly heaving in sight, changed their course
+again, and with a favoring breeze bore boldly up the Hond; passed
+Flushing in spite of a severe cannonade from the forts, and eventually
+made good their entrance into Rammekens, whence the soldiery, about one-
+half of whom had thus been saved, were transferred at a very critical
+moment to Middelburg.
+
+The great Lisbon fleet followed in the wake of the Biscayans, with much
+inferior success.  Totally ignorant of the revolution which had occurred
+in the Ise of Walclieren, it obeyed the summons of the rebel fort to come
+to anchor, and, with the exception of three or four, the vessels were all
+taken.  It was the richest booty which the insurgents had yet acquired by
+sea or land.  The fleet was laden with spices, money, jewellery, and the
+richest merchandize.  Five hundred thousand crowns of gold were taken,
+and it was calculated that the plunder altogether would suffice to
+maintain the war for two years at least.  One thousand Spanish soldiers,
+and a good amount of ammunition, were also captured.  The unexpected
+condition of affairs made a pause natural and almost necessary, before
+the government could be decorously transferred.  Medina Coeli with
+Spanish grandiloquence, avowed his willingness to serve as a soldier,
+under a general whom he so much venerated, while Alva ordered that, in
+all respects, the same outward marks of respect should be paid to his
+appointed successor as to himself.  Beneath all this external ceremony,
+however, much mutual malice was concealed.
+
+Meantime, the Duke, who was literally "without a single real," was forced
+at last to smother his pride in the matter of the tenth penny.  On the
+24th June, he summoned the estates of Holland to assemble on the 15th of
+the ensuing month.  In the missive issued for this purpose, he formally
+agreed to abolish the whole tax, on condition that the estates-general of
+the Netherlands would furnish him with a yearly supply of two millions of
+florins.  Almost at the same moment the King had dismissed the deputies
+of the estates from Madrid, with the public assurance that the tax was to
+be suspended, and a private intimation that it was not abolished in
+terms, only in order to save the dignity of the Duke.
+
+These healing measures came entirely too late.  The estates of Holland
+met, indeed, on the appointed day of July; but they assembled not in
+obedience to Alva, but in consequence of a summons from William of
+Orange.  They met, too, not at the Hague, but at Dort, to take formal
+measures for renouncing the authority of the Duke.  The first congress of
+the Netherland commonwealth still professed loyalty to the Crown, but was
+determined to accept the policy of Orange without a question.
+
+The Prince had again assembled an army in Germany, consisting of
+fifteen thousand foot and seven thousand horse, besides a number of
+Netherlanders, mostly Walloons, amounting to nearly three thousand more.
+Before taking the field, however, it was necessary that he should
+guarantee at least three months' pay to his troops.  This he could no
+longer do, except by giving bonds endorsed by certain cities of Holland
+as his securities.  He had accordingly addressed letters in his own name
+to all the principal cities, fervently adjuring them to remember, at
+last, what was due to him, to the fatherland, and to their own character.
+"Let not a sum of gold," said he in one of these letters, "be so dear to
+you, that for its sake you will sacrifice your lives, your wives, your
+children, and all your descendants, to the latest generations; that you
+will bring sin and shame upon yourselves, and destruction upon us who
+have so heartily striven to assist you.  Think what scorn you will incur
+from foreign nations, what a crime you will commit against the.  Lord
+God, what a bloody yoke ye will impose forever upon yourselves and your
+children, if you now seek for subterfuges; if you now prevent us from
+taking the field with the troops which we have enlisted.  On the other
+hand, what inexpressible benefits you will confer on your country, if you
+now help us to rescue that fatherland from the power of Spanish vultures
+and wolves."
+
+This and similar missives, circulated throughout the province of Holland,
+produced a deep impression.  In accordance with his suggestions, the
+deputies from the nobility and from twelve cities of that province
+assembled on the 15th July, at Dort.  Strictly speaking, the estates or
+government of Holland, the body which represented the whole people,
+consisted of the nobler and six great cities.  On this occasion, however,
+Amsterdam being still in the power of the King, could send no deputies,
+while, on the other hand, all the small towns were invited to send up
+their representatives to the Congress.  Eight accepted the proposal; the
+rest declined to appoint delegates, partly from motives of economy,
+partly from timidity.'
+
+These estates were the legitimate representatives of the people, but
+they had no legislative powers.  The people had never pretended to
+sovereignty, nor did they claim it now.  The source from which the
+government of the Netherlands was supposed to proceed was still the
+divine mandate.  Even now the estates silently conceded, as they had ever
+done, the supreme legislative and executive functions to the land's
+master.  Upon Philip of Spain, as representative of Count Dirk the First
+of Holland, had descended, through many tortuous channels, the divine
+effluence originally supplied by Charles the Simple of France.  That
+supernatural power was not contested, but it was now ingeniously turned
+against the sovereign.  The King's authority was invoked against himself
+in the person of the Prince of Orange, to whom, thirteen years before,
+a portion of that divine right had been delegated.  The estates of
+Holland met at Dort on the 15th July, as representatives of the people;
+but they were summoned by Orange, royally commissioned in 1559 as
+stadholder, and therefore the supreme legislative and executive officer
+of certain provinces.  This was the theory of the provisional government.
+The Prince represented the royal authority, the nobles represented both
+themselves and the people of the open country, while the twelve cities
+represented the whole body of burghers.  Together, they were supposed to
+embody all authority, both divine and human, which a congress could
+exercise.  Thus the whole movement was directed against Alva and against
+Count Bossu, appointed stadholder by Alva in the place of Orange.
+Philip's name was destined to figure for a long time, at the head
+of documents by which monies were raised, troops levied, and taxes
+collected, all to be used in deadly war against himself.
+
+The estates were convened on the 15th July, when Paul Buys, pensionary of
+Leyden, the tried and confidential friend of Orange, was elected Advocate
+of Holland.  The convention was then adjourned till the 18th, when Saint
+Aldegonde made his appearance, with full powers to act provisionally in
+behalf of his Highness.
+
+The distinguished plenipotentiary delivered before the congress a long
+and very effective harangue.  He recalled the sacrifices and efforts of
+the Prince during previous years.  He adverted to the disastrous campaign
+of 1568, in which the Prince had appeared full of high hope, at the head
+of a gallant army, but had been obliged, after a short period, to retire,
+because not a city had opened its gates nor a Netherlander lifted his
+finger in the cause.  Nevertheless, he had not lost courage nor closed
+his heart; and now that, through the blessing of God, the eyes of men had
+been opened, and so many cities had declared against the tyrant, the
+Prince had found himself exposed to a bitter struggle.  Although his own
+fortunes had been ruined in the cause, he had been unable to resist the
+daily flood of petitions which called upon him to come forward once more.
+He had again importuned his relations and powerful friends; he had at
+last set on foot a new and well-appointed army.  The day of payment had
+arrived.  Over his own head impended perpetual shame, over the fatherland
+perpetual woe, if the congress should now refuse the necessary supplies.
+"Arouse ye, then," cried the orator, with fervor, "awaken your own zeal
+and that of your sister cities.  Seize Opportunity by the locks, who
+never appeared fairer than she does to-day."
+
+The impassioned eloquence of St.  Aldegonde produced a profound
+impression.  The men who had obstinately refused the demands of Alva,
+now unanimously resolved to pour forth their gold and their blood at
+the call of Orange.  "Truly," wrote the Duke, a little later, "it almost
+drives me mad to see the difficulty with which your Majesty's supplies
+are furnished, and the liberality with which the people place their lives
+and fortunes at the disposal of this rebel."  It seemed strange to the
+loyal governor that men should support their liberator with greater
+alacrity than that with which they served their destroyer!  It was
+resolved that the requisite amount should be at once raised, partly
+from the regular imposts and current "requests," partly by loans from
+the rich, from the clergy, from the guilds and brotherhoods, partly from
+superfluous church ornaments and other costly luxuries.  It was directed
+that subscriptions should be immediately opened throughout the land, that
+gold and silver plate, furniture, jewellery, and other expensive articles
+should be received by voluntary contributions, for which inventories and
+receipts should be given by the magistrates of each city, and that upon
+these money should be raised, either by loan or sale.  An enthusiastic
+and liberal spirit prevailed.  All seemed determined rather than pay the
+tenth to Alva to pay the whole to the Prince.
+
+The estates, furthermore, by unanimous resolution, declared that they
+recognized the Prince as the King's lawful stadholder over Holland,
+Zealand, Friesland, and Utrecht, and that they would use their influence
+with the other provinces to procure his appointment as Protector of all
+the Netherlands during the King's absence.  His Highness was requested to
+appoint an Admiral, on whom, with certain deputies from the Water-cities,
+the conduct of the maritime war should devolve.
+
+The conduct of the military operations by land was to be directed by
+Dort, Leyden, and Enkbuizen, in conjunction with the Count de la Marck.
+A pledge was likewise exchanged between the estates and the pleni-
+potentiary, that neither party should enter into any treaty with the
+King, except by full consent and co-operation of the other.  With regard
+to religion, it was firmly established, that the public exercises of
+divine worship should be permitted not only to the Reformed Church, but
+to the Roman Catholic--the clergy of both being protected from all
+molestation.
+
+After these proceedings, Count de la Marck made his appearance before the
+assembly.  His commission from Orange was read to the deputies, and by
+them ratified.  The Prince, in that document, authorized "his dear
+cousin" to enlist troops, to accept the fealty of cities, to furnish them
+with garrisons, to re-establish all the local laws, municipal rights, and
+ancient privileges which had been suppressed.  He was to maintain freedom
+of religion, under penalty of death to those who infringed it; he was to
+restore all confiscated property; he was, with advice of his council, to
+continue in office such city magistrates as were favorable, and to remove
+those adverse to the cause.
+
+The Prince was, in reality, clothed with dictatorial and even regal
+powers.  This authority had been forced upon him by the prayers of the
+people, but he manifested no eagerness as he partly accepted the onerous
+station.  He was provisionally the depositary of the whole sovereignty of
+the northern provinces, but ho cared much less for theories of government
+than for ways and means.  It was his object to release the country from
+the tyrant who, five years long, had been burning and butchering the
+people.  It was his determination to drive out the foreign soldiery.  To
+do this, he must meet his enemy in the field.  So little was he disposed
+to strengthen his own individual power, that he voluntarily imposed
+limits on himself, by an act, supplemental to the proceedings of the
+Congress of Dort.  In this important ordinance made by the Prince of
+Orange, as a provisional form of government, he publicly announced "that
+he would do and ordain nothing except by the advice of the estates, by
+reason that they were best acquainted with the circumstances and the
+humours of the inhabitants."  He directed the estates to appoint
+receivers for all public taxes, and ordained that all military officers
+should make oath of fidelity to him, as stadholder, and to the estates of
+Holland, to be true and obedient, in order to liberate the land from the
+Albanian and Spanish tyranny, for the service of his royal Majesty as
+Count of Holland.  The provisional constitution, thus made by a sovereign
+prince and actual dictator, was certainly as disinterested as it was
+sagacious.
+
+Meanwhile the war had opened vigorously in Hainault.  Louis of Nassau
+had no sooner found himself in possession of Mons than he had despatched
+Genlis to France, for those reinforcements which had been promised by
+royal lips.  On the other hand, Don Frederic held the city closely
+beleaguered; sharp combats before the walls were of almost daily
+occurrence, but it was obvious that Louis would be unable to maintain the
+position into which he had so chivalrously thrown himself unless he
+should soon receive important succor.  The necessary reinforcements were
+soon upon the way.  Genlis had made good speed with his levy, and it was
+soon announced that he was advancing into Hainault, with a force of
+Huguenots, whose numbers report magnified to ten thousand veterans.
+Louis despatched an earnest message to his confederate, to use extreme
+caution in his approach.  Above all things, he urged him, before
+attempting to throw reinforcements into the city, to effect a junction
+with the Prince of Orange, who had already crossed the Rhine with his new
+army.
+
+Genlis, full of overweening confidence, and desirous of acquiring singly
+the whole glory of relieving the city, disregarded this advice.  His
+rashness proved his ruin, and the temporary prostration of the cause of
+freedom.  Pushing rapidly forward across the French frontier, he arrived,
+towards the middle of July, within two leagues of Mons.  The Spaniards
+were aware of his approach, and well prepared to frustrate his project.
+On the 19th, he found himself upon a circular plain of about a league's
+extent, surrounded with coppices and forests, and dotted with farm-houses
+and kitchen gardens.  Here he paused to send out a reconnoitring party.
+The little detachment was, however, soon driven in, with the information
+that Don Frederic of Toledo, with ten thousand men, was coming instantly
+upon them.  The Spanish force, in reality, numbered four thousand
+infantry, and fifteen hundred cavalry; but three thousand half-armed
+boors had been engaged by Don Frederic, to swell his apparent force.  The
+demonstration produced its effect, and no sooner had the first panic of
+the intelligence been spread, than Noircarmes came charging upon them at
+the head of his cavalry.  The infantry arrived directly afterwards, and
+the Huguenots were routed almost as soon as seen.  It was a meeting
+rather than a battle.  The slaughter of the French was very great, while
+but an insignificant number of the Spaniards fell.  Chiappin Vitelli was
+the hero of the day.  It was to his masterly arrangements before the
+combat, and to his animated exertions upon the field, that the victory
+was owing.  Having been severely wounded in the thigh but a few days
+previously, he caused himself to be carried upon a litter in a recumbent
+position in front of his troops, and was everywhere seen, encouraging
+their exertions, and exposing himself, crippled as he was, to the whole
+brunt of the battle.  To him the victory nearly proved fatal; to Don
+Frederic it brought increased renown.  Vitelli's exertions, in his
+precarious condition, brought on severe inflammation, under which he
+nearly succumbed, while the son of Alva reaped extensive fame from the
+total overthrow of the veteran Huguenots, due rather to his lieutenant
+and to Julian Romero.
+
+The number of dead left by the French upon the plain amounted to at least
+twelve hundred, but a much larger number was butchered in detail by the
+peasantry, among whom they attempted to take refuge, and who had not yet
+forgotten the barbarities inflicted by their countrymen in the previous
+war.  Many officers were taken prisoners, among whom was the Commander-
+in-chief, Genlis.
+
+That unfortunate gentleman was destined to atone for his rashness and
+obstinacy with his life.  He was carried to the castle of Antwerp, where,
+sixteen months afterwards, he was secretly strangled by command of Alva,
+who caused the report to be circulated that he had died a natural death.
+About one hundred foot soldiers succeeded in making their entrance into
+Mona, and this was all the succor which Count Louis was destined to
+receive from France, upon which country he had built such lofty and such
+reasonable hopes.
+
+While this unfortunate event was occurring, the Prince had already put
+his army in motion.  On the 7th of July he had crossed the Rhine at
+Duisburg, with fourteen thousand foot, seven thousand horse, enlisted in
+Germany, besides a force of three thousand Walloons.  On the 23rd of
+July, he took the city of Roermond, after a sharp cannonade, at which
+place his troops already began to disgrace the honorable cause in which
+they were engaged, by imitating the cruelties and barbarities of their
+antagonists.  The persons and property of the burghers were, with a very
+few exceptions, respected; but many priests and monks were put to death
+by the soldiery under circumstances of great barbarity.  The Prince,
+incensed at such conduct, but being unable to exercise very stringent
+authority over troops whose wages he was not yet able to pay in full,
+issued a proclamation, denouncing such excesses, and commanding his
+followers, upon pain of death, to respect the rights of all individuals,
+whether Papist or Protestant, and to protect religious exercises both in
+Catholic and Reformed churches.
+
+It was hardly to be expected that the troops enlisted by the Prince in
+the same great magazine of hireling soldiers, Germany, from whence the
+Duke also derived his annual supplies, would be likely to differ very
+much in their propensities from those enrolled under Spanish banners; yet
+there was a vast contrast between the characters of the two commanders.
+One leader inculcated the practice of robbery, rape, and murder, as a
+duty, and issued distinct orders to butcher every mother's son in the
+cities which he captured; the other restrained every excess to, the
+utmost of his ability, protecting not only life and property, but even
+the ancient religion.
+
+The Emperor Maximilian had again issued his injunctions against the
+military operations of Orange.  Bound to the monarch of Spain by so many
+family ties, being at once cousin, brother-in-law, and father-in-law of
+Philip, it was difficult for him to maintain the attitude which became
+him, as chief of that Empire to which the peace of Passau had assured
+religious freedom.  It had, however, been sufficiently proved that
+remonstrances and intercessions addressed to Philip were but idle breath.
+It had therefore become an insult to require pacific conduct from the
+Prince on the ground of any past or future mediation.  It was a still
+grosser mockery to call upon him to discontinue hostilities because the
+Netherlands were included in the Empire, and therefore protected by the
+treaties of Passau and Augsburg.  Well did the Prince reply to his
+Imperial Majesty's summons in a temperate but cogent letter, in which he
+addressed to him from his camp, that all intercessions had proved
+fruitless, and that the only help for the Netherlands was the sword.
+
+The Prince had been delayed for a month at Roermonde, because, as he
+expressed it; "he had not a single sou,"  and because, in consequence,
+the troops refused to advance into the Netherlands.  Having at last been
+furnished with the requisite guarantees from the Holland cities for three
+months' pay, on the 27th of August, the day of the publication of his
+letter to the Emperor, he crossed the Meuse and took his circuitous way
+through Diest, Tirlemont, Sichem, Louvain, Mechlin, Termonde, Oudenarde,
+Nivelles.  Many cities and villages accepted his authority and admitted
+his garrisons.  Of these Mechlin was the most considerable, in which he
+stationed a detachment of his troops.  Its doom was sealed in that
+moment.  Alva could not forgive this act of patriotism on the part of a
+town which had so recently excluded his own troops.  "This is a direct
+permission of God," he wrote, in the spirit of dire and revengeful
+prophecy, "for us to punish her as she deserves, for the image-breaking
+and other misdeeds done there in the time of Madame de Parma, which our
+Lord was not willing to pass over without chastisement."
+
+Meantime the Prince continued his advance.  Louvain purchased its
+neutrality for the time with sixteen thousand ducats; Brussels
+obstinately refused to listen to him, and was too powerful to be forcibly
+attacked at that juncture; other important cities, convinced by the
+arguments and won by the eloquence of the various proclamations which he
+scattered as he advanced, ranged themselves spontaneously and even
+enthusiastically upon his side.  How different world have been the result
+of his campaign but for the unexpected earthquake which at that instant
+was to appal Christendom, and to scatter all his well-matured plans and
+legitimate hopes.  His chief reliance, under Providence and his own
+strong heart, had been upon French assistance.  Although Genlis, by his
+misconduct, had sacrificed his army and himself, yet the Prince as still
+justly sanguine as to the policy of the French court.  The papers which
+had been found in the possession of Genlis by his conquerors all spoke
+one language.  "You would be struck with stupor," wrote Alva's secretary,
+"could you see a letter which is now in my power, addressed by the King
+of France to Louis of Nassau."  In that letter the King had declared his
+determination to employ all the forces which God had placed in his hands
+to rescue the Netherlands from the oppression under which they were
+groaning.  In accordance with the whole spirit and language of the French
+government, was the tone of Coligny in his correspondence with Orange.
+The Admiral assured the Prince that there was no doubt as to the
+earnestness of the royal intentions in behalf of the Netherlands, and
+recommending extreme caution, announced his hope within a few days to
+effect a junction with him at the head of twelve thousand French
+arquebusiers, and at least three thousand cavalry.  Well might the
+Prince of Orange, strong, and soon to be strengthened, boast that the
+Netherlands were free, and that Alva was in his power.  He had a right
+to be sanguine, for nothing less than a miracle could now destroy his
+generous hopes--and, alas!  the miracle took place; a miracle of perfidy
+and bloodshed such as the world, familiar as it had ever been and was
+still to be with massacre, had not yet witnessed.  On the 11th of August,
+Coligny had written thus hopefully of his movements towards the
+Netherlands, sanctioned and aided by his King.  A fortnight from that
+day occurred the "Paris-wedding;" and the Admiral, with thousands of his
+religious confederates, invited to confidence by superhuman treachery,
+and lulled into security by the music of august marriage bells, was
+suddenly butchered in the streets of Paris by royal and noble hands.
+
+The Prince proceeded on his march, during which the heavy news had been
+brought to him, but he felt convinced that, with the very arrival of the
+awful tidings, the fate of that campaign was sealed, and the fall of Mons
+inevitable.  In his own language, he had been struck to the earth "with
+the blow of a sledge-hammer,"--nor did the enemy draw a different augury
+from the great event.
+
+The crime was not committed with the connivance of the Spanish
+government.  On the contrary, the two courts were at the moment bitterly
+hostile to each other.  In the beginning of the summer, Charles IX. and
+his advisers were as false to Philip, as at the end of it they were
+treacherous to Coligny and Orange.  The massacre of the Huguenots had
+not even the merit of being a well-contrived and intelligently executed
+scheme.  We have seen how steadily, seven years before, Catharine de
+Medici had rejected the advances of Alva towards the arrangement of a
+general plan for the extermination of all heretics within France and the
+Netherlands at the same moment.  We have seen the disgust with which Alva
+turned from the wretched young King at Bayonne, when he expressed the
+opinion that to take arms against his own subjects was wholly out of the
+question, and could only be followed by general ruin.  "'Tis easy to see
+that he has been tutored," wrote Alva to his master.  Unfortunately,
+the same mother; who had then instilled those lessons of hypocritical
+benevolence, had now wrought upon her son's cowardly but ferocious nature
+with a far different intent.  The incomplete assassination of Coligny,
+the dread of signal vengeance at the hands of the Huguenots, the
+necessity of taking the lead in the internecine snuggle; were employed
+with Medicean art, and with entire success.  The King was lashed into a
+frenzy.  Starting to his feet, with a howl of rage and terror, "I agree
+to the scheme," he cried, "provided not one Huguenot be left alive in
+France to reproach me with the deed."
+
+That night the slaughter commenced.  The long premeditated crime was
+executed in a panic, but the work was thoroughly done.  The King,
+who a few days before had written with his own hand to Louis of Nassau,
+expressing his firm determination to sustain the Protestant cause both in
+France and the Netherlands, who had employed the counsels of Coligny in
+the arrangement, of his plans, and who had sent French troops, under
+Genlis and La None, to assist their Calvinist brethren in Flanders, now
+gave the signal for the general massacre of the Protestants, and with his
+own hands, from his own palace windows, shot his subjects with his
+arquebuss as if they had been wild beasts.
+
+Between Sunday and Tuesday, according to one of the most moderate
+calculations, five thousand Parisians of all ranks were murdered.  Within
+the whole kingdom, the number of victims was variously estimated at from
+twenty-five thousand to one hundred thousand.  The heart of Protestant
+Europe, for an instant, stood still with horror.  The Queen of England
+put on mourning weeds, and spurned the apologies of the French envoy with
+contempt.  At Rome, on the contrary, the news of the massacre created a
+joy beyond description.  The Pope, accompanied by his cardinals, went
+solemnly to the church of Saint Mark to render thanks to God for the
+grace thus singularly vouchsafed to the Holy See and to all Christendom;
+and a Te Deum was performed in presence of the same august assemblage.
+
+But nothing could exceed the satisfaction which the event occasioned in
+the mind of Philip the Second.  There was an end now of all assistance
+from the French government to the Netherland Protestants.  "The news of
+the events upon Saint Bartholomew's day," wrote the French envoy at
+Madrid, Saint Goard, to Charles IX., "arrived on the 7th September.  The
+King, on receiving the intelligence, showed, contrary to his natural
+custom, so much gaiety, that he seemed more delighted than with all the
+good fortune or happy incidents which had ever before occurred to him.
+He called all his familiars about him in order to assure them that your
+Majesty was his good brother, and that no one else deserved the title of
+Most Christian.  He sent his secretary Cayas to me with his felicitations
+upon the event, and with the information that he was just going to Saint
+Jerome to render thanks to God, and to offer his prayers that your
+Majesty might receive Divine support in this great affair.  I went to
+see him next morning, and as soon as I came into his presence he began
+to laugh, and with demonstrations of extreme contentment, to praise your
+Majesty as deserving your title of Most Christian, telling me there was
+no King worthy to be your Majesty's companion, either for valor or
+prudence.  He praised the steadfast resolution and the long dissimulation
+of so great an enterprise, which all the world would not be able to
+comprehend."
+
+"I thanked him," continued the embassador, "and I said that I thanked
+God for enabling your Majesty to prove to his Master that his apprentice
+had learned his trade, and deserved his title of most Christian King.
+I added, that he ought to confess that he owed the preservation of the
+Netherlands to your Majesty."
+
+Nothing certainly could, in Philip's apprehension, be more delightful
+than this most unexpected and most opportune intelligence.  Charles IX.,
+whose intrigues in the Netherlands he had long known, had now been
+suddenly converted by this stupendous crime into his most powerful ally,
+while at the same time the Protestants of Europe would learn that there
+was still another crowned head in Christendom more deserving of
+abhorrence than himself.  He wrote immediately to Alva, expressing his
+satisfaction that the King of France had disembarrassed himself of such
+pernicious men, because he would now be obliged to cultivate the
+friendship of Spain, neither the English Queen nor the German Protestants
+being thenceforth capable of trusting him.  He informed the Duke,
+moreover, that the French envoy, Saint Goard, had been urging him to
+command the immediate execution of Genlis and his companions, who had
+been made prisoners, as well as all the Frenchmen who would be captured
+in Mons; and that he fully concurred in the propriety of the measure.
+"The sooner," said Philip, "these noxious plants are extirpated from the
+earth, the less fear there is that a fresh crop will spring up."  The
+monarch therefore added, with his own hand, to the letter, "I desire that
+if you have not already disembarrassed the world of them, you will do it
+immediately, and inform me thereof, for I see no reason why it should be
+deferred."
+
+This is the demoniacal picture painted by the French ambassador, and by
+Philip's own hand, of the Spanish monarch's joy that his "Most Christian"
+brother had just murdered twenty-five thousand of his own subjects.  In
+this cold-blooded way, too, did his Catholic Majesty order the execution
+of some thousand Huguenots additionally, in order more fully to carry out
+his royal brother's plans; yet Philip could write of himself, "that all
+the world recognized the gentleness of his nature and the mildness of his
+intentions."
+
+In truth, the advice thus given by Saint Goard on the subject of the
+French prisoners in Alva's possessions, was a natural result of the Saint
+Bartholomew.  Here were officers and soldiers whom Charles IX. had
+himself sent into the Netherlands to fight for the Protestant cause
+against Philip and Alva.  Already, the papers found upon them had placed
+him in some embarrassment, and exposed his duplicity to the Spanish
+government, before the great massacre had made such signal reparation for
+his delinquency.  He had ordered Mondoucet, his envoy in the Netherlands,
+to use dissimulation to an unstinted amount, to continue his intrigues
+with the Protestants, and to deny stoutly all proofs of such connivance.
+"I see that the papers found upon Genlis;" he wrote twelve days before
+the massacre, "have been put into the hands of Assonleville, and that
+they know everything done by Genlis to have been committed with my
+consent."
+
+     [These remarkable letters exchanged between Charles IX. and
+     Mondoucet have recently been published by M. Emile Gachet (chef du
+     bureau paleographique aux Archives de Belgique) from a manuscript
+     discovered by him in the library at Rheims.--Compte Rendu de la Com.
+     Roy. d'Hist., iv. 340, sqq.]
+
+"Nevertheless, you will tell the Duke of Alva that these are lies invented
+to excite suspicion against me.  You will also give him occasional
+information of the enemy's affairs, in order to make him believe in your
+integrity.  Even if he does not believe you, my purpose will be answered,
+provided you do it dexterously.  At the same time you must keep up a
+constant communication with the Prince of Orange, taking great care to
+prevent discovery of your intelligence with King."
+
+Were not these masterstrokes of diplomacy worthy of a King whom his
+mother, from boyhood upwards, had caused to study Macchiavelli's
+"Prince," and who had thoroughly taken to heart the maxim, often repeated
+in those days, that the "Science of reigning was the science of lying"?
+
+The joy in the Spanish camp before Mons was unbounded.  It was as if the
+only bulwark between the Netherland rebels and total destruction had been
+suddenly withdrawn.  With anthems in Saint Gudule, with bonfires, festive
+illuminations, roaring artillery, with trumpets also, and with shawms,
+was the glorious holiday celebrated in court and camp, in honor of the
+vast murder committed by the Most Christian King upon his Christian
+subjects; nor was a moment lost in apprising the Huguenot soldiers shut
+up with Louis of Nassau in the beleaguered city of the great catastrophe
+which was to render all their valor fruitless.  "'T was a punishment,"
+said a Spanish soldier, who fought most courageously before Mons, and who
+elaborately described the siege afterwards, "well worthy of a king whose
+title is 'The Most Christian,' and it was still more honorable to inflict
+it with his own hands as he did."  Nor was the observation a pithy
+sarcasm, but a frank expression of opinion, from a man celebrated alike
+for the skill with which he handled both his sword and his pen.
+
+The, French envoy in the Netherlands was, of course, immediately informed
+by his sovereign of the great event: Charles IX. gave a very pithy
+account of the transaction.  "To prevent the success of the enterprise
+planned by the Admiral," wrote the King on the 26th of August, with hands
+yet reeking, and while the havoc throughout France was at its height,
+"I have been obliged to permit the said Guises to rush upon the said
+Admiral,--which they have done, the said Admiral having been killed and
+all his adherents.  A very great number of those belonging to the new
+religion have also been massacred and cut to pieces.  It is probable that
+the fire thus kindled will spread through all the cities of my kingdom,
+and that all those of the said religion will be made sure of." Not
+often, certainly, in history, has a Christian king spoken thus calmly
+of butchering his subjects while the work was proceeding all around
+him.  It is to be observed, moreover, that the usual excuse for such
+enormities, religious fanaticism, can not be even suggested on this
+occasion.  Catharine, in times past had favored Huguenots as much as
+Catholics, while Charles had been, up to the very moment of the crime,
+in strict alliance with the heretics of both France and Flanders, and
+furthering the schemes of Orange and Nassau.  Nay, even at this very
+moment, and in this very letter in which he gave the news of the
+massacre, he charged his envoy still to maintain the closest but most
+secret intelligence with the Prince of Orange; taking great care that
+the Duke of Alva should not discover these relations.  His motives were,
+of course, to prevent the Prince from abandoning his designs, and from
+coming to make a disturbance in France.  The King, now that the deed was
+done, was most anxious to reap all the fruits of his crime.  "Now, M. de
+Mondoucet, it is necessary in such affairs," he continued, "to have an
+eye to every possible contingency.  I know that this news will be most
+agreeable to the Duke of Alva, for it is most favorable to his designs.
+At the same time, I don't desire that he alone should gather the fruit.
+I don't choose that he should, according to his excellent custom, conduct
+his affairs in such wise as to throw the Prince of Orange upon my hands,
+besides sending back to France Genlis and the other prisoners, as well
+as the French now shut up in Mons."
+
+This was a sufficiently plain hint, which Mondoucet could not well
+misunderstand.  "Observe the Duke's countenance carefully when you
+give him this message," added the King, "and let me know his reply."
+In order, however, that there might be no mistake about the matter,
+Charles wrote again to his ambassador, five days afterwards, distinctly
+stating the regret which he should feel if Alva should not take the city
+of Mons, or if he should take it by composition.  "Tell the Duke," said
+he, "that it is most important for the service of his master and of God
+that those Frenchmen and others in Mons should be cut in pieces."  He
+wrote another letter upon the name day, such was his anxiety upon the
+subject, instructing the envoy to urge upon Alva the necessity of
+chastising those rebels to the French crown.  "If he tells you,"
+continued Charles, "that this is tacitly requiring him to put to death
+all the French prisoners now in hand as well to cut in pieces every man
+in Mons, you will say to him that this is exactly what he ought to do,
+and that he will be guilty of a great wrong to Christianity if he does
+otherwise."  Certainly, the Duke, having been thus distinctly ordered,
+both by his own master and by his Christian Majesty, to put every
+one of these Frenchmen to death, had a sufficiency of royal warrant.
+Nevertheless, he was not able to execute entirely these ferocious
+instructions.  The prisoners already in his power were not destined to
+escape, but the city of Mons, in his own language, "proved to have
+sharper teeth than he supposed."
+
+Mondoucet lost no time in placing before Alva the urgent necessity of
+accomplishing the extensive and cold-blooded massacre thus proposed.
+"The Duke has replied," wrote the envoy to his sovereign, "that he is
+executing his prisoners every day, and that he has but a few left.
+Nevertheless, for some reason which he does not mention, he is reserving
+the principal noblemen and chiefs."  He afterwards informed his master
+that Genlis, Jumelles, and the other leaders, had engaged, if Alva would
+grant them a reasonable ransom, to induce the French in Mons to leave
+the city, but that the Duke, although his language was growing less
+confident, still hoped to take the town by assault.  "I have urged him,"
+he added, "to put them all to death, assuring him that he would be
+responsible for the consequences of a contrary course."--"Why does not
+your Most Christian master," asked Alva, "order these Frenchmen in Mons
+to come to him under oath to make no disturbance?  Then my prisoners will
+be at my discretion and I shall get my city."--"Because," answered the
+envoy, "they will not trust his Most Christian Majesty, and will prefer
+to die in Mons."--[Mondoucet to Charles IX., 15th September, 1572.]
+
+This certainly was a most sensible reply, but it is instructive to
+witness the cynicism with which the envoy accepts this position for his
+master, while coldly recording the results of all these sanguinary
+conversations.
+
+Such was the condition of affairs when the Prince of Orange arrived at
+Peronne, between Binche and the Duke of Alva's entrenchments.  The
+besieging army was rich in notabilities of elevated rank.  Don Frederic
+of Toledo had hitherto commanded, but on the 27th of August, the Dukes of
+Medina Coeli and of Alva had arrived in the camp.  Directly afterwards
+came the warlike Archbishop of Cologne, at the head of two thousand
+cavalry.  There was but one chance for the Prince of Orange, and
+experience had taught him, four years before, its slenderness.  He might
+still provoke his adversary into a pitched battle, and he relied upon God
+for the result.  In his own words, "he trusted ever that the great God of
+armies was with him, and would fight in the midst of his forces."  If so
+long as Alva remained in his impregnable camp, it was impossible to
+attack him, or to throw reinforcements into Mons.  The Prince soon found,
+too, that Alva was far too wise to hazard his position by a superfluous
+combat.  The Duke knew that the cavalry of the Prince was superior to his
+own.  He expressed himself entirely unwilling to play into the Prince's
+hands, instead of winning the game which was no longer doubtful.  The
+Huguenot soldiers within Mons were in despair and mutiny; Louis of Nassau
+lay in his bed consuming with a dangerous fever; Genlis was a prisoner,
+and his army cut to pieces; Coligny was murdered, and Protestant France
+paralyzed; the troops of Orange, enlisted but for three months, were
+already rebellious, and sure to break into open insubordination when the
+consequences of the Paris massacre should become entirely clear to them;
+and there were, therefore, even more cogent reasons than in 1568, why
+Alva should remain perfectly still, and see his enemy's cause founder
+before his eyes.  The valiant Archbishop of Cologne was most eager for
+the fray.  He rode daily at the Duke's side, with harness on his back and
+pistols in his holsters, armed and attired like one of his own troopers,
+and urging the Duke, with vehemence, to a pitched battle with the Prince.
+The Duke commended, but did not yield to, the prelate's enthusiasm.
+"'Tis a fine figure of a man, with his corslet and pistols," he wrote to
+Philip, "and he shows great affection for your Majesty's service."
+
+The issue of the campaign was inevitable.  On the 11th September, Don
+Frederic, with a force of four thousand picked men, established himself
+at Saint Florian, a village near the Havre gate of the city, while the
+Prince had encamped at Hermigny, within half a league of the same place,
+whence he attempted to introduce reinforcements into the town.  On the
+night of the 11th and 12th, Don Frederic hazarded an encamisada upon the
+enemy's camp, which proved eminently successful, and had nearly resulted
+in the capture of the Prince himself.  A chosen band of six hundred
+arquebussers, attired, as was customary in these nocturnal expeditions,
+with their shirts outside their armor, that they might recognize each
+other in the darkness, were led by Julian Romero, within the lines of the
+enemy.  The sentinels were cut down, the whole army surprised, and for a
+moment powerless, while, for two hours long, from one o'clock in the
+morning until three, the Spaniards butchered their foes, hardly aroused
+from their sleep, ignorant by how small a force they had been thus
+suddenly surprised, and unable in the confusion to distinguish between
+friend and foe.  The boldest, led by Julian in person, made at once for
+the Prince's tent.  His guards and himself were in profound sleep, but a
+small spaniel, who always passed the night upon his bed, was a more
+faithful sentinel.  The creature sprang forward, barking furiously at the
+sound of hostile footsteps, and scratching his master's face with his
+paws.--There was but just time for the Prince to mount a horse which was
+ready saddled, and to effect his escape through the darkness, before his
+enemies sprang into the tent.  His servants were cut down, his master of
+the horse and two of his secretaries, who gained their saddles a moment
+later, all lost their lives, and but for the little dog's watchfulness,
+William of Orange, upon whose shoulders the whole weight of his country's
+fortunes depended, would have been led within a week to an ignominious
+death.  To his dying day, the Prince ever afterwards kept a spaniel of
+the same race in his bed-chamber.  The midnight slaughter still
+continued, but the Spaniards in their fury, set fire to the tents.  The
+glare of the conflagration showed the Orangists by how paltry a force
+they had been surprised.  Before they could rally, however, Romero led
+off his arquebusiers, every one of whom had at least killed his man.
+Six hundred of the Prince's troops had been put to the sword, while many
+others were burned in their beds, or drowned in the little rivulet which
+flowed outside their camp.  Only sixty Spaniards lost their lives.
+
+This disaster did not alter the plans of the Prince, for those plans had
+already been frustrated.  The whole marrow of his enterprise had been
+destroyed in an instant by the massacre of Saint Bartholomew.  He
+retreated to Wronne and Nivelles, an assassin, named Heist, a German,
+by birth, but a French chevalier, following him secretly in his camp,
+pledged to take his life for a large reward promised by Alva--an
+enterprise not destined, however, to be successful.  The soldiers flatly
+refused to remain an hour longer in the field, or even to furnish an
+escort for Count Louis, if, by chance, he could be brought out of the
+town.  The Prince was obliged to inform his brother of the desperate
+state of his affairs, and to advise him to capitulate on the best terms
+which he could make.  With a heavy heart, he left the chivalrous Louis
+besieged in the city which he had so gallantly captured, and took his way
+across the Meuse towards the Rhine.  A furious mutiny broke out among his
+troops.  His life was, with difficulty, saved from the brutal soldiery--
+infuriated at his inability to pay them, except in the over-due
+securities of the Holland cities--by the exertions of the officers who
+still regarded him with veneration and affection.  Crossing the Rhine at
+Orsoy, he disbanded his army and betook himself, almost alone, to
+Holland.
+
+Yet even in this hour of distress and defeat, the Prince seemed more
+heroic than many a conqueror in his day of triumph.  With all his hopes
+blasted, with the whole fabric of his country's fortunes shattered by the
+colossal crime of his royal ally, he never lost his confidence in himself
+nor his unfaltering trust in God.  All the cities which, but a few weeks
+before, had so eagerly raised his standard, now fell off at once.  He
+went to Holland, the only province which remained true, and which still
+looked up to him as its saviour, but he went thither expecting and
+prepared to perish.  "There I will make my sepulchre," was his simple and
+sublime expression in a private letter to his brother.
+
+He had advanced to the rescue of Louis, with city after city opening its
+arms to receive him.  He had expected to be joined on the march by
+Coligny, at the head of a chosen army, and he was now obliged to leave
+his brother to his fate, having the massacre of the Admiral and his
+confederates substituted for their expected army of assistance, and with
+every city and every province forsaking his cause as eagerly as they had
+so lately embraced it.  "It has pleased God," he said, "to take away
+every hope which we could have founded upon man; the King has published
+that the massacre was by his orders, and has forbidden all his subjects,
+upon pain of death, to assist me; he has, moreover, sent succor to Alva.
+Had it not been for this, we had been masters of the Duke, and should
+have made him capitulate at our pleasure."  Yet even then he was not cast
+down.
+
+Nor was his political sagacity liable to impeachment by the extent to
+which he had been thus deceived by the French court.  "So far from being
+reprehensible that I did not suspect such a crime," he said, "I should
+rather be chargeable with malignity had I been capable of so sinister a
+suspicion.  'Tis not an ordinary thing to conceal such enormous
+deliberations under the plausible cover of a marriage festival."
+
+Meanwhile, Count Louis lay confined to his couch with a burning fever.
+His soldiers refused any longer to hold the city, now that the altered
+intentions of Charles IX. were known and the forces of Orange withdrawn.
+Alva offered the most honorable conditions, and it was therefore
+impossible for the Count to make longer resistance.  The city was so
+important, and time was at that moment so valuable that the Duke was
+willing to forego his vengeance upon the rebel whom he so cordially
+detested, and to be satisfied with depriving, him of the prize which he
+had seized with such audacity.  "It would have afforded me sincere
+pleasure," wrote the Duke, "over and above the benefit to God and your
+Majesty, to have had the Count of Nassau in my power.  I would overleap
+every obstacle to seize him, such is the particular hatred which I bear
+the man."  Under, the circumstances, however, he acknowledged that the
+result of the council of war could only be to grant liberal terms.
+
+On the 19th September, accordingly, articles of capitulation were signed
+between the distinguished De la None with three others on the one part,
+and the Seigneur de Noircarmes and three others on the side of Spain.
+The town was given over to Alva, but all the soldiers were to go out with
+their weapons and property.  Those of the townspeople who had borne arms
+against his Majesty, and all who still held to the Reformed religion,
+were to retire with the soldiery.  The troops were to pledge themselves
+not to serve in future against the Kings of France or Spain, but from
+this provision Louis, with his English and German soldiers, was expressly
+excepted, the Count indignantly repudiating the idea of such a pledge, or
+of discontinuing his hostilities for an instant.  It was also agreed that
+convoys should be furnished, and hostages exchanged, for the due
+observance of the terms of the treaty.  The preliminaries having been
+thus settled, the patriot forces abandoned the town.
+
+Count Louis, rising from his sick bed, paid his respects in person to the
+victorious generals, at their request.  He was received in Alva's camp
+with an extraordinary show of admiration and esteem.  The Duke of Medina
+Coeli overwhelmed him with courtesies and "basolomanos," while Don
+Frederic assured him, in the high-flown language of Spanish compliment,
+that there was nothing which he would not do to serve him, and that he
+would take a greater pleasure in executing his slightest wish than if he
+had been his next of kin.
+
+As the Count next day, still suffering with fever, and attired in his
+long dressing-gown, was taking his departure from the city, he ordered
+his carriage to stop at the entrance to Don Frederic's quarters.  That
+general, who had been standing incognito near the door, gazing with
+honest admiration at the hero of so many a hard-fought field, withdrew
+as he approached, that he might not give the invalid the trouble of
+alighting.  Louis, however, recognising him, addressed him with the
+Spanish salutation, "Perdone vuestra Senoria la pesedumbre," and paused
+at the gate.  Don Frederic, from politeness to his condition, did not
+present himself, but sent an aid-de-camp to express his compliments and
+good wishes.  Having exchanged these courtesies, Louis left the city,
+conveyed, as had been agreed upon, by a guard of Spanish troops.  There
+was a deep meaning in the respect with which the Spanish generals had
+treated the rebel chieftain.  Although the massacre of Saint Bartholomew
+met with Alva's entire approbation, yet it was his cue to affect a holy
+horror at the event, and he avowed that he would "rather cut off both his
+hands than be guilty of such a deed"--as if those hangman's hands had the
+right to protest against any murder, however wholesale.  Count Louis
+suspected at once, and soon afterwards thoroughly understood; the real
+motives of the chivalrous treatment which he had received.  He well knew
+that these very men would have sent him to the scaffold; had he fallen
+into their power, and he therefore estimated their courtesy at its proper
+value.
+
+It was distinctly stated, in the capitulation of the city, that all the
+soldiers, as well as such of the inhabitants as had borne arms, should be
+allowed to leave the city, with all their property.  The rest of the
+people, it was agreed, might remain without molestation to their persons
+or estates.  It has been the general opinion of historians that the
+articles of this convention were maintained by the conquerors in good
+faith.  Never was a more signal error.  The capitulation was made late
+at night, on the 20th September, without the provision which Charles IX.
+had hoped for: the massacre, namely, of De la None and his companions.
+As for Genlis and those who had been taken prisoners at his defeat,
+their doom had already been sealed.  The city was evacuated on the 21st
+September: Alva entered it upon the 24th.  Most of the volunteers
+departed with the garrison, but many who had, most unfortunately,
+prolonged their farewells to their families, trusting to the word of the
+Spanish Captain Molinos, were thrown into prison.  Noircarmes the butcher
+of Valenciennes, now made his appearance in Mons.  As grand bailiff of
+Hainault, he came to the place as one in authority, and his deeds were
+now to complete the infamy which must for ever surround his name.
+In brutal violation of the terms upon which the town had surrendered,
+he now set about the work of massacre and pillage.  A Commission of
+Troubles, in close imitation of the famous Blood Council at Brussels, was
+established, the members of the tribunal being appointed by Noircarmes,
+and all being inhabitants of the town.  The council commenced proceedings
+by condemning all the volunteers, although expressly included .in the
+capitulation.  Their wives and children were all banished; their property
+all confiscated.  On the 15th December, the executions commenced.  The
+intrepid De Leste, silk manufacturer, who had commanded a band of
+volunteers, and sustained during the siege the assaults of Alva's troops
+with remarkable courage at a very critical moment, was one of the
+earliest victims.  In consideration "that he was a gentleman, and not
+among the most malicious," he was executed by sword.  "In respect that he
+heard the mass, and made a sweet and Catholic end," it was allowed that
+he should be "buried in consecrated earth."  Many others followed in
+quick succession.  Some were beheaded, some were hanged, some were burned
+alive.  All who had borne arms or worked at the fortifications were,
+of course, put to death.  Such as refused to confess and receive the
+Catholic sacraments perished by fire.  A poor wretch, accused of having
+ridiculed these mysteries, had his tongue torn out before being beheaded.
+A cobbler, named Blaise Bouzet, was hanged for having eaten meat-soup
+upon Friday.  He was also accused of going to the Protestant preachings
+for the sake of participating in the alms distributed an these occasions,
+a crime for which many other paupers were executed.  An old man of sixty-
+two was sent to the scaffold for having permitted his son to bear arms
+among the volunteers.  At last, when all pretexts were wanting to justify
+executions; the council assigned as motives for its decrees an adhesion
+of heart on the part of the victims to the cause of the insurgents,
+or to the doctrines of the Reformed Church.  Ten, twelve, twenty persons,
+were often hanged, burned, or beheaded in a single day.  Gibbets laden
+with mutilated bodies lined the public highways,--while Noircarmes, by
+frightful expressions of approbation, excited without ceasing the fury of
+his satellites.  This monster would perhaps, be less worthy of execration
+had he been governed in these foul proceedings by fanatical bigotry or by
+political hatred; but his motives were of the most sordid description.
+It was mainly to acquire gold for himself that he ordained all this
+carnage.  With the same pen which signed the death-sentences of the
+richest victims, he drew orders to his own benefit on their confiscated
+property.  The lion's share of the plunder was appropriated by himself.
+He desired the estate; of Francois de Glarges, Seigneur d'Eslesmes.  The
+gentleman had committed no offence of any kind, and, moreover, lived.
+beyond the French frontier.  Nevertheless, in contempt of international
+law, the neighbouring territory was invaded, and d'Eslesmes dragged
+before the blood tribunal of Mons.  Noircarmes had drawn up beforehand,
+in his own handwriting, both the terms of the accusation and of the
+sentence.  The victim was innocent and a Catholic, but he was rich.
+He confessed to have been twice at the preaching, from curiosity, and
+to have omitted taking the sacrament at the previous Easter.  For these
+offences he was beheaded, and his confiscated estate adjudged at an
+almost nominal price to the secretary of Noircarmes, bidding for his
+master.  "You can do me no greater pleasure," wrote Noircarmes to the
+council, "than to make quick work with all these rebels, and to proceed
+with the confiscation of their estates, real and personal.  Don't fail to
+put all those to the torture out of whom anything can be got."
+
+Notwithstanding the unexampled docility of the commissioners, they found
+it difficult to extract from their redoubted chief a reasonable share in
+the wages of blood.  They did not scruple, therefore, to display their,
+own infamy, and to enumerate their own crimes, in order to justify their
+demand for higher salaries.  "Consider," they said, in a petition to this
+end, "consider closely, all that is odious in our office, and the great
+number of banishments and of executions which we have pronounced among
+all our own relations and friends."
+
+It may be added, moreover, as a slight palliation for the enormous crimes
+committed by these men, that, becoming at last weary of their business,
+they urged Noircarmes to desist from the work of proscription.
+Longehaye, one of the commissioners, even waited upon him personally,
+with a plea for mercy in favor of "the poor people, even beggars, who,
+although having borne arms during the siege, might then be pardoned."
+Noircarmes, in a rage at the proposition, said that "if he did not know
+the commissioners to be honest men, he should believe that their palms
+had been oiled," and forbade any farther words on the subject.  When
+Longehaye still ventured to speak in favor of certain persons "who were
+very poor and simple, not charged with duplicity, and good Catholics
+besides," he fared no better.  "Away with you!" cried Noircarmes in a
+great fury, adding that he had already written to have execution done
+upon the whole of them.  "Whereupon," said poor blood-councillor
+Longehaye, in his letter to his colleagues, "I retired, I leave you to
+guess how."
+
+Thus the work went on day after day, month after month.  Till the 27th
+August of the following year (1573) the executioner never rested, and
+when Requesens, successor to Alva, caused the prisons of Mons to be
+opened, there were found still seventy-five individuals condemned to the
+block, and awaiting their fate.
+
+It is the most dreadful commentary upon the times in which these
+transactions occurred, that they could sink so soon into oblivion.
+The culprits took care to hide the records of their guilt, while
+succeeding horrors, on a more extensive scale, at other places, effaced
+the memory of all these comparatively obscure murders and spoliations.
+The prosperity of Mons, one of the most flourishing and wealthy
+manufacturing towns in the Netherlands, was annihilated, but there were
+so many cities in the same condition that its misery was hardly
+remarkable.  Nevertheless, in our own days, the fall of a mouldering
+tower in the ruined Chateau de Naast at last revealed the archives of all
+these crimes.  How the documents came to be placed there remains a
+mystery, but they have at last been brought to light.
+
+The Spaniards had thus recovered Mons, by which event the temporary
+revolution throughout the whole Southern Netherlands was at an end.
+The keys of that city unlocked the gates of every other in Brabant and
+Flanders.  The towns which had so lately embraced the authority of Orange
+now hastened to disavow the Prince, and to return to their ancient,
+hypocritical, and cowardly allegiance.  The new oaths of fidelity were
+in general accepted by Alva, but the beautiful archiepiscopal city of
+Mechlin was selected for an example and a sacrifice.
+
+There were heavy arrears due to the Spanish troops.  To indemnify them,
+and to make good his blasphemous prophecy of Divine chastisement for
+its past misdeeds, Alva now abandoned this town to the licence of his
+soldiery.  By his command Don Frederic advanced to the gates and demanded
+its surrender.  He was answered by a few shots from the garrison.  Those
+cowardly troops, however, having thus plunged the city still more deeply
+into the disgrace which, in Alva's eyes, they had incurred by receiving
+rebels within their walls after having but just before refused admittance
+to the Spanish forces, decamped during the night, and left the place
+defenceless.
+
+Early next morning there issued from the gates a solemn procession of
+priests, with banner and crozier, followed by a long and suppliant throng
+of citizens, who attempted by this demonstration to avert the wrath of
+the victor.  While the penitent psalms were resounding, the soldiers were
+busily engaged in heaping dried branches and rubbish into the moat.
+Before the religious exercises were concluded, thousands had forced the
+gates or climbed the walls; and entered the city with a celerity which
+only the hope of rapine could inspire.  The sack instantly commenced.
+The property of friend and foe, of Papist and Calvinist, was
+indiscriminately rifled.  Everything was dismantled and destroyed.
+"Hardly a nail," said a Spaniard, writing soon afterwards from Brussels,
+"was left standing in the walls."  The troops seemed to imagine
+themselves in a Turkish town, and wreaked the Divine vengeance which
+Alva had denounced upon the city with an energy which met with his
+fervent applause.
+
+Three days long the horrible scene continued, one day for the benefit of
+the Spaniards, two more for that of the Walloons and Germans.  All the
+churches, monasteries, religious houses of every kind, were completely
+sacked.  Every valuable article which they contained, the ornaments of
+altars, the reliquaries, chalices, embroidered curtains, and carpets of
+velvet or damask, the golden robes of the priests, the repositories of
+the host, the precious vessels of chrism and extreme unction, the rich
+clothing and jewellery adorning the effigies of the Holy Virgin, all were
+indiscriminately rifled by the Spanish soldiers.  The holy wafers were
+trampled underfoot, the sacramental wine was poured upon the ground, and,
+in brief, all the horrors which had been committed by the iconoclasts in
+their wildest moments, and for a thousandth part of which enormities
+heretics had been burned in droves, were now repeated in Mechlin by the
+especial soldiers of Christ, by Roman Catholics who had been sent to the
+Netherlands to avenge the insults offered to the Roman Catholic faith.
+The motive, too, which inspired the sacrilegious crew was not fanaticism,
+but the, desire of plunder.  The property of Romanists was taken as
+freely as that of Calvinists, of which sect there were; indeed, but few
+in the archiepiscopal city.  Cardinal Granvelle's house was rifled.  The
+pauper funds deposited in the convents were not respected.  The beds were
+taken from beneath sick and dying women, whether lady abbess or hospital
+patient, that the sacking might be torn to pieces in search of hidden
+treasure.
+
+The iconoclasts of 1566 had destroyed millions of property for the sake
+of an idea, but they had appropriated nothing.  Moreover, they had
+scarcely injured a human being; confining their wrath to graven images.
+The Spaniards at Mechlin spared neither man nor woman.  The murders and
+outrages would be incredible, were they not attested by most respectable
+Catholic witnesses.  Men were butchered in their houses, in the streets,
+at the altars.  Women were violated by hundreds in churches and in grave-
+yards.  Moreover, the deed had been as deliberately arranged as it was
+thoroughly performed.  It was sanctioned by the highest authority.  Don
+Frederic, Son of Alva, and General Noircarmes were both present at the
+scene, and applications were in vain made to them that the havoc might be
+stayed.  "They were seen whispering to each other in the ear on their
+arrival," says an eye-witness and a Catholic, "and it is well known that
+the affair had been resolved upon the preceding day.  The two continued
+together as long as they remained in the city."  The work was, in truth,
+fully accomplished.  The ultra-Catholic, Jean Richardot, member of the
+Grand Council, and nephew of the Bishop of Arras, informed the State
+Council that the sack of Mechlin had been so horrible that the poor and
+unfortunate mothers had not a single morsel of bread to put in the mouths
+of their children, who were dying before their eyes--so insane and cruel
+had been the avarice of the plunderers.  "He could say more," he added,
+"if his hair did not stand on end, not only at recounting, but even at
+remembering the scene."
+
+Three days long the city was abandoned to that trinity of furies which
+ever wait upon War's footsteps--Murder, Lust, and Rapine--under whose
+promptings human beings become so much more terrible than the most
+ferocious beasts.  In his letter to his master, the Duke congratulated
+him upon these foul proceedings as upon a pious deed well accomplished.
+He thought it necessary, however; to excuse himself before the public in
+a document, which justified the sack of Mechlin by its refusal to accept
+his garrison a few months before, and by the shots which had been
+discharged at his troops as they approached the city.  For these
+offences, and by his express order, the deed was done.  Upon his
+head must the guilt for ever rest.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Hanged for having eaten meat-soup upon Friday
+Provided not one Huguenot be left alive in France
+Put all those to the torture out of whom anything can be got
+Saint Bartholomew's day
+Science of reigning was the science of lying
+
+
+
+
+End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Dutch Republic, v19
+by John Lothrop Motley
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 20.
+
+THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
+
+By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY
+
+1855
+
+
+
+
+1572-73 [CHAPTER VIII.]
+
+     Affairs in Holland and Zealand--Siege of Tergoes by the patriots--
+     Importance of the place--Difficulty of relieving it--Its position--
+     Audacious plan for sending succor across the "Drowned Land"--
+     Brilliant and successful expedition of Mondragon--The siege raised--
+     Horrible sack of Zutphen--Base conduct of Count Van den Berg--
+     Refusal of Naarden to surrender--Subsequent unsuccessful deputation
+     to make terms with Don Frederic--Don Frederic before Naarden--
+     Treachery of Romero--The Spaniards admitted--General massacre of the
+     garrison and burghers--The city burned to the ground--Warm reception
+     of Orange in Holland--Secret negotiations with the Estates--
+     Desperate character of the struggle between Spain and the provinces
+     --Don Frederic in Amsterdam--Plans for reducing Holland--Skirmish on
+     the ice at Amsterdam--Preparation in Harlem for the expected siege--
+     Description of the city--Early operations--Complete investment--
+     Numbers of besiegers and besieged--Mutual barbarities--Determined
+     repulse of the first assault--Failure of Batenburg's expedition--
+     Cruelties in city and camp--Mining and countermining--Second assault
+     victoriously repelled--Suffering and disease in Harlem--Disposition
+     of Don Frederic to retire--Memorable rebuke by Alva--Efforts of
+     Orange to relieve the place--Sonoy's expedition--Exploit of John
+     Haring--Cruel execution of prisoners on both sides--Quiryn Dirkzoon
+     and his family put to death in the city--Fleets upon the lake--
+     Defeat of the patriot armada--Dreadful suffering and starvation in
+     the city--Parley with the besiegers--Despair of the city--Appeal to
+     Orange--Expedition under Batenburg to relieve the city--His defeat
+     and death--Desperate condition of Harlem--Its surrender at
+     discretion--Sanguinary executions--General massacre--Expense of the
+     victory in blood and money--Joy of Philip at the news.
+
+While thus Brabant and Flanders were scourged back to the chains which
+they had so recently broken, the affairs of the Prince of Orange were not
+improving in Zealand.  Never was a twelvemonth so marked by contradictory
+fortune, never were the promises of a spring followed by such blight and
+disappointment in autumn than in the memorable year 1572.  On the island
+of Walcheren, Middelburg and Arnemuyde still held for the King--Campveer
+and Flushing for the Prince of Orange.  On the island of South Bevelaad,
+the city of Goes or Tergoes was still stoutly defended by a small
+garrison of Spanish troops.  As long as the place held out, the city of
+Middelburg could be maintained.  Should that important city fall, the
+Spaniards would lose all hold upon Walcheren and the province of Zealand.
+
+Jerome de 't Zeraerts, a brave, faithful, but singularly unlucky officer,
+commanded for the Prince in Walcheren.  He had attempted by various
+hastily planned expeditions to give employment to his turbulent soldiery,
+but fortune had refused to smile upon his efforts.  He had laid siege to
+Middelburg and failed.  He had attempted Tergoes and had been compelled
+ingloriously to retreat.  The citizens of Flushing, on his return, had
+shut the gates of the town in his face, and far several days refused to
+admit him or his troops.  To retrieve this disgrace, which had sprung
+rather from the insubordination of his followers and the dislike which
+they bore his person than from any want of courage or conduct on his
+part, he now assembled a force of seven thousand men, marched again to
+Tergoes, and upon the 26th of August laid siege to the place in forma.
+The garrison was very insufficient, and although they conducted
+themselves with great bravery, it was soon evident that unless reinforced
+they must yield.  With their overthrow it was obvious that the Spaniards
+would lose the important maritime province of Zealand, and the Duke
+accordingly ordered D'Avila, who commanded in Antwerp, to throw succor
+into Tergoes without delay.  Attempts were made, by sea and by land, to
+this effect, but were all unsuccessful.  The Zealanders commanded the
+waters with their fleet,--and were too much at home among those gulfs and
+shallows not to be more than a match for their enemies.  Baffled in their
+attempt to relieve the town by water or by land, the Spaniards conceived
+an amphibious scheme.  Their plan led to one of the most brilliant feats
+of arms which distinguishes the history of this war.
+
+The Scheld, flowing past the city of Antwerp and separating the provinces
+of Flanders and Brabant, opens wide its two arms in nearly opposite
+directions, before it joins the sea.  Between these two arms lie the
+isles of Zealand, half floating upon, half submerged by the waves.  The
+town of Tergoes was the chief city of South Beveland, the most important
+part of this archipelago, but South Beveland had not always been an
+island.  Fifty years before, a tempest, one of the most violent recorded
+in the stormy annals of that exposed country, had overthrown all
+barriers, the waters of the German Ocean, lashed by a succession of north
+winds, having been driven upon the low coast of Zealand more rapidly than
+they could be carried off through the narrow straits of Dover.  The dykes
+of the island had burst, the ocean had swept over the land, hundreds of
+villages had been overwhelmed, and a tract of country torn from the
+province and buried for ever beneath the sea.  This "Drowned Land," as it
+is called, now separated the island from the main.  At low tide it was,
+however, possible for experienced pilots to ford the estuary, which had
+usurped the place of the land.  The average depth was between four and
+five feet at low water, while the tide rose and fell at least ten feet;
+the bottom was muddy and treacherous, and it was moreover traversed by
+three living streams or channels; always much too deep to be fordable.
+
+Captain Plomaert, a Fleming of great experience and bravery,
+warmly attached to the King's cause, conceived the plan of sending
+reinforcements across this drowned district to the city of Tergoes.
+Accompanied by two peasants of the country, well acquainted with the
+track, he twice accomplished the dangerous and difficult passage;
+which, from dry land to dry land, was nearly ten English miles in length.
+Having thus satisfied himself as to the possibility of the enterprise,
+he laid his plan before the Spanish colonel, Mondragon.  That courageous
+veteran eagerly embraced the proposal, examined the ground, and after
+consultation with Sancho Avila, resolved in person to lead an expedition
+along the path suggested by Plomaert.  Three thousand picked men, a
+thousand from each nation,--Spaniards, Walloons, and Germans, were
+speedily and secretly assembled at Bergen op Zoom, from the neighbourhood
+of which city, at a place called Aggier, it was necessary that the
+expedition should set forth.  A quantity of sacks were provided, in which
+a supply of, biscuit and of powder was placed, one to be carried by each
+soldier upon his head.  Although it was already late in the autumn, the
+weather was propitious; the troops, not yet informed: as to the secret
+enterprise for which they had been selected, were all ready assembled at
+the edge of the water, and Mondragon, who, notwithstanding his age, had
+resolved upon heading the hazardous expedition, now briefly, on the
+evening of the 20th October, explained to them the nature of the service.
+His statement of the dangers which they were about to encounter, rather
+inflamed than diminished their ardor.  Their enthusiasm became unbounded,
+as he described the importance of the city which they were about to save,
+and alluded to the glory which would be won by those who thus
+courageously came forward to its rescue.  The time of about half ebb-tide
+having arrived, the veteran,--preceded only by the guides and Plomaert,
+plunged gaily into the waves, followed by his army, almost in single
+file.  The water was never lowed khan the breast, often higher than the
+shoulder.  The distance to the island, three and a half leagues at least,
+was to be accomplished within at most, six hours, or the rising tide
+would overwhelm them for ever.  And thus, across the quaking and
+uncertain slime, which often refused them a footing, that adventurous
+band, five hours long, pursued their midnight march, sometimes swimming
+for their lives, and always struggling with the waves which every instant
+threatened to engulph them.
+
+Before the tide had risen to more than half-flood, before the day had
+dawned, the army set foot on dry land again, at the village of Irseken.
+Of the whole three thousand, only nine unlucky individuals had been
+drowned; so much had courage and discipline availed in that dark and
+perilous passage through the very bottom of the sea.  The Duke of Alva
+might well pronounce it one of the most brilliant and original
+achievements in the annals of war.  The beacon fires were immediately
+lighted upon the shore; as agreed upon, to inform Sancho d'Avila, who was
+anxiously awaiting the result at Bergen op Zoom, of the safe arrival of
+the troops.  A brief repose was then allowed.  At the approach of
+daylight, they set forth from Irseken, which lay about four leagues from
+Tergoes.  The news that a Spanish army had thus arisen from the depths of
+the sea, flew before them as they marched.  The besieging force commanded
+the water with their fleet, the land with their army; yet had these
+indomitable Spaniards found a path which was neither land nor water, and
+had thus stolen upon them in the silence of night.  A panic preceded them
+as they fell upon a foe much superior in number to their own force.  It
+was impossible for 't Zeraerts to induce his soldiers to offer
+resistance.  The patriot army fled precipitately and ignominiously to
+their ships, hotly pursued by the Spaniards, who overtook and destroyed
+the whole of their rearguard before they could embark.  This done, the
+gallant little garrison which had so successfully held the city, was
+reinforced with the courageous veterans who had come to their relief.
+his audacious project thus brilliantly accomplished, the "good old
+Mondragon," as his soldiers called him, returned to the province of
+Brabant.
+
+After the capture of Mons and the sack of Mechlin, the Duke of Alva had
+taken his way to Nimwegen, having despatched his son, Don Frederic, to
+reduce the northern and eastern country, which was only too ready to
+submit to the conqueror.  Very little resistance was made by any of the
+cities which had so recently, and--with such enthusiasm, embraced the
+cause of Orange.  Zutphen attempted a feeble opposition to the entrance
+of the King's troops, and received a dreadful chastisement in
+consequence.  Alva sent orders to his son to leave not a single man alive
+in the city, and to burn every house to the ground.  The Duke's command
+was almost literally obeyed.  Don Frederic entered Zutphen, and without a
+moment's warning put the whole garrison to the sword.  The citizens next
+fell a defenceless, prey; some being, stabbed in the streets, some hanged
+on the trees which decorated the city, some stripped stark naked; and
+turned out into the fields to freeze to death in the wintry night.  As
+the work of death became too fatiguing for the butchers, five hundred
+innocent burghers were tied two and two, back to back, and drowned like
+dogs in the river Yssel.  A few stragglers who had contrived to elude
+pursuit at first, were afterwards taken from their hiding places and hung
+upon the gallows by the feet, some of which victims suffered four days
+and nights of agony before death came to their relief.  It is superfluous
+to add that the outrages upon women were no less universal in Zutphen
+than they had been in every city captured or occupied by the Spanish
+troops.  These horrors continued till scarcely chastity or life remained,
+throughout the miserable city.
+
+This attack and massacre had been so suddenly executed, that assistance
+would hardly have been possible, even had there been disposition to
+render it.  There was; however, no such disposition.  The whole country
+was already cowering again, except the provinces of Holland and Zealand.
+No one dared approach, even to learn what had occurred within the walls
+of the town, for days after its doom had been accomplished.  "A wail of
+agony was heard above Zutphen last Sunday," wrote Count Nieuwenar,
+"a sound as of a mighty massacre, but we know not what has taken place."
+
+Count Van, den Bergh, another brother-in-law of Orange, proved himself
+signally unworthy of the illustrious race to which he was allied.  He
+had, in the earlier part of the year, received the homage of the cities
+of Gelderland and Overyssel, on behalf of the patriot Prince.  He now
+basely abandoned the field where he had endeavoured to gather laurels
+while the sun of success had been shining.  Having written from Kampen,
+whither he had retired, that he meant to hold the city to the last gasp,
+he immediately afterwards fled secretly and precipitately from the
+country.  In his flight he was plundered by his own people, while his
+wife, Mary of Nassau, then far advanced in pregnancy, was left behind,
+disguised as a peasant girl, in an obscure village.
+
+With the flight of Van den Bergh, all the cities which, under his
+guidance, had raised the standard of Orange, deserted the cause at once.
+Friesland too, where Robles obtained a victory over six thousand
+patriots, again submitted to the yoke.  But if the ancient heart of the
+free Frisians was beating thus feebly, there was still spirit left among
+their brethren on the other side of the Zuyder Zee.  It was not while
+William of Orange was within her borders, nor while her sister provinces
+had proved recreant to him, that Holland would follow their base example.
+No rebellion being left, except in the north-western extremities of the
+Netherlands, Don Frederic was ordered to proceed from Zutphen to
+Amsterdam, thence to undertake the conquest of Holland.  The little city
+of Naarden, on the coast of the Zuyder Zee, lay in his path, and had not
+yet formally submitted.  On the 22nd of November a company of one hundred
+troopers was sent to the city gates to demand its surrender.  The small
+garrison which had been left by the Prince was not disposed to resist,
+but the spirit of the burghers was stouter than, their walls.  They
+answered the summons by a declaration that they had thus far held the
+city for the King and the Prince of Orange, and, with God's help, would
+continue so to do.  As the horsemen departed with this reply, a lunatic,
+called Adrian Krankhoeft, mounted the ramparts and, discharged a
+culverine among them.  No man was injured, but the words of defiance,
+and the shot fired by a madman's hand, were destined to be fearfully
+answered.
+
+Meanwhile, the inhabitants of the place, which was at best far from
+strong, and ill provided with arms, ammunition, or soldiers, despatched
+importunate messages to Sonoy, and to ether patriot generals nearest to
+them, soliciting reinforcements.  Their messengers came back almost empty
+handed.  They brought a little powder and a great many promises, but not
+a single man-at-arms, not a ducat, not a piece of artillery.  The most
+influential commanders, moreover, advised an honorable capitulation, if
+it were still possible.
+
+Thus baffled, the burghers of the little city found their proud position
+quite untenable.  They accordingly, on the 1st of December, despatched
+the burgomaster and a senator to Amersfoort, to make terms, if possible,
+with Don Frederic.  When these envoys reached the place, they were
+refused admission to the general's presence.  The army had already been
+ordered to move forward to Naarden, and they were directed to accompany
+the advance guard, and to expect their reply at the gates of their own
+city.  This command was sufficiently ominous.  The impression which it
+made upon them was confirmed by the warning voices of their friends in
+Amersfoort, who entreated them not to return to Naarden.  The advice was
+not lost upon one of the two envoys.  After they had advanced a little
+distance on their journey, the burgomaster Laurentszoon slid privately
+out of the sledge in which they were travelling, leaving his cloak behind
+him.  "Adieu; I think I will not venture back to Naarden at present,"
+said he, calmly, as he abandoned his companion to his fate.  The other,
+who could not so easily desert his children, his wife, and his fellow-
+citizens, in the hour of danger, went forward as calmly to share in their
+impending doom.
+
+The army reached Bussem, half a league distant from Naarden, in the
+evening.  Here Don Frederic established his head quarters, and proceeded
+to invest the city.  Senator Gerrit was then directed to return to
+Naarden and to bring out a more numerous deputation on the following
+morning, duly empowered to surrender the place.  The envoy accordingly
+returned next day, accompanied by Lambert Hortensius, rector of a Latin
+academy, together with four other citizens.  Before this deputation had
+reached Bussem, they were met by Julian Romero, who informed them that he
+was commissioned to treat with them on the part of Don Frederic.  He
+demanded the keys of the city, and gave the deputation a solemn pledge
+that the lives and property of all the inhabitants should be sacredly
+respected.  To attest this assurance Don Julian gave his hand three
+several times to Lambert Hortensius.  A soldier's word thus plighted,
+the commissioners, without exchanging any written documents, surrendered
+the keys, and immediately afterwards accompanied Romero into the city,
+who was soon followed by five or six hundred musketeers.
+
+To give these guests a hospitable reception, all the housewives of the
+city at once set about preparations for a sumptuous feast, to which the
+Spaniards did ample justice, while the colonel and his officers were
+entertained by Senator Gerrit at his own house.  As soon as this
+conviviality had come to an end, Romero, accompanied by his host, walked
+into the square.  The great bell had been meantime ringing, and the
+citizens had been summoned to assemble in the Gast Huis Church, then used
+as a town hall.  In the course of a few minutes five hundred had entered
+the building, and stood quietly awaiting whatever measures might be
+offered for their deliberation.  Suddenly a priest, who had been pacing
+to and fro before the church door, entered the building, and bade them
+all prepare for death; but the announcement, the preparation, and the
+death, were simultaneous.  The door was flung open, and a band of armed
+Spaniards rushed across the sacred threshold.  They fired a single volley
+upon the defenceless herd, and then sprang in upon them with sword and
+dagger.  A yell of despair arose as the miserable victims saw how
+hopelessly they were engaged, and beheld the ferocious faces of their
+butchers.  The carnage within that narrow apace was compact and rapid.
+Within a few minutes all were despatched, and among them Senator Gerrit,
+from whose table the Spanish commander had but just risen.  The church
+was then set on fire, and the dead and dying were consumed to ashes
+together.
+
+Inflamed but not satiated, the Spaniards then rushed into the streets,
+thirsty for fresh horrors.  The houses were all rifled of their contents,
+and men were forced to carry the booty to the camp, who were then struck
+dead as their reward.  The town was then fired in every direction, that
+the skulking citizens might be forced from their hiding-places.  As fast
+as they came forth they were put to death by their impatient foes.  Some
+were pierced with rapiers, some were chopped to pieces with axes, some
+were surrounded in the blazing streets by troops of laughing soldiers,
+intoxicated, not with wine but with blood, who tossed them to and fro
+with their lances, and derived a wild amusement from their dying agonies.
+Those who attempted resistance were crimped alive like fishes, and left
+to gasp themselves to death in lingering torture.  The soldiers becoming
+more and more insane, as the foul work went on, opened the veins of some
+of their victims, and drank their blood as if it were wine.  Some of the
+burghers were for a time spared, that they might witness the violation of
+their wives and daughters, and were then butchered in company with these
+still more unfortunate victims.  Miracles of brutality were accomplished.
+Neither church nor hearth was sacred: Men were slain, women outraged at
+the altars, in the streets, in their blazing homes.  The life of Lambert
+Hortensius was spared, out of regard to his learning and genius, but he
+hardly could thank his foes for the boon, for they struck his only son
+dead, and tore his heart out before his father's eyes.  Hardly any man or
+woman survived, except by accident.  A body of some hundred burghers made
+their escape across the snow into the open country.  They were, however,
+overtaken, stripped stark naked, and hung upon the trees by the feet, to
+freeze, or to perish by a more lingering death.  Most of them soon died,
+but twenty, who happened to be wealthy, succeeded, after enduring much
+torture, in purchasing their lives of their inhuman persecutors.  The
+principal burgomaster, Heinrich Lambertszoon, was less fortunate.  Known
+to be affluent, he was tortured by exposing the soles of his feet to a
+fire until they were almost consumed.  On promise that his life should be
+spared, he then agreed to pay a heavy ransom; but hardly had he furnished
+the stipulated sum when, by express order of Don Frederic himself, he was
+hanged in his own doorway, and his dissevered limbs afterwards nailed to
+the gates of the city.
+
+Nearly all the inhabitants of Naarden, soldiers and citizens, were thus
+destroyed; and now Don Frederic issued peremptory orders that no one, on
+pain of death, should give lodging or food to any fugitive.  He likewise
+forbade to the dead all that could now be forbidden them--a grave.  Three
+weeks long did these unburied bodies pollute the streets, nor could the
+few wretched women who still cowered within such houses as had escaped
+the flames ever wave from their lurking-places without treading upon the
+festering remains of what had been their husbands, their fathers, or
+their brethren.  Such was the express command of him whom the flatterers
+called the "most divine genius ever known."  Shortly afterwards came
+an order to dismantle the fortifications, which had certainly proved
+sufficiently feeble in the hour of need, and to raze what was left of
+the city from the surface of the earth.  The work was faithfully
+accomplished, and for a longtime Naarden ceased to exist.
+
+Alva wrote, with his usual complacency in such cases, to his sovereign,
+that "they had cut the throats of the burghers and all the garrison, and
+that they had not left a mother's son alive."  The statement was almost
+literally correct, nor was the cant with which these bloodhounds
+commented upon their crimes less odious than their guilt.  "It was a
+permission of God," said the Duke, "that these people should have
+undertaken to defend a city, which was so weak that no other persons
+would have attempted such a thing."  Nor was the reflection of Mendoza
+less pious.  "The sack of Naarden," said that really brave and
+accomplished cavalier, "was a chastisement which must be believed to have
+taken place by express permission of a Divine Providence; a punishment
+for having been the first of the Holland towns in which heresy built
+its nest, whence it has taken flight to all the neighboring cities."
+
+It is not without reluctance, but still with a stern determination, that
+the historian--should faithfully record these transactions.  To extenuate
+would be base; to exaggerate impossible.  It is good that the world
+should not forget how much wrong has been endured by a single harmless
+nation at the hands of despotism, and in the sacred name of God.  There
+have been tongues and pens enough to narrate the excesses of the people,
+bursting from time to time out of slavery into madness.  It is good, too,
+that those crimes should be remembered, and freshly pondered; but it is
+equally wholesome to study the opposite picture.  Tyranny, ever young and
+ever old, constantly reproducing herself with the same stony features,
+with the same imposing mask which she has worn through all the ages,
+can never be too minutely examined, especially when she paints her own
+portrait, and when the secret history of her guilt is furnished by the
+confessions of her lovers.  The perusal of her traits will not make us
+love popular liberty the less.
+
+The history of Alva's administration in the Netherlands is one of those
+pictures which strike us almost dumb with wonder.  Why has the Almighty
+suffered such crimes to be perpetrated in His sacred name?  Was it
+necessary that many generations should wade through this blood in order
+to acquire for their descendants the blessings of civil and religious
+freedom?  Was it necessary that an Alva should ravage a peaceful nation
+with sword and flame--that desolation should be spread over a happy land,
+in order that the pure and heroic character of a William of Orange should
+stand forth more conspicuously, like an antique statue of spotless marble
+against a stormy sky?
+
+After the army which the Prince had so unsuccessfully led to the relief
+of Mons had been disbanded, he had himself repaired to Holland.  He had
+come to Kampen shortly before its defection from his cause.  Thence he
+had been escorted across the Zuyder Zee to Eukhuyzen.  He came to that
+province, the only one which through good and ill report remained
+entirely faithful to him, not as a conqueror but as an unsuccessful,
+proscribed man.  But there were warm hearts beating within those cold
+lagunes, and no conqueror returning from a brilliant series of victories
+could have been received with more affectionate respect than William in
+that darkest hour of the country's history.  He had but seventy horsemen
+at his back, all which remained of the twenty thousand troops which he
+had a second time levied in Germany, and he felt that it would be at that
+period hopeless for him to attempt the formation of a third army.  He had
+now come thither to share the fate of Holland, at least, if he could not
+accomplish her liberation.  He went from city to city, advising with the
+magistracies and with the inhabitants, and arranging many matters
+pertaining both to peace and war.  At Harlem the States of the Provinces,
+according to his request, had been assembled.  The assembly begged him
+to lay before them, if it were possible, any schemes and means which he
+might have devised for further resistance to the Duke of Alva.  Thus
+solicited, the Prince, in a very secret session, unfolded his plans, and
+satisfied them as to the future prospects of the cause.  His speech has
+nowhere been preserved.  His strict injunctions as to secrecy, doubtless,
+prevented or effaced any record of the session.  It is probable, however,
+that he entered more fully into the state of his negotiations with
+England, and into the possibility of a resumption by Count Louis of his
+private intercourse with the French court, than it was safe, publicly, to
+divulge.
+
+While the Prince had been thus occupied in preparing the stout-hearted
+province for the last death-struggle with its foe, that mortal combat
+was already fast approaching; for the aspect of the contest in the
+Netherlands was not that of ordinary warfare.  It was an encounter
+between two principles, in their nature so hostile to each other that the
+absolute destruction of one was the only, possible issue.  As the fight
+went on, each individual combatant seemed inspired by direct personal
+malignity, and men found a pleasure in deeds of cruelty, from which
+generations not educated to slaughter recoil with horror.  To murder
+defenceless prisoners; to drink, not metaphorically but literally, the
+heart's blood of an enemy; to exercise a devilish ingenuity in inventions
+of mutual torture, became not only a duty but a rapture.  The Liberty of
+the Netherlands had now been hunted to its lair.  It had taken its last
+refuge among the sands and thickets where its savage infancy had been
+nurtured, and had now prepared itself to crush its tormentor in a last
+embrace, or to die in the struggle.
+
+After the conclusion of the sack and massacre of Naarden, Don Frederic
+had hastened to Amsterdam, where the Duke was then quartered, that he
+might receive the paternal benediction for his well-accomplished work.
+The royal approbation was soon afterwards added to the applause of his
+parent, and the Duke was warmly congratulated in a letter written by
+Philip as soon as the murderous deed was known, that Don Frederic had so
+plainly shown himself to be his father's son.  There was now more work
+for father and son.  Amsterdam was the only point in Holland which held
+for Alva, and from that point it was determined to recover the whole
+province.  The Prince of Orange was established in the southern district;
+Diedrich Sonoy, his lieutenant, was stationed in North Holland.  The
+important city of Harlem lay between the two, at a spot where the whole
+breadth of the territory, from sea to sea, was less than an hour's walk.
+With the fall of that city the province would be cut in twain, the
+rebellious forces utterly dissevered, and all further resistance,
+it was thought, rendered impossible.
+
+The inhabitants of Harlem felt their danger.  Bossu, Alva's stadholder
+for Holland, had formally announced the system hitherto pursued at
+Mechlin, Zutphen, and Naarden, as the deliberate policy of the
+government.  The King's representative had formally proclaimed the
+extermination of man, woman; and child in every city which opposed his
+authority, but the promulgation and practice of such a system had an
+opposite effect to the one intended.  The hearts of the Hollanders were
+rather steeled to resistance than awed into submission by the fate of
+Naarden."  A fortunate event, too, was accepted as a lucky omen for the
+coming contest.  A little fleet of armed vessels, belonging to Holland,
+had been frozen up in the neighbourhood of Amsterdam.  Don Frederic on
+his arrival from Naarden, despatched a body of picked men over the ice to
+attack the imprisoned vessels.  The crews had, however, fortified
+themselves by digging a wide trench around the whole fleet, which thus
+became from the moment an almost impregnable fortress.  Out of this
+frozen citadel a strong band of well-armed and skilful musketeers sallied
+forth upon skates as the besieging force advanced.  A rapid, brilliant,
+and slippery skirmish succeeded, in which the Hollanders, so accustomed
+to such sports, easily vanquished their antagonists, and drove them off
+the field, with the loss of several hundred left dead upon the ice.
+
+"'T was a thing never heard of before to-day," said Alva, "to see a body
+of arquebusiers thus skirmishing upon a frozen sea."  In the course of
+the next four-and-twenty hours a flood and a rapid thaw released the
+vessels, which all escaped to Enkhuyzen, while a frost, immediately and
+strangely succeeding, made pursuit impossible.
+
+The Spaniards were astonished at these novel manoeuvres upon the ice.
+It is amusing to read their elaborate descriptions of the wonderful
+appendages which had enabled the Hollanders to glide so glibly into
+battle with a superior force, and so rapidly to glance away, after
+achieving a signal triumph.  Nevertheless, the Spaniards could never be
+dismayed, and were always apt scholars, even if an enemy were the
+teacher.  Alva immediately ordered seven thousand pairs of skates, and
+his soldiers soon learned to perform military evolutions with these new
+accoutrements as audaciously, if not as adroitly, as the Hollanders.
+
+A portion of the Harlem magistracy, notwithstanding the spirit which
+pervaded the province, began to tremble as danger approached.  They were
+base enough to enter into secret negotiations with Alva, and to send
+three of their own number to treat with the Duke at Amsterdam.  One was
+wise enough to remain with the enemy.  The other two were arrested on
+their return, and condemned, after an impartial trial, to death.  For,
+while these emissaries of a cowardly magistracy were absent, the stout
+commandant of the little garrison, Ripperda, had assembled the citizens
+and soldiers in the market-place.  He warned them of the absolute
+necessity to make a last effort for freedom.  In startling colors he held
+up to them the fate of Mechlin, of Zutphen, of Naarden, as a prophetic
+mirror, in which they might read their own fate should they be base
+enough to surrender the city.  There was no composition possible, he
+urged, with foes who were as false as they were sanguinary, and whose
+foul passions were stimulated, not slaked, by the horrors with which they
+had already feasted themselves.
+
+Ripperda addressed men who could sympathize with his bold and lofty
+sentiments.  Soldiers and citizens cried out for defence instead of
+surrender, as with one voice, for there were no abject spirits at Harlem,
+save among the magistracy; and Saint Aldegonde, the faithful minister of
+Orange, was soon sent to Harlem by the Prince to make a thorough change
+in that body.
+
+Harlem, over whose ruins the Spanish tyranny intended to make its
+entrance into Holland, lay in the narrowest part of that narrow isthmus
+which separates the Zuyder Zee from the German Ocean.  The distance from
+sea to sea is hardly five English miles across.  Westerly from the city
+extended a slender strip of land, once a morass, then a fruitful meadow;
+maintained by unflagging fortitude in the very jaws of a stormy ocean.
+Between the North Sea and the outer edge of this pasture surged those
+wild and fantastic downs, heaped up by wind and wave in mimicry of
+mountains; the long coils of that rope of sand, by which, plaited into
+additional strength by the slenderest of bulrushes, the waves of the
+North Sea were made to obey the command of man.  On the opposite, or
+eastern aide, Harlem looked towards Amsterdam.  That already flourishing
+city was distant but ten miles.  The two cities were separated by an
+expanse of inland water, and united by a slender causeway.  The Harlem
+Lake, formed less than a century before by the bursting of four lesser,
+meres during a storm which had threatened to swallow the whole Peninsula,
+extended itself on the south and east; a sea of limited dimensions, being
+only fifteen feet in depth with seventy square miles of surface, but,
+exposed as it lay to all the winds of heaven, often lashed into storms as
+dangerous as those of the Atlantic.  Beyond the lake, towards the north,
+the waters of the Y nearly swept across the Peninsula.  This inlet of the
+Zuyder Zee was only separated from the Harlem mere by a slender thread of
+land.  Over this ran the causeway between the two sister cities, now so
+unfortunately in arms against each other.  Midway between the two, the
+dyke was pierced and closed again with a system of sluice-works, which
+when opened admitted the waters of the lake into those of the estuary,
+and caused an inundation of the surrounding country.
+
+The city was one of the largest and most beautiful in the Netherlands.
+It was also one of the weakest.--The walls were of antique construction,
+turreted, but not strong.  The extent and feebleness of the defences made
+a large garrison necessary, but unfortunately, the garrison was even
+weaker than the walls.  The city's main reliance was on the stout hearts
+of the inhabitants.  The streets were, for that day, spacious and
+regular; the canals planted with limes and poplars.  The ancient church
+of Saint Bavon, a large imposing structure of brick, stood almost in the
+centre of the place, the most prominent object, not only of the town but
+of the province, visible over leagues of sea and of land more level than
+the sea, and seeming to gather the whole quiet little city under its
+sacred and protective wings.  Its tall open-work leaden spire was
+surmounted by a colossal crown, which an exalted imagination might have
+regarded as the emblematic guerdon of martyrdom held aloft over the city,
+to reward its heroism and its agony.
+
+It was at once obvious that the watery expanse between Harlem and
+Amsterdam would be the principal theatre of the operations about to
+commence.  The siege was soon begun.  The fugitive burgomaster, De Fries,
+had tho effrontery, with the advice of Alva, to address a letter to the
+citizens, urging them to surrender at discretion.  The messenger was
+hanged--a cruel but practical answer, which put an end to all further
+traitorous communications.  This was in the first week of December.  On
+the 10th, Don Frederic, sent a strong detachment to capture the fort and
+village of Sparendam, as an indispensable preliminary to the commencement
+of the siege.  A peasant having shown Zapata, the commander of the
+expedition, a secret passage across the flooded and frozen meadows, the
+Spaniards stormed the place gallantly, routed the whole garrison, killed
+three hundred, and took possession of the works and village.  Next day,
+Don Frederic appeared before the walls of Harlem, and proceeded regularly
+to invest the place.  The misty weather favored his operations, nor did
+he cease reinforcing himself; until at least thirty thousand men,
+including fifteen hundred cavalry, had been encamped around the city.
+The Germans, under Count Overstein, were stationed in a beautiful and
+extensive grove of limes and beeches, which spread between the southern
+walls and the shore of Harlem Lake.  Don Frederic, with his Spaniards,
+took up a position on the opposite side, at a place called the House of
+Kleef, the ruins of which still remain.  The Walloons, and other
+regiments were distributed in different places, so as completely to
+encircle the town.
+
+     [Pierre Sterlinckx:  Eene come Waerachtige Beschryvinghe van alle
+     Geschiedinissen, Anschlagen, Stormen, Schermutsingen oude Schieten
+     voor de vroome Stadt Haerlem in Holland gheschicht, etc., etc.--
+     Delft, 1574.--This is by far the best contemporary account of the
+     famous siege.  The author was a citizen of Antwerp, who kept a daily
+     journal of the events as they occurred at Harlem.  It is a dry, curt
+     register of horrors, jotted down without passion or comment.--
+     Compare Bor, vi. 422, 423; Meteren, iv. 79; Mendoza, viii. 174,
+     175; Wagenaer, vad.  Hist., vi. 413, 414.]
+
+On the edge of the mere the Prince of Orange had already ordered a
+cluster of forts to be erected, by which the command of its frozen
+surface was at first secured for Harlem.  In the course of the siege,
+however, other forts were erected by Don Frederic, so that the aspect of
+things suffered a change.
+
+Against this immense force, nearly equal in number to that of the whole
+population of the city, the garrison within the walls never amounted to
+more than four thousand men.  In the beginning it was much less numerous.
+The same circumstances, however, which assisted the initiatory operations
+of Don Frederic, were of advantage to the Harlemers.  A dense frozen fog
+hung continually over the surface of the lake.  Covered by this curtain,
+large supplies of men, provisions, and ammunition were daily introduced
+into the city, notwithstanding all the efforts of the besieging force.
+Sledges skimming over the ice, men, women, and even children, moving on
+their skates as swiftly as the wind, all brought their contributions in
+the course of the short dark days and long nights of December, in which
+the wintry siege was opened.
+
+The garrison at last numbered about one thousand pioneers or delvers,
+three thousand fighting men, and about three hundred fighting women. The
+last was a most efficient corps, all females of respectable character,
+armed with sword, musket, and dagger.  Their chief, Kenau Hasselaer,
+was a widow of distinguished family and unblemished reputation, about
+forty-seven years of age, who, at the head of her amazons, participated
+in many of the most fiercely contested actions of the siege, both within
+and without the walls.  When such a spirit animated the maids and matrons
+of the city, it might be expected that the men would hardly surrender the
+place without a struggle.  The Prince had assembled a force of three or
+four thousand men at Leyden, which he sent before the middle of December
+towards the city under the command of De la Marck.  These troops were,
+however, attacked on the way by a strong detachment under Bossu,
+Noircarmes, and Romero.  After a sharp, action in a heavy snow-storm, De
+la Marek was completely routed.  One thousand of his soldiers were cut to
+pieces, and a large number carried off as prisoners to the gibbets, which
+were already conspicuously erected in the Spanish camp, and which from
+the commencement to the close of the siege were never bare of victims.
+Among the captives was a gallant officer, Baptist van Trier, for whom De
+la Marck in vain offered two thousand crowns and nineteen Spanish
+prisoners.  The proposition was refused with contempt.  Van Trier was
+hanged upon the gallows by one leg until he was dead, in return for which
+barbarity the nineteen Spaniards were immediately gibbeted by De la
+Marck.  With this interchange of cruelties the siege may be said to have
+opened.
+
+Don Frederic had stationed himself in a position opposite to the gate of
+the Cross, which was not very strong, but fortified by a ravelin.
+Intending to make a very short siege of it, he established his batteries
+immediately, and on the 18th, 19th, and 20th December directed a furious
+cannonade against the Cross-gate, the St. John's-gate, and the curtain
+between the two.  Six hundred and eighty shots were discharged on the
+first, and nearly as many on each of the two succeeding days.  The walls
+were much shattered, but men, women, and children worked night and day
+within the city, repairing the breaches as fast as made.  They brought
+bags of sand; blocks of stone, cart-loads of earth from every quarter,
+and they stripped the churches of all their statues, which they threw by
+heaps into the gaps.  If They sought thus a more practical advantage from
+those sculptured saints than they could have gained by only imploring
+their interposition.  The fact, however, excited horror among the
+besiegers.  Men who were daily butchering their fellow-beings, and
+hanging their prisoners in cold blood, affected to shudder at the
+enormity of the offence thus exercised against graven images.
+
+After three days' cannonade, the assault was ordered, Don Frederic only
+intending a rapid massacre, to crown his achievements at--Zutphen and
+Naarden.  The place, he thought, would fall in a week, and after another
+week of sacking, killing, and ravishing, he might sweep on to "pastures
+new" until Holland was overwhelmed.  Romero advanced to the breach,
+followed by a numerous storming party, but met with a resistance which
+astonished the Spaniards.  The church bells rang the alarm throughout the
+city, and the whole population swarmed to the walls.  The besiegers were
+encountered not only with sword and musket, but with every implement
+which the burghers' hands could find.  Heavy stones, boiling oil, live
+coals, were hurled upon the heads of the soldiers; hoops, smeared with
+pitch and set on fire, were dexterously thrown upon their necks.  Even
+Spanish courage and Spanish ferocity were obliged to shrink before the
+steady determination of a whole population animated by a single spirit.
+Romero lost an eye in the conflict, many officers were killed and
+wounded, and three or four hundred soldiers left dead in the breach,
+while only three or four of the townsmen lost their lives.  The signal of
+recal was reluctantly given, and the Spaniards abandoned the assault.
+Don Frederic was now aware that Harlem would not fall at his feet at the
+first sound of his trumpet.  It was obvious that a siege must precede the
+massacre.  He gave orders therefore that the ravelin should be
+undermined, and doubted not that, with a few days' delay, the place would
+be in his hands.
+
+Meantime, the Prince of Orange, from his head-quarters at Sassenheim, on
+the southern extremity of the mere, made a fresh effort to throw succor
+into the place.  Two thousand men, with seven field-pieces, and many
+wagon-loads of munitions, were sent forward under Batenburg.  This
+officer had replaced De la Marck, whom the Prince had at last deprived of
+his commission.  The reckless and unprincipled freebooter was no longer
+to serve a cause which was more sullied by his barbarity than it could be
+advanced by his desperate valor.  Batenburg's expedition was, however,
+not more successful than the one made by his predecessor.  The troops,
+after reaching the vicinity of the city, lost their way in the thick
+mists, which almost perpetually enveloped the scene.  Cannons were fired,
+fog-bells were rung, and beacon fires were lighted on the ramparts, but
+the party was irretrievably lost.  The Spaniards fell upon them before
+they could find their way to the city.  Many were put to the sword,
+others made their escape in different directions; a very few succeeded in
+entering Harlem.  Batenburg brought off a remnant of the forces, but all
+the provisions so much needed were lost, and the little army entirely
+destroyed.
+
+De Koning, the second in command, was among the prisoners.  The Spaniards
+cut off his head and threw it over the walls into the city, with this
+inscription: "This is the head of Captain de Koning, who is on his way
+with reinforcements for the good city of Harlem."  The citizens retorted
+with a practical jest, which was still more barbarous.  They cut off the
+heads of eleven prisoners and put them into a barrel, which they threw
+into the Spanish camp.  A Label upon the barrel contained these words:
+"Deliver these ten heads to Duke Alva in payment of his tenpenny tax,
+with one additional head for interest."  With such ghastly merriment did
+besieged and besiegers vary the monotonous horror of that winter's siege.
+As the sallies and skirmishes were of daily occurrence, there was a
+constant supply of prisoners, upon whom both parties might exercise their
+ingenuity, so that the gallows in camp or city was perpetually garnished.
+
+Since the assault of the 21st December, Don Frederic had been making his
+subterranean attack by regular approaches.  As fast, however, as the
+Spaniards mined, the citizens countermined.  Spaniard and Netherlander
+met daily in deadly combat within the bowels of the earth.  Desperate and
+frequent were the struggles within gangways so narrow that nothing but
+daggers could be used, so obscure that the dim lanterns hardly lighted
+the death-stroke.  They seemed the conflicts, not of men but of evil
+spirits.  Nor were these hand-to-hand battles all.  A shower of heads,
+limbs, mutilated trunks, the mangled remains of hundreds of human beings,
+often spouted from the earth as if from an invisible volcano.  The mines
+were sprung with unexampled frequency and determination.  Still the
+Spaniards toiled on with undiminished zeal, and still the besieged,
+undismayed, delved below their works, and checked their advance by sword,
+and spear, and horrible explosions.
+
+The Prince of Orange, meanwhile, encouraged the citizens to persevere, by
+frequent promises of assistance.  His letters, written on extremely small
+bits of paper; were sent into the town by carrier pigeons.  On the 28th
+of January he despatched a considerable supply of the two necessaries,
+powder and bread, on one hundred and seventy sledges across the Harlem
+Lake, together with four hundred veteran soldiers.  The citizens
+continued to contest the approaches to the ravelin before the Cross-gate,
+but it had become obvious that they could not hold it long.  Secretly,
+steadfastly, and swiftly they had, therefore, during the long wintry
+nights, been constructing a half moon of solid masonry on the inside of
+the same portal.  Old men, feeble women, tender children, united with the
+able-bodied to accomplish this work, by which they hoped still to
+maintain themselves after the ravelin had fallen:
+
+On the 31st of January, after two or three days' cannonade against the
+gates of the Cross and of Saint John, and the intervening curtains, Don
+Frederic ordered a midnight assault.  The walls had been much shattered,
+part of the John's-gate was in ruins; the Spaniards mounted the breach
+in great numbers; the city was almost taken by surprise; while the
+Commander-in-chief, sure of victory, ordered the whole of his forces
+under arms to cut off the population who were to stream panic-struck from
+every issue.  The attack was unexpected, but the forty or fifty sentinels
+defended the walls while they sounded the alarm.  The tocsin bells
+tolled, and the citizens, whose sleep was not-apt to be heavy during that
+perilous winter, soon manned the ramparts again.  The daylight came upon
+them while the fierce struggle was still at its height.  The besieged, as
+before, defended themselves with musket and rapier, with melted pitch,
+with firebrands, with clubs and stones.  Meantime, after morning prayers
+in the Spanish camp, the trumpet for a general assault was sounded.  A
+tremendous onset was made upon the gate of the Cross, and the ravelin was
+carried at last.  The Spaniards poured into this fort, so long the object
+of their attack, expecting instantly to sweep into the city with sword
+and fire.  As they mounted its wall they became for the first time aware
+of the new and stronger fortification which had been secretly constructed
+on the inner side.  The reason why the ravelin had been at last conceded
+was revealed.  The half moon, whose existence they had not suspected,
+rose before them bristling with cannon.  A sharp fire was instantly
+opened upon the besiegers, while at the same instant the ravelin, which
+the citizens had undermined, blew up with a severe explosion, carrying
+into the air all the soldiers who had just entered it so triumphantly.
+This was the turning point.  The retreat was sounded, and the Spaniards
+fled to their camp, leaving at least three hundred dead beneath the
+walls.  Thus was a second assault, made by an overwhelming force and led
+by the most accomplished generals of Spain, signally and gloriously
+repelled by the plain burghers of Harlem.
+
+It became now almost evident that the city could be taken neither by
+regular approaches nor by sudden attack.  It was therefore resolved
+that it should be reduced by famine.  Still, as the winter wore on, the
+immense army without the walls were as great sufferers by that scourge as
+the population within.  The soldiers fell in heaps before the diseases
+engendered by intense cold and insufficient food, for, as usual in such
+sieges, these deaths far outnumbered those inflicted by the enemy's hand.
+The sufferings inside the city necessarily increased day by day, the
+whole population being put on a strict allowance of food.  Their supplies
+were daily diminishing, and with the approach of the spring and the
+thawing of the ice on the lake, there was danger that they would be
+entirely cut off.  If the possession of the water were lost, they must
+yield or starve; and they doubted whether the Prince would be able to
+organize a fleet.  The gaunt spectre of Famine already rose before them
+with a menace which could not be misunderstood.  In their misery they
+longed for the assaults of the Spaniards, that they might look in the
+face of a less formidable foe.  They paraded the ramparts daily, with
+drums beating, colors flying, taunting the besiegers to renewed attempts.
+To inflame the religious animosity of their antagonists, they attired
+themselves in the splendid, gold-embroidered vestments of the priests,
+which they took from the churches, and moved about in mock procession,
+bearing aloft images bedizened in ecclesiastical finery, relics, and
+other symbols, sacred in Catholic eyes, which they afterwards hurled from
+the ramparts, or broke, with derisive shouts, into a thousand fragments.
+
+It was, however, at that season earnestly debated by the enemy whether or
+not to raise the siege.  Don Frederic was clearly of opinion that enough
+had been done for the honor of the Spanish arms.  He was wearied with
+seeing his men perish helplessly around him, and considered the prize too
+paltry for the lives it must cost.  His father thought differently.
+Perhaps he recalled the siege of Metz, and the unceasing regret with
+which, as he believed, his imperial master had remembered the advice
+received from him.  At any rate the Duke now sent back Don Bernardino de
+Mendoza, whom Don Frederic had despatched to Nimwegen, soliciting his
+father's permission to raise the siege, with this reply: "Tell Don
+Frederic," said Alva, "that if he be not decided to continue the siege
+till the town be taken, I shall no longer consider him my son, whatever
+my opinion may formerly have been.  Should he fall in the siege, I will
+myself take the field to maintain it, and when we have both perished, the
+Duchess, my wife, shall come from Spain to do the same."
+
+Such language was unequivocal, and hostilities were resumed as fiercely
+as before.  The besieged welcomed them with rapture, and, as usual, made
+daily the most desperate sallies.  In one outbreak the Harlemers, under
+cover of a thick fog, marched up to the enemy's chief battery, and
+attempted to spike the guns before his face.  They were all slain at the
+cannon's mouth, whither patriotism, not vainglory, had led them, and lay
+dead around the battery, with their hammers and spikes in their hands.
+The same spirit was daily manifested.  As the spring advanced; the kine
+went daily out of the gates to their peaceful pasture, notwithstanding,
+all the turmoil within and around; nor was it possible for the Spaniards
+to capture a single one of these creatures, without paying at least a
+dozen soldiers as its price.  "These citizens," wrote Don Frederic, "do
+as much as the best soldiers in the world could do."
+
+The frost broke up by the end of February.  Count Bossu, who had been
+building a fleet of small vessels in Amsterdam, soon afterwards succeeded
+in entering the lake with a few gun-boats, through a breach which he had
+made in the Overtoom, about half a league from that city.  The possession
+of the lake was already imperilled.  The Prince, however, had not been
+idle, and he, too, was soon ready to send his flotilla to the mere.
+At the same time, the city of Amsterdam was in almost as hazardous a
+position as Harlem.  As the one on the lake, so did the other depend upon
+its dyke for its supplies.  Should that great artificial road which led
+to Muyden and Utrecht be cut asunder, Amsterdam might be starved as soon
+as Harlem.  "Since I came into the world," wrote Alva, "I have never,
+been in such anxiety.  If they should succeed in cutting off the
+communication along the dykes, we should have to raise the siege of
+Harlem, to surrender, hands crossed, or to starve." Orange was fully
+aware of the position of both places, but he was, as usual, sadly
+deficient in men and means.  He wrote imploringly to his friends in
+England, in France, in Germany.  He urged his brother Louis to bring a
+few soldiers, if it were humanly possible.  "The whole country longs for
+you," he wrote to Louis, "as if you were the archangel Gabriel."
+
+The Prince, however, did all that it was possible for man, so hampered,
+to do.  He was himself, while anxiously writing, hoping, and waiting for
+supplies of troops from Germany or France, doing his best with such
+volunteers as he could raise.  He was still established at Sassenheim, on
+the south of the city, while Sonoy with his slender forces was encamped
+on the north.  He now sent that general with as large a party as he could
+muster to attack the Diemerdyk.  His men entrenched themselves as
+strongly as they could between the Diemer and the Y, at the same time
+opening the sluices and breaking through the dyke.  During the absence of
+their commander, who had gone to Edam for reinforcements, they were
+attacked by a large force from Amsterdam.  A fierce amphibious contest
+took place, partly in boats, partly on the slippery causeway, partly in
+the water, resembling in character the frequent combats between the
+ancient Batavians and Romans during the wars of Civilis.  The patriots
+were eventually overpowered.
+
+Sonoy, who was on his way to their rescue, was frustrated in his design
+by the unexpected faint-heartedness of the volunteers whom he had
+enlisted at Edam.  Braving a thousand perils, he advanced, almost
+unattended, in his little vessel, but only to witness the overthrow and
+expulsion of his band.  It was too late for him singly to attempt to
+rally the retreating troops.  They had fought well, but had been forced
+to yield before superior numbers, one individual of the little army
+having performed prodigies of valor.  John Haring, of Horn, had planted
+himself entirely alone upon the dyke, where it was so narrow between the
+Y on the one side and the Diemer Lake on the other, that two men could
+hardly stand abreast.  Here, armed with sword and shield, he had actually
+opposed and held in check one thousand of the enemy, during a period long
+enough to enable his own men, if they, had been willing, to rally, and
+effectively to repel the attack.  It was too late, the battle was too far
+lost to be restored; but still the brave soldier held the post, till, by
+his devotion, he had enabled all those of his compatriots who still
+remained in the entrenchments to make good their retreat.  He then
+plunged into the sea, and, untouched by spear or bullet, effected his
+escape.  Had he been a Greek or a Roman, an Horatius or a Chabrias, his
+name would have been famous in history--his statue erected in the market-
+place; for the bold Dutchman on his dyke had manifested as much valor in
+a sacred cause as the most classic heroes of antiquity.
+
+This unsuccessful attempt to cut off the communication between Amsterdam
+and the country strengthened the hopes of Alva.  Several hundreds of the
+patriots were killed or captured, and among the slain was Antony Oliver,
+the painter, through whose agency Louis of Nassau had been introduced
+into Mons.  His head was cut off by two ensigns in Alva's service, who
+received the price which had been set upon it of two thousand caroli.
+It was then labelled with its owner's name, and thrown into the city of
+Harlem.  At the same time a new gibbet was erected in the Spanish camp
+before the city, in a conspicuous situation, upon which all the prisoners
+were hanged, some by the neck, some by the heels, in full view of their
+countrymen.  As usual, this especial act of cruelty excited the emulation
+of the citizens.  Two of the old board of magistrates, belonging to the
+Spanish party, were still imprisoned at Harlem; together with seven other
+persons, among whom was a priest and a boy of twelve years.  They were
+now condemned to the gallows.  The wife of one of the ex-burgomasters
+and his daughter, who was a beguin, went by his side as he was led to
+execution, piously exhorting him to sustain with courage the execrations
+of the populace and his ignominious doom.  The rabble, irritated by such
+boldness, were not satisfied with wreaking their vengeance on the
+principal victims, but after the execution had taken place they hunted
+the wife and daughter into the water, where they both perished.  It is
+right to record these instances of cruelty, sometimes perpetrated by the
+patriots as well as by their oppressors--a cruelty rendered almost
+inevitable by the incredible barbarity of the foreign invader.  It was a
+war of wolfish malignity.  In the words of Mendoza, every man within and
+without Harlem "seemed inspired by a spirit of special and personal
+vengeance."  The innocent blood poured out in Mechlin, Zutphen, Naarden,
+and upon a thousand scaffolds, had been crying too long from the ground.
+The Hollanders must have been more or less than men not to be sometimes
+betrayed into acts which justice and reason must denounce. [No! It was as
+evil for one side as the other.  D.W.]
+
+The singular mood which has been recorded of a high-spirited officer of
+the garrison, Captain Corey, illustrated the horror with which such
+scenes of carnage were regarded by noble natures.  Of a gentle
+disposition originally, but inflamed almost to insanity by a
+contemplation of Spanish cruelty, he had taken up the profession of arms,
+to which he had a natural repugnance.  Brave to recklessness, he led his
+men on every daring outbreak, on every perilous midnight adventure.
+Armed only with his rapier, without defensive armor, he was ever found
+where the battle raged most fiercely, and numerous were the victims who
+fell before his sword.  On returning, however, from such excursions,
+he invariably shut himself in his quarters, took to his bed, and lay for
+days, sick with remorse, and bitterly lamenting all that bloodshed in
+which he had so deeply participated, and which a cruel fate seemed to
+render necessary.  As the gentle mood subsided, his frenzy would return,
+and again he would rush to the field, to seek new havoc and fresh victims
+for his rage.
+
+The combats before the walls were of almost daily occurrence.  On the
+25th March, one thousand of the besieged made a brilliant sally, drove in
+all the outposts of the enemy, burned three hundred tents, and captured
+seven cannon, nine standards, and many wagon-loads of provisions, all
+which they succeeded in bringing with them into the city.--Having thus
+reinforced themselves, in a manner not often practised by the citizens of
+a beleaguered town, in the very face of thirty thousand veterans--having
+killed eight hundred of the enemy, which was nearly one for every man
+engaged, while they lost but four of their own party--the Harlemers, on
+their return, erected a trophy of funereal but exulting aspect.  A mound
+of earth was constructed upon the ramparts, in the form of a colossal
+grave, in full view of the enemy's camp, and upon it were planted the
+cannon and standards so gallantly won in the skirmish, with the taunting
+inscription floating from the centre of the mound "Harlem is the
+graveyard of the Spaniards."
+
+Such were the characteristics of this famous siege during the winter and
+early spring.  Alva might well write to his sovereign, that "it was a war
+such as never before was seen or heard of in any land on earth." Yet the
+Duke had known near sixty years of warfare.  He informed Philip that
+"never was a place defended with such skill and bravery as Harlem, either
+by rebels or by men fighting for their lawful Prince."  Certainly his son
+had discovered his mistake in asserting that the city would yield in a
+week; while the father, after nearly six years' experience, had found
+this "people of butter" less malleable than even those "iron people" whom
+he boasted of having tamed.  It was seen that neither the skies of Greece
+or Italy, nor the sublime scenery of Switzerland, were necessary to
+arouse the spirit of defiance to foreign oppression--a spirit which beat
+as proudly among the wintry mists and the level meadows of Holland as it
+had ever done under sunnier atmospheres and in more romantic lands.
+
+Mendoza had accomplished his mission to Spain, and had returned with
+supplies of money within six weeks from the date of his departure.  Owing
+to his representations and Alva's entreaties, Philip had, moreover,
+ordered Requesens, governor of Milan, to send forward to the Netherlands
+three veteran Spanish regiments, which were now more required at Harlem
+than in Italy.  While the land force had thus been strengthened, the
+fleet upon the lake had also been largely increased.  The Prince of
+Orange had, on the other hand, provided more than a hundred sail of
+various descriptions, so that the whole surface of the mere was now alive
+with ships.  Seafights and skirmishes took place almost daily, and it was
+obvious that the life and death struggle was now to be fought upon the
+water.  So long as the Hollanders could hold or dispute the possession of
+the lake, it was still possible to succor Harlem from time to time.
+Should the Spaniards overcome the Prince's fleet, the city must
+inevitably starve.
+
+At last, on the 28th of May, a decisive engagement of the fleets took
+place.  The vessels grappled with each other, and there was a long,
+fierce, hand-to-hand combat.  Under Bossu were one hundred vessels; under
+Martin Brand, admiral of the patriot fleet, nearly one hundred and fifty,
+but of lesser dimensions.  Batenhurg commanded the troops on board the
+Dutch vessels.  After a protracted conflict, in which several thousands
+were killed, the victory was decided in favor of the Spaniards.  Twenty-
+two of the Prince's vessels being captured, and the rest totally routed,
+Bossu swept across the lake in triumph.  The forts belonging to the
+patriots were immediately taken, and the Harlemers, with their friends,
+entirely excluded from the lake.
+
+This was the beginning of the end.  Despair took possession of the city.
+The whole population had been long subsisting upon an allowance of a
+pound of bread to each man, and half-a-pound for each woman; but the
+bread was now exhausted, the famine had already begun, and with the loss
+of the lake starvation was close at their doors.  They sent urgent
+entreaties to, the Prince to attempt something in their behalf.  Three
+weeks more they assigned as the longest term during which they could
+possibly hold out.  He sent them word by carrier pigeons to endure yet a
+little time, for he was assembling a force, and would still succeed in
+furnishing them with supplies.  Meantime, through the month of June the
+sufferings of the inhabitants increased hourly.  Ordinary food had long
+since vanished.  The population now subsisted on linseed and rape-seed;
+as these supplies were exhausted they devoured cats, dogs, rats, and
+mice, and when at last these unclean animals had been all consumed, they
+boiled the hides of horses and oxen; they ate shoe-leather; they plucked
+the nettles and grass from the graveyards, and the weeds which grew
+between the stones of the pavement, that with such food they might still
+support life a little longer, till the promised succor should arrive.
+Men, women, and children fell dead by scores in the streets, perishing of
+pure starvation, and the survivors had hardly the heart or the strength
+to bury them out of their sight.  They who yet lived seemed to flit like
+shadows to and fro, envying those whose sufferings had already been
+terminated by death.
+
+Thus wore away the month of June.  On the 1st of July the burghers
+consented to a parley.  Deputies were sent to confer with the besiegers,
+but the negotiations were abruptly terminated, for no terms of compromise
+were admitted by Don Frederic.  On the 3rd a tremendous cannonade was re-
+opened upon the city.  One thousand and eight balls were discharged--the
+most which had ever been thrown in one day, since the commencement of the
+siege.  The walls were severely shattered, but the assault was not
+ordered, because the besiegers were assured that it was physically
+impossible for the inhabitants to hold out many days longer.  A last
+letter, written in blood, was now despatched to the Prince of Orange,
+stating the forlorn condition to which they were reduced.  At the same
+time, with the derision of despair, they flung into the hostile camp the
+few loaves of bread which yet remained within the city walls.  A day or
+two later, a second and third parley were held, with no more satisfactory
+result than had attended the first.  A black flag was now hoisted on the
+cathedral tower, the signal of despair to friend and foe, but a pigeon
+soon afterwards flew into the town with a letter from the Prince, begging
+them to maintain themselves two days longer, because succor was
+approaching.
+
+The Prince had indeed been doing all which, under the circumstances, was
+possible.  He assembled the citizens of Delft in the market-place, and
+announced his intention of marching in person to the relief of the city,
+in the face of the besieging army, if any troops could be obtained.
+Soldiers there were none; but there was the deepest sympathy for Harlem
+throughout its sister cities, Delft, Rotterdam, Gouda.  A numerous
+mass of burghers, many of them persons of station, all people of
+respectability, volunteered to march to the rescue.  The Prince highly
+disapproved of this miscellaneous army, whose steadfastness he could not
+trust.  As a soldier, he knew that for such a momentous enterprise,
+enthusiasm could not supply the place of experience.  Nevertheless, as no
+regular troops could be had, and as the emergency allowed no delay, he
+drew up a commission, appointing Paulus Buys to be governor during his
+absence, and provisional stadholder, should he fall in the expedition.
+Four thousand armed volunteers, with six hundred mounted troopers, under
+Carlo de Noot, had been assembled, and the Prince now placed himself at
+their head.  There was, however, a universal cry of remonstrance from the
+magistracies and burghers of all the towns, and from the troops
+themselves, at this project.  They would not consent that a life so
+precious, so indispensable to the existence of Holland, should be
+needlessly hazarded.  It was important to succor Harlem, but the Prince
+was of more value than many cities.  He at last reluctantly consented,
+therefore, to abandon the command of the expedition to Baron Batenburg,
+the less willingly from the want of confidence which he could not help
+feeling in the character of the forces.  On the 8th of July, at dusk,
+the expedition set forth from Sassenheim.  It numbered nearly five
+thousand men, who had with them four hundred wagon-loads of provisions
+and seven field-pieces.  Among the volunteers, Oldenbarneveld; afterwards
+so illustrious in the history of the Republic; marched in the ranks, with
+his musket on his shoulder.  Such was a sample of the spirit which
+pervaded the population of the province.
+
+Batenburg came to a halt in the woods of Nordwyk, on the south aide of
+the city, where he remained till midnight.  All seemed still in the
+enemy's camp.  After prayers, he gave orders to push forward, hoping to
+steal through the lines of his sleeping adversaries and accomplish the
+relief by surprise.  He was destined to be bitterly disappointed.  His
+plans and his numbers were thoroughly known to the Spaniards, two doves,
+bearing letters which contained the details of the intended expedition,
+having been shot and brought into Don Frederic's camp.
+
+The citizens, it appeared, had broken through the curtain work on the
+side where Batenburg was expected, in order that a sally might be made in
+co-operation with the relieving force, as soon as it should appear.
+Signal fires had been agreed upon, by which the besieged were to be
+made aware of the approach of their friends.  The Spanish Commander
+accordingly ordered a mass of green branches, pitch, and straw, to be
+lighted opposite to the gap in the city wall.  Behind it he stationed
+five thousand picked troops.  Five thousand more, with a force of
+cavalry, were placed in the neighbourhood of the downs, with orders to
+attack the patriot army on the left.  Six regiments, under Romero, were
+ordered to move eastward, and assail their right.  The dense mass of
+smoke concealed the beacon lights displayed by Batenburg from the
+observation of the townspeople, and hid the five thousand Spaniards from
+the advancing Hollanders.  As Batenburg emerged from the wood, he found
+himself attacked by a force superior to his own, while a few minutes
+later he was entirely enveloped by overwhelming numbers.  The whole
+Spanish army was, indeed; under arms, and had been expecting him for two
+days.  The unfortunate citizens alone were ignorant of his arrival.  The
+noise of the conflict they supposed to be a false alarm created by the
+Spaniards, to draw them into their camp; and they declined a challenge
+which they were in no condition to accept.
+
+Batenburg was soon slain, and his troops utterly routed.  The number
+killed was variously estimated at from six hundred to two and even three
+thousand.  It is, at any rate, certain that the whole force was entirely
+destroyed or dispersed, and the attempt to relieve the city completely
+frustrated.  The death of Batenburg was the less regretted, because he
+was accused, probably with great injustice, of having been intoxicated at
+the time of action, and therefore incapable of properly, conducting the
+enterprise entrusted to him.
+
+The Spaniards now cut off the nose and ears of a prisoner and sent him
+into the city, to announce the news, while a few heads were also thrown
+over the walls to confirm the intelligence.  When this decisive overthrow
+became known in Delft, there was even an outbreak of indignation against
+Orange.  According to a statement of Alva, which, however, is to be
+received with great distrust, some of the populace wished to sack the
+Prince's house, and offered him personal indignities.  Certainly, if
+these demonstrations were made, popular anger was never more senseless;
+but the tale rests entirely, upon a vague assertion of the Duke, and is
+entirely, at variance with every other contemporaneous account of these
+transactions.  It had now become absolutely, necessary, however, for the
+heroic but wretched town to abandon itself to its fate.  It was
+impossible to attempt anything more in its behalf.  The lake and its
+forts were in the hands of the enemy, the best force which could be
+mustered to make head against the besieging army had been cut to pieces,
+and the Prince of Orange, with a heavy heart, now sent word that the
+burghers were to make the best terms they could with the enemy.
+
+The tidings of despair created a terrible commotion in the starving city.
+There was no hope either in submission or resistance.  Massacre or
+starvation was the only alternative.  But if there was no hope within the
+walls, without there was still a soldier's death.  For a moment the
+garrison and the able-bodied citizens resolved to advance from the gates
+in a solid column, to cut their way through the enemy's camp, or to
+perish on the field.  It was thought that the helpless and the infirm,
+who would alone be left in the city, might be treated with indulgence
+after the fighting men had all been slain.  At any rate, by remaining the
+strong could neither protect nor comfort them.  As soon, however, as this
+resolve was known, there was such wailing and outcry of women and
+children as pierced the hearts of the soldiers and burghers, and caused
+them to forego the project.  They felt that it was cowardly not to die in
+their presence.  It was then determined to form all the females, the
+sick, the aged, and the children, into a square, to surround them with
+all the able-bodied men who still remained, and thus arrayed to fight
+their way forth from the gates, and to conquer by the strength of
+despair, or at least to perish all together.
+
+These desperate projects, which the besieged were thought quite capable
+of executing, were soon known in the Spanish camp.  Don Frederic felt,
+after what he had witnessed in the past seven months, that there was
+nothing which the Harlemers could not do or dare.  He feared lest they
+should set fire to their city, and consume their houses, themselves, and
+their children, to ashes together; and he was unwilling that the fruits
+of his victory, purchased at such a vast expense, should be snatched from
+his hand as he was about to gather them.  A letter was accordingly, by
+his order, sent to the magistracy and leading citizens, in the name of
+Count Overstein, commander of the German forces in the besieging army.
+This despatch invited a surrender at discretion, but contained the solemn
+assurance that no punishment should be inflicted except upon those who,
+in the judgment of the citizens themselves, had deserved it, and promised
+ample forgiveness if the town should submit without further delay.  At
+the moment of sending this letter, Don Frederic was in possession of
+strict orders from his father not to leave a man alive of the garrison,
+excepting only the Germans, and to execute besides a large number of the
+burghers.  These commands he dared not disobey,--even if he had felt any
+inclination to do so.  In consequence of the semi-official letter of
+Overstein, however, the city formally surrendered at discretion on the
+12th July.
+
+The great bell was tolled, and orders were issued that all arms in the
+possession of the garrison or the inhabitants should be brought to the
+town-house.  The men were then ordered to assemble in the cloister of
+Zyl, the women in the cathedral.  On the same day, Don Frederic,
+accompanied by Count Bossu and a numerous staff, rode into the city.
+The scene which met his view might have moved a heart of stone.
+Everywhere was evidence of the misery which had been so bravely endured
+during that seven months' siege.  The smouldering ruins of houses, which
+had been set on fire by balls, the shattered fortifications, the felled
+trunks of trees, upturned pavements, broken images and other materials
+for repairing gaps made by the daily cannonade, strewn around in all
+directions, the skeletons of unclean animals from which the flesh had
+been gnawed, the unburied bodies of men and women who had fallen dead in
+the public thoroughfares--more than all, the gaunt and emaciated forms of
+those who still survived, the ghosts of their former, selves, all might
+have induced at least a doubt whether the suffering inflicted already
+were not a sufficient punishment, even for crimes so deep as heresy and
+schism.  But this was far from being the sentiment of Don Frederic.  He
+seemed to read defiance as well as despair in the sunken eyes which
+glared upon him as he entered the place, and he took no thought of the
+pledge which he had informally but sacredly given.
+
+All the officers of the garrison were at once arrested.  Some of them
+had anticipated the sentence of their conqueror by a voluntary death.
+Captain Bordet, a French officer of distinction, like Brutus, compelled
+his servant to hold the sword upon which he fell, rather than yield
+himself alive to the vengeance of the Spaniards.  Traits of generosity
+were not wanting.  Instead of Peter Hasselaer, a young officer who had
+displayed remarkable bravery throughout the siege, the Spaniards by.
+mistake arrested his cousin Nicholas.  The prisoner was suffering himself
+to be led away to the inevitable scaffold without remonstrance, when
+Peter Hasselaer pushed his way violently through the ranks of the
+captors.  "If you want Ensign Hasselaer, I am the man.  Let this innocent
+person depart," he cried.  Before the sun set his head had fallen.  All
+the officers were taken to the House of Kleef, where they were
+immediately executed.--Captain Ripperda, who had so heroically rebuked
+the craven conduct of the magistracy, whose eloquence had inflamed the
+soldiers and citizens to resistance, and whose skill and courage had
+sustained the siege so long, was among the first to suffer.  A natural
+son of Cardinal Granvelle, who could have easily saved his life by
+proclaiming a parentage which he loathed, and Lancelot Brederode, an
+illegitimate scion of that ancient house, were also among these earliest
+victims.
+
+The next day Alva came over to the camp.  He rode about the place,
+examining the condition of the fortifications from the outside, but
+returned to Amsterdam without having entered the city.  On the following
+morning the massacre commenced.  The plunder had been commuted for two
+hundred and forty thousand guilders, which the citizens bound themselves
+to pay in four instalments; but murder was an indispensable accompaniment
+of victory, and admitted of no compromise.  Moreover, Alva had already
+expressed the determination to effect a general massacre upon this
+occasion.  The garrison, during the siege, had been reduced from four
+thousand to eighteen hundred.  Of these the Germans, six hundred in
+number, were, by Alva's order, dismissed, on a pledge to serve no more
+against the King.  All the rest of the garrison were immediately
+butchered, with at least as many citizens.  Drummers went about the city
+daily, proclaiming that all who harbored persons having, at any former
+period, been fugitives, were immediately to give them up, on pain of
+being instantly hanged themselves in their own doors.  Upon these
+refugees and upon the soldiery fell the brunt of the slaughter; although,
+from day to day, reasons were perpetually discovered for putting to death
+every individual at all distinguished by service, station, wealth, or
+liberal principles; for the carnage could not be accomplished at once,
+but, with all the industry and heartiness employed, was necessarily
+protracted through several days.  Five executioners, with their
+attendants, were kept constantly at work; and when at last they were
+exhausted with fatigue, or perhaps sickened with horror, three hundred
+wretches were tied two and two, back to back, and drowned in the Harlem
+Lake.
+
+At last, after twenty-three hundred human creatures  had been murdered in
+cold blood, within a city where so many thousands had previously perished
+by violent or by lingering deaths; the blasphemous farce of a pardon was
+enacted.  Fifty-seven of the most prominent burghers of the place were,
+however, excepted from the act of amnesty, and taken into custody as
+security for the future good conduct of the other citizens.  Of these
+hostages some were soon executed, some died in prison, and all would have
+been eventually sacrificed, had not the naval defeat of Bossu soon
+afterwards enabled the Prince of Orange to rescue the remaining
+prisoners.  Ten thousand two hundred and fifty-six shots had been
+discharged against the walls during the siege.  Twelve thousand of the
+besieging army had died of wounds or disease, during the seven months and
+two days, between the, investment and the surrender.  In the earlier part
+of August, after the executions had been satisfactorily accomplished, Don
+Frederic made his triumphal entry, and the first chapter in the invasion
+of Holland was closed.  Such was the memorable siege of Harlem, an event
+in which we are called upon to wonder equally at human capacity to
+inflict and to endure misery.
+
+The Spaniards celebrated a victory, while in Utrecht they made an effigy
+of the Prince of Orange, which they carried about in procession, broke
+upon the wheel, and burned.  It was, however, obvious, that if the
+reduction of Harlem were a triumph, it was one which the conquerors might
+well exchange for a defeat.  At any rate, it was certain that the Spanish
+empire was not strong enough to sustain many more such victories.  If it
+had required thirty thousand choice troops, among which were three
+regiments called by Alva respectively, the "Invincibles," the
+"Immortals," and the "None-such," to conquer the weakest city of Holland
+in seven months, and with the loss of twelve thousand men; how many men,
+how long a time, and how many deaths would it require to reduce the rest
+of that little province?  For, as the sack of Naarden had produced the
+contrary effect from the one intended, inflaming rather than subduing the
+spirit of Dutch resistance, so the long and glorious defence of Harlem,
+notwithstanding its tragical termination, had only served to strain to
+the highest pitch the hatred and patriotism of the other cities in the
+province.  Even the treasures of the New World were inadequate to pay for
+the conquest of that little sand-bank.  Within five years, twenty-five
+millions of florins had been sent from Spain for war expenses in the
+Netherlands.--Yet, this amount, with the addition of large sums annually
+derived from confiscations, of five millions, at which the proceeds of
+the hundredth penny was estimated, and the two millions yearly, for which
+the tenth and twentieth pence had been compounded, was insufficient to
+save the treasury from beggary and the unpaid troops from mutiny.
+
+Nevertheless, for the moment the joy created was intense.  Philip was
+lying dangerously ill at the wood of Segovia, when the happy tidings of
+the reduction of Harlem, with its accompanying butchery, arrived.  The
+account of all this misery, minutely detailed to him by Alva, acted like
+magic.  The blood of twenty-three hundred of his fellow-creatures--coldly
+murdered, by his orders, in a single city--proved for the sanguinary
+monarch the elixir of life: he drank and was refreshed.  "The principal
+medicine which has cured his Majesty," wrote Secretary Cayas from Madrid
+to Alva, "is the joy caused to him by the good news which you have
+communicated of the surrender of Harlem."  In the height of his
+exultation, the King forgot how much dissatisfaction he had recently
+felt with the progress of events in the Netherlands; how much treasure
+had been annually expended with an insufficient result.  "Knowing your
+necessity," continued Cayas, "his Majesty instantly sent for Doctor
+Velasco, and ordered him to provide you with funds, if he had to descend
+into the earth to dig for it."  While such was the exultation of the
+Spaniards, the Prince of Orange was neither dismayed nor despondent.  As
+usual, he trusted to a higher power than man.  "I had hoped to send you
+better news," he wrote, to Count Louis, "nevertheless, since it has
+otherwise pleased the good God, we must conform ourselves to His divine
+will.  I take the same God to witness that I have done everything
+according to my means, which was possible, to succor the city."  A few
+days later, writing in the same spirit, he informed his brother that the
+Zealanders had succeeded in capturing the castle of Rammekens, on the
+isle of Walcheren.  "I hope," he said, "that this will reduce the pride
+of our enemies, who, after the surrender of Harlem, have thought that
+they were about to swallow us alive.  I assure myself, however, that they
+will find a very different piece of work from the one which they expect."
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Enthusiasm could not supply the place of experience
+Envying those whose sufferings had already been terminated
+Leave not a single man alive in the city, and to burn every house
+Not strong enough to sustain many more such victories
+Oldenbarneveld; afterwards so illustrious
+Sent them word by carrier pigeons
+Three hundred fighting women
+Tyranny, ever young and ever old, constantly reproducing herself
+Wonder equally at human capacity to inflict and to endure misery
+
+
+
+
+End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Dutch Republic, v20
+by John Lothrop Motley
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 21.
+
+THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
+
+By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY
+
+1855
+
+
+
+1573  [CHAPTER IX.]
+
+     Position of Alva--Hatred entertained for him by elevated personages
+     --Quarrels between him and Medina Coeli--Departure of the latter--
+     Complaints to the King by each of the other--Attempts at
+     conciliation addressed by government to the people of the
+     Netherlands--Grotesque character of the address--Mutinous
+     demonstration of the Spanish troops--Secret overtures to Orange--
+     Obedience, with difficulty, restored by Alva--Commencement of the
+     siege of Alkmaar--Sanguinary menaces of the Duke--Encouraging and
+     enthusiastic language of the Prince--Preparations in Alkmaar for
+     defence--The first assault steadily repulsed--Refusal of the
+     soldiers to storm a second time--Expedition of the Carpenter-envoy--
+     Orders of the Prince to flood the country--The Carpenter's
+     despatches in the enemy's hands--Effect produced upon the Spaniards
+     --The siege raised--Negotiations of Count Louis with France--
+     Uneasiness and secret correspondence of the Duke--Convention with
+     the English government--Objects pursued by Orange--Cruelty of De la
+     Marck--His dismissal from office and subsequent death--Negotiations
+     with France--Altered tone of the French court with regard to the St.
+     Bartholomew--Ill effects of the crime upon the royal projects--
+     Hypocrisy of the Spanish government--Letter of Louis to Charles IX.
+     --Complaints of Charles IX.--Secret aspirations of that monarch and
+     of Philip--Intrigues concerning the Polish election--Renewed
+     negotiations between Schomberg and Count Louis, with consent of
+     Orange--Conditions prescribed by the Prince--Articles of secret
+     alliance--Remarkable letter of Count Louis to Charles IX.--
+     Responsible and isolated situation of Orange--The "Address" and the
+     "Epistle"--Religious sentiments of the Prince--Naval action on the
+     Zuyder Zee--Captivity of Bossu and of Saint Aldegonde--Odious
+     position of Alva--His unceasing cruelty--Execution of Uitenhoove--
+     Fraud practised by Alva upon his creditors--Arrival of Requesens,
+     the new Governor-General--Departure of Alva--Concluding remarks upon
+     his administration.
+
+For the sake of continuity in the narrative, the siege of Harlem has been
+related until its conclusion.  This great event constituted, moreover,
+the principal stuff in Netherland, history, up to the middle of the year
+1573.  A few loose threads must be now taken up before we can proceed
+farther.
+
+Alva had for some time felt himself in a false and uncomfortable
+position.  While he continued to be the object of a popular hatred as
+intense as ever glowed, he had gradually lost his hold upon those who,
+at the outset of his career, had been loudest and lowest in their
+demonstrations of respect.  "Believe me," wrote Secretary Albornoz to
+Secretary Cayas, "this people abhor our nation worse than they abhor the
+Devil.  As for the Duke of Alva, they foam at the mouth when they hear
+his name."  Viglius, although still maintaining smooth relations with the
+Governor, had been, in reality, long since estranged from him.  Even
+Aerschot, far whom the Duke had long maintained an intimacy half
+affectionate, half contemptuous, now began to treat him with a contumely
+which it was difficult for so proud a stomach to digest.
+
+But the main source of discomfort was doubtless the presence of Medina
+Coeli.  This was the perpetual thorn in his side, which no cunning could
+extract.  A successor who would not and could not succeed him, yet who
+attended him as his shadow and his evil genius--a confidential colleague
+who betrayed his confidence, mocked his projects, derided his authority,
+and yet complained of ill treatment--a rival who was neither compeer nor
+subaltern, and who affected to be his censor--a functionary of a purely
+anomalous character, sheltering himself under his abnegation of an
+authority which he had not dared to assume, and criticising measures
+which he was not competent to grasp;--such was the Duke of Medina Coeli
+in Alva's estimation.
+
+The bickering between the two Dukes became unceasing and disgraceful.
+Of course, each complained to the King, and each, according to his own
+account, was a martyr to the other's tyranny, but the meekness manifested
+by Alva; in all his relations with the new comer, was wonderful, if we
+are to believe the accounts furnished by himself and by his confidential
+secretary.  On the other hand, Medina Coeli wrote to the King,
+complaining of Alva in most unmitigated strains, and asserting that
+he was himself never allowed to see any despatches, nor to have the
+slightest information as to the policy of the government.  He reproached,
+the Duke with shrinking from personal participation in military
+operations, and begged the royal forgiveness if he withdrew from
+a scene where he felt himself to be superfluous.
+
+Accordingly, towards the end of November, he took his departure, without
+paying his respects.  The Governor complained to the King of this
+unceremonious proceeding, and assured His Majesty that never were
+courtesy and gentleness so ill requited as his had been by this ingrate
+and cankered Duke.  "He told me," said Alva, "that if I did not stay in
+the field, he would not remain with me in peaceful cities, and he asked
+me if I intended to march into Holland with the troops which were to
+winter there.  I answered, that I should go wherever it was necessary,
+even should I be obliged to swim through all the canals of Holland."
+After giving these details, the Duke added, with great appearance of
+candor and meekness, that he was certain Medina Coeli had only been
+influenced by extreme zeal for His Majesty's service, and that, finding,
+so little for him to do in the Netherlands, he had become dissatisfied
+with his position.
+
+Immediately after the fall of Harlem, another attempt was made by Alva to
+win back the allegiance of the other cities by proclamations.  It had
+become obvious to the Governor that so determined a resistance on the
+part of the first place besieged augured many long campaigns before the
+whole province could be subdued.  A circular was accordingly issued upon
+the 26th July from Utrecht, and published immediately afterwards in all
+the cities of the Netherlands.  It was a paper of singular character,
+commingling an affectation of almost ludicrous clemency, with honest and
+hearty brutality.  There was consequently something very grotesque about
+the document.  Philip, in the outset, was made to sustain towards his
+undutiful subjects the characters of the brooding hen and the prodigal's
+father; a range of impersonation hardly to be allowed him, even by the
+most abject flattery.  "Ye are well aware," thus ran the address, "that
+the King has, over and over again, manifested his willingness to receive
+his children, in however forlorn a condition the prodigals might return.
+His Majesty assures you once more that your sins, however black they may
+have been, shall be forgiven and forgotten in the plenitude of royal
+kindness, if you repent and return in season to his Majesty's embrace.
+Notwithstanding your manifold crimes, his Majesty still seeks, like a hen
+calling her chickens, to gather you all under the parental wing.  The
+King hereby warns you once more, therefore, to place yourselves in his
+royal hands, and not to wait for his rage, cruelty, and fury, and the
+approach of his army."
+
+The affectionate character of the address, already fading towards the end
+of the preamble, soon changes to bitterness.  The domestic maternal fowl
+dilates into the sanguinary dragon as the address proceeds.  "But if,"
+continues the monarch, "ye disregard these offers of mercy, receiving
+them with closed ears, as heretofore, then we warn you that there is no
+rigor, nor cruelty, however great, which you are not to expect by laying
+waste, starvation, and the sword, in such manner that nowhere shall
+remain a relic of that which at present exists, but his Majesty will
+strip bare and utterly depopulate the land, and cause it to be inhabited
+again by strangers; since otherwise his Majesty could not believe that
+the will of God and of his Majesty had been accomplished."
+
+It is almost superfluous to add that this circular remained fruitless.
+The royal wrath, thus blasphemously identifying itself with divine
+vengeance, inspired no terror, the royal blandishments no affection.
+
+The next point of attack was the city of Alkmaar, situate quite at the
+termination of the Peninsula, among the lagunes and redeemed prairies of
+North Holland.  The Prince of Orange had already provided it with a small
+garrison.  The city had been summoned to surrender by the middle of
+July, and had returned a bold refusal.--Meantime, the Spaniards had
+retired from before the walls, while the surrender and chastisement of
+Harlem occupied them during the next succeeding weeks.  The month of
+August, moreover, was mainly consumed by Alva in quelling a dangerous and
+protracted mutiny, which broke out among the Spanish soldiers at Harlem--
+between three and four thousand of them having been quartered upon the
+ill-fated population of that city.
+
+Unceasing misery was endured by the inhabitants at the hands of the
+ferocious Spaniards, flushed with victory, mutinous for long arrears of
+pay, and greedy for the booty which had been denied.  At times, however,
+the fury of the soldiery was more violently directed against their own
+commanders than against the enemy.  A project was even formed by the
+malcontent troops to deliver Harlem into the hands of Orange.  A party of
+them, disguised as Baltic merchants, waited upon the Prince at Delft, and
+were secretly admitted to his bedside before he had risen.  They declared
+to him that they were Spanish soldiers, who had compassion on his cause,
+were dissatisfied with their own government, and were ready, upon receipt
+of forty thousand guilders, to deliver the city into his hands.  The
+Prince took the matter into consideration, and promised to accept the
+offer if he could raise the required sum.  This, however, he found
+himself unable to do within the stipulated time, and thus, for want of so
+paltry a sum, the offer was of necessity declined.
+
+Various were the excesses committed by the insubordinate troops in every
+province in the Netherlands upon the long-suffering inhabitants.
+"Nothing," wrote Alva, "had given him so much pain during his forty years
+of service."  He avowed his determination to go to Amsterdam in order to
+offer himself as a hostage to the soldiery, if by so doing he could quell
+the mutiny.  He went to Amsterdam accordingly, where by his exertions,
+ably seconded by those of the Marquis Vitelli, and by the payment of
+thirty crowns to each soldier--fourteen on account of arrearages and
+sixteen as his share in the Harlem compensation money--the rebellion was
+appeased, and obedience restored.
+
+There was now leisure for the General to devote his whole energies
+against the little city of Alkmaar.  On that bank and shoal, the extreme
+verge of habitable earth, the spirit of Holland's Freedom stood at bay.
+The grey towers of Egmont Castle and of Egmont Abbey rose between the
+city and the sea, and there the troops sent by the Prince of Orange were
+quartered during the very brief period in which the citizens wavered as
+to receiving them.  The die was soon cast, however, and the Prince's
+garrison admitted.  The Spaniards advanced, burned the village of Egmont
+to the ground as soon as the patriots had left it, and on the 21st of
+August Don Frederic, appearing before the walls, proceeded formally to
+invest Allanaar.  In a few days this had been so thoroughly accomplished
+that, in Alva's language, "it was impossible for a sparrow to enter or
+go out of the city."  The odds were somewhat unequal.  Sixteen thousand
+veteran troops constituted the besieging force.  Within the city were a
+garrison of eight hundred soldiers, together with thirteen hundred
+burghers, capable of bearing arms.  The rest of the population consisted
+of a very few refugees, besides the women and children.  Two thousand one
+hundred able-bodied men, of whom only about one-third were soldiers, to
+resist sixteen thousand regulars.
+
+Nor was there any doubt as to the fate which was reserved for them,
+should they succumb.  The Duke was vociferous at the ingratitude with
+which his clemency had hitherto been requited.  He complained bitterly of
+the ill success which had attended his monitory circulars; reproached
+himself with incredible vehemence, for his previous mildness, and
+protested that, after having executed only twenty-three hundred persons
+at the surrender of Harlem, besides a few additional burghers since, he
+had met with no correspondent demonstrations of affection.  He promised
+himself, however, an ample compensation for all this ingratitude, in the
+wholesale vengeance which he purposed to wreak upon Alkmaar.  Already he
+gloated in anticipation over the havoc which would soon be let loose
+within those walls.  Such ravings, if invented by the pen of fiction,
+would seem a puerile caricature; proceeding, authentically, from his own,
+--they still appear almost too exaggerated for belief.  "If I take
+Alkmaar," he wrote to Philip, "I am resolved not to leave a single
+creature alive; the knife shall be put to every throat.  Since the
+example of Harlem has proved of no use, perhaps an example of cruelty
+will bring the other cities to their senses."
+
+He took occasion also to read a lecture to the party of conciliation in
+Madrid, whose counsels, as he believed, his sovereign was beginning to
+heed.  Nothing, he maintained, could be more senseless than the idea of
+pardon and clemency.  This had been sufficiently proved by recent events.
+It was easy for people at a distance to talk about gentleness, but those
+upon the spot knew better.  Gentleness had produced nothing, so far;
+violence alone could succeed in future.  "Let your Majesty," he said, "be
+disabused of the impression, that with kindness anything can he done with
+these people.  Already have matters reached such a point that many of
+those born in the country, who have hitherto advocated clemency, are now
+undeceived, and acknowledge--their mistake.  They are of opinion that not
+a living soul should be left in Alkmaar, but that every individual should
+be put to the sword."  At the same time he took occasion, even in these
+ferocious letters, which seem dripping with blood, to commend his own
+natural benignity of disposition.  "Your Majesty may be certain," he
+said, "that no man on earth desires the path of clemency more than I do,
+notwithstanding my particular hatred for heretics and traitors."  It was
+therefore with regret that he saw himself obliged to take the opposite
+course, and to stifle all his gentler sentiments.
+
+Upon Diedrich Sonoy, Lieutenant-Governor for Orange in the province of
+North Holland, devolved the immediate responsibility of defending this
+part of the country.  As the storm rolled slowly up from the south, even
+that experienced officer became uneasy at the unequal conflict impending.
+He despatched a letter to his chief, giving a gloomy picture of his
+position.  All looked instinctively towards the Prince, as to a God in
+their time of danger; all felt as if upon his genius and fortitude
+depended the whole welfare of the fatherland.  It was hoped, too, that
+some resource had been provided in a secret foreign alliance.  "If your
+princely grace," wrote Sonoy, "have made a contract for assistance with
+any powerful potentate, it is of the highest importance that it should be
+known to all the cities, in order to put an end to the emigration, and to
+console the people in their affliction."
+
+The answer, of the Prince was full of lofty enthusiasm.  He reprimanded
+with gentle but earnest eloquence the despondency and little faith of his
+lieutenant and other adherents.  He had not expected, he said, that they
+would have so soon forgotten their manly courage.  They seemed to
+consider the whole fate of the country attached to the city of Harlem.
+He took God to witness that--he had spared no pains, and would willingly
+have spared no drop of his blood to save that devoted city.  "But as,
+notwithstanding our efforts," he continued, "it has pleased God Almighty
+to dispose of Harlem according to His divine will, shall we, therefore,
+deny and deride His holy word?  Has the strong arm of the Lord thereby
+grown weaker?  Has his Church therefore come to caught?  You ask if I
+have entered into a firm treaty with any great king or potentate, to
+which I answer, that before I ever took up the cause of the oppressed
+Christians in these provinces, I had entered into a close alliance with
+the King of kings; and I am firmly convinced that all who put their trust
+in Him shall be saved by His almighty hand.  The God of armies will raise
+up armies for us to do battle with our enemies sad His own."  In
+conclusion, he stated his preparations for attacking the enemy by sea as
+well as by land, and encouraged his lieutenant and the citizens of the
+northern quarter to maintain a bold front before the advancing foe.
+
+And now, with the dismantled and desolate Harlem before their eyes, a
+prophetic phantom, perhaps, of their own imminent fate, did the handful
+of people shut up within Alkmaar prepare for the worst.  Their main hope
+lay in the friendly sea.  The vast sluices called the Zyp, through which
+an inundation of the whole northern province could be very soon effected,
+were but a few miles distant.  By opening these gates, and by piercing a
+few dykes, the ocean might be made to fight for them.  To obtain this
+result, however, the consent of the inhabitants was requisite, as the
+destruction of all the standing crops would be inevitable.  The city was
+so closely invested, that it was a matter of life and death to venture
+forth, and it was difficult, therefore, to find an envoy for this
+hazardous mission.  At last, a carpenter in the city, Peter Van der Mey
+by name, undertook the adventure, and was entrusted with letters to
+Sonoy, to the Prince of Orange, and to the leading personages, in several
+cities of the province: These papers were enclosed in a hollow walking-
+staff, carefully made fast at the top.
+
+Affairs soon approached a crisis within the beleaguered city.  Daily
+skirmishes, without decisive result; had taken place outside the walls.
+At last, on the 18th of September, after a steady cannonade of nearly
+twelve hours, Don Frederic, at three in the afternoon, ordered an
+assault.  Notwithstanding his seven months' experience at Harlem, he
+still believed it certain that he should carry Alkmaar by storm.  The
+attack took place at once upon the Frisian gate and upon the red tower on
+the opposite side.  Two choice regiments, recently arrived from Lombardy;
+led the onset, rending the air with their shouts, and confident of an
+easy victory.  They were sustained by what seemed an overwhelming force
+of disciplined troops.  Yet never, even in the recent history of Harlem,
+had an attack been received by more dauntless breasts.  Every living man
+was on the walls.  The storming parties were assailed with cannon, with
+musketry, with pistols.  Boiling water, pitch and oil, molten lead, and
+unslaked lime, were poured upon them every moment.  Hundreds of tarred
+and burning hoops were skilfully quoited around the necks of the
+soldiers, who struggled in vain to extricate themselves from these fiery
+ruffs, while as fast as any of the invaders planted foot upon the breach,
+they were confronted face to face with sword and dagger by the burghers,
+who hurled them headlong into the moat below.
+
+Thrice was the attack renewed with ever-increasing rage--thrice repulsed
+with unflinching fortitude.  The storm continued four hours long.  During
+all that period, not one of the defenders left his post, till he dropped
+from it dead or wounded.  The women and children, unscared by the balls
+flying in every direction, or by the hand-to-hand conflicts on the
+ramparts; passed steadily to and fro from the arsenals to the
+fortifications, constantly supplying their fathers, husbands, and
+brothers with powder and ball.  Thus, every human being in the city that
+could walk had become a soldier.  At last darkness fell upon the scene.
+The trumpet of recal was sounded, and the Spaniards, utterly discomfited,
+retired from the walls, leaving at least one thousand dead in the
+trenches, while only thirteen burghers and twenty-four of the garrison
+lost their lives.  Thus was Alkmaar preserved for a little longer--thus
+a large and well-appointed army signally defeated by a handful of men
+fighting for their firesides and altars.  Ensign Solis, who had mounted
+the breach for an instant, and miraculously escaped with life, after
+having been hurled from the battlements, reported that he had seen
+"neither helmet nor harness," as he looked down into the city: only some
+plain-looking people, generally dressed like fishermen.  Yet these plain-
+looking fishermen had defeated the veterans of Alva.
+
+The citizens felt encouraged by the results of that day's work.
+Moreover, they already possessed such information concerning the
+condition of affairs in the camp of the enemy as gave them additional
+confidence.  A Spaniard, named Jeronimo, had been taken prisoner and
+brought into the city.  On receiving a promise of pardon, he had revealed
+many secrets concerning the position and intentions of the besieging
+army.  It is painful to add that the prisoner, notwithstanding his
+disclosures and the promise under which they had been made, was
+treacherously executed.  He begged hard for his life as he was led to the
+gallows, offering fresh revelations, which, however, after the ample
+communications already made, were esteemed superfluous.  Finding this of
+no avail, he promised his captors, with perfect simplicity, to go down on
+his knees and worship the Devil precisely as they did, if by so doing he
+might obtain mercy.  It may be supposed that such a proposition was not
+likely to gain additional favor for him in the eyes of these rigid
+Calvinists, and the poor wretch was accordingly hanged.
+
+The day following the assault, a fresh cannonade was opened upon the
+city.  Seven hundred shots having been discharged, the attack was
+ordered.  It was in vain: neither threats nor entreaties could induce the
+Spaniards, hitherto so indomitable, to mount the breach.  The place
+seemed to their imagination protected by more than mortal powers;
+otherwise how was it possible that a few half-starved fishermen could
+already have so triumphantly overthrown the time-honored legions of
+Spain.  It was thought, no doubt, that the Devil, whom they worshipped,
+would continue to protect his children.  Neither the entreaties nor the
+menaces of Don Frederic were of any avail.  Several soldiers allowed
+themselves to be run through the body by their own officers, rather than
+advance to the walls; and the assault was accordingly postponed to an
+indefinite period.
+
+Meantime, as Governor Sonoy had opened many of the dykes, the land in the
+neighbourhood of the camp was becoming plashy, although as yet the
+threatened inundation had not taken place.  The soldiers were already
+very uncomfortable and very refractory.  The carpenter-envoy had not been
+idle, having, upon the 26th September, arrived at Sonoy's quarters,
+bearing letters from the Prince of Orange.  These despatches gave
+distinct directions to Sonoy to flood the countlv at all risks; rather
+than allow Alkmaar to, fall into the enemy's hands.  The dykes and
+sluices were to be protected by a strong guard, lest the peasants, in
+order to save their crops, should repair or close them in the night-time.
+The letters of Orange were copied, and, together with fresh
+communications from Sonoy, delivered to the carpenter.  A note on the
+margin of the Prince's letter, directed the citizens to kindle four
+beacon fires in specified places, as soon as it should prove necessary to
+resort to extreme measures.  When that moment should arrive, it was
+solemnly promised that an inundation should be created which should sweep
+the whole Spanish army into the sea.  The work had, in fact, been
+commenced.  The Zyp and other sluices had already been opened, and a vast
+body of water, driven by a strong north-west wind, had rushed in from the
+ocean.  It needed only that two great dykes should be pierced to render
+the deluge and the desolation complete.  The harvests were doomed to
+destruction, and a frightful loss of property rendered inevitable, but,
+at any rate, the Spaniards, if this last measure were taken, must fly or
+perish to a man.
+
+This decisive blow having been thus ordered and promised; the carpenter
+set forth towards the city.  He was, however, not so successful in
+accomplishing his entrance unmolested, as he had been in effecting his
+departure.  He narrowly escaped with his life in passing through the
+enemy's lines, and while occupied in saving himself was so unlucky, or,
+as it proved, so fortunate, as to lose the stick in which his despatches
+were enclosed.  He made good his entrance into the city, where, byword of
+mouth, he encouraged his fellow-burghers as to the intentions of the
+Prince and Sonoy.  In the meantime his letters were laid before the
+general of the besieging army.  The resolution taken by Orange, of which
+Don Frederic was thus unintentionally made aware, to flood the country
+far and near, rather than fail to protect Alkmaar, made a profound
+impression upon his mind.  It was obvious that he was dealing with a
+determined leader and with desperate men.  His attempt to carry the place
+by storm had signally failed, and he could not deceive himself as to the
+temper and disposition of his troops ever since that repulse.  When it
+should become known that they were threatened with submersion in the
+ocean, in addition to all the other horrors of war, he had reason to
+believe that they would retire ignominiously from that remote and
+desolate sand hook, where, by remaining, they could only find a watery
+grave.  These views having been discussed in a council of officers, the
+result was reached that sufficient had been already accomplished for the
+glory of Spanish arms.  Neither honor nor loyalty, it was thought,
+required that sixteen thousand soldiers should be sacrificed in a
+contest, not with man but with the ocean.
+
+On the 8th of October, accordingly, the siege, which had lasted seven
+weeks, was raised, and Don Frederic rejoined his father in Amsterdam.
+Ready to die in the last ditch, and to overwhelm both themselves and
+their foes in a common catastrophe the Hollanders had at last compelled
+their haughty enemy to fly from a position which he had so insolently
+assumed.
+
+These public transactions and military operations were not the only
+important events which affected the fate of Holland and its sister
+provinces at this juncture.  The secret  relations which had already been
+renewed between Louis of Nassau, as plenipotentiary of his brother and
+the French court, had for some time excited great uneasiness in the mind
+of Alva.  Count Louis was known to be as skilful a negotiator as he was
+valiant and accomplished as a soldier.  His frankness and boldness
+created confidence.  The "brave spirit in the loyal breast" inspired all
+his dealing; his experience and quick perception of character prevented
+his becoming a dupe of even the most adroit politicians, while his truth
+of purpose made him incapable either of overreaching an ally or of
+betraying a trust.  His career indicated that diplomacy might be
+sometimes successful, even although founded upon sincerity.
+
+Alva secretly expressed to his sovereign much suspicion of France.  He
+reminded him that Charles IX.; during the early part of the preceding
+year, had given the assurance that he was secretly dealing with Louis of
+Nassau, only that he might induce the Count to pass over to Philip's
+service.  At the same time Charles had been doing all he could to succor
+Moos, and had written the memorable letter which had fallen into Alva's
+hands on the capture of Genlis, and which expressed such a fixed
+determination to inflict a deadly blow upon the King, whom the writer was
+thus endeavouring to cajole.  All this the Governor recalled to the
+recollection of his sovereign.  In view of this increasing repugnance of
+the English court, Alva recommended that fair words should be employed;
+hinting, however, that it would be by no means necessary for his master
+to consider himself very strictly bound by any such pledges to Elizabeth,
+if they should happen to become inconveniently pressing.  "A monarch's
+promises," he delicately suggested, "were not to be considered so sacred
+as those of humbler mortals.  Not that the King should directly violate
+his word, but at the same time," continued the Duke, "I have thought all
+my life, and I have learned it from the Emperor, your Majesty's father,
+that the negotiations of kings depend upon different principles from
+those of us private gentlemen who walk the world; and in this manner I
+always observed that your Majesty's father, who was, so great a gentleman
+and so powerful a prince, conducted his affairs."  The Governor took
+occasion, likewise, to express his regrets at the awkward manner in which
+the Ridolfi scheme had been managed.  Had he been consulted at an earlier
+day, the affair could have been treated much more delicately; as it was,
+there could be little doubt but that the discovery of the plot had
+prejudiced the mind of Elizabeth against Spain.  "From that dust,"
+concluded the Duke, "has resulted all this dirt."  It could hardly be
+matter of surprise, either to Philip or his Viceroy, that the discovery
+by Elizabeth of a plot upon their parts to take her life and place the
+crown upon the head of her hated rival, should have engendered unamiable
+feelings in her bosom towards them.  For the moment, however, Alva's
+negotiations were apparently successful.
+
+On the first of May, 1573, the articles of convention between England and
+Spain, with regard to the Netherland difficulty, had been formally
+published in Brussels.  The Duke, in communicating the termination of
+these arrangements, quietly recommended his master thenceforth to take
+the English ministry into his pay.  In particular he advised his Majesty
+to bestow an annual bribe upon Lord Burleigh, "who held the kingdom in
+his hand; for it has always been my opinion," he continued, "that it was
+an excellent practice for princes to give pensions to the ministers of
+other potentates, and to keep those at home who took bribes from nobody."
+
+On the other hand, the negotiations of Orange with the English court were
+not yet successful, and he still found it almost impossible to raise the
+requisite funds for carrying on the war.  Certainly, his private letters
+showed that neither he nor his brothers were self-seekers in their
+negotiations.  "You know;" said he in a letter to his brothers, "that my
+intention has never been to seek my private advantage.  I have only
+aspired for the liberty of the country, in conscience and in polity,
+which foreigners have sought to oppress.  I have no other articles to
+propose, save that religion, reformed according to the Word of God,
+should be permitted, that then the commonwealth should be restored to its
+ancient liberty, and, to that end, that the Spaniards and other soldiery
+should be compelled to retire."
+
+The restoration of civil and religious liberty, the, establishment of the
+great principle of toleration in matters of conscience, constituted the
+purpose to which his days and nights were devoted, his princely fortune
+sacrificed, his life-blood risked.  At the same time, his enforcement of
+toleration to both religions excited calumny against him among the
+bigoted adherents of both.  By the Catholics he was accused of having
+instigated the excesses which he had done everything in his power to
+repress.  The enormities of De la Marck, which had inspired the Prince's
+indignation, were even laid at the door of him who had risked his life to
+prevent and to chastise them.  De la Marck had, indeed, more than
+counterbalanced his great service in the taking of Brill, by his
+subsequent cruelties.  At last, Father Cornelius Musius, pastor of Saint
+Agatha, at the age of seventy-two, a man highly esteemed by the Prince of
+Orange, had been put to torture and death by this barbarian, under
+circumstances of great atrocity.  The horrid deed cost the Prince many
+tears, aroused the indignation of the estates of Holland, and produced
+the dismission of the perpetrator from their service.  It was considered
+expedient, however, in view of his past services, his powerful
+connexions, and his troublesome character, that he should be induced
+peaceably to leave the country.
+
+It was long before the Prince and the estates could succeed in ridding
+themselves of this encumbrance.  He created several riots in different
+parts of the province, and boasted, that he had many fine ships of war
+and three thousand men devoted to him, by whose assistance he could make
+the estates "dance after his pipe."  At the beginning of the following
+year (1574), he was at last compelled to leave the provinces, which he
+never again troubled with his presence.  Some years afterwards, he died
+of the bite of a mad dog; an end not inappropriate to a man of so rabid a
+disposition.
+
+While the Prince was thus steadily striving for a lofty and generous
+purpose, he was, of course, represented by his implacable enemies as a
+man playing a game which, unfortunately for himself, was a losing one.
+"That poor prince," said Granvelle, "has been ill advised.  I doubt now
+whether he will ever be able to make his peace, and I think we shall
+rather try to get rid of him and his brother as if they were Turks.  The
+marriage with the daughter of Maurice, 'unde mala et quia ipse talis',
+and his brothers have done him much harm.  So have Schwendi and German
+intimacies.  I saw it all very plainly, but he did not choose to believe
+me."
+
+Ill-starred, worse counselled William of Orange!  Had he but taken the
+friendly Cardinal's advice, kept his hand from German marriages and his
+feet from conventicles--had he assisted his sovereign in burning heretics
+and hunting rebels, it would not then have become necessary "to treat him
+like a Turk."  This is unquestionable.  It is equally so that there would
+have been one great lamp the less in that strait and difficult pathway
+which leads to the temple of true glory.
+
+The main reliance of Orange was upon the secret negotiations which his
+brother Louis was then renewing with the French government.  The Prince
+had felt an almost insurmountable repugnance towards entertaining any
+relation with that blood-stained court, since the massacre of Saint
+Bartholomew.  But a new face had recently been put upon that transaction.
+Instead of glorying, in their crime, the King and his mother now assumed
+a tone of compunction, and averred that the deed had been unpremeditated;
+that it had been the result of a panic or an ecstasy of fear inspired by
+the suddenly discovered designs of the Huguenots; and that, in the
+instinct of self-preservation, the King, with his family and immediate
+friends, had plunged into a crime which they now bitterly lamented.  The
+French envoys at the different courts of Europe were directed to impress
+this view upon the minds of the monarchs to whom they were accredited.
+It was certainly a very different instruction from that which they had at
+first received.  Their cue had originally been to claim a full meed of
+praise and thanksgiving in behalf of their sovereign for his meritorious
+exploit.  The salvos of artillery, the illuminations and rejoicings, the
+solemn processions and masses by which the auspicious event had been
+celebrated, mere yet fresh in the memory of men.  The ambassadors were
+sufficiently embarrassed by the distinct and determined approbation which
+they had recently expressed.  Although the King, by formal proclamation,
+had assumed the whole responsibility, as he had notoriously been one of
+the chief perpetrators of the deed, his agents were now to stultify
+themselves and their monarch by representing, as a deplorable act of
+frenzy, the massacre which they had already extolled to the echo as a
+skilfully executed and entirely commendable achievement.
+
+To humble the power of Spain, to obtain the hand of Queen Elizabeth for
+the Duke d'Alencon, to establish an insidious kind of protectorate over
+the Protestant princes of Germany, to obtain the throne of Poland for the
+Duke of Anjou, and even to obtain the imperial crown for the house of
+Valois--all these cherished projects seemed dashed to the ground by the
+Paris massacre and the abhorrence which it had created.  Charles and
+Catharine were not slow to discover the false position in which they had
+placed themselves, while the Spanish jocularity at the immense error
+committed by France was visible enough through the assumed mask of holy
+horror.
+
+Philip and Alva listened with mischievous joy to the howl of execration
+which swept through Christendom upon every wind.  They rejoiced as
+heartily in the humiliation of the malefactors as they did in the
+perpetration of the crime.  "Your Majesty," wrote Louis of Nassau, very
+bluntly, to King Charles, "sees how the Spaniard, your mortal enemy,
+feasts himself full with the desolation of your affairs; how he laughs,
+to-split his sides, at your misfortunes.  This massacre has enabled him
+to weaken your Majesty more than he could have done by a war of thirty
+years."
+
+Before the year had revolved, Charles had become thoroughly convinced of
+the fatal impression produced by the event.  Bitter and almost abject
+were his whinings at the Catholic King's desertion of his cause.
+"He knows well," wrote Charles to Saint Goard,  "that if he can terminate
+these troubles and leave me alone in the dance, he will have leisure and
+means to establish his authority, not only in the Netherlands but
+elsewhere; and that he will render himself more grand and formidable than
+he has ever been.  This is the return they render for the good received
+from me, which is such as every one knows."
+
+Gaspar de Schomberg, the adroit and honorable agent of Charles in
+Germany, had at a very early day warned his royal master of the ill
+effect of the massacre upon all the schemes which he had been pursuing,
+and especially upon those which referred to the crowns of the Empire and
+of Poland.  The first project was destined to be soon abandoned.  It was
+reserved neither for Charles nor Philip to divert the succession in
+Germany from the numerous offspring of Maximilian; yet it is instructive
+to observe the unprincipled avidity with which the prize was sought by
+both.  Each was willing to effect its purchase by abjuring what were
+supposed his most cherished principles.  Philip of Spain, whose mission
+was to extirpate heresy throughout his realms, and who, in pursuance of
+that mission, had already perpetrated more crimes, and waded more deeply
+in the blood of his subjects, than monarch had often done before; Philip,
+for whom his apologists have never found any defence, save that he
+believed it his duty to God rather to depopulate his territories than to
+permit a single heretic within their limits--now entered into secret
+negotiations with the princes of the Empire.  He pledged himself, if they
+would confer the crown upon him, that he would withdraw the Spaniards
+from the Netherlands; that he would tolerate in those provinces the
+exercise of the Reformed religion; that he would recognize their union
+with the rest of the German Empire, and their consequent claim to the
+benefits of the Passau treaty; that he would restore the Prince of Orange
+"and all his accomplices" to their former possessions, dignities, and
+condition; and that he would cause to be observed, throughout every realm
+incorporated with the Empire, all the edicts and ordinances which had
+been constructed to secure religious freedom in Germany.  In brief,
+Philip was willing, in case the crown of Charlemagne should be promised
+him, to undo the work of his life, to reinstate the arch-rebel whom he
+had hunted and proscribed, and to bow before that Reformation whose
+disciples he had so long burned, and butchered.  So much extent and no
+more had that religious, conviction by which he had for years had the
+effrontery to excuse the enormities practised in the Netherlands.  God
+would never forgive him so long as one heretic remained unburned in the
+provinces; yet give him the Imperial sceptre, and every heretic, without
+forswearing his heresy, should be purged with hyssop and become whiter
+than snow.
+
+Charles IX., too, although it was not possible for him to recal to life
+the countless victims of the Parisian wedding, was yet ready to explain
+those murders to the satisfaction of every unprejudiced mind.  This had
+become strictly necessary.  Although the accession of either his Most
+Christian or Most Catholic Majesty to the throne of the Caesars was a
+most improbable event, yet the humbler elective, throne actually vacant
+was indirectly in the gift of the same powers.  It was possible that the
+crown of Poland might be secured for the Duke of Anjou.  That key unlocks
+the complicated policy of this and the succeeding year.  The Polish
+election is the clue to the labyrinthian intrigues and royal
+tergiversations during the period of the interregnum.  Sigismund
+Augustus, last of the Jagellons, had died on the 7th July; 1572.  The
+prominent candidates to succeed him were the Archduke Ernest, son of
+the Emperor, and Henry of Anjou.  The Prince of Orange was not forgotten.
+A strong party were in favor of compassing his election, as the most
+signal triumph which Protestantism could gain, but his ambition had not
+been excited by the prospect of such a prize.  His own work required all
+the energies of all his life.  His influence, however, was powerful, and
+eagerly sought by the partisans of Anjou.  The Lutherans and Moravians in
+Poland were numerous, the Protestant party there and in Germany holding
+the whole balance of the election in their hands.
+
+It was difficult for the Prince to overcome his repugnance to the very
+name of the man whose crime had at once made France desolate, and
+blighted the fair prospects under which he and his brother had, the year
+before, entered the Netherlands.  Nevertheless; he was willing to listen
+to the statements by which the King and his ministers endeavoured, not
+entirely without success, to remove from their reputations, if not from
+their souls; the guilt of deep design.  It was something, that the
+murderers now affected to expiate their offence in sackcloth and ashes--
+it was something that, by favoring the pretensions of Anjou, and by
+listening with indulgence to the repentance of Charles, the siege of
+Rochelle could be terminated, the Huguenots restored to freedom of
+conscience, and an alliance with a powerful nation established, by aid of
+which the Netherlands might once more lift their heads.  The French
+government, deeply hostile to Spain, both from passion and policy,
+was capable of rendering much assistance to the revolted provinces.
+"I entreat you most humbly, my good master," wrote Schomberg to Charles
+IX., "to beware of allowing the electors to take into their heads that
+you are favoring the affairs of the King of Spain in any manner
+whatsoever.  Commit against him no act of open hostility, if you think
+that imprudent; but look sharp! if you do not wish to be thrown clean out
+of your saddle.  I should split with rage if I should see you, in
+consequence of the wicked calumnies of your enemies, fail to secure the
+prize."
+
+Orange was induced, therefore, to accept, however distrustfully, the
+expression of a repentance which was to be accompanied with healing
+measures.  He allowed his brother Louis to resume negotiations with
+Schomberg, in Germany.  He drew up and transmitted to him the outlines
+of a treaty which he was willing to make with Charles.  The main
+conditions of this arrangement illustrated the disinterested character
+of the man.  He stipulated that the King of France should immediately
+make peace with his subjects, declaring expressly that he had been abused
+by those, who, under pretext of his service, had sought their own profit
+at the price of ruin to the crown and people.  The King should make
+religion free.  The edict to that effect should be confirmed by all the
+parliaments and estates of the kingdom, and such confirmations should be
+distributed without reserve or deceit among all the princes of Germany.
+If his Majesty were not inclined to make war for the liberation of the
+Netherlands, he was to furnish the Prince of Orange with one hundred
+thousand crowns at once, and every three months with another hundred
+thousand.  The Prince was to have liberty to raise one thousand cavalry
+and seven thousand infantry in France.  Every city or town in the
+provinces which should be conquered by his arms, except in Holland or
+Zealand, should be placed under the sceptre, and in the hands of the King
+of France.  The provinces of Holland and Zealand should also be placed
+under his protection, but should be governed by their own gentlemen and
+citizens.  Perfect religious liberty and maintenance of the ancient
+constitutions, privileges, and charters were to be guaranteed "without
+any cavilling whatsoever."  The Prince of Orange, or the estates of
+Holland or Zealand, were to reimburse his Christian Majesty for the sums
+which he was to advance.  In this last clause was the only mention which
+the Prince made of himself, excepting in the stipulation that he was to
+be allowed a levy of troops in France.  His only personal claims were
+to enlist soldiers to fight the battles of freedom, and to pay their
+expense, if it should not be provided for by the estates.  At nearly
+the same period, he furnished his secret envoys, Luinbres and Doctor
+Taijaert, who were to proceed to Paris, with similar instructions.
+
+The indefatigable exertions of Schomberg, and the almost passionate
+explanations on the part of the court of France, at length produced their
+effect.  "You will constantly assure the princes," wrote the Duke of
+Anjou to Schomberg, "that the things written, to you concerning that
+which had happened in this kingdom are true; that the events occurred
+suddenly, without having been in any manner premeditated; that neither
+the King nor myself have ever had any intelligence with, the King of
+Spain, against those of the religion, and that all is utter imposture
+which is daily said on this subject to the princes."
+
+Count Louis required peremptorily, however, that the royal repentance
+should bring forth the fruit of salvation for the remaining victims.  Out
+of the nettles of these dangerous intrigues his fearless hand plucked the
+"flower of safety" for his down-trodden cause.  He demanded not words,
+but deeds, or at least pledges.  He maintained with the agents of Charles
+and with the monarch himself the same hardy scepticism which was
+manifested by the Huguenot deputies in their conferences with Catharine
+de Medicis.  "Is the word of a king," said the dowager to the
+commissioners, who were insisting upon guarantees, "is the word of a king
+not sufficient?"--"No, madam," replied one of them, "by Saint
+Bartholomew, no!"  Count Louis told Schomberg roundly, and repeated it
+many times, that he must have in a very few days a categorical response,
+"not to consist in words alone, but in deeds, and that he could not, and
+would not, risk for ever the honor of his brother, nor the property;
+blood, and life of those poor people who favored the cause."
+
+On the 23rd March, 1573, Schomberg had an interview with Count Louis,
+which lasted seven or eight hours.  In that interview the enterprises of
+the Count, "which," said Schomberg, "are assuredly grand and beautiful,"
+were thoroughly discussed, and a series of conditions, drawn up partly in
+the hand of one, partly in that of the other negotiator; definitely
+agreed upon.  These conditions were on the basis of a protectorate over
+Holland and Zealand for the King of France, with sovereignty over the
+other places to be acquired in the Netherlands.  They were in strict
+accordance with the articles furnished by the Prince of Orange.  Liberty
+of worship for those of both religions, sacred preservation of municipal
+charters, and stipulation of certain annual subsidies on the part of
+France, in case his Majesty should not take the field, were the principal
+features.
+
+Ten days later, Schomberg wrote to his master that the Count was willing
+to use all the influence of his family to procure for Anjou the crown of
+Poland, while Louis, having thus completed his negotiations with the
+agent, addressed a long and earnest letter to the royal principal.  This
+remarkable despatch was stamped throughout with the impress of the
+writer's frank and fearless character.  "Thus diddest thou" has rarely
+been addressed to anointed monarch in such unequivocal tones: The letter
+painted the favorable position in which the king had been placed
+previously to the fatal summer of 1572.  The Queen of England was then
+most amicably disposed towards him, and inclined to a yet closer
+connexion with his family.  The German princes were desirous to elect
+him King of the Romans, a dignity for which his grandfather had so
+fruitlessly contended.  The Netherlanders, driven to despair by the
+tyranny of their own sovereign, were eager to throw themselves into his
+arms.  All this had been owing to his edict of religious pacification.
+How changed the picture now!  Who now did reverence to a King so criminal
+and so fallen?  "Your Majesty to-day," said Louis, earnestly and plainly,
+"is near to ruin.  The State, crumbling on every side and almost
+abandoned, is a prey to any one who wishes to seize upon it; the more
+so, because your Majesty, having, by the late excess and by the wars
+previously made, endeavoured to force men's consciences, is now so
+destitute, not only of nobility and soldiery but of that which
+constitutes the strongest column of the throne, the love and good wishes
+of the lieges, that your Majesty resembles an ancient building propped
+up, day after, day, with piles, but which it will be impossible long to
+prevent from falling to the earth."  Certainly, here were wholesome
+truths told in straightforward style.
+
+The Count proceeded to remind the King of the joy which the "Spaniard,
+his mortal enemy," had conceived from the desolation of his affairs,
+being assured that he should, by the troubles in France, be enabled to
+accomplish his own purposes without striking a blow.  This, he observed,
+had been the secret of the courtesy with which the writer himself had
+been treated by the Duke of Alva at the surrender of Mons.  Louis assured
+the King, in continuation, that if he persevered in these oppressive
+courses towards his subjects of the new religion, there was no hope for
+him, and that his two brothers would, to no purpose, take their departure
+for England, and, for Poland, leaving him with a difficult and dangerous
+war upon his hands.  So long as he maintained a hostile attitude towards
+the Protestants in his own kingdom, his fair words would produce no
+effect elsewhere.  "We are beginning to be vexed," said the Count, "with
+the manner of negotiation practised by France.  Men do not proceed
+roundly to business there, but angle with their dissimulation as with a
+hook."
+
+He bluntly reminded the King of the deceit which he had practised towards
+the Admiral--a sufficient reason why no reliance could in future be
+placed upon his word.  Signal vengeance on those concerned in the
+attempted assassination of that great man had been promised, in the royal
+letters to the Prince of Orange, just before St. Bartholomew.  "Two days
+afterwards," said Louis, "your Majesty took that vengeance, but in rather
+ill fashion."  It was certain that the King was surrounded by men who
+desired to work his ruin, and who, for their own purposes, would cause
+him to bathe still deeper than he had done before in the blood of his
+subjects.  This ruin his Majesty could still avert; by making peace in
+his kingdom, and by ceasing to torment his poor subjects of the
+religion.
+
+In conclusion, the Count, with a few simple but eloquent phrases,
+alluded to the impossibility of chaining men's thoughts.  The soul,
+being immortal, was beyond the reach of kings.  Conscience was not to be
+conquered, nor the religious spirit imprisoned.  This had been discovered
+by the Emperor Charles, who had taken all the cities and great personages
+of Germany captive, but who had nevertheless been unable to take religion
+captive.  "That is a sentiment," said Louis, "deeply rooted in the hearts
+of men, which is not to be plucked out by force of arms.  Let your
+majesty, therefore not be deceived by the flattery of those who, like bad
+physicians, keep their patients in ignorance of their disease, whence
+comes their ruin."
+
+It would be impossible, without insight into these private and most
+important transactions, to penetrate the heart of the mystery which
+enwrapped at this period the relations of the great powers with each
+other.  Enough has been seen to silence for ever the plea, often entered
+in behalf of religious tyranny, that the tyrant acts in obedience to a
+sincere conviction of duty; that, in performing his deeds of darkness,
+he believes himself to be accomplishing the will of Heaven.  Here we have
+seen Philip, offering to restore the Prince of Orange, and to establish
+freedom of religion in the Netherlands, if by such promises he can lay
+hold of the Imperial diadem.  Here also we have Charles IX. and his
+mother--their hands reeking with the heretic-blood of St. Bartholomew--
+making formal engagements with heretics to protect heresy everywhere,
+if by such pledges the crown of the Jagellons and the hand of Elizabeth
+can be secured.
+
+While Louis was thus busily engaged in Germany, Orange was usually
+established at Delft.  He felt the want of his brother daily, for the
+solitude of the Prince, in the midst of such fiery trials, amounted
+almost to desolation.  Not often have circumstances invested an
+individual with so much responsibility and so little power.  He was
+regarded as the protector and father of the country, but from his own
+brains and his own resources he was to furnish himself with the means of
+fulfilling those high functions.  He was anxious thoroughly to discharge
+the duties of a dictatorship without grasping any more of its power than
+was indispensable to his purpose.  But he was alone on that little
+isthmus, in single combat with the great Spanish monarchy.  It was to him
+that all eyes turned, during the infinite horrors of the Harlem sieges
+and in the more prosperous leaguer of Alkmaar.  What he could do he did.
+He devised every possible means to succor Harlem, and was only restrained
+from going personally to its rescue by the tears of the whole population
+of Holland.  By his decision and the spirit which he diffused through the
+country, the people were lifted to a pitch of heroism by which Alkmaar
+was saved.  Yet, during all this harassing period, he had no one to lean
+upon but himself.  "Our affairs are in pretty good; condition in Holland
+and Zealand," he wrote, "if I only had some aid.  'Tis impossible for me
+to support alone so many labors, and the weight of such great affairs as
+come upon me hourly--financial, military, political.  I have no one to
+help me, not a single man, wherefore I leave you to suppose in what
+trouble I find myself."
+
+For it was not alone the battles and sieges which furnished him with
+occupation and filled him with anxiety.  Alone, he directed in secret the
+politics of the country, and, powerless and outlawed though he seemed,
+was in daily correspondence not only with the estates of Holland and
+Zealand, whose deliberations he guided, but with the principal
+governments of Europe.  The estates of the Netherlands, moreover, had
+been formally assembled by Alva in September, at Brussels, to devise ways
+and means for continuing the struggle.  It seemed to the Prince a good
+opportunity to make an appeal to the patriotism of the whole country.
+He furnished the province of Holland, accordingly, with the outlines of
+an address which was forthwith despatched in their own and his name, to
+the general assembly of the Netherlands.  The document was a nervous and
+rapid review of the course of late events in the provinces, with a cogent
+statement of the reasons which should influence them all to unite in the
+common cause against the common enemy.  It referred to the old affection
+and true-heartedness with which they had formerly regarded each other,
+and to the certainty that the inquisition would be for ever established
+in the land, upon the ruins of all their ancient institutions, unless
+they now united to overthrow it for ever.  It demanded of the people,
+thus assembled through their representatives, how they could endure the
+tyranny, murders, and extortions of the Duke of Alva.  The princes of
+Flanders, Burgundy, Brabant, or Holland, had never made war or peace,
+coined money, or exacted a stiver from the people without the consent of
+the estates.  How could the nation now consent to the daily impositions
+which were practised?  Had Amsterdam and Middelburg remained true; had
+those important cities not allowed themselves to be seduced from the
+cause of freedom, the northern provinces would have been impregnable.
+"'Tis only by the Netherlands that the Netherlands are crushed," said the
+appeal.  "Whence has the Duke of Alva the power of which he boasts, but
+from yourselves--from Netherland cities?  Whence his ships, supplies,
+money, weapons, soldiers?  From the Netherland people.  Why has poor
+Netherland thus become degenerate and bastard?  Whither has fled the
+noble spirit of our brave forefathers, that never brooked the tyranny of
+foreign nations, nor suffered a stranger even to hold office within our
+borders?  If the little province of Holland can thus hold at bay the
+power of Spain, what could not all the Netherlands--Brabant, Flanders,
+Friesland, and the rest united accomplish?"  In conclusion, the estates-
+general were earnestly adjured to come forward like brothers in blood,
+and join hands with Holland, that together they might rescue the
+fatherland and restore its ancient prosperity and bloom.
+
+At almost the same time the Prince drew up and put in circulation one of
+the most vigorous and impassioned productions which ever came from his
+pen.  It was entitled, an "Epistle, in form of supplication, to his royal
+Majesty of Spain, from the Prince of Orange and the estates of Holland
+and Zealand."  The document produced a profound impression throughout
+Christendom.  It was a loyal appeal to the monarch's loyalty--a demand
+that the land-privileges should be restored, and the Duke of Alva
+removed.  It contained a startling picture of his atrocities and the
+nation's misery, and, with a few energetic strokes, demolished the
+pretence that these sorrows had been caused by the people's guilt.  In
+this connexion the Prince alluded to those acts of condemnation which the
+Governor-General had promulgated under the name of pardons, and treated
+with scorn the hypothesis that any crimes had been committed for Alva to
+forgive.  "We take God and your Majesty to witness," said the epistle,
+"that if we have done such misdeeds as are charged in the pardon, we
+neither desire nor deserve the pardon.  Like the most abject creatures
+which crawl the earth, we will be content to atone for our misdeeds with
+our lives.  We will not murmur, O merciful King, if we be seized one
+after another, and torn limb from limb, if it can be proved that we have
+committed the crimes of which we have been accused."
+
+After having thus set forth the tyranny of the government and the
+innocence of the people, the Prince, in his own name and that of the
+estates, announced the determination at which they had arrived.  "The
+tyrant," he continued, "would rather stain every river and brook with our
+blood, and hang our bodies upon every tree in the country, than not feed
+to the full his vengeance, and steep himself to the lips in our misery.
+Therefore we have taken up arms against the Duke of Alva and his
+adherents, to free ourselves, our wives and children, from his blood-
+thirsty hands.  If he prove too strong nor us, we will rather die an
+honorable death and leave a praiseworthy fame, than bend our necks, and
+reduce our dear fatherland to such slavery.  Herein are all our cities
+pledged to each other to stand every siege, to dare the utmost, to endure
+every possible misery, yea, rather to set fire to all our homes, and be
+consumed with them into ashes together, than ever submit to the decrees
+of this cruel tyrant."
+
+These were brave words, and destined to be bravely fulfilled, as the life
+and death of the writer and the records of his country proved, from
+generation unto generation.  If we seek for the mainspring of the energy
+which thus sustained the Prince in the unequal conflict to which he had
+devoted his life, we shall find it in the one pervading principle of his
+nature--confidence in God.  He was the champion of the political rights
+of his country, but before all he was the defender of its religion.
+Liberty of conscience for his people was his first object.  To establish
+Luther's axiom, that thoughts are toll-free, was his determination.  The
+Peace of Passau, and far more than the Peace of Passau, was the goal for
+which he was striving.  Freedom of worship for all denominations,
+toleration for all forms of faith, this was the great good in his
+philosophy.  For himself, he had now become a member of the Calvinist,
+or Reformed Church, having delayed for a time his public adhesion to
+this communion, in order not to give offence to the Lutherans and to
+the Emperor.  He was never a dogmatist, however, and he sought in
+Christianity for that which unites rather than for that which separates
+Christians.  In the course of October he publicly joined the church at
+Dort.
+
+The happy termination of the siege of Alkmaar was followed, three
+days afterwards, by another signal success on the part of the patriots.
+Count Bossu, who had constructed or collected a considerable fleet
+at Amsterdam, had, early in October, sailed into the Zuyder Zee,
+notwithstanding the sunken wrecks and other obstructions by which the
+patriots had endeavored to render the passage of the Y impracticable.
+The patriots of North Holland had, however, not been idle, and a fleet
+of five-and-twenty vessels, under Admiral Dirkzoon, was soon cruising in
+the same waters.  A few skirmishes took place, but Bossu's ships, which
+were larger, and provided with heavier cannon, were apparently not
+inclined for the close quarters which the patriots sought.  The Spanish
+Admiral, Hollander as he was, knew the mettle of his countrymen in a
+close encounter at sea, and preferred to trust to the calibre of his
+cannon.  On the 11th October, however, the whole patriot fleet, favored
+by a strong easterly, breeze, bore down upon the Spanish armada, which,
+numbering now thirty sail of all denominations, was lying off and on in
+the neighbourhood of Horn and Enkhuyzen.  After a short and general
+engagement, nearly all the Spanish fleet retired with precipitation,
+closely pursued by most of the patriot Dutch vessels.  Five of the King's
+ships were eventually taken, the rest effected their escape.  Only the
+Admiral remained, who scorned to yield, although his forces had thus
+basely deserted him.  His ship, the "Inquisition,"--for such was her
+insolent appellation, was far the largest and best manned of both the
+fleets.  Most of the enemy had gone in pursuit of the fugitives, but
+four vessels of inferior size had attacked the "Inquisition" at the
+commencement of the action.  Of these, one had soon been silenced, while
+the other three had grappled themselves inextricably to her sides and
+prow.  The four drifted together, before wind and tide, a severe and
+savage action going on incessantly, during which the navigation of the
+ships was entirely abandoned.  No scientific gunnery, no military or
+naval tactics were displayed or required in such a conflict.  It was a
+life-and-death combat, such as always occurred when Spaniard and
+Netherlander met, whether on land or water.  Bossu and his men, armed in
+bullet-proof coats of mail, stood with shield and sword on the deck of
+the "Inquisition," ready to repel all attempts to board.  The Hollander,
+as usual, attacked with pitch hoops, boiling oil, and molten lead.
+Repeatedly they effected their entrance to the Admiral's ship, and as
+often they were repulsed and slain in heaps, or hurled into the sea.
+The battle began at three in the afternoon, and continued without
+intermission through the whole night.  The vessels, drifting together,
+struck on the shoal called the Nek, near Wydeness.  In the heat of the
+action the occurrence was hardly heeded.  In the morning twilight, John
+Haring, of Horn, the hero who had kept one thousand soldiers at bay upon
+the Diemer dyke, clambered on board the "Inquisition" and hauled her
+colors down.  The gallant but premature achievement cost him his life.
+He was shot through the body and died on the deck of the ship, which was
+not quite ready to strike her flag.  In the course of the forenoon,
+however, it became obvious to Bossu that further resistance was idle.
+The ships were aground near a hostile coast, his own fleet was hopelessly
+dispersed, three quarters of his crew were dead or disabled, while the
+vessels with which he was engaged were constantly recruited by boats from
+the shore, which brought fresh men and ammunition, and removed their
+killed and wounded.  At eleven o'clock, Admiral Bossu surrendered, and
+with three hundred prisoners was carried into Holland.  Bossu was himself
+imprisoned at Horn, in which city he was received, on his arrival, with
+great demonstrations of popular hatred.  The massacre of Rotterdam, due
+to his cruelty and treachery, had not yet been forgotten or forgiven.
+
+This victory, following so hard upon the triumph at Alkmaar, was
+as gratifying to the patriots as it was galling to Alva.  As his
+administration drew to a close, it was marked by disaster and disgrace on
+land and sea.  The brilliant exploits by which he had struck terror into
+the heart of the Netherlanders, at Jemmingen and in Brabant, had been
+effaced by the valor of a handful of Hollanders, without discipline or
+experience.  To the patriots, the opportune capture of so considerable
+a personage as the Admiral and Governor of the northern province was of
+great advantage.  Such of the hostages from Harlem as had not yet been
+executed, now escaped with their lives.  Moreover, Saint Aldegonde,
+the eloquent patriot and confidential friend of Orange, who was taken
+prisoner a few weeks later, in an action at Maeslands-luis, was preserved
+from inevitable destruction by the same cause.  The Prince hastened to
+assure the Duke of Alva that the same measure would be dealt to Bossu as
+should be meted to Saint Aldegonde.  It was, therefore, impossible for
+the Governor-General to execute his prisoner, and he was obliged to
+submit to the vexation of seeing a leading rebel and heretic in his
+power, whom he dared not strike.  Both the distinguished prisoners
+eventually regained their liberty.
+
+The Duke was, doubtless, lower sunk in the estimation of all classes than
+he had ever been before, during his long and generally successful life.
+The reverses sustained by his army, the belief that his master had grown
+cold towards him, the certainty that his career in the Netherlands was
+closing without a satisfactory result, the natural weariness produced
+upon men's minds by the contemplation of so monotonous and unmitigated a
+tyranny during so many years, all contributed to diminish his reputation.
+He felt himself odious alike to princes and to plebeians.  With his
+cabinet councillors he had long been upon unsatisfactory terms.
+President Tisnacq had died early, in the summer, and Viglius, much
+against his will, had been induced, provisionally, to supply his place.
+But there was now hardly a pretence of friendship between the learned
+Frisian and the Governor.  Each cordially detested the other.  Alva was
+weary of Flemish and Frisian advisers, however subservient, and was
+anxious to fill the whole council with Spaniards of the Vargas stamp.
+He had forced Viglius once more into office, only that, by a little
+delay, he might expel him and every Netherlander at the same moment.
+"Till this ancient set of dogmatizers be removed," he wrote to Philip,
+"with Viglius, their chief, who teaches them all their lessons, nothing
+will go right.  'Tis of no use adding one or two Spaniards to fill
+vacancies; that is only pouring a flask of good wine into a hogshead
+of vinegar; it changes to vinegar likewise.  Your Majesty will soon be
+able to reorganize the council at a blow; so that Italians or Spaniards,
+as you choose, may entirely govern the country."
+
+Such being his private sentiments with regard to his confidential
+advisers, it may be supposed that his intercourse with his council during
+the year was not like to be amicable.  Moreover, he had kept himself, for
+the most part, at a distance from the seat of government.  During the
+military operations in Holland, his head-quarters had been at Amsterdam.
+Here, as the year drew to its close, he had become as unpopular as in
+Brussels.  The time-serving and unpatriotic burghers, who, at the
+beginning of the spring, set up his bust in their houses, and would give
+large sums for his picture in little, now broke his images and tore his
+portraits from their walls, for it was evident that the power of his name
+was gone, both with prince and people.  Yet, certainly, those fierce
+demonstrations which had formerly surrounded his person with such an
+atmosphere of terror had not slackened or become less frequent than
+heretofore.  He continued to prove that he could be barbarous, both
+on a grand and a minute scale.  Even as in preceding years, he could
+ordain wholesale massacres with a breath, and superintend in person the
+executions of individuals.  This was illustrated, among other instances,
+by the cruel fate of Uitenhoove.  That unfortunate nobleman, who had been
+taken prisoner in the course of the summer, was accused of having been
+engaged in the capture of Brill, and was, therefore, condemned by the
+Duke to be roasted to death before a slow fire.  He was accordingly
+fastened by a chain, a few feet in length, to a stake, around which the
+fagots were lighted.  Here he was kept in slow torture for a long time,
+insulted by the gibes of the laughing Spaniards who surrounded him--until
+the executioner and his assistants, more humane than their superior,
+despatched the victim with their spears--a mitigation of punishment which
+was ill received by Alva.  The Governor had, however, no reason to remain
+longer in Amsterdam.  Harlem had fallen; Alkmaar was relieved; and
+Leyden--destined in its second siege to furnish so signal a chapter to
+the history of the war--was beleaguered, it was true, but, because known
+to be imperfectly supplied, was to be reduced by blockade rather than by
+active operations.  Don Francis Valdez was accordingly left in command of
+the siege, which, however, after no memorable occurrences, was raised,
+as will soon be related.
+
+The Duke had contracted in Amsterdam an enormous amount of debt,
+both public and private.  He accordingly, early in November, caused a
+proclamation to be made throughout the city by sound of trumpet, that all
+persons having demands upon him were to present their claims, in person,
+upon a specified day.  During the night preceding the day so appointed,
+the Duke and his train very noiselessly took their departure, without
+notice or beat of drum.  By this masterly generalship his unhappy
+creditors were foiled upon the very eve of their anticipated triumph;
+the heavy accounts which had been contracted on the faith of the King
+and the Governor, remained for the most part unpaid, and many opulent and
+respectable families were reduced to beggary.  Such was the consequence
+of the unlimited confidence which they had reposed in the honor of their
+tyrant.
+
+On the 17th of November, Don Luis de Requesens y Cuniga, Grand Commander
+of Saint Jago, the appointed successor of Alva, arrived in Brussels,
+where he was received with great rejoicings.  The Duke, on the same day,
+wrote to the King, "kissing his feet" for thus relieving him of his
+functions.  There was, of course, a profuse interchange of courtesy
+between the departing and the newly-arrived Governors.  Alva was willing
+to remain a little while, to assist his successor with his advice, but
+preferred that the Grand Commander should immediately assume the reins of
+office.  To this Requesens, after much respectful reluctance, at length
+consented.  On the 29th of November he accordingly took the oaths, at
+Brussels, as Lieutenant-Governor and Captain-General, in presence of the
+Duke of Aerschot, Baron Berlaymont, the President of the Council, and
+other functionaries.
+
+On the 18th of December the Duke of Alva departed from the provinces
+for ever.  With his further career this history has no concern, and it is
+not desirable to enlarge upon the personal biography of one whose name
+certainly never excites pleasing emotions.  He had kept his bed for the
+greater part of the time during the last few weeks of his government--
+partly on account of his gout, partly to avoid being seen in his
+humiliation, but mainly, it was said, to escape the pressing demands
+of his creditors.  He expressed a fear of travelling homeward through
+France, on the ground that he might very probably receive a shot out of
+a window as he went by.  He complained pathetically that, after all his
+labors, he had not "gained the approbation of the King," while he had
+incurred "the malevolence and universal hatred of every individual in the
+country."  Mondoucet, to whom he made the observation, was of the same
+opinion; and informed his master that the Duke "had engendered such an
+extraordinary hatred in the hearts of all persons in the land, that they
+would have fireworks in honor of his departure if they dared."
+
+On his journey from the Netherlands, he is said to have boasted that he
+had caused eighteen thousand six hundred inhabitants of the provinces to
+be executed during the period of his government. The number of those who
+had perished by battle, siege, starvation, and massacre, defied
+computation.  The Duke was well received by his royal master, and
+remained in favor until a new adventure of Don Frederic brought father
+and son into disgrace.  Having deceived and abandoned a maid of honor,
+he suddenly espoused his cousins in order to avoid that reparation by
+marriage which was demanded for his offence.  In consequence, both the
+Duke and Don Frederic were imprisoned and banished, nor was Alva released
+till a general of experience was required for the conquest of Portugal.
+Thither, as it were with fetters on his legs, he went.  After having
+accomplished the military enterprise entrusted to him, he fell into a
+lingering fever, at the termination of which he was so much reduced that
+he was only kept alive by milk, which he drank from a woman's breast.
+Such was the gentle second childhood of the man who had almost literally
+been drinking blood for seventy years.  He died on the 12th December,
+1582.
+
+The preceding pages have been written in vain, if an elaborate estimate
+be now required of his character.  His picture has been painted, as far
+as possible, by his own hand.  His deeds, which are not disputed, and his
+written words, illustrate his nature more fully than could be done by the
+most eloquent pen.  No attempt has been made to exaggerate his crimes,
+or to extenuate his superior qualities.  Virtues he had none, unless
+military excellence be deemed, as by the Romans, a virtue.  In war, both
+as a science and a practical art, he excelled all the generals who were
+opposed to him in the Netherlands, and he was inferior to no commander
+in the world during the long and belligerent period to which his life
+belonged.  Louis of Nassau possessed high reputation throughout Europe
+as a skilful and daring General.  With raw volunteers he had overthrown
+an army of Spanish regulars, led by a Netherland chieftain of fame and
+experience; but when Alva took the field in person the scene was totally
+changed.  The Duke dealt him such a blow at Jemmingen as would have
+disheartened for ever a less indomitable champion.  Never had a defeat
+been more absolute.  The patriot army was dashed out of existence, almost
+to a man, and its leader, naked and beggared, though not disheartened,
+sent back into Germany to construct his force and his schemes anew.
+
+Having thus flashed before the eyes of the country the full terrors of
+his name, and vindicated the ancient military renown of his nation, the
+Duke was at liberty to employ the consummate tactics, in which he could
+have given instruction to all the world, against his most formidable
+antagonist.  The country, paralyzed with fear, looked anxiously but
+supinely upon the scientific combat between the two great champions of
+Despotism and Protestantism which succeeded.  It was soon evident that
+the conflict could terminate in but one way.  The Prince had considerable
+military abilities, and enthusiastic courage; he lost none of his well-
+deserved reputation by the unfortunate issue of his campaign; he measured
+himself in arms with the great commander of the age, and defied him, day
+after day, in vain, to mortal combat; but it was equally certain that the
+Duke's quiet game was, played in the most masterly manner.  His positions
+and his encampments were taken with faultless judgment, his skirmishes
+wisely and coldly kept within the prescribed control, while the
+inevitable dissolution of the opposing force took place exactly as he had
+foreseen, and within the limits which he had predicted.  Nor in the
+disastrous commencement of the year 1572 did the Duke less signally
+manifest his military genius.  Assailed as he was at every point, with
+the soil suddenly upheaving all around him, as by an earthquake, he did
+not lose his firmness nor his perspicacity.  Certainly, if he had not
+been so soon assisted by that other earthquake, which on Saint
+Bartholomew's Day caused all Christendom to tremble, and shattered the
+recent structure of Protestant Freedom in the Netherlands, it might have
+been worse for his reputation.  With Mons safe, the Flemish frontier
+guarded; France faithful, and thirty thousand men under the Prince of
+Orange in Brabant, the heroic brothers might well believe that the Duke
+was "at their mercy."  The treason of Charles IX. "smote them as with a
+club," as the Prince exclaimed in the bitterness of his spirit.  Under
+the circumstances, his second campaign was a predestined failure, and
+Alva easily vanquished him by a renewed application of those dilatory
+arts which he so well understood.
+
+The Duke's military fame was unquestionable when he came to the
+provinces, and both in stricken fields and in long campaigns, he showed
+how thoroughly it had been deserved; yet he left the Netherlands a
+baffled man.  The Prince might be many times defeated, but he was not to
+be conquered.  As Alva penetrated into the heart of the ancient Batavian
+land he found himself overmatched as he had never been before, even by
+the most potent generals of his day.  More audacious, more inventive,
+more desperate than all the commanders of that or any other age, the
+spirit of national freedom, now taught the oppressor that it was
+invincible; except by annihilation.  The same lesson had been read in the
+same thickets by the Nervii to Julius Caesar, by the Batavians to the
+legions of Vespasian; and now a loftier and a purer flame than that which
+inspired the national struggles against Rome glowed within the breasts of
+the descendants of the same people, and inspired them with the strength
+which comes, from religious enthusiasm.  More experienced, more subtle,
+more politic than Hermann; more devoted, more patient, more magnanimous
+than Civilis, and equal to either in valor and determination, William of
+Orange was a worthy embodiment of the Christian, national resistance of
+the German race to a foreign tyranny.  Alva had entered the Netherlands
+to deal with them as with conquered provinces.  He found that the
+conquest was still to be made, and he left the land without having
+accomplished it.  Through the sea of blood, the Hollanders felt that they
+were passing to the promised land.  More royal soldiers fell during the
+seven months' siege of Harlem than the rebels had lost in the defeat of
+Jemmingen, and in the famous campaign of Brabant.  At Alkmaar the rolling
+waves of insolent conquest were stayed, and the tide then ebbed for ever.
+
+The accomplished soldier struggled hopelessly, with the wild and
+passionate hatred which his tyranny had provoked.  Neither his legions
+nor his consummate strategy availed him against an entirely desperate
+people.  As a military commander, therefore, he gained, upon the whole,
+no additional laurels during his long administration of the Netherlands.
+Of all the other attributes to be expected in a man appointed to deal
+with a free country, in a state of incipient rebellion, he manifested a
+signal deficiency.  As a financier, he exhibited a wonderful ignorance of
+the first principles of political economy.  No man before, ever gravely
+proposed to establish confiscation as a permanent source of revenue to
+the state; yet the annual product from the escheated property of
+slaughtered heretics was regularly relied upon, during his
+administration, to replenish the King's treasury, and to support
+the war of extermination against the King's subjects.  Nor did statesman
+ever before expect a vast income from the commerce of a nation devoted to
+almost universal massacre.  During the daily decimation of the people's
+lives, he thought a daily decimation of their industry possible.  His
+persecutions swept the land of those industrious classes which had made
+it the rich and prosperous commonwealth it had been so lately; while,
+at the same time, he found a "Peruvian mine," as he pretended, in the
+imposition of a tenth penny upon every one of its commercial
+transactions.  He thought that a people, crippled as this had been by the
+operations of the Blood Council; could pay ten per cent., not annually
+but daily; not upon its income, but upon its capital; not once only, but
+every time the value constituting the capital changed hands.  He had
+boasted that he should require no funds from Spain, but that, on the
+contrary, he should make annual remittances to the royal treasury at
+home, from the proceeds of his imposts and confiscations; yet,
+notwithstanding these resources, and notwithstanding twenty-five millions
+of gold in five years, sent by Philip from Madrid, the exchequer of the
+provinces was barren and bankrupt when his successor arrived.  Requesens
+found neither a penny in the public treasury nor the means of raising
+one.
+
+As an administrator of the civil and judicial affairs of the country,
+Alva at once reduced its institutions to a frightful simplicity.  In the
+place of the ancient laws of which the Netherlanders were so proud, he
+substituted the Blood Council.  This tribunal was even more arbitrary
+than the Inquisition.  Never was a simpler apparatus for tyranny devised,
+than this great labor-saving machine.  Never was so great a, quantity of
+murder and robbery achieved with such despatch and regularity.
+Sentences, executions, and confiscations, to an incredible extent, were
+turned out daily with appalling precision.  For this invention, Alva is
+alone responsible.  The tribunal and its councillors were the work and
+the creatures of his hand, and faithfully did they accomplish the dark
+purpose of their existence.  Nor can it be urged, in extenuation of the
+Governor's crimes, that he was but the blind and fanatically loyal slave
+of his sovereign.  A noble nature could not have contaminated itself with
+such slaughter-house work, but might have sought to mitigate the royal
+policy, without forswearing allegiance.  A nature less rigid than iron,
+would at least have manifested compunction, as it found itself converted
+into a fleshless instrument of massacre.  More decided than his master,
+however, he seemed, by his promptness, to rebuke the dilatory genius of
+Philip.  The King seemed, at times, to loiter over his work, teasing and
+tantalising his appetite for vengeance, before it should be gratified:
+Alva, rapid and brutal, scorned such epicureanism.  He strode with
+gigantic steps over haughty statutes and popular constitutions; crushing
+alike the magnates who claimed a bench of monarchs for their jury, and
+the ignoble artisans who could appeal only to the laws of their land.
+From the pompous and theatrical scaffolds of Egmont and Horn, to the
+nineteen halters prepared by Master Karl, to hang up the chief bakers and
+brewers of Brussels on their own thresholds--from the beheading of the
+twenty nobles on the Horse-market, in the opening of the Governor's
+career, to the roasting alive of Uitenhoove at its close-from the block
+on which fell the honored head of Antony Straalen, to the obscure chair
+in which the ancient gentlewoman of Amsterdam suffered death for an act
+of vicarious mercy--from one year's end to another's--from the most
+signal to the most squalid scenes of sacrifice, the eye and hand of the
+great master directed, without weariness, the task imposed by the
+sovereign.
+
+No doubt the work of almost indiscriminate massacre had been duly mapped
+out.  Not often in history has a governor arrived to administer the
+affairs of a province, where the whole population, three millions strong,
+had been formally sentenced to death.  As time wore on, however, he even
+surpassed the bloody instructions which he had received.  He waved aside
+the recommendations of the Blood Council to mercy; he dissuaded the
+monarch from attempting the path of clemency, which, for secret reasons,
+Philip was inclined at one period to attempt.  The Governor had, as he
+assured the King, been using gentleness in vain, and he was now
+determined to try what a little wholesome severity could effect.  These
+words were written immediately after the massacres at Harlem.
+
+With all the bloodshed at Mons, and Naarden, and Mechlin, and by the
+Council of Tumults, daily, for six years long, still crying from the
+ground, he taxed himself with a misplaced and foolish tenderness to the
+people.  He assured the King that when Alkmaar should be taken, he would,
+not spare a "living soul among its whole population;" and, as his parting
+advice, he recommended that every city in the Netherlands should be
+burned to the ground, except a few which could he occupied permanently by
+the royal troops.  On the whole, so finished a picture of a perfect and
+absolute tyranny has rarely been presented to mankind by history, as in
+Alva's administration of the Netherlands.
+
+The tens of thousands in those miserable provinces who fell victims to
+the gallows, the sword, the stake, the living grave, or to living
+banishment, have never been counted; for those statistics of barbarity
+are often effaced from human record.  Enough, however, is known, and
+enough has been recited in the preceding pages.  No mode in which human
+beings have ever caused their fellow-creatures to suffer, was omitted
+from daily practice.  Men, women, and children, old and young, nobles
+and paupers, opulent burghers, hospital patients, lunatics, dead bodies,
+all were indiscriminately made to furnish food for-the scaffold and the
+stake.  Men were tortured, beheaded, hanged by the neck and by the legs,
+burned before slow fires, pinched to death with red hot tongs, broken
+upon the wheel, starved, and flayed alive.  Their skins stripped from the
+living body, were stretched upon drums, to be beaten in the march of
+their brethren to the gallows.  The bodies of many who had died a natural
+death were exhumed, and their festering remains hanged upon the gibbet,
+on pretext that they had died without receiving the sacrament, but in
+reality that their property might become the legitimate prey of the
+treasury.  Marriages of long standing were dissolved by order of
+government, that rich heiresses might be married against their will to
+foreigners whom they abhorred.  Women and children were executed for the
+crime of assisting their fugitive husbands and parents with a penny in
+their utmost need, and even for consoling them with a letter, in their
+exile.  Such was the regular course of affairs as administered by the
+Blood Council.  The additional barbarities committed amid the sack and
+ruin of those blazing and starving cities, are almost beyond belief;
+unborn infants were torn from the living bodies of their mothers; women
+and children were violated by thousands; and whole populations burned and
+hacked to pieces by soldiers in every mode which cruelty, in its wanton
+ingenuity, could devise.  Such was the administration, of which Vargas
+affirmed, at its close, that too much mercy, "nimia misericordia," had
+been its ruin.
+
+Even Philip, inspired by secret views, became wearied of the Governor,
+who, at an early period, had already given offence by his arrogance.
+To commemorate his victories, the Viceroy had erected a colossal statue,
+not to his monarch, but to himself.  To proclaim the royal pardon, he had
+seated himself upon a golden throne.  Such insolent airs could be ill
+forgiven by the absolute King.  Too cautious to provoke an open rupture,
+he allowed the Governor, after he had done all his work, and more than
+all his work, to retire without disgrace, but without a triumph.  For the
+sins of that administration, master and servant are in equal measure
+responsible.
+
+The character of the Duke of Alva, so far as the Netherlands are
+concerned, seems almost like a caricature.  As a creation of fiction, it
+would seem grotesque: yet even that hardy, historical scepticism, which
+delights in reversing the judgment of centuries, and in re-establishing
+reputations long since degraded to the dust, must find it difficult to
+alter this man's position.  No historical decision is final; an appeal to
+a more remote posterity, founded upon more accurate evidence, is always
+valid; but when the verdict has been pronounced upon facts which are
+undisputed, and upon testimony from the criminal's lips, there is
+little chance of a reversal of the sentence.  It is an affectation
+of philosophical candor to extenuate vices which are not only avowed,
+but claimed as virtues.
+
+     [The time is past when it could be said that the cruelty of Alva, or
+     the enormities of his administration, have been exaggerated by party
+     violence.  Human invention is incapable of outstripping the truth
+     upon this subject.  To attempt the defence of either the man or his
+     measures at the present day is to convict oneself of an amount of
+     ignorance or of bigotry against which history and argument are alike
+     powerless.  The publication of the Duke's letters in the
+     correspondence of Simancas and in the Besancon papers, together with
+     that compact mass of horror, long before the world under the title
+     of "Sententien van Alva," in which a portion only of the sentences
+     of death and banishment pronounced by him during his reign, have
+     been copied from the official records--these in themselves would be
+     a sufficient justification of all the charges ever brought by the
+     most bitter contemporary of Holland or Flanders.  If the
+     investigator should remain sceptical, however, let him examine the
+     "Registre des Condamnes et Bannia a Cause des Troubles des Pays
+     Bas," in three, together with the Records of the "Conseil des
+     Troubles," in forty-three folio volumes, in the Royal Archives at
+     Brussels.  After going through all these chronicles of iniquity, the
+     most determined historic, doubter will probably throw up the case.]
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Advised his Majesty to bestow an annual bribe upon Lord Burleigh
+Angle with their dissimulation as with a hook
+Luther's axiom, that thoughts are toll-free
+Only kept alive by milk, which he drank from a woman's breast
+Scepticism, which delights in reversing the judgment of centuries
+So much responsibility and so little power
+Sometimes successful, even although founded upon sincerity
+We are beginning to be vexed
+
+
+
+
+End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Dutch Republic, v21
+by John Lothrop Motley
+
+
+
+
+
+
+MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 22.
+
+THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
+
+By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY
+
+1855
+
+
+
+ADMINISTRATION OF THE GRAND COMMANDER
+
+PART IV.
+
+
+
+1573-74  [CHAPTER I.]
+
+     Previous career of Requesens--Philip's passion for detail--Apparent
+     and real purposes of government--Universal desire for peace--
+     Correspondence of leading royalists with Orange--Bankruptcy of the
+     exchequer at Alva's departures--Expensive nature of the war--
+     Pretence of mildness on the part of the Commander--His private
+     views--Distress of Mondragon at Middelburg--Crippled condition of
+     Holland--Orange's secret negotiations with France--St. Aldegonde's
+     views in captivity--Expedition to relieve Middelburg--Counter
+     preparations of Orange--Defeat of the expedition--Capitulation of
+     Mondragon--Plans of Orange and his brothers--An army under Count
+     Louis crosses the Rhine--Measures taken by Requesens--Manoeuvres of
+     Avila and of Louis--The two armies in face at Mook--Battle of Mook-
+     heath--Overthrow and death of Count Louis--The phantom battle--
+     Character of Louis of Nassau--Painful uncertainty as to his fate--
+     Periodical mutinies of the Spanish troops characterized--Mutiny
+     after the battle of Mook--Antwerp attacked and occupied,--Insolent
+     and oppressive conduct of the mutineers--Offers of Requesens
+     refused--Mutiny in the citadel--Exploits of Salvatierra--Terms of
+     composition--Soldiers' feast on the mere--Successful expedition of
+     Admiral Boisot
+
+The horrors of Alva's administration had caused men to look back with
+fondness upon the milder and more vacillating tyranny of the Duchess
+Margaret.  From the same cause the advent of the Grand Commander was
+hailed with pleasure and with a momentary gleam of hope.  At any rate,
+it was a relief that the man in whom an almost impossible perfection of
+cruelty seemed embodied was at last to be withdrawn.  it was certain that
+his successor, however ambitious of following in Alva's footsteps, would
+never be able to rival the intensity and the unswerving directness of
+purpose which it had been permitted to the Duke's nature to attain.  The
+new Governor-General was, doubtless, human, and it had been long since
+the Netherlanders imagined anything in common between themselves and the
+late Viceroy.
+
+Apart from this hope, however, there was little encouragement to be
+derived from anything positively known of the new functionary, or the
+policy which he was to represent.  Don Luis de Requesens and Cuniga,
+Grand Commander of Castile and late Governor of Milan, was a man of
+mediocre abilities, who possessed a reputation for moderation and
+sagacity which he hardly deserved.  His military prowess had been chiefly
+displayed in the bloody and barren battle of Lepanto, where his conduct
+and counsel were supposed to have contributed, in some measure, to the
+victorious result.  His administration at Milan had been characterized
+as firm and moderate.  Nevertheless, his character was regarded with
+anything but favorable eyes in the Netherlands.  Men told each other of
+his broken faith to the Moors in Granada, and of his unpopularity in
+Milan, where, notwithstanding his boasted moderation, he had, in reality,
+so oppressed the people as to gain their deadly hatred.  They complained,
+too, that it was an insult to send, as Governor-General of the provinces,
+not a prince of the blood, as used to be the case, but a simple
+"gentleman of cloak and sword."
+
+Any person, however, who represented the royal authority in the provinces
+was under historical disadvantage.  He was literally no more than an
+actor, hardly even that.  It was Philip's policy and pride to direct all
+the machinery of his extensive empire, and to pull every string himself.
+His puppets, however magnificently attired, moved only in obedience to
+his impulse, and spoke no syllable but with his voice.  Upon the table in
+his cabinet was arranged all the business of his various realms, even to
+the most minute particulars.
+
+Plans, petty or vast, affecting the interests of empires and ages,
+or bounded within the narrow limits of trivial and evanescent detail,
+encumbered his memory and consumed his time.  His ambition to do all the
+work of his kingdoms was aided by an inconceivable greediness for labor.
+He loved the routine of business, as some monarchs have loved war,
+as others have loved pleasure.  The object, alike paltry and impossible,
+of this ambition, bespoke the narrow mind.  His estates were regarded by
+him as private property; measures affecting the temporal and eternal
+interests of millions were regarded as domestic affairs, and the eye of
+the master was considered the only one which could duly superintend these
+estates and those interests.  Much incapacity to govern was revealed in
+this inordinate passion to administer.  His mind, constantly fatigued by
+petty labors, was never enabled to survey his wide domains from the
+height of majesty.
+
+In Alva, certainly, he had employed an unquestionable reality; but Alva,
+by a fortunate coincidence of character, had seemed his second self.  He
+was now gone, however, and although the royal purpose had not altered,
+the royal circumstances were changed.  The moment had arrived when it was
+thought that the mask and cothurn might again be assumed with effect;
+when a grave and conventional personage might decorously make his
+appearance to perform an interlude of clemency and moderation with
+satisfactory results.  Accordingly, the Great Commander, heralded by
+rumors of amnesty, was commissioned to assume the government which Alva
+had been permitted to resign.
+
+It had been industriously circulated that a change of policy was
+intended.  It was even supposed by the more sanguine that the Duke had
+retired in disgrace.  A show of coldness was manifested towards him on
+his return by the King, while Vargas, who had accompanied the Governor,
+was peremptorily forbidden to appear within five leagues of the court.
+The more discerning, however, perceived much affectation in this apparent
+displeasure.  Saint Goard, the keen observer of Philip's moods and
+measures, wrote to his sovereign that he had narrowly observed the
+countenances of both Philip and Alva; that he had informed himself as
+thoroughly as possible with regard to the course of policy intended;
+that he had arrived at the conclusion that the royal chagrin was but
+dissimulation, intended to dispose the Netherlanders to thoughts of an
+impossible peace, and that he considered the present merely a breathing
+time, in which still more active preparations might be made for crushing
+the rebellion.  It was now evident to the world that the revolt had
+reached a stage in which it could be terminated only by absolute
+conquest or concession.
+
+To conquer the people of the provinces, except by extermination,
+seemed difficult--to judge by the seven years of execution, sieges
+and campaigns, which had now passed without a definite result.  It was,
+therefore, thought expedient to employ concession.  The new Governor
+accordingly, in case the Netherlanders would abandon every object for
+which they had been so heroically contending, was empowered to concede
+a pardon.  It was expressly enjoined upon him, however, that no
+conciliatory measures should be adopted in which the King's absolute
+supremacy, and the total prohibition of every form of worship but the
+Roman Catholic, were not assumed as a basis.  Now, as the people had been
+contending at least ten years long for constitutional rights against
+prerogative, and at least seven for liberty of conscience against
+papistry, it was easy to foretell how much effect any negotiations
+thus commenced were likely to produce.
+
+Yet, no doubt, in the Netherlands there was a most earnest longing for
+peace.  The Catholic portion of the population were desirous of a
+reconciliation with their brethren of the new religion.  The universal
+vengeance which had descended upon heresy had not struck the heretics
+only.  It was difficult to find a fireside, Protestant or Catholic, which
+had not been made desolate by execution, banishment, or confiscation.
+The common people and the grand seigniors were alike weary of the war.
+Not only Aerschot and Viglius, but Noircarmes and Berlaymont, were
+desirous that peace should be at last compassed upon liberal terms,
+and the Prince of Orange fully and unconditionally pardoned.  Even the
+Spanish commanders had become disgusted with the monotonous butchery
+which had stained their swords.  Julian Romero; the fierce and
+unscrupulous soldier upon whose head rested the guilt of the Naarden
+massacre, addressed several letters to William of Orange, full of
+courtesy, and good wishes for a speedy termination of the war, and for an
+entire reconciliation of the Prince with his sovereign.  Noircarmes also
+opened a correspondence with the great leader of the revolt; and offered
+to do all in his power to restore peace and prosperity to the country.
+The Prince answered the courtesy of the Spaniard with equal, but barren,
+courtesy; for it was obvious that no definite result could be derived
+from such informal negotiations.  To Noircarmes he responded in terms of
+gentle but grave rebuke, expressing deep regret that a Netherland noble
+of such eminence, with so many others of rank and authority, should so
+long have supported the King in his tyranny.  He, however, expressed his
+satisfaction that their eyes, however late, had opened to the enormous
+iniquity which had been practised in the country, and he accepted the
+offers of friendship as frankly as they had been made.  Not long
+afterwards, the Prince furnished his correspondent with a proof of his
+sincerity, by forwarding to him two letters which had been intercepted;
+from certain agents of government to Alva, in which Noircarmes and others
+who had so long supported the King against their own country, were spoken
+of in terms of menace and distrust.  The Prince accordingly warned his
+new correspondent that, in spite of all the proofs of uncompromising
+loyalty which he had exhibited, he was yet moving upon a dark and
+slippery-pathway, and might, even like Egmont and Horn, find a scaffold-
+as the end and the reward of his career.  So profound was that abyss of
+dissimulation which constituted the royal policy, towards the
+Netherlands, that the most unscrupulous partisans of government could
+only see doubt and danger with regard to their future destiny, and
+were sometimes only saved by an opportune death from disgrace and
+the hangman's hands.
+
+Such, then, were the sentiments of many eminent personages, even among
+the most devoted loyalists.  All longed for peace; many even definitely
+expected it, upon the arrival of the Great Commander.  Moreover, that
+functionary discovered, at his first glance into the disorderly state of
+the exchequer, that at least a short respite was desirable before
+proceeding with the interminable measures of hostility against the
+rebellion.  If any man had been ever disposed to give Alva credit for
+administrative ability, such delusion must have vanished at the spectacle
+of confusion and bankruptcy which presented, itself at the termination of
+his government.  He resolutely declined to give his successor any
+information whatever as to his financial position.  So far from
+furnishing a detailed statement, such as might naturally be expected
+upon so momentous an occasion, he informed the Grand Commander that even
+a sketch was entirely out of the question, and would require more time
+and labor than he could then afford.  He took his departure, accordingly,
+leaving Requesens in profound ignorance as to his past accounts; an
+ignorance in which it is probable that the Duke himself shared to the
+fullest extent.  His enemies stoutly maintained that, however loosely his
+accounts had been kept, he had been very careful to make no mistakes
+against himself, and that he had retired full of wealth, if not of honor,
+from his long and terrible administration.  His own letters, on the
+contrary, accused the King of ingratitude, in permitting an old soldier
+to ruin himself, not only in health but in fortune, for want of proper
+recompense during an arduous administration.  At any rate it is very
+certain that the rebellion had already been an expensive matter to the
+Crown.  The army in the Netherlands numbered more than sixty-two thousand
+men, eight thousand being Spaniards, the rest Walloons and Germans.
+Forty millions of dollars had already been sunk, and it seemed probable
+that it would require nearly the whole annual produce of the American
+mines to sustain the war.  The transatlantic gold and silver, disinterred
+from the depths where they had been buried for ages, were employed, not
+to expand the current of a healthy, life-giving commerce, but to be
+melted into blood.  The sweat and the tortures of the King's pagan
+subjects in the primeval forests of the New World, were made subsidiary
+to the extermination of his Netherland people, and the destruction of an
+ancient civilization.  To this end had Columbus discovered a hemisphere
+for Castile and Aragon, and the new Indies revealed their hidden
+treasures?
+
+Forty millions of ducats had been spent.  Six and a half millions of
+arrearages were due to the army, while its current expenses were six
+hundred thousand a month.  The military expenses alone of the Netherlands
+were accordingly more than seven millions of dollars yearly, and the
+mines of the New World produced, during the half century of Philip's
+reign, an average of only eleven.  Against this constantly increasing
+deficit, there was not a stiver in the exchequer, nor the means of
+raising one.  The tenth penny had been long virtually extinct, and was
+soon to be formally abolished.  Confiscation had ceased to afford a
+permanent revenue, and the estates obstinately refused to grant a dollar.
+Such was the condition to which the unrelenting tyranny and the financial
+experiments of Alva had reduced the country.
+
+It was, therefore, obvious to Requesens that it would be useful at the
+moment to hold out hopes of pardon and reconciliation.  He saw, what he
+had not at first comprehended, and what few bigoted supporters of
+absolutism in any age have ever comprehended, that national enthusiasm,
+when profound and general, makes a rebellion more expensive to the despot
+than to the insurgents.  "Before my arrival," wrote the Grand Commander
+to his sovereign, "I did not understand how the rebels could maintain
+such considerable fleets, while your Majesty could not support a single
+one.  It appears, however, that men who are fighting for their lives,
+their firesides, their property, and their false religion, for their own
+cause, in short, are contented to receive rations only, without receiving
+pay."  The moral which the new Governor drew from his correct diagnosis
+of the prevailing disorder was, not that this national enthusiasm should
+be respected, but that it should be deceived.  He deceived no one but
+himself, however.  He censured Noircarmes and Romero for their
+intermeddling, but held out hopes of a general pacification.  He
+repudiated the idea of any reconciliation between the King and the Prince
+of Orange, but proposed at the same time a settlement of the revolt.
+He had not yet learned that the revolt and William of Orange were one.
+Although the Prince himself had repeatedly offered to withdraw for ever
+from the country, if his absence would expedite a settlement satisfactory
+to the provinces, there was not a patriot in the Netherlands who could
+contemplate his departure without despair.  Moreover, they all knew
+better than did Requesens, the inevitable result of the pacific measures
+which had been daily foreshadowed.
+
+The appointment of the Grand Commander was in truth a desperate attempt
+to deceive the Netherlanders.  He approved distinctly and heartily of
+Alva's policy, but wrote to the King that it was desirable to amuse the
+people with the idea of another and a milder scheme.  He affected to
+believe, and perhaps really did believe, that the nation would accept the
+destruction of all their institutions, provided that penitent heretics
+were allowed to be reconciled to the Mother Church, and obstinate ones
+permitted to go into perpetual exile, taking with them a small portion of
+their worldly goods.  For being willing to make this last and almost
+incredible concession, he begged pardon sincerely of the King.  If
+censurable, he ought not, he thought, to be too severely blamed, for his
+loyalty was known.  The world was aware how often he had risked his life
+for his Majesty, and how gladly and how many more times he was ready to
+risk it in future.  In his opinion, religion had, after all, but very
+little to do with the troubles, and so he confidentially informed his
+sovereign.  Egmont and Horn had died Catholics, the people did not rise
+to assist the Prince's invasion in 1568, and the new religion was only a
+lever by which a few artful demagogues had attempted to overthrow the
+King's authority.
+
+Such views as these revealed the measures of the new Governor's capacity.
+The people had really refused to rise in 1568, not because they were
+without sympathy for Orange, but because they were paralyzed by their
+fear of Alva.  Since those days, however, the new religion had increased
+and multiplied everywhere, in the blood which had rained upon it.  It was
+now difficult to find a Catholic in Holland and Zealand, who was not a
+government agent.  The Prince had been a moderate Catholic, in the
+opening scenes of the rebellion, while he came forward as the champion
+of liberty for all forms of Christianity.  He had now become a convert to
+the new religion without receding an inch from his position in favor of
+universal toleration.  The new religion was, therefore, not an instrument
+devised by a faction, but had expanded into the atmosphere of the
+people's daily life.  Individuals might be executed for claiming to
+breathe it, but it was itself impalpable to the attacks of despotism.
+Yet the Grand Commander persuaded himself that religion had little or
+nothing to do with the state of the Netherlands.  Nothing more was
+necessary, he thought; or affected to think, in order to restore
+tranquillity, than once more to spread the net of a general amnesty.
+
+The Duke of Alva knew better.  That functionary, with whom, before his
+departure from the provinces, Requesens had been commanded to confer,
+distinctly stated his opinion that there was no use of talking about
+pardon.  Brutally, but candidly, he maintained that there was nothing to
+be done but to continue the process of extermination.  It was necessary,
+he said, to reduce the country to a dead level of unresisting misery;
+before an act of oblivion could be securely laid down as the foundation
+of a new and permanent order of society.  He had already given his advice
+to his Majesty, that every town in the country should be burned to the
+ground, except those which could be permanently occupied by the royal
+troops.  The King, however, in his access of clemency at the appointment
+of a new administration, instructed the Grand Commander not to resort to
+this measure unless it should become strictly necessary.--Such were the
+opposite opinions of the old and new governors with regard to the pardon.
+The learned Viglius sided with Alva, although manifestly against his
+will.  "It is both the Duke's opinion and my own," wrote the Commander,
+"that Viglius does not dare to express his real opinion, and that he is
+secretly desirous of an arrangement with the rebels."  With a good deal
+of inconsistency, the Governor was offended, not only with those who
+opposed his plans, but with those who favored them.  He was angry
+with Viglius, who, at least nominally, disapproved of the pardon,
+and with Noircarmes, Aerschot, and others, who manifested a wish for
+a pacification.  Of the chief characteristic ascribed to the people by
+Julius Caesar, namely, that they forgot neither favors nor injuries, the
+second half only, in the Grand Commander's opinion, had been retained.
+Not only did they never forget injuries, but their memory, said he,
+was so good, that they recollected many which they had never received.
+
+On the whole, however, in the embarrassed condition of affairs, and while
+waiting for further supplies, the Commander was secretly disposed to try
+the effect of a pardon.  The object was to deceive the people and to gain
+time; for there was no intention of conceding liberty of conscience,
+of withdrawing foreign troops, or of assembling the states-general.
+It was, however, not possible to apply these hypocritical measures of
+conciliation immediately.  The war was in full career and could not be
+arrested even in that wintry season.  The patriots held Mondragon closely
+besieged in Middelburg, the last point in the Isle of Walcheren which
+held for the King.  There was a considerable treasure in money and
+merchandise shut up in that city; and, moreover, so deserving and
+distinguished an officer as Mondragon could not be abandoned to his fate.
+At the same time, famine was pressing him sorely, and, by the end of the
+year, garrison and townspeople had nothing but rats, mice, dogs, cats,
+and such repulsive substitutes for food, to support life withal.
+It was necessary to take immediate measures to relieve the place.
+
+On the other hand, the situation of the patriots was not very
+encouraging.  Their superiority on the sea was unquestionable, for the
+Hollanders and Zealanders were the best sailors in the world, and they
+asked of their country no payment for their blood, but thanks.  The land
+forces, however, were usually mercenaries, who were apt to mutiny at the
+commencement of an action if, as was too often the case, their wages
+could not be paid.  Holland was entirely cut in twain by the loss of
+Harlem and the leaguer of Leyden, no communication between the dissevered
+portions being possible, except with difficulty and danger.  The estates,
+although they had done much for the cause, and were prepared to do much
+more, were too apt to wrangle about economical details.  They irritated
+the Prince of Orange by huckstering about subsidies to a degree which his
+proud and generous nature could hardly brook.  He had strong hopes from
+France.  Louis of Nassau had held secret interviews with the Duke of
+Alencon and the Duke of Anjou, now King of Poland, at Blamont.  Alencon
+had assured him secretly, affectionately, and warmly, that he would be as
+sincere a friend to the cause as were his two royal brothers.  The Count
+had even received one hundred thousand livres in hand, as an earnest of
+the favorable intentions of France, and was now busily engaged, at the
+instance of the Prince, in levying an army in Germany for the relief of
+Leyden and the rest of Holland, while William, on his part, was omitting
+nothing, whether by representations to the estates or by secret foreign
+missions and correspondence, to further the cause of the suffering
+country.
+
+At the same time, the Prince dreaded the effect--of the promised pardon.
+He had reason to be distrustful of the general temper of the nation when
+a man like Saint Aldegonde, the enlightened patriot and his own tried
+friend, was influenced, by the discouraging and dangerous position in
+which he found himself, to abandon the high ground upon which they had
+both so long and so firmly stood: Saint Aldegonde had been held a strict
+prisoner since his capture at Maeslandsluis, at the close of Alva's
+administration.--It was, no doubt, a predicament attended with much keen
+suffering and positive danger.  It had hitherto been the uniform policy
+of the government to kill all prisoners, of whatever rank.  Accordingly,
+some had been drowned, some had been hanged--some beheaded some poisoned
+in their dungeons--all had been murdered.  This had been Alva's course.
+The Grand Commander also highly approved of the system, but the capture
+of Count Bossu by the patriots had necessitated a suspension of such
+rigor.  It was certain that Bossu's head would fall as soon as Saint
+Aldegonde's, the Prince having expressly warned the government of this
+inevitable result.  Notwithstanding that security, however, for his
+eventual restoration to liberty, a Netherland rebel in a Spanish prison
+could hardly feel himself at ease.  There were so many foot-marks into
+the cave and not a single one coming forth.  Yet it was not singular,
+however, that the Prince should read with regret the somewhat insincere
+casuistry with which Saint Aldegonde sought to persuade himself and his
+fellow-countrymen that a reconciliation with the monarch was desirable,
+even upon unworthy terms.  He was somewhat shocked that so valiant and
+eloquent a supporter of the Reformation should coolly express his opinion
+that the King would probably refuse liberty of conscience to the
+Netherlanders, but would, no doubt, permit heretics to go into
+banishment.  "Perhaps, after we have gone into exile," added Saint
+Aldegonde, almost with baseness, "God may give us an opportunity of doing
+such good service to the King, that he will lend us a more favorable ear,
+and, peradventure, permit our return to the country."
+
+Certainly, such language was not becoming the pen which wrote the famous
+Compromise.  The Prince himself was, however, not to be induced, even by
+the captivity and the remonstrances of so valued a friend, to swerve from
+the path of duty.  He still maintained, in public and private, that the
+withdrawal of foreign troops from the provinces, the restoration of the
+old constitutional privileges, and the entire freedom of conscience in
+religious matters, were the indispensable conditions of any pacification.
+It was plain to him that the Spaniards were not ready to grant these
+conditions; but he felt confident that he should accomplish the release
+of Saint Aldegonde without condescending to an ignominious peace.
+
+The most pressing matter, upon the Great Commander's arrival, was
+obviously to relieve the city of Middelburg.  Mondragon, after so stanch
+a defence, would soon be obliged to capitulate, unless he should promptly
+receive supplies.  Requesens, accordingly, collected seventy-five ships
+at Bergen op Zoom; which were placed nominally under the command of
+Admiral de Glimes, but in reality under that of Julian Romero.  Another
+fleet of thirty vessels had been assembled at Antwerp under Sancho
+d'Avila.  Both, amply freighted with provisions, were destined to make
+their way to Middelburg by the two different passages of the Hondo and
+the Eastern Scheld.  On the other hand, the Prince of Orange had repaired
+to Flushing to superintend the operations of Admiral Boisot, who already;
+in obedience to his orders, had got a powerful squadron in readiness at
+that place.  Late in January, 1574, d'Avila arrived in the neighbourhood
+of Flushing, where he awaited the arrival of Romero's fleet.  United,
+the two Commanders were to make a determined attempt to reinforce the
+starving city of Middelburg.  At the same time, Governor Requesens made
+his appearance in person at Bergen op Zoom to expedite the departure of
+the stronger fleet, but it was not the intention of the Prince of Orange
+to allow this expedition to save the city.  The Spanish generals, however
+valiant, were to learn that their genius was not amphibious, and that the
+Beggars of the Sea were still invincible on their own element, even if
+their brethren of the land had occasionally quailed.
+
+Admiral Boisot's fleet had already moved up the Scheld and taken a
+position nearly opposite to Bergen op Zoom.  On the 20th of January the
+Prince of Orange, embarking from Zierick Zee, came to make them a visit
+before the impending action.  His galley, conspicuous for its elegant
+decorations, was exposed for some time to the artillery of the fort, but
+providentially escaped unharmed.  He assembled all the officers of his
+armada, and, in brief but eloquent language, reminded them how necessary
+it was to the salvation of the whole country that they should prevent the
+city of Middelburg--the key to the whole of Zealand, already upon the
+point of falling into the hands of the patriots--from being now wrested
+from their grasp.  On the sea, at least, the Hollanders and Zealanders
+were at home.  The officers and men, with one accord, rent the air with
+their cheers.  They swore that they would shed every drop of blood in
+their veins but they would sustain the Prince and the country; and they
+solemnly vowed not only to serve, if necessary, without wages, but to
+sacrifice all that they possessed in the world rather than abandon the
+cause of their fatherland.  Having by his presence and his language
+aroused their valor to so high a pitch of enthusiasm, the Prince departed
+for Delft, to make arrangements to drive the Spaniards from the siege of
+Leyden.
+
+On the 29th of January, the fleet of Romero sailed from Bergen, disposed
+in three divisions, each numbering twenty-five vessels of different
+sizes.  As the Grand Commander stood on the dyke of Schakerloo to witness
+the departure, a general salute was fired by the fleet in his honor, but
+with most unfortunate augury.  The discharge, by some accident, set fire
+to the magazines of one of the ships, which blew up with a terrible
+explosion, every soul on board perishing.  The expedition, nevertheless,
+continued its way.  Opposite Romerswael, the fleet of Boisot awaited
+them, drawn up in battle array.  As an indication of the spirit which
+animated this hardy race, it may be mentioned that Schot, captain of
+the flag-ship, had been left on shore, dying of a pestilential fever.
+Admiral Boisot had appointed a Flushinger, Klaaf Klaafzoon, in his place.
+Just before the action, however, Schot, "scarcely able to blow a feather
+from his mouth," staggered on board his ship, and claimed the command.
+
+There was no disputing a precedency which he had risen from his death-bed
+to vindicate.  There was, however, a short discussion, as the enemy's
+fleet approached, between these rival captains regarding the manner in
+which the Spaniards should be received.  Klaafzoon was of opinion that
+most of the men should go below till after the enemy's first discharge.
+Schot insisted that all should remain on deck, ready to grapple with the
+Spanish fleet, and to board them without the least delay.
+
+The sentiment of Schot prevailed, and all hands stood on deck, ready with
+boarding-pikes and grappling-irons.
+
+The first division of Romero came nearer, and delivered its first
+broadside, when Schot and Klaafzoon both fell mortally wounded.  Admiral
+Boisot lost an eye, and many officers and sailors in the other vessels
+were killed or wounded.  This was, however, the first and last of the
+cannonading.  As many of Romero's vessels as could be grappled within
+the narrow estuary found themselves locked in close embrace with their
+enemies.  A murderous hand-to-hand conflict succeeded.  Battle-axe,
+boarding-pike, pistol, and dagger were the weapons.  Every man who
+yielded himself a prisoner was instantly stabbed and tossed into the sea
+by the remorseless Zealanders.  Fighting only to kill, and not to
+plunder, they did not even stop to take the gold chains which many
+Spaniards wore on their necks.  It had, however, been obvious from the
+beginning that the Spanish fleet were not likely to achieve that triumph
+over the patriots which was necessary before they could relieve
+Middelburg.  The battle continued a little longer; but after fifteen
+ships had been taken and twelve hundred royalists slain, the remainder of
+the enemy's fleet retreated into Bergen.  Romero himself, whose ship had
+grounded, sprang out of a port-hole and swam ashore, followed by such of
+his men as were able to imitate him.  He landed at the very feet of the
+Grand Commander, who, wet and cold, had been standing all day upon the
+dyke of Schakerloo, in the midst of a pouring rain, only to witness the
+total defeat of his armada at last.
+
+"I told your Excellency," said Romero, coolly, as he climbed, all
+dripping, on the bank, "that I was a land-fighter and not a sailor.
+If you were to give me the command of a hundred fleets, I believe that
+none of them would fare better than this has done."  The Governor and his
+discomfited, but philosophical lieutenant, then returned to Bergen, and
+thence to Brussels, acknowledging that the city of Middelburg must fall,
+while Sancho d'Avila, hearing of the disaster which had befallen his
+countrymen, brought his fleet, with the greatest expedition, back to
+Antwerp.  Thus the gallant Mondragon was abandoned to his fate.
+
+That fate could no longer be protracted.  The city of Middelburg had
+reached and passed the starvation point.  Still Mondragon was determined
+not to yield at discretion, although very willing to capitulate.  The
+Prince of Orange, after the victory of Bergen, was desirous of an
+unconditional surrender, believing it to be his right, and knowing that
+he could not be supposed capable of practising upon Middelburg the
+vengeance which had been wreaked on Naarden, Zutfen, and Harlem.
+Mondragon, however, swore that he would set fire to the city in twenty
+places, and perish with every soldier and burgher in the flames together,
+rather than abandon himself to the enemy's mercy.  The prince knew that
+the brave Spaniard was entirely capable of executing his threat.  He
+granted honorable conditions, which, on the 18th February, were drawn up
+in five articles, and signed.  It was agreed that Mondragon and his
+troops should leave the place, with their arms, ammunition, and all their
+personal property.  The citizens who remained were to take oath of
+fidelity to the Prince, as stadholder for his Majesty, and were to pay
+besides a subsidy of three hundred thousand florins.  Mondragon was,
+furthermore, to procure the discharge of Saint Aldegonde, and of four
+other prisoners of rank, or, failing in the attempt, was to return within
+two months, and constitute himself prisoner of war.  The Catholic priests
+were to take away from the city none of their property but their clothes.
+In accordance with this capitulation, Mondragon, and those who wished to
+accompany him, left the city on the 21st of February, and were conveyed
+to the Flemish shore at Neuz.  It will be seen in the sequel that the
+Governor neither granted him the release of the five prisoners, nor
+permitted him to return, according to his parole.  A few days afterwards,
+the Prince entered the city, re-organized the magistracy, received the
+allegiance of the inhabitants, restored the ancient constitution, and
+liberally remitted two-thirds of the sum in which they had been, mulcted.
+
+The Spaniards had thus been successfully driven from the Isle of
+Walcheren, leaving the Hollanders and Zealanders masters of the sea-
+coast.  Since the siege of Alkmaar had been raised, however, the enemy
+had remained within the territory of Holland.  Leyden was closely
+invested, the country in a desperate condition, and all communication
+between its different cities nearly suspended.  It was comparatively easy
+for the Prince of Orange to equip and man his fleets.  The genius and
+habits of the people made them at home upon the water, and inspired them
+with a feeling of superiority to their adversaries.  It was not so upon
+land.  Strong to resist, patient to suffer, the Hollanders, although
+terrible in defence; had not the necessary discipline or experience to
+meet the veteran legions of Spain, with confidence in the open field.
+To raise the siege of Leyden, the main reliance of the Prince was upon
+Count Louis, who was again in Germany.  In the latter days of Alva's
+administration, William had written to his brothers, urging them speedily
+to arrange the details of a campaign, of which he forwarded them a
+sketch.  As soon as a sufficient force had been levied in Germany, an
+attempt was to be made upon Maestricht.  If that failed, Louis was to
+cross the Meuse, in the neighbourhood of Stochem, make his way towards
+the Prince's own city of Gertruidenberg, and thence make a junction with
+his brother in the neighbourhood of Delft.  They were then to take up a
+position together between Harlem and Leyden.  In that case it seemed
+probable that the Spaniards would find themselves obliged to fight at a
+great disadvantage, or to abandon the country.  "In short," said the
+Prince, "if this enterprise be arranged with due diligence and
+discretion, I hold it as the only certain means for putting a speedy end
+to the war, and for driving these devils of Spaniards out of the country,
+before the Duke of Alva has time to raise another army to support them."
+
+In pursuance of this plan, Louis had been actively engaged all the
+earlier part of the winter in levying troops and raising supplies.
+He had been assisted by the French princes with considerable sums of
+money, as an earnest of what he was in future to expect from that source.
+He had made an unsuccessful attempt to effect the capture of Requesens,
+on his way to take the government of the Netherlands.  He had then passed
+to the frontier of France, where he had held his important interview with
+Catharine de Medici and the Duke of Anjou, then on the point of departure
+to ascend the throne of Poland.  He had received liberal presents, and
+still more liberal promises.  Anjou had assured him that he would go
+as far as any of the German princes in rendering active and sincere
+assistance to the Protestant cause in the Netherlands.  The Duc
+d'Alencon--soon, in his brother's absence, to succeed to the
+chieftainship of the new alliance between the "politiques" and the
+Huguenots--had also pressed his hand, whispering in his ear, as he did
+so, that the government of France now belonged to him, as it had recently
+done to Anjou, and that the Prince might reckon upon his friendship with
+entire security.
+
+These fine words, which cost nothing when whispered in secret, were not
+destined to fructify into a very rich harvest, for the mutual jealousy
+of France and England, lest either should acquire ascendency in the
+Netherlands, made both governments prodigal of promises, while the common
+fear entertained by them of the power of Spain rendered both languid;
+insincere, and mischievous allies.  Count John, however; was
+indefatigable in arranging the finances of the proposed expedition,
+and in levying contributions among his numerous relatives and allies in
+Germany, while Louis had profited by the occasion of Anjou's passage into
+Poland, to acquire for himself two thousand German and French cavalry,
+who had served to escort that Prince, and who, being now thrown out of
+employment, were glad to have a job offered them by a general who was
+thought to be in funds.  Another thousand of cavalry and six thousand
+foot were soon assembled from those ever-swarming nurseries of mercenary
+warriors, the smaller German states.  With these, towards the end of
+February; Louis crossed the Rhine in a heavy snow-storm, and bent his
+course towards Maestricht.  All the three brothers of the Prince
+accompanied this little army, besides Duke Christopher, son of the
+elector Palatine.
+
+Before the end of the month the army reached the Meuse, and encamped
+within four miles of Maestricht; on the opposite side of the river.
+The garrison, commanded by Montesdoca, was weak, but the news of the
+warlike preparations in Germany had preceded the arrival of Count Louis.
+Requesens, feeling the gravity of the occasion, had issued orders for an
+immediate levy of eight thousand cavalry in Germany, with a proportionate
+number of infantry.  At the same time he had directed Don Bernardino de
+Mendoza, with some companies of cavalry, then stationed in Breda, to
+throw himself without delay into Maestricht.  Don Sancho d'Avila was
+entrusted with the general care of resisting the hostile expedition.
+That general had forthwith collected all the troops which could be spared
+from every town where they were stationed, had strengthened the cities of
+Antwerp, Ghent, Nimweben, and Valenciennes, where there were known to be
+many secret adherents of Orange; and with the remainder of his forces had
+put himself in motion, to oppose the entrance of Louis into Brabant, and
+his junction with his brother in Holland.  Braccamonte had been
+despatched to Leyden, in order instantly to draw off the forces which
+were besieging the city.  Thus Louis had already effected something of
+importance by the very hews of his approach.
+
+Meantime the Prince of Orange had raised six thousand infantry, whose
+rendezvous was the Isle of Bommel.  He was disappointed at the paucity of
+the troops which Louis had been able to collect, but he sent messengers
+immediately to him; with a statement of his own condition, and with
+directions to join him in the Isle of Bommel, as soon as Maestricht
+should be reduced.  It was, however, not in the destiny of Louis to
+reduce Maestricht.  His expedition had been marked with disaster from the
+beginning.  A dark and threatening prophecy had, even before its
+commencement, enwrapped Louis, his brethren, and his little army, in a
+funeral pall.  More than a thousand of his men had deserted before he
+reached the Meuse.  When he encamped, apposite Maestricht, he found the
+river neither frozen nor open, the ice obstructing the navigation, but
+being too weak for the weight of an army.  While he was thus delayed and
+embarrassed, Mendoza arrived in the city with reinforcements.  It seemed
+already necessary for Louis to abandon his hopes of Maestricht, but he
+was at least desirous of crossing the river in that neighbourhood, in
+order to effect his junction with the Prince at the earliest possible
+moment.  While the stream was still encumbered with ice, however, the
+enemy removed all the boats.  On, the 3rd of March, Avila arrived with a
+large body of troops at Maestricht, and on the 18th Mendoza crossed the
+river in the night, giving the patriots so severe an 'encamisada', that
+seven hundred were killed, at the expense of only seven of his own party.
+Harassed, but not dispirited by these disasters, Louis broke up his camp
+on the 21st, and took a position farther down the river, at Fauquemont
+and Gulpen, castles in the Duchy of Limburg.  On the 3rd of April,
+Braccamonite arrived at Maestricht, with twenty-five companies of
+Spaniards and three of cavalry, while, on the same day Mondragon reached
+the scene of action with his sixteen companies of veterans.
+
+It was now obvious to Louis, not only that he should not take Maestricht,
+but that his eventual junction with his brother was at least doubtful,
+every soldier who could possibly be spared seeming in motion to oppose
+his progress.  He was, to be sure, not yet outnumbered, but the enemy was
+increasing, and his own force diminishing daily.  Moreover, the Spaniards
+were highly disciplined and experienced troops; while his own soldiers
+were mercenaries, already clamorous and insubordinate.  On the 8th of
+April he again shifted his encaampment, and took his course along the
+right bank of the Meuse, between that river and the Rhine, in the
+direction of Nimwegen.  Avila promptly decided to follow him upon the
+opposite bank of the Meuse, intending to throw himself between Louis and
+the Prince of Orange, and by a rapid march to give the Count battle,
+before he could join his brother.  On the 8th of April, at early dawn,
+Louis had left the neighbourhood of Maestricht, and on the 13th he
+encamped at the village of Mook near the confines of Cleves.  Sending
+out his scouts, he learned to his vexation, that the enemy had outmarched
+him, and were now within cannonshot.  On the 13th, Avila had constructed
+a bridge of boats, over which he had effected the passage of the Meuse
+with his whole army, so that on the Count's arrival at Mook, he found the
+enemy facing him, on the same side of the river, and directly in his
+path.  It was, therefore, obvious that, in this narrow space between the
+Waal and the Meuse, where they were now all assembled, Louis must achieve
+a victory, unaided, or abandon his expedition, and leave the Hollanders
+to despair.  He was distressed at the position in which he found himself,
+for he had hoped to reduce Maestricht, and to join, his brother in
+Holland.  Together, they could, at least, have expelled the Spaniards
+from that territory, in which case it was probable that a large part of
+the population in the different provinces would have risen.  According to
+present aspects, the destiny of the country, for some time to come, was
+likely to hang upon the issue of a battle which he had not planned, and
+for which he was not fully prepared.  Still he was not the man to be
+disheartened; nor had he ever possessed the courage to refuse a battle
+when: offered.  Upon this occasion it would be difficult to retreat
+without disaster and disgrace, but it was equally difficult to achieve
+a victory.  Thrust, as he was, like a wedge into the very heart of a
+hostile country, he was obliged to force his way through, or to remain in
+his enemy's power.  Moreover, and worst of all, his troops were in a
+state of mutiny for their wages.  While he talked to them of honor, they
+howled to him for money.  It was the custom of these mercenaries to
+mutiny on the eve of battle--of the Spaniards, after it had been fought.
+By the one course, a victory was often lost which might have been
+achieved; by the other, when won it was rendered fruitless.
+
+Avila had chosen his place of battle with great skill.  On the right bank
+of the Meuse, upon a narrow plain which spread from the river to a chain
+of hills within cannon-shot on the north, lay the little village of Mook.
+The Spanish general knew that his adversary had the superiority in
+cavalry, and that within this compressed apace it would not be possible
+to derive much advantage from the circumstance.
+
+On the 14th, both armies were drawn up in battle array at earliest dawn,
+Louis having strengthened his position by a deep trench, which extended
+from Mook, where he had stationed ten companies of infantry, which thus
+rested on the village and the river.  Next came the bulk of his infantry,
+disposed in a single square.  On their right was his cavalry, arranged in
+four squadrons, as well as the narrow limits of the field would allow. A
+small portion of them, for want of apace, were stationed on the hill
+side.
+
+Opposite, the forces of Don Sancho were drawn up in somewhat similar
+fashion.  Twenty-five companies of Spaniards were disposed in four bodies
+of pikemen and musketeers; their right resting on the river.  On their
+left was the cavalry, disposed by Mendoza in the form of a half moon-the
+horns garnished by two small bodies of sharpshooters.  In the front ranks
+of the cavalry were the mounted carabineers of Schenk; behind were the
+Spanish dancers.  The village of Mook lay between the two armies.
+
+The skirmishing began at early dawn, with an attack upon the trench, and
+continued some hours, without bringing on a general engagement.  Towards
+ten o'clock, Count Louis became impatient.  All the trumpets of the
+patriots now rang out a challenge to their adversaries, and the Spaniards
+were just returning the defiance, and preparing a general onset,
+when the Seigneur de Hierges and Baron Chevreaux arrived on the field.
+They brought with them a reinforcement of more than a thousand men, and
+the intelligence that Valdez was on his way with nearly five thousand
+more.  As he might be expected on the following morning, a short
+deliberation was held as to the expediency of deferring the action.
+Count Louis was at the head of six thousand foot and two thousand
+cavalry.  Avila mustered only four thousand infantry and not quite a
+thousand horse.  This inferiority would be changed on the morrow into an
+overwhelming superiority.  Meantime, it was well to remember the
+punishment endured by Aremberg at Heiliger Lee, for not waiting till
+Meghen's arrival.  This prudent counsel was, however, very generally
+scouted, and by none more loudly than by Hierges and Chevreaux, who had
+brought the intelligence.  It was thought that at this juncture nothing
+could be more indiscreet than discretion.  They had a wary and audacious
+general to deal with.  While they were waiting for their reinforcements,
+he was quite capable of giving them the slip.  He might thus effect the
+passage of the stream and that union with his brother which--had been
+thus far so successfully prevented.  This reasoning prevailed, and the
+skirmishing at the trench was renewed with redoubled vigour, an
+additional: force being sent against it.  After a short and fierce
+struggle it was carried, and the Spaniards rushed into the village, but
+were soon dislodged by a larger detachment of infantry, which Count Louis
+sent to the rescue.  The battle now became general at this point.
+
+Nearly all the patriot infantry were employed to defend the post; nearly
+all the Spanish infantry were ordered to assail it.  The Spaniards,
+dropping on their knees, according to custom, said a Paternoster and an
+Ave Mary, and then rushed, in mass, to the attack.  After a short but
+sharp conflict, the trench was again carried, and the patriots completely
+routed.  Upon this, Count Louis charged with all his cavalry upon the
+enemy's horse, which had hitherto remained motionless.  With the first
+shock the mounted arquebusiers of Schenk, constituting the vanguard, were
+broken, and fled in all directions.  So great was their panic, as Louis
+drove them before him, that they never stopped till they had swum or been
+drowned in the river; the survivors carrying the news to Grave and to
+other cities that the royalists had been completely routed.  This was,
+however, very far from the truth.  The patriot cavalry, mostly
+carabineers, wheeled after the first discharge, and retired to reload
+their pieces, but before they were ready for another attack, the Spanish
+lancers and the German black troopers, who had all remained firm, set
+upon them with great spirit: A fierce, bloody, and confused action
+succeeded, in which the patriots were completely overthrown.
+
+Count Louis, finding that the day was lost, and his army cut to pieces,
+rallied around him a little band of troopers, among whom were his
+brother, Count Henry, and Duke Christopher, and together they made a
+final and desperate charge.  It was the last that was ever seen of them
+on earth.  They all went down together, in the midst of the fight, and
+were never heard of more.  The battle terminated, as usual in those
+conflicts of mutual hatred, in a horrible butchery, hardly any of the
+patriot army being left to tell the tale of their disaster.  At least
+four thousand were killed, including those who were slain on the field,
+those who were suffocated in the marshes or the river, and those who were
+burned in the farm-houses where they had taken refuge.  It was uncertain
+which of those various modes of death had been the lot of Count Louis,
+his brother, and his friend.  The mystery was never solved.  They had,
+probably, all died on the field; but, stripped of their clothing, with
+their, faces trampled upon by the hoofs of horses, it was not possible to
+distinguish them from the less illustrious dead.  It was the opinion of,
+many that they had been drowned in the river; of others, that they had
+been burned.
+
+     [Meteren, v.  91.  Bor, vii.  491, 492.  Hoofd, Bentivoglio, ubi
+     sup.  The Walloon historian, occasionally cited in these pages, has
+     a more summary manner of accounting for the fate of these
+     distinguished personages.  According to his statement, the leaders
+     of the Protestant forces dined and made merry at a convent in the
+     neighbourhood upon Good Friday, five days before the battle, using
+     the sacramental chalices at the banquet, and mixing consecrated
+     wafers with their wine.  As a punishment for this sacrilege, the
+     army was utterly overthrown, and the Devil himself flew away with
+     the chieftains, body and soul.]
+
+There was a vague tale that Louis, bleeding but not killed, had struggled
+forth from the heap of corpses where he had been thrown, had crept to
+the, river-side, and, while washing his wounds, had been surprised and
+butchered by a party of rustics.  The story was not generally credited,
+but no man knew, or was destined to learn, the truth.
+
+A dark and fatal termination to this last enterprise of Count Louis had
+been anticipated by many.  In that superstitious age, when emperors and
+princes daily investigated the future, by alchemy, by astrology, and by
+books of fate, filled with formula; as gravely and precisely set forth as
+algebraical equations; when men of every class, from monarch to peasant,
+implicitly believed in supernatural portents and prophecies, it was not
+singular that a somewhat striking appearance, observed in the sky some
+weeks previously to the battle of Mookerheyde, should have inspired many
+persons with a shuddering sense of impending evil.
+
+Early in February five soldiers of the burgher guard at Utrecht, being on
+their midnight watch, beheld in the sky above them the representation of
+a furious battle.  The sky was extremely dark, except directly over:
+their heads; where, for a space equal in extent to the length of the
+city, and in breadth to that of an ordinary chamber, two armies, in
+battle array, were seen advancing upon each other.  The one moved rapidly
+up from the north-west, with banners waving; spears flashing, trumpets
+sounding; accompanied by heavy artillery and by squadrons of cavalry.
+The other came slowly forward from the southeast; as if from an
+entrenched camp, to encounter their assailants.  There was a fierce
+action for a few moments, the shouts of the combatants, the heavy
+discharge of cannon, the rattle of musketry; the tramp of heavy-aimed
+foot soldiers, the rush of cavalry, being distinctly heard.  The
+firmament trembled with the shock of the contending hosts, and was lurid
+with the rapid discharges of their artillery.  After a short, fierce
+engagement, the north-western army was beaten back in disorder, but
+rallied again, after a breathing-time, formed again into solid column,
+and again advanced.  Their foes, arrayed, as the witnesses affirmed, in a
+square and closely serried grove of spears' and muskets, again awaited
+the attack.  Once more the aerial cohorts closed upon each other, all the
+signs and sounds of a desperate encounter being distinctly recognised by
+the eager witnesses.  The struggle seemed but short.  The lances of the
+south-eastern army seemed to snap "like hemp-stalks," while their firm
+columns all went down together in mass, beneath the onset of their
+enemies.  The overthrow was complete, victors and vanquished had faded,
+the clear blue space, surrounded by black clouds, was empty, when
+suddenly its whole extent, where the conflict had so lately raged, was
+streaked with blood, flowing athwart the sky in broad crimson streams;
+nor was it till the five witnesses had fully watched and pondered over
+these portents that the vision entirely vanished.
+
+So impressed were the grave magistrates of Utrecht with the account given
+next day by the sentinels, that a formal examination of the circumstances
+was made, the deposition of each witness, under oath, duly recorded, and
+a vast deal of consultation of soothsayers' books and other auguries
+employed to elucidate the mystery.  It was universally considered typical
+of the anticipated battle between Count Louis and the Spaniards.  When,
+therefore, it was known that the patriots, moving from the south-east,
+had arrived at Mookerheyde, and that their adversaries, crossing the
+Meuse at Grave, had advanced upon them from the north-west, the result of
+the battle was considered inevitable; the phantom battle of Utrecht its
+infallible precursor.
+
+Thus perished Louis of Nassau in the flower of his manhood, in the midst
+of a career already crowded with events such as might suffice for a
+century of ordinary existence.  It is difficult to find in history a more
+frank and loyal character.  His life was noble; the elements of the
+heroic and the genial so mixed in him that the imagination contemplates
+him, after three centuries, with an almost affectionate interest.  He was
+not a great man.  He was far from possessing the subtle genius or the
+expansive views of his brother; but, called as he was to play a prominent
+part in one of the most complicated and imposing dramas ever enacted by
+man, he, nevertheless, always acquitted himself with honor.  His direct,
+fearless and energetic nature commanded alike the respect of friend and
+foe.  As a politician, a soldier, and a diplomatist, he was busy, bold,
+and true.  He, accomplished by sincerity what many thought could only be
+compassed by trickery.  Dealing often with the most adroit and most
+treacherous of princes and statesmen, he frequently carried his point,
+and he never stooped to flattery.  From the time when, attended by his
+"twelve disciples," he assumed the most prominent part in the
+negotiations with Margaret of Parma, through all the various scenes of
+the revolution, through, all the conferences with Spaniards, Italians,
+Huguenots.  Malcontents, Flemish councillors, or German princes, he was
+the consistent and unflinching supporter of religious liberty and
+constitutional law.  The battle of Heiliger Lee and the capture of Mons
+were his most signal triumphs, but the fruits of both were annihilated by
+subsequent disaster.  His headlong courage was his chief foible.  The
+French accused him of losing the battle of Moncontour by his impatience
+to engage; yet they acknowledged that to his masterly conduct it was
+owing that their retreat was effected in so successful, and even so
+brilliant a manner.  He was censured for rashness and precipitancy in
+this last and fatal enterprise, but the reproach seems entirely without
+foundation.  The expedition as already stated, had been deliberately
+arranged, with the full co-operation of his brother, and had been
+preparing several months.  That he was able to set no larger force on
+foot than that which he led into Gueldres was not his fault.  But for the
+floating ice which barred his passage of the Meuse, he would have
+surprised Maestricht; but for the mutiny, which rendered his mercenary
+soldiers cowards, he might have defeated Avila at Mookerheyde.  Had he
+done so he would have joined his brother in the Isle of Bommel in
+triumph; the Spaniards would, probably, have been expelled from Holland,
+and Leyden saved the horrors of that memorable siege which she was soon
+called, upon to endure.  These results were not in his destiny.
+Providence had decreed that he should perish in the midst of his
+usefulness; that the Prince, in his death,'should lose the right hand
+which had been so swift to execute his various plans, and the faithful
+fraternal heart which had always responded so readily to every throb of
+his own.
+
+In figure, he was below the middle height, but martial and noble in his
+bearing.  The expression of his countenance was lively; his manner frank
+and engaging.  All who knew him personally loved him, and he was the idol
+of his gallant brethren: His mother always addressed him as her dearly
+beloved, her heart's-cherished Louis.  "You must come soon to me," she
+wrote in the last year of his life, "for I have many matters to ask your
+advice upon; and I thank you beforehand, for you have loved me as your
+mother all the days of your life; for which may God Almighty have you in
+his holy keeping."
+
+It was the doom of this high-born, true-hearted dame to be called upon to
+weep oftener for her children than is the usual lot of mothers.  Count
+Adolphus had already perished in his youth on the field of Heiliger Lee,
+and now Louis and his young brother Henry, who had scarcely attained his
+twenty-sixth year, and whose short life had been passed in that faithful
+service to the cause of freedom which was the instinct of his race, had
+both found a bloody and an unknown grave.  Count John, who had already
+done so much for the cause, was fortunately spared to do much more.
+Although of the expedition, and expecting to participate in the battle,
+he had, at the urgent solicitation of all the leaders, left the army for
+a brief, season, in order to obtain at Cologne a supply of money, for the
+mutinous troops: He had started upon this mission two days before the
+action in which he, too, would otherwise have been sacrificed.  The young
+Duke Christopher, "optimm indolis et magnee spei adolescens," who had
+perished on the same field, was sincerely mourned by the lovers of
+freedom.  His father, the Elector, found his consolation in the
+Scriptures, and in the reflection that his son had died in the bed of
+honor, fighting for the cause of God.  "'T was better thus," said that
+stern Calvinist, whose dearest wish was to "Calvinize the world," than to
+have passed his time in idleness, "which is the Devil's pillow."
+
+Vague rumors of the catastrophe had spread far and wide.  It was soon
+certain that Louis had been defeated, but, for a long time, conflicting
+reports were in circulation as to the fate of the leaders.  The Prince of
+Orange, meanwhile, passed days of intense anxiety, expecting hourly to
+hear from his brothers, listening to dark rumors, which he refused to
+credit and could not contradict, and writing letters, day after day, long
+after the eyes which should have read the friendly missives were closed.
+
+The victory of the King's army at Mookerheyde had been rendered
+comparatively barren by the mutiny which broke forth the day after the
+battle.  Three years' pay were due to the Spanish troops, and it was not
+surprising that upon this occasion one of those periodic rebellions
+should break forth, by which the royal cause was frequently so much
+weakened, and the royal governors so intolerably perplexed.  These
+mutinies were of almost regular occurrence, and attended by as regular a
+series of phenomena.  The Spanish troops, living so far from their own
+country, but surrounded by their women, and constantly increasing swarms
+of children, constituted a locomotive city of considerable population,
+permanently established on a foreign soil.  It was a city walled in by
+bayonets, and still further isolated from the people around by the
+impassable moat of mutual hatred.  It was a city obeying the articles of
+war, governed by despotic authority, and yet occasionally revealing, in
+full force, the irrepressible democratic element.  At periods which could
+almost be calculated, the military populace were wont to rise upon the
+privileged classes, to deprive them of office and liberty, and to set up
+in their place commanders of their own election.  A governor-in-chief, a
+sergeant-major, a board of councillors and various other functionaries,
+were chosen by acclamation and universal suffrage.  The Eletto, or chief
+officer thus appointed, was clothed with supreme power, but forbidden to
+exercise it.  He was surrounded by councillors, who watched his every
+motion, read all his correspondence, and assisted at all his conferences,
+while the councillors were themselves narrowly watched by the commonalty.
+These movements were, however, in general, marked by the most exemplary
+order.  Anarchy became a system of government; rebellion enacted and
+enforced the strictest rules of discipline; theft, drunkenness, violence
+to women, were severely punished.  As soon as the mutiny broke forth, the
+first object was to take possession of the nearest city, where the Eletto
+was usually established in the town-house, and the soldiery quartered
+upon the citizens.  Nothing in the shape of food or lodging was too good
+for these marauders.  Men who had lived for years on camp rations--coarse
+knaves who had held the plough till compelled to handle the musket, now
+slept in fine linen, and demanded from the trembling burghers the
+daintiest viands.  They ate the land bare, like a swarm of locusts.
+"Chickens and partridges," says the thrifty chronicler of Antwerp,
+"capons and pheasants, hares and rabbits, two kinds of wines;--for
+sauces, capers and olives, citrons and oranges, spices and sweetmeats;
+wheaten bread for their dogs, and even wine, to wash the feet of their
+horses;"--such was the entertainment demanded and obtained by the
+mutinous troops.  They were very willing both to enjoy the luxury of this
+forage, and to induce the citizens, from weariness of affording compelled
+hospitality, to submit to a taxation by which the military claims might
+be liquidated.
+
+A city thus occupied was at the mercy of a foreign soldiery, which had
+renounced all authority but that of self-imposed laws. The King's
+officers were degraded, perhaps murdered; while those chosen to supply
+their places had only a nominal control. The Eletto, day by day,
+proclaimed from the balcony of the town-house the latest rules and
+regulations.  If satisfactory, there was a clamor of applause; if
+objectionable, they were rejected with a tempest of hisses, with
+discharges of musketry; The Eletto did not govern: he was a dictator who
+could not dictate, but could only register decrees.  If too honest, too
+firm, or too dull for his place, he was deprived of his office and
+sometimes of his life.  Another was chosen in his room, often to be
+succeeded by a series of others, destined to the same fate.  Such were
+the main characteristics of those formidable mutinies, the result of the
+unthriftiness and dishonesty by which the soldiery engaged in these
+interminable hostilities were deprived of their dearly earned wages.  The
+expense of the war was bad enough at best, but when it is remembered that
+of three or four dollars sent from Spain, or contributed by the provinces
+for the support of the army, hardly one reached the pockets of the
+soldier, the frightful expenditure which took place may be imagined.  It
+was not surprising that so much peculation should engender revolt.
+
+The mutiny which broke out after the defeat of Count Louis was marked
+with the most pronounced and inflammatory of these symptoms.  Three
+years' pay was due, to the Spaniards, who, having just achieved a signal
+victory, were-disposed to reap its fruits, by fair means or by force.
+On receiving nothing but promises, in answer to their clamorous demands,
+they mutinied to a man, and crossed the Meuse to Grave,  whence, after
+accomplishing the usual elections, they took their course to Antwerp.
+Being in such strong force, they determined to strike at the capital.
+Rumour flew before them.  Champagny, brother of Granvelle, and royal
+governor of the city, wrote in haste to apprise Requesens of the
+approaching danger.  The Grand Commander, attended only by Vitelli,
+repaired.  instantly to Antwerp.  Champagny advised throwing up a
+breastwork with bales of merchandize, upon the esplanade, between the
+citadel and the town,  for it was at this point, where the connection
+between the fortifications of the castle and those of the city had never
+been thoroughly completed, that the invasion might be expected.
+Requesens hesitated.  He trembled at a conflict with his own soldiery.
+If successful, he could only be so by trampling upon the flower of his
+army.  If defeated, what would become of the King's authority, with
+rebellious troops triumphant in rebellious provinces?  Sorely perplexed,
+the Commander, could think of no expedient.  Not knowing what to do, he
+did nothing.  In the meantime, Champagny, who felt himself odious to the
+soldiery, retreated to the Newtown, and barricaded himself, with a few
+followers, in the house of the Baltic merchants.
+
+On the 26th of April, the mutinous troops in perfect order, marched into
+the city, effecting their entrance precisely at the weak point where they
+had been expected.  Numbering at least three thousand, they encamped on
+the esplanade, where Requesens appeared before them alone on horseback,
+and made them an oration.  They listened with composure, but answered
+briefly and with one accord, "Dineros y non palabras," dollars not
+speeches.  Requesens promised profusely, but the time was past for
+promises.  Hard Silver dollars would alone content an army which, after
+three years of bloodshed and starvation, had at last taken the law into
+their own hands.  Requesens withdrew to consult the Broad Council of the
+city.  He was without money himself, but he demanded four hundred
+thousand crowns of the city.  This was at first refused, but the troops
+knew the strength of their position, for these mutinies were never
+repressed, and rarely punished.  On this occasion the Commander was
+afraid to employ force, and the burghers, after the army had been
+quartered upon them for a time, would gladly pay a heavy ransom to be rid
+of their odious and expensive guests.  The mutineers foreseeing that the
+work might last a few weeks, and determined to proceed leisurely; took
+possession of the great square.  The Eletto, with his staff of
+councillors, was quartered in the town-house, while the soldiers
+distributed themselves among the houses of the most opulent citizens,
+no one escaping a billet who was rich enough to receive such company:
+bishop or burgomaster, margrave or merchant.  The most famous kitchens
+were naturally the most eagerly sought, and sumptuous apartments,
+luxurious dishes, delicate wines, were daily demanded.  The burghers
+dared not refuse.
+
+The six hundred Walloons, who had been previously quartered in the city,
+were expelled, and for many days, the mutiny reigned paramount.  Day
+after day the magistracy, the heads of guilds, all the representatives of
+the citizens were assembled in the Broad Council.  The Governor-General
+insisted on his demand of four hundred thousand crowns, representing,
+with great justice, that the mutineers would remain in the city until
+they had eaten and drunk to that amount, and that there would still be
+the arrearages; for which the city would be obliged to raise the funds.
+On the 9th of May, the authorities made an offer, which was duly
+communicated to the Eletto.  That functionary stood forth on a window-
+sill of the town-house, and addressed the soldiery.  He informed them
+that the Grand Commander proposed to pay ten months' arrears in cash,
+five months in silks and woollen cloths, and the balance in promises, to
+be fulfilled within a few days.  The terms were not considered
+satisfactory, and were received with groans of derision.  The Eletto, on
+the contrary, declared them very liberal, and reminded the soldiers of
+the perilous condition in which they stood, guilty to a man of high
+treason, with a rope around every neck.  It was well worth their while to
+accept the offer made them, together with the absolute pardon for the
+past, by which it was accompanied.  For himself, he washed his hands of
+the consequences if the offer were rejected.  The soldiers answered by
+deposing the Eletto and choosing another in his room.
+
+Three days after, a mutiny broke out in the citadel--an unexampled
+occurrence.  The rebels ordered Sancho d'Avila, the commandant, to
+deliver the keys of the fortress.  He refused to surrender them but with
+his life.  They then contented themselves with compelling his lieutenant
+to leave the citadel, and with sending their Eletto to confer with the
+Grand Commander, as well as with the Eletto of the army.  After
+accomplishing his mission, he returned, accompanied by Chiappin Vitelli,
+as envoy of the Governor-General.  No sooner, however, had the Eletto set
+foot on the drawbridge than he was attacked by Ensign Salvatierra of the
+Spanish garrison, who stabbed him to the heart and threw him into the
+moat.  The ensign, who was renowned in the army for his ferocious
+courage, and who wore embroidered upon his trunk hose the inscription,
+"El castigador de los Flamencos," then rushed upon the Sergeant-major of
+the mutineers, despatched him in the same way, and tossed him likewise
+into the moat.  These preliminaries being settled, a satisfactory
+arrangement was negotiated between Vitelli and the rebellious garrison.
+Pardon for the past, and payment upon the same terms as those offered in
+the city, were accepted, and the mutiny of the citadel was quelled.  It
+was, however, necessary that Salvatierra should conceal himself for a
+long time, to escape being torn to pieces by the incensed soldiery.
+
+Meantime, affairs in the city were more difficult to adjust.  The
+mutineers raised an altar of chests and bales upon the public square,
+and celebrated mass under the open sky, solemnly swearing to be true to
+each other to the last.  The scenes of carousing and merry-making were
+renewed at the expense of the citizens, who were again exposed to nightly
+alarms from the boisterous mirth and ceaseless mischief-making of the
+soldiers.  Before the end of the month; the Broad Council, exhausted by
+the incubus which had afflicted them so many weeks, acceded to the demand
+of Requesens.  The four hundred thousand crowns were furnished, the Grand
+Commander accepting them as a loan, and giving in return bonds duly
+signed and countersigned, together with a mortgage upon all the royal
+domains.  The citizens received the documents, as a matter of form, but
+they had handled such securities before, and valued them but slightly.
+The mutineers now agreed to settle with the Governor-General, on
+condition of receiving all their wages, either in cash or cloth, together
+with a solemn promise of pardon for all their acts of insubordination.
+This pledge was formally rendered with appropriate religious ceremonies,
+by Requesens, in the cathedral.  The payments were made directly
+afterwards, and a great banquet was held on the same day, by the whole
+mass of the soldiery, to celebrate the event.  The feast took place on
+the place of the Meer, and was a scene of furious revelry.  The soldiers,
+more thoughtless than children, had arrayed themselves in extemporaneous
+costumes, cut from the cloth which they had at last received in payment
+of their sufferings and their blood.  Broadcloths, silks, satins, and
+gold-embroidered brocades, worthy of a queen's wardrobe, were hung in
+fantastic drapery around the sinewy forms and bronzed faces of the
+soldiery, who, the day before, had been clothed in rags.  The mirth was
+fast and furious; and scarce was the banquet finished before every drum-
+head became a gaming-table, around which gathered groups eager to
+sacrifice in a moment their dearly-bought gold.
+
+The fortunate or the prudent had not yet succeeded in entirely plundering
+their companions, when the distant booming of cannon was heard from the
+river.  Instantly, accoutred as they were in their holiday and fantastic
+costumes, the soldiers, no longer mutinous, were summoned from banquet
+and gaming-table, and were ordered forth upon the dykes.  The patriot
+Admiral Boisot, who had so recently defeated the fleet of Bergen, under
+the eyes of the Grand Commander, had unexpectedly sailed up the Scheld,
+determined to destroy the, fleet of Antwerp, which upon that occasion had
+escaped.  Between, the forts of Lillo and Callao, he met with twenty-two
+vessels under the command of Vice-Admiral Haemstede.  After a short and
+sharp action, he was completely victorious.  Fourteen of the enemy's
+ships were burned or sunk, with all their crews, and Admiral Haemstede
+was taken prisoner.  The soldiers opened a warm fire of musketry upon
+Boisot from the dyke, to which he responded with his cannon.  The
+distance of the combatants, however, made the action unimportant; and the
+patriots retired down the river, after achieving a complete victory.  The
+Grand Commander was farther than ever from obtaining that foothold on the
+sea, which as he had informed his sovereign, was the only means by which
+the Netherlands could be reduced.
+
+
+
+
+1574 [CHAPTER II.]
+
+     First siege of Leyden--Commencement of the second--Description of
+     the city--Preparations for defence--Letters of Orange--Act of
+     amnesty issued by Requesens--Its conditions--Its reception by the
+     Hollanders--Correspondence of the Glippers--Sorties and fierce
+     combats beneath the walls of Leyden--Position of the Prince--His
+     project of relief Magnanimity of the people--Breaking of the dykes--
+     Emotions in the city and the besieging camp--Letter of the Estates
+     of Holland--Dangerous illness of the Prince--The "wild Zealanders"--
+     Admiral Boisot commences his voyage--Sanguinary combat on the Land--
+     Scheiding--Occupation of that dyke and of the Green Way--Pauses and
+     Progress of the flotilla--The Prince visits the fleet--Horrible
+     sufferings in the city--Speech of Van der Werf--Heroism of the
+     inhabitants--The Admiral's letters--The storm--Advance of Boisot--
+     Lammen fortress----An anxious night--Midnight retreat of the
+     Spaniards--The Admiral enters the city--Thanksgiving in the great
+     church The Prince in Leyden--Parting words of Valdez--Mutiny--Leyden
+     University founded--The charter--Inauguration ceremonies.
+
+The invasion of Louis of Nassau had, as already stated, effected the
+raising of the first siege of Leyden.  That leaguer had lasted from the
+31st of October, 1573, to the 21st of March, 1574, when the soldiers were
+summoned away to defend the frontier.  By an extraordinary and culpable
+carelessness, the citizens, neglecting the advice of the Prince, had not
+taken advantage of the breathing time thus afforded them to victual the
+city and strengthen the garrison.  They seemed to reckon more confidently
+upon the success of Count Louis than he had even done himself; for it was
+very probable that, in case of his defeat, the siege would be instantly
+resumed.  This natural result was not long in following the battle of
+Mookerheyde.
+
+On the 26th of May, Valdez reappeared before the place, at the head of
+eight thousand Walloons and Germans, and Leyden was now destined to pass
+through a fiery ordeal.  This city was one of the most beautiful in the
+Netherlands.  Placed in the midst of broad and fruitful pastures, which
+had been reclaimed by the hand of industry from the bottom of the sea; it
+was fringed with smiling villages, blooming gardens, fruitful Orchards.
+The ancient and, at last, decrepit Rhine, flowing languidly towards its
+sandy death-bed, had been multiplied into innumerable artificial
+currents, by which the city was completely interlaced.  These watery
+streets were shaded by lime trees, poplars, and willows, and crossed by
+one hundred and forty-five bridges, mostly of hammered stone.  The houses
+were elegant, the squares and streets spacious, airy and clean, the
+churches and public edifices imposing, while the whole aspect, of the
+place suggested thrift, industry, and comfort.  Upon an artificial
+elevation, in the centre of the city, rose a ruined tower of unknown
+antiquity.  By some it was considered to be of Roman origin, while others
+preferred to regard it as a work of the Anglo-Saxon Hengist, raised to
+commemorate his conquest of England.
+
+     [Guicciardini, Descript.  Holl, et Zelandire.  Bor, vii. 502.
+     Bentivoglio, viii. 151
+
+                        "Putatur Engistus Britanno
+                         Orbe redus posuisse victor," etc., etc.
+
+     according to the celebrated poem of John Yon der Does, the
+     accomplished and valiant Commandant of the city.  The tower, which
+     is doubtless a Roman one, presents, at the present day, almost
+     precisely the same appearance as that described by the
+     contemporaneous historians of the siege.  The verses of the
+     Commandant show the opinion, that the Anglo-Saxon conquerors of
+     Britain went from Holland, to have been a common one in the
+     sixteenth century.]
+
+Surrounded by fruit trees, and overgrown in the centre with oaks, it
+afforded, from its mouldering battlements, a charming prospect over a
+wide expanse of level country, with the spires of neighbouring cities
+rising in every direction.  It was from this commanding height, during
+the long and terrible summer days which were approaching, that many an
+eye was to be strained anxiously seaward, watching if yet the ocean had
+begun to roll over the land.
+
+Valdez lost no time in securing himself in the possession of
+Maeslandsluis, Vlaardingen, and the Hague.  Five hundred English, under
+command of Colonel Edward Chester, abandoned the fortress of Valkenburg,
+and fled towards Leyden.  Refused admittance by the citizens, who now,
+with reason, distrusted them, they surrendered to Valdez, and were
+afterwards sent back to England.  In the course of a few days, Leyden was
+thoroughly invested, no less than sixty-two redoubts, some of them having
+remained undestroyed from the previous siege, now girdling the city,
+while the besiegers already numbered nearly eight thousand, a force to be
+daily increased.  On the other hand, there were no troops in the town,
+save a small corps of "freebooters," and five companies of the burgher
+guard.  John Van der Does, Seigneur of Nordwyck, a gentleman of
+distinguished family, but still more distinguished for his learning, his
+poetical genius, and his valor, had accepted the office of military
+commandant.
+
+The main reliance of the city, under God, was on the stout hearts of its
+inhabitants within the walls, and on, the sleepless energy of William the
+Silent without.  The Prince, hastening to comfort and encourage the
+citizens, although he had been justly irritated by their negligence in
+having omitted to provide more sufficiently against the emergency while
+there had yet been time, now reminded them that they were not about to
+contend for themselves alone, but that the fate of their country and of
+unborn generations would, in all human probability, depend on the issue
+about to be tried.  Eternal glory would be their portion if they
+manifested a courage worthy of their race and of the sacred cause of
+religion and liberty.  He implored them to hold out at least three
+months, assuring them that he would, within that time, devise the means
+of their deliverance.  The citizens responded, courageously and
+confidently, to these missives, and assured the Prince of their firm
+confidence in their own fortitude and his exertions.
+
+And truly they had a right to rely on that calm and unflinching soul, as
+on a rock of adamant.  All alone, without a being near him to consult,
+his right arm struck from him by the death of Louis, with no brother left
+to him but the untiring and faithful John, he prepared without delay for
+the new task imposed upon him.  France, since the defeat and death of
+Louis, and the busy intrigues which had followed the accession of Henry
+III., had but small sympathy for the Netherlands.  The English
+government, relieved from the fear of France; was more cold and haughty
+than ever.  An Englishman  employed by Requesens to assassinate the
+Prince of Orange, had been arrested in Zealand, who impudently pretended
+that he had undertaken to perform the same office for Count John, with
+the full consent and privity of Queen Elizabeth.  The provinces of
+Holland and Zealand were stanch and true, but the inequality of the
+contest between a few brave men, upon that handsbreadth of territory,
+and the powerful Spanish Empire, seemed to render the issue hopeless.
+
+Moreover, it was now thought expedient to publish the amnesty which had
+been so long in preparation, and this time the trap was more liberally
+baited.  The pardon, which had: passed the seals upon the 8th of March,
+was formally issue: by the Grand Commander on the 6th of June.  By the
+terms of this document the King invited all his erring and repentant
+subjects, to return to his arms; and to accept a full forgiveness for
+their past offences, upon the sole condition that they should once more
+throw themselves upon the bosom of the Mother Church.  There were but few
+exceptions to the amnesty, a small number of individuals, all mentioned
+by name, being alone excluded;  but although these terms were ample,
+the act was liable to a few stern objections.  It was easier now for the
+Hollanders to go to their graves than to mass, for the contest, in its
+progress, had now entirely assumed the aspect of a religious war.
+Instead of a limited number of heretics in a state which, although
+constitutional was Catholic, there was now hardly a Papist to be found
+among the natives.  To accept the pardon then was to concede the victory,
+and the Hollanders had not yet discovered that they were conquered.  They
+were resolved, too, not only to be conquered, but annihilated, before the
+Roman Church should be re-established on their soil, to the entire
+exclusion of the Reformed worship.  They responded with steadfast
+enthusiasm to the sentiment expressed by the Prince of Orange, after the
+second siege of Leyden had been commenced; "As long as there is a living
+man left in the country, we will contend for our liberty and our
+religion."  The single condition of the amnesty assumed, in a phrase;
+what Spain had fruitlessly striven to establish by a hundred battles,
+and the Hollanders had not faced their enemy on land and sea for seven
+years to succumb to a phrase at last.
+
+Moreover, the pardon came from the wrong direction.  The malefactor
+gravely extended forgiveness to his victims.  Although the Hollanders
+had not yet disembarrassed their minds of the supernatural theory of
+government, and felt still the reverence of habit for regal divinity,
+they naturally considered themselves outraged by the trick now played
+before them.  The man who had violated all his oaths, trampled upon all
+their constitutional liberties, burned and sacked their cities,
+confiscated their wealth, hanged, beheaded, burned, and buried alive
+their innocent brethren, now came forward, not to implore, but to offer
+forgiveness.  Not in sackcloth, but in royal robes; not with ashes, but
+with a diadem upon his head, did the murderer present himself vicariously
+upon the scene of his crimes.  It may be supposed that, even in the
+sixteenth century, there were many minds which would revolt at such
+blasphemy.  Furthermore, even had the people of Holland been weak enough
+to accept the pardon, it was impossible to believe that the promise would
+be fulfilled.  It was sufficiently known how much faith was likely to be
+kept with heretics, notwithstanding that the act was fortified by a papal
+Bull, dated on the 30th of April, by which Gregory XIII.  promised
+forgiveness to those Netherland sinners who duly repented and sought
+absolution for their crimes, even although they had sinned more than
+seven times seven.
+
+For a moment the Prince had feared lest the pardon might produce some
+effect upon men wearied by interminable suffering, but the event proved
+him wrong.  It was received with universal and absolute contempt.  No man
+came forward to take advantage of its conditions, save one brewer in
+Utrecht, and the son of a refugee peddler from Leyden.  With these
+exceptions, the only ones recorded, Holland remained deaf to the royal
+voice.  The city of Leyden was equally cold to the messages of mercy,
+which were especially addressed to its population by Valdez and his
+agents.  Certain Netherlanders, belonging to the King's party, and
+familiarly called "Glippers," despatched from the camp many letters to
+their rebellious acquaintances in the city.  In these epistles the
+citizens of Leyden were urgently and even pathetically exhorted to
+submission by their loyal brethren, and were implored "to take pity upon
+their poor old fathers, their daughters, and their wives."  But the
+burghers of Leyden thought that the best pity which they could show to
+those poor old fathers, daughters, and wives, was to keep them from the
+clutches of the Spanish soldiery; so they made no answer to the Glippers,
+save by this single line, which they wrote on a sheet of paper, and
+forwarded, like a letter, to Valdez:
+
+          "Fistula dulce canit, volucrem cum decipit auceps."
+
+According to the advice early given by the Prince of Orange, the citizens
+had taken an account of their provisions of all kinds, including the live
+stock.  By the end of June, the city was placed on a strict allowance of
+food, all the provisions being purchased by the authorities at an
+equitable price.  Half a pound of meat and half a pound of bread was
+allotted to a full grown man, and to the rest, a due proportion.  The
+city being strictly invested, no communication, save by carrier pigeons,
+and by a few swift and skilful messengers called jumpers, was possible.
+Sorties and fierce combats were, however, of daily occurrence, and a
+handsome bounty was offered to any man who brought into the city gates
+the head of a Spaniard.  The reward was paid many times, but the
+population was becoming so excited and so apt, that the authorities felt
+it dangerous to permit the continuance of these conflicts.  Lest the
+city, little by little, should lose its few disciplined defenders, it was
+now proclaimed, by sound of church bell, that in future no man should
+leave the gates.
+
+The Prince had his head-quarters at Delft and at Rotterdam.  Between
+those two cities, an important fortress, called Polderwaert, secured him
+in the control of the alluvial quadrangle, watered on two sides by the
+Yssel and the Meuse.  On the 29th June, the Spaniards, feeling its value,
+had made an unsuccessful effort to carry this fort by storm.  They had
+been beaten off, with the loss of several hundred men, the Prince
+remaining in possession of the position, from which alone he could hope
+to relieve Leyden.  He still held in his hand the keys with which he
+could unlock the ocean gates and let the waters in upon the land, and he
+had long been convinced that nothing could save the city but to break the
+dykes.  Leyden was not upon the sea, but he could send the sea to.
+Leyden, although an army fit to encounter the besieging force under
+Valdez could not be levied.  The battle of Mookerheyde had, for the,
+present, quite settled the question, of land relief, but it was possible
+to besiege the besiegers, with the waves of the ocean.  The Spaniards
+occupied the coast from the Hague to Vlaardingen, but the dykes along the
+Meuse and Yssel were in possession of the Prince.  He determined, that
+these should be pierced, while, at the same time, the great sluices at
+Rotterdam, Schiedam, and Delftshaven should be opened.  The damage to the
+fields, villages, and growing crops would be enormous, but he felt that
+no other course could rescue Leyden, and with it the whole of Holland
+from destruction.  His clear expositions and impassioned eloquence at
+last overcame all resistance.  By the middle of July the estates
+consented to his plan, and its execution was immediately undertaken.
+"Better a drowned land than a lost land," cried the patriots, with
+enthusiasm, as they devoted their fertile fields to desolation.  The
+enterprise for restoring their territory, for a season, to the waves,
+from which it had been so patiently rescued, was conducted with as much
+regularity as if it had been a profitable undertaking.  A capital was
+formally subscribed, for which a certain number of bonds were issued,
+payable at a long date.  In addition to this preliminary fund, a monthly
+allowance of forty-five guldens was voted by the estates, until the work
+should be completed, and a large sum was contributed by the ladies of the
+land, who freely furnished their plate, jewellery, and costly furniture
+to the furtherance of the scheme.
+
+Meantime, Valdez, on the 30th July; issued most urgent and ample offers
+of pardon to the citizens, if they would consent to open their gates and
+accept the King's authority, but his Overtures were received with silent
+contempt, notwithstanding that the population was already approaching the
+starvation point.  Although not yet fully informed of the active measures
+taken by the Prince, yet they still chose to rely upon his energy and
+their own fortitude, rather than upon the honied words which had formerly
+been heard at the gates of Harlem and of Naarden.  On the 3rd of August,
+the Prince; accompanied by Paul Buys, chief of the commission appointed
+to execute the enterprise, went in person along the Yssel; as far as
+Kappelle, and superintended the rupture of the dykes in sixteen places.
+The gates at Schiedam and Rotterdam were, opened, and the ocean began to
+pour over the land.  While waiting for the waters to rise, provisions
+were rapidly, collected, according to an edict of the Prince, in all the
+principal towns of the neighbourhood, and some two hundred vessels, of
+various sizes, had also been got ready at Rotterdam, Delftshaven, and
+other ports.
+
+The citizens of Leyden were, however, already becoming impatient, for
+their bread was gone, and of its substitute malt cake, they had but
+slender provision.  On the 12th of August they received a letter from the
+Prince, encouraging them to resistance, and assuring them of a speedy
+relief, and on the 21st they addressed a despatch to him in reply,
+stating that they had now fulfilled their original promise, for they had
+held out two months with food, and another month without food.  If not
+soon assisted, human strength could do no more; their malt cake would
+last but four days, and after that was gone, there was nothing left but
+starvation.  Upon the same day, however, they received a letter, dictated
+by the Prince, who now lay in bed at Rotterdam with a violent fever,
+assuring them that the dykes were all pierced, and that the water was
+rising upon the "Land-Scheiding," the great outer barrier which separated
+the city from the sea.  He said nothing however of his own illness, which
+would have cast a deep shadow over the joy which now broke forth among
+the burghers.
+
+The letter was read publicly in the market-place, and to increase the
+cheerfulness, burgomaster Van der Werf, knowing the sensibility of his
+countrymen to music, ordered the city musicians to perambulate the
+streets, playing lively melodies and martial airs.  Salvos of cannon were
+likewise fired, and the starving city for a brief space put on the aspect
+of a holiday, much to the astonishment of the besieging forces, who were
+not yet aware of the Prince's efforts.  They perceived very soon,
+however, as the water everywhere about Leyden had risen to the depth of
+ten inches, that they stood in a perilous position.  It was no trifling
+danger to be thus attacked by the waves of the ocean, which seemed about
+to obey with docility the command of William the Silent.  Valdez became
+anxious and uncomfortable at the strange aspect of affairs, for the
+besieging army was now in its turn beleaguered, and by a stronger power
+than man's.  He consulted with the most experienced of his officers, with
+the country people, with the most distinguished among the Glippers, and
+derived encouragement from their views concerning the Prince's plan.
+They pronounced it utterly futile and hopeless: The Glippers knew the
+country well, and ridiculed the desperate project in unmeasured terms.
+
+Even in the city itself, a dull distrust had succeeded to the first vivid
+gleam of hope, while the few royalists among the population boldly
+taunted their fellow-citizens to their faces with the absurd vision of
+relief which they had so fondly welcomed.  "Go up to the tower, ye
+Beggars," was the frequent and taunting cry, "go up to the tower, and
+tell us if ye can see the ocean coming over the dry land to your relief"
+--and day after day they did go, up to the ancient tower of Hengist, with
+heavy heart and anxious eye, watching, hoping, praying, fearing, and at
+last almost despairing of relief by God or man.  On the 27th they
+addressed a desponding letter to the estates, complaining that the city
+had been forgotten in, its utmost need, and on the same day a prompt and
+warm-hearted reply was received, in which the citizens were assured that
+every human effort was to be made for their relief.  "Rather," said the
+estates, "will we see our whole land and all our possessions perish in
+the waves, than forsake thee, Leyden.  We know full well, moreover, that
+with Leyden, all Holland must perish also."  They excused themselves for
+not having more frequently written, upon the, ground that the whole
+management of the measures for their relief had been entrusted to the
+Prince, by whom alone all the details had been administered, and all the
+correspondence conducted.
+
+The fever of the Prince had, meanwhile, reached its height.  He lay at
+Rotterdam, utterly prostrate in body, and with mind agitated nearly to
+delirium, by the perpetual and almost unassisted schemes which he was
+constructing.  Relief, not only for Leyden, but for the whole country,
+now apparently sinking into the abyss, was the vision which he pursued as
+he tossed upon his restless couch.  Never was illness more unseasonable.
+His attendants were in despair, for it was necessary that his mind should
+for a time be spared the agitation of business.  The physicians who
+attended him agreed, as to his disorder, only in this, that it was the
+result of mental fatigue and melancholy, and could be cured only by
+removing all distressing and perplexing subjects from his thoughts, but
+all the physicians in the world could not have succeeded in turning his
+attention for an instant from the great cause of his country.  Leyden
+lay, as it were, anxious and despairing at his feet, and it was
+impossible for him to close his ears to her cry.  Therefore, from his
+sick bed he continued to dictate; words of counsel and encouragement to
+the city; to Admiral Boisot, commanding, the fleet, minute directions and
+precautions.  Towards the end of August a vague report had found its way
+into his sick chamber that Leyden had fallen, and although he refused to
+credit the tale, yet it served to harass his mind, and to heighten fever.
+Cornelius Van Mierop, Receiver General of Holland, had occasion to visit
+him at Rotterdam, and strange to relate, found the house almost deserted.
+Penetrating, unattended, to the Prince's bed-chamber, he found him lying
+quite alone.  Inquiring what had become, of all his attendants, he was
+answered by the Prince, in a very feeble voice, that he had sent them all
+away.  The Receiver-General seems, from this, to have rather hastily
+arrived at the conclusion that the Prince's disorder was the pest, and
+that his servants and friends had all deserted him from cowardice.
+
+This was very far from being the case.  His private secretary and his
+maitre d'hotel watched, day and night, by his couch, and the best
+physicians of the city were in constant attendance.  By a singular
+accident; all had been despatched on different errands, at the express
+desire of their master, but there had never been a suspicion that his
+disorder was the pest, or pestilential.  Nerves of steel, and a frame of
+adamant could alone have resisted the constant anxiety and the consuming
+fatigue to which he had so long been exposed.  His illness had been
+aggravated by the, rumor of Leyden's fall, a fiction which Cornelius
+Mierop was now enabled flatly to contradict.  The Prince began to mend
+from that hour.  By the end of the first week of September, he wrote
+along letter to his brother, assuring him of his convalescence, and
+expressing, as usual; a calm confidence in the divine decrees--"God will
+ordain for me," said he, "all which is necessary for my good and my
+salvation.  He will load me with no more afflictions than the fragility
+of this nature can sustain."
+
+The preparations for the relief of Leyden, which, notwithstanding his
+exertions, had grown slack during his sickness, were now vigorously
+resumed.  On the 1st of September, Admiral Boisot arrived out of Zealand
+with a small number of vessels, and with eight hundred veteran sailors.
+A wild and ferocious crew were those eight hundred Zealanders.  Scarred,
+hacked, and even maimed, in the unceasing conflicts in which their lives
+had passed; wearing crescents in their caps, with the inscription,
+"Rather Turkish than Popish;" renowned far and wide, as much for their
+ferocity as for their nautical skill; the appearance of these wildest of
+the "Sea-beggars" was both eccentric and terrific.  They were known never
+to give nor to take quarter, for they went to mortal combat only, and had
+sworn to spare neither noble nor simple, neither king, kaiser, nor pope,
+should they fall into their power.
+
+More than two hundred-vessels had been assembled, carrying generally ten
+pieces of cannon, with from ten to eighteen oars, and manned with twenty-
+five hundred veterans, experienced both on land and water.  The work was
+now undertaken in earnest.  The distance from Leyden to the outer dyke,
+over whose ruins the ocean had already been admitted, was nearly fifteen
+miles.  This reclaimed territory, however, was not maintained against the
+sea by these external barriers alone.  The flotilla made its way with
+ease to the Land-Scheiding, a strong dyke within five miles of Leyden,
+but here its progress was arrested.  The approach to the city was
+surrounded by many strong ramparts, one within the other, by which it was
+defended against its ancient enemy, the ocean, precisely like the
+circumvallations by means of which it was now assailed by its more recent
+enemy, the Spaniard.  To enable the fleet, however, to sail over the
+land; it was necessary to break through this two fold series of defences.
+Between the Land-Scheiding and Leyden were several dykes, which kept out
+the water; upon the level, were many villages, together with a chain of
+sixty-two forts, which completely occupied the land.  All these Villages
+and fortresses were held by the veteran, troops of the King; the
+besieging force, being about four times as strong as that which was
+coming to the rescue.
+
+The Prince had given orders that the Land-Scheiding, which was still one-
+and-a-half foot above water, should be taken possession of; at every
+hazard.  On the night of the 10th and 11th of September this was
+accomplished; by surprise; and in a masterly manner.  The few Spaniards
+who had been stationed upon the dyke were all, despatched or driven off,
+and the patriots fortified themselves upon it, without the loss of a man.
+As the day dawned the Spaniards saw the fatal error which they had
+committed in leaving thus bulwark so feebly defended, and from two
+villages which stood close to the dyke, the troops now rushed
+inconsiderable force to recover what they had lost.  A hot action
+succeeded, but the patriots had too securely established themselves.
+They completely defeated the enemy, who retired, leaving hundreds of
+dead on the field, and the patriots in complete possession of the Land-
+scheiding.  This first action was sanguinary and desperate.  It gave a
+earnest of what these people, who came to relieve; their brethren, by
+sacrificing their, property and their lives; were determined to effect.
+It gave a revolting proof, too, of the intense hatred which nerved their
+arms.  A Zealander; having struck down a Spaniard on the dyke, knelt on
+his bleeding enemy, tore his heart from his bosom; fastened his teeth in
+it for an instant, and then threw it to a dog, with the exclamation,
+"'Tis too bitter."  The Spanish heart was, however, rescued, and kept for
+years, with the marks of the soldier's teeth upon it, a sad testimonial
+of the ferocity engendered by this war for national existence.
+
+The great dyke having been thus occupied, no time was lost in breaking it
+through in several places, a work which was accomplished under the very
+eyes of the enemy.  The fleet sailed through the gaps, but, after their
+passage had been effected in good order, the Admiral found, to his
+surprise, that it was not the only rampart to be carried.  The Prince had
+been informed, by those who claimed to know, the country, that, when once
+the Land-scheiding had been passed, the water would flood the country.
+as far as Leyden, but the "Green-way," another long dyke three-quarters
+of a mile farther inward, now rose at least a foot above the water, to
+oppose their further progress.  Fortunately, by, a second and still more
+culpable carelessness, this dyke had been left by the Spaniards in as
+unprotected a state as the first had been, Promptly and audaciously
+Admiral Boisot took possession of this barrier also, levelled it in many
+places, and brought his flotilla, in triumph, over its ruins.  Again,
+however, he was doomed to disappointment.  A large mere, called the
+Freshwater Lake, was known to extend itself directly in his path about
+midway between the Land-scheiding and the city.  To this piece of water,
+into which he expected to have instantly floated, his only passage lay
+through one deep canal.  The sea which had thus far borne him on, now
+diffusing itself over a very wide surface, and under the influence of an
+adverse wind, had become too shallow for his ships.  The canal alone was
+deep enough, but it led directly towards a bridge, strongly occupied by
+the enemy.  Hostile troops, moreover, to the amount of three thousand
+occupied both sides of the canal.  The bold Boisot, nevertheless,
+determined to force his passage, if possible.  Selecting a few of his
+strongest vessels, his heaviest artillery, and his bravest sailors, he
+led the van himself, in a desperate attempt to make his way to the mere.
+He opened a hot fire upon the bridge, then converted into a fortress,
+while his men engaged in hand-to-hand combat with a succession of
+skirmishers from the troops along the canal.  After losing a few men,
+and ascertaining the impregnable position of the enemy, he was obliged
+to withdraw, defeated, and almost despairing.
+
+A week had elapsed since the great dyke had been pierced, and the
+flotilla now lay motionless--in shallow water, having accomplished less
+than two miles.  The wind, too, was easterly, causing the sea rather to
+sink than to rise.  Everything wore a gloomy aspect, when, fortunately,
+on the 18th, the wind shifted to the north-west, and for three days blew
+a gale.  The waters rose rapidly, and before the second day was closed
+the armada was afloat again.  Some fugitives from Zoetermeer village now
+arrived, and informed the Admiral that, by making a detour to the right,
+he could completely circumvent the bridge and the mere.  They guided him,
+accordingly, to a comparatively low dyke, which led between the villages
+of Zoetermeer and Benthuyzen: A strong force of Spaniards was stationed
+in each place, but, seized with a panic, instead of sallying to defend
+the barrier, they fled inwardly towards Leyden, and halted at the village
+of North Aa.  It was natural that they should be amazed.  Nothing is more
+appalling to the imagination than the rising ocean tide, when man feels
+himself within its power; and here were the waters, hourly deepening and
+closing around them, devouring the earth beneath their feet, while on the
+waves rode a flotilla, manned by a determined race; whose courage and
+ferocity were known throughout the world.  The Spanish soldiers, brave as
+they were on land, were not sailors, and in the naval contests which had
+taken place between them and the Hollanders had been almost invariably
+defeated.  It was not surprising, in these amphibious skirmishes, where
+discipline was of little avail, and habitual audacity faltered at the
+vague dangers which encompassed them, that the foreign troops should lose
+their presence of mind.
+
+Three barriers, one within the other, had now been passed, and the
+flotilla, advancing with the advancing waves, and driving the enemy
+steadily before it, was drawing nearer to the beleaguered city.  As one
+circle after another was passed, the besieging army found itself
+compressed within a constantly contracting field.  The "Ark of Delft," an
+enormous vessel, with shot-proof bulwarks, and moved by paddle-wheels
+turned by a crank, now arrived at Zoetermeer, and was soon followed by
+the whole fleet.  After a brief delay, sufficient to allow the few
+remaining villagers to escape, both Zoetermeer and Benthuyzen, with the
+fortifications, were set on fire, and abandoned to their fate.  The blaze
+lighted up the desolate and watery waste around, and was seen at Leyden,
+where it was hailed as the beacon of hope.  Without further impediment,
+the armada proceeded to North Aa; the enemy retreating from this position
+also, and flying to Zoeterwoude, a strongly fortified village but a mile
+and three quarters from the city walls.  It was now swarming with troops,
+for the bulk of the besieging army had gradually been driven into a
+narrow circle of forts, within the immediate neighbourhood of Leyden.
+Besides Zoeterwoude, the two posts where they were principally
+established were Lammen and Leyderdorp, each within three hundred rods of
+the town.  At Leyderdorp were the head-quarters of Valdez; Colonel Borgia
+commanded in the very strong fortress of Lammen.
+
+The fleet was, however, delayed at North Aa by another barrier, called
+the "Kirk-way."  The waters, too, spreading once more over a wider space,
+and diminishing under an east wind, which had again arisen, no longer
+permitted their progress, so that very soon the whole armada was stranded
+anew.  The, waters fell to the depth of nine inches; while the vessels
+required eighteen and twenty.  Day after day the fleet lay motionless
+upon.  the shallow sea.  Orange, rising from his sick bed as soon as he
+could stand, now came on board the fleet.  His presence diffused
+universal joy; his words inspired his desponding army with fresh hope.
+He rebuked the impatient spirits who, weary of their compulsory idleness,
+had shown symptoms of ill-timed ferocity, and those eight hundred mad
+Zealanders, so frantic in their hatred to the foreigners, who had so long
+profaned their land, were as docile as children to the Prince.  He
+reconnoitred the whole ground, and issued orders for the immediate
+destruction of the Kirkway, the last important barrier which separated
+the fleet from Leyden.  Then, after a long conference with Admiral
+Boisot, he returned to Delft.
+
+Meantime, the besieged city was at its last gasp.  The burghers had been
+in a state of uncertainty for many days; being aware that the fleet had
+set forth for their relief, but knowing full well the thousand obstacles
+which it, had to surmount.  They had guessed its progress by the
+illumination from, the blazing villages; they had heard its salvos of
+artillery, on its arrival at North Aa; but since then, all had been dark
+and mournful again, hope and fear, in sickening alternation, distracting
+every breast.  They knew that the wind was unfavorable, and at the dawn
+of each day every eye was turned wistfully to the vanes of the, steeples.
+So long as the easterly breeze prevailed, they felt, as they anxiously
+stood on towers and housetops; that they must look in vain for the
+welcome ocean.  Yet, while thus patiently waiting, they were literally
+starving; for even the misery endured at Harlem had not reached that
+depth and intensity of agony to which Leyden was now reduced.  Bread,
+malt-cake, horseflesh, had entirely disappeared; dogs, cats, rats, and
+other vermin, were esteemed luxuries: A small number of cows, kept as
+long as possible, for their milk, still remained; but a few were killed
+from day to day; and distributed in minute proportions, hardly sufficient
+to support life among the famishing population.  Starving wretches
+swarmed daily around the shambles where these cattle were slaughtered,
+contending for any morsel which might fall, and lapping eagerly the blood
+as it ran along the pavement; while the hides; chopped and boiled, were
+greedily devoured.  Women and children, all day long, were seen searching
+gutters and dunghills for morsels of food, which they disputed fiercely
+with the famishing dogs.  The green leaves were stripped from the trees,
+every living herb was converted into human food, but these expedients
+could not avert starvation.  The daily mortality was frightful infants
+starved to death on the maternal breasts, which famine had parched and
+withered; mothers dropped dead in the streets, with their dead children
+in their arms.  In many a house the watchmen, in their rounds, found a
+whole family of corpses, father, mother, and children, side by side, for
+a disorder called the plague, naturally engendered of hardship and
+famine, now came, as if in kindness, to abridge the agony of the people.
+The pestilence stalked at noonday through the city, and the doomed
+inhabitants fell like grass beneath its scythe.  From six thousand to
+eight thousand human beings sank before this scourge alone, yet the
+people resolutely held out--women and men mutually encouraging each other
+to resist the entrance of their foreign foe--an evil more horrible than
+pest or famine.
+
+The missives from Valdez, who saw more vividly than the besieged could
+do, the uncertainty of his own position, now poured daily into the city,
+the enemy becoming more prodigal of his vows, as he felt that the ocean
+might yet save the victims from his grasp.  The inhabitants, in their
+ignorance, had gradually abandoned their hopes of relief, but they
+spurned the summons to surrender.  Leyden was sublime in its despair.  A
+few murmurs were, however, occasionally heard at the steadfastness of the
+magistrates, and a dead body was placed at the door of the burgomaster,
+as a silent witness against his inflexibility.  A party of the more
+faint-hearted even assailed the heroic Adrian Van der Werf with threats
+and reproaches as he passed through the streets.  A crowd had gathered
+around him, as he reached a triangular place in the centre of the town,
+into which many of the principal streets emptied themselves, and upon one
+side of which stood the church of Saint Pancras, with its high brick
+tower surmounted by two pointed turrets, and with two ancient lime trees
+at its entrance.  There stood the burgomaster, a tall, haggard, imposing
+figure, with dark visage, and a tranquil but commanding eye.  He waved
+his broadleaved felt hat for silence, and then exclaimed, in language
+which has been almost literally preserved,  What would ye, my friends?
+Why do ye murmur that we do not break our vows and surrender the city to
+the Spaniards? a fate more horrible than the agony which she now endures.
+I tell you I have made an oath to hold the city, and may God give me
+strength to keep my oath!  I can die but once; whether by your hands, the
+enemy's, or by the hand of God.  My own fate is indifferent to me, not so
+that of the city intrusted to my care.  I know that we shall starve if
+not soon relieved; but starvation is preferable to the dishonored death
+which is the only alternative.  Your menaces move me not; my life is at
+your disposal; here is my sword, plunge it into my breast, and divide my
+flesh among you.  Take my body to appease your hunger, but expect no
+surrender, so long as I remain alive.
+
+The words of the stout burgomaster inspired a new courage in the hearts
+of those who heard him, and a shout of applause and defiance arose from
+the famishing but enthusiastic crowd.  They left the place, after
+exchanging new vows of fidelity with their magistrate, and again ascended
+tower and battlement to watch for the coming fleet.  From the ramparts
+they hurled renewed defiance at the enemy.  "Ye call us rat-eaters and
+dog-eaters," they cried, "and it is true.  So long, then, as ye hear dog
+bark or cat mew within the walls, ye may know that the city holds out.
+And when all has perished but ourselves, be sure that we will each devour
+our left arms, retaining our right to defend our women, our liberty, and
+our religion, against the foreign tyrant.  Should God, in his wrath, doom
+us to destruction, and deny us all relief, even then will we maintain
+ourselves for ever against your entrance.  When the last hour has come,
+with our own hands we will set fire to the city and perish, men, women,
+and children together in the flames, rather than suffer our homes to be
+polluted and our liberties to be crushed."  Such words of defiance,
+thundered daily from the battlements, sufficiently informed Valdez as to
+his chance of conquering the city, either by force or fraud, but at the
+same time, he felt comparatively relieved by the inactivity of Boisot's
+fleet, which still lay stranded at North Aa.  "As well," shouted the
+Spaniards, derisively, to the citizens, "as well can the Prince of Orange
+pluck the stars from the sky as bring the ocean to the walls of Leyden
+for your relief."
+
+On the 28th of September, a dove flew into the city, bringing a letter
+from Admiral Boisot.  In this despatch, the position of the fleet at
+North Aa was described in encouraging terms, and the inhabitants were
+assured that, in a very few days at furthest, the long-expected relief
+would enter their gates.  The letter was read publicly upon the market-
+place, and the bells were rung for joy.  Nevertheless, on the morrow, the
+vanes pointed to the east, the waters, so far from rising, continued to
+sink, and Admiral Boisot was almost in despair.  He wrote to the Prince,
+that if the spring-tide, now to be expected, should not, together with a
+strong and favorable wind, come immediately to their relief, it would be
+in pain to attempt anything further, and that the expedition would, of
+necessity, be abandoned.  The tempest came to their relief. A violent
+equinoctial gale, on the night of the 1st and 2nd of October, came
+storming from the north-west, shifting after a few hours full eight
+points, and then blowing still more violently from the south-west.  The
+waters of the North Sea were piled in vast masses upon the southern coast
+of Holland, and then dashed furiously landward, the ocean rising over the
+earth, and sweeping with unrestrained power across the ruined dykes.
+
+In the course of twenty-four hours, the fleet at North Aa, instead of
+nine inches, had more than two feet of water.  No time was lost.  The
+Kirk-way, which had been broken through according to the Prince's
+instructions, was now completely overflowed, and the fleet sailed at
+midnight, in the midst of the storm and darkness.  A few sentinel vessels
+of the enemy challenged them as they steadily rowed towards Zoeterwoude.
+The answer was a flash from Boisot's cannon; lighting up the black waste
+of waters.  There was a fierce naval midnight battle; a strange spectacle
+among the branches of those quiet orchards, and with the chimney stacks
+of half-submerged farmhouses rising around the contending vessels.
+The neighboring village of Zoeterwoude shook with the discharges of the
+Zealanders' cannon, and the Spaniards assembled in that fortress knew
+that the rebel Admiral was at last, afloat and on his course.  The
+enemy's vessels were soon sunk, their crews hurled into the waves.
+On went the fleet, sweeping over the broad waters which lay between
+Zoeterwoude and Zwieten.  As they approached some shallows, which led
+into the great mere, the Zealanders dashed into the sea, and with sheer
+strength shouldered every vessel through.  Two obstacles lay still in
+their path--the forts of Zoeterwoude and Lammen, distant from the city
+five hundred and two hundred and fifty yards respectively.  Strong
+redoubts, both well supplied with troops and artillery, they were likely
+to give a rough reception to the light flotilla, but the panic; which had
+hitherto driven their foes before the advancing patriots; had reached
+Zoeterwoude.  Hardly was the fleet in sight when the Spaniards in the
+early morning, poured out from the fortress, and fled precipitately to
+the left, along a road which led in a westerly direction towards the
+Hague.  Their narrow path was rapidly vanishing in the waves, and
+hundreds sank beneath the constantly deepening and treacherous flood.
+The wild Zealanders, too, sprang from their vessels upon the crumbling
+dyke and drove their retreating foes into the sea.  They hurled their
+harpoons at them, with an accuracy acquired in many a polar chase; they
+plunged into the waves in the keen pursuit, attacking them with boat-hook
+and dagger.  The numbers who thus fell beneath these corsairs, who
+neither gave nor took quarter, were never counted, but probably not less
+than a thousand perished.  The rest effected their escape to the Hague.
+
+The first fortress was thus seized, dismantled, set on fire, and passed,
+and a few strokes of the oars brought the whole fleet close to Lammen.
+This last obstacle rose formidable and frowning directly across their
+path.  Swarming as it was with soldiers, and bristling with artillery,
+it seemed to defy the armada either to carry it by storm or to pass under
+its guns into the city.  It appeared that the enterprise was, after all,
+to founder within sight of the long expecting and expected haven.  Boisot
+anchored his fleet within a respectful distance, and spent what remained
+of the day in carefully reconnoitring the fort, which seemed only too
+strong.  In conjunction with Leyderdorp, the head-quarters of Valdez, a
+mile and a half distant on the right, and within a mile of the city, it
+seemed so insuperable an impediment that Boisot wrote in despondent tone
+to the Prince of Orange.  He announced his intention of carrying the
+fort, if it were possible, on the following morning, but if obliged to
+retreat, he observed, with something like despair, that there would be
+nothing for it but to wait for another gale of wind.  If the waters
+should rise sufficiently to enable them to make a wide detour, it might
+be possible, if, in the meantime, Leyden did not starve or surrender, to
+enter its gates from the opposite side.
+
+Meantime, the citizens had grown wild with expectation.  A dove had been
+despatched by Boisot, informing them of his precise position, and a
+number of citizens accompanied the burgomaster, at nightfall, toward the
+tower of Hengist.  Yonder, cried the magistrate, stretching out his hand
+towards Lammen, "yonder, behind that fort, are bread and meat, and
+brethren in thousands.  Shall all this be destroyed by the Spanish guns,
+or shall we rush to the rescue of our friends?"--"We will tear the
+fortress to fragments with our teeth and nails," was the reply, "before
+the relief, so long expected, shall be wrested from us."  It was resolved
+that a sortie, in conjunction with the operations of Boisot, should be
+made against Lammen with the earliest dawn.  Night descended upon the
+scene, a pitch dark night, full of anxiety to the Spaniards, to the
+armada, to Leyden.  Strange sights and sounds occurred at different
+moments to bewilder the anxious sentinels.  A long procession of lights
+issuing from the fort was seen to flit across the black face of the
+waters, in the dead of night, and the whole of the city wall, between the
+Cow-gate and the Tower of Burgundy, fell with a loud crash.  The horror-
+struck citizens thought that the Spaniards were upon them at last; the
+Spaniards imagined the noise to indicate, a desperate sortie of the
+citizens.  Everything was vague and mysterious.
+
+Day dawned, at length, after the feverish, night, and, the Admiral
+prepared for the assault.  Within the fortress reigned a death-like
+stillness, which inspired a sickening suspicion.  Had the city, indeed,
+been carried in the night; had the massacre already commenced; had all
+this labor and audacity been expended in vain?  Suddenly a man was
+descried, wading breast-high through the water from Lammen towards the
+fleet, while at the same time, one solitary boy was seen to wave his cap
+from the summit of the fort.  After a moment of doubt, the happy mystery
+was solved.  The Spaniards had fled, panic struck, during the darkness.
+Their position would still have enabled them, with firmness, to frustrate
+the enterprise of the patriots, but the hand of God, which had sent the
+ocean and the tempest to the deliverance of Leyden, had struck her
+enemies with terror likewise.  The lights which had been seen moving
+during the night were the lanterns of the retreating Spaniards, and the
+boy who was now waving his triumphant signal from the battlements had
+alone witnessed the spectacle.  So confident was he in the conclusion to
+which it led him, that he had volunteered at daybreak to go thither all
+alone.  The magistrates, fearing a trap, hesitated for a moment to
+believe the truth, which soon, however, became quite evident.  Valdez,
+flying himself from Leyderdorp, had ordered Colonel Borgia to retire with
+all his troops from Lammen.  Thus, the Spaniards had retreated at the
+very moment that an extraordinary accident had laid bare a whole side of
+the city for their entrance.  The noise of the wall, as it fell, only
+inspired them with fresh alarm for they believed that the citizens had
+sallied forth in the darkness, to aid the advancing flood in the work of
+destruction.  All obstacles being now removed, the fleet of Boisot swept
+by Lammen, and entered the city on the morning of the 3rd of October.
+Leyden was relieved.
+
+The quays were lined with the famishing population, as the fleet rowed
+through the canals, every human being who could stand, coming forth to
+greet the preservers of the city.  Bread was thrown from every vessel
+among the crowd.  The poor creatures who, for two months had tasted no
+wholesome human food, and who had literally been living within the jaws
+of death, snatched eagerly the blessed gift, at last too liberally
+bestowed.  Many choked themselves to death, in the greediness with which
+they devoured their bread; others became ill with the effects of plenty
+thus suddenly succeeding starvation; but these were isolated cases, a
+repetition of which was prevented.  The Admiral, stepping ashore, was
+welcomed by the magistracy, and a solemn procession was immediately
+formed.  Magistrates and citizens, wild Zealanders, emaciated burgher
+guards, sailors, soldiers, women, children, nearly every living person
+within the walls, all repaired without delay to the great church, stout
+Admiral Boisot leading the way.  The starving and heroic city, which had
+been so firm in its resistance to an earthly king, now bent itself in
+humble gratitude before the King of kings.  After prayers, the whole vast
+congregation joined in the thanksgiving hymn.  Thousands of voices raised
+the-song, but few were able to carry it to its conclusion, for the
+universal emotion, deepened by the music, became too full for utterance.
+The hymn was abruptly suspended, while the multitude wept like children.
+This scene of honest pathos terminated; the necessary measures for
+distributing the food and for relieving the sick were taken by the
+magistracy.  A note dispatched to the Prince of Orange, was received by
+him at two o'clock, as he sat in church at Delft.  It was of a somewhat
+different purport from that of the letter which he had received early in
+the same day from Boisot; the letter in which the admiral had, informed
+him that the success of the enterprise depended; after-all, upon the
+desperate assault upon a nearly impregnable fort. The joy of the Prince
+may be easily imagined, and so soon as the sermon was concluded; he
+handed the letter just received to the minister, to be read to the
+congregation.  Thus, all participated in his joy, and united with him in
+thanksgiving.
+
+The next day, notwithstanding the urgent entreaties of his friends, who
+were anxious lest his life should be endangered by breathing, in his
+scarcely convalescent state; the air of the city where so many thousands
+had been dying of the pestilence, the Prince repaired to Leyden.  He, at
+least, had never doubted his own or his country's fortitude.  They could,
+therefore, most sincerely congratulate each other, now that the victory
+had been achieved.  "If we are doomed to perish," he had said a little
+before the commencement of the siege, "in the name of God, be it so!  At
+any rate, we shall have the honor to have done what no nation ever, did
+before us, that of having defended and maintained ourselves, unaided, in
+so small a country, against the tremendous efforts of such powerful
+enemies.  So long as the poor inhabitants here, though deserted by all
+the world, hold firm, it will still cost the Spaniards the half of Spain,
+in money and in men, before they can make an end of us."
+
+The termination of the terrible siege of Leyden was a convincing proof to
+the Spaniards that they had not yet made an end of the Hollanders.  It
+furnished, also, a sufficient presumption that until they had made an end
+of them, even unto the last Hollander, there would never be an end of the
+struggle in which they were engaged.  It was a slender consolation to the
+Governor-General, that his troops had been vanquished, not by the enemy,
+but by the ocean.  An enemy whom the ocean obeyed with such docility
+might well be deemed invincible by man.  In the head-quarters of Valdez,
+at Leyderdorp, many plans of Leyden and the neighbourhood were found
+lying in confusion about the room.  Upon the table was a hurried farewell
+of that General to the scenes of his, discomfiture, written in a Latin
+worthy of Juan Vargas:  "Vale civitas, valete castelli parvi, qui relicti
+estis propter aquam et non per vim inimicorum!"  In his precipitate
+retreat before the advancing rebels, the Commander had but just found
+time for this elegant effusion, and, for his parting instructions to
+Colonel Borgia that the fortress of Lammen was to be forthwith abandoned.
+These having been reduced to writing, Valdez had fled so speedily as to
+give rise to much censure and more scandal.  He was even accused of
+having been bribed by the Hollanders to desert his post, a tale which
+many repeated, and a few believed.  On the 4th of October, the day
+following that on which the relief of the city was effected, the wind
+shifted to the north-east, and again blew a tempest.  It was as if the
+waters, having now done their work, had been rolled back to the ocean by
+an Omnipotent hand, for in the course of a few days, the land was bare
+again, and the work of reconstructing the dykes commenced.
+
+After a brief interval of repose, Leyden had regained its former
+position.  The Prince, with advice of the estates, had granted the city,
+as a reward for its sufferings, a ten days' annual fair, without tolls or
+taxes,  and as a further manifestation of the gratitude entertained by
+the people of Holland and Zealand for the heroism of the citizens, it was
+resolved that an academy or university should be forthwith established
+within their walls.  The University of Leyden, afterwards so illustrious,
+was thus founded in the very darkest period of the country's struggle.
+
+The university was endowed with a handsome revenue, principally derived
+from the ancient abbey of Egmont, and was provided with a number of
+professors, selected for their genius, learning, and piety among all the
+most distinguished scholars of the Netherlands.  The document by which
+the institution was founded was certainly a masterpiece of ponderous
+irony, for as the fiction of the King's sovereignty was still maintained,
+Philip was gravely made to establish the university, as a reward to
+Leyden for rebellion to himself.  "Considering," said this wonderful
+charter, "that during these present wearisome wars within our provinces
+of Holland and Zealand, all good instruction of youth in the sciences and
+liberal arts is likely to come into entire oblivion. . . . .  Considering
+the differences of religion--considering that we are inclined to gratify
+our city of Leyden, with its burghers, on account of the heavy burthens
+sustained by them during this war with such faithfulness--we have
+resolved, after ripely deliberating with our dear cousin, William, Prince
+of Orange, stadholder, to erect a free public school and university,"
+etc., etc., etc.  So ran the document establishing this famous academy,
+all needful regulations for the government and police of the institution
+being entrusted by Philip to his "above-mentioned dear cousin of Orange."
+
+The university having been founded, endowed, and supplied with its,
+teachers, it was solemnly consecrated in the following winter, and it is
+agreeable to contemplate this scene of harmless pedantry, interposed, as
+it was, between the acts of the longest and dreariest tragedy of modern
+time.  On the 5th of February, 1575, the city of Leyden, so lately the
+victim of famine and pestilence, had crowned itself with flowers.  At
+seven in the morning, after a solemn religious celebration in the Church
+of St. Peter,  a grand procession was formed.  It was preceded by a
+military escort, consisting of the burgher militia and the five companies
+of infantry stationed in the city.  Then came, drawn by four horses, a
+splendid triumphal chariot, on which sat a female figure, arrayed in
+snow-white garments.  This was the Holy Gospel.  She was attended by the
+Four Evangelists, who walked on foot at each side of her chariot.  Next
+followed Justice, with sword and scales, mounted; blindfold, upon a
+unicorn, while those learned doctors, Julian, Papinian, Ulpian, and
+Tribonian, rode on either side, attended by two lackeys and four men at
+arms.  After these came Medicine, on horseback, holding in one hand a
+treatise of the healing art, in the other a garland of drugs.  The
+curative goddess rode between the four eminent physicians, Hippocrates,
+Galen, Dioscorides, and Theophrastus, and was attended by two footmen and
+four pike-bearers.  Last of the allegorical personages came Minerva,
+prancing in complete steel, with lance in rest, and bearing her Medusa
+shield.  Aristotle and Plato, Cicero and Virgil, all on horseback, with
+attendants in antique armor at their back, surrounded the daughter of
+Jupiter, while the city band, discoursing eloquent music from hautboy and
+viol, came upon the heels of the allegory.  Then followed the mace-
+bearers and other officials, escorting the orator of the day, the newly-
+appointed professors and doctors, the magistrates and dignitaries, and
+the body of the citizens generally completing the procession.
+
+Marshalled in this order, through triumphal arches, and over a pavement
+strewed with flowers, the procession moved slowly up and down the
+different streets, and along the quiet canals of the city.  As it reached
+the Nuns' Bridge, a barge of triumph, gorgeously decorated, came floating
+slowly down the sluggish Rhine.  Upon its deck, under a canopy enwreathed
+with laurels and oranges, and adorned with tapestry, sat Apollo, attended
+by the Nine Muses, all in classical costume; at the helm stood Neptune
+with his trident.  The Muses executed some beautiful concerted pieces;
+Apollo twanged his lute.  Having reached the landing-place, this
+deputation from Parnassus stepped on shore, and stood awaiting the
+arrival of the procession.  Each professor, as he advanced, was gravely
+embraced and kissed by Apollo and all the Nine Muses in turn, who greeted
+their arrival besides with the recitation of an elegant Latin poem.  This
+classical ceremony terminated, the whole procession marched together to
+the cloister of Saint Barbara, the place prepared for the new university,
+where they listened to an eloquent oration by the Rev. Caspar Kolhas,
+after which they partook of a magnificent banquet.  With this memorable
+feast, in the place where famine had so lately reigned, the ceremonies
+were concluded.
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS:
+
+Crescents in their caps: Rather Turkish than Popish
+Ever-swarming nurseries of mercenary warriors
+Weep oftener for her children than is the usual lot of mothers
+
+
+
+End of this Project Gutenberg Etext of The Dutch Republic, v22
+by John Lothrop Motley
+
+
+
+
+
+
+ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS, THE DUTCH REPUBLIC 1566-74, Complete
+
+1566, the last year of peace
+Advised his Majesty to bestow an annual bribe upon Lord Burleigh
+Age when toleration was a vice
+An age when to think was a crime
+Angle with their dissimulation as with a hook
+Beggars of the sea, as these privateersmen designated themselves
+Business of an officer to fight, of a general to conquer
+Conde and Coligny
+Constitutional governments, move in the daylight
+Consumer would pay the tax, supposing it were ever paid at all
+Crescents in their caps: Rather Turkish than Popish
+Cruelties exercised upon monks and papists
+Deeply criminal in the eyes of all religious parties
+Dissenters were as bigoted as the orthodox
+Enthusiasm could not supply the place of experience
+Envying those whose sufferings had already been terminated
+Ever-swarming nurseries of mercenary warriors
+Financial opposition to tyranny is apt to be unanimous
+For faithful service, evil recompense
+Furnished, in addition, with a force of two thousand prostitutes
+God Save the King!  It was the last time
+Great transactions of a reign are sometimes paltry things
+Great battles often leave the world where they found it
+Hair and beard unshorn, according to ancient Batavian custom
+Hanged for having eaten meat-soup upon Friday
+Having conjugated his paradigm conscientiously
+He had omitted to execute heretics
+He came as a conqueror not as a mediator
+Holy Office condemned all the inhabitants of the Netherlands
+Hope deferred, suddenly changing to despair
+If he had little, he could live upon little
+Incur the risk of being charged with forwardness than neglect
+Indignant that heretics had been suffered to hang
+Insane cruelty, both in the cause of the Wrong and the Right
+Leave not a single man alive in the city, and to burn every house
+Luther's axiom, that thoughts are toll-free
+Meantime the second civil war in France had broken out
+Not for a new doctrine, but for liberty of conscience
+Not to let the grass grow under their feet
+Not strong enough to sustain many more such victories
+Oldenbarneveld; afterwards so illustrious
+Only kept alive by milk, which he drank from a woman's breast
+Only healthy existence of the French was in a state of war
+Pathetic dying words of Anne Boleyn
+Provided not one Huguenot be left alive in France
+Put all those to the torture out of whom anything can be got
+Questioning nothing, doubting nothing, fearing nothing
+Saint Bartholomew's day
+Scepticism, which delights in reversing the judgment of centuries
+Science of reigning was the science of lying
+Sent them word by carrier pigeons
+Seven Spaniards were killed, and seven thousand rebels
+Sick and wounded wretches were burned over slow fires
+Slender stock of platitudes
+So much responsibility and so little power
+Sometimes successful, even although founded upon sincerity
+Spendthrift of time, he was an economist of blood
+The time for reasoning had passed
+The calf is fat and must be killed
+The perpetual reproductions of history
+The greatest crime, however, was to be rich
+The faithful servant is always a perpetual ass
+The tragedy of Don Carlos
+The illness was a convenient one
+Three hundred fighting women
+Time and myself are two
+Tyranny, ever young and ever old, constantly reproducing herself
+We are beginning to be vexed
+Wealth was an unpardonable sin
+Weep oftener for her children than is the usual lot of mothers
+Who loved their possessions better than their creed
+Wonder equally at human capacity to inflict and to endure misery
+
+
+
+
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE DUTCH REPUBLIC, 1566-74 ***
+
+******** This file should be named jm23v10.txt or jm23v10.zip ********
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