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diff --git a/4823-h/4823-h.htm b/4823-h/4823-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..0608b08 --- /dev/null +++ b/4823-h/4823-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,18244 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="us-ascii"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Rise of the Dutch Republic, Volume II. by John Lothrop Motley + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd7; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rise of the Dutch Republic, +Volume II.(of III) 1566-74, by John Lothrop Motley + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Rise of the Dutch Republic, Volume II.(of III) 1566-74 + +Author: John Lothrop Motley + +Release Date: October 13, 2006 [EBook #4823] +Last Updated: November 3, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RISE DUTCH REPUBLIC, II. *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + 1855 + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h4> + MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, 1566-1574 + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <table summary="" border="3" cellpadding="4"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + <a + href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4811/4811-h/4811-h.htm"><b>Volume + I.</b></a> + </td> + <td> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p class="toc"> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> <b>VOLUME 2, Book 1., 1566</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> 1566 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER IX. </a> 1566, + Part 1 <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER IX. </a> 1567, + Part 2 <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER X. </a> 1567 + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> <b>ALVA</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER I. </a> 1567, + Part 3 <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER II. </a> 1568 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER III. </a> 1568 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER IV. </a> 1568 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER V. </a> 1569-70 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER VI. </a> 1570 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER VII. </a> 1572 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> 1572-73 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER IX. </a> 1573 + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> <b>ADMINISTRATION OF THE GRAND COMMANDER</b> + </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER I. </a> 1573-74 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER II. </a> 1574 + <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + VOLUME 2, Book 1., 1566 + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. 1566 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + So much for the pardon promised in his official correspondence. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + 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 expressed the hope that he would have no regard to any + such obligation. She further implored her brother to come forth as soon as + possible 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 unpardonable 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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!'" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. Part 1., 1566 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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? + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 13. + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY 1855 <a + name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. Part 2, 1567 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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!" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X. 1567 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + Noircarmes meanwhile, had unmasked his batteries, and opened his fire + exactly according to Egmont's suggestions. + </p> + <p> + The artillery played first upon what was called the "White Tower," which + happened to bear this ancient, rhyming inscription: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "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. +</pre> + <p> + 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?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 14. + </h2> + <h3> + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC + </h3> + <h2> + By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY + </h2> + <p> + 1855 <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ALVA + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. Part III 1567 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [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.] +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + The next day, however, his commission was duly exhibited. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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? + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 15. + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY 1855 <a + name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. 1568 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + Events, personal to himself, were rapidly to place him in a position from + which he might enter the combat with honor. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + Of all these crimes and misdeeds the procurator declared himself + sufficiently informed, and the aforesaid defendant entirely, commonly, and + publicly defamed. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "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." +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 16. + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY 1855 <a + name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. 1568 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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? + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 he 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [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.] +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.] + </p> + <p> + 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?" + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + De Thou gives the following account of the transaction, having derived + many of his details from the oral communications of Louis de Foix: + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. 1568 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [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.] +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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? + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "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." +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [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.] +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [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."] +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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! + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [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] +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 17. + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY 1855 <a + name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. 1569-70 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 he 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + A tax of the twentieth penny; or five per cent., was laid upon every + transfer of real estate. This imposition was perpetual. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "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." +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 18. + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY 1855 <a + name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. 1570 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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 he 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +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." +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "On April's Fool's Day, + Duke Alva's spectacles were stolen away," +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 19. + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY 1855 <a + name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. 1572 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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.' + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 he 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [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.] +</pre> + <p> + "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." + </p> + <p> + 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"? + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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.] + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 20. + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY 1855 <a + name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. 1572-73 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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? + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "'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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 the 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [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.] +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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.] + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. Batenburg 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 21. + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY 1855 <a + name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. 1573 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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 be 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 country 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 be 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [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 +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 22. + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY 1855 <a + name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ADMINISTRATION OF THE GRAND COMMANDER + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART" id="link2H_PART"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART IV. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. 1573-74 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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? + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + The sentiment of Schot prevailed, and all hands stood on deck, ready with + boarding-pikes and grappling-irons. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + "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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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 encampment, 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [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.] +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. 1574 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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. +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [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 Von 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.] +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Fistula dulce canit, volucrem cum decipit auceps." +</pre> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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." + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> + <p> + 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. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 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 +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <table summary="" border="3" cellpadding="4"> + <tbody> + <tr> + <td> + <a + href="https://www.gutenberg.org/files/4835/4835-h/4835-h.htm"><b>Volume + III.</b></a> + </td> + <td> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rise of the Dutch Republic, Volume +II.(of 3) 1566-74, by John Lothrop Motley + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RISE DUTCH REPUBLIC, II. *** + +***** This file should be named 4823-h.htm or 4823-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/4/8/2/4823/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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