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diff --git a/4835-h/4835-h.htm b/4835-h/4835-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e4503fe --- /dev/null +++ b/4835-h/4835-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,19658 @@ +<?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 III., 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> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Rise of the Dutch Republic, +Volume III.(of III) 1574-84, 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 III.(of III) 1574-84 + +Author: John Lothrop Motley + +Release Date: October 13, 2006 [EBook #4835] +Last Updated: November 3, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RISE DUTCH REPUBLIC, III. *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <h1> + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC, VOLUME III. + </h1> + <h2> + MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + By John Lothrop Motley + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + 1855 + </h3> + <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/4823/4823-h/4823-h.htm"><b>Volume + II.</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 /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER III. </a> 1574-1576 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER IV. </a> 1576 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER V. </a> 1576-1577 + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART5"> <b>PART V.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> <b>DON JOHN OF AUSTRIA.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER I. </a> 1576-1577 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER II. </a> 1577 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER III. </a> + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER V. </a> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_PART6"> <b>PART VI.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> <b>ALEXANDER OF PARMA, 1578-1584.</b> </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER V. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER VI. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER VII. </a> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. 1574-1576 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Latter days of the Blood Council—Informal and insincere + negotiations for peace—Characteristics of the negotiators and of + their diplomatic correspondence—Dr. Junius—Secret conferences + between Dr. Leoninus and Orange—Steadfastness of the Prince— + Changes in the internal government of the northern provinces— + Generosity and increasing power of the municipalities—Incipient + jealousy in regard to Orange rebuked—His offer of resignation + refused by the Estates—His elevation to almost unlimited power— + Renewed mediation of Maximilian—Views and positions of the parties + —Advice of Orange—Opening of negotiations at Breda—Propositions + and counter-propositions—Adroitness of the plenipotentiaries on + both sides—Insincere diplomacy and unsatisfactory results—Union of + Holland and Zealand under the Prince of Orange—Act defining his + powers—Charlotte de Bourbon—Character, fortunes, and fate of Anna + of Saxony—Marriage of Orange with Mademoiselle de Bourbon— + Indignation thereby excited—Horrible tortures inflicted upon + Papists by Sonoy in North Holland—Oudewater and Schoonoven taken by + Hierges—The isles of Zealand—A submarine expedition projected— + Details of the adventure—Its entire success—Death of Chiappin + Vitelli—Deliberations in Holland and Zealand concerning the + renunciation of Philip's authority—Declaration at Delft—Doubts as + to which of the Great Powers the sovereignty should be offered— + Secret international relations—Mission to England—Unsatisfactory + negotiations with Elizabeth—Position of the Grand Commander—Siege + of Zieriekzee—Generosity of Count John—Desperate project of the + Prince—Death and character of Requesens. +</pre> + <p> + The Council of Troubles, or, as it will be for ever denominated in + history, the Council of Blood, still existed, although the Grand + Commander, upon his arrival in the Netherlands, had advised his sovereign + to consent to the immediate abolition of so odious an institution. Philip + accepting the advice of his governor and his cabinet, had accordingly + authorized him by a letter of the 10th of March, 1574, to take that step + if he continued to believe it advisable. + </p> + <p> + Requesens had made use of this permission to extort money from the + obedient portion of the provinces. An assembly of deputies was held at + Brussels on the 7th of June, 1574, and there was a tedious interchange of + protocols, reports, and remonstrances. The estates, not satisfied with the + extinction of a tribunal which had at last worn itself out by its own + violence, and had become inactive through lack of victims, insisted on + greater concessions. They demanded the departure of the Spanish troops, + the establishment of a council of Netherlanders in Spain for Netherland + affairs, the restoration to offices in the provinces of natives and + natives only; for these drawers of documents thought it possible, at that + epoch, to recover by pedantry what their brethren of Holland and Zealand + were maintaining with the sword. It was not the moment for historical + disquisition, citations from Solomon, nor chopping of logic; yet with such + lucubrations were reams of paper filled, and days and weeks occupied. The + result was what might have been expected. The Grand Commander obtained but + little money; the estates obtained none of their demands; and the Blood + Council remained, as it were, suspended in mid-air. It continued to + transact business at intervals during the administration of Requesens, and + at last, after nine years of existence, was destroyed by the violent + imprisonment of the Council of State at Brussels. This event, however, + belongs to a subsequent page of this history. + </p> + <p> + Noircarmes had argued, from the tenor of Saint Aldegonde's letters, that + the Prince would be ready to accept his pardon upon almost any terms. + Noircarmes was now dead, but Saint Aldegonde still remained in prison, + very anxious for his release, and as well disposed as ever to render + services in any secret negotiation. It will be recollected that, at the + capitulation of Middelburg, it had been distinctly stipulated by the + Prince that Colonel Mondragon should at once effect the liberation of + Saint Aldegonde, with certain other prisoners, or himself return into + confinement. He had done neither the one nor the other. The patriots still + languished in prison, some of them being subjected to exceedingly harsh + treatment, but Mondragon, although repeatedly summoned as an officer and a + gentleman, by the Prince, to return to captivity, had been forbidden by + the Grand Commander to redeem his pledge. + </p> + <p> + Saint Aldegonde was now released from prison upon parole, and despatched + on a secret mission to the Prince and estates. As before, he was + instructed that two points were to be left untouched—the authority + of the King and the question of religion. Nothing could be more + preposterous than to commence a negotiation from which the two important + points were thus carefully eliminated. The King's authority and the + question of religion covered the whole ground upon which the Spaniards and + the Hollanders had been battling for six years, and were destined to + battle for three-quarters of a century longer. Yet, although other affairs + might be discussed, those two points were to be reserved for the more + conclusive arbitration of gunpowder. The result of negotiations upon such + a basis was easily to be foreseen. Breath, time, and paper were profusely + wasted and nothing gained. The Prince assured his friend, as he had done + secret agents previously sent to him, that he was himself ready to leave + the land, if by so doing he could confer upon it the blessing of peace; + but that all hopes of reaching a reasonable conclusion from the premises + established was futile. The envoy treated also with the estates, and + received from them in return an elaborate report, which was addressed + immediately to the King. The style of this paper was bold and blunt, its + substance bitter and indigestible. It informed Philip what he had heard + often enough before, that the Spaniards must go and the exiles come back, + the inquisition be abolished and the ancient privileges restored, the + Roman Catholic religion renounce its supremacy, and the Reformed religion + receive permission to exist unmolested, before he could call himself + master of that little hook of sand in the North Sea. With this paper, + which was entrusted to Saint Aldegonde, by him to be delivered to the + Grand Commander, who was, after reading it, to forward it to its + destination, the negotiator returned to his prison. Thence he did not + emerge again till the course of events released him, upon the 15th of + October, 1574. + </p> + <p> + This report was far from agreeable to the Governor, and it became the + object of a fresh correspondence between his confidential agent, + Champagny, and the learned and astute Junius de Jonge, representative of + the Prince of Orange and Governor of Yeere. The communication of De Jonge + consisted of a brief note and a long discourse. The note was sharp and + stinging, the discourse elaborate and somewhat pedantic. Unnecessarily + historical and unmercifully extended, it was yet bold, bitter, and + eloquent: The presence of foreigners was proved to have been, from the + beginning of Philip's reign, the curse of the country. Doctor Sonnius, + with his batch of bishops, had sowed the seed of the first disorder. A + prince, ruling in the Netherlands, had no right to turn a deaf ear to the + petitions of his subjects. If he did so, the Hollanders would tell him, as + the old woman had told the Emperor Adrian, that the potentate who had no + time to attend to the interests of his subjects, had not leisure enough to + be a sovereign. While Holland refused to bow its neck to the Inquisition, + the King of Spain dreaded the thunder and lightning of the Pope. The + Hollanders would, with pleasure, emancipate Philip from his own thraldom, + but it was absurd that he, who was himself a slave to another potentate, + should affect unlimited control over a free people. It was Philip's + councillors, not the Hollanders, who were his real enemies; for it was + they who held him in the subjection by which his power was neutralized and + his crown degraded. + </p> + <p> + It may be supposed that many long pages, conceived in this spirit and + expressed with great vigor, would hardly smooth the way for the more + official negotiations which were soon to take place, yet Doctor Junius + fairly and faithfully represented the sentiment of his nation. + </p> + <p> + Towards the close of the year, Doctor Elbertus Leoninus, professor of + Louvain, together with Hugo Bonte, ex-pensionary of Middelburg, was + commissioned by the Grand Commander to treat secretly with the Prince. He + was, however, not found very tractable when the commissioners opened the + subject of his own pardon and reconciliation with the King, and he + absolutely refused to treat at all except with the cooperation of the + estates. He, moreover, objected to the use of the word "pardon" on the + ground that he had never done anything requiring his Majesty's + forgiveness. If adversity should visit him, he cared but little for it; he + had lived long enough, he said, and should die with some glory, regretting + the disorders and oppressions which had taken place, but conscious that it + had not been in his power to remedy them. When reminded by the + commissioners of the King's power, he replied that he knew his Majesty to + be very mighty, but that there was a King more powerful still—even + God the Creator, who, as he humbly hoped, was upon his Side. + </p> + <p> + At a subsequent interview with Hugo Bonte, the Prince declared it almost + impossible for himself or the estates to hold any formal communication + with the Spanish government, as such communications were not safe. No + trust could be reposed either in safe conducts or hostages. Faith had been + too often broken by the administration. The promise made by the Duchess of + Parma to the nobles, and afterwards violated, the recent treachery of + Mondragon, the return of three exchanged prisoners from the Hague, who + died next day of poison administered before their release, the frequent + attempts upon his own life—all such constantly recurring crimes made + it doubtful, in the opinion of the Prince, whether it would be possible to + find commissioners to treat with his Majesty's government. All would fear + assassination, afterwards to be disavowed by the King and pardoned by the + Pope. After much conversation in this vein, the Prince gave the Spanish + agents warning that he might eventually be obliged to seek the protection + of some foreign power for the provinces. In this connection he made use of + the memorable metaphor, so often repeated afterwards, that "the country + was a beautiful damsel, who certainly did not lack suitors able and + willing to accept her and defend her against the world." As to the matter + of religion, he said he was willing to leave it to be settled by the + estates-general; but doubted whether anything short of entire liberty of + worship would ever satisfy the people. + </p> + <p> + Subsequently there were held other conferences, between the Prince and + Doctor Leoninus, with a similar result, all attempts proving fruitless to + induce him to abandon his position upon the subject of religion, or to + accept a pardon on any terms save the departure of the foreign troops, the + assembling of the estates-general, and entire freedom of religion. Even if + he were willing to concede the religious question himself, he observed + that it was idle to hope either from the estates or people a + hand's-breadth of concession upon that point. Leoninus was subsequently + admitted to a secret conference with the estates of Holland, where his + representations were firmly met by the same arguments as those already + used by the Prince. + </p> + <p> + These proceedings on the part of Saint Aldegonde, Champagny, Junius, and + Elbertus Leoninus extended through the whole summer and autumn of 1574, + and were not terminated until January of the following year. + </p> + <p> + Changes fast becoming necessary in the internal government of the + provinces, were also undertaken during this year. Hitherto the Prince had + exercised his power under the convenient fiction of the King's authority, + systematically conducting the rebellion in the name of his Majesty, and as + his Majesty's stadholder. By this process an immense power was lodged in + his hands; nothing less, indeed, than the supreme executive and + legislative functions of the land; while since the revolt had become, as + it were, perpetual, ample but anomalous functions had been additionally + thrust upon him by the estates and by the general voice of the people. + </p> + <p> + The two provinces, even while deprived of Harlem and Amsterdam, now raised + two hundred and ten thousand florins monthly, whereas Alva had never been + able to extract from Holland more than two hundred and seventy-one + thousand florins yearly. They paid all rather than pay a tenth. In + consequence of this liberality, the cities insensibly acquired a greater + influence in the government. The coming contest between the centrifugal + aristocratic principle, represented by these corporations, and the central + popular authority of the stadholder, was already foreshadowed, but at + first the estates were in perfect harmony with the Prince. They even urged + upon him more power than he desired, and declined functions which he + wished them to exercise. On the 7th of September, 1573, it had been + formally proposed by the general council to confer a regular and unlimited + dictatorship upon him, but in the course of a year from that time, the + cities had begun to feel their increasing importance. Moreover, while + growing more ambitious, they became less liberal. + </p> + <p> + The Prince, dissatisfied with the conduct of the cities, brought the whole + subject before an assembly of the estates of Holland on the 20th October, + 1574. He stated the inconveniences produced by the anomalous condition of + the government. He complained that the common people had often fallen into + the error that the money raised for public purposes had been levied for + his benefit only, and that they had, therefore, been less willing to + contribute to the taxes. As the only remedy for these evils, he tendered + his resignation of all the powers with which he was clothed, so that the + estates might then take the government, which they could exercise without + conflict or control. For himself, he had never desired power, except as a + means of being useful to his country, and he did not offer his resignation + from unwillingness to stand by the cause, but from a hearty desire to save + it from disputes among its friends. He was ready, now as ever, to shed the + last drop of his blood to maintain the freedom of the land. + </p> + <p> + This straightforward language produced an instantaneous effect. The + estates knew that they were dealing with a man whose life was governed by + lofty principles, and they felt that they were in danger of losing him + through their own selfishness and low ambition. They were embarrassed, for + they did not like to, relinquish the authority which they had begun to + relish, nor to accept the resignation of a man who was indispensable. They + felt that to give up William of Orange at that time was to accept the + Spanish yoke for ever. At an assembly held at Delft on the 12th of + November, 1574, they accordingly requested him "to continue in his blessed + government, with the council established near him," and for this end, they + formally offered to him, "under the name of Governor or Regent," absolute + power, authority, and sovereign command. In particular, they conferred on + him the entire control of all the ships of war, hitherto reserved to the + different cities, together with the right to dispose of all prizes and all + monies raised for the support of fleets. They gave him also unlimited + power over the domains; they agreed that all magistracies, militia bands, + guilds, and communities, should make solemn oath to contribute taxes and + to receive garrisons, exactly as the Prince, with his council, should + ordain; but they made it a condition that the estates should be convened + and consulted upon requests, impositions, and upon all changes in the + governing body. It was also stipulated that the judges of the supreme + court and of the exchequer, with other high officers, should be appointed + by and with the consent of the estates. + </p> + <p> + The Prince expressed himself willing to accept the government upon these + terms. He, however, demanded an allowance of forty-five thousand florins + monthly for the army expenses and other current outlays. Here, however, + the estates refused their consent. In a mercantile spirit, unworthy the + occasion and the man with whom they were dealing, they endeavoured to + chaffer where they should have been only too willing to comply, and they + attempted to reduce the reasonable demand of the Prince to thirty thousand + florins. The Prince, who had poured out his own wealth so lavishly in the + cause—who, together with his brothers, particularly the generous + John of Nassau, had contributed all which they could raise by mortgage, + sales of jewellery and furniture, and by extensive loans, subjecting + themselves to constant embarrassment, and almost to penury, felt himself + outraged by the paltriness of this conduct. He expressed his indignation, + and denounced the niggardliness of the estates in the strongest language, + and declared that he would rather leave the country for ever, with the + maintenance of his own honor, than accept the government upon such + disgraceful terms. The estates, disturbed by his vehemence, and struck + with its justice, instantly, and without further deliberation, consented + to his demand. They granted the forty-five thousand florins monthly, and + the Prince assumed the government, thus remodelled. + </p> + <p> + During the autumn and early winter of the year 1574, the Emperor + Maximilian had been actively exerting himself to bring about a + pacification of the Netherlands. He was certainly sincere, for an + excellent reason. "The Emperor maintains," said Saint Goard, French + ambassador at Madrid, "that if peace is not made with the Beggars, the + Empire will depart from the house of Austria, and that such is the + determination of the electors." On the other hand, if Philip were not + weary of the war, at any rate his means for carrying it on were + diminishing daily. Requesens could raise no money in the Netherlands; his + secretary wrote to Spain, that the exchequer was at its last gasp, and the + cabinet of Madrid was at its wits' end, and almost incapable of raising + ways and means. The peace party was obtaining the upper hand; the fierce + policy of Alva regarded with increasing disfavor. "The people here," wrote + Saint Goard from Madrid, "are completely desperate, whatever pains they + take to put a good face on the matter. They desire most earnestly to + treat, without losing their character." It seemed, nevertheless, + impossible for Philip to bend his neck. The hope of wearing the Imperial + crown had alone made his bigotry feasible. To less potent influences it + was adamant; and even now, with an impoverished exchequer, and, after + seven years of unsuccessful warfare, his purpose was not less rigid than + at first. "The Hollanders demand liberty of conscience," said Saint Goard, + "to which the King will never consent, or I am much mistaken." + </p> + <p> + As for Orange, he was sincerely in favor of peace—but not a + dishonorable peace, in which should be renounced all the objects of the + war. He was far from sanguine on the subject, for he read the signs of the + times and the character of Philip too accurately to believe much more in + the success of the present than in that of the past efforts of Maximilian. + He was pleased that his brother-in-law, Count Schwartzburg, had been + selected as the Emperor's agent in the affair, but expressed his doubts + whether much good would come of the proposed negotiations. Remembering the + many traps which in times past had been set by Philip and his father, he + feared that the present transaction might likewise prove a snare. "We have + not forgotten the words I 'ewig' and 'einig' in the treaty with Landgrave + Philip," he wrote; "at the same time we beg to assure his Imperial Majesty + that we desire nothing more than a good peace, tending to the glory of + God, the service of the King of Spain, and the prosperity of his + subjects." + </p> + <p> + This was his language to his brother, in a letter which was meant to be + shown to the Emperor. In another, written on the same day, he explained + himself with more clearness, and stated his distrust with more energy. + There were no papists left, except a few ecclesiastics, he said; so much + had the number of the Reformers been augmented, through the singular grace + of God. It was out of the question to suppose, therefore, that a measure, + dooming all who were not Catholics to exile, could be entertained. None + would change their religion, and none would consent, voluntarily, to + abandon for ever their homes, friends, and property. "Such a peace," he + said, "would be poor and pitiable indeed." + </p> + <p> + These, then, were the sentiments of the party now about to negotiate. The + mediator was anxious for a settlement, because the interests of the + Imperial house required it. The King of Spain was desirous of peace, but + was unwilling to concede a hair. The Prince of Orange was equally anxious + to terminate the war, but was determined not to abandon the objects for + which it had been undertaken. A favorable result, therefore, seemed hardly + possible. A whole people claimed the liberty to stay at home and practice + the Protestant religion, while their King asserted the right to banish + them for ever, or to burn them if they remained. The parties seemed too + far apart to be brought together by the most elastic compromise. The + Prince addressed an earnest appeal to the assembly of Holland, then in + session at Dort, reminding them that, although peace was desirable, it + might be more dangerous than war, and entreating them, therefore, to + conclude no treaty which should be inconsistent with the privileges of the + country and their duty to God. + </p> + <p> + It was now resolved that all the votes of the assembly should consist of + five: one for the nobles and large cities of Holland, one for the estates + of Zealand, one for the small cities of Holland, one for the cities Bommel + and Buren, and the fifth for William of Orange. The Prince thus + effectually held in his hands three votes: his own, that of the small + cities, which through his means only had been admitted to the assembly, + and thirdly, that of Buren, the capital of his son's earldom. He thus + exercised a controlling influence over the coming deliberations. The ten + commissioners, who were appointed by the estates for the peace + negotiations, were all his friends. Among them were Saint Aldegonde, Paul + Buis, Charles Boisot, and Doctor Junius. The plenipotentiaries of the + Spanish government were Leoninus, the Seigneur de Rassinghem, Cornelius + Suis, and Arnold Sasbout. + </p> + <p> + The proceedings were opened at Breda upon the 3rd of March, 1575. The + royal commissioners took the initiative, requesting to be informed what + complaints the estates had to make, and offering to remove, if possible, + all grievances which they might be suffering. The states' commissioners + replied that they desired nothing, in the first place, but an answer to + the petition which they had already presented to the King. This was the + paper placed in the hands of Saint Aldegonde during the informal + negotiations of the preceding year. An answer was accordingly given, but + couched in such vague and general language as to be quite without meaning. + The estates then demanded a categorical reply to the two principal demands + in the petition, namely, the departure of the foreign troops and the + assembling of the states-general. They, were asked what they understood by + foreigners and by the assembly of states-general. They replied that by + foreigners they meant those who were not natives, and particularly the + Spaniards. By the estates-general they meant the same body before which, + in 1555, Charles had resigned his sovereignty to Philip. The royal + commissioners made an extremely unsatisfactory answer, concluding with a + request that all cities, fortresses, and castles, then in the power of the + estates, together with all their artillery and vessels of war, should be + delivered to the King. The Roman Catholic worship, it was also distinctly + stated, was to be re-established at once exclusively throughout the + Netherlands; those of the Reformed religion receiving permission, for that + time only, to convert their property into cash within a certain time, and + to depart the country. + </p> + <p> + Orange and the estates made answer on the 21st March. It could not be + called hard, they said, to require the withdrawal of the Spanish troops, + for this had been granted in 1559, for less imperious reasons. The estates + had, indeed, themselves made use of foreigners, but those foreigners had + never been allowed to participate in the government. With regard to the + assembly of the states-general, that body had always enjoyed the right of + advising with the Sovereign on the condition of the country, and on + general measures of government. Now it was only thought necessary to + summon them, in order that they might give their consent to the King's + "requests." Touching the delivery of cities and citadels, artillery and + ships, the proposition was, pronounced to resemble that made by the wolves + to the sheep, in the fable—that the dogs should be delivered up, as + a preliminary to a lasting peace. It was unreasonable to request the + Hollanders to abandon their religion or their country. The reproach of + heresy was unjust, for they still held to the Catholic Apostolic Church, + wishing only to purify, it of its abuses. Moreover, it was certainly more + cruel to expel a whole population than to dismiss three or four thousand + Spaniards who for seven long years had been eating their fill at the + expense of the provinces. It would be impossible for the exiles to dispose + of their property, for all would, by the proposed measure, be sellers, + while there would be no purchasers. + </p> + <p> + The royal plenipotentiaries, making answer to this communication upon the + 1st of April, signified a willingness that the Spanish soldiers should + depart, if the states would consent to disband their own foreign troops. + They were likewise in favor of assembling the states-general, but could + not permit any change in the religion of the country. His Majesty had + sworn to maintain the true worship at the moment of assuming the + sovereignty. The dissenters might, however, be allowed a period of six + months in which to leave the land, and eight or ten years for the sale of + their property. After the heretics had all departed, his Majesty did not + doubt that trade and manufactures would flourish again, along with the old + religion. As for the Spanish inquisition, there was not, and there never + had been, any intention of establishing it in the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + No doubt there was something specious in this paper. It appeared to + contain considerable concessions. The Prince and estates had claimed the + departure of the Spaniards. It was now promised that they should depart. + They had demanded the assembling of the states-general. It was now + promised that they should assemble. They had denounced the inquisition. It + was now averred that the Spanish inquisition was not to be established. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the commissioners of the Prince were not deceived by such + artifices. There was no parity between the cases of the Spanish soldiery + and of the troops in service of the estates. To assemble the + estates-general was idle, if they were to be forbidden the settlement of + the great question at issue. With regard to the Spanish inquisition, it + mattered little whether the slaughter-house were called Spanish or + Flemish, or simply the Blood-Council. It was, however, necessary for the + states' commissioners to consider their reply very carefully; for the + royal plenipotentiaries had placed themselves upon specious grounds. It + was not enough to feel that the King's government was paltering with them; + it was likewise necessary for the states' agents to impress this fact upon + the people. + </p> + <p> + There was a pause in the deliberations. Meantime, Count Schwartzburg, + reluctantly accepting the conviction that the religious question was an + insurmountable obstacle to a peace, left the provinces for Germany. The + last propositions of the government plenipotentiaries had been discussed + in the councils of the various cities, so that the reply of the Prince, + and estates was delayed until the 1st of June. They admitted, in this + communication, that the offer to restore ancient privileges had an + agreeable sound; but regretted that if the whole population were to be + banished, there would be but few to derive advantage from the restoration. + If the King would put an end to religious persecution, he would find as + much loyalty in the provinces as his forefathers had found. It was out of + the question, they said, for the states to disarm and to deliver up their + strong places, before the Spanish soldiery had retired, and before peace + had been established. It was their wish to leave the question of religion, + together with all other disputed matters, to the decision of the assembly. + Were it possible, in the meantime, to devise any effectual method for + restraining hostilities, it would gladly be embraced. + </p> + <p> + On the 8th of July, the royal commissioners inquired what guarantee the + states would be willing to give, that the decision of the general + assembly, whatever it might be, should be obeyed. The demand was answered + by another, in which the King's agents were questioned as to their own + guarantees. Hereupon it was stated that his Majesty would give his word + and sign manual, together with the word and signature of the Emperor into + the bargain. In exchange for these promises, the Prince and estates were + expected to give their own oaths and seals, together with a number of + hostages. Over and above this, they were requested to deliver up the + cities of Brill and Enkhuizen, Flushing and Arnemuyde. The disparity of + such guarantees was ridiculous. The royal word, even when strengthened by + the imperial promise, and confirmed by the autographs of Philip and + Maximilian, was not so solid a security, in the opinion of Netherlanders, + as to outweigh four cities in Holland and Zealand, with all their + population and wealth. To give collateral pledges and hostages upon one + side, while the King offered none, was to assign a superiority to the + royal word, over that of the Prince and the estates which there was no + disposition to recognize. Moreover, it was very cogently urged that to + give up the cities was to give as security for the contract, some of the + principal contracting parties. + </p> + <p> + This closed the negotiations. The provincial plenipotentiaries took their + leave by a paper dated 13th July, 1575, which recapitulated the main + incidents of the conference. They expressed their deep regret that his + Majesty should insist so firmly on the banishment of the Reformers, for it + was unjust to reserve the provinces to the sole use of a small number of + Catholics. They lamented that the proposition which had been made, to + refer the religious question to the estates, had neither been loyally + accepted, nor candidly refused. They inferred, therefore, that the object + of the royal government had, been to amuse the states, while tine was thus + gained for reducing the country into a slavery more abject than any which + had yet existed. On the other hand, the royal commissioners as solemnly + averred that the whole responsibility for the failure of the negotiations + belonged to the estates. + </p> + <p> + It was the general opinion in the insurgent provinces that the government + had been insincere from the beginning, and had neither expected nor + desired to conclude a peace. It is probable, however, that Philip was + sincere; so far as it could be called sincerity to be willing to conclude + a peace, if the provinces would abandon the main objects of the war. With + his impoverished exchequer, and ruin threatening his whole empire, if this + mortal combat should be continued many years longer, he could have no + motive for further bloodshed, provided all heretics should consent to + abandon the country. As usual, however, he left his agents in the dark as + to his real intentions. Even Requesens was as much in doubt as to the + King's secret purposes as Margaret of Parma had ever been in former times. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Compare the remarks of Groen v. Prinst., Archives, etc., v 259- + 262; Bor, viii. 606, 615; Meteren, v. 100; Hoofd, g. 410.—Count + John of Nassau was distrustful and disdainful from the beginning. + Against his brother's loyalty and the straightforward intentions of + the estates, he felt that the whole force of the Macchiavelli system + of policy would be brought to bear with great effect. He felt that + the object of the King's party was to temporize, to confuse, and to + deceive. He did not believe them capable of conceding the real + object in dispute, but he feared lest they might obscure the + judgment of the plain and well meaning people with whom they had to + deal. Alluding to the constant attempts made to poison himself and + his brother, he likens the pretended negotiations to Venetian drugs, + by which eyesight, hearing, feeling, and intellect were destroyed. + Under this pernicious influence, the luckless people would not + perceive the fire burning around them, but would shrink at a + rustling leaf. Not comprehending then the tendency of their own + acts, they would "lay bare their own backs to the rod, and bring + faggots for their own funeral pile."-Archives, etc., v. 131-137.] +</pre> + <p> + Moreover, the Grand Commander and the government had, after all, made a + great mistake in their diplomacy. The estates of Brabant, although + strongly desirous that the Spanish troops should be withdrawn, were + equally stanch for the maintenance of the Catholic religion, and many of + the southern provinces entertained the same sentiments. Had the Governor, + therefore, taken the states' commissioners at their word, and left the + decision of the religious question to the general assembly, he might + perhaps have found the vote in his favor. In this case, it is certain that + the Prince of Orange and his party would have been placed in a very + awkward position. + </p> + <p> + The internal government of the insurgent provinces had remained upon the + footing which we have seen established in the autumn of 1574, but in the + course of this summer (1575), however, the foundation was laid for the + union of Holland and Zealand, under the authority of Orange. The selfish + principle of municipal aristocracy, which had tended to keep asunder these + various groups of cities, was now repressed by the energy of the Prince + and the strong determination of the people. + </p> + <p> + In April, 1575, certain articles of union between Holland and Zealand were + proposed, and six commissioners appointed to draw up an ordinance for the + government of the two provinces. This ordinance was accepted in general + assembly of both. It was in twenty articles. It declared that, during the + war the Prince as sovereign, should have absolute power in all matters + concerning the defence of the country. He was to appoint military + officers, high and low, establish and remove garrisons, punish offenders + against the laws of war. He was to regulate the expenditure of all money + voted by the estates. He was to maintain the law, in the King's name, as + Count of Holland, and to appoint all judicial officers upon nominations by + the estates. He was, at the usual times, to appoint and renew the + magistracies of the cities, according to their constitutions. He was to + protect the exercise of the Evangelical Reformed religion, and to suppress + the exercise of the Roman religion, without permitting, however, that + search should be made into the creed of any person. A deliberative and + executive council, by which the jealousy of the corporations had intended + to hamper his government, did not come into more than nominal existence. + </p> + <p> + The articles of union having been agreed upon, the Prince, desiring an + unfettered expression of the national will, wished the ordinance to be + laid before the people in their primary assemblies. The estates, however, + were opposed to this democratic proceeding. They represented that it had + been customary to consult; after the city magistracies, only the captains + of companies and the deans of guilds on matters of government. The Prince, + yielding the point, the captains of companies and deans of guilds + accordingly alone united with the aristocratic boards in ratifying the + instrument by which his authority over the two united provinces was + established. On the 4th of June this first union was solemnized. + </p> + <p> + Upon the 11th of July, the Prince formally accepted the government. He, + however, made an essential change in a very important clause of the + ordinance. In place of the words, the "Roman religion," he insisted that + the words, "religion at variance with the Gospel," should be substituted + in the article by which he was enjoined to prohibit the exercise of such + religion. This alteration rebuked the bigotry which had already grown out + of the successful resistance to bigotry, and left the door open for a + general religious toleration. + </p> + <p> + Early in this year the Prince had despatched Saint Aldegonde on a private + mission to the Elector Palatine. During some of his visits to that + potentate he had seen at Heidelberg the Princess Charlotte of Bourbon. + That lady was daughter of the Due de Montpensier, the most ardent of the + Catholic Princes of France, and the one who at the conferences of Bayonne + had been most indignant at the Queen Dowager's hesitation to unite + heartily with the schemes of Alva and Philip for the extermination of the + Huguenots. His daughter, a woman of beauty, intelligence, and virtue, + forced before the canonical age to take the religious vows, had been + placed in the convent of Joliarrs, of which she had become Abbess. Always + secretly inclined to the Reformed religion, she had fled secretly from her + cloister, in the year of horrors 1572, and had found refuge at the court + of the Elector Palatine, after which step her father refused to receive + her letters, to contribute a farthing to her support, or even to + acknowledge her claims upon him by a single line or message of affection. + </p> + <p> + Under these circumstances the outcast princess, who had arrived at the + years of maturity, might be considered her own mistress, and she was + neither morally nor legally bound, when her hand was sought in marriage by + the great champion of the Reformation, to ask the consent of a parent who + loathed her religion and denied her existence. The legality of the divorce + from Anne of Saxony had been settled by a full expression of the + ecclesiastical authority which she most respected; the facts upon which + the divorce had been founded having been proved beyond peradventure. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Acte de, cinq Ministres du St. Evangile par lequel ils declarent le + mariage du Prince d'Orange etre legitime.—Archives, etc., v. 216- + 226.] +</pre> + <p> + Nothing, in truth, could well be more unfortunate in its results than the + famous Saxon marriage, the arrangements for which had occasioned so much + pondering to Philip, and so much diplomatic correspondence on the part of + high personages in Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. Certainly, it was + of but little consequence to what church the unhappy Princess belonged, + and they must be lightly versed in history or in human nature who can + imagine these nuptials to have exercised any effect upon the religious or + political sentiments of Orange. The Princess was of a stormy, + ill-regulated nature; almost a lunatic from the beginning. The dislike + which succeeded to her fantastic fondness for the Prince, as well as her + general eccentricity, had soon become the talk of all the court at + Brussels. She would pass week after week without emerging from her + chamber, keeping the shutters closed and candles burning, day and night. + She quarrelled violently, with Countess Egmont for precedence, so that the + ludicrous contentions of the two ladies in antechambers and doorways were + the theme and the amusement of society. Her insolence, not only in private + but in public, towards her husband became intolerable: "I could not do + otherwise than bear it with sadness and patience," said the Prince, with + great magnanimity, "hoping that with age would come improvement." + Nevertheless, upon one occasion, at a supper party, she had used such + language in the presence of Count Horn and many other nobles, "that all + wondered that he could endure the abusive terms which she applied to him." + </p> + <p> + When the clouds gathered about him, when he had become an exile and a + wanderer, her reproaches and her violence increased. The sacrifice of + their wealth, the mortgages and sales which he effected of his estates, + plate, jewels, and furniture, to raise money for the struggling country, + excited her bitter resentment. She separated herself from him by degrees, + and at last abandoned him altogether. Her temper became violent to + ferocity. She beat her servants with her hands and with clubs; she + threatened the lives of herself, of her attendants, of Count John of + Nassau, with knives and daggers, and indulged in habitual profanity and + blasphemy, uttering frightful curses upon all around. Her original + tendency to intemperance had so much increased, that she was often unable + to stand on her feet. A bottle of wine, holding more than a quart, in the + morning, and another in the evening, together with a pound of sugar, was + her usual allowance. She addressed letters to Alva complaining that her + husband had impoverished himself "in his good-for-nothing Beggar war," and + begging the Duke to furnish her with a little ready money and with the + means of arriving at the possession of her dower. + </p> + <p> + An illicit connexion with a certain John Rubens, an exiled magistrate of + Antwerp, and father of the celebrated painter, completed the list of her + delinquencies, and justified the marriage of the Prince with Charlotte de + Bourbon. It was therefore determined by the Elector of Saxony and the + Landgrave William to remove her from the custody of the Nassaus. This took + place with infinite difficulty, at the close of the year 1575. Already, in + 1572; Augustus had proposed to the Landgrave that she should be kept in + solitary confinement, and that a minister should preach to her daily + through the grated aperture by which her, food was to be admitted. The + Landgrave remonstrated at so inhuman a proposition, which was, however, + carried into effect. The wretched Princess, now completely a lunatic, was + imprisoned in the electoral palace, in a chamber where the windows were + walled up and a small grating let into the upper part of the door. Through + this wicket came her food, as well as the words of the holy man appointed + to preach daily for her edification. + </p> + <p> + Two years long, she endured this terrible punishment, and died mad, on the + 18th of December, 1577. On the following day, she was buried in the + electoral tomb at Meissen; a pompous procession of "school children, + clergy, magistrates, nobility, and citizens" conducting her to that rest + of which she could no longer be deprived by the cruelty of man nor her own + violent temperament. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [It can certainly be considered no violation of the sanctity of + archives to make these slender allusions to a tale, the main + features of which have already been published, not only by MM. Groan + v. Prinsterer and Bakhuyzen, in Holland, but by the Saxon Professor + Bottiger, in Germany. It is impossible to understand the character + and career of Orange, and his relations with Germany, without a + complete view of the Saxon marriage. The extracts from the + "geomantic letters" of Elector Augustus, however, given in Bottiger + (Hist. Taschenb. 1836, p. 169-173), with their furious attacks upon + the Prince and upon Charlotte of Bourbon, seem to us too obscene to + be admitted, even in a note to these pages, and in a foreign + language.] +</pre> + <p> + So far, therefore, as the character of Mademoiselle de Bourbon and the + legitimacy of her future offspring were concerned, she received ample + guarantees. For the rest, the Prince, in a simple letter, informed her + that he was already past his prime, having reached his forty-second year, + and that his fortune was encumbered not only with settlements for his, + children by previous marriages, but by debts contracted in the cause of + his oppressed country. A convention of doctors and bishops of France; + summoned by the Duc de Montpensier, afterwards confirmed the opinion that + the conventual vows of the Princess Charlotte had been conformable neither + to the laws of France nor to the canons of the Trent Council. She was + conducted to Brill by Saint Aldegonde, where she was received by her + bridegroom, to whom she was united on the 12th of June. The wedding + festival was held at Dort with much revelry and holiday making, "but + without dancing." + </p> + <p> + In this connexion, no doubt the Prince consulted his inclination only. + Eminently domestic in his habits, he required the relief of companionship + at home to the exhausting affairs which made up his life abroad. For years + he had never enjoyed social converse, except at long intervals, with man + or woman; it was natural, therefore, that he should contract this + marriage. It was equally natural that he should make many enemies by so + impolitic a match. The Elector Palatine, who was in place of guardian to + the bride, decidedly disapproved, although he was suspected of favoring + the alliance. The Landgrave of Hesse for a time was furious; the Elector + of Saxony absolutely delirious with rage. The Diet of the Empire was to be + held within a few weeks at Frankfort, where it was very certain that the + outraged and influential Elector would make his appearance, overflowing + with anger, and determined to revenge upon the cause of the Netherland + Reformation the injury which he had personally received. Even the wise, + considerate, affectionate brother, John of Nassau, considered the marriage + an act of madness. He did what he could, by argument and entreaty, to + dissuade the Prince from its completion; although he afterwards + voluntarily confessed that the Princess Charlotte had been deeply + calumniated, and was an inestimable treasure to his brother. The French + government made use of the circumstance to justify itself in a still + further alienation from the cause of the Prince than it had hitherto + manifested, but this was rather pretence than reality. + </p> + <p> + It was not in the nature of things, however, that the Saxon and Hessian + indignation could be easily allayed. The Landgrave was extremely violent. + "Truly, I cannot imagine," he wrote to the Elector of Saxony, "quo + consilio that wiseacre of an Aldegonde, and whosoever else has been aiding + and abetting, have undertaken this affair. Nam si pietatem respicias, it + is to be feared that, considering she is a Frenchwoman, a nun, and + moreover a fugitive nun, about whose chastity there has been considerable + question, the Prince has got out of the frying-pan into the fire. Si + formam it is not to be supposed that it was her beauty which charmed him, + since, without doubt, he must be rather frightened than delighted, when he + looks upon her. Si spem prolis, the Prince has certainly only too many + heirs already, and ought to wish that he had neither wife nor children. Si + amicitiam, it is not to be supposed, while her father expresses himself in + such threatening language with regard to her, that there will be much + cordiality of friendship on his part. Let them look to it, then, lest it + fare with them no better than with the Admiral, at his Paris wedding; for + those gentlemen can hardly forgive such injuries, sine mercurio et + arsenico sublimato." + </p> + <p> + The Elector of Saxony was frantic with choler, and almost ludicrous in the + vehemence of its expression. Count John was unceasing in his exhortations + to his brother to respect the sensitiveness of these important personages, + and to remember how much good and how much evil it was in their power to + compass, with regard to himself and to the great cause of the Protestant + religion. He reminded him, too, that the divorce had not been, and would + not be considered impregnable as to form, and that much discomfort and + detriment was likely to grow out of the whole proceeding, for himself and + his family. The Prince, however, was immovable in his resolution, and from + the whole tone of his correspondence and deportment it was obvious that + his marriage was one rather of inclination than of policy. "I can assure + you, my brother," he wrote to Count John, "that my character has always + tended to this—to care neither for words nor menaces in any matter + where I can act with a clear conscience, and without doing injury to my + neighbour. Truly, if I had paid regard to the threats of princes, I should + never have embarked in so many dangerous affairs, contrary to the will of + the King, my master, in times past, and even to the advice of many of my + relatives and friends." + </p> + <p> + The evil consequences which had been foreseen were not slow to manifest + themselves. There was much discussion of the Prince's marriage at the Diet + of Frankfort, and there was even a proposition, formally to declare the + Calvinists excluded in Germany from the benefits of the Peace of Passau. + The Archduke Rudolph was soon afterwards elected King of the Romans and of + Bohemia, although hitherto, according to the policy of the Prince of + Orange, and in the expectation of benefit to the cause of the Reformation + in Germany and the Netherlands, there has been a strong disposition to + hold out hopes to Henry the Third, and to excite the fears of Maximilian. + </p> + <p> + While these important affairs, public and private, had been occurring in + the south of Holland and in Germany, a very nefarious transaction had + disgraced the cause of the patriot party in the northern quarter. Diedrich + Sonoy, governor of that portion of Holland, a man of great bravery but of + extreme ferocity of character, had discovered an extensive conspiracy + among certain of the inhabitants, in aid of an approaching Spanish + invasion. Bands of land-loupers had been employed, according to the + intimation which he had received or affected to have received, to set fire + to villages and towns in every direction, to set up beacons, and to + conduct a series of signals by which the expeditions about to be organized + were to be furthered in their objects. The Governor, determined to show + that the Duke of Alva could not be more prompt nor more terrible than + himself, improvised, of his own authority, a tribunal in imitation of the + infamous Blood-Council. Fortunately for the character of the country, + Sonoy was not a Hollander, nor was the jurisdiction of this newly + established court allowed to extend beyond very narrow limits. Eight + vagabonds were, however, arrested and doomed to tortures the most + horrible, in order to extort from them confessions implicating persons of + higher position in the land than themselves. Seven, after a few turns of + the pulley and the screw, confessed all which they were expected to + confess, and accused all whom they were requested to accuse. The eighth + was firmer, and refused to testify to the guilt of certain respectable + householders, whose names he had, perhaps, never heard, and against whom + there was no shadow of evidence. He was, however, reduced by three hours + and a half of sharp torture to confess, entirely according to their + orders, so that accusations and evidence were thus obtained against + certain influential gentlemen of the province, whose only crime was a + secret adherence to the Catholic Faith. + </p> + <p> + The eight wretches who had been induced by promises of unconditional + pardon upon one hand, and by savage torture on the other, to bear this + false witness, were condemned to be burned alive, and on their way to the + stake, they all retracted the statements which had only been extorted from + them by the rack. Nevertheless, the individuals who had been thus + designated, were arrested. Charged with plotting a general conflagration + of the villages and farmhouses, in conjunction with an invasion by Hierges + and other Papist generals, they indignantly protested their innocence; but + two of them, a certain Kopp Corneliszoon, and his son, Nanning Koppezoon, + were selected to undergo the most cruel torture which had yet been + practised in the Netherlands. Sonoy, to his eternal shame, was disposed to + prove that human ingenuity to inflict human misery had not been exhausted + in the chambers of the Blood Council, for it was to be shown that + Reformers were capable of giving a lesson even to inquisitors in this + diabolical science. Kopp, a man advanced in years, was tortured during a + whole day. On the following morning he was again brought to the rack, but + the old man was too weak to endure all the agony which his tormentors had + provided for him. Hardly had he been placed upon the bed of torture than + he calmly expired, to the great indignation of the tribunal. "The Devil + has broken his neck and carried him off to hell," cried they ferociously. + "Nevertheless, that shall not prevent him from being hung and quartered." + This decree of impotent vengeance was accordingly executed. The son of + Kopp, however, Nanning Koppezoon, was a man in the full vigor of his + years. He bore with perfect fortitude a series of incredible tortures, + after which, with his body singed from head to heel, and his feet almost + entirely flayed, he was left for six weeks to crawl about his dungeon on + his knees. He was then brought back to the torture-room, and again + stretched upon the rack, while a large earthen vessel, made for the + purpose, was placed, inverted, upon his naked body. A number of rats were + introduced under this cover, and hot coals were heaped upon the vessel, + till the rats, rendered furious by the heat, gnawed into the very bowels + of the victim, in their agony to escape. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Bor (viii. 628) conscientiously furnishes diagrams of the + machinery by aid of which this devilish cruelty was inflicted. The + rats were sent by the Governor himself.—Vide Letter of the + Commissioners to Sonoy, apud Bor, viii. 640, 641. The whole letter + is a wonderful monument of barbarity. The incredible tortures to + which the poor creatures had been subjected are detailed in a + business-like manner, as though the transactions were quite regular + and laudable, The Commissioners conclude with pious wishes for the + Governor's welfare: "Noble, wise, virtuous, and very discreet sir," + they say, "we have wished to apprise you of the foregoing, and we + now pray that God Almighty may spare you in a happy, healthy and + long-continued government"—It will be seen, however, that the wise, + virtuous, and very discreet Governor, who thus caused his fellow- + citizens bowels to be gnawed by rats, was not allowed to remain much + longer in his "happy and healthy government"] +</pre> + <p> + The holes thus torn in his bleeding flesh were filled with red-hot coals. + He was afterwards subjected to other tortures too foul to relate; nor was + it till he had endured all this agony, with a fortitude which seemed + supernatural, that he was at last discovered to be human. Scorched; + bitten, dislocated in every joint, sleepless, starving, perishing with + thirst, he was at last crushed into a false confession, by a promise of + absolute forgiveness. He admitted everything which was brought to his + charge, confessing a catalogue of contemplated burnings and beacon firings + of which he had never dreamed, and avowing himself in league with other + desperate Papists, still more dangerous than himself. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the promises of pardon, Nanning was then condemned to + death. The sentence ordained that his heart should be torn from his living + bosom, and thrown in his face, after which his head was to be taken off + and exposed on the church steeple of his native village. His body was then + to be cut in four, and a quarter fastened upon different towers of the + city of Alkmaar, for it was that city, recently so famous for its heroic + resistance to the Spanish army, which was now sullied by all this + cold-blooded atrocity. When led to execution, the victim recanted + indignantly the confessions forced from him by weakness of body, and + exonerated the persons whom he had falsely accused. A certain clergyman, + named Jurian Epeszoon, endeavored by loud praying to drown his voice, that + the people might not rise with indignation, and the dying prisoner with + his last breath solemnly summoned this unworthy pastor of Christ Jo meet + him within three days before the judgment-seat of God. It is a remarkable + and authentic fact, that the clergyman thus summoned, went home pensively + from the place of execution, sickened immediately and died upon the + appointed day. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding this solemn recantation, the persons accused were + arrested, and in their turn subjected to torture, but the affair now + reached the ears of Orange. His peremptory orders, with the universal + excitement produced in the neighbourhood, at last checked the course of + the outrage, and the accused persons were remanded to prison, where they + remained till liberated by the Pacification of Ghent. After their release + they commenced legal proceedings against Sonoy, with a view of + establishing their own innocence, and of bringing the inhuman functionary + to justice. The process languished, however, and was finally abandoned, + for the powerful Governor had rendered such eminent service in the cause + of liberty, that it was thought unwise to push him to extremity. It is no + impeachment upon the character of the Prince that these horrible crimes + were not prevented. It was impossible for him to be omnipresent. Neither + is it just to consider the tortures and death thus inflicted upon innocent + men an indelible stain upon the cause of liberty. They were the crimes of + an individual who had been useful, but who, like the Count De la Marck, + had now contaminated his hand with the blood of the guiltless. The new + tribunal never took root, and was abolished as soon as its initiatory + horrors were known. + </p> + <p> + On the 19th of July, Oudewater, entirely unprepared for such an event, was + besieged by Hierges, but the garrison and the population, although weak, + were brave. The town resisted eighteen days, and on the 7th of August was + carried by assault, after which the usual horrors were fully practised, + after which the garrison was put to the sword, and the townspeople fared + little better. Men, women, and children were murdered in cold blood, or + obliged to purchase their lives by heavy ransoms, while matrons and maids + were sold by auction to the soldiers at two or three dollars each. Almost + every house in the city was burned to the ground, and these horrible but + very customary scenes having been enacted, the army of Hierges took its + way to Schoonhoven. That city, not defending itself, secured tolerable + terms of capitulation, and surrendered on the 24th of August. + </p> + <p> + The Grand Commander had not yet given up the hope of naval assistance from + Spain, notwithstanding the abrupt termination to the last expedition which + had been organized. It was, however, necessary that a foothold should be + recovered upon the seaboard, before a descent from without could be met + with proper co-operation from the land forces withal; and he was most + anxious, therefore, to effect the reconquest of some portion of Zealand. + The island of Tholen was still Spanish, and had been so since the + memorable expedition of Mondragon to South Beveland. From this interior + portion of the archipelago the Governor now determined to attempt an + expedition against the outer and more important territory. The three + principal islands were Tholen; Duiveland, and Sehouwen. Tholen was the + first which detached itself from the continent. Neat, and separated from + it by a bay two leagues in width, was Duiveland, or the Isle of Doves. + Beyond, and parted by a narrower frith, was Schouwen, fronting directly + upon the ocean, fortified by its strong capital city; Zieriekzee, and + containing other villages of inferior consequence. + </p> + <p> + Requesens had been long revolving in his mind the means of possessing + himself of this important, island. He had caused to be constructed, a + numerous armada of boats and light vessels of various dimensions, and he + now came to Tholew to organize the expedition. His prospects were at first + not flattering, for the gulfs and estuaries swarmed with Zealand vessels, + manned by crews celebrated for their skill and audacity. Traitors, + however, from Zealand itself now came forward to teach the Spanish + Commander how to strike at the heart of their own country. These refugees + explained to Requesens that a narrow flat extended under the sea from + Philipsland, a small and uninhabited islet situate close to Tholen, as far + as the shore of Duiveland. Upon this submerged tongue of land the water, + during ebb-tide, was sufficiently shallow to be waded, and it would + therefore be possible for a determined band, under cover of the night, to + make the perilous passage. Once arrived at Duiveland, they could more + easily cross the intervening creek to Schouwen, which was not so deep and + only half as wide, so that a force thus, sent through these dangerous + shallows, might take possession of Duiveland and lay siege to Zierickzee, + in the very teeth of the Zealand fleet, which would be unable to sail near + enough to intercept their passage. + </p> + <p> + The Commander determined that the enterprise should be attempted. It was + not a novelty, because Mondragon, as we have seen, had already most + brilliantly conducted a very similar expedition. The present was, however, + a much more daring scheme. The other exploit, although sufficiently + hazardous, and entirely, successful, had been a victory gained over the + sea alone. It had been a surprise, and had been effected without any + opposition from human enemies. Here, however, they were to deal, not only + with the ocean and darkness, but with a watchful and determined foe. The + Zealanders were aware that the enterprise was in contemplation, and their + vessels lay about the contiguous waters in considerable force. + Nevertheless, the determination of the Grand Commander was hailed with + enthusiasm by his troops. Having satisfied himself by personal experiment + that the enterprise was possible, and that therefore his brave soldiers + could accomplish it, he decided that the glory of the achievement should + be fairly shared, as before, among the different nations which served the + King. + </p> + <p> + After completing his preparations, Requesens came to Tholen, at which + rendezvous were assembled three thousand infantry, partly Spaniards, + partly Germans, partly Walloons. Besides these, a picked corps of two + hundred sappers and miners was to accompany the expedition, in order that + no time might be lost in fortifying themselves as soon as they had seized + possession of Schouwen. Four hundred mounted troopers were, moreover, + stationed in the town of Tholen, while the little fleet, which had been + prepared at Antwerp; lay near that city ready to co-operate with the land + force as soon as they, should complete their enterprise. The Grand + Commander now divided the whole force into two parts: One half was to + remain in the boats, under the command of Mondragon; the other half, + accompanied by the two hundred pioneers, were to wade through the sea from + Philipsland to Duiveland and Schouwen. Each soldier of this detachment was + provided with a pair of shoes, two pounds of powder, and rations for three + days in a canvas bag suspended at his neck. The leader of this expedition + was Don Osorio d'Ulloa, an officer distinguished for his experience and + bravery. + </p> + <p> + On the night selected for the enterprise, that of the 27th September, the + moon was a day old in its fourth quarter, and rose a little before twelve. + It was low water at between four and five in the morning. The Grand + Commander, at the appointed hour of midnight, crossed to Philipsland, and + stood on the shore to watch the setting forth of the little army. He + addressed a short harangue to them, in which he skillfully struck the + chords of Spanish chivalry, and the national love of glory, and was + answered with loud and enthusiastic cheers. Don Osorio d'Ulloa then + stripped and plunged into the sea immediately after the guides. He was + followed by the Spaniards, after whom came the Germans and then the + Walloons. The two hundred sappers and miners came next, and Don Gabriel + Peralta, with his Spanish company; brought up the rear. It was a wild + night. Incessant lightning, alternately revealed and obscured the progress + of the midnight march through the black waters, as the anxious Commander + watched the expedition from the shore, but the soldiers were quickly + swallowed up in the gloom. As they advanced cautiously, two by two, the + daring adventurers found themselves soon nearly up to their necks in the + waves, while so narrow was the submerged bank along which they were + marching, that a misstep to the right or left was fatal. Luckless + individuals repeatedly sank to rise no more. Meantime, as the sickly + light, of the waning moon came forth at intervals through the stormy + clouds the soldiers could plainly perceive the files of Zealand vessels + through which they were to march, and which were anchored as close to the + flat as the water would allow. Some had recklessly stranded themselves, in + their eagerness to interrupt the passage, of the troops, and the artillery + played unceasingly from the larger vessels. Discharges of musketry came + continually from all, but the fitful lightning rendered the aim difficult + and the fire comparatively harmless while the Spaniards were, moreover, + protected, as to a large part of their bodies, by the water in which they + were immersed. + </p> + <p> + At times; they halted for breath, or to engage in fierce skirmishes with + their nearest assailants. Standing breast-high in the waves, and + surrounded at intervals by total darkness, they were yet able to pour an + occasional well-directed volley into the hostile ranks. The Zealanders, + however, did, not assail them with fire-arms alone. They transfixed some + with their fatal harpoons; they dragged others from the path with + boathooks; they beat out the brains of others with heavy flails. Many were + the mortal duels thus fought in the darkness, and, as it were, in the + bottom of the sea; many were the deeds of audacity which no eye was to + mark save those by whom they were achieved. Still, in spite of all + impediments and losses, the Spaniards steadily advanced. If other arms + proved less available, they were attached by the fierce taunts and + invectives of their often invisible foes who reviled them as water-dogs, + fetching and carrying for a master who despised them; as mercenaries who + coined their blood for gold, and were employed by tyrants for the basest + uses. If stung by these mocking voices, they turned in the darkness to + chastise their unseen tormentors, they were certain to be trampled upon by + their comrades, and to be pushed from their narrow pathway into the depths + of the sea. Thus many perished. + </p> + <p> + The night wore on, and the adventurers still fought it out manfully, but + very slowly, the main body of Spaniards, Germans, and Walloons, soon after + daylight, reaching the opposite shore, having sustained considerable + losses, but in perfect order. The pioneers were not so fortunate. The tide + rose over them before they could effect their passage, and swept nearly + every one away. The rearguard, under Peralta, not surprised, like the + pioneers, in the middle of their passage, by the rising tide, but + prevented, before it was too late; from advancing far beyond the shore + from which they had departed were fortunately enabled to retrace their + steps. + </p> + <p> + Don Osorio, at the head of the successful adventurers, now effected his + landing upon Duiveland. Reposing themselves but for an instant after this + unparalleled march through the water, of more than six hours, they took a + slight refreshment, prayed to the Virgin Mary and to Saint James, and then + prepared to meet their new enemies on land. Ten companies of French, + Scotch, and English auxiliaries lay in Duiveland, under the command of + Charles Van Boisot. Strange to relate, by an inexplicable accident, or by + treason, that general was slain by his own soldiers, at the moment when + the royal troops landed. The panic created by this event became intense, + as the enemy rose suddenly, as it were, out of the depths of the ocean to + attack them. They magnified the numbers of their assailants, and fled + terror-stricken in every direction. Same swam to the Zealand vessels which + lay in the neighbourhood; others took refuge in the forts which had been + constructed on the island; but these were soon carried by the Spaniards, + and the conquest of Duiveland was effected. + </p> + <p> + The enterprise was not yet completed, but the remainder was less difficult + and not nearly so hazardous, for the creek which separated Duiveland from + Schouwen was much narrower than the estuary which they had just traversed. + It was less than a league in width, but so encumbered by rushes and briers + that, although difficult to wade, it was not navigable for vessels of any + kind. This part of the expedition was accomplished with equal resolution, + so that, after a few hours' delay, the soldiers stood upon the + much-coveted island of Schouwen. Five companies of states' troops, placed + to oppose their landing, fled in the most cowardly manner at the first + discharge of the Spanish muskets, and took refuge in the city of + Zierickzee, which was soon afterwards beleaguered. + </p> + <p> + The troops has been disembarked upon Duiveland from the armada, which had + made its way to the scene of action, after having received, by signal, + information that the expedition through the water had been successful. + Brouwershaven, on the northern side of Schouwen, was immediately reduced, + but Bommenede resisted till the 25th of October, when it was at last + carried by assault, and delivered over to fire and sword. Of the whole + population and garrison not twenty were left alive. Siege was then laid to + Zierickzee, and Colonel Mondragon was left in charge of the operations. + Requesens himself came to Schouwen to give directions concerning this + important enterprise. + </p> + <p> + Chiapin Vitelli also came thither in the middle of the winter, and was so + much injured by a fall from his litter, while making the tour of the + island, that he died on shipboard during his return to Antwerp. This + officer had gained his laurels upon more than one occasion, his conduct in + the important action near Mons, in which the Huguenot force under Genlis + was defeated, having been particularly creditable. He was of a + distinguished Umbrian family, and had passed his life in camps, few of the + generals who had accompanied Alva to the Netherlands being better known or + more odious to the inhabitants. He was equally distinguished for his + courage, his cruelty, and his corpulence. The last characteristic was so + remarkable that he was almost monstrous in his personal appearance. His + protuberant stomach was always supported in a bandage suspended from his + neck, yet in spite of this enormous impediment, he was personally active + on the battle-field, and performed more service, not only as a commander + but as a subaltern, than many a younger and lighter man. + </p> + <p> + The siege of Zierickzee was protracted till the following June, the city + holding out with firmness. Want of funds caused the operations to be, + conducted with languor, but the same cause prevented the Prince from + accomplishing its relief. Thus the expedition from Philipsland, the most + brilliant military exploit of the whole war, was attended with important + results. The communication between Walcheren and the rest of Zealand was + interrupted; the province cut in two; a foothold on the ocean; for a brief + interval at least, acquired by Spain. The Prince was inexpressibly + chagrined by these circumstances, and felt that the moment had arrived + when all honorable means were to be employed to obtain foreign assistance. + The Hollanders and Zealanders had fought the battles of freedom alone + hitherto, and had fought them well, but poverty was fast rendering them + incapable of sustaining much longer the unequal conflict. Offers of men, + whose wages the states were to furnish, were refused; as worse than + fruitless. Henry of Navarre, who perhaps deemed it possible to acquire the + sovereignty of the provinces by so barren a benefit, was willing to send + two or three thousand men, but not at his own expense. The proposition was + respectfully declined. + </p> + <p> + The Prince and his little country, were all alone. "Even if we should not + only see ourselves deserted by all the world, but also all the world + against us," he said, "we should not cease to defend ourselves even to the + last man. Knowing the justice of our cause, we repose, entirely in the + mercy of God." He determined, however, once more to have recourse to the + powerful of the earth, being disposed to test the truth of his celebrated + observation, that "there would be no lack of suitors for the bride that he + had to bestow." It was necessary, in short, to look the great question of + formally renouncing Philip directly in the face. + </p> + <p> + Hitherto the fiction of allegiance had been preserved, and, even by the + enemies of the Prince, it, was admitted: that it had been retained with no + disloyal intent. The time however, had come when it was necessary to throw + off allegiance, provided another could be found strong enough and frank + enough to accept the authority which Philip had forfeited. The question + was, naturally, between France and England; unless the provinces could + effect their re-admission into the body of the Germanic Empire. Already in + June the Prince had laid the proposition formally before the states, + "whether they should not negotiate with the Empire on the subject of their + admission, with maintenance of their own constitutions," but it was + understood that this plan was not to be carried out, if the protection of + the Empire could be obtained under easier conditions. + </p> + <p> + Nothing came of the proposition at that time. The nobles and the deputies + of South Holland now voted, in the beginning of the ensuing month, "that + it was their duty to abandon the King, as a tyrant who sought to oppress + and destroy his subjects; and that it behooved them to seek another + protector." This was while the Breda negotiations were still pending, but + when their inevitable result was very visible. There was still a + reluctance at taking the last and decisive step in the rebellion, so that + the semblance of loyalty was still retained; that ancient scabbard, in + which the sword might yet one day be sheathed. The proposition was not + adopted at the diet. A committee of nine was merely appointed to + deliberate with the Prince upon the "means of obtaining foreign + assistance, without accepting foreign authority, or severing their + connexion with his Majesty." The estates were, however, summoned a few + months later, by the Prince, to deliberate on this important matter at + Rotterdam. On the 1st of October he then formally proposed, either to make + terms with their enemy, and that the sooner the better, or else, once for + all, to separate entirely from the King of Spain, and to change their + sovereign, in order, with the assistance and under protection of another + Christian potentate, to maintain the provinces against their enemies. + Orange, moreover, expressed the opinion that upon so important a subject + it was decidedly incumbent upon them all to take the sense of the city + governments. The members for the various municipalities acquiesced in the + propriety of this suggestion, and resolved to consult their constituents, + while the deputies of the nobility also desired to consult with their + whole body. After an adjournment of a few days, the diet again assembled + at Delft, and it was then unanimously resolved by the nobles and the + cities, "that they would forsake the King and seek foreign assistance; + referring the choice to the Prince, who, in regard to the government, was + to take the opinion of the estates." + </p> + <p> + Thus, the great step was taken, by which two little provinces declared + themselves independent of their ancient master. That declaration, although + taken in the midst of doubt and darkness, was not destined to be + cancelled, and the germ of a new and powerful commonwealth was planted. So + little, however, did these republican fathers foresee their coming + republic, that the resolution to renounce one king was combined with a + proposition to ask for the authority of another. It was not imagined that + those two slender columns, which were all that had yet been raised of the + future stately peristyle, would be strong enough to stand alone. The + question now arose, to what foreign power application should be made. But + little hope was to be entertained from Germany, a state which existed only + in name, and France was still in a condition of religious and intestine + discord. The attitude of revolt maintained by the Duc d'Alencon seemed to + make it difficult and dangerous to enter into negotiations with a country + where the civil wars had assumed so complicated a character, that loyal + and useful alliance could hardly be made with any party. The Queen of + England, on the other hand; dreaded the wrath of Philip, by which her + perpetual dangers from the side of Scotland would be aggravated, while she + feared equally the extension of French authority in the Netherlands, by + which increase her neighbour would acquire an overshadowing power. She was + also ashamed openly to abandon the provinces to their fate, for her realm + was supposed to be a bulwark of the Protestant religion. Afraid to affront + Philip, afraid to refuse the suit of the Netherlands, afraid to concede as + aggrandizement to France, what course was open to the English Queen. That + which, politically and personally, she loved the best—a course of + barren coquetry. This the Prince of Orange foresaw; and although not + disposed to leave a stone unturned in his efforts to find assistance for + his country, he on the whole rather inclined for France. He, however, + better than any man, knew how little cause there was for sanguine + expectation from either source. + </p> + <p> + It was determined, in the name of his Highness and the estates, first to + send a mission to England, but there had already been negotiations this + year of an unpleasant character with that power. At the request of the + Spanish envoy, the foremost Netherland rebels, in number about fifty, + including by name the Prince of Orange, the Counts of Berg and Culemburg, + with Saint Aldegonde, Boisot, Junius, and others, had been formally + forbidden by Queen Elizabeth to enter her realm. The Prince had, in + consequence, sent Aldegonde and Junius on a secret mission to France, and + the Queen; jealous and anxious, had thereupon sent Daniel Rogers secretly + to the Prince. At the same tine she had sent an envoy to the Grand + Commander, counselling, conciliatory measures; and promising to send a + special mission to Spain with the offer of her mediation, but it was + suspected by those most in the confidence of the Spanish government at + Brussels, that there was a great deal of deception in these proceedings. A + truce for six months having now been established between the Duc d'Alencon + and his brother, it was supposed, that an alliance between France and + England, and perhaps between Alencon and Elizabeth, was on the carpet, and + that a kingdom of the Netherlands was to be the wedding present of the + bride to her husband. These fantasies derived additional color from the + fact that, while the Queen was expressing the most amicable intentions + towards Spain, and the greatest jealousy of France, the English residents + at Antwerp and other cities of the Netherlands, had received private + instructions to sell out their property as fast as possible, and to retire + from the country. On the whole, there was little prospect either of a + final answer, or of substantial assistance from the Queen. + </p> + <p> + The envoys to England were Advocate Buis and Doctor Francis Maalzon, + nominated by the estates, and Saint Aldegonde, chief of the mission, + appointed by the Prince. They arrived in England at Christmas-tide. Having + represented to the Queen the result of the Breda negotiations, they stated + that the Prince and the estates, in despair of a secure peace, had + addressed themselves to her as an upright protector of the Faith, and as a + princess descended from the blood of Holland. This allusion to the + intermarriage of Edward III. of England with Philippa, daughter of Count + William III. of Hainault and Holland, would not, it was hoped, be in vain. + They furthermore offered to her Majesty, in case she were willing + powerfully to assist the states, the sovereignty over Holland and Zealand, + under certain conditions. + </p> + <p> + The Queen listened graciously to the envoys, and appointed commissioners + to treat with them on the subject. Meantime, Requesens sent Champagny to + England, to counteract the effect of this embassy of the estates, and to + beg the Queen to give no heed to the prayers of the rebels, to enter into + no negotiations with them, and to expel them at once from her kingdom. + </p> + <p> + The Queen gravely assured Champagny "that the envoys were no rebels, but + faithful subjects of his Majesty." There was certainly some effrontery in + such a statement, considering the solemn offer which had just been made by + the envoys. If to renounce allegiance to Philip and to propose the + sovereignty to Elizabeth did not constitute rebellion, it would be + difficult to define or to discover rebellion anywhere. The statement was + as honest, however, as the diplomatic grimace with which Champagny had + reminded Elizabeth of the ancient and unbroken friendship which had + always, existed between herself and his Catholic Majesty. The attempt of + Philip to procure her dethronement and assassination but a few years + before was, no doubt, thought too trifling a circumstance to have for a + moment interrupted those harmonious relations. Nothing came of the + negotiations on either side. The Queen coquetted, as was her custom. She + could not accept the offer of the estates; she could not say them nay. She + would not offend Philip; she would not abandon the provinces; she would + therefore negotiate—thus there was an infinite deal of diplomatic + nothing spun and unravelled, but the result was both to abandon the + provinces and to offend Philip. + </p> + <p> + In the first answer given by her commissioners to the states' envoys, it + was declared, "that her Majesty considered it too expensive to assume the + protection of both provinces." She was willing to protect them in name, + but she should confer the advantage exclusively on Walcheren in reality. + The defence of Holland must be maintained at the expense of the Prince and + the estates. + </p> + <p> + This was certainly not munificent, and the envoys insisted upon more ample + and liberal terms. The Queen declined, however, committing herself beyond + this niggardly and inadmissible offer. The states were not willing to + exchange the sovereignty over their country for so paltry a concession. + The Queen declared herself indisposed to go further, at least before + consulting parliament. The commissioners waited for the assembling of + parliament. She then refused to lay the matter before that body, and + forbade the Hollanders taking any steps for that purpose. It was evident + that she was disposed to trifle with the provinces, and had no idea of + encountering the open hostility of Philip. The envoys accordingly begged + for their passports. These were granted in April, 1576, with the assurance + on the part of her Majesty that "she would think more of the offer made to + her after she had done all in her power to bring about an arrangement + between the provinces and Philip." + </p> + <p> + After the result of the negotiations of Breda, it is difficult to imagine + what method she was likely to devise for accomplishing such a purpose. The + King was not more disposed than during the preceding summer to grant + liberty of religion, nor were the Hollanders more ready than they had been + before to renounce either their faith or their fatherland. The envoys, on + parting, made a strenuous effort to negotiate a loan, but the frugal Queen + considered the proposition quite inadmissible. She granted them liberty to + purchase arms and ammunition, and to levy a few soldiers with their own + money, and this was accordingly done to a limited extent. As it was not + difficult to hire soldiers or to buy gunpowder anywhere, in that warlike + age, provided the money were ready, the states had hardly reason to + consider themselves under deep obligation for this concession. Yet this + was the whole result of the embassy. Plenty of fine words had, been + bestowed, which might or might not have meaning, according to the turns + taken by coming events. Besides these cheap and empty civilities, they + received permission to defend Holland at their own expense; with the + privilege, of surrendering its sovereignty, if they liked, to Queen + Elizabeth-and this was all. + </p> + <p> + On the 19th of April, the envoys returned to their country, and laid + before the estates the meagre result of their negotiations. Very soon + afterwards, upon an informal suggestion from Henry III. and the Queen + Mother, that a more favorable result might be expected, if the same + applications were made to the Duc d'Alencon which had been received in so + unsatisfactory a manner by Elizabeth, commissioners were appointed to + France. It proved impossible, however, at that juncture, to proceed with + the negotiations, in consequence of the troubles occasioned by the + attitude of the Duke. The provinces were still, even as they had been from + the beginning, entirely alone. + </p> + <p> + Requesens was more than ever straitened for funds, wringing, with + increasing difficulty, a slender subsidy, from time to time, out of the + reluctant estates of Brabant, Flanders, and the other obedient provinces. + While he was still at Duiveland, the estates-general sent him a long + remonstrance against the misconduct of the soldiery, in answer to his + demand for supplies. "Oh, these estates! these estates!" cried the Grand + Commander, on receiving such vehement reproaches instead of his money; + "may the Lord deliver me from these estates!" Meantime, the important + siege of Zierickzee continued, and it was evident that the city must fall. + There was no money at the disposal of the Prince. Count John, who was + seriously embarrassed by reason of the great obligations in money which + he, with the rest of his family, had incurred on behalf of the estates, + had recently made application to the Prince for his influence towards + procuring him relief. He had forwarded an account of the great advances + made by himself and his brethren in money, plate, furniture, and + endorsements of various kinds, for which a partial reimbursement was + almost indispensable to save him from serious difficulties. The Prince, + however, unable to procure him any assistance, had been obliged him once + more to entreat him to display the generosity and the self-denial which + the country had never found wanting at his hands or at those of his + kindred. The appeal had not been, in vain, but the Count was obviously not + in a condition to effect anything more at that moment to relieve the + financial distress of the states. The exchequer was crippled. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The contributions of Holland and Zealand for war expenses amounted + to one hundred and fifty thousand florins monthly. The pay of a + captain was eighty florins monthly; that of a lieutenant, forty; + that of a corporal, fifteen; that of a drummer, fifer, or Minister, + twelve; that of a common soldier, seven and a half. A captain had + also one hundred and fifty florins each month to distribute among + the most meritorious of his company. Each soldier was likewise + furnished with food; bedding, fire, light, and washing.—Renom de + France MS, vol. ii. c. 46,] +</pre> + <p> + Holland and Zealand were cut in twain by the occupation of Schouwen and + the approaching fall of its capital. Germany, England, France; all refused + to stretch out their hands to save the heroic but exhaustless little + provinces. It was at this moment that a desperate but sublime resolution + took possession of the Prince's mind. There seemed but one way left to + exclude the Spaniards for ever from Holland and Zealand, and to rescue the + inhabitants from impending ruin. The Prince had long brooded over the + scheme, and the hour seemed to have struck for its fulfilment. His project + was to collect all the vessels, of every description, which could be + obtained throughout the Netherlands. The whole population of the two + provinces, men, women, and children, together with all the moveable + property of the country, were then to be embarked on board this numerous + fleet, and to seek a new home beyond the seas. The windmills were then to + be burned, the dykes pierced, the sluices opened in every direction, and + the country restored for ever to the ocean, from which it had sprung. + </p> + <p> + It is difficult to say whether the resolution, if Providence had permitted + its fulfilment, would have been, on the whole, better or worse for + humanity and civilization. The ships which would have borne the heroic + Prince and his fortunes might have taken the direction of the + newly-discovered Western hemisphere. A religious colony, planted by a + commercial and liberty-loving race, in a virgin soil, and directed by + patrician but self-denying hands, might have preceded, by half a century, + the colony which a kindred race, impelled by similar motives, and under + somewhat similar circumstances and conditions, was destined to plant upon + the stern shores of New England. Had they directed their course to the + warm and fragrant islands of the East, an independent Christian + commonwealth might have arisen among those prolific regions, superior in + importance to any subsequent colony of Holland, cramped from its birth by + absolute subjection to a far distant metropolis. + </p> + <p> + The unexpected death of Requesens suddenly dispelled these schemes. The + siege of Zierickzee had occupied much of the Governor's attention, but he + had recently written to his sovereign, that its reduction was now certain. + He had added an urgent request for money, with a sufficient supply of + which he assured Philip that he should be able to bring the war to an + immediate conclusion. While waiting for these supplies, he had, contrary + to all law or reason, made an unsuccessful attempt to conquer the post of + Embden, in Germany. A mutiny had at about the same time, broken out among + his troops in Harlem, and he had furnished the citizens with arms to + defend themselves, giving free permission to use them against the + insurgent troops. By this means the mutiny had been quelled, but a + dangerous precedent established. Anxiety concerning this rebellion is + supposed to have hastened the Grand Commander's death. A violent fever + seized him on the 1st, and terminated his existence on the 5th of March, + in the fifty-first year of his life. + </p> + <p> + It is not necessary to review elaborately his career, the chief incidents + of which have been sufficiently described. Requesens was a man of high + position by birth and office, but a thoroughly commonplace personage. His + talents either for war or for civil employments were not above mediocrity. + His friends disputed whether he were greater in the field or in the + council, but it is certain that he was great in neither. His bigotry was + equal to that of Alva, but it was impossible to rival the Duke in cruelty. + Moreover, the condition of the country, after seven years of torture under + his predecessor, made it difficult for him, at the time of his arrival, to + imitate the severity which had made the name of Alva infamous. The Blood + Council had been retained throughout his administration, but its + occupation was gone, for want of food for its ferocity. The obedient + provinces had been purged of Protestants; while crippled, too, by + confiscation, they offered no field for further extortion. From Holland + and Zealand, whence Catholicism had been nearly excluded, the King of + Spain was nearly excluded also. The Blood Council which, if set up in that + country, would have executed every living creature of its population, + could only gaze from a distance at those who would have been its victims. + Requesens had been previously distinguished in two fields of action: the + Granada massacres and the carnage of Lepanto. Upon both occasions he had + been the military tutor of Don John of Austria, by whom he was soon to be + succeeded in the government of the Netherlands. To the imperial bastard + had been assigned the pre-eminence, but it was thought that the Grand + Commander had been entitled to a more than equal share of the glory. + </p> + <p> + We have seen how much additional reputation was acquired by Requesens in + the provinces. The expedition against Duiveland and Schouwen, was, on the + whole, the most brilliant feat of arms during the war, and its success + reflects an undying lustre on the hardihood and discipline of the Spanish, + German, and Walloon soldiery. As an act of individual audacity in a bad + cause, it has rarely been equalled. It can hardly be said, however, that + the Grand Commander was entitled to any large measure of praise for the + success of the expedition. The plan was laid by Zealand traitors. It was + carried into execution by the devotion of the Spanish, Walloon, and German + troops; while Requesens was only a spectator of the transaction. His + sudden death arrested, for a moment, the ebb-tide in the affairs of the + Netherlands, which was fast leaving the country bare and desolate, and was + followed by a train of unforeseen transactions, which it is now our duty + to describe. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + As the old woman had told the Emperor Adrian + Beautiful damsel, who certainly did not lack suitors + Breath, time, and paper were profusely wasted and nothing gained + Care neither for words nor menaces in any matter + Distinguished for his courage, his cruelty, and his corpulence + He had never enjoyed social converse, except at long intervals + Human ingenuity to inflict human misery + Peace was desirable, it might be more dangerous than war + Proposition made by the wolves to the sheep, in the fable + Rebuked the bigotry which had already grown + Reformers were capable of giving a lesson even to inquisitors + Result was both to abandon the provinces and to offend Philip + Suppress the exercise of the Roman religion + The more conclusive arbitration of gunpowder +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, Project Gutenberg + Edition, Volume 25. THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By John Lothop Motley + 1855 <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. 1576 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Assumption of affairs by the state council at Brussels—Hesitation + at Madrid—Joachim Hopper—Mal-administration—Vigilance of Orange— + The provinces drawn more closely together—Inequality of the + conflict—Physical condition of Holland—New act of Union between + Holland and Zealand—Authority of the Prince defined and enlarged— + Provincial polity characterized—Generous sentiments of the Prince— + His tolerant spirit—Letters from the King—Attitude of the great + powers towards the Netherlands—Correspondence and policy of + Elizabeth—Secret negotiations with France and Alencon—Confused and + menacing aspect of Germany—Responsible, and laborious position of + Orange—Attempt to relieve Zierickzee—Death of Admiral Boisot— + Capitulation of the city upon honourable terms—Mutiny of the + Spanish troops in Schouwen—General causes of discontent—Alarming + increase of the mutiny—The rebel regiments enter Brabant—Fruitless + attempts to pacify them—They take possession of Alost—Edicts, + denouncing them, from the state council—Intense excitement in + Brussels and Antwerp—Letters from Philip brought by Marquis Havre— + The King's continued procrastination—Ruinous royal confirmation of + the authority assumed by the state council—United and general + resistance to foreign military oppression—The German troops and the + Antwerp garrison, under Avila, join the revolt—Letter of Verdugo— + A crisis approaching—Jerome de Roda in the citadel—The mutiny + universal. +</pre> + <p> + The death of Requesens, notwithstanding his four days' illness, occurred + so suddenly, that he had not had time to appoint his successor. Had he + exercised this privilege, which his patent conferred upon him, it was + supposed that he would have nominated Count Mansfeld to exercise the + functions of Governor-General, until the King should otherwise ordain. + </p> + <p> + In the absence of any definite arrangement, the Council of State, + according to a right which that body claimed from custom, assumed the + reins of government. Of the old board, there were none left but the Duke + of Aerschot, Count Berlaymont, and Viglins. To these were soon added, + however, by royal diploma, the Spaniard, Jerome de Roda, and the + Netherlanders, Assonleville, Baron Rassenghiem and Arnold Sasbout. Thus, + all the members, save one, of what had now become the executive body, were + natives of the country. Roda was accordingly looked askance upon by his + colleagues. He was regarded by Viglius as a man who desired to repeat the + part which had been played by Juan Vargas in the Blood Council, while the + other members, although stanch Catholics, were all of them well-disposed + to vindicate the claim of Netherland nobles to a share in the government + of the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + For a time, therefore, the transfer of authority seemed to have been + smoothly accomplished. The Council of State conducted the administration + of the country. Peter Ernest Mansfeld was entrusted with the supreme + military command, including the government of Brussels; and the Spanish + commanders; although dissatisfied that any but a Spaniard should be thus + honored, were for a time quiescent. When the news reached Madrid, Philip + was extremely disconcerted. The death of Requesens excited his + indignation. He was angry with him, not for dying, but for dying at so + very inconvenient a moment. He had not yet fully decided either upon his + successor, or upon the policy to be enforced by his successor. There were + several candidates for the vacant post; there was a variety of opinions in + the cabinet as to the course of conduct to be adopted. In the + impossibility of instantly making up his mind upon this unexpected + emergency, Philip fell, as it were, into a long reverie, than which + nothing could be more inopportune. With a country in a state of revolution + and exasperation, the trance, which now seemed to come over the + government, was like to be followed by deadly effects. The stationary + policy, which the death of Requesens had occasioned, was allowed to + prolong itself indefinitely, and almost for the first time in his life, + Joachim Hopper was really consulted about the affairs of that department + over which he imagined himself, and was generally supposed by others, to + preside at Madrid. The creature of Viglius, having all the subserviency, + with none of the acuteness of his patron, he had been long employed as + chief of the Netherland bureau, while kept in profound ignorance of the + affairs which were transacted in his office. He was a privy councillor, + whose counsels were never heeded, a confidential servant in whom the King + reposed confidence, only on the ground that no man could reveal secrets + which he did not know. This deportment of the King's showed that he had + accurately measured the man, for Hopper was hardly competent for the place + of a chief clerk. He was unable to write clearly in any language, because + incapable of a fully developed thought upon any subject. It may be + supposed that nothing but an abortive policy, therefore, would be produced + upon the occasion thus suddenly offered. "'Tis a devout man, that poor + Master Hopper," said Granvelle, "but rather fitted for platonic researches + than for affairs of state." + </p> + <p> + It was a proof of this incompetency, that now, when really called upon for + advice in an emergency, he should recommend a continuance of the interim. + Certainly nothing worse could be devised. Granvelle recommended a + reappointment of the Duchess Margaret. Others suggested Duke Eric of + Brunswick, or an Archduke of the Austrian house; although the opinion held + by most of the influential councillors was in favor of Don John of + Austria. In the interests of Philip and his despotism, nothing, at any + rate, could be more fatal than delay. In the condition of affairs which + then existed, the worst or feeblest governor would have been better than + none at all. To leave a vacancy was to play directly into the hands of + Orange, for it was impossible that so skilful an adversary should not at + once perceive the fault, and profit by it to the utmost. It was strange + that Philip did not see the danger of inactivity at such a crisis. + Assuredly, indolence was never his vice, but on this occasion indecision + did the work of indolence. Unwittingly, the despot was assisting the + efforts of the liberator. Viglius saw the position of matters with his + customary keenness, and wondered at the blindness of Hopper and Philip. At + the last gasp of a life, which neither learning nor the accumulation of + worldly prizes and worldly pelf could redeem from intrinsic baseness, the + sagacious but not venerable old man saw that a chasm was daily widening; + in which the religion and the despotism which he loved might soon be + hopelessly swallowed. "The Prince of Orange and his Beggars do not sleep," + he cried, almost in anguish; "nor will they be quiet till they have made + use of this interregnum to do us some immense grievance." Certainly the + Prince of Orange did not sleep upon this nor any other great occasion of + his life. In his own vigorous language, used to stimulate his friends in + various parts of the country, he seized the swift occasion by the + forelock. He opened a fresh correspondence with many leading gentlemen in + Brussels and other places in the Netherlands; persons of influence, who + now, for the first time, showed a disposition to side with their country + against its tyrants. Hitherto the land had been divided into two very + unequal portions. Holland and Zealand were devoted to the Prince; their + whole population, with hardly an individual exception, converted to the + Reformed religion. The other fifteen provinces were, on the whole, loyal + to the King; while the old religion had, of late years, taken root so + rapidly again, that perhaps a moiety of their population might be + considered as Catholic. At the same time, the reign of terror under Alva, + the paler, but not less distinct tyranny of Requesens, and the intolerable + excesses of the foreign soldiery, by which the government of foreigners + was supported, had at last maddened all the inhabitants of the seventeen + provinces. Notwithstanding, therefore, the fatal difference of religious + opinion, they were all drawn into closer relations with each other; to + regain their ancient privileges, and to expel the detested foreigners from + the soil, being objects common to all. The provinces were united in one + great hatred and one great hope. + </p> + <p> + The Hollanders and Zealanders, under their heroic leader, had well nigh + accomplished both tasks, so far as those little provinces were concerned. + Never had a contest, however, seemed more hopeless at its commencement. + Cast a glance at the map. Look at Holland—not the Republic, with its + sister provinces beyond the Zuyder Zee—but Holland only, with the + Zealand archipelago. Look at that narrow tongue of half-submerged earth. + Who could suppose that upon that slender sand-bank, one hundred and twenty + miles in length, and varying in breadth from four miles to forty, one man, + backed by the population of a handful of cities, could do battle nine + years long with the master of two worlds, the "Dominator Of Asia, Africa, + and America"—the despot of the fairest realms of Europe—and + conquer him at last. Nor was William even entirely master of that narrow + shoal where clung the survivors of a great national shipwreck. North and + South Holland were cut in two by the loss of Harlem, while the enemy was + in possession of the natural capital of the little country, Amsterdam. The + Prince affirmed that the cause had suffered more from the disloyalty of + Amsterdam than from all the efforts of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, the country was in a most desolate condition. It was almost + literally a sinking ship. The destruction of the bulwarks against the + ocean had been so extensive, in consequence of the voluntary inundations + which have been described in previous pages, and by reason of the general + neglect which more vital occupations had necessitated, that an enormous + outlay, both of labor and money, was now indispensable to save the + physical existence of the country. The labor and the money, + notwithstanding the crippled and impoverished condition of the nation, + were, however, freely contributed; a wonderful example of energy and + patient heroism was again exhibited. The dykes which had been swept away + in every direction were renewed at a vast expense. Moreover, the country, + in the course of recent events, had become almost swept bare of its + cattle, and it was necessary to pass a law forbidding, for a considerable + period, the slaughter of any animals, "oxen, cows, calves, sheep, or + poultry." It was, unfortunately, not possible to provide by law against + that extermination of the human population which had been decreed by + Philip and the Pope. + </p> + <p> + Such was the physical and moral condition of the provinces of Holland and + Zealand. The political constitution of both assumed, at this epoch, a + somewhat altered aspect. The union between the two states; effected in + June, 1575, required improvement. The administration of justice, the + conflicts of laws, and more particularly the levying of monies and troops + in equitable proportions, had not been adjusted with perfect smoothness. + The estates of the two provinces, assembled in congress at Delft, + concluded, therefore, a new act of union, which was duly signed upon the + 25th of April, 1576. Those estates, consisting of the knights and nobles + of Holland, with the deputies from the cities and countships of Holland + and Zealand, had been duly summoned by the Prince of Orange. They as + fairly included all the political capacities, and furnished as copious a + representation of the national will, as could be expected, for it is + apparent upon every page of his history, that the Prince, upon all + occasions, chose to refer his policy to the approval and confirmation of + as large a portion of the people as any man in those days considered + capable or desirous of exercising political functions. + </p> + <p> + The new, union consisted of eighteen articles. It was established that + deputies from all the estates should meet, when summoned by the Prince of + Orange or otherwise, on penalty of fine, and at the risk of measures + binding upon them being passed by the rest of the Congress. Freshly + arising causes of litigation were to be referred to the Prince. Free + intercourse and traffic through the united provinces was guaranteed. The + confederates were mutually to assist each other in preventing all + injustice, wrong, or violence, even towards an enemy. The authority of law + and the pure administration of justice were mutually promised by the + contracting states. The common expenses were to be apportioned among the + different provinces, "as if they were all included in the republic of a + single city." Nine commissioners, appointed by the Prince on nomination by + the estates, were to sit permanently, as his advisers, and as assessors + and collectors of the taxes. The tenure of the union was from six months + to six months, with six weeks notice. + </p> + <p> + The framers of this compact having thus defined the general outlines of + the confederacy, declared that the government, thus constituted, should be + placed under a single head. They accordingly conferred supreme authority + on the Prince, defining his powers in eighteen articles. He was declared + chief commander by land and sea. He was to appoint all officers, from + generals to subalterns, and to pay them at his discretion. The whole + protection of the land was devolved upon him. He was to send garrisons or + troops into every city and village at his pleasure, without advice or + consent of the estates, magistrates of the cities, or any other persons + whatsoever. He was, in behalf of the King as Count of Holland and Zealand, + to cause justice to be administered by the supreme court. In the same + capacity he was to provide for vacancies in all political and judicial + offices of importance, choosing, with the advice of the estates, one + officer for each vacant post out of three candidates nominated to him by + that body. He was to appoint and renew, at the usual times, the + magistracies in the cities, according to the ancient constitutions. He was + to make changes in those boards, if necessary, at unusual times, with + consent of the majority of those representing the great council and corpus + of the said cities. He was to uphold the authority and pre-eminence of all + civil functionaries, and to prevent governors and military officers from + taking any cognizance of political or judicial affairs. With regard to + religion, he was to maintain the practice of the Reformed Evangelical + religion, and to cause to surcease the exercise of all other religions + contrary to the Gospel. He was, however, not to permit that inquisition + should be made into any man's belief or conscience, or that any man by + cause thereof should suffer trouble, injury, or hindrance. + </p> + <p> + The league thus concluded was a confederation between a group of virtually + independent little republics. Each municipality, was, as it were, a little + sovereign, sending envoys to a congress to vote and to sign as + plenipotentiaries. The vote of each city was, therefore, indivisible, and + it mattered little, practically, whether there were one deputy or several. + The nobles represented not only their own order, but were supposed to act + also in behalf of the rural population. On the whole, there was a + tolerably fair representation of the whole nation. The people were well + and worthily represented in the government of each city, and therefore + equally so in the assembly of the estates. It was not till later that the + corporations, by the extinction of the popular element, and by the + usurpation of the right of self-election, were thoroughly stiffened into + fictitious personages which never died, and which were never thoroughly + alive. + </p> + <p> + At this epoch the provincial liberties, so far as they could maintain + themselves against Spanish despotism, were practical and substantial. The + government was a representative one, in which all those who had the + inclination possessed, in one mode or another, a voice. Although the + various members of the confederacy were locally and practically republics + or self-governed little commonwealths, the general government which they, + established was, in form, monarchical. The powers conferred upon Orange + constituted him a sovereign ad interim, for while the authority of the + Spanish monarch remained suspended, the Prince was invested, not only with + the whole executive and appointing power, but even with a very large share + in the legislative functions of the state. + </p> + <p> + The whole system was rather practical than theoretical, without any + accurate distribution of political powers. In living, energetic + communities, where the blood of the body politic circulates swiftly, there + is an inevitable tendency of the different organs to sympathize and + commingle more closely than a priori philosophy would allow. It is usually + more desirable than practicable to keep the executive, legislative, and + judicial departments entirely independent of each other. + </p> + <p> + Certainly, the Prince of Orange did not at that moment indulge in + speculations concerning the nature and origin of government. The Congress + of Delft had just clothed him with almost regal authority. In his hands + were the powers of war and peace, joint control of the magistracies and + courts of justice, absolute supremacy over the army and the fleets. It is + true that these attributes had been conferred upon him ad interim, but it + depended only upon himself to make the sovereignty personal and permanent. + He was so thoroughly absorbed in his work, however, that he did not even + see the diadem which he put aside. It was small matter to him whether they + called him stadholder or guardian, prince or king. He was the father of + his country and its defender. The people, from highest to lowest, called + him "Father William," and the title was enough for him. The question with + him was not what men should call him, but how he should best accomplish + his task. + </p> + <p> + So little was he inspired by the sentiment of self-elevation, that he was + anxiously seeking for a fitting person—strong, wise, and willing + enough—to exercise the sovereignty which was thrust upon himself, + but which he desired to exchange against an increased power to be actively + useful to his country. To expel the foreign oppressor; to strangle the + Inquisition; to maintain the ancient liberties of the nation; here was + labor enough for his own hands. The vulgar thought of carving a throne out + of the misfortunes of his country seems not to have entered his mind. Upon + one point, however, the Prince had been peremptory. He would have no + persecution of the opposite creed. He was requested to suppress the + Catholic religion, in terms. As we have seen, he caused the expression to + be exchanged for the words, "religion at variance with the Gospel." He + resolutely stood out against all meddling with men's consciences, or + inquiring into their thoughts. While smiting the Spanish Inquisition into + the dust, he would have no Calvinist inquisition set up in its place. + Earnestly a convert to the Reformed religion, but hating and denouncing + only what was corrupt in the ancient Church, he would not force men, with + fire and sword, to travel to heaven upon his own road. Thought should be + toll-free. Neither monk nor minister should burn, drown, or hang his + fellow-creatures, when argument or expostulation failed to redeem them + from error. It was no small virtue, in that age, to rise to such a height. + We know what Calvinists, Zwinglians, Lutherans, have done in the + Netherlands, in Germany, in Switzerland, and almost a century later in New + England. It is, therefore, with increased veneration that we regard this + large and truly catholic mind. His tolerance proceeded from no + indifference. No man can read his private writings, or form a thorough + acquaintance with his interior life, without recognizing him as a deeply + religious man. He had faith unfaltering in God. He had also faith in man + and love for his brethren. It was no wonder that in that age of religious + bigotry he should have been assaulted on both sides. While the Pope + excommunicated him as a heretic, and the King set a price upon his head as + a rebel, the fanatics of the new religion denounced him as a godless man. + Peter Dathenus, the unfrocked monk of Poperingen, shrieked out in his + pulpit that the "Prince of Orange cared nothing either for God or for + religion." + </p> + <p> + The death of Requesens had offered the first opening through which the + watchful Prince could hope to inflict a wound in the vital part of Spanish + authority in the Netherlands. The languor of Philip and the + procrastinating counsel of the dull Hopper unexpectedly widened the + opening. On the 24th of March letters were written by his Majesty to the + states-general, to the provincial estates, and to the courts of justice, + instructing them that, until further orders, they were all to obey the + Council of State. The King was confident that all would do their utmost to + assist that body in securing the holy Catholic Faith and the implicit + obedience of the country to its sovereign. He would, in the meantime, + occupy himself with the selection of a new Governor-General, who should be + of his family and blood. This uncertain and perilous condition of things + was watched with painful interest in neighbouring countries. + </p> + <p> + The fate of all nations was more or less involved in the development of + the great religious contest now waging in the Netherlands. England and + France watched each other's movements in the direction of the provinces + with intense jealousy. The Protestant Queen was the natural ally of the + struggling Reformers, but her despotic sentiments were averse to the + fostering of rebellion against the Lord's anointed. The thrifty Queen + looked with alarm at the prospect of large subsidies which would + undoubtedly be demanded of her. The jealous Queen could as ill brook the + presence of the French in the Netherlands as that of the Spaniards whom + they were to expel. She therefore embarrassed, as usual, the operations of + the Prince by a course of stale political coquetry. She wrote to him, on + the 18th of March, soon after the news of the Grand Commander's death, + saying that she could not yet accept the offer which had been made to her, + to take the provinces of Holland and Zealand under her safe keeping, to + assume, as Countess, the sovereignty over them, and to protect the + inhabitants against the alleged tyranny of the King of Spain. She was + unwilling to do so until she had made every effort to reconcile them with + that sovereign. Before the death of Requesens she had been intending to + send him an envoy, proposing a truce, for the purpose of negotiation. This + purpose she still retained. She should send commissioners to the Council + of State and to the new Governor, when he should arrive. She should also + send a special envoy to the King of Spain. She doubted not that the King + would take her advice, when he heard her speak in such straightforward + language. In the meantime, she hoped that they would negotiate with no + other powers. + </p> + <p> + This was not very satisfactory. The Queen rejected the offers to herself, + but begged that they might, by no means, be made to her rivals. The + expressed intention of softening the heart of Philip by the use of + straightforward language seemed but a sorry sarcasm. It was hardly worth + while to wait long for so improbable a result. Thus much for England at + that juncture. Not inimical, certainly; but over-cautious, ungenerous, + teasing, and perplexing, was the policy of the maiden Queen. With regard + to France, events there seemed to favor the hopes of Orange. On the 14th + of May, the "Peace of Monsieur," the treaty by which so ample but so + short-lived a triumph was achieved by the Huguenots, was signed at Paris. + Everything was conceded, but nothing was secured. Rights of worship, + rights of office, political and civil, religious enfranchisement, were + recovered, but not guaranteed. It seemed scarcely possible that the King + could be in earnest then, even if a Medicean Valois could ever be + otherwise than treacherous. It was almost, certain, therefore, that a + reaction would take place; but it is easier for us, three centuries after + the event, to mark the precise moment of reaction, than it was for the + most far-seeing contemporary to foretell how soon it would occur. In the + meantime, it was the Prince's cue to make use of this sunshine while it + lasted. Already, so soon as the union of 25th of April had been concluded + between Holland and Zealand, he had forced the estates to open + negotiations with France. The provinces, although desirous to confer + sovereignty upon him, were indisposed to renounce their old allegiance to + their King in order to place it at the disposal of a foreigner. + Nevertheless, a resolution, at the reiterated demands of Orange, was + passed by the estates, to proceed to the change of master, and, for that, + purpose, to treat with the King of France, his brother, or any other + foreign potentate, who would receive these provinces of Holland and + Zealand under his government and protection. Negotiations were accordingly + opened with the Duke-of-Anjou, the dilettante leader of the Huguenots at + that remarkable juncture. It was a pity that no better champion could be + looked for among the anointed of the earth than the false, fickle, foolish + Alencon, whose career, everywhere contemptible, was nowhere so flagitious + as in the Netherlands. By the fourteenth article of the Peace of Paris, + the Prince was reinstated and secured in his principality of Orange; and + his other possessions in France. The best feeling; for the time being, was + manifested between the French court and the Reformation. + </p> + <p> + Thus much for England and France. As for Germany, the prospects of the + Netherlands were not flattering. The Reforming spirit had grown languid, + from various causes. The self-seeking motives of many Protestant princes + had disgusted the nobles. Was that the object of the bloody wars of + religion, that a few potentates should be enabled to enrich themselves by + confiscating the broad lands and accumulated treasures of the Church? Had + the creed of Luther been embraced only for such unworthy ends? These + suspicions chilled the ardor of thousands, particularly among the greater + ones of the land. Moreover, the discord among the Reformers themselves + waxed daily, and became more and more mischievous. Neither the people nor + their leaders could learn that, not a new doctrine, but a wise toleration + for all Christian doctrines was wanted. Of new doctrines there was no + lack. Lutherans, Calvinists, Flaccianists, Majorists, Adiaphorists, + Brantianists, Ubiquitists, swarmed and contended pell-mell. In this there + would have been small harm, if the Reformers had known what reformation + meant. But they could not invent or imagine toleration. All claimed the + privilege of persecuting. There were sagacious and honest men among the + great ones of the country, but they were but few. Wise William of Hesse + strove hard to effect a concordia among the jarring sects; Count John of + Nassau, though a passionate Calvinist, did no less; while the Elector of + Saxony, on the other hand, raging and roaring like a bull of Bashan, was + for sacrificing the interest of millions on the altar of his personal + spite. Cursed was his tribe if he forgave the Prince. He had done what he + could at the Diet of Ratisbon to exclude all Calvinists from a + participation in the religious peace of Germany, and he redoubled his + efforts to prevent the extension of any benefits to the Calvinists of the + Netherlands. These determinations had remained constant and intense. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, the political appearance of Germany was as menacing as that + of France seemed for a time favorable to the schemes of Orange. The + quarrels of the princes, and the daily widening schism between Lutherans + and Calvinists, seemed to bode little good to the cause of religious + freedom. The potentates were perplexed and at variance, the nobles + lukewarm and discontented. Among the people, although subdivided into + hostile factions, there was more life. Here, at least, were heartiness of + love and hate, enthusiastic conviction, earnestness and agitation. "The + true religion," wrote Count John, "is spreading daily among the common + men. Among the powerful, who think themselves highly learned, and who sit + in roses, it grows, alas, little. Here and there a Nicodemus or two may be + found, but things will hardly go better here than in France or the + Netherlands." + </p> + <p> + Thus, then, stood affairs in the neighbouring countries. The prospect was + black in Germany, more encouraging in France, dubious, or worse, in + England. More work, more anxiety, more desperate struggles than ever, + devolved upon the Prince. Secretary Brunynck wrote that his illustrious + chief was tolerably well in health, but so loaded with affairs, sorrows, + and travails, that, from morning till night, he had scarcely leisure to + breathe. Besides his multitudinous correspondence with the public bodies, + whose labors he habitually directed; with the various estates of the + provinces, which he was gradually moulding into an organised and general + resistance to the Spanish power; with public envoys and with secret agents + to foreign cabinets, all of whom received their instructions from him + alone; with individuals of eminence and influence, whom he was eloquently + urging to abandon their hostile position to their fatherland; and to + assist him in the great work which he was doing; besides these numerous + avocations, he was actively and anxiously engaged during the spring of + 1576, with the attempt to relieve the city of Zierickzee. + </p> + <p> + That important place, the capital of Schouwen, and the key to half + Zealand, had remained closely invested since the memorable expedition to + Duiveland. The Prince had passed much of his time in the neighbourhood, + during the month of May, in order to attend personally to the contemplated + relief, and to correspond daily with the beleaguered garrison. At last, on + the 25th of May, a vigorous effort was made to throw in succor by sea. The + brave Admiral Boisot, hero of the memorable relief of Leyden, had charge + of the expedition. Mondragon had surrounded the shallow harbor with hulks + and chains, and with a loose submerged dyke of piles and rubbish. Against + this obstacle Boisot drove his ship, the 'Red Lion,' with his customary + audacity, but did not succeed in cutting it through. His vessel, the + largest of the feet, became entangled: he was, at the same time, attacked + from a distance by the besiegers. The tide ebbed and left his ship + aground, while the other vessels had been beaten back by the enemy. Night + approached; and there was no possibility of accomplishing the enterprise. + His ship was hopelessly stranded. With the morning's sun his captivity was + certain. Rather than fall into the hands of his enemy, he sprang into the + sea; followed by three hundred of his companions, some of whom were + fortunate enough to effect their escape. The gallant Admiral swam a long + time, sustained by a broken spar. Night and darkness came on before + assistance could be rendered, and he perished. Thus died Louis Boisot, one + of the most enterprising of the early champions of Netherland freedom—one + of the bravest precursors of that race of heroes, the commanders of the + Holland navy. The Prince deplored his loss deeply, as that of a "valiant + gentleman, and one well affectioned to the common cause." His brother, + Charles Boisot, as will be remembered, had perished by treachery at the + first landing of the Spanish troops; after their perilous passage from + Duiveland.—Thus both the brethren had laid down their lives for + their country, in this its outer barrier, and in the hour of its utmost + need. The fall of the beleaguered town could no longer be deferred. The + Spaniards were, at last, to receive the prize of that romantic valor which + had led them across the bottom of the sea to attack the city. Nearly nine + months had, however, elapsed since that achievement; and the Grand + Commander, by whose orders it had been undertaken, had been four months in + his grave. He was permitted to see neither the long-delayed success which + crowded the enterprise, nor the procession of disasters and crimes which + were to mark it as a most fatal success. + </p> + <p> + On the 21st of June, 1576, Zierickzee, instructed by the Prince of Orange + to accept honorable terms, if offered, agreed to surrender. Mondragon, + whose soldiers were in a state of suffering, and ready to break out in + mutiny, was but too happy to grant an honorable capitulation. The garrison + were allowed to go out with their arms and personal baggage. The citizens + were permitted to retain or resume their privileges and charters, on + payment of two hundred thousand guldens. Of, sacking and burning there + was, on this occasion, fortunately, no question; but the first half of the + commutation money was to be paid in cash. There was but little money in + the impoverished little town, but mint-masters were appointed by the + magistrates to take their seats at once an in the Hotel de Ville. The + citizens brought their spoons and silver dishes; one after another, which + were melted and coined into dollars and half-dollars, until the payment + was satisfactorily adjusted. Thus fell Zierickzee, to the deep regret of + the Prince. "Had we received the least succor in the world from any side," + he wrote; "the poor city should never have fallen. I could get nothing + from France or England, with all my efforts. Nevertheless, we do not lose + courage, but hope that, although abandoned by all the world, the Lord God + will extend His right hand over us." + </p> + <p> + The enemies were not destined to go farther. From their own hand now came + the blow which was to expel them from the soil which they had so long + polluted. No sooner was Zierickzee captured than a mutiny broke forth + among several companies of Spaniards and Walloons, belonging, to the army + in Schouwen. A large number of the most influential officers had gone to + Brussels, to make arrangements, if possible; for the payment of the + troops. In their absence there was more scope for the arguments of the + leading mutineers; arguments assuredly, not entirely destitute of justice + or logical precision. If ever laborers were worthy of their hire, + certainly it was the Spanish soldiery. Had they not done the work of + demons for nine years long? Could Philip or Alva have found in the wide + world men to execute their decrees with more unhesitating docility, with + more sympathizing eagerness? What obstacle had ever given them pause in + their career of duty? What element had they not braved? Had not they + fought within the bowels of the earth, beneath the depths of the sea, + within blazing cities, and upon fields of ice? Where was the work which + had been too dark and bloody for their performance? Had they not + slaughtered unarmed human beings by townfuls, at the word of command? Had + they not eaten the flesh, and drank the hearts' blood of their enemies? + Had they not stained the house of God with wholesale massacre? What altar + and what hearthstone had they not profaned? What fatigue, what danger, + what crime, had ever checked them for a moment? And for all this + obedience, labor, and bloodshed, were they not even to be paid such wages + as the commonest clown, who only tore the earth at home, received? Did + Philip believe that a few thousand Spaniards were to execute his sentence + of death against three millions of Netherlanders, and be cheated of their + pay at last? + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that arguments and expostulations were addressed to + soldiers who were suffering from want, and maddened by injustice. They + determined to take their cause into their own hand, as they had often done + before. By the 15th of July, the mutiny was general on the isle of + Schouwen. Promises were freely offered, both of pay and pardon; appeals + were made to their old sense of honor and loyalty; but they had had enough + of promises, of honor, and of work. What they wanted now were shoes and + jerkins, bread and meat, and money. Money they would have, and that at + once. The King of Spain was their debtor. The Netherlands belonged to the + King of Spain. They would therefore levy on the Netherlands for payment of + their debt. Certainly this was a logical deduction. They knew by + experience that this process had heretofore excited more indignation in + the minds of the Netherland people than in that of their master. Moreover, + at this juncture, they cared little for their sovereign's displeasure, and + not at all for that of the Netherlanders. By the middle of July, then, the + mutineers, now entirely beyond control, held their officers imprisoned + within their quarters at Zierickzee. They even surrounded the house of + Mondtagon, who had so often led them to victory, calling upon him with + threats and taunts to furnish them with money. The veteran, roused to fury + by their insubordination and their taunts, sprang from his house into the + midst of the throng. Baring his breast before them, he fiercely invited + and dared their utmost violence. Of his life-blood, he told them bitterly, + he was no niggard, and it was at their disposal. His wealth, had he + possessed any, would have been equally theirs. Shamed into temporary + respect, but not turned from their purpose by the choler of their chief, + they left him to himself. Soon afterwards, having swept Schouwen island + bare of every thing which could be consumed, the mutineers swarmed out of + Zealand into Brabant, devouring as they went. + </p> + <p> + It was their purpose to hover for a time in the neighbourhood of the + capital, and either to force the Council of State to pay them their long + arrears, or else to seize and sack the richest city upon which they could + lay their hands. The compact, disciplined mass, rolled hither and thither, + with uncertainty of purpose, but with the same military precision of + movement which had always characterized these remarkable mutinies. It + gathered strength daily. The citizens of Brussels contemplated with dismay + the eccentric and threatening apparition. They knew that rapine, murder, + and all the worst evils which man can inflict on his brethren were pent + within it, and would soon descend. Yet, even with all their past + experience, did they not foresee the depth of woe which was really + impending. The mutineers had discarded such of their officers as they + could not compel to obedience, and had, as usual, chosen their Eletto. + Many straggling companies joined them as they swept to and fro. They came + to Herenthals, where they were met by Count Mansfeld, who was deputed by + the Council of State to treat with them, to appeal to them; to pardon + them, to offer, them everything but money. It may be supposed that the + success of the commander-in-chief was no better than that of Mondragon and + his subalterns. They laughed him to scorn when he reminded them how their + conduct was tarnishing the glory which they had acquired by nine years of + heroism. They answered with their former cynicism, that glory could be put + neither into pocket nor stomach. They had no use for it; they had more + than enough of it. Give them money, or give them a City, these were their + last terms. + </p> + <p> + Sorrowfully and bodingly Mansfeld withdrew to consult again with the State + Council. The mutineers then made a demonstration upon Mechlin, but that + city having fortunately strengthened its garrison, was allowed to escape. + They then hovered for a time outside the walls of Brussels. At Grimsberg, + where they paused for a short period, they held a parley with Captain + Montesdocca, whom they received with fair words and specious pretences. He + returned to Brussels with the favourable tidings, and the mutineers + swarmed off to Assche. Thither Montesdoeca was again despatched, with the + expectation that he would be able to bring them to terms, but they drove + him off with jeers and threats, finding that he brought neither money nor + the mortgage of a populous city. The next day, after a feint or two in a + different direction, they made a sudden swoop upon Alost, in Flanders. + Here they had at last made their choice, and the town was carried by + storm. All the inhabitants who opposed them were butchered, and the + mutiny, at last established in a capital, was able to treat with the State + Council upon equal terms. They were now between two and three thousand + strong, disciplined, veteran troops, posted in a strong and wealthy city. + One hundred parishes belonged to the jurisdiction of Alost, all of which + were immediately laid under contribution. + </p> + <p> + The excitement was now intense in Brussels. Anxiety and alarm had given + place to rage, and the whole population rose in arms to defend the + capital, which was felt to be in imminent danger. This spontaneous courage + of the burghers prevented the catastrophe, which was reserved for a sister + city. Meantime, the indignation and horror excited by the mutiny were so + universal that the Council of State could not withstand the pressure. Even + the women and children demanded daily in the streets that the rebel + soldiers should be declared outlaws. On the 26th of July, accordingly, the + King of Spain was made to pronounce, his Spaniards traitors and murderers. + All men were enjoined to slay one or all of them, wherever they should be + found; to refuse them bread, water, and fire, and to assemble at sound of + bell; in every city; whenever the magistrates should order an assault upon + them. A still more stringent edict was issued on the 2nd of August; and so + eagerly had these degrees been expected, that they were published + throughout Flanders and Brabant almost as soon as issued. Hitherto the + leading officers of the Spanish army had kept aloof from the insurgents, + and frowned upon their proceedings. The Spanish member of the State + Council, Jerome de Roda, had joined without opposition in the edict. As, + however, the mutiny gathered strength on the outside, the indignation + waxed daily within the capital. The citizens of Brussels, one and all, + stood to their arms. Not a man could enter or leave without their + permission. The Spaniards who were in the town, whether soldiers or + merchants, were regarded with suspicion and abhorrence. The leading + Spanish officers, Romero, Montesdocca, Verdugo, and others, who had + attempted to quell the mutiny, had been driven off with threats and + curses, their soldiers defying them and brandishing their swords in their + very faces. On the other hand, they were looked upon with ill-will by the + Netherlanders. The most prominent Spanish personages in Brussels were kept + in a state of half-imprisonment. Romero, Roda, Verdugo, were believed to + favor at heart the cause of their rebellious troops, and the burghers of + Brabant had come to consider all the King's army in a state of rebellion. + Believing the State Council powerless to protect them from the impending + storm, they regarded that body with little respect, keeping it, as it + were, in durance, while the Spaniards were afraid to walk the streets of + Brussels for fear of being murdered. A retainer of Rods, who had ventured + to defend the character and conduct of his master before a number of + excited citizens, was slain on the spot. + </p> + <p> + In Antwerp, Champagny, brother of Granvelle, and governor of the city, was + disposed to cultivate friendly relations with the Prince of Orange. + Champagny hated the Spaniards, and the hatred seemed to establish enough + of sympathy between himself and the liberal party to authorize confidence + in him. The Prince dealt with him, but regarded him warily. Fifteen + companies of German troops, under Colonel Altaemst, were suspected of a + strong inclination to join the mutiny. They were withdrawn from Antwerp, + and in their room came Count Uberstein, with his regiment, who swore to + admit no suspicious person inside the gates, and in all things to obey the + orders of Champagny. In the citadel, however, matters were very + threatening. Sancho d'Avila, the governor, although he had not openly + joined the revolt, treated the edict of outlawry against the rebellious + soldiery with derision. He refused to publish a decree which he proclaimed + infamous, and which had been extorted, in his opinion, from an impotent + and trembling council. Even Champagny had not desired or dared to publish + the edict within the city. The reasons alleged were his fears of + irritating and alarming the foreign merchants, whose position was so + critical and friendship so important at that moment. On the other hand, it + was loudly and joyfully published in most other towns of Flanders and + Brabant. In Brussels there were two parties, one holding the decree too + audacious for his Majesty to pardon; the other clamoring for its + instantaneous fulfilment. By far the larger and more influential portion + of the population favored the measure, and wished the sentence of outlawry + and extermination to be extended at once against all Spaniards and other + foreigners in the service of the King. It seemed imprudent to wait until + all the regiments had formally accepted the mutiny, and concentrated + themselves into a single body. + </p> + <p> + At this juncture, on the last day of July, the Marquis off Havre, brother + to the Duke of Aerschot, arrived out of Spain. He was charged by the King + with conciliatory but unmeaning phrases to the estates. The occasion was + not a happy one. There never was a time when direct and vigorous action + had been more necessary. It was probably the King's desire then, as much + as it ever had been his desire at all, to make up the quarrel with his + provinces. He had been wearied with the policy which Alva had enforced, + and for which he endeavoured at that period to make the Duke appear + responsible. The barren clemency which the Grand Commander had been + instructed to affect, had deceived but few persons, and had produced but + small results. The King was, perhaps, really inclined at this juncture to + exercise clemency—that is to say he was willing to pardon his people + for having contended for their rights, provided they were now willing to + resign them for ever. So the Catholic religion and his own authority, were + exclusively and inviolably secured, he was willing to receive his + disobedient provinces into favor. To accomplish this end, however, he had + still no more fortunate conception than to take the advice of Hopper. A + soothing procrastination was the anodyne selected for the bitter pangs of + the body politic—a vague expression of royal benignity the styptic + to be applied to its mortal wounds. An interval of hesitation was to + bridge over the chasm between the provinces and their distant metropolis. + "The Marquis of Havre has been sent," said the King, "that he may + expressly witness to you of our good intentions, and of our desire, with + the grace of God, to bring about a pacification." Alas, it was well known + whence those pavements of good intentions had been taken, and whither they + would lead. They were not the material for a substantial road to + reconciliation. "His Majesty," said the Marquis; on delivering his report + to the State Council, "has long been pondering over all things necessary + to the peace of the land. His Majesty, like a very gracious and bountiful + Prince, has ever been disposed, in times past, to treat these, his + subjects, by the best and sweetest means." There being, however, room for + an opinion that so bountiful a prince might have discovered sweeter means, + by all this pondering, than to burn and gibbet his subjects by thousands, + it was thought proper to insinuate that his orders had been hitherto + misunderstood. Alva and Requesens had been unfaithful agents, who did not + know their business, but it was to be set right in future. "As the + good-will and meaning of his Majesty has, by no means been followed," + continued the envoy, "his Majesty has determined to send Councillor + Hopper, keeper of the privy seal, and myself, hitherwards, to execute the + resolutions of his Majesty." Two such personages as poor, plodding, + confused; time-serving Hopper, and flighty, talkative Havre, whom even + Requesens despised, and whom Don John, while shortly afterwards + recommending him for a state councillor, characterized, to Philip as "a + very great scoundrel;" would hardly be able, even if royally empowered, to + undo the work of two preceding administrations. Moreover, Councillor + Hopper, on further thoughts, was not despatched at all to the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + The provinces were, however, assured by the King's letters to the Brabant + estates, to the State Council, and other, public bodies, as well as by the + report of the Marquis, that efficacious remedies were preparing in Madrid. + The people were only too wait patiently till they should arrive. The + public had heard before of these nostrums, made up by the royal + prescriptions in Spain; and were not likely to accept them as a panacea + for their present complicated disorders. Never, in truth, had conventional + commonplace been applied more unseasonably. Here was a general military + mutiny flaming in the very centre of the land. Here had the intense hatred + of race, which for years had been gnawing at the heart of the country, at + last broken out into most malignant manifestation. Here was nearly the + whole native population of every province, from grand seigneur to + plebeian, from Catholic prelate to Anabaptist artisan, exasperated alike + by the excesses of six thousand foreign brigands, and united by a common + hatred, into a band of brethren. Here was a State Council too feeble to + exercise the authority which it had arrogated, trembling between the wrath + of its sovereign, the menacing cries of the Brussels burghers, and the + wild threats of the rebellious army; and held virtually, captive in the + capital which it was supposed to govern. + </p> + <p> + Certainly, the confirmation of the Council in its authority, for an + indefinite, even if for a brief period, was a most unlucky step at this + juncture. There were two parties in the provinces, but one was far the + most powerful upon the great point of the Spanish soldiery. A vast + majority were in favor of a declaration of outlawry against the whole + army, and it was thought desirable to improve the opportunity by getting + rid of them altogether. If the people could rise en masse, now that the + royal government was in abeyance, and, as it were, in the nation's hands, + the incubus might be cast off for ever. If any of the Spanish officers had + been sincere in their efforts to arrest the mutiny, the sincerity was not + believed. If any of the foreign regiments of the King appeared to hesitate + at joining the Alost crew, the hesitation was felt to be temporary. + Meantime, the important German regiments of Fugger, Fronsberger, and + Polwiller, with their colonels and other officers, had openly joined the + rebellion, while there was no doubt of the sentiments of Sancho d'Avila + and the troops under his command. Thus there were two great + rallying-places for the sedition, and the most important fortress of the + country, the key which unlocked the richest city in the world, was in the + hands of the mutineers. The commercial capital of Europe, filled to the + brim with accumulated treasures, and with the merchandize of every clime; + lay at the feet of this desperate band of brigands. The horrible result + was but too soon to be made manifest. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, in Brussels, the few Spaniards trembled for their lives. The few + officers shut up there were in imminent danger. "As the Devil does not + cease to do his work," wrote Colonel Verdugo, "he has put it into the + heads of the Brabanters to rebel, taking for a pretext the mutiny of the + Spaniards. The Brussels men have handled their weapons so well against + those who were placed there to protect them, that they have begun to kill + the Spaniards, threatening likewise the Council of State. Such is their + insolence, that they care no more for these great lords than for so many + varlets." The writer, who had taken refuge, together with Jerome de Roda + and other Spaniards, or "Hispaniolized" persons, in Antwerp citadel, + proceeded to sketch the preparations which were going on in Brussels, and + the counter measures which were making progress in Antwerp. "The states," + he wrote, "are enrolling troops, saying 'tis to put down the mutiny; but I + assure you 'tis to attack the army indiscriminately. To prevent such a + villainous undertaking, troops of all nations are assembling here, in + order to march straight upon Brussels, there to enforce everything which + my lords of the State Council shall ordain." Events were obviously + hastening to a crisis—an explosion, before long, was inevitable. "I + wish I had my horses here," continued the Colonel, "and must beg you to + send them. I see a black cloud hanging over our heads. I fear that the + Brabantines will play the beasts so much, that they will have all the + soldiery at their throats." + </p> + <p> + Jerome de Roda had been fortunate enough to make his escape out of + Brussels, and now claimed to be sole Governor of the Netherlands, as the + only remaining representative of the State Council. His colleagues were in + durance at the capital. Their authority was derided. Although not yet + actually imprisoned, they were in reality bound hand and foot, and + compelled to take their orders either from the Brabant estates or from the + burghers of Brussels. It was not an illogical proceeding, therefore, that + Roda, under the shadow of the Antwerp citadel, should set up his own + person as all that remained of the outraged majesty of Spain. Till the new + Governor, Don Juan, should arrive, whose appointment the King had already + communicated to the government, and who might be expected in the + Netherlands before the close of the autumn, the solitary councillor + claimed to embody the whole Council. He caused a new seal to be struck—a + proceeding very unreasonably charged as forgery by the provincials—and + forthwith began to thunder forth proclamations and counter-proclamations + in the King's name and under the royal seal. It is difficult to see any + technical crime or mistake in such a course. As a Spaniard, and a + representative of his Majesty, he could hardly be expected to take any + other view of his duty. At any rate, being called upon to choose between + rebellious Netherlanders and mutinous Spaniards, he was not long in making + up his mind. + </p> + <p> + By the beginning of September the mutiny was general. All the Spanish + army, from general to pioneer, were united. The most important German + troops had taken side with them. Sancho d'Avila held the citadel of + Antwerp, vowing vengeance, and holding open communication with the + soldiers at Alost. The Council of State remonstrated with him for his + disloyalty. He replied by referring to his long years of service, and by + reproving them for affecting an authority which their imprisonment + rendered ridiculous. The Spaniards were securely established. The various + citadels which had been built by Charles and Philip to curb the country + now effectually did their work. With the castles of Antwerp, Valenciennes, + Ghent, Utrecht, Culemburg, Viane, Alost, in the hands of six thousand + veteran Spaniards, the country seemed chained in every limb. The + foreigner's foot was on its neck. Brussels was almost the only + considerable town out of Holland and Zealand which was even temporarily + safe. The important city of Maestricht was held by a Spanish garrison, + while other capital towns and stations were in the power of the Walloon + and German mutineers. The depredations committed in the villages, the open + country, and the cities were incessant—the Spaniards treating every + Netherlander as their foe. Gentleman and peasant, Protestant and Catholic, + priest and layman, all were plundered, maltreated, outraged. The + indignation became daily more general and more intense. There were + frequent skirmishes between the soldiery and promiscuous bands of + peasants, citizens, and students; conflicts in which the Spaniards were + invariably victorious. What could such half-armed and wholly untrained + partisans effect against the bravest and most experienced troops in the + whole world? Such results only increased the general exasperation, while + they impressed upon the whole people the necessity of some great and + general effort to throw off the incubus. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. 1576-1577 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Religious and political sympathies and antipathies in the seventeen + provinces—Unanimous hatred for the foreign soldiery—Use made by + the Prince of the mutiny—His correspondence—Necessity of Union + enforced—A congress from nearly all the provinces meets at Ghent— + Skirmishes between the foreign troops and partisan bands—Slaughter + at Tisnacq—Suspicions entertained of the State-Council—Arrest of + the State-Council—Siege of Ghent citadel—Assistance sent by + Orange—Maestricht lost and regained—Wealthy and perilous condition + of Antwerp—Preparations of the mutineers under the secret + superintendence of Avila—Stupidity of Oberstein—Duplicity of Don + Sancho—Reinforcements of Walloons under Havre, Egmont, and others, + sent to for the expected assault of Antwerp—Governor Champagny's + preparations the mutineers—Insubordination, incapacity, and + negligence of all but him—Concentration of all the mutineers from + different points, in the citadel—The attack—the panic—the flight + —the massacre—the fire—the sack—and other details of the + "Spanish Fury"—Statistics of murder and robbery—Letter of Orange + to the states-general—Surrender of Ghent citadel—Conclusion of the + "Ghent Pacification"—The treaty characterized—Forms of + ratification—Fall of Zierickzee and recovery of Zealand. +</pre> + <p> + Meantime, the Prince of Orange sat at Middelburg, watching the storm. The + position of Holland and Zealand with regard to the other fifteen provinces + was distinctly characterized. Upon certain points there was an absolute + sympathy, while upon others there was a grave and almost fatal difference. + It was the task of the Prince to deepen the sympathy, to extinguish the + difference. + </p> + <p> + In Holland and Zealand, there was a warm and nearly universal adhesion to + the Reformed religion, a passionate attachment to the ancient political + liberties. The Prince, although an earnest Calvinist himself, did all in + his power to check the growing spirit of intolerance toward the old + religion, omitted no opportunity of strengthening the attachment which the + people justly felt for their liberal institutions. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, in most of the other provinces, the Catholic religion + had been regaining its ascendency. Even in 1574, the estates assembled at + Brussels declared to Requesens "that they would rather die the death than + see any change in their religion." That feeling had rather increased than + diminished. Although there was a strong party attached to the new faith, + there was perhaps a larger, certainly a more influential body, which + regarded the ancient Church with absolute fidelity. Owing partly to the + persecution which had, in the course of years, banished so many thousands + of families from the soil, partly to the coercion, which was more + stringent in the immediate presence of the Crown's representative, partly + to the stronger infusion of the Celtic element, which from the earliest + ages had always been so keenly alive to the more sensuous and splendid + manifestations of the devotional principle—owing to those and many + other causes, the old religion, despite of all the outrages which had been + committed in its name, still numbered a host of zealous adherents in the + fifteen provinces. Attempts against its sanctity were regarded with + jealous eyes. It was believed, and with reason, that there was a + disposition on the part of the Reformers to destroy it root and branch. It + was suspected that the same enginery of persecution would be employed in + its extirpation, should the opposite party gain the supremacy, which the + Papists had so long employed against the converts to the new religion. + </p> + <p> + As to political convictions, the fifteen provinces differed much less from + their two sisters. There was a strong attachment to their old + constitutions; a general inclination to make use of the present crisis to + effect their restoration. At the same time, it had not come to be the + general conviction, as in Holland and Zealand, that the maintenance of + those liberties was incompatible with the continuance of Philip's + authority. There was, moreover, a strong aristocratic faction which was by + no means disposed to take a liberal view of government in general, and + regarded with apprehension the simultaneous advance of heretical notions + both in church and, state. Still there were, on the whole, the elements of + a controlling constitutional party throughout the fifteen provinces The + great bond of sympathy, however, between all the seventeen was their + common hatred to the foreign soldiery. Upon this deeply imbedded, + immovable fulcrum of an ancient national hatred, the sudden mutiny of the + whole Spanish army served as a lever of incalculable power. The Prince + seized it as from the hand of God. Thus armed, he proposed to himself the + task of upturning the mass of oppression under which the old liberties of + the country had so long been crushed. To effect this object, adroitness + was as requisite as courage. Expulsion of the foreign soldiery, union of + the seventeen provinces, a representative constitution, according to the + old charters, by the states-general, under an hereditary chief, a large + religious toleration, suppression of all inquisition into men's + consciences—these were the great objects to which the Prince now + devoted himself with renewed energy. + </p> + <p> + To bring about a general organization and a general union, much delicacy + of handling was necessary. The sentiment of extreme Catholicism and + Monarchism was not to be suddenly scared into opposition. The Prince, + therefore, in all his addresses and documents was careful to disclaim any + intention of disturbing the established religion, or of making any rash + political changes. "Let no man think," said he, to the authorities of + Brabant, "that, against the will of the estates, we desire to bring about + any change in religion. Let no one suspect us capable of prejudicing the + rights of any man. We have long since taken up arms to maintain a legal + and constitutional freedom, founded upon law. God forbid that we should + now attempt to introduce novelties, by which the face of liberty should be + defiled." + </p> + <p> + In a brief and very spirited letter to Count Lalain, a Catholic and a + loyalist, but a friend of his country and fervent hater of foreign + oppression, he thus appealed to his sense of chivalry and justice: + "Although the honorable house from which you spring," he said, "and the + virtue and courage of your ancestors have always impressed me with the + conviction that you would follow in their footsteps, yet am I glad to have + received proofs that my anticipations were correct. I cannot help, + therefore, entreating you to maintain the same high heart, and to + accomplish that which you have so worthily begun. Be not deluded by false + masks, mumming faces, and borrowed titles, which people assume for their + own profit, persuading others that the King's service consists in the + destruction of his subjects." + </p> + <p> + While thus careful to offend no man's religious convictions, to startle no + man's loyalty, he made skillful use of the general indignation felt at, + the atrocities of the mutinous army. This chord he struck boldly, + powerfully, passionately, for he felt sure of the depth and strength of + its vibrations. In his address to the estates of Gelderland, he used + vigorous language, inflaming and directing to a practical purpose the just + wrath which was felt in that, as in every other province. "I write to warn + you," he said, "to seize this present opportunity. Shake from your necks + the yoke of the godless Spanish tyranny, join yourselves at once to the + lovers of the fatherland, to the defenders of freedom. According to the + example of your own ancestors and ours, redeem for the country its ancient + laws, traditions, and privileges. Permit no longer, to your shame and + ours, a band of Spanish landloupers and other foreigners, together with + three or four self-seeking enemies of their own land, to keep their feet + upon our necks. Let them no longer, in the very wantonness of tyranny, + drive us about like a herd of cattle—like a gang of well-tamed + slaves." + </p> + <p> + Thus, day after day, in almost countless addresses to public bodies and + private individuals, he made use of the crisis to pile fresh fuel upon the + flames. At the same time, while thus fanning the general indignation, he + had the adroitness to point out that the people had already committed + themselves. He represented to them that the edict, by which they had + denounced his Majesty's veterans as outlaws, and had devoted them to the + indiscriminate destruction which such brigands deserved, was likely to + prove an unpardonable crime in the eyes of majesty. In short, they had + entered the torrent. If they would avoid being dashed over the precipice, + they must struggle manfully with the mad waves of civil war into which + they had plunged. "I beg you, with all affection," he said to the states + of Brabant, "to consider the danger in which you have placed yourselves. + You have to deal with the proudest and most overbearing race in the world. + For these qualities they are hated by all other nations. They are even + hateful to themselves. 'Tis a race which seeks to domineer wheresoever it + comes. It particularly declares its intention to crush and to tyrannize + you, my masters, and all the land. They have conquered you already, as + they boast, for the crime of lese-majesty has placed you at their mercy. I + tell you that your last act, by which you have declared this army to be + rebels, is decisive. You have armed and excited the whole people against + them, even to the peasants and the peasants' children, and the insults and + injuries thus received, however richly deserved and dearly avenged, are + all set down to your account. Therefore, 'tis necessary for you to decide + now, whether to be utterly ruined, yourselves and your children, or to + continue firmly the work which you have begun boldly, and rather to die a + hundred thousand deaths than to make a treaty with them, which can only + end in your ruin. Be assured that the measure dealt to you will be + ignominy as well as destruction. Let not your leaders expect the honorable + scaffolds of Counts Egmont and Horn. The whipping-post and then the gibbet + will be their certain fate." + </p> + <p> + Having by this and similar language, upon various occasions, sought to + impress upon his countrymen the gravity of the position, he led them to + seek the remedy in audacity and in union. He familiarized them with his + theory, that the legal, historical government of the provinces belonged to + the states-general, to a congress of nobles, clergy, and commons, + appointed from each of the seventeen provinces. He maintained, with + reason, that the government of the Netherlands was a representative + constitutional government, under the hereditary authority of the King. To + recover this constitution, to lift up these down-trodden rights, he set + before them most vividly the necessity of union, "'Tis impossible," he + said, "that a chariot should move evenly having its wheels unequally + proportioned; and so must a confederation be broken to pieces, if there be + not an equal obligation on all to tend to a common purpose." Union, close, + fraternal, such as became provinces of a common origin and with similar + laws, could alone save them from their fate. Union against a common tyrant + to save a common fatherland. Union; by which differences of opinion should + be tolerated, in order that a million of hearts should beat for a common + purpose, a million hands work out, invincibly, a common salvation. "'Tis + hardly necessary," he said "to use many words in recommendation of union. + Disunion has been the cause of all our woes. There is no remedy, no hope, + save in the bonds of friendship. Let all particular disagreements be left + to the decision of the states-general, in order that with one heart and + one will we may seek the disenthralment of the fatherland from the tyranny + of strangers." + </p> + <p> + The first step to a thorough union among all the provinces was the + arrangement of a closer connection between the now isolated states of + Holland and Zealand on the one side, and their fifteen sisters on the + other. The Prince professed the readiness of those states which he might + be said to represent in his single person, to draw as closely as possible + the bonds of fellowship. It was almost superfluous for him to promise his + own ready co-operation. "Nothing remains to us," said he, "but to discard + all jealousy and distrust. Let us, with a firm resolution and a common + accord, liberate these lands from the stranger. Hand to hand let us + accomplish a just and general peace. As for myself, I present to you, with + very, good affection, my person and all which I possess, assuring you that + I shall regard all my labors and pains in times which are past, well + bestowed, if God now grant me grace to see the desired end. That this end + will be reached, if you hold fast your resolution and take to heart the + means which God presents to you, I feel to be absolutely certain." + </p> + <p> + Such were the tenor and the motives of the documents which he scattered—broadcast + at this crisis. They were addressed to the estates of nearly every + province. Those bodies were urgently implored to appoint deputies to a + general congress, at which a close and formal union between Holland and + Zealand with the other provinces might be effected. That important measure + secured, a general effort might, at the same time, be made to expel the + Spaniard from the soil. This done, the remaining matters could be disposed + of by the assembly of the estates-general. His eloquence and energy were + not without effect. In the course of the autumn, deputies were appointed + from the greater number of the provinces, to confer with the + representatives of Holland and Zealand, in a general congress. The place + appointed for the deliberations was the city of Ghent. Here, by the middle + of October, a large number of delegates were already assembled. + </p> + <p> + Events were rapidly rolling together from every quarter, and accumulating + to a crisis. A congress—a rebellious congress, as the King might + deem it—was assembling at Ghent; the Spanish army, proscribed, + lawless, and terrible, was strengthening itself daily for some dark and + mysterious achievement; Don John of Austria, the King's natural brother, + was expected from Spain to assume the government, which the State Council + was too timid to wield and too loyal to resign, while, meantime, the whole + population of the Netherlands, with hardly an exception, was disposed to + see the great question of the foreign soldiery settled, before the chaos + then existing should be superseded by a more definite authority. + Everywhere, men of all ranks and occupations—the artisan in the + city, the peasant in the fields—were deserting their daily + occupations to furbish helmets, handle muskets, and learn the trade of + war. Skirmishes, sometimes severe and bloody, were of almost daily + occurrence. In these the Spaniards were invariably successful, for + whatever may be said of their cruelty and licentiousness, it cannot be + disputed that their prowess was worthy of their renown. Romantic valor, + unflinching fortitude, consummate skill, characterized them always. What + could half-armed artisans achieve in the open plain against such + accomplished foes? At Tisnacq, between Louvain and Tirlemont, a battle was + attempted by a large miscellaneous mass of students, peasantry, and + burghers, led by country squires. It soon changed to a carnage, in which + the victims were all on one side. A small number of veterans, headed by + Vargas, Mendoza, Tassis, and other chivalrous commanders, routed the + undisciplined thousands at a single charge. The rude militia threw away + their arms, and fled panic-struck in all directions, at the first sight of + their terrible foe. Two Spaniards lost their lives and two thousand + Netherlanders. It was natural that these consummate warriors should + despise such easily slaughtered victims. A single stroke of the iron + flail, and the chaff was scattered to the four winds; a single sweep of + the disciplined scythe, and countless acres were in an instant mown. + Nevertheless, although beaten constantly, the Netherlanders were not + conquered. Holland and Zealand had read the foe a lesson which he had not + forgotten, and although on the open fields, and against the less vigorous + population of the more central provinces, his triumphs had been easier, + yet it was obvious that the spirit of resistance to foreign oppression was + growing daily stronger, notwithstanding daily defeats. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, while these desultory but deadly combats were in daily progress, + the Council of State was looked upon with suspicion by the mass of the + population. That body, in which resided provisionally the powers of + government, was believed to be desirous of establishing relations with the + mutinous army. It was suspected of insidiously provoking the excesses + which it seemed to denounce. It was supposed to be secretly intriguing + with those whom its own edicts had outlawed. Its sympathies were + considered, Spanish. It was openly boasted by the Spanish army that, + before long, they would descend from their fastnesses upon Brussels, and + give the city to the sword. A shuddering sense of coming evil pervaded the + population, but no man could say where the blow would first be struck. It + was natural that the capital should be thought exposed to imminent danger. + At the same time, while every man who had hands was disposed to bear arms + to defend the city, the Council seemed paralyzed. The capital was + insufficiently garrisoned, yet troops were not enrolling for its + protection. The state councillors obviously omitted to provide for + defence, and it was supposed that they were secretly assisting the attack. + It was thought important, therefore, to disarm, or, at least, to control + this body which was impotent for protection, and seemed powerful only for + mischief. It was possible to make it as contemptible as it was believed to + be malicious. + </p> + <p> + An unexpected stroke was therefore suddenly levelled against the Council + in full session. On the 5th of September, the Seigneur de Heze, a young + gentleman of a bold, but unstable character, then entertaining close but + secret relations with the Prince of Orange, appeared before the doors of + the palace. He was attended by about five hundred troops, under the + immediate command of the Seigneur de Glimes, bailiff of Walloon Brabant. + He demanded admittance, in the name of the Brabant estates, to the + presence of the State Council, and was refused. The doors were closed and + bolted. Without further ceremony the soldiers produced iron bars brought + with them for the purpose, forced all the gates from the hinges, entered + the hall of session, and at a word from their commander, laid hands upon + the councillors, and made every one prisoner. The Duke of Aerschot, + President of the Council, who was then in close alliance with the Prince, + was not present at the meeting, but lay forewarned, at home, confined to + his couch by a sickness assumed for the occasion. Viglius, who rarely + participated in the deliberations of the board, being already afflicted + with the chronic malady under which he was ere long to succumb, also + escaped the fate of his fellow-senators. The others were carried into + confinement. Berlaymont and Mansfeld were imprisoned in the Brood-Huys, + where the last mortal hours of Egmont and Horn had been passed. Others + were kept strictly guarded in their own houses. After a few weeks, most of + them were liberated. Councillor Del Rio was, however, retained in + confinement, and sent to Holland, where he was subjected to a severe + examination by the Prince of Orange, touching his past career, + particularly concerning the doings of the famous Blood Council. The others + were set free, and even permitted to resume their functions, but their + dignity was gone, their authority annihilated. Thenceforth the states of + Brabant and the community of Brussels were to govern for an interval, for + it was in their name that the daring blow against the Council had been + struck. All individuals and bodies, however, although not displeased with + the result, clamorously disclaimed responsibility for the deed. Men were + appalled at the audacity of the transaction, and dreaded the vengeance of + the King: The Abbot Van Perch, one of the secret instigators of the act, + actually died of anxiety for its possible consequences. There was a + mystery concerning the affair. They in whose name it had been + accomplished, denied having given any authority to the perpetrators. Men + asked each other what unseen agency had been at work, what secret spring + had been adroitly touched. There is but little doubt, however, that the + veiled but skilful hand which directed the blow, was the same which had so + long been guiding the destiny of the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + It had been settled that the congress was to hold its sessions in Ghent, + although the citadel commanding that city was held by the Spaniards. The + garrison was not very strong, and Mondragon, its commander, was absent in + Zealand, but the wife of the veteran ably supplied his place, and + stimulated the slender body of troops to hold out with heroism, under the + orders of his lieutenant, Avilos Maldonado. The mutineers, after having + accomplished their victory at Tisnacq, had been earnestly solicited to + come to the relief of this citadel. They had refused and returned to + Alost. Meantime, the siege was warmly pressed by the states. There being, + however, a deficiency of troops, application for assistance was formally + made to the Prince of Orange. Count Reulx, governor of Flanders; + commissioned the Seigneur d'Haussy, brother of Count Bossu, who, to obtain + the liberation of that long-imprisoned and distinguished nobleman, was + about visiting the Prince in Zealand, to make a request for an auxiliary + force. It was, however, stipulated that care should be taken lest any + prejudice should be done to the Roman Catholic religion or the authority + of the King. The Prince readily acceded to the request, and agreed to + comply with the conditions under which only it could be accepted. He + promised to send twenty-eight companies. In his letter announcing this + arrangement, he gave notice that his troops would receive strict orders to + do no injury to person or property, Catholic or Protestant, ecclesiastic + or lay, and to offer no obstruction to the Roman religion or the royal + dignity. He added, however, that it was not to be taken amiss, if his + soldiers were permitted to exercise their own religious rites, and to sing + their Protestant hymns within their own quarters. He moreover, as security + for the expense and trouble, demanded the city of Sluys. The first + detachment of troops, under command of Colonel Vander Tympel, was, + however, hardly on its way, before an alarm was felt among the Catholic + party at this practical alliance with the rebel Prince. An envoy, named + Ottingen, was despatched to Zealand, bearing a letter from the estates of + Hainault, Brabant, and Flanders, countermanding the request for troops, + and remonstrating categorically upon the subject of religion and loyalty. + Orange deemed such tergiversation paltry, but controlled his anger. He + answered the letter in liberal terms, for he was determined that by no + fault of his should the great cause be endangered. He reassured the + estates as to the probable behaviour of his troops. Moreover, they had + been already admitted into the city, while the correspondence was + proceeding. The matter of the psalm-singing was finally arranged to the + satisfaction of both parties, and it was agreed that Niewport, instead of + Sluys, should be given to the Prince as security. + </p> + <p> + The siege of the citadel was now pressed vigorously, and the deliberations + of the congress were opened under the incessant roar of cannon. While the + attack was thus earnestly maintained upon the important castle of Ghent, a + courageous effort was made by the citizens of Maestricht to wrest their + city from the hands of the Spaniards. The German garrison having been + gained by the burghers, the combined force rose upon the Spanish troops, + and drove them from the city, Montesdocca, the commander, was arrested and + imprisoned, but the triumph was only temporary. Don Francis d'Ayala, + Montesdocca's lieutenant, made a stand, with a few companies, in Wieck, a + village on the opposite side of the Meuse, and connected with the city by + a massive bridge of stone. From this point he sent information to other + commanders in the neighbourhood. Don Ferdinand de Toledo soon arrived with + several hundred troops from Dalem. The Spaniards, eager to wipe out the + disgrace to their arms, loudly demanded to be led back to the city. The + head of the bridge, however, over which they must pass, was defended by a + strong battery, and the citizens were seen clustering in great numbers to + defend their firesides against a foe whom they had once expelled. To + advance across the bridge seemed certain destruction to the little force. + Even Spanish bravery recoiled at so desperate an undertaking, but + unscrupulous ferocity supplied an expedient where courage was at fault. + There were few fighting men present among the population of Wieck, but + there were many females. Each soldier was commanded to seize a woman, and, + placing her before his own body, to advance across the bridge. The column, + thus bucklered, to the shame of Spanish chivalry, by female bosoms, moved + in good order toward the battery. The soldiers leveled their muskets with + steady aim over the shoulders or under the arms of the women whom they + thus held before them. On the other hand, the citizens dared not discharge + their cannon at their own townswomen, among whose numbers many recognized + mothers, sisters, or wives. The battery was soon taken, while at the same + time Alonzj Vargas, who had effected his entrance from the land side by + burning down the Brussels gate, now entered the city at the head of a band + of cavalry. Maestricht was recovered, and an indiscriminate slaughter + instantly avenged its temporary loss. The plundering, stabbing, drowning, + burning, ravishing; were so dreadful that, in the words of a cotemporary + historian, "the burghers who had escaped the fight had reason to think + themselves less fortunate than those who had died with arms in their + hands." + </p> + <p> + This was the lot of Maestricht on the 20th of October. It was + instinctively felt to be the precursor of fresh disasters. Vague, + incoherent, but widely disseminated rumors had long pointed to Antwerp and + its dangerous situation. The Spaniards, foiled in their views upon + Brussels, had recently avowed an intention of avenging themselves in the + commercial capital. They had waited long enough, and accumulated strength + enough. Such a trifling city as Alost could no longer content their + cupidity, but in Antwerp there was gold enough for the gathering. There + was reason for the fears of the inhabitants, for the greedy longing of + their enemy. Probably no city in Christendom could at that day vie with + Antwerp in wealth and splendor. Its merchants lived in regal pomp and + luxury. In its numerous, massive warehouses were the treasures of every + clime. Still serving as the main entrepot of the world's traffic, the + Brabantine capital was the centre of that commercial system which was soon + to be superseded by a larger international life. In the midst of the + miseries which had so long been raining upon the Netherlands, the stately + and egotistical city seemed to have taken stronger root and to flourish + more freshly than ever. It was not wonderful that its palaces and its + magazines, glittering with splendor and bursting with treasure, should + arouse the avidity of a reckless and famishing soldiery. Had not a handful + of warriors of their own race rifled the golden Indies? Had not their + fathers, few in number, strong in courage and discipline, revelled in the + plunder of a new world? Here were the Indies in a single city. Here were + gold and silver, pearls and diamonds, ready and portable; the precious + fruit dropping, ripened, from the bough. Was it to be tolerated that base, + pacific burghers should monopolize the treasure by which a band of heroes + might be enriched? + </p> + <p> + A sense of coming evil diffused itself through the atmosphere. The air + seemed lurid with the impending storm, for the situation was one of + peculiar horror. The wealthiest city in Christendom lay at the mercy of + the strongest fastness in the world; a castle which had been built to + curb, not to protect, the town. It was now inhabited by a band of + brigands, outlawed by government, strong in discipline, furious from + penury, reckless by habit, desperate in circumstance—a crew which + feared not God, nor man, nor Devil. The palpitating quarry lay expecting + hourly the swoop of its trained and pitiless enemy, for the rebellious + soldiers were now in a thorough state of discipline. Sancho d'Avila, + castellan of the citadel, was recognized as the chief of the whole mutiny, + the army and the mutiny being now one. The band, entrenched at Alost, were + upon the best possible understanding with their brethren in the citadel, + and accepted without hesitation the arrangements of their superior. On the + aide of the Scheld, opposite Antwerp, a fortification had been thrown up + by Don Sancho's orders, and held by Julian Romero. Lier, Breda, as well as + Alost, were likewise ready to throw their reinforcements into the citadel + at a moment's warning. At the signal of their chief, the united bands + might sweep from their impregnable castle with a single impulse. + </p> + <p> + The city cried aloud for help, for it had become obvious that an attack + might be hourly expected. Meantime an attempt, made by Don Sancho d'Avila + to tamper with the German troops stationed within the walls, was more than + partially, successful. The forces were commanded by Colonel Van Ende and + Count Oberatein. Van Ende, a crafty traitor to his country, desired no + better than to join the mutiny on so promising an occasion, and his + soldiers, shared his sentiments. Oberatein, a brave, but blundering + German, was drawn into the net of treachery by the adroitness of the + Spaniard and the effrontery of his comrade. On the night of the 29th of + October, half-bewildered and half-drunk, he signed a treaty with Sancho + d'Avilat and the three colonels—Fugger, Frondsberger, and Polwiller. + By this unlucky document, which was of course subscribed also by Van Ende, + it was agreed that the Antwerp burghers should be forthwith disarmed; that + their weapons should be sent into the citadel; that Oberstein should hold + the city at the disposition of Sancho d'Avila; that he should refuse + admittance to all troops which might be sent into the city, excepting by + command of Don Sancho, and that he should decline compliance with any + orders which he might receive from individuals calling themselves the + council of state, the states-general, or the estates of Brabant. This + treaty was signed, moreover; by Don Jeronimo de Rods, then established in + the citadel, and claiming to represent exclusively his Majesty's + government. + </p> + <p> + Hardly had this arrangement been concluded than the Count saw the trap + into which he had fallen. Without intending to do so, he had laid the city + at the mercy of its foe, but the only remedy which suggested itself to his + mind was an internal resolution not to keep his promises. The burghers + were suffered to retain their arms, while, on the other hand, Don Sancho + lost no time in despatching messages to Alost, to Lier, to Breda, and even + to Maestricht, that as large a force as possible might be assembled for + the purpose of breaking immediately the treaty of peace which he had just + concluded. Never was a solemn document, regarded with such perfectly bad + faith by all its signers as the accord, of the 29th of October. + </p> + <p> + Three days afterwards, a large force of Walloons and Germans was + despatched from Brussels to the assistance of Antwerp. The command of + these troops was entrusted to the Marquis of Havre, whose brother, the + Duke of Aerschot; had been recently appointed chief superintendent of + military affairs by the deputies assembled at Ghent. The miscellaneous + duties comprehended under this rather vague denomination did not permit + the Duke to take charge of the expedition in person, and his younger + brother, a still more incompetent and unsubstantial character, was + accordingly appointed to the post. A number of young men, of high rank but + of lamentably low capacity, were associated with him. Foremost among them + was Philip, Count of Egmont, a youth who had inherited few of his + celebrated father's qualities, save personal courage and a love of + personal display. In character and general talents he was beneath + mediocrity. Beside these were the reckless but unstable De Heze, who had + executed the coup; d'etat against the State Council, De Berselen, De + Capres, D'Oyngies, and others, all vaguely desirous of achieving + distinction in those turbulent times, but few of them having any political + or religious convictions, and none of them possessing experience or + influence enough, to render them useful—at the impending crisis. + </p> + <p> + On Friday morning, the 2nd of November, the troops appeared under the + walls of Antwerp. They consisted of twenty-three companies of infantry and + fourteen of cavalry, amounting to five thousand foot and twelve hundred + horse. They were nearly all Walloons, soldiers who had already seen much + active service, but unfortunately of a race warlike and fiery indeed, but + upon whose steadiness not much more dependence could be placed at that day + than in the age of Civilis. Champagny, brother of Granvelle, was Governor + of the city. He was a sincere Catholic, but a still more sincere hater of + the Spaniards. He saw in the mutiny a means of accomplishing their + expulsion, and had already offered to the Prince of Orange his eager + co-operation towards this result. In other matters there could be but + small sympathy between William the Silent and the Cardinal's brother; but + a common hatred united them, for a time at least, in a common purpose. + </p> + <p> + When the troops first made their appearance before the walls, Champagny + was unwilling to grant them admittance. The addle-brained Oberstein had + confessed to him the enormous blunder which he had committed in his + midnight treaty, and at the same time ingenuously confessed his intention + of sending it to the winds. The enemy had extorted from his dulness or his + drunkenness a promise, which his mature and sober reason could not + consider binding. It is needless to say that Champagny rebuked him for + signing, and applauded him for breaking the treaty. At the same time its + ill effects were already seen in the dissensions which existed among the + German troops. Where all had been tampered with, and where the commanders + had set the example of infidelity, it would have been strange if all had + held firm. On the whole, however, Oberstein thought he could answer for + his own troops: Upon Van Ende's division, although the crafty colonel + dissembled his real intentions; very little reliance was placed. Thus + there was distraction within the walls. Among those whom the burghers had + been told to consider their defenders, there were probably many who were + ready to join with their mortal foes at a moment's warning. Under these + circumstances, Champagny hesitated about admitting these fresh troops from + Brussels. He feared lest the Germans, who knew themselves doubted, might + consider themselves doomed. He trembled, lest an irrepressible outbreak + should occur within the walls, rendering the immediate destruction of the + city by the Spaniards from without inevitable. Moreover, he thought it + more desirable that this auxiliary force should be disposed at different + points outside, in order to intercept the passage of the numerous bodies + of Spaniards and other mutineers, who from various quarters would soon be + on their way to the citadel. Havre, however, was so peremptory, and the + burghers were so importunate, that Champagny was obliged to recede from + his opposition before twenty-four hours had elapsed. Unwilling to take the + responsibility of a farther refusal, he admitted the troops through the + Burgherhout gate, on Saturday, the 3rd of November, at ten o'clock in the + morning. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis of Havre, as commander-in-chief, called a council of war. It + assembled at Count Oberstein's quarters, and consulted at first concerning + a bundle of intercepted letters which Havre had brought with him. These + constituted a correspondence between Sancho d'Avila with the heads of the + mutiny at Alost, and many other places. The letters were all dated + subsequently to Don Sancho's treaty with Oberstein, and contained + arrangements for an immediate concentration of the whole available Spanish + force at the citadel. + </p> + <p> + The treachery was so manifest, that Oberstein felt all self-reproach for + his own breach of faith to be superfluous. It was however evident that the + attack was to be immediately expected. What was to be done? All the + officers counselled the immediate erection of a bulwark on the side of the + city exposed to the castle, but there were no miners nor engineers. + Champagny, however, recommended a skilful and experienced engineer to + superintend; the work in the city; and pledged himself that burghers + enough would volunteer as miners. In less than an hour, ten or twelve + thousand persons, including multitudes of women of all ranks, were at work + upon the lines marked out by the engineer. A ditch and breast-work + extending from the gate of the Beguins to the street of the Abbey Saint + Michael, were soon in rapid progress. Meantime, the newly arrived troops, + with military insolence, claimed the privilege of quartering themselves in + the best houses which they could find. They already began to, insult and + annoy the citizens whom they had been sent to defend; nor were they + destined to atone, by their subsequent conduct in the face of the enemy, + for the brutality with which they treated their friends. Champagny, + however; was ill-disposed to brook their licentiousness. They had been + sent to protect the city and the homes of Antwerp from invasion. They were + not to establish themselves, at every fireside on their first arrival. + There was work enough for them out of doors, and they were to do that work + at once. He ordered them to prepare for a bivouac in, the streets, and + flew from house to house, sword in hand; driving forth the intruders at + imminent peril of his life. Meantime, a number of Italian and Spanish + merchants fled from the city, and took refuge in the castle. The Walloon + soldiers were for immediately plundering their houses, as if plunder had + been the object for which they had been sent to Antwerp. It was several + hours before Champagny, with all his energy, was able to quell these + disturbances. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the day, Oberstein received a letter from Don Sandra + d'Avila, calling solemnly upon him to fulfil his treaty of the 29th of + October. The German colonels from the citadel had, on the previous + afternoon, held a personal interview with Oberstein beneath the walls, + which had nearly ended in blows, and they had been obliged to save + themselves by flight from the anger of the Count's soldiers, enraged at + the deceit by which their leader had been so nearly entrapped. This + summons of ridiculous solemnity to keep a treaty which had already been + torn to shreds by both parties, Oberstein answered with defiance and + contempt. The reply was an immediate cannonade from the batteries of the + citadel; which made the position of those erecting the ramparts + excessively dangerous. The wall was strengthened with bales of + merchandise, casks of earth, upturned wagons, and similar bulky objects, + hastily piled together. In, some places it was sixteen feet high; in + others less than six. Night fell before the fortification was nearly + completed. Unfortunately it was bright moonlight. The cannon from the + fortress continued to play upon the half-finished works. The Walloons, and + at last the citizens, feared to lift their heads above their frail + rampart. The senators, whom Champagny had deputed to superintend the + progress of the enterprise, finding the men so indisposed, deserted their + posts. They promised themselves that, in the darkest hour of the following + night, the work should be thoroughly completed. Alas! all hours of the + coming night were destined to be dark enough, but in them was to be done + no manner of work for defence. On Champagny alone seemed devolved an the + labor and all the responsibility. He did his duty well, but he was but one + man. Alone, with a heart full of anxiety, he wandered up and down all the + night. With his own hands, assisted only by a few citizens and his own + servants, he planted all the cannon with which they were provided, in the + "Fencing Court," at a point where the battery might tell upon the castle. + Unfortunately, the troops from Brussels had brought no artillery with + them, and the means of defence against the strongest fortress in Europe + were meagre indeed. The rampart had been left very weak at many vital + points. A single upturned wagon was placed across the entrance to the + important street of the Beguins. This negligence was to cost the city + dear. At daybreak, there was a council held in Oberstein's quarters. + Nearly all Champagny's directions had been neglected. He had desired that + strong detachments should be posted during the night at various places of + Security on the outskirts of the town, for the troops which were expected + to arrive in small bodies at the citadel from various parts, might have + thus been cut off before reaching their destination. Not even scouts had + been stationed in sufficient numbers to obtain information of what was + occurring outside. A thick mist hung over the city that eventful morning. + Through its almost impenetrable veil, bodies of men had been seen moving + into the castle, and the tramp of cavalry had been distinctly heard, and + the troops of Romero, Vargas, Oliveira, and Valdez had already arrived + from Lier, Breda, Maestricht, and from the forts on the Scheld. + </p> + <p> + The whole available force in the city was mustered without delay. Havre + had claimed for his post the defence of the lines opposite the citadel, + the place of responsibility and honor. Here the whole body of Walloons + were stationed, together with a few companies of Germans. The ramparts, as + stated, were far from impregnable, but it was hoped that this living + rampart of six thousand men, standing on their own soil, and in front of + the firesides and altars of their own countrymen; would prove a sufficient + bulwark even against Spanish fury. Unhappily, the living barrier proved + more frail than the feeble breastwork which the hands of burghers and + women had constructed. Six thousand men were disposed along the side of + the city opposite the fortress. The bulk of the German troops was + stationed at different points on the more central streets and squares. The + cavalry was posted on the opposite side of the city, along the + Horse-market, and fronting the "New-town." The stars were still in the sky + when Champagny got on horseback and rode through the streets, calling on + the burghers to arm and assemble at different points. The principal places + of rendezvous were the Cattlemarket and the Exchange. He rode along the + lines of the Walloon regiments, conversing with the officers, Egmont, De + Heze, and others, and encouraging the men, and went again to the Fencing + Court, where he pointed the cannon with his own hand, and ordered their + first discharge at the fortress. Thence he rode to the end of the Beguin + street, where he dismounted and walked out upon the edge of the esplanade + which stretched between the city and the castle. On this battle-ground a + combat was even then occurring between a band of burghers and a + reconnoitring party from the citadel. Champagny saw with satisfaction that + the Antwerpers were victorious. They were skirmishing well with their + disciplined foe, whom they at last beat back to the citadel. His + experienced eye saw, however, that the retreat was only the signal for a + general onslaught, which was soon to follow; and he returned into the city + to give the last directions. + </p> + <p> + At ten o'clock, a moving wood was descried, approaching the citadel from + the south-west. The whole body of the mutineers from Alost, wearing green + branches in their helmets—had arrived under command of their Eletto, + Navarrete. Nearly three thousand in number, they rushed into the castle, + having accomplished their march of twenty-four miles since three o'clock + in the morning. They were received with open arms. Sancho d'Avila ordered + food and refreshments to be laid before them, but they refused everything + but a draught of wine. They would dine in Paradise, they said, or sup in + Antwerp. Finding his allies in such spirit, Don Sancho would not balk + their humor. Since early morning, his own veterans had been eagerly + awaiting his signal, "straining upon the start." The troops of Romero, + Vargas, Valdez, were no less impatient. At about an hour before noon, + nearly every living man in the citadel was mustered for the attack, hardly + men enough being left behind to guard the gates. Five thousand veteran + foot soldiers, besides six hundred cavalry, armed to the teeth, sallied + from the portals of Alva's citadel. In the counterscarp they fell upon + their knees, to invoke, according to custom, the blessing of God upon the + Devil's work, which they were about to commit. The Bletto bore a standard, + one side of which was emblazoned with the crucified Saviour, and the other + with the Virgin Mary. The image of Him who said, "Love-your enemies," and + the gentle face of the Madonna, were to smile from heaven upon deeds which + might cause a shudder in the depths of hell. Their brief orisons + concluded, they swept forward to the city. Three thousand Spaniards, under + their Eletto, were to enter by the street of Saint Michael; the Germans, + and the remainder of the Spanish foot, commanded by Romero, through that + of Saint George. Champagny saw them coming, and spoke a last word of + encouragement to the Walloons. The next moment the compact mass struck the + barrier, as the thunderbolt descends from the cloud. There was scarcely a + struggle. The Walloons, not waiting to look their enemy in the face, + abandoned the posts which whey had themselves claimed. The Spaniards + crashed through the bulwark, as though it had been a wall of glass. The + Eletto was first to mount the rampart; the next instant he was shot dead, + while his followers, undismayed, sprang over his body, and poured into the + streets. The fatal gap, due to timidity and carelessness, let in the + destructive tide. Champagny, seeing that the enemies had all crossed the + barrier; leaped over a garden wall, passed through a house into a narrow + lane, and thence to the nearest station of the German troops. Hastily + collecting a small force, he led them in person to the rescue. The Germans + fought well, died well, but they could not reanimate the courage of the + Walloons, and all were now in full retreat, pursued by the ferocious + Spaniards. In vain Champagny stormed among them; in vain he strove to + rally their broken ranks. With his own hand he seized a banner from a + retreating ensign, and called upon the nearest soldiers to make's stand + against the foe. It was to bid the flying clouds pause before the tempest. + Torn, broken, aimless, the scattered troops whirled through the streets + before the pursuing wrath. Champagny, not yet despairing, galloped hither + and thither, calling upon the burghers everywhere to rise in defence of + their homes, nor did he call in vain. They came forth from every place of + rendezvous, from every alley, from every house. They fought as men fight + to defend their hearths and altars, but what could individual devotion + avail, against the compact, disciplined, resistless mass of their foes? + The order of defence was broken, there was no system, no concert, no + rallying point, no authority. So soon as it was known that the Spaniards + had crossed the rampart, that its six thousand defenders were in full + retreat, it was inevitable that a panic should seize the city. + </p> + <p> + Their entrance once effected, the Spanish force had separated; according + to previous arrangement, into two divisions, one half charging up the long + street of Saint Michael, the other forcing its way through the Street of + Saint Joris. "Santiago, Santiago! Espana, Espana! a sangre, a carne, a + fuego, a Sacco!" Saint James, Spain, blood, flesh, fire, sack!!—such + were the hideous cries which rang through every quarter of the city, as + the savage horde advanced. Van Ende, with his German troops, had been + stationed by the Marquis of Havre to defend the Saint Joris gate, but no + sooner, did the Spaniards under Vargas present themselves, than he + deserted to them instantly with his whole force. United with the Spanish + cavalry, these traitorous defenders of Antwerp dashed in pursuit of those + who had only been fainthearted. Thus the burghers saw themselves attacked + by many of their friends, deserted by more. Whom were they to trust? + Nevertheless, Oberstein's Germans were brave and faithful, resisting to + the last, and dying every man in his harness. The tide of battle flowed + hither and thither, through every street and narrow lane. It poured along + the magnificent Place de Meer, where there was an obstinate contest. In + front of the famous Exchange, where in peaceful hours, five thousand + merchants met daily, to arrange the commercial affairs of Christendom, + there was a determined rally, a savage slaughter. The citizens and + faithful Germans, in this broader space, made a stand against their + pursuers. The tesselated marble pavement, the graceful, cloister-like + arcades ran red with blood. The ill-armed burghers faced their enemies + clad in complete panoply, but they could only die for their homes. The + massacre at this point was enormous, the resistance at last overcome. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the Spanish cavalry had cleft its way through the city. On the + side farthest removed from the castle; along the Horse-market, opposite + the New-town, the states dragoons and the light horse of Beveren had been + posted, and the flying masses of pursuers and pursued swept at last + through this outer circle. Champagny was already there. He essayed, as his + last hope, to rally the cavalry for a final stand, but the effort was + fruitless. Already seized by the panic, they had attempted to rush from + the city through the gate of Eeker. It was locked; they then turned and + fled towards the Red-gate, where they were met face to face by Don Pedro + Tassis, who charged upon them with his dragoons. Retreat seemed hopeless. + A horseman in complete armor, with lance in rest, was seen to leap from + the parapet of the outer wall into the moat below, whence, still on + horseback, he escaped with life. Few were so fortunate. The confused mob + of fugitives and conquerors, Spaniards, Walloons, Germans, burghers, + struggling, shouting, striking, cursing, dying, swayed hither and thither + like a stormy sea. Along the spacious Horse-market, the fugitives fled + toward towards the quays. Many fell beneath the swords of the Spaniards, + numbers were trodden to death by the hoofs of horses, still greater + multitudes were hunted into the Scheld. Champagny, who had thought it + possible, even at the last moment, to make a stand in the Newtown, and to + fortify the Palace of the Hansa, saw himself deserted. With great daring + and presence of mind, he effected his escape to the fleet of the Prince of + Orange in the river. The Marquis of Havre, of whom no deeds of valor on + that eventful day have been recorded, was equally successful. The unlucky + Oberstein, attempting to leap into a boat, missed his footing, and + oppressed by the weight of his armor, was drowned. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, while the short November day was fast declining, the combat + still raged in the interior of the city. Various currents of conflict, + forcing their separate way through many streets, had at last mingled in + the Grande Place. Around this irregular, not very spacious square, stood + the gorgeous Hotel de Ville, and the tall, many storied, fantastically + gabled, richly decorated palaces of the guilds, Here a long struggle took + place. It was terminated for a time by the cavalry of Vargas, who, + arriving through the streets of Saint Joris, accompanied by the traitor + Van Ende, charged decisively into the melee. The masses were broken, but + multitudes of armed men found refuge in the buildings, and every house + became a fortress. From, every window and balcony a hot fire was poured + into the square, as, pent in a corner, the burghers stood at last at bay. + It was difficult to carry the houses by storm, but they were soon set on + fire. A large number of sutlers and other varlets had accompanied the + Spaniards from the citadel, bringing torches and kindling materials for + the express purpose of firing the town. With great dexterity, these means + were now applied, and in a brief interval, the City-hall, and other + edifices on the square were in flames. The conflagration spread with + rapidity, house after house, street after street, taking fire. Nearly a + thousand buildings, in the most splendid and wealthy quarter of the city, + were soon in a blaze, and multitudes of human beings were burned with + them. In the City-hall many were consumed, while others, leaped from the + windows to renew the combat below. The many tortuous, streets which led + down a slight descent from the rear of the Town house to the quays were + all one vast conflagration. On the other side, the magnificent cathedral, + separated from the Grande Place by a single row of buildings, was lighted + up, but not attacked by the flames. The tall spire cast its gigantic + shadow across the last desperate conflict. In the street called the Canal + au Sucre, immediately behind the Town-house, there was a fierce struggle, + a horrible massacre. A crowd of burghers; grave magistrates, and such of + the German soldiers as remained alive, still confronted the ferocious + Spaniards. There amid the flaming desolation, Goswyn Verreyck, the heroic + margrave of the city, fought with the energy of hatred and despair. The + burgomaster, Van der Meere, lay dead at his feet; senators, soldiers, + citizens, fell fast around him, and he sank at last upon a heap of slain. + With him effectual resistance ended. The remaining combatants were + butchered, or were slowly forced downward to perish in the Scheld. Women, + children, old men, were killed in countless numbers, and still, through + all this havoc, directly over the heads of the struggling throng, + suspended in mid-air above the din and smoke of the conflict, there + sounded, every half-quarter of every hour, as if in gentle mockery, from + the belfry of the cathedral, the tender and melodious chimes. + </p> + <p> + Never was there a more monstrous massacre, even in the blood-stained + history of the Netherlands. It was estimated that, in the course of this + and the two following days, not less than eight thousand human beings were + murdered. The Spaniards seemed to cast off even the vizard of humanity. + Hell seemed emptied of its fiends. Night fell upon the scene before the + soldiers were masters of the city; but worse horrors began after the + contest was ended. This army of brigands had come thither with a definite, + practical purpose, for it was not blood-thirst, nor lust, nor revenge, + which had impelled them, but it was avarice, greediness for gold. For gold + they had waded through all this blood and fire. Never had men more + simplicity of purpose, more directness in its execution. They had + conquered their India at last; its golden mines lay all before them, and + every sword should open a shaft. Riot and rape might be deferred; even + murder, though congenial to their taste, was only subsidiary to their + business. They had come to take possession of the city's wealth, and they + set themselves faithfully to accomplish their task. For gold, infants were + dashed out of existence in their mothers' arms; for gold, parents were + tortured in their children's presence; for gold, brides were scourged to + death before their husbands' eyes. Wherever, treasure was suspected, every + expedient which ingenuity; sharpened by greediness, could suggest, was + employed to-extort it from its possessors. The fire, spreading more + extensively and more rapidly than had been desired through the wealthiest + quarter of the city, had unfortunately devoured a vast amount of property. + Six millions, at least, had thus been swallowed; a destruction by which no + one had profited. There was, however, much left. The strong boxes of the + merchants, the gold, silver, and precious jewelry, the velvets, satins, + brocades, laces, and similar well concentrated and portable plunder, were + rapidly appropriated. So far the course was plain and easy, but in private + houses it was more difficult. The cash, plate, and other valuables of + individuals were not so easily discovered. Torture was, therefore; at once + employed to discover the hidden treasures. After all had been, given, if + the sum seemed too little, the proprietors were brutally punished for + their poverty or their supposed dissimulation. A gentlewoman, named Fabry, + with her aged mother and other females of the family, had taken refuge in + the cellar of her mansion. As the day was drawing to a close, a band of + plunderers entered, who, after ransacking the house, descended to the + cellarage. Finding the door barred, they forced it open with gunpowder. + The mother, who was nearest the entrance, fell dead on the threshold. + Stepping across her mangled body, the brigands sprang upon her daughter, + loudly demanding the property which they believed to be concealed. They + likewise insisted on being informed where the master of the house had + taken refuge. Protestations of ignorance as to hidden treasure, or the + whereabouts of her husband, who, for aught she knew, was lying dead in the + streets, were of no avail. To make her more communicative, they hanged her + on a beam in the cellar, and after a few moments cut her down before life + was extinct. Still receiving no satisfactory reply, where a satisfactory + reply was impossible, they hanged her again. Again, after another brief + interval they gave her a second release, and a fresh interrogatory. This + barbarity they repeated several times, till they were satisfied that there + was nothing to be gained by it, while, on, the other hand, they were + losing much valuable time. Hoping to be more successful elsewhere, they + left her hanging for the last time, and trooped off to fresher fields. + Strange to relate, the person thus horribly tortured, survived. A servant + in her family, married to a Spanish soldier, providentially entered the + house in time to rescue her perishing mistress. She was restored to + existence, but never to reason. Her brain was hopelessly crazed, and she + passed the remainder of her life wandering about her house, or feebly + digging in her garden for the buried treasure which she had been thus + fiercely solicited to reveal. + </p> + <p> + A wedding-feast was rudely interrupted. Two young persons, neighbours of + opulent families, had been long betrothed, and the marriage day had been + fixed for Sunday, the fatal 4th of November. The guests were assembled, + the ceremony concluded, the nuptial banquet in progress, when the horrible + outcries in the streets proclaimed that the Spaniards had broken loose. + Hour after hour of trembling expectation succeeded. At last, a thundering + at the gate proclaimed the arrival of a band of brigands. Preceded by + their captain, a large number of soldiers forced their way into the house, + ransacking every chamber, no opposition being offered by the family and + friends, too few and powerless to cope with this band of well-armed + ruffians. Plate chests, wardrobes, desks, caskets of jewelry, were freely + offered, eagerly accepted, but not found sufficient, and to make the + luckless wretches furnish more than they possessed, the usual brutalities + were employed. The soldiers began by striking the bridegroom dead. The + bride fell shrieking into her mother's arms, whence she was torn by the + murderers, who immediately put the mother to death, and an indiscriminate + massacre then followed the fruitless attempt to obtain by threats and + torture treasure which did not exist. The bride, who was of remarkable + beauty, was carried off to the citadel. Maddened by this last outrage, the + father, who was the only man of the party left alive, rushed upon the + Spaniards. Wresting a sword from one of the crew, the old man dealt with + it so fiercely, that he stretched more than one enemy dead at his feet, + but it is needless to add that he was soon despatched. Meantime, while the + party were concluding the plunder of the mansion, the bride was left in a + lonely apartment of the fortress. Without wasting time in fruitless + lamentation, she resolved to quit the life which a few hours had made so + desolate. She had almost succeeded in hanging herself with a massive gold + chain which she wore, when her captor entered the apartment. Inflamed, not + with lust, but with avarice, excited not by her charms, but by her + jewelry; he rescued her from her perilous position. He then took + possession of her chain and the other trinkets with which her + wedding-dress was adorned, and caused her; to be entirely stripped of her + clothing. She was then scourged with rods till her beautiful body was + bathed in blood, and at last alone, naked, nearly mad, was sent back into + the city. Here the forlorn creature wandered up and down through the + blazing streets, among the heaps of dead and dying, till she was at last + put out of her misery by a gang of soldiers. + </p> + <p> + Such are a few isolated instances, accidentally preserved in their + details, of the general horrors inflicted on this occasion. Others + innumerable have sunk into oblivion. On the morning of the 5th of + November, Antwerp presented a ghastly sight. The magnificent marble + Town-house, celebrated as a "world's wonder," even in that age and + country, in which so much splendour was lavished on municipal palaces, + stood a blackened ruin—all but the walls destroyed, while its + archives, accounts, and other valuable contents, had perished. The more + splendid portion of the city had been consumed; at least five hundred + palaces, mostly of marble or hammered stone, being a smouldering mass of + destruction. The dead bodies of those fallen in the massacre were on every + side, in greatest profusion around the Place de Meer, among the Gothic + pillars of the Exchange, and in the streets near the Town-house. The + German soldiers lay in their armor, some with their heads burned from + their bodies, some with legs and arms consumed by the flames through which + they had fought. The Margrave Goswyn Verreyck, the burgomaster Van der + Meere, the magistrates Lancelot Van Urselen, Nicholas Van Boekholt, and + other leading citizens, lay among piles of less distinguished slain. They + remained unburied until the overseers of the poor, on whom the living had + then more importunate claims than the dead, were compelled by Roda to bury + them out of the pauper fund. The murderers were too thrifty to be at + funeral charges for their victims. The ceremony was not hastily performed, + for the number of corpses had not been completed. Two days longer the + havoc lasted in the city. Of all the crimes which men can commit, whether + from deliberate calculation or in the frenzy of passion, hardly one was + omitted, for riot, gaming, rape, which had been postponed to the more + stringent claims of robbery and murder, were now rapidly added to the sum + of atrocities. History has recorded the account indelibly on her brazen + tablets; it can be adjusted only at the judgment-seat above. + </p> + <p> + Of all the deeds of darkness yet compassed in the Netherlands, this was + the worst. It was called The Spanish Fury, by which dread name it has been + known for ages. The city, which had been a world of wealth and splendor, + was changed to a charnel-house, and from that hour its commercial + prosperity was blasted. Other causes had silently girdled the yet green + and flourishing tree, but the Spanish Fury was the fire which consumed it + to ashes. Three thousand dead bodies were discovered in the streets, as + many more were estimated to have perished in the Scheld, and nearly an + equal number were burned or destroyed in other ways. Eight thousand + persons undoubtedly were put to death. Six millions of property were + destroyed by the fire, and at least as much more was obtained by the + Spaniards. In this enormous robbery no class of people was respected. + Foreign merchants, living under the express sanction and protection of the + Spanish monarch, were plundered with as little reserve as Flemings. + Ecclesiastics of the Roman Church were compelled to disgorge their wealth + as freely as Calvinists. The rich were made to contribute all their + abundance, and the poor what could be wrung from their poverty. Neither + paupers nor criminals were safe. Captain Caspar Ortis made a brilliant + speculation by taking possession of the Stein, or city prison, whence he + ransomed all the inmates who could find means to pay for their liberty. + Robbers, murderers, even Anabaptists, were thus again let loose. Rarely + has so small a band obtained in three days' robbery so large an amount of + wealth. Four or five millions divided among five thousand soldiers made up + for long arrearages, and the Spaniards had reason to congratulate + themselves upon having thus taken the duty of payment into their own + hands. It is true that the wages of iniquity were somewhat unequally + distributed, somewhat foolishly squandered. A private trooper was known to + lose ten thousand crowns in one day in a gambling transaction at the + Bourse, for the soldiers, being thus handsomely in funds, became desirous + of aping the despised and plundered merchants, and resorted daily to the + Exchange, like men accustomed to affairs. The dearly purchased gold was + thus lightly squandered by many, while others, more prudent, melted their + portion into sword-hilts, into scabbards, even into whole suits of armor, + darkened, by precaution, to appear made entirely of iron. The brocades, + laces, and jewelry of Antwerp merchants were converted into coats of mail + for their destroyers. The goldsmiths, however, thus obtained an + opportunity to outwit their plunderers, and mingled in the golden armor + which they were forced to furnish much more alloy than their employers + knew. A portion of the captured booty was thus surreptitiously redeemed. + </p> + <p> + In this Spanish Fury many more were massacred in Antwerp than in the Saint + Bartholomew at Paris. Almost as many living human beings were dashed out + of existence now as there had been statues destroyed in the memorable + image-breaking of Antwerp, ten years before, an event which had sent such + a thrill of horror through the heart of Catholic Christendom. Yet the + Netherlanders and the Protestants of Europe may be forgiven, if they + regarded this massacre of their brethren with as much execration as had + been bestowed upon that fury against stocks and stones. At least, the + image-breakers, had been actuated by an idea, and their hands were + polluted neither with blood nor rapine. Perhaps the Spaniards had been. + governed equally by religious fanaticism.—Might not they believe + they were meriting well of their Mother Church while they were thus + disencumbering infidels of their wealth and earth of its infidels? Had not + the Pope and his cardinals gone to church in solemn procession, to render + thanks unto God for the massacre of Paris? Had not cannon thundered and + beacons blazed to commemorate that auspicious event? Why should not the + Antwerp executioners claim equal commendation? Even if in their delirium + they had confounded friend with foe, Catholic with Calvinist, and church + property with lay, could they not point to an equal number of dead bodies, + and to an incredibly superior amount of plunder? + </p> + <p> + Marvellously few Spaniards were slain in these eventful days. Two hundred + killed is the largest number stated. The discrepancy seems monstrous, but + it is hardly more than often existed between the losses inflicted and + sustained by the Spaniards in such combats. Their prowess was equal to + their ferocity, and this was enough to make them seem endowed with + preterhuman powers. When it is remembered, also, that the burghers were + insufficiently armed, that many of their defenders turned against them, + that many thousands fled in the first moments of the encounter—and + when the effect of a sudden and awful panic is duly considered, the + discrepancy between the number of killed on the two sides will not seem so + astonishing. + </p> + <p> + A few officers of distinction were taken, alive and carried to the castle. + Among these were the Seigneur de Capres and young Count Egmont. The + councillor Jerome de Roda was lounging on a chair in an open gallery when + these two gentlemen were brought before him, and Capres was base enough to + make a low obeisance to the man who claimed to represent the whole + government of his Majesty. The worthy successor of Vargas replied to his + captive's greeting by a "kick in his stomach," adding, with a brutality + which his prototype might have envied, "Ah puto tradidor,—whoreson + traitor, let me have no salutations from such as you." Young Egmont, who + had been captured, fighting bravely at the head of coward troops, by + Julian Romero, who nine years before had stood on his father's scaffold, + regarded this brutal scene with haughty indignation. This behaviour had + more effect upon Roda than the suppleness of Capres. "I am sorry for your + misfortune, Count," said the councillor, without however rising from his + chair; "such is the lot of those who take arms against their King." This + was the unfortunate commencement of Philip Egmont's career, which was + destined to be inglorious, vacillating, base, and on more than one + occasion unlucky. + </p> + <p> + A shiver ran through the country as the news of the horrible crime was + spread, but it was a shiver of indignation, not of fear. Already the + negotiations at Ghent between the representatives of the Prince and of + Holland and Zealand with the deputies of the other provinces were in a + favorable train, and the effect of this event upon their counsels was + rather quickening than appalling. A letter from Jerome de Roda to the King + was intercepted, giving an account of the transaction. In that document + the senator gave the warmest praise to Sancho d'Avila, Julian Romero, + Alonzo de Vargas, Francis Verdugo, as well as to the German colonels + Fugger, Frondsberger, Polwiller, and others who had most exerted + themselves in the massacre. "I wish your Majesty much good of this + victory," concluded the councillor, "'tis a very great one, and the damage + to the city is enormous." This cynical view was not calculated to produce + a soothing effect on the exasperated minds of the people. On the other + hand, the estates of Brabant addressed an eloquent appeal to the + states-general, reciting their wrongs, and urging immediate action. "'Tis + notorious," said the remonstrants, "that Antwerp was but yesterday the + first and principal ornament of all Europe; the refuge of all the nations + of the world; the source and supply of countless treasure; the nurse of + all arts and industry; the protectress of the Roman Catholic religion; the + guardian of science and virtue; and, above all these preeminences; more + than faithful and obedient to her sovereign prince and lord. The city is + now changed to a gloomy cavern, filled with robbers and murderers, enemies + of God, the King, and all good subjects." They then proceeded to recite + the story of the massacre, whereof the memory shall be abominable so long + as the world stands, and concluded with an urgent appeal for redress. They + particularly suggested that an edict should forthwith be passed, + forbidding the alienation of property and the exportation of goods in any + form from Antwerp, together with concession of the right to the + proprietors of reclaiming their stolen property summarily, whenever and + wheresoever it might be found. In accordance with these instructions, an + edict was passed, but somewhat tardily, in the hope of relieving some few + of the evil consequences by which the Antwerp Fury had been attended. + </p> + <p> + At about the same time the Prince of Orange addressed a remarkable letter + to the states-general then assembled at Ghent, urging them to hasten the + conclusion of the treaty. The news of the massacre, which furnished an + additional and most vivid illustration of the truth of his letter, had not + then reached him at Middelburg, but the earnestness of his views, taken in + connexion with this last dark deed, exerted a powerful and indelible + effect. The letter was a masterpiece, because it was necessary, in his + position, to inflame without alarming; to stimulate the feelings which + were in unison, without shocking those which, if aroused, might prove + discordant. Without; therefore, alluding in terms to the religious + question, he dwelt upon the necessity of union, firmness, and wariness. If + so much had been done by Holland and Zealand, how much more might be hoped + when all the provinces were united? "The principal flower of the Spanish + army has fallen," he said, "without having been able to conquer one of + those provinces from those whom they call, in mockery, poor beggars; yet + what is that handful of cities compared to all the provinces which might + join us in the quarrel?" He warned the states of the necessity of showing + a strong and united front; the King having been ever led to consider the + movement in the Netherlands a mere conspiracy of individuals. "The King + told me himself; in 1559," said Orange, "that if the estates had no + pillars to lean upon, they would not talk so loud." It was, therefore, + "necessary to show that prelates, abbots, monks, seigniors, gentlemen, + burghers, and peasants, the whole people in short, now cried with one + voice, and desired with one will. To such a demonstration the King would + not dare oppose himself. By thus preserving a firm and united front, + sinking all minor differences, they would, moreover, inspire their friends + and foreign princes with confidence. The princes of Germany, the lords and + gentlemen of France, the Queen of England, although sympathizing with the + misfortunes of the Netherlanders, had been unable effectually to help + them, so long as their disunion prevented them from helping themselves; so + long as even their appeal to arms seemed merely a levy of bucklers, an + emotion of the populace, which, like a wave of the sea, rises and sinks + again as soon as risen." + </p> + <p> + While thus exciting to union and firmness, he also took great pains to + instil the necessity of wariness. They were dealing with an artful foe. + Intercepted letters had already proved that the old dissimulation was + still to be employed; that while Don John of Austria was on his way, the + Netherlanders were to be lulled into confidence by glozing speeches. Roda + was provided by the King with a secret programme of instructions for the + new Governor's guidance and Don Sancho d'Avila, for his countenance to the + mutineers of Alost, had been applauded to the echo in Spain. Was not this + applause a frequent indication of the policy to be adopted by Don John, + and a thousand times more significative one than the unmeaning phrases of + barren benignity with which public documents might be crammed? "The old + tricks are again brought into service," said the Prince; "therefore 'tis + necessary to ascertain your veritable friends, to tear off the painted + masks from those who, under pretence-of not daring to displease the King, + are seeking to swim between two waters. 'Tis necessary to have a + touchstone; to sign a declaration in such wise that you may know whom to + trust, and whom to suspect." + </p> + <p> + The massacre at Antwerp and the eloquence of the Prince produced a most + quickening effect upon the Congress at Ghent. Their deliberations had + proceeded with decorum and earnestness, in the midst of the cannonading + against the citadel, and the fortress fell on the same day which saw the + conclusion of the treaty. + </p> + <p> + This important instrument, by which the sacrifices and exertions of the + Prince were, for a brief season, at least, rewarded, contained twenty-five + articles. The Prince of Orange, with the estates of Holland and Zealand, + on the one side, and the provinces signing, or thereafter to sign the + treaty, on the other, agreed that there should be a mutual forgiving and + forgetting, as regarded the past. They vowed a close and faithful + friendship for the future. They plighted a mutual promise to expel the + Spaniards from the Netherlands without delay. As soon as this great deed + should be done, there was to be a convocation of the states-general, on + the basis of that assembly before which the abdication of the Emperor had + taken place. By this congress, the affairs of religion in Holland and + Zealand should be regulated, as well as the surrender of fortresses and + other places belonging to his Majesty. There was to be full liberty of + communication and traffic between the citizens of the one side and the + other. It should not be legal, however, for those of Holland and Zealand + to attempt anything outside their own territory against the Roman Catholic + religion, nor for cause hereof to injure or irritate any one, by deed or + word. All the placards and edicts on the subject of heresy, together with + the criminal ordinances made by the Duke of Alva, were suspended, until + the states-general should otherwise ordain. The Prince was to remain + lieutenant, admiral, and general for his Majesty in Holland, Zealand, and + the associated places, till otherwise provided by the states-general; + after the departure of the Spaniards. The cities and places included in + the Prince's commission, but not yet acknowledging his authority, should + receive satisfaction from him, as to the point of religion and other + matters, before subscribing to the union. All prisoners, and particularly + the Comte de Bossu, should be released without ransom. All estates and + other property not already alienated should be restored, all confiscations + since 1566 being declared null and void. The Countess Palatine, widow of + Brederode, and Count de Buren, son of the Prince of Orange, were expressly + named in this provision. Prelates and ecclesiastical persons; having + property in Holland and Zealand, should be reinstated, if possible; but in + case of alienation, which was likely to be generally the case; there + should be reasonable compensation. It was to be decided by the + states-general whether the provinces should discharge the debts incurred + by the Prince of Orange in his two campaigns. Provinces and cities should + not have the benefit of this union until they had signed the treaty, but + they should be permitted to sign it when they chose. + </p> + <p> + This memorable document was subscribed at Ghent, on the 8th of November, + by Saint Aldegonde, with eight other commissioners appointed by the Prince + of Orange and the estates of Holland on the one side, and by Elbertus + Leoninus and other deputies appointed by Brabant, Flanders, Artois, + Hainault, Valenciennes, Lille, Douay, Orchies, Namur, Tournay, Utrecht, + and Mechlin on the other side. + </p> + <p> + The arrangement was a masterpiece of diplomacy on the part of the Prince, + for it was as effectual a provision for the safety of the Reformed + religion as could be expected under the circumstances. It was much, + considering the change which had been wrought of late years in the fifteen + provinces, that they should consent to any treaty with their two heretic + sisters. It was much more that the Pacification should recognize the new + religion as the established creed of Holland and Zealand, while at the + same time the infamous edicts of Charles were formally abolished. In the + fifteen Catholic provinces, there was to be no prohibition of private + Reformed worship, and it might be naturally expected that with time and + the arrival of the banished religionists, a firmer stand would be taken in + favor of the Reformation. Meantime, the new religion was formally + established in two provinces, and tolerated, in secret, in the other + fifteen; the Inquisition was for ever abolished, and the whole strength of + the nation enlisted to expel the foreign soldiery from the soil. This was + the work of William the Silent, and the great Prince thus saw the labor of + years crowned with, at least, a momentary success. His satisfaction was + very great when it was announced to him, many days before the exchange of + the signatures, that the treaty had been concluded. He was desirous that + the Pacification should be referred for approval, not to the municipal + magistrates only, but to the people itself. In all great emergencies, the + man who, in his whole character, least resembled a demagogue, either of + antiquity or of modern times, was eager for a fresh expression of the + popular will. On this occasion, however, the demand for approbation was + superfluous. The whole country thought with his thoughts, and spoke with + his words, and the Pacification, as soon as published, was received with a + shout of joy. Proclaimed in the marketplace of every city and village, it + was ratified, not by votes, but by hymns of thanksgiving, by triumphal + music, by thundering of cannon, and by the blaze of beacons, throughout + the Netherlands. Another event added to the satisfaction of the hour. The + country so recently, and by deeds of such remarkable audacity, conquered + by the Spaniards in the north, was recovered almost simultaneously with + the conclusion of the Ghent treaty. It was a natural consequence of the + great mutiny. The troops having entirely deserted Mondragon, it became + necessary for that officer to abandon Zierickzee, the city which had been + won with so much valor. In the beginning of November, the capital, and + with it the whole island of Schouwen, together with the rest of Zealand, + excepting Tholen, was recovered by Count Hohenlo, lieutenant-general of + the Prince of Orange, and acting according to his instructions. + </p> + <p> + Thus, on this particular point of time, many great events had been + crowded. At the very same moment Zealand had been redeemed, Antwerp + ruined, and the league of all the Netherlands against the Spaniards + concluded. It now became known that another and most important event had + occurred at the same instant. On the day before the Antwerp massacre, four + days before the publication of the Ghent treaty, a foreign cavalier, + attended by a Moorish slave and by six men-at-arms, rode into the streets + of Luxemburg. The cavalier was Don Ottavio Gonzaga, brother of the Prince + of Melfi. The Moorish slave was Don John of Austria, the son of the + Emperor, the conqueror of Granada, the hero of Lepanto. The new + Governor-general had traversed Spain and France in disguise with great + celerity, and in the romantic manner which belonged to his character. He + stood at last on the threshold of the Netherlands, but with all his speed + he had arrived a few days too late. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + A common hatred united them, for a time at least + A most fatal success + All claimed the privilege of persecuting + Blessing of God upon the Devil's work + Daily widening schism between Lutherans and Calvinists + Dying at so very inconvenient a moment + Eight thousand human beings were murdered + Everything was conceded, but nothing was secured + Fanatics of the new religion denounced him as a godless man + Glory could be put neither into pocket nor stomach + He would have no Calvinist inquisition set up in its place + He would have no persecution of the opposite creed + In character and general talents he was beneath mediocrity + Indecision did the work of indolence + Insinuate that his orders had been hitherto misunderstood + King set a price upon his head as a rebel + No man could reveal secrets which he did not know + Of high rank but of lamentably low capacity + Pope excommunicated him as a heretic + Preventing wrong, or violence, even towards an enemy + They could not invent or imagine toleration + Uunmeaning phrases of barren benignity +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, Project Gutenberg Edition, Vol. 26 + </h2> + <h3> + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC + </h3> + <h2> + By John Lothrop Motley + </h2> + <p> + 1855 <a name="link2H_PART5" id="link2H_PART5"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART V. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + DON JOHN OF AUSTRIA. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. 1576-1577 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Birth and parentage of Don John—Barbara Blomberg—Early education + and recognition by Philip—Brilliant military career—Campaign + against the Moors—Battle of Lepanto—Extravagant ambition—Secret + and rapid journey of the new Governor to the Netherlands—Contrast + between Don John and William of Orange—Secret instructions of + Philip and private purposes of the Governor—Cautious policy and + correspondence of the Prince—Preliminary, negotiations with Don + John at Luxemburg characterized—Union of Brussels—Resumption of + negotiations with the Governor at Huy—The discussions analyzed and + characterized—Influence of the new Emperor Rudolph II. and of his + envoys—Treaty of Marche en Famine, or the Perpetual Edict, signed— + Remarks upon that transaction—Views and efforts of Orange in + opposition to the treaty—His letter, in name of Holland and + Zealand, to the States-General—Anxiety of the royal government to + gain over the Prince—Secret mission of Leoninus—His instructions + from Don John—Fruitless attempts to corrupt the Prince—Secret + correspondence between Don John and Orange—Don John at Louvain—His + efforts to ingratiate himself with the Netherlanders—His incipient + popularity—Departure of the Spanish troops—Duke of Aerschot + appointed Governor of Antwerp citadel—His insincere character. +</pre> + <p> + Don John of Austria was now in his thirty-second year, having been born in + Ratisbon on the 24th of February, 1545. His father was Charles the Fifth, + Emperor of Germany, King of Spain, Dominator of Asia, Africa, and America; + his mother was Barbara Blomberg, washerwoman of Ratisbon. Introduced to + the Emperor, originally, that she might alleviate his melancholy by her + singing, she soon exhausted all that was harmonious in her nature, for + never was a more uncomfortable, unmanageable personage than Barbara in her + after life. Married to one Pyramus Kegell, who was made a military + commissary in the Netherlands, she was left a widow in the beginning of + Alva's administration. Placed under the especial superintendence of the + Duke, she became the torment of that warrior's life. The terrible + Governor, who could almost crush the heart out of a nation of three + millions, was unable to curb this single termagant. Philip had expressly + forbidden her to marry again, but Alva informed him that she was + surrounded by suitors. Philip had insisted that she should go into a + convent, but Alva, who, with great difficulty, had established her quietly + in Ghent, assured his master that she would break loose again at the bare + suggestion of a convent. Philip wished her to go to Spain, sending her + word that Don John was mortified by the life his mother was leading, but + she informed the Governor that she would be cut to pieces before she would + go to Spain. She had no objection to see her son, but she knew too well + how women were treated in that country. The Duke complained most + pathetically to his Majesty of the life they all led with the ex-mistress + of the Emperor. Never, he frequently observed, had woman so terrible a + head. She was obstinate, reckless, abominably extravagant. She had been + provided in Ghent with a handsome establishment: "with a duenna, six other + women, a major domo, two pages, one chaplain, an almoner, and four + men-servants," and this seemed a sufficiently liberal scheme of life for + the widow of a commissary. Moreover, a very ample allowance had been made + for the education of her only legitimate son, Conrad, the other having + perished by an accident on the day of his father's death. While Don John + of Austria was, gathering laurels in Granada, his half-brother, Pyramus + junior, had been ingloriously drowned in a cistern at Ghent. + </p> + <p> + Barbara's expenses were exorbitant; her way of life scandalous. To send + her money, said Alva, was to throw it into the sea. In two days she would + have spent in dissipation and feasting any sums which the King might + choose to supply. The Duke, who feared nothing else in the world, stood in + mortal awe of the widow Kegell. "A terrible animal, indeed, is an + unbridled woman," wrote secretary Gayas, from Madrid, at the close of + Alva's administration for, notwithstanding every effort to entice, to + intimidate, and to kidnap her from the Netherlands, there she remained, + through all vicissitudes, even till the arrival of Don John. By his + persuasions or commands she was, at last, induced to accept an exile for + the remainder of her days, in Spain, but revenged herself by asserting. + that he was quite mistaken: in supposing himself the Emperor's child; a + point, certainly, upon which her, authority might be thought conclusive. + Thus there was a double mystery about Don John. He might be the issue of + august parentage on one side; he was; possibly, sprung of most ignoble + blood. Base-born at best, he was not sure whether to look for the author + of his being in the halls of the Caesara or the booths of Ratisbon + mechanics. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Cabrera, xii. 1009. An absurd rumor had existed that Barbara + Blomberg had only been employed to personate Don John's mother. She + died at an estate called Arronjo de Molinos, four leagues from + Madrid, some years after the death of Don John.] +</pre> + <p> + Whatever might be the heart of the mystery, it is certain that it was + allowed to enwrap all the early life of Don John. The Emperor, who + certainly never doubted his responsibility for the infant's existence, had + him conveyed instantly to Spain, where he was delivered to Louis Quixada, + of the Imperial household, by whom he was brought up in great retirement + at Villa-garcia. Magdalen Ulloa, wife of Quixada, watched over his infancy + with maternal and magnanimous care, for her husband's extreme solicitude + for the infant's welfare had convinced her that he was its father. On one + occasion, when their house was in flames, Quixada rescued the infant + before he saved his wife, "although Magdalen knew herself to be dearer to + him than the apple of his eye." From that time forth she altered her + opinion, and believed the mysterious child to be of lofty origin. The boy + grew up full of beauty, grace, and agility, the leader of all his + companions in every hardy sport. Through the country round there were none + who could throw the javelin, break a lance, or ride at the ring like + little Juan Quixada. In taming unmanageable horses he was celebrated for + his audacity and skill. These accomplishments, however, were likely to + prove of but slender advantage in the ecclesiastical profession, to which + he had been destined by his Imperial father. The death of Charles occurred + before clerical studies had been commenced, and Philip, to whom the secret + had been confided at the close of the Emperor's life, prolonged the delay + thus interposed. Juan had already reached his fourteenth year, when one + day his supposed father Quixada invited him to ride towards Valladolid to + see the royal hunt. Two horses stood at the door—a splendidly + caparisoned charger and a common hackney. The boy naturally mounted the + humbler steed, and they set forth for the mountains of Toro, but on + hearing the bugles of the approaching huntsmen, Quixada suddenly halted, + and bade his youthful companion exchange horses with himself. When this + had been done, he seized the hand of the wondering boy and kissing it + respectfully, exclaimed, "Your Highness will be informed as to the meaning + of my conduct by his Majesty, who is even now approaching." They had + proceeded but a short distance before they encountered the royal hunting + party, when both Quixada and young Juan dismounted, and bent the knee to + their monarch. Philip, commanding the boy to rise, asked him if he knew + his father's name. Juan replied, with a sigh, that he had at that moment + lost the only father whom he had known, for Quixada had just disowned him. + "You have the same father as myself," cried the King; "the Emperor Charles + was the august parent of us both." Then tenderly embracing him, he + commanded him to remount his horse, and all returned together to + Valladolid, Philip observing with a sentimentality that seems highly + apocryphal, that he had never brought home such precious game from any + hunt before. + </p> + <p> + This theatrical recognition of imperial descent was one among the many + romantic incidents of Don John's picturesque career, for his life was + never destined to know the commonplace. He now commenced his education, in + company with his two nephews, the Duchess Margaret's son, and Don Carlos, + Prince-royal of Spain. They were all of the same age, but the superiority + of Don John was soon recognized. It was not difficult to surpass the + limping, malicious, Carlos, either in physical graces or intellectual + accomplishments; but the graceful; urbane, and chivalrous Alexander, + destined afterwards to such wide celebrity, was a more formidable rival, + yet even the professed panegyrist of the Farnese family, exalts the son of + Barbara Blomberg over the grandson of Margaret Van Geest. + </p> + <p> + Still destined for the clerical profession, Don John, at the age of + eighteen, to avoid compliance with Philip's commands, made his escape to + Barcelona. It was his intention to join the Maltese expedition. Recalled + peremptorily by Philip, he was for a short time in disgrace; but + afterwards made his peace with the monarch by denouncing some of the + mischievous schemes of Don Carlos. Between the Prince-royal and the + imperial bastard, there had always been a deep animosity, the Infante + having on one occasion saluted him with the most vigorous and offensive + appellation which his illegitimate birth could suggest. "Base-born or + not," returned Don John, "at any rate I had a better father than yours." + The words were probably reported to Philip and doubtless rankled in his + breast, but nothing appeared on the surface, and the youth rose rapidly in + favor. In his twenty-third year, he was appointed to the command of the + famous campaign against the insurgent Moors of Granada. Here he reaped his + first laurels, and acquired great military celebrity. It is difficult to + be dazzled by such glory. He commenced his operations by the expulsion of + nearly all the Moorish inhabitants of Granada, bed-ridden men, women, and + children, together, and the cruelty inflicted, the sufferings patiently + endured in that memorable deportation, were enormous. But few of the many + thousand exiles survived the horrid march, those who were so unfortunate + as to do so being sold into slavery by their captors. Still a few Moors + held out in their mountain fastnesses, and two years long the rebellion of + this handful made head against the power of Spain. Had their envoys to the + Porte succeeded in their negotiation, the throne of Philip might have + trembled; but Selim hated the Republic of Venice as much as he loved the + wine of Cyprus. While the Moors were gasping out their last breath in + Granada and Ronda, the Turks had wrested the island of Venus from the + grasp of the haughty Republic Fainagosta had fallen; thousands of + Venetians had been butchered with a ferocity which even Christians could + not have surpassed; the famous General Bragadino had been flayed; stuffed, + and sent hanging on the yard-arm of a frigate; to Constantinople, as a + present to the Commander of the Faithful; and the mortgage of Catherine + Cornaro, to the exclusion of her husband's bastards, had been thus + definitely cancelled. With such practical enjoyments, Selim was + indifferent to the splendid but shadowy vision of the Occidental caliphate—yet + the revolt of the Moors was only terminated, after the departure of Don + John, by the Duke of Arcos. + </p> + <p> + The war which the Sultan had avoided in the West, came to seek him in the + East. To lift the Crucifix against the Crescent, at the head of the + powerful but quarrelsome alliance between Venice, Spain, and Rome, Don + John arrived at Naples. He brought with him more than a hundred ships and + twenty-three thousand men, as the Spanish contingent:—Three months + long the hostile fleets had been cruising in the same waters without an + encounter; three more were wasted in barren manoeuvres. Neither Mussulman + nor Christian had much inclination for the conflict, the Turk fearing the + consequences of a defeat, by which gains already secured might be + forfeited; the allies being appalled at the possibility of their own + triumph. Nevertheless, the Ottomans manoeuvred themselves at last into the + gulf of Lepanto, the Christians manoeuvred themselves towards its mouth as + the foe was coming forth again. The conflict thus rendered inevitable, + both Turk and Christian became equally eager for the fray, equally + confident of, victory. Six hundred vessels of war met face to face. Rarely + in history had so gorgeous a scene of martial array been witnessed. An + October sun gilded the thousand beauties of an Ionian landscape. Athens + and Corinth were behind the combatants, the mountains of Alexander's + Macedon rose in the distance; the rock of Sappho and the heights of + Actium, were before their eyes. Since the day when the world had been lost + and won beneath that famous promontory, no such combat as the one now + approaching had been fought upon the waves. The chivalrous young commander + despatched energetic messages to his fellow chieftains, and now that it + was no longer possible to elude the encounter, the martial ardor of the + allies was kindled. The Venetian High-Admiral replied with words of + enthusiasm. Colonna, lieutenant of the league, answered his chief in the + language of St. Peter; "Though I die, yet will I not deny thee." + </p> + <p> + The fleet was arranged in three divisions. The Ottomans, not drawn up in + crescent form, as usual, had the same triple disposition. Barbarigo and + the other Venetians commanded on the left, John Andrew Doria on the right, + while Don John himself and Colonna were in the centre, Crucifix in hand, + the High-Admiral rowed from ship to ship exhorting generals and soldiers + to show themselves worthy of a cause which he had persuaded himself was + holy. Fired by his eloquence and by the sight of the enemy, his hearers + answered with eager shouts, while Don John returned to his ship; knelt + upon the quarter-deck, and offered a prayer. He then ordered the trumpets + to sound the assault, commanded his sailing-master to lay him alongside + the Turkish Admiral, and the battle began. The Venetians, who were first + attacked, destroyed ship after ship of their assailants after a close and + obstinate contest, but Barliarigo fell dead ere the sunset, with an arrow + through his brain. Meantime the action, immediately after the first onset, + had become general. From noon till evening the battle raged, with a + carnage rarely recorded in history. Don John's own ship lay yard-arm and + yard-arm with the Turkish Admiral, and exposed to the fire of seven large + vessels besides. It was a day when personal, audacity, not skilful + tactics, was demanded, and the imperial bastard showed the metal he was + made of. The Turkish Admiral's ship was destroyed, his head exposed from + Don John's deck upon a pike, and the trophy became the signal for a + general panic and a complete victory. By sunset the battle had been won. + </p> + <p> + Of nearly three hundred Turkish galleys, but fifty made their escape. From + twenty-five to thirty thousand Turks were slain, and perhaps ten thousand + Christians. The galley-slaves on both sides fought well, and the only + beneficial result of the victory was the liberation of several thousand + Christian captives. It is true that their liberty was purchased with the + lives of a nearly equal number of Christian soldiers, and by the reduction + to slavery of almost as many thousand Mussulmen, duly distributed among + the Christian victors. Many causes—contributed to this splendid + triumph. The Turkish ships, inferior in number, were also worse manned + than those of their adversaries; and their men were worse armed. Every + bullet of the Christians told on muslin turbans and embroidered tunics, + while the arrows of the Moslems fell harmless on the casques and corslets + of their foes. The Turks, too, had committed the fatal error of fighting + upon a lee shore. Having no sea room, and being repelled in their first + onset, many galleys were driven upon the rocks, to be destroyed with all + their crews. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Cabrera says that thirty thousand Turks were slain, ten thousand + made prisoners, ten thousand Christians killed, and fifteen thousand + Christian prisoners liberated, ix. 693. De Thou's estimate is + twenty-five thousand Turks killed, three thousand prisoners, and ten + thousand Christians killed, vi. 247. Brantome states the number of + Turks killed at thirty thousand, without counting those who were + drowned or who died afterwards of their wounds; six thousand + prisoners, twelve thousand Christian prisoners liberated, and ten + thousand Christians killed. Hoofd, vi. 214, gives the figures at + twenty-five thousand Turks and ten thousand Christians slain. Bor, + v. 354, makes a minute estimate, on the authority of Pietro + Contareno, stating the number of Christians killed at seven thousand + six hundred and fifty, that of Turks at twenty-five thousand one + hundred and fifty, Turkish prisoners at three thousand eight hundred + and forty-six, and Christians liberated at twelve thousand; giving + the number of Turkish ships destroyed at eighty, captured fifty. + According to the "Relation cierta y verdadera," (which was drawn up + a few days after the action,) the number of Turks slain was thirty + thousand and upwards, besides many prisoners, that of Christians + killed was seven thousand, of Christian slaves liberated twelve + thousand, of Ottoman ships taken or destroyed two hundred and + thirty. Documentos Ineditos, iii. 249. Philip sent an express + order, forbidding the ransoming of even the captive officers. The + Turkish slaves were divided among the victors in the proportion of + one-half to Philip and one-half to the Pope and Venice. The other + booty was distributed on the same principle. Out of the Pope's + share Don John received, as a present, one hundred and seventy-four + slaves (Documentos Ineditos, iii. 229). Alexander of Parma + received thirty slaves; Requesens thirty. To each general of + infantry was assigned six slaves; to each colonel four; to each + ship's captain one. The number of "slaves in chains" (esclavos de + cadena) allotted to Philip was thirty-six hundred (Documentoa + Ineditos, 257). Seven thousand two hundred Turkish slaves, + therefore, at least, were divided among Christians. This number of + wretches, who were not fortunate enough to die with their twenty- + five thousand comrades, must be set off against the twelve thousand + Christian slaves liberated, in the general settlement of the account + with Humanity.] +</pre> + <p> + But whatever the cause of the victory, its consequence was to spread the + name and fame of Don John of Austria throughout the world. Alva wrote, + with enthusiasm, to congratulate him; pronouncing the victory the most + brilliant one ever achieved by Christians, and Don John the greatest + general since the death of Julius Caesar. At the same time, with a + sarcastic fling at the erection of the Escorial, he advised Philip to + improve this new success in some more practical way than by building a + house for the Lord and a sepulchre for the dead. "If," said the Duke, "the + conquests of Spain be extended in consequence of this triumph, then, + indeed, will the Cherubim and Seraphim sing glory to God." A courier, + despatched post haste to Spain, bore the glorious news, together with the + sacred, standard of the Prophet, the holy of holies, inscribed with the + name of Allah twenty-eight thousand nine hundred times, always kept in + Mecca during peace, and never since the conquest of Constantinople lost in + battle before. The King was at vespers in the Escorial. Entering the + sacred precincts, breathless, travel-stained, excited, the messenger found + Philip impassible as marble to the wondrous news. Not a muscle of the + royal visage was moved, not a syllable escaped the royal lips, save a + brief order to the clergy to continue the interrupted vespers. When the + service had been methodically concluded, the King made known the + intelligence and requested a Te Deum. + </p> + <p> + The youthful commander-in-chief obtained more than his full mead of glory. + No doubt he had fought with brilliant courage, yet in so close and + murderous a conflict, the valor of no single individual could decide the + day, and the result was due to the combined determination of all. Had Don + John remained at Naples, the issue might have easily been the same. + Barbarigo, who sealed the victory with his blood; Colonna, who celebrated + a solemn triumph on his return to Rome; Parma, Doria, Giustiniani, + Venieri, might each as well have claimed a monopoly of the glory, had not + the Pope, at Philip's entreaty, conferred the baton of command upon Don + John. The meagre result of the contest is as notorious as the victory. + While Constantinople was quivering with apprehension, the rival generals + were already wrangling with animosity. Had the Christian fleet advanced, + every soul would have fled from the capital, but Providence had ordained + otherwise, and Don John sailed westwardly with his ships. He made a + descent on the Barbary coast, captured Tunis, destroyed Biserta, and + brought King Amidas and his two sons prisoners to Italy. Ordered by Philip + to dismantle the fortifications of Tunis, he replied by repairing them + thoroughly, and by placing a strong garrison within the citadel. + Intoxicated with his glory, the young adventurer already demanded a crown, + and the Pope was disposed to proclaim him King of Tunis, for the Queen of + the Lybian seas was to be the capital of his Empire, the new Carthage + which he already dreamed. + </p> + <p> + Philip thought it time to interfere, for he felt that his own crown might + be insecure, with such a restless and ambitious spirit indulging in + possible and impossible chimeras. He removed John de Soto, who had been + Don John's chief councillor and emissary to the Pope, and substituted in + his place the celebrated and ill-starred Escovedo. The new secretary, + however, entered as heartily but secretly into all these romantic schemes. + Disappointed of the Empire which he had contemplated on the edge of the + African desert, the champion of the Cross turned to the cold islands of + the northern seas. There sighed, in captivity, the beauteous Mary of + Scotland, victim of the heretic Elizabeth. His susceptibility to the + charms of beauty—a characteristic as celebrated as his courage—was + excited, his chivalry aroused. What holier triumph for the conqueror of + the Saracens than the subjugation of these northern infidels? He would + dethrone the proud Elizabeth; he would liberate and espouse the Queen of + Scots, and together they would reign over, the two united realms. All that + the Pope could do with bulls and blessings, letters of excommunication, + and patents of investiture, he did with his whole heart. Don John was at + liberty to be King of England and Scotland as soon as he liked; all that + was left to do was to conquer the kingdoms. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, while these schemes were flitting through his brain, and were + yet kept comparatively secret by the Pope, Escovedo, and himself, the news + reached him in Italy that he had been appointed Governor-General of the + Netherlands. Nothing could be more opportune. In the provinces were ten + thousand veteran Spaniards, ripe for adventure, hardened by years of + warfare, greedy for gold, audacious almost beyond humanity, the very + instruments for his scheme. The times were critical in the Netherlands, it + was true; yet he would soon pacify those paltry troubles, and then sweep + forward to his prize. Yet events were rushing forward with such feverish + rapidity, that he might be too late for his adventure. Many days were lost + in the necessary journey from Italy into Spain to receive the final + instructions of the King. The news from the provinces, grew more and more + threatening. With the impetuosity and romance of his temperament, he + selected his confidential friend Ottavio Gonzaga, six men-at-arms, and an + adroit and well-experienced Swiss courier who knew every road of France. + It was no light adventure for the Catholic Governor-General of the + Netherlands to traverse the kingdom at that particular juncture. Staining + his bright locks and fair face to the complexion of a Moor, he started on + his journey, attired as the servant of Gonzaga. Arriving at Paris, after a + rapid journey, he descended at a hostelry opposite the residence of the + Spanish ambassador, Don Diego de Cuniga. After nightfall he had a secret + interview with that functionary, and learning, among other matters, that + there was to be a great ball that night at the Louvre, he determined to go + thither in disguise. There, notwithstanding his hurry, he had time to see + and to become desperately enamored of "that wonder of beauty," the fair + and frail Margaret of Valois, Queen of Navarre. Her subsequent visit to + her young adorer at Namur, to be recorded in a future page of this + history, was destined to mark the last turning point in his picturesque + career. On his way to the Netherlands he held a rapid interview with the + Duke of Guise, to arrange his schemes for the liberation and espousal of + that noble's kinswoman, the Scottish Queen; and on the 3rd of November he + arrived at Luxemburg. + </p> + <p> + There stood the young conqueror of Lepanto, his brain full of schemes, his + heart full of hopes, on the threshhold of the Netherlands, at the entrance + to what he believed the most brilliant chapter of his life—schemes, + hopes, and visions—doomed speedily to fade before the cold reality + with which he was to be confronted. Throwing off his disguise after + reaching Luxemburg, the youthful paladin stood confessed. His appearance + was as romantic as his origin and his exploits. Every contemporary + chronicler, French, Spanish, Italian, Flemish, Roman, have dwelt upon his + personal beauty and the singular fascination of his manner. Symmetrical + features, blue eyes of great vivacity, and a profusion of bright curling + hair, were combined with a person not much above middle height; but + perfectly well proportioned. Owing to a natural peculiarity of his head, + the hair fell backward from the temples, and he had acquired the habit of + pushing it from his brows. The custom became a fashion among the host of + courtiers, who were but too happy to glass themselves in so brilliant a + mirror. As Charles the Fifth, on his journey to Italy to assume the iron + crown, had caused his hair to be clipped close, as a remedy for the + headaches with which, at that momentous epoch, he was tormented, bringing + thereby close shaven polls into extreme fashion; so a mass of hair pushed + backward from the temples, in the style to which the name of John of + Austria was appropriated, became the prevailing mode wherever the favorite + son of the Emperor appeared. + </p> + <p> + Such was the last crusader whom the annals of chivalry were to know; the + man who had humbled the crescent as it had not been humbled since the days + of the Tancreds, the Baldwins, the Plantagenets—yet, after all, what + was this brilliant adventurer when weighed against the tranquil Christian + champion whom he was to meet face to face? The contrast was striking + between the real and the romantic hero. Don John had pursued and achieved + glory through victories with which the world was ringing; William was + slowly compassing a country's emancipation through a series of defeats. He + moulded a commonwealth and united hearts with as much contempt for danger + as Don John had exhibited in scenes of slave driving and carnage. Amid + fields of blood, and through web's of tortuous intrigue, the brave and + subtle son of the Emperor pursued only his own objects. Tawdry schemes of + personal ambition, conquests for his own benefit, impossible crowns for + his own wearing, were the motives which impelled, him, and the prizes + which he sought. His existence was feverish, fitful, and passionate. + "Tranquil amid the raging billows," according to his favorite device, the + father of his country waved aside the diadem which for him had neither + charms nor meaning. Their characters were as contrasted as their persons. + The curled-darling of chivalry seemed a youth at thirty-one. Spare of + figure, plain in apparel, benignant, but haggard of countenance, with + temples bared by anxiety as much as by his helmet, earnest, almost devout + in manner, in his own words, "Calvus et Calvinists," William of Orange was + an old man at forty-three. + </p> + <p> + Perhaps there was as much good faith on the part of Don John, when he + arrived in Luxemburg, as could be expected of a man coming directly from + the cabinet of Philip. The King had secretly instructed him to conciliate + the provinces, but to concede nothing, for the Governor was only a new + incarnation of the insane paradox that benignity and the system of Charles + the Fifth were one. He was directed to restore the government, to its + state during the imperial epoch. Seventeen provinces, in two of which the + population were all dissenters, in all of which the principle of mutual + toleration had just been accepted by Catholics and Protestants, were now + to be brought back to the condition according to which all Protestants + were beheaded, burned, or buried alive. So that the Inquisition, the + absolute authority of the monarch, and the exclusive worship of the Roman + Church were preserved intact, the King professed himself desirous of + "extinguishing the fires of rebellion, and of saving the people from the + last desperation." With these slight exceptions, Philip was willing to be + very benignant. "More than this," said he, "cannot and ought not be + conceded." To these brief but pregnant instructions was added a morsel of + advice, personal in its nature, but very characteristic of the writer. Don + John was recommended to take great care of his soul, and also to be very + cautious in the management of his amours. + </p> + <p> + Thus counselled and secretly directed, the new Captain-General had been + dismissed to the unhappy Netherlands. The position, however, was + necessarily false. The man who was renowned for martial exploits, and + notoriously devoured by ambition, could hardly inspire deep confidence in + the pacific dispositions of the government. The crusader of Granada and + Lepanto, the champion of the ancient Church, was not likely to please the + rugged Zealanders who had let themselves be hacked to pieces rather than + say one Paternoster, and who had worn crescents in their caps at Leyden, + to prove their deeper hostility to the Pope than to the Turk. The imperial + bastard would derive but alight consideration from his paternal blood, in + a country where illegitimate birth was more unfavorably regarded than in + most other countries, and where a Brabantine edict, recently issued in + name of the King; deprived all political or civil functionaries not born + in wedlock; of their offices. Yet he had received instructions, at his + departure, to bring about a pacification, if possible, always maintaining, + however, the absolute authority of the crown and the exclusive exercise of + the Catholic religion. How the two great points of his instructions were + to be made entirely palatable, was left to time and chance. There was a + vague notion that with the new Governor's fame, fascinating manners, and + imperial parentage, he might accomplish a result which neither fraud nor + force—not the arts of Granvelle, nor the atrocity of Alva, nor the + licentiousness of a buccaneering soldiery had been able to effect. As for + Don John himself, he came with no definite plans for the Netherlanders, + but with very daring projects of his own, and to pursue these misty + visions was his main business on arriving in the provinces. In the + meantime he was disposed to settle the Netherland difficulty in some + showy, off-hand fashion, which should cost him but little trouble, and + occasion no detriment to the cause of Papacy or absolutism. Unfortunately + for these rapid arrangements, William of Orange was in Zealand, and the + Pacification had just been signed at Ghent. + </p> + <p> + It was, naturally, with very little satisfaction that the Prince beheld + the arrival of Don John. His sagacious combinations would henceforth be + impeded, if not wholly frustrated. This he foresaw. He knew that there + could be no intention of making any arrangement in which Holland and + Zealand could be included. He was confident that any recognition of the + Reformed religion was as much out of the question now as ever. He doubted + not that there were many Catholic magnates, wavering politicians, + aspirants for royal favor, who would soon be ready to desert the cause + which had so recently been made a general cause, and who would soon be + undermining the work of their own hands. The Pacification of Ghent would + never be maintained in letter and spirit by the vicegerent of Philip; for + however its sense might be commented upon or perverted, the treaty, while + it recognized Catholicism as the state religion, conceded, to a certain + extent, liberty of conscience. An immense stride had been taken, by + abolishing the edicts, and prohibiting persecution. If that step were now + retraced, the new religion was doomed, and the liberties of Holland and + Zealand destroyed. "If they make an arrangement with Don John, it will be + for us of the religion to run," wrote the Prince to his brother, "for + their intention is to suffer no person of that faith to have a fixed + domicile in the Netherlands." It was, therefore, with a calm determination + to counteract and crush the policy of the youthful Governor that William + the Silent awaited his antagonist. Were Don John admitted to confidence, + the peace of Holland and Zealand was gone. Therefore it was necessary to + combat him both openly and secretly—by loud remonstrance and by + invisible stratagem. What chance had the impetuous and impatient young + hero in such an encounter with the foremost statesman of the age? He had + arrived, with all the self-confidence of a conqueror; he did not know that + he was to be played upon like a pipe—to be caught in meshes spread + by his own hands—to struggle blindly—to rage impotently—to + die ingloriously. + </p> + <p> + The Prince had lost no time in admonishing the states-general as to the + course which should now be pursued. He was of opinion that, upon their + conduct at this crisis depended the future destinies of the Netherlands. + "If we understand how to make proper use of the new Governor's arrival," + said he, "it may prove very advantageous to us; if not, it will be the + commencement of our total ruin." The spirit of all his communications was + to infuse the distrust which he honestly felt, and which he certainly took + no pains to disguise; to impress upon his countrymen the importance of + improving the present emergency by the enlargement, instead of the + threatened contraction of their liberties, and to enforce with all his + energy the necessity of a firm union. He assured the estates that Don John + had been sent, in this simple manner, to the country, because the King and + cabinet had begun to despair of carrying their point by force. At the same + time he warned them that force would doubtless be replaced by fraud. He + expressed his conviction that so soon as Don John should attain the + ascendency which he had been sent to secure, the gentleness which now + smiled upon the surface would give place to the deadlier purposes which + lurked below. He went so far as distinctly to recommend the seizure of Don + John's person. By so doing, much bloodshed might be saved; for such was + the King's respect for the Emperor's son that their demands would be + granted rather than that his liberty should be permanently endangered. In + a very striking and elaborate letter which he addressed from Middelburg to + the estates-general, he insisted on the expediency of seizing the present + opportunity in order to secure and to expand their liberties, and urged + them to assert broadly the principle that the true historical polity of + the Netherlands was a representative, constitutional government, Don John, + on arriving at Luxemburg, had demanded hostages for his own security, a + measure which could not but strike the calmest spectator as an infraction + of all provincial rights. "He asks you to disarm," continued William of + Orange; "he invites you to furnish hostages, but the time has been when + the lord of the land came unarmed and uncovered, before the + estates-general, and swore to support the constitutions before his own + sovereignty could be recognized." + </p> + <p> + He reiterated his suspicions as to the honest intentions of the + government, and sought, as forcibly as possible, to infuse an equal + distrust into the minds of those he addressed. "Antwerp," said he, "once + the powerful and blooming, now the most forlorn and desolate city of + Christendom, suffered because she dared to exclude the King's troops. You + may be sure that you are all to have a place at the same banquet. We may + forget the past, but princes never forget, when the means of vengeance are + placed within their hands. Nature teaches them to arrive at their end by + fraud, when violence will not avail them. Like little children, they + whistle to the birds they would catch. Promises and pretences they will + furnish in plenty." + </p> + <p> + He urged them on no account to begin any negotiation with the Governor, + except on the basis of the immediate departure of the soldiery. "Make no + agreement with him; unless the Spanish and other foreign troops have been + sent away beforehand; beware, meantime, of disbanding your own, for that + were to put the knife into his hands to cut your own throats withal." He + then proceeded to sketch the out lines of a negotiation, such as he could + recommend. The plan was certainly sufficiently bold, and it could hardly + cause astonishment, if it were not immediately accepted by Don John; as + the basis of an arrangement. "Remember this is not play", said the Prince, + "and that you have to choose between the two, either total ruin or manly + self-defence. Don John must command the immediate departure of the + Spaniards. All our privileges must be revised, and an oath to maintain + them required. New councils of state and finance must be appointed by the + estates. The general assembly ought to have power to come together twice + or thrice yearly, and, indeed, as often as they choose. The states-general + must administer and regulate all affairs. The citadels must be demolished + everywhere. No troops ought to be enlisted, nor garrisons established, + without the consent of the estates." + </p> + <p> + In all the documents, whether public memorials or private letters, which + came at this period from the hand of the Prince, he assumed, as a matter + of course, that in any arrangement with the new Governor the Pacification + of Ghent was to be maintained. This, too, was the determination of almost + every man in the country. Don John, soon after his arrival at Luxemburg, + had despatched messengers to the states-general, informing them of his + arrival. It was not before the close of the month of November that the + negotiations seriously began. Provost Fonck, on the part of the Governor, + then informed them of Don John's intention to enter Namur, attended by + fifty mounted troopers. Permission, however, was resolutely refused, and + the burghers of Namur were forbidden to render oaths of fidelity until the + Governor should have complied with the preliminary demands of the estates. + To enunciate these demands categorically, a deputation of the + estates-general came to Luxemburg. These gentlemen were received with + courtesy by Don John, but their own demeanour was not conciliatory. A + dislike to the Spanish government; a disloyalty to the monarch with whose + brother and representative they were dealing, pierced through all their + language. On the other hand, the ardent temper of Don John was never slow + to take offence. One of the deputies proposed to the Governor, with great + coolness, that he should assume the government in his own name, and + renounce the authority of Philip. Were he willing to do so, the patriotic + gentleman pledged himself that the provinces would at once acknowledge him + as sovereign, and sustain his government. Don John, enraged at the insult + to his own loyalty which the proposition implied, drew his dagger and + rushed towards the offender. The deputy would, probably, have paid for his + audacity with his life had there not been by-standers enough to prevent + the catastrophe. This scene was an unsatisfactory prelude to the opening + negotiations. + </p> + <p> + On the 6th of December the deputies presented to the Governor at Luxemburg + a paper, containing their demands, drawn up in eight articles, and their + concessions in ten. The states insisted on the immediate removal of the + troops, with the understanding that they were never to return, but without + prohibition of their departure by sea; they demanded the immediate release + of all prisoners; they insisted on the maintenance of the Ghent treaty, + there being nothing therein which did not tend to the furtherance of the + Catholic religion; they claimed an act of amnesty; they required the + convocation of the states-general, on the basis of that assembly before + which took place the abdication of Charles the Fifth; they demanded an + oath, on the part of Don John, to maintain all the charters and customs of + the country. + </p> + <p> + Should these conditions be complied: with, the deputies consented on the + part of the estates, that he should be acknowledged as Governor, and that + the Catholic religion and the authority of his Majesty should be + maintained. They agreed that all foreign leagues should be renounced, + their own foreign soldiery disbanded, and a guard of honor, native + Netherlanders, such as his Majesty was contented with at his "Blythe + Entrance," provided. A truce of fifteen days, for negotiations, was + furthermore proposed. + </p> + <p> + Don John made answers to these propositions by adding a brief comment, as + apostille, upon each of the eighteen articles, in succession. He would + send away the troops, but, at the same time, the states must disband their + own. He declined engaging himself not to recal his foreign soldiery, + should necessity require their service. With regard to the Ghent + Pacification, he professed himself ready for a general peace negotiation, + on condition that the supremacy of the Catholic Church and the authority + of his Majesty were properly secured. He would settle upon some act of + amnesty after due consultation with the State Council. He was willing that + the states should be convoked in general assembly, provided sufficient + security were given him that nothing should be there transacted + prejudicial to the Catholic religion and the King's sovereignty. As for + their privileges, he would govern as had been done in the time of his + imperial father. He expressed his satisfaction with most of the promises + offered by the estates, particularly with their expression in favor of the + Church and of his Majesty's authority; the two all-important points to + secure which he had come thither unattended, at the peril of his life, but + he received their offer of a body-guard, by which his hirelings were to be + superseded, with very little gratitude. He was on the point, he said, of + advancing as far as Marche en Famine, and should take with him as strong a + guard as he considered necessary, and composed of such troops as he had at + hand. Nothing decisive came of this first interview. The parties had taken + the measures of their mutual claims, and after a few days, fencing with + apostilles, replies, and rejoinders, they separated, their acrimony rather + inflamed than appeased. + </p> + <p> + The departure of the troops and the Ghent treaty were the vital points in + the negotiation. The estates had originally been content that the troops + should go by sea. Their suspicions were, however, excited by the + pertinacity with which Don John held to this mode of removal. Although + they did not suspect the mysterious invasion of England, a project which + was the real reason why the Governor objected to their departure by land, + yet they soon became aware—that he had been secretly tampering with + the troops at every point. The effect of these secret negotiations with + the leading officers of the army was a general expression of their + unwillingness, on account of the lateness of the season, the difficult and + dangerous condition of the roads and mountain-passes, the plague in Italy, + and other pretexts, to undertake so long a journey by land. On the other + hand, the states, seeing the anxiety and the duplicity of Don John upon + this particular point, came to the resolution to thwart him at all + hazards, and insisted on the land journey. Too long a time, too much + money, too many ships would be necessary, they said, to forward so large a + force by sea, and in the meantime it would be necessary to permit them to + live for another indefinite period at the charge of the estates. + </p> + <p> + With regard to the Ghent Pacification, the estates, in the course of + December, procured: an express opinion from the eleven professors of + theology, and doctors utriusque juris of Louvain, that the treaty + contained nothing which conflicted with the supremacy of the Catholic + religion. The various bishops, deacons, abbots, and pastors of the + Netherlands made a similar decision. An elaborate paper, drawn, up by the + State-Council, at the request of the states-general, declared that there + was nothing in the Pacification derogatory to the supreme authority of his + Majesty. Thus fortified; with opinions which, it must be confessed, were + rather dogmatically than argumentatively drawn up, and which it would have + been difficult very logically to, defend, the states looked forward + confidently to the eventual acceptance by Don John of the terms proposed. + In the meantime, while there was still an indefinite pause in the + negotiations, a remarkable measure came to aid the efficacy of the Ghent + Pacification. + </p> + <p> + Early in January, 1577, the celebrated "Union of Brussels" was formed. + This important agreement was originally signed by eight leading + personages, the Abbot of Saint Gertrude, the Counts Lalain and Bossu, and + the Seigneur de Champagny being among the number. Its tenor was to engage + its signers to compass the immediate expulsion of the Spaniards and the + execution of the Ghent Pacification, to maintain the Catholic religion and + the King's authority, and to defend the fatherland and all its + constitutions. Its motive was to generalize the position assumed by the + Ghent treaty. The new act was to be signed, not by a few special deputies + alone, like a diplomatic convention, but by all the leading individuals of + all the provinces, in order to exhibit to Don John such an array of united + strength that he would find himself forced to submit to the demands of the + estates. The tenor, motive, and effect were all as had been proposed and + foreseen. The agreement to expel the Spaniards, under the Catholic and + loyal manifestations indicated, passed from hand to hand through all the + provinces. It soon received the signature and support of all the + respectability, wealth, and intelligence of the whole country. Nobles, + ecclesiastics, citizens, hastened to give to it their adhesion. The + states-general had sent it, by solemn resolution, to every province, in + order that every man might be forced to range himself either upon the side + of the fatherland or of despotism. Two copies of the signatures procured + in each province were ordered, of which one was to be deposited in its + archives, and the other forwarded to Brussels. In a short time, every + province, with the single exception of Luxemburg, had loaded the document + with signatures. This was a great step in advance. The Ghent Pacification, + which was in the nature of a treaty between the Prince and the estates of + Holland and Zealand on the one side, and a certain number of provinces on + the other, had only been signed by the envoys of the contracting parties. + Though received with deserved and universal acclamation, it had not the + authority of a popular document. This, however, was the character + studiously impressed upon the "Brussels Union." The people, subdivided + according to the various grades of their social hierarchy, had been + solemnly summoned to council, and had deliberately recorded their + conviction. No restraint had been put upon their freedom of action, and + there was hardly a difference of opinion as to the necessity of the + measure. + </p> + <p> + A rapid revolution in Friesland, Groningen, and the dependencies, had + recently restored that important country to the national party. The + Portuguese De Billy had been deprived of his authority as King's + stadholder, and Count Hoogstraaten's brother, Baron de Ville, afterwards + as Count Renneberg infamous for his, treason to the cause of liberty, had + been appointed by the estates in his room. In all this district the "Union + of Brussels" was eagerly signed by men of every degree. Holland and + Zealand, no less than the Catholic provinces of the south willingly + accepted the compromise which was thus laid down, and which was thought to + be not only an additional security for the past, not only a pillar more + for the maintenance of the Ghent Pacification, but also a sure precursor + of a closer union in the future. The Union of Brussels became, in fact, + the stepping-stone to the "Union of Utrecht," itself the foundation-stone + of a republic destined to endure more than two centuries. On the other + hand, this early union held the seed, of its own destruction within + itself. It was not surprising, however, that a strong declaration in favor + of the Catholic religion should be contained in a document intended for + circulation through all the provinces. The object was to unite as large a + force, and to make as striking a demonstration before the eyes of the + Governor General as was practicable under the circumstances. The immediate + purpose was answered, temporary union was formed, but it was impossible + that a permanent crystallization should take place where so strong a + dissolvent as the Catholic clause had been admitted. In the sequel, + therefore, the union fell asunder precisely at this fatal flaw. The next + union was that which definitely separated the provinces into Protestant, + and Catholic, into self-governing republics, and the dependencies of a + distant despotism. The immediate effect, however, of the "Brussels Union" + was to rally all lovers of the fatherland and haters of a foreign tyranny + upon one vital point—the expulsion of the stranger from the land. + The foot of the Spanish soldier should no longer profane their soil. All + men were forced to pronounce themselves boldly and unequivocally, in order + that the patriots might stand shoulder to shoulder, and the traitors be + held up to infamy. This measure was in strict accordance with the advice + given more than once by the Prince of Orange, and was almost in literal + fulfilment of the Compromise, which he had sketched before the arrival of + Don John. + </p> + <p> + The deliberations were soon resumed with the new Governor, the scene being + shifted from Luxemburg to Huy. Hither came a fresh deputation from the + states-general—many signers of the Brussels Union among them—and + were received by Don John with stately courtesy: They had, however, come, + determined to carry matters with a high and firm hand, being no longer + disposed to brook his imperious demeanour, nor to tolerate his dilatory + policy. It is not surprising, therefore, that the courtesy soon changed to + bitterness, and that attack and recrimination usurped the place of the + dignified but empty formalities which had characterized the interviews at + Luxemburg. + </p> + <p> + The envoys, particularly Sweveghem and Champagny, made no concealment of + their sentiments towards the Spanish soldiery and the Spanish nation, and + used a freedom of tone and language which the petulant soldier had not + been accustomed to hear. He complained, at the outset, that the + Netherlanders seemed new-born—that instead of bending the knee, they + seemed disposed to grasp the sceptre. Insolence had taken the place of + pliancy, and the former slave now applied the chain and whip to his + master. With such exacerbation of temper at the commencement of + negotiations, their progress was of necessity stormy and slow. + </p> + <p> + The envoys now addressed three concise questions to the Governor. Was he + satisfied that the Ghent Pacification contained nothing conflicting with + the Roman religion and the King's authority? If so, was he willing to + approve that treaty in all its articles? Was he ready to dismiss his + troops at once, and by land, the sea voyage being liable to too many + objections? + </p> + <p> + Don John answered these three questions—which, in reality, were but + three forms of a single question—upon the same day, the 24th of + January. His reply was as complex as the demand had been simple. It + consisted of a proposal in six articles, and a requisition in twenty-one, + making in all twenty-seven articles. Substantially he proposed to dismiss + the foreign troops—to effect a general pacification of the + Netherlands—to govern on the basis of the administration in his + imperial father's reign—to arrange affairs in and with regard to the + assembly-general as the King should judge to be fitting—to forgive + and forget past offences—and to release all prisoners. On the other + hand he required the estates to pay the troops before their departure, and + to provide ships enough to transport them, as the Spaniards did not choose + to go by land, and as the deputies, at Luxemburg had consented to their + removal by sea. Furthermore, he demanded that the states should dismiss + their own troops. He required ecclesiastical authority to prove the Ghent + Pacification not prejudicial to the Catholic religion; legal authority + that it was not detrimental to his Majesty's supremacy; and an oath from + the states-general to uphold both points inviolably, and to provide for + their maintenance in Holland and Zealand. He claimed the right to employ + about his person soldiers and civil functionaries of any nation he might + choose, and he exacted from the states a promise to prevent the Prince of + Orange from removing his son, Count van Buren, forcibly or fraudulently, + from his domicile in Spain. + </p> + <p> + The deputies were naturally indignant at this elaborate trifling. They + had, in reality, asked him but one question, and that a simple one—Would + he maintain the treaty of Ghent? Here were twenty-seven articles in reply, + and yet no answer to that question. They sat up all night, preparing a + violent protocol, by which the Governor's claims were to be utterly + demolished. Early in the morning, they waited upon his Highness, presented + the document, and at the same time asked him plainly, by word of mouth, + did he or did he not intend to uphold the treaty. Thus pressed into a + corner in presence of the deputies, the members of the State Council who + were in attendance from Brussels, and the envoys whom the Emperor had + recently sent to assist at these deliberations, the Governor answered, No. + He would not and could not maintain the treaty, because the Spanish troops + were in that instrument denounced as rebels, because he would not consent + to the release of Count Van Buren—and on account of various other + reasons not then specified. Hereupon ensued a fierce debate, and all day + long the altercation lasted, without a result being reached. At ten + o'clock in the evening, the deputies having previously retired for a brief + interval, returned with a protest that they were not to be held + responsible for the termination of the proceedings, and that they washed + their hands of the bloodshed which might follow the rupture. Upon reading + this document; Don John fell into a blazing passion. He vehemently + denounced the deputies as traitors. He swore that men who came to him thus + prepared with ready-made protests in their pockets, were rebels from the + commencement, and had never intended any agreement with him. His language + and gestures expressed unbounded fury. He was weary of their ways, he + said. They had better look to themselves, for the King would never leave + their rebellion unpunished. He was ready to draw the sword at once—not + his own, but his Majesty's, and they might be sure that the war which they + were thus provoking, should be the fiercest ever, waged. More abusive + language in this strain was uttered, but it was not heard with lamb-like + submission. The day had gone by when the deputies of the states-general + were wont to quail before the wrath of vicarious royalty. The fiery words + of Don John were not oil to troubled water, but a match to a mine. The + passions of the deputies exploded in their turn, and from hot words they + had nearly come to hard blows. One of the deputies replied with so much + boldness and vehemence that the Governor, seizing a heavy silver bell + which stood on the table, was about to hurl it at the offender's head, + when an energetic and providential interference on the part of the + imperial envoys, prevented the unseemly catastrophe. + </p> + <p> + The day thus unprofitably spent, had now come to its close, and the + deputies left the presence of Don John with tempers as inflamed as his + own. They were, therefore, somewhat surprised at being awakened in their + beds, after midnight, by a certain Father Trigoso, who came to them with a + conciliatory message from the Governor. While they were still rubbing + their eyes with sleep and astonishment, the Duke of Aerschot, the Bishop + of Liege, and several councillors of state, entered the room. These + personages brought the news that Don John had at last consented to + maintain the Pacification of Ghent, as would appear by a note written in + his own hand, which was then delivered. The billet was eagerly read, but + unfortunately did not fulfil the anticipations which had been excited. "I + agree," said Don John, "to approve the peace made between the states and + the Prince of Orange, on condition that nothing therein may seem + detrimental to the authority of his Majesty and the supremacy of the + Catholic religion, and also with reservation of the points mentioned in my + last communication." + </p> + <p> + Men who had gone to bed in a high state of indignation were not likely to + wake in much better humour, when suddenly aroused in their first nap, to + listen to such a message as this. It seemed only one piece of trifling the + more. The deputies had offered satisfactory opinions of divines and + jurisconsults, as to the two points specified which concerned the Ghent + treaty. It was natural, therefore, that this vague condition concerning + them, the determination of which was for the Governor's breast alone, + should be instantly rejected, and that the envoys should return to their + disturbed slumbers with an increase of ill-humour. + </p> + <p> + On the morrow, as the envoys, booted and spurred, were upon the point of + departure for Brussels, another communication was brought to them from Don + John. This time, the language of the Governor seemed more to the purpose. + "I agree," said he, "to maintain the peace concluded between the states + and the Prince of Orange, on condition of receiving from the + ecclesiastical authorities, and from the University of Louvain, + satisfactory assurance that the said treaty contains nothing derogatory to + the Catholic religion—and similar assurance from the State Council, + the Bishop of Liege, and the imperial envoys, that the treaty is in no + wise prejudicial to the authority of his Majesty." Here seemed, at last, + something definite. These conditions could be complied with. They had, in + fact, been already complied with. The assurances required as to the two + points had already been procured, as the deputies and as Don John well + knew. The Pacification of Ghent was, therefore, virtually admitted. The + deputies waited upon the Governor accordingly, and the conversation was + amicable. They vainly endeavoured, however, to obtain his consent to the + departure of the troops by land—the only point then left in dispute. + Don John, still clinging to his secret scheme, with which the sea voyage + of the troops was so closely connected, refused to concede. He reproached + the envoys, on the contrary, with their importunity in making a fresh + demand, just as he had conceded the Ghent treaty, upon his entire + responsibility and without instructions. Mentally resolving that this + point should still be wrung from the Governor, but not suspecting his + secret motives for resisting it so strenuously, the deputies took an + amicable farewell of the Governor, promising a favorable report upon the + proceedings, so soon as they should arrive in Brussels. + </p> + <p> + Don John, having conceded so much, was soon obliged to concede the whole. + The Emperor Rudolph had lately succeeded his father, Maximilian. The + deceased potentate, whose sentiments on the great subject of religious + toleration were so much in harmony with those entertained by the Prince of + Orange, had, on the whole, notwithstanding the ties of relationship and + considerations of policy, uniformly befriended the Netherlands, so far as + words and protestations could go, at the court of Philip. Active + co-operation; practical assistance, he had certainly not rendered. He had + unquestionably been too much inclined to accomplish the impossibility of + assisting the states without offending the King—an effort which, in + the homely language of Hans Jenitz; was "like wishing his skin washed + without being wet." He had even interposed many obstacles to the free + action of the Prince, as has been seen in the course of this history, but + nevertheless, the cause of the Netherlands, of religion, and of humanity + had much to lose by his death. His eldest son and successor, Rudolph the + second, was an ardent Catholic, whose relations with a proscribed prince + and a reformed population could hardly remain long in a satisfactory + state. The New Emperor had, however, received the secret envoys of Orange + with bounty, and was really desirous of accomplishing the pacification of + the provinces. His envoys had assisted at all the recent deliberations + between the estates and Don John, and their vivid remonstrances removed, + at this juncture, the last objection on the part of the Governor-General. + With a secret sigh, he deferred the darling and mysterious hope which had + lighted him to the Netherlands, and consented to the departure of the + troops by land. + </p> + <p> + All obstacles having been thus removed, the memorable treaty called the + Perpetual Edict was signed at Marche en Famine on the 12th, and at + Brussels on the 17th of February, 1577. This document, issued in the name + of the King, contained nineteen articles. It approved and ratified the + Peace of Ghent, in consideration that the prelates and clergy, with the + doctors 'utriusque juris' of Louvain, had decided that nothing in that + treaty conflicted either with the supremacy of the Catholic Church or the + authority of the King, but, on the contrary, that it advanced the + interests of both. It promised that the soldiery should depart "freely, + frankly, and without delay; by land, never to return except in case of + foreign war"—the Spaniards to set forth within forty days, the + Germans and others so soon as arrangements had been made by the + states-general for their payment. It settled that all prisoners, on both + sides, should be released, excepting the Count Van Buren, who was to be + set free so soon as the states-general having been convoked, the Prince of + Orange should have fulfilled the resolutions to be passed by that + assembly. It promised the maintenance of all the privileges, charters, and + constitutions of the Netherlands. It required of the states all oath to + maintain the Catholic religion. It recorded their agreement to disband + their troops. It settled that Don John should be received as + Governor-General, immediately upon the departure of the Spaniards, + Italians, and Burgundians from the provinces. + </p> + <p> + These were the main provisions of this famous treaty, which was confirmed + a few weeks afterwards by Philip, in a letter addressed to the states of + Brabant, and by an edict issued at Madrid. It will be seen that everything + required by the envoys of the states, at the commencement of their + negotiations, had been conceded by Don John. They had claimed the + departure of the troops, either by land or sea. He had resisted the demand + a long time, but had at last consented to despatch them by sea. Their + departure by land had then been insisted upon. This again he had most + reluctantly conceded. The ratification of the Ghent treaty, he had + peremptorily refused. He had come to the provinces, at the instant of its + conclusion, and had, of course, no instructions on the subject. + Nevertheless, slowly receding, he had agreed, under certain reservations, + to accept the treaty. Those reservations relating to the great points of + Catholic and royal supremacy, he insisted upon subjecting to his own + judgment alone. Again he was overruled. Most unwillingly he agreed to + accept, instead of his own conscientious conviction, the dogmas of the + State Council and of the Louvain doctors. Not seeing very clearly how a + treaty which abolished the edicts of Charles the Fifth and the ordinances + of Alva—which removed the religious question in Holland and Zealand + from the King's jurisdiction to that of the states-general—which had + caused persecution to surcease—had established toleration—and + which moreover, had confirmed the arch rebel and heretic of all the + Netherlands in the government of the two rebellious and heretic provinces, + as stadholder for the King—not seeing very clearly how such a treaty + was "advantageous rather than prejudicial to royal absolutism and an + exclusive Catholicism," he naturally hesitated at first. + </p> + <p> + The Governor had thus disconcerted the Prince of Orange, not by the + firmness of his resistance, but by the amplitude of his concessions. The + combinations of William the Silent were, for an instant, deranged. Had the + Prince expected such liberality, he would have placed his demands upon a + higher basis, for it is not probable that he contemplated or desired a + pacification. The Duke of Aerschot and the Bishop of Liege in vain essayed + to prevail upon his deputies at Marche en Famine, to sign the agreement of + the 27th January, upon which was founded the Perpetual Edict. They refused + to do so without consulting the Prince and the estates. Meantime, the + other commissioners forced the affair rapidly forward. The states sent a + deputation to the Prince to ask his opinion, and signed the agreement + before it was possible to receive his reply. This was to treat him with + little courtesy, if not absolutely with bad faith. The Prince was + disappointed and indignant. In truth, as appeared from all his language + and letters, he had no confidence in Don John. He believed him a + consummate hypocrite, and as deadly a foe to the Netherlands as the Duke + of Alva, or Philip himself. He had carefully studied twenty-five + intercepted letters from the King, the Governor, Jerome de Roda, and + others, placed recently in his hands by the Duke of Aerschot, and had + found much to confirm previous and induce fresh suspicion. Only a few days + previously to the signature of the treaty, he had also intercepted other + letters from influential personages, Alonzo de Vargas and others, + disclosing extensive designs to obtain possession of the strong places in + the country, and then to reduce the land to absolute Subjection. He had + assured the estates, therefore, that the deliberate intention of the + Government, throughout the whole negotiation, was to deceive, whatever + might be the public language of Don John and his agents. He implored them, + therefore, to, have "pity upon the poor country," and to save the people + from falling into the trap which was laid for them. From first to last, he + had expressed a deep and wise distrust, and justified it by ample proofs. + He was, with reason, irritated, therefore, at the haste with which the + states had concluded the agreement with Don John—at the celerity + with which, as he afterwards expressed it, "they had rushed upon the + boar-spear of that sanguinary heart." He believed that everything had been + signed and Sworn by the Governor, with the mental reservation that such + agreements were valid only until he should repent having made them. He + doubted the good faith and the stability of the grand seigniors. He had + never felt confidence in the professions of the time-serving Aerschot, nor + did he trust even the brave Champagny, notwithstanding his services at the + sack of Antwerp. He was especially indignant that provision had been made, + not for demolishing but for restoring to his Majesty those hateful + citadels, nests of tyranny, by which the flourishing cities of the land + were kept in perpetual anxiety. Whether in the hands of King, nobles, or + magistrates, they were equally odious to him, and he had long since + determined that they should be razed to the ground. In short, he believed + that the estates had thrust their heads into the lion's mouth, and he + foresaw the most gloomy consequences from the treaty which had just been + concluded. He believed, to use his own language, "that the only difference + between Don John and Alva or Requesens was, that he was younger and more + foolish than his predecessors, less capable of concealing his venom, more + impatient, to dip his hands in blood." + </p> + <p> + In the Pacification of Ghent, the Prince had achieved the prize of his + life-long labors. He had banded a mass of provinces by the ties of a + common history, language, and customs, into a league against a foreign + tyranny. He had grappled Holland and Zealand to their sister provinces by + a common love for their ancient liberties, by a common hatred to a Spanish + soldiery. He had exorcised the evil demon of religious bigotry by which + the body politic had been possessed so many years; for the Ghent treaty, + largely interpreted, opened the door to universal toleration. In the + Perpetual Edict the Prince saw his work undone. Holland and Zealand were + again cut adrift from the other fifteen provinces, and war would soon be + let loose upon that devoted little territory. The article stipulating the + maintenance of the Ghent treaty he regarded as idle wind; the solemn saws + of the State Council and the quiddities from Louvain being likely to prove + but slender bulwarks against the returning tide of tyranny. Either it was + tacitly intended to tolerate the Reformed religion, or to hunt it down. To + argue that the Ghent treaty, loyally interpreted, strengthened + ecclesiastical or royal despotism, was to contend that a maniac was more + dangerous in fetters than when armed with a sword; it was to be blind to + the difference between a private conventicle and a public scaffold. The + Perpetual Edict, while affecting to sustain the treaty, would necessarily + destroy it at a blow, while during the brief interval of repose, tyranny + would have renewed its youth like the eagles. Was it possible, then, for + William of Orange to sustain the Perpetual Edict, the compromise with Don + John? Ten thousand ghosts from the Lake of Harlem, from the famine and + plague-stricken streets of Leyden, from the smoking ruins of Antwerp, rose + to warn him against such a composition with a despotism as subtle as it + was remorseless. + </p> + <p> + It was, therefore, not the policy of William of Orange, suspecting, as he + did, Don John, abhorring Philip, doubting the Netherland nobles, confiding + only in the mass of the citizens, to give his support to the Perpetual + Edict. He was not the more satisfied because the states had concluded the + arrangement without his sanction, and against his express, advice. He + refused to publish or recognize the treaty in Holland and Zealand. A few + weeks before, he had privately laid before the states of Holland and + Zealand a series of questions, in order to test their temper, asking them, + in particular, whether they were prepared to undertake a new and + sanguinary war for the sake of their religion, even although their other + privileges should be recognised by the new government, and a long and + earnest debate had ensued, of a satisfactory nature, although no positive + resolution was passed upon the subject. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Perpetual Edict had been signed, the states-general had + sent to the Prince, requesting his opinion and demanding his sanction. + Orange, in the name of Holland and Zealand, instantly returned an + elaborate answer, taking grave exceptions to the whole tenor of the Edict. + He complained that the constitution of the land was violated, because the + ancient privilege of the states-general to assemble at their pleasure, had + been invaded, and because the laws of every province were set at nought by + the continued imprisonment of Count Van Buren, who had committed no crime, + and whose detention proved that no man, whatever might be promised, could + expect security for life or liberty. The ratification of the Ghent treaty, + it was insisted, was in no wise distinct and categorical, but was made + dependent on a crowd of deceitful subterfuges. He inveighed bitterly + against the stipulation in the Edict, that the states should pay the wages + of the soldiers, whom they had just proclaimed to be knaves and rebels, + and at whose hands they had suffered such monstrous injuries. He denounced + the cowardice which could permit this band of hirelings to retire with so + much jewelry, merchandize, and plate, the result of their robberies. He + expressed, however, in the name of the two provinces, a willingness to + sign the Edict, provided the states-general would agree solemnly + beforehand, in case the departure of the Spaniards did not take place + within the stipulated tune, to abstain from all recognition of, or + communication with, Don John, and themselves to accomplish the removal of + the troops by force of arms. + </p> + <p> + Such was the first and solemn manifesto made by the Prince in reply to the + Perpetual Edict; the states of Holland and Zealand uniting heart and hand + in all that he thought, wrote, and said. His private sentiments were in + strict accordance with the opinions thus publicly recorded. "Whatever + appearance Don John may assume to the contrary," wrote the Prince to his + brother, "'tis by no means his intention to maintain the Pacification, and + less still to cause the Spaniards to depart, with whom he keeps up the + most strict correspondence possible." + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the Governor was most anxious to conciliate the Prince. + He was most earnest to win the friendship of the man without whom every + attempt to recover Holland and Zealand, and to re-establish royal and + ecclesiastical tyranny, he knew to be hopeless. "This is the pilot," wrote + Don John to Philip, "who guides the bark. He alone can destroy or save it. + The greatest obstacles would be removed if he could be gained." He had + proposed, and Philip had approved the proposition, that the Count Van + Buren should be clothed with his father's dignities, on condition that the + Prince should himself retire into Germany. It was soon evident, however, + that such a proposition would meet with little favor, the office of father + of his country and protector of her liberties not being transferable. + </p> + <p> + While at Louvain, whither he had gone after the publication of the + Perpetual Edict, Don John had conferred with the Duke of Aerschot, and + they had decided that it would be well to send Doctor Leoninus on a + private mission to the Prince. Previously to his departure on this errand, + the learned envoy had therefore a full conversation with the Governor. He + was charged to represent to the Prince the dangers to which Don John had + exposed himself in coming from Spain to effect the pacification of the + Netherlands. Leoninus was instructed to give assurance that the treaty + just concluded should be maintained, that the Spaniards should depart, + that all other promises should be inviolably kept, and that the Governor + would take up arms against all who should oppose the fulfilment of his + engagements. He was to represent that Don John, in proof of his own + fidelity, had placed himself in the power of the states. He was to + intimate to the Prince that an opportunity was now offered him to do the + crown a service, in recompence for which he would obtain, not only pardon + for his faults, but the favor of the monarch, and all the honors which + could be desired; that by so doing he would assure the future prosperity + of his family; that Don John would be his good friend, and, as such; would + do more for him than he could imagine. The envoy was also to impress upon + the Prince, that if he persisted in his opposition every man's hand would + be against him, and the ruin of his house inevitable. He was to protest + that Don John came but to forgive and to forget, to restore the ancient + government and the ancient prosperity, so that, if it was for those + objects the Prince had taken up arms, it was now his duty to lay them + down, and to do his utmost to maintain peace and the Catholic religion. + Finally, the envoy was to intimate that if he chose to write to Don John, + he might be sure to receive a satisfactory answer. In these pacific + instructions and friendly expressions, Don John was sincere. "The name of + your Majesty," said he, plainly, in giving an account of this mission to + the King, "is as much abhorred and despised in the Netherlands as that of + the Prince of Orange is loved and feared. I am negotiating with him, and + giving him every security, for I see that the establishment of peace, as + well as the maintenance of the Catholic religion, and the obedience to + your Majesty, depend now upon him. Things have reached that pass that 'tis + necessary to make a virtue of necessity. If he lend an ear to my + proposals, it will be only upon very advantageous conditions, but to these + it will be necessary to submit, rather than to lose everything." + </p> + <p> + Don John was in earnest; unfortunately he was not aware that the Prince + was in earnest also. The crusader, who had sunk thirty thousand paynims at + a blow, and who was dreaming of the Queen of Scotland and the throne of + England, had not room in his mind to entertain the image of a patriot. + Royal favors, family prosperity, dignities, offices, orders, advantageous + conditions, these were the baits with which the Governor angled for + William of Orange. He did not comprehend that attachment to a half-drowned + land and to a despised religion, could possibly stand in the way of those + advantageous conditions and that brilliant future. He did not imagine that + the rebel, once assured not only of pardon but of advancement, could + hesitate to refuse the royal hand thus amicably offered. Don John had not + accurately measured his great antagonist. + </p> + <p> + The results of the successive missions which he despatched to the Prince + were destined to enlighten him. In the course of the first conversation + between Leoninus and the Prince at Middelburg, the envoy urged that Don + John had entered the Netherlands without troops, that he had placed + himself in the power of the Duke of Aerschot, that he had since come to + Louvain without any security but the promise of the citizens and of the + students; and that all these things proved the sincerity of his + intentions. He entreated the Prince not to let slip so favorable an + opportunity for placing his house above the reach of every unfavorable + chance, spoke to him of Marius, Sylla, Julius Caesar, and other promoters + of civil wars, and on retiring for the day, begged him to think gravely on + what he had thus suggested, and to pray that God might inspire him with + good resolutions. + </p> + <p> + Next day, William informed the envoy that, having prayed to God for + assistance, he was more than ever convinced of his obligation to lay the + whole matter before the states, whose servant he was. He added, that he + could not forget the deaths of Egmont and Horn, nor the manner in which + the promise made to the confederate nobles by the Duchess of Parma, had + been visited, nor the conduct of the French monarch towards Admiral + Coligny. He spoke of information which he had received from all quarters, + from Spain, France, and Italy, that there was a determination to make war + upon him and upon the states of Holland and Zealand. He added that they + were taking their measures in consequence, and that they were well aware + that a Papal nuncio had arrived in the Netherlands, to intrigue against + them. In the evening, the Prince complained that the estates had been so + precipitate in concluding their arrangement with Don John. He mentioned + several articles in the treaty which were calculated to excite distrust; + dwelling particularly on the engagement entered into by the estates to + maintain the Catholic religion. This article he declared to be in direct + contravention to the Ghent treaty, by which this point was left to the + decision of a future assembly of the estates-general. Leoninus essayed, as + well as he could, to dispute these positions. In their last interview, the + Prince persisted in his intention of laying the whole matter before the + states of Holland and Zealand. Not to do so, he said, would be to expose + himself to ruin on one side, and on the other, to the indignation of those + who might suspect him of betraying them. The envoy begged to be informed + if any hope could be entertained of a future arrangement. Orange replied + that he had no expectation of any, but advised Doctor Leoninus to be + present at Dort when the estates should assemble. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding the unfavorable result, of this mission, Don John did not + even yet despair of bending the stubborn character of the Prince. He hoped + that, if a personal interview between them could be arranged, he should be + able to remove many causes of suspicion from the mind of his adversary. + "In such times as these," wrote the Governor to Philip, "we can make no + election, nor do I see any remedy to preserve the state from destruction, + save to gain over this man, who has so much influence with the nation." + The Prince had, in truth, the whole game in his hands. There was scarcely + a living creature in Holland and Zealand who was not willing to be bound + by his decision in every emergency. Throughout the rest of the provinces, + the mass of the people looked up to him with absolute confidence, the + clergy and the prominent nobles respecting and fearing him, even while + they secretly attempted to thwart his designs. Possessing dictatorial + power in two provinces, vast influences in the other fifteen, nothing + could be easier for him than to betray his country. The time was + singularly propitious. The revengeful King was almost on his knees to the + denounced rebel. Everything was proffered: pardon, advancement, power. An + indefinite vista was opened. "You cannot imagine," said Don John, "how + much it will be within my ability to do for you." The Governor was + extremely anxious to purchase the only enemy whom Philip feared. The + Prince had nothing personally to gain by a continuance of the contest. The + ban, outlawry, degradation, pecuniary ruin, assassination, martyrdom—these + were the only guerdons he could anticipate. He had much to lose: but + yesterday loaded with dignities, surrounded by pomp and luxury, with many + children to inherit his worldly gear, could he not recover all; and more + than all, to-day? What service had he to render in exchange? A mere + nothing. He had but to abandon the convictions of a lifetime, and to + betray a million or two of hearts which trusted him. + </p> + <p> + As to the promises made by the Governor to rule the country with + gentleness, the Prince could not do otherwise than commend the intention, + even while distrusting the fulfilment. In his reply to the two letters of + Don John, he thanked his Highness, with what seemed a grave irony, for the + benign courtesy and signal honor which he had manifested to him, by + inviting him so humanely and so carefully to a tranquil life, wherein, + according to his Highness, consisted the perfection of felicity in this + mortal existence, and by promising him so liberally favor and grace. He + stated, however, with earnestness, that the promises in regard to the + pacification of the poor Netherland people were much more important. He + had ever expected, he said, beyond all comparison, the welfare and + security of the public before his own; "having always placed his + particular interests under his foot, even as he was still resolved to do, + as long as life should endure." + </p> + <p> + Thus did William of Orange receive the private advances made by the + government towards himself. Meantime, Don John of Austria came to Louvain. + Until the preliminary conditions of the Perpetual Edict had been + fulfilled, and the Spanish troops sent out of the country, he was not to + be received as Governor-General, but it seemed unbecoming for him to + remain longer upon the threshold of the provinces. He therefore advanced + into the heart of the country, trusting himself without troops to the + loyalty of the people, and manifesting a show of chivalrous confidence + which he was far from feeling. He was soon surrounded by courtiers, + time-servers, noble office-seekers. They who had kept themselves + invisible, so long as the issue of a perplexed negotiation seemed + doubtful, now became obsequious and inevitable as his shadow. One grand + seignior wanted a regiment, another a government, a third a chamberlain's + key; all wanted titles, ribbons, offices, livery, wages. Don John + distributed favors and promises with vast liberality. The object with + which Philip had sent him to the Netherlands, that he might conciliate the + hearts of its inhabitants by the personal graces which he had inherited + from his imperial father, seemed in a fair way of accomplishment, for it + was not only the venal applause of titled sycophants that he strove to + merit, but he mingled gaily and familiarly with all classes of citizens. + Everywhere his handsome face and charming manner produced their natural + effect. He dined and supped with the magistrates in the Town-house, + honored general banquets of the burghers with his presence, and was + affable and dignified, witty, fascinating, and commanding, by turns. At + Louvain, the five military guilds held a solemn festival. The usual + invitations were sent to the other societies, and to all the martial + brotherhoods, the country round. Gay and gaudy processions, sumptuous + banquets, military sports, rapidly succeeded each other. Upon the day of + the great trial of skill; all the high functionaries of the land were, + according to custom, invited, and the Governor was graciously pleased to + honor the solemnity with his presence. Great was the joy of the multitude + when Don John, complying with the habit of imperial and princely + personages in former days, enrolled himself, cross-bow in hand, among the + competitors. Greater still was the enthusiasm, when the conqueror of + Lepanto brought down the bird, and was proclaimed king of the year, amid + the tumultuous hilarity of the crowd. According to custom, the captains of + the guild suspended a golden popinjay around the neck of his Highness, and + placing themselves in procession, followed him to the great church. + Thence, after the customary religious exercises, the multitude proceeded + to the banquet, where the health of the new king of the cross-bowmen was + pledged in deep potations. Long and loud was the merriment of this + initiatory festival, to which many feasts succeeded during those brief but + halcyon days, for the good-natured Netherlanders already believed in the + blessed advent of peace. They did not dream that the war, which had been + consuming the marrow of their commonwealth for ten flaming years, was but + in its infancy, and that neither they nor their children were destined to + see its close. + </p> + <p> + For the moment, however, all was hilarity at Louvain. The Governor, by his + engaging deportment, awoke many reminiscences of the once popular Emperor. + He expressed unbounded affection for the commonwealth, and perfect + confidence in the loyalty of the inhabitants. He promised to maintain + their liberties, and to restore their prosperity. Moreover, he had just + hit the popinjay with a skill which his imperial father might have envied, + and presided at burgher banquets with a grace which Charles could have + hardly matched. His personal graces, for the moment, took the rank of + virtues. "Such were the beauty and vivacity of his eyes," says his privy + councillor, Tassis, "that with a single glance he made all hearts his + own," yet, nevertheless, the predestined victim secretly felt himself the + object of a marksman who had no time for painted popinjays, but who rarely + missed his aim. "The whole country is at the devotion of the Prince, and + nearly every one of its inhabitants;" such was his secret language to his + royal brother, at the very moment of the exuberant manifestations which + preceded his own entrance to Brussels. + </p> + <p> + While the Governor still tarried at Louvain, his secretary, Escovedo, was + busily engaged in arranging the departure of the Spaniards, for, + notwithstanding his original reluctance and the suspicions of Orange, Don + John loyally intended to keep his promise. He even advanced twenty-seven + thousand florins towards the expense of their removal, but to raise the + whole amount required for transportation and arrears, was a difficult + matter. The estates were slow in providing the one hundred and fifty + thousand florins which they had stipulated to furnish. The King's credit, + moreover, was at a very low, ebb. His previous bonds had not been duly + honored, and there had even been instances of royal repudiation, which by + no means lightened the task of the financier, in effecting the new loans + required. Escovedo was very blunt in his language upon this topic, and + both Don John and himself urged punctuality in all future payments. They + entreated that the bills drawn in Philip's name upon Lombardy bankers, and + discounted at a heavy rate of interest, by the Fuggers of Antwerp, might + be duly provided for at maturity. "I earnestly beg," said Escovedo, "that + your Majesty will see to the payment of these bills, at all events;" + adding, with amusing simplicity, "this will be a means of recovering your + Majesty's credit, and as for my own; I don't care to lose it, small though + it be." Don John was even more solicitous. "For the love of God, Sire," he + wrote, "do not be delinquent now. You must reflect upon the necessity of + recovering your credit. If this receives now the final blow, all will + desert your Majesty, and the soldiers too will be driven to desperation." + </p> + <p> + By dint of great diligence on the part of Escovedo, and through the + confidence reposed in his character, the necessary funds were raised in + the course of a few weeks. There was, however, a difficulty among the + officers, as to the right of commanding the army on the homeward march. + Don Alonzo de Vargas, as chief of the cavalry, was appointed to the post + by the Governor, but Valdez, Romero, and other veterans, indignantly + refused to serve under one whom they declared their inferior officer. + There was much altercation and heartburning, and an attempt was made to + compromise the matter by the appointment of Count Mansfeld to the chief + command. This was, however, only adding fuel to the flames. All were + dissatisfied with the superiority accorded to a foreigner, and Alonzo de + Vargas, especially offended, addressed most insolent language to the + Governor. Nevertheless, the arrangement was maintained, and the troops + finally took their departure from the country, in the latter days of + April. A vast concourse of citizens witnessed their departure, and could + hardly believe their eyes, as they saw this incubus at last rolling off, + by which the land had so many years been crushed. Their joy, although + extravagant, was, however, limited by the reflection that ten thousand + Germans still remained in the provinces, attached to the royal service, + and that there was even yet a possibility that the departure of the + Spaniards was a feint. In truth, Escovedo, although seconding the orders + of Don John, to procure the removal of these troops, did not scruple to + express his regret to the King, and his doubts as to the result. He had + been ever in hopes that an excuse might be found in the condition of + affairs in France, to justify the retention of the forces near that + frontier. He assured the King that he felt very doubtful as to what turn + matters might take, after the soldiers were gone, seeing the great + unruliness which even their presence had been insufficient completely to + check. He had hoped that they might be retained in the neighbourhood, + ready to seize the islands at the first opportunity. "For my part," he + wrote, "I care nothing for the occupation of places within the interior, + but the islands must be secured. To do this," he continued, with a + deceitful allusion to the secret projects of Don John, "is, in my opinion, + more difficult than to effect the scheme upon England. If the one were + accomplished, the other would be easily enough managed, and would require + but moderate means. Let not your Majesty suppose that I say this as + favoring the plan of Don John, for this I put entirely behind me." + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding these suspicions on the part of the people, this + reluctance on the part of then government, the troops readily took up + their line of march, and never paused till they reached Lombardy. Don John + wrote repeatedly to the King, warmly urging the claims of these veterans, + and of their distinguished officers, Romero, Avila, Valdez, Montesdocca, + Verdugo, Mondragon, and others, to his bountiful consideration. They had + departed in very ill humour, not having received any recompense for their + long and arduous services. Certainly, if unflinching endurance, desperate + valor, and congenial cruelty, could atone in the monarch's eyes for the + mutiny, which had at last compelled their withdrawal, then were these + laborers worthy of their hire. Don John had pacified them by assurances + that they should receive adequate rewards on their arrival in Lombardy, + and had urged the full satisfaction of their claims and his promises in + the strongest language. Although Don Alonzo de Vargas had abused him + "with-flying colors," as he expressed himself, yet he hastened to + intercede for him with the King in the most affectionate terms. "His + impatience has not surprised me," said the Governor, "although I regret + that he has been offended, far I love and esteem him much. He has served + many years with great distinction, and I can certify that his character + for purity and religion is something extraordinary." + </p> + <p> + The first scene in the withdrawal of the troops had been the evacuation of + the citadel of Antwerp, and it had been decided that the command of this + most important fortress should be conferred upon the Duke of Aerschot. His + claims as commander-in-chief, under the authority of the State Council, + and as chief of the Catholic nobility, could hardly be passed over, yet he + was a man whom neither party trusted. He was too visibly governed by + interested motives. Arrogant where he felt secure of his own, or doubtful + as to another's position, he could be supple and cringing when the + relations changed. He refused an interview with William of Orange before + consulting with Don John, and solicited one afterwards when he found that + every effort was to be made to conciliate the Prince. He was insolent to + the Governor-General himself in February, and respectful in March. He + usurped the first place in the church, before Don John had been + acknowledged Governor, and was the first to go forth to welcome him after + the matter had been arranged. He made a scene of virtuous indignation in + the State Council, because he was accused of place-hunting, but was + diligent to secure an office of the highest dignity which the Governor + could bestow. Whatever may have been his merits, it is certain that he + inspired confidence neither in the adherents of the King nor of the + Prince; while he by turns professed the warmest regard both to the one + party and the other. Spaniards and patriots, Protestants and Catholics, + suspected the man at the same moment, and ever attributed to his conduct a + meaning which was the reverse of the apparent. Such is often the judgment + passed upon those who fish in troubled waters only to fill their own nets. + </p> + <p> + The Duke, however, was appointed Governor of the citadel. Sancho d'Avila, + the former constable, refused, with Castillian haughtiness, to surrender + the place to his successor, but appointed his lieutenant, Martin d'Oyo, to + perform that ceremony. Escovedo, standing upon the drawbridge with + Aerschot, administered the oath: "I, Philip, Duke of Aerschot," said the + new constable, "solemnly swear to hold this castle for the King, and for + no others." To which Escovedo added, "God help you, with all his angels, + if you keep your oath; if not, may the Devil carry you away, body and + soul." The few bystanders cried Amen; and with this hasty ceremony, the + keys were delivered, the prisoners, Egmont, Capres, Goignies, and others, + liberated, and the Spaniards ordered to march forth. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + A terrible animal, indeed, is an unbridled woman + Agreements were valid only until he should repent + All Protestants were beheaded, burned, or buried alive + Arrive at their end by fraud, when violence will not avail them + Attachment to a half-drowned land and to a despised religion + Barbara Blomberg, washerwoman of Ratisbon + Believed in the blessed advent of peace + Compassing a country's emancipation through a series of defeats + Don John of Austria + Don John was at liberty to be King of England and Scotland + Ferocity which even Christians could not have surpassed + Happy to glass themselves in so brilliant a mirror + His personal graces, for the moment, took the rank of virtues + Necessary to make a virtue of necessity + One-half to Philip and one-half to the Pope and Venice (slaves) + Quite mistaken: in supposing himself the Emperor's child + Sentimentality that seems highly apocryphal + She knew too well how women were treated in that country + Those who fish in troubled waters only to fill their own nets + Worn crescents in their caps at Leyden +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG Edition, Vol. 27 THE + RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By John Lothrop Motley 1855 <a + name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. 1577 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Triumphal entrance of Don John into Brussels—Reverse of the picture + —Analysis of the secret correspondence of Don John and Escovedo + with Antonio Perez—Plots against the Governor's liberty—His + desponding language and gloomy anticipations—Recommendation of + severe measures—Position and principles of Orange and his family— + His private views on the question of peace and war—His toleration + to Catholics and Anabaptists censured by his friends—Death of + Viglius—New mission from the Governor to Orange—Details of the + Gertruydenberg conferences—Nature and results of these + negotiations—Papers exchanged between the envoys and Orange—Peter + Panis executed for heresy—Three parties in the Netherlands— + Dissimulation of Don John—His dread of capture. +</pre> + <p> + As already narrated, the soldiery had retired definitely from the country + at the end of April, after which Don John made his triumphal entrance into + Brussels on the 1st of May. It was long since so festive a May-day had + gladdened the hearts of Brabant. So much holiday magnificence had not been + seen in the Netherlands for years. A solemn procession of burghers, + preceded by six thousand troops, and garnished by the free companies of + archers and musketeers, in their picturesque costumes, escorted the young + prince along the streets of the capital. Don John was on horseback, + wrapped in a long green cloak, riding between the Bishop of Liege and the + Papal nuncio. He passed beneath countless triumphal arches. Banners waved + before him, on which the battle of Lepanto, and other striking scenes in + his life, were emblazoned. Minstrels sang verses, poets recited odes, + rhetoric clubs enacted fantastic dramas in his honor, as he rode along. + Young virgins crowned him with laurels. Fair women innumerable were + clustered at every window, roof, and balcony, their bright robes floating + like summer clouds above him. "Softly from those lovely clouds," says a + gallant chronicler, "descended the gentle rain of flowers." Garlands were + strewed before his feet, laurelled victory sat upon his brow. The same + conventional enthusiasm and decoration which had characterized the holiday + marches of a thousand conventional heroes were successfully produced. The + proceedings began with the church, and ended with the banquet, the day was + propitious, the populace pleased, and after a brilliant festival, Don John + of Austria saw himself Governor-General of the provinces. + </p> + <p> + Three days afterwards, the customary oaths, to be kept with the customary + conscientiousness, were rendered at the Town House, and for a brief moment + all seemed smiling and serene. + </p> + <p> + There was a reverse to the picture. In truth, no language can describe the + hatred which Don John entertained for the Netherlands and all the + inhabitants. He had come to the country only as a stepping-stone to the + English throne, and he never spoke, in his private letters, of the + provinces or the people but in terms of abhorrence. He was in a "Babylon + of disgust," in a "Hell," surrounded by "drunkards," "wineskins," + "scoundrels," and the like. From the moment of his arrival he had strained + every nerve to retain the Spanish troops, and to send them away by sea + when it should be no longer feasible to keep them. Escovedo shared in the + sentiments and entered fully into the schemes of his chief. The plot, the + secret enterprise, was the great cause of the advent of Don John in the + uncongenial clime of Flanders. It had been, therefore, highly important, + in his estimation, to set, as soon as possible, about the accomplishment + of this important business. He accordingly entered into correspondence + with Antonio Perez, the King's most confidential Secretary of State at + that period. That the Governor was plotting no treason is sufficiently + obvious from the context of his letters: At the same time, with the + expansiveness of his character, when he was dealing with one whom he + deemed has close and trusty friend, he occasionally made use of + expressions which might be made to seem equivocal. This was still more the + case with poor Escovedo. Devoted to his master, and depending most + implicitly upon the honor of Perez, he indulged in language which might be + tortured into a still more suspicious shape when the devilish arts of + Perez and the universal distrust of Philip were tending steadily to that + end. For Perez—on the whole, the boldest, deepest, and most + unscrupulous villain in that pit of duplicity, the Spanish court—was + engaged at that moment with Philip, in a plot to draw from Don John and + Escovedo, by means of this correspondence, the proofs of a treason which + the King and minister both desired to find. The letters from Spain were + written with this view—those from Flanders were interpreted to that + end. Every confidential letter received by Perez was immediately laid by + him before the King, every letter which the artful demon wrote was filled + with hints as to the danger of the King's learning the existence of the + correspondence, and with promises of profound secrecy upon his own part, + and was then immediately placed in Philip's hands, to receive his comments + and criticisms, before being copied and despatched to the Netherlands. The + minister was playing a bold, murderous, and treacherous game, and played + it in a masterly manner. Escovedo was lured to his destruction, Don John + was made to fret his heart away, and Philip—more deceived than all—was + betrayed in what he considered his affections, and made the mere tool of a + man as false as himself and infinitely more accomplished. + </p> + <p> + Almost immediately after the arrival of Don John in the Netherlands; he + had begun to express the greatest impatience for Escovedo, who had not + been able to accompany his master upon his journey, but without whose + assistance the Governor could accomplish none of his undertakings. "Being + a man, not an angel, I cannot do all which I have to do," said he to + Perez, "without a single person in whom I can confide." He protested that + he could do no more than he was then doing. He went to bed at twelve and + rose at seven, without having an hour in the day in which to take his food + regularly; in consequence of all which he had already had three fevers. He + was plunged into a world of distrust. Every man suspected him, and he had + himself no confidence in a single individual throughout that whole Babylon + of disgusts. He observed to Perez that he was at liberty to show his + letters to the King, or to read them in the Council, as he meant always to + speak the truth in whatever he should write. He was sure that Perez would + do all for the best; and there is something touching in these expressions + of an honest purpose towards Philip, and of generous confidence in Perez, + while the two were thus artfully attempting to inveigle him into damaging + revelations. The Netherlanders certainly had small cause to love or trust + their new Governor, who very sincerely detested and suspected them, but + Philip had little reason to complain of his brother. "Tell me if my + letters are read in Council, and what his Majesty says about them," he + wrote; "and, above all, send money. I am driven to desperation at finding + myself sold to this people, utterly unprovided as I am, and knowing the + slow manner in which all affairs are conducted in Spain." + </p> + <p> + He informed the King that there was but one man in the Netherlands, and + that he was called the Prince of Orange. To him everything was + communicated, with him everything was negotiated, opinions expressed by + him were implicitly followed. The Governor vividly described the + misgivings with which he had placed himself in the power of the states by + going to Louvain, and the reluctance with which he had consented to send + away the troops. After this concession, he complained that the insolence + of the states had increased. "They think that they can do and undo what + they like, now that I am at their mercy," he wrote to Philip. + "Nevertheless, I do what you command without regarding that I am sold, and + that I am in great danger of losing, my liberty, a loss which I dread more + than anything in the world, for I wish to remain justified before God and + men." He expressed, however, no hopes as to the result. Disrespect and + rudeness could be pushed no further than it had already gone, while the + Prince of Orange, the actual governor of the country, considered his own + preservation dependent upon maintaining things as they then were. Don + John, therefore, advised the King steadily to make preparations for "a + rude and terrible war," which was not to be avoided, save by a miracle, + and which ought not—to find him in this unprepared state. He + protested that it was impossible to exaggerate the boldness which the + people felt at seeing him thus defenseless. "They say publicly," he + continued, "that your Majesty is not to be feared, not being capable of + carrying on a war, and having consumed and exhausted every resource. One + of the greatest injuries ever inflicted upon us was by Marquis Havre, who, + after his return from Spain, went about publishing everywhere the poverty + of the royal exchequer. This has emboldened them to rise, for they believe + that, whatever the disposition, there is no strength to chastise them. + They see a proof of the correctness of their reasoning in the absence of + new levies, and in the heavy arrearages due to the old troops." + </p> + <p> + He protested that he desired, at least, to be equal to the enemy, without + asking, as others had usually done, for double the amount of the hostile + force. He gave a glance at the foreign complications of the Netherlands, + telling Philip that the estates were intriguing both with France and + England. The English envoy had expressed much uneasiness at the possible + departure of the Spanish troops from the Netherlands by sea, coupling it + with a probable attempt to liberate the Queen of Scots. Don John, who had + come to the provinces for no other purpose, and whose soul had been full + of that romantic scheme, of course stoutly denied and ridiculed the idea. + "Such notions," he had said to the envoy, "were subjects for laughter. If + the troops were removed from the country, it was to strengthen his + Majesty's force in the Levant." Mr. Rogers, much comforted, had expressed + the warm friendship which Elizabeth entertained both for his Majesty and + his Majesty's representative; protestations which could hardly seem very + sincere, after the series of attempts at the Queen's life, undertaken so + recently by his Majesty and his Majesty's former representative. + Nevertheless, Don John had responded with great cordiality, had begged for + Elizabeth's portrait, and had expressed the intention, if affairs went as + he hoped, to go privately to England for the purpose of kissing her royal + hand. Don John further informed the King, upon the envoy's authority, that + Elizabeth had refused assistance to the estates, saying, if she stirred it + would be to render aid to Philip, especially if France should meddle in + the matter. As to France, the Governor advised Philip to hold out hopes to + Alencon of espousing the Infanta, but by no means ever to fulfil such a + promise, as the Duke, "besides being the shield of heretics, was + unscrupulously addicted to infamous vices." + </p> + <p> + A month later, Escovedo described the downfall of Don John's hopes and his + own in dismal language.—"You are aware," he wrote to Perez, "that a + throne—a chair with a canopy—is our intention and our + appetite, and all the rest is good for nothing. Having failed in our + scheme, we are desperate and like madmen. All is now weariness and death." + Having expressed himself in such desponding accents, he continued, a few + days afterwards, in the same lugubrious vein, "I am ready to hang myself," + said he, "and I would have done it already, if it were not for keeping + myself as executioner for those who have done us so much harm. Ah, Senor + Antonio Perez!" he added, "what terrible pertinacity have those devils + shown in making us give up our plot. It seems as though Hell were opened + and had sent forth heaps of demons to oppose our schemes." After these + vigorous ejaculations he proceeded to inform his friend that the English + envoy and the estates, governed by the Prince of Orange, in whose power + were the much-coveted ships, had prevented the departure of the troops by + sea. "These devils complain of the expense," said he; "but we would + willingly swallow the cost if we could only get the ships." He then + described Don John as so cast down by his disappointment as to be fit for + nothing, and most desirous of quitting the Netherlands as soon as + possible. He had no disposition to govern these wineskins. Any one who + ruled in the provinces was obliged to do exactly what they ordered him to + do. Such rule was not to the taste of Don John. Without any comparison, a + woman would answer the purpose better than any man, and Escovedo + accordingly suggested the Empress Dowager, or Madame de Parma, or even + Madame de Lorraine. He further recommended that the Spanish troops, thus + forced to leave the Netherlands by land, should be employed against the + heretics in France. This would be a salve for the disgrace of removing + them. "It would be read in history," continued the Secretary, "that the + troops went to France in order to render assistance in a great religious + necessity; while, at the same time, they will be on hand to chastise these + drunkards, if necessary. To have the troops in France is almost as well as + to keep them here." He begged to be forgiven if he spoke incoherently. 'T + was no wonder that he should do so, for his reason had been disordered by + the blow which had been received. As for Don John, he was dying to leave + the country, and although the force was small for so great a general, yet + it would be well for him to lead these troops to France in person. "It + would sound well in history," said poor Escovedo, who always thought of + posterity, without ever dreaming that his own private letters would be + destined, after three centuries, to comment and earnest investigation; "it + would sound well in history, that Don John went to restore, the French + kingdom and to extirpate heretics, with six thousand foot and two thousand + horse. 'Tis a better employment, too, than to govern such vile creatures + as these." + </p> + <p> + If, however, all their plans should fail, the Secretary suggested to his + friend Antonio, that he must see and make courtiers of them. He suggested + that a strong administration might be formed in Spain, with Don John, the + Marquis de Los Velez, and the Duke of Sesa. "With such chiefs, and with + Anthony and John—[Viz., John of Escovedo and Antony Perez.]—for + acolytes," he was of opinion that much good work might be done, and that + Don John might become "the staff for his Majesty's old age." He implored + Perez, in the most urgent language, to procure Philip's consent that his + brother should leave the provinces. "Otherwise," said he, "we shall see + the destruction of the friend whom we so much love! He will become + seriously ill, and if so, good night to him! His body is too delicate." + Escovedo protested that he would rather die himself. "In the catastrophe + of Don John's death," he continued, "adieu the court, adieu the world!" He + would incontinently bury himself among the mountains of San Sebastian, + "preferring to dwell among wild animals than among courtiers." Escovedo, + accordingly, not urged by the most disinterested motives certainly, but + with as warm a friendship for his master as princes usually inspire, + proceeded to urge upon Perez the necessity of, aiding the man who was able + to help them. The first step was to get him out of the Netherlands. That + was his constant thought, by day and night. As it would hardly be + desirable for him to go alone, it seemed proper that Escovedo should, upon + some pretext, be first sent to Spain. Such a pretext would be easily + found, because, as Don John had accepted the government, "it would be + necessary for him to do all which the rascals bade him." After these + minute statements, the Secretary warned his correspondent of the necessity + of secrecy, adding that he especially feared "all the court ladies, great + and small, but that he in everything confided entirely in Perez." + </p> + <p> + Nearly at the same time, Don John wrote to Perez in a similar tone. "Ah, + Senor Antonio," he exclaimed, "how certain is my disgrace and my + misfortune. Ruined is our enterprise, after so much labor and such skilful + management." He was to have commenced the work with the very Spanish + soldiers who were now to be sent off by land, and he had nothing for it + but to let them go, or to come to an open rupture with the states. "The + last, his conscience, his duty, and the time, alike forbade." He was + therefore obliged to submit to the ruin of his plans, and "could think of + nothing save to turn hermit, a condition in which a man's labors, being + spiritual, might not be entirely in vain." He was so overwhelmed by the + blow, he said, that he was constantly thinking of an anchorite's life. + That which he had been leading had become intolerable. He was not fitted + for the people of the Netherlands, nor they for him. Rather than stay + longer than was necessary in order to appoint his successor, there was no + resolution he might not take, even to leaving everything and coming upon + them when they least expected him, although he were to receive a bloody + punishment in consequence. He, too, suggested the Empress, who had all the + qualities which he lacked himself, or Madame de Parma, or Madame de + Lorraine, as each of them was more fit to govern the provinces than he + pretended to be. "The people," said he, plainly, "are beginning to abhor + me, and I abhor them already." He entreated Perez to get him out of the + country by fair means or foul, "per fas aut per nefas." His friends ought + to procure his liberation, if they wished to save him from the sin of + disobedience, and even of infamy. He expressed the most unbounded + confidence in the honor of his correspondent, adding that if nothing else + could procure his release, the letter might be shown to the King. In + general, the Governor was always willing that Perez should make what + changes he thought advisable in the letters for his Majesty, altering or + softening whatever seemed crude or harsh, provided always the main point—that + of procuring his recal—were steadily kept in view, in this, said the + Governor, vehemently, my life, my honor, and my soul are all at stake; for + as to the two first, I shall forfeit them both certainly, and, in my + desperate condition, I shall run great risk of losing the last. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, Perez was profuse in his professions of friendship both + to Don John and to Escovedo; dilating in all his letters upon the + difficulty of approaching the King upon the subject of his brother's + recal, but giving occasional information that an incidental hint had been + ventured which might not remain without effect. All these letters, were, + however, laid before Philip, for his approval, before being despatched, + and the whole subject thoroughly and perpetually discussed between them, + about which Perez pretended that he hardly dared breathe a syllable to his + Majesty. He had done what he could, he said, while reading, piece by + piece, to the King, during a fit of the gout, the official despatches from + the Netherlands, to insinuate such of the arguments used by the Governor + and Escovedo as might seem admissible, but it was soon obvious that no + impression could be made upon the royal mind. Perez did not urge the + matter, therefore, "because," said he, "if the King should suspect that we + had any other object than his interests, we should all be lost." Every + effort should be made by Don John and all his friends to secure his + Majesty's entire confidence, since by that course more progress would be + made in their secret plans, than by proceedings concerning which the + Governor wrote "with such fury and anxiety of heart." Perez warned his + correspondent, therefore, most solemnly, against the danger of "striking + the blow without hitting the mark," and tried to persuade him that his + best interests required him to protract his residence in the provinces for + a longer period. He informed Don John that his disappointment as to the + English scheme had met with the warmest sympathy of the King, who had + wished his brother success. "I have sold to him, at as high a price as I + could," said Perez, "the magnanimity with which your Highness had + sacrificed, on that occasion, a private object to his service." + </p> + <p> + The minister held the same language, when writing, in a still more + intimate and expansive style, to Escovedo. "We must avoid, by a thousand—leagues, + the possibility of the King's thinking us influenced by private motives," + he observed; "for we know the King and the delicacy of these matters. The + only way to gain the good-will of the man is carefully to accommodate + ourselves to his tastes, and to have the appearance of being occupied + solely with his interests." The letter, like all the rest, being submitted + to "the man" in question before being sent, was underlined by him at this + paragraph and furnished with the following annotation: "but you must + enlarge upon the passage which I have marked—say more, even if you + are obliged to copy the letter, in order that we may see the nature of the + reply." + </p> + <p> + In another letter to Escovedo, Perez enlarged upon the impropriety, the + impossibility of Don John's leaving the Netherlands at that time. The King + was so resolute upon that point, he said, that 'twas out of the question + to suggest the matter. "We should, by so doing, only lose all credit with + him in other things. You know what a terrible man he is; if he should once + suspect us of having a private end in view, we should entirely miss our + mark." Especially the secretary was made acquainted with the enormous + error which would be committed by Don John in leaving his post. + </p> + <p> + Perez "had ventured into the water" upon the subject, he said, by praising + the Governor warmly to his Majesty. The King had responded by a hearty + eulogium, adding that the greatest comfort in having such a brother was, + that he might be where his Majesty could not be. Therefore, it was out of + the question for Don John to leave the provinces. The greatest tact was + necessary, urged Perez, in dealing with the King. If he should once + "suspect that we have a private purpose, we are lost, and no Demosthenes + or Cicero would be able to influence him afterwards." Perez begged that + his ardent attachment to Don John might be represented in the strongest + colors to that high personage, who was to be assured that every effort + would be made to place him at the head of affairs in Spain, according to + the suggestion of Escovedo. "It would never do, however," he continued, + "to let our man see that we desire it, for then we should never succeed. + The only way to conquer him is to make him believe that things are going + on as he wishes, not as his Highness may desire, and that we have none of + us any will but the King's." Upon this passage the "terrible man" made a + brief annotation: "this paragraph does admirably," he said, adding, with + characteristic tautology, "and what you say in it is also excellent." + </p> + <p> + "Therefore," continued the minister, "God forbid, Master Escovedo, that + you should come hither now; for we should all be lost. In the English + matter, I assure you that his Majesty was extremely anxious that the plan + should succeed, either through the Pope, or otherwise. That puts me in + mind," added Perez, "to say, body of God! Senor Escovedo! how the devil + came you to send that courier to Rome about the English plot without + giving me warning?" He then proceeded to state that the papal nuncio in + Spain had been much troubled in mind upon the subject, and had sent for + him. "I went," said Perez, "and after he, had closed the door, and looked + through the keyhole to see that there were no listeners, he informed me + that he had received intelligence from the Pope as to the demands made by + Don John upon his Holiness for bulls, briefs, and money to assist him in + his English scheme, and that eighty thousand ducats had already been sent + to him in consequence." Perez added that the nuncio was very anxious to + know how the affair should best be communicated to the King, without + prejudice to his Highness. He had given him the requisite advice, he + continued, and had himself subsequently told the King that, no doubt, + letters had been written by Don John to his Majesty, communicating these + negotiations at Rome, but that probably the despatches had been forgotten. + Thus, giving himself the appearance of having smoothed the matter with the + King, Perez concluded with a practical suggestion of much importance—the + necessity, namely, of procuring the assassination of the Prince of Orange + as soon as possible. "Let it never be absent from your mind," said he, + "that a good occasion must be found for finishing Orange, since, besides + the service which will thus be rendered to our master, and to the states, + it will be worth something to ourselves." + </p> + <p> + No apology is necessary for laying a somewhat extensive analysis of this + secret correspondence before the reader. If there be any value in the + examples of history, certainly few chronicles can furnish a more + instructive moral. Here are a despotic king and his confidential minister + laying their heads together in one cabinet; the viceroy of the most + important provinces of the realm, with his secretary, deeply conferring in + another, not as to the manner of advancing the great interests, moral or + material, of the people over whom God has permitted them to rule, but as + to the best means of arranging conspiracies against the throne and life of + a neighboring sovereign, with the connivance and subsidies of the Pope. In + this scheme, and in this only, the high conspirators are agreed. In every + other respect, mutual suspicion and profound deceit characterize the + scene. The Governor is filled with inexpressible loathing for the whole + nation of "drunkards and wineskins" who are at the very moment strewing + flowers in his path, and deafening his ears with shouts of welcome; the + king, while expressing unbounded confidence in the viceroy, is doing his + utmost, through the agency of the subtlest intriguer in the world, to + inveigle him into confessions of treasonable schemes, and the minister is + filling reams of paper with protestations of affection for the governor + and secretary, with sneers at the character of the King, and with + instructions as to the best method of deceiving him, and then laying the + despatches before his Majesty for correction and enlargement. To complete + the picture, the monarch and his minister are seen urging the necessity of + murdering the foremost man of the age upon the very dupe who, within a + twelvemonth, was himself to be assassinated by the self-same pair; while + the arch-plotter who controls the strings of all these complicated + projects is equally false to King, Governor, and Secretary, and is + engaging all the others in these blind and tortuous paths, for the + accomplishment of his own secret and most ignoble aims. + </p> + <p> + In reply to the letters of Perez, Don John constantly expressed the + satisfaction and comfort which he derived from them in the midst of his + annoyances. "He was very disconsolate," he said, "to be in that hell, and + to be obliged to remain in it," now that the English plot had fallen to + the ground, but he would nevertheless take patience, and wait for a more + favorable conjuncture. + </p> + <p> + Escovedo expressed the opinion, however, notwithstanding all the + suggestions of Perez, that the presence of Don John in the provinces had + become entirely superfluous. "An old woman with her distaff," suggested + the Secretary, "would be more appropriate; for there would be nothing to + do, if the states had their way, save to sign everything which they should + command." If there should be war, his Highness would, of course, not + abandon his post; even if permitted to do so; but otherwise, nothing could + be gained by a prolonged residence. As to the scheme of assassinating the + Prince of Orange, Escovedo prayed Perez to believe him incapable of + negligence on the subject. "You know that the finishing of Orange is very + near my heart," wrote the poor dupe to the man by whom he was himself so + soon to be finished. "You may believe that I have never forgotten it, and + never will forget it, until it be done. Much, and very much artifice is, + however, necessary to accomplish this object. A proper person to undertake + a task fraught with such well-known danger, is hard to find. Nevertheless, + I will not withdraw my attention from the subject till such a person be + procured, and the deed be done." + </p> + <p> + A month later, Escovedo wrote that he was about to visit Spain. He + complained that he required rest in his old age, but that Perez could + judge how much rest he could get in such a condition of affairs. He was, + unfortunately, not aware, when he wrote, how soon his correspondent was to + give him a long repose. He said, too, that the pleasure of visiting his + home was counterbalanced by the necessity of travelling back to the + Netherlands; but he did not know that Perez was to spare him that trouble, + and to send him forth upon a much longer journey. + </p> + <p> + The Governor-General, had, in truth, not inspired the popular party or its + leader with confidence, nor did he place the least reliance upon them. + While at Louvain, he had complained that a conspiracy had been formed + against his life and liberty. Two French gentlemen, Bonnivet and + Bellangreville, had been arrested on suspicion of a conspiracy to secure + his person, and to carry him off a prisoner to Rochelle. Nothing came of + the examination which followed; the prisoners were released, and an + apology was sent by the states-general to the Duke of Alencon, as well for + the indignity which had been offered to two of his servants, as for the + suspicion which had been cast upon himself, Don John, however, was not + satisfied. He persisted in asserting the existence of the conspiracy, and + made no secret of his belief that the Prince of Orange was acquainted with + the arrangement. As may be supposed, nothing was discovered in the course + of the investigation to implicate that astute politician. The Prince had + indeed secretly recommended that the Governor should be taken into custody + on his first arrival, not for the purpose of assassination or personal + injury, but in order to extort better terms from Philip, through the + affection or respect which he might be supposed to entertain for his + brother. It will be remembered that unsuccessful attempts had also been + made to capture the Duke of Alva and the Commander Requesens. Such + achievements comported with the spirit of the age, and although it is + doubtful whether any well-concerted plot existed against the liberty of + the Governor, it is certain that he entertained no doubt on the subject + himself. In addition to these real or suspected designs, there was an + ever-present consciousness in the mind of Don John that the enthusiasm + which greeted his presence was hollow, that no real attachment was felt + for his person, that his fate was leading him into a false position, that + the hearts of the people were fixed upon another, and that they were never + to be won by himself. Instinctively he seemed to feel a multitude of + invisible threads twining into a snare around him, and the courageous + heart and the bounding strength became uneasily conscious of the act in + which they were to be held captive till life should be wasted quite away. + </p> + <p> + The universal affection for the rebel Prince, and the hopeless abandonment + of the people to that deadliest of sins, the liberty of conscience, were + alike unquestionable. "They mean to remain free, sire," wrote Escovedo to + Philip, "and to live as they please. To that end they would be willing + that the Turk should come to be master of the country. By the road which + they are travelling, however, it will be the Prince of Orange—which + comes to quite the same thing." At the same time, however, it was hoped + that something might be made of this liberty of conscience. All were not + equally sunk in the horrible superstition, and those who were yet faithful + to Church and King might be set against their besotted brethren. Liberty + of conscience might thus be turned to account. While two great parties + were "by the ears, and pulling out each other's hair, all might perhaps be + reduced together." His Majesty was warned, nevertheless, to expect the + worst, and to believe that the country could only be cared with fire and + blood. The position of the Governor was painful and perplexing. "Don + John," said Escovedo, "is thirty years old. I promise your Majesty + nothing, save that if he finds himself without requisite assistance, he + will take himself off when your Majesty is least thinking of such a + thing." + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more melancholy than the tone of the Governor's letters. + He believed himself disliked, even in the midst of affectionate + demonstrations. He felt compelled to use moderate counsels, although he + considered moderation of no avail. He was chained to his post, even though + the post could, in his opinion, be more advantageously filled by another. + He would still endeavour to gain the affections of the people, although he + believed them hopelessly alienated. If patience would cure the malady of + the country, he professed himself capable of applying the remedy, although + the medicine had so far done but little good, and although he had no very + strong hopes as to its future effects. "Thus far, however," said he, "I am + but as one crying in the wilderness." He took occasion to impress upon his + Majesty, in very strong language, the necessity of money. Secret agents, + spies, and spies upon spies, were more necessary than ever, and were very + expensive portions of government machinery. Never was money more wanted. + Nothing could be more important than, to attend faithfully to the + financial suggestions of Escovedo, and Don John, therefore, urged his + Majesty, again and again, not to dishonor their drafts. "Money is the + gruel," said he, "with which we must cure this sick man;" and he therefore + prayed all those who wished well to his efforts, to see that his Majesty + did not fail him in this important matter. Notwithstanding, however, the + vigor of his efforts, and the earnestness of his intentions, he gave but + little hope to his Majesty of any valuable fruit from the pacification + just concluded. He saw the Prince of Orange strengthening himself, "with + great fury," in Holland and Zealand; he knew that the Prince was backed by + the Queen of England, who, notwithstanding her promises to Philip and + himself, had offered her support to the rebels in case the proposed terms + of peace were rejected in Holland, and he felt that "nearly the whole + people was at the devotion of the Prince." + </p> + <p> + Don John felt more and more convinced, too, that a conspiracy was on foot + against his liberty. There were so many of the one party, and so few of + the other, that if he were once fairly "trussed," he affirmed that not a + man among the faithful would dare to budge an inch. He therefore informed + his Majesty that he was secretly meditating a retreat to some place of + security; judging very properly that, if he were still his own master, he + should be able to exert more influence over those who were still well + disposed, than if he should suffer himself to be taken captive. A + suppressed conviction that he could effect nothing, except with his sword, + pierced through all his more prudent reflections. He maintained that, + after all, there was no remedy for the body but to cut off the diseased + parts at once, and he therefore begged his Majesty for the means of + performing the operation handsomely. The general expressions which he had + previously used in favor of broths and mild treatment hardly tallied with + the severe amputation thus recommended. There was, in truth, a constant + struggle going on between the fierceness of his inclinations and the + shackles which had been imposed upon him. He already felt entirely out of + place, and although he scorned to fly from his post so long as it seemed + the post of danger, he was most anxious that the King should grant him his + dismissal, so soon as his presence should no longer be imperiously + required. He was sure that the people would never believe in his Majesty's + forgiveness until the man concerning whom they entertained so much + suspicion should be removed; for they saw in him only the "thunderbolt of + his Majesty's wrath." Orange and England confirmed their suspicions, and + sustained their malice. Should he be compelled, against his will, to + remain, he gave warning that he might do something which would be matter + of astonishment to everybody. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the man in whose hands really lay the question of war and peace, + sat at Middelburg, watching the deep current of events as it slowly flowed + towards the precipice. The whole population of Holland and Zealand hung on + his words. In approaching the realms of William the Silent, Don John felt + that he had entered a charmed, circle, where the talisman of his own + illustrious name lost its power, where his valor was paralyzed, and his + sword rusted irrevocably in its sheath. "The people here," he wrote, "are + bewitched by the Prince of Orange. They love him, they fear him, and wish + to have him for their master. They inform him of everything, and take no + resolution without consulting him." + </p> + <p> + While William was thus directing and animating the whole nation with his + spirit, his immediate friends became more and more anxious concerning the + perils to which he was exposed. His mother, who had already seen her + youngest-born, Henry, her Adolphus, her chivalrous Louis, laid in their + bloody graves for the cause of conscience, was most solicitous for the + welfare of her "heart's-beloved lord and son," the Prince of Orange. + Nevertheless, the high-spirited old dame was even more alarmed at the + possibility of a peace in which that religious liberty for which so much + dear blood had been, poured forth should be inadequately secured. "My + heart longs for certain tidings from my lord," she wrote to William, "for + methinks the peace now in prospect will prove but an oppression for soul + and conscience. I trust my heart's dearly-beloved lord and son will be + supported by Divine grace to do nothing against God and his own soul's + salvation. 'Tis better to lose the temporal than the eternal." Thus wrote + the mother of William, and we can feel the sympathetic thrill which such + tender and lofty words awoke in his breast. His son, the ill-starred + Philip, now for ten years long a compulsory sojourner in Spain, was not + yet weaned from his affection for his noble parent, but sent messages of + affection to him whenever occasion offered, while a less commendable proof + of his filial affection he had lately afforded, at the expense of the + luckless captain of his Spanish guard. That officer having dared in his + presence to speak disrespectfully of his father, was suddenly seized about + the waist by the enraged young Count, hurled out of the window, and killed + stone-dead upon the spot. After this exhibition of his natural feelings, + the Spanish government thought it necessary to take more subtle means to + tame so turbulent a spirit. Unfortunately they proved successful. + </p> + <p> + Count John of Nassau, too, was sorely pressed for money. Six hundred + thousand florins; at least, had been advanced by himself and brothers to + aid the cause of Netherland freedom. Louis and himself had, unhesitatingly + and immediately, turned into that sacred fund the hundred thousand crowns + which the King of France had presented them for their personal use, for it + was not the Prince of Orange alone who had consecrated his wealth and his + life to the cause, but the members of his family, less immediately + interested in the country, had thus furnished what may well be called an + enormous subsidy, and one most disproportioned to their means. Not only + had they given all the cash which they could command by mortgaging their + lands and rents, their plate and furniture, but, in the words of Count + John himself, "they had taken the chains and jewels from the necks of + their wives, their children, and their mother, and had hawked them about, + as if they had themselves been traders and hucksters." And yet, even now, + while stooping under this prodigious debt, Count John asked not for + present repayment. He only wrote to the Prince to signify his extreme + embarrassment, and to request some obligation or recognition from the + cities of Holland and Zealand, whence hitherto no expression of gratitude + or acknowledgment had proceeded. + </p> + <p> + The Prince consoled and assured, as best he could, his mother, son, wife, + and brother, even at the same moment that he comforted his people. He also + received at this time a second and more solemn embassy from Don John. No + sooner had the Governor exchanged oaths at Brussels, and been acknowledged + as the representative of his Majesty, than he hastened to make another + effort to conciliate the Prince. Don John saw before him only a grand + seignior of lofty birth and boundless influence, who had placed himself + towards the Crown in a false position, from which he might even yet be + rescued; for to sacrifice the whims of a reforming and transitory + religious fanaticism, which had spun itself for a moment about so clear a + brain, would, he thought, prove but a trifling task for so experienced a + politician as the Prince. William of Orange, on the other hand, looked + upon his young antagonist as the most brilliant impersonation which had + yet been seen of the foul spirit of persecution. + </p> + <p> + It will be necessary to follow, somewhat more in detail than is usually + desirable, the interchange of conversations, letters, and protocols, out + of which the brief but important administration of Don John was composed; + for it was exactly in such manifestations that the great fight was really + proceeding. Don John meant peace, wise William meant war, for he knew that + no other issue was possible. Peace, in reality, was war in its worst + shape. Peace would unchain every priestly tongue, and unsheath every + knightly sword in the fifteen provinces against little Holland and + Zealand. He had been able to bind all the provinces together by the + hastily forged chain of the Ghent treaty, and had done what he could to + strengthen that union by the principle of mutual religious respect. By the + arrival of Don John that work had been deranged. It had, however, been + impossible for the Prince thoroughly to infuse his own ideas on the + subject of toleration into the hearts of his nearest associates. He could + not hope to inspire his deadly enemies with a deeper sympathy. Was he not + himself the mark of obloquy among the Reformers, because of his leniency + to Catholics? Nay more, was not his intimate councillor, the accomplished + Saint Aldegonde, in despair because the Prince refused to exclude the + Anabaptists of Holland from the rights of citizenship? At the very moment + when William was straining every nerve to unite warring sects, and to + persuade men's hearts into a system by which their consciences were to be + laid open to God alone—at the moment when it was most necessary for + the very existence of the fatherland that Catholic and Protestant should + mingle their social and political relations, it was indeed a bitter + disappointment for him to see wise statesmen of his own creed unable to + rise to the idea of toleration. "The affair of the Anabaptists," wrote + Saint Aldegonde, "has been renewed. The Prince objects to exclude them + from citizenship. He answered me sharply, that their yea was equal to our + oath, and that we should not press this matter, unless we were willing to + confess that it was just for the Papists to compel us to a divine service + which was against our conscience." It seems hardly credible that this + sentence, containing so sublime a tribute to the character of the Prince, + should have been indited as a bitter censure, and that, too, by an + enlightened and accomplished Protestant. "In short," continued Saint + Aldegonde, with increasing vexation, "I don't see how we can accomplish + our wish in this matter. The Prince has uttered reproaches to me that our + clergy are striving to obtain a mastery over consciences. He praised + lately the saying of a monk who was not long ago here, that our pot had + not gone to the fire as often as that of our antagonists, but that when + the time came it would be black enough. In short, the Prince fears that + after a few centuries the clerical tyranny on both sides will stand in + this respect on the same footing." + </p> + <p> + Early in the month of May, Doctor Leoninus and Caspar Schetz, Seigneur de + Grobbendonck, had been sent on a mission from the states-general to the + Prince of Orange. While their negotiations were still pending, four + special envoys from Don John arrived at Middelburg. To this commission was + informally adjoined Leoninus, who had succeeded to the general position of + Viglius. Viglius was dead. Since the memorable arrest of the State + Council, he had not appeared on the scene of public affairs. The + house-arrest, to which he had been compelled by a revolutionary committee, + had been indefinitely prolonged by a higher power, and after a protracted + illness he had noiselessly disappeared from the stage of life. There had + been few more learned doctors of both laws than he. There had been few + more adroit politicians, considered from his point of view. His punning + device was "Vita mortalium vigilia," and he acted accordingly, but with a + narrow interpretation. His life had indeed been a vigil, but it must be + confessed that the vigils had been for Viglius. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Bor, x. 812. Meteren, vi. 120.—Another motto of his was, "En + groot Jurist een booser Christ;" that is to say, A good lawyer is a + bad Christian.—Unfortunately his own character did not give the lie + satisfactorily to the device.] +</pre> + <p> + The weatherbeaten Palinurus, as he loved to call himself, had conducted + his own argosy so warily that he had saved his whole cargo; and perished + in port at last, while others, not sailing by his compass, were still + tossed by the tempest. + </p> + <p> + The agents of Don John were the Duke of Aerschot, the Seigneur de Hierges, + Seigneur de Willerval, and Doctor Meetkercke, accompanied by Doctor Andrew + Gaill, one of the imperial commissioners. The two envoys from the + states-general, Leoninus and Schetz, being present at Gertruydenberg were + added to the deputation. An important conference took place, the details + of which have been somewhat minutely preserved. The Prince of Orange, + accompanied by Saint Aldegonde and four other councillors, encountered the + seven champions from Brussels in a long debate, which was more like a + passage of arms or a trial of skill than a friendly colloquy with a + pacific result in prospect; for it must be remembered that the Prince of + Orange did not mean peace. He had devised the Pacification of Ghent as a + union of the other provinces with Holland and Zealand, against Philip. He + did not intend that it should be converted into a union of the other + provinces with Philip, against Holland and Zealand. + </p> + <p> + Meetkercke was the first to speak. He said that the Governor had + despatched them to the Prince, to express his good intentions, to + represent the fidelity with which his promises had thus far been executed, + and to entreat the Prince, together with the provinces of Holland and + Zealand, to unite with their sister provinces in common allegiance to his + Majesty. His Highness also proposed to advise with them concerning the + proper method of convoking the states-general. As soon as Meetkercke had + finished his observations, the Prince demanded that the points and + articles should be communicated to him in writing. Now this was precisely + what the envoys preferred to omit. It was easier, and far more agreeable + to expatiate in a general field of controversy,—than to remain + tethered to distinct points. It was particularly in these confused + conferences, where neither party was entirely sincere, that the volatile + word was thought preferable to the permanent letter. Already so many + watery lines had been traced, in the course of these fluctuating + negotiations, that a few additional records would be if necessary, as + rapidly effaced as the rest. + </p> + <p> + The commissioners, after whispering in each other's, ears for a few + minutes, refused to put down anything in writing. Protocols, they said, + only engendered confusion. + </p> + <p> + "No, no," said the Prince, in reply, "we will have nothing except in black + and white. Otherwise things will be said on both sides, which will + afterwards be interpreted in different ways. Nay, it will be denied that + some important points have been discussed at all. We know that by + experience. Witness the solemn treaty of Ghent, which ye have tried to + make fruitless, under pretence that some points, arranged by word of + mouth, and not stated particularly in writing, had been intended in a + different sense from the obvious one. Governments given by royal + commission, for example; what point could be clearer? Nevertheless, ye + have hunted up glosses and cavils to obscure the intention of the + contracting parties. Ye have denied my authority over Utrecht, because not + mentioned expressly in the treaty of Ghent." + </p> + <p> + "But," said one of the envoys, interrupting at this point, "neither the + Council of State nor the Court of Mechlin consider Utrecht as belonging to + your Excellency's government." + </p> + <p> + "Neither the Council of State," replied the Prince, "nor the Court of + Mechlin have anything to do with the matter. 'Tis in my commission, and + all the world knows it." He added that instead of affairs being thrown + into confusion by being reduced to writing, he was of opinion, on the + contrary, that it was by that means alone they could be made perfectly + clear. + </p> + <p> + Leoninus replied, good naturedly, that there should be no difficulty upon + that score, and that writings should be exchanged. In the meantime, + however, he expressed the hope that the Prince would honor them with some + preliminary information as to the points in which he felt aggrieved, as + well as to the pledges which he and the states were inclined to demand. + </p> + <p> + "And what reason have we to hope," cried the Prince, "that your pledges, + if made; will be redeemed? That which was promised so solemnly at Ghent, + and ratified by Don John and his Majesty, has not been fulfilled." + </p> + <p> + "Of what particular point do you complain?" asked Schetz. "Wherein has the + Pacification been violated?" + </p> + <p> + Hereupon the Prince launched forth upon a flowing stream of invective. He + spoke to them of his son detained in distant captivity—of his own + property at Breda withheld—of a thousand confiscated estates—of + garrisons of German mercenaries—of ancient constitutions annihilated—of + the infamous edicts nominally suspended, but actually in full vigor. He + complained bitterly that the citadels, those nests and dens of tyranny, + were not yet demolished. "Ye accuse me of distrust," he cried; "but while + the castles of Antwerp, Ghent, Namur, and so many more are standing, 'tis + yourselves who show how utterly ye are without confidence in any permanent + and peaceful arrangement." + </p> + <p> + "And what," asked a deputy, smoothly, "is the point which touches you most + nearly? What is it that your Excellency most desires? By what means will + it be possible for the government fully to give you contentment?" + </p> + <p> + "I wish," he answered, simply, "the full execution of the Ghent + Pacification. If you regard the general welfare of the land, it is well, + and I thank you. If not, 'tis idle to make propositions, for I regard my + country's profit, not my own." + </p> + <p> + Afterwards, the Prince simply repeated his demand that the Ghent treaty + should be executed; adding, that after the states-general should have been + assembled, it would be time to propose the necessary articles for mutual + security. + </p> + <p> + Hereupon Doctor Leoninus observed that the assembly of the states-general + could hardly be without danger. He alluded to the vast number of persons + who would thus be convoked, to the great discrepancy of humors which would + thus be manifested. Many men would be present neither discreet nor + experienced. He therefore somewhat coolly suggested that it might be + better to obviate the necessity of holding any general assembly at all. An + amicable conference, for the sake of settling doubtful questions, would + render the convocation superfluous, and save the country from the dangers + by which the step would be attended. The Doctor concluded by referring to + the recent assemblies of France, the only result of which had been fresh + dissensions. It thus appeared that the proposition on the part of Don John + meant something very different from its apparent signification. To advise + with the Prince as to the proper method of assembling the estates really + meant, to advise with him as to the best means of preventing any such + assembly. Here, certainly, was a good reason for the preference expressed + by the deputies, in favor of amicable discussions over formal protocols. + It might not be so easy in a written document to make the assembly, and + the prevention of the assembly, appear exactly the same thing. + </p> + <p> + The Prince replied that there was a wide difference between the condition + of France and of the Netherlands. Here, was one will and one intention. + There, were many factions, many partialities, many family intrigues. Since + it had been agreed by the Ghent treaty that certain points should be + provisionally maintained and others settled by a speedy convocation of the + states-general, the plainest course was to maintain the provisional + points, and to summon the states-general at once. This certainly was + concise and logical. It is doubtful, however, whether he were really as + anxious for the assembly-general as he appeared to be. Both parties were + fencing at each other, without any real intention of carrying their + points, for neither wished the convocation, while both affected an + eagerness for that event. The conversation proceeded. + </p> + <p> + "At least," said an envoy, "you can tell beforehand in what you are + aggrieved, and what you have to propose." + </p> + <p> + "We are aggrieved in nothing, and we have nothing to propose," answered + the Prince, "so long as you maintain the Pacification. We demand no other + pledge, and are willing to refer everything afterwards to the assembly." + </p> + <p> + "But," asked Schetz, "what security do you offer us that you will + yourselves maintain the Pacification?" + </p> + <p> + "We are not bound to give assurances," answered the Prince. "The + Pacification is itself an assurance. 'Tis a provisional arrangement, to be + maintained by both parties, until after the decision of the assembly. The + Pacification must therefore be maintained or disavowed. Choose between the + two. Only, if you mean still to acknowledge it, you must keep its + articles. This we mean to do, and if up to the present time you have any + complaint to make of our conduct, as we trust you have not, we are ready + to give you satisfaction." + </p> + <p> + "In short," said an envoy, "you mean, after we shall have placed in your + hands the government of Utrecht, Amsterdam: and other places, to deny us + any pledges on your part to maintain the Pacification." + </p> + <p> + "But," replied the Prince, "if we are already accomplishing the + Pacification, what more do you wish?" + </p> + <p> + "In this fashion," cried the others, "after having got all that you ask, + and having thus fortified yourselves more than you were ever fortified + before, you will make war upon us." + </p> + <p> + "War?" cried the Prince, "what are you afraid of? We are but a handful of + people; a worm compared to the King of Spain. Moreover, ye are fifteen + provinces to two. What have you to fear?" + </p> + <p> + "Ah," said Meetkercke, "we have seen what you could do, when you were + masters of the sea. Don't make yourselves out quite so little." + </p> + <p> + "But," said the Prince, "the Pacification of Ghent provides for all this. + Your deputies were perfectly satisfied with the guarantees it furnished. + As to making war upon you, 'tis a thing without foundation or appearance + of probability. Had you believed then that you had anything to fear, you + world not have forgotten to demand pledges enough. On the contrary, you + saw how roundly we were dealing with you then, honestly disgarnishing the + country, even before the peace had been concluded. For ourselves, although + we felt the right to demand guarantees, we would not do it, for we were + treating with you on terms of confidence. We declared expressly that had + we been dealing with the King, we should have exacted stricter pledges. As + to demanding them of us at the moment, 'tis nonsense. We have neither the + means of assailing you, nor do we deem it expedient to do so." + </p> + <p> + "To say the truth," replied Schetz, "we are really confident that you will + not make war upon us. On the other hand, however, we see you spreading + your religion daily, instead of keeping it confined within your provinces. + What assurance do you give us that, after all your demand shall have been + accorded, you will make no innovation in religion." + </p> + <p> + "The assurance which we give you," answered the Prince, "is that we will + really accomplish the Pacification." + </p> + <p> + "But," persisted Schetz, "do you fairly, promise to submit to all which + the states-general shall ordain, as well on this point of religious + exercise in Holland and Zealand, as on all the others?" + </p> + <p> + This was a home thrust. The Prince parried it for a while. In his secret + thoughts he had no expectation or desire that the states-general, summoned + in a solemn manner by the Governor-General, on the basis of the memorable + assembly before which was enacted the grand ceremony of the imperial + abdication, would ever hold their session, and although he did not + anticipate the prohibition by such assembly, should it take place, of the + Reformed worship in Holland and Zealand, he did not intend to submit to + it, even should it be made. + </p> + <p> + "I cannot tell," said he, accordingly, in reply to the last question, "for + ye have yourselves already broken and violated the Pacification; having + made an accord with Don John without our consent, and having already + received him as Governor." + </p> + <p> + "So that you don't mean," replied Schetz, "to accept the decision of the + states?" + </p> + <p> + "I don't say that," returned the Prince, continuing to parry; "it is + possible that we might accept it; it is possible that we might not. We are + no longer in our entire rights, as we were at the time of our first + submission at Ghent." + </p> + <p> + "But we will make you whole," said Schetz. + </p> + <p> + "That you cannot do," replied the Prince, "for you have broken the + Pacification all to pieces. We have nothing, therefore, to expect from the + states, but to be condemned off-hand. + </p> + <p> + "You don't mean, then," repeated Schetz, "to submit to the estates + touching the exercise of religion?" + </p> + <p> + "No, we do not!" replied the Prince, driven into a corner at last, and + striking out in his turn. "We certainly do not. To tell you the truth, we + see that you intend our extirpation, and we don't mean to be extirpated." + </p> + <p> + "Ho!" said the Duke of Aerschot, "there is nobody who wishes that." + </p> + <p> + "Indeed, but you do," said the Prince. "We have submitted ourselves to you + in good faith, and you now would compel us and all the world to maintain + exclusively the Catholic religion. This cannot be done except by + extirpating us." + </p> + <p> + A long, learned, vehement discussion upon abstract points, between Saint + Aldegonde, Leoninus, and Doctor Gaill, then ensued, during which the + Prince, who had satisfied himself as to the result of the conference, + retired from the apartment. He afterwards had a private convention with + Schetz and Leoninus, in which he reproached them with their inclination to + reduce their fatherland to slavery. He also took occasion to remark to + Hiergea, that it was a duty to content the people; that whatever might be + accomplished for them was durable, whereas the will of kings was + perishing. He told the Duke of Aerschot that if Utrecht were not restored, + he would take it by force. He warned the Duke that to trust the King was + to risk his head. He, at least, would never repose confidence in him, + having been deceived too often. The King cherished the maxim, 'hereticis + non est servanda fides;' as for himself he was 'calbo y calbanista,' and + meant to die so. + </p> + <p> + The formal interchange of documents soon afterwards took place. The + conversation thus held between the different parties shows, however, the + exact position of, affairs. There was no change in the intentions of + either; Reformers or Royalists. Philip and his representatives still + contended for two points, and claimed the praise of moderation that their + demands were so few in number. They were willing to concede everything, + save the unlimited authority of the King and the exclusive maintenance of + the Catholic religion. The Prince of Orange, on his side, claimed two + points also—the ancient constitutions of the country and religious + freedom. It was obvious enough that the contest was, the same in reality, + as it had ever been. No approximation had been made towards reconciling + absolutism with national liberty, persecution with toleration. The + Pacification of Ghent had been a step in advance. That Treaty opened the + door to civil and religious liberty, but it was an agreement among the + provinces, not a compact between the people and the monarch. By the + casuists of Brussels and the licentiates of Louvain, it had, to be sure, + been dogmatically pronounced orthodox, and had been confirmed by royal + edict. To believe, however, that his Catholic Majesty had faith in the + dogmas propounded, was as absurd as to believe in the dogmas themselves. + If the Ghent Pacification really had made no breach in royal and Roman + infallibility, then the efforts of Orange and the exultation of the + Reformers had indeed been idle. + </p> + <p> + The envoys accordingly, in obedience to their instructions, made a formal + statement to the Prince of Orange and the states of Holland and Zealand, + on the part of Don John. They alluded to the departure of the Spaniards, + as if that alone had fulfilled every duty and authorized every claim. They + therefore demanded the immediate publication in Holland and Zealand of the + Perpetual Edict. They insisted on the immediate discontinuance of all + hostile attempts to reduce Amsterdam to the jurisdiction of Orange; + required the Prince to abandon his pretensions to Utrecht, and denounced + the efforts making by him and his partisans to diffuse their heretical + doctrines through the other provinces. They observed, in conclusion, that + the general question of religion was not to be handled, because reserved + for the consideration of the states-general, according to the treaty of + Ghent. + </p> + <p> + The reply, delivered on the following day by the Prince of Orange and the + deputies, maintained that the Perpetual Edict was widely different from + the Pacification of Ghent, which it affected to uphold; that the promises + to abstain from all violation of the ancient constitutions had not been + kept; that the German troops had not been dismissed, that the property of + the Prince in the Netherlands and Burgundy had not been restored, that his + son was detained in captivity, that the government of Utrecht was withheld + from him, that the charters and constitution of the country, instead of + being extended, had been contracted, and that the Governor had claimed the + right to convoke the states-general at his pleasure, in violation of the + ancient right to assemble at their own. The document further complained + that the adherents of the Reformed religion were not allowed to frequent + the different provinces in freedom, according to the stipulations of + Ghent; that Don John, notwithstanding all these short-comings, had been + acknowledged as Governor-General, without the consent of the Prince; that + he was surrounded with a train of Spaniards Italians, and other foreigners—Gonzaga, + Escovedo, and the like—as well as by renegade Netherlanders like + Tassis, by whom he was unduly influenced against the country and the + people, and by whom a "back door was held constantly open" to the + admission of evils innumerable. Finally, it was asserted that, by means of + this last act of union, a new form of inquisition had been introduced, and + one which was much more cruel than the old system; inasmuch as the Spanish + Inquisition did not take information against men: except upon suspicion, + whereas, by the new process, all the world would be examined as to their + conscience and religion, under pretence of maintaining the union. + </p> + <p> + Such was the result of this second mission to the Prince of Orange on the + part of the Governor-General. Don John never sent another. The swords were + now fairly measured between the antagonists, and the scabbard was soon to + be thrown away. A few weeks afterwards, the Governor wrote to Philip that + there was nothing in the world which William of Orange so much abhorred as + his Majesty; adding, with Castillian exaggeration, that if the Prince + could drink the King's blood he would do so with great pleasure. + </p> + <p> + Don John, being thus seated in the saddle, had a moment's leisure to look + around him. It was but a moment, for he had small confidence in the aspect + of affairs, but one of his first acts after assuming the government + afforded a proof of the interpretation which he had adopted of the Ghent + Pacification. An edict was issued, addressed to all bishops, + "heretic-masters," and provincial councils, commanding the strict + enforcement of the Canons of Trent, and other ecclesiastical decrees. + These authorities were summoned instantly to take increased heed, of the + flocks under their charge, "and to protect them from the ravening wolves + which were seeking to devour them." + </p> + <p> + The measure bore instant fruit. A wretched tailor of Mechlin, Peter Penis + by name, an honest man, but a heretic, was arrested upon the charge of + having preached or exhorted at a meeting in that city. He confessed that + he had been present at the meeting, but denied that he had preached. He + was then required to denounce the others who had been present, and the men + who had actually officiated. He refused, and was condemned to death. The + Prince of Orange, while the process was pending, wrote an earnest letter + to the Council of Mechlin, imploring them not now to rekindle the fires of + religious persecution. His appeal was in vain. The poor tailor was + beheaded at Mechlin on the 15th of June, the Conqueror of Lepanto being + present at the execution, and adding dignity to the scene. Thus, at the + moment when William of Orange was protecting the Anabaptists of Middelburg + in their rights of citizenship, even while they refused its obligations, + the son of the Emperor was dipping his hands in the blood of a poor wretch + who had done no harm but to listen to a prayer without denouncing the + preacher. The most intimate friends of the Prince were offended with his + liberality. The imperial shade of Don John's father might have risen to + approve the son who had so dutifully revived his bloody edicts and his + ruthless policy. + </p> + <p> + Three parties were now fairly in existence: the nobles, who hated the + Spaniards, but who were disposed to hold themselves aloof from the people; + the adherents of Don John, commonly called "Johanists;" and the partisans + of the Prince of Orange—for William the Silent had always felt the + necessity of leaning for support on something more substantial than the + court party, a reed shaken by the wind, and failing always when most + relied upon. His efforts were constant to elevate the middle class, to + build up a strong third party which should unite much of the substantial + wealth and intelligence of the land, drawing constantly from the people, + and deriving strength from national enthusiasm—a party which should + include nearly all the political capacity of the country; and his efforts + were successful. No doubt the Governor and his Secretary were right when + they said the people of the Netherlands were inclined to brook the Turk as + easily as the Spaniard for their master, and that their hearts were in + reality devoted to the Prince of Orange. + </p> + <p> + As to the grandees, they were mostly of those who "sought to swim between + two waters," according to the Prince's expression. There were but few + unswerving supporters of the Spanish rule, like the Berlaymont and the + Tassis families. The rest veered daily with the veering wind. Aerschot, + the great chief of the Catholic party, was but a cringing courtier, false + and fawning both to Don John and the Prince. He sought to play a leading + part in a great epoch; he only distinguished himself by courting and + betraying all parties, and being thrown away by all. His son and brother + were hardly more respectable. The Prince knew how little dependence could + be placed on such allies, even although they had signed and sworn the + Ghent Pacification. He was also aware how little it was the intention of + the Governor to be bound by that famous Treaty. The Spanish troops had + been, indeed, disbanded, but there were still, between ten and fifteen + thousand German mercenaries in the service of the King; these were + stationed in different important places, and held firm possession of the + citadels. The great keys of the country were still in the hands of the + Spaniards. Aerschot, indeed, governed the castle of Antwerp, in room of + Sancho d'Avila, but how much more friendly would Aerschot be than Avila, + when interest prompted him to sustain Don John against the Prince? + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile; the estates, according to their contract, were straining every + nerve to raise the requisite sum for the payment of the German troops. + Equitable offers were made, by which the soldiers were to receive a + certain proportion of the arrears due to them in merchandize, and the + remainder in cash. The arrangement was rejected, at the secret instance of + Don John. While the Governor affected an ingenuous desire to aid the + estates in their efforts to free themselves from the remaining portion of + this incumbrance, he was secretly tampering with the leading German + officers, in order to prevent their acceptance of any offered terms. He + persuaded these military chiefs that a conspiracy existed, by which they + were not only to be deprived of their wages but of their lives. He warned + them to heed no promises, to accept no terms. Convincing them that he, and + he only, was their friend, he arranged secret plans by which they should + assist him in taking the fortresses of the country into still more secure + possession, for he was not more inclined to trust to the Aerschots and the + Havres than was the Prince himself. + </p> + <p> + The Governor lived in considerable danger, and in still greater dread of + capture, if not of assassination. His imagination, excited by endless + tales of ambush and half-discovered conspiracies, saw armed soldiers + behind every bush; a pitfall in every street. Had not the redoubtable Alva + been nearly made a captive? Did not Louis of Nassau nearly entrap the + Grand Commander? No doubt the Prince of Orange was desirous of + accomplishing a feat by which he would be placed in regard to Philip on + the vantage ground which the King had obtained by his seizure of Count Van + Buren, nor did Don John need for warnings coming from sources far from + obscure. In May, the Viscount De Gand had forced his way to his bedside in + the dead of night; and wakening him from his sleep, had assured him, with + great solemnity, that his life was not worth a pin's purchase if he + remained in Brussels. He was aware, he said, of a conspiracy by which both + his liberty and his life were endangered, and assured him that in + immediate flight lay his only safety. + </p> + <p> + The Governor fled to Mechlin, where the same warnings were soon afterwards + renewed, for the solemn sacrifice of Peter Panis, the poor preaching + tailor of that city, had not been enough to strike terror to the hearts of + all the Netherlanders. One day, toward the end of June, the Duke of + Aerschot, riding out with Don John, gave him a circumstantial account of + plots, old and new, whose existence he had discovered or invented, and he + showed a copy of a secret letter, written by the Prince of Orange to the + estates, recommending the forcible seizure of his Highness. It is true + that the Duke was, at that period and for long after, upon terms of the + most "fraternal friendship" with the Prince, and was in the habit of + signing himself "his very affectionate brother and cordial friend to serve + him," yet this did not prevent him from accomplishing what he deemed his + duty, in secretly denouncing his plans, It is also true that he, at the + same time, gave the Prince private information concerning the government, + and sent him intercepted letters from his enemies, thus easing his + conscience on both sides, and trimming his sails to every wind which might + blow. The Duke now, however, reminded his Highness of the contumely with + which he had been treated at Brussels, of the insolent threats with which + the citizens had pursued his servants and secretaries even to the very + door of his palace. He assured him that the same feeling existed at + Mechlin, and that neither himself nor family were much safer there than in + the capital, a plot being fully organized for securing his person. The + conspirators, he said, were openly supported by a large political party + who called themselves anti-Johanists, and who clothed themselves in + symbolic costume, as had been done by the disaffected in the days of + Cardinal Granvelle. He assured the Governor that nearly all the members of + the states-general were implicated in these schemes. "And what becomes, + then, of their promises?" asked Don John. "That for their promises!" cried + the Duke, snapping his fingers; "no man in the land feels bound by + engagements now." The Governor demanded the object of the states in thus + seeking to deprive him of his liberty. The Duke informed him that it was + to hold him in captivity until they had compelled him to sign every paper + which they chose to lay before him. Such things had been done in the + Netherlands in former days, the Duke observed, as he proceeded to narrate + how a predecessor of his Highness and a prince of the land, after having + been compelled to sign innumerable documents, had been, in conclusion, + tossed out of the windows of his own palace, with all his retinue, to + perish upon the pikes of an insurgent mob below. The Governor protested + that it did not become the son of Charles the Fifth and the representative + of his Catholic Majesty to hear such intimations a second time. After his + return, he brooded over what had been said to him for a few days, and he + then broke up his establishment at Mechlin, selling off his superfluous + furniture and even the wine in his cellars. Thus showing that his absence, + both from Brussels and Mechlin, was to be a prolonged one, he took + advantage of an unforeseen occurrence again to remove his residence. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + A good lawyer is a bad Christian + Claimed the praise of moderation that their demands were so few + Confused conferences, where neither party was entirely sincere + Customary oaths, to be kept with the customary conscientiousness + Deadliest of sins, the liberty of conscience + I regard my country's profit, not my own + Made no breach in royal and Roman infallibility + Neither wished the convocation, while both affected an eagerness + Our pot had not gone to the fire as often + Peace, in reality, was war in its worst shape + Those who "sought to swim between two waters" + Volatile word was thought preferable to the permanent letter +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG Edition, Vol. 28 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 III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The city of Namur—Margaret of Valois—Her intrigues in Hainault in + favour of Alencon—Her reception by Don John at Namur—Festivities + in her, honor—Seizure of Namur citadel by Don John—Plan for + seizing that of Antwerp—Letter of the estates to Philip, sent by + Escovedo—Fortunes and fate of Escovedo in Madrid—Repairing of + dykes—The Prince's visit to Holland—His letter to the estates— + general on the subject of Namur citadel—His visit to Utrecht— + Correspondence and commissioners between Don John and the estates— + Acrimonious and passionate character of these colloquies—Attempt of + Treslong upon Antwerp citadel frustrated by De Bourse—Fortunate + panic of the German mercenaries—Antwerp evacuated by the foreign + troops—Renewed correspondence—Audacity of the Governor's demands— + Letters of Escovedo and others intercepted—Private schemes of Don + John not understood by the estates—His letter to the Empress + Dowager—More correspondence with the estates—Painful and false + position of the Governor—Demolition, in part, of Antwerp citadel, + and of other fortresses by the patriots Statue of Alva—Letter of + estates-general to the King. +</pre> + <p> + There were few cities of the Netherlands more picturesque in situation, + more trimly built, and more opulent of aspect than the little city of + Namur. Seated at the confluence of the Sombre with the Meuse, and throwing + over each river a bridge of solid but graceful structure, it lay in the + lap of a most fruitful valley. Abroad crescent-shaped plain, fringed by + the rapid Meuse, and enclosed by gently rolling hills cultivated to their + crests, or by abrupt precipices of limestone crowned with verdure, was + divided by numerous hedgerows, and dotted all over with corn-fields, + vineyards, and flower gardens. Many eyes have gazed with delight upon that + well-known and most lovely valley, and many torrents of blood have mingled + with those glancing waters since that long buried and most sanguinary age + which forms our theme; and still placid as ever is the valley, brightly as + ever flows the stream. Even now, as in that vanished, but never-forgotten + time, nestles the little city in the angle of the two rivers; still + directly over its head seems to hang in mid-air the massive and frowning + fortress, like the gigantic helmet-in the fiction, as if ready to crush + the pigmy town below. + </p> + <p> + It was this famous citadel, crowning an abrupt precipice five hundred feet + above the river's bed, and placed near the frontier of France, which made + the city so important, and which had now attracted Don John's attention in + this hour of his perplexity. The unexpected visit of a celebrated + personage, furnished him with the pretext which he desired. The beautiful + Margaret of Valois, Queen of Navarre, was proceeding to the baths of Spa, + to drink the waters. Her health was as perfect as her beauty, but she was + flying from a husband whom she hated, to advance the interest of a brother + whom she loved with a more than sisterly fondness—for the worthless + Duke of Alencon was one of the many competitors for the Netherland + government; the correspondence between himself and his brother with Orange + and his agents being still continued. The hollow truce with the Huguenots + in France had, however, been again succeeded by war. Henry of Valois had + already commenced operations in Gascony against Henry of Navarre, whom he + hated, almost as cordially as Margaret herself could do, and the Duke of + Alencon was besieging Issoire. Meantime, the beautiful Queen came to + mingle he golden thread of her feminine intrigues with the dark woof of + the Netherland destinies. + </p> + <p> + Few spirits have been more subtle, few faces so fatal as hers. True child + of the Medicean mother, worthy sister of Charles, Henry; and Francis—princes + for ever infamous in the annals of France—she possessed more beauty + and wit than Mary of Scotland, more learning and accomplishments than + Elizabeth of England. In the blaze of her beauty, according to the + inflated language of her most determined worshiper, the wings of all + rivals were melted. Heaven required to be raised higher and earth made + wider, before a full sweep could be given to her own majestic flight. We + are further informed that she was a Minerva for eloquence, that she + composed matchless poems which she sang most exquisitely to the sound of + her lute, and that her familiar letters were so full of genius, that "poor + Cicero" was but a fool to her in the same branch of composition. The world + has shuddered for ages at the dark tragedy of her nuptials. Was it strange + that hatred, incest, murder, should follow in the train of a wedding thus + hideously solemnized? + </p> + <p> + Don John, as in his Moorish disguise he had looked upon her perfections, + had felt in danger of becoming really the slave he personated—"her + beauty is more divine than human," he had cried, "but fitter to destroy + men's souls than to bless them;" and now the enchantress was on her way to + his dominions. Her road led through Namur to Liege, and gallantry required + that he should meet her as she passed. Attended by a select band of + gentlemen and a few horsemen of his body-guard, the Governor came to + Namur. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the Queen crossed the frontier, and was courteously received at + Cambray. The bishop-of the loyal house of Berlaymont—was a stanch + supporter of the King, and although a Fleming, was Spanish to the core. On + him the cajolery of the beautiful Queen was first essayed, but was found + powerless. The prelate gave her a magnificent ball, but resisted her + blandishments. He retired with the appearance of the confections, but the + governor of the citadel, the Seigneur d'Inchy remained, with whom Margaret + was more successful. She found him a cordial hater of Spain, a favorer of + France, and very impatient under the authority of the bishop. He obtained + permission to accompany the royal visitor a few stages of her journey, and + returned to Cambray, her willing slave; holding the castle in future, + neither for king nor bishop, but for Margaret's brother, Alencon, alone. + At Mons she was received with great state by the Count Lalain, who was + governor of Hainault, while his Countess governed him. A week of + festivities graced the advent of the Queen, during which period the hearts + of both Lalain and his wife were completely subjugated. They agreed that + Flanders had been too long separated from the parental France to which it + of right belonged. The Count was a stanch Catholic, but he hated Spain. He + was a relative of Egmont, and anxious to avenge his death, but he was no + lover of the people, and was jealous of Orange. Moreover, his wife had + become entirely fascinated by the designing. Queen. So warm a friendship + had sprung up between the two fair ladies as to make it indispensable that + Flanders and Hainault should be annexed to France. The Count promised to + hold his whole government at the service of Alencon, and recommended that + an attempt should be made to gain over the incorruptible Governor of + Cambray. Margaret did not inform him that she had already turned that + functionary round her finger, but she urged Lalain and his wife to seduce + him from his allegiance, if possible. + </p> + <p> + The Count, with a retinue of mounted men, then accompanied her on her way + towards Namur, but turned as the distant tramp of Don John's cavalcade was + heard approaching, for it was not desirable for Lalain, at that moment, to + find himself face to face with the Governor. Don John stood a moment + awaiting the arrival of the Queen. He did not dream of her political + intrigues, nor see in the fair form approaching him one mortal enemy the + more. Margaret travelled in a splendid litter with gilt pillars, lined + with scarlet velvet, and entirely enclosed in glass, which was followed by + those of the Princess de la Roche sur Yon, and of Madame de Tournon. After + these came ten ladies of honor on horseback, and six chariots filled with + female domestics. These, with the guards and other attendants, made up the + retinue. On meeting the Queen's litter, Don John sprang from his horse and + presented his greetings. The Queen returned his salutation, in the French + fashion, by offering her cheek to his embrace, extending the same favor to + the Duke of Aerschot and the Marquis of Havre. The cavaliers then + remounted and escorted the Queen to Namur, Don John riding by the side of + the litter and conversing with her all the way. It was late in the evening + when the procession arrived in the city. The streets had, however, been + brilliantly illuminated; houses and shops, though it was near midnight, + being in a blaze of light. Don John believing that no attentions could be + so acceptable at that hour as to provide for the repose of his guest, + conducted the Queen at once to the lodgings prepared for her. Margaret was + astonished at the magnificence of the apartments into which she was + ushered. A spacious and stately hall, most gorgeously furnished, opened + into a series of chambers and cabinets, worthy, in their appointments, of + a royal palace. The tent and bed coverings prepared for the Queen were + exquisitely embroidered in needlework with scenes representing the battle + of Lepanto. The great hall was hung with gorgeous tapestry of satin and + velvet, ornamented with columns of raised silver work, and with many + figures in antique costume, of the same massive embroidery. The rest of + the furniture was also of satin, velvet, cloth of gold, and brocade. The + Queen was dazzled with so much magnificence, and one of the courtiers + could not help expressing astonishment at the splendor of the apartments + and decorations, which, as he observed to the Duke of Aerschot; seemed + more appropriate to the palace of a powerful monarch than to the + apartments of a young bachelor prince. The Duke replied by explaining that + the expensive embroidery which they saw was the result, not of + extravagance, but of valor and generosity. After the battle of Lepanto, + Don John had restored the two sons, who had been taken prisoners, of a + powerful Turkish bashaw. The father; in gratitude had sent this + magnificent tapestry as a present to the conqueror, and Don John had + received it, at Milan; in which city, celebrated for the taste of its + upholsterers; it had been arranged for furniture. + </p> + <p> + The next morning a grand mass with military music was performed, followed + by a sumptuous banquet in the grand hall. Don John and the Queen sat at a + table three feet apart from the rest, and Ottavio Gonzaga served them wine + upon his knees. After the banquet came, as usual; the ball, the + festivities continuing till late in the night, and Don John scarcely + quitting his fair guest for a moment. The next afternoon, a festival had + been arranged upon an island in the river. The company embarked upon the + Meuse, in a fleet of gaily-scarfed; and painted vessels, many of which + were filled with musicians. Margaret reclined in her gilded barge, under a + richly embroidered canopy. A fairer and falser Queen than "Egypt," had + bewitched the famous youth who had triumphed not, lost the world, beneath + the heights of Actium. The revellers landed on the island, where the + banquet was already spread within a spacious bower of ivy, and beneath + umbrageous elms. The dance upon the sward was protracted to a late hour, + and the summer stars had been long in the sky when the company returned to + their barges. + </p> + <p> + Don John, more than ever enthralled by the bride of St. Bartholomew, knew + not that her sole purpose in visiting his dominion had been to corrupt his + servants and to undermine his authority. His own purpose, however, had + been less to pay court to the Queen than to make, use of her presence to + cover his own designs. That purpose he proceeded instantly to execute. The + Queen next morning pursued her voyage by the river to Liege, and scarcely + had she floated out of his sight than he sprang upon his horse and, + accompanied by a few trusty attendants, galloped out of the gate and + across the bridge which led to the citadel. He had already despatched the + loyal Berlaymont, with his four equally loyal sons, the Seigneurs de + Meghen, Floyon, Hierges, and Haultepenne to that fortress. These gentlemen + had informed the castellan that the Governor was about to ride forth + hunting, and that it would be proper to offer him the hospitalities of the + castle as he passed on his way. A considerable number of armed men had + been concealed in the woods and thickets of the neighbourhood. The + Seigneur de Froymont, suspecting nothing, acceded to the propriety of the + suggestion made by the Berlaymonts. Meantime, with a blast of his horn, + Don John appeared at the castle gate. He entered the fortress with the + castellan, while one of the gentlemen watched outside, as the ambushed + soldiers came toiling up the precipice. When all was ready the gentleman + returned to the hall, and made a signal to Don John, as he sat at + breakfast with the constable. The Governor sprang from the table and drew + his sword; Berlaymont and his four sons drew their pistols, while at the + same instant, the soldiers entered. Don John, exclaiming that this was the + first day of his government, commanded the castellan to surrender. De + Froymont, taken by surprise, and hardly understanding this very + melo-dramatic attack upon a citadel by its own lawful governor, made not + much difficulty in complying. He was then turned out of doors, along with + his garrison, mostly feeble old men and invalids. The newly arrived + soldiers took their places, at command of the Governor, and the stronghold + of Namur was his own. + </p> + <p> + There was little doubt that the representative of Philip had a perfect + right to possess himself of any fortress within his government; there + could be as little that the sudden stratagem by which he had thus made + himself master of this citadel would prove offensive to the estates, while + it could hardly be agreeable to the King; and yet it is not certain that + he could have accomplished his purpose in any other way. Moreover, the + achievement was one of a projected series by which he meant to + re-vindicate his dwindling authority. He was weary of playing the + hypocrite, and convinced that he and his monarch were both abhorred by the + Netherlanders. Peace was impossible—war was forbidden him. Reduced + almost to a nullity by the Prince of Orange, it was time for him to make a + stand, and in this impregnable fastness his position at least was a good + one. Many months before, the Prince of Orange had expressed his anxious + desire that this most important town and citadel should be secured-for the + estates. "You know," he had written to Bossu in December, "the evil and + the dismay which the loss of the city and fortress of Namur would occasion + to us. Let me beseech you that all possible care be taken to preserve + them." Nevertheless, their preservation had been entrusted to a + feeble-minded old constable, at the head of a handful of cripples. + </p> + <p> + We know how intense had been the solicitude of the Prince, not only to + secure but to destroy these citadels, "nests of tyranny," which had been + built by despots to crush, not protect, the towns at their feet. These + precautions had been neglected, and the consequences were displaying + themselves, for the castle of Namur was not the only one of which Don John + felt himself secure. Although the Duke of Aerschot seemed so very much his + humble servant, the Governor did not trust him, and wished to see the + citadel of Antwerp in more unquestionable keeping. He had therefore + withdrawn, not only the Duke, but his son, the Prince of Chimay, commander + of the castle in his father's absence, from that important post, and + insisted upon their accompanying him to Namur. So gallant a courtier as + Aerschot could hardly refuse to pay his homage to so illustrious a + princess as Margaret of Valois, while during the absence of the Duke and + Prince the keys of Antwerp-citadel had been, at the command of Don John, + placed in the keeping of the Seigneur de Treslong, an unscrupulous and + devoted royalist. The celebrated Colonel Van Ende, whose participation, at + the head of his German cavalry, in the terrible sack of that city, which + he had been ordered to defend, has been narrated, was commanded to return + to Antwerp. He was to present himself openly to the city authorities, but + he was secretly directed by the Governor-General to act in co-operation + with the Colonels Fugger, Frondsberger, and Polwiller, who commanded the + forces already stationed in the city. These distinguished officers had + been all summer in secret correspondence with Don John, for they were the + instruments with which he meant by a bold stroke to recover his almost + lost authority. While he had seemed to be seconding the efforts of the + states-general to pay off and disband these mercenaries, nothing had in + reality been farther from his thoughts; and the time had now come when his + secret plans were to be executed, according to the agreement between + himself and the German colonels. He wrote to them, accordingly, to delay + no longer the accomplishment of the deed—that deed being the seizure + of Antwerp citadel, as he had already successfully mastered that of Namur. + The Duke of Aerschot, his brother, and son, were in his power, and could + do nothing to prevent the co-operation of the colonels in the city with + Treslong in the castle; so that the Governor would thus be enabled, laying + his head tranquilly upon "the pillow of the Antwerp citadel," according to + the reproachful expression subsequently used by the estates, to await the + progress of events. + </p> + <p> + The current of his adventurous career was not, however, destined to run + thus smoothly. It is true that the estates had not yet entirely lost their + confidence in his character; but the seizure of Namur, and the attempt + upon Antwerp, together with the contents of the intercepted letters + written by himself and Escovedo to Philip, to Perez, to the Empress, to + the Colonels Frondsberger and Fugger, were soon destined to open their + eyes. In the meantime, almost exactly at the moment when Don John was + executing his enterprise against Namur, Escovedo had taken an affectionate + farewell of the estates at Brussels for it had been thought necessary, as + already intimated, both for the apparent interests and the secret projects + of Don John; that the Secretary should make a visit to Spain. At the + command of the Governor-General he had offered to take charge of any + communication for his Majesty which the estates might be disposed to + entrust to him, and they had accordingly addressed a long epistle to the + King, in which they gave ample expression to their indignation and their + woe. They remonstrated with the King concerning the continued presence of + the German mercenaries, whose knives were ever at their throats, whose + plunder and insolence impoverished and tortured the people. They reminded + him of the vast sums which the provinces had contributed in times past to + the support of government, and they begged assistance from his bounty now. + They recalled to his vision the melancholy spectacle of Antwerp, but + lately the "nurse of Europe, the fairest flower in his royal garland, the + foremost and noblest city of the earth, now quite desolate and forlorn," + and with additional instructions to Escovedo, that he should not fail, in + his verbal communications, to represent the evil consequences of the + course hitherto pursued by his Majesty's governors in the Netherlands, + they dismissed him with good wishes, and with "crowns for convoy" in his + purse to the amount of a revenue of two thousand yearly. His secret + correspondence was intercepted and made known a few weeks after his + departure for that terrible Spain whence so few travellers returned. + </p> + <p> + For a moment we follow him thither. With a single word in anticipation, + concerning the causes and the consummation of this celebrated murder, + which was delayed till the following year, the unfortunate Escovedo may be + dismissed from these pages. It has been seen how artfully Antonio Perez, + Secretary of State, paramour of Princess Eboli, and ruling councillor at + that day of Philip, had fostered in the King's mind the most extravagant + suspicions as to the schemes of Don John, and of his confidential + secretary. He had represented it as their fixed and secret intention, + after Don John should be finally established on the throne of England, to + attack Philip himself in Spain, and to deprive him of his crown, Escovedo + being represented as the prime instigator and controller of this + astounding plot, which lunatics only could have engendered, and which + probably never had existence. + </p> + <p> + No proof of the wild design was offered. The language which Escovedo was + accused by Perez of having held previously to his departure for Flanders—that + it was the intention of Don John and himself to fortify the rock of Mogio, + with which, and with the command of the city of Santander, they could make + themselves masters of Spain after having obtained possession of England,—is + too absurd to have been uttered by a man of Escovedo's capacity. + Certainly, had Perez been provided with the least scrap of writing from + the hands of Don John or Escovedo which could be tortured into evidence + upon this point, it would have been forthcoming, and would have rendered + such fictitious hearsay superfluous. Perez in connivance with Philip, had + been systematically conducting his correspondence with Don John and + Escovedo, in order to elicit some evidence of the imputed scheme. "'T was + the only way," said Perez to Philip, "to make them unbare their bosoms to + the sword."—"I am quite of the same opinion," replied Philip to + Perez, "for, according to my theology, you would do your duty neither to + God nor the world, unless you did as you are doing." Yet the excellent + pair of conspirators at Madrid could wring no damning proofs from the lips + of the supposititious conspirators in Flanders, save that Don John, after + Escovedo's arrival in Madrid, wrote, impatiently and frequently, to demand + that he should be sent back, together with the money which he had gone to + Spain to procure. "Money, more money, and Escovedo," wrote the Governor, + and Philip was quite willing to accept this most natural exclamation as + evidence of his brother's designs against his crown. Out of these shreds + and patches—the plot against England, the Pope's bull, the desire + expressed by Don John to march into France as a simple adventurer, with a + few thousand men at his back—Perez, according to his own statement, + drew up a protocol, afterwards formally approved by Philip, which + concluded with the necessity of taking Escovedo's life, instantly but + privately, and by poison. The Marquis de Los Velos, to whom the memorial + was submitted for his advice, averred that if the death-bed wafer were in + his own lips, he should vote for the death of the culprit. Philip had + already jumped to the same conclusion; Perez joyfully undertook the + business, having received carte blanche from the King, and thus the + unfortunate secretary was doomed. Immediately after the arrival of + Escovedo in Madrid, he addressed a letter to the King. Philip filed it + away among other despatches, with this annotation: "the 'avant courier' + has arrived—it is necessary to make great haste, and to despatch him + before he murders us." + </p> + <p> + The King, having been thus artfully inflamed against his brother and his + unfortunate secretary, became clamorous for the blood of Escovedo. At the + same time, that personage, soon after his return to Spain, was shocked by + the discovery of the amour of Perez with the Princess Eboli. He considered + it his duty, both towards the deceased Prince and the living King, to + protest against this perfidy. He threatened to denounce to the King, who + seemed the only person about the court ignorant of the affair, this double + treason of his mistress and his minister. Perez and Anna of Eboli, furious + at Escovedo's insolence, and anxious lest he should execute his menace + determined to disembarrass themselves of so meddlesome a person. Philip's + rage against Don John was accordingly turned to account, and Perez + received the King's secret orders to procure Escovedo's assassination. + Thus an imaginary conspiracy of Don John against, the crown of Philip was + the pretext, the fears and rage of Eboli and her paramour were the + substantial reason, for the crime now projected. + </p> + <p> + The details of the murder were arranged and executed by Perez, but it must + be confessed in justice to Philip, with much inferior nicety to that of + his, own performances in the same field. Many persons were privy to the + plot. There was much blundering, there was great public scandal in Madrid, + and no one ever had a reasonable doubt as to the instigators and the + actual perpetrators of the crime. Two attempts to poison Escovedo were + made by Perez, at his own table, through the agency of Antonio Enriquez, a + confidential servant or page. Both were unsuccessful. A third was equally + so, but suspicions were aroused. A female slave in the household of + Escovedo, was in consequence arrested, and immediately hanged in the + public square, for a pretended attempt to murder her master. A few days + afterwards (on the 31st of March, 1578) the deed was accomplished at + nightfall in the streets of Madrid, by six conspirators. They consisted of + the majordomo of Perez, a page in his household, the page's brother from + the country, an ex-scullion from the royal kitchens, Juan Rubio by name, + who had been the unsuccessful agent in the poisoning scheme, together with + two professional bravos, hired for the occasion. It was Insausti, one of + this last-mentioned couple, who despatched Escovedo with a single stab, + the others aiding and abetting, or keeping watch in the neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + The murderers effected their escape, and made their report to Perez, who + for the sake of appearances, was upon a visit in the country. Suspicion + soon tracked the real culprits, who were above the reach of justice; nor, + as to the motives which had prompted the murders, were many ignorant, save + only the murderer himself. Philip had ordered the assassination; but he + was profoundly deceived as to the causes of its accomplishment. He was the + dupe of a subtler villain than himself, and thought himself sacrificing a + conspirator against his crown, while he had really only crushed a poor + creature who had been but too solicitous for what he thought his master's + honor. + </p> + <p> + The assassins were, of course, protected from prosecution, and duly + recompensed. Miguel Bosque, the country boy, received one hundred crowns + in gold, paid by a clerk of Perez. Mesa, one of the bravos, was rewarded + with a gold chain, fifty doubloons of eight, and a silver cup, besides + receiving from the fair hand of Princess Eboli herself a certificate as + under-steward upon her estates. The second bravo, Insausti, who had done + the deed, the page Enriquez, and the scullion, were all appointed ensigns + in his Majesty's army, with twenty gold crowns of annual pension besides. + Their commissions were signed by Philip on the 19th of April, 1578. Such + were the wages of murder at that day in Spain; gold chains, silver cups, + doubloons, annuities, and commissions in the army! The reward of fidelity, + as in poor Escovedo's case, was oftener the stiletto. Was it astonishing + that murder was more common than fidelity? + </p> + <p> + With the subsequent career of Antonio Perez—his famous process, his + banishment, his intrigues, his innuendos, his long exile, and his + miserable death, this history has no concern. We return from our brief + digression. + </p> + <p> + Before narrating the issue of the plot against Antwerp citadel, it is + necessary to recur for a moment to the Prince of Orange. In the deeds and + the written words of that one man are comprised nearly all the history of + the Reformation in the Netherlands—nearly the whole progress of the + infant Republic. The rest, during this period, is made up of the plottings + and counter-plottings, the mutual wranglings and recriminations of Don + John and the estates. + </p> + <p> + In the brief breathing-space now afforded them, the inhabitants of Holland + and Zealand had been employing themselves in the extensive repairs of + their vast system of dykes. These barriers, which protected their country + against the ocean, but which their own hands had destroyed to preserve + themselves against tyranny, were now thoroughly reconstructed, at a great + expense, the Prince everywhere encouraging the people with his presence, + directing them by his experience, inspiring them with his energy. The task + accomplished was stupendous and worthy, says a contemporary, of eternal + memory. + </p> + <p> + At the popular request, the Prince afterwards made a tour through the + little provinces, honoring every city with a brief visit. The spontaneous + homage which went up to him from every heart was pathetic and simple. + There were no triumphal arches, no martial music, no banners, no + theatrical pageantry nothing but the choral anthem from thousands of + grateful hearts. "Father William has come! Father William has come!" cried + men, women, and children to each other, when the news of his arrival in + town or village was announced. He was a patriarch visiting his children, + not a conqueror, nor a vulgar potentate displaying himself to his + admirers. Happy were they who heard his voice, happier they who touched + his hands, for his words were full of tenderness, his hand was offered to + all. There were none so humble as to be forbidden to approach him, none so + ignorant as not to know his deeds. All knew that to combat in their cause + he had descended from princely station, from luxurious ease, to the + position of a proscribed and almost beggared outlaw. For them he had + impoverished himself and his family, mortgaged his estates, stripped + himself of jewels, furniture, almost of food and raiment. Through his + exertions the Spaniards had been banished from their little territory, the + Inquisition crushed within their borders, nearly all the sister provinces + but yesterday banded into a common cause. + </p> + <p> + He found time, notwithstanding congratulating crowds who thronged his + footsteps, to direct the labors of the states-general, who still looked + more than ever to his guidance, as their relations with Don John became + more complicated and unsatisfactory. In a letter addressed to them, on the + 20th of June from Harlem, he warned them most eloquently to hold to the + Ghent Pacification as to their anchor in the storm. He assured them, if it + was, torn from them, that their destruction was inevitable. He reminded + them that hitherto they had got but the shadow, not the substance of the + Treaty; that they had been robbed of that which was to have been its chief + fruit—union among themselves. He and his brothers, with their labor, + their wealth, and their blood, had laid down the bridge over which the + country had stepped to the Pacification of Ghent. It was for the nation to + maintain what had been so painfully won; yet he proclaimed to them that + the government were not acting in good faith, that secret, preparations + were making to annihilate the authority of the states; to restore the + edicts, to put strangers into high places, and to set up again the + scaffold and the whole machinery of persecution. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of the seizure of Namur Castle, and the accusations made by + Don John against Orange, in order to justify that act, the Prince had + already despatched Taffin and Saint Aldegonde to the states-general with a + commission to declare his sentiments upon the subject. He addressed, + moreover, to the same body a letter full of sincere and simple eloquence. + "The Seigneur Don John," said he, "has accused me of violating the peace, + and of countenancing attempts against his life, and in endeavouring to + persuade you into joining him in a declaration of war against me and + against Holland and Zealand; but I pray you, most affectionately, to + remember our mutual and solemn obligations to maintain the treaty of + Ghent." He entreated the states, therefore, to beware of the artifices + employed to seduce them from the only path which led to the tranquillity + of their common country, and her true splendor and prosperity. "I believe + there is not one of you," he continued, "who can doubt me, if he will + weigh carefully all my actions, and consider closely the course which I am + pursuing and have always pursued. Let all these be confronted with the + conduct of Don John, and any man will perceive that all my views of + happiness, both for my country and myself, imply a peaceable enjoyment of + the union, joined with the legitimate restoration of our liberties, to + which all good patriots aspire, and towards which all my designs have ever + tended. As all the grandeur of Don John, on the contrary, consists in war, + as there is nothing which he so much abhors as repose, as he has given + ample proof of these inclinations in all his designs and enterprises, both + before and after the Treaty of Marche en Famine, both within the country + and beyond its borders, as it is most manifest that his purpose is, and + ever has been, to embroil us with our neighbours of England and Scotland + in new dissensions, as it must be evident to every one of you that his + pretended accusations against me are but colors and shadows to embellish + and to shroud his own desire for war, his appetite for vengeance, and his + hatred not only to me but to yourselves, and as his determination is, in + the words of Escovedo, to chastise some of us by means of the rest, and to + excite the jealousy of one portion of the country against the other—therefore, + gentlemen, do I most affectionately exhort you to found your decision, as + to these matters, not upon words but upon actions. Examine carefully my + conduct in the points concerning which the charges are made; listen + attentively to what my envoys will communicate to you in my behalf; and + then, having compared it with all the proceedings of Seigneur Don John, + you will be able to form a resolution worthy the rank which you occupy, + and befitting your obligations to the whole people, of whom you have been + chosen chiefs and protectors, by God and by men. Put away all + considerations which might obscure your clear eye-sight; maintain with + magnanimity, and like men, the safety of yourselves, your wives, your + children, your estates, your liberties; see that this poor people, whose + eyes are fixed upon you, does not perish; preserve them from the + greediness of those who would grow great at your expense; guard them from + the yoke of miserable servitude; let not all our posterity lament that, by + our pusillanimity, they have lost the liberties which our ancestors had + conquered for them, and bequeathed to them as well as to us, and that they + have been subjugated by the proud tyranny of strangers. + </p> + <p> + "Trusting," said the Prince, in conclusion, "that you will accord faith + and attention to my envoys, I will only add an expression of my sincere + determination to employ myself incessantly in your service, and for the + welfare of the whole people, without sparing any means in my power, nor my + life itself." + </p> + <p> + The vigilant Prince was indeed not slow to take advantage of the + Governor's false move. While in reality intending peace, if it were + possible, Don John had thrown down the gauntlet; while affecting to deal + openly and manfully, like a warrior and an emperor's son, he had involved + himself in petty stratagems and transparent intrigues, by all which he had + gained nothing but the character of a plotter, whose word could not be + trusted. Saint Aldegonde expressed the hope that the seizure of Namur + Castle would open the eyes of the people, and certainly the Prince did his + best to sharpen their vision. + </p> + <p> + While in North Holland, William of Orange received an urgent invitation + from the magistracy and community of Utrecht to visit that city. His + authority, belonging to him under his ancient commission, had not yet been + recognized over that province, but there was no doubt that the + contemplated convention of "satisfaction" was soon to be; arranged, for + his friends there were numerous and influential. His princess, Charlotte + de Bourbon, who accompanied him on his tour, trembled at the danger to + which her husband would expose himself by venturing thus boldly into a + territory which might be full of his enemies, but the Prince determined to + trust the loyalty of a province which he hoped would be soon his own. With + anxious forebodings, the Princess followed her husband to the ancient + episcopal city. As they entered its gates, where an immense concourse was + waiting to receive him, a shot passed through the carriage window, and + struck the Prince upon the breast. The affrighted lady threw her arms + about his neck; shrieking that they were betrayed, but the Prince, + perceiving that the supposed shot was but a wad from one of the cannon, + which were still roaring their welcome to him, soon succeeded in calming + her fears. The carriage passed lowly through the streets, attended by the + vociferous greetings of the multitude; for the whole population had come + forth to do him honor. Women and children clustered upon every roof and + balcony, but a painful incident again marred the tranquillity of the + occasion. An apothecary's child, a little girl of ten years, leaning + eagerly from a lofty balcony, lost her balance and fell to the ground, + directly before the horses of the Prince's carriage. She was killed stone + dead by the fall. The procession stopped; the Prince alighted, lifted the + little corpse in his arms, and delivered it, with gentle words and looks + of consolation, to the unhappy parents. The day seemed marked with evil + omens, which were fortunately destined to prove fallacious. The citizens + of Utrecht became more than ever inclined to accept the dominion of the + Prince, whom they honored and whom they already regarded as their natural + chief. They entertained him with banquets and festivities during his brief + visit, and it was certain before he took his departure that the treaty of + "Satisfaction" would not be long delayed. It was drawn up, accordingly, in + the autumn of the same year, upon the basis of that accepted by Harlem and + Amsterdam—a basis wide enough to support both religions, with a + nominal supremacy to the ancient Church. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, much fruitless correspondence had taken place between Don John + and the states Envoys; despatched by the two parties to each other, had + indulged in bitterness and recrimination. As soon as the Governor, had + taken: possession of Namur Castle, he had sent the Seigneur, de Rassinghem + to the states-general. That gentleman carried with him copies of two + anonymous letters, received by Don John upon the 19th and 21st of July, + 1577, in which a conspiracy against his life and liberty was revealed. It + was believed by the Governor that Count Lalain, who had secretly invited + him to a conference, had laid an ambush for him. It was known that the + country was full of disbanded soldiers, and the Governor asserted + confidently that numbers of desperadoes were lying in wait for him in + every village alehouse of Hainault and Flanders. He called on the states + to ferret out these conspirators, and to inflict condign punishment upon + their more guilty chiefs; he required that the soldiers, as well as the + citizens, should be disarmed at Brussels and throughout Brabant, and he + justified his seizure of Namur, upon the general ground that his life was + no longer safe, except in a fortress. + </p> + <p> + In reply to the letter of the Governor, which was dated the 24th of July, + the states despatched Marolles, Archdeacon of Ypres, and the Seigneur de + Bresse, to Namur, with a special mission to enter into the whole subject + of these grievances. These gentlemen, professing the utmost devotion to + the cause of his Majesty's authority and the Catholic religion, expressed + doubts as to the existence of the supposed conspiracy. They demanded that + Don John should denounce the culprits, if any such were known, in order + that proper chastisement might be instantly inflicted. The conversation + which ensued was certainly unsatisfactory. The Governor used lofty and + somewhat threatening language, assuring Marolles that he was at that + moment in possession, not only of Namur but of Antwerp citadel; and the + deputies accordingly departed, having accomplished very little by their + journey. Their backs were scarcely turned, when Don John, on his part, + immediately appointed another commission, consisting of Rassinghem and + Grobbendonck, to travel from Namur to Brussels. These envoys carried a + long letter of grievances, enclosing a short list of demands. The letter + reiterated his complaints about conspiracies, and his protestations of + sincerity. It was full of censure upon the Prince of Orange; stigmatized + his intrigues to obtain possession of Amsterdam without a proper + "Satisfaction," and of Utrecht, to which he had no claim at all. It + maintained that the Hollanders and Zealanders were bent upon utterly + exterminating the Catholic religion, and that they avowed publicly their + intention to refuse obedience to the assembly-general, should it decree + the maintenance of the ancient worship only. His chief demands were that + the states should send him a list of persons qualified to be members of + the general assembly, that he might see whether there were not individuals + among them whom he might choose to reject. He further required that, if + the Prince of Orange did not instantly fulfil the treaty of Ghent, the + states should cease to hold any communication with him. He also summoned + the states to provide him forthwith with a suitable body-guard. + </p> + <p> + To these demands and complaints, the estates replied by a string of + resolutions. They made their usual protestations of attachment to his + Majesty and the Catholic faith, and they granted willingly a foot-guard of + three hundred archers. They, however, stoutly denied the Governor's right + to make eliminations in their lists of deputies, because, from time + immemorial, these representatives had been chosen by the clergy, nobles, + cities, and boroughs. The names might change daily, nor were there any + suspicious ones among them, but it was a matter with which the Governor + had no concern. They promised that every effort should be made to bring + about the execution of the treaty by the Prince of Orange. They begged Don + John; however, to abandon the citadel of Namur, and gave him to understand + that his secret practices had been discovered, a large packet of letters + having recently been intercepted in the neighbourhood of Bourdeaux, and + sent to the Prince of Orange. Among them were some of the despatches of + Don John and Escovedo, to his Majesty and to Antonio Perez, to which + allusion has already been made. + </p> + <p> + Count Bossu, De Bresse, and Meetkercke were the envoys deputed to convey + these resolutions to Namur. They had a long and bitter conversation with + Don John, who complained, more furiously than ever of the conspiracies + against his person, and of the intrigues of Orange. He insisted that this + arch-traitor had been sowing the seed of his damnable doctrines broadcast + through the Netherlands; that the earth was groaning with a daily ripening + harvest of rebellion and heresy. It was time, he cried, for the states to + abandon the Prince, and rally round their King. Patience had been + exhausted. He had himself done all, and more than could have been + demanded. He had faithfully executed the Ghent Pacification, but his + conduct had neither elicited gratitude nor inspired confidence. + </p> + <p> + The deputies replied, that to the due execution of the Ghent treaty it was + necessary that he should disband the German troops, assemble the + states-general, and carry out their resolutions. Until these things, now + undone, had been accomplished, he had no right to plead his faithful + fulfilment of the Pacification. After much conversation—in which the + same grievances were repeated, the same statements produced and + contradicted, the same demands urged and evaded, and the same menaces + exchanged as upon former occasions—the deputies returned to + Brussels. + </p> + <p> + Immediately after their departure, Don John learned the result of his + project upon Antwerp Castle. It will be remembered that he had withdrawn + Aerschot, under pretext of requiring his company on the visit to Queen + Margaret, and that he had substituted Treslong, an unscrupulous partisan + of his own, in the government of the citadel. The temporary commander soon + found, however, that he had undertaken more than he could perform. The + troops under Van Ende were refused admittance into the town, although + permission to quarter them there had been requested by the + Governor-General. The 'authorities had been assured that the troops were + necessary for the protection of their city, but the magistrates had + learned, but too recently, the nature of the protection which Van Ende, + with his mercenaries, would afford. A detachment of states troops under De + Yers, Champagny's nephew, encountered the regiment of Van Ende, and put it + to flight with considerable loss. At the same time, an officer in the + garrison of the citadel itself, Captain De Bours, undertook secretly to + carry the fortress for the estates. His operations were secret and rapid. + The Seigneur de Liedekerke had succeeded Champagny in the government of + the city. This appointment had been brought about by the agency of the + Greffier Martini, a warm partisan of Orange. The new Governor was known to + be very much the Prince's friend, and believed to be at heart a convert to + the Reformed religion. With Martini and Liedekerke, De Bours arranged his + plot. He was supplied with a large sum of money, readily furnished in + secret by the leading mercantile houses of the city. These funds were + successfully invested in gaining over the garrison, only one company + holding firm for Treslong. The rest, as that officer himself informed Don + John, were ready at any moment "to take him by the throat." + </p> + <p> + On the 1st of August, the day firmed upon in concert with the Governor and + Greffier, he was, in fact, taken by the throat. There was but a brief + combat, the issue of which became accidentally doubtful in the city. The + white-plumed hat of De Bours had been struck from his head in the + struggle, and had fallen into the foss. Floating out into the river, it + had been recognized by the scouts sent out by the personages most + interested, and the information was quickly brought to Liedekerke, who was + lying concealed in the house of Martini, awaiting the result. Their dismay + was great, but Martini, having more confidence than the Governor, sallied + forth to learn the whole truth. Scarcely had he got into the streets than + he heard a welcome cry, "The Beggars have the castle! the Beggars have the + castle!" shouted a hundred voices. He soon met a lieutenant coming + straight from the fortress, who related to him the whole affair. Learning + that De Bours was completely victorious, and that Treslong was a prisoner, + Martini hastened with the important intelligence to his own home, where + Liedekerke lay concealed. That functionary now repaired to the citadel, + whither the magistrates, the leading citizens, and the chief merchants + were instantly summoned. The castle was carried, but the city was already + trembling with apprehension lest the German mercenaries quartered within + its walls, should rise with indignation or panic, and repeat the horrid + tragedy of The Antwerp Fury. + </p> + <p> + In truth, there seemed danger of such a catastrophe. The secret + correspondence of Don John with the colonels was already discovered, and + it was seen how warmly he had impressed upon the men with whom he had been + tampering, "that the die was cast," and that all their art was necessary + to make it turn up successfully. The castle was carried, but what would + become of the city? A brief and eager consultation terminated in an + immediate offer of three hundred thousand crowns by the leading merchants. + This money was to be employed in amicably satisfying, if possible, the + German soldiers, who had meanwhile actually come to arms, and were + assembled in the Place de Meer. Feeling unsafe; however, in this locality, + their colonels had led them into the new town. Here, having barricaded + themselves with gun-carriages, bales, and boxes, they awaited, instead of + initiating, the events which the day might bring forth. A deputation soon + arrived with a white flag from the castle, and commissioners were + appointed by the commanding officers of the soldiery. The offer was made + to pay over the arrears of their wages, at least to a very large amount, + on condition that the troops should forthwith and for ever evacuate the + city. One hundred and fifty thousand crowns were offered on the nail. The + merchants stood on the bridge leading from the old town-to the new, in + full sight of the soldiers. They held in their hands their purses, filled + with the glittering gold. The soldiers were frantic with the opportunity, + and swore that they would have their officers' lives, if the tempting and + unexpected offer should be declined. Nevertheless, the commissioners went + to and fro, ever finding something to alter or arrange. In truth, the + merchants had agreed to furnish; if necessary, three hundred thousand + Browns; but the thrifty negotiators were disposed, if diplomacy could do + it, to save the moiety of that sum. Day began to sink, ere the bargain was + completed, when suddenly sails were descried in the distance, and + presently a large fleet of war vessels, with, banner and pennon flying + before a favoring breeze; came sailing up the Scheld. It was a squadron of + the Prince's ships, under command of Admiral Haultain. He had been sent + against Tholen, but, having received secret intelligence, had, with happy + audacity, seized the opportunity of striking a blow in the cause which he + had served so faithfully. A shot or two fired from the vessels among the + barricades had a quickening effect. A sudden and astounding panic seized + the soldiers. "The Beggars are coming! the Beggars are coming!" they + yelled in dismay; for the deeds of the ocean-beggars had not become less + appalling since the memorable siege of Leyden. The merchants still stood + on the bridge with their purses in their hand. The envoys from the castle + still waved their white flags. It was too late. The horror inspired by the + wild Zealanders overpowered the hope of wages, extinguished all confidence + in the friendship of the citizens. The mercenaries, yielding to a violent + paroxysm of fear, fled hither and thither, panting, doubling, skulking, + like wolves before the hounds. Their flight was ludicrous. Without staying + to accept the money which the merchants were actually offering, without + packing up their own property, in many cases even throwing away their + arms, they fled, helter skelter, some plunging into the Scheid, some + skimming along the dykes, some rushing across the open fields. A portion + of them under Colonel Fugger, afterwards shut themselves up in Bergen op + Zoom, where they were at once besieged by Champagny, and were soon glad to + compromise the matter by surrendering their colonel and laying down their + arms. The remainder retreated to Breda, where they held out for two + months, and were at length overcome by a neat stratagem of Orange. A + captain, being known to be in the employment of Don John, was arrested on + his way to Breda. Carefully sewed up in his waistband was found a letter, + of a finger's breadth, written in cipher, and sealed with the + Governor-General's seal. Colonel Frondsberger, commanding in Breda, was in + this missive earnestly solicited to hold out two months longer, within + which time a certain relief was promised. In place of this letter, + deciphered with much difficulty, a new one was substituted, which the + celebrated printer, William Sylvius, of Antwerp, prepared with great + adroitness, adding the signature and seal of Don John. In this counterfeit + epistle; the Colonel was directed to do the best he could for himself, by + reason that Don John was himself besieged, and unable to render him + assistance. The same captain who had brought the real letter was bribed to + deliver the counterfeit. This task he faithfully performed, spreading the + fictitious intelligence besides, with such ardor through the town, that + the troops rose upon their leader, and surrendered him with the city and + their own arms, into the custody of the estates. Such was the result of + the attempt by Don John to secure the citadel—of Antwerp. Not only + was the fortress carried for the estates, but the city itself, for the + first time in twelve years, was relieved from a foreign soldiery. + </p> + <p> + The rage and disappointment of the Governor-General were excessive. He had + boasted to Marolles a day too soon. The prize which he thought already in + his grasp had slipped through his fingers, while an interminable list of + demands which he dreamed not of, and which were likely to make him + bankrupt, were brought to his door. To the states, not himself, the + triumph seemed for the moment decreed. The "dice" had taken a run against + him, notwithstanding his pains in loading and throwing. Nevertheless, he + did not yet despair of revenge. "These rebels," he wrote to the Empress-dowager, + his sister, "think that fortune is all smiles for them now, and that all + is ruin for me. The wretches are growing proud enough, and forget that + their chastisement, some fine morning, will yet arrive." + </p> + <p> + On the 7th of August he addressed another long letter to the estates. This + document was accompanied, as usual, by certain demands, drawn up + categorically in twenty-three articles. The estates considered his terms + hard and strange, for in their opinion it was themselves, not the + Governor, who were masters of the situation. Nevertheless, he seemed + inclined to treat as if he had gained, not missed, the citadel of Antwerp; + as if the troops with whom he had tampered were mustered in the field, not + shut up in distant towns, and already at the mercy of the states party. + The Governor demanded that all the forces of the country should be placed + under his own immediate control; that Count Bossu, or some other person + nominated by himself, should be appointed to the government of Friesland; + that the people of Brabant and Flanders should set themselves instantly to + hunting, catching, and chastising all vagrant heretics and preachers. He + required, in particular, that Saint Aldegonde and Theron, those most + mischievous rebels, should be prohibited from setting their foot in any + city of the Netherlands. He insisted that the community of Brussels should + lay down their arms, and resume their ordinary handicrafts. He demanded + that the Prince of Orange should be made to execute the Ghent treaty; to + suppress the exercise of the Reformed religion in Harlem, Schoonhoven, and + other places; to withdraw his armed vessels from their threatening + stations, and to restore Nieuport, unjustly detained by him. Should the + Prince persist in his obstinacy, Don John summoned them to take arms + against him, and to support their lawful Governor. He, moreover, required + the immediate restitution of Antwerp citadel, and the release of Treslong + from prison. + </p> + <p> + Although, regarded from the Spanish point of view, such demands might seem + reasonable, it was also natural that their audacity should astonish the + estates. That the man who had violated so openly the Ghent treaty should + rebuke the Prince for his default—that the man who had tampered with + the German mercenaries until they were on the point of making another + Antwerp Fury, should now claim the command over them and all other troops—that + the man who had attempted to gain Antwerp citadel by a base stratagem + should now coolly demand its restoration, seemed to them the perfection of + insolence. The baffled conspirator boldly claimed the prize which was to + have rewarded a successful perfidy. At the very moment when the Escovedo + letters and the correspondence with the German colonels had been laid + before their eyes, it was a little too much that the double-dealing + bastard of the double-dealing Emperor should read them a lecture upon + sincerity. It was certain that the perplexed, and outwitted warrior had + placed himself at last in a very false position. The Prince of Orange, + with his usual adroitness, made the most of his adversary's false moves. + Don John had only succeeded in digging a pitfall for himself. His + stratagems against Namur and Antwerp had produced him no fruit, saving the + character, which his antagonist now fully succeeded in establishing for + him, of an unscrupulous and artful schemer. This reputation was enhanced + by the discovery of the intercepted letters, and by the ingenuity and + eagerness with which they were turned to account against him by the + Prince, by Saint Aldegonde, and all the anti-Catholic party. The true key + to his reluctance against despatching the troops by land, the states had + not obtained. They did not dream of his romantic designs upon England, and + were therefore excusable in attributing a still deeper perfidy to his + arrangements. + </p> + <p> + Even had he been sent to the Netherlands in the full possession of his + faculties, he would have been no match in political combinations for his + powerful antagonists. Hoodwinked and fettered, suspected by his master, + baffled, bewildered, irritated by his adversary, what could he do but + plunge from one difficulty to another and oscillate between extravagant + menace, and desponding concession, until his hopes and life were wasted + quite away. His instructions came from Philip through Perez, and that most + profound dissembler, as we have seen, systematically deceived the + Governor, with the view of eliciting treasonable matters, Philip wishing, + if possible, to obtain proofs of Don John's secret designs against his own + crown. Thus every letter from Spain was filled with false information and + with lying persuasions. No doubt the Governor considered himself entitled + to wear a crown, and meant to win it, if not in Africa, then in England, + or wherever fate might look propitiously upon him. He was of the stuff of + which crusaders and dynasty founders had been made, at a somewhat earlier + epoch. Who could have conquered the holy sepulchre, or wrested a crown + from its lawful wearer, whether in Italy, Muscovy, the Orient, or in the + British Ultima Thule, more bravely than this imperial bastard, this + valiant and romantic adventurer? Unfortunately, he came a few centuries + too late. The days when dynasties were founded, and European thrones + appropriated by a few foreign freebooters, had passed, and had not yet + returned. He had come to the Netherlands desirous of smoothing over + difficulties and of making a peaceful termination to that rebellion a + steppingstone to his English throne. He was doomed to a profound + disappointment, a broken heart, and a premature grave, instead of the + glittering baubles which he pursued. Already he found himself bitterly + deceived in his hopes. The obstinate Netherlanders would not love him, + notwithstanding the good wishes he had manifested. They would not even + love the King of Spain, notwithstanding the blessings which his Majesty + was declared to have heaped upon them. On the contrary, they persisted in + wasting their perverse affections upon the pestilent Prince of Orange. + That heretic was leading them to destruction, for he was showing them the + road to liberty, and nothing, in the eyes of the Governor, could be more + pitiable than to behold an innocent people setting forth upon such a + journey. "In truth," said he, bitterly, in his memorable letter to his + sister the Empress, "they are willing to recognize neither God nor king. + They pretend to liberty in all things: so that 'tis a great pity to see + how they are going on; to see the impudence and disrespect with which they + repay his Majesty for the favors which he has shown them, and me for the + labors, indignities, and dangers which I have undergone for their sakes." + </p> + <p> + Nothing, indeed, in the Governor's opinion, could surpass the insolence of + the Netherlanders, save their ingratitude. That was the serpent's tooth + which was ever wounding the clement King and his indignant brother. It + seemed so bitter to meet with thanklessness, after seven years of Alva and + three of Requesens; after the labors of the Blood Council, the massacres + of Naarden, Zutphen, and Harlem, the siege of Leyden, and the Fury of + Antwerp. "Little profit there has been," said the Governor to his sister, + "or is like to be from all the good which we have done to these bad + people. In short, they love and obey in all things the most perverse and + heretic tyrant and rebel in the whole world, which is this damned Prince + of Orange, while, on the contrary, without fear of God or shame before + men, they abhor and dishonor the name and commandments of their natural + sovereign." Therefore, with a doubting spirit, and almost with a broken + heart, had the warrior shut himself up in Namur Castle, to await the + progress of events, and to escape from the snares of his enemies. "God + knows how much I desire to avoid extremities," said he, "but I know not + what to do with men who show themselves so obstinately rebellious." + </p> + <p> + Thus pathetically Don John bewailed his fate. The nation had turned from + God, from Philip, from himself; yet he still sat in his castle, determined + to save them from destruction and his own hands from bloodshed, if such an + issue were yet possible. Nor was he entirely deserted, for among the + faithless a few were faithful still. Although the people were in open + revolt, there was still a handful of nobles resolved to do their duty + towards their God and King. "This little band," said the Governor, "has + accompanied me hither, like gentlemen and chevaliers of honor." Brave + Berlaymont and his four sons were loyal to the last, but others of this + limited number of gentlemen and chevaliers of honor were already deserting + him. As soon as the result of the enterprise against Antwerp citadel was + known, and the storm was gathering most darkly over the royal cause, + Aerschot and Havre were first to spread their wings and flutter away in + search of a more congenial atmosphere. In September, the Duke was again as + he had always professed himself to be, with some important interval of + exception—"the affectionate brother and cordial friend of the Prince + of Orange." + </p> + <p> + The letter addressed by Don John to the states upon the 7th of August, had + not yet been answered. Feeling, soon afterwards, more sensible of his + position, and perhaps less inflamed with indignation; he addressed another + communication to them, upon the 13th of the same month. In this epistle he + expressed an extreme desire for peace, and a hearty desire to be relieved, + if possible, from his most painful situation. He protested, before God and + man, that his intentions were most honest, and that he abhorred war more + than anything else in the world. He averred that, if his person was as + odious to them as it seemed, he was only too ready to leave the land, as + soon as the King should appoint his successor. He reminded them that the + question of peace or war lay not with himself, but with them; and that the + world would denounce as guilty those with whom rested the responsibility. + He concluded with an observation which, in its humility, seemed + sufficiently ironical, that if they had quite finished the perusal of the + despatches from Madrid to his address, which they had intercepted, he + should be thankful for an opportunity of reading them himself. He + expressed a hope, therefore, that they would be forwarded to Namur. + </p> + <p> + This letter was answered at considerable length, upon the second day. The + states made their customary protestations of attachment to his Majesty, + their fidelity to the Catholic church, their determination to maintain + both the Ghent treaty and the Perpetual Edict. They denied all + responsibility for the present disastrous condition of the relations + between themselves and government, having disbanded nearly all their own + troops, while the Governor had been strengthening his forces up to the + period of his retreat into Namur. He protested, indeed, friendship and a + sincere desire for peace, but the intercepted letters of Escovedo and his + own had revealed to them the evil counsels to which he had been listening, + and the intrigues which he had been conducting. They left it to his + conscience whether they could reasonably believe, after the perusal of + these documents, that it was his intention to maintain the Ghent treaty, + or any treaty; and whether they were not justified in their resort to the + natural right of self-defence. + </p> + <p> + Don John was already fully aware of the desperate error which he had + committed. In seizing Namur and attempting Antwerp, he had thrown down the + gauntlet. Wishing peace, he had, in a panic of rage and anxiety; declared + and enacted war. The bridge was broken behind him, the ships burned, a + gulf opened, a return to peace rendered almost impossible. Yet it is + painful to observe the almost passionate longings which at times seemed to + possess him for accommodating the quarrel, together with his absolute + incapacity to appreciate his position. The Prince was triumphant; the + Governor in a trap. Moreover, it was a trap which he had not only entered + voluntarily, but which he had set himself; he had played into the Prince's + hands, and was frantic to see his adversary tranquilly winning the game. + It was almost melancholy to observe the gradation of his tone from haughty + indignation to dismal concession. In an elaborate letter which he + addressed "to the particular states, bishops, councillors, and cities of + the Netherlands," he protested as to the innocence of his intentions, and + complained bitterly of the calumnies circulated to his discredit by the + Prince of Orange. He denied any intention of recalling the troops which he + had dismissed, except in case of absolute necessity: He affirmed that his + Majesty sincerely desired peace. He averred that the country was either + against the King, against the Catholic religion, against himself, or + against all three together. He bitterly asked what further concessions + were required. Had he not done all he had ever promised? Had he not + discharged the Spaniards, placed the castles in the hands of natives, + restored the privileges, submitted to insults and indecencies? Yet, in + spite of all which had passed, he declared his readiness to resign, if + another prince or princess of the blood more acceptable to them could be + appointed. The letter to the states was followed by a proposition for a + cessation of hostilities, and for the appointment of a commission to + devise means for faithfully executing the Ghent treaty. This proposition + was renewed, a few days later, together with an offer for an exchange of + hostages. + </p> + <p> + It was not difficult for the estates to answer the letters of the + Governor. Indeed, there was but little lack of argument on either side + throughout this unhappy controversy. It is dismal to contemplate the + interminable exchange of protocols, declarations, demands, apostilles, + replications and rejoinders, which made up the substance of Don John's + administration. Never was chivalrous crusader so out of place. It was not + a soldier that was then required for Philip's exigency, but a scribe. + Instead of the famous sword of Lepanto, the "barbarous pen" of Hopperus + had been much more suitable for the work required. Scribbling Joachim in a + war-galley, yard-arm and yard-arm with the Turkish capitan pacha, could + have hardly felt less at ease than did the brilliant warrior thus + condemned to scrawl and dissemble. While marching from concession to + concession, he found the states conceiving daily more distrust, and making + daily deeper encroachments. Moreover, his deeds up to the time when he + seemed desirous to retrace his steps had certainly been, at the least, + equivocal. Therefore, it was natural for the estates, in reply to the + questions in his letter, to observe that he had indeed dismissed the + Spaniards, but that he had tampered with and retained the Germans; that he + had indeed placed the citadels in the hands of natives, but that he had + tried his best to wrest them away again; that he had indeed professed + anxiety for peace, but that his intercepted letters proved his + preparations for war. Already there were rumors of Spanish troops + returning in small detachments out of France. Already the Governor was + known to be enrolling fresh mercenaries to supply the place of those whom + he had unsuccessfully endeavoured to gain to his standard. As early as the + 26th of July, in fact, the Marquis d'Ayamonte in Milan, and Don Juan de + Idiaquez in Genoa, had received letters from Don John of Austria, stating + that, as the provinces had proved false to their engagements, he would no + longer be held by his own, and intimating his desire that the veteran + troops which had but so recently been dismissed from Flanders, should + forthwith return. Soon afterwards, Alexander Farnese, Prince of Parma, + received instructions from the King to superintend these movements, and to + carry the aid of his own already distinguished military genius to his + uncle in the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the states felt their strength daily more sensibly. + Guided, as usual, by Orange, they had already assumed a tone in their + correspondence which must have seemed often disloyal, and sometimes + positively insulting, to the Governor. They even answered his hints of + resignation in favor of some other prince of the blood, by expressing + their hopes that his successor, if a member of the royal house at all, + would at least be a legitimate one. This was a severe thrust at the + haughty chieftain, whose imperial airs rarely betrayed any consciousness + of Barbara Blomberg and the bend sinister on his shield. He was made to + understand, through the medium of Brabantine bluntness, that more + importance was attached to the marriage, ceremony in the Netherlands than + he seemed to imagine. The categorical demands made by the estates seemed + even more indigestible than such collateral affronts; for they had now + formally affirmed the views of Orange as to the constitutional government + of the provinces. In their letter of 26th August, they expressed their + willingness, notwithstanding the past delinquencies of the Governor, to + yield him their confidence again; but at the same time; they enumerated + conditions which, with his education and views, could hardly seem to him + admissible. They required him to disband all the soldiers in his service, + to send the Germans instantly out of the country, to dismiss every + foreigner from office, whether civil or military, and to renounce his + secret league with the Duke of Guise. They insisted that he should + thenceforth govern only with the advice and consent of the State Council, + that he should execute that which should by a majority of votes be + ordained there, that neither measures nor despatches should be binding or + authentic unless drawn up at that board. These certainly were views of + administration which, even if consonant with a sound historical view of + the Netherland constitutions, hardly tallied with his monarch's + instructions, his own opinions, or the practice under Alva and Requesens, + but the country was still in a state of revolution, and the party of the + Prince was gaining the upper hand. + </p> + <p> + It was the determination of that great statesman, according to that which + he considered the legitimate practice of the government, to restore the + administration to the State Council, which executive body ought of right + to be appointed by the states-general. In the states-general, as in the + states-particular, a constant care was to be taken towards strengthening + the most popular element, the "community" of each city, the aggregate, + that is to say, of its guild-representatives and its admitted burghers. + This was, in the opinion of the Prince, the true theory of the government—republican + in all but form—under the hereditary protection, not the despotic + authority, of a family, whose rights were now nearly forfeited. It was a + great step in advance that these views should come to be thus formally + announced, not in Holland and Zealand only, but by the deputies of the + states-general, although such a doctrine, to the proud stomach of Don + John, seemed sufficiently repulsive. Not less so was the cool intimation + with which the paper concluded, that if he should execute his threat of + resigning, the country would bear his loss with fortitude, coupled as was + that statement with a declaration that, until his successor should be + appointed, the State Council would consider itself charged ad interim with + the government. In the meantime, the Governor was requested not to + calumniate the estates to foreign governments, as he had so recently done + in his intercepted letter to the Empress-dowager. + </p> + <p> + Upon receiving this letter, "Don John," says a faithful old chronicler, + "found that the cranes had invited the frog to dinner." In truth, the + illustrious soldier was never very successful in his efforts, for which + his enemies gave him credit, to piece out the skin of the lion with that + of the fox. He now felt himself exposed and outwitted, while he did not + feel conscious of any very dark design. He answered the letter of the + states by a long communication, dated from Namur Castle, 28th of August. + In style, he was comparatively temperate, but the justification which he + attempted of his past conduct was not very happy. He noticed the three + different points which formed the leading articles of the accusation + brought against him, the matter, namely, of the intercepted letters, of + the intrigues with the German colonels, and the seizure of Namur. He did + not deny the authorship of the letters, but contented himself with a + reference to their date, as if its priority to his installation as + Governor furnished a sufficient palliation of the bad faith which the + letters revealed. As to the despatches of Escovedo, he denied + responsibility for any statements or opinions which they might contain. As + the Secretary, however, was known to be his most confidential friend, this + attempt to shuffle off his own complicity was held to be both lame and + unhandsome. As for the correspondence with the colonels, his defence was + hardly more successful, and rested upon a general recrimination upon the + Prince of Orange. As that personage was agitating and turbulent, it was + not possible, the Governor urged, that he should himself remain quiet. It + was out of his power to execute the treaty and the edict, in the face of a + notorious omission on the part of his adversary to enforce the one or to + publish the other. It comported neither with his dignity nor his safety to + lay down his weapons while the Prince and his adherents were arming. He + should have placed himself "in a very foolish position," had he allowed + himself unarmed to be dictated to by the armed. In defence of himself on + the third point, the seizure of Namur Castle, he recounted the various + circumstances with which the reader is already acquainted. He laid + particular stress upon the dramatic manner in which the Vicomte De Gand + had drawn his curtains at the dead of night; he narrated at great length + the ominous warning which he had likewise received from the Duke of + Aerschot in Brussels, and concluded with a circumstantial account of the + ambush which he believed to have been laid for him by Count De Lalain. The + letter concluded with a hope for an arrangement of difficulties, not yet + admitted by the Governor to be insurmountable, and with a request for a + formal conference, accompanied by an exchange of hostages. + </p> + <p> + While this correspondence was proceeding between Namur and Brussels, an + event was occurring in Antwerp which gave much satisfaction to Orange. The + Spanish Fury, and the recent unsuccessful attempt of Don John to master + the famous citadel, had determined the authorities to take the counsel + which the Prince had so often given in vain, and the fortress of Antwerp + was at length razed to the ground, on the side towards the city.—It + would be more correct to say that it was not the authorities, but the city + itself which rose at last and threw off the saddle by which it had so long + been galled. More than ten thousand persons were constantly at work, + morning, noon, and night, until the demolition was accomplished. Grave + magistrates, great nobles, fair ladies, citizens and their wives, beggars + and their children, all wrought together pell-mell. All were anxious to + have a hand in destroying the nest where so many murders had been hatched, + whence so much desolation had flown. The task was not a long one for + workmen so much in earnest, and the fortress was soon laid low in the + quarter where it could be injurious to the inhabitants. As the work + proceeded, the old statue of Alva was discovered in a forgotten crypt, + where it had lain since it had been thrown down by the order of Requesens. + Amid the destruction of the fortress, the gigantic phantom of its founder + seemed to start suddenly from the gloom, but the apparition added fresh + fuel to the rage of the people. The image of the execrated Governor was + fastened upon with as much fierceness as if the bronze effigy could feel + their blows, or comprehend their wrath. It was brought forth from its dark + hiding-place into the daylight. Thousands of hands were ready to drag it + through the streets for universal inspection and outrage. A thousand + sledge-hammers were ready to dash it to pieces, with a slight portion, at + least, of the satisfaction with which those who wielded them would have + dealt the same blows upon the head of the tyrant himself. It was soon + reduced to a shapeless mass. Small portions were carried away and + preserved for generations in families as heirlooms of hatred. The bulk was + melted again and reconverted, by a most natural metamorphosis, into the + cannon from which it had originally sprung. + </p> + <p> + The razing of the Antwerp citadel set an example which was followed in + other places; the castle of Ghent, in particular, being immediately + levelled, amid demonstrations of universal enthusiasm. Meantime, the + correspondence between Don John and the estates at Brussels dragged its + slow length along, while at the same time, two elaborate letters were + addressed to the King, on the 24th of August and the 8th of September, by + the estates-general of the Netherlands. These documents, which were long + and able, gave a vigorous representation of past evils and of the present + complication of disorders under which the commonwealth was laboring. They + asked, as usual, for a royal remedy; and expressed their doubts whether + there could be any sincere reconciliation so long as the present Governor, + whose duplicity and insolence they represented in a very strong light, + should remain in office. Should his Majesty, however, prefer to continue + Don John in the government, they signified their willingness, in + consideration of his natural good qualities, to make the best of the + matter. Should, however, the estrangement between themselves and the + Governor seem irremediable, they begged that another and a legitimate + prince of the blood might be appointed in his place. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Country would bear his loss with fortitude + Its humility, seemed sufficiently ironical + Not upon words but upon actions + Perfection of insolence + Was it astonishing that murder was more common than fidelity? +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG Edition, Vol. 29 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 IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Orange invited to visit Brussels—His correspondence upon the + subject with the estates—general—Triumphant journey of the Prince + to the capital——Stop put by him to the negotiations with Don John + —New and stringent demands made upon the Governor—His indignation + —Open rupture—Intrigue of Netherland grandees with Archduke + Matthias—Policy of Orange—Attitude of Queen Elizabeth—Flight of + Matthias from Vienna—Anxiety of Elizabeth—Adroitness of the + Prince—The office of Reward—Election of Orange to that dignity— + His complaints against the great nobles—Aerschot Governor of + Flanders—A storm brewing in Ghent—Ryhove and Imbize—Blood- + Councillor Hessels—Arrogance of the aristocratic party in Flanders + —Ryhove's secret interview with Orange—Outbreak at Ghent—Arrest + of Aerschot, Hessels, and others of the reactionary party—The Duke + liberated at demand of Orange—The Prince's visit to Ghent— + Rhetorical demonstrations—The new Brussels Union characterized— + Treaty with England—Articles by which Matthias is nominally + constituted Governor-General—His inauguration at Brussels— + Brilliant and fantastic ceremonies—Letter of Don John to the + Emperor—His anger with England—An army collecting—Arrival of + Alexander Farnese—Injudicious distribution of offices in the + States' army—The States' army fall back upon Gemblours, followed by + Don John—Tremendous overthrow of the patriots—Wonderful disparity + in the respective losses of the two armies. +</pre> + <p> + While these matters were in progress, an important movement was made by + the estates-general. The Prince of Orange was formally and urgently + invited to come to Brussels to aid them with his counsel and presence. The + condemned traitor had not set foot in the capital for eleven years. We + have narrated the circumstance of his departure, while the advancing + trumpets of Alva's army were almost heard in the distance. His memorable + and warning interview with Egmont has been described. Since that period, + although his spirit had always been manifesting itself in the capital like + an actual presence; although he had been the magnet towards which the + states throughout all their oscillations had involuntarily vibrated, yet + he had been ever invisible. He had been summoned by the Blood Council to + stand his trial, and had been condemned to death by default. He answered + the summons by a defiance, and the condemnation by two campaigns, + unsuccessful in appearance, but which had in reality prostrated the + authority of the sovereign. + </p> + <p> + Since that period, the representative of royalty had sued the condemned + traitor for forgiveness. The haughty brother of Philip had almost gone + upon his knees, that the Prince might name his terms, and accept the + proffered hand of majesty. + </p> + <p> + The Prince had refused, not from contumely, but from distrust. He had + spurned the supplications, as he had defied the proscription of the King. + There could be no friendship between the destroyer and the protector of a + people. Had the Prince desired only the reversal of his death-sentence, + and the infinite aggrandizement of his family, we have seen how completely + he had held these issues in his power. Never had it been more easy, + plausible, tempting, for a proscribed patriot to turn his back upon an + almost sinking cause. We have seen how his brave and subtle Batavian + prototype, Civilis, dealt with the representative of Roman despotism. The + possible or impossible Netherland Republic of the first century of our era + had been reluctantly abandoned, but the modern Civilis had justly more + confidence in his people. + </p> + <p> + And now again the scene was changed. The son of the Emperor, the King's + brother, was virtually beleaguered; the proscribed rebel had arrived at + victory through a long series of defeats. The nation everywhere + acknowledged him master, and was in undisguised revolt against the + anointed sovereign. The great nobles, who hated Philip on the one hand, + and the Reformed religion on the other, were obliged, in obedience to the + dictates of a people with whom they had little sympathy, to accept the + ascendency of the Calvinist Prince, of whom they were profoundly jealous. + Even the fleeting and incapable Aerschot was obliged to simulate adhesion; + even the brave Champagny, cordial hater of Spaniards, but most devotedly + Catholic, "the chiefest man of wysedome and stomach at that tyme in + Brussels," so envoy Wilson wrote to Burghley, had become "Brabantized," as + his brother Granvelle expressed himself, and was one of the commissioners + to invite the great rebel to Brussels. The other envoys were the Abbot of + Saint Gertrude, Dr. Leoninus, and the Seigneur de Liesvelt. These + gentlemen, on arriving at Gertruydenberg, presented a brief but very + important memorial to the Prince. In that document they informed him that + the states-general, knowing how efficacious would be his presence, by + reason of his singular prudence, experience, and love for the welfare and + repose of the country, had unanimously united in a supplication that he + would incontinently transport himself to the city of Brussels, there to + advise with them concerning the necessities of the land; but, as the + principal calumny employed by their adversaries was that all the provinces + and leading personages intended to change both sovereign and religion, at + the instigation of his Excellency, it was desirable to disprove such + fictions. They therefore very earnestly requested the Prince to make some + contrary demonstration, by which it might be manifest to all that his + Excellency, together with the estates of Holland and Zealand, intended + faithfully to keep what they had promised. They prayed, therefore, that + the Prince, permitting the exercise of the Roman Catholic religion in the + places which had recently accepted his authority, would also allow its + exercise in Holland and Zealand. They begged, further, that he would + promise by a new and authentic act, that the provinces of Holland and + Zealand, would not suffer the said exercise to be impugned, or any new + worship to be introduced, in the other provinces of the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + This letter might almost be regarded as a trap, set by the Catholic + nobles. Certainly the Ghent Pacification forbade the Reformed religion in + form, and as certainly, winked at its exercise in fact. The proof was, + that the new worship was spreading everywhere, that the exiles for + conscience' sake were returning in swarms, and that the synod of the + Reformed churches, lately held at Dort, had been, publicly attended by the + ministers and deacons of numerous dissenting churches established in many + different, places throughout all the provinces. The pressure of the + edicts, the horror of the inquisition being removed, the down-trodden + religion had sprung from the earth more freshly than ever. + </p> + <p> + The Prince was not likely to fall into the trap, if a trap had really been + intended. He answered the envoys loyally, but with distinct reservations. + He did not even accept the invitation, save on condition that his visit to + Brussels should be expressly authorized by Holland and Zealand. + Notwithstanding his desire once more to behold his dear country, and to + enjoy the good company of his best friends and brothers, he felt it his + duty to communicate beforehand with the states of those two provinces, + between which, and himself there had been such close and reciprocal + obligations, such long-tried and faithful affection. He therefore begged + to refer the question to the assembly of the said provinces about to be + held at Gouda, where, in point of fact, the permission for his journey + was, not without considerable difficulty, a few days afterwards obtained. + </p> + <p> + With regard to the more difficult requests addressed to him in the + memorial, he professed generally his intention to execute the treaty of + Ghent. He observed, however, that the point of permitting the exercise of + the Roman Catholic religion in Holland and Zealand regarded principally + the estates of these provinces, which had contracted for no innovation in + this matter, at least till the assembling of the states-general. He + therefore suggested that he neither could, nor ought to, permit any + innovation, without the knowledge and consent of those estates. As to + promising by authentic act, that neither he nor the two provinces would + suffer the exercise of the Catholic religion to be in any wise impugned in + the rest of the Netherlands, the Prince expressed himself content to + promise that, according to the said Ghent Pacification, they would suffer + no attempt to be made against the public repose or against the Catholic + worship. He added that, as he had no intention of usurping any superiority + over the states-general assembled at Brussels, he was content to leave the + settlement of this point to their free-will and wisdom, engaging himself + neither to offer nor permit any hindrance to their operations. + </p> + <p> + With this answer the deputies are said to have been well pleased. If they + were so, it must be confessed that they were thankful for small favors. + They had asked to have the Catholic religion introduced into Holland and + Zealand. The Prince had simply referred them to the estates of these + provinces. They had asked him to guarantee that the exercise of the + Reformed religion should not be "procured" in the rest of the country. He + had merely promised that the Catholic worship should not be prevented. The + difference between the terms of the request and the reply was sufficiently + wide. + </p> + <p> + The consent to his journey was with difficulty accorded by the estates of + Holland and Zealand, and his wife, with many tears and anxious + forebodings, beheld him depart for a capital where the heads of his brave + and powerful friends had fallen, and where still lurked so many of his + deadly foes. During his absence, prayers were offered daily for his safety + in all the churches of Holland and Zealand, by command of the estates. + </p> + <p> + He arrived at Antwerp on the 17th of September, and was received with + extraordinary enthusiasm. The Prince, who had gone forth alone, without + even a bodyguard, had the whole population of the great city for his + buckler. Here he spent five days, observing, with many a sigh, the + melancholy changes which had taken place in the long interval of his + absence. The recent traces of the horrible "Fury," the blackened walls of + the Hotel de Ville, the prostrate ruins of the marble streets, which he + had known as the most imposing in Europe, could be hardly atoned for in + his eyes even by the more grateful spectacle of the dismantled fortress. + </p> + <p> + On the 23rd of September he was attended by a vast concourse of citizens + to the new canal which led to Brussels, where three barges were in waiting + for himself and suite. In one a banquet was spread; in the second, adorned + with emblematic devices and draped with the banners of the seventeen + provinces, he was to perform the brief journey; while the third had been + filled by the inevitable rhetoric societies, with all the wonders of their + dramatic and plastic ingenuity. Rarely had such a complication of vices + and virtues, of crushed dragons, victorious archangels, broken fetters, + and resurgent nationalities, been seen before, within the limits of a + single canal boat. The affection was, however, sincere, and the spirit + noble, even though the taste which presided at these remonstrations may + have been somewhat pedantic. + </p> + <p> + The Prince was met several miles before the gates of Brussels by a + procession of nearly half the inhabitants of the city, and thus escorted, + he entered the capital in the afternoon of the 23rd of September. It was + the proudest day of his life. The representatives of all the provinces, + supported by the most undeniable fervor of the united Netherland people, + greeted "Father William." Perplexed, discordant, hating, fearing, + doubting, they could believe nothing, respect nothing, love nothing, save + the "tranquil" Prince. His presence at that moment in Brussels was the + triumph of the people and of religious toleration. He meant to make use of + the crisis to extend and to secure popular rights, and to establish the + supremacy of the states-general under the nominal sovereignty of some + Prince, who was yet to be selected, while the executive body was to be a + state-council, appointed by the states-general. So far as appears, he had + not decided as to the future protector, but he had resolved that it should + be neither himself nor Philip of Spain. The outlaw came to Brussels + prepared at last to trample out a sovereignty which had worked its own + forfeiture. So far as he had made any election within his breast, his + choice inclined to the miserable Duke of Anjou; a prince whom he never + came to know as posterity has known him, but whom he at least learned to + despise. Thus far the worthless and paltry intriguer still wore the heroic + mask, deceiving even such far seeing politicians as Saint Aldegonde and + the Prince. + </p> + <p> + William's first act was to put a stop to the negotiations already on foot + with Don John. He intended that they should lead to war, because peace was + impossible, except a peace for which civil and religious liberty would be + bartered, for it was idle, in his opinion, to expect the maintenance by + the Spanish Governor of the Ghent Pacification, whatever promises might be + extorted from his fears. A deputation, in the name of the states, had + already been sent with fresh propositions to Don John, at Namur. The + envoys were Caspar Schetz and the Bishop of Bruges. They had nearly come + to an amicable convention with the Governor, the terms of which had been + sent to the states-general for approval, at the very moment of the + Prince's arrival in Brussels. Orange, with great promptness, prevented the + ratification of these terms, which the estates had in reality already + voted to accept. New articles were added to those which had originally + been laid before Don John. It was now stipulated that the Ghent treaty and + the Perpetual Edict should be maintained. The Governor was required + forthwith to abandon Namur Castle, and to dismiss the German troops. He + was to give up the other citadels and strong places, and to disband all + the soldiers in his service. He was to command the governors of every + province to prohibit the entrance of all foreign levies. He was forthwith + to release captives, restore confiscated property, and reinstate officers + who had been removed; leaving the details of such restorations to the + council of Mechlin and the other provincial tribunals. He was to engage + that the Count Van Buren should be set free within two months. He was + himself, while waiting for the appointment of his successor, to take up + his residence in Luxemburg, and while there, he was to be governed + entirely by the decision of the State Council, expressed by a majority of + its members. Furthermore, and as not the least stinging of these sharp + requisitions, the Queen of England—she who had been the secret ally + of Orange, and whose crown the Governor had secretly meant to appropriate—was + to be included in the treaty. + </p> + <p> + It could hardly excite surprise that Don John, receiving these insolent + propositions at the very moment in which he heard of the triumphant + entrance into Brussels of the Prince, should be filled with rage and + mortification. Never was champion of the Cross thus braved by infidels + before. The Ghent treaty, according to the Orange interpretation, that is + to say, heresy made legitimate, was to be the law of the land. His Majesty + was to surrender—colors and cannon—to his revolted subjects. + The royal authority was to be superseded by that of a State Council, + appointed by the states-general, at the dictation of the Prince. The + Governor-General himself, brother of his Catholic Majesty, was to sit + quietly with folded arms in Luxemburg, while the arch-heretic and rebel + reigned supreme in Brussels. It was too much to expect that the choleric + soldier would be content with what he could not help regarding as a + dishonorable capitulation. The arrangement seemed to him about as + reasonable as it would have been to invite Sultan Selim to the Escorial, + and to send Philip to reside at Bayonne. He could not but regard the whole + proposition as an insolent declaration of war. He was right. It was a + declaration of war; as much so as if proclaimed by trump of herald. How + could Don John refuse the wager of battle thus haughtily proffered? + </p> + <p> + Smooth Schetz, Lord of Grobbendonck, and his episcopal colleague, in vain + attempted to calm the Governor's wrath, which now flamed forth, in + defiance of all considerations. + </p> + <p> + They endeavored, without success, to palliate the presence of Orange, and + the circumstances of his reception, for it was not probable that their + eloquence would bring the Governor to look at the subject with their eyes. + Three days were agreed upon for the suspension of hostilities, and Don + John was highly indignant that the estates would grant no longer a truce. + The refusal was, however, reasonable enough on their part, for they were + aware that veteran Spaniards and Italians were constantly returning to + him, and that he was daily strengthening his position. The envoys returned + to Brussels, to give an account of the Governor's rage, which they could + not declare to be unnatural, and to assist in preparations for the war, + which was now deemed inevitable. Don John, leaving a strong garrison in + the citadel of Namur, from which place he, despatched a final + communication to the estates-general, dated the 2nd of October, retired to + Luxemburg. In this letter, without exactly uttering defiance, he + unequivocally accepted the hostilities which had been pressed upon him, + and answered their hollow professions of attachment to the Catholic + religion and his Majesty's authority, by denouncing their obvious + intentions to trample upon both. He gave them, in short, to understand + that he perceived their intentions, and meant them to comprehend his own. + </p> + <p> + Thus the quarrel was brought to an issue, and Don John saw with grim + complacency, that the pen was at last to be superseded by the sword. A + remarkable pamphlet was now published, in seven different languages, + Latin, French, Flemish, German, Italian, Spanish; and English, containing + a succinct account of the proceedings between the Governor and the + estates, together with copies of the intercepted letters of Don John and + Escovedo to the King, to Perez, to the German colonels, and to the + Empress. This work, composed and published by order of the + estates-general, was transmitted with an accompanying address to every + potentate in Christendom. It was soon afterwards followed by a + counter-statement, prepared by order of Don John, and containing his + account of the same matters, with his recriminations against the conduct + of the estates. + </p> + <p> + Another important movement had, meanwhile, been made by the third party in + this complicated game. The Catholic nobles, jealous of the growing + influence of Orange, and indignant at the expanding power of the people, + had opened secret negotiations with the Archduke Matthias, then a mild, + easy-tempered youth of twenty, brother of the reigning emperor, Rudolph. + After the matter had been discussed some time in secret, it was resolved, + towards the end of September, to send a messenger to Vienna, privately + inviting the young Prince to Brussels, but much to the surprise of these + nobles, it was discovered that some fifteen or sixteen of the grandees of + the land, among them Aerschot, Havre, Champagny, De Ville, Lalain, De + Heze, and others, had already taken the initiative in the matter. On the + 26th of August, the Seigneur de Maalsteede had set forth, by their + appointment, for Vienna. There is no doubt that this step originated in + jealousy felt towards Orange, but at the same time it is certain that + several of the leaders in the enterprise were still his friends. Some, + like Champagny, and De Heze, were honestly so; others, like Aerschot, + Havrd, and De Ville, always traitors in heart to the national cause, loyal + to nothing but their own advancement, were still apparently upon the best + terms with him. Moreover, it is certain that he had been made aware of the + scheme, at least, before the arrival of the Archduke in the Netherlands, + for the Marquis Havre, on his way to England, as special envoy from the + estates, had a conference with him at Gertruydenberg. This was in the + middle of September, and before his departure for Brussels. Naturally, the + proposition seemed, at first, anything but agreeable; but the Marquis + represented himself afterwards as having at last induced the Prince to + look upon it with more favorable eyes. Nevertheless, the step had been + taken before the consultation was held; nor was it the first time that the + advice, of Orange had been asked concerning the adoption of a measure + after the measure had been adopted. + </p> + <p> + Whatever may have been his original sentiments upon the subject; however, + he was always less apt to complain of irrevocable events than quick to + reconcile them with his own combinations, and it was soon to be discovered + that the new stumbling-block which his opponents had placed in his path, + could be converted into an additional stepping-stone towards his goal. + Meanwhile, the secret invitation to the Archduke was regarded by the + people and by foreign spectators as a plot devised by his enemies. + Davison, envoy from Queen Elizabeth, was then in Brussels, and informed + his royal mistress, whose sentiments and sympathies were unequivocally in + favor of Orange, of the intrigues against the Prince. The efforts of + England were naturally to counteract the schemes of all who interfered + with his policy, the Queen especially, with her customary sagacity, + foreseeing the probable inclination of the Catholic nobles towards the + protectorate of Alencon. She did not feel certain as to the precise plans + of Orange, and there was no course better adapted to draw her from barren + coquetry into positive engagements; than to arouse her jealousy of the + French influence in the provinces. At this moment, she manifested the + warmest friendship for the Prince. + </p> + <p> + Costly presents were transmitted by her to his wife; among others, an + ornament, of which a sculptured lizard formed a part. The Princess, in a + graceful letter to her husband, desiring that her acknowledgments should + be presented to her English Majesty, accepted the present as + significative. "Tis the fabled virtue of the lizard (she said) to awaken + sleepers whom a serpent is about to sting. You are the lizard, and the + Netherlands the sleepers,—pray Heaven they may escape the serpent's + bite." The Prince was well aware, therefore, of the plots which were + weaving against him. He had small faith in the great nobles, whom he + trusted "as he would adders fanged," and relied only upon the communities, + upon the mass of burghers. They deserved his confidence, and watched over + his safety with jealous care. On one occasion, when he was engaged at the + State Council till a late hour, the citizens conceived so much alarm, that + a large number of them spontaneously armed themselves, and repaired to the + palace. The Prince, informed of the circumstance, threw open a window and + addressed them, thanking them for their friendship and assuring them of + his safety. They were not satisfied, however, to leave him alone, but + remained under arms below till the session was terminated, when they + escorted him with affectionate respect to his own hotel. + </p> + <p> + The secret envoy arrived in Vienna, and excited the ambition of the + youthful Matthias. It must be confessed that the offer could hardly be a + very tempting one, and it excites our surprise that the Archduke should + have thought the adventure worth the seeking. A most anomalous position in + the Netherlands was offered to him by a slender and irresponsible faction + of Netherlanders. There was a triple prospect before him: that of a + hopeless intrigue against the first politician in Europe, a mortal combat + with the most renowned conqueror of the age, a deadly feud with the most + powerful and revengeful monarch in the world. Into this threefold + enterprise he was about to plunge without any adequate resources, for the + Archduke possessed no experience, power, or wealth. He brought, therefore, + no strength to a cause which was itself feeble. He could hope for no + protection, nor inspire any confidence. Nevertheless, he had courage, + pliability, and a turn for political adventure. Visions of the discomfited + Philip conferring the hand of his daughter, with the Netherlands as her + dowry, upon the enterprising youth who, at this juncture, should succeed + in overturning the Spanish authority in that country, were conjured up by + those who originated the plot, and he was weak enough to consider such + absurdities plausible, and to set forth at once to take possession of this + castle in the air. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of October 3rd, 1577, he retired to rest at eight o'clock + feigning extreme drowsiness. After waiting till his brother, Maximilian, + who slept in another bed in the same chamber, was asleep, he slipped from + his couch and from the room in his night apparel, without even putting on + his slippers. He was soon after provided by the companions of his flight + with the disguise of a servant, arrayed in which, with his face blackened, + he made his escape by midnight from Vienna, but it is doubtful whether + Rudolph were as ignorant as he affected to be of the scheme. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [It was the opinion of Languet that the Emperor affected ignorance + of the plot at its commencement, that he afterwards affected an + original connivance, and that he was equally disingenuous in both + pretences.] +</pre> + <p> + The Archduke arrived at Cologne, attended only by two gentlemen and a few + servants. The Governor was beside himself with fury; the Queen of England + was indignant; the Prince only, against whom the measure was mainly + directed, preserved his usual tranquillity. + </p> + <p> + Secretary Walsingham, as soon as the news reached England, sent for + Meetkercke, colleague of Marquis Havre in the mission from the estates. He + informed that functionary of the great perplexity and excitement which, + according to information received from the English resident, Davison, were + then prevailing in Brussels, on account of the approach of the Archduke. + Some, he said, were for receiving him at one place, some at another; + others were in favor of forbidding his entrance altogether. Things had + been sufficiently complicated before, without this additional cause of + confusion. Don John was strengthening himself daily, through the secret + agency of the Duke of Guise and his party. His warlike genius was well + known, as well as the experience of the soldiers who were fast rallying + under his banner. On the other hand, the Duke of Alencon had come to La + Fere, and was also raising troops, while to oppose this crowd of rival + enemies, to deal with this host of impending disasters, there was but one + man in the Netherlands. On the Prince of Orange alone could the distracted + states rely. To his prudence and valor only could the Queen look with + hopeful eyes. The Secretary proceeded to inform the envoy, therefore, that + her Majesty would feel herself compelled to withdraw all succor from the + states if the Prince of Orange were deprived of his leadership; for it was + upon that leadership only that she had relied for obtaining a successful + result. She was quite indisposed to encounter indefinite risk with an + impossibility of profit. + </p> + <p> + Meetkercke replied to the Secretary by observing, that the great nobles of + the land had been unanimous in desiring a new Governor-General at this + juncture. They had thought Matthias, with a strong Council of State, + composed of native Netherlanders, to control him, likely to prove a + serviceable candidate for the post. They had reason to believe that, after + he should be received, the Emperor would be reconciled to the measure, and + that by his intercession the King of Spain would be likewise induced to + acquiesce. He alluded, moreover, to the conference between the Marquis of + Havre and Orange at Gertruydenberg, and quoted the opinion of the Prince + that it would be unwise, after the invitation had been given, to insult + the Archduke and his whole imperial house, by beating him with indignity + upon his arrival. It was inevitable, said the envoy, that differences of + opinion should exist in large assemblies, but according to information + which he had recently received from Marquis Havre, then in Brussels, + affairs had already become smooth again. At the conclusion of the + conference, Walsingham repeated emphatically that the only condition upon + which the Queen would continue her succor to the Netherlands was, that the + Prince should be forthwith appointed Lieutenant-General for the Archduke. + </p> + <p> + The immediate result of this movement was, that Matthias was received at + Antwerp by Orange at the head of two thousand cavalry, and attended by a + vast concourse of inhabitants. Had the Prince chosen a contrary course, + the Archduke might have been compelled to return, somewhat ridiculously, + to Vienna; but, at the same time, the anger of the Emperor and of all + Germany would have been aroused against Orange and the cause he served. + Had the Prince, on the contrary, abandoned the field himself, and returned + to Holland, he would have left the game in the hands of his adversaries. + Ever since he had made what his brother John called that "dangerous + gallows journey" to Brussels, his influence had been culminating daily, + and the jealousy of the great nobles rising as rapidly. Had he now allowed + himself to be driven from his post, he would have exactly fulfilled their + object. By remaining, he counteracted their schemes. + </p> + <p> + By taking Matthias wholly into his own possession, he obtained one piece + the more in the great game which he was playing against his antagonist in + the Escorial. By making adroit use of events as they arose, he made the + very waves which were to sink him, carry his great cause triumphantly + onward. + </p> + <p> + The first result of the invitation to Matthias was the election of Orange + as Ruward of Brabant. This office was one of great historical dignity, but + somewhat anomalous in its functions. The province of Brabant, having no + special governor, was usually considered under the immediate + superintendence of the Governor-General. As the capital of Brabant was the + residence of that functionary, no inconvenience from this course had been + felt since the accession of the house of Burgundy. At present, however, + the condition of affairs was so peculiar—the seat of government + being empty without having been permanently vacated—that a special + opportunity was offered for conferring both honor and power on the Prince. + A Ruward was not exactly dictator, although his authority was universal. + He was not exactly protector, nor governor, nor stadholder. His functions + were unlimited as to time—therefore superior to those of an ancient + dictator; they were commonly conferred on the natural heir to the + sovereignty—therefore more lofty than those of ordinary stadholders. + The individuals who had previously held the office in the Netherlands had + usually reigned afterwards in their own right. Duke Albert, of the + Bavarian line; for example, had been Ruward of Hainault and Holland, for + thirty years, during the insanity of his brother, and on the death of Duke + William had succeeded to his title. Philip of Burgundy had declared + himself Ruward of Brabant in 1425, and had shortly afterwards deprived + Jacqueline of all her titles and appropriated them to himself. In the one + case the regent, in the second case the usurper, had become reigning + prince. Thus the movement of the jealous nobles against the Prince had for + its first effect his immediate appointment to an office whose chief + characteristic was, that it conducted to sovereignty. + </p> + <p> + The election was accomplished thus. The "members," or estates of Brussels, + together with the deans, guilds, and other of the principal citizens of + Antwerp, addressed a request to the states of Brabant, that William of + Orange should be appointed Ruward, and after long deliberation the measure + was carried. The unsolicited honor was then solemnly offered to him. He + refused, and was only, after repeated and urgent entreaties, induced to + accept the office. The matter was then referred to the states-general, who + confirmed the dignity, after some demur, and with the condition that it + might be superseded by the appointment of a governor-general. He was + finally confirmed as Ruward on the 22d of October, to the boundless + satisfaction of the people, who celebrated the event by a solemn holiday + in Antwerp, Brussels, and other cities. His friends, inspired by the + intrigues of his enemies, had thus elevated the Prince to almost unlimited + power; while a strong expression in favor of his government had been + elicited from the most important ally of the Netherlands-England. It soon + rested with himself only to assume the government of Flanders, having been + elected stadholder, not once only, but many times, by the four estates of + that important province, and having as constantly refused the dignity. + With Holland and Zealand devoted to him, Brabant and Flanders formally + under his government, the Netherland capital lavishing testimonials of + affection upon him, and the mass of the people almost worshipping him, it + would not have been difficult for the Prince to play a game as selfish as + it had hitherto been close and skilful. He might have proved to the grand + seigniors that their suspicions were just, by assuming a crown which they + had been intriguing to push from his brows. Certainly the nobles deserved + their defeat. They had done their best to circumvent Orange, in all ways + and at all times. They had paid their court to power when it was most + powerful, and had sought to swim on the popular tide when it was rising. + He avenged himself upon their perfidy only by serving his country more + faithfully than ever, but it was natural that he should be indignant at + the conduct of these gentlemen, "children of good houses," (in his own + words,) "issue of worthy, sires," whose fathers, at least, he had ever + loved and honored. + </p> + <p> + "They serve the Duke of Alva and the Grand Commander like varlets," he + cried; "they make war upon me to the knife. Afterwards they treat with me, + they reconcile themselves with me, they are sworn foes of the Spaniard. + Don John arrives, and they follow him; they intrigue for my ruin. Don John + fails in his enterprise upon Antwerp citadel; they quit him incontinently + and call upon me. No sooner do I come than, against their oath and without + previous communication with the states or myself, they call upon the + Archduke Matthias. Are the waves of the sea more inconstant—is + Euripus more uncertain than the counsels of such men?" + </p> + <p> + While these events were occurring at Brussels and Antwerp, a scene of a + different nature was enacting at Ghent. The Duke of Aerschot had recently + been appointed to the government of Flanders by the State Council, but the + choice was exceedingly distasteful to a large number of the inhabitants. + Although, since the defeat of Don John's party in Antwerp, Aerschot had + again become "the affectionate brother" of Orange, yet he was known to be + the head of the cabal which had brought Matthias from Vienna. Flanders, + moreover, swarmed with converts to the Reformed religion, and the Duke's + strict Romanism was well known. The people, therefore, who hated the Pope + and adored the Prince, were furious at the appointment of the new + governor, but by dint of profuse promises regarding the instant + restoration of privileges and charters which had long lain dormant, the + friends of Aerschot succeeded in preparing the way for his installation. + </p> + <p> + On the 20th of October, attended by twenty-three companies of infantry and + three hundred horse, he came to Ghent. That famous place was still one of + the most powerful and turbulent towns in Europe. Although diminished in + importance since the commercial decline which had been the inevitable + result of Philip's bloody government, it, was still swarming with a + vigorous and dangerous population and it had not forgotten the days when + the iron tongue of Roland could call eighty thousand fighting men to the + city banner. Even now, twenty thousand were secretly pledged to rise at + the bidding of certain chieftains resident among them; noble by birth, + warmly attached to the Reformed religion, and devoted to Orange. These + gentlemen were perfectly conscious that a reaction was to be attempted in + favor of Don John and of Catholicism, through the agency of the + newly-appointed governor of Flanders. Aerschot was trusted or respected by + neither party. The only difference in the estimates formed of him was, + that some considered him a deep and dangerous traitor; others that he was + rather foolish than malicious, and more likely to ruin a good cause than + to advance the interests of a bad one. The leaders of the popular party at + Ghent believed him dangerous. They felt certain that it was the deeply + laid design of the Catholic nobles foiled as they had been in the objects + with which they had brought Matthias from Vienna, and enraged as they were + that the only result of that movement had been to establish the power of + Orange upon a firmer basis—to set up an opposing influence in Ghent. + Flanders, in the possession of the Catholics, was to weigh up Brabant, + with its recent tendencies to toleration. Aerschot was to counteract the + schemes of Orange. Matthias was to be withdrawn from the influence of the + great heretic, and be yet compelled to play the part set down for him by + those who had placed him upon the stage. A large portion, no doubt, of the + schemes here suggested, was in agitation, but the actors were hardly equal + to the drama which they were attempting. The intrigue was, however, to be + frustrated at once by the hand of Orange, acting as it often did from + beneath a cloud. + </p> + <p> + Of all the chieftains possessing influence with the inhabitants of Ghent, + two young nobles, named Ryhove and Imbize, were the most conspicuous. Both + were of ancient descent and broken fortunes, both were passionately + attached to the Prince, both were inspired with an intense hatred for all + that was Catholic or Spanish. They had travelled further on the reforming + path than many had done in that day, and might even be called democratic + in their notions. Their heads were filled with visions of Greece and Rome; + the praise of republics was ever on their lips; and they avowed to their + intimate associates that it was already feasible to compose a commonwealth + like that of the Swiss Cantons out of the seventeen Netherlands. They were + regarded as dreamers by some, as desperadoes by others. Few had confidence + in their capacity or their purity; but Orange, who knew mankind, + recognized in them useful instruments for any hazardous enterprise. They + delighted in stratagems and sudden feats of arms. Audacious and cruel by + temperament, they were ever most happy in becoming a portion of the + desolation which popular tumults engender. + </p> + <p> + There were several excited meetings of the four estates of Flanders + immediately after the arrival of the Duke of Aerschot in Ghent. His coming + had been preceded by extensive promises, but it soon became obvious that + their fulfilment was to be indefinitely deferred. There was a stormy + session on the 27th of October, many of the clergy and nobility being + present, and comparatively few members of the third estate. Very violent + speeches were made, and threats openly uttered, that the privileges, about + which so much noise had been heard, would be rather curtailed than + enlarged under the new administration. At the same session, the commission + of Aerschot was formally presented by Champagny and Sweveghem, deputed by + the State Council for that purpose. Champagny was in a somewhat anomalous + position. There was much doubt in men's minds concerning him. He had + seemed lately the friend of Orange, but he was certainly the brother of + Granvelle. His splendid but fruitless services during the Antwerp Fury had + not been forgotten, but he was known to be a determined Catholic. He was a + hater of Spaniards, but no lover of popular liberty. The nature of his + sentiments towards Orange was perhaps unjustly suspected. At any rate, two + or three days after the events which now occupy our attention, he wrote + him a private letter, in which he assured him of his attachment. In + reference to the complaints, of the Prince, that he had not been seconded + as he ought to have been, he said, moreover, that he could solemnly swear + never to have seen a single individual who did not hold the Prince in + admiration, and who was not affectionately devoted to him, not only, by + public profession, but by private sentiment. + </p> + <p> + There was little doubt entertained as to the opinions held by the rest of + the aristocratic party, then commencing their manoeuvres in Ghent. Their + sentiments were uttered with sufficient distinctness in this remarkable + session. + </p> + <p> + Hessels, the old Blood Councillor, was then resident in Ghent; where he + discharged high governmental functions. It was he, as it will be + remembered, who habitually fell asleep at that horrible council board, and + could only start from his naps to-shout "ad patibulum," while the other + murderers had found their work less narcotic. A letter from Hessels to + Count de Reux, late royal governor of Flanders, was at the present + juncture intercepted. Perhaps it was invented, but genuine or fictitious, + it was circulated extensively among the popular leaders, and had the + effect of proving Madame de Hessels a true prophet. It precipitated the + revolution in Flanders, and soon afterwards cost the Councillor his life. + "We have already brought many notable magistrates of Flanders over to the + aide of his Highness Don John," wrote Hessels. "We hope, after the Duke of + Aerschot is governor; that we shall fully carry out the intentions of his + Majesty and the plans of his Highness. We shall also know how to + circumvent the scandalous heretic with all his adherents and followers." + </p> + <p> + Certainly, if this letter were true, it was high time for the friends of + the "scandalous heretic" to look about them. If it were a forgery, which + is highly probable, it was ingeniously imagined, and did the work of + truth. The revolutionary party, being in a small minority in the assembly, + were advised by their leaders to bow before the storm. They did so, and + the bluster of the reactionary party grew louder as they marked the + apparent discomfiture of their foes. They openly asserted that the men who + were clamoring for privileges should obtain nothing but halters. The + buried charters should never be resuscitated; but the spirit of the dead + Emperor, who had once put a rope around the necks of the insolent + Ghenters, still lived in that of his son. There was no lack of + denunciation. Don John and the Duke of Aerschot would soon bring the + turbulent burghers to their senses, and there would then be an end to this + renewed clamor about musty parchments. Much indignation was secretly + excited in the assembly by such menaces. Without doors the subterranean + flames spread rapidly, but no tumult occurred that night. Before the + session was over, Ryhove left the city, pretending a visit to Tournay. No + sooner had he left the gates, however, than he turned his horse's head in + the opposite direction, and rode off post haste to Antwerp. There he had a + conference with William of Orange, and painted in lively colors the + alarming position of affairs. "And what do you mean to do in the matter?" + asked the Prince, rather drily. Ryhove was somewhat disconcerted. He had + expected a violent explosion; well as he knew the tranquil personage whom + he was addressing. "I know no better counsel," he replied, at length, + "than to take the Duke, with his bishops, councillors, lords, and the + whole nest of them, by the throat, and thrust them all out together." + </p> + <p> + "Rather a desperate undertaking, however?" said the Prince; carelessly, + but interrogatively. + </p> + <p> + "I know no other remedy," answered Ryhove; "I would rather make the + attempt, relying upon God alone, and die like a man if needful, than live + in eternal slavery. Like an ancient Roman," continued the young republican + noble, in somewhat bombastic vein, "I am ready to wager my life, where my + fatherland's welfare is at stake." + </p> + <p> + "Bold words!" said the Prince, looking gravely at Ryhove; "but upon what + force do you rely for your undertaking?" + </p> + <p> + "If I can obtain no assistance from your Excellency," was the reply, "I + shall throw myself on the mass of the citizens. I can arouse them in the + name of their ancient liberties, which must be redeemed now or never." + </p> + <p> + The Prince, believing probably that the scheme, if scheme there were, was + but a wild one, felt little inclination to compromise himself with the + young conspirator. He told him he could do nothing at present, and saying + that he must at least sleep upon the matter, dismissed him for the night. + Next morning, at daybreak, Ryhove was again closeted with him. The Prince + asked his sanguine partisan if he were still determined to carry out his + project, with no more definite support than he had indicated? Ryhove + assured him, in reply, that he meant to do so; or to die in the attempt. + The Prince shrugged his shoulders, and soon afterwards seemed to fall into + a reverie. Ryhove continued talking, but it was soon obvious that his + Highness was not listening; and he therefore took his leave somewhat + abruptly. Hardly had he left the house, however, when the Prince + despatched Saint Aldegonde in search of him. That gentleman, proceeding to + his hotel, walked straight into the apartment of Ryhove, and commenced a + conversation with a person whom he found there, but to his surprise he + soon discovered, experienced politician though he was, that he had made an + egregious blunder. He had opened a dangerous secret to an entire stranger, + and Ryhove coming into the apartment a few minutes afterwards, was + naturally surprised to find the Prince's chief councillor in close + conversation about the plot with Van Rooyen, the burgomaster of + Denremonde. The Flemish noble, however, always prompt in emergencies, drew + his rapier, and assured the astonished burgomaster that he would either + have his life on the instant, or his oath never to reveal a syllable of + what he had heard. That functionary, who had neither desired the young + noble's confidence, nor contemplated the honor of being run through the + body as a consequence of receiving it, was somewhat aghast at the rapid + manner in which these gentlemen transacted business. He willingly gave the + required pledge, and was permitted to depart. + </p> + <p> + The effect of the conference between Saint Aldegonde and Ryhove was to + convince the young partisan that the Prince would neither openly + countenance his project, nor be extremely vexed should it prove + successful. In short, while, as in the case of the arrest of the State + Council, the subordinates were left to appear the principals in the + transactions, the persons most intimate with William of Orange were + allowed to form satisfactory opinions as to his wishes, and to serve as + instruments to his ends. "Vive qui vince!" cried Saint-Aldegonde, + encouragingly, to Ryhove, shaking hands with him at parting. The + conspirator immediately mounted, and rode off towards Ghent. During his + absence there had been much turbulence, but no decided outbreak, in that + city. Imbize had accosted the Duke of Aerschot in the street, and demanded + when and how he intended to proclaim the restoration of the ancient + charters. The haughty Duke had endeavoured to shake off his importunate + questioner, while Imbize persisted, with increasing audacity, till + Aerschot lost his temper at last: "Charters, charters!" he cried in a + rage; "you shall learn soon, ye that are thus howling for charters, that + we have still the old means of making you dumb, with a rope on your + throats. I tell you this—were you ever so much hounded on by the + Prince of Orange." + </p> + <p> + The violence of the new governor excited the wrath of Imbize. He broke + from him abruptly, and rushed to a rendezvous of his confederates, every + man of whom was ready for a desperate venture. Groups of excited people + were seen vociferating in different places. A drum was heard to rattle + from time to time. Nevertheless, the rising tumult seemed to subside again + after a season, owing partly to the exertions of the magistrates, partly + to the absence of Ryhove. At four in the afternoon that gentleman entered + the town, and riding directly to the head-quarters of the conspiracy, was + incensed to hear that the work, which had begun so bravely, had been + allowed to cool. "Tis a time," he cried, "for vigilance. If we sleep now, + we shall be dead in our beds before morning. Better to fan the fire which + has begun to blaze in the people's heart. Better to gather the fruit while + it is ripe. Let us go forward, each with his followers, and I pledge + myself to lead the way. Let us scuttle the old ship of slavery; let us + hunt the Spanish Inquisition, once for all, to the hell from whence it + came!" + </p> + <p> + "There spoke the voice of a man!" cried the Flemish captain, Mieghem, one + of the chief conspirators; "lead on, Ryhove, I swear to follow you as far + as our legs will carry us." Thus encouraged, Ryhove, rushed about the + city, calling upon the people everywhere to rise. They rose almost to a + man. Arming and mustering at different points, according to previous + arrangements, a vast number assembled by toll of bell, after nightfall, on + the public square, whence, under command of Ryhove, they swept to the + residence of Aerschot at Saint Bavon. The guards, seeing the fierce mob + approaching, brandishing spears and waving, torches, had scarce time to + close the gates; as the people loudly demanded entrance and the delivery + to them of the Governor. Both claims were refused. "Let us burn the birds + in their nests," cried Ryhove, without hesitation. Pitch, light wood, and + other combustibles, were brought at his command, and in a few moments the + palace would have been in flames, had not Aerschot, seeing that the + insurgents were in earnest, capitulated. As soon as the gates were open, + the foremost of the mob rushed upon him, and would have torn him limb from + limb, had not Ryhove resolutely interfered, and twice protected the life + of the governor, at the peril of his own. The Duke was then made a + prisoner, and, under a strong guard, was conveyed, still in his + night-gown, and bare-footed, to the mansion of Ryhove. All the other + leading members of the Catholic party were captured, the arrests + proceeding till a late hour in the night. Rassinghem, Sweveghem, Fisch, De + la Porta, and other prominent members of the Flemish estates or council, + were secured, but Champagny was allowed to make his escape. The Bishops of + Bruges and Ypres were less fortunate. Blood-councillor Hessels, whose + letter—genuine or counterfeited—had been so instrumental in + hastening this outbreak, was most carefully guarded, and to him and to + Senator Fisch the personal consequences of that night's work were to be + very tragic. + </p> + <p> + Thus audaciously, successfully, and hitherto without bloodshed, was the + anti-Catholic revolution commenced in Flanders. The event was the first of + a long and most signal series. The deed was done. The provisional + government was established, at the head of which was placed Ryhove, to + whom oaths of allegiance were rendered, subject to the future arrangements + of the states-general and Orange: On the 9th of November, the nobles, + notables, and community of Ghent published an address, in which they + elaborately defended the revolution which had been effected and the + arrests which had taken place; while the Catholic party, with Aerschot at + its head, was declared to be secretly in league with Don John to bring + back the Spanish troops, to overthrow the Prince of Orange, to deprive him + of the protectorate of Brabant, to set at nought the Ghent treaty, and to + suppress the Reformed religion. + </p> + <p> + The effect of this sudden rising of the popular party was prodigious + throughout the Netherlands. At the same time, the audacity of such extreme + proceedings could hardly be countenanced by any considerable party in the + states-general. Champagny wrote to the Prince of Orange that, even if the + letter of Hessels were genuine, it proved nothing against Aerschot, and he + urged the necessity of suppressing such scene of licence immediately, + through the influence of those who could command the passions of the mob. + Otherwise, he affirmed that all legitimate forms of justice would + disappear, and that it would be easy to set the bloodhounds upon any game + whatever. Saint Aldegonde wrote to the Prince, that it would be a great + point, but a very difficult one, to justify the Ghent transaction; for + there was little doubt that the Hessels letter was a forgery. It was + therefore as well, no doubt, that the Prince had not decidedly committed + himself to Ryhove's plot; and thus deprived himself of the right to + interfere afterwards, according to what seemed the claims of justice and + sound policy. + </p> + <p> + He now sent Arend Van Dorp to Ghent, to remonstrate with the leaders of + the insurrection upon the violence of their measures, and to demand the + liberation of the prisoners—a request which was only complied with + in the case of Aerschot. That nobleman was liberated on the 14th of + November, under the condition that he would solemnly pledge himself to + forget and forgive the treatment which he had received, but the other + prisoners were retained in custody for a much longer period. A few weeks + afterwards, the Prince of Orange visited Ghent, at the earnest request of + the four estates of Flanders, and it was hoped that his presence would + contribute to the restoration of tranquillity. + </p> + <p> + This visit was naturally honored by a brilliant display of "rhetorical" + spectacles and tableaux vivants; for nothing could exceed the passion of + the Netherlanders of that century for apologues and charades. In allegory + they found an ever-present comforter in their deepest afflictions. The + prince was escorted from the Town-gate to the Jacob's church amid a blaze + of tar-barrels and torches, although it was mid-day, where a splendid + exhibition had been arranged by that sovereign guild of rhetoric, "Jesus + with the Balsam Flower." The drama was called Judas Maccabaeus, in + compliment to the Prince. In the centre of the stage stood the Hebrew + patriot, in full armor, symbolizing the illustrious guest doing battle for + his country. He was attended by the three estates of the country, + ingeniously personified by a single individual, who wore the velvet bonnet + of a noble, the cassock of a priest, end the breeches of a burgher. Groups + of allegorical personages were drawn up on the right and left;—Courage, + Patriotism, Freedom, Mercy, Diligence, and other estimable qualities upon + one side, were balanced by Murder, Rapine, Treason, and the rest of the + sisterhood of Crime on the other. The Inquisition was represented as a + lean and hungry hag. The "Ghent Pacification" was dressed in cramoisy + satin, and wore a city on her head for a turban; while; tied to her + apron-strings were Catholicism and Protestantism, bound in a loving + embrace by a chain of seventeen links, which she was forging upon an + anvil. Under the anvil was an individual in complete harness, engaged in + eating his heart; this was Discord. In front of the scene stood History + and Rhetoric, attired as "triumphant maidens, in white garments," each + with a laurel crown and a burning torch. These personages, after holding a + rhymed dialogue between themselves, filled with wonderful conceits and + quibbles, addressed the Prince of Orange and Maccabaeus, one after the + other, in a great quantity of very detestable verses. + </p> + <p> + After much changing of scenes and groups, and an enormous quantity of + Flemish-woven poetry, the "Ghent Peace" came forward, leading a lion in + one hand, and holding a heart of pure gold in the other. The heart, upon + which was inscribed Sinceritas, was then presented to the real Prince, as + he sat "reposing after the spectacle," and perhaps slightly yawning, the + gift being accompanied by another tremendous discharge of complimentary + verses. After this, William of Orange was permitted to proceed towards the + lodgings provided for him, but the magistrates and notables met him upon + the threshold, and the pensionary made him a long oration. Even after the + Prince was fairly housed, he had not escaped the fangs of allegory; for, + while he sat at supper refreshing his exhausted frame after so much + personification and metaphor, a symbolical personage, attired to represent + the town corporation made his appearance, and poured upon him a long and + particularly dull heroic poem. Fortunately, this episode closed the labors + of the day. + </p> + <p> + On the 7th of December, 1577, the states-general formally declared that + Don John was no longer Stadholder, Governor, nor Captain-General, but an + infractor of the peace which he had sworn to maintain, and an enemy of the + fatherland. All natives of the country who should show him favor or + assistance were declared rebels and traitors; and by a separate edict, + issued the same day, it was ordained that an inventory of the estates of + such persons should forthwith be taken. + </p> + <p> + Thus the war, which had for a brief period been suspended during the + angry, tortuous, and hopeless negotiations which succeeded the arrival of + Don John, was once more to be let loose. To this point had tended all the + policy of Orange-faithful as ever to the proverb with which he had broken + off the Breda conferences, "that war was preferable to a doubtful peace." + Even, however, as his policy had pointed to a war as the necessary + forerunner of a solid peace with Spain, so had his efforts already + advanced the cause of internal religious concord within the provinces + themselves. On the 10th of December, a new act of union was signed at + Brussels, by which those of the Roman Church and those who had retired + from that communion bound themselves to respect and to protect each other + with mutual guarantees against all enemies whatsoever. Here was a step + beyond the Ghent Pacification, and in the same direction. The first treaty + tacitly introduced toleration by suppressing the right of persecution, but + the new union placed the Reformed religion on a level with the old. This + was the result of the Prince's efforts; and, in truth, there was no lack + of eagerness among these professors of a faith which had been so long + under ban, to take advantage of his presence. Out of dark alleys, remote + thickets, subterranean conventicles, where the dissenters had so long been + trembling for their lives, the oppressed now came forth into the light of + day. They indulged openly in those forms of worship which persecution had + affected to regard with as much holy horror as the Badahuennan or + Hercynian mysteries of Celtic ages could inspire, and they worshipped + boldly the common God of Catholic and Puritan, in the words most consonant + to their tastes, without dreading the gibbet as an inevitable result of + their audacity. + </p> + <p> + In truth, the time had arrived for bringing the northern and southern, the + Celtic and German, the Protestant and Catholic, hearts together, or else + for acquiescing in their perpetual divorce. If the sentiment of + nationality, the cause of a common fatherland, could now overcome the + attachment to a particular form of worship—if a common danger and a + common destiny could now teach the great lesson of mutual toleration, it + might yet be possible to create a united Netherland, and defy for ever the + power of Spain. Since the Union of Brussels, of January, 1577, the + internal cancer of religious discord had again begun to corrode the body + politic. The Pacification of Ghent had found the door open to religious + toleration. It had not opened, but had left it open. The union of Brussels + had closed the door again. Contrary to the hopes of the Prince of Orange + and of the patriots who followed in his track, the sanction given to the + Roman religion had animated the Catholics to fresh arrogance and fresh + persecution. In the course of a few months, the only fruits of the new + union, from which so much had been hoped, were to be seen in + imprisonments, confiscations, banishments, executions. The Perpetual + Edict, by which the fifteen provinces had united in acknowledging Don John + while the Protestant stronghold of Holland and Zealand had been placed in + a state of isolation by the wise distrust of Orange, had widened the + breach between Catholics and Protestants. The subsequent conduct of Don + John had confirmed the suspicions and demonstrated the sagacity of the + Prince. The seizure of Namur and the open hostility avowed by the Governor + once more forced the provinces together. The suppressed flames of + nationality burst forth again. Catholic and Protestant, Fleming and + Hollander, instinctively approached each other, and felt the necessity of + standing once more shoulder to shoulder in defence of their common rights. + The Prince of Orange was called for by the unanimous cry of the whole + country. He came to Brussels. His first step, as already narrated, was to + break off negotiations which had been already ratified by the votes of the + states-general. The measure was reconsidered, under pretence of adding + certain amendments. Those amendments were the unconditional articles of + surrender proposed for Don John's signature on the 25th of September—articles + which could only elicit words of defiance from his lips. + </p> + <p> + Thus far the Prince's object was accomplished. A treacherous peace, which + would have ensured destruction, was averted, but a new obstacle to the + development of his broad and energetic schemes arose in the intrigue which + brought the Archduke from Vienna. The cabals of Orange's secret enemies + were again thwarted with the same adroitness to which his avowed + antagonists were forced to succumb. Matthias was made the exponent of the + new policy, the standard-bearer of the new union which the Prince now + succeeded in establishing; for his next step was immediately to impress + upon the provinces which had thus united in casting down the gauntlet to a + common enemy the necessity of uniting in a permanent league. One province + was already lost by the fall of Namur. The bonds of a permanent union for + the other sixteen could be constructed of but one material—religious + toleration, and for a moment, the genius of Orange, always so far beyond + his age, succeeded in raising the mass of his countrymen to the elevation + upon which he had so long stood alone. + </p> + <p> + The "new or nearer Union of Brussels" was signed on the 10th of December, + eleven months after the formation of the first union. This was the third + and, unfortunately, the last confederation of all the Netherlands. The + original records have been lost, but it is known that the measure was + accepted unanimously in the estates-general as soon as presented. The + leading Catholic nobles were with the army, but a deputation, sent to the + camp, returned with their signatures and hearty approval; with the + signatures and approval of such determined Catholics as the Lalains, + Meluns, Egmont, and La Motte. If such men could unite for the sake of the + fatherland in an act of religious toleration, what lofty hopes for the + future was not the Prince justified in forming; for it was the Prince + alone who accomplished this victory of reason over passion. As a monument, + not only of his genius, but of the elevated aspirations of a whole people + in an age of intolerance, the "closer Union of Brussels" deserves especial + place in the history of human progress. Unfortunately, it was destined to + a brief existence. The battle of Gemblours was its death-blow, and before + the end of a month, the union thus hopefully constructed was shattered for + ever. The Netherland people was never united again. By the Union of + Utrecht, seven states subsequently rescued their existence, and lived to + construct a powerful republic. The rest were destined to remain for + centuries in the condition of provinces to a distant metropolis, to be + shifted about as make-weights in political balances, and only in our own + age to come into the honorable rank of independent constitutional states. + </p> + <p> + The Prince had, moreover, strengthened himself for the coming struggle by + an alliance with England. The thrifty but politic Queen, fearing the + result of the secret practices of Alencon—whom Orange, as she + suspected, still kept in reserve to be played off, in case of need, + against Matthias and Don John—had at last consented to a treaty of + alliance and subsidy. On the 7th of January, 1578, the Marquis Havre, + envoy from the estates, concluded an arrangement in London, by which the + Queen was to lend them her credit—in other words, to endorse their + obligations, to the amount of one hundred thousand pounds sterling. The + money was to be raised wherever the states might be able to negotiate the + bills, and her liability was to cease within a year. She was likewise to + be collaterally secured by pledges from certain cities in the Netherlands. + This amount was certainly not colossal, while the conditions were + sufficiently parsimonious. At the same time a beginning was made, and the + principle of subsidy was established. The Queen, furthermore, agreed to + send five thousand infantry and one thousand cavalry to the provinces, + under the command of an officer of high rank, who was to have a seat and + vote in the Netherland Council of State. These troops were to be paid by + the provinces, but furnished by the Queen. The estates were to form no + treaty without her knowledge, nor undertake any movement of importance + without her consent. In case she should be herself attacked by any foreign + power, the provinces were to assist her to the same extent as the amount + of aid now afforded to themselves; and in case of a naval war, with a + fleet of at least forty ships. It had already been arranged that the + appointment of the Prince of Orange as Lieutenant-General for Matthias was + a 'sine qua non' in any treaty of assistance with England. Soon after the + conclusion of this convention, Sir Thomas Wilkes was despatched on a + special mission to Spain, and Mr. Leyton sent to confer privately with Don + John. It was not probable, however, that the diplomatic skill of either + would make this new arrangement palatable to Philip or his Governor. + </p> + <p> + Within a few days after their signature of this important treaty, the + Prince had, at length, wholly succeeded in conquering the conflicting + passions in the states-general, and in reconciling them, to a certain + extent, with each other. The closer union had been accepted, and now + thirty articles, which had been prepared under his superintendence, and + had already on the 17th of December been accepted by Matthias, were + established as the fundamental terms, according to which the Archduke was + to be received as Governor-General. No power whatever was accorded to the + young man, who had come so far with eager and ambitious views. As the + Prince had neither solicited nor desired a visit which had, on the + contrary, been the result of hostile machinations, the Archduke could + hardly complain that the power accorded him was but shadowy, and that his + presence was rendered superfluous. It was not surprising that the common + people gave him the name of Greffier, or registering clerk to the Prince; + for his functions were almost limited to the signing of acts which were + countersigned by Orange. According to the stipulations of the Queen of + England, and the views of the whole popular party, the Prince remained + Ruward of Brabant, notwithstanding the appointment of a nominal + Governor-General, by whom his own duties were to be superseded. + </p> + <p> + The articles which were laid down as the basis upon which the Archduke was + to be accepted; composed an ample representative constitution, by which + all the legislative and many of the executive powers of government were + bestowed upon the states-general or upon the council by them to be + elected. To avoid remaining in the condition of a people thus left without + a head, the states declared themselves willing to accept Matthias as + Governor-General, on condition of the King's subsequent approbation, and + upon the general basis of the Ghent treaty. The Archduke, moreover, was to + take an oath of allegiance to the King and to the states-general at the + same time. He was to govern the land by the advice of a state council, the + members of which were to be appointed by the states-general, and were "to + be native Netherlanders, true patriots; and neither ambitious nor greedy." + In all matters discussed before the state council, a majority of votes was + to decide. The Governor-General, with his Council of State, should + conclude nothing concerning the common affairs of the nation—such as + requests, loans, treaties of peace or declarations of war, alliances or + confederacies with foreign nations—without the consent of the + states-general. He was to issue no edict or ordinance, and introduce no + law, without the consent of the same body duly assembled, and representing + each individual province. A majority of the members was declared necessary + to a quorum of the council. All acts and despatches were to be drawn up by + a member of the board. The states-general were to assemble when, where, + and as often as, and remain in session as long as, they might think it + expedient. At the request of any individual province, concerning matters + about which a convention of the generality was customary, the other states + should be bound to assemble without waiting for directions from the + Governor-General. The estates of each particular province were to assemble + at their pleasure. The governor and council, with advice of the + states-general, were to appoint all the principal military officers. + Troops were to be enrolled and garrisons established by and with the + consent of the states. Governors of provinces were to be appointed by the + Governor-General, with advice of his council, and with the consent of the + estates of the province interested. All military affairs were to be + conducted during war by the governor, with advice of his council, while + the estates were to have absolute control over the levying and expenditure + of the common funds of the country. + </p> + <p> + It is sufficiently plain from this brief summary, that the powers thus + conferred upon Matthias alone, were absolutely null, while those which he + might exercise in conjunction with the state council, were not much more + extensive. The actual force of the government—legislative, + executive, and, administrative—was lodged in the general assembly, + while no authority was left to the King, except the nominal right to + approve these revolutionary proceedings, according to the statement in the + preamble. Such a reservation in favor of his Majesty seemed a superfluous + sarcasm. It was furthermore resolved that the Prince of Orange should be + appointed Lieutenant-General for Matthias, and be continued in his office + of Ruward. This constitution, drawn up under the superintendence of the + Prince, had been already accepted by Matthias, while still at Antwerp, and + upon the 18th of January, 1578, the ceremony of his inauguration took + place. + </p> + <p> + It was the third triumphal procession which Brussels had witnessed within + nine months. It was also the most brilliant of all; for the burghers, as + if to make amends to the Archduke for the actual nullity to which he had + been reduced, seemed resolved to raise him to the seventh heaven of + allegory. By the rhetorical guilds he was regarded as the most brilliant + constellation of virtues which had yet shone above the Flemish horizon. A + brilliant cavalcade, headed by Orange, accompanied by Count John of + Nassau, the Prince de Chimay and other notables, met him at Vilvoorde, and + escorted him to the city gate. On an open field, outside the town, Count + Bossu had arranged a review of troops, concluding with a sham-fight, + which, in the words of a classical contemporary, seemed as "bloody a + rencontre as that between Duke Miltiades of Athens and King Darius upon + the plains of Attics." The procession entered the Louvain gate, through a + splendid triumphal arch, filled with a band of invisible musicians. "I + believe that Orpheus had never played so melodiously on his harp," says + the same authority, "nor Apollo on his lyre, nor Pan on his lute, as the + city waits then performed." On entering the gates, Matthias was at once + delivered over to the hands of mythology, the burghers and rhetoricians + taking possession of their illustrious captive, and being determined to + outdo themselves in demonstrations of welcome. The representatives of the + "nine nations" of Brussels met him in the Ritter-street, followed by a + gorgeous retinue. Although it was mid-day, all bore flaming torches. + Although it was January, the streets were strewed with flowers. The houses + were festooned with garlands, and hung with brilliant silks and velvets. + The streets were thronged with spectators, and encumbered with triumphal + arches. On the Grande Place always the central scene in Brussels, whether + for comedies, or tournaments, or executions, the principal dramatic + effects had been accumulated. The splendid front of the Hotel de Ville was + wreathed with scarfs and banners; its windows and balconies, as well as + those of the picturesque houses which formed the square, were crowded with + gaily-dressed women. Upon the area of the place, twenty-four theatres had + been erected, where a aeries of magnificent living pictures were + represented by the most beautiful young females that could be found in the + city. All were attired in brocades, embroideries, and cloth of gold. The + subjects of the tableaux vivants were, of course, most classic, for the + Netherlanders were nothing, if not allegorical; yet, as spectacles, + provided by burghers and artisans for the amusement of their + fellow-citizens, they certainly proved a considerable culture in the + people who could thus be amused. All the groups were artistically + arranged. Upon one theatre stood Juno with her peacock, presenting + Matthias with the city of Brussels, which she held, beautifully modelled, + in her hand. Upon another, Cybele gave him the keys, Reason handed him a + bridle, Hebe a basket of flowers, Wisdom a looking-glass and two law + books, Diligence a pair of spurs; while Constancy, Magnanimity, Prudence, + and other virtues, furnished him with a helmet; corslet, spear, and + shield. Upon other theatres, Bellona presented him with several + men-at-arms, tied in a bundle; Fame gave him her trumpet, and Glory her + crown. Upon one stage Quintus Curtius, on horseback, was seen plunging + into the yawning abyss; upon six others Scipio Africanus was exhibited, as + he appeared in the most picturesque moments of his career. The beardless + Archduke had never achieved anything, save his nocturnal escape from + Vienna in his night-gown; but the honest Flemings chose to regard him as a + re-incarnation of those two eminent Romans. Carried away by their own + learning, they already looked upon him as a myth; and such indeed he was + destined to remain throughout his Netherland career. After surveying all + these wonders, Matthias was led up the hill again to the ducal palace, + where, after hearing speeches and odes till he was exhausted, he was at + last allowed to eat his supper and go to bed. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the citizens feasted in the streets. Bonfires were blazing + everywhere, at which the people roasted "geese, pigs, capons, partridges, + and chickens," while upon all sides were the merriest piping and dancing. + Of a sudden, a fiery dragon was seen flying through the air. It poised for + a while over the heads of the revelling crowd in the Grande Place, and + then burst with a prodigious explosion, sending forth rockets and other + fireworks in every direction. This exhibition, then a new one, so + frightened the people, that they all took to their heels, "as if a + thousand soldiers had assaulted them," tumbling over each other in great + confusion, and so dispersing to their homes. + </p> + <p> + The next day Matthias took the oaths as Governor-General, to support the + new constitution, while the Prince of Orange was sworn in as + Lieutenant-General and Governor of Brabant. Upon the next a splendid + banquet was given them in the grand ball of the Hotel de Ville, by the + states-general, and when the cloth was removed, Rhetoric made her last and + most ingenious demonstration, through the famous guild of "Mary with the + Flower Garland." + </p> + <p> + Two individuals—the one attired as a respectable burgher; the other + as a clerical personage in gown and bands-made their appearance upon a + stage, opposite the seats of their Highnesses, and pronounced a long + dialogue in rhyme. One of the speakers rejoiced in the appellation of the + "Desiring Heart," the other was called "Common Comfort." Common Sense + might have been more to the purpose, but appeared to have no part in the + play. Desiring Heart, being of an inquisitive disposition, propounded a + series of puzzling questions, mythological in their nature, which seemed + like classical conundrums, having reference, mainly, to the proceedings of + Venus, Neptune, Juno, and other divinities. They appeared to have little + to do with Matthias or the matter in hand, but Common Comfort knew better. + That clerical personage, accordingly, in a handsome allowance of rhymes, + informed his despairing colleague that everything would end well; that + Jupiter, Diana, Venus, and the rest of them would all do their duty, and + that Belgica would be relieved from all her woes, at the advent of a + certain individual. Whereupon cried Desiring Heart, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh Common Comfort who is he? + His name, and of what family? +</pre> + <p> + To which Comfort responded by mentioning the Archduke, in a poetical and + highly-complimentary strain, with handsome allusions to the inevitable + Quintus Curtius and Scipio Africanus. The concluding words of the speech + were not spoken, but were taken as the cue for a splendid charade; the + long-suffering Scipio again making his appearance, in company with + Alexander and Hannibal; the group typifying the future government of + Matthias. After each of these, heroic individuals had spouted a hundred + lines or so, the play was terminated, and Rhetoric took her departure. The + company had remained at table during this long representation, and now the + dessert was served, consisting of a "richly triumphant banquet of + confectionary, marmalade, and all kinds of genteelnesses in sugar." + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Don John sat chafing and almost frenzied with rage at Namur. + Certainly he had reasons enough for losing his temper. Never since the + days of Maximilian had king's brother been so bearded by rebels. The Cross + was humbled in the dust, the royal authority openly derided, his Majesty's + representative locked up in a fortress, while "the accursed Prince of + Orange" reigned supreme in Brussels, with an imperial Archduke for his + private secretary. + </p> + <p> + The Governor addressed a long, private, and most bitter letter to the + Emperor, for the purpose of setting himself right in the opinion of that + potentate, and of giving him certain hints as to what was expected of the + imperial court by Philip and himself. He expressed confidence that the + imperial commissioners would have some effect in bringing about the + pacification of the Netherlands, and protested his own strong desire for + such a result, provided always that the two great points of the Catholic + religion and his Majesty's authority were preserved intact. "In the hope + that those articles would be maintained," said he, "I have emptied cities + and important places of their garrisons, when I might easily have kept the + soldiers, and with the soldiers the places, against all the world, instead + of consigning them to the care of men who at this hour have arms in their + hand against their natural prince." He declared vehemently that in all his + conduct, since his arrival in the provinces, he had been governed + exclusively by the interests of Philip, an object which he should steadily + pursue to the end. He urged, too, that the Emperor, being of the same + house as Philip, and therefore more obliged than all others to sustain his + quarrel, would do well to espouse his cause with all the warmth possible. + "The forgetfulness by vassals," said Don John, "of the obedience due to + their sovereign is so dangerous, that all princes and potentates, even + those at the moment exempt from trouble; should assist in preparing the + remedy, in order that their subjects also may not take it into their heads + to do the like, liberty being a contagious disease, which goes on + infecting one neighbour after another, if the cure be not promptly + applied." It was, he averred, a desperate state of things for monarchs, + when subjects having obtained such concessions as the Netherlanders had + obtained, nevertheless loved him and obeyed him so little. They showed, + but too clearly, that the causes alleged by them had been but pretexts, in + order to effect designs, long ago conceived, to overthrow the ancient + constitution of the country, and to live thenceforward in unbridled + liberty. So many indecent acts had been committed prejudicial to religion + and to his Majesty's grandeur, that the Governor avowed his, determination + to have no farther communication with the provinces without fresh commands + to that effect. He begged the Emperor to pay no heed to what the states + said, but to observe what they did. He assured him that nothing could be + more senseless than the reports that Philip and his Governor-General in + the Netherlands were negotiating with France, for the purpose of + alienating the provinces from the Austrian crown. Philip, being chief of + the family, and sovereign of the Netherlands, could not commit the + absurdity of giving away his own property to other people, nor would Don + John choose to be an instrument in so foolish a transaction. The Governor + entreated the Emperor, therefore, to consider such fables as the invention + of malcontents and traitors, of whom there were no lack at his court, and + to remember that nothing was more necessary for the preservation of the + greatness of his family than to cultivate the best relations with all its + members. "Therefore," said he, with an absurd affectation of candor, + "although I make no doubt whatever that the expedition hitherwards of the + Archduke Matthias has been made with the best intentions; nevertheless, + many are of opinion that it would have been better altogether omitted. If + the Archduke," he continued, with hardly dissembled irony, "be desirous of + taking charge of his Majesty's affairs, it would be preferable to employ + himself in the customary manner. Your Majesty would do a laudable action + by recalling him from this place, according to your Majesty's promise to + me to that effect." In conclusion, Don John complained that difficulties + had been placed in his way for making levies of troops in the Empire, + while every facility had been afforded to the rebels. He therefore + urgently insisted that so unnatural and unjust a condition of affairs + should be remedied. + </p> + <p> + Don John was not sorry in his heart that the crisis was at last come. His + chain was broken. His wrath exploded in his first interview with Leyton, + the English envoy, whom Queen Elizabeth had despatched to calm, if + possible, his inevitable anger at her recent treaty with the states. He + knew nothing of England, he said, nor of France, nor of the Emperor. His + Catholic Majesty had commissioned him now to make war upon these + rebellious provinces. He would do it with all his heart. As for the + Emperor, he would unchain the Turks upon him for his perfidy. As for the + burghers of Brussels, they would soon feel his vengeance. + </p> + <p> + It was very obvious that these were not idle threats. War had again broken + loose throughout these doomed provinces. A small but well-appointed army + had been rapidly collecting under the banner of Don John at Luxemburg, + Peter Ernest Mansfeld had brought many well-trained troops from France, + and Prince Alexander of Parma had arrived with several choice and veteran + regiments of Italy and Spain. The old schoolfellow, playmate and comrade + of Don John, was shocked-on his arrival, to witness the attenuated frame + and care-worn features of his uncle. The son of Charles the Fifth, the + hero of Lepanto, seemed even to have lost the air of majesty which was so + natural to him, for petty insults, perpetual crosses, seemed to have left + their squalid traces upon his features. Nevertheless, the crusader was + alive again, at the notes of warlike preparations which now resounded + throughout the land. + </p> + <p> + On the 25th of January he issued a proclamation, couched in three + languages—French, German, and Flemish. He declared in this document + that he had not come to enslave the provinces, but to protect them. At the + same time he meant to re-establish his Majesty's authority, and the + down-trod religion of Rome. He summoned all citizens and all soldiers + throughout the provinces to join his banners, offering them pardon for + their past offences, and protection against heretics and rebels. This + declaration was the natural consequence of the exchange of defiances which + had already taken place, and it was evident also that the angry manifesto + was soon to be followed up by vigorous blows. The army of Don John already + numbered more than twenty thousand well-seasoned and disciplined veterans. + He was himself the most illustrious chieftain in Europe. He was surrounded + by lieutenants cf the most brilliant reputation. Alexander of Parma, who + had fought with distinction at Lepanto, was already recognised as + possessing that signal military genius which was soon to stamp him as the + first soldier of his age, while Mansfeld, Mondragon, Mendoza, and other + distinguished officers, who had already won so much fame in the + Netherlands, had now returned to the scene of their former achievements. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the military affairs of the states were in confusion. + Troops in nearly equal numbers to those of the royal army had been + assembled, but the chief offices had been bestowed, by a mistaken policy, + upon the great nobles. Already the jealousy of Orange, entertained by + their whole order was painfully apparent. Notwithstanding the signal + popularity which had made his appointment as Lieutenant-general inevitable + it was not easy for him always to vindicate his authority over captious + and rival magnates. He had every wish to conciliate the affections of men + whom he could not in his heart respect, and he went as far in gratifying + their ambition as comported with his own dignity; perhaps farther than was + consistent with the national interests. He was still willing to trust + Lalain, of whose good affection to the country he felt sure. Re had even + been desirous of declining the office of Lieutenant-General, in order to + avoid giving that nobleman the least occasion to think "that he would do + him, or any other gentleman of the army, prejudice in any single matter in + the world." This magnanimity had, not been repaid with corresponding + confidence. We have already seen that Lalain had been secretly in the + interest of Anjou ever since his wife and himself had lost their hearts to + Margaret of Navarre; yet the Count was chief commander of the infantry in + the states' army then assembled. Robert Melun, Vicomte de Gand, was + commander of the cavalry, but he had recently been private envoy from Don + John to the English Queen. Both these gentlemen, together with Pardieu De + la Motte, general of the artillery, were voluntarily absent from the + forces, under pretext of celebrating the wedding of the Seigneur De Bersel + with the niece and heiress of the unfortunate Marquis of Bergen. The ghost + of that ill-starred noble might almost have seemed to rise at the nuptial + banquet of his heiress, to warn the traitors of the signal and bloody + massacre which their treachery was soon to occasion. Philip Egmont, eldest + son of the famous Lamoral, was with the army, as was the Seigneur de Heze, + hero of the State Council's arrest, and the unstable Havre. But little was + to be hoped from such leaders. Indeed, the affairs of the states continued + to be in as perplexed a condition as that which honest John of Nassau had + described some weeks before. "There were very few patriots," he had said, + "but plenty of priests, with no lack of inexperienced lads—some + looking for distinction, and others for pelf." + </p> + <p> + The two armies had been mustered in the latter days of January. The Pope + had issued a bull for the benefit of Don John, precisely similar to those + formerly employed in the crusades against the Saracens. Authority was + given him to levy contributions upon ecclesiastical property, while full + absolution, at the hour of death, for all crimes committed during a whole + lifetime, was proclaimed to those who should now join the standard of the + Cross. There was at least no concealment. The Crescent-wearing Zealanders + had been taken at their word, and the whole nation of Netherlanders were + formally banned as unbelievers. The forces of Don John were mustered at + Marche in Luxemburg; those of the states in a plain within a few miles of + Namur. Both armies were nearly equal in number, amounting to nearly twenty + thousand each, including a force of two thousand cavalry on each side. It + had been the original intention of the patriots to attack Don John in + Namur. Having learned, however, that he purposed marching forth himself to + offer battle, they decided to fall back upon Gemblours, which was nine + miles distant from that city. On the last day of January, they accordingly + broke up their camp at Saint Martius, before dawn, and marched towards + Gemblours. The chief commander was De Goignies, an old soldier of Charles + the Fifth, who had also fought at Saint Quintin. The states' army was + disposed in three divisions. The van consisted of the infantry regiments + of De Heze and Montigny, flanked by a protective body of light horse. The + centre, composed of the Walloon and German regiments, with a few companies + of French, and thirteen companies of Scotch and English under Colonel + Balfour, was commanded by two most distinguished officers, Bossu and + Champagny. The rear, which, of course, was the post of responsibility and + honor, comprised all the heavy cavalry, and was commanded by Philip Egmont + and Lumey de la Marck. The Marquis Havre and the General-in-chief, + Goignies, rode to and fro, as the army proceeded, each attended by his + staff. The troops of Don John broke up from before Namur with the earliest + dawn, and marched in pursuit of the retiring foe. In front was nearly the + whole of the cavalry-carabineers, lancers, and heavy dragoons. The centre, + arranged in two squares, consisted chiefly of Spanish infantry, with a + lesser number of Germans. In the rear came the Walloons, marching also in + a square, and protecting the baggage and ammunition. Charles Mansfeld had + been left behind with a reserved force, stationed on the Meuse; Ottavio + Gonzaga commanded in front, Ernest Mansfeld brought up the rear; while in + the centre rode Don John himself, attended by the Prince of Parma. Over + his head streamed the crucifix-emblazoned banner, with its memorable + inscription—In hoc signo vici Turcos, in hoc Haereticos vincam. + </p> + <p> + Small detachments of cavalry had been sent forward; under Olivera and + Acosta, to scour the roads and forests, and to disturb all ambuscades + which might have been prepared. From some stragglers captured by these + officers, the plans of the retreating generals were learned. The winter's + day was not far advanced, when the rearward columns of the states' army + were descried in the distance. Don John, making a selection of some six + hundred cavalry, all picked men, with a thousand infantry, divided the + whole into two bodies, which he placed under command of Gonzaga and the + famous old Christopher Mondragon. These officers received orders to hang + on the rear of the enemy, to harass him, and to do him all possible damage + consistent with the possibility of avoiding a general engagement, until + the main army under Parma and Don John should arrive. The orders were at + first strictly obeyed. As the skirmishing grew hotter, however, Goazaga + observed that a spirited cavalry officer, named Perotti, had already + advanced, with a handful of men, much further within the reach of the + hostile forces than was deemed expedient. He sent hastily to recal the too + eager chieftain. The order, delivered in a tone more peremptory than + agreeable, was flatly disobeyed. "Tell Ottavio Gonzaga," said Perotti, + "that I never yet turned my back on the enemy, nor shall I now begin. + Moreover, were I ever so much inclined to do so, retreat is impossible." + The retiring army was then proceeding along the borders of a deep ravine, + filled with mire and water, and as broad and more dangerous than a river. + In the midst of the skirmishing, Alexander of Parma rode up to + reconnoitre. He saw at once that the columns of the enemy were marching + unsteadily to avoid being precipitated into this creek. He observed the + waving of their spears, the general confusion of their ranks, and was + quick to take advantage of the fortunate moment. Pointing out to the + officers about him the opportunity thus offered of attacking the retiring + army unawares in flank, he assembled, with great rapidity, the foremost + companies of cavalry already detached from the main body. Mounting a fresh + and powerful horse, which Camillo Monte held in readiness for him, he + signified his intention of dashing through the dangerous ravine, and + dealing a stroke where it was least expected, "Tell Don John of Austria," + he cried to an officer whom he sent back to the Commander-in-chief, "that + Alexander of Parma has plunged into the abyss, to perish there, or to + come-forth again victorious." + </p> + <p> + The sudden thought was executed with lightning-like celerity. In an + instant the bold rider was already struggling through the dangerous swamp; + in another, his powerful charger had carried him across. Halting for a few + minutes, lance in rest, till his troops had also forced their passage, + gained the level ground unperceived, and sufficiently breathed their + horses, he drew up his little force in a compact column. Then, with a few + words of encouragement, he launched them at the foe. The violent and + entirely unexpected shock was even more successful than the Prince had + anticipated. The hostile cavalry reeled and fell into hopeless confusion, + Egmont in vain striving to rally them to resistance. That name had lost + its magic. Goignies also attempted, without success, to restore order + among the panic-struck ranks. The sudden conception of Parma, executed as + suddenly and in so brilliant a manner, had been decisive. Assaulted in + flank and rear at the same moment, and already in temporary confusion, the + cavalry of the enemy turned their backs and fled. The centre of the + states' army thus left exposed, was now warmly attacked by Parma. It had, + moreover, been already thrown into disorder by the retreat of its own + horse, as they charged through them in rapid and disgraceful panic. The + whole army bloke to pieces at once, and so great was the trepidation, that + the conquered troops had hardly courage to run away. They were utterly + incapable of combat. Not a blow was struck by the fugitives. Hardly a man + in the Spanish ranks was wounded; while, in the course of an hour and a + half, the whole force of the enemy was exterminated. It is impossible to + state with accuracy the exact numbers slain. Some accounts spoke of ten + thousand killed, or captive, with absolutely no loss on the royal side. + Moreover, this slaughter was effected, not by the army under Don John, but + by so small a fragment of it, that some historians have even set down the + whole number of royalists engaged at the commencement of the action, at + six hundred, increased afterwards to twelve hundred. By this calculation, + each Spaniard engaged must have killed ten enemies with his own hand; and + that within an hour and a half's space! Other historians more wisely omit + the exact statistics of the massacre, and allow that a very few—ten + or eleven, at most—were slain within the Spanish ranks. This, + however, is the utmost that is claimed by even the Netherland historians, + and it is, at any rate, certain that the whole states' army was + annihilated. + </p> + <p> + Rarely had a more brilliant exploit been performed by a handful of + cavalry. To the distinguished Alexander of Parma, who improvised so + striking and complete a victory out of a fortuitous circumstance, belonged + the whole credit of the day, for his quick eye detected a passing weakness + of the enemy, and turned it to terrible account with the promptness which + comes from genius alone. A whole army was overthrown. Everything belonging + to the enemy fell into the hands of the Spaniards. Thirty-four standards, + many field-pieces, much camp equipage, and ammunition, besides some seven + or eight thousand dead bodies, and six hundred living prisoners, were the + spoils of that winter's day. Of the captives, some were soon afterwards + hurled off the bridge at Namur, and drowned like dogs in the Meuse, while + the rest were all hanged, none escaping with life. Don John's clemency was + not superior to that of his sanguinary predecessors. + </p> + <p> + And so another proof was added—if proofs were still necessary of + Spanish prowess. The Netherlanders may be pardoned if their foes seemed to + them supernatural, and almost invulnerable. How else could these enormous + successes be accounted for? How else could thousands fall before the + Spanish swords, while hardly a single Spanish corpse told of effectual + resistance? At Jemmingen, Alva had lost seven soldiers, and slain seven + thousand; in the Antwerp Fury, two hundred Spaniards, at most, had fallen, + while eight thousand burghers and states' troops had been butchered; and + now at Gemblours, six, seven, eight, ten—Heaven knew how many—thousand + had been exterminated, and hardly a single Spaniard had been slain! + Undoubtedly, the first reason for this result was the superiority of the + Spanish soldiers. They were the boldest, the best disciplined, the most + experienced in the world. Their audacity, promptness, and ferocity made + them almost invincible. In this particular action, at least half the army + of Don John was composed of Spanish or Spanish-Italian veterans. Moreover, + they were commanded by the most renowned captains of the age—by Don + John himself, and Alexander of Parma, sustained by such veterans as + Mondragon, the hero of the memorable submarine expeditions; Mendoza, the + accomplished cavalry officer, diplomatist, and historian; and Mansfeld, of + whom Don John had himself written to the King that his Majesty had not + another officer of such account in all the Netherlands. Such officers as + these, besides Gonzaga, Camillo Monte, Mucio Pagano, at the head of such + troops as fought that day under the banner of the Cross, might go far in + accounting for this last and most tremendous victory of the Inquisition. + On the other hand, although Bossu and Champagny were with the states' + army, yet their hearts were hardly with the cause. Both had long been + loyal, and had earned many laurels against the rebels, while Champagny was + still devoutly a Papist, and wavered painfully between his hatred to + heresy and to Spain. Egmont and De Heze were raw, unpractised lads, in + whom genius did not come to supply the place of experience. The Commander, + De Goignies, was a veteran, but a veteran who had never gained much glory, + and the chiefs of the cavalry, infantry, and artillery, were absent at the + Brussels wedding. The news of this additional massacre inflicted upon a + nation, for which Berghen and Montigny had laid down their lives, was the + nuptial benediction for Berghen's heiress; for it was to the chief wedding + guests upon, that occasion that the disaster was justly attributed. The + rank and file of the states' army were mainly mercenaries, with whom the + hope of plunder was the prevailing motive; the chief commanders were + absent; while those officers who were with the troops were neither + heartily friendly to their own flag nor sufficiently experienced to make + it respected. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Absurd affectation of candor + Always less apt to complain of irrevocable events + Imagined, and did the work of truth + Judas Maccabaeus + Neither ambitious nor greedy + Superfluous sarcasm +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, Project Gutenberg + Edition, Vol. 30 THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By John Lothrop Motley + 1855 <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Towns taken by Don John—Wrath excited against the aristocratic + party by the recent defeat—Attempts upon Amsterdam—"Satisfaction" + of Amsterdam and its effects—De Selles sent with royal letters from + Spain—Terms offered by Philip—Proclamation of Don John— + Correspondence between de Selles and the States-General—Between the + King and the Governor-General—New forces raised by the States—St. + Aldegonde at the Diet—Municipal revolution in Amsterdam—The + Prince's letter on the subject of the Anabaptists of Middelburg— + The two armies inactive—De la None—Action at Rijnemants—John + Casimir—Perverse politics of Queen Elizabeth—Alencon in the + Netherlands—Portrait of the Duke—Orange's position in regard to + him—Avowed and supposed policy of the French court—Anger of + Elizabeth—Terms arranged between Alencon and the Estates—Renewed + negotiations with Don John—Severe terms offered him—Interview of + the English envoys with the Governor—Despondency of Don John— + Orange's attempts to enforce a religious peace—His isolation in + sentiment—The malcontent party—Count John Governor of Gelderland + —Proposed form of religious peace—Proclamation to that effect by + Orange, in Antwerp—A petition in favor of the Roman Church + presented by Champagny and other Catholic nobles to the States— + General—Consequent commotion in Brussels—Champagny and others + imprisoned—Indolence and poverty of the two armies—Illness and + melancholy of Don John—His letters to Doria, to Mendoza, and to the + King—Death of Don John—Suspicions of poison—Pompous burial— + Removal of his body to Spain—Concluding remarks upon his character. +</pre> + <p> + Don John having thus vindicated his own military fame and the amazing + superiority of the Spanish arms, followed up his victory by the rapid + reduction of many towns of second-rate importance Louvain, Judoigne, + Tirlemont, Aerschot, Bauvignes, Sichem, Nivelle, Roeux, Soignies, Binch, + Beaumont, Walcourt, Tviaubeuge, and Chimay, either submitted to their + conqueror, or were taken after short sieges. The usual atrocities were + inflicted upon the unfortunate inhabitants of towns where resistance was + attempted. The commandant of Sichem was hanged out of his own window, + along with several chief burghers and officers, while the garrison was put + to the sword, and the bodies cast into the Denver. The only crime + committed by these unfortunates was to have ventured a blow or two in + behalf of the firesides which they were employed to protect. + </p> + <p> + In Brussels, on the other hand, there was less consternation excited by + these events than boundless rage against the aristocratic party, for the + defeat of Gemblours was attributed, with justice, to the intrigues and the + incapacity of the Catholic magnates. It was with difficulty that Orange, + going about by night from house to house, from street to street, succeeded + in calming the indignation of the people, and in preventing them from + sweeping in a mass to the residence of the leading nobles, in order to + inflict summary vengeance on the traitors. All looked to the Prince as + their only saviour, not a thought nor a word being wasted upon Matthias. + Not a voice was raised in the assembly to vindicate the secret proceedings + of the Catholic party, nor to oppose the measures which the Prince might + suggest. The terrible disaster had taught the necessity of union. All + parties heartily joined in the necessary steps to place the capital in a + state of complete defence, and to assemble forthwith new troops to take + the place of the army just annihilated. The victor gained nothing by his + victory, in comparison with the profit acquired by the states through + their common misfortune. Nor were all the towns which had recently fallen + into the hands of Don John at all comparable in importance to the city of + Amsterdam, which now, by a most timely arrangement, furnished a rich + compensation to the national party for the disaster of Gemblours. + </p> + <p> + Since the conclusion of the Ghent Pacification, it had been the most + earnest wish of the Prince, and of Holland and Zealand, to recover + possession of this most important city. The wish was naturally shared by + every true patriot in the states-general. It had, however, been extremely + difficult to arrange the terms of the "Satisfaction." Every fresh attempt + at an amicable compromise was wrecked upon the obstinate bigotry of the + leading civic authorities. They would make no agreement to accept the + authority of Orange, except, as Saint Aldegonde expressed himself; upon + terms which would enable them "to govern their governor." The influence of + the monks, who were resident in large numbers within the city, and of the + magistrates, who were all stanch Catholics, had been hitherto sufficient + to outweigh the efforts made by the large masses of the Reformed + religionists composing the bulk of the population. It was, however, + impossible to allow Amsterdam to remain in this isolated and hostile + attitude to the rest of Holland. The Prince, having promised to use no + coercion, and loyally adhering to his pledge, had only with extreme + difficulty restrained the violence of the Hollanders and Zealanders, who + were determined, by fair means or foul, to restore the capital city to its + natural place within his stadholderate. He had been obliged, on various + occasions, particularly on the 21st of October of the preceding year, to + address a most decided and peremptory letter to the estates of Holland and + Zealand, forbidding the employment of hostile measures against Amsterdam. + His commands had been reluctantly, partially, and only temporarily obeyed. + The states desisted from their scheme of reducing the city by famine, but + they did not the less encourage the secret and unofficial expeditions + which were daily set on foot to accomplish the annexation by a sudden + enterprise. + </p> + <p> + Late in November, a desperate attempt had been made by Colonel Helling, in + conjunction with Governor Sonoy, to carry the city by surprise. The force + which the adventurer collected for the purpose was inadequate, and his + plans were unskilfully arranged. He was himself slain in the streets, at + the very commencement of the action; whereupon, in the quaint language of + the contemporary chronicler, "the hearts of his soldiers sank in their + shoes," and they evacuated the city with much greater rapidity than they + had entered it. The Prince was indignant at these violent measures, which + retarded rather than advanced the desired consummation. At the same time + it was an evil of immense magnitude—this anomalous condition of his + capital. Ceaseless schemes were concerted by the municipal and clerical + conspirators within its walls, and various attempts were known, at + different times, to have been contemplated by Don John, to inflict a + home-thrust upon the provinces of Holland and Zealand at the most + vulnerable and vital point. The "Satisfaction" accepted by Utrecht, in the + autumn of 1577, had, however, paved the way for the recovery of Amsterdam; + so that upon February the 8th, 1578, certain deputies from Utrecht + succeeded at last in arranging terms, which were accepted by the sister + city. The basis of the treaty was, as usual, the nominal supremacy of the + Catholic religion, with toleration for the Reformed worship. The necessary + effect would be, as in Harlem, Utrecht, and other places, to establish the + new religion upon an entire equality with the old. It was arranged that no + congregations were to be disturbed in their religious exercises in the + places respectively assigned to them. Those of the Reformed faith were to + celebrate their worship without the walls. They were, however, to enjoy + the right of burying their dead within these precincts, and it is singular + how much importance was attached at that day to a custom, at which the + common sentiment and the common sense of modern times revolt. "To bury our + dead within our own cities is a right hardly to be denied to a dog," said + the Prince of Orange; and accordingly this right was amply secured by the + new Satisfaction of Amsterdam. It was, however, stipulated that the + funerals should be modest, and attended by no more than twenty-four + persons at once. The treaty was hailed with boundless joy in Holland and + Zealand, while countless benedictions were invoked upon the "blessed + peace-makers," as the Utrecht deputies walked through the streets of + Amsterdam. There is no doubt that the triumph thus achieved by the + national party far counterbalanced the Governor-General's victory at + Gemblours. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the Seigneur de Selles, brother of the deceased Noircarmes, had + arrived from Spain. He was the special bearer of a letter from the King to + the states-general, written in reply to their communications of the 24th + of August and 8th of September of the previous year. The tone of the royal + despatch was very affectionate, the substance such as entirely to justify + the whole policy of Orange. It was obvious that the penetrating and + steadfast statesman had been correct in refusing to be moved to the right + or the left by the specious language of Philip's former letters, or by the + apparent frankness of Don John. No doubt the Governor had been sincere in + his desire for peace, but the Prince knew very well his incapacity to + confer that blessing. The Prince knew—what no man else appeared + fully to comprehend at that epoch—that the mortal combat between the + Inquisition and the Reformation was already fully engaged. The great + battle between divine reason and right divine, on which the interests of + unborn generations were hanging, was to be fought out, before the eyes of + all Christendom, on the plain of the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + Orange was willing to lay down his arms if he could receive security for + the Reformed worship. He had no desire to exterminate the ancient + religion, but he meant also to protect the new against extermination. Such + security, he felt, would never be granted, and he had therefore resolutely + refused to hearken to Don John, for he was sure that peace with him was + impossible. The letters now produced by De Selles confirmed his positions + completely. The King said not a word concerning the appointment of a new + governor-general, but boldly insisted upon the necessity of maintaining + the two cardinal points—his royal supremacy, and the Catholic + religion upon the basis adopted by his father, the Emperor Charles the + Fifth. + </p> + <p> + This was the whole substance of his communication: the supremacy of + royalty and of papacy as in the time of Charles the Fifth. These + cabalistic words were repeated twice in the brief letter to the estates. + They were repeated five times in the instructions furnished by his Majesty + to De Selles. The letter and the instructions indeed contained nothing + else. Two simples were offered for the cure of the body politic, racked by + the fever and convulsion of ten horrible years—two simples which the + patient could hardly be so unreasonable as to reject—unlimited + despotism and religious persecution. The whole matter lay in a nut-shell, + but it was a nut-shell which enclosed the flaming edicts of Charles the + Fifth, with their scaffolds, gibbets, racks, and funeral piles. The Prince + and the states-general spurned such pacific overtures, and preferred + rather to gird themselves for the combat. + </p> + <p> + That there might be no mistake about the matter, Don John, immediately + after receiving the letter, issued a proclamation to enforce the King's + command. He mentioned it as an acknowledged fact that the states-general + had long ago sworn the maintenance of the two points of royal and Catholic + supremacy, according to the practice under the Emperor Charles. The states + instantly published an indignant rejoinder, affirming the indisputable + truth, that they had sworn to the maintenance of the Ghent Pacification, + and proclaiming the assertion of Don John an infamous falsehood. It was an + outrage upon common sense, they said, that the Ghent treaty could be + tortured into sanctioning the placards and the Inquisition, evils which + that sacred instrument had been expressly intended to crush. + </p> + <p> + A letter was then formally addressed to his Majesty, in the name of the + Archduke Matthias—and of the estates, demanding the recal of Don + John and the maintenance of the Ghent Pacification. De Seller, in reply, + sent a brief, deprecatory paper, enclosing a note from Don John, which the + envoy acknowledged might seem somewhat harsh in its expressions. The + letter contained, indeed, a sufficiently fierce and peremptory summons to + the states to obey the King's commands with regard to the system of + Charles the Fifth, according to their previous agreement, together with a + violent declaration of the Governor's displeasure that they had dared to + solicit the aid of foreign princes. On the 18th of February came a + proposition from De Seller that the Prince, of Orange should place himself + in the hands of Don John, while the Prince of Parma, alone and without + arms, would come before the assembly, to negotiate with them upon these + matters. The reply returned by the states-general to this absurd + suggestion expressed their regret that the son of the Duchess Margaret + should have taken part with the enemy of the Netherlanders, complained of + the bull by which the Pope had invited war against them as if they had + been Saracens, repeated their most unanswerable argument—that the + Ghent Pacification had established a system directly the reverse of that + which existed under Charles the Fifth—and affirmed their resolution + never more to submit to Spanish armies, executioners, edicts, or + inquisitions, and never more to return to the principles of the Emperor + and of Alva. To this diplomatic correspondence succeeded a war of words + and of pamphlets, some of them very inflammatory and very eloquent. + Meantime, the preparations for active hostilities were proceeding daily. + The Prince of Orange, through his envoys in England, had arranged for + subsidies in the coming campaign, and for troops which were to be led to + the Netherlands, under Duke Casimir of the palatinate. He sent + commissioners through the provinces to raise the respective contributions + agreed upon, besides an extraordinary quota of four hundred thousand + guilders monthly. He also negotiated a loan of a hundred and twenty + thousand guilders from the citizens of Antwerp. Many new taxes were + imposed by his direction, both upon income and upon consumption. By his + advice, however, and with the consent of the states-general, the provinces + of Holland and Zealand held no community of burthens with the other + provinces, but of their own free will contributed more than the sums for + which they would have been assessed. Mr. Leyton, who was about to return + from his unsuccessful mission from Elizabeth to Don John, was requested by + the states-general to convey to her Majesty a faithful report of the + recent correspondence, and especially of the language held by the + Governor-General. He was also urged to use his influence with the Queen, + to the end that her promises of assistance might be speedily fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + Troops were rapidly enrolled, and again, by the same honest but mistaken + policy, the chief offices were conferred upon the great nobles—Aerschot, + Champagny, Bossu, Egmont, Lalain, the Viscount of Ghent, Baron de Ville, + and many others, most of whom were to desert the cause in the hour of its + need. On the other hand, Don John was proceeding with his military + preparations upon an extensive scale. The King had recently furnished him + with one million nine hundred thousand dollars, and had promised to + provide him with two hundred thousand more, monthly. With these funds his + Majesty estimated that an army of thirty thousand foot, sixteen thousand + cavalry, and thirty pieces of artillery, could be levied and kept on foot. + If more remittances should prove to be necessary, it was promised that + they should be forthcoming. + </p> + <p> + This was the result of many earnest remonstrances made by the Governor + concerning the dilatory policy of the King. Wearied with being constantly + ordered "to blow hot and cold with the same, breath," he had insisted that + his Majesty should select the hot or the cold, and furnish him with the + means of enforcing the choice. For himself, Don John assured his brother + that the hottest measures were most to his taste, and most suitable to the + occasion. Fire and sword could alone save the royal authority, for all the + provinces had "abandoned themselves, body and soul, to the greatest + heretic and tyrant that prince ever had for vassal." Unceasing had been + the complaints and entreaties of the Captain-General, called forth by the + apathy or irresolution of Philip. It was—only by assuring him that + the Netherlands actually belonged to Orange, that the monarch could be + aroused. "His they are; and none other's," said the Governor, dolefully. + The King had accordingly sent back De Billy, Don John's envoy; with + decided injunctions to use force and energy to put down the revolt at + once, and with an intimation that funds might be henceforth more regularly + depended upon, as the Indian fleets were expected in July. Philip also + advised his brother to employ a portion of his money in purchasing the + governors and principal persons who controlled the cities and other strong + places belonging to the states. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, Don John thundered forth a manifesto which had been recently + prepared in Madrid, by which the estates, both general and particular, + were ordered forthwith to separate, and forbidden to assemble again, + except by especial licence. All commissions, civil or military, granted by + states' authority, were moreover annulled, together with a general + prohibition of any act of obedience to such functionaries, and of + contribution to any imposts which might be levied by their authority. Such + thunders were now comparatively harmless, for the states had taken their + course, and were busily engaged, both at home and abroad, in arming for + the conflict. Saint Aldegonde was deputed to attend the Imperial diet, + then in session at Worms, where he delivered an oration, which was very + celebrated in its day as a composition, but, which can hardly be said to + have produced much practical effect. The current was setting hard in + Germany against the Reformed religion and against the Netherland cause, + the Augsburg Confessionists showing hardly more sympathy with Dutch + Calvinists than with Spanish Papists. + </p> + <p> + Envoys from Don John also attended the diet, and requested Saint Aldegonde + to furnish them with a copy of his oration. This he declined to do. While + in Germany, Saint Aldegonde was informed by John Casimir that Duke Charles + of Sweden, had been solicited to furnish certain ships of war for a + contemplated operation against Amsterdam. The Duke had himself given + information of this plot to the Prince Palatine. It was therefore natural + that Saint Aldegonde should forthwith despatch the intelligence to his + friends in the Netherlands, warning them of the dangers still to be + apprehended from the machinations of the Catholic agents and functionaries + in Amsterdam; for although the Reformation had made rapid progress in that + important city since the conclusion of the Satisfaction, yet the + magistracy remained Catholic. + </p> + <p> + William Bardez, son of a former high-sheriff, a warm partisan of Orange + and of the "religion," had already determined to overthrow that magistracy + and to expel the friars who infested the city. The recent information + despatched by Saint Aldegonde confirmed him in his purpose. There had been + much wrangling between the Popish functionaries and those of the Reformed + religion concerning the constitution of the burgher guard. The Calvinists + could feel no security for their own lives, or the repose of the + commonwealth of Holland, unless they were themselves allowed a full + participation in the government of those important bands. They were, + moreover, dissatisfied with the assignment which had been made of the + churchyards to the members of their communion. These causes of discord had + maintained a general irritation among the body of the inhabitants, and + were now used as pretexts by Bardez for his design. He knew the city to be + ripe for the overthrow of the magistracy, and he had arranged with + Governor Sonoy to be furnished with a sufficient number of well-tried + soldiers, who were to be concealed in the houses of the confederates. A + large number of citizens were also ready to appear at his bidding with + arms in their hands. + </p> + <p> + On the 24th of May, he wrote to Sonoy, begging him to hold himself in + readiness, as all was prepared within the city. At the same time, he + requested the governor to send him forthwith a "morion and a buckler of + proof;" for, he intended to see the matter fairly through. Sonoy answered + encouragingly, and sent him the armor, as directed. On the 28th of May, + Bardez, with four confederates, went to the council-room, to remonstrate + with the senate concerning the grievances which had been so often + discussed. At about mid-day, one of the confederates, upon leaving the + council-room, stepped out for a moment upon the balcony, which looked + towards the public square. Standing there for a moment, he gravely removed + his hat, and then as gravely replaced it upon his head. This was a + preconcerted signal. At the next instant a sailor was seen to rush across + the square, waving a flag in both hands. "All ye who love the Prince of + Orange, take heart and follow me!" he shouted. In a moment the square was + alive. Soldiers and armed citizens suddenly sprang forth, as if from the + bowels of the earth. Bardez led a strong force directly into the + council-chamber, and arrested every one of the astonished magistrates. At + the same time, his confederates had scoured the town and taken every friar + in the city into custody. Monks and senators were then marched solemnly + down towards the quay, where a vessel was in readiness to receive them. + "To the gallows with them—to the gallows with them!" shouted the + populace, as they passed along. "To the gibbet, whither they have brought + many a good fellow before his time!" Such were the openly, expressed + desires of their fellow-citizens, as these dignitaries and holy men + proceeded to what they believed their doom. Although treated respectfully + by those who guarded them, they were filled with trepidation, for they + believed the execrations of the populace the harbingers of their fate. As + they entered the vessel, they felt convinced that a watery death had been + substituted for the gibbet. Poor old Heinrich Dirckzoon, ex-burgomaster, + pathetically rejected a couple of clean shirts which his careful wife had + sent him by the hands of the housemaid. "Take them away; take them home + again," said the rueful burgomaster; "I shall never need clean shirts + again in this world." He entertained no doubt that it was the intention of + his captors to scuttle the vessel as soon as they had put a little out to + sea, and so to leave them to their fate. No such tragic end was + contemplated, however, and, in fact, never was a complete municipal + revolution accomplished in so good-natured and jocose a manner. The + Catholic magistrates and friars escaped with their fright. They were + simply turned out of town, and forbidden, for their lives, ever to come + back again. After the vessel had proceeded a little distance from the + city, they were all landed high and dry upon a dyke, and so left unharmed + within the open country. + </p> + <p> + A new board of magistrates, of which stout William Bardez was one, was + soon appointed; the train-bands were reorganized, and the churches thrown + open to the Reformed worship—to the exclusion, at first, of the + Catholics. This was certainly contrary to the Ghent treaty, and to the + recent Satisfaction; it was also highly repugnant to the opinions of + Orange. After a short time, accordingly, the Catholics were again allowed + access to the churches, but the tables had now been turned for ever in the + capital of Holland, and the Reformation was an established fact throughout + that little province. + </p> + <p> + Similar events occurring upon the following day at Harlem, accompanied + with some bloodshed—for which, however, the perpetrator was punished + with death—opened the great church of that city to the Reformed + congregations, and closed them for a time to the Catholics. + </p> + <p> + Thus, the cause of the new religion was triumphant in Holland and Zealand, + while it was advancing with rapid strides through the other provinces. + Public preaching was of daily occurrence everywhere. On a single Sunday; + fifteen different ministers of the Reformed religion preached in different + places in Antwerp. "Do you think this can be put down?" said Orange to the + remonstrating burgomaster of that city. "'Tis for you to repress it," said + the functionary, "I grant your Highness full power to do so." "And do you + think," replied the Prince, "that I can do at this late moment, what the + Duke of Alva was unable to accomplish in the very plenitude of his power?" + At the same time, the Prince of Orange was more than ever disposed to + rebuke his own Church for practising persecution in her turn. Again he + lifted his commanding voice in behalf of the Anabaptists of Middelburg. He + reminded the magistrates of that city that these peaceful burghers were + always perfectly willing to bear their part in all the common burthens, + that their word was as good as their oath, and that as to the matter of + military service, although their principles forbade them to bear arms, + they had ever been ready to provide and pay for substitutes. "We declare + to you therefore," said he, "that you have no right to trouble yourselves + with any man's conscience, so long as nothing is done to cause private + harm or public scandal. We therefore expressly ordain that you desist from + molesting these Baptists, from offering hindrance to their handicraft and + daily trade, by which they can earn bread for their wives and children, + and that you permit them henceforth to open their shops and to do their + work, according to the custom of former days. Beware, therefore, of + disobedience and of resistance to the ordinance which we now establish." + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the armies on both sides had been assembled, and had been moving + towards each other. Don John was at the head of nearly thirty thousand + troops, including a large proportion of Spanish and Italian veterans. The + states' army hardly numbered eighteen thousand foot and two thousand + cavalry, under the famous Francois de la None, surnamed Bras de Fer, who + had been recently appointed Marechal de Camp, and, under Count Bossu, + commander-in-chief. The muster-place of the provincial forces was in the + plains between Herenthals and Lier. At this point they expected to be + reinforced by Duke Casimir, who had been, since the early part of the + summer, in the country of Zutfen, but who was still remaining there + inglorious and inactive, until he could be furnished with the requisite + advance-money to his troops. Don John was determined if possible, to + defeat the states army, before Duke Casimir, with his twelve thousand + Germans, should effect his juncture with Bossu. The Governor therefore + crossed the Demer, near Aerschot, towards the end of July, and offered + battle, day after day, to the enemy. A series of indecisive skirmishes was + the result, in the last of which, near Rijnemants, on the first day of + August, the royalists were worsted and obliged to retire, after a + desultory action of nearly eight hours, leaving a thousand dead upon the + field. Their offer of "double or quits," the following morning was + steadily refused by Bossu, who, secure within his intrenchments, was not + to be induced at that moment to encounter the chances of a general + engagement. For this he was severely blamed by the more violent of the + national party. + </p> + <p> + His patriotism, which was of such recent origin, was vehemently suspected; + and his death, which occurred not long afterwards, was supposed to have + alone prevented his deserting the states to fight again under Spanish + colours. These suspicions were probably unjust. Bossu's truth of character + had been as universally recognized as was his signal bravery. If he + refused upon this occasion a general battle, those who reflected upon the + usual results to the patriot banner of such engagements, might confess, + perhaps, that one disaster the more had been avoided. Don John, finding it + impossible to accomplish his purpose, and to achieve another Gemblours + victory, fell back again to the neighbourhood of Namur. + </p> + <p> + The states' forces remained waiting for the long-promised succor of John + Casimir. It was the 26th of August, however, before the Duke led his + twelve thousand men to the neighbourhood of Mechlin, where Bossu was + encamped. This young prince possessed neither the ability nor the + generosity which were requisite for the heroic part which he was ambitious + to perform in the Netherland drama. He was inspired by a vague idea of + personal aggrandizement, although he professed at the same time the utmost + deference to William of Orange. He expressed the hope that he and the + Prince "should be but two heads under one hat;" but he would have done + well to ask himself whether his own contribution to this partnership of + brains would very much enrich the silent statesman. Orange himself + regarded him with respectful contempt, and considered his interference + with Netherland matters but as an additional element of mischief. The + Duke's right hand man, however, Peter Peutterich, the "equestrian doctor"—as + Sir Philip Sydney called him—equally skilful with the sword as with + the pen, had succeeded, while on a mission to England, in acquiring the + Queen's favor for his master. To Casimir, therefore, had been entrusted + the command of the levies, and the principal expenditure of the subsidies + which she had placed at the disposition of the states. Upon Casimir she + relied, as a counterweight to the Duke of Alencon, who, as she knew, had + already entered the provinces at the secret solicitation of a large + faction among the nobles. She had as much confidence as ever in Orange, + but she imagined herself to be strengthening his cause by providing him + with such a lieutenant. Casimir's immediate friends had but little respect + for his abilities. His father-in-law, Augustus of Saxony, did not approve + his expedition. The Landgrave William, to whom he wrote for counsel, + answered, in his quaint manner, that it was always difficult for one + friend to advise another in three matters—to wit, in taking a wife, + going to sea, and going to war; but that, nevertheless, despite the + ancient proverb, he would assume the responsibility of warning Casimir not + to plunge into what he was pleased to call the "'confusum chaos' of + Netherland politics." The Duke felt no inclination, however, to take the + advice which he had solicited. He had been stung by the sarcasm which Alva + had once uttered, that the German potentates carried plenty of lions, + dragons, eagles, and griffins on their shields; but that these ferocious + animals were not given to biting or scratching. He was therefore disposed, + once for all, to show that the teeth and claws of German princes could + still be dangerous. Unfortunately, he was destined to add a fresh element + of confusion to the chaos, and to furnish rather a proof than a refutation + of the correctness of Alva's gibe. + </p> + <p> + This was the hero who was now thrust, head and shoulders as it were, into + the entangled affairs of the Netherlanders, and it was Elizabeth of + England, more than ever alarmed at the schemes of Alencon, who had pushed + forward this Protestant champion, notwithstanding the disinclination of + Orange. + </p> + <p> + The Queen was right in her uneasiness respecting the French prince. The + Catholic nobles, relying upon the strong feeling still rife throughout the + Walloon country against the Reformed religion, and inflamed more than ever + by their repugnance to Orange, whose genius threw them so completely into + the shade, had already drawn closer to the Duke. The same influences were + at work to introduce Alencon, which had formerly been employed to bring + Matthias from Vienna. Now that the Archduke, who was to have been the + rival, had become the dependent of William, they turned their attention to + the son of Catherine de Medici, Orange himself having always kept the Duke + in reserve, as an instrument to overcome the political coquetry of + Elizabeth. That great Princess never manifested less greatness than in her + earlier and most tormenting connexion with the Netherlands. Having allured + them for years with bright but changeful face, she still looked coldly + down upon the desolate sea where they were drifting She had promised much; + her performance had been nothing. Her jealousy of French influence had at + length been turned to account; a subsidy and a levy extorted from her + fears. Her ministers and prominent advisers were one and all in favor of + an open and generous support to the provinces. Walsingham, Burleigh, + Knollys, Davidson, Sidney, Leicester, Fleetwood, Wilson, all desired that + she should frankly espouse their cause. A bold policy they believed to be + the only prudent one in this case; yet the Queen considered it sagacious + to despatch envoys both to Philip and to Don John, as if after what they + knew of her secret practices, such missions could effect any useful + purpose. Better, therefore, in the opinion of the honest and intrepid + statesmen of England, to throw down the gauntlet at once in the cause of + the oppressed than to shuffle and palter until the dreaded rival should + cross the frontier. A French Netherlands they considered even mere + dangerous than a Spanish, and Elizabeth partook of their sentiments, + although incapable of their promptness. With the perverseness which was + the chief blot upon her character, she was pleased that the Duke should be + still a dangler for her hand, even while she was intriguing against his + political hopes. She listened with undisguised rapture to his proposal of + love, while she was secretly thwarting the plans of his ambition. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Alencon had arrived at Mons, and we have seen already the + feminine adroitness with which his sister of Navarre had prepared his + entrance. Not in vain had she cajoled the commandant of Cambray citadel; + not idly had she led captive the hearts of Lalain and his Countess, thus + securing the important province of Hainault for the Duke. Don John might, + indeed, gnash his teeth with rage, as he marked the result of all the + feasting and flattery, the piping and dancing at Namur. + </p> + <p> + Francis Duke of Alencon, and since the accession of his brother Henry to + the French throne—Duke of Anjou was, upon the whole, the most + despicable personage who had ever entered the Netherlands. His previous + career at home had, been so flagrantly false that he had forfeited the + esteem of every honest man in Europe, Catholic or Lutheran, Huguenot or + Malcontent. The world has long known his character. History will always + retain him as an example, to show mankind the amount of mischief which may + be perpetrated by a prince, ferocious without courage, ambitious without + talent, and bigoted without opinions. Incapable of religious convictions + himself, he had alternately aspired to be a commander of Catholic and of + Huguenot zealots, and he had acquired nothing by his vacillating course, + save the entire contempt of all parties and of both religions. Scared from + the aide of Navarre and Conde by the menacing attitude of the "league," + fearing to forfeit the succession to the throne, unless he made his peace + with the court, he had recently resumed his place among the Catholic + commanders. Nothing was easier for him than to return shamelessly to a + party which he had shamelessly deserted, save perhaps to betray it again, + should his interest prompt him to do so, on the morrow. Since the peace of + 1576, it had been evident that the Protestants could not count upon his + friendship, and he had soon afterwards been placed at the head of the army + which was besieging the Huguenots of Issoire. He sought to atone for + having commanded the troops of the new religion by the barbarity with + which he now persecuted its votaries. When Issoire fell into his hands, + the luckless city was spared none of the misery which can be inflicted by + a brutal and frenzied soldiery. Its men were butchered, its females + outraged; its property plundered with a thoroughness which rivalled the + Netherland practice of Alva, or Frederic Toledo, or Julian Romero. The + town was sacked and burned to ashes by furious Catholics, under the + command of Francis Alencon,—almost at the very moment when his fair + sister, Margaret, was preparing the way in the Netherlands for the fresh + treason—which he already meditated to the Catholic cause. The treaty + of Bergerac, signed in the autumn of 1577, again restored a semblance of + repose to France, and again afforded an opportunity for Alencon to change + his politics, and what he called his religion. Reeking with the blood of + the Protestants of Issoire, he was now at leisure to renew his dalliance + with the Queen of Protestant England, and to resume his correspondence + with the great-chieftain of the Reformation in the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + It is perhaps an impeachment upon the perspicacity of Orange, that he + could tolerate this mischievous and worthless "son of France," even for + the grave reasons which influenced him. Nevertheless, it must be + remembered that he only intended to keep him in reserve, for the purpose + of irritating the jealousy and quickening the friendship of the English + Queen. Those who see anything tortuous in such politics must beware of + judging the intriguing age of Philip and Catherine de' Medici by the + higher standard of later, and possibly more candid times. It would have + been puerile for a man of William the Silent's resources, to allow himself + to be outwitted by the intrigues of all the courts and cabinets in Europe. + Moreover, it must be remembered that, if he alone could guide himself and + his country through the perplexing labyrinth in which they were involved; + it was because he held in his hand the clue of an honest purpose. His + position in regard to the Duke of Alencon, had now become sufficiently + complicated, for the tiger that he had led in a chain had been secretly + unloosed by those who meant mischief. In the autumn of the previous year, + the aristocratic and Catholic party in the states-general had opened their + communications with a prince, by whom they hoped to be indemnified for + their previous defeat. + </p> + <p> + The ill effects of Elizabeth's coquetry too plainly manifested themselves + at last, and Alencon had now a foothold in the Netherlands. Precipitated + by the intrigues of the party which had always been either openly or + secretly hostile to Orange, his advent could no longer be delayed. It only + remained for the Prince to make himself his master, as he had already + subdued each previous rival. This he accomplished with his customary + adroitness. It was soon obvious, even to so dull and so base a nature as + that of the Duke, that it was his best policy to continue to cultivate so + powerful a friendship. It cost him little to crouch, but events were + fatally, to prove at a later day, that there are natures too malignant to + be trusted or to be tamed. For the present, however, Alencon professed the + most friendly sentiments towards the Prince. Solicited by so ardent and + considerable a faction, the Duke was no longer to be withheld from trying + the venture, and if, he could not effect his entrance by fair means, was + determined to do so by force.—He would obtrude his assistance, if it + were declined. He would do his best to dismember the provinces, if only a + portion of them would accept his proffered friendship. Under these + circumstances, as the Prince could no longer exclude him from the country, + it became necessary to accept his friendship, and to hold him in control. + The Duke had formally offered his assistance to the states-general, + directly after the defeat of Gemblours, and early in July had made his + appearance in Mons. Hence he despatched his envoys, Des Pruneaux and + Rochefort, to deal with the States-general and with Orange, while he + treated Matthias with contempt, and declared that he had no intention to + negotiate with him. The Archduke burst into tears when informed of this + slight; and feebly expressed a wish that succor might be found in Germany + which would render this French alliance unnecessary. It was not the first + nor the last mortification which the future Emperor was to undergo. The + Prince was addressed with distinguished consideration; Des Pruneaux + protesting that he desired but three things—the glory of his master, + the glory of God, and the glory of William of Orange. + </p> + <p> + The French King was naturally supposed to be privy to his brother's + schemes, for it was thought ridiculous to suggest that Henry's own troops + could be led by his own brother, on this foreign expedition, without his + connivance. At the same time, private letters, written by him at this + epoch, expressed disapprobation of the schemes of Alencon, and jealousy of + his aggrandizement. It was, perhaps, difficult to decide as to the precise + views of a monarch who was too weak to form opinions for himself, and too + false to maintain those with which he had been furnished by others. With + the Medicean mother it was different, and it was she who was believed to + be at the bottom of the intrigue. There was even a vague idea that the + Spanish Sovereign himself might be privy to the plot, and that a possible + marriage between Alencon and the Infanta might be on the cards. In truth, + however, Philip felt himself outraged by the whole proceedings. He + resolutely refused to accept the excuses proffered by the French court, or + to doubt the complicity of the Queen Dowager, who, it was well known, + governed all her sons. She had, to be sure, thought proper to read the + envoys of the states-general a lecture upon the impropriety of subjects + opposing the commands of their lawful Prince, but such artifices were + thought too transparent to deceive. Granvelle scouted the idea of her + being ignorant of Anjou's scheme, or opposed to its success. As for + William of Hesse, while he bewailed more than ever the luckless plunge + into "confusum chaos" which Casimir had taken, he unhesitatingly expressed + his conviction that the invasion of Alencon was a master-piece of + Catherine. The whole responsibility of the transaction he divided, in + truth, between the Dowager and the comet, which just then hung over the + world, filling the soul of the excellent Landgrave with dismal + apprehension. + </p> + <p> + The Queen of England was highly incensed by the actual occurrence of the + invasion which she had so long dreaded. She was loud in her denunciations + of the danger and dishonor which would be the result to the provinces of + this French alliance. She threatened not only to withdraw herself from + their cause, but even to take arms against a commonwealth which had dared + to accept Alencon for its master. She had originally agreed to furnish one + hundred thousand pounds by way of loan. This assistance had been + afterwards commuted into a levy of three thousand foot and-two thousand + horse, to be added to the forces of John Casimir, and to be placed under + his command. It had been stipulated; also, that the Palatine should have + the rank and pay of an English general-in-chief, and be considered as the + Queen's lieutenant. The money had been furnished and the troops enrolled. + So much had been already bestowed, and could not be recalled, but it was + not probable that, in her present humor, the Queen would be induced to add + to her favors. + </p> + <p> + The Prince, obliged by the necessity of the case, had prescribed the terms + and the title under which Alencon should be accepted. Upon the 13th of + August the Duke's envoy concluded a convention in twenty-three articles; + which were afterwards subscribed by the Duke himself, at Mons, upon the + twentieth of the same month. The substance of this arrangement was that + Alencon should lend his assistance to the provinces against the + intolerable tyranny of the Spaniards and the unjustifiable military + invasion of Don John. He was, moreover, to bring into the field ten + thousand foot and two thousand horse for three months. After the + expiration of this term, his forces might be reduced to three thousand + foot and five hundred horse. The states were to confer upon him the title + of "Defender of the Liberty of the Netherlands against the Tyranny of the + Spaniards and their adherents." He was to undertake no hostilities against + Queen Elizabeth. The states were to aid him, whenever it should become + necessary, with the same amount of force with which he now assisted them. + He was to submit himself contentedly to the civil government of the + country, in everything regarding its internal polity. He was to make no + special contracts or treaties with any cities or provinces of the + Netherlands. Should the states-general accept another prince as sovereign, + the Duke was to be preferred to all others, upon conditions afterwards to + be arranged. All cities which might be conquered within the territory of + the united provinces were to belong to the states. Such places not in that + territory, as should voluntarily surrender, were to be apportioned, by + equal division, between the Duke and the states. The Duke was to bring no + foreign troops but French into the provinces. The month of August was + reserved, during which the states were, if possible, to make a composition + with Don John. + </p> + <p> + These articles were certainly drawn up with skill. A high-sounding but + barren title, which gratified the Duke's vanity and signified nothing, had + been conferred upon him, while at the same time he was forbidden to make + conquests or contracts, and was obliged to submit himself to the civil + government of the country: in short, he was to obey the Prince of Orange + in all things—and so here was another plot of the Prince's enemies + neutralized. Thus, for the present at least, had the position of Anjou + been defined. + </p> + <p> + As the month of August, during which it was agreed that negotiations with + the Governor-General should remain open, had already half expired, certain + articles, drawn up by the states-general, were at once laid before Don + John. Lord Cobham and Sir Francis Walsingham were then in the Netherlands, + having been sent by Elizabeth for the purpose of effecting a pacification + of the estates with the Governor, if possible. They had also explained—so + far as an explanation was possible—the assistance which the English + government had rendered to the rebels, upon the ground that the French + invasion could be prevented in no other way. This somewhat lame apology + had been passed over in silence rather than accepted by Don John. In the + same interview the envoys made an equally unsuccessful effort to induce + the acceptance by the Governor of the terms offered by the states. A + further proposition, on their part, for an "Interim," upon the plan + attempted by Charles the Fifth in Germany, previously to the Peace of + Passau, met with no more favor than it merited, for certainly that name—which + became so odious in Germany that cats and dogs were called "Interim" by + the common people, in derision—was hardly a potent word to conjure + with, at that moment, in the Netherlands. They then expressed their + intention of retiring to England, much grieved at the result of their + mission. The Governor replied that they might do as they liked, but that + he, at least, had done all in his power to bring about a peace, and that + the King had been equally pacific in his intentions. He then asked the + envoys what they themselves thought of the terms proposed. "Indeed, they + are too hard, your Highness," answered Walsingham, "but 'tis only by pure + menace that we have extorted them from the states, unfavorable though + they, seem." + </p> + <p> + "Then you may tell them," replied the Governor, "to keep their offers to + themselves. Such terms will go but little way in any negotiation with me." + </p> + <p> + The envoys shrugged their shoulders. + </p> + <p> + "What is your own opinion on the whole affair?" resumed Don John. "Perhaps + your advice may yet help me to a better conclusion." + </p> + <p> + The envoys continued silent and pensive. + </p> + <p> + "We can only answer," said Walsingham, at length, "by imitating the + physician, who would prescribe no medicine until he was quite sure that + the patient was ready to swallow it. 'Tis no use wasting counsel or + drugs." + </p> + <p> + The reply was not satisfactory, but the envoys had convinced themselves + that the sword was the only surgical instrument likely to find favor at + that juncture. Don John referred, in vague terms, to his peaceable + inclinations, but protested that there was no treating with so unbridled a + people as the Netherlanders. The ambassadors soon afterwards took their + leave. After this conference, which was on the 24th of August, 1578, + Walsingham and Cobham addressed a letter to the states-general, deploring + the disingenuous and procrastinating conduct of the Governor, and begging + that the failure to effect a pacification might not be imputed to them. + They then returned to England. + </p> + <p> + The Imperial envoy, Count Schwartzburg, at whose urgent solicitation this + renewed attempt at a composition had been made, was most desirous that the + Governor should accept the articles. They formed, indeed, the basis of a + liberal, constitutional, representative government, in which the Spanish + monarch was to retain only a strictly limited sovereignty. The proposed + convention required Don John, with all his troops and adherents, forthwith + to leave the land after giving up all strongholds and cities in his + possession. It provided that the Archduke Matthias should remain as + Governor general, under the conditions according to which he had been + originally accepted. It left the question of religious worship to the + decision of the states-general. It provided for the release of all + prisoners, the return of all exiles, the restoration of all confiscated + property. It stipulated that upon the death or departure of Matthias, his + Majesty was not to appoint a governor-general without the consent of the + states-general. + </p> + <p> + When Count Schwartzburg waited upon the Governor with these astonishing + propositions—which Walsingham might well call somewhat hard—he + found him less disposed to explode with wrath than he had been in previous + conferences. Already the spirit of the impetuous young soldier was broken, + both by the ill health which was rapidly undermining his constitution and + by the helpless condition in which he had been left while contending with + the great rebellion. He had soldiers, but no money to pay them withal; he + had no means of upholding that supremacy of crown and church which he was + so vigorously instructed to maintain; and he was heartily wearied of + fulminating edicts which he had no power to enforce. He had repeatedly + solicited his recal, and was growing daily more impatient that his + dismissal did not arrive. Moreover, the horrible news of Escovedo's + assassination had sickened him to the soul. The deed had flashed a sudden + light into the abyss of dark duplicity in which his own fate was + suspended. His most intimate and confidential friend had been murdered by + royal command, while he was himself abandoned by Philip, exposed to + insult, left destitute of defence. No money was forthcoming, in spite of + constant importunities and perpetual promises. Plenty of words were sent + him; he complained, as if he possessed the art of extracting gold from + them, or as if war could be carried on with words alone. + </p> + <p> + Being in so desponding a mood, he declined entering into any controversy + with regard to the new propositions, which, however, he characterized as + most iniquitous. He stated merely that his Majesty had determined to refer + the Netherland matters to the arbitration of the Emperor; that the Duke de + Terra Nova would soon be empowered to treat upon the subject at the + imperial court; and that, in the meantime, he was himself most anxiously + awaiting his recal. + </p> + <p> + A synod of the Reformed churches had been held, during the month of June, + at Dort. There they had laid down a platform of their principles of church + government in one hundred and one articles. In the same month, the leading + members of the Reformed Church had drawn up an ably reasoned address to + Matthias and the Council of State on the subject of a general peace of + religion for the provinces. + </p> + <p> + William of Orange did his utmost to improve the opportunity. He sketched a + system of provisional toleration, which he caused to be signed by the + Archduke Matthias, and which, at least for a season, was to establish + religious freedom. The brave; tranquil, solitary man still held his track + across the raging waves, shedding as much light as one clear human soul + could dispense; yet the dim lantern, so far in advance, was swallowed in + the mist, ere those who sailed in his wake could shape their course by his + example. No man understood him. Not even his nearest friends comprehended + his views, nor saw that he strove to establish not freedom for Calvinism, + but freedom for conscience. Saint Aldegonde complained that the Prince + would not persecute the Anabaptists, Peter Dathenus denounced him as an + atheist, while even Count John; the only one left of his valiant and + generous brothers, opposed the religious peace—except where the + advantage was on the side of the new religion. Where the Catholics had + been effectually put down, as in Holland and Zealand, honest John saw so + reason for allowing them to lift themselves up again. In the Popish + provinces, on the other hand, he was for a religious peace. In this + bigoted spirit he was followed by too many of the Reforming mass, while, + on their part, the Walloons were already banding themselves together in + the more southern provinces, under the name of Malcontents. Stigmatized by + the Calvinists as "Paternoster Jacks," they were daily drawing closer + their alliance with Alencon; and weakening the bands which united them + with their Protestant brethren. Count John had at length become a + permanent functionary in the Netherlands. Urgently solicited by the + leaders and the great multitude of the Reformers, he had long been + unwilling to abandon his home, and to neglect the private affairs which + his devotion to the Netherland cause had thrown into great confusion. The + Landgrave, too, whose advice he had asked, had strongly urged him not to + "dip his fingers into the olla podrida." The future of the provinces was, + in his opinion, so big with disaster, that the past, with all its horrors; + under Alva and Requesens, had only furnished the "preludia" of that which + was to ensue. For these desperate views his main reason, as usual, was the + comet; that mischievous luminary still continuing to cast a lurid glare + across the Landgrave's path. Notwithstanding these direful warnings from a + prince of the Reformation, notwithstanding the "olla podrida" and the + "comet," Count John had nevertheless accepted the office of Governor of + Gelderland, to which he had been elected by the estates of that province + on the 11th of March. That important bulwark of Holland, Zealand, and + Utrecht on the one side, and of Groningen and Friesland on the other—the + main buttress, in short, of the nascent republic, was now in hands which + would defend it to the last. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the discussion came up in the states-general on the subject of + the Dort petitions, Orange requested that every member who had formed his + opinions should express them fully and frankly. All wished, however, to be + guided and governed by the sentiments of the Prince. Not a man spoke, save + to demand their leader's views, and to express adhesion in advance to the + course which his wisdom might suggest. The result was a projected + convention, a draft for a religious peace, which, if definitely + established, would have healed many wounds and averted much calamity. It + was not, however, destined to be accepted at that time by the states of + the different provinces where it was brought up for discussion; and + several changes were made, both of form and substance, before the system + was adopted at all. Meantime, for the important city of Antwerp, where + religious broils were again on the point of breaking out, the Prince + preferred a provisional arrangement, which he forthwith carried into + execution. A proclamation, in the name of the Archduke Matthias and of the + State Council, assigned five special places in the city where the members + of the "pretended Reformed religion" should have liberty to exercise their + religious worship, with preaching, singing, and the sacraments. The + churchyards of the parochial churches were to be opened for the burial of + their dead, but the funerals were to be unaccompanied with exhortation, or + any public demonstration which might excite disturbance. The adherents of + one religion were forbidden to disturb, to insult, or in any way to + interfere with the solemnities of the other. All were to abstain from + mutual jeerings—by pictures, ballads, books, or otherwise—and + from all injuries to ecclesiastical property. Every man, of whatever + religion, was to be permitted entrance to the churches of either religion, + and when there, all were to conform to the regulations of the church with + modesty and respect. Those of the new religion were to take oaths of + obedience to the authorities, and to abstain from meddling with the + secular administration of affairs. Preachers of both religions were + forbidden to preach out of doors, or to make use of language tending to + sedition. All were to bind themselves to assist the magistrates in + quelling riots, and in sustaining the civil government. + </p> + <p> + This example of religious peace, together with the active correspondence + thus occasioned with the different state assemblies, excited the jealousy + of the Catholic leaders and of the Walloon population. Champagny, who + despite his admirable qualities and brilliant services, was still unable + to place himself on the same platform of toleration with Orange, now + undertook a decided movement against the policy of the Prince. Catholic to + the core, he drew up a petition, remonstrating most vigorously against the + draft for a religions peace, then in circulation through the provinces. To + this petition he procured many signatures among the more ardent Catholic + nobles. De Heze, De Glimes, and others of the same stamp, were willing + enough to follow the lead of so distinguished a chieftain. The + remonstrance was addressed to the Archduke, the Prince of Orange, the + State Council, and the States-general, and called upon them all to abide + by their solemn promises to permit no schism in the ancient Church. Should + the exercise of the new religion be allowed, the petitioners insisted that + the godless licentiousness of the Netherlands would excite the contempt of + all peoples and potentates. They suggested, in conclusion, that all the + principal cities of France—and in particular the city of Paris—had + kept themselves clear of the exercise of the new religion, and that repose + and prosperity had been the result. + </p> + <p> + This petition was carried with considerable solemnity by Champagny, + attended by many of his confederates, to the Hotel-de Ville, and presented + to the magistracy of Brussels. These functionaries were requested to + deliver it forthwith to the Archduke and Council. The magistrates + demurred. A discussion ensued, which grew warmer and warmer as it + proceeded. The younger nobles permitted themselves abusive language, which + the civic dignitaries would not brook. The session was dissolved, and the + magistrates, still followed by the petitioners, came forth into the + street. The confederates, more inflamed than ever, continued to vociferate + and to threaten. A crowd soon collected in the square. The citizens were + naturally curious to know why their senators were thus browbeaten and + insulted by a party of insolent young Catholic nobles. The old politician + at their head, who, in spite of many services, was not considered a friend + to the nation, inspired them with distrust. Being informed of the + presentation of the petition, the multitude loudly demanded that the + document should be read. This was immediately done. The general drift of + the remonstrance was anything but acceptable, but the allusion to Paris, + at the close, excited a tempest of indignation. "Paris! Paris! Saint + Bartholomew! Saint Bartholomew! Are we to have Paris weddings in Brussels + also?" howled the mob, as is often the case, extracting but a single idea, + and that a wrong one; from the public lecture which had just been made. + "Are we to have a Paris massacre, a Paris blood-bath here in the + Netherland capital? God forbid! God forbid! Away with the conspirators! + Down with the Papists!" + </p> + <p> + It was easily represented to the inflamed imaginations of the populace + that a Brussels Saint Bartholomew had been organized, and that Champagny, + who stood there before them, was its originator and manager. The + ungrateful Netherlanders forgot the heroism with which the old soldier had + arranged the defence of Antwerp against the "Spanish Fury" but two years + before. They heard only the instigations of his enemies; they remembered + only that he was the hated Granvelle's brother; they believed only that + there was a plot by which, in some utterly incomprehensible manner, they + were all to be immediately engaged in cutting each others throats and + throwing each other out of the windows, as had been done half a dozen + years before in Paris. Such was the mischievous intention ascribed to a + petition, which Champagny and his friends had as much right to offer—however + narrow and mistaken their opinions might now be considered—as had + the synod of Dort to present their remonstrances. Never was a more + malignant or more stupid perversion of a simple and not very alarming + phrase. No allusion had been made to Saint Bartholomew, but all its + horrors were supposed to be concealed in the sentence which referred to + Paris. The nobles were arrested on the spot and hurried to prison, with + the exception of Champagny, who made his escape at first, and lay + concealed for several days. He was, however, finally ferreted out of his + hiding-place and carried off to Ghent. There he was thrown into strict + confinement, being treated in all respects as the accomplice of Aerschot + and the other nobles who had been arrested in the time of Ryhove's + revolution. Certainly, this conduct towards a brave and generous gentleman + was ill calculated to increase general sympathy for the cause, or to merit + the approbation of Orange. There was, however, a strong prejudice against + Champagny. His brother Granvelle had never been forgotten by the + Netherlanders, and, was still regarded as their most untiring foe, while + Champagny was supposed to be in close league with the Cardinal. In these + views the people were entirely wrong. + </p> + <p> + While these events were taking place in Brussels and Antwerp, the two + armies of the states and of Don John were indolently watching each other. + The sinews of war had been cut upon both sides. Both parties were cramped + by the most abject poverty. The troops under Bossu and Casimir, in the + camp sear Mechlin, were already discontented, for want of pay. The one + hundred thousand pounds of Elizabeth had already been spent, and it was + not probable that the offended Queen would soon furnish another subsidy. + The states could with difficulty extort anything like the assessed quotas + from the different provinces. The Duke of Alencon was still at Mons, from + which place he had issued a violent proclamation of war against Don John—a + manifesto which had, however, not been followed up by very vigorous + demonstrations. Don John himself was in his fortified camp at Bouge, + within a league of Namur, but the here was consuming with mental and with + bodily fever. He was, as it were, besieged. He was left entirely without + funds, while his royal brother obstinately refused compliance with his + earnest demands to be recalled, and coldly neglected his importunities for + pecuniary assistance. + </p> + <p> + Compelled to carry on a war against an armed rebellion with such gold only + as could be extracted from loyal swords; stung to the heart by the + suspicion of which he felt himself the object at home, and by the hatred + with which he was regarded in the provinces; outraged in his inmost + feelings by the murder of Escovedo; foiled, outwitted, reduced to a + political nullity by the masterly tactics of the "odious heretic of + heretics" to whom he had originally offered his patronage and the royal + forgiveness, the high-spirited soldier was an object to excite the + tenderness even of religious and political opponents. Wearied with the + turmoil of camps without battle and of cabinets without counsel, he sighed + for repose, even if it could be found only in a cloister or the grave. "I + rejoice to see by your letter," he wrote, pathetically, to John Andrew + Doria, at Genoa, "that your life is flowing on with such calmness, while + the world around me is so tumultuously agitated. I consider you most + fortunate that you are passing the remainder of your days for God and + yourself; that you are not forced to put yourself perpetually in the + scales of the world's events, nor to venture yourself daily on its + hazardous games." He proceeded to inform his friend of his own painful + situation, surrounded by innumerable enemies, without means of holding out + more than three months, and cut off from all assistance by a government + which could not see that if the present chance were lost all was lost. He + declared it impossible for him to fight in the position to which he was + reduced, pressed as he was within half a mile of the point which he had + always considered as his last refuge. He stated also that the French were + strengthening themselves in Hainault, under Alencon, and that the King of + France was in readiness to break in through Burgundy, should his brother + obtain a firm foothold in the provinces. "I have besought his Majesty over + and over again," he continued, "to send to me his orders; if they come + they shall be executed, unless they arrive too late. They have cut of our + hands and we have now nothing for it but to stretch forth our heads also + to the axe. I grieve to trouble you with my sorrows, but I trust to your + sympathy as a man and a friend. I hope that you will remember me in your + prayers, for you can put your trust where, in former days, I never could + place my own." + </p> + <p> + The dying crusader wrote another letter, in the same mournful strain, to + another intimate friend, Don Pedro Mendoza, Spanish envoy in Genoa. It was + dated upon the same day from his camp near Namur, and repeated the + statement that the King of France was ready to invade the Netherlands, so + soon as Alencon should prepare an opening. "His Majesty," continued Don + John, "is resolved upon nothing; at least, I am kept in ignorance of his + intentions. Our life is doled out to us here by moments. I cry aloud, but + it profits me little. Matters will soon be disposed, through our + negligence, exactly as the Devil would best wish them. It is plain that we + are left here to pine away till our last breath. God direct us all as He + may see fit; in His hands are all things." + </p> + <p> + Four days later he wrote to the King, stating that he was confined to his + chamber with a fever, by which he was already as much reduced as if he had + been ill for a month. "I assure your Majesty," said he "that the work here + is enough to destroy any constitution and any life." He reminded Philip + how often he had been warned by him as to the insidious practices of the + French. Those prophecies had now become facts. The French had entered the + country, while some of the inhabitants were frightened, others + disaffected. Don John declared himself in a dilemma. With his small force, + hardly enough to make head against the enemy immediately in front, and to + protect the places which required guarding, 'twas impossible for him to + leave his position to attack the enemy in Burgundy. If he remained + stationary, the communications were cut off through which his money and + supplies reached him. "Thus I remain," said he, "perplexed and confused, + desiring, more than life, some decision on your Majesty's part, for which + I have implored so many times." He urged the King most vehemently to send + him instructions as to the course to be pursued, adding that it wounded + him to the soul to find them so long delayed. He begged to be informed + whether he was to attack the enemy in Burgundy, whether he should await + where he then was the succor of his Majesty, or whether he was to fight, + and if so with which of his enemies: in fine, what he was to do; because, + losing or winning, he meant to conform to his Majesty's will. He felt + deeply pained, he said, at being disgraced and abandoned by the King, + having served him, both as a brother, and a man, with love and faith and + heartiness. "Our lives," said he, "are at stake upon this game, and all we + wish is to lose them honorably." He begged the King to send a special + envoy to France, with remonstrances on the subject of Alencon, and another + to the Pope to ask for the Duke's excommunication. He protested that he + would give his blood rather than occasion so much annoyance to the King, + but that he felt it his duty to tell the naked truth. The pest was + ravaging his little army. Twelve hundred were now in hospital, besides + those nursed in private houses, and he had no means or money to remedy the + evil. Moreover, the enemy, seeing that they were not opposed in the open + field, had cut off the passage into Liege by the Meuse, and had advanced + to Nivelles and Chimay for the sake of communications with France, by the + same river. + </p> + <p> + Ten days after these pathetic passages had been written, the writer was + dead. Since the assassination of Escovedo, a consuming melancholy had + settled upon his spirits, and a burning fever came, in the month of + September, to destroy his physical strength. The house where he lay was a + hovel, the only chamber of which had been long used as a pigeon-house. + This wretched garret was cleansed, as well as it could be of its filth, + and hung with tapestry emblazoned with armorial bearings. In that dovecot + the hero of Lepanto was destined to expire. During the last few, days of + his illness, he was delirious. Tossing upon his uneasy couch, he again + arranged in imagination, the combinations of great battles, again shouted + his orders to rushing squadrons, and listened with brightening eye to the + trumpet of victory. Reason returned, however, before the hour of death, + and permitted him, the opportunity to make the dispositions rendered + necessary by his condition. He appointed his nephew, Alexander of Parma, + who had been watching assiduously over his deathbed, to succeed him, + provisionally, in the command of the army and in his other dignities, + received the last sacraments with composure, and tranquilly breathed his + last upon the first day of October, the month which, since the battle of + Lepanto, he had always considered a festive and a fortunate one. + </p> + <p> + It was inevitable that suspicion of poison should be at once excited by + his decease. Those suspicions have been never set at rest, and never + proved. Two Englishmen, Ratcliff and Gray by name, had been arrested and + executed on a charge of having been employed by Secretary Walsingham to + assassinate the Governor. The charge was doubtless an infamous falsehood; + but had Philip, who was suspected of being the real criminal, really + compassed the death of his brother, it was none the less probable that an + innocent victim or two would be executed, to save appearances. Now that + time has unveiled to us many mysteries, now that we have learned from + Philip's own lips and those of his accomplices the exact manner in which + Montigny and Escovedo were put to death, the world will hardly be very + charitable with regard to other imputations. It was vehemently suspected + that Don John had been murdered by the command of Philip; but no such fact + was ever proved. + </p> + <p> + The body, when opened that it might be embalmed, was supposed to offer + evidence of poison. The heart was dry, the other internal organs were + likewise so desiccated as to crumble when touched, and the general color + of the interior was of a blackish brown, as if it had been singed. Various + persona were mentioned as the probable criminals; various motives assigned + for the commission of the deed. Nevertheless, it must be admitted that + there were causes, which were undisputed, for his death, sufficient to + render a search for the more mysterious ones comparatively superfluous. A + disorder called the pest was raging in his camp, and had carried off a + thousand of his soldiers within a few days, while his mental sufferings + had been acute enough to turn his heart to ashes. Disappointed, tormented + by friend and foe, suspected, insulted, broken spirited, it was not + strange that he should prove an easy victim to a pestilent disorder before + which many stronger men were daily falling. + </p> + <p> + On the third day after his decease, the funeral rites were celebrated. A + dispute between the Spaniards, Germans, and Netherlanders in the army + arose, each claiming precedence in the ceremony, on account of superior + national propinquity to the illustrious deceased. All were, in truth, + equally near to him, for different reasons, and it was arranged that all + should share equally in the obsequies. The corpse disembowelled and + embalmed, was laid upon a couch of state. The hero was clad in complete + armor; his swords helmet, and steel gauntlets lying at his feet, a + coronet, blazing with precious stones, upon his head, the jewelled chain + and insignia of the Golden Fleece about his neck, and perfumed gloves upon + his hands. Thus royally and martially arrayed, he was placed upon his bier + and borne forth from the house where he had died, by the gentlemen of his + bedchamber. From them he was received by the colonels of the regiments + stationed next his own quarters. These chiefs, followed by their troops + with inverted arms and mined drums, escorted the body to the next station, + where it was received by the commanding officers of other national + regiments, to be again transmitted to those of the third. Thus by soldiers + of the three nations, it was successively conducted to the gates of Namur, + where it was received by the civic authorities. The pall-bearers, old + Peter Ernest Mansfeld, Ottavio Gonzaga, the Marquis de Villa Franca, and + the Count de Reux, then bore it to the church, where it was deposited + until the royal orders should be received from Spain. The heart of the + hero was permanently buried beneath the pavement of the little church, and + a monumental inscription, prepared by Alexander Farnese, still indicates + the spot where that lion heart returned to dust. + </p> + <p> + It had been Don John's dying request to Philip that his remains might be + buried in the Escorial by the side of his imperial father, and the prayer + being granted, the royal order in due time arrived for the transportation + of the corpse to Spain. Permission had been asked and given for the + passage of a small number of Spanish troops through France. The thrifty + king had, however, made no allusion to the fact that those soldiers were + to bear with them the mortal remains of Lepanto's hero, for he was + disposed to save the expense which a public transportation of the body and + the exchange of pompous courtesies with the authorities of every town upon + the long journey would occasion. The corpse was accordingly divided into + three parts, and packed in three separate bags; and thus the different + portions, to save weight, being suspended at the saddle-bows of different + troopers, the body of the conqueror was conveyed to its distant + resting-place. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Expende Hannibalem: quot libras in duce summo + Invenies?".......... +</pre> + <p> + Thus irreverently, almost blasphemously, the disjointed relics of the + great warrior were hurried through France; France, which the romantic + Saracen slave had traversed but two short years before, filled with high + hopes, and pursuing extravagant visions. It has been recorded by classic + historians, that the different fragments, after their arrival in Spain, + were re-united, and fastened together with wire; that the body was then + stuffed, attired in magnificent habiliments, placed upon its feet, and + supported by a martial staff, and that thus prepared for a royal + interview, the mortal remains of Don John were presented to his Most + Catholic Majesty. Philip is said to have manifested emotion at sight of + the hideous spectre—for hideous and spectral, despite of jewels, + balsams, and brocades, must have been that unburied corpse, aping life in + attitude and vestment, but standing there only to assert its privilege of + descending into the tomb. The claim was granted, and Don John of Austria + at last found repose by the side of his imperial father. + </p> + <p> + A sufficient estimate of his character has been apparent in the course of + the narrative. Dying before he had quite completed his thirty-third year, + he excites pity and admiration almost as much as censure. His military + career was a blaze of glory. Commanding in the Moorish wars at + twenty-three, and in the Turkish campaigns at twenty-six, he had achieved + a matchless renown before he had emerged from early youth; but his sun was + destined to go down at noon. He found neither splendor nor power in the + Netherlands, where he was deserted by his king and crushed by the superior + genius of the Prince of Orange. Although he vindicated his martial skill + at Gemblours, the victory was fruitless. It was but the solitary sprig of + the tiger from his jungle, and after that striking conflict his life was + ended in darkness and obscurity. Possessing military genius of a high + order, with extraordinary personal bravery, he was the last of the + paladins and the crusaders. His accomplishments were also considerable, + and he spoke Italian, German, French, and Spanish with fluency. His beauty + was remarkable; his personal fascinations acknowledged by either sex; but + as a commander of men, excepting upon the battle-field, he possessed + little genius. His ambition was the ambition of a knight-errant, an + adventurer, a Norman pirate; it was a personal and tawdry ambition. Vague + and contradictory dreams of crowns, of royal marriages, of extemporized + dynasties, floated ever before him; but he was himself always the hero of + his own romance. He sought a throne in Africa or in Britain; he dreamed of + espousing Mary of Scotland at the expense of Elizabeth, and was even + thought to aspire secretly to the hand of the great English Queen herself. + Thus, crusader and bigot as he was, he was willing to be reconciled with + heresy, if heresy could furnish him with a throne. + </p> + <p> + It is superfluous to state that he was no match, by mental endowments, for + William of Orange; but even had he been so, the moral standard by which + each measured himself placed the Conqueror far below the Father of a + people. It must be admitted that Don John is entitled to but small credit + for his political achievements in the Netherlands. He was incapable of + perceiving that the great contest between the Reformation and the + Inquisition could never be amicably arranged in those provinces, and that + the character of William of Orange was neither to be softened by royal + smiles, nor perverted by appeals to sordid interests. It would have been + perhaps impossible for him, with his education and temperament, to have + embraced what seems to us the right cause, but it ought, at least, to have + been in his power to read the character of his antagonist, and to estimate + his own position with something like accuracy. He may be forgiven that he + did not succeed in reconciling hostile parties, when his only plan to + accomplish such a purpose was the extermination of the most considerable + faction; but although it was not to be expected that he would look on the + provinces with the eyes of William the Silent, he might have comprehended + that the Netherland chieftain was neither to be purchased nor cajoled. The + only system by which the two religions could live together in peace had + been discovered by the Prince; but toleration, in the eyes of Catholics, + and of many Protestants, was still thought the deadliest heresy of all. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Difficult for one friend to advise another in three matters + Establish not freedom for Calvinism, but freedom for conscience + Taxes upon income and upon consumption + Toleration thought the deadliest heresy of all +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG Edition, Vol. 31 + </h2> + <h3> + THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC + </h3> + <h2> + By John Lothrop Motley + </h2> + <h3> + 1855 + </h3> + <p> + <a name="link2H_PART6" id="link2H_PART6"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + PART VI. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ALEXANDER OF PARMA, 1578-1584. + </h2> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Birth, education, marriage, and youthful character of Alexander + Farnese—His private adventures—Exploits at Lepanto and at + Gemblours—He succeeds to the government—Personal appearance and + characteristics—Aspect of affairs—Internal dissensions—Anjou at + Mons—John Casimir's intrigues at Ghent—Anjou disbands his + soldiers—The Netherlands ravaged by various foreign troops—Anarchy + and confusion in Ghent—Imbize and Ryhove—Fate of Hessels and + Visch—New Pacification drawn up by Orange—Representations of Queen + Elizabeth—Remonstrance of Brussels Riots and image-breaking in + Ghent—Displeasure of Orange—His presence implored at Ghent, where + he establishes a Religious Peace—Painful situation of John Casimir + —Sharp rebukes of Elizabeth—He takes his departure—His troops + apply to Farnese, who allows them to leave the country—Anjou's + departure and manifesto—Elizabeth's letters to the states-general + with regard to him—Complimentary addresses by the Estates to the + Duke—Death of Bossu—Calumnies against Orange—Venality of the + malcontent grandees—La Motte's treason—Intrigues of the Prior of + Renty—Saint Aldegonde at Arras—The Prior of St. Vaast's exertions + —Opposition of the clergy in the Walloon provinces to the taxation + of the general government—Triangular contest—Municipal revolution + in Arras led by Gosson and others—Counter-revolution—Rapid trials + and executions—"Reconciliation" of the malcontent chieftains— + Secret treaty of Mount St. Eloi: Mischief made by the Prior of + Renty—His accusations against the reconciled lords—Vengeance taken + upon him—Counter movement by the liberal party—Union of Utrecht— + The Act analyzed and characterized. +</pre> + <p> + A fifth governor now stood in the place which had been successively + vacated by Margaret of Parma, by Alva, by the Grand Commander, and by Don + John of Austria. Of all the eminent personages to whom Philip had confided + the reins of that most difficult and dangerous administration, the man who + was now to rule was by far the ablest and the best fitted for his post. If + there were living charioteer skilful enough to guide the wheels of state, + whirling now more dizzily than ever through "confusum chaos," Alexander + Farnese was the charioteer to guide—his hand the only one which + could control. + </p> + <p> + He was now in his thirty-third year—his uncle Don John, his cousin + Don Carlos, and himself, having all been born within a few months of each + other. His father was Ottavio Farnese, the faithful lieutenant of Charles + the Fifth, and grandson of Pope Paul the Third; his mother was Margaret of + Parma, first Regent of the Netherlands after the departure of Philip from + the provinces. He was one of the twins by which the reunion of Margaret + and her youthful husband had been blessed, and the only one that survived. + His great-grandfather, Paul, whose secular name of Alexander he had + received, had placed his hand upon the new-born infant's head, and + prophesied that he would grow up to become a mighty warrior. The boy, from + his earliest years, seemed destined to verify the prediction. Though apt + enough at his studies, he turned with impatience from his literary tutors + to military exercises and the hardiest sports. The din of arms surrounded + his cradle. The trophies of Ottavio, returning victorious from beyond the + Alps, had dazzled the eyes of his infancy, and when but six years of age + he had witnessed the siege of his native Parma, and its vigorous defence + by his martial father. When Philip was in the Netherlands—in the + years immediately succeeding the abdication of the Emperor—he had + received the boy from his parents as a hostage for their friendship. + Although but eleven years of age, Alexander had begged earnestly to be + allowed to serve as a volunteer on the memorable day of Saint Quentin, and + had wept bitterly when the amazed monarch refused his request.—His + education had been, completed at Alcala, and at Madrid, under the + immediate supervision of his royal uncle, and in the companionship of the + Infante Carlos and the brilliant Don John. The imperial bastard was alone + able to surpass, or even to equal the Italian prince in all martial and + manly pursuits. Both were equally devoted to the chase and to the tournay; + both longed impatiently for the period when the irksome routine of monkish + pedantry, and the fictitious combats which formed their main recreation, + should be exchanged for the substantial delights of war. At the age of + twenty he had been affianced to Maria of Portugal; daughter of Prince + Edward, granddaughter of King Emanuel, and his nuptials with that peerless + princess were; as we have seen, celebrated soon afterwards with much pomp + in Brussels. Sons and daughters were born to him in due time, during his + subsequent residence in Parma. Here, however, the fiery and impatient + spirit of the future illustrious commander was doomed for a time to fret + under restraint, and to corrode in distasteful repose. His father, still + in the vigor of his years, governing the family duchies of Parma and + Piacenza, Alexander had no occupation in the brief period of peace which + then existed. The martial spirit, pining for a wide and lofty sphere of + action, in which alone its energies could be fitly exercised, now sought + delight in the pursuits of the duellist and gladiator. Nightly did the + hereditary prince of the land perambulate the streets of his capital, + disguised, well armed, alone, or with a single confidential attendant. + Every chance passenger of martial aspect whom he encountered in the + midnight streets was forced to stand and measure swords with an unknown, + almost unseen but most redoubtable foe, and many were the single combats + which he thus enjoyed, so long as his incognito was preserved. Especially, + it was his wont to seek and defy every gentleman whose skill or bravery + had ever been commended in his hearing: At last, upon one occasion it was + his fortune to encounter a certain Count Torelli, whose reputation as a + swordsman and duellist was well established in Parma. The blades were + joined, and the fierce combat had already been engaged in the darkness, + when the torch of an accidental passenger gashed full in the face of + Alexander. Torelli, recognising thus suddenly his antagonist, dropped his + sword and implored forgiveness, for the wily Italian was too keen not to + perceive that even if the death of neither combatant should be the result + of the fray, his own position was, in every event, a false one. Victory + would ensure him the hatred, defeat the contempt of his future sovereign. + The unsatisfactory issue and subsequent notoriety of this encounter put a + termination to these midnight joys of Alexander, and for a season he felt + obliged to assume more pacific habits, and to solace himself with the + society of that "phoenix of Portugal," who had so long sat brooding on his + domestic hearth. + </p> + <p> + At last the holy league was formed, the new and last crusade proclaimed, + his uncle and bosom friend appointed to the command of the united troops + of Rome, Spain, and Venice. He could no longer be restrained. Disdaining + the pleadings of his mother and of his spouse, he extorted permission from + Philip, and flew to the seat of war in the Levant. Don John received him + with open arms, just before the famous action of Lepanto, and gave him an + excellent position in the very front of the battle, with the command of + several Genoese galleys. Alexander's exploits on that eventful day seemed + those of a fabulous hero of romance. He laid his galley alongside of the + treasure-ship of the Turkish fleet, a vessel, on account of its + importance, doubly manned and armed. Impatient that the Crescent was not + lowered, after a few broadsides, he sprang on board the enemy alone, + waving an immense two-handed sword—his usual weapon—and mowing + a passage right and left through the hostile ranks for the warriors who + tardily followed the footsteps of their vehement chief. Mustapha Bey, the + treasurer and commander of the ship, fell before his sword, besides many + others, whom he hardly saw or counted. The galley was soon his own, as + well as another, which came to the rescue of the treasure-ship only to + share its defeat. The booty which Alexander's crew secured was prodigious, + individual soldiers obtaining two and three thousand ducats each. Don John + received his nephew after the battle with commendations, not, however, + unmingled with censure. The successful result alone had justified such + insane and desperate conduct, for had he been slain or overcome, said the + commander-in-chief, there would have been few to applaud his temerity. + Alexander gaily replied by assuring his uncle that he had felt sustained + by a more than mortal confidence, the prayers which his saintly wife was + incessantly offering in his behalf since he went to the wars being a + sufficient support and shield in even greater danger than he had yet + confronted. + </p> + <p> + This was Alexander's first campaign, nor was he permitted to reap any more + glory for a few succeeding years. At last, Philip was disposed to send + both his mother and himself to the Netherlands; removing Don John from the + rack where he had been enduring such slow torture. Granvelle's + intercession proved fruitless with the Duchess, but Alexander was all + eagerness to go where blows were passing current, and he gladly led the + reinforcements which were sent to Don John at the close of the year 1577. + He had reached Luxemburg, on the 18th of December of that year, in time, + as we have seen, to participate, and, in fact, to take the lead in the + signal victory of Gemblours. He had been struck with the fatal change + which disappointment and anxiety had wrought upon the beautiful and + haughty features of his illustrious kinsman. He had since closed his eyes + in the camp, and erected a marble tablet over his heart in the little + church. He now governed in his stead. + </p> + <p> + His personal appearance corresponded with his character. He had the head + of a gladiator, round; compact, combative, with something alert and + snake-like in its movements. The black, closely-shorn hair was erect and + bristling. The forehead was lofty and narrow. The features were, handsome, + the nose regularly aquiline, the eyes well opened, dark piercing, but with + something dangerous and sinister in their expression. There was an + habitual look askance; as of a man seeking to parry or inflict a mortal + blow—the look of a swordsman and professional fighter. The lower + part of the face was swallowed in a bushy beard; the mouth and chin being + quite invisible. He was of middle stature, well formed, and graceful in + person, princely in demeanor, sumptuous and stately in apparel. His high + ruff of point lace, his badge of the Golden Fleece, his gold-inlaid Milan + armor, marked him at once as one of high degree. On the field of battle he + possessed the rare gift of inspiring his soldiers with his own impetuous + and chivalrous courage. He ever led the way upon the most dangerous and + desperate ventures, and, like his uncle and his imperial grandfather, well + knew how to reward the devotion of his readiest followers with a poniard, + a feather, a riband, a jewel, taken with his own hands from his own + attire. + </p> + <p> + His military, abilities—now for the first time to be largely called + into employment—were unquestionably superior to those of Don John; + whose name had been surrounded with such splendor by the World-renowned + battle of Lepanto. Moreover, he possessed far greater power for governing + men, whether in camp or cabinet. Less attractive and fascinating, he was + more commanding than his kinsman. Decorous and self-poised, he was only + passionate before the enemy, but he rarely permitted a disrespectful look + or word to escape condign and deliberate chastisement. He was no schemer + or dreamer. He was no knight errant. He would not have crossed seas and + mountains to rescue a captive queen, nor have sought to place her crown on + his own head as a reward for his heroism. He had a single and concentrated + kind of character. He knew precisely the work which Philip required, and + felt himself to be precisely the workman that had so long been wanted. + Cool, incisive, fearless, artful, he united the unscrupulous audacity of a + condottiere with the wily patience of a Jesuit. He could coil unperceived + through unsuspected paths, could strike suddenly, sting mortally. He came + prepared, not only to smite the Netherlanders in the open field, but to + cope with them in tortuous policy; to outwatch and outweary them in the + game to which his impatient predecessor had fallen a baked victim. He + possessed the art and the patience—as time was to prove—not + only to undermine their most impregnable cities, but to delve below the + intrigues of their most accomplished politicians. To circumvent at once + both their negotiators and their men-at-arms was his appointed task. Had + it not been for the courage, the vigilance, and the superior intellect of + a single antagonist, the whole of the Netherlands would have shared the + fate which was reserved for the more southern portion. Had the life of + William of Orange been prolonged, perhaps the evil genius of the + Netherlands might have still been exorcised throughout the whole extent of + the country. As for religion, Alexander Farnese was, of course, strictly + Catholic, regarding all seceders from Romanism as mere heathen dogs. Not + that he practically troubled himself much with sacred matters—for, + during the life-time of his wife, he had cavalierly thrown the whole + burden of his personal salvation upon her saintly shoulders. She had now + flown to higher spheres, but Alexander was, perhaps, willing to rely upon + her continued intercessions in his behalf. The life of a bravo in time of + peace—the deliberate project in war to exterminate whole cities full + of innocent people, who had different notions on the subject of + image-worship and ecclesiastical ceremonies from those entertained at + Rome, did not seem to him at all incompatible with the precepts of Jesus. + Hanging, drowning, burning and butchering heretics were the legitimate + deductions of his theology. He was no casuist nor pretender to holiness: + but in those days every man was devout, and Alexander looked with honest + horror upon the impiety of the heretics, whom he persecuted and massacred. + He attended mass regularly—in the winter mornings by torch-light—and + would as soon have foregone his daily tennis as his religious exercises. + Romanism was the creed of his caste. It was the religion of princes and + gentlemen of high degree. As for Lutheranism, Zwinglism, Calvinism, and + similar systems, they were but the fantastic rites of weavers, brewers, + and the like—an ignoble herd whose presumption in entitling + themselves Christian, while rejecting the Pope; called for their instant + extermination. His personal habits were extremely temperate. He was + accustomed to say that he ate only to support life; and he rarely finished + a dinner without having risen three or four times from table to attend to + some public business which, in his opinion, ought not to be deferred. + </p> + <p> + His previous connections in the Netherlands were of use to him, and he + knew how to turn them to immediate account. The great nobles, who had been + uniformly actuated by jealousy of the Prince of Orange, who had been + baffled in their intrigue with Matthias, whose half-blown designs upon + Anjou had already been nipped in the bud, were now peculiarly in a + position to listen to the wily tongue of Alexander Farnese. The Montignys, + the La Mottes, the Meluns, the Egmonts, the Aerschots, the Havres, foiled + and doubly foiled in all their small intrigues and their base ambition, + were ready to sacrifice their country to the man they hated, and to the + ancient religion which they thought that they loved. The Malcontents + ravaging the land of Hainault and threatening Ghent, the "Paternoster + Jacks" who were only waiting for a favorable opportunity and a good + bargain to make their peace with Spain, were the very instruments which + Parma most desired to use at this opening stage of his career. The + position of affairs was far more favorable for him than it had been for + Don John when he first succeeded to power. On the whole, there seemed a + bright prospect of success. It seemed quite possible that it would be in + Parma's power to reduce, at last, this chronic rebellion, and to + reestablish the absolute supremacy of Church and King. The pledges of the + Ghent treaty had been broken, while in the unions of Brussels which had + succeeded, the fatal religious cause had turned the instrument of peace + into a sword. The "religion-peace" which had been proclaimed at Antwerp + had hardly found favor anywhere. As the provinces, for an instant, had + seemingly got the better of their foe, they turned madly upon each other, + and the fires of religious discord, which had been extinguished by the + common exertions of a whole race trembling for the destruction of their + fatherland, were now re-lighted with a thousand brands plucked from the + sacred domestic hearth. Fathers and children, brothers and sisters, + husbands and wives, were beginning to wrangle, and were prepared to + persecute. Catholic and Protestant, during the momentary relief from + pressure, forgot their voluntary and most blessed Pacification, to renew + their internecine feuds. The banished Reformers, who had swarmed back in + droves at the tidings of peace and good-will to all men, found themselves + bitterly disappointed. They were exposed in the Walloon provinces to the + persecutions of the Malcontents, in the Frisian regions to the still + powerful coercion of the royal stadholders. + </p> + <p> + Persecution begat counter-persecution. The city of Ghent became the centre + of a system of insurrection, by which all the laws of God and man were + outraged under the pretence of establishing a larger liberty in civil and + religious matters. It was at Ghent that the opening scenes, in Parma's + administration took place. Of the high-born suitors for the Netherland + bride, two were still watching each other with jealous eyes. Anjou was at + Mons, which city he had secretly but unsuccessfully attempted to master + for, his, own purposes. John Casimir was at Ghent, fomenting an + insurrection which he had neither skill to guide, nor intelligence to + comprehend. There was a talk of making him Count of Flanders,—and + his paltry ambition was dazzled by the glittering prize. Anjou, who meant + to be Count of Flanders himself, as well as Duke or Count of all the other + Netherlands, was highly indignant at this report, which he chose to + consider true. He wrote to the estates to express his indignation. He + wrote to Ghent to offer his mediation between the burghers and the + Malcontents. Casimir wanted money for his troops. He obtained a liberal + supply, but he wanted more. Meantime, the mercenaries were expatiating on + their own account throughout the southern provinces; eating up every green + leaf, robbing and pillaging, where robbery and pillage had gone so often + that hardly anything was left for rapine. Thus dealt the soldiers in the + open country, while their master at Ghent was plunging into the + complicated intrigues spread over that unfortunate city by the most + mischievous demagogues that ever polluted a sacred cause. Well had + Cardinal Granvelle, his enemy, William of Hesse, his friend and kinsman, + understood the character of John Casimir. Robbery and pillage were his + achievements, to make chaos more confounded was his destiny. Anjou—disgusted + with the temporary favor accorded to a rival whom he affected to despise—disbanded + his troops in dudgeon, and prepared to retire to France. Several thousand + of these mercenaries took service immediately with the Malcontents under + Montigny, thus swelling the ranks of the deadliest foes to that land over + which Anjou had assumed the title of protector. The states' army, + meanwhile, had been rapidly dissolving. There were hardly men enough left + to make a demonstration in the field, or properly to garrison the more + important towns. The unhappy provinces, torn by civil and religious + dissensions, were overrun by hordes of unpaid soldiers of all nations, + creeds, and tongues-Spaniards, Italians, Burgundians, Walloons, Germans, + Scotch and English; some who came to attack and others to protect, but who + all achieved nothing and agreed in nothing save to maltreat and to outrage + the defenceless peasantry and denizens of the smaller towns. The + contemporary chronicles are full of harrowing domestic tragedies, in which + the actors are always the insolent foreign soldiery and their desperate + victims. + </p> + <p> + Ghent energetic, opulent, powerful, passionate, unruly Ghent—was now + the focus of discord, the centre from whence radiated not the light and + warmth of reasonable and intelligent liberty, but the bale-fires of + murderous licence and savage anarchy. The second city of the Netherlands, + one of the wealthiest and most powerful cities of Christendom, it had been + its fate so often to overstep the bounds of reason and moderation in its + devotion to freedom, so often to incur ignominious chastisement from power + which its own excesses had made more powerful, that its name was already + becoming a bye-word. It now, most fatally and for ever, was to + misunderstand its true position. The Prince of Orange, the great architect + of his country's fortunes, would have made it the keystone of the arch + which he was laboring to construct. Had he been allowed to perfect his + plan, the structure might have endured for ages, a perpetual bulwark + against, tyranny and wrong. The temporary and slender frame by which the + great artist had supported his arch while still unfinished, was plucked + away by rude and ribald hands; the keystone plunged into the abyss, to be + lost for ever, and the great work of Orange remained a fragment from its + commencement. The acts of demagogues, the conservative disgust at licence, + the jealousy of rival nobles, the venality of military leaders, threw + daily fresh stumbling-blocks in his heroic path. It was not six months + after the advent of Farnese to power, before that bold and subtle + chieftain had seized the double-edged sword of religious dissension as + firmly as he had grasped his celebrated brand when he boarded the galley + of Muatapha Bey, and the Netherlands were cut in twain, to be re-united + nevermore. The separate treaty of the Walloon provinces was soon destined + to separate the Celtic and Romanesque elements from the Batavian and + Frisian portion of a nationality, which; thoroughly fused in all its + parts, would have formed as admirable a compound of fire and endurance as + history has ever seen. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the grass was growing and the cattle were grazing in the streets + of Ghent, where once the tramp of workmen going to and from their labor + was like the movement of a mighty army. The great majority of the burghers + were of the Reformed religion, and disposed to make effectual resistance + to the Malcontents, led by the disaffected nobles. The city, considering + itself the natural head of all the southern country, was indignant that + the Walloon provinces should dare to reassert that supremacy of Romanism + which had been so effectually suppressed, and to admit the possibility of + friendly relations with a sovereign who had been virtually disowned. There + were two parties, however, in Ghent. Both were led by men of abandoned and + dangerous character. Imbize, the worse of the two demagogues, was + inconstant, cruel, cowardly, and treacherous, but possessed of eloquence + and a talent for intrigue. Ryhove was a bolder ruffian—wrathful, + bitter, and unscrupulous. Imbize was at the time opposed to Orange, + disliking his moderation, and trembling at his firmness. Ryhove considered + himself the friend of the Prince. We have seen that he had consulted him + previously to his memorable attack upon Aerschot, in the autumn of the + preceding year, and we know the result of that conference. + </p> + <p> + The Prince, with the slight dissimulation which belonged less to his + character than to his theory of politics, and which was perhaps not to be + avoided, in that age of intrigue, by any man who would govern his + fellow-men, whether for good or evil, had winked at a project which he + would not openly approve. He was not thoroughly acquainted, however, with + the desperate character of the man, for he would have scorned an + instrument so thoroughly base as Ryhove subsequently proved. The violence + of that personage on the occasion of the arrest of Aerschot and his + colleagues was mildness compared with the deed with which he now disgraced + the cause of freedom. He had been ordered out from Ghent to oppose a force + of Malcontents which was gathering in the neighbourhood of Courtray; but + he swore that he would not leave the gates so long as two of the gentlemen + whom he had arrested on the twenty-eighth of the previous October, and who + yet remained in captivity, were still alive. These two prisoners were + ex-procurator Visch and Blood-Councillor Hessels. Hessels, it seemed, had + avowed undying hostility to Ryhove for the injury sustained at his hands, + and he had sworn, "by his grey beard," that the ruffian should yet hang + for the outrage. Ryhove, not feeling very safe in the position of affairs + which then existed, and knowing that he could neither trust Imbize, who + had formerly been his friend, nor the imprisoned nobles, who had ever been + his implacable enemies, was resolved to make himself safe in one quarter + at least, before he set forth against the Malcontents. Accordingly, + Hessels and Visch, as they sat together in their prison, at chess, upon + the 4th of October, 1578, were suddenly summoned to leave the house, and + to enter a carriage which stood at the door. A force of armed men brought + the order, and were sufficiently strong to enforce it. The prisoners + obeyed, and the coach soon rolled slowly through the streets, left the + Courtray gate, and proceeded a short distance along the road towards that + city. + </p> + <p> + After a few minutes a halt was made. Ryhove then made his appearance at + the carriage-window, and announced to the astonished prisoners that, they + were forthwith to be hanged upon a tree which stood by the road-side. He + proceeded to taunt the aged Hessels with his threat against himself, and + with his vow "by his grey beard." "Such grey beard shalt thou never live + thyself to wear, ruffian," cried Hessels, stoutly-furious rather than + terrified at the suddenness of his doom. "There thou liest, false + traitor!" roared Ryhove in reply; and to prove the falsehood, he + straightway tore out a handful of the old man's beard, and fastened it + upon his own cap like a plume. His action was imitated by several of his + companions, who cut for themselves locks from the same grey beard, and + decorated themselves as their leader had done. This preliminary ceremony + having been concluded, the two aged prisoners were forthwith hanged on a + tree, without-the least pretence of trial or even sentence. + </p> + <p> + Such was the end of the famous councillor who had been wont to shout "ad + patibulum" in his sleep. It was cruel that the fair face of civil liberty + showing itself after years of total eclipse, should be insulted by such + bloody deeds on the part of her votaries. It was sad that the crimes of + men like Imbize and Ryhove should have cost more to the cause of religious + and political freedom than the lives of twenty thousand such ruffians were + worth. But for the influence of demagogues like these, counteracting the + lofty efforts and pure life of Orange, the separation might never have + occurred between the two portions of the Netherlands. The Prince had not + power enough, however, nor the nascent commonwealth sufficient + consistency, to repress the disorganizing tendency of a fanatical Romanism + on the one side, and a retaliatory and cruel ochlocracy on the other. + </p> + <p> + Such events, with the hatred growing daily more intense between the + Walloons and the Ghenters, made it highly important that some kind of an + accord should be concluded, if possible. In the country, the Malcontents, + under pretence of protecting the Catholic clergy, were daily abusing and + plundering the people, while in Ghent the clergy were maltreated, the + cloisters pillaged, under the pretence of maintaining liberty. In this + emergency the eyes of all honest men turned naturally to Orange. + </p> + <p> + Deputies went to and fro between Antwerp and Ghent, Three points were laid + down by the Prince as indispensable to any arrangement—firstly, that + the Catholic clergy should be allowed the free use of their property; + secondly, that they should not be disturbed in the exercise of their + religion; thirdly, that the gentlemen kept in prison since the memorable + twenty-eighth of October should be released. If these points should be + granted, the Archduke Matthias, the states-general, and the Prince of + Orange would agree to drive off the Walloon soldiery, and to defend Ghent + against all injury. The two first points were granted, upon condition that + sufficient guarantees should be established for the safety of the Reformed + religion. The third was rejected, but it was agreed that the prisoners, + Champagny, Sweveghem, and the rest—who, after the horrid fate of + Hessels and Visch, might be supposed to be sufficiently anxious as to + their own doom—should have legal trial, and be defended in the + meantime from outrage. + </p> + <p> + On the 3rd of November, 1578, a formal act of acceptance of these terms + was signed at Antwerp. At the same time, there was murmuring at Ghent, the + extravagant portion of the liberal party averring that they had no + intention of establishing the "religious peace" when they agreed not to + molest the Catholics. On the 11th of November, the Prince of Orange sent + messengers to Ghent in the name of the Archduke and the states-general, + summoning the authorities to a faithful execution of the act of + acceptance. Upon the same day the English envoy, Davidson, made an + energetic representation to the same magistrates, declaring that the + conduct of the Ghenters was exciting regret throughout the world, and + affording a proof that it was their object to protract, not suppress, the + civil war which had so long been raging. Such proceedings, he observed, + created doubts whether they were willing to obey any law or any + magistracy. As, however, it might be supposed that the presence of John + Casimir in Ghent at that juncture was authorized by Queen Elizabeth—inasmuch + as it was known that he had received a subsidy from her—the envoy + took occasion to declare that her Majesty entirely disavowed his + proceedings. He observed further that, in the opinion of her Majesty, it + was still possible to maintain peace by conforming to the counsels of the + Prince of Orange and of the states-general. This, however, could be done + only by establishing the three points which he had laid down. Her Majesty + likewise warned the Ghenters that their conduct would soon compel her to + abandon the country's cause altogether, and, in conclusion, she requested, + with characteristic thriftiness, to be immediately furnished with a city + bond for forty-five thousand pounds sterling. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterwards, envoys arrived from Brussels to remonstrate, in their + turn, with the sister city, and to save her, if possible, from the madness + which had seized upon her. They recalled to the memory of the magistrates + the frequent and wise counsels of the Prince of Orange. He had declared + that he knew of no means to avert the impending desolation of the + fatherland save union of all the provinces and obedience to the general + government. His own reputation, and the honor of his house, he felt now to + be at stake; for, by reason of the offices which he now held, he had been + ceaselessly calumniated as the author of all the crimes which had been + committed at Ghent. Against these calumnies he had avowed his intention of + publishing his defence. After thus citing the opinion of the Prince, the + envoys implored the magistrates to accept the religious peace which he had + proposed, and to liberate the prisoners as he had demanded. For their own + part, they declared that the inhabitants of Brussels would never desert + him; for, next to God, there was no one who understood their cause so + entirely, or who could point out the remedy so intelligently. + </p> + <p> + Thus reasoned the envoys from the states-general and from Brussels, but + even while they were reasoning, a fresh tumult occurred at Ghent. The + people had been inflamed by demagogues, and by the insane howlings of + Peter Dathenus, the unfrocked monk of Poperingen, who had been the servant + and minister both of the Pope and of Orange, and who now hated each with + equal fervor. The populace, under these influences, rose in its wrath upon + the Catholics, smote all their images into fragments, destroyed all their + altar pictures, robbed them of much valuable property, and turned all the + Papists themselves out of the city. The riot was so furious that it + seemed, says a chronicler, as if all the inhabitants had gone raving mad. + The drums beat the alarm, the magistrates went forth to expostulate, but + no commands were heeded till the work of destruction had been + accomplished, when the tumult expired at last by its own limitation. + </p> + <p> + Affairs seemed more threatening than ever. Nothing more excited the + indignation of the Prince of Orange than such senseless iconomachy. In + fact, he had at one time procured an enactment by the Ghent authorities, + making it a crime punishable with death. He was of Luther's opinion, that + idol-worship was to be eradicated from the heart, and that then the idols + in the churches would fall of themselves. He felt too with Landgrave + William, that "the destruction of such worthless idols was ever avenged by + torrents of good human blood." Therefore it may be well supposed that this + fresh act of senseless violence, in the very teeth of his remonstrances, + in the very presence of his envoys, met with his stern disapprobation. He + was on the point of publishing his defence against the calumnies which his + toleration had drawn upon him from both Catholic and Calvinist. He was + deeply revolving the question, whether it were not better to turn his back + at once upon a country which seemed so incapable of comprehending his high + purposes, or seconding his virtuous efforts. From both projects he was + dissuaded; and although bitterly wronged by both friend and foe, although, + feeling that even in his own Holland, there were whispers against his + purity, since his favorable inclinations towards Anjou had become the + general topic, yet he still preserved his majestic tranquillity, and + smiled at the arrows which fell harmless at his feet. "I admire his + wisdom, daily more and more," cried Hubert Languet; "I see those who + profess themselves his friends causing him more annoyance than his foes; + while, nevertheless, he ever remains true to himself, is driven by no + tempests from his equanimity, nor provoked by repeated injuries to + immoderate action." + </p> + <p> + The Prince had that year been chosen unanimously by the four "members" of + Flanders to be governor of that province, but had again declined the + office. The inhabitants, notwithstanding the furious transactions at + Ghent, professed attachment to his person, and respect for his authority. + He was implored to go to the city. His presence, and that alone, would + restore the burghers to their reason, but the task was not a grateful one. + It was also not unattended with danger; although this was a consideration + which never influenced him, from the commencement of his career to its + close. Imbize and his crew were capable of resorting to any extremity or + any ambush; to destroy the man whom they feared and hated. The presence of + John Casimir was an additional complication; for Orange, while he despised + the man, was unwilling to offend his friends. Moreover, Casimir had + professed a willingness to assist the cause, and to, defer to the better + judgment of the Prince: He had brought an army into the field, with which, + however, he had accomplished nothing except a thorough pillaging of the + peasantry, while, at the same time, he was loud in his demands upon the + states to pay his soldiers' wages. The soldiers of the different armies + who now overran the country, indeed, vied with each other in extravagant + insolence. "Their outrages are most execrable," wrote Marquis Havre; "they + demand the most exquisite food, and drink Champagne and Burgundy by the + bucketfull." Nevertheless, on the 4th of December, the Prince came to + Ghent. He held constant and anxious conferences with the magistrates. He + was closeted daily with John Casimir, whose vanity and extravagance of + temper he managed with his usual skill. He even dined with Imbue, and + thus, by smoothing difficulties and reconciling angry passions, he + succeeded at last in obtaining the consent of all to a religious peace, + which was published on the 27th of December, 1578. It contained the same + provisions as those of the project prepared and proposed during the + previous summer throughout the Netherlands. Exercise of both religions was + established; mutual insults and irritations—whether by word, book, + picture, song, or gesture—were prohibited, under severe penalties, + while all persons were sworn to protect the common tranquillity by blood, + purse, and life. The Catholics, by virtue of this accord, re-entered into + possession of their churches and cloisters, but nothing could be obtained + in favor of the imprisoned gentlemen. + </p> + <p> + The Walloons and Malcontents were now summoned to lay down their arms; + but, as might be supposed, they expressed dissatisfaction with the + religious peace, proclaiming it hostile to the Ghent treaty and the + Brussels union. In short, nothing would satisfy them but total suppression + of the Reformed religion; as nothing would content Imbize and his faction + but the absolute extermination of Romanism. A strong man might well seem + powerless in the midst of such obstinate and worthless fanatics. + </p> + <p> + The arrival of the Prince in Ghent was, on the whole, a relief to John + Casimir. As usual, this addle-brained individual had plunged headlong into + difficulties, out of which he was unable to extricate himself. He knew not + what to do, or which way to turn. He had tampered with Imbue and his crew, + but he had found that they were not the men for a person of his quality to + deal with. He had brought a large army into the field, and had not a + stiver in his coffers. He felt bitterly the truth of the Landgrave's + warning—"that 'twas better to have thirty thousand devils at one's + back than thirty thousand German troopers, with no money to give them;" it + being possible to pay the devils with the sign of the cross, while the + soldiers could be discharged only with money or hard knocks. Queen + Elizabeth, too, under whose patronage he had made this most inglorious + campaign, was incessant in her reproofs, and importunate in her demands + for reimbursement. She wrote to him personally, upbraiding him with his + high pretensions and his shortcomings. His visit to Ghent, so entirely + unjustified and mischievous; his failure to effect that junction of his + army with the states' force under Bossu, by which the royal army was to + have been surprised and annihilated; his having given reason to the common + people to suspect her Majesty and the Prince of Orange of collusion with + his designs, and of a disposition to seek their private advantage and not + the general good of the whole Netherlands; the imminent danger, which he + had aggravated, that the Walloon provinces, actuated by such suspicions, + would fall away from the "generality" and seek a private accord with + Parma; these and similar sins of omission and commission were sharply and + shrewishly set forth in the Queen's epistle. 'Twas not for such marauding + and intriguing work that she had appointed him her lieutenant, and + furnished him with troops and subsidies. She begged him forthwith to amend + his ways, for the sake of his name and fame, which were sufficiently + soiled in the places where his soldiers had been plundering the country + which they came to protect. + </p> + <p> + The Queen sent Daniel Rogers with instructions of similar import to the + states-general, repeatedly and expressly disavowing Casimir's proceedings + and censuring his character. She also warmly insisted on her bonds. In + short, never was unlucky prince more soundly berated by his superiors, + more thoroughly disgraced by his followers. In this contemptible situation + had Casimir placed himself by his rash ambition to prove before the world + that German princes could bite and scratch like griffins and tigers as + well as carry them in their shields. From this position Orange partly + rescued him. He made his peace with the states-general. He smoothed + matters with the extravagant Reformers, and he even extorted from the + authorities of Ghent the forty-five thousand pounds bond, on which + Elizabeth had insisted with such obduracy. Casimir repaid these favors of + the Prince in the coin with which narrow minds and jealous tempers are apt + to discharge such obligations—ingratitude. The friendship which he + openly manifested at first grew almost immediately cool. Soon afterwards + he left Ghent and departed for Germany, leaving behind him a long and + tedious remonstrance, addressed to the states-general, in which document + he narrated the history of his exploits, and endeavored to vindicate the + purity of his character. He concluded this very tedious and superfluous + manifesto by observing that—for reasons which he thought proper to + give at considerable length—he felt himself "neither too useful nor + too agreeable to the provinces." As he had been informed, he said, that + the states-general had requested the Queen of England to procure his + departure, he had resolved, in order to spare her and them inconvenience, + to return of his own accord, "leaving the issue of the war in the high and + mighty hand of God." + </p> + <p> + The estates answered this remonstrance with words of unlimited courtesy; + expressing themselves "obliged to all eternity" for his services, and + holding out vague hopes that the monies which he demanded on behalf of his + troops should ere long be forthcoming. + </p> + <p> + Casimir having already answered Queen Elizabeth's reproachful letter by + throwing the blame of his apparent misconduct upon the states-general, and + having promised soon to appear before her Majesty in person, tarried + accordingly but a brief season in Germany, and then repaired to England. + Here he was feasted, flattered, caressed, and invested with the order of + the Garter. Pleased with royal blandishments, and highly enjoying the + splendid hospitalities of England he quite forgot the "thirty thousand + devils" whom he had left running loose in the Netherlands, while these + wild soldiers, on their part, being absolutely in a starving condition—for + there was little left for booty in a land which had been so often + plundered—now had the effrontery to apply to the Prince of Parma for + payment of their wages. Alexander Farnese laughed heartily at the + proposition, which he considered an excellent jest. It seemed in truth, a + jest, although but a sorry one. Parma replied to the messenger of Maurice + of Saxony who had made the proposition, that the Germans must be mad to + ask him for money, instead of offering to pay him, a heavy sum for + permission to leave the country. Nevertheless, he was willing to be so far + indulgent as to furnish them with passports, provided they departed from + the Netherlands instantly. Should they interpose the least delay, he would + set upon them without further preface, and he gave them notice, with the + arrogance becoming a Spanish general; that the courier was already waiting + to report to Spain the number of them left alive after the encounter. Thus + deserted by their chief, and hectored by the enemy, the mercenaries, who + had little stomach for fight without wages, accepted the passports + proffered by Parma. They revenged themselves for the harsh treatment which + they had received from Casimir and from the states-general, by singing, + everywhere as they retreated, a doggerel ballad—half Flemish, half + German—in which their wrongs were expressed with uncouth vigor. + </p> + <p> + Casimir received the news of the departure of his ragged soldiery on the + very day which witnessed his investment with the Garter by the fair hands + of Elizabeth herself. A few days afterwards he left England, accompanied + by an escort of lords and gentlemen, especially appointed for that purpose + by the Queen. He landed in Flushing, where he was received with + distinguished hospitality, by order of the Prince of Orange, and on the + 14th of February, 1579, he passed through Utrecht. Here he conversed + freely at his lodgings in the "German House" on the subject of his + vagabond troops, whose final adventures and departure seemed to afford him + considerable amusement; and he, moreover, diverted his company by singing, + after supper, a few verses of the ballad already mentioned. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + O, have you been in Brabant, fighting for the states? + O, have you brought back anything except your broken pates? + O, I have been in Brabant, myself and all my mates. + We'll go no more to Brabant, unless our brains were addle, + We're coming home on foot, we went there in the saddle; + For there's neither gold nor glory got, in fighting for the states. +</pre> + <p> + The Duke of Anjou, meantime, after disbanding his troops, had lingered for + a while near the frontier. Upon taking his final departure, he sent his + resident minister, Des Pruneaux, with a long communication to the + states-general, complaining that they had not published their contract + with himself, nor fulfilled its conditions. He excused, as well as he + could, the awkward fact that his disbanded troops had taken refuge with + the Walloons, and he affected to place his own departure upon the ground + of urgent political business in France, to arrange which his royal brother + had required his immediate attendance. He furthermore most hypocritically + expressed a desire for a speedy reconciliation of the provinces with their + sovereign, and a resolution that—although for their sake he had made + himself a foe to his Catholic Majesty—he would still interpose no + obstacle to so desirable a result. + </p> + <p> + To such shallow discourse the states answered with infinite urbanity, for + it was the determination of Orange not to make enemies, at that juncture, + of France and England in the same breath. They had foes enough already, + and it seemed obvious at that moment, to all persons most observant of the + course of affairs, that a matrimonial alliance was soon to unite the two + crowns. The probability of Anjou's marriage with Elizabeth was, in truth, + a leading motive with Orange for his close alliance with the Duke. The + political structure, according to which he had selected the French Prince + as protector of the Netherlands, was sagaciously planned; but + unfortunately its foundation was the shifting sandbank of female and royal + coquetry. Those who judge only by the result, will be quick to censure a + policy which might have had very different issue. They who place + themselves in the period anterior to Anjou's visit to England, will admit + that it was hardly human not to be deceived by the apolitical aspects of + that moment. The Queen, moreover, took pains to upbraid the + states-general, by letter, with their disrespect and ingratitude towards + the Duke of Anjou—behaviour with which he had been "justly + scandalized." For her own part, she assured them of her extreme + displeasure at learning that such a course of conduct had been held with a + view to her especial contentment—"as if the person of Monsieur, son + of France, brother of the King, were disagreeable to her, or as if she + wished him ill;" whereas, on the contrary, they would best satisfy her + wishes by showing him all the courtesy to which his high degree and his + eminent services entitled him. + </p> + <p> + The estates, even before receiving this letter, had, however, acted in its + spirit. They had addressed elaborate apologies and unlimited professions + to the Duke. They thanked him heartily for his achievements, expressed + unbounded regret at his departure, with sincere hopes for his speedy + return, and promised "eternal remembrance" of his heroic virtues. They + assured him, moreover, that should the first of the following March arrive + without bringing with it an honorable peace with his Catholic Majesty, + they should then feel themselves compelled to declare that the King had + forfeited his right to the sovereignty of these provinces. In this case + they concluded that, as the inhabitants would be then absolved from their + allegiance to the Spanish monarch, it would then be in their power to + treat with his Highness of Anjou concerning the sovereignty, according to + the contract already existing. + </p> + <p> + These assurances were ample, but the states, knowing the vanity of the + man, offered other inducements, some of which seemed sufficiently puerile. + They promised that "his statue, in copper, should be placed in the public + squares of Antwerp and Brussels, for the eternal admiration of posterity," + and that a "crown of olive-leaves should be presented to him every year." + The Duke—not inexorable to such courteous solicitations—was + willing to achieve both immortality and power by continuing his friendly + relations with the states, and he answered accordingly in the most + courteous terms. The result of this interchange of civilities it will be + soon our duty to narrate. + </p> + <p> + At the close of the year the Count of Bossu died, much to the regret of + the Prince of Orange, whose party—since his release from prison by + virtue of the Ghent treaty—he had warmly espoused. "We are in the + deepest distress in the world," wrote the Prince to his brother, three + days before the Count's death, "for the dangerous malady of M. de Bossu. + Certainly, the country has much to lose in his death, but I hope that God + will not so much afflict us." Yet the calumniators of the day did not + scruple to circulate, nor the royalist chroniclers to perpetuate, the most + senseless and infamous fables on the subject of this nobleman's death. He + died of poison, they said, administered to him "in oysters," by command of + the Prince of Orange, who had likewise made a point of standing over him + on his death-bed, for the express purpose of sneering at the Catholic + ceremonies by which his dying agonies were solaced. Such were the tales + which grave historians have recorded concerning the death of Maximilian of + Bossu, who owed so much to the Prince. The command of the states' army, a + yearly pension of five thousand florins, granted at the especial request + of Orange but a few months before, and the profound words of regret in the + private letter jest cited, are a sufficient answer to such slanders. + </p> + <p> + The personal courage and profound military science of Parma were + invaluable to the royal cause; but his subtle, unscrupulous, and + subterranean combinations of policy were even more fruitful at this + period. No man ever understood the art of bribery more thoroughly or + practised it more skillfully. He bought a politician, or a general, or a + grandee, or a regiment of infantry, usually at the cheapest price at which + those articles could be purchased, and always with the utmost delicacy + with which such traffic could be conducted. Men conveyed themselves to + government for a definite price—fixed accurately in florins and + groats, in places and pensions—while a decent gossamer of + conventional phraseology was ever allowed to float over the nakedness of + unblushing treason. Men high in station, illustrious by ancestry, + brilliant in valor, huckstered themselves, and swindled a confiding + country for as ignoble motives as ever led counterfeiters or bravoes to + the gallows, but they were dealt with in public as if actuated only by the + loftiest principles. Behind their ancient shields, ostentatiously + emblazoned with fidelity to church and king, they thrust forth their + itching palms with the mendicity which would be hardly credible, were it + not attested by the monuments more perennial than brass, of their own + letters and recorded conversations. + </p> + <p> + Already, before the accession of Parma to power, the true way to dissever + the provinces had been indicated by the famous treason of the Seigneur de + la Motte. This nobleman commanded a regiment in the service of the + states-general, and was Governor of Gravelines. On promise of forgiveness + for all past disloyalty, of being continued in the same military posts + under Philip which he then held for the patriots, and of a "merced" large + enough to satisfy his most avaricious dreams, he went over to the royal + government. The negotiation was conducted by Alonzo Curiel, financial + agent of the King, and was not very nicely handled. The paymaster, looking + at the affair purely as a money transaction—which in truth it was—had + been disposed to drive rather too hard a bargain. He offered only fifty + thousand crowns for La Motte and his friend Baron Montigny, and assured + his government that those gentlemen, with the soldiers under their + command, were very dear at the price. La Motte higgled very hard for more, + and talked pathetically of his services and his wounds—for he had + been a most distinguished and courageous campaigner—but Alonzo was + implacable. Moreover, one Robert Bien-Aime, Prior of Renty, was present at + all the conferences. This ecclesiastic was a busy intriguer, but not very + adroit. He was disposed to make himself useful to government, for he had + set his heart upon putting the mitre of Saint Omer upon his head, and he + had accordingly composed a very ingenious libel upon the Prince of Orange, + in which production, "although the Prior did not pretend to be Apelles or + Lysippus," he hoped that the Governor-General would recognize a portrait + colored to the life. This accomplished artist was, however, not so + successful as he was picturesque and industrious. He was inordinately vain + of his services, thinking himself, said Alonzo, splenetically, worthy to + be carried in a procession like a little saint, and as he had a busy + brain, but an unruly tongue, it will be seen that he possessed a + remarkable faculty of making himself unpleasant. This was not the way to + earn his bishopric. La Motte, through the candid communications of the + Prior, found himself the subject of mockery in Parma's camp and cabinet, + where treachery to one's country and party was not, it seemed, regarded as + one of the loftier virtues, however convenient it might be at the moment + to the royal cause. The Prior intimated especially that Ottavio Gonzaga + had indulged in many sarcastic remarks at La Motte's expense. The brave + but venal warrior, highly incensed at thus learning the manner in which + his conduct was estimated by men of such high rank in the royal service, + was near breaking off the bargain. He was eventually secured, however, by + still larger offers—Don John allowing him three hundred florins a + month, presenting him with the two best horses in his stable, and sending + him an open form, which he was to fill out in the most stringent language + which he could devise, binding the government to the payment of an ample + and entirely satisfactory "merced." Thus La Motte's bargain was completed + a crime which, if it had only entailed the loss of the troops under his + command, and the possession of Gravelines, would have been of no great + historic importance. It was, however, the first blow of a vast and + carefully sharpened treason, by which the country was soon to be cut in + twain for ever—the first in a series of bargains by which the + noblest names of the Netherlands were to be contaminated with bribery and + fraud. + </p> + <p> + While the negotiations with La Notte were in progress, the government of + the states-general at Brussels had sent Saint Aldegonde to Arras. The + states of Artois, then assembled in that city, had made much difficulty in + acceding to an assessment of seven thousand florins laid upon them by the + central authority. The occasion was skillfully made use of by the agents + of the royal party to weaken the allegiance of the province, and of its + sister Walloon provinces, to the patriot cause. Saint Aldegonde made his + speech before the assembly, taking the ground boldly, that the war was + made for liberty of conscience and of fatherland, and that all were bound, + whether Catholic or Protestant, to contribute to the sacred fund. The vote + passed, but it was provided that a moiety of the assessment should be paid + by the ecclesiastical branch, and the stipulation excited a tremendous + uproar. The clerical bench regarded the tax as both a robbery and an + affront. "We came nearly to knife-playing," said the most distinguished + priest in the assembly, "and if we had done so, the ecclesiastics would + not have been the first to cry enough." They all withdrew in a rage, and + held a private consultation upon "these exorbitant and more than Turkish + demands." John Sarrasin, Prior of Saint Yaast, the keenest, boldest, and + most indefatigable of the royal partisans of that epoch, made them an + artful harangue. This man—a better politician than the other prior—was + playing for a mitre too, and could use his cards better. He was soon to + become the most invaluable agent in the great treason preparing. No one + could, be more delicate, noiseless, or unscrupulous, and he was soon + recognized both by Governor-General and King as the individual above all + others to whom the re-establishment of the royal authority over the + Walloon provinces was owing. With the shoes of swiftness on his feet, the + coat of darkness on his back, and the wishing purse in his hand, he sped + silently and invisibly from one great Malcontent chieftain to another, + buying up centurions, and captains, and common soldiers; circumventing + Orangists, Ghent democrats, Anjou partisans; weaving a thousand intrigues, + ventilating a hundred hostile mines, and passing unharmed through the most + serious dangers and the most formidable obstacles. Eloquent, too, at a + pinch, he always understood his audience, and upon this occasion + unsheathed the most incisive, if not the most brilliant weapon which could + be used in the debate. It was most expensive to be patriotic, he said, + while silver was to be saved, and gold to be earned by being loyal. They + ought to keep their money to defend themselves, not give it to the Prince + of Orange, who would only put it into his private pocket on pretence of + public necessities. The Ruward would soon be slinking back to his lair, he + observed, and leave them all in the fangs of their enemies. Meantime, it + was better to rush into the embrace of a bountiful king, who was still + holding forth his arms to them. They were approaching a precipice, said + the Prior; they were entering a labyrinth; and not only was the + "sempiternal loss of body and soul impending over them, but their property + was to be taken also, and the cat to be thrown against their legs." By + this sudden descent into a very common proverbial expression, Sarrasin + meant to intimate that they were getting themselves into a difficult + position, in which they were sure to reap both danger and responsibility. + </p> + <p> + The harangue had much effect upon his hearers, who were now more than ever + determined to rebel against the government which they had so recently + accepted, preferring, in the words of the Prior, "to be maltreated by + their prince, rather than to be barbarously tyrannized over by a heretic." + So much anger had been excited in celestial minds by a demand of + thirty-five hundred florins. + </p> + <p> + Saint Aldegonde was entertained in the evening at a great banquet, + followed by a theological controversy, in which John Sarrasin complained + that "he had been attacked upon his own dunghill." Next day the + distinguished patriot departed on a canvassing tour among the principal + cities; the indefatigable monk employing the interval of his absence in + aggravating the hostility of the Artesian orders to the pecuniary demands + of the general government. He was assisted in his task by a peremptory + order which came down from Brussels, ordering, in the name of Matthias, a + levy upon the ecclesiastical property, "rings, jewels, and reliquaries," + unless the clerical contribution should be forthcoming. The rage of the + bench was now intense, and by the time of Saint Aldegonde's return a + general opposition had been organized. The envoy met with a chilling + reception; there were no banquets anymore—no discussions of any + kind. To his demands for money, "he got a fine nihil," said Saint Vaast; + and as for polemics, the only conclusive argument for the country would + be, as he was informed on the same authority, the "finishing of Orange and + of his minister along with him." More than once had the Prior intimated to + government—as so many had done before him—that to "despatch + Orange, author of all the troubles," was the best preliminary to any + political arrangement. From Philip and his Governor-General, down to the + humblest partisan, this conviction had been daily strengthening. The knife + or bullet of an assassin was the one thing needful to put an end to this + incarnated rebellion. + </p> + <p> + Thus matters grew worse and worse in Artois. The Prior, busier than ever + in his schemes, was one day arrested along with other royal emissaries, + kept fifteen days "in a stinking cellar, where the scullion washed the + dishes," and then sent to Antwerp to be examined by the states-general. He + behaved with great firmness, although he had good reason to tremble for + his neck. Interrogated by Leoninus on the part of the central government, + he boldly avowed that these pecuniary demands upon the Walloon estates, + and particularly upon their ecclesiastical branches, would never be + tolerated. "In Alva's time," said Sarrasin, "men were flayed, but not + shorn." Those who were more attached to their skin than their fleece might + have thought the practice in the good old times of the Duke still more + objectionable. Such was not the opinion of the Prior and the rest of his + order. After an unsatisfactory examination and a brief duresse, the busy + ecclesiastic was released; and as his secret labors had not been detected, + he resumed them after his return more ardently than ever. + </p> + <p> + A triangular intrigue was now fairly established in the Walloon country. + The Duke of Alencon's head-quarters were at Mons; the rallying-point of + the royalist faction was with La Motte at Gravelines; while the ostensible + leader of the states' party, Viscount Ghent, was governor of Artois, and + supposed to be supreme in Arras. La Motte was provided by government with + a large fund of secret-service money, and was instructed to be very + liberal in his bribes to men of distinction; having a tender regard, + however, to the excessive demands of this nature now daily made upon the + royal purse. The "little Count," as the Prior called Lalain, together with + his brother, Baron Montigny, were considered highly desirable acquisitions + for government, if they could be gained. It was thought, however, that + they had the "fleur-de-lys imprinted too deeply upon their hearts," for + the effect produced upon Lalain, governor of Hainault, by Margaret of + Valois, had not yet been effaced. His brother also had been disposed to + favor the French prince, but his mind was more open to conviction. A few + private conferences with La Motte, and a course of ecclesiastical tuition + from the Prior—whose golden opinions had irresistible resonance—soon + wrought a change in the Malcontent chieftain's mind. Other leading + seigniors were secretly dealt with in the same manner. Lalain, Heze, + Havre, Capres, Egmont, and even the Viscount of Ghent, all seriously + inclined their ears to the charmer, and looked longingly and lovingly as + the wily Prior rolled in his tangles before them—"to mischief + swift." Few had yet declared themselves; but of the grandees who commanded + large bodies of troops, and whose influence with their order was + paramount, none were safe for the patriot cause throughout the Walloon + country. + </p> + <p> + The nobles and ecclesiastics were ready to join hands in support of church + and king, but in the city of Arras, the capital of the whole country, + there was a strong Orange and liberal party. Gosson, a man of great + wealth, one of the most distinguished advocates in the Netherlands, and + possessing the gift of popular eloquence to a remarkable degree, was the + leader of this burgess faction. In the earlier days of Parma's + administration, just as a thorough union of the Walloon provinces in favor + of the royal government had nearly been formed, these Orangists of Arras + risked a daring stroke. Inflamed by the harangues of Gosson, and supported + by five hundred foot soldiers and fifty troopers under one Captain + Ambrose, they rose against the city magistracy, whose sentiments were + unequivocally for Parma, and thrust them all into prison. They then + constituted a new board of fifteen, some Catholics and some Protestants, + but all patriots, of whom Gosson was chief. The stroke took the town by + surprise; and was for a moment successful. Meantime, they depended upon + assistance from Brussels. The royal and ecclesiastical party was, however, + not so easily defeated, and an old soldier, named Bourgeois, loudly + denounced Captain Ambrose, the general of the revolutionary movement, as a + vile coward, and affirmed that with thirty good men-at-arms he would + undertake to pound the whole rebel army to powder— "a pack of + scarecrows," he said, "who were not worth as many owls for military + purposes." + </p> + <p> + Three days after the imprisonment of the magistracy, a strong Catholic + rally was made in their behalf in the Fishmarket, the ubiquitous Prior of + Saint Vaast flitting about among the Malcontents, blithe and busy as usual + when storms were brewing. Matthew Doucet, of the revolutionary faction—a + man both martial and pacific in his pursuits, being eminent both as a + gingerbread baker and a swordplayer—swore he would have the little + monk's life if he had to take him from the very horns of the altar; but + the Prior had braved sharper threats than these. Moreover, the grand altar + would have been the last place to look fox him on that occasion. While + Gosson was making a tremendous speech in favor of conscience and + fatherland at the Hotel de Ville, practical John Sarrasin, purse in hand, + had challenged the rebel general, Ambrose to private combat. In half an + hour, that warrior was routed, and fled from the field at the head of his + scarecrows, for there was no resisting the power before which the + Montignys and the La Mottes had succumbed. Eloquent Gosson was left to his + fate. Having the Catholic magistracy in durance, and with nobody to guard + them, he felt, as was well observed by an ill-natured contemporary, like a + man holding a wolf by the ears, equally afraid to let go or to retain his + grasp. + </p> + <p> + His dilemma was soon terminated. While he was deliberating with his + colleagues—Mordacq, an old campaigner, Crugeot, Bertoul, and others—whether + to stand or, fly, the drums and trumpets of the advancing royalists were + heard. In another instant the Hotel de Ville was swarming with + men-at-arms, headed by Bourgeois, the veteran who had expressed so + alighting an opinion as to the prowess of Captain Ambrose. The tables were + turned, the miniature revolution was at an end, the counter-revolution + effected. Gosson and his confederates escaped out of a back door, but were + soon afterwards arrested. Next morning, Baron Capres, the great Malcontent + seignior, who was stationed with his regiment in the neighbourhood, and + who had long been secretly coquetting with the Prior and Parma, marched + into the city at the head of a strong detachment, and straightway + proceeded to erect a very tall gibbet in front of the Hotel de Ville. This + looked practical in the eyes of the liberated and reinstated magistrates, + and Gosson, Crugeot, and the rest were summoned at once before them. The + advocate thought, perhaps, with a sigh, that his judges, so recently his + prisoners, might have been the fruit for another gallowstree, had he + planted it when the ground was his own; but taking heart of grace, he + encouraged his colleagues—now his fellow-culprits. Crugeot, + undismayed, made his appearance before the tribunal, arrayed in a corslet + of proof, with a golden hilted sword, a scarf embroidered with pearls and + gold, and a hat bravely plumaged with white, blue, and, orange feathers—the + colors of William the Silent—of all which finery he was stripped, + however, as soon as he entered the court. + </p> + <p> + The process was rapid. A summons from Brussels was expected every hour + from the general government, ordering the cases to be brought before the + federal tribunal; and as the Walloon provinces were not yet ready for open + revolt, the order would be an inconvenient one. Hence the necessity for + haste. The superior court of Artois, to which an appeal from the + magistrates lay, immediately held a session in another chamber of the + Hotel de Ville while the lower court was trying the prisoners, and + Bertoul, Crugeot, Mordacq, with several others, were condemned in a few + hours to the gibbet. They were invited to appeal, if they chose, to the + council of Artois, but hearing that the court was sitting next door, so + that there was no chance of a rescue in the streets, they declared + themselves satisfied with the sentence. Gosson had not been tried, his + case being reserved for the morrow. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the short autumnal day had drawn to a close. A wild, stormy, + rainy night then set in, but still the royalist party—citizens and + soldiers intermingled—all armed to the teeth, and uttering fierce + cries, while the whole scene was fitfully illuminated with the glare of + flambeaux and blazing tar-barrels, kept watch in the open square around + the city hall. A series of terrible Rembrandt-like nightpieces succeeded—grim, + fantastic, and gory. Bertoul, an old man, who for years had so surely felt + himself predestined to his present doom that he had kept a gibbet in his + own house to accustom himself to the sight of the machine, was led forth + the first, and hanged at ten in the evening. He was a good man, of + perfectly blameless life, a sincere Catholic, but a warm partisan of + Orange. + </p> + <p> + Valentine de Mordacq, an old soldier, came from the Hotel de Ville to the + gallows at midnight. As he stood on the ladder, amid the flaming torches, + he broke forth into furious execrations, wagging his long white beard to + and fro, making hideous grimaces, and cursing the hard fate which, after + many dangers on the battle-field and in beleaguered cities, had left him + to such a death. The cord strangled his curses. Crugeot was executed at + three in the morning, having obtained a few hours' respite in order to + make his preparations, which he accordingly occupied himself in doing as + tranquilly as if he had been setting forth upon an agreeable journey. He + looked like a phantom, according to eye-witnesses, as he stood under the + gibbet, making a most pious and, Catholic address to the crowd. + </p> + <p> + The whole of the following day was devoted to the trial of Gosson. He was + condemned at nightfall, and heard by appeal before the superior court + directly afterwards. At midnight, of the 25th of October, 1578, he was + condemned to lose his head, the execution to take place without delay. The + city guards and the infantry under Capres still bivouacked upon the + square; the howling storm still continued, but the glare of fagots and + torches made the place as light as day. The ancient advocate, with haggard + eyes and features distorted by wrath, walking between the sheriff and a + Franciscan monk, advanced through the long lane of halberdiers, in the + grand hall of the Town House, and thence emerged upon the scaffold erected + before the door. He shook his fists with rage at the released magistrates, + so lately his prisoners, exclaiming that to his misplaced mercy it was + owing that his head, instead of their own, was to be placed upon the + block. He bitterly reproached the citizens for their cowardice in + shrinking from dealing a blow for their fatherland, and in behalf of one + who had so faithfully served them. The clerk of the court then read the + sentence amid a silence so profound that every syllable he uttered, and, + every sigh and ejaculation of the victim were distinctly heard in the most + remote corner of the square. Gosson then, exclaiming that he was murdered + without cause, knelt upon the scaffold. His head fell while an angry + imprecation was still upon his lips. + </p> + <p> + Several other persons of lesser note were hanged daring the week-among + others, Matthew Doucet, the truculent man of gingerbread, whose rage had + been so judiciously but so unsuccessfully directed against the Prior of + Saint Vaast. Captain Ambrose, too, did not live long to enjoy the price of + his treachery. He was arrested very soon afterwards by the states' + government in Antwerp, put to the torture, hanged and quartered. In + troublous times like those, when honest men found it difficult to keep + their heads upon their shoulders, rogues were apt to meet their deserts, + unless they had the advantage of lofty lineage and elevated position. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "Ille crucem sceleris pretium tulit, hic diadema." +</pre> + <p> + This municipal revolution and counter-revolution, obscure though they + seem, were in reality of very grave importance. This was the last blow + struck for freedom in the Walloon country. The failure of the movement + made that scission of the Netherlands certain, which has endured till our + days, for the influence of the ecclesiastics in the states of Artois and + Hainault, together with the military power of the Malcontent grandees, + whom Parma and John Sarrasin had purchased, could no longer be resisted. + The liberty of the Celtic provinces was sold, and a few high-born traitors + received the price. Before the end of the year (1578) Montigny had + signified to the Duke of Alencon that a prince who avowed himself too poor + to pay for soldiers was no master for him. The Baron, therefore, came, to + an understanding with La Motte and Sarrasin, acting for Alexander Farnese, + and received the command of the infantry in the Walloon provinces, a + merced of four thousand crowns a year, together with as large a slice of + La Motte's hundred thousand florins for himself and soldiers, as that + officer could be induced to part with. + </p> + <p> + Baron Capres, whom Sarrasin—being especially enjoined to purchase + him—had, in his own language, "sweated blood and water" to secure, + at last agreed to reconcile himself with the King's party upon condition + of receiving the government-general of Artois, together with the + particular government of Hesdin—very lucrative offices, which the + Viscount of Ghent then held by commission of the states-general. That + politic personage, however, whose disinclination to desert the liberty + party which had clothed him with such high functions, was apparently so + marked that the Prior had caused an ambush to be laid both for him and the + Marquis Havre, in-order to obtain bodily possession of two such powerful + enemies, now, at the last moment, displayed his true colors. He consented + to reconcile himself also, on condition of receiving the royal appointment + to the same government which he then held from the patriot authorities, + together with the title of Marquis de Richebourg, the command of all the + cavalry in the royalist provinces, and certain rewards in money besides. + By holding himself at a high mark, and keeping at a distance, he had + obtained his price. Capres, for whom Philip, at Parma's suggestion, had + sent the commission as governor of Artois and of Hesdin, was obliged to + renounce those offices, notwithstanding his earlier "reconciliation," and + the "blood and water" of John Sarrasin. Ghent was not even contented with + these guerdons, but insisted upon the command of all the cavalry, + including the band of ordnance which, with handsome salary, had been + assigned to Lalain as a part of the wages for his treason, while the + "little Count"—fiery as his small and belligerent cousin whose + exploits have been recorded in the earlier pages of this history—boldly + taxed Parma and the King with cheating him out of his promised reward, in + order to please a noble whose services had been less valuable than those + of the Lalain family. Having thus obtained the lion's share, due, as he + thought, to his well known courage and military talents, as well as to the + powerful family influence, which he wielded—his brother, the Prince + of Espinoy, hereditary seneschal of Hainault, having likewise rallied to + the King's party—Ghent jocosely intimated to Parma his intention of + helping himself to the two best horses in the Prince's stables in exchange + for those lost at Gemblours, in which disastrous action he had commanded + the cavalry for the states. He also sent two terriers to Farnese, hoping + that they would "prove more useful than beautiful." The Prince might have + thought, perhaps, as much of the Viscount's treason. + </p> + <p> + John Sarrasin, the all-accomplished Prior, as the reward of his exertions, + received from Philip the abbey of Saint Vaast, the richest and most + powerful ecclesiastical establishment in the Netherlands. At a subsequent + period his grateful Sovereign created him Archbishop of Cambray. + </p> + <p> + Thus the "troubles of Arras"—as they were called—terminated. + Gosson the respected, wealthy, eloquent, and virtuous advocate; together + with his colleagues—all Catholics, but at the same time patriots and + liberals—died the death of felons for their unfortunate attempt to + save their fatherland from an ecclesiastical and venal conspiracy; while + the actors in the plot, having all performed well their parts, received + their full meed of prizes and applause. + </p> + <p> + The private treaty by which the Walloon provinces of Artois, Hainault, + Lille, Douay, and Orchies, united themselves in a separate league was + signed upon the 6th of January, 1579; but the final arrangements for the + reconciliation of the Malcontent nobles and their soldiers were not + completed until April 6th, upon which day a secret paper was signed at + Mount Saint Eloi. + </p> + <p> + The secret current of the intrigue had not, however, flowed on with + perfect smoothness until this placid termination. On the contrary, here + had been much bickering, heart-burning, and mutual suspicions and + recriminations. There had been violent wranglings among the claimants of + the royal rewards. Lalain and Capres were not the only Malcontents who had + cause to complain of being cheated of the promised largess. Montigny, in + whose favor Parma had distinctly commanded La Motte to be liberal of the + King's secret-service money, furiously charged the Governor of Gravelines + with having received a large supply of gold from Spain, and of "locking + the rascal counters from his friends," so that Parma was obliged to quiet + the Baron, and many other barons in the same predicament, out of his own + purse. All complained bitterly, too, that the King, whose promises had + been so profuse to the nobles while the reconciliation was pending, turned + a deaf ear to their petitions and left their letters unanswered; after the + deed was accomplished. + </p> + <p> + The unlucky Prior of Renty, whose disclosures to La Motte concerning the + Spanish sarcasms upon his venality, had so nearly caused the preliminary + negotiation with that seignior to fail, was the cause of still further + mischief through the interception of Alonzo Curiel's private letters. Such + revelations of corruption, and of contempt on the part of the corrupters, + were eagerly turned to account by the states' government. A special + messenger was despatched to Montigny with the intercepted correspondence, + accompanied by an earnest prayer that he would not contaminate his sword + and his noble name by subserviency to men who despised even while they + purchased traitors. That noble, both confounded and exasperated, was for a + moment inclined to listen to the voice of honor and patriotism, but + reflection and solitude induced him to pocket up his wrongs and his + "merced" together. The states-general also sent the correspondence to the + Walloon provincial authorities, with an eloquent address, begging them to + study well the pitiful part which La Motte had enacted in the private + comedy then performing, and to behold as in a mirror their own position, + if they did not recede ere it was too late. + </p> + <p> + The only important effect produced by the discovery was upon the Prior of + Renty himself. Ottavio Gonzaga, the intimate friend of Don John, and now + high in the confidence of Parma, wrote to La Motte, indignantly denying + the truth of Bien Aime's tattle, and affirming that not a word had ever + been uttered by himself or by any gentleman in his presence to the + disparagement of the Governor of Gravelines. He added that if the Prior + had worn another coat, and were of quality equal to his own, he would have + made him eat his words or a few inches of steel. In the same vehement + terms he addressed a letter to Bien Aime himself. Very soon afterwards, + notwithstanding his coat and his quality, that unfortunate ecclesiastic + found himself beset one dark night by two soldiers, who left him, severely + wounded and bleeding nearly to death upon the high road, but escaping with + life, he wrote to Parma, recounting his wrongs and the "sword-thrust in + his left thigh," and made a demand for a merced. + </p> + <p> + The Prior recovered from this difficulty only to fall into another, by + publishing what he called an apologue, in which he charged that the + reconciled nobles were equally false to the royal and to the rebel + government, and that, although "the fatted calf had been killed for them, + after they had so long been feeding with perverse heretical pigs," they + were, in truth, as mutinous as ever, being bent upon establishing an + oligarchy in the Netherlands, and dividing the territory among themselves, + to the exclusion of the sovereign. This naturally excited the wrath of the + Viscount and others. The Seigneur d'Auberlieu, in a letter written in what + the writer himself called the "gross style of a gendarme," charged the + Prior with maligning honorable lords and—in the favorite colloquial + phrase of the day—with attempting "to throw the cat against their + legs." The real crime of the meddling priest, however, was to have let + that troublesome animal out of the bag. He was accordingly waylaid again, + and thrown into prison by Count Lalain. While in durance he published an + abject apology for his apologue, explaining that his allusions to + "returned prodigals," "heretic swine," and to "Sodom and Gomorrah," had + been entirely misconstrued. He was, however, retained in custody until + Parma ordered his release on the ground that the punishment had been + already sufficient for the offence. He then requested to be appointed + Bishop of Saint Omer, that see being vacant. Parma advised the King by no + means to grant the request—the Prior being neither endowed with the + proper age nor discretion for such a dignity—but to bestow some + lesser reward, in money or otherwise, upon the discomfited ecclesiastic, + who had rendered so many services and incurred so many dangers. + </p> + <p> + The states-general and the whole national party regarded, with prophetic + dismay, the approaching dismemberment of their common country. They sent + deputation on deputation to the Walloon states, to warn them of their + danger, and to avert, if possible, the fatal measure. Meantime, as by the + already accomplished movement, the "generality" was fast disappearing, and + was indeed but the shadow of its former self, it seemed necessary to make + a vigorous effort to restore something like unity to the struggling + country. The Ghent Pacification had been their outer wall, ample enough + and strong enough to enclose and to protect all the provinces. Treachery + and religious fanaticism had undermined the bulwark almost as soon as + reared. The whole beleaguered country was in danger of becoming utterly + exposed to a foe who grew daily more threatening. As in besieged cities, a + sudden breastwork is thrown up internally, when the outward defences are + crumbling—so the energy of Orange had been silently preparing the + Union of Utrecht, as a temporary defence until the foe should be beaten + back, and there should be time to decide on their future course of action. + </p> + <p> + During the whole month of December, an active correspondence had been + carried on by the Prince and his brother John with various agents in + Gelderland, Friesland, and Groningen, as well as with influential + personages in the more central provinces and cities. Gelderland, the + natural bulwark to Holland and Zealand, commanding the four great rivers + of the country, had been fortunately placed under the government of the + trusty John of Nassau, that province being warmly in favor of a closer + union with its sister provinces, and particularly with those more nearly + allied to itself in religion and in language. + </p> + <p> + Already, in December (1578), Count John, in behalf of his brother, had + laid before the states of Holland and Zealand, assembled at Gorcum, the + project of a new union with "Gelderland, Ghent, Friesland, Utrecht, + Overyssel, and Groningen." The proposition had been favorably entertained, + and commissioners had been appointed to confer with other commissioners at + Utrecht, whenever they should be summoned by Count John. The Prince, with + the silence and caution which belonged to his whole policy, chose not to + be the ostensible mover in the plan himself. He did not choose to startle + unnecessarily the Archduke Matthias—the cipher who had been placed + by his side, whose sudden subtraction would occasion more loss than his + presence had conferred benefit. He did not choose to be cried out upon as + infringing the Ghent Pacification, although the whole world knew that + treaty to be hopelessly annulled. For these and many other weighty + motives, he proposed that the new Union should be the apparent work of + other hands, and only offered to him and to the country, when nearly + completed. January, the deputies of Gelderland and Zutfelt, with Count + John, stadholder of these provinces, at their head, met with the deputies + of Holland, Zealand, and the provinces between the Ems and the Lauwers, + early in January, 1579, and on the 23rd of that month, without waiting + longer for the deputies of the other provinces, they agreed provisionally + upon a treaty of union which was published afterwards on the 29th, from + the Town House of Utrecht. + </p> + <p> + This memorable document—which is ever regarded as the foundation of + the Netherland Republic—contained twenty-six articles. + </p> + <p> + The preamble stated the object of the union. It was to strengthen, not to + forsake the Ghent Pacification, already nearly annihilated by the force of + foreign soldiery. For this purpose, and in order more conveniently to + defend themselves against their foes, the deputies of Gelderland, Zutfen, + Holland, Zealand, Utrecht, and the Frisian provinces, thought it desirable + to form a still closer union. The contracting provinces agreed to remain + eternally united, as if they were but one province. At the same time, it + was understood that each was to retain its particular privileges, + liberties, laudable and traditionary customs, and other laws. The cities, + corporations, and inhabitants of every province were to be guaranteed as + to their ancient constitutions. Disputes concerning these various statutes + and customs were to be decided by the usual tribunals, by "good men," or + by amicable compromise. The provinces, by virtue of the Union, were to + defend each other "with life, goods, and blood," against all force brought + against them in the King's name or behalf. They were also to defend each + other against all foreign or domestic potentates, provinces, or cities, + provided such defence were controlled by the "generality" of the union. + For the expense occasioned by the protection of the provinces, certain + imposts and excises were to be equally assessed and collected. No truce or + peace was to be concluded, no war commenced, no impost established + affecting the "generality," but by unanimous advice and consent of the + provinces. Upon other matters the majority was to decide; the votes being + taken in the manner then customary in the assembly of states-general. In + case of difficulty in coming to a unanimous vote when required, the matter + was to be referred to the stadholders then in office. In case cf their + inability to agree, they were to appoint arbitrators, by whose decision + the parties were to be governed. None of the united provinces, or of their + cities or corporations, were to make treaties with other potentates or + states, without consent of their confederates. If neighbouring princes, + provinces, or cities, wished to enter into this confederacy, they were to + be received by the unanimous consent of the united provinces. A common + currency was to be established for the confederacy. In the matter of + divine worship, Holland and Zealand were to conduct themselves as they + should think proper. The other provinces of the union, however, were + either to conform to the religious peace already laid down by Archduke + Matthias and his council, or to make such other arrangements as each + province should for itself consider appropriate for the maintenance of its + internal tranquillity—provided always that every individual should + remain free in his religion, and that no man should be molested or + questioned on the subject of divine worship, as had been already + established by the Ghent Pacification. As a certain dispute arose + concerning the meaning of this important clause, an additional paragraph + was inserted a few days afterwards. In this it was stated that there was + no intention of excluding from the confederacy any province or city which + was wholly Catholic, or in which the number of the Reformed was not + sufficiently large to entitle them, by the religious peace, to public + worship. On the contrary, the intention was to admit them, provided they + obeyed the articles of union, and conducted themselves as good patriots; + it being intended that no province or city should interfere with another + in the matter of divine service. Disputes between two provinces were to be + decided by the others, or—in case the generality were concerned—by + the provisions of the ninth article. + </p> + <p> + The confederates were to assemble at Utrecht whenever summoned by those + commissioned for that purpose. A majority of votes was to decide on + matters then brought before them, even in case of the absence of some + members of the confederacy, who might, however, send written proxies. + Additions or amendments to these articles could only be made by unanimous + consent. The articles were to be signed by the stadholders, magistrates, + and principal officers of each province and city, and by all the + train-bands, fraternities, and sodalities which might exist in the cities + or villages of the union. + </p> + <p> + Such were the simple provisions of that instrument which became the + foundation of the powerful Commonwealth of the United Netherlands. On the + day when it was concluded, there were present deputies from five provinces + only. Count John of Nassau signed first, as stadholder of Gelderland and + Zutfen. His signature was followed by those of four deputies from that + double province; and the envoys of Holland, Zealand, Utrecht and the + Frisian provinces, then signed the document. + </p> + <p> + The Prince himself, although in reality the principal director of the + movement, delayed appending his signature until May the 3rd, 1579. Herein + he was actuated by the reasons already stated, and by the hope which he + still entertained that a wider union might be established, with Matthias + for its nominal chief. His enemies, as usual, attributed this patriotic + delay to baser motives. They accused him of a desire to assume the + governor-generalship himself, to the exclusion of the Archduke—an + insinuation which the states of Holland took occasion formally to denounce + as a calumny. For those who have studied the character and history of the + man, a defence against such slander is superfluous. Matthias was but the + shadow, Orange the substance. The Archduke had been accepted only to + obviate the evil effects of a political intrigue, and with the express + condition that the Prince should be his lieutenant-general in name, his + master in fact. Directly after his departure in the following year, the + Prince's authority, which nominally departed also, was re-established in + his own person, and by express act of the states-general. + </p> + <p> + The Union of Utrecht was the foundation-stone of the Netherland Republic; + but the framers of the confederacy did not intend the establishment of a + Republic, or of an independent commonwealth of any kind. They had not + forsworn the Spanish monarch. It was not yet their intention to forswear + him. Certainly the act of union contained no allusion to such an important + step. On the contrary, in the brief preamble they expressly stated their + intention to strengthen the Ghent Pacification, and the Ghent Pacification + acknowledged obedience to the King. They intended no political innovation + of any kind. They expressly accepted matters as they were. All statutes, + charters, and privileges of provinces, cities, or corporations were to + remain untouched. They intended to form neither an independent state nor + an independent federal system. No doubt the formal renunciation of + allegiance, which was to follow within two years, was contemplated by many + as a future probability; but it could not be foreseen with certainty. + </p> + <p> + The simple act of union was not regarded as the constitution of a + commonwealth. Its object was a single one—defence against a foreign + oppressor. The contracting parties bound themselves together to spend all + their treasure and all their blood in expelling the foreign soldiery from + their soil. To accomplish this purpose, they carefully abstained from + intermeddling with internal politics and with religion. Every man was to + worship God according to the dictates of his conscience. Every combination + of citizens, from the provincial states down to the humblest rhetoric + club, was to retain its ancient constitution. The establishment of a + Republic, which lasted two centuries, which threw a girdle of rich + dependencies entirely round the globe, and which attained so remarkable a + height of commercial prosperity and political influence, was the result of + the Utrecht Union; but, it was not a premeditated result. A state, single + towards the rest of the world, a unit in its external relations, while + permitting internally a variety of sovereignties and institutions—in + many respects the prototype of our own much more extensive and powerful + union—was destined to spring from the act thus signed by the envoys + of five provinces. Those envoys were acting, however, under the pressure + of extreme necessity, and for what was believed an evanescent purpose. The + future confederacy was not to resemble the system of the German empire, + for it was to acknowledge no single head. It was to differ from the + Achaian league, in the far inferior amount of power which it permitted to + its general assembly, and in the consequently greater proportion of + sovereign attributes which were retained by the individual states. It was, + on the other hand, to furnish a closer and more intimate bond than that of + the Swiss confederacy, which was only a union for defence and external + purposes, of cantons otherwise independent. It was, finally, to differ + from the American federal commonwealth in the great feature that it was to + be merely a confederacy of sovereignties, not a representative Republic. + Its foundation was a compact, not a constitution. The contracting parties + were states and corporations, who considered themselves as representing + small nationalities 'dejure et de facto', and as succeeding to the supreme + power at the very instant in which allegiance to the Spanish monarch was + renounced. The general assembly was a collection of diplomatic envoys, + bound by instructions from independent states. The voting was not by + heads, but by states. The deputies were not representatives of the people, + but of the states; for the people of the United States of the Netherlands + never assembled—as did the people of the United States of America + two centuries later—to lay down a constitution, by which they + granted a generous amount of power to the union, while they reserved + enough of sovereign attributes to secure that local self-government which + is the life-blood of liberty. + </p> + <p> + The Union of Utrecht; narrowed as it was to the nether portion of that + country which, as a whole, might have formed a commonwealth so much more + powerful, was in origin a proof of this lamentable want of patriotism. + Could the jealousy of great nobles, the rancour of religious differences, + the Catholic bigotry of the Walloon population, on the one side, + contending with the democratic insanity of the Ghent populace on the + other, have been restrained within bounds by the moderate counsels of + William of Orange, it would have been possible to unite seventeen + provinces instead of seven, and to save many long and blighting years of + civil war. + </p> + <p> + The Utrecht Union was, however, of inestimable value. It was time for some + step to be taken, if anarchy were not to reign until the inquisition and + absolutism were restored. Already, out of Chaos and Night, the coming + Republic was assuming substance and form. The union, if it created nothing + else, at least constructed a league against a foreign foe whose armed + masses were pouring faster and faster into the territory of the provinces. + Farther than this it did not propose to go. It maintained what it found. + It guaranteed religious liberty, and accepted the civil and political + constitutions already in existence. Meantime, the defects of those + constitutions, although visible and sensible, had not grown to the large + proportions which they were destined to attain. + </p> + <p> + Thus by the Union of Utrecht on the one hand, and the fast approaching + reconciliation of the Walloon provinces on the other, the work of + decomposition and of construction went Land in hand. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Are apt to discharge such obligations—(by) ingratitude + Like a man holding a wolf by the ears + Local self-government which is the life-blood of liberty + No man ever understood the art of bribery more thoroughly + Not so successful as he was picturesque + Plundering the country which they came to protect + Presumption in entitling themselves Christian + Protect the common tranquillity by blood, purse, and life + Republic, which lasted two centuries + Throw the cat against their legs + Worship God according to the dictates of his conscience +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, Project Gutenberg + Edition, Vol. 32 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 II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Parma's feint upon Antwerp—He invests Maestricht—Deputation and + letters from the states-general, from Brussels, and from Parma, to + the Walloon provinces—Active negotiations by Orange and by Farnese + —Walloon envoys in Parma's camp before Maestricht—Festivities—The + Treaty of Reconciliation—Rejoicings of the royalist party—Comedy + enacted at the Paris theatres—Religious tumults in Antwerp, + Utrecht, and other cities—Religious Peace enforced by Orange— + Philip Egmont's unsuccessful attempt upon Brussels—Siege of + Maestricht—Failure at the Tongres gate—Mining and countermining— + Partial destruction of the Tongres ravelin—Simultaneous attack upon + the Tongres and Bolls-le-Duo gates—The Spaniards repulsed with + great loss—Gradual encroachments of the besiegers—Bloody contests + —The town taken—Horrible massacre—Triumphal entrance and solemn + thanksgiving—Calumnious attacks upon Orange—Renewed troubles in + Ghent—Imbue and Dathenus—The presence of the Prince solicited— + Coup d'etat of Imbue—Order restored, and Imbue expelled by Orange +</pre> + <p> + The political movements in both directions were to be hastened by the + military operations of the opening season. On the night of the 2nd of + March, 1579, the Prince of Parma made a demonstration against Antwerp. A + body of three thousand Scotch and English, lying at Borgerhout, was + rapidly driven in, and a warm skirmish ensued, directly under the walls of + the city. The Prince of Orange, with the Archduke Matthias, being in + Antwerp at the time, remained on the fortifications; superintending the + action, and Parma was obliged to retire after an hour or two of sharp + fighting, with a loss of four hundred men. This demonstration was, + however, only a feint. His real design was upon Maestricht; before which + important city he appeared in great force, ten days afterwards, when he + was least expected. + </p> + <p> + Well fortified, surrounded by a broad and deep moat; built upon both sides + of the Meuse, upon the right bank of which river, however, the portion of + the town was so inconsiderable that it was merely called the village of + Wyk, this key to the German gate of the Netherlands was, unfortunately, in + brave but feeble hands. The garrison was hardly one thousand strong; the + trained bands of burghers amounted to twelve hundred more; while between + three and four thousand peasants; who had taken refuge within the city + walls, did excellent service as sappers and miners. Parma, on the other + hand, had appeared before the walls with twenty thousand men; to which + number he received constant reinforcements. The Bishop of Liege, too, had + sent him four thousand pioneers—a most important service; for mining + and countermining was to decide the fate of Maestricht. + </p> + <p> + Early in January the royalists had surprised the strong chateau of Carpen, + in the neighbourhood of the city, upon which occasion the garrison were + all hanged by moonlight on the trees in the orchard. The commandant shared + their fate; and it is a curious fact that he had, precisely a year + previously, hanged the royalist captain, Blomaert, on the same spot, who, + with the rope around his neck, had foretold a like doom to his destroyer. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Orange, feeling the danger of Maestricht, lost no time in + warning the states to the necessary measures, imploring them "not to fall + asleep in the shade of a peace negotiation," while meantime Parma threw + two bridges over the Meuse, above and below the city, and then invested + the place so closely that all communication was absolutely suspended. + Letters could pass to and fro only at extreme peril to the messengers, and + all possibility of reinforcing the city at the moment was cut off. + </p> + <p> + While this eventful siege was proceeding, the negotiations with the + Walloons were ripening. The siege and the conferences went hand in hand. + Besides the secret arrangements already described for the separation of + the Walloon provinces, there had been much earnest and eloquent + remonstrance on the part of the states-general and of Orange—many + solemn embassies and public appeals. As usual, the Pacification of Ghent + was the two-sided shield which hung between the parties to cover or to + justify the blows which each dealt at the other. There is no doubt as to + the real opinion entertained concerning that famous treaty by the royal + party. "Through the peace of Ghent," said Saint Vaast, "all our woes have + been brought upon us." La Motte informed Parma that it was necessary to + pretend a respect for the Pacification, however, on account of its + popularity, but that it was well understood by the leaders of the Walloon + movement, that the intention was to restore the system of Charles the + Fifth. Parma signified his consent to make use of that treaty as a basis, + "provided always it were interpreted healthily, and not dislocated by + cavillations and sinister interpolations, as had been done by the Prince + of Orange." The Malcontent generals of the Walloon troops were + inexpressibly anxious lest the cause of religion should be endangered; but + the arguments by which Parma convinced those military casuists as to the + compatibility of the Ghent peace with sound doctrine have already been + exhibited. The influence of the reconciled nobles was brought to bear with + fatal effect upon the states of Artois, Hainault, and of a portion of + French Flanders. The Gallic element in their blood, and an intense + attachment to the Roman ceremonial, which distinguished the Walloon + population from their Batavian brethren, were used successfully by the + wily Parma to destroy the unity of the revolted Netherlands. Moreover, the + King offered good terms. The monarch, feeling safe on the religious point, + was willing to make liberal promises upon the political questions. In + truth, the great grievance of which the Walloons complained was the + insolence and intolerable outrages of the foreign soldiers. This, they + said, had alone made them malcontent. It was; therefore, obviously the cue + of Parma to promise the immediate departure of the troops. This could be + done the more easily, as he had no intention of keeping the promise. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the efforts of Orange, and of the states-general, where his + influence was still paramount, were unceasing to counteract the policy of + Parma. A deputation was appointed by the generality to visit the estates + of the Walloon provinces. Another was sent by the authorities of Brussels. + The Marquis of Havre, with several colleagues on behalf of the + states-general, waited upon the Viscount of Ghent, by whom they were + received with extreme insolence. He glared upon them, without moving, as + they were admitted to his presence; "looking like a dead man, from whom + the soul had entirely departed." Recovering afterwards from this stony + trance of indignation, he demanded a sight of their instructions. This + they courteously refused, as they were accredited not to him, but to the + states of Artois. At this he fell into a violent passion, and threatened + them with signal chastisement for daring to come thither with so + treasonable a purpose. In short, according to their own expression; he + treated them "as if they had been rogues and vagabonds." The Marquis of + Havre, high-born though he was, had been sufficiently used to such + conduct. The man who had successively served and betrayed every party, who + had been the obsequious friend and the avowed enemy of Don John within the + same fortnight, and who had been able to swallow and inwardly digest many + an insult from that fiery warrior, was even fain to brook the insolence of + Robert Melun. + </p> + <p> + The papers which the deputation had brought were finally laid before the + states of Artois, and received replies as prompt and bitter as the + addresses were earnest and eloquent. The Walloons, when summoned to hold + to that aegis of national unity, the Ghent peace, replied that it was not + they, but the heretic portion of the states-general, who were for dashing + it to the ground. The Ghent treaty was never intended to impair the + supremacy of the Catholic religion, said those provinces, which were + already on the point of separating for ever from the rest. The Ghent + treaty was intended expressly to destroy the inquisition and the placards, + answered the national-party. Moreover, the "very marrow of that treaty" + was the-departure of the foreign soldiers, who were even then overrunning + the land. The Walloons answered that Alexander had expressly conceded the + withdrawal of the troops. "Believe not the fluting and the piping of the + crafty foe," urged the patriots. "Promises are made profusely enough—but + only to lure you to perdition. Your enemies allow you to slake your hunger + and thirst with this idle hope of the troops' departure, but you are still + in fetters, although the chain be of Spanish pinchbeck, which you mistake + for gold." "'Tis not we," cried the Walloons, "who wish to separate from + the generality; 'tis the generality which separates from us. We had rather + die the death than not maintain the union. In the very same breath, + however, they boasted of the excellent terms which the monarch was + offering, and of their strong inclination to accept them." "Kings, + struggling to recover a lost authority, always promise golden mountains + and every sort of miracles," replied the patriots; but the warning was + uttered in vain. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the deputation from the city of Brussels arrived on the 28th of + March at Mons, in Hainault, where they were received with great courtesy + by Count de Lalain, governor of the province. The enthusiasm with which he + had espoused the cause of Queen Margaret and her brother Anjou had cooled, + but the Count received the Brussels envoys with a kindness in marked + contrast with the brutality of Melun. He made many fine speeches—protesting + his attachment to, the union, for which he was ready to shed the last drop + of his blood—entertained the deputies at dinner, proposed toasts to + the prosperity of the united provinces, and dismissed his guests at last + with many flowery professions. After dancing attendance for a few days, + however, upon the estates of the Walloon provinces, both sets of deputies + were warned to take their instant departure as mischief-makers and rebels. + They returned, accordingly, to Brussels, bringing the written answers + which the estates had vouchsafed to send. + </p> + <p> + The states-general, too, inspired by William of Orange, addressed a solemn + appeal to their sister provinces, thus about to abjure the bonds of + relationship for ever. It seemed right, once for all, to grapple with the + Ghent Pacification for the last time, and to strike a final blow in + defence of that large statesmanlike interpretation, which alone could make + the treaty live. This was done eloquently and logically. The Walloons were + reminded that at the epoch of the Ghent peace the number of Reformers + outside of Holland and Zealand was supposed small. Now the new religion + had spread its roots through the whole land, and innumerable multitudes + desired its exercise. If Holland and Zealand chose to reestablish the + Catholic worship within their borders, they could manifestly do so without + violating the treaty of Ghent. Why then was it not competent to other + provinces, with equal allegiance to the treaty, to sanction the Reformed + religion within their limits? + </p> + <p> + Parma, on his part, publicly invited the states-general, by letter, to + sustain the Ghent treaty by accepting the terms offered to the Walloons, + and by restoring the system of the Emperor Charles, of very lofty memory. + To this superfluous invitation the states-general replied, on the 19th of + March, that it had been the system of the Emperor Charles; of lofty + memory, to maintain the supremacy of Catholicism and of Majesty in the + Netherlands by burning Netherlanders—a custom which the states, with + common accord, had thought it desirable to do away with. + </p> + <p> + In various fervently-written appeals by Orange, by the states-general, and + by other bodies, the wavering provinces were warned against seduction. + They were reminded that the Prince of Parma was using this minor + negotiation "as a second string to his bow;" that nothing could be more + puerile than to suppose the Spaniards capable, after securing Maestricht, + of sending away their troops thus "deserting the bride in the midst of the + honeymoon." They expressed astonishment at being invited to abandon the + great and general treaty which had been made upon the theatre of the whole + world by the intervention of the principal princes of Christendom, in + order to partake in underhand negotiation with the commissioners of + Parma-men, "who, it would not be denied, were felons and traitors." They + warned their brethren not to embark on the enemy's ships in the dark, for + that, while chaffering as to the price of the voyage, they would find that + the false pilots had hoisted sail and borne them away in the night. In + vain would they then seek to reach the shore again. The example of La + Motte and others, "bird-limed with Spanish gold," should be salutary for + all-men who were now driven forward with a whip, laughed to scorn by their + new masters, and forced to drink the bitter draught of humiliation along + with the sweet poison of bribery. They were warned to study well the + intercepted letters of Curiel, in order fully to fathom the deep designs + and secret contempt of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + Such having been the result of the negotiations between the states-general + and the Walloon provinces, a strong deputation now went forth from those + provinces, towards the end of April, to hold a final colloquy with Parma, + then already busied with the investment of Maestricht. They were met upon + the road with great ceremony, and escorted into the presence of Farnese + with drum, trumpet, and flaunting banners. He received them with stately + affability, in a magnificently decorated pavilion, carelessly inviting + them to a repast, which he called an afternoon's lunch, but which proved a + most sumptuous and splendidly appointed entertainment. This "trifling + foolish banquet" finished, the deputies were escorted, with great military + parade, to the lodgings which had been provided for them in a neighbouring + village. During the period of their visit, all the chief officers of the + army and the household were directed to entertain the Walloons with showy + festivals, dinners, suppers, dances, and carousals of all kinds. At one of + the most brilliant of these revels—a magnificent ball, to which all + the matrons and maids of the whole country round had been bidden—the + Prince of Parma himself unexpectedly made his appearance. He gently + rebuked the entertainers for indulging in such splendid hospitality + without, at least, permitting him to partake of it. Charmingly affable to + the ladies assembled in the ball-room, courteous, but slightly reserved, + towards the Walloon envoys, he excited the admiration of all by the + splendid decorum of his manners. As he moved through the halls, modulating + his steps in grave cadence to the music, the dignity and grace of his + deportment seemed truly majestic; but when he actually danced a measure + himself the enthusiasm was at its height. They should, indeed, be rustics, + cried the Walloon envoys in a breath, not to give the hand of fellowship + at once to a Prince so condescending and amiable. The exclamation seemed + to embody the general wish, and to foreshadow a speedy conclusion. + </p> + <p> + Very soon afterwards a preliminary accord was signed between the King's + government and the Walloon provinces. The provisions on his Majesty's part + were sufficiently liberal. The religious question furnishing no obstacle, + it was comparatively easy for Philip to appear benignant. It was + stipulated that the provincial privileges should be respected; that a + member of the King's own family, legitimately born, should always be + Governor-General, and that the foreign troops should be immediately + withdrawn. The official exchange and ratification of this treaty were + delayed till the 4th of the following September, but the news that, the + reconciliation had been definitely settled soon spread through the + country. The Catholics were elated, the patriots dismayed. Orange-the + "Prince of Darkness," as the Walloons of the day were fond of calling him—still + unwilling to despair, reluctant to accept this dismemberment, which he + foresaw was to be a perpetual one, of his beloved country, addressed the + most passionate and solemn adjurations to the Walloon provinces, and to + their military chieftains. He offered all his children as hostages for his + good faith in keeping sacredly any covenant which his Catholic countrymen + might be willing to close with him. It was in vain. The step was + irretrievably taken; religious bigotry, patrician jealousy, and wholesale + bribery, had severed the Netherlands in twain for ever. The friends of + Romanism, the enemies of civil and religious liberty, exulted from one end + of Christendom to the other, and it was recognized that Parma had, indeed, + achieved a victory which although bloodless, was as important to the cause + of absolutism as any which even his sword was likely to achieve. + </p> + <p> + The joy of the Catholic party in Paris manifested itself in a variety of + ways. At the principal theatre an uncouth pantomime was exhibited, in + which his Catholic Majesty was introduced upon the stage, leading by a + halter a sleek cow, typifying the Netherlands. The animal by a sudden + effort, broke the cord, and capered wildly about. Alexander of Parma + hastened to fasten the fragments together, while sundry personages, + representing the states-general, seized her by the horns, some leaping + upon her back, others calling upon the bystanders to assist in holding the + restive beast. The Emperor, the King of France, and the Queen of England—which + last personage was observed now to smile upon one party, now to affect + deep sympathy with the other—remained stationary; but the Duke of + Alencon rushed upon the stage, and caught the cow by the tail. The Prince + of Orange and Hans Casimir then appeared with a bucket, and set themselves + busily to milk her, when Alexander again seized the halter. The cow gave a + plunge, upset the pail, prostrated Casimir with one kick and Orange with + another, and then followed Parma with docility as he led her back to + Philip. This seems not very "admirable fooling," but it was highly + relished by the polite Parisians of the sixteenth century, and has been + thought worthy of record by classical historians. + </p> + <p> + The Walloon accord was an auspicious prelude, in the eyes of the friends + of absolutism, to the negotiations which were opened in the month of May, + at Cologne. Before sketching, as rapidly as possible, those celebrated but + barren conferences, it is necessary, for the sake of unity in the + narrative, to cast a glance at certain synchronical events in different + parts of the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + The success attained by the Catholic party in the Walloon negotiations had + caused a corresponding bitterness in the hearts of the Reformers + throughout the country. As usual, bitterness had begot bitterness; + intolerance engendered intolerance. On the 28th of May, 1579, as the + Catholics of Antwerp were celebrating the Ommegang—the same festival + which had been the exciting cause of the memorable tumults of the year + sixty-five—the irritation of the populace could not be repressed. + The mob rose in its wrath to put down these demonstrations—which, + taken in connection with recent events, seemed ill-timed and insolent—of + a religion whose votaries then formed but a small minority of the Antwerp + citizens. There was a great tumult. Two persons were killed. The Archduke + Matthias, who was himself in the Cathedral of Notre Dame assisting at the + ceremony, was in danger of his life. The well known cry of "paapen uit" + (out with the papists) resounded through the streets, and the priests and + monks were all hustled out of town amid a tempest of execrations. Orange + did his utmost to quell the mutiny, nor were his efforts fruitless—for + the uproar, although seditious and disgraceful, was hardly sanguinary. + Next day the Prince summoned the magistracy, the Monday council, the guild + officers, with all the chief municipal functionaries, and expressed his + indignation in decided terms. He protested that if such tumults, + originating in that very spirit of intolerance which he most deplored, + could not be repressed for the future, he was determined to resign his + offices, and no longer to affect authority in a city where his counsels + were derided. The magistrates, alarmed at his threats, and sympathizing + with his anger, implored him not to desert them, protesting that if he + should resign his offices, they would instantly lay down their own. An + ordinance was then drawn up and immediately, proclaimed at the Town House, + permitting the Catholics to re-enter the city, and to enjoy the privileges + of religious worship. At the same time, it was announced that a new draft + of a religious peace would be forthwith issued for the adoption of every + city. + </p> + <p> + A similar tumult, arising from the same cause, at Utrecht, was attended + with the like result. On the other hand, the city of Brussels was + astonished by a feeble and unsuccessful attempts at treason, made by a + youth who bore an illustrious name. Philip, Count of Egmont, eldest son of + the unfortunate Lamoral, had command of a regiment in the service of the + states. He had, besides, a small body of cavalry in immediate attendance + upon his person. He had for some time felt inclined—like the + Lalains, Meluns, La Mottes, and others to reconcile himself with the + Crown, and he wisely thought that the terms accorded to him would be more + liberal if he could bring the capital of Brabant with him as a peace + offering to his Majesty. His residence was in Brussels. His regiment was + stationed outside the gates, but in the immediate neighbourhood of the + city. On the morning of the 4th of June he despatched his troopers—as + had been frequently his custom—on various errands into the country. + On their return, after having summoned the regiment, they easily mastered + and butchered the guard at the gate through which they had re-entered, + supplying their place with men from their own ranks. The Egmont regiment + then came marching through the gate in good order—Count Philip at + their head—and proceeded to station themselves upon the Grande Place + in the centre of the city. All this was at dawn of day. The burghers, who + looked forth from their houses, were astounded and perplexed by this + movement at so unwonted an hour, and hastened to seize their weapons. + Egmont sent a detachment to take possession of the palace. He was too + late. Colonel Van der Tympel, commandant of the city, had been beforehand + with him, had got his troops under arms, and now secured the rebellious + detachment. Meantime, the alarm had spread. Armed burghers came from every + house, and barricades were hastily thrown up across every one of the + narrow streets leading to the square. Every issue was closed. Not a man of + Egmont's adherents—if he indeed had adherents among the townsmen—dared + to show his face. The young traitor and his whole regiment, drawn up on + the Grande Place, were completely entrapped. He had not taken Brussels, + but assuredly Brussels had taken him. All day long he was kept in his + self-elected prison and pillory, bursting with rage and shame. His + soldiers, who were without meat or drink, became insolent and uproarious, + and he was doomed also to hear the bitter and well-merited taunts of the + towns-people. A thousand stinging gibes, suggested by his name and the + locality, were mercilessly launched upon him. He was asked if he came + thither to seek his father's head. He was reminded that the morrow was the + anniversary of that father's murder upon that very spot—by those + with whom the son would now make his treasonable peace. He was bidden to + tear up but a few stones from the pavement beneath his feet, that the + hero's blood might cry out against him from the very ground. + </p> + <p> + Tears of shame and fury sprang from the young man's eyes as he listened to + these biting sarcasms, but the night closed upon that memorable square, + and still the Count was a prisoner. Eleven years before, the summer stars + had looked down upon a more dense array of armed men within that place. + The preparations for the pompous and dramatic execution, which on the + morrow was to startle all Europe, had been carried out in the midst of a + hushed and overawed population; and now, on the very anniversary of the + midnight in which that scaffold had risen, should not the grand spectre of + the victim have started from the grave to chide his traitorous son? + </p> + <p> + Thus for a whole day and night was the baffled conspirator compelled to + remain in the ignominious position which he had selected for himself. On + the morning of the 5th of June he was permitted to depart, by a somewhat + inexplicable indulgence, together with all his followers. He rode out of + the gate at early dawn, contemptible and crest-fallen, at the head of his + regiment of traitors, and shortly afterwards—pillaging and levying + black mail as he went—made his way to Montigny's quarters. + </p> + <p> + It might have seemed natural, after such an exhibition, that Philip Egmont + should accept his character of renegade, and confess his intention of + reconciling himself with the murderers of his father. On the contrary, he + addressed a letter to the magistracy of Brussels, denying with vehemence + "any intention of joining the party of the pernicious Spaniards," warmly + protesting his zeal and affection for the states, and denouncing the + "perverse inventors of these calumnies against him as the worst enemies of + the poor afflicted country." The magistrates replied by expressing their + inability to comprehend how the Count, who had suffered villainous wrongs + from the Spaniards, such as he could never sufficiently deplore or avenge, + should ever be willing to enslave himself, to those tyrants. Nevertheless, + exactly at the moment of this correspondence, Egmont was in close + negotiation with Spain, having fifteen days before the date of his letter + to the Brussels senate, conveyed to Parma his resolution to "embrace the + cause of his Majesty and the ancient religion"—an intention which he + vaunted himself to have proved "by cutting the throats of three companies + of states' soldiers at Nivelle, Grandmont, and Ninove." Parma had already + written to communicate the intelligence to the King, and to beg + encouragement for the Count. In September, the monarch wrote a letter to + Egmont, full of gratitude and promises, to which the Count replied by + expressing lively gratification that his Majesty was pleased with his + little services, by avowing profound attachment to Church and King, and by + asking eagerly for money, together with the government of Alost. He soon + became singularly importunate for rewards and promotion, demanding, among + other posts, the command of the "band of ordnance," which had been his + father's. Parma, in reply, was prodigal of promises, reminding the young + noble "that he was serving a sovereign who well knew how to reward the + distinguished exploits of his subjects." Such was the language of Philip + the Second and his Governor to the son of the headless hero of Saint + Quentin; such was the fawning obsequiousness with which Egmont could kiss + that royal hand reeking with his father's blood. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile the siege of Maestricht had been advancing with steady + precision. To military minds of that epoch—perhaps of later ages—this + achievement of Parma seemed a masterpiece of art. The city commanded the + Upper Meuse, and was the gate into Germany. It contained thirty-four + thousand inhabitants. An army, numbering almost as many Souls, was brought + against it; and the number of deaths by which its capture was at last + effected, was probably equal to that of a moiety of the population. To the + technical mind, the siege no doubt seemed a beautiful creation of human + intelligence. To the honest student of history, to the lover of human + progress, such a manifestation of intellect seems a sufficiently sad + exhibition. Given, a city with strong walls and towers, a slender garrison + and a devoted population on one side; a consummate chieftain on the other, + with an army of veterans at his back, no interruption to fear, and a long + season to work in; it would not seem to an unsophisticated mind a very + lofty exploit for the soldier to carry the city at the end of four months' + hard labor. + </p> + <p> + The investment of Maestricht was commenced upon the 12th of March, 1579. + In the city, besides the population, there were two thousand peasants, + both men and women, a garrison of one thousand soldiers; and a trained + burgher guard; numbering about twelve hundred. The name of the military + commandant was Melchior. Sebastian Tappin, a Lorraine officer of much + experience and bravery, was next in command, and was, in truth, the + principal director of the operations. He had been despatched thither by + the Prince of Orange, to serve under La None, who was to have commanded in + Maestricht, but had been unable to enter the city. Feeling that the siege + was to be a close one, and knowing how much depended upon the issue, + Sebastian lost no time in making every needful preparation for coming + events. The walls were strengthened everywhere; shafts were sunk, + preparatory to the countermining operations which were soon to become + necessary; the moat was deepened and cleared, and the forts near the gates + were put in thorough repair. On the other hand, Alexander had encircled + the city, and had thrown two bridges, well fortified, across the river. + There were six gates to the town, each provided with ravelins, and there + was a doubt in what direction the first attack should be made. Opinions + wavered between the gate of Bois-le-Duc, next the river, and that of + Tongres on the south-western side, but it was finally decided to attempt + the gate of Tongres. + </p> + <p> + Over against that point the platforms were accordingly constructed, and + after a heavy cannonade from forty-six great guns continued for several + days, it was thought, by the 25th of March, that an impression had been + made upon the city. A portion of the brick curtain had crumbled, but + through the breach was seen a massive terreplein, well moated, which, + after six thousand shots already delivered on the outer wall—still + remained uninjured. It was recognized that the gate of Tongres was not the + most assailable, but rather the strongest portion of the defences, and + Alexander therefore determined to shift his batteries to the gate of + Bois-le-Duc. At the same time, the attempt upon that of Tongres was to be + varied, but not abandoned. Four thousand miners, who had passed half their + lives in burrowing for coal in that anthracite region, had been furnished + by the Bishop of Liege, and this force was now set to their subterranean + work. A mine having been opened at a distance, the besiegers slowly worked + their way towards the Tongres gate, while at the same time the more + ostensible operations were in the opposite direction. The besieged had + their miners also, for the peasants in the city had been used to work with + mattock and pickaxe. The women, too, enrolled themselves into companies, + chose their officers—or "mine-mistresses," as they were called—and + did good service daily in the caverns of the earth. Thus a whole army of + gnomes were noiselessly at work to destroy and defend the beleaguered + city. The mine advanced towards the gate; the besieged delved deeper, and + intersected it with a transverse excavation, and the contending forces met + daily, in deadly encounter, within these sepulchral gangways. Many + stratagems were, mutually employed. The citizens secretly constructed a + dam across the Spanish mine, and then deluged their foe with hogsheads of + boiling water. Hundreds were thus scalded to death. They heaped branches + and light fagots in the hostile mine, set fire to the pile, and blew thick + volumes of smoke along the passage with organ-bellows brought from the + churches for the purpose. Many were thus suffocated. The discomfited + besiegers abandoned the mine where they had met with such able + countermining, and sunk another shaft, at midnight, in secret, at a long + distance from the Tongres gate. Still towards that point, however, they + burrowed in the darkness; guiding themselves to their destination with + magnet, plumbline and level, as the mariner crosses the trackless ocean + with compass and chart. They worked their way, unobstructed, till they + arrived at their subterranean port, directly beneath the doomed ravelin. + Here they constructed a spacious chamber, supporting it with columns, and + making all their architectural arrangements with as much precision and + elegance as if their object had been purely esthetic. Coffers full of + powder, to an enormous amount, were then placed in every direction across + the floor, the train was laid, and Parma informed that all was ready. + Alexander, having already arrayed the troops destined for the assault, + then proceeded in person to the mouth of the shaft, and gave orders to + spring the mine. The explosion was prodigious; a part of the tower fell + with the concussion, and the moat was choked with heaps of rubbish. The + assailants sprang across the passage thus afforded, and mastered the + ruined portion of the fort. They were met in the breach, however, by the + unflinching defenders of the city, and, after a fierce combat of some + hours, were obliged to retire; remaining masters, however, of the moat, + and of the ruined portion of the ravelin. This was upon the 3rd of April. + </p> + <p> + Five days afterwards, a general assault was ordered. A new mine having + been already constructed towards the Tongres ravelin, and a faithful + cannonade having been kept up for a fortnight against the Bois-le-Duc + gate, it was thought advisable to attack at both points at once. On the + 8th of April, accordingly, after uniting in prayer, and listening to a + speech from Alexander Farnese, the great mass of the Spanish army advanced + to the breach. The moat had been rendered practicable in many places by + the heaps of rubbish with which it had been encumbered, and by the fagots + and earth with which it had been filled by the besiegers. The action at + the Bois-le-Duc gate was exceedingly warm. The tried veterans of Spain, + Italy, and Burgundy, were met face to face by the burghers of Maestricht, + together with their wives and children. All were armed to the teeth, and + fought with what seemed superhuman valor. The women, fierce as tigresses + defending their young, swarmed to the walls, and fought in the foremost + rank. They threw pails of boiling water on the besiegers, they hurled + firebrands in their faces; they quoited blazing pitch-hoops with, unerring + dexterity about their necks. The rustics too, armed with their ponderous + flails, worked as cheerfully at this bloody harvesting as if thrashing + their corn at home. Heartily did they winnow the ranks of the royalists + who came to butcher them, and thick and fast fell the invaders, fighting + bravely, but baffled by these novel weapons used by peasant and woman, + coming to the aid of the sword; spear, and musket of trained soldiery. + More than a thousand had fallen at the Bois-le-Duc gate, and still fresh + besiegers mounted the breach, only to be beaten back, or to add to the + mangled heap of the slain. At the Tongres gate, meanwhile, the assault had + fared no better. A herald had been despatched thither in hot haste, to + shout at the top of his lungs, "Santiago! Santiago! the Lombards have the + gate of Bois-le-Duc!" while the same stratagem was employed to persuade + the invaders on the other side of the town that their comrades had forced + the gate of Tongres. The soldiers, animated by this fiction, and advancing + with fury against the famous ravelin; which had been but partly destroyed, + were received with a broadside from the great guns of the unshattered + portion, and by a rattling discharge of musketry from the walls. They + wavered a little. At the same instant the new mine—which was to have + been sprung between the ravelin and the gate, but which had been secretly + countermined by the townspeople, exploded with a horrible concussion, at a + moment least expected by the besiegers. Five hundred royalists were blown + into the air. Ortiz, a Spanish captain of engineers, who had been + inspecting the excavations, was thrown up bodily from the subterranean + depth. He fell back again instantly into the same cavern, and was buried + by the returning shower of earth which had spouted from the mine. + Forty-five years afterwards, in digging for the foundations of a new wall, + his skeleton was found. Clad in complete armor, the helmet and cuirass + still sound, with his gold chain around his neck, and his mattock and + pickaxe at his feet, the soldier lay unmutilated, seeming almost capable + of resuming his part in the same war which—even after his half + century's sleep—was still ravaging the land. + </p> + <p> + Five hundred of the Spaniards, perished by the explosion, but none of the + defenders were injured, for they, had been prepared. Recovering from the + momentary panic, the besiegers again rushed to the attack. The battle + raged. Six hundred and seventy officers, commissioned or non-commissioned, + had already fallen, more than half mortally wounded. Four thousand + royalists, horribly mutilated, lay on the ground. It was time that the + day's work should be finished, for Maastricht was not to be carried upon + that occasion. The best and bravest of the surviving officers besought + Parma to put an end to the carnage by recalling the troops; but the + gladiator heart of the commander was heated, not softened, by the savage + spectacle. "Go back to the breach," he cried, "and tell the soldiers that + Alexander is coming to lead them into the city in triumph, or to perish + with his comrades." He rushed forward with the fury which had marked him + when he boarded Mustapha's galley at Lepanto; but all the generals who + were near him threw themselves upon his path, and implored him to desist + from such insensate rashness. Their expostulations would have probably + been in vain, had not his confidential friend, Serbelloni, interposed with + something like paternal authority, reminding him of the strict commands + contained in his Majesty's recent letters, that the Governor-General, to + whom so much was entrusted, should refrain, on pain of the royal + displeasure, from exposing his life like a common fighter. + </p> + <p> + Alexander reluctantly gave the signal of recal at last, and accepted the + defeat. For the future he determined to rely more upon the sapper and + miner, and less upon the superiority of veterans to townsmen and rustics + in open fight. Sure to carry the city at last, according to line and rule, + determined to pass the whole summer beneath the walls, rather than abandon + his purpose, he calmly proceeded to complete his circumvallations. A chain + of eleven forts upon the left, and five upon the right side of the Meuse, + the whole connected by a continuous wall, afforded him perfect security + against interruptions, and allowed him to continue the siege at leisure. + His numerous army was well housed and amply supplied, and he had built a + strong and populous city in order to destroy another. Relief was + impossible. But a few thousand men were now required to defend Farnese's + improvised town, while the bulk of his army could be marched at any moment + against an advancing foe. A force of seven thousand, painfully collected + by the Prince of Orange, moved towards the place, under command of Hohenlo + and John of Nassau, but struck with wonder at what they saw, the leaders + recognized the hopelessness of attempting relief. Maestricht was + surrounded by a second Maestricht. + </p> + <p> + The efforts of Orange were now necessarily directed towards obtaining, if + possible, a truce of a few weeks from the negotiators at Cologne. Parma + was too crafty, however, to allow Terranova to consent, and as the Duke + disclaimed any power over the direct question of peace and war, the siege + proceeded. The gates of Bois-le-Duc and Tongres having thus far resisted + the force brought against them, the scene was changed to the gate of + Brussels. This adjoined that of Tongres, was farthest from the river, and + faced westwardly towards the open country. Here the besieged had + constructed an additional ravelin, which they had christened, in derision, + "Parma," and against which the batteries of Parma were now brought to + bear. Alexander erected a platform of great extent and strength directly + opposite the new work, and after a severe and constant cannonade from this + elevation, followed by a bloody action, the "Parma" fort was carried. One + thousand, at least, of the defenders fell, as, forced gradually from one + defence to another, they saw the triple walls of their ravelin crumble + successively before their eyes. The tower was absolutely annihilated + before they abandoned its ruins, and retired within their last defences. + Alexander being now master of the fosa and the defences of the Brussels + gate, drew up a large force on both aides of that portal, along the margin + of the moat, and began mining beneath the inner wall of the city. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the garrison had been reduced to four hundred soldiers, nearly + all of whom were wounded: wearied and driven to despair, these soldiers + were willing to treat. The townspeople, however, answered the proposition + with a shout of fury, and protested that they would destroy the garrison + with their own hands if such an insinuation were repeated. Sebastian + Tappin, too, encouraged them with the hope of speedy relief, and held out + to them the wretched consequences of trusting to the mercy of their foes. + The garrison took heart again, while that of the burghers and their wives + had, never faltered. Their main hope now was in a fortification which they + had been constructing inside the Brussels gate—a demilune of + considerable strength. Behind it was a breastwork of turf and masonry, to + serve as a last bulwark when every other defence should be forced. The + whole had been surrounded by a foss thirty feet in depth, and the + besiegers, as they mounted upon the breaches which they had at last + effected in the outer curtain, near the Brussels gate, saw for the first + time this new fortification. + </p> + <p> + The general condition of the defences, and the disposition of the + inhabitants, had been revealed to Alexander by a deserter from the town. + Against this last fortress the last efforts of the foe were now directed. + Alexander ordered a bridge to be thrown across the city moat. As it was + sixty feet wide and as many deep, and lay directly beneath the guns of the + new demilune, the enterprise was sufficiently hazardous. Alexander led the + way in person, with a mallet in one hand and a mattockin the other. Two + men fell dead instantly, one on his right hand and his left, while he + calmly commenced, in his own person, the driving of the first piles for + the bridge. His soldiers fell fast around him. Count Berlaymont was shot + dead, many officers of distinction were killed or wounded, but no soldier + dared recoil while their chieftain wrought amid the bullets like a common + pioneer. Alexander, unharmed, as by a miracle, never left the spot till + the bridge had been constructed, and till ten great guns had been carried + across it, and pointed against the demilune. The battery was opened, the + mines previously excavated were sprung, a part of the demilune was blown + into the air, and the assailants sprang into the breach. Again a furious + hand-to-hand conflict succeeded; again, after an obstinate resistance, the + townspeople were forced to yield. Slowly abandoning the shattered fort, + they retired behind the breastwork in its rear—their innermost and + last defence. To this barrier they clung as to a spar in shipwreck, and + here at last they stood at bay, prepared dearly to sell their lives. + </p> + <p> + The breastwork, being still strong, was not attempted upon that day. The + assailants were recalled, and in the mean time a herald was sent by Parma, + highly applauding the courage of the defenders, and begging them to + surrender at discretion. They answered the messenger with words of haughty + defiance, and, rushing in a mass to the breastwork, began with spade, + pickax, and trowel, to add to its strength. Here all the able-bodied men + of the town took up their permanent position, and here they ate, drank, + and slept upon their posts, while their food was brought to them by the + women and children. + </p> + <p> + A little letter, "written in a fine neat handwriting," now mysteriously + arrived in the city, encouraging them in the name of the Archduke and the + Prince of Orange, and assuring them of relief within fourteen days. A + brief animation was thus produced, attended by a corresponding languor + upon the part of the besiegers, for Alexander had been lying ill with a + fever since the day when the demilune had been carried. From his sick bed + he rebuked his officers severely that a temporary breastwork, huddled + together by boors and burghers in the midst of a siege, should prove an + insurmountable obstacle to men who had carried everything before them. The + morrow was the festival of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and it was meet + that so sacred a day should be hallowed by a Christian and Apostolic + victory. Saint Peter would be there with, his keys to open the gate; Saint + Paul would lead them to battle with his invincible sword. Orders were + given accordingly, and the assault was assigned for the following morning. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the guards were strengthened and commanded to be more than + usually watchful. The injunction had a remarkable effect. At the dead of + night, a soldier of the watch was going his rounds on the outside of the + breastwork, listening, if perchance he might catch, as was not unusual, a + portion of the conversation among the beleaguered burghers within. Prying + about on every side, he at last discovered a chink in the wall, the + result, doubtless, of the last cannonade, and hitherto overlooked. He + enlarged the gap with his fingers, and finally made an opening wide enough + to admit his person. He crept boldly through, and looked around in the + clear starlight. The sentinels were all slumbering at their posts. He + advanced stealthily in the dusky streets. Not a watchman was going his + rounds. Soldiers, burghers, children, women, exhausted by incessant + fatigue, were all asleep. Not a footfall was heard; not a whisper broke + the silence; it seemed a city of the dead. The soldier crept back through + the crevice, and hastened to apprise his superiors of his adventure. + </p> + <p> + Alexander, forthwith instructed as to the condition of the city, at once + ordered the assault, and the last wall was suddenly stormed before the + morning broke. The soldiers forced their way through the breach or sprang + over the breastwork, and surprised at last—in its sleep—the + city which had so long and vigorously defended itself. The burghers, + startled from their slumber, bewildered, unprepared, found themselves + engaged in unequal conflict with alert and savage foes. The battle, as + usual when Netherland towns were surprised by Philip's soldiers, soon + changed to a massacre. The townspeople rushed hither and thither, but + there was neither escape, nor means of resisting an enemy who now poured + into the town by thousands upon thousands. An indiscriminate slaughter + succeeded: Women, old men, and children, had all been combatants; and all, + therefore, had incurred the vengeance of the conquerors. A cry of agony + arose which was distinctly heard at the distance of a league. Mothers took + their infants in their arms, and threw themselves by hundreds into the + Meuse—and against women the blood-thirst of the assailants was + especially directed. Females who had fought daily in the trenches, who had + delved in mines and mustered on the battlements, had unsexed themselves in + the opinion of those whose comrades they had helped to destroy. It was + nothing that they had laid aside the weakness of women in order to defend + all that was holy and dear to them on earth. It was sufficient that many a + Spanish, Burgundian, or Italian mercenary had died by their hands. Women + were pursued from house to house, and hurled from roof and window. They + were hunted into the river; they were torn limb from limb in the streets. + Men and children fared no better; but the heart sickens at the + oft-repeated tale. Horrors, alas, were commonplaces in the Netherlands. + Cruelty too monstrous for description, too vast to be believed by a mind + not familiar with the outrages practised by the soldiers of Spain and + Italy upon their heretic fellow-creatures, were now committed afresh in + the streets of Maestricht. + </p> + <p> + On the first day four thousand men and women were slaughtered. The + massacre lasted two days longer; nor would it be an exaggerated estimate, + if we assume that the amount of victims upon the two last days was equal + to half the number sacrificed on the first. It was said that not four + hundred citizens were left alive after the termination of the siege. These + soon wandered away, their places being supplied by a rabble rout of + Walloon sutlers and vagabonds. Maestricht was depopulated as well as + captured. The booty obtained after the massacre was very large, for the + city had been very thriving, its cloth manufacture extensive and + important. Sebastian Tappin, the heroic defender of the place, had been + shot through the shoulder at the taking of the Parma ravelin, and had been + afterwards severely injured at the capture of the demilune. At the fall of + the city he was mortally wounded, and carried a prisoner to the hostile + camp, only to expire. The governor, Swartsenberg, also lost his life. + </p> + <p> + Alexander, on the contrary, was raised from his sick bed with the joyful + tidings of victory, and as soon as he could be moved, made his appearance + in the city. Seated in a splendid chair of state, borne aloft on the + shoulders of his veterans, with a golden canopy above his head to protect + him from the summer's sun, attended by the officers of his staff, who were + decked by his special command in, their gayest trappings, escorted by his + body-guard, followed by his "plumed troops," to the number of twenty + thousand, surrounded by all the vanities of war, the hero made his stately + entrance into the town. His way led through deserted streets of shattered + houses. The pavement ran red with blood. Headless corpses, mangled limbs—an + obscene mass of wretchedness and corruption, were spread on every side, + and tainted the summer air. Through the thriving city which, in the course + of four months Alexander had converted into a slaughter-house and a + solitude, the pompous procession took its course to the church of Saint + Servais. Here humble thanks were offered to the God of Love, and to Jesus + of Nazareth, for this new victory. Especially was gratitude expressed to + the Apostles Paul and Peter; upon whose festival, and by whose sword and + key the crowning mercy had been accomplished,—and by whose special + agency eight thousand heretics now lay unburied in the streets. These acts + of piety performed, the triumphal procession returned to the camp, where, + soon afterwards, the joyful news of Alexander Farnese's entire + convalescence was proclaimed. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Orange, as usual, was blamed for the tragical termination to + this long drama. All that one man could do, he had done to awaken his + countrymen to the importance of the siege. He had repeatedly brought the + subject solemnly before the assembly, and implored for Maestricht, almost + upon his knees. Lukewarm and parsimonious, the states had responded to his + eloquent appeals with wrangling addressee and insufficient votes. With a + special subsidy obtained in April and May, he had organized the slight + attempt at relief, which was all which he had been empowered to make, but + which proved entirely unsuccessful. Now that the massacre to be averted + was accomplished, men were loud in reproof, who had been silent, and + passive while there was yet time to speak and to work. It was the Prince, + they said, who had delivered so many thousands of his fellow-countrymen + to, butchery. To save himself, they insinuated he was now plotting to + deliver the land into the power of the treacherous Frenchman, and he + alone, they asserted, was the insuperable obstacle to an honorable peace + with Spain. + </p> + <p> + A letter, brought by an unknown messenger, was laid before the states' + assembly, in full session, and sent to the clerk's table, to be read + aloud. After the first few sentences, that functionary faltered in his + recital. Several members also peremptorily ordered him to stop; for the + letter proved to be a violent and calumnious libel upon Orange, together + with a strong appeal in favor of the peace propositions then under debate + at Cologne. The Prince alone, of all the assembly, preserving his + tranquillity, ordered the document to be brought to him, and forthwith + read it aloud himself, from beginning to end. Afterwards, he took occasion + to express his mind concerning the ceaseless calumnies of which he was the + mark. He especially alluded to the oft-repeated accusation that he was the + only obstacle to peace, and repeated that he was ready at that moment to + leave the land, and to close his lips for ever, if by so doing he could + benefit his country, and restore her to honorable repose. The outcry, with + the protestations of attachment and confidence which at once broke from + the assembly, convinced him, however, that he was deeply rooted in the + hearts of all patriotic Netherlanders, and that it was beyond the power of + slanderers to loosen his hold upon their affection. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, his efforts had again and again been demanded to restore order + in that abode of anarchy, the city of Ghent. After his visit during the + previous winter, and the consequent departure of John Casimir to the + palatinate, the pacific arrangements made by the Prince had for a short + time held good. Early in March, however, that master of misrule, John van + Imbize, had once more excited the populace to sedition. Again the property + of Catholics, clerical and lay, was plundered; again the persons of + Catholics, of every degree, were maltreated. The magistrates, with first + senator Imbize at their head, rather encouraged than rebuked the disorder; + but Orange, as soon as he received official intelligence of the event, + hastened to address them in the words of earnest warning and wisdom. He + allowed that the inhabitants of the province had reason to be discontented + with the presence and the misconduct of the Walloon soldiery. He granted + that violence and the menaces of a foreign tyranny made it difficult for + honest burghers to gain a livelihood. At the same time he expressed + astonishment that reasonable men should seek a remedy for such evils in + tumults which would necessarily bring utter destruction upon the land. "It + was," he observed, "as if a patient should from impatience, tear the + bandages from his wounds, and, like a maniac, instead of allowing himself + to be cured, plunge a dagger into his own heart." + </p> + <p> + These exhortations exerted a wholesome effect for a moment, but matters + soon went from bad to worse. Imbize, fearing the influence of the Prince, + indulged in open-mouthed abuse of a man whose character he was unable even + to comprehend, He accused him of intriguing with France for his own + benefit, of being a Papist in disguise, of desiring to establish what he + called a "religious peace," merely to restore Roman idolatry. In all these + insane ravings, the demagogue was most ably seconded by the ex-monk. + Incessant and unlicensed were the invectives hurled by Peter Dathenus from + his pulpit upon William the Silent's head. He denounced him—as he + had often done before—as an atheist in heart; as a man who changed + his religion as easily as his garments; as a man who knew no God but state + expediency, which was the idol of his worship; a mere politician who would + tear his shirt from his back and throw it in the fire, if he thought it + were tainted with religion. + </p> + <p> + Such witless but vehement denunciation from a preacher who was both + popular and comparatively sincere, could, not but affect the imagination + of the weaker portion of his, healers. The faction of Imbize became + triumphant. Ryhove—the ruffian whose hands were stained with the + recent blood of Visch and Hessels—rather did damage than service to + the cause of order. He opposed himself to the demagogue who was prating + daily of Greece, Rome, and Geneva, while his clerical associate was + denouncing William of Orange, but he opposed himself in vain. An attempt + to secure the person of Imbize failed, but by the influence of Ryhove, + however, a messenger was despatched to Antwerp in the name of a + considerable portion of the community of Ghent. The counsel and the + presence of the man to whom all hearts in every part of the Netherlands + instinctively turned in the hour of need, were once more invoked. + </p> + <p> + The Prince again addressed them in language which none but he could employ + with such effect. He told them that his life, passed in service and + sacrifice, ought to witness sufficiently for his fidelity. Nevertheless, + he thought it necessary—in view of the calumnies which were + circulated—to repeat once more his sentiment that no treaty of + peace, war, or alliance, ought to be negotiated, save with the consent of + the people. His course in Holland and Zealand had proved, he said, his + willingness always to consult the wishes of his countrymen. As for the + matter of religion it was almost incredible that there should be any who + doubted the zeal which he bore the religion for which he had suffered so + much. "I desire," he continued, fervently, "that men should compare that + which has been done by my accusers during ten years past with that which I + have done. In that which touches the true advancement of religion, I will + yield to no man. They who so boldly accuse me have no liberty of speech, + save that which has been acquired for them by the blood of my kindred, by + my labors, and my excessive expenditures. To me they owe it that they dare + speak at all." This letter, (which was dated on the 24th of July, 1579) + contained an assurance that the writer was about to visit Ghent. + </p> + <p> + On the following day, Imbize executed a coup d'etat. Having a body of near + two thousand soldiers at his disposal, he suddenly secured the persons of + all the magistrates and other notable individuals not friendly to his + policy, and then, in violation of all law, set up a new board of eighteen + irresponsible functionaries, according to a list prepared by himself + alone. This was his way of enforcing the democratic liberty of Greece, + Rome, and Geneva, which was so near to his heart. A proclamation, in + fourteen articles, was forthwith issued, justifying this arbitrary + proceeding. It was declared that the object of the somewhat irregular + measure "was to prevent the establishment of the religious peace, which + was merely a method of replanting uprooted papistry and the extirpated + tyranny of Spain." Although the arrangement's had not been made in strict + accordance with formal usage and ceremony, yet they were defended upon the + ground that it had been impossible, by other means, to maintain their + ancient liberties and their religious freedom. At the same time a + pamphlet, already prepared for the occasion by Dathenus, was extensively + circulated. In this production the arbitrary revolution effected by a + demagogue was defended with effrontery, while the character, of Orange, + was loaded with customary abuse. To prevent the traitor from coming to + Ghent, and establishing what he called his religious peace, these + irregular measures, it was urged, had been wisely taken. + </p> + <p> + Such were the efforts of John Imbize—such the calumnies of Peter + Dathenus—in order to counteract the patriotic endeavors of the + Prince; but neither the ruffianism of John nor the libels of Peter were + destined upon this occasion to be successful. William the Silent treated + the slanders of the scolding monk with dignified contempt. "Having been + informed," said he to the magistrates of Ghent, "that Master Peter + Dathenns has been denouncing me as a man without religion or fidelity, and + full of ambition, with other propositions hardly becoming his cloth; I do + not think it worth while to answer more at this time than that I willingly + refer myself to the judgment of all who know me." + </p> + <p> + The Prince came to Ghent, great as had been the efforts of Imbize and his + partisans to prevent his coming. His presence was like magic. The + demagogue and his whole flock vanished like unclean birds at the first + rays of the sun. Imbize dared not look the Father of his country in the + face. Orange rebuked the populace in the strong and indignant language + that public and private virtue, energy, and a high purpose enabled such a + leader of the people to use. He at once set aside the board of eighteen—the + Grecian-Roman-Genevese establishment of Imbize—and remained in the + city until the regular election, in conformity with the privileges, had + taken place. Imbize, who had shrunk at his approach, was meantime + discovered by his own companions. He had stolen forth secretly on the + night before the Prince's arrival, and was found cowering in the cabin of + a vessel, half dead with fear, by an ale-house keeper who had been his + warm partisan. "No Skulking," cried the honest friend; seizing the tribune + of the people by the shoulder; "no sailing away in the night-time. You + have got us all into this bog, and must come back, and abide the issue + with your supporters." + </p> + <p> + In this collapsed state was the windy demagogue, who had filled half + Flanders with his sound and fury, conveyed before the patriot Prince. He + met with grave and bitter rebukes, but felt sufficiently relieved when + allowed to depart unharmed. Judging of his probable doom by the usual + practice of himself and his fellows in similar cases, he had anticipated + nothing short of the gibbet. That punishment, however, was to be inflicted + at a later period, by other hands, and not until he had added treason to + his country and a shameless recantation of all his violent professions in + favor of civil and religious liberty to the list of his crimes. On the + present occasion he was permitted to go free. In company with his clerical + companion, Peter Dathenus, he fled to the abode of his excellent friend, + John Casimir, who received both with open arms, and allowed them each a + pension. + </p> + <p> + Order being thus again restored in Ghent by the exertions of the Prince, + when no other human hand could have dispelled the anarchy which seemed to + reign supreme, William the Silent, having accepted the government of + Flanders, which had again and again been urged upon him, now returned to + Antwerp. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The Cologne conferences—Intentions of the parties—Preliminary + attempt by government to purchase the Prince of Orange—Offer and + rejection of various articles among the plenipotentiaries—Departure + of the imperial commissionere—Ultimatum of the States compared with + that of the royal government—Barren negotiations terminated— + Treason of De Bours, Governor of Mechlin—Liberal theories + concerning the nature of government—Abjuration of Philip imminent— + Self-denial of Orange—Attitude of Germany—of England—Marriage + negotiations between Elizabeth and Anjou—Orange favors the election + of the Duke as sovereign—Address and speeches of the Prince— + Parsimony and interprovincial jealousy rebuked——Secret + correspondence of Count Renneberg with the royal government— + His treason at Groningen. +</pre> + <p> + Since the beginning of May, the Cologne negotiations had been dragging + their slow length along. Few persons believed that any good was likely to + result from these stately and ponderous conferences; yet men were so weary + of war, so desirous that a termination might be put to the atrophy under + which the country was languishing, that many an eager glance was turned + towards the place where the august assembly was holding its protracted + session. Certainly, if wisdom were to be found in mitred heads—if + the power to heal angry passions and to settle the conflicting claims of + prerogative and conscience were to be looked for among men of lofty + station, then the Cologne conferences ought to have made the rough places + smooth and the crooked paths straight throughout all Christendom. There + was the Archbishop of Rossano, afterwards Pope Urban VII, as + plenipotentiary from Rome; there was Charles of Aragon, Duke of Terranova, + supported by five councillors, as ambassador from his Catholic Majesty; + there were the Duke of Aerschot, the Abbot of Saint Gertrude, the Abbot of + Marolles, Doctor Bucho Aytta, Caspar Schetz, Lord of Grobbendonck, that + learned Frisian, Aggeus van Albada, with seven other wise men, as envoys + from the states-general: There were their Serene Highnesses the Elector + and Archbishops of Cologne and Treves, with the Bishop of Wurtzburg. There + was also a numerous embassy from his Imperial Majesty, with Count Otto de + Schwartzenburg at its head. + </p> + <p> + Here then were holiness, serenity, dignity, law, and learning in + abundance. Here was a pope 'in posse', with archbishops, princes, dukes, + jurisconsults, and doctors of divinity 'in esse', sufficient to remodel a + world, if worlds were to be remodelled by such instruments. If protocols, + replications, annotations, apostilles, could heal a bleeding country, here + were the physicians to furnish those drugs in unlimited profusion. If + reams of paper, scrawled over with barbarous technicalities, could smother + and bury a quarrel which had its origin in the mutual antagonism of human + elements, here were the men to scribble unflinchingly, till the reams were + piled to a pyramid. If the same idea presented in many aspects could + acquire additional life, here were the word-mongers who, could clothe one + shivering thought in a hundred thousand garments, till it attained all the + majesty which decoration could impart. In truth, the envoys came from + Spain, Rome, and Vienna, provided with but two ideas. Was it not a + diplomatic masterpiece, that from this frugal store they could contrive to + eke out seven mortal months of negotiation? Two ideas—the supremacy + of his Majesty's prerogative, the exclusive exercise of the Roman Catholic + religion—these were the be-all and the end-all of their commission. + Upon these two strings they were to harp, at least till the walls of + Maestricht had fallen. The envoys did their duty well; they were sent to + enact a solemn comedy, and in the most stately manner did they walk + through their several parts. Not that the King was belligerent; on, the + contrary, he was heartily weary of the war. Prerogative was weary—Romanism + was weary—Conscience was weary—the Spirit of Freedom was weary + but the Prince of Orange was not weary. Blood and treasure had been + pouring forth so profusely during twelve flaming years, that all but that + one tranquil spirit were beginning to flag. + </p> + <p> + At the same time, neither party had more disposition to concede than + stomach to fight. Certainly the royal party had no inclination to yield. + The King had granted easy terms to the Walloons, because upon the one + great point of religion there was, no dispute, and upon the others there + was no intention of keeping faith. With regard to the present negotiation, + it was desirable to gain a little time. It was thought probable that the + religious difference, judiciously managed at this juncture, might be used + to effect a permanent severance of the provinces so lately banded together + in a common union. "To, divide them," wrote Tassis, in a very confidential + letter, "no better method can be found than to amuse them with this peace + negotiation. Some are ready for a pacification from their desire of + repose, some from their fear of war, some from the differences which exist + among themselves, and which it is especially important to keep alive." + Above all things, it was desirable to maintain the religious distraction + till Maestricht had been taken. That siege was the key to the whole + situation. If the separate Walloon accord could be quietly made in a + corner, while Parma was battering that stronghold on the Meuse, and while + decorous negotiation was smoothly holding its course on the Rhine, much + disorganization, it was hoped, would be handsomely accomplished before the + end of the year. + </p> + <p> + "As for a suspension of arms," wrote Alexander to Terranova, on the 21st + of May, "the longer 'tis deferred the better. With regard to Maestricht, + everything depends upon it that we possess, or desire to possess. Truly, + if the Prince of Orange can relieve the city he will do it. If he does so, + neither will this expedition of ours, nor any other expedition, be brought + to a good end. As soon as men are aware that our affairs are looking + badly, they will come again to a true union, and all will join together, + in hope to accomplish their boasts." Therefore, it was natural that the + peace-wrights of Cologne should industriously ply their task. + </p> + <p> + It is not desirable to disturb much of that learned dust, after its three + centuries' repose. A rapid sketch of the course of the proceedings, with + an indication of the spirit which animated the contending parties, will be + all that is necessary. They came and they separated with precisely + opposite views. "The desires of Terranova and of the estates," says the + royalist, Tassis, "were diametrically contrary, to each other. The King + wished that the exercise of the Roman Catholic religion should be + exclusively established, and the absolute prerogative preserved in its + integrity." On the other hand, the provinces desired their charters and a + religious' peace. In these perpetual lines and curves ran the asymptotical + negotiation from beginning to end—and so it might have run for two + centuries, without hope of coincidence. Neither party was yet vanquished. + The freshly united provinces were no readier now than before to admit that + the Holy Office formed part of their national institutions. The despotic + faction was not prepared to renounce that establishment. Foiled, but not + disheartened, sat the Inquisition, like a beldame, upon the border, + impotently threatening the land whence she had been for ever excluded; + while industrious as the Parcae, distaff in hand, sat, in Cologne, the + inexorable three—Spain, the Empire, and Rome—grimly, spinning + and severing the web of mortal destinies. + </p> + <p> + The first step in the proceedings had been a secret one. If by any means + the Prince of Orange could be detached from his party—if by bribery, + however enormous, he could be induced—to abandon a tottering cause, + and depart for the land of his birth—he was distinctly but + indirectly given to understand that he had but to name his terms. We have + seen the issue of similar propositions made by Don John of Austria. + Probably there was no man living who would care to make distinct + application of this dishonorable nature to the Father of his country. The + Aerschots, the Meluns, the Lalains, and a swarm of other nobles, had their + price, and were easily transferable from one to another, but it was not + easy to make a direct offer to William of Orange. They knew—as he + said shortly afterwards in his famous Apology—that "neither for + property nor for life, neither for wife nor for children, would he mix in + his cup a single drop of treason." Nevertheless, he was distinctly given + to understand that "there was nothing he could demand for himself + personally that would not be granted." All his confiscated property, + restoration of his imprisoned son, liberty of worship for himself, payment + of all his debts, reimbursement of all his past expenses, and anything + else which he could desire, were all placed within his reach. If he chose + to retire into another land, his son might be placed in possession of all + his cities, estates, and dignities, and himself indemnified in Germany; + with a million of money over and above as a gratuity. The imperial envoy, + Count Schwartzenburg, pledged his personal honor and reputation that every + promise which might be made to the Prince should be most sacredly + fulfilled. + </p> + <p> + It was all in vain. The indirect applications of the imperial + commissioners made to his servants and his nearest relations were entirely + unsuccessful. The Prince was not to be drawn into a negotiation in his own + name or for his own benefit. If the estates were satisfied, he was + satisfied. He wanted no conditions but theirs; "nor would he directly, or + indirectly," he said, "separate himself from the cause on which hung all + his evil or felicity." He knew that it was the object of the enemy to + deprive the country of its head, and no inducements were sufficient to + make him a party to the plot. At the same time, he was unwilling to be an + obstacle, in his own person, to the conclusion of an honorable peace. He + would resign his offices which he held at the solicitation of the whole + country, if thus a negotiation were likely to be more successful. "The + Prince of Parma and the disunited provinces," said he to the + states-general, "affect to consider this war as one waged against me and + in my name—as if the question alone concerned the name and person of + the general. If it be so, I beg you to consider whether it is not because + I have been ever faithful to the land. Nevertheless, if I am an obstacle, + I am ready to remove it. If you, therefore, in order to deprive the enemy + of every right to inculpate us, think proper to choose another head and + conductor of your affairs, I promise you to serve and to be obedient to + him with all my heart. Thus shall we leave the enemy no standing-place to + work dissensions among us." Such was his language to friend and foe, and + here, at least, was one man in history whom kings were not rich enough to + purchase. + </p> + <p> + On the 18th of May, the states' envoys at Cologne presented fourteen + articles, demanding freedom of religion and the ancient political + charters. Religion, they said, was to be referred; not to man, but to God. + To him the King was subject as well as the people. Both King and people—"and + by people was meant every individual in the land"—were bound to + serve God according to their conscience. + </p> + <p> + The imperial envoys found such language extremely reprehensible, and + promptly refused, as umpires, to entertain the fourteen articles. Others + drawn up by Terranova and colleagues, embodying the claims of the royal + and Roman party, were then solemnly presented, and as promptly rejected. + Then the imperial umpires came forward with two bundles of proposisitions—approved + beforehand by the Spanish plenipotentiaries. In the political bundle; + obedience due to the King was insisted upon, "as in the time of the + Emperor Charles." The religious category declared that "the Roman religion—all + others excluded—should thenceforth be exercised in all the + provinces." Both these categories were considered more objectionable by + the states' envoys than the terms of Terranova, and astonishment was + expressed that "mention should again be made of the edicts—as if + blood enough had not been shed already in the cause of religion." + </p> + <p> + The Netherland envoys likewise gave the imperial commissioners distinctly + to understand that—in case peace were not soon made—"the + states would forthwith declare the King fallen from his sovereignty;" + would for ever dispense the people from their oaths of allegiance to him, + and would probably accept the Duke of Anjou in his place. The + states-general, to which body the imperial propositions had been sent, + also rejected the articles in a logical and historical argument of + unmerciful length. + </p> + <p> + An appeal secretly made by the imperial and Spanish commissioners, from + the states' envoys to the states themselves, and even to the people of the + various provinces, had excited the anger of the plenipotentiaries. They + complained loudly of this violation of all diplomatic etiquette, and the + answer of the states-general, fully confirming the views of their + ambassadors, did not diminish their wrath. + </p> + <p> + On the 13th of November, 1579, the states' envoys were invited into the + council chamber of the imperial commissioners, to hear the last solemn + commonplaces of those departing, functionaries. Seven months long they had + been waiting in vain, they said, for the states' envoys to accede to + moderate demands. Patience was now exhausted. Moreover, their mediatory + views had been the subject of bitter lampooning throughout the country, + while the authorities of many cities had publicly declared that all the + inhabitants would rather, die the death than accept such terms. The + peace-makers, accordingly, with endless protestations as to, their own + purity, wisdom, and benevolence, left the whole "in the hands of God and + the parties concerned." + </p> + <p> + The reply to this elaborate farewell was curt and somewhat crusty. "Had + they known," said the states' envoys, "that their transparencies and + worthinesses had no better intention, and the Duke of Terranova no ampler + commission, the whole matter might have been despatched, not in six + months, but in six days." + </p> + <p> + Thus ended the conferences, and the imperial commissioners departed. + Nevertheless, Schwartzenburg remained yet a little time at Cologne, while + five of the states' envoys also protracted their stay, in order to make + their private peace with the King. It is hardly necessary to observe that + the chief of these penitents was the Duke of Aerschot. The ultimatum of + the states was deposited by the departing envoys with Schwartzenburg, and + a comparison of its terms with those offered by the imperial mediators, as + the best which could be obtained from Spain, shows the hopelessness of the + pretended negotiation. Departure of the foreign troops, restitution of all + confiscated property, unequivocal recognition of the Ghent treaty and the + perpetual edict, appointment to office of none but natives, oaths of + allegiance to the King and the states-general, exercise of the Reformed + religion and of the Confession of Augsburg in all places where it was then + publicly practised: such were the main demands of the patriot party. + </p> + <p> + In the secret instructions furnished by the states to their envoys, they + were told to urge upon his Majesty the absolute necessity, if he wished to + retain the provinces, of winking at the exercise of the Reformed and the + Augsburg creeds. "The new religion had taken too deep root," it was urged, + "ever to be torn forth, save with the destruction of the whole country." + </p> + <p> + Thus, after seven dreary months of negotiation, after protocols and + memoranda in ten thousand folia, the august diplomatists had travelled + round to the points from which they had severally started. On the one + side, unlimited prerogative and exclusive Catholicism; on the other, + constitutional liberty, with freedom of conscience for Catholic and + Protestant alike: these were the claims which each party announced at the + commencement, and to which they held with equal firmness at the close of + the conferences. + </p> + <p> + The congress had been expensive. Though not much had been accomplished for + the political or religious advancement of mankind, there had been much + excellent eating and drinking at Cologne during the seven months. Those + drouthy deliberations had needed moistening. The Bishop of Wurtzburg had + consumed "eighty hogsheads of Rhenish wine and twenty great casks of + beer." The expense of the states' envoys were twenty-four thousand + guldens. The Archbishop of Cologne had expended forty thousand thalers. + The deliberations were, on the whole, excessively detrimental to the cause + of the provinces, "and a great personage" wrote to the states-general, + that the King had been influenced by no motive save to cause dissension. + This was an exaggeration, for his Majesty would have been well pleased to + receive the whole of the country on the same terms which had been accepted + by the Walloons. Meantime, those southern provinces had made their + separate treaty, and the Netherlands were permanently dissevered. + Maestricht had fallen. Disunion and dismay had taken possession of the + country. + </p> + <p> + During the course of the year other severe misfortunes had happened to the + states. Treachery, even among the men who had done good service to the + cause of freedom, was daily showing her hateful visage. Not only the great + chieftains who had led the Malcontent Walloon party, with the fickle + Aerschot and the wavering Havre besides, had made their separate + reconciliation with Parma, but the epidemic treason had mastered such bold + partisans as the Seigneur de Bours, the man whose services in rescuing the + citadel of Antwerp had been so courageous and valuable. He was governor of + Mechlin; Count Renneberg was governor of Friesland. Both were trusted + implicitly by Orange and by the estates; both were on the eve of repaying + the confidence reposed in them by the most venal treason. + </p> + <p> + It was already known that Parma had tampered with De Bours; but Renneberg + was still unsuspected. "The Prince," wrote Count John, "is deserted by all + the noblemen; save the stadholder of Friesland and myself, and has no man + else in whom he can repose confidence." The brothers were doomed to be + rudely awakened from the repose with regard to Renneberg, but previously + the treason of a less important functionary was to cause a considerable + but less lasting injury to the national party. + </p> + <p> + In Mechlin was a Carmelite friar, of audacious character and great + eloquence; a man who, "with his sweet, poisonous tongue, could ever + persuade the people to do his bidding." This dangerous monk, Peter Lupus, + or Peter Wolf, by name, had formed the design of restoring Mechlin to the + Prince of Parma, and of obtaining the bishopric of Namur as the reward of + his services. To this end he had obtained a complete mastery over the + intellect of the bold but unprincipled De Bours. A correspondence was + immediately opened between Parma and the governor, and troops were + secretly admitted into the city. The Prince of Orange, in the name of the + Archduke and the estates, in vain endeavoured to recal the infatuated + governor to his duty. In vain he conjured him, by letter after letter, to + be true to his own bright fame so nobly earned. An old friend of De Bours, + and like himself a Catholic, was also employed to remonstrate with him. + This gentleman, De Fromont by name, wrote him many letters; but De Bours + expressed his surprise that Fromont, whom he had always considered a good + Catholic and a virtuous gentleman, should wish to force him into a + connection with the Prince of Orange and his heretic supporters. He + protested that his mind was quite made up, and that he had been guaranteed + by Parma not only the post which he now held, but even still farther + advancement. + </p> + <p> + De Fromont reminded him, in reply, of the frequent revolutions of + fortune's wheel, and warned him that the advancement of which he boasted + would probably be an entire degradation. He bitterly recalled to the + remembrance of the new zealot for Romanism his former earnest efforts to + establish Calvinism. He reproached him, too, with having melted up the + silver images of the Mechlin churches, including even the renowned shrine + of Saint Rombout, which the Prince of Orange had always respected. "I + don't say how much you took of that plunder for your own share," continued + the indignant De Fromont, "for the very children cry it in your ears as + you walk the streets. 'Tis known that if God himself had been changed into + gold you would have put him in your pocket." + </p> + <p> + This was plain language, but as just as it was plain. The famous shrine of + Saint Rombout—valued at seventy thousand guldens, of silver gilt, + and enriched with precious stones—had been held sacred alike by the + fanatical iconoclasts and the greedy Spaniards who had successively held + the city. It had now been melted up, and appropriated by Peter Lupin; the + Carmelite, and De Bours, the Catholic convert, whose mouths were full of + devotion to the ancient Church and of horror for heresy. + </p> + <p> + The efforts of Orange and of the states were unavailing. De Bours + surrendered the city, and fled to Parma, who received him with cordiality, + gave him five thousand florins—the price promised for his treason, + besides a regiment of infantry—but expressed surprise that he should + have reached the camp alive. His subsequent career was short, and he met + his death two years afterwards, in the trenches before Tournay. The + archiepiscopal city was thus transferred to the royal party, but the + gallant Van der Tympel, governor of Brussels, retook it by surprise within + six months of its acquisition by Parma, and once more restored it to the + jurisdiction of the states. Peter Lupus, the Carmelite, armed to the + teeth, and fighting fiercely at the head of the royalists, was slain in + the street, and thus forfeited his chance for the mitre of Namur. + </p> + <p> + During the weary progress of the Cologne negotiations, the Prince had not + been idle, and should this august and slow-moving congress be unsuccessful + in restoring peace, the provinces were pledged to an act of abjuration. + They would then be entirely without a head. The idea of a nominal Republic + was broached by none. The contest had not been one of theory, but of + facts; for the war had not been for revolution, but for conservation, so + far as political rights were concerned. In religion, the provinces had + advanced from one step to another, till they now claimed the largest + liberty—freedom of conscience—for all. Religion, they held, + was God's affair, not man's, in which neither people nor king had power + over each other, but in which both were subject to God alone. In politics + it was different. Hereditary sovereignty was acknowledged as a fact, but + at the same time, the spirit of freedom was already learning its + appropriate language. It already claimed boldly the natural right of + mankind to be governed according to the laws of reason and of divine + justice. If a prince were a shepherd, it was at least lawful to deprive + him of his crook when he butchered the flock which he had been appointed + to protect. + </p> + <p> + "What reason is there," said the states-general, "why the provinces should + suffer themselves to be continually oppressed by their sovereign, with + robbings, burnings, stranglings, and murderings? Why, being thus + oppressed, should they still give their sovereign—exactly as if he + were well conducting himself—the honor and title of lord of the + land?" On the other hand, if hereditary rule were an established fact, so + also were ancient charters. To maintain, not to overthrow, the political + compact, was the purpose of the states. "Je maintiendrai" was the motto of + Orange's escutcheon. That a compact existed between prince and people, and + that the sovereign held office only on condition of doing his duty, were + startling truths which men were beginning, not to whisper to each other in + secret, but to proclaim in the market-place. "'Tis well known to all," + said the famous Declaration of Independence, two years afterwards, "that + if a prince is appointed by God over the land, 'tis to protect them from + harm, even as a shepherd to the guardianship of his flock. The subjects + are not appointed by God for the behoof of the prince, but the prince for + his subjects, without whom he is no prince. Should he violate the laws, he + is to be forsaken by his meanest subject, and to be recognized no longer + as prince." + </p> + <p> + William of Orange always recognized these truths, but his scheme of + government contemplated a permanent chief, and as it was becoming obvious + that the Spanish sovereign would soon be abjured, it was necessary to fix + upon a substitute. "As to governing these provinces in the form of a + republic," said he, speaking for the states-general, "those who know the + condition, privileges, and ordinances of the country, can easily + understand that 'tis hardly possible to dispense with a head or + superintendent." At the same time, he plainly intimated that this "head or + superintendent" was to be, not a monarch—a one-ruler—but + merely the hereditary chief magistrate of a free commonwealth. + </p> + <p> + Where was this hereditary chief magistrate to be found? His own claims he + absolutely withdrew. The office was within his grasp, and he might easily + have constituted himself sovereign of all the Netherlands. Perhaps it + would have been better at that time had he advanced his claims and + accepted the sovereignty which Philip had forfeited. As he did not believe + in the possibility of a republic, he might honestly have taken into his + own hands the sceptre which he considered indispensable. His + self-abnegation was, however, absolute. Not only did he decline + sovereignty, but he repeatedly avowed his readiness to, lay down all the + offices which he held, if a more useful substitute could be found. "Let no + man think," said he, in a remarkable speech to the states-general, "that + my good-will is in any degree changed or diminished. I agree to obey—as + the least of the lords or gentlemen of the land could do—whatever + person it may, please you to select. You have but to command my services + wheresoever they are most wanted; to guard a province or a single city, or + in any capacity in which I may be found most useful. I promise to do my + duty, with all my strength and skill, as God and my conscience are + witnesses that I have done it hitherto." + </p> + <p> + The negotiations pointed to a speedy abjuration of Philip; the Republic + was contemplated by none; the Prince of Orange absolutely refused to + stretch forth his own hand; who then was to receive the sceptre which was + so soon to be bestowed? A German Prince—had been tried—in a + somewhat abnormal position—but had certainly manifested small + capacity for aiding the provinces. Nothing could well be more + insignificant than the figure of Matthias; and, moreover, his imperial + brother was anything but favorably disposed. It was necessary to manage + Rudolph. To treat the Archduke with indignity, now that he had been partly + established in the Netherlands, would be to incur the Emperor's enmity. + His friendship, however, could hardly be secured by any advancement + bestowed upon his brother; for Rudolph's services against prerogative and + the Pope were in no case to be expected. Nor was there much hope from the + Protestant princes of Germany. The day had passed for generous sympathy + with those engaged in the great struggle which Martin Luther had + commenced. The present generation of German Protestants were more inclined + to put down the Calvinistic schism at home than to save it from oppression + abroad. Men were more disposed to wrangle over the thrice-gnawed bones of + ecclesiastical casuistry, than to assist their brethren in the field. "I + know not," said Gaultherus, "whether the calamity of the Netherlands, or + the more than bestial stupidity of the Germans, be most deplorable. To the + insane contests on theological abstractions we owe it that many are ready + to breathe blood and slaughter against their own brethren. The hatred of + the Lutherans has reached that point that they can rather tolerate Papists + than ourselves." + </p> + <p> + In England, there was much sympathy for the provinces and there—although + the form of government was still arbitrary—the instincts for civil + and religious freedom, which have ever characterized the Anglo-Saxon race, + were not to be repressed. Upon many a battle-field for liberty in the + Netherlands, "men whose limbs were made in England" were found contending + for the right. The blood and treasure of Englishmen flowed freely in the + cause of their relatives by religion and race, but these were the efforts + of individuals. Hitherto but little assistance had been rendered by the + English Queen, who had, on the contrary, almost distracted the provinces + by her fast-and-loose policy, both towards them and towards Anjou. The + political rivalry between that Prince and herself in the Netherlands had, + however, now given place to the memorable love-passage from which + important results were expected, and it was thought certain that Elizabeth + would view with satisfaction any dignity conferred upon her lover. + </p> + <p> + Orange had a right to form this opinion. At the same time, it is well + known that the chief councillors of Elizabeth—while they were all in + favor of assisting the provinces—looked with anything but + satisfaction upon the Anjou marriage. "The Duke," wrote Davidson to + Walsingham in July, 1579, "seeks, forsooth, under a pretext of marriage + with her Highness, the rather to espouse the Low Countries—the chief + ground and object of his pretended love, howsoever it be disguised." The + envoy believed both Elizabeth and the provinces in danger of taking unto + themselves a very bad master. "Is there any means," he added, "so apt to + sound the very bottom of our estate, and to hinder and breake the neck of + all such good purpose as the necessity of the tyme shall set abroch?" + </p> + <p> + The provinces of Holland and Zealand, notwithstanding the love they bore + to William of Orange, could never be persuaded by his arguments into + favoring Anjou. Indeed, it was rather on account of the love they bore the + Prince—whom they were determined to have for their sovereign—that + they refused to listen to any persuasion in favor of his rival, although + coming from his own lips. The states-general, in a report to the states of + Holland, drawn up under the superintendence of the Prince, brought forward + all the usual arguments for accepting the French duke, in case the + abjuration should take place. They urged the contract with Anjou (of + August 13th, 1578), the great expenses he had already incurred in their + behalf; the danger of offending him; the possibility that in such case he + would ally himself with Spain; the prospect that, in consequence of such a + result, there would be three enemies in the field against them—the + Walloons, the Spaniards, and the French, all whose forces would eventually + be turned upon Holland and Zealand alone. It was represented that the + selection of Anjou would, on the other hand, secure the friendship of + France—an alliance which would inspire both the Emperor and the + Spanish monarch with fear; for they could not contemplate without jealousy + a possible incorporation of the provinces with that kingdom. Moreover, the + geographical situation of France made its friendship inexpressibly + desirable. The states of Holland and Zealand were, therefore, earnestly + invited to send deputies to an assembly of the states-general, in order to + conclude measures touching the declaration of independence to be made + against the King, and concerning the election of the Duke of Anjou. + </p> + <p> + The official communications by speech or writing of Orange to the + different corporations and assemblies, were at this period of enormous + extent. He was moved to frequent anger by the parsimony, the + inter-provincial jealousy, the dull perception of the different estates, + and he often expressed his wrath in unequivocal language. He dealt roundly + with all public bodies. His eloquence was distinguished by a bold, + uncompromising, truth-telling spirit, whether the words might prove + palatable or bitter to his audience. His language rebuked his hearers more + frequently than it caressed them, for he felt it impossible, at all times, + to consult both the humors and the high interests of the people, and he + had no hesitation, as guardian of popular liberty, in denouncing the + popular vices by which it was endangered. + </p> + <p> + By both great parties, he complained, his shortcomings were all noted, the + good which he had accomplished passed over in silence. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Letter to the States-general, August, 1579, apud Bor, xiv. 97, + sqq. This was the opinion frequently expressed by Languet: "Cherish + the friendship of the Prince, I beseech you," he writes to Sir + Philip Sydney, "for there is no man like him in all Christendom. + Nevertheless, his is the lot of all men of prudence—to be censured + by all parties. The people complain that he despises them; the + nobility declare that it is their order which he hates; and this is + as sensible as if you were to tell me that you were the son of a + clown."] +</pre> + <p> + He solemnly protested that he desired, out of his whole heart, the + advancement of that religion which he publicly professed, and with God's + blessing, hoped to profess to the end of his life, but nevertheless, he + reminded the states that he had sworn, upon taking office as + Lieutenant-General, to keep "all the subjects of the land equally under + his protection," and that he had kept his oath. He rebuked the parsimony + which placed the accepted chief of the provinces in a sordid and + contemptible position. "The Archduke has been compelled," said he, in + August, to the states-general, "to break up housekeeping, for want of + means. How shameful and disreputable for the country, if he should be + compelled, for very poverty, to leave the land!" He offered to lay down + all the power with which he had himself been clothed, but insisted, if he + were to continue in office, upon being provided with, larger means of + being useful. "'Twas impossible," he said, "for him to serve longer on the + same footing as heretofore; finding himself without power or authority, + without means, without troops, without money, without obedience." He + reminded the states-general that the enemy—under pretext of peace + negotiations—were ever circulating calumnious statements to the + effect that he was personally the only obstacle to peace. The real object + of these hopeless conferences was to sow dissension through the land, to + set burgher against burgher, house against house. As in Italy, Guelphs and + Ghibellines—as in Florence, the Neri and Bianchi—as in + Holland, the Hooks and Cabbeljaws had, by their unfortunate quarrels, + armed fellow countrymen and families against each other—so also, + nothing was so powerful as religious difference to set friend against + friend, father against son, husband against wife. + </p> + <p> + He warned the States against the peace propositions of the enemy. Spain + had no intention to concede, but was resolved to extirpate. For himself; + he had certainly everything to lose by continued war. His magnificent + estates were withheld, and—added he with simplicity—there is + no man who does not desire to enjoy his own. The liberation of his son, + too, from his foreign captivity, was, after the glory of God and the + welfare of the fatherland, the dearest object of his heart. Moreover, he + was himself approaching the decline of life. Twelve years he had spent in + perpetual anxiety and labor for the cause. As he approached old age, he + had sufficient reason to desire repose. Nevertheless, considering the + great multitude of people who were leaning upon him, he should account + himself disgraced if, for the sake of his own private advantage, he were + to recommend a peace which was not perfectly secure. As regarded his own + personal interests, he could easily place himself beyond danger—yet + it would be otherwise with the people. The existence of the religion + which, through the mercy of God he professed, would be sacrificed, and + countless multitudes of innocent men would, by his act, be thrown bodily + into the hands of the blood-thirsty inquisitors who, in times past, had + murdered so many persons, and so utterly desolated the land. In regard to + the ceaseless insinuations against his character which men uttered "over + their tables and in the streets," he observed philosophically, that + "mankind were naturally inclined to calumny, particularly against those + who exercised government over them. His life was the best answer to those + slanders. Being overwhelmed with debt, he should doubtless do better in a + personal point of view to accept the excellent and profitable offers which + were daily made to him by the enemy." He might be justified in such a + course, when it was remembered how many had deserted him and forsworn + their religion. Nevertheless, he had ever refused, and should ever refuse + to listen to offers by which only his own personal interests were secured. + As to the defence of the country, he had thus far done all in his power, + with the small resources placed at his command. He was urged by the + "nearer-united states" to retain the poet of Lieutenant-General. He was + ready to consent. He was, however, not willing to hold office a moment, + unless he had power to compel cities to accept garrisons, to enforce the + collection of needful supplies throughout the provinces, and in general to + do everything which he judged necessary for the best interests of the + country. + </p> + <p> + Three councils were now established—one to be in attendance upon the + Archduke and the Prince of Orange, the two others to reside respectively + in Flanders and in Utrecht. They were to be appointed by Matthias and the + Prince, upon a double nomination from the estates of the united provinces. + Their decisions were to be made according to a majority of votes,—and + there was to be no secret cabinet behind and above their deliberations. It + was long, however, before these councils were put into working order. The + fatal jealousy of the provincial authorities, the small ambition of local + magistrates, interposed daily obstacles to the vigorous march of the + generality. Never was jealousy more mischievous, never circumspection more + misapplied. It was not a land nor a crisis in which there was peril of + centralization: Local municipal government was in truth the only force + left. There was no possibility of its being merged in a central authority + which did not exist. The country was without a centre. There was small + chance of apoplexy where there was no head. The danger lay in the mutual + repulsiveness of these atoms of sovereignty—in the centrifugal + tendencies which were fast resolving a nebulous commonwealth into chaos. + Disunion and dissension would soon bring about a more fatal centralization—that + of absorption in a distant despotism. + </p> + <p> + At the end of November, 1579, Orange made another remarkable speech in the + states-general at Antwerp. He handled the usual topics with his customary + vigor, and with that grace and warmth of delivery which always made his + eloquence so persuasive and impressive. He spoke of the countless + calumnies against himself, the chaffering niggardliness of the provinces, + the slender result produced by his repeated warnings. He told them bluntly + the great cause of all their troubles. It was the absence of a broad + patriotism; it was the narrow power grudged rather than given to the + deputies who sat in the general assembly. They were mere envoys, tied by + instructions. They were powerless to act, except after tedious reference + to the will of their masters, the provincial boards. The deputies of the + Union came thither, he said, as advocates of their provinces or their + cities, not as councillors of a commonwealth—and sought to further + those narrow interests, even at the risk of destruction to their sister + states. The contributions, he complained, were assessed unequally, and + expended selfishly. Upon this occasion, as upon all occasions, he again + challenged inquiry into the purity of his government, demanded + chastisement, if any act of mal-administration on his part could be found, + and repeated his anxious desire either to be relieved from his functions, + or to be furnished with the means of discharging them with efficiency. + </p> + <p> + On the 12th of December, 1579, he again made a powerful speech in the + states-general. Upon the 9th of January 1580, following, he made an + elaborate address upon the state of the country, urging the necessity of + raising instantly a considerable army of good and experienced soldiers. He + fixed the indispensable number of such a force at twelve thousand foot, + four thousand horse, and at least twelve hundred pioneers. "Weigh well the + matters," said he, in conclusion; "which I have thus urged, and which are + of the most extreme necessity. Men in their utmost need are daily coming + to me for refuge, as if I held power over all things in my hand." At the + same time he complained that by reason of the dilatoriness of the states, + he was prevented from alleviating misery when he knew the remedy to be + within reach. "I beg you, however, my masters," he continued, "to believe + that this address of mine is no simple discourse. 'Tis a faithful + presentment of matters which, if not reformed, will cause the speedy and + absolute ruin of the land. Whatever betide, however, I pray you to hold + yourselves assured, that with God's help, I am determined to live with you + or to die with you." + </p> + <p> + Early in the year 1580, the Prince was doomed to a bitter disappointment, + and the provinces to a severe loss, in the treason of Count Renneberg, + governor of Friesland. This young noble was of the great Lalain family. He + was a younger brother of: Anthony, Count of Hoogstraaten—the + unwavering friend of Orange. He had been brought up in the family of his + cousin, the Count de Lalain, governor of Hainault, and had inherited the + title of Renneberg from an uncle, who was a dignitary of the church. For + more than a year there had been suspicions of his fidelity. He was + supposed to have been tampered with by the Duke of Terranova, on the first + arrival of that functionary in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, the Prince + of Orange was unwilling to listen to the whispers against him. Being + himself the mark of calumny, and having a tender remembrance of the elder + brother, he persisted in reposing confidence in a man who was in reality + unworthy of his friendship. George Lalain, therefore, remained stadholder + of Friesland and Drenthe, and in possession of the capital city, + Groningen. + </p> + <p> + The rumors concerning him proved correct. In November, 1579, he entered + into a formal treaty with Terranova, by which he was to receive—as + the price of "the virtuous resolution which he contemplated"—the sum + of ten thousand crowns in hand, a further sum of ten thousand crowns + within three months, and a yearly pension of ten thousand florins. + Moreover, his barony of Ville was to be erected into a marquisate, and he + was to receive the order of the Golden Fleece at the first vacancy. He was + likewise to be continued in the same offices under the King which he now + held from the estates. The bill of sale, by which he agreed with a certain + Quislain le Bailly to transfer himself to Spain, fixed these terms with + the technical scrupulousness of any other mercantile transaction. + Renneberg sold himself as one would sell a yoke of oxen, and his motives + were no whit nobler than the cynical contract would indicate. "See you + not," said he in a private letter to a friend, "that this whole work is + brewed by the Nassaus for the sake of their own greatness, and that they + are everywhere provided with the very best crumbs. They are to be + stadholders of the principal provinces; we are to content ourselves with + Overyssel and Drente. Therefore I have thought it best to make my peace + with the King, from whom more benefits are to be got." + </p> + <p> + Jealousy and selfishness; then, were the motives of his "virtuous + resolution." He had another, perhaps a nobler incentive. He was in love + with the Countess Meghen, widow of Lancelot Berlaymont, and it was + privately stipulated that the influence of his Majesty's government should + be employed to bring about his marriage with the lady. The treaty, + however, which Renneberg had made with Quislain le Bailly was not + immediately carried out. Early in February, 1580, his sister and evil + genius, Cornelia Lalain, wife of Baron Monceau, made him a visit at + Groningen. She implored him not to give over his soul to perdition by + oppressing the Holy Church. She also appealed to his family pride, which + should keep him, she said, from the contamination of companionship with + "base-born weavers and furriers." She was of opinion that to contaminate + his high-born fingers with base bribes were a lower degradation. The + pension, the crowns in hand, the marquisate, the collar of the Golden + Fleece, were all held before his eyes again. He was persuaded, moreover, + that the fair hand of the wealthy widow would be the crowning prize of his + treason, but in this he was destined to disappointment. The Countess was + reserved for a more brilliant and a more bitter fate. She was to espouse a + man of higher rank, but more worthless character, also a traitor to the + cause of freedom, to which she was herself devoted, and who was even + accused of attempting her life in her old age, in order to supply her + place with a younger rival. + </p> + <p> + The artful eloquence of Cornelia de Lalain did its work, and Renneberg + entered into correspondence with Parma. It is singular with how much + indulgence his conduct and character were regarded both before and + subsequently to his treason. There was something attractive about the man. + In an age when many German and Netherland nobles were given to drunkenness + and debauchery, and were distinguished rather for coarseness of manner and + brutality of intellect than for refinement or learning, Count Renneberg, + on the contrary, was an elegant and accomplished gentleman—the + Sydney of his country in all but loyalty of character. He was a classical + scholar, a votary of music and poetry, a graceful troubadour, and a + valiant knight. He was "sweet and lovely of conversation," generous and + bountiful by nature. With so many good gifts, it was a thousand pities + that the gift of truth had been denied him. Never did treason look more + amiable, but it was treason of the blackest die. He was treacherous, in + the hour of her utmost need, to the country which had trusted him. He was + treacherous to the great man who had leaned upon his truth, when all + others had abandoned him. He was treacherous from the most sordid of + motives jealousy of his friend and love of place and pelf; but his + subsequent remorse and his early death have cast a veil over the blackness + of his crime. + </p> + <p> + While Cornelia de Lalain was in Groningen, Orange was in Holland. + Intercepted letters left no doubt of the plot, and it was agreed that the + Prince, then on his way to Amsterdam, should summon the Count to an + interview. Renneberg's trouble at the proximity of Orange could not be + suppressed. He felt that he could never look his friend in the face again. + His plans were not ripe; it was desirable to dissemble for a season + longer; but how could he meet that tranquil eye which "looked quite + through the deeds of men?" It was obvious to Renneberg that his deed was + to be done forthwith, if he would escape discomfiture. The Prince would + soon be in Groningen, and his presence would dispel the plots which had + been secretly constructed. + </p> + <p> + On the evening of March the 3rd, 1580, the Count entertained a large + number of the most distinguished families of the place at a ball and + banquet. At the supper-table, Hildebrand, chief burgomaster of the city, + bluntly interrogated his host concerning the calumnious reports which were + in circulation, expressing the hope that there was no truth in these + inventions of his enemies. Thus summoned, Renneberg, seizing the hands of + Hildebrand in both his own, exclaimed, "Oh; my father! you whom I esteem + as my father, can you suspect me of such guilt? I pray you, trust me, and + fear me not!" + </p> + <p> + With this he restored the burgomaster and all the other guests to + confidence. The feast and dance proceeded, while Renneberg was quietly + arranging his plot. During the night all the leading patriots were taken + out of their beds, and carried to prison, notice being at the same time + given to the secret adherents of Renneberg. Before dawn, a numerous mob of + boatmen and vagrants, well armed, appeared upon the public square. They + bore torches and standards, and amazed the quiet little city with their + shouts. The place was formally taken into possession, cannon were planted + in front of the Town House to command the principal streets, and + barricades erected at various important points. Just at daylight, + Renneberg himself, in complete armor, rode into the square, and it was + observed that he looked ghastly as a corpse. He was followed by thirty + troopers, armed like himself, from head to foot. "Stand by me now," he + cried to the assembled throng; "fail me not at this moment, for now I am + for the first time your stadholder." + </p> + <p> + While he was speaking, a few citizens of the highest class forced their + way through the throng and addressed the mob in tones of authority. They + were evidently magisterial persons endeavoring to quell the riot. As they + advanced, one of Renneberg's men-at-arms discharged his carabine at the + foremost gentleman, who was no other than burgomaster Hildebrand. He fell + dead at the feet of the stadholder—of the man who had clasped his + hands a few hours before, called him father, and implored him to entertain + no suspicions of his honor. The death of this distinguished gentleman + created a panic, during which Renneberg addressed his adherents, and + stimulated them to atone by their future zeal in the King's service for + their former delinquency. A few days afterwards the city was formally + reunited to the royal government; but the Count's measures had been + precipitated to such an extent, that he was unable to carry the province + with him, as he had hoped. On the contrary, although he had secured the + city, he had secured nothing else. He was immediately beleaguered by the + states' force in the province under the command of Barthold Entes, + Hohenlo, and Philip Louis Nassau, and it was necessary to send for + immediate assistance from Parma. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Orange, being thus bitterly disappointed by the treachery of + his friend, and foiled in his attempt to avert the immediate consequences, + continued his interrupted journey to Amsterdam. Here he was received with + unbounded enthusiasm. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + All the majesty which decoration could impart + Amuse them with this peace negotiation + Conflicting claims of prerogative and conscience + It is not desirable to disturb much of that learned dust + Logical and historical argument of unmerciful length + Mankind were naturally inclined to calumny + Men were loud in reproof, who had been silent + More easily, as he had no intention of keeping the promise + Not to fall asleep in the shade of a peace negotiation + Nothing was so powerful as religious difference + On the first day four thousand men and women were slaughtered + Power grudged rather than given to the deputies + The disunited provinces + There is no man who does not desire to enjoy his own + To hear the last solemn commonplaces + Word-mongers who, could clothe one shivering thought +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG Edition, Vol. 33 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 IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Captivity of La Noue—Cruel propositions of Philip—Siege of + Groningen—Death of Barthold Enter—His character—Hohenlo commands + in the north—His incompetence—He is defeated on Hardenberg Heath— + Petty operations—Isolation of Orange—Dissatisfaction and departure + of Count John—Remonstrance of Archduke Matthias—Embassy to Anjou— + Holland and Zealand offer the sovereignty to Orange—Conquest of + Portugal—Granvelle proposes the Ban against the Prince—It is + published—The document analyzed—The Apology of Orange analyzed and + characterized—Siege of Steenwyk by Renneberg—Forgeries—Siege + relieved—Death of Renneberg—Institution of the "land-Council"— + Duchess of Parma sent to the Netherlands—Anger of Alexander— + Prohibition of Catholic worship in Antwerp, Utrecht, and elsewhere— + Declaration of Independence by the United Provinces—Negotiations + with Anjou—The sovereignty of Holland and Zealand provisionally + accepted by Orange—Tripartition of the Netherlands—Power of the + Prince described—Act of Abjuration analyzed—Philosophy of + Netherland politics.—Views of the government compact—Acquiescence + by the people in the action of the estates—Departure of Archduke + Matthias. +</pre> + <p> + The war continued in a languid and desultory manner in different parts of + the country. At an action near Ingelmunster, the brave and accomplished De + la Noue was made prisoner. This was a severe loss to the states, a cruel + blow to Orange, for he was not only one of the most experienced soldiers, + but one of the most accomplished writers of his age. His pen was as + celebrated as his sword. In exchange for the illustrious Frenchman the + states in vain offered Count Egmont, who had been made prisoner a few + weeks before, and De Belles, who was captured shortly afterwards. Parma + answered contemptuously, that he would not give a lion for two sheep. Even + Champagny was offered in addition, but without success. Parma had written + to Philip, immediately upon the capture, that, were it not for Egmont, + Seller, and others, then in the power of Oranges he should order the + execution of La Noue. Under the circumstances, however, he had begged to + be in formed as to his Majesty's pleasure, and in the meantime had placed + the prisoner in the castle of Limburg, under charge of De Billy. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Strada, d. 2, iii. 155, 156. Parma is said to have hinted to + Philip that De Billy would willingly undertake, the private + assassination of La Noue.—Popeliniere, Hist. des Pays Bas; 1556- + 1584.] +</pre> + <p> + His Majesty, of course, never signified his pleasure, and the illustrious + soldier remained for five years in a loathsome dungeon more befitting a + condemned malefactor than a prisoner of war. It was in the donjon keep of + the castle, lighted only by an aperture in the roof, and was therefore + exposed to the rain and all inclemencies of the sky, while rats, toads, + and other vermin housed in the miry floor. Here this distinguished + personage, Francis with the Iron Arm, whom all Frenchmen, Catholic or + Huguenot, admired far his genius, bravery, and purity of character, passed + five years of close confinement. The government was most anxious to take + his life, but the captivity of Egmont and others prevented the + accomplishment of their wishes. During this long period, the wife and + numerous friends of La Noue were unwearied in, their efforts to effect his + ransom or exchange, but none of the prisoners in the hands of the patriots + were considered a fair equivalent. The hideous proposition was even made + by Philip the Second to La Noue, that he should receive his liberty if he + would permit his eyes to be put out, as a preliminary condition. The fact + is attested by several letters written by La Noue to his wife. The + prisoner, wearied, shattered in health, and sighing for air and liberty, + was disposed and even anxious to accept the infamous offer, and discussed + the matter philosophically in his letters. That lady, however, + horror-struck at the suggestion, implored him to reject the condition, + which he accordingly consented to do. At last, in June, 1585, he was + exchanged, on extremely rigorous terms, for Egmont. During his captivity + in this vile dungeon, he composed not only his famous political and + military discourses, but several other works, among the rest; Annotations + upon Plutarch and upon the Histories of Guicciardini. + </p> + <p> + The siege of Groningen proceeded, and Parma ordered some forces under + Martin Schenck to advance to its relief. On the other hand, the meagre + states' forces under Sonoy, Hohenlo, Entes, and Count John of Nassau's + young son, William Louis, had not yet made much impression upon the city. + There was little military skill to atone for the feebleness of the + assailing army, although there was plenty of rude valor. Barthold Entes, a + man of desperate character, was impatient at the dilatoriness of the + proceedings. After having been in disgrace with the states, since the + downfall of his friend and patron, the Count De la Marck, he had recently + succeeded to a regiment in place of Colonel Ysselstein, "dismissed for a + homicide or two." On the 17th of May, he had been dining at Rolda, in + company with Hohenlo and the young Count of Nassau. Returning to the + trenches in a state of wild intoxication, he accosted a knot of superior + officers, informing them that they were but boys, and that he would show + them how to carry the faubourg of Groningen on the instant. He was + answered that the faubourg, being walled and moated, could be taken only + by escalade or battery. Laughing loudly, he rushed forward toward the + counterscarp, waving his sword, and brandishing on his left arm the cover + of a butter firkin, which he had taken instead of his buckler. He had + advanced, however, but a step, when a bullet from the faubourg pierced his + brain, and he fell dead without a word. + </p> + <p> + So perished one of the wild founders of the Netherland commonwealth—one + of the little band of reckless adventurers who had captured the town of + Brill in 1572, and thus laid the foundation stone of a great republic, + which was to dictate its laws to the empire of Charles the Fifth. He was + in some sort a type. His character was emblematical of the worst side of + the liberating movement. Desperate, lawless, ferocious—a robber on + land, a pirate by sea—he had rendered great service in the cause of + his fatherland, and had done it much disgrace. By the evil deeds of men + like himself, the fair face of liberty had been profaned at its first + appearance. Born of a respectable family, he had been noted, when a + student in this very Groningen where he had now found his grave, for the + youthful profligacy of his character. After dissipating his partrimony, he + had taken to the sea, the legalized piracy of the mortal struggle with + Spain offering a welcome refuge to spendthrifts like himself. In common + with many a banished noble of ancient birth and broken fortunes, the + riotous student became a successful corsair, and it is probable that his + prizes were made as well among the friends as the enemies of his country. + He amassed in a short time one hundred thousand crowns—no + contemptible fortune in those days. He assisted La Marck in the memorable + attack upon Brill, but behaved badly and took to flight when Mondragon + made his memorable expedition to relieve Tergoes. He had subsequently been + imprisoned, with La Marck for insubordination, and during his confinement + had dissipated a large part of his fortune. In 1574, after the violation + of the Ghent treaty, he had returned to, his piratical pursuits, and + having prospered again as rapidly as he had done during his former + cruises, had been glad to exchange the ocean for more honorable service on + shore. The result was the tragic yet almost ludicrous termination which we + have narrated. He left a handsome property, the result of his various + piracies, or, according to the usual euphemism, prizes. He often expressed + regret at the number of traders whom he had cast into the sea, + complaining, in particular, of one victim whom he had thrown overboard, + who would never sink, but who for years long ever floated in his wake, and + stared him in the face whenever he looked over his vessel's side. A + gambler, a profligate, a pirate, he had yet rendered service to the cause + of freedom, and his name—sullying the purer and nobler ones of other + founders of the commonwealth—"is enrolled in the capitol." + </p> + <p> + Count Philip Hohenlo, upon whom now, devolved the entire responsibility of + the Groningen siege and of the Friesland operations, was only a few + degrees superior to this northern corsair. A noble of high degree, nearly + connected with the Nassau family, sprung of the best blood in Germany, + handsome and dignified in appearance, he was, in reality only a debauchee + and a drunkard. Personal bravery was his main qualification for a general; + a virtue which he shared with many of his meanest soldiers. He had never + learned the art of war, nor had he the least ambition to acquire it. + Devoted to his pleasures, he depraved those under his command, and injured + the cause for which he was contending. Nothing but defeat and disgrace + were expected by the purer patriots from such guidance. "The benediction + of God," wrote Albada, "cannot be hoped for under this chieftain, who by + life and manners is fitter to drive swine than to govern pious and + honorable men." + </p> + <p> + The event justified the prophecy. After a few trifling operations before + Groningen, Hohenlo was summoned to the neighbourhood of Coewerden, by the + reported arrival of Martin Schenck, at the head of a considerable force. + On the 15th of June, the Count marched all night and a part of the follow + morning, in search of the enemy. He came up with them upon Hardenberg + Heath, in a broiling summer forenoon. His men were jaded by the forced + march, overcame with the heat, tormented with thirst, and unable to + procure even a drop of water. The royalists were fresh so that the result + of the contest was easily to be foreseen. Hohenlo's army was annihilated + in an hour's time, the whole population fled out of Coewerden, the siege + of Groningen was raised; Renneberg was set free to resume his operations + on a larger scale, and the fate of all the north-eastern provinces was + once more swinging in the wind. The boors of Drenthe and Friesland rose + again. They had already mustered in the field at an earlier season of the + year, in considerable force. Calling themselves "the desperates," and + bearing on their standard an eggshell with the yolk running out—to + indicate that, having lost the meat they were yet ready to fight for the + shell—they had swept through the open country, pillaging and + burning. Hohenlo had defeated them in two enchanters, slain a large number + of their forces, and reduced them for a time to tranquillity. His late + overthrow once more set them loose. Renneberg, always apt to be + over-elated in prosperity, as he was unduly dejected in adversity, now + assumed all the airs of a conqueror. He had hardly eight thousand men + under his orders, but his strength lay in the weakness of his adversaries. + A small war now succeeded, with small generals, small armies, small + campaigns, small sieges. For the time, the Prince of Orange was even + obliged to content himself with such a general as Hohenlo. As usual, he + was almost alone. "Donec eris felix," said he, emphatically— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "multos numerabis amicos, + Tempera cum erunt nubila, nullus erit," +</pre> + <p> + and he was this summer doomed to a still harder deprivation by the final + departure of his brother John from the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + The Count had been wearied out by petty miseries. His stadholderate of + Gelderland had overwhelmed him with annoyance, for throughout the + north-eastern provinces there was neither system nor subordination. The + magistrates could exercise no authority over an army which they did not + pay, or a people whom they did not protect. There were endless quarrels + between the various boards of municipal and provincial government—particularly + concerning contributions and expenditures. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [When the extraordinary generosity of the Count himself; and the + altogether unexampled sacrifices of the Prince are taken into + account, it may well be supposed that the patience of the brothers + would be sorely tried by the parsimony of the states. It appears by + a document laid before the states-general in the winter of 1580- + 1581, that the Count had himself advanced to Orange 570,000 florins + in the cause. The total of money spent by the Prince himself for + the sake of Netherland liberty was 2,200,000. These vast sums had + been raised in various ways and from various personages. His + estates were deeply hypothecated, and his creditors so troublesome, + that, in his own language, he was unable to attend properly to + public affairs, so frequent and so threatening were the applications + made upon him for payment. Day by day he felt the necessity + advancing more closely upon him of placing himself personally in the + hands of his creditors and making over his estates to their mercy + until the uttermost farthing should be paid. In his two campaigns + against Alva (1568 and 1572) he had spent 1,050,000 florins. He + owed the Elector Palatine 150,000 florins, the Landgrave 60,000, + Count John 670,000, and other sums to other individuals.] +</pre> + <p> + During this wrangling, the country was exposed to the forces of Parma, to + the private efforts of the Malcontents, to the unpaid soldiery of the + states, to the armed and rebellious peasantry. Little heed was paid to the + admonitions of Count John, who was of a hotter temper than was the + tranquil Prince. The stadholder gave way to fits of passion at the + meanness and the insolence to which he was constantly exposed. He readily + recognized his infirmity, and confessed himself unable to accommodate his + irascibility to the "humores" of the inhabitants. There was often + sufficient cause for his petulance. Never had praetor of a province a more + penurious civil list. "The baker has given notice," wrote Count John, in + November, "that he will supply no more bread after to-morrow, unless he is + paid." The states would furnish no money to pay the bill. It was no better + with the butcher. "The cook has often no meat to roast," said the Count, + in the same letter, "so that we are often obliged to go supperless to + bed." His lodgings were a half-roofed, half-finished, unfurnished barrack, + where the stadholder passed his winter days and evenings in a small, dark, + freezing-cold chamber, often without fire-wood. Such circumstances were + certainly not calculated to excite envy. When in addition to such wretched + parsimony, it is remembered that the Count was perpetually worried by the + quarrels of the provincial authorities with each other and with himself, + he may be forgiven for becoming thoroughly exhausted at last. He was + growing "grey and grizzled" with perpetual perplexity. He had been fed + with annoyance, as if—to use his own homely expression—"he had + eaten it with a spoon." Having already loaded himself with a debt of six + hundred thousand florins, which he had spent in the states' service, and + having struggled manfully against the petty tortures of his situation, he + cannot be severely censured for relinquishing his post. The affairs of his + own Countship were in great confusion. His children—boys and girls—were + many, and needed their fathers' guidance, while the eldest, William Louis, + was already in arms for the-Netherlands, following the instincts of his + race. Distinguished for a rash valor, which had already gained the rebuke + of his father and the applause of his comrades, he had commenced his long + and glorious career by receiving a severe wound at Coewerden, which caused + him to halt for life. Leaving so worthy a representative, the Count was + more justified in his departure. + </p> + <p> + His wife, too, had died in his absence, and household affairs required his + attention. It must be confessed, however, that if the memory of his + deceased spouse had its claims, the selection of her successor was still + more prominent among his anxieties. The worthy gentleman had been + supernaturally directed as to his second choice, ere that choice seemed + necessary, for before the news of his wife's death had reached him, the + Count dreamed that he was already united in second nuptials to the fair + Cunigunda, daughter of the deceased Elector Palatine—a vision which + was repeated many times. On the morrow he learned, to his amazement, that + he was a widower, and entertained no doubt that he had been specially + directed towards the princess seen in his slumbers, whom he had never seen + in life. His friends were in favor of his marrying the Electress Dowager, + rather than her daughter, whose years numbered less than half his own. The + honest Count, however, "after ripe consideration," decidedly preferred the + maid to the widow. "I confess," he said, with much gravity, "that the + marriage with the old Electress, in respect of her God-fearing + disposition, her piety, her virtue, and the like, would be much more + advisable. Moreover, as she hath borne her cross, and knows how to deal + with gentlemen, so much the better would it be for me. Nevertheless, + inasmuch as she has already had two husbands, is of a tolerable age, and + is taller of stature than myself, my inclination is less towards her than + towards her daughter." + </p> + <p> + For these various considerations, Count John, notwithstanding the + remonstrances of his brother, definitely laid down his government of + Gelderland, and quitted the Netherlands about midsummer. Enough had not + been done, in the opinion of the Prince, so long as aught remained to do, + and he could not bear that his brother should desert the country in the + hour of its darkness, or doubt the Almighty when his hand was veiled in + clouds. "One must do one's best," said he, "and believe that when such + misfortunes happen, God desires to prove us. If He sees that we do not + lose our courage, He will assuredly help us. Had we thought otherwise, we + should never have pierced the dykes on a memorable occasion, for it was an + uncertain thing and a great sorrow for the poor people; yet did God bless + the undertaking. He will bless us still, for his arm hath not been + shortened." + </p> + <p> + On the 22nd of July, 1580, the Archduke Matthias, being fully aware of the + general tendency of affairs, summoned a meeting of the generality in + Antwerp. He did not make his appearance before the assembly, but requested + that a deputation might wait upon him at his lodgings, and to this + committee he unfolded his griefs. He expressed his hope that the states + were not—in violation of the laws of God and man—about to + throw themselves into the arms of a foreign prince. He reminded them of + their duty to the holy Catholic religion to the illustrious house of + Austria, while he also pathetically called their attention to the + necessities of his own household, and hoped that they would, at least, + provide for the arrears due to his domestics. + </p> + <p> + The states-general replied with courtesy as to the personal claims of the + Archduke. For the rest, they took higher grounds, and the coming + declaration of independence already pierced through the studied decorum of + their language. They defended their negotiation with Anjou on the ground + of necessity, averring that the King of Spain had proved inexorable to all + intercession, while, through the intrigues of their bitterest enemies, + they had been entirely forsaken by the Empire. + </p> + <p> + Soon afterwards, a special legation, with Saint Aldegonde at its head, was + despatched to France to consult with the Duke of Anjou, and settled terms + of agreement with him by the treaty of Plessis les Tours (on the 29th of + September, 1580), afterwards definitely ratified by the convention of + Bordeaux, signed on the 23rd of the following January. + </p> + <p> + The states of Holland and Zealand, however, kept entirely aloof from this + transaction, being from the beginning opposed to the choice of Anjou. From + the first to the last, they would have no master but Orange, and to him, + therefore, this year they formally offered the sovereignty of their + provinces; but they offered it in vain. + </p> + <p> + The conquest of Portugal had effected a diversion in the affairs of the + Netherlands. It was but a transitory one. The provinces found the hopes + which they had built upon the necessity of Spain for large supplies in the + peninsula—to their own consequent relief—soon changed into + fears, for the rapid success of Alva in Portugal gave his master + additional power to oppress the heretics of the north. Henry, the Cardinal + King, had died in 1580, after succeeding to the youthful adventurer, Don + Sebastian, slain during his chivalrous African campaign (4th of August, + 1578). The contest for the succession which opened upon the death of the + aged monarch was brief, and in fifty-eight days, the bastard Antonio, + Philip's only formidable competitor, had been utterly defeated and driven + forth to lurk, like 'a hunted wild beast, among rugged mountain caverns, + with a price of a hundred thousand crowns upon his head. In the course of + the succeeding year, Philip received homage at Lisbon as King of Portugal. + From the moment of this conquest, he was more disposed, and more at + leisure than ever, to vent his wrath against the Netherlands, and against + the man whom he considered the incarnation of their revolt. + </p> + <p> + Cardinal Granvelle had ever whispered in the King's ear the expediency of + taking off the Prince by assassination. It has been seen how subtly + distilled, and how patiently hoarded, was this priest's venom against + individuals, until the time arrived when he could administer the poison + with effect. His hatred of Orange was intense and of ancient date. He was + of opinion, too, that the Prince might be scared from the post of duty, + even if the assassin's hand were not able to reach his heart. He was in + favor of publicly setting a price upon his head-thinking that if the + attention of all the murderers in the world were thus directed towards the + illustrious victim, the Prince would tremble at the dangers which + surrounded him. "A sum of money would be well employed in this way," said + the Cardinal, "and, as the Prince of Orange is a vile coward, fear alone + will throw him into confusion." Again, a few months later, renewing the + subject, he observed, "'twould be well to offer a reward of thirty or + forty thousand crowns to any one who will deliver the Prince, dead or + alive; since from very fear of it—as he is pusillanimous—it + would not be unlikely that he should die of his own accord." + </p> + <p> + It was insulting even to Philip's intelligence to insinuate that the + Prince would shrink before danger, or die of fear. Had Orange ever been + inclined to bombast, he might have answered the churchman's calumny, as + Caesar the soothsayer's warning:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "————————-Danger knows full well + That Caesar is more dangerous than he—" +</pre> + <p> + and in truth, Philip had long trembled on his throne before the genius of + the man who had foiled Spain's boldest generals and wiliest statesmen. The + King, accepting the priest's advice, resolved to fulminate a ban against + the Prince, and to set a price upon his head. "It will be well," wrote + Philip to Parma, "to offer thirty thousand crowns or so to any one who + will deliver him dead or alive. Thus the country may be rid of a man so + pernicious; or at any rate he will be held in perpetual fear, and + therefore prevented from executing leisurely his designs." + </p> + <p> + In accordance with these suggestions and these hopes, the famous ban was + accordingly drawn up, and dated on the 15th of March, 1580. It was, + however, not formally published in the Netherlands until the month of June + of the same year. + </p> + <p> + This edict will remain the most lasting monument to the memory of Cardinal + Granvelle. It will be read when all his other state-papers and epistles—able + as they incontestably are—shall have passed into oblivion. No + panegyric of friend, no palliating magnanimity of foe, can roll away this + rock of infamy from his tomb. It was by Cardinal Granvelle and by Philip + that a price was set upon the head of the foremost man of his age, as if + he had been a savage beast, and that admission into the ranks of Spain's + haughty nobility was made the additional bribe to tempt the assassin. + </p> + <p> + The ban consisted of a preliminary narrative to justify the penalty with + which it was concluded. It referred to the favors conferred by Philip and + his father upon the Prince; to his-signal ingratitude and dissimulation. + It accused him of originating the Request, the image-breaking, and the + public preaching. It censured his marriage with an abbess—even + during the lifetime of his wife; alluded to his campaigns against Alva, to + his rebellion in Holland, and to the horrible massacres committed by + Spaniards in that province—the necessary consequences of his + treason. It accused him of introducing liberty of conscience, of procuring + his own appointment as Ruward, of violating the Ghent treaty, of foiling + the efforts of Don John, and of frustrating the counsels of the Cologne + commissioners by his perpetual distrust. It charged him with a + newly-organized conspiracy, in the erection of the Utrecht Union; and for + these and similar crimes—set forth, with involutions, slow, spiral, + and cautious as the head and front of the indictment was direct and deadly—it + denounced the chastisement due to the "wretched hypocrite" who had + committed such offences. + </p> + <p> + "For these causes," concluded the ban, "we declare him traitor and + miscreant, enemy of ourselves and of the country. As such we banish him + perpetually from all our realms, forbidding all our subjects, of whatever + quality, to communicate with him openly or privately—to administer + to him victuals, drink, fire, or other necessaries. We allow all to injure + him in property or life. We expose the said William Nassau, as an enemy of + the human-race—giving his property to all who may; seize it. And if + anyone of our subjects or any stranger should be found sufficiently + generous of heart to rid us of this pest, delivering him to us, alive or + dead, or taking his life, we will cause to be furnished to him immediately + after the deed shall have been done, the sum of twenty-five thousand + crowns; in gold. If he have committed any crime, however heinous, we + promise to pardon him; and if he be not already noble, we will ennoble him + for his valor." + </p> + <p> + Such was the celebrated ban against the Prince of Orange. It was answered + before the end of the year by the memorable "Apology of the Prince of + Orange" one of the moat startling documents in history. No defiance was + ever thundered forth in the face of a despot in more terrible tones. It + had become sufficiently manifest to the royal party that the Prince was + not to be purchased by "millions of money," or by unlimited family + advancement—not to be cajoled by flattery or offers of illustrious + friendship. It had been decided, therefore, to terrify him into retreat, + or to remove him by murder. The Government had been thoroughly convinced + that the only way to finish the revolt, was to "finish Orange," according + to the ancient advice of Antonio Perez. The mask was thrown off. It had + been decided to forbid the Prince bread, water, fire, and shelter; to give + his wealth to the fisc, his heart to the assassin, his soul, as it was + hoped, to the Father of Evil. The rupture being thus complete, it was + right that the "wretched hypocrite" should answer ban with ban, royal + denunciation with sublime scorn. He had ill-deserved, however, the title + of hypocrite, he said. When the friend of government, he had warned them + that by their complicated and perpetual persecutions they were twisting + the rope of their own ruin. Was that hypocrisy? Since becoming their + enemy, there had likewise been little hypocrisy found in him—unless + it were hypocrisy to make open war upon government, to take their cities, + to expel their armies from the country. + </p> + <p> + The proscribed rebel, towering to a moral and even social superiority over + the man who affected to be his master by right divine, swept down upon his + antagonist with crushing effect. He repudiated the idea of a king in the + Netherlands. The word might be legitimate in Castillo, or Naples, or the + Indies, but the provinces knew no such title. Philip had inherited in + those countries only the power of Duke or Count—a power closely + limited by constitutions more ancient than his birthright. Orange was no + rebel then—Philip no legitimate monarch. Even were the Prince + rebellious, it was no more than Philip's ancestor, Albert of Austria, had + been towards his anointed sovereign, Emperor Adolphus of Nassau, ancestor + of William. The ties of allegiance and conventional authority being, + severed, it had become idle for the King to affect superiority of lineage + to the man whose family had occupied illustrious stations when the + Habsburgs were obscure squires in Switzerland, and had ruled as sovereign + in the Netherlands before that overshadowing house had ever been named. + </p> + <p> + But whatever the hereditary claims of Philip in the country, he had + forfeited them by the violation of his oaths, by his tyrannical + suppression of the charters of the land; while by his personal crimes he + had lost all pretension to sit in judgment upon his fellow man. Was a + people not justified in rising against authority when all their laws had + been trodden under foot, "not once only, but a million of times?"—and + was William of Orange, lawful husband of the virtuous Charlotte de + Bourbon, to be denounced for moral delinquency by a lascivious, + incestuous, adulterous, and murderous king? With horrible distinctness he + laid before the monarch all the crimes of which he believed him guilty, + and having thus told Philip to his beard, "thus diddest thou," he had a + withering word for the priest who stood at his back. "Tell me," he cried, + "by whose command Cardinal Granvelle administered poison to the Emperor + Maximilian? I know what the Emperor told me, and how much fear he felt + afterwards for the King and for all Spaniards." + </p> + <p> + He ridiculed the effrontery of men like Philip and Granvelle; in charging + "distrust" upon others, when it was the very atmosphere of their own + existence. He proclaimed that sentiment to be the only salvation for the + country. He reminded Philip of the words which his namesake of Macedon—a + schoolboy in tyranny, compared to himself—had heard from the lips of + Demosthenes—that the strongest fortress of a free people against a + tyrant was distrust. That sentiment, worthy of eternal memory, the Prince + declared that he had taken from the "divine philippic," to engrave upon + the heart, of the nation, and he prayed God that he might be more readily + believed than the great orator had been by his people. + </p> + <p> + He treated with scorn the price set upon his head, ridiculing this project + to terrify him, for its want of novelty, and asking the monarch if he + supposed the rebel ignorant of the various bargains which had frequently + been made before with cutthroats and poisoners to take away his life. "I + am in the hand of God," said William of Orange; "my worldly goods and my + life have been long since dedicated to His service. He will dispose of + them as seems best for His glory and my salvation." + </p> + <p> + On the contrary, however, if it could be demonstrated, or even hoped, that + his absence would benefit the cause of the country, he proclaimed himself + ready to go into exile. + </p> + <p> + "Would to God," said he, in conclusion, "that my perpetual banishment, or + even my death, could bring you a true deliverance from so many calamities. + Oh, how consoling would be such banishment—how sweet such a death! + For why have I exposed my property? Was it that I might enrich myself? Why + have I lost my brothers? Was it that I might find new; ones? Why have I + left my son so long a prisoner? Can you give me another? Why have I put my + life so often in, danger? What reward, can I hope after my long services, + and the almost total wreck, of my earthly fortunes, if not the prize, of + having acquired, perhaps at the expense of my life, your liberty?—If + then, my masters, if you judge that my absence or my death can serve you, + behold me ready to obey. Command me—send me to the ends of the earth—I + will obey. Here is my head, over which no prince, no monarch, has power + but yourselves. Dispose of it for your good, for the preservation of your + Republic, but if you judge that the moderate amount of experience and + industry which is in me, if you judge that the remainder of my property + and of my life can yet be of service to you, I dedicate them afresh to you + and to the country." + </p> + <p> + His motto—most appropriate to his life and character—"Je + maintiendrai," was the concluding phrase of the document. His arms and + signature were also formally appended, and the Apology, translated into + most modern languages, was sent, to nearly every potentate in Christendom. + It had been previously, on the 13th of December, 1580, read before the + assembly of the united states at Delft, and approved as cordially as the + ban was indignantly denounced. + </p> + <p> + During the remainder of the year 1580, and the half of the following year, + the seat of hostilities was mainly in the northeast-Parma, while waiting + the arrival of fresh troops, being inactive. The operations, like the + armies and the generals, were petty. Hohenlo was opposed to Renneberg. + After a few insignificant victories, the latter laid siege to Steenwyk, a + city in itself of no great importance, but the key to the province of + Drenthe. The garrison consisted of six hundred soldiers, and half as many + trained burghers. Renneberg, having six thousand foot and twelve hundred + horse, summoned the place to surrender, but was answered with defiance. + Captain Cornput, who had escaped from Groningen, after unsuccessfully + warning the citizens of Renneberg's meditated treason, commanded in + Steenwyk, and his courage and cheerfulness sustained the population of the + city during a close winter siege. Tumultuous mobs in the streets demanding + that the place should be given over ere it was too late, he denounced to + their faces as "flocks of gabbling geese," unworthy the attention of brave + men. To a butcher who, with the instinct of his craft, begged to be + informed what the population were to eat when the meat was all gone, he + coolly observed, "We will eat you, villain, first of all, when the time + comes; so go home and rest assured that you, at least, are not to die of + starvation." + </p> + <p> + With such rough but cheerful admonitions did the honest soldier, at the + head of his little handful, sustain the courage of the beleaguered city. + Meantime Renneberg pressed it hard. He bombarded it with red-hot balls, a + new invention introduced five years before by Stephen Bathor, King of + Poland, at the siege of Dantzig. Many houses were consumed, but still + Cornput and the citizens held firm. As the winter advanced, and the succor + which had been promised still remained in the distance, Renneberg began to + pelt the city with sarcasms, which, it was hoped, might prove more + effective than the red-hot balls. He sent a herald to know if the citizens + had eaten all their horses yet; a question which was answered by an + ostentatious display of sixty starving hacks—all that could be + mustered-upon the heights. He sent them on another occasion, a short + letter, which ran as follows: + </p> + <p> + "MOST HONORABLE, MOST STEADFAST,—As, during the present frost, you + have but little exercise in the trenches—as you cannot pass your + time in twirling your finger-rings, seeing that they have all been sold to + pay your soldiers' wages—as you have nothing to rub your teeth upon, + nor to scour your stomachs withal, and as, nevertheless, you require + something if only to occupy your minds, I send you the enclosed letter, in + hope it may yield amusement.—January 15, 1581." + </p> + <p> + The enclosure was a letter from the Prince of Orange to the Duke of Anjou, + which, as it was pretended, had been intercepted. It was a clumsy forgery, + but it answered the purpose of more skilful counterfeiting, at a period + when political and religious enmity obscured men's judgment. "As to the + point of religion," the Prince was made to observe, for example, to his + illustrious correspondent, "that is all plain and clear. No sovereign who + hopes to come to any great advancement ought to consider religion, or hold + it in regard. Your Highness, by means of the garrisons, and fortresses, + will be easily master of the principal cities in Flanders and Brabant, + even if the citizens were opposed to you. Afterwards you will compel them + without difficulty to any religion which may seem most conducive to the + interests of your Highness." + </p> + <p> + Odious and cynical as was the whole tone of the letter, it was extensively + circulated. There were always natures base and brutal enough to accept the + calumny and to make it current among kindred souls. It may be doubted + whether Renneberg attached faith to the document; but it was natural that + he should take a malicious satisfaction in spreading this libel against + the man whose perpetual scorn he had so recently earned. Nothing was more + common than such forgeries, and at that very moment a letter, executed + with equal grossness, was passing from hand to hand, which purported to be + from the Count himself to Parma. History has less interest in + contradicting the calumnies against a man like Renneberg. The fictitious + epistle of Orange, however, was so often republished, and the copies so + carefully distributed, that the Prince had thought it important to add an + express repudiation of its authorship, by way of appendix to his famous + Apology. He took the occasion to say, that if a particle of proof could be + brought that he had written the letter, or any letter resembling it, he + would forthwith leave the Netherlands, never to show his face there again. + </p> + <p> + Notwithstanding this well known denial, however, Renneberg thought it + facetious to send the letter into Steenvayk, where it produced but small + effect upon the minds' of the burghers. Meantime, they had received + intimation that succor was on its way. Hollow balls containing letters + were shot into the town, bringing the welcome intelligence that the + English colonel, John Norris, with six thousand states' troops, would soon + make his appearance for their relief, and the brave Cornput added his + cheerful exhortations to heighten the satisfaction thus produced. A day or + two afterwards, three quails were caught in the public square, and the + commandant improved the circumstance by many quaint homilies. The number + three, he observed, was typical of the Holy Trinity, which had thus come + symbolically to their relief. The Lord had sustained the fainting + Israelites with quails. The number three indicated three weeks, within + which time the promised succor was sure to arrive. Accordingly, upon the + 22nd of February, 1581, at the expiration of the third week, Norris + succeeded in victualling the town, the merry and steadfast Cornput was + established as a true prophet, and Count Renneberg abandoned the siege in + despair. + </p> + <p> + The subsequent career of that unhappy nobleman was brief. On the 19th of + July his troops were signally defeated by Sonny—and Norris, the + fugitive royalists retreating into Groningen at the very moment when their + general, who had been prevented by illness from commanding them, was + receiving the last sacraments. Remorse, shame, and disappointment had + literally brought Renneberg to his grave. + </p> + <p> + "His treason," says a contemporary, "was a nail in his coffin, and on his + deathbed he bitterly bemoaned his crime. 'Groningen! Groningen!' would + that I had never seen thy walls!" he cried repeatedly in his last hours. + He refused to see his sister, whose insidious counsels had combined with + his own evil passions to make him a traitor; and he died on the 23rd of + July, 1581, repentant and submissive. His heart, after his decease, was + found "shrivelled to the dimensions of a walnut," a circumstance + attributed to poison by some, to remorse by others. His regrets; his early + death, and his many attractive qualities, combined to: save his character + from universal denunciation, and his name, although indelibly stained by + treason, was ever mentioned with pity rather than with rancor. + </p> + <p> + Great changes, destined to be perpetual, were steadily preparing in the + internal condition of the provinces. A preliminary measure of an important + character had been taken early this year by the assembly of the united + provinces held in the month of January at Delft. This was the + establishment of a general executive council. The constitution of the + board was arranged on the 13th of the month, and was embraced in eighteen + articles. The number of councillors was fixed at thirty, all to be native + Netherlanders; a certain proportion to be appointed from each province by + its estates. The advice and consent of this body as to treaties with + foreign powers were to be indispensable, but they were not to interfere + with the rights and duties of the states-general, nor to interpose any + obstacle to the arrangements with the Duke of Anjou. + </p> + <p> + While this additional machine for the self-government of the provinces was + in the course of creation; the Spanish monarch, on the other hand, had + made another effort to recover the authority which he felt slipping from + his grasp. Philip was in Portugal, preparing for his coronation in, that, + new kingdom—an event to be nearly contemporaneous with his + deposition from the Netherland sovereignty, so solemnly conferred upon him + a quarter of a century before in Brussels; but although thus distant, he + was confident that he could more wisely govern the Netherlands than the + inhabitants could do, and unwilling as ever to confide in the abilities of + those to whom he had delegated his authority. Provided; as he + unquestionably was at that moment, with a more energetic representative + than any who had before exercised the functions of royal governor in the + provinces, he was still disposed to harass, to doubt, and to interfere. + With the additional cares of the Portuguese Conquest upon his hands, he + felt as irresistibly impelled as ever to superintend the minute details of + provincial administration. To do this was impossible. It was, however, not + impossible, by attempting to do it, to produce much mischief. "It gives me + pain," wrote Granvelle, "to see his Majesty working as before—choosing + to understand everything and to do everything. By this course, as I have + often said before, he really accomplishes much less." The King had, + moreover, recently committed the profound error of sending the Duchess + Margaret of Parma to the Netherlands again. He had the fatuity to believe + her memory so tenderly cherished in the provinces as to ensure a burst of + loyalty at her reappearance, while the irritation which he thus created in + the breast of her son he affected to disregard. The event was what might + have been foreseen. The Netherlanders were very moderately excited by the + arrival of their former regent, but the Prince of Parma was furious. His + mother actually arrived at Namur in the month of August, 1580, to assume + the civil administration of the provinces,—and he was himself, + according to the King's request, to continue in the command of the army. + Any one who had known human nature at all, would have recognized that + Alexander Farnese was not the man to be put into leading strings. A + sovereign who was possessed of any administrative sagacity, would have + seen the absurdity of taking the reins of government at that crisis from + the hands of a most determined and energetic man, to confide them to the + keeping of a woman. A king who was willing to reflect upon the + consequences of his own acts, must have foreseen the scandal likely to + result from an open quarrel for precedence between such a mother and son. + Margaret of Parma was instantly informed, however, by Alexander, that a + divided authority like that proposed was entirely out of the question. + Both offered to resign; but Alexander was unflinching in his determination + to retain all the power or none. The Duchess, as docile to her son after + her arrival as she had been to the King on undertaking the journey, and + feeling herself unequal to the task imposed upon her, implored Philip's + permission to withdraw, almost as soon as she had reached her destination. + Granvelle's opinion was likewise opposed to this interference with the + administration of Alexander, and the King at last suffered himself to be + overruled. By the end of the year 1581, letters arrived confirming the + Prince of Parma in his government, but requesting the Duchess of Parma to + remain, privately in the Netherlands. She accordingly continued to reside + there under an assumed name until the autumn of 1583, when she was at last + permitted to return to Italy. + </p> + <p> + During the summer of 1581, the same spirit of persecution which had + inspired the Catholics to inflict such infinite misery upon those of the + Reformed faith in the Netherlands, began to manifest itself in overt acts + against the Papists by those who had at last obtained political. + ascendency over them. Edicts were published in Antwerp, in Utrecht, and in + different cities of Holland, suspending the exercise of the Roman worship. + These statutes were certainly a long way removed in horror from those + memorable placards which sentenced the Reformers by thousands to the axe; + the cord, and the stake, but it was still melancholy to see the persecuted + becoming persecutors in their turn. They were excited to these stringent + measures by the noisy zeal of certain Dominican monks in Brussels, whose + extravagant discourses were daily inflaming the passions of the Catholics + to a dangerous degree. The authorities of the city accordingly thought it + necessary to suspend, by proclamation, the public exercise of the ancient + religion, assigning, as their principal reason for this prohibition, the + shocking jugglery by which simple-minded persons were constantly deceived. + They alluded particularly to the practice of working miracles by means of + relics, pieces of the holy cross, bones of saints, and the perspiration of + statues. They charged that bits of lath were daily exhibited as fragments + of the cross; that the bones of dogs and monkeys were held up for + adoration as those of saints; and that oil was poured habitually into + holes drilled in the heads of statues, that the populace might believe in + their miraculous sweating. For these reasons, and to avoid the tumult and + possible bloodshed to which the disgust excited by such charlatanry might + give rise, the Roman Catholic worship was suspended until the country + should be restored to greater tranquillity. Similar causes led to similar + proclamations in other cities. The Prince of Orange lamented the + intolerant spirit thus showing itself among those who had been its + martyrs, but it was not possible at that moment to keep it absolutely + under control. + </p> + <p> + A most important change was now to take place in his condition, a most + vital measure was to be consummated by the provinces. The step, which + could never be retraced was, after long hesitation, finally taken upon the + 26th of July, 1581, upon which day the united provinces, assembled at the + Hague, solemnly declared their independence of Philip, and renounced their + allegiance for ever. + </p> + <p> + This act was accomplished with the deliberation due to its gravity. At the + same time it left the country in a very divided condition. This was + inevitable. The Prince had done all that one man could do to hold the + Netherlands together and unite them perpetually into one body politic, and + perhaps, if he had been inspired by a keener personal ambition, this task + might have been accomplished.—The seventeen provinces might have + accepted his dominion, but they would agree to that of no other sovereign. + Providence had not decreed that the country, after its long agony, should + give birth to a single and perfect commonwealth. The Walloon provinces had + already fallen off from the cause, notwithstanding the entreaties of the + Prince. The other Netherlands, after long and tedious negotiation with + Anjou, had at last consented to his supremacy, but from this arrangement + Holland and Zealand held themselves aloof. By a somewhat anomalous + proceeding, they sent deputies along with those of the other provinces, to + the conferences with the Duke, but it was expressly understood that they + would never accept him as sovereign. They were willing to contract with + him and with their sister provinces—over which he was soon to + exercise authority—a firm and perpetual league, but as to their own + chief, their hearts were fixed. The Prince of Orange should be their lord + and master, and none other. It lay only in his self-denying character that + he had not been clothed with this dignity long before. He had, however, + persisted in the hope that all the provinces might be brought to + acknowledge the Duke of Anjou as their sovereign, under conditions which + constituted a free commonwealth with an hereditary chief, and in this hope + he had constantly refused concession to the wishes of the northern + provinces. He in reality exercised sovereign power over nearly the whole + population, of the Netherlands. Already in 1580, at the assembly held in + April, the states of Holland had formally requested him to assume the full + sovereignty over them, with the title of Count of Holland and Zealand + forfeited by Philip. He had not consented, and the proceedings had been + kept comparatively secret. As the negotiations with Anjou advanced, and as + the corresponding abjuration of Philip was more decisively indicated, the + consent of the Prince to this request was more warmly urged. As it was + evident that the provinces thus bent upon placing him at their head, could + by no possibility be induced to accept the sovereignty of Anjou—as, + moreover; the act of renunciation of Philip could no longer be deferred, + the Prince of Orange reluctantly and provisionally accepted the supreme + power over Holland and Zealand. This arrangement was finally accomplished + upon the 24th of July, 1581, and the act of abjuration took place two days + afterwards. The offer of the sovereignty over the other united provinces + had been accepted by Anjou six months before. + </p> + <p> + Thus, the Netherlands were divided into three portions—the + reconciled provinces, the united provinces under Anjou, and the northern + provinces under Orange; the last division forming the germ, already nearly + developed, of the coming republic. The constitution, or catalogue of + conditions, by which the sovereignty accorded to Anjou was reduced to such + narrow limits as to be little more than a nominal authority, while the + power remained in the hands of the representative body of the provinces, + will be described, somewhat later, together with the inauguration of the + Duke. For the present it is necessary that the reader should fully + understand the relative position of the Prince and of the northern + provinces. The memorable act of renunciation—the Netherland + declaration of independence—will then be briefly explained. + </p> + <p> + On the 29th of March, 1580, a resolution passed the assembly of Holland + and Zealand never to make peace or enter into any negotiations with the + King of Spain on the basis of his sovereignty. The same resolution + provided that his name—hitherto used in all public acts—should + be for ever discarded, that his seal should be broken, and that the name + and seal of the Prince of Orange should be substituted in all commissions + and public documents. At almost the same time the states of Utrecht passed + a similar resolution. These offers were, however, not accepted, and the + affair was preserved profoundly secret. On the 5th of July, 1581, "the + knights, nobles, and cities of Holland and Zealand," again, in an urgent + and solemn manner, requested the Prince to accept the "entire authority as + sovereign and chief of the land, as long as the war should continue." This + limitation as to time was inserted most reluctantly by the states, and + because it was perfectly well understood that without it the Prince would + not accept the sovereignty at all. The act by which this dignity was + offered, conferred full power to command all forces by land and sea, to + appoint all military officers, and to conduct all warlike operations, + without the control or advice of any person whatsoever. It authorized him, + with consent of the states, to appoint all financial and judicial + officers, created him the supreme executive chief, and fountain of justice + and pardon, and directed him "to maintain the exercise only of the + Reformed evangelical religion, without, however, permitting that inquiries + should be made into any man's belief or conscience, or that any injury or + hindrance should be offered to any man on account of his religion." + </p> + <p> + The sovereignty thus pressingly offered, and thus limited as to time, was + finally accepted by William of Orange, according to a formal act dated at + the Hague, 5th of July, 1581, but it will be perceived that no powers were + conferred by this new instrument beyond those already exercised by the + Prince. It was, as it were, a formal continuance of the functions which he + had exercised since 1576 as the King's stadholder, according to his old + commission of 1555, although a vast, difference existed in reality. The + King's name was now discarded and his sovereignty disowned, while the + proscribed rebel stood in his place, exercising supreme functions, not + vicariously, but in his own name. The limitation as to time was, moreover, + soon afterwards secretly, and without the knowledge of Orange, cancelled + by the states. They were determined that the Prince should be their + sovereign—if they could make him so—for the term of his life. + </p> + <p> + The offer having thus been made and accepted upon the 5th of July, oaths + of allegiance and fidelity were exchanged between the Prince and the + estates upon the 24th of the same month. In these solemnities, the states, + as representing the provinces, declared that because the King of Spain, + contrary to his oath as Count of Holland and Zealand, had not only not + protected these provinces, but had sought with all his might to reduce + them to eternal slavery, it had been found necessary to forsake him. They + therefore proclaimed every inhabitant absolved from allegiance, while at + the same time, in the name of the population, they swore fidelity to the + Prince of Orange, as representing the supreme authority. + </p> + <p> + Two days afterwards, upon the 26th of July, 1581, the memorable + declaration of independence was issued by the deputies of the united + provinces, then solemnly assembled at the Hague. It was called the Act of + Abjuration. It deposed Philip from his sovereignty, but was not the + proclamation of a new form of government, for the united provinces were + not ready to dispense with an hereditary chief. Unluckily, they had + already provided themselves with a very bad one to succeed Philip in the + dominion over most of their territory, while the northern provinces were + fortunate enough and wise enough to take the Father of the country for + their supreme magistrate. + </p> + <p> + The document by which the provinces renounced their allegiance was not the + most felicitous of their state papers. It was too prolix and technical. + Its style had more of the formal phraseology of legal documents than + befitted this great appeal to the whole world and to all time. + Nevertheless, this is but matter of taste. The Netherlanders were so + eminently a law-abiding people, that, like the American patriots of the + eighteenth century, they on most occasions preferred punctilious precision + to florid declamation. They chose to conduct their revolt according to + law. At the same time, while thus decently wrapping herself in + conventional garments, the spirit of Liberty revealed none the less her + majestic proportions. + </p> + <p> + At the very outset of the Abjuration, these fathers of the Republic laid + down wholesome truths, which at that time seemed startling blasphemies in + the ears of Christendom. "All mankind know," said the preamble, "that a + prince is appointed by God to cherish his subjects, even as a shepherd to + guard his sheep. When, therefore, the prince—does not fulfil his + duty as protector; when he oppresses his subjects, destroys their ancient + liberties, and treats them as slaves, he is to be considered, not a + prince, but a tyrant. As such, the estates of the land may lawfully and + reasonably depose him, and elect another in his room." + </p> + <p> + Having enunciated these maxims, the estates proceeded to apply them to + their own case, and certainly never was an ampler justification for + renouncing a prince since princes were first instituted. The states ran + through the history of the past quarter of a century, patiently + accumulating a load of charges against the monarch, a tithe of which would + have furnished cause for his dethronement. Without passion or + exaggeration, they told the world their wrongs. The picture was not highly + colored. On the contrary, it was rather a feeble than a striking portrait + of the monstrous iniquity which had so long been established over them. + Nevertheless, they went through the narrative conscientiously and + earnestly. They spoke of the King's early determination to govern the + Netherlands, not by natives but by Spaniards; to treat them not as + constitutional countries, but as conquered provinces; to regard the + inhabitants not as liege subjects, but as enemies; above all, to supersede + their ancient liberty by the Spanish Inquisition, and they alluded to the + first great step in this scheme—the creation of the new bishoprics, + each with its staff of inquisitors. + </p> + <p> + They noticed the memorable Petition, the mission of Berghen and Montigny, + their imprisonment and taking off, in violation of all national law, even + that which had ever been held sacred by the most cruel and tyrannical + princes. They sketched the history of Alva's administration; his + entrapping the most eminent nobles by false promises, and delivering them + to the executioner; his countless sentences of death, outlawry, and + confiscation; his erection of citadels to curb, his imposition of the + tenth and twentieth penny to exhaust the land; his Blood Council and its + achievements; and the immeasurable, woe produced by hanging, burning, + banishing, and plundering, during his seven years of residence. They + adverted to the Grand Commander, as having been sent, not to improve the + condition of the country, but to pursue the same course of tyranny by more + concealed ways. They spoke of the horrible mutiny which broke forth at his + death; of the Antwerp Fury; of the express approbation rendered to that + great outrage by the King, who had not only praised the crime, but + promised to recompense the criminals. They alluded to Don John of Austria + and his duplicity; to his pretended confirmation of the Ghent treaty; to + his attempts to divide the country against itself; to the Escovedo policy; + to the intrigues with the German regiments. They touched upon the Cologne + negotiations, and the fruitless attempt of the patriots upon that occasion + to procure freedom of religion, while the object of the royalists was only + to distract and divide the nation. Finally, they commented with sorrow and + despair upon that last and crowning measure of tyranny—the ban + against the Prince of Orange. + </p> + <p> + They calmly observed, after this recital, that they were sufficiently + justified in forsaking a sovereign who for more than twenty years had + forsaken them. Obeying the law of nature—desirous of maintaining the + rights, charters, and liberties of their fatherland—determined to + escape from slavery to Spaniards—and making known their decision to + the world, they declared the King of Spain deposed from his sovereignty, + and proclaimed that they should recognize thenceforth neither his title + nor jurisdiction. Three days afterwards, on the 29th of July, the assembly + adopted a formula, by which all persons were to be required to signify + their abjuration. + </p> + <p> + Such were the forms by which the united provinces threw off their + allegiance to Spain, and ipso facto established a republic, which was to + flourish for two centuries. This result, however, was not exactly foreseen + by the congress which deposed Philip. The fathers of the commonwealth did + not baptize it by the name of Republic. They did not contemplate a change + in their form of government. They had neither an aristocracy nor a + democracy in their thoughts. Like the actors in our own great national + drama, these Netherland patriots were struggling to sustain, not to + overthrow; unlike them, they claimed no theoretical freedom for humanity—promulgated + no doctrine of popular sovereignty: they insisted merely on the fulfilment + of actual contracts, signed sealed, and sworn to by many successive + sovereigns. Acting, upon the principle that government should be for the + benefit of the governed, and in conformity to the dictates of reason and + justice, they examined the facts by those divine lights, and discovered + cause to discard their ruler. They did not object to being ruled. They + were satisfied with their historical institutions, and preferred the + mixture of hereditary sovereignty with popular representation, to which + they were accustomed. They did not devise an a priori constitution. Philip + having violated the law of reason and the statutes of the land, was + deposed, and a new chief magistrate was to be elected in his stead. This + was popular sovereignty in fact, but not in words. The deposition and + election could be legally justified only by the inherent right of the + people to depose and to elect; yet the provinces, in their Declaration of + Independence, spoke of the divine right of kings, even while dethroning, + by popular right, their own King! + </p> + <p> + So also, in the instructions given by the states to their envoys charged + to justify the abjuration before the Imperial diet held at Augsburg, + twelve months later, the highest ground was claimed for the popular right + to elect or depose the sovereign, while at the same time, kings were + spoken of as "appointed by God." It is true that they were described, in + the same clause, as "chosen by the people"—which was, perhaps, as + exact a concurrence in the maxim of Vox populi, vox Dei, as the boldest + democrat of the day could demand. In truth, a more democratic course would + have defeated its own ends. The murderous and mischievous pranks of + Imbize, Ryhove, and such demagogues, at Ghent and elsewhere, with their + wild theories of what they called Grecian, Roman, and Helvetian + republicanism, had inflicted damage enough on the cause of freedom, and + had paved the road for the return of royal despotism. The senators + assembled at the Hague gave more moderate instructions to their delegates + at Augsburg. They were to place the King's tenure upon contract—not + an implied one, but a contract as literal as the lease of a farm. The + house of Austria, they were to maintain, had come into the possession of + the seventeen Netherlands upon certain express conditions, and with the + understanding that its possession was to cease with the first condition + broken. It was a question of law and fact, not of royal or popular right. + They were to take the ground, not only that the contract had been + violated, but that the foundation of perpetual justice upon which it + rested; had likewise been undermined. It was time to vindicate both + written charters and general principles. "God has given absolute power to + no mortal man," said Saint Aldegonde, "to do his own will against all laws + and all reason." "The contracts which the King has broken are no pedantic + fantasies," said the estates, "but laws planted by nature in the universal + heart of mankind, and expressly acquiesced in by prince and people." All + men, at least, who speak the English tongue, will accept the conclusion of + the provinces, that when laws which protected the citizen against + arbitrary imprisonment and guaranteed him a trial in his own province—which + forbade the appointment of foreigners to high office—which secured + the property of the citizen from taxation, except by the representative + body—which forbade intermeddling on the part of the sovereign with + the conscience of the subject in religious matters—when such laws + had been subverted by blood tribunals, where drowsy judges sentenced + thousands to stake and scaffold without a hearing by excommunication, + confiscation, banishment-by hanging, beheading, burning, to such enormous + extent and with such terrible monotony that the executioner's sword came + to be looked upon as the only symbol of justice—then surely it might + be said, without exaggeration, that the complaints of the Netherlanders + were "no pedantic fantasies," and that the King had ceased to perform his + functions as dispenser of God's justice. + </p> + <p> + The Netherlanders dealt with facts. They possessed a body of laws, + monuments of their national progress, by which as good a share of + individual liberty was secured to the citizen as was then enjoyed in any + country of the world. Their institutions admitted of great improvement, no + doubt; but it was natural that a people so circumstanced should be + unwilling to exchange their condition for the vassalage of "Moors or + Indians." + </p> + <p> + At the same time it may be doubted whether the instinct for political + freedom only would have sustained them in the long contest, and whether + the bonds which united them to the Spanish Crown would have been broken, + had it not been for the stronger passion for religious liberty, by which + so large a portion of the people was animated. Boldly as the united states + of the Netherlands laid down their political maxima, the quarrel might + perhaps have been healed if the religious question had admitted of a + peaceable solution. Philip's bigotry amounting to frenzy, and the + Netherlanders of "the religion" being willing, in their own words, "to die + the death" rather than abandon the Reformed faith, there was upon this + point no longer room for hope. In the act of abjuration, however, it was + thought necessary to give offence to no class of the inhabitants, but to + lay down such principles only as enlightened Catholics would not oppose. + All parties abhorred the Inquisition, and hatred to that institution is + ever prominent among the causes assigned for the deposition of the + monarch. "Under pretence of maintaining the Roman religion," said the + estates, "the King has sought by evil means to bring into operation the + whole strength of the placards and of the Inquisition—the first and + true cause of all our miseries." + </p> + <p> + Without making any assault upon the Roman Catholic faith, the authors of + the great act by which Philip was for ever expelled from the Netherlands + showed plainly enough that religious persecution had driven them at last + to extremity. At the same time, they were willing—for the sake of + conciliating all classes of their countrymen—to bring the political + causes of discontent into the foreground, and to use discreet language + upon the religious question. + </p> + <p> + Such, then, being the spirit which prompted the provinces upon this great + occasion, it may be asked who were the men who signed a document of such + importance? In whose-name and by what authority did they act against the + sovereign? The signers of the declaration of independence acted in the + name and by the authority of the Netherlands people. The estates were the + constitutional representatives of that people. The statesmen of that day + discovering, upon cold analysis of facts, that Philip's sovereignty was, + legally forfeited; formally proclaimed that forfeiture. Then inquiring + what had become of the sovereignty, they found it not in the mass of the + people, but in the representative body, which actually personated the + people. The estates of the different provinces—consisting of the + knights, nobles, and burgesses of each—sent, accordingly, their + deputies to the general assembly at the Hague; and by this congress the + decree of abjuration was issued. It did, not occur to any one to summon + the people in their primary assemblies, nor would the people of that day, + have comprehended the objects of such a summons. They were accustomed to + the action of the estates, and those bodies represented as large a number + of political capacities as could be expected of assemblies chosen then + upon general principles. The hour had not arrived for more profound + analysis of the social compact. Philip was accordingly deposed justly, + legally formally justly, because it had become necessary to abjur a + monarch who was determined not only to oppress; but to exterminate his + people; legally, because he had habitually violated the constitutions + which he had sworn to support; formally, because the act was done in the + name of the people, by the body historically representing the people. + </p> + <p> + What, then, was the condition of the nation, after this great step had + been taken? It stood, as it were, with its sovereignty in its hand, + dividing it into two portions, and offering it, thus separated, to two + distinct individuals. The sovereignty of Holland and Zealand had been + reluctantly accepted by Orange. The sovereignty of the united provinces + had been offered to Anjou, but the terms of agreement with that Duke had + not yet been ratified. The movement was therefore triple, consisting of an + abjuration and of two separate elections of hereditary chiefs; these two + elections being accomplished in the same manner, by the representative + bodies respectively of the united provinces, and of Holland and Zealand. + Neither the abjuration nor the elections were acted upon beforehand by the + communities, the train-bands, or the guilds of the cities—all + represented, in fact, by the magistrates and councils of each; nor by the + peasantry of the open country—all supposed to be represented by the + knights and nobles. All classes of individuals, however; arranged in + various political or military combinations, gave their acquiescence + afterwards, together with their oaths of allegiance. The people approved + the important steps taken by their representatives. + </p> + <p> + Without a direct intention on the part of the people or its leaders to + establish a republic, the Republic established itself. Providence did not + permit the whole country, so full of wealth intelligence, healthy + political action—so stocked with powerful cities and an energetic + population, to be combined into one free and prosperous commonwealth. The + factious ambition of a few grandees, the cynical venality of many nobles, + the frenzy of the Ghent democracy, the spirit of religious intolerance, + the consummate military and political genius of Alexander Farnese, the + exaggerated self-abnegation and the tragic fate of Orange, all united to + dissever this group of flourishing and kindred provinces. + </p> + <p> + The want of personal ambition on the part of William the Silent inflicted + perhaps a serious damage upon his country. He believed a single chief + requisite for the united states; he might have been, but always refused to + become that chief; and yet he has been held up for centuries by many + writers as a conspirator and a self-seeking intriguer. "It seems to me," + said he, with equal pathos and truth, upon one occasion, "that I was born + in this bad planet that all which I do might be misinterpreted." The + people worshipped him, and there was many an occasion when his election + would have been carried with enthusiasm. "These provinces," said John of + Nassau, "are coming very unwillingly into the arrangement with the Duke of + Alencon, The majority feel much more inclined to elect the Prince, who is + daily, and without intermission, implored to give his consent. His Grace, + however, will in no wise agree to this; not because he fears the + consequences, such as loss of property or increased danger, for therein he + is plunged as deeply as he ever could be;—on the contrary, if he + considered only the interests of his race and the grandeur of his house, + he could expect nothing but increase of honor, gold, and gear, with all + other prosperity. He refuses only on this account that it may not be + thought that, instead of religious freedom for the country, he has been + seeking a kingdom for himself and his own private advancement. Moreover, + he believes that the connexion with France will be of more benefit to the + country and to Christianity than if a peace should be made with Spain, or + than if he should himself accept the sovereignty, as he is desired to do." + </p> + <p> + The unfortunate negotiations with Anjou, to which no man was more opposed + than Count John, proceeded therefore. In the meantime, the sovereignty + over the united provinces was provisionally held by the national council, + and, at the urgent solicitation of the states-general, by the Prince. The + Archduke Matthias, whose functions were most unceremoniously brought to an + end by the transactions which we have been recording, took his leave of + the states, and departed in the month of October. Brought to the country a + beardless boy, by the intrigues of a faction who wished to use him as a + tool against William of Orange, he had quietly submitted, on the contrary, + to serve as the instrument of that great statesman. His personality during + his residence was null, and he had to expiate, by many a petty + mortification, by many a bitter tear, the boyish ambition which brought + him to the Netherlands. He had certainly had ample leisure to repent the + haste with which he had got out of his warm bed in Vienna to take his + bootless journey to Brussels. Nevertheless, in a country where so much + baseness, cruelty, and treachery was habitually practised by men of high + position, as was the case in the Netherlands; it is something in favor of + Matthias that he had not been base, or cruel, or treacherous. The states + voted him, on his departure, a pension of fifty thousand guldens annually, + which was probably not paid with exemplary regularity. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Policy of electing Anjou as sovereign—Commode et incommode—Views + of Orange—Opinions at the French Court,—Anjou relieves Cambray— + Parma besieges Tourney—Brave defence by the Princess of Espinoy— + Honorable capitulation—Anjou's courtship in England—The Duke's + arrival in the Netherlands—Portrait of Anjou—Festivities in + Flushing—Inauguration at Antwerp—The conditions or articles + subscribed to by the Duke—Attempt upon the life of Orange—The + assassin's papers—Confession of Venero—Gaspar Anastro—His escape + —Execution of Venero and Zimmermann—Precarious condition of the + Prince—His recovery—Death of the Princess—Premature letters of + Parma—Further negotiations with Orange as to the sovereignty of + Holland and Zealand—Character of the revised Constitution— + Comparison of the positions of the Prince before and after his + acceptance of the countship. +</pre> + <p> + Thus it was arranged that, for the—present, at least, the Prince + should exercise sovereignty over Holland and Zealand; although he had + himself used his utmost exertions to induce those provinces to join the + rest of the United Netherlands in the proposed election of Anjou. This, + however, they sternly refused to do. There was also a great disinclination + felt by many in the other states to this hazardous offer of their + allegiance, and it was the personal influence of Orange that eventually + carried the measure through. Looking at the position of affairs and at the + character of Anjou, as they appear to us now, it seems difficult to + account for the Prince's policy. It is so natural to judge only by the + result, that we are ready to censure statesmen for consequences which + beforehand might seem utterly incredible, and for reading falsely human + characters whose entire development only a late posterity has had full + opportunity to appreciate. Still, one would think that Anjou had been + sufficiently known to inspire distrust. + </p> + <p> + There was but little, too, in the aspect of the French court to encourage + hopes of valuable assistance from that quarter. It was urged, not without + reason, that the French were as likely to become as dangerous as the + Spaniards; that they would prove nearer and more troublesome masters; that + France intended the incorporation of the Netherlands into her own kingdom; + that the provinces would therefore be dispersed for ever from the German + Empire; and that it was as well to hold to the tyrant under whom they had + been born, as to give themselves voluntarily to another of their own + making. In short, it was maintained, in homely language, that "France and + Spain were both under one coverlid." It might have been added that only + extreme misery could make the provinces take either bedfellow. Moreover, + it was asserted, with reason, that Anjou would be a very expensive master, + for his luxurious and extravagant habits were notorious—that he was + a man in whom no confidence could be placed, and one who would grasp at + arbitrary power by any means which might present themselves. Above all, it + was urged that he was not of the true religion, that he hated the + professors of that faith in his heart, and that it was extremely unwise + for men whose dearest interests were their religious ones, to elect a + sovereign of opposite creed to their own. To these plausible views the + Prince of Orange and those who acted with him, had, however; sufficient + answers. The Netherlands had waited long enough for assistance from other + quarters. Germany would not lift a finger in the cause; on the contrary, + the whole of Germany, whether Protestant or Catholic, was either openly or + covertly hostile. It was madness to wait till assistance came to them from + unseen sources. It was time for them to assist themselves, and to take the + best they could get; for when men were starving they could not afford to + be dainty. They might be bound, hand and foot, they might be overwhelmed a + thousand times before they would receive succor from Germany, or from any + land but France. Under the circumstances in which they found themselves, + hope delayed was but a cold and meagre consolation. + </p> + <p> + "To speak plainly," said Orange, "asking us to wait is very much as if you + should keep a man three days without any food in the expectation of a + magnificent banquet, should persuade him to refuse bread, and at the end + of three days should tell him that the banquet was not ready, but that a + still better one was in preparation. Would it not be better, then, that + the poor man, to avoid starvation, should wait no longer, but accept bread + wherever he might find it? Such is our case at present." + </p> + <p> + It was in this vein that he ever wrote and spoke: The Netherlands were to + rely upon their own exertions, and to procure the best alliance, together + with the most efficient protection possible. They were not strong enough + to cope singlehanded with their powerful tyrant, but they were strong + enough if they used the instruments which Heaven offered. It was not + trusting but tempting Providence to wait supinely, instead of grasping + boldly at the means of rescue within reach. It became the character of + brave men to act, not to expect. "Otherwise," said the Prince, "we may + climb to the top of trees, like the Anabaptists of Munster, and expect + God's assistance to drop from the clouds." It is only by listening to + these arguments so often repeated, that we can comprehend the policy of + Orange at thin period. "God has said that he would furnish the ravens with + food, and the lions with their prey," said he; "but the birds and the + lions do not, therefore, sit in their nests and their lairs waiting for + their food to descend from heaven, but they seek it where it is to be + found." So also, at a later day, when events seemed to have justified the + distrust so, generally felt in Anjou, the Prince; nevertheless, held + similar language. "I do not," said he, calumniate those who tell us to put + our trust in God. That is my opinion also. But it is trusting God to use + the means which he places in our hands, and to ask that his blessings may + come upon them. + </p> + <p> + There was a feeling entertained by the more sanguine that the French King + would heartily assist the Netherlands, after his brother should be fairly + installed. He had expressly written to that effect, assuring Anjou that he + would help him with all his strength, and would enter into close alliance + with those Netherlands which should accept him as prince and sovereign. In + another and more private letter to the Duke, the King promised to assist + his brother, "even to his last shirt." There is no doubt that it was the + policy of the statesmen of France to assist the Netherlands, while the + "mignons" of the worthless King were of a contrary opinion. Many of them + were secret partizans of Spain; and found it more agreeable to receive the + secret pay of Philip than to assist his revolted provinces. They found it + easy to excite the jealousy of the monarch against his brother—a + passion which proved more effective than the more lofty ambition of + annexing the Low Countries, according to the secret promptings of many + French politicians. As for the Queen Mother, she was fierce in her + determination to see fulfilled in this way the famous prediction of + Nostradamus. Three of her sons had successively worn the crown of France. + That she might be "the mother of four kings," without laying a third child + in the tomb, she was greedy for this proffered sovereignty to her youngest + and favorite son. This well-known desire of Catherine de Medici was duly + insisted upon by the advocates of the election; for her influence, it was + urged, would bring the whole power of France to support the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + At any rate, France could not be worse—could hardly be so bad—as + their present tyranny. "Better the government of the Gaul, though suspect + and dangerous," said Everard Reyd, "than the truculent dominion of the + Spaniard. Even thus will the partridge fly to the hand of man, to escape + the talons of the hawk." As for the individual character of Anjou, proper + means would be taken, urged the advocates of his sovereignty, to keep him + in check, for it was intended so closely to limit the power conferred upon + him, that it would be only supreme in name. The Netherlands were to be, in + reality, a republic, of which Anjou was to be a kind of Italian or Frisian + podesta. "The Duke is not to act according to his pleasure," said one of + the negotiators, in a private letter to Count John; "we shall take care to + provide a good muzzle for him." How conscientiously the "muzzle" was + prepared, will appear from the articles by which the states soon + afterwards accepted the new sovereign. How basely he contrived to slip the + muzzle—in what cruel and cowardly fashion he bathed his fangs in the + blood of the flock committed to him, will also but too soon appear. + </p> + <p> + As for the religious objection to Anjou, on which more stress was laid + than upon any other, the answer was equally ready. Orange professed + himself "not theologian enough" to go into the subtleties brought forward. + As it was intended to establish most firmly a religious peace, with entire + tolerance for all creeds, he did not think it absolutely essential to + require a prince of the Reformed faith. It was bigotry to dictate to the + sovereign, when full liberty in religious matters was claimed for the + subject. Orange was known to be a zealous professor of the Reformed + worship himself; but he did not therefore reject political assistance, + even though offered by a not very enthusiastic member of the ancient + Church. + </p> + <p> + "If the priest and the Levite pass us by when we are fallen among + thieves," said he, with much aptness and some bitterness, "shall we reject + the aid proffered by the Samaritan, because he is of a different faith + from the worthy fathers who have left us to perish?" In short, it was + observed with perfect truth that Philip had been removed, not because he + was a Catholic, but because he was a tyrant; not because his faith was + different from that of his subjects, but because he was resolved to + exterminate all men whose religion differed from his own. It was not, + therefore, inconsistent to choose another Catholic for a sovereign, if + proper guarantees could be obtained that he would protect and not oppress + the Reformed churches. "If the Duke have the same designs as the King," + said Saint Aldegonde, "it would be a great piece of folly to change one + tyrant and persecutor for another. If, on the contrary, instead of + oppressing our liberties, he will maintain them, and in place of + extirpating the disciples of the true religion, he will protect them, then + are all the reasons of our opponents without vigor." + </p> + <p> + By midsummer the Duke of Anjou made his appearance in the western part of + the Netherlands. The Prince of Parma had recently come before Cambray with + the intention of reducing that important city. On the arrival of Anjou, + however, at the head of five thousand cavalry—nearly all of them + gentlemen of high degree, serving as volunteers—and of twelve + thousand infantry, Alexander raised the siege precipitately, and retired + towards Tournay. Anjou victualled the city, strengthened the garrison, and + then, as his cavalry had only enlisted for a summer's amusement, and could + no longer be held together, he disbanded his forces. The bulk of the + infantry took service for the states under the Prince of Espinoy, governor + of Tournay. The Duke himself, finding that, notwithstanding the treaty of + Plessis les Tours and the present showy demonstration upon his part, the + states were not yet prepared to render him formal allegiance, and being, + moreover, in the heyday of what was universally considered his prosperous + courtship of Queen Elizabeth, soon afterwards took his departure for + England. + </p> + <p> + Parma; being thus relieved of his interference, soon afterwards laid siege + to the important city of Tournay. The Prince of Espinoy was absent with + the army in the north, but the Princess commanded in his absence. She + fulfilled her duty in a manner worthy of the house from which she sprang, + for the blood of Count Horn was in her veins. The daughter of Mary, de + Montmorency, the admiral's sister, answered the summons of Parma to + surrender at discretion with defiance. The garrison was encouraged by her + steadfastness. The Princess appeared daily among her troops, + superintending the defences, and personally directing the officers. During + one of the assaults, she is said, but perhaps erroneously; to have been + wounded in the arm, notwithstanding which she refused to retire. + </p> + <p> + The siege lasted two months. Meantime, it became impossible for Orange and + the estates, notwithstanding their efforts, to raise a sufficient force to + drive Parma from his entrenchments. The city was becoming gradually and + surely undermined from without, while at the same time the insidious art + of a Dominican friar, Father Gery by name, had been as surely sapping the + fidelity of the garrison from within. An open revolt of the Catholic + population being on the point of taking place, it became impossible any + longer to hold the city. Those of the Reformed faith insisted that the + place should be surrendered; and the Princess, being thus deserted by all + parties, made an honorable capitulation with Parma. She herself, with all + her garrison, was allowed to retire with personal property, and with all + the honors of war, while the sack of the city was commuted for one hundred + thousand crowns, levied upon the inhabitants: The Princess, on leaving the + gates, was received with such a shout of applause from the royal army that + she seemed less like a defeated commander than a conqueror. Upon the 30th + November, Parma accordingly entered the place which he had been besieging + since the 1st of October. + </p> + <p> + By the end of the autumn, the Prince of Orange, more than ever + dissatisfied with the anarchical condition of affairs, and with the + obstinate jealousy and parsimony of the different provinces, again + summoned the country in the most earnest language to provide for the + general defence, and to take measures for the inauguration of Anjou. He + painted in sombre colors the prospect which lay before them, if nothing + was done to arrest the progress of the internal disorders and of the + external foe, whose forces were steadily augmenting: Had the provinces + followed his advice, instead of quarreling among themselves, they would + have had a powerful army on foot to second the efforts of Anjou, and + subsequently to save Tournay. They had remained supine and stolid, even + while the cannonading against these beautiful cities was in their very + ears. No man seemed to think himself interested in public affair, save + when his own province or village was directly attacked. The general + interests of the commonwealth were forgotten, in local jealousy. Had it + been otherwise, the enemy would have long since been driven over the + Meuse. "When money," continued the Prince, "is asked for to carry on the + war, men answer as if they were talking with the dead Emperor. To say, + however, that they will pay no more, is as much as to declare that they + will give up their land and their religion both. I say this, not because I + have any desire to put my hands into the common purse. You well know that + I have never touched the public money, but it is important that you should + feel that there is no war in the country except the one which concerns you + all." + </p> + <p> + The states, thus shamed and stimulated, set themselves in earnest to obey + the mandates of the Prince, and sent a special mission to England, to + arrange with the Duke of Anjou for his formal installation as sovereign. + Saint Aldegonde and other commissioners were already there. It was the + memorable epoch in the Anjou wooing, when the rings were exchanged between + Elizabeth and the Duke, and when the world thought that the nuptials were + on the point of being celebrated. Saint Aldegonde wrote to the Prince of + Orange on the 22nd of November, that the marriage had been finally settled + upon that day. Throughout the Netherlands, the auspicious tidings were + greeted with bonfires, illuminations, and cannonading, and the measures + for hailing the Prince, thus highly favored by so great a Queen, as + sovereign master of the provinces, were pushed forward with great energy. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the marriage ended in smoke. There were plenty of tournays, + pageants, and banquets; a profusion of nuptial festivities, in short, + where nothing was omitted but the nuptials. By the end of January, 1582, + the Duke was no nearer the goal than upon his arrival three months before. + Acceding, therefore, to the wishes of the Netherland envoys, he prepared + for a visit to their country, where the ceremony of his joyful entrance as + Duke of Brabant and sovereign of the other provinces was to take place. No + open rupture with Elizabeth occurred. On the contrary, the Queen + accompanied the Duke, with a numerous and stately retinue, as far as + Canterbury, and sent a most brilliant train of her greatest nobles and + gentlemen to escort him to the Netherlands, communicating at the same + time, by special letter, her wishes to the estates-general, that he should + be treated with as much honor "as if he were her second self." + </p> + <p> + On the 10th of February, fifteen large vessels cast anchor at Flushing. + The Duke of Anjou, attended by the Earl of Leicester, the Lords Hunsdon, + Willoughby, Sheffield, Howard, Sir Philip Sidney, and many other + personages of high rank and reputation, landed from this fleet. He was + greeted on his arrival by the Prince of Orange, who, with the Prince of + Espinoy and a large deputation of the states-general, had been for some + days waiting to welcome him. The man whom the Netherlands had chosen for + their new master stood on the shores of Zealand. Francis Hercules, Son of + France, Duke of Alencon and Anjou, was at that time just twenty-eight + years of age; yet not even his flatterers, or his "minions," of whom he + had as regular a train as his royal brother, could claim for him the + external graces of youth or of princely dignity. He was below the middle + height, puny and ill-shaped. His hair and eyes were brown, his face was + seamed with the small-pox, his skin covered with blotches, his nose so + swollen and distorted that it seemed to be double. This prominent feature + did not escape the sarcasms of his countrymen, who, among other gibes, + were wont to observe that the man who always wore two faces, might be + expected to have two noses also. It was thought that his revolting + appearance was the principal reason for the rupture of the English + marriage, and it was in vain that his supporters maintained that if he + could forgive her age, she might, in return, excuse his ugliness. It + seemed that there was a point of hideousness beyond which even royal + princes could not descend with impunity, and the only wonder seemed that + Elizabeth, with the handsome Robert Dudley ever at her feet, could even + tolerate the addresses of Francis Valois. + </p> + <p> + His intellect was by no means contemptible. He was not without a certain + quickness of apprehension and vivacity of expression which passed current, + among his admirers for wit and wisdom. Even the experienced. Saint + Aldegonde was deceived in his character, and described him after an hour + and half's interview, as a Prince overflowing with bounty, intelligence, + and sincerity. That such men as Saint Aldegonde and the Prince of Orange + should be at fault in their judgment, is evidence not so much of their + want of discernment, as of the difference between the general reputation + of the Duke at that period, and that which has been eventually established + for him in history. Moreover, subsequent events were to exhibit the utter + baseness of his character more signally than it had been displayed during + his previous career, however vacillating. No more ignoble yet more + dangerous creature had yet been loosed upon the devoted soil of the + Netherlands. Not one of the personages who had hitherto figured in the + long drama of the revolt had enacted so sorry a part. Ambitious but + trivial, enterprising but cowardly, an intriguer and a dupe, without + religious convictions or political principles, save that he was willing to + accept any creed or any system which might advance his own schemes, he was + the most unfit protector for a people who, whether wrong or right; were at + least in earnest, and who were accustomed to regard truth as one of the + virtues. He was certainly not deficient in self-esteem. With a figure + which was insignificant, and a countenance which was repulsive, he had + hoped to efface the impression made upon Elizabeth's imagination by the + handsomest man in Europe. With a commonplace capacity, and with a narrow + political education, he intended to circumvent the most profound statesman + of his age. And there, upon the pier at Flushing, he stood between them + both; between the magnificent Leicester, whom he had thought to outshine, + and the silent Prince of Orange, whom he was determined to outwit. + Posterity has long been aware how far he succeeded in the one and the + other attempt. + </p> + <p> + The Duke's arrival was greeted with the roar of artillery, the ringing of + bells, and the acclamations of a large concourse of the inhabitants; + suitable speeches were made by the magistrates of the town, the deputies + of Zealand, and other functionaries, and a stately banquet was provided, + so remarkable "for its sugar-work and other delicacies, as to entirely + astonish the French and English lords who partook thereof." The Duke + visited Middelburg, where he was received with great state, and to the + authorities of which he expressed his gratification at finding two such + stately cities situate so close to each other on one little island. + </p> + <p> + On the 17th of February, he set sail for Antwerp. A fleet of fifty-four + vessels, covered with flags and streamers, conveyed him and his retinue, + together with the large deputation which had welcomed him at Flushing, to + the great commercial metropolis. He stepped on shore at Kiel within a + bowshot of the city—for, like other Dukes of Brabant, he was not to + enter Antwerp until he had taken the oaths to respect the constitution—and + the ceremony of inauguration was to take place outside the walls. A large + platform had been erected for this purpose, commanding a view of the + stately city, with its bristling fortifications and shady groves. A + throne, covered with velvet and gold, was prepared, and here the Duke took + his seat, surrounded by a brilliant throng, including many of the most + distinguished personages in Europe. + </p> + <p> + It was a bright winter's morning. The gaily bannered fleet lay conspicuous + in the river, while an enormous concourse of people were thronging from + all sides to greet the new sovereign. Twenty thousand burgher troops, in + bright uniforms, surrounded the platform, upon the tapestried floor of + which stood the magistrates of Antwerp, the leading members of the Brabant + estates, with the Prince of Orange at their head, together with many other + great functionaries. The magnificence everywhere displayed, and especially + the splendid costumes of the military companies, excited the profound + astonishment of the French, who exclaimed that every soldier seemed a + captain, and who regarded with vexation their own inferior equipments. + </p> + <p> + Andrew Hesaels, 'doctor utriusque juris', delivered a salutatory oration, + in which, among other flights of eloquence, he expressed the hope of the + provinces that the Duke, with the beams of his greatness, wisdom, and + magnanimity, would dissipate all the mists, fogs, and other exhalations + which were pernicious to their national prosperity, and that he would + bring back the sunlight of their ancient glory. + </p> + <p> + Anjou answered these compliments with equal courtesy, and had much to say + of his willingness to shed every drop of his blood in defence of the + Brabant liberties; but it might have damped the enthusiasm of the moment + could the curtain of the not very distant future have been lifted. The + audience, listening to these promises, might have seen that it was not so + much his blood as theirs which he was disposed to shed, and less, too, in + defence than in violation of those same liberties which he was swearing to + protect. + </p> + <p> + Orator Hessels then read aloud the articles of the Joyous Entry, in the + Flemish language, and the Duke was asked if he required any explanations + of that celebrated constitution. He replied that he had thoroughly studied + its provisions, with the assistance of the Prince of Orange, during his + voyage from Flushing, and was quite prepared to swear to maintain them. + The oaths, according to the antique custom, were then administered. + Afterwards, the ducal hat and the velvet mantle, lined with ermine, were + brought, the Prince of Orange assisting his Highness to assume this + historical costume of the Brabant dukes, and saying to him, as he fastened + the button at the throat, "I must secure this robe so firmly, my lord, + that no man may ever tear it from your shoulders." + </p> + <p> + Thus arrayed in his garment of sovereignty, Anjou was compelled to listen + to another oration from, the pensionary of Antwerp, John Van der Werken. + He then exchanged oaths with the magistrates of the city, and received the + keys, which he returned for safe-keeping to the burgomaster. Meanwhile the + trumpets sounded, largess of gold and silver coins was scattered among the + people, and the heralds cried aloud, "Long live the Duke of Brabant." + </p> + <p> + A procession was then formed to escort the new Duke to his commercial + capital. A stately and striking procession it was. The Hanseatic merchants + in ancient German attires the English merchants in long velvet cassocks, + the heralds is their quaint costume, the long train of civic militia with + full, bands of music, the chief functionaries of city and province in + their black mantles and gold chains, all marching under emblematical + standards or time-honored blazons, followed each other in dignified order. + Then came the Duke himself on a white Barbary horse, caparisoned with + cloth of gold. He was surrounded with English, French, and Netherland + grandees, many of them of world-wide reputation. There was the stately + Leicester; Sir Philip Sidney, the mirror of chivalry; the gaunt and + imposing form of William the Silent; his son; Count Maurice of Nassau, + destined to be the first captain of his age, then a handsome, dark-eyed + lad of fifteen; the Dauphin of Auvergne; the Marechal de Biron and his + sons; the Prince of Espinoy; the Lords Sheffield; Willoughby, Howard; + Hunsdon, and many others of high degree and distinguished reputation. The + ancient guilds of the crossbow-men; and archers of Brabant, splendidly + accoutred; formed the bodyguard of the Duke, while his French cavaliers, + the life-guardsmen of the Prince of Orange, and the troops of they line; + followed in great numbers, their glittering uniforms all, gaily + intermingled, "like the flowers de luce upon a royal mantle!" The + procession, thus gorgeous and gay, was terminated by, a dismal group of + three hundred malefactors, marching in fetters, and imploring pardon of + the Duke, a boon which was to be granted at evening. Great torches, + although it was high noon were burning along the road, at intervals of + four or five feet, in a continuous line reaching from the platform at Kiel + to the portal of Saint Joris, through which the entrance to the city was + to be made. + </p> + <p> + Inside the gate a stupendous allegory was awaiting the approach of the new + sovereign. A huge gilded car, crowded with those emblematical and highly + bedizened personages so dear to the Netherlanders, obstructed the advance + of the procession. All the virtues seemed to have come out for an airing + in one chariot, and were now waiting to offer their homage to Francis + Hercules Valois. Religion in "red satin," holding the gospel in her hand, + was supported by Justice, "in orange velvet," armed with blade and beam. + Prudence and Fortitude embraced each other near a column enwreathed by + serpents "with their tails in their ears to typify deafness to flattery," + while Patriotism as a pelican, and Patience as a brooding hen, looked + benignantly upon the scene. This greeting duly acknowledged, the + procession advanced into the city. The streets were lined with troops and + with citizens; the balconies were filled with fair women; "the very + gables," says an enthusiastic contemporary, "seemed to laugh with ladies' + eyes." The market-place was filled with waxen torches and with blazing tar + barrels, while in its centre stood the giant Antigonus—founder of + the city thirteen hundred years before the Christian era—the + fabulous personage who was accustomed to throw the right hands of all + smuggling merchants into the Scheld. This colossal individual, attired in + a "surcoat of sky-blue," and holding a banner emblazoned with the arms of + Spain, turned its head as the Duke entered the square, saluted the new + sovereign, and then dropping the Spanish scutcheon upon the ground, raised + aloft another bearing the arms of Anjou. + </p> + <p> + And thus, amid exuberant outpouring of confidence, another lord and master + had made his triumphal entrance into the Netherlands. Alas how often had + this sanguine people greeted with similar acclamations the advent of their + betrayers and their tyrants! How soon were they to discover that the man + whom they were thus receiving with the warmest enthusiasm was the most + treacherous tyrant of all. + </p> + <p> + It was nightfall before the procession at last reached the palace of Saint + Michael, which had been fitted up for the temporary reception of the Duke. + The next day was devoted to speech-making; various deputations waiting + upon the new Duke of Brabant with congratulatory addresses. The Grand + Pensionary delivered a pompous oration upon a platform hung with sky-blue + silk, and carpeted with cloth of gold. A committee of the German and + French Reformed Churches made a long harangue, in which they expressed the + hope that the Lord would make the Duke "as valiant as David, as wise as + Solomon, and as pious as Hezekiah." A Roman Catholic deputation informed + his Highness that for eight months the members of the Ancient Church had + been forbidden all religious exercises, saving baptism, marriage, + visitation of the sick, and burials. A promise was therefore made that + this prohibition, which had been the result of the disturbances recorded + in a preceding chapter, should be immediately modified, and on the 15th of + March, accordingly, it was arranged, by command of the magistrates, that + all Catholics should have permission to attend public worship, according + to the ancient ceremonial, in the church of Saint Michael, which had been + originally designated for the use of the new Duke of Brabant. It was, + however, stipulated that all who desired to partake of this privilege + should take the oath of abjuration beforehand, and go to the church + without arms. + </p> + <p> + Here then had been oaths enough, orations enough, compliments enough, to + make any agreement steadfast, so far as windy suspirations could furnish a + solid foundation for the social compact. Bells, trumpets, and the brazen + throats of men and of cannons had made a sufficient din, torches and + tar-barrels had made a sufficient glare, to confirm—so far as noise + and blazing pitch could confirm—the decorous proceedings of church + and town-house, but time was soon to show the value of such + demonstrations. Meantime, the "muzzle" had been fastened with solemnity + and accepted with docility. The terms of the treaty concluded at Plessis + lea Tours and Bordeaux were made public. The Duke had subscribed to + twenty-seven articles; which made as stringent and sensible a + constitutional compact as could be desired by any Netherland patriot. + These articles, taken in connection with the ancient charters which they + expressly upheld, left to the new sovereign no vestige of arbitrary power. + He was merely the hereditary president of a representative republic. He + was to be Duke, Count, Margrave, or Seignior of the different provinces on + the same terms which his predecessors had accepted. He was to transmit the + dignities to his children. If there were more than one child, the + provinces were to select one of the number for their sovereign. He was to + maintain all the ancient privileges, charters, statutes, and customs, and + to forfeit his sovereignty at the first violation. He was to assemble the + states-general at least once a year. He was always to reside in the + Netherlands. He was to permit none but natives to hold office. His right + of appointment to all important posts was limited to a selection from + three candidates, to be proposed by the estates of the province concerned, + at each vacancy. He was to maintain "the Religion" and the religious peace + in the same state in which they then were, or as should afterwards be + ordained by the estates of each province, without making any innovation on + his own part. Holland and Zealand were to remain as they were, both in the + matter of religion and otherwise. His Highness was not to permit that any + one should be examined or molested in his house, or otherwise, in the + matter or under pretext of religion. He was to procure the assistance of + the King of France for the Netherlands. He was to maintain a perfect and a + perpetual league, offensive and defensive, between that kingdom and the + provinces; without; however, permitting any incorporation of territory. He + was to carry on the war against Spain with his own means and those + furnished by his royal brother, in addition to a yearly, contribution by + the estates of two million four hundred thousand guldens. He was to + dismiss all troops at command of the states-general. He was to make no + treaty with Spain without their consent. + </p> + <p> + It would be superfluous to point out the great difference between the + notions entertained upon international law in the sixteenth century and in + our own. A state of nominal peace existed between Spain, France and + England; yet here was the brother of the French monarch, at the head of + French troops, and attended by the grandees of England solemnly accepting + the sovereignty over the revolted provinces of Spain. It is also curious + to observe that the constitutional compact, by which the new sovereign of + the Netherlands was admitted to the government, would have been repudiated + as revolutionary and republican by the monarchs of France or England, if + an attempt had been made to apply it to their own realms, for the ancient + charters—which in reality constituted a republican form of + government—had all been re-established by the agreement with Anjou. + The first-fruits of the ban now began to display themselves. Sunday, 18th + of March, 1582, was the birthday of the Duke of Anjou, and a great + festival had been arranged, accordingly, for the evening, at the palace of + Saint Michael, the Prince of Orange as well as all the great French lords + being of course invited. The Prince dined, as usual, at his house in the + neighbourhood of the citadel, in company with the Counts Hohenlo and + Laval, and the two distinguished French commissioners, Bonnivet and Des + Pruneaux. Young Maurice of Nassau, and two nephews of the Prince, sons of + his brother John, were also present at table. During dinner the + conversation was animated, many stories being related of the cruelties + which had been practised by the Spaniards in the provinces. On rising from + the table, Orange led the way from the dining room to his own apartments, + showing the noblemen in his company as he passed along, a piece of + tapestry upon which some Spanish soldiers were represented. At this + moment, as he stood upon the threshold of the ante-chamber, a youth of + small stature, vulgar mien, and pale dark complexion, appeared from among + the servants and offered him a petition. He took the paper, and as he did + so, the stranger suddenly drew a pistol and discharged it at the head of + the Prince. The ball entered the neck under the right ear, passed through + the roof of the mouth, and came out under the left jaw-bone, carrying with + it two teeth. The pistol had been held so near, that the hair and beard of + the Prince were set on fire by the discharge. He remained standing, but + blinded, stunned, and for a moment entirely ignorant of what had occurred. + As he afterwards observed, he thought perhaps that a part of the house had + suddenly fallen. Finding very soon that his hair and beard were burning, + he comprehended what had occurred; and called out quickly, "Do not kill + him—I forgive him my death!" and turning to the French noblemen + present, he added, "Alas! what a faithful servant does his Highness lose + in me!" + </p> + <p> + These were his first words, spoken when, as all believed, he had been + mortally wounded. The message of mercy came, however, too late; for two of + the gentlemen present, by an irresistible impulse, had run the assassin + through with their rapiers. The halberdiers rushed upon him immediately + after wards, so that he fell pierced in thirty-two vital places. The + Prince, supported by his friends, walked to his chamber, where he was put + to bed, while the surgeons examined and bandaged the wound. It was most + dangerous in appearance, but a very strange circumstance gave more hope + than could otherwise have been entertained. The flame from the pistol had + been so close that it had actually cauterized the wound inflicted by the + ball. But for this, it was supposed that the flow of blood from the veins + which had been shot through would have proved fatal before the wound could + be dressed. The Prince, after the first shock, had recovered full + possession of his senses, and believing himself to be dying, he expressed + the most unaffected sympathy for the condition in which the Duke of Anjou + would be placed by his death. "Alas, poor Prince!" he cried frequently; + "alas, what troubles will now beset thee!" The surgeons enjoined and + implored his silence, as speaking might cause the wound to prove + immediately fatal. He complied, but wrote incessantly. As long as his + heart could beat, it was impossible for him not to be occupied with his + country. + </p> + <p> + Lion Petit, a trusty Captain of the city guard, forced his way to the + chamber, it being, absolutely necessary, said the honest burgher, for him + to see with his own eyes that the Prince was living, and report the fact + to the townspeople otherwise, so great was the excitement, it was + impossible to say what might be the result. It was in fact believed that + the Prince was already dead, and it was whispered that he had been + assassinated by the order of Anjou. This horrible suspicion was flying + through the city, and producing a fierce exasperation, as men talked of + the murder of Coligny, of Saint Bartholomew, of the murderous propensities + of the Valois race. Had the attempt taken place in the evening, at the + birth-night banquet of Anjou, a horrible massacre would have been the + inevitable issue. As it happened, however, circumstances soon, occurred to + remove, the suspicion from the French, and to indicate the origin of the + crime. Meantime, Captain Petit was urged by the Prince, in writing, to go + forth instantly with the news that he yet survived, but to implore the + people, in case God should call him to Himself, to hold him in kind + remembrance, to make no tumult, and to serve the Duke obediently and + faithfully. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the youthful Maurice of Nassau was giving proof of that cool + determination which already marked his character. It was natural that a + boy of fifteen should be somewhat agitated at seeing such a father shot + through the head before his eyes. His situation was rendered doubly grave + by the suspicions which were instantly engendered as to the probable + origin of the attempt. It was already whispered in the hall that the + gentlemen who had been so officious in slaying the assassin, were his + accomplices, who—upon the principle that dead men would tell no + tales—were disposed, now that the deed was done, to preclude + inconvenient revelations as to their own share in the crime. Maurice, + notwithstanding these causes for perturbation, and despite his grief at + his father's probable death, remained steadily by the body of the + murderer. He was determined, if possible, to unravel the plot, and he + waited to possess himself of all papers and other articles which might be + found upon the person of the deceased. + </p> + <p> + A scrupulous search was at once made by the attendants, and everything + placed in the young Count's own hands. This done, Maurice expressed a + doubt lest some of the villain's accomplices might attempt to take the + articles from him, whereupon a faithful old servant of his father came + forward, who with an emphatic expression of the importance of securing + such important documents, took his young master under his cloak, and led + him to a retired apartment of the house. Here, after a rapid examination, + it was found that the papers were all in Spanish, written by Spaniards to + Spaniards, so that it was obvious that the conspiracy, if one there were, + was not a French conspiracy. The servant, therefore, advised Maurice to go + to his father, while he would himself instantly descend to the hall with + this important intelligence. Count Hohenlo had, from the instant of the + murder, ordered the doors to be fastened, and had permitted no one to + enter or to leave the apartment without his permission. The information + now brought by the servant as to the character of the papers caused great + relief to the minds of all; for, till that moment, suspicion had even + lighted upon men who were the firm friends of the Prince. + </p> + <p> + Saint Aldegonde, who had meantime arrived, now proceeded, in company of + the other gentlemen, to examine the papers and other articles taken from + the assassin. The pistol with which he had done the deed was lying upon + the floor; a naked poniard, which he would probably have used also, had + his thumb not been blown off by the discharge of the pistol, was found in + his trunk hose. In his pockets were an Agnus Dei, a taper of green wax, + two bits of hareskin, two dried toads—which were supposed to be + sorcerer's charms—a crucifix, a Jesuit catechism, a prayer-book, a + pocket-book containing two Spanish bills of exchange—one for two + thousand, and one for eight hundred and seventy-seven crowns—and a + set of writing tablets. These last were covered with vows and pious + invocations, in reference to the murderous affair which the writer had in + hand. He had addressed fervent prayers to the "Virgin Mary, to the Angel + Gabriel, to the Saviour, and to the Saviour's Son as if," says the Antwerp + chronicler, with simplicity, "the Lord Jesus had a son"—that they + might all use their intercession with the Almighty towards the certain and + safe accomplishment of the contemplated deed. Should he come off + successful and unharmed, he solemnly vowed to fast a week on bread and + water. Furthermore, he promised to Christ a "new coat of costly pattern;" + to the Mother of God, at Guadalupe, a new gown; to Our Lady of Montserrat, + a crown, a gown, and a lamp; and so on through along list of similar + presents thus contemplated for various Shrines. The poor fanatical fool + had been taught by deeper villains than himself that his pistol was to rid + the world of a tyrant, and to open his own pathway to Heaven, if his + career should be cut short on earth. To prevent so undesirable a + catastrophe to himself, however, his most natural conception had been to + bribe the whole heavenly host, from the Virgin Mary downwards, for he had + been taught that absolution for murder was to be bought and sold like + other merchandise. He had also been persuaded that, after accomplishing + the deed, he would become invisible. + </p> + <p> + Saint Aldegonde hastened to lay the result of this examination before the + Duke of Anjou. Information was likewise instantly conveyed to the + magistrates at the Town House, and these measures were successful in + restoring confidence throughout the city as to the intentions of the new + government. Anjou immediately convened the State Council, issued a summons + for an early meeting of the states-general, and published a proclamation + that all persons having information to give concerning the crime which had + just been committed, should come instantly forward, upon pain of death. + The body of the assassin was forthwith exposed upon the public square, and + was soon recognized as that of one Juan Jaureguy, a servant in the employ + of Gaspar d'Anastro, a Spanish merchant of Antwerp. The letters and bills + of exchange had also, on nearer examination at the Town House, implicated + Anastro in the affair. His house was immediately searched, but the + merchant had taken his departure, upon the previous Tuesday, under pretext + of pressing affairs at Calais. His cashier, Venero, and a Dominican friar, + named Antony Zimmermann, both inmates of his family, were, however, + arrested upon suspicion. On the following day the watch stationed at the + gate carried the foreign post-bags, as soon as they arrived, to the + magistracy, when letters were found from Anastro to Venero, which made the + affair quite plain. After they had been thoroughly studied, they were + shown to Venero, who, seeing himself thus completely ruined, asked for pen + and ink, and wrote a full confession. + </p> + <p> + It appeared that the crime was purely a commercial speculation on the part + of Anastro. That merchant, being on the verge of bankruptcy, had entered + with Philip into a mutual contract, which the King had signed with his + hand and sealed with his seal, and according to which Anastro, within a + certain period, was to take the life of William of Orange, and for so + doing was to receive eighty thousand ducats, and the cross of Santiago. To + be a knight companion of Spain's proudest order of chivalry was the + guerdon, over and above the eighty thousand pieces of silver, which + Spain's monarch promised the murderer, if he should succeed. As for + Anastro himself, he was too frugal and too wary to risk his own life, or + to lose much of the premium. With, tears streaming down his cheeks, he + painted to his faithful cashier the picture which his master would + present, when men should point at him and say, "Behold yon bankrupt!" + protesting, therefore, that he would murder Orange and secure the reward, + or perish in the attempt. Saying this, he again shed many tears. Venero, + seeing his master thus disconsolate, wept bitterly likewise; and begged + him not to risk his own precious life. After this pathetic commingling of + their grief, the merchant and his book-keeper became more composed, and it + was at last concerted between them that John Jaureguy should be entrusted + with the job. Anastro had intended—as he said in a letter afterwards + intercepted—"to accomplish the deed with his own hand; but, as God + had probably reserved him for other things, and particularly to be of + service to his very affectionate friends, he had thought best to entrust + the execution of the design to his servant." The price paid by the master + to the man, for the work, seems to have been but two thousand eight + hundred and seventy-seven crowns. The cowardly and crafty principal + escaped. He had gone post haste to Dunkirk, pretending that the sudden + death of his agent in Calais required his immediate presence in that city. + Governor Sweveseel, of Dunkirk, sent an orderly to get a passport for him + from La Motte, commanding at Gravelingen. Anastro being on tenter-hooks + lest the news should arrive that the projected murder had been consummated + before he had crossed the border, testified extravagant joy on the arrival + of the passport, and gave the messenger who brought it thirty pistoles. + Such conduct naturally excited a vague suspicion in the mind of the + governor, but the merchant's character was good, and he had brought + pressing letters from Admiral Treslong. Sweveseel did not dare to arrest + him without cause, and he neither knew that any crime had been committed; + nor that the man before him was the criminal. Two hours after the + traveller's departure, the news arrived of the deed, together with orders + to arrest Anastro, but it was too late. The merchant had found refuge + within the lines of Parma. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, the Prince lay in a most critical condition. Believing that his + end was fast approaching; he dictated letters to the states-general, + entreating them to continue in their obedience to the Duke, than whom he + affirmed that he knew no better prince for the government of the + provinces. These letters were despatched by Saint Aldegonde to the + assembly, from which body a deputation, in obedience to the wishes of + Orange, was sent to Anjou, with expressions of condolence and fidelity. + </p> + <p> + On Wednesday a solemn fast was held, according to proclamation, in + Antwerp, all work and all amusements being prohibited, and special prayers + commanded in all the churches for the recovery of the Prince. "Never, + within men's memory," says an account published at the moment, in Antwerp, + "had such crowds been seen in the churches, nor so many tears been shed." + </p> + <p> + The process against Venero and Zimmermann was rapidly carried through, for + both had made a full confession of their share in the crime. The Prince + had enjoined from his sick bed, however, that the case should be conducted + with strict regard to justice, and, when the execution could no longer be + deferred, he had sent a written request, by the hands of Saint Aldegonde, + that they should be put to death in the least painful manner. The request + was complied with, but there can be no doubt that the criminals, had it + not been made, would have expiated their offence by the most lingering + tortures. Owing to the intercession of the man who was to have been their + victim, they were strangled, before being quartered, upon a scaffold + erected in the market-place, opposite the Town House. This execution took + place on Wednesday, the 28th of March. + </p> + <p> + The Prince, meanwhile, was thought to be mending, and thanksgivings began + to be mingled with the prayers offered almost every hour in the churches; + but for eighteen days he lay in a most precarious state. His wife hardly + left his bedside, and his sister, Catharine Countess of Schwartzburg, was + indefatigable in her attentions. The Duke of Anjou visited him daily, and + expressed the most filial anxiety for his recovery, but the hopes, which + had been gradually growing stronger, were on the 5th of April exchanged + for the deepest apprehensions. Upon that day the cicatrix by which the + flow of blood from the neck had been prevented, almost from the first + infliction of the wound, fell off. The veins poured forth a vast quantity + of blood; it seemed impossible to check the haemorrhage, and all hope + appeared to vanish. The Prince resigned himself to his fate, and bade his + children "good night for ever," saying calmly, "it is now all over with + me." + </p> + <p> + It was difficult, without suffocating the patient, to fasten a bandage + tightly enough to staunch the wound, but Leonardo Botalli, of Asti, body + physician of Anjou, was nevertheless fortunate enough to devise a simple + mechanical expedient, which proved successful. By his advice; a succession + of attendants, relieving each other day and night, prevented the flow of + blood by keeping the orifice of the wound slightly but firmly compressed + with the thumb. After a period of anxious expectation, the wound again + closed; and by the end of the month the Prince was convalescent. On the + 2nd of May he went to offer thanksgiving in the Great Cathedral, amid the + joyful sobs of a vast and most earnest throng. + </p> + <p> + The Prince, was saved, but unhappily the murderer had yet found an + illustrious victim. The Princess of Orange; Charlotte de Bourbon—the + devoted wife who for seven years, had so faithfully shared his joys and + sorrows—lay already on her death-bed. Exhausted by anxiety, long + watching; and the alternations of hope and fear during the first eighteen + days, she had been prostrated by despair at the renewed haemorrhage. A + violent fever seized her, under which she sank on the 5th of May, three + days after the solemn thanksgiving for her husband's recovery. The Prince, + who loved her tenderly, was in great danger of relapse upon the sad event, + which, although not sudden, had not been anticipated. She was laid in her + grave on the 9th of May, amid the lamentations of the whole country, for + her virtues were universally known and cherished. She was a woman of rare + intelligence, accomplishment, and gentleness of disposition; whose only + offence had been to break, by her marriage, the Church vows to which she + had been forced in her childhood, but which had been pronounced illegal by + competent authority, both ecclesiastical and lay. For this, and for the + contrast which her virtues afforded to the vices of her predecessor, she + was the mark of calumny and insult. These attacks, however, had cast no + shadow upon the serenity of her married life, and so long as she lived she + was the trusted companion and consoler of her husband. "His Highness," + wrote Count John in 1580, "is in excellent health, and, in spite of + adversity, incredible labor, perplexity, and dangers, is in such good + spirits that, it makes me happy to witness it. No doubt a chief reason is + the consolation he derives from the pious and highly-intelligent wife + whom, the Lord has given him—a woman who ever conforms to his + wishes, and is inexpressibly dear to him." + </p> + <p> + The Princess left six daughters—Louisa Juliana, Elizabeth, Catharina + Belgica, Flandrina, Charlotta Brabantica, and Emilia Secunda. + </p> + <p> + Parma received the first intelligence of the attempt from the mouth of + Anastro himself, who assured him that the deed had been entirely + successful, and claimed the promised reward. + </p> + <p> + Alexander, in consequence, addressed circular letters to the authorities + of Antwerp, Brussels, Bruges, and other cities, calling upon them, now + that they had been relieved of their tyrant and their betrayer, to return + again to the path of their duty and to the ever open arms of their lawful + monarch. These letters were premature. On the other hand, the states of + Holland and Zealand remained in permanent session, awaiting with extreme + anxiety the result of the Prince's wound. "With the death of his + Excellency, if God should please to take him to himself," said the + magistracy of Leyden, "in the death of the Prince we all foresee our own + death." It was, in truth, an anxious moment, and the revulsion of feeling + consequent on his recovery was proportionately intense. + </p> + <p> + In consequence of the excitement produced by this event, it was no longer + possible for the Prince to decline accepting the countship of Holland and + Zealand, which he had refused absolutely two years before, and which he + had again rejected, except for a limited period, in the year 1581. It was + well understood, as appears by the treaty with Anjou, and afterwards + formally arranged, "that the Duke was never, to claim sovereignty over + Holland and Zealand," and the offer of the sovereign countship of Holland + was again made to the Prince of Orange in most urgent terms. It will be + recollected that he had accepted the sovereignty on the 5th of July, 1581, + only for the term of the war. In a letter, dated Bruges, 14th of August, + 1582, he accepted the dignity without limitation. This offer and + acceptance, however, constituted but the preliminaries, for it was further + necessary that the letters of "Renversal" should be drawn up, that they + should be formally delivered, and that a new constitution should be laid + down, and confirmed by mutual oaths. After these steps had been taken, the + ceremonious inauguration or rendering of homage was to be celebrated. + </p> + <p> + All these measures were duly arranged, except the last. The installation + of the new Count of Holland was prevented by his death, and the northern + provinces remained a Republic, not only in fact but in name. + </p> + <p> + In political matters; the basis of the new constitution was the "Great + Privilege" of the Lady Mary, the Magna Charta of the country. That + memorable monument in the history of the Netherlands and of municipal + progress had, been overthrown by Mary's son, with the forced acquiescence + of the states, and it was therefore stipulated by the new article, that + even such laws and privileges as had fallen into disuse should be revived. + It was furthermore provided that the little state should be a free + Countship, and should thus silently sever its connexion with the Empire. + </p> + <p> + With regard to the position of the Prince, as hereditary chief of the + little commonwealth, his actual power was rather diminished than increased + by his new dignity. What was his position at the moment? He was sovereign + during the war, on the general basis of the authority originally bestowed + upon him by the King's commission of stadholder. In 1581, his Majesty had + been abjured and the stadholder had become sovereign. He held in his hands + the supreme power, legislative, judicial, executive. The Counts of Holland—and + Philip as their successor—were the great fountains of that triple + stream. Concessions and exceptions had become so extensive; no doubt, that + the provincial charters constituted a vast body of "liberties" by which + the whole country was reasonably well supplied. At the same time, all the + power not expressly granted away remained in the breast of the Count. If + ambition, then, had been William's ruling principle, he had exchanged + substance for shadow, for the new state now constituted was a free + commonwealth—a republic in all but name. + </p> + <p> + By the new constitution he ceased to be the source of governmental life, + or to derive his own authority from above by right divine. The sacred oil + which had flowed from Charles the Simple's beard was dried up. Orange's + sovereignty was from the estates; as legal representatives of the people; + and, instead of exercising all the powers not otherwise granted away, he + was content with those especially conferred upon him. He could neither + declare war nor conclude peace without the co-operation of the + representative body. The appointing power was scrupulously limited. + Judges, magistrates, governors, sheriffs, provincial and municipal + officers, were to be nominated by the local authorities or by the estates, + on the triple principle. From these triple nominations he had only the + right of selection by advice and consent of his council. He was expressly + enjoined to see that the law was carried to every man's door, without any + distinction of persons; to submit himself to its behests, to watch against + all impedimenta to the even flow of justice, to prevent false + imprisonments, and to secure trials for every accused person by the local + tribunals. This was certainly little in accordance with the arbitrary + practice of the past quarter of a century. + </p> + <p> + With respect to the great principle of taxation, stricter bonds even were + provided than those which already existed. Not only the right of taxation + remained with the states, but the Count was to see that, except for war + purposes, every impost was levied by a unanimous vote. He was expressly + forbidden to tamper with the currency. As executive head, save in his + capacity as Commander-in-chief by land or sea, the new sovereign was, in + short, strictly limited by self-imposed laws. It had rested with him to + dictate or to accept a constitution. He had in his memorable letter of + August, 1582, from Bruges, laid down generally the articles prepared at + Plessia and Bourdeaux, for Anjou-together with all applicable provisions + of the Joyous Entry of Brabant—as the outlines of the constitution + for the little commonwealth then forming in the north. To these provisions + he was willing to add any others which, after ripe deliberation, might be + thought beneficial to the country. + </p> + <p> + Thus limited were his executive functions. As to his judicial authority it + had ceased to exist. The Count of Holland was now the guardian of the + laws, but the judges were to administer them. He held the sword of justice + to protect and to execute, while the scales were left in the hands which + had learned to weigh and to measure. + </p> + <p> + As to the Count's legislative authority, it had become coordinate with, if + not subordinate to, that of the representative body. He was strictly + prohibited from interfering with the right of the separate or the general + states to assemble as often as they should think proper; and he was also + forbidden to summon them outside their own territory. This was one immense + step in the progress of representative liberty, and the next was equally + important. It was now formally stipulated that the estates were to + deliberate upon all measures which "concerned justice and polity," and + that no change was to be made—that is to say, no new law was to pass + without their consent as well as that of the council. Thus, the principle + was established of two legislative chambers, with the right, but not the + exclusive right, of initiation on the part of government, and in the + sixteenth century one would hardly look for broader views of civil liberty + and representative government. The foundation of a free commonwealth was + thus securely laid, which had William lived, would have been a + representative monarchy, but which his death converted into a federal + republic. It was necessary for the sake of unity to give a connected + outline of these proceedings with regard to the sovereignty of Orange. The + formal inauguration, only remained, and this, as will be seen, was for + ever interrupted. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Character of brave men to act, not to expect + Colonel Ysselstein, "dismissed for a homicide or two" + God has given absolute power to no mortal man + Hope delayed was but a cold and meagre consolation + Natural to judge only by the result + No authority over an army which they did not pay + Unduly dejected in adversity +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, Project Gutenberg + Edition, Vol. 34 THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC By John Lothrop Motley + 1855 <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Parma recalls the foreign troops—Siege of Oudenarde—Coolness of + Alexander—Capture of the city and of Nineve—Inauguration of Anjou + at Ghent—Attempt upon his life and that of Orange—Lamoral Egmont's + implication in the plot—Parma's unsuccessful attack upon Ghent— + Secret plans of Anjou—Dunkirk, Ostend, and other towns surprised by + his adherents—Failure at Bruges—Suspicions at Antwerp—Duplicity + of Anjou—The "French Fury"—Details of that transaction— + Discomfiture and disgrace of the Duke—His subsequent effrontery— + His letters to the magistracy of Antwerp, to, the Estates, and to + Orange—Extensive correspondence between Anjou and the French Court + with Orange and the Estates—Difficult position of the Prince—His + policy—Remarkable letter to the States-general—Provisional + arrangement with Anjou—Marriage of the Archbishop of Cologne— + Marriage of Orange with Louisa de Coligny—Movements in Holland, + Brabant, Flanders, and other provinces, to induce the Prince to + accept sovereignty over the whole country—His steady refusal— + Treason of Van den Berg in Gueldres—Intrigues of Prince Chimay and + Imbize in Flanders—Counter efforts of Orange and the patriot party + —Fate of Imbize—Reconciliation of Bruges—Death of Anjou +</pre> + <p> + During the course of the year 1582, the military operations on both sides + had been languid and desultory, the Prince of Parma, not having a large + force at his command, being comparatively inactive. In consequence, + however, of the treaty concluded between the United states and Anjou, + Parma had persuaded the Walloon provinces that it had now become + absolutely necessary for them to permit the entrance of fresh Italian and + Spanish troops. This, then, was the end of the famous provision against + foreign soldiery in the Walloon treaty of reconciliation. The Abbot of + Saint Vaast was immediately despatched on a special mission to Spain, and + the troops, by midsummer, had already begun to pour, into the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + In the meantime, Farnese, while awaiting these reinforcements, had not + been idle, but had been quietly picking up several important cities. Early + in the spring he had laid siege to Oudenarde, a place of considerable + importance upon the Scheld, and celebrated as the birthplace of his + grandmother, Margaret van Geest. The burghers were obstinate; the defence + was protracted; the sorties were bold; the skirmishes frequent and + sanguinary: Alexander commanded personally in the trenches, encouraging + his men by his example, and often working with the mattock, or handling a + spear in the assault, Like a private pioneer or soldier. Towards the end + of the siege, he scarcely ever left the scene of operation, and he took + his meals near the outer defences, that he might lose no opportunity of + superintending the labors of his troops. One day his dinner was laid for + himself and staff in the open air, close to the entrenchment. He was + himself engaged in planting a battery against a weak point in the city + wall, and would on no account withdraw for all instant. The tablecloth was + stretched over a number of drum-heads, placed close together, and several, + nobles of distinction—Aremberg, Montigny, Richebourg, La Motte, and + others, were his guests at dinner. Hardly had the repast commenced, when a + ball came flying over the table, taking off the head of a young Walloon + officer who was sitting near Parma, and, who was earnestly requesting a + foremost place in the morrow's assault. A portion of his skull struck out + the eye of another gentleman present. A second ball from the town + fortifications, equally well directed, destroyed two more of the guests as + they sat at the banquet—one a German captain, the other the + Judge-Advocate-General. The blood and brains of these unfortunate + individuals were strewn over the festive board, and the others all started + to their feet, having little appetite left for their dinner. Alexander + alone remained in his seat, manifesting no discomposure. Quietly ordering + the attendants to remove the dead bodies, and to bring a clean tablecloth, + he insisted that his guests should resume their places at the banquet + which had been interrupted in such ghastly fashion. He stated with very + determined aspect that he could not allow the heretic burghers of + Oudenarde the triumph of frightening him from his dinner, or from the post + of danger. The other gentlemen could, of course, do no less than imitate + the impassibility of their chief, and the repast was accordingly concluded + without further interruption. Not long afterwards, the city, close pressed + by so determined a commander, accepted terms, which were more favorable by + reason of the respect which Alexander chose to render to his mother's + birthplace. The pillage was commuted for thirty thousand, crowns, and on + the 5th of July the place was surrendered to Parma almost under the very + eyes of Anjou, who was making a demonstration of relieving the siege. + </p> + <p> + Ninove, a citadel then belonging to the Egmont family, was next reduced. + Here, too, the defence was more obstinate than could have been expected + from the importance of the place, and as the autumn advanced, Parma's + troops were nearly starved in their trenches, from the insufficient + supplies furnished them. They had eaten no meat but horseflesh for weeks, + and even that was gone. The cavalry horses were all consumed, and even the + chargers of the officers were not respected. An aid-de-camp of Parma + fastened his steed one day at the door of the Prince's tent, while he + entered to receive his commander's instructions. When he came out again, a + few minutes afterwards, he found nothing but the saddle and bridle hanging + where he had fastened the horse. Remonstrance was useless, for the animal + had already been cut into quarters, and the only satisfaction offered to + the aid-de-camp was in the shape of a steak. The famine was long + familiarly known as the "Ninove starvation," but notwithstanding this + obstacle, the place was eventually surrendered. + </p> + <p> + An attempt upon Lochum, an important city, in Gelderland, was + unsuccessful, the place being relieved by the Duke of Anjou's forces, and + Parma's troops forced to abandon the siege. At Steenwyk, the royal arms + were more successful, Colonel Tassis, conducted by a treacherous Frisian + peasant, having surprised the city which had so, long and so manfully + sustained itself against Renneberg during the preceding winter. With this + event the active operations under Parma closed for the year. By the end of + the autumn, however, he had the satisfaction of numbering, under his + command, full sixty thousand well-appointed and disciplined troops, + including the large reinforcements recently despatched: from Spain and + Italy. The monthly expense of this army-half of which was required for + garrison duty, leaving only the other moiety for field Operations—was + estimated at six hundred and fifty thousand florins. The forces under + Anjou and the united provinces were also largely increased, so that the + marrow of the land was again in fair way of being thoroughly exhausted by + its defenders and its foes. + </p> + <p> + The incidents of Anjou's administration, meantime, during the year 1582, + had been few and of no great importance. After the pompous and elaborate + "homage-making" at Antwerp, he had, in the month of July, been formally + accepted, by writing, as Duke of Guelders and Lord of Friesland. In the + same month he had been ceremoniously, inaugurated at Bruges as Count of + Flanders—an occasion upon which the Prince of Orange had been + present. In that ancient and stately city there had been, accordingly, + much marching about under triumphal arches, much cannonading and + haranguing, much symbol work of suns dispelling fogs, with other cheerful + emblems, much decoration of ducal shoulders with velvet robes lined with + weasel skin, much blazing of tar-barrels and torches. In the midst of this + event, an attempt was made upon the lives both of Orange and Anjou. An + Italian, named Basa, and a Spaniard, called Salseda, were detected in a + scheme to administer poison to both princes, and when arrested, confessed + that they had been hired by the Prince of Parma to compass this double + assassination. Basa destroyed himself in prison. His body was, however, + gibbeted, with an inscription that he had attempted, at the instigation of + Parma, to take the lives of Orange and Anjou. Salseda, less fortunate, was + sent to Paris, where he was found guilty, and executed by being torn to + pieces by four horses. Sad to relate, Lamoral Egmont, younger son and + namesake of the great general, was intimate with Salseda, and implicated + in this base design. His mother, on her death-bed, had especially + recommended the youth to the kindly care of Orange. The Prince had ever + recognized the claim, manifesting uniform tenderness for the son of his + ill-started friend; and now the youthful Lamoral—as if the name of + Egmont had not been sufficiently contaminated by the elder brother's + treason at Brussels—had become the comrade of hired conspirators + against his guardian's life. The affair was hushed up, but the story was + current and generally believed that Egmont had himself undertaken to + destroy the Prince at his own table by means of poison which he kept + concealed in a ring. Saint Aldegonde was to have been taken off in the + same way, and a hollow ring filled with poison was said to have been found + in Egmont's lodgings. + </p> + <p> + The young noble was imprisoned; his guilt was far from doubtful; but the + powerful intercessions of Orange himself, combined with Egmont's near + relationship to the French Queen saved his life, and he was permitted, + after a brief captivity, to take his departure for France. + </p> + <p> + The Duke of Anjou, a month later, was received with equal pomp, in the + city of Ghent. Here the ceremonies were interrupted in another manner. The + Prince of Parma, at the head of a few regiments of Walloons, making an + attack on a body of troops by which Anjou had been escorted into Flanders, + the troops retreated in good order, and without much loss, under the walls + of Ghent, where a long and sharp action took place, much to the + disadvantage of Parma, The Prince, of Orange and the Duke; of Anjou were + on the city walls during the whole skirmish giving orders and + superintending the movements of their troops, and at nightfall Parma was + forced, to retire, leaving a large number of dead behind him. + </p> + <p> + The 15th day of December, in this year was celebrated according to the new + ordinance of Gregory the Thirteenth—as Christmas. It was the + occasion of more than usual merry-making among the Catholics of Antwerp, + who had procured, during the preceding summer, a renewed right of public + worship from Anjou and the estates. Many nobles of high rank came from + France, to pay their homage to the new Duke of Brabant. They secretly + expressed their disgust, however, at the close constitutional bonds in + which they found their own future sovereign imprisoned by the provinces. + They thought it far beneath the dignity of the "Son of France" to play the + secondary part of titular Duke of Brabant, Count of Flanders, Lord of + Friesland, and the like, while the whole power of government was lodged + with the states. They whispered that it was time to take measures for the + incorporation of the Netherlands into France, and they persuaded the false + and fickle Anjou that there would never be any hope of his royal brother's + assistance, except upon the understanding that the blood and treasure of + Frenchmen were to be spent to increase the power, not of upstart and + independent provinces, but of the French crown. + </p> + <p> + They struck the basest chords of the Duke's base nature by awakening his + jealousy of Orange. His whole soul vibrated to the appeal. He already + hated the man by whose superior intellect he was overawed, and by whose + pure character he was shamed. He stoutly but secretly swore that he would + assert his own rights; and that he would no longer serve as a shadow, a + statue, a zero, a Matthias. It is needless to add, that neither in his own + judgment nor in that of his mignons, were the constitutional articles + which he had recently sworn to support, or the solemn treaty which he had + signed and sealed at Bordeaux, to furnish any obstacles to his seizure of + unlimited power, whenever the design could be cleverly accomplished. He + rested not, day or night, in the elaboration of his plan. + </p> + <p> + Early in January, 1583, he sent one night for several of his intimate + associates, to consult with him after he had retired to bed. He complained + of the insolence of the states, of the importunity of the council which + they had forced upon him, of the insufficient sums which they furnished + both for him and his troops, of the daily insults offered to the Catholic + religion. He protested that he should consider himself disgraced in the + eyes of all Christendom, should he longer consent to occupy his present + ignoble position. But two ways were open to him, he observed; either to + retire altogether from the Nether lands, or to maintain his authority with + the strong hand, as became a prince. The first course would cover him with + disgrace. It was therefore necessary for him to adopt the other. He then + unfolded his plan to his confidential friends, La Fougere, De Fazy, + Palette, the sons of Marechal Biron, and others. Upon the same day, if + possible, he was determined to take possession, with his own troops, of + the principal cities in Flanders. Dunkirk, Dixmuyde, Denremonde, Bruges, + Ghent, Vilvoorde, Alost, and other important places, were to be + simultaneously invaded, under pretext of quieting tumults artfully created + and encouraged between the burghers and the garrisons, while Antwerp was + reserved for his own especial enterprise. That important capital he would + carry by surprise at the same moment in which the other cities were to be + secured by his lieutenants. + </p> + <p> + The plot was pronounced an excellent one by the friends around his bed—all + of them eager for Catholic supremacy, for the establishment of the right + divine on the part of France to the Netherlands, and for their share in + the sacking of so many wealthy cities at once. These worthless mignons + applauded their weak master to the echo; whereupon the Duke leaped from + his bed, and kneeling on the floor in his night-gown, raised his eyes and + his clasped hands to heaven, and piously invoked the blessing of the + Almighty upon the project which he had thus announced. He added the solemn + assurance that; if favored with success in his undertaking, he would + abstain in future from all unchastity, and forego the irregular habits by + which his youth had been stained. Having thus bribed the Deity, and + received the encouragement of his flatterers, the Duke got into bed again. + His next care was to remove the Seigneur du Plessis, whom he had observed + to be often in colloquy with the Prince of Orange, his suspicious and + guilty imagination finding nothing but mischief to himself in the + conjunction of two such natures. He therefore dismissed Du Plessis, under + pretext of a special mission to his sister, Margaret of Navarre; but in + reality, that he might rid himself of the presence of an intelligent and + honorable countryman. + </p> + <p> + On the a 15th January, 1583, the day fixed for the execution of the plot, + the French commandant of Dunkirk, Captain Chamois, skillfully took + advantage of a slight quarrel between the citizens and the garrison, to + secure that important frontier town. The same means were employed + simultaneously, with similar results, at Ostend, Dixmuyde, Denremonde, + Alost, and Vilvoorde, but there was a fatal delay at one important city. + La Fougere, who had been with Chamois at Dunkirk, was arrested on his way + to Bruges by some patriotic citizens who had got wind of what had just + been occurring in the other cities, so that when Palette, the provost of + Anjou, and Colonel la Rebours, at the head of fifteen hundred French + troops, appeared before the gates, entrance was flatly refused. De Grijse, + burgomaster of Bruges, encouraged his fellow townsmen by words and stout + action, to resist the nefarious project then on foot against religious + liberty and free government, in favor of a new foreign tyranny. He spoke + to men who could sympathize with, and second his courageous resolution, + and the delay of twenty-four hours, during which the burghers had time to + take the alarm, saved the city. The whole population was on the alert, and + the baffled Frenchmen were forced to retire from the gates, to avoid being + torn to pieces by the citizens whom they had intended to surprise. + </p> + <p> + At Antwerp, meanwhile, the Duke of Anjou had been rapidly maturing his + plan, under pretext of a contemplated enterprise against the city of + Endhoven, having concentrated what he esteemed a sufficient number of + French troops at Borgerhout, a village close to the walls of Antwerp. + </p> + <p> + On the 16th of January, suspicion was aroused in the city. A man in a mask + entered the main guard-house in the night, mysteriously gave warning that + a great crime was in contemplation, and vanished before he could be + arrested. His accent proved him to be a Frenchman. Strange rumors flew + about the streets. A vague uneasiness pervaded the whole population as to + the intention of their new master, but nothing was definitely known, for + of course there was entire ignorance of the events which were just + occurring in other cities. The colonels and captains of the burgher guard + came to consult the Prince of Orange. He avowed the most entire confidence + in the Duke of Anjou, but, at the same time; recommended that the chains + should be drawn, the lanterns hung out, and the drawbridge raised an hour + earlier than usual, and that other precautions; customary in the + expectation of an attack, should be duly taken. He likewise sent the + Burgomaster of the interior, Dr. Alostanus, to the Duke of Anjou, in order + to communicate the suspicions created in the minds of the city authorities + by the recent movements of troops. + </p> + <p> + Anjou, thus addressed, protested in the most solemn manner that nothing + was farther from his thoughts than any secret enterprise against Antwerp. + He was willing, according to the figure of speech which he had always + ready upon every emergency, "to shed every drop of his blood in her + defence." He swore that he would signally punish all those who had dared + to invent such calumnies against himself and his faithful Frenchmen, + declaring earnestly, at the same time, that the troops had only been + assembled in the regular course of their duty. As the Duke was so loud and + so fervent; as he, moreover, made no objections to the precautionary + measures which had been taken; as the burgomaster thought, moreover, that + the public attention thus aroused would render all evil designs futile, + even if any had been entertained; it was thought that the city might sleep + in security for that night at least. + </p> + <p> + On the following, morning, as vague suspicions were still entertained by + many influential persons, a deputation of magistrates and militia officers + waited upon the Duke, the Prince of Orange—although himself still + feeling a confidence which seems now almost inexplicable—consenting + to accompany them. The Duke was more vehement than ever in his + protestations of loyalty to his recent oaths, as well as of deep affection + for the Netherlands—for Brabant in particular, and for Antwerp most + of all, and he made use of all his vivacity to persuade the Prince, the + burgomasters, and the colonels, that they had deeply wronged him by such + unjust suspicions. His assertions were accepted as sincere, and the + deputation withdrew, Anjou having first solemnly promised—at the + suggestion of Orange—not to leave the city during the whole day, in + order that unnecessary suspicion might be prevented. + </p> + <p> + This pledge the Duke proceeded to violate almost as soon as made. Orange + returned with confidence to his own house, which was close to the citadel, + and therefore far removed from the proposed point of attack, but he had + hardly arrived there when he received a visit from the Duke's private + secretary, Quinsay, who invited him to accompany his Highness on a visit + to the camp. Orange declined the request, and sent an earnest prayer to + the Duke not to leave the city that morning. The Duke dined as usual at + noon. While at dinner he received a letter; was observed to turn pale on + reading it, and to conceal it hastily in a muff which he wore on his left + arm. The repast finished, the Duke ordered his horse. The animal was + restive, and so, strenuously resisted being mounted that, although it was + his usual charger; it was exchanged for another. This second horse started + in such a flurry that the Duke lost his cloak, and almost his seat. He + maintained his self-possession, however, and placing himself at the head + of his bodyguard and some troopers, numbering in all three hundred mounted + men, rode out of the palace-yard towards the Kipdorp gate. + </p> + <p> + This portal opened on the road towards Borgerhout, where his troops were + stationed, and at the present day bears the name of that village: It is on + the side of the city farthest removed from and exactly opposite the river. + The town was very quiet, the streets almost deserted; for it was one + o'clock, the universal dinner-hour, and all suspicion had been disarmed by + the energetic protestations of the Duke. The guard at the gate looked + listlessly upon the cavalcade as it approached, but as soon as Anjou had + crossed the first drawbridge, he rose in his stirrups and waved his hand. + "There is your city, my lads," said he to the troopers behind him; "go and + take possession of it!" + </p> + <p> + At the same time he set spurs to his horse, and galloped off towards the + camp at Borgerhout. Instantly afterwards; a gentleman of his suite, Count + Bochepot, affected to have broken his leg through the plunging of his + horse, a circumstance by which he had been violently pressed, against the + wall as he entered the gate. Kaiser, the commanding officer at the + guard-house, stepped kindly forward to render him assistance, and his + reward was a desperate thrust from the Frenchman's rapier. As he wore a + steel cuirass, he fortunately escaped with a slight wound. + </p> + <p> + The expression, "broken leg," was the watch-word, for at one and the same + instant, the troopers and guardsmen of Anjou set upon the burgher watch at + the gate, and butchered every man. A sufficient force was left to protect + the entrance thus easily mastered, while the rest of the Frenchmen entered + the town at full gallop, shrieking "Ville gaignee, ville gaignee! vive la + messe! vive le Due d'Anjou!" They were followed by their comrades from the + camp outside, who now poured into the town at the preconcerted signal, at + least six hundred cavalry and three thousand musketeers, all perfectly + appointed, entering Antwerp at once. From the Kipdorp gate two main + arteries—the streets called the Kipdorp and the Meer—led quite + through the heart of the city, towards the townhouse and the river beyond. + Along these great thoroughfares the French soldiers advanced at a rapid + pace; the cavalry clattering furiously in the van, shouting "Ville + gaignee, ville gaignee! vive la messe, vive la messe! tue, tue, tue!" + </p> + <p> + The burghers coming to door and window to look for the cause of all this + disturbance, were saluted with volleys of musketry. They were for a moment + astonished, but not appalled, for at first they believed it to be merely + an accidental tumult. Observing, however, that the soldiers, meeting with + but little effective resistance, were dispersing into dwellings and + warehouses, particularly into the shops of the goldsmiths and lapidaries, + the citizens remembered the dark suspicions which had been so rife, and + many recalled to mind that distinguished French officers had during the + last few days been carefully examining the treasures of the jewellers, + under pretext of purchasing, but, as it now appeared, with intent to rob + intelligently. + </p> + <p> + The burghers, taking this rapid view of their position, flew instantly to + arms. Chains and barricades were stretched across the streets; the + trumpets sounded through the city; the municipal guards swarmed to the + rescue. An effective rally was made, as usual, at the Bourse, whither a + large detachment of the invaders had forced their way. Inhabitants of all + classes and conditions, noble and simple, Catholic and Protestant, gave + each other the hand, and swore to die at each other's side in defence of + the city against the treacherous strangers. The gathering was rapid and + enthusiastic. Gentlemen came with lance and cuirass, burghers with musket + and bandoleer, artisans with axe, mallet, and other implements of their + trade. A bold baker, standing by his oven-stark naked, according to the + custom of bakers at that day—rushed to the street as the sound of + the tumult reached his ear. With his heavy bread shovel, which he still + held in his hand, he dealt a French cavalry, officer, just riding and + screaming by, such a hearty blow that he fell dead from his horse. The + baker seized the officer's sword, sprang all unattired as he was, upon his + steed, and careered furiously through the streets, encouraging his + countrymen everywhere to the attack, and dealing dismay through the ranks + of the enemy. His services in that eventful hour were so signal that he + was publicly thanked afterwards by the magistrates for his services, and + rewarded with a pension of three hundred florins for life. + </p> + <p> + The invaders had been forced from the Bourse, while another portion of + them had penetrated as far as the Market-place. The resistance which they + encountered became every instant more formidable, and Fervacques, a + leading French officer, who was captured on the occasion, acknowledged + that no regular troops could have fought more bravely than did these + stalwart burghers. Women and children mounted to roof and window, whence + they hurled, not only tiles and chimney pots, but tables, ponderous + chairs, and other bulky articles, upon the heads of the assailants, while + such citizens as had used all their bullets, loaded their pieces with the + silver buttons from their doublets, or twisted gold and silver coins with + their teeth into ammunition. With a population so resolute, the four + thousand invaders, however audacious, soon found themselves swallowed up. + The city had closed over them like water, and within an hour nearly a + third of their whole number had been slain. Very few of the burghers had + perished, and fresh numbers were constantly advancing to the attack. The + Frenchmen, blinded, staggering, beaten, attempted to retreat. Many threw + themselves from the fortifications into the moat. The rest of the + survivors struggled through the streets—falling in large numbers at + every step-towards the point at which they had so lately entered the city. + Here at the Kipdorp gate was a ghastly spectacle, the slain being piled up + in the narrow passage full ten feet high, while some of the heap, not + quite dead, were striving to extricate a hand or foot, and others feebly + thrust forth their heads to gain a mouthful of air. + </p> + <p> + From the outside, some of Anjou's officers were attempting to climb over + this mass of bodies in order to enter the city; from the interior, the + baffled and fugitive remnant of their comrades were attempting to force + their passage through the same horrible barrier; while many dropped at, + every instant upon the heap of slain, under the blows of the unrelenting + burghers. On the other hand, Count Rochepot himself, to whom the principal + command of the enterprise had been entrusted by Anjou, stood directly in + the path of his fugitive soldiers, not only bitterly upbraiding them with + their cowardice, but actually slaying ten or twelve of them with his own + hands, as the most effectual mode of preventing their retreat. Hardly an + hour had elapsed from the time when the Duke of Anjou first rode out of + the Kipdorp gate, before nearly the whole of the force which he had sent + to accomplish his base design was either dead or captive. Two hundred and + fifty nobles of high rank and illustrious name were killed; recognized at + once as they lay in the streets by their magnificent costume. A larger + number of the gallant chivalry of France had been sacrificed—as + Anjou confessed—in this treacherous and most shameful enterprise, + than had often fallen upon noble and honorable fields. Nearly two thousand + of the rank and file had perished, and the rest were prisoners. It was at + first asserted that exactly fifteen hundred and eighty-three Frenchmen had + fallen, but this was only because this number happened to be the date of + the year, to which the lovers of marvellous coincidences struggled very + hard to make the returns of the dead correspond. Less than one hundred + burghers lost their lives. + </p> + <p> + Anjou, as he looked on at a distance, was bitterly reproached for his + treason by several of the high-minded gentlemen about his person, to whom + he had not dared to confide his plot. The Duke of Montpensier protested + vehemently that he washed his hands of the whole transaction, whatever + might be the issue. He was responsible for the honor of an illustrious + house, which should never be stained, he said, if he could prevent it, + with such foul deeds. The same language was held by Laval, by + Rochefoucauld, and by the Marechal de Biron, the last gentleman, whose two + sons were engaged in the vile enterprise, bitterly cursing the Duke to his + face, as he rode through the gate after revealing his secret undertaking. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile, Anjou, in addition to the punishment of hearing these + reproaches from men of honor, was the victim of a rapid and violent + fluctuation of feeling. Hope, fear, triumph, doubt, remorse, alternately + swayed him. As he saw the fugitives leaping from the walls, he shouted + exultingly, without accurately discerning what manner of men they were, + that the city was his, that four thousand of his brave soldiers were + there, and were hurling the burghers from the battlements. On being made + afterwards aware of his error, he was proportionably depressed; and when + it was obvious at last that the result of the enterprise was an absolute + and disgraceful failure, together with a complete exposure of his + treachery, he fairly mounted his horse, and fled conscience-stricken from + the scene. + </p> + <p> + The attack had been so unexpected, in consequence of the credence that had + been rendered by Orange and the magistracy to the solemn protestations of + the Duke, that it had been naturally out of any one's power to prevent the + catastrophe. The Prince was lodged in apart of the town remote from the + original scene of action, and it does not appear that information had + reached him that anything unusual was occurring, until the affair was + approaching its termination. Then there was little for him to do. He + hastened, however, to the scene, and mounting the ramparts, persuaded the + citizens to cease cannonading the discomfited and retiring foe. He felt + the full gravity of the situation, and the necessity of diminishing the + rancor of the inhabitants against their treacherous allies, if such a + result were yet possible. The burghers had done their duty, and it + certainly would have been neither in his power nor his inclination to + protect the French marauders from expulsion and castigation. + </p> + <p> + Such was the termination of the French Fury, and it seems sufficiently + strange that it should have been so much less disastrous to Antwerp than + was the Spanish Fury of 1576, to which men could still scarcely allude + without a shudder. One would have thought the French more likely to prove + successful in their enterprise than the Spaniards in theirs. The Spaniards + were enemies against whom the city had long been on its guard. The French + were friends in whose sincerity a somewhat shaken confidence had just been + restored. When the Spanish attack was made, a large force of defenders was + drawn up in battle array behind freshly strengthened fortifications. When + the French entered at leisure through a scarcely guarded gate, the whole + population and garrison of the town were quietly eating their dinners. The + numbers of the invading forces on the two occasions did not materially + differ; but at the time of the French Fury there was not a large force of + regular troops under veteran generals to resist the attack. Perhaps this + was the main reason for the result, which seems at first almost + inexplicable. For protection against the Spanish invasion, the burghers + relied on mercenaries, some of whom proved treacherous, while the rest + became panic-struck. On the present occasion the burghers relied on + themselves. Moreover, the French committed the great error of despising + their enemy. Recollecting the ease with which the Spaniards had ravished + the city, they believed that they had nothing to do but to enter and take + possession. Instead of repressing their greediness, as the Spaniards had + done, until they had overcome resistance, they dispersed almost + immediately into by-streets, and entered warehouses to search for plunder. + They seemed actuated by a fear that they should not have time to rifle the + city before additional troops should be sent by Anjou to share in the + spoil. They were less used to the sacking of Netherland cities than were + the Spaniards, whom long practice had made perfect in the art of + methodically butchering a population at first, before attention should be + diverted to plundering, and supplementary outrages. At any rate, whatever + the causes, it is certain that the panic, which upon such occasions + generally decides the fate of the day, seized upon the invaders and not + upon the invaded, almost from the very first. As soon as the marauders + faltered in their purpose and wished to retreat, it was all over with + them. Returning was worse than advance, and it was the almost inevitable + result that hardly a man escaped death or capture. + </p> + <p> + The Duke retreated the same day in the direction of Denremonde, and on his + way met with another misfortune, by which an additional number of his + troops lost their lives. A dyke was cut by the Mechlin citizens to impede + his march, and the swollen waters of the Dill, liberated and flowing + across the country which he was to traverse, produced such an inundation, + that at least a thousand of his followers were drowned. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he had established himself in a camp near Berghem, he opened a + correspondence with the Prince of Orange, and with the authorities of + Antwerp. His language was marked by wonderful effrontery. He found himself + and soldiers suffering for want of food; he remembered that he had left + much plate and valuable furniture in Antwerp; and he was therefore + desirous that the citizens, whom he had so basely outraged, should at once + send him supplies and restore his property. He also reclaimed the + prisoners who still remained in the city, and to obtain all this he + applied to the man whom he had bitterly deceived, and whose life would + have been sacrificed by the Duke, had the enterprise succeeded. + </p> + <p> + It had been his intention to sack the city, to re-establish exclusively + the Roman Catholic worship, to trample upon the constitution which he had + so recently sworn to maintain, to deprive Orange, by force, of the + Renversal by which the Duke recognized the Prince as sovereign of Holland; + Zealand; and Utrecht, yet notwithstanding that his treason had-been + enacted in broad daylight, and in a most deliberate manner, he had the + audacity to ascribe the recent tragic occurrences to chance. He had the + farther originality to speak of himself as an aggrieved person, who had + rendered great services to the Netherlands, and who had only met with + ingratitude in return. His envoys, Messieurs Landmater and Escolieres, + despatched on the very day of the French Fury to the burgomasters and + senate of Antwerp, were instructed to remind those magistrates that the + Duke had repeatedly exposed his life in the cause of the Netherlands. The + affronts, they were to add, which he had received, and the approaching + ruin of the country, which he foresaw, had so altered his excellent + nature, as to engender the present calamity, which he infinitely + regretted. Nevertheless, the senate was to be assured that his affection + for the commonwealth was still so strong, as to induce a desire on his + part to be informed what course was now to be pursued with, regard to him. + Information upon that important point was therefore to be requested, while + at the same time the liberation of the prisoners at Antwerp, and the + restoration of the Duke's furniture and papers, were to be urgently + demanded. + </p> + <p> + Letters of similar, import were also despatched by the Duke to the states + of the Union, while to the Prince of Orange; his application was brief but + brazen. "You know well,—my cousin," said he "the just and frequent + causes of offence which this people has given me. The insults which I, + this morning experienced cut me so deeply to the heart that they are the + only reasons of the misfortune which has happened today. Nevertheless, to + those who desire my friendship I shall show equal friendship and + affection. Herein I shall follow the counsel you have uniformly given me, + since I know it comes from one who has always loved me. Therefore I beg + that you will kindly bring it to pass, that I may obtain some decision, + and that no injury may be inflicted upon my people. Otherwise the land + shall pay for it dearly." + </p> + <p> + To these appeals, neither the Prince nor the authorities of Antwerp + answered immediately in their own names. A general consultation was, + however, immediately held with the estates-general, and an answer + forthwith despatched to the Duke by the hands of his envoys. It was agreed + to liberate the prisoners, to restore the furniture, and to send a special + deputation for the purpose of making further arrangements with the Duke by + word of mouth, and for this deputation his Highness was requested to + furnish a safe conduct. + </p> + <p> + Anjou was overjoyed when he received this amicable communication. Relieved + for a time from his fears as to the result of his crime, he already + assumed a higher ground. He not only spoke to the states in a paternal + tone, which was sufficiently ludicrous, but he had actually the coolness + to assure them of his forgiveness. "He felt hurt," he said, "that they + should deem a safe conduct necessary for the deputation which they + proposed to send. If they thought that he had reason on account of the + past, to feel offended, he begged them to believe that he had forgotten it + all, and that he had buried the past in its ashes, even as if it had never + been." He furthermore begged them—and this seemed the greatest + insult of all—"in future to trust to his word, and to believe that + if any thing should be attempted to their disadvantage, he would be the + very first to offer himself for their protection." + </p> + <p> + It will be observed that in his first letters the Duke had not affected to + deny his agency in the outrage—an agency so flagrant that all + subterfuge seemed superfluous. He in fact avowed that the attempt had been + made by his command, but sought to palliate the crime on the ground that + it had been the result of the ill-treatment which he had experienced from + the states. "The affronts which I have received," said he, both to the + magistrates of Antwerp and to Orange, "have engendered the present + calamity." So also, in a letter written at the same time to his brother, + Henry the Third, he observed that "the indignities which were put upon + him, and the manifest intention of the states to make a Matthias of him, + had been the cause of the catastrophe." + </p> + <p> + He now, however, ventured a step farther. Presuming upon the indulgence + which he had already experienced; and bravely assuming the tone of injured + innocence, he ascribed the enterprise partly to accident, and partly to + the insubordination of his troops. This was the ground which he adopted in + his interviews with the states' commissioners. So also, in a letter + addressed to Van der Tympel, commandant of Brussels, in which he begged + for supplies for his troops, he described the recent invasion of Antwerp + as entirely unexpected by himself, and beyond his control. He had been + intending, he said, to leave the city and to join his army. A tumult had + accidentally arisen between his soldiers and the guard at the gate. Other + troops rushing in from without, had joined in the affray, so that to, his + great sorrow, an extensive disorder had arisen. He manifested the same + Christian inclination to forgive, however, which he had before exhibited. + He observed that "good men would never grow cold in his regard, or find + his affection diminished." He assured Van der Tympel, in particular, of + his ancient goodwill, as he knew him to be a lover of the common weal. + </p> + <p> + In his original communications he had been both cringing and threatening + but, at least, he had not denied truths which were plain as daylight. His + new position considerably damaged his cause. This forgiving spirit on the + part of the malefactor was a little more than the states could bear, + disposed as they felt, from policy, to be indulgent, and to smooth over + the crime as gently as possible. The negotiations were interrupted, and + the authorities of Antwerp published a brief and spirited defence of their + own conduct. They denied that any affront or want of respect on their part + could have provoked the outrage of which the Duke had been guilty. They + severely handled his self-contradiction, in ascribing originally the + recent attempt to his just vengeance for past injuries, and in afterwards + imputing it to accident or sudden mutiny, while they cited the + simultaneous attempts at Bruges, Denremonde, Alost, Digmuyde, Newport, + Ostend, Vilvoorde, and Dunkirk, as a series of damning proofs of a + deliberate design. + </p> + <p> + The publication of such plain facts did not advance the negotiations when + resumed. High and harsh words were interchanged between his Highness and + the commissioners, Anjou complaining, as usual, of affronts and + indignities, but when pushed home for particulars, taking refuge in + equivocation. "He did not wish," he said, "to re-open wounds which had + been partially healed." He also affected benignity, and wishing to forgive + and to forget, he offered some articles as the basis of a fresh agreement. + Of these it is sufficient to state that they were entirely different from + the terms of the Bordeaux treaty, and that they were rejected as quite + inadmissible. + </p> + <p> + He wrote again to the Prince of Orange, invoking his influence to bring + about an arrangement. The Prince, justly indignant at the recent treachery + and the present insolence of the man whom he had so profoundly trusted, + but feeling certain that the welfare of the country depended at present + upon avoiding, if possible, a political catastrophe, answered the Duke in + plain, firm, mournful, and appropriate language. He had ever manifested to + his Highness, he said, the most uniform and sincere friendship. He had, + therefore, the right to tell him that affairs were now so changed that his + greatness and glory had departed. Those men in the Netherlands, who, but + yesterday, had been willing to die at the feet of his Highness, were now + so exasperated that they avowedly preferred an open enemy to a treacherous + protector. He had hoped, he said, that after what had happened in so many + cities at the same moment, his Highness would have been pleased to give + the deputies a different and a more becoming answer. He had hoped for some + response which might lead to an arrangement. He, however, stated frankly, + that the articles transmitted by his Highness were so unreasonable that no + man in the land would dare open his mouth to recommend them. His Highness, + by this proceeding, had much deepened the distrust. He warned the Duke + accordingly, that he was not taking the right course to reinstate himself + in a position of honor and glory, and he begged him, therefore, to adopt + more appropriate means. Such a step was now demanded of him, not only by + the country, but by all Christendom. + </p> + <p> + This moderate but heartfelt appeal to the better nature of the Duke, if he + had a better nature, met with no immediate response. + </p> + <p> + While matters were in this condition, a special envoy arrived out of + France, despatched by the King and Queen-mother, on the first reception of + the recent intelligence from Antwerp. M. de Mirambeau, the ambassador, + whose son had been killed in the Fury, brought letters of credence to the + states of the Union and to the Prince of Orange. He delivered also a short + confidential note, written in her own hand, from Catherine de Medici to + the Prince, to the following effect: + </p> + <p> + "My COUSIN,—The King, my son, and myself, send you Monsieur de + Mirambeau, to prove to you that we do not believe—for we esteem you + an honorable man—that you would manifest ingratitude to my son, and + to those who have followed him for the welfare of your country. We feel + that you have too much affection for one who has the support of so + powerful a prince as the King of France, as to play him so base a trick. + Until I learn the truth, I shall not renounce the good hope which I have + always indulged—that you would never have invited my son to your + country, without intending to serve him faithfully. As long as you do + this, you may ever reckon on the support of all who belong to him. + </p> + <p> + "Your good Cousin, + </p> + <p> + "CATHERINE." + </p> + <p> + It would have been very difficult to extract much information or much + comfort from this wily epistle. The menace was sufficiently plain, the + promise disagreeably vague. Moreover, a letter from the same Catherine de + Medici, had been recently found in a casket at the Duke's lodgings in + Antwerp. In that communication, she had distinctly advised her son to + re-establish the Roman Catholic religion, assuring him that by so doing, + he would be enabled to marry the Infanta of Spain. Nevertheless, the + Prince, convinced that it was his duty to bridge over the deep and fatal + chasm which had opened between the French Prince and the provinces, if an + honorable reconciliation were possible, did not attach an undue importance + either to the stimulating or to the upbraiding portion of the + communication from Catherine. He was most anxious to avert the chaos which + he saw returning. He knew that while the tempers of Rudolph, of the + English Queen, and of the Protestant princes of Germany, and the internal + condition of the Netherlands remained the same, it were madness to provoke + the government of France, and thus gain an additional enemy, while losing + their only friend. He did not renounce the hope of forming all the + Netherlands—excepting of course the Walloon provinces already + reconciled to Philip—into one independent commonwealth, freed for + ever from Spanish tyranny. A dynasty from a foreign house he was willing + to accept, but only on condition that the new royal line should become + naturalized in the Netherlands, should, conform itself to the strict + constitutional compact established, and should employ only natives in the + administration of Netherland affairs. Notwithstanding, therefore, the + recent treachery of Anjou, he was willing to treat with him upon the + ancient basis. The dilemma was a very desperate one, for whatever might be + his course, it was impossible that it should escape censure. Even at this + day, it is difficult to decide what might have been the result of openly + braving the French government, and expelling Anjou. The Prince of Parma—subtle, + vigilant, prompt with word and blow—was waiting most anxiously to + take advantage of every false step of his adversary. The provinces had + been already summoned in most eloquent language, to take warning by the + recent fate of Antwerp, and to learn by the manifestation just made by + Anjou, of his real intentions; that their only salvation lay in a return + to the King's arms. Anjou himself, as devoid of shame as of honor, was + secretly holding interviews with Parma's agents, Acosta and Flaminio + Carnero, at the very moment when he was alternately expressing to the + states his resentment that they dared to doubt his truth, or magnanimously + extending to them his pardon for their suspicions. He was writing letters + full of injured innocence to Orange and to the states, while secretly + cavilling over the terms of the treaty by which he was to sell himself to + Spain. Scruples as to enacting so base a part did not trouble the "Son of + France." He did not hesitate at playing this doubly and trebly false game + with the provinces, but he was anxious to drive the best possible bargain + for himself with Parma. He, offered to restore Dunkirk, Dixmuyde, and the + other cities which he had so recently filched from the states, and to + enter into a strict alliance with Philip; but he claimed that certain + Netherland cities on the French frontier, should be made over to him in + exchange. He required; likewise; ample protection for his retreat from a + country which was likely to be sufficiently exasperated. Parma and his + agents smiled, of course, at such exorbitant terms. Nevertheless, it was + necessary to deal cautiously with a man who, although but a poor baffled + rogue to-day, might to-morrow be seated on the throne of France. While + they were all secretly haggling over the terms of the bargain, the Prince + of Orange discovered the intrigue. It convinced him of the necessity of + closing with a man whose baseness was so profound, but whose position made + his enmity, on the whole, more dangerous than his friendship. Anjou, + backed by so astute and unscrupulous a politician as Parma, was not to be + trifled with. The feeling of doubt and anxiety was spreading daily through + the country: many men, hitherto firm, were already wavering, while at the + same time the Prince had no confidence in the power of any of the states, + save those of Holland and Utrecht; to maintain a resolute attitude of + defiance, if not assisted from without. + </p> + <p> + He therefore endeavored to repair the breach, if possible, and thus save + the Union. Mirambeau, in his conferences with the estates, suggested, on + his part, all that words could effect. He expressed the hope that the + estates would use their discretion "in compounding some sweet and friendly + medicine" for the present disorder; and that they would not judge the Duke + too harshly for a fault which he assured them did not come from his + natural disposition. He warned them that the enemy would be quick to take + advantage of the present occasion to bring about, if possible, their + destruction, and he added that he was commissioned to wait upon the Duke + of Anjou, in order to assure him that, however alienated he might then be + from the Netherlands, his Majesty was determined to effect an entire + reconciliation. + </p> + <p> + The envoy conferred also with the Prince of Orange, and urged him most + earnestly to use his efforts to heal the rupture. The Prince, inspired by + the sentiments already indicated, spoke with perfect sincerity. His + Highness, he said, had never known a more faithful and zealous friend than + himself, He had begun to lose his own credit with the people by reason of + the earnestness with which he had ever advocated the Duke's cause, and he + could not flatter himself that his recommendation would now be of any + advantage to his Highness. It would be more injurious than his silence. + Nevertheless, he was willing to make use of all the influence which was + left to him for the purpose of bringing about a reconciliation, provided + that the Duke were acting in good faith. If his Highness were now + sincerely desirous of conforming to the original treaty, and willing to + atone for the faults committed by him on the same day in so many cities—offences + which could not be excused upon the ground of any affronts which he might + have received from the citizens of Antwerp—it might even now be + possible to find a remedy for the past. He very bluntly told the envoy, + however, that the frivolous excuses offered by the Duke caused more + bitterness than if he had openly acknowledged his fault. It were better, + he said, to express contrition, than to excuse himself by laying blame on + those to whom no blame belonged, but who, on the contrary, had ever shown + themselves faithful servants of his Highness. + </p> + <p> + The estates of the Union, being in great perplexity as to their proper + course, now applied formally, as they always did in times of danger and + doubt, to the Prince, for a public expression of his views. Somewhat + reluctantly, he complied with their wishes in one of the most admirable of + his state papers. + </p> + <p> + He told the states-that he felt some hesitation in expressing his views. + The blame of the general ill success was always laid upon his shoulders; + as if the chances of war could be controlled even by a great potentate + with ample means at his disposal. As for himself, with so little actual + power that he could never have a single city provided with what he thought + a sufficient garrison, it could not be expected that he could command + fortune. His advice, he said, was always asked, but ever judged good or + evil according to the result, as if the issue were in any hands but God's. + It did not seem advisable for a man of his condition and years, who had so + often felt the barb of calumny's tongue, to place his honor, again in the + judgment scale of mankind, particularly as he was likely to incur fresh + censure for another man's crime. Nevertheless, he was willing, for the + love he bore the land, once more to encounter this danger. + </p> + <p> + He then rapidly reviewed the circumstances which had led to the election + of Anjou, and reminded the estates that they had employed sufficient time + to deliberate concerning that transaction. He recalled to their + remembrance his frequent assurances of support and sympathy if they would + provide any other means of self-protection than the treaty with the French + Prince. He thought it, therefore, unjust, now that calamity had sprung + from the measure, to ascribe the blame entirely to him, even had the + injury been greater than the one actually sustained. He was far from + palliating the crime, or from denying that the Duke's rights under the + Treaty of Bordeaux had been utterly forfeited. He was now asked what was + to be done. Of three courses, he said, one must be taken: they must make + their peace with the King, or consent to a reconciliation with Anjou, or + use all the strength which God had given them to resist, single-handed, + the enemy. With regard to the first point, he resumed the argument as to + the hopelessness of a satisfactory arrangement with the monarch of Spain. + The recent reconciliation of the Walloon provinces and its shameful + infraction by Parma in the immediate recal of large masses of Spanish and + Italian troops, showed too plainly the value of all solemn stipulations + with his Catholic Majesty. Moreover, the time was unpropitious. It was + idle to look, after what had recently occurred, for even fair promises. It + was madness then to incur the enmity of two such powers at once. The + French could do the Netherlands more harm as enemies than the Spaniards. + The Spaniards would be more dangerous as friends, for in cases of a treaty + with Philip the Inquisition would be established in the place of a + religious peace. For these reasons the Prince declared himself entirely + opposed to any negotiations with the Crown of Spain. + </p> + <p> + As to the second point, he admitted that Anjou had gained little honor by + his recent course; and that it would be a mistake on their part to stumble + a second time over the same stone. He foresaw, nevertheless, that the Duke—irritated + as he was by the loss of so many of his nobles, and by the downfall of all + his hopes in the Netherlands—would be likely to inflict great + injuries upon their cause. Two powerful nations like France and Spain + would be too much to have on their hands at once. How much danger, too, + would be incurred by braving at once the open wrath of the French King, + and, the secret displeasure of the English Queen. She had warmly + recommended the Duke of Anjou. She had said—that honors to him were + rendered to herself; and she was now entirely opposed to their keeping the + present quarrel alive. If France became their enemy, the road was at once + opened through that kingdom for Spain. The estates were to ponder well + whether they possessed the means to carry on such a double war without + assistance. They were likewise to remember how many cities still remained + in the hands of Anjou, and their possible fate if the Duke were pushed to + extremity. + </p> + <p> + The third point was then handled with vigor. He reminded the states of the + perpetual difficulty of raising armies, of collecting money to pay for + troops, of inducing cities to accept proper garrisons, of establishing a + council which could make itself respected. He alluded briefly and bitterly + to the perpetual quarrels of the states among themselves; to their mutual + jealousy; to their obstinate parsimony; to their jealousy of the general + government; to their apathy and inertness before impending ruin. He would + not calumniate those, he said, who counselled trust in God. That was his + sentiment also: To attempt great affairs, however, and, through avarice, + to-withhold sufficient means, was not trusting, but tempting God.—On + the contrary, it was trusting God to use the means which He offered to + their hands. + </p> + <p> + With regard, then, to the three points, he rejected the first. + Reconciliation with the King of Spain was impossible. For his own part, he + would much prefer the third course. He had always been in favor of their + maintaining independence by their own means and the assistance of the + Almighty. He was obliged, however, in sadness; to confess that the narrow + feeling of individual state rights, the general tendency to disunion, and + the constant wrangling, had made this course a hopeless one. There + remained, therefore, only the second, and they must effect an honorable + reconciliation with Anjou. Whatever might be their decision, however, it + was meet that it should be a speedy one. Not an hour was to be lost. Many + fair churches of God, in Anjou's power, were trembling on the issue, and + religious and political liberty was more at stake than ever. In + conclusion, the Prince again expressed his determination, whatever might + be their decision, to devote the rest of his days to the services of his + country. + </p> + <p> + The result of these representations by the Prince—of frequent + letters from Queen Elizabeth, urging a reconciliation—and of the + professions made by the Duke and the French envoys, was a provisional + arrangement, signed on the 26th and 28th of March. According to the terms + of this accord, the Duke was to receive thirty thousand florins for his + troops, and to surrender the cities still in his power. The French + prisoners were to be liberated, the Duke's property at Antwerp was to be + restored, and the Duke himself was to await at Dunkirk the arrival of + plenipotentiaries to treat with him as to a new and perpetual arrangement. + </p> + <p> + The negotiations, however, were languid. The quarrel was healed on the + surface, but confidence so recently and violently uprooted was slow to + revive. On the 28th of June, the Duke of Anjou left Dunkirk for Paris, + never to return to the Netherlands, but he exchanged on his departure + affectionate letters with the Prince and the estates. M. des Pruneaux + remained as his representative, and it was understood that the + arrangements for re-installing him as soon as possible in the sovereignty + which he had so basely forfeited, were to be pushed forward with + earnestness. + </p> + <p> + In the spring of the same year, Gerard Truchses, Archbishop of Cologne, + who had lost his see for the love of Agnes Mansfeld, whom he had espoused + in defiance of the Pope; took refuge with the Prince of Orange at Delft. A + civil war in Germany broke forth, the Protestant princes undertaking to + support the Archbishop, in opposition to Ernest of Bavaria, who had been + appointed in his place. The Palatine, John Casimir, thought it necessary + to mount and ride as usual. Making his appearance at the head of a hastily + collected force, and prepared for another plunge into chaos, he suddenly + heard, however, of his elder brother's death at Heidelberg. Leaving his + men, as was his habit, to shift for themselves, and Baron Truchses, the + Archbishop's brother, to fall into the hands of the enemy, he disappeared + from the scene with great rapidity, in order that his own interests in the + palatinate and in the guardianship of the young palatines might not suffer + by his absence. + </p> + <p> + At this time, too, on the 12th of April, the Prince of Orange was married, + for the fourth time, to Louisa, widow of the Seigneur de Teligny, and + daughter of the illustrious Coligny. + </p> + <p> + In the course of the summer, the states of Holland and Zealand, always + bitterly opposed to the connection with Anjou, and more than ever + dissatisfied with the resumption of negotiations since the Antwerp + catastrophe, sent a committee to the Prince in order to persuade him to + set his face against the whole proceedings. They delivered at the same + time a formal remonstrance, in writing (25th of August, 1583), in which + they explained how odious the arrangement with the Duke had ever been to + them. They expressed the opinion that even the wisest might be sometimes + mistaken, and that the Prince had been bitterly deceived by Anjou and by + the French court. They besought him to rely upon the assistance of the + Almighty, and upon the exertions of the nation, and they again hinted at + the propriety of his accepting that supreme sovereignty over all the + united provinces which would be so gladly conferred, while, for their own + parts, they voluntarily offered largely to increase the sums annually + contributed to the common defence. + </p> + <p> + Very soon afterwards, in August, 1583, the states of the united provinces + assembled at Middelburg formally offered the general government—which + under the circumstances was the general sovereignty—to the Prince, + warmly urging his acceptance of the dignity. He manifested, however, the + same reluctance which he had always expressed, demanding that the project + should beforehand be laid before the councils of all the large cities, and + before the estates of certain provinces which had not been represented at + the Middelburg diet. He also made use of the occasion to urge the + necessity of providing more generously for the army expenses and other + general disbursements. As to ambitious views, he was a stranger to them, + and his language at this moment was as patriotic and self-denying as at + any previous period. He expressed his thanks to the estates for this + renewed proof of their confidence in his character, and this additional + approbation of his course,—a sentiment which he was always ready "as + a good patriot to justify by his most faithful service." He reminded them, + however, that he was no great monarch, having in his own hands the means + to help and the power to liberate them; and that even were he in + possession of all which God had once given him, he should be far from + strong enough to resist, single-handed, their powerful enemy. All that was + left to him, he said, was an "honest and moderate experience in affairs." + With this he was ever ready to serve them to the utmost; but they knew + very well that the means to make that experience available were to be + drawn from the country itself. With modest simplicity, he observed that he + had been at work fifteen or sixteen years, doing his best, with the grace + of God, to secure the freedom of the fatherland and to resist tyranny of + conscience; that he alone—assisted by his brothers and some friends + and relatives—had borne the whole burthen in the beginning, and that + he had afterwards been helped by the states of Holland and Zealand, so + that he could not but render thanks to God for His great mercy in thus + granting His blessing to so humble an instrument, and thus restoring so + many beautiful provinces to their ancient freedom and to the true + religion. The Prince protested that this result was already a sufficient + reward for his labors—a great consolation in his sufferings. He had + hoped, he said, that the estates, "taking into consideration his + long-continued labors, would have been willing to excuse him from a new + load of cares, and would have granted him some little rest in his already + advanced age;" that they would have selected "some other person more + fitted for the labor, whom he would himself faithfully promise to assist + to the best of his abilities, rendering him willing obedience + proportionate to the authority conferred upon him." + </p> + <p> + Like all other attempts to induce the acceptance, by the Prince, of + supreme authority, this effort proved ineffectual, from the obstinate + unwillingness of his hand to receive the proffered sceptre. + </p> + <p> + In connection with this movement, and at about the same epoch, Jacob + Swerius, member of the Brabant Council, with other deputies, waited upon + Orange, and formally tendered him the sovereign dukedom of Brabant, + forfeited and vacant by the late crime of Anjou. The Prince, however, + resolutely refused to accept the dignity, assuring the committee that he + had not the means to afford the country as much protection as they had a + right to expect from their sovereign. He added that "he would never give + the King of Spain the right-to say that the Prince of Orange had been + actuated by no other motives in his career than the hope of + self-aggrandizement, and the desire to deprive his Majesty of the + provinces in order to appropriate them to himself." + </p> + <p> + Accordingly, firmly refusing to heed the overtures of the United States, + and of Holland in particular, he continued to further the re-establishment + of Anjou—a measure in which, as he deliberately believed, lay the + only chance of union and in dependence. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Parma, meantime, had not been idle. He had been unable to + induce the provinces to listen to his wiles, and to rush to the embrace of + the monarch whose arms he described as ever open to the repentant. He had, + however, been busily occupied in the course of the summer in taking up + many of the towns which the treason of Anjou had laid open to his attacks. + </p> + <p> + Eindhoven, Diest, Dunkirk, Newport, and other places, were successively + surrendered to royalist generals. On the 22nd of September, 1583, the city + of Zutfen, too, was surprised by Colonel Tassis, on the fall of which most + important place, the treason of Orange's brother-in-law, Count Van den + Berg, governor of Gueldres, was revealed. His fidelity had been long + suspected, particularly by Count John of Nassau, but always earnestly + vouched for by his wife and by his sons. On the capture of Zutfen, + however, a document was found and made public, by which Van den Berg bound + himself to deliver the principal cities of Gueldres and Zutfen, beginning + with Zutfen itself, into the hands of Parma, on condition of receiving the + pardon and friendship of the King. + </p> + <p> + Not much better could have been expected of Van den Berg. His + pusillanimous retreat from his post in Alva's time will be recollected; + and it is certain that the Prince had never placed implicit confidence in + his character. Nevertheless, it was the fate of this great man to be often + deceived by the friends whom he trusted, although never to be outwitted by + his enemies. Van den Berg was arrested, on the 15th of November, carried + to the Hague, examined and imprisoned for a time in Delftshaven. After a + time he was, however, liberated, when he instantly, with all his sons, + took service under the King. + </p> + <p> + While treason was thus favoring the royal arms in the north, the same + powerful element, to which so much of the Netherland misfortunes had + always been owing was busy in Flanders. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the year 1583, the Prince of Chimay, eldest son of the + Duke of Aerschot, had been elected governor of that province. This noble + was as unstable in character, as vain, as unscrupulous, and as ambitious + as his father and uncle. He had been originally desirous of espousing the + eldest daughter of the Prince of Orange, afterwards the Countess of + Hohenlo, but the Duchess of Aerschot was too strict a Catholic to consent + to the marriage, and her son was afterwards united to the Countess of + Meghem, widow of Lan celot Berlaymont. + </p> + <p> + As affairs seemed going on prosperously for the states in the beginning, + of this year, the Prince of Chimay had affected a strong inclination for + the Reformed religion, and as governor of Bruges, he had appointed many + members of that Church to important offices, to the exclusion of + Catholics. By so decided a course, he acquired the confidence of the + patriot party and at the end of the year he became governor of Flanders. + No sooner was he installed in this post, than he opened a private + correspondence with Parma, for it was his intention to make his peace with + the King, and to purchase pardon and advancement by the brilliant service + which he now undertook, of restoring this important province to the royal + authority. In the arrangement of his plans he was assisted by Champagny, + who, as will be recollected, had long been a prisoner in Ghent, but whose + confinement was not so strict as to prevent frequent intercourse with his + friends without. Champagny was indeed believed to be the life of the whole + intrigue. The plot was, however, forwarded by Imbize, the roaring + demagogue whose republicanism could never reconcile itself with what he + esteemed the aristocratic policy of Orange, and whose stern puritanism + could be satisfied with nothing short of a general extermination of + Catholics. This man, after having been allowed to depart, infamous and + contemptible, from the city which he had endangered, now ventured after + five years, to return, and to engage in fresh schemes which were even more + criminal than his previous enterprises. The uncompromising foe to + Romanism, the advocate of Grecian and Genevan democracy, now allied + himself with Champagny and with Chimay, to effect a surrender of Flanders + to Philip and to the Inquisition. He succeeded in getting himself elected + chief senator in Ghent, and forthwith began to use all his influence to + further the secret plot. The joint efforts and intrigues of Parma, + Champagny, Chimay, and Imbize, were near being successful. Early, in the + spring of 1584 a formal resolution was passed by the government of Ghent, + to open negotiations with Parma. Hostages were accordingly exchanged, and + a truce of three weeks was agreed upon, during which an animated + correspondence was maintained between the authorities of Ghent and the + Prince of Chimay on the one side, and the United States-general, the + magistracy of Antwerp, the states of Brabant, and other important bodies + on the other. + </p> + <p> + The friends of the Union and of liberty used all their eloquence to arrest + the city of Ghent in its course, and to save the province of Flanders from + accepting the proposed arrangement with Parma. The people of Ghent were + reminded that the chief promoter of this new negotiation was Champagny, a + man who owed a deep debt of hatred to their city, for the long, and as he + believed, the unjust confinement which he had endured within its walls. + Moreover, he was the brother of Granvelle, source of all their woes. To + take counsel with Champagny, was to come within reach of a deadly foe, for + "he who confesses himself to a wolf," said the burgomasters of Antwerp, + "will get wolf's absolution." The Flemings were warned by all their + correspondents that it was puerile to hope for faith in Philip; a monarch + whose first principle was, that promises to heretics were void. They were + entreated to pay no heed to the "sweet singing of the royalists," who just + then affected to disapprove of the practice adopted by the Spanish + Inquisition, that they might more surely separate them from their friends. + "Imitate not," said the magistrates of Brussels, "the foolish sheep who + made with the wolves a treaty of perpetual amity, from which the faithful + dogs were to be excluded." It was affirmed—and the truth was + certainly beyond peradventure—that religious liberty was dead at the + moment when the treaty with Parma should be signed. "To look for political + privilege or evangelical liberty," said the Antwerp authorities, "in any + arrangement with the Spaniards, is to look for light in darkness, for fire + in water." "Philip is himself the slave of the Inquisition," said the + states-general, "and has but one great purpose in life—to cherish + the institution everywhere, and particularly in the Netherlands. Before + Margaret of Parma's time, one hundred thousand Netherlanders had been + burned or strangled, and Alva had spent seven years in butchering and + torturing many thousands more." The magistrates of Brussells used similar + expressions. "The King of Spain," said they to their brethren of Ghent, + "is fastened to the Inquisition. Yea, he is so much in its power, that + even if he desired, he is unable to maintain his promises." The Prince of + Orange too, was indefatigable in public and private efforts to counteract + the machinations of Parma and the Spanish party in Ghent. He saw with + horror the progress which the political decomposition of that most + important commonwealth was making, for he considered the city the keystone + to the union of the provinces, for he felt with a prophetic instinct that + its loss would entail that of all the southern provinces, and make a + united and independent Netherland state impossible. Already in the summer + of 1583, he addressed a letter full of wisdom and of warning to the + authorities of Ghent, a letter in which he set fully before them the + iniquity and stupidity of their proceedings, while at the same time he + expressed himself with so much dexterity and caution as to avoid giving + offence, by accusations which he made, as it were, hypothetically, when, + in truth, they were real ones. + </p> + <p> + These remonstrances were not fruitless, and the authorities and citizens + of Ghent once more paused ere they stepped from the precipice. While they + were thus wavering, the whole negotiation with Parma was abruptly brought + to a close by a new incident, the demagogue Imbize having been discovered + in a secret attempt to obtain possession of the city of Denremonde, and + deliver it to Parma. The old acquaintance, ally, and enemy of Imbize, the + Seigneur de Ryhove, was commandant of the city, and information was + privately conveyed to him of the design, before there had been time for + its accomplishment. Ryhove, being thoroughly on his guard, arrested his + old comrade, who was shortly afterwards brought to trial, and executed at + Ghent. John van Imbize had returned to the city from which the + contemptuous mercy of Orange had permitted him formerly to depart, only to + expiate fresh turbulence and fresh treason by a felon's death. Meanwhile + the citizens: of Ghent; thus warned by word and deed, passed an earnest + resolution to have no more intercourse with Parma, but to abide faithfully + by the union. Their example was followed by the other Flemish cities, + excepting, unfortunately, Bruges, for that important town, being entirely + in the power of Chimay, was now surrendered by him to the royal + government. On the 20th of May, 1584, Baron Montigny, on the part of + Parma, signed an accord with the Prince of Chimay, by which the city was + restored to his Majesty, and by which all inhabitants not willing to abide + by the Roman Catholic religion were permitted to leave the land. The + Prince was received with favor by Parma, on conclusion of the transaction, + and subsequently met with advancement from the King, while the Princess, + who had embraced the Reformed religion, retired to Holland. + </p> + <p> + The only other city of importance gained on this occasion by the + government was Ypres, which had been long besieged, and was, soon + afterwards forced to yield. The new Bishop, on taking possession, resorted + to instant measures for cleansing a place which had been so long in the + hands of the infidels, and as the first step in this purification, the + bodies of many heretics who had been buried for years were taken from + their graves, and publicly hanged in their coffins. All living adherents + to the Reformed religion were instantly expelled from the place. + </p> + <p> + Ghent and the rest of Flanders were, for the time, saved from the power of + Spain, the inhabitants being confirmed in their resolution of sustaining + their union with the other provinces by the news from France. Early in the + spring the negotiations between Anjou and the states-general had been + earnestly renewed, and Junius, Mouillerie, and Asseliers, had been + despatched on a special mission to France, for the purpose of arranging a + treaty with the Duke. On the 19th of April, 1584, they arrived in Delft, + on their return, bringing warm letters from the French court, full of + promises to assist the Netherlands; and it was understood that a + constitution, upon the basis of the original arrangement of Bordeaux, + would be accepted by the Duke. These arrangements were, however, for ever + terminated by the death of Anjou, who had been ill during the whole course + of the negotiations. On the 10th of June, 1584, he expired at Chateau + Thierry, in great torture, sweating blood from every pore, and under + circumstances which, as usual, suggested strong suspicions of poison. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Various attempts upon the life of Orange—Delft—Mansion of the + Prince described—Francis Guion or Balthazar Girard—His + antecedents—His correspondence and interviews with Parma and with + d'Assonleville—His employment in France—His return to Delft and + interview with Orange—The crime—The confession—The punishment— + The consequences—Concluding remarks. +</pre> + <p> + It has been seen that the Ban against the Prince of Orange had not been + hitherto without fruits, for although unsuccessful, the efforts to take + his life and earn the promised guerdon had been incessant. The attempt of + Jaureguy, at Antwerp, of Salseda and Baza at Bruges, have been related, + and in March, 1583, moreover, one Pietro Dordogno was executed in Antwerp + for endeavoring to assassinate the Prince. Before his death, he confessed + that he had come from Spain solely for the purpose, and that he had + conferred with La Motte, governor of Gravelines, as to the best means of + accomplishing his design. In April, 1584, Hans Hanzoon, a merchant of + Flushing, had been executed for attempting to destroy the Prince by means + of gunpowder, concealed under his house in that city, and under his seat + in the church. He confessed that he had deliberately formed the intention + of performing the deed, and that he had discussed the details of the + enterprise with the Spanish ambassador in Paris. At about the same time, + one Le Goth, a captive French officer, had been applied to by the Marquis + de Richebourg, on the part of Alexander of Parma, to attempt the murder of + the Prince. Le Goth had consented, saying that nothing could be more + easily done; and that he would undertake to poison him in a dish of eels, + of which he knew him to be particularly fond. The Frenchman was liberated + with this understanding; but being very much the friend of Orange, + straightway told him the whole story, and remained ever afterwards a + faithful servant of the states. It is to be presumed that he excused the + treachery to which he owed his escape from prison on the ground that faith + was no more to be kept with murderers than with heretics. Thus within two + years there had been five distinct attempts to assassinate the Prince, all + of them, with the privity of the Spanish government. A sixth was soon to + follow. + </p> + <p> + In the summer of 1584, William of Orange was residing at Delft, where his + wife, Louisa de Coligny, had given birth, in the preceding winter, to a + son, afterwards the celebrated stadholder, Frederic Henry. The child had + received these names from his two godfathers, the Kings of Denmark and of + Navarre, and his baptism had been celebrated with much rejoicing on the + 12th of June, in the place of his birth. + </p> + <p> + It was a quiet, cheerful, yet somewhat drowsy little city, that ancient + burgh of Delft. The placid canals by which it was intersected in every + direction were all planted with whispering, umbrageous rows of limes and + poplars, and along these watery highways the traffic of the place glided + so noiselessly that the town seemed the abode of silence and tranquillity. + The streets were clean and airy, the houses well built, the whole aspect + of the place thriving. + </p> + <p> + One of the principal thoroughfares was called the old Delftstreet. It was + shaded on both sides by lime trees, which in that midsummer season covered + the surface of the canal which flowed between them with their light and + fragrant blossoms. On one side of this street was the "old kirk," a plain, + antique structure of brick, with lancet windows, and with a tall, slender + tower, which inclined, at a very considerable angle, towards a house upon + the other side of the canal. That house was the mansion of William the + Silent. It stood directly opposite the church, being separated by a + spacious courtyard from the street, while the stables and other offices in + the rear extended to the city wall. A narrow lane, opening out of + Delft-street, ran along the side of the house and court, in the direction + of the ramparts. The house was a plain, two-storied edifice of brick, with + red-tiled roof, and had formerly been a cloister dedicated to Saint + Agatha, the last prior of which had been hanged by the furious Lumey de la + Merck. + </p> + <p> + The news of Anjou's death had been brought to Delft by a special messenger + from the French court. On Sunday morning, the 8th of July, 1584, the + Prince of Orange, having read the despatches before leaving his bed, + caused the man who had brought them to be summoned, that he might give + some particular details by word of mouth concerning the last illness of + the Duke. The courier was accordingly admitted to the Prince's + bed-chamber, and proved to be one Francis Guion, as he called himself. + This man had, early in the spring, claimed and received the protection of + Orange, on the ground of being the son of a Protestant at Besancon, who + had suffered death for—his religion, and of his own ardent + attachment to the Reformed faith. A pious, psalm-singing, thoroughly + Calvinistic youth he seemed to be having a bible or a hymn-book under his + arm whenever he walked the street, and most exemplary in his attendance at + sermon and lecture. For, the rest, a singularly unobtrusive personage, + twenty-seven years of age, low of stature, meagre, mean-visaged, muddy + complexioned, and altogether a man of no account—quite insignificant + in the eyes of all who looked upon him. If there were one opinion in which + the few who had taken the trouble to think of the puny, somewhat shambling + stranger from Burgundy at all coincided, it was that he was inoffensive + but quite incapable of any important business. He seemed well educated, + claimed to be of respectable parentage and had considerable facility of + speech, when any person could be found who thought it worth while to + listen to him; but on the whole he attracted little attention. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, this insignificant frame locked up a desperate and daring + character; this mild and inoffensive nature had gone pregnant seven years + with a terrible crime, whose birth could not much longer be retarded. + Francis Guion, the Calvinist, son of a martyred Calvinist, was in reality + Balthazar Gerard, a fanatical Catholic, whose father and mother were still + living at Villefans in Burgundy. Before reaching man's estate, he had + formed the design of murdering the Prince of Orange, "who, so long as he + lived, seemed like to remain a rebel against the Catholic King, and to + make every effort to disturb the repose of the Roman Catholic Apostolic + religion." + </p> + <p> + When but twenty years of age, he had struck his dagger with all his might + into a door, exclaiming, as he did so, "Would that the blow had been in + the heart of Orange!" For this he was rebuked by a bystander, who told him + it was not for him to kill princes, and that it was not desirable to + destroy so good a captain as the Prince, who, after all, might one day + reconcile himself with the King. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the Ban against Orange was published, Balthazar, more anxious + than ever to execute his long-cherished design, left Dole and came to + Luxemburg. Here he learned that the deed had already been done by John + Jaureguy. He received this intelligence at first with a sensation of + relief, was glad to be excused from putting himself in danger, and + believing the Prince dead, took service as clerk with one John Duprel, + secretary to Count Mansfeld, governor of Luxemburg. Ere long, the ill + success of Jaureguy's attempt becoming known, the "inveterate + determination" of Gerard aroused itself more fiercely than ever. He + accordingly took models of Mansfeld's official seals in wax, in order that + he might make use of them as an acceptable offering to the Orange party, + whose confidence he meant to gain. + </p> + <p> + Various circumstances detained him, however. A sum of money was stolen, + and he was forced to stay till it was found, for fear of being arrested as + the thief. Then his cousin and employer fell sick, and Gerard was obliged + to wait for his recovery. At last, in March, 1584, "the weather, as he + said, appearing to be fine," Balthazar left Luxemburg and came to Treves. + While there, he confided his scheme to the regent of the Jesuit college—a + "red-haired man" whose name has not been preserved. That dignitary + expressed high approbation of the plan, gave Gerard his blessing, and + promised him that, if his life should be sacrificed in achieving his + purpose, he should be enrolled among the martyrs. Another Jesuit, however, + in the same college, with whom he likewise communicated, held very + different language, making great efforts to turn the young man from his + design, on the ground of the inconveniences which might arise from the + forging of Mansfeld's seals—adding, that neither he nor any of the + Jesuits liked to meddle with such affairs, but advising that the whole + matter should be laid before the Prince of Parma. It does not appear that + this personage, "an excellent man and a learned," attempted to dissuade + the young man from his project by arguments, drawn from any supposed + criminality in the assassination itself, or from any danger, temporal or + eternal, to which the perpetrator might expose himself. + </p> + <p> + Not influenced, as it appears, except on one point, by the advice of this + second ghostly confessor, Balthazar came to Tournay, and held council with + a third—the celebrated Franciscan, Father Gery—by whom he was + much comforted and strengthened in his determination. His next step was to + lay the project before Parma, as the "excellent and learned" Jesuit at + Treves had advised. This he did by a letter, drawn up with much care, and + which he evidently thought well of as a composition. One copy of this + letter he deposited with the guardian of the Franciscan convent at + Tournay; the other he presented with his own hand to the Prince of Parma. + "The vassal," said he, "ought always to prefer justice and the will of the + king to his own life." That being the case, he expressed his astonishment + that no man had yet been found to execute the sentence against William of + Nassau, "except the gentle Biscayan, since defunct." To accomplish the + task, Balthazar observed, very judiciously, that it was necessary to have + access, to the person of the Prince—wherein consisted the + difficulty. Those who had that advantage, he continued, were therefore + bound to extirpate the pest at once, without obliging his Majesty to send + to Rome for a chevalier, because not one of them was willing to + precipitate himself into the venomous gulf, which by its contagion + infected and killed the souls and bodies, of all poor abused subjects, + exposed to its influence. Gerard avowed himself to have been so long + goaded and stimulated by these considerations—so extremely nettled + with displeasure and bitterness at seeing the obstinate wretch still + escaping his just judgment—as to have formed the design of baiting a + trap for the fox, hoping thus to gain access to him, and to take him + unawares. He added—without explaining the nature of the trap and the + bait—that he deemed it his duty to lay the subject before the most + serene Prince of Parma, protesting at the same time that he did not + contemplate the exploit for the sake of the reward mentioned in the + sentence, and that he preferred trusting in that regard to the immense + liberality of his Majesty. + </p> + <p> + Parma had long been looking for a good man to murder Orange, feeling—as + Philip, Granvelle, and all former governors of the Netherlands had felt—that + this was the only means of saving the royal authority in any part of the + provinces. Many unsatisfactory assassins had presented themselves from + time to time, and Alexander had paid money in hand to various individuals—Italians, + Spaniards, Lorrainers; Scotchmen, Englishmen, who had generally spent the + sums received without attempting the job. Others were supposed to be still + engaged in the enterprise; and at that moment there were four persons—each + unknown to the others, and of different nations—in the city of + Delft, seeking to compass the death of William the Silent. Shag-eared, + military, hirsute ruffians—ex-captains of free companies and such + marauders—were daily offering their services; there was no lack of + them, and they had done but little. How should Parma, seeing this obscures + undersized, thin-bearded, runaway clerk before him, expect pith and energy + from him? He thought him quite unfit for an enterprise of moment, and + declared as much to his secret councillors and to the King. + </p> + <p> + He soon dismissed him, after receiving his letters; and it may be supposed + that the bombastic style of that epistle would not efface the unfavorable + impression produced by Balthazar's exterior. The representations of + Haultepenne and others induced him so far to modify his views as to send + his confidential councillor, d'Assonleville, to the stranger, in order to + learn the details of the scheme. Assonleville had accordingly an interview + with Gerard, in which he requested the young man to draw up a statement of + his plan in writing, ani this was done upon the 11th of April, 1584. + </p> + <p> + In this letter Gerard explained his plan of introducing himself to the + notice of Orange, at Delft, as the son of an executed Calvinist; as + himself warmly, though secretly, devoted to the Reformed faith, and as + desirous, therefore, of placing himself in the Prince's service, in order + to avoid the insolence of the Papists. Having gained the confidence of + those about the Prince, he would suggest to them the great use which might + be made of Mansfeld's signet in forging passports for spies and other + persons whom it might be desirous to send into the territory of the + royalists. "With these or similar feints and frivolities," continued + Gerard, "he should soon obtain access to the person of the said Nassau," + repeating his protestation that nothing had moved him to his enterprise + "save the good zeal which he bore to the faith and true religion guarded + by the Holy Mother Church Catholic, Apostolic, and Roman, and to the + service of his Majesty." He begged pardon for having purloined the + impressions of the seals—a turpitude which he would never have + committed, but would sooner have suffered a thousand deaths, except for + the great end in view. He particularly wished forgiveness for that crime + before going to his task, "in order that he might confess, and receive the + holy communion at the coming Easter, without scruples of conscience." He + likewise begged the Prince of Parma to obtain for him absolution from his + Holiness for this crime of pilfering—the more so "as he was about to + keep company for some time with heretics and atheists, and in some sort to + conform himself to their customs." + </p> + <p> + From the general tone of the letters of Gerard, he might be set down at + once as a simple, religious fanatic, who felt sure that, in executing the + command of Philip publicly issued to all the murderers of Europe, he was + meriting well of God and his King. There is no doubt that he was an + exalted enthusiast, but not purely an enthusiast. The man's character + offers more than one point of interest, as a psychological phenomenon. He + had convinced himself that the work which he had in hand was eminently + meritorious, and he was utterly without fear of consequences. He was, + however, by no means so disinterested as he chose to represent himself in + letters which, as he instinctively felt, were to be of perennial interest. + On the contrary, in his interviews with Assonleville, he urged that he was + a poor fellow, and that he had undertaken this enterprise in order to + acquire property—to make himself rich—and that he depended + upon the Prince of Parma's influence in obtaining the reward promised by + the Ban to the individual who should put Orange to death. + </p> + <p> + This second letter decided Parma so far that he authorized Assonleville to + encourage the young man in his attempt, and to promise that the reward + should be given to him in case of success, and to his heirs in the event + of his death. Assonleville, in the second interview, accordingly made + known these assurances in the strongest manner to Gerard, warning him, at + the same time, on no account; if arrested, to inculpate the Prince of + Parma. The councillor, while thus exhorting the stranger, according to + Alexander's commands, confined himself, however, to generalities, refusing + even to advance fifty crowns, which Balthazar had begged from the + Governor-General in order to provide for the necessary expenses of his + project. Parma had made similar advances too often to men who had promised + to assassinate the Prince and had then done little, and he was resolute in + his refusal to this new adventurer, of whom he expected absolutely + nothing. Gerard, notwithstanding this rebuff, was not disheartened. "I + will provide myself out of my own purse," said he to Assonleville, "and + within six weeks you will hear of me."—"Go forth, my son," said + Assonleville, paternally, upon this spirited reply, "and if you succeed in + your enterprise, the King will fulfil all his promises, and you will gain + an immortal name beside." + </p> + <p> + The "inveterate deliberation," thus thoroughly matured, Gerard now + proceeded to carry into effect. He came to Delft; obtained a hearing of + Millers, the clergyman and intimate friend of Orange, showed him the + Mansfeld seals, and was, somewhat against his will, sent to France, to + exhibit them to Marechal Biron, who, it was thought, was soon to be + appointed governor of Cambray. Through Orange's recommendation, the + Burgundian was received into the suite of Noel de Caron, Seigneur de + Schoneval, then setting forth on a special mission to the Duke of Anjou. + While in France, Gerard could rest neither by day nor night, so tormented + was he by the desire of accomplishing his project, and at length he + obtained permission, upon the death of the Duke, to carry this important + intelligence to the Prince of Orange. The despatches having been entrusted + to him, he travelled posthaste to Delft, and, to his astonishment, the + letters had hardly been delivered before he was summoned in person to the + chamber of the Prince. Here was an opportunity such as he had never dared + to hope for. The arch-enemy to the Church and to the human race, whose + death, would confer upon his destroyer wealth and nobility in this world, + besides a crown of glory in the next, lay unarmed, alone, in bed, before + the man who had thirsted seven long years for his blood. + </p> + <p> + Balthazar could scarcely control his emotions sufficiently to answer the + questions which the Prince addressed to him concerning the death of Anjou, + but Orange, deeply engaged with the despatches, and with the reflections + which their deeply-important contents suggested, did not observe the + countenance of the humble Calvinist exile, who had been recently + recommended to his patronage by Millers. Gerard, had, moreover, made no + preparation for an interview so entirely unexpected, had come unarmed, and + had formed no plan for escape. He was obliged to forego his prey when most + within his reach, and after communicating all the information which the + Prince required, he was dismissed from the chamber. + </p> + <p> + It was Sunday morning, and the bells were tolling for church. Upon leaving + the house he loitered about the courtyard, furtively examining the + premises, so that a sergeant of halberdiers asked him why he was waiting + there. Balthazar meekly replied that he was desirous of attending divine + worship in the church opposite, but added, pointing to, his shabby and + travel-stained attire, that, without at least a new pair of shoes and + stockings, he was unfit to join the congregation. Insignificant as ever, + the small, pious, dusty stranger excited no suspicion in the mind of the + good-natured sergeant. He forthwith spoke of the wants of Gerard to an + officer, by whom they were communicated to Orange himself, and the Prince + instantly ordered a sum of money to be given him. Thus Balthazar obtained + from William's charity what Parma's thrift had denied—a fund for + carrying out his purpose. + </p> + <p> + Next morning, with the money thus procured he purchased a pair of pistols, + or small carabines, from a soldier, chaffering long about the price + because the vender could not supply a particular kind of chopped bullets + or slugs which he desired. Before the sunset of the following day that + soldier had stabbed himself to the heart, and died despairing, on hearing + for what purpose the pistols had been bought. + </p> + <p> + On Tuesday, the 10th of July, 1584, at about half-past twelve, the Prince, + with his wife on his arm, and followed by the ladies and gentlemen of his + family, was going to the dining-room. William the Silent was dressed upon + that day, according to his usual custom, in very plain fashion. He wore a + wide-leaved, loosely-shaped hat of dark felt; with a silken cord round the + crown-such as had been worn by the Beggars in the early days of the + revolt. A high ruff encircled his neck, from which also depended one of + the Beggar's medals, with the motto, "Fideles au roy jusqu'a la besace," + while a loose surcoat of grey frieze cloth, over a tawny leather doublet, + with wide, slashed underclothes completed his costume. Gerard presented + himself at the doorway, and demanded a passport. The Princess, struck with + the pale and agitated countenance of the man, anxiously questioned her + husband concerning the stranger. The Prince carelessly observed that "it + was merely a person who came for a passport," ordering, at the same time, + a secretary forthwith to prepare one. The Princess, still not relieved, + observed in an under-tone that "she had never seen so villainous a + countenance." Orange, however, not at all impressed with the appearance of + Gerard, conducted himself at table with his usual cheerfulness, conversing + much with the burgomaster of Leewarden, the only guest present at the + family dinner, concerning the political and religious aspects of + Friesland. At two o'clock the company rose from table. The Prince led the + way, intending to pass to his private apartments above. The dining-room, + which was on the ground floor, opened into a little square vestibule, + which communicated, through an arched passageway, with the main entrance + into the court-yard. This vestibule was also directly at the foot of the + wooden staircase leading to the next floor, and was scarcely six feet in + width. Upon its left side, as one approached the stairway, was an obscure + arch, sunk deep in the wall, and completely in the shadow of the door. + Behind this arch a portal opened to the narrow lane at the side of the + house. The stairs themselves were completely lighted by a large window, + half way up the flight. The Prince came from the dining-room, and began + leisurely to ascend. He had only reached the second stair, when a man + emerged from the sunken arch, and, standing within a foot or two of him, + discharged a pistol full at his heart. Three balls entered his body, one + of which, passing quite through him, struck with violence against the wall + beyond. The Prince exclaimed in French, as he felt the wound, "O my God; + have mercy upon my soul! O my God, have mercy upon this poor people." + </p> + <p> + These were the last words he ever spoke, save that when his sister, + Catherine of Schwartzburg, immediately afterwards asked him if he + commended his soul to Jesus Christ, he faintly answered, "Yes." His master + of the horse, Jacob van Maldere, had caught him in his arms as the fatal + shot was fired. The Prince was then placed on the stairs for an instant, + when he immediately began to swoon. He was afterwards laid upon a couch in + the dining-room, where in a few minutes, he breathed his last in the arms + of his wife and sister. + </p> + <p> + The murderer succeeded in making his escape through the side door, and + sped swiftly up the narrow lane. He had almost reached the ramparts, from + which he intended to spring into the moat, when he stumbled over a heap of + rubbish. As he rose, he was seized by several pages and halberdiers, who + had pursued him from the house. He had dropped his pistols upon the spot + where he had committed the crime, and upon his person were found a couple, + of bladders, provided with apiece of pipe with which he had intended to + assist himself across the moat, beyond which a horse was waiting for him. + He made no effort to deny his identity, but boldly avowed himself and his + deed. He was brought back to the house, where he immediately underwent a + preliminary examination before the city magistrates. He was afterwards + subjected to excruciating tortures; for the fury against the wretch who + had destroyed the Father of the country was uncontrollable, and William + the Silent was no longer alive to intercede—as he had often done + before—in behalf of those who assailed his life. + </p> + <p> + The organization of Balthazar Gerard would furnish a subject of profound + study, both for the physiologist and the metaphysician. Neither wholly a + fanatic, nor entirely a ruffian, he combined the most dangerous elements + of both characters. In his puny body and mean exterior were enclosed + considerable mental powers and accomplishments, a daring ambition, and a + courage almost superhuman. Yet those qualities led him only to form upon + the threshold of life a deliberate determination to achieve greatness by + the assassin's trade. The rewards held out by the Ban, combining with his + religious bigotry and his passion for distinction, fixed all his energies + with patient concentration upon the one great purpose for which he seemed + to have been born, and after seven years' preparation, he had at last + fulfilled his design. + </p> + <p> + Upon being interrogated by the magistrates, he manifested neither despair + nor contrition, but rather a quiet exultation. "Like David," he said, "he + had slain Goliath of Gath." + </p> + <p> + When falsely informed that his victim was not dead, he showed no credulity + or disappointment. He had discharged three poisoned balls into the + Prince's stomach, and he knew that death must have already ensued. He + expressed regret, however, that the resistance of the halberdiers had + prevented him from using his second pistol, and avowed that if he were a + thousand leagues away he would return in order to do the deed again, if + possible. He deliberately wrote a detailed confession of his crime, and of + the motives and manner of its commission, taking care, however, not to + implicate Parma in the transaction. After sustaining day after day the + most horrible tortures, he subsequently related his interviews with + Assonleville and with the president of the Jesuit college at Treves adding + that he had been influenced in his work by the assurance of obtaining the + rewards promised by the Ban. During the intervals of repose from the rack + he conversed with ease, and even eloquence, answering all questions + addressed to him with apparent sincerity. His constancy in suffering so + astounded his judges that they believed him supported by witchcraft. "Ecce + homo!" he exclaimed, from time to time, with insane blasphemy, as he + raised his blood-streaming head from the bench. In order to destroy the + charm which seemed to render him insensible to pain, they sent for the + shirt of a hospital patient, supposed to be a sorcerer. When clothed in + this garment, however, Balthazar was none the less superior to the arts of + the tormentors, enduring all their inflictions, according to an + eye-witness, "without once exclaiming, Ah me!" and avowing that he would + repeat his enterprise, if possible, were he to die a thousand deaths in + consequence. Some of those present refused to believe that he was a man at + all. Others asked him how long since he had sold himself to the Devil? to + which he replied, mildly, that he had no acquaintance whatever with the + Devil. He thanked the judges politely for the food which he received in + prison, and promised to recompense them for the favor. Upon being asked + how that was possible, he replied; that he would serve as their advocate + in Paradise. + </p> + <p> + The sentence pronounced against the assassin was execrable—a crime + against the memory of the great man whom it professed to avenge. It was + decreed that the right hand of Gerard should be burned off with a red-hot + iron, that his flesh should be torn from his bones with pincers in six + different places, that he should be quartered and disembowelled alive, + that his heart should be torn from his bosom and flung in his face, and + that, finally, his head should be taken off. Not even his horrible crime, + with its endless consequences, nor the natural frenzy of indignation which + it had excited, could justify this savage decree, to rebuke which the + murdered hero might have almost risen from the sleep of death. The + sentence was literally executed on the 14th of July, the criminal + supporting its horrors with the same astonishing fortitude. So calm were + his nerves, crippled and half roasted as he was ere he mounted the + scaffold, that when one of the executioners was slightly injured in the + ear by the flying from the handle of the hammer with which he was breaking + the fatal pistol in pieces, as the first step in the execution—a + circumstance which produced a general laugh in the crowd—a smile was + observed upon Balthazar's face in sympathy with the general hilarity. His + lips were seen to move up to the moment when his heart was thrown in his + face—"Then," said a looker-on, "he gave up the ghost." + </p> + <p> + The reward promised by Philip to the man who should murder Orange was paid + to the heirs of Gerard. Parma informed his sovereign that the "poor man" + had been executed, but that his father and mother were still living; to + whom he recommended the payment of that "merced" which "the laudable and + generous deed had so well deserved." This was accordingly done, and the + excellent parents, ennobled and enriched by the crime of their son, + received instead of the twenty-five thousand crowns promised in the Ban, + the three seignories of Lievremont, Hostal, and Dampmartin in the Franche + Comte, and took their place at once among the landed aristocracy. Thus the + bounty of the Prince had furnished the weapon by which his life was + destroyed, and his estates supplied the fund out of which the assassin's + family received the price of blood. At a later day, when the unfortunate + eldest son of Orange returned from Spain after twenty-seven years' + absence, a changeling and a Spaniard, the restoration of those very + estates was offered to him by Philip the Second, provided he would + continue to pay a fixed proportion of their rents to the family of his + father's murderer. The education which Philip William had received, under + the King's auspices, had however, not entirely destroyed all his human + feelings, and he rejected the proposal with scorn. The estates remained + with the Gerard family, and the patents of nobility which they had + received were used to justify their exemption from certain taxes, until + the union of Franche Comte, with France, when a French governor tore the + documents in pieces and trampled them under foot. + </p> + <p> + William of Orange, at the period of his death, was aged fifty-one years + and sixteen days. He left twelve children. By his first wife, Anne of + Egmont, he had one son, Philip, and one daughter, Mary, afterwards married + to Count Hohenlo. By his second wife, Anna of Saxony; he had one son, the + celebrated Maurice of Nassau, and two daughters, Anna, married afterwards + to her cousin, Count William Louis, and Emilie, who espoused the Pretender + of Portugal, Prince Emanuel. By Charlotte of Bourbon, his third wife, he + had six daughters; and by his fourth, Louisa de Coligny, one son, Frederic + William, afterwards stadholder of the Republic in her most palmy days. The + Prince was entombed on the 3rd of August, at Delft, amid the tears of a + whole nation. Never was a more extensive, unaffected, and legitimate + sorrow felt at the death of any human being. + </p> + <p> + The life and labors of Orange had established the emancipated + common-wealth upon a secure foundation, but his death rendered the union + of all the Netherlands into one republic hopeless. The efforts of the + Malcontent nobles, the religious discord, the consummate ability, both + political and military, of Parma, all combined with the lamentable loss of + William the Silent to separate for ever the southern and Catholic + provinces from the northern confederacy. So long as the Prince remained + alive, he was the Father of the whole country; the Netherlands—saving + only the two Walloon provinces—constituting a whole. Notwithstanding + the spirit of faction and the blight of the long civil war, there was at + least one country; or the hope of a country, one strong heart, one guiding + head, for the patriotic party throughout the land. Philip and Granvelle + were right in their estimate of the advantage to be derived from the + Prince's death, in believing that an assassin's hand could achieve more + than all the wiles which Spanish or Italian statesmanship could teach, or + all the armies which Spain or Italy could muster. The pistol of the + insignificant Gerard destroyed the possibility of a united Netherland + state, while during the life of William there was union in the policy, + unity in the history of the country. + </p> + <p> + In the following year, Antwerp, hitherto the centre around which all the + national interests and historical events group themselves, fell before the + scientific efforts of Parma. The city which had so long been the freest, + as well as the most opulent, capital in Europe, sank for ever to the + position of a provincial town. With its fall, combined with other + circumstances, which it is not necessary to narrate in anticipation, the + final separation of the Netherlands was completed. On the other hand, at + the death of Orange, whose formal inauguration as sovereign Count had not + yet taken place, the states of Holland and Zealand reassumed the + Sovereignty. The commonwealth which William had liberated for ever from + Spanish tyranny continued to exist as a great and flourishing republic + during more than two centuries, under the successive stadholderates of his + sons and descendants. + </p> + <p> + His life gave existence to an independent country—his death defined + its limits. Had he lived twenty years longer, it is probable that the + seven provinces would have been seventeen; and that the Spanish title + would have been for ever extinguished both in Nether Germany and Celtic + Gaul. Although there was to be the length of two human generations more of + warfare ere Spain acknowledged the new government, yet before the + termination of that period the United States had become the first naval + power and one of the most considerable commonwealths in the world; while + the civil and religious liberty, the political independence of the land, + together with the total expulsion of the ancient foreign tyranny from the + soil, had been achieved ere the eyes of William were closed. The republic + existed, in fact, from the moment of the abjuration in 1581. + </p> + <p> + The most important features of the polity which thus assumed a prominent + organization have been already indicated. There was no revolution, no + radical change. The ancient rugged tree of Netherland liberty—with + its moss-grown trunk, gnarled branches, and deep-reaching roots—which + had been slowly growing for ages, was still full of sap, and was to + deposit for centuries longer its annual rings of consolidated and + concentric strength. Though lopped of some luxuriant boughs, it was sound + at the core, and destined for a still larger life than even in the + healthiest moments of its mediveval existence. + </p> + <p> + The history of the rise of the Netherland Republic has been at the same + time the biography of William the Silent. This, while it gives unity to + the narrative, renders an elaborate description of his character + superfluous. That life was a noble Christian epic; inspired with one great + purpose from its commencement to its close; the stream flowing ever from + one fountain with expanding fulness, but retaining all its original pity. + A few general observations are all which are necessary by way of + conclusion. + </p> + <p> + In person, Orange was above the middle height, perfectly well made and + sinewy, but rather spare than stout. His eyes, hair, beard, and complexion + were brown. His head was small, symmetrically-shaped, combining the + alertness and compactness characteristic of the soldier; with the + capacious brow furrowed prematurely with the horizontal lines of thought, + denoting the statesman and the sage. His physical appearance was, + therefore, in harmony, with his organization, which was of antique model. + Of his moral qualities, the most prominent was his piety. He was more than + anything else a religious man. From his trust in God, he ever derived + support and consolation in the darkest hours. Implicitly relying upon + Almighty wisdom and goodness, he looked danger in the face with a constant + smile, and endured incessant labors and trials with a serenity which + seemed more than human. While, however, his soul was full of piety, it was + tolerant of error. Sincerely and deliberately himself a convert to the + Reformed Church, he was ready to extend freedom of worship to Catholics on + the one hand, and to Anabaptists on the other, for no man ever felt more + keenly than he, that the Reformer who becomes in his turn a bigot is + doubly odious. + </p> + <p> + His firmness was allied to his piety. His constancy in bearing the whole + weight of struggle as unequal as men have ever undertaken, was the theme + of admiration even to his enemies. The rock in the ocean, "tranquil amid + raging billows," was the favorite emblem by which his friends expressed, + their sense of his firmness. From the time when, as a hostage in France, + he first discovered the plan of Philip to plant the Inquisition in the + Netherlands, up to the last moment of his life, he never faltered in his + determination to resist that iniquitous scheme. This resistance was the + labor of his life. To exclude the Inquisition; to maintain the ancient + liberties of his country, was the task which he appointed to himself when + a youth of three-and-twenty. Never speaking a word concerning a heavenly + mission, never deluding himself or others with the usual phraseology of + enthusiasts, he accomplished the task, through danger, amid toils, and + with sacrifices such as few men have ever been able to make on their + country's altar; for the disinterested benevolence of the man was as + prominent as his fortitude. A prince of high rank, and, with royal + revenues, he stripped himself of station, wealth, almost at times of the + common necessaries of life, and became, in his country's cause, nearly a + beggar as well as an outlaw. Nor was he forced into his career by an + accidental impulse from which there was no recovery. Retreat was ever open + to him. Not only pardon but advancement was urged upon him again and + again. Officially and privately, directly and circuitously, his + confiscated estates, together with indefinite and boundless favors in + addition, were offered to him on every great occasion. On the arrival of + Don John, at the Breda negotiations, at the Cologne conferences, we have + seen how calmly these offers were waved aside, as if their rejection was + so simple that it hardly required many words for its signification, yet he + had mortgaged his estates so deeply that his heirs hesitated at accepting + their inheritance, for fear it should involve them in debt. Ten years + after his death, the account between his executors and his brother John + amounted to one million four hundred thousand florins—due to the + Count, secured by various pledges of real and personal property; and it + was finally settled upon this basis. He was besides largely indebted to + every one of his powerful relatives, so that the payment of the + incumbrances upon his estate very nearly justified the fears of his + children. While on the one hand, therefore, he poured out these enormous + sums like water, and firmly refused a hearing to the tempting offers of + the royal government, upon the other hand he proved the disinterested + nature of his services by declining, year after year, the sovereignty over + the provinces; and by only accepting, in the last days of his life, when + refusal had become almost impossible, the limited, constitutional + supremacy over that portion of them which now makes the realm of his + descendants. He lived and died, not for himself, but for his country: "God + pity this poor people!" were his dying words. + </p> + <p> + His intellectual faculties were various and of the highest order. He had + the exact, practical, and combining qualities which make the great + commander, and his friends claimed that, in military genius, he was second + to no captain in Europe. This was, no doubt, an exaggeration of partial + attachment, but it is certain that the Emperor Charles had an exalted + opinion of his capacity for the field. His fortification of Philippeville + and Charlemont, in the face of the enemy his passage of the Meuse in + Alva's sight—his unfortunate but well-ordered campaign against that + general—his sublime plan of relief, projected and successfully + directed at last from his sick bed, for the besieged city of Leyden—will + always remain monuments of his practical military skill. + </p> + <p> + Of the soldier's great virtues—constancy in disaster, devotion to + duty, hopefulness in defeat—no man ever possessed a larger share. He + arrived, through a series of reverses, at a perfect victory. He planted a + free commonwealth under the very battery of the Inquisition, in defiance + of the most powerful empire existing. He was therefore a conqueror in the + loftiest sense, for he conquered liberty and a national existence for a + whole people. The contest was long, and he fell in the struggle, but the + victory was to the dead hero, not to the living monarch. It is to be + remembered, too, that he always wrought with inferior instruments. His + troops were usually mercenaries, who were but too apt to mutiny upon the + eve of battle, while he was opposed by the most formidable veterans of + Europe, commanded successively by the first captains of the age. That, + with no lieutenant of eminent valor or experience, save only his brother + Louis, and with none at all after that chieftain's death, William of + Orange should succeed in baffling the efforts of Alva, Requesens, Don John + of Austria, and Alexander Farnese—men whose names are among the most + brilliant in the military annals of the world—is in itself, + sufficient evidence of his warlike ability. At the period of his death he + had reduced the number of obedient provinces to two; only Artois and + Hainault acknowledging Philip, while the other fifteen were in open + revolt, the greater part having solemnly forsworn their sovereign. + </p> + <p> + The supremacy of his political genius was entirely beyond question. He was + the first statesman of the age. The quickness of his perception was only + equalled by the caution which enabled him to mature the results of his + observations. His knowledge of human nature was profound. He governed the + passions and sentiments of a great nation as if they had been but the keys + and chords of one vast instrument; and his hand rarely failed to evoke + harmony even out of the wildest storms. The turbulent city of Ghent, which + could obey no other master, which even the haughty Emperor could only + crush without controlling, was ever responsive to the master-hand of + Orange. His presence scared away Imbize and his bat-like crew, confounded + the schemes of John Casimir, frustrated the wiles of Prince Chimay, and + while he lived, Ghent was what it ought always to have remained, the + bulwark, as it had been the cradle, of popular liberty. After his death it + became its tomb. + </p> + <p> + Ghent, saved thrice by the policy, the eloquence, the self-sacrifices of + Orange, fell within three months of his murder into the hands of Parma. + The loss of this most important city, followed in the next year by the + downfall of Antwerp, sealed the fate of the Southern Netherlands. Had the + Prince lived, how different might have been the country's fate! If seven + provinces could dilate, in so brief a space, into the powerful + commonwealth which the Republic soon became, what might not have been + achieved by the united seventeen; a confederacy which would have united + the adamantine vigor of the Batavian and Frisian races with the subtler, + more delicate, and more graceful national elements in which the genius of + the Frank, the Roman, and the Romanized Celt were so intimately blended. + As long as the Father of the country lived, such a union was possible. His + power of managing men was so unquestionable, that there was always a hope, + even in the darkest hour, for men felt implicit reliance, as well on his + intellectual resources as on his integrity. + </p> + <p> + This power of dealing with his fellow-men he manifested in the various + ways in which it has been usually exhibited by statesmen. He possessed a + ready eloquence—sometimes impassioned, oftener argumentative, always + rational. His influence over his audience was unexampled in the annals of + that country or age; yet he never condescended to flatter the people. He + never followed the nation, but always led her in the path of duty and of + honor, and was much more prone to rebuke the vices than to pander to the + passions of his hearers. He never failed to administer ample chastisement + to parsimony, to jealousy, to insubordination, to intolerance, to + infidelity, wherever it was due, nor feared to confront the states or the + people in their most angry hours, and to tell them the truth to their + faces. This commanding position he alone could stand upon, for his + countrymen knew the generosity which had sacrificed his all for them, the + self-denial which had eluded rather than sought political advancement, + whether from king or people, and the untiring devotion which had + consecrated a whole life to toil and danger in the cause of their + emancipation. While, therefore, he was ever ready to rebuke, and always + too honest to flatter, he at the same time possessed the eloquence which + could convince or persuade. He knew how to reach both the mind and the + heart of his hearers. His orations, whether extemporaneous or prepared—his + written messages to the states-general, to the provincial authorities, to + the municipal bodies—his private correspondence with men of all + ranks, from emperors and kings down to secretaries, and even children—all + show an easy flow of language, a fulness of thought, a power of expression + rare in that age, a fund of historical allusion, a considerable power of + imagination, a warmth of sentiment, a breadth of view, a directness of + purpose—a range of qualities, in short, which would in themselves + have stamped him as one of the master-minds of his century, had there been + no other monument to his memory than the remains of his spoken or written + eloquence. The bulk of his performances in this department was prodigious. + Not even Philip was more industrious in the cabinet. Not even Granvelle + held a more facile pen. He wrote and spoke equally well in French German, + or Flemish; and he possessed, besides; Spanish, Italian, Latin. The weight + of his correspondence alone would have almost sufficed for the common + industry of a lifetime, and although many volumes of his speeches and, + letters have been published, there remain in the various archives of the + Netherlands and Germany many documents from his hand which will probably + never see the light. If the capacity for unremitted intellectual labor in + an honorable cause be the measure of human greatness, few minds could be + compared to the "large composition" of this man. The efforts made to + destroy the Netherlands by the most laborious and painstaking of tyrants + were counteracted by the industry of the most indefatigable of patriots. + </p> + <p> + Thus his eloquence, oral or written, gave him almost boundless power over + his countrymen. He possessed, also, a rare perception of human character, + together with an iron memory which never lost a face, a place, or an + event, once seen or known. He read the minds even the faces of men, like + printed books. No man could overreach him, excepting only those to whom he + gave his heart. He might be mistaken where he had confided, never where he + had been distrustful or indifferent. He was deceived by Renneberg, by his + brother-in-law Van den Berg, by the Duke of Anjou. Had it been possible + for his brother Louis or his brother John to have proved false, he might + have been deceived by them. He was never outwitted by Philip, or + Granvelle, or Don John, or Alexander of Parma. Anna of Saxony was false to + him; and entered into correspondence with the royal governors and with the + King of Spain; Charlotte of Bourbon or Louisa de Coligny might have done + the same had it been possible for their natures also to descend to such + depths of guile. + </p> + <p> + As for the Aerschots, the Havres, the Chimays, he was never influenced + either by their blandishments or their plots. He was willing to use them + when their interest made them friendly, or to crush them when their + intrigues against his policy rendered them dangerous. The adroitness with + which he converted their schemes in behalf of Matthias, of Don John, of + Anjou, into so many additional weapons for his own cause, can never be too + often studied. It is instructive to observe the wiles of the Macchiavelian + school employed by a master of the craft, to frustrate, not to advance, a + knavish purpose. This character, in a great measure, marked his whole + policy. He was profoundly skilled in the subtleties of Italian + statesmanship, which he had learned as a youth at the Imperial court, and + which he employed in his manhood in the service, not of tyranny, but of + liberty. He fought the Inquisition with its own weapons. He dealt with + Philip on his own ground. He excavated the earth beneath the King's feet + by a more subtle process than that practised by the most fraudulent + monarch that ever governed the Spanish empire, and Philip, chain-mailed as + he was in complicated wiles, was pierced to the quick by a keener policy + than his own. + </p> + <p> + Ten years long the King placed daily his most secret letters in hands + which regularly transmitted copies of the correspondence to the Prince of + Orange, together with a key to the ciphers and every other illustration + which might be required. Thus the secrets of the King were always as well + known to Orange as to himself; and the Prince being as prompt as Philip + was hesitating, the schemes could often be frustrated before their + execution had been commenced. The crime of the unfortunate clerk, John de + Castillo, was discovered in the autumn of the year 1581, and he was torn + to pieces by four horses. Perhaps his treason to the monarch whose bread + he was eating, while he received a regular salary from the King's most + determined foe, deserved even this horrible punishment, but casuists must + determine how much guilt attaches to the Prince for his share in the + transaction. This history is not the eulogy of Orange, although, in + discussing his character, it is difficult to avoid the monotony of + panegyric. Judged by a severe moral standard, it cannot be called virtuous + or honorable to suborn treachery or any other crime, even to accomplish a + lofty purpose; yet the universal practice of mankind in all ages has + tolerated the artifices of war, and no people has ever engaged in a holier + or more mortal contest than did the Netherlands in their great struggle + with Spain. Orange possessed the rare quality of caution, a characteristic + by which he was distinguished from his youth. At fifteen he was the + confidential counsellor, as at twenty-one he became the general-in-chief, + to the most politic, as well as the most warlike potentate of his age, and + if he at times indulged in wiles which modern statesmanship, even while it + practises, condemns, he ever held in his hand the clue of an honorable + purpose to guide him through the tortuous labyrinth. + </p> + <p> + It is difficult to find any other characteristic deserving of grave + censure, but his enemies have adopted a simpler process. They have been + able to find few flaws in his nature, and therefore have denounced it in + gross. It is not that his character was here and there defective, but that + the eternal jewel was false. The patriotism was counterfeit; the + self-abnegation and the generosity were counterfeit. He was governed only + by ambition—by a desire of personal advancement. They never + attempted to deny his talents, his industry, his vast sacrifices of wealth + and station; but they ridiculed the idea that he could have been inspired + by any but unworthy motives. God alone knows the heart of man. He alone + can unweave the tangled skein of human motives, and detect the hidden + springs of human action, but as far as can be judged by a careful + observation of undisputed facts, and by a diligent collation of public and + private documents, it would seem that no man—not even Washington—has + ever been inspired by a purer patriotism. At any rate, the charge of + ambition and self-seeking can only be answered by a reference to the whole + picture which these volumes have attempted to portray. The words, the + deeds of the man are there. As much as possible, his inmost soul is + revealed in his confidential letters, and he who looks in a right spirit + will hardly fail to find what he desires. + </p> + <p> + Whether originally of a timid temperament or not, he was certainly + possessed of perfect courage at last. In siege and battle—in the + deadly air of pestilential cities—in the long exhaustion of mind and + body which comes from unduly protracted labor and anxiety—amid the + countless conspiracies of assassins—he was daily exposed to death in + every shape. Within two years, five different attempts against his life + had been discovered. Rank and fortune were offered to any malefactor who + would compass the murder. He had already been shot through the head, and + almost mortally wounded. Under such circumstances even a brave man might + have seen a pitfall at every step, a dagger in every hand, and poison in + every cup. On the contrary, he was ever cheerful, and hardly took more + precaution than usual. "God in his mercy," said he, with unaffected + simplicity, "will maintain my innocence and my honor during my life and in + future ages. As to my fortune and my life, I have dedicated both, long + since, to His service. He will do therewith what pleases Him for His glory + and my salvation." Thus his suspicions were not even excited by the + ominous face of Gerard, when he first presented himself at the dining-room + door. The Prince laughed off his wife's prophetic apprehension at the + sight of his murderer, and was as cheerful as usual to the last. + </p> + <p> + He possessed, too, that which to the heathen philosopher seemed the + greatest good—the sound mind in the sound body. His physical frame + was after death found so perfect that a long life might have been in store + for him, notwithstanding all which he had endured. The desperate illness + of 1574, the frightful gunshot wound inflicted by Jaureguy in 1582, had + left no traces. The physicians pronounced that his body presented an + aspect of perfect health. His temperament was cheerful. At table, the + pleasures of which, in moderation, were his only relaxation, he was always + animated and merry, and this jocoseness was partly natural, partly + intentional. In the darkest hours of his country's trial, he affected a + serenity which he was far from feeling, so that his apparent gaiety at + momentous epochs was even censured by dullards, who could not comprehend + its philosophy, nor applaud the flippancy of William the Silent. + </p> + <p> + He went through life bearing the load of a people's sorrows upon his + shoulders with a smiling face. Their name was the last word upon his lips, + save the simple affirmative, with which the soldier who had been battling + for the right all his lifetime, commended his soul in dying "to his great + captain, Christ." The people were grateful and affectionate, for they + trusted the character of their "Father William," and not all the clouds + which calumny could collect ever dimmed to their eyes the radiance of that + lofty mind to which they were accustomed, in their darkest calamities, to + look for light. As long as he lived, he was the guiding-star of a whole + brave nation, and when he died the little children cried in the streets. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Bribed the Deity + Forgiving spirit on the part of the malefactor + Great error of despising their enemy + Mistake to stumble a second time over the same stone + Modern statesmanship, even while it practises, condemns + Preferred an open enemy to a treacherous protector + Reformer who becomes in his turn a bigot is doubly odious + Unremitted intellectual labor in an honorable cause + Usual phraseology of enthusiasts + Writing letters full of injured innocence + + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS, RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC, 1574-84 + + A terrible animal, indeed, is an unbridled woman + A good lawyer is a bad Christian + A most fatal success + A common hatred united them, for a time at least + Absurd affectation of candor + Agreements were valid only until he should repent + All the majesty which decoration could impart + All Protestants were beheaded, burned, or buried alive + All claimed the privilege of persecuting + Always less apt to complain of irrevocable events + Amuse them with this peace negotiation + Are apt to discharge such obligations—(by) ingratitude + Arrive at their end by fraud, when violence will not avail them + As the old woman had told the Emperor Adrian + Attachment to a half-drowned land and to a despised religion + Barbara Blomberg, washerwoman of Ratisbon + Beautiful damsel, who certainly did not lack suitors + Believed in the blessed advent of peace + Blessing of God upon the Devil's work + Breath, time, and paper were profusely wasted and nothing gained + Bribed the Deity + Care neither for words nor menaces in any matter + Character of brave men to act, not to expect + Claimed the praise of moderation that their demands were so few + Colonel Ysselstein, "dismissed for a homicide or two" + Compassing a country's emancipation through a series of defeats + Conflicting claims of prerogative and conscience + Confused conferences, where neither party was entirely sincere + Country would bear his loss with fortitude + Customary oaths, to be kept with the customary conscientiousness + Daily widening schism between Lutherans and Calvinists + Deadliest of sins, the liberty of conscience + Difficult for one friend to advise another in three matters + Distinguished for his courage, his cruelty, and his corpulence + Don John of Austria + Don John was at liberty to be King of England and Scotland + Dying at so very inconvenient a moment + Eight thousand human beings were murdered + Establish not freedom for Calvinism, but freedom for conscience + Everything was conceded, but nothing was secured + Fanatics of the new religion denounced him as a godless man + Ferocity which even Christians could not have surpassed + Forgiving spirit on the part of the malefactor + Glory could be put neither into pocket nor stomach + God has given absolute power to no mortal man + Great error of despising their enemy + Happy to glass themselves in so brilliant a mirror + He had never enjoyed social converse, except at long intervals + He would have no Calvinist inquisition set up in its place + He would have no persecution of the opposite creed + His personal graces, for the moment, took the rank of virtues + Hope delayed was but a cold and meagre consolation + Human ingenuity to inflict human misery + I regard my country's profit, not my own + Imagined, and did the work of truth + In character and general talents he was beneath mediocrity + Indecision did the work of indolence + Insinuate that his orders had been hitherto misunderstood + It is not desirable to disturb much of that learned dust + Its humility, seemed sufficiently ironical + Judas Maccabaeus + King set a price upon his head as a rebel + Like a man holding a wolf by the ears + Local self-government which is the life-blood of liberty + Logical and historical argument of unmerciful length + Made no breach in royal and Roman infallibility + Mankind were naturally inclined to calumny + Men were loud in reproof, who had been silent + Mistake to stumble a second time over the same stone + Modern statesmanship, even while it practises, condemns + More easily, as he had no intention of keeping the promise + Natural to judge only by the result + Necessary to make a virtue of necessity + Neither wished the convocation, while both affected an eagerness + Neither ambitious nor greedy + No man ever understood the art of bribery more thoroughly + No authority over an army which they did not pay + No man could reveal secrets which he did not know + Not so successful as he was picturesque + Not upon words but upon actions + Not to fall asleep in the shade of a peace negotiation + Nothing was so powerful as religious difference + Of high rank but of lamentably low capacity + On the first day four thousand men and women were slaughtered + One-half to Philip and one-half to the Pope and Venice (slaves) + Our pot had not gone to the fire as often + Peace was desirable, it might be more dangerous than war + Peace, in reality, was war in its worst shape + Perfection of insolence + Plundering the country which they came to protect + Pope excommunicated him as a heretic + Power grudged rather than given to the deputies + Preferred an open enemy to a treacherous protector + Presumption in entitling themselves Christian + Preventing wrong, or violence, even towards an enemy + Proposition made by the wolves to the sheep, in the fable + Protect the common tranquillity by blood, purse, and life + Quite mistaken: in supposing himself the Emperor's child + Rebuked the bigotry which had already grown + Reformer who becomes in his turn a bigot is doubly odious + Reformers were capable of giving a lesson even to inquisitors + Republic, which lasted two centuries + Result was both to abandon the provinces and to offend Philip + Sentimentality that seems highly apocryphal + She knew too well how women were treated in that country + Superfluous sarcasm + Suppress the exercise of the Roman religion + Taxes upon income and upon consumption + The disunited provinces + The more conclusive arbitration of gunpowder + There is no man who does not desire to enjoy his own + They could not invent or imagine toleration + Those who "sought to swim between two waters" + Those who fish in troubled waters only to fill their own nets + Throw the cat against their legs + To hear the last solemn commonplaces + Toleration thought the deadliest heresy of all + Unduly dejected in adversity + Unremitted intellectual labor in an honorable cause + Usual phraseology of enthusiasts + Uunmeaning phrases of barren benignity + Volatile word was thought preferable to the permanent letter + Was it astonishing that murder was more common than fidelity? + Word-mongers who, could clothe one shivering thought + Worn crescents in their caps at Leyden + Worship God according to the dictates of his conscience + Writing letters full of injured innocence +</pre> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS THE DUTCH REPUBLIC, 1555-1584: + + 1566, the last year of peace + A country disinherited by nature of its rights + A pleasantry called voluntary contributions or benevolences + A good lawyer is a bad Christian + A terrible animal, indeed, is an unbridled woman + A common hatred united them, for a time at least + A most fatal success + Absolution for incest was afforded at thirty-six livres + Absurd affectation of candor + Achieved the greatness to which they had not been born + Advancing age diminished his tendency to other carnal pleasures + Advised his Majesty to bestow an annual bribe upon Lord Burleigh + Affecting to discredit them + Age when toleration was a vice + Agreements were valid only until he should repent + All offices were sold to the highest bidder + All denounced the image-breaking + All his disciples and converts are to be punished with death + All the majesty which decoration could impart + All reading of the scriptures (forbidden) + All Protestants were beheaded, burned, or buried alive + All claimed the privilege of persecuting + Altercation between Luther and Erasmus, upon predestination + Always less apt to complain of irrevocable events + Amuse them with this peace negotiation + An hereditary papacy, a perpetual pope-emperor + An inspiring and delightful recreation (auto-da-fe) + An age when to think was a crime + Angle with their dissimulation as with a hook + Announced his approaching marriage with the Virgin Mary + Annual harvest of iniquity by which his revenue was increased + Anxiety to do nothing wrong, the senators did nothing at all + Are apt to discharge such obligations—(by) ingratitude + Arrested on suspicion, tortured till confession + Arrive at their end by fraud, when violence will not avail them + As ready as papists, with age, fagot, and excommunication + As the old woman had told the Emperor Adrian + Attachment to a half-drowned land and to a despised religion + Attacking the authority of the pope + Attempting to swim in two waters + Barbara Blomberg, washerwoman of Ratisbon + Batavian legion was the imperial body guard + Beating the Netherlanders into Christianity + Beautiful damsel, who certainly did not lack suitors + Before morning they had sacked thirty churches + Beggars of the sea, as these privateersmen designated themselves + Believed in the blessed advent of peace + Bigotry which was the prevailing characteristic of the age + Bishop is a consecrated pirate + Blessing of God upon the Devil's work + Bold reformer had only a new dogma in place of the old ones + Breath, time, and paper were profusely wasted and nothing gained + Brethren, parents, and children, having wives in common + Bribed the Deity + Burned alive if they objected to transubstantiation + Burned, strangled, beheaded, or buried alive (100,000) + Business of an officer to fight, of a general to conquer + Care neither for words nor menaces in any matter + Character of brave men to act, not to expect + Charles the Fifth autocrat of half the world + Claimed the praise of moderation that their demands were so few + Colonel Ysselstein, "dismissed for a homicide or two" + Compassing a country's emancipation through a series of defeats + Conde and Coligny + Condemning all heretics to death + Conflicting claims of prerogative and conscience + Confused conferences, where neither party was entirely sincere + Consign to the flames all prisoners whatever (Papal letter) + Constitutional governments, move in the daylight + Consumer would pay the tax, supposing it were ever paid at all + Country would bear his loss with fortitude + Courage of despair inflamed the French + Craft meaning, simply, strength + Crescents in their caps: Rather Turkish than Popish + Criminal whose guilt had been established by the hot iron + Criminals buying Paradise for money + Cruelties exercised upon monks and papists + Crusades made great improvement in the condition of the serfs + Customary oaths, to be kept with the customary conscientiousness + Daily widening schism between Lutherans and Calvinists + Deadliest of sins, the liberty of conscience + Decrees for burning, strangling, and burying alive + Deeply criminal in the eyes of all religious parties + Democratic instincts of the ancient German savages + Denies the utility of prayers for the dead + Despot by birth and inclination (Charles V.) + Difference between liberties and liberty + Difficult for one friend to advise another in three matters + Dispute between Luther and Zwingli concerning the real presence + Dissenters were as bigoted as the orthodox + Dissimulation and delay + Distinguished for his courage, his cruelty, and his corpulence + Divine right + Don John of Austria + Don John was at liberty to be King of England and Scotland + Drank of the water in which, he had washed + Dying at so very inconvenient a moment + Eight thousand human beings were murdered + Endure every hardship but hunger + English Puritans + Enormous wealth (of the Church) which engendered the hatred + Enriched generation after generation by wealthy penitence + Enthusiasm could not supply the place of experience + Envying those whose sufferings had already been terminated + Erasmus encourages the bold friar + Erasmus of Rotterdam + Establish not freedom for Calvinism, but freedom for conscience + Even for the rape of God's mother, if that were possible + Ever-swarming nurseries of mercenary warriors + Everything was conceded, but nothing was secured + Excited with the appearance of a gem of true philosophy + Executions of Huss and Jerome of Prague + Fable of divine right is invented to sanction the system + Fanatics of the new religion denounced him as a godless man + Felix Mants, the anabaptist, is drowned at Zurich + Ferocity which even Christians could not have surpassed + Few, even prelates were very dutiful to the pope + Fiction of apostolic authority to bind and loose + Fifty thousand persons in the provinces (put to death) + Financial opposition to tyranny is apt to be unanimous + Fishermen and river raftsmen become ocean adventurers + For myself I am unworthy of the honor (of martyrdom) + For faithful service, evil recompense + For women to lament, for men to remember + Forbids all private assemblies for devotion + Force clerical—the power of clerks + Forgiving spirit on the part of the malefactor + Furious fanaticism + Furnished, in addition, with a force of two thousand prostitutes + Gallant and ill-fated Lamoral Egmont + Gaul derided the Roman soldiers as a band of pigmies + German finds himself sober—he believes himself ill + Glory could be put neither into pocket nor stomach + God has given absolute power to no mortal man + God Save the King! It was the last time + Govern under the appearance of obeying + Great Privilege, the Magna Charta of Holland + Great transactions of a reign are sometimes paltry things + Great science of political equilibrium + Great error of despising their enemy + Great battles often leave the world where they found it + Guarantees of forgiveness for every imaginable sin + Habeas corpus + Hair and beard unshorn, according to ancient Batavian custom + Halcyon days of ban, book and candle + Hanged for having eaten meat-soup upon Friday + Happy to glass themselves in so brilliant a mirror + Having conjugated his paradigm conscientiously + He did his best to be friends with all the world + He came as a conqueror not as a mediator + He would have no persecution of the opposite creed + He would have no Calvinist inquisition set up in its place + He had never enjoyed social converse, except at long intervals + He knew men, especially he knew their weaknesses + He had omitted to execute heretics + Heresy was a plant of early growth in the Netherlands + His imagination may have assisted his memory in the task + His personal graces, for the moment, took the rank of virtues + History shows how feeble are barriers of paper + Holland, England, and America, are all links of one chain + Holy Office condemned all the inhabitants of the Netherlands + Hope delayed was but a cold and meagre consolation + Hope deferred, suddenly changing to despair + Human ingenuity to inflict human misery + I would carry the wood to burn my own son withal + I regard my country's profit, not my own + If he had little, he could live upon little + Imagined, and did the work of truth + In Holland, the clergy had neither influence nor seats + In character and general talents he was beneath mediocrity + Incur the risk of being charged with forwardness than neglect + Indecision did the work of indolence + Indignant that heretics had been suffered to hang + Informer, in case of conviction, should be entitled to one half + Inquisition was not a fit subject for a compromise + Inquisition of the Netherlands is much more pitiless + Insane cruelty, both in the cause of the Wrong and the Right + Insinuate that his orders had been hitherto misunderstood + Insinuating suspicions when unable to furnish evidence + Invented such Christian formulas as these (a curse) + Inventing long speeches for historical characters + It is not desirable to disturb much of that learned dust + Its humility, seemed sufficiently ironical + Judas Maccabaeus + July 1st, two Augustine monks were burned at Brussels + King set a price upon his head as a rebel + King of Zion to be pinched to death with red-hot tongs + Labored under the disadvantage of never having existed + Learn to tremble as little at priestcraft as at swordcraft + Leave not a single man alive in the city, and to burn every house + Let us fool these poor creatures to their heart's content + Licences accorded by the crown to carry slaves to America + Like a man holding a wolf by the ears + Little grievances would sometimes inflame more than vast + Local self-government which is the life-blood of liberty + Logical and historical argument of unmerciful length + Long succession of so many illustrious obscure + Look through the cloud of dissimulation + Luther's axiom, that thoughts are toll-free + Lutheran princes of Germany, detested the doctrines of Geneva + Made no breach in royal and Roman infallibility + Made to swing to and fro over a slow fire + Maintaining the attitude of an injured but forgiving Christian + Man had only natural wrongs (No natural rights) + Mankind were naturally inclined to calumny + Many greedy priests, of lower rank, had turned shop-keepers + Meantime the second civil war in France had broken out + Men were loud in reproof, who had been silent + Mistake to stumble a second time over the same stone + Modern statesmanship, even while it practises, condemns + Monasteries, burned their invaluable libraries + More accustomed to do well than to speak well + More easily, as he had no intention of keeping the promise + Natural to judge only by the result + Necessary to make a virtue of necessity + Neither wished the convocation, while both affected an eagerness + Neither ambitious nor greedy + No qualities whatever but birth and audacity to recommend him + No man could reveal secrets which he did not know + No law but the law of the longest purse + No calumny was too senseless to be invented + No one can testify but a householder + No man ever understood the art of bribery more thoroughly + No authority over an army which they did not pay + Not strong enough to sustain many more such victories + Not to fall asleep in the shade of a peace negotiation + Not for a new doctrine, but for liberty of conscience + Not to let the grass grow under their feet + Not so successful as he was picturesque + Not upon words but upon actions + Not of the stuff of which martyrs are made (Erasmus) + Nothing was so powerful as religious difference + Notre Dame at Antwerp + Nowhere was the persecution of heretics more relentless + Obstinate, of both sexes, to be burned + Of high rank but of lamentably low capacity + Often much tyranny in democracy + Oldenbarneveld; afterwards so illustrious + On the first day four thousand men and women were slaughtered + One-half to Philip and one-half to the Pope and Venice (slaves) + One golden grain of wit into a sheet of infinite platitude + 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 + Orator was, however, delighted with his own performance + Others go to battle, says the historian, these go to war + Our pot had not gone to the fire as often + Panegyrists of royal houses in the sixteenth century + Pardon for crimes already committed, or about to be committed + Pardon for murder, if not by poison, was cheaper + Pathetic dying words of Anne Boleyn + Paying their passage through, purgatory + Peace, in reality, was war in its worst shape + Peace was desirable, it might be more dangerous than war + Perfection of insolence + Perpetually dropping small innuendos like pebbles + Persons who discussed religious matters were to be put to death + Petty passion for contemptible details + Philip, who did not often say a great deal in a few words + Planted the inquisition in the Netherlands + Plundering the country which they came to protect + Poisoning, for example, was absolved for eleven ducats + Pope and emperor maintain both positions with equal logic + Pope excommunicated him as a heretic + Power to read and write helped the clergy to much wealth + Power grudged rather than given to the deputies + Preferred an open enemy to a treacherous protector + Premature zeal was prejudicial to the cause + Presumption in entitling themselves Christian + Preventing wrong, or violence, even towards an enemy + Procrastination was always his first refuge + Promises which he knew to be binding only upon the weak + Proposition made by the wolves to the sheep, in the fable + Protect the common tranquillity by blood, purse, and life + Provided not one Huguenot be left alive in France + Purchased absolution for crime and smoothed a pathway to heaven + Put all those to the torture out of whom anything can be got + Questioning nothing, doubting nothing, fearing nothing + Quite mistaken: in supposing himself the Emperor's child + Rashness alternating with hesitation + Readiness to strike and bleed at any moment in her cause + Rearing gorgeous temples where paupers are to kneel + Rebuked the bigotry which had already grown + Reformer who becomes in his turn a bigot is doubly odious + Reformers were capable of giving a lesson even to inquisitors + Repentant females to be buried alive + Repentant males to be executed with the sword + Republic, which lasted two centuries + Result was both to abandon the provinces and to offend Philip + Revocable benefices or feuds + Ruinous honors + Saint Bartholomew's day + Sale of absolutions was the source of large fortunes to the priests + Same conjury over ignorant baron and cowardly hind + Scaffold was the sole refuge from the rack + Scepticism, which delights in reversing the judgment of centuries + Schism which existed in the general Reformed Church + Science of reigning was the science of lying + Scoffing at the ceremonies and sacraments of the Church + Secret drowning was substituted for public burning + Sent them word by carrier pigeons + Sentimentality that seems highly apocryphal + Seven Spaniards were killed, and seven thousand rebels + Sharpened the punishment for reading the scriptures in private + She knew too well how women were treated in that country + Sick and wounded wretches were burned over slow fires + Slavery was both voluntary and compulsory + Slender stock of platitudes + So much responsibility and so little power + Soldier of the cross was free upon his return + Sometimes successful, even although founded upon sincerity + Sonnets of Petrarch + Sovereignty was heaven-born, anointed of God + Spendthrift of time, he was an economist of blood + St. Bartholomew was to sleep for seven years longer + St. Peter's dome rising a little nearer to the clouds + Storm by which all these treasures were destroyed (in 7 days) + Superfluous sarcasm + Suppress the exercise of the Roman religion + Tanchelyn + Taxation upon sin + Taxes upon income and upon consumption + Ten thousand two hundred and twenty individuals were burned + That vile and mischievous animal called the people + The noblest and richest temple of the Netherlands was a wreck + The Gaul was singularly unchaste + The vivifying becomes afterwards the dissolving principle + The bad Duke of Burgundy, Philip surnamed "the Good," + The greatest crime, however, was to be rich + The more conclusive arbitration of gunpowder + The disunited provinces + The faithful servant is always a perpetual ass + The time for reasoning had passed + The perpetual reproductions of history + The egg had been laid by Erasmus, hatched by Luther + The illness was a convenient one + The calf is fat and must be killed + The tragedy of Don Carlos + There is no man who does not desire to enjoy his own + These human victims, chained and burning at the stake + They could not invent or imagine toleration + They had at last burned one more preacher alive + Those who "sought to swim between two waters" + Those who fish in troubled waters only to fill their own nets + Thousands of burned heretics had not made a single convert + Three hundred fighting women + Throw the cat against their legs + Thus Hand-werpen, hand-throwing, became Antwerp + Time and myself are two + To think it capable of error, is the most devilish heresy of all + To hear the last solemn commonplaces + To prefer poverty to the wealth attendant upon trade + Toleration thought the deadliest heresy of all + Torquemada's administration (of the inquisition) + Tranquillity of despotism to the turbulence of freedom + Two witnesses sent him to the stake, one witness to the rack + Tyrannical spirit of Calvinism + Tyranny, ever young and ever old, constantly reproducing herself + Understood the art of managing men, particularly his superiors + Unduly dejected in adversity + Unremitted intellectual labor in an honorable cause + Upon one day twenty-eight master cooks were dismissed + Usual phraseology of enthusiasts + Uunmeaning phrases of barren benignity + Villagers, or villeins + Volatile word was thought preferable to the permanent letter + Was it astonishing that murder was more common than fidelity? + We believe our mothers to have been honest women + We are beginning to be vexed + Wealth was an unpardonable sin + Weep oftener for her children than is the usual lot of mothers + When the abbot has dice in his pocket, the convent will play + Who loved their possessions better than their creed + William of Nassau, Prince of Orange + Wiser simply to satisfy himself + Wonder equally at human capacity to inflict and to endure misery + Word-mongers who, could clothe one shivering thought + Worn crescents in their caps at Leyden + Worship God according to the dictates of his conscience + Would not help to burn fifty or sixty thousand Netherlanders + Writing letters full of injured innocence +</pre> + <p> + <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 +III.(of 3) 1574-84, by John Lothrop Motley + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RISE DUTCH REPUBLIC, III. *** + +***** This file should be named 4835-h.htm or 4835-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/4/8/3/4835/ + +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 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