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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6833f05 --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,3 @@ +* text=auto +*.txt text +*.md text diff --git a/4892-h.zip b/4892-h.zip Binary files differnew file mode 100644 index 0000000..9f977d8 --- /dev/null +++ b/4892-h.zip diff --git a/4892-h/4892-h.htm b/4892-h/4892-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..953ee58 --- /dev/null +++ b/4892-h/4892-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,13579 @@ +<?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 Life and Death of John Of Barneveld, Volume I. 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 Life of John of Barneveld, +1609-15, Volume I., 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 Life of John of Barneveld, 1609-15, Volume I. + +Author: John Lothrop Motley + +Release Date: October 15, 2006 [EBook #4892] +Last Updated: November 3, 2012 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN OF BARNEVELD, I. *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <h1> + THE LIFE AND DEATH of JOHN OF BARNEVELD, ADVOCATE OF HOLLAND + </h1> + <h2> + WITH A VIEW OF THE PRIMARY CAUSES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + VOLUME I. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By John Lothrop Motley, D.C.L., LL.D. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + 1880 + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <blockquote> + <p> + <big><b>CONTENTS</b></big><br /> <br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_PREF"> + PREFACE </a><br /><br /> <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> THE LIFE AND DEATH OF + JOHN OF BARNEVELD </a><br /> <br /> <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. + </a> <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER + II. </a> 1609-10 <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER + III. </a> <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0004"> + CHAPTER IV. </a> 1610 <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0005"> + CHAPTER V. </a> 1610-12 <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0006"> + CHAPTER VI. </a> 1609-14 <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0007"> + CHAPTER VII. </a> <br /><br /> <a + href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII. </a> + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX. </a> 1613-15 + <br /><br /> <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X. </a> + <br /><br /> + </p> + </blockquote> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_PREF" id="link2H_PREF"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + PREFACE: + </h2> + <p> + These volumes make a separate work in themselves. They form also the + natural sequel to the other histories already published by the Author, as + well as the necessary introduction to that concluding portion of his + labours which he has always desired to lay before the public; a History of + the Thirty Years' War. + </p> + <p> + For the two great wars which successively established the independence of + Holland and the disintegration of Germany are in reality but one; a + prolonged Tragedy of Eighty Years. The brief pause, which in the + Netherlands was known as the Twelve Years' Truce with Spain, was precisely + the epoch in which the elements were slowly and certainly gathering for + the renewal over nearly the whole surface of civilized Europe of that + immense conflict which for more than forty years had been raging within + the narrow precincts of the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + The causes and character of the two wars were essentially the same. There + were many changes of persons and of scenery during a struggle which lasted + for nearly three generations of mankind; yet a natural succession both of + actors, motives, and events will be observed from the beginning to the + close. + </p> + <p> + The designs of Charles V. to establish universal monarchy, which he had + passionately followed for a lifetime through a series of colossal crimes + against humanity and of private misdeeds against individuals, such as it + has rarely been permitted to a single despot to perpetrate, had been + baffled at last. Disappointed, broken, but even to our own generation + never completely unveiled, the tyrant had withdrawn from the stage of + human affairs, leaving his son to carry on the great conspiracy against + Human Right, independence of nations, liberty of thought, and equality of + religions, with the additional vigour which sprang from intensity of + conviction. + </p> + <p> + For Philip possessed at least that superiority over his father that he was + a sincere bigot. In the narrow and gloomy depths of his soul he had + doubtless persuaded himself that it was necessary for the redemption of + the human species that the empire of the world should be vested in his + hands, that Protestantism in all its forms should be extirpated as a + malignant disease, and that to behead, torture, burn alive, and bury alive + all heretics who opposed the decree of himself and the Holy Church was the + highest virtue by which he could merit Heaven. + </p> + <p> + The father would have permitted Protestantism if Protestantism would have + submitted to universal monarchy. There would have been small difficulty in + the early part of his reign in effecting a compromise between Rome and + Augsburg, had the gigantic secular ambition of Charles not preferred to + weaken the Church and to convert conscientious religious reform into + political mutiny; a crime against him who claimed the sovereignty of + Christendom. + </p> + <p> + The materials for the true history of that reign lie in the Archives of + Spain, Austria, Rome, Venice, and the Netherlands, and in many other + places. When out of them one day a complete and authentic narrative shall + have been constructed, it will be seen how completely the policy of + Charles foreshadowed and necessitated that of Philip, how logically, under + the successors of Philip, the Austrian dream of universal empire ended in + the shattering, in the minute subdivision, and the reduction to a long + impotence of that Germanic Empire which had really belonged to Charles. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately the great Republic which, notwithstanding the aid of England + on the one side and of France on the other, had withstood almost + single-handed the onslaughts of Spain, now allowed the demon of religious + hatred to enter into its body at the first epoch of peace, although it had + successfully exorcised the evil spirit during the long and terrible war. + </p> + <p> + There can be no doubt whatever that the discords within the interior of + the Dutch Republic during the period of the Truce, and their tragic + catastrophe, had weakened her purpose and partially paralysed her arm. + When the noble Commonwealth went forward to the renewed and general + conflict which succeeded the concentrated one in which it had been the + chief actor, the effect of those misspent twelve years became apparent. + </p> + <p> + Indeed the real continuity of the war was scarcely broken by the fitful, + armistice. The death of John of Cleve, an event almost simultaneous with + the conclusion of the Truce, seemed to those gifted with political vision + the necessary precursor of a new and more general war. + </p> + <p> + The secret correspondence of Barneveld shows the almost prophetic accuracy + with which he indicated the course of events and the approach of an almost + universal conflict, while that tragedy was still in the future, and was to + be enacted after he had been laid in his bloody grave. No man then living + was so accustomed as he was to sweep the political horizon, and to + estimate the signs and portents of the times. No statesman was left in + Europe during the epoch of the Twelve Years' Truce to compare with him in + experience, breadth of vision, political tact, or administrative sagacity. + </p> + <p> + Imbued with the grand traditions and familiar with the great personages of + a most heroic epoch; the trusted friend or respected counsellor of William + the Silent, Henry IV., Elizabeth, and the sages and soldiers on whom they + leaned; having been employed during an already long lifetime in the + administration of greatest affairs, he stood alone after the deaths of + Henry of France and the second Cecil, and the retirement of Sully, among + the natural leaders of mankind. + </p> + <p> + To the England of Elizabeth, of Walsingham, Raleigh, and the Cecils, had + succeeded the Great Britain of James, with his Carrs and Carletons, + Nauntons, Lakes, and Winwoods. France, widowed of Henry and waiting for + Richelieu, lay in the clutches of Concini's, Epernons, and Bouillons, + bound hand and foot to Spain. Germany, falling from Rudolph to Matthias, + saw Styrian Ferdinand in the background ready to shatter the fabric of a + hundred years of attempted Reformation. In the Republic of the Netherlands + were the great soldier and the only remaining statesman of the age. At a + moment when the breathing space had been agreed upon before the conflict + should be renewed; on a wider field than ever, between Spanish-Austrian + world-empire and independence of the nations; between the ancient and only + Church and the spirit of religious Equality; between popular Right and + royal and sacerdotal Despotism; it would have been desirable that the + soldier and the statesman should stand side by side, and that the + fortunate Confederacy, gifted with two such champions and placed by its + own achievements at the very head of the great party of resistance, should + be true to herself. + </p> + <p> + These volumes contain a slight and rapid sketch of Barneveld's career up + to the point at which the Twelve Years' Truce with Spain was signed in the + year 1609. In previous works the Author has attempted to assign the great + Advocate's place as part and parcel of history during the continuance of + the War for Independence. During the period of the Truce he will be found + the central figure. The history of Europe, especially of the Netherlands, + Britain, France, and Germany, cannot be thoroughly appreciated without a + knowledge of the designs, the labours, and the fate of Barneveld. + </p> + <p> + The materials for estimating his character and judging his judges lie in + the national archives of the land of which he was so long the foremost + citizen. But they have not long been accessible. The letters, state + papers, and other documents remain unprinted, and have rarely been read. + M. van Deventer has published three most interesting volumes of the + Advocate's correspondence, but they reach only to the beginning of 1609. + He has suspended his labours exactly at the moment when these volumes + begin. I have carefully studied however nearly the whole of that + correspondence, besides a mass of other papers. The labour is not light, + for the handwriting of the great Advocate is perhaps the worst that ever + existed, and the papers, although kept in the admirable order which + distinguishes the Archives of the Hague, have passed through many hands at + former epochs before reaching their natural destination in the + treasure-house of the nation. Especially the documents connected with the + famous trial were for a long time hidden from mortal view, for Barneveld's + judges had bound themselves by oath to bury the proceedings out of sight. + And the concealment lasted for centuries. Very recently a small portion of + those papers has been published by the Historical Society of Utrecht. The + "Verhooren," or Interrogatories of the Judges, and the replies of + Barneveld, have thus been laid before the reading public of Holland, while + within the last two years the distinguished and learned historian, + Professor Fruin, has edited the "Verhooren" of Hugo Grotius. + </p> + <p> + But papers like these, important as they are, make but a slender portion + of the material out of which a judgment concerning these grave events can + be constructed. I do not therefore offer an apology for the somewhat + copious extracts which I have translated and given in these volumes from + the correspondence of Barneveld and from other manuscripts of great value—most + of them in the Royal Archives of Holland and Belgium—which are + unknown to the public. + </p> + <p> + I have avoided as much as possible any dealings with the theological + controversies so closely connected with the events which I have attempted + to describe. This work aims at being a political study. The subject is + full of lessons, examples, and warnings for the inhabitants of all free + states. Especially now that the republican system of government is + undergoing a series of experiments with more or less success in one + hemisphere—while in our own land it is consolidated, powerful, and + unchallenged—will the conflicts between the spirits of national + centralization and of provincial sovereignty, and the struggle between the + church, the sword, and the magistracy for supremacy in a free + commonwealth, as revealed in the first considerable republic of modern + history, be found suggestive of deep reflection. + </p> + <p> + Those who look in this work for a history of the Synod of Dordtrecht will + look in vain. The Author has neither wish nor power to grapple with the + mysteries and passions which at that epoch possessed so many souls. The + Assembly marks a political period. Its political aspects have been + anxiously examined, but beyond the ecclesiastical threshold there has been + no attempt to penetrate. + </p> + <p> + It was necessary for my purpose to describe in some detail the relations + of Henry IV. with the Dutch Republic during the last and most pregnant + year of his life, which makes the first of the present history. These + relations are of European importance, and the materials for appreciating + them are of unexpected richness, in the Dutch and Belgian Archives. + </p> + <p> + Especially the secret correspondence, now at the Hague, of that very able + diplomatist Francis Aerssens with Barneveld during the years 1609, 1610, + and 1611, together with many papers at Brussels, are full of vital + importance. + </p> + <p> + They throw much light both on the vast designs which filled the brain of + Henry at this fatal epoch and on his extraordinary infatuation for the + young Princess of Conde by which they were traversed, and which was + productive of such widespread political anal tragical results. This + episode forms a necessary portion of my theme, and has therefore been set + forth from original sources. + </p> + <p> + I am under renewed obligations to my friend M. Gachard, the eminent + publicist and archivist of Belgium, for his constant and friendly offices + to me (which I have so often experienced before), while studying the + documents under his charge relating to this epoch; especially the secret + correspondence of Archduke Albert with Philip III, and his ministers, and + with Pecquius, the Archduke's agent at Paris. + </p> + <p> + It is also a great pleasure to acknowledge the unceasing courtesy and + zealous aid rendered me during my renewed studies in the Archives at the + Hague—lasting through nearly two years—by the Chief Archivist, + M. van den Berg, and the gentlemen connected with that institution, + especially M. de Jonghe and M. Hingman, without whose aid it would have + been difficult for me to decipher and to procure copies of the almost + illegible holographs of Barneveld. + </p> + <p> + I must also thank M. van Deventer for communicating copies of some curious + manuscripts relating to my subject, some from private archives in Holland, + and others from those of Simancas. + </p> + <p> + A single word only remains to be said in regard to the name of the + statesman whose career I have undertaken to describe. + </p> + <p> + His proper appellation and that by which he has always been known in his + own country is Oldenbarneveld, but in his lifetime and always in history + from that time to this he has been called Barneveld in English as well as + French, and this transformation, as it were, of the name has become so + settled a matter that after some hesitation it has been adopted in the + present work. + </p> + <p> + The Author would take this opportunity of expressing his gratitude for the + indulgence with which his former attempts to illustrate an important + period of European history have been received by the public, and his + anxious hope that the present volumes may be thought worthy of attention. + They are the result at least of severe and conscientious labour at the + original sources of history, but the subject is so complicated and + difficult that it may well be feared that the ability to depict and + unravel is unequal to the earnestness with which the attempt has been + made. + </p> + <p> + LONDON, 1873. <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h1> + THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JOHN OF BARNEVELD + </h1> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + John of Barneveld the Founder of the Commonwealth of the United + Provinces—Maurice of Orange Stadholder, but Servant to the States- + General—The Union of Utrecht maintained—Barneveld makes a + Compromise between Civil Functionaries and Church Officials— + Embassies to France, England, and to Venice—the Appointment of + Arminius to be Professor of Theology at Leyden creates Dissension— + The Catholic League opposed by the Great Protestant Union—Death of + the Duke of Cleve and Struggle for his Succession—The Elector of + Brandenburg and Palatine of Neuburg hold the Duchies at Barneveld's + Advice against the Emperor, though having Rival Claims themselves— + Negotiations with the King of France—He becomes the Ally of the + States-General to Protect the Possessory Princes, and prepares for + war. +</pre> + <p> + I propose to retrace the history of a great statesman's career. That + statesman's name, but for the dark and tragic scenes with which it was + ultimately associated, might after the lapse of two centuries and a half + have faded into comparative oblivion, so impersonal and shadowy his + presence would have seemed upon the great European theatre where he was so + long a chief actor, and where his efforts and his achievements were + foremost among those productive of long enduring and widespread results. + </p> + <p> + There is no doubt whatever that John of Barneveld, Advocate and Seal + Keeper of the little province of Holland during forty years of as troubled + and fertile an epoch as any in human history, was second to none of his + contemporary statesmen. Yet the singular constitution and historical + position of the republic whose destinies he guided and the peculiar and + abnormal office which he held combined to cast a veil over his + individuality. The ever-teeming brain, the restless almost omnipresent + hand, the fertile pen, the eloquent and ready tongue, were seen, heard, + and obeyed by the great European public, by the monarchs, statesmen, and + warriors of the time, at many critical moments of history, but it was not + John of Barneveld that spoke to the world. Those "high and puissant Lords + my masters the States-General" personified the young but already majestic + republic. Dignified, draped, and concealed by that overshadowing title the + informing and master spirit performed its never ending task. + </p> + <p> + Those who study the enormous masses of original papers in the archives of + the country will be amazed to find how the penmanship, most difficult to + decipher, of the Advocate meets them at every turn. Letters to monarchs, + generals, ambassadors, resolutions of councils, of sovereign assemblies, + of trading corporations, of great Indian companies, legal and historical + disquisitions of great depth and length on questions agitating Europe, + constitutional arguments, drafts of treaties among the leading powers of + the world, instructions to great commissions, plans for European + campaigns, vast combinations covering the world, alliances of empire, + scientific expeditions and discoveries—papers such as these covered + now with the satirical dust of centuries, written in the small, crabbed, + exasperating characters which make Barneveld's handwriting almost + cryptographic, were once, when fairly engrossed and sealed with the great + seal of the haughty burgher-aristocracy, the documents which occupied the + close attention of the cabinets of Christendom. + </p> + <p> + It is not unfrequent to find four or five important despatches compressed + almost in miniature upon one sheet of gigantic foolscap. It is also + curious to find each one of these rough drafts conscientiously beginning + in the statesman's own hand with the elaborate phrases of compliment + belonging to the epoch such as "Noble, strenuous, severe, highly + honourable, very learned, very discreet, and very wise masters," and + ending with "May the Lord God Almighty eternally preserve you and hold you + in His holy keeping in this world and for ever"—decorations which + one might have thought it safe to leave to be filled in by the secretary + or copying clerk. + </p> + <p> + Thus there have been few men at any period whose lives have been more + closely identical than his with a national history. There have been few + great men in any history whose names have become less familiar to the + world, and lived less in the mouths of posterity. Yet there can be no + doubt that if William the Silent was the founder of the independence of + the United Provinces Barneveld was the founder of the Commonwealth itself. + He had never the opportunity, perhaps he might have never had the + capacity, to make such prodigious sacrifices in the cause of country as + the great prince had done. But he had served his country strenuously from + youth to old age with an abiding sense of duty, a steadiness of purpose, a + broad vision, a firm grasp, and an opulence of resource such as not one of + his compatriots could even pretend to rival. + </p> + <p> + Had that country of which he was so long the first citizen maintained + until our own day the same proportionate position among the empires of + Christendom as it held in the seventeenth century, the name of John of + Barneveld would have perhaps been as familiar to all men as it is at this + moment to nearly every inhabitant of the Netherlands. Even now political + passion is almost as ready to flame forth either in ardent affection or + enthusiastic hatred as if two centuries and a half had not elapsed since + his death. His name is so typical of a party, a polity, and a faith, so + indelibly associated with a great historical cataclysm, as to render it + difficult even for the grave, the conscientious, the learned, the + patriotic of his own compatriots to speak of him with absolute + impartiality. + </p> + <p> + A foreigner who loves and admires all that is great and noble in the + history of that famous republic and can have no hereditary bias as to its + ecclesiastical or political theories may at least attempt the task with + comparative coldness, although conscious of inability to do thorough + justice to a most complex subject. + </p> + <p> + In former publications devoted to Netherland history I have endeavoured to + trace the course of events of which the life and works of the Advocate + were a vital ingredient down to the period when Spain after more than + forty years of hard fighting virtually acknowledged the independence of + the Republic and concluded with her a truce of twelve years. + </p> + <p> + That convention was signed in the spring of 1609. The ten ensuing years in + Europe were comparatively tranquil, but they were scarcely to be numbered + among the full and fruitful sheaves of a pacific epoch. It was a pause, a + breathing spell during which the sulphurous clouds which had made the + atmosphere of Christendom poisonous for nearly half a century had sullenly + rolled away, while at every point of the horizon they were seen massing + themselves anew in portentous and ever accumulating strength. At any + moment the faint and sickly sunshine in which poor exhausted Humanity was + essaying a feeble twitter of hope as it plumed itself for a peaceful + flight might be again obscured. To us of a remote posterity the momentary + division of epochs seems hardly discernible. So rapidly did that fight of + Demons which we call the Thirty Years' War tread on the heels of the forty + years' struggle for Dutch Independence which had just been suspended that + we are accustomed to think and speak of the Eighty Years' War as one pure, + perfect, sanguinary whole. + </p> + <p> + And indeed the Tragedy which was soon to sweep solemnly across Europe was + foreshadowed in the first fitful years of peace. The throb of the + elementary forces already shook the soil of Christendom. The fantastic but + most significant conflict in the territories of the dead Duke of Clove + reflected the distant and gigantic war as in a mirage. It will be + necessary to direct the reader's attention at the proper moment to that + episode, for it was one in which the beneficent sagacity of Barneveld was + conspicuously exerted in the cause of peace and conservation. Meantime it + is not agreeable to reflect that this brief period of nominal and armed + peace which the Republic had conquered after nearly two generations of + warfare was employed by her in tearing her own flesh. The heroic sword + which had achieved such triumphs in the cause of freedom could have been + bitter employed than in an attempt at political suicide. + </p> + <p> + In a picture of the last decade of Barneveld's eventful life his + personality may come more distinctly forward perhaps than in previous + epochs. It will however be difficult to disentangle a single thread from + the great historical tapestry of the Republic and of Europe in which his + life and achievements are interwoven. He was a public man in the fullest + sense of the word, and without his presence and influence the record of + Holland, France, Spain, Britain, and Germany might have been essentially + modified. + </p> + <p> + The Republic was so integral a part of that system which divided Europe + into two great hostile camps according to creeds rather than frontiers + that the history of its foremost citizen touches at every point the + general history of Christendom. + </p> + <p> + The great peculiarity of the Dutch constitution at this epoch was that no + principle was absolutely settled. In throwing off a foreign tyranny and + successfully vindicating national independence the burghers and nobles had + not had leisure to lay down any organic law. Nor had the day for profound + investigation of the political or social contract arrived. Men dealt + almost exclusively with facts, and when the facts arranged themselves + illogically and incoherently the mischief was grave and difficult to + remedy. It is not a trifling inconvenience for an organized commonwealth + to be in doubt as to where, in whom, and of what nature is its + sovereignty. Yet this was precisely the condition of the United + Netherlands. To the eternal world so dazzling were the reputation and the + achievements of their great captain that he was looked upon by many as the + legitimate chief of the state and doubtless friendly monarchs would have + cordially welcomed him into their brotherhood. + </p> + <p> + During the war he had been surrounded by almost royal state. Two hundred + officers lived daily at his table. Great nobles and scions of sovereign + houses were his pupils or satellites. The splendour of military despotism + and the awe inspired by his unquestioned supremacy in what was deemed the + greatest of all sciences invested the person of Maurice of Nassau with a + grandeur which many a crowned potentate might envy. His ample appointments + united with the spoils of war provided him with almost royal revenues, + even before the death of his elder brother Philip William had placed in + his hands the principality and wealthy possessions of Orange. Hating + contradiction, arbitrary by instinct and by military habit, impatient of + criticism, and having long acknowledged no master in the chief business of + state, he found himself at the conclusion of the truce with his great + occupation gone, and, although generously provided for by the treasury of + the Republic, yet with an income proportionately limited. + </p> + <p> + Politics and theology were fields in which he had hardly served an + apprenticeship, and it was possible that when he should step forward as a + master in those complicated and difficult pursuits, soon to absorb the + attention of the Commonwealth and the world, it might appear that war was + not the only science that required serious preliminary studies. + </p> + <p> + Meantime he found himself not a king, not the master of a nominal + republic, but the servant of the States-General, and the limited + stadholder of five out of seven separate provinces. + </p> + <p> + And the States-General were virtually John of Barneveld. Could antagonism + be more sharply defined? Jealousy, that potent principle which controls + the regular movements and accounts for the aberrations of humanity in + widest spheres as well as narrowest circles far more generally and + conclusively than philosophers or historians have been willing to admit, + began forthwith to manifest its subtle and irresistible influence. + </p> + <p> + And there were not to be wanting acute and dangerous schemers who saw + their profit in augmenting its intensity. + </p> + <p> + The Seven Provinces, when the truce of twelve years had been signed, were + neither exhausted nor impoverished. Yet they had just emerged from a forty + years' conflict such as no people in human history had ever waged against + a foreign tyranny. They had need to repose and recruit, but they stood + among the foremost great powers of the day. It is not easy in imagination + to thrust back the present leading empires of the earth into the + contracted spheres of their not remote past. But to feel how a little + confederacy of seven provinces loosely tied together by an ill-defined + treaty could hold so prominent and often so controlling a place in the + European system of the seventeenth century, we must remember that there + was then no Germany, no Russia, no Italy, no United States of America, + scarcely even a Great Britain in the sense which belongs to that mighty + empire now. + </p> + <p> + France, Spain, England, the Pope, and the Emperor were the leading powers + with which the Netherlands were daily called on to solve great problems + and try conclusions; the study of political international equilibrium, now + rapidly and perhaps fortunately becoming one of the lost arts, being then + the most indispensable duty of kings and statesmen. + </p> + <p> + Spain and France, which had long since achieved for themselves the + political union of many independent kingdoms and states into which they + had been divided were the most considerable powers and of necessity + rivals. Spain, or rather the House of Austria divided into its two great + branches, still pursued its persistent and by no means fantastic dream of + universal monarchy. Both Spain and France could dispose of somewhat larger + resources absolutely, although not relatively, than the Seven Provinces, + while at least trebling them in population. The yearly revenue of Spain + after deduction of its pledged resources was perhaps equal to a million + sterling, and that of France with the same reservation was about as much. + England had hardly been able to levy and make up a yearly income of more + than L600,000 or L700,000 at the end of Elizabeth's reign or in the first + years of James, while the Netherlands had often proved themselves capable + of furnishing annually ten or twelve millions of florins, which would be + the equivalent of nearly a million sterling. + </p> + <p> + The yearly revenues of the whole monarchy of the Imperial house of + Habsburg can scarcely be stated at a higher figure than L350,000. + </p> + <p> + Thus the political game—for it was a game—was by no means a + desperate one for the Netherlands, nor the resources of the various + players so unequally distributed as at first sight it might appear. + </p> + <p> + The emancipation of the Provinces from the grasp of Spain and the + establishment by them of a commonwealth, for that epoch a very free one, + and which contained within itself the germs of a larger liberty, + religious, political, and commercial, than had yet been known, was already + one of the most considerable results of the Reformation. The probability + of its continued and independent existence was hardly believed in by + potentate or statesman outside its own borders, and had not been very long + a decided article of faith even within them. The knotty problem of an + acknowledgment of that existence, the admission of the new-born state into + the family of nations, and a temporary peace guaranteed by two great + powers, had at last been solved mainly by the genius of Barneveld working + amid many disadvantages and against great obstructions. The truce had been + made, and it now needed all the skill, coolness, and courage of a + practical and original statesman to conduct the affairs of the + Confederacy. The troubled epoch of peace was even now heaving with warlike + emotions, and was hardly less stormy than the war which had just been + suspended. + </p> + <p> + The Republic was like a raft loosely strung together, floating almost on a + level of the ocean, and often half submerged, but freighted with + inestimable treasures for itself and the world. It needed an unsleeping + eye and a powerful brain to conduct her over the quicksands and through + the whirlpools of an unmapped and intricate course. + </p> + <p> + The sovereignty of the country so far as its nature could be + satisfactorily analysed seemed to be scattered through, and inherent in + each one of, the multitudinous boards of magistracy—close + corporations, self-elected—by which every city was governed. Nothing + could be more preposterous. Practically, however, these boards were + represented by deputies in each of the seven provincial assemblies, and + these again sent councillors from among their number to the general + assembly which was that of their High Mightinesses the Lords + States-General. + </p> + <p> + The Province of Holland, being richer and more powerful than all its six + sisters combined, was not unwilling to impose a supremacy which on the + whole was practically conceded by the rest. Thus the Union of Utrecht + established in 1579 was maintained for want of anything better as the + foundation of the Commonwealth. + </p> + <p> + The Advocate and Keeper of the Great Seal of that province was therefore + virtually prime minister, president, attorney-general, finance minister, + and minister of foreign affairs of the whole republic. This was + Barneveld's position. He took the lead in the deliberations both of the + States of Holland and the States-General, moved resolutions, advocated + great measures of state, gave heed to their execution, collected the + votes, summed up the proceedings, corresponded with and instructed + ambassadors, received and negotiated with foreign ministers, besides + directing and holding in his hands the various threads of the home policy + and the rapidly growing colonial system of the Republic. + </p> + <p> + All this work Barneveld had been doing for thirty years. + </p> + <p> + The Reformation was by no mans assured even in the lands where it had at + first made the most essential progress. But the existence of the new + commonwealth depended on the success of that great movement which had + called it into being. Losing ground in France, fluctuating in England, + Protestantism was apparently more triumphant in vast territories where the + ancient Church was one day to recover its mastery. Of the population of + Bohemia, there were perhaps ten Protestants to one Papist, while in the + United Netherlands at least one-third of the people were still attached to + the Catholic faith. + </p> + <p> + The great religious struggle in Bohemia and other dominions of the + Habsburg family was fast leading to a war of which no man could even + imagine the horrors or foresee the vast extent. The Catholic League and + the Protestant Union were slowly arranging Europe into two mighty + confederacies. + </p> + <p> + They were to give employment year after year to millions of mercenary + freebooters who were to practise murder, pillage, and every imaginable and + unimaginable outrage as the most legitimate industry that could occupy + mankind. The Holy Empire which so ingeniously combined the worst + characteristics of despotism and republicanism kept all Germany and half + Europe in the turmoil of a perpetual presidential election. A theatre + where trivial personages and graceless actors performed a tragi-comedy of + mingled folly, intrigue, and crime, and where earnestness and vigour were + destined to be constantly baffled, now offered the principal stage for the + entertainment and excitement of Christendom. + </p> + <p> + There was but one king in Europe, Henry the Bearnese. The men who sat on + the thrones in Madrid, Vienna, London, would have lived and died unknown + but for the crowns they wore, and while there were plenty of bustling + politicians here and there in Christendom, there were not many statesmen. + </p> + <p> + Among them there was no stronger man than John of Barneveld, and no man + had harder or more complicated work to do. + </p> + <p> + Born in Amersfoort in 1547, of the ancient and knightly house of + Oldenbarneveldt, of patrician blood through all his ancestors both male + and female, he was not the heir to large possessions, and was a diligent + student and hardworking man from youth upward. He was not wont to boast of + his pedigree until in later life, being assailed by vilest slander, all + his kindred nearest or most remote being charged with every possible and + unmentionable crime, and himself stigmatized as sprung from the lowest + kennels of humanity—as if thereby his private character and public + services could be more legitimately blackened—he was stung into + exhibiting to the world the purity and antiquity of his escutcheon, and a + roll of respectably placed, well estated, and authentically noble, if not + at all illustrious, forefathers in his country's records of the previous + centuries. + </p> + <p> + Without an ancestor at his back he might have valued himself still more + highly on the commanding place he held in the world by right divine of + intellect, but as the father of lies seemed to have kept his creatures so + busy with the Barneveld genealogy, it was not amiss for the statesman once + for all to make the truth known. + </p> + <p> + His studies in the universities of Holland, France, Italy, and Germany had + been profound. At an early age he was one of the first civilians of the + time. His manhood being almost contemporary with the great war of freedom, + he had served as a volunteer and at his own expense through several + campaigns, having nearly lost his life in the disastrous attempt to + relieve the siege of Haarlem, and having been so disabled by sickness and + exposure at the heroic leaguer of Leyden as to have been deprived of the + joy of witnessing its triumphant conclusion. + </p> + <p> + Successfully practising his profession afterwards before the tribunals of + Holland, he had been called at the comparatively early age of twenty-nine + to the important post of Chief Pensionary of Rotterdam. So long as William + the Silent lived, that great prince was all in all to his country, and + Barneveld was proud and happy to be among the most trusted and assiduous + of his counsellors. + </p> + <p> + When the assassination of William seemed for an instant to strike the + Republic with paralysis, Barneveld was foremost among the statesmen of + Holland to spring forward and help to inspire it with renewed energy. + </p> + <p> + The almost completed negotiations for conferring the sovereignty, not of + the Confederacy, but of the Province of Holland, upon the Prince had been + abruptly brought to an end by his death. To confer that sovereign + countship on his son Maurice, then a lad of eighteen and a student at + Leyden, would have seemed to many at so terrible a crisis an act of + madness, although Barneveld had been willing to suggest and promote the + scheme. The confederates under his guidance soon hastened however to lay + the sovereignty, and if not the sovereignty, the protectorship, of all the + provinces at the feet first of England and then of France. + </p> + <p> + Barneveld was at the head of the embassy, and indeed was the indispensable + head of all important, embassies to each of those two countries throughout + all this portion of his career. Both monarchs refused, almost spurned, the + offered crown in which was involved a war with the greatest power in the + world, with no compensating dignity or benefit, as it was thought, beside. + </p> + <p> + Then Elizabeth, although declining the sovereignty, promised assistance + and sent the Earl of Leicester as governor-general at the head of a + contingent of English troops. Precisely to prevent the consolidation thus + threatened of the Provinces into one union, a measure which had been + attempted more than once in the Burgundian epoch, and always successfully + resisted by the spirit of provincial separatism, Barneveld now proposed + and carried the appointment of Maurice of Nassau to the stadholdership of + Holland. This was done against great opposition and amid fierce debate. + Soon afterwards Barneveld was vehemently urged by the nobles and regents + of the cities of Holland to accept the post of Advocate of that province. + After repeatedly declining the arduous and most responsible office, he was + at last induced to accept it. He did it under the remarkable condition + that in case any negotiation should be undertaken for the purpose of + bringing back the Province of Holland under the dominion of the King of + Spain, he should be considered as from that moment relieved from the + service. + </p> + <p> + His brother Elias Barneveld succeeded him as Pensionary of Rotterdam, and + thenceforth the career of the Advocate is identical with the history of + the Netherlands. Although a native of Utrecht, he was competent to + exercise such functions in Holland, a special and ancient convention + between those two provinces allowing the citizens of either to enjoy legal + and civic rights in both. Gradually, without intrigue or inordinate + ambition, but from force of circumstances and the commanding power of the + man, the native authority stamped upon his forehead, he became the + political head of the Confederacy. He created and maintained a system of + public credit absolutely marvellous in the circumstances, by means of + which an otherwise impossible struggle was carried to a victorious end. + </p> + <p> + When the stadholderate of the provinces of Gelderland, Utrecht, and + Overyssel became vacant, it was again Barneveld's potent influence and + sincere attachment to the House of Nassau that procured the election of + Maurice to those posts. Thus within six years after his father's death the + youthful soldier who had already given proof of his surpassing military + genius had become governor, commander-in-chief, and high admiral, of five + of the seven provinces constituting the Confederacy. + </p> + <p> + At about the same period the great question of Church and State, which + Barneveld had always felt to be among the vital problems of the age, and + on which his opinions were most decided, came up for partial solution. It + would have been too much to expect the opinion of any statesman to be so + much in advance of his time as to favor religious equality. Toleration of + various creeds, including the Roman Catholic, so far as abstinence from + inquisition into consciences and private parlours could be called + toleration, was secured, and that was a considerable step in advance of + the practice of the sixteenth century. Burning, hanging, and burying alive + of culprits guilty of another creed than the dominant one had become + obsolete. But there was an established creed—the Reformed religion, + founded on the Netherland Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism. And + there was one established principle then considered throughout Europe the + grand result of the Reformation; "Cujus regio ejus religio;" which was in + reality as impudent an invasion of human right as any heaven-born dogma of + Infallibility. The sovereign of a country, having appropriated the + revenues of the ancient church, prescribed his own creed to his subjects. + In the royal conscience were included the million consciences of his + subjects. The inevitable result in a country like the Netherlands, without + a personal sovereign, was a struggle between the new church and the civil + government for mastery. And at this period, and always in Barneveld's + opinion, the question of dogma was subordinate to that of church + government. That there should be no authority over the King had been + settled in England. + </p> + <p> + Henry VIII., Elizabeth, and afterwards James, having become popes in their + own realm, had no great hostility to, but rather an affection for, ancient + dogma and splendid ceremonial. But in the Seven Provinces, even as in + France, Germany, and Switzerland, the reform where it had been effected at + all had been more thorough, and there was little left of Popish pomp or + aristocratic hierarchy. Nothing could be severer than the simplicity of + the Reformed Church, nothing more imperious than its dogma, nothing more + infallible than its creed. It was the true religion, and there was none + other. But to whom belonged the ecclesiastical edifices, the splendid old + minsters in the cities—raised by the people's confiding piety and + the purchased remission of their sins in a bygone age—and the + humbler but beautiful parish churches in every town and village? To the + State; said Barneveld, speaking for government; to the community + represented by the states of the provinces, the magistracies of the cities + and municipalities. To the Church itself, the one true church represented + by its elders, and deacons, and preachers, was the reply. + </p> + <p> + And to whom belonged the right of prescribing laws and ordinances of + public worship, of appointing preachers, church servants, schoolmasters, + sextons? To the Holy Ghost inspiring the Class and the Synod, said the + Church. + </p> + <p> + To the civil authority, said the magistrates, by which the churches are + maintained, and the salaries of the ecclesiastics paid. The states of + Holland are as sovereign as the kings of England or Denmark, the electors + of Saxony or Brandenburg, the magistrates of Zurich or Basel or other + Swiss cantons. "Cujus regio ejus religio." + </p> + <p> + In 1590 there was a compromise under the guidance of Barneveld. It was + agreed that an appointing board should be established composed of civil + functionaries and church officials in equal numbers. Thus should the + interests of religion and of education be maintained. + </p> + <p> + The compromise was successful enough during the war. External pressure + kept down theological passion, and there were as yet few symptoms of + schism in the dominant church. But there was to come a time when the + struggle between church and government was to break forth with an + intensity and to rage to an extent which no man at that moment could + imagine. + </p> + <p> + Towards the end of the century Henry IV. made peace with Spain. It was a + trying moment for the Provinces. Barneveld was again sent forth on an + embassy to the King. The cardinal point in his policy, as it had ever been + in that of William the Silent, was to maintain close friendship with + France, whoever might be its ruler. An alliance between that kingdom and + Spain would be instantaneous ruin to the Republic. With the French and + English sovereigns united with the Provinces, the cause of the Reformation + might triumph, the Spanish world-empire be annihilated, national + independence secured. + </p> + <p> + Henry assured the Ambassador that the treaty of Vervins was indispensable, + but that he would never desert his old allies. In proof of this, although + he had just bound himself to Spain to give no assistance to the Provinces, + open or secret, he would furnish them with thirteen hundred thousand + crowns, payable at intervals during four years. He was under great + obligations to his good friends the States, he said, and nothing in the + treaty forbade him to pay his debts. + </p> + <p> + It was at this period too that Barneveld was employed by the King to + attend to certain legal and other private business for which he professed + himself too poor at the moment to compensate him. There seems to have been + nothing in the usages of the time or country to make the transaction, + innocent in itself, in any degree disreputable. The King promised at some + future clay, when he should be more in funds, to pay him a liberal fee. + Barneveld, who a dozen years afterwards received 20,000 florins for his + labour, professed that he would much rather have had one thousand at the + time. + </p> + <p> + Thence the Advocate, accompanied by his colleague, Justinus de Nassau, + proceeded to England, where they had many stormy interviews with + Elizabeth. The Queen swore with many an oath that she too would make peace + with Philip, recommended the Provinces to do the same thing with + submission to their ancient tyrant, and claimed from the States immediate + payment of one million sterling in satisfaction of their old debts to her. + It would have been as easy for them at that moment to pay a thousand + million. It was at last agreed that the sum of the debt should be fixed at + L800,000, and that the cautionary towns should be held in Elizabeth's + hands by English troops until all the debt should be discharged. Thus + England for a long time afterwards continued to regard itself, as in a + measure the sovereign and proprietor of the Confederacy, and Barneveld + then and there formed the resolve to relieve the country of the incubus, + and to recover those cautionary towns and fortresses at the earliest + possible moment. So long as foreign soldiers commanded by military + governors existed on the soil of the Netherlands, they could hardly + account themselves independent. Besides, there was the perpetual and + horrid nightmare, that by a sudden pacification between Spain and England + those important cities, keys to the country's defence, might be handed + over to their ancient tyrant. + </p> + <p> + Elizabeth had been pacified at last, however, by the eloquence of the + Ambassador. "I will assist you even if you were up to the neck in water," + she said. "Jusque la," she added, pointing to her chin. + </p> + <p> + Five years later Barneveld, for the fifth time at the head of a great + embassy, was sent to England to congratulate James on his accession. It + was then and there that he took measure of the monarch with whom he was + destined to have many dealings, and who was to exert so baleful an + influence on his career. At last came the time when it was felt that peace + between Spain and her revolted provinces might be made. The conservation + of their ancient laws, privileges, and charters, the independence of the + States, and included therein the freedom to establish the Reformed + religion, had been secured by forty years of fighting. + </p> + <p> + The honour of Spain was saved by a conjunction. She agreed to treat with + her old dependencies "as" with states over which she had no pretensions. + Through virtue of an "as," a truce after two years' negotiation, + perpetually traversed and secretly countermined by the military party + under the influence of Maurice, was carried by the determination of + Barneveld. The great objects of the war had been secured. The country was + weary of nearly half a century of bloodshed. It was time to remember that + there could be such a condition as Peace. + </p> + <p> + The treaty was signed, ratifications exchanged, and the usual presents of + considerable sums of money to the negotiators made. Barneveld earnestly + protested against carrying out the custom on this occasion, and urged that + those presents should be given for the public use. He was overruled by + those who were more desirous of receiving their reward than he was, and he + accordingly, in common with the other diplomatists, accepted the gifts. + </p> + <p> + The various details of these negotiations have been related by the author + in other volumes, to which the present one is intended as a sequel. It has + been thought necessary merely to recall very briefly a few salient + passages in the career of the Advocate up to the period when the present + history really opens. + </p> + <p> + Their bearing upon subsequent events will easily be observed. The truce + was the work of Barneveld. It was detested by Maurice and by Maurice's + partisans. + </p> + <p> + "I fear that our enemies and evil reports are the cause of many of our + difficulties," said the Advocate to the States' envoy in Paris, in 1606. + "You are to pay no heed to private advices. Believe and make others + believe that more than one half the inhabitants of the cities and in the + open country are inclined to peace. And I believe, in case of continuing + adversities, that the other half will not remain constant, principally + because the Provinces are robbed of all traffic, prosperity, and + navigation, through the actions of France and England. I have always + thought it for the advantage of his Majesty to sustain us in such wise as + would make us useful in his service. As to his remaining permanently at + peace with Spain, that would seem quite out of the question." + </p> + <p> + The King had long kept, according to treaty, a couple of French regiments + in the States' service, and furnished, or was bound to furnish, a certain + yearly sum for their support. But the expenses of the campaigning had been + rapidly increasing and the results as swiftly dwindling. The Advocate now + explained that, "without loss both of important places and of reputation," + the States could not help spending every month that they took the field + 200,000 florins over and above the regular contributions, and some months + a great deal more. This sum, he said, in nine months, would more than eat + up the whole subsidy of the King. If they were to be in the field by March + or beginning of April, they would require from him an extraordinary sum of + 200,000 crowns, and as much more in June or July. + </p> + <p> + Eighteen months later, when the magnificent naval victory of Heemskerk in + the Bay of Gibraltar had just made a startling interlude to the + languishing negotiations for peace, the Advocate again warned the French + King of the difficulty in which the Republic still laboured of carrying on + the mighty struggle alone. Spain was the common enemy of all. No peace or + hope was possible for the leading powers as long as Spain was perpetually + encamped in the very heart of Western Europe. The Netherlands were not + fighting their own battle merely, but that of freedom and independence + against the all-encroaching world-power. And their means to carry on the + conflict were dwindling, while at the same time there was a favourable + opportunity for cropping some fruit from their previous labours and + sacrifices. + </p> + <p> + "We are led to doubt," he wrote once more to the envoy in France, "whether + the King's full powers will come from Spain. This defeat is hard for the + Spaniards to digest. Meantime our burdens are quite above our capacity, as + you will understand by the enclosed statement, which is made out with much + exactness to show what is absolutely necessary for a vigorous defence on + land and a respectable position at sea to keep things from entire + confusion. The Provinces could raise means for the half of this estimate. + But, it is a great difference when the means differ one half from the + expenses. The sovereignst and most assured remedy would be the one so + often demanded, often projected, and sometimes almost prepared for + execution, namely that our neighbour kings, princes, and republics should + earnestly take the matter in hand and drive the Spaniards and their + adherents out of the Netherlands and over the mountains. Their own dignity + and security ought not to permit such great bodies of troops of both + belligerents permanently massed in the Netherlands. Still less ought they + to allow these Provinces to fall into the hands of the Spaniards, whence + they could with so much more power and convenience make war upon all + kings, princes, and republics. This must be prevented by one means or + another. It ought to be enough for every one that we have been between + thirty and forty years a firm bulwark against Spanish ambition. Our + constancy and patience ought to be strengthened by counsel and by deed in + order that we may exist; a Christian sympathy and a small assistance not + being sufficient. Believe and cause to be believed that the present + condition of our affairs requires more aid in counsel and money than ever + before, and that nothing could be better bestowed than to further this + end. + </p> + <p> + "Messieurs Jeannin, Buzenval, and de Russy have been all here these twelve + days. We have firm hopes that other kings, princes, and republics will not + stay upon formalities, but will also visit the patients here in order to + administer sovereign remedies. + </p> + <p> + "Lend no ear to any flying reports. We say with the wise men over there, + 'Metuo Danaos et dons ferentes.' We know our antagonists well, and trust + their hearts no more than before, 'sed ultra posse non est esse.' To + accept more burthens than we can pay for will breed military mutiny; to + tax the community above its strength will cause popular tumults, + especially in 'rebus adversis,' of which the beginnings were seen last + year, and without a powerful army the enemy is not to be withstood. I have + received your letters to the 17th May. My advice is to trust to his + upright proceedings and with patience to overcome all things. Thus shall + the detractors and calumniators best be confounded. Assure his Majesty and + his ministers that I will do my utmost to avert our ruin and his Majesty's + disservice." + </p> + <p> + The treaty was made, and from that time forth the antagonism between the + eminent statesman and the great military chieftain became inevitable. The + importance of the one seemed likely to increase day by day. The occupation + of the other for a time was over. + </p> + <p> + During the war Maurice had been, with exception of Henry IV., the most + considerable personage in Europe. He was surrounded with that visible + atmosphere of power the poison of which it is so difficult to resist, and + through the golden haze of which a mortal seems to dilate for the vulgar + eye into the supernatural. The attention of Christendom was perpetually + fixed upon him. Nothing like his sieges, his encampments, his military + discipline, his scientific campaigning had been seen before in modern + Europe. The youthful aristocracy from all countries thronged to his camp + to learn the game of war, for he had restored by diligent study of the + ancients much that was noble in that pursuit, and had elevated into an art + that which had long since degenerated into a system of butchery, + marauding, and rapine. And he had fought with signal success and + unquestionable heroism the most important and most brilliant pitched + battle of the age. He was a central figure of the current history of + Europe. Pagan nations looked up to him as one of the leading sovereigns of + Christendom. The Emperor of Japan addressed him as his brother monarch, + assured him that his subjects trading to that distant empire should be + welcomed and protected, and expressed himself ashamed that so great a + prince, whose name and fame had spread through the world, should send his + subjects to visit a country so distant and unknown, and offer its emperor + a friendship which he was unconscious of deserving. + </p> + <p> + He had been a commander of armies and a chief among men since he came to + man's estate, and he was now in the very vigour of life, in his + forty-second year. Of Imperial descent and closely connected by blood or + alliance with many of the most illustrious of reigning houses, the + acknowledged master of the most royal and noble of all sciences, he was of + the stuff of which kings were made, and belonged by what was then + accounted right divine to the family of kings. His father's death had + alone prevented his elevation to the throne of Holland, and such + possession of half the sovereignty of the United Netherlands would + probably have expanded into dominion over all the seven with a not + fantastic possibility of uniting the ten still obedient provinces into a + single realm. Such a kingdom would have been more populous and far + wealthier than contemporary Great Britain and Ireland. Maurice, then a + student at Leyden, was too young at that crisis, and his powers too + undeveloped to justify any serious attempt to place him in his father's + place. + </p> + <p> + The Netherlands drifted into a confederacy of aristocratic republics, not + because they had planned a republic, but because they could not get a + king, foreign or native. The documents regarding the offer of the + sovereign countship to William remained in the possession of Maurice, and + a few years before the peace there had been a private meeting of leading + personages, of which Barneveld was the promoter and chief spokesman, to + take into consideration the propriety and possibility of conferring that + sovereignty upon the son which had virtually belonged to the father. The + obstacles were deemed so numerous, and especially the scheme seemed so + fraught with danger to Maurice, that it was reluctantly abandoned by his + best friends, among whom unquestionably was the Advocate. + </p> + <p> + There was no reason whatever why the now successful and mature soldier, to + whom the country was under such vast obligations, should not aspire to the + sovereignty. The Provinces had not pledged themselves to republicanism, + but rather to monarchy, and the crown, although secretly coveted by Henry + IV., could by no possibility now be conferred on any other man than + Maurice. It was no impeachment on his character that he should nourish + thoughts in which there was nothing criminal. + </p> + <p> + But the peace negotiations had opened a chasm. It was obvious enough that + Barneveld having now so long exercised great powers, and become as it were + the chief magistrate of an important commonwealth, would not be so + friendly as formerly to its conversion into a monarchy and to the + elevation of the great soldier to its throne. The Advocate had even been + sounded, cautiously and secretly, so men believed, by the + Princess-Dowager, Louise de Coligny, widow of William the silent, as to + the feasibility of procuring the sovereignty for Maurice. She had done + this at the instigation of Maurice, who had expressed his belief that the + favourable influence of the Advocate would make success certain and who + had represented to her that, as he was himself resolved never to marry, + the inheritance after his death would fall to her son Frederick Henry. The + Princess, who was of a most amiable disposition, adored her son. Devoted + to the House of Nassau and a great admirer of its chief, she had a long + interview with Barneveld, in which she urged the scheme upon his attention + without in any probability revealing that she had come to him at the + solicitation of Maurice. + </p> + <p> + The Advocate spoke to her with frankness and out of the depths of his + heart. He professed an ardent attachment to her family, a profound + reverence for the virtues, sacrifices, and achievements of her lamented + husband, and a warm desire to do everything to further the interests of + the son who had proved himself so worthy of his parentage. + </p> + <p> + But he proved to her that Maurice, in seeking the sovereignty, was seeking + his ruin. The Hollanders, he said, liked to be persuaded and not forced. + Having triumphantly shaken off the yoke of a powerful king, they would + scarcely consent now to accept the rule of any personal sovereign. The + desire to save themselves from the claws of Spain had led them formerly to + offer the dominion over them to various potentates. Now that they had + achieved peace and independence and were delivered from the fears of + Spanish ferocity and French intrigue, they shuddered at the dangers from + royal hands out of which they had at last escaped. He believed that they + would be capable of tearing in pieces any one who might make the desired + proposition. After all, he urged, Maurice was a hundred times more + fortunate as he was than if he should succeed in desires so opposed to his + own good. This splendour of sovereignty was a false glare which would lead + him to a precipice. He had now the power of a sovereign without the envy + which ever followed it. Having essentially such power, he ought, like his + father, to despise an empty name, which would only make him hated. For it + was well known that William the Silent had only yielded to much + solicitation, agreeing to accept that which then seemed desirable for the + country's good but to him was more than indifferent. + </p> + <p> + Maurice was captain-general and admiral-general of five provinces. He + appointed to governments and to all military office. He had a share of + appointment to the magistracies. He had the same advantages and the same + authority as had been enjoyed in the Netherlands by the ancient sovereign + counts, by the dukes of Burgundy, by Emperor Charles V. himself. + </p> + <p> + Every one now was in favour of increasing his pensions, his salaries, his + material splendour. Should he succeed in seizing the sovereignty, men + would envy him even to the ribbands of his pages' and his lackeys' shoes. + He turned to the annals of Holland and showed the Princess that there had + hardly been a sovereign count against whom his subjects had not revolted, + marching generally into the very courtyard of the palace at the Hague in + order to take his life. + </p> + <p> + Convinced by this reasoning, Louise de Coligny had at once changed her + mind, and subsequently besought her stepson to give up a project sure to + be fatal to his welfare, his peace of mind, and the good of the country. + Maurice listened to her coldly, gave little heed to the Advocate's logic, + and hated him in his heart from that day forth. + </p> + <p> + The Princess remained loyal to Barneveld to the last. + </p> + <p> + Thus the foundation was laid of that terrible enmity which, inflamed by + theological passion, was to convert the period of peace into a hell, to + rend the Provinces asunder when they had most need of repose, and to lead + to tragical results for ever to be deplored. Already in 1607 Francis + Aerssens had said that the two had become so embroiled and things had gone + so far that one or the other would have to leave the country. He permitted + also the ridiculous statement to be made in his house at Paris, that Henry + IV. believed the Advocate to have become Spanish, and had declared that + Prince Maurice would do well to have him put into a sack and thrown into + the sea. + </p> + <p> + His life had been regularly divided into two halves, the campaigning + season and the period of winter quarters. In the one his business, and his + talk was of camps, marches, sieges, and battles only. In the other he was + devoted to his stud, to tennis, to mathematical and mechanical inventions, + and to chess, of which he was passionately fond, and which he did not play + at all well. A Gascon captain serving in the States' army was his habitual + antagonist in that game, and, although the stakes were but a crown a game, + derived a steady income out of his gains, which were more than equal to + his pay. The Prince was sulky when he lost, sitting, when the candles were + burned out and bed-time had arrived, with his hat pulled over his brows, + without bidding his guest good night, and leaving him to find his way out + as he best could; and, on the contrary, radiant with delight when + successful, calling for valets to light the departing captain through the + corridor, and accompanying him to the door of the apartment himself. That + warrior was accordingly too shrewd not to allow his great adversary as + fair a share of triumph as was consistent with maintaining the frugal + income on which he reckoned. + </p> + <p> + He had small love for the pleasures of the table, but was promiscuous and + unlicensed in his amours. He was methodical in his household arrangements, + and rather stingy than liberal in money matters. He personally read all + his letters, accounts, despatches, and other documents trivial or + important, but wrote few letters with his own hand, so that, unlike his + illustrious father's correspondence, there is little that is + characteristic to be found in his own. He was plain but not shabby in + attire, and was always dressed in exactly the same style, wearing doublet + and hose of brown woollen, a silk under vest, a short cloak lined with + velvet, a little plaited ruff on his neck, and very loose boots. He + ridiculed the smart French officers who, to show their fine legs, were + wont to wear such tight boots as made them perspire to get into them, and + maintained, in precept and practice, that a man should be able to jump + into his boots and mount and ride at a moment's notice. The only ornaments + he indulged in, except, of course, on state occasions, were a golden hilt + to his famous sword, and a rope of diamonds tied around his felt hat. + </p> + <p> + He was now in the full flower of his strength and his fame, in his + forty-second year, and of a noble and martial presence. The face, although + unquestionably handsome, offered a sharp contrast within itself; the upper + half all intellect, the lower quite sensual. Fair hair growing thin, but + hardly tinged with grey, a bright, cheerful, and thoughtful forehead, + large hazel eyes within a singularly large orbit of brow; a straight, + thin, slightly aquiline, well-cut nose—such features were at open + variance with the broad, thick-lipped, sensual mouth, the heavy pendant + jowl, the sparse beard on the glistening cheek, and the moleskin-like + moustachio and chin tuft. Still, upon the whole, it was a face and figure + which gave the world assurance of a man and a commander of men. Power and + intelligence were stamped upon him from his birth. + </p> + <p> + Barneveld was tall and majestic of presence, with large quadrangular face, + austere, blue eyes looking authority and command, a vast forehead, and a + grizzled beard. Of fluent and convincing eloquence with tongue and pen, + having the power of saying much in few words, he cared much more for the + substance than the graces of speech or composition. This tendency was not + ill exemplified in a note of his written on a sheet of questions addressed + to him by a States' ambassador about to start on an important mission, but + a novice in his business, the answers to which questions were to serve for + his diplomatic instructions. + </p> + <p> + "Item and principally," wrote the Envoy, "to request of M. de Barneveld a + formulary or copy of the best, soundest, wisest, and best couched + despatches done by several preceding ambassadors in order to regulate + myself accordingly for the greater service of the Province and for my + uttermost reputation." + </p> + <p> + The Advocate's answer, scrawled in his nearly illegible hand, was— + </p> + <p> + "Unnecessary. The truth in shortest about matters of importance shall be + taken for good style." + </p> + <p> + With great love of power, which he was conscious of exerting with ease to + himself and for the good of the public, he had little personal vanity, and + not the smallest ambition of authorship. Many volumes might be collected + out of the vast accumulation of his writings now mouldering and forgotten + in archives. Had the language in which they are written become a world's + language, they would be worthy of attentive study, as containing noble + illustrations of the history and politics of his age, with theories and + sentiments often far in advance of his age. But he cared not for style. + "The truth in shortest about matters of importance" was enough for him; + but the world in general, and especially the world of posterity, cares + much for style. The vehicle is often prized more than the freight. The + name of Barneveld is fast fading out of men's memory. The fame of his + pupil and companion in fortune and misfortune, Hugo Grotius, is ever + green. But Grotius was essentially an author rather than a statesman: he + wrote for the world and posterity with all the love, pride, and charm of + the devotee of literature, and he composed his noblest works in a language + which is ever living because it is dead. Some of his writings, epochmaking + when they first appeared, are text-books still familiar in every + cultivated household on earth. Yet Barneveld was vastly his superior in + practical statesmanship, in law, in the science of government, and above + all in force of character, while certainly not his equal in theology, nor + making any pretensions to poetry. Although a ripe scholar, he rarely wrote + in Latin, and not often in French. His ambition was to do his work + thoroughly according to his view of duty, and to ask God's blessing upon + it without craving overmuch the applause of men. + </p> + <p> + Such were the two men, the soldier and the statesman. Would the Republic, + fortunate enough to possess two such magnificent and widely contrasted + capacities, be wise enough to keep them in its service, each supplementing + the other, and the two combining in a perfect whole? + </p> + <p> + Or was the great law of the Discords of the World, as potent as that other + principle of Universal Harmony and planetary motion which an illustrious + contemporary—that Wurtemberg astronomer, once a soldier of the + fierce Alva, now the half-starved astrologer of the brain-sick Rudolph—was + at that moment discovering, after "God had waited six thousand years for + him to do it," to prevail for the misery of the Republic and shame of + Europe? Time was to show. + </p> + <p> + The new state had forced itself into the family of sovereignties somewhat + to the displeasure of most of the Lord's anointed. Rebellious and + republican, it necessarily excited the jealousy of long-established and + hereditary governments. + </p> + <p> + The King of Spain had not formally acknowledged the independence of the + United Provinces. He had treated with them as free, and there was supposed + to be much virtue in the conjunction. But their sovereign independence was + virtually recognized by the world. Great nations had entered into public + and diplomatic relations and conventions with them, and their agents at + foreign courts were now dignified with the rank and title of ambassadors. + </p> + <p> + The Spanish king had likewise refused to them the concession of the right + of navigation and commerce in the East Indies, but it was a matter of + notoriety that the absence of the word India, suppressed as it was in the + treaty, implied an immense triumph on the part of the States, and that + their flourishing and daily increasing commerce in the farthest East and + the imperial establishments already rising there were cause of envy and + jealousy not to Spain alone, but to friendly powers. + </p> + <p> + Yet the government of Great Britain affected to regard them as something + less than a sovereign state. Although Elizabeth had refused the + sovereignty once proffered to her, although James had united with Henry + IV. in guaranteeing the treaty just concluded between the States and + Spain, that monarch had the wonderful conception that the Republic was in + some sort a province of his own, because he still held the cautionary + towns in pledge for the loans granted by his predecessor. His agents at + Constantinople were instructed to represent the new state as unworthy to + accredit its envoys as those of an independent power. The Provinces were + represented as a collection of audacious rebels, a piratical scum of the + sea. But the Sultan knew his interests better than to incur the enmity of + this rising maritime power. The Dutch envoy declaring that he would sooner + throw himself into the Bosphorus than remain to be treated with less + consideration than that accorded to the ministers of all great powers, the + remonstrances of envious colleagues were hushed, and Haga was received + with all due honours. + </p> + <p> + Even at the court of the best friend of the Republic, the French king, men + looked coldly at the upstart commonwealth. Francis Aerssens, the keen and + accomplished minister of the States, resident in Paris for many years, was + received as ambassador after the truce with all the ceremonial befitting + the highest rank in the diplomatic service; yet Henry could not yet + persuade himself to look upon the power accrediting him as a thoroughly + organized commonwealth. + </p> + <p> + The English ambassador asked the King if he meant to continue his aid and + assistance to the States during the truce. "Yes," answered Henry. + </p> + <p> + "And a few years beyond it?" + </p> + <p> + "No. I do not wish to offend the King of Spain from mere gaiety of heart." + </p> + <p> + "But they are free," replied the Ambassador; "the King of Spain could have + no cause for offence." + </p> + <p> + "They are free," said the King, "but not sovereign."—"Judge then," + wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, "how we shall be with the King of Spain at + the end of our term when our best friends make this distinction among + themselves to our disadvantage. They insist on making a difference between + liberty and sovereignty; considering liberty as a mean term between + servitude and sovereignty." + </p> + <p> + "You would do well," continued the Dutch ambassador, "to use the word + 'sovereignty' on all occasions instead of 'liberty.'" The hint was + significant and the advice sound. + </p> + <p> + The haughty republic of Venice, too, with its "golden Book" and its + pedigree of a thousand years, looked askance at the republic of yesterday + rising like herself out of lagunes and sand banks, and affecting to place + herself side by side with emperors, kings, and the lion of St. Mark. But + the all-accomplished council of that most serene commonwealth had far too + much insight and too wide experience in political combinations to make the + blunder of yielding to this aristocratic sentiment. + </p> + <p> + The natural enemy of the Pope, of Spain, of Austria, must of necessity be + the friend of Venice, and it was soon thought highly desirable to intimate + half officially that a legation from the States-General to the Queen of + the Adriatic, announcing the conclusion of the Twelve Years' Truce, would + be extremely well received. + </p> + <p> + The hint was given by the Venetian ambassador at Paris to Francis + Aerssens, who instantly recommended van der Myle, son-in-law of Barneveld, + as a proper personage to be entrusted with this important mission. At this + moment an open breach had almost occurred between Spain and Venice, and + the Spanish ambassador at Paris, Don Pedro de Toledo, naturally very irate + with Holland, Venice, and even with France, was vehement in his + demonstrations. The arrogant Spaniard had for some time been employed in + an attempt to negotiate a double marriage between the Dauphin and the + eldest daughter of Philip III., and between the eldest son of that king + and the Princess Elizabeth of France. An indispensable but secret + condition of this negotiation was the absolute renunciation by France of + its alliance and friendly relations with the United Provinces. The project + was in truth a hostile measure aimed directly at the life of the Republic. + Henry held firm however, and Don Pedro was about to depart malcontent, his + mission having totally failed. He chanced, when going to his audience of + leave-taking, after the arrival of his successor, Don Inigo de Cardenas, + to meet the Venetian ambassador, Antonio Foscarini. An altercation took + place between them, during which the Spaniard poured out his wrath so + vehemently, calling his colleague with neat alliteration "a poltroon, a + pantaloon, and a pig," that Henry heard him. + </p> + <p> + What Signor Antonio replied has not been preserved, but it is stated that + he was first to seek a reconciliation, not liking, he said, Spanish + assassinations. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the double marriage project was for a season at least suspended, + and the alliance between the two republics went forwards. Van der Myle, + appointed ambassador to Venice, soon afterwards arrived in Paris, where he + made a very favourable impression, and was highly lauded by Aerssens in + his daily correspondence with Barneveld. No portentous shadow of future + and fatal discord between those statesmen fell upon the cheerful scene. + Before the year closed, he arrived at his post, and was received with + great distinction, despite the obstacles thrown in his way by Spain and + other powers; the ambassador of France itself, de Champigny, having + privately urged that he ought to be placed on the same footing with the + envoys of Savoy and of Florence. + </p> + <p> + Van der Myle at starting committed the trifling fault of styling the + States-General "most illustrious" (illustrissimi) instead of "most + serene," the title by which Venice designated herself. + </p> + <p> + The fault was at once remedied, however, Priuli the Doge seating the Dutch + ambassador on his right hand at his solemn reception, and giving + directions that van der Myle should be addressed as Excellency, his post + being assigned him directly after his seniors, the ambassadors of Pope, + Emperor, and kings. The same precedence was settled in Paris, while + Aerssens, who did not consider himself placed in a position of greater + usefulness by his formal installation as ambassador, received private + intimation from Henry, with whom he was on terms of great confidence and + intimacy, that he should have private access to the King as frequently and + as in formally as before. The theory that the ambassador, representing the + personality of his sovereign, may visit the monarch to whom he is + accredited, without ceremony and at his own convenience, was as rarely + carried into practice in the sixteenth century as in the nineteenth, while + on the other hand Aerssens, as the private and confidential agent of a + friendly but not publicly recognized commonwealth, had been for many years + in almost daily personal communication with the King. + </p> + <p> + It is also important to note that the modern fallacy according to which + republics being impersonal should not be represented by ambassadors had + not appeared in that important epoch in diplomatic history. On the + contrary, the two great republics of the age, Holland and Venice, + vindicated for themselves, with as much dignity and reason as success, + their right to the highest diplomatic honours. + </p> + <p> + The distinction was substantial not shadowy; those haughty commonwealths + not considering it advantageous or decorous that their representatives + should for want of proper official designations be ranked on great + ceremonial occasions with the ministers of petty Italian principalities or + of the three hundred infinitesimal sovereignties of Germany. + </p> + <p> + It was the advice of the French king especially, who knew politics and the + world as well as any man, that the envoys of the Republic which he + befriended and which stood now on the threshold of its official and + national existence, should assert themselves at every court with the + self-reliance and courtesy becoming the functionaries of a great power. + That those ministers were second to the representatives of no other + European state in capacity and accomplishment was a fact well known to all + who had dealings with them, for the States required in their diplomatic + representatives knowledge of history and international law, modern + languages, and the classics, as well as familiarity with political customs + and social courtesies; the breeding of gentlemen in short, and the + accomplishments of scholars. It is both a literary enjoyment and a means + of historical and political instruction to read after the lapse of + centuries their reports and despatches. They worthily compare as works of + art with those diplomatic masterpieces the letters and 'Relazioni' of the + Venetian ambassadors; and it is well known that the earlier and some of + the most important treatises on public and international law ever written + are from the pens of Hollanders, who indeed may be said to have invented + that science.' + </p> + <p> + The Republic having thus steadily shouldered its way into the family of + nations was soon called upon to perform a prominent part in the world's + affairs. More than in our own epoch there was a close political + commingling of such independent states as held sympathetic views on the + great questions agitating Europe. The policy of isolation so wisely and + successfully carried out by our own trans-Atlantic commonwealth was + impossible for the Dutch republic, born as it was of a great religious + schism, and with its narrow territory wedged between the chief political + organizations of Christendom. Moreover the same jealousy on the part of + established powers which threw so many obstacles in its path to recognized + sovereignty existed in the highest degree between its two sponsors and + allies, France and England, in regard to their respective relations to the + new state. + </p> + <p> + "If ever there was an obliged people," said Henry's secretary of state, + Villeroy, to Aerssens, "then it is you Netherlanders to his Majesty. He + has converted your war into peace, and has never abandoned you. It is for + you now to show your affection and gratitude." + </p> + <p> + In the time of Elizabeth, and now in that of her successor, there was + scarcely a day in which the envoys of the States were not reminded of the + immense load of favour from England under which they tottered, and of the + greater sincerity and value of English friendship over that of France. + </p> + <p> + Sully often spoke to Aerssens on the subject in even stronger language, + deeming himself the chief protector and guardian angel of the Republic, to + whom they were bound by ties of eternal gratitude. "But if the States," he + said, "should think of caressing the King of England more than him, or + even of treating him on an equality with his Majesty, Henry would be very + much affronted. He did not mean that they should neglect the friendship of + the King of Britain, but that they should cultivate it after and in + subordination to his own, for they might be sure that James held all + things indifferent, their ruin or their conservation, while his Majesty + had always manifested the contrary both by his counsels and by the + constant furnishing of supplies." + </p> + <p> + Henry of France and Navarre—soldier, statesman, wit, above all a man + and every inch a king—brimful of human vices, foibles, and humours, + and endowed with those high qualities of genius which enabled him to mould + events and men by his unscrupulous and audacious determination to conform + to the spirit of his times which no man better understood than himself, + had ever been in such close relations with the Netherlands as to seem in + some sort their sovereign. + </p> + <p> + James Stuart, emerging from the school of Buchanan and the atmosphere of + Calvinism in which he had been bred, now reigned in those more sunny and + liberal regions where Elizabeth so long had ruled. Finding himself at + once, after years of theological study, face to face with a foreign + commonwealth and a momentous epoch, in which politics were so commingled + with divinity as to offer daily the most puzzling problems, the royal + pedant hugged himself at beholding so conspicuous a field for his talents. + </p> + <p> + To turn a throne into a pulpit, and amaze mankind with his learning, was + an ambition most sweet to gratify. The Calvinist of Scotland now + proclaimed his deadly hatred of Puritans in England and Holland, and + denounced the Netherlanders as a pack of rebels whom it always pleased him + to irritate, and over whom he too claimed, through the possession of the + cautionary towns, a kind of sovereignty. Instinctively feeling that in the + rough and unlovely husk of Puritanism was enclosed the germ of a wider + human liberty than then existed, he was determined to give battle to it + with his tongue, his pen, with everything but his sword. + </p> + <p> + Doubtless the States had received most invaluable assistance from both + France and England, but the sovereigns of those countries were too apt to + forget that it was their own battles, as well as those of the Hollanders, + that had been fought in Flanders and Brabant. But for the alliance and + subsidies of the faithful States, Henry would not so soon have ascended + the throne of his ancestors, while it was matter of history that the + Spanish government had for years been steadily endeavouring to subjugate + England not so much for the value of the conquest in itself as for a + stepping-stone to the recovery of the revolted Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + For the dividing line of nations or at least of national alliances was a + frontier not of language but of faith. Germany was but a geographical + expression. The union of Protestantism, subscribed by a large proportion + of its three hundred and seven sovereigns, ran zigzag through the country, + a majority probably of the people at that moment being opposed to the + Roman Church. + </p> + <p> + It has often been considered amazing that Protestantism having + accomplished so much should have fallen backwards so soon, and yielded + almost undisputed sway in vast regions to the long dominant church. But in + truth there is nothing surprising about it. Catholicism was and remained a + unit, while its opponents were eventually broken up into hundreds of + warring and politically impotent organizations. Religious faith became + distorted into a weapon for selfish and greedy territorial aggrandizement + in the hands of Protestant princes. "Cujus regio ejus religio" was the + taunt hurled in the face of the imploring Calvinists of France and the Low + Countries by the arrogant Lutherans of Germany. Such a sword smote the + principle of religious freedom and mutual toleration into the dust, and + rendered them comparatively weak in the conflict with the ancient and + splendidly organized church. + </p> + <p> + The Huguenots of France, notwithstanding the protection grudgingly + afforded them by their former chieftain, were dejected and discomfited by + his apostasy, and Henry, placed in a fearfully false position, was an + object of suspicion to both friends and foes. In England it is difficult + to say whether a Jesuit or a Puritan was accounted the more noxious animal + by the dominant party. + </p> + <p> + In the United Provinces perhaps one half the population was either openly + or secretly attached to the ancient church, while among the Protestant + portion a dire and tragic convulsion was about to break forth, which for a + time at least was to render Remonstrants and Contra-Remonstrants more + fiercely opposed to each other than to Papists. + </p> + <p> + The doctrine of predestination in its sternest and strictest sense had + long been the prevailing one in the Reformed Church of the revolted + Netherlands, as in those of Scotland, France, Geneva, and the Palatinate. + No doubt up to the period of the truce a majority had acquiesced in that + dogma and its results, although there had always been many preachers to + advocate publicly a milder creed. It was not until the appointment of + Jacob Arminius to the professorship of theology at Leyden, in the place of + Francis Junius, in the year 1603, that a danger of schism in the Church, + seemed impending. Then rose the great Gomarus in his wrath, and with all + the powers of splendid eloquence, profound learning, and the intense + bigotry of conviction, denounced the horrible heresy. Conferences between + the two before the Court of Holland, theological tournaments between six + champions on a side, gallantly led by their respective chieftains, + followed, with the usual result of confirming both parties in the + conviction that to each alone belonged exclusively the truth. + </p> + <p> + The original influence of Arminius had however been so great that when the + preachers of Holland had been severally called on by a synod to sign the + Heidelberg Catechism, many of them refused. Here was open heresy and + revolt. It was time for the true church to vindicate its authority. The + great war with Spain had been made, so it was urged and honestly believed, + not against the Inquisition, not to prevent Netherlanders from being + burned and buried alive by the old true church, not in defence of ancient + charters, constitutions, and privileges—the precious result of + centuries of popular resistance to despotic force—not to maintain an + amount of civil liberty and local self-government larger in extent than + any then existing in the world, not to assert equality of religion for all + men, but simply to establish the true religion, the one church, the only + possible creed; the creed and church of Calvin. + </p> + <p> + It is perfectly certain that the living fire which glowed in the veins of + those hot gospellers had added intense enthusiasm to the war spirit + throughout that immense struggle. It is quite possible that without that + enthusiasm the war might not have been carried on to its successful end. + But it is equally certain that Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, and + devotees of many other creeds, had taken part in the conflict in defence + both of hearth and altar, and that without that aid the independence of + the Provinces would never have been secured. + </p> + <p> + Yet before the war was ended the arrogance of the Reformed priesthood had + begun to dig a chasm. Men who with William the Silent and Barneveld had + indulged in the vision of religious equality as a possible result of so + much fighting against the Holy Inquisition were perhaps to be + disappointed. + </p> + <p> + Preachers under the influence of the gentle Arminius having dared to + refuse signing the Creed were to be dealt with. It was time to pass from + censure to action. + </p> + <p> + Heresy must be trampled down. The churches called for a national synod, + and they did this as by divine right. "My Lords the States-General must + observe," they said, "that this assembly now demanded is not a human + institution but an ordinance of the Holy Ghost in its community, not + depending upon any man's authority, but proceeding from God to the + community." They complained that the true church was allowed to act only + through the civil government, and was thus placed at a disadvantage + compared even with Catholics and other sects, whose proceedings were + winked at. "Thus the true church suffered from its apparent and public + freedom, and hostile sects gained by secret connivance." + </p> + <p> + A crisis was fast approaching. The one church claimed infallibility and + superiority to the civil power. The Holy Ghost was placed in direct, + ostentatious opposition to My Lords the States-General. It was for + Netherlanders to decide whether, after having shaken off the Holy + Inquisition, and subjected the old true church to the public authority, + they were now to submit to the imperious claims of the new true church. + </p> + <p> + There were hundreds of links connecting the Church with the State. In that + day a divorce between the two was hardly possible or conceivable. The + system of Congregationalism so successfully put into practice soon + afterwards in the wilderness of New England, and to which so much of + American freedom political as well as religious is due, was not easy to + adopt in an old country like the Netherlands. Splendid churches and + cathedrals, the legal possession of which would be contended for by rival + sects, could scarcely be replaced by temporary structures of lath and + plaster, or by humble back parlours of mechanics' shops. There were + questions of property of complicated nature. Not only the states and the + communities claimed in rivalry the ownership of church property, but many + private families could show ancient advowsons and other claims to present + or to patronize, derived from imperial or ducal charters. + </p> + <p> + So long as there could be liberty of opinion within the Church upon points + not necessarily vital, open schism could be avoided, by which the cause of + Protestantism throughout Europe must be weakened, while at the same time + subordination of the priesthood to the civil authority would be + maintained. But if the Holy Ghost, through the assembled clergy, were to + dictate an iron formulary to which all must conform, to make laws for + church government which every citizen must obey, and to appoint preachers + and school-masters from whom alone old and young could receive + illumination and instruction religious or lay, a theocracy would be + established which no enlightened statesman could tolerate. + </p> + <p> + The States-General agreed to the synod, but imposed a condition that there + should be a revision of Creed and Catechism. This was thundered down with + one blast. The condition implied a possibility that the vile heresy of + Arminius might be correct. An unconditional synod was demanded. The + Heidelberg Creed and Netherland Catechism were sacred, infallible, not to + be touched. The answer of the government, through the mouth of Barneveld, + was that "to My Lords the States-General as the foster-fathers and + protectors of the churches every right belonged." + </p> + <p> + Thus far the States-General under the leadership of the Advocate were + unanimous. The victory remained with State against Church. But very soon + after the truce had been established, and men had liberty to devote + themselves to peaceful pursuits, the ecclesiastical trumpet again sounded + far and wide, and contending priests and laymen rushed madly to the fray. + The Remonstrance and Contra-Remonstrance, and the appointment of Conrad + Vorstius, a more abominable heretic than Arminius, to the vacant chair of + Arminius—a step which drove Gomarus and the Gomarites to frenzy, + although Gomarus and Vorstius remained private and intimate friends to the + last—are matters briefly to be mentioned on a later page. + </p> + <p> + Thus to the four chief actors in the politico-religious drama, soon to be + enacted as an interlude to an eighty years' war, were assigned parts at + first sight inconsistent with their private convictions. The King of + France, who had often abjured his religion, and was now the best of + Catholics, was denounced ferociously in every Catholic pulpit in + Christendom as secretly an apostate again, and the open protector of + heretics and rebels. But the cheerful Henry troubled himself less than he + perhaps had cause to do with these thunderblasts. Besides, as we shall + soon see, he had other objects political and personal to sway his + opinions. + </p> + <p> + James the ex-Calvinist, crypto-Arminian, pseudo-Papist, and avowed Puritan + hater, was girding on his armour to annihilate Arminians and to defend and + protect Puritans in Holland, while swearing that in England he would + pepper them and harry them and hang them and that he would even like to + bury them alive. + </p> + <p> + Barneveld, who turned his eyes, as much as in such an inflammatory age it + was possible, from subtle points of theology, and relied on his + great-grandfather's motto of humility, "Nil scire tutissima fides" was + perhaps nearer to the dogma of the dominant Reformed Church than he knew, + although always the consistent and strenuous champion of the civil + authority over Church as well as State. + </p> + <p> + Maurice was no theologian. He was a steady churchgoer, and his favorite + divine, the preacher at his court chapel, was none other than + Uytenbogaert. The very man who was instantly to be the champion of the + Arminians, the author of the Remonstrance, the counsellor and comrade of + Barneveld and Grotius, was now sneered at by the Gomarites as the "Court + Trumpeter." The preacher was not destined to change his opinions. Perhaps + the Prince might alter. But Maurice then paid no heed to the great point + at issue, about which all the Netherlanders were to take each other by the + throat—absolute predestination. He knew that the Advocate had + refused to listen to his stepmother's suggestion as to his obtaining the + sovereignty. "He knew nothing of predestination," he was wont to say, + "whether it was green or whether it was blue. He only knew that his pipe + and the Advocate's were not likely to make music together." This much of + predestination he did know, that if the Advocate and his friends were to + come to open conflict with the Prince of Orange-Nassau, the conqueror of + Nieuwpoort, it was predestined to go hard with the Advocate and his + friends. + </p> + <p> + The theological quibble did not interest him much, and he was apt to + blunder about it. + </p> + <p> + "Well, preacher," said he one day to Albert Huttenus, who had come to him + to intercede for a deserter condemned to be hanged, "are you one of those + Arminians who believe that one child is born to salvation and another to + damnation?" + </p> + <p> + Huttenus, amazed to the utmost at the extraordinary question, replied, + "Your Excellency will be graciously pleased to observe that this is not + the opinion of those whom one calls by the hateful name of Arminians, but + the opinion of their adversaries." + </p> + <p> + "Well, preacher," rejoined Maurice, "don't you think I know better?" And + turning to Count Lewis William, Stadholder of Friesland, who was present, + standing by the hearth with his hand on a copper ring of the chimneypiece, + he cried, + </p> + <p> + "Which is right, cousin, the preacher or I?" + </p> + <p> + "No, cousin," answered Count Lewis, "you are in the wrong." + </p> + <p> + Thus to the Catholic League organized throughout Europe in solid and + consistent phalanx was opposed the Great Protestant Union, ardent and + enthusiastic in detail, but undisciplined, disobedient, and inharmonious + as a whole. + </p> + <p> + The great principle, not of religious toleration, which is a phrase of + insult, but of religious equality, which is the natural right of mankind, + was to be evolved after a lapse of, additional centuries out of the + elemental conflict which had already lasted so long. Still later was the + total divorce of State and Church to be achieved as the final consummation + of the great revolution. Meantime it was almost inevitable that the + privileged and richly endowed church, with ecclesiastical armies and + arsenals vastly superior to anything which its antagonist could improvise, + should more than hold its own. + </p> + <p> + At the outset of the epoch which now occupies our attention, Europe was in + a state of exhaustion and longing for repose. Spain had submitted to the + humiliation of a treaty of truce with its rebellious subjects which was + substantially a recognition of their independence. Nothing could be more + deplorable than the internal condition of the country which claimed to be + mistress of the world and still aspired to universal monarchy. + </p> + <p> + It had made peace because it could no longer furnish funds for the war. + The French ambassador, Barante, returning from Madrid, informed his + sovereign that he had often seen officers in the army prostrating + themselves on their knees in the streets before their sovereign as he went + to mass, and imploring him for payment of their salaries, or at least an + alms to keep them from starving, and always imploring in vain. + </p> + <p> + The King, who was less than a cipher, had neither capacity to feel + emotion, nor intelligence to comprehend the most insignificant affair of + state. Moreover the means were wanting to him even had he been disposed to + grant assistance. The terrible Duke of Lerma was still his inexorably lord + and master, and the secretary of that powerful personage, who kept an open + shop for the sale of offices of state both high and low, took care that + all the proceeds should flow into the coffers of the Duke and his own lap + instead of the royal exchequer. + </p> + <p> + In France both king and people declared themselves disgusted with war. + Sully disapproved of the treaty just concluded between Spain and the + Netherlands, feeling sure that the captious and equivocal clauses + contained in it would be interpreted to the disadvantage of the Republic + and of the Reformed religion whenever Spain felt herself strong enough to + make the attempt. He was especially anxious that the States should make no + concessions in regard to the exercise of the Catholic worship within their + territory, believing that by so doing they would compromise their + political independence besides endangering the cause of Protestantism + everywhere. A great pressure was put upon Sully that moment by the King to + change his religion. + </p> + <p> + "You will all be inevitably ruined if you make concessions in this + regard," said he to Aerssens. "Take example by me. I should be utterly + undone if I had listened to any overture on this subject." + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless it was the opinion of the astute and caustic envoy that the + Duke would be forced to yield at last. The Pope was making great efforts + to gain him, and thus to bring about the extirpation of Protestantism in + France. And the King, at that time much under the influence of the + Jesuits, had almost set his heart on the conversion. Aerssens insinuated + that Sully was dreading a minute examination into the affairs of his + administration of the finances—a groundless calumny—and would + be thus forced to comply. Other enemies suggested that nothing would + effect this much desired apostasy but the office of Constable of France, + which it was certain would never be bestowed on him. + </p> + <p> + At any rate it was very certain that Henry at this period was bent on + peace. + </p> + <p> + "Make your account," said Aerssens to Barneveld, as the time for signing + the truce drew nigh, "on this indubitable foundation that the King is + determined against war, whatever pretences he may make. His bellicose + demeanour has been assumed only to help forward our treaty, which he would + never have favoured, and ought never to have favoured, if he had not been + too much in love with peace. This is a very important secret if we manage + it discreetly, and a very dangerous one if our enemies discover it." + </p> + <p> + Sully would have much preferred that the States should stand out for a + peace rather than for a truce, and believed it might have been obtained if + the King had not begun the matter so feebly, and if he had let it be + understood that he would join his arms to those of the Provinces in case + of rupture. + </p> + <p> + He warned the States very strenuously that the Pope, and the King of + Spain, and a host of enemies open and covert, were doing their host to + injure them at the French court. They would find little hindrance in this + course if the Republic did not show its teeth, and especially if it did + not stiffly oppose all encroachments of the Roman religion, without even + showing any deference to the King in this regard, who was much importuned + on the subject. + </p> + <p> + He advised the States to improve the interval of truce by restoring order + to their finances and so arranging their affairs that on the resumption of + hostilities, if come they must, their friends might be encouraged to help + them, by the exhibition of thorough vigour on their part. + </p> + <p> + France then, although utterly indisposed for war at that moment, was + thoroughly to be relied on as a friend and in case of need an ally, so + long as it was governed by its present policy. There was but one king left + in Europe since the death of Elizabeth of England. + </p> + <p> + But Henry was now on the abhorred threshold of old age which he + obstinately refused to cross. + </p> + <p> + There is something almost pathetic, in spite of the censure which much of + his private life at this period provokes, in the isolation which now + seemed his lot. + </p> + <p> + Deceived and hated by his wife and his mistresses, who were conspiring + with each other and with his ministers, not only against his policy but + against his life; with a vile Italian adventurer, dishonouring his + household, entirely dominating the queen, counteracting the royal + measures, secretly corresponding, by assumed authority, with Spain, in + direct violation of the King's instructions to his ambassadors, and + gorging himself with wealth and offices at the expense of everything + respectable in France; surrounded by a pack of malignant and greedy + nobles, who begrudged him his fame, his authority, his independence; + without a home, and almost without a friend, the Most Christian King in + these latter days led hardly as merry a life as when fighting years long + for his crown, at the head of his Gascon chivalry, the beloved chieftain + of Huguenots. + </p> + <p> + Of the triumvirate then constituting his council, Villeroy, Sillery, and + Sully, the two first were ancient Leaguers, and more devoted at heart to + Philip of Spain than to Henry of France and Navarre. + </p> + <p> + Both silent, laborious, plodding, plotting functionaries, thriftily + gathering riches; skilled in routine and adepts at intrigue; steady + self-seekers, and faithful to office in which their lives had passed, they + might be relied on at any emergency to take part against their master, if + to ruin would prove more profitable than to serve him. + </p> + <p> + There was one man who was truer to Henry than Henry had been to himself. + The haughty, defiant, austere grandee, brave soldier, sagacious statesman, + thrifty financier, against whom the poisoned arrows of religious hatred, + envious ambition, and petty court intrigue were daily directed, who + watched grimly over the exchequer confided to him, which was daily growing + fuller in despite of the cormorants who trembled at his frown; hard + worker, good hater, conscientious politician, who filled his own coffers + without dishonesty, and those of the state without tyranny; unsociable, + arrogant; pious, very avaricious, and inordinately vain, Maximilian de + Bethune, Duke of Sully, loved and respected Henry as no man or woman loved + and respected him. In truth, there was but one living being for whom the + Duke had greater reverence and affection than for the King, and that was + the Duke of Sully himself. + </p> + <p> + At this moment he considered himself, as indeed he was, in full possession + of his sovereign's confidence. But he was alone in this conviction. Those + about the court, men like Epernon and his creatures, believed the great + financier on the brink of perdition. Henry, always the loosest of talkers + even in regard to his best friends, had declared, on some temporary + vexation in regard to the affair between Aiguillon and Balagny, that he + would deal with the Duke as with the late Marshal de Biron, and make him + smaller than he had ever made him great: goading him on this occasion with + importunities, almost amounting to commands, that both he and his son + should forthwith change their religion or expect instant ruin. The blow + was so severe that Sully shut himself up, refused to see anyone, and + talked of retiring for good to his estates. But he knew, and Henry knew, + how indispensable he was, and the anger of the master was as shortlived as + the despair of the minister. + </p> + <p> + There was no living statesman for whom Henry had a more sincere respect + than for the Advocate of Holland. "His Majesty admires and greatly extols + your wisdom, which he judges necessary for the preservation of our State; + deeming you one of the rare and sage counsellors of the age." It is true + that this admiration was in part attributed to the singular coincidence of + Barneveld's views of policy with the King's own. Sully, on his part, was a + severe critic of that policy. He believed that better terms might have + been exacted from Spain in the late negotiations, and strongly objected to + the cavilling and equivocal language of the treaty. Rude in pen as in + speech, he expressed his mind very freely in his conversation and + correspondence with Henry in regard to leading personages and great + affairs, and made no secret of his opinions to the States' ambassador. + </p> + <p> + He showed his letters in which he had informed the King that he ought + never to have sanctioned the truce without better securities than existed, + and that the States would never have moved in any matter without him. It + would have been better to throw himself into a severe war than to see the + Republic perish. He further expressed the conviction that Henry ought to + have such authority over the Netherlands that they would embrace blindly + whatever counsel he chose to give them, even if they saw in it their + inevitable ruin; and this not so much from remembrance of assistance + rendered by him, but from the necessity in which they should always feel + of depending totally upon him. + </p> + <p> + "You may judge, therefore," concluded Aerssens, "as to how much we can + build on such foundations as these. I have been amazed at these frank + communications, for in those letters he spares neither My Lords the + States, nor his Excellency Prince Maurice, nor yourself; giving his + judgment of each of you with far too much freedom and without sufficient + knowledge." + </p> + <p> + Thus the alliance between the Netherlands and France, notwithstanding + occasional traces of caprice and flaws of personal jealousy, was on the + whole sincere, for it was founded on the surest foundation of + international friendship, the self-interest of each. Henry, although + boasting of having bought Paris with a mass, knew as well as his worst + enemy that in that bargain he had never purchased the confidence of the + ancient church, on whose bosom he had flung himself with so much dramatic + pomp. His noble position, as champion of religious toleration, was not + only unappreciated in an age in which each church and every sect arrogated + to itself a monopoly of the truth, but it was one in which he did not + himself sincerely believe. + </p> + <p> + After all, he was still the chieftain of the Protestant Union, and, + although Eldest Son of the Church, was the bitter antagonist of the League + and the sworn foe to the House of Austria. He was walking through pitfalls + with a crowd of invisible but relentless foes dogging his every footstep. + In his household or without were daily visions of dagger and bowl, and he + felt himself marching to his doom. How could the man on whom the heretic + and rebellious Hollanders and the Protestant princes of Germany relied as + on their saviour escape the unutterable wrath and the patient vengeance of + a power that never forgave? + </p> + <p> + In England the jealousy of the Republic and of France as co-guardian and + protector of the Republic was even greater than in France. Though placed + by circumstances in the position of ally to the Netherlands and enemy to + Spain, James hated the Netherlands and adored Spain. His first thought on + escaping the general destruction to which the Gunpowder Plot was to have + involved himself and family and all the principal personages of the realm + seems to have been to exculpate Spain from participation in the crime. His + next was to deliver a sermon to Parliament, exonerating the Catholics and + going out of his way to stigmatize the Puritans as entertaining doctrines + which should be punished with fire. As the Puritans had certainly not been + accused of complicity with Guy Fawkes or Garnet, this portion of the + discourse was at least superfluous. But James loathed nothing so much as a + Puritan. A Catholic at heart, he would have been the warmest ally of the + League had he only been permitted to be Pope of Great Britain. He hated + and feared a Jesuit, not for his religious doctrines, for with these he + sympathized, but for his political creed. He liked not that either Roman + Pontiff or British Presbyterian should abridge his heaven-born + prerogative. The doctrine of Papal superiority to temporal sovereigns was + as odious to him as Puritan rebellion to the hierarchy of which he was the + chief. Moreover, in his hostility to both Papists and Presbyterians, there + was much of professional rivalry. Having been deprived by the accident of + birth of his true position as theological professor, he lost no + opportunity of turning his throne into a pulpit and his sceptre into a + controversial pen. + </p> + <p> + Henry of France, who rarely concealed his contempt for Master Jacques, as + he called him, said to the English ambassador, on receiving from him one + of the King's books, and being asked what he thought of it—"It is + not the business of us kings to write, but to fight. Everybody should mind + his own business, but it is the vice of most men to wish to appear learned + in matters of which they are ignorant." + </p> + <p> + The flatterers of James found their account in pandering to his sacerdotal + and royal vanity. "I have always believed," said the Lord Chancellor, + after hearing the King argue with and browbeat a Presbyterian deputation, + "that the high-priesthood and royalty ought to be united, but I never + witnessed the actual junction till now, after hearing the learned + discourse of your Majesty." Archbishop Whitgift, grovelling still lower, + declared his conviction that James, in the observations he had deigned to + make, had been directly inspired by the Holy Ghost. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more illogical and incoherent with each other than his + theological and political opinions. He imagined himself a defender of the + Protestant faith, while hating Holland and fawning on the House of + Austria. + </p> + <p> + In England he favoured Arminianism, because the Anglican Church recognized + for its head the temporal chief of the State. In Holland he vehemently + denounced the Arminians, indecently persecuting their preachers and + statesmen, who were contending for exactly the same principle—the + supremacy of State over Church. He sentenced Bartholomew Legate to be + burned alive in Smithfield as a blasphemous heretic, and did his best to + compel the States of Holland to take the life of Professor Vorstius of + Leyden. He persecuted the Presbyterians in England as furiously as he + defended them in Holland. He drove Bradford and Carver into the New + England wilderness, and applauded Gomarus and Walaeus and the other famous + leaders of the Presbyterian party in the Netherlands with all his soul and + strength. + </p> + <p> + He united with the French king in negotiations for Netherland + independence, while denouncing the Provinces as guilty of criminal + rebellion against their lawful sovereign. + </p> + <p> + "He pretends," said Jeannin, "to assist in bringing about the peace, and + nevertheless does his best openly to prevent it." + </p> + <p> + Richardot declared that the firmness of the King of Spain proceeded + entirely from reliance on the promise of James that there should be no + acknowledgment in the treaty of the liberty of the States. Henry wrote to + Jeannin that he knew very well "what that was capable of, but that he + should not be kept awake by anything he could do." + </p> + <p> + As a king he spent his reign—so much of it as could be spared from + gourmandizing, drunkenness, dalliance with handsome minions of his own + sex, and theological pursuits—in rescuing the Crown from dependence + on Parliament; in straining to the utmost the royal prerogative; in + substituting proclamations for statutes; in doing everything in his power, + in short, to smooth the path for his successor to the scaffold. As father + of a family he consecrated many years of his life to the wondrous delusion + of the Spanish marriages. + </p> + <p> + The Gunpowder Plot seemed to have inspired him with an insane desire for + that alliance, and few things in history are more amazing than the + persistency with which he pursued the scheme, until the pursuit became not + only ridiculous, but impossible. + </p> + <p> + With such a man, frivolous, pedantic, conceited, and licentious, the + earnest statesmen of Holland were forced into close alliance. It is + pathetic to see men like Barneveld and Hugo Grotius obliged, on great + occasions of state, to use the language of respect and affection to one by + whom they were hated, and whom they thoroughly despised. + </p> + <p> + But turning away from France, it was in vain for them to look for kings or + men either among friends or foes. In Germany religious dissensions were + gradually ripening into open war, and it would be difficult to imagine a + more hopelessly incompetent ruler than the man who was nominally chief of + the Holy Roman Realm. Yet the distracted Rudolph was quite as much an + emperor as the chaos over which he was supposed to preside was an empire. + Perhaps the very worst polity ever devised by human perverseness was the + system under which the great German race was then writhing and groaning. A + mad world with a lunatic to govern it; a democracy of many princes, little + and big, fighting amongst each other, and falling into daily changing + combinations as some masterly or mischievous hand whirled the + kaleidoscope; drinking Rhenish by hogsheads, and beer by the tun; robbing + churches, dictating creeds to their subjects, and breaking all the + commandments themselves; a people at the bottom dimly striving towards + religious freedom and political life out of abject social, ecclesiastical, + and political serfdom, and perhaps even then dumbly feeling within its + veins, with that prophetic instinct which never abandons great races, a + far distant and magnificent Future of national unity and Imperial + splendour, the very reverse of the confusion which was then the hideous + Present; an Imperial family at top with many heads and slender brains; a + band of brothers and cousins wrangling, intriguing, tripping up each + others' heels, and unlucky Rudolph, in his Hradschin, looking out of + window over the peerless Prague, spread out in its beauteous landscape of + hill and dale, darkling forest, dizzy cliffs, and rushing river, at his + feet, feebly cursing the unhappy city for its ingratitude to an invisible + and impotent sovereign; his excellent brother Matthias meanwhile marauding + through the realms and taking one crown after another from his poor bald + head. + </p> + <p> + It would be difficult to depict anything more precisely what an emperor in + those portentous times should not be. He collected works of art of many + kinds—pictures, statues, gems. He passed his days in his galleries + contemplating in solitary grandeur these treasures, or in his stables, + admiring a numerous stud of horses which he never drove or rode. + Ambassadors and ministers of state disguised themselves as grooms and + stable-boys to obtain accidental glimpses of a sovereign who rarely + granted audiences. His nights were passed in star-gazing with Tycho de + Brake, or with that illustrious Suabian whose name is one of the great + lights and treasures of the world. But it was not to study the laws of + planetary motion nor to fathom mysteries of divine harmony that the + monarch stood with Kepler in the observatory. The influence of countless + worlds upon the destiny of one who, by capricious accident, if accident + ever exists in history, had been entrusted with the destiny of so large a + portion of one little world; the horoscope, not of the Universe, but of + himself; such were the limited purposes with which the Kaiser looked upon + the constellations. + </p> + <p> + For the Catholic Rudolph had received the Protestant Kepler, driven from + Tubingen because Lutheran doctors, knowing from Holy Writ that the sun had + stood still in Ajalon, had denounced his theory of planetary motion. His + mother had just escaped being burned as a witch, and the world owes a debt + of gratitude to the Emperor for protecting the astrologer, when + enlightened theologians might, perhaps, have hanged the astronomer. + </p> + <p> + A red-faced, heavy fowled, bald-headed, somewhat goggle-eyed old + gentleman, Rudolph did his best to lead the life of a hermit, and escape + the cares of royalty. Timid by temperament, yet liable to fits of + uncontrollable anger, he broke his furniture to pieces when irritated, and + threw dishes that displeased him in his butler's face, but left affairs of + state mainly to his valet, who earned many a penny by selling the Imperial + signature. + </p> + <p> + He had just signed the famous "Majestatsbrief," by which he granted vast + privileges to the Protestants of Bohemia, and had bitten the pen to pieces + in a paroxysm of anger, after dimly comprehending the extent of the + concessions which he had made. + </p> + <p> + There were hundreds of sovereign states over all of which floated the + shadowy and impalpable authority of an Imperial crown scarcely fixed on + the head of any one of the rival brethren and cousins; there was a + confederation of Protestants, with the keen-sighted and ambitious + Christian of Anhalt acting as its chief, and dreaming of the Bohemian + crown; there was the just-born Catholic League, with the calm, far-seeing, + and egotistical rather than self-seeking Maximilian at its head; each + combination extending over the whole country, stamped with imbecility of + action from its birth, and perverted and hampered by inevitable + jealousies. In addition to all these furrows ploughed by the very genius + of discord throughout the unhappy land was the wild and secret intrigue + with which Leopold, Archduke and Bishop, dreaming also of the crown of + Wenzel, was about to tear its surface as deeply as he dared. + </p> + <p> + Thus constituted were the leading powers of Europe in the earlier part of + 1609—the year in which a peaceful period seemed to have begun. To + those who saw the entangled interests of individuals, and the conflict of + theological dogmas and religious and political intrigue which furnished so + much material out of which wide-reaching schemes of personal ambition + could be spun, it must have been obvious that the interval of truce was + necessarily but a brief interlude between two tragedies. + </p> + <p> + It seemed the very mockery of Fate that, almost at the very instant when + after two years' painful negotiation a truce had been made, the signal for + universal discord should be sounded. One day in the early summer of 1609, + Henry IV. came to the Royal Arsenal, the residence of Sully, accompanied + by Zamet and another of his intimate companions. He asked for the Duke and + was told that he was busy in his study. "Of course," said the King, + turning to his followers, "I dare say you expected to be told that he was + out shooting, or with the ladies, or at the barber's. But who works like + Sully? Tell him," he said, "to come to the balcony in his garden, where he + and I are not accustomed to be silent." + </p> + <p> + As soon as Sully appeared, the King observed: "Well; here the Duke of + Cleve is dead, and has left everybody his heir." + </p> + <p> + It was true enough, and the inheritance was of vital importance to the + world. + </p> + <p> + It was an apple of discord thrown directly between the two rival camps + into which Christendom was divided. The Duchies of Cleve, Berg, and + Julich, and the Counties and Lordships of Mark, Ravensberg, and + Ravenstein, formed a triangle, political and geographical, closely wedged + between Catholicism and Protestantism, and between France, the United + Provinces, Belgium, and Germany. Should it fall into Catholic hands, the + Netherlands were lost, trampled upon in every corner, hedged in on all + sides, with the House of Austria governing the Rhine, the Meuse, and the + Scheldt. It was vital to them to exclude the Empire from the great + historic river which seemed destined to form the perpetual frontier of + jealous powers and rival creeds. + </p> + <p> + Should it fall into heretic hands, the States were vastly strengthened, + the Archduke Albert isolated and cut off from the protection of Spain and + of the Empire. France, although Catholic, was the ally of Holland and the + secret but well known enemy of the House of Austria. It was inevitable + that the king of that country, the only living statesman that wore a + crown, should be appealed to by all parties and should find himself in the + proud but dangerous position of arbiter of Europe. + </p> + <p> + In this emergency he relied upon himself and on two men besides, + Maximilian de Bethune and John of Barneveld. The conference between the + King and Sully and between both and Francis Aerssens, ambassador of the + States, were of almost daily occurrence. The minute details given in the + adroit diplomatist's correspondence indicate at every stage the extreme + deference paid by Henry to the opinion of Holland's Advocate and the + confidence reposed by him in the resources and the courage of the + Republic. + </p> + <p> + All the world was claiming the heritage of the duchies. + </p> + <p> + It was only strange that an event which could not be long deferred and the + consequences of which were soon to be so grave, the death of the Duke of + Cleve, should at last burst like a bomb-shell on the council tables of the + sovereigns and statesmen of Europe. That mischievous madman John William + died childless in the spring of 1609. His sister Sibylla, an ancient and + malignant spinster, had governed him and his possessions except in his + lucid intervals. The mass of the population over which he ruled being + Protestant, while the reigning family and the chief nobles were of the + ancient faith, it was natural that the Catholic party under, the lead of + Maximilian of Bavaria should deem it all-important that there should be + direct issue to that family. Otherwise the inheritance on his death would + probably pass to Protestant princes. + </p> + <p> + The first wife provided for him was a beautiful princess; Jacobea of + Baden. The Pope blessed the nuptials, and sent the bride a golden rose, + but the union was sterile and unhappy. The Duke, who was in the habit of + careering through his palace in full armour, slashing at and wounding + anyone that came in his way, was at last locked up. The hapless Jacobea, + accused by Sibylla of witchcraft and other crimes possible and impossible, + was thrown into prison. Two years long the devilish malignity of the + sister-in-law was exercised upon her victim, who, as it is related, was + not allowed natural sleep during all that period, being at every hour + awakened by command of Sibylla. At last the Duchess was strangled in + prison. A new wife was at once provided for the lunatic, Antonia of + Lorraine. The two remained childless, and Sibylla at the age of forty-nine + took to herself a husband, the Margrave of Burgau, of the House of + Austria, the humble birth of whose mother, however, did not allow him the + rank of Archduke. Her efforts thus to provide Catholic heirs to the rich + domains of Clove proved as fruitless as her previous attempts. + </p> + <p> + And now Duke John William had died, and the representatives of his three + dead sisters, and the living Sibylla were left to fight for the duchies. + </p> + <p> + It would be both cruel and superfluous to inflict on the reader a + historical statement of the manner in which these six small provinces were + to be united into a single state. It would be an equally sterile task to + retrace the legal arguments by which the various parties prepared + themselves to vindicate their claims, each pretender more triumphantly + than the other. The naked facts alone retain vital interest, and of these + facts the prominent one was the assertion of the Emperor that the duchies, + constituting a fief masculine, could descend to none of the pretenders, + but were at his disposal as sovereign of Germany. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand nearly all the important princes of that country sent + their agents into the duchies to look after the interests real or + imaginary which they claimed. + </p> + <p> + There were but four candidates who in reality could be considered serious + ones. + </p> + <p> + Mary Eleanor, eldest sister of the Duke, had been married in the lifetime + of their father to Albert Frederic of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia. To the + children of this marriage was reserved the succession of the whole + property in case of the masculine line becoming extinct. Two years + afterwards the second sister, Anne, was married to Duke Philip Lewis, + Count-Palatine of Neuburg; the children of which marriage stood next in + succession to those of the eldest sister, should that become extinguished. + Four years later the third sister, Magdalen, espoused the Duke John, + Count-Palatine of Deux-Ponts; who, like Neuburg, made resignation of + rights of succession in favour of the descendants of the Brandenburg + marriage. The marriage of the youngest sister, Sibylla, with the Margrave + of Burgau has been already mentioned. It does not appear that her brother, + whose lunatic condition hardly permitted him to assure her the dowry which + had been the price of renunciation in the case of her three elder sisters, + had obtained that renunciation from her. + </p> + <p> + The claims of the childless Sibylla as well as those of the Deux-Ponts + branch were not destined to be taken into serious consideration. + </p> + <p> + The real competitors were the Emperor on the one side and the Elector of + Brandenburg and the Count-Palatine of Neuburg on the other. + </p> + <p> + It is not necessary to my purpose to say a single word as to the legal and + historical rights of the controversy. Volumes upon volumes of forgotten + lore might be consulted, and they would afford exactly as much refreshing + nutriment as would the heaps of erudition hardly ten years old, and yet as + antiquated as the title-deeds of the Pharaohs, concerning the claims to + the Duchies of Schleswig-Holstein. The fortunate house of Brandenburg may + have been right or wrong in both disputes. It is certain that it did not + lack a more potent factor in settling the political problems of the world + in the one case any more than in the other. + </p> + <p> + But on the occasion with which we are occupied it was not on the might of + his own right hand that the Elector of Brandenburg relied. Moreover, he + was dilatory in appealing to the two great powers on whose friendship he + must depend for the establishment of his claims: the United Republic and + the King of France. James of England was on the whole inclined to believe + in the rights of Brandenburg. His ambassador, however, with more prophetic + vision than perhaps the King ever dreamt—of, expressed a fear lest + Brandenburg should grow too great and one day come to the Imperial crown. + </p> + <p> + The States openly favoured the Elector. Henry as at first disposed towards + Neuburg, but at his request Barneveld furnished a paper on the subject, by + which the King seems to have been entirely converted to the pretensions of + Brandenburg. + </p> + <p> + But the solution of the question had but little to do with the legal claim + of any man. It was instinctively felt throughout Christendom that the + great duel between the ancient church and the spirit of the Reformation + was now to be renewed upon that narrow, debateable spot. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor at once proclaimed his right to arbitrate on the succession + and to hold the territory until decision should be made; that is to say, + till the Greek Kalends. His familiar and most tricksy spirit, + Bishop-Archduke Leopold, played at once on his fears and his resentments, + against the ever encroaching, ever menacing, Protestantism of Germany, + with which he had just sealed a compact so bitterly detested. + </p> + <p> + That bold and bustling prelate, brother of the Queen of Spain and of + Ferdinand of Styria, took post from Prague in the middle of July. + Accompanied by a certain canon of the Church and disguised as his servant, + he arrived after a rapid journey before the gates of Julich, chief city + and fortress of the duchies. The governor of the place, Nestelraed, + inclined like most of the functionaries throughout the duchies to the + Catholic cause, was delighted to recognize under the livery of the lackey + the cousin and representative of the Emperor. Leopold, who had brought but + five men with him, had conquered his capital at a blow. For while thus + comfortably established as temporary governor of the duchies he designed + through the fears or folly of Rudolph to become their sovereign lord. + Strengthened by such an acquisition and reckoning on continued assistance + in men and money from Spain and the Catholic League, he meant to sweep + back to the rescue of the perishing Rudolph, smite the Protestants of + Bohemia, and achieve his appointment to the crown of that kingdom. + </p> + <p> + The Spanish ambassador at Prague had furnished him with a handsome sum of + money for the expenses of his journey and preliminary enterprise. It + should go hard but funds should be forthcoming to support him throughout + this audacious scheme. The champion of the Church, the sovereign prince of + important provinces, the possession of which ensured conclusive triumph to + the House of Austria and to Rome—who should oppose him in his path + to Empire? Certainly not the moody Rudolph, the slippery and unstable + Matthias, the fanatic and Jesuit-ridden Ferdinand. + </p> + <p> + "Leopold in Julich," said Henry's agent in Germany, "is a ferret in a + rabbit warren." + </p> + <p> + But early in the spring and before the arrival of Leopold, the two + pretenders, John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg, and Philip Lewis, + Palatine of Neuburg, had made an arrangement. By the earnest advice of + Barneveld in the name of the States-General and as the result of a general + council of many Protestant princes of Germany, it had been settled that + those two should together provisionally hold and administer the duchies + until the principal affair could be amicably settled. + </p> + <p> + The possessory princes were accordingly established in Dusseldorf with the + consent of the provincial estates, in which place those bodies were wont + to assemble. + </p> + <p> + Here then was Spain in the person of Leopold quietly perched in the chief + citadel of the country, while Protestantism in the shape of the possessory + princes stood menacingly in the capital. + </p> + <p> + Hardly was the ink dry on the treaty which had suspended for twelve years + the great religious war of forty years, not yet had the ratifications been + exchanged, but the trumpet was again sounding, and the hostile forces were + once more face to face. + </p> + <p> + Leopold, knowing where his great danger lay, sent a friendly message to + the States-General, expressing the hope that they would submit to his + arrangements until the Imperial decision should be made. + </p> + <p> + The States, through the pen and brain of Barneveld, replied that they had + already recognized the rights of the possessory princes, and were + surprised that the Bishop-Archduke should oppose them. They expressed the + hope that, when better informed, he would see the validity of the Treaty + of Dortmund. "My Lords the States-General," said the Advocate, "will + protect the princes against violence and actual disturbances, and are + assured that the neighbouring kings and princes will do the same. They + trust that his Imperial Highness will not allow matters, to proceed to + extremities." + </p> + <p> + This was language not to be mistaken. It was plain that the Republic did + not intend the Emperor to decide a question of life and death to herself, + nor to permit Spain, exhausted by warfare, to achieve this annihilating + triumph by a petty intrigue. + </p> + <p> + While in reality the clue to what seemed to the outside world a + labyrinthine maze of tangled interests and passions was firmly held in the + hand of Barneveld, it was not to him nor to My Lords the States-General + that the various parties to the impending conflict applied in the first + resort. + </p> + <p> + Mankind were not yet sufficiently used to this young republic, intruding + herself among the family of kings, to defer at once to an authority which + they could not but feel. + </p> + <p> + Moreover, Henry of France was universally looked to both by friends and + foes as the probable arbiter or chief champion in the great debate. He had + originally been inclined to favour Neuberg, chiefly, so Aerssens thought, + on account of his political weakness. The States-General on the other hand + were firmly disposed for Brandenburg from the first, not only as a + strenuous supporter of the Reformation and an ancient ally of their own + always interested in their safety, but because the establishment of the + Elector on the Rhine would roll back the Empire beyond that river. As + Aerssens expressed it, they would have the Empire for a frontier, and have + no longer reason to fear the Rhine. + </p> + <p> + The King, after the representations of the States, saw good ground to + change his opinion and; becoming convinced that the Palatine had long been + coquetting with the Austrian party, soon made no secret of his preference + for Brandenburg. Subsequently Neuburg and Brandenburg fell into a violent + quarrel notwithstanding an arrangement that the Palatine should marry the + daughter of the Elector. In the heat of discussion Brandenburg on one + occasion is said to have given his intended son-in-law a box on the ear! + an argument 'ad hominem' which seems to have had the effect of sending the + Palatine into the bosom of the ancient church and causing him to rely + thenceforth upon the assistance of the League. Meantime, however, the + Condominium settled by the Treaty of Dortmund continued in force; the + third brother of Brandenburg and the eldest son of Neuburg sharing + possession and authority at Dusseldorf until a final decision could be + made. + </p> + <p> + A flock of diplomatists, professional or volunteers, openly accredited or + secret, were now flying busily about through the troubled atmosphere, + indicating the coming storm in which they revelled. The keen-sighted, + subtle, but dangerously intriguing ambassador of the Republic, Francis + Aerssens, had his hundred eyes at all the keyholes in Paris, that centre + of ceaseless combination and conspiracy, and was besides in almost daily + confidential intercourse with the King. Most patiently and minutely he + kept the Advocate informed, almost from hour to hour, of every web that + was spun, every conversation public or whispered in which important + affairs were treated anywhere and by anybody. He was all-sufficient as a + spy and intelligencer, although not entirely trustworthy as a counsellor. + Still no man on the whole could scan the present or forecast the future + more accurately than he was able to do from his advantageous position and + his long experience of affairs. + </p> + <p> + There was much general jealousy between the States and the despotic king, + who loved to be called the father of the Republic and to treat the + Hollanders as his deeply obliged and very ungrateful and miserly little + children. The India trade was a sore subject, Henry having throughout the + negotiations sought to force or wheedle the States into renouncing that + commerce at the command of Spain, because he wished to help himself to it + afterwards, and being now in the habit of secretly receiving Isaac Le + Maire and other Dutch leaders in that lucrative monopoly, who lay + disguised in Paris and in the house of Zamet—but not concealed from + Aerssens, who pledged himself to break, the neck of their enterprise—and + were planning with the King a French East India Company in opposition to + that of the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + On the whole, however, despite these commercial intrigues which Barneveld + through the aid of Aerssens was enabled to baffle, there was much + cordiality and honest friendship between the two countries. Henry, far + from concealing his political affection for the Republic, was desirous of + receiving a special embassy of congratulation and gratitude from the + States on conclusion of the truce; not being satisfied with the warm + expressions of respect and attachment conveyed through the ordinary + diplomatic channel. + </p> + <p> + "He wishes," wrote Aerssens to the Advocate, "a public demonstration—in + order to show on a theatre to all Christendom the regard and deference of + My Lords the States for his Majesty." The Ambassador suggested that + Cornelis van der Myle, son-in-law of Barneveld, soon to be named first + envoy for Holland to the Venetian republic, might be selected as chief of + such special embassy. + </p> + <p> + "Without the instructions you gave me," wrote Aerssens, "Neuburg might + have gained his cause in this court. Brandenburg is doing himself much + injury by not soliciting the King." + </p> + <p> + "Much deference will be paid to your judgment," added the envoy, "if you + see fit to send it to his Majesty." + </p> + <p> + Meantime, although the agent of Neuburg was busily dinning in Henry's ears + the claims of the Palatine, and even urging old promises which, as he + pretended, had been made, thanks to Barneveld, he took little by his + importunity, notwithstanding that in the opinion both of Barneveld and + Villeroy his claim 'stricti-juris' was the best. But it was policy and + religious interests, not the strict letter of the law, that were likely to + prevail. Henry, while loudly asserting that he would oppose any usurpation + on the part of the Emperor or any one else against the Condominium, + privately renewed to the States assurances of his intention to support + ultimately the claims of Brandenburg, and notified them to hold the two + regiments of French infantry, which by convention they still kept at his + expense in their service, to be ready at a moment's warning for the great + enterprise which he was already planning. "You would do well perhaps," + wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, "to set forth the various interests in regard + to this succession, and of the different relations of the claimants + towards our commonwealth; but in such sort nevertheless and so dexterously + that the King may be able to understand your desires, and on the other + hand may see the respect you bear him in appearing to defer to his + choice." + </p> + <p> + Neuburg, having always neglected the States and made advances to Archduke + Albert, and being openly preferred over Brandenburg by the Austrians, who + had however no intention of eventually tolerating either, could make but + small headway at court, notwithstanding Henry's indignation that + Brandenburg had not yet made the slightest demand upon him for assistance. + </p> + <p> + The Elector had keenly solicited the aid of the states, who were bound to + him by ancient contract on this subject, but had manifested wonderful + indifference or suspicion in regard to France. "These nonchalant Germans," + said Henry on more than one occasion, "do nothing but sleep or drink." + </p> + <p> + It was supposed that the memory of Metz might haunt the imagination of the + Elector. That priceless citadel, fraudulently extorted by Henry II. as a + forfeit for assistance to the Elector of Saxony three quarters of a + century before, gave solemn warning to Brandenburg of what might be + exacted by a greater Henry, should success be due to his protection. It + was also thought that he had too many dangers about him at home, the Poles + especially, much stirred up by emissaries from Rome, making many + troublesome demonstrations against the Duchy of Prussia. + </p> + <p> + It was nearly midsummer before a certain Baron Donals arrived as emissary + of the Elector. He brought with him, many documents in support of the + Brandenburg claims, and was charged with excuses for the dilatoriness of + his master. Much stress was laid of course on the renunciation made by + Neuburg at the tithe of his marriage, and Henry was urged to grant his + protection to the Elector in his good rights. But thus far there were few + signs of any vigorous resolution for active measures in an affair which + could scarcely fail to lead to war. + </p> + <p> + "I believe," said Henry to the States ambassador, "that the right of + Brandenburg is indubitable, and it is better for you and for me that he + should be the man rather than Neuburg, who has always sought assistance + from the House of Austria. But he is too lazy in demanding possession. It + is the fault of the doctors by whom he is guided. This delay works in + favour of the Emperor, whose course however is less governed by any + determination of his own than by the irresolution of the princes." + </p> + <p> + Then changing the conversation, Henry asked the Ambassador whether the + daughter of de Maldere, a leading statesman of Zealand, was married or of + age to be married, and if she was rich; adding that they must make a match + between her and Barneveld's second son, then a young gentleman in the + King's service, and very much liked by him. + </p> + <p> + Two months later a regularly accredited envoy, Belin by name, arrived from + the Elector. His instructions were general. He was to thank the King for + his declarations in favour of the possessory princes, and against all + usurpation on the part of the Spanish party. Should the religious cord be + touched, he was to give assurances that no change would be made in this + regard. He was charged with loads of fine presents in yellow amber, such + as ewers, basins, tables, cups, chessboards, for the King and Queen, the + Dauphin, the Chancellor, Villeroy, Sully, Bouillon, and other eminent + personages. Beyond the distribution of these works of art and the exchange + of a few diplomatic commonplaces, nothing serious in the way of warlike + business was transacted, and Henry was a few weeks later much amused by + receiving a letter from the possessory princes coolly thrown into the + post-office, and addressed like an ordinary letter to a private person, in + which he was requested to advance them a loan of 400,000 crowns. There was + a great laugh at court at a demand made like a bill of exchange at sight + upon his Majesty as if he had been a banker, especially as there happened + to be no funds of the drawers in his hands. It was thought that a proper + regard for the King's quality and the amount of the sum demanded required + that the letter should be brought at least by an express messenger, and + Henry was both diverted and indignant at these proceedings, at the months + long delay before the princes had thought proper to make application for + his protection, and then for this cool demand for alms on a large scale as + a proper beginning of their enterprise. + </p> + <p> + Such was the languid and extremely nonchalant manner in which the early + preparations for a conflict which seemed likely to set Europe in a blaze, + and of which possibly few living men might witness the termination, were + set on foot by those most interested in the immediate question. + </p> + <p> + Chessboards in yellow amber and a post-office order for 400,000 crowns + could not go far in settling the question of the duchies in which the + great problem dividing Christendom as by an abyss was involved. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, while such were the diplomatic beginnings of the possessory + princes, the League was leaving no stone unturned to awaken Henry to a + sense of his true duty to the Church of which he was Eldest Son. + </p> + <p> + Don Pedro de Toledo's mission in regard to the Spanish marriages had + failed because Henry had spurned the condition which was unequivocally + attached to them on the part of Spain, the king's renunciation of his + alliance with the Dutch Republic, which then seemed an equivalent to its + ruin. But the treaty of truce and half-independence had been signed at + last by the States and their ancient master, and the English and French + negotiators had taken their departure, each receiving as a present for + concluding the convention 20,000 livres from the Archdukes, and 30,000 + from the States-General. Henry, returning one summer's morning from the + chase and holding the Count of Soissons by one hand and Ambassador + Aerssens by the other, told them he had just received letters from Spain + by which he learned that people were marvellously rejoiced at the + conclusion of the truce. Many had regretted that its conditions were so + disadvantageous and so little honourable to the grandeur and dignity of + Spain, but to these it was replied that there were strong reasons why + Spain should consent to peace on these terms rather than not have it at + all. During the twelve years to come the King could repair his disasters + and accumulate mountains of money in order to finish the war by the + subjugation of the Provinces by force of gold. + </p> + <p> + Soissons here interrupted the King by saying that the States on their part + would finish it by force of iron. + </p> + <p> + Aerssens, like an accomplished courtier, replied they would finish it by + means of his Majesty's friendship. + </p> + <p> + The King continued by observing that the clear-sighted in Spain laughed at + these rodomontades, knowing well that it was pure exhaustion that had + compelled the King to such extremities. "I leave you to judge," said + Henry, "whether he is likely to have any courage at forty-five years of + age, having none now at thirty-two. Princes show what they have in them of + generosity and valour at the age of twenty-five or never." He said that + orders had been sent from Spain to disband all troops in the obedient + Netherlands except Spaniards and Italians, telling the Archdukes that they + must raise the money out of the country to content them. They must pay for + a war made for their benefit, said Philip. As for him he would not furnish + one maravedi. + </p> + <p> + Aerssens asked if the Archdukes would disband their troops so long as the + affair of Cleve remained unsettled. "You are very lucky," replied the + King, "that Europe is governed by such princes as you wot of. The King of + Spain thinks of nothing but tranquillity. The Archdukes will never move + except on compulsion. The Emperor, whom every one is so much afraid of in + this matter, is in such plight that one of these days, and before long, he + will be stripped of all his possessions. I have news that the Bohemians + are ready to expel him." + </p> + <p> + It was true enough that Rudolph hardly seemed a formidable personage. The + Utraquists and Bohemian Brothers, making up nearly the whole population of + the country, were just extorting religious liberty from their unlucky + master in his very palace and at the point of the knife. The envoy of + Matthias was in Paris demanding recognition of his master as King of + Hungary, and Henry did not suspect the wonderful schemes of Leopold, the + ferret in the rabbit warren of the duchies, to come to the succour of his + cousin and to get himself appointed his successor and guardian. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the Emperor's name had been used to protest solemnly against + the entrance into Dusseldorf of the Margrave Ernest of Brandenburg and + Palatine Wolfgang William of Neuburg, representatives respectively of + their brother and father. + </p> + <p> + The induction was nevertheless solemnly made by the Elector-Palatine and + the Landgrave of Hesse, and joint possession solemnly taken by Brandenburg + and Neuburg in the teeth of the protest, and expressly in order to cut + short the dilatory schemes and the artifices of the Imperial court. + </p> + <p> + Henry at once sent a corps of observation consisting of 1500 cavalry to + the Luxemburg frontier by way of Toul, Mezieres, Verdun, and Metz, to + guard against movements by the disbanded troops of the Archdukes, and + against any active demonstration against the possessory princes on the + part of the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + The 'Condominium' was formally established, and Henry stood before the + world as its protector threatening any power that should attempt + usurpation. He sent his agent Vidomacq to the Landgrave of Hesse with + instructions to do his utmost to confirm the princes of the Union in + organized resistance to the schemes of Spain, and to prevent any + interference with the Condominium. + </p> + <p> + He wrote letters to the Archdukes and to the Elector of Cologne, sternly + notifying them that he would permit no assault upon the princes, and meant + to protect them in their rights. He sent one of his most experienced + diplomatists, de Boississe, formerly ambassador in England, to reside for + a year or more in the duchies as special representative of France, and + directed him on his way thither to consult especially with Barneveld and + the States-General as to the proper means of carrying out their joint + policy either by diplomacy or, if need should be, by their united arms. + </p> + <p> + Troops began at once to move towards the frontier to counteract the plans + of the Emperor's council and the secret levies made by Duchess Sibylla's + husband, the Margrave of Burgau. The King himself was perpetually at + Monceaux watching the movements of his cavalry towards the Luxemburg + frontier, and determined to protect the princes in their possession until + some definite decision as to the sovereignty of the duchies should be + made. + </p> + <p> + Meantime great pressure was put upon him by the opposite party. The Pope + did his best through the Nuncius at Paris directly, and through agents at + Prague, Brussels, and Madrid indirectly, to awaken the King to a sense of + the enormity of his conduct. + </p> + <p> + Being a Catholic prince, it was urged, he had no right to assist heretics. + It was an action entirely contrary to his duty as a Christian and of his + reputation as Eldest Son of the Church. Even if the right were on the side + of the princes, his Majesty would do better to strip them of it and to + clothe himself with it than to suffer the Catholic faith and religion to + receive such notable detriment in an affair likely to have such important + consequences. + </p> + <p> + Such was some of the advice given by the Pontiff. The suggestions were + subtle, for they were directed to Henry's self-interest both as champion + of the ancient church and as a possible sovereign of the very territories + in dispute. They were also likely, and were artfully so intended, to + excite suspicion of Henry's designs in the breasts of the Protestants + generally and of the possessory princes especially. Allusions indeed to + the rectification of the French border in Henry II.'s time at the expense + of Lorraine were very frequent. They probably accounted for much of the + apparent supineness and want of respect for the King of which he + complained every day and with so much bitterness. + </p> + <p> + The Pope's insinuations, however, failed to alarm him, for he had made up + his mind as to the great business of what might remain to him of life; to + humble the House of Austria and in doing so to uphold the Dutch Republic + on which he relied for his most efficient support. The situation was a + false one viewed from the traditional maxims which governed Europe. How + could the Eldest Son of the Church and the chief of an unlimited monarchy + make common cause with heretics and republicans against Spain and Rome? + That the position was as dangerous as it was illogical, there could be but + little doubt. But there was a similarity of opinion between the King and + the political chief of the Republic on the great principle which was to + illume the distant future but which had hardly then dawned upon the + present; the principle of religious equality. As he protected Protestants + in France so he meant to protect Catholics in the duchies. Apostate as he + was from the Reformed Church as he had already been from the Catholic, he + had at least risen above the paltry and insolent maxim of the princely + Protestantism of Germany: "Cujus regio ejus religio." + </p> + <p> + While refusing to tremble before the wrath of Rome or to incline his ear + to its honeyed suggestions, he sent Cardinal Joyeuse with a special + mission to explain to the Pope that while the interests of France would + not permit him to allow the Spaniard's obtaining possession of provinces + so near to her, he should take care that the Church received no detriment + and that he should insist as a price of the succour he intended for the + possessory princes that they should give ample guarantees for the liberty + of Catholic worship. + </p> + <p> + There was no doubt in the mind either of Henry or of Barneveld that the + secret blows attempted by Spain at the princes were in reality aimed at + the Republic and at himself as her ally. + </p> + <p> + While the Nuncius was making these exhortations in Paris, his colleague + from Spain was authorized to propound a scheme of settlement which did not + seem deficient in humour. At any rate Henry was much diverted with the + suggestion, which was nothing less than that the decision as to the + succession to the duchies should be left to a board of arbitration + consisting of the King of Spain, the Emperor, and the King of France. As + Henry would thus be painfully placed by himself in a hopeless minority, + the only result of the scheme would be to compel him to sanction a + decision sure to be directly the reverse of his own resolve. He was hardly + such a schoolboy in politics as to listen to the proposal except to laugh + at it. + </p> + <p> + Meantime arrived from Julich, without much parade, a quiet but somewhat + pompous gentleman named Teynagel. He had formerly belonged to the Reformed + religion, but finding it more to his taste or advantage to become privy + councillor of the Emperor, he had returned to the ancient church. He was + one of the five who had accompanied the Archduke Leopold to Julich. + </p> + <p> + That prompt undertaking having thus far succeeded so well, the warlike + bishop had now despatched Teynagel on a roving diplomatic mission. + Ostensibly he came to persuade Henry that, by the usages and laws of the + Empire, fiefs left vacant for want of heirs male were at the disposal of + the Emperor. He expressed the hope therefore of obtaining the King's + approval of Leopold's position in Julich as temporary vicegerent of his + sovereign and cousin. The real motive of his mission, however, was + privately to ascertain whether Henry was really ready to go to war for the + protection of the possessory princes, and then, to proceed to Spain. It + required an astute politician, however, to sound all the shoals, + quicksands, and miseries through which the French government was then + steering, and to comprehend with accuracy the somewhat varying humours of + the monarch and the secret schemes of the ministers who immediately + surrounded him. + </p> + <p> + People at court laughed at Teynagel and his mission, and Henry treated him + as a crackbrained adventurer. He announced himself as envoy of the + Emperor, although he had instructions from Leopold only. He had interviews + with the Chancellor and with Villeroy, and told them that Rudolf claimed + the right of judge between the various pretenders to the duchies. The King + would not be pleased, he observed, if the King of Great Britain should + constitute himself arbiter among claimants that might make their + appearance for the crown of France; but Henry had set himself up as umpire + without being asked by any one to act in that capacity among the princes + of Germany. The Emperor, on the contrary, had been appealed to by the Duke + of Nevers, the Elector of Saxony, the Margrave of Burgau, and other liege + subjects of the Imperial crown as a matter of course and of right. This + policy of the King, if persisted in, said Teynagel, must lead to war. + Henry might begin such a war, but he would be obliged to bequeath it to + the Dauphin. He should remember that France had always been unlucky when + waging war with the Empire and with the house of Austria.' + </p> + <p> + The Chancellor and Villeroy, although in their hearts not much in love + with Henry's course, answered the emissary with arrogance equal to his own + that their king could finish the war as well as begin it, that he confided + in his strength and the justice of his cause, and that he knew very well + and esteemed very little the combined forces of Spain and the Empire. They + added that France was bound by the treaty of Vervins to protect the + princes, but they offered no proof of that rather startling proposition. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Teynagel was busy in demonstrating that the princes of Germany + were in reality much more afraid of Henry than of the Emperor. His + military movements and deep designs excited more suspicion throughout that + country and all Europe than the quiet journey of Leopold and five friends + by post to Julich. + </p> + <p> + He had come provided with copies of the King's private letters to the + princes, and seemed fully instructed as to his most secret thoughts. For + this convenient information he was supposed to be indebted to the + revelations of Father Cotton, who was then in disgrace; having been + detected in transmitting to the General of Jesuits Henry's most sacred + confidences and confessions as to his political designs. + </p> + <p> + Fortified with this private intelligence, and having been advised by + Father Cotton to carry matters with a high hand in order to inspire the + French court with a wholesome awe, he talked boldly about the legitimate + functions of the Emperor. To interfere with them, he assured the + ministers, would lead to a long and bloody war, as neither the King nor + the Archduke Albert would permit the Emperor to be trampled upon. + </p> + <p> + Peter Pecquius, the crafty and experienced agent of the Archduke at Paris, + gave the bouncing envoy more judicious advice, however, than that of the + Jesuit, assuring him that he would spoil his whole case should he attempt + to hold such language to the King. + </p> + <p> + He was admitted to an audience of Henry at Monceaux, but found him + prepared to show his teeth as Aerssens had predicted. He treated Teynagel + as a mere madcap and, adventurer who had no right to be received as a + public minister at all, and cut short his rodomontades by assuring him + that his mind was fully made up to protect the possessory princes. Jeannin + was present at the interview, although, as Aerssens well observed, the + King required no pedagogue on such an occasion? Teynagel soon afterwards + departed malcontent to Spain, having taken little by his abnormal legation + to Henry, and being destined to find at the court of Philip as urgent + demands on that monarch for assistance to the League as he was to make for + Leopold and the House of Austria. + </p> + <p> + For the League, hardly yet thoroughly organized under the leadership of + Maximilian of Bavaria, was rather a Catholic corrival than cordial ally of + the Imperial house. It was universally suspected that Henry meant to + destroy and discrown the Habsburgs, and it lay not in the schemes of + Maximilian to suffer the whole Catholic policy to be bound to the fortunes + of that one family. + </p> + <p> + Whether or not Henry meant to commit the anachronism and blunder of + reproducing the part of Charlemagne might be doubtful. The supposed design + of Maximilian to renew the glories of the House of Wittelsbach was equally + vague. It is certain, however, that a belief in such ambitious schemes on + the part of both had been insinuated into the ears of Rudolf, and had sunk + deeply into his unsettled mind. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely had Teynagel departed than the ancient President Richardot + appeared upon the scene. "The mischievous old monkey," as he had + irreverently been characterized during the Truce negotiations, "who showed + his tail the higher he climbed," was now trembling at the thought that all + the good work he had been so laboriously accomplishing during the past two + years should be annihilated. The Archdukes, his masters, being sincerely + bent on peace, had deputed him to Henry, who, as they believed, was + determined to rekindle war. As frequently happens in such cases, they were + prepared to smooth over the rough and almost impassable path to a cordial + understanding by comfortable and cheap commonplaces concerning the + blessings of peace, and to offer friendly compromises by which they might + secure the prizes of war without the troubles and dangers of making it. + </p> + <p> + They had been solemnly notified by Henry that he would go to war rather + than permit the House of Austria to acquire the succession to the duchies. + They now sent Richardot to say that neither the Archdukes nor the King of + Spain would interfere in the matter, and that they hoped the King of + France would not prevent the Emperor from exercising his rightful + functions of judge. + </p> + <p> + Henry, who knew that Don Baltasar de Cuniga, Spanish ambassador at the + Imperial court, had furnished Leopold, the Emperor's cousin, with 50,000 + crowns to defray his first expenses in the Julich expedition, considered + that the veteran politician had come to perform a school boy's task. He + was more than ever convinced by this mission of Richardot that the + Spaniards had organized the whole scheme, and he was likely only to smile + at any propositions the President might make. + </p> + <p> + At the beginning of his interview, in which the King was quite alone, + Richardot asked if he would agree to maintain neutrality like the King of + Spain and the Archdukes, and allow the princes to settle their business + with the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + "No," said the King. + </p> + <p> + He then asked if Henry would assist them in their wrong. + </p> + <p> + "No," said the King. + </p> + <p> + He then asked if the King thought that the princes had justice on their + side, and whether, if the contrary were shown, he would change his policy? + </p> + <p> + Henry replied that the Emperor could not be both judge and party in the + suit and that the King of Spain was plotting to usurp the provinces + through the instrumentality of his brother-in-law Leopold and under the + name of the Emperor. He would not suffer it, he said. + </p> + <p> + "Then there will be a general war," replied Richardot, "since you are + determined to assist these princes." + </p> + <p> + "Be it so," said the King. + </p> + <p> + "You are right," said the President, "for you are a great and puissant + monarch, having all the advantages that could be desired, and in case of + rupture I fear that all this immense power will be poured out over us who + are but little princes." + </p> + <p> + "Cause Leopold to retire then and leave the princes in their right," was + the reply. "You will then have nothing to fear. Are you not very unhappy + to live under those poor weak archdukes? Don't you foresee that as soon as + they die you will lose all the little you have acquired in the obedient + Netherlands during the last fifty years?" + </p> + <p> + The President had nothing to reply to this save that he had never approved + of Leopold's expedition, and that when Spaniards make mistakes they always + had recourse to their servants to repair their faults. He had accepted + this mission inconsiderately, he said, inspired by a hope to conjure the + rising storms mingled with fears as to the result which were now + justified. He regretted having come, he said. + </p> + <p> + The King shrugged his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + Richardot then suggested that Leopold might be recognized in Julich, and + the princes at Dusseldorf, or that all parties might retire until the + Emperor should give his decision. + </p> + <p> + All these combinations were flatly refused by the King, who swore that no + one of the House of Austria should ever perch in any part of those + provinces. If Leopold did not withdraw at once, war was inevitable. + </p> + <p> + He declared that he would break up everything and dare everything, whether + the possessory princes formally applied to him or not. He would not see + his friends oppressed nor allow the Spaniard by this usurpation to put his + foot on the throat of the States-General, for it was against them that + this whole scheme was directed. + </p> + <p> + To the President's complaints that the States-General had been moving + troops in Gelderland, Henry replied at once that it was done by his + command, and that they were his troops. + </p> + <p> + With this answer Richardot was fain to retire crestfallen, mortified, and + unhappy. He expressed repentance and astonishment at the result, and + protested that those peoples were happy whose princes understood affairs. + His princes were good, he said, but did not give themselves the trouble to + learn their business. + </p> + <p> + Richardot then took his departure from Paris, and very soon afterwards + from the world. He died at Arras early in September, as many thought of + chagrin at the ill success of his mission, while others ascribed it to a + surfeit of melons and peaches. + </p> + <p> + "Senectus edam maorbus est," said Aerssens with Seneca. + </p> + <p> + Henry said he could not sufficiently wonder at these last proceedings at + his court, of a man he had deemed capable and sagacious, but who had been + committing an irreparable blunder. He had never known two such impertinent + ambassadors as Don Pedro de Toledo and Richardot on this occasion. The one + had been entirely ignorant of the object of his mission; the other had + shown a vain presumption in thinking he could drive him from his fixed + purpose by a flood of words. He had accordingly answered him on the spot + without consulting his council, at which poor Richardot had been much + amazed. + </p> + <p> + And now another envoy appeared upon the scene, an ambassador coming + directly from the Emperor. Count Hohenzollern, a young man, wild, fierce, + and arrogant, scarcely twenty-three years of age, arrived in Paris on the + 7th of September, with a train of forty horsemen. + </p> + <p> + De Colly, agent of the Elector-Palatine, had received an outline of his + instructions, which the Prince of Anhalt had obtained at Prague. He + informed Henry that Hohenzollern would address him thus: "You are a king. + You would not like that the Emperor should aid your subjects in rebellion. + He did not do this in the time of the League, although often solicited to + do so. You should not now sustain the princes in disobeying the Imperial + decree. Kings should unite in maintaining the authority and majesty of + each other." He would then in the Emperor's name urge the claims of the + House of Saxony to the duchies. + </p> + <p> + Henry was much pleased with this opportune communication by de Colly of + the private instructions to the Emperor's envoy, by which he was enabled + to meet the wild and fierce young man with an arrogance at least equal to + his own. + </p> + <p> + The interview was a stormy one. The King was alone in the gallery of the + Louvre, not choosing that his words and gestures should be observed. The + Envoy spoke much in the sense which de Colly had indicated; making a long + argument in favour of the Emperor's exclusive right of arbitration, and + assuring the King that the Emperor was resolved on war if interference + between himself and his subjects was persisted in. He loudly pronounced + the proceedings of the possessory princes to be utterly illegal, and + contrary to all precedent. The Emperor would maintain his authority at all + hazards, and one spark of war would set everything in a blaze within the + Empire and without. + </p> + <p> + Henry replied sternly but in general terms, and referred him for a final + answer to his council. + </p> + <p> + "What will you do," asked the Envoy, categorically, at a subsequent + interview about a month later, "to protect the princes in case the Emperor + constrains them to leave the provinces which they have unjustly occupied?" + </p> + <p> + "There is none but God to compel me to say more than I choose to say," + replied the King. "It is enough for you to know that I will never abandon + my friends in a just cause. The Emperor can do much for the general peace. + He is not to lend his name to cover this usurpation." + </p> + <p> + And so the concluding interview terminated in an exchange of threats + rather than with any hope of accommodation. + </p> + <p> + Hohenzollern used as high language to the ministers as to the monarch, and + received payment in the same coin. He rebuked their course not very + adroitly as being contrary to the interests of Catholicism. They were + placing the provinces in the hands of Protestants, he urged. It required + no envoy from Prague to communicate this startling fact. Friends and foes, + Villeroy and Jeannin, as well as Sully and Duplessis, knew well enough + that Henry was not taking up arms for Rome. "Sir! do you look at the + matter in that way?" cried Sully, indignantly. "The Huguenots are as good + as the Catholics. They fight like the devil!" + </p> + <p> + "The Emperor will never permit the princes to remain nor Leopold to + withdraw," said the Envoy to Jeannin. + </p> + <p> + Jeannin replied that the King was always ready to listen to reason, but + there was no use in holding language of authority to him. It was money he + would not accept. + </p> + <p> + "Fiat justitia pereat mundus," said the haggard Hohenzollern. + </p> + <p> + "Your world may perish," replied Jeannin, "but not ours. It is much better + put together." + </p> + <p> + A formal letter was then written by the King to the Emperor, in which + Henry expressed his desire to maintain peace and fraternal relations, but + notified him that if, under any pretext whatever, he should trouble the + princes in their possession, he would sustain them with all his power, + being bound thereto by treaties and by reasons of state. + </p> + <p> + This letter was committed to the care of Hohenzollern, who forthwith + departed, having received a present of 4000 crowns. His fierce, haggard + face thus vanishes for the present from our history. + </p> + <p> + The King had taken his ground, from which there was no receding. Envoys or + agents of Emperor, Pope, King of Spain, Archduke at Brussels, and Archduke + at Julich, had failed to shake his settled purpose. Yet the road was far + from smooth. He had thus far no ally but the States-General. He could not + trust James of Great Britain. Boderie came back late in the summer from + his mission to that monarch, reporting him as being favourably inclined to + Brandenburg, but hoping for an amicable settlement in the duchies. No + suggestion being made even by the sagacious James as to the manner in + which the ferret and rabbits were to come to a compromise, Henry inferred, + if it came to fighting, that the English government would refuse + assistance. James had asked Boderie in fact whether his sovereign and the + States, being the parties chiefly interested, would be willing to fight it + out without allies. He had also sent Sir Ralph Winwood on a special + mission to the Hague, to Dusseldorf, and with letters to the Emperor, in + which he expressed confidence that Rudolph would approve the proceedings + of the possessory princes. As he could scarcely do that while loudly + claiming through his official envoy in Paris that the princes should + instantly withdraw on pain of instant war, the value of the English + suggestion of an amicable compromise might easily be deduced. + </p> + <p> + Great was the jealousy in France of this mission from England. That the + princes should ask the interference of James while neglecting, despising, + or fearing Henry, excited Henry's wrath. He was ready, and avowed his + readiness, to put on armour at once in behalf of the princes, and to + arbitrate on the destiny of Germany, but no one seemed ready to follow his + standard. No one asked him to arbitrate. The Spanish faction wheedled and + threatened by turns, in order to divert him from his purpose, while the + Protestant party held aloof, and babbled of Charlemagne and of Henry II. + </p> + <p> + He said he did not mean to assist the princes by halves, but as became a + King of France, and the princes expressed suspicion of him, talked of the + example of Metz, and called the Emperor their very clement lord. + </p> + <p> + It was not strange that Henry was indignant and jealous. He was holding + the wolf by the ears, as he himself observed more than once. The war could + not long be delayed; yet they in whose behalf it was to be waged treated + him with a disrespect and flippancy almost amounting to scorn. + </p> + <p> + They tried to borrow money of him through the post, and neglected to send + him an ambassador. This was most decidedly putting the cart before the + oxen, so Henry said, and so thought all his friends. When they had + blockaded the road to Julich, in order to cut off Leopold's supplies, they + sent to request that the two French regiments in the States' service might + be ordered to their assistance, Archduke Albert having threatened to open + the passage by force of arms. "This is a fine stratagem," said Aerssens, + "to fling the States-General headlong into the war, and, as it were, + without knowing it." + </p> + <p> + But the States-General, under the guidance of Barneveld, were not likely + to be driven headlong by Brandenburg and Neuburg. They managed with + caution, but with perfect courage, to move side by side with Henry, and to + leave the initiative to him, while showing an unfaltering front to the + enemy. That the princes were lost, Spain and the Emperor triumphant, + unless Henry and the States should protect them with all their strength, + was as plain as a mathematical demonstration. + </p> + <p> + Yet firm as were the attitude and the language of Henry, he was thought to + be hoping to accomplish much by bluster. It was certain that the bold and + unexpected stroke of Leopold had produced much effect upon his mind, and + for a time those admitted to his intimacy saw, or thought they saw, a + decided change in his demeanour. To the world at large his language and + his demonstrations were even more vehement than they had been at the + outset of the controversy; but it was believed that there was now a + disposition to substitute threats for action. The military movements set + on foot were thought to be like the ringing of bells and firing of cannon + to dissipate a thunderstorm. Yet it was treason at court to doubt the + certainty of war. The King ordered new suits of armour, bought splendid + chargers, and gave himself all the airs of a champion rushing to a + tournament as gaily as in the earliest days of his king-errantry. He spoke + of his eager desire to break a lance with Spinola, and give a lesson to + the young volunteer who had sprung into so splendid a military reputation, + while he had been rusting, as he thought, in pacific indolence, and + envying the laurels of the comparatively youthful Maurice. Yet those most + likely to be well informed believed that nothing would come of all this + fire and fury. + </p> + <p> + The critics were wrong. There was really no doubt of Henry's sincerity, + but his isolation was terrible. There was none true to him at home but + Sully. Abroad, the States-General alone were really friendly, so far as + positive agreements existed. Above all, the intolerable tergiversations + and suspicions of those most interested, the princes in possession, and + their bickerings among themselves, hampered his movements. + </p> + <p> + Treason and malice in his cabinet and household, jealousy and fear abroad, + were working upon and undermining him like a slow fever. His position was + most pathetic, but his purpose was fixed. + </p> + <p> + James of England, who admired, envied, and hated Henry, was wont to + moralize on his character and his general unpopularity, while engaged in + negotiations with him. He complained that in the whole affair of the truce + he had sought only his particular advantage. "This is not to be wondered + at in one of his nature," said the King, "who only careth to provide for + the felicities of his present life, without any respect for his life to + come. Indeed, the consideration of his own age and the youth of his + children, the doubt of their legitimation, the strength of competitioners, + and the universal hatred borne unto him, makes him seek all means of + security for preventing of all dangers." + </p> + <p> + There were changes from day to day; hot and cold fits necessarily + resulting from the situation. As a rule, no eminent general who has had + much experience wishes to go into a new war inconsiderately and for the + mere love of war. The impatience is often on the part of the + non-combatants. Henry was no exception to the rule. He felt that the + complications then existing, the religious, political, and dynastic + elements arrayed against each other, were almost certain to be brought to + a crisis and explosion by the incident of the duchies. He felt that the + impending struggle was probably to be a desperate and a general one, but + there was no inconsistency in hoping that the show of a vigorous and + menacing attitude might suspend, defer, or entirely dissipate the + impending storm. + </p> + <p> + The appearance of vacillation on his part from day to day was hardly + deserving of the grave censure which it received, and was certainly in the + interests of humanity. + </p> + <p> + His conferences with Sully were almost daily and marked by intense + anxiety. He longed for Barneveld, and repeatedly urged that the Advocate, + laying aside all other business, would come to Paris, that they might + advise together thoroughly and face to face. It was most important that + the combination of alliances should be correctly arranged before + hostilities began, and herein lay the precise difficulty. The princes + applied formally and freely to the States-General for assistance. They + applied to the King of Great Britain. The agents of the opposite party + besieged Henry with entreaties, and, failing in those, with threats; going + off afterwards to Spain, to the Archdukes, and to other Catholic powers in + search of assistance. + </p> + <p> + The States-General professed their readiness to put an army of 15,000 foot + and 3000 horse in the field for the spring campaign, so soon as they were + assured of Henry's determination for a rupture. + </p> + <p> + "I am fresh enough still," said he to their ambassador, "to lead an army + into Cleve. I shall have a cheap bargain enough of the provinces. But + these Germans do nothing but eat and sleep. They will get the profit and + assign to me the trouble. No matter, I will never suffer the + aggrandizement of the House of Austria. The States-General must disband no + troops, but hold themselves in readiness." + </p> + <p> + Secretary of State Villeroy held the same language, but it was easy to + trace beneath his plausible exterior a secret determination to traverse + the plans of his sovereign. "The Cleve affair must lead to war," he said. + "The Spaniard, considering how necessary it is for him to have a prince + there at his devotion, can never quietly suffer Brandenburg and Neuburg to + establish themselves in those territories. The support thus gained by the + States-General would cause the loss of the Spanish Netherlands." + </p> + <p> + This was the view of Henry, too, but the Secretary of State, secretly + devoted to the cause of Spain, looked upon the impending war with much + aversion. + </p> + <p> + "All that can come to his Majesty from war," he said, "is the glory of + having protected the right. Counterbalance this with the fatigue, the + expense, and the peril of a great conflict, after our long repose, and you + will find this to be buying glory too dearly." + </p> + <p> + When a Frenchman talked of buying glory too dearly, it seemed probable + that the particular kind of glory was not to his taste. + </p> + <p> + Henry had already ordered the officers, then in France, of the 4000 French + infantry kept in the States' service at his expense to depart at once to + Holland, and he privately announced his intention of moving to the + frontier at the head of 30,000 men. + </p> + <p> + 'Yet not only Villeroy, but the Chancellor and the Constable, while + professing opposition to the designs of Austria and friendliness to those + of Brandenburg and Neuburg, deprecated this precipitate plunge into war. + "Those most interested," they said, "refuse to move; fearing Austria, + distrusting France. They leave us the burden and danger, and hope for the + spoils themselves. We cannot play cat to their monkey. The King must hold + himself in readiness to join in the game when the real players have + shuffled and dealt the cards. It is no matter to us whether the Spaniard + or Brandenburg or anyone else gets the duchies. The States-General require + a friendly sovereign there, and ought to say how much they will do for + that result." + </p> + <p> + The Constable laughed at the whole business. Coming straight from the + Louvre, he said "there would be no serious military movement, and that all + those fine freaks would evaporate in air." + </p> + <p> + But Sully never laughed. He was quietly preparing the ways and means for + the war, and he did not intend, so far as he had influence, that France + should content herself with freaks and let Spain win the game. Alone in + the council he maintained that "France had gone too far to recede without + sacrifice of reputation."—"The King's word is engaged both within + and without," he said. "Not to follow it with deeds would be dangerous to + the kingdom. The Spaniard will think France afraid of war. We must strike + a sudden blow, either to drive the enemy away or to crush him at once. + There is no time for delay. The Netherlands must prevent the + aggrandizement of Austria or consent to their own ruin." + </p> + <p> + Thus stood the game therefore. The brother of Brandenburg and son of + Neuburg had taken possession of Dusseldorf. + </p> + <p> + The Emperor, informed of this, ordered them forthwith to decamp. He + further summoned all pretenders to the duchies to appear before him, in + person or by proxy, to make good their claims. They refused and appealed + for advice and assistance to the States-General. Barneveld, aware of the + intrigues of Spain, who disguised herself in the drapery of the Emperor, + recommended that the Estates of Cleve, Julich, Berg, Mark, Ravensberg, and + Ravenstein, should be summoned in Dusseldorf. This was done and a + resolution taken to resist any usurpation. + </p> + <p> + The King of France wrote to the Elector of Cologne, who, by directions of + Rome and by means of the Jesuits, had been active in the intrigue, that he + would not permit the princes to be disturbed. + </p> + <p> + The Archduke Leopold suddenly jumped into the chief citadel of the country + and published an edict of the Emperor. All the proceedings were thereby + nullified as illegal and against the dignity of the realm and the princes + proclaimed under ban. + </p> + <p> + A herald brought the edict and ban to the princes in full assembly. The + princes tore it to pieces on the spot. Nevertheless they were much + frightened, and many members of the Estates took themselves off; others + showing an inclination to follow. + </p> + <p> + The princes sent forth with a deputation to the Hague to consult My Lords + the States-General. The States-General sent an express messenger to Paris. + Their ambassador there sent him back a week later, with notice of the + King's determination to risk everything against everything to preserve the + rights of the princes. It was added that Henry required to be solicited by + them, in order not by volunteer succour to give cause for distrust as to + his intentions. The States-General were further apprised by the King that + his interests and theirs were so considerable in the matter that they + would probably be obliged to go into a brisk and open war, in order to + prevent the Spaniard from establishing himself in the duchies. He advised + them to notify the Archdukes in Brussels that they would regard the truce + as broken if, under pretext of maintaining the Emperor's rights, they + should molest the princes. He desired them further to send their forces at + once to the frontier of Gelderland under Prince Maurice, without + committing any overt act of hostility, but in order to show that both the + King and the States were thoroughly in earnest. + </p> + <p> + The King then sent to Archduke Albert, as well as to the Elector of + Cologne, and despatched a special envoy to the King of Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + Immediately afterwards came communications from Barneveld to Henry, with + complete adhesion to the King's plans. The States would move in exact + harmony with him, neither before him nor after him, which was precisely + what he wished. He complained bitterly to Aerssens, when he communicated + the Advocate's despatches, of the slothful and timid course of the + princes. He ascribed it to the arts of Leopold, who had written and + inspired many letters against him insinuating that he was secretly in + league and correspondence with the Emperor; that he was going to the + duchies simply in the interest of the Catholics; that he was like Henry + II. only seeking to extend the French frontier; and Leopold, by these + intrigues and falsehoods, had succeeded in filling the princes with + distrust, and they had taken umbrage at the advance of his cavalry. + </p> + <p> + Henry professed himself incapable of self-seeking or ambition. He meant to + prevent the aggrandizement of Austria, and was impatient at the + dilatoriness and distrust of the princes. + </p> + <p> + "All their enemies are rushing to the King of Spain. Let them address + themselves to the King of France," he said, "for it is we two that must + play this game." + </p> + <p> + And when at last they did send an embassy, they prefaced it by a post + letter demanding an instant loan, and with an intimation that they would + rather have his money than his presence! + </p> + <p> + Was it surprising that the King's course should seem occasionally wavering + when he found it so difficult to stir up such stagnant waters into + honourable action? Was it strange that the rude and stern Sully should + sometimes lose his patience, knowing so much and suspecting more of the + foul designs by which his master was encompassed, of the web of conspiracy + against his throne, his life, and his honour, which was daily and hourly + spinning? + </p> + <p> + "We do nothing and you do nothing," he said one day to Aerssens. "You are + too soft, and we are too cowardly. I believe that we shall spoil + everything, after all. I always suspect these sudden determinations of + ours. They are of bad augury. We usually founder at last when we set off + so fiercely at first. There are words enough an every side, but there will + be few deeds. There is nothing to be got out of the King of Great Britain, + and the King of Spain will end by securing these provinces for himself by + a treaty." Sully knew better than this, but he did not care to let even + the Dutch envoy know, as yet, the immense preparations he had been making + for the coming campaign. + </p> + <p> + The envoys of the possessory princes, the Counts Solms, Colonel Pallandt, + and Dr. Steyntgen, took their departure, after it had been arranged that + final measures should be concerted at the general congress of the German + Protestants to be held early in the ensuing year at Hall, in Suabia. + </p> + <p> + At that convention de Boississe would make himself heard on the part of + France, and the representatives of the States-General, of Venice, and + Savoy, would also be present. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the secret conferences between Henry and his superintendent of + finances and virtual prime minister were held almost every day. Scarcely + an afternoon passed that the King did not make his appearance at the + Arsenal, Sully's residence, and walk up and down the garden with him for + hours, discussing the great project of which his brain was full. This + great project was to crush for ever the power of the Austrian house; to + drive Spain back into her own limits, putting an end to her projects for + universal monarchy; and taking the Imperial crown from the House of + Habsburg. By thus breaking up the mighty cousinship which, with the aid of + Rome, overshadowed Germany and the two peninsulas, besides governing the + greater part of both the Indies, he meant to bring France into the + preponderant position over Christendom which he believed to be her due. + </p> + <p> + It was necessary, he thought, for the continued existence of the Dutch + commonwealth that the opportunity should be taken once for all, now that a + glorious captain commanded its armies and a statesman unrivalled for + experience, insight, and patriotism controlled its politics and its + diplomacy, to drive the Spaniard out of the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + The Cleve question, properly and vigorously handled, presented exactly the + long desired opportunity for carrying out these vast designs. + </p> + <p> + The plan of assault upon Spanish power was to be threefold. The King + himself at the head of 35,000 men, supported by Prince Maurice and the + States' forces amounting to at least 14,000, would move to the Rhine and + seize the duchies. The Duke de la Force would command the army of the + Pyrenees and act in concert with the Moors of Spain, who roused to frenzy + by their expulsion from the kingdom could be relied on for a revolt or at + least a most vigorous diversion. Thirdly, a treaty with the Duke of Savoy + by which Henry accorded his daughter to the Duke's eldest son, the Prince + of Piedmont, a gift of 100,000 crowns, and a monthly pension during the + war of 50,000 crowns a month, was secretly concluded. + </p> + <p> + Early in the spring the Duke was to take the field with at least 10,000 + foot and 1200 horse, supported by a French army of 12,000 to 15,000 men + under the experienced Marshal de Lesdiguieres. These forces were to + operate against the Duchy of Milan with the intention of driving the + Spaniards out of that rich possession, which the Duke of Savoy claimed for + himself, and of assuring to Henry the dictatorship of Italy. With the + cordial alliance of Venice, and by playing off the mutual jealousies of + the petty Italian princes, like Florence, Mantua, Montserrat, and others, + against each other and against the Pope, it did not seem doubtful to Sully + that the result would be easily accomplished. He distinctly urged the wish + that the King should content himself with political influence, with the + splendid position of holding all Italy dependent upon his will and + guidance, but without annexing a particle of territory to his own crown. + </p> + <p> + It was Henry's intention, however, to help himself to the Duchy of Savoy, + and to the magnificent city and port of Genoa as a reward to himself for + the assistance, matrimonial alliance, and aggrandizement which he was + about to bestow upon Charles Emmanuel. Sully strenuously opposed these + self-seeking views on the part of his sovereign, however, constantly + placing before him the far nobler aim of controlling the destinies of + Christendom, of curbing what tended to become omnipotent, of raising up + and protecting that which had been abased, of holding the balance of + empire with just and steady hand in preference to the more vulgar and + commonplace ambition of annexing a province or two to the realms of + France. + </p> + <p> + It is true that these virtuous homilies, so often preached by him against + territorial aggrandizement in one direction, did not prevent him from + indulging in very extensive visions of it in another. But the dreams + pointed to the east rather than to the south. It was Sully's policy to + swallow a portion not of Italy but of Germany. He persuaded his master + that the possessory princes, if placed by the help of France in the + heritage which they claimed, would hardly be able to maintain themselves + against the dangers which surrounded them except by a direct dependence + upon France. In the end the position would become an impossible one, and + it would be easy after the war was over to indemnify Brandenburg with + money and with private property in the heart of France for example, and + obtain the cession of those most coveted provinces between the Meuse and + the Weser to the King. "What an advantage for France," whispered Sully, + "to unite to its power so important a part of Germany. For it cannot be + denied that by accepting the succour given by the King now those princes + oblige themselves to ask for help in the future in order to preserve their + new acquisition. Thus your Majesty will make them pay for it very dearly." + </p> + <p> + Thus the very virtuous self-denial in regard to the Duke of Savoy did not + prevent a secret but well developed ambition at the expense of the Elector + of Brandenburg. For after all it was well enough known that the Elector + was the really important and serious candidate. Henry knew full well that + Neuburg was depending on the Austrians and the Catholics, and that the + claims of Saxony were only put forward by the Emperor in order to confuse + the princes and excite mutual distrust. + </p> + <p> + The King's conferences with the great financier were most confidential, + and Sully was as secret as the grave. But Henry never could keep a secret + even when it concerned his most important interests, and nothing would + serve him but he must often babble of his great projects even to their + minutest details in presence of courtiers and counsellors whom in his + heart he knew to be devoted to Spain and in receipt of pensions from her + king. He would boast to them of the blows by which he meant to demolish + Spain and the whole house of Austria, so that there should be no longer + danger to be feared from that source to the tranquillity and happiness of + Europe, and he would do this so openly and in presence of those who, as he + knew, were perpetually setting traps for him and endeavouring to discover + his deepest secrets as to make Sully's hair stand on end. The faithful + minister would pluck his master by the cloak at times, and the King, with + the adroitness which never forsook him when he chose to employ it, would + contrive to extricate himself from a dilemma and pause at the brink of + tremendous disclosures.—[Memoires de Sully, t. vii. p. 324.]—But + Sully could not be always at his side, nor were the Nuncius or Don Inigo + de Cardenas or their confidential agents and spies always absent. Enough + was known of the general plan, while as to the probability of its coming + into immediate execution, perhaps the enemies of the King were often not + more puzzled than his friends. + </p> + <p> + But what the Spanish ambassador did not know, nor the Nuncius, nor even + the friendly Aerssens, was the vast amount of supplies which had been + prepared for the coming conflict by the finance minister. Henry did not + know it himself. "The war will turn on France as on a pivot," said Sully; + "it remains to be seen if we have supplies and money enough. I will engage + if the war is not to last more than three years and you require no more + than 40,000 men at a time that I will show you munitions and ammunition + and artillery and the like to such an extent that you will say, 'It is + enough.' + </p> + <p> + "As to money—" + </p> + <p> + "How much money have I got?" asked the King; "a dozen millions?" + </p> + <p> + "A little more than that," answered the Minister. + </p> + <p> + "Fourteen millions?" + </p> + <p> + "More still." + </p> + <p> + "Sixteen?" continued the King. + </p> + <p> + "More yet," said Sully. + </p> + <p> + And so the King went on adding two millions at each question until thirty + millions were reached, and when the question as to this sum was likewise + answered in the affirmative, he jumped from his chair, hugged his minister + around the neck, and kissed him on both cheeks. + </p> + <p> + "I want no more than that," he cried. + </p> + <p> + Sully answered by assuring him that he had prepared a report showing a + reserve of forty millions on which he might draw for his war expenses, + without in the least degree infringing on the regular budget for ordinary + expenses. + </p> + <p> + The King was in a transport of delight, and would have been capable of + telling the story on the spot to the Nuncius had he met him that + afternoon, which fortunately did not occur. + </p> + <p> + But of all men in Europe after the faithful Sully, Henry most desired to + see and confer daily and secretly with Barneveld. He insisted vehemently + that, neglecting all other business, he should come forthwith to Paris at + the head of the special embassy which it had been agreed that the States + should send. No living statesman, he said, could compare to Holland's + Advocate in sagacity, insight, breadth of view, knowledge of mankind and + of great affairs, and none he knew was more sincerely attached to his + person or felt more keenly the value of the French alliance. + </p> + <p> + With him he indeed communicated almost daily through the medium of + Aerssens, who was in constant receipt of most elaborate instructions from + Barneveld, but he wished to confer with him face to face, so that there + would be no necessity of delay in sending back for instructions, + limitations, and explanation. No man knew better than the King did that so + far as foreign affairs were concerned the States-General were simply + Barneveld. + </p> + <p> + On the 22nd January the States' ambassador had a long and secret interview + with the King.' He informed him that the Prince of Anhalt had been assured + by Barneveld that the possessory princes would be fully supported in their + position by the States, and that the special deputies of Archduke Albert, + whose presence at the Hague made Henry uneasy, as he regarded them as + perpetual spies, had been dismissed. Henry expressed his gratification. + They are there, he said, entirely in the interest of Leopold, who has just + received 500,000 crowns from the King of Spain, and is to have that sum + annually, and they are only sent to watch all your proceedings in regard + to Cleve. + </p> + <p> + The King then fervently pressed the Ambassador to urge Barneveld's coming + to Paris with the least possible delay. He signified his delight with + Barneveld's answer to Anhalt, who thus fortified would be able to do good + service at the assembly at Hall. He had expected nothing else from + Barneveld's sagacity, from his appreciation of the needs of Christendom, + and from his affection for himself. He told the Ambassador that he was + anxiously waiting for the Advocate in order to consult with him as to all + the details of the war. The affair of Cleve, he said, was too special a + cause. A more universal one was wanted. The King preferred to begin with + Luxemburg, attacking Charlemont or Namur, while the States ought at the + same time to besiege Venlo, with the intention afterwards of uniting with + the King in laying siege to Maestricht. + </p> + <p> + He was strong enough, he said, against all the world, but he still + preferred to invite all princes interested to join him in putting down the + ambitious and growing power of Spain. Cleve was a plausible pretext, but + the true cause, he said, should be found in the general safety of + Christendom. + </p> + <p> + Boississe had been sent to the German princes to ascertain whether and to + what extent they would assist the King. He supposed that once they found + him engaged in actual warfare in Luxemburg, they would get rid of their + jealousy and panic fears of him and his designs. He expected them to + furnish at least as large a force as he would supply as a contingent. + </p> + <p> + For it was understood that Anhalt as generalissimo of the German forces + would command a certain contingent of French troops, while the main army + of the King would be led by himself in person. + </p> + <p> + Henry expressed the conviction that the King of Spain would be taken by + surprise finding himself attacked in three places and by three armies at + once, he believing that the King of France was entirely devoted to his + pleasures and altogether too old for warlike pursuits, while the States, + just emerging from the misery of their long and cruel conflict, would be + surely unwilling to plunge headlong into a great and bloody war. + </p> + <p> + Henry inferred this, he said, from observing the rude and brutal manner in + which the soldiers in the Spanish Netherlands were now treated. It seemed, + he said, as if the Archdukes thought they had no further need of them, or + as if a stamp of the foot could raise new armies out of the earth. "My + design," continued the King, "is the more likely to succeed as the King of + Spain, being a mere gosling and a valet of the Duke of Lerma, will find + himself stripped of all his resources and at his wits' end; unexpectedly + embarrassed as he will be on the Italian side, where we shall be + threatening to cut the jugular vein of his pretended universal monarchy." + </p> + <p> + He intimated that there was no great cause for anxiety in regard to the + Catholic League just formed at Wurzburg. He doubted whether the King of + Spain would join it, and he had learned that the Elector of Cologne was + making very little progress in obtaining the Emperor's adhesion. As to + this point the King had probably not yet thoroughly understood that the + Bavarian League was intended to keep clear of the House of Habsburg, + Maximilian not being willing to identify the success of German Catholicism + with the fortunes of that family. + </p> + <p> + Henry expressed the opinion that the King of Spain, that is to say, his + counsellors, meant to make use of the Emperor's name while securing all + the profit, and that Rudolph quite understood their game, while Matthias + was sure to make use of this opportunity, supported by the Protestants of + Bohemia, Austria, and Moravia, to strip the Emperor of the last shred of + Empire. + </p> + <p> + The King was anxious that the States should send a special embassy at once + to the King of Great Britain. His ambassador, de la Boderie, gave little + encouragement of assistance from that quarter, but it was at least + desirable to secure his neutrality. "'Tis a prince too much devoted to + repose," said Henry, "to be likely to help in this war, but at least he + must not be allowed to traverse our great designs. He will probably refuse + the league offensive and defensive which I have proposed to him, but he + must be got, if possible, to pledge himself to the defensive. I mean to + assemble my army on the frontier, as if to move upon Julich, and then + suddenly sweep down on the Meuse, where, sustained by the States' army and + that of the princes, I will strike my blows and finish my enterprise + before our adversary has got wind of what is coming. We must embark James + in the enterprise if we can, but at any rate we must take measures to + prevent his spoiling it." + </p> + <p> + Henry assured the Envoy that no one would know anything of the great + undertaking but by its effect; that no one could possibly talk about it + with any knowledge except himself, Sully, Villeroy, Barneveld, and + Aerssens. With them alone he conferred confidentially, and he doubted not + that the States would embrace this opportunity to have done for ever with + the Spaniards. He should take the field in person, he said, and with + several powerful armies would sweep the enemy away from the Meuse, and + after obtaining control of that river would quietly take possession of the + sea-coast of Flanders, shut up Archduke Albert between the States and the + French, who would thus join hands and unite their frontiers. + </p> + <p> + Again the King expressed his anxiety for Barneveld's coming, and directed + the Ambassador to urge it, and to communicate to him the conversation + which had just taken place. He much preferred, he said, a general war. He + expressed doubts as to the Prince of Anhalt's capacity as chief in the + Cleve expedition, and confessed that being jealous of his own reputation + he did not like to commit his contingent of troops to the care of a + stranger and one so new to his trade. The shame would fall on himself, not + on Anhalt in case of any disaster. Therefore, to avoid all petty + jealousies and inconveniences of that nature by which the enterprise might + be ruined, it was best to make out of this small affair a great one, and + the King signified his hope that the Advocate would take this view of the + case and give him his support. He had plenty of grounds of war himself, + and the States had as good cause of hostilities in the rupture of the + truce by the usurpation attempted by Leopold with the assistance of Spain + and in the name of the Emperor. He hoped, he said, that the States would + receive no more deputations from Archduke Albert, but decide to settle + everything at the point of the sword. The moment was propitious, and, if + neglected, might never return. Marquis Spinola was about to make a journey + to Spain on various matters of business. On his return, Henry said, he + meant to make him prisoner as a hostage for the Prince of Conde, whom the + Archdukes were harbouring and detaining. This would be the pretext, he + said, but the object would be to deprive the Archdukes of any military + chief, and thus to throw them into utter confusion. Count van den Berg + would never submit to the authority of Don Luis de Velasco, nor Velasco to + his, and not a man could come from Spain or Italy, for the passages would + all be controlled by France. + </p> + <p> + Fortunately for the King's reputation, Spinola's journey was deferred, so + that this notable plan for disposing of the great captain fell to the + ground. + </p> + <p> + Henry agreed to leave the two French regiments and the two companies of + cavalry in the States' service as usual, but stipulated in certain + contingencies for their use. + </p> + <p> + Passing to another matter concerning which there had been so much jealousy + on the part of the States, the formation of the French East India Company—to + organize which undertaking Le Roy and Isaac Le Maire of Amsterdam had been + living disguised in the house of Henry's famous companion, the financier + Zamet at Paris—the King said that Barneveld ought not to envy him a + participation in the great profits of this business. + </p> + <p> + Nothing would be done without consulting him after his arrival in Paris. + He would discuss the matter privately with him, he said, knowing that + Barneveld was a great personage, but however obstinate he might be, he + felt sure that he would always yield to reason. On the other hand the King + expressed his willingness to submit to the Advocate's opinions if they + should seem the more just. + </p> + <p> + On leaving the King the Ambassador had an interview with Sully, who again + expressed his great anxiety for the arrival of Barneveld, and his hopes + that he might come with unlimited powers, so that the great secret might + not leak out through constant referring of matters back to the Provinces. + </p> + <p> + After rendering to the Advocate a detailed account of this remarkable + conversation, Aerssens concluded with an intimation that perhaps his own + opinion might be desired as to the meaning of all those movements + developing themselves so suddenly and on so many sides. + </p> + <p> + "I will say," he observed, "exactly what the poet sings of the army of + ants— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Hi motus animorum atque haec certamina tanta + Pulveris exigui jactu contacts quiescunt.' +</pre> + <p> + If the Prince of Conde comes back, we shall be more plausible than ever. + If he does not come back, perhaps the consideration of the future will + sweep us onwards. All have their special views, and M. de Villeroy more + warmly than all the rest." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Abstinence from inquisition into consciences and private parlour + Allowed the demon of religious hatred to enter into its body + Behead, torture, burn alive, and bury alive all heretics + Christian sympathy and a small assistance not being sufficient + Contained within itself the germs of a larger liberty + Could not be both judge and party in the suit + Covered now with the satirical dust of centuries + Deadly hatred of Puritans in England and Holland + Doctrine of predestination in its sternest and strictest sense + Emperor of Japan addressed him as his brother monarch + Estimating his character and judging his judges + Everybody should mind his own business + He was a sincere bigot + Impatience is often on the part of the non-combatants + Intense bigotry of conviction + International friendship, the self-interest of each + It was the true religion, and there was none other + James of England, who admired, envied, and hated Henry + Jealousy, that potent principle + Language which is ever living because it is dead + More fiercely opposed to each other than to Papists + None but God to compel me to say more than I choose to say + Power the poison of which it is so difficult to resist + Presents of considerable sums of money to the negotiators made + Princes show what they have in them at twenty-five or never + Putting the cart before the oxen + Religious toleration, which is a phrase of insult + Secure the prizes of war without the troubles and dangers + Senectus edam maorbus est + So much in advance of his time as to favor religious equality + The Catholic League and the Protestant Union + The truth in shortest about matters of importance + The vehicle is often prized more than the freight + There was but one king in Europe, Henry the Bearnese + There was no use in holding language of authority to him + Thirty Years' War tread on the heels of the forty years + Unimaginable outrage as the most legitimate industry + Wish to appear learned in matters of which they are ignorant +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. 1609-10 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Passion of Henry IV. for Margaret de Montmorency—Her Marriage with + the Prince of Conde—Their Departure for the Country-Their Flight to + the Netherlands-Rage of the King—Intrigues of Spain—Reception of + the Prince and Princess of Conde by the Archdukes at Brussels— + Splendid Entertainments by Spinola—Attempts of the King to bring + the Fugitives back—Mission of De Coeuvres to Brussels—Difficult + Position of the Republic—Vast but secret Preparations for War. +</pre> + <p> + "If the Prince of Conde comes back." What had the Prince of Conde, his + comings and his goings, to do with this vast enterprise? + </p> + <p> + It is time to point to the golden thread of most fantastic passion which + runs throughout this dark and eventful history. + </p> + <p> + One evening in the beginning of the year which had just come to its close + there was to be a splendid fancy ball at the Louvre in the course of which + several young ladies of highest rank were to perform a dance in + mythological costume. + </p> + <p> + The King, on ill terms with the Queen, who harassed him with scenes of + affected jealousy, while engaged in permanent plots with her paramour and + master, the Italian Concini, against his policy and his life; on still + worse terms with his latest mistress in chief, the Marquise de Verneuil, + who hated him and revenged herself for enduring his caresses by making him + the butt of her venomous wit, had taken the festivities of a court in + dudgeon where he possessed hosts of enemies and flatterers but scarcely a + single friend. + </p> + <p> + He refused to attend any of the rehearsals of the ballet, but one day a + group of Diana and her nymphs passed him in the great gallery of the + palace. One of the nymphs as she went by turned and aimed her gilded + javelin at his heart. Henry looked and saw the most beautiful young + creature, so he thought, that mortal eye had ever gazed upon, and + according to his wont fell instantly over head and ears in love. He said + afterwards that he felt himself pierced to the heart and was ready to + faint away. + </p> + <p> + The lady was just fifteen years of age. The King was turned of fifty-five. + The disparity of age seemed to make the royal passion ridiculous. To Henry + the situation seemed poetical and pathetic. After this first interview he + never missed a single rehearsal. In the intervals he called perpetually + for the services of the court poet Malherbe, who certainly contrived to + perpetrate in his behalf some of the most detestable verses that even he + had ever composed. + </p> + <p> + The nymph was Marguerite de Montmorency, daughter of the Constable of + France, and destined one day to become the mother of the great Conde, hero + of Rocroy. There can be no doubt that she was exquisitely beautiful. + Fair-haired, with a complexion of dazzling purity, large expressive eyes, + delicate but commanding features, she had a singular fascination of look + and gesture, and a winning, almost childlike, simplicity of manner. + Without feminine artifice or commonplace coquetry, she seemed to bewitch + and subdue at a glance men of all ranks, ages, and pursuits; kings and + cardinals, great generals, ambassadors and statesmen, as well as humbler + mortals whether Spanish, Italian, French, or Flemish. The Constable, an + ignorant man who, as the King averred, could neither write nor read, + understood as well as more learned sages the manners and humours of the + court. He had destined his daughter for the young and brilliant + Bassompierre, the most dazzling of all the cavaliers of the day. The two + were betrothed. + </p> + <p> + But the love-stricken Henry, then confined to his bed with the gout, sent + for the chosen husband of the beautiful Margaret. + </p> + <p> + "Bassompierre, my friend," said the aged king, as the youthful lover knelt + before him at the bedside, "I have become not in love, but mad, out of my + senses, furious for Mademoiselle de Montmorency. If she should love you, I + should hate you. If she should love me, you would hate me. 'Tis better + that this should not be the cause of breaking up our good intelligence, + for I love you with affection and inclination. I am resolved to marry her + to my nephew the Prince of Conde, and to keep her near my family. She will + be the consolation and support of my old age into which I am now about to + enter. I shall give my nephew, who loves the chase a thousand times better + than he does ladies, 100,000 livres a year, and I wish no other favour + from her than her affection without making further pretensions." + </p> + <p> + It was eight o'clock of a black winter's morning, and the tears as he + spoke ran down the cheeks of the hero of Ivry and bedewed the face of the + kneeling Bassompierre. + </p> + <p> + The courtly lover sighed and—obeyed. He renounced the hand of the + beautiful Margaret, and came daily to play at dice with the King at his + bedside with one or two other companions. + </p> + <p> + And every day the Duchess of Angouleme, sister of the Constable, brought + her fair niece to visit and converse with the royal invalid. But for the + dark and tragic clouds which were gradually closing around that eventful + and heroic existence there would be something almost comic in the + spectacle of the sufferer making the palace and all France ring with the + howlings of his grotesque passion for a child of fifteen as he lay + helpless and crippled with the gout. + </p> + <p> + One day as the Duchess of Angouleme led her niece away from their morning + visit to the King, Margaret as she passed by Bassompierre shrugged her + shoulders with a scornful glance. Stung by this expression of contempt, + the lover who had renounced her sprang from the dice table, buried his + face in his hat, pretending that his nose was bleeding, and rushed + frantically from the palace. + </p> + <p> + Two days long he spent in solitude, unable to eat, drink, or sleep, + abandoned to despair and bewailing his wretched fate, and it was long + before he could recover sufficient equanimity to face his lost Margaret + and resume his place at the King's dicing table. When he made his + appearance, he was according to his own account so pale, changed, and + emaciated that his friends could not recognise him. + </p> + <p> + The marriage with Conde, first prince of the blood, took place early in + the spring. The bride received magnificent presents, and the husband a + pension of 100,000 livres a year. The attentions of the King became soon + outrageous and the reigning scandal of the hour. Henry, discarding the + grey jacket and simple costume on which he was wont to pride himself, + paraded himself about in perfumed ruffs and glittering doublet, an ancient + fop, very little heroic, and much ridiculed. The Princess made merry with + the antics of her royal adorer, while her vanity at least, if not her + affection, was really touched, and there was one great round of court + festivities in her honour, at which the King and herself were ever the + central figures. But Conde was not at all amused. Not liking the part + assigned to him in the comedy thus skilfully arranged by his cousin king, + never much enamoured of his bride, while highly appreciating the 100,000 + livres of pension, he remonstrated violently with his wife, bitterly + reproached the King, and made himself generally offensive. "The Prince is + here," wrote Henry to Sully, "and is playing the very devil. You would be + in a rage and be ashamed of the things he says of me. But at last I am + losing patience, and am resolved to give him a bit of my mind." He wrote + in the same terms to Montmorency. The Constable, whose conduct throughout + the affair was odious and pitiable, promised to do his best to induce the + Prince, instead of playing the devil, to listen to reason, as he and the + Duchess of Angouleme understood reason. + </p> + <p> + Henry had even the ineffable folly to appeal to the Queen to use her + influence with the refractory Conde. Mary de' Medici replied that there + were already thirty go-betweens at work, and she had no idea of being the + thirty-first—[Henrard, 30]. + </p> + <p> + Conde, surrounded by a conspiracy against his honour and happiness, + suddenly carried off his wife to the country, much to the amazement and + rage of Henry. + </p> + <p> + In the autumn he entertained a hunting party at a seat of his, the Abbey + of Verneuille, on the borders of Picardy. De Traigny, governor of Amiens, + invited the Prince, Princess, and the Dowager-Princess to a banquet at his + chateau not far from the Abbey. On their road thither they passed a group + of huntsmen and grooms in the royal livery. Among them was an aged lackey + with a plaister over one eye, holding a couple of hounds in leash. The + Princess recognized at a glance under that ridiculous disguise the King. + </p> + <p> + "What a madman!" she murmured as she passed him, "I will never forgive + you;" but as she confessed many years afterwards, this act of gallantly + did not displease her.' + </p> + <p> + In truth, even in mythological fable, Trove has scarcely ever reduced + demi-god or hero to more fantastic plight than was this travesty of the + great Henry. After dinner Madame de Traigny led her fair guest about the + castle to show her the various points of view. At one window she paused, + saying that it commanded a particularly fine prospect. + </p> + <p> + The Princess looked from it across a courtyard, and saw at an opposite + window an old gentleman holding his left hand tightly upon his heart to + show that it was wounded, and blowing kisses to her with the other: "My + God! it is the King himself," she cried to her hostess. The princess with + this exclamation rushed from the window, feeling or affecting much + indignation, ordered horses to her carriage instantly, and overwhelmed + Madame de Traigny with reproaches. The King himself, hastening to the + scene, was received with passionate invectives, and in vain attempted to + assuage the Princess's wrath and induce her to remain. + </p> + <p> + They left the chateau at once, both Prince and Princess. + </p> + <p> + One night, not many weeks afterwards, the Due de Sully, in the Arsenal at + Paris, had just got into bed at past eleven o'clock when he received a + visit from Captain de Praslin, who walked straight into his bed-chamber, + informing him that the King instantly required his presence. + </p> + <p> + Sully remonstrated. He was obliged to rise at three the next morning, he + said, enumerating pressing and most important work which Henry required to + be completed with all possible haste. "The King said you would be very + angry," replied Praslin; "but there is no help for it. Come you must, for + the man you know of has gone out of the country, as you said he would, and + has carried away the lady on the crupper behind him." + </p> + <p> + "Ho, ho," said the Duke, "I am wanted for that affair, am I?" And the two + proceeded straightway to the Louvre, and were ushered, of all apartments + in the world, into the Queen's bedchamber. Mary de' Medici had given birth + only four days before to an infant, Henrietta Maria, future queen of + Charles I. of England. The room was crowded with ministers and courtiers; + Villeroy, the Chancellor, Bassompierre, and others, being stuck against + the wall at small intervals like statues, dumb, motionless, scarcely + daring to breathe. The King, with his hands behind him and his grey beard + sunk on his breast, was pacing up and down the room in a paroxysm of rage + and despair. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said he, turning to Sully as he entered, "our man has gone off and + carried everything with him. What do you say to that?" + </p> + <p> + The Duke beyond the boding "I told you so" phrase of consolation which he + was entitled to use, having repeatedly warned his sovereign that precisely + this catastrophe was impending, declined that night to offer advice. He + insisted on sleeping on it. The manner in which the proceedings of the + King at this juncture would be regarded by the Archdukes Albert and + Isabella—for there could be no doubt that Conde had escaped to their + territory—and by the King of Spain, in complicity with whom the step + had unquestionably been taken—was of gravest political importance. + </p> + <p> + Henry had heard the intelligence but an hour before. He was at cards in + his cabinet with Bassompierre and others when d'Elbene entered and made a + private communication to him. "Bassompierre, my friend," whispered the + King immediately in that courtier's ear, "I am lost. This man has carried + his wife off into a wood. I don't know if it is to kill her or to take her + out of France. Take care of my money and keep up the game." + </p> + <p> + Bassompierre followed the king shortly afterwards and brought him his + money. He said that he had never seen a man so desperate, so transported. + </p> + <p> + The matter was indeed one of deepest and universal import. The reader has + seen by the preceding narrative how absurd is the legend often believed in + even to our own days that war was made by France upon the Archdukes and + upon Spain to recover the Princess of Conde from captivity in Brussels. + </p> + <p> + From contemporary sources both printed and unpublished; from most + confidential conversations and revelations, we have seen how broad, + deliberate, and deeply considered were the warlike and political + combinations in the King's ever restless brain. But although the abduction + of the new Helen by her own Menelaus was not the cause of the impending, + Iliad, there is no doubt whatever that the incident had much to do with + the crisis, was the turning point in a great tragedy, and that but for the + vehement passion of the King for this youthful princess events might have + developed themselves on a far different scale from that which they were + destined to assume. For this reason a court intrigue, which history under + other conditions might justly disdain, assumes vast proportions and is + taken quite away from the scandalous chronicle which rarely busies itself + with grave affairs of state. + </p> + <p> + "The flight of Conde," wrote Aerssens, "is the catastrophe to the comedy + which has been long enacting. 'Tis to be hoped that the sequel may not + prove tragical." + </p> + <p> + "The Prince," for simply by that title he was usually called to + distinguish him from all other princes in France, was next of blood. Had + Henry no sons, he would have succeeded him on the throne. It was a + favourite scheme of the Spanish party to invalidate Henry's divorce from + Margaret of Valois, and thus to cast doubts on the legitimacy of the + Dauphin and the other children of Mary de' Medici. + </p> + <p> + The Prince in the hands of the Spanish government might prove a docile and + most dangerous instrument to the internal repose of France not only after + Henry's death but in his life-time. Conde's character was frivolous, + unstable, excitable, weak, easy to be played upon by designing + politicians, and he had now the deepest cause for anger and for indulging + in ambitious dreams. + </p> + <p> + He had been wont during this unhappy first year of his marriage to loudly + accuse Henry of tyranny, and was now likely by public declaration to + assign that as the motive of his flight. Henry had protested in reply that + he had never been guilty of tyranny but once in his life, and that was + when he allowed this youth to take the name and title of Conde? + </p> + <p> + For the Princess-Dowager his mother had lain for years in prison, under + the terrible accusation of having murdered her husband, in complicity with + her paramour, a Gascon page, named Belcastel. The present prince had been + born several months after his reputed father's death. Henry, out of good + nature, or perhaps for less creditable reasons, had come to the rescue of + the accused princess, and had caused the process to be stopped, further + enquiry to be quashed, and the son to be recognized as legitimate Prince + of Conde. The Dowager had subsequently done her best to further the King's + suit to her son's wife, for which the Prince bitterly reproached her to + her face, heaping on her epithets which she well deserved. + </p> + <p> + Henry at once began to threaten a revival of the criminal suit, with a + view of bastardizing him again, although the Dowager had acted on all + occasions with great docility in Henry's interests. + </p> + <p> + The flight of the Prince and Princess was thus not only an incident of + great importance to the internal politics of trance, but had a direct and + important bearing on the impending hostilities. Its intimate connection + with the affairs of the Netherland commonwealth was obvious. It was + probable that the fugitives would make their way towards the Archdukes' + territory, and that afterwards their first point of destination would be + Breda, of which Philip William of Orange, eldest brother of Prince + Maurice, was the titular proprietor. Since the truce recently concluded + the brothers, divided so entirely by politics and religion, could meet on + fraternal and friendly terms, and Breda, although a city of the + Commonwealth, received its feudal lord. The Princess of Orange was the + sister of Conde. The morning after the flight the King, before daybreak, + sent for the Dutch ambassador. He directed him to despatch a courier + forthwith to Barneveld, notifying him that the Prince had left the kingdom + without the permission or knowledge of his sovereign, and stating the + King's belief that he had fled to the territory of the Archdukes. If he + should come to Breda or to any other place within the jurisdiction of the + States, they were requested to make sure of his person at once, and not to + permit him to retire until further instructions should be received from + the King. De Praslin, captain of the body-guards and lieutenant of + Champagne, it was further mentioned, was to be sent immediately on secret + mission concerning this affair to the States and to the Archdukes. + </p> + <p> + The King suspected Conde of crime, so the Advocate was to be informed. He + believed him to be implicated in the conspiracy of Poitou; the six who had + been taken prisoners having confessed that they had thrice conferred with + a prince at Paris, and that the motive of the plot was to free themselves + and France from the tyranny of Henry IV. The King insisted peremptorily, + despite of any objections from Aerssens, that the thing must be done and + his instructions carried out to the letter. So much he expected of the + States, and they should care no more for ulterior consequences, he said, + than he had done for the wrath of Spain when he frankly undertook their + cause. Conde was important only because his relative, and he declared that + if the Prince should escape, having once entered the territory of the + Republic, he should lay the blame on its government. + </p> + <p> + "If you proceed languidly in the affair," wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, + "our affairs will suffer for ever." + </p> + <p> + Nobody at court believed in the Poitou conspiracy, or that Conde had any + knowledge of it. The reason of his flight was a mystery to none, but as it + was immediately followed by an intrigue with Spain, it seemed ingenious to + Henry to make, use of a transparent pretext to conceal the ugliness of the + whole affair. + </p> + <p> + He hoped that the Prince would be arrested at Breda and sent back by the + States. Villeroy said that if it was not done, they would be guilty of + black ingratitude. It would be an awkward undertaking, however, and the + States devoutly prayed that they might not be put to the test. The crafty + Aerssens suggested to Barneveld that if Conde was not within their + territory it would be well to assure the King that, had he been there, he + would have been delivered up at once. "By this means," said the + Ambassador, "you will give no cause of offence to the Prince, and will at + the same time satisfy the King. It is important that he should think that + you depend immediately upon him. If you see that after his arrest they + take severe measures against him, you will have a thousand ways of + parrying the blame which posterity might throw upon you. History teaches + you plenty of them." + </p> + <p> + He added that neither Sully nor anyone else thought much of the Poitou + conspiracy. Those implicated asserted that they had intended to raise + troops there to assist the King in the Cleve expedition. Some people said + that Henry had invented this plot against his throne and life. The + Ambassador, in a spirit of prophecy, quoted the saying of Domitian: + "Misera conditio imperantium quibus de conspiratione non creditor nisi + occisis." + </p> + <p> + Meantime the fugitives continued their journey. The Prince was accompanied + by one of his dependants, a rude officer, de Rochefort, who carried the + Princess on a pillion behind him. She had with her a lady-in-waiting named + du Certeau and a lady's maid named Philippote. She had no clothes but + those on her back, not even a change of linen. Thus the young and delicate + lady made the wintry journey through the forests. They crossed the + frontier at Landrecies, then in the Spanish Netherlands, intending to + traverse the Archduke's territory in order to reach Breda, where Conde + meant to leave his wife in charge of his sister, the Princess of Orange, + and then to proceed to Brussels. + </p> + <p> + He wrote from the little inn at Landrecies to notify the Archduke of his + project. He was subsequently informed that Albert would not prevent his + passing through his territories, but should object to his making a fixed + residence within them. The Prince also wrote subsequently to the King of + Spain and to the King of France. + </p> + <p> + To Henry he expressed his great regret at being obliged to leave the + kingdom in order to save his honour and his life, but that he had no + intention of being anything else than his very humble and faithful cousin, + subject, and servant. He would do nothing against his service, he said, + unless forced thereto, and he begged the King not to take it amiss if he + refused to receive letters from any one whomsoever at court, saving only + such letters as his Majesty himself might honour him by writing. + </p> + <p> + The result of this communication to the King was of course to enrage that + monarch to the utmost, and his first impulse on finding that the Prince + was out of his reach was to march to Brussels at once and take possession + of him and the Princess by main force. More moderate counsels prevailed + for the moment however, and negotiations were attempted. + </p> + <p> + Praslin did not contrive to intercept the fugitives, but the + States-General, under the advice of Barneveld, absolutely forbade their + coming to Breda or entering any part of their jurisdiction. The result of + Conde's application to the King of Spain was an ultimate offer of + assistance and asylum, through a special emissary, one Anover; for the + politicians of Madrid were astute enough to see what a card the Prince + might prove in their hands. + </p> + <p> + Henry instructed his ambassador in Spain to use strong and threatening + language in regard to the harbouring a rebel and a conspirator against the + throne of France; while on the other hand he expressed his satisfaction + with the States for having prohibited the Prince from entering their + territory. He would have preferred, he said, if they had allowed him + entrance and forbidden his departure, but on the whole he was content. It + was thought in Paris that the Netherland government had acted with much + adroitness in thus abstaining both from a violation of the law of nations + and from giving offence to the King. + </p> + <p> + A valet of Conde was taken with some papers of the Prince about him, which + proved a determination on his part never to return to France during the + lifetime of Henry. They made no statement of the cause of his flight, + except to intimate that it might be left to the judgment of every one, as + it was unfortunately but too well known to all. + </p> + <p> + Refused entrance into the Dutch territory, the Prince was obliged to + renounce his project in regard to Breda, and brought his wife to Brussels. + He gave Bentivoglio, the Papal nuncio, two letters to forward to Italy, + one to the Pope, the other to his nephew, Cardinal Borghese. Encouraged by + the advices which he had received from Spain, he justified his flight from + France both by the danger to his honour and to his life, recommending both + to the protection of his Holiness and his Eminence. Bentivoglio sent the + letters, but while admitting the invincible reasons for his departure + growing out of the King's pursuit of the Princess, he refused all credence + to the pretended violence against Conde himself. Conde informed de Praslin + that he would not consent to return to France. Subsequently he imposed as + conditions of return that the King should assign to him certain cities and + strongholds in Guienne, of which province he was governor, far from Paris + and very near the Spanish frontier; a measure dictated by Spain and which + inflamed Henry's wrath almost to madness. The King insisted on his instant + return, placing himself and of course the Princess entirely in his hands + and receiving a full pardon for this effort to save his honour. The Prince + and Princess of Orange came from Breda to Brussels to visit their brother + and his wife. Here they established them in the Palace of Nassau, once the + residence in his brilliant youth of William the Silent; a magnificent + mansion, surrounded by park and garden, built on the brow of the almost + precipitous hill, beneath which is spread out so picturesquely the antique + and beautiful capital of Brabant. + </p> + <p> + The Archdukes received them with stately courtesy at their own palace. On + their first ceremonious visit to the sovereigns of the land, the formal + Archduke, coldest and chastest of mankind, scarcely lifted his eyes to + gaze on the wondrous beauty of the Princess, yet assured her after he had + led her through a portrait gallery of fair women that formerly these had + been accounted beauties, but that henceforth it was impossible to speak of + any beauty but her own. + </p> + <p> + The great Spinola fell in love with her at once, sent for the illustrious + Rubens from Antwerp to paint her portrait, and offered Mademoiselle de + Chateau Vert 10,000 crowns in gold if she would do her best to further his + suit with her mistress. The Genoese banker-soldier made love, war, and + finance on a grand scale. He gave a magnificent banquet and ball in her + honour on Twelfth Night, and the festival was the wonder of the town. + Nothing like it had been seen in Brussels for years. At six in the evening + Spinola in splendid costume, accompanied by Don Luis Velasco, Count + Ottavio Visconti, Count Bucquoy, with other nobles of lesser note, drove + to the Nassau Palace to bring the Prince and Princess and their suite to + the Marquis's mansion. Here a guard of honour of thirty musketeers was + standing before the door, and they were conducted from their coaches by + Spinola preceded by twenty-four torch-bearers up the grand staircase to a + hall, where they were received by the Princesses of Mansfeld, Velasco, and + other distinguished dames. Thence they were led through several apartments + rich with tapestry and blazing with crystal and silver plate to a splendid + saloon where was a silken canopy, under which the Princess of Conde and + the Princess of Orange seated themselves, the Nuncius Bentivoglio to his + delight being placed next the beautiful Margaret. After reposing for a + little while they were led to the ball-room, brilliantly lighted with + innumerable torches of perfumed wax and hung with tapestry of gold and + silk, representing in fourteen embroidered designs the chief military + exploits of Spinola. Here the banquet, a cold collation, was already + spread on a table decked and lighted with regal splendour. As soon as the + guests were seated, an admirable concert of instrumental music began. + Spinola walked up and down providing for the comforts of his company, the + Duke of Aumale stood behind the two princesses to entertain them with + conversation, Don Luis Velasco served the Princess of Conde with plates, + handed her the dishes, the wine, the napkins, while Bucquoy and Visconti + in like manner waited upon the Princess of Orange; other nobles attending + to the other ladies. Forty-eight pages in white, yellow, and red scarves + brought and removed the dishes. The dinner, of courses innumerable, lasted + two hours and a half, and the ladies, being thus fortified for the more + serious business of the evening, were led to the tiring-rooms while the + hall was made ready for dancing. The ball was opened by the Princess of + Conde and Spinola, and lasted until two in the morning. As the apartment + grew warm, two of the pages went about with long staves and broke all the + windows until not a single pane of glass remained. The festival was + estimated by the thrifty chronicler of Antwerp to have cost from 3000 to + 4000 crowns. It was, he says, "an earthly paradise of which soon not a + vapour remained." He added that he gave a detailed account of it "not + because he took pleasure in such voluptuous pomp and extravagance, but + that one might thus learn the vanity of the world." These courtesies and + assiduities on the part of the great "shopkeeper," as the Constable called + him, had so much effect, if not on the Princess, at least on Conde + himself, that he threatened to throw his wife out of window if she refused + to caress Spinola. These and similar accusations were made by the father + and aunt when attempting to bring about a divorce of the Princess from her + husband. The Nuncius Bentivoglio, too, fell in love with her, devoting + himself to her service, and his facile and eloquent pen to chronicling her + story. Even poor little Philip of Spain in the depths of the Escurial + heard of her charms, and tried to imagine himself in love with her by + proxy. + </p> + <p> + Thenceforth there was a succession of brilliant festivals in honour of the + Princess. The Spanish party was radiant with triumph, the French maddened + with rage. Henry in Paris was chafing like a lion at bay. A petty + sovereign whom he could crush at one vigorous bound was protecting the + lady for whose love he was dying. He had secured Conde's exclusion from + Holland, but here were the fugitives splendidly established in Brussels; + the Princess surrounded by most formidable suitors, the Prince encouraged + in his rebellious and dangerous schemes by the power which the King most + hated on earth, and whose eternal downfall he had long since sworn to + accomplish. + </p> + <p> + For the weak and frivolous Conde began to prattle publicly of his deep + projects of revenge. Aided by Spanish money and Spanish troops he would + show one day who was the real heir to the throne of France—the + illegitimately born Dauphin or himself. + </p> + <p> + The King sent for the first president of Parliament, Harlay, and consulted + with him as to the proper means of reviving the suppressed process against + the Dowager and of publicly degrading Conde from his position of first + prince of the blood which he had been permitted to usurp. He likewise + procured a decree accusing him of high-treason and ordering him to be + punished at his Majesty's pleasure, to be prepared by the Parliament of + Paris; going down to the court himself in his impatience and seating + himself in everyday costume on the bench of judges to see that it was + immediately proclaimed. + </p> + <p> + Instead of at once attacking the Archdukes in force as he intended in the + first ebullition of his wrath, he resolved to send de + Boutteville-Montmorency, a relative of the Constable, on special and + urgent mission to Brussels. He was to propose that Conde and his wife + should return with the Prince and Princess of Orange to Breda, the King + pledging himself that for three or four months nothing should be + undertaken against him. Here was a sudden change of determination fit to + surprise the States-General, but the King's resolution veered and whirled + about hourly in the tempests of his wrath and love. + </p> + <p> + That excellent old couple, the Constable and the Duchess of Angouleme, did + their best to assist their sovereign in his fierce attempts to get their + daughter and niece into his power. + </p> + <p> + The Constable procured a piteous letter to be written to Archduke Albert, + signed "Montmorency his mark," imploring him not to "suffer that his + daughter, since the Prince refused to return to France, should leave + Brussels to be a wanderer about the world following a young prince who had + no fixed purpose in his mind." + </p> + <p> + Archduke Albert, through his ambassador in Paris, Peter Pecquius, + suggested the possibility of a reconciliation between Henry and his + kinsman, and offered himself as intermediary. He enquired whether the King + would find it agreeable that he should ask for pardon in name of the + Prince. Henry replied that he was willing that the Archduke should accord + to Conde secure residence for the time within his dominions on three + inexorable conditions:—firstly, that the Prince should ask for + pardon without any stipulations, the King refusing to listen to any treaty + or to assign him towns or places of security as had been vaguely + suggested, and holding it utterly unreasonable that a man sueing for + pardon should, instead of deserved punishment, talk of terms and + acquisitions; secondly, that, if Conde should reject the proposition, + Albert should immediately turn him out of his country, showing himself + justly irritated at finding his advice disregarded; thirdly, that, sending + away the Prince, the Archduke should forthwith restore the Princess to her + father the Constable and her aunt Angouleme, who had already made their + petitions to Albert and Isabella for that end, to which the King now added + his own most particular prayers. + </p> + <p> + If the Archduke should refuse consent to these three conditions, Henry + begged that he would abstain from any farther attempt to effect a + reconciliation and not suffer Conde to remain any longer within his + territories. + </p> + <p> + Pecquius replied that he thought his master might agree to the two first + propositions while demurring to the third, as it would probably not seem + honourable to him to separate man and wife, and as it was doubtful whether + the Princess would return of her own accord. + </p> + <p> + The King, in reporting the substance of this conversation to Aerssens, + intimated his conviction that they were only wishing in Brussels to gain + time; that they were waiting for letters from Spain, which they were + expecting ever since the return of Conde's secretary from Milan, whither + he had been sent to confer with the Governor, Count Fuentes. He said + farther that he doubted whether the Princess would go to Breda, which he + should now like, but which Conde would not now permit. This he imputed in + part to the Princess of Orange, who had written a letter full of + invectives against himself to the Dowager—Princess of Conde which + she had at once sent to him. Henry expressed at the same time his great + satisfaction with the States-General and with Barneveld in this affair, + repeating his assurances that they were the truest and best friends he + had. + </p> + <p> + The news of Conde's ceremonious visit to Leopold in Julich could not fail + to exasperate the King almost as much as the pompous manner in which he + was subsequently received at Brussels; Spinola and the Spanish Ambassador + going forth to meet him. At the same moment the secretary of Vaucelles, + Henry's ambassador in Madrid, arrived in Paris, confirming the King's + suspicions that Conde's flight had been concerted with Don Inigo de + Cardenas, and was part of a general plot of Spain against the peace of the + kingdom. The Duc d'Epernon, one of the most dangerous plotters at the + court, and deep in the intimacy of the Queen and of all the secret + adherents of the Spanish policy, had been sojourning a long time at Metz, + under pretence of attending to his health, had sent his children to Spain, + as hostages according to Henry's belief, had made himself master of the + citadel, and was turning a deaf ear to all the commands of the King. + </p> + <p> + The supporters of Conde in France were openly changing their note and + proclaiming by the Prince's command that he had left the kingdom in order + to preserve his quality of first prince of the blood, and that he meant to + make good his right of primogeniture against the Dauphin and all + competitors. + </p> + <p> + Such bold language and such open reliance on the support of Spain in + disputing the primogeniture of the Dauphin were fast driving the most + pacifically inclined in France into enthusiasm for the war. + </p> + <p> + The States, too, saw their opportunity more vividly every day. "What could + we desire more," wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, "than open war between + France and Spain? Posterity will for ever blame us if we reject this great + occasion." + </p> + <p> + Peter Pecquius, smoothest and sliest of diplomatists, did his best to make + things comfortable, for there could be little doubt that his masters most + sincerely deprecated war. On their heads would come the first blows, to + their provinces would return the great desolation out of which they had + hardly emerged. Still the Archduke, while racking his brains for the means + of accommodation, refused, to his honour, to wink at any violation of the + law of nations, gave a secret promise, in which the Infanta joined, that + the Princess should not be allowed to leave Brussels without her husband's + permission, and resolutely declined separating the pair except with the + full consent of both. In order to protect himself from the King's threats, + he suggested sending Conde to some neutral place for six or eight months, + to Prague, to Breda, or anywhere else; but Henry knew that Conde would + never allow this unless he had the means by Spanish gold of bribing the + garrison there, and so of holding the place in pretended neutrality, but + in reality at the devotion of the King of Spain. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Henry had despatched the Marquis de Coeuvres, brother of the + beautiful Gabrielle, Duchess de Beaufort, and one of the most audacious + and unscrupulous of courtiers, on a special mission to Brussels. De + Coeuvres saw Conde before presenting his credentials to the Archduke, and + found him quite impracticable. Acting under the advice of the Prince of + Orange, he expressed his willingness to retire to some neutral city of + Germany or Italy, drawing meanwhile from Henry a pension of 40,000 crowns + a year. But de Coeuvres firmly replied that the King would make no terms + with his vassal nor allow Conde to prescribe conditions to him. To leave + him in Germany or Italy, he said, was to leave him in the dependence of + Spain. The King would not have this constant apprehension of her intrigues + while, living, nor leave such matter in dying for turbulence in his + kingdom. If it appeared that the Spaniards wished to make use of the + Prince for such purposes, he would be beforehand with them, and show them + how much more injury he could inflict on Spain than they on France. + Obviously committed to Spain, Conde replied to the entreaties of the + emissary that if the King would give him half his kingdom he would not + accept the offer nor return to France; at least before the 8th of + February, by which date he expected advices from Spain. He had given his + word, he said, to lend his ear to no overtures before that time. He made + use of many threats, and swore that he would throw himself entirely into + the arms of the Spanish king if Henry would not accord him the terms which + he had proposed. + </p> + <p> + To do this was an impossibility. To grant him places of security would, as + the King said, be to plant a standard for all the malcontents of France to + rally around. Conde had evidently renounced all hopes of a reconciliation, + however painfully his host the Archduke might intercede for it. He meant + to go to Spain. Spinola was urging this daily and hourly, said Henry, for + he had fallen in love with the Princess, who complained of all these + persecutions in her letters to her father, and said that she would rather + die than go to Spain. + </p> + <p> + The King's advices from de Coeuvres were however to the effect that the + step would probably be taken, that the arrangements were making, and that + Spinola had been shut up with Conde six hours long with nobody present but + Rochefort and a certain counsellor of the Prince of Orange named + Keeremans. + </p> + <p> + Henry was taking measures to intercept them on their flight by land, but + there was some thought of their proceeding to Spain by sea. He therefore + requested the States to send two ships of war, swift sailors, well + equipped, one to watch in the roads of St. Jean and the other on the + English coast. These ships were to receive their instructions from Admiral + de Vicq, who would be well informed of all the movements of the Prince and + give warning to the captains of the Dutch vessels by a preconcerted + signal. The King begged that Barneveld would do him this favour, if he + loved him, and that none might have knowledge of it but the Advocate and + Prince Maurice. The ships would be required for two or three months only, + but should be equipped and sent forth as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + The States had no objection to performing this service, although it + subsequently proved to be unnecessary, and they were quite ready at that + moment to go openly into the war to settle the affairs of Clove, and once + for all to drive the Spaniards out of the Netherlands and beyond seas and + mountains. Yet strange to say, those most conversant with the state of + affairs could not yet quite persuade themselves that matters were serious, + and that the King's mind was fixed. Should Conde return, renounce his + Spanish stratagems, and bring back the Princess to court, it was felt by + the King's best and most confidential friends that all might grow languid + again, the Spanish faction get the upper hand in the King's councils, and + the States find themselves in a terrible embarrassment. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand, the most prying and adroit of politicians were puzzled + to read the signs of the times. Despite Henry's garrulity, or perhaps in + consequence of it, the envoys of Spain, the Empire, and of Archduke Albert + were ignorant whether peace were likely to be broken or not, in spite of + rumours which filled the air. So well had the secrets been kept which the + reader has seen discussed in confidential conversations—the record + of which has always remained unpublished—between the King and those + admitted to his intimacy that very late in the winter Pecquius, while + sadly admitting to his masters that the King was likely to take part + against the Emperor in the affair of the duchies, expressed the decided + opinion that it would be limited to the secret sending of succour to + Brandenburg and Neuburg as formerly to the United Provinces, but that he + would never send troops into Cleve, or march thither himself. + </p> + <p> + It is important, therefore, to follow closely the development of these + political and amorous intrigues, for they furnish one of the most curious + and instructive lessons of history; there being not the slightest doubt + that upon their issue chiefly depended the question of a great and general + war. + </p> + <p> + Pecquius, not yet despairing that his master would effect a reconciliation + between the King and Conde, proposed again that the Prince should be + permitted to reside for a time in some place not within the jurisdiction + of Spain or of the Archdukes, being allowed meantime to draw his annual + pension of 100,000 livres. Henry ridiculed the idea of Conde's drawing + money from him while occupying his time abroad with intrigues against his + throne and his children's succession. He scoffed at the Envoy's pretences + that Conde was not in receipt of money from Spain, as if a man so needy + and in so embarrassing a position could live without money from some + source; and as if he were not aware, from his correspondents in Spain, + that funds were both promised and furnished to the Prince. + </p> + <p> + He repeated his determination not to accord him pardon unless he returned + to France, which he had no cause to leave, and, turning suddenly on + Pecquius, demanded why, the subject of reconciliation having failed, the + Archduke did not immediately fulfil his promise of turning Conde out of + his dominions. + </p> + <p> + Upon this Albert's minister drew back with the air of one amazed, asking + how and when the Archduke had ever made such a promise. + </p> + <p> + "To the Marquis de Coeuvres," replied Henry. + </p> + <p> + Pecquius asked if his ears had not deceived him, and if the King had + really said that de Coeuvres had made such a statement. + </p> + <p> + Henry repeated and confirmed the story. + </p> + <p> + Upon the Minister's reply that he had himself received no such + intelligence from the Archduke, the King suddenly changed his tone, and + said, + </p> + <p> + "No, I was mistaken—I was confused—the Marquis never wrote me + this; but did you not say yourself that I might be assured that there + would be no difficulty about it if the Prince remained obstinate." + </p> + <p> + Pecquius replied that he had made such a proposition to his masters by his + Majesty's request; but there had been no answer received, nor time for + one, as the hope of reconciliation had not yet been renounced. He begged + Henry to consider whether, without instructions from his master, he could + have thus engaged his word. + </p> + <p> + "Well," said the King, "since you disavow it, I see very well that the + Archduke has no wish to give me pleasure, and that these are nothing but + tricks that you have been amusing me with all this time. Very good; each + of us will know what we have to do." + </p> + <p> + Pecquius considered that the King had tried to get him into a net, and to + entrap him into the avowal of a promise which he had never made. Henry + remained obstinate in his assertions, notwithstanding all the envoy's + protestations. + </p> + <p> + "A fine trick, indeed, and unworthy of a king, 'Si dicere fas est,'" he + wrote to Secretary of State Praets. "But the force of truth is such that + he who spreads the snare always tumbles into the ditch himself." + </p> + <p> + Henry concluded the subject of Conde at this interview by saying that he + could have his pardon on the conditions already named, and not otherwise. + </p> + <p> + He also made some complaints about Archduke Leopold, who, he said, + notwithstanding his demonstrations of wishing a treaty of compromise, was + taking towns by surprise which he could not hold, and was getting his + troops massacred on credit. + </p> + <p> + Pecquius expressed the opinion that it would be better to leave the + Germans to make their own arrangements among themselves, adding that + neither his masters nor the King of Spain meant to mix themselves up in + the matter. + </p> + <p> + "Let them mix themselves in it or keep out of it, as they like," said + Henry, "I shall not fail to mix myself up in it." + </p> + <p> + The King was marvellously out of humour. + </p> + <p> + Before finishing the interview, he asked Pecquius whether Marquis Spinola + was going to Spain very soon, as he had permission from his Majesty to do + so, and as he had information that he would be on the road early in Lent. + The Minister replied that this would depend on the will of the Archduke, + and upon various circumstances. The answer seemed to displease the King, + and Pecquius was puzzled to know why. He was not aware, of course, of + Henry's project to kidnap the Marquis on the road, and keep him as a + surety for Conde. + </p> + <p> + The Envoy saw Villeroy after the audience, who told him not to mind the + King's ill-temper, but to bear it as patiently as he could. His Majesty + could not digest, he said, his infinite displeasure at the obstinacy of + the Prince; but they must nevertheless strive for a reconciliation. The + King was quick in words, but slow in deeds, as the Ambassador might have + observed before, and they must all try to maintain peace, to which he + would himself lend his best efforts. + </p> + <p> + As the Secretary of State was thoroughly aware that the King was making + vast preparations for war, and had given in his own adhesion to the + project, it is refreshing to observe the candour with which he assured the + representative of the adverse party of his determination that friendliest + relations should be preserved. + </p> + <p> + It is still more refreshing to find Villeroy, the same afternoon, warmly + uniting with Sully, Lesdiguieres, and the Chancellor, in the decision that + war should begin forthwith. + </p> + <p> + For the King held a council at the Arsenal immediately after this + interview with Pecquius, in which he had become convinced that Conde would + never return. He took the Queen with him, and there was not a dissentient + voice as to the necessity of beginning hostilities at once. + </p> + <p> + Sully, however, was alone in urging that the main force of the attack + should be in the north, upon the Rhine and Meuse. Villeroy and those who + were secretly in the Spanish interest were for beginning it with the + southern combination and against Milan. Sully believed the Duke of Savoy + to be variable and attached in his heart to Spain, and he thought it + contrary to the interests of France to permit an Italian prince to grow so + great on her frontier. He therefore thoroughly disapproved the plan, and + explained to the Dutch ambassador that all this urgency to carry on the + war in the south came from hatred to the United Provinces, jealousy of + their aggrandizement, detestation of the Reformed religion, and hope to + engage Henry in a campaign which he could not carry on successfully. But + he assured Aerssens that he had the means of counteracting these designs + and of bringing on an invasion for obtaining possession of the Meuse. If + the possessory princes found Henry making war in the Milanese only, they + would feel themselves ruined, and might throw up the game. He begged that + Barneveld would come on to Paris at once, as now or never was the moment + to assure the Republic for all time. + </p> + <p> + The King had acted with malicious adroitness in turning the tables upon + the Prince and treating him as a rebel and a traitor because, to save his + own and his wife's honour, he had fled from a kingdom where he had but too + good reason to suppose that neither was safe. The Prince, with infinite + want of tact, had played into the King's hands. He had bragged of his + connection with Spain and of his deep designs, and had shown to all the + world that he was thenceforth but an instrument in the hands of the + Spanish cabinet, while all the world knew the single reason for which he + had fled. + </p> + <p> + The King, hopeless now of compelling the return of Conde, had become most + anxious to separate him from his wife. Already the subject of divorce + between the two had been broached, and it being obvious that the Prince + would immediately betake himself into the Spanish dominions, the King was + determined that the Princess should not follow him thither. + </p> + <p> + He had the incredible effrontery and folly to request the Queen to address + a letter to her at Brussels, urging her to return to France. But Mary de' + Medici assured her husband that she had no intention of becoming his + assistant, using, to express her thought, the plainest and most vigorous + word that the Italian language could supply. Henry had then recourse once + more to the father and aunt. + </p> + <p> + That venerable couple being about to wait upon the Archduke's envoy, in + compliance with the royal request, Pecquius, out of respect to their + advanced age, went to the Constable's residence. Here both the Duchess and + Constable, with tears in their eyes, besought that diplomatist to do his + utmost to prevent the Princess from the sad fate of any longer sharing her + husband's fortunes. + </p> + <p> + The father protested that he would never have consented to her marriage, + preferring infinitely that she should have espoused any honest gentleman + with 2000 crowns a year than this first prince of the blood, with a + character such as it had proved to be; but that he had not dared to + disobey the King. + </p> + <p> + He spoke of the indignities and cruelties to which she was subjected, said + that Rochefort, whom Conde had employed to assist him in their flight from + France, and on the crupper of whose horse the Princess had performed the + journey, was constantly guilty of acts of rudeness and incivility towards + her; that but a few days past he had fired off pistols in her apartment + where she was sitting alone with the Princess of Orange, exclaiming that + this was the way he would treat anyone who interfered with the commands of + his master, Conde; that the Prince was incessantly railing at her for + refusing to caress the Marquis of Spinola; and that, in short, he would + rather she were safe in the palace of the Archduchess Isabella, even in + the humblest position among her gentlewomen, than to know her + vagabondizing miserably about the world with her husband. + </p> + <p> + This, he said, was the greatest fear he had, and he would rather see her + dead than condemned to such a fate. + </p> + <p> + He trusted that the Archdukes were incapable of believing the stories that + he and the Duchess of Angouleme were influenced in the appeals they made + for the separation of the Prince and Princess by a desire to serve the + purposes of the King. Those were fables put about by Conde. All that the + Constable and his sister desired was that the Archduchess would receive + the Princess kindly when she should throw herself at her feet, and not + allow her to be torn away against her will. The Constable spoke with great + gravity and simplicity, and with all the signs of genuine emotion, and + Peter Pecquius was much moved. He assured the aged pair that he would do + his best to comply with their wishes, and should immediately apprise the + Archdukes of the interview which had just taken place. Most certainly they + were entirely disposed to gratify the Constable and the Duchess as well as + the Princess herself, whose virtues, qualities, and graces had inspired + them with affection, but it must be remembered that the law both human and + divine required wives to submit themselves to the commands of their + husbands and to be the companions of their good and evil fortunes. + Nevertheless, he hoped that the Lord would so conduct the affairs of the + Prince of Conde that the Most Christian King and the Archdukes would all + be satisfied. + </p> + <p> + These pious and consolatory commonplaces on the part of Peter Pecquius + deeply affected the Constable. He fell upon the Envoy's neck, embraced him + repeatedly, and again wept plentifully. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Strange Scene at the Archduke's Palace—Henry's Plot frustrated— + His Triumph changed to Despair—Conversation of the Dutch Ambassador + with the King—The War determined upon. +</pre> + <p> + It was in the latter part of the Carnival, the Saturday night preceding + Shrove Tuesday, 1610. The winter had been a rigorous one in Brussels, and + the snow lay in drifts three feet deep in the streets. Within and about + the splendid palace of Nassau there was much commotion. Lights and + flambeaux were glancing, loud voices, martial music, discharge of pistols + and even of artillery were heard together with the trampling of many feet, + but there was nothing much resembling the wild revelry or cheerful mummery + of that holiday season. A throng of the great nobles of Belgium with drawn + swords and menacing aspect were assembled in the chief apartments, a + detachment of the Archduke's mounted body-guard was stationed in the + courtyard, and five hundred halberdiers of the burgher guilds kept watch + and ward about the palace. + </p> + <p> + The Prince of Conde, a square-built, athletic young man of middle stature, + with regular features, but a sulky expression, deepened at this moment + into ferocity, was seen chasing the secretary of the French resident + minister out of the courtyard, thwacking him lustily about the shoulders + with his drawn sword, and threatening to kill him or any other Frenchman + on the spot, should he show himself in that palace. He was heard shouting + rather than speaking, in furious language against the King, against + Coeuvres, against Berny, and bitterly bewailing his misfortunes, as if his + wife were already in Paris instead of Brussels. + </p> + <p> + Upstairs in her own apartment which she had kept for some days on pretext + of illness sat the Princess Margaret, in company' of Madame de Berny, wife + of the French minister, and of the Marquis de Coeuvres, Henry's special + envoy, and a few other Frenchmen. She was passionately fond of dancing. + The adoring cardinal described her as marvellously graceful and perfect in + that accomplishment. She had begged her other adorer, the Marquis Spinola, + "with sweetest words," that she might remain a few days longer in the + Nassau Palace before removing to the Archduke's residence, and that the + great general, according to the custom in France and Flanders, would be + the one to present her with the violins. But Spinola, knowing the artifice + concealed beneath these "sweetest words," had summoned up valour enough to + resist her blandishments, and had refused a second entertainment. + </p> + <p> + It was not, therefore, the disappointment at losing her ball that now made + the Princess sad. She and her companions saw that there had been a + catastrophe; a plot discovered. There was bitter disappointment and deep + dismay upon their faces. The plot had been an excellent one. De Coeuvres + had arranged it all, especially instigated thereto by the father of the + Princess acting in concurrence with the King. That night when all was + expected to be in accustomed quiet, the Princess, wrapped in her mantilla, + was to have stolen down into the garden, accompanied only by her maid the + adventurous and faithful Philipotte, to have gone through a breach which + led through a garden wall to the city ramparts, thence across the foss to + the counterscarp, where a number of horsemen under trustworthy commanders + were waiting. Mounting on the crupper behind one of the officers of the + escort, she was then to fly to the frontier, relays of horses having been + provided at every stage until she should reach Rocroy, the first pausing + place within French territory; a perilous adventure for the young and + delicate Princess in a winter of almost unexampled severity. + </p> + <p> + On the very morning of the day assigned for the adventure, despatches + brought by special couriers from the Nuncius and the Spanish ambassador at + Paris gave notice of the plot to the Archdukes and to Conde, although up + to that moment none knew of it in Brussels. Albert, having been apprised + that many Frenchmen had been arriving during the past few days, and + swarming about the hostelries of the city and suburbs, was at once + disposed to believe in the story. When Conde came to him, therefore, with + confirmation from his own letters, and demanding a detachment of the + body-guard in addition to the burgher militiamen already granted by the + magistrates, he made no difficulty granting the request. It was as if + there had been a threatened assault of the city, rather than the attempted + elopement of a young lady escorted by a handful of cavaliers. + </p> + <p> + The courtyard of the Nassau Palace was filled with cavalry sent by the + Archduke, while five hundred burgher guards sent by the magistrates were + drawn up around the gate. The noise and uproar, gaining at every moment + more mysterious meaning by the darkness of night, soon spread through the + city. The whole population was awake, and swarming through the streets. + Such a tumult had not for years been witnessed in Brussels, and the rumour + flew about and was generally believed that the King of France at the head + of an army was at the gates of the city determined to carry off the + Princess by force. But although the superfluous and very scandalous + explosion might have been prevented, there could be no doubt that the + stratagem had been defeated. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless, the effrontery and ingenuity of de Coeuvres became now + sublime. Accompanied by his colleague, the resident minister, de Berny, + who was sure not to betray the secret because he had never known it—his + wife alone having been in the confidence of the Princess—he + proceeded straightway to the Archduke's palace, and, late in the night as + it was, insisted on an audience. + </p> + <p> + Here putting on his boldest face when admitted to the presence, he + complained loudly of the plot, of which he had just become aware, + contrived by the Prince of Conde to carry off his wife to Spain against + her will, by main force, and by assistance of Flemish nobles, archiducal + body-guard, and burgher militia. + </p> + <p> + It was all a plot of Conde, he said, to palliate still more his flight + from France. Every one knew that the Princess could not fly back to Paris + through the air. To take her out of a house filled with people, to pierce + or scale the walls of the city, to arrange her journey by ordinary means, + and to protect the whole route by stations of cavalry, reaching from + Brussels to the frontier, and to do all this in profound secrecy, was + equally impossible. Such a scheme had never been arranged nor even + imagined, he said. The true plotter was Conde, aided by ministers in + Flanders hostile to France, and as the honour of the King and the + reputation of the Princess had been injured by this scandal, the + Ambassador loudly demanded a thorough investigation of the affair in order + that vengeance might fall where it was due. + </p> + <p> + The prudent Albert was equal to the occasion. Not wishing to state the + full knowledge which he possessed of de Coeuvres' agency and the King's + complicity in the scheme of abduction to France, he reasoned calmly with + the excited marquis, while his colleague looked and listened in dumb + amazement, having previously been more vociferous and infinitely more + sincere than his colleague in expressions of indignation. + </p> + <p> + The Archduke said that he had not thought the plot imputed to the King and + his ambassador very probable. Nevertheless, the assertions of the Prince + had been so positive as to make it impossible to refuse the guards + requested by him. He trusted, however, that the truth would soon be known, + and that it would leave no stain on the Princess, nor give any offence to + the King. + </p> + <p> + Surprised and indignant at the turn given to the adventure by the French + envoys, he nevertheless took care to conceal these sentiments, to abstain + from accusation, and calmly to inform them that the Princess next morning + would be established under his own roof; and enjoy the protection of the + Archduchess. + </p> + <p> + For it had been arranged several days before that Margaret should leave + the palace of Nassau for that of Albert and Isabella on the 14th, and the + abduction had been fixed for the night of the 13th precisely because the + conspirators wished to profit by the confusion incident on a change of + domicile. + </p> + <p> + The irrepressible de Coeuvres, even then hardly willing to give up the + whole stratagem as lost, was at least determined to discover how and by + whom the plot had been revealed. In a cemetery piled three feet deep with + snow on the evening following that mid-winter's night which had been fixed + for the Princess's flight, the unfortunate ambassador waited until a + certain Vallobre, a gentleman of Spinola's, who was the go-between of the + enamoured Genoese and the Princess, but whom de Coeuvres had gained over, + came at last to meet him by appointment. When he arrived, it was only to + inform him of the manner in which he had been baffled, to convince him + that the game was up, and that nothing was left him but to retreat utterly + foiled in his attempt, and to be stigmatized as a blockhead by his enraged + sovereign. + </p> + <p> + Next day the Princess removed her residence to the palace of the + Archdukes, where she was treated with distinguished honour by Isabella, + and installed ceremoniously in the most stately, the most virtuous, and + the most dismal of courts. Her father and aunt professed themselves as + highly pleased with the result, and Pecquius wrote that "they were glad to + know her safe from the importunities of the old fop who seemed as mad as + if he had been stung by a tarantula." + </p> + <p> + And how had the plot been revealed? Simply through the incorrigible + garrulity of the King himself. Apprised of the arrangement in all its + details by the Constable, who had first received the special couriers of + de Coeuvres, he could not keep the secret to himself for a moment, and the + person of all others in the world to whom he thought good to confide it + was the Queen herself. She received the information with a smile, but + straightway sent for the Nuncius Ubaldini, who at her desire instantly + despatched a special courier to Spinola with full particulars of the time + and mode of the proposed abduction. + </p> + <p> + Nevertheless the ingenuous Henry, confiding in the capacity of his deeply + offended queen to keep the secret which he had himself divulged, could + scarcely contain himself for joy. + </p> + <p> + Off he went to Saint-Germain with a train of coaches, impatient to get the + first news from de Coeuvres after the scheme should have been carried into + effect, and intending to travel post towards Flanders to meet and welcome + the Princess. + </p> + <p> + "Pleasant farce for Shrove Tuesday," wrote the secretary of Pecquius, "is + that which the Frenchmen have been arranging down there! He in whose + favour the abduction is to be made was seen going out the same day + spangled and smart, contrary to his usual fashion, making a gambado + towards Saint-Germain-en-Laye with four carriages and four to meet the + nymph." + </p> + <p> + Great was the King's wrath and mortification at this ridiculous exposure + of his detestable scheme. Vociferous were Villeroy's expressions of + Henry's indignation at being supposed to have had any knowledge of or + complicity in the affair. "His Majesty cannot approve of the means one has + taken to guard against a pretended plot for carrying off the Princess," + said the Secretary of State; "a fear which was simulated by the Prince in + order to defame the King." He added that there was no reason to suspect + the King, as he had never attempted anything of the sort in his life, and + that the Archduke might have removed the Princess to his palace without + sending an army to the hotel of the Prince of Orange, and causing such an + alarm in the city, firing artillery on the rampart as if the town had been + full of Frenchmen in arms, whereas one was ashamed next morning to find + that there had been but fifteen in all. "But it was all Marquis Spinola's + fault," he said, "who wished to show himself off as a warrior." + </p> + <p> + The King, having thus through the mouth of his secretary of state warmly + protested against his supposed implication in the attempted abduction, + began as furiously to rail at de Coeuvres for its failure; telling the Duc + de Vendome that his uncle was an idiot, and writing that unlucky envoy + most abusive letters for blundering in the scheme which had been so well + concerted between them. Then he sent for Malherbe, who straightway + perpetrated more poems to express the King's despair, in which Henry was + made to liken himself to a skeleton with a dried skin, and likewise to a + violet turned up by the ploughshare and left to wither. + </p> + <p> + He kept up through Madame de Berny a correspondence with "his beautiful + angel," as he called the Princess, whom he chose to consider a prisoner + and a victim; while she, wearied to death with the frigid monotony and + sepulchral gaieties of the archiducal court, which she openly called her + "dungeon" diverted herself with the freaks and fantasies of her royal + adorer, called him in very ill-spelled letters "her chevalier, her heart, + her all the world," and frequently wrote to beg him, at the suggestion of + the intriguing Chateau Vert, to devise some means of rescuing her from + prison. + </p> + <p> + The Constable and Duchess meanwhile affected to be sufficiently satisfied + with the state of things. Conde, however, received a letter from the King, + formally summoning him to return to France, and, in case of refusal, + declaring him guilty of high-treason for leaving the kingdom without the + leave and against the express commands of the King. To this letter, + brought to him by de Coeuvres, the Prince replied by a paper, drawn up and + served by a notary of Brussels, to the effect that he had left France to + save his life and honour; that he was ready to return when guarantees were + given him for the security of both. He would live and die, he said, + faithful to the King. But when the King, departing from the paths of + justice, proceeded through those of violence against him, he maintained + that every such act against his person was null and invalid. Henry had + even the incredible meanness and folly to request the Queen to write to + the Archdukes, begging that the Princess might be restored to assist at + her coronation. Mary de' Medici vigorously replied once more that, + although obliged to wink at the King's amours, she declined to be his + procuress. Conde then went off to Milan very soon after the scene at the + Nassau Palace and the removal of the Princess to the care of the + Archdukes. He was very angry with his wife, from whom he expressed a + determination to be divorced, and furious with the King, the validity of + whose second marriage and the legitimacy of whose children he proposed + with Spanish help to dispute. + </p> + <p> + The Constable was in favour of the divorce, or pretended to be so, and + caused importunate letters to be written, which he signed, to both Albert + and Isabella, begging that his daughter might be restored to him to be the + staff of his old age, and likewise to be present at the Queen's + coronation. The Archdukes, however, resolutely refused to permit her to + leave their protection without Conde's consent, or until after a divorce + had been effected, notwithstanding that the father and aunt demanded it. + The Constable and Duchess however, acquiesced in the decision, and + expressed immense gratitude to Isabella. + </p> + <p> + "The father and aunt have been talking to Pecquius," said Henry very + dismally; "but they give me much pain. They are even colder than the + season, but my fire thaws them as soon as I approach." + </p> + <p> + "P. S.—I am so pining away in my anguish that I am nothing but skin + and bones. Nothing gives me pleasure. I fly from company, and if in order + to comply with the law of nations I go into some assembly or other, + instead of enlivening, it nearly kills me."—[Lettres missives de + Henri vii. 834]. + </p> + <p> + And the King took to his bed. Whether from gout, fever, or the pangs of + disappointed love, he became seriously ill. Furious with every one, with + Conde, the Constable, de Coeuvres, the Queen, Spinola, with the Prince of + Orange, whose councillor Keeremans had been encouraging Conde in his + rebellion and in going to Spain with Spinola, he was now resolved that the + war should go on. Aerssens, cautious of saying too much on paper of this + very delicate affair, always intimated to Barneveld that, if the Princess + could be restored, peace was still possible, and that by moving an inch + ahead of the King in the Cleve matter the States at the last moment might + be left in the lurch. He distinctly told the Advocate, on his expressing a + hope that Henry might consent to the Prince's residence in some neutral + place until a reconciliation could be effected, that the pinch of the + matter was not there, and that van der Myle, who knew all about it, could + easily explain it. + </p> + <p> + Alluding to the project of reviving the process against the Dowager, and + of divorcing the Prince and Princess, he said these steps would do much + harm, as they would too much justify the true cause of the retreat of the + Prince, who was not believed when he merely talked of his right of + primogeniture: "The matter weighs upon us very heavily," he said, "but the + trouble is that we don't search for the true remedies. The matter is so + delicate that I don't dare to discuss it to the very bottom." + </p> + <p> + The Ambassador had a long interview with the King as he lay in his bed + feverish and excited. He was more impatient than ever for the arrival of + the States' special embassy, reluctantly acquiesced in the reasons + assigned for the delay, but trusted that it would arrive soon with + Barneveld at the head, and with Count Lewis William as a member for "the + sword part of it." + </p> + <p> + He railed at the Prince of Orange, not believing that Keeremans would have + dared to do what he had done but with the orders of his master. He said + that the King of Spain would supply Conde with money and with everything + he wanted, knowing that he could make use of him to trouble his kingdom. + It was strange, he thought, that Philip should venture to these + extremities with his affairs in such condition, and when he had so much + need of repose. He recalled all his ancient grievances against Spain, his + rights to the Kingdom of Navarre and the County of St. Pol violated; the + conspiracy of Biron, the intrigues of Bouillon, the plots of the Count of + Auvergne and the Marchioness of Verneuil, the treason of Meragne, the + corruption of L'Hoste, and an infinity of other plots of the King and his + ministers; of deep injuries to him and to the public repose, not to be + tolerated by a mighty king like himself, with a grey beard. He would be + revenged, he said, for this last blow, and so for all the rest. He would + not leave a troublesome war on the hands of his young son. The occasion + was favourable. It was just to defend the oppressed princes with the + promptly accorded assistance of the States-General. The King of Great + Britain was favourable. The Duke of Savoy was pledged. It was better to + begin the war in his green old age than to wait the pleasure and + opportunity of the King of Spain. + </p> + <p> + All this he said while racked with fever, and dismissed the Envoy at last, + after a long interview, with these words: "Mr. Ambassador—I have + always spoken roundly and frankly to you, and you will one day be my + witness that I have done all that I could to draw the Prince out of the + plight into which he has put himself. But he is struggling for the + succession to this crown under instructions from the Spaniards, to whom he + has entirely pledged himself. He has already received 6000 crowns for his + equipment. I know that you and my other friends will work for the + conservation of this monarchy, and will never abandon me in my designs to + weaken the power of Spain. Pray God for my health." + </p> + <p> + The King kept his bed a few days afterwards, but soon recovered. Villeroy + sent word to Barneveld in answer to his suggestions of reconciliation that + it was too late, that Conde was entirely desperate and Spanish. The crown + of France was at stake, he said, and the Prince was promising himself + miracles and mountains with the aid of Spain, loudly declaring the + marriage of Mary de' Medici illegal, and himself heir to the throne. The + Secretary of State professed himself as impatient as his master for the + arrival of the embassy; the States being the best friends France ever had + and the only allies to make the war succeed. + </p> + <p> + Jeannin, who was now never called to the council, said that the war was + not for Germany but for Conde, and that Henry could carry it on for eight + years. He too was most anxious for Barneveld's arrival, and was of his + opinion that it would have been better for Conde to be persuaded to remain + at Breda and be supported by his brother-in-law, the Prince of Orange. The + impetuosity of the King had however swept everything before it, and Conde + had been driven to declare himself Spanish and a pretender to the crown. + There was no issue now but war. + </p> + <p> + Boderie, the King's envoy in Great Britain, wrote that James would be + willing to make a defensive league for the affairs of Cleve and Julich + only, which was the slenderest amount of assistance; but Henry always + suspected Master Jacques of intentions to baulk him if possible and + traverse his designs. But the die was cast. Spinola had carried off Conde + in triumph; the Princess was pining in her gilt cage in Brussels, and + demanding a divorce for desertion and cruel treatment; the King considered + himself as having done as much as honour allowed him to effect a + reconciliation, and it was obvious that, as the States' ambassador said, + he could no longer retire from the war without shame, which would be the + greatest danger of all. + </p> + <p> + "The tragedy is ready to begin," said Aerssens. "They are only waiting now + for the arrival of our ambassadors." + </p> + <p> + On the 9th March the King before going to Fontainebleau for a few days + summoned that envoy to the Louvre. Impatient at a slight delay in his + arrival, Henry came down into the courtyard as he was arriving and asked + eagerly if Barneveld was coming to Paris. Aerssens replied, that the + Advocate had been hastening as much as possible the departure of the + special embassy, but that the condition of affairs at home was such as not + to permit him to leave the country at that moment. Van der Myle, who would + be one of the ambassadors, would more fully explain this by word of mouth. + </p> + <p> + The King manifested infinite annoyance and disappointment that Barneveld + was not to make part of the embassy. "He says that he reposes such + singular confidence in your authority in the state, experience in affairs, + and affection for himself," wrote Aerssens, "that he might treat with you + in detail and with open heart of all his designs. He fears now that the + ambassadors will be limited in their powers and instructions, and unable + to reply at once on the articles which at different times have been + proposed to me for our enterprise. Thus much valuable time will be wasted + in sending backwards and forwards." + </p> + <p> + The King also expressed great anxiety to consult with Count Lewis William + in regard to military details, but his chief sorrow was in regard to the + Advocate. "He acquiesced only with deep displeasure and regret in your + reasons," said the Ambassador, "and says that he can hope for nothing firm + now that you refuse to come." + </p> + <p> + Villeroy intimated that Barneveld did not come for fear of exciting the + jealousy of the English. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + He who spreads the snare always tumbles into the ditch himself + Most detestable verses that even he had ever composed + She declined to be his procuress +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. 1610 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Difficult Position of Barneveld—Insurrection at Utrecht subdued by + the States' Army—Special Embassies to England and France—Anger of + the King with Spain and the Archdukes—Arrangements of Henry for the + coming War—Position of Spain—Anxiety of the King for the Presence + of Barneveld in Paris—Arrival of the Dutch Commissioners in France + and their brilliant Reception—Their Interview with the King and his + Ministers—Negotiations—Delicate Position of the Dutch Government— + India Trade—Simon Danzer, the Corsair—Conversations of Henry with + the Dutch Commissioners—Letter of the King to Archduke Albert— + Preparations for the Queen's Coronation, and of Henry to open the + Campaign in person—Perplexities of Henry—Forebodings and Warnings + —The Murder accomplished—Terrible Change in France—Triumph of + Concini and of Spain—Downfall of Sully—Disputes of the Grandees + among themselves—Special Mission of Condelence from the Republic— + Conference on the great Enterprise—Departure of van der Myle from + Paris. +</pre> + <p> + There were reasons enough why the Advocate could not go to Paris at this + juncture. It was absurd in Henry to suppose it possible. Everything rested + on Barneveld's shoulders. During the year which had just passed he had + drawn almost every paper, every instruction in regard to the peace + negotiations, with his own hand, had assisted at every conference, guided + and mastered the whole course of a most difficult and intricate + negotiation, in which he had not only been obliged to make allowance for + the humbled pride and baffled ambition of the ancient foe of the + Netherlands, but to steer clear of the innumerable jealousies, + susceptibilities, cavillings, and insolences of their patronizing friends. + </p> + <p> + It was his brain that worked, his tongue that spoke, his restless pen that + never paused. His was not one of those easy posts, not unknown in the + modern administration of great affairs, where the subordinate furnishes + the intellect, the industry, the experience, while the bland superior, + gratifying the world with his sign-manual, appropriates the applause. So + long as he lived and worked, the States-General and the States of Holland + were like a cunningly contrived machine, which seemed to be alive because + one invisible but mighty mind vitalized the whole. + </p> + <p> + And there had been enough to do. It was not until midsummer of 1609 that + the ratifications of the Treaty of Truce, one of the great triumphs in the + history of diplomacy, had been exchanged, and scarcely had this period + been put to the eternal clang of arms when the death of a lunatic threw + the world once more into confusion. It was obvious to Barneveld that the + issue of the Cleve-Julich affair, and of the tremendous religious + fermentation in Bohemia, Moravia, and Austria, must sooner or later lead + to an immense war. It was inevitable that it would devolve upon the States + to sustain their great though vacillating, their generous though + encroaching, their sincere though most irritating, ally. And yet, + thoroughly as Barneveld had mastered all the complications and + perplexities of the religious and political question, carefully as he had + calculated the value of the opposing forces which were shaking + Christendom, deeply as he had studied the characters of Matthias and + Rudolph, of Charles of Denmark and Ferdinand of Graz, of Anhalt and + Maximilian, of Brandenburg and Neuburg, of James and Philip, of Paul V. + and Charles Emmanuel, of Sully and Yilleroy, of Salisbury and Bacon, of + Lerma and Infantado; adroitly as he could measure, weigh, and analyse all + these elements in the great problem which was forcing itself on the + attention of Europe—there was one factor with which it was difficult + for this austere republican, this cold, unsusceptible statesman, to deal: + the intense and imperious passion of a greybeard for a woman of sixteen. + </p> + <p> + For out of the cauldron where the miscellaneous elements of universal war + were bubbling rose perpetually the fantastic image of Margaret + Montmorency: the fatal beauty at whose caprice the heroic sword of Ivry + and Cahors was now uplifted and now sheathed. + </p> + <p> + Aerssens was baffled, and reported the humours of the court where he + resided as changing from hour to hour. To the last he reported that all + the mighty preparations then nearly completed "might evaporate in smoke" + if the Princess of Conde should come back. Every ambassador in Paris was + baffled. Peter Pecquius was as much in the dark as Don Inigo de Cardenas, + as Ubaldini or Edmonds. No one save Sully, Aerssens, Barneveld, and the + King knew the extensive arrangements and profound combinations which had + been made for the war. Yet not Sully, Aerssens, Barneveld, or the King, + knew whether or not the war would really be made. + </p> + <p> + Barneveld had to deal with this perplexing question day by day. His + correspondence with his ambassador at Henry's court was enormous, and we + have seen that the Ambassador was with the King almost daily; sleeping or + waking; at dinner or the chase; in the cabinet or the courtyard. + </p> + <p> + But the Advocate was also obliged to carry in his arms, as it were, the + brood of snarling, bickering, cross-grained German princes, to supply them + with money, with arms, with counsel, with brains; to keep them awake when + they went to sleep, to steady them in their track, to teach them to go + alone. He had the congress at Hall in Suabia to supervise and direct; he + had to see that the ambassadors of the new republic, upon which they in + reality were already half dependent and chafing at their dependence, were + treated with the consideration due to the proud position which the + Commonwealth had gained. Questions of etiquette were at that moment + questions of vitality. He instructed his ambassadors to leave the congress + on the spot if they were ranked after the envoys of princes who were only + feudatories of the Emperor. The Dutch ambassadors, "recognising and + relying upon no superiors but God and their sword," placed themselves + according to seniority with the representatives of proudest kings. + </p> + <p> + He had to extemporize a system of free international communication with + all the powers of the earth—with the Turk at Constantinople, with + the Czar of Muscovy; with the potentates of the Baltic, with both the + Indies. The routine of a long established and well organized foreign + office in a time-honoured state running in grooves; with well-balanced + springs and well oiled wheels, may be a luxury of civilization; but it was + a more arduous task to transact the greatest affairs of a state springing + suddenly into recognized existence and mainly dependent for its primary + construction and practical working on the hand of one man. + </p> + <p> + Worse than all, he had to deal on the most dangerous and delicate topics + of state with a prince who trembled at danger and was incapable of + delicacy; to show respect for a character that was despicable, to lean on + a royal word falser than water, to inhale almost daily the effluvia from a + court compared to which the harem of Henry was a temple of vestals. The + spectacle of the slobbering James among his Kars and Hays and Villiers's + and other minions is one at which history covers her eyes and is dumb; but + the republican envoys, with instructions from a Barneveld, were obliged to + face him daily, concealing their disgust, and bowing reverentially before + him as one of the arbiters of their destinies and the Solomon of his + epoch. + </p> + <p> + A special embassy was sent early in the year to England to convey the + solemn thanks of the Republic to the King for his assistance in the truce + negotiations, and to treat of the important matters then pressing on the + attention of both powers. Contemporaneously was to be despatched the + embassy for which Henry was waiting so impatiently at Paris. + </p> + <p> + Certainly the Advocate had enough with this and other, important business + already mentioned to detain him at his post. Moreover the first year of + peace had opened disastrously in the Netherlands. Tremendous tempests such + as had rarely been recorded even in that land of storms had raged all the + winter. The waters everywhere had burst their dykes and inundations, which + threatened to engulph the whole country, and which had caused enormous + loss of property and even of life, were alarming the most courageous. It + was difficult in many district to collect the taxes for the every-day + expenses of the community, and yet the Advocate knew that the Republic + would soon be forced to renew the war on a prodigious scale. + </p> + <p> + Still more to embarrass the action of the government and perplex its + statesmen, an alarming and dangerous insurrection broke out in Utrecht. + </p> + <p> + In that ancient seat of the hard-fighting, imperious, and opulent + sovereign archbishops of the ancient church an important portion of the + population had remained Catholic. Another portion complained of the + abolition of various privileges which they had formerly enjoyed; among + others that of a monopoly of beer-brewing for the province. All the + population, as is the case with all populations in all countries and all + epochs, complained of excessive taxation. + </p> + <p> + A clever politician, Dirk Kanter by name, a gentleman by birth, a scholar + and philosopher by pursuit and education, and a demagogue by profession, + saw an opportunity of taking an advantage of this state of things. More + than twenty years before he had been burgomaster of the city, and had much + enjoyed himself in that position. He was tired of the learned leisure to + which the ingratitude of his fellow-citizens had condemned him. He seems + to have been of easy virtue in the matter of religion, a Catholic, an + Arminian, an ultra orthodox Contra-Remonstrant by turns. He now persuaded + a number of determined partisans that the time had come for securing a + church for the public worship of the ancient faith, and at the same time + for restoring the beer brewery, reducing the taxes, recovering lost + privileges, and many other good things. Beneath the whole scheme lay a + deep design to effect the secession of the city and with it of the opulent + and important province of Utrecht from the Union. Kanter had been heard + openly to avow that after all the Netherlands had flourished under the + benign sway of the House of Burgundy, and that the time would soon come + for returning to that enviable condition. + </p> + <p> + By a concerted assault the city hall was taken possession of by main + force, the magistracy was overpowered, and a new board of senators and + common council-men appointed, Kanter and a devoted friend of his, + Heldingen by name, being elected burgomasters. + </p> + <p> + The States-Provincial of Utrecht, alarmed at these proceedings in the + city, appealed for protection against violence to the States-General under + the 3rd Article of the Union, the fundamental pact which bore the name of + Utrecht itself. Prince Maurice proceeded to the city at the head of a + detachment of troops to quell the tumults. Kanter and his friends were + plausible enough to persuade him of the legality and propriety of the + revolution which they had effected, and to procure his formal confirmation + of the new magistracy. Intending to turn his military genius and the + splendour of his name to account, they contrived to keep him for a time at + least in an amiable enthralment, and induced him to contemplate in their + interest the possibility of renouncing the oath which subjected him to the + authority of the States of Utrecht. But the far-seeing eye of Barneveld + could not be blind to the danger which at this crisis beset the Stadholder + and the whole republic. The Prince was induced to return to the Hague, but + the city continued by armed revolt to maintain the new magistracy. They + proceeded to reduce the taxes, and in other respects to carry out the + measures on the promise of which they had come into power. Especially the + Catholic party sustained Kanter and his friends, and promised themselves + from him and from his influence over Prince Maurice to obtain a power of + which they had long been deprived. + </p> + <p> + The States-General now held an assembly at Woerden, and summoned the + malcontents of Utrecht to bring before that body a statement of their + grievances. This was done, but there was no satisfactory arrangement + possible, and the deputation returned to Utrecht, the States-General to + the Hague. The States-Provincial of Utrecht urged more strongly than ever + upon the assembly of the Union to save the city from the hands of a + reckless and revolutionary government. The States-General resolved + accordingly to interfere by force. A considerable body of troops was + ordered to march at once upon Utrecht and besiege the city. Maurice, in + his capacity of captain-general and stadholder of the province, was + summoned to take charge of the army. He was indisposed to do so, and + pleaded sickness. The States, determined that the name of Nassau should + not be used as an encouragement to disobedience, and rebellion, then + directed the brother of Maurice, Frederic Henry, youngest son of William + the Silent, to assume the command. Maurice insisted that his brother was + too young, and that it was unjust to allow so grave a responsibility to + fall upon his shoulders. The States, not particularly pleased with the + Prince's attitude at this alarming juncture, and made anxious by the + glamour which seemed to possess him since his conferences with the + revolutionary party at Utrecht, determined not to yield. + </p> + <p> + The army marched forth and laid siege to the city, Prince Frederic Henry + at its head. He was sternly instructed by the States-General, under whose + orders he acted, to take possession of the city at all hazards. He was to + insist on placing there a garrison of 2000 foot and 300 horse, and to + permit not another armed man within the walls. The members of the council + of state and of the States of Utrecht accompanied the army. For a moment + the party in power was disposed to resist the forces of the Union. Dick + Kanter and his friends were resolute enough; the Catholic priests turned + out among the rest with their spades and worked on the entrenchments. The + impossibility of holding the city against the overwhelming power of the + States was soon obvious, and the next day the gates were opened, and easy + terms were granted. The new magistracy was set aside, the old board that + had been deposed by the rebels reinstated. The revolution and the + counterrevolution were alike bloodless, and it was determined that the + various grievances of which the discontented party had complained should + be referred to the States-General, to Prince Maurice, to the council of + state, and to the ambassadors of France and England. Amnesty was likewise + decreed on submission. + </p> + <p> + The restored government was Arminian in its inclinations, the + revolutionary one was singularly compounded both of Catholic and of + ultra-orthodox elements. Quiet was on the whole restored, but the + resources of the city were crippled. The event occurring exactly at the + crisis of the Clove and Julich expedition angered the King of France. + </p> + <p> + "The trouble of Utrecht," wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, "has been turned to + account here marvellously, the Archdukes and Spaniards boasting that many + more revolts like this may be at once expected. I have explained to his + Majesty, who has been very much alarmed about it, both its source and the + hopes that it will be appeased by the prudence of his Excellency Prince + Maurice and the deputies of the States. The King desires that everything + should be pacified as soon as possible, so that there may be no + embarrassment to the course of public affairs. But he fears, he tells me, + that this may create some new jealousy between Prince Maurice and + yourself. I don't comprehend what he means, although he held this language + to me very expressly and without reserve. I could only answer that you + were living on the best of terms together in perfect amity and + intelligence. If you know if this talk of his has any other root, please + to enlighten me, that I may put a stop to false reports, for I know + nothing of affairs except what you tell me." + </p> + <p> + King James, on the other hand, thoroughly approved the promptness of the + States-General in suppressing the tumult. + </p> + <p> + Nothing very serious of alike nature occurred in Utrecht until the end of + the year, when a determined and secret conspiracy was discovered, having + for its object to overpower the garrison and get bodily possession of + Colonel John Ogle, the military commander of the town. At the bottom of + the movement were the indefatigable Dirk Kanter and his friend Heldingen. + The attempt was easily suppressed, and the two were banished from the + town. Kanter died subsequently in North Holland, in the odour of + ultra-orthodoxy. Four of the conspirators—a post-master, two + shoemakers, and a sexton, who had bound themselves by oath to take the + lives of two eminent Arminian preachers, besides other desperate deeds—were + condemned to death, but pardoned on the scaffold. Thus ended the first + revolution at Utrecht. + </p> + <p> + Its effect did not cease, however, with the tumults which were its + original manifestations. This earliest insurrection in organized shape + against the central authority of the States-General; this violent though + abortive effort to dissolve the Union and to nullify its laws; this + painful necessity for the first time imposed upon the federal government + to take up arms against misguided citizens of the Republic, in order to + save itself from disintegration and national death, were destined to be + followed by far graver convulsions on the self-same spot. Religious + differences and religious hatreds were to mingle their poison with + antagonistic political theories and personal ambitions, and to develop on + a wide scale the danger ever lurking in a constitution whose fundamental + law was unstable, ill defined, and liable to contradictory + interpretations. For the present it need only be noticed that the + States-General, guided by Barneveld, most vigorously suppressed the local + revolt and the incipient secession, while Prince Maurice, the right arm of + the executive, the stadholder of the province, and the representative of + the military power of the Commonwealth, was languid in the exertion of + that power, inclined to listen to the specious arguments of the Utrecht + rebels, and accused at least of tampering with the fell spirit which the + Advocate was resolute to destroy. Yet there was no suspicion of treason, + no taint of rebellion, no accusation of unpatriotic motives uttered + against the Stadholder. + </p> + <p> + There was a doubt as to the true maxims by which the Confederacy was to be + governed, and at this moment, certainly, the Prince and the Advocate + represented opposite ideas. There was a possibility, at a future day, when + the religious and political parties might develop themselves on a wider + scale and the struggles grow fiercer, that the two great champions in the + conflict might exchange swords and inflict mutual and poisoned wounds. At + present the party of the Union had triumphed, with Barneveld at its head. + At a later but not far distant day, similar scenes might be enacted in the + ancient city of Utrecht, but with a strange difference and change in the + cast of parts and with far more tragical results. + </p> + <p> + For the moment the moderate party in the Church, those more inclined to + Arminianism and the supremacy of the civil authority in religious matters, + had asserted their ascendency in the States-General, and had prevented the + threatened rupture. + </p> + <p> + Meantime it was doubly necessary to hasten the special embassies to France + and to England, in both which countries much anxiety as to the political + health and strength of the new republic had been excited by these troubles + in Utrecht. It was important for the States-General to show that they were + not crippled, and would not shrink from the coming conflict, but would + justify the reliance placed on them by their allies. + </p> + <p> + Thus there were reasons enough why Barneveld could not himself leave the + country in the eventful spring of 1610. It must be admitted, however, that + he was not backward in placing his nearest relatives in places of honour, + trust, and profit. + </p> + <p> + His eldest son Reinier, Seignior of Groeneveld, had been knighted by Henry + IV.; his youngest, William, afterwards called Seignior of Stoutenburg, but + at this moment bearing the not very mellifluous title of Craimgepolder, + was a gentleman-in-waiting at that king's court, with a salary of 3000 + crowns a year. He was rather a favourite with the easy-going monarch, but + he gave infinite trouble to the Dutch ambassador Aerssens, who, feeling + himself under immense obligations to the Advocate and professing for him + boundless gratitude, did his best to keep the idle, turbulent, + extravagant, and pleasure-loving youth up to the strict line of his + duties. + </p> + <p> + "Your son is in debt again," wrote Aerssens, on one occasion, "and + troubled for money. He is in danger of going to the usurers. He says he + cannot keep himself for less than 200 crowns a month. This is a large + allowance, but he has spent much more than that. His life is not irregular + nor his dress remarkably extravagant. His difficulty is that he will not + dine regularly with me nor at court. He will keep his own table and have + company to dinner. That is what is ruining him. He comes sometimes to me, + not for the dinner nor the company, but for tennis, which he finds better + in my faubourg than in town. His trouble comes from the table, and I tell + you frankly that you must regulate his expenses or they will become very + onerous to you. I am ashamed of them and have told him so a hundred times, + more than if he had been my own brother. It is all for love of you . . . . + I have been all to him that could be expected of a man who is under such + vast obligations to you; and I so much esteem the honour of your + friendship that I should always neglect my private affairs in order to do + everything for your service and meet your desires . . . . . If M. de + Craimgepolder comes back from his visit home, you must restrict him in two + things, the table and tennis, and you can do this if you require him to + follow the King assiduously as his service requires." + </p> + <p> + Something at a future day was to be heard of William of Barneveld, as well + as of his elder brother Reinier, and it is good, therefore, to have these + occasional glimpses of him while in the service of the King and under the + supervision of one who was then his father's devoted friend, Francis + Aerssens. There were to be extraordinary and tragical changes in the + relations of parties and of individuals ere many years should go by. + </p> + <p> + Besides the sons of the Advocate, his two sons-in-law, Brederode, Seignior + of Veenhuizep, and Cornelis van der Myle, were constantly employed? in + important embassies. Van der Myle had been the first ambassador to the + great Venetian republic, and was now placed at the head of the embassy to + France, an office which it was impossible at that moment for the Advocate + to discharge. At the same critical moment Barneveld's brother Elias, + Pensionary of Rotterdam, was appointed one of the special high + commissioners to the King of Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + It is necessary to give an account of this embassy. + </p> + <p> + They were provided with luminous and minute instructions from the hand of + the Advocate. + </p> + <p> + They were, in the first place, and ostensibly, to thank the King for his + services in bringing about the truce, which, truly, had been of the + slightest, as was very well known. They were to explain, on the part of + the States, their delay in sending this solemn commission, caused by the + tardiness of the King of Spain in sending his ratification to the treaty, + and by the many disputations caused by the irresolutions of the Archdukes + and the obstinacy of their commissioners in regard to their many + contraventions of the treaty. After those commissioners had gone, further + hindrances had been found in the "extraordinary tempests, high floods, + rising of the waters, both of the ocean and the rivers, and the very + disastrous inundations throughout nearly all the United Provinces, with + the immense and exorbitant damage thus inflicted, both on the public and + on many individuals; in addition to all which were to be mentioned the + troubles in the city of Utrecht." + </p> + <p> + They were, in almost hyperbolical language, directed to express the + eternal gratitude of the States for the constant favours received by them + from the crown of England, and their readiness to stand forth at any + moment with sincere affection and to the utmost of their power, at all + times and seasons, in resistance of any attempts against his Majesty's + person or crown, or against the Prince of Wales or the royal family. They + were to thank him for his "prudent, heroic, and courageous resolve to + suffer nothing to be done under colour of justice, authority, or any other + pretext, to the hindrance of the Elector of Brandenburg and Palatine of + Neuburg, in the maintenance of their lawful rights and possession of the + principalities of Julich, Cleve, and Berg, and other provinces." + </p> + <p> + By this course his Majesty, so the commissioners were to state, would put + an end to the imaginations of those who thought they could give the law to + everybody according to their pleasure. + </p> + <p> + They were to assure the King that the States-General would exert + themselves to the utmost to second his heroic resolution, notwithstanding + the enormous burthens of their everlasting war, the very exorbitant damage + caused by the inundations, and the sensible diminution in the + contributions and other embarrassments then existing in the country. + </p> + <p> + They were to offer 2000 foot and 500 horse for the general purpose under + Prince Henry of Nassau, besides the succours furnished by the King of + France and the electors and princes of Germany. Further assistance in men, + artillery, and supplies were promised under certain contingencies, and the + plan of the campaign on the Meuse in conjunction with the King of France + was duly mapped. + </p> + <p> + They were to request a corresponding promise of men and money from the + King of Great Britain, and they were to propose for his approval a closer + convention for mutual assistance between his Majesty, the United + Netherlands, the King of France, the electors and princes and other powers + of Germany; as such close union would be very beneficial to all + Christendom. It would put a stop to all unjust occupations, attempts, and + intrigues, and if the King was thereto inclined, he was requested to + indicate time and place for making such a convention. + </p> + <p> + The commissioners were further to point out the various contraventions on + the part of the Archdukes of the Treaty of Truce, and were to give an + exposition of the manner in which the States-General had quelled the + tumults at Utrecht, and reasons why such a course had of necessity been + adopted. + </p> + <p> + They were instructed to state that, "over and above the great expenses of + the late war and the necessary maintenance of military forces to protect + their frontiers against their suspected new friends or old enemies, the + Provinces were burthened with the cost of the succour to the Elector of + Brandenburg and Palatine of Neuburg, and would be therefore incapable of + furnishing the payments coming due to his Majesty. They were accordingly + to sound his Majesty as to whether a good part of the debt might not be + remitted or at least an arrangement made by which the terms should begin + to run only after a certain number of years." + </p> + <p> + They were also directed to open the subject of the fisheries on the coasts + of Great Britain, and to remonstrate against the order lately published by + the King forbidding all foreigners from fishing on those coasts. This was + to be set forth as an infringement both of natural law and of ancient + treaties, and as a source of infinite danger to the inhabitants of the + United Provinces. + </p> + <p> + The Seignior of Warmond, chief of the commission, died on the 15th April. + His colleagues met at Brielle on the 16th, ready to take passage to + England in the ship of war, the Hound. They were, however, detained there + six days by head winds and great storms, and it was not until the 22nd + that they were able to put to sea. The following evening their ship cast + anchor in Gravesend. Half an hour before, the Duke of Wurtemberg had + arrived from Flushing in a ship of war brought from France by the Prince + of Anhalt. + </p> + <p> + Sir Lewis Lewkener, master of ceremonies, had been waiting for the + ambassadors at Gravesend, and informed them that the royal barges were to + come next morning from London to take them to town. They remained that + night on board the Hound, and next morning, the wind blowing up the river, + they proceeded in their ship as far as Blackwall, where they were formally + received and bade welcome in the name of the King by Sir Thomas Cornwallis + and Sir George Carew, late ambassador in France. Escorted by them and Sir + Lewis, they were brought in the court barges to Tower Wharf. Here the + royal coaches were waiting, in which they were taken to lodgings provided + for them in the city at the house of a Dutch merchant. Noel de Caron, + Seignior of Schonewal, resident ambassador of the States in London, was + likewise there to greet them. This was Saturday night: On the following + Tuesday they went by appointment to the Palace of Whitehall in royal + carriages for their first audience. Manifestations of as entire respect + and courtesy had thus been made to the Republican envoys as could be shown + to the ambassadors of the greatest sovereigns. They found the King seated + on his throne in the audience chamber, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, + the Duke of York, the Lord High Treasurer and Lord High Admiral, the Duke + of Lenox, the Earls of Arundel and Northampton, and many other great + nobles and dignitaries. James rose from his seat, took off his hat, and + advanced several paces to meet the ambassadors, and bade them courteously + and respectfully welcome. He then expressed his regret at the death of the + Seignior of Warmond, and after the exchange of a few commonplaces + listened, still with uncovered head, to the opening address. + </p> + <p> + The spokesman, after thanking the King for his condolences on the death of + the chief commissioner, whom, as was stated with whimsical simplicity, + "the good God had called to Himself after all his luggage had been put on + board ship," proceeded in the French language to give a somewhat + abbreviated paraphrase of Barneveld's instructions. + </p> + <p> + When this was done and intimation made that they would confer more fully + with his Majesty's council on the subjects committed to their charge, the + ambassadors were conducted home with the same ceremonies as had + accompanied their arrival. They received the same day the first visit from + the ambassadors of France and Venice, Boderie and Carrero, and had a long + conference a few days afterwards with the High Treasurer, Lord Salisbury. + </p> + <p> + On the 3rd May they were invited to attend the pompous celebration of the + festival of St. George in the palace at Westminster, where they were + placed together with the French ambassador in the King's oratorium; the + Dukes of Wurtemberg and Brunswick being in that of the Queen. + </p> + <p> + These details are especially to be noted, and were at the moment of + considerable importance, for this was the first solemn and extraordinary + embassy sent by the rebel Netherlanders, since their independent national + existence had been formally vindicated, to Great Britain, a power which a + quarter of a century before had refused the proffered sovereignty over + them. Placed now on exactly the same level with the representatives of + emperors and kings, the Republican envoys found themselves looked upon by + the world with different eyes from those which had regarded their + predecessors askance, and almost with derision, only seven years before. + At that epoch the States' commissioners, Barneveld himself at the head of + them, had gone solemnly to congratulate King James on his accession, had + scarcely been admitted to audience by king or minister, and had found + themselves on great festivals unsprinkled with the holy water of the + court, and of no more account than the crowd of citizens and spectators + who thronged the streets, gazing with awe at the distant radiance of the + throne. + </p> + <p> + But although the ambassadors were treated with every external + consideration befitting their official rank, they were not likely to find + themselves in the most genial atmosphere when they should come to business + details. If there was one thing in the world that James did not intend to + do, it was to get himself entangled in war with Spain, the power of all + others which he most revered and loved. His "heroic and courageous + resolve" to defend the princes, on which the commissioners by instructions + of the Advocate had so highly complimented him, was not strong enough to + carry him much beyond a vigorous phraseology. He had not awoke from the + delusive dream of the Spanish marriage which had dexterously been made to + flit before him, and he was not inclined, for the sake of the Republic + which he hated the more because obliged to be one of its sponsors, to risk + the animosity of a great power which entertained the most profound + contempt for him. He was destined to find himself involved more closely + than he liked, and through family ties, with the great Protestant movement + in Germany, and the unfortunate "Winter King" might one day find his + father-in-law as unstable a reed to lean upon as the States had found + their godfather, or the Brandenburgs and Neuburgs at the present juncture + their great ally. Meantime, as the Bohemian troubles had not yet reached + the period of actual explosion, and as Henry's wide-reaching plan against + the House of Austria had been strangely enough kept an inviolable secret + by the few statesmen, like Sully and Barneveld, to whom they had been + confided, it was necessary for the King and his ministers to deal + cautiously and plausibly with the Dutch ambassadors. Their conferences + were mere dancing among eggs, and if no actual mischief were done, it was + the best result that could be expected. + </p> + <p> + On the 8th of May, the commissioners met in the council chamber at + Westminster, and discussed all the matters contained in their instructions + with the members of the council; the Lord Treasurer Salisbury, Earl of + Northampton, Privy Seal and Warden of the Cinque Ports, Lord Nottingham, + Lord High Admiral, the Lord Chamberlain, Earl of Suffolk, Earls of + Shrewsbury, Worcester, and several others being present. + </p> + <p> + The result was not entirely satisfactory. In regard to the succour + demanded for the possessory princes, the commissioners were told that they + seemed to come with a long narrative of their great burthens during the + war, damage from inundations, and the like, to excuse themselves from + doing their share in the succour, and thus the more to overload his + Majesty, who was not much interested in the matter, and was likewise + greatly encumbered by various expenses. The King had already frankly + declared his intention to assist the princes with the payment of 4000 men, + and to send proportionate artillery and powder from England. As the States + had supplies in their magazines enough to move 12,000 men, he proposed to + draw upon those, reimbursing the States for what was thus consumed by his + contingent. + </p> + <p> + With regard to the treaty of close alliance between France, Great Britain, + the princes, and the Republic, which the ambassadors had proposed, the—Lord + Treasurer and his colleagues gave a reply far from gratifying. His Majesty + had not yet decided on this point, they said. The King of France had + already proposed to treat for such an alliance, but it did not at present + seem worth while for all to negotiate together. + </p> + <p> + This was a not over-courteous hint that the Republic was after all not + expected to place herself at the council-board of kings on even terms of + intimacy and fraternal alliance. + </p> + <p> + What followed was even less flattering. If his Majesty, it was intimated, + should decide to treat with the King of France, he would not shut the door + on their High Mightinesses; but his Majesty was not yet exactly informed + whether his Majesty had not certain rights over the provinces 'in + petitorio.' + </p> + <p> + This was a scarcely veiled insinuation against the sovereignty of the + States, a sufficiently broad hint that they were to be considered in a + certain degree as British provinces. To a soldier like Maurice, to a + statesman like Barneveld, whose sympathies already were on the side of + France, such rebuffs and taunts were likely to prove unpalatable. The + restiveness of the States at the continual possession by Great Britain of + those important sea-ports the cautionary towns, a fact which gave colour + to these innuendoes, was sure to be increased by arrogant language on the + part of the English ministers. The determination to be rid of their debt + to so overbearing an ally, and to shake off the shackles imposed by the + costly mortgages, grew in strength from that hour. + </p> + <p> + In regard to the fisheries, the Lord Treasurer and his colleagues + expressed amazement that the ambassadors should consider the subjects of + their High Mightinesses to be so much beloved by his Majesty. Why should + they of all other people be made an exception of, and be exempt from, the + action of a general edict? The reasons for these orders in council ought + to be closely examined. It would be very difficult to bring the opinions + of the English jurists into harmony with those of the States. Meantime it + would be well to look up such treaties as might be in existence, and have + a special joint commission to confer together on the subject. It was very + plain, from the course of the conversation, that the Netherland fishermen + were not to be allowed, without paying roundly for a license, to catch + herrings on the British coasts as they had heretofore done. + </p> + <p> + Not much more of importance was transacted at this first interview between + the ambassadors and the Ding's ministers. Certainly they had not yet + succeeded in attaining their great object, the formation of an alliance + offensive and defensive between Great Britain and the Republic in + accordance with the plan concerted between Henry and Barneveld. They could + find but slender encouragement for the warlike plans to which France and + the States were secretly committed; nor could they obtain satisfactory + adjustment of affairs more pacific and commercial in their tendencies. The + English ministers rather petulantly remarked that, while last year + everybody was talking of a general peace, and in the present conjuncture + all seemed to think, or at least to speak, of nothing but a general war, + they thought best to defer consideration of the various subjects connected + with duties on the manufactures and products of the respective countries, + the navigation laws, the "entrecours," and other matters of ancient + agreement and controversy, until a more convenient season. + </p> + <p> + After the termination of the verbal conference, the ambassadors delivered + to the King's government, in writing, to be pondered by the council and + recorded in the archives, a summary of the statements which had been thus + orally treated. The document was in French, and in the main a paraphrase + of the Advocate's instructions, the substance of which has been already + indicated. In regard, however, to the far-reaching designs of Spain, and + the corresponding attitude which it would seem fitting for Great Britain + to assume, and especially the necessity of that alliance the proposal for + which had in the conference been received so haughtily, their language was + far plainer, bolder, and more vehement than that of the instructions. + </p> + <p> + "Considering that the effects show," they said, "that those who claim the + monarchy of Christendom, and indeed of the whole world, let slip no + opportunity which could in any way serve their designs, it is suitable to + the grandeur of his Majesty the King, and to the station in which by the + grace of the good God he is placed, to oppose himself thereto for the sake + of the common liberty of Christendom, to which end, and in order the + better to prevent all unjust usurpations, there could be no better means + devised than a closer alliance between his Majesty and the Most Christian + King, My Lords the States-General, and the electors, princes, and states + of Germany. Their High Mightinesses would therefore be most glad to learn + that his Majesty was inclined to such a course, and would be glad to + discuss the subject when and wherever his Majesty should appoint, or would + readily enter into such an alliance on reasonable conditions." + </p> + <p> + This language and the position taken up by the ambassadors were highly + approved by their government, but it was fated that no very great result + was to be achieved by this embassy. Very elaborate documents, exhaustive + in legal lore, on the subject of the herring fisheries, and of the right + to fish in the ocean and on foreign coasts, fortified by copious citations + from the 'Pandects' and 'Institutes' of Justinian, were presented for the + consideration of the British government, and were answered as learnedly, + exhaustively, and ponderously. The English ministers were also reminded + that the curing of herrings had been invented in the fifteenth century by + a citizen of Biervliet, the inscription on whose tombstone recording that + faces might still be read in the church of that town. + </p> + <p> + All this did not prevent, however, the Dutch herring fishermen from being + excluded from the British waters unless they chose to pay for licenses. + </p> + <p> + The conferences were however for a season interrupted, and a new aspect + was given to affairs by an unforeseen and terrible event. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile it is necessary to glance for a moment at the doings of the + special embassy to France, the instructions for which were prepared by + Barneveld almost at the same moment at which he furnished those for the + commission to England. + </p> + <p> + The ambassadors were Walraven, Seignior of Brederode, Cornelis van der + Myle, son-in-law of the Advocate, and Jacob van Maldere. Remembering how + impatient the King of France had long been for their coming, and that all + the preparations and decisions for a great war were kept in suspense until + the final secret conferences could be held with the representatives of the + States-General, it seems strange enough to us to observe the extreme + deliberation with which great affairs of state were then conducted and the + vast amount of time consumed in movements and communications which modern + science has either annihilated or abridged from days to hours. While Henry + was chafing with anxiety in Paris, the ambassadors, having received + Barneveld's instructions dated 31st March, set forth on the 8th April from + the Hague, reached Rotterdam at noon, and slept at Dordrecht. Newt day + they went to Breda, where the Prince of Orange insisted upon their passing + a couple of days with him in his castle, Easter-day being 11th April. He + then provided them with a couple of coaches and pair in which they set + forth on their journey, going by way of Antwerp, Ghent, Courtray, Ryssel, + to Arras, making easy stages, stopping in the middle of the day to bait, + and sleeping at each of the cities thus mentioned, where they duly + received the congratulatory visit and hospitalities of their respective + magistracies. + </p> + <p> + While all this time had been leisurely employed in the Netherlands in + preparing, instructing, and despatching the commissioners, affairs were + reaching a feverish crisis in France. + </p> + <p> + The States' ambassador resident thought that it would have been better not + to take such public offence at the retreat of the Prince of Conde. The + King had enough of life and vigour in him; he could afford to leave the + Dauphin to grow up, and when he should one day be established on the + throne, he would be able to maintain his heritage. "But," said Aerssens, + "I fear that our trouble is not where we say it is, and we don't dare to + say where it is." Writing to Carew, former English ambassador in Paris, + whom we have just seen in attendance on the States' commissioners in + London, he said: "People think that the Princess is wearying herself much + under the protection of the Infanta, and very impatient at not obtaining + the dissolution of her marriage, which the Duchess of Angouleme is to go + to Brussels to facilitate. This is not our business, but I mention it only + as the continuation of the Tragedy which you saw begin. Nevertheless I + don't know if the greater part of our deliberations is not founded on this + matter." + </p> + <p> + It had been decided to cause the Queen to be solemnly crowned after + Easter. She had set her heart with singular persistency upon the ceremony, + and it was thought that so public a sacrament would annihilate all the + wild projects attributed to Spain through the instrumentality of Conde to + cast doubts on the validity of her marriage and the legitimacy of the + Dauphin. The King from the first felt and expressed a singular repugnance, + a boding apprehension in regard to the coronation, but had almost yielded + to the Queen's importunity. He told her he would give his consent provided + she sent Concini to Brussels to invite in her own name the Princess of + Conde to be present on the occasion. Otherwise he declared that at least + the festival should be postponed till September. + </p> + <p> + The Marquis de Coeuvres remained in disgrace after the failure of his + mission, Henry believing that like all the world he had fallen in love + with the Princess, and had only sought to recommend himself, not to + further the suit of his sovereign. + </p> + <p> + Meanwhile Henry had instructed his ambassador in Spain, M. de Vaucelas, to + tell the King that his reception of Conde within his dominions would be + considered an infraction of the treaty of Vervins and a direct act of + hostility. The Duke of Lerma answered with a sneer that the Most Christian + King had too greatly obliged his Most Catholic Majesty by sustaining his + subjects in their rebellion and by aiding them to make their truce to hope + now that Conde would be sent back. France had ever been the receptacle of + Spanish traitors and rebels from Antonio Perez down, and the King of Spain + would always protect wronged and oppressed princes like Conde. France had + just been breaking up the friendly relations between Savoy and Spain and + goading the Duke into hostilities. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand the King had more than one stormy interview with Don + Inigo de Cardenas in Paris. That ambassador declared that his master would + never abandon his only sister the most serene Infanta, such was the + affection he born her, whose dominions were obviously threatened by these + French armies about to move to the frontiers. Henry replied that the + friends for whom he was arming had great need of his assistance; that his + Catholic Majesty was quite right to love his sister, whom he also loved; + but that he did not choose that his own relatives should be so much + beloved in Spain as they were. "What relatives?" asked Don Inigo. "The + Prince of Conde," replied the King, in a rage, "who has been debauched by + the Spaniards just as Marshal Biron was, and the Marchioness Verneuil, and + so many others. There are none left for them to debauch now but the + Dauphin and his brothers." The Ambassador replied that, if the King had + consulted him about the affair of Conde, he could have devised a happy + issue from it. Henry rejoined that he had sent messages on the subject to + his Catholic Majesty, who had not deigned a response, but that the Duke of + Lerma had given a very indiscreet one to his ambassador. Don Inigo + professed ignorance of any such reply. The King said it was a mockery to + affect ignorance of such matters. Thereupon both grew excited and very + violent in their discourses; the more so as Henry knowing but little + Spanish and the Envoy less French they could only understand from tone and + gesture that each was using exceedingly unpleasant language. At last Don + Inigo asked what he should write to his sovereign. "Whatever you like," + replied the King, and so the audience terminated, each remaining in a + towering passion. + </p> + <p> + Subsequently Villeroy assured the Archduke's ambassador that the King + considered the reception given to the Prince in the Spanish dominions as + one of the greatest insults and injuries that could be done to him. + Nothing could excuse it, said the Secretary of State, and for this reason + it was very difficult for the two kings to remain at peace with each + other, and that it would be wiser to prevent at once the evil designs of + his Catholic Majesty than to leave leisure for the plans to be put into + execution, and the claims of the Dauphin to his father's crown to be + disputed at a convenient season. + </p> + <p> + He added that war would not be made for the Princess, but for the Prince, + and that even the war in Germany, although Spain took the Emperor's side + and France that of the possessory princes, would not necessarily produce a + rupture between the two kings if it were not for this affair of the Prince—true + cause of the disaster now hanging over Christianity. Pecquius replied by + smooth commonplaces in favour of peace with which Villeroy warmly + concurred; both sadly expressing the conviction however that the wrath + divine had descended on them all on account of their sins. + </p> + <p> + A few days later, however, the Secretary changed his tone. + </p> + <p> + "I will speak to you frankly and clearly," he said to Pecquius, "and tell + you as from myself that there is passion, and if one is willing to arrange + the affair of the Princess, everything else can be accommodated and + appeased. Put if the Princess remain where she is, we are on the eve of a + rupture which may set fire to the four corners of Christendom." Pecquius + said he liked to talk roundly, and was glad to find that he had not been + mistaken in his opinion, that all these commotions were only made for the + Princess, and if all the world was going to war, she would be the + principal subject of it. He could not marvel sufficiently, he said, at + this vehement passion which brought in its train so great and horrible a + conflagration; adding many arguments to show that it was no fault of the + Archdukes, but that he who was the cause of all might one day have reason + to repent. + </p> + <p> + Villeroy replied that "the King believed the Princess to be suffering and + miserable for love of him, and that therefore he felt obliged to have her + sent back to her father." Pecquius asked whether in his conscience the + Secretary of State believed it right or reasonable to make war for such a + cause. Villeroy replied by asking "whether even admitting the negative, + the Ambassador thought it were wisely done for such a trifle, for a + formality, to plunge into extremities and to turn all Christendom upside + down." Pecquius, not considering honour a trifle or a formality, said that + "for nothing in the world would his Highness the Archduke descend to a + cowardly action or to anything that would sully his honour." Villeroy said + that the Prince had compelled his wife, pistol in hand, to follow him to + the Netherlands, and that she was no longer bound to obey a husband who + forsook country and king. Her father demanded her, and she said "she would + rather be strangled than ever to return to the company of her husband." + The Archdukes were not justified in keeping her against her will in + perpetual banishment. He implored the Ambassador in most pathetic terms to + devise some means of sending back the Princess, saying that he who should + find such expedient would do the greatest good that was ever done to + Christianity, and that otherwise there was no guarantee against a + universal war. The first design of the King had been merely to send a + moderate succour to the Princes of Brandenburg and Neuburg, which could + have given no umbrage to the Archdukes, but now the bitterness growing out + of the affairs of the Prince and Princess had caused him to set on foot a + powerful army to do worse. He again implored Pecquius to invent some means + of sending back the Princess, and the Ambassador besought him ardently to + divert the King from his designs. Of this the Secretary of State left + little hope and they parted, both very low and dismal in mind. Subsequent + conversations with the leading councillors of state convinced Pecquius + that these violent menaces were only used to shake the constancy of the + Archduke, but that they almost all highly disapproved the policy of the + King. "If this war goes on, we are all ruined," said the Duke d'Epernon to + the Nuncius. + </p> + <p> + Thus there had almost ceased to be any grimacing between the two kings, + although it was still a profound mystery where or when hostilities would + begin, and whether they would break out at all. Henry frequently remarked + that the common opinion all over Europe was working in his favour. Few + people in or out of France believed that he meant a rupture, or that his + preparations were serious. Thus should he take his enemies unawares and + unprepared. Even Aerssens, who saw him almost daily, was sometimes + mystified, in spite of Henry's vehement assertions that he was resolved to + make war at all hazards and on all sides, provided My Lords the States + would second him as they ought, their own existence being at stake. + </p> + <p> + "For God's sake," cried the King, "let us take the bit into our mouths. + Tell your masters that I am quite resolved, and that I am shrieking loudly + at their delays." He asked if he could depend on the States, if Barneveld + especially would consent to a league with him. The Ambassador replied that + for the affair of Cleve and Julich he had instructions to promise entire + concurrence, that Barneveld was most resolute in the matter, and had + always urged the enterprise and wished information as to the levies making + in France and other military preparations. + </p> + <p> + "Tell him," said Henry, "that they are going on exactly as often before + stated, but that we are holding everything in suspense until I have talked + with your ambassadors, from whom I wish counsel, safety, and encouragement + for doing much more than the Julich business. That alone does not require + so great a league and such excessive and unnecessary expense." + </p> + <p> + The King observed however that the question of the duchies would serve as + just cause and excellent pretext to remove those troublesome fellows for + ever from his borders and those of the States. Thus the princes would be + established safely in their possession and the Republic as well as himself + freed from the perpetual suspicions which the Spaniards excited by their + vile intrigues, and it was on this general subject that he wished to + confer with the special commissioners. It would not be possible for him to + throw succour into Julich without passing through Luxemburg in arms. The + Archdukes would resist this, and thus a cause of war would arise. His + campaign on the Meuse would help the princes more than if he should only + aid them by the contingent he had promised. Nor could the jealousy of King + James be excited since the war would spring out of the Archdukes' + opposition to his passage towards the duchies, as he obviously could not + cut himself off from his supplies, leaving a hostile province between + himself and his kingdom. Nevertheless he could not stir, he said, without + the consent and active support of the States, on whom he relied as his + principal buttress and foundation. + </p> + <p> + The levies for the Milanese expedition were waiting until Marshal de + Lesdiguieres could confer personally with the Duke of Savoy. The reports + as to the fidelity of that potentate were not to be believed. He was + trifling with the Spanish ambassadors, so Henry was convinced, who were + offering him 300,000 crowns a year besides Piombino, Monaco, and two + places in the Milanese, if he would break his treaty with France. But he + was thought to be only waiting until they should be gone before making his + arrangements with Lesdiguieres. "He knows that he can put no trust in + Spain, and that he can confide in me," said the King. "I have made a great + stroke by thus entangling the King of Spain by the use of a few troops in + Italy. But I assure you that there is none but me and My Lords the States + that can do anything solid. Whether the Duke breaks or holds fast will + make no difference in our first and great designs. For the honour of God I + beg them to lose no more time, but to trust in me. I will never deceive + them, never abandon them." + </p> + <p> + At last 25,000 infantry and 5000 cavalry were already in marching order, + and indeed had begun to move towards the Luxemburg frontier, ready to + co-operate with the States' army and that of the possessory princes for + the campaign of the Meuse and Rhine. + </p> + <p> + Twelve thousand more French troops under Lesdiguieres were to act with the + Duke of Savoy, and an army as large was to assemble in the Pyrenees and to + operate on the Spanish frontier, in hope of exciting and fomenting an + insurrection caused by the expulsion of the Moors. That gigantic act of + madness by which Spain thought good at this juncture to tear herself to + pieces, driving hundreds of thousands of the most industrious, most + intelligent, and most opulent of her population into hopeless exile, had + now been accomplished, and was to stand prominent for ever on the records + of human fatuity. + </p> + <p> + Twenty-five thousand Moorish families had arrived at Bayonne, and the + Viceroy of Canada had been consulted as to the possibility and expediency + of establishing them in that province, although emigration thither seemed + less tempting to them than to Virginia. Certainly it was not unreasonable + for Henry to suppose that a kingdom thus torn by internal convulsions + might be more open to a well organized attack, than capable of carrying + out at that moment fresh projects of universal dominion. + </p> + <p> + As before observed, Sully was by no means in favour of this combined + series of movements, although at a later day, when dictating his famous + memoirs to his secretaries, he seems to describe himself as + enthusiastically applauding and almost originating them. But there is no + doubt at all that throughout this eventful spring he did his best to + concentrate the whole attack on Luxemburg and the Meuse districts, and + wished that the movements in the Milanese and in Provence should be + considered merely a slight accessory, as not much more than a diversion to + the chief design, while Villeroy and his friends chose to consider the + Duke of Savoy as the chief element in the war. Sully thoroughly distrusted + the Duke, whom he deemed to be always put up at auction between Spain and + France and incapable of a sincere or generous policy. He was entirely + convinced that Villeroy and Epernon and Jeannin and other earnest Papists + in France were secretly inclined to the cause of Spain, that the whole + faction of the Queen, in short, were urging this scattering of the very + considerable forces now at Henry's command in the hope of bringing him + into a false position, in which defeat or an ignominious peace would be + the alternative. To concentrate an immense attack upon the Archdukes in + the Spanish Netherlands and the debateable duchies would have for its + immediate effect the expulsion of the Spaniards out of all those provinces + and the establishment of the Dutch commonwealth on an impregnable basis. + That this would be to strengthen infinitely the Huguenots in France and + the cause of Protestantism in Bohemia, Moravia and Austria, was + unquestionable. It was natural, therefore, that the stern and ardent + Huguenot should suspect the plans of the Catholics with whom he was in + daily council. One day he asked the King plumply in the presence of + Villeroy if his Majesty meant anything serious by all these warlike + preparations. Henry was wroth, and complained bitterly that one who knew + him to the bottom of his soul should doubt him. But Sully could not + persuade himself that a great and serious war would be carried on both in + the Netherlands and in Italy. + </p> + <p> + As much as his sovereign he longed for the personal presence of Barneveld, + and was constantly urging the States' ambassador to induce his coming to + Paris. "You know," said Aerssens, writing to the French ambassador at the + Hague, de Russy, "that it is the Advocate alone that has the universal + knowledge of the outside and the inside of our commonwealth." + </p> + <p> + Sully knew his master as well as any man knew him, but it was difficult to + fix the chameleon hues of Henry at this momentous epoch. To the Ambassador + expressing doubts as to the King's sincerity the Duke asserted that Henry + was now seriously piqued with the Spaniard on account of the Conde + business. Otherwise Anhalt and the possessory princes and the affair of + Cleve might have had as little effect in driving him into war as did the + interests of the Netherlands in times past. But the bold demonstration + projected would make the "whole Spanish party bleed at the nose; a good + result for the public peace." + </p> + <p> + Therefore Sully sent word to Barneveld, although he wished his name + concealed, that he ought to come himself, with full powers to do + everything, without referring to any superiors or allowing any secrets to + be divulged. The King was too far committed to withdraw, unless coldness + on part of the States should give him cause. The Advocate must come + prepared to answer all questions; to say how much in men and money the + States would contribute, and whether they would go into the war with the + King as their only ally. He must come with the bridle on his neck. All + that Henry feared was being left in the lurch by the States; otherwise he + was not afraid of Rome. Sully was urgent that the Provinces should now go + vigorously into the war without stumbling at any consideration. Thus they + would confirm their national power for all time, but if the opportunity + were now lost, it would be their ruin, and posterity would most justly + blame them. The King of Spain was so stripped of troops and resources, so + embarrassed by the Moors, that in ten months he would not be able to send + one man to the Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the Nuncius in Paris was moving heaven and earth; storming, + intriguing, and denouncing the course of the King in protecting heresy, + when it would have been so easy to extirpate it, encouraging rebellion and + disorder throughout Christendom, and embarking in an action against the + Church and against his conscience. A new legate was expected daily with + the Pope's signature to the new league, and a demand upon the King to sign + it likewise, and to pause in a career of which something was suspected, + but very little accurately known. The preachers in Paris and throughout + the kingdom delivered most vehement sermons against the King, the + government, and the Protestants, and seemed to the King to be such + "trumpeters of sedition" that he ordered the seneschals and other officers + to put a stop to these turbulent discourses, censure their authors, and + compel them to stick to their texts. + </p> + <p> + But the preparations were now so far advanced and going on so warmly that + nothing more was wanting than, in the words of Aerssens, "to uncouple the + dogs and let them run." Recruits were pouring steadily to their places of + rendezvous; their pay having begun to run from the 25th March at the rate + of eight sous a day for the private foot soldier and ten sous for a + corporal. They were moved in small parties of ten, lodged in the wayside + inns, and ordered, on pain of death, to pay for everything they consumed. + </p> + <p> + It was growing difficult to wait much longer for the arrival of the + special ambassadors, when at last they were known to be on their way. + Aerssens obtained for their use the Hotel Gondy, formerly the residence of + Don Pedro de Toledo, the most splendid private palace in Paris, and + recently purchased by the Queen. It was considered expedient that the + embassy should make as stately an appearance as that of royal or imperial + envoys. He engaged an upholsterer by the King's command to furnish, at his + Majesty's expense, the apartments, as the Baron de Gondy, he said, had + long since sold and eaten up all the furniture. He likewise laid in six + pieces of wine and as many of beer, "tavern drinks" being in the opinion + of the thrifty ambassador "both dear and bad." + </p> + <p> + He bought a carriage lined with velvet for the commissioners, and another + lined with broadcloth for the principal persons of their suite, and with + his own coach as a third he proposed to go to Amiens to meet them. They + could not get on with fewer than these, he said, and the new carriages + would serve their purpose in Paris. He had paid 500 crowns for the two, + and they could be sold, when done with, at a slight loss. He bought + likewise four dapple-grey horses, which would be enough, as nobody had + more than two horses to a carriage in town, and for which he paid 312 + crowns—a very low price, he thought, at a season when every one was + purchasing. He engaged good and experienced coachmen at two crowns a + month, and; in short, made all necessary arrangements for their comfort + and the honour of the state. + </p> + <p> + The King had been growing more and more displeased at the tardiness of the + commission, petulantly ascribing it to a design on the part of the States + to "excuse themselves from sharing in his bold conceptions," but said that + "he could resolve on nothing without My Lords the States, who were the + only power with which he could contract confidently, as mighty enough and + experienced enough to execute the designs to be proposed to them; so that + his army was lying useless on his hands until the commissioners arrived," + and lamented more loudly than ever that Barneveld was not coming with + them. He was now rejoiced, however, to hear that they would soon arrive, + and went in person to the Hotel Gondy to see that everything was prepared + in a manner befitting their dignity and comfort. + </p> + <p> + His anxiety had moreover been increased, as already stated, by the + alarming reports from Utrecht and by his other private accounts from the + Netherlands. + </p> + <p> + De Russy expressed in his despatches grave doubts whether the States would + join the king in a war against the King of Spain, because they feared the + disapprobation of the King of Great Britain, "who had already manifested + but too much jealousy of the power and grandeur of the Republic." Pecquius + asserted that the Archdukes had received assurances from the States that + they would do nothing to violate the truce. The Prince of Anhalt, who, as + chief of the army of the confederated princes, was warm in his + demonstrations for a general war by taking advantage of the Cleve + expedition, was entirely at cross purposes with the States' ambassador in + Paris, Aerssens maintaining that the forty-three years' experience in + their war justified the States in placing no dependence on German princes + except with express conventions. They had no such conventions now, and if + they should be attacked by Spain in consequence of their assistance in the + Cleve business, what guarantee of aid had they from those whom Anhalt + represented? Anhalt was loud in expressions of sympathy with Henry's + designs against Spain, but said that he and the States meant a war of + thirty or forty years, while the princes would finish what they meant to + do in one. + </p> + <p> + A more erroneous expression of opinion, when viewed in the light of + subsequent events, could hardly have been hazarded. Villeroy made as good + use as he could of these conversations to excite jealousy between the + princes and the States for the furtherance of his own ends, while + affecting warm interest in the success of the King's projects. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Archduke Albert had replied manfully and distinctly to the + menaces of the King and to the pathetic suggestions made by Villeroy to + Pecquius as to a device for sending back the Princess. Her stay at + Brussels being the chief cause of the impending war, it would be better, + he said, to procure a divorce or to induce the Constable to obtain the + consent of the Prince to the return of his wife to her father's house. To + further either of these expedients, the Archduke would do his best. "But + if one expects by bravados and threats," he added, "to force us to do a + thing against our promise, and therefore against reason, our reputation, + and honour, resolutely we will do nothing of the kind. And if the said + Lord King decided on account of this misunderstanding for a rupture and to + make war upon us, we will do our best to wage war on him. In such case, + however, we shall be obliged to keep the Princess closer in our own house, + and probably to send her to such parts as may be most convenient in order + to remove from us an instrument of the infinite evils which this war will + produce." + </p> + <p> + Meantime the special commissioners whom we left at Arras had now entered + the French kingdom. + </p> + <p> + On the 17th April, Aerssens with his three coaches met them on their + entrance into Amiens, having been waiting there for them eight days. As + they passed through the gate, they found a guard of soldiers drawn up to + receive them with military honours, and an official functionary to + apologize for the necessary absence of the governor, who had gone with + most of the troops stationed in the town to the rendezvous in Champagne. + He expressed regret, therefore, that the King's orders for their solemn + reception could not be literally carried out. The whole board of + magistrates, however, in their costumes of ceremony, with sergeants + bearing silver maces marching before them, came forth to bid the + ambassadors welcome. An advocate made a speech in the name of the city + authorities, saying that they were expressly charged by the King to + receive them as coming from his very best friends, and to do them all + honour. He extolled the sage government of their High Mightinesses and the + valour of the Republic, which had become known to the whole world by the + successful conduct of their long and mighty war. + </p> + <p> + The commissioners replied in words of compliment, and the magistrates then + offered them, according to ancient usage, several bottles of hippocras. + </p> + <p> + Next day, sending back the carriages of the Prince of Orange, in which + they had thus far performed the journey, they set forth towards Paris, + reaching Saint-Denis at noon of the third day. Here they were met by de + Bonoeil, introducer of ambassadors, sent thither by the King to give them + welcome, and to say that they would be received on the road by the Duke of + Vendome, eldest of the legitimatized children of the King. Accordingly + before reaching the Saint-Denis gate of Paris, a splendid cavalcade of + nearly five hundred noblemen met them, the Duke at their head, accompanied + by two marshals of France, de Brissac and Boisdaulphin. The three + instantly dismounted, and the ambassadors alighted from their coach. The + Duke then gave them solemn and cordial welcome, saying that he had been + sent by his father the King to receive them as befitted envoys of the best + and most faithful friends he possessed in the world. + </p> + <p> + The ambassadors expressed their thanks for the great and extraordinary + honour thus conferred on them, and they were then requested to get into a + royal carriage which had been sent out for that purpose. After much + ceremonious refusal they at last consented and, together with the Duke of + Vendome, drove through Paris in that vehicle into the Faubourg Saint + Germain. Arriving at the Hotel Gondy, they were, notwithstanding all their + protestations, escorted up the staircase into the apartments by the Duke. + </p> + <p> + "This honour is notable," said the commissioners in their report to the + States, "and never shown to anyone before, so that our ill-wishers are + filled with spite." + </p> + <p> + And Peter Pecquius was of the same opinion. "Everyone is grumbling here," + about the reception of the States' ambassadors, "because such honours were + never paid to any ambassador whatever, whether from Spain, England, or any + other country." + </p> + <p> + And there were many men living and employed in great affairs of State, + both in France and in the Republic—the King and Villeroy, Barneveld + and Maurice—who could remember how twenty-six years before a solemn + embassy from the States had proceeded from the Hague to France to offer + the sovereignty of their country to Henry's predecessor, had been kept + ignominiously and almost like prisoners four weeks long in Rouen, and had + been thrust back into the Netherlands without being admitted even to one + audience by the monarch. Truly time, in the course of less than one + generation of mankind, had worked marvellous changes in the fortunes of + the Dutch Republic. + </p> + <p> + President Jeannin came to visit them next day, with friendly proffers of + service, and likewise the ambassador of Venice and the charge d'affaires + of Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + On the 22nd the royal carriages came by appointment to the Hotel Gondy, + and took them for their first audience to the Louvre. They were received + at the gate by a guard of honour, drums beating and arms presented, and + conducted with the greatest ceremony to an apartment in the palace. Soon + afterwards they were ushered into a gallery where the King stood, + surrounded by a number of princes and distinguished officers of the crown. + These withdrew on the approach of the Netherlanders, leaving the King + standing alone. They made their reverence, and Henry saluted them all with + respectful cordiality. Begging them to put on their hats again, he + listened attentively to their address. + </p> + <p> + The language of the discourse now pronounced was similar in tenour to that + almost contemporaneously held by the States' special envoys in London. + Both documents, when offered afterwards in writing, bore the unmistakable + imprint of the one hand that guided the whole political machine. In + various passages the phraseology was identical, and, indeed, the Advocate + had prepared and signed the instructions for both embassies on the same + day. + </p> + <p> + The commissioners acknowledged in the strongest possible terms the great + and constant affection, quite without example, that Henry had manifested + to the Netherlands during the whole course of their war. They were at a + loss to find language adequately to express their gratitude for that + friendship, and the assistance subsequently afforded them in the + negotiations for truce. They apologized for the tardiness of the States in + sending this solemn embassy of thanksgiving, partly on the ground of the + delay in receiving the ratifications from Spain, partly by the protracted + contraventions by the Archdukes of certain articles in the treaty, but + principally by the terrible disasters occasioned throughout their country + by the great inundations, and by the commotions in the city of Utrecht, + which had now been "so prudently and happily pacified." + </p> + <p> + They stated that the chief cause of their embassy was to express their + respectful gratitude, and to say that never had prince or state treasured + more deeply in memory benefits received than did their republic the + favours of his Majesty, or could be more disposed to do their utmost to + defend his Majesty's person, crown, or royal family against all attack. + They expressed their joy that the King had with prudence, and heroic + courage undertaken the defence of the just rights of Brandenburg and + Neuburg to the duchies of Cleve, Julich, and the other dependent + provinces. Thus had he put an end to the presumption of those who thought + they could give the law to all the world. They promised the co-operation + of the States in this most important enterprise of their ally, + notwithstanding their great losses in the war just concluded, and the + diminution of revenue occasioned by the inundations by which they had been + afflicted; for they were willing neither to tolerate so unjust an + usurpation as that attempted by the Emperor nor to fail to second his + Majesty in his generous designs. They observed also that they had been + instructed to enquire whether his Majesty would not approve the + contracting of a strict league of mutual assistance between France, + England, the United Provinces, and the princes of Germany. + </p> + <p> + The King, having listened with close attention, thanked the envoys in + words of earnest and vigorous cordiality for their expressions of + affection to himself. He begged them to remember that he had always been + their good friend, and that he never would forsake them; that he had + always hated the Spaniards, and should ever hate them; and that the + affairs of Julich must be arranged not only for the present but for the + future. He requested them to deliver their propositions in writing to him, + and to be ready to put themselves into communication with the members of + his council, in order that they might treat with each other roundly and + without reserve. He should always deal with the Netherlanders as with his + own people, keeping no back-door open, but pouring out everything as into + the lap of his best and most trusty friends. + </p> + <p> + After this interview conferences followed daily between the ambassadors + and Villeroy, Sully, Jeannin, the Chancellor, and Puysieug. + </p> + <p> + The King's counsellors, after having read the written paraphrase of + Barneveld's instructions, the communication of which followed their oral + statements, and which, among other specifications, contained a respectful + remonstrance against the projected French East India Company, as likely to + benefit the Spaniards only, while seriously injuring the States, + complained that "the representations were too general, and that the paper + seemed to contain nothing but compliments." + </p> + <p> + The ambassadors, dilating on the various points and articles, maintained + warmly that there was much more than compliments in their instructions. + The ministers wished to know what the States practically were prepared to + do in the affair of Cleve, which they so warmly and encouragingly + recommended to the King. They asked whether the States' army would march + at once to Dusseldorf to protect the princes at the moment when the King + moved from Mezieres, and they made many enquiries as to what amount of + supplies and munitions they could depend upon from the States' magazines. + </p> + <p> + The envoys said that they had no specific instructions on these points, + and could give therefore no conclusive replies. More than ever did Henry + regret the absence of the great Advocate at this juncture. If he could + have come, with the bridle on his neck, as Henry had so repeatedly urged + upon the resident ambassador, affairs might have marched more rapidly. The + despotic king could never remember that Barneveld was not the unlimited + sovereign of the United States, but only the seal-keeper of one of the + seven provinces and the deputy of Holland to the General Assembly. His + indirect power, however vast, was only great because it was so carefully + veiled. + </p> + <p> + It was then proposed by Villeroy and Sully, and agreed to by the + commissioners, that M. de Bethune, a relative of the great financier, + should be sent forthwith to the Hague, to confer privately with Prince + Maurice and Barneveld especially, as to military details of the coming + campaign. + </p> + <p> + It was also arranged that the envoys should delay their departure until de + Bethune's return. Meantime Henry and the Nuncius had been exchanging plain + and passionate language. Ubaldini reproached the King with disregarding + all the admonitions of his Holiness, and being about to plunge Christendom + into misery and war for the love of the Princess of Conde. He held up to + him the enormity of thus converting the King of Spain and the Archdukes + into his deadly enemies, and warned him that he would by such desperate + measures make even the States-General and the King of Britain his foes, + who certainly would never favour such schemes. The King replied that "he + trusted to his own forces, not to those of his neighbours, and even if the + Hollanders should not declare for him still he would execute his designs. + On the 15th of May most certainly he would put himself at the head of his + army, even if he was obliged to put off the Queen's coronation till + October, and he could not consider the King of Spain nor the Archdukes his + friends unless they at once made him some demonstration of friendship. + Being asked by the Nuncius what demonstration he wished, he answered + flatly that he wished the Princess to be sent back to the Constable her + father, in which case the affair of Julich could be arranged amicably, + and, at all events, if the war continued there, he need not send more than + 4000 men." + </p> + <p> + Thus, in spite of his mighty preparations, vehement demands for Barneveld, + and profound combinations revealed to that statesman, to Aerssens, and to + the Duke of Sully only, this wonderful monarch was ready to drop his sword + on the spot, to leave his friends in the lurch, to embrace his enemies, + the Archduke first of all, instead of bombarding Brussels the very next + week, as he had been threatening to do, provided the beautiful Margaret + could be restored to his arms through those of her venerable father. + </p> + <p> + He suggested to the Nuncius his hope that the Archduke would yet be + willing to wink at her escape, which he was now trying to arrange through + de Preaux at Brussels, while Ubaldini, knowing the Archduke incapable of + anything so dishonourable, felt that the war was inevitable. + </p> + <p> + At the very same time too, Father Cotton, who was only too ready to betray + the secrets of the confessional when there was an object to gain, had a + long conversation with the Archduke's ambassador, in which the holy man + said that the King had confessed to him that he made the war expressly to + cause the Princess to be sent back to France, so that as there could be no + more doubt on the subject the father-confessor begged Pecquius, in order + to prevent so great an evil, to devise "some prompt and sudden means to + induce his Highness the Archduke to order the Princess to retire secretly + to her own country." The Jesuit had different notions of honour, + reputation, and duty from those which influenced the Archduke. He added + that "at Easter the King had been so well disposed to seek his salvation + that he could easily have forgotten his affection for the Princess, had + she not rekindled the fire by her letters, in which she caressed him with + amorous epithets, calling him 'my heart,' 'my chevalier,' and similar + terms of endearment." Father Cotton also drew up a paper, which he + secretly conveyed to Pecquius, "to prove that the Archduke, in terms of + conscience and honour, might decide to permit this escape, but he most + urgently implored the Ambassador that for the love of God and the public + good he would influence his Serene Highness to prevent this from ever + coming to the knowledge of the world, but to keep the secret inviolably." + </p> + <p> + Thus, while Henry was holding high council with his own most trusted + advisers, and with the most profound statesmen of Europe, as to the + opening campaign within a fortnight of a vast and general war, he was + secretly plotting with his father-confessor to effect what he avowed to be + the only purpose of that war, by Jesuitical bird-lime to be applied to the + chief of his antagonists. Certainly Barneveld and his colleagues were + justified in their distrust. To move one step in advance of their potent + but slippery ally might be a step off a precipice. + </p> + <p> + On the 1st of May, Sully made a long visit to the commissioners. He + earnestly urged upon them the necessity of making the most of the present + opportunity. There were people in plenty, he said, who would gladly see + the King take another course, for many influential persons about him were + altogether Spanish in their inclinations. + </p> + <p> + The King had been scandalized to hear from the Prince of Anhalt, without + going into details, that on his recent passage through the Netherlands he + had noticed some change of feeling, some coolness in their High + Mightinesses. The Duke advised that they should be very heedful, that they + should remember how much more closely these matters regarded them than + anyone else, that they should not deceive themselves, but be firmly + convinced that unless they were willing to go head foremost into the + business the French would likewise not commit themselves. Sully spoke with + much earnestness and feeling, for it was obvious that both he and his + master had been disappointed at the cautious and limited nature of the + instructions given to the ambassadors. + </p> + <p> + An opinion had indeed prevailed, and, as we have seen, was to a certain + extent shared in by Aerssens, and even by Sully himself, that the King's + military preparations were after all but a feint, and that if the Prince + of Conde, and with him the Princess, could be restored to France, the + whole war cloud would evaporate in smoke. + </p> + <p> + It was even asserted that Henry had made a secret treaty with the enemy, + according to which, while apparently ready to burst upon the House of + Austria with overwhelming force, he was in reality about to shake hands + cordially with that power, on condition of being allowed to incorporate + into his own kingdom the very duchies in dispute, and of receiving the + Prince of Conde and his wife from Spain. He was thus suspected of being + about to betray his friends and allies in the most ignoble manner and for + the vilest of motives. The circulation of these infamous reports no doubt + paralysed for a time the energy of the enemy who had made no requisite + preparations against the threatened invasion, but it sickened his friends + with vague apprehensions, while it cut the King himself to the heart and + infuriated him to madness. + </p> + <p> + He asked the Nuncius one day what people thought in Rome and Italy of the + war about to be undertaken. Ubaldini replied that those best informed + considered the Princess of Conde as the principal subject of hostilities; + they thought that he meant to have her back. "I do mean to have her back," + cried Henry, with a mighty oath, and foaming with rage, "and I shall have + her back. No one shall prevent it, not even the Lieutenant of God on + earth." + </p> + <p> + But the imputation of this terrible treason weighed upon his mind and + embittered every hour. + </p> + <p> + The commissioners assured Sully that they had no knowledge of any coolness + or change such as Anhalt had reported on the part of their principals, and + the Duke took his leave. + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that Villeroy had, it was thought, been making + mischief between Anhalt and the States by reporting and misreporting + private conversations between that Prince and the Dutch ambassador. + </p> + <p> + As soon as Sully had gone, van der Myle waited upon Villeroy to ask, in + name of himself and colleagues, for audience of leave-taking, the object + of their mission having been accomplished. The Secretary of State, too, + like Sully, urged the importance of making the most of the occasion. The + affair of Cleve, he said, did not very much concern the King, but his + Majesty had taken it to heart chiefly on account of the States and for + their security. They were bound, therefore, to exert themselves to the + utmost, but more would not be required of them than it would be possible + to fulfil. + </p> + <p> + Van der Myle replied that nothing would be left undone by their High + Mightinesses to support the King faithfully and according to their + promise. + </p> + <p> + On the 5th, Villeroy came to the ambassadors, bringing with him a letter + from the King for the States-General, and likewise a written reply to the + declarations made orally and in writing by the ambassadors to his Majesty. + </p> + <p> + The letter of Henry to "his very dear and good friends, allies, and + confederates," was chiefly a complimentary acknowledgment of the + expressions of gratitude made to him on part of the States-General, and + warm approbation of their sage resolve to support the cause of Brandenburg + and Neuburg. He referred them for particulars to the confidential + conferences held between the commissioners and himself. They would state + how important he thought it that this matter should be settled now so + thoroughly as to require no second effort at any future time when + circumstances might not be so propitious; and that he intended to risk his + person, at the head of his army, to accomplish this result. + </p> + <p> + To the ambassadors he expressed his high satisfaction at their assurances + of affection, devotion, and gratitude on the part of the States. He + approved and commended their resolution to assist the Elector and the + Palatine in the affair of the duchies. He considered this a proof of their + prudence and good judgment, as showing their conviction that they were + more interested and bound to render this assistance than any other + potentates or states, as much from the convenience and security to be + derived from the neighbourhood of princes who were their friends as from + dangers to be apprehended from other princes who were seeking to + appropriate those provinces. The King therefore begged the States to move + forward as soon as possible the forces which they offered for this + enterprise according to his Majesty's suggestion sent through de Bethune. + The King on his part would do the same with extreme care and diligence, + from the anxiety he felt to prevent My Lords the States from receiving + detriment in places so vital to their preservation. + </p> + <p> + He begged the States likewise to consider that it was meet not only to + make a first effort to put the princes into entire possession of the + duchies, but to provide also for the durable success of the enterprise; to + guard against any invasions that might be made in the future to eject + those princes. Otherwise all their present efforts would be useless; and + his Majesty therefore consented on this occasion to enter into the new + league proposed by the States with all the princes and states mentioned in + the memoir of the ambassadors for mutual assistance against all unjust + occupations, attempts, and baneful intrigues. + </p> + <p> + Having no special information as to the infractions by the Archdukes of + the recent treaty of truce, the King declined to discuss that subject for + the moment, although holding himself bound to all required of him as one + of the guarantees of that treaty. + </p> + <p> + In regard to the remonstrance made by the ambassadors concerning the trade + of the East Indies, his Majesty disclaimed any intention of doing injury + to the States in permitting his subjects to establish a company in his + kingdom for that commerce. He had deferred hitherto taking action in the + matter only out of respect to the States, but he could no longer refuse + the just claims of his subjects if they should persist in them as urgently + as they had thus far been doing. The right and liberty which they demanded + was common to all, said the King, and he was certainly bound to have as + great care for the interests of his subjects as for those of his friends + and allies. + </p> + <p> + Here, certainly, was an immense difference in tone and in terms towards + the Republic adopted respectively by their great and good friends and + allies the Kings of France and Great Britain. It was natural enough that + Henry, having secretly expressed his most earnest hope that the States + would move at his side in his broad and general assault upon the House of + Austria, should impress upon them his conviction, which was a just one, + that no power in the world was more interested in keeping a Spanish and + Catholic prince out of the duchies than they were themselves. But while + thus taking a bond of them as it were for the entire fulfilment of the + primary enterprise, he accepted with cordiality, and almost with + gratitude, their proposition of a close alliance of the Republic with + himself and with the Protestant powers which James had so superciliously + rejected. + </p> + <p> + It would have been difficult to inflict a more petty and, more studied + insult upon the Republic than did the King of Great Britain at that + supreme moment by his preposterous claim of sovereign rights over the + Netherlands. He would make no treaty with them, he said, but should he + find it worth while to treat with his royal brother of France, he should + probably not shut the door in their faces. + </p> + <p> + Certainly Henry's reply to the remonstrances of the ambassadors in regard + to the India trade was as moderate as that of James had been haughty and + peremptory in regard to the herring fishery. It is however sufficiently + amusing to see those excellent Hollanders nobly claiming that "the sea was + as free as air" when the right to take Scotch pilchards was in question, + while at the very same moment they were earnest for excluding their best + allies and all the world besides from their East India monopoly. But Isaac + Le Maire and Jacques Le Roy had not lain so long disguised in Zamet's + house in Paris for nothing, nor had Aerssens so completely "broke the neck + of the French East India Company" as he supposed. A certain Dutch + freebooter, however, Simon Danzer by name, a native of Dordrecht, who had + been alternately in the service of Spain, France, and the States, but a + general marauder upon all powers, was exercising at that moment perhaps + more influence on the East India trade than any potentate or commonwealth. + </p> + <p> + He kept the seas just then with four swift-sailing and well-armed vessels, + that potent skimmer of the ocean, and levied tribute upon Protestant and + Catholic, Turk or Christian, with great impartiality. The King of Spain + had sent him letters of amnesty and safe-conduct, with large pecuniary + offers, if he would enter his service. The King of France had outbid his + royal brother and enemy, and implored him to sweep the seas under the + white flag. + </p> + <p> + The States' ambassador begged his masters to reflect whether this + "puissant and experienced corsair" should be permitted to serve Spaniard + or Frenchman, and whether they could devise no expedient for turning him + into another track. "He is now with his fine ships at Marseilles," said + Aerssens. "He is sought for in all quarters by the Spaniard and by the + directors of the new French East India Company, private persons who equip + vessels of war. If he is not satisfied with this king's offers, he is + likely to close with the King of Spain, who offers him 1000 crowns a + month. Avarice tickles him, but he is neither Spaniard nor Papist, and I + fear will be induced to serve with his ships the East India Company, and + so will return to his piracy, the evil of which will always fall on our + heads. If My Lords the States will send me letters of abolition for him, + in imitation of the French king, on condition of his returning to his home + in Zealand and quitting the sea altogether, something might be done. + Otherwise he will be off to Marseilles again, and do more harm to us than + ever. Isaac Le Maire is doing as much evil as he can, and one holds daily + council with him here." + </p> + <p> + Thus the slippery Simon skimmed the seas from Marseilles to the Moluccas, + from Java to Mexico, never to be held firmly by Philip, or Henry, or + Barneveld. A dissolute but very daring ship's captain, born in Zealand, + and formerly in the service of the States, out of which he had been + expelled for many evil deeds, Simon Danzer had now become a professional + pirate, having his head-quarters chiefly at Algiers. His English colleague + Warde stationed himself mainly at Tunis, and both acted together in + connivance with the pachas of the Turkish government. They with their + considerable fleet, one vessel of which mounted sixty guns, were the + terror of the Mediterranean, extorted tribute from the commerce of all + nations indifferently, and sold licenses to the greatest governments of + Europe. After growing rich with his accumulated booty, Simon was inclined + to become respectable, a recourse which was always open to him—France, + England, Spain, the United Provinces, vieing with each other to secure him + by high rank and pay as an honoured member of their national marine. He + appears however to have failed in his plan of retiring upon his laurels, + having been stabbed in Paris by a man whom he had formerly robbed and + ruined. + </p> + <p> + Villeroy, having delivered the letters with his own hands to the + ambassadors, was asked by them when and where it would be convenient for + the King to arrange the convention of close alliance. The Secretary of + State—in his secret heart anything but kindly disposed for this + loving union with a republic he detested and with heretics whom he would + have burned—answered briefly that his Majesty was ready at any time, + and that it might take place then if they were provided with the necessary + powers. He said in parting that the States should "have an eye to + everything, for occasions like the present were irrecoverable." He then + departed, saying that the King would receive them in final audience on the + following day. + </p> + <p> + Next morning accordingly Marshal de Boisdaulphin and de Bonoeil came with + royal coaches to the Hotel Gondy and escorted the ambassadors to the + Louvre. On the way they met de Bethune, who had returned solo from the + Hague bringing despatches for the King and for themselves. While in the + antechamber, they had opportunity to read their letters from the + States-General, his Majesty sending word that he was expecting them with + impatience, but preferred that they should read the despatches before the + audience. + </p> + <p> + They found the King somewhat out of humour. He expressed himself as + tolerably well satisfied with the general tenour of the despatches brought + by de Bethune, but complained loudly of the request now made by the + States, that the maintenance and other expenses of 4000 French in the + States' service should be paid in the coming campaign out of the royal + exchequer. He declared that this proposition was "a small manifestation of + ingratitude," that my Lords the States were "little misers," and that such + proceedings were "little avaricious tricks" such as he had not expected of + them. + </p> + <p> + So far as England was concerned, he said there was a great difference. The + English took away what he was giving. He did cheerfully a great deal for + his friends, he said, and was always ready doubly to repay what they did + for him. If, however, the States persisted in this course, he should call + his troops home again. + </p> + <p> + The King, as he went on, became more and more excited, and showed decided + dissatisfaction in his language and manner. It was not to be wondered at, + for we have seen how persistently he had been urging that the Advocate + should come in person with "the bridle on his neck," and now he had sent + his son-in-law and two colleagues tightly tied up by stringent + instructions. And over an above all this, while he was contemplating a + general war with intention to draw upon the States for unlimited supplies, + behold, they were haggling for the support of a couple of regiments which + were virtually their own troops. + </p> + <p> + There were reasons, however, for this cautiousness besides those + unfounded, although not entirely chimerical, suspicions as to the King's + good faith, to which we have alluded. It should not be forgotten that, + although Henry had conversed secretly with the States' ambassador at full + length on his far-reaching plans, with instructions that he should + confidentially inform the Advocate and demand his co-operation, not a word + of it had been officially propounded to the States-General, nor to the + special embassy with whom he was now negotiating. No treaty of alliance + offensive or defensive existed between the Kingdom and the Republic or + between the Republic and any power whatever. It would have been culpable + carelessness therefore at this moment for the prime minister of the States + to have committed his government in writing to a full participation in a + general assault upon the House of Austria; the first step in which would + have been a breach of the treaty just concluded and instant hostilities + with the Archdukes Albert and Isabella. + </p> + <p> + That these things were in the immediate future was as plain as that night + would follow day, but the hour had not yet struck for the States to throw + down the gauntlet. + </p> + <p> + Hardly two months before, the King, in his treaty with the princes at + Hall, had excluded both the King of Great Britain and the States-General + from participation in those arrangements, and it was grave matter for + consideration, therefore, for the States whether they should allow such + succour as they might choose to grant the princes to be included in the + French contingent. The opportunity for treating as a sovereign power with + the princes and making friends with them was tempting, but it did not seem + reasonable to the States that France should make use of them in this war + without a treaty, and should derive great advantage from the alliance, but + leave the expense to them. + </p> + <p> + Henry, on the other hand, forgetting, when it was convenient to him, all + about the Princess of Conde, his hatred of Spain, and his resolution to + crush the House of Austria, chose to consider the war as made simply for + the love of the States-General and to secure them for ever from danger. + </p> + <p> + The ambassadors replied to the King's invectives with great respect, and + endeavoured to appease his anger. They had sent a special despatch to + their government, they said, in regard to all those matters, setting forth + all the difficulties that had been raised, but had not wished to trouble + his Majesty with premature discussions of them. They did not doubt, + however, that their High Mightinesses would so conduct this great affair + as to leave the King no ground of complaint. + </p> + <p> + Henry then began to talk of the intelligence brought by de Bethune from + the Hague, especially in regard to the sending of States' troops to + Dusseldorf and the supply of food for the French army. He did not believe, + he said, that the Archdukes would refuse him the passage with his forces + through their territory, inasmuch as the States' army would be on the way + to meet him. In case of any resistance, however, he declared his + resolution to strike his blow and to cause people to talk of him. He had + sent his quartermaster-general to examine the passes, who had reported + that it would be impossible to prevent his Majesty's advance. He was also + distinctly informed that Marquis Spinola, keeping his places garrisoned, + could not bring more than 8000 men into the field. The Duke of Bouillon, + however, was sending advices that his communications were liable to be cut + off, and that for this purpose Spinola could set on foot about 16,000 + infantry and 4000 horse. + </p> + <p> + If the passage should be allowed by the Archdukes, the King stated his + intention of establishing magazines for his troops along the whole line of + march through the Spanish Netherlands and neighbouring districts, and to + establish and fortify himself everywhere in order to protect his supplies + and cover his possible retreat. He was still in doubt, he said, whether to + demand the passage at once or to wait until he had began to move his army. + He was rather inclined to make the request instantly in order to gain + time, being persuaded that he should receive no answer either of consent + or refusal. + </p> + <p> + Leaving all these details, the King then frankly observed that the affair + of Cleve had a much wider outlook than people thought. Therefore the + States must consider well what was to be done to secure the whole work as + soon as the Cleve business had been successfully accomplished. Upon this + subject it was indispensable that he should consult especially with his + Excellency (Prince Maurice) and some members of the General Assembly, whom + he wished that My Lords the States-General should depute to the army. + </p> + <p> + "For how much good will it do," said the King, "if we drive off Archduke + Leopold without establishing the princes in security for the future? + Nothing is easier than to put the princes in possession. Every one will + yield or run away before our forces, but two months after we have + withdrawn the enemy will return and drive the princes out again. I cannot + always be ready to spring out of my kingdom, nor to assemble such great + armies. I am getting old, and my army moreover costs me 400,000 crowns a + month, which is enough to exhaust all the treasures of France, Spain, + Venice, and the States-General together." + </p> + <p> + He added that, if the present occasion were neglected, the States would + afterwards bitterly lament and never recover it. The Pope was very much + excited, and was sending out his ambassadors everywhere. Only the previous + Saturday the new nuncius destined for France had left Rome. If My Lords + the States would send deputies to the camp with full powers, he stood + there firm and unchangeable, but if they remained cool in the business, he + warned them that they would enrage him. + </p> + <p> + The States must seize the occasion, he repeated. It was bald behind, and + must be grasped by the forelock. It was not enough to have begun well. One + must end well. "Finis coronat opus." It was very easy to speak of a + league, but a league was not to be made in order to sit with arms tied, + but to do good work. The States ought not to suffer that the Germans + should prove themselves more energetic, more courageous, than themselves. + </p> + <p> + And again the King vehemently urged the necessity of his Excellency and + some deputies of the States coming to him "with absolute power" to treat. + He could not doubt in that event of something solid being accomplished. + </p> + <p> + "There are three things," he continued, "which cause me to speak freely. I + am talking with my friends whom I hold dear—yes, dearer, perhaps, + than they hold themselves. I am a great king, and say what I choose to + say. I am old, and know by experience the ways of this world's affairs. I + tell you, then, that it is most important that you should come to me + resolved and firm on all points." + </p> + <p> + He then requested the ambassadors to make full report of all that he had + said to their masters, to make the journey as rapidly as possible, in + order to encourage the States to the great enterprise and to meet his + wishes. He required from them, he said, not only activity of the body, but + labour of the intellect. + </p> + <p> + He was silent for a few moments, and then spoke again. "I shall not always + be here," he said, "nor will you always have Prince Maurice, and a few + others whose knowledge of your commonwealth is perfect. My Lords the + States must be up and doing while they still possess them. Nest Tuesday I + shall cause the Queen to be crowned at Saint-Denis; the following Thursday + she will make her entry into Paris. Next day, Friday, I shall take my + departure. At the end of this month I shall cross the Meuse at Mezieres or + in that neighbourhood." + </p> + <p> + He added that he should write immediately to Holland, to urge upon his + Excellency and the States to be ready to make the junction of their army + with his forces without delay. He charged the ambassadors to assure their + High Mightinesses that he was and should remain their truest friend, their + dearest neighbour. He then said a few gracious and cordial words to each + of them, warmly embraced each, and bade them all farewell. + </p> + <p> + The next day was passed by the ambassadors in paying and receiving + farewell visits, and on Saturday, the 8th, they departed from Paris, being + escorted out of the gate by the Marshal de Boisdaulphin, with a cavalcade + of noblemen. They slept that night at Saint Denis, and then returned to + Holland by the way of Calais and Rotterdam, reaching the Hague on the 16th + of May. + </p> + <p> + I make no apology for the minute details thus given of the proceedings of + this embassy, and especially of the conversations of Henry. + </p> + <p> + The very words of those conversations were taken down on the spot by the + commissioners who heard them, and were carefully embodied in their report + made to the States-General on their return, from which I have transcribed + them. + </p> + <p> + It was a memorable occasion. The great king—for great he was, + despite his numerous vices and follies—stood there upon the + threshold of a vast undertaking, at which the world, still half + incredulous, stood gazing, half sick with anxiety. He relied on his own + genius and valour chiefly, and after these on the brain of Barneveld and + the sword of Maurice. Nor was his confidence misplaced. + </p> + <p> + But let the reader observe the date of the day when those striking + utterances were made, and which have never before been made public. It was + Thursday, the 6th May. "I shall not always be here," said the King, . . . + "I cannot be ready at any moment to spring out of my kingdom." . . . + "Friday of next week I take my departure." + </p> + <p> + How much of heroic pathos in Henry's attitude at this supreme moment! How + mournfully ring those closing words of his address to the ambassadors! + </p> + <p> + The die was cast. A letter drawn up by the Duc de Sully was sent to + Archduke Albert by the King. + </p> + <p> + "My brother," he said; "Not being able to refuse my best allies and + confederates the help which they have asked of me against those who wish + to trouble them in the succession to the duchies and counties of Cleve, + Julich, Mark, Berg, Ravensberg, and Ravenstein, I am advancing towards + them with my army. As my road leads me through your country, I desire to + notify you thereof, and to know whether or not I am to enter as a friend + or enemy." + </p> + <p> + Such was the draft as delivered to the Secretary of State; "and as such it + was sent," said Sully, "unless Villeroy changed it, as he had a great + desire to do." + </p> + <p> + Henry was mistaken in supposing that the Archduke would leave the letter + without an answer. A reply was sent in due time, and the permission + demanded was not refused. For although France was now full of military + movement, and the regiments everywhere were hurrying hourly to the places + of rendezvous, though the great storm at last was ready to burst, the + Archdukes made no preparations for resistance, and lapped themselves in + fatal security that nothing was intended but an empty demonstration. + </p> + <p> + Six thousand Swiss newly levied, with 20,000 French infantry and 6000 + horse, were waiting for Henry to place himself at their head at Mezieres. + Twelve thousand foot and 2000 cavalry, including the French and English + contingents—a splendid army, led by Prince Maurice—were ready + to march from Holland to Dusseldorf. The army of the princes under Prince + Christian of Anhalt numbered 10,000 men. The last scruples of the usually + unscrupulous Charles Emmanuel had been overcome, and the Duke was quite + ready to act, 25,000 strong, with Marshal de Lesdiguieres, in the + Milanese; while Marshal de la Force was already at the head of his forces + in the Pyrenees, amounting to 12,000 foot and 2000 horse. + </p> + <p> + Sully had already despatched his splendid trains of artillery to the + frontier. "Never was seen in France, and perhaps never will be seen there + again, artillery more complete and better furnished," said the Duke, + thinking probably that artillery had reached the climax of perfect + destructiveness in the first decade of the seventeenth century. + </p> + <p> + His son, the Marquis de Rosny, had received the post of grand master of + artillery, and placed himself at its head. His father was to follow as its + chief, carrying with him as superintendent of finance a cash-box of eight + millions. + </p> + <p> + The King had appointed his wife, Mary de' Medici, regent, with an eminent + council. + </p> + <p> + The new nuncius had been requested to present himself with his letters of + credence in the camp. Henry was unwilling that he should enter Paris, + being convinced that he came to do his best, by declamation, persuasion, + and intrigue, to paralyse the enterprise. Sully's promises to Ubaldini, + the former nuncius, that his Holiness should be made king, however + flattering to Paul V., had not prevented his representatives from + vigorously denouncing Henry's monstrous scheme to foment heresy and + encourage rebellion. + </p> + <p> + The King's chagrin at the cautious limitations imposed upon the States' + special embassy was, so he hoped, to be removed by full conferences in the + camp. Certainly he had shown in the most striking manner the respect he + felt for the States, and the confidence he reposed in them. + </p> + <p> + "In the reception of your embassy," wrote Aerssens to the Advocate, + "certainly the King has so loosened the strap of his affection that he has + reserved nothing by which he could put the greatest king in the world + above your level." + </p> + <p> + He warned the States, however, that Henry had not found as much in their + propositions as the common interest had caused him to promise himself. + "Nevertheless he informs me in confidence," said Aerssens, "that he will + engage himself in nothing without you; nay, more, he has expressly told me + that he could hardly accomplish his task without your assistance, and it + was for our sakes alone that he has put himself into this position and + incurred this great expense." + </p> + <p> + Some days later he informed Barneveld that he would leave to van der Myle + and his colleagues the task of describing the great dissatisfaction of the + King at the letters brought by de Bethune. He told him in confidence that + the States must equip the French regiments and put them in marching order + if they wished to preserve Henry's friendship. He added that since the + departure of the special embassy the King had been vehemently and + seriously urging that Prince Maurice, Count Lewis William, Barneveld, and + three or four of the most qualified deputies of the States-General, + entirely authorized to treat for the common safety, should meet with him + in the territory of Julich on a fixed day. + </p> + <p> + The crisis was reached. The King stood fully armed, thoroughly prepared, + with trustworthy allies at his side, disposing of overwhelming forces + ready to sweep down with irresistible strength upon the House of Austria, + which, as he said and the States said, aspired to give the law to the + whole world. Nothing was left to do save, as the Ambassador said, to + "uncouple the dogs of war and let them run." + </p> + <p> + What preparations had Spain and the Empire, the Pope and the League, set + on foot to beat back even for a moment the overwhelming onset? None + whatever. Spinola in the Netherlands, Fuentes in Milan, Bucquoy and + Lobkowitz and Lichtenstein in Prague, had hardly the forces of a moderate + peace establishment at their disposal, and all the powers save France and + the States were on the verge of bankruptcy. + </p> + <p> + Even James of Great Britain—shuddering at the vast thundercloud + which had stretched itself over Christendom growing blacker and blacker, + precisely at this moment, in which he had proved to his own satisfaction + that the peace just made would perpetually endure—even James did not + dare to traverse the designs of the king whom he feared, and the republic + which he hated, in favour of his dearly loved Spain. Sweden, Denmark, the + Hanse Towns, were in harmony with France, Holland, Savoy, and the whole + Protestant force of Germany—a majority both in population and + resources of the whole empire. What army, what combination, what device, + what talisman, could save the House of Austria, the cause of Papacy, from + the impending ruin? + </p> + <p> + A sudden, rapid, conclusive victory for the allies seemed as predestined a + result as anything could be in the future of human affairs. + </p> + <p> + On the 14th or 15th day of May, as he had just been informing the States' + ambassadors, Henry meant to place himself at the head of his army. That + was the moment fixed by himself for "taking his departure." + </p> + <p> + And now the ides of May had come—but not gone. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of all the military preparations with which Paris had been + resounding, the arrangements for the Queen's coronation had been + simultaneously going forward. Partly to give check in advance to the + intrigues which would probably at a later date be made by Conde, supported + by the power of Spain, to invalidate the legitimacy of the Dauphin, but + more especially perhaps to further and to conceal what the faithful Sully + called the "damnable artifices" of the Queen's intimate councillors—sinister + designs too dark to be even whispered at that epoch, and of which history, + during the lapse of more than two centuries and a half, has scarcely dared + to speak above its breath—it was deemed all important that the + coronation should take place. + </p> + <p> + A certain astrologer, Thomassin by name, was said to have bidden the King + to beware the middle of the next month of May. Henry had tweaked the + soothsayer by the beard and made him dance twice or thrice about the room. + To the Duc de Vendome expressing great anxiety in regard to Thomassin, + Henry replied, "The astrologer is an old fool, and you are a young fool." + A certain prophetess called Pasithea had informed the Queen that the King + could not survive his fifty-seventh year. She was much in the confidence + of Mary de' Medici, who had insisted this year on her returning to Paris. + Henry, who was ever chafing and struggling to escape the invisible and + dangerous net which he felt closing about him, and who connected the + sorceress with all whom he most loathed among the intimate associates of + the Queen, swore a mighty oath that she should not show her face again at + court. "My heart presages that some signal disaster will befall me on this + coronation. Concini and his wife are urging the Queen obstinately to send + for this fanatic. If she should come, there is no doubt that my wife and I + shall squabble well about her. If I discover more about these private + plots of hers with Spain, I shall be in a mighty passion." And the King + then assured the faithful minister of his conviction that all the jealousy + affected by the Queen in regard to the Princess of Conde was but a veil to + cover dark designs. It was necessary in the opinion of those who governed + her, the vile Concini and his wife, that there should be some apparent and + flagrant cause of quarrel. The public were to receive payment in these + pretexts for want of better coin. Henry complained that even Sully and all + the world besides attributed to jealousy that which was really the effect + of a most refined malice. + </p> + <p> + And the minister sometimes pauses in the midst of these revelations made + in his old age, and with self-imposed and shuddering silence intimates + that there are things he could tell which are too odious and dreadful to + be breathed. + </p> + <p> + Henry had an invincible repugnance to that coronation on which the Queen + had set her heart. Nothing could be more pathetic than the isolated + position in which he found himself, standing thus as he did on the + threshold of a mighty undertaking in which he was the central figure, an + object for the world to gaze upon with palpitating interest. At his hearth + in the Louvre were no household gods. Danger lurked behind every tapestry + in that magnificent old palace. A nameless dread dogged his footsteps + through those resounding corridors. + </p> + <p> + And by an exquisite refinement in torture the possible father of several + of his children not only dictated to the Queen perpetual outbreaks of + frantic jealousy against her husband, but moved her to refuse with + suspicion any food and drink offered her by his hands. The Concini's would + even with unparalleled and ingenious effrontery induce her to make use of + the kitchen arrangements in their apartments for the preparation of her + daily meals? + </p> + <p> + Driven from house and home, Henry almost lived at the Arsenal. There he + would walk for hours in the long alleys of the garden, discussing with the + great financier and soldier his vast, dreamy, impracticable plans. Strange + combination of the hero, the warrior, the voluptuary, the sage, and the + schoolboy—it would be difficult to find in the whole range of + history a more human, a more attractive, a more provoking, a less + venerable character. + </p> + <p> + Haunted by omens, dire presentiments, dark suspicions with and without + cause, he was especially averse from the coronation to which in a moment + of weakness he had given his consent. + </p> + <p> + Sitting in Sully's cabinet, in a low chair which the Duke had expressly + provided for his use, tapping and drumming on his spectacle case, or + starting up and smiting himself on the thigh, he would pour out his soul + hours long to his one confidential minister. "Ah, my friend, how this + sacrament displeases me," he said; "I know not why it is, but my heart + tells me that some misfortune is to befall me. By God I shall die in this + city, I shall never go out of it; I see very well that they are finding + their last resource in my death. Ah, accursed coronation! thou wilt be the + cause of my death." + </p> + <p> + So many times did he give utterance to these sinister forebodings that + Sully implored him at last for leave to countermand the whole ceremony + notwithstanding the great preparations which had been made for the + splendid festival. "Yes, yes," replied the King, "break up this coronation + at once. Let me hear no more of it. Then I shall have my mind cured of all + these impressions. I shall leave the town and fear nothing." + </p> + <p> + He then informed his friend that he had received intimations that he + should lose his life at the first magnificent festival he should give, and + that he should die in a carriage. Sully admitted that he had often, when + in a carriage with him, been amazed at his starting and crying out at the + slightest shock, having so often seen him intrepid among guns and cannon, + pikes and naked swords. + </p> + <p> + The Duke went to the Queen three days in succession, and with passionate + solicitations and arguments and almost upon his knees implored her to + yield to the King's earnest desire, and renounce for the time at least the + coronation. In vain. Mary de' Medici was obdurate as marble to his + prayers. + </p> + <p> + The coronation was fixed for Thursday, the 13th May, two days later than + the time originally appointed when the King conversed with the States' + ambassadors. On the following Sunday was to be the splendid and solemn + entrance of the crowned Queen. On the Monday, Henry, postponing likewise + for two days his original plan of departure, would leave for the army. + </p> + <p> + Meantime there were petty annoyances connected with the details of the + coronation. Henry had set his heart on having his legitimatized children, + the offspring of the fair Gabrielle, take their part in the ceremony on an + equal footing with the princes of the blood. They were not entitled to + wear the lilies of France upon their garments, and the King was solicitous + that "the Count"—as Soissons, brother of Prince Conti and uncle of + Conde, was always called—should dispense with those ensigns for his + wife upon this solemn occasion, and that the other princesses of the blood + should do the same. Thus there would be no appearance of inferiority on + the part of the Duchess of Vendome. + </p> + <p> + The Count protested that he would have his eyes torn out of his head + rather than submit to an arrangement which would do him so much shame. He + went to the Queen and urged upon her that to do this would likewise be an + injury to her children, the Dukes of Orleans and of Anjou. He refused + flatly to appear or allow his wife to appear except in the costume + befitting their station. The King on his part was determined not to + abandon his purpose. He tried to gain over the Count by the most splendid + proposals, offering him the command of the advance-guard of the army, or + the lieutenancy-general of France in the absence of the King, 30,000 + crowns for his equipment and an increase of his pension if he would cause + his wife to give up the fleurs-de-lys on this occasion. The alternative + was to be that, if she insisted upon wearing them, his Majesty would never + look upon him again with favourable eyes. + </p> + <p> + The Count never hesitated, but left Paris, refusing to appear at the + ceremony. The King was in a towering passion, for to lose the presence of + this great prince of the blood at a solemnity expressly intended as a + demonstration against the designs hatching by the first of all the princes + of the blood under patronage of Spain was a severe blow to his pride and a + check to his policy.' + </p> + <p> + Yet it was inconceivable that he could at such a moment commit so + superfluous and unmeaning a blunder. He had forced Conde into exile, + intrigue with the enemy, and rebellion, by open and audacious efforts to + destroy his domestic peace, and now he was willing to alienate one of his + most powerful subjects in order to place his bastards on a level with + royalty. While it is sufficiently amusing to contemplate this proposed + barter of a chief command in a great army or the lieutenancy-general of a + mighty kingdom at the outbreak of a general European war against a bit of + embroidery on the court dress of a lady, yet it is impossible not to + recognize something ideal and chivalrous from his own point of view in the + refusal of Soissons to renounce those emblems of pure and high descent, + those haughty lilies of St. Louis, against any bribes of place and pelf + however dazzling. + </p> + <p> + The coronation took place on Thursday, 13th May, with the pomp and glitter + becoming great court festivals; the more pompous and glittering the more + the monarch's heart was wrapped in gloom. The representatives of the great + powers were conspicuous in the procession; Aerssens, the Dutch ambassador, + holding a foremost place. The ambassadors of Spain and Venice as usual + squabbled about precedence and many other things, and actually came to + fisticuffs, the fight lasting a long time and ending somewhat to the + advantage of the Venetian. But the sacrament was over, and Mary de' Medici + was crowned Queen of France and Regent of the Kingdom during the absence + of the sovereign with his army. + </p> + <p> + Meantime there had been mysterious warnings darker and more distinct than + the babble of the soothsayer Thomassin or the ravings of the lunatic + Pasithea. Count Schomberg, dining at the Arsenal with Sully, had been + called out to converse with Mademoiselle de Gournay, who implored that a + certain Madame d'Escomans might be admitted to audience of the King. That + person, once in direct relations with the Marchioness of Verneuil, the one + of Henry's mistresses who most hated him, affirmed that a man from the + Duke of Epernon's country was in Paris, agent of a conspiracy seeking the + King's life. + </p> + <p> + The woman not enjoying a very reputable character found it impossible to + obtain a hearing, although almost frantic with her desire to save her + sovereign's life. The Queen observed that it was a wicked woman, who was + accusing all the world, and perhaps would accuse her too. + </p> + <p> + The fatal Friday came. Henry drove out, in his carriage to see the + preparations making for the triumphal entrance of the Queen into Paris on + the following Sunday. What need to repeat the tragic, familiar tale? The + coach was stopped by apparent accident in the narrow street de la + Feronniere, and Francis Ravaillac, standing on the wheel, drove his knife + through the monarch's heart. The Duke of Epernon, sitting at his side, + threw his cloak over the body and ordered the carriage back to the Louvre. + </p> + <p> + "They have killed him, 'e ammazato,'" cried Concini (so says tradition), + thrusting his head into the Queen's bedchamber. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Michelet, 197. It is not probable that the documents concerning + the trial, having been so carefully suppressed from the beginning, + especially the confession dictated to Voisin—who wrote it kneeling + on the ground, and was perhaps so appalled at its purport that he + was afraid to write it legibly—will ever see the light. I add in + the Appendix some contemporary letters of persons, as likely as any + one to know what could be known, which show how dreadful were the + suspicions which men entertained, and which they hardly ventured to + whisper to each other]. +</pre> + <p> + That blow had accomplished more than a great army could have done, and + Spain now reigned in Paris. The House of Austria, without making any + military preparations, had conquered, and the great war of religion and + politics was postponed for half a dozen years. + </p> + <p> + This history has no immediate concern with solving the mysteries of that + stupendous crime. The woman who had sought to save the King's life now + denounced Epernon as the chief murderer, and was arrested, examined, + accused of lunacy, proved to be perfectly sane, and, persisting in her + statements with perfect coherency, was imprisoned for life for her pains; + the Duke furiously demanding her instant execution. + </p> + <p> + The documents connected with the process were carefully suppressed. The + assassin, tortured and torn by four horses, was supposed to have revealed + nothing and to have denied the existence of accomplices. + </p> + <p> + The great accused were too omnipotent to be dealt with by humble accusers + or by convinced but powerless tribunals. The trial was all mystery, + hugger-mugger, horror. Yet the murderer is known to have dictated to the + Greflier Voisin, just before expiring on the Greve, a declaration which + that functionary took down in a handwriting perhaps purposely illegible. + </p> + <p> + Two centuries and a half have passed away, yet the illegible original + record is said to exist, to have been plainly read, and to contain the + names of the Queen and the Duke of Epernon. + </p> + <p> + Twenty-six years before, the pistol of Balthasar Gerard had destroyed the + foremost man in Europe and the chief of a commonwealth just struggling + into existence. Yet Spain and Rome, the instigators and perpetrators of + the crime, had not reaped the victory which they had the right to expect. + The young republic, guided by Barneveld and loyal to the son of the + murdered stadholder, was equal to the burthen suddenly descending upon its + shoulders. Instead of despair there had been constancy. Instead of + distracted counsels there had been heroic union of heart and hand. Rather + than bend to Rome and grovel to Philip, it had taken its sovereignty in + its hands, offered it successively, without a thought of + self-aggrandizement on the part of its children, to the crowns of France + and Great Britain, and, having been repulsed by both, had learned after + fiery trials and incredible exertions to assert its own high and foremost + place among the independent powers of the world. + </p> + <p> + And now the knife of another priest-led fanatic, the wretched but + unflinching instrument of a great conspiracy, had at a blow decapitated + France. No political revolution could be much more thorough than that + which had been accomplished in a moment of time by Francis Ravaillac. + </p> + <p> + On the 14th of May, France, while in spiritual matters obedient to the + Pope, stood at the head of the forces of Protestantism throughout Europe, + banded together to effect the downfall of the proud house of Austria, + whose fortunes and fate were synonymous with Catholicism. The Baltic + powers, the majority of the Teutonic races, the Kingdom of Britain, the + great Republic of the Netherlands, the northernmost and most warlike + governments of Italy, all stood at the disposition of the warrior-king. + Venice, who had hitherto, in the words of a veteran diplomatist, "shunned + to look a league or a confederation in the face, if there was any + Protestant element in it, as if it had been the head of Medusa," had + formally forbidden the passage of troops northwards to the relief of the + assailed power. Savoy, after direful hesitations, had committed herself + body and soul to the great enterprise. Even the Pope, who feared the + overshadowing personality of Henry, and was beginning to believe his + house's private interests more likely to flourish under the protection of + the French than the Spanish king, was wavering in his fidelity to Spain + and tempted by French promises: If he should prove himself incapable of + effecting a pause in the great crusade, it was doubtful on which side he + would ultimately range himself; for it was at least certain that the new + Catholic League, under the chieftainship of Maximilian of Bavaria, was + resolved not to entangle its fortunes inextricably with those of the + Austrian house. + </p> + <p> + The great enterprise, first unfolding itself with the episode of Cleve and + Berg and whimsically surrounding itself with the fantastic idyl of the + Princess of Conde, had attained vast and misty proportions in the brain of + its originator. Few political visions are better known in history than the + "grand design" of Henry for rearranging the map of the world at the moment + when, in the middle of May, he was about to draw his sword. Spain reduced + to the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, but presented with both the Indies, + with all America and the whole Orient in fee; the Empire taken from + Austria and given to Bavaria; a constellation of States in Italy, with the + Pope for president-king; throughout the rest of Christendom a certain + number of republics, of kingdoms, of religions—a great confederation + of the world, in short—with the most Christian king for its dictator + and protector, and a great Amphictyonic council to regulate all disputes + by solemn arbitration, and to make war in the future impossible, such in + little was his great design. + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more humane, more majestic, more elaborate, more utterly + preposterous. And all this gigantic fabric had passed away in an instant—at + one stroke of a broken table knife sharpened on a carriage wheel. + </p> + <p> + Most pitiful was the condition of France on the day after, and for years + after, the murder of the King. Not only was the kingdom for the time being + effaced from the roll of nations, so far as external relations were + concerned, but it almost ceased to be a kingdom. The ancient monarchy of + Hugh Capet, of Saint-Louis, of Henry of France and Navarre, was + transformed into a turbulent, self-seeking, quarrelsome, pillaging, + pilfering democracy of grandees. The Queen-Regent was tossed hither and + thither at the sport of the winds and waves which shifted every hour in + that tempestuous court. + </p> + <p> + No man pretended to think of the State. Every man thought only of himself. + The royal exchequer was plundered with a celerity and cynical recklessness + such as have been rarely seen in any age or country. The millions so + carefully hoarded by Sully, and exhibited so dramatically by that great + minister to the enraptured eyes of his sovereign; that treasure in the + Bastille on which Henry relied for payment of the armies with which he was + to transform the world, all disappeared in a few weeks to feed the + voracious maw of courtiers, paramours, and partisans! + </p> + <p> + The Queen showered gold like water upon her beloved Concini that he might + purchase his Marquisate of Ancre, and the charge of first gentleman of the + court from Bouillon; that he might fit himself for the government of + Picardy; that he might elevate his marquisate into a dukedom. Conde, + having no further reason to remain in exile, received as a gift from the + trembling Mary de' Medici the magnificent Hotel Gondy, where the Dutch + ambassadors had so recently been lodged, for which she paid 65,000 crowns, + together with 25,000 crowns to furnish it, 50,000 crowns to pay his debts, + 50,000 more as yearly pension. + </p> + <p> + He claimed double, and was soon at sword's point with the Queen in spite + of her lavish bounty. + </p> + <p> + Epernon, the true murderer of Henry, trampled on courts of justice and + councils of ministers, frightened the court by threatening to convert his + possession of Metz into an independent sovereignty, as Balagny had + formerly seized upon Cambray, smothered for ever the process of Ravaillac, + caused those to be put to death or immured for life in dungeons who dared + to testify to his complicity in the great crime, and strode triumphantly + over friends and enemies throughout France, although so crippled by the + gout that he could scarcely walk up stairs. + </p> + <p> + There was an end to the triumvirate. Sully's influence was gone for ever. + The other two dropped the mask. The Chancellor and Villeroy revealed + themselves to be what they secretly had always been—humble servants + and stipendiaries of Spain. The formal meetings of the council were of + little importance, and were solemn, tearful, and stately; draped in woe + for the great national loss. In the private cabinet meetings in the + entresol of the Louvre, where the Nuncius and the Spanish ambassador held + counsel with Epernon and Villeroy and Jeannin and Sillery, the tone was + merry and loud; the double Spanish marriage and confusion to the Dutch + being the chief topics of consultation. + </p> + <p> + But the anarchy grew day by day into almost hopeless chaos. There was no + satisfying the princes of the blood nor the other grandees. Conde, whose + reconciliation with the Princess followed not long after the death of + Henry and his own return to France, was insatiable in his demands for + money, power, and citadels of security. Soissons, who might formerly have + received the lieutenancy-general of the kingdom by sacrificing the lilies + on his wife's gown, now disputed for that office with his elder brother + Conti, the Prince claiming it by right of seniority, the Count denouncing + Conti as deaf, dumb, and imbecile, till they drew poniards on each other + in the very presence of the Queen; while Conde on one occasion, having + been refused the citadels which he claimed, Blaye and Chateau Trompette, + threw his cloak over his nose and put on his hat while the Queen was + speaking, and left the council in a fury, declaring that Villeroy and the + chancellor were traitors, and that he would have them both soundly + cudgelled. Guise, Lorraine, Epernon, Bouillon, and other great lords + always appeared in the streets of Paris at the head of three, four, or + five hundred mounted and armed retainers; while the Queen in her + distraction gave orders to arm the Paris mob to the number of fifty + thousand, and to throw chains across the streets to protect herself and + her son against the turbulent nobles. + </p> + <p> + Sully, hardly knowing to what saint to burn his candle, being forced to + resign his great posts, was found for a time in strange political + combination with the most ancient foes of his party and himself. The + kaleidoscope whirling with exasperating quickness showed ancient Leaguers + and Lorrainers banded with and protecting Huguenots against the Crown, + while princes of the blood, hereditary patrons and chiefs of the + Huguenots, became partisans and stipendiaries of Spain. + </p> + <p> + It is easy to see that circumstances like these rendered the position of + the Dutch commonwealth delicate and perilous. + </p> + <p> + Sully informed Aerssens and van der Myle, who had been sent back to Paris + on special mission very soon after the death of the King, that it took a + hundred hours now to accomplish a single affair, whereas under Henry a + hundred affairs were transacted in a single hour. But Sully's sun had set, + and he had few business conferences now with the ambassadors. + </p> + <p> + Villeroy and the Chancellor had fed fat their ancient grudge to the once + omnipotent minister, and had sworn his political ruin. The old secretary + of state had held now complete control of the foreign alliances and + combinations of France, and the Dutch ambassadors could be under no + delusion as to the completeness of the revolution. + </p> + <p> + "You will find a passion among the advisers of the Queen," said Villeroy + to Aerssens and van der Myle, "to move in diametrical opposition to the + plans of the late king." And well might the ancient Leaguer and present + pensionary of Spain reveal this foremost fact in a policy of which he was + in secret the soul. He wept profusely when he first received Francis + Aerssens, but after these "useless tears," as the Envoy called them, he + soon made it manifest that there was no more to be expected of France, in + the great project which its government had so elaborately set on foot. + </p> + <p> + Villeroy was now sixty-six years of age, and had been secretary of state + during forty-two years and under four kings. A man of delicate health, + frail body, methodical habits, capacity for routine, experience in + political intrigue, he was not personally as greedy of money as many of + his contemporaries, and was not without generosity; but he loved power, + the Pope, and the House of Austria. He was singularly reserved in public, + practised successfully the talent of silence, and had at last arrived at + the position he most coveted, the virtual presidency of the council, and + saw the men he most hated beneath his feet. + </p> + <p> + At the first interview of Aerssens with the Queen-Regent she was drowned + in tears, and could scarcely articulate an intelligible sentence. So far + as could be understood she expressed her intention of carrying out the + King's plans, of maintaining the old alliances, of protecting both + religions. Nothing, however, could be more preposterous than such phrases. + Villeroy, who now entirely directed the foreign affairs of the kingdom, + assured the Ambassador that France was much more likely to apply to the + States for assistance than render them aid in any enterprise whatever. + "There is no doubt," said Aerssens, "that the Queen is entirely in the + hands of Spain and the priests." Villeroy, whom Henry was wont to call the + pedagogue of the council, went about sighing dismally, wishing himself + dead, and perpetually ejaculating, "Ho! poor France, how much hast thou + still to suffer!" In public he spoke of nothing but of union, and of the + necessity of carrying out the designs of the King, instructing the docile + Queen to hold the same language. In private he was quite determined to + crush those designs for ever, and calmly advised the Dutch government to + make an amicable agreement with the Emperor in regard to the Cleve affair + as soon as possible; a treaty which would have been shameful for France + and the possessory princes, and dangerous, if not disastrous, for the + States-General. "Nothing but feverish and sick counsels," he said, "could + be expected from France, which had now lost its vigour and could do + nothing but groan." + </p> + <p> + Not only did the French council distinctly repudiate the idea of doing + anything more for the princes than had been stipulated by the treaty of + Hall—that is to say, a contingent of 8000 foot and 2000 horse—but + many of them vehemently maintained that the treaty, being a personal one + of the late king, was dead with him? The duty of France was now in their + opinion to withdraw from these mad schemes as soon as possible, to make + peace with the House of Austria without delay, and to cement the + friendship by the double marriages. + </p> + <p> + Bouillon, who at that moment hated Sully as much as the most vehement + Catholic could do, assured the Dutch envoy that the government was, under + specious appearances, attempting to deceive the States; a proposition + which it needed not the evidence of that most intriguing duke to make + manifest to so astute a politician; particularly as there was none more + bent on playing the most deceptive game than Bouillon. There would be no + troops to send, he said, and even if there were, there would be no + possibility of agreeing on a chief. The question of religion would at once + arise. As for himself, the Duke protested that he would not accept the + command if offered him. He would not agree to serve under the Prince of + Anhalt, nor would he for any consideration in the world leave the court at + that moment. At the same time Aerssens was well aware that Bouillon, in + his quality of first marshal of France, a Protestant and a prince having + great possessions on the frontier, and the brother-in-law of Prince + Maurice, considered himself entitled to the command of the troops should + they really be sent, and was very indignant at the idea of its being + offered to any one else. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [Aerssens worked assiduously, two hours long on one occasion, to + effect a reconciliation between the two great Protestant chiefs, but + found Bouillon's demands "so shameful and unreasonable" that he + felt obliged to renounce all further attempts. In losing Sully from + the royal councils, the States' envoy acknowledged that the Republic + had lost everything that could be depended on at the French court. + "All the others are time-serving friends," he said, "or saints + without miracles."—Aerssens to Barneveld, 11 June, 1610. ] +</pre> + <p> + He advised earnestly therefore that the States should make a firm demand + for money instead of men, specifying the amount that might be considered + the equivalent of the number of troops originally stipulated. + </p> + <p> + It is one of the most singular spectacles in history; France sinking into + the background of total obscurity in an instant of time, at one blow of a + knife, while the Republic, which she had been patronizing, protecting, but + keeping always in a subordinate position while relying implicitly upon its + potent aid, now came to the front, and held up on its strong shoulders an + almost desperate cause. Henry had been wont to call the States-General + "his courage and his right arm," but he had always strictly forbidden them + to move an inch in advance of him, but ever to follow his lead, and to + take their directions from himself. They were a part, and an essential + one, in his vast designs; but France, or he who embodied France, was the + great providence, the destiny, the all-directing, all-absorbing spirit, + that was to remodel and control the whole world. He was dead, and France + and her policy were already in a state of rapid decomposition. + </p> + <p> + Barneveld wrote to encourage and sustain the sinking state. "Our courage + is rising in spite and in consequence of the great misfortune," he said. + He exhorted the Queen to keep her kingdom united, and assured her that My + Lords the States would maintain themselves against all who dared to assail + them. He offered in their name the whole force of the Republic to take + vengeance on those who had procured the assassination, and to defend the + young king and the Queen-Mother against all who might make any attempt + against their authority. He further declared, in language not to be + mistaken, that the States would never abandon the princes and their cause. + </p> + <p> + This was the earliest indication on the part of the Advocate of the + intention of the Republic—so long as it should be directed by his + counsels—to support the cause of the young king, helpless and + incapable as he was, and directed for the time being by a weak and wicked + mother, against the reckless and depraved grandees, who were doing their + best to destroy the unity and the independence of France, Cornelis van der + Myle was sent back to Paris on special mission of condolence and comfort + from the States-General to the sorely afflicted kingdom. + </p> + <p> + On the 7th of June, accompanied by Aerssens, he had a long interview with + Villeroy. That minister, as usual, wept profusely, and said that in regard + to Cleve it was impossible for France to carry out the designs of the late + king. He then listened to what the ambassadors had to urge, and continued + to express his melancholy by weeping. Drying his tears for a time, he + sought by a long discourse to prove that France during this tender + minority of the King would be incapable of pursuing the policy of his + father. It would be even too burthensome to fulfil the Treaty of Hall. The + friends of the crown, he said, had no occasion to further it, and it would + be much better to listen to propositions for a treaty. Archduke Albert was + content not to interfere in the quarrel if the Queen would likewise + abstain; Leopold's forces were altogether too weak to make head against + the army of the princes, backed by the power of My Lords the States, and + Julich was neither strong nor well garrisoned. He concluded by calmly + proposing that the States should take the matter in hand by themselves + alone, in order to lighten the burthen of France, whose vigour had been + cut in two by that accursed knife. + </p> + <p> + A more sneaking and shameful policy was never announced by the minister of + a great kingdom. Surely it might seem that Ravaillac had cut in twain not + the vigour only but the honour and the conscience of France. But the + envoys, knowing in their hearts that they were talking not with a French + but a Spanish secretary of state, were not disposed to be the dupes of his + tears or his blandishments. + </p> + <p> + They reminded him that the Queen-Regent and her ministers since the murder + of the King had assured the States-General and the princes of their firm + intention to carry out the Treaty of Hall, and they observed that they had + no authority to talk of any negotiation. The affair of the duchies was not + especially the business of the States, and the Secretary was well aware + that they had promised their succour on the express condition that his + Majesty and his army should lead the way, and that they should follow. + This was very far from the plan now suggested, that they should do it all, + which would be quite out of the question. France had a strong army, they + said, and it would be better to use it than to efface herself so pitiably. + The proposition of abstention on the part of the Archduke was a delusion + intended only to keep France out of the field. + </p> + <p> + Villeroy replied by referring to English affairs. King James, he said, was + treating them perfidiously. His first letters after the murder had been + good, but by the following ones England seemed to wish to put her foot on + France's throat, in order to compel her to sue for an alliance. The + British ministers had declared their resolve not to carry out that + convention of alliance, although it had been nearly concluded in the + lifetime of the late king, unless the Queen would bind herself to make + good to the King of Great Britain that third part of the subsidies + advanced by France to the States which had been furnished on English + account! + </p> + <p> + This was the first announcement of a grievance devised by the politicians + now governing France to make trouble for the States with that kingdom and + with Great Britain likewise. According to a treaty made at Hampton Court + by Sully during his mission to England at the accession of James, it had + been agreed that one-third of the moneys advanced by France in aid of the + United Provinces should be credited to the account of Great Britain, in + diminution of the debt for similar assistance rendered by Elizabeth to + Henry. In regard to this treaty the States had not been at all consulted, + nor did they acknowledge the slightest obligation in regard to it. The + subsidies in men and in money provided for them both by France and by + England in their struggle for national existence had always been most + gratefully acknowledged by the Republic, but it had always been perfectly + understood that these expenses had been incurred by each kingdom out of an + intelligent and thrifty regard for its own interest. Nothing could be more + ridiculous than to suppose France and England actuated by disinterested + sympathy and benevolence when assisting the Netherland people in its + life-and-death struggle against the dire and deadly enemy of both crowns. + Henry protested that, while adhering to Rome in spiritual matters, his + true alliances and strength had been found in the United Provinces, in + Germany, and in Great Britain. As for the States, he had spent sixteen + millions of livres, he said, in acquiring a perfect benevolence on the + part of the States to his person. It was the best bargain he had ever + made, and he should take care to preserve it at any cost whatever, for he + considered himself able, when closely united with them, to bid defiance to + all the kings in Europe together. + </p> + <p> + Yet it was now the settled policy of the Queen-Regent's council, so far as + the knot of politicians guided by the Nuncius and the Spanish ambassador + in the entresols of the Louvre could be called a council, to force the + States to refund that third, estimated at something between three and four + million livres, which France had advanced them on account of Great + Britain. + </p> + <p> + Villeroy told the two ambassadors at this interview that, if Great Britain + continued to treat the Queen-Regent in such fashion, she would be obliged + to look about for other allies. There could hardly be doubt as to the + quarter in which Mary de' Medici was likely to look. Meantime, the + Secretary of State urged the envoys "to intervene at once to-mediate the + difference." There could be as little doubt that to mediate the difference + was simply to settle an account which they did not owe. + </p> + <p> + The whole object of the Minister at this first interview was to induce the + States to take the whole Cleve enterprise upon their own shoulders, and to + let France off altogether. The Queen-Regent as then advised meant to wash + her hands of the possessory princes once and for ever. The envoys cut the + matter short by assuring Villeroy that they would do nothing of the kind. + He begged them piteously not to leave the princes in the lurch, and at the + same time not to add to the burthens of France at so disastrous a moment. + </p> + <p> + So they parted. Next day, however, they visited the Secretary again, and + found him more dismal and flaccid than ever. + </p> + <p> + He spoke feebly and drearily about the succour for the great enterprise, + recounted all the difficulties in the way, and, having thrown down + everything that the day before had been left standing, he tried to excuse + an entire change of policy by the one miserable crime. + </p> + <p> + He painted a forlorn picture of the council and of France. "I can myself + do nothing as I wish," added the undisputed controller of that + government's policy, and then with a few more tears he concluded by + requesting the envoys to address their demands to the Queen in writing. + </p> + <p> + This was done with the customary formalities and fine speeches on both + sides; a dull comedy by which no one was amused. + </p> + <p> + Then Bouillon came again, and assured them that there had been a chance + that the engagements of Henry, followed up by the promise of the + Queen-Regent, would be carried out, but now the fact was not to be + concealed that the continued battery of the Nuncius, of the ambassadors of + Spain and of the Archdukes, had been so effective that nothing sure or + solid was thenceforth to be expected; the council being resolved to accept + the overtures of the Archduke for mutual engagement to abstain from the + Julich enterprise. + </p> + <p> + Nothing in truth could be more pitiable than the helpless drifting of the + once mighty kingdom, whenever the men who governed it withdrew their + attention for an instant from their private schemes of advancement and + plunder to cast a glance at affairs of State. In their secret heart they + could not doubt that France was rushing on its ruin, and that in the + alliance of the Dutch commonwealth, Britain, and the German Protestants, + was its only safety. But they trembled before the Pope, grown bold and + formidable since the death of the dreaded Henry. To offend his Holiness, + the King of Spain, the Emperor, and the great Catholics of France, was to + make a crusade against the Church. Garnier, the Jesuit, preached from his + pulpit that "to strike a blow in the Cleve enterprise was no less a sin + than to inflict a stab in the body of our Lord." The Parliament of Paris + having ordered the famous treatise of the Jesuit Mariana—justifying + the killing of excommunicated kings by their subjects—to be publicly + burned before Notre Dame, the Bishop opposed the execution of the decree. + The Parliament of Paris, although crushed by Epernon in its attempts to + fix the murder of the King upon himself as the true culprit, was at least + strong enough to carry out this sentence upon a printed, volume + recommending the deed, and the Queen's council could only do its best to + mitigate the awakened wrath of the Jesuits at this exercise of legal + authority.—At the same time, it found on the whole so many more + difficulties in a cynical and shameless withdrawal from the Treaty of Hall + than in a nominal and tardy fulfilment of its conditions that it resolved + at last to furnish the 8000 foot and 2000 horse promised to the possessory + princes. The next best thing to abandoning entirely even this little + shred, this pitiful remnant, of the splendid designs of Henry was to so + arrange matters that the contingent should be feebly commanded, and set on + foot in so dilatory a manner that the petty enterprise should on the part + of France be purely perfunctory. The grandees of the kingdom had something + more important to do than to go crusading in Germany, with the help of a + heretic republic, to set up the possessory princes. They were fighting + over the prostrate dying form of their common mother for their share of + the spoils, stripping France before she was dead, and casting lots for her + vesture. + </p> + <p> + Soissons was on the whole in favour of the Cleve expedition. Epernon was + desperately opposed to it, and maltreated Villeroy in full council when he + affected to say a word, insincere as the Duke knew it to be, in favour of + executing agreements signed by the monarch, and sealed with the great seal + of France. The Duke of Guise, finding himself abandoned by the Queen, and + bitterly opposed and hated by Soissons, took sides with his deaf and dumb + and imbecile brother, and for a brief interval the Duke of Sully joined + this strange combination of the House of Lorraine and chiefs of ancient + Leaguers, who welcomed him with transport, and promised him security. + </p> + <p> + Then Bouillon, potent by his rank, his possessions, and his authority + among the Protestants, publicly swore that he would ruin Sully and change + the whole order of the government. What more lamentable spectacle, what + more desolate future for the cause of religious equality, which for a + moment had been achieved in France, than this furious alienation of the + trusted leaders of the Huguenots, while their adversaries were carrying + everything before them? At the council board Bouillon quarrelled + ostentatiously with Sully, shook his fist in his face, and but for the + Queen's presence would have struck him. Next day he found that the Queen + was intriguing against himself as well as against Sully, was making a + cat's-paw of him, and was holding secret councils daily from which he as + well as Sully was excluded. At once he made overtures of friendship to + Sully, and went about proclaiming to the world that all Huguenots were to + be removed from participation in affairs of state. His vows of vengeance + were for a moment hushed by the unanimous resolution of the council that, + as first marshal of France, having his principality on the frontier, and + being of the Reformed religion, he was the fittest of all to command the + expedition. Surely it might be said that the winds and tides were not more + changeful than the politics of the Queen's government. The Dutch + ambassador was secretly requested by Villeroy to negotiate with Bouillon + and offer him the command of the Julich expedition. The Duke affected to + make difficulties, although burning to obtain the post, but at last + consented. All was settled. Aerssens communicated at once with Villeroy, + and notice of Bouillon's acceptance was given to the Queen, when, behold, + the very next day Marshal de la Chatre was appointed to the command + expressly because he was a Catholic. Of course the Duke of Bouillon, + furious with Soissons and Epernon and the rest of the government, was more + enraged than ever against the Queen. His only hope was now in Conde, but + Conde at the outset, on arriving at the Louvre, offered his heart to the + Queen as a sheet of white paper. Epernon and Soissons received him with + delight, and exchanged vows of an eternal friendship of several weeks' + duration. And thus all the princes of the blood, all the cousins of Henry + of Navarre, except the imbecile Conti, were ranged on the side of Spain, + Rome, Mary de' Medici, and Concino Concini, while the son of the Balafre, + the Duke of Mayenne, and all their adherents were making common cause with + the Huguenots. What better example had been seen before, even in that + country of pantomimic changes, of the effrontery with which Religion was + made the strumpet of Political Ambition? + </p> + <p> + All that day and the next Paris was rife with rumours that there was to be + a general massacre of the Huguenots to seal the new-born friendship of a + Conde with a Medici. France was to renounce all her old alliances and + publicly to enter into treaties offensive and defensive with Spain. A + league like that of Bayonne made by the former Medicean Queen-Regent of + France was now, at Villeroy's instigation, to be signed by Mary de' + Medici. Meantime, Marshal de la Chatre, an honest soldier and fervent + Papist, seventy-three years of age, ignorant of the language, the + geography, the politics of the country to which he was sent, and knowing + the road thither about as well, according to Aerssens, who was requested + to give him a little preliminary instruction, as he did the road to India, + was to co-operate with Barneveld and Maurice of Nassau in the enterprise + against the duchies. + </p> + <p> + These were the cheerful circumstances amid which the first step in the + dead Henry's grand design against the House of Austria and in support of + Protestantism in half Europe and of religious equality throughout + Christendom, was now to be ventured. + </p> + <p> + Cornelis van der Myle took leave of the Queen on terminating his brief + special embassy, and was fain to content himself with languid assurances + from that corpulent Tuscan dame of her cordial friendship for the United + Provinces. Villeroy repeated that the contingent to be sent was furnished + out of pure love to the Netherlands, the present government being in no + wise bound by the late king's promises. He evaded the proposition of the + States for renewing the treaty of close alliance by saying that he was + then negotiating with the British government on the subject, who insisted + as a preliminary step on the repayment of the third part of the sums + advanced to the States by the late king. + </p> + <p> + He exchanged affectionate farewell greetings and good wishes with Jeannin + and with the dropsical Duke of Mayenne, who was brought in his chair to + his old fellow Leaguer's apartments at the moment of the Ambassador's + parting interview. + </p> + <p> + There was abundant supply of smooth words, in the plentiful lack of any + substantial nutriment, from the representatives of each busy faction into + which the Medicean court was divided. Even Epernon tried to say a gracious + word to the retiring envoy, assuring him that he would do as much for the + cause as a good Frenchman and lover of his fatherland could do. He added, + in rather a surly way, that he knew very well how foully he had been + described to the States, but that the devil was not as black as he was + painted. It was necessary, he said, to take care of one's own house first + of all, and he knew very well that the States and all prudent persons + would do the same thing. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + And now the knife of another priest-led fanatic + As with his own people, keeping no back-door open + At a blow decapitated France + Conclusive victory for the allies seemed as predestined + Epernon, the true murderer of Henry + Father Cotton, who was only too ready to betray the secrets + Great war of religion and politics was postponed + Jesuit Mariana—justifying the killing of excommunicated kings + No man pretended to think of the State + Practised successfully the talent of silence + Queen is entirely in the hands of Spain and the priests + Religion was made the strumpet of Political Ambition + Smooth words, in the plentiful lack of any substantial + Stroke of a broken table knife sharpened on a carriage wheel + The assassin, tortured and torn by four horses + They have killed him, 'e ammazato,' cried Concini + Things he could tell which are too odious and dreadful + Uncouple the dogs and let them run + Vows of an eternal friendship of several weeks' duration + What could save the House of Austria, the cause of Papacy + Wrath of the Jesuits at this exercise of legal authority +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V. 1610-12 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Interviews between the Dutch Commissioners and King James—Prince + Maurice takes command of the Troops—Surrender of Julich—Matthias + crowned King of Bohemia—Death of Rudolph—James's Dream of a + Spanish Marriage—Appointment of Vorstius in place of Arminius at + Leyden—Interview between Maurice and Winwood—Increased Bitterness + between Barneveld and Maurice—Projects of Spanish Marriages in + France. +</pre> + <p> + It is refreshing to escape from the atmosphere of self-seeking faction, + feverish intrigue, and murderous stratagem in which unhappy France was + stifling into the colder and calmer regions of Netherland policy. + </p> + <p> + No sooner had the tidings of Henry's murder reached the States than they + felt that an immense responsibility had fallen on their shoulders. It is + to the eternal honour of the Republic, of Barneveld, who directed her + councils, and of Prince Maurice, who wielded her sword, that she was equal + to the task imposed upon her. + </p> + <p> + There were open bets on the Exchange in Antwerp, after the death of Henry, + that Maurice would likewise be killed within the month. Nothing seemed + more probable, and the States implored the Stadholder to take special heed + to himself. But this was a kind of caution which the Prince was not wont + to regard. Nor was there faltering, distraction, cowardice, or parsimony + in Republican councils. + </p> + <p> + We have heard the strong words of encouragement and sympathy addressed by + the Advocate's instructions to the Queen-Regent and the leading statesmen + of France. We have seen their effects in that lingering sentiment of shame + which prevented the Spanish stipendiaries who governed the kingdom from + throwing down the mask as cynically as they were at first inclined to do. + </p> + <p> + Not less manful and statesmanlike was the language held to the King of + Great Britain and his ministers by the Advocate's directions. The news of + the assassination reached the special ambassadors in London at three + o'clock of Monday, the 17th May. James returned to Whitehall from a + hunting expedition on the 21st, and immediately signified his intention of + celebrating the occasion by inviting the high commissioners of the States + to a banquet and festival at the palace. + </p> + <p> + Meantime they were instructed by Barneveld to communicate the results of + the special embassy of the States to the late king according to the report + just delivered to the Assembly. Thus James was to be informed of the + common resolution and engagement then taken to support the cause of the + princes. He was now seriously and explicitly to be summoned to assist the + princes not only with the stipulated 4000 men, but with a much greater + force, proportionate to the demands for the security and welfare of + Christendom, endangered by this extraordinary event. He was assured that + the States would exert themselves to the full measure of their ability to + fortify and maintain the high interests of France, of the possessory + princes, and of Christendom, so that the hopes of the perpetrators of the + foul deed would be confounded. + </p> + <p> + "They hold this to be the occasion," said the envoys, "to show to all the + world that it is within your power to rescue the affairs of France, + Germany, and of the United Provinces from the claws of those who imagine + for themselves universal monarchy." + </p> + <p> + They concluded by requesting the King to come to "a resolution on this + affair royally, liberally, and promptly, in order to take advantage of the + time, and not to allow the adversary to fortify himself in his position"; + and they pledged the States-General to stand by and second him with all + their power. + </p> + <p> + The commissioners, having read this letter to Lord Salisbury before + communicating it to the King, did not find the Lord Treasurer very prompt + or sympathetic in his reply. There had evidently been much jealousy at the + English court of the confidential and intimate relations recently + established with Henry, to which allusions were made in the documents read + at the present conference. Cecil, while expressing satisfaction in formal + terms at the friendly language of the States, and confidence in the + sincerity of their friendship for his sovereign, intimated very plainly + that more had passed between the late king and the authorities of the + Republic than had been revealed by either party to the King of Great + Britain, or than could be understood from the letters and papers now + communicated. He desired further information from the commissioners, + especially in regard to those articles of their instructions which + referred to a general rupture. They professed inability to give more + explanations than were contained in the documents themselves. If suspicion + was felt, they said, that the French King had been proposing anything in + regard to a general rupture, either on account of the retreat of Conde, + the affair of Savoy, or anything else, they would reply that the + ambassadors in France had been instructed to decline committing the States + until after full communication and advice and ripe deliberation with his + British Majesty and council, as well as the Assembly of the + States-General; and it had been the intention of the late king to have + conferred once more and very confidentially with Prince Maurice and Count + Lewis William before coming to a decisive resolution. + </p> + <p> + It was very obvious however to the commissioners that their statement gave + no thorough satisfaction, and that grave suspicions remained of something + important kept back by them. Cecil's manner was constrained and cold, and + certainly there were no evidences of profound sorrow at the English court + for the death of Henry. + </p> + <p> + "The King of France," said the High Treasurer, "meant to make a + master-stroke—a coup de maistre—but he who would have all may + easily lose all. Such projects as these should not have been formed or + taken in hand without previous communication with his Majesty of Great + Britain." + </p> + <p> + All arguments on the part of the ambassadors to induce the Lord Treasurer + or other members of the government to enlarge the succour intended for the + Cleve affair were fruitless. The English troops regularly employed in the + States' service might be made use of with the forces sent by the Republic + itself. More assistance than this it was idle to expect, unless after a + satisfactory arrangement with the present regency of France. The + proposition, too, of the States for a close and general alliance was + coldly repulsed. "No resolution can be taken as to that," said Cecil; "the + death of the French king has very much altered such matters." + </p> + <p> + At a little later hour on the same day the commissioners, according to + previous invitation, dined with the King. + </p> + <p> + No one sat at the table but his Majesty and themselves, and they all kept + their hats on their heads. The King was hospitable, gracious, discursive, + loquacious, very theological. + </p> + <p> + He expressed regret for the death of the King of France, and said that the + pernicious doctrine out of which such vile crimes grew must be uprooted. + He asked many questions in regard to the United Netherlands, enquiring + especially as to the late commotions at Utrecht, and the conduct of Prince + Maurice on that occasion. He praised the resolute conduct of the + States-General in suppressing those tumults with force, adding, however, + that they should have proceeded with greater rigour against the + ringleaders of the riot. He warmly recommended the Union of the Provinces. + </p> + <p> + He then led the conversation to the religious controversies in the + Netherlands, and in reply to his enquiries was informed that the points in + dispute related to predestination and its consequences. + </p> + <p> + "I have studied that subject," said James, "as well as anybody, and have + come to the conclusion that nothing certain can be laid down in regard to + it. I have myself not always been of one mind about it, but I will bet + that my opinion is the best of any, although I would not hang my salvation + upon it. My Lords the States would do well to order their doctors and + teachers to be silent on this topic. I have hardly ventured, moreover, to + touch upon the matter of justification in my own writings, because that + also seemed to hang upon predestination." + </p> + <p> + Thus having spoken with the air of a man who had left nothing further to + be said on predestination or justification, the King rose, took off his + hat, and drank a bumper to the health of the States-General and his + Excellency Prince Maurice, and success to the affair of Cleve. + </p> + <p> + After dinner there was a parting interview in the gallery. The King, + attended by many privy councillors and high functionaries of state, bade + the commissioners a cordial farewell, and, in order to show his + consideration for their government, performed the ceremony of knighthood + upon them, as was his custom in regard to the ambassadors of Venice. The + sword being presented to him by the Lord Chamberlain, James touched each + of the envoys on the shoulder as he dismissed him. "Out of respect to My + Lords the States," said they in their report, "we felt compelled to allow + ourselves to be burthened with this honour." + </p> + <p> + Thus it became obvious to the States-General that there was but little to + hope for from Great Britain or France. France, governed by Concini and by + Spain, was sure to do her best to traverse the designs of the Republic, + and, while perfunctorily and grudgingly complying with the letter of the + Hall treaty, was secretly neutralizing by intrigue the slender military + aid which de la Chatre was to bring to Prince Maurice. The close alliance + of France and Protestantism had melted into air. On the other hand the new + Catholic League sprang into full luxuriance out of the grave of Henry, and + both Spain and the Pope gave their hearty adhesion to the combinations of + Maximilian of Bavaria, now that the mighty designs of the French king were + buried with him. The Duke of Savoy, caught in the trap of his own + devising, was fain to send his son to sue to Spain for pardon for the + family upon his knees, and expiated by draining a deep cup of humiliation + his ambitious designs upon the Milanese and the matrimonial alliance with + France. Venice recoiled in horror from the position she found herself in + as soon as the glamour of Henry's seductive policy was dispelled, while + James of Great Britain, rubbing his hands with great delight at the + disappearance from the world of the man he so admired, bewailed, and + hated, had no comfort to impart to the States-General thus left in virtual + isolation. The barren burthen of knighthood and a sermon on predestination + were all he could bestow upon the high commissioners in place of the + alliance which he eluded, and the military assistance which he point-blank + refused. The possessory princes, in whose cause the sword was drawn, were + too quarrelsome and too fainthearted to serve for much else than an + incumbrance either in the cabinet or the field. + </p> + <p> + And the States-General were equal to the immense responsibility. Steadily, + promptly, and sagaciously they confronted the wrath, the policy, and the + power of the Empire, of Spain, and of the Pope. Had the Republic not + existed, nothing could have prevented that debateable and most important + territory from becoming provinces of Spain, whose power thus dilated to + gigantic proportions in the very face of England would have been more + menacing than in the days of the Armada. Had the Republic faltered, she + would have soon ceased to exist. But the Republic did not falter. + </p> + <p> + On the 13th July, Prince Maurice took command of the States' forces, + 13,000 foot and 3000 horse, with thirty pieces of cannon, assembled at + Schenkenschans. The July English and French regiments in the regular + service of the United Provinces were included in these armies, but there + were no additions to them: "The States did seven times as much," Barneveld + justly averred, "as they had stipulated to do." Maurice, moving with the + precision and promptness which always marked his military operations, + marched straight upon Julich, and laid siege to that important fortress. + The Archdukes at Brussels, determined to keep out of the fray as long as + possible, offered no opposition to the passage of his supplies up the + Rhine, which might have been seriously impeded by them at Rheinberg. The + details of the siege, as of all the Prince's sieges, possess no more + interest to the general reader than the working out of a geometrical + problem. He was incapable of a flaw in his calculations, but it was + impossible for him quite to complete the demonstration before the arrival + of de la Chatre. Maurice received with courtesy the Marshal, who arrived + on the 18th August, at the head of his contingent of 8000 foot and a few + squadrons of cavalry, and there was great show of harmony between them. + For any practical purposes, de la Chatre might as well have remained in + France. For political ends his absence would have been preferable to his + presence. + </p> + <p> + Maurice would have rejoiced, had the Marshal blundered longer along the + road to the debateable land than he had done. He had almost brought Julich + to reduction. A fortnight later the place surrendered. The terms granted + by the conqueror were equitable. No change was to be made in the liberty + of Roman Catholic worship, nor in the city magistracy. The citadel and its + contents were to be handed over to the Princes of Brandenburg and Neuburg. + Archduke Leopold and his adherents departed to Prague, to carry out as he + best could his farther designs upon the crown of Bohemia, this first + portion of them having so lamentably failed, and Sergeant-Major Frederick + Pithan, of the regiment of Count Ernest Casimir of Nassau, was appointed + governor of Julich in the interest of the possessory princes. + </p> + <p> + Thus without the loss of a single life, the Republic, guided by her + consummate statesman and unrivalled general, had gained an immense + victory, had installed the Protestant princes in the full possession of + those splendid and important provinces, and had dictated her decrees on + German soil to the Emperor of Germany, and had towed, as it were, Great + Britain and France along in her wake, instead of humbly following those + powers, and had accomplished all that she had ever proposed to do, even in + alliance with them both. + </p> + <p> + The King of England considered that quite enough had been done, and was in + great haste to patch up a reconciliation. He thought his ambassador would + soon "have as good occasion to employ his tongue and his pen as General + Cecil and his soldiers have done their swords and their mattocks." + </p> + <p> + He had no sympathy with the cause of Protestantism, and steadily refused + to comprehend the meaning of the great movements in the duchies. "I only + wish that I may handsomely wind myself out of this quarrel, where the + principal parties do so little for themselves," he said. + </p> + <p> + De la Chatre returned with his troops to France within a fortnight after + his arrival on the scene. A mild proposition made by the French government + through the Marshal, that the provinces should be held in seguestration by + France until a decision as to the true sovereignty could be reached, was + promptly declined. Maurice of Nassau had hardly gained so signal a triumph + for the Republic and for the Protestant cause only to hand it over to + Concini and Villeroy for the benefit of Spain. Julich was thought safer in + the keeping of Sergeant Pithan. + </p> + <p> + By the end of September the States' troops had returned to their own + country. + </p> + <p> + Thus the Republic, with eminent success, had accomplished a brief and + brilliant campaign, but no statesman could suppose that the result was + more than a temporary one. These coveted provinces, most valuable in + themselves and from their important position, would probably not be + suffered peacefully to remain very long under the protection of the + heretic States-General and in the 'Condominium' of two Protestant princes. + There was fear among the Imperialists, Catholics, and Spaniards, lest the + baleful constellation of the Seven Provinces might be increased by an + eighth star. And this was a project not to be tolerated. It was much + already that the upstart confederacy had defied Pope, Emperor, and King, + as it were, on their own domains, had dictated arrangements in Germany + directly in the teeth of its emperor, using France as her subordinate, and + compelling the British king to acquiesce in what he most hated. + </p> + <p> + But it was not merely to surprise Julich, and to get a foothold in the + duchies, that Leopold had gone forth on his adventure. His campaign, as + already intimated, was part of a wide scheme in which he had persuaded his + emperor-cousin to acquiesce. Poor Rudolph had been at last goaded into a + feeble attempt at revolt against his three brothers and his cousin + Ferdinand. Peace-loving, inert, fond of his dinner, fonder of his + magnificent collections of gems and intagli, liking to look out of window + at his splendid collection of horses, he was willing to pass a quiet life, + afar from the din of battles and the turmoil of affairs. As he happened to + be emperor of half Europe, these harmless tastes could not well be + indulged. Moon-faced and fat, silent and slow, he was not imperial of + aspect on canvas or coin, even when his brows were decorated with the + conventional laurel wreath. He had been stripped of his authority and all + but discrowned by his more bustling brothers Matthias and Max, while the + sombre figure of Styrian Ferdinand, pupil of the Jesuits, and passionate + admirer of Philip II., stood ever in the background, casting a prophetic + shadow over the throne and over Germany. + </p> + <p> + The brothers were endeavouring to persuade Rudolph that he would find more + comfort in Innsbruck than in Prague; that he required repose after the + strenuous labours of government. They told him, too, that it would be wise + to confer the royal crown of Bohemia upon Matthias, lest, being elective + and also an electorate, the crown and vote of that country might pass out + of the family, and so both Bohemia and the Empire be lost to the + Habsburgs. The kingdom being thus secured to Matthias and his heirs, the + next step, of course, was to proclaim him King of the Romans. Otherwise + there would be great danger and detriment to Hungary, and other hereditary + states of that conglomerate and anonymous monarchy which owned the sway of + the great Habsburg family. + </p> + <p> + The unhappy emperor was much piqued. He had been deprived by his brother + of Hungary, Moravia, and Austria, while Matthias was now at Prague with an + army, ostensibly to obtain ratification of the peace with Turkey, but in + reality to force the solemn transfer of those realms and extort the + promise of Bohemia. Could there be a better illustration of the + absurdities of such a system of Imperialism? + </p> + <p> + And now poor Rudolph was to be turned out of the Hradschin, and sent + packing with or without his collections to the Tyrol. + </p> + <p> + The bellicose bishop of Strassburg and Passau, brother of Ferdinand, had + little difficulty in persuading the downtrodden man to rise to vengeance. + It had been secretly agreed between the two that Leopold, at the head of a + considerable army of mercenaries which he had contrived to levy, should + dart into Julich as the Emperor's representative, seize the debateable + duchies, and hold them in sequestration until the Emperor should decide to + whom they belonged, and, then, rushing back to Bohemia, should annihilate + Matthias, seize Prague, and deliver Rudolph from bondage. It was further + agreed that Leopold, in requital of these services, should receive the + crown of Bohemia, be elected King of the Romans, and declared heir to the + Emperor, so far as Rudolph could make him his heir. + </p> + <p> + The first point in the program he had only in part accomplished. He had + taken Julich, proclaimed the intentions of the Emperor, and then been + driven out of his strong position by the wise policy of the States under + the guidance of Barneveld and by the consummate strategy of Maurice. It + will be seen therefore that the Republic was playing a world's game at + this moment, and doing it with skill and courage. On the issue of the + conflict which had been begun and was to be long protracted in the + duchies, and to spread over nearly all Christendom besides, would depend + the existence of the United Netherlands and the fate of Protestantism. + </p> + <p> + The discomfited Leopold swept back at the head of his mercenaries, 9000 + foot and 3000 horse, through Alsace and along the Danube to Linz and so to + Prague, marauding, harrying, and black-mailing the country as he went. He + entered the city on the 15th of February 1611, fighting his way through + crowds of exasperated burghers. Sitting in full harness on horseback in + the great square before the cathedral, the warlike bishop compelled the + population to make oath to him as the Emperor's commissary. The street + fighting went on however day by day, poor Rudolph meantime cowering in the + Hradschin. On the third day, Leopold, driven out of the town, took up a + position on the heights, from which he commanded it with his artillery. + Then came a feeble voice from the Hradschin, telling all men that these + Passau marauders and their episcopal chief were there by the Emperor's + orders. The triune city—the old, the new, and the Jew—was + bidden to send deputies to the palace and accept the Imperial decrees. No + deputies came at the bidding. The Bohemians, especially the Praguers, + being in great majority Protestants knew very well that Leopold was + fighting the cause of the Papacy and Spain in Bohemia as well as in the + duchies. + </p> + <p> + And now Matthias appeared upon the scene. The Estates had already been in + communication with him, better hopes, for the time at least, being + entertained from him than from the flaccid Rudolph. Moreover a kind of + compromise had been made in the autumn between Matthias and the Emperor + after the defeat of Leopold in the duchies. The real king had fallen at + the feet of the nominal one by proxy of his brother Maximilian. Seven + thousand men of the army of Matthias now came before Prague under command + of Colonitz. The Passauers, receiving three months pay from the Emperor, + marched quietly off. Leopold disappeared for the time. His chancellor and + counsellor in the duchies, Francis Teynagel, a Geldrian noble, taken + prisoner and put to the torture, revealed the little plot of the Emperor + in favour of the Bishop, and it was believed that the Pope, the King of + Spain, and Maximilian of Bavaria were friendly to the scheme. This was + probable, for Leopold at last made no mystery of his resolve to fight + Protestantism to the death, and to hold the duchies, if he could, for the + cause of Rome and Austria. + </p> + <p> + Both Rudolph and Matthias had committed themselves to the toleration of + the Reformed religion. The famous "Majesty-Letter," freshly granted by the + Emperor (1609), and the Compromise between the Catholic and Protestant + Estates had become the law of the land. Those of the Bohemian confession, + a creed commingled of Hussism, Lutheranism, and Calvinism, had obtained + toleration. In a country where nine-tenths of the population were + Protestants it was permitted to Protestants to build churches and to + worship God in them unmolested. But these privileges had been extorted by + force, and there was a sullen, dogged determination which might be easily + guessed at to revoke them should it ever become possible. The House of + Austria, reigning in Spain, Italy, and Germany, was bound by the very law + of their being to the Roman religion. Toleration of other worship + signified in their eyes both a defeat and a crime. + </p> + <p> + Thus the great conflict, to be afterwards known as the Thirty Years' War, + had in reality begun already, and the Netherlands, in spite of the truce, + were half unconsciously taking a leading part in it. The odds at that + moment in Germany seemed desperately against the House of Austria, so deep + and wide was the abyss between throne and subjects which religious + difference had created. But the reserved power in Spain, Italy, and + Southern Germany was sure enough to make itself felt sooner or later on + the Catholic side. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the Estates of Bohemia knew well enough that the Imperial house + was bent on destroying the elective principle of the Empire, and on + keeping the crown of Bohemia in perpetuity. They had also discovered that + Bishop-Archduke Leopold had been selected by Rudolph as chief of the + reactionary movement against Protestantism. They could not know at that + moment whether his plans were likely to prove fantastic or dangerous. + </p> + <p> + So Matthias came to Prague at the invitation of the Estates, entering the + city with all the airs of a conqueror. Rudolph received his brother with + enforced politeness, and invited him to reside in the Hradschin. This + proposal was declined by Matthias, who sent a colonel however, with six + pieces of artillery, to guard and occupy that palace. The Passau prisoners + were pardoned and released, and there was a general reconciliation. A + month later, Matthias went in pomp to the chapel of the holy Wenceslaus, + that beautiful and barbarous piece of mediaeval, Sclavonic architecture, + with its sombre arches, and its walls encrusted with huge precious stones. + The Estates of Bohemia, arrayed in splendid Zchech costume, and kneeling + on the pavement, were asked whether they accepted Matthias, King of + Hungary, as their lawful king. Thrice they answered Aye. Cardinal + Dietrichstein then put the historic crown of St. Wenceslaus on the King's + head, and Matthias swore to maintain the laws and privileges of Bohemia, + including the recent charters granting liberty of religion to Protestants. + Thus there was temporary, if hollow, truce between the religious parties, + and a sham reconciliation between the Emperor and his brethren. The + forlorn Rudolph moped away the few months of life left to him in the + Hradschin, and died 1612 soon after the new year. The House of Austria had + not been divided, Matthias succeeded his brother, Leopold's visions melted + into air, and it was for the future to reveal whether the Majesty-Letter + and the Compromise had been written on very durable material. + </p> + <p> + And while such was the condition of affairs in Germany immediately + following the Cleve and Julich campaign, the relations of the Republic + both to England and France were become rapidly more dangerous than they + ever had been. It was a severe task for Barneveld, and enough to overtax + the energies of any statesman, to maintain his hold on two such slippery + governments as both had become since the death of their great monarchs. It + had been an easier task for William the Silent to steer his course, + notwithstanding all the perversities, short-comings, brow-beatings, and + inconsistencies that he had been obliged to endure from Elizabeth and + Henry. Genius, however capricious and erratic at times, has at least + vision, and it needed no elaborate arguments to prove to both those + sovereigns that the severance of their policy from that of the Netherlands + was impossible without ruin to the Republic and incalculable danger + themselves. + </p> + <p> + But now France and England were both tending towards Spain through a + stupidity on the part of their rulers such as the gods are said to contend + against in vain. Barneveld was not a god nor a hero, but a courageous and + wide-seeing statesman, and he did his best. Obliged by his position to + affect admiration, or at least respect, where no emotion but contempt was + possible, his daily bread was bitter enough. It was absolutely necessary + to humour those whom knew to be traversing his policy and desiring his + ruin, for there was no other way to serve his country and save it from + impending danger. So long as he was faithfully served by his subordinates, + and not betrayed by those to whom he gave his heart, he could confront + external enemies and mould the policy of wavering allies. + </p> + <p> + Few things in history are more pitiable than the position of James in + regard to Spain. For seven long years he was as one entranced, the slave + to one idea, a Spanish marriage for his son. It was in vain that his + counsellors argued, Parliament protested, allies implored. Parliament was + told that a royal family matter regarded himself alone, and that + interference on their part was an impertinence. Parliament's duty was a + simple one, to give him advice if he asked it, and money when he required + it, without asking for reasons. It was already a great concession that he + should ask for it in person. They had nothing to do with his affairs nor + with general politics. The mystery of government was a science beyond + their reach, and with which they were not to meddle. "Ne sutor ultra + crepidam," said the pedant. + </p> + <p> + Upon that one point his policy was made to turn. Spain held him in the + hollow of her hand. The Infanta, with two million crowns in dowry, was + promised, withheld, brought forward again like a puppet to please or + irritate a froward child. Gondemar, the Spanish ambassador, held him + spellbound. Did he falter in his opposition to the States—did he + cease to goad them for their policy in the duchies—did he express + sympathy with Bohemian Protestantism, or, as time went on, did he dare to + lift a finger or touch his pocket in behalf of his daughter and the + unlucky Elector-Palatine; did he, in short, move a step in the road which + England had ever trod and was bound to tread—the road of determined + resistance to Spanish ambition—instantaneously the Infanta withheld, + and James was on his knees again. A few years later, when the great + Raleigh returned from his trans-Alantic expedition, Gondemar fiercely + denounced him to the King as the worst enemy of Spain. The usual threat + was made, the wand was waved, and the noblest head in England fell upon + the block, in pursuance of an obsolete sentence fourteen years old. + </p> + <p> + It is necessary to hold fast this single clue to the crooked and amazing + entanglements of the policy of James. The insolence, the meanness, and the + prevarications of this royal toad-eater are only thus explained. + </p> + <p> + Yet Philip III. declared on his death-bed that he had never had a serious + intention of bestowing his daughter on the Prince. + </p> + <p> + The vanity and the hatreds of theology furnished the chief additional + material in the policy of James towards the Provinces. The diplomacy of + his reign so far as the Republic was concerned is often a mere mass of + controversial divinity, and gloomy enough of its kind. Exactly at this + moment Conrad Vorstius had been called by the University of Leyden to the + professorship vacant by the death of Arminius, and the wrath of Peter + Plancius and the whole orthodox party knew no bounds. Born in Cologne, + Vorstius had been a lecturer in Geneva, and beloved by Beza. He had + written a book against the Jesuit Belarmino, which he had dedicated to the + States-General. But he was now accused of Arminianism, Socianism, + Pelagianism, Atheism—one knew not what. He defended himself in + writing against these various charges, and declared himself a believer in + the Trinity, in the Divinity of Christ, in the Atonement. But he had + written a book on the Nature of God, and the wrath of Gomarus and Plancius + and Bogerman was as nothing to the ire of James when that treatise was one + day handed to him on returning from hunting. He had scarcely looked into + it before he was horror-struck, and instantly wrote to Sir Ralph Winwood, + his ambassador at the Hague, ordering him to insist that this blasphemous + monster should at once be removed from the country. Who but James knew + anything of the Nature of God, for had he not written a work in Latin + explaining it all, so that humbler beings might read and be instructed. + </p> + <p> + Sir Ralph accordingly delivered a long sermon to the States on the brief + supplied by his Majesty, told them that to have Vorstius as successor to + Arminius was to fall out of the frying-pan into the fire, and handed them + a "catalogue" prepared by the King of the blasphemies, heresies, and + atheisms of the Professor. "Notwithstanding that the man in full assembly + of the States of Holland," said the Ambassador with headlong and confused + rhetoric, "had found the means to palliate and plaster the dung of his + heresies, and thus to dazzle the eyes of good people," yet it was + necessary to protest most vigorously against such an appointment, and to + advise that "his works should be publicly burned in the open places of all + the cities." + </p> + <p> + The Professor never was admitted to perform his functions of theology, but + he remained at Leyden, so Winwood complained, "honoured, recognized as a + singularity and ornament to the Academy in place of the late Joseph + Scaliger."—"The friendship of the King and the heresy of Vorstius + are quite incompatible," said the Envoy. + </p> + <p> + Meantime the Advocate, much distressed at the animosity of England + bursting forth so violently on occasion of the appointment of a divinity + professor at Leyden, and at the very instant too when all the acuteness of + his intellect was taxed to keep on good or even safe terms with France, + did his best to stem these opposing currents. His private letters to his + old and confidential friend, Noel de Carom, States' ambassador in London, + reveal the perplexities of his soul and the upright patriotism by which he + was guided in these gathering storms. And this correspondence, as well as + that maintained by him at a little later period with the successor of + Aerssens at Paris, will be seen subsequently to have had a direct and most + important bearing upon the policy of the Republic and upon his own fate. + It is necessary therefore that the reader, interested in these complicated + affairs which were soon to bring on a sanguinary war on a scale even + vaster than the one which had been temporarily suspended, should give + close attention to papers never before exhumed from the musty sepulchre of + national archives, although constantly alluded to in the records of + important state trials. It is strange enough to observe the apparent + triviality of the circumstances out of which gravest events seem to + follow. But the circumstances were in reality threads of iron which led + down to the very foundations of the earth. + </p> + <p> + "I wish to know," wrote the Advocate to Caron, "from whom the Archbishop + of Canterbury received the advices concerning Vorstius in order to find + out what is meant by all this." + </p> + <p> + It will be remembered that Whitgift was of opinion that James was directly + inspired by the Holy Ghost, and that as he affected to deem him the + anointed High-priest of England, it was natural that he should encourage + the King in his claims to be 'Pontifex maximus' for the Netherlands + likewise. + </p> + <p> + "We are busy here," continued Barneveld, "in examining all things for the + best interests of the country and the churches. I find the nobles and + cities here well resolved in this regard, although there be some + disagreements 'in modo.' Vorstius, having been for many years professor + and minister of theology at Steinfurt, having manifested his learning in + many books written against the Jesuits, and proved himself pure and + moderate in doctrine, has been called to the vacant professorship at + Leyden. This appointment is now countermined by various means. We are + doing our best to arrange everything for the highest good of the Provinces + and the churches. Believe this and believe nothing else. Pay heed to no + other information. Remember what took place in Flanders, events so well + known to you. It is not for me to pass judgment in these matters. Do you, + too, suspend your judgment." + </p> + <p> + The Advocate's allusion was to the memorable course of affairs in Flanders + at an epoch when many of the most inflammatory preachers and politicians + of the Reformed religion, men who refused to employ a footman or a + housemaid not certified to be thoroughly orthodox, subsequently after much + sedition and disturbance went over to Spain and the Catholic religion. + </p> + <p> + A few weeks later Barneveld sent copies to Caron of the latest harangues + of Winwood in the Assembly and the reply of My Lords on the Vorstian + business; that is to say, the freshest dialogue on predestination between + the King and the Advocate. For as James always dictated word for word the + orations of his envoy, so had their Mightinesses at this period no head + and no mouthpiece save Barneveld alone. Nothing could be drearier than + these controversies, and the reader shall be spared as much, as possible + the infliction of reading them. It will be necessary, however, for the + proper understanding of subsequent events that he should be familiar with + portions of the Advocate's confidential letters. + </p> + <p> + "Sound well the gentleman you wot of," said Barneveld, "and other + personages as to the conclusive opinions over there. The course of the + propositions does not harmonize with what I have myself heard out of the + King's mouth at other times, nor with the reports of former ambassadors. I + cannot well understand that the King should, with such preciseness, + condemn all other opinions save those of Calvin and Beza. It is important + to the service of this country that one should know the final intention of + his Majesty." + </p> + <p> + And this was the misery of the position. For it was soon to appear that + the King's definite and final intentions, varied from day to day. It was + almost humorous to find him at that moment condemning all opinions but + those of Calvin and Beza in Holland, while his course to the strictest + confessors of that creed in England was so ferocious. + </p> + <p> + But Vorstius was a rival author to his Majesty on subjects treated of by + both, so that literary spite of the most venomous kind, stirred into + theological hatred, was making a dangerous mixture. Had a man with the + soul and sense of the Advocate sat on the throne which James was regarding + at that moment as a professor's chair, the world's history would have been + changed. + </p> + <p> + "I fear," continued Barneveld, "that some of our own precisians have been + spinning this coil for us over there, and if the civil authority can be + thus countermined, things will go as in Flanders in your time. Pray + continue to be observant, discreet, and moderate." + </p> + <p> + The Advocate continued to use his best efforts to smooth the rising waves. + He humoured and even flattered the King, although perpetually denounced by + Winwood in his letters to his sovereign as tyrannical, over-bearing, + malignant, and treacherous. He did his best to counsel moderation and + mutual toleration, for he felt that these needless theological disputes + about an abstract and insoluble problem of casuistry were digging an abyss + in which the Republic might be swallowed up for ever. If ever man worked + steadily with the best lights of experience and inborn sagacity for the + good of his country and in defence of a constitutional government, + horribly defective certainly, but the only legal one, and on the whole a + more liberal polity than any then existing, it was Barneveld. + Courageously, steadily, but most patiently, he stood upon that position so + vital and daily so madly assailed; the defence of the civil authority + against the priesthood. He felt instinctively and keenly that where any + portion of the subjects or citizens of a country can escape from the + control of government and obey other head than the lawful sovereignty, + whether monarchical or republican, social disorder and anarchy must be + ever impending. + </p> + <p> + "We are still tortured by ecclesiastical disputes," he wrote a few weeks + later to Caron. "Besides many libels which have appeared in print, the + letters of his Majesty and the harangues of Winwood have been published; + to what end you who know these things by experience can judge. The truth + of the matter of Vorstius is that he was legally called in July 1610, that + he was heard last May before My Lords the States with six preachers to + oppose him, and in the same month duly accepted and placed in office. He + has given no public lectures as yet. You will cause this to be known on + fitting opportunity. Believe and cause to be believed that his Majesty's + letters and Sir R. Winwood's propositions have been and shall be well + considered, and that I am working with all my strength to that end. You + know the constitution of our country, and can explain everything for the + best. Many pious and intelligent people in this State hold themselves + assured that his Majesty according to his royal exceeding great wisdom, + foresight, and affection for the welfare of this land will not approve + that his letters and Winwood's propositions should be scattered by the + press among the common people. Believe and cause to be believed, to your + best ability, that My Lords the States of Holland desire to maintain the + true Christian, Reformed religion as well in the University of Leyden as + in all their cities and villages. The only dispute is on the high points + of predestination and its adjuncts, concerning which moderation and a more + temperate teaching is furthered by some amongst us. Many think that such + is the edifying practice in England. Pray have the kindness to send me the + English Confession of the year 1572, with the corrections and alterations + up to this year." + </p> + <p> + But the fires were growing hotter, fanned especially by Flemish ministers, + a brotherhood of whom Barneveld had an especial distrust, and who + certainly felt great animosity to him. His moderate counsels were but oil + to the flames. He was already depicted by zealots and calumniators as + false to the Reformed creed. + </p> + <p> + "Be assured and assure others," he wrote again to Caron, "that in the + matter of religion I am, and by God's grace shall remain, what I ever have + been. Make the same assurances as to my son-in-law and brother. We are not + a little amazed that a few extraordinary Puritans, mostly Flemings and + Frisians, who but a short time ago had neither property nor kindred in the + country, and have now very little of either, and who have given but + slender proofs of constancy or service to the fatherland, could through + pretended zeal gain credit over there against men well proved in all + respects. We wonder the more because they are endeavouring, in + ecclesiastical matters at least, to usurp an extraordinary authority, + against which his Majesty, with very weighty reasons, has so many times + declared his opinion founded upon God's Word and upon all laws and + principles of justice." + </p> + <p> + It was Barneveld's practice on this as on subsequent occasions very + courteously to confute the King out of his own writings and speeches, and + by so doing to be unconsciously accumulating an undying hatred against + himself in the royal breast. Certainly nothing could be easier than to + show that James, while encouraging in so reckless a manner the + emancipation of the ministers of an advanced sect in the Reformed Church + from control of government, and their usurpation of supreme authority + which had been destroyed in England, was outdoing himself in dogmatism and + inconsistency. A king-highpriest, who dictated his supreme will to bishops + and ministers as well as to courts and parliaments, was ludicrously + employed in a foreign country in enforcing the superiority of the Church + to the State. + </p> + <p> + "You will give good assurances," said the Advocate, "upon my word, that + the conservation of the true Reformed religion is as warmly cherished + here, especially by me, as at any time during the war." + </p> + <p> + He next alluded to the charges then considered very grave against certain + writings of Vorstius, and with equal fairness to his accusers as he had + been to the Professor gave a pledge that the subject should be examined. + </p> + <p> + "If the man in question," he said, "be the author, as perhaps falsely + imputed, of the work 'De Filiatione Christi' or things of that sort, you + may be sure that he shall have no furtherance here." He complained, + however, that before proof the cause was much prejudiced by the + circulation through the press of letters on the subject from important + personages in England. His own efforts to do justice in the matter were + traversed by such machinations. If the Professor proved to be guilty of + publications fairly to be deemed atheistical and blasphemous, he should be + debarred from his functions, but the outcry from England was doing more + harm than good. + </p> + <p> + "The published extract from the letter of the Archbishop," he wrote, "to + the effect that the King will declare My Lords the States to be his + enemies if they are not willing to send the man away is doing much harm." + </p> + <p> + Truly, if it had come to this—that a King of England was to go to + war with a neighbouring and friendly republic because an obnoxious + professor of theology was not instantly hurled from a university of which + his Majesty was not one of the overseers—it was time to look a + little closely into the functions of governments and the nature of public + and international law. Not that the sword of James was in reality very + likely to be unsheathed, but his shriekings and his scribblings, pacific + as he was himself, were likely to arouse passions which torrents of blood + alone could satiate. + </p> + <p> + "The publishing and spreading among the community," continued Barneveld, + "of M. Winwood's protestations and of many indecent libels are also doing + much mischief, for the nature of this people does not tolerate such + things. I hope, however, to obtain the removal according to his Majesty's + desire. Keep me well informed, and send me word what is thought in England + by the four divines of the book of Vorstius, 'De Deo,' and of his + declarations on the points sent here by his Majesty. Let me know, too, if + there has been any later confession published in England than that of the + year 1562, and whether the nine points pressed in the year 1595 were + accepted and published in 1603. If so, pray send them, as they maybe made + use of in settling our differences here." + </p> + <p> + Thus it will be seen that the spirit of conciliation, of a calm but + earnest desire to obtain a firm grasp of the most reasonable relations + between Church and State through patient study of the phenomena exhibited + in other countries, were the leading motives of the man. Yet he was + perpetually denounced in private as an unbeliever, an atheist, a tyrant, + because he resisted dictation from the clergy within the Provinces and + from kings outside them. + </p> + <p> + "It was always held here to be one of the chief infractions of the laws + and privileges of this country," he said, "that former princes had placed + themselves in matter of religion in the tutelage of the Pope and the + Spanish Inquisition, and that they therefore on complaint of their good + subjects could take no orders on that subject. Therefore it cannot be + considered strange that we are not willing here to fall into the same + obloquy. That one should now choose to turn the magistrates, who were once + so seriously summoned on their conscience and their office to adopt the + Reformation and to take the matter of religion to heart, into ignorants, + to deprive them of knowledge, and to cause them to see with other eyes + than their own, cannot by many be considered right and reasonable. + 'Intelligenti pauca.'" + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [The interesting letter from which I have given these copious + extracts was ordered by its writer to be burned. "Lecta vulcano" + was noted at the end of it, as was not unfrequently the case with + the Advocate. It never was burned; but, innocent and reasonable as + it seems, was made use of by Barneveld's enemies with deadly effect. + J.L.M.] +</pre> + <p> + Meantime M. de Refuge, as before stated, was on his way to the Hague, to + communicate the news of the double marriage. He had fallen sick at + Rotterdam, and the nature of his instructions and of the message he + brought remained unknown, save from the previous despatches of Aerssens. + But reports were rife that he was about to propose new terms of alliance + to the States, founded on large concessions to the Roman Catholic + religion. Of course intense jealousy was excited at the English court, and + calumny plumed her wings for a fresh attack upon the Advocate. Of course + he was sold to Spain, the Reformed religion was to be trampled out in the + Provinces, and the Papacy and Holy Inquisition established on its ruins. + Nothing could be more diametrically the reverse of the fact than such + hysterical suspicions as to the instructions of the ambassador + extraordinary from France, and this has already appeared. The Vorstian + affair too was still in the same phase, the Advocate professing a + willingness that justice should be done in the matter, while courteously + but firmly resisting the arrogant pretensions of James to take the matter + out of the jurisdiction of the States. + </p> + <p> + "I stand amazed," he said, "at the partisanship and the calumnious + representations which you tell me of, and cannot imagine what is thought + nor what is proposed. Should M. de Refuge make any such propositions as + are feared, believe, and cause his Majesty and his counsellors to believe, + that they would be of no effect. Make assurances upon my word, + notwithstanding all advices to the contrary, that such things would be + flatly refused. If anything is published or proven to the discredit of + Vorstius, send it to me. Believe that we shall not defend heretics nor + schismatics against the pure Evangelical doctrine, but one cannot conceive + here that the knowledge and judicature of the matter belongs anywhere else + than to My Lords the States of Holland, in whose service he has legally + been during four months before his Majesty made the least difficulty about + it. Called hither legally a year before, with the knowledge and by the + order of his Excellency and the councillors of state of Holland, he has + been countermined by five or six Flemings and Frisians, who, without + recognizing the lawful authority of the magistrates, have sought + assistance in foreign countries—in Germany and afterwards in + England. Yes, they have been so presumptuous as to designate one of their + own men for the place. If such a proceeding should be attempted in + England, I leave it to those whose business it would be to deal with it to + say what would be done. I hope therefore that one will leave the + examination and judgment of this matter freely to us, without attempting + to make us—against the principles of the Reformation and the + liberties and laws of the land—executors of the decrees of others, + as the man here wishes to obtrude it upon us." + </p> + <p> + He alluded to the difficulty in raising the ways and means; saying that + the quota of Holland, as usual, which was more than half the whole, was + ready, while other provinces were in arrears. Yet they were protected, + while Holland was attacked. + </p> + <p> + "Methinks I am living in a strange world," he said, "when those who have + received great honour from Holland, and who in their conscience know that + they alone have conserved the Commonwealth, are now traduced with such + great calumnies. But God the Lord Almighty is just, and will in His own + time do chastisement." + </p> + <p> + The affair of Vorstius dragged its slow length along, and few things are + more astounding at this epoch than to see such a matter, interesting + enough certainly to theologians, to the University, and to the rising + generation of students, made the topic of unceasing and embittered + diplomatic controversy between two great nations, who had most pressing + and momentous business on their hands. But it was necessary to humour the + King, while going to the verge of imprudence in protecting the Professor. + In March he was heard, three or four hours long, before the Assembly of + Holland, in answer to various charges made against him, being warned that + "he stood before the Lord God and before the sovereign authority of the + States." Although thought by many to have made a powerful defence, he was + ordered to set it forth in writing, both in Latin and in the vernacular. + Furthermore it was ordained that he should make a complete refutation of + all the charges already made or that might be made during the ensuing + three months against him in speech, book, or letter in England, Germany, + the Netherlands, or anywhere else. He was allowed one year and a half to + accomplish this work, and meantime was to reside not in Leyden, nor the + Hague, but in some other town of Holland, not delivering lectures or + practising his profession in any way. It might be supposed that sufficient + work had been thus laid out for the unfortunate doctor of divinity without + lecturing or preaching. The question of jurisdiction was saved. The + independence of the civil authority over the extreme pretensions of the + clergy had been vindicated by the firmness of the Advocate. James bad been + treated with overflowing demonstrations of respect, but his claim to expel + a Dutch professor from his chair and country by a royal fiat had been + signally rebuked. Certainly if the Provinces were dependent upon the + British king in regard to such a matter, it was the merest imbecility for + them to affect independence. Barneveld had carried his point and served + his country strenuously and well in this apparently small matter which + human folly had dilated into a great one. But deep was the wrath treasured + against him in consequence in clerical and royal minds. + </p> + <p> + Returning from Wesel after the negotiations, Sir Ralph Winwood had an + important interview at Arnheim with Prince Maurice, in which they + confidentially exchanged their opinions in regard to the Advocate, and + mutually confirmed their suspicions and their jealousies in regard to that + statesman. + </p> + <p> + The Ambassador earnestly thanked the Prince in the King's name for his + "careful and industrious endeavours for the maintenance of the truth of + religion, lively expressed in prosecuting the cause against Vorstius and + his adherents." + </p> + <p> + He then said: + </p> + <p> + "I am expressly commanded that his Majesty conferring the present + condition of affairs of this quarter of the world with those + advertisements he daily receives from his ministers abroad, together with + the nature and disposition of those men who have in their hands the + managing of all business in these foreign parts, can make no other + judgment than this. + </p> + <p> + "There is a general ligue and confederation complotted far the subversion + and ruin of religion upon the subsistence whereof his Majesty doth judge + the main welfare of your realms and of these Provinces solely to consist. + </p> + <p> + "Therefore his Majesty has given me charge out of the knowledge he has of + your great worth and sufficiency," continued Winwood, "and the confidence + he reposes in your faith and affection, freely to treat with you on these + points, and withal to pray you to deliver your opinion what way would be + the most compendious and the most assured to contrequarr these complots, + and to frustrate the malice of these mischievous designs." + </p> + <p> + The Prince replied by acknowledging the honour the King had vouchsafed to + do him in holding so gracious an opinion of him, wherein his Majesty + should never be deceived. + </p> + <p> + "I concur in judgment with his Majesty," continued the Prince, "that the + main scope at which these plots and practices do aim, for instance, the + alliance between France and Spain, is this, to root out religion, and by + consequence to bring under their yoke all those countries in which + religion is professed. + </p> + <p> + "The first attempt," continued the Prince, "is doubtless intended against + these Provinces. The means to countermine and defeat these projected + designs I take to be these: the continuance of his Majesty's constant + resolution for the protection of religion, and then that the King would be + pleased to procure a general confederation between the kings, princes, and + commonwealths professing religion, namely, Denmark, Sweden, the German + princes, the Protestant cantons of Switzerland, and our United Provinces. + </p> + <p> + "Of this confederation, his Majesty must be not only the director, but the + head and protector. + </p> + <p> + "Lastly, the Protestants of France should be, if not supported, at least + relieved from that oppression which the alliance of Spain doth threaten + upon them. This, I insist," repeated Maurice with great fervour, "is the + only coupegorge of all plots whatever between France and Spain." + </p> + <p> + He enlarged at great length on these points, which he considered so vital. + </p> + <p> + "And what appearance can there be," asked Winwood insidiously and + maliciously, "of this general confederation now that these Provinces, + which heretofore have been accounted a principal member of the Reformed + Church, begin to falter in the truth of religion? + </p> + <p> + "He who solely governs the metropolitan province of Holland," continued + the Ambassador, with a direct stab in the back at Barneveld, "is reputed + generally, as your Excellency best knows, to be the only patron of + Vorstius, and the protector of the schisms of Arminius. And likewise, what + possibility is there that the Protestants of France can expect favour from + these Provinces when the same man is known to depend at the devotion of + France?" + </p> + <p> + The international, theological, and personal jealousy of the King against + Holland's Advocate having been thus plainly developed, the Ambassador + proceeded to pour into the Prince's ear the venom of suspicion, and to + inflame his jealousy against his great rival. The secret conversation + showed how deeply laid was the foundation of the political hatred, both of + James and of Maurice, against the Advocate, and certainly nothing could be + more preposterous than to imagine the King as the director and head of the + great Protestant League. We have but lately seen him confidentially + assuring his minister that his only aim was "to wind himself handsomely + out of the whole business." Maurice must have found it difficult to + preserve his gravity when assigning such a part to "Master Jacques." + </p> + <p> + "Although Monsieur Barneveld has cast off all care of religion," said + Maurice, "and although some towns in Holland, wherein his power doth + reign, are infected with the like neglect, yet so long as so many good + towns in Holland stand sound, and all the other provinces of this + confederacy, the proposition would at the first motion be cheerfully + accepted. + </p> + <p> + "I confess I find difficulty in satisfying your second question," + continued the Prince, "for I acknowledge that Barneveld is wholly devoted + to the service of France. During the truce negotiations, when some + difference arose between him and myself, President Jeannin came to me, + requiring me in the French king's name to treat Monsieur Barneveld well, + whom the King had received into his protection. The letters which the + States' ambassador in France wrote to Barneveld (and to him all + ambassadors address their despatches of importance), the very autographs + themselves, he sent back into the hands of Villeroy." + </p> + <p> + Here the Prince did not scruple to accuse the Advocate of doing the base + and treacherous trick against Aerssens which he had expressly denied + doing, and which had been done during his illness, as he solemnly avowed, + by a subordinate probably for the sake of making mischief. + </p> + <p> + Maurice then discoursed largely and vehemently of the suspicious + proceedings of Barneveld, and denounced him as dangerous to the State. + "When one man who has the conduct of all affairs in his sole power," he + said, "shall hold underhand intelligence with the ministers of Spain and + the Archduke, and that without warrant, thereby he may have the means so + to carry the course of affairs that, do what they will, these Provinces + must fall or stand at the mercy and discretion of Spain. Therefore some + good resolutions must be taken in time to hold up this State from a sudden + downfall, but in this much moderation and discretion must be used." + </p> + <p> + The Prince added that he had invited his cousin Lewis William to appear at + the Hague at May day, in order to consult as to the proper means to + preserve the Provinces from confusion under his Majesty's safeguard, and + with the aid of the Englishmen in the States' service whom Maurice + pronounced to be "the strength and flower of his army." + </p> + <p> + Thus the Prince developed his ideas at great length, and accused the + Advocate behind his back, and without the faintest shadow of proof, of + base treachery to his friends and of high-treason. Surely Barneveld was in + danger, and was walking among pitfalls. Most powerful and deadly enemies + were silently banding themselves together against him. Could he long + maintain his hold on the slippery heights of power, where he was so + consciously serving his country, but where he became day by day a mere + shining mark for calumny and hatred? + </p> + <p> + The Ambassador then signified to the Prince that he had been instructed to + carry to him the King's purpose to confer on him the Order of the Garter. + </p> + <p> + "If his Majesty holds me worthy of so great honour," said the Prince, "I + and my family shall ever remain bound to his service and that of his royal + posterity. + </p> + <p> + "That the States should be offended I see no cause, but holding the charge + I do in their service, I could not accept the honour without first + acquainting them and receiving their approbation." + </p> + <p> + Winwood replied that, as the King knew the terms on which the Prince lived + with the States, he doubted not his Majesty would first notify them and + say that he honoured the mutual amity between his realms and these + Provinces by honouring the virtues of their general, whose services, as + they had been most faithful and affectionate, so had they been accompanied + with the blessings of happiness and prosperous success. + </p> + <p> + Thus said Winwood to the King: "Your Majesty may plaster two walls with + one trowel ('una fidelia duos dealbare parietes'), reverse the designs of + them who to facilitate their own practices do endeavour to alienate your + affections from the good of these Provinces, and oblige to your service + the well-affected people, who know that there is no surety for themselves, + their wives and children, but under the protection of your Majesty's + favour. Perhaps, however, the favourers of Vorstius and Arminius will buzz + into the ears of their associates that your Majesty would make a party in + these Provinces by maintaining the truth of religion and also by gaining + unto you the affections of their chief commander. But your Majesty will be + pleased to pass forth whose worthy ends will take their place, which is to + honour virtue where you find it, and the suspicious surmises of malice and + envy in one instant will vanish into smoke." + </p> + <p> + Winwood made no scruple in directly stating to the English government that + Barneveld's purpose was to "cause a divorce between the King's realms and + the Provinces, the more easily to precipitate them into the arms of + Spain." He added that the negotiation with Count Maurice then on foot was + to be followed, but with much secrecy, on account of the place he held in + the State. + </p> + <p> + Soon after the Ambassador's secret conversation with Maurice he had an + interview with Barneveld. He assured the Advocate that no contentment + could be given to his Majesty but by the banishment of Vorstius. "If the + town of Leyden should understand so much," replied Barneveld, "I fear the + magistrates would retain him still in their town." + </p> + <p> + "If the town of Leyden should retain Vorstius," answered Winwood, "to + brave or despight his Majesty, the King has the means, if it pleases him + to use them, and that without drawing sword, to range them to reason, and + to make the magistrates on their knees demand his pardon, and I say as + much of Rotterdam." + </p> + <p> + Such insolence on the part of an ambassador to the first minister of a + great republic was hard to bear. Barneveld was not the man to brook it. He + replied with great indignation. "I was born in liberty," he said with + rising choler, "I cannot digest this kind of language. The King of Spain + himself never dared to speak in so high a style." + </p> + <p> + "I well understand that logic," returned the Ambassador with continued + insolence. "You hold your argument to be drawn 'a majori ad minus;' but I + pray you to believe that the King of Great Britain is peer and companion + to the King of Spain, and that his motto is, 'Nemo me impune lacessit.'" + </p> + <p> + And so they parted in a mutual rage; Winwood adding on going out of the + room, "Whatsoever I propose to you in his Majesty's name can find with you + neither goust nor grace." + </p> + <p> + He then informed Lord Rochester that "the man was extremely distempered + and extremely distasted with his Majesty. + </p> + <p> + "Some say," he added, "that on being in England when his Majesty first + came to the throne he conceived some offence, which ever since hath + rankled in his heart, and now doth burst forth with more violent malice." + </p> + <p> + Nor was the matter so small as it superficially appeared. Dependence of + one nation upon the dictation of another can never be considered otherwise + than grave. The subjection of all citizens, clerical or lay, to the laws + of the land, the supremacy of the State over the Church, were equally + grave subjects. And the question of sovereignty now raised for the first + time, not academically merely, but practically, was the gravest one of + all. It was soon to be mooted vigorously and passionately whether the + United Provinces were a confederacy or a union; a league of sovereign and + independent states bound together by treaty for certain specified purposes + or an incorporated whole. The Advocate and all the principal lawyers in + the country had scarcely a doubt on the subject. Whether it were a + reasonable system or an absurd one, a vigorous or an imbecile form of + government, they were confident that the Union of Utrecht, made about a + generation of mankind before, and the only tie by which the Provinces were + bound together at all, was a compact between sovereigns. + </p> + <p> + Barneveld styled himself always the servant and officer of the States of + Holland. To them was his allegiance, for them he spoke, wrought, and + thought, by them his meagre salary was paid. At the congress of the + States-General, the scene of his most important functions, he was the + ambassador of Holland, acting nominally according to their instructions, + and exercising the powers of minister of foreign affairs and, as it were, + prime minister for the other confederates by their common consent. The + system would have been intolerable, the great affairs of war and peace + could never have been carried on so triumphantly, had not the + preponderance of the one province Holland, richer, more powerful, more + important in every way than the other six provinces combined, given to the + confederacy illegally, but virtually, many of the attributes of union. + Rather by usucaption than usurpation Holland had in many regards come to + consider herself and be considered as the Republic itself. And Barneveld, + acting always in the name of Holland and with the most modest of titles + and appointments, was for a long time in all civil matters the chief of + the whole country. This had been convenient during the war, still more + convenient during negotiations for peace, but it was inevitable that there + should be murmurs now that the cessation from military operations on a + large scale had given men time to look more deeply into the nature of a + constitution partly inherited and partly improvised, and having many of + the defects usually incident to both sources of government. + </p> + <p> + The military interest, the ecclesiastical power, and the influence of + foreign nations exerted through diplomatic intrigue, were rapidly arraying + themselves in determined hostility to Barneveld and to what was deemed his + tyrannous usurpation. A little later the national spirit, as opposed to + provincial and municipal patriotism, was to be aroused against him, and + was likely to prove the most formidable of all the elements of antagonism. + </p> + <p> + It is not necessary to anticipate here what must be developed on a + subsequent page. This much, however, it is well to indicate for the + correct understanding of passing events. Barneveld did not consider + himself the officer or servant of their High Mightinesses the + States-General, while in reality often acting as their master, but the + vassal and obedient functionary of their Great Mightinesses the States of + Holland, whom he almost absolutely controlled. + </p> + <p> + His present most pressing business was to resist the encroachments of the + sacerdotal power and to defend the magistracy. The casuistical questions + which were fast maddening the public mind seemed of importance to him only + as enclosing within them a more vital and practical question of civil + government. + </p> + <p> + But the anger of his opponents, secret and open, was rapidly increasing. + Envy, jealousy, political and clerical hate, above all, that deadliest and + basest of malignant spirits which in partisan warfare is bred out of + subserviency to rising and rival power, were swarming about him and + stinging him at every step. No parasite of Maurice could more effectively + pay his court and more confidently hope for promotion or reward than by + vilipending Barneveld. It would be difficult to comprehend the infinite + extent and power of slander without a study of the career of the Advocate + of Holland. + </p> + <p> + "I thank you for your advices," he wrote to Carom' "and I wish from my + heart that his Majesty, according to his royal wisdom and clemency towards + the condition of this country, would listen only to My Lords the States or + their ministers, and not to his own or other passionate persons who, + through misunderstanding or malice, furnish him with information and so + frequently flatter him. I have tried these twenty years to deserve his + Majesty's confidence, and have many letters from him reaching through + twelve or fifteen years, in which he does me honour and promises his royal + favour. I am the more chagrined that through false and passionate reports + and information—because I am resolved to remain good and true to My + Lords the States, to the fatherland, and to the true Christian religion—I + and mine should now be so traduced. I hope that God Almighty will second + my upright conscience, and cause his Majesty soon to see the injustice + done to me and mine. To defend the resolutions of My Lords the States of + Holland is my office, duty, and oath, and I assure you that those + resolutions are taken with wider vision and scope than his Majesty can + believe. Let this serve for My Lords' defence and my own against indecent + calumny, for my duty allows me to pursue no other course." + </p> + <p> + He again alluded to the dreary affair of Vorstius, and told the Envoy that + the venation caused by it was incredible. "That men unjustly defame our + cities and their regents is nothing new," he said; "but I assure you that + it is far more damaging to the common weal than the defamers imagine." + </p> + <p> + Some of the private admirers of Arminius who were deeply grieved at so + often hearing him "publicly decried as the enemy of God" had been + defending the great heretic to James, and by so doing had excited the + royal wrath not only against the deceased doctor and themselves, but + against the States of Holland who had given them no commission. + </p> + <p> + On the other hand the advanced orthodox party, most bitter haters of + Barneveld, and whom in his correspondence with England he uniformly and + perhaps designedly called the Puritans, knowing that the very word was a + scarlet rag to James, were growing louder and louder in their demands. + "Some thirty of these Puritans," said he, "of whom at least twenty are + Flemings or other foreigners equally violent, proclaim that they and the + like of them mean alone to govern the Church. Let his Majesty compare this + proposal with his Royal Present, with his salutary declaration at London + in the year 1603 to Doctor Reynolds and his associates, and with his + admonition delivered to the Emperor, kings, sovereigns, and republics, and + he will best understand the mischievous principles of these people, who + are now gaining credit with him to the detriment of the freedom and laws + of these Provinces." + </p> + <p> + A less enlightened statesman than Barneveld would have found it easy + enough to demonstrate the inconsistency of the King in thus preaching + subserviency of government to church and favouring the rule of Puritans + over both. It needed but slender logic to reduce such a policy on his part + to absurdity, but neither kings nor governments are apt to value + themselves on their logic. So long as James could play the pedagogue to + emperors, kings, and republics, it mattered little to him that the + doctrines which he preached in one place he had pronounced flat blasphemy + in another. + </p> + <p> + That he would cheerfully hang in England the man whom he would elevate to + power in Holland might be inconsistency in lesser mortals; but what was + the use of his infallibility if he was expected to be consistent? + </p> + <p> + But one thing was certain. The Advocate saw through him as if he had been + made of glass, and James knew that he did. This fatal fact outweighed all + the decorous and respectful phraseology under which Barneveld veiled his + remorseless refutations. It was a dangerous thing to incur the wrath of + this despot-theologian. + </p> + <p> + Prince Maurice, who had originally joined in the invitation given by the + overseers of Leyden to Vorstius, and had directed one of the deputies and + his own "court trumpeter," Uytenbogaert, to press him earnestly to grant + his services to the University, now finding the coldness of Barneveld to + the fiery remonstrances of the King, withdrew his protection of the + Professor. + </p> + <p> + "The Count Maurice, who is a wise and understanding prince," said Winwood, + "and withal most affectionate to his Majesty's service, doth foresee the + miseries into which these countries are likely to fall, and with grief + doth pine away." + </p> + <p> + It is probable that the great stadholder had never been more robust, or + indeed inclining to obesity, than precisely at this epoch; but Sir Ralph + was of an imaginative turn. He had discovered, too, that the Advocate's + design was "of no other nature than so to stem the course of the State + that insensibly the Provinces shall fall by relapse into the hands of + Spain." + </p> + <p> + A more despicable idea never entered a human brain. Every action, word, + and thought, of Barneveld's life was a refutation of it. But he was + unwilling, at the bidding of a king, to treat a professor with contumely + who had just been solemnly and unanimously invited by the great + university, by the States of Holland, and by the Stadholder to an + important chair; and that was enough for the diplomatist and courtier. + "He, and only he," said Winwood passionately, "hath opposed his Majesty's + purposes with might and main." Formerly the Ambassador had been full of + complaints of "the craving humour of Count Maurice," and had censured him + bitterly in his correspondence for having almost by his inordinate + pretensions for money and other property brought the Treaty of Truce to a + standstill. And in these charges he was as unjust and as reckless as he + was now in regard to Barneveld. + </p> + <p> + The course of James and his agents seemed cunningly devised to sow discord + in the Provinces, to inflame the growing animosity of the Stadholder to + the Advocate, and to paralyse the action of the Republic in the duchies. + If the King had received direct instructions from the Spanish cabinet how + to play the Spanish game, he could hardly have done it with more docility. + But was not Gondemar ever at his elbow, and the Infanta always in the + perspective? + </p> + <p> + And it is strange enough that, at the same moment, Spanish marriages were + in France as well as England the turning-point of policy. + </p> + <p> + Henry had been willing enough that the Dauphin should espouse a Spanish + infanta, and that one of the Spanish princes should be affianced to one of + his daughters. But the proposition from Spain had been coupled with a + condition that the friendship between France and the Netherlands should be + at once broken off, and the rebellious heretics left to their fate. And + this condition had been placed before him with such arrogance that he had + rejected the whole scheme. Henry was not the man to do anything + dishonourable at the dictation of another sovereign. He was also not the + man to be ignorant that the friendship of the Provinces was necessary to + him, that cordial friendship between France and Spain was impossible, and + that to allow Spain to reoccupy that splendid possession between his own + realms and Germany, from which she had been driven by the Hollanders in + close alliance with himself, would be unworthy of the veriest schoolboy in + politics. But Henry was dead, and a Medici reigned in his place, whose + whole thought was to make herself agreeable to Spain. + </p> + <p> + Aerssens, adroit, prying, experienced, unscrupulous, knew very well that + these double Spanish marriages were resolved upon, and that the inevitable + condition refused by the King would be imposed upon his widow. He so + informed the States-General, and it was known to the French government + that he had informed them. His position soon became almost untenable, not + because he had given this information, but because the information and the + inference made from it were correct. + </p> + <p> + It will be observed that the policy of the Advocate was to preserve + friendly relations between France and England, and between both and the + United Provinces. It was for this reason that he submitted to the + exhortations and denunciations of the English ambassadors. It was for this + that he kept steadily in view the necessity of dealing with and supporting + corporate France, the French government, when there were many reasons for + feeling sympathy with the internal rebellion against that government. + Maurice felt differently. He was connected by blood or alliance with more + than one of the princes now perpetually in revolt. Bouillon was his + brother-in-law, the sister of Conde was his brother's wife. Another + cousin, the Elector-Palatine, was already encouraging distant and + extravagant hopes of the Imperial crown. It was not unnatural that he + should feel promptings of ambition and sympathy difficult to avow even to + himself, and that he should feel resentment against the man by whom this + secret policy was traversed in the well-considered interest of the + Republican government. + </p> + <p> + Aerssens, who, with the keen instinct of self-advancement was already + attaching himself to Maurice as to the wheels of the chariot going + steadily up the hill, was not indisposed to loosen his hold upon the man + through whose friendship he had first risen, and whose power was now + perhaps on the decline. Moreover, events had now caused him to hate the + French government with much fervour. With Henry IV. he had been + all-powerful. His position had been altogether exceptional, and he had + wielded an influence at Paris more than that exerted by any foreign + ambassador. The change naturally did not please him, although he well knew + the reasons. It was impossible for the Dutch ambassador to be popular at a + court where Spain ruled supreme. Had he been willing to eat humiliation as + with a spoon, it would not have sufficed. They knew him, they feared him, + and they could not doubt that his sympathies would ever be with the + malcontent princes. At the same time he did not like to lose his hold upon + the place, nor to have it known, as yet, to the world that his power was + diminished. + </p> + <p> + "The Queen commands me to tell you," said the French ambassador de Russy + to the States-General, "that the language of the Sieur Aerssens has not + only astonished her, but scandalized her to that degree that she could not + refrain from demanding if it came from My Lords the States or from + himself. He having, however, affirmed to her Majesty that he had express + charge to justify it by reasons so remote from the hope and the belief + that she had conceived of your gratitude to the Most Christian King and + herself, she is constrained to complain of it, and with great frankness." + </p> + <p> + Some months later than this Aerssens communicated to the States-General + the project of the Spanish marriage, "which," said he, "they have declared + to me with so many oaths to be false." He informed them that M. de Refuge + was to go on special mission to the Hague, "having been designated to that + duty before Aerssens' discovery of the marriage project." He was to + persuade their Mightinesses that the marriages were by no means concluded, + and that, even if they were, their Mightinesses were not interested + therein, their Majesties intending to remain by the old maxims and + alliances of the late king. Marriages, he would be instructed to say, were + mere personal conventions, which remained of no consideration when the + interests of the crown were touched. "Nevertheless, I know very well," + said Aerssens, "that in England these negotiations are otherwise + understood, and that the King has uttered great complaints about them, + saying that such a negotiation as this ought not to have been concealed + from him. He is pressing more than ever for reimbursement of the debt to + him, and especially for the moneys pretended to have been furnished to + your Mightinesses in his Majesty's name." + </p> + <p> + Thus it will be seen how closely the Spanish marriages were connected with + the immediate financial arrangements of France, England, and the States, + without reference to the wider political consequences anticipated. + </p> + <p> + "The princes and most gentlemen," here continued the Ambassador, "believe + that these reciprocal and double marriages will bring about great changes + in Christendom if they take the course which the authors of them intend, + however much they may affect to believe that no novelties are impending. + The marriages were proposed to the late king, and approved by him, during + the negotiations for the truce, and had Don Pedro do Toledo been able to + govern himself, as Jeannin has just been telling me, the United Provinces + would have drawn from it their assured security. What he means by that, I + certainly cannot conceive, for Don Pedro proposed the marriage of the + Dauphin (now Louis XIII.) with the Infanta on the condition that Henry + should renounce all friendship with your Mightinesses, and neither openly + nor secretly give you any assistance. You were to be entirely abandoned, + as an example for all who throw off the authority of their lawful prince. + But his Majesty answered very generously that he would take no conditions; + that he considered your Mightinesses as his best friends, whom he could + not and would not forsake. Upon this Don Pedro broke off the negotiation. + What should now induce the King of Spain to resume the marriage + negotiations but to give up the conditions, I am sure I don't know, + unless, through the truce, his designs and his ambition have grown + flaccid. This I don't dare to hope, but fear, on the contrary, that he + will so manage the irresolution, weakness, and faintheartedness of this + kingdom as through the aid of his pensioned friends here to arrive at all + his former aims." + </p> + <p> + Certainly the Ambassador painted the condition of France in striking and + veracious colours, and he was quite right in sending the information which + he was first to discover, and which it was so important for the States to + know. It was none the less certain in Barneveld's mind that the best, not + the worst, must be made of the state of affairs, and that France should + not be assisted in throwing herself irrecoverably into the arms of Spain. + </p> + <p> + "Refuge will tell you," said Aerssens, a little later, "that these + marriages will not interfere with the friendship of France for you nor + with her subsidies, and that no advantage will be given to Spain in the + treaty to your detriment or that of her other allies. But whatever fine + declarations they may make, it is sure to be detrimental. And all the + princes, gentlemen, and officers here have the same conviction. Those of + the Reformed religion believe that the transaction is directed solely + against the religion which your Mightinesses profess, and that the next + step will be to effect a total separation between the two religions and + the two countries." + </p> + <p> + Refuge arrived soon afterwards, and made the communication to the + States-General of the approaching nuptials between the King of France and + the Infanta of Spain; and of the Prince of Spain with Madame, eldest + daughter of France, exactly as Aerssens had predicted four months before. + There was a great flourish of compliments, much friendly phrase-making, + and their Mightinesses were informed that the communication of the + marriages was made to them before any other power had been notified, in + proof of the extraordinary affection entertained for them by France. "You + are so much interested in the happiness of France," said Refuge, "that + this treaty by which it is secured will be for your happiness also. He did + not indicate, however, the precise nature of the bliss beyond the + indulgence of a sentimental sympathy, not very refreshing in the + circumstances, which was to result to the Confederacy from this close + alliance between their firmest friend and their ancient and deadly enemy. + He would have found it difficult to do so. + </p> + <p> + "Don Rodrigo de Calderon, secretary of state, is daily expected from + Spain," wrote, Aerssens once more. "He brings probably the articles of the + marriages, which have hitherto been kept secret, so they say. 'Tis a + shrewd negotiator; and in this alliance the King's chief design is to + injure your Mightinesses, as M. de Villeroy now confesses, although he + says that this will not be consented to on this side. It behoves your + Mightinesses to use all your ears and eyes. It is certain these are much + more than private conventions. Yes, there is nothing private about them, + save the conjunction of the persons whom they concern. In short, all the + conditions regard directly the state, and directly likewise, or by + necessary consequence, the state of your Mightinesses' Provinces. I + reserve explanations until it shall please your Mightinesses to hear me by + word of mouth." + </p> + <p> + For it was now taken into consideration by the States' government whether + Aerssens was to remain at his post or to return. Whether it was his wish + to be relieved of his embassy or not was a question. But there was no + question that the States at this juncture, and in spite of the dangers + impending from the Spanish marriages, must have an ambassador ready to do + his best to keep France from prematurely sliding into positive hostility + to them. Aerssens was enigmatical in his language, and Barneveld was + somewhat puzzled. + </p> + <p> + "I have according to your reiterated requests," wrote the Advocate to the + Ambassador, "sounded the assembly of My Lords the States as to your + recall; but I find among some gentlemen the opinion that if earnestly + pressed to continue you would be willing to listen to the proposal. This I + cannot make out from your letters. Please to advise me frankly as to your + wishes, and assure yourself in everything of my friendship." + </p> + <p> + Nothing could be more straightforward than this language, but the Envoy + was less frank than Barneveld, as will subsequently appear. The subject + was a most important one, not only in its relation to the great affairs of + state, but to momentous events touching the fate of illustrious + personages. + </p> + <p> + Meantime a resolution was passed by the States of Holland "in regard to + the question whether Ambassador Aerssens should retain his office, yes or + no?" And it was decided by a majority of votes "to leave it to his candid + opinion if in his free conscience he thinks he can serve the public cause + there any longer. If yes, he may keep his office one year more. If no, he + may take leave and come home. In no case is his salary to be increased." + </p> + <p> + Surely the States, under the guidance of the Advocate, had thus acted with + consummate courtesy towards a diplomatist whose position from no apparent + fault of his own but by the force of circumstances—and rather to his + credit than otherwise—was gravely compromised. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Advanced orthodox party-Puritans + Atheist, a tyrant, because he resisted dictation from the clergy + Give him advice if he asked it, and money when he required + He was not imperial of aspect on canvas or coin + He who would have all may easily lose all + King's definite and final intentions, varied from day to day + Neither kings nor governments are apt to value logic + Outdoing himself in dogmatism and inconsistency + Small matter which human folly had dilated into a great one + The defence of the civil authority against the priesthood +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI. 1609-14 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Establishment of the Condominium in the Duchies—Dissensions between + the Neuburgers and Brandenburgers—Occupation of Julich by the + Brandenburgers assisted by the States-General—Indignation in Spain + and at the Court of the Archdukes—Subsidy despatched to Brussels + Spinola descends upon Aix-la-Chapelle and takes possession of Orsoy + and other places—Surrender of Wesel—Conference at Xanten—Treaty + permanently dividing the Territory between Brandenburg and Neuburg— + Prohibition from Spain—Delays and Disagreements. +</pre> + <p> + Thus the 'Condominium' had been peaceably established. + </p> + <p> + Three or four years passed away in the course of which the evils of a + joint and undivided sovereignty of two rival houses over the same + territory could not fail to manifest themselves. Brandenburg, Calvinist in + religion, and for other reasons more intimately connected with and more + favoured by the States' government than his rival, gained ground in the + duchies. The Palatine of Neuburg, originally of Lutheran faith like his + father, soon manifested Catholic tendencies, which excited suspicion in + the Netherlands. These suspicions grew into certainties at the moment when + he espoused the sister of Maximilian of Bavaria and of the Elector of + Cologne. That this close connection with the very heads of the Catholic + League could bode no good to the cause of which the States-General were + the great promoters was self-evident. Very soon afterwards the Palatine, a + man of mature age and of considerable talents, openly announced his + conversion to the ancient church. Obviously the sympathies of the States + could not thenceforth fail to be on the side of Brandenburg. The Elector's + brother died and was succeeded in the governorship of the Condeminium by + the Elector's brother, a youth of eighteen. He took up his abode in Cleve, + leaving Dusseldorf to be the sole residence of his co-stadholder. + </p> + <p> + Rivalry growing warmer, on account of this difference of religion, between + the respective partisans of Neuburg and Brandenburg, an attempt was made + in Dusseldorf by a sudden entirely unsuspected rising of the + Brandenburgers to drive their antagonist colleagues and their portion of + the garrison out of the city. It failed, but excited great anger. A more + successful effort was soon afterwards made in Julich; the Neuburgers were + driven out, and the Brandenburgers remained in sole possession of the town + and citadel, far the most important stronghold in the whole territory. + This was partly avenged by the Neuburgers, who gained absolute control of + Dusseldorf. Here were however no important fortifications, the place being + merely an agreeable palatial residence and a thriving mart. The + States-General, not concealing their predilection for Brandenburg, but + under pretext of guarding the peace which they had done so much to + establish, placed a garrison of 1400 infantry and a troop or two of horse + in the citadel of Julich. + </p> + <p> + Dire was the anger not unjustly excited in Spain when the news of this + violation of neutrality reached that government. Julich, placed midway + between Liege and Cologne, and commanding those fertile plains which make + up the opulent duchy, seemed virtually converted into a province of the + detested heretical republic. The German gate of the Spanish Netherlands + was literally in the hands of its most formidable foe. + </p> + <p> + The Spaniards about the court of the Archduke did not dissemble their + rage. The seizure of Julich was a stain upon his reputation, they cried. + Was it not enough, they asked, for the United Provinces to have made a + truce to the manifest detriment and discredit of Spain, and to have + treated her during all the negotiation with such insolence? Were they now + to be permitted to invade neutral territory, to violate public faith, to + act under no responsibility save to their own will? What was left for them + to do except to set up a tribunal in Holland for giving laws to the whole + of Northern Europe? Arrogating to themselves absolute power over the + controverted states of Cleve, Julich, and the dependencies, they now + pretended to dispose of them at their pleasure in order at the end + insolently to take possession of them for themselves. + </p> + <p> + These were the egregious fruits of the truce, they said tauntingly to the + discomfited Archduke. It had caused a loss of reputation, the very soul of + empires, to the crown of Spain. And now, to conclude her abasement, the + troops in Flanders had been shaven down with such parsimony as to make the + monarch seem a shopkeeper, not a king. One would suppose the obedient + Netherlands to be in the heart of Spain rather than outlying provinces + surrounded by their deadliest enemies. The heretics had gained possession + of the government at Aix-la-Chapelle; they had converted the insignificant + town of Mulheim into a thriving and fortified town in defiance of Cologne + and to its manifest detriment, and in various other ways they had insulted + the Catholics throughout those regions. And who could wonder at such + insolence, seeing that the army in Flanders, formerly the terror of + heretics, had become since the truce so weak as to be the laughing-stock + of the United Provinces? If it was expensive to maintain these armies in + the obedient Netherlands, let there be economy elsewhere, they urged. + </p> + <p> + From India came gold and jewels. From other kingdoms came ostentation and + a long series of vain titles for the crown of Spain. Flanders was its + place of arms, its nursery of soldiers, its bulwark in Europe, and so it + should be preserved. + </p> + <p> + There was ground for these complaints. The army at the disposition of the + Archduke had been reduced to 8000 infantry and a handful of cavalry. The + peace establishment of the Republic amounted to 20,000 foot, 3000 horse, + besides the French and English regiments. + </p> + <p> + So soon as the news of the occupation of Julich was officially + communicated to the Spanish cabinet, a subsidy of 400,000 crowns was at + once despatched to Brussels. Levies of Walloons and Germans were made + without delay by order of Archduke Albert and under guidance of Spinola, + so that by midsummer the army was swollen to 18,000 foot and 3000 horse. + With these the great Genoese captain took the field in the middle of + August. On the 22nd of that month the army was encamped on some plains + mid-way between Maestricht and Aachen. There was profound mystery both at + Brussels and at the Hague as to the objective point of these military + movements. Anticipating an attack upon Julich, the States had meantime + strengthened the garrison of that important place with 3000 infantry and a + regiment of horse. It seemed scarcely probable therefore that Spinola + would venture a foolhardy blow at a citadel so well fortified and + defended. Moreover, there was not only no declaration of war, but strict + orders had been given by each of the apparent belligerents to their + military commanders to abstain from all offensive movements against the + adversary. And now began one of the strangest series of warlike + evolution's that were ever recorded. Maurice at the head of an army of + 14,000 foot and 3000 horse manoeuvred in the neighbourhood of his great + antagonist and professional rival without exchanging a blow. It was a + phantom campaign, the prophetic rehearsal of dreadful marches and tragic + histories yet to be, and which were to be enacted on that very stage and + on still wider ones during a whole generation of mankind. That cynical + commerce in human lives which was to become one of the chief branches of + human industry in the century had already begun. + </p> + <p> + Spinola, after hovering for a few days in the neighbourhood, descended + upon the Imperial city of Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle). This had been one of + the earliest towns in Germany to embrace the Reformed religion, and up to + the close of the sixteenth century the control of the magistracy had been + in the hands of the votaries of that creed. Subsequently the Catholics had + contrived to acquire and keep the municipal ascendency, secretly supported + by Archduke Albert, and much oppressing the Protestants with + imprisonments, fines, and banishment, until a new revolution which had + occurred in the year 1610, and which aroused the wrath of Spinola. + Certainly, according to the ideas of that day, it did not seem unnatural + in a city where a very large majority of the population were Protestants + that Protestants should have a majority in the town council. It seemed, + however, to those who surrounded the Archduke an outrage which could no + longer be tolerated, especially as a garrison of 600 Germans, supposed to + have formed part of the States' army, had recently been introduced into + the town. Aachen, lying mostly on an extended plain, had but very slight + fortifications, and it was commanded by a neighbouring range of hills. It + had no garrison but the 600 Germans. Spinola placed a battery or two on + the hills, and within three days the town surrendered. The inhabitants + expected a scene of carnage and pillage, but not a life was lost. No + injury whatever was inflicted on person or property, according to the + strict injunctions of the Archduke. The 600 Germans were driven out, and + 1200 other Germans then serving under Catholic banners were put in their + places to protect the Catholic minority, to whose keeping the municipal + government was now confided. + </p> + <p> + Spinola, then entering the territory of Cleve, took session of Orsoy, an + important place on the Rhine, besides Duren, Duisburg, Kaster, + Greevenbroek and Berchem. Leaving garrisons in these places, he razed the + fortifications of Mulheim, much to the joy of the Archbishop and his + faithful subjects of Cologne, then crossed the Rhine at Rheinberg, and + swooped down upon Wesel. This flourishing and prosperous city had formerly + belonged to the Duchy of Cleve. Placed at the junction of the Rhine and + Lippe and commanding both rivers, it had become both powerful and + Protestant, and had set itself up as a free Imperial city, recognising its + dukes no longer as sovereigns, but only as protectors. So fervent was it + in the practice of the Reformed religion that it was called the Rhenish + Geneva, the cradle of German Calvinism. So important was its preservation + considered to the cause of Protestantism that the States-General had urged + its authorities to accept from them a garrison. They refused. Had they + complied, the city would have been saved, because it was the rule in this + extraordinary campaign that the belligerents made war not upon each other, + nor in each others territory, but against neutrals and upon neutral soil. + The Catholic forces under Spinola or his lieutenants, meeting occasionally + and accidentally with the Protestants under Maurice or his generals, + exchanged no cannon shots or buffets, but only acts of courtesy; falling + away each before the other, and each ceding to the other with extreme + politeness the possession of towns which one had preceded the other in + besieging. + </p> + <p> + The citizens of Wesel were amazed at being attacked, considering + themselves as Imperial burghers. They regretted too late that they had + refused a garrison from Maurice, which would have prevented Spinola from + assailing them. They had now nothing for it but to surrender, which they + did within three days. The principal condition of the capitulation was + that when Julich should be given up by the States Wesel should be restored + to its former position. Spinola then took and garrisoned the city of + Xanten, but went no further. Having weakened his army sufficiently by the + garrisons taken from it for the cities captured by him, he declined to + make any demonstration upon the neighbouring and important towns of + Emmerich and Rees. The Catholic commander falling back, the Protestant + moved forward. Maurice seized both Emmerich and Rees, and placed garrisons + within them, besides occupying Goch, Kranenburg, Gennip, and various + places in the County of Mark. This closed the amicable campaign. + </p> + <p> + Spinola established himself and his forces near Wesel. The Prince encamped + near Rees. The two armies were within two hours' march of each other. The + Duke of Neuburg—for the Palatine had now succeeded on his father's + death to the ancestral dukedom and to his share of the Condominium of the + debateable provinces—now joined Spinola with an army of 4000 foot + and 400 horse. The young Prince of Brandenburg came to Maurice with 800 + cavalry and an infantry regiment of the Elector-Palatine. + </p> + <p> + Negotiations destined to be as spectral and fleeting as the campaign had + been illusory now began. The whole Protestant world was aflame with + indignation at the loss of Wesel. The States' government had already + proposed to deposit Julich in the hands of a neutral power if the Archduke + would abstain from military movements. But Albert, proud of his + achievements in Aachen, refused to pause in his career. Let them make the + deposit first, he said. + </p> + <p> + Both belligerents, being now satiated with such military glory as could + flow from the capture of defenceless cities belonging to neutrals, agreed + to hold conferences at Xanten. To this town, in the Duchy of Cleve, and + midway between the rival camps, came Sir Henry Wotton and Sir Dudley + Carleton, ambassadors of Great Britain; de Refuge and de Russy, the + special and the resident ambassador of France at the Hague; Chancellor + Peter Pecquius and Counsellor Visser, to represent the Archdukes; seven + deputies from the United Provinces, three from the Elector of Cologne, + three from Brandenburg, three from Neuburg, and two from the + Elector-Palatine, as representative of the Protestant League. + </p> + <p> + In the earlier conferences the envoys of the Archduke and of the Elector + of Cologne were left out, but they were informed daily of each step in the + negotiation. The most important point at starting was thought to be to get + rid of the 'Condominium.' There could be no harmony nor peace in joint + possession. The whole territory should be cut provisionally in halves, and + each possessory prince rule exclusively within the portion assigned to + him. There might also be an exchange of domain between the two every six + months. As for Wesel and Julich, they could remain respectively in the + hands then holding them, or the fortifications of Julich might be + dismantled and Wesel restored to the status quo. The latter alternative + would have best suited the States, who were growing daily more irritated + at seeing Wesel, that Protestant stronghold, with an exclusively + Calvinistic population, in the hands of Catholics. + </p> + <p> + The Spanish ambassador at Brussels remonstrated, however, at the thought + of restoring his precious conquest, obtained without loss of time, money, + or blood, into the hands of heretics, at least before consultation with + the government at Madrid and without full consent of the King. + </p> + <p> + "How important to your Majesty's affairs in Flanders," wrote Guadaleste to + Philip, "is the acquisition of Wesel may be seen by the manifest grief of + your enemies. They see with immense displeasure your royal ensigns planted + on the most important place on the Rhine, and one which would become the + chief military station for all the armies of Flanders to assemble in at + any moment. + </p> + <p> + "As no acquisition could therefore be greater, so your Majesty should + never be deprived of it without thorough consideration of the case. The + Archduke fears, and so do his ministers, that if we refuse to restore + Wesel, the United Provinces would break the truce. For my part I believe, + and there are many who agree with me, that they would on the contrary be + more inclined to stand by the truce, hoping to obtain by negotiation that + which it must be obvious to them they cannot hope to capture by force. But + let Wesel be at once restored. Let that be done which is so much desired + by the United Provinces and other great enemies and rivals of your + Majesty, and what security will there be that the same Provinces will not + again attempt the same invasion? Is not the example of Julich fresh? And + how much more important is Wesel! Julich was after all not situate on + their frontiers, while Wesel lies at their principal gates. Your Majesty + now sees the good and upright intentions of those Provinces and their + friends. They have made a settlement between Brandenburg and Neuburg, not + in order to breed concord but confusion between those two, not + tranquillity for the country, but greater turbulence than ever before. Nor + have they done this with any other thought than that the United Provinces + might find new opportunities to derive the same profit from fresh tumults + as they have already done so shamelessly from those which are past. After + all I don't say that Wesel should never be restored, if circumstances + require it, and if your Majesty, approving the Treaty of Xanten, should + sanction the measure. But such a result should be reached only after full + consultation with your Majesty, to whose glorious military exploits these + splendid results are chiefly owing." + </p> + <p> + The treaty finally decided upon rejected the principle of alternate + possession, and established a permanent division of the territory in + dispute between Brandenburg and Neuburg. + </p> + <p> + The two portions were to be made as equal as possible, and lots were to be + thrown or drawn by the two princes for the first choice. To the one side + were assigned the Duchy of Cleve, the County of Mark, and the Seigniories + of Ravensberg and Ravenstein, with some other baronies and feuds in + Brabant and Flanders; to the other the Duchies of Julich and Berg with + their dependencies. Each prince was to reside exclusively within the + territory assigned to him by lot. The troops introduced by either party + were to be withdrawn, fortifications made since the preceding month of May + to be razed, and all persons who had been expelled, or who had emigrated, + to be restored to their offices, property, or benefices. It was also + stipulated that no place within the whole debateable territory should be + put in the hands of a third power. + </p> + <p> + These articles were signed by the ambassadors of France and England, by + the deputies of the Elector-Palatine and of the United Provinces, all + binding their superiors to the execution of the treaty. The arrangement + was supposed to refer to the previous conventions between those two + crowns, with the Republic, and the Protestant princes and powers. Count + Zollern, whom we have seen bearing himself so arrogantly as envoy from the + Emperor Rudolph to Henry IV., was now despatched by Matthias on as + fruitless a mission to the congress at Xanten, and did his best to prevent + the signature of the treaty, except with full concurrence of the Imperial + government. He likewise renewed the frivolous proposition that the Emperor + should hold all the provinces in sequestration until the question of + rightful sovereignty should be decided. The "proud and haggard" ambassador + was not more successful in this than in the diplomatic task previously + entrusted to him, and he then went to Brussels, there to renew his + remonstrances, menaces, and intrigues. + </p> + <p> + For the treaty thus elaborately constructed, and in appearance a + triumphant settlement of questions so complicated and so burning as to + threaten to set Christendom at any moment in a blaze, was destined to an + impotent and most unsatisfactory conclusion. + </p> + <p> + The signatures were more easily obtained than the ratifications. Execution + was surrounded with insurmountable difficulties which in negotiation had + been lightly skipped over at the stroke of a pen. At the very first step, + that of military evacuation, there was a stumble. Maurice and Spinola were + expected to withdraw their forces, and to undertake to bring in no troops + in the future, and to make no invasion of the disputed territory. + </p> + <p> + But Spinola construed this undertaking as absolute; the Prince as only + binding in consequence of, with reference to, and for the duration of; the + Treaty of Xanten. The ambassadors and other commissioners, disgusted with + the long controversy which ensued, were making up their minds to depart + when a courier arrived from Spain, bringing not a ratification but strict + prohibition of the treaty. The articles were not to be executed, no change + whatever was to be made, and, above all, Wesel was not to be restored + without fresh negotiations with Philip, followed by his explicit + concurrence. + </p> + <p> + Thus the whole great negotiation began to dissolve into a shadowy, + unsatisfactory pageant. The solid barriers which were to imprison the vast + threatening elements of religious animosity and dynastic hatreds, and to + secure a peaceful future for Christendom, melted into films of gossamer, + and the great war of demons, no longer to be quelled by the commonplaces + of diplomatic exorcism, revealed its close approach. The prospects of + Europe grew blacker than ever. + </p> + <p> + The ambassadors, thoroughly disheartened and disgusted, all took their + departure from Xanten, and the treaty remained rather a by-word than a + solution or even a suggestion. + </p> + <p> + "The accord could not be prevented," wrote Archduke Albert to Philip, + "because it depended alone on the will of the signers. Nor can the promise + to restore Wesel be violated, should Julich be restored. Who can doubt + that such contravention would arouse great jealousies in France, England, + the United Provinces, and all the members of the heretic League of + Germany? Who can dispute that those interested ought to procure the + execution of the treaty? Suspicions will not remain suspicions, but they + light up the flames of public evil and disturbance. Either your Majesty + wishes to maintain the truce, in which case Wesel must be restored, or to + break the truce, a result which is certain if Wesel be retained. But the + reasons which induced your Majesty to lay down your arms remain the same + as ever. Our affairs are not looking better, nor is the requisition of + Wesel of so great importance as to justify our involving Flanders in a new + and more atrocious war than that which has so lately been suspended. The + restitution is due to the tribunal of public faith. It is a great + advantage when actions done for the sole end of justice are united to that + of utility. Consider the great successes we have had. How well the affairs + of Aachen and Mulbeim have been arranged; those of the Duke of Neuburg how + completely re-established. The Catholic cause, always identical with that + of the House of Austria, remains in great superiority to the cause of the + heretics. We should use these advantages well, and to do so we should not + immaturely pursue greater ones. Fortune changes, flies when we most depend + on her, and delights in making her chief sport of the highest quality of + mortals." + </p> + <p> + Thus wrote the Archduke sensibly, honourably from his point of view, and + with an intelligent regard to the interests of Spain and the Catholic + cause. After months of delay came conditional consent from Madrid to the + conventions, but with express condition that there should be absolute + undertaking on the part of the United Provinces never to send or maintain + troops in the duchies. Tedious and futile correspondence followed between + Brussels, the Hague, London, Paris. But the difficulties grew every + moment. It was a Penelope's web of negotiation, said one of the envoys. + Amid pertinacious and wire-drawn subtleties, every trace of practical + business vanished. Neuburg departed to look after his patrimonial estates; + leaving his interests in the duchies to be watched over by the Archduke. + Even Count Zollern, after six months of wrangling in Brussels, took his + departure. Prince Maurice distributed his army in various places within + the debateable land, and Spinola did the same, leaving a garrison of 3000 + foot and 300 horse in the important city of Wesel. The town and citadel of + Julich were as firmly held by Maurice for the Protestant cause. Thus the + duchies were jointly occupied by the forces of Catholicism and + Protestantism, while nominally possessed and administered by the princes + of Brandenburg and Neuburg. And so they were destined to remain until that + Thirty Years' War, now so near its outbreak, should sweep over the earth, + and bring its fiery solution at last to all these great debates. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Proud Position of the Republic—France obeys her—Hatred of Carleton + —Position and Character of Aerssens—Claim for the "Third"—Recall + of Aerssens—Rivalry between Maurice and Barneveld, who always + sustains the separate Sovereignties of the Provinces—Conflict + between Church and State added to other Elements of Discord in the + Commonwealth—Religion a necessary Element in the Life of all + Classes. +</pre> + <p> + Thus the Republic had placed itself in as proud a position as it was + possible for commonwealth or kingdom to occupy. It had dictated the policy + and directed the combined military movements of Protestantism. It had + gathered into a solid mass the various elements out of which the great + Germanic mutiny against Rome, Spain, and Austria had been compounded. A + breathing space of uncertain duration had come to interrupt and postpone + the general and inevitable conflict. Meantime the Republic was encamped + upon the enemy's soil. + </p> + <p> + France, which had hitherto commanded, now obeyed. England, vacillating and + discontented, now threatening and now cajoling, saw for the time at least + its influence over the councils of the Netherlands neutralized by the + genius of the great statesman who still governed the Provinces, supreme in + all but name. The hatred of the British government towards the Republic, + while in reality more malignant than at any previous period, could now + only find vent in tremendous, theological pamphlets, composed by the King + in the form of diplomatic instructions, and hurled almost weekly at the + heads of the States-General, by his ambassador, Dudley Carleton. + </p> + <p> + Few men hated Barneveld more bitterly than did Carleton. I wish to + describe as rapidly, but as faithfully, as I can the outline at least of + the events by which one of the saddest and most superfluous catastrophes + in modern history was brought about. The web was a complex one, wrought + apparently of many materials; but the more completely it is unravelled the + more clearly we shall detect the presence of the few simple but elemental + fibres which make up the tissue of most human destinies, whether + illustrious or obscure, and out of which the most moving pictures of human + history are composed. + </p> + <p> + The religious element, which seems at first view to be the all pervading + and controlling one, is in reality rather the atmosphere which surrounds + and colours than the essence which constitutes the tragedy to be + delineated. + </p> + <p> + Personal, sometimes even paltry, jealousy; love of power, of money, of + place; rivalry between civil and military ambition for predominance in a + free state; struggles between Church and State to control and oppress each + other; conflict between the cautious and healthy, but provincial and + centrifugal, spirit on the one side, and the ardent centralizing, + imperial, but dangerous, instinct on the other, for ascendancy in a + federation; mortal combat between aristocracy disguised in the plebeian + form of trading and political corporations and democracy sheltering itself + under a famous sword and an ancient and illustrious name;—all these + principles and passions will be found hotly at work in the melancholy five + years with which we are now to be occupied, as they have entered, and will + always enter, into every political combination in the great tragi-comedy + which we call human history. As a study, a lesson, and a warning, perhaps + the fate of Barneveld is as deserving of serious attention as most + political tragedies of the last few centuries. + </p> + <p> + Francis Aerssens, as we have seen, continued to be the Dutch ambassador + after the murder of Henry IV. Many of the preceding pages of this volume + have been occupied with his opinions, his pictures, his conversations, and + his political intrigues during a memorable epoch in the history of the + Netherlands and of France. He was beyond all doubt one of the ablest + diplomatists in Europe. Versed in many languages, a classical student, + familiar with history and international law, a man of the world and + familiar with its usages, accustomed to associate with dignity and tact on + friendliest terms with sovereigns, eminent statesmen, and men of letters; + endowed with a facile tongue, a fluent pen, and an eye and ear of singular + acuteness and delicacy; distinguished for unflagging industry and singular + aptitude for secret and intricate affairs;—he had by the exercise of + these various qualities during a period of nearly twenty years at the + court of Henry the Great been able to render inestimable services to the + Republic which he represented. Of respectable but not distinguished + lineage, not a Hollander, but a Belgian by birth, son of Cornelis + Aerssens, Grefter of the States-General, long employed in that important + post, he had been brought forward from a youth by Barneveld and early + placed by him in the diplomatic career, of which through his favour and + his own eminent talents he had now achieved the highest honours. + </p> + <p> + He had enjoyed the intimacy and even the confidence of Henry IV., so far + as any man could be said to possess that monarch's confidence, and his + friendly relations and familiar access to the King gave him political + advantages superior to those of any of his colleagues at the same court. + </p> + <p> + Acting entirely and faithfully according to the instructions of the + Advocate of Holland, he always gratefully and copiously acknowledged the + privilege of being guided and sustained in the difficult paths he had to + traverse by so powerful and active an intellect. I have seldom alluded in + terms to the instructions and despatches of the chief, but every position, + negotiation, and opinion of the envoy—and the reader has seen many + of them—is pervaded by their spirit. Certainly the correspondence of + Aerssens is full to overflowing of gratitude, respect, fervent attachment + to the person and exalted appreciation of the intellect and high character + of the Advocate. + </p> + <p> + There can be no question of Aerssen's consummate abilities. Whether his + heart were as sound as his head, whether his protestations of devotion had + the ring of true gold or not, time would show. Hitherto Barneveld had not + doubted him, nor had he found cause to murmur at Barneveld. + </p> + <p> + But the France of Henry IV., where the Dutch envoy was so all-powerful, + had ceased to exist. A duller eye than that of Aerssens could have seen at + a glance that the potent kingdom and firm ally of the Republic had been + converted, for a long time to come at least, into a Spanish province. The + double Spanish marriages (that of the young Louis XIII. with the Infanta + Anna, and of his sister with the Infante, one day to be Philip IV.), were + now certain, for it was to make them certain that the knife of Ravaillac + had been employed. The condition precedent to those marriages had long + been known. It was the renunciation of the alliance between France and + Holland. It was the condemnation to death, so far as France had the power + to condemn her to death, of the young Republic. Had not Don Pedro de + Toledo pompously announced this condition a year and a half before? Had + not Henry spurned the bribe with scorn? And now had not Francis Aerssens + been the first to communicate to his masters the fruit which had already + ripened upon Henry's grave? As we have seen, he had revealed these + intrigues long before they were known to the world, and the French court + knew that he had revealed them. His position had become untenable. His + friendship for Henry could not be of use to him with the + delicate-featured, double-chinned, smooth and sluggish Florentine, who had + passively authorized and actively profited by her husband's murder. + </p> + <p> + It was time for the Envoy to be gone. The Queen-Regent and Concini thought + so. And so did Villeroy and Sillery and the rest of the old servants of + the King, now become pensionaries of Spain. But Aerssens did not think so. + He liked his position, changed as it was. He was deep in the plottings of + Bouillon and Conde and the other malcontents against the Queen-Regent. + These schemes, being entirely personal, the rank growth of the corruption + and apparent disintegration of France, were perpetually changing, and + could be reduced to no principle. It was a mere struggle of the great + lords of France to wrest places, money, governments, military commands + from the Queen-Regent, and frantic attempts on her part to save as much as + possible of the general wreck for her lord and master Concini. + </p> + <p> + It was ridiculous to ascribe any intense desire on the part of the Duc de + Bouillon to aid the Protestant cause against Spain at that moment, acting + as he was in combination with Conde, whom we have just seen employed by + Spain as the chief instrument to effect the destruction of France and the + bastardy of the Queen's children. Nor did the sincere and devout + Protestants who had clung to the cause through good and bad report, men + like Duplessis-Mornay, for example, and those who usually acted with him, + believe in any of these schemes for partitioning France on pretence of + saving Protestantism. But Bouillon, greatest of all French fishermen in + troubled waters, was brother-in-law of Prince Maurice of Nassau, and + Aerssens instinctively felt that the time had come when he should anchor + himself to firm holding ground at home. + </p> + <p> + The Ambassador had also a personal grievance. Many of his most secret + despatches to the States-General in which he expressed himself very + freely, forcibly, and accurately on the general situation in France, + especially in regard to the Spanish marriages and the Treaty of Hampton + Court, had been transcribed at the Hague and copies of them sent to the + French government. No baser act of treachery to an envoy could be + imagined. It was not surprising that Aerssens complained bitterly of the + deed. He secretly suspected Barneveld, but with injustice, of having + played him this evil turn, and the incident first planted the seeds of the + deadly hatred which was to bear such fatal fruit. + </p> + <p> + "A notable treason has been played upon me," he wrote to Jacques de + Maldere, "which has outraged my heart. All the despatches which I have + been sending for several months to M. de Barneveld have been communicated + by copy in whole or in extracts to this court. Villeroy quoted from them + at our interview to-day, and I was left as it were without power of reply. + The despatches were long, solid, omitting no particularity for giving + means to form the best judgment of the designs and intrigues of this + court. No greater damage could be done to me and my usefulness. All those + from whom I have hitherto derived information, princes and great + personages, will shut themselves up from me . . . . What can be more + ticklish than to pass judgment on the tricks of those who are governing + this state? This single blow has knocked me down completely. For I was + moving about among all of them, making my profit of all, without any + reserve. M. de Barneveld knew by this means the condition of this kingdom + as well as I do. Certainly in a well-ordered republic it would cost the + life of a man who had thus trifled with the reputation of an ambassador. I + believe M. de Barneveld will be sorry, but this will never restore to me + the confidence which I have lost. If one was jealous of my position at + this court, certainly I deserved rather pity from those who should + contemplate it closely. If one wished to procure my downfall in order to + raise oneself above me, there was no need of these tricks. I have been + offering to resign my embassy this long time, which will now produce + nothing but thorns for me. How can I negotiate after my private despatches + have been read? L'Hoste, the clerk of Villeroy, was not so great a + criminal as the man who revealed my despatches; and L'Hoste was torn by + four horses after his death. Four months long I have been complaining of + this to M. de Barneveld. . . . Patience! I am groaning without being able + to hope for justice. I console myself, for my term of office will soon + arrive. Would that my embassy could have finished under the agreeable and + friendly circumstances with which it began. The man who may succeed me + will not find that this vile trick will help him much. . . . Pray find out + whence and from whom this intrigue has come." + </p> + <p> + Certainly an envoy's position could hardly be more utterly compromised. + Most unquestionably Aerssens had reason to be indignant, believing as he + did that his conscientious efforts in the service of his government had + been made use of by his chief to undermine his credit and blast his + character. There was an intrigue between the newly appointed French + minister, de Russy, at the Hague and the enemies of Aerssens to represent + him to his own government as mischievous, passionate, unreasonably + vehement in supporting the claims and dignity of his own country at the + court to which he was accredited. Not often in diplomatic history has an + ambassador of a free state been censured or removed for believing and + maintaining in controversy that his own government is in the right. It was + natural that the French government should be disturbed by the vivid light + which he had flashed upon their pernicious intrigues with Spain to the + detriment of the Republic, and at the pertinacity with which he resisted + their preposterous claim to be reimbursed for one-third of the money which + the late king had advanced as a free subsidy towards the war of the + Netherlands for independence. But no injustice could be more outrageous + than for the Envoy's own government to unite with the foreign State in + damaging the character of its own agent for the crime of fidelity to + itself. + </p> + <p> + Of such cruel perfidy Aerssens had been the victim, and he most wrongfully + suspected his chief as its real perpetrator. + </p> + <p> + The claim for what was called the "Third" had been invented after the + death of Henry. As already explained, the "Third" was not a gift from + England to the Netherlands. It was a loan from England to France, or more + properly a consent to abstain from pressing for payment for this + proportion of an old debt. James, who was always needy, had often desired, + but never obtained, the payment of this sum from Henry. Now that the King + was dead, he applied to the Regent's government, and the Regent's + government called upon the Netherlands, to pay the money. + </p> + <p> + Aerssens, as the agent of the Republic, protested firmly against such + claim. The money had been advanced by the King as a free gift, as his + contribution to a war in which he was deeply interested, although he was + nominally at peace with Spain. As to the private arrangements between + France and England, the Republic, said the Dutch envoy, was in no sense + bound by them. He was no party to the Treaty of Hampton Court, and knew + nothing of its stipulations. + </p> + <p> + Courtiers and politicians in plenty at the French court, now that Henry + was dead, were quite sure that they had heard him say over and over again + that the Netherlands had bound themselves to pay the Third. They persuaded + Mary de' Medici that she likewise had often heard him say so, and induced + her to take high ground on the subject in her interviews with Aerssens. + The luckless queen, who was always in want of money to satisfy the + insatiable greed of her favourites, and to buy off the enmity of the great + princes, was very vehement—although she knew as much of those + transactions as of the finances of Prester John or the Lama of Thibet—in + maintaining this claim of her government upon the States. + </p> + <p> + "After talking with the ministers," said Aerssens, "I had an interview + with the Queen. I knew that she had been taught her lesson, to insist on + the payment of the Third. So I did not speak at all of the matter, but + talked exclusively and at length of the French regiments in the States' + service. She was embarrassed, and did not know exactly what to say. At + last, without replying a single word to what I had been saying, she became + very red in the face, and asked me if I were not instructed to speak of + the money due to England. Whereupon I spoke in the sense already + indicated. She interrupted me by saying she had a perfect recollection + that the late king intended and understood that we were to pay the Third + to England, and had talked with her very seriously on the subject. If he + were living, he would think it very strange, she said, that we refused; + and so on. + </p> + <p> + "Soissons, too, pretends to remember perfectly that such were the King's + intentions. 'Tis a very strange thing, Sir. Every one knows now the + secrets of the late king, if you are willing to listen. Yet he was not in + the habit of taking all the world into his confidence. The Queen takes her + opinions as they give them to her. 'Tis a very good princess, but I am + sorry she is so ignorant of affairs. As she says she remembers, one is + obliged to say one believes her. But I, who knew the King so intimately, + and saw him so constantly, know that he could only have said that the + Third was paid in acquittal of his debts to and for account of the King of + England, and not that we were to make restitution thereof. The Chancellor + tells me my refusal has been taken as an affront by the Queen, and + Puysieux says it is a contempt which she can't swallow." + </p> + <p> + Aerssens on his part remained firm; his pertinacity being the greater as + he thoroughly understood the subject which he was talking about, an + advantage which was rarely shared in by those with whom he conversed. The + Queen, highly scandalized by his demeanour, became from that time forth + his bitter enemy, and, as already stated, was resolved to be rid of him. + </p> + <p> + Nor was the Envoy at first desirous of remaining. He had felt after + Henry's death and Sully's disgrace, and the complete transformation of the + France which he had known, that his power of usefulness was gone. "Our + enemies," he said, "have got the advantage which I used to have in times + past, and I recognize a great coldness towards us, which is increasing + every day." Nevertheless, he yielded reluctantly to Barneveld's request + that he should for the time at least remain at his post. Later on, as the + intrigues against him began to unfold themselves, and his faithful + services were made use of at home to blacken his character and procure his + removal, he refused to resign, as to do so would be to play into the hands + of his enemies, and by inference at least to accuse himself of infidelity + to his trust. + </p> + <p> + But his concealed rage and his rancor grew more deadly every day. He was + fully aware of the plots against him, although he found it difficult to + trace them to their source. + </p> + <p> + "I doubt not," he wrote to Jacques de Maldere, the distinguished + diplomatist and senator, who had recently returned from his embassy to + England, "that this beautiful proposition of de Russy has been sent to + your Province of Zealand. Does it not seem to you a plot well woven as + well in Holland as at this court to remove me from my post with + disreputation? What have I done that should cause the Queen to disapprove + my proceedings? Since the death of the late king I have always opposed the + Third, which they have been trying to fix upon the treasury, on the ground + that Henry never spoke to me of restitution, that the receipts given were + simple ones, and that the money given was spent for the common benefit of + France and the States under direction of the King's government. But I am + expected here to obey M. de Villeroy, who says that it was the intention + of the late king to oblige us to make the payment. I am not accustomed to + obey authority if it be not supported by reason. It is for my masters to + reply and to defend me. The Queen has no reason to complain. I have + maintained the interests of my superiors. But this is not the cause of the + complaints. My misfortune is that all my despatches have been sent from + Holland in copy to this court. Most of them contained free pictures of the + condition and dealings of those who govern here. M. de Villeroy has found + himself depicted often, and now under pretext of a public negotiation he + has found an opportunity of revenging himself. . . . Besides this cause + which Villeroy has found for combing my head, Russy has given notice here + that I have kept my masters in the hopes of being honourably exempted from + the claims of this government. The long letter which I wrote to M. de + Barneveld justifies my proceedings." + </p> + <p> + It is no wonder that the Ambassador was galled to the quick by the outrage + which those concerned in the government were seeking to put upon him. How + could an honest man fail to be overwhelmed with rage and anguish at being + dishonoured before the world by his masters for scrupulously doing his + duty, and for maintaining the rights and dignity of his own country? He + knew that the charges were but pretexts, that the motives of his enemies + were as base as the intrigues themselves, but he also knew that the world + usually sides with the government against the individual, and that a man's + reputation is rarely strong enough to maintain itself unsullied in a + foreign land when his own government stretches forth its hand not to, + shield, but to stab him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + [See the similarity of Aerssens position to that of Motley 250 years + later, in the biographical sketch of Motley by Oliver Wendell + Holmes. D.W.] +</pre> + <p> + "I know," he said, "that this plot has been woven partly in Holland and + partly here by good correspondence, in order to drive me from my post with + disreputation. To this has tended the communication of my despatches to + make me lose my best friends. This too was the object of the particular + imparting to de Russy of all my propositions, in order to draw a complaint + against me from this court. + </p> + <p> + "But as I have discovered this accurately, I have resolved to offer to my + masters the continuance of my very humble service for such time and under + such conditions as they may think good to prescribe. I prefer forcing my + natural and private inclinations to giving an opportunity for the + ministers of this kingdom to discredit us, and to my enemies to succeed in + injuring me, and by fraud and malice to force me from my post . . . I am + truly sorry, being ready to retire, wishing to have an honourable + testimony in recompense of my labours, that one is in such hurry to take + advantage of my fall. I cannot believe that my masters wish to suffer + this. They are too prudent, and cannot be ignorant of the treachery which + has been practised on me. I have maintained their cause. If they have + chosen to throw down the fruits of my industry, the blame should be + imputed to those who consider their own ambition more than the interests + of the public . . . . What envoy will ever dare to speak with vigour if he + is not sustained by the government at home? . . . . . . My enemies have + misrepresented my actions, and my language as passionate, exaggerated, + mischievous, but I have no passion except for the service of my superiors. + They say that I have a dark and distrustful disposition, but I have been + alarmed at the alliance now forming here with the King of Spain, through + the policy of M. de Villeroy. I was the first to discover this intrigue, + which they thought buried in the bosom of the Triumvirate. I gave notice + of it to My Lords the States as in duty bound. It all came back to the + government in the copies furnished of my secret despatches. This is the + real source of the complaints against me. The rest of the charges, + relating to the Third and other matters, are but pretexts. To parry the + blow, they pretend that all that is said and done with the Spaniard is but + feigning. Who is going to believe that? Has not the Pope intervened in the + affair? . . . I tell you they are furious here because I have my eyes + open. I see too far into their affairs to suit their purposes. A new man + would suit them better." + </p> + <p> + His position was hopelessly compromised. He remained in Paris, however, + month after month, and even year after year, defying his enemies both at + the Queen's court and in Holland, feeding fat the grudge he bore to + Barneveld as the supposed author of the intrigue against him, and drawing + closer the personal bands which united him to Bouillon and through him to + Prince Maurice. + </p> + <p> + The wrath of the Ambassador flamed forth without disguise against + Barneveld and all his adherents when his removal, as will be related on a + subsequent page, was at last effected. And his hatred was likely to be + deadly. A man with a shrewd, vivid face, cleanly cut features and a + restless eye; wearing a close-fitting skull cap, which gave him something + the lock of a monk, but with the thoroughbred and facile demeanour of one + familiar with the world; stealthy, smooth, and cruel, a man coldly + intellectual, who feared no one, loved but few, and never forgot or + forgave; Francis d'Aerssens, devoured by ambition and burning with + revenge, was a dangerous enemy. + </p> + <p> + Time was soon to show whether it was safe to injure him. Barneveld, from + well-considered motives of public policy, was favouring his honourable + recall. But he allowed a decorous interval of more than three years to + elapse in which to terminate his affairs, and to take a deliberate + departure from that French embassy to which the Advocate had originally + promoted him, and in which there had been so many years of mutual benefit + and confidence between the two statesmen. He used no underhand means. He + did not abuse the power of the States-General which he wielded to cast him + suddenly and brutally from the distinguished post which he occupied, and + so to attempt to dishonour him before the world. Nothing could be more + respectful and conciliatory than the attitude of the government from first + to last towards this distinguished functionary. The Republic respected + itself too much to deal with honourable agents whose services it felt + obliged to dispense with as with vulgar malefactors who had been detected + in crime. But Aerssens believed that it was the Advocate who had caused + copies of his despatches to be sent to the French court, and that he had + deliberately and for a fixed purpose been undermining his influence at + home and abroad and blackening his character. All his ancient feelings of + devotion, if they had ever genuinely existed towards his former friend and + patron, turned to gall. He was almost ready to deny that he had ever + respected Barneveld, appreciated his public services, admired his + intellect, or felt gratitude for his guidance. + </p> + <p> + A fierce controversy—to which at a later period it will be necessary + to call the reader's attention, because it is intimately connected with + dark scenes afterwards to be enacted—took place between the late + ambassador and Cornelis van der Myle. Meantime Barneveld pursued the + policy which he had marked out for the States-General in regard to France. + </p> + <p> + Certainly it was a difficult problem. There could be no doubt that + metamorphosed France could only be a dangerous ally for the Republic. It + was in reality impossible that she should be her ally at all. And this + Barneveld knew. Still it was better, so he thought, for the Netherlands + that France should exist than that it should fall into utter + decomposition. France, though under the influence of Spain, and doubly + allied by marriage contracts to Spain, was better than Spain itself in the + place of France. This seemed to be the only choice between two evils. + Should the whole weight of the States-General be thrown into the scale of + the malcontent and mutinous princes against the established but tottering + government of France, it was difficult to say how soon Spain might + literally, as well as inferentially, reign in Paris. + </p> + <p> + Between the rebellion and the legitimate government, therefore, Barneveld + did not hesitate. France, corporate France, with which the Republic had + bean so long in close and mutually advantageous alliance, and from whose + late monarch she had received such constant and valuable benefits, was in + the Advocate's opinion the only power to be recognised, Papal and Spanish + though it was. The advantage of an alliance with the fickle, self-seeking, + and ever changing mutiny, that was seeking to make use of Protestantism to + effect its own ends, was in his eyes rather specious than real. + </p> + <p> + By this policy, while making the breach irreparable with Aerssens and as + many leading politicians as Aerssens could influence, he first brought on + himself the stupid accusation of swerving towards Spain. Dull murmurs like + these, which were now but faintly making themselves heard against the + reputation of the Advocate, were destined ere long to swell into a mighty + roar; but he hardly listened now to insinuations which seemed infinitely + below his contempt. He still effectually ruled the nation through his + influence in the States of Holland, where he reigned supreme. Thus far + Barneveld and My Lords the States-General were one personage. + </p> + <p> + But there was another great man in the State who had at last grown + impatient of the Advocate's power, and was secretly resolved to brook it + no longer. Maurice of Nassau had felt himself too long rebuked by the + genius of the Advocate. The Prince had perhaps never forgiven him for the + political guardianship which he had exercised over him ever since the + death of William the Silent. He resented the leading strings by which his + youthful footstep had been sustained, and which he seemed always to feel + about his limbs so long as Barneveld existed. He had never forgotten the + unpalatable advice given to him by the Advocate through the + Princess-Dowager. + </p> + <p> + The brief campaign in Cleve and Julich was the last great political + operation in which the two were likely to act in even apparent harmony. + But the rivalry between the two had already pronounced itself emphatically + during the negotiations for the truce. The Advocate had felt it absolutely + necessary for the Republic to suspend the war at the first moment when she + could treat with her ancient sovereign on a footing of equality. Spain, + exhausted with the conflict, had at last consented to what she considered + the humiliation of treating with her rebellious provinces as with free + states over which she claimed no authority. The peace party, led by + Barneveld, had triumphed, notwithstanding the steady opposition of Prince + Maurice and his adherents. + </p> + <p> + Why had Maurice opposed the treaty? Because his vocation was over, because + he was the greatest captain of the age, because his emoluments, his + consideration, his dignity before the world, his personal power, were all + vastly greater in war than in his opinion they could possibly be in peace. + It was easy for him to persuade himself that what was manifestly for his + individual interest was likewise essential to the prosperity of the + country. + </p> + <p> + The diminution in his revenues consequent on the return to peace was made + good to him, his brother, and his cousin, by most munificent endowments + and pensions. And it was owing to the strenuous exertions of the Advocate + that these large sums were voted. A hollow friendship was kept up between + the two during the first few years of the truce, but resentment and + jealousy lay deep in Maurice's heart. + </p> + <p> + At about the period of the return of Aerssens from his French embassy, the + suppressed fire was ready to flame forth at the first fanning by that + artful hand. It was impossible, so Aerssens thought and whispered, that + two heads could remain on one body politic. There was no room in the + Netherlands for both the Advocate and the Prince. Barneveld was in all + civil affairs dictator, chief magistrate, supreme judge; but he occupied + this high station by the force of intellect, will, and experience, not + through any constitutional provision. In time of war the Prince was + generalissimo, commander-in-chief of all the armies of the Republic. Yet + constitutionally he was not captain-general at all. He was only stadholder + of five out of seven provinces. + </p> + <p> + Barneveld suspected him of still wishing to make himself sovereign of the + country. Perhaps his suspicions were incorrect. Yet there was every reason + why Maurice should be ambitious of that position. It would have been in + accordance with the openly expressed desire of Henry IV. and other + powerful allies of the Netherlands. His father's assassination had alone + prevented his elevation to the rank of sovereign Count of Holland. The + federal policy of the Provinces had drifted into a republican form after + their renunciation of their Spanish sovereign, not because the people, or + the States as representing the people, had deliberately chosen a + republican system, but because they could get no powerful monarch to + accept the sovereignty. They had offered to become subjects of Protestant + England and of Catholic France. Both powers had refused the offer, and + refused it with something like contumely. However deep the subsequent + regret on the part of both, there was no doubt of the fact. But the + internal policy in all the provinces, and in all the towns, was + republican. Local self-government existed everywhere. Each city magistracy + was a little republic in itself. The death of William the Silent, before + he had been invested with the sovereign power of all seven provinces, + again left that sovereignty in abeyance. Was the supreme power of the + Union, created at Utrecht in 1579, vested in the States-General? + </p> + <p> + They were beginning theoretically to claim it, but Barneveld denied the + existence of any such power either in law or fact. It was a league of + sovereignties, he maintained; a confederacy of seven independent states, + united for certain purposes by a treaty made some thirty years before. + Nothing could be more imbecile, judging by the light of subsequent events + and the experience of centuries, than such an organization. The + independent and sovereign republic of Zealand or of Groningen, for + example, would have made a poor figure campaigning, or negotiating, or + exhibiting itself on its own account before the world. Yet it was + difficult to show any charter, precedent, or prescription for the + sovereignty of the States-General. Necessary as such an incorporation was + for the very existence of the Union, no constitutional union had ever been + enacted. Practically the Province of Holland, representing more than half + the population, wealth, strength, and intellect of the whole + confederation, had achieved an irregular supremacy in the States-General. + But its undeniable superiority was now causing a rank growth of envy, + hatred, and jealousy throughout the country, and the great Advocate of + Holland, who was identified with the province, and had so long wielded its + power, was beginning to reap the full harvest of that malice. + </p> + <p> + Thus while there was so much of vagueness in theory and practice as to the + sovereignty, there was nothing criminal on the part of Maurice if he was + ambitious of obtaining the sovereignty himself. He was not seeking to + compass it by base artifice or by intrigue of any kind. It was very + natural that he should be restive under the dictatorship of the Advocate. + If a single burgher and lawyer could make himself despot of the + Netherlands, how much more reasonable that he—with the noblest blood + of Europe in his veins, whose direct ancestor three centuries before had + been emperor not only of those provinces, but of all Germany and half + Christendom besides, whose immortal father had under God been the creator + and saviour of the new commonwealth, had made sacrifices such as man never + made for a people, and had at last laid down his life in its defence; who + had himself fought daily from boyhood upwards in the great cause, who had + led national armies from victory to victory till he had placed his country + as a military school and a belligerent power foremost among the nations, + and had at last so exhausted and humbled the great adversary and former + tyrant that he had been glad of a truce while the rebel chief would have + preferred to continue the war—should aspire to rule by hereditary + right a land with which his name and his race were indelibly associated by + countless sacrifices and heroic achievements. + </p> + <p> + It was no crime in Maurice to desire the sovereignty. It was still less a + crime in Barneveld to believe that he desired it. There was no special + reason why the Prince should love the republican form of government + provided that an hereditary one could be legally substituted for it. He + had sworn allegiance to the statutes, customs, and privileges of each of + the provinces of which he had been elected stadholder, but there would + have been no treason on his part if the name and dignity of stadholder + should be changed by the States themselves for those of King or sovereign + Prince. + </p> + <p> + Yet it was a chief grievance against the Advocate on the part of the + Prince that Barneveld believed him capable of this ambition. + </p> + <p> + The Republic existed as a fact, but it had not long existed, nor had it + ever received a formal baptism. So undefined was its constitution, and so + conflicting were the various opinions in regard to it of eminent men, that + it would be difficult to say how high-treason could be committed against + it. Great lawyers of highest intellect and learning believed the sovereign + power to reside in the separate states, others found that sovereignty in + the city magistracies, while during a feverish period of war and tumult + the supreme function had without any written constitution, any organic + law, practically devolved upon the States-General, who had now begun to + claim it as a right. The Republic was neither venerable by age nor + impregnable in law. It was an improvised aristocracy of lawyers, + manufacturers, bankers, and corporations which had done immense work and + exhibited astonishing sagacity and courage, but which might never have + achieved the independence of the Provinces unaided by the sword of + Orange-Nassau and the magic spell which belonged to that name. + </p> + <p> + Thus a bitter conflict was rapidly developing itself in the heart of the + Commonwealth. There was the civil element struggling with the military for + predominance; sword against gown; states' rights against central + authority; peace against war; above all the rivalry of one prominent + personage against another, whose mutual hatred was now artfully inflamed + by partisans. + </p> + <p> + And now another element of discord had come, more potent than all the + rest: the terrible, never ending, struggle of Church against State. + Theological hatred which forty years long had found vent in the exchange + of acrimony between the ancient and the Reformed churches was now assuming + other shapes. Religion in that age and country was more than has often + been the case in history the atmosphere of men's daily lives. But during + the great war for independence, although the hostility between the two + religious forces was always intense, it was modified especially towards + the close of the struggle by other controlling influences. The love of + independence and the passion for nationality, the devotion to ancient + political privileges, was often as fervid and genuine in Catholic bosoms + as in those of Protestants, and sincere adherents of the ancient church + had fought to the death against Spain in defence of chartered rights. + </p> + <p> + At that very moment it is probable that half the population of the United + Provinces was Catholic. Yet it would be ridiculous to deny that the + aggressive, uncompromising; self-sacrificing, intensely believing, + perfectly fearless spirit of Calvinism had been the animating soul, the + motive power of the great revolt. For the Provinces to have encountered + Spain and Rome without Calvinism, and relying upon municipal enthusiasm + only, would have been to throw away the sword and fight with the scabbard. + </p> + <p> + But it is equally certain that those hot gospellers who had suffered so + much martyrdom and achieved so many miracles were fully aware of their + power and despotic in its exercise. Against the oligarchy of commercial + and juridical corporations they stood there the most terrible aristocracy + of all: the aristocracy of God's elect, predestined from all time and to + all eternity to take precedence of and to look down upon their inferior + and lost fellow creatures. It was inevitable that this aristocracy, which + had done so much, which had breathed into a new-born commonwealth the + breath of its life, should be intolerant, haughty, dogmatic. + </p> + <p> + The Church of Rome, which had been dethroned after inflicting such + exquisite tortures during its period of power, was not to raise its head. + Although so large a proportion of the inhabitants of the country were + secretly or openly attached to that faith, it was a penal offence to + participate openly in its rites and ceremonies. Religious equality, except + in the minds of a few individuals, was an unimaginable idea. There was + still one Church which arrogated to itself the sole possession of truth, + the Church of Geneva. Those who admitted the possibility of other forms + and creeds were either Atheists or, what was deemed worse than Atheists, + Papists, because Papists were assumed to be traitors also, and desirous of + selling the country to Spain. An undevout man in that land and at that + epoch was an almost unknown phenomenon. Religion was as much a recognized + necessity of existence as food or drink. It were as easy to find people + about without clothes as without religious convictions. + </p> + <p> + The Advocate, who had always adhered to the humble spirit of his ancestral + device, "Nil scire tutissima fedes," and almost alone among his fellow + citizens (save those immediate apostles and pupils of his who became + involved in his fate) in favour of religious toleration, began to be + suspected of treason and Papacy because, had he been able to give the law, + it was thought he would have permitted such horrors as the public exercise + of the Roman Catholic religion. + </p> + <p> + The hissings and screamings of the vulgar against him as he moved forward + on his stedfast course he heeded less than those of geese on a common. But + there was coming a time when this proud and scornful statesman, conscious + of the superiority conferred by great talents and unparalleled experience, + would find it less easy to treat the voice of slanderers, whether idiots + or powerful and intellectual enemies, with contempt. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Schism in the Church a Public Fact—Struggle for Power between the + Sacerdotal and Political Orders—Dispute between Arminius and + Gomarus—Rage of James I. at the Appointment of Voratius—Arminians + called Remonstrants—Hague Conference—Contra-Remonstrance by + Gomarites of Seven Points to the Remonstrants' Five—Fierce + Theological Disputes throughout the Country—Ryswyk Secession— + Maurice wishes to remain neutral, but finds himself the Chieftain of + the Contra-Remonstrant Party—The States of Holland Remonstrant by a + large Majority—The States-General Contra-Remonstrant—Sir Ralph + Winwood leaves the Hague—Three Armies to take the Field against + Protestantism. +</pre> + <p> + Schism in the Church had become a public fact, and theological hatred was + in full blaze throughout the country. + </p> + <p> + The great practical question in the Church had been as to the appointment + of preachers, wardens, schoolmasters, and other officers. By the + ecclesiastical arrangements of 1591 great power was conceded to the civil + authority in church matters, especially in regard to such appointments, + which were made by a commission consisting of four members named by the + churches and four by the magistrates in each district. + </p> + <p> + Barneveld, who above all things desired peace in the Church, had wished to + revive this ordinance, and in 1612 it had been resolved by the States of + Holland that each city or village should, if the magistracy approved, + provisionally conform to it. The States of Utrecht made at the same time a + similar arrangement. + </p> + <p> + It was the controversy which has been going on since the beginning of + history and is likely to be prolonged to the end of time—the + struggle for power between the sacerdotal and political orders; the + controversy whether priests shall control the state or the state govern + the priests. + </p> + <p> + This was the practical question involved in the fierce dispute as to + dogma. The famous duel between Arminius and Gomarus; the splendid + theological tournaments which succeeded; six champions on a side armed in + full theological panoply and swinging the sharpest curtal axes which + learning, passion, and acute intellect could devise, had as yet produced + no beneficent result. Nobody had been convinced by the shock of argument, + by the exchange of those desperate blows. The High Council of the Hague + had declared that no difference of opinion in the Church existed + sufficient to prevent fraternal harmony and happiness. But Gomarus loudly + declared that, if there were no means of putting down the heresy of + Arminius, there would before long be a struggle such as would set province + against province, village against village, family against family, + throughout the land. He should be afraid to die in such doctrine. He + shuddered that any one should dare to come before God's tribunal with such + blasphemies. Meantime his great adversary, the learned and eloquent, the + musical, frolicsome, hospitable heresiarch was no more. Worn out with + controversy, but peaceful and happy in the convictions which were so + bitterly denounced by Gomarus and a large proportion of both preachers and + laymen in the Netherlands, and convinced that the schism which in his view + had been created by those who called themselves the orthodox would weaken + the cause of Protestantism throughout Europe, Arminius died at the age of + forty-nine. + </p> + <p> + The magistrates throughout Holland, with the exception of a few cities, + were Arminian, the preachers Gomarian; for Arminius ascribed to the civil + authority the right to decide upon church matters, while Gomarus + maintained that ecclesiastical affairs should be regulated in + ecclesiastical assemblies. The overseers of Leyden University appointed + Conrad Vorstius to be professor of theology in place of Arminius. The + selection filled to the brim the cup of bitterness, for no man was more + audaciously latitudinarian than he. He was even suspected of Socinianism. + There came a shriek from King James, fierce and shrill enough to rouse + Arminius from his grave. James foamed to the mouth at the insolence of the + overseers in appointing such a monster of infidelity to the professorship. + He ordered his books to be publicly burned in St. Paul's Churchyard and at + both Universities, and would have burned the Professor himself with as + much delight as Torquemada or Peter Titelman ever felt in roasting their + victims, had not the day for such festivities gone by. He ordered the + States of Holland on pain of for ever forfeiting his friendship to exclude + Vorstius at once from the theological chair and to forbid him from + "nestling anywhere in the country." + </p> + <p> + He declared his amazement that they should tolerate such a pest as Conrad + Vorstius. Had they not had enough of the seed sown by that foe of God, + Arminius? He ordered the States-General to chase the blasphemous monster + from the land, or else he would cut off all connection with their false + and heretic churches and make the other Reformed churches of Europe do the + same, nor should the youth of England ever be allowed to frequent the + University of Leyden. + </p> + <p> + In point of fact the Professor was never allowed to qualify, to preach, or + to teach; so tremendous was the outcry of Peter Plancius and many orthodox + preachers, echoing the wrath of the King. He lived at Gouda in a private + capacity for several years, until the Synod of Dordrecht at last publicly + condemned his opinions and deprived him of his professorship. + </p> + <p> + Meantime, the preachers who were disciples of Arminius had in a private + assembly drawn up what was called a Remonstrance, addressed to the States + of Holland, and defending themselves from the reproach that they were + seeking change in the Divine service and desirous of creating tumult and + schism. + </p> + <p> + This Remonstrance, set forth by the pen of the famous Uytenbogaert, whom + Gomarus called the Court Trumpeter, because for a long time he had been + Prince Maurice's favourite preacher, was placed in the hands of Barneveld, + for delivery to the States of Holland. Thenceforth the Arminians were + called Remonstrants. + </p> + <p> + The Hague Conference followed, six preachers on a side, and the States of + Holland exhorted to fraternal compromise. Until further notice, they + decreed that no man should be required to believe more than had been laid + down in the Five Points: + </p> + <p> + I. God has from eternity resolved to choose to eternal life those who + through his grace believe in Jesus Christ, and in faith and obedience so + continue to the end, and to condemn the unbelieving and unconverted to + eternal damnation. + </p> + <p> + II. Jesus Christ died for all; so, nevertheless, that no one actually + except believers is redeemed by His death. + </p> + <p> + III. Man has not the saving belief from himself, nor out of his free will, + but he needs thereto God's grace in Christ. + </p> + <p> + IV. This grace is the beginning, continuation, and completion of man's + salvation; all good deeds must be ascribed to it, but it does not work + irresistibly. + </p> + <p> + V. God's grace gives sufficient strength to the true believers to overcome + evil; but whether they cannot lose grace should be more closely examined + before it should be taught in full security. + </p> + <p> + Afterwards they expressed themselves more distinctly on this point, and + declared that a true believer, through his own fault, can fall away from + God and lose faith. + </p> + <p> + Before the conference, however, the Gomarite preachers had drawn up a + Contra-Remonstrance of Seven Points in opposition to the Remonstrants' + five. + </p> + <p> + They demanded the holding of a National Synod to settle the difference + between these Five and Seven Points, or the sending of them to foreign + universities for arbitration, a mutual promise being given by the + contending parties to abide by the decision. + </p> + <p> + Thus much it has been necessary to state concerning what in the + seventeenth century was called the platform of the two great parties: a + term which has been perpetuated in our own country, and is familiar to all + the world in the nineteenth. + </p> + <p> + These were the Seven Points: + </p> + <p> + I. God has chosen from eternity certain persons out of the human race, + which in and with Adam fell into sin and has no more power to believe and + Convert itself than a dead man to restore himself to life, in order to + make them blessed through Christ; while He passes by the rest through His + righteous judgment, and leaves them lying in their sins. + </p> + <p> + II. Children of believing parents, as well as full-grown believers, are to + be considered as elect so long as they with action do not prove the + contrary. + </p> + <p> + III. God in His election has not looked at the belief and the repentance + of the elect; but, on the contrary, in His eternal and unchangeable + design, has resolved to give to the elect faith and stedfastness, and thus + to make them blessed. + </p> + <p> + IV. He, to this end, in the first place, presented to them His only + begotten Son, whose sufferings, although sufficient for the expiation of + all men's sins, nevertheless, according to God's decree, serves alone to + the reconciliation of the elect. + </p> + <p> + V. God causest he Gospel to be preached to them, making the same through + the Holy Ghost, of strength upon their minds; so that they not merely + obtain power to repent and to believe, but also actually and voluntarily + do repent and believe. + </p> + <p> + VI. Such elect, through the same power of the Holy Ghost through which + they have once become repentant and believing, are kept in such wise that + they indeed through weakness fall into heavy sins; but can never wholly + and for always lose the true faith. + </p> + <p> + VII. True believers from this, however, draw no reason for fleshly quiet, + it being impossible that they who through a true faith were planted in + Christ should bring forth no fruits of thankfulness; the promises of God's + help and the warnings of Scripture tending to make their salvation work in + them in fear and trembling, and to cause them more earnestly to desire + help from that spirit without which they can do nothing. + </p> + <p> + There shall be no more setting forth of these subtle and finely wrought + abstractions in our pages. We aspire not to the lofty heights of + theological and supernatural contemplation, where the atmosphere becomes + too rarefied for ordinary constitutions. Rather we attempt an objective + and level survey of remarkable phenomena manifesting themselves on the + earth; direct or secondary emanations from those distant spheres. + </p> + <p> + For in those days, and in that land especially, theology and politics were + one. It may be questioned at least whether this practical fusion of + elements, which may with more safety to the Commonwealth be kept separate, + did not tend quite as much to lower and contaminate the religious + sentiments as to elevate the political idea. To mix habitually the solemn + phraseology which men love to reserve for their highest and most sacred + needs with the familiar slang of politics and trade seems to our + generation not a very desirable proceeding. + </p> + <p> + The aroma of doubly distilled and highly sublimated dogma is more + difficult to catch than to comprehend the broader and more practical + distinctions of every-day party strife. + </p> + <p> + King James was furious at the thought that common men—the vulgar, + the people in short—should dare to discuss deep problems of divinity + which, as he confessed, had puzzled even his royal mind. Barneveld + modestly disclaimed the power of seeing with absolute clearness into + things beyond the reach of the human intellect. But the honest + Netherlanders were not abashed by thunder from the royal pulpit, nor + perplexed by hesitations which darkened the soul of the great Advocate. + </p> + <p> + In burghers' mansions, peasants' cottages, mechanics' back-parlours, on + board herring smacks, canal boats, and East Indiamen; in shops, + counting-rooms, farmyards, guard-rooms, ale-houses; on the exchange, in + the tennis-court, on the mall; at banquets, at burials, christenings, or + bridals; wherever and whenever human creatures met each other, there was + ever to be found the fierce wrangle of Remonstrant and Contra-Remonstrant, + the hissing of red-hot theological rhetoric, the pelting of hostile texts. + The blacksmith's iron cooled on the anvil, the tinker dropped a kettle + half mended, the broker left a bargain unclinched, the Scheveningen + fisherman in his wooden shoes forgot the cracks in his pinkie, while each + paused to hold high converse with friend or foe on fate, free will, or + absolute foreknowledge; losing himself in wandering mazes whence there was + no issue. Province against province, city against city, family against + family; it was one vast scene of bickering, denunciation, heart-burnings, + mutual excommunication and hatred. + </p> + <p> + Alas! a generation of mankind before, men had stood banded together to + resist, with all the might that comes from union, the fell spirit of the + Holy Inquisition, which was dooming all who had wandered from the ancient + fold or resisted foreign tyranny to the axe, the faggot, the living grave. + There had been small leisure then for men who fought for Fatherland, and + for comparative liberty of conscience, to tear each others' characters in + pieces, and to indulge in mutual hatreds and loathing on the question of + predestination. + </p> + <p> + As a rule the population, especially of the humbler classes, and a great + majority of the preachers were Contra-Remonstrant; the magistrates, the + burgher patricians, were Remonstrant. In Holland the controlling influence + was Remonstrant; but Amsterdam and four or five other cities of that + province held to the opposite doctrine. These cities formed therefore a + small minority in the States Assembly of Holland sustained by a large + majority in the States-General. The Province of Utrecht was almost + unanimously Remonstrant. The five other provinces were decidedly + Contra-Remonstrant. + </p> + <p> + It is obvious therefore that the influence of Barneveld, hitherto so + all-controlling in the States-General, and which rested on the complete + submission of the States of Holland to his will, was tottering. The + battle-line between Church and State was now drawn up; and it was at the + same time a battle between the union and the principles of state + sovereignty. + </p> + <p> + It had long since been declared through the mouth of the Advocate, but in + a solemn state manifesto, that My Lords the States-General were the + foster-fathers and the natural protectors of the Church, to whom supreme + authority in church matters belonged. + </p> + <p> + The Contra-Remonstrants, on the other hand, maintained that all the + various churches made up one indivisible church, seated above the States, + whether Provincial or General, and governed by the Holy Ghost acting + directly upon the congregations. + </p> + <p> + As the schism grew deeper and the States-General receded from the position + which they had taken up under the lead of the Advocate, the scene was + changed. A majority of the Provinces being Contra-Remonstrant, and + therefore in favour of a National Synod, the States-General as a body were + of necessity for the Synod. + </p> + <p> + It was felt by the clergy that, if many churches existed, they would all + remain subject to the civil authority. The power of the priesthood would + thus sink before that of the burgher aristocracy. There must be one church—the + Church of Geneva and Heidelberg—if that theocracy which the + Gomarites meant to establish was not to vanish as a dream. It was founded + on Divine Right, and knew no chief magistrate but the Holy Ghost. A few + years before the States-General had agreed to a National Synod, but with a + condition that there should be revision of the Netherland Confession and + the Heidelberg Catechism. + </p> + <p> + Against this the orthodox infallibilists had protested and thundered, + because it was an admission that the vile Arminian heresy might perhaps be + declared correct. It was now however a matter of certainty that the + States-General would cease to oppose the unconditional Synod, because the + majority sided with the priesthood. + </p> + <p> + The magistrates of Leyden had not long before opposed the demand for a + Synod on the ground that the war against Spain was not undertaken to + maintain one sect; that men of various sects and creeds had fought with + equal valour against the common foe; that religious compulsion was + hateful, and that no synod had a right to claim Netherlanders as slaves. + </p> + <p> + To thoughtful politicians like Barneveld, Hugo Grotius, and men who acted + with them, fraught with danger to the state, that seemed a doctrine by + which mankind were not regarded as saved or doomed according to belief or + deeds, but as individuals divided from all eternity into two classes which + could never be united, but must ever mutually regard each other as + enemies. + </p> + <p> + And like enemies Netherlanders were indeed beginning to regard each other. + The man who, banded like brothers, had so heroically fought for two + generations long for liberty against an almost superhuman despotism, now + howling and jeering against each other like demons, seemed determined to + bring the very name of liberty into contempt. + </p> + <p> + Where the Remonstrants were in the ascendant, they excited the hatred and + disgust of the orthodox by their overbearing determination to carry their + Five Points. A broker in Rotterdam of the Contra-Remonstrant persuasion, + being about to take a wife, swore he had rather be married by a pig than a + parson. For this sparkling epigram he was punished by the Remonstrant + magistracy with loss of his citizenship for a year and the right to + practise his trade for life. A casuistical tinker, expressing himself + violently in the same city against the Five Points, and disrespectfully + towards the magistrates for tolerating them, was banished from the town. A + printer in the neighbourhood, disgusted with these and similar efforts of + tyranny on the part of the dominant party, thrust a couple of lines of + doggrel into the lottery: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + "In name of the Prince of Orange, I ask once and again, + What difference between the Inquisition of Rotterdam and Spain?" +</pre> + <p> + For this poetical effort the printer was sentenced to forfeit the prize + that he had drawn in the lottery, and to be kept in prison on bread and + water for a fortnight. + </p> + <p> + Certainly such punishments were hardly as severe as being beheaded or + burned or buried alive, as would have been the lot of tinkers and printers + and brokers who opposed the established church in the days of Alva, but + the demon of intolerance, although its fangs were drawn, still survived, + and had taken possession of both parties in the Reformed Church. For it + was the Remonstrants who had possession of the churches at Rotterdam, and + the printer's distich is valuable as pointing out that the name of Orange + was beginning to identify itself with the Contra-Remonstrant faction. At + this time, on the other hand, the gabble that Barneveld had been bought by + Spanish gold, and was about to sell his country to Spain, became louder + than a whisper. Men were not ashamed, from theological hatred, to utter + such senseless calumnies against a venerable statesman whose long life had + been devoted to the cause of his country's independence and to the death + struggle with Spain. + </p> + <p> + As if because a man admitted the possibility of all his fellow-creatures + being saved from damnation through repentance and the grace of God, he + must inevitably be a traitor to his country and a pensionary of her + deadliest foe. + </p> + <p> + And where the Contra-Remonstrants held possession of the churches and the + city governments, acts of tyranny which did not then seem ridiculous were + of everyday occurrence. Clergymen, suspected of the Five Points, were + driven out of the pulpits with bludgeons or assailed with brickbats at the + church door. At Amsterdam, Simon Goulart, for preaching the doctrine of + universal salvation and for disputing the eternal damnation of young + children, was forbidden thenceforth to preach at all. + </p> + <p> + But it was at the Hague that the schism in religion and politics first + fatally widened itself. Henry Rosaeus, an eloquent divine, disgusted with + his colleague Uytenbogaert, refused all communion with him, and was in + consequence suspended. Excluded from the Great Church, where he had + formerly ministered, he preached every Sunday at Ryswyk, two or three + miles distant. Seven hundred Contra-Remonstrants of the Hague followed + their beloved pastor, and, as the roads to Ryswyk were muddy and sloppy in + winter, acquired the unsavoury nickname of the "Mud Beggars." The + vulgarity of heart which suggested the appellation does not inspire to-day + great sympathy with the Remonstrant party, even if one were inclined to + admit, what is not the fact, that they represented the cause of religious + equality. For even the illustrious Grotius was at that very moment + repudiating the notion that there could be two religions in one state. + "Difference in public worship," he said, "was in kingdoms pernicious, but + in free commonwealths in the highest degree destructive." + </p> + <p> + It was the struggle between Church and State for supremacy over the whole + body politic. "The Reformation," said Grotius, "was not brought about by + synods, but by kings, princes, and magistrates." It was the same eternal + story, the same terrible two-edged weapon, "Cujus reggio ejus religio," + found in the arsenal of the first Reformers, and in every + politico-religious arsenal of history. + </p> + <p> + "By an eternal decree of God," said Gomarus in accordance with Calvin, "it + has been fixed who are to be saved and who damned. By His decree some are + drawn to faith and godliness, and, being drawn, can never fall away. God + leaves all the rest in the general corruption of human nature and their + own misdeeds." + </p> + <p> + "God has from eternity made this distinction in the fallen human race," + said Arminius, "that He pardons those who desist from their sins and put + their faith in Christ, and will give them eternal life, but will punish + those who remain impenitent. Moreover, it is pleasanter to God that all + men should repent, and, coming to knowledge of truth, remain therein, but + He compels none." + </p> + <p> + This was the vital difference of dogma. And it was because they could hold + no communion with those who believed in the efficacy of repentance that + Rosaeus and his followers had seceded to Ryswyk, and the Reformed Church + had been torn into two very unequal parts. But it is difficult to believe + that out of this arid field of controversy so plentiful a harvest of + hatred and civil convulsion could have ripened. More practical than the + insoluble problems, whether repentance could effect salvation, and whether + dead infants were hopelessly damned, was the question who should rule both + Church and State. + </p> + <p> + There could be but one church. On that Remonstrants and + Contra-Remonstrants were agreed. But should the five Points or the Seven + Points obtain the mastery? Should that framework of hammered iron, the + Confession and Catechism, be maintained in all its rigidity around the + sheepfold, or should the disciples of the arch-heretic Arminius, the + salvation-mongers, be permitted to prowl within it? + </p> + <p> + Was Barneveld, who hated the Reformed religion (so men told each other), + and who believed in nothing, to continue dictator of the whole Republic + through his influence over one province, prescribing its religious dogmas + and laying down its laws; or had not the time come for the States-General + to vindicate the rights of the Church, and to crush for ever the + pernicious principle of State sovereignty and burgher oligarchy? + </p> + <p> + The abyss was wide and deep, and the wild waves were raging more madly + every hour. The Advocate, anxious and troubled, but undismayed, did his + best in the terrible emergency. He conferred with Prince Maurice on the + subject of the Ryswyk secession, and men said that he sought to impress + upon him, as chief of the military forces, the necessity of putting down + religious schism with the armed hand. + </p> + <p> + The Prince had not yet taken a decided position. He was still under the + influence of John Uytenbogaert, who with Arminius and the Advocate made up + the fateful three from whom deadly disasters were deemed to have come upon + the Commonwealth. He wished to remain neutral. But no man can be neutral + in civil contentions threatening the life of the body politic any more + than the heart can be indifferent if the human frame is sawn in two. + </p> + <p> + "I am a soldier," said Maurice, "not a divine. These are matters of + theology which I don't understand, and about which I don't trouble + myself." + </p> + <p> + On another occasion he is reported to have said, "I know nothing of + predestination, whether it is green or whether it is blue; but I do know + that the Advocate's pipe and mine will never play the same tune." + </p> + <p> + It was not long before he fully comprehended the part which he must + necessarily play. To say that he was indifferent to religious matters was + as ridiculous as to make a like charge against Barneveld. Both were + religious men. It would have been almost impossible to find an irreligious + character in that country, certainly not among its highest-placed and + leading minds. Maurice had strong intellectual powers. He was a regular + attendant on divine worship, and was accustomed to hear daily religious + discussions. To avoid them indeed, he would have been obliged not only to + fly his country, but to leave Europe. He had a profound reverence for the + memory of his father, Calbo y Calbanista, as William the Silent had called + himself. But the great prince had died before these fierce disputes had + torn the bosom of the Reformed Church, and while Reformers still were + brethren. But if Maurice were a religious man, he was also a keen + politician; a less capable politician, however, than a soldier, for he was + confessedly the first captain of his age. He was not rapid in his + conceptions, but he was sure in the end to comprehend his opportunity. + </p> + <p> + The Church, the people, the Union—the sacerdotal, the democratic, + and the national element—united under a name so potent to conjure + with as the name of Orange-Nassau, was stronger than any other possible + combination. Instinctively and logically therefore the Stadholder found + himself the chieftain of the Contra-Remonstrant party, and without the + necessity of an apostasy such as had been required of his great + contemporary to make himself master of France. + </p> + <p> + The power of Barneveld and his partisans was now put to a severe strain. + His efforts to bring back the Hague seceders were powerless. The influence + of Uytenbogaert over the Stadholder steadily diminished. He prayed to be + relieved from his post in the Great Church of the Hague, especially + objecting to serve with a Contra-Remonstrant preacher whom Maurice wished + to officiate there in place of the seceding Rosaeus. But the Stadholder + refused to let him go, fearing his influence in other places. "There is + stuff in him," said Maurice, "to outweigh half a dozen Contra-Remonstrant + preachers." Everywhere in Holland the opponents of the Five Points refused + to go to the churches, and set up tabernacles for themselves in barns, + outhouses, canal-boats. And the authorities in town and village nailed up + the barn-doors, and dispersed the canal boat congregations, while the + populace pelted them with stones. The seceders appealed to the Stadholder, + pleading that at least they ought to be allowed to hear the word of God as + they understood it without being forced into churches where they were + obliged to hear Arminian blasphemy. At least their barns might be left + them. "Barns," said Maurice, "barns and outhouses! Are we to preach in + barns? The churches belong to us, and we mean to have them too." + </p> + <p> + Not long afterwards the Stadholder, clapping his hand on his sword hilt, + observed that these differences could only be settled by force of arms. An + ominous remark and a dreary comment on the forty years' war against the + Inquisition. + </p> + <p> + And the same scenes that were enacting in Holland were going on in + Overyssel and Friesland and Groningen; but with a difference. Here it was + the Five Points men who were driven into secession, whose barns were + nailed up, and whose preachers were mobbed. A lugubrious spectacle, but + less painful certainly than the hangings and drownings and burnings alive + in the previous century to prevent secession from the indivisible church. + </p> + <p> + It is certain that stadholders and all other magistrates ever since the + establishment of independence were sworn to maintain the Reformed religion + and to prevent a public divine worship under any other form. It is equally + certain that by the 13th Article of the Act of Union—the organic law + of the confederation made at Utrecht in 1579—each province reserved + for itself full control of religious questions. It would indeed seem + almost unimaginable in a country where not only every province, but every + city, every municipal board, was so jealous of its local privileges and + traditional rights that the absolute disposition over the highest, + gravest, and most difficult questions that can inspire and perplex + humanity should be left to a general government, and one moreover which + had scarcely come into existence. + </p> + <p> + Yet into this entirely illogical position the Commonwealth was steadily + drifting. The cause was simple enough. The States of Holland, as already + observed, were Remonstrant by a large majority. The States-General were + Contra-Remonstrant by a still greater majority. The Church, rigidly + attached to the Confession and Catechism, and refusing all change except + through decree of a synod to be called by the general government which it + controlled, represented the national idea. It thus identified itself with + the Republic, and was in sympathy with a large majority of the population. + </p> + <p> + Logic, law, historical tradition were on the side of the Advocate and the + States' right party. The instinct of national self-preservation, + repudiating the narrow and destructive doctrine of provincial sovereignty, + were on the side of the States-General and the Church. + </p> + <p> + Meantime James of Great Britain had written letters both to the States of + Holland and the States-General expressing his satisfaction with the Five + Points, and deciding that there was nothing objectionable in the doctrine + of predestination therein set forth. He had recommended unity and peace in + Church and Assembly, and urged especially that these controverted points + should not be discussed in the pulpit to the irritation and perplexity of + the common people. + </p> + <p> + The King's letters had produced much satisfaction in the moderate party. + Barneveld and his followers were then still in the ascendant, and it + seemed possible that the Commonwealth might enjoy a few moments of + tranquillity. That James had given a new exhibition of his astounding + inconsistency was a matter very indifferent to all but himself, and he was + the last man to trouble himself for that reproach. + </p> + <p> + It might happen, when he should come to realize how absolutely he had + obeyed the tuition of the Advocate and favoured the party which he had + been so vehemently opposing, that he might regret and prove willing to + retract. But for the time being the course of politics had seemed running + smoother. The acrimony of the relations between the English government and + dominant party at the Hague was sensibly diminished. The King seemed for + an instant to have obtained a true insight into the nature of the struggle + in the States. That it was after all less a theological than a political + question which divided parties had at last dawned upon him. + </p> + <p> + "If you have occasion to write on the subject," said Barneveld, "it is + above all necessary to make it clear that ecclesiastical persons and their + affairs must stand under the direction of the sovereign authority, for our + preachers understand that the disposal of ecclesiastical persons and + affairs belongs to them, so that they alone are to appoint preachers, + elders, deacons, and other clerical persons, and to regulate the whole + ecclesiastical administration according to their pleasure or by a popular + government which they call the community." + </p> + <p> + "The Counts of Holland from all ancient times were never willing under the + Papacy to surrender their right of presentation to the churches and + control of all spiritual and ecclesiastical benefices. The Emperor Charles + and King Philip even, as Counts of Holland, kept these rights to + themselves, save that they in enfeoffing more than a hundred gentlemen, of + noble and ancient families with seigniorial manors, enfeoffed them also + with the right of presentation to churches and benefices on their + respective estates. Our preachers pretend to have won this right against + the Countship, the gentlemen, nobles, and others, and that it belongs to + them." + </p> + <p> + It is easy to see that this was a grave, constitutional, legal, and + historical problem not to be solved offhand by vehement citations from + Scripture, nor by pragmatical dissertations from the lips of foreign + ambassadors. + </p> + <p> + "I believe this point," continued Barneveld, "to be the most difficult + question of all, importing far more than subtle searchings and conflicting + sentiments as to passages of Holy Writ, or disputations concerning God's + eternal predestination and other points thereupon depending. Of these + doctrines the Archbishop of Canterbury well observed in the Conference of + 1604 that one ought to teach them ascendendo and not descendendo." + </p> + <p> + The letters of the King had been very favourably received both in the + States-General and in the Assembly of Holland. "You will present the + replies," wrote Barneveld to the ambassador in London, "at the best + opportunity and with becoming compliments. You may be assured and assure + his Majesty that they have been very agreeable to both assemblies. Our + commissioners over there on the East Indian matter ought to know nothing + of these letters." + </p> + <p> + This statement is worthy of notice, as Grotius was one of those + commissioners, and, as will subsequently appear, was accused of being the + author of the letters. + </p> + <p> + "I understand from others," continued the Advocate, "that the gentleman + well known to you—[Obviously Francis Aerssens]—is not well + pleased that through other agency than his these letters have been written + and presented. I think too that the other business is much against his + grain, but on the whole since your departure he has accommodated himself + to the situation." + </p> + <p> + But if Aerssens for the moment seemed quiet, the orthodox clergy were + restive. + </p> + <p> + "I know," said Barneveld, "that some of our ministers are so audacious + that of themselves, or through others, they mean to work by direct or + indirect means against these letters. They mean to show likewise that + there are other and greater differences of doctrine than those already + discussed. You will keep a sharp eye on the sails and provide against the + effect of counter-currents. To maintain the authority of their Great + Mightinesses over ecclesiastical matters is more than necessary for the + conservation of the country's welfare and of the true Christian religion. + As his Majesty would not allow this principle to be controverted in his + own realms, as his books clearly prove, so we trust that he will not find + it good that it should be controverted in our state as sure to lead to a + very disastrous and inequitable sequel." + </p> + <p> + And a few weeks later the Advocate and the whole party of toleration found + themselves, as is so apt to be the case, between two fires. The Catholics + became as turbulent as the extreme Calvinists, and already hopes were + entertained by Spanish emissaries and spies that this rapidly growing + schism in the Reformed Church might be dexterously made use of to bring + the Provinces, when they should become fairly distracted, back to the + dominion of Spain. + </p> + <p> + "Our precise zealots in the Reformed religion, on the one side," wrote + Barneveld, "and the Jesuits on the other, are vigorously kindling the fire + of discord. Keep a good lookout for the countermine which is now working + against the good advice of his Majesty for mutual toleration. The + publication of the letters was done without order, but I believe with good + intent, in the hope that the vehemence and exorbitance of some precise + Puritans in our State should thereby be checked. That which is now doing + against us in printed libels is the work of the aforesaid Puritans and a + few Jesuits. The pretence in those libels, that there are other + differences in the matter of doctrine, is mere fiction designed to make + trouble and confusion." + </p> + <p> + In the course of the autumn, Sir Ralph Winwood departed from the Hague, to + assume soon afterwards in England the position of secretary of state for + foreign affairs. He did not take personal farewell of Barneveld, the + Advocate being absent in North Holland at the moment, and detained there + by indisposition. The leave-taking was therefore by letter. He had done + much to injure the cause which the Dutch statesman held vital to the + Republic, and in so doing he had faithfully carried out the instructions + of his master. Now that James had written these conciliatory letters to + the States, recommending toleration, letters destined to be famous, + Barneveld was anxious that the retiring ambassador should foster the + spirit of moderation, which for a moment prevailed at the British court. + But he was not very hopeful in the matter. + </p> + <p> + "Mr. Winwood is doubtless over there now," he wrote to Caron. "He has + promised in public and private to do all good offices. The States-General + made him a present on his departure of the value of L4000. I fear + nevertheless that he, especially in religious matters, will not do the + best offices. For besides that he is himself very hard and precise, those + who in this country are hard and precise have made a dead set at him, and + tried to make him devoted to their cause, through many fictitious and + untruthful means." + </p> + <p> + The Advocate, as so often before, sent assurances to the King that "the + States-General, and especially the States of Holland, were resolved to + maintain the genuine Reformed religion, and oppose all novelties and + impurities conflicting with it," and the Ambassador was instructed to see + that the countermine, worked so industriously against his Majesty's + service and the honour and reputation of the Provinces, did not prove + successful. + </p> + <p> + "To let the good mob play the master," he said, "and to permit hypocrites + and traitors in the Flemish manner to get possession of the government of + the provinces and cities, and to cause upright patriots whose faith and + truth has so long been proved, to be abandoned, by the blessing of God, + shall never be accomplished. Be of good heart, and cause these Flemish + tricks to be understood on every occasion, and let men know that we mean + to maintain, with unchanging constancy, the authority of the government, + the privileges and laws of the country, as well as the true Reformed + religion." + </p> + <p> + The statesman was more than ever anxious for moderate counsels in the + religious questions, for it was now more important than ever that there + should be concord in the Provinces, for the cause of Protestantism, and + with it the existence of the Republic, seemed in greater danger than at + any moment since the truce. It appeared certain that the alliance between + France and Spain had been arranged, and that the Pope, Spain, the + Grand-duke of Tuscany, and their various adherents had organized a strong + combination, and were enrolling large armies to take the field in the + spring, against the Protestant League of the princes and electors in + Germany. The great king was dead. The Queen-Regent was in the hand of + Spain, or dreamed at least of an impossible neutrality, while the priest + who was one day to resume the part of Henry, and to hang upon the sword of + France the scales in which the opposing weights of Protestantism and + Catholicism in Europe were through so many awful years to be balanced, was + still an obscure bishop. + </p> + <p> + The premonitory signs of the great religious war in Germany were not to be + mistaken. In truth, the great conflict had already opened in the duchies, + although few men as yet comprehended the full extent of that movement. The + superficial imagined that questions of hereditary succession, like those + involved in the dispute, were easily to be settled by statutes of descent, + expounded by doctors of law, and sustained, if needful, by a couple of + comparatively bloodless campaigns. Those who looked more deeply into + causes felt that the limitations of Imperial authority, the ambition of a + great republic, suddenly starting into existence out of nothing, and the + great issues of the religious reformation, were matters not so easily + arranged. When the scene shifted, as it was so soon to do, to the heart of + Bohemia, when Protestantism had taken the Holy Roman Empire by the beard + in its ancient palace, and thrown Imperial stadholders out of window, it + would be evident to the blindest that something serious was taking place. + </p> + <p> + Meantime Barneveld, ever watchful of passing events, knew that great + forces of Catholicism were marshalling in the south. Three armies were to + take the field against Protestantism at the orders of Spain and the Pope. + One at the door of the Republic, and directed especially against the + Netherlands, was to resume the campaign in the duchies, and to prevent any + aid going to Protestant Germany from Great Britain or from Holland. + Another in the Upper Palatinate was to make the chief movement against the + Evangelical hosts. A third in Austria was to keep down the Protestant + party in Bohemia, Hungary, Austria, Moravia, and Silesia. To sustain this + movement, it was understood that all the troops then in Italy were to be + kept all the winter on a war footing.' + </p> + <p> + Was this a time for the great Protestant party in the Netherlands to tear + itself in pieces for a theological subtlety, about which good Christians + might differ without taking each other by the throat? + </p> + <p> + "I do not lightly believe or fear," said the Advocate, in communicating a + survey of European affairs at that moment to Carom "but present advices + from abroad make me apprehend dangers." + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Aristocracy of God's elect + Determined to bring the very name of liberty into contempt + Disputing the eternal damnation of young children + Fate, free will, or absolute foreknowledge + Louis XIII. + No man can be neutral in civil contentions + No synod had a right to claim Netherlanders as slaves + Philip IV. + Priests shall control the state or the state govern the priests + Schism in the Church had become a public fact + That cynical commerce in human lives + The voice of slanderers + Theological hatred was in full blaze throughout the country + Theology and politics were one + To look down upon their inferior and lost fellow creatures + Whether dead infants were hopelessly damned + Whether repentance could effect salvation + Whose mutual hatred was now artfully inflamed by partisans + Work of the aforesaid Puritans and a few Jesuits +</pre> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX. 1613-15 + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Aerssens remains Two Years longer in France—Derives many Personal + Advantages from his Post—He visits the States-General—Aubery du + Maurier appointed French Ambassador—He demands the Recall of + Aerssens—Peace of Sainte-Menehould—Asperen de Langerac appointed + in Aerssens' Place. +</pre> + <p> + Francis Aerssens had remained longer at his post than had been intended by + the resolution of the States of Holland, passed in May 1611. + </p> + <p> + It is an exemplification of the very loose constitutional framework of the + United Provinces that the nomination of the ambassador to France belonged + to the States of Holland, by whom his salary was paid, although, of + course, he was the servant of the States-General, to whom his public and + official correspondence was addressed. His most important despatches were + however written directly to Barneveld so long as he remained in power, who + had also the charge of the whole correspondence, public or private, with + all the envoys of the States. + </p> + <p> + Aerssens had, it will be remembered, been authorized to stay one year + longer in France if he thought he could be useful there. He stayed two + years, and on the whole was not useful. He had too many eyes and too many + ears. He had become mischievous by the very activity of his intelligence. + He was too zealous. There were occasions in France at that moment in which + it was as well to be blind and deaf. It was impossible for the Republic, + unless driven to it by dire necessity, to quarrel with its great ally. It + had been calculated by Duplessis-Mornay that France had paid subsidies to + the Provinces amounting from first to last to 200 millions of livres. This + was an enormous exaggeration. It was Barneveld's estimate that before the + truce the States had received from France eleven millions of florins in + cash, and during the truce up to the year 1613, 3,600,000 in addition, + besides a million still due, making a total of about fifteen millions. + During the truce France kept two regiments of foot amounting to 4200 + soldiers and two companies of cavalry in Holland at the service of the + States, for which she was bound to pay yearly 600,000 livres. And the + Queen-Regent had continued all the treaties by which these arrangements + were secured, and professed sincere and continuous friendship for the + States. While the French-Spanish marriages gave cause for suspicion, + uneasiness, and constant watchfulness in the States, still the neutrality + of France was possible in the coming storm. So long as that existed, + particularly when the relations of England with Holland through the + unfortunate character of King James were perpetually strained to a point + of imminent rupture, it was necessary to hold as long as it was possible + to the slippery embrace of France. + </p> + <p> + But Aerssens was almost aggressive in his attitude. He rebuked the + vacillations, the shortcomings, the imbecility, of the Queen's government + in offensive terms. He consorted openly with the princes who were on the + point of making war upon the Queen-Regent. He made a boast to the + Secretary of State Villeroy that he had unravelled all his secret plots + against the Netherlands. He declared it to be understood in France, since + the King's death, by the dominant and Jesuitical party that the crown + depended temporally as well as spiritually on the good pleasure of the + Pope. + </p> + <p> + No doubt he was perfectly right in many of his opinions. No ruler or + statesman in France worthy of the name would hesitate, in the impending + religious conflict throughout Europe and especially in Germany, to + maintain for the kingdom that all controlling position which was its + splendid privilege. But to preach this to Mary de' Medici was waste of + breath. She was governed by the Concini's, and the Concini's were governed + by Spain. The woman who was believed to have known beforehand of the plot + to murder her great husband, who had driven the one powerful statesman on + whom the King relied, Maximilian de Bethune, into retirement, and whose + foreign affairs were now completely in the hands of the ancient Leaguer + Villeroy—who had served every government in the kingdom for forty + years—was not likely to be accessible to high views of public + policy. + </p> + <p> + Two years had now elapsed since the first private complaints against the + Ambassador, and the French government were becoming impatient at his + presence. Aerssens had been supported by Prince Maurice, to whom he had + long paid his court. He was likewise loyally protected by Barneveld, whom + he publicly flattered and secretly maligned. But it was now necessary that + he should be gone if peaceful relations with France were to be preserved. + </p> + <p> + After all, the Ambassador had not made a bad business of his embassy from + his own point of view. A stranger in the Republic, for his father the + Greffier was a refugee from Brabant, he had achieved through his own + industry and remarkable talents, sustained by the favour of Barneveld—to + whom he owed all his diplomatic appointments—an eminent position in + Europe. Secretary to the legation to France in 1594, he had been + successively advanced to the post of resident agent, and when the Republic + had been acknowledged by the great powers, to that of ambassador. The + highest possible functions that representatives of emperors and kings + could enjoy had been formally recognized in the person of the minister of + a new-born republic. And this was at a moment when, with exception of the + brave but insignificant cantons of Switzerland, the Republic had long been + an obsolete idea. + </p> + <p> + In a pecuniary point of view, too, he had not fared badly during his + twenty years of diplomatic office. He had made much money in various ways. + The King not long before his death sent him one day 20,000 florins as a + present, with a promise soon to do much more for him. + </p> + <p> + Having been placed in so eminent a post, he considered it as due to + himself to derive all possible advantage from it. "Those who serve at the + altar," he said a little while after his return, "must learn to live by + it. I served their High Mightinesses at the court of a great king, and his + Majesty's liberal and gracious favours were showered upon me. My upright + conscience and steady obsequiousness greatly aided me. I did not look upon + opportunity with folded arms, but seized it and made my profit by it. Had + I not met with such fortunate accidents, my office would not have given me + dry bread." + </p> + <p> + Nothing could exceed the frankness and indeed the cynicism with which the + Ambassador avowed his practice of converting his high and sacred office + into merchandise. And these statements of his should be scanned closely, + because at this very moment a cry was distantly rising, which at a later + day was to swell into a roar, that the great Advocate had been bribed and + pensioned. Nothing had occurred to justify such charges, save that at the + period of the truce he had accepted from the King of France a fee of + 20,000 florins for extra official and legal services rendered him a dozen + years before, and had permitted his younger son to hold the office of + gentleman-in-waiting at the French court with the usual salary attached to + it. The post, certainly not dishonourable in itself, had been intended by + the King as a kindly compliment to the leading statesman of his great and + good ally the Republic. It would be difficult to say why such a favour + conferred on the young man should be held more discreditable to the + receiver than the Order of the Garter recently bestowed upon the great + soldier of the Republic by another friendly sovereign. It is instructive + however to note the language in which Francis Aerssens spoke of favours + and money bestowed by a foreign monarch upon himself, for Aerssens had + come back from his embassy full of gall and bitterness against Barneveld. + Thenceforth he was to be his evil demon. + </p> + <p> + "I didn't inherit property," said this diplomatist. "My father and mother, + thank God, are yet living. I have enjoyed the King's liberality. It was + from an ally, not an enemy, of our country. Were every man obliged to give + a reckoning of everything he possesses over and above his hereditary + estates, who in the government would pass muster? Those who declare that + they have served their country in her greatest trouble, and lived in + splendid houses and in service of princes and great companies and the like + on a yearly salary of 4000 florins, may not approve these maxims." + </p> + <p> + It should be remembered that Barneveld, if this was a fling at the + Advocate, had acquired a large fortune by marriage, and, although + certainly not averse from gathering gear, had, as will be seen on a + subsequent page, easily explained the manner in which his property had + increased. No proof was ever offered or attempted of the anonymous + calumnies levelled at him in this regard. + </p> + <p> + "I never had the management of finances," continued Aerssens. "My profits + I have gained in foreign parts. My condition of life is without excess, + and in my opinion every means are good so long as they are honourable and + legal. They say my post was given me by the Advocate. Ergo, all my fortune + comes from the Advocate. Strenuously to have striven to make myself + agreeable to the King and his counsellors, while fulfilling my office with + fidelity and honour, these are the arts by which I have prospered, so that + my splendour dazzles the eyes of the envious. The greediness of those who + believe that the sun should shine for them alone was excited, and so I was + obliged to resign the embassy." + </p> + <p> + So long as Henry lived, the Dutch ambassador saw him daily, and at all + hours, privately, publicly, when he would. Rarely has a foreign envoy at + any court, at any period of history, enjoyed such privileges of being + useful to his government. And there is no doubt that the services of + Aerssens had been most valuable to his country, notwithstanding his + constant care to increase his private fortune through his public + opportunities. He was always ready to be useful to Henry likewise. When + that monarch same time before the truce, and occasionally during the + preliminary negotiations for it, had formed a design to make himself + sovereign of the Provinces, it was Aerssens who charged himself with the + scheme, and would have furthered it with all his might, had the project + not met with opposition both from the Advocate and the Stadholder. + Subsequently it appeared probable that Maurice would not object to the + sovereignty himself, and the Ambassador in Paris, with the King's consent, + was not likely to prove himself hostile to the Prince's ambition. + </p> + <p> + "There is but this means alone," wrote Jeannini to Villeroy, "that can + content him, although hitherto he has done like the rowers, who never look + toward the place whither they wish to go." The attempt of the Prince to + sound Barneveld on this subject through the Princess-Dowager has already + been mentioned, and has much intrinsic probability. Thenceforward, the + republican form of government, the municipal oligarchies, began to + consolidate their power. Yet although the people as such were not + sovereigns, but subjects, and rarely spoken of by the aristocratic + magistrates save with a gentle and patronizing disdain, they enjoyed a + larger liberty than was known anywhere else in the world. Buzenval was + astonished at the "infinite and almost unbridled freedom" which he + witnessed there during his embassy, and which seemed to him however + "without peril to the state." + </p> + <p> + The extraordinary means possessed by Aerssens to be important and useful + vanished with the King's death. His secret despatches, painting in sombre + and sarcastic colours the actual condition of affairs at the French court, + were sent back in copy to the French court itself. It was not known who + had played the Ambassador this vilest of tricks, but it was done during an + illness of Barneveld, and without his knowledge. Early in the year 1613 + Aerssens resolved, not to take his final departure, but to go home on + leave of absence. His private intention was to look for some substantial + office of honour and profit at home. Failing of this, he meant to return + to Paris. But with an eye to the main chance as usual, he ingeniously + caused it to be understood at court, without making positive statements to + that effect, that his departure was final. On his leavetaking, + accordingly, he received larger presents from the crown than had been + often given to a retiring ambassador. At least 20,000 florins were thus + added to the frugal store of profits on which he prided himself. Had he + merely gone away on leave of absence, he would have received no presents + whatever. But he never went back. The Queen-Regent and her ministers were + so glad to get rid of him, and so little disposed, in the straits in which + they found themselves, to quarrel with the powerful republic, as to be + willing to write very complimentary public letters to the States, + concerning the character and conduct of the man whom they so much + detested. + </p> + <p> + Pluming himself upon these, Aerssens made his appearance in the Assembly + of the States-General, to give account by word of mouth of the condition + of affairs, speaking as if he had only come by permission of their + Mightinesses for temporary purposes. Two months later he was summoned + before the Assembly, and ordered to return to his post. + </p> + <p> + Meantime a new French ambassador had arrived at the Hague, in the spring + of 1613. Aubery du Maurier, a son of an obscure country squire, a + Protestant, of moderate opinions, of a sincere but rather obsequious + character, painstaking, diligent, and honest, had been at an earlier day + in the service of the turbulent and intriguing Due de Bouillon. He had + also been employed by Sully as an agent in financial affairs between + Holland and France, and had long been known to Villeroy. He was living on + his estate, in great retirement from all public business, when Secretary + Villeroy suddenly proposed him the embassy to the Hague. There was no more + important diplomatic post at that time in Europe. Other countries were + virtually at peace, but in Holland, notwithstanding the truce, there was + really not much more than an armistice, and great armies lay in the + Netherlands, as after a battle, sleeping face to face with arms in their + hands. The politics of Christendom were at issue in the open, elegant, and + picturesque village which was the social capital of the United Provinces. + The gentry from Spain, Italy, the south of Europe, Catholic Germany, had + clustered about Spinola at Brussels, to learn the art of war in his + constant campaigning against Maurice. English and Scotch officers, + Frenchmen, Bohemians, Austrians, youths from the Palatinate and all + Protestant countries in Germany, swarmed to the banners of the prince who + had taught the world how Alexander Farnese could be baffled, and the great + Spinola outmanoeuvred. Especially there was a great number of Frenchmen of + figure and quality who thronged to the Hague, besides the officers of the + two French regiments which formed a regular portion of the States' army. + That army was the best appointed and most conspicuous standing force in + Europe. Besides the French contingent there were always nearly 30,000 + infantry and 3000 cavalry on a war footing, splendidly disciplined, + experienced, and admirably armed. The navy, consisting of thirty war + ships, perfectly equipped and manned, was a match for the combined marine + forces of all Europe, and almost as numerous. + </p> + <p> + When the Ambassador went to solemn audience of the States-General, he was + attended by a brilliant group of gentlemen and officers, often to the + number of three hundred, who volunteered to march after him on foot to + honour their sovereign in the person of his ambassador; the Envoy's + carriage following empty behind. Such were the splendid diplomatic + processions often received by the stately Advocate in his plain civic + garb, when grave international questions were to be publicly discussed. + </p> + <p> + There was much murmuring in France when the appointment of a personage + comparatively so humble to a position so important was known. It was + considered as a blow aimed directly at the malcontent princes of the + blood, who were at that moment plotting their first levy of arms against + the Queen. Du Maurier had been ill-treated by the Due de Bouillon, who + naturally therefore now denounced the man whom he had injured to the + government to which he was accredited. Being the agent of Mary de' Medici, + he was, of course, described as a tool of the court and a secret pensioner + of Spain. He was to plot with the arch traitor Barneveld as to the best + means for distracting the Provinces and bringing them back into Spanish + subjection. Du Maurier, being especially but secretly charged to prevent + the return of Francis Aerssens to Paris, incurred of course the enmity of + that personage and of the French grandees who ostentatiously protected + him. It was even pretended by Jeannin that the appointment of a man so + slightly known to the world, so inexperienced in diplomacy, and of a + parentage so little distinguished, would be considered an affront by the + States-General. + </p> + <p> + But on the whole, Villeroy had made an excellent choice. No safer man + could perhaps have been found in France for a post of such eminence, in + circumstances so delicate, and at a crisis so grave. The man who had been + able to make himself agreeable and useful, while preserving his integrity, + to characters so dissimilar as the refining, self-torturing, intellectual + Duplessis-Mornay, the rude, aggressive, and straightforward Sully, the + deep-revolving, restlessly plotting Bouillon, and the smooth, silent, and + tortuous Villeroy—men between whom there was no friendship, but, on + the contrary, constant rancour—had material in him to render + valuable services at this particular epoch. Everything depended on + patience, tact, watchfulness in threading the distracting, almost + inextricable, maze which had been created by personal rivalries, + ambitions, and jealousies in the state he represented and the one to which + he was accredited. "I ascribe it all to God," he said, in his testament to + his children, "the impenetrable workman who in His goodness has enabled me + to make myself all my life obsequious, respectful, and serviceable to all, + avoiding as much as possible, in contenting some, not to discontent + others." He recommended his children accordingly to endeavour "to succeed + in life by making themselves as humble, intelligent, and capable as + possible." + </p> + <p> + This is certainly not a very high type of character, but a safer one for + business than that of the arch intriguer Francis Aerssens. And he had + arrived at the Hague under trying circumstances. Unknown to the foreign + world he was now entering, save through the disparaging rumours concerning + him, sent thither in advance by the powerful personages arrayed against + his government, he might have sunk under such a storm at the outset, but + for the incomparable kindness and friendly aid of the Princess-Dowager, + Louise de Coligny. "I had need of her protection and recommendation as + much as of life," said du Maurier; "and she gave them in such excess as to + annihilate an infinity of calumnies which envy had excited against me on + every side." He had also a most difficult and delicate matter to arrange + at the very moment of his arrival. + </p> + <p> + For Aerssens had done his best not only to produce a dangerous division in + the politics of the Republic, but to force a rupture between the French + government and the States. He had carried matters before the assembly with + so high a hand as to make it seem impossible to get rid of him without + public scandal. He made a parade of the official letters from the + Queen-Regent and her ministers, in which he was spoken of in terms of + conventional compliment. He did not know, and Barneveld wished, if + possible, to spare him the annoyance of knowing, that both Queen and + ministers, so soon as informed that there was a chance of coming back to + them, had written letters breathing great repugnance to him and intimating + that he would not be received. Other high personages of state had written + to express their resentment at his duplicity, perpetual mischief-making, + and machinations against the peace of the kingdom, and stating the + impossibility of his resuming the embassy at Paris. And at last the queen + wrote to the States-General to say that, having heard their intention to + send him back to a post "from which he had taken leave formally and + officially," she wished to prevent such a step. "We should see M. Aerssens + less willingly than comports with our friendship for you and good + neighbourhood. Any other you could send would be most welcome, as M. du + Maurier will explain to you more amply." + </p> + <p> + And to du Maurier himself she wrote distinctly, "Rather than suffer the + return of the said Aerssens, you will declare that for causes which regard + the good of our affairs and our particular satisfaction we cannot and will + not receive him in the functions which he has exercised here, and we rely + too implicitly upon the good friendship of My Lords the States to do + anything in this that would so much displease us." + </p> + <p> + And on the same day Villeroy privately wrote to the Ambassador, "If, in + spite of all this, Aerssens should endeavour to return, he will not be + received, after the knowledge we have of his factious spirit, most + dangerous in a public personage in a state such as ours and in the + minority of the King." + </p> + <p> + Meantime Aerssens had been going about flaunting letters in everybody's + face from the Duc de Bouillon insisting on the necessity of his return! + The fact in itself would have been sufficient to warrant his removal, for + the Duke was just taking up arms against his sovereign. Unless the States + meant to interfere officially and directly in the civil war about to break + out in France, they could hardly send a minister to the government on + recommendation of the leader of the rebellion. + </p> + <p> + It had, however, become impossible to remove him without an explosion. + Barneveld, who, said du Maurier, "knew the man to his finger nails," had + been reluctant to "break the ice," and wished for official notice in the + matter from the Queen. Maurice protected the troublesome diplomatist. + "'Tis incredible," said the French ambassador "how covertly Prince Maurice + is carrying himself, contrary to his wont, in this whole affair. I don't + know whether it is from simple jealousy to Barneveld, or if there is some + mystery concealed below the surface." + </p> + <p> + Du Maurier had accordingly been obliged to ask his government for distinct + and official instructions. "He holds to his place," said he, "by so slight + and fragile a root as not to require two hands to pluck him up, the little + finger being enough. There is no doubt that he has been in concert with + those who are making use of him to re-establish their credit with the + States, and to embark Prince Maurice contrary to his preceding custom in a + cabal with them." + </p> + <p> + Thus a question of removing an obnoxious diplomatist could hardly be + graver, for it was believed that he was doing his best to involve the + military chief of his own state in a game of treason and rebellion against + the government to which he was accredited. It was not the first nor likely + to be the last of Bouillon's deadly intrigues. But the man who had been + privy to Biron's conspiracy against the crown and life of his sovereign + was hardly a safe ally for his brother-in-law, the straightforward + stadholder. + </p> + <p> + The instructions desired by du Maurier and by Barneveld had, as we have + seen, at last arrived. The French ambassador thus fortified appeared + before the Assembly of the States-General and officially demanded the + recall of Aerssens. In a letter addressed privately and confidentially to + their Mightinesses, he said, "If in spite of us you throw him at our feet, + we shall fling him back at your head." + </p> + <p> + At last Maurice yielded to, the representations of the French envoy, and + Aerssens felt obliged to resign his claims to the post. The States-General + passed a resolution that it would be proper to employ him in some other + capacity in order to show that his services had been agreeable to them, he + having now declared that he could no longer be useful in France. Maurice, + seeing that it was impossible to save him, admitted to du Maurier his + unsteadiness and duplicity, and said that, if possessed of the confidence + of a great king, he would be capable of destroying the state in less than + a year. + </p> + <p> + But this had not always been the Prince's opinion, nor was it likely to + remain unchanged. As for Villeroy, he denied flatly that the cause of his + displeasure had been that Aerssens had penetrated into his most secret + affairs. He protested, on the contrary, that his annoyance with him had + partly proceeded from the slight acquaintance he had acquired of his + policy, and that, while boasting to be better informed than any one, he + was in the habit of inventing and imagining things in order to get credit + for himself. + </p> + <p> + It was highly essential that the secret of this affair should be made + clear; for its influence on subsequent events was to be deep and wide. For + the moment Aerssens remained without employment, and there was no open + rupture with Barneveld. The only difference of opinion between the + Advocate and himself, he said, was whether he had or had not definitely + resigned his post on leaving Paris. + </p> + <p> + Meantime it was necessary to fix upon a successor for this most important + post. The war soon after the new year had broken out in France. Conde, + Bouillon, and the other malcontent princes with their followers had taken + possession of the fortress of Mezieres, and issued a letter in the name of + Conde to the Queen-Regent demanding an assembly of the States-General of + the kingdom and rupture of the Spanish marriages. Both parties, that of + the government and that of the rebellion, sought the sympathy and active + succour of the States. Maurice, acting now in perfect accord with the + Advocate, sustained the Queen and execrated the rebellion of his relatives + with perfect frankness. Conde, he said, had got his head stuffed full of + almanacs whose predictions he wished to see realized. He vowed he would + have shortened by a head the commander of the garrison who betrayed + Mezieres, if he had been under his control. He forbade on pain of death + the departure of any officer or private of the French regiments from + serving the rebels, and placed the whole French force at the disposal of + the Queen, with as many Netherland regiments as could be spared. One + soldier was hanged and three others branded with the mark of a gibbet on + the face for attempting desertion. The legal government was loyally + sustained by the authority of the States, notwithstanding all the + intrigues of Aerssens with the agents of the princes to procure them + assistance. The mutiny for the time was brief, and was settled on the 15th + of May 1614, by the peace of Sainte-Menehould, as much a caricature of a + treaty as the rising had been the parody of a war. Van der Myle, + son-in-law of Barneveld, who had been charged with a special and temporary + mission to France, brought back the terms, of the convention to the + States-General. On the other hand, Conde and his confederates sent a + special agent to the Netherlands to give their account of the war and the + negotiation, who refused to confer either with du Maurier or Barneveld, + but who held much conference with Aerssens. + </p> + <p> + It was obvious enough that the mutiny of the princes would become chronic. + In truth, what other condition was possible with two characters like Mary + de' Medici and the Prince of Conde respectively at the head of the + government and the revolt? What had France to hope for but to remain the + bloody playground for mischievous idiots, who threw about the firebrands + and arrows of reckless civil war in pursuit of the paltriest of personal + aims? + </p> + <p> + Van der Myle had pretensions to the vacant place of Aerssens. He had some + experience in diplomacy. He had conducted skilfully enough the first + mission of the States to Venice, and had subsequently been employed in + matters of moment. But he was son-in-law to Barneveld, and although the + Advocate was certainly not free from the charge of nepotism, he shrank + from the reproach of having apparently removed Aerssens to make a place + for one of his own family. + </p> + <p> + Van der Myle remained to bear the brunt of the late ambassador's malice, + and to engage at a little later period in hottest controversy with him, + personal and political. "Why should van der Myle strut about, with his + arms akimbo like a peacock?" complained Aerssens one day in confused + metaphor. A question not easy to answer satisfactorily. + </p> + <p> + The minister selected was a certain Baron Asperen de Langerac, wholly + unversed in diplomacy or other public affairs, with abilities not above + the average. A series of questions addressed by him to the Advocate, the + answers to which, scrawled on the margin of the paper, were to serve for + his general instructions, showed an ingenuousness as amusing as the + replies of Barneveld were experienced and substantial. + </p> + <p> + In general he was directed to be friendly and respectful to every one, to + the Queen-Regent and her counsellors especially, and, within the limits of + becoming reverence for her, to cultivate the good graces of the Prince of + Conde and the other great nobles still malcontent and rebellious, but + whose present movement, as Barneveld foresaw, was drawing rapidly to a + close. Langerac arrived in Paris on the 5th of April 1614. + </p> + <p> + Du Maurier thought the new ambassador likely to "fall a prey to the + specious language and gentle attractions of the Due de Bouillon." He also + described him as very dependent upon Prince Maurice. On the other hand + Langerac professed unbounded and almost childlike reverence for Barneveld, + was devoted to his person, and breathed as it were only through his + inspiration. Time would show whether those sentiments would outlast every + possible storm. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Weakness of the Rulers of France and England—The Wisdom of + Barneveld inspires Jealousy—Sir Dudley Carleton succeeds Winwood— + Young Neuburg under the Guidance of Maximilian—Barneveld strives to + have the Treaty of Xanten enforced—Spain and the Emperor wish to + make the States abandon their Position with regard to the Duchies— + The French Government refuses to aid the States—Spain and the + Emperor resolve to hold Wesel—The great Religious War begun—The + Protestant Union and Catholic League both wish to secure the Border + Provinces—Troubles in Turkey—Spanish Fleet seizes La Roche—Spain + places large Armies on a War Footing. +</pre> + <p> + Few things are stranger in history than the apathy with which the wide + designs of the Catholic party were at that moment regarded. The + preparations for the immense struggle which posterity learned to call the + Thirty Years' War, and to shudder when speaking of it, were going forward + on every side. In truth the war had really begun, yet those most deeply + menaced by it at the outset looked on with innocent calmness because their + own roofs were not quite yet in a blaze. The passage of arms in the + duchies, the outlines of which have just been indicated, and which was the + natural sequel of the campaign carried out four years earlier on the same + territory, had been ended by a mockery. In France, reduced almost to + imbecility by the absence of a guiding brain during a long minority, + fallen under the distaff of a dowager both weak and wicked, distracted by + the intrigues and quarrels of a swarm of self-seeking grandees, and with + all its offices, from highest to lowest, of court, state, jurisprudence, + and magistracy, sold as openly and as cynically as the commonest wares, + there were few to comprehend or to grapple with the danger. It should have + seemed obvious to the meanest capacity in the kingdom that the great house + of Austria, reigning supreme in Spain and in Germany, could not be allowed + to crush the Duke of Savoy on the one side, and Bohemia, Moravia, and the + Netherlands on the other without danger of subjection for France. Yet the + aim of the Queen-Regent was to cultivate an impossible alliance with her + inevitable foe. + </p> + <p> + And in England, ruled as it then was with no master mind to enforce + against its sovereign the great lessons of policy, internal and external, + on which its welfare and almost its imperial existence depended, the only + ambition of those who could make their opinions felt was to pursue the + same impossibility, intimate alliance with the universal foe. + </p> + <p> + Any man with slightest pretensions to statesmanship knew that the liberty + for Protestant worship in Imperial Germany, extorted by force, had been + given reluctantly, and would be valid only as long as that force could + still be exerted or should remain obviously in reserve. The + "Majesty-Letter" and the "Convention" of the two religions would prove as + flimsy as the parchment on which they were engrossed, the Protestant + churches built under that sanction would be shattered like glass, if once + the Catholic rulers could feel their hands as clear as their consciences + would be for violating their sworn faith to heretics. Men knew, even if + the easy-going and uxorious emperor, into which character the once busy + and turbulent Archduke Matthias had subsided, might be willing to keep his + pledges, that Ferdinand of Styria, who would soon succeed him, and + Maximilian of Bavaria were men who knew their own minds, and had mentally + never resigned one inch of the ground which Protestantism imagined itself + to have conquered. + </p> + <p> + These things seem plain as daylight to all who look back upon them through + the long vista of the past; but the sovereign of England did not see them + or did not choose to see them. He saw only the Infanta and her two + millions of dowry, and he knew that by calling Parliament together to ask + subsidies for an anti-Catholic war he should ruin those golden matrimonial + prospects for his son, while encouraging those "shoemakers," his subjects, + to go beyond their "last," by consulting the representatives of his people + on matters pertaining to the mysteries of government. He was slowly + digging the grave of the monarchy and building the scaffold of his son; + but he did his work with a laborious and pedantic trifling, when really + engaged in state affairs, most amazing to contemplate. He had no penny to + give to the cause in which his nearest relatives mere so deeply involved + and for which his only possible allies were pledged; but he was ready to + give advice to all parties, and with ludicrous gravity imagined himself + playing the umpire between great contending hosts, when in reality he was + only playing the fool at the beck of masters before whom he quaked. + </p> + <p> + "You are not to vilipend my counsel," said he one day to a foreign envoy. + "I am neither a camel nor an ass to take up all this work on my shoulders. + Where would you find another king as willing to do it as I am?" + </p> + <p> + The King had little time and no money to give to serve his own family and + allies and the cause of Protestantism, but he could squander vast sums + upon worthless favourites, and consume reams of paper on controverted + points of divinity. The appointment of Vorstius to the chair of theology + in Leyden aroused more indignation in his bosom, and occupied more of his + time, than the conquests of Spinola in the duchies, and the menaces of + Spain against Savoy and Bohemia. He perpetually preached moderation to the + States in the matter of the debateable territory, although moderation at + that moment meant submission to the House of Austria. He chose to affect + confidence in the good faith of those who were playing a comedy by which + no statesman could be deceived, but which had secured the approbation of + the Solomon of the age. + </p> + <p> + But there was one man who was not deceived. The warnings and the + lamentations of Barneveld sound to us out of that far distant time like + the voice of an inspired prophet. It is possible that a portion of the + wrath to come might have been averted had there been many men in high + places to heed his voice. I do not wish to exaggerate the power and wisdom + of the man, nor to set him forth as one of the greatest heroes of history. + But posterity has done far less than justice to a statesman and sage who + wielded a vast influence at a most critical period in the fate of + Christendom, and uniformly wielded it to promote the cause of temperate + human liberty, both political and religious. Viewed by the light of two + centuries and a half of additional experience, he may appear to have made + mistakes, but none that were necessarily disastrous or even mischievous. + Compared with the prevailing idea of the age in which he lived, his + schemes of polity seem to dilate into large dimensions, his sentiments of + religious freedom, however limited to our modern ideas, mark an epoch in + human progress, and in regard to the general commonwealth of Christendom, + of which he was so leading a citizen, the part he played was a lofty one. + No man certainly understood the tendency of his age more exactly, took a + broader and more comprehensive view than he did of the policy necessary to + preserve the largest portion of the results of the past three-quarters of + a century, or had pondered the relative value of great conflicting forces + more skilfully. Had his counsels been always followed, had illustrious + birth placed him virtually upon a throne, as was the case with William the + Silent, and thus allowed him occasionally to carry out the designs of a + great mind with almost despotic authority, it might have been better for + the world. But in that age it was royal blood alone that could command + unflinching obedience without exciting personal rivalry. Men quailed + before his majestic intellect, but hated him for the power which was its + necessary result. They already felt a stupid delight in cavilling at his + pedigree. To dispute his claim to a place among the ancient nobility to + which he was an honour was to revenge themselves for the rank he + unquestionably possessed side by side in all but birth with the kings and + rulers of the world. Whether envy and jealousy be vices more incident to + the republican form of government than to other political systems may be + an open question. But it is no question whatever that Barneveld's every + footstep from this period forward was dogged by envy as patient as it was + devouring. Jealousy stuck to him like his shadow. We have examined the + relations which existed between Winwood and himself; we have seen that + ambassador, now secretary of state for James, never weary in denouncing + the Advocate's haughtiness and grim resolution to govern the country + according to its laws rather than at the dictate of a foreign sovereign, + and in flinging forth malicious insinuations in regard to his relations to + Spain. The man whose every hour was devoted in spite of a thousand + obstacles strewn by stupidity, treachery, and apathy, as well as by envy, + hatred, and bigotry—to the organizing of a grand and universal + league of Protestantism against Spain, and to rolling up with strenuous + and sometimes despairing arms a dead mountain weight, ever ready to fall + back upon and crush him, was accused in dark and mysterious whispers, soon + to grow louder and bolder, of a treacherous inclination for Spain. + </p> + <p> + There is nothing less surprising nor more sickening for those who observe + public life, and wish to retain faith in the human species, than the + almost infinite power of the meanest of passions. + </p> + <p> + The Advocate was obliged at the very outset of Langerac's mission to + France to give him a warning on this subject. + </p> + <p> + "Should her Majesty make kindly mention of me," he said, "you will say + nothing of it in your despatches as you did in your last, although I am + sure with the best intentions. It profits me not, and many take umbrage at + it; wherefore it is wise to forbear." + </p> + <p> + But this was a trifle. By and by there would be many to take umbrage at + every whisper in his favour, whether from crowned heads or from the + simplest in the social scale. Meantime he instructed the Ambassador, + without paying heed to personal compliments to his chief, to do his best + to keep the French government out of the hands of Spain, and with that + object in view to smooth over the differences between the two great + parties in the kingdom, and to gain the confidence, if possible, of Conde + and Nevers and Bouillon, while never failing in straightforward respect + and loyal friendship to the Queen-Regent and her ministers, as the + legitimate heads of the government. + </p> + <p> + From England a new ambassador was soon to take the place of Winwood. Sir + Dudley Carleton was a diplomatist of respectable abilities, and well + trained to business and routine. Perhaps on the whole there was none + other, in that epoch of official mediocrity, more competent than he to + fill what was then certainly the most important of foreign posts. His + course of life had in no wise familiarized him with the intricacies of the + Dutch constitution, nor could the diplomatic profession, combined with a + long residence at Venice, be deemed especially favourable for deep studies + of the mysteries of predestination. Yet he would be found ready at the + bidding of his master to grapple with Grotius and Barneveld on the field + of history and law, and thread with Uytenbogaert or Taurinus all the + subtleties of Arminianism and Gomarism as if he had been half his life + both a regular practitioner at the Supreme Court of the Hague and + professor of theology at the University of Leyden. Whether the triumphs + achieved in such encounters were substantial and due entirely to his own + genius might be doubtful. At all events he had a sovereign behind him who + was incapable of making a mistake on any subject. + </p> + <p> + "You shall not forget," said James in his instructions to Sir Dudley, + "that you are the minister of that master whom God hath made the sole + protector of his religion . . . . . and you may let fall how hateful the + maintaining of erroneous opinions is to the majesty of God and how + displeasing to us." + </p> + <p> + The warlike operations of 1614 had been ended by the abortive peace of + Xanten. The two rival pretenders to the duchies were to halve the + territory, drawing lots for the first choice, all foreign troops were to + be withdrawn, and a pledge was to be given that no fortress should be + placed in the hands of any power. But Spain at the last moment had refused + to sanction the treaty, and everything was remitted to what might be + exactly described as a state of sixes and sevens. Subsequently it was + hoped that the States' troops might be induced to withdraw simultaneously + with the Catholic forces on an undertaking by Spinola that there should be + no re-occupation of the disputed territory either by the Republic or by + Spain. But Barneveld accurately pointed out that, although the Marquis was + a splendid commander and, so long as he was at the head of the armies, a + most powerful potentate, he might be superseded at any moment. Count + Bucquoy, for example, might suddenly appear in his place and refuse to be + bound by any military arrangement of his predecessor. Then the Archduke + proposed to give a guarantee that in case of a mutual withdrawal there + should be no return of the troops, no recapture of garrisons. But + Barneveld, speaking for the States, liked not the security. The Archduke + was but the puppet of Spain, and Spain had no part in the guarantee. She + held the strings, and might cause him at any moment to play what pranks + she chose. It would be the easiest thing in the world for despotic Spain, + so the Advocate thought, to reappear suddenly in force again at a moment's + notice after the States' troops had been withdrawn and partially + disbanded, and it would be difficult for the many-headed and many-tongued + republic to act with similar promptness. To withdraw without a guarantee + from Spain to the Treaty of Xanten, which had once been signed, sealed, + and all but ratified, would be to give up fifty points in the game. + Nothing but disaster could ensue. The Advocate as leader in all these + negotiations and correspondence was ever actuated by the favourite + quotation of William the Silent from Demosthenes, that the safest citadel + against an invader and a tyrant is distrust. And he always distrusted in + these dealings, for he was sure the Spanish cabinet was trying to make + fools of the States, and there were many ready to assist it in the task. + Now that one of the pretenders, temporary master of half the duchies, the + Prince of Neuburg, had espoused both Catholicism and the sister of the + Archbishop of Cologne and the Duke of Bavaria, it would be more safe than + ever for Spain to make a temporary withdrawal. Maximilian of Bavaria was + beyond all question the ablest and most determined leader of the Catholic + party in Germany, and the most straightforward and sincere. No man before + or since his epoch had, like him, been destined to refuse, and more than + once refuse, the Imperial crown. + </p> + <p> + Through his apostasy the Prince of Neuburg was in danger of losing his + hereditary estates, his brothers endeavouring to dispossess him on the + ground of the late duke's will, disinheriting any one of his heirs who + should become a convert to Catholicism. He had accordingly implored aid + from the King of Spain. Archduke Albert had urged Philip to render such + assistance as a matter of justice, and the Emperor had naturally declared + that the whole right as eldest son belonged, notwithstanding the will, to + the Prince. + </p> + <p> + With the young Neuburg accordingly under the able guidance of Maximilian, + it was not likely that the grasp of the Spanish party upon these + all-important territories would be really loosened. The Emperor still + claimed the right to decide among the candidates and to hold the provinces + under sequestration till the decision should be made—that was to + say, until the Greek Kalends. The original attempt to do this through + Archduke Leopold had been thwarted, as we have seen, by the prompt + movements of Maurice sustained by the policy of Barneveld. The Advocate + was resolved that the Emperor's name should not be mentioned either in the + preamble or body of the treaty. And his course throughout the simulations, + which were never negotiations, was perpetually baffled as much by the + easiness and languor of his allies as the ingenuity of the enemy. + </p> + <p> + He was reproached with the loss of Wesel, that Geneva of the Rhine, which + would never be abandoned by Spain if it was not done forthwith. Let Spain + guarantee the Treaty of Xanten, he said, and then she cannot come back. + All else is illusion. Moreover, the Emperor had given positive orders that + Wesel should not be given up. He was assured by Villeroy that France would + never put on her harness for Aachen, that cradle of Protestantism. That + was for the States-General to do, whom it so much more nearly concerned. + The whole aim of Barneveld was not to destroy the Treaty of Xanten, but to + enforce it in the only way in which it could be enforced, by the guarantee + of Spain. So secured, it would be a barrier in the universal war of + religion which he foresaw was soon to break out. But it was the resolve of + Spain, instead of pledging herself to the treaty, to establish the legal + control of the territory in the hand of the Emperor. Neuburg complained + that Philip in writing to him did not give him the title of Duke of Julich + and Cleve, although he had been placed in possession of those estates by + the arms of Spain. Philip, referring to Archduke Albert for his opinion on + this subject, was advised that, as the Emperor had not given Neuburg the + investiture of the duchies, the King was quite right in refusing him the + title. Even should the Treaty of Xanten be executed, neither he nor the + Elector of Brandenburg would be anything but administrators until the + question of right was decided by the Emperor. + </p> + <p> + Spain had sent Neuburg the Order of the Golden Fleece as a reward for his + conversion, but did not intend him to be anything but a man of straw in + the territories which he claimed by sovereign right. They were to form a + permanent bulwark to the Empire, to Spain, and to Catholicism. + </p> + <p> + Barneveld of course could never see the secret letters passing between + Brussels and Madrid, but his insight into the purposes of the enemy was + almost as acute as if the correspondence of Philip and Albert had been in + the pigeonholes of his writing-desk in the Kneuterdyk. + </p> + <p> + The whole object of Spain and the Emperor, acting through the Archduke, + was to force the States to abandon their positions in the duchies + simultaneously with the withdrawal of the Spanish troops, and to be + satisfied with a bare convention between themselves and Archduke Albert + that there should be no renewed occupation by either party. Barneveld, + finding it impossible to get Spain upon the treaty, was resolved that at + least the two mediating powers, their great allies, the sovereigns of + Great Britain and France, should guarantee the convention, and that the + promises of the Archduke should be made to them. This was steadily refused + by Spain; for the Archduke never moved an inch in the matter except + according to the orders of Spain, and besides battling and buffeting with + the Archduke, Barneveld was constantly deafened with the clamour of the + English king, who always declared Spain to be in the right whatever she + did, and forced to endure with what patience he might the goading of that + King's envoy. France, on the other hand, supported the States as firmly as + could have been reasonably expected. + </p> + <p> + "We proposed," said the Archduke, instructing an envoy whom he was sending + to Madrid with detailed accounts of these negotiations, "that the promise + should be made to each other as usual in treaties. But the Hollanders said + the promise should be made to the Kings of France and England, at which + the Emperor would have been deeply offended, as if in the affair he was of + no account at all. At any moment by this arrangement in concert with + France and England the Hollanders might walk in and do what they liked." + </p> + <p> + Certainly there could have been no succincter eulogy of the policy + steadily recommended, as we shall have occasion to see, by Barneveld. Had + he on this critical occasion been backed by England and France combined, + Spain would have been forced to beat a retreat, and Protestantism in the + great general war just beginning would have had an enormous advantage in + position. But the English Solomon could not see the wisdom of this policy. + "The King of England says we are right," continued the Archduke, "and has + ordered his ambassador to insist on our view. The French ambassador here + says that his colleague at the Hague has similar instructions, but admits + that he has not acted up to them. There is not much chance of the + Hollanders changing. It would be well that the King should send a written + ultimatum that the Hollanders should sign the convention which we propose. + If they don't agree, the world at least will see that it is not we who are + in fault." + </p> + <p> + The world would see, and would never have forgiven a statesman in the + position of Barneveld, had he accepted a bald agreement from a subordinate + like the Archduke, a perfectly insignificant personage in the great drama + then enacting, and given up guarantees both from the Archduke's master and + from the two great allies of the Republic. He stood out manfully against + Spain and England at every hazard, and under a pelting storm of obloquy, + and this was the man whose designs the English secretary of state had + dared to describe "as of no other nature than to cause the Provinces to + relapse into the hands of Spain." + </p> + <p> + It appeared too a little later that Barneveld's influence with the French + government, owing to his judicious support of it so long as it was a + government, had been decidedly successful. Drugged as France was by the + Spanish marriage treaty, she was yet not so sluggish nor spell-bound as + the King of Great Britain. + </p> + <p> + "France will not urge upon the Hollanders to execute the proposal as we + made it," wrote the Archduke to the King, "so negotiations are at a + standstill. The Hollanders say it is better that each party should remain + with what each possesses. So that if it does not come to blows, and if + these insolences go on as they have done, the Hollanders will be gaining + and occupying more territory every day." + </p> + <p> + Thus once more the ancient enemies and masters of the Republic were making + the eulogy of the Dutch statesman. It was impossible at present for the + States to regain Wesel, nor that other early stronghold of the + Reformation, the old Imperial city of Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle). The price + to be paid was too exorbitant. + </p> + <p> + The French government had persistently refused to assist the States and + possessory princes in the recovery of this stronghold. The Queen-Regent + was afraid of offending Spain, although her government had induced the + citizens of the place to make the treaty now violated by that country. The + Dutch ambassador had been instructed categorically to enquire whether + their Majesties meant to assist Aachen and the princes if attacked by the + Archdukes. "No," said Villeroy; "we are not interested in Aachen, 'tis too + far off. Let them look for assistance to those who advised their mutiny." + </p> + <p> + To the Ambassador's remonstrance that France was both interested in and + pledged to them, the Secretary of State replied, "We made the treaty + through compassion and love, but we shall not put on harness for Aachen. + Don't think it. You, the States and the United Provinces, may assist them + if you like." + </p> + <p> + The Envoy then reminded the Minister that the States-General had always + agreed to go forward evenly in this business with the Kings of Great + Britain and France and the united princes, the matter being of equal + importance to all. They had given no further pledge than this to the + Union. + </p> + <p> + It was plain, however, that France was determined not to lift a finger at + that moment. The Duke of Bouillon and those acting with him had tried hard + to induce their Majesties "to write seriously to the Archduke in order at + least to intimidate him by stiff talk," but it was hopeless. They thought + it was not a time then to quarrel with their neighbour and give offence to + Spain. + </p> + <p> + So the stiff talk was omitted, and the Archduke was not intimidated. The + man who had so often intimidated him was in his grave, and his widow was + occupied in marrying her son to the Infanta. "These are the first-fruits," + said Aerssens, "of the new negotiations with Spain." + </p> + <p> + Both the Spanish king and the Emperor were resolved to hold Wesel to the + very last. Until the States should retire from all their positions on the + bare word of the Archduke, that the Spanish forces once withdrawn would + never return, the Protestants of those two cities must suffer. There was + no help for it. To save them would be to abandon all. For no true + statesman could be so ingenuous as thus to throw all the cards on the + table for the Spanish and Imperial cabinet to shuffle them at pleasure for + a new deal. The Duke of Neuburg, now Catholic and especially protected by + Spain, had become, instead of a pretender with more or less law on his + side, a mere standard-bearer and agent of the Great Catholic League in the + debateable land. He was to be supported at all hazard by the Spanish + forces, according to the express command of Philip's government, + especially now that his two brothers with the countenance of the States + were disputing his right to his hereditary dominions in Germany. + </p> + <p> + The Archduke was sullen enough at what he called the weak-mindedness of + France. Notwithstanding that by express orders from Spain he had sent 5000 + troops under command of Juan de Rivas to the Queen's assistance just + before the peace of Sainte-Menehould, he could not induce her government + to take the firm part which the English king did in browbeating the + Hollanders. + </p> + <p> + "'Tis certain," he complained, "that if, instead of this sluggishness on + the part of France, they had done us there the same good services we have + had from England, the Hollanders would have accepted the promise just as + it was proposed by us." He implored the King, therefore, to use his + strongest influence with the French government that it should strenuously + intervene with the Hollanders, and compel them to sign the proposal which + they rejected. "There is no means of composition if France does not oblige + them to sign," said Albert rather piteously. + </p> + <p> + But it was not without reason that Barneveld had in many of his letters + instructed the States' ambassador, Langerac, "to caress the old gentleman" + (meaning and never naming Villeroy), for he would prove to be in spite of + all obstacles a good friend to the States, as he always had been. And + Villeroy did hold firm. Whether the Archduke was right or not in his + conviction, that, if France would only unite with England in exerting a + strong pressure on the Hollanders, they would evacuate the duchies, and so + give up the game, the correspondence of Barneveld shows very accurately. + But the Archduke, of course, had not seen that correspondence. + </p> + <p> + The Advocate knew what was plotting, what was impending, what was actually + accomplished, for he was accustomed to sweep the whole horizon with an + anxious and comprehensive glance. He knew without requiring to read the + secret letters of the enemy that vast preparations for an extensive war + against the Reformation were already completed. The movements in the + duchies were the first drops of a coming deluge. The great religious war + which was to last a generation of mankind had already begun; the immediate + and apparent pretext being a little disputed succession to some petty + sovereignties, the true cause being the necessity for each great party—the + Protestant Union and the Catholic League—to secure these border + provinces, the possession of which would be of such inestimable advantage + to either. If nothing decisive occurred in the year 1614, the following + year would still be more convenient for the League. There had been + troubles in Turkey. The Grand Vizier had been murdered. The Sultan was + engaged in a war with Persia. There was no eastern bulwark in Europe to + the ever menacing power of the Turk and of Mahometanism in Europe save + Hungary alone. Supported and ruled as that kingdom was by the House of + Austria, the temper of the populations of Germany had become such as to + make it doubtful in the present conflict of religious opinions between + them and their rulers whether the Turk or the Spaniard would be most + odious as an invader. But for the moment, Spain and the Emperor had their + hands free. They were not in danger of an attack from below the Danube. + Moreover, the Spanish fleet had been achieving considerable successes on + the Barbary coast, having seized La Roche, and one or two important + citadels, useful both against the corsairs and against sudden attacks by + sea from the Turk. There were at least 100,000 men on a war footing ready + to take the field at command of the two branches of the House of Austria, + Spanish and German. In the little war about Montserrat, Savoy was on the + point of being crushed, and Savoy was by position and policy the only + possible ally, in the south, of the Netherlands and of Protestant Germany. + </p> + <p> + While professing the most pacific sentiments towards the States, and a + profound anxiety to withdraw his troops from their borders, the King of + Spain, besides daily increasing those forces, had just raised 4,000,000 + ducats, a large portion of which was lodged with his bankers in Brussels. + Deeds like those were of more significance than sugared words. + </p> + <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/4898/4898-h/4898-h.htm"><b>Volume + II.</b> </a> + </td> + <td> + </td> + </tr> + </tbody> + </table> + <p> + <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Almost infinite power of the meanest of passions + Ludicrous gravity + Safest citadel against an invader and a tyrant is distrust + Their own roofs were not quite yet in a blaze + Therefore now denounced the man whom he had injured + + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS, ENTIRE JOHN OF BARNEVELD 1609-1615: + + Abstinence from inquisition into consciences and private parlour + Advanced orthodox party-Puritans + Allowed the demon of religious hatred to enter into its body + Almost infinite power of the meanest of passions + And now the knife of another priest-led fanatic + Aristocracy of God's elect + As with his own people, keeping no back-door open + At a blow decapitated France + Atheist, a tyrant, because he resisted dictation from the clergy + Behead, torture, burn alive, and bury alive all heretics + Christian sympathy and a small assistance not being sufficient + Conclusive victory for the allies seemed as predestined + Contained within itself the germs of a larger liberty + Could not be both judge and party in the suit + Covered now with the satirical dust of centuries + Deadly hatred of Puritans in England and Holland + Determined to bring the very name of liberty into contempt + Disputing the eternal damnation of young children + Doctrine of predestination in its sternest and strictest sense + Emperor of Japan addressed him as his brother monarch + Epernon, the true murderer of Henry + Estimating his character and judging his judges + Everybody should mind his own business + Fate, free will, or absolute foreknowledge + Father Cotton, who was only too ready to betray the secrets + Give him advice if he asked it, and money when he required + Great war of religion and politics was postponed + He was not imperial of aspect on canvas or coin + He was a sincere bigot + He who would have all may easily lose all + He who spreads the snare always tumbles into the ditch himself + Impatience is often on the part of the non-combatants + Intense bigotry of conviction + International friendship, the self-interest of each + It was the true religion, and there was none other + James of England, who admired, envied, and hated Henry + Jealousy, that potent principle + Jesuit Mariana—justifying the killing of excommunicated kings + King's definite and final intentions, varied from day to day + Language which is ever living because it is dead + Louis XIII. + Ludicrous gravity + More fiercely opposed to each other than to Papists + Most detestable verses that even he had ever composed + Neither kings nor governments are apt to value logic + No man can be neutral in civil contentions + No synod had a right to claim Netherlanders as slaves + No man pretended to think of the State + None but God to compel me to say more than I choose to say + Outdoing himself in dogmatism and inconsistency + Philip IV. + Power the poison of which it is so difficult to resist + Practised successfully the talent of silence + Presents of considerable sums of money to the negotiators made + Priests shall control the state or the state govern the priests + Princes show what they have in them at twenty-five or never + Putting the cart before the oxen + Queen is entirely in the hands of Spain and the priests + Religion was made the strumpet of Political Ambition + Religious toleration, which is a phrase of insult + Safest citadel against an invader and a tyrant is distrust + Schism in the Church had become a public fact + Secure the prizes of war without the troubles and dangers + Senectus edam maorbus est + She declined to be his procuress + Small matter which human folly had dilated into a great one + Smooth words, in the plentiful lack of any substantial + So much in advance of his time as to favor religious equality + Stroke of a broken table knife sharpened on a carriage wheel + That cynical commerce in human lives + The defence of the civil authority against the priesthood + The assassin, tortured and torn by four horses + The truth in shortest about matters of importance + The voice of slanderers + The Catholic League and the Protestant Union + The vehicle is often prized more than the freight + Their own roofs were not quite yet in a blaze + Theological hatred was in full blaze throughout the country + Theology and politics were one + There was no use in holding language of authority to him + There was but one king in Europe, Henry the Bearnese + Therefore now denounced the man whom he had injured + They have killed him, 'e ammazato,' cried Concini + Things he could tell which are too odious and dreadful + Thirty Years' War tread on the heels of the forty years + To look down upon their inferior and lost fellow creatures + Uncouple the dogs and let them run + Unimaginable outrage as the most legitimate industry + Vows of an eternal friendship of several weeks' duration + What could save the House of Austria, the cause of Papacy + Whether repentance could effect salvation + Whether dead infants were hopelessly damned + Whose mutual hatred was now artfully inflamed by partisans + Wish to appear learned in matters of which they are ignorant + Work of the aforesaid Puritans and a few Jesuits + Wrath of the Jesuits at this exercise of legal authority +</pre> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life of John of Barneveld, +1609-15, Volume I., by John Lothrop Motley + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN OF BARNEVELD, I. *** + +***** This file should be named 4892-h.htm or 4892-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/4/8/9/4892/ + +Produced by David Widger + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright 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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 Life of John of Barneveld, 1609-15, Volume I. + +Author: John Lothrop Motley + +Last Updated: February 7, 2009 +Release Date: October 15, 2006 [EBook #4892] + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN OF BARNEVELD, I. *** + + + + +Produced by David Widger + + + + +THE LIFE AND DEATH of JOHN OF BARNEVELD, ADVOCATE OF HOLLAND + +WITH A VIEW OF THE PRIMARY CAUSES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR + +By John Lothrop Motley, D.C.L., LL.D. + + +1880 + + + + +PREFACE: + +These volumes make a separate work in themselves. They form also the +natural sequel to the other histories already published by the Author, as +well as the necessary introduction to that concluding portion of his +labours which he has always desired to lay before the public; a History +of the Thirty Years' War. + +For the two great wars which successively established the independence of +Holland and the disintegration of Germany are in reality but one; a +prolonged Tragedy of Eighty Years. The brief pause, which in the +Netherlands was known as the Twelve Years' Truce with Spain, was +precisely the epoch in which the elements were slowly and certainly +gathering for the renewal over nearly the whole surface of civilized +Europe of that immense conflict which for more than forty years had been +raging within the narrow precincts of the Netherlands. + +The causes and character of the two wars were essentially the same. There +were many changes of persons and of scenery during a struggle which +lasted for nearly three generations of mankind; yet a natural succession +both of actors, motives, and events will be observed from the beginning +to the close. + +The designs of Charles V. to establish universal monarchy, which he had +passionately followed for a lifetime through a series of colossal crimes +against humanity and of private misdeeds against individuals, such as it +has rarely been permitted to a single despot to perpetrate, had been +baffled at last. Disappointed, broken, but even to our own generation +never completely unveiled, the tyrant had withdrawn from the stage of +human affairs, leaving his son to carry on the great conspiracy against +Human Right, independence of nations, liberty of thought, and equality of +religions, with the additional vigour which sprang from intensity of +conviction. + +For Philip possessed at least that superiority over his father that he +was a sincere bigot. In the narrow and gloomy depths of his soul he had +doubtless persuaded himself that it was necessary for the redemption of +the human species that the empire of the world should be vested in his +hands, that Protestantism in all its forms should be extirpated as a +malignant disease, and that to behead, torture, burn alive, and bury +alive all heretics who opposed the decree of himself and the Holy Church +was the highest virtue by which he could merit Heaven. + +The father would have permitted Protestantism if Protestantism would have +submitted to universal monarchy. There would have been small difficulty +in the early part of his reign in effecting a compromise between Rome and +Augsburg, had the gigantic secular ambition of Charles not preferred to +weaken the Church and to convert conscientious religious reform into +political mutiny; a crime against him who claimed the sovereignty of +Christendom. + +The materials for the true history of that reign lie in the Archives of +Spain, Austria, Rome, Venice, and the Netherlands, and in many other +places. When out of them one day a complete and authentic narrative shall +have been constructed, it will be seen how completely the policy of +Charles foreshadowed and necessitated that of Philip, how logically, +under the successors of Philip, the Austrian dream of universal empire +ended in the shattering, in the minute subdivision, and the reduction to +a long impotence of that Germanic Empire which had really belonged to +Charles. + +Unfortunately the great Republic which, notwithstanding the aid of +England on the one side and of France on the other, had withstood almost +single-handed the onslaughts of Spain, now allowed the demon of religious +hatred to enter into its body at the first epoch of peace, although it +had successfully exorcised the evil spirit during the long and terrible +war. + +There can be no doubt whatever that the discords within the interior of +the Dutch Republic during the period of the Truce, and their tragic +catastrophe, had weakened her purpose and partially paralysed her arm. +When the noble Commonwealth went forward to the renewed and general +conflict which succeeded the concentrated one in which it had been the +chief actor, the effect of those misspent twelve years became apparent. + +Indeed the real continuity of the war was scarcely broken by the fitful, +armistice. The death of John of Cleve, an event almost simultaneous with +the conclusion of the Truce, seemed to those gifted with political vision +the necessary precursor of a new and more general war. + +The secret correspondence of Barneveld shows the almost prophetic +accuracy with which he indicated the course of events and the approach of +an almost universal conflict, while that tragedy was still in the future, +and was to be enacted after he had been laid in his bloody grave. No man +then living was so accustomed as he was to sweep the political horizon, +and to estimate the signs and portents of the times. No statesman was +left in Europe during the epoch of the Twelve Years' Truce to compare +with him in experience, breadth of vision, political tact, or +administrative sagacity. + +Imbued with the grand traditions and familiar with the great personages +of a most heroic epoch; the trusted friend or respected counsellor of +William the Silent, Henry IV., Elizabeth, and the sages and soldiers on +whom they leaned; having been employed during an already long lifetime in +the administration of greatest affairs, he stood alone after the deaths +of Henry of France and the second Cecil, and the retirement of Sully, +among the natural leaders of mankind. + +To the England of Elizabeth, of Walsingham, Raleigh, and the Cecils, had +succeeded the Great Britain of James, with his Carrs and Carletons, +Nauntons, Lakes, and Winwoods. France, widowed of Henry and waiting for +Richelieu, lay in the clutches of Concini's, Epernons, and Bouillons, +bound hand and foot to Spain. Germany, falling from Rudolph to Matthias, +saw Styrian Ferdinand in the background ready to shatter the fabric of a +hundred years of attempted Reformation. In the Republic of the +Netherlands were the great soldier and the only remaining statesman of +the age. At a moment when the breathing space had been agreed upon before +the conflict should be renewed; on a wider field than ever, between +Spanish-Austrian world-empire and independence of the nations; between +the ancient and only Church and the spirit of religious Equality; between +popular Right and royal and sacerdotal Despotism; it would have been +desirable that the soldier and the statesman should stand side by side, +and that the fortunate Confederacy, gifted with two such champions and +placed by its own achievements at the very head of the great party of +resistance, should be true to herself. + +These volumes contain a slight and rapid sketch of Barneveld's career up +to the point at which the Twelve Years' Truce with Spain was signed in +the year 1609. In previous works the Author has attempted to assign the +great Advocate's place as part and parcel of history during the +continuance of the War for Independence. During the period of the Truce +he will be found the central figure. The history of Europe, especially of +the Netherlands, Britain, France, and Germany, cannot be thoroughly +appreciated without a knowledge of the designs, the labours, and the fate +of Barneveld. + +The materials for estimating his character and judging his judges lie in +the national archives of the land of which he was so long the foremost +citizen. But they have not long been accessible. The letters, state +papers, and other documents remain unprinted, and have rarely been read. +M. van Deventer has published three most interesting volumes of the +Advocate's correspondence, but they reach only to the beginning of 1609. +He has suspended his labours exactly at the moment when these volumes +begin. I have carefully studied however nearly the whole of that +correspondence, besides a mass of other papers. The labour is not light, +for the handwriting of the great Advocate is perhaps the worst that ever +existed, and the papers, although kept in the admirable order which +distinguishes the Archives of the Hague, have passed through many hands +at former epochs before reaching their natural destination in the +treasure-house of the nation. Especially the documents connected with the +famous trial were for a long time hidden from mortal view, for +Barneveld's judges had bound themselves by oath to bury the proceedings +out of sight. And the concealment lasted for centuries. Very recently a +small portion of those papers has been published by the Historical +Society of Utrecht. The "Verhooren," or Interrogatories of the Judges, +and the replies of Barneveld, have thus been laid before the reading +public of Holland, while within the last two years the distinguished and +learned historian, Professor Fruin, has edited the "Verhooren" of Hugo +Grotius. + +But papers like these, important as they are, make but a slender portion +of the material out of which a judgment concerning these grave events can +be constructed. I do not therefore offer an apology for the somewhat +copious extracts which I have translated and given in these volumes from +the correspondence of Barneveld and from other manuscripts of great +value--most of them in the Royal Archives of Holland and Belgium--which +are unknown to the public. + +I have avoided as much as possible any dealings with the theological +controversies so closely connected with the events which I have attempted +to describe. This work aims at being a political study. The subject is +full of lessons, examples, and warnings for the inhabitants of all free +states. Especially now that the republican system of government is +undergoing a series of experiments with more or less success in one +hemisphere--while in our own land it is consolidated, powerful, and +unchallenged--will the conflicts between the spirits of national +centralization and of provincial sovereignty, and the struggle between +the church, the sword, and the magistracy for supremacy in a free +commonwealth, as revealed in the first considerable republic of modern +history, be found suggestive of deep reflection. + +Those who look in this work for a history of the Synod of Dordtrecht will +look in vain. The Author has neither wish nor power to grapple with the +mysteries and passions which at that epoch possessed so many souls. The +Assembly marks a political period. Its political aspects have been +anxiously examined, but beyond the ecclesiastical threshold there has +been no attempt to penetrate. + +It was necessary for my purpose to describe in some detail the relations +of Henry IV. with the Dutch Republic during the last and most pregnant +year of his life, which makes the first of the present history. These +relations are of European importance, and the materials for appreciating +them are of unexpected richness, in the Dutch and Belgian Archives. + +Especially the secret correspondence, now at the Hague, of that very able +diplomatist Francis Aerssens with Barneveld during the years 1609, 1610, +and 1611, together with many papers at Brussels, are full of vital +importance. + +They throw much light both on the vast designs which filled the brain of +Henry at this fatal epoch and on his extraordinary infatuation for the +young Princess of Conde by which they were traversed, and which was +productive of such widespread political anal tragical results. This +episode forms a necessary portion of my theme, and has therefore been set +forth from original sources. + +I am under renewed obligations to my friend M. Gachard, the eminent +publicist and archivist of Belgium, for his constant and friendly offices +to me (which I have so often experienced before), while studying the +documents under his charge relating to this epoch; especially the secret +correspondence of Archduke Albert with Philip III, and his ministers, and +with Pecquius, the Archduke's agent at Paris. + +It is also a great pleasure to acknowledge the unceasing courtesy and +zealous aid rendered me during my renewed studies in the Archives at the +Hague--lasting through nearly two years--by the Chief Archivist, M. van +den Berg, and the gentlemen connected with that institution, especially +M. de Jonghe and M. Hingman, without whose aid it would have been +difficult for me to decipher and to procure copies of the almost +illegible holographs of Barneveld. + +I must also thank M. van Deventer for communicating copies of some +curious manuscripts relating to my subject, some from private archives in +Holland, and others from those of Simancas. + +A single word only remains to be said in regard to the name of the +statesman whose career I have undertaken to describe. + +His proper appellation and that by which he has always been known in his +own country is Oldenbarneveld, but in his lifetime and always in history +from that time to this he has been called Barneveld in English as well as +French, and this transformation, as it were, of the name has become so +settled a matter that after some hesitation it has been adopted in the +present work. + +The Author would take this opportunity of expressing his gratitude for +the indulgence with which his former attempts to illustrate an important +period of European history have been received by the public, and his +anxious hope that the present volumes may be thought worthy of attention. +They are the result at least of severe and conscientious labour at the +original sources of history, but the subject is so complicated and +difficult that it may well be feared that the ability to depict and +unravel is unequal to the earnestness with which the attempt has been +made. + +LONDON, 1873. + + + + + +THE LIFE AND DEATH OF JOHN OF BARNEVELD + + + + +CHAPTER I. + + John of Barneveld the Founder of the Commonwealth of the United + Provinces--Maurice of Orange Stadholder, but Servant to the States- + General--The Union of Utrecht maintained--Barneveld makes a + Compromise between Civil Functionaries and Church Officials-- + Embassies to France, England, and to Venice--the Appointment of + Arminius to be Professor of Theology at Leyden creates Dissension-- + The Catholic League opposed by the Great Protestant Union--Death of + the Duke of Cleve and Struggle for his Succession--The Elector of + Brandenburg and Palatine of Neuburg hold the Duchies at Barneveld's + Advice against the Emperor, though having Rival Claims themselves-- + Negotiations with the King of France--He becomes the Ally of the + States-General to Protect the Possessory Princes, and prepares for + war. + +I propose to retrace the history of a great statesman's career. That +statesman's name, but for the dark and tragic scenes with which it was +ultimately associated, might after the lapse of two centuries and a half +have faded into comparative oblivion, so impersonal and shadowy his +presence would have seemed upon the great European theatre where he was +so long a chief actor, and where his efforts and his achievements were +foremost among those productive of long enduring and widespread results. + +There is no doubt whatever that John of Barneveld, Advocate and Seal +Keeper of the little province of Holland during forty years of as +troubled and fertile an epoch as any in human history, was second to none +of his contemporary statesmen. Yet the singular constitution and +historical position of the republic whose destinies he guided and the +peculiar and abnormal office which he held combined to cast a veil over +his individuality. The ever-teeming brain, the restless almost +omnipresent hand, the fertile pen, the eloquent and ready tongue, were +seen, heard, and obeyed by the great European public, by the monarchs, +statesmen, and warriors of the time, at many critical moments of history, +but it was not John of Barneveld that spoke to the world. Those "high and +puissant Lords my masters the States-General" personified the young but +already majestic republic. Dignified, draped, and concealed by that +overshadowing title the informing and master spirit performed its never +ending task. + +Those who study the enormous masses of original papers in the archives of +the country will be amazed to find how the penmanship, most difficult to +decipher, of the Advocate meets them at every turn. Letters to monarchs, +generals, ambassadors, resolutions of councils, of sovereign assemblies, +of trading corporations, of great Indian companies, legal and historical +disquisitions of great depth and length on questions agitating Europe, +constitutional arguments, drafts of treaties among the leading powers of +the world, instructions to great commissions, plans for European +campaigns, vast combinations covering the world, alliances of empire, +scientific expeditions and discoveries--papers such as these covered now +with the satirical dust of centuries, written in the small, crabbed, +exasperating characters which make Barneveld's handwriting almost +cryptographic, were once, when fairly engrossed and sealed with the great +seal of the haughty burgher-aristocracy, the documents which occupied the +close attention of the cabinets of Christendom. + +It is not unfrequent to find four or five important despatches compressed +almost in miniature upon one sheet of gigantic foolscap. It is also +curious to find each one of these rough drafts conscientiously beginning +in the statesman's own hand with the elaborate phrases of compliment +belonging to the epoch such as "Noble, strenuous, severe, highly +honourable, very learned, very discreet, and very wise masters," and +ending with "May the Lord God Almighty eternally preserve you and hold +you in His holy keeping in this world and for ever"--decorations which +one might have thought it safe to leave to be filled in by the secretary +or copying clerk. + +Thus there have been few men at any period whose lives have been more +closely identical than his with a national history. There have been few +great men in any history whose names have become less familiar to the +world, and lived less in the mouths of posterity. Yet there can be no +doubt that if William the Silent was the founder of the independence of +the United Provinces Barneveld was the founder of the Commonwealth +itself. He had never the opportunity, perhaps he might have never had the +capacity, to make such prodigious sacrifices in the cause of country as +the great prince had done. But he had served his country strenuously from +youth to old age with an abiding sense of duty, a steadiness of purpose, +a broad vision, a firm grasp, and an opulence of resource such as not one +of his compatriots could even pretend to rival. + +Had that country of which he was so long the first citizen maintained +until our own day the same proportionate position among the empires of +Christendom as it held in the seventeenth century, the name of John of +Barneveld would have perhaps been as familiar to all men as it is at this +moment to nearly every inhabitant of the Netherlands. Even now political +passion is almost as ready to flame forth either in ardent affection or +enthusiastic hatred as if two centuries and a half had not elapsed since +his death. His name is so typical of a party, a polity, and a faith, so +indelibly associated with a great historical cataclysm, as to render it +difficult even for the grave, the conscientious, the learned, the +patriotic of his own compatriots to speak of him with absolute +impartiality. + +A foreigner who loves and admires all that is great and noble in the +history of that famous republic and can have no hereditary bias as to its +ecclesiastical or political theories may at least attempt the task with +comparative coldness, although conscious of inability to do thorough +justice to a most complex subject. + +In former publications devoted to Netherland history I have endeavoured +to trace the course of events of which the life and works of the Advocate +were a vital ingredient down to the period when Spain after more than +forty years of hard fighting virtually acknowledged the independence of +the Republic and concluded with her a truce of twelve years. + +That convention was signed in the spring of 1609. The ten ensuing years +in Europe were comparatively tranquil, but they were scarcely to be +numbered among the full and fruitful sheaves of a pacific epoch. It was a +pause, a breathing spell during which the sulphurous clouds which had +made the atmosphere of Christendom poisonous for nearly half a century +had sullenly rolled away, while at every point of the horizon they were +seen massing themselves anew in portentous and ever accumulating +strength. At any moment the faint and sickly sunshine in which poor +exhausted Humanity was essaying a feeble twitter of hope as it plumed +itself for a peaceful flight might be again obscured. To us of a remote +posterity the momentary division of epochs seems hardly discernible. So +rapidly did that fight of Demons which we call the Thirty Years' War +tread on the heels of the forty years' struggle for Dutch Independence +which had just been suspended that we are accustomed to think and speak +of the Eighty Years' War as one pure, perfect, sanguinary whole. + +And indeed the Tragedy which was soon to sweep solemnly across Europe was +foreshadowed in the first fitful years of peace. The throb of the +elementary forces already shook the soil of Christendom. The fantastic +but most significant conflict in the territories of the dead Duke of +Clove reflected the distant and gigantic war as in a mirage. It will be +necessary to direct the reader's attention at the proper moment to that +episode, for it was one in which the beneficent sagacity of Barneveld was +conspicuously exerted in the cause of peace and conservation. Meantime it +is not agreeable to reflect that this brief period of nominal and armed +peace which the Republic had conquered after nearly two generations of +warfare was employed by her in tearing her own flesh. The heroic sword +which had achieved such triumphs in the cause of freedom could have been +bitter employed than in an attempt at political suicide. + +In a picture of the last decade of Barneveld's eventful life his +personality may come more distinctly forward perhaps than in previous +epochs. It will however be difficult to disentangle a single thread from +the great historical tapestry of the Republic and of Europe in which his +life and achievements are interwoven. He was a public man in the fullest +sense of the word, and without his presence and influence the record of +Holland, France, Spain, Britain, and Germany might have been essentially +modified. + +The Republic was so integral a part of that system which divided Europe +into two great hostile camps according to creeds rather than frontiers +that the history of its foremost citizen touches at every point the +general history of Christendom. + +The great peculiarity of the Dutch constitution at this epoch was that no +principle was absolutely settled. In throwing off a foreign tyranny and +successfully vindicating national independence the burghers and nobles +had not had leisure to lay down any organic law. Nor had the day for +profound investigation of the political or social contract arrived. Men +dealt almost exclusively with facts, and when the facts arranged +themselves illogically and incoherently the mischief was grave and +difficult to remedy. It is not a trifling inconvenience for an organized +commonwealth to be in doubt as to where, in whom, and of what nature is +its sovereignty. Yet this was precisely the condition of the United +Netherlands. To the eternal world so dazzling were the reputation and the +achievements of their great captain that he was looked upon by many as +the legitimate chief of the state and doubtless friendly monarchs would +have cordially welcomed him into their brotherhood. + +During the war he had been surrounded by almost royal state. Two hundred +officers lived daily at his table. Great nobles and scions of sovereign +houses were his pupils or satellites. The splendour of military despotism +and the awe inspired by his unquestioned supremacy in what was deemed the +greatest of all sciences invested the person of Maurice of Nassau with a +grandeur which many a crowned potentate might envy. His ample +appointments united with the spoils of war provided him with almost royal +revenues, even before the death of his elder brother Philip William had +placed in his hands the principality and wealthy possessions of Orange. +Hating contradiction, arbitrary by instinct and by military habit, +impatient of criticism, and having long acknowledged no master in the +chief business of state, he found himself at the conclusion of the truce +with his great occupation gone, and, although generously provided for by +the treasury of the Republic, yet with an income proportionately limited. + +Politics and theology were fields in which he had hardly served an +apprenticeship, and it was possible that when he should step forward as a +master in those complicated and difficult pursuits, soon to absorb the +attention of the Commonwealth and the world, it might appear that war was +not the only science that required serious preliminary studies. + +Meantime he found himself not a king, not the master of a nominal +republic, but the servant of the States-General, and the limited +stadholder of five out of seven separate provinces. + +And the States-General were virtually John of Barneveld. Could antagonism +be more sharply defined? Jealousy, that potent principle which controls +the regular movements and accounts for the aberrations of humanity in +widest spheres as well as narrowest circles far more generally and +conclusively than philosophers or historians have been willing to admit, +began forthwith to manifest its subtle and irresistible influence. + +And there were not to be wanting acute and dangerous schemers who saw +their profit in augmenting its intensity. + +The Seven Provinces, when the truce of twelve years had been signed, were +neither exhausted nor impoverished. Yet they had just emerged from a +forty years' conflict such as no people in human history had ever waged +against a foreign tyranny. They had need to repose and recruit, but they +stood among the foremost great powers of the day. It is not easy in +imagination to thrust back the present leading empires of the earth into +the contracted spheres of their not remote past. But to feel how a little +confederacy of seven provinces loosely tied together by an ill-defined +treaty could hold so prominent and often so controlling a place in the +European system of the seventeenth century, we must remember that there +was then no Germany, no Russia, no Italy, no United States of America, +scarcely even a Great Britain in the sense which belongs to that mighty +empire now. + +France, Spain, England, the Pope, and the Emperor were the leading powers +with which the Netherlands were daily called on to solve great problems +and try conclusions; the study of political international equilibrium, +now rapidly and perhaps fortunately becoming one of the lost arts, being +then the most indispensable duty of kings and statesmen. + +Spain and France, which had long since achieved for themselves the +political union of many independent kingdoms and states into which they +had been divided were the most considerable powers and of necessity +rivals. Spain, or rather the House of Austria divided into its two great +branches, still pursued its persistent and by no means fantastic dream of +universal monarchy. Both Spain and France could dispose of somewhat +larger resources absolutely, although not relatively, than the Seven +Provinces, while at least trebling them in population. The yearly revenue +of Spain after deduction of its pledged resources was perhaps equal to a +million sterling, and that of France with the same reservation was about +as much. England had hardly been able to levy and make up a yearly income +of more than L600,000 or L700,000 at the end of Elizabeth's reign or in +the first years of James, while the Netherlands had often proved +themselves capable of furnishing annually ten or twelve millions of +florins, which would be the equivalent of nearly a million sterling. + +The yearly revenues of the whole monarchy of the Imperial house of +Habsburg can scarcely be stated at a higher figure than L350,000. + +Thus the political game--for it was a game--was by no means a desperate +one for the Netherlands, nor the resources of the various players so +unequally distributed as at first sight it might appear. + +The emancipation of the Provinces from the grasp of Spain and the +establishment by them of a commonwealth, for that epoch a very free one, +and which contained within itself the germs of a larger liberty, +religious, political, and commercial, than had yet been known, was +already one of the most considerable results of the Reformation. The +probability of its continued and independent existence was hardly +believed in by potentate or statesman outside its own borders, and had +not been very long a decided article of faith even within them. The +knotty problem of an acknowledgment of that existence, the admission of +the new-born state into the family of nations, and a temporary peace +guaranteed by two great powers, had at last been solved mainly by the +genius of Barneveld working amid many disadvantages and against great +obstructions. The truce had been made, and it now needed all the skill, +coolness, and courage of a practical and original statesman to conduct +the affairs of the Confederacy. The troubled epoch of peace was even now +heaving with warlike emotions, and was hardly less stormy than the war +which had just been suspended. + +The Republic was like a raft loosely strung together, floating almost on +a level of the ocean, and often half submerged, but freighted with +inestimable treasures for itself and the world. It needed an unsleeping +eye and a powerful brain to conduct her over the quicksands and through +the whirlpools of an unmapped and intricate course. + +The sovereignty of the country so far as its nature could be +satisfactorily analysed seemed to be scattered through, and inherent in +each one of, the multitudinous boards of magistracy--close corporations, +self-elected--by which every city was governed. Nothing could be more +preposterous. Practically, however, these boards were represented by +deputies in each of the seven provincial assemblies, and these again sent +councillors from among their number to the general assembly which was +that of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General. + +The Province of Holland, being richer and more powerful than all its six +sisters combined, was not unwilling to impose a supremacy which on the +whole was practically conceded by the rest. Thus the Union of Utrecht +established in 1579 was maintained for want of anything better as the +foundation of the Commonwealth. + +The Advocate and Keeper of the Great Seal of that province was therefore +virtually prime minister, president, attorney-general, finance minister, +and minister of foreign affairs of the whole republic. This was +Barneveld's position. He took the lead in the deliberations both of the +States of Holland and the States-General, moved resolutions, advocated +great measures of state, gave heed to their execution, collected the +votes, summed up the proceedings, corresponded with and instructed +ambassadors, received and negotiated with foreign ministers, besides +directing and holding in his hands the various threads of the home policy +and the rapidly growing colonial system of the Republic. + +All this work Barneveld had been doing for thirty years. + +The Reformation was by no mans assured even in the lands where it had at +first made the most essential progress. But the existence of the new +commonwealth depended on the success of that great movement which had +called it into being. Losing ground in France, fluctuating in England, +Protestantism was apparently more triumphant in vast territories where +the ancient Church was one day to recover its mastery. Of the population +of Bohemia, there were perhaps ten Protestants to one Papist, while in +the United Netherlands at least one-third of the people were still +attached to the Catholic faith. + +The great religious struggle in Bohemia and other dominions of the +Habsburg family was fast leading to a war of which no man could even +imagine the horrors or foresee the vast extent. The Catholic League and +the Protestant Union were slowly arranging Europe into two mighty +confederacies. + +They were to give employment year after year to millions of mercenary +freebooters who were to practise murder, pillage, and every imaginable +and unimaginable outrage as the most legitimate industry that could +occupy mankind. The Holy Empire which so ingeniously combined the worst +characteristics of despotism and republicanism kept all Germany and half +Europe in the turmoil of a perpetual presidential election. A theatre +where trivial personages and graceless actors performed a tragi-comedy of +mingled folly, intrigue, and crime, and where earnestness and vigour were +destined to be constantly baffled, now offered the principal stage for +the entertainment and excitement of Christendom. + +There was but one king in Europe, Henry the Bearnese. The men who sat on +the thrones in Madrid, Vienna, London, would have lived and died unknown +but for the crowns they wore, and while there were plenty of bustling +politicians here and there in Christendom, there were not many statesmen. + +Among them there was no stronger man than John of Barneveld, and no man +had harder or more complicated work to do. + +Born in Amersfoort in 1547, of the ancient and knightly house of +Oldenbarneveldt, of patrician blood through all his ancestors both male +and female, he was not the heir to large possessions, and was a diligent +student and hardworking man from youth upward. He was not wont to boast +of his pedigree until in later life, being assailed by vilest slander, +all his kindred nearest or most remote being charged with every possible +and unmentionable crime, and himself stigmatized as sprung from the +lowest kennels of humanity--as if thereby his private character and +public services could be more legitimately blackened--he was stung into +exhibiting to the world the purity and antiquity of his escutcheon, and a +roll of respectably placed, well estated, and authentically noble, if not +at all illustrious, forefathers in his country's records of the previous +centuries. + +Without an ancestor at his back he might have valued himself still more +highly on the commanding place he held in the world by right divine of +intellect, but as the father of lies seemed to have kept his creatures so +busy with the Barneveld genealogy, it was not amiss for the statesman +once for all to make the truth known. + +His studies in the universities of Holland, France, Italy, and Germany +had been profound. At an early age he was one of the first civilians of +the time. His manhood being almost contemporary with the great war of +freedom, he had served as a volunteer and at his own expense through +several campaigns, having nearly lost his life in the disastrous attempt +to relieve the siege of Haarlem, and having been so disabled by sickness +and exposure at the heroic leaguer of Leyden as to have been deprived of +the joy of witnessing its triumphant conclusion. + +Successfully practising his profession afterwards before the tribunals of +Holland, he had been called at the comparatively early age of twenty-nine +to the important post of Chief Pensionary of Rotterdam. So long as +William the Silent lived, that great prince was all in all to his +country, and Barneveld was proud and happy to be among the most trusted +and assiduous of his counsellors. + +When the assassination of William seemed for an instant to strike the +Republic with paralysis, Barneveld was foremost among the statesmen of +Holland to spring forward and help to inspire it with renewed energy. + +The almost completed negotiations for conferring the sovereignty, not of +the Confederacy, but of the Province of Holland, upon the Prince had been +abruptly brought to an end by his death. To confer that sovereign +countship on his son Maurice, then a lad of eighteen and a student at +Leyden, would have seemed to many at so terrible a crisis an act of +madness, although Barneveld had been willing to suggest and promote the +scheme. The confederates under his guidance soon hastened however to lay +the sovereignty, and if not the sovereignty, the protectorship, of all +the provinces at the feet first of England and then of France. + +Barneveld was at the head of the embassy, and indeed was the +indispensable head of all important, embassies to each of those two +countries throughout all this portion of his career. Both monarchs +refused, almost spurned, the offered crown in which was involved a war +with the greatest power in the world, with no compensating dignity or +benefit, as it was thought, beside. + +Then Elizabeth, although declining the sovereignty, promised assistance +and sent the Earl of Leicester as governor-general at the head of a +contingent of English troops. Precisely to prevent the consolidation thus +threatened of the Provinces into one union, a measure which had been +attempted more than once in the Burgundian epoch, and always successfully +resisted by the spirit of provincial separatism, Barneveld now proposed +and carried the appointment of Maurice of Nassau to the stadholdership of +Holland. This was done against great opposition and amid fierce debate. +Soon afterwards Barneveld was vehemently urged by the nobles and regents +of the cities of Holland to accept the post of Advocate of that province. +After repeatedly declining the arduous and most responsible office, he +was at last induced to accept it. He did it under the remarkable +condition that in case any negotiation should be undertaken for the +purpose of bringing back the Province of Holland under the dominion of +the King of Spain, he should be considered as from that moment relieved +from the service. + +His brother Elias Barneveld succeeded him as Pensionary of Rotterdam, and +thenceforth the career of the Advocate is identical with the history of +the Netherlands. Although a native of Utrecht, he was competent to +exercise such functions in Holland, a special and ancient convention +between those two provinces allowing the citizens of either to enjoy +legal and civic rights in both. Gradually, without intrigue or inordinate +ambition, but from force of circumstances and the commanding power of the +man, the native authority stamped upon his forehead, he became the +political head of the Confederacy. He created and maintained a system of +public credit absolutely marvellous in the circumstances, by means of +which an otherwise impossible struggle was carried to a victorious end. + +When the stadholderate of the provinces of Gelderland, Utrecht, and +Overyssel became vacant, it was again Barneveld's potent influence and +sincere attachment to the House of Nassau that procured the election of +Maurice to those posts. Thus within six years after his father's death +the youthful soldier who had already given proof of his surpassing +military genius had become governor, commander-in-chief, and high +admiral, of five of the seven provinces constituting the Confederacy. + +At about the same period the great question of Church and State, which +Barneveld had always felt to be among the vital problems of the age, and +on which his opinions were most decided, came up for partial solution. It +would have been too much to expect the opinion of any statesman to be so +much in advance of his time as to favor religious equality. Toleration of +various creeds, including the Roman Catholic, so far as abstinence from +inquisition into consciences and private parlours could be called +toleration, was secured, and that was a considerable step in advance of +the practice of the sixteenth century. Burning, hanging, and burying +alive of culprits guilty of another creed than the dominant one had +become obsolete. But there was an established creed--the Reformed +religion, founded on the Netherland Confession and the Heidelberg +Catechism. And there was one established principle then considered +throughout Europe the grand result of the Reformation; "Cujus regio ejus +religio;" which was in reality as impudent an invasion of human right as +any heaven-born dogma of Infallibility. The sovereign of a country, +having appropriated the revenues of the ancient church, prescribed his +own creed to his subjects. In the royal conscience were included the +million consciences of his subjects. The inevitable result in a country +like the Netherlands, without a personal sovereign, was a struggle +between the new church and the civil government for mastery. And at this +period, and always in Barneveld's opinion, the question of dogma was +subordinate to that of church government. That there should be no +authority over the King had been settled in England. + +Henry VIII., Elizabeth, and afterwards James, having become popes in +their own realm, had no great hostility to, but rather an affection for, +ancient dogma and splendid ceremonial. But in the Seven Provinces, even +as in France, Germany, and Switzerland, the reform where it had been +effected at all had been more thorough, and there was little left of +Popish pomp or aristocratic hierarchy. Nothing could be severer than the +simplicity of the Reformed Church, nothing more imperious than its dogma, +nothing more infallible than its creed. It was the true religion, and +there was none other. But to whom belonged the ecclesiastical edifices, +the splendid old minsters in the cities--raised by the people's confiding +piety and the purchased remission of their sins in a bygone age--and the +humbler but beautiful parish churches in every town and village? To the +State; said Barneveld, speaking for government; to the community +represented by the states of the provinces, the magistracies of the +cities and municipalities. To the Church itself, the one true church +represented by its elders, and deacons, and preachers, was the reply. + +And to whom belonged the right of prescribing laws and ordinances of +public worship, of appointing preachers, church servants, schoolmasters, +sextons? To the Holy Ghost inspiring the Class and the Synod, said the +Church. + +To the civil authority, said the magistrates, by which the churches are +maintained, and the salaries of the ecclesiastics paid. The states of +Holland are as sovereign as the kings of England or Denmark, the electors +of Saxony or Brandenburg, the magistrates of Zurich or Basel or other +Swiss cantons. "Cujus regio ejus religio." + +In 1590 there was a compromise under the guidance of Barneveld. It was +agreed that an appointing board should be established composed of civil +functionaries and church officials in equal numbers. Thus should the +interests of religion and of education be maintained. + +The compromise was successful enough during the war. External pressure +kept down theological passion, and there were as yet few symptoms of +schism in the dominant church. But there was to come a time when the +struggle between church and government was to break forth with an +intensity and to rage to an extent which no man at that moment could +imagine. + +Towards the end of the century Henry IV. made peace with Spain. It was a +trying moment for the Provinces. Barneveld was again sent forth on an +embassy to the King. The cardinal point in his policy, as it had ever +been in that of William the Silent, was to maintain close friendship with +France, whoever might be its ruler. An alliance between that kingdom and +Spain would be instantaneous ruin to the Republic. With the French and +English sovereigns united with the Provinces, the cause of the +Reformation might triumph, the Spanish world-empire be annihilated, +national independence secured. + +Henry assured the Ambassador that the treaty of Vervins was +indispensable, but that he would never desert his old allies. In proof of +this, although he had just bound himself to Spain to give no assistance +to the Provinces, open or secret, he would furnish them with thirteen +hundred thousand crowns, payable at intervals during four years. He was +under great obligations to his good friends the States, he said, and +nothing in the treaty forbade him to pay his debts. + +It was at this period too that Barneveld was employed by the King to +attend to certain legal and other private business for which he professed +himself too poor at the moment to compensate him. There seems to have +been nothing in the usages of the time or country to make the +transaction, innocent in itself, in any degree disreputable. The King +promised at some future clay, when he should be more in funds, to pay him +a liberal fee. Barneveld, who a dozen years afterwards received 20,000 +florins for his labour, professed that he would much rather have had one +thousand at the time. + +Thence the Advocate, accompanied by his colleague, Justinus de Nassau, +proceeded to England, where they had many stormy interviews with +Elizabeth. The Queen swore with many an oath that she too would make +peace with Philip, recommended the Provinces to do the same thing with +submission to their ancient tyrant, and claimed from the States immediate +payment of one million sterling in satisfaction of their old debts to +her. It would have been as easy for them at that moment to pay a thousand +million. It was at last agreed that the sum of the debt should be fixed +at L800,000, and that the cautionary towns should be held in Elizabeth's +hands by English troops until all the debt should be discharged. Thus +England for a long time afterwards continued to regard itself, as in a +measure the sovereign and proprietor of the Confederacy, and Barneveld +then and there formed the resolve to relieve the country of the incubus, +and to recover those cautionary towns and fortresses at the earliest +possible moment. So long as foreign soldiers commanded by military +governors existed on the soil of the Netherlands, they could hardly +account themselves independent. Besides, there was the perpetual and +horrid nightmare, that by a sudden pacification between Spain and England +those important cities, keys to the country's defence, might be handed +over to their ancient tyrant. + +Elizabeth had been pacified at last, however, by the eloquence of the +Ambassador. "I will assist you even if you were up to the neck in water," +she said. "Jusque la," she added, pointing to her chin. + +Five years later Barneveld, for the fifth time at the head of a great +embassy, was sent to England to congratulate James on his accession. It +was then and there that he took measure of the monarch with whom he was +destined to have many dealings, and who was to exert so baleful an +influence on his career. At last came the time when it was felt that +peace between Spain and her revolted provinces might be made. The +conservation of their ancient laws, privileges, and charters, the +independence of the States, and included therein the freedom to establish +the Reformed religion, had been secured by forty years of fighting. + +The honour of Spain was saved by a conjunction. She agreed to treat with +her old dependencies "as" with states over which she had no pretensions. +Through virtue of an "as," a truce after two years' negotiation, +perpetually traversed and secretly countermined by the military party +under the influence of Maurice, was carried by the determination of +Barneveld. The great objects of the war had been secured. The country was +weary of nearly half a century of bloodshed. It was time to remember that +there could be such a condition as Peace. + +The treaty was signed, ratifications exchanged, and the usual presents of +considerable sums of money to the negotiators made. Barneveld earnestly +protested against carrying out the custom on this occasion, and urged +that those presents should be given for the public use. He was overruled +by those who were more desirous of receiving their reward than he was, +and he accordingly, in common with the other diplomatists, accepted the +gifts. + +The various details of these negotiations have been related by the author +in other volumes, to which the present one is intended as a sequel. It +has been thought necessary merely to recall very briefly a few salient +passages in the career of the Advocate up to the period when the present +history really opens. + +Their bearing upon subsequent events will easily be observed. The truce +was the work of Barneveld. It was detested by Maurice and by Maurice's +partisans. + +"I fear that our enemies and evil reports are the cause of many of our +difficulties," said the Advocate to the States' envoy in Paris, in 1606. +"You are to pay no heed to private advices. Believe and make others +believe that more than one half the inhabitants of the cities and in the +open country are inclined to peace. And I believe, in case of continuing +adversities, that the other half will not remain constant, principally +because the Provinces are robbed of all traffic, prosperity, and +navigation, through the actions of France and England. I have always +thought it for the advantage of his Majesty to sustain us in such wise as +would make us useful in his service. As to his remaining permanently at +peace with Spain, that would seem quite out of the question." + +The King had long kept, according to treaty, a couple of French regiments +in the States' service, and furnished, or was bound to furnish, a certain +yearly sum for their support. But the expenses of the campaigning had +been rapidly increasing and the results as swiftly dwindling. The +Advocate now explained that, "without loss both of important places and +of reputation," the States could not help spending every month that they +took the field 200,000 florins over and above the regular contributions, +and some months a great deal more. This sum, he said, in nine months, +would more than eat up the whole subsidy of the King. If they were to be +in the field by March or beginning of April, they would require from him +an extraordinary sum of 200,000 crowns, and as much more in June or July. + +Eighteen months later, when the magnificent naval victory of Heemskerk in +the Bay of Gibraltar had just made a startling interlude to the +languishing negotiations for peace, the Advocate again warned the French +King of the difficulty in which the Republic still laboured of carrying +on the mighty struggle alone. Spain was the common enemy of all. No peace +or hope was possible for the leading powers as long as Spain was +perpetually encamped in the very heart of Western Europe. The Netherlands +were not fighting their own battle merely, but that of freedom and +independence against the all-encroaching world-power. And their means to +carry on the conflict were dwindling, while at the same time there was a +favourable opportunity for cropping some fruit from their previous +labours and sacrifices. + +"We are led to doubt," he wrote once more to the envoy in France, +"whether the King's full powers will come from Spain. This defeat is hard +for the Spaniards to digest. Meantime our burdens are quite above our +capacity, as you will understand by the enclosed statement, which is made +out with much exactness to show what is absolutely necessary for a +vigorous defence on land and a respectable position at sea to keep things +from entire confusion. The Provinces could raise means for the half of +this estimate. But, it is a great difference when the means differ one +half from the expenses. The sovereignst and most assured remedy would be +the one so often demanded, often projected, and sometimes almost prepared +for execution, namely that our neighbour kings, princes, and republics +should earnestly take the matter in hand and drive the Spaniards and +their adherents out of the Netherlands and over the mountains. Their own +dignity and security ought not to permit such great bodies of troops of +both belligerents permanently massed in the Netherlands. Still less ought +they to allow these Provinces to fall into the hands of the Spaniards, +whence they could with so much more power and convenience make war upon +all kings, princes, and republics. This must be prevented by one means or +another. It ought to be enough for every one that we have been between +thirty and forty years a firm bulwark against Spanish ambition. Our +constancy and patience ought to be strengthened by counsel and by deed in +order that we may exist; a Christian sympathy and a small assistance not +being sufficient. Believe and cause to be believed that the present +condition of our affairs requires more aid in counsel and money than ever +before, and that nothing could be better bestowed than to further this +end. + +"Messieurs Jeannin, Buzenval, and de Russy have been all here these +twelve days. We have firm hopes that other kings, princes, and republics +will not stay upon formalities, but will also visit the patients here in +order to administer sovereign remedies. + +"Lend no ear to any flying reports. We say with the wise men over there, +'Metuo Danaos et dons ferentes.' We know our antagonists well, and trust +their hearts no more than before, 'sed ultra posse non est esse.' To +accept more burthens than we can pay for will breed military mutiny; to +tax the community above its strength will cause popular tumults, +especially in 'rebus adversis,' of which the beginnings were seen last +year, and without a powerful army the enemy is not to be withstood. I +have received your letters to the 17th May. My advice is to trust to his +upright proceedings and with patience to overcome all things. Thus shall +the detractors and calumniators best be confounded. Assure his Majesty +and his ministers that I will do my utmost to avert our ruin and his +Majesty's disservice." + +The treaty was made, and from that time forth the antagonism between the +eminent statesman and the great military chieftain became inevitable. The +importance of the one seemed likely to increase day by day. The +occupation of the other for a time was over. + +During the war Maurice had been, with exception of Henry IV., the most +considerable personage in Europe. He was surrounded with that visible +atmosphere of power the poison of which it is so difficult to resist, and +through the golden haze of which a mortal seems to dilate for the vulgar +eye into the supernatural. The attention of Christendom was perpetually +fixed upon him. Nothing like his sieges, his encampments, his military +discipline, his scientific campaigning had been seen before in modern +Europe. The youthful aristocracy from all countries thronged to his camp +to learn the game of war, for he had restored by diligent study of the +ancients much that was noble in that pursuit, and had elevated into an +art that which had long since degenerated into a system of butchery, +marauding, and rapine. And he had fought with signal success and +unquestionable heroism the most important and most brilliant pitched +battle of the age. He was a central figure of the current history of +Europe. Pagan nations looked up to him as one of the leading sovereigns +of Christendom. The Emperor of Japan addressed him as his brother +monarch, assured him that his subjects trading to that distant empire +should be welcomed and protected, and expressed himself ashamed that so +great a prince, whose name and fame had spread through the world, should +send his subjects to visit a country so distant and unknown, and offer +its emperor a friendship which he was unconscious of deserving. + +He had been a commander of armies and a chief among men since he came to +man's estate, and he was now in the very vigour of life, in his +forty-second year. Of Imperial descent and closely connected by blood or +alliance with many of the most illustrious of reigning houses, the +acknowledged master of the most royal and noble of all sciences, he was +of the stuff of which kings were made, and belonged by what was then +accounted right divine to the family of kings. His father's death had +alone prevented his elevation to the throne of Holland, and such +possession of half the sovereignty of the United Netherlands would +probably have expanded into dominion over all the seven with a not +fantastic possibility of uniting the ten still obedient provinces into a +single realm. Such a kingdom would have been more populous and far +wealthier than contemporary Great Britain and Ireland. Maurice, then a +student at Leyden, was too young at that crisis, and his powers too +undeveloped to justify any serious attempt to place him in his father's +place. + +The Netherlands drifted into a confederacy of aristocratic republics, not +because they had planned a republic, but because they could not get a +king, foreign or native. The documents regarding the offer of the +sovereign countship to William remained in the possession of Maurice, and +a few years before the peace there had been a private meeting of leading +personages, of which Barneveld was the promoter and chief spokesman, to +take into consideration the propriety and possibility of conferring that +sovereignty upon the son which had virtually belonged to the father. The +obstacles were deemed so numerous, and especially the scheme seemed so +fraught with danger to Maurice, that it was reluctantly abandoned by his +best friends, among whom unquestionably was the Advocate. + +There was no reason whatever why the now successful and mature soldier, +to whom the country was under such vast obligations, should not aspire to +the sovereignty. The Provinces had not pledged themselves to +republicanism, but rather to monarchy, and the crown, although secretly +coveted by Henry IV., could by no possibility now be conferred on any +other man than Maurice. It was no impeachment on his character that he +should nourish thoughts in which there was nothing criminal. + +But the peace negotiations had opened a chasm. It was obvious enough that +Barneveld having now so long exercised great powers, and become as it +were the chief magistrate of an important commonwealth, would not be so +friendly as formerly to its conversion into a monarchy and to the +elevation of the great soldier to its throne. The Advocate had even been +sounded, cautiously and secretly, so men believed, by the +Princess-Dowager, Louise de Coligny, widow of William the silent, as to +the feasibility of procuring the sovereignty for Maurice. She had done +this at the instigation of Maurice, who had expressed his belief that the +favourable influence of the Advocate would make success certain and who +had represented to her that, as he was himself resolved never to marry, +the inheritance after his death would fall to her son Frederick Henry. +The Princess, who was of a most amiable disposition, adored her son. +Devoted to the House of Nassau and a great admirer of its chief, she had +a long interview with Barneveld, in which she urged the scheme upon his +attention without in any probability revealing that she had come to him +at the solicitation of Maurice. + +The Advocate spoke to her with frankness and out of the depths of his +heart. He professed an ardent attachment to her family, a profound +reverence for the virtues, sacrifices, and achievements of her lamented +husband, and a warm desire to do everything to further the interests of +the son who had proved himself so worthy of his parentage. + +But he proved to her that Maurice, in seeking the sovereignty, was +seeking his ruin. The Hollanders, he said, liked to be persuaded and not +forced. Having triumphantly shaken off the yoke of a powerful king, they +would scarcely consent now to accept the rule of any personal sovereign. +The desire to save themselves from the claws of Spain had led them +formerly to offer the dominion over them to various potentates. Now that +they had achieved peace and independence and were delivered from the +fears of Spanish ferocity and French intrigue, they shuddered at the +dangers from royal hands out of which they had at last escaped. He +believed that they would be capable of tearing in pieces any one who +might make the desired proposition. After all, he urged, Maurice was a +hundred times more fortunate as he was than if he should succeed in +desires so opposed to his own good. This splendour of sovereignty was a +false glare which would lead him to a precipice. He had now the power of +a sovereign without the envy which ever followed it. Having essentially +such power, he ought, like his father, to despise an empty name, which +would only make him hated. For it was well known that William the Silent +had only yielded to much solicitation, agreeing to accept that which then +seemed desirable for the country's good but to him was more than +indifferent. + +Maurice was captain-general and admiral-general of five provinces. He +appointed to governments and to all military office. He had a share of +appointment to the magistracies. He had the same advantages and the same +authority as had been enjoyed in the Netherlands by the ancient sovereign +counts, by the dukes of Burgundy, by Emperor Charles V. himself. + +Every one now was in favour of increasing his pensions, his salaries, his +material splendour. Should he succeed in seizing the sovereignty, men +would envy him even to the ribbands of his pages' and his lackeys' shoes. +He turned to the annals of Holland and showed the Princess that there had +hardly been a sovereign count against whom his subjects had not revolted, +marching generally into the very courtyard of the palace at the Hague in +order to take his life. + +Convinced by this reasoning, Louise de Coligny had at once changed her +mind, and subsequently besought her stepson to give up a project sure to +be fatal to his welfare, his peace of mind, and the good of the country. +Maurice listened to her coldly, gave little heed to the Advocate's logic, +and hated him in his heart from that day forth. + +The Princess remained loyal to Barneveld to the last. + +Thus the foundation was laid of that terrible enmity which, inflamed by +theological passion, was to convert the period of peace into a hell, to +rend the Provinces asunder when they had most need of repose, and to lead +to tragical results for ever to be deplored. Already in 1607 Francis +Aerssens had said that the two had become so embroiled and things had +gone so far that one or the other would have to leave the country. He +permitted also the ridiculous statement to be made in his house at Paris, +that Henry IV. believed the Advocate to have become Spanish, and had +declared that Prince Maurice would do well to have him put into a sack +and thrown into the sea. + +His life had been regularly divided into two halves, the campaigning +season and the period of winter quarters. In the one his business, and +his talk was of camps, marches, sieges, and battles only. In the other he +was devoted to his stud, to tennis, to mathematical and mechanical +inventions, and to chess, of which he was passionately fond, and which he +did not play at all well. A Gascon captain serving in the States' army +was his habitual antagonist in that game, and, although the stakes were +but a crown a game, derived a steady income out of his gains, which were +more than equal to his pay. The Prince was sulky when he lost, sitting, +when the candles were burned out and bed-time had arrived, with his hat +pulled over his brows, without bidding his guest good night, and leaving +him to find his way out as he best could; and, on the contrary, radiant +with delight when successful, calling for valets to light the departing +captain through the corridor, and accompanying him to the door of the +apartment himself. That warrior was accordingly too shrewd not to allow +his great adversary as fair a share of triumph as was consistent with +maintaining the frugal income on which he reckoned. + +He had small love for the pleasures of the table, but was promiscuous and +unlicensed in his amours. He was methodical in his household +arrangements, and rather stingy than liberal in money matters. He +personally read all his letters, accounts, despatches, and other +documents trivial or important, but wrote few letters with his own hand, +so that, unlike his illustrious father's correspondence, there is little +that is characteristic to be found in his own. He was plain but not +shabby in attire, and was always dressed in exactly the same style, +wearing doublet and hose of brown woollen, a silk under vest, a short +cloak lined with velvet, a little plaited ruff on his neck, and very +loose boots. He ridiculed the smart French officers who, to show their +fine legs, were wont to wear such tight boots as made them perspire to +get into them, and maintained, in precept and practice, that a man should +be able to jump into his boots and mount and ride at a moment's notice. +The only ornaments he indulged in, except, of course, on state occasions, +were a golden hilt to his famous sword, and a rope of diamonds tied +around his felt hat. + +He was now in the full flower of his strength and his fame, in his +forty-second year, and of a noble and martial presence. The face, +although unquestionably handsome, offered a sharp contrast within itself; +the upper half all intellect, the lower quite sensual. Fair hair growing +thin, but hardly tinged with grey, a bright, cheerful, and thoughtful +forehead, large hazel eyes within a singularly large orbit of brow; a +straight, thin, slightly aquiline, well-cut nose--such features were at +open variance with the broad, thick-lipped, sensual mouth, the heavy +pendant jowl, the sparse beard on the glistening cheek, and the +moleskin-like moustachio and chin tuft. Still, upon the whole, it was a +face and figure which gave the world assurance of a man and a commander +of men. Power and intelligence were stamped upon him from his birth. + +Barneveld was tall and majestic of presence, with large quadrangular +face, austere, blue eyes looking authority and command, a vast forehead, +and a grizzled beard. Of fluent and convincing eloquence with tongue and +pen, having the power of saying much in few words, he cared much more for +the substance than the graces of speech or composition. This tendency was +not ill exemplified in a note of his written on a sheet of questions +addressed to him by a States' ambassador about to start on an important +mission, but a novice in his business, the answers to which questions +were to serve for his diplomatic instructions. + +"Item and principally," wrote the Envoy, "to request of M. de Barneveld a +formulary or copy of the best, soundest, wisest, and best couched +despatches done by several preceding ambassadors in order to regulate +myself accordingly for the greater service of the Province and for my +uttermost reputation." + +The Advocate's answer, scrawled in his nearly illegible hand, was-- + +"Unnecessary. The truth in shortest about matters of importance shall be +taken for good style." + +With great love of power, which he was conscious of exerting with ease to +himself and for the good of the public, he had little personal vanity, +and not the smallest ambition of authorship. Many volumes might be +collected out of the vast accumulation of his writings now mouldering and +forgotten in archives. Had the language in which they are written become +a world's language, they would be worthy of attentive study, as +containing noble illustrations of the history and politics of his age, +with theories and sentiments often far in advance of his age. But he +cared not for style. "The truth in shortest about matters of importance" +was enough for him; but the world in general, and especially the world of +posterity, cares much for style. The vehicle is often prized more than +the freight. The name of Barneveld is fast fading out of men's memory. +The fame of his pupil and companion in fortune and misfortune, Hugo +Grotius, is ever green. But Grotius was essentially an author rather than +a statesman: he wrote for the world and posterity with all the love, +pride, and charm of the devotee of literature, and he composed his +noblest works in a language which is ever living because it is dead. Some +of his writings, epochmaking when they first appeared, are text-books +still familiar in every cultivated household on earth. Yet Barneveld was +vastly his superior in practical statesmanship, in law, in the science of +government, and above all in force of character, while certainly not his +equal in theology, nor making any pretensions to poetry. Although a ripe +scholar, he rarely wrote in Latin, and not often in French. His ambition +was to do his work thoroughly according to his view of duty, and to ask +God's blessing upon it without craving overmuch the applause of men. + +Such were the two men, the soldier and the statesman. Would the Republic, +fortunate enough to possess two such magnificent and widely contrasted +capacities, be wise enough to keep them in its service, each +supplementing the other, and the two combining in a perfect whole? + +Or was the great law of the Discords of the World, as potent as that +other principle of Universal Harmony and planetary motion which an +illustrious contemporary--that Wurtemberg astronomer, once a soldier of +the fierce Alva, now the half-starved astrologer of the brain-sick +Rudolph--was at that moment discovering, after "God had waited six +thousand years for him to do it," to prevail for the misery of the +Republic and shame of Europe? Time was to show. + +The new state had forced itself into the family of sovereignties somewhat +to the displeasure of most of the Lord's anointed. Rebellious and +republican, it necessarily excited the jealousy of long-established and +hereditary governments. + +The King of Spain had not formally acknowledged the independence of the +United Provinces. He had treated with them as free, and there was +supposed to be much virtue in the conjunction. But their sovereign +independence was virtually recognized by the world. Great nations had +entered into public and diplomatic relations and conventions with them, +and their agents at foreign courts were now dignified with the rank and +title of ambassadors. + +The Spanish king had likewise refused to them the concession of the right +of navigation and commerce in the East Indies, but it was a matter of +notoriety that the absence of the word India, suppressed as it was in the +treaty, implied an immense triumph on the part of the States, and that +their flourishing and daily increasing commerce in the farthest East and +the imperial establishments already rising there were cause of envy and +jealousy not to Spain alone, but to friendly powers. + +Yet the government of Great Britain affected to regard them as something +less than a sovereign state. Although Elizabeth had refused the +sovereignty once proffered to her, although James had united with Henry +IV. in guaranteeing the treaty just concluded between the States and +Spain, that monarch had the wonderful conception that the Republic was in +some sort a province of his own, because he still held the cautionary +towns in pledge for the loans granted by his predecessor. His agents at +Constantinople were instructed to represent the new state as unworthy to +accredit its envoys as those of an independent power. The Provinces were +represented as a collection of audacious rebels, a piratical scum of the +sea. But the Sultan knew his interests better than to incur the enmity of +this rising maritime power. The Dutch envoy declaring that he would +sooner throw himself into the Bosphorus than remain to be treated with +less consideration than that accorded to the ministers of all great +powers, the remonstrances of envious colleagues were hushed, and Haga was +received with all due honours. + +Even at the court of the best friend of the Republic, the French king, +men looked coldly at the upstart commonwealth. Francis Aerssens, the keen +and accomplished minister of the States, resident in Paris for many +years, was received as ambassador after the truce with all the ceremonial +befitting the highest rank in the diplomatic service; yet Henry could not +yet persuade himself to look upon the power accrediting him as a +thoroughly organized commonwealth. + +The English ambassador asked the King if he meant to continue his aid and +assistance to the States during the truce. "Yes," answered Henry. + +"And a few years beyond it?" + +"No. I do not wish to offend the King of Spain from mere gaiety of +heart." + +"But they are free," replied the Ambassador; "the King of Spain could +have no cause for offence." + +"They are free," said the King, "but not sovereign."--"Judge then," wrote +Aerssens to Barneveld, "how we shall be with the King of Spain at the end +of our term when our best friends make this distinction among themselves +to our disadvantage. They insist on making a difference between liberty +and sovereignty; considering liberty as a mean term between servitude and +sovereignty." + +"You would do well," continued the Dutch ambassador, "to use the word +'sovereignty' on all occasions instead of 'liberty.'" The hint was +significant and the advice sound. + +The haughty republic of Venice, too, with its "golden Book" and its +pedigree of a thousand years, looked askance at the republic of yesterday +rising like herself out of lagunes and sand banks, and affecting to place +herself side by side with emperors, kings, and the lion of St. Mark. But +the all-accomplished council of that most serene commonwealth had far too +much insight and too wide experience in political combinations to make +the blunder of yielding to this aristocratic sentiment. + +The natural enemy of the Pope, of Spain, of Austria, must of necessity be +the friend of Venice, and it was soon thought highly desirable to +intimate half officially that a legation from the States-General to the +Queen of the Adriatic, announcing the conclusion of the Twelve Years' +Truce, would be extremely well received. + +The hint was given by the Venetian ambassador at Paris to Francis +Aerssens, who instantly recommended van der Myle, son-in-law of +Barneveld, as a proper personage to be entrusted with this important +mission. At this moment an open breach had almost occurred between Spain +and Venice, and the Spanish ambassador at Paris, Don Pedro de Toledo, +naturally very irate with Holland, Venice, and even with France, was +vehement in his demonstrations. The arrogant Spaniard had for some time +been employed in an attempt to negotiate a double marriage between the +Dauphin and the eldest daughter of Philip III., and between the eldest +son of that king and the Princess Elizabeth of France. An indispensable +but secret condition of this negotiation was the absolute renunciation by +France of its alliance and friendly relations with the United Provinces. +The project was in truth a hostile measure aimed directly at the life of +the Republic. Henry held firm however, and Don Pedro was about to depart +malcontent, his mission having totally failed. He chanced, when going to +his audience of leave-taking, after the arrival of his successor, Don +Inigo de Cardenas, to meet the Venetian ambassador, Antonio Foscarini. An +altercation took place between them, during which the Spaniard poured out +his wrath so vehemently, calling his colleague with neat alliteration "a +poltroon, a pantaloon, and a pig," that Henry heard him. + +What Signor Antonio replied has not been preserved, but it is stated that +he was first to seek a reconciliation, not liking, he said, Spanish +assassinations. + +Meantime the double marriage project was for a season at least suspended, +and the alliance between the two republics went forwards. Van der Myle, +appointed ambassador to Venice, soon afterwards arrived in Paris, where +he made a very favourable impression, and was highly lauded by Aerssens +in his daily correspondence with Barneveld. No portentous shadow of +future and fatal discord between those statesmen fell upon the cheerful +scene. Before the year closed, he arrived at his post, and was received +with great distinction, despite the obstacles thrown in his way by Spain +and other powers; the ambassador of France itself, de Champigny, having +privately urged that he ought to be placed on the same footing with the +envoys of Savoy and of Florence. + +Van der Myle at starting committed the trifling fault of styling the +States-General "most illustrious" (illustrissimi) instead of "most +serene," the title by which Venice designated herself. + +The fault was at once remedied, however, Priuli the Doge seating the +Dutch ambassador on his right hand at his solemn reception, and giving +directions that van der Myle should be addressed as Excellency, his post +being assigned him directly after his seniors, the ambassadors of Pope, +Emperor, and kings. The same precedence was settled in Paris, while +Aerssens, who did not consider himself placed in a position of greater +usefulness by his formal installation as ambassador, received private +intimation from Henry, with whom he was on terms of great confidence and +intimacy, that he should have private access to the King as frequently +and as in formally as before. The theory that the ambassador, +representing the personality of his sovereign, may visit the monarch to +whom he is accredited, without ceremony and at his own convenience, was +as rarely carried into practice in the sixteenth century as in the +nineteenth, while on the other hand Aerssens, as the private and +confidential agent of a friendly but not publicly recognized +commonwealth, had been for many years in almost daily personal +communication with the King. + +It is also important to note that the modern fallacy according to which +republics being impersonal should not be represented by ambassadors had +not appeared in that important epoch in diplomatic history. On the +contrary, the two great republics of the age, Holland and Venice, +vindicated for themselves, with as much dignity and reason as success, +their right to the highest diplomatic honours. + +The distinction was substantial not shadowy; those haughty commonwealths +not considering it advantageous or decorous that their representatives +should for want of proper official designations be ranked on great +ceremonial occasions with the ministers of petty Italian principalities +or of the three hundred infinitesimal sovereignties of Germany. + +It was the advice of the French king especially, who knew politics and +the world as well as any man, that the envoys of the Republic which he +befriended and which stood now on the threshold of its official and +national existence, should assert themselves at every court with the +self-reliance and courtesy becoming the functionaries of a great power. +That those ministers were second to the representatives of no other +European state in capacity and accomplishment was a fact well known to +all who had dealings with them, for the States required in their +diplomatic representatives knowledge of history and international law, +modern languages, and the classics, as well as familiarity with political +customs and social courtesies; the breeding of gentlemen in short, and +the accomplishments of scholars. It is both a literary enjoyment and a +means of historical and political instruction to read after the lapse of +centuries their reports and despatches. They worthily compare as works of +art with those diplomatic masterpieces the letters and 'Relazioni' of the +Venetian ambassadors; and it is well known that the earlier and some of +the most important treatises on public and international law ever written +are from the pens of Hollanders, who indeed may be said to have invented +that science.' + +The Republic having thus steadily shouldered its way into the family of +nations was soon called upon to perform a prominent part in the world's +affairs. More than in our own epoch there was a close political +commingling of such independent states as held sympathetic views on the +great questions agitating Europe. The policy of isolation so wisely and +successfully carried out by our own trans-Atlantic commonwealth was +impossible for the Dutch republic, born as it was of a great religious +schism, and with its narrow territory wedged between the chief political +organizations of Christendom. Moreover the same jealousy on the part of +established powers which threw so many obstacles in its path to +recognized sovereignty existed in the highest degree between its two +sponsors and allies, France and England, in regard to their respective +relations to the new state. + +"If ever there was an obliged people," said Henry's secretary of state, +Villeroy, to Aerssens, "then it is you Netherlanders to his Majesty. He +has converted your war into peace, and has never abandoned you. It is for +you now to show your affection and gratitude." + +In the time of Elizabeth, and now in that of her successor, there was +scarcely a day in which the envoys of the States were not reminded of the +immense load of favour from England under which they tottered, and of the +greater sincerity and value of English friendship over that of France. + +Sully often spoke to Aerssens on the subject in even stronger language, +deeming himself the chief protector and guardian angel of the Republic, +to whom they were bound by ties of eternal gratitude. "But if the +States," he said, "should think of caressing the King of England more +than him, or even of treating him on an equality with his Majesty, Henry +would be very much affronted. He did not mean that they should neglect +the friendship of the King of Britain, but that they should cultivate it +after and in subordination to his own, for they might be sure that James +held all things indifferent, their ruin or their conservation, while his +Majesty had always manifested the contrary both by his counsels and by +the constant furnishing of supplies." + +Henry of France and Navarre--soldier, statesman, wit, above all a man and +every inch a king--brimful of human vices, foibles, and humours, and +endowed with those high qualities of genius which enabled him to mould +events and men by his unscrupulous and audacious determination to conform +to the spirit of his times which no man better understood than himself, +had ever been in such close relations with the Netherlands as to seem in +some sort their sovereign. + +James Stuart, emerging from the school of Buchanan and the atmosphere of +Calvinism in which he had been bred, now reigned in those more sunny and +liberal regions where Elizabeth so long had ruled. Finding himself at +once, after years of theological study, face to face with a foreign +commonwealth and a momentous epoch, in which politics were so commingled +with divinity as to offer daily the most puzzling problems, the royal +pedant hugged himself at beholding so conspicuous a field for his +talents. + +To turn a throne into a pulpit, and amaze mankind with his learning, was +an ambition most sweet to gratify. The Calvinist of Scotland now +proclaimed his deadly hatred of Puritans in England and Holland, and +denounced the Netherlanders as a pack of rebels whom it always pleased +him to irritate, and over whom he too claimed, through the possession of +the cautionary towns, a kind of sovereignty. Instinctively feeling that +in the rough and unlovely husk of Puritanism was enclosed the germ of a +wider human liberty than then existed, he was determined to give battle +to it with his tongue, his pen, with everything but his sword. + +Doubtless the States had received most invaluable assistance from both +France and England, but the sovereigns of those countries were too apt to +forget that it was their own battles, as well as those of the Hollanders, +that had been fought in Flanders and Brabant. But for the alliance and +subsidies of the faithful States, Henry would not so soon have ascended +the throne of his ancestors, while it was matter of history that the +Spanish government had for years been steadily endeavouring to subjugate +England not so much for the value of the conquest in itself as for a +stepping-stone to the recovery of the revolted Netherlands. + +For the dividing line of nations or at least of national alliances was a +frontier not of language but of faith. Germany was but a geographical +expression. The union of Protestantism, subscribed by a large proportion +of its three hundred and seven sovereigns, ran zigzag through the +country, a majority probably of the people at that moment being opposed +to the Roman Church. + +It has often been considered amazing that Protestantism having +accomplished so much should have fallen backwards so soon, and yielded +almost undisputed sway in vast regions to the long dominant church. But +in truth there is nothing surprising about it. Catholicism was and +remained a unit, while its opponents were eventually broken up into +hundreds of warring and politically impotent organizations. Religious +faith became distorted into a weapon for selfish and greedy territorial +aggrandizement in the hands of Protestant princes. "Cujus regio ejus +religio" was the taunt hurled in the face of the imploring Calvinists of +France and the Low Countries by the arrogant Lutherans of Germany. Such a +sword smote the principle of religious freedom and mutual toleration into +the dust, and rendered them comparatively weak in the conflict with the +ancient and splendidly organized church. + +The Huguenots of France, notwithstanding the protection grudgingly +afforded them by their former chieftain, were dejected and discomfited by +his apostasy, and Henry, placed in a fearfully false position, was an +object of suspicion to both friends and foes. In England it is difficult +to say whether a Jesuit or a Puritan was accounted the more noxious +animal by the dominant party. + +In the United Provinces perhaps one half the population was either openly +or secretly attached to the ancient church, while among the Protestant +portion a dire and tragic convulsion was about to break forth, which for +a time at least was to render Remonstrants and Contra-Remonstrants more +fiercely opposed to each other than to Papists. + +The doctrine of predestination in its sternest and strictest sense had +long been the prevailing one in the Reformed Church of the revolted +Netherlands, as in those of Scotland, France, Geneva, and the Palatinate. +No doubt up to the period of the truce a majority had acquiesced in that +dogma and its results, although there had always been many preachers to +advocate publicly a milder creed. It was not until the appointment of +Jacob Arminius to the professorship of theology at Leyden, in the place +of Francis Junius, in the year 1603, that a danger of schism in the +Church, seemed impending. Then rose the great Gomarus in his wrath, and +with all the powers of splendid eloquence, profound learning, and the +intense bigotry of conviction, denounced the horrible heresy. Conferences +between the two before the Court of Holland, theological tournaments +between six champions on a side, gallantly led by their respective +chieftains, followed, with the usual result of confirming both parties in +the conviction that to each alone belonged exclusively the truth. + +The original influence of Arminius had however been so great that when +the preachers of Holland had been severally called on by a synod to sign +the Heidelberg Catechism, many of them refused. Here was open heresy and +revolt. It was time for the true church to vindicate its authority. The +great war with Spain had been made, so it was urged and honestly +believed, not against the Inquisition, not to prevent Netherlanders from +being burned and buried alive by the old true church, not in defence of +ancient charters, constitutions, and privileges--the precious result of +centuries of popular resistance to despotic force--not to maintain an +amount of civil liberty and local self-government larger in extent than +any then existing in the world, not to assert equality of religion for +all men, but simply to establish the true religion, the one church, the +only possible creed; the creed and church of Calvin. + +It is perfectly certain that the living fire which glowed in the veins of +those hot gospellers had added intense enthusiasm to the war spirit +throughout that immense struggle. It is quite possible that without that +enthusiasm the war might not have been carried on to its successful end. +But it is equally certain that Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, and +devotees of many other creeds, had taken part in the conflict in defence +both of hearth and altar, and that without that aid the independence of +the Provinces would never have been secured. + +Yet before the war was ended the arrogance of the Reformed priesthood had +begun to dig a chasm. Men who with William the Silent and Barneveld had +indulged in the vision of religious equality as a possible result of so +much fighting against the Holy Inquisition were perhaps to be +disappointed. + +Preachers under the influence of the gentle Arminius having dared to +refuse signing the Creed were to be dealt with. It was time to pass from +censure to action. + +Heresy must be trampled down. The churches called for a national synod, +and they did this as by divine right. "My Lords the States-General must +observe," they said, "that this assembly now demanded is not a human +institution but an ordinance of the Holy Ghost in its community, not +depending upon any man's authority, but proceeding from God to the +community." They complained that the true church was allowed to act only +through the civil government, and was thus placed at a disadvantage +compared even with Catholics and other sects, whose proceedings were +winked at. "Thus the true church suffered from its apparent and public +freedom, and hostile sects gained by secret connivance." + +A crisis was fast approaching. The one church claimed infallibility and +superiority to the civil power. The Holy Ghost was placed in direct, +ostentatious opposition to My Lords the States-General. It was for +Netherlanders to decide whether, after having shaken off the Holy +Inquisition, and subjected the old true church to the public authority, +they were now to submit to the imperious claims of the new true church. + +There were hundreds of links connecting the Church with the State. In +that day a divorce between the two was hardly possible or conceivable. +The system of Congregationalism so successfully put into practice soon +afterwards in the wilderness of New England, and to which so much of +American freedom political as well as religious is due, was not easy to +adopt in an old country like the Netherlands. Splendid churches and +cathedrals, the legal possession of which would be contended for by rival +sects, could scarcely be replaced by temporary structures of lath and +plaster, or by humble back parlours of mechanics' shops. There were +questions of property of complicated nature. Not only the states and the +communities claimed in rivalry the ownership of church property, but many +private families could show ancient advowsons and other claims to present +or to patronize, derived from imperial or ducal charters. + +So long as there could be liberty of opinion within the Church upon +points not necessarily vital, open schism could be avoided, by which the +cause of Protestantism throughout Europe must be weakened, while at the +same time subordination of the priesthood to the civil authority would be +maintained. But if the Holy Ghost, through the assembled clergy, were to +dictate an iron formulary to which all must conform, to make laws for +church government which every citizen must obey, and to appoint preachers +and school-masters from whom alone old and young could receive +illumination and instruction religious or lay, a theocracy would be +established which no enlightened statesman could tolerate. + +The States-General agreed to the synod, but imposed a condition that +there should be a revision of Creed and Catechism. This was thundered +down with one blast. The condition implied a possibility that the vile +heresy of Arminius might be correct. An unconditional synod was demanded. +The Heidelberg Creed and Netherland Catechism were sacred, infallible, +not to be touched. The answer of the government, through the mouth of +Barneveld, was that "to My Lords the States-General as the foster-fathers +and protectors of the churches every right belonged." + +Thus far the States-General under the leadership of the Advocate were +unanimous. The victory remained with State against Church. But very soon +after the truce had been established, and men had liberty to devote +themselves to peaceful pursuits, the ecclesiastical trumpet again sounded +far and wide, and contending priests and laymen rushed madly to the fray. +The Remonstrance and Contra-Remonstrance, and the appointment of Conrad +Vorstius, a more abominable heretic than Arminius, to the vacant chair of +Arminius--a step which drove Gomarus and the Gomarites to frenzy, +although Gomarus and Vorstius remained private and intimate friends to +the last--are matters briefly to be mentioned on a later page. + +Thus to the four chief actors in the politico-religious drama, soon to be +enacted as an interlude to an eighty years' war, were assigned parts at +first sight inconsistent with their private convictions. The King of +France, who had often abjured his religion, and was now the best of +Catholics, was denounced ferociously in every Catholic pulpit in +Christendom as secretly an apostate again, and the open protector of +heretics and rebels. But the cheerful Henry troubled himself less than he +perhaps had cause to do with these thunderblasts. Besides, as we shall +soon see, he had other objects political and personal to sway his +opinions. + +James the ex-Calvinist, crypto-Arminian, pseudo-Papist, and avowed +Puritan hater, was girding on his armour to annihilate Arminians and to +defend and protect Puritans in Holland, while swearing that in England he +would pepper them and harry them and hang them and that he would even +like to bury them alive. + +Barneveld, who turned his eyes, as much as in such an inflammatory age it +was possible, from subtle points of theology, and relied on his +great-grandfather's motto of humility, "Nil scire tutissima fides" was +perhaps nearer to the dogma of the dominant Reformed Church than he knew, +although always the consistent and strenuous champion of the civil +authority over Church as well as State. + +Maurice was no theologian. He was a steady churchgoer, and his favorite +divine, the preacher at his court chapel, was none other than +Uytenbogaert. The very man who was instantly to be the champion of the +Arminians, the author of the Remonstrance, the counsellor and comrade of +Barneveld and Grotius, was now sneered at by the Gomarites as the "Court +Trumpeter." The preacher was not destined to change his opinions. Perhaps +the Prince might alter. But Maurice then paid no heed to the great point +at issue, about which all the Netherlanders were to take each other by +the throat--absolute predestination. He knew that the Advocate had +refused to listen to his stepmother's suggestion as to his obtaining the +sovereignty. "He knew nothing of predestination," he was wont to say, +"whether it was green or whether it was blue. He only knew that his pipe +and the Advocate's were not likely to make music together." This much of +predestination he did know, that if the Advocate and his friends were to +come to open conflict with the Prince of Orange-Nassau, the conqueror of +Nieuwpoort, it was predestined to go hard with the Advocate and his +friends. + +The theological quibble did not interest him much, and he was apt to +blunder about it. + +"Well, preacher," said he one day to Albert Huttenus, who had come to him +to intercede for a deserter condemned to be hanged, "are you one of those +Arminians who believe that one child is born to salvation and another to +damnation?" + +Huttenus, amazed to the utmost at the extraordinary question, replied, +"Your Excellency will be graciously pleased to observe that this is not +the opinion of those whom one calls by the hateful name of Arminians, but +the opinion of their adversaries." + +"Well, preacher," rejoined Maurice, "don't you think I know better?" And +turning to Count Lewis William, Stadholder of Friesland, who was present, +standing by the hearth with his hand on a copper ring of the +chimneypiece, he cried, + +"Which is right, cousin, the preacher or I?" + +"No, cousin," answered Count Lewis, "you are in the wrong." + +Thus to the Catholic League organized throughout Europe in solid and +consistent phalanx was opposed the Great Protestant Union, ardent and +enthusiastic in detail, but undisciplined, disobedient, and inharmonious +as a whole. + +The great principle, not of religious toleration, which is a phrase of +insult, but of religious equality, which is the natural right of mankind, +was to be evolved after a lapse of, additional centuries out of the +elemental conflict which had already lasted so long. Still later was the +total divorce of State and Church to be achieved as the final +consummation of the great revolution. Meantime it was almost inevitable +that the privileged and richly endowed church, with ecclesiastical armies +and arsenals vastly superior to anything which its antagonist could +improvise, should more than hold its own. + +At the outset of the epoch which now occupies our attention, Europe was +in a state of exhaustion and longing for repose. Spain had submitted to +the humiliation of a treaty of truce with its rebellious subjects which +was substantially a recognition of their independence. Nothing could be +more deplorable than the internal condition of the country which claimed +to be mistress of the world and still aspired to universal monarchy. + +It had made peace because it could no longer furnish funds for the war. +The French ambassador, Barante, returning from Madrid, informed his +sovereign that he had often seen officers in the army prostrating +themselves on their knees in the streets before their sovereign as he +went to mass, and imploring him for payment of their salaries, or at +least an alms to keep them from starving, and always imploring in vain. + +The King, who was less than a cipher, had neither capacity to feel +emotion, nor intelligence to comprehend the most insignificant affair of +state. Moreover the means were wanting to him even had he been disposed +to grant assistance. The terrible Duke of Lerma was still his inexorably +lord and master, and the secretary of that powerful personage, who kept +an open shop for the sale of offices of state both high and low, took +care that all the proceeds should flow into the coffers of the Duke and +his own lap instead of the royal exchequer. + +In France both king and people declared themselves disgusted with war. +Sully disapproved of the treaty just concluded between Spain and the +Netherlands, feeling sure that the captious and equivocal clauses +contained in it would be interpreted to the disadvantage of the Republic +and of the Reformed religion whenever Spain felt herself strong enough to +make the attempt. He was especially anxious that the States should make +no concessions in regard to the exercise of the Catholic worship within +their territory, believing that by so doing they would compromise their +political independence besides endangering the cause of Protestantism +everywhere. A great pressure was put upon Sully that moment by the King +to change his religion. + +"You will all be inevitably ruined if you make concessions in this +regard," said he to Aerssens. "Take example by me. I should be utterly +undone if I had listened to any overture on this subject." + +Nevertheless it was the opinion of the astute and caustic envoy that the +Duke would be forced to yield at last. The Pope was making great efforts +to gain him, and thus to bring about the extirpation of Protestantism in +France. And the King, at that time much under the influence of the +Jesuits, had almost set his heart on the conversion. Aerssens insinuated +that Sully was dreading a minute examination into the affairs of his +administration of the finances--a groundless calumny--and would be thus +forced to comply. Other enemies suggested that nothing would effect this +much desired apostasy but the office of Constable of France, which it was +certain would never be bestowed on him. + +At any rate it was very certain that Henry at this period was bent on +peace. + +"Make your account," said Aerssens to Barneveld, as the time for signing +the truce drew nigh, "on this indubitable foundation that the King is +determined against war, whatever pretences he may make. His bellicose +demeanour has been assumed only to help forward our treaty, which he +would never have favoured, and ought never to have favoured, if he had +not been too much in love with peace. This is a very important secret if +we manage it discreetly, and a very dangerous one if our enemies discover +it." + +Sully would have much preferred that the States should stand out for a +peace rather than for a truce, and believed it might have been obtained +if the King had not begun the matter so feebly, and if he had let it be +understood that he would join his arms to those of the Provinces in case +of rupture. + +He warned the States very strenuously that the Pope, and the King of +Spain, and a host of enemies open and covert, were doing their host to +injure them at the French court. They would find little hindrance in this +course if the Republic did not show its teeth, and especially if it did +not stiffly oppose all encroachments of the Roman religion, without even +showing any deference to the King in this regard, who was much importuned +on the subject. + +He advised the States to improve the interval of truce by restoring order +to their finances and so arranging their affairs that on the resumption +of hostilities, if come they must, their friends might be encouraged to +help them, by the exhibition of thorough vigour on their part. + +France then, although utterly indisposed for war at that moment, was +thoroughly to be relied on as a friend and in case of need an ally, so +long as it was governed by its present policy. There was but one king +left in Europe since the death of Elizabeth of England. + +But Henry was now on the abhorred threshold of old age which he +obstinately refused to cross. + +There is something almost pathetic, in spite of the censure which much of +his private life at this period provokes, in the isolation which now +seemed his lot. + +Deceived and hated by his wife and his mistresses, who were conspiring +with each other and with his ministers, not only against his policy but +against his life; with a vile Italian adventurer, dishonouring his +household, entirely dominating the queen, counteracting the royal +measures, secretly corresponding, by assumed authority, with Spain, in +direct violation of the King's instructions to his ambassadors, and +gorging himself with wealth and offices at the expense of everything +respectable in France; surrounded by a pack of malignant and greedy +nobles, who begrudged him his fame, his authority, his independence; +without a home, and almost without a friend, the Most Christian King in +these latter days led hardly as merry a life as when fighting years long +for his crown, at the head of his Gascon chivalry, the beloved chieftain +of Huguenots. + +Of the triumvirate then constituting his council, Villeroy, Sillery, and +Sully, the two first were ancient Leaguers, and more devoted at heart to +Philip of Spain than to Henry of France and Navarre. + +Both silent, laborious, plodding, plotting functionaries, thriftily +gathering riches; skilled in routine and adepts at intrigue; steady +self-seekers, and faithful to office in which their lives had passed, +they might be relied on at any emergency to take part against their +master, if to ruin would prove more profitable than to serve him. + +There was one man who was truer to Henry than Henry had been to himself. +The haughty, defiant, austere grandee, brave soldier, sagacious +statesman, thrifty financier, against whom the poisoned arrows of +religious hatred, envious ambition, and petty court intrigue were daily +directed, who watched grimly over the exchequer confided to him, which +was daily growing fuller in despite of the cormorants who trembled at his +frown; hard worker, good hater, conscientious politician, who filled his +own coffers without dishonesty, and those of the state without tyranny; +unsociable, arrogant; pious, very avaricious, and inordinately vain, +Maximilian de Bethune, Duke of Sully, loved and respected Henry as no man +or woman loved and respected him. In truth, there was but one living +being for whom the Duke had greater reverence and affection than for the +King, and that was the Duke of Sully himself. + +At this moment he considered himself, as indeed he was, in full +possession of his sovereign's confidence. But he was alone in this +conviction. Those about the court, men like Epernon and his creatures, +believed the great financier on the brink of perdition. Henry, always the +loosest of talkers even in regard to his best friends, had declared, on +some temporary vexation in regard to the affair between Aiguillon and +Balagny, that he would deal with the Duke as with the late Marshal de +Biron, and make him smaller than he had ever made him great: goading him +on this occasion with importunities, almost amounting to commands, that +both he and his son should forthwith change their religion or expect +instant ruin. The blow was so severe that Sully shut himself up, refused +to see anyone, and talked of retiring for good to his estates. But he +knew, and Henry knew, how indispensable he was, and the anger of the +master was as shortlived as the despair of the minister. + +There was no living statesman for whom Henry had a more sincere respect +than for the Advocate of Holland. "His Majesty admires and greatly extols +your wisdom, which he judges necessary for the preservation of our State; +deeming you one of the rare and sage counsellors of the age." It is true +that this admiration was in part attributed to the singular coincidence +of Barneveld's views of policy with the King's own. Sully, on his part, +was a severe critic of that policy. He believed that better terms might +have been exacted from Spain in the late negotiations, and strongly +objected to the cavilling and equivocal language of the treaty. Rude in +pen as in speech, he expressed his mind very freely in his conversation +and correspondence with Henry in regard to leading personages and great +affairs, and made no secret of his opinions to the States' ambassador. + +He showed his letters in which he had informed the King that he ought +never to have sanctioned the truce without better securities than +existed, and that the States would never have moved in any matter without +him. It would have been better to throw himself into a severe war than to +see the Republic perish. He further expressed the conviction that Henry +ought to have such authority over the Netherlands that they would embrace +blindly whatever counsel he chose to give them, even if they saw in it +their inevitable ruin; and this not so much from remembrance of +assistance rendered by him, but from the necessity in which they should +always feel of depending totally upon him. + +"You may judge, therefore," concluded Aerssens, "as to how much we can +build on such foundations as these. I have been amazed at these frank +communications, for in those letters he spares neither My Lords the +States, nor his Excellency Prince Maurice, nor yourself; giving his +judgment of each of you with far too much freedom and without sufficient +knowledge." + +Thus the alliance between the Netherlands and France, notwithstanding +occasional traces of caprice and flaws of personal jealousy, was on the +whole sincere, for it was founded on the surest foundation of +international friendship, the self-interest of each. Henry, although +boasting of having bought Paris with a mass, knew as well as his worst +enemy that in that bargain he had never purchased the confidence of the +ancient church, on whose bosom he had flung himself with so much dramatic +pomp. His noble position, as champion of religious toleration, was not +only unappreciated in an age in which each church and every sect +arrogated to itself a monopoly of the truth, but it was one in which he +did not himself sincerely believe. + +After all, he was still the chieftain of the Protestant Union, and, +although Eldest Son of the Church, was the bitter antagonist of the +League and the sworn foe to the House of Austria. He was walking through +pitfalls with a crowd of invisible but relentless foes dogging his every +footstep. In his household or without were daily visions of dagger and +bowl, and he felt himself marching to his doom. How could the man on whom +the heretic and rebellious Hollanders and the Protestant princes of +Germany relied as on their saviour escape the unutterable wrath and the +patient vengeance of a power that never forgave? + +In England the jealousy of the Republic and of France as co-guardian and +protector of the Republic was even greater than in France. Though placed +by circumstances in the position of ally to the Netherlands and enemy to +Spain, James hated the Netherlands and adored Spain. His first thought on +escaping the general destruction to which the Gunpowder Plot was to have +involved himself and family and all the principal personages of the realm +seems to have been to exculpate Spain from participation in the crime. +His next was to deliver a sermon to Parliament, exonerating the Catholics +and going out of his way to stigmatize the Puritans as entertaining +doctrines which should be punished with fire. As the Puritans had +certainly not been accused of complicity with Guy Fawkes or Garnet, this +portion of the discourse was at least superfluous. But James loathed +nothing so much as a Puritan. A Catholic at heart, he would have been the +warmest ally of the League had he only been permitted to be Pope of Great +Britain. He hated and feared a Jesuit, not for his religious doctrines, +for with these he sympathized, but for his political creed. He liked not +that either Roman Pontiff or British Presbyterian should abridge his +heaven-born prerogative. The doctrine of Papal superiority to temporal +sovereigns was as odious to him as Puritan rebellion to the hierarchy of +which he was the chief. Moreover, in his hostility to both Papists and +Presbyterians, there was much of professional rivalry. Having been +deprived by the accident of birth of his true position as theological +professor, he lost no opportunity of turning his throne into a pulpit and +his sceptre into a controversial pen. + +Henry of France, who rarely concealed his contempt for Master Jacques, as +he called him, said to the English ambassador, on receiving from him one +of the King's books, and being asked what he thought of it--"It is not +the business of us kings to write, but to fight. Everybody should mind +his own business, but it is the vice of most men to wish to appear +learned in matters of which they are ignorant." + +The flatterers of James found their account in pandering to his +sacerdotal and royal vanity. "I have always believed," said the Lord +Chancellor, after hearing the King argue with and browbeat a Presbyterian +deputation, "that the high-priesthood and royalty ought to be united, but +I never witnessed the actual junction till now, after hearing the learned +discourse of your Majesty." Archbishop Whitgift, grovelling still lower, +declared his conviction that James, in the observations he had deigned to +make, had been directly inspired by the Holy Ghost. + +Nothing could be more illogical and incoherent with each other than his +theological and political opinions. He imagined himself a defender of the +Protestant faith, while hating Holland and fawning on the House of +Austria. + +In England he favoured Arminianism, because the Anglican Church +recognized for its head the temporal chief of the State. In Holland he +vehemently denounced the Arminians, indecently persecuting their +preachers and statesmen, who were contending for exactly the same +principle--the supremacy of State over Church. He sentenced Bartholomew +Legate to be burned alive in Smithfield as a blasphemous heretic, and did +his best to compel the States of Holland to take the life of Professor +Vorstius of Leyden. He persecuted the Presbyterians in England as +furiously as he defended them in Holland. He drove Bradford and Carver +into the New England wilderness, and applauded Gomarus and Walaeus and +the other famous leaders of the Presbyterian party in the Netherlands +with all his soul and strength. + +He united with the French king in negotiations for Netherland +independence, while denouncing the Provinces as guilty of criminal +rebellion against their lawful sovereign. + +"He pretends," said Jeannin, "to assist in bringing about the peace, and +nevertheless does his best openly to prevent it." + +Richardot declared that the firmness of the King of Spain proceeded +entirely from reliance on the promise of James that there should be no +acknowledgment in the treaty of the liberty of the States. Henry wrote to +Jeannin that he knew very well "what that was capable of, but that he +should not be kept awake by anything he could do." + +As a king he spent his reign--so much of it as could be spared from +gourmandizing, drunkenness, dalliance with handsome minions of his own +sex, and theological pursuits--in rescuing the Crown from dependence on +Parliament; in straining to the utmost the royal prerogative; in +substituting proclamations for statutes; in doing everything in his +power, in short, to smooth the path for his successor to the scaffold. As +father of a family he consecrated many years of his life to the wondrous +delusion of the Spanish marriages. + +The Gunpowder Plot seemed to have inspired him with an insane desire for +that alliance, and few things in history are more amazing than the +persistency with which he pursued the scheme, until the pursuit became +not only ridiculous, but impossible. + +With such a man, frivolous, pedantic, conceited, and licentious, the +earnest statesmen of Holland were forced into close alliance. It is +pathetic to see men like Barneveld and Hugo Grotius obliged, on great +occasions of state, to use the language of respect and affection to one +by whom they were hated, and whom they thoroughly despised. + +But turning away from France, it was in vain for them to look for kings +or men either among friends or foes. In Germany religious dissensions +were gradually ripening into open war, and it would be difficult to +imagine a more hopelessly incompetent ruler than the man who was +nominally chief of the Holy Roman Realm. Yet the distracted Rudolph was +quite as much an emperor as the chaos over which he was supposed to +preside was an empire. Perhaps the very worst polity ever devised by +human perverseness was the system under which the great German race was +then writhing and groaning. A mad world with a lunatic to govern it; a +democracy of many princes, little and big, fighting amongst each other, +and falling into daily changing combinations as some masterly or +mischievous hand whirled the kaleidoscope; drinking Rhenish by hogsheads, +and beer by the tun; robbing churches, dictating creeds to their +subjects, and breaking all the commandments themselves; a people at the +bottom dimly striving towards religious freedom and political life out of +abject social, ecclesiastical, and political serfdom, and perhaps even +then dumbly feeling within its veins, with that prophetic instinct which +never abandons great races, a far distant and magnificent Future of +national unity and Imperial splendour, the very reverse of the confusion +which was then the hideous Present; an Imperial family at top with many +heads and slender brains; a band of brothers and cousins wrangling, +intriguing, tripping up each others' heels, and unlucky Rudolph, in his +Hradschin, looking out of window over the peerless Prague, spread out in +its beauteous landscape of hill and dale, darkling forest, dizzy cliffs, +and rushing river, at his feet, feebly cursing the unhappy city for its +ingratitude to an invisible and impotent sovereign; his excellent brother +Matthias meanwhile marauding through the realms and taking one crown +after another from his poor bald head. + +It would be difficult to depict anything more precisely what an emperor +in those portentous times should not be. He collected works of art of +many kinds--pictures, statues, gems. He passed his days in his galleries +contemplating in solitary grandeur these treasures, or in his stables, +admiring a numerous stud of horses which he never drove or rode. +Ambassadors and ministers of state disguised themselves as grooms and +stable-boys to obtain accidental glimpses of a sovereign who rarely +granted audiences. His nights were passed in star-gazing with Tycho de +Brake, or with that illustrious Suabian whose name is one of the great +lights and treasures of the world. But it was not to study the laws of +planetary motion nor to fathom mysteries of divine harmony that the +monarch stood with Kepler in the observatory. The influence of countless +worlds upon the destiny of one who, by capricious accident, if accident +ever exists in history, had been entrusted with the destiny of so large a +portion of one little world; the horoscope, not of the Universe, but of +himself; such were the limited purposes with which the Kaiser looked upon +the constellations. + +For the Catholic Rudolph had received the Protestant Kepler, driven from +Tubingen because Lutheran doctors, knowing from Holy Writ that the sun +had stood still in Ajalon, had denounced his theory of planetary motion. +His mother had just escaped being burned as a witch, and the world owes a +debt of gratitude to the Emperor for protecting the astrologer, when +enlightened theologians might, perhaps, have hanged the astronomer. + +A red-faced, heavy fowled, bald-headed, somewhat goggle-eyed old +gentleman, Rudolph did his best to lead the life of a hermit, and escape +the cares of royalty. Timid by temperament, yet liable to fits of +uncontrollable anger, he broke his furniture to pieces when irritated, +and threw dishes that displeased him in his butler's face, but left +affairs of state mainly to his valet, who earned many a penny by selling +the Imperial signature. + +He had just signed the famous "Majestatsbrief," by which he granted vast +privileges to the Protestants of Bohemia, and had bitten the pen to +pieces in a paroxysm of anger, after dimly comprehending the extent of +the concessions which he had made. + +There were hundreds of sovereign states over all of which floated the +shadowy and impalpable authority of an Imperial crown scarcely fixed on +the head of any one of the rival brethren and cousins; there was a +confederation of Protestants, with the keen-sighted and ambitious +Christian of Anhalt acting as its chief, and dreaming of the Bohemian +crown; there was the just-born Catholic League, with the calm, +far-seeing, and egotistical rather than self-seeking Maximilian at its +head; each combination extending over the whole country, stamped with +imbecility of action from its birth, and perverted and hampered by +inevitable jealousies. In addition to all these furrows ploughed by the +very genius of discord throughout the unhappy land was the wild and +secret intrigue with which Leopold, Archduke and Bishop, dreaming also of +the crown of Wenzel, was about to tear its surface as deeply as he dared. + +Thus constituted were the leading powers of Europe in the earlier part of +1609--the year in which a peaceful period seemed to have begun. To those +who saw the entangled interests of individuals, and the conflict of +theological dogmas and religious and political intrigue which furnished +so much material out of which wide-reaching schemes of personal ambition +could be spun, it must have been obvious that the interval of truce was +necessarily but a brief interlude between two tragedies. + +It seemed the very mockery of Fate that, almost at the very instant when +after two years' painful negotiation a truce had been made, the signal +for universal discord should be sounded. One day in the early summer of +1609, Henry IV. came to the Royal Arsenal, the residence of Sully, +accompanied by Zamet and another of his intimate companions. He asked for +the Duke and was told that he was busy in his study. "Of course," said +the King, turning to his followers, "I dare say you expected to be told +that he was out shooting, or with the ladies, or at the barber's. But who +works like Sully? Tell him," he said, "to come to the balcony in his +garden, where he and I are not accustomed to be silent." + +As soon as Sully appeared, the King observed: "Well; here the Duke of +Cleve is dead, and has left everybody his heir." + +It was true enough, and the inheritance was of vital importance to the +world. + +It was an apple of discord thrown directly between the two rival camps +into which Christendom was divided. The Duchies of Cleve, Berg, and +Julich, and the Counties and Lordships of Mark, Ravensberg, and +Ravenstein, formed a triangle, political and geographical, closely wedged +between Catholicism and Protestantism, and between France, the United +Provinces, Belgium, and Germany. Should it fall into Catholic hands, the +Netherlands were lost, trampled upon in every corner, hedged in on all +sides, with the House of Austria governing the Rhine, the Meuse, and the +Scheldt. It was vital to them to exclude the Empire from the great +historic river which seemed destined to form the perpetual frontier of +jealous powers and rival creeds. + +Should it fall into heretic hands, the States were vastly strengthened, +the Archduke Albert isolated and cut off from the protection of Spain and +of the Empire. France, although Catholic, was the ally of Holland and the +secret but well known enemy of the House of Austria. It was inevitable +that the king of that country, the only living statesman that wore a +crown, should be appealed to by all parties and should find himself in +the proud but dangerous position of arbiter of Europe. + +In this emergency he relied upon himself and on two men besides, +Maximilian de Bethune and John of Barneveld. The conference between the +King and Sully and between both and Francis Aerssens, ambassador of the +States, were of almost daily occurrence. The minute details given in the +adroit diplomatist's correspondence indicate at every stage the extreme +deference paid by Henry to the opinion of Holland's Advocate and the +confidence reposed by him in the resources and the courage of the +Republic. + +All the world was claiming the heritage of the duchies. + +It was only strange that an event which could not be long deferred and +the consequences of which were soon to be so grave, the death of the Duke +of Cleve, should at last burst like a bomb-shell on the council tables of +the sovereigns and statesmen of Europe. That mischievous madman John +William died childless in the spring of 1609. His sister Sibylla, an +ancient and malignant spinster, had governed him and his possessions +except in his lucid intervals. The mass of the population over which he +ruled being Protestant, while the reigning family and the chief nobles +were of the ancient faith, it was natural that the Catholic party under, +the lead of Maximilian of Bavaria should deem it all-important that there +should be direct issue to that family. Otherwise the inheritance on his +death would probably pass to Protestant princes. + +The first wife provided for him was a beautiful princess; Jacobea of +Baden. The Pope blessed the nuptials, and sent the bride a golden rose, +but the union was sterile and unhappy. The Duke, who was in the habit of +careering through his palace in full armour, slashing at and wounding +anyone that came in his way, was at last locked up. The hapless Jacobea, +accused by Sibylla of witchcraft and other crimes possible and +impossible, was thrown into prison. Two years long the devilish malignity +of the sister-in-law was exercised upon her victim, who, as it is +related, was not allowed natural sleep during all that period, being at +every hour awakened by command of Sibylla. At last the Duchess was +strangled in prison. A new wife was at once provided for the lunatic, +Antonia of Lorraine. The two remained childless, and Sibylla at the age +of forty-nine took to herself a husband, the Margrave of Burgau, of the +House of Austria, the humble birth of whose mother, however, did not +allow him the rank of Archduke. Her efforts thus to provide Catholic +heirs to the rich domains of Clove proved as fruitless as her previous +attempts. + +And now Duke John William had died, and the representatives of his three +dead sisters, and the living Sibylla were left to fight for the duchies. + +It would be both cruel and superfluous to inflict on the reader a +historical statement of the manner in which these six small provinces +were to be united into a single state. It would be an equally sterile +task to retrace the legal arguments by which the various parties prepared +themselves to vindicate their claims, each pretender more triumphantly +than the other. The naked facts alone retain vital interest, and of these +facts the prominent one was the assertion of the Emperor that the +duchies, constituting a fief masculine, could descend to none of the +pretenders, but were at his disposal as sovereign of Germany. + +On the other hand nearly all the important princes of that country sent +their agents into the duchies to look after the interests real or +imaginary which they claimed. + +There were but four candidates who in reality could be considered serious +ones. + +Mary Eleanor, eldest sister of the Duke, had been married in the lifetime +of their father to Albert Frederic of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia. To +the children of this marriage was reserved the succession of the whole +property in case of the masculine line becoming extinct. Two years +afterwards the second sister, Anne, was married to Duke Philip Lewis, +Count-Palatine of Neuburg; the children of which marriage stood next in +succession to those of the eldest sister, should that become +extinguished. Four years later the third sister, Magdalen, espoused the +Duke John, Count-Palatine of Deux-Ponts; who, like Neuburg, made +resignation of rights of succession in favour of the descendants of the +Brandenburg marriage. The marriage of the youngest sister, Sibylla, with +the Margrave of Burgau has been already mentioned. It does not appear +that her brother, whose lunatic condition hardly permitted him to assure +her the dowry which had been the price of renunciation in the case of her +three elder sisters, had obtained that renunciation from her. + +The claims of the childless Sibylla as well as those of the Deux-Ponts +branch were not destined to be taken into serious consideration. + +The real competitors were the Emperor on the one side and the Elector of +Brandenburg and the Count-Palatine of Neuburg on the other. + +It is not necessary to my purpose to say a single word as to the legal +and historical rights of the controversy. Volumes upon volumes of +forgotten lore might be consulted, and they would afford exactly as much +refreshing nutriment as would the heaps of erudition hardly ten years +old, and yet as antiquated as the title-deeds of the Pharaohs, concerning +the claims to the Duchies of Schleswig-Holstein. The fortunate house of +Brandenburg may have been right or wrong in both disputes. It is certain +that it did not lack a more potent factor in settling the political +problems of the world in the one case any more than in the other. + +But on the occasion with which we are occupied it was not on the might of +his own right hand that the Elector of Brandenburg relied. Moreover, he +was dilatory in appealing to the two great powers on whose friendship he +must depend for the establishment of his claims: the United Republic and +the King of France. James of England was on the whole inclined to believe +in the rights of Brandenburg. His ambassador, however, with more +prophetic vision than perhaps the King ever dreamt--of, expressed a fear +lest Brandenburg should grow too great and one day come to the Imperial +crown. + +The States openly favoured the Elector. Henry as at first disposed +towards Neuburg, but at his request Barneveld furnished a paper on the +subject, by which the King seems to have been entirely converted to the +pretensions of Brandenburg. + +But the solution of the question had but little to do with the legal +claim of any man. It was instinctively felt throughout Christendom that +the great duel between the ancient church and the spirit of the +Reformation was now to be renewed upon that narrow, debateable spot. + +The Emperor at once proclaimed his right to arbitrate on the succession +and to hold the territory until decision should be made; that is to say, +till the Greek Kalends. His familiar and most tricksy spirit, +Bishop-Archduke Leopold, played at once on his fears and his resentments, +against the ever encroaching, ever menacing, Protestantism of Germany, +with which he had just sealed a compact so bitterly detested. + +That bold and bustling prelate, brother of the Queen of Spain and of +Ferdinand of Styria, took post from Prague in the middle of July. +Accompanied by a certain canon of the Church and disguised as his +servant, he arrived after a rapid journey before the gates of Julich, +chief city and fortress of the duchies. The governor of the place, +Nestelraed, inclined like most of the functionaries throughout the +duchies to the Catholic cause, was delighted to recognize under the +livery of the lackey the cousin and representative of the Emperor. +Leopold, who had brought but five men with him, had conquered his capital +at a blow. For while thus comfortably established as temporary governor +of the duchies he designed through the fears or folly of Rudolph to +become their sovereign lord. Strengthened by such an acquisition and +reckoning on continued assistance in men and money from Spain and the +Catholic League, he meant to sweep back to the rescue of the perishing +Rudolph, smite the Protestants of Bohemia, and achieve his appointment to +the crown of that kingdom. + +The Spanish ambassador at Prague had furnished him with a handsome sum of +money for the expenses of his journey and preliminary enterprise. It +should go hard but funds should be forthcoming to support him throughout +this audacious scheme. The champion of the Church, the sovereign prince +of important provinces, the possession of which ensured conclusive +triumph to the House of Austria and to Rome--who should oppose him in his +path to Empire? Certainly not the moody Rudolph, the slippery and +unstable Matthias, the fanatic and Jesuit-ridden Ferdinand. + +"Leopold in Julich," said Henry's agent in Germany, "is a ferret in a +rabbit warren." + +But early in the spring and before the arrival of Leopold, the two +pretenders, John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg, and Philip Lewis, +Palatine of Neuburg, had made an arrangement. By the earnest advice of +Barneveld in the name of the States-General and as the result of a +general council of many Protestant princes of Germany, it had been +settled that those two should together provisionally hold and administer +the duchies until the principal affair could be amicably settled. + +The possessory princes were accordingly established in Dusseldorf with +the consent of the provincial estates, in which place those bodies were +wont to assemble. + +Here then was Spain in the person of Leopold quietly perched in the chief +citadel of the country, while Protestantism in the shape of the +possessory princes stood menacingly in the capital. + +Hardly was the ink dry on the treaty which had suspended for twelve years +the great religious war of forty years, not yet had the ratifications +been exchanged, but the trumpet was again sounding, and the hostile +forces were once more face to face. + +Leopold, knowing where his great danger lay, sent a friendly message to +the States-General, expressing the hope that they would submit to his +arrangements until the Imperial decision should be made. + +The States, through the pen and brain of Barneveld, replied that they had +already recognized the rights of the possessory princes, and were +surprised that the Bishop-Archduke should oppose them. They expressed the +hope that, when better informed, he would see the validity of the Treaty +of Dortmund. "My Lords the States-General," said the Advocate, "will +protect the princes against violence and actual disturbances, and are +assured that the neighbouring kings and princes will do the same. They +trust that his Imperial Highness will not allow matters, to proceed to +extremities." + +This was language not to be mistaken. It was plain that the Republic did +not intend the Emperor to decide a question of life and death to herself, +nor to permit Spain, exhausted by warfare, to achieve this annihilating +triumph by a petty intrigue. + +While in reality the clue to what seemed to the outside world a +labyrinthine maze of tangled interests and passions was firmly held in +the hand of Barneveld, it was not to him nor to My Lords the +States-General that the various parties to the impending conflict applied +in the first resort. + +Mankind were not yet sufficiently used to this young republic, intruding +herself among the family of kings, to defer at once to an authority which +they could not but feel. + +Moreover, Henry of France was universally looked to both by friends and +foes as the probable arbiter or chief champion in the great debate. He +had originally been inclined to favour Neuberg, chiefly, so Aerssens +thought, on account of his political weakness. The States-General on the +other hand were firmly disposed for Brandenburg from the first, not only +as a strenuous supporter of the Reformation and an ancient ally of their +own always interested in their safety, but because the establishment of +the Elector on the Rhine would roll back the Empire beyond that river. As +Aerssens expressed it, they would have the Empire for a frontier, and +have no longer reason to fear the Rhine. + +The King, after the representations of the States, saw good ground to +change his opinion and; becoming convinced that the Palatine had long +been coquetting with the Austrian party, soon made no secret of his +preference for Brandenburg. Subsequently Neuburg and Brandenburg fell +into a violent quarrel notwithstanding an arrangement that the Palatine +should marry the daughter of the Elector. In the heat of discussion +Brandenburg on one occasion is said to have given his intended son-in-law +a box on the ear! an argument 'ad hominem' which seems to have had the +effect of sending the Palatine into the bosom of the ancient church and +causing him to rely thenceforth upon the assistance of the League. +Meantime, however, the Condominium settled by the Treaty of Dortmund +continued in force; the third brother of Brandenburg and the eldest son +of Neuburg sharing possession and authority at Dusseldorf until a final +decision could be made. + +A flock of diplomatists, professional or volunteers, openly accredited or +secret, were now flying busily about through the troubled atmosphere, +indicating the coming storm in which they revelled. The keen-sighted, +subtle, but dangerously intriguing ambassador of the Republic, Francis +Aerssens, had his hundred eyes at all the keyholes in Paris, that centre +of ceaseless combination and conspiracy, and was besides in almost daily +confidential intercourse with the King. Most patiently and minutely he +kept the Advocate informed, almost from hour to hour, of every web that +was spun, every conversation public or whispered in which important +affairs were treated anywhere and by anybody. He was all-sufficient as a +spy and intelligencer, although not entirely trustworthy as a counsellor. +Still no man on the whole could scan the present or forecast the future +more accurately than he was able to do from his advantageous position and +his long experience of affairs. + +There was much general jealousy between the States and the despotic king, +who loved to be called the father of the Republic and to treat the +Hollanders as his deeply obliged and very ungrateful and miserly little +children. The India trade was a sore subject, Henry having throughout the +negotiations sought to force or wheedle the States into renouncing that +commerce at the command of Spain, because he wished to help himself to it +afterwards, and being now in the habit of secretly receiving Isaac Le +Maire and other Dutch leaders in that lucrative monopoly, who lay +disguised in Paris and in the house of Zamet--but not concealed from +Aerssens, who pledged himself to break, the neck of their enterprise--and +were planning with the King a French East India Company in opposition to +that of the Netherlands. + +On the whole, however, despite these commercial intrigues which Barneveld +through the aid of Aerssens was enabled to baffle, there was much +cordiality and honest friendship between the two countries. Henry, far +from concealing his political affection for the Republic, was desirous of +receiving a special embassy of congratulation and gratitude from the +States on conclusion of the truce; not being satisfied with the warm +expressions of respect and attachment conveyed through the ordinary +diplomatic channel. + +"He wishes," wrote Aerssens to the Advocate, "a public demonstration--in +order to show on a theatre to all Christendom the regard and deference of +My Lords the States for his Majesty." The Ambassador suggested that +Cornelis van der Myle, son-in-law of Barneveld, soon to be named first +envoy for Holland to the Venetian republic, might be selected as chief of +such special embassy. + +"Without the instructions you gave me," wrote Aerssens, "Neuburg might +have gained his cause in this court. Brandenburg is doing himself much +injury by not soliciting the King." + +"Much deference will be paid to your judgment," added the envoy, "if you +see fit to send it to his Majesty." + +Meantime, although the agent of Neuburg was busily dinning in Henry's +ears the claims of the Palatine, and even urging old promises which, as +he pretended, had been made, thanks to Barneveld, he took little by his +importunity, notwithstanding that in the opinion both of Barneveld and +Villeroy his claim 'stricti-juris' was the best. But it was policy and +religious interests, not the strict letter of the law, that were likely +to prevail. Henry, while loudly asserting that he would oppose any +usurpation on the part of the Emperor or any one else against the +Condominium, privately renewed to the States assurances of his intention +to support ultimately the claims of Brandenburg, and notified them to +hold the two regiments of French infantry, which by convention they still +kept at his expense in their service, to be ready at a moment's warning +for the great enterprise which he was already planning. "You would do +well perhaps," wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, "to set forth the various +interests in regard to this succession, and of the different relations of +the claimants towards our commonwealth; but in such sort nevertheless and +so dexterously that the King may be able to understand your desires, and +on the other hand may see the respect you bear him in appearing to defer +to his choice." + +Neuburg, having always neglected the States and made advances to Archduke +Albert, and being openly preferred over Brandenburg by the Austrians, who +had however no intention of eventually tolerating either, could make but +small headway at court, notwithstanding Henry's indignation that +Brandenburg had not yet made the slightest demand upon him for +assistance. + +The Elector had keenly solicited the aid of the states, who were bound to +him by ancient contract on this subject, but had manifested wonderful +indifference or suspicion in regard to France. "These nonchalant +Germans," said Henry on more than one occasion, "do nothing but sleep or +drink." + +It was supposed that the memory of Metz might haunt the imagination of +the Elector. That priceless citadel, fraudulently extorted by Henry II. +as a forfeit for assistance to the Elector of Saxony three quarters of a +century before, gave solemn warning to Brandenburg of what might be +exacted by a greater Henry, should success be due to his protection. It +was also thought that he had too many dangers about him at home, the +Poles especially, much stirred up by emissaries from Rome, making many +troublesome demonstrations against the Duchy of Prussia. + +It was nearly midsummer before a certain Baron Donals arrived as emissary +of the Elector. He brought with him, many documents in support of the +Brandenburg claims, and was charged with excuses for the dilatoriness of +his master. Much stress was laid of course on the renunciation made by +Neuburg at the tithe of his marriage, and Henry was urged to grant his +protection to the Elector in his good rights. But thus far there were few +signs of any vigorous resolution for active measures in an affair which +could scarcely fail to lead to war. + +"I believe," said Henry to the States ambassador, "that the right of +Brandenburg is indubitable, and it is better for you and for me that he +should be the man rather than Neuburg, who has always sought assistance +from the House of Austria. But he is too lazy in demanding possession. It +is the fault of the doctors by whom he is guided. This delay works in +favour of the Emperor, whose course however is less governed by any +determination of his own than by the irresolution of the princes." + +Then changing the conversation, Henry asked the Ambassador whether the +daughter of de Maldere, a leading statesman of Zealand, was married or of +age to be married, and if she was rich; adding that they must make a +match between her and Barneveld's second son, then a young gentleman in +the King's service, and very much liked by him. + +Two months later a regularly accredited envoy, Belin by name, arrived +from the Elector. His instructions were general. He was to thank the King +for his declarations in favour of the possessory princes, and against all +usurpation on the part of the Spanish party. Should the religious cord be +touched, he was to give assurances that no change would be made in this +regard. He was charged with loads of fine presents in yellow amber, such +as ewers, basins, tables, cups, chessboards, for the King and Queen, the +Dauphin, the Chancellor, Villeroy, Sully, Bouillon, and other eminent +personages. Beyond the distribution of these works of art and the +exchange of a few diplomatic commonplaces, nothing serious in the way of +warlike business was transacted, and Henry was a few weeks later much +amused by receiving a letter from the possessory princes coolly thrown +into the post-office, and addressed like an ordinary letter to a private +person, in which he was requested to advance them a loan of 400,000 +crowns. There was a great laugh at court at a demand made like a bill of +exchange at sight upon his Majesty as if he had been a banker, especially +as there happened to be no funds of the drawers in his hands. It was +thought that a proper regard for the King's quality and the amount of the +sum demanded required that the letter should be brought at least by an +express messenger, and Henry was both diverted and indignant at these +proceedings, at the months long delay before the princes had thought +proper to make application for his protection, and then for this cool +demand for alms on a large scale as a proper beginning of their +enterprise. + +Such was the languid and extremely nonchalant manner in which the early +preparations for a conflict which seemed likely to set Europe in a blaze, +and of which possibly few living men might witness the termination, were +set on foot by those most interested in the immediate question. + +Chessboards in yellow amber and a post-office order for 400,000 crowns +could not go far in settling the question of the duchies in which the +great problem dividing Christendom as by an abyss was involved. + +Meantime, while such were the diplomatic beginnings of the possessory +princes, the League was leaving no stone unturned to awaken Henry to a +sense of his true duty to the Church of which he was Eldest Son. + +Don Pedro de Toledo's mission in regard to the Spanish marriages had +failed because Henry had spurned the condition which was unequivocally +attached to them on the part of Spain, the king's renunciation of his +alliance with the Dutch Republic, which then seemed an equivalent to its +ruin. But the treaty of truce and half-independence had been signed at +last by the States and their ancient master, and the English and French +negotiators had taken their departure, each receiving as a present for +concluding the convention 20,000 livres from the Archdukes, and 30,000 +from the States-General. Henry, returning one summer's morning from the +chase and holding the Count of Soissons by one hand and Ambassador +Aerssens by the other, told them he had just received letters from Spain +by which he learned that people were marvellously rejoiced at the +conclusion of the truce. Many had regretted that its conditions were so +disadvantageous and so little honourable to the grandeur and dignity of +Spain, but to these it was replied that there were strong reasons why +Spain should consent to peace on these terms rather than not have it at +all. During the twelve years to come the King could repair his disasters +and accumulate mountains of money in order to finish the war by the +subjugation of the Provinces by force of gold. + +Soissons here interrupted the King by saying that the States on their +part would finish it by force of iron. + +Aerssens, like an accomplished courtier, replied they would finish it by +means of his Majesty's friendship. + +The King continued by observing that the clear-sighted in Spain laughed +at these rodomontades, knowing well that it was pure exhaustion that had +compelled the King to such extremities. "I leave you to judge," said +Henry, "whether he is likely to have any courage at forty-five years of +age, having none now at thirty-two. Princes show what they have in them +of generosity and valour at the age of twenty-five or never." He said +that orders had been sent from Spain to disband all troops in the +obedient Netherlands except Spaniards and Italians, telling the Archdukes +that they must raise the money out of the country to content them. They +must pay for a war made for their benefit, said Philip. As for him he +would not furnish one maravedi. + +Aerssens asked if the Archdukes would disband their troops so long as the +affair of Cleve remained unsettled. "You are very lucky," replied the +King, "that Europe is governed by such princes as you wot of. The King of +Spain thinks of nothing but tranquillity. The Archdukes will never move +except on compulsion. The Emperor, whom every one is so much afraid of in +this matter, is in such plight that one of these days, and before long, +he will be stripped of all his possessions. I have news that the +Bohemians are ready to expel him." + +It was true enough that Rudolph hardly seemed a formidable personage. The +Utraquists and Bohemian Brothers, making up nearly the whole population +of the country, were just extorting religious liberty from their unlucky +master in his very palace and at the point of the knife. The envoy of +Matthias was in Paris demanding recognition of his master as King of +Hungary, and Henry did not suspect the wonderful schemes of Leopold, the +ferret in the rabbit warren of the duchies, to come to the succour of his +cousin and to get himself appointed his successor and guardian. + +Nevertheless, the Emperor's name had been used to protest solemnly +against the entrance into Dusseldorf of the Margrave Ernest of +Brandenburg and Palatine Wolfgang William of Neuburg, representatives +respectively of their brother and father. + +The induction was nevertheless solemnly made by the Elector-Palatine and +the Landgrave of Hesse, and joint possession solemnly taken by +Brandenburg and Neuburg in the teeth of the protest, and expressly in +order to cut short the dilatory schemes and the artifices of the Imperial +court. + +Henry at once sent a corps of observation consisting of 1500 cavalry to +the Luxemburg frontier by way of Toul, Mezieres, Verdun, and Metz, to +guard against movements by the disbanded troops of the Archdukes, and +against any active demonstration against the possessory princes on the +part of the Emperor. + +The 'Condominium' was formally established, and Henry stood before the +world as its protector threatening any power that should attempt +usurpation. He sent his agent Vidomacq to the Landgrave of Hesse with +instructions to do his utmost to confirm the princes of the Union in +organized resistance to the schemes of Spain, and to prevent any +interference with the Condominium. + +He wrote letters to the Archdukes and to the Elector of Cologne, sternly +notifying them that he would permit no assault upon the princes, and +meant to protect them in their rights. He sent one of his most +experienced diplomatists, de Boississe, formerly ambassador in England, +to reside for a year or more in the duchies as special representative of +France, and directed him on his way thither to consult especially with +Barneveld and the States-General as to the proper means of carrying out +their joint policy either by diplomacy or, if need should be, by their +united arms. + +Troops began at once to move towards the frontier to counteract the plans +of the Emperor's council and the secret levies made by Duchess Sibylla's +husband, the Margrave of Burgau. The King himself was perpetually at +Monceaux watching the movements of his cavalry towards the Luxemburg +frontier, and determined to protect the princes in their possession until +some definite decision as to the sovereignty of the duchies should be +made. + +Meantime great pressure was put upon him by the opposite party. The Pope +did his best through the Nuncius at Paris directly, and through agents at +Prague, Brussels, and Madrid indirectly, to awaken the King to a sense of +the enormity of his conduct. + +Being a Catholic prince, it was urged, he had no right to assist +heretics. It was an action entirely contrary to his duty as a Christian +and of his reputation as Eldest Son of the Church. Even if the right were +on the side of the princes, his Majesty would do better to strip them of +it and to clothe himself with it than to suffer the Catholic faith and +religion to receive such notable detriment in an affair likely to have +such important consequences. + +Such was some of the advice given by the Pontiff. The suggestions were +subtle, for they were directed to Henry's self-interest both as champion +of the ancient church and as a possible sovereign of the very territories +in dispute. They were also likely, and were artfully so intended, to +excite suspicion of Henry's designs in the breasts of the Protestants +generally and of the possessory princes especially. Allusions indeed to +the rectification of the French border in Henry II.'s time at the expense +of Lorraine were very frequent. They probably accounted for much of the +apparent supineness and want of respect for the King of which he +complained every day and with so much bitterness. + +The Pope's insinuations, however, failed to alarm him, for he had made up +his mind as to the great business of what might remain to him of life; to +humble the House of Austria and in doing so to uphold the Dutch Republic +on which he relied for his most efficient support. The situation was a +false one viewed from the traditional maxims which governed Europe. How +could the Eldest Son of the Church and the chief of an unlimited monarchy +make common cause with heretics and republicans against Spain and Rome? +That the position was as dangerous as it was illogical, there could be +but little doubt. But there was a similarity of opinion between the King +and the political chief of the Republic on the great principle which was +to illume the distant future but which had hardly then dawned upon the +present; the principle of religious equality. As he protected Protestants +in France so he meant to protect Catholics in the duchies. Apostate as he +was from the Reformed Church as he had already been from the Catholic, he +had at least risen above the paltry and insolent maxim of the princely +Protestantism of Germany: "Cujus regio ejus religio." + +While refusing to tremble before the wrath of Rome or to incline his ear +to its honeyed suggestions, he sent Cardinal Joyeuse with a special +mission to explain to the Pope that while the interests of France would +not permit him to allow the Spaniard's obtaining possession of provinces +so near to her, he should take care that the Church received no detriment +and that he should insist as a price of the succour he intended for the +possessory princes that they should give ample guarantees for the liberty +of Catholic worship. + +There was no doubt in the mind either of Henry or of Barneveld that the +secret blows attempted by Spain at the princes were in reality aimed at +the Republic and at himself as her ally. + +While the Nuncius was making these exhortations in Paris, his colleague +from Spain was authorized to propound a scheme of settlement which did +not seem deficient in humour. At any rate Henry was much diverted with +the suggestion, which was nothing less than that the decision as to the +succession to the duchies should be left to a board of arbitration +consisting of the King of Spain, the Emperor, and the King of France. As +Henry would thus be painfully placed by himself in a hopeless minority, +the only result of the scheme would be to compel him to sanction a +decision sure to be directly the reverse of his own resolve. He was +hardly such a schoolboy in politics as to listen to the proposal except +to laugh at it. + +Meantime arrived from Julich, without much parade, a quiet but somewhat +pompous gentleman named Teynagel. He had formerly belonged to the +Reformed religion, but finding it more to his taste or advantage to +become privy councillor of the Emperor, he had returned to the ancient +church. He was one of the five who had accompanied the Archduke Leopold +to Julich. + +That prompt undertaking having thus far succeeded so well, the warlike +bishop had now despatched Teynagel on a roving diplomatic mission. +Ostensibly he came to persuade Henry that, by the usages and laws of the +Empire, fiefs left vacant for want of heirs male were at the disposal of +the Emperor. He expressed the hope therefore of obtaining the King's +approval of Leopold's position in Julich as temporary vicegerent of his +sovereign and cousin. The real motive of his mission, however, was +privately to ascertain whether Henry was really ready to go to war for +the protection of the possessory princes, and then, to proceed to Spain. +It required an astute politician, however, to sound all the shoals, +quicksands, and miseries through which the French government was then +steering, and to comprehend with accuracy the somewhat varying humours of +the monarch and the secret schemes of the ministers who immediately +surrounded him. + +People at court laughed at Teynagel and his mission, and Henry treated +him as a crackbrained adventurer. He announced himself as envoy of the +Emperor, although he had instructions from Leopold only. He had +interviews with the Chancellor and with Villeroy, and told them that +Rudolf claimed the right of judge between the various pretenders to the +duchies. The King would not be pleased, he observed, if the King of Great +Britain should constitute himself arbiter among claimants that might make +their appearance for the crown of France; but Henry had set himself up as +umpire without being asked by any one to act in that capacity among the +princes of Germany. The Emperor, on the contrary, had been appealed to by +the Duke of Nevers, the Elector of Saxony, the Margrave of Burgau, and +other liege subjects of the Imperial crown as a matter of course and of +right. This policy of the King, if persisted in, said Teynagel, must lead +to war. Henry might begin such a war, but he would be obliged to bequeath +it to the Dauphin. He should remember that France had always been unlucky +when waging war with the Empire and with the house of Austria.' + +The Chancellor and Villeroy, although in their hearts not much in love +with Henry's course, answered the emissary with arrogance equal to his +own that their king could finish the war as well as begin it, that he +confided in his strength and the justice of his cause, and that he knew +very well and esteemed very little the combined forces of Spain and the +Empire. They added that France was bound by the treaty of Vervins to +protect the princes, but they offered no proof of that rather startling +proposition. + +Meantime Teynagel was busy in demonstrating that the princes of Germany +were in reality much more afraid of Henry than of the Emperor. His +military movements and deep designs excited more suspicion throughout +that country and all Europe than the quiet journey of Leopold and five +friends by post to Julich. + +He had come provided with copies of the King's private letters to the +princes, and seemed fully instructed as to his most secret thoughts. For +this convenient information he was supposed to be indebted to the +revelations of Father Cotton, who was then in disgrace; having been +detected in transmitting to the General of Jesuits Henry's most sacred +confidences and confessions as to his political designs. + +Fortified with this private intelligence, and having been advised by +Father Cotton to carry matters with a high hand in order to inspire the +French court with a wholesome awe, he talked boldly about the legitimate +functions of the Emperor. To interfere with them, he assured the +ministers, would lead to a long and bloody war, as neither the King nor +the Archduke Albert would permit the Emperor to be trampled upon. + +Peter Pecquius, the crafty and experienced agent of the Archduke at +Paris, gave the bouncing envoy more judicious advice, however, than that +of the Jesuit, assuring him that he would spoil his whole case should he +attempt to hold such language to the King. + +He was admitted to an audience of Henry at Monceaux, but found him +prepared to show his teeth as Aerssens had predicted. He treated Teynagel +as a mere madcap and, adventurer who had no right to be received as a +public minister at all, and cut short his rodomontades by assuring him +that his mind was fully made up to protect the possessory princes. +Jeannin was present at the interview, although, as Aerssens well +observed, the King required no pedagogue on such an occasion? Teynagel +soon afterwards departed malcontent to Spain, having taken little by his +abnormal legation to Henry, and being destined to find at the court of +Philip as urgent demands on that monarch for assistance to the League as +he was to make for Leopold and the House of Austria. + +For the League, hardly yet thoroughly organized under the leadership of +Maximilian of Bavaria, was rather a Catholic corrival than cordial ally +of the Imperial house. It was universally suspected that Henry meant to +destroy and discrown the Habsburgs, and it lay not in the schemes of +Maximilian to suffer the whole Catholic policy to be bound to the +fortunes of that one family. + +Whether or not Henry meant to commit the anachronism and blunder of +reproducing the part of Charlemagne might be doubtful. The supposed +design of Maximilian to renew the glories of the House of Wittelsbach was +equally vague. It is certain, however, that a belief in such ambitious +schemes on the part of both had been insinuated into the ears of Rudolf, +and had sunk deeply into his unsettled mind. + +Scarcely had Teynagel departed than the ancient President Richardot +appeared upon the scene. "The mischievous old monkey," as he had +irreverently been characterized during the Truce negotiations, "who +showed his tail the higher he climbed," was now trembling at the thought +that all the good work he had been so laboriously accomplishing during +the past two years should be annihilated. The Archdukes, his masters, +being sincerely bent on peace, had deputed him to Henry, who, as they +believed, was determined to rekindle war. As frequently happens in such +cases, they were prepared to smooth over the rough and almost impassable +path to a cordial understanding by comfortable and cheap commonplaces +concerning the blessings of peace, and to offer friendly compromises by +which they might secure the prizes of war without the troubles and +dangers of making it. + +They had been solemnly notified by Henry that he would go to war rather +than permit the House of Austria to acquire the succession to the +duchies. They now sent Richardot to say that neither the Archdukes nor +the King of Spain would interfere in the matter, and that they hoped the +King of France would not prevent the Emperor from exercising his rightful +functions of judge. + +Henry, who knew that Don Baltasar de Cuniga, Spanish ambassador at the +Imperial court, had furnished Leopold, the Emperor's cousin, with 50,000 +crowns to defray his first expenses in the Julich expedition, considered +that the veteran politician had come to perform a school boy's task. He +was more than ever convinced by this mission of Richardot that the +Spaniards had organized the whole scheme, and he was likely only to smile +at any propositions the President might make. + +At the beginning of his interview, in which the King was quite alone, +Richardot asked if he would agree to maintain neutrality like the King of +Spain and the Archdukes, and allow the princes to settle their business +with the Emperor. + +"No," said the King. + +He then asked if Henry would assist them in their wrong. + +"No," said the King. + +He then asked if the King thought that the princes had justice on their +side, and whether, if the contrary were shown, he would change his +policy? + +Henry replied that the Emperor could not be both judge and party in the +suit and that the King of Spain was plotting to usurp the provinces +through the instrumentality of his brother-in-law Leopold and under the +name of the Emperor. He would not suffer it, he said. + +"Then there will be a general war," replied Richardot, "since you are +determined to assist these princes." + +"Be it so," said the King. + +"You are right," said the President, "for you are a great and puissant +monarch, having all the advantages that could be desired, and in case of +rupture I fear that all this immense power will be poured out over us who +are but little princes." + +"Cause Leopold to retire then and leave the princes in their right," was +the reply. "You will then have nothing to fear. Are you not very unhappy +to live under those poor weak archdukes? Don't you foresee that as soon +as they die you will lose all the little you have acquired in the +obedient Netherlands during the last fifty years?" + +The President had nothing to reply to this save that he had never +approved of Leopold's expedition, and that when Spaniards make mistakes +they always had recourse to their servants to repair their faults. He had +accepted this mission inconsiderately, he said, inspired by a hope to +conjure the rising storms mingled with fears as to the result which were +now justified. He regretted having come, he said. + +The King shrugged his shoulders. + +Richardot then suggested that Leopold might be recognized in Julich, and +the princes at Dusseldorf, or that all parties might retire until the +Emperor should give his decision. + +All these combinations were flatly refused by the King, who swore that no +one of the House of Austria should ever perch in any part of those +provinces. If Leopold did not withdraw at once, war was inevitable. + +He declared that he would break up everything and dare everything, +whether the possessory princes formally applied to him or not. He would +not see his friends oppressed nor allow the Spaniard by this usurpation +to put his foot on the throat of the States-General, for it was against +them that this whole scheme was directed. + +To the President's complaints that the States-General had been moving +troops in Gelderland, Henry replied at once that it was done by his +command, and that they were his troops. + +With this answer Richardot was fain to retire crestfallen, mortified, and +unhappy. He expressed repentance and astonishment at the result, and +protested that those peoples were happy whose princes understood affairs. +His princes were good, he said, but did not give themselves the trouble +to learn their business. + +Richardot then took his departure from Paris, and very soon afterwards +from the world. He died at Arras early in September, as many thought of +chagrin at the ill success of his mission, while others ascribed it to a +surfeit of melons and peaches. + +"Senectus edam maorbus est," said Aerssens with Seneca. + +Henry said he could not sufficiently wonder at these last proceedings at +his court, of a man he had deemed capable and sagacious, but who had been +committing an irreparable blunder. He had never known two such +impertinent ambassadors as Don Pedro de Toledo and Richardot on this +occasion. The one had been entirely ignorant of the object of his +mission; the other had shown a vain presumption in thinking he could +drive him from his fixed purpose by a flood of words. He had accordingly +answered him on the spot without consulting his council, at which poor +Richardot had been much amazed. + +And now another envoy appeared upon the scene, an ambassador coming +directly from the Emperor. Count Hohenzollern, a young man, wild, fierce, +and arrogant, scarcely twenty-three years of age, arrived in Paris on the +7th of September, with a train of forty horsemen. + +De Colly, agent of the Elector-Palatine, had received an outline of his +instructions, which the Prince of Anhalt had obtained at Prague. He +informed Henry that Hohenzollern would address him thus: "You are a king. +You would not like that the Emperor should aid your subjects in +rebellion. He did not do this in the time of the League, although often +solicited to do so. You should not now sustain the princes in disobeying +the Imperial decree. Kings should unite in maintaining the authority and +majesty of each other." He would then in the Emperor's name urge the +claims of the House of Saxony to the duchies. + +Henry was much pleased with this opportune communication by de Colly of +the private instructions to the Emperor's envoy, by which he was enabled +to meet the wild and fierce young man with an arrogance at least equal to +his own. + +The interview was a stormy one. The King was alone in the gallery of the +Louvre, not choosing that his words and gestures should be observed. The +Envoy spoke much in the sense which de Colly had indicated; making a long +argument in favour of the Emperor's exclusive right of arbitration, and +assuring the King that the Emperor was resolved on war if interference +between himself and his subjects was persisted in. He loudly pronounced +the proceedings of the possessory princes to be utterly illegal, and +contrary to all precedent. The Emperor would maintain his authority at +all hazards, and one spark of war would set everything in a blaze within +the Empire and without. + +Henry replied sternly but in general terms, and referred him for a final +answer to his council. + +"What will you do," asked the Envoy, categorically, at a subsequent +interview about a month later, "to protect the princes in case the +Emperor constrains them to leave the provinces which they have unjustly +occupied?" + +"There is none but God to compel me to say more than I choose to say," +replied the King. "It is enough for you to know that I will never abandon +my friends in a just cause. The Emperor can do much for the general +peace. He is not to lend his name to cover this usurpation." + +And so the concluding interview terminated in an exchange of threats +rather than with any hope of accommodation. + +Hohenzollern used as high language to the ministers as to the monarch, +and received payment in the same coin. He rebuked their course not very +adroitly as being contrary to the interests of Catholicism. They were +placing the provinces in the hands of Protestants, he urged. It required +no envoy from Prague to communicate this startling fact. Friends and +foes, Villeroy and Jeannin, as well as Sully and Duplessis, knew well +enough that Henry was not taking up arms for Rome. "Sir! do you look at +the matter in that way?" cried Sully, indignantly. "The Huguenots are as +good as the Catholics. They fight like the devil!" + +"The Emperor will never permit the princes to remain nor Leopold to +withdraw," said the Envoy to Jeannin. + +Jeannin replied that the King was always ready to listen to reason, but +there was no use in holding language of authority to him. It was money he +would not accept. + +"Fiat justitia pereat mundus," said the haggard Hohenzollern. + +"Your world may perish," replied Jeannin, "but not ours. It is much +better put together." + +A formal letter was then written by the King to the Emperor, in which +Henry expressed his desire to maintain peace and fraternal relations, but +notified him that if, under any pretext whatever, he should trouble the +princes in their possession, he would sustain them with all his power, +being bound thereto by treaties and by reasons of state. + +This letter was committed to the care of Hohenzollern, who forthwith +departed, having received a present of 4000 crowns. His fierce, haggard +face thus vanishes for the present from our history. + +The King had taken his ground, from which there was no receding. Envoys +or agents of Emperor, Pope, King of Spain, Archduke at Brussels, and +Archduke at Julich, had failed to shake his settled purpose. Yet the road +was far from smooth. He had thus far no ally but the States-General. He +could not trust James of Great Britain. Boderie came back late in the +summer from his mission to that monarch, reporting him as being +favourably inclined to Brandenburg, but hoping for an amicable settlement +in the duchies. No suggestion being made even by the sagacious James as +to the manner in which the ferret and rabbits were to come to a +compromise, Henry inferred, if it came to fighting, that the English +government would refuse assistance. James had asked Boderie in fact +whether his sovereign and the States, being the parties chiefly +interested, would be willing to fight it out without allies. He had also +sent Sir Ralph Winwood on a special mission to the Hague, to Dusseldorf, +and with letters to the Emperor, in which he expressed confidence that +Rudolph would approve the proceedings of the possessory princes. As he +could scarcely do that while loudly claiming through his official envoy +in Paris that the princes should instantly withdraw on pain of instant +war, the value of the English suggestion of an amicable compromise might +easily be deduced. + +Great was the jealousy in France of this mission from England. That the +princes should ask the interference of James while neglecting, despising, +or fearing Henry, excited Henry's wrath. He was ready, and avowed his +readiness, to put on armour at once in behalf of the princes, and to +arbitrate on the destiny of Germany, but no one seemed ready to follow +his standard. No one asked him to arbitrate. The Spanish faction wheedled +and threatened by turns, in order to divert him from his purpose, while +the Protestant party held aloof, and babbled of Charlemagne and of Henry +II. + +He said he did not mean to assist the princes by halves, but as became a +King of France, and the princes expressed suspicion of him, talked of the +example of Metz, and called the Emperor their very clement lord. + +It was not strange that Henry was indignant and jealous. He was holding +the wolf by the ears, as he himself observed more than once. The war +could not long be delayed; yet they in whose behalf it was to be waged +treated him with a disrespect and flippancy almost amounting to scorn. + +They tried to borrow money of him through the post, and neglected to send +him an ambassador. This was most decidedly putting the cart before the +oxen, so Henry said, and so thought all his friends. When they had +blockaded the road to Julich, in order to cut off Leopold's supplies, +they sent to request that the two French regiments in the States' service +might be ordered to their assistance, Archduke Albert having threatened +to open the passage by force of arms. "This is a fine stratagem," said +Aerssens, "to fling the States-General headlong into the war, and, as it +were, without knowing it." + +But the States-General, under the guidance of Barneveld, were not likely +to be driven headlong by Brandenburg and Neuburg. They managed with +caution, but with perfect courage, to move side by side with Henry, and +to leave the initiative to him, while showing an unfaltering front to the +enemy. That the princes were lost, Spain and the Emperor triumphant, +unless Henry and the States should protect them with all their strength, +was as plain as a mathematical demonstration. + +Yet firm as were the attitude and the language of Henry, he was thought +to be hoping to accomplish much by bluster. It was certain that the bold +and unexpected stroke of Leopold had produced much effect upon his mind, +and for a time those admitted to his intimacy saw, or thought they saw, a +decided change in his demeanour. To the world at large his language and +his demonstrations were even more vehement than they had been at the +outset of the controversy; but it was believed that there was now a +disposition to substitute threats for action. The military movements set +on foot were thought to be like the ringing of bells and firing of cannon +to dissipate a thunderstorm. Yet it was treason at court to doubt the +certainty of war. The King ordered new suits of armour, bought splendid +chargers, and gave himself all the airs of a champion rushing to a +tournament as gaily as in the earliest days of his king-errantry. He +spoke of his eager desire to break a lance with Spinola, and give a +lesson to the young volunteer who had sprung into so splendid a military +reputation, while he had been rusting, as he thought, in pacific +indolence, and envying the laurels of the comparatively youthful Maurice. +Yet those most likely to be well informed believed that nothing would +come of all this fire and fury. + +The critics were wrong. There was really no doubt of Henry's sincerity, +but his isolation was terrible. There was none true to him at home but +Sully. Abroad, the States-General alone were really friendly, so far as +positive agreements existed. Above all, the intolerable tergiversations +and suspicions of those most interested, the princes in possession, and +their bickerings among themselves, hampered his movements. + +Treason and malice in his cabinet and household, jealousy and fear +abroad, were working upon and undermining him like a slow fever. His +position was most pathetic, but his purpose was fixed. + +James of England, who admired, envied, and hated Henry, was wont to +moralize on his character and his general unpopularity, while engaged in +negotiations with him. He complained that in the whole affair of the +truce he had sought only his particular advantage. "This is not to be +wondered at in one of his nature," said the King, "who only careth to +provide for the felicities of his present life, without any respect for +his life to come. Indeed, the consideration of his own age and the youth +of his children, the doubt of their legitimation, the strength of +competitioners, and the universal hatred borne unto him, makes him seek +all means of security for preventing of all dangers." + +There were changes from day to day; hot and cold fits necessarily +resulting from the situation. As a rule, no eminent general who has had +much experience wishes to go into a new war inconsiderately and for the +mere love of war. The impatience is often on the part of the +non-combatants. Henry was no exception to the rule. He felt that the +complications then existing, the religious, political, and dynastic +elements arrayed against each other, were almost certain to be brought to +a crisis and explosion by the incident of the duchies. He felt that the +impending struggle was probably to be a desperate and a general one, but +there was no inconsistency in hoping that the show of a vigorous and +menacing attitude might suspend, defer, or entirely dissipate the +impending storm. + +The appearance of vacillation on his part from day to day was hardly +deserving of the grave censure which it received, and was certainly in +the interests of humanity. + +His conferences with Sully were almost daily and marked by intense +anxiety. He longed for Barneveld, and repeatedly urged that the Advocate, +laying aside all other business, would come to Paris, that they might +advise together thoroughly and face to face. It was most important that +the combination of alliances should be correctly arranged before +hostilities began, and herein lay the precise difficulty. The princes +applied formally and freely to the States-General for assistance. They +applied to the King of Great Britain. The agents of the opposite party +besieged Henry with entreaties, and, failing in those, with threats; +going off afterwards to Spain, to the Archdukes, and to other Catholic +powers in search of assistance. + +The States-General professed their readiness to put an army of 15,000 +foot and 3000 horse in the field for the spring campaign, so soon as they +were assured of Henry's determination for a rupture. + +"I am fresh enough still," said he to their ambassador, "to lead an army +into Cleve. I shall have a cheap bargain enough of the provinces. But +these Germans do nothing but eat and sleep. They will get the profit and +assign to me the trouble. No matter, I will never suffer the +aggrandizement of the House of Austria. The States-General must disband +no troops, but hold themselves in readiness." + +Secretary of State Villeroy held the same language, but it was easy to +trace beneath his plausible exterior a secret determination to traverse +the plans of his sovereign. "The Cleve affair must lead to war," he said. +"The Spaniard, considering how necessary it is for him to have a prince +there at his devotion, can never quietly suffer Brandenburg and Neuburg +to establish themselves in those territories. The support thus gained by +the States-General would cause the loss of the Spanish Netherlands." + +This was the view of Henry, too, but the Secretary of State, secretly +devoted to the cause of Spain, looked upon the impending war with much +aversion. + +"All that can come to his Majesty from war," he said, "is the glory of +having protected the right. Counterbalance this with the fatigue, the +expense, and the peril of a great conflict, after our long repose, and +you will find this to be buying glory too dearly." + +When a Frenchman talked of buying glory too dearly, it seemed probable +that the particular kind of glory was not to his taste. + +Henry had already ordered the officers, then in France, of the 4000 +French infantry kept in the States' service at his expense to depart at +once to Holland, and he privately announced his intention of moving to +the frontier at the head of 30,000 men. + +'Yet not only Villeroy, but the Chancellor and the Constable, while +professing opposition to the designs of Austria and friendliness to those +of Brandenburg and Neuburg, deprecated this precipitate plunge into war. +"Those most interested," they said, "refuse to move; fearing Austria, +distrusting France. They leave us the burden and danger, and hope for the +spoils themselves. We cannot play cat to their monkey. The King must hold +himself in readiness to join in the game when the real players have +shuffled and dealt the cards. It is no matter to us whether the Spaniard +or Brandenburg or anyone else gets the duchies. The States-General +require a friendly sovereign there, and ought to say how much they will +do for that result." + +The Constable laughed at the whole business. Coming straight from the +Louvre, he said "there would be no serious military movement, and that +all those fine freaks would evaporate in air." + +But Sully never laughed. He was quietly preparing the ways and means for +the war, and he did not intend, so far as he had influence, that France +should content herself with freaks and let Spain win the game. Alone in +the council he maintained that "France had gone too far to recede without +sacrifice of reputation."--"The King's word is engaged both within and +without," he said. "Not to follow it with deeds would be dangerous to the +kingdom. The Spaniard will think France afraid of war. We must strike a +sudden blow, either to drive the enemy away or to crush him at once. +There is no time for delay. The Netherlands must prevent the +aggrandizement of Austria or consent to their own ruin." + +Thus stood the game therefore. The brother of Brandenburg and son of +Neuburg had taken possession of Dusseldorf. + +The Emperor, informed of this, ordered them forthwith to decamp. He +further summoned all pretenders to the duchies to appear before him, in +person or by proxy, to make good their claims. They refused and appealed +for advice and assistance to the States-General. Barneveld, aware of the +intrigues of Spain, who disguised herself in the drapery of the Emperor, +recommended that the Estates of Cleve, Julich, Berg, Mark, Ravensberg, +and Ravenstein, should be summoned in Dusseldorf. This was done and a +resolution taken to resist any usurpation. + +The King of France wrote to the Elector of Cologne, who, by directions of +Rome and by means of the Jesuits, had been active in the intrigue, that +he would not permit the princes to be disturbed. + +The Archduke Leopold suddenly jumped into the chief citadel of the +country and published an edict of the Emperor. All the proceedings were +thereby nullified as illegal and against the dignity of the realm and the +princes proclaimed under ban. + +A herald brought the edict and ban to the princes in full assembly. The +princes tore it to pieces on the spot. Nevertheless they were much +frightened, and many members of the Estates took themselves off; others +showing an inclination to follow. + +The princes sent forth with a deputation to the Hague to consult My Lords +the States-General. The States-General sent an express messenger to +Paris. Their ambassador there sent him back a week later, with notice of +the King's determination to risk everything against everything to +preserve the rights of the princes. It was added that Henry required to +be solicited by them, in order not by volunteer succour to give cause for +distrust as to his intentions. The States-General were further apprised +by the King that his interests and theirs were so considerable in the +matter that they would probably be obliged to go into a brisk and open +war, in order to prevent the Spaniard from establishing himself in the +duchies. He advised them to notify the Archdukes in Brussels that they +would regard the truce as broken if, under pretext of maintaining the +Emperor's rights, they should molest the princes. He desired them further +to send their forces at once to the frontier of Gelderland under Prince +Maurice, without committing any overt act of hostility, but in order to +show that both the King and the States were thoroughly in earnest. + +The King then sent to Archduke Albert, as well as to the Elector of +Cologne, and despatched a special envoy to the King of Great Britain. + +Immediately afterwards came communications from Barneveld to Henry, with +complete adhesion to the King's plans. The States would move in exact +harmony with him, neither before him nor after him, which was precisely +what he wished. He complained bitterly to Aerssens, when he communicated +the Advocate's despatches, of the slothful and timid course of the +princes. He ascribed it to the arts of Leopold, who had written and +inspired many letters against him insinuating that he was secretly in +league and correspondence with the Emperor; that he was going to the +duchies simply in the interest of the Catholics; that he was like Henry +II. only seeking to extend the French frontier; and Leopold, by these +intrigues and falsehoods, had succeeded in filling the princes with +distrust, and they had taken umbrage at the advance of his cavalry. + +Henry professed himself incapable of self-seeking or ambition. He meant +to prevent the aggrandizement of Austria, and was impatient at the +dilatoriness and distrust of the princes. + +"All their enemies are rushing to the King of Spain. Let them address +themselves to the King of France," he said, "for it is we two that must +play this game." + +And when at last they did send an embassy, they prefaced it by a post +letter demanding an instant loan, and with an intimation that they would +rather have his money than his presence! + +Was it surprising that the King's course should seem occasionally +wavering when he found it so difficult to stir up such stagnant waters +into honourable action? Was it strange that the rude and stern Sully +should sometimes lose his patience, knowing so much and suspecting more +of the foul designs by which his master was encompassed, of the web of +conspiracy against his throne, his life, and his honour, which was daily +and hourly spinning? + +"We do nothing and you do nothing," he said one day to Aerssens. "You are +too soft, and we are too cowardly. I believe that we shall spoil +everything, after all. I always suspect these sudden determinations of +ours. They are of bad augury. We usually founder at last when we set off +so fiercely at first. There are words enough an every side, but there +will be few deeds. There is nothing to be got out of the King of Great +Britain, and the King of Spain will end by securing these provinces for +himself by a treaty." Sully knew better than this, but he did not care to +let even the Dutch envoy know, as yet, the immense preparations he had +been making for the coming campaign. + +The envoys of the possessory princes, the Counts Solms, Colonel Pallandt, +and Dr. Steyntgen, took their departure, after it had been arranged that +final measures should be concerted at the general congress of the German +Protestants to be held early in the ensuing year at Hall, in Suabia. + +At that convention de Boississe would make himself heard on the part of +France, and the representatives of the States-General, of Venice, and +Savoy, would also be present. + +Meantime the secret conferences between Henry and his superintendent of +finances and virtual prime minister were held almost every day. Scarcely +an afternoon passed that the King did not make his appearance at the +Arsenal, Sully's residence, and walk up and down the garden with him for +hours, discussing the great project of which his brain was full. This +great project was to crush for ever the power of the Austrian house; to +drive Spain back into her own limits, putting an end to her projects for +universal monarchy; and taking the Imperial crown from the House of +Habsburg. By thus breaking up the mighty cousinship which, with the aid +of Rome, overshadowed Germany and the two peninsulas, besides governing +the greater part of both the Indies, he meant to bring France into the +preponderant position over Christendom which he believed to be her due. + +It was necessary, he thought, for the continued existence of the Dutch +commonwealth that the opportunity should be taken once for all, now that +a glorious captain commanded its armies and a statesman unrivalled for +experience, insight, and patriotism controlled its politics and its +diplomacy, to drive the Spaniard out of the Netherlands. + +The Cleve question, properly and vigorously handled, presented exactly +the long desired opportunity for carrying out these vast designs. + +The plan of assault upon Spanish power was to be threefold. The King +himself at the head of 35,000 men, supported by Prince Maurice and the +States' forces amounting to at least 14,000, would move to the Rhine and +seize the duchies. The Duke de la Force would command the army of the +Pyrenees and act in concert with the Moors of Spain, who roused to frenzy +by their expulsion from the kingdom could be relied on for a revolt or at +least a most vigorous diversion. Thirdly, a treaty with the Duke of Savoy +by which Henry accorded his daughter to the Duke's eldest son, the Prince +of Piedmont, a gift of 100,000 crowns, and a monthly pension during the +war of 50,000 crowns a month, was secretly concluded. + +Early in the spring the Duke was to take the field with at least 10,000 +foot and 1200 horse, supported by a French army of 12,000 to 15,000 men +under the experienced Marshal de Lesdiguieres. These forces were to +operate against the Duchy of Milan with the intention of driving the +Spaniards out of that rich possession, which the Duke of Savoy claimed +for himself, and of assuring to Henry the dictatorship of Italy. With the +cordial alliance of Venice, and by playing off the mutual jealousies of +the petty Italian princes, like Florence, Mantua, Montserrat, and others, +against each other and against the Pope, it did not seem doubtful to +Sully that the result would be easily accomplished. He distinctly urged +the wish that the King should content himself with political influence, +with the splendid position of holding all Italy dependent upon his will +and guidance, but without annexing a particle of territory to his own +crown. + +It was Henry's intention, however, to help himself to the Duchy of Savoy, +and to the magnificent city and port of Genoa as a reward to himself for +the assistance, matrimonial alliance, and aggrandizement which he was +about to bestow upon Charles Emmanuel. Sully strenuously opposed these +self-seeking views on the part of his sovereign, however, constantly +placing before him the far nobler aim of controlling the destinies of +Christendom, of curbing what tended to become omnipotent, of raising up +and protecting that which had been abased, of holding the balance of +empire with just and steady hand in preference to the more vulgar and +commonplace ambition of annexing a province or two to the realms of +France. + +It is true that these virtuous homilies, so often preached by him against +territorial aggrandizement in one direction, did not prevent him from +indulging in very extensive visions of it in another. But the dreams +pointed to the east rather than to the south. It was Sully's policy to +swallow a portion not of Italy but of Germany. He persuaded his master +that the possessory princes, if placed by the help of France in the +heritage which they claimed, would hardly be able to maintain themselves +against the dangers which surrounded them except by a direct dependence +upon France. In the end the position would become an impossible one, and +it would be easy after the war was over to indemnify Brandenburg with +money and with private property in the heart of France for example, and +obtain the cession of those most coveted provinces between the Meuse and +the Weser to the King. "What an advantage for France," whispered Sully, +"to unite to its power so important a part of Germany. For it cannot be +denied that by accepting the succour given by the King now those princes +oblige themselves to ask for help in the future in order to preserve +their new acquisition. Thus your Majesty will make them pay for it very +dearly." + +Thus the very virtuous self-denial in regard to the Duke of Savoy did not +prevent a secret but well developed ambition at the expense of the +Elector of Brandenburg. For after all it was well enough known that the +Elector was the really important and serious candidate. Henry knew full +well that Neuburg was depending on the Austrians and the Catholics, and +that the claims of Saxony were only put forward by the Emperor in order +to confuse the princes and excite mutual distrust. + +The King's conferences with the great financier were most confidential, +and Sully was as secret as the grave. But Henry never could keep a secret +even when it concerned his most important interests, and nothing would +serve him but he must often babble of his great projects even to their +minutest details in presence of courtiers and counsellors whom in his +heart he knew to be devoted to Spain and in receipt of pensions from her +king. He would boast to them of the blows by which he meant to demolish +Spain and the whole house of Austria, so that there should be no longer +danger to be feared from that source to the tranquillity and happiness of +Europe, and he would do this so openly and in presence of those who, as +he knew, were perpetually setting traps for him and endeavouring to +discover his deepest secrets as to make Sully's hair stand on end. The +faithful minister would pluck his master by the cloak at times, and the +King, with the adroitness which never forsook him when he chose to employ +it, would contrive to extricate himself from a dilemma and pause at the +brink of tremendous disclosures.--[Memoires de Sully, t. vii. p. +324.]--But Sully could not be always at his side, nor were the Nuncius or +Don Inigo de Cardenas or their confidential agents and spies always +absent. Enough was known of the general plan, while as to the probability +of its coming into immediate execution, perhaps the enemies of the King +were often not more puzzled than his friends. + +But what the Spanish ambassador did not know, nor the Nuncius, nor even +the friendly Aerssens, was the vast amount of supplies which had been +prepared for the coming conflict by the finance minister. Henry did not +know it himself. "The war will turn on France as on a pivot," said Sully; +"it remains to be seen if we have supplies and money enough. I will +engage if the war is not to last more than three years and you require no +more than 40,000 men at a time that I will show you munitions and +ammunition and artillery and the like to such an extent that you will +say, 'It is enough.' + +"As to money--" + +"How much money have I got?" asked the King; "a dozen millions?" + +"A little more than that," answered the Minister. + +"Fourteen millions?" + +"More still." + +"Sixteen?" continued the King. + +"More yet," said Sully. + +And so the King went on adding two millions at each question until thirty +millions were reached, and when the question as to this sum was likewise +answered in the affirmative, he jumped from his chair, hugged his +minister around the neck, and kissed him on both cheeks. + +"I want no more than that," he cried. + +Sully answered by assuring him that he had prepared a report showing a +reserve of forty millions on which he might draw for his war expenses, +without in the least degree infringing on the regular budget for ordinary +expenses. + +The King was in a transport of delight, and would have been capable of +telling the story on the spot to the Nuncius had he met him that +afternoon, which fortunately did not occur. + +But of all men in Europe after the faithful Sully, Henry most desired to +see and confer daily and secretly with Barneveld. He insisted vehemently +that, neglecting all other business, he should come forthwith to Paris at +the head of the special embassy which it had been agreed that the States +should send. No living statesman, he said, could compare to Holland's +Advocate in sagacity, insight, breadth of view, knowledge of mankind and +of great affairs, and none he knew was more sincerely attached to his +person or felt more keenly the value of the French alliance. + +With him he indeed communicated almost daily through the medium of +Aerssens, who was in constant receipt of most elaborate instructions from +Barneveld, but he wished to confer with him face to face, so that there +would be no necessity of delay in sending back for instructions, +limitations, and explanation. No man knew better than the King did that +so far as foreign affairs were concerned the States-General were simply +Barneveld. + +On the 22nd January the States' ambassador had a long and secret +interview with the King.' He informed him that the Prince of Anhalt had +been assured by Barneveld that the possessory princes would be fully +supported in their position by the States, and that the special deputies +of Archduke Albert, whose presence at the Hague made Henry uneasy, as he +regarded them as perpetual spies, had been dismissed. Henry expressed his +gratification. They are there, he said, entirely in the interest of +Leopold, who has just received 500,000 crowns from the King of Spain, and +is to have that sum annually, and they are only sent to watch all your +proceedings in regard to Cleve. + +The King then fervently pressed the Ambassador to urge Barneveld's coming +to Paris with the least possible delay. He signified his delight with +Barneveld's answer to Anhalt, who thus fortified would be able to do good +service at the assembly at Hall. He had expected nothing else from +Barneveld's sagacity, from his appreciation of the needs of Christendom, +and from his affection for himself. He told the Ambassador that he was +anxiously waiting for the Advocate in order to consult with him as to all +the details of the war. The affair of Cleve, he said, was too special a +cause. A more universal one was wanted. The King preferred to begin with +Luxemburg, attacking Charlemont or Namur, while the States ought at the +same time to besiege Venlo, with the intention afterwards of uniting with +the King in laying siege to Maestricht. + +He was strong enough, he said, against all the world, but he still +preferred to invite all princes interested to join him in putting down +the ambitious and growing power of Spain. Cleve was a plausible pretext, +but the true cause, he said, should be found in the general safety of +Christendom. + +Boississe had been sent to the German princes to ascertain whether and to +what extent they would assist the King. He supposed that once they found +him engaged in actual warfare in Luxemburg, they would get rid of their +jealousy and panic fears of him and his designs. He expected them to +furnish at least as large a force as he would supply as a contingent. + +For it was understood that Anhalt as generalissimo of the German forces +would command a certain contingent of French troops, while the main army +of the King would be led by himself in person. + +Henry expressed the conviction that the King of Spain would be taken by +surprise finding himself attacked in three places and by three armies at +once, he believing that the King of France was entirely devoted to his +pleasures and altogether too old for warlike pursuits, while the States, +just emerging from the misery of their long and cruel conflict, would be +surely unwilling to plunge headlong into a great and bloody war. + +Henry inferred this, he said, from observing the rude and brutal manner +in which the soldiers in the Spanish Netherlands were now treated. It +seemed, he said, as if the Archdukes thought they had no further need of +them, or as if a stamp of the foot could raise new armies out of the +earth. "My design," continued the King, "is the more likely to succeed as +the King of Spain, being a mere gosling and a valet of the Duke of Lerma, +will find himself stripped of all his resources and at his wits' end; +unexpectedly embarrassed as he will be on the Italian side, where we +shall be threatening to cut the jugular vein of his pretended universal +monarchy." + +He intimated that there was no great cause for anxiety in regard to the +Catholic League just formed at Wurzburg. He doubted whether the King of +Spain would join it, and he had learned that the Elector of Cologne was +making very little progress in obtaining the Emperor's adhesion. As to +this point the King had probably not yet thoroughly understood that the +Bavarian League was intended to keep clear of the House of Habsburg, +Maximilian not being willing to identify the success of German +Catholicism with the fortunes of that family. + +Henry expressed the opinion that the King of Spain, that is to say, his +counsellors, meant to make use of the Emperor's name while securing all +the profit, and that Rudolph quite understood their game, while Matthias +was sure to make use of this opportunity, supported by the Protestants of +Bohemia, Austria, and Moravia, to strip the Emperor of the last shred of +Empire. + +The King was anxious that the States should send a special embassy at +once to the King of Great Britain. His ambassador, de la Boderie, gave +little encouragement of assistance from that quarter, but it was at least +desirable to secure his neutrality. "'Tis a prince too much devoted to +repose," said Henry, "to be likely to help in this war, but at least he +must not be allowed to traverse our great designs. He will probably +refuse the league offensive and defensive which I have proposed to him, +but he must be got, if possible, to pledge himself to the defensive. I +mean to assemble my army on the frontier, as if to move upon Julich, and +then suddenly sweep down on the Meuse, where, sustained by the States' +army and that of the princes, I will strike my blows and finish my +enterprise before our adversary has got wind of what is coming. We must +embark James in the enterprise if we can, but at any rate we must take +measures to prevent his spoiling it." + +Henry assured the Envoy that no one would know anything of the great +undertaking but by its effect; that no one could possibly talk about it +with any knowledge except himself, Sully, Villeroy, Barneveld, and +Aerssens. With them alone he conferred confidentially, and he doubted not +that the States would embrace this opportunity to have done for ever with +the Spaniards. He should take the field in person, he said, and with +several powerful armies would sweep the enemy away from the Meuse, and +after obtaining control of that river would quietly take possession of +the sea-coast of Flanders, shut up Archduke Albert between the States and +the French, who would thus join hands and unite their frontiers. + +Again the King expressed his anxiety for Barneveld's coming, and directed +the Ambassador to urge it, and to communicate to him the conversation +which had just taken place. He much preferred, he said, a general war. He +expressed doubts as to the Prince of Anhalt's capacity as chief in the +Cleve expedition, and confessed that being jealous of his own reputation +he did not like to commit his contingent of troops to the care of a +stranger and one so new to his trade. The shame would fall on himself, +not on Anhalt in case of any disaster. Therefore, to avoid all petty +jealousies and inconveniences of that nature by which the enterprise +might be ruined, it was best to make out of this small affair a great +one, and the King signified his hope that the Advocate would take this +view of the case and give him his support. He had plenty of grounds of +war himself, and the States had as good cause of hostilities in the +rupture of the truce by the usurpation attempted by Leopold with the +assistance of Spain and in the name of the Emperor. He hoped, he said, +that the States would receive no more deputations from Archduke Albert, +but decide to settle everything at the point of the sword. The moment was +propitious, and, if neglected, might never return. Marquis Spinola was +about to make a journey to Spain on various matters of business. On his +return, Henry said, he meant to make him prisoner as a hostage for the +Prince of Conde, whom the Archdukes were harbouring and detaining. This +would be the pretext, he said, but the object would be to deprive the +Archdukes of any military chief, and thus to throw them into utter +confusion. Count van den Berg would never submit to the authority of Don +Luis de Velasco, nor Velasco to his, and not a man could come from Spain +or Italy, for the passages would all be controlled by France. + +Fortunately for the King's reputation, Spinola's journey was deferred, so +that this notable plan for disposing of the great captain fell to the +ground. + +Henry agreed to leave the two French regiments and the two companies of +cavalry in the States' service as usual, but stipulated in certain +contingencies for their use. + +Passing to another matter concerning which there had been so much +jealousy on the part of the States, the formation of the French East +India Company--to organize which undertaking Le Roy and Isaac Le Maire of +Amsterdam had been living disguised in the house of Henry's famous +companion, the financier Zamet at Paris--the King said that Barneveld +ought not to envy him a participation in the great profits of this +business. + +Nothing would be done without consulting him after his arrival in Paris. +He would discuss the matter privately with him, he said, knowing that +Barneveld was a great personage, but however obstinate he might be, he +felt sure that he would always yield to reason. On the other hand the +King expressed his willingness to submit to the Advocate's opinions if +they should seem the more just. + +On leaving the King the Ambassador had an interview with Sully, who again +expressed his great anxiety for the arrival of Barneveld, and his hopes +that he might come with unlimited powers, so that the great secret might +not leak out through constant referring of matters back to the Provinces. + +After rendering to the Advocate a detailed account of this remarkable +conversation, Aerssens concluded with an intimation that perhaps his own +opinion might be desired as to the meaning of all those movements +developing themselves so suddenly and on so many sides. + +"I will say," he observed, "exactly what the poet sings of the army of +ants-- + + 'Hi motus animorum atque haec certamina tanta + Pulveris exigui jactu contacts quiescunt.' + +If the Prince of Conde comes back, we shall be more plausible than ever. +If he does not come back, perhaps the consideration of the future will +sweep us onwards. All have their special views, and M. de Villeroy more +warmly than all the rest." + + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Abstinence from inquisition into consciences and private parlour + Allowed the demon of religious hatred to enter into its body + Behead, torture, burn alive, and bury alive all heretics + Christian sympathy and a small assistance not being sufficient + Contained within itself the germs of a larger liberty + Could not be both judge and party in the suit + Covered now with the satirical dust of centuries + Deadly hatred of Puritans in England and Holland + Doctrine of predestination in its sternest and strictest sense + Emperor of Japan addressed him as his brother monarch + Estimating his character and judging his judges + Everybody should mind his own business + He was a sincere bigot + Impatience is often on the part of the non-combatants + Intense bigotry of conviction + International friendship, the self-interest of each + It was the true religion, and there was none other + James of England, who admired, envied, and hated Henry + Jealousy, that potent principle + Language which is ever living because it is dead + More fiercely opposed to each other than to Papists + None but God to compel me to say more than I choose to say + Power the poison of which it is so difficult to resist + Presents of considerable sums of money to the negotiators made + Princes show what they have in them at twenty-five or never + Putting the cart before the oxen + Religious toleration, which is a phrase of insult + Secure the prizes of war without the troubles and dangers + Senectus edam maorbus est + So much in advance of his time as to favor religious equality + The Catholic League and the Protestant Union + The truth in shortest about matters of importance + The vehicle is often prized more than the freight + There was but one king in Europe, Henry the Bearnese + There was no use in holding language of authority to him + Thirty Years' War tread on the heels of the forty years + Unimaginable outrage as the most legitimate industry + Wish to appear learned in matters of which they are ignorant + + + + +CHAPTER II. 1609-10 + + Passion of Henry IV. for Margaret de Montmorency--Her Marriage with + the Prince of Conde--Their Departure for the Country-Their Flight to + the Netherlands-Rage of the King--Intrigues of Spain--Reception of + the Prince and Princess of Conde by the Archdukes at Brussels-- + Splendid Entertainments by Spinola--Attempts of the King to bring + the Fugitives back--Mission of De Coeuvres to Brussels--Difficult + Position of the Republic--Vast but secret Preparations for War. + +"If the Prince of Conde comes back." What had the Prince of Conde, his +comings and his goings, to do with this vast enterprise? + +It is time to point to the golden thread of most fantastic passion which +runs throughout this dark and eventful history. + +One evening in the beginning of the year which had just come to its close +there was to be a splendid fancy ball at the Louvre in the course of +which several young ladies of highest rank were to perform a dance in +mythological costume. + +The King, on ill terms with the Queen, who harassed him with scenes of +affected jealousy, while engaged in permanent plots with her paramour and +master, the Italian Concini, against his policy and his life; on still +worse terms with his latest mistress in chief, the Marquise de Verneuil, +who hated him and revenged herself for enduring his caresses by making +him the butt of her venomous wit, had taken the festivities of a court in +dudgeon where he possessed hosts of enemies and flatterers but scarcely a +single friend. + +He refused to attend any of the rehearsals of the ballet, but one day a +group of Diana and her nymphs passed him in the great gallery of the +palace. One of the nymphs as she went by turned and aimed her gilded +javelin at his heart. Henry looked and saw the most beautiful young +creature, so he thought, that mortal eye had ever gazed upon, and +according to his wont fell instantly over head and ears in love. He said +afterwards that he felt himself pierced to the heart and was ready to +faint away. + +The lady was just fifteen years of age. The King was turned of +fifty-five. The disparity of age seemed to make the royal passion +ridiculous. To Henry the situation seemed poetical and pathetic. After +this first interview he never missed a single rehearsal. In the intervals +he called perpetually for the services of the court poet Malherbe, who +certainly contrived to perpetrate in his behalf some of the most +detestable verses that even he had ever composed. + +The nymph was Marguerite de Montmorency, daughter of the Constable of +France, and destined one day to become the mother of the great Conde, +hero of Rocroy. There can be no doubt that she was exquisitely beautiful. +Fair-haired, with a complexion of dazzling purity, large expressive eyes, +delicate but commanding features, she had a singular fascination of look +and gesture, and a winning, almost childlike, simplicity of manner. +Without feminine artifice or commonplace coquetry, she seemed to bewitch +and subdue at a glance men of all ranks, ages, and pursuits; kings and +cardinals, great generals, ambassadors and statesmen, as well as humbler +mortals whether Spanish, Italian, French, or Flemish. The Constable, an +ignorant man who, as the King averred, could neither write nor read, +understood as well as more learned sages the manners and humours of the +court. He had destined his daughter for the young and brilliant +Bassompierre, the most dazzling of all the cavaliers of the day. The two +were betrothed. + +But the love-stricken Henry, then confined to his bed with the gout, sent +for the chosen husband of the beautiful Margaret. + +"Bassompierre, my friend," said the aged king, as the youthful lover +knelt before him at the bedside, "I have become not in love, but mad, out +of my senses, furious for Mademoiselle de Montmorency. If she should love +you, I should hate you. If she should love me, you would hate me. 'Tis +better that this should not be the cause of breaking up our good +intelligence, for I love you with affection and inclination. I am +resolved to marry her to my nephew the Prince of Conde, and to keep her +near my family. She will be the consolation and support of my old age +into which I am now about to enter. I shall give my nephew, who loves the +chase a thousand times better than he does ladies, 100,000 livres a year, +and I wish no other favour from her than her affection without making +further pretensions." + +It was eight o'clock of a black winter's morning, and the tears as he +spoke ran down the cheeks of the hero of Ivry and bedewed the face of the +kneeling Bassompierre. + +The courtly lover sighed and--obeyed. He renounced the hand of the +beautiful Margaret, and came daily to play at dice with the King at his +bedside with one or two other companions. + +And every day the Duchess of Angouleme, sister of the Constable, brought +her fair niece to visit and converse with the royal invalid. But for the +dark and tragic clouds which were gradually closing around that eventful +and heroic existence there would be something almost comic in the +spectacle of the sufferer making the palace and all France ring with the +howlings of his grotesque passion for a child of fifteen as he lay +helpless and crippled with the gout. + +One day as the Duchess of Angouleme led her niece away from their morning +visit to the King, Margaret as she passed by Bassompierre shrugged her +shoulders with a scornful glance. Stung by this expression of contempt, +the lover who had renounced her sprang from the dice table, buried his +face in his hat, pretending that his nose was bleeding, and rushed +frantically from the palace. + +Two days long he spent in solitude, unable to eat, drink, or sleep, +abandoned to despair and bewailing his wretched fate, and it was long +before he could recover sufficient equanimity to face his lost Margaret +and resume his place at the King's dicing table. When he made his +appearance, he was according to his own account so pale, changed, and +emaciated that his friends could not recognise him. + +The marriage with Conde, first prince of the blood, took place early in +the spring. The bride received magnificent presents, and the husband a +pension of 100,000 livres a year. The attentions of the King became soon +outrageous and the reigning scandal of the hour. Henry, discarding the +grey jacket and simple costume on which he was wont to pride himself, +paraded himself about in perfumed ruffs and glittering doublet, an +ancient fop, very little heroic, and much ridiculed. The Princess made +merry with the antics of her royal adorer, while her vanity at least, if +not her affection, was really touched, and there was one great round of +court festivities in her honour, at which the King and herself were ever +the central figures. But Conde was not at all amused. Not liking the part +assigned to him in the comedy thus skilfully arranged by his cousin king, +never much enamoured of his bride, while highly appreciating the 100,000 +livres of pension, he remonstrated violently with his wife, bitterly +reproached the King, and made himself generally offensive. "The Prince is +here," wrote Henry to Sully, "and is playing the very devil. You would be +in a rage and be ashamed of the things he says of me. But at last I am +losing patience, and am resolved to give him a bit of my mind." He wrote +in the same terms to Montmorency. The Constable, whose conduct throughout +the affair was odious and pitiable, promised to do his best to induce the +Prince, instead of playing the devil, to listen to reason, as he and the +Duchess of Angouleme understood reason. + +Henry had even the ineffable folly to appeal to the Queen to use her +influence with the refractory Conde. Mary de' Medici replied that there +were already thirty go-betweens at work, and she had no idea of being the +thirty-first--[Henrard, 30]. + +Conde, surrounded by a conspiracy against his honour and happiness, +suddenly carried off his wife to the country, much to the amazement and +rage of Henry. + +In the autumn he entertained a hunting party at a seat of his, the Abbey +of Verneuille, on the borders of Picardy. De Traigny, governor of Amiens, +invited the Prince, Princess, and the Dowager-Princess to a banquet at +his chateau not far from the Abbey. On their road thither they passed a +group of huntsmen and grooms in the royal livery. Among them was an aged +lackey with a plaister over one eye, holding a couple of hounds in leash. +The Princess recognized at a glance under that ridiculous disguise the +King. + +"What a madman!" she murmured as she passed him, "I will never forgive +you;" but as she confessed many years afterwards, this act of gallantly +did not displease her.' + +In truth, even in mythological fable, Trove has scarcely ever reduced +demi-god or hero to more fantastic plight than was this travesty of the +great Henry. After dinner Madame de Traigny led her fair guest about the +castle to show her the various points of view. At one window she paused, +saying that it commanded a particularly fine prospect. + +The Princess looked from it across a courtyard, and saw at an opposite +window an old gentleman holding his left hand tightly upon his heart to +show that it was wounded, and blowing kisses to her with the other: "My +God! it is the King himself," she cried to her hostess. The princess with +this exclamation rushed from the window, feeling or affecting much +indignation, ordered horses to her carriage instantly, and overwhelmed +Madame de Traigny with reproaches. The King himself, hastening to the +scene, was received with passionate invectives, and in vain attempted to +assuage the Princess's wrath and induce her to remain. + +They left the chateau at once, both Prince and Princess. + +One night, not many weeks afterwards, the Due de Sully, in the Arsenal at +Paris, had just got into bed at past eleven o'clock when he received a +visit from Captain de Praslin, who walked straight into his bed-chamber, +informing him that the King instantly required his presence. + +Sully remonstrated. He was obliged to rise at three the next morning, he +said, enumerating pressing and most important work which Henry required +to be completed with all possible haste. "The King said you would be very +angry," replied Praslin; "but there is no help for it. Come you must, for +the man you know of has gone out of the country, as you said he would, +and has carried away the lady on the crupper behind him." + +"Ho, ho," said the Duke, "I am wanted for that affair, am I?" And the two +proceeded straightway to the Louvre, and were ushered, of all apartments +in the world, into the Queen's bedchamber. Mary de' Medici had given +birth only four days before to an infant, Henrietta Maria, future queen +of Charles I. of England. The room was crowded with ministers and +courtiers; Villeroy, the Chancellor, Bassompierre, and others, being +stuck against the wall at small intervals like statues, dumb, motionless, +scarcely daring to breathe. The King, with his hands behind him and his +grey beard sunk on his breast, was pacing up and down the room in a +paroxysm of rage and despair. + +"Well," said he, turning to Sully as he entered, "our man has gone off +and carried everything with him. What do you say to that?" + +The Duke beyond the boding "I told you so" phrase of consolation which he +was entitled to use, having repeatedly warned his sovereign that +precisely this catastrophe was impending, declined that night to offer +advice. He insisted on sleeping on it. The manner in which the +proceedings of the King at this juncture would be regarded by the +Archdukes Albert and Isabella--for there could be no doubt that Conde had +escaped to their territory--and by the King of Spain, in complicity with +whom the step had unquestionably been taken--was of gravest political +importance. + +Henry had heard the intelligence but an hour before. He was at cards in +his cabinet with Bassompierre and others when d'Elbene entered and made a +private communication to him. "Bassompierre, my friend," whispered the +King immediately in that courtier's ear, "I am lost. This man has carried +his wife off into a wood. I don't know if it is to kill her or to take +her out of France. Take care of my money and keep up the game." + +Bassompierre followed the king shortly afterwards and brought him his +money. He said that he had never seen a man so desperate, so transported. + +The matter was indeed one of deepest and universal import. The reader has +seen by the preceding narrative how absurd is the legend often believed +in even to our own days that war was made by France upon the Archdukes +and upon Spain to recover the Princess of Conde from captivity in +Brussels. + +From contemporary sources both printed and unpublished; from most +confidential conversations and revelations, we have seen how broad, +deliberate, and deeply considered were the warlike and political +combinations in the King's ever restless brain. But although the +abduction of the new Helen by her own Menelaus was not the cause of the +impending, Iliad, there is no doubt whatever that the incident had much +to do with the crisis, was the turning point in a great tragedy, and that +but for the vehement passion of the King for this youthful princess +events might have developed themselves on a far different scale from that +which they were destined to assume. For this reason a court intrigue, +which history under other conditions might justly disdain, assumes vast +proportions and is taken quite away from the scandalous chronicle which +rarely busies itself with grave affairs of state. + +"The flight of Conde," wrote Aerssens, "is the catastrophe to the comedy +which has been long enacting. 'Tis to be hoped that the sequel may not +prove tragical." + +"The Prince," for simply by that title he was usually called to +distinguish him from all other princes in France, was next of blood. Had +Henry no sons, he would have succeeded him on the throne. It was a +favourite scheme of the Spanish party to invalidate Henry's divorce from +Margaret of Valois, and thus to cast doubts on the legitimacy of the +Dauphin and the other children of Mary de' Medici. + +The Prince in the hands of the Spanish government might prove a docile +and most dangerous instrument to the internal repose of France not only +after Henry's death but in his life-time. Conde's character was +frivolous, unstable, excitable, weak, easy to be played upon by designing +politicians, and he had now the deepest cause for anger and for indulging +in ambitious dreams. + +He had been wont during this unhappy first year of his marriage to loudly +accuse Henry of tyranny, and was now likely by public declaration to +assign that as the motive of his flight. Henry had protested in reply +that he had never been guilty of tyranny but once in his life, and that +was when he allowed this youth to take the name and title of Conde? + +For the Princess-Dowager his mother had lain for years in prison, under +the terrible accusation of having murdered her husband, in complicity +with her paramour, a Gascon page, named Belcastel. The present prince had +been born several months after his reputed father's death. Henry, out of +good nature, or perhaps for less creditable reasons, had come to the +rescue of the accused princess, and had caused the process to be stopped, +further enquiry to be quashed, and the son to be recognized as legitimate +Prince of Conde. The Dowager had subsequently done her best to further +the King's suit to her son's wife, for which the Prince bitterly +reproached her to her face, heaping on her epithets which she well +deserved. + +Henry at once began to threaten a revival of the criminal suit, with a +view of bastardizing him again, although the Dowager had acted on all +occasions with great docility in Henry's interests. + +The flight of the Prince and Princess was thus not only an incident of +great importance to the internal politics of trance, but had a direct and +important bearing on the impending hostilities. Its intimate connection +with the affairs of the Netherland commonwealth was obvious. It was +probable that the fugitives would make their way towards the Archdukes' +territory, and that afterwards their first point of destination would be +Breda, of which Philip William of Orange, eldest brother of Prince +Maurice, was the titular proprietor. Since the truce recently concluded +the brothers, divided so entirely by politics and religion, could meet on +fraternal and friendly terms, and Breda, although a city of the +Commonwealth, received its feudal lord. The Princess of Orange was the +sister of Conde. The morning after the flight the King, before daybreak, +sent for the Dutch ambassador. He directed him to despatch a courier +forthwith to Barneveld, notifying him that the Prince had left the +kingdom without the permission or knowledge of his sovereign, and stating +the King's belief that he had fled to the territory of the Archdukes. If +he should come to Breda or to any other place within the jurisdiction of +the States, they were requested to make sure of his person at once, and +not to permit him to retire until further instructions should be received +from the King. De Praslin, captain of the body-guards and lieutenant of +Champagne, it was further mentioned, was to be sent immediately on secret +mission concerning this affair to the States and to the Archdukes. + +The King suspected Conde of crime, so the Advocate was to be informed. He +believed him to be implicated in the conspiracy of Poitou; the six who +had been taken prisoners having confessed that they had thrice conferred +with a prince at Paris, and that the motive of the plot was to free +themselves and France from the tyranny of Henry IV. The King insisted +peremptorily, despite of any objections from Aerssens, that the thing +must be done and his instructions carried out to the letter. So much he +expected of the States, and they should care no more for ulterior +consequences, he said, than he had done for the wrath of Spain when he +frankly undertook their cause. Conde was important only because his +relative, and he declared that if the Prince should escape, having once +entered the territory of the Republic, he should lay the blame on its +government. + +"If you proceed languidly in the affair," wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, +"our affairs will suffer for ever." + +Nobody at court believed in the Poitou conspiracy, or that Conde had any +knowledge of it. The reason of his flight was a mystery to none, but as +it was immediately followed by an intrigue with Spain, it seemed +ingenious to Henry to make, use of a transparent pretext to conceal the +ugliness of the whole affair. + +He hoped that the Prince would be arrested at Breda and sent back by the +States. Villeroy said that if it was not done, they would be guilty of +black ingratitude. It would be an awkward undertaking, however, and the +States devoutly prayed that they might not be put to the test. The crafty +Aerssens suggested to Barneveld that if Conde was not within their +territory it would be well to assure the King that, had he been there, he +would have been delivered up at once. "By this means," said the +Ambassador, "you will give no cause of offence to the Prince, and will at +the same time satisfy the King. It is important that he should think that +you depend immediately upon him. If you see that after his arrest they +take severe measures against him, you will have a thousand ways of +parrying the blame which posterity might throw upon you. History teaches +you plenty of them." + +He added that neither Sully nor anyone else thought much of the Poitou +conspiracy. Those implicated asserted that they had intended to raise +troops there to assist the King in the Cleve expedition. Some people said +that Henry had invented this plot against his throne and life. The +Ambassador, in a spirit of prophecy, quoted the saying of Domitian: +"Misera conditio imperantium quibus de conspiratione non creditor nisi +occisis." + +Meantime the fugitives continued their journey. The Prince was +accompanied by one of his dependants, a rude officer, de Rochefort, who +carried the Princess on a pillion behind him. She had with her a +lady-in-waiting named du Certeau and a lady's maid named Philippote. She +had no clothes but those on her back, not even a change of linen. Thus +the young and delicate lady made the wintry journey through the forests. +They crossed the frontier at Landrecies, then in the Spanish Netherlands, +intending to traverse the Archduke's territory in order to reach Breda, +where Conde meant to leave his wife in charge of his sister, the Princess +of Orange, and then to proceed to Brussels. + +He wrote from the little inn at Landrecies to notify the Archduke of his +project. He was subsequently informed that Albert would not prevent his +passing through his territories, but should object to his making a fixed +residence within them. The Prince also wrote subsequently to the King of +Spain and to the King of France. + +To Henry he expressed his great regret at being obliged to leave the +kingdom in order to save his honour and his life, but that he had no +intention of being anything else than his very humble and faithful +cousin, subject, and servant. He would do nothing against his service, he +said, unless forced thereto, and he begged the King not to take it amiss +if he refused to receive letters from any one whomsoever at court, saving +only such letters as his Majesty himself might honour him by writing. + +The result of this communication to the King was of course to enrage that +monarch to the utmost, and his first impulse on finding that the Prince +was out of his reach was to march to Brussels at once and take possession +of him and the Princess by main force. More moderate counsels prevailed +for the moment however, and negotiations were attempted. + +Praslin did not contrive to intercept the fugitives, but the +States-General, under the advice of Barneveld, absolutely forbade their +coming to Breda or entering any part of their jurisdiction. The result of +Conde's application to the King of Spain was an ultimate offer of +assistance and asylum, through a special emissary, one Anover; for the +politicians of Madrid were astute enough to see what a card the Prince +might prove in their hands. + +Henry instructed his ambassador in Spain to use strong and threatening +language in regard to the harbouring a rebel and a conspirator against +the throne of France; while on the other hand he expressed his +satisfaction with the States for having prohibited the Prince from +entering their territory. He would have preferred, he said, if they had +allowed him entrance and forbidden his departure, but on the whole he was +content. It was thought in Paris that the Netherland government had acted +with much adroitness in thus abstaining both from a violation of the law +of nations and from giving offence to the King. + +A valet of Conde was taken with some papers of the Prince about him, +which proved a determination on his part never to return to France during +the lifetime of Henry. They made no statement of the cause of his flight, +except to intimate that it might be left to the judgment of every one, as +it was unfortunately but too well known to all. + +Refused entrance into the Dutch territory, the Prince was obliged to +renounce his project in regard to Breda, and brought his wife to +Brussels. He gave Bentivoglio, the Papal nuncio, two letters to forward +to Italy, one to the Pope, the other to his nephew, Cardinal Borghese. +Encouraged by the advices which he had received from Spain, he justified +his flight from France both by the danger to his honour and to his life, +recommending both to the protection of his Holiness and his Eminence. +Bentivoglio sent the letters, but while admitting the invincible reasons +for his departure growing out of the King's pursuit of the Princess, he +refused all credence to the pretended violence against Conde himself. +Conde informed de Praslin that he would not consent to return to France. +Subsequently he imposed as conditions of return that the King should +assign to him certain cities and strongholds in Guienne, of which +province he was governor, far from Paris and very near the Spanish +frontier; a measure dictated by Spain and which inflamed Henry's wrath +almost to madness. The King insisted on his instant return, placing +himself and of course the Princess entirely in his hands and receiving a +full pardon for this effort to save his honour. The Prince and Princess +of Orange came from Breda to Brussels to visit their brother and his +wife. Here they established them in the Palace of Nassau, once the +residence in his brilliant youth of William the Silent; a magnificent +mansion, surrounded by park and garden, built on the brow of the almost +precipitous hill, beneath which is spread out so picturesquely the +antique and beautiful capital of Brabant. + +The Archdukes received them with stately courtesy at their own palace. On +their first ceremonious visit to the sovereigns of the land, the formal +Archduke, coldest and chastest of mankind, scarcely lifted his eyes to +gaze on the wondrous beauty of the Princess, yet assured her after he had +led her through a portrait gallery of fair women that formerly these had +been accounted beauties, but that henceforth it was impossible to speak +of any beauty but her own. + +The great Spinola fell in love with her at once, sent for the illustrious +Rubens from Antwerp to paint her portrait, and offered Mademoiselle de +Chateau Vert 10,000 crowns in gold if she would do her best to further +his suit with her mistress. The Genoese banker-soldier made love, war, +and finance on a grand scale. He gave a magnificent banquet and ball in +her honour on Twelfth Night, and the festival was the wonder of the town. +Nothing like it had been seen in Brussels for years. At six in the +evening Spinola in splendid costume, accompanied by Don Luis Velasco, +Count Ottavio Visconti, Count Bucquoy, with other nobles of lesser note, +drove to the Nassau Palace to bring the Prince and Princess and their +suite to the Marquis's mansion. Here a guard of honour of thirty +musketeers was standing before the door, and they were conducted from +their coaches by Spinola preceded by twenty-four torch-bearers up the +grand staircase to a hall, where they were received by the Princesses of +Mansfeld, Velasco, and other distinguished dames. Thence they were led +through several apartments rich with tapestry and blazing with crystal +and silver plate to a splendid saloon where was a silken canopy, under +which the Princess of Conde and the Princess of Orange seated themselves, +the Nuncius Bentivoglio to his delight being placed next the beautiful +Margaret. After reposing for a little while they were led to the +ball-room, brilliantly lighted with innumerable torches of perfumed wax +and hung with tapestry of gold and silk, representing in fourteen +embroidered designs the chief military exploits of Spinola. Here the +banquet, a cold collation, was already spread on a table decked and +lighted with regal splendour. As soon as the guests were seated, an +admirable concert of instrumental music began. Spinola walked up and down +providing for the comforts of his company, the Duke of Aumale stood +behind the two princesses to entertain them with conversation, Don Luis +Velasco served the Princess of Conde with plates, handed her the dishes, +the wine, the napkins, while Bucquoy and Visconti in like manner waited +upon the Princess of Orange; other nobles attending to the other ladies. +Forty-eight pages in white, yellow, and red scarves brought and removed +the dishes. The dinner, of courses innumerable, lasted two hours and a +half, and the ladies, being thus fortified for the more serious business +of the evening, were led to the tiring-rooms while the hall was made +ready for dancing. The ball was opened by the Princess of Conde and +Spinola, and lasted until two in the morning. As the apartment grew warm, +two of the pages went about with long staves and broke all the windows +until not a single pane of glass remained. The festival was estimated by +the thrifty chronicler of Antwerp to have cost from 3000 to 4000 crowns. +It was, he says, "an earthly paradise of which soon not a vapour +remained." He added that he gave a detailed account of it "not because he +took pleasure in such voluptuous pomp and extravagance, but that one +might thus learn the vanity of the world." These courtesies and +assiduities on the part of the great "shopkeeper," as the Constable +called him, had so much effect, if not on the Princess, at least on Conde +himself, that he threatened to throw his wife out of window if she +refused to caress Spinola. These and similar accusations were made by the +father and aunt when attempting to bring about a divorce of the Princess +from her husband. The Nuncius Bentivoglio, too, fell in love with her, +devoting himself to her service, and his facile and eloquent pen to +chronicling her story. Even poor little Philip of Spain in the depths of +the Escurial heard of her charms, and tried to imagine himself in love +with her by proxy. + +Thenceforth there was a succession of brilliant festivals in honour of +the Princess. The Spanish party was radiant with triumph, the French +maddened with rage. Henry in Paris was chafing like a lion at bay. A +petty sovereign whom he could crush at one vigorous bound was protecting +the lady for whose love he was dying. He had secured Conde's exclusion +from Holland, but here were the fugitives splendidly established in +Brussels; the Princess surrounded by most formidable suitors, the Prince +encouraged in his rebellious and dangerous schemes by the power which the +King most hated on earth, and whose eternal downfall he had long since +sworn to accomplish. + +For the weak and frivolous Conde began to prattle publicly of his deep +projects of revenge. Aided by Spanish money and Spanish troops he would +show one day who was the real heir to the throne of France--the +illegitimately born Dauphin or himself. + +The King sent for the first president of Parliament, Harlay, and +consulted with him as to the proper means of reviving the suppressed +process against the Dowager and of publicly degrading Conde from his +position of first prince of the blood which he had been permitted to +usurp. He likewise procured a decree accusing him of high-treason and +ordering him to be punished at his Majesty's pleasure, to be prepared by +the Parliament of Paris; going down to the court himself in his +impatience and seating himself in everyday costume on the bench of judges +to see that it was immediately proclaimed. + +Instead of at once attacking the Archdukes in force as he intended +in the first ebullition of his wrath, he resolved to send +de Boutteville-Montmorency, a relative of the Constable, on special and +urgent mission to Brussels. He was to propose that Conde and his wife +should return with the Prince and Princess of Orange to Breda, the King +pledging himself that for three or four months nothing should be +undertaken against him. Here was a sudden change of determination fit to +surprise the States-General, but the King's resolution veered and whirled +about hourly in the tempests of his wrath and love. + +That excellent old couple, the Constable and the Duchess of Angouleme, +did their best to assist their sovereign in his fierce attempts to get +their daughter and niece into his power. + +The Constable procured a piteous letter to be written to Archduke Albert, +signed "Montmorency his mark," imploring him not to "suffer that his +daughter, since the Prince refused to return to France, should leave +Brussels to be a wanderer about the world following a young prince who +had no fixed purpose in his mind." + +Archduke Albert, through his ambassador in Paris, Peter Pecquius, +suggested the possibility of a reconciliation between Henry and his +kinsman, and offered himself as intermediary. He enquired whether the +King would find it agreeable that he should ask for pardon in name of the +Prince. Henry replied that he was willing that the Archduke should accord +to Conde secure residence for the time within his dominions on three +inexorable conditions:--firstly, that the Prince should ask for pardon +without any stipulations, the King refusing to listen to any treaty or to +assign him towns or places of security as had been vaguely suggested, and +holding it utterly unreasonable that a man sueing for pardon should, +instead of deserved punishment, talk of terms and acquisitions; secondly, +that, if Conde should reject the proposition, Albert should immediately +turn him out of his country, showing himself justly irritated at finding +his advice disregarded; thirdly, that, sending away the Prince, the +Archduke should forthwith restore the Princess to her father the +Constable and her aunt Angouleme, who had already made their petitions to +Albert and Isabella for that end, to which the King now added his own +most particular prayers. + +If the Archduke should refuse consent to these three conditions, Henry +begged that he would abstain from any farther attempt to effect a +reconciliation and not suffer Conde to remain any longer within his +territories. + +Pecquius replied that he thought his master might agree to the two first +propositions while demurring to the third, as it would probably not seem +honourable to him to separate man and wife, and as it was doubtful +whether the Princess would return of her own accord. + +The King, in reporting the substance of this conversation to Aerssens, +intimated his conviction that they were only wishing in Brussels to gain +time; that they were waiting for letters from Spain, which they were +expecting ever since the return of Conde's secretary from Milan, whither +he had been sent to confer with the Governor, Count Fuentes. He said +farther that he doubted whether the Princess would go to Breda, which he +should now like, but which Conde would not now permit. This he imputed in +part to the Princess of Orange, who had written a letter full of +invectives against himself to the Dowager--Princess of Conde which she +had at once sent to him. Henry expressed at the same time his great +satisfaction with the States-General and with Barneveld in this affair, +repeating his assurances that they were the truest and best friends he +had. + +The news of Conde's ceremonious visit to Leopold in Julich could not fail +to exasperate the King almost as much as the pompous manner in which he +was subsequently received at Brussels; Spinola and the Spanish Ambassador +going forth to meet him. At the same moment the secretary of Vaucelles, +Henry's ambassador in Madrid, arrived in Paris, confirming the King's +suspicions that Conde's flight had been concerted with Don Inigo de +Cardenas, and was part of a general plot of Spain against the peace of +the kingdom. The Duc d'Epernon, one of the most dangerous plotters at the +court, and deep in the intimacy of the Queen and of all the secret +adherents of the Spanish policy, had been sojourning a long time at Metz, +under pretence of attending to his health, had sent his children to +Spain, as hostages according to Henry's belief, had made himself master +of the citadel, and was turning a deaf ear to all the commands of the +King. + +The supporters of Conde in France were openly changing their note and +proclaiming by the Prince's command that he had left the kingdom in order +to preserve his quality of first prince of the blood, and that he meant +to make good his right of primogeniture against the Dauphin and all +competitors. + +Such bold language and such open reliance on the support of Spain in +disputing the primogeniture of the Dauphin were fast driving the most +pacifically inclined in France into enthusiasm for the war. + +The States, too, saw their opportunity more vividly every day. "What +could we desire more," wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, "than open war +between France and Spain? Posterity will for ever blame us if we reject +this great occasion." + +Peter Pecquius, smoothest and sliest of diplomatists, did his best to +make things comfortable, for there could be little doubt that his masters +most sincerely deprecated war. On their heads would come the first blows, +to their provinces would return the great desolation out of which they +had hardly emerged. Still the Archduke, while racking his brains for the +means of accommodation, refused, to his honour, to wink at any violation +of the law of nations, gave a secret promise, in which the Infanta +joined, that the Princess should not be allowed to leave Brussels without +her husband's permission, and resolutely declined separating the pair +except with the full consent of both. In order to protect himself from +the King's threats, he suggested sending Conde to some neutral place for +six or eight months, to Prague, to Breda, or anywhere else; but Henry +knew that Conde would never allow this unless he had the means by Spanish +gold of bribing the garrison there, and so of holding the place in +pretended neutrality, but in reality at the devotion of the King of +Spain. + +Meantime Henry had despatched the Marquis de Coeuvres, brother of the +beautiful Gabrielle, Duchess de Beaufort, and one of the most audacious +and unscrupulous of courtiers, on a special mission to Brussels. De +Coeuvres saw Conde before presenting his credentials to the Archduke, and +found him quite impracticable. Acting under the advice of the Prince of +Orange, he expressed his willingness to retire to some neutral city of +Germany or Italy, drawing meanwhile from Henry a pension of 40,000 crowns +a year. But de Coeuvres firmly replied that the King would make no terms +with his vassal nor allow Conde to prescribe conditions to him. To leave +him in Germany or Italy, he said, was to leave him in the dependence of +Spain. The King would not have this constant apprehension of her +intrigues while, living, nor leave such matter in dying for turbulence in +his kingdom. If it appeared that the Spaniards wished to make use of the +Prince for such purposes, he would be beforehand with them, and show them +how much more injury he could inflict on Spain than they on France. +Obviously committed to Spain, Conde replied to the entreaties of the +emissary that if the King would give him half his kingdom he would not +accept the offer nor return to France; at least before the 8th of +February, by which date he expected advices from Spain. He had given his +word, he said, to lend his ear to no overtures before that time. He made +use of many threats, and swore that he would throw himself entirely into +the arms of the Spanish king if Henry would not accord him the terms +which he had proposed. + +To do this was an impossibility. To grant him places of security would, +as the King said, be to plant a standard for all the malcontents of +France to rally around. Conde had evidently renounced all hopes of a +reconciliation, however painfully his host the Archduke might intercede +for it. He meant to go to Spain. Spinola was urging this daily and +hourly, said Henry, for he had fallen in love with the Princess, who +complained of all these persecutions in her letters to her father, and +said that she would rather die than go to Spain. + +The King's advices from de Coeuvres were however to the effect that the +step would probably be taken, that the arrangements were making, and that +Spinola had been shut up with Conde six hours long with nobody present +but Rochefort and a certain counsellor of the Prince of Orange named +Keeremans. + +Henry was taking measures to intercept them on their flight by land, but +there was some thought of their proceeding to Spain by sea. He therefore +requested the States to send two ships of war, swift sailors, well +equipped, one to watch in the roads of St. Jean and the other on the +English coast. These ships were to receive their instructions from +Admiral de Vicq, who would be well informed of all the movements of the +Prince and give warning to the captains of the Dutch vessels by a +preconcerted signal. The King begged that Barneveld would do him this +favour, if he loved him, and that none might have knowledge of it but the +Advocate and Prince Maurice. The ships would be required for two or three +months only, but should be equipped and sent forth as soon as possible. + +The States had no objection to performing this service, although it +subsequently proved to be unnecessary, and they were quite ready at that +moment to go openly into the war to settle the affairs of Clove, and once +for all to drive the Spaniards out of the Netherlands and beyond seas and +mountains. Yet strange to say, those most conversant with the state of +affairs could not yet quite persuade themselves that matters were +serious, and that the King's mind was fixed. Should Conde return, +renounce his Spanish stratagems, and bring back the Princess to court, it +was felt by the King's best and most confidential friends that all might +grow languid again, the Spanish faction get the upper hand in the King's +councils, and the States find themselves in a terrible embarrassment. + +On the other hand, the most prying and adroit of politicians were puzzled +to read the signs of the times. Despite Henry's garrulity, or perhaps in +consequence of it, the envoys of Spain, the Empire, and of Archduke +Albert were ignorant whether peace were likely to be broken or not, in +spite of rumours which filled the air. So well had the secrets been kept +which the reader has seen discussed in confidential conversations--the +record of which has always remained unpublished--between the King and +those admitted to his intimacy that very late in the winter Pecquius, +while sadly admitting to his masters that the King was likely to take +part against the Emperor in the affair of the duchies, expressed the +decided opinion that it would be limited to the secret sending of succour +to Brandenburg and Neuburg as formerly to the United Provinces, but that +he would never send troops into Cleve, or march thither himself. + +It is important, therefore, to follow closely the development of these +political and amorous intrigues, for they furnish one of the most curious +and instructive lessons of history; there being not the slightest doubt +that upon their issue chiefly depended the question of a great and +general war. + +Pecquius, not yet despairing that his master would effect a +reconciliation between the King and Conde, proposed again that the Prince +should be permitted to reside for a time in some place not within the +jurisdiction of Spain or of the Archdukes, being allowed meantime to draw +his annual pension of 100,000 livres. Henry ridiculed the idea of Conde's +drawing money from him while occupying his time abroad with intrigues +against his throne and his children's succession. He scoffed at the +Envoy's pretences that Conde was not in receipt of money from Spain, as +if a man so needy and in so embarrassing a position could live without +money from some source; and as if he were not aware, from his +correspondents in Spain, that funds were both promised and furnished to +the Prince. + +He repeated his determination not to accord him pardon unless he returned +to France, which he had no cause to leave, and, turning suddenly on +Pecquius, demanded why, the subject of reconciliation having failed, the +Archduke did not immediately fulfil his promise of turning Conde out of +his dominions. + +Upon this Albert's minister drew back with the air of one amazed, asking +how and when the Archduke had ever made such a promise. + +"To the Marquis de Coeuvres," replied Henry. + +Pecquius asked if his ears had not deceived him, and if the King had +really said that de Coeuvres had made such a statement. + +Henry repeated and confirmed the story. + +Upon the Minister's reply that he had himself received no such +intelligence from the Archduke, the King suddenly changed his tone, and +said, + +"No, I was mistaken--I was confused--the Marquis never wrote me this; but +did you not say yourself that I might be assured that there would be no +difficulty about it if the Prince remained obstinate." + +Pecquius replied that he had made such a proposition to his masters by +his Majesty's request; but there had been no answer received, nor time +for one, as the hope of reconciliation had not yet been renounced. He +begged Henry to consider whether, without instructions from his master, +he could have thus engaged his word. + +"Well," said the King, "since you disavow it, I see very well that the +Archduke has no wish to give me pleasure, and that these are nothing but +tricks that you have been amusing me with all this time. Very good; each +of us will know what we have to do." + +Pecquius considered that the King had tried to get him into a net, and to +entrap him into the avowal of a promise which he had never made. Henry +remained obstinate in his assertions, notwithstanding all the envoy's +protestations. + +"A fine trick, indeed, and unworthy of a king, 'Si dicere fas est,'" he +wrote to Secretary of State Praets. "But the force of truth is such that +he who spreads the snare always tumbles into the ditch himself." + +Henry concluded the subject of Conde at this interview by saying that he +could have his pardon on the conditions already named, and not otherwise. + +He also made some complaints about Archduke Leopold, who, he said, +notwithstanding his demonstrations of wishing a treaty of compromise, was +taking towns by surprise which he could not hold, and was getting his +troops massacred on credit. + +Pecquius expressed the opinion that it would be better to leave the +Germans to make their own arrangements among themselves, adding that +neither his masters nor the King of Spain meant to mix themselves up in +the matter. + +"Let them mix themselves in it or keep out of it, as they like," said +Henry, "I shall not fail to mix myself up in it." + +The King was marvellously out of humour. + +Before finishing the interview, he asked Pecquius whether Marquis Spinola +was going to Spain very soon, as he had permission from his Majesty to do +so, and as he had information that he would be on the road early in Lent. +The Minister replied that this would depend on the will of the Archduke, +and upon various circumstances. The answer seemed to displease the King, +and Pecquius was puzzled to know why. He was not aware, of course, of +Henry's project to kidnap the Marquis on the road, and keep him as a +surety for Conde. + +The Envoy saw Villeroy after the audience, who told him not to mind the +King's ill-temper, but to bear it as patiently as he could. His Majesty +could not digest, he said, his infinite displeasure at the obstinacy of +the Prince; but they must nevertheless strive for a reconciliation. The +King was quick in words, but slow in deeds, as the Ambassador might have +observed before, and they must all try to maintain peace, to which he +would himself lend his best efforts. + +As the Secretary of State was thoroughly aware that the King was making +vast preparations for war, and had given in his own adhesion to the +project, it is refreshing to observe the candour with which he assured +the representative of the adverse party of his determination that +friendliest relations should be preserved. + +It is still more refreshing to find Villeroy, the same afternoon, warmly +uniting with Sully, Lesdiguieres, and the Chancellor, in the decision +that war should begin forthwith. + +For the King held a council at the Arsenal immediately after this +interview with Pecquius, in which he had become convinced that Conde +would never return. He took the Queen with him, and there was not a +dissentient voice as to the necessity of beginning hostilities at once. + +Sully, however, was alone in urging that the main force of the attack +should be in the north, upon the Rhine and Meuse. Villeroy and those who +were secretly in the Spanish interest were for beginning it with the +southern combination and against Milan. Sully believed the Duke of Savoy +to be variable and attached in his heart to Spain, and he thought it +contrary to the interests of France to permit an Italian prince to grow +so great on her frontier. He therefore thoroughly disapproved the plan, +and explained to the Dutch ambassador that all this urgency to carry on +the war in the south came from hatred to the United Provinces, jealousy +of their aggrandizement, detestation of the Reformed religion, and hope +to engage Henry in a campaign which he could not carry on successfully. +But he assured Aerssens that he had the means of counteracting these +designs and of bringing on an invasion for obtaining possession of the +Meuse. If the possessory princes found Henry making war in the Milanese +only, they would feel themselves ruined, and might throw up the game. He +begged that Barneveld would come on to Paris at once, as now or never was +the moment to assure the Republic for all time. + +The King had acted with malicious adroitness in turning the tables upon +the Prince and treating him as a rebel and a traitor because, to save his +own and his wife's honour, he had fled from a kingdom where he had but +too good reason to suppose that neither was safe. The Prince, with +infinite want of tact, had played into the King's hands. He had bragged +of his connection with Spain and of his deep designs, and had shown to +all the world that he was thenceforth but an instrument in the hands of +the Spanish cabinet, while all the world knew the single reason for which +he had fled. + +The King, hopeless now of compelling the return of Conde, had become most +anxious to separate him from his wife. Already the subject of divorce +between the two had been broached, and it being obvious that the Prince +would immediately betake himself into the Spanish dominions, the King was +determined that the Princess should not follow him thither. + +He had the incredible effrontery and folly to request the Queen to +address a letter to her at Brussels, urging her to return to France. But +Mary de' Medici assured her husband that she had no intention of becoming +his assistant, using, to express her thought, the plainest and most +vigorous word that the Italian language could supply. Henry had then +recourse once more to the father and aunt. + +That venerable couple being about to wait upon the Archduke's envoy, in +compliance with the royal request, Pecquius, out of respect to their +advanced age, went to the Constable's residence. Here both the Duchess +and Constable, with tears in their eyes, besought that diplomatist to do +his utmost to prevent the Princess from the sad fate of any longer +sharing her husband's fortunes. + +The father protested that he would never have consented to her marriage, +preferring infinitely that she should have espoused any honest gentleman +with 2000 crowns a year than this first prince of the blood, with a +character such as it had proved to be; but that he had not dared to +disobey the King. + +He spoke of the indignities and cruelties to which she was subjected, +said that Rochefort, whom Conde had employed to assist him in their +flight from France, and on the crupper of whose horse the Princess had +performed the journey, was constantly guilty of acts of rudeness and +incivility towards her; that but a few days past he had fired off pistols +in her apartment where she was sitting alone with the Princess of Orange, +exclaiming that this was the way he would treat anyone who interfered +with the commands of his master, Conde; that the Prince was incessantly +railing at her for refusing to caress the Marquis of Spinola; and that, +in short, he would rather she were safe in the palace of the Archduchess +Isabella, even in the humblest position among her gentlewomen, than to +know her vagabondizing miserably about the world with her husband. + +This, he said, was the greatest fear he had, and he would rather see her +dead than condemned to such a fate. + +He trusted that the Archdukes were incapable of believing the stories +that he and the Duchess of Angouleme were influenced in the appeals they +made for the separation of the Prince and Princess by a desire to serve +the purposes of the King. Those were fables put about by Conde. All that +the Constable and his sister desired was that the Archduchess would +receive the Princess kindly when she should throw herself at her feet, +and not allow her to be torn away against her will. The Constable spoke +with great gravity and simplicity, and with all the signs of genuine +emotion, and Peter Pecquius was much moved. He assured the aged pair that +he would do his best to comply with their wishes, and should immediately +apprise the Archdukes of the interview which had just taken place. Most +certainly they were entirely disposed to gratify the Constable and the +Duchess as well as the Princess herself, whose virtues, qualities, and +graces had inspired them with affection, but it must be remembered that +the law both human and divine required wives to submit themselves to the +commands of their husbands and to be the companions of their good and +evil fortunes. Nevertheless, he hoped that the Lord would so conduct the +affairs of the Prince of Conde that the Most Christian King and the +Archdukes would all be satisfied. + +These pious and consolatory commonplaces on the part of Peter Pecquius +deeply affected the Constable. He fell upon the Envoy's neck, embraced +him repeatedly, and again wept plentifully. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + Strange Scene at the Archduke's Palace--Henry's Plot frustrated-- + His Triumph changed to Despair--Conversation of the Dutch Ambassador + with the King--The War determined upon. + +It was in the latter part of the Carnival, the Saturday night preceding +Shrove Tuesday, 1610. The winter had been a rigorous one in Brussels, and +the snow lay in drifts three feet deep in the streets. Within and about +the splendid palace of Nassau there was much commotion. Lights and +flambeaux were glancing, loud voices, martial music, discharge of pistols +and even of artillery were heard together with the trampling of many +feet, but there was nothing much resembling the wild revelry or cheerful +mummery of that holiday season. A throng of the great nobles of Belgium +with drawn swords and menacing aspect were assembled in the chief +apartments, a detachment of the Archduke's mounted body-guard was +stationed in the courtyard, and five hundred halberdiers of the burgher +guilds kept watch and ward about the palace. + +The Prince of Conde, a square-built, athletic young man of middle +stature, with regular features, but a sulky expression, deepened at this +moment into ferocity, was seen chasing the secretary of the French +resident minister out of the courtyard, thwacking him lustily about the +shoulders with his drawn sword, and threatening to kill him or any other +Frenchman on the spot, should he show himself in that palace. He was +heard shouting rather than speaking, in furious language against the +King, against Coeuvres, against Berny, and bitterly bewailing his +misfortunes, as if his wife were already in Paris instead of Brussels. + +Upstairs in her own apartment which she had kept for some days on pretext +of illness sat the Princess Margaret, in company' of Madame de Berny, +wife of the French minister, and of the Marquis de Coeuvres, Henry's +special envoy, and a few other Frenchmen. She was passionately fond of +dancing. The adoring cardinal described her as marvellously graceful and +perfect in that accomplishment. She had begged her other adorer, the +Marquis Spinola, "with sweetest words," that she might remain a few days +longer in the Nassau Palace before removing to the Archduke's residence, +and that the great general, according to the custom in France and +Flanders, would be the one to present her with the violins. But Spinola, +knowing the artifice concealed beneath these "sweetest words," had +summoned up valour enough to resist her blandishments, and had refused a +second entertainment. + +It was not, therefore, the disappointment at losing her ball that now +made the Princess sad. She and her companions saw that there had been a +catastrophe; a plot discovered. There was bitter disappointment and deep +dismay upon their faces. The plot had been an excellent one. De Coeuvres +had arranged it all, especially instigated thereto by the father of the +Princess acting in concurrence with the King. That night when all was +expected to be in accustomed quiet, the Princess, wrapped in her +mantilla, was to have stolen down into the garden, accompanied only by +her maid the adventurous and faithful Philipotte, to have gone through a +breach which led through a garden wall to the city ramparts, thence +across the foss to the counterscarp, where a number of horsemen under +trustworthy commanders were waiting. Mounting on the crupper behind one +of the officers of the escort, she was then to fly to the frontier, +relays of horses having been provided at every stage until she should +reach Rocroy, the first pausing place within French territory; a perilous +adventure for the young and delicate Princess in a winter of almost +unexampled severity. + +On the very morning of the day assigned for the adventure, despatches +brought by special couriers from the Nuncius and the Spanish ambassador +at Paris gave notice of the plot to the Archdukes and to Conde, although +up to that moment none knew of it in Brussels. Albert, having been +apprised that many Frenchmen had been arriving during the past few days, +and swarming about the hostelries of the city and suburbs, was at once +disposed to believe in the story. When Conde came to him, therefore, with +confirmation from his own letters, and demanding a detachment of the +body-guard in addition to the burgher militiamen already granted by the +magistrates, he made no difficulty granting the request. It was as if +there had been a threatened assault of the city, rather than the +attempted elopement of a young lady escorted by a handful of cavaliers. + +The courtyard of the Nassau Palace was filled with cavalry sent by the +Archduke, while five hundred burgher guards sent by the magistrates were +drawn up around the gate. The noise and uproar, gaining at every moment +more mysterious meaning by the darkness of night, soon spread through the +city. The whole population was awake, and swarming through the streets. +Such a tumult had not for years been witnessed in Brussels, and the +rumour flew about and was generally believed that the King of France at +the head of an army was at the gates of the city determined to carry off +the Princess by force. But although the superfluous and very scandalous +explosion might have been prevented, there could be no doubt that the +stratagem had been defeated. + +Nevertheless, the effrontery and ingenuity of de Coeuvres became now +sublime. Accompanied by his colleague, the resident minister, de Berny, +who was sure not to betray the secret because he had never known it--his +wife alone having been in the confidence of the Princess--he proceeded +straightway to the Archduke's palace, and, late in the night as it was, +insisted on an audience. + +Here putting on his boldest face when admitted to the presence, he +complained loudly of the plot, of which he had just become aware, +contrived by the Prince of Conde to carry off his wife to Spain against +her will, by main force, and by assistance of Flemish nobles, archiducal +body-guard, and burgher militia. + +It was all a plot of Conde, he said, to palliate still more his flight +from France. Every one knew that the Princess could not fly back to Paris +through the air. To take her out of a house filled with people, to pierce +or scale the walls of the city, to arrange her journey by ordinary means, +and to protect the whole route by stations of cavalry, reaching from +Brussels to the frontier, and to do all this in profound secrecy, was +equally impossible. Such a scheme had never been arranged nor even +imagined, he said. The true plotter was Conde, aided by ministers in +Flanders hostile to France, and as the honour of the King and the +reputation of the Princess had been injured by this scandal, the +Ambassador loudly demanded a thorough investigation of the affair in +order that vengeance might fall where it was due. + +The prudent Albert was equal to the occasion. Not wishing to state the +full knowledge which he possessed of de Coeuvres' agency and the King's +complicity in the scheme of abduction to France, he reasoned calmly with +the excited marquis, while his colleague looked and listened in dumb +amazement, having previously been more vociferous and infinitely more +sincere than his colleague in expressions of indignation. + +The Archduke said that he had not thought the plot imputed to the King +and his ambassador very probable. Nevertheless, the assertions of the +Prince had been so positive as to make it impossible to refuse the guards +requested by him. He trusted, however, that the truth would soon be +known, and that it would leave no stain on the Princess, nor give any +offence to the King. + +Surprised and indignant at the turn given to the adventure by the French +envoys, he nevertheless took care to conceal these sentiments, to abstain +from accusation, and calmly to inform them that the Princess next morning +would be established under his own roof; and enjoy the protection of the +Archduchess. + +For it had been arranged several days before that Margaret should leave +the palace of Nassau for that of Albert and Isabella on the 14th, and the +abduction had been fixed for the night of the 13th precisely because the +conspirators wished to profit by the confusion incident on a change of +domicile. + +The irrepressible de Coeuvres, even then hardly willing to give up the +whole stratagem as lost, was at least determined to discover how and by +whom the plot had been revealed. In a cemetery piled three feet deep with +snow on the evening following that mid-winter's night which had been +fixed for the Princess's flight, the unfortunate ambassador waited until +a certain Vallobre, a gentleman of Spinola's, who was the go-between of +the enamoured Genoese and the Princess, but whom de Coeuvres had gained +over, came at last to meet him by appointment. When he arrived, it was +only to inform him of the manner in which he had been baffled, to +convince him that the game was up, and that nothing was left him but to +retreat utterly foiled in his attempt, and to be stigmatized as a +blockhead by his enraged sovereign. + +Next day the Princess removed her residence to the palace of the +Archdukes, where she was treated with distinguished honour by Isabella, +and installed ceremoniously in the most stately, the most virtuous, and +the most dismal of courts. Her father and aunt professed themselves as +highly pleased with the result, and Pecquius wrote that "they were glad +to know her safe from the importunities of the old fop who seemed as mad +as if he had been stung by a tarantula." + +And how had the plot been revealed? Simply through the incorrigible +garrulity of the King himself. Apprised of the arrangement in all its +details by the Constable, who had first received the special couriers of +de Coeuvres, he could not keep the secret to himself for a moment, and +the person of all others in the world to whom he thought good to confide +it was the Queen herself. She received the information with a smile, but +straightway sent for the Nuncius Ubaldini, who at her desire instantly +despatched a special courier to Spinola with full particulars of the time +and mode of the proposed abduction. + +Nevertheless the ingenuous Henry, confiding in the capacity of his deeply +offended queen to keep the secret which he had himself divulged, could +scarcely contain himself for joy. + +Off he went to Saint-Germain with a train of coaches, impatient to get +the first news from de Coeuvres after the scheme should have been carried +into effect, and intending to travel post towards Flanders to meet and +welcome the Princess. + +"Pleasant farce for Shrove Tuesday," wrote the secretary of Pecquius, "is +that which the Frenchmen have been arranging down there! He in whose +favour the abduction is to be made was seen going out the same day +spangled and smart, contrary to his usual fashion, making a gambado +towards Saint-Germain-en-Laye with four carriages and four to meet the +nymph." + +Great was the King's wrath and mortification at this ridiculous exposure +of his detestable scheme. Vociferous were Villeroy's expressions of +Henry's indignation at being supposed to have had any knowledge of or +complicity in the affair. "His Majesty cannot approve of the means one +has taken to guard against a pretended plot for carrying off the +Princess," said the Secretary of State; "a fear which was simulated by +the Prince in order to defame the King." He added that there was no +reason to suspect the King, as he had never attempted anything of the +sort in his life, and that the Archduke might have removed the Princess +to his palace without sending an army to the hotel of the Prince of +Orange, and causing such an alarm in the city, firing artillery on the +rampart as if the town had been full of Frenchmen in arms, whereas one +was ashamed next morning to find that there had been but fifteen in all. +"But it was all Marquis Spinola's fault," he said, "who wished to show +himself off as a warrior." + +The King, having thus through the mouth of his secretary of state warmly +protested against his supposed implication in the attempted abduction, +began as furiously to rail at de Coeuvres for its failure; telling the +Duc de Vendome that his uncle was an idiot, and writing that unlucky +envoy most abusive letters for blundering in the scheme which had been so +well concerted between them. Then he sent for Malherbe, who straightway +perpetrated more poems to express the King's despair, in which Henry was +made to liken himself to a skeleton with a dried skin, and likewise to a +violet turned up by the ploughshare and left to wither. + +He kept up through Madame de Berny a correspondence with "his beautiful +angel," as he called the Princess, whom he chose to consider a prisoner +and a victim; while she, wearied to death with the frigid monotony and +sepulchral gaieties of the archiducal court, which she openly called her +"dungeon" diverted herself with the freaks and fantasies of her royal +adorer, called him in very ill-spelled letters "her chevalier, her heart, +her all the world," and frequently wrote to beg him, at the suggestion of +the intriguing Chateau Vert, to devise some means of rescuing her from +prison. + +The Constable and Duchess meanwhile affected to be sufficiently satisfied +with the state of things. Conde, however, received a letter from the +King, formally summoning him to return to France, and, in case of +refusal, declaring him guilty of high-treason for leaving the kingdom +without the leave and against the express commands of the King. To this +letter, brought to him by de Coeuvres, the Prince replied by a paper, +drawn up and served by a notary of Brussels, to the effect that he had +left France to save his life and honour; that he was ready to return when +guarantees were given him for the security of both. He would live and +die, he said, faithful to the King. But when the King, departing from the +paths of justice, proceeded through those of violence against him, he +maintained that every such act against his person was null and invalid. +Henry had even the incredible meanness and folly to request the Queen to +write to the Archdukes, begging that the Princess might be restored to +assist at her coronation. Mary de' Medici vigorously replied once more +that, although obliged to wink at the King's amours, she declined to be +his procuress. Conde then went off to Milan very soon after the scene at +the Nassau Palace and the removal of the Princess to the care of the +Archdukes. He was very angry with his wife, from whom he expressed a +determination to be divorced, and furious with the King, the validity of +whose second marriage and the legitimacy of whose children he proposed +with Spanish help to dispute. + +The Constable was in favour of the divorce, or pretended to be so, and +caused importunate letters to be written, which he signed, to both Albert +and Isabella, begging that his daughter might be restored to him to be +the staff of his old age, and likewise to be present at the Queen's +coronation. The Archdukes, however, resolutely refused to permit her to +leave their protection without Conde's consent, or until after a divorce +had been effected, notwithstanding that the father and aunt demanded it. +The Constable and Duchess however, acquiesced in the decision, and +expressed immense gratitude to Isabella. + +"The father and aunt have been talking to Pecquius," said Henry very +dismally; "but they give me much pain. They are even colder than the +season, but my fire thaws them as soon as I approach." + +"P. S.--I am so pining away in my anguish that I am nothing but skin and +bones. Nothing gives me pleasure. I fly from company, and if in order to +comply with the law of nations I go into some assembly or other, instead +of enlivening, it nearly kills me."--[Lettres missives de Henri vii. +834]. + +And the King took to his bed. Whether from gout, fever, or the pangs of +disappointed love, he became seriously ill. Furious with every one, with +Conde, the Constable, de Coeuvres, the Queen, Spinola, with the Prince of +Orange, whose councillor Keeremans had been encouraging Conde in his +rebellion and in going to Spain with Spinola, he was now resolved that +the war should go on. Aerssens, cautious of saying too much on paper of +this very delicate affair, always intimated to Barneveld that, if the +Princess could be restored, peace was still possible, and that by moving +an inch ahead of the King in the Cleve matter the States at the last +moment might be left in the lurch. He distinctly told the Advocate, on +his expressing a hope that Henry might consent to the Prince's residence +in some neutral place until a reconciliation could be effected, that the +pinch of the matter was not there, and that van der Myle, who knew all +about it, could easily explain it. + +Alluding to the project of reviving the process against the Dowager, and +of divorcing the Prince and Princess, he said these steps would do much +harm, as they would too much justify the true cause of the retreat of the +Prince, who was not believed when he merely talked of his right of +primogeniture: "The matter weighs upon us very heavily," he said, "but +the trouble is that we don't search for the true remedies. The matter is +so delicate that I don't dare to discuss it to the very bottom." + +The Ambassador had a long interview with the King as he lay in his bed +feverish and excited. He was more impatient than ever for the arrival of +the States' special embassy, reluctantly acquiesced in the reasons +assigned for the delay, but trusted that it would arrive soon with +Barneveld at the head, and with Count Lewis William as a member for "the +sword part of it." + +He railed at the Prince of Orange, not believing that Keeremans would +have dared to do what he had done but with the orders of his master. He +said that the King of Spain would supply Conde with money and with +everything he wanted, knowing that he could make use of him to trouble +his kingdom. It was strange, he thought, that Philip should venture to +these extremities with his affairs in such condition, and when he had so +much need of repose. He recalled all his ancient grievances against +Spain, his rights to the Kingdom of Navarre and the County of St. Pol +violated; the conspiracy of Biron, the intrigues of Bouillon, the plots +of the Count of Auvergne and the Marchioness of Verneuil, the treason of +Meragne, the corruption of L'Hoste, and an infinity of other plots of the +King and his ministers; of deep injuries to him and to the public repose, +not to be tolerated by a mighty king like himself, with a grey beard. He +would be revenged, he said, for this last blow, and so for all the rest. +He would not leave a troublesome war on the hands of his young son. The +occasion was favourable. It was just to defend the oppressed princes with +the promptly accorded assistance of the States-General. The King of Great +Britain was favourable. The Duke of Savoy was pledged. It was better to +begin the war in his green old age than to wait the pleasure and +opportunity of the King of Spain. + +All this he said while racked with fever, and dismissed the Envoy at +last, after a long interview, with these words: "Mr. Ambassador--I have +always spoken roundly and frankly to you, and you will one day be my +witness that I have done all that I could to draw the Prince out of the +plight into which he has put himself. But he is struggling for the +succession to this crown under instructions from the Spaniards, to whom +he has entirely pledged himself. He has already received 6000 crowns for +his equipment. I know that you and my other friends will work for the +conservation of this monarchy, and will never abandon me in my designs to +weaken the power of Spain. Pray God for my health." + +The King kept his bed a few days afterwards, but soon recovered. Villeroy +sent word to Barneveld in answer to his suggestions of reconciliation +that it was too late, that Conde was entirely desperate and Spanish. The +crown of France was at stake, he said, and the Prince was promising +himself miracles and mountains with the aid of Spain, loudly declaring +the marriage of Mary de' Medici illegal, and himself heir to the throne. +The Secretary of State professed himself as impatient as his master for +the arrival of the embassy; the States being the best friends France ever +had and the only allies to make the war succeed. + +Jeannin, who was now never called to the council, said that the war was +not for Germany but for Conde, and that Henry could carry it on for eight +years. He too was most anxious for Barneveld's arrival, and was of his +opinion that it would have been better for Conde to be persuaded to +remain at Breda and be supported by his brother-in-law, the Prince of +Orange. The impetuosity of the King had however swept everything before +it, and Conde had been driven to declare himself Spanish and a pretender +to the crown. There was no issue now but war. + +Boderie, the King's envoy in Great Britain, wrote that James would be +willing to make a defensive league for the affairs of Cleve and Julich +only, which was the slenderest amount of assistance; but Henry always +suspected Master Jacques of intentions to baulk him if possible and +traverse his designs. But the die was cast. Spinola had carried off Conde +in triumph; the Princess was pining in her gilt cage in Brussels, and +demanding a divorce for desertion and cruel treatment; the King +considered himself as having done as much as honour allowed him to effect +a reconciliation, and it was obvious that, as the States' ambassador +said, he could no longer retire from the war without shame, which would +be the greatest danger of all. + +"The tragedy is ready to begin," said Aerssens. "They are only waiting +now for the arrival of our ambassadors." + +On the 9th March the King before going to Fontainebleau for a few days +summoned that envoy to the Louvre. Impatient at a slight delay in his +arrival, Henry came down into the courtyard as he was arriving and asked +eagerly if Barneveld was coming to Paris. Aerssens replied, that the +Advocate had been hastening as much as possible the departure of the +special embassy, but that the condition of affairs at home was such as +not to permit him to leave the country at that moment. Van der Myle, who +would be one of the ambassadors, would more fully explain this by word of +mouth. + +The King manifested infinite annoyance and disappointment that Barneveld +was not to make part of the embassy. "He says that he reposes such +singular confidence in your authority in the state, experience in +affairs, and affection for himself," wrote Aerssens, "that he might treat +with you in detail and with open heart of all his designs. He fears now +that the ambassadors will be limited in their powers and instructions, +and unable to reply at once on the articles which at different times have +been proposed to me for our enterprise. Thus much valuable time will be +wasted in sending backwards and forwards." + +The King also expressed great anxiety to consult with Count Lewis William +in regard to military details, but his chief sorrow was in regard to the +Advocate. "He acquiesced only with deep displeasure and regret in your +reasons," said the Ambassador, "and says that he can hope for nothing +firm now that you refuse to come." + +Villeroy intimated that Barneveld did not come for fear of exciting the +jealousy of the English. + + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + He who spreads the snare always tumbles into the ditch himself + Most detestable verses that even he had ever composed + She declined to be his procuress + + + + +CHAPTER IV. 1610 + + Difficult Position of Barneveld--Insurrection at Utrecht subdued by + the States' Army--Special Embassies to England and France--Anger of + the King with Spain and the Archdukes--Arrangements of Henry for the + coming War--Position of Spain--Anxiety of the King for the Presence + of Barneveld in Paris--Arrival of the Dutch Commissioners in France + and their brilliant Reception--Their Interview with the King and his + Ministers--Negotiations--Delicate Position of the Dutch Government-- + India Trade--Simon Danzer, the Corsair--Conversations of Henry with + the Dutch Commissioners--Letter of the King to Archduke Albert-- + Preparations for the Queen's Coronation, and of Henry to open the + Campaign in person--Perplexities of Henry--Forebodings and Warnings + --The Murder accomplished--Terrible Change in France--Triumph of + Concini and of Spain--Downfall of Sully--Disputes of the Grandees + among themselves--Special Mission of Condelence from the Republic-- + Conference on the great Enterprise--Departure of van der Myle from + Paris. + +There were reasons enough why the Advocate could not go to Paris at this +juncture. It was absurd in Henry to suppose it possible. Everything +rested on Barneveld's shoulders. During the year which had just passed he +had drawn almost every paper, every instruction in regard to the peace +negotiations, with his own hand, had assisted at every conference, guided +and mastered the whole course of a most difficult and intricate +negotiation, in which he had not only been obliged to make allowance for +the humbled pride and baffled ambition of the ancient foe of the +Netherlands, but to steer clear of the innumerable jealousies, +susceptibilities, cavillings, and insolences of their patronizing +friends. + +It was his brain that worked, his tongue that spoke, his restless pen +that never paused. His was not one of those easy posts, not unknown in +the modern administration of great affairs, where the subordinate +furnishes the intellect, the industry, the experience, while the bland +superior, gratifying the world with his sign-manual, appropriates the +applause. So long as he lived and worked, the States-General and the +States of Holland were like a cunningly contrived machine, which seemed +to be alive because one invisible but mighty mind vitalized the whole. + +And there had been enough to do. It was not until midsummer of 1609 that +the ratifications of the Treaty of Truce, one of the great triumphs in +the history of diplomacy, had been exchanged, and scarcely had this +period been put to the eternal clang of arms when the death of a lunatic +threw the world once more into confusion. It was obvious to Barneveld +that the issue of the Cleve-Julich affair, and of the tremendous +religious fermentation in Bohemia, Moravia, and Austria, must sooner or +later lead to an immense war. It was inevitable that it would devolve +upon the States to sustain their great though vacillating, their generous +though encroaching, their sincere though most irritating, ally. And yet, +thoroughly as Barneveld had mastered all the complications and +perplexities of the religious and political question, carefully as he had +calculated the value of the opposing forces which were shaking +Christendom, deeply as he had studied the characters of Matthias and +Rudolph, of Charles of Denmark and Ferdinand of Graz, of Anhalt and +Maximilian, of Brandenburg and Neuburg, of James and Philip, of Paul V. +and Charles Emmanuel, of Sully and Yilleroy, of Salisbury and Bacon, of +Lerma and Infantado; adroitly as he could measure, weigh, and analyse all +these elements in the great problem which was forcing itself on the +attention of Europe--there was one factor with which it was difficult for +this austere republican, this cold, unsusceptible statesman, to deal: the +intense and imperious passion of a greybeard for a woman of sixteen. + +For out of the cauldron where the miscellaneous elements of universal war +were bubbling rose perpetually the fantastic image of Margaret +Montmorency: the fatal beauty at whose caprice the heroic sword of Ivry +and Cahors was now uplifted and now sheathed. + +Aerssens was baffled, and reported the humours of the court where he +resided as changing from hour to hour. To the last he reported that all +the mighty preparations then nearly completed "might evaporate in smoke" +if the Princess of Conde should come back. Every ambassador in Paris was +baffled. Peter Pecquius was as much in the dark as Don Inigo de Cardenas, +as Ubaldini or Edmonds. No one save Sully, Aerssens, Barneveld, and the +King knew the extensive arrangements and profound combinations which had +been made for the war. Yet not Sully, Aerssens, Barneveld, or the King, +knew whether or not the war would really be made. + +Barneveld had to deal with this perplexing question day by day. His +correspondence with his ambassador at Henry's court was enormous, and we +have seen that the Ambassador was with the King almost daily; sleeping or +waking; at dinner or the chase; in the cabinet or the courtyard. + +But the Advocate was also obliged to carry in his arms, as it were, the +brood of snarling, bickering, cross-grained German princes, to supply +them with money, with arms, with counsel, with brains; to keep them awake +when they went to sleep, to steady them in their track, to teach them to +go alone. He had the congress at Hall in Suabia to supervise and direct; +he had to see that the ambassadors of the new republic, upon which they +in reality were already half dependent and chafing at their dependence, +were treated with the consideration due to the proud position which the +Commonwealth had gained. Questions of etiquette were at that moment +questions of vitality. He instructed his ambassadors to leave the +congress on the spot if they were ranked after the envoys of princes who +were only feudatories of the Emperor. The Dutch ambassadors, "recognising +and relying upon no superiors but God and their sword," placed themselves +according to seniority with the representatives of proudest kings. + +He had to extemporize a system of free international communication with +all the powers of the earth--with the Turk at Constantinople, with the +Czar of Muscovy; with the potentates of the Baltic, with both the Indies. +The routine of a long established and well organized foreign office in a +time-honoured state running in grooves; with well-balanced springs and +well oiled wheels, may be a luxury of civilization; but it was a more +arduous task to transact the greatest affairs of a state springing +suddenly into recognized existence and mainly dependent for its primary +construction and practical working on the hand of one man. + +Worse than all, he had to deal on the most dangerous and delicate topics +of state with a prince who trembled at danger and was incapable of +delicacy; to show respect for a character that was despicable, to lean on +a royal word falser than water, to inhale almost daily the effluvia from +a court compared to which the harem of Henry was a temple of vestals. The +spectacle of the slobbering James among his Kars and Hays and Villiers's +and other minions is one at which history covers her eyes and is dumb; +but the republican envoys, with instructions from a Barneveld, were +obliged to face him daily, concealing their disgust, and bowing +reverentially before him as one of the arbiters of their destinies and +the Solomon of his epoch. + +A special embassy was sent early in the year to England to convey the +solemn thanks of the Republic to the King for his assistance in the truce +negotiations, and to treat of the important matters then pressing on the +attention of both powers. Contemporaneously was to be despatched the +embassy for which Henry was waiting so impatiently at Paris. + +Certainly the Advocate had enough with this and other, important business +already mentioned to detain him at his post. Moreover the first year of +peace had opened disastrously in the Netherlands. Tremendous tempests +such as had rarely been recorded even in that land of storms had raged +all the winter. The waters everywhere had burst their dykes and +inundations, which threatened to engulph the whole country, and which had +caused enormous loss of property and even of life, were alarming the most +courageous. It was difficult in many district to collect the taxes for +the every-day expenses of the community, and yet the Advocate knew that +the Republic would soon be forced to renew the war on a prodigious scale. + +Still more to embarrass the action of the government and perplex its +statesmen, an alarming and dangerous insurrection broke out in Utrecht. + +In that ancient seat of the hard-fighting, imperious, and opulent +sovereign archbishops of the ancient church an important portion of the +population had remained Catholic. Another portion complained of the +abolition of various privileges which they had formerly enjoyed; among +others that of a monopoly of beer-brewing for the province. All the +population, as is the case with all populations in all countries and all +epochs, complained of excessive taxation. + +A clever politician, Dirk Kanter by name, a gentleman by birth, a scholar +and philosopher by pursuit and education, and a demagogue by profession, +saw an opportunity of taking an advantage of this state of things. More +than twenty years before he had been burgomaster of the city, and had +much enjoyed himself in that position. He was tired of the learned +leisure to which the ingratitude of his fellow-citizens had condemned +him. He seems to have been of easy virtue in the matter of religion, a +Catholic, an Arminian, an ultra orthodox Contra-Remonstrant by turns. He +now persuaded a number of determined partisans that the time had come for +securing a church for the public worship of the ancient faith, and at the +same time for restoring the beer brewery, reducing the taxes, recovering +lost privileges, and many other good things. Beneath the whole scheme lay +a deep design to effect the secession of the city and with it of the +opulent and important province of Utrecht from the Union. Kanter had been +heard openly to avow that after all the Netherlands had flourished under +the benign sway of the House of Burgundy, and that the time would soon +come for returning to that enviable condition. + +By a concerted assault the city hall was taken possession of by main +force, the magistracy was overpowered, and a new board of senators and +common council-men appointed, Kanter and a devoted friend of his, +Heldingen by name, being elected burgomasters. + +The States-Provincial of Utrecht, alarmed at these proceedings in the +city, appealed for protection against violence to the States-General +under the 3rd Article of the Union, the fundamental pact which bore the +name of Utrecht itself. Prince Maurice proceeded to the city at the head +of a detachment of troops to quell the tumults. Kanter and his friends +were plausible enough to persuade him of the legality and propriety of +the revolution which they had effected, and to procure his formal +confirmation of the new magistracy. Intending to turn his military genius +and the splendour of his name to account, they contrived to keep him for +a time at least in an amiable enthralment, and induced him to contemplate +in their interest the possibility of renouncing the oath which subjected +him to the authority of the States of Utrecht. But the far-seeing eye of +Barneveld could not be blind to the danger which at this crisis beset the +Stadholder and the whole republic. The Prince was induced to return to +the Hague, but the city continued by armed revolt to maintain the new +magistracy. They proceeded to reduce the taxes, and in other respects to +carry out the measures on the promise of which they had come into power. +Especially the Catholic party sustained Kanter and his friends, and +promised themselves from him and from his influence over Prince Maurice +to obtain a power of which they had long been deprived. + +The States-General now held an assembly at Woerden, and summoned the +malcontents of Utrecht to bring before that body a statement of their +grievances. This was done, but there was no satisfactory arrangement +possible, and the deputation returned to Utrecht, the States-General to +the Hague. The States-Provincial of Utrecht urged more strongly than ever +upon the assembly of the Union to save the city from the hands of a +reckless and revolutionary government. The States-General resolved +accordingly to interfere by force. A considerable body of troops was +ordered to march at once upon Utrecht and besiege the city. Maurice, in +his capacity of captain-general and stadholder of the province, was +summoned to take charge of the army. He was indisposed to do so, and +pleaded sickness. The States, determined that the name of Nassau should +not be used as an encouragement to disobedience, and rebellion, then +directed the brother of Maurice, Frederic Henry, youngest son of William +the Silent, to assume the command. Maurice insisted that his brother was +too young, and that it was unjust to allow so grave a responsibility to +fall upon his shoulders. The States, not particularly pleased with the +Prince's attitude at this alarming juncture, and made anxious by the +glamour which seemed to possess him since his conferences with the +revolutionary party at Utrecht, determined not to yield. + +The army marched forth and laid siege to the city, Prince Frederic Henry +at its head. He was sternly instructed by the States-General, under whose +orders he acted, to take possession of the city at all hazards. He was to +insist on placing there a garrison of 2000 foot and 300 horse, and to +permit not another armed man within the walls. The members of the council +of state and of the States of Utrecht accompanied the army. For a moment +the party in power was disposed to resist the forces of the Union. Dick +Kanter and his friends were resolute enough; the Catholic priests turned +out among the rest with their spades and worked on the entrenchments. The +impossibility of holding the city against the overwhelming power of the +States was soon obvious, and the next day the gates were opened, and easy +terms were granted. The new magistracy was set aside, the old board that +had been deposed by the rebels reinstated. The revolution and the +counterrevolution were alike bloodless, and it was determined that the +various grievances of which the discontented party had complained should +be referred to the States-General, to Prince Maurice, to the council of +state, and to the ambassadors of France and England. Amnesty was likewise +decreed on submission. + +The restored government was Arminian in its inclinations, the +revolutionary one was singularly compounded both of Catholic and of +ultra-orthodox elements. Quiet was on the whole restored, but the +resources of the city were crippled. The event occurring exactly at the +crisis of the Clove and Julich expedition angered the King of France. + +"The trouble of Utrecht," wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, "has been turned +to account here marvellously, the Archdukes and Spaniards boasting that +many more revolts like this may be at once expected. I have explained to +his Majesty, who has been very much alarmed about it, both its source and +the hopes that it will be appeased by the prudence of his Excellency +Prince Maurice and the deputies of the States. The King desires that +everything should be pacified as soon as possible, so that there may be +no embarrassment to the course of public affairs. But he fears, he tells +me, that this may create some new jealousy between Prince Maurice and +yourself. I don't comprehend what he means, although he held this +language to me very expressly and without reserve. I could only answer +that you were living on the best of terms together in perfect amity and +intelligence. If you know if this talk of his has any other root, please +to enlighten me, that I may put a stop to false reports, for I know +nothing of affairs except what you tell me." + +King James, on the other hand, thoroughly approved the promptness of the +States-General in suppressing the tumult. + +Nothing very serious of alike nature occurred in Utrecht until the end of +the year, when a determined and secret conspiracy was discovered, having +for its object to overpower the garrison and get bodily possession of +Colonel John Ogle, the military commander of the town. At the bottom of +the movement were the indefatigable Dirk Kanter and his friend Heldingen. +The attempt was easily suppressed, and the two were banished from the +town. Kanter died subsequently in North Holland, in the odour of +ultra-orthodoxy. Four of the conspirators--a post-master, two shoemakers, +and a sexton, who had bound themselves by oath to take the lives of two +eminent Arminian preachers, besides other desperate deeds--were condemned +to death, but pardoned on the scaffold. Thus ended the first revolution +at Utrecht. + +Its effect did not cease, however, with the tumults which were its +original manifestations. This earliest insurrection in organized shape +against the central authority of the States-General; this violent though +abortive effort to dissolve the Union and to nullify its laws; this +painful necessity for the first time imposed upon the federal government +to take up arms against misguided citizens of the Republic, in order to +save itself from disintegration and national death, were destined to be +followed by far graver convulsions on the self-same spot. Religious +differences and religious hatreds were to mingle their poison with +antagonistic political theories and personal ambitions, and to develop on +a wide scale the danger ever lurking in a constitution whose fundamental +law was unstable, ill defined, and liable to contradictory +interpretations. For the present it need only be noticed that the +States-General, guided by Barneveld, most vigorously suppressed the local +revolt and the incipient secession, while Prince Maurice, the right arm +of the executive, the stadholder of the province, and the representative +of the military power of the Commonwealth, was languid in the exertion of +that power, inclined to listen to the specious arguments of the Utrecht +rebels, and accused at least of tampering with the fell spirit which the +Advocate was resolute to destroy. Yet there was no suspicion of treason, +no taint of rebellion, no accusation of unpatriotic motives uttered +against the Stadholder. + +There was a doubt as to the true maxims by which the Confederacy was to +be governed, and at this moment, certainly, the Prince and the Advocate +represented opposite ideas. There was a possibility, at a future day, +when the religious and political parties might develop themselves on a +wider scale and the struggles grow fiercer, that the two great champions +in the conflict might exchange swords and inflict mutual and poisoned +wounds. At present the party of the Union had triumphed, with Barneveld +at its head. At a later but not far distant day, similar scenes might be +enacted in the ancient city of Utrecht, but with a strange difference and +change in the cast of parts and with far more tragical results. + +For the moment the moderate party in the Church, those more inclined to +Arminianism and the supremacy of the civil authority in religious +matters, had asserted their ascendency in the States-General, and had +prevented the threatened rupture. + +Meantime it was doubly necessary to hasten the special embassies to +France and to England, in both which countries much anxiety as to the +political health and strength of the new republic had been excited by +these troubles in Utrecht. It was important for the States-General to +show that they were not crippled, and would not shrink from the coming +conflict, but would justify the reliance placed on them by their allies. + +Thus there were reasons enough why Barneveld could not himself leave the +country in the eventful spring of 1610. It must be admitted, however, +that he was not backward in placing his nearest relatives in places of +honour, trust, and profit. + +His eldest son Reinier, Seignior of Groeneveld, had been knighted by +Henry IV.; his youngest, William, afterwards called Seignior of +Stoutenburg, but at this moment bearing the not very mellifluous title of +Craimgepolder, was a gentleman-in-waiting at that king's court, with a +salary of 3000 crowns a year. He was rather a favourite with the +easy-going monarch, but he gave infinite trouble to the Dutch ambassador +Aerssens, who, feeling himself under immense obligations to the Advocate +and professing for him boundless gratitude, did his best to keep the +idle, turbulent, extravagant, and pleasure-loving youth up to the strict +line of his duties. + +"Your son is in debt again," wrote Aerssens, on one occasion, "and +troubled for money. He is in danger of going to the usurers. He says he +cannot keep himself for less than 200 crowns a month. This is a large +allowance, but he has spent much more than that. His life is not +irregular nor his dress remarkably extravagant. His difficulty is that he +will not dine regularly with me nor at court. He will keep his own table +and have company to dinner. That is what is ruining him. He comes +sometimes to me, not for the dinner nor the company, but for tennis, +which he finds better in my faubourg than in town. His trouble comes from +the table, and I tell you frankly that you must regulate his expenses or +they will become very onerous to you. I am ashamed of them and have told +him so a hundred times, more than if he had been my own brother. It is +all for love of you . . . . I have been all to him that could be expected +of a man who is under such vast obligations to you; and I so much esteem +the honour of your friendship that I should always neglect my private +affairs in order to do everything for your service and meet your desires +. . . . . If M. de Craimgepolder comes back from his visit home, you must +restrict him in two things, the table and tennis, and you can do this if +you require him to follow the King assiduously as his service requires." + +Something at a future day was to be heard of William of Barneveld, as +well as of his elder brother Reinier, and it is good, therefore, to have +these occasional glimpses of him while in the service of the King and +under the supervision of one who was then his father's devoted friend, +Francis Aerssens. There were to be extraordinary and tragical changes in +the relations of parties and of individuals ere many years should go by. + +Besides the sons of the Advocate, his two sons-in-law, Brederode, +Seignior of Veenhuizep, and Cornelis van der Myle, were constantly +employed? in important embassies. Van der Myle had been the first +ambassador to the great Venetian republic, and was now placed at the head +of the embassy to France, an office which it was impossible at that +moment for the Advocate to discharge. At the same critical moment +Barneveld's brother Elias, Pensionary of Rotterdam, was appointed one of +the special high commissioners to the King of Great Britain. + +It is necessary to give an account of this embassy. + +They were provided with luminous and minute instructions from the hand of +the Advocate. + +They were, in the first place, and ostensibly, to thank the King for his +services in bringing about the truce, which, truly, had been of the +slightest, as was very well known. They were to explain, on the part of +the States, their delay in sending this solemn commission, caused by the +tardiness of the King of Spain in sending his ratification to the treaty, +and by the many disputations caused by the irresolutions of the Archdukes +and the obstinacy of their commissioners in regard to their many +contraventions of the treaty. After those commissioners had gone, further +hindrances had been found in the "extraordinary tempests, high floods, +rising of the waters, both of the ocean and the rivers, and the very +disastrous inundations throughout nearly all the United Provinces, with +the immense and exorbitant damage thus inflicted, both on the public and +on many individuals; in addition to all which were to be mentioned the +troubles in the city of Utrecht." + +They were, in almost hyperbolical language, directed to express the +eternal gratitude of the States for the constant favours received by them +from the crown of England, and their readiness to stand forth at any +moment with sincere affection and to the utmost of their power, at all +times and seasons, in resistance of any attempts against his Majesty's +person or crown, or against the Prince of Wales or the royal family. They +were to thank him for his "prudent, heroic, and courageous resolve to +suffer nothing to be done under colour of justice, authority, or any +other pretext, to the hindrance of the Elector of Brandenburg and +Palatine of Neuburg, in the maintenance of their lawful rights and +possession of the principalities of Julich, Cleve, and Berg, and other +provinces." + +By this course his Majesty, so the commissioners were to state, would put +an end to the imaginations of those who thought they could give the law +to everybody according to their pleasure. + +They were to assure the King that the States-General would exert +themselves to the utmost to second his heroic resolution, notwithstanding +the enormous burthens of their everlasting war, the very exorbitant +damage caused by the inundations, and the sensible diminution in the +contributions and other embarrassments then existing in the country. + +They were to offer 2000 foot and 500 horse for the general purpose under +Prince Henry of Nassau, besides the succours furnished by the King of +France and the electors and princes of Germany. Further assistance in +men, artillery, and supplies were promised under certain contingencies, +and the plan of the campaign on the Meuse in conjunction with the King of +France was duly mapped. + +They were to request a corresponding promise of men and money from the +King of Great Britain, and they were to propose for his approval a closer +convention for mutual assistance between his Majesty, the United +Netherlands, the King of France, the electors and princes and other +powers of Germany; as such close union would be very beneficial to all +Christendom. It would put a stop to all unjust occupations, attempts, and +intrigues, and if the King was thereto inclined, he was requested to +indicate time and place for making such a convention. + +The commissioners were further to point out the various contraventions on +the part of the Archdukes of the Treaty of Truce, and were to give an +exposition of the manner in which the States-General had quelled the +tumults at Utrecht, and reasons why such a course had of necessity been +adopted. + +They were instructed to state that, "over and above the great expenses of +the late war and the necessary maintenance of military forces to protect +their frontiers against their suspected new friends or old enemies, the +Provinces were burthened with the cost of the succour to the Elector of +Brandenburg and Palatine of Neuburg, and would be therefore incapable of +furnishing the payments coming due to his Majesty. They were accordingly +to sound his Majesty as to whether a good part of the debt might not be +remitted or at least an arrangement made by which the terms should begin +to run only after a certain number of years." + +They were also directed to open the subject of the fisheries on the +coasts of Great Britain, and to remonstrate against the order lately +published by the King forbidding all foreigners from fishing on those +coasts. This was to be set forth as an infringement both of natural law +and of ancient treaties, and as a source of infinite danger to the +inhabitants of the United Provinces. + +The Seignior of Warmond, chief of the commission, died on the 15th April. +His colleagues met at Brielle on the 16th, ready to take passage to +England in the ship of war, the Hound. They were, however, detained there +six days by head winds and great storms, and it was not until the 22nd +that they were able to put to sea. The following evening their ship cast +anchor in Gravesend. Half an hour before, the Duke of Wurtemberg had +arrived from Flushing in a ship of war brought from France by the Prince +of Anhalt. + +Sir Lewis Lewkener, master of ceremonies, had been waiting for the +ambassadors at Gravesend, and informed them that the royal barges were to +come next morning from London to take them to town. They remained that +night on board the Hound, and next morning, the wind blowing up the +river, they proceeded in their ship as far as Blackwall, where they were +formally received and bade welcome in the name of the King by Sir Thomas +Cornwallis and Sir George Carew, late ambassador in France. Escorted by +them and Sir Lewis, they were brought in the court barges to Tower Wharf. +Here the royal coaches were waiting, in which they were taken to lodgings +provided for them in the city at the house of a Dutch merchant. Noel de +Caron, Seignior of Schonewal, resident ambassador of the States in +London, was likewise there to greet them. This was Saturday night: On the +following Tuesday they went by appointment to the Palace of Whitehall in +royal carriages for their first audience. Manifestations of as entire +respect and courtesy had thus been made to the Republican envoys as could +be shown to the ambassadors of the greatest sovereigns. They found the +King seated on his throne in the audience chamber, accompanied by the +Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Lord High Treasurer and Lord High +Admiral, the Duke of Lenox, the Earls of Arundel and Northampton, and +many other great nobles and dignitaries. James rose from his seat, took +off his hat, and advanced several paces to meet the ambassadors, and bade +them courteously and respectfully welcome. He then expressed his regret +at the death of the Seignior of Warmond, and after the exchange of a few +commonplaces listened, still with uncovered head, to the opening address. + +The spokesman, after thanking the King for his condolences on the death +of the chief commissioner, whom, as was stated with whimsical simplicity, +"the good God had called to Himself after all his luggage had been put on +board ship," proceeded in the French language to give a somewhat +abbreviated paraphrase of Barneveld's instructions. + +When this was done and intimation made that they would confer more fully +with his Majesty's council on the subjects committed to their charge, the +ambassadors were conducted home with the same ceremonies as had +accompanied their arrival. They received the same day the first visit +from the ambassadors of France and Venice, Boderie and Carrero, and had a +long conference a few days afterwards with the High Treasurer, Lord +Salisbury. + +On the 3rd May they were invited to attend the pompous celebration of the +festival of St. George in the palace at Westminster, where they were +placed together with the French ambassador in the King's oratorium; the +Dukes of Wurtemberg and Brunswick being in that of the Queen. + +These details are especially to be noted, and were at the moment of +considerable importance, for this was the first solemn and extraordinary +embassy sent by the rebel Netherlanders, since their independent national +existence had been formally vindicated, to Great Britain, a power which a +quarter of a century before had refused the proffered sovereignty over +them. Placed now on exactly the same level with the representatives of +emperors and kings, the Republican envoys found themselves looked upon by +the world with different eyes from those which had regarded their +predecessors askance, and almost with derision, only seven years before. +At that epoch the States' commissioners, Barneveld himself at the head of +them, had gone solemnly to congratulate King James on his accession, had +scarcely been admitted to audience by king or minister, and had found +themselves on great festivals unsprinkled with the holy water of the +court, and of no more account than the crowd of citizens and spectators +who thronged the streets, gazing with awe at the distant radiance of the +throne. + +But although the ambassadors were treated with every external +consideration befitting their official rank, they were not likely to find +themselves in the most genial atmosphere when they should come to +business details. If there was one thing in the world that James did not +intend to do, it was to get himself entangled in war with Spain, the +power of all others which he most revered and loved. His "heroic and +courageous resolve" to defend the princes, on which the commissioners by +instructions of the Advocate had so highly complimented him, was not +strong enough to carry him much beyond a vigorous phraseology. He had not +awoke from the delusive dream of the Spanish marriage which had +dexterously been made to flit before him, and he was not inclined, for +the sake of the Republic which he hated the more because obliged to be +one of its sponsors, to risk the animosity of a great power which +entertained the most profound contempt for him. He was destined to find +himself involved more closely than he liked, and through family ties, +with the great Protestant movement in Germany, and the unfortunate +"Winter King" might one day find his father-in-law as unstable a reed to +lean upon as the States had found their godfather, or the Brandenburgs +and Neuburgs at the present juncture their great ally. Meantime, as the +Bohemian troubles had not yet reached the period of actual explosion, and +as Henry's wide-reaching plan against the House of Austria had been +strangely enough kept an inviolable secret by the few statesmen, like +Sully and Barneveld, to whom they had been confided, it was necessary for +the King and his ministers to deal cautiously and plausibly with the +Dutch ambassadors. Their conferences were mere dancing among eggs, and if +no actual mischief were done, it was the best result that could be +expected. + +On the 8th of May, the commissioners met in the council chamber at +Westminster, and discussed all the matters contained in their +instructions with the members of the council; the Lord Treasurer +Salisbury, Earl of Northampton, Privy Seal and Warden of the Cinque +Ports, Lord Nottingham, Lord High Admiral, the Lord Chamberlain, Earl of +Suffolk, Earls of Shrewsbury, Worcester, and several others being +present. + +The result was not entirely satisfactory. In regard to the succour +demanded for the possessory princes, the commissioners were told that +they seemed to come with a long narrative of their great burthens during +the war, damage from inundations, and the like, to excuse themselves from +doing their share in the succour, and thus the more to overload his +Majesty, who was not much interested in the matter, and was likewise +greatly encumbered by various expenses. The King had already frankly +declared his intention to assist the princes with the payment of 4000 +men, and to send proportionate artillery and powder from England. As the +States had supplies in their magazines enough to move 12,000 men, he +proposed to draw upon those, reimbursing the States for what was thus +consumed by his contingent. + +With regard to the treaty of close alliance between France, Great +Britain, the princes, and the Republic, which the ambassadors had +proposed, the--Lord Treasurer and his colleagues gave a reply far from +gratifying. His Majesty had not yet decided on this point, they said. The +King of France had already proposed to treat for such an alliance, but it +did not at present seem worth while for all to negotiate together. + +This was a not over-courteous hint that the Republic was after all not +expected to place herself at the council-board of kings on even terms of +intimacy and fraternal alliance. + +What followed was even less flattering. If his Majesty, it was intimated, +should decide to treat with the King of France, he would not shut the +door on their High Mightinesses; but his Majesty was not yet exactly +informed whether his Majesty had not certain rights over the provinces +'in petitorio.' + +This was a scarcely veiled insinuation against the sovereignty of the +States, a sufficiently broad hint that they were to be considered in a +certain degree as British provinces. To a soldier like Maurice, to a +statesman like Barneveld, whose sympathies already were on the side of +France, such rebuffs and taunts were likely to prove unpalatable. The +restiveness of the States at the continual possession by Great Britain of +those important sea-ports the cautionary towns, a fact which gave colour +to these innuendoes, was sure to be increased by arrogant language on the +part of the English ministers. The determination to be rid of their debt +to so overbearing an ally, and to shake off the shackles imposed by the +costly mortgages, grew in strength from that hour. + +In regard to the fisheries, the Lord Treasurer and his colleagues +expressed amazement that the ambassadors should consider the subjects of +their High Mightinesses to be so much beloved by his Majesty. Why should +they of all other people be made an exception of, and be exempt from, the +action of a general edict? The reasons for these orders in council ought +to be closely examined. It would be very difficult to bring the opinions +of the English jurists into harmony with those of the States. Meantime it +would be well to look up such treaties as might be in existence, and have +a special joint commission to confer together on the subject. It was very +plain, from the course of the conversation, that the Netherland fishermen +were not to be allowed, without paying roundly for a license, to catch +herrings on the British coasts as they had heretofore done. + +Not much more of importance was transacted at this first interview +between the ambassadors and the Ding's ministers. Certainly they had not +yet succeeded in attaining their great object, the formation of an +alliance offensive and defensive between Great Britain and the Republic +in accordance with the plan concerted between Henry and Barneveld. They +could find but slender encouragement for the warlike plans to which +France and the States were secretly committed; nor could they obtain +satisfactory adjustment of affairs more pacific and commercial in their +tendencies. The English ministers rather petulantly remarked that, while +last year everybody was talking of a general peace, and in the present +conjuncture all seemed to think, or at least to speak, of nothing but a +general war, they thought best to defer consideration of the various +subjects connected with duties on the manufactures and products of the +respective countries, the navigation laws, the "entrecours," and other +matters of ancient agreement and controversy, until a more convenient +season. + +After the termination of the verbal conference, the ambassadors delivered +to the King's government, in writing, to be pondered by the council and +recorded in the archives, a summary of the statements which had been thus +orally treated. The document was in French, and in the main a paraphrase +of the Advocate's instructions, the substance of which has been already +indicated. In regard, however, to the far-reaching designs of Spain, and +the corresponding attitude which it would seem fitting for Great Britain +to assume, and especially the necessity of that alliance the proposal for +which had in the conference been received so haughtily, their language +was far plainer, bolder, and more vehement than that of the instructions. + +"Considering that the effects show," they said, "that those who claim the +monarchy of Christendom, and indeed of the whole world, let slip no +opportunity which could in any way serve their designs, it is suitable to +the grandeur of his Majesty the King, and to the station in which by the +grace of the good God he is placed, to oppose himself thereto for the +sake of the common liberty of Christendom, to which end, and in order the +better to prevent all unjust usurpations, there could be no better means +devised than a closer alliance between his Majesty and the Most Christian +King, My Lords the States-General, and the electors, princes, and states +of Germany. Their High Mightinesses would therefore be most glad to learn +that his Majesty was inclined to such a course, and would be glad to +discuss the subject when and wherever his Majesty should appoint, or +would readily enter into such an alliance on reasonable conditions." + +This language and the position taken up by the ambassadors were highly +approved by their government, but it was fated that no very great result +was to be achieved by this embassy. Very elaborate documents, exhaustive +in legal lore, on the subject of the herring fisheries, and of the right +to fish in the ocean and on foreign coasts, fortified by copious +citations from the 'Pandects' and 'Institutes' of Justinian, were +presented for the consideration of the British government, and were +answered as learnedly, exhaustively, and ponderously. The English +ministers were also reminded that the curing of herrings had been +invented in the fifteenth century by a citizen of Biervliet, the +inscription on whose tombstone recording that faces might still be read +in the church of that town. + +All this did not prevent, however, the Dutch herring fishermen from being +excluded from the British waters unless they chose to pay for licenses. + +The conferences were however for a season interrupted, and a new aspect +was given to affairs by an unforeseen and terrible event. + +Meanwhile it is necessary to glance for a moment at the doings of the +special embassy to France, the instructions for which were prepared by +Barneveld almost at the same moment at which he furnished those for the +commission to England. + +The ambassadors were Walraven, Seignior of Brederode, Cornelis van der +Myle, son-in-law of the Advocate, and Jacob van Maldere. Remembering how +impatient the King of France had long been for their coming, and that all +the preparations and decisions for a great war were kept in suspense +until the final secret conferences could be held with the representatives +of the States-General, it seems strange enough to us to observe the +extreme deliberation with which great affairs of state were then +conducted and the vast amount of time consumed in movements and +communications which modern science has either annihilated or abridged +from days to hours. While Henry was chafing with anxiety in Paris, the +ambassadors, having received Barneveld's instructions dated 31st March, +set forth on the 8th April from the Hague, reached Rotterdam at noon, and +slept at Dordrecht. Newt day they went to Breda, where the Prince of +Orange insisted upon their passing a couple of days with him in his +castle, Easter-day being 11th April. He then provided them with a couple +of coaches and pair in which they set forth on their journey, going by +way of Antwerp, Ghent, Courtray, Ryssel, to Arras, making easy stages, +stopping in the middle of the day to bait, and sleeping at each of the +cities thus mentioned, where they duly received the congratulatory visit +and hospitalities of their respective magistracies. + +While all this time had been leisurely employed in the Netherlands in +preparing, instructing, and despatching the commissioners, affairs were +reaching a feverish crisis in France. + +The States' ambassador resident thought that it would have been better +not to take such public offence at the retreat of the Prince of Conde. +The King had enough of life and vigour in him; he could afford to leave +the Dauphin to grow up, and when he should one day be established on the +throne, he would be able to maintain his heritage. "But," said Aerssens, +"I fear that our trouble is not where we say it is, and we don't dare to +say where it is." Writing to Carew, former English ambassador in Paris, +whom we have just seen in attendance on the States' commissioners in +London, he said: "People think that the Princess is wearying herself much +under the protection of the Infanta, and very impatient at not obtaining +the dissolution of her marriage, which the Duchess of Angouleme is to go +to Brussels to facilitate. This is not our business, but I mention it +only as the continuation of the Tragedy which you saw begin. Nevertheless +I don't know if the greater part of our deliberations is not founded on +this matter." + +It had been decided to cause the Queen to be solemnly crowned after +Easter. She had set her heart with singular persistency upon the +ceremony, and it was thought that so public a sacrament would annihilate +all the wild projects attributed to Spain through the instrumentality of +Conde to cast doubts on the validity of her marriage and the legitimacy +of the Dauphin. The King from the first felt and expressed a singular +repugnance, a boding apprehension in regard to the coronation, but had +almost yielded to the Queen's importunity. He told her he would give his +consent provided she sent Concini to Brussels to invite in her own name +the Princess of Conde to be present on the occasion. Otherwise he +declared that at least the festival should be postponed till September. + +The Marquis de Coeuvres remained in disgrace after the failure of his +mission, Henry believing that like all the world he had fallen in love +with the Princess, and had only sought to recommend himself, not to +further the suit of his sovereign. + +Meanwhile Henry had instructed his ambassador in Spain, M. de Vaucelas, +to tell the King that his reception of Conde within his dominions would +be considered an infraction of the treaty of Vervins and a direct act of +hostility. The Duke of Lerma answered with a sneer that the Most +Christian King had too greatly obliged his Most Catholic Majesty by +sustaining his subjects in their rebellion and by aiding them to make +their truce to hope now that Conde would be sent back. France had ever +been the receptacle of Spanish traitors and rebels from Antonio Perez +down, and the King of Spain would always protect wronged and oppressed +princes like Conde. France had just been breaking up the friendly +relations between Savoy and Spain and goading the Duke into hostilities. + +On the other hand the King had more than one stormy interview with Don +Inigo de Cardenas in Paris. That ambassador declared that his master +would never abandon his only sister the most serene Infanta, such was the +affection he born her, whose dominions were obviously threatened by these +French armies about to move to the frontiers. Henry replied that the +friends for whom he was arming had great need of his assistance; that his +Catholic Majesty was quite right to love his sister, whom he also loved; +but that he did not choose that his own relatives should be so much +beloved in Spain as they were. "What relatives?" asked Don Inigo. "The +Prince of Conde," replied the King, in a rage, "who has been debauched by +the Spaniards just as Marshal Biron was, and the Marchioness Verneuil, +and so many others. There are none left for them to debauch now but the +Dauphin and his brothers." The Ambassador replied that, if the King had +consulted him about the affair of Conde, he could have devised a happy +issue from it. Henry rejoined that he had sent messages on the subject to +his Catholic Majesty, who had not deigned a response, but that the Duke +of Lerma had given a very indiscreet one to his ambassador. Don Inigo +professed ignorance of any such reply. The King said it was a mockery to +affect ignorance of such matters. Thereupon both grew excited and very +violent in their discourses; the more so as Henry knowing but little +Spanish and the Envoy less French they could only understand from tone +and gesture that each was using exceedingly unpleasant language. At last +Don Inigo asked what he should write to his sovereign. "Whatever you +like," replied the King, and so the audience terminated, each remaining +in a towering passion. + +Subsequently Villeroy assured the Archduke's ambassador that the King +considered the reception given to the Prince in the Spanish dominions as +one of the greatest insults and injuries that could be done to him. +Nothing could excuse it, said the Secretary of State, and for this reason +it was very difficult for the two kings to remain at peace with each +other, and that it would be wiser to prevent at once the evil designs of +his Catholic Majesty than to leave leisure for the plans to be put into +execution, and the claims of the Dauphin to his father's crown to be +disputed at a convenient season. + +He added that war would not be made for the Princess, but for the Prince, +and that even the war in Germany, although Spain took the Emperor's side +and France that of the possessory princes, would not necessarily produce +a rupture between the two kings if it were not for this affair of the +Prince--true cause of the disaster now hanging over Christianity. +Pecquius replied by smooth commonplaces in favour of peace with which +Villeroy warmly concurred; both sadly expressing the conviction however +that the wrath divine had descended on them all on account of their sins. + +A few days later, however, the Secretary changed his tone. + +"I will speak to you frankly and clearly," he said to Pecquius, "and tell +you as from myself that there is passion, and if one is willing to +arrange the affair of the Princess, everything else can be accommodated +and appeased. Put if the Princess remain where she is, we are on the eve +of a rupture which may set fire to the four corners of Christendom." +Pecquius said he liked to talk roundly, and was glad to find that he had +not been mistaken in his opinion, that all these commotions were only +made for the Princess, and if all the world was going to war, she would +be the principal subject of it. He could not marvel sufficiently, he +said, at this vehement passion which brought in its train so great and +horrible a conflagration; adding many arguments to show that it was no +fault of the Archdukes, but that he who was the cause of all might one +day have reason to repent. + +Villeroy replied that "the King believed the Princess to be suffering and +miserable for love of him, and that therefore he felt obliged to have her +sent back to her father." Pecquius asked whether in his conscience the +Secretary of State believed it right or reasonable to make war for such a +cause. Villeroy replied by asking "whether even admitting the negative, +the Ambassador thought it were wisely done for such a trifle, for a +formality, to plunge into extremities and to turn all Christendom upside +down." Pecquius, not considering honour a trifle or a formality, said +that "for nothing in the world would his Highness the Archduke descend to +a cowardly action or to anything that would sully his honour." Villeroy +said that the Prince had compelled his wife, pistol in hand, to follow +him to the Netherlands, and that she was no longer bound to obey a +husband who forsook country and king. Her father demanded her, and she +said "she would rather be strangled than ever to return to the company of +her husband." The Archdukes were not justified in keeping her against her +will in perpetual banishment. He implored the Ambassador in most pathetic +terms to devise some means of sending back the Princess, saying that he +who should find such expedient would do the greatest good that was ever +done to Christianity, and that otherwise there was no guarantee against a +universal war. The first design of the King had been merely to send a +moderate succour to the Princes of Brandenburg and Neuburg, which could +have given no umbrage to the Archdukes, but now the bitterness growing +out of the affairs of the Prince and Princess had caused him to set on +foot a powerful army to do worse. He again implored Pecquius to invent +some means of sending back the Princess, and the Ambassador besought him +ardently to divert the King from his designs. Of this the Secretary of +State left little hope and they parted, both very low and dismal in +mind. Subsequent conversations with the leading councillors of state +convinced Pecquius that these violent menaces were only used to shake the +constancy of the Archduke, but that they almost all highly disapproved +the policy of the King. "If this war goes on, we are all ruined," said +the Duke d'Epernon to the Nuncius. + +Thus there had almost ceased to be any grimacing between the two kings, +although it was still a profound mystery where or when hostilities would +begin, and whether they would break out at all. Henry frequently remarked +that the common opinion all over Europe was working in his favour. Few +people in or out of France believed that he meant a rupture, or that his +preparations were serious. Thus should he take his enemies unawares and +unprepared. Even Aerssens, who saw him almost daily, was sometimes +mystified, in spite of Henry's vehement assertions that he was resolved +to make war at all hazards and on all sides, provided My Lords the States +would second him as they ought, their own existence being at stake. + +"For God's sake," cried the King, "let us take the bit into our mouths. +Tell your masters that I am quite resolved, and that I am shrieking +loudly at their delays." He asked if he could depend on the States, if +Barneveld especially would consent to a league with him. The Ambassador +replied that for the affair of Cleve and Julich he had instructions to +promise entire concurrence, that Barneveld was most resolute in the +matter, and had always urged the enterprise and wished information as to +the levies making in France and other military preparations. + +"Tell him," said Henry, "that they are going on exactly as often before +stated, but that we are holding everything in suspense until I have +talked with your ambassadors, from whom I wish counsel, safety, and +encouragement for doing much more than the Julich business. That alone +does not require so great a league and such excessive and unnecessary +expense." + +The King observed however that the question of the duchies would serve as +just cause and excellent pretext to remove those troublesome fellows for +ever from his borders and those of the States. Thus the princes would be +established safely in their possession and the Republic as well as +himself freed from the perpetual suspicions which the Spaniards excited +by their vile intrigues, and it was on this general subject that he +wished to confer with the special commissioners. It would not be possible +for him to throw succour into Julich without passing through Luxemburg in +arms. The Archdukes would resist this, and thus a cause of war would +arise. His campaign on the Meuse would help the princes more than if he +should only aid them by the contingent he had promised. Nor could the +jealousy of King James be excited since the war would spring out of the +Archdukes' opposition to his passage towards the duchies, as he obviously +could not cut himself off from his supplies, leaving a hostile province +between himself and his kingdom. Nevertheless he could not stir, he said, +without the consent and active support of the States, on whom he relied +as his principal buttress and foundation. + +The levies for the Milanese expedition were waiting until Marshal de +Lesdiguieres could confer personally with the Duke of Savoy. The reports +as to the fidelity of that potentate were not to be believed. He was +trifling with the Spanish ambassadors, so Henry was convinced, who were +offering him 300,000 crowns a year besides Piombino, Monaco, and two +places in the Milanese, if he would break his treaty with France. But he +was thought to be only waiting until they should be gone before making +his arrangements with Lesdiguieres. "He knows that he can put no trust in +Spain, and that he can confide in me," said the King. "I have made a +great stroke by thus entangling the King of Spain by the use of a few +troops in Italy. But I assure you that there is none but me and My Lords +the States that can do anything solid. Whether the Duke breaks or holds +fast will make no difference in our first and great designs. For the +honour of God I beg them to lose no more time, but to trust in me. I will +never deceive them, never abandon them." + +At last 25,000 infantry and 5000 cavalry were already in marching order, +and indeed had begun to move towards the Luxemburg frontier, ready to +co-operate with the States' army and that of the possessory princes for +the campaign of the Meuse and Rhine. + +Twelve thousand more French troops under Lesdiguieres were to act with +the Duke of Savoy, and an army as large was to assemble in the Pyrenees +and to operate on the Spanish frontier, in hope of exciting and fomenting +an insurrection caused by the expulsion of the Moors. That gigantic act +of madness by which Spain thought good at this juncture to tear herself +to pieces, driving hundreds of thousands of the most industrious, most +intelligent, and most opulent of her population into hopeless exile, had +now been accomplished, and was to stand prominent for ever on the records +of human fatuity. + +Twenty-five thousand Moorish families had arrived at Bayonne, and the +Viceroy of Canada had been consulted as to the possibility and expediency +of establishing them in that province, although emigration thither seemed +less tempting to them than to Virginia. Certainly it was not unreasonable +for Henry to suppose that a kingdom thus torn by internal convulsions +might be more open to a well organized attack, than capable of carrying +out at that moment fresh projects of universal dominion. + +As before observed, Sully was by no means in favour of this combined +series of movements, although at a later day, when dictating his famous +memoirs to his secretaries, he seems to describe himself as +enthusiastically applauding and almost originating them. But there is no +doubt at all that throughout this eventful spring he did his best to +concentrate the whole attack on Luxemburg and the Meuse districts, and +wished that the movements in the Milanese and in Provence should be +considered merely a slight accessory, as not much more than a diversion +to the chief design, while Villeroy and his friends chose to consider the +Duke of Savoy as the chief element in the war. Sully thoroughly +distrusted the Duke, whom he deemed to be always put up at auction +between Spain and France and incapable of a sincere or generous policy. +He was entirely convinced that Villeroy and Epernon and Jeannin and other +earnest Papists in France were secretly inclined to the cause of Spain, +that the whole faction of the Queen, in short, were urging this +scattering of the very considerable forces now at Henry's command in the +hope of bringing him into a false position, in which defeat or an +ignominious peace would be the alternative. To concentrate an immense +attack upon the Archdukes in the Spanish Netherlands and the debateable +duchies would have for its immediate effect the expulsion of the +Spaniards out of all those provinces and the establishment of the Dutch +commonwealth on an impregnable basis. That this would be to strengthen +infinitely the Huguenots in France and the cause of Protestantism in +Bohemia, Moravia and Austria, was unquestionable. It was natural, +therefore, that the stern and ardent Huguenot should suspect the plans of +the Catholics with whom he was in daily council. One day he asked the +King plumply in the presence of Villeroy if his Majesty meant anything +serious by all these warlike preparations. Henry was wroth, and +complained bitterly that one who knew him to the bottom of his soul +should doubt him. But Sully could not persuade himself that a great and +serious war would be carried on both in the Netherlands and in Italy. + +As much as his sovereign he longed for the personal presence of +Barneveld, and was constantly urging the States' ambassador to induce his +coming to Paris. "You know," said Aerssens, writing to the French +ambassador at the Hague, de Russy, "that it is the Advocate alone that +has the universal knowledge of the outside and the inside of our +commonwealth." + +Sully knew his master as well as any man knew him, but it was difficult +to fix the chameleon hues of Henry at this momentous epoch. To the +Ambassador expressing doubts as to the King's sincerity the Duke asserted +that Henry was now seriously piqued with the Spaniard on account of the +Conde business. Otherwise Anhalt and the possessory princes and the +affair of Cleve might have had as little effect in driving him into war +as did the interests of the Netherlands in times past. But the bold +demonstration projected would make the "whole Spanish party bleed at the +nose; a good result for the public peace." + +Therefore Sully sent word to Barneveld, although he wished his name +concealed, that he ought to come himself, with full powers to do +everything, without referring to any superiors or allowing any secrets to +be divulged. The King was too far committed to withdraw, unless coldness +on part of the States should give him cause. The Advocate must come +prepared to answer all questions; to say how much in men and money the +States would contribute, and whether they would go into the war with the +King as their only ally. He must come with the bridle on his neck. All +that Henry feared was being left in the lurch by the States; otherwise he +was not afraid of Rome. Sully was urgent that the Provinces should now go +vigorously into the war without stumbling at any consideration. Thus they +would confirm their national power for all time, but if the opportunity +were now lost, it would be their ruin, and posterity would most justly +blame them. The King of Spain was so stripped of troops and resources, so +embarrassed by the Moors, that in ten months he would not be able to send +one man to the Netherlands. + +Meantime the Nuncius in Paris was moving heaven and earth; storming, +intriguing, and denouncing the course of the King in protecting heresy, +when it would have been so easy to extirpate it, encouraging rebellion +and disorder throughout Christendom, and embarking in an action against +the Church and against his conscience. A new legate was expected daily +with the Pope's signature to the new league, and a demand upon the King +to sign it likewise, and to pause in a career of which something was +suspected, but very little accurately known. The preachers in Paris and +throughout the kingdom delivered most vehement sermons against the King, +the government, and the Protestants, and seemed to the King to be such +"trumpeters of sedition" that he ordered the seneschals and other +officers to put a stop to these turbulent discourses, censure their +authors, and compel them to stick to their texts. + +But the preparations were now so far advanced and going on so warmly that +nothing more was wanting than, in the words of Aerssens, "to uncouple the +dogs and let them run." Recruits were pouring steadily to their places of +rendezvous; their pay having begun to run from the 25th March at the rate +of eight sous a day for the private foot soldier and ten sous for a +corporal. They were moved in small parties of ten, lodged in the wayside +inns, and ordered, on pain of death, to pay for everything they consumed. + +It was growing difficult to wait much longer for the arrival of the +special ambassadors, when at last they were known to be on their way. +Aerssens obtained for their use the Hotel Gondy, formerly the residence +of Don Pedro de Toledo, the most splendid private palace in Paris, and +recently purchased by the Queen. It was considered expedient that the +embassy should make as stately an appearance as that of royal or imperial +envoys. He engaged an upholsterer by the King's command to furnish, at +his Majesty's expense, the apartments, as the Baron de Gondy, he said, +had long since sold and eaten up all the furniture. He likewise laid in +six pieces of wine and as many of beer, "tavern drinks" being in the +opinion of the thrifty ambassador "both dear and bad." + +He bought a carriage lined with velvet for the commissioners, and another +lined with broadcloth for the principal persons of their suite, and with +his own coach as a third he proposed to go to Amiens to meet them. They +could not get on with fewer than these, he said, and the new carriages +would serve their purpose in Paris. He had paid 500 crowns for the two, +and they could be sold, when done with, at a slight loss. He bought +likewise four dapple-grey horses, which would be enough, as nobody had +more than two horses to a carriage in town, and for which he paid 312 +crowns--a very low price, he thought, at a season when every one was +purchasing. He engaged good and experienced coachmen at two crowns a +month, and; in short, made all necessary arrangements for their comfort +and the honour of the state. + +The King had been growing more and more displeased at the tardiness of +the commission, petulantly ascribing it to a design on the part of the +States to "excuse themselves from sharing in his bold conceptions," but +said that "he could resolve on nothing without My Lords the States, who +were the only power with which he could contract confidently, as mighty +enough and experienced enough to execute the designs to be proposed to +them; so that his army was lying useless on his hands until the +commissioners arrived," and lamented more loudly than ever that Barneveld +was not coming with them. He was now rejoiced, however, to hear that they +would soon arrive, and went in person to the Hotel Gondy to see that +everything was prepared in a manner befitting their dignity and comfort. + +His anxiety had moreover been increased, as already stated, by the +alarming reports from Utrecht and by his other private accounts from the +Netherlands. + +De Russy expressed in his despatches grave doubts whether the States +would join the king in a war against the King of Spain, because they +feared the disapprobation of the King of Great Britain, "who had already +manifested but too much jealousy of the power and grandeur of the +Republic." Pecquius asserted that the Archdukes had received assurances +from the States that they would do nothing to violate the truce. The +Prince of Anhalt, who, as chief of the army of the confederated princes, +was warm in his demonstrations for a general war by taking advantage of +the Cleve expedition, was entirely at cross purposes with the States' +ambassador in Paris, Aerssens maintaining that the forty-three years' +experience in their war justified the States in placing no dependence on +German princes except with express conventions. They had no such +conventions now, and if they should be attacked by Spain in consequence +of their assistance in the Cleve business, what guarantee of aid had they +from those whom Anhalt represented? Anhalt was loud in expressions of +sympathy with Henry's designs against Spain, but said that he and the +States meant a war of thirty or forty years, while the princes would +finish what they meant to do in one. + +A more erroneous expression of opinion, when viewed in the light of +subsequent events, could hardly have been hazarded. Villeroy made as good +use as he could of these conversations to excite jealousy between the +princes and the States for the furtherance of his own ends, while +affecting warm interest in the success of the King's projects. + +Meantime Archduke Albert had replied manfully and distinctly to the +menaces of the King and to the pathetic suggestions made by Villeroy to +Pecquius as to a device for sending back the Princess. Her stay at +Brussels being the chief cause of the impending war, it would be better, +he said, to procure a divorce or to induce the Constable to obtain the +consent of the Prince to the return of his wife to her father's house. To +further either of these expedients, the Archduke would do his best. "But +if one expects by bravados and threats," he added, "to force us to do a +thing against our promise, and therefore against reason, our reputation, +and honour, resolutely we will do nothing of the kind. And if the said +Lord King decided on account of this misunderstanding for a rupture and +to make war upon us, we will do our best to wage war on him. In such +case, however, we shall be obliged to keep the Princess closer in our own +house, and probably to send her to such parts as may be most convenient +in order to remove from us an instrument of the infinite evils which this +war will produce." + +Meantime the special commissioners whom we left at Arras had now entered +the French kingdom. + +On the 17th April, Aerssens with his three coaches met them on their +entrance into Amiens, having been waiting there for them eight days. As +they passed through the gate, they found a guard of soldiers drawn up to +receive them with military honours, and an official functionary to +apologize for the necessary absence of the governor, who had gone with +most of the troops stationed in the town to the rendezvous in Champagne. +He expressed regret, therefore, that the King's orders for their solemn +reception could not be literally carried out. The whole board of +magistrates, however, in their costumes of ceremony, with sergeants +bearing silver maces marching before them, came forth to bid the +ambassadors welcome. An advocate made a speech in the name of the city +authorities, saying that they were expressly charged by the King to +receive them as coming from his very best friends, and to do them all +honour. He extolled the sage government of their High Mightinesses and +the valour of the Republic, which had become known to the whole world by +the successful conduct of their long and mighty war. + +The commissioners replied in words of compliment, and the magistrates +then offered them, according to ancient usage, several bottles of +hippocras. + +Next day, sending back the carriages of the Prince of Orange, in which +they had thus far performed the journey, they set forth towards Paris, +reaching Saint-Denis at noon of the third day. Here they were met by de +Bonoeil, introducer of ambassadors, sent thither by the King to give them +welcome, and to say that they would be received on the road by the Duke +of Vendome, eldest of the legitimatized children of the King. Accordingly +before reaching the Saint-Denis gate of Paris, a splendid cavalcade of +nearly five hundred noblemen met them, the Duke at their head, +accompanied by two marshals of France, de Brissac and Boisdaulphin. The +three instantly dismounted, and the ambassadors alighted from their +coach. The Duke then gave them solemn and cordial welcome, saying that he +had been sent by his father the King to receive them as befitted envoys +of the best and most faithful friends he possessed in the world. + +The ambassadors expressed their thanks for the great and extraordinary +honour thus conferred on them, and they were then requested to get into a +royal carriage which had been sent out for that purpose. After much +ceremonious refusal they at last consented and, together with the Duke of +Vendome, drove through Paris in that vehicle into the Faubourg Saint +Germain. Arriving at the Hotel Gondy, they were, notwithstanding all +their protestations, escorted up the staircase into the apartments by the +Duke. + +"This honour is notable," said the commissioners in their report to the +States, "and never shown to anyone before, so that our ill-wishers are +filled with spite." + +And Peter Pecquius was of the same opinion. "Everyone is grumbling here," +about the reception of the States' ambassadors, "because such honours +were never paid to any ambassador whatever, whether from Spain, England, +or any other country." + +And there were many men living and employed in great affairs of State, +both in France and in the Republic--the King and Villeroy, Barneveld and +Maurice--who could remember how twenty-six years before a solemn embassy +from the States had proceeded from the Hague to France to offer the +sovereignty of their country to Henry's predecessor, had been kept +ignominiously and almost like prisoners four weeks long in Rouen, and had +been thrust back into the Netherlands without being admitted even to one +audience by the monarch. Truly time, in the course of less than one +generation of mankind, had worked marvellous changes in the fortunes of +the Dutch Republic. + +President Jeannin came to visit them next day, with friendly proffers of +service, and likewise the ambassador of Venice and the charge d'affaires +of Great Britain. + +On the 22nd the royal carriages came by appointment to the Hotel Gondy, +and took them for their first audience to the Louvre. They were received +at the gate by a guard of honour, drums beating and arms presented, and +conducted with the greatest ceremony to an apartment in the palace. Soon +afterwards they were ushered into a gallery where the King stood, +surrounded by a number of princes and distinguished officers of the +crown. These withdrew on the approach of the Netherlanders, leaving the +King standing alone. They made their reverence, and Henry saluted them +all with respectful cordiality. Begging them to put on their hats again, +he listened attentively to their address. + +The language of the discourse now pronounced was similar in tenour to +that almost contemporaneously held by the States' special envoys in +London. Both documents, when offered afterwards in writing, bore the +unmistakable imprint of the one hand that guided the whole political +machine. In various passages the phraseology was identical, and, indeed, +the Advocate had prepared and signed the instructions for both embassies +on the same day. + +The commissioners acknowledged in the strongest possible terms the great +and constant affection, quite without example, that Henry had manifested +to the Netherlands during the whole course of their war. They were at a +loss to find language adequately to express their gratitude for that +friendship, and the assistance subsequently afforded them in the +negotiations for truce. They apologized for the tardiness of the States +in sending this solemn embassy of thanksgiving, partly on the ground of +the delay in receiving the ratifications from Spain, partly by the +protracted contraventions by the Archdukes of certain articles in the +treaty, but principally by the terrible disasters occasioned throughout +their country by the great inundations, and by the commotions in the city +of Utrecht, which had now been "so prudently and happily pacified." + +They stated that the chief cause of their embassy was to express their +respectful gratitude, and to say that never had prince or state treasured +more deeply in memory benefits received than did their republic the +favours of his Majesty, or could be more disposed to do their utmost to +defend his Majesty's person, crown, or royal family against all attack. +They expressed their joy that the King had with prudence, and heroic +courage undertaken the defence of the just rights of Brandenburg and +Neuburg to the duchies of Cleve, Julich, and the other dependent +provinces. Thus had he put an end to the presumption of those who thought +they could give the law to all the world. They promised the co-operation +of the States in this most important enterprise of their ally, +notwithstanding their great losses in the war just concluded, and the +diminution of revenue occasioned by the inundations by which they had +been afflicted; for they were willing neither to tolerate so unjust an +usurpation as that attempted by the Emperor nor to fail to second his +Majesty in his generous designs. They observed also that they had been +instructed to enquire whether his Majesty would not approve the +contracting of a strict league of mutual assistance between France, +England, the United Provinces, and the princes of Germany. + +The King, having listened with close attention, thanked the envoys in +words of earnest and vigorous cordiality for their expressions of +affection to himself. He begged them to remember that he had always been +their good friend, and that he never would forsake them; that he had +always hated the Spaniards, and should ever hate them; and that the +affairs of Julich must be arranged not only for the present but for the +future. He requested them to deliver their propositions in writing to +him, and to be ready to put themselves into communication with the +members of his council, in order that they might treat with each other +roundly and without reserve. He should always deal with the Netherlanders +as with his own people, keeping no back-door open, but pouring out +everything as into the lap of his best and most trusty friends. + +After this interview conferences followed daily between the ambassadors +and Villeroy, Sully, Jeannin, the Chancellor, and Puysieug. + +The King's counsellors, after having read the written paraphrase of +Barneveld's instructions, the communication of which followed their oral +statements, and which, among other specifications, contained a respectful +remonstrance against the projected French East India Company, as likely +to benefit the Spaniards only, while seriously injuring the States, +complained that "the representations were too general, and that the paper +seemed to contain nothing but compliments." + +The ambassadors, dilating on the various points and articles, maintained +warmly that there was much more than compliments in their instructions. +The ministers wished to know what the States practically were prepared to +do in the affair of Cleve, which they so warmly and encouragingly +recommended to the King. They asked whether the States' army would march +at once to Dusseldorf to protect the princes at the moment when the King +moved from Mezieres, and they made many enquiries as to what amount of +supplies and munitions they could depend upon from the States' magazines. + +The envoys said that they had no specific instructions on these points, +and could give therefore no conclusive replies. More than ever did Henry +regret the absence of the great Advocate at this juncture. If he could +have come, with the bridle on his neck, as Henry had so repeatedly urged +upon the resident ambassador, affairs might have marched more rapidly. +The despotic king could never remember that Barneveld was not the +unlimited sovereign of the United States, but only the seal-keeper of one +of the seven provinces and the deputy of Holland to the General Assembly. +His indirect power, however vast, was only great because it was so +carefully veiled. + +It was then proposed by Villeroy and Sully, and agreed to by the +commissioners, that M. de Bethune, a relative of the great financier, +should be sent forthwith to the Hague, to confer privately with Prince +Maurice and Barneveld especially, as to military details of the coming +campaign. + +It was also arranged that the envoys should delay their departure until +de Bethune's return. Meantime Henry and the Nuncius had been exchanging +plain and passionate language. Ubaldini reproached the King with +disregarding all the admonitions of his Holiness, and being about to +plunge Christendom into misery and war for the love of the Princess of +Conde. He held up to him the enormity of thus converting the King of +Spain and the Archdukes into his deadly enemies, and warned him that he +would by such desperate measures make even the States-General and the +King of Britain his foes, who certainly would never favour such schemes. +The King replied that "he trusted to his own forces, not to those of his +neighbours, and even if the Hollanders should not declare for him still +he would execute his designs. On the 15th of May most certainly he would +put himself at the head of his army, even if he was obliged to put off +the Queen's coronation till October, and he could not consider the King +of Spain nor the Archdukes his friends unless they at once made him some +demonstration of friendship. Being asked by the Nuncius what +demonstration he wished, he answered flatly that he wished the Princess +to be sent back to the Constable her father, in which case the affair of +Julich could be arranged amicably, and, at all events, if the war +continued there, he need not send more than 4000 men." + +Thus, in spite of his mighty preparations, vehement demands for +Barneveld, and profound combinations revealed to that statesman, to +Aerssens, and to the Duke of Sully only, this wonderful monarch was ready +to drop his sword on the spot, to leave his friends in the lurch, to +embrace his enemies, the Archduke first of all, instead of bombarding +Brussels the very next week, as he had been threatening to do, provided +the beautiful Margaret could be restored to his arms through those of her +venerable father. + +He suggested to the Nuncius his hope that the Archduke would yet be +willing to wink at her escape, which he was now trying to arrange through +de Preaux at Brussels, while Ubaldini, knowing the Archduke incapable of +anything so dishonourable, felt that the war was inevitable. + +At the very same time too, Father Cotton, who was only too ready to +betray the secrets of the confessional when there was an object to gain, +had a long conversation with the Archduke's ambassador, in which the holy +man said that the King had confessed to him that he made the war +expressly to cause the Princess to be sent back to France, so that as +there could be no more doubt on the subject the father-confessor begged +Pecquius, in order to prevent so great an evil, to devise "some prompt +and sudden means to induce his Highness the Archduke to order the +Princess to retire secretly to her own country." The Jesuit had different +notions of honour, reputation, and duty from those which influenced the +Archduke. He added that "at Easter the King had been so well disposed to +seek his salvation that he could easily have forgotten his affection for +the Princess, had she not rekindled the fire by her letters, in which she +caressed him with amorous epithets, calling him 'my heart,' 'my +chevalier,' and similar terms of endearment." Father Cotton also drew up +a paper, which he secretly conveyed to Pecquius, "to prove that the +Archduke, in terms of conscience and honour, might decide to permit this +escape, but he most urgently implored the Ambassador that for the love of +God and the public good he would influence his Serene Highness to prevent +this from ever coming to the knowledge of the world, but to keep the +secret inviolably." + +Thus, while Henry was holding high council with his own most trusted +advisers, and with the most profound statesmen of Europe, as to the +opening campaign within a fortnight of a vast and general war, he was +secretly plotting with his father-confessor to effect what he avowed to +be the only purpose of that war, by Jesuitical bird-lime to be applied to +the chief of his antagonists. Certainly Barneveld and his colleagues were +justified in their distrust. To move one step in advance of their potent +but slippery ally might be a step off a precipice. + +On the 1st of May, Sully made a long visit to the commissioners. He +earnestly urged upon them the necessity of making the most of the present +opportunity. There were people in plenty, he said, who would gladly see +the King take another course, for many influential persons about him were +altogether Spanish in their inclinations. + +The King had been scandalized to hear from the Prince of Anhalt, without +going into details, that on his recent passage through the Netherlands he +had noticed some change of feeling, some coolness in their High +Mightinesses. The Duke advised that they should be very heedful, that +they should remember how much more closely these matters regarded them +than anyone else, that they should not deceive themselves, but be firmly +convinced that unless they were willing to go head foremost into the +business the French would likewise not commit themselves. Sully spoke +with much earnestness and feeling, for it was obvious that both he and +his master had been disappointed at the cautious and limited nature of +the instructions given to the ambassadors. + +An opinion had indeed prevailed, and, as we have seen, was to a certain +extent shared in by Aerssens, and even by Sully himself, that the King's +military preparations were after all but a feint, and that if the Prince +of Conde, and with him the Princess, could be restored to France, the +whole war cloud would evaporate in smoke. + +It was even asserted that Henry had made a secret treaty with the enemy, +according to which, while apparently ready to burst upon the House of +Austria with overwhelming force, he was in reality about to shake hands +cordially with that power, on condition of being allowed to incorporate +into his own kingdom the very duchies in dispute, and of receiving the +Prince of Conde and his wife from Spain. He was thus suspected of being +about to betray his friends and allies in the most ignoble manner and for +the vilest of motives. The circulation of these infamous reports no doubt +paralysed for a time the energy of the enemy who had made no requisite +preparations against the threatened invasion, but it sickened his friends +with vague apprehensions, while it cut the King himself to the heart and +infuriated him to madness. + +He asked the Nuncius one day what people thought in Rome and Italy of the +war about to be undertaken. Ubaldini replied that those best informed +considered the Princess of Conde as the principal subject of hostilities; +they thought that he meant to have her back. "I do mean to have her +back," cried Henry, with a mighty oath, and foaming with rage, "and I +shall have her back. No one shall prevent it, not even the Lieutenant of +God on earth." + +But the imputation of this terrible treason weighed upon his mind and +embittered every hour. + +The commissioners assured Sully that they had no knowledge of any +coolness or change such as Anhalt had reported on the part of their +principals, and the Duke took his leave. + +It will be remembered that Villeroy had, it was thought, been making +mischief between Anhalt and the States by reporting and misreporting +private conversations between that Prince and the Dutch ambassador. + +As soon as Sully had gone, van der Myle waited upon Villeroy to ask, in +name of himself and colleagues, for audience of leave-taking, the object +of their mission having been accomplished. The Secretary of State, too, +like Sully, urged the importance of making the most of the occasion. The +affair of Cleve, he said, did not very much concern the King, but his +Majesty had taken it to heart chiefly on account of the States and for +their security. They were bound, therefore, to exert themselves to the +utmost, but more would not be required of them than it would be possible +to fulfil. + +Van der Myle replied that nothing would be left undone by their High +Mightinesses to support the King faithfully and according to their +promise. + +On the 5th, Villeroy came to the ambassadors, bringing with him a letter +from the King for the States-General, and likewise a written reply to the +declarations made orally and in writing by the ambassadors to his +Majesty. + +The letter of Henry to "his very dear and good friends, allies, and +confederates," was chiefly a complimentary acknowledgment of the +expressions of gratitude made to him on part of the States-General, and +warm approbation of their sage resolve to support the cause of +Brandenburg and Neuburg. He referred them for particulars to the +confidential conferences held between the commissioners and himself. They +would state how important he thought it that this matter should be +settled now so thoroughly as to require no second effort at any future +time when circumstances might not be so propitious; and that he intended +to risk his person, at the head of his army, to accomplish this result. + +To the ambassadors he expressed his high satisfaction at their assurances +of affection, devotion, and gratitude on the part of the States. He +approved and commended their resolution to assist the Elector and the +Palatine in the affair of the duchies. He considered this a proof of +their prudence and good judgment, as showing their conviction that they +were more interested and bound to render this assistance than any other +potentates or states, as much from the convenience and security to be +derived from the neighbourhood of princes who were their friends as from +dangers to be apprehended from other princes who were seeking to +appropriate those provinces. The King therefore begged the States to move +forward as soon as possible the forces which they offered for this +enterprise according to his Majesty's suggestion sent through de Bethune. +The King on his part would do the same with extreme care and diligence, +from the anxiety he felt to prevent My Lords the States from receiving +detriment in places so vital to their preservation. + +He begged the States likewise to consider that it was meet not only to +make a first effort to put the princes into entire possession of the +duchies, but to provide also for the durable success of the enterprise; +to guard against any invasions that might be made in the future to eject +those princes. Otherwise all their present efforts would be useless; and +his Majesty therefore consented on this occasion to enter into the new +league proposed by the States with all the princes and states mentioned +in the memoir of the ambassadors for mutual assistance against all unjust +occupations, attempts, and baneful intrigues. + +Having no special information as to the infractions by the Archdukes of +the recent treaty of truce, the King declined to discuss that subject for +the moment, although holding himself bound to all required of him as one +of the guarantees of that treaty. + +In regard to the remonstrance made by the ambassadors concerning the +trade of the East Indies, his Majesty disclaimed any intention of doing +injury to the States in permitting his subjects to establish a company in +his kingdom for that commerce. He had deferred hitherto taking action in +the matter only out of respect to the States, but he could no longer +refuse the just claims of his subjects if they should persist in them as +urgently as they had thus far been doing. The right and liberty which +they demanded was common to all, said the King, and he was certainly +bound to have as great care for the interests of his subjects as for +those of his friends and allies. + +Here, certainly, was an immense difference in tone and in terms towards +the Republic adopted respectively by their great and good friends and +allies the Kings of France and Great Britain. It was natural enough that +Henry, having secretly expressed his most earnest hope that the States +would move at his side in his broad and general assault upon the House of +Austria, should impress upon them his conviction, which was a just one, +that no power in the world was more interested in keeping a Spanish and +Catholic prince out of the duchies than they were themselves. But while +thus taking a bond of them as it were for the entire fulfilment of the +primary enterprise, he accepted with cordiality, and almost with +gratitude, their proposition of a close alliance of the Republic with +himself and with the Protestant powers which James had so superciliously +rejected. + +It would have been difficult to inflict a more petty and, more studied +insult upon the Republic than did the King of Great Britain at that +supreme moment by his preposterous claim of sovereign rights over the +Netherlands. He would make no treaty with them, he said, but should he +find it worth while to treat with his royal brother of France, he should +probably not shut the door in their faces. + +Certainly Henry's reply to the remonstrances of the ambassadors in regard +to the India trade was as moderate as that of James had been haughty and +peremptory in regard to the herring fishery. It is however sufficiently +amusing to see those excellent Hollanders nobly claiming that "the sea +was as free as air" when the right to take Scotch pilchards was in +question, while at the very same moment they were earnest for excluding +their best allies and all the world besides from their East India +monopoly. But Isaac Le Maire and Jacques Le Roy had not lain so long +disguised in Zamet's house in Paris for nothing, nor had Aerssens so +completely "broke the neck of the French East India Company" as he +supposed. A certain Dutch freebooter, however, Simon Danzer by name, a +native of Dordrecht, who had been alternately in the service of Spain, +France, and the States, but a general marauder upon all powers, was +exercising at that moment perhaps more influence on the East India trade +than any potentate or commonwealth. + +He kept the seas just then with four swift-sailing and well-armed +vessels, that potent skimmer of the ocean, and levied tribute upon +Protestant and Catholic, Turk or Christian, with great impartiality. The +King of Spain had sent him letters of amnesty and safe-conduct, with +large pecuniary offers, if he would enter his service. The King of France +had outbid his royal brother and enemy, and implored him to sweep the +seas under the white flag. + +The States' ambassador begged his masters to reflect whether this +"puissant and experienced corsair" should be permitted to serve Spaniard +or Frenchman, and whether they could devise no expedient for turning him +into another track. "He is now with his fine ships at Marseilles," said +Aerssens. "He is sought for in all quarters by the Spaniard and by the +directors of the new French East India Company, private persons who equip +vessels of war. If he is not satisfied with this king's offers, he is +likely to close with the King of Spain, who offers him 1000 crowns a +month. Avarice tickles him, but he is neither Spaniard nor Papist, and I +fear will be induced to serve with his ships the East India Company, and +so will return to his piracy, the evil of which will always fall on our +heads. If My Lords the States will send me letters of abolition for him, +in imitation of the French king, on condition of his returning to his +home in Zealand and quitting the sea altogether, something might be done. +Otherwise he will be off to Marseilles again, and do more harm to us than +ever. Isaac Le Maire is doing as much evil as he can, and one holds daily +council with him here." + +Thus the slippery Simon skimmed the seas from Marseilles to the Moluccas, +from Java to Mexico, never to be held firmly by Philip, or Henry, or +Barneveld. A dissolute but very daring ship's captain, born in Zealand, +and formerly in the service of the States, out of which he had been +expelled for many evil deeds, Simon Danzer had now become a professional +pirate, having his head-quarters chiefly at Algiers. His English +colleague Warde stationed himself mainly at Tunis, and both acted +together in connivance with the pachas of the Turkish government. They +with their considerable fleet, one vessel of which mounted sixty guns, +were the terror of the Mediterranean, extorted tribute from the commerce +of all nations indifferently, and sold licenses to the greatest +governments of Europe. After growing rich with his accumulated booty, +Simon was inclined to become respectable, a recourse which was always +open to him--France, England, Spain, the United Provinces, vieing with +each other to secure him by high rank and pay as an honoured member of +their national marine. He appears however to have failed in his plan of +retiring upon his laurels, having been stabbed in Paris by a man whom he +had formerly robbed and ruined. + +Villeroy, having delivered the letters with his own hands to the +ambassadors, was asked by them when and where it would be convenient for +the King to arrange the convention of close alliance. The Secretary of +State--in his secret heart anything but kindly disposed for this loving +union with a republic he detested and with heretics whom he would have +burned--answered briefly that his Majesty was ready at any time, and that +it might take place then if they were provided with the necessary powers. +He said in parting that the States should "have an eye to everything, for +occasions like the present were irrecoverable." He then departed, saying +that the King would receive them in final audience on the following day. + +Next morning accordingly Marshal de Boisdaulphin and de Bonoeil came with +royal coaches to the Hotel Gondy and escorted the ambassadors to the +Louvre. On the way they met de Bethune, who had returned solo from the +Hague bringing despatches for the King and for themselves. While in the +antechamber, they had opportunity to read their letters from the +States-General, his Majesty sending word that he was expecting them with +impatience, but preferred that they should read the despatches before the +audience. + +They found the King somewhat out of humour. He expressed himself as +tolerably well satisfied with the general tenour of the despatches +brought by de Bethune, but complained loudly of the request now made by +the States, that the maintenance and other expenses of 4000 French in the +States' service should be paid in the coming campaign out of the royal +exchequer. He declared that this proposition was "a small manifestation +of ingratitude," that my Lords the States were "little misers," and that +such proceedings were "little avaricious tricks" such as he had not +expected of them. + +So far as England was concerned, he said there was a great difference. +The English took away what he was giving. He did cheerfully a great deal +for his friends, he said, and was always ready doubly to repay what they +did for him. If, however, the States persisted in this course, he should +call his troops home again. + +The King, as he went on, became more and more excited, and showed decided +dissatisfaction in his language and manner. It was not to be wondered at, +for we have seen how persistently he had been urging that the Advocate +should come in person with "the bridle on his neck," and now he had sent +his son-in-law and two colleagues tightly tied up by stringent +instructions. And over an above all this, while he was contemplating a +general war with intention to draw upon the States for unlimited +supplies, behold, they were haggling for the support of a couple of +regiments which were virtually their own troops. + +There were reasons, however, for this cautiousness besides those +unfounded, although not entirely chimerical, suspicions as to the King's +good faith, to which we have alluded. It should not be forgotten that, +although Henry had conversed secretly with the States' ambassador at full +length on his far-reaching plans, with instructions that he should +confidentially inform the Advocate and demand his co-operation, not a +word of it had been officially propounded to the States-General, nor to +the special embassy with whom he was now negotiating. No treaty of +alliance offensive or defensive existed between the Kingdom and the +Republic or between the Republic and any power whatever. It would have +been culpable carelessness therefore at this moment for the prime +minister of the States to have committed his government in writing to a +full participation in a general assault upon the House of Austria; the +first step in which would have been a breach of the treaty just concluded +and instant hostilities with the Archdukes Albert and Isabella. + +That these things were in the immediate future was as plain as that night +would follow day, but the hour had not yet struck for the States to throw +down the gauntlet. + +Hardly two months before, the King, in his treaty with the princes at +Hall, had excluded both the King of Great Britain and the States-General +from participation in those arrangements, and it was grave matter for +consideration, therefore, for the States whether they should allow such +succour as they might choose to grant the princes to be included in the +French contingent. The opportunity for treating as a sovereign power with +the princes and making friends with them was tempting, but it did not +seem reasonable to the States that France should make use of them in this +war without a treaty, and should derive great advantage from the +alliance, but leave the expense to them. + +Henry, on the other hand, forgetting, when it was convenient to him, all +about the Princess of Conde, his hatred of Spain, and his resolution to +crush the House of Austria, chose to consider the war as made simply for +the love of the States-General and to secure them for ever from danger. + +The ambassadors replied to the King's invectives with great respect, and +endeavoured to appease his anger. They had sent a special despatch to +their government, they said, in regard to all those matters, setting +forth all the difficulties that had been raised, but had not wished to +trouble his Majesty with premature discussions of them. They did not +doubt, however, that their High Mightinesses would so conduct this great +affair as to leave the King no ground of complaint. + +Henry then began to talk of the intelligence brought by de Bethune from +the Hague, especially in regard to the sending of States' troops to +Dusseldorf and the supply of food for the French army. He did not +believe, he said, that the Archdukes would refuse him the passage with +his forces through their territory, inasmuch as the States' army would be +on the way to meet him. In case of any resistance, however, he declared +his resolution to strike his blow and to cause people to talk of him. He +had sent his quartermaster-general to examine the passes, who had +reported that it would be impossible to prevent his Majesty's advance. He +was also distinctly informed that Marquis Spinola, keeping his places +garrisoned, could not bring more than 8000 men into the field. The Duke +of Bouillon, however, was sending advices that his communications were +liable to be cut off, and that for this purpose Spinola could set on foot +about 16,000 infantry and 4000 horse. + +If the passage should be allowed by the Archdukes, the King stated his +intention of establishing magazines for his troops along the whole line +of march through the Spanish Netherlands and neighbouring districts, and +to establish and fortify himself everywhere in order to protect his +supplies and cover his possible retreat. He was still in doubt, he said, +whether to demand the passage at once or to wait until he had began to +move his army. He was rather inclined to make the request instantly in +order to gain time, being persuaded that he should receive no answer +either of consent or refusal. + +Leaving all these details, the King then frankly observed that the affair +of Cleve had a much wider outlook than people thought. Therefore the +States must consider well what was to be done to secure the whole work as +soon as the Cleve business had been successfully accomplished. Upon this +subject it was indispensable that he should consult especially with his +Excellency (Prince Maurice) and some members of the General Assembly, +whom he wished that My Lords the States-General should depute to the +army. + +"For how much good will it do," said the King, "if we drive off Archduke +Leopold without establishing the princes in security for the future? +Nothing is easier than to put the princes in possession. Every one will +yield or run away before our forces, but two months after we have +withdrawn the enemy will return and drive the princes out again. I cannot +always be ready to spring out of my kingdom, nor to assemble such great +armies. I am getting old, and my army moreover costs me 400,000 crowns a +month, which is enough to exhaust all the treasures of France, Spain, +Venice, and the States-General together." + +He added that, if the present occasion were neglected, the States would +afterwards bitterly lament and never recover it. The Pope was very much +excited, and was sending out his ambassadors everywhere. Only the +previous Saturday the new nuncius destined for France had left Rome. If +My Lords the States would send deputies to the camp with full powers, he +stood there firm and unchangeable, but if they remained cool in the +business, he warned them that they would enrage him. + +The States must seize the occasion, he repeated. It was bald behind, and +must be grasped by the forelock. It was not enough to have begun well. +One must end well. "Finis coronat opus." It was very easy to speak of a +league, but a league was not to be made in order to sit with arms tied, +but to do good work. The States ought not to suffer that the Germans +should prove themselves more energetic, more courageous, than themselves. + +And again the King vehemently urged the necessity of his Excellency and +some deputies of the States coming to him "with absolute power" to treat. +He could not doubt in that event of something solid being accomplished. + +"There are three things," he continued, "which cause me to speak freely. +I am talking with my friends whom I hold dear--yes, dearer, perhaps, than +they hold themselves. I am a great king, and say what I choose to say. I +am old, and know by experience the ways of this world's affairs. I tell +you, then, that it is most important that you should come to me resolved +and firm on all points." + +He then requested the ambassadors to make full report of all that he had +said to their masters, to make the journey as rapidly as possible, in +order to encourage the States to the great enterprise and to meet his +wishes. He required from them, he said, not only activity of the body, +but labour of the intellect. + +He was silent for a few moments, and then spoke again. "I shall not +always be here," he said, "nor will you always have Prince Maurice, and a +few others whose knowledge of your commonwealth is perfect. My Lords the +States must be up and doing while they still possess them. Nest Tuesday I +shall cause the Queen to be crowned at Saint-Denis; the following +Thursday she will make her entry into Paris. Next day, Friday, I shall +take my departure. At the end of this month I shall cross the Meuse at +Mezieres or in that neighbourhood." + +He added that he should write immediately to Holland, to urge upon his +Excellency and the States to be ready to make the junction of their army +with his forces without delay. He charged the ambassadors to assure their +High Mightinesses that he was and should remain their truest friend, +their dearest neighbour. He then said a few gracious and cordial words to +each of them, warmly embraced each, and bade them all farewell. + +The next day was passed by the ambassadors in paying and receiving +farewell visits, and on Saturday, the 8th, they departed from Paris, +being escorted out of the gate by the Marshal de Boisdaulphin, with a +cavalcade of noblemen. They slept that night at Saint Denis, and then +returned to Holland by the way of Calais and Rotterdam, reaching the +Hague on the 16th of May. + +I make no apology for the minute details thus given of the proceedings of +this embassy, and especially of the conversations of Henry. + +The very words of those conversations were taken down on the spot by the +commissioners who heard them, and were carefully embodied in their report +made to the States-General on their return, from which I have transcribed +them. + +It was a memorable occasion. The great king--for great he was, despite +his numerous vices and follies--stood there upon the threshold of a vast +undertaking, at which the world, still half incredulous, stood gazing, +half sick with anxiety. He relied on his own genius and valour chiefly, +and after these on the brain of Barneveld and the sword of Maurice. Nor +was his confidence misplaced. + +But let the reader observe the date of the day when those striking +utterances were made, and which have never before been made public. It +was Thursday, the 6th May. "I shall not always be here," said the King, +. . . "I cannot be ready at any moment to spring out of my kingdom." +. . . "Friday of next week I take my departure." + +How much of heroic pathos in Henry's attitude at this supreme moment! How +mournfully ring those closing words of his address to the ambassadors! + +The die was cast. A letter drawn up by the Duc de Sully was sent to +Archduke Albert by the King. + +"My brother," he said; "Not being able to refuse my best allies and +confederates the help which they have asked of me against those who wish +to trouble them in the succession to the duchies and counties of Cleve, +Julich, Mark, Berg, Ravensberg, and Ravenstein, I am advancing towards +them with my army. As my road leads me through your country, I desire to +notify you thereof, and to know whether or not I am to enter as a friend +or enemy." + +Such was the draft as delivered to the Secretary of State; "and as such +it was sent," said Sully, "unless Villeroy changed it, as he had a great +desire to do." + +Henry was mistaken in supposing that the Archduke would leave the letter +without an answer. A reply was sent in due time, and the permission +demanded was not refused. For although France was now full of military +movement, and the regiments everywhere were hurrying hourly to the places +of rendezvous, though the great storm at last was ready to burst, the +Archdukes made no preparations for resistance, and lapped themselves in +fatal security that nothing was intended but an empty demonstration. + +Six thousand Swiss newly levied, with 20,000 French infantry and 6000 +horse, were waiting for Henry to place himself at their head at Mezieres. +Twelve thousand foot and 2000 cavalry, including the French and English +contingents--a splendid army, led by Prince Maurice--were ready to march +from Holland to Dusseldorf. The army of the princes under Prince +Christian of Anhalt numbered 10,000 men. The last scruples of the usually +unscrupulous Charles Emmanuel had been overcome, and the Duke was quite +ready to act, 25,000 strong, with Marshal de Lesdiguieres, in the +Milanese; while Marshal de la Force was already at the head of his forces +in the Pyrenees, amounting to 12,000 foot and 2000 horse. + +Sully had already despatched his splendid trains of artillery to the +frontier. "Never was seen in France, and perhaps never will be seen there +again, artillery more complete and better furnished," said the Duke, +thinking probably that artillery had reached the climax of perfect +destructiveness in the first decade of the seventeenth century. + +His son, the Marquis de Rosny, had received the post of grand master of +artillery, and placed himself at its head. His father was to follow as +its chief, carrying with him as superintendent of finance a cash-box of +eight millions. + +The King had appointed his wife, Mary de' Medici, regent, with an eminent +council. + +The new nuncius had been requested to present himself with his letters of +credence in the camp. Henry was unwilling that he should enter Paris, +being convinced that he came to do his best, by declamation, persuasion, +and intrigue, to paralyse the enterprise. Sully's promises to Ubaldini, +the former nuncius, that his Holiness should be made king, however +flattering to Paul V., had not prevented his representatives from +vigorously denouncing Henry's monstrous scheme to foment heresy and +encourage rebellion. + +The King's chagrin at the cautious limitations imposed upon the States' +special embassy was, so he hoped, to be removed by full conferences in +the camp. Certainly he had shown in the most striking manner the respect +he felt for the States, and the confidence he reposed in them. + +"In the reception of your embassy," wrote Aerssens to the Advocate, +"certainly the King has so loosened the strap of his affection that he +has reserved nothing by which he could put the greatest king in the world +above your level." + +He warned the States, however, that Henry had not found as much in their +propositions as the common interest had caused him to promise himself. +"Nevertheless he informs me in confidence," said Aerssens, "that he will +engage himself in nothing without you; nay, more, he has expressly told +me that he could hardly accomplish his task without your assistance, and +it was for our sakes alone that he has put himself into this position and +incurred this great expense." + +Some days later he informed Barneveld that he would leave to van der Myle +and his colleagues the task of describing the great dissatisfaction of +the King at the letters brought by de Bethune. He told him in confidence +that the States must equip the French regiments and put them in marching +order if they wished to preserve Henry's friendship. He added that since +the departure of the special embassy the King had been vehemently and +seriously urging that Prince Maurice, Count Lewis William, Barneveld, and +three or four of the most qualified deputies of the States-General, +entirely authorized to treat for the common safety, should meet with him +in the territory of Julich on a fixed day. + +The crisis was reached. The King stood fully armed, thoroughly prepared, +with trustworthy allies at his side, disposing of overwhelming forces +ready to sweep down with irresistible strength upon the House of Austria, +which, as he said and the States said, aspired to give the law to the +whole world. Nothing was left to do save, as the Ambassador said, to +"uncouple the dogs of war and let them run." + +What preparations had Spain and the Empire, the Pope and the League, set +on foot to beat back even for a moment the overwhelming onset? None +whatever. Spinola in the Netherlands, Fuentes in Milan, Bucquoy and +Lobkowitz and Lichtenstein in Prague, had hardly the forces of a moderate +peace establishment at their disposal, and all the powers save France and +the States were on the verge of bankruptcy. + +Even James of Great Britain--shuddering at the vast thundercloud which +had stretched itself over Christendom growing blacker and blacker, +precisely at this moment, in which he had proved to his own satisfaction +that the peace just made would perpetually endure--even James did not +dare to traverse the designs of the king whom he feared, and the republic +which he hated, in favour of his dearly loved Spain. Sweden, Denmark, the +Hanse Towns, were in harmony with France, Holland, Savoy, and the whole +Protestant force of Germany--a majority both in population and resources +of the whole empire. What army, what combination, what device, what +talisman, could save the House of Austria, the cause of Papacy, from the +impending ruin? + +A sudden, rapid, conclusive victory for the allies seemed as predestined +a result as anything could be in the future of human affairs. + +On the 14th or 15th day of May, as he had just been informing the States' +ambassadors, Henry meant to place himself at the head of his army. That +was the moment fixed by himself for "taking his departure." + +And now the ides of May had come--but not gone. + +In the midst of all the military preparations with which Paris had been +resounding, the arrangements for the Queen's coronation had been +simultaneously going forward. Partly to give check in advance to the +intrigues which would probably at a later date be made by Conde, +supported by the power of Spain, to invalidate the legitimacy of the +Dauphin, but more especially perhaps to further and to conceal what the +faithful Sully called the "damnable artifices" of the Queen's intimate +councillors--sinister designs too dark to be even whispered at that +epoch, and of which history, during the lapse of more than two centuries +and a half, has scarcely dared to speak above its breath--it was deemed +all important that the coronation should take place. + +A certain astrologer, Thomassin by name, was said to have bidden the King +to beware the middle of the next month of May. Henry had tweaked the +soothsayer by the beard and made him dance twice or thrice about the +room. To the Duc de Vendome expressing great anxiety in regard to +Thomassin, Henry replied, "The astrologer is an old fool, and you are a +young fool." A certain prophetess called Pasithea had informed the Queen +that the King could not survive his fifty-seventh year. She was much in +the confidence of Mary de' Medici, who had insisted this year on her +returning to Paris. Henry, who was ever chafing and struggling to escape +the invisible and dangerous net which he felt closing about him, and who +connected the sorceress with all whom he most loathed among the intimate +associates of the Queen, swore a mighty oath that she should not show her +face again at court. "My heart presages that some signal disaster will +befall me on this coronation. Concini and his wife are urging the Queen +obstinately to send for this fanatic. If she should come, there is no +doubt that my wife and I shall squabble well about her. If I discover +more about these private plots of hers with Spain, I shall be in a mighty +passion." And the King then assured the faithful minister of his +conviction that all the jealousy affected by the Queen in regard to the +Princess of Conde was but a veil to cover dark designs. It was necessary +in the opinion of those who governed her, the vile Concini and his wife, +that there should be some apparent and flagrant cause of quarrel. The +public were to receive payment in these pretexts for want of better coin. +Henry complained that even Sully and all the world besides attributed to +jealousy that which was really the effect of a most refined malice. + +And the minister sometimes pauses in the midst of these revelations made +in his old age, and with self-imposed and shuddering silence intimates +that there are things he could tell which are too odious and dreadful to +be breathed. + +Henry had an invincible repugnance to that coronation on which the Queen +had set her heart. Nothing could be more pathetic than the isolated +position in which he found himself, standing thus as he did on the +threshold of a mighty undertaking in which he was the central figure, an +object for the world to gaze upon with palpitating interest. At his +hearth in the Louvre were no household gods. Danger lurked behind every +tapestry in that magnificent old palace. A nameless dread dogged his +footsteps through those resounding corridors. + +And by an exquisite refinement in torture the possible father of several +of his children not only dictated to the Queen perpetual outbreaks of +frantic jealousy against her husband, but moved her to refuse with +suspicion any food and drink offered her by his hands. The Concini's +would even with unparalleled and ingenious effrontery induce her to make +use of the kitchen arrangements in their apartments for the preparation +of her daily meals? + +Driven from house and home, Henry almost lived at the Arsenal. There he +would walk for hours in the long alleys of the garden, discussing with +the great financier and soldier his vast, dreamy, impracticable plans. +Strange combination of the hero, the warrior, the voluptuary, the sage, +and the schoolboy--it would be difficult to find in the whole range of +history a more human, a more attractive, a more provoking, a less +venerable character. + +Haunted by omens, dire presentiments, dark suspicions with and without +cause, he was especially averse from the coronation to which in a moment +of weakness he had given his consent. + +Sitting in Sully's cabinet, in a low chair which the Duke had expressly +provided for his use, tapping and drumming on his spectacle case, or +starting up and smiting himself on the thigh, he would pour out his soul +hours long to his one confidential minister. "Ah, my friend, how this +sacrament displeases me," he said; "I know not why it is, but my heart +tells me that some misfortune is to befall me. By God I shall die in this +city, I shall never go out of it; I see very well that they are finding +their last resource in my death. Ah, accursed coronation! thou wilt be +the cause of my death." + +So many times did he give utterance to these sinister forebodings that +Sully implored him at last for leave to countermand the whole ceremony +notwithstanding the great preparations which had been made for the +splendid festival. "Yes, yes," replied the King, "break up this +coronation at once. Let me hear no more of it. Then I shall have my mind +cured of all these impressions. I shall leave the town and fear nothing." + +He then informed his friend that he had received intimations that he +should lose his life at the first magnificent festival he should give, +and that he should die in a carriage. Sully admitted that he had often, +when in a carriage with him, been amazed at his starting and crying out +at the slightest shock, having so often seen him intrepid among guns and +cannon, pikes and naked swords. + +The Duke went to the Queen three days in succession, and with passionate +solicitations and arguments and almost upon his knees implored her to +yield to the King's earnest desire, and renounce for the time at least +the coronation. In vain. Mary de' Medici was obdurate as marble to his +prayers. + +The coronation was fixed for Thursday, the 13th May, two days later than +the time originally appointed when the King conversed with the States' +ambassadors. On the following Sunday was to be the splendid and solemn +entrance of the crowned Queen. On the Monday, Henry, postponing likewise +for two days his original plan of departure, would leave for the army. + +Meantime there were petty annoyances connected with the details of the +coronation. Henry had set his heart on having his legitimatized children, +the offspring of the fair Gabrielle, take their part in the ceremony on +an equal footing with the princes of the blood. They were not entitled to +wear the lilies of France upon their garments, and the King was +solicitous that "the Count"--as Soissons, brother of Prince Conti and +uncle of Conde, was always called--should dispense with those ensigns for +his wife upon this solemn occasion, and that the other princesses of the +blood should do the same. Thus there would be no appearance of +inferiority on the part of the Duchess of Vendome. + +The Count protested that he would have his eyes torn out of his head +rather than submit to an arrangement which would do him so much shame. He +went to the Queen and urged upon her that to do this would likewise be an +injury to her children, the Dukes of Orleans and of Anjou. He refused +flatly to appear or allow his wife to appear except in the costume +befitting their station. The King on his part was determined not to +abandon his purpose. He tried to gain over the Count by the most splendid +proposals, offering him the command of the advance-guard of the army, or +the lieutenancy-general of France in the absence of the King, 30,000 +crowns for his equipment and an increase of his pension if he would cause +his wife to give up the fleurs-de-lys on this occasion. The alternative +was to be that, if she insisted upon wearing them, his Majesty would +never look upon him again with favourable eyes. + +The Count never hesitated, but left Paris, refusing to appear at the +ceremony. The King was in a towering passion, for to lose the presence of +this great prince of the blood at a solemnity expressly intended as a +demonstration against the designs hatching by the first of all the +princes of the blood under patronage of Spain was a severe blow to his +pride and a check to his policy.' + +Yet it was inconceivable that he could at such a moment commit so +superfluous and unmeaning a blunder. He had forced Conde into exile, +intrigue with the enemy, and rebellion, by open and audacious efforts to +destroy his domestic peace, and now he was willing to alienate one of his +most powerful subjects in order to place his bastards on a level with +royalty. While it is sufficiently amusing to contemplate this proposed +barter of a chief command in a great army or the lieutenancy-general of a +mighty kingdom at the outbreak of a general European war against a bit of +embroidery on the court dress of a lady, yet it is impossible not to +recognize something ideal and chivalrous from his own point of view in +the refusal of Soissons to renounce those emblems of pure and high +descent, those haughty lilies of St. Louis, against any bribes of place +and pelf however dazzling. + +The coronation took place on Thursday, 13th May, with the pomp and +glitter becoming great court festivals; the more pompous and glittering +the more the monarch's heart was wrapped in gloom. The representatives of +the great powers were conspicuous in the procession; Aerssens, the Dutch +ambassador, holding a foremost place. The ambassadors of Spain and Venice +as usual squabbled about precedence and many other things, and actually +came to fisticuffs, the fight lasting a long time and ending somewhat to +the advantage of the Venetian. But the sacrament was over, and Mary de' +Medici was crowned Queen of France and Regent of the Kingdom during the +absence of the sovereign with his army. + +Meantime there had been mysterious warnings darker and more distinct than +the babble of the soothsayer Thomassin or the ravings of the lunatic +Pasithea. Count Schomberg, dining at the Arsenal with Sully, had been +called out to converse with Mademoiselle de Gournay, who implored that a +certain Madame d'Escomans might be admitted to audience of the King. That +person, once in direct relations with the Marchioness of Verneuil, the +one of Henry's mistresses who most hated him, affirmed that a man from +the Duke of Epernon's country was in Paris, agent of a conspiracy seeking +the King's life. + +The woman not enjoying a very reputable character found it impossible to +obtain a hearing, although almost frantic with her desire to save her +sovereign's life. The Queen observed that it was a wicked woman, who was +accusing all the world, and perhaps would accuse her too. + +The fatal Friday came. Henry drove out, in his carriage to see the +preparations making for the triumphal entrance of the Queen into Paris on +the following Sunday. What need to repeat the tragic, familiar tale? The +coach was stopped by apparent accident in the narrow street de la +Feronniere, and Francis Ravaillac, standing on the wheel, drove his knife +through the monarch's heart. The Duke of Epernon, sitting at his side, +threw his cloak over the body and ordered the carriage back to the +Louvre. + +"They have killed him, 'e ammazato,'" cried Concini (so says tradition), +thrusting his head into the Queen's bedchamber. + + [Michelet, 197. It is not probable that the documents concerning + the trial, having been so carefully suppressed from the beginning, + especially the confession dictated to Voisin--who wrote it kneeling + on the ground, and was perhaps so appalled at its purport that he + was afraid to write it legibly--will ever see the light. I add in + the Appendix some contemporary letters of persons, as likely as any + one to know what could be known, which show how dreadful were the + suspicions which men entertained, and which they hardly ventured to + whisper to each other]. + +That blow had accomplished more than a great army could have done, and +Spain now reigned in Paris. The House of Austria, without making any +military preparations, had conquered, and the great war of religion and +politics was postponed for half a dozen years. + +This history has no immediate concern with solving the mysteries of that +stupendous crime. The woman who had sought to save the King's life now +denounced Epernon as the chief murderer, and was arrested, examined, +accused of lunacy, proved to be perfectly sane, and, persisting in her +statements with perfect coherency, was imprisoned for life for her pains; +the Duke furiously demanding her instant execution. + +The documents connected with the process were carefully suppressed. The +assassin, tortured and torn by four horses, was supposed to have revealed +nothing and to have denied the existence of accomplices. + +The great accused were too omnipotent to be dealt with by humble accusers +or by convinced but powerless tribunals. The trial was all mystery, +hugger-mugger, horror. Yet the murderer is known to have dictated to the +Greflier Voisin, just before expiring on the Greve, a declaration which +that functionary took down in a handwriting perhaps purposely illegible. + +Two centuries and a half have passed away, yet the illegible original +record is said to exist, to have been plainly read, and to contain the +names of the Queen and the Duke of Epernon. + +Twenty-six years before, the pistol of Balthasar Gerard had destroyed the +foremost man in Europe and the chief of a commonwealth just struggling +into existence. Yet Spain and Rome, the instigators and perpetrators of +the crime, had not reaped the victory which they had the right to expect. +The young republic, guided by Barneveld and loyal to the son of the +murdered stadholder, was equal to the burthen suddenly descending upon +its shoulders. Instead of despair there had been constancy. Instead of +distracted counsels there had been heroic union of heart and hand. Rather +than bend to Rome and grovel to Philip, it had taken its sovereignty in +its hands, offered it successively, without a thought of +self-aggrandizement on the part of its children, to the crowns of France +and Great Britain, and, having been repulsed by both, had learned after +fiery trials and incredible exertions to assert its own high and foremost +place among the independent powers of the world. + +And now the knife of another priest-led fanatic, the wretched but +unflinching instrument of a great conspiracy, had at a blow decapitated +France. No political revolution could be much more thorough than that +which had been accomplished in a moment of time by Francis Ravaillac. + +On the 14th of May, France, while in spiritual matters obedient to the +Pope, stood at the head of the forces of Protestantism throughout Europe, +banded together to effect the downfall of the proud house of Austria, +whose fortunes and fate were synonymous with Catholicism. The Baltic +powers, the majority of the Teutonic races, the Kingdom of Britain, the +great Republic of the Netherlands, the northernmost and most warlike +governments of Italy, all stood at the disposition of the warrior-king. +Venice, who had hitherto, in the words of a veteran diplomatist, "shunned +to look a league or a confederation in the face, if there was any +Protestant element in it, as if it had been the head of Medusa," had +formally forbidden the passage of troops northwards to the relief of the +assailed power. Savoy, after direful hesitations, had committed herself +body and soul to the great enterprise. Even the Pope, who feared the +overshadowing personality of Henry, and was beginning to believe his +house's private interests more likely to flourish under the protection of +the French than the Spanish king, was wavering in his fidelity to Spain +and tempted by French promises: If he should prove himself incapable of +effecting a pause in the great crusade, it was doubtful on which side he +would ultimately range himself; for it was at least certain that the new +Catholic League, under the chieftainship of Maximilian of Bavaria, was +resolved not to entangle its fortunes inextricably with those of the +Austrian house. + +The great enterprise, first unfolding itself with the episode of Cleve +and Berg and whimsically surrounding itself with the fantastic idyl of +the Princess of Conde, had attained vast and misty proportions in the +brain of its originator. Few political visions are better known in +history than the "grand design" of Henry for rearranging the map of the +world at the moment when, in the middle of May, he was about to draw his +sword. Spain reduced to the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, but presented +with both the Indies, with all America and the whole Orient in fee; the +Empire taken from Austria and given to Bavaria; a constellation of States +in Italy, with the Pope for president-king; throughout the rest of +Christendom a certain number of republics, of kingdoms, of religions--a +great confederation of the world, in short--with the most Christian king +for its dictator and protector, and a great Amphictyonic council to +regulate all disputes by solemn arbitration, and to make war in the +future impossible, such in little was his great design. + +Nothing could be more humane, more majestic, more elaborate, more utterly +preposterous. And all this gigantic fabric had passed away in an +instant--at one stroke of a broken table knife sharpened on a carriage +wheel. + +Most pitiful was the condition of France on the day after, and for years +after, the murder of the King. Not only was the kingdom for the time +being effaced from the roll of nations, so far as external relations were +concerned, but it almost ceased to be a kingdom. The ancient monarchy of +Hugh Capet, of Saint-Louis, of Henry of France and Navarre, was +transformed into a turbulent, self-seeking, quarrelsome, pillaging, +pilfering democracy of grandees. The Queen-Regent was tossed hither and +thither at the sport of the winds and waves which shifted every hour in +that tempestuous court. + +No man pretended to think of the State. Every man thought only of +himself. The royal exchequer was plundered with a celerity and cynical +recklessness such as have been rarely seen in any age or country. The +millions so carefully hoarded by Sully, and exhibited so dramatically by +that great minister to the enraptured eyes of his sovereign; that +treasure in the Bastille on which Henry relied for payment of the armies +with which he was to transform the world, all disappeared in a few weeks +to feed the voracious maw of courtiers, paramours, and partisans! + +The Queen showered gold like water upon her beloved Concini that he might +purchase his Marquisate of Ancre, and the charge of first gentleman of +the court from Bouillon; that he might fit himself for the government of +Picardy; that he might elevate his marquisate into a dukedom. Conde, +having no further reason to remain in exile, received as a gift from the +trembling Mary de' Medici the magnificent Hotel Gondy, where the Dutch +ambassadors had so recently been lodged, for which she paid 65,000 +crowns, together with 25,000 crowns to furnish it, 50,000 crowns to pay +his debts, 50,000 more as yearly pension. + +He claimed double, and was soon at sword's point with the Queen in spite +of her lavish bounty. + +Epernon, the true murderer of Henry, trampled on courts of justice and +councils of ministers, frightened the court by threatening to convert his +possession of Metz into an independent sovereignty, as Balagny had +formerly seized upon Cambray, smothered for ever the process of +Ravaillac, caused those to be put to death or immured for life in +dungeons who dared to testify to his complicity in the great crime, and +strode triumphantly over friends and enemies throughout France, although +so crippled by the gout that he could scarcely walk up stairs. + +There was an end to the triumvirate. Sully's influence was gone for ever. +The other two dropped the mask. The Chancellor and Villeroy revealed +themselves to be what they secretly had always been--humble servants and +stipendiaries of Spain. The formal meetings of the council were of little +importance, and were solemn, tearful, and stately; draped in woe for the +great national loss. In the private cabinet meetings in the entresol of +the Louvre, where the Nuncius and the Spanish ambassador held counsel +with Epernon and Villeroy and Jeannin and Sillery, the tone was merry and +loud; the double Spanish marriage and confusion to the Dutch being the +chief topics of consultation. + +But the anarchy grew day by day into almost hopeless chaos. There was no +satisfying the princes of the blood nor the other grandees. Conde, whose +reconciliation with the Princess followed not long after the death of +Henry and his own return to France, was insatiable in his demands for +money, power, and citadels of security. Soissons, who might formerly have +received the lieutenancy-general of the kingdom by sacrificing the lilies +on his wife's gown, now disputed for that office with his elder brother +Conti, the Prince claiming it by right of seniority, the Count denouncing +Conti as deaf, dumb, and imbecile, till they drew poniards on each other +in the very presence of the Queen; while Conde on one occasion, having +been refused the citadels which he claimed, Blaye and Chateau Trompette, +threw his cloak over his nose and put on his hat while the Queen was +speaking, and left the council in a fury, declaring that Villeroy and the +chancellor were traitors, and that he would have them both soundly +cudgelled. Guise, Lorraine, Epernon, Bouillon, and other great lords +always appeared in the streets of Paris at the head of three, four, or +five hundred mounted and armed retainers; while the Queen in her +distraction gave orders to arm the Paris mob to the number of fifty +thousand, and to throw chains across the streets to protect herself and +her son against the turbulent nobles. + +Sully, hardly knowing to what saint to burn his candle, being forced to +resign his great posts, was found for a time in strange political +combination with the most ancient foes of his party and himself. The +kaleidoscope whirling with exasperating quickness showed ancient Leaguers +and Lorrainers banded with and protecting Huguenots against the Crown, +while princes of the blood, hereditary patrons and chiefs of the +Huguenots, became partisans and stipendiaries of Spain. + +It is easy to see that circumstances like these rendered the position of +the Dutch commonwealth delicate and perilous. + +Sully informed Aerssens and van der Myle, who had been sent back to Paris +on special mission very soon after the death of the King, that it took a +hundred hours now to accomplish a single affair, whereas under Henry a +hundred affairs were transacted in a single hour. But Sully's sun had +set, and he had few business conferences now with the ambassadors. + +Villeroy and the Chancellor had fed fat their ancient grudge to the once +omnipotent minister, and had sworn his political ruin. The old secretary +of state had held now complete control of the foreign alliances and +combinations of France, and the Dutch ambassadors could be under no +delusion as to the completeness of the revolution. + +"You will find a passion among the advisers of the Queen," said Villeroy +to Aerssens and van der Myle, "to move in diametrical opposition to the +plans of the late king." And well might the ancient Leaguer and present +pensionary of Spain reveal this foremost fact in a policy of which he was +in secret the soul. He wept profusely when he first received Francis +Aerssens, but after these "useless tears," as the Envoy called them, he +soon made it manifest that there was no more to be expected of France, in +the great project which its government had so elaborately set on foot. + +Villeroy was now sixty-six years of age, and had been secretary of state +during forty-two years and under four kings. A man of delicate health, +frail body, methodical habits, capacity for routine, experience in +political intrigue, he was not personally as greedy of money as many of +his contemporaries, and was not without generosity; but he loved power, +the Pope, and the House of Austria. He was singularly reserved in public, +practised successfully the talent of silence, and had at last arrived at +the position he most coveted, the virtual presidency of the council, and +saw the men he most hated beneath his feet. + +At the first interview of Aerssens with the Queen-Regent she was drowned +in tears, and could scarcely articulate an intelligible sentence. So far +as could be understood she expressed her intention of carrying out the +King's plans, of maintaining the old alliances, of protecting both +religions. Nothing, however, could be more preposterous than such +phrases. Villeroy, who now entirely directed the foreign affairs of the +kingdom, assured the Ambassador that France was much more likely to apply +to the States for assistance than render them aid in any enterprise +whatever. "There is no doubt," said Aerssens, "that the Queen is entirely +in the hands of Spain and the priests." Villeroy, whom Henry was wont to +call the pedagogue of the council, went about sighing dismally, wishing +himself dead, and perpetually ejaculating, "Ho! poor France, how much +hast thou still to suffer!" In public he spoke of nothing but of union, +and of the necessity of carrying out the designs of the King, instructing +the docile Queen to hold the same language. In private he was quite +determined to crush those designs for ever, and calmly advised the Dutch +government to make an amicable agreement with the Emperor in regard to +the Cleve affair as soon as possible; a treaty which would have been +shameful for France and the possessory princes, and dangerous, if not +disastrous, for the States-General. "Nothing but feverish and sick +counsels," he said, "could be expected from France, which had now lost +its vigour and could do nothing but groan." + +Not only did the French council distinctly repudiate the idea of doing +anything more for the princes than had been stipulated by the treaty of +Hall--that is to say, a contingent of 8000 foot and 2000 horse--but many +of them vehemently maintained that the treaty, being a personal one of +the late king, was dead with him? The duty of France was now in their +opinion to withdraw from these mad schemes as soon as possible, to make +peace with the House of Austria without delay, and to cement the +friendship by the double marriages. + +Bouillon, who at that moment hated Sully as much as the most vehement +Catholic could do, assured the Dutch envoy that the government was, under +specious appearances, attempting to deceive the States; a proposition +which it needed not the evidence of that most intriguing duke to make +manifest to so astute a politician; particularly as there was none more +bent on playing the most deceptive game than Bouillon. There would be no +troops to send, he said, and even if there were, there would be no +possibility of agreeing on a chief. The question of religion would at +once arise. As for himself, the Duke protested that he would not accept +the command if offered him. He would not agree to serve under the Prince +of Anhalt, nor would he for any consideration in the world leave the +court at that moment. At the same time Aerssens was well aware that +Bouillon, in his quality of first marshal of France, a Protestant and a +prince having great possessions on the frontier, and the brother-in-law +of Prince Maurice, considered himself entitled to the command of the +troops should they really be sent, and was very indignant at the idea of +its being offered to any one else. + + [Aerssens worked assiduously, two hours long on one occasion, to + effect a reconciliation between the two great Protestant chiefs, but + found Bouillon's demands "so shameful and unreasonable" that he + felt obliged to renounce all further attempts. In losing Sully from + the royal councils, the States' envoy acknowledged that the Republic + had lost everything that could be depended on at the French court. + "All the others are time-serving friends," he said, "or saints + without miracles."--Aerssens to Barneveld, 11 June, 1610. ] + +He advised earnestly therefore that the States should make a firm demand +for money instead of men, specifying the amount that might be considered +the equivalent of the number of troops originally stipulated. + +It is one of the most singular spectacles in history; France sinking into +the background of total obscurity in an instant of time, at one blow of a +knife, while the Republic, which she had been patronizing, protecting, +but keeping always in a subordinate position while relying implicitly +upon its potent aid, now came to the front, and held up on its strong +shoulders an almost desperate cause. Henry had been wont to call the +States-General "his courage and his right arm," but he had always +strictly forbidden them to move an inch in advance of him, but ever to +follow his lead, and to take their directions from himself. They were a +part, and an essential one, in his vast designs; but France, or he who +embodied France, was the great providence, the destiny, the +all-directing, all-absorbing spirit, that was to remodel and control the +whole world. He was dead, and France and her policy were already in a +state of rapid decomposition. + +Barneveld wrote to encourage and sustain the sinking state. "Our courage +is rising in spite and in consequence of the great misfortune," he said. +He exhorted the Queen to keep her kingdom united, and assured her that My +Lords the States would maintain themselves against all who dared to +assail them. He offered in their name the whole force of the Republic to +take vengeance on those who had procured the assassination, and to defend +the young king and the Queen-Mother against all who might make any +attempt against their authority. He further declared, in language not to +be mistaken, that the States would never abandon the princes and their +cause. + +This was the earliest indication on the part of the Advocate of the +intention of the Republic--so long as it should be directed by his +counsels--to support the cause of the young king, helpless and incapable +as he was, and directed for the time being by a weak and wicked mother, +against the reckless and depraved grandees, who were doing their best to +destroy the unity and the independence of France, Cornelis van der Myle +was sent back to Paris on special mission of condolence and comfort from +the States-General to the sorely afflicted kingdom. + +On the 7th of June, accompanied by Aerssens, he had a long interview with +Villeroy. That minister, as usual, wept profusely, and said that in +regard to Cleve it was impossible for France to carry out the designs of +the late king. He then listened to what the ambassadors had to urge, and +continued to express his melancholy by weeping. Drying his tears for a +time, he sought by a long discourse to prove that France during this +tender minority of the King would be incapable of pursuing the policy of +his father. It would be even too burthensome to fulfil the Treaty of +Hall. The friends of the crown, he said, had no occasion to further it, +and it would be much better to listen to propositions for a treaty. +Archduke Albert was content not to interfere in the quarrel if the Queen +would likewise abstain; Leopold's forces were altogether too weak to make +head against the army of the princes, backed by the power of My Lords the +States, and Julich was neither strong nor well garrisoned. He concluded +by calmly proposing that the States should take the matter in hand by +themselves alone, in order to lighten the burthen of France, whose vigour +had been cut in two by that accursed knife. + +A more sneaking and shameful policy was never announced by the minister +of a great kingdom. Surely it might seem that Ravaillac had cut in twain +not the vigour only but the honour and the conscience of France. But the +envoys, knowing in their hearts that they were talking not with a French +but a Spanish secretary of state, were not disposed to be the dupes of +his tears or his blandishments. + +They reminded him that the Queen-Regent and her ministers since the +murder of the King had assured the States-General and the princes of +their firm intention to carry out the Treaty of Hall, and they observed +that they had no authority to talk of any negotiation. The affair of the +duchies was not especially the business of the States, and the Secretary +was well aware that they had promised their succour on the express +condition that his Majesty and his army should lead the way, and that +they should follow. This was very far from the plan now suggested, that +they should do it all, which would be quite out of the question. France +had a strong army, they said, and it would be better to use it than to +efface herself so pitiably. The proposition of abstention on the part of +the Archduke was a delusion intended only to keep France out of the +field. + +Villeroy replied by referring to English affairs. King James, he said, +was treating them perfidiously. His first letters after the murder had +been good, but by the following ones England seemed to wish to put her +foot on France's throat, in order to compel her to sue for an alliance. +The British ministers had declared their resolve not to carry out that +convention of alliance, although it had been nearly concluded in the +lifetime of the late king, unless the Queen would bind herself to make +good to the King of Great Britain that third part of the subsidies +advanced by France to the States which had been furnished on English +account! + +This was the first announcement of a grievance devised by the politicians +now governing France to make trouble for the States with that kingdom and +with Great Britain likewise. According to a treaty made at Hampton Court +by Sully during his mission to England at the accession of James, it had +been agreed that one-third of the moneys advanced by France in aid of the +United Provinces should be credited to the account of Great Britain, in +diminution of the debt for similar assistance rendered by Elizabeth to +Henry. In regard to this treaty the States had not been at all consulted, +nor did they acknowledge the slightest obligation in regard to it. The +subsidies in men and in money provided for them both by France and by +England in their struggle for national existence had always been most +gratefully acknowledged by the Republic, but it had always been perfectly +understood that these expenses had been incurred by each kingdom out of +an intelligent and thrifty regard for its own interest. Nothing could be +more ridiculous than to suppose France and England actuated by +disinterested sympathy and benevolence when assisting the Netherland +people in its life-and-death struggle against the dire and deadly enemy +of both crowns. Henry protested that, while adhering to Rome in spiritual +matters, his true alliances and strength had been found in the United +Provinces, in Germany, and in Great Britain. As for the States, he had +spent sixteen millions of livres, he said, in acquiring a perfect +benevolence on the part of the States to his person. It was the best +bargain he had ever made, and he should take care to preserve it at any +cost whatever, for he considered himself able, when closely united with +them, to bid defiance to all the kings in Europe together. + +Yet it was now the settled policy of the Queen-Regent's council, so far +as the knot of politicians guided by the Nuncius and the Spanish +ambassador in the entresols of the Louvre could be called a council, to +force the States to refund that third, estimated at something between +three and four million livres, which France had advanced them on account +of Great Britain. + +Villeroy told the two ambassadors at this interview that, if Great +Britain continued to treat the Queen-Regent in such fashion, she would be +obliged to look about for other allies. There could hardly be doubt as to +the quarter in which Mary de' Medici was likely to look. Meantime, the +Secretary of State urged the envoys "to intervene at once to-mediate the +difference." There could be as little doubt that to mediate the +difference was simply to settle an account which they did not owe. + +The whole object of the Minister at this first interview was to induce +the States to take the whole Cleve enterprise upon their own shoulders, +and to let France off altogether. The Queen-Regent as then advised meant +to wash her hands of the possessory princes once and for ever. The envoys +cut the matter short by assuring Villeroy that they would do nothing of +the kind. He begged them piteously not to leave the princes in the lurch, +and at the same time not to add to the burthens of France at so +disastrous a moment. + +So they parted. Next day, however, they visited the Secretary again, and +found him more dismal and flaccid than ever. + +He spoke feebly and drearily about the succour for the great enterprise, +recounted all the difficulties in the way, and, having thrown down +everything that the day before had been left standing, he tried to excuse +an entire change of policy by the one miserable crime. + +He painted a forlorn picture of the council and of France. "I can myself +do nothing as I wish," added the undisputed controller of that +government's policy, and then with a few more tears he concluded by +requesting the envoys to address their demands to the Queen in writing. + +This was done with the customary formalities and fine speeches on both +sides; a dull comedy by which no one was amused. + +Then Bouillon came again, and assured them that there had been a chance +that the engagements of Henry, followed up by the promise of the +Queen-Regent, would be carried out, but now the fact was not to be +concealed that the continued battery of the Nuncius, of the ambassadors +of Spain and of the Archdukes, had been so effective that nothing sure or +solid was thenceforth to be expected; the council being resolved to +accept the overtures of the Archduke for mutual engagement to abstain +from the Julich enterprise. + +Nothing in truth could be more pitiable than the helpless drifting of the +once mighty kingdom, whenever the men who governed it withdrew their +attention for an instant from their private schemes of advancement and +plunder to cast a glance at affairs of State. In their secret heart they +could not doubt that France was rushing on its ruin, and that in the +alliance of the Dutch commonwealth, Britain, and the German Protestants, +was its only safety. But they trembled before the Pope, grown bold and +formidable since the death of the dreaded Henry. To offend his Holiness, +the King of Spain, the Emperor, and the great Catholics of France, was to +make a crusade against the Church. Garnier, the Jesuit, preached from his +pulpit that "to strike a blow in the Cleve enterprise was no less a sin +than to inflict a stab in the body of our Lord." The Parliament of Paris +having ordered the famous treatise of the Jesuit Mariana--justifying the +killing of excommunicated kings by their subjects--to be publicly burned +before Notre Dame, the Bishop opposed the execution of the decree. The +Parliament of Paris, although crushed by Epernon in its attempts to fix +the murder of the King upon himself as the true culprit, was at least +strong enough to carry out this sentence upon a printed, volume +recommending the deed, and the Queen's council could only do its best to +mitigate the awakened wrath of the Jesuits at this exercise of legal +authority.--At the same time, it found on the whole so many more +difficulties in a cynical and shameless withdrawal from the Treaty of +Hall than in a nominal and tardy fulfilment of its conditions that it +resolved at last to furnish the 8000 foot and 2000 horse promised to the +possessory princes. The next best thing to abandoning entirely even this +little shred, this pitiful remnant, of the splendid designs of Henry was +to so arrange matters that the contingent should be feebly commanded, and +set on foot in so dilatory a manner that the petty enterprise should on +the part of France be purely perfunctory. The grandees of the kingdom had +something more important to do than to go crusading in Germany, with the +help of a heretic republic, to set up the possessory princes. They were +fighting over the prostrate dying form of their common mother for their +share of the spoils, stripping France before she was dead, and casting +lots for her vesture. + +Soissons was on the whole in favour of the Cleve expedition. Epernon was +desperately opposed to it, and maltreated Villeroy in full council when +he affected to say a word, insincere as the Duke knew it to be, in favour +of executing agreements signed by the monarch, and sealed with the great +seal of France. The Duke of Guise, finding himself abandoned by the +Queen, and bitterly opposed and hated by Soissons, took sides with his +deaf and dumb and imbecile brother, and for a brief interval the Duke of +Sully joined this strange combination of the House of Lorraine and chiefs +of ancient Leaguers, who welcomed him with transport, and promised him +security. + +Then Bouillon, potent by his rank, his possessions, and his authority +among the Protestants, publicly swore that he would ruin Sully and change +the whole order of the government. What more lamentable spectacle, what +more desolate future for the cause of religious equality, which for a +moment had been achieved in France, than this furious alienation of the +trusted leaders of the Huguenots, while their adversaries were carrying +everything before them? At the council board Bouillon quarrelled +ostentatiously with Sully, shook his fist in his face, and but for the +Queen's presence would have struck him. Next day he found that the Queen +was intriguing against himself as well as against Sully, was making a +cat's-paw of him, and was holding secret councils daily from which he as +well as Sully was excluded. At once he made overtures of friendship to +Sully, and went about proclaiming to the world that all Huguenots were to +be removed from participation in affairs of state. His vows of vengeance +were for a moment hushed by the unanimous resolution of the council that, +as first marshal of France, having his principality on the frontier, and +being of the Reformed religion, he was the fittest of all to command the +expedition. Surely it might be said that the winds and tides were not +more changeful than the politics of the Queen's government. The Dutch +ambassador was secretly requested by Villeroy to negotiate with Bouillon +and offer him the command of the Julich expedition. The Duke affected to +make difficulties, although burning to obtain the post, but at last +consented. All was settled. Aerssens communicated at once with Villeroy, +and notice of Bouillon's acceptance was given to the Queen, when, behold, +the very next day Marshal de la Chatre was appointed to the command +expressly because he was a Catholic. Of course the Duke of Bouillon, +furious with Soissons and Epernon and the rest of the government, was +more enraged than ever against the Queen. His only hope was now in Conde, +but Conde at the outset, on arriving at the Louvre, offered his heart to +the Queen as a sheet of white paper. Epernon and Soissons received him +with delight, and exchanged vows of an eternal friendship of several +weeks' duration. And thus all the princes of the blood, all the cousins +of Henry of Navarre, except the imbecile Conti, were ranged on the side +of Spain, Rome, Mary de' Medici, and Concino Concini, while the son of +the Balafre, the Duke of Mayenne, and all their adherents were making +common cause with the Huguenots. What better example had been seen +before, even in that country of pantomimic changes, of the effrontery +with which Religion was made the strumpet of Political Ambition? + +All that day and the next Paris was rife with rumours that there was to +be a general massacre of the Huguenots to seal the new-born friendship of +a Conde with a Medici. France was to renounce all her old alliances and +publicly to enter into treaties offensive and defensive with Spain. A +league like that of Bayonne made by the former Medicean Queen-Regent of +France was now, at Villeroy's instigation, to be signed by Mary de' +Medici. Meantime, Marshal de la Chatre, an honest soldier and fervent +Papist, seventy-three years of age, ignorant of the language, the +geography, the politics of the country to which he was sent, and knowing +the road thither about as well, according to Aerssens, who was requested +to give him a little preliminary instruction, as he did the road to +India, was to co-operate with Barneveld and Maurice of Nassau in the +enterprise against the duchies. + +These were the cheerful circumstances amid which the first step in the +dead Henry's grand design against the House of Austria and in support of +Protestantism in half Europe and of religious equality throughout +Christendom, was now to be ventured. + +Cornelis van der Myle took leave of the Queen on terminating his brief +special embassy, and was fain to content himself with languid assurances +from that corpulent Tuscan dame of her cordial friendship for the United +Provinces. Villeroy repeated that the contingent to be sent was furnished +out of pure love to the Netherlands, the present government being in no +wise bound by the late king's promises. He evaded the proposition of the +States for renewing the treaty of close alliance by saying that he was +then negotiating with the British government on the subject, who insisted +as a preliminary step on the repayment of the third part of the sums +advanced to the States by the late king. + +He exchanged affectionate farewell greetings and good wishes with Jeannin +and with the dropsical Duke of Mayenne, who was brought in his chair to +his old fellow Leaguer's apartments at the moment of the Ambassador's +parting interview. + +There was abundant supply of smooth words, in the plentiful lack of any +substantial nutriment, from the representatives of each busy faction into +which the Medicean court was divided. Even Epernon tried to say a +gracious word to the retiring envoy, assuring him that he would do as +much for the cause as a good Frenchman and lover of his fatherland could +do. He added, in rather a surly way, that he knew very well how foully he +had been described to the States, but that the devil was not as black as +he was painted. It was necessary, he said, to take care of one's own +house first of all, and he knew very well that the States and all prudent +persons would do the same thing. + + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + And now the knife of another priest-led fanatic + As with his own people, keeping no back-door open + At a blow decapitated France + Conclusive victory for the allies seemed as predestined + Epernon, the true murderer of Henry + Father Cotton, who was only too ready to betray the secrets + Great war of religion and politics was postponed + Jesuit Mariana--justifying the killing of excommunicated kings + No man pretended to think of the State + Practised successfully the talent of silence + Queen is entirely in the hands of Spain and the priests + Religion was made the strumpet of Political Ambition + Smooth words, in the plentiful lack of any substantial + Stroke of a broken table knife sharpened on a carriage wheel + The assassin, tortured and torn by four horses + They have killed him, 'e ammazato,' cried Concini + Things he could tell which are too odious and dreadful + Uncouple the dogs and let them run + Vows of an eternal friendship of several weeks' duration + What could save the House of Austria, the cause of Papacy + Wrath of the Jesuits at this exercise of legal authority + + + + +CHAPTER V. 1610-12 + + Interviews between the Dutch Commissioners and King James--Prince + Maurice takes command of the Troops--Surrender of Julich--Matthias + crowned King of Bohemia--Death of Rudolph--James's Dream of a + Spanish Marriage--Appointment of Vorstius in place of Arminius at + Leyden--Interview between Maurice and Winwood--Increased Bitterness + between Barneveld and Maurice--Projects of Spanish Marriages in + France. + +It is refreshing to escape from the atmosphere of self-seeking faction, +feverish intrigue, and murderous stratagem in which unhappy France was +stifling into the colder and calmer regions of Netherland policy. + +No sooner had the tidings of Henry's murder reached the States than they +felt that an immense responsibility had fallen on their shoulders. It is +to the eternal honour of the Republic, of Barneveld, who directed her +councils, and of Prince Maurice, who wielded her sword, that she was +equal to the task imposed upon her. + +There were open bets on the Exchange in Antwerp, after the death of +Henry, that Maurice would likewise be killed within the month. Nothing +seemed more probable, and the States implored the Stadholder to take +special heed to himself. But this was a kind of caution which the Prince +was not wont to regard. Nor was there faltering, distraction, cowardice, +or parsimony in Republican councils. + +We have heard the strong words of encouragement and sympathy addressed by +the Advocate's instructions to the Queen-Regent and the leading statesmen +of France. We have seen their effects in that lingering sentiment of +shame which prevented the Spanish stipendiaries who governed the kingdom +from throwing down the mask as cynically as they were at first inclined +to do. + +Not less manful and statesmanlike was the language held to the King of +Great Britain and his ministers by the Advocate's directions. The news of +the assassination reached the special ambassadors in London at three +o'clock of Monday, the 17th May. James returned to Whitehall from a +hunting expedition on the 21st, and immediately signified his intention +of celebrating the occasion by inviting the high commissioners of the +States to a banquet and festival at the palace. + +Meantime they were instructed by Barneveld to communicate the results of +the special embassy of the States to the late king according to the +report just delivered to the Assembly. Thus James was to be informed of +the common resolution and engagement then taken to support the cause of +the princes. He was now seriously and explicitly to be summoned to assist +the princes not only with the stipulated 4000 men, but with a much +greater force, proportionate to the demands for the security and welfare +of Christendom, endangered by this extraordinary event. He was assured +that the States would exert themselves to the full measure of their +ability to fortify and maintain the high interests of France, of the +possessory princes, and of Christendom, so that the hopes of the +perpetrators of the foul deed would be confounded. + +"They hold this to be the occasion," said the envoys, "to show to all the +world that it is within your power to rescue the affairs of France, +Germany, and of the United Provinces from the claws of those who imagine +for themselves universal monarchy." + +They concluded by requesting the King to come to "a resolution on this +affair royally, liberally, and promptly, in order to take advantage of +the time, and not to allow the adversary to fortify himself in his +position"; and they pledged the States-General to stand by and second him +with all their power. + +The commissioners, having read this letter to Lord Salisbury before +communicating it to the King, did not find the Lord Treasurer very prompt +or sympathetic in his reply. There had evidently been much jealousy at +the English court of the confidential and intimate relations recently +established with Henry, to which allusions were made in the documents +read at the present conference. Cecil, while expressing satisfaction in +formal terms at the friendly language of the States, and confidence in +the sincerity of their friendship for his sovereign, intimated very +plainly that more had passed between the late king and the authorities of +the Republic than had been revealed by either party to the King of Great +Britain, or than could be understood from the letters and papers now +communicated. He desired further information from the commissioners, +especially in regard to those articles of their instructions which +referred to a general rupture. They professed inability to give more +explanations than were contained in the documents themselves. If +suspicion was felt, they said, that the French King had been proposing +anything in regard to a general rupture, either on account of the retreat +of Conde, the affair of Savoy, or anything else, they would reply that +the ambassadors in France had been instructed to decline committing the +States until after full communication and advice and ripe deliberation +with his British Majesty and council, as well as the Assembly of the +States-General; and it had been the intention of the late king to have +conferred once more and very confidentially with Prince Maurice and Count +Lewis William before coming to a decisive resolution. + +It was very obvious however to the commissioners that their statement +gave no thorough satisfaction, and that grave suspicions remained of +something important kept back by them. Cecil's manner was constrained and +cold, and certainly there were no evidences of profound sorrow at the +English court for the death of Henry. + +"The King of France," said the High Treasurer, "meant to make a +master-stroke--a coup de maistre--but he who would have all may easily +lose all. Such projects as these should not have been formed or taken in +hand without previous communication with his Majesty of Great Britain." + +All arguments on the part of the ambassadors to induce the Lord Treasurer +or other members of the government to enlarge the succour intended for +the Cleve affair were fruitless. The English troops regularly employed in +the States' service might be made use of with the forces sent by the +Republic itself. More assistance than this it was idle to expect, unless +after a satisfactory arrangement with the present regency of France. The +proposition, too, of the States for a close and general alliance was +coldly repulsed. "No resolution can be taken as to that," said Cecil; +"the death of the French king has very much altered such matters." + +At a little later hour on the same day the commissioners, according to +previous invitation, dined with the King. + +No one sat at the table but his Majesty and themselves, and they all kept +their hats on their heads. The King was hospitable, gracious, discursive, +loquacious, very theological. + +He expressed regret for the death of the King of France, and said that +the pernicious doctrine out of which such vile crimes grew must be +uprooted. He asked many questions in regard to the United Netherlands, +enquiring especially as to the late commotions at Utrecht, and the +conduct of Prince Maurice on that occasion. He praised the resolute +conduct of the States-General in suppressing those tumults with force, +adding, however, that they should have proceeded with greater rigour +against the ringleaders of the riot. He warmly recommended the Union of +the Provinces. + +He then led the conversation to the religious controversies in the +Netherlands, and in reply to his enquiries was informed that the points +in dispute related to predestination and its consequences. + +"I have studied that subject," said James, "as well as anybody, and have +come to the conclusion that nothing certain can be laid down in regard to +it. I have myself not always been of one mind about it, but I will bet +that my opinion is the best of any, although I would not hang my +salvation upon it. My Lords the States would do well to order their +doctors and teachers to be silent on this topic. I have hardly ventured, +moreover, to touch upon the matter of justification in my own writings, +because that also seemed to hang upon predestination." + +Thus having spoken with the air of a man who had left nothing further to +be said on predestination or justification, the King rose, took off his +hat, and drank a bumper to the health of the States-General and his +Excellency Prince Maurice, and success to the affair of Cleve. + +After dinner there was a parting interview in the gallery. The King, +attended by many privy councillors and high functionaries of state, bade +the commissioners a cordial farewell, and, in order to show his +consideration for their government, performed the ceremony of knighthood +upon them, as was his custom in regard to the ambassadors of Venice. The +sword being presented to him by the Lord Chamberlain, James touched each +of the envoys on the shoulder as he dismissed him. "Out of respect to My +Lords the States," said they in their report, "we felt compelled to allow +ourselves to be burthened with this honour." + +Thus it became obvious to the States-General that there was but little to +hope for from Great Britain or France. France, governed by Concini and by +Spain, was sure to do her best to traverse the designs of the Republic, +and, while perfunctorily and grudgingly complying with the letter of the +Hall treaty, was secretly neutralizing by intrigue the slender military +aid which de la Chatre was to bring to Prince Maurice. The close alliance +of France and Protestantism had melted into air. On the other hand the +new Catholic League sprang into full luxuriance out of the grave of +Henry, and both Spain and the Pope gave their hearty adhesion to the +combinations of Maximilian of Bavaria, now that the mighty designs of the +French king were buried with him. The Duke of Savoy, caught in the trap +of his own devising, was fain to send his son to sue to Spain for pardon +for the family upon his knees, and expiated by draining a deep cup of +humiliation his ambitious designs upon the Milanese and the matrimonial +alliance with France. Venice recoiled in horror from the position she +found herself in as soon as the glamour of Henry's seductive policy was +dispelled, while James of Great Britain, rubbing his hands with great +delight at the disappearance from the world of the man he so admired, +bewailed, and hated, had no comfort to impart to the States-General thus +left in virtual isolation. The barren burthen of knighthood and a sermon +on predestination were all he could bestow upon the high commissioners in +place of the alliance which he eluded, and the military assistance which +he point-blank refused. The possessory princes, in whose cause the sword +was drawn, were too quarrelsome and too fainthearted to serve for much +else than an incumbrance either in the cabinet or the field. + +And the States-General were equal to the immense responsibility. +Steadily, promptly, and sagaciously they confronted the wrath, the +policy, and the power of the Empire, of Spain, and of the Pope. Had the +Republic not existed, nothing could have prevented that debateable and +most important territory from becoming provinces of Spain, whose power +thus dilated to gigantic proportions in the very face of England would +have been more menacing than in the days of the Armada. Had the Republic +faltered, she would have soon ceased to exist. But the Republic did not +falter. + +On the 13th July, Prince Maurice took command of the States' forces, +13,000 foot and 3000 horse, with thirty pieces of cannon, assembled at +Schenkenschans. The July English and French regiments in the regular +service of the United Provinces were included in these armies, but there +were no additions to them: "The States did seven times as much," +Barneveld justly averred, "as they had stipulated to do." Maurice, moving +with the precision and promptness which always marked his military +operations, marched straight upon Julich, and laid siege to that +important fortress. The Archdukes at Brussels, determined to keep out of +the fray as long as possible, offered no opposition to the passage of his +supplies up the Rhine, which might have been seriously impeded by them at +Rheinberg. The details of the siege, as of all the Prince's sieges, +possess no more interest to the general reader than the working out of a +geometrical problem. He was incapable of a flaw in his calculations, but +it was impossible for him quite to complete the demonstration before the +arrival of de la Chatre. Maurice received with courtesy the Marshal, who +arrived on the 18th August, at the head of his contingent of 8000 foot +and a few squadrons of cavalry, and there was great show of harmony +between them. For any practical purposes, de la Chatre might as well have +remained in France. For political ends his absence would have been +preferable to his presence. + +Maurice would have rejoiced, had the Marshal blundered longer along the +road to the debateable land than he had done. He had almost brought +Julich to reduction. A fortnight later the place surrendered. The terms +granted by the conqueror were equitable. No change was to be made in the +liberty of Roman Catholic worship, nor in the city magistracy. The +citadel and its contents were to be handed over to the Princes of +Brandenburg and Neuburg. Archduke Leopold and his adherents departed to +Prague, to carry out as he best could his farther designs upon the crown +of Bohemia, this first portion of them having so lamentably failed, and +Sergeant-Major Frederick Pithan, of the regiment of Count Ernest Casimir +of Nassau, was appointed governor of Julich in the interest of the +possessory princes. + +Thus without the loss of a single life, the Republic, guided by her +consummate statesman and unrivalled general, had gained an immense +victory, had installed the Protestant princes in the full possession of +those splendid and important provinces, and had dictated her decrees on +German soil to the Emperor of Germany, and had towed, as it were, Great +Britain and France along in her wake, instead of humbly following those +powers, and had accomplished all that she had ever proposed to do, even +in alliance with them both. + +The King of England considered that quite enough had been done, and was +in great haste to patch up a reconciliation. He thought his ambassador +would soon "have as good occasion to employ his tongue and his pen as +General Cecil and his soldiers have done their swords and their +mattocks." + +He had no sympathy with the cause of Protestantism, and steadily refused +to comprehend the meaning of the great movements in the duchies. "I only +wish that I may handsomely wind myself out of this quarrel, where the +principal parties do so little for themselves," he said. + +De la Chatre returned with his troops to France within a fortnight after +his arrival on the scene. A mild proposition made by the French +government through the Marshal, that the provinces should be held in +seguestration by France until a decision as to the true sovereignty could +be reached, was promptly declined. Maurice of Nassau had hardly gained so +signal a triumph for the Republic and for the Protestant cause only to +hand it over to Concini and Villeroy for the benefit of Spain. Julich was +thought safer in the keeping of Sergeant Pithan. + +By the end of September the States' troops had returned to their own +country. + +Thus the Republic, with eminent success, had accomplished a brief and +brilliant campaign, but no statesman could suppose that the result was +more than a temporary one. These coveted provinces, most valuable in +themselves and from their important position, would probably not be +suffered peacefully to remain very long under the protection of the +heretic States-General and in the 'Condominium' of two Protestant +princes. There was fear among the Imperialists, Catholics, and Spaniards, +lest the baleful constellation of the Seven Provinces might be increased +by an eighth star. And this was a project not to be tolerated. It was +much already that the upstart confederacy had defied Pope, Emperor, and +King, as it were, on their own domains, had dictated arrangements in +Germany directly in the teeth of its emperor, using France as her +subordinate, and compelling the British king to acquiesce in what he most +hated. + +But it was not merely to surprise Julich, and to get a foothold in the +duchies, that Leopold had gone forth on his adventure. His campaign, as +already intimated, was part of a wide scheme in which he had persuaded +his emperor-cousin to acquiesce. Poor Rudolph had been at last goaded +into a feeble attempt at revolt against his three brothers and his cousin +Ferdinand. Peace-loving, inert, fond of his dinner, fonder of his +magnificent collections of gems and intagli, liking to look out of window +at his splendid collection of horses, he was willing to pass a quiet +life, afar from the din of battles and the turmoil of affairs. As he +happened to be emperor of half Europe, these harmless tastes could not +well be indulged. Moon-faced and fat, silent and slow, he was not +imperial of aspect on canvas or coin, even when his brows were decorated +with the conventional laurel wreath. He had been stripped of his +authority and all but discrowned by his more bustling brothers Matthias +and Max, while the sombre figure of Styrian Ferdinand, pupil of the +Jesuits, and passionate admirer of Philip II., stood ever in the +background, casting a prophetic shadow over the throne and over Germany. + +The brothers were endeavouring to persuade Rudolph that he would find +more comfort in Innsbruck than in Prague; that he required repose after +the strenuous labours of government. They told him, too, that it would be +wise to confer the royal crown of Bohemia upon Matthias, lest, being +elective and also an electorate, the crown and vote of that country might +pass out of the family, and so both Bohemia and the Empire be lost to the +Habsburgs. The kingdom being thus secured to Matthias and his heirs, the +next step, of course, was to proclaim him King of the Romans. Otherwise +there would be great danger and detriment to Hungary, and other +hereditary states of that conglomerate and anonymous monarchy which owned +the sway of the great Habsburg family. + +The unhappy emperor was much piqued. He had been deprived by his brother +of Hungary, Moravia, and Austria, while Matthias was now at Prague with +an army, ostensibly to obtain ratification of the peace with Turkey, but +in reality to force the solemn transfer of those realms and extort the +promise of Bohemia. Could there be a better illustration of the +absurdities of such a system of Imperialism? + +And now poor Rudolph was to be turned out of the Hradschin, and sent +packing with or without his collections to the Tyrol. + +The bellicose bishop of Strassburg and Passau, brother of Ferdinand, had +little difficulty in persuading the downtrodden man to rise to vengeance. +It had been secretly agreed between the two that Leopold, at the head of +a considerable army of mercenaries which he had contrived to levy, should +dart into Julich as the Emperor's representative, seize the debateable +duchies, and hold them in sequestration until the Emperor should decide +to whom they belonged, and, then, rushing back to Bohemia, should +annihilate Matthias, seize Prague, and deliver Rudolph from bondage. It +was further agreed that Leopold, in requital of these services, should +receive the crown of Bohemia, be elected King of the Romans, and declared +heir to the Emperor, so far as Rudolph could make him his heir. + +The first point in the program he had only in part accomplished. He had +taken Julich, proclaimed the intentions of the Emperor, and then been +driven out of his strong position by the wise policy of the States under +the guidance of Barneveld and by the consummate strategy of Maurice. It +will be seen therefore that the Republic was playing a world's game at +this moment, and doing it with skill and courage. On the issue of the +conflict which had been begun and was to be long protracted in the +duchies, and to spread over nearly all Christendom besides, would depend +the existence of the United Netherlands and the fate of Protestantism. + +The discomfited Leopold swept back at the head of his mercenaries, 9000 +foot and 3000 horse, through Alsace and along the Danube to Linz and so +to Prague, marauding, harrying, and black-mailing the country as he went. +He entered the city on the 15th of February 1611, fighting his way +through crowds of exasperated burghers. Sitting in full harness on +horseback in the great square before the cathedral, the warlike bishop +compelled the population to make oath to him as the Emperor's commissary. +The street fighting went on however day by day, poor Rudolph meantime +cowering in the Hradschin. On the third day, Leopold, driven out of the +town, took up a position on the heights, from which he commanded it with +his artillery. Then came a feeble voice from the Hradschin, telling all +men that these Passau marauders and their episcopal chief were there by +the Emperor's orders. The triune city--the old, the new, and the Jew--was +bidden to send deputies to the palace and accept the Imperial decrees. No +deputies came at the bidding. The Bohemians, especially the Praguers, +being in great majority Protestants knew very well that Leopold was +fighting the cause of the Papacy and Spain in Bohemia as well as in the +duchies. + +And now Matthias appeared upon the scene. The Estates had already been in +communication with him, better hopes, for the time at least, being +entertained from him than from the flaccid Rudolph. Moreover a kind of +compromise had been made in the autumn between Matthias and the Emperor +after the defeat of Leopold in the duchies. The real king had fallen at +the feet of the nominal one by proxy of his brother Maximilian. Seven +thousand men of the army of Matthias now came before Prague under command +of Colonitz. The Passauers, receiving three months pay from the Emperor, +marched quietly off. Leopold disappeared for the time. His chancellor and +counsellor in the duchies, Francis Teynagel, a Geldrian noble, taken +prisoner and put to the torture, revealed the little plot of the Emperor +in favour of the Bishop, and it was believed that the Pope, the King of +Spain, and Maximilian of Bavaria were friendly to the scheme. This was +probable, for Leopold at last made no mystery of his resolve to fight +Protestantism to the death, and to hold the duchies, if he could, for the +cause of Rome and Austria. + +Both Rudolph and Matthias had committed themselves to the toleration of +the Reformed religion. The famous "Majesty-Letter," freshly granted by +the Emperor (1609), and the Compromise between the Catholic and +Protestant Estates had become the law of the land. Those of the Bohemian +confession, a creed commingled of Hussism, Lutheranism, and Calvinism, +had obtained toleration. In a country where nine-tenths of the population +were Protestants it was permitted to Protestants to build churches and to +worship God in them unmolested. But these privileges had been extorted by +force, and there was a sullen, dogged determination which might be easily +guessed at to revoke them should it ever become possible. The House of +Austria, reigning in Spain, Italy, and Germany, was bound by the very law +of their being to the Roman religion. Toleration of other worship +signified in their eyes both a defeat and a crime. + +Thus the great conflict, to be afterwards known as the Thirty Years' War, +had in reality begun already, and the Netherlands, in spite of the truce, +were half unconsciously taking a leading part in it. The odds at that +moment in Germany seemed desperately against the House of Austria, so +deep and wide was the abyss between throne and subjects which religious +difference had created. But the reserved power in Spain, Italy, and +Southern Germany was sure enough to make itself felt sooner or later on +the Catholic side. + +Meantime the Estates of Bohemia knew well enough that the Imperial house +was bent on destroying the elective principle of the Empire, and on +keeping the crown of Bohemia in perpetuity. They had also discovered that +Bishop-Archduke Leopold had been selected by Rudolph as chief of the +reactionary movement against Protestantism. They could not know at that +moment whether his plans were likely to prove fantastic or dangerous. + +So Matthias came to Prague at the invitation of the Estates, entering the +city with all the airs of a conqueror. Rudolph received his brother with +enforced politeness, and invited him to reside in the Hradschin. This +proposal was declined by Matthias, who sent a colonel however, with six +pieces of artillery, to guard and occupy that palace. The Passau +prisoners were pardoned and released, and there was a general +reconciliation. A month later, Matthias went in pomp to the chapel of the +holy Wenceslaus, that beautiful and barbarous piece of mediaeval, +Sclavonic architecture, with its sombre arches, and its walls encrusted +with huge precious stones. The Estates of Bohemia, arrayed in splendid +Zchech costume, and kneeling on the pavement, were asked whether they +accepted Matthias, King of Hungary, as their lawful king. Thrice they +answered Aye. Cardinal Dietrichstein then put the historic crown of St. +Wenceslaus on the King's head, and Matthias swore to maintain the laws +and privileges of Bohemia, including the recent charters granting liberty +of religion to Protestants. Thus there was temporary, if hollow, truce +between the religious parties, and a sham reconciliation between the +Emperor and his brethren. The forlorn Rudolph moped away the few months +of life left to him in the Hradschin, and died 1612 soon after the new +year. The House of Austria had not been divided, Matthias succeeded his +brother, Leopold's visions melted into air, and it was for the future to +reveal whether the Majesty-Letter and the Compromise had been written on +very durable material. + +And while such was the condition of affairs in Germany immediately +following the Cleve and Julich campaign, the relations of the Republic +both to England and France were become rapidly more dangerous than they +ever had been. It was a severe task for Barneveld, and enough to overtax +the energies of any statesman, to maintain his hold on two such slippery +governments as both had become since the death of their great monarchs. +It had been an easier task for William the Silent to steer his course, +notwithstanding all the perversities, short-comings, brow-beatings, and +inconsistencies that he had been obliged to endure from Elizabeth and +Henry. Genius, however capricious and erratic at times, has at least +vision, and it needed no elaborate arguments to prove to both those +sovereigns that the severance of their policy from that of the +Netherlands was impossible without ruin to the Republic and incalculable +danger themselves. + +But now France and England were both tending towards Spain through a +stupidity on the part of their rulers such as the gods are said to +contend against in vain. Barneveld was not a god nor a hero, but a +courageous and wide-seeing statesman, and he did his best. Obliged by his +position to affect admiration, or at least respect, where no emotion but +contempt was possible, his daily bread was bitter enough. It was +absolutely necessary to humour those whom knew to be traversing his +policy and desiring his ruin, for there was no other way to serve his +country and save it from impending danger. So long as he was faithfully +served by his subordinates, and not betrayed by those to whom he gave his +heart, he could confront external enemies and mould the policy of +wavering allies. + +Few things in history are more pitiable than the position of James in +regard to Spain. For seven long years he was as one entranced, the slave +to one idea, a Spanish marriage for his son. It was in vain that his +counsellors argued, Parliament protested, allies implored. Parliament was +told that a royal family matter regarded himself alone, and that +interference on their part was an impertinence. Parliament's duty was a +simple one, to give him advice if he asked it, and money when he required +it, without asking for reasons. It was already a great concession that he +should ask for it in person. They had nothing to do with his affairs nor +with general politics. The mystery of government was a science beyond +their reach, and with which they were not to meddle. "Ne sutor ultra +crepidam," said the pedant. + +Upon that one point his policy was made to turn. Spain held him in the +hollow of her hand. The Infanta, with two million crowns in dowry, was +promised, withheld, brought forward again like a puppet to please or +irritate a froward child. Gondemar, the Spanish ambassador, held him +spellbound. Did he falter in his opposition to the States--did he cease +to goad them for their policy in the duchies--did he express sympathy +with Bohemian Protestantism, or, as time went on, did he dare to lift a +finger or touch his pocket in behalf of his daughter and the unlucky +Elector-Palatine; did he, in short, move a step in the road which England +had ever trod and was bound to tread--the road of determined resistance +to Spanish ambition--instantaneously the Infanta withheld, and James was +on his knees again. A few years later, when the great Raleigh returned +from his trans-Alantic expedition, Gondemar fiercely denounced him to the +King as the worst enemy of Spain. The usual threat was made, the wand was +waved, and the noblest head in England fell upon the block, in pursuance +of an obsolete sentence fourteen years old. + +It is necessary to hold fast this single clue to the crooked and amazing +entanglements of the policy of James. The insolence, the meanness, and +the prevarications of this royal toad-eater are only thus explained. + +Yet Philip III. declared on his death-bed that he had never had a serious +intention of bestowing his daughter on the Prince. + +The vanity and the hatreds of theology furnished the chief additional +material in the policy of James towards the Provinces. The diplomacy of +his reign so far as the Republic was concerned is often a mere mass of +controversial divinity, and gloomy enough of its kind. Exactly at this +moment Conrad Vorstius had been called by the University of Leyden to the +professorship vacant by the death of Arminius, and the wrath of Peter +Plancius and the whole orthodox party knew no bounds. Born in Cologne, +Vorstius had been a lecturer in Geneva, and beloved by Beza. He had +written a book against the Jesuit Belarmino, which he had dedicated to +the States-General. But he was now accused of Arminianism, Socianism, +Pelagianism, Atheism--one knew not what. He defended himself in writing +against these various charges, and declared himself a believer in the +Trinity, in the Divinity of Christ, in the Atonement. But he had written +a book on the Nature of God, and the wrath of Gomarus and Plancius and +Bogerman was as nothing to the ire of James when that treatise was one +day handed to him on returning from hunting. He had scarcely looked into +it before he was horror-struck, and instantly wrote to Sir Ralph Winwood, +his ambassador at the Hague, ordering him to insist that this blasphemous +monster should at once be removed from the country. Who but James knew +anything of the Nature of God, for had he not written a work in Latin +explaining it all, so that humbler beings might read and be instructed. + +Sir Ralph accordingly delivered a long sermon to the States on the brief +supplied by his Majesty, told them that to have Vorstius as successor to +Arminius was to fall out of the frying-pan into the fire, and handed them +a "catalogue" prepared by the King of the blasphemies, heresies, and +atheisms of the Professor. "Notwithstanding that the man in full assembly +of the States of Holland," said the Ambassador with headlong and confused +rhetoric, "had found the means to palliate and plaster the dung of his +heresies, and thus to dazzle the eyes of good people," yet it was +necessary to protest most vigorously against such an appointment, and to +advise that "his works should be publicly burned in the open places of +all the cities." + +The Professor never was admitted to perform his functions of theology, +but he remained at Leyden, so Winwood complained, "honoured, recognized +as a singularity and ornament to the Academy in place of the late Joseph +Scaliger."--"The friendship of the King and the heresy of Vorstius are +quite incompatible," said the Envoy. + +Meantime the Advocate, much distressed at the animosity of England +bursting forth so violently on occasion of the appointment of a divinity +professor at Leyden, and at the very instant too when all the acuteness +of his intellect was taxed to keep on good or even safe terms with +France, did his best to stem these opposing currents. His private letters +to his old and confidential friend, Noel de Carom, States' ambassador in +London, reveal the perplexities of his soul and the upright patriotism by +which he was guided in these gathering storms. And this correspondence, +as well as that maintained by him at a little later period with the +successor of Aerssens at Paris, will be seen subsequently to have had a +direct and most important bearing upon the policy of the Republic and +upon his own fate. It is necessary therefore that the reader, interested +in these complicated affairs which were soon to bring on a sanguinary war +on a scale even vaster than the one which had been temporarily suspended, +should give close attention to papers never before exhumed from the musty +sepulchre of national archives, although constantly alluded to in the +records of important state trials. It is strange enough to observe the +apparent triviality of the circumstances out of which gravest events seem +to follow. But the circumstances were in reality threads of iron which +led down to the very foundations of the earth. + +"I wish to know," wrote the Advocate to Caron, "from whom the Archbishop +of Canterbury received the advices concerning Vorstius in order to find +out what is meant by all this." + +It will be remembered that Whitgift was of opinion that James was +directly inspired by the Holy Ghost, and that as he affected to deem him +the anointed High-priest of England, it was natural that he should +encourage the King in his claims to be 'Pontifex maximus' for the +Netherlands likewise. + +"We are busy here," continued Barneveld, "in examining all things for the +best interests of the country and the churches. I find the nobles and +cities here well resolved in this regard, although there be some +disagreements 'in modo.' Vorstius, having been for many years professor +and minister of theology at Steinfurt, having manifested his learning in +many books written against the Jesuits, and proved himself pure and +moderate in doctrine, has been called to the vacant professorship at +Leyden. This appointment is now countermined by various means. We are +doing our best to arrange everything for the highest good of the +Provinces and the churches. Believe this and believe nothing else. Pay +heed to no other information. Remember what took place in Flanders, +events so well known to you. It is not for me to pass judgment in these +matters. Do you, too, suspend your judgment." + +The Advocate's allusion was to the memorable course of affairs in +Flanders at an epoch when many of the most inflammatory preachers and +politicians of the Reformed religion, men who refused to employ a footman +or a housemaid not certified to be thoroughly orthodox, subsequently +after much sedition and disturbance went over to Spain and the Catholic +religion. + +A few weeks later Barneveld sent copies to Caron of the latest harangues +of Winwood in the Assembly and the reply of My Lords on the Vorstian +business; that is to say, the freshest dialogue on predestination between +the King and the Advocate. For as James always dictated word for word the +orations of his envoy, so had their Mightinesses at this period no head +and no mouthpiece save Barneveld alone. Nothing could be drearier than +these controversies, and the reader shall be spared as much, as possible +the infliction of reading them. It will be necessary, however, for the +proper understanding of subsequent events that he should be familiar with +portions of the Advocate's confidential letters. + +"Sound well the gentleman you wot of," said Barneveld, "and other +personages as to the conclusive opinions over there. The course of the +propositions does not harmonize with what I have myself heard out of the +King's mouth at other times, nor with the reports of former ambassadors. +I cannot well understand that the King should, with such preciseness, +condemn all other opinions save those of Calvin and Beza. It is important +to the service of this country that one should know the final intention +of his Majesty." + +And this was the misery of the position. For it was soon to appear that +the King's definite and final intentions, varied from day to day. It was +almost humorous to find him at that moment condemning all opinions but +those of Calvin and Beza in Holland, while his course to the strictest +confessors of that creed in England was so ferocious. + +But Vorstius was a rival author to his Majesty on subjects treated of by +both, so that literary spite of the most venomous kind, stirred into +theological hatred, was making a dangerous mixture. Had a man with the +soul and sense of the Advocate sat on the throne which James was +regarding at that moment as a professor's chair, the world's history +would have been changed. + +"I fear," continued Barneveld, "that some of our own precisians have been +spinning this coil for us over there, and if the civil authority can be +thus countermined, things will go as in Flanders in your time. Pray +continue to be observant, discreet, and moderate." + +The Advocate continued to use his best efforts to smooth the rising +waves. He humoured and even flattered the King, although perpetually +denounced by Winwood in his letters to his sovereign as tyrannical, +over-bearing, malignant, and treacherous. He did his best to counsel +moderation and mutual toleration, for he felt that these needless +theological disputes about an abstract and insoluble problem of casuistry +were digging an abyss in which the Republic might be swallowed up for +ever. If ever man worked steadily with the best lights of experience and +inborn sagacity for the good of his country and in defence of a +constitutional government, horribly defective certainly, but the only +legal one, and on the whole a more liberal polity than any then existing, +it was Barneveld. Courageously, steadily, but most patiently, he stood +upon that position so vital and daily so madly assailed; the defence of +the civil authority against the priesthood. He felt instinctively and +keenly that where any portion of the subjects or citizens of a country +can escape from the control of government and obey other head than the +lawful sovereignty, whether monarchical or republican, social disorder +and anarchy must be ever impending. + +"We are still tortured by ecclesiastical disputes," he wrote a few weeks +later to Caron. "Besides many libels which have appeared in print, the +letters of his Majesty and the harangues of Winwood have been published; +to what end you who know these things by experience can judge. The truth +of the matter of Vorstius is that he was legally called in July 1610, +that he was heard last May before My Lords the States with six preachers +to oppose him, and in the same month duly accepted and placed in office. +He has given no public lectures as yet. You will cause this to be known +on fitting opportunity. Believe and cause to be believed that his +Majesty's letters and Sir R. Winwood's propositions have been and shall +be well considered, and that I am working with all my strength to that +end. You know the constitution of our country, and can explain everything +for the best. Many pious and intelligent people in this State hold +themselves assured that his Majesty according to his royal exceeding +great wisdom, foresight, and affection for the welfare of this land will +not approve that his letters and Winwood's propositions should be +scattered by the press among the common people. Believe and cause to be +believed, to your best ability, that My Lords the States of Holland +desire to maintain the true Christian, Reformed religion as well in the +University of Leyden as in all their cities and villages. The only +dispute is on the high points of predestination and its adjuncts, +concerning which moderation and a more temperate teaching is furthered by +some amongst us. Many think that such is the edifying practice in +England. Pray have the kindness to send me the English Confession of the +year 1572, with the corrections and alterations up to this year." + +But the fires were growing hotter, fanned especially by Flemish +ministers, a brotherhood of whom Barneveld had an especial distrust, and +who certainly felt great animosity to him. His moderate counsels were but +oil to the flames. He was already depicted by zealots and calumniators as +false to the Reformed creed. + +"Be assured and assure others," he wrote again to Caron, "that in the +matter of religion I am, and by God's grace shall remain, what I ever +have been. Make the same assurances as to my son-in-law and brother. We +are not a little amazed that a few extraordinary Puritans, mostly +Flemings and Frisians, who but a short time ago had neither property nor +kindred in the country, and have now very little of either, and who have +given but slender proofs of constancy or service to the fatherland, could +through pretended zeal gain credit over there against men well proved in +all respects. We wonder the more because they are endeavouring, in +ecclesiastical matters at least, to usurp an extraordinary authority, +against which his Majesty, with very weighty reasons, has so many times +declared his opinion founded upon God's Word and upon all laws and +principles of justice." + +It was Barneveld's practice on this as on subsequent occasions very +courteously to confute the King out of his own writings and speeches, and +by so doing to be unconsciously accumulating an undying hatred against +himself in the royal breast. Certainly nothing could be easier than to +show that James, while encouraging in so reckless a manner the +emancipation of the ministers of an advanced sect in the Reformed Church +from control of government, and their usurpation of supreme authority +which had been destroyed in England, was outdoing himself in dogmatism +and inconsistency. A king-highpriest, who dictated his supreme will to +bishops and ministers as well as to courts and parliaments, was +ludicrously employed in a foreign country in enforcing the superiority of +the Church to the State. + +"You will give good assurances," said the Advocate, "upon my word, that +the conservation of the true Reformed religion is as warmly cherished +here, especially by me, as at any time during the war." + +He next alluded to the charges then considered very grave against certain +writings of Vorstius, and with equal fairness to his accusers as he had +been to the Professor gave a pledge that the subject should be examined. + +"If the man in question," he said, "be the author, as perhaps falsely +imputed, of the work 'De Filiatione Christi' or things of that sort, you +may be sure that he shall have no furtherance here." He complained, +however, that before proof the cause was much prejudiced by the +circulation through the press of letters on the subject from important +personages in England. His own efforts to do justice in the matter were +traversed by such machinations. If the Professor proved to be guilty of +publications fairly to be deemed atheistical and blasphemous, he should +be debarred from his functions, but the outcry from England was doing +more harm than good. + +"The published extract from the letter of the Archbishop," he wrote, "to +the effect that the King will declare My Lords the States to be his +enemies if they are not willing to send the man away is doing much harm." + +Truly, if it had come to this--that a King of England was to go to war +with a neighbouring and friendly republic because an obnoxious professor +of theology was not instantly hurled from a university of which his +Majesty was not one of the overseers--it was time to look a little +closely into the functions of governments and the nature of public and +international law. Not that the sword of James was in reality very likely +to be unsheathed, but his shriekings and his scribblings, pacific as he +was himself, were likely to arouse passions which torrents of blood alone +could satiate. + +"The publishing and spreading among the community," continued Barneveld, +"of M. Winwood's protestations and of many indecent libels are also doing +much mischief, for the nature of this people does not tolerate such +things. I hope, however, to obtain the removal according to his Majesty's +desire. Keep me well informed, and send me word what is thought in +England by the four divines of the book of Vorstius, 'De Deo,' and of his +declarations on the points sent here by his Majesty. Let me know, too, if +there has been any later confession published in England than that of the +year 1562, and whether the nine points pressed in the year 1595 were +accepted and published in 1603. If so, pray send them, as they maybe made +use of in settling our differences here." + +Thus it will be seen that the spirit of conciliation, of a calm but +earnest desire to obtain a firm grasp of the most reasonable relations +between Church and State through patient study of the phenomena exhibited +in other countries, were the leading motives of the man. Yet he was +perpetually denounced in private as an unbeliever, an atheist, a tyrant, +because he resisted dictation from the clergy within the Provinces and +from kings outside them. + +"It was always held here to be one of the chief infractions of the laws +and privileges of this country," he said, "that former princes had placed +themselves in matter of religion in the tutelage of the Pope and the +Spanish Inquisition, and that they therefore on complaint of their good +subjects could take no orders on that subject. Therefore it cannot be +considered strange that we are not willing here to fall into the same +obloquy. That one should now choose to turn the magistrates, who were +once so seriously summoned on their conscience and their office to adopt +the Reformation and to take the matter of religion to heart, into +ignorants, to deprive them of knowledge, and to cause them to see with +other eyes than their own, cannot by many be considered right and +reasonable. 'Intelligenti pauca.'" + + [The interesting letter from which I have given these copious + extracts was ordered by its writer to be burned. "Lecta vulcano" + was noted at the end of it, as was not unfrequently the case with + the Advocate. It never was burned; but, innocent and reasonable as + it seems, was made use of by Barneveld's enemies with deadly effect. + J.L.M.] + +Meantime M. de Refuge, as before stated, was on his way to the Hague, to +communicate the news of the double marriage. He had fallen sick at +Rotterdam, and the nature of his instructions and of the message he +brought remained unknown, save from the previous despatches of Aerssens. +But reports were rife that he was about to propose new terms of alliance +to the States, founded on large concessions to the Roman Catholic +religion. Of course intense jealousy was excited at the English court, +and calumny plumed her wings for a fresh attack upon the Advocate. Of +course he was sold to Spain, the Reformed religion was to be trampled out +in the Provinces, and the Papacy and Holy Inquisition established on its +ruins. Nothing could be more diametrically the reverse of the fact than +such hysterical suspicions as to the instructions of the ambassador +extraordinary from France, and this has already appeared. The Vorstian +affair too was still in the same phase, the Advocate professing a +willingness that justice should be done in the matter, while courteously +but firmly resisting the arrogant pretensions of James to take the matter +out of the jurisdiction of the States. + +"I stand amazed," he said, "at the partisanship and the calumnious +representations which you tell me of, and cannot imagine what is thought +nor what is proposed. Should M. de Refuge make any such propositions as +are feared, believe, and cause his Majesty and his counsellors to +believe, that they would be of no effect. Make assurances upon my word, +notwithstanding all advices to the contrary, that such things would be +flatly refused. If anything is published or proven to the discredit of +Vorstius, send it to me. Believe that we shall not defend heretics nor +schismatics against the pure Evangelical doctrine, but one cannot +conceive here that the knowledge and judicature of the matter belongs +anywhere else than to My Lords the States of Holland, in whose service he +has legally been during four months before his Majesty made the least +difficulty about it. Called hither legally a year before, with the +knowledge and by the order of his Excellency and the councillors of state +of Holland, he has been countermined by five or six Flemings and +Frisians, who, without recognizing the lawful authority of the +magistrates, have sought assistance in foreign countries--in Germany and +afterwards in England. Yes, they have been so presumptuous as to +designate one of their own men for the place. If such a proceeding should +be attempted in England, I leave it to those whose business it would be +to deal with it to say what would be done. I hope therefore that one will +leave the examination and judgment of this matter freely to us, without +attempting to make us--against the principles of the Reformation and the +liberties and laws of the land--executors of the decrees of others, as +the man here wishes to obtrude it upon us." + +He alluded to the difficulty in raising the ways and means; saying that +the quota of Holland, as usual, which was more than half the whole, was +ready, while other provinces were in arrears. Yet they were protected, +while Holland was attacked. + +"Methinks I am living in a strange world," he said, "when those who have +received great honour from Holland, and who in their conscience know that +they alone have conserved the Commonwealth, are now traduced with such +great calumnies. But God the Lord Almighty is just, and will in His own +time do chastisement." + +The affair of Vorstius dragged its slow length along, and few things are +more astounding at this epoch than to see such a matter, interesting +enough certainly to theologians, to the University, and to the rising +generation of students, made the topic of unceasing and embittered +diplomatic controversy between two great nations, who had most pressing +and momentous business on their hands. But it was necessary to humour the +King, while going to the verge of imprudence in protecting the Professor. +In March he was heard, three or four hours long, before the Assembly of +Holland, in answer to various charges made against him, being warned that +"he stood before the Lord God and before the sovereign authority of the +States." Although thought by many to have made a powerful defence, he was +ordered to set it forth in writing, both in Latin and in the vernacular. +Furthermore it was ordained that he should make a complete refutation of +all the charges already made or that might be made during the ensuing +three months against him in speech, book, or letter in England, Germany, +the Netherlands, or anywhere else. He was allowed one year and a half to +accomplish this work, and meantime was to reside not in Leyden, nor the +Hague, but in some other town of Holland, not delivering lectures or +practising his profession in any way. It might be supposed that +sufficient work had been thus laid out for the unfortunate doctor of +divinity without lecturing or preaching. The question of jurisdiction was +saved. The independence of the civil authority over the extreme +pretensions of the clergy had been vindicated by the firmness of the +Advocate. James bad been treated with overflowing demonstrations of +respect, but his claim to expel a Dutch professor from his chair and +country by a royal fiat had been signally rebuked. Certainly if the +Provinces were dependent upon the British king in regard to such a +matter, it was the merest imbecility for them to affect independence. +Barneveld had carried his point and served his country strenuously and +well in this apparently small matter which human folly had dilated into a +great one. But deep was the wrath treasured against him in consequence in +clerical and royal minds. + +Returning from Wesel after the negotiations, Sir Ralph Winwood had an +important interview at Arnheim with Prince Maurice, in which they +confidentially exchanged their opinions in regard to the Advocate, and +mutually confirmed their suspicions and their jealousies in regard to +that statesman. + +The Ambassador earnestly thanked the Prince in the King's name for his +"careful and industrious endeavours for the maintenance of the truth of +religion, lively expressed in prosecuting the cause against Vorstius and +his adherents." + +He then said: + +"I am expressly commanded that his Majesty conferring the present +condition of affairs of this quarter of the world with those +advertisements he daily receives from his ministers abroad, together with +the nature and disposition of those men who have in their hands the +managing of all business in these foreign parts, can make no other +judgment than this. + +"There is a general ligue and confederation complotted far the subversion +and ruin of religion upon the subsistence whereof his Majesty doth judge +the main welfare of your realms and of these Provinces solely to consist. + +"Therefore his Majesty has given me charge out of the knowledge he has of +your great worth and sufficiency," continued Winwood, "and the confidence +he reposes in your faith and affection, freely to treat with you on these +points, and withal to pray you to deliver your opinion what way would be +the most compendious and the most assured to contrequarr these complots, +and to frustrate the malice of these mischievous designs." + +The Prince replied by acknowledging the honour the King had vouchsafed to +do him in holding so gracious an opinion of him, wherein his Majesty +should never be deceived. + +"I concur in judgment with his Majesty," continued the Prince, "that the +main scope at which these plots and practices do aim, for instance, the +alliance between France and Spain, is this, to root out religion, and by +consequence to bring under their yoke all those countries in which +religion is professed. + +"The first attempt," continued the Prince, "is doubtless intended against +these Provinces. The means to countermine and defeat these projected +designs I take to be these: the continuance of his Majesty's constant +resolution for the protection of religion, and then that the King would +be pleased to procure a general confederation between the kings, princes, +and commonwealths professing religion, namely, Denmark, Sweden, the +German princes, the Protestant cantons of Switzerland, and our United +Provinces. + +"Of this confederation, his Majesty must be not only the director, but +the head and protector. + +"Lastly, the Protestants of France should be, if not supported, at least +relieved from that oppression which the alliance of Spain doth threaten +upon them. This, I insist," repeated Maurice with great fervour, "is the +only coupegorge of all plots whatever between France and Spain." + +He enlarged at great length on these points, which he considered so +vital. + +"And what appearance can there be," asked Winwood insidiously and +maliciously, "of this general confederation now that these Provinces, +which heretofore have been accounted a principal member of the Reformed +Church, begin to falter in the truth of religion? + +"He who solely governs the metropolitan province of Holland," continued +the Ambassador, with a direct stab in the back at Barneveld, "is reputed +generally, as your Excellency best knows, to be the only patron of +Vorstius, and the protector of the schisms of Arminius. And likewise, +what possibility is there that the Protestants of France can expect +favour from these Provinces when the same man is known to depend at the +devotion of France?" + +The international, theological, and personal jealousy of the King against +Holland's Advocate having been thus plainly developed, the Ambassador +proceeded to pour into the Prince's ear the venom of suspicion, and to +inflame his jealousy against his great rival. The secret conversation +showed how deeply laid was the foundation of the political hatred, both +of James and of Maurice, against the Advocate, and certainly nothing +could be more preposterous than to imagine the King as the director and +head of the great Protestant League. We have but lately seen him +confidentially assuring his minister that his only aim was "to wind +himself handsomely out of the whole business." Maurice must have found it +difficult to preserve his gravity when assigning such a part to "Master +Jacques." + +"Although Monsieur Barneveld has cast off all care of religion," said +Maurice, "and although some towns in Holland, wherein his power doth +reign, are infected with the like neglect, yet so long as so many good +towns in Holland stand sound, and all the other provinces of this +confederacy, the proposition would at the first motion be cheerfully +accepted. + +"I confess I find difficulty in satisfying your second question," +continued the Prince, "for I acknowledge that Barneveld is wholly devoted +to the service of France. During the truce negotiations, when some +difference arose between him and myself, President Jeannin came to me, +requiring me in the French king's name to treat Monsieur Barneveld well, +whom the King had received into his protection. The letters which the +States' ambassador in France wrote to Barneveld (and to him all +ambassadors address their despatches of importance), the very autographs +themselves, he sent back into the hands of Villeroy." + +Here the Prince did not scruple to accuse the Advocate of doing the base +and treacherous trick against Aerssens which he had expressly denied +doing, and which had been done during his illness, as he solemnly avowed, +by a subordinate probably for the sake of making mischief. + +Maurice then discoursed largely and vehemently of the suspicious +proceedings of Barneveld, and denounced him as dangerous to the State. +"When one man who has the conduct of all affairs in his sole power," he +said, "shall hold underhand intelligence with the ministers of Spain and +the Archduke, and that without warrant, thereby he may have the means so +to carry the course of affairs that, do what they will, these Provinces +must fall or stand at the mercy and discretion of Spain. Therefore some +good resolutions must be taken in time to hold up this State from a +sudden downfall, but in this much moderation and discretion must be +used." + +The Prince added that he had invited his cousin Lewis William to appear +at the Hague at May day, in order to consult as to the proper means to +preserve the Provinces from confusion under his Majesty's safeguard, and +with the aid of the Englishmen in the States' service whom Maurice +pronounced to be "the strength and flower of his army." + +Thus the Prince developed his ideas at great length, and accused the +Advocate behind his back, and without the faintest shadow of proof, of +base treachery to his friends and of high-treason. Surely Barneveld was +in danger, and was walking among pitfalls. Most powerful and deadly +enemies were silently banding themselves together against him. Could he +long maintain his hold on the slippery heights of power, where he was so +consciously serving his country, but where he became day by day a mere +shining mark for calumny and hatred? + +The Ambassador then signified to the Prince that he had been instructed +to carry to him the King's purpose to confer on him the Order of the +Garter. + +"If his Majesty holds me worthy of so great honour," said the Prince, "I +and my family shall ever remain bound to his service and that of his +royal posterity. + +"That the States should be offended I see no cause, but holding the +charge I do in their service, I could not accept the honour without first +acquainting them and receiving their approbation." + +Winwood replied that, as the King knew the terms on which the Prince +lived with the States, he doubted not his Majesty would first notify them +and say that he honoured the mutual amity between his realms and these +Provinces by honouring the virtues of their general, whose services, as +they had been most faithful and affectionate, so had they been +accompanied with the blessings of happiness and prosperous success. + +Thus said Winwood to the King: "Your Majesty may plaster two walls with +one trowel ('una fidelia duos dealbare parietes'), reverse the designs of +them who to facilitate their own practices do endeavour to alienate your +affections from the good of these Provinces, and oblige to your service +the well-affected people, who know that there is no surety for +themselves, their wives and children, but under the protection of your +Majesty's favour. Perhaps, however, the favourers of Vorstius and +Arminius will buzz into the ears of their associates that your Majesty +would make a party in these Provinces by maintaining the truth of +religion and also by gaining unto you the affections of their chief +commander. But your Majesty will be pleased to pass forth whose worthy +ends will take their place, which is to honour virtue where you find it, +and the suspicious surmises of malice and envy in one instant will vanish +into smoke." + +Winwood made no scruple in directly stating to the English government +that Barneveld's purpose was to "cause a divorce between the King's +realms and the Provinces, the more easily to precipitate them into the +arms of Spain." He added that the negotiation with Count Maurice then on +foot was to be followed, but with much secrecy, on account of the place +he held in the State. + +Soon after the Ambassador's secret conversation with Maurice he had an +interview with Barneveld. He assured the Advocate that no contentment +could be given to his Majesty but by the banishment of Vorstius. "If the +town of Leyden should understand so much," replied Barneveld, "I fear the +magistrates would retain him still in their town." + +"If the town of Leyden should retain Vorstius," answered Winwood, "to +brave or despight his Majesty, the King has the means, if it pleases him +to use them, and that without drawing sword, to range them to reason, and +to make the magistrates on their knees demand his pardon, and I say as +much of Rotterdam." + +Such insolence on the part of an ambassador to the first minister of a +great republic was hard to bear. Barneveld was not the man to brook it. +He replied with great indignation. "I was born in liberty," he said with +rising choler, "I cannot digest this kind of language. The King of Spain +himself never dared to speak in so high a style." + +"I well understand that logic," returned the Ambassador with continued +insolence. "You hold your argument to be drawn 'a majori ad minus;' but I +pray you to believe that the King of Great Britain is peer and companion +to the King of Spain, and that his motto is, 'Nemo me impune lacessit.'" + +And so they parted in a mutual rage; Winwood adding on going out of the +room, "Whatsoever I propose to you in his Majesty's name can find with +you neither goust nor grace." + +He then informed Lord Rochester that "the man was extremely distempered +and extremely distasted with his Majesty. + +"Some say," he added, "that on being in England when his Majesty first +came to the throne he conceived some offence, which ever since hath +rankled in his heart, and now doth burst forth with more violent malice." + +Nor was the matter so small as it superficially appeared. Dependence of +one nation upon the dictation of another can never be considered +otherwise than grave. The subjection of all citizens, clerical or lay, to +the laws of the land, the supremacy of the State over the Church, were +equally grave subjects. And the question of sovereignty now raised for +the first time, not academically merely, but practically, was the gravest +one of all. It was soon to be mooted vigorously and passionately whether +the United Provinces were a confederacy or a union; a league of sovereign +and independent states bound together by treaty for certain specified +purposes or an incorporated whole. The Advocate and all the principal +lawyers in the country had scarcely a doubt on the subject. Whether it +were a reasonable system or an absurd one, a vigorous or an imbecile form +of government, they were confident that the Union of Utrecht, made about +a generation of mankind before, and the only tie by which the Provinces +were bound together at all, was a compact between sovereigns. + +Barneveld styled himself always the servant and officer of the States of +Holland. To them was his allegiance, for them he spoke, wrought, and +thought, by them his meagre salary was paid. At the congress of the +States-General, the scene of his most important functions, he was the +ambassador of Holland, acting nominally according to their instructions, +and exercising the powers of minister of foreign affairs and, as it were, +prime minister for the other confederates by their common consent. The +system would have been intolerable, the great affairs of war and peace +could never have been carried on so triumphantly, had not the +preponderance of the one province Holland, richer, more powerful, more +important in every way than the other six provinces combined, given to +the confederacy illegally, but virtually, many of the attributes of +union. Rather by usucaption than usurpation Holland had in many regards +come to consider herself and be considered as the Republic itself. And +Barneveld, acting always in the name of Holland and with the most modest +of titles and appointments, was for a long time in all civil matters the +chief of the whole country. This had been convenient during the war, +still more convenient during negotiations for peace, but it was +inevitable that there should be murmurs now that the cessation from +military operations on a large scale had given men time to look more +deeply into the nature of a constitution partly inherited and partly +improvised, and having many of the defects usually incident to both +sources of government. + +The military interest, the ecclesiastical power, and the influence of +foreign nations exerted through diplomatic intrigue, were rapidly +arraying themselves in determined hostility to Barneveld and to what was +deemed his tyrannous usurpation. A little later the national spirit, as +opposed to provincial and municipal patriotism, was to be aroused against +him, and was likely to prove the most formidable of all the elements of +antagonism. + +It is not necessary to anticipate here what must be developed on a +subsequent page. This much, however, it is well to indicate for the +correct understanding of passing events. Barneveld did not consider +himself the officer or servant of their High Mightinesses the +States-General, while in reality often acting as their master, but the +vassal and obedient functionary of their Great Mightinesses the States of +Holland, whom he almost absolutely controlled. + +His present most pressing business was to resist the encroachments of the +sacerdotal power and to defend the magistracy. The casuistical questions +which were fast maddening the public mind seemed of importance to him +only as enclosing within them a more vital and practical question of +civil government. + +But the anger of his opponents, secret and open, was rapidly increasing. +Envy, jealousy, political and clerical hate, above all, that deadliest +and basest of malignant spirits which in partisan warfare is bred out of +subserviency to rising and rival power, were swarming about him and +stinging him at every step. No parasite of Maurice could more effectively +pay his court and more confidently hope for promotion or reward than by +vilipending Barneveld. It would be difficult to comprehend the infinite +extent and power of slander without a study of the career of the Advocate +of Holland. + +"I thank you for your advices," he wrote to Carom' "and I wish from my +heart that his Majesty, according to his royal wisdom and clemency +towards the condition of this country, would listen only to My Lords the +States or their ministers, and not to his own or other passionate persons +who, through misunderstanding or malice, furnish him with information and +so frequently flatter him. I have tried these twenty years to deserve his +Majesty's confidence, and have many letters from him reaching through +twelve or fifteen years, in which he does me honour and promises his +royal favour. I am the more chagrined that through false and passionate +reports and information--because I am resolved to remain good and true to +My Lords the States, to the fatherland, and to the true Christian +religion--I and mine should now be so traduced. I hope that God Almighty +will second my upright conscience, and cause his Majesty soon to see the +injustice done to me and mine. To defend the resolutions of My Lords the +States of Holland is my office, duty, and oath, and I assure you that +those resolutions are taken with wider vision and scope than his Majesty +can believe. Let this serve for My Lords' defence and my own against +indecent calumny, for my duty allows me to pursue no other course." + +He again alluded to the dreary affair of Vorstius, and told the Envoy +that the venation caused by it was incredible. "That men unjustly defame +our cities and their regents is nothing new," he said; "but I assure you +that it is far more damaging to the common weal than the defamers +imagine." + +Some of the private admirers of Arminius who were deeply grieved at so +often hearing him "publicly decried as the enemy of God" had been +defending the great heretic to James, and by so doing had excited the +royal wrath not only against the deceased doctor and themselves, but +against the States of Holland who had given them no commission. + +On the other hand the advanced orthodox party, most bitter haters of +Barneveld, and whom in his correspondence with England he uniformly and +perhaps designedly called the Puritans, knowing that the very word was a +scarlet rag to James, were growing louder and louder in their demands. +"Some thirty of these Puritans," said he, "of whom at least twenty are +Flemings or other foreigners equally violent, proclaim that they and the +like of them mean alone to govern the Church. Let his Majesty compare +this proposal with his Royal Present, with his salutary declaration at +London in the year 1603 to Doctor Reynolds and his associates, and with +his admonition delivered to the Emperor, kings, sovereigns, and +republics, and he will best understand the mischievous principles of +these people, who are now gaining credit with him to the detriment of the +freedom and laws of these Provinces." + +A less enlightened statesman than Barneveld would have found it easy +enough to demonstrate the inconsistency of the King in thus preaching +subserviency of government to church and favouring the rule of Puritans +over both. It needed but slender logic to reduce such a policy on his +part to absurdity, but neither kings nor governments are apt to value +themselves on their logic. So long as James could play the pedagogue to +emperors, kings, and republics, it mattered little to him that the +doctrines which he preached in one place he had pronounced flat blasphemy +in another. + +That he would cheerfully hang in England the man whom he would elevate to +power in Holland might be inconsistency in lesser mortals; but what was +the use of his infallibility if he was expected to be consistent? + +But one thing was certain. The Advocate saw through him as if he had been +made of glass, and James knew that he did. This fatal fact outweighed all +the decorous and respectful phraseology under which Barneveld veiled his +remorseless refutations. It was a dangerous thing to incur the wrath of +this despot-theologian. + +Prince Maurice, who had originally joined in the invitation given by the +overseers of Leyden to Vorstius, and had directed one of the deputies and +his own "court trumpeter," Uytenbogaert, to press him earnestly to grant +his services to the University, now finding the coldness of Barneveld to +the fiery remonstrances of the King, withdrew his protection of the +Professor. + +"The Count Maurice, who is a wise and understanding prince," said +Winwood, "and withal most affectionate to his Majesty's service, doth +foresee the miseries into which these countries are likely to fall, and +with grief doth pine away." + +It is probable that the great stadholder had never been more robust, or +indeed inclining to obesity, than precisely at this epoch; but Sir Ralph +was of an imaginative turn. He had discovered, too, that the Advocate's +design was "of no other nature than so to stem the course of the State +that insensibly the Provinces shall fall by relapse into the hands of +Spain." + +A more despicable idea never entered a human brain. Every action, word, +and thought, of Barneveld's life was a refutation of it. But he was +unwilling, at the bidding of a king, to treat a professor with contumely +who had just been solemnly and unanimously invited by the great +university, by the States of Holland, and by the Stadholder to an +important chair; and that was enough for the diplomatist and courtier. +"He, and only he," said Winwood passionately, "hath opposed his Majesty's +purposes with might and main." Formerly the Ambassador had been full of +complaints of "the craving humour of Count Maurice," and had censured him +bitterly in his correspondence for having almost by his inordinate +pretensions for money and other property brought the Treaty of Truce to a +standstill. And in these charges he was as unjust and as reckless as he +was now in regard to Barneveld. + +The course of James and his agents seemed cunningly devised to sow +discord in the Provinces, to inflame the growing animosity of the +Stadholder to the Advocate, and to paralyse the action of the Republic in +the duchies. If the King had received direct instructions from the +Spanish cabinet how to play the Spanish game, he could hardly have done +it with more docility. But was not Gondemar ever at his elbow, and the +Infanta always in the perspective? + +And it is strange enough that, at the same moment, Spanish marriages were +in France as well as England the turning-point of policy. + +Henry had been willing enough that the Dauphin should espouse a Spanish +infanta, and that one of the Spanish princes should be affianced to one +of his daughters. But the proposition from Spain had been coupled with a +condition that the friendship between France and the Netherlands should +be at once broken off, and the rebellious heretics left to their fate. +And this condition had been placed before him with such arrogance that he +had rejected the whole scheme. Henry was not the man to do anything +dishonourable at the dictation of another sovereign. He was also not the +man to be ignorant that the friendship of the Provinces was necessary to +him, that cordial friendship between France and Spain was impossible, and +that to allow Spain to reoccupy that splendid possession between his own +realms and Germany, from which she had been driven by the Hollanders in +close alliance with himself, would be unworthy of the veriest schoolboy +in politics. But Henry was dead, and a Medici reigned in his place, whose +whole thought was to make herself agreeable to Spain. + +Aerssens, adroit, prying, experienced, unscrupulous, knew very well that +these double Spanish marriages were resolved upon, and that the +inevitable condition refused by the King would be imposed upon his widow. +He so informed the States-General, and it was known to the French +government that he had informed them. His position soon became almost +untenable, not because he had given this information, but because the +information and the inference made from it were correct. + +It will be observed that the policy of the Advocate was to preserve +friendly relations between France and England, and between both and the +United Provinces. It was for this reason that he submitted to the +exhortations and denunciations of the English ambassadors. It was for +this that he kept steadily in view the necessity of dealing with and +supporting corporate France, the French government, when there were many +reasons for feeling sympathy with the internal rebellion against that +government. Maurice felt differently. He was connected by blood or +alliance with more than one of the princes now perpetually in revolt. +Bouillon was his brother-in-law, the sister of Conde was his brother's +wife. Another cousin, the Elector-Palatine, was already encouraging +distant and extravagant hopes of the Imperial crown. It was not unnatural +that he should feel promptings of ambition and sympathy difficult to avow +even to himself, and that he should feel resentment against the man by +whom this secret policy was traversed in the well-considered interest of +the Republican government. + +Aerssens, who, with the keen instinct of self-advancement was already +attaching himself to Maurice as to the wheels of the chariot going +steadily up the hill, was not indisposed to loosen his hold upon the man +through whose friendship he had first risen, and whose power was now +perhaps on the decline. Moreover, events had now caused him to hate the +French government with much fervour. With Henry IV. he had been +all-powerful. His position had been altogether exceptional, and he had +wielded an influence at Paris more than that exerted by any foreign +ambassador. The change naturally did not please him, although he well +knew the reasons. It was impossible for the Dutch ambassador to be +popular at a court where Spain ruled supreme. Had he been willing to eat +humiliation as with a spoon, it would not have sufficed. They knew him, +they feared him, and they could not doubt that his sympathies would ever +be with the malcontent princes. At the same time he did not like to lose +his hold upon the place, nor to have it known, as yet, to the world that +his power was diminished. + +"The Queen commands me to tell you," said the French ambassador de Russy +to the States-General, "that the language of the Sieur Aerssens has not +only astonished her, but scandalized her to that degree that she could +not refrain from demanding if it came from My Lords the States or from +himself. He having, however, affirmed to her Majesty that he had express +charge to justify it by reasons so remote from the hope and the belief +that she had conceived of your gratitude to the Most Christian King and +herself, she is constrained to complain of it, and with great frankness." + +Some months later than this Aerssens communicated to the States-General +the project of the Spanish marriage, "which," said he, "they have +declared to me with so many oaths to be false." He informed them that M. +de Refuge was to go on special mission to the Hague, "having been +designated to that duty before Aerssens' discovery of the marriage +project." He was to persuade their Mightinesses that the marriages were +by no means concluded, and that, even if they were, their Mightinesses +were not interested therein, their Majesties intending to remain by the +old maxims and alliances of the late king. Marriages, he would be +instructed to say, were mere personal conventions, which remained of no +consideration when the interests of the crown were touched. +"Nevertheless, I know very well," said Aerssens, "that in England these +negotiations are otherwise understood, and that the King has uttered +great complaints about them, saying that such a negotiation as this ought +not to have been concealed from him. He is pressing more than ever for +reimbursement of the debt to him, and especially for the moneys pretended +to have been furnished to your Mightinesses in his Majesty's name." + +Thus it will be seen how closely the Spanish marriages were connected +with the immediate financial arrangements of France, England, and the +States, without reference to the wider political consequences +anticipated. + +"The princes and most gentlemen," here continued the Ambassador, "believe +that these reciprocal and double marriages will bring about great changes +in Christendom if they take the course which the authors of them intend, +however much they may affect to believe that no novelties are impending. +The marriages were proposed to the late king, and approved by him, during +the negotiations for the truce, and had Don Pedro do Toledo been able to +govern himself, as Jeannin has just been telling me, the United Provinces +would have drawn from it their assured security. What he means by that, I +certainly cannot conceive, for Don Pedro proposed the marriage of the +Dauphin (now Louis XIII.) with the Infanta on the condition that Henry +should renounce all friendship with your Mightinesses, and neither openly +nor secretly give you any assistance. You were to be entirely abandoned, +as an example for all who throw off the authority of their lawful prince. +But his Majesty answered very generously that he would take no +conditions; that he considered your Mightinesses as his best friends, +whom he could not and would not forsake. Upon this Don Pedro broke off +the negotiation. What should now induce the King of Spain to resume the +marriage negotiations but to give up the conditions, I am sure I don't +know, unless, through the truce, his designs and his ambition have grown +flaccid. This I don't dare to hope, but fear, on the contrary, that he +will so manage the irresolution, weakness, and faintheartedness of this +kingdom as through the aid of his pensioned friends here to arrive at all +his former aims." + +Certainly the Ambassador painted the condition of France in striking and +veracious colours, and he was quite right in sending the information +which he was first to discover, and which it was so important for the +States to know. It was none the less certain in Barneveld's mind that the +best, not the worst, must be made of the state of affairs, and that +France should not be assisted in throwing herself irrecoverably into the +arms of Spain. + +"Refuge will tell you," said Aerssens, a little later, "that these +marriages will not interfere with the friendship of France for you nor +with her subsidies, and that no advantage will be given to Spain in the +treaty to your detriment or that of her other allies. But whatever fine +declarations they may make, it is sure to be detrimental. And all the +princes, gentlemen, and officers here have the same conviction. Those of +the Reformed religion believe that the transaction is directed solely +against the religion which your Mightinesses profess, and that the next +step will be to effect a total separation between the two religions and +the two countries." + +Refuge arrived soon afterwards, and made the communication to the +States-General of the approaching nuptials between the King of France and +the Infanta of Spain; and of the Prince of Spain with Madame, eldest +daughter of France, exactly as Aerssens had predicted four months before. +There was a great flourish of compliments, much friendly phrase-making, +and their Mightinesses were informed that the communication of the +marriages was made to them before any other power had been notified, in +proof of the extraordinary affection entertained for them by France. "You +are so much interested in the happiness of France," said Refuge, "that +this treaty by which it is secured will be for your happiness also. He +did not indicate, however, the precise nature of the bliss beyond the +indulgence of a sentimental sympathy, not very refreshing in the +circumstances, which was to result to the Confederacy from this close +alliance between their firmest friend and their ancient and deadly enemy. +He would have found it difficult to do so. + +"Don Rodrigo de Calderon, secretary of state, is daily expected from +Spain," wrote, Aerssens once more. "He brings probably the articles of +the marriages, which have hitherto been kept secret, so they say. 'Tis a +shrewd negotiator; and in this alliance the King's chief design is to +injure your Mightinesses, as M. de Villeroy now confesses, although he +says that this will not be consented to on this side. It behoves your +Mightinesses to use all your ears and eyes. It is certain these are much +more than private conventions. Yes, there is nothing private about them, +save the conjunction of the persons whom they concern. In short, all the +conditions regard directly the state, and directly likewise, or by +necessary consequence, the state of your Mightinesses' Provinces. I +reserve explanations until it shall please your Mightinesses to hear me +by word of mouth." + +For it was now taken into consideration by the States' government whether +Aerssens was to remain at his post or to return. Whether it was his wish +to be relieved of his embassy or not was a question. But there was no +question that the States at this juncture, and in spite of the dangers +impending from the Spanish marriages, must have an ambassador ready to do +his best to keep France from prematurely sliding into positive hostility +to them. Aerssens was enigmatical in his language, and Barneveld was +somewhat puzzled. + +"I have according to your reiterated requests," wrote the Advocate to the +Ambassador, "sounded the assembly of My Lords the States as to your +recall; but I find among some gentlemen the opinion that if earnestly +pressed to continue you would be willing to listen to the proposal. This +I cannot make out from your letters. Please to advise me frankly as to +your wishes, and assure yourself in everything of my friendship." + +Nothing could be more straightforward than this language, but the Envoy +was less frank than Barneveld, as will subsequently appear. The subject +was a most important one, not only in its relation to the great affairs +of state, but to momentous events touching the fate of illustrious +personages. + +Meantime a resolution was passed by the States of Holland "in regard to +the question whether Ambassador Aerssens should retain his office, yes or +no?" And it was decided by a majority of votes "to leave it to his candid +opinion if in his free conscience he thinks he can serve the public cause +there any longer. If yes, he may keep his office one year more. If no, he +may take leave and come home. In no case is his salary to be increased." + +Surely the States, under the guidance of the Advocate, had thus acted +with consummate courtesy towards a diplomatist whose position from no +apparent fault of his own but by the force of circumstances--and rather +to his credit than otherwise--was gravely compromised. + + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Advanced orthodox party-Puritans + Atheist, a tyrant, because he resisted dictation from the clergy + Give him advice if he asked it, and money when he required + He was not imperial of aspect on canvas or coin + He who would have all may easily lose all + King's definite and final intentions, varied from day to day + Neither kings nor governments are apt to value logic + Outdoing himself in dogmatism and inconsistency + Small matter which human folly had dilated into a great one + The defence of the civil authority against the priesthood + + + + +CHAPTER VI. 1609-14 + + Establishment of the Condominium in the Duchies--Dissensions between + the Neuburgers and Brandenburgers--Occupation of Julich by the + Brandenburgers assisted by the States-General--Indignation in Spain + and at the Court of the Archdukes--Subsidy despatched to Brussels + Spinola descends upon Aix-la-Chapelle and takes possession of Orsoy + and other places--Surrender of Wesel--Conference at Xanten--Treaty + permanently dividing the Territory between Brandenburg and Neuburg-- + Prohibition from Spain--Delays and Disagreements. + +Thus the 'Condominium' had been peaceably established. + +Three or four years passed away in the course of which the evils of a +joint and undivided sovereignty of two rival houses over the same +territory could not fail to manifest themselves. Brandenburg, Calvinist +in religion, and for other reasons more intimately connected with and +more favoured by the States' government than his rival, gained ground in +the duchies. The Palatine of Neuburg, originally of Lutheran faith like +his father, soon manifested Catholic tendencies, which excited suspicion +in the Netherlands. These suspicions grew into certainties at the moment +when he espoused the sister of Maximilian of Bavaria and of the Elector +of Cologne. That this close connection with the very heads of the +Catholic League could bode no good to the cause of which the +States-General were the great promoters was self-evident. Very soon +afterwards the Palatine, a man of mature age and of considerable talents, +openly announced his conversion to the ancient church. Obviously the +sympathies of the States could not thenceforth fail to be on the side of +Brandenburg. The Elector's brother died and was succeeded in the +governorship of the Condeminium by the Elector's brother, a youth of +eighteen. He took up his abode in Cleve, leaving Dusseldorf to be the +sole residence of his co-stadholder. + +Rivalry growing warmer, on account of this difference of religion, +between the respective partisans of Neuburg and Brandenburg, an attempt +was made in Dusseldorf by a sudden entirely unsuspected rising of the +Brandenburgers to drive their antagonist colleagues and their portion of +the garrison out of the city. It failed, but excited great anger. A more +successful effort was soon afterwards made in Julich; the Neuburgers were +driven out, and the Brandenburgers remained in sole possession of the +town and citadel, far the most important stronghold in the whole +territory. This was partly avenged by the Neuburgers, who gained absolute +control of Dusseldorf. Here were however no important fortifications, the +place being merely an agreeable palatial residence and a thriving mart. +The States-General, not concealing their predilection for Brandenburg, +but under pretext of guarding the peace which they had done so much to +establish, placed a garrison of 1400 infantry and a troop or two of horse +in the citadel of Julich. + +Dire was the anger not unjustly excited in Spain when the news of this +violation of neutrality reached that government. Julich, placed midway +between Liege and Cologne, and commanding those fertile plains which make +up the opulent duchy, seemed virtually converted into a province of the +detested heretical republic. The German gate of the Spanish Netherlands +was literally in the hands of its most formidable foe. + +The Spaniards about the court of the Archduke did not dissemble their +rage. The seizure of Julich was a stain upon his reputation, they cried. +Was it not enough, they asked, for the United Provinces to have made a +truce to the manifest detriment and discredit of Spain, and to have +treated her during all the negotiation with such insolence? Were they now +to be permitted to invade neutral territory, to violate public faith, to +act under no responsibility save to their own will? What was left for +them to do except to set up a tribunal in Holland for giving laws to the +whole of Northern Europe? Arrogating to themselves absolute power over +the controverted states of Cleve, Julich, and the dependencies, they now +pretended to dispose of them at their pleasure in order at the end +insolently to take possession of them for themselves. + +These were the egregious fruits of the truce, they said tauntingly to the +discomfited Archduke. It had caused a loss of reputation, the very soul +of empires, to the crown of Spain. And now, to conclude her abasement, +the troops in Flanders had been shaven down with such parsimony as to +make the monarch seem a shopkeeper, not a king. One would suppose the +obedient Netherlands to be in the heart of Spain rather than outlying +provinces surrounded by their deadliest enemies. The heretics had gained +possession of the government at Aix-la-Chapelle; they had converted the +insignificant town of Mulheim into a thriving and fortified town in +defiance of Cologne and to its manifest detriment, and in various other +ways they had insulted the Catholics throughout those regions. And who +could wonder at such insolence, seeing that the army in Flanders, +formerly the terror of heretics, had become since the truce so weak as to +be the laughing-stock of the United Provinces? If it was expensive to +maintain these armies in the obedient Netherlands, let there be economy +elsewhere, they urged. + +From India came gold and jewels. From other kingdoms came ostentation and +a long series of vain titles for the crown of Spain. Flanders was its +place of arms, its nursery of soldiers, its bulwark in Europe, and so it +should be preserved. + +There was ground for these complaints. The army at the disposition of the +Archduke had been reduced to 8000 infantry and a handful of cavalry. The +peace establishment of the Republic amounted to 20,000 foot, 3000 horse, +besides the French and English regiments. + +So soon as the news of the occupation of Julich was officially +communicated to the Spanish cabinet, a subsidy of 400,000 crowns was at +once despatched to Brussels. Levies of Walloons and Germans were made +without delay by order of Archduke Albert and under guidance of Spinola, +so that by midsummer the army was swollen to 18,000 foot and 3000 horse. +With these the great Genoese captain took the field in the middle of +August. On the 22nd of that month the army was encamped on some plains +mid-way between Maestricht and Aachen. There was profound mystery both at +Brussels and at the Hague as to the objective point of these military +movements. Anticipating an attack upon Julich, the States had meantime +strengthened the garrison of that important place with 3000 infantry and +a regiment of horse. It seemed scarcely probable therefore that Spinola +would venture a foolhardy blow at a citadel so well fortified and +defended. Moreover, there was not only no declaration of war, but strict +orders had been given by each of the apparent belligerents to their +military commanders to abstain from all offensive movements against the +adversary. And now began one of the strangest series of warlike +evolution's that were ever recorded. Maurice at the head of an army of +14,000 foot and 3000 horse manoeuvred in the neighbourhood of his great +antagonist and professional rival without exchanging a blow. It was a +phantom campaign, the prophetic rehearsal of dreadful marches and tragic +histories yet to be, and which were to be enacted on that very stage and +on still wider ones during a whole generation of mankind. That cynical +commerce in human lives which was to become one of the chief branches of +human industry in the century had already begun. + +Spinola, after hovering for a few days in the neighbourhood, descended +upon the Imperial city of Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle). This had been one of +the earliest towns in Germany to embrace the Reformed religion, and up to +the close of the sixteenth century the control of the magistracy had been +in the hands of the votaries of that creed. Subsequently the Catholics +had contrived to acquire and keep the municipal ascendency, secretly +supported by Archduke Albert, and much oppressing the Protestants with +imprisonments, fines, and banishment, until a new revolution which had +occurred in the year 1610, and which aroused the wrath of Spinola. +Certainly, according to the ideas of that day, it did not seem unnatural +in a city where a very large majority of the population were Protestants +that Protestants should have a majority in the town council. It seemed, +however, to those who surrounded the Archduke an outrage which could no +longer be tolerated, especially as a garrison of 600 Germans, supposed to +have formed part of the States' army, had recently been introduced into +the town. Aachen, lying mostly on an extended plain, had but very slight +fortifications, and it was commanded by a neighbouring range of hills. It +had no garrison but the 600 Germans. Spinola placed a battery or two on +the hills, and within three days the town surrendered. The inhabitants +expected a scene of carnage and pillage, but not a life was lost. No +injury whatever was inflicted on person or property, according to the +strict injunctions of the Archduke. The 600 Germans were driven out, and +1200 other Germans then serving under Catholic banners were put in their +places to protect the Catholic minority, to whose keeping the municipal +government was now confided. + +Spinola, then entering the territory of Cleve, took session of Orsoy, an +important place on the Rhine, besides Duren, Duisburg, Kaster, +Greevenbroek and Berchem. Leaving garrisons in these places, he razed the +fortifications of Mulheim, much to the joy of the Archbishop and his +faithful subjects of Cologne, then crossed the Rhine at Rheinberg, and +swooped down upon Wesel. This flourishing and prosperous city had +formerly belonged to the Duchy of Cleve. Placed at the junction of the +Rhine and Lippe and commanding both rivers, it had become both powerful +and Protestant, and had set itself up as a free Imperial city, +recognising its dukes no longer as sovereigns, but only as protectors. So +fervent was it in the practice of the Reformed religion that it was +called the Rhenish Geneva, the cradle of German Calvinism. So important +was its preservation considered to the cause of Protestantism that the +States-General had urged its authorities to accept from them a garrison. +They refused. Had they complied, the city would have been saved, because +it was the rule in this extraordinary campaign that the belligerents made +war not upon each other, nor in each others territory, but against +neutrals and upon neutral soil. The Catholic forces under Spinola or his +lieutenants, meeting occasionally and accidentally with the Protestants +under Maurice or his generals, exchanged no cannon shots or buffets, but +only acts of courtesy; falling away each before the other, and each +ceding to the other with extreme politeness the possession of towns which +one had preceded the other in besieging. + +The citizens of Wesel were amazed at being attacked, considering +themselves as Imperial burghers. They regretted too late that they had +refused a garrison from Maurice, which would have prevented Spinola from +assailing them. They had now nothing for it but to surrender, which they +did within three days. The principal condition of the capitulation was +that when Julich should be given up by the States Wesel should be +restored to its former position. Spinola then took and garrisoned the +city of Xanten, but went no further. Having weakened his army +sufficiently by the garrisons taken from it for the cities captured by +him, he declined to make any demonstration upon the neighbouring and +important towns of Emmerich and Rees. The Catholic commander falling +back, the Protestant moved forward. Maurice seized both Emmerich and +Rees, and placed garrisons within them, besides occupying Goch, +Kranenburg, Gennip, and various places in the County of Mark. This closed +the amicable campaign. + +Spinola established himself and his forces near Wesel. The Prince +encamped near Rees. The two armies were within two hours' march of each +other. The Duke of Neuburg--for the Palatine had now succeeded on his +father's death to the ancestral dukedom and to his share of the +Condominium of the debateable provinces--now joined Spinola with an army +of 4000 foot and 400 horse. The young Prince of Brandenburg came to +Maurice with 800 cavalry and an infantry regiment of the +Elector-Palatine. + +Negotiations destined to be as spectral and fleeting as the campaign had +been illusory now began. The whole Protestant world was aflame with +indignation at the loss of Wesel. The States' government had already +proposed to deposit Julich in the hands of a neutral power if the +Archduke would abstain from military movements. But Albert, proud of his +achievements in Aachen, refused to pause in his career. Let them make the +deposit first, he said. + +Both belligerents, being now satiated with such military glory as could +flow from the capture of defenceless cities belonging to neutrals, agreed +to hold conferences at Xanten. To this town, in the Duchy of Cleve, and +midway between the rival camps, came Sir Henry Wotton and Sir Dudley +Carleton, ambassadors of Great Britain; de Refuge and de Russy, the +special and the resident ambassador of France at the Hague; Chancellor +Peter Pecquius and Counsellor Visser, to represent the Archdukes; seven +deputies from the United Provinces, three from the Elector of Cologne, +three from Brandenburg, three from Neuburg, and two from the +Elector-Palatine, as representative of the Protestant League. + +In the earlier conferences the envoys of the Archduke and of the Elector +of Cologne were left out, but they were informed daily of each step in +the negotiation. The most important point at starting was thought to be +to get rid of the 'Condominium.' There could be no harmony nor peace in +joint possession. The whole territory should be cut provisionally in +halves, and each possessory prince rule exclusively within the portion +assigned to him. There might also be an exchange of domain between the +two every six months. As for Wesel and Julich, they could remain +respectively in the hands then holding them, or the fortifications of +Julich might be dismantled and Wesel restored to the status quo. The +latter alternative would have best suited the States, who were growing +daily more irritated at seeing Wesel, that Protestant stronghold, with an +exclusively Calvinistic population, in the hands of Catholics. + +The Spanish ambassador at Brussels remonstrated, however, at the thought +of restoring his precious conquest, obtained without loss of time, money, +or blood, into the hands of heretics, at least before consultation with +the government at Madrid and without full consent of the King. + +"How important to your Majesty's affairs in Flanders," wrote Guadaleste +to Philip, "is the acquisition of Wesel may be seen by the manifest grief +of your enemies. They see with immense displeasure your royal ensigns +planted on the most important place on the Rhine, and one which would +become the chief military station for all the armies of Flanders to +assemble in at any moment. + +"As no acquisition could therefore be greater, so your Majesty should +never be deprived of it without thorough consideration of the case. The +Archduke fears, and so do his ministers, that if we refuse to restore +Wesel, the United Provinces would break the truce. For my part I believe, +and there are many who agree with me, that they would on the contrary be +more inclined to stand by the truce, hoping to obtain by negotiation that +which it must be obvious to them they cannot hope to capture by force. +But let Wesel be at once restored. Let that be done which is so much +desired by the United Provinces and other great enemies and rivals of +your Majesty, and what security will there be that the same Provinces +will not again attempt the same invasion? Is not the example of Julich +fresh? And how much more important is Wesel! Julich was after all not +situate on their frontiers, while Wesel lies at their principal gates. +Your Majesty now sees the good and upright intentions of those Provinces +and their friends. They have made a settlement between Brandenburg and +Neuburg, not in order to breed concord but confusion between those two, +not tranquillity for the country, but greater turbulence than ever +before. Nor have they done this with any other thought than that the +United Provinces might find new opportunities to derive the same profit +from fresh tumults as they have already done so shamelessly from those +which are past. After all I don't say that Wesel should never be +restored, if circumstances require it, and if your Majesty, approving the +Treaty of Xanten, should sanction the measure. But such a result should +be reached only after full consultation with your Majesty, to whose +glorious military exploits these splendid results are chiefly owing." + +The treaty finally decided upon rejected the principle of alternate +possession, and established a permanent division of the territory in +dispute between Brandenburg and Neuburg. + +The two portions were to be made as equal as possible, and lots were to +be thrown or drawn by the two princes for the first choice. To the one +side were assigned the Duchy of Cleve, the County of Mark, and the +Seigniories of Ravensberg and Ravenstein, with some other baronies and +feuds in Brabant and Flanders; to the other the Duchies of Julich and +Berg with their dependencies. Each prince was to reside exclusively +within the territory assigned to him by lot. The troops introduced by +either party were to be withdrawn, fortifications made since the +preceding month of May to be razed, and all persons who had been +expelled, or who had emigrated, to be restored to their offices, +property, or benefices. It was also stipulated that no place within the +whole debateable territory should be put in the hands of a third power. + +These articles were signed by the ambassadors of France and England, by +the deputies of the Elector-Palatine and of the United Provinces, all +binding their superiors to the execution of the treaty. The arrangement +was supposed to refer to the previous conventions between those two +crowns, with the Republic, and the Protestant princes and powers. Count +Zollern, whom we have seen bearing himself so arrogantly as envoy from +the Emperor Rudolph to Henry IV., was now despatched by Matthias on as +fruitless a mission to the congress at Xanten, and did his best to +prevent the signature of the treaty, except with full concurrence of the +Imperial government. He likewise renewed the frivolous proposition that +the Emperor should hold all the provinces in sequestration until the +question of rightful sovereignty should be decided. The "proud and +haggard" ambassador was not more successful in this than in the +diplomatic task previously entrusted to him, and he then went to +Brussels, there to renew his remonstrances, menaces, and intrigues. + +For the treaty thus elaborately constructed, and in appearance a +triumphant settlement of questions so complicated and so burning as to +threaten to set Christendom at any moment in a blaze, was destined to an +impotent and most unsatisfactory conclusion. + +The signatures were more easily obtained than the ratifications. +Execution was surrounded with insurmountable difficulties which in +negotiation had been lightly skipped over at the stroke of a pen. At the +very first step, that of military evacuation, there was a stumble. +Maurice and Spinola were expected to withdraw their forces, and to +undertake to bring in no troops in the future, and to make no invasion of +the disputed territory. + +But Spinola construed this undertaking as absolute; the Prince as only +binding in consequence of, with reference to, and for the duration of; +the Treaty of Xanten. The ambassadors and other commissioners, disgusted +with the long controversy which ensued, were making up their minds to +depart when a courier arrived from Spain, bringing not a ratification but +strict prohibition of the treaty. The articles were not to be executed, +no change whatever was to be made, and, above all, Wesel was not to be +restored without fresh negotiations with Philip, followed by his explicit +concurrence. + +Thus the whole great negotiation began to dissolve into a shadowy, +unsatisfactory pageant. The solid barriers which were to imprison the +vast threatening elements of religious animosity and dynastic hatreds, +and to secure a peaceful future for Christendom, melted into films of +gossamer, and the great war of demons, no longer to be quelled by the +commonplaces of diplomatic exorcism, revealed its close approach. The +prospects of Europe grew blacker than ever. + +The ambassadors, thoroughly disheartened and disgusted, all took their +departure from Xanten, and the treaty remained rather a by-word than a +solution or even a suggestion. + +"The accord could not be prevented," wrote Archduke Albert to Philip, +"because it depended alone on the will of the signers. Nor can the +promise to restore Wesel be violated, should Julich be restored. Who can +doubt that such contravention would arouse great jealousies in France, +England, the United Provinces, and all the members of the heretic League +of Germany? Who can dispute that those interested ought to procure the +execution of the treaty? Suspicions will not remain suspicions, but they +light up the flames of public evil and disturbance. Either your Majesty +wishes to maintain the truce, in which case Wesel must be restored, or to +break the truce, a result which is certain if Wesel be retained. But the +reasons which induced your Majesty to lay down your arms remain the same +as ever. Our affairs are not looking better, nor is the requisition of +Wesel of so great importance as to justify our involving Flanders in a +new and more atrocious war than that which has so lately been suspended. +The restitution is due to the tribunal of public faith. It is a great +advantage when actions done for the sole end of justice are united to +that of utility. Consider the great successes we have had. How well the +affairs of Aachen and Mulbeim have been arranged; those of the Duke of +Neuburg how completely re-established. The Catholic cause, always +identical with that of the House of Austria, remains in great superiority +to the cause of the heretics. We should use these advantages well, and to +do so we should not immaturely pursue greater ones. Fortune changes, +flies when we most depend on her, and delights in making her chief sport +of the highest quality of mortals." + +Thus wrote the Archduke sensibly, honourably from his point of view, and +with an intelligent regard to the interests of Spain and the Catholic +cause. After months of delay came conditional consent from Madrid to the +conventions, but with express condition that there should be absolute +undertaking on the part of the United Provinces never to send or maintain +troops in the duchies. Tedious and futile correspondence followed between +Brussels, the Hague, London, Paris. But the difficulties grew every +moment. It was a Penelope's web of negotiation, said one of the envoys. +Amid pertinacious and wire-drawn subtleties, every trace of practical +business vanished. Neuburg departed to look after his patrimonial +estates; leaving his interests in the duchies to be watched over by the +Archduke. Even Count Zollern, after six months of wrangling in Brussels, +took his departure. Prince Maurice distributed his army in various places +within the debateable land, and Spinola did the same, leaving a garrison +of 3000 foot and 300 horse in the important city of Wesel. The town and +citadel of Julich were as firmly held by Maurice for the Protestant +cause. Thus the duchies were jointly occupied by the forces of +Catholicism and Protestantism, while nominally possessed and administered +by the princes of Brandenburg and Neuburg. And so they were destined to +remain until that Thirty Years' War, now so near its outbreak, should +sweep over the earth, and bring its fiery solution at last to all these +great debates. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + Proud Position of the Republic--France obeys her--Hatred of Carleton + --Position and Character of Aerssens--Claim for the "Third"--Recall + of Aerssens--Rivalry between Maurice and Barneveld, who always + sustains the separate Sovereignties of the Provinces--Conflict + between Church and State added to other Elements of Discord in the + Commonwealth--Religion a necessary Element in the Life of all + Classes. + +Thus the Republic had placed itself in as proud a position as it was +possible for commonwealth or kingdom to occupy. It had dictated the +policy and directed the combined military movements of Protestantism. It +had gathered into a solid mass the various elements out of which the +great Germanic mutiny against Rome, Spain, and Austria had been +compounded. A breathing space of uncertain duration had come to interrupt +and postpone the general and inevitable conflict. Meantime the Republic +was encamped upon the enemy's soil. + +France, which had hitherto commanded, now obeyed. England, vacillating +and discontented, now threatening and now cajoling, saw for the time at +least its influence over the councils of the Netherlands neutralized by +the genius of the great statesman who still governed the Provinces, +supreme in all but name. The hatred of the British government towards the +Republic, while in reality more malignant than at any previous period, +could now only find vent in tremendous, theological pamphlets, composed +by the King in the form of diplomatic instructions, and hurled almost +weekly at the heads of the States-General, by his ambassador, Dudley +Carleton. + +Few men hated Barneveld more bitterly than did Carleton. I wish to +describe as rapidly, but as faithfully, as I can the outline at least of +the events by which one of the saddest and most superfluous catastrophes +in modern history was brought about. The web was a complex one, wrought +apparently of many materials; but the more completely it is unravelled +the more clearly we shall detect the presence of the few simple but +elemental fibres which make up the tissue of most human destinies, +whether illustrious or obscure, and out of which the most moving pictures +of human history are composed. + +The religious element, which seems at first view to be the all pervading +and controlling one, is in reality rather the atmosphere which surrounds +and colours than the essence which constitutes the tragedy to be +delineated. + +Personal, sometimes even paltry, jealousy; love of power, of money, of +place; rivalry between civil and military ambition for predominance in a +free state; struggles between Church and State to control and oppress +each other; conflict between the cautious and healthy, but provincial and +centrifugal, spirit on the one side, and the ardent centralizing, +imperial, but dangerous, instinct on the other, for ascendancy in a +federation; mortal combat between aristocracy disguised in the plebeian +form of trading and political corporations and democracy sheltering +itself under a famous sword and an ancient and illustrious name;--all +these principles and passions will be found hotly at work in the +melancholy five years with which we are now to be occupied, as they have +entered, and will always enter, into every political combination in the +great tragi-comedy which we call human history. As a study, a lesson, and +a warning, perhaps the fate of Barneveld is as deserving of serious +attention as most political tragedies of the last few centuries. + +Francis Aerssens, as we have seen, continued to be the Dutch ambassador +after the murder of Henry IV. Many of the preceding pages of this volume +have been occupied with his opinions, his pictures, his conversations, +and his political intrigues during a memorable epoch in the history of +the Netherlands and of France. He was beyond all doubt one of the ablest +diplomatists in Europe. Versed in many languages, a classical student, +familiar with history and international law, a man of the world and +familiar with its usages, accustomed to associate with dignity and tact +on friendliest terms with sovereigns, eminent statesmen, and men of +letters; endowed with a facile tongue, a fluent pen, and an eye and ear +of singular acuteness and delicacy; distinguished for unflagging industry +and singular aptitude for secret and intricate affairs;--he had by the +exercise of these various qualities during a period of nearly twenty +years at the court of Henry the Great been able to render inestimable +services to the Republic which he represented. Of respectable but not +distinguished lineage, not a Hollander, but a Belgian by birth, son of +Cornelis Aerssens, Grefter of the States-General, long employed in that +important post, he had been brought forward from a youth by Barneveld and +early placed by him in the diplomatic career, of which through his favour +and his own eminent talents he had now achieved the highest honours. + +He had enjoyed the intimacy and even the confidence of Henry IV., so far +as any man could be said to possess that monarch's confidence, and his +friendly relations and familiar access to the King gave him political +advantages superior to those of any of his colleagues at the same court. + +Acting entirely and faithfully according to the instructions of the +Advocate of Holland, he always gratefully and copiously acknowledged the +privilege of being guided and sustained in the difficult paths he had to +traverse by so powerful and active an intellect. I have seldom alluded in +terms to the instructions and despatches of the chief, but every +position, negotiation, and opinion of the envoy--and the reader has seen +many of them--is pervaded by their spirit. Certainly the correspondence +of Aerssens is full to overflowing of gratitude, respect, fervent +attachment to the person and exalted appreciation of the intellect and +high character of the Advocate. + +There can be no question of Aerssen's consummate abilities. Whether his +heart were as sound as his head, whether his protestations of devotion +had the ring of true gold or not, time would show. Hitherto Barneveld had +not doubted him, nor had he found cause to murmur at Barneveld. + +But the France of Henry IV., where the Dutch envoy was so all-powerful, +had ceased to exist. A duller eye than that of Aerssens could have seen +at a glance that the potent kingdom and firm ally of the Republic had +been converted, for a long time to come at least, into a Spanish +province. The double Spanish marriages (that of the young Louis XIII. +with the Infanta Anna, and of his sister with the Infante, one day to be +Philip IV.), were now certain, for it was to make them certain that the +knife of Ravaillac had been employed. The condition precedent to those +marriages had long been known. It was the renunciation of the alliance +between France and Holland. It was the condemnation to death, so far as +France had the power to condemn her to death, of the young Republic. Had +not Don Pedro de Toledo pompously announced this condition a year and a +half before? Had not Henry spurned the bribe with scorn? And now had not +Francis Aerssens been the first to communicate to his masters the fruit +which had already ripened upon Henry's grave? As we have seen, he had +revealed these intrigues long before they were known to the world, and +the French court knew that he had revealed them. His position had become +untenable. His friendship for Henry could not be of use to him with the +delicate-featured, double-chinned, smooth and sluggish Florentine, who +had passively authorized and actively profited by her husband's murder. + +It was time for the Envoy to be gone. The Queen-Regent and Concini +thought so. And so did Villeroy and Sillery and the rest of the old +servants of the King, now become pensionaries of Spain. But Aerssens did +not think so. He liked his position, changed as it was. He was deep in +the plottings of Bouillon and Conde and the other malcontents against the +Queen-Regent. These schemes, being entirely personal, the rank growth of +the corruption and apparent disintegration of France, were perpetually +changing, and could be reduced to no principle. It was a mere struggle of +the great lords of France to wrest places, money, governments, military +commands from the Queen-Regent, and frantic attempts on her part to save +as much as possible of the general wreck for her lord and master Concini. + +It was ridiculous to ascribe any intense desire on the part of the Duc de +Bouillon to aid the Protestant cause against Spain at that moment, acting +as he was in combination with Conde, whom we have just seen employed by +Spain as the chief instrument to effect the destruction of France and the +bastardy of the Queen's children. Nor did the sincere and devout +Protestants who had clung to the cause through good and bad report, men +like Duplessis-Mornay, for example, and those who usually acted with him, +believe in any of these schemes for partitioning France on pretence of +saving Protestantism. But Bouillon, greatest of all French fishermen in +troubled waters, was brother-in-law of Prince Maurice of Nassau, and +Aerssens instinctively felt that the time had come when he should anchor +himself to firm holding ground at home. + +The Ambassador had also a personal grievance. Many of his most secret +despatches to the States-General in which he expressed himself very +freely, forcibly, and accurately on the general situation in France, +especially in regard to the Spanish marriages and the Treaty of Hampton +Court, had been transcribed at the Hague and copies of them sent to the +French government. No baser act of treachery to an envoy could be +imagined. It was not surprising that Aerssens complained bitterly of the +deed. He secretly suspected Barneveld, but with injustice, of having +played him this evil turn, and the incident first planted the seeds of +the deadly hatred which was to bear such fatal fruit. + +"A notable treason has been played upon me," he wrote to Jacques de +Maldere, "which has outraged my heart. All the despatches which I have +been sending for several months to M. de Barneveld have been communicated +by copy in whole or in extracts to this court. Villeroy quoted from them +at our interview to-day, and I was left as it were without power of +reply. The despatches were long, solid, omitting no particularity for +giving means to form the best judgment of the designs and intrigues of +this court. No greater damage could be done to me and my usefulness. All +those from whom I have hitherto derived information, princes and great +personages, will shut themselves up from me . . . . What can be more +ticklish than to pass judgment on the tricks of those who are governing +this state? This single blow has knocked me down completely. For I was +moving about among all of them, making my profit of all, without any +reserve. M. de Barneveld knew by this means the condition of this kingdom +as well as I do. Certainly in a well-ordered republic it would cost the +life of a man who had thus trifled with the reputation of an ambassador. +I believe M. de Barneveld will be sorry, but this will never restore to +me the confidence which I have lost. If one was jealous of my position at +this court, certainly I deserved rather pity from those who should +contemplate it closely. If one wished to procure my downfall in order to +raise oneself above me, there was no need of these tricks. I have been +offering to resign my embassy this long time, which will now produce +nothing but thorns for me. How can I negotiate after my private +despatches have been read? L'Hoste, the clerk of Villeroy, was not so +great a criminal as the man who revealed my despatches; and L'Hoste was +torn by four horses after his death. Four months long I have been +complaining of this to M. de Barneveld. . . . Patience! I am groaning +without being able to hope for justice. I console myself, for my term of +office will soon arrive. Would that my embassy could have finished under +the agreeable and friendly circumstances with which it began. The man who +may succeed me will not find that this vile trick will help him much. +. . . Pray find out whence and from whom this intrigue has come." + +Certainly an envoy's position could hardly be more utterly compromised. +Most unquestionably Aerssens had reason to be indignant, believing as he +did that his conscientious efforts in the service of his government had +been made use of by his chief to undermine his credit and blast his +character. There was an intrigue between the newly appointed French +minister, de Russy, at the Hague and the enemies of Aerssens to represent +him to his own government as mischievous, passionate, unreasonably +vehement in supporting the claims and dignity of his own country at the +court to which he was accredited. Not often in diplomatic history has an +ambassador of a free state been censured or removed for believing and +maintaining in controversy that his own government is in the right. It +was natural that the French government should be disturbed by the vivid +light which he had flashed upon their pernicious intrigues with Spain to +the detriment of the Republic, and at the pertinacity with which he +resisted their preposterous claim to be reimbursed for one-third of the +money which the late king had advanced as a free subsidy towards the war +of the Netherlands for independence. But no injustice could be more +outrageous than for the Envoy's own government to unite with the foreign +State in damaging the character of its own agent for the crime of +fidelity to itself. + +Of such cruel perfidy Aerssens had been the victim, and he most +wrongfully suspected his chief as its real perpetrator. + +The claim for what was called the "Third" had been invented after the +death of Henry. As already explained, the "Third" was not a gift from +England to the Netherlands. It was a loan from England to France, or more +properly a consent to abstain from pressing for payment for this +proportion of an old debt. James, who was always needy, had often +desired, but never obtained, the payment of this sum from Henry. Now that +the King was dead, he applied to the Regent's government, and the +Regent's government called upon the Netherlands, to pay the money. + +Aerssens, as the agent of the Republic, protested firmly against such +claim. The money had been advanced by the King as a free gift, as his +contribution to a war in which he was deeply interested, although he was +nominally at peace with Spain. As to the private arrangements between +France and England, the Republic, said the Dutch envoy, was in no sense +bound by them. He was no party to the Treaty of Hampton Court, and knew +nothing of its stipulations. + +Courtiers and politicians in plenty at the French court, now that Henry +was dead, were quite sure that they had heard him say over and over again +that the Netherlands had bound themselves to pay the Third. They +persuaded Mary de' Medici that she likewise had often heard him say so, +and induced her to take high ground on the subject in her interviews with +Aerssens. The luckless queen, who was always in want of money to satisfy +the insatiable greed of her favourites, and to buy off the enmity of the +great princes, was very vehement--although she knew as much of those +transactions as of the finances of Prester John or the Lama of Thibet--in +maintaining this claim of her government upon the States. + +"After talking with the ministers," said Aerssens, "I had an interview +with the Queen. I knew that she had been taught her lesson, to insist on +the payment of the Third. So I did not speak at all of the matter, but +talked exclusively and at length of the French regiments in the States' +service. She was embarrassed, and did not know exactly what to say. At +last, without replying a single word to what I had been saying, she +became very red in the face, and asked me if I were not instructed to +speak of the money due to England. Whereupon I spoke in the sense already +indicated. She interrupted me by saying she had a perfect recollection +that the late king intended and understood that we were to pay the Third +to England, and had talked with her very seriously on the subject. If he +were living, he would think it very strange, she said, that we refused; +and so on. + +"Soissons, too, pretends to remember perfectly that such were the King's +intentions. 'Tis a very strange thing, Sir. Every one knows now the +secrets of the late king, if you are willing to listen. Yet he was not in +the habit of taking all the world into his confidence. The Queen takes +her opinions as they give them to her. 'Tis a very good princess, but I +am sorry she is so ignorant of affairs. As she says she remembers, one is +obliged to say one believes her. But I, who knew the King so intimately, +and saw him so constantly, know that he could only have said that the +Third was paid in acquittal of his debts to and for account of the King +of England, and not that we were to make restitution thereof. The +Chancellor tells me my refusal has been taken as an affront by the Queen, +and Puysieux says it is a contempt which she can't swallow." + +Aerssens on his part remained firm; his pertinacity being the greater as +he thoroughly understood the subject which he was talking about, an +advantage which was rarely shared in by those with whom he conversed. The +Queen, highly scandalized by his demeanour, became from that time forth +his bitter enemy, and, as already stated, was resolved to be rid of him. + +Nor was the Envoy at first desirous of remaining. He had felt after +Henry's death and Sully's disgrace, and the complete transformation of +the France which he had known, that his power of usefulness was gone. +"Our enemies," he said, "have got the advantage which I used to have in +times past, and I recognize a great coldness towards us, which is +increasing every day." Nevertheless, he yielded reluctantly to +Barneveld's request that he should for the time at least remain at his +post. Later on, as the intrigues against him began to unfold themselves, +and his faithful services were made use of at home to blacken his +character and procure his removal, he refused to resign, as to do so +would be to play into the hands of his enemies, and by inference at least +to accuse himself of infidelity to his trust. + +But his concealed rage and his rancor grew more deadly every day. He was +fully aware of the plots against him, although he found it difficult to +trace them to their source. + +"I doubt not," he wrote to Jacques de Maldere, the distinguished +diplomatist and senator, who had recently returned from his embassy to +England, "that this beautiful proposition of de Russy has been sent to +your Province of Zealand. Does it not seem to you a plot well woven as +well in Holland as at this court to remove me from my post with +disreputation? What have I done that should cause the Queen to disapprove +my proceedings? Since the death of the late king I have always opposed +the Third, which they have been trying to fix upon the treasury, on the +ground that Henry never spoke to me of restitution, that the receipts +given were simple ones, and that the money given was spent for the common +benefit of France and the States under direction of the King's +government. But I am expected here to obey M. de Villeroy, who says that +it was the intention of the late king to oblige us to make the payment. I +am not accustomed to obey authority if it be not supported by reason. It +is for my masters to reply and to defend me. The Queen has no reason to +complain. I have maintained the interests of my superiors. But this is +not the cause of the complaints. My misfortune is that all my despatches +have been sent from Holland in copy to this court. Most of them contained +free pictures of the condition and dealings of those who govern here. M. +de Villeroy has found himself depicted often, and now under pretext of a +public negotiation he has found an opportunity of revenging himself. . . . +Besides this cause which Villeroy has found for combing my head, Russy +has given notice here that I have kept my masters in the hopes of being +honourably exempted from the claims of this government. The long letter +which I wrote to M. de Barneveld justifies my proceedings." + +It is no wonder that the Ambassador was galled to the quick by the +outrage which those concerned in the government were seeking to put upon +him. How could an honest man fail to be overwhelmed with rage and anguish +at being dishonoured before the world by his masters for scrupulously +doing his duty, and for maintaining the rights and dignity of his own +country? He knew that the charges were but pretexts, that the motives of +his enemies were as base as the intrigues themselves, but he also knew +that the world usually sides with the government against the individual, +and that a man's reputation is rarely strong enough to maintain itself +unsullied in a foreign land when his own government stretches forth its +hand not to, shield, but to stab him. + + [See the similarity of Aerssens position to that of Motley 250 years + later, in the biographical sketch of Motley by Oliver Wendell + Holmes. D.W.] + +"I know," he said, "that this plot has been woven partly in Holland and +partly here by good correspondence, in order to drive me from my post +with disreputation. To this has tended the communication of my despatches +to make me lose my best friends. This too was the object of the +particular imparting to de Russy of all my propositions, in order to draw +a complaint against me from this court. + +"But as I have discovered this accurately, I have resolved to offer to my +masters the continuance of my very humble service for such time and under +such conditions as they may think good to prescribe. I prefer forcing my +natural and private inclinations to giving an opportunity for the +ministers of this kingdom to discredit us, and to my enemies to succeed +in injuring me, and by fraud and malice to force me from my post . . . I +am truly sorry, being ready to retire, wishing to have an honourable +testimony in recompense of my labours, that one is in such hurry to take +advantage of my fall. I cannot believe that my masters wish to suffer +this. They are too prudent, and cannot be ignorant of the treachery which +has been practised on me. I have maintained their cause. If they have +chosen to throw down the fruits of my industry, the blame should be +imputed to those who consider their own ambition more than the interests +of the public . . . . What envoy will ever dare to speak with vigour if +he is not sustained by the government at home? . . . . . . My enemies +have misrepresented my actions, and my language as passionate, +exaggerated, mischievous, but I have no passion except for the service of +my superiors. They say that I have a dark and distrustful disposition, +but I have been alarmed at the alliance now forming here with the King of +Spain, through the policy of M. de Villeroy. I was the first to discover +this intrigue, which they thought buried in the bosom of the Triumvirate. +I gave notice of it to My Lords the States as in duty bound. It all came +back to the government in the copies furnished of my secret despatches. +This is the real source of the complaints against me. The rest of the +charges, relating to the Third and other matters, are but pretexts. To +parry the blow, they pretend that all that is said and done with the +Spaniard is but feigning. Who is going to believe that? Has not the Pope +intervened in the affair? . . . I tell you they are furious here because +I have my eyes open. I see too far into their affairs to suit their +purposes. A new man would suit them better." + +His position was hopelessly compromised. He remained in Paris, however, +month after month, and even year after year, defying his enemies both at +the Queen's court and in Holland, feeding fat the grudge he bore to +Barneveld as the supposed author of the intrigue against him, and drawing +closer the personal bands which united him to Bouillon and through him to +Prince Maurice. + +The wrath of the Ambassador flamed forth without disguise against +Barneveld and all his adherents when his removal, as will be related on a +subsequent page, was at last effected. And his hatred was likely to be +deadly. A man with a shrewd, vivid face, cleanly cut features and a +restless eye; wearing a close-fitting skull cap, which gave him something +the lock of a monk, but with the thoroughbred and facile demeanour of one +familiar with the world; stealthy, smooth, and cruel, a man coldly +intellectual, who feared no one, loved but few, and never forgot or +forgave; Francis d'Aerssens, devoured by ambition and burning with +revenge, was a dangerous enemy. + +Time was soon to show whether it was safe to injure him. Barneveld, from +well-considered motives of public policy, was favouring his honourable +recall. But he allowed a decorous interval of more than three years to +elapse in which to terminate his affairs, and to take a deliberate +departure from that French embassy to which the Advocate had originally +promoted him, and in which there had been so many years of mutual benefit +and confidence between the two statesmen. He used no underhand means. He +did not abuse the power of the States-General which he wielded to cast +him suddenly and brutally from the distinguished post which he occupied, +and so to attempt to dishonour him before the world. Nothing could be +more respectful and conciliatory than the attitude of the government from +first to last towards this distinguished functionary. The Republic +respected itself too much to deal with honourable agents whose services +it felt obliged to dispense with as with vulgar malefactors who had been +detected in crime. But Aerssens believed that it was the Advocate who had +caused copies of his despatches to be sent to the French court, and that +he had deliberately and for a fixed purpose been undermining his +influence at home and abroad and blackening his character. All his +ancient feelings of devotion, if they had ever genuinely existed towards +his former friend and patron, turned to gall. He was almost ready to deny +that he had ever respected Barneveld, appreciated his public services, +admired his intellect, or felt gratitude for his guidance. + +A fierce controversy--to which at a later period it will be necessary to +call the reader's attention, because it is intimately connected with dark +scenes afterwards to be enacted--took place between the late ambassador +and Cornelis van der Myle. Meantime Barneveld pursued the policy which he +had marked out for the States-General in regard to France. + +Certainly it was a difficult problem. There could be no doubt that +metamorphosed France could only be a dangerous ally for the Republic. It +was in reality impossible that she should be her ally at all. And this +Barneveld knew. Still it was better, so he thought, for the Netherlands +that France should exist than that it should fall into utter +decomposition. France, though under the influence of Spain, and doubly +allied by marriage contracts to Spain, was better than Spain itself in +the place of France. This seemed to be the only choice between two evils. +Should the whole weight of the States-General be thrown into the scale of +the malcontent and mutinous princes against the established but tottering +government of France, it was difficult to say how soon Spain might +literally, as well as inferentially, reign in Paris. + +Between the rebellion and the legitimate government, therefore, Barneveld +did not hesitate. France, corporate France, with which the Republic had +bean so long in close and mutually advantageous alliance, and from whose +late monarch she had received such constant and valuable benefits, was in +the Advocate's opinion the only power to be recognised, Papal and Spanish +though it was. The advantage of an alliance with the fickle, +self-seeking, and ever changing mutiny, that was seeking to make use of +Protestantism to effect its own ends, was in his eyes rather specious +than real. + +By this policy, while making the breach irreparable with Aerssens and as +many leading politicians as Aerssens could influence, he first brought on +himself the stupid accusation of swerving towards Spain. Dull murmurs +like these, which were now but faintly making themselves heard against +the reputation of the Advocate, were destined ere long to swell into a +mighty roar; but he hardly listened now to insinuations which seemed +infinitely below his contempt. He still effectually ruled the nation +through his influence in the States of Holland, where he reigned supreme. +Thus far Barneveld and My Lords the States-General were one personage. + +But there was another great man in the State who had at last grown +impatient of the Advocate's power, and was secretly resolved to brook it +no longer. Maurice of Nassau had felt himself too long rebuked by the +genius of the Advocate. The Prince had perhaps never forgiven him for the +political guardianship which he had exercised over him ever since the +death of William the Silent. He resented the leading strings by which his +youthful footstep had been sustained, and which he seemed always to feel +about his limbs so long as Barneveld existed. He had never forgotten the +unpalatable advice given to him by the Advocate through the +Princess-Dowager. + +The brief campaign in Cleve and Julich was the last great political +operation in which the two were likely to act in even apparent harmony. +But the rivalry between the two had already pronounced itself +emphatically during the negotiations for the truce. The Advocate had felt +it absolutely necessary for the Republic to suspend the war at the first +moment when she could treat with her ancient sovereign on a footing of +equality. Spain, exhausted with the conflict, had at last consented to +what she considered the humiliation of treating with her rebellious +provinces as with free states over which she claimed no authority. The +peace party, led by Barneveld, had triumphed, notwithstanding the steady +opposition of Prince Maurice and his adherents. + +Why had Maurice opposed the treaty? Because his vocation was over, +because he was the greatest captain of the age, because his emoluments, +his consideration, his dignity before the world, his personal power, were +all vastly greater in war than in his opinion they could possibly be in +peace. It was easy for him to persuade himself that what was manifestly +for his individual interest was likewise essential to the prosperity of +the country. + +The diminution in his revenues consequent on the return to peace was made +good to him, his brother, and his cousin, by most munificent endowments +and pensions. And it was owing to the strenuous exertions of the Advocate +that these large sums were voted. A hollow friendship was kept up between +the two during the first few years of the truce, but resentment and +jealousy lay deep in Maurice's heart. + +At about the period of the return of Aerssens from his French embassy, +the suppressed fire was ready to flame forth at the first fanning by that +artful hand. It was impossible, so Aerssens thought and whispered, that +two heads could remain on one body politic. There was no room in the +Netherlands for both the Advocate and the Prince. Barneveld was in all +civil affairs dictator, chief magistrate, supreme judge; but he occupied +this high station by the force of intellect, will, and experience, not +through any constitutional provision. In time of war the Prince was +generalissimo, commander-in-chief of all the armies of the Republic. Yet +constitutionally he was not captain-general at all. He was only +stadholder of five out of seven provinces. + +Barneveld suspected him of still wishing to make himself sovereign of the +country. Perhaps his suspicions were incorrect. Yet there was every +reason why Maurice should be ambitious of that position. It would have +been in accordance with the openly expressed desire of Henry IV. and +other powerful allies of the Netherlands. His father's assassination had +alone prevented his elevation to the rank of sovereign Count of Holland. +The federal policy of the Provinces had drifted into a republican form +after their renunciation of their Spanish sovereign, not because the +people, or the States as representing the people, had deliberately chosen +a republican system, but because they could get no powerful monarch to +accept the sovereignty. They had offered to become subjects of Protestant +England and of Catholic France. Both powers had refused the offer, and +refused it with something like contumely. However deep the subsequent +regret on the part of both, there was no doubt of the fact. But the +internal policy in all the provinces, and in all the towns, was +republican. Local self-government existed everywhere. Each city +magistracy was a little republic in itself. The death of William the +Silent, before he had been invested with the sovereign power of all seven +provinces, again left that sovereignty in abeyance. Was the supreme power +of the Union, created at Utrecht in 1579, vested in the States-General? + +They were beginning theoretically to claim it, but Barneveld denied the +existence of any such power either in law or fact. It was a league of +sovereignties, he maintained; a confederacy of seven independent states, +united for certain purposes by a treaty made some thirty years before. +Nothing could be more imbecile, judging by the light of subsequent events +and the experience of centuries, than such an organization. The +independent and sovereign republic of Zealand or of Groningen, for +example, would have made a poor figure campaigning, or negotiating, or +exhibiting itself on its own account before the world. Yet it was +difficult to show any charter, precedent, or prescription for the +sovereignty of the States-General. Necessary as such an incorporation was +for the very existence of the Union, no constitutional union had ever +been enacted. Practically the Province of Holland, representing more than +half the population, wealth, strength, and intellect of the whole +confederation, had achieved an irregular supremacy in the States-General. +But its undeniable superiority was now causing a rank growth of envy, +hatred, and jealousy throughout the country, and the great Advocate of +Holland, who was identified with the province, and had so long wielded +its power, was beginning to reap the full harvest of that malice. + +Thus while there was so much of vagueness in theory and practice as to +the sovereignty, there was nothing criminal on the part of Maurice if he +was ambitious of obtaining the sovereignty himself. He was not seeking to +compass it by base artifice or by intrigue of any kind. It was very +natural that he should be restive under the dictatorship of the Advocate. +If a single burgher and lawyer could make himself despot of the +Netherlands, how much more reasonable that he--with the noblest blood of +Europe in his veins, whose direct ancestor three centuries before had +been emperor not only of those provinces, but of all Germany and half +Christendom besides, whose immortal father had under God been the creator +and saviour of the new commonwealth, had made sacrifices such as man +never made for a people, and had at last laid down his life in its +defence; who had himself fought daily from boyhood upwards in the great +cause, who had led national armies from victory to victory till he had +placed his country as a military school and a belligerent power foremost +among the nations, and had at last so exhausted and humbled the great +adversary and former tyrant that he had been glad of a truce while the +rebel chief would have preferred to continue the war--should aspire to +rule by hereditary right a land with which his name and his race were +indelibly associated by countless sacrifices and heroic achievements. + +It was no crime in Maurice to desire the sovereignty. It was still less a +crime in Barneveld to believe that he desired it. There was no special +reason why the Prince should love the republican form of government +provided that an hereditary one could be legally substituted for it. He +had sworn allegiance to the statutes, customs, and privileges of each of +the provinces of which he had been elected stadholder, but there would +have been no treason on his part if the name and dignity of stadholder +should be changed by the States themselves for those of King or sovereign +Prince. + +Yet it was a chief grievance against the Advocate on the part of the +Prince that Barneveld believed him capable of this ambition. + +The Republic existed as a fact, but it had not long existed, nor had it +ever received a formal baptism. So undefined was its constitution, and so +conflicting were the various opinions in regard to it of eminent men, +that it would be difficult to say how high-treason could be committed +against it. Great lawyers of highest intellect and learning believed the +sovereign power to reside in the separate states, others found that +sovereignty in the city magistracies, while during a feverish period of +war and tumult the supreme function had without any written constitution, +any organic law, practically devolved upon the States-General, who had +now begun to claim it as a right. The Republic was neither venerable by +age nor impregnable in law. It was an improvised aristocracy of lawyers, +manufacturers, bankers, and corporations which had done immense work and +exhibited astonishing sagacity and courage, but which might never have +achieved the independence of the Provinces unaided by the sword of +Orange-Nassau and the magic spell which belonged to that name. + +Thus a bitter conflict was rapidly developing itself in the heart of the +Commonwealth. There was the civil element struggling with the military +for predominance; sword against gown; states' rights against central +authority; peace against war; above all the rivalry of one prominent +personage against another, whose mutual hatred was now artfully inflamed +by partisans. + +And now another element of discord had come, more potent than all the +rest: the terrible, never ending, struggle of Church against State. +Theological hatred which forty years long had found vent in the exchange +of acrimony between the ancient and the Reformed churches was now +assuming other shapes. Religion in that age and country was more than has +often been the case in history the atmosphere of men's daily lives. But +during the great war for independence, although the hostility between the +two religious forces was always intense, it was modified especially +towards the close of the struggle by other controlling influences. The +love of independence and the passion for nationality, the devotion to +ancient political privileges, was often as fervid and genuine in Catholic +bosoms as in those of Protestants, and sincere adherents of the ancient +church had fought to the death against Spain in defence of chartered +rights. + +At that very moment it is probable that half the population of the United +Provinces was Catholic. Yet it would be ridiculous to deny that the +aggressive, uncompromising; self-sacrificing, intensely believing, +perfectly fearless spirit of Calvinism had been the animating soul, the +motive power of the great revolt. For the Provinces to have encountered +Spain and Rome without Calvinism, and relying upon municipal enthusiasm +only, would have been to throw away the sword and fight with the +scabbard. + +But it is equally certain that those hot gospellers who had suffered so +much martyrdom and achieved so many miracles were fully aware of their +power and despotic in its exercise. Against the oligarchy of commercial +and juridical corporations they stood there the most terrible aristocracy +of all: the aristocracy of God's elect, predestined from all time and to +all eternity to take precedence of and to look down upon their inferior +and lost fellow creatures. It was inevitable that this aristocracy, which +had done so much, which had breathed into a new-born commonwealth the +breath of its life, should be intolerant, haughty, dogmatic. + +The Church of Rome, which had been dethroned after inflicting such +exquisite tortures during its period of power, was not to raise its head. +Although so large a proportion of the inhabitants of the country were +secretly or openly attached to that faith, it was a penal offence to +participate openly in its rites and ceremonies. Religious equality, +except in the minds of a few individuals, was an unimaginable idea. There +was still one Church which arrogated to itself the sole possession of +truth, the Church of Geneva. Those who admitted the possibility of other +forms and creeds were either Atheists or, what was deemed worse than +Atheists, Papists, because Papists were assumed to be traitors also, and +desirous of selling the country to Spain. An undevout man in that land +and at that epoch was an almost unknown phenomenon. Religion was as much +a recognized necessity of existence as food or drink. It were as easy to +find people about without clothes as without religious convictions. + +The Advocate, who had always adhered to the humble spirit of his +ancestral device, "Nil scire tutissima fedes," and almost alone among his +fellow citizens (save those immediate apostles and pupils of his who +became involved in his fate) in favour of religious toleration, began to +be suspected of treason and Papacy because, had he been able to give the +law, it was thought he would have permitted such horrors as the public +exercise of the Roman Catholic religion. + +The hissings and screamings of the vulgar against him as he moved forward +on his stedfast course he heeded less than those of geese on a common. +But there was coming a time when this proud and scornful statesman, +conscious of the superiority conferred by great talents and unparalleled +experience, would find it less easy to treat the voice of slanderers, +whether idiots or powerful and intellectual enemies, with contempt. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + Schism in the Church a Public Fact--Struggle for Power between the + Sacerdotal and Political Orders--Dispute between Arminius and + Gomarus--Rage of James I. at the Appointment of Voratius--Arminians + called Remonstrants--Hague Conference--Contra-Remonstrance by + Gomarites of Seven Points to the Remonstrants' Five--Fierce + Theological Disputes throughout the Country--Ryswyk Secession-- + Maurice wishes to remain neutral, but finds himself the Chieftain of + the Contra-Remonstrant Party--The States of Holland Remonstrant by a + large Majority--The States-General Contra-Remonstrant--Sir Ralph + Winwood leaves the Hague--Three Armies to take the Field against + Protestantism. + +Schism in the Church had become a public fact, and theological hatred was +in full blaze throughout the country. + +The great practical question in the Church had been as to the appointment +of preachers, wardens, schoolmasters, and other officers. By the +ecclesiastical arrangements of 1591 great power was conceded to the civil +authority in church matters, especially in regard to such appointments, +which were made by a commission consisting of four members named by the +churches and four by the magistrates in each district. + +Barneveld, who above all things desired peace in the Church, had wished +to revive this ordinance, and in 1612 it had been resolved by the States +of Holland that each city or village should, if the magistracy approved, +provisionally conform to it. The States of Utrecht made at the same time +a similar arrangement. + +It was the controversy which has been going on since the beginning of +history and is likely to be prolonged to the end of time--the struggle +for power between the sacerdotal and political orders; the controversy +whether priests shall control the state or the state govern the priests. + +This was the practical question involved in the fierce dispute as to +dogma. The famous duel between Arminius and Gomarus; the splendid +theological tournaments which succeeded; six champions on a side armed in +full theological panoply and swinging the sharpest curtal axes which +learning, passion, and acute intellect could devise, had as yet produced +no beneficent result. Nobody had been convinced by the shock of argument, +by the exchange of those desperate blows. The High Council of the Hague +had declared that no difference of opinion in the Church existed +sufficient to prevent fraternal harmony and happiness. But Gomarus loudly +declared that, if there were no means of putting down the heresy of +Arminius, there would before long be a struggle such as would set +province against province, village against village, family against +family, throughout the land. He should be afraid to die in such doctrine. +He shuddered that any one should dare to come before God's tribunal with +such blasphemies. Meantime his great adversary, the learned and eloquent, +the musical, frolicsome, hospitable heresiarch was no more. Worn out with +controversy, but peaceful and happy in the convictions which were so +bitterly denounced by Gomarus and a large proportion of both preachers +and laymen in the Netherlands, and convinced that the schism which in his +view had been created by those who called themselves the orthodox would +weaken the cause of Protestantism throughout Europe, Arminius died at the +age of forty-nine. + +The magistrates throughout Holland, with the exception of a few cities, +were Arminian, the preachers Gomarian; for Arminius ascribed to the civil +authority the right to decide upon church matters, while Gomarus +maintained that ecclesiastical affairs should be regulated in +ecclesiastical assemblies. The overseers of Leyden University appointed +Conrad Vorstius to be professor of theology in place of Arminius. The +selection filled to the brim the cup of bitterness, for no man was more +audaciously latitudinarian than he. He was even suspected of Socinianism. +There came a shriek from King James, fierce and shrill enough to rouse +Arminius from his grave. James foamed to the mouth at the insolence of +the overseers in appointing such a monster of infidelity to the +professorship. He ordered his books to be publicly burned in St. Paul's +Churchyard and at both Universities, and would have burned the Professor +himself with as much delight as Torquemada or Peter Titelman ever felt in +roasting their victims, had not the day for such festivities gone by. He +ordered the States of Holland on pain of for ever forfeiting his +friendship to exclude Vorstius at once from the theological chair and to +forbid him from "nestling anywhere in the country." + +He declared his amazement that they should tolerate such a pest as Conrad +Vorstius. Had they not had enough of the seed sown by that foe of God, +Arminius? He ordered the States-General to chase the blasphemous monster +from the land, or else he would cut off all connection with their false +and heretic churches and make the other Reformed churches of Europe do +the same, nor should the youth of England ever be allowed to frequent the +University of Leyden. + +In point of fact the Professor was never allowed to qualify, to preach, +or to teach; so tremendous was the outcry of Peter Plancius and many +orthodox preachers, echoing the wrath of the King. He lived at Gouda in a +private capacity for several years, until the Synod of Dordrecht at last +publicly condemned his opinions and deprived him of his professorship. + +Meantime, the preachers who were disciples of Arminius had in a private +assembly drawn up what was called a Remonstrance, addressed to the States +of Holland, and defending themselves from the reproach that they were +seeking change in the Divine service and desirous of creating tumult and +schism. + +This Remonstrance, set forth by the pen of the famous Uytenbogaert, whom +Gomarus called the Court Trumpeter, because for a long time he had been +Prince Maurice's favourite preacher, was placed in the hands of +Barneveld, for delivery to the States of Holland. Thenceforth the +Arminians were called Remonstrants. + +The Hague Conference followed, six preachers on a side, and the States of +Holland exhorted to fraternal compromise. Until further notice, they +decreed that no man should be required to believe more than had been laid +down in the Five Points: + +I. God has from eternity resolved to choose to eternal life those who +through his grace believe in Jesus Christ, and in faith and obedience so +continue to the end, and to condemn the unbelieving and unconverted to +eternal damnation. + +II. Jesus Christ died for all; so, nevertheless, that no one actually +except believers is redeemed by His death. + +III. Man has not the saving belief from himself, nor out of his free +will, but he needs thereto God's grace in Christ. + +IV. This grace is the beginning, continuation, and completion of man's +salvation; all good deeds must be ascribed to it, but it does not work +irresistibly. + +V. God's grace gives sufficient strength to the true believers to +overcome evil; but whether they cannot lose grace should be more closely +examined before it should be taught in full security. + +Afterwards they expressed themselves more distinctly on this point, and +declared that a true believer, through his own fault, can fall away from +God and lose faith. + +Before the conference, however, the Gomarite preachers had drawn up a +Contra-Remonstrance of Seven Points in opposition to the Remonstrants' +five. + +They demanded the holding of a National Synod to settle the difference +between these Five and Seven Points, or the sending of them to foreign +universities for arbitration, a mutual promise being given by the +contending parties to abide by the decision. + +Thus much it has been necessary to state concerning what in the +seventeenth century was called the platform of the two great parties: a +term which has been perpetuated in our own country, and is familiar to +all the world in the nineteenth. + +These were the Seven Points: + +I. God has chosen from eternity certain persons out of the human race, +which in and with Adam fell into sin and has no more power to believe and +Convert itself than a dead man to restore himself to life, in order to +make them blessed through Christ; while He passes by the rest through His +righteous judgment, and leaves them lying in their sins. + +II. Children of believing parents, as well as full-grown believers, are +to be considered as elect so long as they with action do not prove the +contrary. + +III. God in His election has not looked at the belief and the repentance +of the elect; but, on the contrary, in His eternal and unchangeable +design, has resolved to give to the elect faith and stedfastness, and +thus to make them blessed. + +IV. He, to this end, in the first place, presented to them His only +begotten Son, whose sufferings, although sufficient for the expiation of +all men's sins, nevertheless, according to God's decree, serves alone to +the reconciliation of the elect. + +V. God causest he Gospel to be preached to them, making the same through +the Holy Ghost, of strength upon their minds; so that they not merely +obtain power to repent and to believe, but also actually and voluntarily +do repent and believe. + +VI. Such elect, through the same power of the Holy Ghost through which +they have once become repentant and believing, are kept in such wise that +they indeed through weakness fall into heavy sins; but can never wholly +and for always lose the true faith. + +VII. True believers from this, however, draw no reason for fleshly quiet, +it being impossible that they who through a true faith were planted in +Christ should bring forth no fruits of thankfulness; the promises of +God's help and the warnings of Scripture tending to make their salvation +work in them in fear and trembling, and to cause them more earnestly to +desire help from that spirit without which they can do nothing. + +There shall be no more setting forth of these subtle and finely wrought +abstractions in our pages. We aspire not to the lofty heights of +theological and supernatural contemplation, where the atmosphere becomes +too rarefied for ordinary constitutions. Rather we attempt an objective +and level survey of remarkable phenomena manifesting themselves on the +earth; direct or secondary emanations from those distant spheres. + +For in those days, and in that land especially, theology and politics +were one. It may be questioned at least whether this practical fusion of +elements, which may with more safety to the Commonwealth be kept +separate, did not tend quite as much to lower and contaminate the +religious sentiments as to elevate the political idea. To mix habitually +the solemn phraseology which men love to reserve for their highest and +most sacred needs with the familiar slang of politics and trade seems to +our generation not a very desirable proceeding. + +The aroma of doubly distilled and highly sublimated dogma is more +difficult to catch than to comprehend the broader and more practical +distinctions of every-day party strife. + +King James was furious at the thought that common men--the vulgar, the +people in short--should dare to discuss deep problems of divinity which, +as he confessed, had puzzled even his royal mind. Barneveld modestly +disclaimed the power of seeing with absolute clearness into things beyond +the reach of the human intellect. But the honest Netherlanders were not +abashed by thunder from the royal pulpit, nor perplexed by hesitations +which darkened the soul of the great Advocate. + +In burghers' mansions, peasants' cottages, mechanics' back-parlours, on +board herring smacks, canal boats, and East Indiamen; in shops, +counting-rooms, farmyards, guard-rooms, ale-houses; on the exchange, in +the tennis-court, on the mall; at banquets, at burials, christenings, or +bridals; wherever and whenever human creatures met each other, +there was ever to be found the fierce wrangle of Remonstrant and +Contra-Remonstrant, the hissing of red-hot theological rhetoric, the +pelting of hostile texts. The blacksmith's iron cooled on the anvil, the +tinker dropped a kettle half mended, the broker left a bargain +unclinched, the Scheveningen fisherman in his wooden shoes forgot the +cracks in his pinkie, while each paused to hold high converse with friend +or foe on fate, free will, or absolute foreknowledge; losing himself in +wandering mazes whence there was no issue. Province against province, +city against city, family against family; it was one vast scene of +bickering, denunciation, heart-burnings, mutual excommunication and +hatred. + +Alas! a generation of mankind before, men had stood banded together to +resist, with all the might that comes from union, the fell spirit of the +Holy Inquisition, which was dooming all who had wandered from the ancient +fold or resisted foreign tyranny to the axe, the faggot, the living +grave. There had been small leisure then for men who fought for +Fatherland, and for comparative liberty of conscience, to tear each +others' characters in pieces, and to indulge in mutual hatreds and +loathing on the question of predestination. + +As a rule the population, especially of the humbler classes, and a great +majority of the preachers were Contra-Remonstrant; the magistrates, the +burgher patricians, were Remonstrant. In Holland the controlling +influence was Remonstrant; but Amsterdam and four or five other cities of +that province held to the opposite doctrine. These cities formed +therefore a small minority in the States Assembly of Holland sustained by +a large majority in the States-General. The Province of Utrecht was +almost unanimously Remonstrant. The five other provinces were decidedly +Contra-Remonstrant. + +It is obvious therefore that the influence of Barneveld, hitherto so +all-controlling in the States-General, and which rested on the complete +submission of the States of Holland to his will, was tottering. The +battle-line between Church and State was now drawn up; and it was at the +same time a battle between the union and the principles of state +sovereignty. + +It had long since been declared through the mouth of the Advocate, but in +a solemn state manifesto, that My Lords the States-General were the +foster-fathers and the natural protectors of the Church, to whom supreme +authority in church matters belonged. + +The Contra-Remonstrants, on the other hand, maintained that all the +various churches made up one indivisible church, seated above the States, +whether Provincial or General, and governed by the Holy Ghost acting +directly upon the congregations. + +As the schism grew deeper and the States-General receded from the +position which they had taken up under the lead of the Advocate, the +scene was changed. A majority of the Provinces being Contra-Remonstrant, +and therefore in favour of a National Synod, the States-General as a body +were of necessity for the Synod. + +It was felt by the clergy that, if many churches existed, they would all +remain subject to the civil authority. The power of the priesthood would +thus sink before that of the burgher aristocracy. There must be one +church--the Church of Geneva and Heidelberg--if that theocracy which the +Gomarites meant to establish was not to vanish as a dream. It was founded +on Divine Right, and knew no chief magistrate but the Holy Ghost. A few +years before the States-General had agreed to a National Synod, but with +a condition that there should be revision of the Netherland Confession +and the Heidelberg Catechism. + +Against this the orthodox infallibilists had protested and thundered, +because it was an admission that the vile Arminian heresy might perhaps +be declared correct. It was now however a matter of certainty that the +States-General would cease to oppose the unconditional Synod, because the +majority sided with the priesthood. + +The magistrates of Leyden had not long before opposed the demand for a +Synod on the ground that the war against Spain was not undertaken to +maintain one sect; that men of various sects and creeds had fought with +equal valour against the common foe; that religious compulsion was +hateful, and that no synod had a right to claim Netherlanders as slaves. + +To thoughtful politicians like Barneveld, Hugo Grotius, and men who acted +with them, fraught with danger to the state, that seemed a doctrine by +which mankind were not regarded as saved or doomed according to belief or +deeds, but as individuals divided from all eternity into two classes +which could never be united, but must ever mutually regard each other as +enemies. + +And like enemies Netherlanders were indeed beginning to regard each +other. The man who, banded like brothers, had so heroically fought for +two generations long for liberty against an almost superhuman despotism, +now howling and jeering against each other like demons, seemed determined +to bring the very name of liberty into contempt. + +Where the Remonstrants were in the ascendant, they excited the hatred and +disgust of the orthodox by their overbearing determination to carry their +Five Points. A broker in Rotterdam of the Contra-Remonstrant persuasion, +being about to take a wife, swore he had rather be married by a pig than +a parson. For this sparkling epigram he was punished by the Remonstrant +magistracy with loss of his citizenship for a year and the right to +practise his trade for life. A casuistical tinker, expressing himself +violently in the same city against the Five Points, and disrespectfully +towards the magistrates for tolerating them, was banished from the town. +A printer in the neighbourhood, disgusted with these and similar efforts +of tyranny on the part of the dominant party, thrust a couple of lines of +doggrel into the lottery: + + "In name of the Prince of Orange, I ask once and again, + What difference between the Inquisition of Rotterdam and Spain?" + +For this poetical effort the printer was sentenced to forfeit the prize +that he had drawn in the lottery, and to be kept in prison on bread and +water for a fortnight. + +Certainly such punishments were hardly as severe as being beheaded or +burned or buried alive, as would have been the lot of tinkers and +printers and brokers who opposed the established church in the days of +Alva, but the demon of intolerance, although its fangs were drawn, still +survived, and had taken possession of both parties in the Reformed +Church. For it was the Remonstrants who had possession of the churches at +Rotterdam, and the printer's distich is valuable as pointing out that the +name of Orange was beginning to identify itself with the +Contra-Remonstrant faction. At this time, on the other hand, the gabble +that Barneveld had been bought by Spanish gold, and was about to sell his +country to Spain, became louder than a whisper. Men were not ashamed, +from theological hatred, to utter such senseless calumnies against a +venerable statesman whose long life had been devoted to the cause of his +country's independence and to the death struggle with Spain. + +As if because a man admitted the possibility of all his fellow-creatures +being saved from damnation through repentance and the grace of God, he +must inevitably be a traitor to his country and a pensionary of her +deadliest foe. + +And where the Contra-Remonstrants held possession of the churches and the +city governments, acts of tyranny which did not then seem ridiculous were +of everyday occurrence. Clergymen, suspected of the Five Points, were +driven out of the pulpits with bludgeons or assailed with brickbats at +the church door. At Amsterdam, Simon Goulart, for preaching the doctrine +of universal salvation and for disputing the eternal damnation of young +children, was forbidden thenceforth to preach at all. + +But it was at the Hague that the schism in religion and politics first +fatally widened itself. Henry Rosaeus, an eloquent divine, disgusted with +his colleague Uytenbogaert, refused all communion with him, and was in +consequence suspended. Excluded from the Great Church, where he had +formerly ministered, he preached every Sunday at Ryswyk, two or three +miles distant. Seven hundred Contra-Remonstrants of the Hague followed +their beloved pastor, and, as the roads to Ryswyk were muddy and sloppy +in winter, acquired the unsavoury nickname of the "Mud Beggars." The +vulgarity of heart which suggested the appellation does not inspire +to-day great sympathy with the Remonstrant party, even if one were +inclined to admit, what is not the fact, that they represented the cause +of religious equality. For even the illustrious Grotius was at that very +moment repudiating the notion that there could be two religions in one +state. "Difference in public worship," he said, "was in kingdoms +pernicious, but in free commonwealths in the highest degree destructive." + +It was the struggle between Church and State for supremacy over the whole +body politic. "The Reformation," said Grotius, "was not brought about by +synods, but by kings, princes, and magistrates." It was the same eternal +story, the same terrible two-edged weapon, "Cujus reggio ejus religio," +found in the arsenal of the first Reformers, and in every +politico-religious arsenal of history. + +"By an eternal decree of God," said Gomarus in accordance with Calvin, +"it has been fixed who are to be saved and who damned. By His decree some +are drawn to faith and godliness, and, being drawn, can never fall away. +God leaves all the rest in the general corruption of human nature and +their own misdeeds." + +"God has from eternity made this distinction in the fallen human race," +said Arminius, "that He pardons those who desist from their sins and put +their faith in Christ, and will give them eternal life, but will punish +those who remain impenitent. Moreover, it is pleasanter to God that all +men should repent, and, coming to knowledge of truth, remain therein, but +He compels none." + +This was the vital difference of dogma. And it was because they could +hold no communion with those who believed in the efficacy of repentance +that Rosaeus and his followers had seceded to Ryswyk, and the Reformed +Church had been torn into two very unequal parts. But it is difficult to +believe that out of this arid field of controversy so plentiful a harvest +of hatred and civil convulsion could have ripened. More practical than +the insoluble problems, whether repentance could effect salvation, and +whether dead infants were hopelessly damned, was the question who should +rule both Church and State. + +There could be but one church. On that Remonstrants and +Contra-Remonstrants were agreed. But should the five Points or the Seven +Points obtain the mastery? Should that framework of hammered iron, the +Confession and Catechism, be maintained in all its rigidity around the +sheepfold, or should the disciples of the arch-heretic Arminius, the +salvation-mongers, be permitted to prowl within it? + +Was Barneveld, who hated the Reformed religion (so men told each other), +and who believed in nothing, to continue dictator of the whole Republic +through his influence over one province, prescribing its religious dogmas +and laying down its laws; or had not the time come for the States-General +to vindicate the rights of the Church, and to crush for ever the +pernicious principle of State sovereignty and burgher oligarchy? + +The abyss was wide and deep, and the wild waves were raging more madly +every hour. The Advocate, anxious and troubled, but undismayed, did his +best in the terrible emergency. He conferred with Prince Maurice on the +subject of the Ryswyk secession, and men said that he sought to impress +upon him, as chief of the military forces, the necessity of putting down +religious schism with the armed hand. + +The Prince had not yet taken a decided position. He was still under the +influence of John Uytenbogaert, who with Arminius and the Advocate made +up the fateful three from whom deadly disasters were deemed to have come +upon the Commonwealth. He wished to remain neutral. But no man can be +neutral in civil contentions threatening the life of the body politic any +more than the heart can be indifferent if the human frame is sawn in two. + +"I am a soldier," said Maurice, "not a divine. These are matters of +theology which I don't understand, and about which I don't trouble +myself." + +On another occasion he is reported to have said, "I know nothing of +predestination, whether it is green or whether it is blue; but I do know +that the Advocate's pipe and mine will never play the same tune." + +It was not long before he fully comprehended the part which he must +necessarily play. To say that he was indifferent to religious matters was +as ridiculous as to make a like charge against Barneveld. Both were +religious men. It would have been almost impossible to find an +irreligious character in that country, certainly not among its +highest-placed and leading minds. Maurice had strong intellectual powers. +He was a regular attendant on divine worship, and was accustomed to hear +daily religious discussions. To avoid them indeed, he would have been +obliged not only to fly his country, but to leave Europe. He had a +profound reverence for the memory of his father, Calbo y Calbanista, as +William the Silent had called himself. But the great prince had died +before these fierce disputes had torn the bosom of the Reformed Church, +and while Reformers still were brethren. But if Maurice were a religious +man, he was also a keen politician; a less capable politician, however, +than a soldier, for he was confessedly the first captain of his age. He +was not rapid in his conceptions, but he was sure in the end to +comprehend his opportunity. + +The Church, the people, the Union--the sacerdotal, the democratic, and +the national element--united under a name so potent to conjure with as +the name of Orange-Nassau, was stronger than any other possible +combination. Instinctively and logically therefore the Stadholder found +himself the chieftain of the Contra-Remonstrant party, and without the +necessity of an apostasy such as had been required of his great +contemporary to make himself master of France. + +The power of Barneveld and his partisans was now put to a severe strain. +His efforts to bring back the Hague seceders were powerless. The +influence of Uytenbogaert over the Stadholder steadily diminished. He +prayed to be relieved from his post in the Great Church of the Hague, +especially objecting to serve with a Contra-Remonstrant preacher whom +Maurice wished to officiate there in place of the seceding Rosaeus. But +the Stadholder refused to let him go, fearing his influence in other +places. "There is stuff in him," said Maurice, "to outweigh half a dozen +Contra-Remonstrant preachers." Everywhere in Holland the opponents of the +Five Points refused to go to the churches, and set up tabernacles for +themselves in barns, outhouses, canal-boats. And the authorities in town +and village nailed up the barn-doors, and dispersed the canal boat +congregations, while the populace pelted them with stones. The seceders +appealed to the Stadholder, pleading that at least they ought to be +allowed to hear the word of God as they understood it without being +forced into churches where they were obliged to hear Arminian blasphemy. +At least their barns might be left them. "Barns," said Maurice, "barns +and outhouses! Are we to preach in barns? The churches belong to us, and +we mean to have them too." + +Not long afterwards the Stadholder, clapping his hand on his sword hilt, +observed that these differences could only be settled by force of arms. +An ominous remark and a dreary comment on the forty years' war against +the Inquisition. + +And the same scenes that were enacting in Holland were going on in +Overyssel and Friesland and Groningen; but with a difference. Here it was +the Five Points men who were driven into secession, whose barns were +nailed up, and whose preachers were mobbed. A lugubrious spectacle, but +less painful certainly than the hangings and drownings and burnings alive +in the previous century to prevent secession from the indivisible church. + +It is certain that stadholders and all other magistrates ever since the +establishment of independence were sworn to maintain the Reformed +religion and to prevent a public divine worship under any other form. It +is equally certain that by the 13th Article of the Act of Union--the +organic law of the confederation made at Utrecht in 1579--each province +reserved for itself full control of religious questions. It would indeed +seem almost unimaginable in a country where not only every province, but +every city, every municipal board, was so jealous of its local privileges +and traditional rights that the absolute disposition over the highest, +gravest, and most difficult questions that can inspire and perplex +humanity should be left to a general government, and one moreover which +had scarcely come into existence. + +Yet into this entirely illogical position the Commonwealth was steadily +drifting. The cause was simple enough. The States of Holland, as already +observed, were Remonstrant by a large majority. The States-General were +Contra-Remonstrant by a still greater majority. The Church, rigidly +attached to the Confession and Catechism, and refusing all change except +through decree of a synod to be called by the general government which it +controlled, represented the national idea. It thus identified itself with +the Republic, and was in sympathy with a large majority of the +population. + +Logic, law, historical tradition were on the side of the Advocate and the +States' right party. The instinct of national self-preservation, +repudiating the narrow and destructive doctrine of provincial +sovereignty, were on the side of the States-General and the Church. + +Meantime James of Great Britain had written letters both to the States of +Holland and the States-General expressing his satisfaction with the Five +Points, and deciding that there was nothing objectionable in the doctrine +of predestination therein set forth. He had recommended unity and peace +in Church and Assembly, and urged especially that these controverted +points should not be discussed in the pulpit to the irritation and +perplexity of the common people. + +The King's letters had produced much satisfaction in the moderate party. +Barneveld and his followers were then still in the ascendant, and it +seemed possible that the Commonwealth might enjoy a few moments of +tranquillity. That James had given a new exhibition of his astounding +inconsistency was a matter very indifferent to all but himself, and he +was the last man to trouble himself for that reproach. + +It might happen, when he should come to realize how absolutely he had +obeyed the tuition of the Advocate and favoured the party which he had +been so vehemently opposing, that he might regret and prove willing to +retract. But for the time being the course of politics had seemed running +smoother. The acrimony of the relations between the English government +and dominant party at the Hague was sensibly diminished. The King seemed +for an instant to have obtained a true insight into the nature of the +struggle in the States. That it was after all less a theological than a +political question which divided parties had at last dawned upon him. + +"If you have occasion to write on the subject," said Barneveld, "it is +above all necessary to make it clear that ecclesiastical persons and +their affairs must stand under the direction of the sovereign authority, +for our preachers understand that the disposal of ecclesiastical persons +and affairs belongs to them, so that they alone are to appoint preachers, +elders, deacons, and other clerical persons, and to regulate the whole +ecclesiastical administration according to their pleasure or by a popular +government which they call the community." + +"The Counts of Holland from all ancient times were never willing under +the Papacy to surrender their right of presentation to the churches and +control of all spiritual and ecclesiastical benefices. The Emperor +Charles and King Philip even, as Counts of Holland, kept these rights to +themselves, save that they in enfeoffing more than a hundred gentlemen, +of noble and ancient families with seigniorial manors, enfeoffed them +also with the right of presentation to churches and benefices on their +respective estates. Our preachers pretend to have won this right against +the Countship, the gentlemen, nobles, and others, and that it belongs to +them." + +It is easy to see that this was a grave, constitutional, legal, and +historical problem not to be solved offhand by vehement citations from +Scripture, nor by pragmatical dissertations from the lips of foreign +ambassadors. + +"I believe this point," continued Barneveld, "to be the most difficult +question of all, importing far more than subtle searchings and +conflicting sentiments as to passages of Holy Writ, or disputations +concerning God's eternal predestination and other points thereupon +depending. Of these doctrines the Archbishop of Canterbury well observed +in the Conference of 1604 that one ought to teach them ascendendo and not +descendendo." + +The letters of the King had been very favourably received both in the +States-General and in the Assembly of Holland. "You will present the +replies," wrote Barneveld to the ambassador in London, "at the best +opportunity and with becoming compliments. You may be assured and assure +his Majesty that they have been very agreeable to both assemblies. Our +commissioners over there on the East Indian matter ought to know nothing +of these letters." + +This statement is worthy of notice, as Grotius was one of those +commissioners, and, as will subsequently appear, was accused of being the +author of the letters. + +"I understand from others," continued the Advocate, "that the gentleman +well known to you--[Obviously Francis Aerssens]--is not well pleased that +through other agency than his these letters have been written and +presented. I think too that the other business is much against his grain, +but on the whole since your departure he has accommodated himself to the +situation." + +But if Aerssens for the moment seemed quiet, the orthodox clergy were +restive. + +"I know," said Barneveld, "that some of our ministers are so audacious +that of themselves, or through others, they mean to work by direct or +indirect means against these letters. They mean to show likewise that +there are other and greater differences of doctrine than those already +discussed. You will keep a sharp eye on the sails and provide against the +effect of counter-currents. To maintain the authority of their Great +Mightinesses over ecclesiastical matters is more than necessary for the +conservation of the country's welfare and of the true Christian religion. +As his Majesty would not allow this principle to be controverted in his +own realms, as his books clearly prove, so we trust that he will not find +it good that it should be controverted in our state as sure to lead to a +very disastrous and inequitable sequel." + +And a few weeks later the Advocate and the whole party of toleration +found themselves, as is so apt to be the case, between two fires. The +Catholics became as turbulent as the extreme Calvinists, and already +hopes were entertained by Spanish emissaries and spies that this rapidly +growing schism in the Reformed Church might be dexterously made use of to +bring the Provinces, when they should become fairly distracted, back to +the dominion of Spain. + +"Our precise zealots in the Reformed religion, on the one side," wrote +Barneveld, "and the Jesuits on the other, are vigorously kindling the +fire of discord. Keep a good lookout for the countermine which is now +working against the good advice of his Majesty for mutual toleration. The +publication of the letters was done without order, but I believe with +good intent, in the hope that the vehemence and exorbitance of some +precise Puritans in our State should thereby be checked. That which is +now doing against us in printed libels is the work of the aforesaid +Puritans and a few Jesuits. The pretence in those libels, that there are +other differences in the matter of doctrine, is mere fiction designed to +make trouble and confusion." + +In the course of the autumn, Sir Ralph Winwood departed from the Hague, +to assume soon afterwards in England the position of secretary of state +for foreign affairs. He did not take personal farewell of Barneveld, the +Advocate being absent in North Holland at the moment, and detained there +by indisposition. The leave-taking was therefore by letter. He had done +much to injure the cause which the Dutch statesman held vital to the +Republic, and in so doing he had faithfully carried out the instructions +of his master. Now that James had written these conciliatory letters to +the States, recommending toleration, letters destined to be famous, +Barneveld was anxious that the retiring ambassador should foster the +spirit of moderation, which for a moment prevailed at the British court. +But he was not very hopeful in the matter. + +"Mr. Winwood is doubtless over there now," he wrote to Caron. "He has +promised in public and private to do all good offices. The States-General +made him a present on his departure of the value of L4000. I fear +nevertheless that he, especially in religious matters, will not do the +best offices. For besides that he is himself very hard and precise, those +who in this country are hard and precise have made a dead set at him, and +tried to make him devoted to their cause, through many fictitious and +untruthful means." + +The Advocate, as so often before, sent assurances to the King that "the +States-General, and especially the States of Holland, were resolved to +maintain the genuine Reformed religion, and oppose all novelties and +impurities conflicting with it," and the Ambassador was instructed to see +that the countermine, worked so industriously against his Majesty's +service and the honour and reputation of the Provinces, did not prove +successful. + +"To let the good mob play the master," he said, "and to permit hypocrites +and traitors in the Flemish manner to get possession of the government of +the provinces and cities, and to cause upright patriots whose faith and +truth has so long been proved, to be abandoned, by the blessing of God, +shall never be accomplished. Be of good heart, and cause these Flemish +tricks to be understood on every occasion, and let men know that we mean +to maintain, with unchanging constancy, the authority of the government, +the privileges and laws of the country, as well as the true Reformed +religion." + +The statesman was more than ever anxious for moderate counsels in the +religious questions, for it was now more important than ever that there +should be concord in the Provinces, for the cause of Protestantism, and +with it the existence of the Republic, seemed in greater danger than at +any moment since the truce. It appeared certain that the alliance between +France and Spain had been arranged, and that the Pope, Spain, the +Grand-duke of Tuscany, and their various adherents had organized a strong +combination, and were enrolling large armies to take the field in the +spring, against the Protestant League of the princes and electors in +Germany. The great king was dead. The Queen-Regent was in the hand of +Spain, or dreamed at least of an impossible neutrality, while the priest +who was one day to resume the part of Henry, and to hang upon the sword +of France the scales in which the opposing weights of Protestantism and +Catholicism in Europe were through so many awful years to be balanced, +was still an obscure bishop. + +The premonitory signs of the great religious war in Germany were not to +be mistaken. In truth, the great conflict had already opened in the +duchies, although few men as yet comprehended the full extent of that +movement. The superficial imagined that questions of hereditary +succession, like those involved in the dispute, were easily to be settled +by statutes of descent, expounded by doctors of law, and sustained, if +needful, by a couple of comparatively bloodless campaigns. Those who +looked more deeply into causes felt that the limitations of Imperial +authority, the ambition of a great republic, suddenly starting into +existence out of nothing, and the great issues of the religious +reformation, were matters not so easily arranged. When the scene shifted, +as it was so soon to do, to the heart of Bohemia, when Protestantism had +taken the Holy Roman Empire by the beard in its ancient palace, and +thrown Imperial stadholders out of window, it would be evident to the +blindest that something serious was taking place. + +Meantime Barneveld, ever watchful of passing events, knew that great +forces of Catholicism were marshalling in the south. Three armies were to +take the field against Protestantism at the orders of Spain and the Pope. +One at the door of the Republic, and directed especially against the +Netherlands, was to resume the campaign in the duchies, and to prevent +any aid going to Protestant Germany from Great Britain or from Holland. +Another in the Upper Palatinate was to make the chief movement against +the Evangelical hosts. A third in Austria was to keep down the Protestant +party in Bohemia, Hungary, Austria, Moravia, and Silesia. To sustain this +movement, it was understood that all the troops then in Italy were to be +kept all the winter on a war footing.' + +Was this a time for the great Protestant party in the Netherlands to tear +itself in pieces for a theological subtlety, about which good Christians +might differ without taking each other by the throat? + +"I do not lightly believe or fear," said the Advocate, in communicating a +survey of European affairs at that moment to Carom "but present advices +from abroad make me apprehend dangers." + + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Aristocracy of God's elect + Determined to bring the very name of liberty into contempt + Disputing the eternal damnation of young children + Fate, free will, or absolute foreknowledge + Louis XIII. + No man can be neutral in civil contentions + No synod had a right to claim Netherlanders as slaves + Philip IV. + Priests shall control the state or the state govern the priests + Schism in the Church had become a public fact + That cynical commerce in human lives + The voice of slanderers + Theological hatred was in full blaze throughout the country + Theology and politics were one + To look down upon their inferior and lost fellow creatures + Whether dead infants were hopelessly damned + Whether repentance could effect salvation + Whose mutual hatred was now artfully inflamed by partisans + Work of the aforesaid Puritans and a few Jesuits + + + + +CHAPTER IX. 1613-15 + + Aerssens remains Two Years longer in France--Derives many Personal + Advantages from his Post--He visits the States-General--Aubery du + Maurier appointed French Ambassador--He demands the Recall of + Aerssens--Peace of Sainte-Menehould--Asperen de Langerac appointed + in Aerssens' Place. + +Francis Aerssens had remained longer at his post than had been intended +by the resolution of the States of Holland, passed in May 1611. + +It is an exemplification of the very loose constitutional framework of +the United Provinces that the nomination of the ambassador to France +belonged to the States of Holland, by whom his salary was paid, although, +of course, he was the servant of the States-General, to whom his public +and official correspondence was addressed. His most important despatches +were however written directly to Barneveld so long as he remained in +power, who had also the charge of the whole correspondence, public or +private, with all the envoys of the States. + +Aerssens had, it will be remembered, been authorized to stay one year +longer in France if he thought he could be useful there. He stayed two +years, and on the whole was not useful. He had too many eyes and too many +ears. He had become mischievous by the very activity of his intelligence. +He was too zealous. There were occasions in France at that moment in +which it was as well to be blind and deaf. It was impossible for the +Republic, unless driven to it by dire necessity, to quarrel with its +great ally. It had been calculated by Duplessis-Mornay that France had +paid subsidies to the Provinces amounting from first to last to 200 +millions of livres. This was an enormous exaggeration. It was Barneveld's +estimate that before the truce the States had received from France eleven +millions of florins in cash, and during the truce up to the year 1613, +3,600,000 in addition, besides a million still due, making a total of +about fifteen millions. During the truce France kept two regiments of +foot amounting to 4200 soldiers and two companies of cavalry in Holland +at the service of the States, for which she was bound to pay yearly +600,000 livres. And the Queen-Regent had continued all the treaties by +which these arrangements were secured, and professed sincere and +continuous friendship for the States. While the French-Spanish marriages +gave cause for suspicion, uneasiness, and constant watchfulness in the +States, still the neutrality of France was possible in the coming storm. +So long as that existed, particularly when the relations of England with +Holland through the unfortunate character of King James were perpetually +strained to a point of imminent rupture, it was necessary to hold as long +as it was possible to the slippery embrace of France. + +But Aerssens was almost aggressive in his attitude. He rebuked the +vacillations, the shortcomings, the imbecility, of the Queen's government +in offensive terms. He consorted openly with the princes who were on the +point of making war upon the Queen-Regent. He made a boast to the +Secretary of State Villeroy that he had unravelled all his secret plots +against the Netherlands. He declared it to be understood in France, since +the King's death, by the dominant and Jesuitical party that the crown +depended temporally as well as spiritually on the good pleasure of the +Pope. + +No doubt he was perfectly right in many of his opinions. No ruler or +statesman in France worthy of the name would hesitate, in the impending +religious conflict throughout Europe and especially in Germany, to +maintain for the kingdom that all controlling position which was its +splendid privilege. But to preach this to Mary de' Medici was waste of +breath. She was governed by the Concini's, and the Concini's were +governed by Spain. The woman who was believed to have known beforehand of +the plot to murder her great husband, who had driven the one powerful +statesman on whom the King relied, Maximilian de Bethune, into +retirement, and whose foreign affairs were now completely in the hands of +the ancient Leaguer Villeroy--who had served every government in the +kingdom for forty years--was not likely to be accessible to high views of +public policy. + +Two years had now elapsed since the first private complaints against the +Ambassador, and the French government were becoming impatient at his +presence. Aerssens had been supported by Prince Maurice, to whom he had +long paid his court. He was likewise loyally protected by Barneveld, whom +he publicly flattered and secretly maligned. But it was now necessary +that he should be gone if peaceful relations with France were to be +preserved. + +After all, the Ambassador had not made a bad business of his embassy from +his own point of view. A stranger in the Republic, for his father the +Greffier was a refugee from Brabant, he had achieved through his own +industry and remarkable talents, sustained by the favour of Barneveld--to +whom he owed all his diplomatic appointments--an eminent position in +Europe. Secretary to the legation to France in 1594, he had been +successively advanced to the post of resident agent, and when the +Republic had been acknowledged by the great powers, to that of +ambassador. The highest possible functions that representatives of +emperors and kings could enjoy had been formally recognized in the person +of the minister of a new-born republic. And this was at a moment when, +with exception of the brave but insignificant cantons of Switzerland, the +Republic had long been an obsolete idea. + +In a pecuniary point of view, too, he had not fared badly during his +twenty years of diplomatic office. He had made much money in various +ways. The King not long before his death sent him one day 20,000 florins +as a present, with a promise soon to do much more for him. + +Having been placed in so eminent a post, he considered it as due to +himself to derive all possible advantage from it. "Those who serve at the +altar," he said a little while after his return, "must learn to live by +it. I served their High Mightinesses at the court of a great king, and +his Majesty's liberal and gracious favours were showered upon me. My +upright conscience and steady obsequiousness greatly aided me. I did not +look upon opportunity with folded arms, but seized it and made my profit +by it. Had I not met with such fortunate accidents, my office would not +have given me dry bread." + +Nothing could exceed the frankness and indeed the cynicism with which the +Ambassador avowed his practice of converting his high and sacred office +into merchandise. And these statements of his should be scanned closely, +because at this very moment a cry was distantly rising, which at a later +day was to swell into a roar, that the great Advocate had been bribed and +pensioned. Nothing had occurred to justify such charges, save that at the +period of the truce he had accepted from the King of France a fee of +20,000 florins for extra official and legal services rendered him a dozen +years before, and had permitted his younger son to hold the office of +gentleman-in-waiting at the French court with the usual salary attached +to it. The post, certainly not dishonourable in itself, had been intended +by the King as a kindly compliment to the leading statesman of his great +and good ally the Republic. It would be difficult to say why such a +favour conferred on the young man should be held more discreditable to +the receiver than the Order of the Garter recently bestowed upon the +great soldier of the Republic by another friendly sovereign. It is +instructive however to note the language in which Francis Aerssens spoke +of favours and money bestowed by a foreign monarch upon himself, for +Aerssens had come back from his embassy full of gall and bitterness +against Barneveld. Thenceforth he was to be his evil demon. + +"I didn't inherit property," said this diplomatist. "My father and +mother, thank God, are yet living. I have enjoyed the King's liberality. +It was from an ally, not an enemy, of our country. Were every man obliged +to give a reckoning of everything he possesses over and above his +hereditary estates, who in the government would pass muster? Those who +declare that they have served their country in her greatest trouble, and +lived in splendid houses and in service of princes and great companies +and the like on a yearly salary of 4000 florins, may not approve these +maxims." + +It should be remembered that Barneveld, if this was a fling at the +Advocate, had acquired a large fortune by marriage, and, although +certainly not averse from gathering gear, had, as will be seen on a +subsequent page, easily explained the manner in which his property had +increased. No proof was ever offered or attempted of the anonymous +calumnies levelled at him in this regard. + +"I never had the management of finances," continued Aerssens. "My profits +I have gained in foreign parts. My condition of life is without excess, +and in my opinion every means are good so long as they are honourable and +legal. They say my post was given me by the Advocate. Ergo, all my +fortune comes from the Advocate. Strenuously to have striven to make +myself agreeable to the King and his counsellors, while fulfilling my +office with fidelity and honour, these are the arts by which I have +prospered, so that my splendour dazzles the eyes of the envious. The +greediness of those who believe that the sun should shine for them alone +was excited, and so I was obliged to resign the embassy." + +So long as Henry lived, the Dutch ambassador saw him daily, and at all +hours, privately, publicly, when he would. Rarely has a foreign envoy at +any court, at any period of history, enjoyed such privileges of being +useful to his government. And there is no doubt that the services of +Aerssens had been most valuable to his country, notwithstanding his +constant care to increase his private fortune through his public +opportunities. He was always ready to be useful to Henry likewise. When +that monarch same time before the truce, and occasionally during the +preliminary negotiations for it, had formed a design to make himself +sovereign of the Provinces, it was Aerssens who charged himself with the +scheme, and would have furthered it with all his might, had the project +not met with opposition both from the Advocate and the Stadholder. +Subsequently it appeared probable that Maurice would not object to the +sovereignty himself, and the Ambassador in Paris, with the King's +consent, was not likely to prove himself hostile to the Prince's +ambition. + +"There is but this means alone," wrote Jeannini to Villeroy, "that can +content him, although hitherto he has done like the rowers, who never +look toward the place whither they wish to go." The attempt of the Prince +to sound Barneveld on this subject through the Princess-Dowager has +already been mentioned, and has much intrinsic probability. +Thenceforward, the republican form of government, the municipal +oligarchies, began to consolidate their power. Yet although the people as +such were not sovereigns, but subjects, and rarely spoken of by the +aristocratic magistrates save with a gentle and patronizing disdain, they +enjoyed a larger liberty than was known anywhere else in the world. +Buzenval was astonished at the "infinite and almost unbridled freedom" +which he witnessed there during his embassy, and which seemed to him +however "without peril to the state." + +The extraordinary means possessed by Aerssens to be important and useful +vanished with the King's death. His secret despatches, painting in sombre +and sarcastic colours the actual condition of affairs at the French +court, were sent back in copy to the French court itself. It was not +known who had played the Ambassador this vilest of tricks, but it was +done during an illness of Barneveld, and without his knowledge. Early in +the year 1613 Aerssens resolved, not to take his final departure, but to +go home on leave of absence. His private intention was to look for some +substantial office of honour and profit at home. Failing of this, he +meant to return to Paris. But with an eye to the main chance as usual, he +ingeniously caused it to be understood at court, without making positive +statements to that effect, that his departure was final. On his +leavetaking, accordingly, he received larger presents from the crown than +had been often given to a retiring ambassador. At least 20,000 florins +were thus added to the frugal store of profits on which he prided +himself. Had he merely gone away on leave of absence, he would have +received no presents whatever. But he never went back. The Queen-Regent +and her ministers were so glad to get rid of him, and so little disposed, +in the straits in which they found themselves, to quarrel with the +powerful republic, as to be willing to write very complimentary public +letters to the States, concerning the character and conduct of the man +whom they so much detested. + +Pluming himself upon these, Aerssens made his appearance in the Assembly +of the States-General, to give account by word of mouth of the condition +of affairs, speaking as if he had only come by permission of their +Mightinesses for temporary purposes. Two months later he was summoned +before the Assembly, and ordered to return to his post. + +Meantime a new French ambassador had arrived at the Hague, in the spring +of 1613. Aubery du Maurier, a son of an obscure country squire, a +Protestant, of moderate opinions, of a sincere but rather obsequious +character, painstaking, diligent, and honest, had been at an earlier day +in the service of the turbulent and intriguing Due de Bouillon. He had +also been employed by Sully as an agent in financial affairs between +Holland and France, and had long been known to Villeroy. He was living on +his estate, in great retirement from all public business, when Secretary +Villeroy suddenly proposed him the embassy to the Hague. There was no +more important diplomatic post at that time in Europe. Other countries +were virtually at peace, but in Holland, notwithstanding the truce, there +was really not much more than an armistice, and great armies lay in the +Netherlands, as after a battle, sleeping face to face with arms in their +hands. The politics of Christendom were at issue in the open, elegant, +and picturesque village which was the social capital of the United +Provinces. The gentry from Spain, Italy, the south of Europe, Catholic +Germany, had clustered about Spinola at Brussels, to learn the art of war +in his constant campaigning against Maurice. English and Scotch officers, +Frenchmen, Bohemians, Austrians, youths from the Palatinate and all +Protestant countries in Germany, swarmed to the banners of the prince who +had taught the world how Alexander Farnese could be baffled, and the +great Spinola outmanoeuvred. Especially there was a great number of +Frenchmen of figure and quality who thronged to the Hague, besides the +officers of the two French regiments which formed a regular portion of +the States' army. That army was the best appointed and most conspicuous +standing force in Europe. Besides the French contingent there were always +nearly 30,000 infantry and 3000 cavalry on a war footing, splendidly +disciplined, experienced, and admirably armed. The navy, consisting of +thirty war ships, perfectly equipped and manned, was a match for the +combined marine forces of all Europe, and almost as numerous. + +When the Ambassador went to solemn audience of the States-General, he was +attended by a brilliant group of gentlemen and officers, often to the +number of three hundred, who volunteered to march after him on foot to +honour their sovereign in the person of his ambassador; the Envoy's +carriage following empty behind. Such were the splendid diplomatic +processions often received by the stately Advocate in his plain civic +garb, when grave international questions were to be publicly discussed. + +There was much murmuring in France when the appointment of a personage +comparatively so humble to a position so important was known. It was +considered as a blow aimed directly at the malcontent princes of the +blood, who were at that moment plotting their first levy of arms against +the Queen. Du Maurier had been ill-treated by the Due de Bouillon, who +naturally therefore now denounced the man whom he had injured to the +government to which he was accredited. Being the agent of Mary de' +Medici, he was, of course, described as a tool of the court and a secret +pensioner of Spain. He was to plot with the arch traitor Barneveld as to +the best means for distracting the Provinces and bringing them back into +Spanish subjection. Du Maurier, being especially but secretly charged to +prevent the return of Francis Aerssens to Paris, incurred of course the +enmity of that personage and of the French grandees who ostentatiously +protected him. It was even pretended by Jeannin that the appointment of a +man so slightly known to the world, so inexperienced in diplomacy, and of +a parentage so little distinguished, would be considered an affront by +the States-General. + +But on the whole, Villeroy had made an excellent choice. No safer man +could perhaps have been found in France for a post of such eminence, in +circumstances so delicate, and at a crisis so grave. The man who had been +able to make himself agreeable and useful, while preserving his +integrity, to characters so dissimilar as the refining, self-torturing, +intellectual Duplessis-Mornay, the rude, aggressive, and straightforward +Sully, the deep-revolving, restlessly plotting Bouillon, and the smooth, +silent, and tortuous Villeroy--men between whom there was no friendship, +but, on the contrary, constant rancour--had material in him to render +valuable services at this particular epoch. Everything depended on +patience, tact, watchfulness in threading the distracting, almost +inextricable, maze which had been created by personal rivalries, +ambitions, and jealousies in the state he represented and the one to +which he was accredited. "I ascribe it all to God," he said, in his +testament to his children, "the impenetrable workman who in His goodness +has enabled me to make myself all my life obsequious, respectful, and +serviceable to all, avoiding as much as possible, in contenting some, not +to discontent others." He recommended his children accordingly to +endeavour "to succeed in life by making themselves as humble, +intelligent, and capable as possible." + +This is certainly not a very high type of character, but a safer one for +business than that of the arch intriguer Francis Aerssens. And he had +arrived at the Hague under trying circumstances. Unknown to the foreign +world he was now entering, save through the disparaging rumours +concerning him, sent thither in advance by the powerful personages +arrayed against his government, he might have sunk under such a storm at +the outset, but for the incomparable kindness and friendly aid of the +Princess-Dowager, Louise de Coligny. "I had need of her protection and +recommendation as much as of life," said du Maurier; "and she gave them +in such excess as to annihilate an infinity of calumnies which envy had +excited against me on every side." He had also a most difficult and +delicate matter to arrange at the very moment of his arrival. + +For Aerssens had done his best not only to produce a dangerous division +in the politics of the Republic, but to force a rupture between the +French government and the States. He had carried matters before the +assembly with so high a hand as to make it seem impossible to get rid of +him without public scandal. He made a parade of the official letters from +the Queen-Regent and her ministers, in which he was spoken of in terms of +conventional compliment. He did not know, and Barneveld wished, if +possible, to spare him the annoyance of knowing, that both Queen and +ministers, so soon as informed that there was a chance of coming back to +them, had written letters breathing great repugnance to him and +intimating that he would not be received. Other high personages of state +had written to express their resentment at his duplicity, perpetual +mischief-making, and machinations against the peace of the kingdom, and +stating the impossibility of his resuming the embassy at Paris. And at +last the queen wrote to the States-General to say that, having heard +their intention to send him back to a post "from which he had taken leave +formally and officially," she wished to prevent such a step. "We should +see M. Aerssens less willingly than comports with our friendship for you +and good neighbourhood. Any other you could send would be most welcome, +as M. du Maurier will explain to you more amply." + +And to du Maurier himself she wrote distinctly, "Rather than suffer the +return of the said Aerssens, you will declare that for causes which +regard the good of our affairs and our particular satisfaction we cannot +and will not receive him in the functions which he has exercised here, +and we rely too implicitly upon the good friendship of My Lords the +States to do anything in this that would so much displease us." + +And on the same day Villeroy privately wrote to the Ambassador, "If, in +spite of all this, Aerssens should endeavour to return, he will not be +received, after the knowledge we have of his factious spirit, most +dangerous in a public personage in a state such as ours and in the +minority of the King." + +Meantime Aerssens had been going about flaunting letters in everybody's +face from the Duc de Bouillon insisting on the necessity of his return! +The fact in itself would have been sufficient to warrant his removal, for +the Duke was just taking up arms against his sovereign. Unless the States +meant to interfere officially and directly in the civil war about to +break out in France, they could hardly send a minister to the government +on recommendation of the leader of the rebellion. + +It had, however, become impossible to remove him without an explosion. +Barneveld, who, said du Maurier, "knew the man to his finger nails," had +been reluctant to "break the ice," and wished for official notice in the +matter from the Queen. Maurice protected the troublesome diplomatist. +"'Tis incredible," said the French ambassador "how covertly Prince +Maurice is carrying himself, contrary to his wont, in this whole affair. +I don't know whether it is from simple jealousy to Barneveld, or if there +is some mystery concealed below the surface." + +Du Maurier had accordingly been obliged to ask his government for +distinct and official instructions. "He holds to his place," said he, "by +so slight and fragile a root as not to require two hands to pluck him up, +the little finger being enough. There is no doubt that he has been in +concert with those who are making use of him to re-establish their credit +with the States, and to embark Prince Maurice contrary to his preceding +custom in a cabal with them." + +Thus a question of removing an obnoxious diplomatist could hardly be +graver, for it was believed that he was doing his best to involve the +military chief of his own state in a game of treason and rebellion +against the government to which he was accredited. It was not the first +nor likely to be the last of Bouillon's deadly intrigues. But the man who +had been privy to Biron's conspiracy against the crown and life of his +sovereign was hardly a safe ally for his brother-in-law, the +straightforward stadholder. + +The instructions desired by du Maurier and by Barneveld had, as we have +seen, at last arrived. The French ambassador thus fortified appeared +before the Assembly of the States-General and officially demanded the +recall of Aerssens. In a letter addressed privately and confidentially to +their Mightinesses, he said, "If in spite of us you throw him at our +feet, we shall fling him back at your head." + +At last Maurice yielded to, the representations of the French envoy, and +Aerssens felt obliged to resign his claims to the post. The +States-General passed a resolution that it would be proper to employ him +in some other capacity in order to show that his services had been +agreeable to them, he having now declared that he could no longer be +useful in France. Maurice, seeing that it was impossible to save him, +admitted to du Maurier his unsteadiness and duplicity, and said that, if +possessed of the confidence of a great king, he would be capable of +destroying the state in less than a year. + +But this had not always been the Prince's opinion, nor was it likely to +remain unchanged. As for Villeroy, he denied flatly that the cause of his +displeasure had been that Aerssens had penetrated into his most secret +affairs. He protested, on the contrary, that his annoyance with him had +partly proceeded from the slight acquaintance he had acquired of his +policy, and that, while boasting to be better informed than any one, he +was in the habit of inventing and imagining things in order to get credit +for himself. + +It was highly essential that the secret of this affair should be made +clear; for its influence on subsequent events was to be deep and wide. +For the moment Aerssens remained without employment, and there was no +open rupture with Barneveld. The only difference of opinion between the +Advocate and himself, he said, was whether he had or had not definitely +resigned his post on leaving Paris. + +Meantime it was necessary to fix upon a successor for this most important +post. The war soon after the new year had broken out in France. Conde, +Bouillon, and the other malcontent princes with their followers had taken +possession of the fortress of Mezieres, and issued a letter in the name +of Conde to the Queen-Regent demanding an assembly of the States-General +of the kingdom and rupture of the Spanish marriages. Both parties, that +of the government and that of the rebellion, sought the sympathy and +active succour of the States. Maurice, acting now in perfect accord with +the Advocate, sustained the Queen and execrated the rebellion of his +relatives with perfect frankness. Conde, he said, had got his head +stuffed full of almanacs whose predictions he wished to see realized. He +vowed he would have shortened by a head the commander of the garrison who +betrayed Mezieres, if he had been under his control. He forbade on pain +of death the departure of any officer or private of the French regiments +from serving the rebels, and placed the whole French force at the +disposal of the Queen, with as many Netherland regiments as could be +spared. One soldier was hanged and three others branded with the mark of +a gibbet on the face for attempting desertion. The legal government was +loyally sustained by the authority of the States, notwithstanding all the +intrigues of Aerssens with the agents of the princes to procure them +assistance. The mutiny for the time was brief, and was settled on the +15th of May 1614, by the peace of Sainte-Menehould, as much a caricature +of a treaty as the rising had been the parody of a war. Van der Myle, +son-in-law of Barneveld, who had been charged with a special and +temporary mission to France, brought back the terms, of the convention to +the States-General. On the other hand, Conde and his confederates sent a +special agent to the Netherlands to give their account of the war and the +negotiation, who refused to confer either with du Maurier or Barneveld, +but who held much conference with Aerssens. + +It was obvious enough that the mutiny of the princes would become +chronic. In truth, what other condition was possible with two characters +like Mary de' Medici and the Prince of Conde respectively at the head of +the government and the revolt? What had France to hope for but to remain +the bloody playground for mischievous idiots, who threw about the +firebrands and arrows of reckless civil war in pursuit of the paltriest +of personal aims? + +Van der Myle had pretensions to the vacant place of Aerssens. He had some +experience in diplomacy. He had conducted skilfully enough the first +mission of the States to Venice, and had subsequently been employed in +matters of moment. But he was son-in-law to Barneveld, and although the +Advocate was certainly not free from the charge of nepotism, he shrank +from the reproach of having apparently removed Aerssens to make a place +for one of his own family. + +Van der Myle remained to bear the brunt of the late ambassador's malice, +and to engage at a little later period in hottest controversy with him, +personal and political. "Why should van der Myle strut about, with his +arms akimbo like a peacock?" complained Aerssens one day in confused +metaphor. A question not easy to answer satisfactorily. + +The minister selected was a certain Baron Asperen de Langerac, wholly +unversed in diplomacy or other public affairs, with abilities not above +the average. A series of questions addressed by him to the Advocate, the +answers to which, scrawled on the margin of the paper, were to serve for +his general instructions, showed an ingenuousness as amusing as the +replies of Barneveld were experienced and substantial. + +In general he was directed to be friendly and respectful to every one, to +the Queen-Regent and her counsellors especially, and, within the limits +of becoming reverence for her, to cultivate the good graces of the Prince +of Conde and the other great nobles still malcontent and rebellious, but +whose present movement, as Barneveld foresaw, was drawing rapidly to a +close. Langerac arrived in Paris on the 5th of April 1614. + +Du Maurier thought the new ambassador likely to "fall a prey to the +specious language and gentle attractions of the Due de Bouillon." He also +described him as very dependent upon Prince Maurice. On the other hand +Langerac professed unbounded and almost childlike reverence for +Barneveld, was devoted to his person, and breathed as it were only +through his inspiration. Time would show whether those sentiments would +outlast every possible storm. + + + + +CHAPTER X + + Weakness of the Rulers of France and England--The Wisdom of + Barneveld inspires Jealousy--Sir Dudley Carleton succeeds Winwood-- + Young Neuburg under the Guidance of Maximilian--Barneveld strives to + have the Treaty of Xanten enforced--Spain and the Emperor wish to + make the States abandon their Position with regard to the Duchies-- + The French Government refuses to aid the States--Spain and the + Emperor resolve to hold Wesel--The great Religious War begun--The + Protestant Union and Catholic League both wish to secure the Border + Provinces--Troubles in Turkey--Spanish Fleet seizes La Roche--Spain + places large Armies on a War Footing. + +Few things are stranger in history than the apathy with which the wide +designs of the Catholic party were at that moment regarded. The +preparations for the immense struggle which posterity learned to call the +Thirty Years' War, and to shudder when speaking of it, were going forward +on every side. In truth the war had really begun, yet those most deeply +menaced by it at the outset looked on with innocent calmness because +their own roofs were not quite yet in a blaze. The passage of arms in the +duchies, the outlines of which have just been indicated, and which was +the natural sequel of the campaign carried out four years earlier on the +same territory, had been ended by a mockery. In France, reduced almost to +imbecility by the absence of a guiding brain during a long minority, +fallen under the distaff of a dowager both weak and wicked, distracted by +the intrigues and quarrels of a swarm of self-seeking grandees, and with +all its offices, from highest to lowest, of court, state, jurisprudence, +and magistracy, sold as openly and as cynically as the commonest wares, +there were few to comprehend or to grapple with the danger. It should +have seemed obvious to the meanest capacity in the kingdom that the great +house of Austria, reigning supreme in Spain and in Germany, could not be +allowed to crush the Duke of Savoy on the one side, and Bohemia, Moravia, +and the Netherlands on the other without danger of subjection for France. +Yet the aim of the Queen-Regent was to cultivate an impossible alliance +with her inevitable foe. + +And in England, ruled as it then was with no master mind to enforce +against its sovereign the great lessons of policy, internal and external, +on which its welfare and almost its imperial existence depended, the only +ambition of those who could make their opinions felt was to pursue the +same impossibility, intimate alliance with the universal foe. + +Any man with slightest pretensions to statesmanship knew that the liberty +for Protestant worship in Imperial Germany, extorted by force, had been +given reluctantly, and would be valid only as long as that force could +still be exerted or should remain obviously in reserve. The +"Majesty-Letter" and the "Convention" of the two religions would prove as +flimsy as the parchment on which they were engrossed, the Protestant +churches built under that sanction would be shattered like glass, if once +the Catholic rulers could feel their hands as clear as their consciences +would be for violating their sworn faith to heretics. Men knew, even if +the easy-going and uxorious emperor, into which character the once busy +and turbulent Archduke Matthias had subsided, might be willing to keep +his pledges, that Ferdinand of Styria, who would soon succeed him, and +Maximilian of Bavaria were men who knew their own minds, and had mentally +never resigned one inch of the ground which Protestantism imagined itself +to have conquered. + +These things seem plain as daylight to all who look back upon them +through the long vista of the past; but the sovereign of England did not +see them or did not choose to see them. He saw only the Infanta and her +two millions of dowry, and he knew that by calling Parliament together to +ask subsidies for an anti-Catholic war he should ruin those golden +matrimonial prospects for his son, while encouraging those "shoemakers," +his subjects, to go beyond their "last," by consulting the +representatives of his people on matters pertaining to the mysteries of +government. He was slowly digging the grave of the monarchy and building +the scaffold of his son; but he did his work with a laborious and +pedantic trifling, when really engaged in state affairs, most amazing to +contemplate. He had no penny to give to the cause in which his nearest +relatives mere so deeply involved and for which his only possible allies +were pledged; but he was ready to give advice to all parties, and with +ludicrous gravity imagined himself playing the umpire between great +contending hosts, when in reality he was only playing the fool at the +beck of masters before whom he quaked. + +"You are not to vilipend my counsel," said he one day to a foreign envoy. +"I am neither a camel nor an ass to take up all this work on my +shoulders. Where would you find another king as willing to do it as I +am?" + +The King had little time and no money to give to serve his own family and +allies and the cause of Protestantism, but he could squander vast sums +upon worthless favourites, and consume reams of paper on controverted +points of divinity. The appointment of Vorstius to the chair of theology +in Leyden aroused more indignation in his bosom, and occupied more of his +time, than the conquests of Spinola in the duchies, and the menaces of +Spain against Savoy and Bohemia. He perpetually preached moderation to +the States in the matter of the debateable territory, although moderation +at that moment meant submission to the House of Austria. He chose to +affect confidence in the good faith of those who were playing a comedy by +which no statesman could be deceived, but which had secured the +approbation of the Solomon of the age. + +But there was one man who was not deceived. The warnings and the +lamentations of Barneveld sound to us out of that far distant time like +the voice of an inspired prophet. It is possible that a portion of the +wrath to come might have been averted had there been many men in high +places to heed his voice. I do not wish to exaggerate the power and +wisdom of the man, nor to set him forth as one of the greatest heroes of +history. But posterity has done far less than justice to a statesman and +sage who wielded a vast influence at a most critical period in the fate +of Christendom, and uniformly wielded it to promote the cause of +temperate human liberty, both political and religious. Viewed by the +light of two centuries and a half of additional experience, he may appear +to have made mistakes, but none that were necessarily disastrous or even +mischievous. Compared with the prevailing idea of the age in which he +lived, his schemes of polity seem to dilate into large dimensions, his +sentiments of religious freedom, however limited to our modern ideas, +mark an epoch in human progress, and in regard to the general +commonwealth of Christendom, of which he was so leading a citizen, the +part he played was a lofty one. No man certainly understood the tendency +of his age more exactly, took a broader and more comprehensive view than +he did of the policy necessary to preserve the largest portion of the +results of the past three-quarters of a century, or had pondered the +relative value of great conflicting forces more skilfully. Had his +counsels been always followed, had illustrious birth placed him virtually +upon a throne, as was the case with William the Silent, and thus allowed +him occasionally to carry out the designs of a great mind with almost +despotic authority, it might have been better for the world. But in that +age it was royal blood alone that could command unflinching obedience +without exciting personal rivalry. Men quailed before his majestic +intellect, but hated him for the power which was its necessary result. +They already felt a stupid delight in cavilling at his pedigree. To +dispute his claim to a place among the ancient nobility to which he was +an honour was to revenge themselves for the rank he unquestionably +possessed side by side in all but birth with the kings and rulers of the +world. Whether envy and jealousy be vices more incident to the republican +form of government than to other political systems may be an open +question. But it is no question whatever that Barneveld's every footstep +from this period forward was dogged by envy as patient as it was +devouring. Jealousy stuck to him like his shadow. We have examined the +relations which existed between Winwood and himself; we have seen that +ambassador, now secretary of state for James, never weary in denouncing +the Advocate's haughtiness and grim resolution to govern the country +according to its laws rather than at the dictate of a foreign sovereign, +and in flinging forth malicious insinuations in regard to his relations +to Spain. The man whose every hour was devoted in spite of a thousand +obstacles strewn by stupidity, treachery, and apathy, as well as by envy, +hatred, and bigotry--to the organizing of a grand and universal league of +Protestantism against Spain, and to rolling up with strenuous and +sometimes despairing arms a dead mountain weight, ever ready to fall back +upon and crush him, was accused in dark and mysterious whispers, soon to +grow louder and bolder, of a treacherous inclination for Spain. + +There is nothing less surprising nor more sickening for those who observe +public life, and wish to retain faith in the human species, than the +almost infinite power of the meanest of passions. + +The Advocate was obliged at the very outset of Langerac's mission to +France to give him a warning on this subject. + +"Should her Majesty make kindly mention of me," he said, "you will say +nothing of it in your despatches as you did in your last, although I am +sure with the best intentions. It profits me not, and many take umbrage +at it; wherefore it is wise to forbear." + +But this was a trifle. By and by there would be many to take umbrage at +every whisper in his favour, whether from crowned heads or from the +simplest in the social scale. Meantime he instructed the Ambassador, +without paying heed to personal compliments to his chief, to do his best +to keep the French government out of the hands of Spain, and with that +object in view to smooth over the differences between the two great +parties in the kingdom, and to gain the confidence, if possible, of Conde +and Nevers and Bouillon, while never failing in straightforward respect +and loyal friendship to the Queen-Regent and her ministers, as the +legitimate heads of the government. + +From England a new ambassador was soon to take the place of Winwood. Sir +Dudley Carleton was a diplomatist of respectable abilities, and well +trained to business and routine. Perhaps on the whole there was none +other, in that epoch of official mediocrity, more competent than he to +fill what was then certainly the most important of foreign posts. His +course of life had in no wise familiarized him with the intricacies of +the Dutch constitution, nor could the diplomatic profession, combined +with a long residence at Venice, be deemed especially favourable for deep +studies of the mysteries of predestination. Yet he would be found ready +at the bidding of his master to grapple with Grotius and Barneveld on the +field of history and law, and thread with Uytenbogaert or Taurinus all +the subtleties of Arminianism and Gomarism as if he had been half his +life both a regular practitioner at the Supreme Court of the Hague and +professor of theology at the University of Leyden. Whether the triumphs +achieved in such encounters were substantial and due entirely to his own +genius might be doubtful. At all events he had a sovereign behind him who +was incapable of making a mistake on any subject. + +"You shall not forget," said James in his instructions to Sir Dudley, +"that you are the minister of that master whom God hath made the sole +protector of his religion . . . . . and you may let fall how hateful the +maintaining of erroneous opinions is to the majesty of God and how +displeasing to us." + +The warlike operations of 1614 had been ended by the abortive peace of +Xanten. The two rival pretenders to the duchies were to halve the +territory, drawing lots for the first choice, all foreign troops were to +be withdrawn, and a pledge was to be given that no fortress should be +placed in the hands of any power. But Spain at the last moment had +refused to sanction the treaty, and everything was remitted to what might +be exactly described as a state of sixes and sevens. Subsequently it was +hoped that the States' troops might be induced to withdraw simultaneously +with the Catholic forces on an undertaking by Spinola that there should +be no re-occupation of the disputed territory either by the Republic or +by Spain. But Barneveld accurately pointed out that, although the Marquis +was a splendid commander and, so long as he was at the head of the +armies, a most powerful potentate, he might be superseded at any moment. +Count Bucquoy, for example, might suddenly appear in his place and refuse +to be bound by any military arrangement of his predecessor. Then the +Archduke proposed to give a guarantee that in case of a mutual withdrawal +there should be no return of the troops, no recapture of garrisons. But +Barneveld, speaking for the States, liked not the security. The Archduke +was but the puppet of Spain, and Spain had no part in the guarantee. She +held the strings, and might cause him at any moment to play what pranks +she chose. It would be the easiest thing in the world for despotic Spain, +so the Advocate thought, to reappear suddenly in force again at a +moment's notice after the States' troops had been withdrawn and partially +disbanded, and it would be difficult for the many-headed and many-tongued +republic to act with similar promptness. To withdraw without a guarantee +from Spain to the Treaty of Xanten, which had once been signed, sealed, +and all but ratified, would be to give up fifty points in the game. +Nothing but disaster could ensue. The Advocate as leader in all these +negotiations and correspondence was ever actuated by the favourite +quotation of William the Silent from Demosthenes, that the safest citadel +against an invader and a tyrant is distrust. And he always distrusted in +these dealings, for he was sure the Spanish cabinet was trying to make +fools of the States, and there were many ready to assist it in the task. +Now that one of the pretenders, temporary master of half the duchies, the +Prince of Neuburg, had espoused both Catholicism and the sister of the +Archbishop of Cologne and the Duke of Bavaria, it would be more safe than +ever for Spain to make a temporary withdrawal. Maximilian of Bavaria was +beyond all question the ablest and most determined leader of the Catholic +party in Germany, and the most straightforward and sincere. No man before +or since his epoch had, like him, been destined to refuse, and more than +once refuse, the Imperial crown. + +Through his apostasy the Prince of Neuburg was in danger of losing his +hereditary estates, his brothers endeavouring to dispossess him on the +ground of the late duke's will, disinheriting any one of his heirs who +should become a convert to Catholicism. He had accordingly implored aid +from the King of Spain. Archduke Albert had urged Philip to render such +assistance as a matter of justice, and the Emperor had naturally declared +that the whole right as eldest son belonged, notwithstanding the will, to +the Prince. + +With the young Neuburg accordingly under the able guidance of Maximilian, +it was not likely that the grasp of the Spanish party upon these +all-important territories would be really loosened. The Emperor still +claimed the right to decide among the candidates and to hold the +provinces under sequestration till the decision should be made--that was +to say, until the Greek Kalends. The original attempt to do this through +Archduke Leopold had been thwarted, as we have seen, by the prompt +movements of Maurice sustained by the policy of Barneveld. The Advocate +was resolved that the Emperor's name should not be mentioned either in +the preamble or body of the treaty. And his course throughout the +simulations, which were never negotiations, was perpetually baffled as +much by the easiness and languor of his allies as the ingenuity of the +enemy. + +He was reproached with the loss of Wesel, that Geneva of the Rhine, which +would never be abandoned by Spain if it was not done forthwith. Let Spain +guarantee the Treaty of Xanten, he said, and then she cannot come back. +All else is illusion. Moreover, the Emperor had given positive orders +that Wesel should not be given up. He was assured by Villeroy that France +would never put on her harness for Aachen, that cradle of Protestantism. +That was for the States-General to do, whom it so much more nearly +concerned. The whole aim of Barneveld was not to destroy the Treaty of +Xanten, but to enforce it in the only way in which it could be enforced, +by the guarantee of Spain. So secured, it would be a barrier in the +universal war of religion which he foresaw was soon to break out. But it +was the resolve of Spain, instead of pledging herself to the treaty, to +establish the legal control of the territory in the hand of the Emperor. +Neuburg complained that Philip in writing to him did not give him the +title of Duke of Julich and Cleve, although he had been placed in +possession of those estates by the arms of Spain. Philip, referring to +Archduke Albert for his opinion on this subject, was advised that, as the +Emperor had not given Neuburg the investiture of the duchies, the King +was quite right in refusing him the title. Even should the Treaty of +Xanten be executed, neither he nor the Elector of Brandenburg would be +anything but administrators until the question of right was decided by +the Emperor. + +Spain had sent Neuburg the Order of the Golden Fleece as a reward for his +conversion, but did not intend him to be anything but a man of straw in +the territories which he claimed by sovereign right. They were to form a +permanent bulwark to the Empire, to Spain, and to Catholicism. + +Barneveld of course could never see the secret letters passing between +Brussels and Madrid, but his insight into the purposes of the enemy was +almost as acute as if the correspondence of Philip and Albert had been in +the pigeonholes of his writing-desk in the Kneuterdyk. + +The whole object of Spain and the Emperor, acting through the Archduke, +was to force the States to abandon their positions in the duchies +simultaneously with the withdrawal of the Spanish troops, and to be +satisfied with a bare convention between themselves and Archduke Albert +that there should be no renewed occupation by either party. Barneveld, +finding it impossible to get Spain upon the treaty, was resolved that at +least the two mediating powers, their great allies, the sovereigns of +Great Britain and France, should guarantee the convention, and that the +promises of the Archduke should be made to them. This was steadily +refused by Spain; for the Archduke never moved an inch in the matter +except according to the orders of Spain, and besides battling and +buffeting with the Archduke, Barneveld was constantly deafened with the +clamour of the English king, who always declared Spain to be in the right +whatever she did, and forced to endure with what patience he might the +goading of that King's envoy. France, on the other hand, supported the +States as firmly as could have been reasonably expected. + +"We proposed," said the Archduke, instructing an envoy whom he was +sending to Madrid with detailed accounts of these negotiations, "that the +promise should be made to each other as usual in treaties. But the +Hollanders said the promise should be made to the Kings of France and +England, at which the Emperor would have been deeply offended, as if in +the affair he was of no account at all. At any moment by this arrangement +in concert with France and England the Hollanders might walk in and do +what they liked." + +Certainly there could have been no succincter eulogy of the policy +steadily recommended, as we shall have occasion to see, by Barneveld. Had +he on this critical occasion been backed by England and France combined, +Spain would have been forced to beat a retreat, and Protestantism in the +great general war just beginning would have had an enormous advantage in +position. But the English Solomon could not see the wisdom of this +policy. "The King of England says we are right," continued the Archduke, +"and has ordered his ambassador to insist on our view. The French +ambassador here says that his colleague at the Hague has similar +instructions, but admits that he has not acted up to them. There is not +much chance of the Hollanders changing. It would be well that the King +should send a written ultimatum that the Hollanders should sign the +convention which we propose. If they don't agree, the world at least will +see that it is not we who are in fault." + +The world would see, and would never have forgiven a statesman in the +position of Barneveld, had he accepted a bald agreement from a +subordinate like the Archduke, a perfectly insignificant personage in the +great drama then enacting, and given up guarantees both from the +Archduke's master and from the two great allies of the Republic. He stood +out manfully against Spain and England at every hazard, and under a +pelting storm of obloquy, and this was the man whose designs the English +secretary of state had dared to describe "as of no other nature than to +cause the Provinces to relapse into the hands of Spain." + +It appeared too a little later that Barneveld's influence with the French +government, owing to his judicious support of it so long as it was a +government, had been decidedly successful. Drugged as France was by the +Spanish marriage treaty, she was yet not so sluggish nor spell-bound as +the King of Great Britain. + +"France will not urge upon the Hollanders to execute the proposal as we +made it," wrote the Archduke to the King, "so negotiations are at a +standstill. The Hollanders say it is better that each party should remain +with what each possesses. So that if it does not come to blows, and if +these insolences go on as they have done, the Hollanders will be gaining +and occupying more territory every day." + +Thus once more the ancient enemies and masters of the Republic were +making the eulogy of the Dutch statesman. It was impossible at present +for the States to regain Wesel, nor that other early stronghold of the +Reformation, the old Imperial city of Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle). The price +to be paid was too exorbitant. + +The French government had persistently refused to assist the States and +possessory princes in the recovery of this stronghold. The Queen-Regent +was afraid of offending Spain, although her government had induced the +citizens of the place to make the treaty now violated by that country. +The Dutch ambassador had been instructed categorically to enquire whether +their Majesties meant to assist Aachen and the princes if attacked by the +Archdukes. "No," said Villeroy; "we are not interested in Aachen, 'tis +too far off. Let them look for assistance to those who advised their +mutiny." + +To the Ambassador's remonstrance that France was both interested in and +pledged to them, the Secretary of State replied, "We made the treaty +through compassion and love, but we shall not put on harness for Aachen. +Don't think it. You, the States and the United Provinces, may assist them +if you like." + +The Envoy then reminded the Minister that the States-General had always +agreed to go forward evenly in this business with the Kings of Great +Britain and France and the united princes, the matter being of equal +importance to all. They had given no further pledge than this to the +Union. + +It was plain, however, that France was determined not to lift a finger at +that moment. The Duke of Bouillon and those acting with him had tried +hard to induce their Majesties "to write seriously to the Archduke in +order at least to intimidate him by stiff talk," but it was hopeless. +They thought it was not a time then to quarrel with their neighbour and +give offence to Spain. + +So the stiff talk was omitted, and the Archduke was not intimidated. The +man who had so often intimidated him was in his grave, and his widow was +occupied in marrying her son to the Infanta. "These are the +first-fruits," said Aerssens, "of the new negotiations with Spain." + +Both the Spanish king and the Emperor were resolved to hold Wesel to the +very last. Until the States should retire from all their positions on the +bare word of the Archduke, that the Spanish forces once withdrawn would +never return, the Protestants of those two cities must suffer. There was +no help for it. To save them would be to abandon all. For no true +statesman could be so ingenuous as thus to throw all the cards on the +table for the Spanish and Imperial cabinet to shuffle them at pleasure +for a new deal. The Duke of Neuburg, now Catholic and especially +protected by Spain, had become, instead of a pretender with more or less +law on his side, a mere standard-bearer and agent of the Great Catholic +League in the debateable land. He was to be supported at all hazard by +the Spanish forces, according to the express command of Philip's +government, especially now that his two brothers with the countenance of +the States were disputing his right to his hereditary dominions in +Germany. + +The Archduke was sullen enough at what he called the weak-mindedness of +France. Notwithstanding that by express orders from Spain he had sent +5000 troops under command of Juan de Rivas to the Queen's assistance just +before the peace of Sainte-Menehould, he could not induce her government +to take the firm part which the English king did in browbeating the +Hollanders. + +"'Tis certain," he complained, "that if, instead of this sluggishness on +the part of France, they had done us there the same good services we have +had from England, the Hollanders would have accepted the promise just as +it was proposed by us." He implored the King, therefore, to use his +strongest influence with the French government that it should strenuously +intervene with the Hollanders, and compel them to sign the proposal which +they rejected. "There is no means of composition if France does not +oblige them to sign," said Albert rather piteously. + +But it was not without reason that Barneveld had in many of his letters +instructed the States' ambassador, Langerac, "to caress the old +gentleman" (meaning and never naming Villeroy), for he would prove to be +in spite of all obstacles a good friend to the States, as he always had +been. And Villeroy did hold firm. Whether the Archduke was right or not +in his conviction, that, if France would only unite with England in +exerting a strong pressure on the Hollanders, they would evacuate the +duchies, and so give up the game, the correspondence of Barneveld shows +very accurately. But the Archduke, of course, had not seen that +correspondence. + +The Advocate knew what was plotting, what was impending, what was +actually accomplished, for he was accustomed to sweep the whole horizon +with an anxious and comprehensive glance. He knew without requiring to +read the secret letters of the enemy that vast preparations for an +extensive war against the Reformation were already completed. The +movements in the duchies were the first drops of a coming deluge. The +great religious war which was to last a generation of mankind had already +begun; the immediate and apparent pretext being a little disputed +succession to some petty sovereignties, the true cause being the +necessity for each great party--the Protestant Union and the Catholic +League--to secure these border provinces, the possession of which would +be of such inestimable advantage to either. If nothing decisive occurred +in the year 1614, the following year would still be more convenient for +the League. There had been troubles in Turkey. The Grand Vizier had been +murdered. The Sultan was engaged in a war with Persia. There was no +eastern bulwark in Europe to the ever menacing power of the Turk and of +Mahometanism in Europe save Hungary alone. Supported and ruled as that +kingdom was by the House of Austria, the temper of the populations of +Germany had become such as to make it doubtful in the present conflict of +religious opinions between them and their rulers whether the Turk or the +Spaniard would be most odious as an invader. But for the moment, Spain +and the Emperor had their hands free. They were not in danger of an +attack from below the Danube. Moreover, the Spanish fleet had been +achieving considerable successes on the Barbary coast, having seized La +Roche, and one or two important citadels, useful both against the +corsairs and against sudden attacks by sea from the Turk. There were at +least 100,000 men on a war footing ready to take the field at command of +the two branches of the House of Austria, Spanish and German. In the +little war about Montserrat, Savoy was on the point of being crushed, and +Savoy was by position and policy the only possible ally, in the south, of +the Netherlands and of Protestant Germany. + +While professing the most pacific sentiments towards the States, and a +profound anxiety to withdraw his troops from their borders, the King of +Spain, besides daily increasing those forces, had just raised 4,000,000 +ducats, a large portion of which was lodged with his bankers in Brussels. +Deeds like those were of more significance than sugared words. + + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + + Almost infinite power of the meanest of passions + Ludicrous gravity + Safest citadel against an invader and a tyrant is distrust + Their own roofs were not quite yet in a blaze + Therefore now denounced the man whom he had injured + + ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS, ENTIRE JOHN OF BARNEVELD 1609-1615: + + Abstinence from inquisition into consciences and private parlour + Advanced orthodox party-Puritans + Allowed the demon of religious hatred to enter into its body + Almost infinite power of the meanest of passions + And now the knife of another priest-led fanatic + Aristocracy of God's elect + As with his own people, keeping no back-door open + At a blow decapitated France + Atheist, a tyrant, because he resisted dictation from the clergy + Behead, torture, burn alive, and bury alive all heretics + Christian sympathy and a small assistance not being sufficient + Conclusive victory for the allies seemed as predestined + Contained within itself the germs of a larger liberty + Could not be both judge and party in the suit + Covered now with the satirical dust of centuries + Deadly hatred of Puritans in England and Holland + Determined to bring the very name of liberty into contempt + Disputing the eternal damnation of young children + Doctrine of predestination in its sternest and strictest sense + Emperor of Japan addressed him as his brother monarch + Epernon, the true murderer of Henry + Estimating his character and judging his judges + Everybody should mind his own business + Fate, free will, or absolute foreknowledge + Father Cotton, who was only too ready to betray the secrets + Give him advice if he asked it, and money when he required + Great war of religion and politics was postponed + He was not imperial of aspect on canvas or coin + He was a sincere bigot + He who would have all may easily lose all + He who spreads the snare always tumbles into the ditch himself + Impatience is often on the part of the non-combatants + Intense bigotry of conviction + International friendship, the self-interest of each + It was the true religion, and there was none other + James of England, who admired, envied, and hated Henry + Jealousy, that potent principle + Jesuit Mariana--justifying the killing of excommunicated kings + King's definite and final intentions, varied from day to day + Language which is ever living because it is dead + Louis XIII. + Ludicrous gravity + More fiercely opposed to each other than to Papists + Most detestable verses that even he had ever composed + Neither kings nor governments are apt to value logic + No man can be neutral in civil contentions + No synod had a right to claim Netherlanders as slaves + No man pretended to think of the State + None but God to compel me to say more than I choose to say + Outdoing himself in dogmatism and inconsistency + Philip IV. + Power the poison of which it is so difficult to resist + Practised successfully the talent of silence + Presents of considerable sums of money to the negotiators made + Priests shall control the state or the state govern the priests + Princes show what they have in them at twenty-five or never + Putting the cart before the oxen + Queen is entirely in the hands of Spain and the priests + Religion was made the strumpet of Political Ambition + Religious toleration, which is a phrase of insult + Safest citadel against an invader and a tyrant is distrust + Schism in the Church had become a public fact + Secure the prizes of war without the troubles and dangers + Senectus edam maorbus est + She declined to be his procuress + Small matter which human folly had dilated into a great one + Smooth words, in the plentiful lack of any substantial + So much in advance of his time as to favor religious equality + Stroke of a broken table knife sharpened on a carriage wheel + That cynical commerce in human lives + The defence of the civil authority against the priesthood + The assassin, tortured and torn by four horses + The truth in shortest about matters of importance + The voice of slanderers + The Catholic League and the Protestant Union + The vehicle is often prized more than the freight + Their own roofs were not quite yet in a blaze + Theological hatred was in full blaze throughout the country + Theology and politics were one + There was no use in holding language of authority to him + There was but one king in Europe, Henry the Bearnese + Therefore now denounced the man whom he had injured + They have killed him, 'e ammazato,' cried Concini + Things he could tell which are too odious and dreadful + Thirty Years' War tread on the heels of the forty years + To look down upon their inferior and lost fellow creatures + Uncouple the dogs and let them run + Unimaginable outrage as the most legitimate industry + Vows of an eternal friendship of several weeks' duration + What could save the House of Austria, the cause of Papacy + Whether repentance could effect salvation + Whether dead infants were hopelessly damned + Whose mutual hatred was now artfully inflamed by partisans + Wish to appear learned in matters of which they are ignorant + Work of the aforesaid Puritans and a few Jesuits + Wrath of the Jesuits at this exercise of legal authority + + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Life of John of Barneveld, +1609-15, Volume I., by John Lothrop Motley + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK JOHN OF BARNEVELD, I. *** + 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Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..8fad3d4 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #4892 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/4892) diff --git a/old/jm92v10.txt b/old/jm92v10.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1f2c9d9 --- /dev/null +++ b/old/jm92v10.txt @@ -0,0 +1,12434 @@ +The Project Gutenberg EBook The Life of John of Barneveld, 1609-15, Entire +#92 in our series by John Lothrop Motley + +Copyright laws are changing all over the world. Be sure to check the +copyright laws for your country before downloading or redistributing +this or any other Project Gutenberg eBook. + +This header should be the first thing seen when viewing this Project +Gutenberg file. Please do not remove it. Do not change or edit the +header without written permission. + +Please read the "legal small print," and other information about the +eBook and Project Gutenberg at the bottom of this file. Included is +important information about your specific rights and restrictions in +how the file may be used. You can also find out about how to make a +donation to Project Gutenberg, and how to get involved. + + +**Welcome To The World of Free Plain Vanilla Electronic Texts** + +**EBooks Readable By Both Humans and By Computers, Since 1971** + +*****These EBooks Were Prepared By Thousands of Volunteers***** + + +Title: The Life of John of Barneveld, 1609-15, Entire + +Author: John Lothrop Motley + +Release Date: January, 2004 [EBook #4892] +[Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] +[This file was first posted on April 22, 2002] + +Edition: 10 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: ASCII + + + + + +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF JOHN OF BARNEVELD, 1609-15 *** + + + +This eBook was produced by David Widger <widger@cecomet.net> + + + +[NOTE: There is a short list of bookmarks, or pointers, at the end of the +file for those who may wish to sample the author's ideas before making an +entire meal of them. D.W.] + + + + + +THE LIFE AND DEATH of JOHN OF BARNEVELD, ADVOCATE OF HOLLAND + +WITH A VIEW OF THE PRIMARY CAUSES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR + +By John Lothrop Motley, D.C.L., LL.D. + + + +MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, Project Gutenberg Edition, Volume 92 + +THE ENTIRE LIFE AND DEATH OF JOHN OF BARNEVELD 1609-1615 + + + +PREFACE: + +These volumes make a separate work in themselves. They form also the +natural sequel to the other histories already published by the Author, +as well as the necessary introduction to that concluding portion of his +labours which he has always desired to lay before the public; a History +of the Thirty Years' War. + +For the two great wars which successively established the independence +of Holland and the disintegration of Germany are in reality but one; +a prolonged Tragedy of Eighty Years. The brief pause, which in the +Netherlands was known as the Twelve Years' Truce with Spain, was +precisely the epoch in which the elements were slowly and certainly +gathering for the renewal over nearly the whole surface of civilized +Europe of that immense conflict which for more than forty years had been +raging within the narrow precincts of the Netherlands. + +The causes and character of the two wars were essentially the same. +There were many changes of persons and of scenery during a struggle which +lasted for nearly three generations of mankind; yet a natural succession +both of actors, motives, and events will be observed from the beginning +to the close. + +The designs of Charles V. to establish universal monarchy, which he had +passionately followed for a lifetime through a series of colossal crimes +against humanity and of private misdeeds against individuals, such as it +has rarely been permitted to a single despot to perpetrate, had been +baffled at last. Disappointed, broken, but even to our own generation +never completely unveiled, the tyrant had withdrawn from the stage of +human affairs, leaving his son to carry on the great conspiracy against +Human Right, independence of nations, liberty of thought, and equality of +religions, with the additional vigour which sprang from intensity of +conviction. + +For Philip possessed at least that superiority over his father that he +was a sincere bigot. In the narrow and gloomy depths of his soul he had +doubtless persuaded himself that it was necessary for the redemption of +the human species that the empire of the world should be vested in his +hands, that Protestantism in all its forms should be extirpated as a +malignant disease, and that to behead, torture, burn alive, and bury +alive all heretics who opposed the decree of himself and the Holy Church +was the highest virtue by which he could merit Heaven. + +The father would have permitted Protestantism if Protestantism would have +submitted to universal monarchy. There would have been small difficulty +in the early part of his reign in effecting a compromise between Rome and +Augsburg, had the gigantic secular ambition of Charles not preferred to +weaken the Church and to convert conscientious religious reform into +political mutiny; a crime against him who claimed the sovereignty of +Christendom. + +The materials for the true history of that reign lie in the Archives of +Spain, Austria, Rome, Venice, and the Netherlands, and in many other +places. When out of them one day a complete and authentic narrative +shall have been constructed, it will be seen how completely the policy of +Charles foreshadowed and necessitated that of Philip, how logically, +under the successors of Philip, the Austrian dream of universal empire +ended in the shattering, in the minute subdivision, and the reduction to +a long impotence of that Germanic Empire which had really belonged to +Charles. + +Unfortunately the great Republic which, notwithstanding the aid of +England on the one side and of France on the other, had withstood almost +single-handed the onslaughts of Spain, now allowed the demon of religious +hatred to enter into its body at the first epoch of peace, although it +had successfully exorcised the evil spirit during the long and terrible +war. + +There can be no doubt whatever that the discords within the interior of +the Dutch Republic during the period of the Truce, and their tragic +catastrophe, had weakened her purpose and partially paralysed her arm. +When the noble Commonwealth went forward to the renewed and general +conflict which succeeded the concentrated one in which it had been the +chief actor, the effect of those misspent twelve years became apparent. + +Indeed the real continuity of the war was scarcely broken by the fitful, +armistice. The death of John of Cleve, an event almost simultaneous with +the conclusion of the Truce, seemed to those gifted with political vision +the necessary precursor of a new and more general war. + +The secret correspondence of Barneveld shows the almost prophetic +accuracy with which he indicated the course of events and the approach of +an almost universal conflict, while that tragedy was still in the future, +and was to be enacted after he had been laid in his bloody grave. No man +then living was so accustomed as he was to sweep the political horizon, +and to estimate the signs and portents of the times. No statesman was +left in Europe during the epoch of the Twelve Years' Truce to compare +with him in experience, breadth of vision, political tact, or +administrative sagacity. + +Imbued with the grand traditions and familiar with the great personages +of a most heroic epoch; the trusted friend or respected counsellor of +William the Silent, Henry IV., Elizabeth, and the sages and soldiers on +whom they leaned; having been employed during an already long lifetime in +the administration of greatest affairs, he stood alone after the deaths +of Henry of France and the second Cecil, and the retirement of Sully, +among the natural leaders of mankind. + +To the England of Elizabeth, of Walsingham, Raleigh, and the Cecils, had +succeeded the Great Britain of James, with his Carrs and Carletons, +Nauntons, Lakes, and Winwoods. France, widowed of Henry and waiting for +Richelieu, lay in the clutches of Concini's, Epernons, and Bouillons, +bound hand and foot to Spain. Germany, falling from Rudolph to Matthias, +saw Styrian Ferdinand in the background ready to shatter the fabric of a +hundred years of attempted Reformation. In the Republic of the +Netherlands were the great soldier and the only remaining statesman of +the age. At a moment when the breathing space had been agreed upon +before the conflict should be renewed; on a wider field than ever, +between Spanish-Austrian world-empire and independence of the nations; +between the ancient and only Church and the spirit of religious Equality; +between popular Right and royal and sacerdotal Despotism; it would have +been desirable that the soldier and the statesman should stand side by +side, and that the fortunate Confederacy, gifted with two such champions +and placed by its own achievements at the very head of the great party of +resistance, should be true to herself. + +These volumes contain a slight and rapid sketch of Barneveld's career up +to the point at which the Twelve Years' Truce with Spain was signed in +the year 1609. In previous works the Author has attempted to assign the +great Advocate's place as part and parcel of history during the +continuance of the War for Independence. During the period of the Truce +he will be found the central figure. The history of Europe, especially +of the Netherlands, Britain, France, and Germany, cannot be thoroughly +appreciated without a knowledge of the designs, the labours, and the fate +of Barneveld. + +The materials for estimating his character and judging his judges lie in +the national archives of the land of which he was so long the foremost +citizen. But they have not long been accessible. The letters, state +papers, and other documents remain unprinted, and have rarely been read. +M. van Deventer has published three most interesting volumes of the +Advocate's correspondence, but they reach only to the beginning of 1609. +He has suspended his labours exactly at the moment when these volumes +begin. I have carefully studied however nearly the whole of that +correspondence, besides a mass of other papers. The labour is not light, +for the handwriting of the great Advocate is perhaps the worst that ever +existed, and the papers, although kept in the admirable order which +distinguishes the Archives of the Hague, have passed through many hands +at former epochs before reaching their natural destination in the +treasure-house of the nation. Especially the documents connected with +the famous trial were for a long time hidden from mortal view, for +Barneveld's judges had bound themselves by oath to bury the proceedings +out of sight. And the concealment lasted for centuries. Very recently +a small portion of those papers has been published by the Historical +Society of Utrecht. The "Verhooren," or Interrogatories of the Judges, +and the replies of Barneveld, have thus been laid before the reading +public of Holland, while within the last two years the distinguished and +learned historian, Professor Fruin, has edited the "Verhooren" of Hugo +Grotius. + +But papers like these, important as they are, make but a slender portion +of the material out of which a judgment concerning these grave events can +be constructed. I do not therefore offer an apology for the somewhat +copious extracts which I have translated and given in these volumes from +the correspondence of Barneveld and from other manuscripts of great +value--most of them in the Royal Archives of Holland and Belgium--which +are unknown to the public. + +I have avoided as much as possible any dealings with the theological +controversies so closely connected with the events which I have attempted +to describe. This work aims at being a political study. The subject is +full of lessons, examples, and warnings for the inhabitants of all free +states. Especially now that the republican system of government is +undergoing a series of experiments with more or less success in one +hemisphere--while in our own land it is consolidated, powerful, and +unchallenged--will the conflicts between the spirits of national +centralization and of provincial sovereignty, and the struggle between +the church, the sword, and the magistracy for supremacy in a free +commonwealth, as revealed in the first considerable republic of modern +history, be found suggestive of deep reflection. + +Those who look in this work for a history of the Synod of Dordtrecht will +look in vain. The Author has neither wish nor power to grapple with the +mysteries and passions which at that epoch possessed so many souls. The +Assembly marks a political period. Its political aspects have been +anxiously examined, but beyond the ecclesiastical threshold there has +been no attempt to penetrate. + +It was necessary for my purpose to describe in some detail the relations +of Henry IV. with the Dutch Republic during the last and most pregnant +year of his life, which makes the first of the present history. These +relations are of European importance, and the materials for appreciating +them are of unexpected richness, in the Dutch and Belgian Archives. + +Especially the secret correspondence, now at the Hague, of that very able +diplomatist Francis Aerssens with Barneveld during the years 1609, 1610, +and 1611, together with many papers at Brussels, are full of vital +importance. + +They throw much light both on the vast designs which filled the brain of +Henry at this fatal epoch and on his extraordinary infatuation for the +young Princess of Conde by which they were traversed, and which was +productive of such widespread political anal tragical results. This +episode forms a necessary portion of my theme, and has therefore been set +forth from original sources. + +I am under renewed obligations to my friend M. Gachard, the eminent +publicist and archivist of Belgium, for his constant and friendly offices +to me (which I have so often experienced before), while studying the +documents under his charge relating to this epoch; especially the secret +correspondence of Archduke Albert with Philip III, and his ministers, and +with Pecquius, the Archduke's agent at Paris. + +It is also a great pleasure to acknowledge the unceasing courtesy and +zealous aid rendered me during my renewed studies in the Archives at the +Hague--lasting through nearly two years--by the Chief Archivist, M. van +den Berg, and the gentlemen connected with that institution, especially +M. de Jonghe and M. Hingman, without whose aid it would have been +difficult for me to decipher and to procure copies of the almost +illegible holographs of Barneveld. + +I must also thank M. van Deventer for communicating copies of some +curious manuscripts relating to my subject, some from private archives in +Holland, and others from those of Simancas. + +A single word only remains to be said in regard to the name of the +statesman whose career I have undertaken to describe. + +His proper appellation and that by which he has always been known in his +own country is Oldenbarneveld, but in his lifetime and always in history +from that time to this he has been called Barneveld in English as well as +French, and this transformation, as it were, of the name has become so +settled a matter that after some hesitation it has been adopted in the +present work. + +The Author would take this opportunity of expressing his gratitude for +the indulgence with which his former attempts to illustrate an important +period of European history have been received by the public, and his +anxious hope that the present volumes may be thought worthy of attention. +They are the result at least of severe and conscientious labour at the +original sources of history, but the subject is so complicated and +difficult that it may well be feared that the ability to depict and +unravel is unequal to the earnestness with which the attempt has been +made. + +LONDON, 1873. + + + +The Life and Death of John of Barneveld, v1, 1609 + + +CHAPTER I. + + John of Barneveld the Founder of the Commonwealth of the United + Provinces--Maurice of Orange Stadholder, but Servant to the States- + General--The Union of Utrecht maintained--Barneveld makes a + Compromise between Civil Functionaries and Church Officials-- + Embassies to France, England, and to Venice--the Appointment of + Arminius to be Professor of Theology at Leyden creates Dissension-- + The Catholic League opposed by the Great Protestant Union--Death of + the Duke of Cleve and Struggle for his Succession--The Elector of + Brandenburg and Palatine of Neuburg hold the Duchies at Barneveld's + Advice against the Emperor, though having Rival Claims themselves-- + Negotiations with the King of France--He becomes the Ally of the + States-General to Protect the Possessory Princes, and prepares for + war. + +I propose to retrace the history of a great statesman's career. That +statesman's name, but for the dark and tragic scenes with which it was +ultimately associated, might after the lapse of two centuries and a half +have faded into comparative oblivion, so impersonal and shadowy his +presence would have seemed upon the great European theatre where he was +so long a chief actor, and where his efforts and his achievements were +foremost among those productive of long enduring and widespread results. + +There is no doubt whatever that John of Barneveld, Advocate and Seal +Keeper of the little province of Holland during forty years of as +troubled and fertile an epoch as any in human history, was second to none +of his contemporary statesmen. Yet the singular constitution and +historical position of the republic whose destinies he guided and the +peculiar and abnormal office which he held combined to cast a veil over +his individuality. The ever-teeming brain, the restless almost +omnipresent hand, the fertile pen, the eloquent and ready tongue, were +seen, heard, and obeyed by the great European public, by the monarchs, +statesmen, and warriors of the time, at many critical moments of history, +but it was not John of Barneveld that spoke to the world. Those "high +and puissant Lords my masters the States-General" personified the young +but already majestic republic. Dignified, draped, and concealed by that +overshadowing title the informing and master spirit performed its never +ending task. + +Those who study the enormous masses of original papers in the archives of +the country will be amazed to find how the penmanship, most difficult to +decipher, of the Advocate meets them at every turn. Letters to monarchs, +generals, ambassadors, resolutions of councils, of sovereign assemblies, +of trading corporations, of great Indian companies, legal and historical +disquisitions of great depth and length on questions agitating Europe, +constitutional arguments, drafts of treaties among the leading powers of +the world, instructions to great commissions, plans for European +campaigns, vast combinations covering the world, alliances of empire, +scientific expeditions and discoveries--papers such as these covered now +with the satirical dust of centuries, written in the small, crabbed, +exasperating characters which make Barneveld's handwriting almost +cryptographic, were once, when fairly engrossed and sealed with the great +seal of the haughty burgher-aristocracy, the documents which occupied the +close attention of the cabinets of Christendom. + +It is not unfrequent to find four or five important despatches compressed +almost in miniature upon one sheet of gigantic foolscap. It is also +curious to find each one of these rough drafts conscientiously beginning +in the statesman's own hand with the elaborate phrases of compliment +belonging to the epoch such as "Noble, strenuous, severe, highly +honourable, very learned, very discreet, and very wise masters," and +ending with "May the Lord God Almighty eternally preserve you and hold +you in His holy keeping in this world and for ever"--decorations which +one might have thought it safe to leave to be filled in by the secretary +or copying clerk. + +Thus there have been few men at any period whose lives have been more +closely identical than his with a national history. There have been few +great men in any history whose names have become less familiar to the +world, and lived less in the mouths of posterity. Yet there can be no +doubt that if William the Silent was the founder of the independence of +the United Provinces Barneveld was the founder of the Commonwealth +itself. He had never the opportunity, perhaps he might have never had +the capacity, to make such prodigious sacrifices in the cause of country +as the great prince had done. But he had served his country strenuously +from youth to old age with an abiding sense of duty, a steadiness of +purpose, a broad vision, a firm grasp, and an opulence of resource such +as not one of his compatriots could even pretend to rival. + +Had that country of which he was so long the first citizen maintained +until our own day the same proportionate position among the empires of +Christendom as it held in the seventeenth century, the name of John of +Barneveld would have perhaps been as familiar to all men as it is at this +moment to nearly every inhabitant of the Netherlands. Even now political +passion is almost as ready to flame forth either in ardent affection or +enthusiastic hatred as if two centuries and a half had not elapsed since +his death. His name is so typical of a party, a polity, and a faith, so +indelibly associated with a great historical cataclysm, as to render it +difficult even for the grave, the conscientious, the learned, the +patriotic of his own compatriots to speak of him with absolute +impartiality. + +A foreigner who loves and admires all that is great and noble in the +history of that famous republic and can have no hereditary bias as to its +ecclesiastical or political theories may at least attempt the task with +comparative coldness, although conscious of inability to do thorough +justice to a most complex subject. + +In former publications devoted to Netherland history I have endeavoured +to trace the course of events of which the life and works of the Advocate +were a vital ingredient down to the period when Spain after more than +forty years of hard fighting virtually acknowledged the independence of +the Republic and concluded with her a truce of twelve years. + +That convention was signed in the spring of 1609. The ten ensuing years +in Europe were comparatively tranquil, but they were scarcely to be +numbered among the full and fruitful sheaves of a pacific epoch. It was +a pause, a breathing spell during which the sulphurous clouds which had +made the atmosphere of Christendom poisonous for nearly half a century +had sullenly rolled away, while at every point of the horizon they were +seen massing themselves anew in portentous and ever accumulating +strength. At any moment the faint and sickly sunshine in which poor +exhausted Humanity was essaying a feeble twitter of hope as it plumed +itself for a peaceful flight might be again obscured. To us of a remote +posterity the momentary division of epochs seems hardly discernible. So +rapidly did that fight of Demons which we call the Thirty Years' War +tread on the heels of the forty years' struggle for Dutch Independence +which had just been suspended that we are accustomed to think and speak +of the Eighty Years' War as one pure, perfect, sanguinary whole. + +And indeed the Tragedy which was soon to sweep solemnly across Europe was +foreshadowed in the first fitful years of peace. The throb of the +elementary forces already shook the soil of Christendom. The fantastic +but most significant conflict in the territories of the dead Duke of +Clove reflected the distant and gigantic war as in a mirage. It will be +necessary to direct the reader's attention at the proper moment to that +episode, for it was one in which the beneficent sagacity of Barneveld was +conspicuously exerted in the cause of peace and conservation. Meantime +it is not agreeable to reflect that this brief period of nominal and +armed peace which the Republic had conquered after nearly two generations +of warfare was employed by her in tearing her own flesh. The heroic +sword which had achieved such triumphs in the cause of freedom could have +been bitter employed than in an attempt at political suicide. + +In a picture of the last decade of Barneveld's eventful life his +personality may come more distinctly forward perhaps than in previous +epochs. It will however be difficult to disentangle a single thread from +the great historical tapestry of the Republic and of Europe in which his +life and achievements are interwoven. He was a public man in the fullest +sense of the word, and without his presence and influence the record of +Holland, France, Spain, Britain, and Germany might have been essentially +modified. + +The Republic was so integral a part of that system which divided Europe +into two great hostile camps according to creeds rather than frontiers +that the history of its foremost citizen touches at every point the +general history of Christendom. + +The great peculiarity of the Dutch constitution at this epoch was that no +principle was absolutely settled. In throwing off a foreign tyranny and +successfully vindicating national independence the burghers and nobles +had not had leisure to lay down any organic law. Nor had the day for +profound investigation of the political or social contract arrived. +Men dealt almost exclusively with facts, and when the facts arranged +themselves illogically and incoherently the mischief was grave and +difficult to remedy. It is not a trifling inconvenience for an organized +commonwealth to be in doubt as to where, in whom, and of what nature is +its sovereignty. Yet this was precisely the condition of the United +Netherlands. To the eternal world so dazzling were the reputation and +the achievements of their great captain that he was looked upon by many +as the legitimate chief of the state and doubtless friendly monarchs +would have cordially welcomed him into their brotherhood. + +During the war he had been surrounded by almost royal state. Two hundred +officers lived daily at his table. Great nobles and scions of sovereign +houses were his pupils or satellites. The splendour of military +despotism and the awe inspired by his unquestioned supremacy in what was +deemed the greatest of all sciences invested the person of Maurice of +Nassau with a grandeur which many a crowned potentate might envy. His +ample appointments united with the spoils of war provided him with almost +royal revenues, even before the death of his elder brother Philip William +had placed in his hands the principality and wealthy possessions of +Orange. Hating contradiction, arbitrary by instinct and by military +habit, impatient of criticism, and having long acknowledged no master in +the chief business of state, he found himself at the conclusion of the +truce with his great occupation gone, and, although generously provided +for by the treasury of the Republic, yet with an income proportionately +limited. + +Politics and theology were fields in which he had hardly served an +apprenticeship, and it was possible that when he should step forward as +a master in those complicated and difficult pursuits, soon to absorb the +attention of the Commonwealth and the world, it might appear that war +was not the only science that required serious preliminary studies. + +Meantime he found himself not a king, not the master of a nominal +republic, but the servant of the States-General, and the limited +stadholder of five out of seven separate provinces. + +And the States-General were virtually John of Barneveld. Could +antagonism be more sharply defined? Jealousy, that potent principle +which controls the regular movements and accounts for the aberrations of +humanity in widest spheres as well as narrowest circles far more +generally and conclusively than philosophers or historians have been +willing to admit, began forthwith to manifest its subtle and irresistible +influence. + +And there were not to be wanting acute and dangerous schemers who saw +their profit in augmenting its intensity. + +The Seven Provinces, when the truce of twelve years had been signed, were +neither exhausted nor impoverished. Yet they had just emerged from a +forty years' conflict such as no people in human history had ever waged +against a foreign tyranny. They had need to repose and recruit, but they +stood among the foremost great powers of the day. It is not easy in +imagination to thrust back the present leading empires of the earth into +the contracted spheres of their not remote past. But to feel how a +little confederacy of seven provinces loosely tied together by an ill- +defined treaty could hold so prominent and often so controlling a place +in the European system of the seventeenth century, we must remember that +there was then no Germany, no Russia, no Italy, no United States of +America, scarcely even a Great Britain in the sense which belongs to that +mighty empire now. + +France, Spain, England, the Pope, and the Emperor were the leading powers +with which the Netherlands were daily called on to solve great problems +and try conclusions; the study of political international equilibrium, +now rapidly and perhaps fortunately becoming one of the lost arts, being +then the most indispensable duty of kings and statesmen. + +Spain and France, which had long since achieved for themselves the +political union of many independent kingdoms and states into which they +had been divided were the most considerable powers and of necessity +rivals. Spain, or rather the House of Austria divided into its two great +branches, still pursued its persistent and by no means fantastic dream of +universal monarchy. Both Spain and France could dispose of somewhat +larger resources absolutely, although not relatively, than the Seven +Provinces, while at least trebling them in population. The yearly +revenue of Spain after deduction of its pledged resources was perhaps +equal to a million sterling, and that of France with the same reservation +was about as much. England had hardly been able to levy and make up a +yearly income of more than L600,000 or L700,000 at the end of Elizabeth's +reign or in the first years of James, while the Netherlands had often +proved themselves capable of furnishing annually ten or twelve millions +of florins, which would be the equivalent of nearly a million sterling. + +The yearly revenues of the whole monarchy of the Imperial house of +Habsburg can scarcely be stated at a higher figure than L350,000. + +Thus the political game--for it was a game--was by no means a desperate +one for the Netherlands, nor the resources of the various players so +unequally distributed as at first sight it might appear. + +The emancipation of the Provinces from the grasp of Spain and the +establishment by them of a commonwealth, for that epoch a very free one, +and which contained within itself the germs of a larger liberty, +religious, political, and commercial, than had yet been known, was +already one of the most considerable results of the Reformation. The +probability of its continued and independent existence was hardly +believed in by potentate or statesman outside its own borders, and had +not been very long a decided article of faith even within them. The +knotty problem of an acknowledgment of that existence, the admission of +the new-born state into the family of nations, and a temporary peace +guaranteed by two great powers, had at last been solved mainly by the +genius of Barneveld working amid many disadvantages and against great +obstructions. The truce had been made, and it now needed all the skill, +coolness, and courage of a practical and original statesman to conduct +the affairs of the Confederacy. The troubled epoch of peace was even now +heaving with warlike emotions, and was hardly less stormy than the war +which had just been suspended. + +The Republic was like a raft loosely strung together, floating almost on +a level of the ocean, and often half submerged, but freighted with +inestimable treasures for itself and the world. It needed an unsleeping +eye and a powerful brain to conduct her over the quicksands and through +the whirlpools of an unmapped and intricate course. + +The sovereignty of the country so far as its nature could be +satisfactorily analysed seemed to be scattered through, and inherent in +each one of, the multitudinous boards of magistracy--close corporations, +self-elected--by which every city was governed. Nothing could be more +preposterous. Practically, however, these boards were represented by +deputies in each of the seven provincial assemblies, and these again sent +councillors from among their number to the general assembly which was +that of their High Mightinesses the Lords States-General. + +The Province of Holland, being richer and more powerful than all its six +sisters combined, was not unwilling to impose a supremacy which on the +whole was practically conceded by the rest. Thus the Union of Utrecht +established in 1579 was maintained for want of anything better as the +foundation of the Commonwealth. + +The Advocate and Keeper of the Great Seal of that province was therefore +virtually prime minister, president, attorney-general, finance minister, +and minister of foreign affairs of the whole republic. This was +Barneveld's position. He took the lead in the deliberations both of the +States of Holland and the States-General, moved resolutions, advocated +great measures of state, gave heed to their execution, collected the +votes, summed up the proceedings, corresponded with and instructed +ambassadors, received and negotiated with foreign ministers, besides +directing and holding in his hands the various threads of the home +policy and the rapidly growing colonial system of the Republic. + +All this work Barneveld had been doing for thirty years. + +The Reformation was by no mans assured even in the lands where it had +at first made the most essential progress. But the existence of the new +commonwealth depended on the success of that great movement which had +called it into being. Losing ground in France, fluctuating in England, +Protestantism was apparently more triumphant in vast territories where +the ancient Church was one day to recover its mastery. Of the population +of Bohemia, there were perhaps ten Protestants to one Papist, while in +the United Netherlands at least one-third of the people were still +attached to the Catholic faith. + +The great religious struggle in Bohemia and other dominions of the +Habsburg family was fast leading to a war of which no man could even +imagine the horrors or foresee the vast extent. The Catholic League and +the Protestant Union were slowly arranging Europe into two mighty +confederacies. + +They were to give employment year after year to millions of mercenary +freebooters who were to practise murder, pillage, and every imaginable +and unimaginable outrage as the most legitimate industry that could +occupy mankind. The Holy Empire which so ingeniously combined the worst +characteristics of despotism and republicanism kept all Germany and half +Europe in the turmoil of a perpetual presidential election. A theatre +where trivial personages and graceless actors performed a tragi-comedy of +mingled folly, intrigue, and crime, and where earnestness and vigour were +destined to be constantly baffled, now offered the principal stage for +the entertainment and excitement of Christendom. + +There was but one king in Europe, Henry the Bearnese. The men who sat on +the thrones in Madrid, Vienna, London, would have lived and died unknown +but for the crowns they wore, and while there were plenty of bustling +politicians here and there in Christendom, there were not many statesmen. + +Among them there was no stronger man than John of Barneveld, and no man +had harder or more complicated work to do. + +Born in Amersfoort in 1547, of the ancient and knightly house of +Oldenbarneveldt, of patrician blood through all his ancestors both male +and female, he was not the heir to large possessions, and was a diligent +student and hardworking man from youth upward. He was not wont to boast +of his pedigree until in later life, being assailed by vilest slander, +all his kindred nearest or most remote being charged with every possible +and unmentionable crime, and himself stigmatized as sprung from the +lowest kennels of humanity--as if thereby his private character and +public services could be more legitimately blackened--he was stung into +exhibiting to the world the purity and antiquity of his escutcheon, and a +roll of respectably placed, well estated, and authentically noble, if not +at all illustrious, forefathers in his country's records of the previous +centuries. + +Without an ancestor at his back he might have valued himself still more +highly on the commanding place he held in the world by right divine of +intellect, but as the father of lies seemed to have kept his creatures so +busy with the Barneveld genealogy, it was not amiss for the statesman +once for all to make the truth known. + +His studies in the universities of Holland, France, Italy, and Germany +had been profound. At an early age he was one of the first civilians of +the time. His manhood being almost contemporary with the great war of +freedom, he had served as a volunteer and at his own expense through +several campaigns, having nearly lost his life in the disastrous attempt +to relieve the siege of Haarlem, and having been so disabled by sickness +and exposure at the heroic leaguer of Leyden as to have been deprived of +the joy of witnessing its triumphant conclusion. + +Successfully practising his profession afterwards before the tribunals of +Holland, he had been called at the comparatively early age of twenty-nine +to the important post of Chief Pensionary of Rotterdam. So long as +William the Silent lived, that great prince was all in all to his +country, and Barneveld was proud and happy to be among the most +trusted and assiduous of his counsellors. + +When the assassination of William seemed for an instant to strike the +Republic with paralysis, Barneveld was foremost among the statesmen of +Holland to spring forward and help to inspire it with renewed energy. + +The almost completed negotiations for conferring the sovereignty, not of +the Confederacy, but of the Province of Holland, upon the Prince had been +abruptly brought to an end by his death. To confer that sovereign +countship on his son Maurice, then a lad of eighteen and a student at +Leyden, would have seemed to many at so terrible a crisis an act of +madness, although Barneveld had been willing to suggest and promote the +scheme. The confederates under his guidance soon hastened however to lay +the sovereignty, and if not the sovereignty, the protectorship, of all +the provinces at the feet first of England and then of France. + +Barneveld was at the head of the embassy, and indeed was the +indispensable head of all important, embassies to each of those two +countries throughout all this portion of his career. Both monarchs +refused, almost spurned, the offered crown in which was involved a war +with the greatest power in the world, with no compensating dignity or +benefit, as it was thought, beside. + +Then Elizabeth, although declining the sovereignty, promised assistance +and sent the Earl of Leicester as governor-general at the head of a +contingent of English troops. Precisely to prevent the consolidation +thus threatened of the Provinces into one union, a measure which had been +attempted more than once in the Burgundian epoch, and always successfully +resisted by the spirit of provincial separatism, Barneveld now proposed +and carried the appointment of Maurice of Nassau to the stadholdership of +Holland. This was done against great opposition and amid fierce debate. +Soon afterwards Barneveld was vehemently urged by the nobles and regents +of the cities of Holland to accept the post of Advocate of that province. +After repeatedly declining the arduous and most responsible office, he +was at last induced to accept it. He did it under the remarkable +condition that in case any negotiation should be undertaken for the +purpose of bringing back the Province of Holland under the dominion of +the King of Spain, he should be considered as from that moment relieved +from the service. + +His brother Elias Barneveld succeeded him as Pensionary of Rotterdam, and +thenceforth the career of the Advocate is identical with the history of +the Netherlands. Although a native of Utrecht, he was competent to +exercise such functions in Holland, a special and ancient convention +between those two provinces allowing the citizens of either to enjoy +legal and civic rights in both. Gradually, without intrigue or +inordinate ambition, but from force of circumstances and the commanding +power of the man, the native authority stamped upon his forehead, he +became the political head of the Confederacy. He created and maintained +a system of public credit absolutely marvellous in the circumstances, by +means of which an otherwise impossible struggle was carried to a +victorious end. + +When the stadholderate of the provinces of Gelderland, Utrecht, and +Overyssel became vacant, it was again Barneveld's potent influence and +sincere attachment to the House of Nassau that procured the election of +Maurice to those posts. Thus within six years after his father's death +the youthful soldier who had already given proof of his surpassing +military genius had become governor, commander-in-chief, and high +admiral, of five of the seven provinces constituting the Confederacy. + +At about the same period the great question of Church and State, which +Barneveld had always felt to be among the vital problems of the age, and +on which his opinions were most decided, came up for partial solution. +It would have been too much to expect the opinion of any statesman to +be so much in advance of his time as to favor religious equality. +Toleration of various creeds, including the Roman Catholic, so far as +abstinence from inquisition into consciences and private parlours could +be called toleration, was secured, and that was a considerable step in +advance of the practice of the sixteenth century. Burning, hanging, and +burying alive of culprits guilty of another creed than the dominant one +had become obsolete. But there was an established creed--the Reformed +religion, founded on the Netherland Confession and the Heidelberg +Catechism. And there was one established principle then considered +throughout Europe the grand result of the Reformation; "Cujus regio ejus +religio;" which was in reality as impudent an invasion of human right as +any heaven-born dogma of Infallibility. The sovereign of a country, +having appropriated the revenues of the ancient church, prescribed his +own creed to his subjects. In the royal conscience were included the +million consciences of his subjects. The inevitable result in a country +like the Netherlands, without a personal sovereign, was a struggle +between the new church and the civil government for mastery. And at this +period, and always in Barneveld's opinion, the question of dogma was +subordinate to that of church government. That there should be no +authority over the King had been settled in England. + +Henry VIII., Elizabeth, and afterwards James, having become popes in +their own realm, had no great hostility to, but rather an affection for, +ancient dogma and splendid ceremonial. But in the Seven Provinces, even +as in France, Germany, and Switzerland, the reform where it had been +effected at all had been more thorough, and there was little left of +Popish pomp or aristocratic hierarchy. Nothing could be severer than the +simplicity of the Reformed Church, nothing more imperious than its dogma, +nothing more infallible than its creed. It was the true religion, and +there was none other. But to whom belonged the ecclesiastical edifices, +the splendid old minsters in the cities--raised by the people's confiding +piety and the purchased remission of their sins in a bygone age--and the +humbler but beautiful parish churches in every town and village? To the +State; said Barneveld, speaking for government; to the community +represented by the states of the provinces, the magistracies of the +cities and municipalities. To the Church itself, the one true church +represented by its elders, and deacons, and preachers, was the reply. + +And to whom belonged the right of prescribing laws and ordinances of +public worship, of appointing preachers, church servants, schoolmasters, +sextons? To the Holy Ghost inspiring the Class and the Synod, said the +Church. + +To the civil authority, said the magistrates, by which the churches are +maintained, and the salaries of the ecclesiastics paid. The states of +Holland are as sovereign as the kings of England or Denmark, the electors +of Saxony or Brandenburg, the magistrates of Zurich or Basel or other +Swiss cantons. "Cujus regio ejus religio." + +In 1590 there was a compromise under the guidance of Barneveld. It was +agreed that an appointing board should be established composed of civil +functionaries and church officials in equal numbers. Thus should the +interests of religion and of education be maintained. + +The compromise was successful enough during the war. External pressure +kept down theological passion, and there were as yet few symptoms of +schism in the dominant church. But there was to come a time when the +struggle between church and government was to break forth with an +intensity and to rage to an extent which no man at that moment could +imagine. + +Towards the end of the century Henry IV. made peace with Spain. It was a +trying moment for the Provinces. Barneveld was again sent forth on an +embassy to the King. The cardinal point in his policy, as it had ever +been in that of William the Silent, was to maintain close friendship with +France, whoever might be its ruler. An alliance between that kingdom +and Spain would be instantaneous ruin to the Republic. With the French +and English sovereigns united with the Provinces, the cause of the +Reformation might triumph, the Spanish world-empire be annihilated, +national independence secured. + +Henry assured the Ambassador that the treaty of Vervins was +indispensable, but that he would never desert his old allies. +In proof of this, although he had just bound himself to Spain to give no +assistance to the Provinces, open or secret, he would furnish them with +thirteen hundred thousand crowns, payable at intervals during four years. +He was under great obligations to his good friends the States, he said, +and nothing in the treaty forbade him to pay his debts. + +It was at this period too that Barneveld was employed by the King to +attend to certain legal and other private business for which he professed +himself too poor at the moment to compensate him. There seems to +have been nothing in the usages of the time or country to make the +transaction, innocent in itself, in any degree disreputable. The King +promised at some future clay, when he should be more in funds, to pay him +a liberal fee. Barneveld, who a dozen years afterwards received 20,000 +florins for his labour, professed that he would much rather have had one +thousand at the time. + +Thence the Advocate, accompanied by his colleague, Justinus de Nassau, +proceeded to England, where they had many stormy interviews with +Elizabeth. The Queen swore with many an oath that she too would make +peace with Philip, recommended the Provinces to do the same thing with +submission to their ancient tyrant, and claimed from the States immediate +payment of one million sterling in satisfaction of their old debts to +her. It would have been as easy for them at that moment to pay a +thousand million. It was at last agreed that the sum of the debt should +be fixed at L800,000, and that the cautionary towns should be held in +Elizabeth's hands by English troops until all the debt should be +discharged. Thus England for a long time afterwards continued to regard +itself, as in a measure the sovereign and proprietor of the Confederacy, +and Barneveld then and there formed the resolve to relieve the country of +the incubus, and to recover those cautionary towns and fortresses at the +earliest possible moment. So long as foreign soldiers commanded by +military governors existed on the soil of the Netherlands, they could +hardly account themselves independent. Besides, there was the perpetual +and horrid nightmare, that by a sudden pacification between Spain and +England those important cities, keys to the country's defence, might be +handed over to their ancient tyrant. + +Elizabeth had been pacified at last, however, by the eloquence of the +Ambassador. "I will assist you even if you were up to the neck in +water," she said. "Jusque la," she added, pointing to her chin. + +Five years later Barneveld, for the fifth time at the head of a great +embassy, was sent to England to congratulate James on his accession. +It was then and there that he took measure of the monarch with whom he +was destined to have many dealings, and who was to exert so baleful an +influence on his career. At last came the time when it was felt that +peace between Spain and her revolted provinces might be made. The +conservation of their ancient laws, privileges, and charters, the +independence of the States, and included therein the freedom to establish +the Reformed religion, had been secured by forty years of fighting. + +The honour of Spain was saved by a conjunction. She agreed to treat +with her old dependencies "as" with states over which she had no +pretensions. Through virtue of an "as," a truce after two years' +negotiation, perpetually traversed and secretly countermined by the +military party under the influence of Maurice, was carried by the +determination of Barneveld. The great objects of the war had been +secured. The country was weary of nearly half a century of bloodshed. +It was time to remember that there could be such a condition as Peace. + +The treaty was signed, ratifications exchanged, and the usual presents of +considerable sums of money to the negotiators made. Barneveld earnestly +protested against carrying out the custom on this occasion, and urged +that those presents should be given for the public use. He was overruled +by those who were more desirous of receiving their reward than he was, +and he accordingly, in common with the other diplomatists, accepted the +gifts. + +The various details of these negotiations have been related by the author +in other volumes, to which the present one is intended as a sequel. It +has been thought necessary merely to recall very briefly a few salient +passages in the career of the Advocate up to the period when the present +history really opens. + +Their bearing upon subsequent events will easily be observed. The truce +was the work of Barneveld. It was detested by Maurice and by Maurice's +partisans. + +"I fear that our enemies and evil reports are the cause of many of our +difficulties," said the Advocate to the States' envoy in Paris, in 1606. +"You are to pay no heed to private advices. Believe and make others +believe that more than one half the inhabitants of the cities and in the +open country are inclined to peace. And I believe, in case of continuing +adversities, that the other half will not remain constant, principally +because the Provinces are robbed of all traffic, prosperity, and +navigation, through the actions of France and England. I have always +thought it for the advantage of his Majesty to sustain us in such wise as +would make us useful in his service. As to his remaining permanently at +peace with Spain, that would seem quite out of the question." + +The King had long kept, according to treaty, a couple of French regiments +in the States' service, and furnished, or was bound to furnish, a certain +yearly sum for their support. But the expenses of the campaigning had +been rapidly increasing and the results as swiftly dwindling. The +Advocate now explained that, "without loss both of important places and +of reputation," the States could not help spending every month that they +took the field 200,000 florins over and above the regular contributions, +and some months a great deal more. This sum, he said, in nine months, +would more than eat up the whole subsidy of the King. If they were to be +in the field by March or beginning of April, they would require from him +an extraordinary sum of 200,000 crowns, and as much more in June or July. + +Eighteen months later, when the magnificent naval victory of Heemskerk +in the Bay of Gibraltar had just made a startling interlude to the +languishing negotiations for peace, the Advocate again warned the French +King of the difficulty in which the Republic still laboured of carrying +on the mighty struggle alone. Spain was the common enemy of all. No +peace or hope was possible for the leading powers as long as Spain was +perpetually encamped in the very heart of Western Europe. The +Netherlands were not fighting their own battle merely, but that of +freedom and independence against the all-encroaching world-power. And +their means to carry on the conflict were dwindling, while at the same +time there was a favourable opportunity for cropping some fruit from +their previous labours and sacrifices. + +"We are led to doubt," he wrote once more to the envoy in France, +"whether the King's full powers will come from Spain. This defeat is +hard for the Spaniards to digest. Meantime our burdens are quite above +our capacity, as you will understand by the enclosed statement, which is +made out with much exactness to show what is absolutely necessary for a +vigorous defence on land and a respectable position at sea to keep things +from entire confusion. The Provinces could raise means for the half of +this estimate. But, it is a great difference when the means differ one +half from the expenses. The sovereignst and most assured remedy would be +the one so often demanded, often projected, and sometimes almost prepared +for execution, namely that our neighbour kings, princes, and republics +should earnestly take the matter in hand and drive the Spaniards and +their adherents out of the Netherlands and over the mountains. Their own +dignity and security ought not to permit such great bodies of troops of +both belligerents permanently massed in the Netherlands. Still less +ought they to allow these Provinces to fall into the hands of the +Spaniards, whence they could with so much more power and convenience make +war upon all kings, princes, and republics. This must be prevented by +one means or another. It ought to be enough for every one that we have +been between thirty and forty years a firm bulwark against Spanish +ambition. Our constancy and patience ought to be strengthened by counsel +and by deed in order that we may exist; a Christian sympathy and a small +assistance not being sufficient. Believe and cause to be believed that +the present condition of our affairs requires more aid in counsel and +money than ever before, and that nothing could be better bestowed than to +further this end. + +"Messieurs Jeannin, Buzenval, and de Russy have been all here these +twelve days. We have firm hopes that other kings, princes, and republics +will not stay upon formalities, but will also visit the patients here in +order to administer sovereign remedies. + +"Lend no ear to any flying reports. We say with the wise men over there, +'Metuo Danaos et dons ferentes.' We know our antagonists well, and trust +their hearts no more than before, 'sed ultra posse non est esse.' To +accept more burthens than we can pay for will breed military mutiny; +to tax the community above its strength will cause popular tumults, +especially in 'rebus adversis,' of which the beginnings were seen last +year, and without a powerful army the enemy is not to be withstood. I +have received your letters to the 17th May. My advice is to trust to his +upright proceedings and with patience to overcome all things. Thus shall +the detractors and calumniators best be confounded. Assure his Majesty +and his ministers that I will do my utmost to avert our ruin and his +Majesty's disservice." + +The treaty was made, and from that time forth the antagonism between the +eminent statesman and the great military chieftain became inevitable. +The importance of the one seemed likely to increase day by day. The +occupation of the other for a time was over. + +During the war Maurice had been, with exception of Henry IV., the most +considerable personage in Europe. He was surrounded with that visible +atmosphere of power the poison of which it is so difficult to resist, and +through the golden haze of which a mortal seems to dilate for the vulgar +eye into the supernatural. The attention of Christendom was perpetually +fixed upon him. Nothing like his sieges, his encampments, his military +discipline, his scientific campaigning had been seen before in modern +Europe. The youthful aristocracy from all countries thronged to his camp +to learn the game of war, for he had restored by diligent study of the +ancients much that was noble in that pursuit, and had elevated into an +art that which had long since degenerated into a system of butchery, +marauding, and rapine. And he had fought with signal success and +unquestionable heroism the most important and most brilliant pitched +battle of the age. He was a central figure of the current history of +Europe. Pagan nations looked up to him as one of the leading sovereigns +of Christendom. The Emperor of Japan addressed him as his brother +monarch, assured him that his subjects trading to that distant empire +should be welcomed and protected, and expressed himself ashamed that so +great a prince, whose name and fame had spread through the world, should +send his subjects to visit a country so distant and unknown, and offer +its emperor a friendship which he was unconscious of deserving. + +He had been a commander of armies and a chief among men since he came to +man's estate, and he was now in the very vigour of life, in his forty- +second year. Of Imperial descent and closely connected by blood or +alliance with many of the most illustrious of reigning houses, the +acknowledged master of the most royal and noble of all sciences, he was +of the stuff of which kings were made, and belonged by what was then +accounted right divine to the family of kings. His father's death had +alone prevented his elevation to the throne of Holland, and such +possession of half the sovereignty of the United Netherlands would +probably have expanded into dominion over all the seven with a not +fantastic possibility of uniting the ten still obedient provinces into a +single realm. Such a kingdom would have been more populous and far +wealthier than contemporary Great Britain and Ireland. Maurice, then a +student at Leyden, was too young at that crisis, and his powers too +undeveloped to justify any serious attempt to place him in his father's +place. + +The Netherlands drifted into a confederacy of aristocratic republics, not +because they had planned a republic, but because they could not get a +king, foreign or native. The documents regarding the offer of the +sovereign countship to William remained in the possession of Maurice, and +a few years before the peace there had been a private meeting of leading +personages, of which Barneveld was the promoter and chief spokesman, to +take into consideration the propriety and possibility of conferring that +sovereignty upon the son which had virtually belonged to the father. The +obstacles were deemed so numerous, and especially the scheme seemed so +fraught with danger to Maurice, that it was reluctantly abandoned by his +best friends, among whom unquestionably was the Advocate. + +There was no reason whatever why the now successful and mature soldier, +to whom the country was under such vast obligations, should not aspire +to the sovereignty. The Provinces had not pledged themselves to +republicanism, but rather to monarchy, and the crown, although secretly +coveted by Henry IV., could by no possibility now be conferred on any +other man than Maurice. It was no impeachment on his character that he +should nourish thoughts in which there was nothing criminal. + +But the peace negotiations had opened a chasm. It was obvious enough +that Barneveld having now so long exercised great powers, and become as +it were the chief magistrate of an important commonwealth, would not be +so friendly as formerly to its conversion into a monarchy and to the +elevation of the great soldier to its throne. The Advocate had even been +sounded, cautiously and secretly, so men believed, by the Princess- +Dowager, Louise de Coligny, widow of William the silent, as to the +feasibility of procuring the sovereignty for Maurice. She had done this +at the instigation of Maurice, who had expressed his belief that the +favourable influence of the Advocate would make success certain and who +had represented to her that, as he was himself resolved never to marry, +the inheritance after his death would fall to her son Frederick Henry. +The Princess, who was of a most amiable disposition, adored her son. +Devoted to the House of Nassau and a great admirer of its chief, she had +a long interview with Barneveld, in which she urged the scheme upon his +attention without in any probability revealing that she had come to him +at the solicitation of Maurice. + +The Advocate spoke to her with frankness and out of the depths of his +heart. He professed an ardent attachment to her family, a profound +reverence for the virtues, sacrifices, and achievements of her lamented +husband, and a warm desire to do everything to further the interests of +the son who had proved himself so worthy of his parentage. + +But he proved to her that Maurice, in seeking the sovereignty, was +seeking his ruin. The Hollanders, he said, liked to be persuaded and not +forced. Having triumphantly shaken off the yoke of a powerful king, they +would scarcely consent now to accept the rule of any personal sovereign. +The desire to save themselves from the claws of Spain had led them +formerly to offer the dominion over them to various potentates. Now that +they had achieved peace and independence and were delivered from the +fears of Spanish ferocity and French intrigue, they shuddered at the +dangers from royal hands out of which they had at last escaped. He +believed that they would be capable of tearing in pieces any one who +might make the desired proposition. After all, he urged, Maurice was a +hundred times more fortunate as he was than if he should succeed in +desires so opposed to his own good. This splendour of sovereignty was a +false glare which would lead him to a precipice. He had now the power of +a sovereign without the envy which ever followed it. Having essentially +such power, he ought, like his father, to despise an empty name, which +would only make him hated. For it was well known that William the Silent +had only yielded to much solicitation, agreeing to accept that which then +seemed desirable for the country's good but to him was more than +indifferent. + +Maurice was captain-general and admiral-general of five provinces. He +appointed to governments and to all military office. He had a share of +appointment to the magistracies. He had the same advantages and the same +authority as had been enjoyed in the Netherlands by the ancient sovereign +counts, by the dukes of Burgundy, by Emperor Charles V. himself. + +Every one now was in favour of increasing his pensions, his salaries, his +material splendour. Should he succeed in seizing the sovereignty, men +would envy him even to the ribbands of his pages' and his lackeys' shoes. +He turned to the annals of Holland and showed the Princess that there had +hardly been a sovereign count against whom his subjects had not revolted, +marching generally into the very courtyard of the palace at the Hague in +order to take his life. + +Convinced by this reasoning, Louise de Coligny had at once changed her +mind, and subsequently besought her stepson to give up a project sure to +be fatal to his welfare, his peace of mind, and the good of the country. +Maurice listened to her coldly, gave little heed to the Advocate's logic, +and hated him in his heart from that day forth. + +The Princess remained loyal to Barneveld to the last. + +Thus the foundation was laid of that terrible enmity which, inflamed by +theological passion, was to convert the period of peace into a hell, to +rend the Provinces asunder when they had most need of repose, and to lead +to tragical results for ever to be deplored. Already in 1607 Francis +Aerssens had said that the two had become so embroiled and things had +gone so far that one or the other would have to leave the country. He +permitted also the ridiculous statement to be made in his house at Paris, +that Henry IV. believed the Advocate to have become Spanish, and had +declared that Prince Maurice would do well to have him put into a sack +and thrown into the sea. + +His life had been regularly divided into two halves, the campaigning +season and the period of winter quarters. In the one his business, and +his talk was of camps, marches, sieges, and battles only. In the other +he was devoted to his stud, to tennis, to mathematical and mechanical +inventions, and to chess, of which he was passionately fond, and which he +did not play at all well. A Gascon captain serving in the States' army +was his habitual antagonist in that game, and, although the stakes were +but a crown a game, derived a steady income out of his gains, which were +more than equal to his pay. The Prince was sulky when he lost, sitting, +when the candles were burned out and bed-time had arrived, with his hat +pulled over his brows, without bidding his guest good night, and leaving +him to find his way out as he best could; and, on the contrary, radiant +with delight when successful, calling for valets to light the departing +captain through the corridor, and accompanying him to the door of the +apartment himself. That warrior was accordingly too shrewd not to allow +his great adversary as fair a share of triumph as was consistent with +maintaining the frugal income on which he reckoned. + +He had small love for the pleasures of the table, but was promiscuous +and unlicensed in his amours. He was methodical in his household +arrangements, and rather stingy than liberal in money matters. He +personally read all his letters, accounts, despatches, and other +documents trivial or important, but wrote few letters with his own hand, +so that, unlike his illustrious father's correspondence, there is little +that is characteristic to be found in his own. He was plain but not +shabby in attire, and was always dressed in exactly the same style, +wearing doublet and hose of brown woollen, a silk under vest, a short +cloak lined with velvet, a little plaited ruff on his neck, and very +loose boots. He ridiculed the smart French officers who, to show their +fine legs, were wont to wear such tight boots as made them perspire to +get into them, and maintained, in precept and practice, that a man should +be able to jump into his boots and mount and ride at a moment's notice. +The only ornaments he indulged in, except, of course, on state occasions, +were a golden hilt to his famous sword, and a rope of diamonds tied +around his felt hat. + +He was now in the full flower of his strength and his fame, in his forty- +second year, and of a noble and martial presence. The face, although +unquestionably handsome, offered a sharp contrast within itself; the +upper half all intellect, the lower quite sensual. Fair hair growing +thin, but hardly tinged with grey, a bright, cheerful, and thoughtful +forehead, large hazel eyes within a singularly large orbit of brow; a +straight, thin, slightly aquiline, well-cut nose--such features were at +open variance with the broad, thick-lipped, sensual mouth, the heavy +pendant jowl, the sparse beard on the glistening cheek, and the moleskin- +like moustachio and chin tuft. Still, upon the whole, it was a face and +figure which gave the world assurance of a man and a commander of men. +Power and intelligence were stamped upon him from his birth. + +Barneveld was tall and majestic of presence, with large quadrangular +face, austere, blue eyes looking authority and command, a vast forehead, +and a grizzled beard. Of fluent and convincing eloquence with tongue and +pen, having the power of saying much in few words, he cared much more for +the substance than the graces of speech or composition. This tendency +was not ill exemplified in a note of his written on a sheet of questions +addressed to him by a States' ambassador about to start on an important +mission, but a novice in his business, the answers to which questions +were to serve for his diplomatic instructions. + +"Item and principally," wrote the Envoy, "to request of M. de Barneveld +a formulary or copy of the best, soundest, wisest, and best couched +despatches done by several preceding ambassadors in order to regulate +myself accordingly for the greater service of the Province and for my +uttermost reputation." + +The Advocate's answer, scrawled in his nearly illegible hand, was-- + +"Unnecessary. The truth in shortest about matters of importance shall be +taken for good style." + +With great love of power, which he was conscious of exerting with ease to +himself and for the good of the public, he had little personal vanity, +and not the smallest ambition of authorship. Many volumes might be +collected out of the vast accumulation of his writings now mouldering and +forgotten in archives. Had the language in which they are written become +a world's language, they would be worthy of attentive study, as +containing noble illustrations of the history and politics of his age, +with theories and sentiments often far in advance of his age. But he +cared not for style. "The truth in shortest about matters of importance" +was enough for him; but the world in general, and especially the world of +posterity, cares much for style. The vehicle is often prized more than +the freight. The name of Barneveld is fast fading out of men's memory. +The fame of his pupil and companion in fortune and misfortune, Hugo +Grotius, is ever green. But Grotius was essentially an author rather +than a statesman: he wrote for the world and posterity with all the love, +pride, and charm of the devotee of literature, and he composed his +noblest works in a language which is ever living because it is dead. +Some of his writings, epochmaking when they first appeared, are text- +books still familiar in every cultivated household on earth. Yet +Barneveld was vastly his superior in practical statesmanship, in law, in +the science of government, and above all in force of character, while +certainly not his equal in theology, nor making any pretensions to +poetry. Although a ripe scholar, he rarely wrote in Latin, and not often +in French. His ambition was to do his work thoroughly according to his +view of duty, and to ask God's blessing upon it without craving overmuch +the applause of men. + +Such were the two men, the soldier and the statesman. Would the +Republic, fortunate enough to possess two such magnificent and widely +contrasted capacities, be wise enough to keep them in its service, each +supplementing the other, and the two combining in a perfect whole? + +Or was the great law of the Discords of the World, as potent as that +other principle of Universal Harmony and planetary motion which an +illustrious contemporary--that Wurtemberg astronomer, once a soldier of +the fierce Alva, now the half-starved astrologer of the brain-sick +Rudolph--was at that moment discovering, after "God had waited six +thousand years for him to do it," to prevail for the misery of the +Republic and shame of Europe? Time was to show. + +The new state had forced itself into the family of sovereignties somewhat +to the displeasure of most of the Lord's anointed. Rebellious and +republican, it necessarily excited the jealousy of long-established and +hereditary governments. + +The King of Spain had not formally acknowledged the independence of the +United Provinces. He had treated with them as free, and there was +supposed to be much virtue in the conjunction. But their sovereign +independence was virtually recognized by the world. Great nations had +entered into public and diplomatic relations and conventions with them, +and their agents at foreign courts were now dignified with the rank and +title of ambassadors. + +The Spanish king had likewise refused to them the concession of the right +of navigation and commerce in the East Indies, but it was a matter of +notoriety that the absence of the word India, suppressed as it was in the +treaty, implied an immense triumph on the part of the States, and that +their flourishing and daily increasing commerce in the farthest East and +the imperial establishments already rising there were cause of envy and +jealousy not to Spain alone, but to friendly powers. + +Yet the government of Great Britain affected to regard them as +something less than a sovereign state. Although Elizabeth had refused +the sovereignty once proffered to her, although James had united with +Henry IV. in guaranteeing the treaty just concluded between the States +and Spain, that monarch had the wonderful conception that the Republic +was in some sort a province of his own, because he still held the +cautionary towns in pledge for the loans granted by his predecessor. +His agents at Constantinople were instructed to represent the new state +as unworthy to accredit its envoys as those of an independent power. +The Provinces were represented as a collection of audacious rebels, +a piratical scum of the sea. But the Sultan knew his interests better +than to incur the enmity of this rising maritime power. The Dutch envoy +declaring that he would sooner throw himself into the Bosphorus than +remain to be treated with less consideration than that accorded to the +ministers of all great powers, the remonstrances of envious colleagues +were hushed, and Haga was received with all due honours. + +Even at the court of the best friend of the Republic, the French king, +men looked coldly at the upstart commonwealth. Francis Aerssens, the +keen and accomplished minister of the States, resident in Paris for many +years, was received as ambassador after the truce with all the ceremonial +befitting the highest rank in the diplomatic service; yet Henry could not +yet persuade himself to look upon the power accrediting him as a +thoroughly organized commonwealth. + +The English ambassador asked the King if he meant to continue his aid and +assistance to the States during the truce. "Yes," answered Henry. + +"And a few years beyond it?" + +"No. I do not wish to offend the King of Spain from mere gaiety of +heart." + +"But they are free," replied the Ambassador; "the King of Spain could +have no cause for offence." + +"They are free," said the King, "but not sovereign."--"Judge then," wrote +Aerssens to Barneveld, "how we shall be with the King of Spain at the end +of our term when our best friends make this distinction among themselves +to our disadvantage. They insist on making a difference between liberty +and sovereignty; considering liberty as a mean term between servitude and +sovereignty." + +"You would do well," continued the Dutch ambassador, "to use the word +'sovereignty' on all occasions instead of 'liberty.'" The hint was +significant and the advice sound. + +The haughty republic of Venice, too, with its "golden Book" and its +pedigree of a thousand years, looked askance at the republic of yesterday +rising like herself out of lagunes and sand banks, and affecting to place +herself side by side with emperors, kings, and the lion of St. Mark. But +the all-accomplished council of that most serene commonwealth had far too +much insight and too wide experience in political combinations to make +the blunder of yielding to this aristocratic sentiment. + +The natural enemy of the Pope, of Spain, of Austria, must of necessity +be the friend of Venice, and it was soon thought highly desirable to +intimate half officially that a legation from the States-General to the +Queen of the Adriatic, announcing the conclusion of the Twelve Years' +Truce, would be extremely well received. + +The hint was given by the Venetian ambassador at Paris to Francis +Aerssens, who instantly recommended van der Myle, son-in-law of +Barneveld, as a proper personage to be entrusted with this important +mission. At this moment an open breach had almost occurred between Spain +and Venice, and the Spanish ambassador at Paris, Don Pedro de Toledo, +naturally very irate with Holland, Venice, and even with France, was +vehement in his demonstrations. The arrogant Spaniard had for some time +been employed in an attempt to negotiate a double marriage between the +Dauphin and the eldest daughter of Philip III., and between the eldest +son of that king and the Princess Elizabeth of France. An indispensable +but secret condition of this negotiation was the absolute renunciation by +France of its alliance and friendly relations with the United Provinces. +The project was in truth a hostile measure aimed directly at the life of +the Republic. Henry held firm however, and Don Pedro was about to depart +malcontent, his mission having totally failed. He chanced, when going to +his audience of leave-taking, after the arrival of his successor, Don +Inigo de Cardenas, to meet the Venetian ambassador, Antonio Foscarini. +An altercation took place between them, during which the Spaniard poured +out his wrath so vehemently, calling his colleague with neat alliteration +"a poltroon, a pantaloon, and a pig," that Henry heard him. + +What Signor Antonio replied has not been preserved, but it is stated that +he was first to seek a reconciliation, not liking, he said, Spanish +assassinations. + +Meantime the double marriage project was for a season at least suspended, +and the alliance between the two republics went forwards. Van der Myle, +appointed ambassador to Venice, soon afterwards arrived in Paris, where +he made a very favourable impression, and was highly lauded by Aerssens +in his daily correspondence with Barneveld. No portentous shadow of +future and fatal discord between those statesmen fell upon the cheerful +scene. Before the year closed, he arrived at his post, and was received +with great distinction, despite the obstacles thrown in his way by Spain +and other powers; the ambassador of France itself, de Champigny, having +privately urged that he ought to be placed on the same footing with the +envoys of Savoy and of Florence. + +Van der Myle at starting committed the trifling fault of styling the +States-General "most illustrious" (illustrissimi) instead of "most +serene," the title by which Venice designated herself. + +The fault was at once remedied, however, Priuli the Doge seating the +Dutch ambassador on his right hand at his solemn reception, and giving +directions that van der Myle should be addressed as Excellency, his post +being assigned him directly after his seniors, the ambassadors of Pope, +Emperor, and kings. The same precedence was settled in Paris, while +Aerssens, who did not consider himself placed in a position of greater +usefulness by his formal installation as ambassador, received private +intimation from Henry, with whom he was on terms of great confidence and +intimacy, that he should have private access to the King as frequently +and as in formally as before. The theory that the ambassador, +representing the personality of his sovereign, may visit the monarch +to whom he is accredited, without ceremony and at his own convenience, +was as rarely carried into practice in the sixteenth century as in the +nineteenth, while on the other hand Aerssens, as the private and +confidential agent of a friendly but not publicly recognized +commonwealth, had been for many years in almost daily personal +communication with the King. + +It is also important to note that the modern fallacy according to which +republics being impersonal should not be represented by ambassadors had +not appeared in that important epoch in diplomatic history. On the +contrary, the two great republics of the age, Holland and Venice, +vindicated for themselves, with as much dignity and reason as success, +their right to the highest diplomatic honours. + +The distinction was substantial not shadowy; those haughty commonwealths +not considering it advantageous or decorous that their representatives +should for want of proper official designations be ranked on great +ceremonial occasions with the ministers of petty Italian principalities +or of the three hundred infinitesimal sovereignties of Germany. + +It was the advice of the French king especially, who knew politics and +the world as well as any man, that the envoys of the Republic which he +befriended and which stood now on the threshold of its official and +national existence, should assert themselves at every court with the +self-reliance and courtesy becoming the functionaries of a great power. +That those ministers were second to the representatives of no other +European state in capacity and accomplishment was a fact well known to +all who had dealings with them, for the States required in their +diplomatic representatives knowledge of history and international law, +modern languages, and the classics, as well as familiarity with political +customs and social courtesies; the breeding of gentlemen in short, and +the accomplishments of scholars. It is both a literary enjoyment and a +means of historical and political instruction to read after the lapse of +centuries their reports and despatches. They worthily compare as works +of art with those diplomatic masterpieces the letters and 'Relazioni' of +the Venetian ambassadors; and it is well known that the earlier and some +of the most important treatises on public and international law ever +written are from the pens of Hollanders, who indeed may be said to have +invented that science.' + +The Republic having thus steadily shouldered its way into the family of +nations was soon called upon to perform a prominent part in the world's +affairs. More than in our own epoch there was a close political +commingling of such independent states as held sympathetic views on the +great questions agitating Europe. The policy of isolation so wisely and +successfully carried out by our own trans-Atlantic commonwealth was +impossible for the Dutch republic, born as it was of a great religious +schism, and with its narrow territory wedged between the chief political +organizations of Christendom. Moreover the same jealousy on the part of +established powers which threw so many obstacles in its path to +recognized sovereignty existed in the highest degree between its two +sponsors and allies, France and England, in regard to their respective +relations to the new state. + +"If ever there was an obliged people," said Henry's secretary of state, +Villeroy, to Aerssens, "then it is you Netherlanders to his Majesty. He +has converted your war into peace, and has never abandoned you. It is +for you now to show your affection and gratitude." + +In the time of Elizabeth, and now in that of her successor, there was +scarcely a day in which the envoys of the States were not reminded of the +immense load of favour from England under which they tottered, and of the +greater sincerity and value of English friendship over that of France. + +Sully often spoke to Aerssens on the subject in even stronger language, +deeming himself the chief protector and guardian angel of the Republic, +to whom they were bound by ties of eternal gratitude. "But if the +States," he said, "should think of caressing the King of England more +than him, or even of treating him on an equality with his Majesty, Henry +would be very much affronted. He did not mean that they should neglect +the friendship of the King of Britain, but that they should cultivate it +after and in subordination to his own, for they might be sure that James +held all things indifferent, their ruin or their conservation, while his +Majesty had always manifested the contrary both by his counsels and by +the constant furnishing of supplies." + +Henry of France and Navarre--soldier, statesman, wit, above all a man +and every inch a king--brimful of human vices, foibles, and humours, and +endowed with those high qualities of genius which enabled him to mould +events and men by his unscrupulous and audacious determination to conform +to the spirit of his times which no man better understood than himself, +had ever been in such close relations with the Netherlands as to seem in +some sort their sovereign. + +James Stuart, emerging from the school of Buchanan and the atmosphere of +Calvinism in which he had been bred, now reigned in those more sunny and +liberal regions where Elizabeth so long had ruled. Finding himself at +once, after years of theological study, face to face with a foreign +commonwealth and a momentous epoch, in which politics were so commingled +with divinity as to offer daily the most puzzling problems, the royal +pedant hugged himself at beholding so conspicuous a field for his +talents. + +To turn a throne into a pulpit, and amaze mankind with his learning, +was an ambition most sweet to gratify. The Calvinist of Scotland now +proclaimed his deadly hatred of Puritans in England and Holland, and +denounced the Netherlanders as a pack of rebels whom it always pleased +him to irritate, and over whom he too claimed, through the possession of +the cautionary towns, a kind of sovereignty. Instinctively feeling that +in the rough and unlovely husk of Puritanism was enclosed the germ of a +wider human liberty than then existed, he was determined to give battle +to it with his tongue, his pen, with everything but his sword. + +Doubtless the States had received most invaluable assistance from both +France and England, but the sovereigns of those countries were too apt to +forget that it was their own battles, as well as those of the Hollanders, +that had been fought in Flanders and Brabant. But for the alliance and +subsidies of the faithful States, Henry would not so soon have ascended +the throne of his ancestors, while it was matter of history that the +Spanish government had for years been steadily endeavouring to subjugate +England not so much for the value of the conquest in itself as for a +stepping-stone to the recovery of the revolted Netherlands. + +For the dividing line of nations or at least of national alliances was a +frontier not of language but of faith. Germany was but a geographical +expression. The union of Protestantism, subscribed by a large proportion +of its three hundred and seven sovereigns, ran zigzag through the +country, a majority probably of the people at that moment being opposed +to the Roman Church. + +It has often been considered amazing that Protestantism having +accomplished so much should have fallen backwards so soon, and yielded +almost undisputed sway in vast regions to the long dominant church. But +in truth there is nothing surprising about it. Catholicism was and +remained a unit, while its opponents were eventually broken up into +hundreds of warring and politically impotent organizations. Religious +faith became distorted into a weapon for selfish and greedy territorial +aggrandizement in the hands of Protestant princes. "Cujus regio ejus +religio" was the taunt hurled in the face of the imploring Calvinists of +France and the Low Countries by the arrogant Lutherans of Germany. Such +a sword smote the principle of religious freedom and mutual toleration +into the dust, and rendered them comparatively weak in the conflict with +the ancient and splendidly organized church. + +The Huguenots of France, notwithstanding the protection grudgingly +afforded them by their former chieftain, were dejected and discomfited +by his apostasy, and Henry, placed in a fearfully false position, was an +object of suspicion to both friends and foes. In England it is difficult +to say whether a Jesuit or a Puritan was accounted the more noxious +animal by the dominant party. + +In the United Provinces perhaps one half the population was either openly +or secretly attached to the ancient church, while among the Protestant +portion a dire and tragic convulsion was about to break forth, which for +a time at least was to render Remonstrants and Contra-Remonstrants more +fiercely opposed to each other than to Papists. + +The doctrine of predestination in its sternest and strictest sense had +long been the prevailing one in the Reformed Church of the revolted +Netherlands, as in those of Scotland, France, Geneva, and the Palatinate. +No doubt up to the period of the truce a majority had acquiesced in that +dogma and its results, although there had always been many preachers to +advocate publicly a milder creed. It was not until the appointment of +Jacob Arminius to the professorship of theology at Leyden, in the place +of Francis Junius, in the year 1603, that a danger of schism in the +Church, seemed impending. Then rose the great Gomarus in his wrath, +and with all the powers of splendid eloquence, profound learning, +and the intense bigotry of conviction, denounced the horrible heresy. +Conferences between the two before the Court of Holland, theological +tournaments between six champions on a side, gallantly led by their +respective chieftains, followed, with the usual result of confirming +both parties in the conviction that to each alone belonged exclusively +the truth. + +The original influence of Arminius had however been so great that when +the preachers of Holland had been severally called on by a synod to sign +the Heidelberg Catechism, many of them refused. Here was open heresy and +revolt. It was time for the true church to vindicate its authority. +The great war with Spain had been made, so it was urged and honestly +believed, not against the Inquisition, not to prevent Netherlanders from +being burned and buried alive by the old true church, not in defence of +ancient charters, constitutions, and privileges--the precious result of +centuries of popular resistance to despotic force--not to maintain an +amount of civil liberty and local self-government larger in extent than +any then existing in the world, not to assert equality of religion for +all men, but simply to establish the true religion, the one church, the +only possible creed; the creed and church of Calvin. + +It is perfectly certain that the living fire which glowed in the veins of +those hot gospellers had added intense enthusiasm to the war spirit +throughout that immense struggle. It is quite possible that without that +enthusiasm the war might not have been carried on to its successful end. +But it is equally certain that Catholics, Lutherans, Baptists, and +devotees of many other creeds, had taken part in the conflict in defence +both of hearth and altar, and that without that aid the independence of +the Provinces would never have been secured. + +Yet before the war was ended the arrogance of the Reformed priesthood had +begun to dig a chasm. Men who with William the Silent and Barneveld had +indulged in the vision of religious equality as a possible result of so +much fighting against the Holy Inquisition were perhaps to be +disappointed. + +Preachers under the influence of the gentle Arminius having dared to +refuse signing the Creed were to be dealt with. It was time to pass from +censure to action. + +Heresy must be trampled down. The churches called for a national synod, +and they did this as by divine right. "My Lords the States-General must +observe," they said, "that this assembly now demanded is not a human +institution but an ordinance of the Holy Ghost in its community, not +depending upon any man's authority, but proceeding from God to the +community." They complained that the true church was allowed to act only +through the civil government, and was thus placed at a disadvantage +compared even with Catholics and other sects, whose proceedings were +winked at. "Thus the true church suffered from its apparent and public +freedom, and hostile sects gained by secret connivance." + +A crisis was fast approaching. The one church claimed infallibility and +superiority to the civil power. The Holy Ghost was placed in direct, +ostentatious opposition to My Lords the States-General. It was for +Netherlanders to decide whether, after having shaken off the Holy +Inquisition, and subjected the old true church to the public authority, +they were now to submit to the imperious claims of the new true church. + +There were hundreds of links connecting the Church with the State. In +that day a divorce between the two was hardly possible or conceivable. +The system of Congregationalism so successfully put into practice soon +afterwards in the wilderness of New England, and to which so much of +American freedom political as well as religious is due, was not easy +to adopt in an old country like the Netherlands. Splendid churches and +cathedrals, the legal possession of which would be contended for by rival +sects, could scarcely be replaced by temporary structures of lath and +plaster, or by humble back parlours of mechanics' shops. There were +questions of property of complicated nature. Not only the states and the +communities claimed in rivalry the ownership of church property, but many +private families could show ancient advowsons and other claims to present +or to patronize, derived from imperial or ducal charters. + +So long as there could be liberty of opinion within the Church upon +points not necessarily vital, open schism could be avoided, by which the +cause of Protestantism throughout Europe must be weakened, while at the +same time subordination of the priesthood to the civil authority would be +maintained. But if the Holy Ghost, through the assembled clergy, were +to dictate an iron formulary to which all must conform, to make laws for +church government which every citizen must obey, and to appoint preachers +and school-masters from whom alone old and young could receive +illumination and instruction religious or lay, a theocracy would be +established which no enlightened statesman could tolerate. + +The States-General agreed to the synod, but imposed a condition that +there should be a revision of Creed and Catechism. This was thundered +down with one blast. The condition implied a possibility that the vile +heresy of Arminius might be correct. An unconditional synod was +demanded. The Heidelberg Creed and Netherland Catechism were sacred, +infallible, not to be touched. The answer of the government, through +the mouth of Barneveld, was that "to My Lords the States-General as the +foster-fathers and protectors of the churches every right belonged." + +Thus far the States-General under the leadership of the Advocate were +unanimous. The victory remained with State against Church. But very +soon after the truce had been established, and men had liberty to devote +themselves to peaceful pursuits, the ecclesiastical trumpet again sounded +far and wide, and contending priests and laymen rushed madly to the fray. +The Remonstrance and Contra-Remonstrance, and the appointment of Conrad +Vorstius, a more abominable heretic than Arminius, to the vacant chair +of Arminius--a step which drove Gomarus and the Gomarites to frenzy, +although Gomarus and Vorstius remained private and intimate friends +to the last--are matters briefly to be mentioned on a later page. + +Thus to the four chief actors in the politico-religious drama, soon to be +enacted as an interlude to an eighty years' war, were assigned parts at +first sight inconsistent with their private convictions. The King of +France, who had often abjured his religion, and was now the best of +Catholics, was denounced ferociously in every Catholic pulpit in +Christendom as secretly an apostate again, and the open protector of +heretics and rebels. But the cheerful Henry troubled himself less than +he perhaps had cause to do with these thunderblasts. Besides, as we +shall soon see, he had other objects political and personal to sway his +opinions. + +James the ex-Calvinist, crypto-Arminian, pseudo-Papist, and avowed +Puritan hater, was girding on his armour to annihilate Arminians and to +defend and protect Puritans in Holland, while swearing that in England he +would pepper them and harry them and hang them and that he would even +like to bury them alive. + +Barneveld, who turned his eyes, as much as in such an inflammatory age it +was possible, from subtle points of theology, and relied on his great- +grandfather's motto of humility, "Nil scire tutissima fides" was perhaps +nearer to the dogma of the dominant Reformed Church than he knew, +although always the consistent and strenuous champion of the civil +authority over Church as well as State. + +Maurice was no theologian. He was a steady churchgoer, and his +favorite divine, the preacher at his court chapel, was none other than +Uytenbogaert. The very man who was instantly to be the champion of the +Arminians, the author of the Remonstrance, the counsellor and comrade of +Barneveld and Grotius, was now sneered at by the Gomarites as the "Court +Trumpeter." The preacher was not destined to change his opinions. +Perhaps the Prince might alter. But Maurice then paid no heed to the +great point at issue, about which all the Netherlanders were to take each +other by the throat--absolute predestination. He knew that the Advocate +had refused to listen to his stepmother's suggestion as to his obtaining +the sovereignty. "He knew nothing of predestination," he was wont to +say, "whether it was green or whether it was blue. He only knew that his +pipe and the Advocate's were not likely to make music together." This +much of predestination he did know, that if the Advocate and his friends +were to come to open conflict with the Prince of Orange-Nassau, the +conqueror of Nieuwpoort, it was predestined to go hard with the Advocate +and his friends. + +The theological quibble did not interest him much, and he was apt to +blunder about it. + +"Well, preacher," said he one day to Albert Huttenus, who had come to him +to intercede for a deserter condemned to be hanged, "are you one of those +Arminians who believe that one child is born to salvation and another to +damnation?" + +Huttenus, amazed to the utmost at the extraordinary question, replied, +"Your Excellency will be graciously pleased to observe that this is not +the opinion of those whom one calls by the hateful name of Arminians, but +the opinion of their adversaries." + +"Well, preacher," rejoined Maurice, "don't you think I know better?" And +turning to Count Lewis William, Stadholder of Friesland, who was present, +standing by the hearth with his hand on a copper ring of the +chimneypiece, he cried, + +"Which is right, cousin, the preacher or I?" + +"No, cousin," answered Count Lewis, "you are in the wrong." + +Thus to the Catholic League organized throughout Europe in solid and +consistent phalanx was opposed the Great Protestant Union, ardent and +enthusiastic in detail, but undisciplined, disobedient, and inharmonious +as a whole. + +The great principle, not of religious toleration, which is a phrase of +insult, but of religious equality, which is the natural right of mankind, +was to be evolved after a lapse of, additional centuries out of the +elemental conflict which had already lasted so long. Still later was +the total divorce of State and Church to be achieved as the final +consummation of the great revolution. Meantime it was almost inevitable +that the privileged and richly endowed church, with ecclesiastical armies +and arsenals vastly superior to anything which its antagonist could +improvise, should more than hold its own. + +At the outset of the epoch which now occupies our attention, Europe was +in a state of exhaustion and longing for repose. Spain had submitted to +the humiliation of a treaty of truce with its rebellious subjects which +was substantially a recognition of their independence. Nothing could be +more deplorable than the internal condition of the country which claimed +to be mistress of the world and still aspired to universal monarchy. + +It had made peace because it could no longer furnish funds for the war. +The French ambassador, Barante, returning from Madrid, informed his +sovereign that he had often seen officers in the army prostrating +themselves on their knees in the streets before their sovereign as he +went to mass, and imploring him for payment of their salaries, or at +least an alms to keep them from starving, and always imploring in vain. + +The King, who was less than a cipher, had neither capacity to feel +emotion, nor intelligence to comprehend the most insignificant affair of +state. Moreover the means were wanting to him even had he been disposed +to grant assistance. The terrible Duke of Lerma was still his inexorably +lord and master, and the secretary of that powerful personage, who kept +an open shop for the sale of offices of state both high and low, took +care that all the proceeds should flow into the coffers of the Duke and +his own lap instead of the royal exchequer. + +In France both king and people declared themselves disgusted with war. +Sully disapproved of the treaty just concluded between Spain and the +Netherlands, feeling sure that the captious and equivocal clauses +contained in it would be interpreted to the disadvantage of the Republic +and of the Reformed religion whenever Spain felt herself strong enough to +make the attempt. He was especially anxious that the States should make +no concessions in regard to the exercise of the Catholic worship within +their territory, believing that by so doing they would compromise their +political independence besides endangering the cause of Protestantism +everywhere. A great pressure was put upon Sully that moment by the King +to change his religion. + +"You will all be inevitably ruined if you make concessions in this +regard," said he to Aerssens. "Take example by me. I should be utterly +undone if I had listened to any overture on this subject." + +Nevertheless it was the opinion of the astute and caustic envoy that the +Duke would be forced to yield at last. The Pope was making great efforts +to gain him, and thus to bring about the extirpation of Protestantism in +France. And the King, at that time much under the influence of the +Jesuits, had almost set his heart on the conversion. Aerssens insinuated +that Sully was dreading a minute examination into the affairs of his +administration of the finances--a groundless calumny--and would be thus +forced to comply. Other enemies suggested that nothing would effect this +much desired apostasy but the office of Constable of France, which it was +certain would never be bestowed on him. + +At any rate it was very certain that Henry at this period was bent on +peace. + +"Make your account," said Aerssens to Barneveld, as the time for signing +the truce drew nigh, "on this indubitable foundation that the King is +determined against war, whatever pretences he may make. His bellicose +demeanour has been assumed only to help forward our treaty, which he +would never have favoured, and ought never to have favoured, if he had +not been too much in love with peace. This is a very important secret if +we manage it discreetly, and a very dangerous one if our enemies discover +it." + +Sully would have much preferred that the States should stand out for a +peace rather than for a truce, and believed it might have been obtained +if the King had not begun the matter so feebly, and if he had let it be +understood that he would join his arms to those of the Provinces in case +of rupture. + +He warned the States very strenuously that the Pope, and the King of +Spain, and a host of enemies open and covert, were doing their host to +injure them at the French court. They would find little hindrance in +this course if the Republic did not show its teeth, and especially if it +did not stiffly oppose all encroachments of the Roman religion, without +even showing any deference to the King in this regard, who was much +importuned on the subject. + +He advised the States to improve the interval of truce by restoring order +to their finances and so arranging their affairs that on the resumption +of hostilities, if come they must, their friends might be encouraged to +help them, by the exhibition of thorough vigour on their part. + +France then, although utterly indisposed for war at that moment, was +thoroughly to be relied on as a friend and in case of need an ally, so +long as it was governed by its present policy. There was but one king +left in Europe since the death of Elizabeth of England. + +But Henry was now on the abhorred threshold of old age which he +obstinately refused to cross. + +There is something almost pathetic, in spite of the censure which much of +his private life at this period provokes, in the isolation which now +seemed his lot. + +Deceived and hated by his wife and his mistresses, who were conspiring +with each other and with his ministers, not only against his policy but +against his life; with a vile Italian adventurer, dishonouring his +household, entirely dominating the queen, counteracting the royal +measures, secretly corresponding, by assumed authority, with Spain, in +direct violation of the King's instructions to his ambassadors, and +gorging himself with wealth and offices at the expense of everything +respectable in France; surrounded by a pack of malignant and greedy +nobles, who begrudged him his fame, his authority, his independence; +without a home, and almost without a friend, the Most Christian King in +these latter days led hardly as merry a life as when fighting years long +for his crown, at the head of his Gascon chivalry, the beloved chieftain +of Huguenots. + +Of the triumvirate then constituting his council, Villeroy, Sillery, and +Sully, the two first were ancient Leaguers, and more devoted at heart to +Philip of Spain than to Henry of France and Navarre. + +Both silent, laborious, plodding, plotting functionaries, thriftily +gathering riches; skilled in routine and adepts at intrigue; steady self- +seekers, and faithful to office in which their lives had passed, they +might be relied on at any emergency to take part against their master, +if to ruin would prove more profitable than to serve him. + +There was one man who was truer to Henry than Henry had been to himself. +The haughty, defiant, austere grandee, brave soldier, sagacious +statesman, thrifty financier, against whom the poisoned arrows of +religious hatred, envious ambition, and petty court intrigue were daily +directed, who watched grimly over the exchequer confided to him, which +was daily growing fuller in despite of the cormorants who trembled at his +frown; hard worker, good hater, conscientious politician, who filled his +own coffers without dishonesty, and those of the state without tyranny; +unsociable, arrogant; pious, very avaricious, and inordinately vain, +Maximilian de Bethune, Duke of Sully, loved and respected Henry as no man +or woman loved and respected him. In truth, there was but one living +being for whom the Duke had greater reverence and affection than for the +King, and that was the Duke of Sully himself. + +At this moment he considered himself, as indeed he was, in full +possession of his sovereign's confidence. But he was alone in this +conviction. Those about the court, men like Epernon and his creatures, +believed the great financier on the brink of perdition. Henry, always +the loosest of talkers even in regard to his best friends, had declared, +on some temporary vexation in regard to the affair between Aiguillon and +Balagny, that he would deal with the Duke as with the late Marshal de +Biron, and make him smaller than he had ever made him great: goading him +on this occasion with importunities, almost amounting to commands, that +both he and his son should forthwith change their religion or expect +instant ruin. The blow was so severe that Sully shut himself up, refused +to see anyone, and talked of retiring for good to his estates. But he +knew, and Henry knew, how indispensable he was, and the anger of the +master was as shortlived as the despair of the minister. + +There was no living statesman for whom Henry had a more sincere respect +than for the Advocate of Holland. "His Majesty admires and greatly +extols your wisdom, which he judges necessary for the preservation of +our State; deeming you one of the rare and sage counsellors of the age." +It is true that this admiration was in part attributed to the singular +coincidence of Barneveld's views of policy with the King's own. Sully, +on his part, was a severe critic of that policy. He believed that better +terms might have been exacted from Spain in the late negotiations, and +strongly objected to the cavilling and equivocal language of the treaty. +Rude in pen as in speech, he expressed his mind very freely in his +conversation and correspondence with Henry in regard to leading +personages and great affairs, and made no secret of his opinions +to the States' ambassador. + +He showed his letters in which he had informed the King that he ought +never to have sanctioned the truce without better securities than +existed, and that the States would never have moved in any matter without +him. It would have been better to throw himself into a severe war than +to see the Republic perish. He further expressed the conviction that +Henry ought to have such authority over the Netherlands that they would +embrace blindly whatever counsel he chose to give them, even if they saw +in it their inevitable ruin; and this not so much from remembrance of +assistance rendered by him, but from the necessity in which they should +always feel of depending totally upon him. + +"You may judge, therefore," concluded Aerssens, "as to how much we can +build on such foundations as these. I have been amazed at these frank +communications, for in those letters he spares neither My Lords the +States, nor his Excellency Prince Maurice, nor yourself; giving his +judgment of each of you with far too much freedom and without sufficient +knowledge." + +Thus the alliance between the Netherlands and France, notwithstanding +occasional traces of caprice and flaws of personal jealousy, was on +the whole sincere, for it was founded on the surest foundation of +international friendship, the self-interest of each. Henry, although +boasting of having bought Paris with a mass, knew as well as his worst +enemy that in that bargain he had never purchased the confidence of the +ancient church, on whose bosom he had flung himself with so much dramatic +pomp. His noble position, as champion of religious toleration, was not +only unappreciated in an age in which each church and every sect +arrogated to itself a monopoly of the truth, but it was one in which +he did not himself sincerely believe. + +After all, he was still the chieftain of the Protestant Union, and, +although Eldest Son of the Church, was the bitter antagonist of the +League and the sworn foe to the House of Austria. He was walking through +pitfalls with a crowd of invisible but relentless foes dogging his every +footstep. In his household or without were daily visions of dagger and +bowl, and he felt himself marching to his doom. How could the man on +whom the heretic and rebellious Hollanders and the Protestant princes of +Germany relied as on their saviour escape the unutterable wrath and the +patient vengeance of a power that never forgave? + +In England the jealousy of the Republic and of France as co-guardian and +protector of the Republic was even greater than in France. Though placed +by circumstances in the position of ally to the Netherlands and enemy to +Spain, James hated the Netherlands and adored Spain. His first thought +on escaping the general destruction to which the Gunpowder Plot was to +have involved himself and family and all the principal personages of the +realm seems to have been to exculpate Spain from participation in the +crime. His next was to deliver a sermon to Parliament, exonerating the +Catholics and going out of his way to stigmatize the Puritans as +entertaining doctrines which should be punished with fire. As the +Puritans had certainly not been accused of complicity with Guy Fawkes +or Garnet, this portion of the discourse was at least superfluous. But +James loathed nothing so much as a Puritan. A Catholic at heart, be +would have been the warmest ally of the League had he only been permitted +to be Pope of Great Britain. He hated and feared a Jesuit, not for his +religious doctrines, for with these he sympathized, but for his political +creed. He liked not that either Roman Pontiff or British Presbyterian +should abridge his heaven-born prerogative. The doctrine of Papal +superiority to temporal sovereigns was as odious to him as Puritan +rebellion to the hierarchy of which he was the chief. Moreover, +in his hostility to both Papists and Presbyterians, there was much of +professional rivalry. Having been deprived by the accident of birth of +his true position as theological professor, he lost no opportunity of +turning his throne into a pulpit and his sceptre into a controversial +pen. + +Henry of France, who rarely concealed his contempt for Master Jacques, as +he called him, said to the English ambassador, on receiving from him one +of the King's books, and being asked what he thought of it--"It is not +the business of us kings to write, but to fight. Everybody should mind +his own business, but it is the vice of most men to wish to appear +learned in matters of which they are ignorant." + +The flatterers of James found their account in pandering to his +sacerdotal and royal vanity. "I have always believed," said the Lord +Chancellor, after hearing the King argue with and browbeat a Presbyterian +deputation, "that the high-priesthood and royalty ought to be united, but +I never witnessed the actual junction till now, after hearing the learned +discourse of your Majesty." Archbishop Whitgift, grovelling still lower, +declared his conviction that James, in the observations he had deigned to +make, had been directly inspired by the Holy Ghost. + +Nothing could be more illogical and incoherent with each other than his +theological and political opinions. He imagined himself a defender of +the Protestant faith, while hating Holland and fawning on the House of +Austria. + +In England he favoured Arminianism, because the Anglican Church +recognized for its head the temporal chief of the State. In Holland +he vehemently denounced the Arminians, indecently persecuting their +preachers and statesmen, who were contending for exactly the same +principle--the supremacy of State over Church. He sentenced Bartholomew +Legate to be burned alive in Smithfield as a blasphemous heretic, and did +his best to compel the States of Holland to take the life of Professor +Vorstius of Leyden. He persecuted the Presbyterians in England as +furiously as he defended them in Holland. He drove Bradford and Carver +into the New England wilderness, and applauded Gomarus and Walaeus and +the other famous leaders of the Presbyterian party in the Netherlands +with all his soul and strength. + +He united with the French king in negotiations for Netherland +independence, while denouncing the Provinces as guilty of criminal +rebellion against their lawful sovereign. + +"He pretends," said Jeannin, "to assist in bringing about the peace, and +nevertheless does his best openly to prevent it." + +Richardot declared that the firmness of the King of Spain proceeded +entirely from reliance on the promise of James that there should be no +acknowledgment in the treaty of the liberty of the States. Henry wrote +to Jeannin that he knew very well "what that was capable of, but that he +should not be kept awake by anything he could do." + +As a king he spent his reign--so much of it as could be spared from +gourmandizing, drunkenness, dalliance with handsome minions of his own +sex, and theological pursuits--in rescuing the Crown from dependence on +Parliament; in straining to the utmost the royal prerogative; in +substituting proclamations for statutes; in doing everything in his +power, in short, to smooth the path for his successor to the scaffold. +As father of a family he consecrated many years of his life to the +wondrous delusion of the Spanish marriages. + +The Gunpowder Plot seemed to have inspired him with an insane desire +for that alliance, and few things in history are more amazing than the +persistency with which he pursued the scheme, until the pursuit became +not only ridiculous, but impossible. + +With such a man, frivolous, pedantic, conceited, and licentious, the +earnest statesmen of Holland were forced into close alliance. It is +pathetic to see men like Barneveld and Hugo Grotius obliged, on great +occasions of state, to use the language of respect and affection to one +by whom they were hated, and whom they thoroughly despised. + +But turning away from France, it was in vain for them to look for kings +or men either among friends or foes. In Germany religious dissensions +were gradually ripening into open war, and it would be difficult to +imagine a more hopelessly incompetent ruler than the man who was +nominally chief of the Holy Roman Realm. Yet the distracted Rudolph was +quite as much an emperor as the chaos over which he was supposed to +preside was an empire. Perhaps the very worst polity ever devised by +human perverseness was the system under which the great German race was +then writhing and groaning. A mad world with a lunatic to govern it; +a democracy of many princes, little and big, fighting amongst each +other, and falling into daily changing combinations as some masterly or +mischievous hand whirled the kaleidoscope; drinking Rhenish by hogsheads, +and beer by the tun; robbing churches, dictating creeds to their +subjects, and breaking all the commandments themselves; a people at the +bottom dimly striving towards religious freedom and political life out of +abject social, ecclesiastical, and political serfdom, and perhaps even +then dumbly feeling within its veins, with that prophetic instinct which +never abandons great races, a far distant and magnificent Future of +national unity and Imperial splendour, the very reverse of the confusion +which was then the hideous Present; an Imperial family at top with many +heads and slender brains; a band of brothers and cousins wrangling, +intriguing, tripping up each others' heels, and unlucky Rudolph, in his +Hradschin, looking out of window over the peerless Prague, spread out in +its beauteous landscape of hill and dale, darkling forest, dizzy cliffs, +and rushing river, at his feet, feebly cursing the unhappy city for its +ingratitude to an invisible and impotent sovereign; his excellent brother +Matthias meanwhile marauding through the realms and taking one crown +after another from his poor bald head. + +It would be difficult to depict anything more precisely what an emperor +in those portentous times should not be. He collected works of art of +many kinds--pictures, statues, gems. He passed his days in his galleries +contemplating in solitary grandeur these treasures, or in his stables, +admiring a numerous stud of horses which he never drove or rode. +Ambassadors and ministers of state disguised themselves as grooms and +stable-boys to obtain accidental glimpses of a sovereign who rarely +granted audiences. His nights were passed in star-gazing with Tycho de +Brake, or with that illustrious Suabian whose name is one of the great +lights and treasures of the world. But it was not to study the laws of +planetary motion nor to fathom mysteries of divine harmony that the +monarch stood with Kepler in the observatory. The influence of countless +worlds upon the destiny of one who, by capricious accident, if accident +ever exists in history, had been entrusted with the destiny of so large a +portion of one little world; the horoscope, not of the Universe, but of +himself; such were the limited purposes with which the Kaiser looked upon +the constellations. + +For the Catholic Rudolph had received the Protestant Kepler, driven from +Tubingen because Lutheran doctors, knowing from Holy Writ that the sun +had stood still in Ajalon, had denounced his theory of planetary motion. +His mother had just escaped being burned as a witch, and the world owes +a debt of gratitude to the Emperor for protecting the astrologer, when +enlightened theologians might, perhaps, have hanged the astronomer. + +A red-faced, heavy fowled, bald-headed, somewhat goggle-eyed old +gentleman, Rudolph did his best to lead the life of a hermit, and escape +the cares of royalty. Timid by temperament, yet liable to fits of +uncontrollable anger, he broke his furniture to pieces when irritated, +and threw dishes that displeased him in his butler's face, but left +affairs of state mainly to his valet, who earned many a penny by selling +the Imperial signature. + +He had just signed the famous "Majestatsbrief," by which he granted vast +privileges to the Protestants of Bohemia, and had bitten the pen to +pieces in a paroxysm of anger, after dimly comprehending the extent of +the concessions which he had made. + +There were hundreds of sovereign states over all of which floated the +shadowy and impalpable authority of an Imperial crown scarcely fixed +on the head of any one of the rival brethren and cousins; there was a +confederation of Protestants, with the keen-sighted and ambitious +Christian of Anhalt acting as its chief, and dreaming of the Bohemian +crown; there was the just-born Catholic League, with the calm, far- +seeing, and egotistical rather than self-seeking Maximilian at its head; +each combination extending over the whole country, stamped with +imbecility of action from its birth, and perverted and hampered by +inevitable jealousies. In addition to all these furrows ploughed by +the very genius of discord throughout the unhappy land was the wild and +secret intrigue with which Leopold, Archduke and Bishop, dreaming also +of the crown of Wenzel, was about to tear its surface as deeply as he +dared. + +Thus constituted were the leading powers of Europe in the earlier part of +1609--the year in which a peaceful period seemed to have begun. To those +who saw the entangled interests of individuals, and the conflict of +theological dogmas and religious and political intrigue which furnished +so much material out of which wide-reaching schemes of personal ambition +could be spun, it must have been obvious that the interval of truce was +necessarily but a brief interlude between two tragedies. + +It seemed the very mockery of Fate that, almost at the very instant when +after two years' painful negotiation a truce had been made, the signal +for universal discord should be sounded. One day in the early summer of +1609, Henry IV. came to the Royal Arsenal, the residence of Sully, +accompanied by Zamet and another of his intimate companions. He asked +for the Duke and was told that he was busy in his study. "Of course," +said the King, turning to his followers, "I dare say you expected to be +told that he was out shooting, or with the ladies, or at the barber's. +But who works like Sully? Tell him," he said, "to come to the balcony +in his garden, where he and I are not accustomed to be silent." + +As soon as Sully appeared, the King observed: "Well; here the Duke of +Cleve is dead, and has left everybody his heir." + +It was true enough, and the inheritance was of vital importance to the +world. + +It was an apple of discord thrown directly between the two rival camps +into which Christendom was divided. The Duchies of Cleve, Berg, and +Julich, and the Counties and Lordships of Mark, Ravensberg, and +Ravenstein, formed a triangle, political and geographical, closely wedged +between Catholicism and Protestantism, and between France, the United +Provinces, Belgium, and Germany. Should it fall into Catholic hands, the +Netherlands were lost, trampled upon in every corner, hedged in on all +sides, with the House of Austria governing the Rhine, the Meuse, and the +Scheldt. It was vital to them to exclude the Empire from the great +historic river which seemed destined to form the perpetual frontier of +jealous powers and rival creeds. + +Should it fall into heretic hands, the States were vastly strengthened, +the Archduke Albert isolated and cut off from the protection of Spain and +of the Empire. France, although Catholic, was the ally of Holland and +the secret but well known enemy of the House of Austria. It was +inevitable that the king of that country, the only living statesman that +wore a crown, should be appealed to by all parties and should find +himself in the proud but dangerous position of arbiter of Europe. + +In this emergency he relied upon himself and on two men besides, +Maximilian de Bethune and John of Barneveld. The conference between the +King and Sully and between both and Francis Aerssens, ambassador of the +States, were of almost daily occurrence. The minute details given in the +adroit diplomatist's correspondence indicate at every stage the extreme +deference paid by Henry to the opinion of Holland's Advocate and the +confidence reposed by him in the resources and the courage of the +Republic. + +All the world was claiming the heritage of the duchies. + +It was only strange that an event which could not be long deferred and +the consequences of which were soon to be so grave, the death of the Duke +of Cleve, should at last burst like a bomb-shell on the council tables of +the sovereigns and statesmen of Europe. That mischievous madman John +William died childless in the spring of 1609. His sister Sibylla, an +ancient and malignant spinster, had governed him and his possessions +except in his lucid intervals. The mass of the population over which he +ruled being Protestant, while the reigning family and the chief nobles +were of the ancient faith, it was natural that the Catholic party under, +the lead of Maximilian of Bavaria should deem it all-important that there +should be direct issue to that family. Otherwise the inheritance on his +death would probably pass to Protestant princes. + +The first wife provided for him was a beautiful princess; Jacobea of +Baden. The Pope blessed the nuptials, and sent the bride a golden rose, +but the union was sterile and unhappy. The Duke, who was in the habit +of careering through his palace in full armour, slashing at and wounding +anyone that came in his way, was at last locked up. The hapless Jacobea, +accused by Sibylla of witchcraft and other crimes possible and +impossible, was thrown into prison. Two years long the devilish +malignity of the sister-in-law was exercised upon her victim, who, as it +is related, was not allowed natural sleep during all that period, being +at every hour awakened by command of Sibylla. At last the Duchess was +strangled in prison. A new wife was at once provided for the lunatic, +Antonia of Lorraine. The two remained childless, and Sibylla at the age +of forty-nine took to herself a husband, the Margrave of Burgau, of the +House of Austria, the humble birth of whose mother, however, did not +allow him the rank of Archduke. Her efforts thus to provide Catholic +heirs to the rich domains of Clove proved as fruitless as her previous +attempts. + +And now Duke John William had died, and the representatives of his three +dead sisters, and the living Sibylla were left to fight for the duchies. + +It would be both cruel and superfluous to inflict on the reader a +historical statement of the manner in which these six small provinces +were to be united into a single state. It would be an equally sterile +task to retrace the legal arguments by which the various parties prepared +themselves to vindicate their claims, each pretender more triumphantly +than the other. The naked facts alone retain vital interest, and of +these facts the prominent one was the assertion of the Emperor that the +duchies, constituting a fief masculine, could descend to none of the +pretenders, but were at his disposal as sovereign of Germany. + +On the other hand nearly all the important princes of that country sent +their agents into the duchies to look after the interests real or +imaginary which they claimed, + +There were but four candidates who in reality could be considered serious +ones. + +Mary Eleanor, eldest sister of the Duke, had been married in the lifetime +of their father to Albert Frederic of Brandenburg, Duke of Prussia. To +the children of this marriage was reserved the succession of the whole +property in case of the masculine line becoming extinct. Two years +afterwards the second sister, Anne, was married to Duke Philip Lewis, +Count-Palatine of Neuburg; the children of which marriage stood next +in succession to those of the eldest sister, should that become +extinguished. Four years later the third sister, Magdalen, espoused +the Duke John, Count-Palatine of Deux-Ponts; who, like Neuburg, made +resignation of rights of succession in favour of the descendants of the +Brandenburg marriage. The marriage of the youngest sister, Sibylla, with +the Margrave of Burgau has been already mentioned. It does not appear +that her brother, whose lunatic condition hardly permitted him to assure +her the dowry which had been the price of renunciation in the case of her +three elder sisters, had obtained that renunciation from her. + +The claims of the childless Sibylla as well as those of the Deux-Ponts +branch were not destined to be taken into serious consideration. + +The real competitors were the Emperor on the one side and the Elector of +Brandenburg and the Count-Palatine of Neuburg on the other. + +It is not necessary to my purpose to say a single word as to the legal +and historical rights of the controversy. Volumes upon volumes of +forgotten lore might be consulted, and they would afford exactly as much +refreshing nutriment as would the heaps of erudition hardly ten years +old, and yet as antiquated as the title-deeds of the Pharaohs, concerning +the claims to the Duchies of Schleswig-Holstein. The fortunate house of +Brandenburg may have been right or wrong in both disputes. It is certain +that it did not lack a more potent factor in settling the political +problems of the world in the one case any more than in the other. + +But on the occasion with which we are occupied it was not on the might of +his own right hand that the Elector of Brandenburg relied. Moreover, he +was dilatory in appealing to the two great powers on whose friendship he +must depend for the establishment of his claims: the United Republic and +the King of France. James of England was on the whole inclined to +believe in the rights of Brandenburg. His ambassador, however, with more +prophetic vision than perhaps the King ever dreamt--of, expressed a fear +lest Brandenburg should grow too great and one day come to the Imperial +crown. + +The States openly favoured the Elector. Henry as at first disposed +towards Neuburg, but at his request Barneveld furnished a paper on the +subject, by which the King seems to have been entirely converted to the +pretensions of Brandenburg. + +But the solution of the question had but little to do with the legal +claim of any man. It was instinctively felt throughout Christendom that +the great duel between the ancient church and the spirit of the +Reformation was now to be renewed upon that narrow, debateable spot. + +The Emperor at once proclaimed his right to arbitrate on the succession +and to hold the territory until decision should be made; that is to say, +till the Greek Kalends. His familiar and most tricksy spirit, Bishop- +Archduke Leopold, played at once on his fears and his resentments, +against the ever encroaching, ever menacing, Protestantism of Germany, +with which he had just sealed a compact so bitterly detested. + +That bold and bustling prelate, brother of the Queen of Spain and of +Ferdinand of Styria, took post from Prague in the middle of July. +Accompanied by a certain canon of the Church and disguised as his +servant, he arrived after a rapid journey before the gates of Julich, +chief city and fortress of the duchies. The governor of the place, +Nestelraed, inclined like most of the functionaries throughout the +duchies to the Catholic cause, was delighted to recognize under the +livery of the lackey the cousin and representative of the Emperor. +Leopold, who had brought but five men with him, had conquered his capital +at a blow. For while thus comfortably established as temporary governor +of the duchies he designed through the fears or folly of Rudolph to +become their sovereign lord. Strengthened by such an acquisition and +reckoning on continued assistance in men and money from Spain and the +Catholic League, he meant to sweep back to the rescue of the perishing +Rudolph, smite the Protestants of Bohemia, and achieve his appointment to +the crown of that kingdom. + +The Spanish ambassador at Prague had furnished him with a handsome sum +of money for the expenses of his journey and preliminary enterprise. It +should go hard but funds should be forthcoming to support him throughout +this audacious scheme. The champion of the Church, the sovereign prince +of important provinces, the possession of which ensured conclusive +triumph to the House of Austria and to Rome--who should oppose him in +his path to Empire? Certainly not the moody Rudolph, the slippery and +unstable Matthias, the fanatic and Jesuit-ridden Ferdinand. + +"Leopold in Julich," said Henry's agent in Germany, "is a ferret in a +rabbit warren." + +But early in the spring and before the arrival of Leopold, the two +pretenders, John Sigismund, Elector of Brandenburg, and Philip Lewis, +Palatine of Neuburg, had made an arrangement. By the earnest advice +of Barneveld in the name of the States-General and as the result of a +general council of many Protestant princes of Germany, it had been +settled that those two should together provisionally hold and administer +the duchies until the principal affair could be amicably settled. + +The possessory princes were accordingly established in Dusseldorf with +the consent of the provincial estates, in which place those bodies were +wont to assemble. + +Here then was Spain in the person of Leopold quietly perched in the chief +citadel of the country, while Protestantism in the shape of the +possessory princes stood menacingly in the capital. + +Hardly was the ink dry on the treaty which had suspended for twelve years +the great religious war of forty years, not yet had the ratifications +been exchanged, but the trumpet was again sounding, and the hostile +forces were once more face to face. + +Leopold, knowing where his great danger lay, sent a friendly message to +the States-General, expressing the hope that they would submit to his +arrangements until the Imperial decision should be made. + +The States, through the pen and brain of Barneveld, replied that they +had already recognized the rights of the possessory princes, and were +surprised that the Bishop-Archduke should oppose them. They expressed +the hope that, when better informed, he would see the validity of the +Treaty of Dortmund. "My Lords the States-General," said the Advocate, +"will protect the princes against violence and actual disturbances, and +are assured that the neighbouring kings and princes will do the same. +They trust that his Imperial Highness will not allow matters, to proceed +to extremities." + +This was language not to be mistaken. It was plain that the Republic did +not intend the Emperor to decide a question of life and death to herself, +nor to permit Spain, exhausted by warfare, to achieve this annihilating +triumph by a petty intrigue. + +While in reality the clue to what seemed to the outside world a +labyrinthine maze of tangled interests and passions was firmly held in +the hand of Barneveld, it was not to him nor to My Lords the States- +General that the various parties to the impending conflict applied in the +first resort. + +Mankind were not yet sufficiently used to this young republic, intruding +herself among the family of kings, to defer at once to an authority which +they could not but feel. + +Moreover, Henry of France was universally looked to both by friends and +foes as the probable arbiter or chief champion in the great debate. He +had originally been inclined to favour Neuberg, chiefly, so Aerssens +thought, on account of his political weakness. The States-General on the +other hand were firmly disposed for Brandenburg from the first, not only +as a strenuous supporter of the Reformation and an ancient ally of their +own always interested in their safety, but because the establishment of +the Elector on the Rhine would roll back the Empire beyond that river. +As Aerssens expressed it, they would have the Empire for a frontier, and +have no longer reason to fear the Rhine. + +The King, after the representations of the States, saw good ground to +change his opinion and; becoming convinced that the Palatine had long +been coquetting with the Austrian party, soon made no secret of his +preference for Brandenburg. Subsequently Neuburg and Brandenburg fell +into a violent quarrel notwithstanding an arrangement that the Palatine +should marry the daughter of the Elector. In the heat of discussion +Brandenburg on one occasion is said to have given his intended son-in-law +a box on the ear! an argument 'ad hominem' which seems to have had the +effect of sending the Palatine into the bosom of the ancient church and +causing him to rely thenceforth upon the assistance of the League. +Meantime, however, the Condominium settled by the Treaty of Dortmund +continued in force; the third brother of Brandenburg and the eldest son +of Neuburg sharing possession and authority at Dusseldorf until a final +decision could be made. + +A flock of diplomatists, professional or volunteers, openly accredited or +secret, were now flying busily about through the troubled atmosphere, +indicating the coming storm in which they revelled. The keen-sighted, +subtle, but dangerously intriguing ambassador of the Republic, Francis +Aerssens, had his hundred eyes at all the keyholes in Paris, that centre +of ceaseless combination and conspiracy, and was besides in almost daily +confidential intercourse with the King. Most patiently and minutely he +kept the Advocate informed, almost from hour to hour, of every web that +was spun, every conversation public or whispered in which important +affairs were treated anywhere and by anybody. He was all-sufficient as a +spy and intelligencer, although not entirely trustworthy as a counsellor. +Still no man on the whole could scan the present or forecast the future +more accurately than he was able to do from his advantageous position and +his long experience of affairs. + +There was much general jealousy between the States and the despotic king, +who loved to be called the father of the Republic and to treat the +Hollanders as his deeply obliged and very ungrateful and miserly little +children. The India trade was a sore subject, Henry having throughout +the negotiations sought to force or wheedle the States into renouncing +that commerce at the command of Spain, because he wished to help himself +to it afterwards, and being now in the habit of secretly receiving Isaac +Le Maire and other Dutch leaders in that lucrative monopoly, who lay +disguised in Paris and in the house of Zamet--but not concealed from +Aerssens, who pledged himself to break, the neck of their enterprise--and +were planning with the King a French East India Company in opposition to +that of the Netherlands. + +On the whole, however, despite these commercial intrigues which Barneveld +through the aid of Aerssens was enabled to baffle, there was much +cordiality and honest friendship between the two countries. Henry, far +from concealing his political affection for the Republic, was desirous of +receiving a special embassy of congratulation and gratitude from the +States on conclusion of the truce; not being satisfied with the warm +expressions of respect and attachment conveyed through the ordinary +diplomatic channel. + +"He wishes," wrote Aerssens to the Advocate, "a public demonstration--in +order to show on a theatre to all Christendom the regard and deference of +My Lords the States for his Majesty." The Ambassador suggested that +Cornelis van der Myle, son-in-law of Barneveld, soon to be named first +envoy for Holland to the Venetian republic, might be selected as chief of +such special embassy. + +"Without the instructions you gave me," wrote Aerssens, "Neuburg might +have gained his cause in this court. Brandenburg is doing himself much +injury by not soliciting the King." + +"Much deference will be paid to your judgment," added the envoy, "if you +see fit to send it to his Majesty." + +Meantime, although the agent of Neuburg was busily dinning in Henry's +ears the claims of the Palatine, and even urging old promises which, as +he pretended, had been made, thanks to Barneveld, he took little by his +importunity, notwithstanding that in the opinion both of Barneveld and +Villeroy his claim 'stricti-juris' was the best. But it was policy and +religious interests, not the strict letter of the law, that were likely +to prevail. Henry, while loudly asserting that he would oppose any +usurpation on the part of the Emperor or any one else against the +Condominium, privately renewed to the States assurances of his intention +to support ultimately the claims of Brandenburg, and notified them to +hold the two regiments of French infantry, which by convention they still +kept at his expense in their service, to be ready at a moment's warning +for the great enterprise which he was already planning. "You would do +well perhaps," wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, "to set forth the various +interests in regard to this succession, and of the different relations of +the claimants towards our commonwealth; but in such sort nevertheless and +so dexterously that the King may be able to understand your desires, and +on the other hand may see the respect you bear him in appearing to defer +to his choice." + +Neuburg, having always neglected the States and made advances to Archduke +Albert, and being openly preferred over Brandenburg by the Austrians, who +had however no intention of eventually tolerating either, could make but +small headway at court, notwithstanding Henry's indignation that +Brandenburg had not yet made the slightest demand upon him for +assistance. + +The Elector had keenly solicited the aid of the states, who were bound to +him by ancient contract on this subject, but had manifested wonderful +indifference or suspicion in regard to France. "These nonchalant +Germans," said Henry on more than one occasion, "do nothing but sleep +or drink." + +It was supposed that the memory of Metz might haunt the imagination of +the Elector. That priceless citadel, fraudulently extorted by Henry II. +as a forfeit for assistance to the Elector of Saxony three quarters of a +century before, gave solemn warning to Brandenburg of what might be +exacted by a greater Henry, should success be due to his protection. +It was also thought that he had too many dangers about him at home, the +Poles especially, much stirred up by emissaries from Rome, making many +troublesome demonstrations against the Duchy of Prussia. + +It was nearly midsummer before a certain Baron Donals arrived as emissary +of the Elector. He brought with him, many documents in support of the +Brandenburg claims, and was charged with excuses for the dilatoriness of +his master. Much stress was laid of course on the renunciation made by +Neuburg at the tithe of his marriage, and Henry was urged to grant his +protection to the Elector in his good rights. But thus far there were +few signs of any vigorous resolution for active measures in an affair +which could scarcely fail to lead to war. + +"I believe," said Henry to the States ambassador, "that the right of +Brandenburg is indubitable, and it is better for you and for me that he +should be the man rather than Neuburg, who has always sought assistance +from the House of Austria. But he is too lazy in demanding possession. +It is the fault of the doctors by whom he is guided. This delay works +in favour of the Emperor, whose course however is less governed by any +determination of his own than by the irresolution of the princes." + +Then changing the conversation, Henry asked the Ambassador whether the +daughter of de Maldere, a leading statesman of Zealand, was married or +of age to be married, and if she was rich; adding that they must make a +match between her and Barneveld's second son, then a young gentleman in +the King's service, and very much liked by him. + +Two months later a regularly accredited envoy, Belin by name, arrived +from the Elector. His instructions were general. He was to thank the +King for his declarations in favour of the possessory princes, and +against all usurpation on the part of the Spanish party. Should the +religious cord be touched, he was to give assurances that no change would +be made in this regard. He was charged with loads of fine presents in +yellow amber, such as ewers, basins, tables, cups, chessboards, for the +King and Queen, the Dauphin, the Chancellor, Villeroy, Sully, Bouillon, +and other eminent personages. Beyond the distribution of these works of +art and the exchange of a few diplomatic commonplaces, nothing serious in +the way of warlike business was transacted, and Henry was a few weeks +later much amused by receiving a letter from the possessory princes +coolly thrown into the post-office, and addressed like an ordinary letter +to a private person, in which he was requested to advance them a loan +of 400,000 crowns. There was a great laugh at court at a demand made +like a bill of exchange at sight upon his Majesty as if he had been a +banker, especially as there happened to be no funds of the drawers in his +hands. It was thought that a proper regard for the King's quality and +the amount of the sum demanded required that the letter should be brought +at least by an express messenger, and Henry was both diverted and +indignant at these proceedings, at the months long delay before the +princes had thought proper to make application for his protection, and +then for this cool demand for alms on a large scale as a proper beginning +of their enterprise. + +Such was the languid and extremely nonchalant manner in which the early +preparations for a conflict which seemed likely to set Europe in a blaze, +and of which possibly few living men might witness the termination, were +set on foot by those most interested in the immediate question. + +Chessboards in yellow amber and a post-office order for 400,000 crowns +could not go far in settling the question of the duchies in which the +great problem dividing Christendom as by an abyss was involved. + +Meantime, while such were the diplomatic beginnings of the possessory +princes, the League was leaving no stone unturned to awaken Henry to a +sense of his true duty to the Church of which he was Eldest Son. + +Don Pedro de Toledo's mission in regard to the Spanish marriages had +failed because Henry had spurned the condition which was unequivocally +attached to them on the part of Spain, the king's renunciation of his +alliance with the Dutch Republic, which then seemed an equivalent to its +ruin. But the treaty of truce and half-independence had been signed at +last by the States and their ancient master, and the English and French +negotiators had taken their departure, each receiving as a present for +concluding the convention 20,000 livres from the Archdukes, and 30,000 +from the States-General. Henry, returning one summer's morning from the +chase and holding the Count of Soissons by one hand and Ambassador +Aerssens by the other, told them he had just received letters from Spain +by which he learned that people were marvellously rejoiced at the +conclusion of the truce. Many had regretted that its conditions were so +disadvantageous and so little honourable to the grandeur and dignity of +Spain, but to these it was replied that there were strong reasons why +Spain should consent to peace on these terms rather than not have it at +all. During the twelve years to come the King could repair his disasters +and accumulate mountains of money in order to finish the war by the +subjugation of the Provinces by force of gold. + +Soissons here interrupted the King by saying that the States on their +part would finish it by force of iron. + +Aerssens, like an accomplished courtier, replied they would finish it by +means of his Majesty's friendship. + +The King continued by observing that the clear-sighted in Spain laughed +at these rodomontades, knowing well that it was pure exhaustion that had +compelled the King to such extremities. "I leave you to judge," said +Henry, "whether he is likely to have any courage at forty-five years of +age, having none now at thirty-two. Princes show what they have in them +of generosity and valour at the age of twenty-five or never." He said +that orders had been sent from Spain to disband all troops in the +obedient Netherlands except Spaniards and Italians, telling the Archdukes +that they must raise the money out of the country to content them. They +must pay for a war made for their benefit, said Philip. As for him he +would not furnish one maravedi. + +Aerssens asked if the Archdukes would disband their troops so long as the +affair of Cleve remained unsettled. "You are very lucky," replied the +King, "that Europe is governed by such princes as you wot of. The King +of Spain thinks of nothing but tranquillity. The Archdukes will never +move except on compulsion. The Emperor, whom every one is so much afraid +of in this matter, is in such plight that one of these days, and before +long, he will be stripped of all his possessions. I have news that the +Bohemians are ready to expel him." + +It was true enough that Rudolph hardly seemed a formidable personage. +The Utraquists and Bohemian Brothers, making up nearly the whole +population of the country, were just extorting religious liberty from +their unlucky master in his very palace and at the point of the knife. +The envoy of Matthias was in Paris demanding recognition of his master +as King of Hungary, and Henry did not suspect the wonderful schemes of +Leopold, the ferret in the rabbit warren of the duchies, to come to the +succour of his cousin and to get himself appointed his successor and +guardian. + +Nevertheless, the Emperor's name had been used to protest solemnly +against the entrance into Dusseldorf of the Margrave Ernest of +Brandenburg and Palatine Wolfgang William of Neuburg, representatives +respectively of their brother and father. + +The induction was nevertheless solemnly made by the Elector-Palatine +and the Landgrave of Hesse, and joint possession solemnly taken by +Brandenburg and Neuburg in the teeth of the protest, and expressly in +order to cut short the dilatory schemes and the artifices of the Imperial +court. + +Henry at once sent a corps of observation consisting of 1500 cavalry to +the Luxemburg frontier by way of Toul, Mezieres, Verdun, and Metz, to +guard against movements by the disbanded troops of the Archdukes, and +against any active demonstration against the possessory princes on the +part of the Emperor. + +The 'Condominium' was formally established, and Henry stood before the +world as its protector threatening any power that should attempt +usurpation. He sent his agent Vidomacq to the Landgrave of Hesse with +instructions to do his utmost to confirm the princes of the Union in +organized resistance to the schemes of Spain, and to prevent any +interference with the Condominium. + +He wrote letters to the Archdukes and to the Elector of Cologne, +sternly notifying them that he would permit no assault upon the princes, +and meant to protect them in their rights. He sent one of his most +experienced diplomatists, de Boississe, formerly ambassador in England, +to reside for a year or more in the duchies as special representative of +France, and directed him on his way thither to consult especially with +Barneveld and the States-General as to the proper means of carrying out +their joint policy either by diplomacy or, if need should be, by their +united arms. + +Troops began at once to move towards the frontier to counteract the plans +of the Emperor's council and the secret levies made by Duchess Sibylla's +husband, the Margrave of Burgau. The King himself was perpetually at +Monceaux watching the movements of his cavalry towards the Luxemburg +frontier, and determined to protect the princes in their possession until +some definite decision as to the sovereignty of the duchies should be +made. + +Meantime great pressure was put upon him by the opposite party. The Pope +did his best through the Nuncius at Paris directly, and through agents at +Prague, Brussels, and Madrid indirectly, to awaken the King to a sense of +the enormity of his conduct. + +Being a Catholic prince, it was urged, he had no right to assist +heretics. It was an action entirely contrary to his duty as a Christian +and of his reputation as Eldest Son of the Church. Even if the right +were on the side of the princes, his Majesty would do better to strip +them of it and to clothe himself with it than to suffer the Catholic +faith and religion to receive such notable detriment in an affair likely +to have such important consequences. + +Such was some of the advice given by the Pontiff. The suggestions were +subtle, for they were directed to Henry's self-interest both as champion +of the ancient church and as a possible sovereign of the very territories +in dispute. They were also likely, and were artfully so intended, to +excite suspicion of Henry's designs in the breasts of the Protestants +generally and of the possessory princes especially. Allusions indeed to +the rectification of the French border in Henry II.'s time at the expense +of Lorraine were very frequent. They probably accounted for much of the +apparent supineness and want of respect for the King of which he +complained every day and with so much bitterness. + +The Pope's insinuations, however, failed to alarm him, for he had made up +his mind as to the great business of what might remain to him of life; to +humble the House of Austria and in doing so to uphold the Dutch Republic +on which he relied for his most efficient support. The situation was a +false one viewed from the traditional maxims which governed Europe. How +could the Eldest Son of the Church and the chief of an unlimited monarchy +make common cause with heretics and republicans against Spain and Rome? +That the position was as dangerous as it was illogical, there could be +but little doubt. But there was a similarity of opinion between the King +and the political chief of the Republic on the great principle which was +to illume the distant future but which had hardly then dawned upon the +present; the principle of religious equality. As he protected +Protestants in France so he meant to protect Catholics in the duchies. +Apostate as he was from the Reformed Church as he had already been from +the Catholic, he had at least risen above the paltry and insolent maxim +of the princely Protestantism of Germany: "Cujus regio ejus religio." + +While refusing to tremble before the wrath of Rome or to incline his ear +to its honeyed suggestions, he sent Cardinal Joyeuse with a special +mission to explain to the Pope that while the interests of France would +not permit him to allow the Spaniard's obtaining possession of provinces +so near to her, he should take care that the Church received no detriment +and that he should insist as a price of the succour he intended for the +possessory princes that they should give ample guarantees for the liberty +of Catholic worship. + +There was no doubt in the mind either of Henry or of Barneveld that the +secret blows attempted by Spain at the princes were in reality aimed at +the Republic and at himself as her ally. + +While the Nuncius was making these exhortations in Paris, his colleague +from Spain was authorized to propound a scheme of settlement which did +not seem deficient in humour. At any rate Henry was much diverted with +the suggestion, which was nothing less than that the decision as to the +succession to the duchies should be left to a board of arbitration +consisting of the King of Spain, the Emperor, and the King of France. +As Henry would thus be painfully placed by himself in a hopeless +minority, the only result of the scheme would be to compel him to +sanction a decision sure to be directly the reverse of his own resolve. +He was hardly such a schoolboy in politics as to listen to the proposal +except to laugh at it. + +Meantime arrived from Julich, without much parade, a quiet but somewhat +pompous gentleman named Teynagel. He had formerly belonged to the +Reformed religion, but finding it more to his taste or advantage to +become privy councillor of the Emperor, he had returned to the ancient +church. He was one of the five who had accompanied the Archduke Leopold +to Julich. + +That prompt undertaking having thus far succeeded so well, the warlike +bishop had now despatched Teynagel on a roving diplomatic mission. +Ostensibly he came to persuade Henry that, by the usages and laws of the +Empire, fiefs left vacant for want of heirs male were at the disposal of +the Emperor. He expressed the hope therefore of obtaining the King's +approval of Leopold's position in Julich as temporary vicegerent of his +sovereign and cousin. The real motive of his mission, however, was +privately to ascertain whether Henry was really ready to go to war for +the protection of the possessory princes, and then, to proceed to Spain. +It required an astute politician, however, to sound all the shoals, +quicksands, and miseries through which the French government was then +steering, and to comprehend with accuracy the somewhat varying humours +of the monarch and the secret schemes of the ministers who immediately +surrounded him. + +People at court laughed at Teynagel and his mission, and Henry treated +him as a crackbrained adventurer. He announced himself as envoy of the +Emperor, although he had instructions from Leopold only. He had +interviews with the Chancellor and with Villeroy, and told them that +Rudolf claimed the right of judge between the various pretenders to the +duchies. The King would not be pleased, he observed, if the King of +Great Britain should constitute himself arbiter among claimants that +might make their appearance for the crown of France; but Henry had set +himself up as umpire without being asked by any one to act in that +capacity among the princes of Germany. The Emperor, on the contrary, +had been appealed to by the Duke of Nevers, the Elector of Saxony, the +Margrave of Burgau, and other liege subjects of the Imperial crown as a +matter of course and of right. This policy of the King, if persisted in, +said Teynagel, must lead to war. Henry might begin such a war, but he +would be obliged to bequeath it to the Dauphin. He should remember that +France had always been unlucky when waging war with the Empire and with +the house of Austria.' + +The Chancellor and Villeroy, although in their hearts not much in love +with Henry's course, answered the emissary with arrogance equal to his +own that their king could finish the war as well as begin it, that he +confided in his strength and the justice of his cause, and that he knew +very well and esteemed very little the combined forces of Spain and the +Empire. They added that France was bound by the treaty of Vervins to +protect the princes, but they offered no proof of that rather startling +proposition. + +Meantime Teynagel was busy in demonstrating that the princes of Germany +were in reality much more afraid of Henry than of the Emperor. His +military movements and deep designs excited more suspicion throughout +that country and all Europe than the quiet journey of Leopold and five +friends by post to Julich. + +He had come provided with copies of the King's private letters to the +princes, and seemed fully instructed as to his most secret thoughts. +For this convenient information he was supposed to be indebted to the +revelations of Father Cotton, who was then in disgrace; having been +detected in transmitting to the General of Jesuits Henry's most sacred +confidences and confessions as to his political designs. + +Fortified with this private intelligence, and having been advised by +Father Cotton to carry matters with a high hand in order to inspire the +French court with a wholesome awe, he talked boldly about the legitimate +functions of the Emperor. To interfere with them, he assured the +ministers, would lead to a long and bloody war, as neither the King nor +the Archduke Albert would permit the Emperor to be trampled upon. + +Peter Pecquius, the crafty and experienced agent of the Archduke at +Paris, gave the bouncing envoy more judicious advice, however, than that +of the Jesuit, assuring him that he would spoil his whole case should he +attempt to hold such language to the King. + +He was admitted to an audience of Henry at Monceaux, but found him +prepared to show his teeth as Aerssens had predicted. He treated +Teynagel as a mere madcap and, adventurer who had no right to be received +as a public minister at all, and cut short his rodomontades by assuring +him that his mind was fully made up to protect the possessory princes. +Jeannin was present at the interview, although, as Aerssens well +observed, the King required no pedagogue on such an occasion? Teynagel +soon afterwards departed malcontent to Spain, having taken little by his +abnormal legation to Henry, and being destined to find at the court of +Philip as urgent demands on that monarch for assistance to the League +as he was to make for Leopold and the House of Austria. + +For the League, hardly yet thoroughly organized under the leadership of +Maximilian of Bavaria, was rather a Catholic corrival than cordial ally +of the Imperial house. It was universally suspected that Henry meant to +destroy and discrown the Habsburgs, and it lay not in the schemes of +Maximilian to suffer the whole Catholic policy to be bound to the +fortunes of that one family. + +Whether or not Henry meant to commit the anachronism and blunder of +reproducing the part of Charlemagne might be doubtful. The supposed +design of Maximilian to renew the glories of the House of Wittelsbach was +equally vague. It is certain, however, that a belief in such ambitious +schemes on the part of both had been insinuated into the ears of Rudolf, +and had sunk deeply into his unsettled mind. + +Scarcely had Teynagel departed than the ancient President Richardot +appeared upon the scene. "The mischievous old monkey," as he had +irreverently been characterized during the Truce negotiations, "who +showed his tail the higher he climbed," was now trembling at the thought +that all the good work he had been so laboriously accomplishing during +the past two years should be annihilated. The Archdukes, his masters, +being sincerely bent on peace, had deputed him to Henry, who, as they +believed, was determined to rekindle war. As frequently happens in such +cases, they were prepared to smooth over the rough and almost impassable +path to a cordial understanding by comfortable and cheap commonplaces +concerning the blessings of peace, and to offer friendly compromises by +which they might secure the prizes of war without the troubles and +dangers of making it. + +They had been solemnly notified by Henry that he would go to war +rather than permit the House of Austria to acquire the succession to the +duchies. They now sent Richardot to say that neither the Archdukes nor +the King of Spain would interfere in the matter, and that they hoped the +King of France would not prevent the Emperor from exercising his rightful +functions of judge. + +Henry, who knew that Don Baltasar de Cuniga, Spanish ambassador at the +Imperial court, had furnished Leopold, the Emperor's cousin, with 50,000 +crowns to defray his first expenses in the Julich expedition, considered +that the veteran politician had come to perform a school boy's task. +He was more than ever convinced by this mission of Richardot that the +Spaniards had organized the whole scheme, and he was likely only to smile +at any propositions the President might make. + +At the beginning of his interview, in which the King was quite alone, +Richardot asked if he would agree to maintain neutrality like the King of +Spain and the Archdukes, and allow the princes to settle their business +with the Emperor. + +"No," said the King. + +He then asked if Henry would assist them in their wrong. + +"No," said the King. + +He then asked if the King thought that the princes had justice on their +side, and whether, if the contrary were shown, he would change his +policy? + +Henry replied that the Emperor could not be both judge and party in the +suit and that the King of Spain was plotting to usurp the provinces +through the instrumentality of his brother-in-law Leopold and under the +name of the Emperor. He would not suffer it, he said. + +"Then there will be a general war," replied Richardot, since you are +determined to assist these princes." + +"Be it so," said the King. + +"You are right," said the President, "for you are a great and puissant +monarch, having all the advantages that could be desired, and in case of +rupture I fear that all this immense power will be poured out over us who +are but little princes." + +"Cause Leopold to retire then and leave the princes in their right," was +the reply. "You will then have nothing to fear. Are you not very +unhappy to live under those poor weak archdukes? Don't you foresee that +as soon as they die you will lose all the little you have acquired in the +obedient Netherlands during the last fifty years?" + +The President had nothing to reply to this save that he had never +approved of Leopold's expedition, and that when Spaniards make mistakes +they always had recourse to their servants to repair their faults. He +had accepted this mission inconsiderately, he said, inspired by a hope to +conjure the rising storms mingled with fears as to the result which were +now justified. He regretted having come, he said. + +The King shrugged his shoulders. + +Richardot then suggested that Leopold might be recognized in Julich, and +the princes at Dusseldorf, or that all parties might retire until the +Emperor should give his decision. + +All these combinations were flatly refused by the King, who swore that no +one of the House of Austria should ever perch in any part of those +provinces. If Leopold did not withdraw at once, war was inevitable. + +He declared that he would break up everything and dare everything, +whether the possessory princes formally applied to him or not. He would +not see his friends oppressed nor allow the Spaniard by this usurpation +to put his foot on the throat of the States-General, for it was against +them that this whole scheme was directed. + +To the President's complaints that the States-General had been moving +troops in Gelderland, Henry replied at once that it was done by his +command, and that they were his troops. + +With this answer Richardot was fain to retire crestfallen, mortified, and +unhappy. He expressed repentance and astonishment at the result, and +protested that those peoples were happy whose princes understood affairs. +His princes were good, he said, but did not give themselves the trouble +to learn their business. + +Richardot then took his departure from Paris, and very soon afterwards +from the world. He died at Arras early in September, as many thought of +chagrin at the ill success of his mission, while others ascribed it to a +surfeit of melons and peaches. + +"Senectus edam maorbus est," said Aerssens with Seneca. + +Henry said he could not sufficiently wonder at these last proceedings +at his court, of a man he had deemed capable and sagacious, but who had +been committing an irreparable blunder. He had never known two such +impertinent ambassadors as Don Pedro de Toledo and Richardot on this +occasion. The one had been entirely ignorant of the object of his +mission; the other had shown a vain presumption in thinking he could +drive him from his fixed purpose by a flood of words. He had accordingly +answered him on the spot without consulting his council, at which poor +Richardot had been much amazed. + +And now another envoy appeared upon the scene, an ambassador coming +directly from the Emperor. Count Hohenzollern, a young man, wild, +fierce, and arrogant, scarcely twenty-three years of age, arrived in +Paris on the 7th of September, with a train of forty horsemen. + +De Colly, agent of the Elector-Palatine, had received an outline of +his instructions, which the Prince of Anhalt had obtained at Prague. +He informed Henry that Hohenzollern would address him thus: "You are a +king. You would not like that the Emperor should aid your subjects in +rebellion. He did not do this in the time of the League, although often +solicited to do so. You should not now sustain the princes in disobeying +the Imperial decree. Kings should unite in maintaining the authority and +majesty of each other." He would then in the Emperor's name urge the +claims of the House of Saxony to the duchies. + +Henry was much pleased with this opportune communication by de Colly of +the private instructions to the Emperor's envoy, by which he was enabled +to meet the wild and fierce young man with an arrogance at least equal to +his own. + +The interview was a stormy one. The King was alone in the gallery of the +Louvre, not choosing that his words and gestures should be observed. The +Envoy spoke much in the sense which de Colly had indicated; making a long +argument in favour of the Emperor's exclusive right of arbitration, and +assuring the King that the Emperor was resolved on war if interference +between himself and his subjects was persisted in. He loudly pronounced +the proceedings of the possessory princes to be utterly illegal, and +contrary to all precedent. The Emperor would maintain his authority at +all hazards, and one spark of war would set everything in a blaze within +the Empire and without. + +Henry replied sternly but in general terms, and referred him for a final +answer to his council. + +"What will you do," asked the Envoy, categorically, at a subsequent +interview about a month later, "to protect the princes in case the +Emperor constrains them to leave the provinces which they have unjustly +occupied?" + +"There is none but God to compel me to say more than I choose to say," +replied the King. "It is enough for you to know that I will never +abandon my friends in a just cause. The Emperor can do much for the +general peace. He is not to lend his name to cover this usurpation." + +And so the concluding interview terminated in an exchange of threats +rather than with any hope of accommodation. + +Hohenzollern used as high language to the ministers as to the monarch, +and received payment in the same coin. He rebuked their course not very +adroitly as being contrary to the interests of Catholicism. They were +placing the provinces in the hands of Protestants, he urged. It required +no envoy from Prague to communicate this startling fact. Friends and +foes, Villeroy and Jeannin, as well as Sully and Duplessis, knew well +enough that Henry was not taking up arms for Rome. "Sir! do you look at +the matter in that way?" cried Sully, indignantly. "The Huguenots are as +good as the Catholics. They fight like the devil!" + +"The Emperor will never permit the, princes to remain nor Leopold to +withdraw," said the Envoy to Jeannin. + +Jeannin replied that the King was always ready to listen to reason, but +there was no use in holding language of authority to him. It was money +he would not accept. + +"Fiat justitia pereat mundus," said the haggard Hohenzollern. + +"Your world may perish," replied Jeannin, "but not ours. It is much +better put together." + +A formal letter was then written by the King to the Emperor, in which +Henry expressed his desire to maintain peace and fraternal relations, but +notified him that if, under any pretext whatever, he should trouble the +princes in their possession, he would sustain them with all his power, +being bound thereto by treaties and by reasons of state. + +This letter was committed to the care of Hohenzollern, who forthwith +departed, having received a present of 4000 crowns. His fierce, haggard +face thus vanishes for the present from our history. + +The King had taken his ground, from which there was no receding. Envoys +or agents of Emperor, Pope, King of Spain, Archduke at Brussels, and +Archduke at Julich, had failed to shake his settled purpose. Yet the +road was far from smooth. He had thus far no ally but the States- +General. He could not trust James of Great Britain. Boderie came back +late in the summer from his mission to that monarch, reporting him as +being favourably inclined to Brandenburg, but hoping for an amicable +settlement in the duchies. No suggestion being made even by the +sagacious James as to the manner in which the ferret and rabbits were +to come to a compromise, Henry inferred, if it came to fighting, that the +English government would refuse assistance. James had asked Boderie in +fact whether his sovereign and the States, being the parties chiefly +interested, would be willing to fight it out without allies. He had also +sent Sir Ralph Winwood on a special mission to the Hague, to Dusseldorf, +and with letters to the Emperor, in which he expressed confidence that +Rudolph would approve the proceedings of the possessory princes. As he +could scarcely do that while loudly claiming through his official envoy +in Paris that the princes should instantly withdraw on pain of instant +war, the value of the English suggestion of an amicable compromise might +easily be deduced. + +Great was the jealousy in France of this mission from England. That the +princes should ask the interference of James while neglecting, despising, +or fearing Henry, excited Henry's wrath. He was ready, and avowed his +readiness, to put on armour at once in behalf of the princes, and to +arbitrate on the destiny of Germany, but no one seemed ready to follow +his standard. No one asked him to arbitrate. The Spanish faction +wheedled and threatened by turns, in order to divert him from his +purpose, while the Protestant party held aloof, and babbled of +Charlemagne and of Henry II. + +He said he did not mean to assist the princes by halves, but as became a +King of France, and the princes expressed suspicion of him, talked of the +example of Metz, and called the Emperor their very clement lord. + +It was not strange that Henry was indignant and jealous. He was holding +the wolf by the ears, as he himself observed more than once. The war +could not long be delayed; yet they in whose behalf it was to be waged +treated him with a disrespect and flippancy almost amounting to scorn. + +They tried to borrow money of him through the post, and neglected to send +him an ambassador. This was most decidedly putting the cart before the +oxen, so Henry said, and so thought all his friends. When they had +blockaded the road to Julich, in order to cut off Leopold's supplies, +they sent to request that the two French regiments in the States' service +might be ordered to their assistance, Archduke Albert having threatened +to open the passage by force of arms. "This is a fine stratagem," said +Aerssens, "to fling the States-General headlong into the war, and, as it +were, without knowing it." + +But the States-General, under the guidance of Barneveld, were not likely +to be driven headlong by Brandenburg and Neuburg. They managed with +caution, but with perfect courage, to move side by side with Henry, and +to leave the initiative to him, while showing an unfaltering front to the +enemy. That the princes were lost, Spain and the Emperor triumphant, +unless Henry and the States should protect them with all their strength, +was as plain as a mathematical demonstration. + +Yet firm as were the attitude and the language of Henry, he was thought +to be hoping to accomplish much by bluster. It was certain that the bold +and unexpected stroke of Leopold had produced much effect upon his mind, +and for a time those admitted to his intimacy saw, or thought they saw, +a decided change in his demeanour. To the world at large his language +and his demonstrations were even more vehement than they had been at the +outset of the controversy; but it was believed that there was now a +disposition to substitute threats for action. The military movements set +on foot were thought to be like the ringing of bells and firing of cannon +to dissipate a thunderstorm. Yet it was treason at court to doubt the +certainty of war. The King ordered new suits of armour, bought splendid +chargers, and gave himself all the airs of a champion rushing to a +tournament as gaily as in the earliest days of his king-errantry. +He spoke of his eager desire to break a lance with Spinola, and give a +lesson to the young volunteer who had sprung into so splendid a military +reputation, while he had been rusting, as he thought, in pacific +indolence, and envying the laurels of the comparatively youthful Maurice. +Yet those most likely to be well informed believed that nothing would +come of all this fire and fury. + +The critics were wrong. There was really no doubt of Henry's sincerity, +but his isolation was terrible. There was none true to him at home but +Sully. Abroad, the States-General alone were really friendly, so far as +positive agreements existed. Above all, the intolerable tergiversations +and suspicions of those most interested, the princes in possession, and +their bickerings among themselves, hampered his movements. + +Treason and malice in his cabinet and household, jealousy and fear +abroad, were working upon and undermining him like a slow fever. His +position was most pathetic, but his purpose was fixed. + +James of England, who admired, envied, and hated Henry, was wont to +moralize on his character and his general unpopularity, while engaged in +negotiations with him. He complained that in the whole affair of the +truce he had sought only his particular advantage. "This is not to be +wondered at in one of his nature," said the King, "who only careth to +provide for the felicities of his present life, without any respect for +his life to come. Indeed, the consideration of his own age and the youth +of his children, the doubt of their legitimation, the strength of +competitioners, and the universal hatred borne unto him, makes him seek +all means of security for preventing of all dangers." + +There were changes from day to day; hot and cold fits necessarily +resulting from the situation. As a rule, no eminent general who has had +much experience wishes to go into a new war inconsiderately and for the +mere love of war. The impatience is often on the part of the non- +combatants. Henry was no exception to the rule. He felt that the +complications then existing, the religious, political, and dynastic +elements arrayed against each other, were almost certain to be brought to +a crisis and explosion by the incident of the duchies. He felt that the +impending struggle was probably to be a desperate and a general one, but +there was no inconsistency in hoping that the show of a vigorous and +menacing attitude might suspend, defer, or entirely dissipate the +impending storm. + +The appearance of vacillation on his part from day to day was hardly +deserving of the grave censure which it received, and was certainly in +the interests of humanity. + +His conferences with Sully were almost daily and marked by intense +anxiety. He longed for Barneveld, and repeatedly urged that the +Advocate, laying aside all other business, would come to Paris, that they +might advise together thoroughly and face to face. It was most important +that the combination of alliances should be correctly arranged before +hostilities began, and herein lay the precise difficulty. The princes +applied formally and freely to the States-General for assistance. They +applied to the King of Great Britain. The agents of the opposite party +besieged Henry with entreaties, and, failing in those, with threats; +going off afterwards to Spain, to the Archdukes, and to other Catholic +powers in search of assistance. + +The States-General professed their readiness to put an army of 15,000 +foot and 3000 horse in the field for the spring campaign, so soon as they +were assured of Henry's determination for a rupture. + +"I am fresh enough still," said he to their ambassador, "to lead an army +into Cleve. I shall have a cheap bargain enough of the provinces. But +these Germans do nothing but eat and sleep. They will get the profit +and assign to me the trouble. No matter, I will never suffer the +aggrandizement of the House of Austria. The States-General must disband +no troops, but hold themselves in readiness." + +Secretary of State Villeroy held the same language, but it was easy to +trace beneath his plausible exterior a secret determination to traverse +the plans of his sovereign. "The Cleve affair must lead to war," he +said. "The Spaniard, considering how necessary it is for him to have a +prince there at his devotion, can never quietly suffer Brandenburg and +Neuburg to establish themselves in those territories. The support thus +gained by the States-General would cause the loss of the Spanish +Netherlands." + +This was the view of Henry, too, but the Secretary of State, secretly +devoted to the cause of Spain, looked upon the impending war with much +aversion. + +"All that can come to his Majesty from war," he said, "is the glory of +having protected the right. Counterbalance this with the fatigue, the +expense, and the peril of a great conflict, after our long repose, and +you will find this to be buying glory too dearly." + +When a Frenchman talked of buying glory too dearly, it seemed probable +that the particular kind of glory was not to his taste. + +Henry had already ordered the officers, then in France, of the 4000 +French infantry kept in the States' service at his expense to depart at +once to Holland, and he privately announced his intention of moving to +the frontier at the head of 30,000 men. + +'Yet not only Villeroy, but the Chancellor and the Constable, while +professing opposition to the designs of Austria and friendliness to those +of Brandenburg and Neuburg, deprecated this precipitate plunge into war. +"Those most interested," they said, "refuse to move; fearing Austria, +distrusting France. They leave us the burden and danger, and hope for +the spoils themselves. We cannot play cat to their monkey. The King +must hold himself in readiness to join in the game when the real players +have shuffled and dealt the cards. It is no matter to us whether the +Spaniard or Brandenburg or anyone else gets the duchies. The States- +General require a friendly sovereign there, and ought to say how much +they will do for that result." + +The Constable laughed at the whole business. Coming straight from the +Louvre, he said "there would be no serious military movement, and that +all those fine freaks would evaporate in air." + +But Sully never laughed. He was quietly preparing the ways and means for +the war, and he did not intend, so far as he had influence, that France +should content herself with freaks and let Spain win the game. Alone in +the council he maintained that "France had gone too far to recede without +sacrifice of reputation."--"The King's word is engaged both within and +without," he said. "Not to follow it with deeds would be dangerous to +the kingdom. The Spaniard will think France afraid of war. We must +strike a sudden blow, either to drive the enemy away or to crush him at +once. There is no time for delay. The Netherlands must prevent the +aggrandizement of Austria or consent to their own ruin." + +Thus stood the game therefore. The brother of Brandenburg and son of +Neuburg had taken possession of Dusseldorf. + +The Emperor, informed of this, ordered them forthwith to decamp. He +further summoned all pretenders to the duchies to appear before him, in +person or by proxy, to make good their claims. They refused and appealed +for advice and assistance to the States-General. Barneveld, aware of the +intrigues of Spain, who disguised herself in the drapery of the Emperor, +recommended that the Estates of Cleve, Julich, Berg, Mark, Ravensberg, +and Ravenstein, should be summoned in Dusseldorf. This was done and a +resolution taken to resist any usurpation. + +The King of France wrote to the Elector of Cologne, who, by directions +of Rome and by means of the Jesuits, had been active in the intrigue, +that he would not permit the princes to be disturbed. + +The Archduke Leopold suddenly jumped into the chief citadel of the +country and published an edict of the Emperor. All the proceedings were +thereby nullified as illegal and against the dignity of the realm and the +princes proclaimed under ban. + +A herald brought the edict and ban to the princes in full assembly. +The princes tore it to pieces on the spot. Nevertheless they were much +frightened, and many members of the Estates took themselves off; others +showing an inclination to follow. + +The princes sent forth with a deputation to the Hague to consult My Lords +the States-General. The States-General sent an express messenger to +Paris. Their ambassador there sent him back a week later, with notice of +the King's determination to risk everything against everything to +preserve the rights of the princes. It was added that Henry required to +be solicited by them, in order not by volunteer succour to give cause for +distrust as to his intentions. The States-General were further apprised +by the King that his interests and theirs were so considerable in the +matter that they would probably be obliged to go into a brisk and open +war, in order to prevent the Spaniard from establishing himself in the +duchies. He advised them to notify the Archdukes in Brussels that they +would regard the truce as broken if, under pretext of maintaining the +Emperor's rights, they should molest the princes. He desired them +further to send their forces at once to the frontier of Gelderland under +Prince Maurice, without committing any overt act of hostility, but in +order to show that both the King and the States were thoroughly in +earnest. + +The King then sent to Archduke Albert, as well as to the Elector of +Cologne, and despatched a special envoy to the King of Great Britain. + +Immediately afterwards came communications from Barneveld to Henry, with +complete adhesion to the King's plans. The States would move in exact +harmony with him, neither before him nor after him, which was precisely +what he wished. He complained bitterly to Aerssens, when he communicated +the Advocate's despatches, of the slothful and timid course of the +princes. He ascribed it to the arts of Leopold, who had written and +inspired many letters against him insinuating that he was secretly in +league and correspondence with the Emperor; that he was going to the +duchies simply in the interest of the Catholics; that he was like Henry +II. only seeking to extend the French frontier; and Leopold, by these +intrigues and falsehoods, had succeeded in filling the princes with +distrust, and they had taken umbrage at the advance of his cavalry. + +Henry professed himself incapable of self-seeking or ambition. He meant +to prevent the aggrandizement of Austria, and was impatient at the +dilatoriness and distrust of the princes. + +"All their enemies are rushing to the King of Spain. Let them address +themselves to the King of France," he said, "for it is we two that must +play this game." + +And when at last they did send an embassy, they prefaced it by a post +letter demanding an instant loan, and with an intimation that they would +rather have his money than his presence! + +Was it surprising that the King's course should seem occasionally +wavering when he found it so difficult to stir up such stagnant waters +into honourable action? Was it strange that the rude and stern Sully +should sometimes lose his patience, knowing so much and suspecting more +of the foul designs by which his master was encompassed, of the web of +conspiracy against his throne, his life, and his honour, which was daily +and hourly spinning? + +"We do nothing and you do nothing," he said one day to Aerssens. "You +are too soft, and we are too cowardly. I believe that we shall spoil +everything, after all. I always suspect these sudden determinations of +ours. They are of bad augury. We usually founder at last when we set +off so fiercely at first. There are words enough an every side, but +there will be few deeds. There is nothing to be got out of the King of +Great Britain, and the King of Spain will end by securing these provinces +for himself by a treaty." Sully knew better than this, but he did not +care to let even the Dutch envoy know, as yet, the immense preparations +he had been making for the coming campaign. + +The envoys of the possessory princes, the Counts Solms, Colonel Pallandt, +and Dr. Steyntgen, took their departure, after it had been arranged that +final measures should be concerted at the general congress of the German +Protestants to be held early in the ensuing year at Hall, in Suabia. + +At that convention de Boississe would make himself heard on the part of +France, and the representatives of the States-General, of Venice, and +Savoy, would also be present. + +Meantime the secret conferences between Henry and his superintendent of +finances and virtual prime minister were held almost every day. Scarcely +an afternoon passed that the King did not make his appearance at the +Arsenal, Sully's residence, and walk up and down the garden with him for +hours, discussing the great project of which his brain was full. This +great project was to crush for ever the power of the Austrian house; to +drive Spain back into her own limits, putting an end to her projects for +universal monarchy; and taking the Imperial crown from the House of +Habsburg. By thus breaking up the mighty cousinship which, with the aid +of Rome, overshadowed Germany and the two peninsulas, besides governing +the greater part of both the Indies, he meant to bring France into the +preponderant position over Christendom which he believed to be her due. + +It was necessary, he thought, for the continued existence of the Dutch +commonwealth that the opportunity should be taken once for all, now that +a glorious captain commanded its armies and a statesman unrivalled for +experience, insight, and patriotism controlled its politics and its +diplomacy, to drive the Spaniard out of the Netherlands. + +The Cleve question, properly and vigorously handled, presented exactly +the long desired opportunity for carrying out these vast designs. + +The plan of assault upon Spanish power was to be threefold. The King +himself at the head of 35,000 men, supported by Prince Maurice and the +States' forces amounting to at least 14,000, would move to the Rhine and +seize the duchies. The Duke de la Force would command the army of the +Pyrenees and act in concert with the Moors of Spain, who roused to frenzy +by their expulsion from the kingdom could be relied on for a revolt or at +least a most vigorous diversion. Thirdly, a treaty with the Duke of +Savoy by which Henry accorded his daughter to the Duke's eldest son, the +Prince of Piedmont, a gift of 100,000 crowns, and a monthly pension +during the war of 50,000 crowns a month, was secretly concluded. + +Early in the spring the Duke was to take the field with at least 10,000 +foot and 1200 horse, supported by a French army of 12,000 to 15,000 men +under the experienced Marshal de Lesdiguieres. These forces were to +operate against the Duchy of Milan with the intention of driving the +Spaniards out of that rich possession, which the Duke of Savoy claimed +for himself, and of assuring to Henry the dictatorship of Italy. With +the cordial alliance of Venice, and by playing off the mutual jealousies +of the petty Italian princes, like Florence, Mantua, Montserrat, and +others, against each other and against the Pope, it did not seem doubtful +to Sully that the result would be easily accomplished. He distinctly +urged the wish that the King should content himself with political +influence, with the splendid position of holding all Italy dependent upon +his will and guidance, but without annexing a particle of territory to +his own crown. + +It was Henry's intention, however, to help himself to the Duchy of Savoy, +and to the magnificent city and port of Genoa as a reward to himself for +the assistance, matrimonial alliance, and aggrandizement which he was +about to bestow upon Charles Emmanuel. Sully strenuously opposed these +self-seeking views on the part of his sovereign, however, constantly +placing before him the far nobler aim of controlling the destinies of +Christendom, of curbing what tended to become omnipotent, of raising up +and protecting that which had been abased, of holding the balance of +empire with just and steady hand in preference to the more vulgar and +commonplace ambition of annexing a province or two to the realms of +France. + +It is true that these virtuous homilies, so often preached by him against +territorial aggrandizement in one direction, did not prevent him from +indulging in very extensive visions of it in another. But the dreams +pointed to the east rather than to the south. It was Sully's policy to +swallow a portion not of Italy but of Germany. He persuaded his master +that the possessory princes, if placed by the help of France in the +heritage which they claimed, would hardly be able to maintain themselves +against the dangers which surrounded them except by a direct dependence +upon France. In the end the position would become an impossible one, +and it would be easy after the war was over to indemnify Brandenburg with +money and with private property in the heart of France for example, and +obtain the cession of those most coveted provinces between the Meuse and +the Weser to the King. "What an advantage for France," whispered Sully, +"to unite to its power so important a part of Germany. For it cannot be +denied that by accepting the succour given by the King now those princes +oblige themselves to ask for help in the future in order to preserve +their new acquisition. Thus your Majesty will make them pay for it very +dearly." + +Thus the very virtuous self-denial in regard to the Duke of Savoy did not +prevent a secret but well developed ambition at the expense of the +Elector of Brandenburg. For after all it was well enough known that the +Elector was the really important and serious candidate. Henry knew full +well that Neuburg was depending on the Austrians and the Catholics, and +that the claims of Saxony were only put forward by the Emperor in order +to confuse the princes and excite mutual distrust. + +The King's conferences with the great financier were most confidential, +and Sully was as secret as the grave. But Henry never could keep a +secret even when it concerned his most important interests, and nothing +would serve him but he must often babble of his great projects even to +their minutest details in presence of courtiers and counsellors whom in +his heart he knew to be devoted to Spain and in receipt of pensions from +her king. He would boast to them of the blows by which he meant to +demolish Spain and the whole house of Austria, so that there should be +no longer danger to be feared from that source to the tranquillity and +happiness of Europe, and he would do this so openly and in presence of +those who, as he knew, were perpetually setting traps for him and +endeavouring to discover his deepest secrets as to make Sully's hair +stand on end. The faithful minister would pluck his master by the cloak +at times, and the King, with the adroitness which never forsook him when +he chose to employ it, would contrive to extricate himself from a dilemma +and pause at the brink of tremendous disclosures.--[Memoires de Sully, +t. vii. p. 324.]--But Sully could not be always at his side, nor were +the Nuncius or Don Inigo de Cardenas or their confidential agents and +spies always absent. Enough was known of the general plan, while as to +the probability of its coming into immediate execution, perhaps the +enemies of the King were often not more puzzled than his friends. + +But what the Spanish ambassador did not know, nor the Nuncius, nor even +the friendly Aerssens, was the vast amount of supplies which had been +prepared for the coming conflict by the finance minister. Henry did not +know it himself. "The war will turn on France as on a pivot," said +Sully; "it remains to be seen if we have supplies and money enough. +I will engage if the war is not to last more than three years and you +require no more than 40,000 men at a time that I will show you munitions +and ammunition and artillery and the like to such an extent that you will +say, 'It is enough.' + +"As to money--" + +"How much money have I got?" asked the King; "a dozen millions?" + +"A little more than that," answered the Minister. + +"Fourteen millions?" + +"More still." + +"Sixteen?" continued the King. + +"More yet," said Sully. + +And so the King went on adding two millions at each question until thirty +millions were reached, and when the question as to this sum was likewise +answered in the affirmative, he jumped from his chair, hugged his +minister around the neck, and kissed him on both cheeks. + +"I want no more than that," he cried. + +Sully answered by assuring him that he had prepared a report showing a +reserve of forty millions on which he might draw for his war expenses, +without in the least degree infringing on the regular budget for ordinary +expenses. + +The King was in a transport of delight, and would have been capable of +telling the story on the spot to the Nuncius had he met him that +afternoon, which fortunately did not occur. + +But of all men in Europe after the faithful Sully, Henry most desired to +see and confer daily and secretly with Barneveld. He insisted vehemently +that, neglecting all other business, he should come forthwith to Paris at +the head of the special embassy which it had been agreed that the States +should send. No living statesman, he said, could compare to Holland's +Advocate in sagacity, insight, breadth of view, knowledge of mankind and +of great affairs, and none he knew was more sincerely attached to his +person or felt more keenly the value of the French alliance. + +With him he indeed communicated almost daily through the medium of +Aerssens, who was in constant receipt of most elaborate instructions +from Barneveld, but he wished to confer with him face to face, so that +there would be no necessity of delay in sending back for instructions, +limitations, and explanation. No man knew better than the King did that +so far as foreign affairs were concerned the States-General were simply +Barneveld. + +On the 22nd January the States' ambassador had a long and secret +interview with the King.' He informed him that the Prince of Anhalt had +been assured by Barneveld that the possessory princes would be fully +supported in their position by the States, and that the special deputies +of Archduke Albert, whose presence at the Hague made Henry uneasy, as he +regarded them as perpetual spies, had been dismissed. Henry expressed +his gratification. They are there, he said, entirely in the interest of +Leopold, who has just received 500,000 crowns from the King of Spain, and +is to have that sum annually, and they are only sent to watch all your +proceedings in regard to Cleve. + +The King then fervently pressed the Ambassador to urge Barneveld's coming +to Paris with the least possible delay. He signified his delight with +Barneveld's answer to Anhalt, who thus fortified would be able to do good +service at the assembly at Hall. He had expected nothing else from +Barneveld's sagacity, from his appreciation of the needs of Christendom, +and from his affection for himself. He told the Ambassador that he was +anxiously waiting for the Advocate in order to consult with him as to all +the details of the war. The affair of Cleve, he said, was too special a +cause. A more universal one was wanted. The King preferred to begin +with Luxemburg, attacking Charlemont or Namur, while the States ought at +the same time to besiege Venlo, with the intention afterwards of uniting +with the King in laying siege to Maestricht. + +He was strong enough, he said, against all the world, but he still +preferred to invite all princes interested to join him in putting down +the ambitious and growing power of Spain. Cleve was a plausible pretext, +but the true cause, he said, should be found in the general safety of +Christendom. + +Boississe had been sent to the German princes to ascertain whether and to +what extent they would assist the King. He supposed that once they found +him engaged in actual warfare in Luxemburg, they would get rid of their +jealousy and panic fears of him and his designs. He expected them to +furnish at least as large a force as he would supply as a contingent. + +For it was understood that Anhalt as generalissimo of the German forces +would command a certain contingent of French troops, while the main army +of the King would be led by himself in person. + +Henry expressed the conviction that the King of Spain would be taken by +surprise finding himself attacked in three places and by three armies at +once, he believing that the King of France was entirely devoted to his +pleasures and altogether too old for warlike pursuits, while the States, +just emerging from the misery of their long and cruel conflict, would be +surely unwilling to plunge headlong into a great and bloody war. + +Henry inferred this, he said, from observing the rude and brutal manner +in which the soldiers in the Spanish Netherlands were now treated. It +seemed, he said, as if the Archdukes thought they had no further need of +them, or as if a stamp of the foot could raise new armies out of the +earth. "My design," continued the King, "is the more likely to succeed +as the King of Spain, being a mere gosling and a valet of the Duke of +Lerma, will find himself stripped of all his resources and at his wits' +end; unexpectedly embarrassed as he will be on the Italian side, where we +shall be threatening to cut the jugular vein of his pretended universal +monarchy." + +He intimated that there was no great cause for anxiety in regard to the +Catholic League just formed at Wurzburg. He doubted whether the King of +Spain would join it, and he had learned that the Elector of Cologne was +making very little progress in obtaining the Emperor's adhesion. As to +this point the King had probably not yet thoroughly understood that the +Bavarian League was intended to keep clear of the House of Habsburg, +Maximilian not being willing to identify the success of German +Catholicism with the fortunes of that family. + +Henry expressed the opinion that the King of Spain, that is to say, his +counsellors, meant to make use of the Emperor's name while securing all +the profit, and that Rudolph quite understood their game, while Matthias +was sure to make use of this opportunity, supported by the Protestants of +Bohemia, Austria, and Moravia, to strip the Emperor of the last shred of +Empire. + +The King was anxious that the States should send a special embassy at +once to the King of Great Britain. His ambassador, de la Boderie, gave +little encouragement of assistance from that quarter, but it was at least +desirable to secure his neutrality. "'Tis a prince too much devoted to +repose," said Henry, "to be likely to help in this war, but at least he +must not be allowed to traverse our great designs. He will probably +refuse the league offensive and defensive which I have proposed to him, +but he must be got, if possible, to pledge himself to the defensive. I +mean to assemble my army on the frontier, as if to move upon Julich, and +then suddenly sweep down on the Meuse, where, sustained by the States' +army and that of the princes, I will strike my blows and finish my +enterprise before our adversary has got wind of what is coming. We must +embark James in the enterprise if we can, but at any rate we must take +measures to prevent his spoiling it." + +Henry assured the Envoy that no one would know anything of the great +undertaking but by its effect; that no one could possibly talk about it +with any knowledge except himself, Sully, Villeroy, Barneveld, and +Aerssens. With them alone he conferred confidentially, and he doubted +not that the States would embrace this opportunity to have done for ever +with the Spaniards. He should take the field in person, he said, and +with several powerful armies would sweep the enemy away from the Meuse, +and after obtaining control of that river would quietly take possession +of the sea-coast of Flanders, shut up Archduke Albert between the States +and the French, who would thus join hands and unite their frontiers. + +Again the King expressed his anxiety for Barneveld's coming, and directed +the Ambassador to urge it, and to communicate to him the conversation +which had just taken place. He much preferred, he said, a general war. +He expressed doubts as to the Prince of Anhalt's capacity as chief in the +Cleve expedition, and confessed that being jealous of his own reputation +he did not like to commit his contingent of troops to the care of a +stranger and one so new to his trade. The shame would fall on himself, +not on Anhalt in case of any disaster. Therefore, to avoid all petty +jealousies and inconveniences of that nature by which the enterprise +might be ruined, it was best to make out of this small affair a great +one, and the King signified his hope that the Advocate would take this +view of the case and give him his support. He had plenty of grounds of +war himself, and the States had as good cause of hostilities in the +rupture of the truce by the usurpation attempted by Leopold with the +assistance of Spain and in the name of the Emperor. He hoped, he said, +that the States would receive no more deputations from Archduke Albert, +but decide to settle everything at the point of the sword. The moment +was propitious, and, if neglected, might never return. Marquis Spinola +was about to make a journey to Spain on various matters of business. On +his return, Henry said, he meant to make him prisoner as a hostage for +the Prince of Conde, whom the Archdukes were harbouring and detaining. +This would be the pretext, he said, but the object would be to deprive +the Archdukes of any military chief, and thus to throw them into utter +confusion. Count van den Berg would never submit to the authority of Don +Luis de Velasco, nor Velasco to his, and not a man could come from Spain +or Italy, for the passages would all be controlled by France. + +Fortunately for the King's reputation, Spinola's journey was deferred, +so that this notable plan for disposing of the great captain fell to the +ground. + +Henry agreed to leave the two French regiments and the two companies of +cavalry in the States' service as usual, but stipulated in certain +contingencies for their use. + +Passing to another matter concerning which there had been so much +jealousy on the part of the States, the formation of the French East +India Company--to organize which undertaking Le Roy and Isaac Le Maire +of Amsterdam had been living disguised in the house of Henry's famous +companion, the financier Zamet at Paris--the King said that Barneveld +ought not to envy him a participation in the great profits of this +business. + +Nothing would be done without consulting him after his arrival in Paris. +He would discuss the matter privately with him, he said, knowing that +Barneveld was a great personage, but however obstinate he might be, he +felt sure that he would always yield to reason. On the other hand the +King expressed his willingness to submit to the Advocate's opinions if +they should seem the more just. + +On leaving the King the Ambassador had an interview with Sully, who again +expressed his great anxiety for the arrival of Barneveld, and his hopes +that he might come with unlimited powers, so that the great secret might +not leak out through constant referring of matters back to the Provinces. + +After rendering to the Advocate a detailed account of this remarkable +conversation, Aerssens concluded with an intimation that perhaps his own +opinion might be desired as to the meaning of all those movements +developing themselves so suddenly and on so many sides. + +"I will say," he observed, "exactly what the poet sings of the army of +ants-- + + 'Hi motus animorum atque haec certamina tanta + Pulveris exigui jactu contacts quiescunt.' + +If the Prince of Conde comes back, we shall be more plausible than ever. +If he does not come back, perhaps the consideration of the future will +sweep us onwards. All have their special views, and M. de Villeroy more +warmly than all the rest." + + + + +ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + +Abstinence from inquisition into consciences and private parlour +Allowed the demon of religious hatred to enter into its body +Behead, torture, burn alive, and bury alive all heretics +Christian sympathy and a small assistance not being sufficient +Contained within itself the germs of a larger liberty +Could not be both judge and party in the suit +Covered now with the satirical dust of centuries +Deadly hatred of Puritans in England and Holland +Doctrine of predestination in its sternest and strictest sense +Emperor of Japan addressed him as his brother monarch +Estimating his character and judging his judges +Everybody should mind his own business +He was a sincere bigot +Impatience is often on the part of the non-combatants +Intense bigotry of conviction +International friendship, the self-interest of each +It was the true religion, and there was none other +James of England, who admired, envied, and hated Henry +Jealousy, that potent principle +Language which is ever living because it is dead +More fiercely opposed to each other than to Papists +None but God to compel me to say more than I choose to say +Power the poison of which it is so difficult to resist +Presents of considerable sums of money to the negotiators made +Princes show what they have in them at twenty-five or never +Putting the cart before the oxen +Religious toleration, which is a phrase of insult +Secure the prizes of war without the troubles and dangers +Senectus edam maorbus est +So much in advance of his time as to favor religious equality +The Catholic League and the Protestant Union +The truth in shortest about matters of importance +The vehicle is often prized more than the freight +There was but one king in Europe, Henry the Bearnese +There was no use in holding language of authority to him +Thirty Years' War tread on the heels of the forty years +Unimaginable outrage as the most legitimate industry +Wish to appear learned in matters of which they are ignorant + + + + +End of this Project Gutenberg Etext Life of John Barneveld, v1, Motley #86 +by John Lothrop Motley + + + + + + +THE LIFE AND DEATH of JOHN OF BARNEVELD, ADVOCATE OF HOLLAND + +WITH A VIEW OF THE PRIMARY CAUSES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR + +By John Lothrop Motley, D.C.L., LL.D. + + + +The Life and Death of John of Barneveld, v2, 1609-10 + + +CHAPTER II. + + Passion of Henry IV. for Margaret de Montmorency--Her Marriage with + the Prince of Conde--Their Departure for the Country--Their Flight to + the Netherlands-Rage of the King--Intrigues of Spain--Reception of + the Prince and Princess of Conde by the Archdukes at Brussels-- + Splendid Entertainments by Spinola--Attempts of the King to bring + the Fugitives back--Mission of De Coeuvres to Brussels--Difficult + Position of the Republic--Vast but secret Preparations for War. + +"If the Prince of Conde comes back." What had the Prince of Conde, his +comings and his goings, to do with this vast enterprise? + +It is time to point to the golden thread of most fantastic passion which +runs throughout this dark and eventful history. + +One evening in the beginning of the year which had just come to its close +there was to be a splendid fancy ball at the Louvre in the course of +which several young ladies of highest rank were to perform a dance in +mythological costume. + +The King, on ill terms with the Queen, who harassed him with scenes of +affected jealousy, while engaged in permanent plots with her paramour and +master, the Italian Concini, against his policy and his life; on still +worse terms with his latest mistress in chief, the Marquise de Verneuil, +who hated him and revenged herself for enduring his caresses by making +him the butt of her venomous wit, had taken the festivities of a court in +dudgeon where he possessed hosts of enemies and flatterers but scarcely a +single friend. + +He refused to attend any of the rehearsals of the ballet, but one day a +group of Diana and her nymphs passed him in the great gallery of the +palace. One of the nymphs as she went by turned and aimed her gilded +javelin at his heart. Henry looked and saw the most beautiful young +creature, so he thought, that mortal eye had ever gazed upon, and +according to his wont fell instantly over head and ears in love. +He said afterwards that he felt himself pierced to the heart and +was ready to faint away. + +The lady was just fifteen years of age. The King was turned of fifty- +five. The disparity of age seemed to make the royal passion ridiculous. +To Henry the situation seemed poetical and pathetic. After this first +interview he never missed a single rehearsal. In the intervals he called +perpetually for the services of the court poet Malherbe, who certainly +contrived to perpetrate in his behalf some of the most detestable verses +that even he had ever composed. + +The nymph was Marguerite de Montmorency, daughter of the Constable of +France, and destined one day to become the mother of the great Conde, +hero of Rocroy. There can be no doubt that she was exquisitely +beautiful. Fair-haired, with a complexion of dazzling purity, large +expressive eyes, delicate but commanding features, she had a singular +fascination of look and gesture, and a winning, almost childlike, +simplicity of manner. Without feminine artifice or commonplace coquetry, +she seemed to bewitch and subdue at a glance men of all ranks, ages, and +pursuits; kings and cardinals, great generals, ambassadors and statesmen, +as well as humbler mortals whether Spanish, Italian, French, or Flemish. +The Constable, an ignorant man who, as the King averred, could neither +write nor read, understood as well as more learned sages the manners and +humours of the court. He had destined his daughter for the young and +brilliant Bassompierre, the most dazzling of all the cavaliers of the +day. The two were betrothed. + +But the love-stricken Henry, then confined to his bed with the gout, sent +for the chosen husband of the beautiful Margaret. + +"Bassompierre, my friend," said the aged king, as the youthful lover +knelt before him at the bedside, "I have become not in love, but mad, +out of my senses, furious for Mademoiselle de Montmorency. If she should +love you, I should hate you. If she should love me, you would hate me. +'Tis better that this should not be the cause of breaking up our good +intelligence, for I love you with affection and inclination. I am +resolved to marry her to my nephew the Prince of Conde, and to keep her +near my family. She will be the consolation and support of my old age +into which I am now about to enter. I shall give my nephew, who loves +the chase a thousand times better than he does ladies, 100,000 livres a +year, and I wish no other favour from her than her affection without +making further pretensions." + +It was eight o'clock of a black winter's morning, and the tears as he +spoke ran down the cheeks of the hero of Ivry and bedewed the face of the +kneeling Bassompierre. + +The courtly lover sighed and--obeyed. He renounced the hand of the +beautiful Margaret, and came daily to play at dice with the King at +his bedside with one or two other companions. + +And every day the Duchess of Angouleme, sister of the Constable, brought +her fair niece to visit and converse with the royal invalid. But for the +dark and tragic clouds which were gradually closing around that eventful +and heroic existence there would be something almost comic in the +spectacle of the sufferer making the palace and all France ring with the +howlings of his grotesque passion for a child of fifteen as he lay +helpless and crippled with the gout. + +One day as the Duchess of Angouleme led her niece away from their morning +visit to the King, Margaret as she passed by Bassompierre shrugged her +shoulders with a scornful glance. Stung by this expression of contempt, +the lover who had renounced her sprang from the dice table, buried his +face in his hat, pretending that his nose was bleeding, and rushed +frantically from the palace. + +Two days long he spent in solitude, unable to eat, drink, or sleep, +abandoned to despair and bewailing his wretched fate, and it was long +before he could recover sufficient equanimity to face his lost Margaret +and resume his place at the King's dicing table. When he made his +appearance, he was according to his own account so pale, changed, and +emaciated that his friends could not recognise him. + +The marriage with Conde, first prince of the blood, took place early in +the spring. The bride received magnificent presents, and the husband a, +pension of 100,000 livres a year. The attentions of the King became soon +outrageous and the reigning scandal of the hour. Henry, discarding the +grey jacket and simple costume on which he was wont to pride himself, +paraded himself about in perfumed ruffs and glittering doublet, an +ancient fop, very little heroic, and much ridiculed. The Princess made +merry with the antics of her royal adorer, while her vanity at least, if +not her affection, was really touched, and there was one great round of +court festivities in her honour, at which the King and herself were ever +the central figures. But Conde was not at all amused. Not liking the +part assigned to him in the comedy thus skilfully arranged by his cousin +king, never much enamoured of his bride, while highly appreciating the +100,000 livres of pension, he remonstrated violently with his wife, +bitterly reproached the King, and made himself generally offensive. +"The Prince is here," wrote Henry to Sully, "and is playing the very +devil. You would be in a rage and be ashamed of the things he says of +me. But at last I am losing patience, and am resolved to give him a bit +of my mind." He wrote in the same terms to Montmorency. The Constable, +whose conduct throughout the affair was odious and pitiable, promised to +do his best to induce the Prince, instead of playing the devil, to listen +to reason, as he and the Duchess of Angouleme understood reason. + +Henry had even the ineffable folly to appeal to the Queen to use her +influence with the refractory Conde. Mary de' Medici replied that there +were already thirty go-betweens at work, and she had no idea of being the +thirty-first--[Henrard, 30]. + +Conde, surrounded by a conspiracy against his honour and happiness, +suddenly carried off his wife to the country, much to the amazement and +rage of Henry. + +In the autumn he entertained a hunting party at a seat of his, the Abbey +of Verneuille, on the borders of Picardy. De Traigny, governor of +Amiens, invited the Prince, Princess, and the Dowager-Princess to a +banquet at his chateau not far from the Abbey. On their road thither +they passed a group of huntsmen and grooms in the royal livery. Among +them was an aged lackey with a plaister over one eye, holding a couple of +hounds in leash. The Princess recognized at a glance under that +ridiculous disguise the King. + +"What a madman!" she murmured as she passed him, "I will never forgive +you;" but as she confessed many years afterwards, this act of gallantly +did not displease her.' + +In truth, even in mythological fable, Trove has scarcely ever reduced +demi-god or hero to more fantastic plight than was this travesty of the +great Henry. After dinner Madame de Traigny led her fair guest about the +castle to show her the various points of view. At one window she paused, +saying that it commanded a particularly fine prospect. + +The Princess looked from it across a courtyard, and saw at an opposite +window an old gentleman holding his left hand tightly upon his heart to +show that it was wounded, and blowing kisses to her with the other: "My +God! it is the King himself," she cried to her hostess. The princess +with this exclamation rushed from the window, feeling or affecting much +indignation, ordered horses to her carriage instantly, and overwhelmed +Madame de Traigny with reproaches. The King himself, hastening to the +scene, was received with passionate invectives, and in vain attempted to +assuage the Princess's wrath and induce her to remain. + +They left the chateau at once, both Prince and Princess. + +One night, not many weeks afterwards, the Due de Sully, in the Arsenal at +Paris, had just got into bed at past eleven o'clock when he received a +visit from Captain de Praslin, who walked straight into his bed-chamber, +informing him that the King instantly required his presence. + +Sully remonstrated. He was obliged to rise at three the next morning, +he said, enumerating pressing and most important work which Henry +required to be completed with all possible haste. "The King said you +would be very angry," replied Praslin; "but there is no help for it. +Come you must, for the man you know of has gone out of the country, as +you said he would, and has carried away the lady on the crupper behind +him." + +"Ho, ho," said the Duke, "I am wanted for that affair, am I?" And the +two proceeded straightway to the Louvre, and were ushered, of all +apartments in the world, into the Queen's bedchamber. Mary de' Medici +had given birth only four days before to an infant, Henrietta Maria, +future queen of Charles I. of England. The room was crowded with +ministers and courtiers; Villeroy, the Chancellor, Bassompierre, and +others, being stuck against the wall at small intervals like statues, +dumb, motionless, scarcely daring to breathe. The King, with his hands +behind him and his grey beard sunk on his breast, was pacing up and down +the room in a paroxysm of rage and despair. + +"Well," said he, turning to Sully as he entered, "our man has gone off +and carried everything with him. What do you say to that?" + +The Duke beyond the boding "I told you so" phrase of consolation which +he was entitled to use, having repeatedly warned his sovereign that +precisely this catastrophe was impending, declined that night to offer +advice. He insisted on sleeping on it. The manner in which the +proceedings of the King at this juncture would be regarded by the +Archdukes Albert and Isabella--for there could be no doubt that Conde had +escaped to their territory--and by the King of Spain, in complicity with +whom the step had unquestionably been taken--was of gravest political +importance. + +Henry had heard the intelligence but an hour before. He was at cards in +his cabinet with Bassompierre and others when d'Elbene entered and made a +private communication to him. "Bassompierre, my friend," whispered the +King immediately in that courtier's ear, "I am lost. This man has +carried his wife off into a wood. I don't know if it is to kill her or +to take her out of France. Take care of my money and keep up the game." + +Bassompierre followed the king shortly afterwards and brought him his +money. He said that he had never seen a man so desperate, so +transported. + +The matter was indeed one of deepest and universal import. The reader +has seen by the preceding narrative how absurd is the legend often +believed in even to our own days that war was made by France upon the +Archdukes and upon Spain to recover the Princess of Conde from captivity +in Brussels. + +From contemporary sources both printed and unpublished; from most +confidential conversations and revelations, we have seen how broad, +deliberate, and deeply considered were the warlike and political +combinations in the King's ever restless brain. But although the +abduction of the new Helen by her own Menelaus was not the cause of the +impending, Iliad, there is no doubt whatever that the incident had much +to do with the crisis, was the turning point in a great tragedy, and that +but for the vehement passion of the King for this youthful princess +events might have developed themselves on a far different scale from that +which they were destined to assume. For this reason a court intrigue, +which history under other conditions might justly disdain, assumes vast +proportions and is taken quite away from the scandalous chronicle which +rarely busies itself with grave affairs of state. + +"The flight of Conde," wrote Aerssens, "is the catastrophe to the comedy +which has been long enacting. 'Tis to be hoped that the sequel may not +prove tragical." + +"The Prince," for simply by that title he was usually called to +distinguish him from all other princes in France, was next of blood. +Had Henry no sons, he would have succeeded him on the throne. It was a +favourite scheme of the Spanish party to invalidate Henry's divorce from +Margaret of Valois, and thus to cast doubts on the legitimacy of the +Dauphin and the other children of Mary de' Medici. + +The Prince in the hands of the Spanish government might prove a docile +and most dangerous instrument to the internal repose of France not only +after Henry's death but in his life-time. Conde's character was +frivolous, unstable, excitable, weak, easy to be played upon by designing +politicians, and he had now the deepest cause for anger and for indulging +in ambitious dreams. + +He had been wont during this unhappy first year of his marriage to loudly +accuse Henry of tyranny, and was now likely by public declaration to +assign that as the motive of his flight. Henry had protested in reply +that he had never been guilty of tyranny but once in his life, and that +was when he allowed this youth to take the name and title of Conde? + +For the Princess-Dowager his mother had lain for years in prison, under +the terrible accusation of having murdered her husband, in complicity +with her paramour, a Gascon page, named Belcastel. The present prince +had been born several months after his reputed father's death. Henry, +out of good nature, or perhaps for less creditable reasons, had come to +the rescue of the accused princess, and had caused the process to be +stopped, further enquiry to be quashed, and the son to be recognized as +legitimate Prince of Conde. The Dowager had subsequently done her best +to further the King's suit to her son's wife, for which the Prince +bitterly reproached her to her face, heaping on her epithets which she +well deserved. + +Henry at once began to threaten a revival of the criminal suit, with a +view of bastardizing him again, although the Dowager had acted on all +occasions with great docility in Henry's interests. + +The flight of the Prince and Princess was thus not only an incident of +great importance to the internal politics of trance, but had a direct and +important bearing on the impending hostilities. Its intimate connection +with the affairs of the Netherland commonwealth was obvious. It was +probable that the fugitives would make their way towards the Archdukes' +territory, and that afterwards their first point of destination would be +Breda, of which Philip William of Orange, eldest brother of Prince +Maurice, was the titular proprietor. Since the truce recently concluded +the brothers, divided so entirely by politics and religion, could meet +on fraternal and friendly terms, and Breda, although a city of the +Commonwealth, received its feudal lord. The Princess of Orange was the +sister of Conde. The morning after the flight the King, before daybreak, +sent for the Dutch ambassador. He directed him to despatch a courier +forthwith to Barneveld, notifying him that the Prince had left the +kingdom without the permission or knowledge of his sovereign, and stating +the King's belief that he had fled to the territory of the Archdukes. If +he should come to Breda or to any other place within the jurisdiction of +the States, they were requested to make sure of his person at once, and +not to permit him to retire until further instructions should be received +from the King. De Praslin, captain of the body-guards and lieutenant of +Champagne, it was further mentioned, was to be sent immediately on secret +mission concerning this affair to the States and to the Archdukes. + +The King suspected Conde of crime, so the Advocate was to be informed. +He believed him to be implicated in the conspiracy of Poitou; the six who +had been taken prisoners having confessed that they had thrice conferred +with a prince at Paris, and that the motive of the plot was to free +themselves and France from the tyranny of Henry IV. The King insisted +peremptorily, despite of any objections from Aerssens, that the thing +must be done and his instructions carried out to the letter. So much he +expected of the States, and they should care no more for ulterior +consequences, he said, than he had done for the wrath of Spain when he +frankly undertook their cause. Conde was important only because his +relative, and he declared that if the Prince should escape, having once +entered the territory of the Republic, he should lay the blame on its +government. + +"If you proceed languidly in the affair," wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, +"our affairs will suffer for ever." + +Nobody at court believed in the Poitou conspiracy, or that Conde had any +knowledge of it. The reason of his flight was a mystery to none, but as +it was immediately followed by an intrigue with Spain, it seemed +ingenious to Henry to make, use of a transparent pretext to conceal the +ugliness of the whole affair. + +He hoped that the Prince would be arrested at Breda and sent back by the +States. Villeroy said that if it was not done, they would be guilty of +black ingratitude. It would be an awkward undertaking, however, and the +States devoutly prayed that they might not be put to the test. The +crafty Aerssens suggested to Barneveld that if Conde was not within their +territory it would be well to assure the King that, had he been there, he +would have been delivered up at once. "By this means," said the +Ambassador, "you will give no cause of offence to the Prince, and will at +the same time satisfy the King. It is important that he should think +that you depend immediately upon him. If you see that after his arrest +they take severe measures against him, you will have a thousand ways of +parrying the blame which posterity might throw upon you. History teaches +you plenty of them." + +He added that neither Sully nor anyone else thought much of the Poitou +conspiracy. Those implicated asserted that they had intended to raise +troops there to assist the King in the Cleve expedition. Some people +said that Henry had invented this plot against his throne and life. The +Ambassador, in a spirit of prophecy, quoted the saying of Domitian: +"Misera conditio imperantium quibus de conspiratione non creditor nisi +occisis." + +Meantime the fugitives continued their journey. The Prince was +accompanied by one of his dependants, a rude officer, de Rochefort, who +carried the Princess on a pillion behind him. She had with her a lady- +in-waiting named du Certeau and a lady's maid named Philippote. She had +no clothes but those on her back, not even a change of linen. Thus the +young and delicate lady made the wintry journey through the forests. +They crossed the frontier at Landrecies, then in the Spanish Netherlands, +intending to traverse the Archduke's territory in order to reach Breda, +where Conde meant to leave his wife in charge of his sister, the Princess +of Orange, and then to proceed to Brussels. + +He wrote from the little inn at Landrecies to notify the Archduke of his +project. He was subsequently informed that Albert would not prevent his +passing through his territories, but should object to his making a fixed +residence within them. The Prince also wrote subsequently to the King of +Spain and to the King of France. + +To Henry he expressed his great regret at being obliged to leave the +kingdom in order to save his honour and his life, but that he had no +intention of being anything else than his very humble and faithful +cousin, subject, and servant. He would do nothing against his service, +he said, unless forced thereto, and he begged the King not to take it +amiss if he refused to receive letters from any one whomsoever at court, +saving only such letters as his Majesty himself might honour him by +writing. + +The result of this communication to the King was of course to enrage that +monarch to the utmost, and his first impulse on finding that the Prince +was out of his reach was to march to Brussels at once and take possession +of him and the Princess by main force. More moderate counsels prevailed +for the moment however, and negotiations were attempted. + +Praslin did not contrive to intercept the fugitives, but the States- +General, under the advice of Barneveld, absolutely forbade their coming +to Breda or entering any part of their jurisdiction. The result of +Conde's application to the King of Spain was an ultimate offer of +assistance and asylum, through a special emissary, one Anover; for the +politicians of Madrid were astute enough to see what a card the Prince +might prove in their hands. + +Henry instructed his ambassador in Spain to use strong and threatening +language in regard to the harbouring a rebel and a conspirator against +the throne of France; while on the other hand he expressed his +satisfaction with the States for having prohibited the Prince from +entering their territory. He would have preferred, he said, if they had +allowed him entrance and forbidden his departure, but on the whole he was +content. It was thought in Paris that the Netherland government had +acted with much adroitness in thus abstaining both from a violation of +the law of nations and from giving offence to the King. + +A valet of Conde was taken with some papers of the Prince about him, +which proved a determination on his part never to return to France during +the lifetime of Henry. They made no statement of the cause of his +flight, except to intimate that it might be left to the judgment of +every one, as it was unfortunately but too well known to all. + +Refused entrance into the Dutch territory, the Prince was obliged to +renounce his project in regard to Breda, and brought his wife to +Brussels. He gave Bentivoglio, the Papal nuncio, two letters to forward +to Italy, one to the Pope, the other to his nephew, Cardinal Borghese. +Encouraged by the advices which he had received from Spain, he justified +his flight from France both by the danger to his honour and to his life, +recommending both to the protection of his Holiness and his Eminence. +Bentivoglio sent the letters, but while admitting the invincible reasons +for his departure growing out of the King's pursuit of the Princess, he +refused all credence to the pretended violence against Conde himself. +Conde informed de Praslin that he would not consent to return to France. +Subsequently he imposed as conditions of return that the King should +assign to him certain cities and strongholds in Guienne, of which +province he was governor, far from Paris and very near the Spanish +frontier; a measure dictated by Spain and which inflamed Henry's wrath +almost to madness. The King insisted on his instant return, placing +himself and of course the Princess entirely in his hands and receiving a +full pardon for this effort to save his honour. The Prince and Princess +of Orange came from Breda to Brussels to visit their brother and his +wife. Here they established them in the Palace of Nassau, once the +residence in his brilliant youth of William the Silent; a magnificent +mansion, surrounded by park and garden, built on the brow of the almost +precipitous hill, beneath which is spread out so picturesquely the +antique and beautiful capital of Brabant. + +The Archdukes received them with stately courtesy at their own palace. +On their first ceremonious visit to the sovereigns of the land, the +formal Archduke, coldest and chastest of mankind, scarcely lifted his +eyes to gaze on the wondrous beauty of the Princess, yet assured her +after he had led her through a portrait gallery of fair women that +formerly these had been accounted beauties, but that henceforth it was +impossible to speak of any beauty but her own. + +The great Spinola fell in love with her at once, sent for the illustrious +Rubens from Antwerp to paint her portrait, and offered Mademoiselle de +Chateau Vert 10,000 crowns in gold if she would do her best to further +his suit with her mistress. The Genoese banker-soldier made love, war, +and finance on a grand scale. He gave a magnificent banquet and ball in +her honour on Twelfth Night, and the festival was the wonder of the town. +Nothing like it had been seen in Brussels for years. At six in the +evening Spinola in splendid costume, accompanied by Don Luis Velasco, +Count Ottavio Visconti, Count Bucquoy, with other nobles of lesser note, +drove to the Nassau Palace to bring the Prince and Princess and their +suite to the Marquis's mansion. Here a guard of honour of thirty +musketeers was standing before the door, and they were conducted from +their coaches by Spinola preceded by twenty-four torch-bearers up the +grand staircase to a hall, where they were received by the Princesses of +Mansfeld, Velasco, and other distinguished dames. Thence they were led +through several apartments rich with tapestry and blazing with crystal +and silver plate to a splendid saloon where was a silken canopy, under +which the Princess of Conde and the Princess of Orange seated themselves, +the Nuncius Bentivoglio to his delight being placed next the beautiful +Margaret. After reposing for a little while they were led to the ball- +room, brilliantly lighted with innumerable torches of perfumed wax and +hung with tapestry of gold and silk, representing in fourteen embroidered +designs the chief military exploits of Spinola. Here the banquet, a cold +collation, was already spread on a table decked and lighted with regal +splendour. As soon as the guests were seated, an admirable concert of +instrumental music began. Spinola walked up and down providing for the +comforts of his company, the Duke of Aumale stood behind the two +princesses to entertain them with conversation, Don Luis Velasco served +the Princess of Conde with plates, handed her the dishes, the wine, the +napkins, while Bucquoy and Visconti in like manner waited upon the +Princess of Orange; other nobles attending to the other ladies. Forty- +eight pages in white, yellow, and red scarves brought and removed the +dishes. The dinner, of courses innumerable, lasted two hours and a half, +and the ladies, being thus fortified for the more serious business of the +evening, were led to the tiring-rooms while the hall was made ready for +dancing. The ball was opened by the Princess of Conde and Spinola, and +lasted until two in the morning. As the apartment grew warm, two of the +pages went about with long staves and broke all the windows until not a +single pane of glass remained. The festival was estimated by the thrifty +chronicler of Antwerp to have cost from 3000 to 4000 crowns. It was, he +says, "an earthly paradise of which soon not a vapour remained." He +added that he gave a detailed account of it "not because he took pleasure +in such voluptuous pomp and extravagance, but that one might thus learn +the vanity of the world." These courtesies and assiduities on the part +of the great "shopkeeper," as the Constable called him, had so much +effect, if not on the Princess, at least on Conde himself, that he +threatened to throw his wife out of window if she refused to caress +Spinola. These and similar accusations were made by the father and aunt +when attempting to bring about a divorce of the Princess from her +husband. The Nuncius Bentivoglio, too, fell in love with her, devoting +himself to her service, and his facile and eloquent pen to chronicling +her story. Even poor little Philip of Spain in the depths of the +Escurial heard of her charms, and tried to imagine himself in love with +her by proxy. + +Thenceforth there was a succession of brilliant festivals in honour of +the Princess. The Spanish party was radiant with triumph, the French +maddened with rage. Henry in Paris was chafing like a lion at bay. A +petty sovereign whom he could crush at one vigorous bound was protecting +the lady for whose love he was dying. He had secured Conde's exclusion +from Holland, but here were the fugitives splendidly established in +Brussels; the Princess surrounded by most formidable suitors, the Prince +encouraged in his rebellious and dangerous schemes by the power which the +King most hated on earth, and whose eternal downfall he had long since +sworn to accomplish. + +For the weak and frivolous Conde began to prattle publicly of his deep +projects of revenge. Aided by Spanish money and Spanish troops he would +show one day who was the real heir to the throne of France--the +illegitimately born Dauphin or himself. + +The King sent for the first president of Parliament, Harlay, and +consulted with him as to the proper means of reviving the suppressed +process against the Dowager and of publicly degrading Conde from his +position of first prince of the blood which he had been permitted to +usurp. He likewise procured a decree accusing him of high-treason and +ordering him to be punished at his Majesty's pleasure, to be prepared +by the Parliament of Paris; going down to the court himself in his +impatience and seating himself in everyday costume on the bench of +judges to see that it was immediately proclaimed. + +Instead of at once attacking the Archdukes in force as he intended in +the first ebullition of his wrath, he resolved to send de Boutteville- +Montmorency, a relative of the Constable, on special and urgent mission +to Brussels. He was to propose that Conde and his wife should return +with the Prince and Princess of Orange to Breda, the King pledging +himself that for three or four months nothing should be undertaken +against him. Here was a sudden change of determination fit to surprise +the States-General, but the King's resolution veered and whirled about +hourly in the tempests of his wrath and love. + +That excellent old couple, the Constable and the Duchess of Angouleme, +did their best to assist their sovereign in his fierce attempts to get +their daughter and niece into his power. + +The Constable procured a piteous letter to be written to Archduke Albert, +signed "Montmorency his mark," imploring him not to "suffer that his +daughter, since the Prince refused to return to France, should leave +Brussels to be a wanderer about the world following a young prince who +had no fixed purpose in his mind." + +Archduke Albert, through his ambassador in Paris, Peter Pecquius, +suggested the possibility of a reconciliation between Henry and his +kinsman, and offered himself as intermediary. He enquired whether the +King would find it agreeable that he should ask for pardon in name of the +Prince. Henry replied that he was willing that the Archduke should +accord to Conde secure residence for the time within his dominions on +three inexorable conditions:--firstly, that the Prince should ask for +pardon without any stipulations, the King refusing to listen to any +treaty or to assign him towns or places of security as had been vaguely +suggested, and holding it utterly unreasonable that a man sueing for +pardon should, instead of deserved punishment, talk of terms and +acquisitions; secondly, that, if Conde should reject the proposition, +Albert should immediately turn him out of his country, showing himself +justly irritated at finding his advice disregarded; thirdly, that, +sending away the Prince, the Archduke should forthwith restore the +Princess to her father the Constable and her aunt Angouleme, who had +already made their petitions to Albert and Isabella for that end, to +which the King now added his own most particular prayers. + +If the Archduke should refuse consent to these three conditions, Henry +begged that he would abstain from any farther attempt to effect a +reconciliation and not suffer Conde to remain any longer within his +territories. + +Pecquius replied that he thought his master might agree to the two first +propositions while demurring to the third, as it would probably not seem +honourable to him to separate man and wife, and as it was doubtful +whether the Princess would return of her own accord. + +The King, in reporting the substance of this conversation to Aerssens, +intimated his conviction that they were only wishing in Brussels to gain +time; that they were waiting for letters from Spain, which they were +expecting ever since the return of Conde's secretary from Milan, whither +he had been sent to confer with the Governor, Count Fuentes. He said +farther that he doubted whether the Princess would go to Breda, which he +should now like, but which Conde would not now permit. This he imputed +in part to the Princess of Orange, who had written a letter full of +invectives against himself to the Dowager--Princess of Conde which she +had at once sent to him. Henry expressed at the same time his great +satisfaction with the States-General and with Barneveld in this affair, +repeating his assurances that they were the truest and best friends he +had. + +The news of Conde's ceremonious visit to Leopold in Julich could not fail +to exasperate the King almost as much as the pompous manner in which he +was subsequently received at Brussels; Spinola and the Spanish Ambassador +going forth to meet him. At the same moment the secretary of Vaucelles, +Henry's ambassador in Madrid, arrived in Paris, confirming the King's +suspicions that Conde's flight had been concerted with Don Inigo de +Cardenas, and was part of a general plot of Spain against the peace of +the kingdom. The Duc d'Epernon, one of the most dangerous plotters at +the court, and deep in the intimacy of the Queen and of all the secret +adherents of the Spanish policy, had been sojourning a long time at Metz, +under pretence of attending to his health, had sent his children to +Spain, as hostages according to Henry's belief, had made himself master +of the citadel, and was turning a deaf ear to all the commands of the +King. + +The supporters of Conde in France were openly changing their note and +proclaiming by the Prince's command that he had left the kingdom in order +to preserve his quality of first prince of the blood, and that he meant +to make good his right of primogeniture against the Dauphin and all +competitors. + +Such bold language and such open reliance on the support of Spain in +disputing the primogeniture of the Dauphin were fast driving the most +pacifically inclined in France into enthusiasm for the war. + +The States, too, saw their opportunity more vividly every day. "What +could we desire more," wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, "than open war +between France and Spain? Posterity will for ever blame us if we reject +this great occasion." + +Peter Pecquius, smoothest and sliest of diplomatists, did his best to +make things comfortable, for there could be little doubt that his masters +most sincerely deprecated war. On their heads would come the first +blows, to their provinces would return the great desolation out of which +they had hardly emerged. Still the Archduke, while racking his brains +for the means of accommodation, refused, to his honour, to wink at any +violation of the law of nations, gave a secret promise, in which the +Infanta joined, that the Princess should not be allowed to leave Brussels +without her husband's permission, and resolutely declined separating the +pair except with the full consent of both. In order to protect himself +from the King's threats, he suggested sending Conde to some neutral place +for six or eight months, to Prague, to Breda, or anywhere else; but Henry +knew that Conde would never allow this unless he had the means by Spanish +gold of bribing the garrison there, and so of holding the place in +pretended neutrality, but in reality at the devotion of the King of +Spain. + +Meantime Henry had despatched the Marquis de Coeuvres, brother of the +beautiful Gabrielle, Duchess de Beaufort, and one of the most audacious +and unscrupulous of courtiers, on a special mission to Brussels. De +Coeuvres saw Conde before presenting his credentials to the Archduke, and +found him quite impracticable. Acting under the advice of the Prince of +Orange, he expressed his willingness to retire to some neutral city of +Germany or Italy, drawing meanwhile from Henry a pension of 40,000 crowns +a year. But de Coeuvres firmly replied that the King would make no terms +with his vassal nor allow Conde to prescribe conditions to him. To leave +him in Germany or Italy, he said, was to leave him in the dependence of +Spain. The King would not have this constant apprehension of her +intrigues while, living, nor leave such matter in dying for turbulence in +his kingdom. If it appeared that the Spaniards wished to make use of the +Prince for such purposes, he would be beforehand with them, and show them +how much more injury he could inflict on Spain than they on France. +Obviously committed to Spain, Conde replied to the entreaties of the +emissary that if the King would give him half his kingdom he would not +accept the offer nor return to France; at least before the 8th of +February, by which date he expected advices from Spain. He had given his +word, he said, to lend his ear to no overtures before that time. He made +use of many threats, and swore that he would throw himself entirely into +the arms of the Spanish king if Henry would not accord him the terms +which he had proposed. + +To do this was an impossibility. To grant him places of security would, +as the King said, be to plant a standard for all the malcontents of +France to rally around. Conde had evidently renounced all hopes of a +reconciliation, however painfully his host the Archduke might intercede +for it. He meant to go to Spain. Spinola was urging this daily and +hourly, said Henry, for he had fallen in love with the Princess, who +complained of all these persecutions in her letters to her father, and +said that she would rather die than go to Spain. + +The King's advices from de Coeuvres were however to the effect that the +step would probably be taken, that the arrangements were making, and that +Spinola had been shut up with Conde six hours long with nobody present +but Rochefort and a certain counsellor of the Prince of Orange named +Keeremans. + +Henry was taking measures to intercept them on their flight by land, but +there was some thought of their proceeding to Spain by sea. He therefore +requested the States to send two ships of war, swift sailors, well +equipped, one to watch in the roads of St. Jean and the other on the +English coast. These ships were to receive their instructions from +Admiral de Vicq, who would be well informed of all the movements of +the Prince and give warning to the captains of the Dutch vessels by a +preconcerted signal. The King begged that Barneveld would do him this +favour, if he loved him, and that none might have knowledge of it but +the Advocate and Prince Maurice. The ships would be required for two +or three months only, but should be equipped and sent forth as soon +as possible. + +The States had no objection to performing this service, although it +subsequently proved to be unnecessary, and they were quite ready at that +moment to go openly into the war to settle the affairs of Clove, and once +for all to drive the Spaniards out of the Netherlands and beyond seas and +mountains. Yet strange to say, those most conversant with the state of +affairs could not yet quite persuade themselves that matters were +serious, and that the King's mind was fixed. Should Conde return, +renounce his Spanish stratagems, and bring back the Princess to court, it +was felt by the King's best and most confidential friends that all might +grow languid again, the Spanish faction get the upper hand in the King's +councils, and the States find themselves in a terrible embarrassment. + +On the other hand, the most prying and adroit of politicians were puzzled +to read the signs of the times. Despite Henry's garrulity, or perhaps in +consequence of it, the envoys of Spain, the Empire, and of Archduke +Albert were ignorant whether peace were likely to be broken or not, in +spite of rumours which filled the air. So well had the secrets been kept +which the reader has seen discussed in confidential conversations--the +record of which has always remained unpublished--between the King and +those admitted to his intimacy that very late in the winter Pecquius, +while sadly admitting to his masters that the King was likely to take +part against the Emperor in the affair of the duchies, expressed the +decided opinion that it would be limited to the secret sending of succour +to Brandenburg and Neuburg as formerly to the United Provinces, but that +he would never send troops into Cleve, or march thither himself. + +It is important, therefore, to follow closely the development of these +political and amorous intrigues, for they furnish one of the most curious +and instructive lessons of history; there being not the slightest doubt +that upon their issue chiefly depended the question of a great and +general war. + +Pecquius, not yet despairing that his master would effect a +reconciliation between the King and Conde, proposed again that the Prince +should be permitted to reside for a time in some place not within the +jurisdiction of Spain or of the Archdukes, being allowed meantime to draw +his annual pension of 100,000 livres. Henry ridiculed the idea of +Conde's drawing money from him while occupying his time abroad with +intrigues against his throne and his children's succession. He scoffed +at the Envoy's pretences that Conde was not in receipt of money from +Spain, as if a man so needy and in so embarrassing a position could live +without money from some source; and as if he were not aware, from his +correspondents in Spain, that funds were both promised and furnished to +the Prince. + +He repeated his determination not to accord him pardon unless he returned +to France, which he had no cause to leave, and, turning suddenly on +Pecquius, demanded why, the subject of reconciliation having failed, the +Archduke did not immediately fulfil his promise of turning Conde out of +his dominions. + +Upon this Albert's minister drew back with the air of one amazed, asking +how and when the Archduke had ever made such a promise. + +"To the Marquis de Coeuvres," replied Henry. + +Pecquius asked if his ears had not deceived him, and if the King had +really said that de Coeuvres had made such a statement. + +Henry repeated and confirmed the story. + +Upon the Minister's reply that he had himself received no such +intelligence from the Archduke, the King suddenly changed his tone, +and said, + +"No, I was mistaken--I was confused--the Marquis never wrote me this; but +did you not say yourself that I might be assured that there would be no +difficulty about it if the Prince remained obstinate." + +Pecquius replied that he had made such a proposition to his masters by +his Majesty's request; but there had been no answer received, nor time +for one, as the hope of reconciliation had not yet been renounced. He +begged Henry to consider whether, without instructions from his master, +he could have thus engaged his word. + +"Well," said the King, "since you disavow it, I see very well that the +Archduke has no wish to give me pleasure, and that these are nothing but +tricks that you have been amusing me with all this time. Very good; each +of us will know what we have to do." + +Pecquius considered that the King had tried to get him into a net, and to +entrap him into the avowal of a promise which he had never made. Henry +remained obstinate in his assertions, notwithstanding all the envoy's +protestations. + +"A fine trick, indeed, and unworthy of a king, 'Si dicere fas est,'" he +wrote to Secretary of State Praets. "But the force of truth is such that +he who spreads the snare always tumbles into the ditch himself." + +Henry concluded the subject of Conde at this interview by saying that he +could have his pardon on the conditions already named, and not otherwise. + +He also made some complaints about Archduke Leopold, who, he said, +notwithstanding his demonstrations of wishing a treaty of compromise, +was taking towns by surprise which he could not hold, and was getting his +troops massacred on credit. + +Pecquius expressed the opinion that it would be better to leave the +Germans to make their own arrangements among themselves, adding that +neither his masters nor the King of Spain meant to mix themselves up in +the matter. + +"Let them mix themselves in it or keep out of it, as they like," said +Henry, "I shall not fail to mix myself up in it." + +The King was marvellously out of humour. + +Before finishing the interview, he asked Pecquius whether Marquis Spinola +was going to Spain very soon, as he had permission from his Majesty to do +so, and as he had information that he would be on the road early in Lent. +The Minister replied that this would depend on the will of the Archduke, +and upon various circumstances. The answer seemed to displease the King, +and Pecquius was puzzled to know why. He was not aware, of course, of +Henry's project to kidnap the Marquis on the road, and keep him as a +surety for Conde. + +The Envoy saw Villeroy after the audience, who told him not to mind the +King's ill-temper, but to bear it as patiently as he could. His Majesty +could not digest, he said, his infinite displeasure at the obstinacy of +the Prince; but they must nevertheless strive for a reconciliation. The +King was quick in words, but slow in deeds, as the Ambassador might have +observed before, and they must all try to maintain peace, to which he +would himself lend his best efforts. + +As the Secretary of State was thoroughly aware that the King was making +vast preparations for war, and had given in his own adhesion to the +project, it is refreshing to observe the candour with which he assured +the representative of the adverse party of his determination that +friendliest relations should be preserved. + +It is still more refreshing to find Villeroy, the same afternoon, warmly +uniting with Sully, Lesdiguieres, and the Chancellor, in the decision +that war should begin forthwith. + +For the King held a council at the Arsenal immediately after this +interview with Pecquius, in which he had become convinced that Conde +would never return. He took the Queen with him, and there was not a +dissentient voice as to the necessity of beginning hostilities at once. + +Sully, however, was alone in urging that the main force of the attack +should be in the north, upon the Rhine and Meuse. Villeroy and those who +were secretly in the Spanish interest were for beginning it with the +southern combination and against Milan. Sully believed the Duke of Savoy +to be variable and attached in his heart to Spain, and he thought it +contrary to the interests of France to permit an Italian prince to grow +so great on her frontier. He therefore thoroughly disapproved the plan, +and explained to the Dutch ambassador that all this urgency to carry on +the war in the south came from hatred to the United Provinces, jealousy +of their aggrandizement, detestation of the Reformed religion, and hope +to engage Henry in a campaign which he could not carry on successfully. +But he assured Aerssens that he had the means of counteracting these +designs and of bringing on an invasion for obtaining possession of the +Meuse. If the possessory princes found Henry making war in the Milanese +only, they would feel themselves ruined, and might throw up the game. +He begged that Barneveld would come on to Paris at once, as now or never +was the moment to assure the Republic for all time. + +The King had acted with malicious adroitness in turning the tables upon +the Prince and treating him as a rebel and a traitor because, to save his +own and his wife's honour, he had fled from a kingdom where he had but +too good reason to suppose that neither was safe. The Prince, with +infinite want of tact, had played into the King's hands. He had bragged +of his connection with Spain and of his deep designs, and had shown to +all the world that he was thenceforth but an instrument in the hands of +the Spanish cabinet, while all the world knew the single reason for which +he had fled. + +The King, hopeless now of compelling the return of Conde, had become most +anxious to separate him from his wife. Already the subject of divorce +between the two had been broached, and it being obvious that the Prince +would immediately betake himself into the Spanish dominions, the King was +determined that the Princess should not follow him thither. + +He had the incredible effrontery and folly to request the Queen to +address a letter to her at Brussels, urging her to return to France. +But Mary de' Medici assured her husband that she had no intention of +becoming his assistant, using, to express her thought, the plainest and +most vigorous word that the Italian language could supply. Henry had +then recourse once more to the father and aunt. + +That venerable couple being about to wait upon the Archduke's envoy, in +compliance with the royal request, Pecquius, out of respect to their +advanced age, went to the Constable's residence. Here both the Duchess +and Constable, with tears in their eyes, besought that diplomatist to do +his utmost to prevent the Princess from the sad fate of any longer +sharing her husband's fortunes. + +The father protested that he would never have consented to her marriage, +preferring infinitely that she should have espoused any honest gentleman +with 2000 crowns a year than this first prince of the blood, with a +character such as it had proved to be; but that he had not dared to +disobey the King. + +He spoke of the indignities and cruelties to which she was subjected, +said that Rochefort, whom Conde had employed to assist him in their +flight from France, and on the crupper of whose horse the Princess had +performed the journey, was constantly guilty of acts of rudeness and +incivility towards her; that but a few days past he had fired off pistols +in her apartment where she was sitting alone with the Princess of Orange, +exclaiming that this was the way he would treat anyone who interfered +with the commands of his master, Conde; that the Prince was incessantly +railing at her for refusing to caress the Marquis of Spinola; and that, +in short, he would rather she were safe in the palace of the Archduchess +Isabella, even in the humblest position among her gentlewomen, than to +know her vagabondizing miserably about the world with her husband. + +This, he said, was the greatest fear he had, and he would rather see her +dead than condemned to such a fate. + +He trusted that the Archdukes were incapable of believing the stories +that he and the Duchess of Angouleme were influenced in the appeals they +made for the separation of the Prince and Princess by a desire to serve +the purposes of the King. Those were fables put about by Conde. All +that the Constable and his sister desired was that the Archduchess would +receive the Princess kindly when she should throw herself at her feet, +and not allow her to be torn away against her will. The Constable spoke +with great gravity and simplicity, and with all the signs of genuine +emotion, and Peter Pecquius was much moved. He assured the aged pair +that he would do his best to comply with their wishes, and should +immediately apprise the Archdukes of the interview which had just taken +place. Most certainly they were entirely disposed to gratify the +Constable and the Duchess as well as the Princess herself, whose virtues, +qualities, and graces had inspired them with affection, but it must be +remembered that the law both human and divine required wives to submit +themselves to the commands of their husbands and to be the companions of +their good and evil fortunes. Nevertheless, he hoped that the Lord would +so conduct the affairs of the Prince of Conde that the Most Christian +King and the Archdukes would all be satisfied. + +These pious and consolatory commonplaces on the part of Peter Pecquius +deeply affected the Constable. He fell upon the Envoy's neck, embraced +him repeatedly, and again wept plentifully. + + + + +CHAPTER III. + + Strange Scene at the Archduke's Palace--Henry's Plot frustrated-- + His Triumph changed to Despair--Conversation of the Dutch Ambassador + with the King--The War determined upon. + +It was in the latter part of the Carnival, the Saturday night preceding +Shrove Tuesday, 1610. The winter had been a rigorous one in Brussels, +and the snow lay in drifts three feet deep in the streets. Within and +about the splendid palace of Nassau there was much commotion. Lights and +flambeaux were glancing, loud voices, martial music, discharge of pistols +and even of artillery were heard together with the trampling of many +feet, but there was nothing much resembling the wild revelry or cheerful +mummery of that holiday season. A throng of the great nobles of Belgium +with drawn swords and menacing aspect were assembled in the chief +apartments, a detachment of the Archduke's mounted body-guard was +stationed in the courtyard, and five hundred halberdiers of the burgher +guilds kept watch and ward about the palace. + +The Prince of Conde, a square-built, athletic young man of middle +stature, with regular features, but a sulky expression, deepened at +this moment into ferocity, was seen chasing the secretary of the French +resident minister out of the courtyard, thwacking him lustily about the +shoulders with his drawn sword, and threatening to kill him or any other +Frenchman on the spot, should he show himself in that palace. He was +heard shouting rather than speaking, in furious language against the +King, against Coeuvres, against Berny, and bitterly bewailing his +misfortunes, as if his wife were already in Paris instead of Brussels. + +Upstairs in her own apartment which she had kept for some days on pretext +of illness sat the Princess Margaret, in company' of Madame de Berny, +wife of the French minister, and of the Marquis de Coeuvres, Henry's +special envoy, and a few other Frenchmen. She was passionately fond of +dancing. The adoring cardinal described her as marvellously graceful and +perfect in that accomplishment. She had begged her other adorer, the +Marquis Spinola, "with sweetest words," that she might remain a few days +longer in the Nassau Palace before removing to the Archduke's residence, +and that the great general, according to the custom in France and +Flanders, would be the one to present her with the violins. But Spinola, +knowing the artifice concealed beneath these "sweetest words," had +summoned up valour enough to resist her blandishments, and had refused a +second entertainment. + +It was not, therefore, the disappointment at losing her ball that now +made the Princess sad. She and her companions saw that there had been +a catastrophe; a plot discovered. There was bitter disappointment and +deep dismay upon their faces. The plot had been an excellent one. De +Coeuvres had arranged it all, especially instigated thereto by the father +of the Princess acting in concurrence with the King. That night when all +was expected to be in accustomed quiet, the Princess, wrapped in her +mantilla, was to have stolen down into the garden, accompanied only by +her maid the adventurous and faithful Philipotte, to have gone through a +breach which led through a garden wall to the city ramparts, thence +across the foss to the counterscarp, where a number of horsemen under +trustworthy commanders were waiting. Mounting on the crupper behind one +of the officers of the escort, she was then to fly to the frontier, +relays of horses having been provided at every stage until she should +reach Rocroy, the first pausing place within French territory; a perilous +adventure for the young and delicate Princess in a winter of almost +unexampled severity. + +On the very morning of the day assigned for the adventure, despatches +brought by special couriers from the Nuncius and the Spanish ambassador +at Paris gave notice of the plot to the Archdukes and to Conde, although +up to that moment none knew of it in Brussels. Albert, having been +apprised that many Frenchmen had been arriving during the past few days, +and swarming about the hostelries of the city and suburbs, was at once +disposed to believe in the story. When Conde came to him, therefore, +with confirmation from his own letters, and demanding a detachment of the +body-guard in addition to the burgher militiamen already granted by the +magistrates, he made no difficulty granting the request. It was as if +there had been a threatened assault of the city, rather than the +attempted elopement of a young lady escorted by a handful of cavaliers. + +The courtyard of the Nassau Palace was filled with cavalry sent by the +Archduke, while five hundred burgher guards sent by the magistrates were +drawn up around the gate. The noise and uproar, gaining at every moment +more mysterious meaning by the darkness of night, soon spread through the +city. The whole population was awake, and swarming through the streets. +Such a tumult had not for years been witnessed in Brussels, and the +rumour flew about and was generally believed that the King of France at +the head of an army was at the gates of the city determined to carry off +the Princess by force. But although the superfluous and very scandalous +explosion might have been prevented, there could be no doubt that the +stratagem had been defeated. + +Nevertheless, the effrontery and ingenuity of de Coeuvres became now +sublime. Accompanied by his colleague, the resident minister, de Berny, +who was sure not to betray the secret because he had never known it--his +wife alone having been in the confidence of the Princess--he proceeded +straightway to the Archduke's palace, and, late in the night as it was, +insisted on an audience. + +Here putting on his boldest face when admitted to the presence, he +complained loudly of the plot, of which he had just become aware, +contrived by the Prince of Conde to carry off his wife to Spain against +her will, by main force, and by assistance of Flemish nobles, archiducal +body-guard, and burgher militia. + +It was all a plot of Conde, he said, to palliate still more his flight +from France. Every one knew that the Princess could not fly back to +Paris through the air. To take her out of a house filled with people, +to pierce or scale the walls of the city, to arrange her journey by +ordinary means, and to protect the whole route by stations of cavalry, +reaching from Brussels to the frontier, and to do all this in profound +secrecy, was equally impossible. Such a scheme had never been arranged +nor even imagined, he said. The true plotter was Conde, aided by +ministers in Flanders hostile to France, and as the honour of the King +and the reputation of the Princess had been injured by this scandal, the +Ambassador loudly demanded a thorough investigation of the affair in +order that vengeance might fall where it was due. + +The prudent Albert was equal to the occasion. Not wishing to state the +full knowledge which he possessed of de Coeuvres' agency and the King's +complicity in the scheme of abduction to France, he reasoned calmly with +the excited marquis, while his colleague looked and listened in dumb +amazement, having previously been more vociferous and infinitely more +sincere than his colleague in expressions of indignation. + +The Archduke said that he had not thought the plot imputed to the King +and his ambassador very probable. Nevertheless, the assertions of the +Prince had been so positive as to make it impossible to refuse the guards +requested by him. He trusted, however, that the truth would soon be +known, and that it would leave no stain on the Princess, nor give any +offence to the King. + +Surprised and indignant at the turn given to the adventure by the French +envoys, he nevertheless took care to conceal these sentiments, to abstain +from accusation, and calmly to inform them that the Princess next morning +would be established under his own roof; and enjoy the protection of the +Archduchess. + +For it had been arranged several days before that Margaret should leave +the palace of Nassau for that of Albert and Isabella on the 14th, and the +abduction had been fixed for the night of the 13th precisely because the +conspirators wished to profit by the confusion incident on a change of +domicile. + +The irrepressible de Coeuvres, even then hardly willing to give up the +whole stratagem as lost, was at least determined to discover how and by +whom the plot had been revealed. In a cemetery piled three feet deep +with snow on the evening following that mid-winter's night which had been +fixed for the Princess's flight, the unfortunate ambassador waited until +a certain Vallobre, a gentleman of Spinola's, who was the go-between of +the enamoured Genoese and the Princess, but whom de Coeuvres had gained +over, came at last to meet him by appointment. When he arrived, it was +only to inform him of the manner in which he had been baffled, to +convince him that the game was up, and that nothing was left him but to +retreat utterly foiled in his attempt, and to be stigmatized as a +blockhead by his enraged sovereign. + +Next day the Princess removed her residence to the palace of the +Archdukes, where she was treated with distinguished honour by Isabella, +and installed ceremoniously in the most stately, the most virtuous, and +the most dismal of courts. Her father and aunt professed themselves as +highly pleased with the result, and Pecquius wrote that "they were glad +to know her safe from the importunities of the old fop who seemed as mad +as if he had been stung by a tarantula." + +And how had the plot been revealed? Simply through the incorrigible +garrulity of the King himself. Apprised of the arrangement in all its +details by the Constable, who had first received the special couriers of +de Coeuvres, he could not keep the secret to himself for a moment, and +the person of all others in the world to whom he thought good to confide +it was the Queen herself. She received the information with a smile, but +straightway sent for the Nuncius Ubaldini, who at her desire instantly +despatched a special courier to Spinola with full particulars of the time +and mode of the proposed abduction. + +Nevertheless the ingenuous Henry, confiding in the capacity of his deeply +offended queen to keep the secret which he had himself divulged, could +scarcely contain himself for joy. + +Off he went to Saint-Germain with a train of coaches, impatient to get +the first news from de Coeuvres after the scheme should have been carried +into effect, and intending to travel post towards Flanders to meet and +welcome the Princess. + +"Pleasant farce for Shrove Tuesday," wrote the secretary of Pecquius, "is +that which the Frenchmen have been arranging down there! He in whose +favour the abduction is to be made was seen going out the same day +spangled and smart, contrary to his usual fashion, making a gambado +towards Saint-Germain-en-Laye with four carriages and four to meet the +nymph." + +Great was the King's wrath and mortification at this ridiculous exposure +of his detestable scheme. Vociferous were Villeroy's expressions of +Henry's indignation at being supposed to have had any knowledge of or +complicity in the affair. "His Majesty cannot approve of the means one +has taken to guard against a pretended plot for carrying off the +Princess," said the Secretary of State; "a fear which was simulated by +the Prince in order to defame the King." He added that there was no +reason to suspect the King, as he had never attempted anything of the +sort in his life, and that the Archduke might have removed the Princess +to his palace without sending an army to the hotel of the Prince of +Orange, and causing such an alarm in the city, firing artillery on the +rampart as if the town had been full of Frenchmen in arms, whereas one +was ashamed next morning to find that there had been but fifteen in all. +"But it was all Marquis Spinola's fault," he said, "who wished to show +himself off as a warrior." + +The King, having thus through the mouth of his secretary of state warmly +protested against his supposed implication in the attempted abduction, +began as furiously to rail at de Coeuvres for its failure; telling the +Duc de Vendome that his uncle was an idiot, and writing that unlucky +envoy most abusive letters for blundering in the scheme which had been so +well concerted between them. Then he sent for Malherbe, who straightway +perpetrated more poems to express the King's despair, in which Henry was +made to liken himself to a skeleton with a dried skin, and likewise to a +violet turned up by the ploughshare and left to wither. + +He kept up through Madame de Berny a correspondence with "his beautiful +angel," as he called the Princess, whom he chose to consider a prisoner +and a victim; while she, wearied to death with the frigid monotony and +sepulchral gaieties of the archiducal court, which she openly called her +"dungeon" diverted herself with the freaks and fantasies of her royal +adorer, called him in very ill-spelled letters "her chevalier, her heart, +her all the world," and frequently wrote to beg him, at the suggestion of +the intriguing Chateau Vert, to devise some means of rescuing her from +prison. + +The Constable and Duchess meanwhile affected to be sufficiently satisfied +with the state of things. Conde, however, received a letter from the +King, formally summoning him to return to France, and, in case of +refusal, declaring him guilty of high-treason for leaving the kingdom +without the leave and against the express commands of the King. To this +letter, brought to him by de Coeuvres, the Prince replied by a paper, +drawn up and served by a notary of Brussels, to the effect that he had +left France to save his life and honour; that he was ready to return when +guarantees were given him for the security of both. He would live and +die, he said, faithful to the King. But when the King, departing from +the paths of justice, proceeded through those of violence against him, he +maintained that every such act against his person was null and invalid. +Henry had even the incredible meanness and folly to request the Queen to +write to the Archdukes, begging that the Princess might be restored to +assist at her coronation. Mary de' Medici vigorously replied once more +that, although obliged to wink at the King's amours, she declined to be +his procuress. Conde then went off to Milan very soon after the scene +at the Nassau Palace and the removal of the Princess to the care of the +Archdukes. He was very angry with his wife, from whom he expressed a +determination to be divorced, and furious with the King, the validity of +whose second marriage and the legitimacy of whose children he proposed +with Spanish help to dispute. + +The Constable was in favour of the divorce, or pretended to be so, and +caused importunate letters to be written, which he signed, to both Albert +and Isabella, begging that his daughter might be restored to him to be +the staff of his old age, and likewise to be present at the Queen's +coronation. The Archdukes, however, resolutely refused to permit her to +leave their protection without Conde's consent, or until after a divorce +had been effected, notwithstanding that the father and aunt demanded it. +The Constable and Duchess however, acquiesced in the decision, and +expressed immense gratitude to Isabella. + +"The father and aunt have been talking to Pecquius," said Henry very +dismally; "but they give me much pain. They are even colder than the +season, but my fire thaws them as soon as I approach." + +"P. S.--I am so pining away in my anguish that I am nothing but skin and +bones. Nothing gives me pleasure. I fly from company, and if in order +to comply with the law of nations I go into some assembly or other, +instead of enlivening, it nearly kills me."--[Lettres missives de Henri +vii. 834]. + +And the King took to his bed. Whether from gout, fever, or the pangs of +disappointed love, he became seriously ill. Furious with every one, with +Conde, the Constable, de Coeuvres, the Queen, Spinola, with the Prince of +Orange, whose councillor Keeremans had been encouraging Conde in his +rebellion and in going to Spain with Spinola, he was now resolved that +tho war should go on. Aerssens, cautious of saying too much on paper of +this very delicate affair, always intimated to Barneveld that, if the +Princess could be restored, peace was still possible, and that by moving +an inch ahead of the King in the Cleve matter the States at the last +moment might be left in the lurch. He distinctly told the Advocate, on +his expressing a hope that Henry might consent to the Prince's residence +in some neutral place until a reconciliation could be effected, that the +pinch of the matter was not there, and that van der Myle, who knew all +about it, could easily explain it. + +Alluding to the project of reviving the process against the Dowager, and +of divorcing the Prince and Princess, he said these steps would do much +harm, as they would too much justify the true cause of the retreat of the +Prince, who was not believed when he merely talked of his right of +primogeniture: "The matter weighs upon us very heavily," he said, "but +the trouble is that we don't search for the true remedies. The matter is +so delicate that I don't dare to discuss it to the very bottom." + +The Ambassador had a long interview with the King as he lay in his bed +feverish and excited. He was more impatient than ever for the arrival +of the States' special embassy, reluctantly acquiesced in the reasons +assigned for the delay, but trusted that it would arrive soon with +Barneveld at the head, and with Count Lewis William as a member for +"the sword part of it." + +He railed at the Prince of Orange, not believing that Keeremans would +have dared to do what he had done but with the orders of his master. +He said that the King of Spain would supply Conde with money and with +everything he wanted, knowing that he could make use of him to trouble +his kingdom. It was strange, he thought, that Philip should venture to +these extremities with his affairs in such condition, and when he had so +much need of repose. He recalled all his ancient grievances against +Spain, his rights to the Kingdom of Navarre and the County of St. Pol +violated; the conspiracy of Biron, the intrigues of Bouillon, the plots +of the Count of Auvergne and the Marchioness of Verneuil, the treason of +Meragne, the corruption of L'Hoste, and an infinity of other plots of the +King and his ministers; of deep injuries to him and to the public repose, +not to be tolerated by a mighty king like himself, with a grey beard. He +would be revenged, he said, for this last blow, and so for all the rest. +He would not leave a troublesome war on the hands of his young son. The +occasion was favourable. It was just to defend the oppressed princes +with the promptly accorded assistance of the States-General. The King of +Great Britain was favourable. The Duke of Savoy was pledged. It was +better to begin the war in his green old age than to wait the pleasure +and opportunity of the King of Spain. + +All this he said while racked with fever, and dismissed the Envoy at +last, after a long interview, with these words: "Mr. Ambassador--I have +always spoken roundly and frankly to you, and you will one day be my +witness that I have done all that I could to draw the Prince out of the +plight into which he has put himself. But he is struggling for the +succession to this crown under instructions from the Spaniards, to whom +he has entirely pledged himself. He has already received 6000 crowns for +his equipment. I know that you and my other friends will work for the +conservation of this monarchy, and will never abandon me in my designs to +weaken the power of Spain. Pray God for my health." + +The King kept his bed a few days afterwards, but soon recovered. +Villeroy sent word to Barneveld in answer to his suggestions of +reconciliation that it was too late, that Conde was entirely desperate +and Spanish. The crown of France was at stake, he said, and the Prince +was promising himself miracles and mountains with the aid of Spain, +loudly declaring the marriage of Mary de' Medici illegal, and himself +heir to the throne. The Secretary of State professed himself as +impatient as his master for the arrival of the embassy; the States being +the best friends France ever had and the only allies to make the war +succeed. + +Jeannin, who was now never called to the council, said that the war was +not for Germany but for Conde, and that Henry could carry it on for eight +years. He too was most anxious for Barneveld's arrival, and was of his +opinion that it would have been better for Conde to be persuaded to +remain at Breda and be supported by his brother-in-law, the Prince of +Orange. The impetuosity of the King had however swept everything before +it, and Conde had been driven to declare himself Spanish and a pretender +to the crown. There was no issue now but war. + +Boderie, the King's envoy in Great Britain, wrote that James would be +willing to make a defensive league for the affairs of Cleve and Julich +only, which was the slenderest amount of assistance; but Henry always +suspected Master Jacques of intentions to baulk him if possible and +traverse his designs. But the die was cast. Spinola had carried off +Conde in triumph; the Princess was pining in her gilt cage in Brussels, +and demanding a divorce for desertion and cruel treatment; the King +considered himself as having done as much as honour allowed him to effect +a reconciliation, and it was obvious that, as the States' ambassador +said, he could no longer retire from the war without shame, which would +be the greatest danger of all. + +"The tragedy is ready to begin," said Aerssens. "They are only waiting +now for the arrival of our ambassadors." + +On the 9th March the King before going to Fontainebleau for a few days +summoned that envoy to the Louvre. Impatient at a slight delay in his +arrival, Henry came down into the courtyard as he was arriving and asked +eagerly if Barneveld was coming to Paris. Aerssens replied, that the +Advocate had been hastening as much as possible the departure of the +special embassy, but that the condition of affairs at home was such as +not to permit him to leave the country at that moment. Van der Myle, who +would be one of the ambassadors, would more fully explain this by word of +mouth. + +The King manifested infinite annoyance and disappointment that Barneveld +was not to make part of the embassy. "He says that he reposes such +singular confidence in your authority in the state, experience in +affairs, and affection for himself," wrote Aerssens, "that he might treat +with you in detail and with open heart of all his designs. He fears now +that the ambassadors will be limited in their powers and instructions, +and unable to reply at once on the articles which at different times have +been proposed to me for our enterprise. Thus much valuable time will be +wasted in sending backwards and forwards." + +The King also expressed great anxiety to consult with Count Lewis William +in regard to military details, but his chief sorrow was in regard to the +Advocate. "He acquiesced only with deep displeasure and regret in your +reasons," said the Ambassador, "and says that he can hope for nothing +firm now that you refuse to come." + +Villeroy intimated that Barneveld did not come for fear of exciting the +jealousy of the English. + + + +ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + +He who spreads the snare always tumbles into the ditch himself +Most detestable verses that even he had ever composed +She declined to be his procuress + + + +End of this Project Gutenberg Etext Life of John Barneveld, v2, Motley #87 +by John Lothrop Motley + + + + + + +THE LIFE AND DEATH of JOHN OF BARNEVELD, ADVOCATE OF HOLLAND + +WITH A VIEW OF THE PRIMARY CAUSES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR + +By John Lothrop Motley, D.C.L., LL.D. + + + +The Life and Death of John of Barneveld, v3, 1610 + + +CHAPTER IV. + + Difficult Position of Barneveld--Insurrection at Utrecht subdued by + the States' Army--Special Embassies to England and France--Anger of + the King with Spain and the Archdukes--Arrangements of Henry for the + coming War--Position of Spain--Anxiety of the King for the Presence + of Barneveld in Paris--Arrival of the Dutch Commissioners in France + and their brilliant Reception--Their Interview with the King and his + Ministers--Negotiations--Delicate Position of the Dutch Government-- + India Trade--Simon Danzer, the Corsair--Conversations of Henry with + the Dutch Commissioners--Letter of the King to Archduke Albert-- + Preparations for the Queen's Coronation, and of Henry to open the + Campaign in person--Perplexities of Henry--Forebodings and Warnings + --The Murder accomplished--Terrible Change in France--Triumph of + Concini and of Spain--Downfall of Sully--Disputes of the Grandees + among themselves--Special Mission of Condelence from the Republic-- + Conference on the great Enterprise--Departure of van der Myle from + Paris. + +There were reasons enough why the Advocate could not go to Paris at this +juncture. It was absurd in Henry to suppose it possible. Everything +rested on Barneveld's shoulders. During the year which had just passed +he had drawn almost every paper, every instruction in regard to the peace +negotiations, with his own hand, had assisted at every conference, +guided and mastered the whole course of a most difficult and intricate +negotiation, in which he had not only been obliged to make allowance +for the humbled pride and baffled ambition of the ancient foe of the +Netherlands, but to steer clear of the innumerable jealousies, +susceptibilities, cavillings, and insolences of their patronizing +friends. + +It was his brain that worked, his tongue that spoke, his restless pen +that never paused. His was not one of those easy posts, not unknown in +the modern administration of great affairs, where the subordinate +furnishes the intellect, the industry, the experience, while the bland +superior, gratifying the world with his sign-manual, appropriates the +applause. So long as he lived and worked, the States-General and the +States of Holland were like a cunningly contrived machine, which seemed +to be alive because one invisible but mighty mind vitalized the whole. + +And there had been enough to do. It was not until midsummer of 1609 that +the ratifications of the Treaty of Truce, one of the great triumphs in +the history of diplomacy, had been exchanged, and scarcely had this +period been put to the eternal clang of arms when the death of a lunatic +threw the world once more into confusion. It was obvious to Barneveld +that the issue of the Cleve-Julich affair, and of the tremendous +religious fermentation in Bohemia, Moravia, and Austria, must sooner or +later lead to an immense war. It was inevitable that it would devolve +upon the States to sustain their great though vacillating, their generous +though encroaching, their sincere though most irritating, ally. And +yet, thoroughly as Barneveld had mastered all the complications and +perplexities of the religious and political question, carefully as he +had calculated the value of the opposing forces which were shaking +Christendom, deeply as he had studied the characters of Matthias and +Rudolph, of Charles of Denmark and Ferdinand of Graz, of Anhalt and +Maximilian, of Brandenburg and Neuburg, of James and Philip, of Paul V. +and Charles Emmanuel, of Sully and Yilleroy, of Salisbury and Bacon, of +Lerma and Infantado; adroitly as he could measure, weigh, and analyse all +these elements in the great problem which was forcing itself on the +attention of Europe--there was one factor with which it was difficult for +this austere republican, this cold, unsuseeptible statesman, to deal: the +intense and imperious passion of a greybeard for a woman of sixteen. + +For out of the cauldron where the miscellaneous elements of universal +war were bubbling rose perpetually the fantastic image of Margaret +Montmorency: the fatal beauty at whose caprice the heroic sword of Ivry +and Cahors was now uplifted and now sheathed. + +Aerssens was baffled, and reported the humours of the court where he +resided as changing from hour to hour. To the last he reported that all +the mighty preparations then nearly completed "might evaporate in smoke" +if the Princess of Conde should come back. Every ambassador in Paris was +baffled. Peter Pecquius was as much in the dark as Don Inigo de +Cardenas, as Ubaldini or Edmonds. No one save Sully, Aerssens, +Barneveld, and the King knew the extensive arrangements and profound +combinations which had been made for the war. Yet not Sully, Aerssens, +Barneveld, or the King, knew whether or not the war would really be made. + +Barneveld had to deal with this perplexing question day by day. His +correspondence with his ambassador at Henry's court was enormous, and we +have seen that the Ambassador was with the King almost daily; sleeping or +waking; at dinner or the chase; in the cabinet or the courtyard. + +But the Advocate was also obliged to carry in his arms, as it were, the +brood of snarling, bickering, cross-grained German princes, to supply +them with money, with arms, with counsel, with brains; to keep them awake +when they went to sleep, to steady them in their track, to teach them to +go alone. He had the congress at Hall in Suabia to supervise and direct; +he had to see that the ambassadors of the new republic, upon which they +in reality were already half dependent and chafing at their dependence, +were treated with the consideration due to the proud position which the +Commonwealth had gained. Questions of etiquette were at that moment +questions of vitality. He instructed his ambassadors to leave the +congress on the spot if they were ranked after the envoys of princes who +were only feudatories of the Emperor. The Dutch ambassadors, +"recognising and relying upon no superiors but God and their sword," +placed themselves according to seniority with the representatives of +proudest kings. + +He had to extemporize a system of free international communication with +all the powers of the earth--with the Turk at Constantinople, with the +Czar of Muscovy; with the potentates of the Baltic, with both the Indies. +The routine of a long established and well organized foreign office in a +time-honoured state running in grooves; with well-balanced springs and +well oiled wheels, may be a luxury of civilization; but it was a more +arduous task to transact the greatest affairs of a state springing +suddenly into recognized existence and mainly dependent for its primary +construction and practical working on the hand of one man. + +Worse than all, he had to deal on the most dangerous and delicate topics +of state with a prince who trembled at danger and was incapable of +delicacy; to show respect for a character that was despicable, to lean on +a royal word falser than water, to inhale almost daily the effluvia from +a court compared to which the harem of Henry was a temple of vestals. +The spectacle of the slobbering James among his Kars and Hays and +Villiers's and other minions is one at which history covers her eyes and +is dumb; but the republican envoys, with instructions from a Barneveld, +were obliged to face him daily, concealing their disgust, and bowing +reverentially before him as one of the arbiters of their destinies and +the Solomon of his epoch. + +A special embassy was sent early in the year to England to convey the +solemn thanks of the Republic to the King for his assistance in the truce +negotiations, and to treat of the important matters then pressing on the +attention of both powers. Contemporaneously was to be despatched the +embassy for which Henry was waiting so impatiently at Paris. + +Certainly the Advocate had enough with this and other, important business +already mentioned to detain him at his post. Moreover the first year of +peace had opened disastrously in the Netherlands. Tremendous tempests +such as had rarely been recorded even in that land of storms had raged +all the winter. The waters everywhere had burst their dykes and +inundations, which threatened to engulph the whole country, and which had +caused enormous loss of property and even of life, were alarming the most +courageous. It was difficult in many district to collect the taxes for +the every-day expenses of the community, and yet the Advocate knew that +the Republic would soon be forced to renew the war on a prodigious scale. + +Still more to embarrass the action of the government and perplex its +statesmen, an alarming and dangerous insurrection broke out in Utrecht. + +In that ancient seat of the hard-fighting, imperious, and opulent +sovereign archbishops of the ancient church an important portion of the +population had remained Catholic. Another portion complained of the +abolition of various privileges which they had formerly enjoyed; among +others that of a monopoly of beer-brewing for the province. All the +population, as is the case with all populations in all countries and all +epochs, complained of excessive taxation. + +A clever politician, Dirk Kanter by name, a gentleman by birth, a scholar +and philosopher by pursuit and education, and a demagogue by profession, +saw an opportunity of taking an advantage of this state of things. More +than twenty years before he had been burgomaster of the city, and had +much enjoyed himself in that position. He was tired of the learned +leisure to which the ingratitude of his fellow-citizens had condemned +him. He seems to have been of easy virtue in the matter of religion, a +Catholic, an Arminian, an ultra orthodox Contra-Remonstrant by turns. He +now persuaded a number of determined partisans that the time had come for +securing a church for the public worship of the ancient faith, and at the +same time for restoring the beer brewery, reducing the taxes, recovering +lost privileges, and many other good things. Beneath the whole scheme +lay a deep design to effect the secession of the city and with it of the +opulent and important province of Utrecht from the Union. Kanter had +been heard openly to avow that after all the Netherlands had flourished +under the benign sway of the House of Burgundy, and that the time would +soon come for returning to that enviable condition. + +By a concerted assault the city hall was taken possession of by main +force, the magistracy was overpowered, and a new board of senators and +common council-men appointed, Kanter and a devoted friend of his, +Heldingen by name, being elected burgomasters. + +The States-Provincial of Utrecht, alarmed at these proceedings in the +city, appealed for protection against violence to the States-General +under the 3rd Article of the Union, the fundamental pact which bore the +name of Utrecht itself. Prince Maurice proceeded to the city at the head +of a detachment of troops to quell the tumults. Kanter and his friends +were plausible enough to persuade him of the legality and propriety of +the revolution which they had effected, and to procure his formal +confirmation of the new magistracy. Intending to turn his military +genius and the splendour of his name to account, they contrived to keep +him for a time at least in an amiable enthralment, and induced him to +contemplate in their interest the possibility of renouncing the oath +which subjected him to the authority of the States of Utrecht. But the +far-seeing eye of Barneveld could not be blind to the danger which at +this crisis beset the Stadholder and the whole republic. The Prince was +induced to return to the Hague, but the city continued by armed revolt to +maintain the new magistracy. They proceeded to reduce the taxes, and in +other respects to carry out the measures on the promise of which they had +come into power. Especially the Catholic party sustained Kanter and his +friends, and promised themselves from him and from his influence over +Prince Maurice to obtain a power of which they had long been deprived. + +The States-General now held an assembly at Woerden, and summoned the +malcontents of Utrecht to bring before that body a statement of their +grievances. This was done, but there was no satisfactory arrangement +possible, and the deputation returned to Utrecht, the States-General to +the Hague. The States-Provincial of Utrecht urged more strongly than ever +upon the assembly of the Union to save the city from the hands of a +reckless and revolutionary government. The States-General resolved +accordingly to interfere by force. A considerable body of troops was +ordered to march at once upon Utrecht and besiege the city. Maurice, in +his capacity of captain-general and stadholder of the province, was +summoned to take charge of the army. He was indisposed to do so, and +pleaded sickness. The States, determined that the name of Nassau should +not be used as an encouragement to disobedience, and rebellion, then +directed the brother of Maurice, Frederic Henry, youngest son of William +the Silent, to assume the command. Maurice insisted that his brother was +too young, and that it was unjust to allow so grave a responsibility to +fall upon his shoulders. The States, not particularly pleased with the +Prince's attitude at this alarming juncture, and made anxious by the +glamour which seemed to possess him since his conferences with the +revolutionary party at Utrecht, determined not to yield. + +The army marched forth and laid siege to the city, Prince Frederic Henry +at its head. He was sternly instructed by the States-General, under +whose orders he acted, to take possession of the city at all hazards. +He was to insist on placing there a garrison of 2000 foot and 300 horse, +and to permit not another armed man within the walls. The members of the +council of state and of the States of Utrecht accompanied the army. For +a moment the party in power was disposed to resist the forces of the +Union. Dick Kanter and his friends were resolute enough; the Catholic +priests turned out among the rest with their spades and worked on the +entrenchments. The impossibility of holding the city against the +overwhelming power of the States was soon obvious, and the next day the +gates were opened, and easy terms were granted. The new magistracy was +set aside, the old board that had been deposed by the rebels reinstated. +The revolution and the counterrevolution were alike bloodless, and it was +determined that the various grievances of which the discontented party +had complained should be referred to the States-General, to Prince +Maurice, to the council of state, and to the ambassadors of France and +England. Amnesty was likewise decreed on submission. + +The restored government was Arminian in its inclinations, the +revolutionary one was singularly compounded both of Catholic and of +ultra-orthodox elements. Quiet was on the whole restored, but the +resources of the city were crippled. The event occurring exactly at the +crisis of the Clove and Julich expedition angered the King of France. + +"The trouble of Utrecht," wrote Aerssens to Barneveld, "has been turned +to account here marvellously, the Archdukes and Spaniards boasting that +many more revolts like this may be at once expected. I have explained to +his Majesty, who has been very much alarmed about it, both its source and +the hopes that it will be appeased by the prudence of his Excellency +Prince Maurice and the deputies of the States. The King desires that +everything should be pacified as soon as possible, so that there may be +no embarrassment to the course of public affairs. But he fears, he tells +me, that this may create some new jealousy between Prince Maurice and +yourself. I don't comprehend what he means, although he held this +language to me very expressly and without reserve. I could only answer +that you were living on the best of terms together in perfect amity and +intelligence. If you know if this talk of his has any other root, please +to enlighten me, that I may put a stop to false reports, for I know +nothing of affairs except what you tell me." + +King James, on the other hand, thoroughly approved the promptness of the +States-General in suppressing the tumult. + +Nothing very serious of alike nature occurred in Utrecht until the end of +the year, when a determined and secret conspiracy was discovered, having +for its object to overpower the garrison and get bodily possession of +Colonel John Ogle, the military commander of the town. At the bottom of +the movement were the indefatigable Dirk Kanter and his friend Heldingen. +The attempt was easily suppressed, and the two were banished from the +town. Kanter died subsequently in North Holland, in the odour of ultra- +orthodoxy. Four of the conspirators--a post-master, two shoemakers, and +a sexton, who had bound themselves by oath to take the lives of two +eminent Arminian preachers, besides other desperate deeds--were condemned +to death, but pardoned on the scaffold. Thus ended the first revolution +at Utrecht. + +Its effect did not cease, however, with the tumults which were its +original manifestations. This earliest insurrection in organized shape +against the central authority of the States-General; this violent though +abortive effort to dissolve the Union and to nullify its laws; this +painful necessity for the first time imposed upon the federal government +to take up arms against misguided citizens of the Republic, in order to +save itself from disintegration and national death, were destined to be +followed by far graver convulsions on the self-same spot. Religious +differences and religious hatreds were to mingle their poison with +antagonistic political theories and personal ambitions, and to develop on +a wide scale the danger ever lurking in a constitution whose fundamental +law was unstable, ill defined, and liable to contradictory +interpretations. For the present it need only be noticed that the +States-General, guided by Barneveld, most vigorously suppressed the local +revolt and the incipient secession, while Prince Maurice, the right arm +of the executive, the stadholder of the province, and the representative +of the military power of the Commonwealth, was languid in the exertion of +that power, inclined to listen to the specious arguments of the Utrecht +rebels, and accused at least of tampering with the fell spirit which the +Advocate was resolute to destroy. Yet there was no suspicion of treason, +no taint of rebellion, no accusation of unpatriotic motives uttered +against the Stadholder. + +There was a doubt as to the true maxims by which the Confederacy was to +be governed, and at this moment, certainly, the Prince and the Advocate +represented opposite ideas. There was a possibility, at a future day, +when the religious and political parties might develop themselves on a +wider scale and the struggles grow fiercer, that the two great champions +in the conflict might exchange swords and inflict mutual and poisoned +wounds. At present the party of the Union had triumphed, with Barneveld +at its head. At a later but not far distant day, similar scenes might be +enacted in the ancient city of Utrecht, but with a strange difference and +change in the cast of parts and with far more tragical results. + +For the moment the moderate party in the Church, those more inclined to +Arminianism and the supremacy of the civil authority in religious +matters, had asserted their ascendency in the States-General, and had +prevented the threatened rupture. + +Meantime it was doubly necessary to hasten the special embassies to +France and to England, in both which countries much anxiety as to the +political health and strength of the new republic had been excited by +these troubles in Utrecht. It was important for the States-General to +show that they were not crippled, and would not shrink from the coming +conflict, but would justify the reliance placed on them by their allies. + +Thus there were reasons enough why Barneveld could not himself leave the +country in the eventful spring of 1610. It must be admitted, however, +that he was not backward in placing his nearest relatives in places of +honour, trust, and profit. + +His eldest son Reinier, Seignior of Groeneveld, had been knighted by +Henry IV.; his youngest, William, afterwards called Seignior of +Stoutenburg, but at this moment bearing the not very mellifluous title of +Craimgepolder, was a gentleman-in-waiting at that king's court, with a +salary of 3000 crowns a year. He was rather a favourite with the easy- +going monarch, but he gave infinite trouble to the Dutch ambassador +Aerssens, who, feeling himself under immense obligations to the Advocate +and professing for him boundless gratitude, did his best to keep the +idle, turbulent, extravagant, and pleasure-loving youth up to the strict +line of his duties. + +"Your son is in debt again," wrote Aerssens, on one occasion, "and +troubled for money. He is in danger of going to the usurers. He says he +cannot keep himself for less than 200 crowns a month. This is a large +allowance, but he has spent much more than that. His life is not +irregular nor his dress remarkably extravagant. His difficulty is that +he will not dine regularly with me nor at court. He will keep his own +table and have company to dinner. That is what is ruining him. He comes +sometimes to me, not for the dinner nor the company, but for tennis, +which he finds better in my faubourg than in town. His trouble comes +from the table, and I tell you frankly that you must regulate his +expenses or they will become very onerous to you. I am ashamed of them +and have told him so a hundred times, more than if he had been my own +brother. It is all for love of you . . . . I have been all to him +that could be expected of a man who is under such vast obligations to +you; and I so much esteem the honour of your friendship that I should +always neglect my private affairs in order to do everything for your +service and meet your desires . . . . . If M. de Craimgepolder comes +back from his visit home, you must restrict him in two things, the table +and tennis, and you can do this if you require him to follow the King +assiduously as his service requires." + +Something at a future day was to be heard of William of Barneveld, as +well as of his elder brother Reinier, and it is good, therefore, to have +these occasional glimpses of him while in the service of the King and +under the supervision of one who was then his father's devoted friend, +Francis Aerssens. There were to be extraordinary and tragical changes in +the relations of parties and of individuals ere many years should go by. + +Besides the sons of the Advocate, his two sons-in-law, Brederode, +Seignior of Veenhuizep, and Cornelis van der Myle, were constantly +employed? in important embassies. Van der Myle had been the first +ambassador to the great Venetian republic, and was now placed at the +head of the embassy to France, an office which it was impossible at that +moment for the Advocate to discharge. At the same critical moment +Barneveld's brother Elias, Pensionary of Rotterdam, was appointed +one of the special high commissioners to the King of Great Britain. + +It is necessary to give an account of this embassy. + +They were provided with luminous and minute instructions from the hand of +the Advocate. + +They were, in the first place, and ostensibly, to thank the King for his +services in bringing about the truce, which, truly, had been of the +slightest, as was very well known. They were to explain, on the part of +the States, their delay in sending this solemn commission, caused by the +tardiness of the King of Spain in sending his ratification to the treaty, +and by the many disputations caused by the irresolutions of the Archdukes +and the obstinacy of their commissioners in regard to their many +contraventions of the treaty. After those commissioners had gone, +further hindrances had been found in the "extraordinary tempests, high +floods, rising of the waters, both of the ocean and the rivers, and the +very disastrous inundations throughout nearly all the United Provinces, +with the immense and exorbitant damage thus inflicted, both on the public +and on many individuals; in addition to all which were to be mentioned +the troubles in the city of Utrecht." + +They were, in almost hyperbolical language, directed to express the +eternal gratitude of the States for the constant favours received by +them from the crown of England, and their readiness to stand forth at +any moment with sincere affection and to the utmost of their power, +at all times and seasons, in resistance of any attempts against his +Majesty's person or crown, or against the Prince of Wales or the royal +family. They were to thank him for his "prudent, heroic, and courageous +resolve to suffer nothing to be done under colour of justice, authority, +or any other pretext, to the hindrance of the Elector of Brandenburg and +Palatine of Neuburg, in the maintenance of their lawful rights and +possession of the principalities of Julich, Cleve, and Berg, and other +provinces." + +By this course his Majesty, so the commissioners were to state, would put +an end to the imaginations of those who thought they could give the law +to everybody according to their pleasure. + +They were to assure the King that the States-General would exert +themselves to the utmost to second his heroic resolution, notwithstanding +the enormous burthens of their everlasting war, the very exorbitant +damage caused by the inundations, and the sensible diminution in the +contributions and other embarrassments then existing in the country. + +They were to offer 2000 foot and 500 horse for the general purpose under +Prince Henry of Nassau, besides the succours furnished by the King of +France and the electors and princes of Germany. Further assistance in +men, artillery, and supplies were promised under certain contingencies, +and the plan of the campaign on the Meuse in conjunction with the King of +France was duly mapped. + +They were to request a corresponding promise of men and money from the +King of Great Britain, and they were to propose for his approval a closer +convention for mutual assistance between his Majesty, the United +Netherlands, the King of France, the electors and princes and other +powers of Germany; as such close union would be very beneficial to all +Christendom. It would put a stop to all unjust occupations, attempts, +and intrigues, and if the King was thereto inclined, he was requested to +indicate time and place for making such a convention. + +The commissioners were further to point out the various contraventions +on the part of the Archdukes of the Treaty of Truce, and were to give +an exposition of the manner in which the States-General had quelled the +tumults at Utrecht, and reasons why such a course had of necessity been +adopted. + +They were instructed to state that, "over and above the great expenses of +the late war and the necessary maintenance of military forces to protect +their frontiers against their suspected new friends or old enemies, the +Provinces were burthened with the cost of the succour to the Elector of +Brandenburg and Palatine of Neuburg, and would be therefore incapable of +furnishing the payments coming due to his Majesty. They were accordingly +to sound his Majesty as to whether a good part of the debt might not be +remitted or at least an arrangement made by which the terms should begin +to run only after a certain number of years." + +They were also directed to open the subject of the fisheries on the +coasts of Great Britain, and to remonstrate against the order lately +published by the King forbidding all foreigners from fishing on those +coasts. This was to be set forth as an infringement both of natural law +and of ancient treaties, and as a source of infinite danger to the +inhabitants of the United Provinces. + +The Seignior of Warmond, chief of the commission, died on the 15th April. +His colleagues met at Brielle on the 16th, ready to take passage to +England in the ship of war, the Hound. They were, however, detained +there six days by head winds and great storms, and it was not until the +22nd that they were able to put to sea. The following evening their ship +cast anchor in Gravesend. Half an hour before, the Duke of Wurtemberg +had arrived from Flushing in a ship of war brought from France by the +Prince of Anhalt. + +Sir Lewis Lewkener, master of ceremonies, had been waiting for the +ambassadors at Gravesend, and informed them that the royal barges were to +come next morning from London to take them to town. They remained that +night on board the Hound, and next morning, the wind blowing up the +river, they proceeded in their ship as far as Blackwall, where they were +formally received and bade welcome in the name of the King by Sir Thomas +Cornwallis and Sir George Carew, late ambassador in France. Escorted by +them and Sir Lewis, they were brought in the court barges to Tower Wharf. +Here the royal coaches were waiting, in which they were taken to lodgings +provided for them in the city at the house of a Dutch merchant. Noel de +Caron, Seignior of Schonewal, resident ambassador of the States in +London, was likewise there to greet them. This was Saturday night: On +the following Tuesday they went by appointment to the Palace of Whitehall +in royal carriages for their first audience. Manifestations of as entire +respect and courtesy had thus been made to the Republican envoys as could +be shown to the ambassadors of the greatest sovereigns. They found the +King seated on his throne in the audience chamber, accompanied by the +Prince of Wales, the Duke of York, the Lord High Treasurer and Lord High +Admiral, the Duke of Lenox, the Earls of Arundel and Northampton, and +many other great nobles and dignitaries. James rose from his seat, took +off his hat, and advanced several paces to meet the ambassadors, and bade +them courteously and respectfully welcome. He then expressed his regret +at the death of the Seignior of Warmond, and after the exchange of a few +commonplaces listened, still with uncovered head, to the opening address. + +The spokesman, after thanking the King for his condolences on the death +of the chief commissioner, whom, as was stated with whimsical simplicity, +"the good God had called to Himself after all his luggage had been put on +board ship," proceeded in the French language to give a somewhat +abbreviated paraphrase of Barneveld's instructions. + +When this was done and intimation made that they would confer more fully +with his Majesty's council on the subjects committed to their charge, +the ambassadors were conducted home with the same ceremonies as had +accompanied their arrival. They received the same day the first visit +from the ambassadors of France and Venice, Boderie and Carrero, and had a +long conference a few days afterwards with the High Treasurer, Lord +Salisbury. + +On the 3rd May they were invited to attend the pompous celebration of the +festival of St. George in the palace at Westminster, where they were +placed together with the French ambassador in the King's oratorium; the +Dukes of Wurtemberg and Brunswick being in that of the Queen. + +These details are especially to be noted, and were at the moment of +considerable importance, for this was the first solemn and extraordinary +embassy sent by the rebel Netherlanders, since their independent national +existence had been formally vindicated, to Great Britain, a power which a +quarter of a century before had refused the proffered sovereignty over +them. Placed now on exactly the same level with the representatives of +emperors and kings, the Republican envoys found themselves looked upon +by the world with different eyes from those which had regarded their +predecessors askance, and almost with derision, only seven years before. +At that epoch the States' commissioners, Barneveld himself at the head of +them, had gone solemnly to congratulate King James on his accession, had +scarcely been admitted to audience by king or minister, and had found +themselves on great festivals unsprinkled with the holy water of the +court, and of no more account than the crowd of citizens and spectators +who thronged the streets, gazing with awe at the distant radiance of the +throne. + +But although the ambassadors were treated with every external +consideration befitting their official rank, they were not likely to +find themselves in the most genial atmosphere when they should come to +business details. If there was one thing in the world that James did not +intend to do, it was to get himself entangled in war with Spain, the +power of all others which he most revered and loved. His "heroic and +courageous resolve" to defend the princes, on which the commissioners by +instructions of the Advocate had so highly complimented him, was not +strong enough to carry him much beyond a vigorous phraseology. He had +not awoke from the delusive dream of the Spanish marriage which had +dexterously been made to flit before him, and he was not inclined, for +the sake of the Republic which he hated the more because obliged to be +one of its sponsors, to risk the animosity of a great power which +entertained the most profound contempt for him. He was destined to find +himself involved more closely than he liked, and through family ties, +with the great Protestant movement in Germany, and the unfortunate +"Winter King" might one day find his father-in-law as unstable a reed to +lean upon as the States had found their godfather, or the Brandenburgs +and Neuburgs at the present juncture their great ally. Meantime, as the +Bohemian troubles had not yet reached the period of actual explosion, and +as Henry's wide-reaching plan against the House of Austria had been +strangely enough kept an inviolable secret by the few statesmen, like +Sully and Barneveld, to whom they had been confided, it was necessary for +the King and his ministers to deal cautiously and plausibly with the +Dutch ambassadors. Their conferences were mere dancing among eggs, and +if no actual mischief were done, it was the best result that could be +expected. + +On the 8th of May, the commissioners met in the council chamber at +Westminster, and discussed all the matters contained in their +instructions with the members of the council; the Lord Treasurer +Salisbury, Earl of Northampton, Privy Seal and Warden of the Cinque +Ports, Lord Nottingham, Lord High Admiral, the Lord Chamberlain, Earl of +Suffolk, Earls of Shrewsbury, Worcester, and several others being +present. + +The result was not entirely satisfactory. In regard to the succour +demanded for the possessory princes, the commissioners were told that +they seemed to come with a long narrative of their great burthens during +the war, damage from inundations, and the like, to excuse themselves from +doing their share in the succour, and thus the more to overload his +Majesty, who was not much interested in the matter, and was likewise +greatly encumbered by various expenses. The King had already frankly +declared his intention to assist the princes with the payment of 4000 +men, and to send proportionate artillery and powder from England. As the +States had supplies in their magazines enough to move 12,000 men, he +proposed to draw upon those, reimbursing the States for what was thus +consumed by his contingent. + +With regard to the treaty of close alliance between France, Great +Britain, the princes, and the Republic, which the ambassadors had +proposed, the--Lord Treasurer and his colleagues gave a reply far from +gratifying. His Majesty had not yet decided on this point, they said. +The King of France had already proposed to treat for such an alliance, +but it did not at present seem worth while for all to negotiate together. + +This was a not over-courteous hint that the Republic was after all not +expected to place herself at the council-board of kings on even terms of +intimacy and fraternal alliance. + +What followed was even less flattering. If his Majesty, it was +intimated, should decide to treat with the King of France, he would not +shut the door on their High Mightinesses; but his Majesty was not yet +exactly informed whether his Majesty had not certain rights over the +provinces 'in petitorio.' + +This was a scarcely veiled insinuation against the sovereignty of the +States, a sufficiently broad hint that they were to be considered in a +certain degree as British provinces. To a soldier like Maurice, to a +statesman like Barneveld, whose sympathies already were on the side of +France, such rebuffs and taunts were likely to prove unpalatable. The +restiveness of the States at the continual possession by Great Britain of +those important sea-ports the cautionary towns, a fact which gave colour +to these innuendoes, was sure to be increased by arrogant language on the +part of the English ministers. The determination to be rid of their debt +to so overbearing an ally, and to shake off the shackles imposed by the +costly mortgages, grew in strength from that hour. + +In regard to the fisheries, the Lord Treasurer and his colleagues +expressed amazement that the ambassadors should consider the subjects +of their High Mightinesses to be so much beloved by his Majesty. Why +should they of all other people be made an exception of, and be exempt +from, the action of a general edict? The reasons for these orders in +council ought to be closely examined. It would be very difficult to +bring the opinions of the English jurists into harmony with those of the +States. Meantime it would be well to look up such treaties as might be +in existence, and have a special joint commission to confer together on +the subject. It was very plain, from the course of the conversation, +that the Netherland fishermen were not to be allowed, without paying +roundly for a license, to catch herrings on the British coasts as they +had heretofore done. + +Not much more of importance was transacted at this first interview +between the ambassadors and the Ding's ministers. Certainly they had +not yet succeeded in attaining their great object, the formation of an +alliance offensive and defensive between Great Britain and the Republic +in accordance with the plan concerted between Henry and Barneveld. They +could find but slender encouragement for the warlike plans to which +France and the States were secretly committed; nor could they obtain +satisfactory adjustment of affairs more pacific and commercial in their +tendencies. The English ministers rather petulantly remarked that, while +last year everybody was talking of a general peace, and in the present +conjuncture all seemed to think, or at least to speak, of nothing but a +general war, they thought best to defer consideration of the various +subjects connected with duties on the manufactures and products of the +respective countries, the navigation laws, the "entrecours," and other +matters of ancient agreement and controversy, until a more convenient +season. + +After the termination of the verbal conference, the ambassadors delivered +to the King's government, in writing, to be pondered by the council and +recorded in the archives, a summary of the statements which had been thus +orally treated. The document was in French, and in the main a paraphrase +of the Advocate's instructions, the substance of which has been already +indicated. In regard, however, to the far-reaching designs of Spain, and +the corresponding attitude which it would seem fitting for Great Britain +to assume, and especially the necessity of that alliance the proposal for +which had in the conference been received so haughtily, their language +was far plainer, bolder, and more vehement than that of the instructions. + +"Considering that the effects show," they said, "that those who claim +the monarchy of Christendom, and indeed of the whole world, let slip no +opportunity which could in any way serve their designs, it is suitable to +the grandeur of his Majesty the King, and to the station in which by the +grace of the good God he is placed, to oppose himself thereto for the +sake of the common liberty of Christendom, to which end, and in order the +better to prevent all unjust usurpatiops, there could be no better means +devised than a closer alliance between his Majesty and the Most Christian +King, My Lords the States-General, and the electors, princes, and states +of Germany. Their High Mightinesses would therefore be most glad to +learn that his Majesty was inclined to such a course, and would be glad +to discuss the subject when and wherever his Majesty should appoint, or +would readily enter into such an alliance on reasonable conditions." + +This language and the position taken up by the ambassadors were highly +approved by their government, but it was fated that no very great result +was to be achieved by this embassy. Very elaborate documents, exhaustive +in legal lore, on the subject of the herring fisheries, and of the right +to fish in the ocean and on foreign coasts, fortified by copious +citations from the 'Pandects' and 'Institutes' of Justinian, were +presented for the consideration of the British government, and were +answered as learnedly, exhaustively, and ponderously. The English +ministers were also reminded that the curing of herrings had been +invented in the fifteenth century by a citizen of Biervliet, the +inscription on whose tombstone recording that faces might still be +read in the church of that town. + +All this did not prevent, however, the Dutch herring fishermen from being +excluded from the British waters unless they chose to pay for licenses. + +The conferences were however for a season interrupted, and a new aspect +was given to affairs by an unforeseen and terrible event. + +Meanwhile it is necessary to glance for a moment at the doings of the +special embassy to France, the instructions for which were prepared by +Barneveld almost at the same moment at which he furnished those for the +commission to England. + +The ambassadors were Walraven, Seignior of Brederode, Cornelis van der +Myle, son-in-law of the Advocate, and Jacob van Maldere. Remembering how +impatient the King of France had long been for their coming, and that all +the preparations and decisions for a great war were kept in suspense +until the final secret conferences could be held with the representatives +of the States-General, it seems strange enough to us to observe the +extreme deliberation with which great affairs of state were then +conducted and the vast amount of time consumed in movements and +communications which modern science has either annihilated or abridged +from days to hours. While Henry was chafing with anxiety in Paris, the +ambassadors, having received Barneveld's instructions dated 31st March, +set forth on the 8th April from the Hague, reached Rotterdam at noon, and +slept at Dordrecht. Newt day they went to Breda, where the Prince of +Orange insisted upon their passing a couple of days with him in his +castle, Easter-day being 11th April. He then provided them with a couple +of coaches and pair in which they set forth on their journey, going by +way of Antwerp, Ghent, Courtray, Ryssel, to Arras, making easy stages, +stopping in the middle of the day to bait, and sleeping at each of the +cities thus mentioned, where they duly received the congratulatory visit +and hospitalities of their respective magistracies. + +While all this time had been leisurely employed in the Netherlands in +preparing, instructing, and despatching the commissioners, affairs were +reaching a feverish crisis in France. + +The States' ambassador resident thought that it would have been better +not to take such public offence at the retreat of the Prince of Conde. +The King had enough of life and vigour in him; he could afford to leave +the Dauphin to grow up, and when he should one day be established on the +throne, he would be able to maintain his heritage. "But," said Aerssens, +"I fear that our trouble is not where we say it is, and we don't dare to +say where it is." Writing to Carew, former English ambassador in Paris, +whom we have just seen in attendance on the States' commissioners in +London, he said: "People think that the Princess is wearying herself much +under the protection of the Infanta, and very impatient at not obtaining +the dissolution of her marriage, which the Duchess of Angouleme is to go +to Brussels to facilitate. This is not our business, but I mention it +only as the continuation of the Tragedy which you saw begin. Nevertheless +I don't know if the greater part of our deliberations is not founded on +this matter." + +It had been decided to cause the Queen to be solemnly crowned after +Easter. She had set her heart with singular persistency upon the +ceremony, and it was thought that so public a sacrament would annihilate +all the wild projects attributed to Spain through the instrumentality of +Conde to cast doubts on the validity of her marriage and the legitimacy +of the Dauphin. The King from the first felt and expressed a singular +repugnance, a boding apprehension in regard to the coronation, but had +almost yielded to the Queen's importunity. He told her he would give his +consent provided she sent Concini to Brussels to invite in her own name +the Princess of Conde to be present on the occasion. Otherwise he +declared that at least the festival should be postponed till September. + +The Marquis de Coeuvres remained in disgrace after the failure of his +mission, Henry believing that like all the world he had fallen in love +with the Princess, and had only sought to recommend himself, not to +further the suit of his sovereign. + +Meanwhile Henry had instructed his ambassador in Spain, M. de Vaucelas, +to tell the King that his reception of Conde within his dominions would +be considered an infraction of the treaty of Vervins and a direct act of +hostility. The Duke of Lerma answered with a sneer that the Most +Christian King had too greatly obliged his Most Catholic Majesty by +sustaining his subjects in their rebellion and by aiding them to make +their truce to hope now that Conde would be sent back. France had ever +been the receptacle of Spanish traitors and rebels from Antonio Perez +down, and the King of Spain would always protect wronged and oppressed +princes like Conde. France had just been breaking up the friendly +relations between Savoy and Spain and goading the Duke into hostilities. + +On the other hand the King had more than one stormy interview with Don +Inigo de Cardenas in Paris. That ambassador declared that his master +would never abandon his only sister the most serene Infanta, such was the +affection he born her, whose dominions were obviously threatened by these +French armies about to move to the frontiers. Henry replied that the +friends for whom he was arming had great need of his assistance; that his +Catholic Majesty was quite right to love his sister, whom he also loved; +but that he did not choose that his own relatives should be so much +beloved in Spain as they were. "What relatives?" asked Don Inigo. +"The Prince of Conde," replied the King, in a rage, "who has been +debauched by the Spaniards just as Marshal Biron was, and the Marchioness +Verneuil, and so many others. There are none left for them to debauch +now but the Dauphin and his brothers." The Ambassador replied that, if +the King had consulted him about the affair of Conde, he could have +devised a happy issue from it. Henry rejoined that he had sent messages +on the subject to his Catholic Majesty, who had not deigned a response, +but that the Duke of Lerma had given a very indiscreet one to his +ambassador. Don Inigo professed ignorance of any such reply. The King +said it was a mockery to affect ignorance of such matters. Thereupon +both grew excited and very violent in their discourses; the more so as +Henry knowing but little Spanish and the Envoy less French they could +only understand from tone and gesture that each was using exceedingly +unpleasant language. At last Don Inigo asked what he should write to his +sovereign. "Whatever you like," replied the King, and so the audience +terminated, each remaining in a towering passion. + +Subsequently Villeroy assured the Archduke's ambassador that the King +considered the reception given to the Prince in the Spanish dominions as +one of the greatest insults and injuries that could be done to him. +Nothing could excuse it, said the Secretary of State, and for this reason +it was very difficult for the two kings to remain at peace with each +other, and that it would be wiser to prevent at once the evil designs of +his Catholic Majesty than to leave leisure for the plans to be put into +execution, and the claims of the Dauphin to his father's crown to be +disputed at a convenient season. + +He added that war would not be made for the Princess, but for the Prince, +and that even the war in Germany, although Spain took the Emperor's side +and France that of the possessory princes, would not necessarily produce +a rupture between the two kings if it were not for this affair of the +Prince--true cause of the disaster now hanging over Christianity. +Pecquius replied by smooth commonplaces in favour of peace with which +Villeroy warmly concurred; both sadly expressing the conviction however +that the wrath divine had descended on them all on account of their sins. + +A few days later, however, the Secretary changed his tone. + +"I will speak to you frankly and clearly," he said to Pecquius, "and tell +you as from myself that there is passion, and if one is willing to +arrange the affair of the Princess, everything else can be accommodated +and appeased. Put if the Princess remain where she is, we are on the eve +of a rupture which may set fire to the four corners of Christendom." +Pecquius said he liked to talk roundly, and was glad to find that he had +not been mistaken in his opinion, that all these commotions were only +made for the Princess, and if all the world was going to war, she would +be the principal subject of it. He could not marvel sufficiently, he +said, at this vehement passion which brought in its train so great and +horrible a conflagration; adding many arguments to show that it was no +fault of the Archdukes, but that he who was the cause of all might one +day have reason to repent. + +Villeroy replied that "the King believed the Princess to be suffering and +miserable for love of him, and that therefore he felt obliged to have her +sent back to her father." Pecquius asked whether in his conscience the +Secretary of State believed it right or reasonable to make war for such a +cause. Villeroy replied by asking "whether even admitting the negative, +the Ambassador thought it were wisely done for such a trifle, for a +formality, to plunge into extremities and to turn all Christendom upside +down." Pecquius, not considering honour a trifle or a formality, said +that "for nothing in the world would his Highness the Archduke descend to +a cowardly action or to anything that would sully his honour." Villeroy +said that the Prince had compelled his wife, pistol in hand, to follow +him to the Netherlands, and that she was no longer bound to obey a +husband who forsook country and king. Her father demanded her, and she +said "she would rather be strangled than ever to return to the company of +her husband." The Archdukes were not justified in keeping her against +her will in perpetual banishment. He implored the Ambassador in most +pathetic terms to devise some means of sending back the Princess, saying +that he who should find such expedient would do the greatest good that +was ever done to Christianity, and that otherwise there was no guarantee +against a universal war. The first design of the King had been merely to +send a moderate succour to the Princes of Brandenburg and Neuburg, which +could have given no umbrage to the Archdukes, but now the bitterness +growing out of the affairs of the Prince and Princess had caused him to +set on foot a powerful army to do worse. He again implored Pecquius to +invent some means of sending back the Princess, and the Ambassador +besought him ardently to divert the King from his designs. Of this the +Secretary of State left little hope and they parted, both very low and. +dismal in mind. Subsequent conversations with the leading councillors of +state convinced Pecquius that these violent menaces were only used to +shake the constancy of the Archduke, but that they almost all highly +disapproved the policy of the King. "If this war goes on, we are all +ruined," said the Duke d'Epernon to the Nuncius. + +Thus there had almost ceased to be any grimacing between the two kings, +although it was still a profound mystery where or when hostilities would +begin, and whether they would break out at all. Henry frequently +remarked that the common opinion all over Europe was working in his +favour. Few people in or out of France believed that he meant a rupture, +or that his preparations were serious. Thus should he take his enemies +unawares and unprepared. Even Aerssens, who saw him almost daily, was +sometimes mystified, in spite of Henry's vehement assertions that he was +resolved to make war at all hazards and on all sides, provided My Lords +the States would second him as they ought, their own existence being at +stake. + +"For God's sake," cried the King, "let us take the bit into our mouths. +Tell your masters that I am quite resolved, and that I am shrieking +loudly at their delays." He asked if he could depend on the States, if +Barneveld especially would consent to a league with him. The Ambassador +replied that for the affair of Cleve and Julich he had instructions to +promise entire concurrence, that Barneveld was most resolute in the +matter, and had always urged the enterprise and wished information as +to the levies making in France and other military preparations. + +"Tell him," said Henry, "that they are going on exactly as often before +stated, but that we are holding everything in suspense until I have +talked with your ambassadors, from whom I wish counsel, safety, and +encouragement for doing much more than the Julich business. That alone +does not require so great a league and such excessive and unnecessary +expense." + +The King observed however that the question of the duchies would serve as +just cause and excellent pretext to remove those troublesome fellows for +ever from his borders and those of the States. Thus the princes would be +established safely in their possession and the Republic as well as +himself freed from the perpetual suspicions which the Spaniards excited +by their vile intrigues, and it was on this general subject that he +wished to confer with the special commissioners. It would not be +possible for him to throw succour into Julich without passing through +Luxemburg in arms. The Archdukes would resist this, and thus a cause of +war would arise. His campaign on the Meuse would help the princes more +than if he should only aid them by the contingent he had promised. Nor +could the jealousy of King James be excited since the war would spring +out of the Archdukes' opposition to his passage towards the duchies, as +he obviously could not cut himself off from his supplies, leaving a +hostile province between himself and his kingdom. Nevertheless he could +not stir, he said, without the consent and active support of the States, +on whom he relied as his principal buttress and foundation. + +The levies for the Milanese expedition were waiting until Marshal de +Lesdiguieres could confer personally with the Duke of Savoy. The reports +as to the fidelity of that potentate were not to be believed. He was +trifling with the Spanish ambassadors, so Henry was convinced, who were +offering him 300,000 crowns a year besides Piombino, Monaco, and two +places in the Milanese, if he would break his treaty with France. But he +was thought to be only waiting until they should be gone before making +his arrangements with Lesdiguieres. "He knows that he can put no trust +in Spain, and that he can confide in me," said the King. "I have made a +great stroke by thus entangling the King of Spain by the use of a few +troops in Italy. But I assure you that there is none but me and My Lords +the States that can do anything solid. Whether the Duke breaks or holds +fast will make no difference in our first and great designs. For the +honour of God I beg them to lose no more time, but to trust in me. I +will never deceive them, never abandon them." + +At last 25,000 infantry and 5000 cavalry were already in marching order, +and indeed had begun to move towards the Luxemburg frontier, ready to co- +operate with the States' army and that of the possessory princes for the +campaign of the Meuse and Rhine. + +Twelve thousand more French troops under Lesdiguieres were to act with +the Duke of Savoy, and an army as large was to assemble in the Pyrenees +and to operate on the Spanish frontier, in hope of exciting and fomenting +an insurrection caused by the expulsion of the Moors. That gigantic act +of madness by which Spain thought good at this juncture to tear herself +to pieces, driving hundreds of thousands of the most industrious, most +intelligent, and most opulent of her population into hopeless exile, had +now been accomplished, and was to stand prominent for ever on the records +of human fatuity. + +Twenty-five thousand Moorish families had arrived at Bayonne, and the +Viceroy of Canada had been consulted as to the possibility and expediency +of establishing them in that province, although emigration thither +seemed less tempting to them than to Virginia. Certainly it was not +unreasonable for Henry to suppose that a kingdom thus torn by internal +convulsions might be more open to a well organized attack, than capable +of carrying out at that moment fresh projects of universal dominion. + +As before observed, Sully was by no means in favour of this combined +series of movements, although at a later day, when dictating his famous +memoirs to his secretaries, he seems to describe himself as +enthusiastically applauding and almost originating them. But there is no +doubt at all that throughout this eventful spring he did his best to +concentrate the whole attack on Luxemburg and the Meuse districts, and +wished that the movements in the Milanese and in Provence should be +considered merely a slight accessory, as not much more than a diversion +to the chief design, while Villeroy and his friends chose to consider the +Duke of Savoy as the chief element in the war. Sully thoroughly +distrusted the Duke, whom he deemed to be always put up at auction +between Spain and France and incapable of a sincere or generous policy. +He was entirely convinced that Villeroy and Epernon and Jeannin and other +earnest Papists in France were secretly inclined to the cause of Spain, +that the whole faction of the Queen, in short, were urging this +scattering of the very considerable forces now at Henry's command in +the hope of bringing him into a false position, in which defeat or an +ignominious peace would be the alternative. To concentrate an immense +attack upon the Archdukes in the Spanish Netherlands and the debateable +duchies would have for its immediate effect the expulsion of the +Spaniards out of all those provinces and the establishment of the Dutch +commonwealth on an impregnable basis. That this would be to strengthen +infinitely the Huguenots in France and the cause of Protestantism in +Bohemia, Moravia and Austria, was unquestionable. It was natural, +therefore, that the stern and ardent Huguenot should suspect the plans +of the Catholics with whom he was in daily council. One day he asked the +King plumply in the presence of Villeroy if his Majesty meant anything +serious by all these warlike preparations. Henry was wroth, and +complained bitterly that one who knew him to the bottom of his soul +should doubt him. But Sully could not persuade himself that a great +and serious war would be carried on both in the Netherlands and in Italy. + +As much as his sovereign he longed for the personal presence of +Barneveld, and was constantly urging the States' ambassador to induce +his coming to Paris. "You know," said Aerssens, writing to the French +ambassador at the Hague, de Russy, "that it is the Advocate alone that +has the universal knowledge of the outside and the inside of our +commonwealth." + +Sully knew his master as well as any man knew him, but it was difficult +to fix the chameleon hues of Henry at this momentous epoch. To the +Ambassador expressing doubts as to the King's sincerity the Duke asserted +that Henry was now seriously piqued with the Spaniard on account of the +Conde business. Otherwise Anhalt and the possessory princes and the +affair of Cleve might have had as little effect in driving him into war +as did the interests of the Netherlands in times past. But the bold +demonstration projected would make the "whole Spanish party bleed at the +nose; a good result for the public peace." + +Therefore Sully sent word to Barneveld, although he wished his name +concealed, that he ought to come himself, with full powers to do +everything, without referring to any superiors or allowing any secrets to +be divulged. The King was too far committed to withdraw, unless coldness +on part of the States should give him cause. The Advocate must come +prepared to answer all questions; to say how much in men and money the +States would contribute, and whether they would go into the war with the +King as their only ally. He must come with the bridle on his neck. All +that Henry feared was being left in the lurch by the States; otherwise he +was not afraid of Rome. Sully was urgent that the Provinces should now +go vigorously into the war without stumbling at any consideration. Thus +they would confirm their national power for all time, but if the +opportunity were now lost, it would be their ruin, and posterity would +most justly blame them. The King of Spain was so stripped of troops and +resources, so embarrassed by the Moors, that in ten months he would not +be able to send one man to the Netherlands. + +Meantime the Nuncius in Paris was moving heaven and earth; storming, +intriguing, and denouncing the course of the King in protecting heresy, +when it would have been so easy to extirpate it, encouraging rebellion +and disorder throughout Christendom, and embarking in an action against +the Church and against his conscience. A new legate was expected daily +with the Pope's signature to the new league, and a demand upon the King +to sign it likewise, and to pause in a career of which something was +suspected, but very little accurately known. The preachers in Paris and +throughout the kingdom delivered most vehement sermons against the King, +the government, and the Protestants, and seemed to the King to be such +"trumpeters of sedition" that he ordered the seneschals and other +officers to put a stop to these turbulent discourses, censure their +authors, and compel them to stick to their texts. + +But the preparations were now so far advanced and going on so warmly that +nothing more was wanting than, in the words of Aerssens, "to uncouple the +dogs and let them run." Recruits were pouring steadily to their places +of rendezvous; their pay having begun to run from the 25th March at the +rate of eight sous a day for the private foot soldier and ten sous for a +corporal. They were moved in small parties of ten, lodged in the wayside +inns, and ordered, on pain of death, to pay for everything they consumed. + +It was growing difficult to wait much longer for the arrival of the +special ambassadors, when at last they were known to be on their way. +Aerssens obtained for their use the Hotel Gondy, formerly the residence +of Don Pedro de Toledo, the most splendid private palace in Paris, and +recently purchased by the Queen. It was considered expedient that the +embassy should make as stately an appearance as that of royal or imperial +envoys. He engaged an upholsterer by the King's command to furnish, at +his Majesty's expense, the apartments, as the Baron de Gondy, he said, +had long since sold and eaten up all the furniture. He likewise laid in +six pieces of wine and as many of beer, "tavern drinks" being in the +opinion of the thrifty ambassador "both dear and bad." + +He bought a carriage lined with velvet for the commissioners, and another +lined with broadcloth for the principal persons of their suite, and with +his own coach as a third he proposed to go to Amiens to meet them. They +could not get on with fewer than these, he said, and the new carriages +would serve their purpose in Paris. He had paid 500 crowns for the two, +and they could be sold, when done with, at a slight loss. He bought +likewise four dapple-grey horses, which would be enough, as nobody had +more than two horses to a carriage in town, and for which he paid 312 +crowns--a very low price, he thought, at a season when every one was +purchasing. He engaged good and experienced coachmen at two crowns a +month, and; in short, made all necessary arrangements for their comfort +and the honour of the state. + +The King had been growing more and more displeased at the tardiness of +the commission, petulantly ascribing it to a design on the part of the +States to "excuse themselves from sharing in his bold conceptions," but +said that "he could resolve on nothing without My Lords the States, who +were the only power with which he could contract confidently, as mighty +enough and experienced enough to execute the designs to be proposed to +them; so that his army was lying useless on his hands until the +commissioners arrived," and lamented more loudly than ever that Barneveld +was not coming with them. He was now rejoiced, however, to hear that +they would soon arrive, and went in person to the Hotel Gondy to see that +everything was prepared in a manner befitting their dignity and comfort. + +His anxiety had moreover been increased, as already stated, by the +alarming reports from Utrecht and by his other private accounts from the +Netherlands. + +De Russy expressed in his despatches grave doubts whether the States +would join the king in a war against the King of Spain, because they +feared the disapprobation of the King of Great Britain, "who had already +manifested but too much jealousy of the power and grandeur of the +Republic." Pecquius asserted that the Archdukes had received assurances +from the States that they would do nothing to violate the truce. The +Prince of Anhalt, who, as chief of the army of the confederated princes, +was warm in his demonstrations for a general war by taking advantage of +the Cleve expedition, was entirely at cross purposes with the States' +ambassador in Paris, Aerssens maintaining that the forty-three years' +experience in their war justified the States in placing no dependence on +German princes except with express conventions. They had no such +conventions now, and if they should be attacked by Spain in consequence +of their assistance in the Cleve business, what guarantee of aid had they +from those whom Anhalt represented? Anhalt was loud in expressions of +sympathy with Henry's designs against Spain, but said that he and the +States meant a war of thirty or forty years, while the princes would +finish what they meant to do in one. + +A more erroneous expression of opinion, when viewed in the light of +subsequent events, could hardly have been hazarded. Villeroy made as +good use as he could of these conversations to excite jealousy between +the princes and the States for the furtherance of his own ends, while +affecting warm interest in the success of the King's projects. + +Meantime Archduke Albert had replied manfully and distinctly to the +menaces of the King and to the pathetic suggestions made by Villeroy to +Pecquius as to a device for sending back the Princess. Her stay at +Brussels being the chief cause of the impending war, it would be better, +he said, to procure a divorce or to induce the Constable to obtain the +consent of the Prince to the return of his wife to her father's house. +To further either of these expedients, the Archduke would do his best. +"But if one expects by bravados and threats," he added, "to force us to +do a thing against our promise, and therefore against reason, our +reputation, and honour, resolutely we will do nothing of the kind. And +if the said Lord King decided on account of this misunderstanding for a +rupture and to make war upon us, we will do our best to wage war on him. +In such case, however, we shall be obliged to keep the Princess closer in +our own house, and probably to send her to such parts as may be most +convenient in order to remove from us an instrument of the infinite evils +which this war will produce." + +Meantime the special commissioners whom we left at Arras had now entered +the French kingdom. + +On the 17th April, Aerssens with his three coaches met them on their +entrance into Amiens, having been waiting there for them eight days. As +they passed through the gate, they found a guard of soldiers drawn up to +receive them with military honours, and an official functionary to +apologize for the necessary absence of the governor, who had gone with +most of the troops stationed in the town to the rendezvous in Champagne. +He expressed regret, therefore, that the King's orders for their solemn +reception could not be literally carried out. The whole board of +magistrates, however, in their costumes of ceremony, with sergeants +bearing silver maces marching before them, came forth to bid the +ambassadors welcome. An advocate made a speech in the name of the city +authorities, saying that they were expressly charged by the King to +receive them as coming from his very best friends, and to do them all +honour. He extolled the sage government of their High Mightinesses and +the valour of the Republic, which had become known to the whole world +by the successful conduct of their long and mighty war. + +The commissioners replied in words of compliment, and the magistrates +then offered them, according to ancient usage, several bottles of +hippocras. + +Next day, sending back the carriages of the Prince of Orange, in which +they had thus far performed the journey, they set forth towards Paris, +reaching Saint-Denis at noon of the third day. Here they were met by de +Bonoeil, introducer of ambassadors, sent thither by the King to give them +welcome, and to say that they would be received on the road by the Duke +of Vendome, eldest of the legitimatized children of the King. +Accordingly before reaching the Saint-Denis gate of Paris, a splendid +cavalcade of nearly five hundred noblemen met them, the Duke at their +head, accompanied by two marshals of France, de Brissac and Boisdaulphin. +The three instantly dismounted, and the ambassadors alighted from their +coach. The Duke then gave them solemn and cordial welcome, saying that +he had been sent by his father the King to receive them as befitted +envoys of the best and most faithful friends he possessed in the world. + +The ambassadors expressed their thanks for the great and extraordinary +honour thus conferred on them, and they were then requested to get into a +royal carriage which had been sent out for that purpose. After much +ceremonious refusal they at last consented and, together with the Duke of +Vendome, drove through Paris in that vehicle into the Faubourg Saint +Germain. Arriving at the Hotel Gondy, they were, notwithstanding all +their protestations, escorted up the staircase into the apartments by the +Duke. + +"This honour is notable," said the commissioners in their report to the +States, "and never shown to anyone before, so that our ill-wishers are +filled with spite." + +And Peter Pecquius was of the same opinion. "Everyone is grumbling +here," about the reception of the States' ambassadors, "because such +honours were never paid to any ambassador whatever, whether from Spain, +England, or any other country." + +And there were many men living and employed in great affairs of State, +both in France and in the Republic--the King and Villeroy, Barneveld and +Maurice--who could remember how twenty-six years before a solemn embassy +from the States had proceeded from the Hague to France to offer the +sovereignty of their country to Henry's predecessor, had been kept +ignominiously and almost like prisoners four weeks long in Rouen, and +had been thrust back into the Netherlands without being admitted even to +one audience by the monarch. Truly time, in the course of less than one +generation of mankind, had worked marvellous changes in the fortunes of +the Dutch Republic. + +President Jeannin came to visit them next day, with friendly proffers of +service, and likewise the ambassador of Venice and the charge d'affaires +of Great Britain. + +On the 22nd the royal carriages came by appointment to the Hotel Gondy, +and took them for their first audience to the Louvre. They were received +at the gate by a guard of honour, drums beating and arms presented, and +conducted with the greatest ceremony to an apartment in the palace. Soon +afterwards they were ushered into a gallery where the King stood, +surrounded by a number of princes and distinguished officers of the +crown. These withdrew on the approach of the Netherlanders, leaving the +King standing alone. They made their reverence, and Henry saluted them +all with respectful cordiality. Begging them to put on their hats again, +he listened attentively to their address. + +The language of the discourse now pronounced was similar in tenour to +that almost contemporaneously held by the States' special envoys in +London. Both documents, when offered afterwards in writing, bore the +unmistakable imprint of the one hand that guided the whole political +machine. In various passages the phraseology was identical, and, indeed, +the Advocate had prepared and signed the instructions for both embassies +on the same day. + +The commissioners acknowledged in the strongest possible terms the great +and constant affection, quite without example, that Henry had manifested +to the Netherlands during the whole course of their war. They were at a +loss to find language adequately to express their gratitude for that +friendship, and the assistance subsequently afforded them in the +negotiations for truce. They apologized for the tardiness of the States +in sending this solemn embassy of thanksgiving, partly on the ground of +the delay in receiving the ratifications from Spain, partly by the +protracted contraventions by the Archdukes of certain articles in the +treaty, but principally by the terrible disasters occasioned throughout +their country by the great inundations, and by the commotions in the city +of Utrecht, which had now been "so prudently and happily pacified." + +They stated that the chief cause of their embassy was to express their +respectful gratitude, and to say that never had prince or state treasured +more deeply in memory benefits received than did their republic the +favours of his Majesty, or could be more disposed to do their utmost to +defend his Majesty's person, crown, or royal family against all attack. +They expressed their joy that the King had with prudence, and heroic +courage undertaken tha defence of the just rights of Brandenburg and +Neuburg to the duchies of Cleve, Julich, and the other dependent +provinces. Thus had he put an end to the presumption of those who +thought they could give the law to all the world. They promised the co- +operation of the States in this most important enterprise of their ally, +notwithstanding their great losses in the war just concluded, and the +diminution of revenue occasioned by the inundations by which they had +been afflicted; for they were willing neither to tolerate so unjust an +usurpation as that attempted by the Emperor nor to fail to second his +Majesty in his generous designs. They observed also that they had been +instructed to enquire whether his Majesty would not approve the +contracting of a strict league of mutual assistance between France, +England, the United Provinces, and the princes of Germany. + +The King, having listened with close attention, thanked the envoys in +words of earnest and vigorous cordiality for their expressions of +affection to himself. He begged them to remember that he had always been +their good friend, and that he never would forsake them; that he had +always hated the Spaniards, and should ever hate them; and that the +affairs of Julich must be arranged not only for the present but for the +future. He requested them to deliver their propositions in writing to +him, and to be ready to put themselves into communication with the +members of his council, in order that they might treat with each +other roundly and without reserve. He should always deal with the +Netherlanders as with his own people, keeping no back-door open, but +pouring out everything as into the lap of his best and most trusty +friends. + +After this interview conferences followed daily between the ambassadors +and Villeroy, Sully, Jeannin, the Chancellor, and Puysieug. + +The King's counsellors, after having read the written paraphrase of +Barneveld's instructions, the communication of which followed their oral +statements, and which, among other specifications, contained a respectful +remonstrance against the projected French East India Company, as likely +to benefit the Spaniards only, while seriously injuring the States, +complained that "the representations were too general, and that the paper +seemed to contain nothing but compliments." + +The ambassadors, dilating on the various points and articles, maintained +warmly that there was much more than compliments in their instructions. +The ministers wished to know what the States practically were prepared to +do in the affair of Cleve, which they so warmly and encouragingly +recommended to the King. They asked whether the States' army would march +at once to Dusseldorf to protect the princes at the moment when the King +moved from Mezieres, and they made many enquiries as to what amount of +supplies and munitions they could depend upon from the States' magazines. + +The envoys said that they had no specific instructions on these points, +and could give therefore no conclusive replies. More than ever did Henry +regret the absence of the great Advocate at this juncture. If he could +have come, with the bridle on his neck, as Henry had so repeatedly urged +upon the resident ambassador, affairs might have marched more rapidly. +The despotic king could never remember that Barneveld was not the +unlimited sovereign of the United States, but only the seal-keeper of one +of the seven provinces and the deputy of Holland to the General Assembly. +His indirect power, however vast, was only great because it was so +carefully veiled. + +It was then proposed by Villeroy and Sully, and agreed to by the +commissioners, that M. de Bethune, a relative of the great financier, +should be sent forthwith to the Hague, to confer privately with Prince +Maurice and Barneveld especially, as to military details of the coming +campaign. + +It was also arranged that the envoys should delay their departure until +de Bethune's return. Meantime Henry and the Nuncius had been exchanging +plain and passionate language. Ubaldini reproached the King with +disregarding all the admonitions of his Holiness, and being about to +plunge Christendom into misery and war for the love of the Princess of +Conde. He held up to him the enormity of thus converting the King of +Spain and the Archdukes into his deadly enemies, and warned him that he +would by such desperate measures make even the States-General and the +King of Britain his foes, who certainly would never favour such schemes. +The King replied that "he trusted to his own forces, not to those of his +neighbours, and even if the Hollanders should not declare for him still +he would execute his designs. On the 15th of May most certainly he would +put himself at the head of his army, even if he was obliged to put off +the Queen's coronation till October, and he could not consider the King +of Spain nor the Archdukes his friends unless they at once made him +some demonstration of friendship. Being asked by the Nuncius what +demonstration he wished, he answered flatly that he wished the Princess +to be sent back to the Constable her father, in which case the affair of +Julich could be arranged amicably, and, at all events, if the war +continued there, he need not send more than 4000 men." + +Thus, in spite of his mighty preparations, vehement demands for +Barneveld, and profound combinations revealed to that statesman, to +Aerssens, and to the Duke of Sully only, this wonderful monarch was ready +to drop his sword on the spot, to leave his friends in the lurch, to +embrace his enemies, the Archduke first of all, instead of bombarding +Brussels the very next week, as he had been threatening to do, provided +the beautiful Margaret could be restored to his arms through those of her +venerable father. + +He suggested to the Nuncius his hope that the Archduke would yet be +willing to wink at her escape, which he was now trying to arrange through +de Preaux at Brussels, while Ubaldini, knowing the Archduke incapable of +anything so dishonourable, felt that the war was inevitable. + +At the very same time too, Father Cotton, who was only too ready to +betray the secrets of the confessional when there was an object to gain, +had a long conversation with the Archduke's ambassador, in which the holy +man said that the King had confessed to him that he made the war +expressly to cause the Princess to be sent back to France, so that as +there could be no more doubt on the subject the father-confessor begged +Pecquius, in order to prevent so great an evil, to devise "some prompt +and sudden means to induce his Highness the Archduke to order the +Princess to retire secretly to her own country." The Jesuit had +different notions of honour, reputation, and duty from those which +influenced the Archduke. He added that "at Easter the King had been so +well disposed to seek his salvation that he could easily have forgotten +his affection for the Princess, had she not rekindled the fire by her +letters, in which she caressed him with amorous epithets, calling him 'my +heart,' 'my chevalier,' and similar terms of endearment." Father Cotton +also drew up a paper, which he secretly conveyed to Pecquius, "to prove +that the Archduke, in terms of conscience and honour, might decide to +permit this escape, but he most urgently implored the Ambassador that for +the love of God and the public good he would influence his Serene +Highness to prevent this from ever coming to the knowledge of the world, +but to keep the secret inviolably." + +Thus, while Henry was holding high council with his own most trusted +advisers, and with the most profound statesmen of Europe, as to the +opening campaign within a fortnight of a vast and general war, he was +secretly plotting with his father-confessor to effect what he avowed to +be the only purpose of that war, by Jesuitical bird-lime to be applied to +the chief of his antagonists. Certainly Barneveld and his colleagues +were justified in their distrust. To move one step in advance of their +potent but slippery ally might be a step off a precipice. + +On the 1st of May, Sully made a long visit to the commissioners. He +earnestly urged upon them the necessity of making the most of the present +opportunity. There were people in plenty, he said, who would gladly see +the King take another course, for many influential persons about him were +altogether Spanish in their inclinations. + +The King had been scandalized to hear from the Prince of Anhalt, without +going into details, that on his recent passage through the Netherlands he +had noticed some change of feeling, some coolness in their High +Mightinesses. The Duke advised that they should be very heedful, that +they should remember how much more closely these matters regarded them +than anyone else, that they should not deceive themselves, but be firmly +convinced that unless they were willing to go head foremost into the +business the French would likewise not commit themselves. Sully spoke +with much earnestness and feeling, for it was obvious that both he and +his master had been disappointed at the cautious and limited nature of +the instructions given to the ambassadors. + +An opinion had indeed prevailed, and, as we have seen, was to a certain +extent shared in by Aerssens, and even by Sully himself, that the King's +military preparations were after all but a feint, and that if the Prince +of Conde, and with him the Princess, could be restored to France, the +whole war cloud would evaporate in smoke. + +It was even asserted that Henry had made a secret treaty with the enemy, +according to which, while apparently ready to burst upon the House of +Austria with overwhelming force, he was in reality about to shake hands +cordially with that power, on condition of being allowed to incorporate +into his own kingdom the very duchies in dispute, and of receiving the +Prince of Conde and his wife from Spain. He was thus suspected of being +about to betray his friends and allies in the most ignoble manner and for +the vilest of motives. The circulation of these infamous reports no +doubt paralysed for a time the energy of the enemy who had made no +requisite preparations against the threatened invasion, but it sickened +his friends with vague apprehensions, while it cut the King himself to +the heart and infuriated him to madness. + +He asked the Nuncius one day what people thought in Rome and Italy of the +war about to be undertaken. Ubaldini replied that those best informed +considered the Princess of Conde as the principal subject of hostilities; +they thought that he meant to have her back. "I do mean to have her +back," cried Henry, with a mighty oath, and foaming with rage, "and I +shall have her back. No one shall prevent it, not even the Lieutenant of +God on earth." + +But the imputation of this terrible treason weighed upon his mind and +embittered every hour. + +The commissioners assured Sully that they had no knowledge of any +coolness or change such as Anhalt had reported on the part of their +principals, and the Duke took his leave. + +It will be remembered that Villeroy had, it was thought, been making +mischief between Anhalt and the States by reporting and misreporting +private conversations between that Prince and the Dutch ambassador. + +As soon as Sully had gone, van der Myle waited upon Villeroy to ask, in +name of himself and colleagues, for audience of leave-taking, the object +of their mission having been accomplished. The Secretary of State, too, +like Sully, urged the importance of making the most of the occasion. The +affair of Cleve, he said, did not very much concern the King, but his +Majesty had taken it to heart chiefly on account of the States and for +their security. They were bound, therefore, to exert themselves to the +utmost, but more would not be required of them than it would be possible +to fulfil. + +Van der Myle replied that nothing would be left undone by their High +Mightinesses to support the King faithfully and according to their +promise. + +On the 5th, Villeroy came to the ambassadors, bringing with him a letter +from the King for the States-General, and likewise a written reply to the +declarations made orally and in writing by the ambassadors to his +Majesty. + +The letter of Henry to "his very dear and good friends, allies, and +confederates," was chiefly a complimentary acknowledgment of the +expressions of gratitude made to him on part of the States-General, and +warm approbation of their sage resolve to support the cause of +Brandenburg and Neuburg. He referred them for particulars to the +confidential conferences held between the commissioners and himself. +They would state how important he thought it that this matter should be +settled now so thoroughly as to require no second effort at any future +time when circumstances might not be so propitious; and that he intended +to risk his person, at the head of his army, to accomplish this result. + +To the ambassadors he expressed his high satisfaction at their assurances +of affection, devotion, and gratitude on the part of the States. He +approved and commended their resolution to assist the Elector and the +Palatine in the affair of the duchies. He considered this a proof of +their prudence and good judgment, as showing their conviction that they +were more interested and bound to render this assistance than any other +potentates or states, as much from the convenience and security to be +derived from the neighbourhood of princes who were their friends as from +dangers to be apprehended from other princes who were seeking to +appropriate those provinces. The King therefore begged the States to +move forward as soon as possible the forces which they offered for this +enterprise according to his Majesty's suggestion sent through de Bethune. +The King on his part would do the same with extreme care and diligence, +from the anxiety he felt to prevent My Lords the States from receiving +detriment in places so vital to their preservation. + +He begged the States likewise to consider that it was meet not only to +make a first effort to put the princes into entire possession of the +duchies, but to provide also for the durable success of the enterprise; +to guard against any invasions that might be made in the future to eject +those princes. Otherwise all their present efforts would be useless; and +his Majesty therefore consented on this occasion to enter into the new +league proposed by the States with all the princes and states mentioned +in the memoir of the ambassadors for mutual assistance against all unjust +occupations, attempts, and baneful intrigues. + +Having no special information as to the infractions by the Archdukes of +the recent treaty of truce, the King declined to discuss that subject for +the moment, although holding himself bound to all required of him as one +of the guarantees of that treaty. + +In regard to the remonstrance made by the ambassadors concerning the +trade of the East Indies, his Majesty disclaimed any intention of doing +injury to the States in permitting his subjects to establish a company in +his kingdom for that commerce. He had deferred hitherto taking action in +the matter only out of respect to the States, but he could no longer +refuse the just claims of his subjects if they should persist in them as +urgently as they had thus far been doing. The right and liberty which +they demanded was common to all, said the King, and he was certainly +bound to have as great care for the interests of his subjects as for +those of his friends and allies. + +Here, certainly, was an immense difference in tone and in terms towards +the Republic adopted respectively by their great and good friends and +allies the Kings of France and Great Britain. It was natural enough that +Henry, having secretly expressed his most earnest hope that the States +would move at his side in his broad and general assault upon the House of +Austria, should impress upon them his conviction, which was a just one, +that no power in the world was more interested in keeping a Spanish and +Catholic prince out of the duchies than they were themselves. But while +thus taking a bond of them as it were for the entire fulfilment of the +primary enterprise, he accepted with cordiality, and almost with +gratitude, their proposition of a close alliance of the Republic with +himself and with the Protestant powers which James had so superciliously +rejected. + +It would have been difficult to inflict a more petty and, more studied +insult upon the Republic than did the King of Great Britain at that +supreme moment by his preposterous claim of sovereign rights over the +Netherlands. He would make no treaty with them, he said, but should he +find it worth while to treat with his royal brother of France, he should +probably not shut the door in their faces. + +Certainly Henry's reply to the remonstrances of the ambassadors in regard +to the India trade was as moderate as that of James had been haughty and +peremptory in regard to the herring fishery. It is however sufficiently +amusing to see those excellent Hollanders nobly claiming that "the sea +was as free as air" when the right to take Scotch pilchards was in +question, while at the very same moment they were earnest for excluding +their best allies and all the world besides from their East India +monopoly. But Isaac Le Maire and Jacques Le Roy had not lain so long +disguised in Zamet's house in Paris for nothing, nor had Aerssens so +completely "broke the neck of the French East India Company" as he +supposed. A certain Dutch freebooter, however, Simon Danzer by name, a +native of Dordrecht, who had been alternately in the service of Spain, +France, and the States, but a general marauder upon all powers, was +exercising at that moment perhaps more influence on the East India trade +than any potentate or commonwealth. + +He kept the seas just then with four swift-sailing and well-armed +vessels, that potent skimmer of the ocean, and levied tribute upon +Protestant and Catholic, Turk or Christian, with great impartiality. +The King of Spain had sent him letters of amnesty and safe-conduct, +with large pecuniary offers, if he would enter his service. The King of +France had outbid his royal brother and enemy, and implored him to sweep +the seas under the white flag. + +The States' ambassador begged his masters to reflect whether this +"puissant and experienced corsair" should be permitted to serve Spaniard +or Frenchman, and whether they could devise no expedient for turning him +into another track. "He is now with his fine ships at Marseilles," said +Aerssens. "He is sought for in all quarters by the Spaniard and by the +directors of the new French East India Company, private persons who equip +vessels of war. If he is not satisfied with this king's offers, he is +likely to close with the King of Spain, who offers him 1000 crowns a +month. Avarice tickles him, but he is neither Spaniard nor Papist, and I +fear will be induced to serve with his ships the East India Company, and +so will return to his piracy, the evil of which will always fall on our +heads. If My Lords the States will send me letters of abolition for him, +in imitation of the French king, on condition of his returning to his +home in Zealand and quitting the sea altogether, something might be done. +Otherwise he will be off to Marseilles again, and do more harm to us than +ever. Isaac Le Maire is doing as much evil as he can, and one holds +daily council with him here." + +Thus the slippery Simon skimmed the seas from Marseilles to the Moluccas, +from Java to Mexico, never to be held firmly by Philip, or Henry, or +Barneveld. A dissolute but very daring ship's captain, born in Zealand, +and formerly in the service of the States, out of which he had been +expelled for many evil deeds, Simon Danzer had now become a professional +pirate, having his head-quarters chiefly at Algiers. His English +colleague Warde stationed himself mainly at Tunis, and both acted +together in connivance with the pachas of the Turkish government. They +with their considerable fleet, one vessel of which mounted sixty guns, +were the terror of the Mediterranean, extorted tribute from the commerce +of all nations indifferently, and sold licenses to the greatest +governments of Europe. After growing rich with his accumulated booty, +Simon was inclined to become respectable, a recourse which was always +open to him--France, England, Spain, the United Provinces, vieing with +each other to secure him by high rank and pay as an honoured member of +their national marine. He appears however to have failed in his plan of +retiring upon his laurels, having been stabbed in Paris by a man whom he +had formerly robbed and ruined. + +Villeroy, having delivered the letters with his own hands to the +ambassadors, was asked by them when and where it would be convenient for +the King to arrange the convention of close alliance. The Secretary of +State--in his secret heart anything but kindly disposed for this loving +union with a republic he detested and with heretics whom he would have +burned--answered briefly that his Majesty was ready at any time, and that +it might take place then if they were provided with the necessary powers. +He said in parting that the States should "have an eye to everything, for +occasions like the present were irrecoverable." He then departed, saying +that the King would receive them in final audience on the following day. + +Next morning accordingly Marshal de Boisdaulphin and de Bonoeil came +with royal coaches to the Hotel Gondy and escorted the ambassadors to the +Louvre. On the way they met de Bethune, who had returned solo from the +Hague bringing despatches for the King and for themselves. While in the +antechamber, they had opportunity to read their letters from the States- +General, his Majesty sending word that he was expecting them with +impatience, but preferred that they should read the despatches before +the audience. + +They found the King somewhat out of humour. He expressed himself as +tolerably well satisfied with the general tenour of the despatches +brought by de Bethune, but complained loudly of the request now made by +the States, that the maintenance and other expenses of 4000 French in the +States' service should be paid in the coming campaign out of the royal +exchequer. He declared that this proposition was "a small manifestation +of ingratitude," that my Lords the, States were "little misers," and that +such proceedings were "little avaricious tricks" such as he had not +expected of them. + +So far as England was concerned, he said there was a great difference. +The English took away what he was giving. He did cheerfully a great deal +for his friends, he said, and was always ready doubly to repay what they +did for him. If, however, the States persisted in this course, he should +call his troops home again. + +The King, as he went on, became more and more excited, and showed decided +dissatisfaction in his language and manner. It was not to be wondered +at, for we have seen how persistently he had been urging that the +Advocate should come in person with "the bridle on his neck," and now he +had sent his son-in-law and two colleagues tightly tied up by stringent +instructions. And over an above all this, while he was contemplating a +general war with intention to draw upon the States for unlimited +supplies, behold, they were haggling for the support of a couple of +regiments which were virtually their own troops. + +There were reasons, however, for this cautiousness besides those +unfounded, although not entirely chimerical, suspicions as to the King's +good faith, to which we have alluded. It should not be forgotten that, +although Henry had conversed secretly with the States' ambassador at full +length on his far-reaching plans, with instructions that he should +confidentially inform the Advocate and demand his co-operation, not a +word of it had been officially propounded to the States-General, nor to +the special embassy with whom he was now negotiating. No treaty of +alliance offensive or defensive existed between the Kingdom and the +Republic or between the Republic and any power whatever. It would have +been culpable carelessness therefore at this moment for the prime +minister of the States to have committed his government in writing to +a full participation in a general assault upon the House of Austria; the +first step in which would have been a breach of the treaty just concluded +and instant hostilities with the Archdukes Albert and Isabella. + +That these things were in the immediate future was as plain as that night +would follow day, but the hour had not yet struck for the States to throw +down the gauntlet. + +Hardly two months before, the King, in his treaty with the princes at +Hall, had excluded both the King of Great Britain and the States-General +from participation in those arrangements, and it was grave matter for +consideration, therefore, for the States whether they should allow such +succour as they might choose to grant the princes to be included in the +French contingent. The opportunity for treating as a sovereign power +with the princes and making friends with them was tempting, but it did +not seem reasonable to the States that France should make use of them +in this war without a treaty, and should derive great advantage from +the alliance, but leave the expense to them. + +Henry, on the other hand, forgetting, when it was convenient to him, all +about the Princess of Conde, his hatred of Spain, and his resolution to +crush the House of Austria, chose to consider the war as made simply for +the love of the States-General and to secure them for ever from danger. + +The ambassadors replied to the King's invectives with great respect, +and endeavoured to appease his anger. They had sent a special despatch +to their government, they said, in regard to all those matters, setting +forth all the difficulties that had been raised, but had not wished to +trouble his Majesty with premature discussions of them. They did not +doubt, however, that their High Mightinesses would so conduct this great +affair as to leave the King no ground of complaint. + +Henry then began to talk of the intelligence brought by de Bethune from +the Hague, especially in regard to the sending of States' troops to +Dusseldorf and the supply of food for the French army. He did not +believe, he said, that the Archdukes would refuse him the passage with +his forces through their territory, inasmuch as the States' army would be +on the way to meet him. In case of any resistance, however, he declared +his resolution to strike his blow and to cause people to talk of him. +He had sent his quartermaster-general to examine the passes, who had +reported that it would be impossible to prevent his Majesty's advance. +He was also distinctly informed that Marquis Spinola, keeping his places +garrisoned, could not bring more than 8000 men into the field. The Duke +of Bouillon, however, was sending advices that his communications were +liable to be cut off, and that for this purpose Spinola could set on foot +about 16,000 infantry and 4000 horse. + +If the passage should be allowed by the Archdukes, the King stated his +intention of establishing magazines for his troops along the whole line +of march through the Spanish Netherlands and neighbouring districts, and +to establish and fortify himself everywhere in order to protect his +supplies and cover his possible retreat. He was still in doubt, he said, +whether to demand the passage at once or to wait until he had began to +move his army. He was rather inclined to make the request instantly in +order to gain time, being persuaded that he should receive no answer +either of consent or refusal. + +Leaving all these details, the King then frankly observed that the affair +of Cleve had a much wider outlook than people thought. Therefore the +States must consider well what was to be done to secure the whole work as +soon as the Cleve business had been successfully accomplished. Upon this +subject it was indispensable that he should consult especially with his +Excellency (Prince Maurice) and some members of the General Assembly, +whom he wished that My Lords the States-General should depute to the +army. + +"For how much good will it do," said the King, "if we drive off Archduke +Leopold without establishing the princes in security for the future? +Nothing is easier than to put the princes in possession. Every one will +yield or run away before our forces, but two months after we have +withdrawn the enemy will return and drive the princes out again. I +cannot always be ready to spring out of my kingdom, nor to assemble such +great armies. I am getting old, and my army moreover costs me 400,000 +crowns a month, which is enough to exhaust all the treasures of France, +Spain, Venice, and the States-General together." + +He added that, if the present occasion were neglected, the States would +afterwards bitterly lament and never recover it. The Pope was very much +excited, and was sending out his ambassadors everywhere. Only the +previous Saturday the new nuncius destined for France had left Rome. +If My Lords the States would send deputies to the camp with full powers, +he stood there firm and unchangeable, but if they remained cool in the +business, he warned them that they would enrage him. + +The States must seize the occasion, he repeated. It was bald behind, and +must be grasped by the forelock. It was not enough to have begun well. +One must end well. "Finis coronat opus." It was very easy to speak of a +league, but a league was not to be made in order to sit with arms tied, +but to do good work. The States ought not to suffer that the Germans +should prove themselves more energetic, more courageous, than themselves. + +And again the King vehemently urged the necessity of his Excellency and +some deputies of the States coming to him "with absolute power" to treat. +He could not doubt in that event of something solid being accomplished. + +"There are three things," he continued, "which cause me to speak freely. +I am talking with my friends whom I hold dear--yes, dearer, perhaps, than +they hold themselves. I am a great king, and say what I choose to say. +I am old, and know by experience the ways of this world's affairs. I +tell you, then, that it is most important that you should come to me +resolved and firm on all points." + +He then requested the ambassadors to make full report of all that he had +said to their masters, to make the journey as rapidly as possible, in +order to encourage the States to the great enterprise and to meet his +wishes. He required from them, he said, not only activity of the body, +but labour of the intellect. + +He was silent for a few moments, and then spoke again. "I shall not +always be here," he said, "nor will you always have Prince Maurice, and a +few others whose knowledge of your commonwealth is perfect. My Lords the +States must be up and doing while they still possess them. Nest Tuesday +I shall cause the Queen to be crowned at Saint-Denis; the following +Thursday she will make her entry into Paris. Next day, Friday, I shall +take my departure. At the end of this month I shall cross the Meuse at +Mezieres or in that neighbourhood." + +He added that he should write immediately to Holland, to urge upon his +Excellency and the States to be ready to make the junction of their army +with his forces without delay. He charged the ambassadors to assure +their High Mightinesses that he was and should remain their truest +friend, their dearest neighbour. He then said a few gracious and cordial +words to each of them, warmly embraced each, and bade them all farewell. + +The next day was passed by the ambassadors in paying and receiving +farewell visits, and on Saturday, the 8th, they departed from Paris, +being escorted out of the gate by the Marshal de Boisdaulphin, with a +cavalcade of noblemen. They slept that night at Saint Denis, and then +returned to Holland by the way of Calais and Rotterdam, reaching the +Hague on the 16th of May. + +I make no apology for the minute details thus given of the proceedings of +this embassy, and especially of the conversations of Henry. + +The very words of those conversations were taken down on the spot by the +commissioners who heard them, and were carefully embodied in their report +made to the States-General on their return, from which I have transcribed +them. + +It was a memorable occasion. The great king--for great he was, despite +his numerous vices and follies--stood there upon the threshold of a vast +undertaking, at which the world, still half incredulous, stood gazing, +half sick with anxiety. He relied on his own genius and valour chiefly, +and after these on the brain of Barneveld and the sword of Maurice. Nor +was his confidence misplaced. + +But let the reader observe the date of the day when those striking +utterances were made, and which have never before been made public. It +was Thursday, the 6th May. "I shall not always be here," said the King +. . . . . "I cannot be ready at any moment to spring out of my +kingdom." . . . "Friday of next week I take my departure." + +How much of heroic pathos in Henry's attitude at this supreme moment! +How mournfully ring those closing words of his address to the +ambassadors! + +The die was cast. A letter drawn up by the Duc de Sully was sent to +Archduke Albert by the King. + +"My brother," he said; "Not being able to refuse my best allies and +confederates the help which they have asked of me against those who wish +to trouble them in the succession to the duchies and counties of Cleve, +Julich, Mark, Berg, Ravensberg, and Ravenstein, I am advancing towards +them with my army. As my road leads me through your country, I desire to +notify you thereof, and to know whether or not I am to enter as a friend +or enemy." + +Such was the draft as delivered to the Secretary of State; "and as such +it was sent," said Sully, "unless Villeroy changed it, as he had a great +desire to do." + +Henry was mistaken in supposing that the Archduke would leave the letter +without an answer. A reply was sent in due time, and the permission +demanded was not refused. For although France was now full of military +movement, and the regiments everywhere were hurrying hourly to the places +of rendezvous, though the great storm at last was ready to burst, the +Archdukes made no preparations for resistance, and lapped themselves in +fatal security that nothing was intended but an empty demonstration. + +Six thousand Swiss newly levied, with 20,000 French infantry and 6000 +horse, were waiting for Henry to place himself at their head at Mezieres. +Twelve thousand foot and 2000 cavalry, including the French and English +contingents--a splendid army, led by Prince Maurice--were ready to march +from Holland to Dusseldorf. The army of the princes under Prince +Christian of Anhalt numbered 10,000 men. The last scruples of the +usually unscrupulous Charles Emmanuel had been overcome, and the Duke was +quite ready to act, 25,000 strong, with Marshal de Lesdiguieres, in the +Milanese; while Marshal de la Force was already at the head of his forces +in the Pyrenees, amounting to 12,000 foot and 2000 horse. + +Sully had already despatched his splendid trains of artillery to the +frontier. "Never was seen in France, and perhaps never will be seen +there again, artillery more complete and better furnished," said the +Duke, thinking probably that artillery had reached the climax of perfect +destructiveness in the first decade of the seventeenth century. + +His son, the Marquis de Rosny, had received the post of grand master of +artillery, and placed himself at its head. His father was to follow as +its chief, carrying with him as superintendent of finance a cash-box of +eight millions. + +The King had appointed his wife, Mary de' Medici, regent, with an eminent +council. + +The new nuncius had been requested to present himself with his letters +of credence in the camp. Henry was unwilling that he should enter Paris, +being convinced that he came to do his best, by declamation, persuasion, +and intrigue, to paralyse the enterprise. Sully's promises to Ubaldini, +the former nuncius, that his Holiness should be made king, however +flattering to Paul V., had not prevented his representatives from +vigorously denouncing Henry's monstrous scheme to foment heresy and +encourage rebellion. + +The King's chagrin at the cautious limitations imposed upon the States' +special embassy was, so he hoped, to be removed by full conferences in +the camp. Certainly he had shown in the most striking manner the respect +he felt for the States, and the confidence he reposed in them. + +"In the reception of your embassy," wrote Aerssens to the Advocate, +"certainly the King has so loosened the strap of his affection that he +has reserved nothing by which he could put the greatest king in the world +above your level." + +He warned the States, however, that Henry had not found as much in their +propositions as the common interest had caused him to promise himself. +"Nevertheless he informs me in confidence," said Aerssens, "that he will +engage himself in nothing without you; nay, more, he has expressly told +me that he could hardly accomplish his task without your assistance, and +it was for our sakes alone that he has put himself into this position and +incurred this great expense." + +Some days later he informed Barneveld that he would leave to van der Myle +and his colleagues the task of describing the great dissatisfaction of +the King at the letters brought by de Bethune. He told him in confidence +that the States must equip the French regiments and put them in marching +order if they wished to preserve Henry's friendship. He added that since +the departure of the special embassy the King had been vehemently and +seriously urging that Prince Maurice, Count Lewis William, Barneveld, and +three or four of the most qualified deputies of the States-General, +entirely authorized to treat for the common safety, should meet with him +in the territory of Julich on a fixed day. + +The crisis was reached. The King stood fully armed, thoroughly prepared, +with trustworthy allies at his side, disposing of overwhelming forces +ready to sweep down with irresistible strength upon the House of Austria, +which, as he said and the States said, aspired to give the law to the +whole world. Nothing was left to do save, as the Ambassador said, to +"uncouple the dogs of war and let them run." + +What preparations had Spain and the Empire, the Pope and the League, +set on foot to beat back even for a moment the overwhelming onset? +None whatever. Spinola in the Netherlands, Fuentes in Milan, Bucquoy and +Lobkowitz and Lichtenstein in Prague, had hardly the forces of a moderate +peace establishment at their disposal, and all the powers save France and +the States were on the verge of bankruptcy. + +Even James of Great Britain--shuddering at the vast thundercloud which +had stretched itself over Christendom growing blacker and blacker, +precisely at this moment, in which he had proved to his own satisfaction +that the peace just made would perpetually endure--even James did not +dare to traverse the designs of the king whom he feared, and the republic +which he hated, in favour of his dearly loved Spain. Sweden, Denmark, +the Hanse Towns, were in harmony with France, Holland, Savoy, and the +whole Protestant force of Germany--a majority both in population and +resources of the whole empire. What army, what combination, what device, +what talisman, could save the House of Austria, the cause of Papacy, from +the impending ruin? + +A sudden, rapid, conclusive victory for the allies seemed as predestined +a result as anything could be in the future of human affairs. + +On the 14th or 15th day of May, as he had just been informing the States' +ambassadors, Henry meant to place himself at the head of his army. That +was the moment fixed by himself for "taking his departure." + +And now the ides of May had come--but not gone. + +In the midst of all the military preparations with which Paris had been +resounding, the arrangements for the Queen's coronation had been +simultaneously going forward. Partly to give check in advance to the +intrigues which would probably at a later date be made by Conde, +supported by the power of Spain, to invalidate the legitimacy of the +Dauphin, but more especially perhaps to further and to conceal what the +faithful Sully called the "damnable artifices" of the Queen's intimate +councillors--sinister designs too dark to be even whispered at that +epoch, and of which history, during the lapse of more than two centuries +and a half, has scarcely dared to speak above its breath--it was deemed +all important that the coronation should take place. + +A certain astrologer, Thomassin by name, was said to have bidden the King +to beware the middle of the next month of May. Henry had tweaked the +soothsayer by the beard and made him dance twice or thrice about the +room. To the Duc de Vendome expressing great anxiety in regard to +Thomassin, Henry replied, "The astrologer is an old fool, and you are a +young fool." A certain prophetess called Pasithea had informed the Queen +that the King could not survive his fifty-seventh year. She was much in +the confidence of Mary de' Medici, who had insisted this year on her +returning to Paris. Henry, who was ever chafing and struggling to escape +the invisible and dangerous net which he felt closing about him, and who +connected the sorceress with all whom he most loathed among the intimate +associates of the Queen, swore a mighty oath that she should not show her +face again at court. "My heart presages that some signal disaster will +befall me on this coronation. Concini and his wife are urging the Queen +obstinately to send for this fanatic. If she should come, there is no +doubt that my wife and I shall squabble well about her. If I discover +more about these private plots of hers with Spain, I shall be in a mighty +passion." And the King then assured the faithful minister of his +conviction that all the jealousy affected by the Queen in regard to the +Princess of Conde was but a veil to cover dark designs. It was necessary +in the opinion of those who governed her, the vile Concini and his wife, +that there should be some apparent and flagrant cause of quarrel. The +public were to receive payment in these pretexts for want of better coin. +Henry complained that even Sully and all the world besides attributed to +jealousy that which was really the effect of a most refined malice. + +And the minister sometimes pauses in the midst of these revelations made +in his old age, and with self-imposed and shuddering silence intimates +that there are things he could tell which are too odious and dreadful to +be breathed. + +Henry had an invincible repugnance to that coronation on which the Queen +had set her heart. Nothing could be more pathetic than the isolated +position in which he found himself, standing thus as he did on the +threshold of a mighty undertaking in which he was the central figure, +an object for the world to gaze upon with palpitating interest. At his +hearth in the Louvre were no household gods. Danger lurked behind every +tapestry in that magnificent old palace. A nameless dread dogged his +footsteps through those resounding corridors. + +And by an exquisite refinement in torture the possible father of several +of his children not only dictated to the Queen perpetual outbreaks of +frantic jealousy against her husband, but moved her to refuse with +suspicion any food and drink offered her by his hands. The Concini's +would even with unparalleled and ingenious effrontery induce her to make +use of the kitchen arrangements in their apartments for the preparation +of her daily meals? + +Driven from house and home, Henry almost lived at the Arsenal. There he +would walk for hours in the long alleys of the garden, discussing with +the great financier and soldier his vast, dreamy, impracticable plans. +Strange combination of the hero, the warrior, the voluptuary, the sage, +and the schoolboy--it would be difficult to find in the whole range of +history a more human, a more attractive, a more provoking, a less +venerable character. + +Haunted by omens, dire presentiments, dark suspicions with and without +cause, he was especially averse from the coronation to which in a moment +of weakness he had given his consent. + +Sitting in Sully's cabinet, in a low chair which the Duke had expressly +provided for his use, tapping and drumming on his spectacle case, or +starting up and smiting himself on the thigh, he would pour out his soul +hours long to his one confidential minister. "Ah, my friend, how this +sacrament displeases me," he said; "I know not why it is, but my heart +tells me that some misfortune is to befall me. By God I shall die in +this city, I shall never go out of it; I see very well that they are +finding their last resource in my death. Ah, accursed coronation! thou +wilt be the, cause of my death." + +So many times did he give utterance to these sinister forebodings that +Sully implored him at last for leave to countermand the whole ceremony +notwithstanding the great preparations which had been made for the +splendid festival. "Yes, yes," replied the King, "break up this +coronation at once. Let me hear no more of it. Then I shall have my +mind cured of all these impressions. I shall leave the town and fear +nothing." + +He then informed his friend that he had received intimations that he +should lose his life at the first magnificent festival he should give, +and that he should die in a carriage. Sully admitted that he had often, +when in a carriage with him, been amazed at his starting and crying out +at the slightest shock, having so often seen him intrepid among guns and +cannon, pikes and naked swords. + +The Duke went to the Queen three days in succession, and with passionate +solicitations and arguments and almost upon his knees implored her to +yield to the King's earnest desire, and renounce for the time at least +the coronation. In vain. Mary de' Medici was obdurate as marble to his +prayers. + +The coronation was fixed for Thursday, the 13th May, two days later than +the time originally appointed when the King conversed with the States' +ambassadors. On the following Sunday was to be the splendid and solemn +entrance of the crowned Queen. On the Monday, Henry, postponing likewise +for two days his original plan of departure, would leave for the army. + +Meantime there were petty annoyances connected with the details of the +coronation. Henry had set his heart on having his legitimatized +children, the offspring of the fair Gabrielle, take their part in the +ceremony on an equal footing with the princes of the blood. They were +not entitled to wear the lilies of France upon their garments, and the +King was solicitous that "the Count"--as Soissons, brother of Prince +Conti and uncle of Conde, was always called--should dispense with those +ensigns for his wife upon this solemn occasion, and that the other +princesses of the blood should do the same. Thus there would be no +appearance of inferiority on the part of the Duchess of Vendome. + +The Count protested that he would have his eyes torn out of his head +rather than submit to an arrangement which would do him so much shame. +He went to the Queen and urged upon her that to do this would likewise be +an injury to her children, the Dukes of Orleans and of Anjou. He refused +flatly to appear or allow his wife to appear except in the costume +befitting their station. The King on his part was determined not to +abandon his purpose. He tried to gain over the Count by the most +splendid proposals, offering him the command of the advance-guard of the +army, or the lieutenancy-general of France in the absence of the King, +30,000 crowns for his equipment and an increase of his pension if he +would cause his wife to give up the fleurs-de-lys on this occasion. +The alternative was to be that, if she insisted upon wearing them, +his Majesty would never look upon him again with favourable eyes. + +The Count never hesitated, but left Paris, refusing to appear at the +ceremony. The King was in a towering passion, for to lose the presence +of this great prince of the blood at a solemnity expressly intended as a +demonstration against the designs hatching by the first of all the +princes of the blood under patronage of Spain was a severe blow to his +pride and a check to his policy.' + +Yet it was inconceivable that he could at such a moment commit so +superfluous and unmeaning a blunder. He had forced Conde into exile, +intrigue with the enemy, and rebellion, by open and audacious efforts to +destroy his domestic peace, and now he was willing to alienate one of his +most powerful subjects in order to place his bastards on a level with +royalty. While it is sufficiently amusing to contemplate this proposed +barter of a chief command in a great army or the lieutenancy-general of a +mighty kingdom at the outbreak of a general European war against a bit of +embroidery on the court dress of a lady, yet it is impossible not to +recognize something ideal and chivalrous from his own point of view in +the refusal of Soissons to renounce those emblems of pure and high +descent, those haughty lilies of St. Louis, against any bribes of place +and pelf however dazzling. + +The coronation took place on Thursday, 13th May, with the pomp and +glitter becoming great court festivals; the more pompous and glittering +the more the monarch's heart was wrapped in gloom. The representatives +of the great powers were conspicuous in the procession; Aerssens, the +Dutch ambassador, holding a foremost place. The ambassadors of Spain and +Venice as usual squabbled about precedence and many other things, and +actually came to fisticuffs, the fight lasting a long time and ending +somewhat to the advantage of the Venetian. But the sacrament was over, +and Mary de' Medici was crowned Queen of France and Regent of the Kingdom +during the absence of the sovereign with his army. + +Meantime there had been mysterious warnings darker and more distinct than +the babble of the soothsayer Thomassin or the ravings of the lunatic +Pasithea. Count Schomberg, dining at the Arsenal with Sully, had been +called out to converse with Mademoiselle de Gournay, who implored that a +certain Madame d'Escomans might be admitted to audience of the King. +That person, once in direct relations with the Marchioness of Verneuil, +the one of Henry's mistresses who most hated him, affirmed that a man +from the Duke of Epernon's country was in Paris, agent of a conspiracy +seeking the King's life. + +The woman not enjoying a very reputable character found it impossible to +obtain a hearing, although almost frantic with her desire to save her +sovereign's life. The Queen observed that it was a wicked woman, who was +accusing all the world, and perhaps would accuse her too. + +The fatal Friday came. Henry drove out, in his carriage to see the +preparations making for the triumphal entrance of the Queen into Paris on +the following Sunday. What need to repeat the tragic, familiar tale? +The coach was stopped by apparent accident in the narrow street de la +Feronniere, and Francis Ravaillac, standing on the wheel, drove his knife +through the monarch's heart. The Duke of Epernon, sitting at his side, +threw his cloak over the body and ordered the carriage back to the +Louvre. + +"They have killed him, 'e ammazato,'" cried Concini (so says tradition), +thrusting his head into the Queen's bedchamber. + + [Michelet, 197. It is not probable that the documents concerning + the trial, having been so carefully suppressed from the beginning, + especially the confession dictated to Voisin--who wrote it kneeling + on the ground, and was perhaps so appalled at its purport that he + was afraid to write it legibly--will ever see the light. I add in + the Appendix some contemporary letters of persons, as likely as any + one to know what could be known, which show how dreadful were the + suspicions which men entertained, and which they hardly ventured to + whisper to each other]. + +That blow had accomplished more than a great army could have done, and +Spain now reigned in Paris. The House of Austria, without making any +military preparations, had conquered, and the great war of religion and +politics was postponed for half a dozen years. + +This history has no immediate concern with solving the mysteries of that +stupendous crime. The woman who had sought to save the King's life now +denounced Epernon as the chief murderer, and was arrested, examined, +accused of lunacy, proved to be perfectly sane, and, persisting in her +statements with perfect coherency, was imprisoned for life for her pains; +the Duke furiously demanding her instant execution. + +The documents connected with the process were carefully suppressed. The +assassin, tortured and torn by four horses, was supposed to have revealed +nothing and to have denied the existence of accomplices. + +The great accused were too omnipotent to be dealt with by humble accusers +or by convinced but powerless tribunals. The trial was all mystery, +hugger-mugger, horror. Yet the murderer is known to have dictated to the +Greflier Voisin, just before expiring on the Greve, a declaration which +that functionary took down in a handwriting perhaps purposely illegible. + +Two centuries and a half have passed away, yet the illegible original +record is said to exist, to have been plainly read, and to contain the +names of the Queen and the Duke of Epernon. + +Twenty-six years before, the pistol of Balthasar Gerard had destroyed the +foremost man in Europe and the chief of a commonwealth just struggling +into existence. Yet Spain and Rome, the instigators and perpetrators of +the crime, had not reaped the victory which they had the right to expect. +The young republic, guided by Barneveld and loyal to the son of the +murdered stadholder, was equal to the burthen suddenly descending upon +its shoulders. Instead of despair there had been constancy. Instead of +distracted counsels there had been heroic union of heart and hand. +Rather than bend to Rome and grovel to Philip, it had taken its +sovereignty in its hands, offered it successively, without a thought of +self-aggrandizement on the part of its children, to the crowns of France +and Great Britain, and, having been repulsed by both, had learned after +fiery trials and incredible exertions to assert its own high and foremost +place among the independent powers of the world. + +And now the knife of another priest-led fanatic, the wretched but +unflinching instrument of a great conspiracy, had at a blow decapitated +France. No political revolution could be much more thorough than that +which had been accomplished in a moment of time by Francis Ravaillac. + +On the 14th of May, France, while in spiritual matters obedient to the +Pope, stood at the head of the forces of Protestantism throughout Europe, +banded together to effect the downfall of the proud house of Austria, +whose fortunes and fate were synonymous with Catholicism. The Baltic +powers, the majority of the Teutonic races, the Kingdom of Britain, the +great Republic of the Netherlands, the northernmost and most warlike +governments of Italy, all stood at the disposition of the warrior-king. +Venice, who had hitherto, in the words of a veteran diplomatist, "shunned +to look a league or a confederation in the face, if there was any +Protestant element in it, as if it had been the head of Medusa," had +formally forbidden the passage of troops northwards to the relief of the +assailed power. Savoy, after direful hesitations, had committed herself +body and soul to the great enterprise. Even the Pope, who feared the +overshadowing personality of Henry, and was beginning to believe his +house's private interests more likely to flourish under the protection of +the French than the Spanish king, was wavering in his fidelity to Spain +and tempted by French promises: If he should prove himself incapable of +effecting a pause in the great crusade, it was doubtful on which side he +would ultimately range himself; for it was at least certain that the new +Catholic League, under the chieftainship of Maximilian of Bavaria, was +resolved not to entangle its fortunes inextricably with those of the +Austrian house. + +The great enterprise, first unfolding itself with the episode of Cleve +and Berg and whimsically surrounding itself with the fantastic idyl of +the Princess of Conde, had attained vast and misty proportions in the +brain of its originator. Few political visions are better known in +history than the "grand design" of Henry for rearranging the map of the +world at the moment when, in the middle of May, he was about to draw his +sword. Spain reduced to the Mediterranean and the Pyrenees, but +presented with both the Indies, with all America and the whole Orient in +fee; the Empire taken from Austria and given to Bavaria; a constellation +of States in Italy, with the Pope for president-king; throughout the rest +of Christendom a certain number of republics, of kingdoms, of religions-- +a great confederation of the world, in short--with the most Christian +king for its dictator and protector, and a great Amphictyonic council to +regulate all disputes by solemn arbitration, and to make war in the +future impossible, such in little was his great design. + +Nothing could be more humane, more majestic, more elaborate, more +utterly preposterous. And all this gigantic fabric had passed away +in an instant--at one stroke of a broken table knife sharpened on a +carriage wheel. + +Most pitiful was the condition of France on the day after, and for years +after, the murder of the King. Not only was the kingdom for the, time +being effaced from the roll of nations, so far as external relations were +concerned, but it almost ceased to be a kingdom. The ancient monarchy +of Hugh Capet, of Saint-Louis, of Henry of France and Navarre, was +transformed into a turbulent, self-seeking, quarrelsome, pillaging, +pilfering democracy of grandees. The Queen-Regent was tossed hither and +thither at the sport of the winds and waves which shifted every hour in +that tempestuous court. + +No man pretended to think of the State. Every man thought only of +himself. The royal exchequer was plundered with a celerity and cynical +recklessness such as have been rarely seen in any age or country. The +millions so carefully hoarded by Sully, and exhibited so dramatically +by that great minister to the enraptured eyes of his sovereign; that +treasure in the Bastille on which Henry relied for payment of the armies +with which he was to transform the world, all disappeared in a few weeks +to feed the voracious maw of courtiers, paramours, and partisans! + +The Queen showered gold like water upon her beloved Concini that he might +purchase his Marquisate of Ancre, and the charge of first gentleman of +the court from Bouillon; that he might fit himself for the government of +Picardy; that he might elevate his marquisate into a dukedom. Conde, +having no further reason to remain in exile, received as a gift from the +trembling Mary de' Medici the magnificent Hotel Gondy, where the Dutch +ambassadors had so recently been lodged, for which she paid 65,000 +crowns, together with 25,000 crowns to furnish it, 50,000 crowns to pay +his debts, 50,000 more as yearly pension. + +He claimed double, and was soon at sword's point with the Queen in spite +of her lavish bounty. + +Epernon, the true murderer of Henry, trampled on courts of justice and +councils of ministers, frightened the court by threatening to convert +his possession of Metz into an independent sovereignty, as Balagny had +formerly seized upon Cambray, smothered for ever the process of +Ravaillac, caused those to be put to death or immured for life in +dungeons who dared to testify to his complicity in the great crime, +and strode triumphantly over friends and enemies throughout France, +although so crippled by the gout that he could scarcely walk up stairs. + +There was an end to the triumvirate. Sully's influence was gone for +ever. The other two dropped the mask. The Chancellor and Villeroy +revealed themselves to be what they secretly had always been--humble +servants and stipendiaries of Spain. The formal meetings of the council +were of little importance, and were solemn, tearful, and stately; draped +in woe for the great national loss. In the private cabinet meetings in +the entresol of the Louvre, where the Nuncius and the Spanish ambassador +held counsel with Epernon and Villeroy and Jeannin and Sillery, the tone +was merry and loud; the double Spanish marriage and confusion to the +Dutch being the chief topics of consultation. + +But the anarchy grew day by day into almost hopeless chaos. There was no +satisfying the princes of the blood nor the other grandees. Conde, whose +reconciliation with the Princess followed not long after the death of +Henry and his own return to France, was insatiable in his demands for +money, power, and citadels of security. Soissons, who might formerly +have received the lieutenancy-general of the kingdom by sacrificing the +lilies on his wife's gown, now disputed for that office with his elder +brother Conti, the Prince claiming it by right of seniority, the Count +denouncing Conti as deaf, dumb, and imbecile, till they drew poniards on +each other in the very presence of the Queen; while Conde on one +occasion, having been refused the citadels which he claimed, Blaye and +Chateau Trompette, threw his cloak over his nose and put on his hat while +the Queen was speaking, and left the council in a fury, declaring that +Villeroy and the chancellor were traitors, and that he would have them +both soundly cudgelled. Guise, Lorraine, Epernon, Bouillon, and other +great lords always appeared in the streets of Paris at the head of three, +four, or five hundred mounted and armed retainers; while the Queen in her +distraction gave orders to arm the Paris mob to the number of fifty +thousand, and to throw chains across the streets to protect herself and +her son against the turbulent nobles. + +Sully, hardly knowing to what saint to burn his candle, being forced to +resign his great posts, was found for a time in strange political +combination with the most ancient foes of his party and himself. The +kaleidoscope whirling with exasperating quickness showed ancient Leaguers +and Lorrainers banded with and protecting Huguenots against the Crown, +while princes of the blood, hereditary patrons and chiefs of the +Huguenots, became partisans and stipendiaries of Spain. + +It is easy to see that circumstances like these rendered the position of +the Dutch commonwealth delicate and perilous. + +Sully informed Aerssens and van der Myle, who had been sent back to Paris +on special mission very soon after the death of the King, that it took a +hundred hours now to accomplish a single affair, whereas under Henry a +hundred affairs were transacted in a single hour. But Sully's sun had +set, and he had few business conferences now with the ambassadors. + +Villeroy and the Chancellor had fed fat their ancient grudge to the once +omnipotent minister, and had sworn his political ruin. The old secretary +of state had held now complete control of the foreign alliances and +combinations of France, and the Dutch ambassadors could be under no +delusion as to the completeness of the revolution. + +"You will find a passion among the advisers of the Queen," said Villeroy +to Aerssens and van der Myle, "to move in diametrical opposition to the +plans of the late king." And well might the ancient Leaguer and present +pensionary of Spain reveal this foremost fact in a policy of which he was +in secret the soul. He wept profusely when he first received Francis +Aerssens, but after these "useless tears," as the Envoy called them, he +soon made it manifest that there was no more to be expected of France, in +the great project which its government had so elaborately set on foot. + +Villeroy was now sixty-six years of age, and had been secretary of state +during forty-two years and under four kings. A man of delicate health, +frail body, methodical habits, capacity for routine, experience in +political intrigue, he was not personally as greedy of money as many of +his contemporaries, and was not without generosity; but he loved power, +the Pope, and the House of Austria. He was singularly reserved in +public, practised successfully the talent of silence, and had at last +arrived at the position he most coveted, the virtual presidency of the +council, and saw the men he most hated beneath his feet. + +At the first interview of Aerssens with the Queen-Regent she was drowned +in tears, and could scarcely articulate an intelligible sentence. So far +as could be understood she expressed her intention of carrying out the +King's plans, of maintaining the old alliances, of protecting both +religions. Nothing, however, could be more preposterous than such +phrases. Villeroy, who now entirely directed the foreign affairs of the +kingdom, assured the Ambassador that France was much more likely to apply +to the States for assistance than render them aid in any enterprise +whatever. "There is no doubt," said Aerssens, "that the Queen is +entirely in the hands of Spain and the priests." Villeroy, whom Henry +was wont to call the pedagogue of the council, went about sighing +dismally, wishing himself dead, and perpetually ejaculating, "Ho! poor +France, how much hast thou still to suffer!" In public he spoke of +nothing but of union, and of the necessity of carrying out the designs of +the King, instructing the docile Queen to hold the same language. In +private he was quite determined to crush those designs for ever, and +calmly advised the Dutch government to make an amicable agreement with +the Emperor in regard to the Cleve affair as soon as possible; a treaty +which would have been shameful for France and the possessory princes, and +dangerous, if not disastrous, for the States-General. "Nothing but +feverish and sick counsels," he said, "could be expected from France, +which had now lost its vigour and could do nothing but groan." + +Not only did the French council distinctly repudiate the idea of doing +anything more for the princes than had been stipulated by the treaty of +Hall--that is to say, a contingent of 8000 foot and 2000 horse--but many +of them vehemently maintained that the treaty, being a personal one of +the late king, was dead with him? The duty of France was now in their +opinion to withdraw from these mad schemes as soon as possible, to make +peace with the House of Austria without delay, and to cement the +friendship by the double marriages. + +Bouillon, who at that moment hated Sully as much as the most vehement +Catholic could do, assured the Dutch envoy that the government was, under +specious appearances, attempting to deceive the States; a proposition +which it needed not the evidence of that most intriguing duke to make +manifest to so astute a politician; particularly as there was none more +bent on playing the most deceptive game than Bouillon. There would be no +troops to send, he said, and even if there were, there would be no +possibility of agreeing on a chief. The question of religion would at +once arise. As for himself, the Duke protested that he would not accept +the command if offered him. He would not agree to serve under the Prince +of Anhalt, nor would he for any consideration in the world leave the +court at that moment. At the same time Aerssens was well aware that +Bouillon, in his quality of first marshal of France, a Protestant and a +prince having great possessions on the frontier, and the brother-in-law +of Prince Maurice, considered himself entitled to the command of the +troops should they really be sent, and was very indignant at the idea of +its being offered to any one else. + + [Aerssens worked assiduously, two hours long on one occasion, to + effect a reconciliation between the two great Protestant chiefs, but + found Bouillon's demands "so shameful and unreasonable" that he + felt obliged to renounce all further attempts. In losing Sully from + the royal councils, the States' envoy acknowledged that the Republic + had lost everything that could be depended on at the French court. + "All the others are time-serving friends," he said, "or saints + without miracles."--Aerssens to Barneveld, 11 June, 1610. ] + +He advised earnestly therefore that the States should make a firm demand +for money instead of men, specifying the amount that might be considered +the equivalent of the number of troops originally stipulated. + +It is one of the most singular spectacles in history; France sinking into +the background of total obscurity in an instant of time, at one blow of a +knife, while the Republic, which she had been patronizing, protecting, +but keeping always in a subordinate position while relying implicitly +upon its potent aid, now came to the front, and held up on its strong +shoulders an almost desperate cause. Henry had been wont to call the +States-General "his courage and his right arm," but he had always +strictly forbidden them to move an inch in advance of him, but ever to +follow his lead, and to take their directions from himself. They were +a part, and an essential one, in his vast designs; but France, or he +who embodied France, was the great providence, the destiny, the all- +directing, all-absorbing spirit, that was to remodel and control the +whole world. He was dead, and France and her policy were already in a +state of rapid decomposition. + +Barneveld wrote to encourage and sustain the sinking state. "Our courage +is rising in spite and in consequence of the great misfortune," he said. +He exhorted the Queen to keep her kingdom united, and assured her that My +Lords the States would maintain themselves against all who dared to +assail them. He offered in their name the whole force of the Republic to +take vengeance on those who had procured the assassination, and to defend +the young king and the Queen-Mother against all who might make any +attempt against their authority. He further declared, in language not to +be mistaken, that the States would never abandon the princes and their +cause. + +This was the earliest indication on the part of the Advocate of the +intention of the Republic--so long as it should be directed by his +counsels--to support the cause of the young king, helpless and incapable +as he was, and directed for the time being by a weak and wicked mother, +against the reckless and depraved grandees, who were doing their best to +destroy the unity and the independence of France, Cornelis van der Myle +was sent back to Paris on special mission of condolence and comfort from +the States-General to the sorely afflicted kingdom. + +On the 7th of June, accompanied by Aerssens, he had a long interview with +Villeroy. That minister, as usual, wept profusely, and said that in +regard to Cleve it was impossible for France to carry out the designs of +the late king. He then listened to what the ambassadors had to urge, and +continued to express his melancholy by weeping. Drying his tears for a +time, he sought by a long discourse to prove that France during this +tender minority of the King would be incapable of pursuing the policy of +his father. It would be even too burthensome to fulfil the Treaty of +Hall. The friends of the crown, he said, had no occasion to further it, +and it would be much better to listen to propositions for a treaty. +Archduke Albert was content not to interfere in the quarrel if the Queen +would likewise abstain; Leopold's forces were altogether too weak to make +head against the army of the princes, backed by the power of My Lords the +States, and Julich was neither strong nor well garrisoned. He concluded +by calmly proposing that the States should take the matter in hand by +themselves alone, in order to lighten the burthen of France, whose vigour +had been cut in two by that accursed knife. + +A more sneaking and shameful policy was never announced by the minister +of a great kingdom. Surely it might seem that Ravaillac had cut in twain +not the vigour only but the honour and the conscience of France. But the +envoys, knowing in their hearts that they were talking not with a French +but a Spanish secretary of state, were not disposed to be the dupes of +his tears or his blandishments. + +They reminded him that the Queen-Regent and her ministers since the +murder of the King had assured the States-General and the princes of +their firm intention to carry out the Treaty of Hall, and they observed +that they had no authority to talk of any negotiation. The affair of the +duchies was not especially the business of the States, and the Secretary +was well aware that they had promised their succour on the express +condition that his Majesty and his army should lead the way, and that +they should follow. This was very far from the plan now suggested, that +they should do it all, which would be quite out of the question. France +had a strong army, they said, and it would be better to use it than to +efface herself so pitiably. The proposition of abstention on the part of +the Archduke was a delusion intended only to keep France out of the +field. + +Villeroy replied by referring to English affairs. King James, he said, +was treating them perfidiously. His first letters after the murder had +been good, but by the following ones England seemed to wish to put her +foot on France's throat, in order to compel her to sue for an alliance. +The British ministers had declared their resolve not to carry out that +convention of alliance, although it had been nearly concluded in the +lifetime of the late king, unless the Queen would bind herself to make +good to the King of Great Britain that third part of the subsidies +advanced by France to the States which had been furnished on English +account! + +This was the first announcement of a grievance devised by the politicians +now governing France to make trouble for the States with that kingdom and +with Great Britain likewise. According to a treaty made at Hampton Court +by Sully during his mission to England at the accession of James, it had +been agreed that one-third of the moneys advanced by France in aid of the +United Provinces should be credited to the account of Great Britain, in +diminution of the debt for similar assistance rendered by Elizabeth to +Henry. In regard to this treaty the States had not been at all +consulted, nor did they acknowledge the slightest obligation in regard to +it. The subsidies in men and in money provided for them both by France +and by England in their struggle for national existence had always been +most gratefully acknowledged by the Republic, but it had always been +perfectly understood that these expenses had been incurred by each +kingdom out of an intelligent and thrifty regard for its own interest. +Nothing could be more ridiculous than to suppose France and England +actuated by disinterested sympathy and benevolence when assisting the +Netherland people in its life-and-death struggle against the dire and +deadly enemy of both crowns. Henry protested that, while adhering to +Rome in spiritual matters, his true alliances and strength had been found +in the United Provinces, in Germany, and in Great Britain. As for the +States, he had spent sixteen millions of livres, he said, in acquiring a +perfect benevolence on the part of the States to his person. It was the +best bargain he had ever made, and he should take care to preserve it at +any cost whatever, for he considered himself able, when closely united +with them, to bid defiance to all the kings in Europe together. + +Yet it was now the settled policy of the Queen-Regent's council, +so far as the knot of politicians guided by the Nuncius and the Spanish +ambassador in the entresols of the Louvre could be called a council, to +force the States to refund that third, estimated at something between +three and four million livres, which France had advanced them on account +of Great Britain. + +Villeroy told the two ambassadors at this interview that, if Great +Britain continued to treat the Queen-Regent in such fashion, she would be +obliged to look about for other allies. There could hardly be doubt as +to the quarter in which Mary de' Medici was likely to look. Meantime, +the Secretary of State urged the envoys "to intervene at once to-mediate +the difference." There could be as little doubt that to mediate the +difference was simply to settle an account which they did not owe. + +The whole object of the Minister at this first interview was to induce +the States to take the whole Cleve enterprise upon their own shoulders, +and to let France off altogether. The Queen-Regent as then advised meant +to wash her hands of the possessory princes once and for ever. The +envoys cut the matter short by assuring Villeroy that they would do +nothing of the kind. He begged them piteously not to leave the princes +in the lurch, and at the same time not to add to the burthens of France +at so disastrous a moment. + +So they parted. Next day, however, they visited the Secretary again, and +found him more dismal and flaccid than ever. + +He spoke feebly and drearily about the succour for the great enterprise, +recounted all the difficulties in the way, and, having thrown down +everything that the day before had been left standing, he tried to +excuse an entire change of policy by the one miserable crime. + +He painted a forlorn picture of the council and of France. "I can +myself do nothing as I wish," added the undisputed controller of that +government's policy, and then with a few more tears he concluded by +requesting the envoys to address their demands to the Queen in writing. + +This was done with the customary formalities and fine speeches on both +sides; a dull comedy by which no one was amused. + +Then Bouillon came again, and assured them that there had been a chance +that the engagements of Henry, followed up by the promise of the Queen- +Regent, would be carried out, but now the fact was not to be concealed +that the continued battery of the Nuncius, of the ambassadors of Spain +and of the Archdukes, had been so effective that nothing sure or solid +was thenceforth to be expected; the council being resolved to accept the +overtures of the Archduke for mutual engagement to abstain from the +Julich enterprise. + +Nothing in truth could be more pitiable than the helpless drifting of the +once mighty kingdom, whenever the men who governed it withdrew their +attention for an instant from their private schemes of advancement and +plunder to cast a glance at affairs of State. In their secret heart they +could not doubt that France was rushing on its ruin, and that in the +alliance of the Dutch commonwealth, Britain, and the German Protestants, +was its only safety. But they trembled before the Pope, grown bold and +formidable since the death of the dreaded Henry. To offend his Holiness, +the King of Spain, the Emperor, and the great Catholics of France, was to +make a crusade against the Church. Garnier, the Jesuit, preached from +his pulpit that "to strike a blow in the Cleve enterprise was no less a +sin than to inflict a stab in the body of our Lord." The Parliament of +Paris having ordered the famous treatise of the Jesuit Mariana-- +justifying the killing of excommunicated kings by their subjects--to be +publicly burned before Notre Dame, the Bishop opposed the execution of +the decree. The Parliament of Paris, although crushed by Epernon in its +attempts to fix the murder of the King upon himself as the true culprit, +was at least strong enough to carry out this sentence upon a printed, +volume recommending the deed, and the Queen's council could only do its +best to mitigate the awakened wrath of the Jesuits at this exercise of +legal authority.--At the same time, it found on the whole so many more +difficulties in a cynical and shameless withdrawal from the Treaty of +Hall than in a nominal and tardy fulfilment of its conditions that it +resolved at last to furnish the 8000 foot and 2000 horse promised to the +possessory princes. The next best thing to abandoning entirely even this +little shred, this pitiful remnant, of the splendid designs of Henry was +to so arrange matters that the contingent should be feebly commanded, and +set on foot in so dilatory a manner that the petty enterprise should on +the part of France be purely perfunctory. The grandees of the kingdom +had something more important to do than to go crusading in Germany, with +the help of a heretic republic, to set up the possessory princes. They +were fighting over the prostrate dying form of their common mother for +their share of the spoils, stripping France before she was dead, and +casting lots for her vesture. + +Soissons was on the whole in favour of the Cleve expedition. Epernon was +desperately opposed to it, and maltreated Villeroy in full council when +he affected to say a word, insincere as the Duke knew it to be, in favour +of executing agreements signed by the monarch, and sealed with the great +seal of France. The Duke of Guise, finding himself abandoned by the +Queen, and bitterly opposed and hated by Soissons, took sides with his +deaf and dumb and imbecile brother, and for a brief interval the Duke of +Sully joined this strange combination of the House of Lorraine and chiefs +of ancient Leaguers, who welcomed him with transport, and promised him +security. + +Then Bouillon, potent by his rank, his possessions, and his authority +among the Protestants, publicly swore that he would ruin Sully and change +the whole order of the government. What more lamentable spectacle, what +more desolate future for the cause of religious equality, which for a +moment had been achieved in France, than this furious alienation of the +trusted leaders of the Huguenots, while their adversaries were carrying +everything before them? At the council board Bouillon quarrelled +ostentatiously with Sully, shook his fist in his face, and but for the +Queen's presence would have struck him. Next day he found that the Queen +was intriguing against himself as well as against Sully, was making a +cat's-paw of him, and was holding secret councils daily from which he as +well as Sully was excluded. At once he made overtures of friendship to +Sully, and went about proclaiming to the world that all Huguenots were to +be removed from participation in affairs of state. His vows of vengeance +were for a moment hushed by the unanimous resolution of the council that, +as first marshal of France, having his principality on the frontier, and +being of the Reformed religion, he was the fittest of all to command the +expedition. Surely it might be said that the winds and tides were not +more changeful than the politics of the Queen's government. The Dutch +ambassador was secretly requested by Villeroy to negotiate with Bouillon +and offer him the command of the Julich expedition. The Duke affected +to make difficulties, although burning to obtain the post, but at last +consented. All was settled. Aerssens communicated at once with +Villeroy, and notice of Bouillon's acceptance was given to the Queen, +when, behold, the very next day Marshal de la Chatre was appointed to +the command expressly because he was a Catholic. Of course the Duke +of Bouillon, furious with Soissons and Epernon and the rest of the +government, was more enraged than ever against the Queen. His only hope +was now in Conde, but Conde at the outset, on arriving at the Louvre, +offered his heart to the Queen as a sheet of white paper. Epernon and +Soissons received him with delight, and exchanged vows of an eternal +friendship of several weeks' duration. And thus all the princes of the +blood, all the cousins of Henry of Navarre, except the imbecile Conti, +were ranged on the side of Spain, Rome, Mary de' Medici, and Concino +Concini, while the son of the Balafre, the Duke of Mayenne, and all their +adherents were making common cause with the Huguenots. What better +example had been seen before, even in that country of pantomimic changes, +of the effrontery with which Religion was made the strumpet of Political +Ambition? + +All that day and the next Paris was rife with rumours that there was to +be a general massacre of the Huguenots to seal the new-born friendship of +a Conde with a Medici. France was to renounce all her old alliances and +publicly to enter into treaties offensive and defensive with Spain. A +league like that of Bayonne made by the former Medicean Queen-Regent of +France was now, at Villeroy's instigation, to be signed by Mary de' +Medici. Meantime, Marshal de la Chatre, an honest soldier and fervent +Papist, seventy-three years of age, ignorant of the language, the +geography, the politics of the country to which he was sent, and knowing +the road thither about as well, according to Aerssens, who was requested +to give him a little preliminary instruction, as he did the road to +India, was to co-operate with Barneveld and Maurice of Nassau in the +enterprise against the duchies. + +These were the cheerful circumstances amid which the first step in the +dead Henry's grand design against the House of Austria and in support of +Protestantism in half Europe and of religious equality throughout +Christendom, was now to be ventured. + +Cornelis van der Myle took leave of the Queen on terminating his brief +special embassy, and was fain to content himself with languid assurances +from that corpulent Tuscan dame of her cordial friendship for the United +Provinces. Villeroy repeated that the contingent to be sent was +furnished out of pure love to the Netherlands, the present government +being in no wise bound by the late king's promises. He evaded the +proposition of the States for renewing the treaty of close alliance by +saying that he was then negotiating with the British government on the +subject, who insisted as a preliminary step on the repayment of the third +part of the sums advanced to the States by the late king. + +He exchanged affectionate farewell greetings and good wishes with Jeannin +and with the dropsical Duke of Mayenne, who was brought in his chair to +his old fellow Leaguer's apartments at the moment of the Ambassador's +parting interview. + +There was abundant supply of smooth words, in the plentiful lack of any +substantial nutriment, from the representatives of each busy faction into +which the Medicean court was divided. Even Epernon tried to say a +gracious word to the retiring envoy, assuring him that he would do as +much for the cause as a good Frenchman and lover of his fatherland could +do. He added, in rather a surly way, that he knew very well how foully +he had been described to the States, but that the devil was not as black +as he was painted. It was necessary, he said, to take care of one's own +house first of all, and he knew very well that the States and all prudent +persons would do the same thing. + + + + +ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + +And now the knife of another priest-led fanatic +As with his own people, keeping no back-door open +At a blow decapitated France +Conclusive victory for the allies seemed as predestined +Epernon, the true murderer of Henry +Father Cotton, who was only too ready to betray the secrets +Great war of religion and politics was postponed +Jesuit Mariana--justifying the killing of excommunicated kings +No man pretended to think of the State +Practised successfully the talent of silence +Queen is entirely in the hands of Spain and the priests +Religion was made the strumpet of Political Ambition +Smooth words, in the plentiful lack of any substantial +Stroke of a broken table knife sharpened on a carriage wheel +The assassin, tortured and torn by four horses +They have killed him, 'e ammazato,' cried Concini +Things he could tell which are too odious and dreadful +Uncouple the dogs and let them run +Vows of an eternal friendship of several weeks' duration +What could save the House of Austria, the cause of Papacy +Wrath of the Jesuits at this exercise of legal authority + + + + +End of this Project Gutenberg Etext Life of John Barneveld, v3, Motley #88 +by John Lothrop Motley + + + + + + +THE LIFE AND DEATH of JOHN OF BARNEVELD, ADVOCATE OF HOLLAND + +WITH A VIEW OF THE PRIMARY CAUSES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR + +By John Lothrop Motley, D.C.L., LL.D. + + +Life and Death of John of Barneveld, v4, 1610-12 + + + +CHAPTER V. + + Interviews between the Dutch Commissioners and King James--Prince + Maurice takes command of the Troops--Surrender of Julich--Matthias + crowned King of Bohemia--Death of Rudolph--James's Dream of a + Spanish Marriage--Appointment of Vorstius in place of Arminius at + Leyden--Interview between Maurice and Winwood--Increased Bitterness + between Barneveld and Maurice--Projects of Spanish Marriages in + France. + +It is refreshing to escape from the atmosphere of self-seeking faction, +feverish intrigue, and murderous stratagem in which unhappy France was +stifling into the colder and calmer regions of Netherland policy. + +No sooner had the tidings of Henry's murder reached the States than +they felt that an immense responsibility had fallen on their shoulders. +It is to the eternal honour of the Republic, of Barneveld, who directed +her councils, and of Prince Maurice, who wielded her sword, that she was +equal to the task imposed upon her. + +There were open bets on the Exchange in Antwerp, after the death of +Henry, that Maurice would likewise be killed within the month. Nothing +seemed more probable, and the States implored the Stadholder to take +special heed to himself. But this was a kind of caution which the Prince +was not wont to regard. Nor was there faltering, distraction, cowardice, +or parsimony in Republican councils. + +We have heard the strong words of encouragement and sympathy addressed by +the Advocate's instructions to the Queen-Regent and the leading statesmen +of France. We have seen their effects in that lingering sentiment of +shame which prevented the Spanish stipendiaries who governed the kingdom +from throwing down the mask as cynically as they were at first inclined +to do. + +Not less manful and statesmanlike was the language held to the King of +Great Britain and his ministers by the Advocate's directions. The news +of the assassination reached the special ambassadors in London at three +o'clock of Monday, the 17th May. James returned to Whitehall from a +hunting expedition on the 21st, and immediately signified his intention +of celebrating the occasion by inviting the high commissioners of the +States to a banquet and festival at the palace. + +Meantime they were instructed by Barneveld to communicate the results of +the special embassy of the States to the late king according to the +report just delivered to the Assembly. Thus James was to be informed of +the common resolution and engagement then taken to support the cause of +the princes. He was now seriously and explicitly to be summoned to +assist the princes not only with the stipulated 4000 men, but with a much +greater force, proportionate to the demands for the security and welfare +of Christendom, endangered by this extraordinary event. He was assured +that the States would exert themselves to the full measure of their +ability to fortify and maintain the high interests of France, of the +possessory princes, and of Christendom, so that the hopes of the +perpetrators of the foul deed would be confounded. + +"They hold this to be the occasion," said the envoys, "to show to all the +world that it is within your power to rescue the affairs of France, +Germany, and of the United Provinces from the claws of those who imagine +for themselves universal monarchy." + +They concluded by requesting the King to come to "a resolution on this +affair royally, liberally, and promptly, in order to take advantage of +the time, and not to allow the adversary to fortify himself in his +position"; and they pledged the States-General to stand by and second +him with all their power. + +The commissioners, having read this letter to Lord Salisbury before +communicating it to the King, did not find the Lord Treasurer very prompt +or sympathetic in his reply. There had evidently been much jealousy at +the English court of the confidential and intimate relations recently +established with Henry, to which allusions were made in the documents +read at the present conference. Cecil, while expressing satisfaction in +formal terms at the friendly language of the States, and confidence in +the sincerity of their friendship for his sovereign, intimated very +plainly that more had passed between the late king and the authorities of +the Republic than had been revealed by either party to the King of Great +Britain, or than could be understood from the letters and papers now +communicated. He desired further information from the commissioners, +especially in regard to those articles of their instructions which +referred to a general rupture. They professed inability to give more +explanations than were contained in the documents themselves. If +suspicion was felt, they said, that the French King had been proposing +anything in regard to a general rupture, either on account of the retreat +of Conde, the affair of Savoy, or anything else, they would reply that +the ambassadors in France had been instructed to decline committing the +States until after full communication and advice and ripe deliberation +with his British Majesty and council, as well as the Assembly of the +States-General; and it had been the intention of the late king to have +conferred once more and very confidentially with Prince Maurice and Count +Lewis William before coming to a decisive resolution. + +It was very obvious however to the commissioners that their statement +gave no thorough satisfaction, and that grave suspicions remained of +something important kept back by them. Cecil's manner was constrained +and cold, and certainly there were no evidences of profound sorrow at the +English court for the death of Henry. + +"The King of France," said the High Treasurer, "meant to make a master- +stroke--a coup de maistre--but he who would have all may easily lose all. +Such projects as these should not have been formed or taken in hand +without previous communication with his Majesty of Great Britain." + +All arguments on the part of the ambassadors to induce the Lord Treasurer +or other members of the government to enlarge the succour intended for +the Cleve affair were fruitless. The English troops regularly employed +in the States' service might be made use of with the forces sent by the +Republic itself. More assistance than this it was idle to expect, unless +after a satisfactory arrangement with the present regency of France. The +proposition, too, of the States for a close and general alliance was +coldly repulsed. "No resolution can be taken as to that," said Cecil; +"the death of the French king has very much altered such matters." + +At a little later hour on the same day the commissioners, according to +previous invitation, dined with the King. + +No one sat at the table but his Majesty and themselves, and they all kept +their hats on their heads. The King was hospitable, gracious, +discursive, loquacious, very theological. + +He expressed regret for the death of the King of France, and said +that the pernicious doctrine out of which such vile crimes grew must be +uprooted. He asked many questions in regard to the United Netherlands, +enquiring especially as to the late commotions at Utrecht, and the +conduct of Prince Maurice on that occasion. He praised the resolute +conduct of the States-General in suppressing those tumults with force, +adding, however, that they should have proceeded with greater rigour +against the ringleaders of the riot. He warmly recommended the Union of +the Provinces. + +He then led the conversation to the religious controversies in the +Netherlands, and in reply to his enquiries was informed that the points +in dispute related to predestination and its consequences. + +"I have studied that subject," said James, "as well as anybody, and have +come to the conclusion that nothing certain can be laid down in regard to +it. I have myself not always been of one mind about it, but I will bet +that my opinion is the best of any, although I would not hang my +salvation upon it. My Lords the States would do well to order their +doctors and teachers to be silent on this topic. I have hardly ventured, +moreover, to touch upon the matter of justification in my own writings, +because that also seemed to hang upon predestination." + +Thus having spoken with the air of a man who had left nothing further to +be said on predestination or justification, the King rose, took off his +hat, and drank a bumper to the health of the States-General and his +Excellency Prince Maurice, and success to the affair of Cleve. + +After dinner there was a parting interview in the gallery. The King, +attended by many privy councillors and high functionaries of state, +bade the commissioners a cordial farewell, and, in order to show his +consideration for their government, performed the ceremony of knighthood +upon them, as was his custom in regard to the ambassadors of Venice. The +sword being presented to him by the Lord Chamberlain, James touched each +of the envoys on the shoulder as he dismissed him. "Out of respect to My +Lords the States," said they in their report, "we felt compelled to allow +ourselves to be burthened with this honour." + +Thus it became obvious to the States-General that there was but little to +hope for from Great Britain or France. France, governed by Concini and +by Spain, was sure to do her best to traverse the designs of the +Republic, and, while perfunctorily and grudgingly complying with the +letter of the Hall treaty, was secretly neutralizing by intrigue the +slender military aid which de la Chatre was to bring to Prince Maurice. +The close alliance of France and Protestantism had melted into air. On +the other hand the new Catholic League sprang into full luxuriance out +of the grave of Henry, and both Spain and the Pope gave their hearty +adhesion to the combinations of Maximilian of Bavaria, now that the +mighty designs of the French king were buried with him. The Duke of +Savoy, caught in the trap of his own devising, was fain to send his son +to sue to Spain for pardon for the family upon his knees, and expiated +by draining a deep cup of humiliation his ambitious designs upon the +Milanese and the matrimonial alliance with France. Venice recoiled in +horror from the position she found herself in as soon as the glamour of +Henry's seductive policy was dispelled, while James of Great Britain, +rubbing his hands with great delight at the disappearance from the world +of the man he so admired, bewailed, and hated, had no comfort to impart +to the States-General thus left in virtual isolation. The barren burthen +of knighthood and a sermon on predestination were all he could bestow +upon the high commissioners in place of the alliance which he eluded, +and the military assistance which he point-blank refused. The possessory +princes, in whose cause the sword was drawn, were too quarrelsome and too +fainthearted to serve for much else than an incumbrance either in the +cabinet or the field. + +And the States-General were equal to the immense responsibility. +Steadily, promptly, and sagaciously they confronted the wrath, the +policy, and the power of the Empire, of Spain, and of the Pope. Had the +Republic not existed, nothing could have prevented that debateable and +most important territory from becoming provinces of Spain, whose power +thus dilated to gigantic proportions in the very face of England would +have been more menacing than in the days of the Armada. Had the Republic +faltered, she would have soon ceased to exist. But the Republic did not +falter. + +On the 13th July, Prince Maurice took command of the States' forces, +13,000 foot and 3000 horse, with thirty pieces of cannon, assembled at +Schenkenschans. The July English and French regiments in the regular +service of the United Provinces were included in these armies, but there +were no additions to them: "The States did seven times as much," +Barneveld justly averred, "as they had stipulated to do." Maurice, +moving with the precision and promptness which always marked his military +operations, marched straight upon Julich, and laid siege to that +important fortress. The Archdukes at Brussels, determined to keep out +of the fray as long as possible, offered no opposition to the passage of +his supplies up the Rhine, which might have been seriously impeded by +them at Rheinberg. The details of the siege, as of all the Prince's +sieges, possess no more interest to the general reader than the working +out of a geometrical problem. He was incapable of a flaw in his +calculations, but it was impossible for him quite to complete the +demonstration before the arrival of de la Chatre. Maurice received with +courtesy the Marshal, who arrived on the 18th August, at the head of his +contingent of 8000 foot and a few squadrons of cavalry, and there was +great show of harmony between them. For any practical purposes, de la +Chatre might as well have remained in France. For political ends his +absence would have been preferable to his presence. + +Maurice would have rejoiced, had the Marshal blundered longer along the +road to the debateable land than he had done. He had almost brought +Julich to reduction. A fortnight later the place surrendered. The terms +granted by the conqueror were equitable. No change was to be made in the +liberty of Roman Catholic worship, nor in the city magistracy. The +citadel and its contents were to be handed over to the Princes of +Brandenburg and Neuburg. Archduke Leopold and his adherents departed to +Prague, to carry out as he best could his farther designs upon the crown +of Bohemia, this first portion of them having so lamentably failed, and +Sergeant-Major Frederick Pithan, of the regiment of Count Ernest Casimir +of Nassau, was appointed governor of Julich in the interest of the +possessory princes. + +Thus without the loss of a single life, the Republic, guided by her +consummate statesman and unrivalled general, had gained an immense +victory, had installed the Protestant princes in the full possession of +those splendid and important provinces, and had dictated her decrees on +German soil to the Emperor of Germany, and had towed, as it were, Great +Britain and France along in her wake, instead of humbly following those +powers, and had accomplished all that she had ever proposed to do, even +in alliance with them both. + +The King of England considered that quite enough had been done, and was +in great haste to patch up a reconciliation. He thought his ambassador +would soon "have as good occasion to employ his tongue and his pen as +General Cecil and his soldiers have done their swords and their +mattocks." + +He had no sympathy with the cause of Protestantism, and steadily refused +to comprehend the meaning of the great movements in the duchies. "I only +wish that I may handsomely wind myself out of this quarrel, where the +principal parties do so little for themselves," he said. + +De la Chatre returned with his troops to France within a fortnight after +his arrival on the scene. A mild proposition made by the French +government through the Marshal, that the provinces should be held in +seguestration by France until a decision as to the true sovereignty could +be reached, was promptly declined. Maurice of Nassau had hardly gained +so signal a triumph for the Republic and for the Protestant cause only to +hand it over to Concini and Villeroy for the benefit of Spain. Julich +was thought safer in the keeping of Sergeant Pithan. + +By the end of September the States' troops had returned to their own +country. + +Thus the Republic, with eminent success, had accomplished a brief and +brilliant campaign, but no statesman could suppose that the result was +more than a temporary one. These coveted provinces, most valuable in +themselves and from their important position, would probably not be +suffered peacefully to remain very long under the protection of the +heretic States-General and in the 'Condominium' of two Protestant +princes. There was fear among the Imperialists, Catholics, and +Spaniards, lest the baleful constellation of the Seven Provinces might be +increased by an eighth star. And this was a project not to be tolerated. +It was much already that the upstart confederacy had defied Pope, +Emperor, and King, as it were, on their own domains, had dictated +arrangements in Germany directly in the teeth of its emperor, using +France as her subordinate, and compelling the British king to acquiesce +in what he most hated. + +But it was not merely to surprise Julich, and to get a foothold in the +duchies, that Leopold had gone forth on his adventure. His campaign, as +already intimated, was part of a wide scheme in which he had persuaded +his emperor-cousin to acquiesce. Poor Rudolph had been at last goaded +into a feeble attempt at revolt against his three brothers and his cousin +Ferdinand. Peace-loving, inert, fond of his dinner, fonder of his +magnificent collections of gems and intagli, liking to look out of window +at his splendid collection of horses, he was willing to pass a quiet +life, afar from the din of battles and the turmoil of affairs. As he +happened to be emperor of half Europe, these harmless tastes could not +well be indulged. Moon-faced and fat, silent and slow, he was not +imperial of aspect on canvas or coin, even when his brows were decorated +with the conventional laurel wreath. He had been stripped of his +authority and all but discrowned by his more bustling brothers Matthias +and Max, while the sombre figure of Styrian Ferdinand, pupil of the +Jesuits, and passionate admirer of Philip II., stood ever in the +background, casting a prophetic shadow over the throne and over Germany. + +The brothers were endeavouring to persuade Rudolph that he would find +more comfort in Innsbruck than in Prague; that he required repose after +the strenuous labours of government. They told him, too, that it would +be wise to confer the royal crown of Bohemia upon Matthias, lest, being +elective and also an electorate, the crown and vote of that country might +pass out of the family, and so both Bohemia and the Empire be lost to the +Habsburgs. The kingdom being thus secured to Matthias and his heirs, the +next step, of course, was to proclaim him King of the Romans. Otherwise +there would be great danger and detriment to Hungary, and other +hereditary states of that conglomerate and anonymous monarchy which owned +the sway of the great Habsburg family. + +The unhappy emperor was much piqued. He had been deprived by his brother +of Hungary, Moravia, and Austria, while Matthias was now at Prague with +an army, ostensibly to obtain ratification of the peace with Turkey, but +in reality to force the solemn transfer of those realms and extort the +promise of Bohemia. Could there be a better illustration of the +absurdities of such a system of Imperialism? + +And now poor Rudolph was to be turned out of the Hradschin, and sent +packing with or without his collections to the Tyrol. + +The bellicose bishop of Strassburg and Passau, brother of Ferdinand, had +little difficulty in persuading the downtrodden man to rise to vengeance. +It had been secretly agreed between the two that Leopold, at the head of +a considerable army of mercenaries which he had contrived to levy, should +dart into Julich as the Emperor's representative, seize the debateable +duchies, and hold them in sequestration until the Emperor should decide +to whom they belonged, and, then, rushing back to Bohemia, should +annihilate Matthias, seize Prague, and deliver Rudolph from bondage. It +was further agreed that Leopold, in requital of these services, should +receive the crown of Bohemia, be elected King of the Romans, and declared +heir to the Emperor, so far as Rudolph could make him his heir. + +The first point in the program he had only in part accomplished. He had +taken Julich, proclaimed the intentions of the Emperor, and then been +driven out of his strong position by the wise policy of the States under +the guidance of Barneveld and by the consummate strategy of Maurice. It +will be seen therefore that the Republic was playing a world's game at +this moment, and doing it with skill and courage. On the issue of the +conflict which had been begun and was to be long protracted in the +duchies, and to spread over nearly all Christendom besides, would depend +the existence of the United Netherlands and the fate of Protestantism. + +The discomfited Leopold swept back at the head of his mercenaries, 9000 +foot and 3000 horse, through Alsace and along the Danube to Linz and so +to Prague, marauding, harrying, and black-mailing the country as he went. +He entered the city on the 15th of February 1611, fighting his way +through crowds of exasperated burghers. Sitting in full harness on +horseback in the great square before the cathedral, the warlike bishop +compelled the population to make oath to him as the Emperor's commissary. +The street fighting went on however day by day, poor Rudolph meantime +cowering in the Hradschin. On the third day, Leopold, driven out of the +town, took up a position on the heights, from which he commanded it with +his artillery. Then came a feeble voice from the Hradschin, telling all +men that these Passau marauders and their episcopal chief were there by +the Emperor's orders. The triune city--the old, the new, and the Jew-- +was bidden to send deputies to the palace and accept the Imperial +decrees. No deputies came at the bidding. The Bohemians, especially the +Praguers, being in great majority Protestants knew very well that Leopold +was fighting the cause of the Papacy and Spain in Bohemia as well as in +the duchies. + +And now Matthias appeared upon the scene. The Estates had already been +in communication with him, better hopes, for the time at least, being +entertained from him than from the flaccid Rudolph. Moreover a kind of +compromise had been made in the autumn between Matthias and the Emperor +after the defeat of Leopold in the duchies. The real king had fallen at +the feet of the nominal one by proxy of his brother Maximilian. Seven +thousand men of the army of Matthias now came before Prague under command +of Colonitz. The Passauers, receiving three months pay from the Emperor, +marched quietly off. Leopold disappeared for the time. His chancellor +and counsellor in the duchies, Francis Teynagel, a Geldrian noble, taken +prisoner and put to the torture, revealed the little plot of the Emperor +in favour of the Bishop, and it was believed that the Pope, the King of +Spain, and Maximilian of Bavaria were friendly to the scheme. This was +probable, for Leopold at last made no mystery of his resolve to fight +Protestantism to the death, and to hold the duchies, if he could, for the +cause of Rome and Austria. + +Both Rudolph and Matthias had committed themselves to the toleration of +the Reformed religion. The famous "Majesty-Letter," freshly granted by +the Emperor (1609), and the Compromise between the Catholic and +Protestant Estates had become the law of the land. Those of the Bohemian +confession, a creed commingled of Hussism, Lutheranism, and Calvinism, +had obtained toleration. In a country where nine-tenths of the +population were Protestants it was permitted to Protestants to build +churches and to worship God in them unmolested. But these privileges +had been extorted by force, and there was a sullen, dogged determination +which might be easily guessed at to revoke them should it ever become +possible. The House of Austria, reigning in Spain, Italy, and Germany, +was bound by the very law of their being to the Roman religion. +Toleration of other worship signified in their eyes both a defeat and a +crime. + +Thus the great conflict, to be afterwards known as the Thirty Years' War, +had in reality begun already, and the Netherlands, in spite of the truce, +were half unconsciously taking a leading part in it. The odds at that +moment in Germany seemed desperately against the House of Austria, so +deep and wide was the abyss between throne and subjects which religious +difference had created. But the reserved power in Spain, Italy, and +Southern Germany was sure enough to make itself felt sooner or later on +the Catholic side. + +Meantime the Estates of Bohemia knew well enough that the Imperial house +was bent on destroying the elective principle of the Empire, and on +keeping the crown of Bohemia in perpetuity. They had also discovered +that Bishop-Archduke Leopold had been selected by Rudolph as chief of the +reactionary movement against Protestantism. They could not know at that +moment whether his plans were likely to prove fantastic or dangerous. + +So Matthias came to Prague at the invitation of the Estates, entering the +city with all the airs of a conqueror. Rudolph received his brother with +enforced politeness, and invited him to reside in the Hradschin. This +proposal was declined by Matthias, who sent a colonel however, with six +pieces of artillery, to guard and occupy that palace. The Passau +prisoners were pardoned and released, and there was a general +reconciliation. A month later, Matthias went in pomp to the chapel +of the holy Wenceslaus, that beautiful and barbarous piece of mediaeval, +Sclavonic architecture, with its sombre arches, and its walls encrusted +with huge precious stones. The Estates of Bohemia, arrayed in splendid +Zchech costume, and kneeling on the pavement, were asked whether they +accepted Matthias, King of Hungary, as their lawful king. Thrice they +answered Aye. Cardinal Dietrichstein then put the historic crown of St. +Wenceslaus on the King's head, and Matthias swore to maintain the laws +and privileges of Bohemia, including the recent charters granting liberty +of religion to Protestants. Thus there was temporary, if hollow, truce +between the religious parties, and a sham reconciliation between the +Emperor and his brethren. The forlorn Rudolph moped away the few months +of life left to him in the Hradschin, and died 1612 soon after the new +year. The House of Austria had not been divided, Matthias succeeded his +brother, Leopold's visions melted into air, and it was for the future to +reveal whether the Majesty-Letter and the Compromise had been written on +very durable material. + +And while such was the condition of affairs in Germany immediately +following the Cleve and Julich campaign, the relations of the Republic +both to England and France were become rapidly more dangerous than they +ever had been. It was a severe task for Barneveld, and enough to overtax +the energies of any statesman, to maintain his hold on two such slippery +governments as both had become since the death of their great monarchs. +It had been an easier task for William the Silent to steer his course, +notwithstanding all the perversities, short-comings, brow-beatings, and +inconsistencies that he had been obliged to endure from Elizabeth and +Henry. Genius, however capricious and erratic at times, has at least +vision, and it needed no elaborate arguments to prove to both those +sovereigns that the severance of their policy from that of the +Netherlands was impossible without ruin to the Republic and +incalculable danger themselves. + +But now France and England were both tending towards Spain through a +stupidity on the part of their rulers such as the gods are said to +contend against in vain. Barneveld was not a god nor a hero, but a +courageous and wide-seeing statesman, and he did his best. Obliged by +his position to affect admiration, or at least respect, where no emotion +but contempt was possible, his daily bread was bitter enough. It was +absolutely necessary to humour those whom knew to be traversing his +policy and desiring his ruin, for there was no other way to serve his +country and save it from impending danger. So long as he was faithfully +served by his subordinates, and not betrayed by those to whom he gave his +heart, he could confront external enemies and mould the policy of +wavering allies. + +Few things in history are more pitiable than the position of James in +regard to Spain. For seven long years he was as one entranced, the slave +to one idea, a Spanish marriage for his son. It was in vain that his +counsellors argued, Parliament protested, allies implored. Parliament +was told that a royal family matter regarded himself alone, and that +interference on their part was an impertinence. Parliament's duty was a +simple one, to give him advice if he asked it, and money when he required +it, without asking for reasons. It was already a great concession that +he should ask for it in person. They had nothing to do with his affairs +nor with general politics. The mystery of government was a science +beyond their reach, and with which they were not to meddle. "Ne sutor +ultra crepidam," said the pedant. + +Upon that one point his policy was made to turn. Spain held him in the +hollow of her hand. The Infanta, with two million crowns in dowry, was +promised, withheld, brought forward again like a puppet to please or +irritate a froward child. Gondemar, the Spanish ambassador, held him +spellbound. Did he falter in his opposition to the States--did he cease +to goad them for their policy in the duchies--did he express sympathy +with Bohemian Protestantism, or, as time went on, did he dare to lift a +finger or touch his pocket in behalf of his daughter and the unlucky +Elector-Palatine; did he, in short, move a step in the road which England +had ever trod and was bound to tread--the road of determined resistance +to Spanish ambition--instantaneously the Infanta withheld, and James was +on his knees again. A few years later, when the great Raleigh returned +from his trans-Alantic expedition, Gondemar fiercely denounced him to the +King as the worst enemy of Spain. The usual threat was made, the wand +was waved, and the noblest head in England fell upon the block, in +pursuance of an obsolete sentence fourteen years old. + +It is necessary to hold fast this single clue to the crooked and amazing +entanglements of the policy of James. The insolence, the meanness, and +the prevarications of this royal toad-eater are only thus explained. + +Yet Philip III. declared on his death-bed that he had never had a +serious intention of bestowing his daughter on the Prince. + +The vanity and the hatreds of theology furnished the chief additional +material in the policy of James towards the Provinces. The diplomacy of +his reign so far as the Republic was concerned is often a mere mass of +controversial divinity, and gloomy enough of its kind. Exactly at this +moment Conrad Vorstius had been called by the University of Leyden to the +professorship vacant by the death of Arminius, and the wrath of Peter +Plancius and the whole orthodox party knew no bounds. Born in Cologne, +Vorstius had been a lecturer in Geneva, and beloved by Beza. He had +written a book against the Jesuit Belarmino, which he had dedicated to +the States-General. But he was now accused of Arminianism, Socianism, +Pelagianism, Atheism--one knew not what. He defended himself in writing +against these various charges, and declared himself a believer in the +Trinity, in the Divinity of Christ, in the Atonement. But he had written +a book on the Nature of God, and the wrath of Gomarus and Plancius and +Bogerman was as nothing to the ire of James when that treatise was one +day handed to him on returning from hunting. He had scarcely looked into +it before he was horror-struck, and instantly wrote to Sir Ralph Winwood, +his ambassador at the Hague, ordering him to insist that this blasphemous +monster should at once be removed from the country. Who but James knew +anything of the Nature of God, for had he not written a work in Latin +explaining it all, so that humbler beings might read and be instructed. + +Sir Ralph accordingly delivered a long sermon to the States on the brief +supplied by his Majesty, told them that to have Vorstius as successor to +Arminius was to fall out of the frying-pan into the fire, and handed them +a "catalogue" prepared by the King of the blasphemies, heresies, and +atheisms of the Professor. "Notwithstanding that the man in full +assembly of the States of Holland," said the Ambassador with headlong and +confused rhetoric, "had found the means to palliate and plaster the dung +of his heresies, and thus to dazzle the eyes of good people," yet it was +necessary to protest most vigorously against such an appointment, and to +advise that "his works should be publicly burned in the open places of +all the cities." + +The Professor never was admitted to perform his functions of theology, +but he remained at Leyden, so Winwood complained, "honoured, recognized +as a singularity and ornament to the Academy in place of the late Joseph +Scaliger."--"The friendship of the King and the heresy of Vorstius arc +quite incompatible," said the Envoy. + +Meantime the Advocate, much distressed at the animosity of England +bursting forth so violently on occasion of the appointment of a divinity +professor at Leyden, and at the very instant too when all the acuteness +of his intellect was taxed to keep on good or even safe terms with +France, did his best to stem these opposing currents. His private +letters to his old and confidential friend, Noel de Carom, States' +ambassador in London, reveal the perplexities of his soul and the upright +patriotism by which he was guided in these gathering storms. And this +correspondence, as well as that maintained by him at a little later +period with the successor of Aerssens at Paris, will be seen subsequently +to have had a direct and most important bearing upon the policy of the +Republic and upon his own fate. It is necessary therefore that the +reader, interested in these complicated affairs which were soon to bring +on a sanguinary war on a scale even vaster than the one which had been +temporarily suspended, should give close attention to papers never before +exhumed from the musty sepulchre of national archives, although +constantly alluded to in the records of important state trials. It is +strange enough to observe the apparent triviality of the circumstances +out of which gravest events seem to follow. But the circumstances were +in reality threads of iron which led down to the very foundations of the +earth. + +"I wish to know," wrote the Advocate to Caron, "from whom the Archbishop +of Canterbury received the advices concerning Vorstius in order to find +out what is meant by all this." + +It will be remembered that Whitgift was of opinion that James was +directly inspired by the Holy Ghost, and that as he affected to deem him +the anointed High-priest of England, it was natural that he should +encourage the King in his claims to be 'Pontifex maximus' for the +Netherlands likewise. + +"We are busy here," continued Barneveld, "in examining all things for the +best interests of the country and the churches. I find the nobles and +cities here well resolved in this regard, although there be some +disagreements 'in modo.' Vorstius, having been for many years professor +and minister of theology at Steinfurt, having manifested his learning in +many books written against the Jesuits, and proved himself pure and +moderate in doctrine, has been called to the vacant professorship at +Leyden. This appointment is now countermined by various means. +We are doing our best to arrange everything for the highest good of the +Provinces and the churches. Believe this and believe nothing else. Pay +heed to no other information. Remember what took place in Flanders, +events so well known to you. It is not for me to pass judgment in these +matters. Do you, too, suspend your judgment." + +The Advocate's allusion was to the memorable course of affairs in +Flanders at an epoch when many of the most inflammatory preachers and +politicians of the Reformed religion, men who refused to employ a footman +or a housemaid not certified to be thoroughly orthodox, subsequently +after much sedition and disturbance went over to Spain and the Catholic +religion. + +A few weeks later Barneveld sent copies to Caron of the latest harangues +of Winwood in the Assembly and the reply of My Lords on the Vorstian +business; that is to say, the freshest dialogue on predestination between +the King and the Advocate. For as James always dictated word for word +the orations of his envoy, so had their Mightinesses at this period no +head and no mouthpiece save Barneveld alone. Nothing could be drearier +than these controversies, and the reader shall be spared as much, as +possible the infliction of reading them. It will be necessary, however, +for the proper understanding of subsequent events that he should be +familiar with portions of the Advocate's confidential letters. + +"Sound well the gentleman you wot of," said Barneveld, "and other +personages as to the conclusive opinions over there. The course of the +propositions does not harmonize with what I have myself heard out of the +King's mouth at other times, nor with the reports of former ambassadors. +I cannot well understand that the King should, with such preciseness, +condemn all other opinions save those of Calvin and Beza. It is +important to the service of this country that one should know the +final intention of his Majesty." + +And this was the misery of the position. For it was soon to appear that +the King's definite and final intentions, varied from day to day. It was +almost humorous to find him at that moment condemning all opinions but +those of Calvin and Beza in Holland, while his course to the strictest +confessors of that creed in England was so ferocious. + +But Vorstius was a rival author to his Majesty on subjects treated of by +both, so that literary spite of the most venomous kind, stirred into +theological hatred, was making a dangerous mixture. Had a man with the +soul and sense of the Advocate sat on the throne which James was +regarding at that moment as a professor's chair, the world's history +would have been changed. + +"I fear," continued Barneveld, "that some of our own precisians have been +spinning this coil for us over there, and if the civil authority can be +thus countermined, things will go as in Flanders in your time. Pray +continue to be observant, discreet, and moderate." + +The Advocate continued to use his best efforts to smooth the rising +waves. He humoured and even flattered the King, although perpetually +denounced by Winwood in his letters to his sovereign as tyrannical, +over-bearing, malignant, and treacherous. He did his best to counsel +moderation and mutual toleration, for he felt that these needless +theological disputes about an abstract and insoluble problem of casuistry +were digging an abyss in which the Republic might be swallowed up for +ever. If ever man worked steadily with the best lights of experience +and inborn sagacity for the good of his country and in defence of a +constitutional government, horribly defective certainly, but the only +legal one, and on the whole a more liberal polity than any then existing, +it was Barneveld. Courageously, steadily, but most patiently, he stood +upon that position so vital and daily so madly assailed; the defence of +the civil authority against the priesthood. He felt instinctively and +keenly that where any portion of the subjects or citizens of a country +can escape from the control of government and obey other head than the +lawful sovereignty, whether monarchical or republican, social disorder +and anarchy must be ever impending. + +"We are still tortured by ecclesiastical disputes," he wrote a few weeks +later to Caron. "Besides many libels which have appeared in print, the +letters of his Majesty and the harangues of Winwood have been published; +to what end you who know these things by experience can judge. The truth +of the matter of Vorstius is that he was legally called in July 1610, +that he was heard last May before My Lords the States with six preachers +to oppose him, and in the same month duly accepted and placed in office. +He has given no public lectures as yet. You will cause this to be known +on fitting opportunity. Believe and cause to be believed that his +Majesty's letters and Sir R. Winwood's propositions have been and shall +be well considered, and that I am working with all my strength to that +end. You know the constitution of our country, and can explain +everything for the best. Many pious and intelligent people in this State +hold themselves assured that his Majesty according to his royal exceeding +great wisdom, foresight, and affection for the welfare of this land will +not approve that his letters and Winwood's propositions should be +scattered by the press among the common people. Believe and cause to +be believed, to your best ability, that My Lords the States of Holland +desire to maintain the true Christian, Reformed religion as well in the +University of Leyden as in all their cities and villages. The only +dispute is on the high points of predestination and its adjuncts, +concerning which moderation and a more temperate teaching is furthered +by some amongst us. Many think that such is the edifying practice in +England. Pray have the kindness to send me the English Confession of +the year 1572, with the corrections and alterations up to this year." + +But the fires were growing hotter, fanned especially by Flemish +ministers, a brotherhood of whom Barneveld had an especial distrust, and +who certainly felt great animosity to him. His moderate counsels were +but oil to the flames. He was already depicted by zealots and +calumniators as false to the Reformed creed. + +"Be assured and assure others," he wrote again to Caron, "that in the +matter of religion I am, and by God's grace shall remain, what I ever +have been. Make the same assurances as to my son-in-law and brother. +We are not a little amazed that a few extraordinary Puritans, mostly +Flemings and Frisians, who but a short time ago had neither property nor +kindred in the country, and have now very little of either, and who have +given but slender proofs of constancy or service to the fatherland, could +through pretended zeal gain credit over there against men well proved in +all respects. We wonder the more because they are endeavouring, in +ecclesiastical matters at least, to usurp an extraordinary authority, +against which his Majesty, with very weighty reasons, has so many times +declared his opinion founded upon God's Word and upon all laws and +principles of justice." + +It was Barneveld's practice on this as on subsequent occasions very +courteously to confute the King out of his own writings and speeches, +and by so doing to be unconsciously accumulating an undying hatred +against himself in the royal breast. Certainly nothing could be easier +than to show that James, while encouraging in so reckless a manner the +emancipation of the ministers of an advanced sect in the Reformed Church +from control of government, and their usurpation of supreme authority +which had been destroyed in England, was outdoing himself in dogmatism +and inconsistency. A king-highpriest, who dictated his supreme will to +bishops and ministers as well as to courts and parliaments, was +ludicrously employed in a foreign country in enforcing the superiority +of the Church to the State. + +"You will give good assurances," said the Advocate, "upon my word, that +the conservation of the true Reformed religion is as warmly cherished +here, especially by me, as at any time during the war." + +He next alluded to the charges then considered very grave against certain +writings of Vorstius, and with equal fairness to his accusers as he had +been to the Professor gave a pledge that the subject should be examined. + +"If the man in question," he said, "be the author, as perhaps falsely +imputed, of the work 'De Filiatione Christi' or things of that sort, you +may be sure that he shall have no furtherance here." He complained, +however, that before proof the cause was much prejudiced by the +circulation through the press of letters on the subject from important +personages in England. His own efforts to do justice in the matter were +traversed by such machinations. If the Professor proved to be guilty of +publications fairly to be deemed atheistical and blasphemous, he should +be debarred from his functions, but the outcry from England was doing +more harm than good. + +"The published extract from the letter of the Archbishop," he wrote, +"to the effect that the King will declare My Lords the States to be his +enemies if they are not willing to send the man away is doing much harm." + +Truly, if it had come to this--that a King of England was to go to war +with a neighbouring and friendly republic because an obnoxious professor +of theology was not instantly hurled from a university of which his +Majesty was not one of the overseers--it was time to look a little +closely into the functions of governments and the nature of public and +international law. Not that the sword of James was in reality very +likely to be unsheathed, but his shriekings and his scribblings, pacific +as he was himself, were likely to arouse passions which torrents of blood +alone could satiate. + +"The publishing and spreading among the community," continued Barneveld, +"of M. Winwood's protestations and of many indecent libels are also doing +much mischief, for the nature of this people does not tolerate such +things. I hope, however, to obtain the removal according to his +Majesty's desire. Keep me well informed, and send me word what is +thought in England by the four divines of the book of Vorstius, 'De Deo,' +and of his declarations on the points sent here by his Majesty. Let me +know, too, if there has been any later confession published in England +than that of the year 1562, and whether the nine points pressed in the +year 1595 were accepted and published in 1603. If so, pray send them, +as they maybe made use of in settling our differences here." + +Thus it will be seen that the spirit of conciliation, of a calm but +earnest desire to obtain a firm grasp of the most reasonable relations +between Church and State through patient study of the phenomena exhibited +in other countries, were the leading motives of the man. Yet he was +perpetually denounced in private as an unbeliever, an atheist, a tyrant, +because he resisted dictation from the clergy within the Provinces and +from kings outside them. + +"It was always held here to be one of the chief infractions of the laws +and privileges of this country," he said, "that former princes had placed +themselves in matter of religion in the tutelage of the Pope and the +Spanish Inquisition, and that they therefore on complaint of their good +subjects could take no orders on that subject. Therefore it cannot be +considered strange that we are not willing here to fall into the same +obloquy. That one should now choose to turn the magistrates, who were +once so seriously summoned on their conscience and their office to adopt +the Reformation and to take the matter of religion to heart, into +ignorants, to deprive them of knowledge, and to cause them to see with +other eyes than their own, cannot by many be considered right and +reasonable. 'Intelligenti pauca.'" + + [The interesting letter from which I have given these copious + extracts was ordered by its writer to be burned. "Lecta vulcano" + was noted at the end of it, as was not unfrequently the case with + the Advocate. It never was burned; but, innocent and reasonable as + it seems, was made use of by Barneveld's enemies with deadly effect. + J.L.M.] + +Meantime M. de Refuge, as before stated, was on his way to the Hague, +to communicate the news of the double marriage. He had fallen sick at +Rotterdam, and the nature of his instructions and of the message he +brought remained unknown, save from the previous despatches of Aerssens. +But reports were rife that he was about to propose new terms of alliance +to the States, founded on large concessions to the Roman Catholic +religion. Of course intense jealousy was excited at the English court, +and calumny plumed her wings for a fresh attack upon the Advocate. Of +course he was sold to Spain, the Reformed religion was to be trampled out +in the Provinces, and the Papacy and Holy Inquisition established on its +ruins. Nothing could be more diametrically the reverse of the fact than +such hysterical suspicions as to the instructions of the ambassador +extraordinary from France, and this has already appeared. The Vorstian +affair too was still in the same phase, the Advocate professing a +willingness that justice should be done in the matter, while courteously +but firmly resisting the arrogant pretensions of James to take the matter +out of the jurisdiction of the States. + +"I stand amazed," he said, "at the partisanship and the calumnious +representations which you tell me of, and cannot imagine what is thought +nor what is proposed. Should M. de Refuge make any such propositions as +are feared, believe, and cause his Majesty and his counsellors to +believe, that they would be of no effect. Make assurances upon my word, +notwithstanding all advices to the contrary, that such things would be +flatly refused. If anything is published or proven to the discredit of +Vorstius, send it to me. Believe that we shall not defend heretics nor +schismatics against the pure Evangelical doctrine, but one cannot +conceive here that the knowledge and judicature of the matter belongs +anywhere else than to My Lords the States of Holland, in whose service he +has legally been during four months before his Majesty made the least +difficulty about it. Called hither legally a year before, with the +knowledge and by the order of his Excellency and the councillors of state +of Holland, he has been countermined by five or six Flemings and +Frisians, who, without recognizing the lawful authority of the +magistrates, have sought assistance in foreign countries--in Germany +and afterwards in England. Yes, they have been so presumptuous as to +designate one of their own men for the place. If such a proceeding +should be attempted in England, I leave it to those whose business it +would be to deal with it to say what would be done. I hope therefore +that one will leave the examination and judgment of this matter freely to +us, without attempting to make us--against the principles of the +Reformation and the liberties and laws of the land--executors of the +decrees of others, as the man here wishes to obtrude it upon us." + +He alluded to the difficulty in raising the ways and means; saying that +the quota of Holland, as usual, which was more than half the whole, was +ready, while other provinces were in arrears. Yet they were protected, +while Holland was attacked. + +"Methinks I am living in a strange world," he said, "when those who have +received great honour from Holland, and who in their conscience know that +they alone have conserved the Commonwealth, are now traduced with such +great calumnies. But God the Lord Almighty is just, and will in His own +time do chastisement." + +The affair of Vorstius dragged its slow length along, and few things are +more astounding at this epoch than to see such a matter, interesting +enough certainly to theologians, to the University, and to the rising +generation of students, made the topic of unceasing and embittered +diplomatic controversy between two great nations, who had most pressing +and momentous business on their hands. But it was necessary to humour +the King, while going to the verge of imprudence in protecting the +Professor. In March he was heard, three or four hours long, before the +Assembly of Holland, in answer to various charges made against him, being +warned that "he stood before the Lord God and before the sovereign +authority of the States." Although thought by many to have made a +powerful defence, he was ordered to set it forth in writing, both in +Latin and in the vernacular. Furthermore it was ordained that he should +make a complete refutation of all the charges already made or that might +be made during the ensuing three months against him in speech, book, or +letter in England, Germany, the Netherlands, or anywhere else. He was +allowed one year and a half to accomplish this work, and meantime was to +reside not in Leyden, nor the Hague, but in some other town of Holland, +not delivering lectures or practising his profession in any way. It +might be supposed that sufficient work had been thus laid out for the +unfortunate doctor of divinity without lecturing or preaching. The +question of jurisdiction was saved. The independence of the civil +authority over the extreme pretensions of the clergy had been vindicated +by the firmness of the Advocate. James bad been treated with overflowing +demonstrations of respect, but his claim to expel a Dutch professor from +his chair and country by a royal fiat had been signally rebuked. +Certainly if the Provinces were dependent upon the British king in +regard to such a matter, it was the merest imbecility for them to affect +independence. Barneveld had carried his point and served his country +strenuously and well in this apparently small matter which human folly +had dilated into a great one. But deep was the wrath treasured against +him in consequence in clerical and royal minds. + +Returning from Wesel after the negotiations, Sir Ralph Winwood had +an important interview at Arnheim with Prince Maurice, in which they +confidentially exchanged their opinions in regard to the Advocate, +and mutually confirmed their suspicions and their jealousies in +regard to that statesman. + +The Ambassador earnestly thanked the Prince in the King's name for his +"careful and industrious endeavours for the maintenance of the truth of +religion, lively expressed in prosecuting the cause against Vorstius and +his adherents." + +He then said: + +"I am expressly commanded that his Majesty conferring the present +condition of affairs of this quarter of the world with those +advertisements he daily receives from his ministers abroad, together +with the nature and disposition of those men who have in their hands +the managing of all business in these foreign parts, can make no other +judgment than this. + +"There is a general ligue and confederation complotted far the subversion +and ruin of religion upon the subsistence whereof his Majesty doth judge +the main welfare of your realms and of these Provinces solely to consist. + +"Therefore his Majesty has given me charge out of the knowledge he +has of your great worth and sufficiency," continued Winwood," and the +confidence he reposes in your faith and affection, freely to treat with +you on these points, and withal to pray you to deliver your opinion what +way would be the most compendious and the most assured to contrequarr +these complots, and to frustrate the malice of these mischievous +designs." + +The Prince replied by acknowledging the honour the King had vouchsafed to +do him in holding so gracious an opinion of him, wherein his Majesty +should never be deceived. + +"I concur in judgment with his Majesty," continued the Prince, "that the +main scope at which these plots and practices do aim, for instance, the +alliance between France and Spain, is this, to root out religion, and by +consequence to bring under their yoke all those countries in which +religion is professed. + +"The first attempt," continued the Prince, "is doubtless intended against +these Provinces. The means to countermine and defeat these projected +designs I take to be these: the continuance of his Majesty's constant +resolution for the protection of religion, and then that the King would +be pleased to procure a general confederation between the kings, princes, +and commonwealths professing religion, namely, Denmark, Sweden, the +German princes, the Protestant cantons of Switzerland, and our United +Provinces. + +"Of this confederation, his Majesty must be not only the director, but +the head and protector. + +"Lastly, the Protestants of France should be, if not supported, at least +relieved from that oppression which the alliance of Spain doth threaten +upon them. This, I insist," repeated Maurice with great fervour, "is +the only coupegorge of all plots whatever between France and Spain." + +He enlarged at great length on these points, which he considered so +vital. + +"And what appearance can there be," asked Winwood insidiously and +maliciously, "of this general confederation now that these Provinces, +which heretofore have been accounted a principal member of the Reformed +Church, begin to falter in the truth of religion? + +"He who solely governs the metropolitan province of Holland," continued +the Ambassador, with a direct stab in the back at Barneveld, "is reputed +generally, as your Excellency best knows, to be the only patron of +Vorstius, and the protector of the schisms of Arminius. And likewise, +what possibility is there that the Protestants of France can expect +favour from these Provinces when the same man is known to depend at the +devotion of France?" + +The international, theological, and personal jealousy of the King against +Holland's Advocate having been thus plainly developed, the Ambassador +proceeded to pour into the Prince's ear the venom of suspicion, and to +inflame his jealousy against his great rival. The secret conversation +showed how deeply laid was the foundation of the political hatred, both +of James and of Maurice, against the Advocate, and certainly nothing +could be more preposterous than to imagine the King as the director and +head of the great Protestant League. We have but lately seen him +confidentially assuring his minister that his only aim was "to wind +himself handsomely out of the whole business." Maurice must have found +it difficult to preserve his gravity when assigning such a part to +"Master Jacques." + +"Although Monsieur Barneveld has cast off all care of religion," said +Maurice, "and although some towns in Holland, wherein his power doth +reign, are infected with the like neglect, yet so long as so many good +towns in Holland stand sound, and all the other provinces of this +confederacy, the proposition would at the first motion be cheerfully +accepted. + +"I confess I find difficulty in satisfying your second question," +continued the Prince, "for I acknowledge that Barneveld is wholly devoted +to the service of France. During the truce negotiations, when some +difference arose between him and myself, President Jeannin came to me, +requiring me in the French king's name to treat Monsieur Barneveld well, +whom the King had received into his protection. The letters which the +States' ambassador in France wrote to Barneveld (and to him all +ambassadors address their despatches of importance), the very autographs +themselves, he sent back into the hands of Villeroy." + +Here the Prince did not scruple to accuse the Advocate of doing the base +and treacherous trick against Aerssens which he had expressly denied +doing, and which had been done during his illness, as he solemnly avowed, +by a subordinate probably for the sake of making mischief. + +Maurice then discoursed largely and vehemently of the suspicious +proceedings of Barneveld, and denounced him as dangerous to the State. +"When one man who has the conduct of all affairs in his sole power," he +said, "shall hold underhand intelligence with the ministers of Spain and +the Archduke, and that without warrant, thereby he may have the means so +to carry the course of affairs that, do what they will, these Provinces +must fall or stand at the mercy and discretion of Spain. Therefore some +good resolutions must be taken in time to hold up this State from a +sudden downfall, but in this much moderation and discretion must be +used." + +The Prince added that he had invited his cousin Lewis William to appear +at the Hague at May day, in order to consult as to the proper means to +preserve the Provinces from confusion under his Majesty's safeguard, and +with the aid of the Englishmen in the States' service whom Maurice +pronounced to be "the strength and flower of his army." + +Thus the Prince developed his ideas at great length, and accused the +Advocate behind his back, and without the faintest shadow of proof, of +base treachery to his friends and of high-treason. Surely Barneveld was +in danger, and was walking among pitfalls. Most powerful and deadly +enemies were silently banding themselves together against him. Could he +long maintain his hold on the slippery heights of power, where he was so +consciously serving his country, but where he became day by day a mere +shining mark for calumny and hatred? + +The Ambassador then signified to the Prince that he had been instructed +to carry to him the King's purpose to confer on him the Order of the +Garter. + +"If his Majesty holds me worthy of so great honour," said the Prince, "I +and my family shall ever remain bound to his service and that of his +royal posterity. + +"That the States should be offended I see no cause, but holding the +charge I do in their service, I could not accept the honour without first +acquainting them and receiving their approbation." + +Winwood replied that, as the King knew the terms on which the Prince +lived with the States, he doubted not his Majesty would first notify them +and say that he honoured the mutual amity between his realms and these +Provinces by honouring the virtues of their general, whose services, as +they had been most faithful and affectionate, so had they been +accompanied with the blessings of happiness and prosperous success. + +Thus said Winwood to the King: "Your Majesty may plaster two walls with +one trowel ('una fidelia duos dealbare parietes'), reverse the designs of +them who to facilitate their own practices do endeavour to alienate your +affections from the good of these Provinces, and oblige to your service +the well-affected people, who know that there is no surety for +themselves, their wives and children, but under the protection of your +Majesty's favour. Perhaps, however, the favourers of Vorstius and +Arminius will buzz into the ears of their associates that your Majesty +would make a party in these Provinces by maintaining the truth of +religion and also by gaining unto you the affections of their chief +commander. But your Majesty will be pleased to pass forth whose worthy +ends will take their place, which is to honour virtue where you find it, +and the suspicious surmises of malice and envy in one instant will vanish +into smoke." + +Winwood made no scruple in directly stating to the English government +that Barneveld's purpose was to "cause a divorce between the King's +realms and the Provinces, the more easily to precipitate them into the +arms of Spain." He added that the negotiation with Count Maurice then on +foot was to be followed, but with much secrecy, on account of the place +he held in the State. + +Soon after the Ambassador's secret conversation with Maurice he had an +interview with Barneveld. He assured the Advocate that no contentment +could be given to his Majesty but by the banishment of Vorstius. "If the +town of Leyden should understand so much," replied Barneveld, "I fear the +magistrates would retain him still in their town." + +"If the town of Leyden should retain Vorstius," answered Winwood, "to +brave or despight his Majesty, the King has the means, if it pleases him +to use them, and that without drawing sword, to range them to reason, and +to make the magistrates on their knees demand his pardon, and I say as +much of Rotterdam." + +Such insolence on the part of an ambassador to the first minister of a +great republic was hard to bear. Barneveld was not the man to brook it. +He replied with great indignation. "I was born in liberty," he said with +rising choler, "I cannot digest this kind of language. The King of Spain +himself never dared to speak in so high a style." + +"I well understand that logic," returned the Ambassador with continued +insolence. "You hold your argument to be drawn 'a majori ad minus;' but +I pray you to believe that the King of Great Britain is peer and +companion to the King of Spain, and that his motto is, 'Nemo me impune +lacessit.'" + +And so they parted in a mutual rage; Winwood adding on going out of the +room, "Whatsoever I propose to you in his Majesty's name can find with +you neither goust nor grace." + +He then informed Lord Rochester that "the man was extremely distempered +and extremely distasted with his Majesty. + +"Some say," he added, "that on being in England when his Majesty first +came to the throne he conceived some offence, which ever since hath +rankled in his heart, and now doth burst forth with more violent malice." + +Nor was the matter so small as it superficially appeared. Dependence of +one nation upon the dictation of another can never be considered +otherwise than grave. The subjection of all citizens, clerical or lay, +to the laws of the land, the supremacy of the State over the Church, +were equally grave subjects. And the question of sovereignty now raised +for the first time, not academically merely, but practically, was the +gravest one of all. It was soon to be mooted vigorously and passionately +whether the United Provinces were a confederacy or a union; a league of +sovereign and independent states bound together by treaty for certain +specified purposes or an incorporated whole. The Advocate and all the +principal lawyers in the country had scarcely a doubt on the subject. +Whether it were a reasonable system or an absurd one, a vigorous or an +imbecile form of government, they were confident that the Union of +Utrecht, made about a generation of mankind before, and the only tie by +which the Provinces were bound together at all, was a compact between +sovereigns. + +Barneveld styled himself always the servant and officer of the States of +Holland. To them was his allegiance, for them he spoke, wrought, and +thought, by them his meagre salary was paid. At the congress of the +States-General, the scene of his most important functions, he was the +ambassador of Holland, acting nominally according to their instructions, +and exercising the powers of minister of foreign affairs and, as it were, +prime minister for the other confederates by their common consent. The +system would have been intolerable, the great affairs of war and peace +could never have been carried on so triumphantly, had not the +preponderance of the one province Holland, richer, more powerful, +more important in every way than the other six provinces combined, +given to the confederacy illegally, but virtually, many of the attributes +of union. Rather by usucaption than usurpation Holland had in many +regards come to consider herself and be considered as the Republic +itself. And Barneveld, acting always in the name of Holland and with the +most modest of titles and appointments, was for a long time in all civil +matters the chief of the whole country. This had been convenient during +the war, still more convenient during negotiations for peace, but it was +inevitable that there should be murmurs now that the cessation from +military operations on a large scale had given men time to look more +deeply into the nature of a constitution partly inherited and partly +improvised, and having many of the defects usually incident to both +sources of government. + +The military interest, the ecclesiastical power, and the influence of +foreign nations exerted through diplomatic intrigue, were rapidly +arraying themselves in determined hostility to Barneveld and to what was +deemed his tyrannous usurpation. A little later the national spirit, as +opposed to provincial and municipal patriotism, was to be aroused against +him, and was likely to prove the most formidable of all the elements of +antagonism. + +It is not necessary to anticipate here what must be developed on a +subsequent page. This much, however, it is well to indicate for the +correct understanding of passing events. Barneveld did not consider +himself the officer or servant of their High Mightinesses the States- +General, while in reality often acting as their master, but the vassal +and obedient functionary of their Great Mightinesses the States of +Holland, whom he almost absolutely controlled. + +His present most pressing business was to resist the encroachments of the +sacerdotal power and to defend the magistracy. The casuistical questions +which were fast maddening the public mind seemed of importance to him +only as enclosing within them a more vital and practical question of +civil government. + +But the anger of his opponents, secret and open, was rapidly increasing. +Envy, jealousy, political and clerical hate, above all, that deadliest +and basest of malignant spirits which in partisan warfare is bred out of +subserviency to rising and rival power, were swarming about him and +stinging him at every step. No parasite of Maurice could more +effectively pay his court and more confidently hope for promotion or +reward than by vilipending Barneveld. It would be difficult to +comprehend the infinite extent and power of slander without a study of +the career of the Advocate of Holland. + +"I thank you for your advices," he wrote to Carom' "and I wish from my +heart that his Majesty, according to his royal wisdom and clemency +towards the condition of this country, would listen only to My Lords the +States or their ministers, and not to his own or other passionate persons +who, through misunderstanding or malice, furnish him with information and +so frequently flatter him. I have tried these twenty years to deserve +his Majesty's confidence, and have many letters from him reaching through +twelve or fifteen years, in which he does me honour and promises his +royal favour. I am the more chagrined that through false and passionate +reports and information--because I am resolved to remain good and true to +My Lords the States, to the fatherland, and to the true Christian +religion--I and mine should now be so traduced. I hope that God Almighty +will second my upright conscience, and cause his Majesty soon to see the +injustice done to me and mine. To defend the resolutions of My Lords the +States of Holland is my office, duty, and oath, and I assure you that +those resolutions are taken with wider vision and scope than his Majesty +can believe. Let this serve for My Lords' defence and my own against +indecent calumny, for my duty allows me to pursue no other course." + +He again alluded to the dreary affair of Vorstius, and told the Envoy +that the venation caused by it was incredible. "That men unjustly defame +our cities and their regents is nothing new," he said; "but I assure you +that it is far more damaging to the common weal than the defamers +imagine." + +Some of the private admirers of Arminius who were deeply grieved at +so often hearing him "publicly decried as the enemy of God" had been +defending the great heretic to James, and by so doing had excited the +royal wrath not only against the deceased doctor and themselves, but +against the States of Holland who had given them no commission. + +On the other hand the advanced orthodox party, most bitter haters of +Barneveld, and whom in his correspondence with England he uniformly and +perhaps designedly called the Puritans, knowing that the very word was a +scarlet rag to James, were growing louder and louder in their demands. +"Some thirty of these Puritans," said he, "of whom at least twenty are +Flemings or other foreigners equally violent, proclaim that they and the +like of them mean alone to govern the Church. Let his Majesty compare +this proposal with his Royal Present, with his salutary declaration at +London in the year 1603 to Doctor Reynolds and his associates, and with +his admonition delivered to the Emperor, kings, sovereigns, and +republics, and he will best understand the mischievous principles of +these people, who are now gaining credit with him to the detriment of the +freedom and laws of these Provinces." + +A less enlightened statesman than Barneveld would have found it easy +enough to demonstrate the inconsistency of the King in thus preaching +subserviency of government to church and favouring the rule of Puritans +over both. It needed but slender logic to reduce such a policy on his +part to absurdity, but neither kings nor governments are apt to value +themselves on their logic. So long as James could play the pedagogue to +emperors, kings, and republics, it mattered little to him that the +doctrines which he preached in one place he had pronounced flat +blasphemy in another. + +That he would cheerfully hang in England the man whom he would elevate to +power in Holland might be inconsistency in lesser mortals; but what was +the use of his infallibility if he was expected to be consistent? + +But one thing was certain. The Advocate saw through him as if he had +been made of glass, and James knew that he did. This fatal fact +outweighed all the decorous and respectful phraseology under which +Barneveld veiled his remorseless refutations. It was a dangerous thing +to incur the wrath of this despot-theologian. + +Prince Maurice, who had originally joined in the invitation given by the +overseers of Leyden to Vorstius, and had directed one of the deputies and +his own "court trumpeter," Uytenbogaert, to press him earnestly to grant +his services to the University, now finding the coldness of Barneveld to +the fiery remonstrances of the King, withdrew his protection of the +Professor. + +"The Count Maurice, who is a wise and understanding prince," said +Winwood, "and withal most affectionate to his Majesty's service, doth +foresee the miseries into which these countries are likely to fall, and +with grief doth pine away." + +It is probable that the great stadholder had never been more robust, or +indeed inclining to obesity, than precisely at this epoch; but Sir Ralph +was of an imaginative turn. He had discovered, too, that the Advocate's +design was "of no other nature than so to stem the course of the State +that insensibly the Provinces shall fall by relapse into the hands of +Spain." + +A more despicable idea never entered a human brain. Every action, word, +and thought, of Barneveld's life was a refutation of it. But he was +unwilling, at the bidding of a king, to treat a professor with contumely +who had just been solemnly and unanimously invited by the great +university, by the States of Holland, and by the Stadholder to an +important chair; and that was enough for the diplomatist and courtier. +"He, and only he," said Winwood passionately, "hath opposed his Majesty's +purposes with might and main." Formerly the Ambassador had been full of +complaints of "the craving humour of Count Maurice," and had censured him +bitterly in his correspondence for having almost by his inordinate +pretensions for money and other property brought the Treaty of Truce to a +standstill. And in these charges he was as unjust and as reckless as he +was now in regard to Barneveld. + +The course of James and his agents seemed cunningly devised to sow +discord in the Provinces, to inflame the growing animosity of the +Stadholder to the Advocate, and to paralyse the action of the Republic in +the duchies. If the King had received direct instructions from the +Spanish cabinet how to play the Spanish game, he could hardly have done +it with more docility. But was not Gondemar ever at his elbow, and the +Infanta always in the perspective? + +And it is strange enough that, at the same moment, Spanish marriages were +in France as well as England the turning-point of policy. + +Henry had been willing enough that the Dauphin should espouse a Spanish +infanta, and that one of the Spanish princes should be affianced to one +of his daughters. But the proposition from Spain had been coupled with a +condition that the friendship between France and the Netherlands should +be at once broken off, and the rebellious heretics left to their fate. +And this condition had been placed before him with such arrogance that +he had rejected the whole scheme. Henry was not the man to do anything +dishonourable at the dictation of another sovereign. He was also not the +man to be ignorant that the friendship of the Provinces was necessary to +him, that cordial friendship between France and Spain was impossible, and +that to allow Spain to reoccupy that splendid possession between his own +realms and Germany, from which she had been driven by the Hollanders in +close alliance with himself, would be unworthy of the veriest schoolboy +in politics. But Henry was dead, and a Medici reigned in his place, +whose whole thought was to make herself agreeable to Spain. + +Aerssens, adroit, prying, experienced, unscrupulous, knew very well +that these double Spanish marriages were resolved upon, and that the +inevitable condition refused by the King would be imposed upon his widow. +He so informed the States-General, and it was known to the French +government that he had informed them. His position soon became almost +untenable, not because he had given this information, but because the +information and the inference made from it were correct. + +It will be observed that the policy of the Advocate was to preserve +friendly relations between France and England, and between both and the +United Provinces. It was for this reason that he submitted to the +exhortations and denunciations of the English ambassadors. It was for +this that he kept steadily in view the necessity of dealing with and +supporting corporate France, the French government, when there were many +reasons for feeling sympathy with the internal rebellion against that +government. Maurice felt differently. He was connected by blood or +alliance with more than one of the princes now perpetually in revolt. +Bouillon was his brother-in-law, the sister of Conde was his brother's +wife. Another cousin, the Elector-Palatine, was already encouraging +distant and extravagant hopes of the Imperial crown. It was not +unnatural that he should feel promptings of ambition and sympathy +difficult to avow even to himself, and that he should feel resentment +against the man by whom this secret policy was traversed in the well- +considered interest of the Republican government. + +Aerssens, who, with the keen instinct of self-advancement was already +attaching himself to Maurice as to the wheels of the chariot going +steadily up the hill, was not indisposed to loosen his hold upon the man +through whose friendship he had first risen, and whose power was now +perhaps on the decline. Moreover, events had now caused him to hate the +French government with much fervour. With Henry IV. he had been all- +powerful. His position had been altogether exceptional, and he had +wielded an influence at Paris more than that exerted by any foreign +ambassador. The change naturally did not please him, although he well +knew the reasons. It was impossible for the Dutch ambassador to be +popular at a court where Spain ruled supreme. Had he been willing to eat +humiliation as with a spoon, it would not have sufficed. They knew him, +they feared him, and they could not doubt that his sympathies would ever +be with the malcontent princes. At the same time he did not like to lose +his hold upon the place, nor to have it known, as yet, to the world that +his power was diminished. + +"The Queen commands me to tell you," said the French ambassador de Russy +to the States-General, "that the language of the Sieur Aerssens has not +only astonished her, but scandalized her to that degree that she could +not refrain from demanding if it came from My Lords the States or from +himself. He having, however, affirmed to her Majesty that he had express +charge to justify it by reasons so remote from the hope and the belief +that she had conceived of your gratitude to the Most Christian King and +herself, she is constrained to complain of it, and with great frankness." + +Some months later than this Aerssens communicated to the States-General +the project of the Spanish marriage, "which," said he, "they have +declared to me with so many oaths to be false." He informed them that +M. de Refuge was to go on special mission to the Hague, "having been +designated to that duty before Aerssens' discovery of the marriage +project." He was to persuade their Mightinesses that the marriages were +by no means concluded, and that, even if they were, their Mightinesses +were not interested therein, their Majesties intending to remain by the +old maxims and alliances of the late king. Marriages, he would be +instructed to say, were mere personal conventions, which remained +of no consideration when the interests of the crown were touched. +"Nevertheless, I know very well," said Aerssens, "that in England +these negotiations are otherwise understood, and that the King has +uttered great complaints about them, saying that such a negotiation as +this ought not to have been concealed from him. He is pressing more than +ever for reimbursement of the debt to him, and especially for the moneys +pretended to have been furnished to your Mightinesses in his Majesty's +name." + +Thus it will be seen how closely the Spanish marriages were connected +with the immediate financial arrangements of France, England, and the +States, without reference to the wider political consequences +anticipated. + +"The princes and most gentlemen," here continued the Ambassador, "believe +that these reciprocal and double marriages will bring about great changes +in Christendom if they take the course which the authors of them intend, +however much they may affect to believe that no novelties are impending. +The marriages were proposed to the late king, and approved by him, during +the negotiations for the truce, and had Don Pedro do Toledo been able to +govern himself, as Jeannin has just been telling me, the United Provinces +would have drawn from it their assured security. What he means by that, +I certainly cannot conceive, for Don Pedro proposed the marriage of the +Dauphin (now Louis XIII.) with the Infanta on the condition that Henry +should renounce all friendship with your Mightinesses, and neither openly +nor secretly give you any assistance. You were to be entirely abandoned, +as an example for all who throw off the authority of their lawful prince. +But his Majesty answered very generously that he would take no +conditions; that he considered your Mightinesses as his best friends, +whom he could not and would not forsake. Upon this Don Pedro broke off +the negotiation. What should now induce the King of Spain to resume the +marriage negotiations but to give up the conditions, I am sure I don't +know, unless, through the truce, his designs and his ambition have grown +flaccid. This I don't dare to hope, but fear, on the contrary, that he +will so manage the irresolution, weakness, and faintheartedness of this +kingdom as through the aid of his pensioned friends here to arrive at all +his former aims." + +Certainly the Ambassador painted the condition of France in striking and +veracious colours, and he was quite right in sending the information +which he was first to discover, and which it was so important for the +States to know. It was none the less certain in Barneveld's mind that +the best, not the worst, must be made of the state of affairs, and that +France should not be assisted in throwing herself irrecoverably into the +arms of Spain. + +"Refuge will tell you," said Aerssens, a little later, "that these +marriages will not interfere with the friendship of France for you nor +with her subsidies, and that no advantage will be given to Spain in the +treaty to your detriment or that of her other allies. But whatever fine +declarations they may make, it is sure to be detrimental. And all the +princes, gentlemen, and officers here have the same conviction. Those of +the Reformed religion believe that the transaction is directed solely +against the religion which your Mightinesses profess, and that the next +step will be to effect a total separation between the two religions and +the two countries." + +Refuge arrived soon afterwards, and made the communication to the States- +General of the approaching nuptials between the King of France and the +Infanta of Spain; and of the Prince of Spain with Madame, eldest daughter +of France, exactly as Aerssens had predicted four months before. There +was a great flourish of compliments, much friendly phrase-making, and +their Mightinesses were informed that the communication of the marriages +was made to them before any other power had been notified, in proof of +the extraordinary affection entertained for them by France. "You are +so much interested in the happiness of France," said Refuge, "that this +treaty by which it is secured will be for your happiness also. He did +not indicate, however, the precise nature of the bliss beyond the +indulgence of a sentimental sympathy, not very refreshing in the +circumstances, which was to result to the Confederacy from this close +alliance between their firmest friend and their ancient and deadly enemy. +He would have found it difficult to do so. + +"Don Rodrigo de Calderon, secretary of state, is daily expected from +Spain," wrote, Aerssens once more. "He brings probably the articles of +the marriages, which have hitherto been kept secret, so they say. 'Tis a +shrewd negotiator; and in this alliance the King's chief design is to +injure your Mightinesses, as M. de Villeroy now confesses, although he +says that this will not be consented to on this side. It behoves your +Mightinesses to use all your ears and eyes. It is certain these are much +more than private conventions. Yes, there is nothing private about them, +save the conjunction of the persons whom they concern. In short, all +the conditions regard directly the state, and directly likewise, or by +necessary consequence, the state of your Mightinesses' Provinces. +I reserve explanations until it shall please your Mightinesses to +hear me by word of mouth." + +For it was now taken into consideration by the States' government whether +Aerssens was to remain at his post or to return. Whether it was his wish +to be relieved of his embassy or not was a question. But there was no +question that the States at this juncture, and in spite of the dangers +impending from the Spanish marriages, must have an ambassador ready to do +his best to keep France from prematurely sliding into positive hostility +to them. Aerssens was enigmatical in his language, and Barneveld was +somewhat puzzled. + +"I have according to your reiterated requests," wrote the Advocate to the +Ambassador, "sounded the assembly of My Lords the States as to your +recall; but I find among some gentlemen the opinion that if earnestly +pressed to continue you would be willing to listen to the proposal. This +I cannot make out from your letters. Please to advise me frankly as to +your wishes, and assure yourself in everything of my friendship." + +Nothing could be more straightforward than this language, but the Envoy +was less frank than Barneveld, as will subsequently appear. The subject +was a most important one, not only in its relation to the great affairs +of state, but to momentous events touching the fate of illustrious +personages. + +Meantime a resolution was passed by the States of Holland "in regard to +the question whether Ambassador Aerssens should retain his office, yes +or no?" And it was decided by a majority of votes "to leave it to his +candid opinion if in his free conscience he thinks he can serve the +public cause there any longer. If yes, he may keep his office one year +more. If no, he may take leave and come home. In no case is his salary +to be increased." + +Surely the States, under the guidance of the Advocate, had thus acted +with consummate courtesy towards a diplomatist whose position from no +apparent fault of his own but by the force of circumstances--and rather +to his credit than otherwise--was gravely compromised. + + + + +ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + +Advanced orthodox party-Puritans +Atheist, a tyrant, because he resisted dictation from the clergy +Give him advice if he asked it, and money when he required +He was not imperial of aspect on canvas or coin +He who would have all may easily lose all +King's definite and final intentions, varied from day to day +Neither kings nor governments are apt to value logic +Outdoing himself in dogmatism and inconsistency +Small matter which human folly had dilated into a great one +The defence of the civil authority against the priesthood + + + + +End of this Project Gutenberg Etext Life of John Barneveld, v4, Motley #89 +by John Lothrop Motley + + + + + + +THE LIFE AND DEATH of JOHN OF BARNEVELD, ADVOCATE OF HOLLAND + +WITH A VIEW OF THE PRIMARY CAUSES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR + +By John Lothrop Motley, D.C.L., LL.D. + + +The Life of John of Barneveld, v5, 1609-14 + + +CHAPTER VI. + + Establishment of the Condominium in the Duchies--Dissensions between + the Neuburgers and Brandenburgers--Occupation of Julich by the + Brandenburgers assisted by the States-General--Indignation in Spain + and at the Court of the Archdukes--Subsidy despatched to Brussels + Spinola descends upon Aix-la-Chapelle and takes possession of Orsoy + and other places--Surrender of Wesel--Conference at Xanten--Treaty + permanently dividing the Territory between Brandenburg and Neuburg-- + Prohibition from Spain--Delays and Disagreements. + +Thus the 'Condominium' had been peaceably established. + +Three or four years passed away in the course of which the evils of a +joint and undivided sovereignty of two rival houses over the same +territory could not fail to manifest themselves. Brandenburg, Calvinist +in religion, and for other reasons more intimately connected with and +more favoured by the States' government than his rival, gained ground in +the duchies. The Palatine of Neuburg, originally of Lutheran faith like +his father, soon manifested Catholic tendencies, which excited suspicion +in the Netherlands. These suspicions grew into certainties at the moment +when he espoused the sister of Maximilian of Bavaria and of the Elector +of Cologne. That this close connection with the very heads of the +Catholic League could bode no good to the cause of which the States- +General were the great promoters was self-evident. Very soon afterwards +the Palatine, a man of mature age and of considerable talents, openly +announced his conversion to the ancient church. Obviously the sympathies +of the States could not thenceforth fail to be on the side of +Brandenburg. The Elector's brother died and was succeeded in the +governorship of the Condeminium by the Elector's brother, a youth of +eighteen. He took up his abode in Cleve, leaving Dusseldorf to be the +sole residence of his co-stadholder. + +Rivalry growing warmer, on account of this difference of religion, +between the respective partisans of Neuburg and Brandenburg, an attempt +was made in Dusseldorf by a sudden entirely unsuspected rising of the +Brandenburgers to drive their antagonist colleagues and their portion of +the garrison out of the city. It failed, but excited great anger. A +more successful effort was soon afterwards made in Julich; the Neuburgers +were driven out, and the Brandenburgers remained in sole possession of +the town and citadel, far the most important stronghold in the whole +territory. This was partly avenged by the Neuburgers, who gained +absolute control of Dusseldorf. Here were however no important +fortifications, the place being merely an agreeable palatial residence +and a thriving mart. The States-General, not concealing their +predilection for Brandenburg, but under pretext of guarding the peace +which they had done so much to establish, placed a garrison of 1400 +infantry and a troop or two of horse in the citadel of Julich. + +Dire was the anger not unjustly excited in Spain when the news of this +violation of neutrality reached that government. Julich, placed midway +between Liege and Cologne, and commanding those fertile plains which make +up the opulent duchy, seemed virtually converted into a province of the +detested heretical republic. The German gate of the Spanish Netherlands +was literally in the hands of its most formidable foe. + +The Spaniards about the court of the Archduke did not dissemble their +rage. The seizure of Julich was a stain upon his reputation, they cried. +Was it not enough, they asked, for the United Provinces to have made a +truce to the manifest detriment and discredit of Spain, and to have +treated her during all the negotiation with such insolence? Were they +now to be permitted to invade neutral territory, to violate public faith, +to act under no responsibility save to their own will? What was left for +them to do except to set up a tribunal in Holland for giving laws to the +whole of Northern Europe? Arrogating to themselves absolute power over +the controverted states of Cleve, Julich, and the dependencies, they now +pretended to dispose of them at their pleasure in order at the end +insolently to take possession of them for themselves. + +These were the egregious fruits of the truce, they said tauntingly to the +discomfited Archduke. It had caused a loss of reputation, the very soul +of empires, to the crown of Spain. And now, to conclude her abasement, +the troops in Flanders had been shaven down with such parsimony as to +make the monarch seem a shopkeeper, not a king. One would suppose the +obedient Netherlands to be in the heart of Spain rather than outlying +provinces surrounded by their deadliest enemies. The heretics had gained +possession of the government at Aix-la-Chapelle; they had converted the +insignificant town of Mulheim into a thriving and fortified town in +defiance of Cologne and to its manifest detriment, and in various other +ways they had insulted the Catholics throughout those regions. And who +could wonder at such insolence, seeing that the army in Flanders, +formerly the terror of heretics, had become since the truce so weak as to +be the laughing-stock of the United Provinces? If it was expensive to +maintain these armies in the obedient Netherlands, let there be economy +elsewhere, they urged. + +From India came gold and jewels. From other kingdoms came ostentation +and a long series of vain titles for the crown of Spain. Flanders was +its place of arms, its nursery of soldiers, its bulwark in Europe, and so +it should be preserved. + +There was ground for these complaints. The army at the disposition of +the Archduke had been reduced to 8000 infantry and a handful of cavalry. +The peace establishment of the Republic amounted to 20,000 foot, 3000 +horse, besides the French and English regiments. + +So soon as the news of the occupation of Julich was officially +communicated to the Spanish cabinet, a subsidy of 400,000 crowns was at +once despatched to Brussels. Levies of Walloons and Germans were made +without delay by order of Archduke Albert and under guidance of Spinola, +so that by midsummer the army was swollen to 18,000 foot and 3000 horse. +With these the great Genoese captain took the field in the middle of +August. On the 22nd of that month the army was encamped on some plains +mid-way between Maestricht and Aachen. There was profound mystery both +at Brussels and at the Hague as to the objective point of these military +movements. Anticipating an attack upon Julich, the States had meantime +strengthened the garrison of that important place with 3000 infantry and +a regiment of horse. It seemed scarcely probable therefore that Spinola +would venture a foolhardy blow at a citadel so well fortified and +defended. Moreover, there was not only no declaration of war, but strict +orders had been given by each of the apparent belligerents to their +military commanders to abstain from all offensive movements against the +adversary. And now began one of the strangest series of warlike +evolution's that were ever recorded. Maurice at the head of an army of +14,000 foot and 3000 horse manoeuvred in the neighbourhood of his great +antagonist and professional rival without exchanging a blow. It was a +phantom campaign, the prophetic rehearsal of dreadful marches and tragic +histories yet to be, and which were to be enacted on that very stage and +on still wider ones during a whole generation of mankind. That cynical +commerce in human lives which was to become one of the chief branches of +human industry in the century had already begun. + +Spinola, after hovering for a few days in the neighbourhood, descended +upon the Imperial city of Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle). This had been one of +the earliest towns in Germany to embrace the Reformed religion, and up to +the close of the sixteenth century the control of the magistracy had been +in the hands of the votaries of that creed. Subsequently the Catholics +had contrived to acquire and keep the municipal ascendency, secretly +supported by Archduke Albert, and much oppressing the Protestants with +imprisonments, fines, and banishment, until a new revolution which had +occurred in the year 1610, and which aroused the wrath of Spinola. +Certainly, according to the ideas of that day, it did not seem unnatural +in a city where a very large majority of the population were Protestants +that Protestants should have a majority in the town council. It seemed, +however, to those who surrounded the Archduke an outrage which could no +longer be tolerated, especially as a garrison of 600 Germans, supposed to +have formed part of the States' army, had recently been introduced into +the town. Aachen, lying mostly on an extended plain, had but very slight +fortifications, and it was commanded by a neighbouring range of hills. +It had no garrison but the 600 Germans. Spinola placed a battery or +two on the hills, and within three days the town surrendered. The +inhabitants expected a scene of carnage and pillage, but not a life was +lost. No injury whatever was inflicted on person or property, according +to the strict injunctions of the Archduke. The 600 Germans were driven +out, and 1200 other Germans then serving under Catholic banners were put +in their places to protect the Catholic minority, to whose keeping the +municipal government was now confided. + +Spinola, then entering the territory of Cleve, took session of Orsoy, an +important place on the Rhine, besides Duren, Duisburg, Kaster, +Greevenbroek and Berchem. Leaving garrisons in these places, he razed +the fortifications of Mulheim, much to the joy of the Archbishop and his +faithful subjects of Cologne, then crossed the Rhine at Rheinberg, and +swooped down upon Wesel. This flourishing and prosperous city had +formerly belonged to the Duchy of Cleve. Placed at the junction of the +Rhine and Lippe and commanding both rivers, it had become both powerful +and Protestant, and had set itself up as a free Imperial city, +recognising its dukes no longer as sovereigns, but only as protectors. +So fervent was it in the practice of the Reformed religion that it was +called the Rhenish Geneva, the cradle of German Calvinism. So important +was its preservation considered to the cause of Protestantism that the +States-General had urged its authorities to accept from them a garrison. +They refused. Had they complied, the city would have been saved, because +it was the rule in this extraordinary campaign that the belligerents made +war not upon each other, nor in each others territory, but against +neutrals and upon neutral soil. The Catholic forces under Spinola or his +lieutenants, meeting occasionally and accidentally with the Protestants +under Maurice or his generals, exchanged no cannon shots or buffets, but +only acts of courtesy; falling away each before the other, and each +ceding to the other with extreme politeness the possession of towns which +one had preceded the other in besieging. + +The citizens of Wesel were amazed at being attacked, considering +themselves as Imperial burghers. They regretted too late that they had +refused a garrison from Maurice, which would have prevented Spinola from +assailing them. They had now nothing for it but to surrender, which they +did within three days. The principal condition of the capitulation was +that when Julich should be given up by the States Wesel should be +restored to its former position. Spinola then took and garrisoned the +city of Xanten, but went no further. Having weakened his army +sufficiently by the garrisons taken from it for the cities captured by +him, he declined to make any demonstration upon the neighbouring and +important towns of Emmerich and Rees. The Catholic commander falling +back, the Protestant moved forward. Maurice seized both Emmerich and +Rees, and placed garrisons within them, besides occupying Goch, +Kranenburg, Gennip, and various places in the County of Mark. This +closed the amicable campaign. + +Spinola established himself and his forces near Wesel. The Prince +encamped near Rees. The two armies were within two hours' march of each +other. The Duke of Neuburg--for the Palatine had now succeeded on his +father's death to the ancestral dukedom and to his share of the +Condominium of the debateable provinces--now joined Spinola with an army +of 4000 foot and 400 horse. The young Prince of Brandenburg came to +Maurice with 800 cavalry and an infantry regiment of the Elector- +Palatine. + +Negotiations destined to be as spectral and fleeting as the campaign had +been illusory now began. The whole Protestant world was aflame with +indignation at the loss of Wesel. The States' government had already +proposed to deposit Julich in the hands of a neutral power if the +Archduke would abstain from military movements. But Albert, proud of +his achievements in Aachen, refused to pause in his career. Let them +make the deposit first, he said. + +Both belligerents, being now satiated with such military glory as could +flow from the capture of defenceless cities belonging to neutrals, agreed +to hold conferences at Xanten. To this town, in the Duchy of Cleve, and +midway between the rival camps, came Sir Henry Wotton and Sir Dudley +Carleton, ambassadors of Great Britain; de Refuge and de Russy, the +special and the resident ambassador of France at the Hague; Chancellor +Peter Pecquius and Counsellor Visser, to represent the Archdukes; seven +deputies from the United Provinces, three from the Elector of Cologne, +three from Brandenburg, three from Neuburg, and two from the Elector- +Palatine, as representative of the Protestant League. + +In the earlier conferences the envoys of the Archduke and of the Elector +of Cologne were left out, but they were informed daily of each step in +the negotiation. The most important point at starting was thought to be +to get rid of the 'Condominium.' There could be no harmony nor peace in +joint possession. The whole territory should be cut provisionally in +halves, and each possessory prince rule exclusively within the portion +assigned to him. There might also be an exchange of domain between the +two every six months. As for Wesel and Julich, they could remain +respectively in the hands then holding them, or the fortifications of +Julich might be dismantled and Wesel restored to the status quo. The +latter alternative would have best suited the States, who were growing +daily more irritated at seeing Wesel, that Protestant stronghold, with an +exclusively Calvinistic population, in the hands of Catholics. + +The Spanish ambassador at Brussels remonstrated, however, at the thought +of restoring his precious conquest, obtained without loss of time, money, +or blood, into the hands of heretics, at least before consultation with +the government at Madrid and without full consent of the King. + +"How important to your Majesty's affairs in Flanders," wrote Guadaleste +to Philip, "is the acquisition of Wesel may be seen by the manifest grief +of your enemies. They see with immense displeasure your royal ensigns +planted on the most important place on the Rhine, and one which would +become the chief military station for all the armies of Flanders to +assemble in at any moment. + +"As no acquisition could therefore be greater, so your Majesty should +never be deprived of it without thorough consideration of the case. The +Archduke fears, and so do his ministers, that if we refuse to restore +Wesel, the United Provinces would break the truce. For my part I +believe, and there are many who agree with me, that they would on the +contrary be more inclined to stand by the truce, hoping to obtain by +negotiation that which it must be obvious to them they cannot hope to +capture by force. But let Wesel be at once restored. Let that be done +which is so much desired by the United Provinces and other great enemies +and rivals of your Majesty, and what security will there be that the same +Provinces will not again attempt the same invasion? Is not the example +of Julich fresh? And how much more important is Wesel! Julich was after +all not situate on their frontiers, while Wesel lies at their principal +gates. Your Majesty now sees the good and upright intentions of those +Provinces and their friends. They have made a settlement between +Brandenburg and Neuburg, not in order to breed concord but confusion +between those two, not tranquillity for the country, but greater +turbulence than ever before. Nor have they done this with any other +thought than that the United Provinces might find new opportunities to +derive the same profit from fresh tumults as they have already done so +shamelessly from those which are past. After all I don't say that Wesel +should never be restored, if circumstances require it, and if your +Majesty, approving the Treaty of Xanten, should sanction the measure. +But such a result should be reached only after full consultation with +your Majesty, to whose glorious military exploits these splendid results +are chiefly owing." + +The treaty finally decided upon rejected the principle of alternate +possession, and established a permanent division of the territory in +dispute between Brandenburg and Neuburg. + +The two portions were to be made as equal as possible, and lots were to +be thrown or drawn by the two princes for the first choice. To the one +side were assigned the Duchy of Cleve, the County of Mark, and the +Seigniories of Ravensberg and Ravenstein, with some other baronies and +feuds in Brabant and Flanders; to the other the Duchies of Julich and +Berg with their dependencies. Each prince was to reside exclusively +within the territory assigned to him by lot. The troops introduced by +either party were to be withdrawn, fortifications made since the +preceding month of May to be razed, and all persons who had been +expelled, or who had emigrated, to be restored to their offices, +property, or benefices. It was also stipulated that no place within the +whole debateable territory should be put in the hands of a third power. + +These articles were signed by the ambassadors of France and England, by +the deputies of the Elector-Palatine and of the United Provinces, all +binding their superiors to the execution of the treaty. The arrangement +was supposed to refer to the previous conventions between those two +crowns, with the Republic, and the Protestant princes and powers. Count +Zollern, whom we have seen bearing himself so arrogantly as envoy from +the Emperor Rudolph to Henry IV., was now despatched by Matthias on as +fruitless a mission to the congress at Xanten, and did his best to +prevent the signature of the treaty, except with full concurrence of the +Imperial government. He likewise renewed the frivolous proposition that +the Emperor should hold all the provinces in sequestration until the +question of rightful sovereignty should be decided. The "proud and +haggard" ambassador was not more successful in this than in the +diplomatic task previously entrusted to him, and he then went to +Brussels, there to renew his remonstrances, menaces, and intrigues. + +For the treaty thus elaborately constructed, and in appearance a +triumphant settlement of questions so complicated and so burning as to +threaten to set Christendom at any moment in a blaze, was destined to an +impotent and most unsatisfactory conclusion. + +The signatures were more easily obtained than the ratifications. +Execution was surrounded with insurmountable difficulties which in +negotiation had been lightly skipped over at the stroke of a pen. +At the very first step, that of military evacuation, there was a stumble. +Maurice and Spinola were expected to withdraw their forces, and to +undertake to bring in no troops in the future, and to make no invasion of +the disputed territory. + +But Spinola construed this undertaking as absolute; the Prince as only +binding in consequence of, with reference to, and for the duration of; +the Treaty of Xanten. The ambassadors and other commissioners, disgusted +with the long controversy which ensued, were making up their minds to +depart when a courier arrived from Spain, bringing not a ratification but +strict prohibition of the treaty. The articles were not to be executed, +no change whatever was to be made, and, above all, Wesel was not to be +restored without fresh negotiations with Philip, followed by his explicit +concurrence. + +Thus the whole great negotiation began to dissolve into a shadowy, +unsatisfactory pageant. The solid barriers which were to imprison the +vast threatening elements of religious animosity and dynastic hatreds, +and to secure a peaceful future for Christendom, melted into films of +gossamer, and the great war of demons, no longer to be quelled by the +commonplaces of diplomatic exorcism, revealed its close approach. The +prospects of Europe grew blacker than ever. + +The ambassadors, thoroughly disheartened and disgusted, all took their +departure from Xanten, and the treaty remained rather a by-word than a +solution or even a suggestion. + +"The accord could not be prevented," wrote Archduke Albert to Philip, +"because it depended alone on the will of the signers. Nor can the +promise to restore Wesel be violated, should Julich be restored. Who can +doubt that such contravention would arouse great jealousies in France, +England, the United Provinces, and all the members of the heretic League +of Germany? Who can dispute that those interested ought to procure the +execution of the treaty? Suspicions will not remain suspicions, but they +light up the flames of public evil and disturbance. Either your Majesty +wishes to maintain the truce, in which case Wesel must be restored, or to +break the truce, a result which is certain if Wesel be retained. But the +reasons which induced your Majesty to lay down your arms remain the same +as ever. Our affairs are not looking better, nor is the requisition of +Wesel of so great importance as to justify our involving Flanders in a +new and more atrocious war than that which has so lately been suspended. +The restitution is due to the tribunal of public faith. It is a great +advantage when actions done for the sole end of justice are united to +that of utility. Consider the great successes we have had. How well the +affairs of Aachen and Mulbeim have been arranged; those of the Duke of +Neuburg how completely re-established. The Catholic cause, always +identical with that of the House of Austria, remains in great superiority +to the cause of the heretics. We should use these advantages well, and +to do so we should not immaturely pursue greater ones. Fortune changes, +flies when we most depend on her, and delights in making her chief sport +of the highest quality of mortals." + +Thus wrote the Archduke sensibly, honourably from his point of view, and +with an intelligent regard to the interests of Spain and the Catholic +cause. After months of delay came conditional consent from Madrid to the +conventions, but with express condition that there should be absolute +undertaking on the part of the United Provinces never to send or maintain +troops in the duchies. Tedious and futile correspondence followed +between Brussels, the Hague, London, Paris. But the difficulties grew +every moment. It was a Penelope's web of negotiation, said one of the +envoys. Amid pertinacious and wire-drawn subtleties, every trace of +practical business vanished. Neuburg departed to look after his +patrimonial estates; leaving his interests in the duchies to be watched +over by the Archduke. Even Count Zollern, after six months of wrangling +in Brussels, took his departure. Prince Maurice distributed his army in +various places within the debateable land, and Spinola did the same, +leaving a garrison of 3000 foot and 300 horse in the important city of +Wesel. The town and citadel of Julich were as firmly held by Maurice for +the Protestant cause. Thus the duchies were jointly occupied by the +forces of Catholicism and Protestantism, while nominally possessed and +administered by the princes of Brandenburg and Neuburg. And so they +were destined to remain until that Thirty Years' War, now so near its +outbreak, should sweep over the earth, and bring its fiery solution at +last to all these great debates. + + + + +CHAPTER VII. + + Proud Position of the Republic--France obeys her--Hatred of Carleton + --Position and Character of Aerssens--Claim for the "Third"--Recall + of Aerssens--Rivalry between Maurice and Barneveld, who always + sustains the separate Sovereignties of the Provinces--Conflict + between Church and State added to other Elements of Discord in the + Commonwealth--Religion a necessary Element in the Life of all + Classes. + +Thus the Republic had placed itself in as proud a position as it was +possible for commonwealth or kingdom to occupy. It had dictated the +policy and directed the combined military movements of Protestantism. +It had gathered into a solid mass the various elements out of which +the great Germanic mutiny against Rome, Spain, and Austria had been +compounded. A breathing space of uncertain duration had come to +interrupt and postpone the general and inevitable conflict. +Meantime the Republic was encamped upon the enemy's soil. + +France, which had hitherto commanded, now obeyed. England, vacillating +and discontented, now threatening and now cajoling, saw for the time at +least its influence over the councils of the Netherlands neutralized by +the genius of the great statesman who still governed the Provinces, +supreme in all but name. The hatred of the British government towards +the Republic, while in reality more malignant than at any previous +period, could now only find vent in tremendous, theological pamphlets, +composed by the King in the form of diplomatic instructions, and hurled +almost weekly at the heads of the States-General, by his ambassador, +Dudley Carleton. + +Few men hated Barneveld more bitterly than did Carleton. I wish to +describe as rapidly, but as faithfully, as I can the outline at least of +the events by which one of the saddest and most superfluous catastrophes +in modern history was brought about. The web was a complex one, wrought +apparently of many materials; but the more completely it is unravelled +the more clearly we shall detect the presence of the few simple but +elemental fibres which make up the tissue of most human destinies, +whether illustrious or obscure, and out of which the most moving +pictures of human history are composed. + +The religious element, which seems at first view to be the all pervading +and controlling one, is in reality rather the atmosphere which surrounds +and colours than the essence which constitutes the tragedy to be +delineated. + +Personal, sometimes even paltry, jealousy; love of power, of money, of +place; rivalry between civil and military ambition for predominance in a +free state; struggles between Church and State to control and oppress +each other; conflict between the cautious and healthy, but provincial and +centrifugal, spirit on the one side, and the ardent centralizing, +imperial, but dangerous, instinct on the other, for ascendancy in a +federation; mortal combat between aristocracy disguised in the plebeian +form of trading and political corporations and democracy sheltering +itself under a famous sword and an ancient and illustrious name;--all +these principles and passions will be found hotly at work in the +melancholy five years with which we are now to be occupied, as they have +entered, and will always enter, into every political combination in the +great tragi-comedy which we call human history. As a study, a lesson, +and a warning, perhaps the fate of Barneveld is as deserving of serious +attention as most political tragedies of the last few centuries. + +Francis Aerssens, as we have seen, continued to be the Dutch ambassador +after the murder of Henry IV. Many of the preceding pages of this volume +have been occupied with his opinions, his pictures, his conversations, +and his political intrigues during a memorable epoch in the history of +the Netherlands and of France. He was beyond all doubt one of the ablest +diplomatists in Europe. Versed in many languages, a classical student, +familiar with history and international law, a man of the world and +familiar with its usages, accustomed to associate with dignity and tact +on friendliest terms with sovereigns, eminent statesmen, and men of +letters; endowed with a facile tongue, a fluent pen, and an eye and ear +of singular acuteness and delicacy; distinguished for unflagging industry +and singular aptitude for secret and intricate affairs;--he had by the +exercise of these various qualities during a period of nearly twenty +years at the court of Henry the Great been able to render inestimable +services to the Republic which he represented. Of respectable but not +distinguished lineage, not a Hollander, but a Belgian by birth, son of +Cornelis Aerssens, Grefter of the States-General, long employed in that +important post, he had been brought forward from a youth by Barneveld and +early placed by him in the diplomatic career, of which through his favour +and his own eminent talents he had now achieved the highest honours. + +He had enjoyed the intimacy and even the confidence of Henry IV., so far +as any man could be said to possess that monarch's confidence, and his +friendly relations and familiar access to the King gave him political +advantages superior to those of any of his colleagues at the same court. + +Acting entirely and faithfully according to the instructions of the +Advocate of Holland, he always gratefully and copiously acknowledged the +privilege of being guided and sustained in the difficult paths he had to +traverse by so powerful and active an intellect. I have seldom alluded +in terms to the instructions and despatches of the chief, but every +position, negotiation, and opinion of the envoy--and the reader has seen +many of them--is pervaded by their spirit. Certainly the correspondence +of Aerssens is full to overflowing of gratitude, respect, fervent +attachment to the person and exalted appreciation of the intellect and +high character of the Advocate. + +There can be no question of Aerssen's consummate abilities. Whether his +heart were as sound as his head, whether his protestations of devotion +had the ring of true gold or not, time would show. Hitherto Barneveld +had not doubted him, nor had he found cause to murmur at Barneveld. + +But the France of Henry IV., where the Dutch envoy was so all-powerful, +had ceased to exist. A duller eye than that of Aerssens could have seen +at a glance that the potent kingdom and firm ally of the Republic had +been converted, for a long time to come at least, into a Spanish +province. The double Spanish marriages (that of the young Louis XIII. +with the Infanta Anna, and of his sister with the Infante, one day to be +Philip IV.), were now certain, for it was to make them certain that the +knife of Ravaillac had been employed. The condition precedent to those +marriages had long been known. It was the renunciation of the alliance +between France and Holland. It was the condemnation to death, so far as +France had the power to condemn her to death, of the young Republic. Had +not Don Pedro de Toledo pompously announced this condition a year and a +half before? Had not Henry spurned the bribe with scorn? And now had +not Francis Aerssens been the first to communicate to his masters the +fruit which had already ripened upon Henry's grave? As we have seen, +he had revealed these intrigues long before they were known to the world, +and the French court knew that he had revealed them. His position had +become untenable. His friendship for Henry could not be of use to him +with the delicate-featured, double-chinned, smooth and sluggish +Florentine, who had passively authorized and actively profited by her +husband's murder. + +It was time for the Envoy to be gone. The Queen-Regent and Concini +thought so. And so did Villeroy and Sillery and the rest of the old +servants of the King, now become pensionaries of Spain. But Aerssens did +not think so. He liked his position, changed as it was. He was deep in +the plottings of Bouillon and Conde and the other malcontents against the +Queen-Regent. These schemes, being entirely personal, the rank growth of +the corruption and apparent disintegration of France, were perpetually +changing, and could be reduced to no principle. It was a mere struggle +of the great lords of France to wrest places, money, governments, +military commands from the Queen-Regent, and frantic attempts on her part +to save as much as possible of the general wreck for her lord and master +Concini. + +It was ridiculous to ascribe any intense desire on the part of the Duc de +Bouillon to aid the Protestant cause against Spain at that moment, acting +as he was in combination with Conde, whom we have just seen employed by +Spain as the chief instrument to effect the destruction of France and the +bastardy of the Queen's children. Nor did the sincere and devout +Protestants who had clung to the cause through good and bad report, men +like Duplessis-Mornay, for example, and those who usually acted with him, +believe in any of these schemes for partitioning France on pretence of +saving Protestantism. But Bouillon, greatest of all French fishermen in +troubled waters, was brother-in-law of Prince Maurice of Nassau, and +Aerssens instinctively felt that the time had come when he should anchor +himself to firm holding ground at home. + +The Ambassador had also a personal grievance. Many of his most secret +despatches to the States-General in which he expressed himself very +freely, forcibly, and accurately on the general situation in France, +especially in regard to the Spanish marriages and the Treaty of Hampton +Court, had been transcribed at the Hague and copies of them sent to the +French government. No baser act of treachery to an envoy could be +imagined. It was not surprising that Aerssens complained bitterly of the +deed. He secretly suspected Barneveld, but with injustice, of having +played him this evil turn, and the incident first planted the seeds of +the deadly hatred which was to bear such fatal fruit. + +"A notable treason has been played upon me," he wrote to Jacques de +Maldere, "which has outraged my heart. All the despatches which I have +been sending for several months to M. de Barneveld have been communicated +by copy in whole or in extracts to this court. Villeroy quoted from them +at our interview to-day, and I was left as it were without power of +reply. The despatches were long, solid, omitting no particularity for +giving means to form the best judgment of the designs and intrigues of +this court. No greater damage could be done to me and my usefulness. +All those from whom I have hitherto derived information, princes and +great personages, will shut themselves up from me . . . . What can be +more ticklish than to pass judgment on the tricks of those who are +governing this state? This single blow has knocked me down completely. +For I was moving about among all of them, making my profit of all, +without any reserve. M. de Barneveld knew by this means the condition of +this kingdom as well as I do. Certainly in a well-ordered republic it +would cost the life of a man who had thus trifled with the reputation of +an ambassador. I believe M. de Barneveld will be sorry, but this will +never restore to me the confidence which I have lost. If one was jealous +of my position at this court, certainly I deserved rather pity from those +who should contemplate it closely. If one wished to procure my downfall +in order to raise oneself above me, there was no need of these tricks. +I have been offering to resign my embassy this long time, which will now +produce nothing but thorns for me. How can I negotiate after my private +despatches have been read? L'Hoste, the clerk of Villeroy, was not so +great a criminal as the man who revealed my despatches; and L'Hoste was +torn by four horses after his death. Four months long I have been +complaining of this to M. de Barneveld. . . . Patience! I am +groaning without being able to hope for justice. I console myself, for +my term of office will soon arrive. Would that my embassy could have +finished under the agreeable and friendly circumstances with which it +began. The man who may succeed me will not find that this vile trick +will help him much . . . . Pray find out whence and from whom this +intrigue has come." + +Certainly an envoy's position could hardly be more utterly compromised. +Most unquestionably Aerssens had reason to be indignant, believing as he +did that his conscientious efforts in the service of his government had +been made use of by his chief to undermine his credit and blast his +character. There was an intrigue between the newly appointed French +minister, de Russy, at the Hague and the enemies of Aerssens to represent +him to his own government as mischievous, passionate, unreasonably +vehement in supporting the claims and dignity of his own country at the +court to which he was accredited. Not often in diplomatic history has +an ambassador of a free state been censured or removed for believing and +maintaining in controversy that his own government is in the right. It +was natural that the French government should be disturbed by the vivid +light which he had flashed upon their pernicious intrigues with Spain to +the detriment of the Republic, and at the pertinacity with which he +resisted their preposterous claim to be reimbursed for one-third of the +money which the late king had advanced as a free subsidy towards the war +of the Netherlands for independence. But no injustice could be more +outrageous than for the Envoy's own government to unite with the foreign +State in damaging the character of its own agent for the crime of +fidelity to itself. + +Of such cruel perfidy Aerssens had been the victim, and he most +wrongfully suspected his chief as its real perpetrator. + +The claim for what was called the "Third" had been invented after the +death of Henry. As already explained, the "Third" was not a gift from +England to the Netherlands. It was a loan from England to France, or +more properly a consent to abstain from pressing for payment for this +proportion of an old debt. James, who was always needy, had often +desired, but never obtained, the payment of this sum from Henry. Now +that the King was dead, he applied to the Regent's government, and the +Regent's government called upon the Netherlands, to pay the money. + +Aerssens, as the agent of the Republic, protested firmly against such +claim. The money had been advanced by the King as a free gift, as his +contribution to a war in which he was deeply interested, although he was +nominally at peace with Spain. As to the private arrangements between +France and England, the Republic, said the Dutch envoy, was in no sense +bound by them. He was no party to the Treaty of Hampton Court, and knew +nothing of its stipulations. + +Courtiers and politicians in plenty at the French court, now that Henry +was dead, were quite sure that they had heard him say over and over again +that the Netherlands had bound themselves to pay the Third. They +persuaded Mary de' Medici that she likewise had often heard him say so, +and induced her to take high ground on the subject in her interviews with +Aerssens. The luckless queen, who was always in want of money to satisfy +the insatiable greed of her favourites, and to buy off the enmity of the +great princes, was very vehement--although she knew as much of those +transactions as of the finances of Prester John or the Lama of Thibet +--in maintaining this claim of her government upon the States. + +"After talking with the ministers," said Aerssens, "I had an interview +with the Queen. I knew that she had been taught her lesson, to insist on +the payment of the Third. So I did not speak at all of the matter, but +talked exclusively and at length of the French regiments in the States' +service. She was embarrassed, and did not know exactly what to say. +At last, without replying a single word to what I had been saying, she +became very red in the face, and asked me if I were not instructed to +speak of the money due to England. Whereupon I spoke in the sense +already indicated. She interrupted me by saying she had a perfect +recollection that the late king intended and understood that we were to +pay the Third to England, and had talked with her very seriously on the +subject. If he were living, he would think it very strange, she said, +that we refused; and so on. + +"Soissons, too, pretends to remember perfectly that such were the King's +intentions. 'Tis a very strange thing, Sir. Every one knows now the +secrets of the late king, if you are willing to listen. Yet he was not +in the habit of taking all the world into his confidence. The Queen +takes her opinions as they give them to her. 'Tis a very good princess, +but I am sorry she is so ignorant of affairs. As she says she remembers, +one is obliged to say one believes her. But I, who knew the King so +intimately, and saw him so constantly, know that he could only have said +that the Third was paid in acquittal of his debts to and for account of +the King of England, and not that we were to make restitution thereof. +The Chancellor tells me my refusal has been taken as an affront by the +Queen, and Puysieux says it is a contempt which she can't swallow." + +Aerssens on his part remained firm; his pertinacity being the greater +as he thoroughly understood the subject which he was talking about, an +advantage which was rarely shared in by those with whom he conversed. +The Queen, highly scandalized by his demeanour, became from that time +forth his bitter enemy, and, as already stated, was resolved to be rid +of him. + +Nor was the Envoy at first desirous of remaining. He had felt after +Henry's death and Sully's disgrace, and the complete transformation of +the France which he had known, that his power of usefulness was gone. +"Our enemies," he said, "have got the advantage which I used to have in +times past, and I recognize a great coldness towards us, which is +increasing every day." Nevertheless, he yielded reluctantly to +Barneveld's request that he should for the time at least remain at his +post. Later on, as the intrigues against him began to unfold themselves, +and his faithful services were made use of at home to blacken his +character and procure his removal, he refused to resign, as to do so +would be to play into the hands of his enemies, and by inference at +least to accuse himself of infidelity to his trust. + +But his concealed rage and his rancor grew more deadly every day. He was +fully aware of the plots against him, although he found it difficult to +trace them to their source. + +"I doubt not," he wrote to Jacques de Maldere, the distinguished +diplomatist and senator, who had recently returned from his embassy to +England, "that this beautiful proposition of de Russy has been sent to +your Province of Zealand. Does it not seem to you a plot well woven as +well in Holland as at this court to remove me from my post with +disreputation? What have I done that should cause the Queen to +disapprove my proceedings? Since the death of the late king I have +always opposed the Third, which they have been trying to fix upon the +treasury, on the ground that Henry never spoke to me of restitution, that +the receipts given were simple ones, and that the money given was spent +for the common benefit of France and the States under direction of the +King's government. But I am expected here to obey M. de Villeroy, who +says that it was the intention of the late king to oblige us to make the +payment. I am not accustomed to obey authority if it be not supported by +reason. It is for my masters to reply and to defend me. The Queen has +no reason to complain. I have maintained the interests of my superiors. +But this is not the cause of the complaints. My misfortune is that all +my despatches have been sent from Holland in copy to this court. Most of +them contained free pictures of the condition and dealings of those who +govern here. M. de Villeroy has found himself depicted often, and now +under pretext of a public negotiation he has found an opportunity of +revenging himself . . . . Besides this cause which Villeroy has found +for combing my head, Russy has given notice here that I have kept my +masters in the hopes of being honourably exempted from the claims of this +government. The long letter which I wrote to M. de Barneveld justifies +my proceedings." + +It is no wonder that the Ambassador was galled to the quick by the +outrage which those concerned in the government were seeking to put +upon him. How could an honest man fail to be overwhelmed with rage +and anguish at being dishonoured before the world by his masters for +scrupulously doing his duty, and for maintaining the rights and dignity +of his own country? He knew that the charges were but pretexts, that the +motives of his enemies were as base as the intrigues themselves, but he +also knew that the world usually sides with the government against the +individual, and that a man's reputation is rarely strong enough to +maintain itself unsullied in a foreign land when his own government +stretches forth its hand not to, shield, but to stab him. + + [See the similarity of Aerssens position to that of Motley 250 years + later, in the biographical sketch of Motley by Oliver Wendell + Holmes. D.W.] + +"I know," he said, "that this plot has been woven partly in Holland and +partly here by good correspondence, in order to drive me from my post +with disreputation. To this has tended the communication of my +despatches to make me lose my best friends. This too was the object of +the particular imparting to de Russy of all my propositions, in order to +draw a complaint against me from this court. + +"But as I have discovered this accurately, I have resolved to offer to my +masters the continuance of my very humble service for such time and under +such conditions as they may think good to prescribe. I prefer forcing my +natural and private inclinations to giving an opportunity for the +ministers of this kingdom to discredit us, and to my enemies to succeed +in injuring me, and by fraud and malice to force me from my post . . . +I am truly sorry, being ready to retire, wishing to have an honourable +testimony in recompense of my labours, that one is in such hurry to take +advantage of my fall. I cannot believe that my masters wish to suffer +this. They are too prudent, and cannot be ignorant of the treachery +which has been practised on me. I have maintained their cause. If they +have chosen to throw down the fruits of my industry, the blame should be +imputed to those who consider their own ambition more than the interests +of the public . . . . What envoy will ever dare to speak with vigour +if he is not sustained by the government at home? . . . . . . +My enemies have misrepresented my actions, and my language as passionate, +exaggerated, mischievous, but I have no passion except for the service of +my superiors. They say that I have a dark and distrustful disposition, +but I have been alarmed at the alliance now forming here with the King of +Spain, through the policy of M. de Villeroy. I was the first to discover +this intrigue, which they thought buried in the bosom of the Triumvirate. +I gave notice of it to My Lords the States as in duty bound. It all came +back to the government in the copies furnished of my secret despatches. +This is the real source of the complaints against me. The rest of the +charges, relating to the Third and other matters, are but pretexts. +To parry the blow, they pretend that all that is said and done with the +Spaniard is but feigning. Who is going to believe that? Has not the +Pope intervened in the affair? . . . I tell you they are furious here +because I have my eyes open. I see too far into their affairs to suit +their purposes. A new man would suit them better." + +His position was hopelessly compromised. He remained in Paris, however, +month after month, and even year after year, defying his enemies both at +the Queen's court and in Holland, feeding fat the grudge he bore to +Barneveld as the supposed author of the intrigue against him, and drawing +closer the personal bands which united him to Bouillon and through him to +Prince Maurice. + +The wrath of the Ambassador flamed forth without disguise against +Barneveld and all his adherents when his removal, as will be related on +a subsequent page, was at last effected. And his hatred was likely to +be deadly. A man with a shrewd, vivid face, cleanly cut features and a +restless eye; wearing a close-fitting skull cap, which gave him something +the lock of a monk, but with the thoroughbred and facile demeanour of +one familiar with the world; stealthy, smooth, and cruel, a man coldly +intellectual, who feared no one, loved but few, and never forgot or +forgave; Francis d'Aerssens, devoured by ambition and burning with +revenge, was a dangerous enemy. + +Time was soon to show whether it was safe to injure him. Barneveld, from +well-considered motives of public policy, was favouring his honourable +recall. But he allowed a decorous interval of more than three years to +elapse in which to terminate his affairs, and to take a deliberate +departure from that French embassy to which the Advocate had originally +promoted him, and in which there had been so many years of mutual benefit +and confidence between the two statesmen. He used no underhand means. +He did not abuse the power of the States-General which he wielded to cast +him suddenly and brutally from the distinguished post which he occupied, +and so to attempt to dishonour him before the world. Nothing could be +more respectful and conciliatory than the attitude of the government from +first to last towards this distinguished functionary. The Republic +respected itself too much to deal with honourable agents whose services +it felt obliged to dispense with as with vulgar malefactors who had been +detected in crime. But Aerssens believed that it was the Advocate who +had caused copies of his despatches to be sent to the French court, and +that he had deliberately and for a fixed purpose been undermining his +influence at home and abroad and blackening his character. All his +ancient feelings of devotion, if they had ever genuinely existed towards +his former friend and patron, turned to gall. He was almost ready to +deny that he had ever respected Barneveld, appreciated his public +services, admired his intellect, or felt gratitude for his guidance. + +A fierce controversy--to which at a later period it will be necessary to +call the reader's attention, because it is intimately connected with dark +scenes afterwards to be enacted--took place between the late ambassador +and Cornelis van der Myle. Meantime Barneveld pursued the policy which +he had marked out for the States-General in regard to France. + +Certainly it was a difficult problem. There could be no doubt that +metamorphosed France could only be a dangerous ally for the Republic. +It was in reality impossible that she should be her ally at all. +And this Barneveld knew. Still it was better, so he thought, for the +Netherlands that France should exist than that it should fall into utter +decomposition. France, though under the influence of Spain, and doubly +allied by marriage contracts to Spain, was better than Spain itself in +the place of France. This seemed to be the only choice between two +evils. Should the whole weight of the States-General be thrown into the +scale of the malcontent and mutinous princes against the established but +tottering government of France, it was difficult to say how soon Spain +might literally, as well as inferentially, reign in Paris. + +Between the rebellion and the legitimate government, therefore, Barneveld +did not hesitate. France, corporate France, with which the Republic had +bean so long in close and mutually advantageous alliance, and from whose +late monarch she had received such constant and valuable benefits, was in +the Advocate's opinion the only power to be recognised, Papal and Spanish +though it was. The advantage of an alliance with the fickle, self- +seeking, and ever changing mutiny, that was seeking to make use of +Protestantism to effect its own ends, was in his eyes rather specious +than real. + +By this policy, while making the breach irreparable with Aerssens and as +many leading politicians as Aerssens could influence, he first brought on +himself the stupid accusation of swerving towards Spain. Dull murmurs +like these, which were now but faintly making themselves heard against +the reputation of the Advocate, were destined ere long to swell into a +mighty roar; but he hardly listened now to insinuations which seemed +infinitely below his contempt. He still effectually ruled the nation +through his influence in the States of Holland, where he reigned supreme. +Thus far Barneveld and My Lords the States-General were one personage. + +But there was another great man in the State who had at last grown +impatient of the Advocate's power, and was secretly resolved to brook it +no longer. Maurice of Nassau had felt himself too long rebuked by the +genius of the Advocate. The Prince had perhaps never forgiven him for +the political guardianship which he had exercised over him ever since the +death of William the Silent. He resented the leading strings by which +his youthful footstep had been sustained, and which he seemed always to +feel about his limbs so long as Barneveld existed. He had never +forgotten the unpalatable advice given to him by the Advocate through the +Princess-Dowager. + +The brief campaign in Cleve and Julich was the last great political +operation in which the two were likely to act in even apparent harmony. +But the rivalry between the two had already pronounced itself +emphatically during the negotiations for the truce. The Advocate had +felt it absolutely necessary for the Republic to suspend the war at the +first moment when she could treat with her ancient sovereign on a footing +of equality. Spain, exhausted with the conflict, had at last consented +to what she considered the humiliation of treating with her rebellious +provinces as with free states over which she claimed no authority. The +peace party, led by Barneveld, had triumphed, notwithstanding the steady +opposition of Prince Maurice and his adherents. + +Why had Maurice opposed the treaty? Because his vocation was over, +because he was the greatest captain of the age, because his emoluments, +his consideration, his dignity before the world, his personal power, were +all vastly greater in war than in his opinion they could possibly be in +peace. It was easy for him to persuade himself that what was manifestly +for his individual interest was likewise essential to the prosperity of +the country. + +The diminution in his revenues consequent on the return to peace was made +good to him, his brother, and his cousin, by most munificent endowments +and pensions. And it was owing to the strenuous exertions of the +Advocate that these large sums were voted. A hollow friendship was +kept up between the two during the first few years of the truce, +but resentment and jealousy lay deep in Maurice's heart. + +At about the period of the return of Aerssens from his French embassy, +the suppressed fire was ready to flame forth at the first fanning by that +artful hand. It was impossible, so Aerssens thought and whispered, that +two heads could remain on one body politic. There was no room in the +Netherlands for both the Advocate and the Prince. Barneveld was in all +civil affairs dictator, chief magistrate, supreme judge; but he occupied +this high station by the force of intellect, will, and experience, not +through any constitutional provision. In time of war the Prince was +generalissimo, commander-in-chief of all the armies of the Republic. +Yet constitutionally he was not captain-general at all. He was only +stadholder of five out of seven provinces. + +Barneveld suspected him of still wishing to make himself sovereign of the +country. Perhaps his suspicions were incorrect. Yet there was every +reason why Maurice should be ambitious of that position. It would have +been in accordance with the openly expressed desire of Henry IV. and +other powerful allies of the Netherlands. His father's assassination had +alone prevented his elevation to the rank of sovereign Count of Holland. +The federal policy of the Provinces had drifted into a republican form +after their renunciation of their Spanish sovereign, not because the +people, or the States as representing the people, had deliberately chosen +a republican system, but because they could get no powerful monarch to +accept the sovereignty. They had offered to become subjects of +Protestant England and of Catholic France. Both powers had refused the +offer, and refused it with something like contumely. However deep the +subsequent regret on the part of both, there was no doubt of the fact. +But the internal policy in all the provinces, and in all the towns, was +republican. Local self-government existed everywhere. Each city +magistracy was a little republic in itself. The death of William the +Silent, before he had been invested with the sovereign power of all seven +provinces, again left that sovereignty in abeyance. Was the supreme +power of the Union, created at Utrecht in 1579, vested in the States- +General? + +They were beginning theoretically to claim it, but Barneveld denied the +existence of any such power either in law or fact. It was a league of +sovereignties, he maintained; a confederacy of seven independent states, +united for certain purposes by a treaty made some thirty years before. +Nothing could be more imbecile, judging by the light of subsequent events +and the experience of centuries, than such an organization. The +independent and sovereign republic of Zealand or of Groningen, for +example, would have made a poor figure campaigning, or negotiating, or +exhibiting itself on its own account before the world. Yet it was +difficult to show any charter, precedent, or prescription for the +sovereignty of the States-General. Necessary as such an incorporation +was for the very existence of the Union, no constitutional union had ever +been enacted. Practically the Province of Holland, representing more +than half the population, wealth, strength, and intellect of the whole +confederation, had achieved an irregular supremacy in the States-General. +But its undeniable superiority was now causing a rank growth of envy, +hatred, and jealousy throughout the country, and the great Advocate of +Holland, who was identified with the province, and had so long wielded +its power, was beginning to reap the full harvest of that malice. + +Thus while there was so much of vagueness in theory and practice as to +the sovereignty, there was nothing criminal on the part of Maurice if he +was ambitious of obtaining the sovereignty himself. He was not seeking +to compass it by base artifice or by intrigue of any kind. It was very +natural that he should be restive under the dictatorship of the Advocate. +If a single burgher and lawyer could make himself despot of the +Netherlands, how much more reasonable that he--with the noblest blood of +Europe in his veins, whose direct ancestor three centuries before had +been emperor not only of those provinces, but of all Germany and half +Christendom besides, whose immortal father had under God been the creator +and saviour of the new commonwealth, had made sacrifices such as man +never made for a people, and had at last laid down his life in its +defence; who had himself fought daily from boyhood upwards in the great +cause, who had led national armies from victory to victory till he had +placed his country as a military school and a belligerent power foremost +among the nations, and had at last so exhausted and humbled the great +adversary and former tyrant that he had been glad of a truce while the +rebel chief would have preferred to continue the war--should aspire to +rule by hereditary right a land with which his name and his race were +indelibly associated by countless sacrifices and heroic achievements. + +It was no crime in Maurice to desire the sovereignty. It was still less +a crime in Barneveld to believe that he desired it. There was no special +reason why the Prince should love the republican form of government +provided that an hereditary one could be legally substituted for it. +He had sworn allegiance to the statutes, customs, and privileges of each +of the provinces of which he had been elected stadholder, but there would +have been no treason on his part if the name and dignity of stadholder +should be changed by the States themselves for those of King or sovereign +Prince. + +Yet it was a chief grievance against the Advocate on the part of the +Prince that Barneveld believed him capable of this ambition. + +The Republic existed as a fact, but it had not long existed, nor had it +ever received a formal baptism. So undefined was its constitution, and +so conflicting were the various opinions in regard to it of eminent men, +that it would be difficult to say how high-treason could be committed +against it. Great lawyers of highest intellect and learning believed the +sovereign power to reside in the separate states, others found that +sovereignty in the city magistracies, while during a feverish period of +war and tumult the supreme function had without any written constitution, +any organic law, practically devolved upon the States-General, who had +now begun to claim it as a right. The Republic was neither venerable by +age nor impregnable in law. It was an improvised aristocracy of lawyers, +manufacturers, bankers, and corporations which had done immense work and +exhibited astonishing sagacity and courage, but which might never have +achieved the independence of the Provinces unaided by the sword of +Orange-Nassau and the magic spell which belonged to that name. + +Thus a bitter conflict was rapidly developing itself in the heart of the +Commonwealth. There was the civil element struggling with the military +for predominance; sword against gown; states' rights against central +authority; peace against war; above all the rivalry of one prominent +personage against another, whose mutual hatred was now artfully inflamed +by partisans. + +And now another element of discord had come, more potent than all the +rest: the terrible, never ending, struggle of Church against State. +Theological hatred which forty years long had found vent in the exchange +of acrimony between the ancient and the Reformed churches was now +assuming other shapes. Religion in that age and country was more than +has often been the case in history the atmosphere of men's daily lives. +But during the great war for independence, although the hostility between +the two religious forces was always intense, it was modified especially +towards the close of the struggle by other controlling influences. The +love of independence and the passion for nationality, the devotion to +ancient political privileges, was often as fervid and genuine in Catholic +bosoms as in those of Protestants, and sincere adherents of the ancient +church had fought to the death against Spain in defence of chartered +rights. + +At that very moment it is probable that half the population of the United +Provinces was Catholic. Yet it would be ridiculous to deny that the +aggressive, uncompromising; self-sacrificing, intensely believing, +perfectly fearless spirit of Calvinism had been the animating soul, the +motive power of the great revolt. For the Provinces to have encountered +Spain and Rome without Calvinism, and relying upon municipal enthusiasm +only, would have been to throw away the sword and fight with the +scabbard. + +But it is equally certain that those hot gospellers who had suffered so +much martyrdom and achieved so many miracles were fully aware of their +power and despotic in its exercise. Against the oligarchy of commercial +and juridical corporations they stood there the most terrible aristocracy +of all: the aristocracy of God's elect, predestined from all time and to +all eternity to take precedence of and to look down upon their inferior +and lost fellow creatures. It was inevitable that this aristocracy, +which had done so much, which had breathed into a new-born commonwealth +the breath of its life, should be intolerant, haughty, dogmatic. + +The Church of Rome, which had been dethroned after inflicting such +exquisite tortures during its period of power, was not to raise its head. +Although so large a proportion of the inhabitants of the country were +secretly or openly attached to that faith, it was a penal offence to +participate openly in its rites and ceremonies. Religious equality, +except in the minds of a few individuals, was an unimaginable idea. +There was still one Church which arrogated to itself the sole possession +of truth, the Church of Geneva. Those who admitted the possibility of +other forms and creeds were either Atheists or, what was deemed worse +than Atheists, Papists, because Papists were assumed to be traitors also, +and desirous of selling the country to Spain. An undevout man in that +land and at that epoch was an almost unknown phenomenon. Religion was +as much a recognized necessity of existence as food or drink. It were +as easy to find people about without clothes as without religious +convictions. + +The Advocate, who had always adhered to the humble spirit of his +ancestral device, "Nil scire tutissima fedes," and almost alone among +his fellow citizens (save those immediate apostles and pupils of his who +became involved in his fate) in favour of religious toleration, began to +be suspected of treason and Papacy because, had he been able to give the +law, it was thought he would have permitted such horrors as the public +exercise of the Roman Catholic religion. + +The hissings and screamings of the vulgar against him as he moved forward +on his stedfast course he heeded less than those of geese on a common. +But there was coming a time when this proud and scornful statesman, +conscious of the superiority conferred by great talents and unparalleled +experience, would find it less easy to treat the voice of slanderers, +whether idiots or powerful and intellectual enemies, with contempt. + + + + +CHAPTER VIII. + + Schism in the Church a Public Fact--Struggle for Power between the + Sacerdotal and Political Orders--Dispute between Arminius and + Gomarus--Rage of James I. at the Appointment of Voratius--Arminians + called Remonstrants--Hague Conference--Contra-Remonstrance by + Gomarites of Seven Points to the Remonstrants' Five--Fierce + Theological Disputes throughout the Country--Ryswyk Secession-- + Maurice wishes to remain neutral, but finds himself the Chieftain of + the Contra-Remonstrant Party--The States of Holland Remonstrant by a + large Majority--The States-General Contra-Remonstrant--Sir Ralph + Winwood leaves the Hague--Three Armies to take the Field against + Protestantism. + +Schism in the Church had become a public fact, and theological hatred was +in full blaze throughout the country. + +The great practical question in the Church had been as to the appointment +of preachers, wardens, schoolmasters, and other officers. By the +ecclesiastical arrangements of 1591 great power was conceded to the civil +authority in church matters, especially in regard to such appointments, +which were made by a commission consisting of four members named by the +churches and four by the magistrates in each district. + +Barneveld, who above all things desired peace in the Church, had wished +to revive this ordinance, and in 1612 it had been resolved by the States +of Holland that each city or village should, if the magistracy approved, +provisionally conform to it. The States of Utrecht made at the same time +a similar arrangement. + +It was the controversy which has been going on since the beginning of +history and is likely to be prolonged to the end of time--the struggle +for power between the sacerdotal and political orders; the controversy +whether priests shall control the state or the state govern the priests. + +This was the practical question involved in the fierce dispute as to +dogma. The famous duel between Arminius and Gomarus; the splendid +theological tournaments which succeeded; six champions on a side armed in +full theological panoply and swinging the sharpest curtal axes which +learning, passion, and acute intellect could devise, had as yet produced +no beneficent result. Nobody had been convinced by the shock of +argument, by the exchange of those desperate blows. The High Council +of the Hague had declared that no difference of opinion in the Church +existed sufficient to prevent fraternal harmony and happiness. But +Gomarus loudly declared that, if there were no means of putting down the +heresy of Arminius, there would before long be a struggle such as would +set province against province, village against village, family against +family, throughout the land. He should be afraid to die in such +doctrine. He shuddered that any one should dare to come before God's +tribunal with such blasphemies. Meantime his great adversary, the +learned and eloquent, the musical, frolicsome, hospitable heresiarch was +no more. Worn out with controversy, but peaceful and happy in the +convictions which were so bitterly denounced by Gomarus and a large +proportion of both preachers and laymen in the Netherlands, and convinced +that the schism which in his view had been created by those who called +themselves the orthodox would weaken the cause of Protestantism +throughout Europe, Arminius died at the age of forty-nine. + +The magistrates throughout Holland, with the exception of a few cities, +were Arminian, the preachers Gomarian; for Arminius ascribed to the +civil authority the right to decide upon church matters, while Gomarus +maintained that ecclesiastical affairs should be regulated in +ecclesiastical assemblies. The overseers of Leyden University appointed +Conrad Vorstius to be professor of theology in place of Arminius. The +selection filled to the brim the cup of bitterness, for no man was more +audaciously latitudinarian than he. He was even suspected of +Socinianism. There came a shriek from King James, fierce and shrill +enough to rouse Arminius from his grave. James foamed to the mouth at +the insolence of the overseers in appointing such a monster of infidelity +to the professorship. He ordered his books to be publicly burned in St. +Paul's Churchyard and at both Universities, and would have burned the +Professor himself with as much delight as Torquemada or Peter Titelman +ever felt in roasting their victims, had not the day for such festivities +gone by. He ordered the States of Holland on pain of for ever forfeiting +his friendship to exclude Vorstius at once from the theological chair and +to forbid him from "nestling anywhere in the country." + +He declared his amazement that they should tolerate such a pest as Conrad +Vorstius. Had they not had enough of the seed sown by that foe of God, +Arminius? He ordered the States-General to chase the blasphemous monster +from the land, or else he would cut off all connection with their false +and heretic churches and make the other Reformed churches of Europe do +the same, nor should the youth of England ever be allowed to frequent the +University of Leyden. + +In point of fact the Professor was never allowed to qualify, to preach, +or to teach; so tremendous was the outcry of Peter Plancius and many +orthodox preachers, echoing the wrath of the King. He lived at Gouda +in a private capacity for several years, until the Synod of Dordrecht +at last publicly condemned his opinions and deprived him of his +professorship. + +Meantime, the preachers who were disciples of Arminius had in a private +assembly drawn up what was called a Remonstrance, addressed to the States +of Holland, and defending themselves from the reproach that they were +seeking change in the Divine service and desirous of creating tumult and +schism. + +This Remonstrance, set forth by the pen of the famous Uytenbogaert, whom +Gomarus called the Court Trumpeter, because for a long time he had been +Prince Maurice's favourite preacher, was placed in the hands of +Barneveld, for delivery to the States of Holland. Thenceforth the +Arminians were called Remonstrants. + +The Hague Conference followed, six preachers on a side, and the States of +Holland exhorted to fraternal compromise. Until further notice, they +decreed that no man should be required to believe more than had been laid +down in the Five Points: + +I. God has from eternity resolved to choose to eternal life those who +through his grace believe in Jesus Christ, and in faith and obedience so +continue to the end, and to condemn the unbelieving and unconverted to +eternal damnation. + +II. Jesus Christ died for all; so, nevertheless, that no one actually +except believers is redeemed by His death. + +III. Man has not the saving belief from himself, nor out of his free +will, but he needs thereto God's grace in Christ. + +IV. This grace is the beginning, continuation, and completion of man's +salvation; all good deeds must be ascribed to it, but it does not work +irresistibly. + +V. God's grace gives sufficient strength to the true believers to +overcome evil; but whether they cannot lose grace should be more closely +examined before it should be taught in full security. + +Afterwards they expressed themselves more distinctly on this point, and +declared that a true believer, through his own fault, can fall away from +God and lose faith. + + +Before the conference, however, the Gomarite preachers had drawn up a +Contra-Remonstrance of Seven Points in opposition to the Remonstrants' +five. + +They demanded the holding of a National Synod to settle the difference +between these Five and Seven Points, or the sending of them to foreign +universities for arbitration, a mutual promise being given by the +contending parties to abide by the decision. + +Thus much it has been necessary to state concerning what in the +seventeenth century was called the platform of the two great parties: +a term which has been perpetuated in our own country, and is familiar +to all the world in the nineteenth. + +These were the Seven Points: + +I. God has chosen from eternity certain persons out of the human race, +which in and with Adam fell into sin and has no more power to believe and +Convert itself than a dead man to restore himself to life, in order to +make them blessed through Christ; while He passes by the rest through His +righteous judgment, and leaves them lying in their sins. + +II. Children of believing parents, as well as full-grown believers, are +to be considered as elect so long as they with action do not prove the +contrary. + +III. God in His election has not looked at the belief and the repentance +of the elect; but, on the contrary, in His eternal and unchangeable +design, has resolved to give to the elect faith and stedfastness, and +thus to make them blessed. + +IV. He, to this end, in the first place, presented to them His only +begotten Son, whose sufferings, although sufficient for the expiation of +all men's sins, nevertheless, according to God's decree, serves alone to +the reconciliation of the elect. + +V. God causest he Gospel to be preached to them, making the same through +the Holy Ghost, of strength upon their minds; so that they not merely +obtain power to repent and to believe, but also actually and voluntarily +do repent and believe. + +VI. Such elect, through the same power of the Holy Ghost through which +they have once become repentant and believing, are kept in such wise that +they indeed through weakness fall into heavy sins; but can never wholly +and for always lose the true faith. + +VII. True believers from this, however, draw no reason for fleshly +quiet, it being impossible that they who through a true faith were +planted in Christ should bring forth no fruits of thankfulness; the +promises of God's help and the warnings of Scripture tending to make +their salvation work in them in fear and trembling, and to cause them +more earnestly to desire help from that spirit without which they can +do nothing. + + +There shall be no more setting forth of these subtle and finely wrought +abstractions in our pages. We aspire not to the lofty heights of +theological and supernatural contemplation, where the atmosphere becomes +too rarefied for ordinary constitutions. Rather we attempt an objective +and level survey of remarkable phenomena manifesting themselves on the +earth; direct or secondary emanations from those distant spheres. + +For in those days, and in that land especially, theology and politics +were one. It may be questioned at least whether this practical fusion +of elements, which may with more safety to the Commonwealth be kept +separate, did not tend quite as much to lower and contaminate the +religious sentiments as to elevate the political idea. To mix habitually +the solemn phraseology which men love to reserve for their highest and +most sacred needs with the familiar slang of politics and trade seems +to our generation not a very desirable proceeding. + +The aroma of doubly distilled and highly sublimated dogma is more +difficult to catch than to comprehend the broader and more practical +distinctions of every-day party strife. + +King James was furious at the thought that common men--the vulgar, the +people in short--should dare to discuss deep problems of divinity which, +as he confessed, had puzzled even his royal mind. Barneveld modestly +disclaimed the power of seeing with absolute clearness into things beyond +the reach of the human intellect. But the honest Netherlanders were not +abashed by thunder from the royal pulpit, nor perplexed by hesitations +which darkened the soul of the great Advocate. + +In burghers' mansions, peasants' cottages, mechanics' back-parlours, on +board herring smacks, canal boats, and East Indiamen; in shops, counting- +rooms, farmyards, guard-rooms, ale-houses; on the exchange, in the +tennis-court, on the mall; at banquets, at burials, christenings, or +bridals; wherever and whenever human creatures met each other, there +was ever to be found the fierce wrangle of Remonstrant and Contra- +Remonstrant, the hissing of red-hot theological rhetoric, the pelting of +hostile texts. The blacksmith's iron cooled on the anvil, the tinker +dropped a kettle half mended, the broker left a bargain unclinched, the +Scheveningen fisherman in his wooden shoes forgot the cracks in his +pinkie, while each paused to hold high converse with friend or foe on +fate, free will, or absolute foreknowledge; losing himself in wandering +mazes whence there was no issue. Province against province, city against +city, family against family; it was one vast scene of bickering, +denunciation, heart-burnings, mutual excommunication and hatred. + +Alas! a generation of mankind before, men had stood banded together to +resist, with all the might that comes from union, the fell spirit of the +Holy Inquisition, which was dooming all who had wandered from the ancient +fold or resisted foreign tyranny to the axe, the faggot, the living +grave. There had been small leisure then for men who fought for +Fatherland, and for comparative liberty of conscience, to tear each +others' characters in pieces, and to indulge in mutual hatreds and +loathing on the question of predestination. + +As a rule the population, especially of the humbler classes, and a great +majority of the preachers were Contra-Remonstrant; the magistrates, the +burgher patricians, were Remonstrant. In Holland the controlling +influence was Remonstrant; but Amsterdam and four or five other cities of +that province held to the opposite doctrine. These cities formed +therefore a small minority in the States Assembly of Holland sustained by +a large majority in the States-General. The Province of Utrecht was +almost unanimously Remonstrant. The five other provinces were decidedly +Contra-Remonstrant. + +It is obvious therefore that the influence of Barneveld, hitherto so all- +controlling in the States-General, and which rested on the complete +submission of the States of Holland to his will, was tottering. The +battle-line between Church and State was now drawn up; and it was at the +same time a battle between the union and the principles of state +sovereignty. + +It had long since been declared through the mouth of the Advocate, but +in a solemn state manifesto, that My Lords the States-General were the +foster-fathers and the natural protectors of the Church, to whom supreme +authority in church matters belonged. + +The Contra-Remonstrants, on the other hand, maintained that all the +various churches made up one indivisible church, seated above the States, +whether Provincial or General, and governed by the Holy Ghost acting +directly upon the congregations. + +As the schism grew deeper and the States-General receded from the +position which they had taken up under the lead of the Advocate, the +scene was changed. A majority of the Provinces being Contra-Remonstrant, +and therefore in favour of a National Synod, the States-General as a body +were of necessity for the Synod. + +It was felt by the clergy that, if many churches existed, they would all +remain subject to the civil authority. The power of the priesthood would +thus sink before that of the burgher aristocracy. There must be one +church--the Church of Geneva and Heidelberg--if that theocracy which the +Gomarites meant to establish was not to vanish as a dream. It was +founded on Divine Right, and knew no chief magistrate but the Holy Ghost. +A few years before the States-General had agreed to a National Synod, but +with a condition that there should be revision of the Netherland +Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism. + +Against this the orthodox infallibilists had protested and thundered, +because it was an admission that the vile Arminian heresy might perhaps +be declared correct. It was now however a matter of certainty that the +States-General would cease to oppose the unconditional Synod, because the +majority sided with the priesthood. + +The magistrates of Leyden had not long before opposed the demand for a +Synod on the ground that the war against Spain was not undertaken to +maintain one sect; that men of various sects and creeds had fought with +equal valour against the common foe; that religious compulsion was +hateful, and that no synod had a right to claim Netherlanders as slaves. + +To thoughtful politicians like Barneveld, Hugo Grotius, and men who acted +with them, fraught with danger to the state, that seemed a doctrine by +which mankind were not regarded as saved or doomed according to belief +or deeds, but as individuals divided from all eternity into two classes +which could never be united, but must ever mutually regard each other as +enemies. + +And like enemies Netherlanders were indeed beginning to regard each +other. The man who, banded like brothers, had so heroically fought for +two generations long for liberty against an almost superhuman despotism, +now howling and jeering against each other like demons, seemed determined +to bring the very name of liberty into contempt. + +Where the Remonstrants were in the ascendant, they excited the hatred and +disgust of the orthodox by their overbearing determination to carry their +Five Points. A broker in Rotterdam of the Contra-Remonstrant persuasion, +being about to take a wife, swore he had rather be married by a pig than +a parson. For this sparkling epigram he was punished by the Remonstrant +magistracy with loss of his citizenship for a year and the right to +practise his trade for life. A casuistical tinker, expressing himself +violently in the same city against the Five Points, and disrespectfully +towards the magistrates for tolerating them, was banished from the town. +A printer in the neighbourhood, disgusted with these and similar efforts +of tyranny on the part of the dominant party, thrust a couple of lines of +doggrel into the lottery: + + "In name of the Prince of Orange, I ask once and again, + What difference between the Inquisition of Rotterdam and Spain?" + +For this poetical effort the printer was sentenced to forfeit the prize +that he had drawn in the lottery, and to be kept in prison on bread and +water for a fortnight. + +Certainly such punishments were hardly as severe as being beheaded or +burned or buried alive, as would have been the lot of tinkers and +printers and brokers who opposed the established church in the days of +Alva, but the demon of intolerance, although its fangs were drawn, still +survived, and had taken possession of both parties in the Reformed +Church. For it was the Remonstrants who had possession of the churches +at Rotterdam, and the printer's distich is valuable as pointing out that +the name of Orange was beginning to identify itself with the Contra- +Remonstrant faction. At this time, on the other hand, the gabble that +Barneveld had been bought by Spanish gold, and was about to sell his +country to Spain, became louder than a whisper. Men were not ashamed, +from theological hatred, to utter such senseless calumnies against a +venerable statesman whose long life had been devoted to the cause of his +country's independence and to the death struggle with Spain. + +As if because a man admitted the possibility of all his fellow-creatures +being saved from damnation through repentance and the grace of God, he +must inevitably be a traitor to his country and a pensionary of her +deadliest foe. + +And where the Contra-Remonstrants held possession of the churches and the +city governments, acts of tyranny which did not then seem ridiculous were +of everyday occurrence. Clergymen, suspected of the Five Points, were +driven out of the pulpits with bludgeons or assailed with brickbats at +the church door. At Amsterdam, Simon Goulart, for preaching the doctrine +of universal salvation and for disputing the eternal damnation of young +children, was forbidden thenceforth to preach at all. + +But it was at the Hague that the schism in religion and politics first +fatally widened itself. Henry Rosaeus, an eloquent divine, disgusted +with his colleague Uytenbogaert, refused all communion with him, and was +in consequence suspended. Excluded from the Great Church, where he had +formerly ministered, he preached every Sunday at Ryswyk, two or three +miles distant. Seven hundred Contra-Remonstrants of the Hague followed +their beloved pastor, and, as the roads to Ryswyk were muddy and sloppy +in winter, acquired the unsavoury nickname of the "Mud Beggars." The +vulgarity of heart which suggested the appellation does not inspire +to-day great sympathy with the Remonstrant party, even if one were +inclined to admit, what is not the fact, that they represented the cause +of religious equality. For even the illustrious Grotius was at that very +moment repudiating the notion that there could be two religions in one +state. "Difference in public worship," he said, "was in kingdoms +pernicious, but in free commonwealths in the highest degree destructive." + +It was the struggle between Church and State for supremacy over the whole +body politic. "The Reformation," said Grotius, "was not brought about by +synods, but by kings, princes, and magistrates." It was the same eternal +story, the same terrible two-edged weapon, "Cujus reggio ejus religio," +found in the arsenal of the first Reformers, and in every politico- +religious arsenal of history. + +"By an eternal decree of God," said Gomarus in accordance with Calvin, +"it has been fixed who are to be saved and who damned. By His decree +some are drawn to faith and godliness, and, being drawn, can never fall +away. God leaves all the rest in the general corruption of human nature +and their own misdeeds." + +"God has from eternity made this distinction in the fallen human race," +said Arminius, "that He pardons those who desist from their sins and put +their faith in Christ, and will give them eternal life, but will punish +those who remain impenitent. Moreover, it is pleasanter to God that all +men should repent, and, coming to knowledge of truth, remain therein, but +He compels none." + +This was the vital difference of dogma. And it was because they could +hold no communion with those who believed in the efficacy of repentance +that Rosaeus and his followers had seceded to Ryswyk, and the Reformed +Church had been torn into two very unequal parts. But it is difficult to +believe that out of this arid field of controversy so plentiful a harvest +of hatred and civil convulsion could have ripened. More practical than +the insoluble problems, whether repentance could effect salvation, and +whether dead infants were hopelessly damned, was the question who should +rule both Church and State. + +There could be but one church. On that Remonstrants and Contra- +Remonstrants were agreed. But should the five Points or the Seven +Points obtain the mastery? Should that framework of hammered iron, the +Confession and Catechism, be maintained in all its rigidity around the +sheepfold, or should the disciples of the arch-heretic Arminius, the +salvation-mongers, be permitted to prowl within it? + +Was Barneveld, who hated the Reformed religion (so men told each other), +and who believed in nothing, to continue dictator of the whole Republic +through his influence over one province, prescribing its religious dogmas +and laying down its laws; or had not the time come for the States-General +to vindicate the rights of the Church, and to crush for ever the +pernicious principle of State sovereignty and burgher oligarchy? + +The abyss was wide and deep, and the wild waves were raging more madly +every hour. The Advocate, anxious and troubled, but undismayed, did his +best in the terrible emergency. He conferred with Prince Maurice on the +subject of the Ryswyk secession, and men said that he sought to impress +upon him, as chief of the military forces, the necessity of putting down +religious schism with the armed hand. + +The Prince had not yet taken a decided position. He was still under the +influence of John Uytenbogaert, who with Arminius and the Advocate made +up the fateful three from whom deadly disasters were deemed to have come +upon the Commonwealth. He wished to remain neutral. But no man can be +neutral in civil contentions threatening the life of the body politic any +more than the heart can be indifferent if the human frame is sawn in two. + +"I am a soldier," said Maurice, "not a divine. These are matters of +theology which I don't understand, and about which I don't trouble +myself." + +On another occasion he is reported to have said, "I know nothing of +predestination, whether it is green or whether it is blue; but I do know +that the Advocate's pipe and mine will never play the same tune." + +It was not long before he fully comprehended the part which he must +necessarily play. To say that he was indifferent to religious matters +was as ridiculous as to make a like charge against Barneveld. Both +were religious men. It would have been almost impossible to find an +irreligious character in that country, certainly not among its highest- +placed and leading minds. Maurice had strong intellectual powers. He +was a regular attendant on divine worship, and was accustomed to hear +daily religious discussions. To avoid them indeed, he would have been +obliged not only to fly his country, but to leave Europe. He had a +profound reverence for the memory of his father, Calbo y Calbanista, as +William the Silent had called himself. But the great prince had died +before these fierce disputes had torn the bosom of the Reformed Church, +and while Reformers still were brethren. But if Maurice were a religious +man, he was also a keen politician; a less capable politician, however, +than a soldier, for he was confessedly the first captain of his age. +He was not rapid in his conceptions, but he was sure in the end to +comprehend his opportunity. + +The Church, the people, the Union--the sacerdotal, the democratic, +and the national element--united under a name so potent to conjure +with as the name of Orange-Nassau, was stronger than any other possible +combination. Instinctively and logically therefore the Stadholder found +himself the chieftain of the Contra-Remonstrant party, and without the +necessity of an apostasy such as had been required of his great +contemporary to make himself master of France. + +The power of Barneveld and his partisans was now put to a severe strain. +His efforts to bring back the Hague seceders were powerless. The +influence of Uytenbogaert over the Stadholder steadily diminished. He +prayed to be relieved from his post in the Great Church of the Hague, +especially objecting to serve with a Contra-Remonstrant preacher whom +Maurice wished to officiate there in place of the seceding Rosaeus. But +the Stadholder refused to let him go, fearing his influence in other +places. "There is stuff in him," said Maurice, "to outweigh half a dozen +Contra-Remonstrant preachers." Everywhere in Holland the opponents of +the Five Points refused to go to the churches, and set up tabernacles for +themselves in barns, outhouses, canal-boats. And the authorities in town +and village nailed up the barn-doors, and dispersed the canal boat +congregations, while the populace pelted them with stones. The seceders +appealed to the Stadholder, pleading that at least they ought to be +allowed to hear the word of God as they understood it without being +forced into churches where they were obliged to hear Arminian blasphemy. +At least their barns might be left them. "Barns," said Maurice, "barns +and outhouses! Are we to preach in barns? The churches belong to us, +and we mean to have them too." + +Not long afterwards the Stadholder, clapping his hand on his sword hilt, +observed that these differences could only be settled by force of arms. +An ominous remark and a dreary comment on the forty years' war against +the Inquisition. + +And the same scenes that were enacting in Holland were going on in +Overyssel and Friesland and Groningen; but with a difference. Here it +was the Five Points men who were driven into secession, whose barns were +nailed up, and whose preachers were mobbed. A lugubrious spectacle, but +less painful certainly than the hangings and drownings and burnings alive +in the previous century to prevent secession from the indivisible church. + +It is certain that stadholders and all other magistrates ever since the +establishment of independence were sworn to maintain the Reformed +religion and to prevent a public divine worship under any other form. It +is equally certain that by the 13th Article of the Act of Union--the +organic law of the confederation made at Utrecht in 1579--each province +reserved for itself full control of religious questions. It would indeed +seem almost unimaginable in a country where not only every province, but +every city, every municipal board, was so jealous of its local privileges +and traditional rights that the absolute disposition over the highest, +gravest, and most difficult questions that can inspire and perplex +humanity should be left to a general government, and one moreover which +had scarcely come into existence. + +Yet into this entirely illogical position the Commonwealth was steadily +drifting. The cause was simple enough. The States of Holland, as +already observed, were Remonstrant by a large majority. The States- +General were Contra-Remonstrant by a still greater majority. The Church, +rigidly attached to the Confession and Catechism, and refusing all change +except through decree of a synod to be called by the general government +which it controlled, represented the national idea. It thus identified +itself with the Republic, and was in sympathy with a large majority of +the population. + +Logic, law, historical tradition were on the side of the Advocate and +the States' right party. The instinct of national self-preservation, +repudiating the narrow and destructive doctrine of provincial +sovereignty, were on the side of the States-General and the Church. + +Meantime James of Great Britain had written letters both to the States of +Holland and the States-General expressing his satisfaction with the Five +Points, and deciding that there was nothing objectionable in the doctrine +of predestination therein set forth. He had recommended unity and peace +in Church and Assembly, and urged especially that these controverted +points should not be discussed in the pulpit to the irritation and +perplexity of the common people. + +The King's letters had produced much satisfaction in the moderate party. +Barneveld and his followers were then still in the ascendant, and it +seemed possible that the Commonwealth might enjoy a few moments of +tranquillity. That James had given a new exhibition of his astounding +inconsistency was a matter very indifferent to all but himself, and he +was the last man to trouble himself for that reproach. + +It might happen, when be should come to realize how absolutely he had +obeyed the tuition of the Advocate and favoured the party which he had +been so vehemently opposing, that he might regret and prove willing to +retract. But for the time being the course of politics had seemed +running smoother. The acrimony of the relations between the English +government and dominant party at the Hague was sensibly diminished. The +King seemed for an instant to have obtained a true insight into the +nature of the struggle in the States. That it was after all less a +theological than a political question which divided parties had at last +dawned upon him. + +"If you have occasion to write on the subject," said Barneveld, "it is +above all necessary to make it clear that ecclesiastical persons and +their affairs must stand under the direction of the sovereign authority, +for our preachers understand that the disposal of ecclesiastical persons +and affairs belongs to them, so that they alone are to appoint preachers, +elders, deacons, and other clerical persons, and to regulate the whole +ecclesiastical administration according to their pleasure or by a popular +government which they call the community." + +"The Counts of Holland from all ancient times were never willing under +the Papacy to surrender their right of presentation to the churches and +control of all spiritual and ecclesiastical benefices. The Emperor +Charles and King Philip even, as Counts of Holland, kept these rights to +themselves, save that they in enfeoffing more than a hundred gentlemen, +of noble and ancient families with seigniorial manors, enfeoffed them +also with the right of presentation to churches and benefices on their +respective estates. Our preachers pretend to have won this right against +the Countship, the gentlemen, nobles, and others, and that it belongs to +them." + +It is easy to see that this was a grave, constitutional, legal, and +historical problem not to be solved offhand by vehement citations from +Scripture, nor by pragmatical dissertations from the lips of foreign +ambassadors. + +"I believe this point," continued Barneveld, "to be the most difficult +question of all, importing far more than subtle searchings and +conflicting sentiments as to passages of Holy Writ, or disputations +concerning God's eternal predestination and other points thereupon +depending. Of these doctrines the Archbishop of Canterbury well observed +in the Conference of 1604 that one ought to teach them ascendendo and not +descendendo." + +The letters of the King had been very favourably received both in the +States-General and in the Assembly of Holland. "You will present the +replies," wrote Barneveld to the ambassador in London, "at the best +opportunity and with becoming compliments. You may be assured and assure +his Majesty that they have been very agreeable to both assemblies. Our +commissioners over there on the East Indian matter ought to know nothing +of these letters." + +This statement is worthy of notice, as Grotius was one of those +commissioners, and, as will subsequently appear, was accused of being +the author of the letters. + +"I understand from others," continued the Advocate, "that the gentleman +well known to you--[Obviously Francis Aerssens]--is not well pleased +that through other agency than his these letters have been written and +presented. I think too that the other business is much against his +grain, but on the whole since your departure he has accommodated himself +to the situation." + +But if Aerssens for the moment seemed quiet, the orthodox clergy were +restive. + +"I know," said Barneveld, "that some of our ministers are so audacious +that of themselves, or through others, they mean to work by direct or +indirect means against these letters. They mean to show likewise that +there are other and greater differences of doctrine than those already +discussed. You will keep a sharp eye on the sails and provide against +the effect of counter-currents. To maintain the authority of their Great +Mightinesses over ecclesiastical matters is more than necessary for the +conservation of the country's welfare and of the true Christian religion. +As his Majesty would not allow this principle to be controverted in his +own realms, as his books clearly prove, so we trust that he will not find +it good that it should be controverted in our state as sure to lead to a +very disastrous and inequitable sequel." + +And a few weeks later the Advocate and the whole party of toleration +found themselves, as is so apt to be the case, between two fires. The +Catholics became as turbulent as the extreme Calvinists, and already +hopes were entertained by Spanish emissaries and spies that this rapidly +growing schism in the Reformed Church might be dexterously made use of to +bring the Provinces, when they should become fairly distracted, back to +the dominion of Spain. + +"Our precise zealots in the Reformed religion, on the one side," wrote +Barneveld, "and the Jesuits on the other, are vigorously kindling the +fire of discord. Keep a good lookout for the countermine which is now +working against the good advice of his Majesty for mutual toleration. +The publication of the letters was done without order, but I believe with +good intent, in the hope that the vehemence and exorbitance of some +precise Puritans in our State should thereby be checked. That which is +now doing against us in printed libels is the work of the aforesaid +Puritans and a few Jesuits. The pretence in those libels, that there are +other differences in the matter of doctrine, is mere fiction designed to +make trouble and confusion." + +In the course of the autumn, Sir Ralph Winwood departed from the Hague, +to assume soon afterwards in England the position of secretary of state +for foreign affairs. He did not take personal farewell of Barneveld, the +Advocate being absent in North Holland at the moment, and detained there +by indisposition. The leave-taking was therefore by letter. He had done +much to injure the cause which the Dutch statesman held vital to the +Republic, and in so doing he had faithfully carried out the instructions +of his master. Now that James had written these conciliatory letters to +the States, recommending toleration, letters destined to be famous, +Barneveld was anxious that the retiring ambassador should foster the +spirit of moderation, which for a moment prevailed at the British court. +But he was not very hopeful in the matter. + +"Mr. Winwood is doubtless over there now," he wrote to Caron. "He has +promised in public and private to do all good offices. The States- +General made him a present on his departure of the value of L4000. I +fear nevertheless that he, especially in religious matters, will not do +the best offices. For besides that he is himself very hard and precise, +those who in this country are hard and precise have made a dead set at +him, and tried to make him devoted to their cause, through many +fictitious and untruthful means." + +The Advocate, as so often before, sent assurances to the King that "the +States-General, and especially the States of Holland, were resolved to +maintain the genuine Reformed religion, and oppose all novelties and +impurities conflicting with it," and the Ambassador was instructed to see +that the countermine, worked so industriously against his Majesty's +service and the honour and reputation of the Provinces, did not prove +successful. + +"To let the good mob play the master," he said, "and to permit hypocrites +and traitors in the Flemish manner to get possession of the government of +the provinces and cities, and to cause upright patriots whose faith and +truth has so long been proved, to be abandoned, by the blessing of God, +shall never be accomplished. Be of good heart, and cause these Flemish +tricks to be understood on every occasion, and let men know that we mean +to maintain, with unchanging constancy, the authority of the government, +the privileges and laws of the country, as well as the true Reformed +religion." + +The statesman was more than ever anxious for moderate counsels in the +religious questions, for it was now more important than ever that there +should be concord in the Provinces, for the cause of Protestantism, and +with it the existence of the Republic, seemed in greater danger than at +any moment since the truce. It appeared certain that the alliance +between France and Spain had been arranged, and that the Pope, Spain, the +Grand-duke of Tuscany, and their various adherents had organized a strong +combination, and were enrolling large armies to take the field in the +spring, against the Protestant League of the princes and electors in +Germany. The great king was dead. The Queen-Regent was in the hand of +Spain, or dreamed at least of an impossible neutrality, while the priest +who was one day to resume the part of Henry, and to hang upon the sword +of France the scales in which the opposing weights of Protestantism and +Catholicism in Europe were through so many awful years to be balanced, +was still an obscure bishop. + +The premonitory signs of the great religious war in Germany were not to +be mistaken. In truth, the great conflict had already opened in the +duchies, although few men as yet comprehended the full extent of that +movement. The superficial imagined that questions of hereditary +succession, like those involved in the dispute, were easily to be settled +by statutes of descent, expounded by doctors of law, and sustained, if +needful, by a couple of comparatively bloodless campaigns. Those who +looked more deeply into causes felt that the limitations of Imperial +authority, the ambition of a great republic, suddenly starting into +existence out of nothing, and the great issues of the religious +reformation, were matters not so easily arranged. When the scene +shifted, as it was so soon to do, to the heart of Bohemia, when +Protestantism had taken the Holy Roman Empire by the beard in its +ancient palace, and thrown Imperial stadholders out of window, it would +be evident to the blindest that something serious was taking place. + +Meantime Barneveld, ever watchful of passing events, knew that great +forces of Catholicism were marshalling in the south. Three armies were +to take the field against Protestantism at the orders of Spain and the +Pope. One at the door of the Republic, and directed especially against +the Netherlands, was to resume the campaign in the duchies, and to +prevent any aid going to Protestant Germany from Great Britain or from +Holland. Another in the Upper Palatinate was to make the chief movement +against the Evangelical hosts. A third in Austria was to keep down the +Protestant party in Bohemia, Hungary, Austria, Moravia, and Silesia. To +sustain this movement, it was understood that all the troops then in +Italy were to be kept all the winter on a war footing.' + +Was this a time for the great Protestant party in the Netherlands to tear +itself in pieces for a theological subtlety, about which good Christians +might differ without taking each other by the throat? + +"I do not lightly believe or fear," said the Advocate, in communicating a +survey of European affairs at that moment to Carom "but present advices +from abroad make me apprehend dangers." + + + + +ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + +Aristocracy of God's elect +Determined to bring the very name of liberty into contempt +Disputing the eternal damnation of young children +Fate, free will, or absolute foreknowledge +Louis XIII. +No man can be neutral in civil contentions +No synod had a right to claim Netherlanders as slaves +Philip IV. +Priests shall control the state or the state govern the priests +Schism in the Church had become a public fact +That cynical commerce in human lives +The voice of slanderers +Theological hatred was in full blaze throughout the country +Theology and politics were one +To look down upon their inferior and lost fellow creatures +Whether dead infants were hopelessly damned +Whether repentance could effect salvation +Whose mutual hatred was now artfully inflamed by partisans +Work of the aforesaid Puritans and a few Jesuits + + + + +End of this Project Gutenberg Etext Life of John Barneveld, v5, Motley #90 +by John Lothrop Motley + + + + + + +THE LIFE AND DEATH of JOHN OF BARNEVELD, ADVOCATE OF HOLLAND + +WITH A VIEW OF THE PRIMARY CAUSES AND MOVEMENTS OF THE THIRTY YEARS' WAR + +By John Lothrop Motley, D.C.L., LL.D. + + + +Life of John of Barneveld, 1613-15 + + +CHAPTER IX. + + Aerssens remains Two Years longer in France--Derives many Personal + Advantages from his Post--He visits the States-General--Aubery du + Maurier appointed French Ambassador--He demands the Recall of + Aerssens--Peace of Sainte-Menehould--Asperen de Langerac appointed + in Aerssens' Place. + +Francis Aerssens had remained longer at his post than had been intended +by the resolution of the States of Holland, passed in May 1611. + +It is an exemplification of the very loose constitutional framework of +the United Provinces that the nomination of the ambassador to France +belonged to the States of Holland, by whom his salary was paid, although, +of course, he was the servant of the States-General, to whom his public +and official correspondence was addressed. His most important despatches +were however written directly to Barneveld so long as he remained in +power, who had also the charge of the whole correspondence, public or +private, with all the envoys of the States. + +Aerssens had, it will be remembered, been authorized to stay one year +longer in France if he thought he could be useful there. He stayed two +years, and on the whole was not useful. He had too many eyes and too +many ears. He had become mischievous by the very activity of his +intelligence. He was too zealous. There were occasions in France at +that moment in which it was as well to be blind and deaf. It was +impossible for the Republic, unless driven to it by dire necessity, to +quarrel with its great ally. It had been calculated by Duplessis-Mornay +that France had paid subsidies to the Provinces amounting from first to +last to 200 millions of livres. This was an enormous exaggeration. It +was Barneveld's estimate that before the truce the States had received +from France eleven millions of florins in cash, and during the truce up +to the year 1613, 3,600,000 in addition, besides a million still due, +making a total of about fifteen millions. During the truce France kept +two regiments of foot amounting to 4200 soldiers and two companies of +cavalry in Holland at the service of the States, for which she was bound +to pay yearly 600,000 livres. And the Queen-Regent had continued all the +treaties by which these arrangements were secured, and professed sincere +and continuous friendship for the States. While the French-Spanish +marriages gave cause for suspicion, uneasiness, and constant watchfulness +in the States, still the neutrality of France was possible in the coming +storm. So long as that existed, particularly when the relations of +England with Holland through the unfortunate character of King James were +perpetually strained to a point of imminent rupture, it was necessary to +hold as long as it vas possible to the slippery embrace of France. + +But Aerssens was almost aggressive in his attitude. He rebuked the +vacillations, the shortcomings, the imbecility, of the Queen's government +in offensive terms. He consorted openly with the princes who were on the +point of making war upon the Queen-Regent. He made a boast to the +Secretary of State Villeroy that he had unravelled all his secret plots +against the Netherlands. He declared it to be understood in France, +since the King's death, by the dominant and Jesuitical party that the +crown depended temporally as well as spiritually on the good pleasure of +the Pope. + +No doubt he was perfectly right in many of his opinions. No ruler or +statesman in France worthy of the name would hesitate, in the impending +religious conflict throughout Europe and especially in Germany, to +maintain for the kingdom that all controlling position which was its +splendid privilege. But to preach this to Mary de' Medici was waste of +breath. She was governed by the Concini's, and the Concini's were +governed by Spain. The woman who was believed to have known beforehand +of the plot to murder her great husband, who had driven the one powerful +statesman on whom the King relied, Maximilian de Bethune, into +retirement, and whose foreign affairs were now completely in the hands +of the ancient Leaguer Villeroy--who had served every government in the +kingdom for forty years--was not likely to be accessible to high views +of public policy. + +Two years had now elapsed since the first private complaints against the +Ambassador, and the French government were becoming impatient at his +presence. Aerssens had been supported by Prince Maurice, to whom he had +long paid his court. He was likewise loyally protected by Barneveld, +whom he publicly flattered and secretly maligned. But it was now +necessary that he should be gone if peaceful relations with France were +to be preserved. + +After all, the Ambassador had not made a bad business of his embassy from +his own point of view. A stranger in the Republic, for his father the +Greffier was a refugee from Brabant, he had achieved through his own +industry and remarkable talents, sustained by the favour of Barneveld-- +to whom he owed all his diplomatic appointments--an eminent position in +Europe. Secretary to the legation to France in 1594, he had been +successively advanced to the post of resident agent, and when the +Republic had been acknowledged by the great powers, to that of +ambassador. The highest possible functions that representatives of +emperors and kings could enjoy had been formally recognized in the person +of the minister of a new-born republic. And this was at a moment when, +with exception of the brave but insignificant cantons of Switzerland, the +Republic had long been an obsolete idea. + +In a pecuniary point of view, too, he had not fared badly during his +twenty years of diplomatic office. He had made much money in various +ways. The King not long before his death sent him one day 20,000 florins +as a present, with a promise soon to do much more for him. + +Having been placed in so eminent a post, he considered it as due to +himself to derive all possible advantage from it. "Those who serve at +the altar," he said a little while after his return, "must learn to live +by it. I served their High Mightinesses at the court of a great king, +and his Majesty's liberal and gracious favours were showered upon me. My +upright conscience and steady obsequiousness greatly aided me. I did not +look upon opportunity with folded arms, but seized it and made my profit +by it. Had I not met with such fortunate accidents, my office would not +have given me dry bread." + +Nothing could exceed the frankness and indeed the cynicism with which the +Ambassador avowed his practice of converting his high and sacred office +into merchandise. And these statements of his should be scanned closely, +because at this very moment a cry was distantly rising, which at a later +day was to swell into a roar, that the great Advocate had been bribed and +pensioned. Nothing had occurred to justify such charges, save that at +the period of the truce he had accepted from the King of France a fee of +20,000 florins for extra official and legal services rendered him a dozen +years before, and had permitted his younger son to hold the office of +gentleman-in-waiting at the French court with the usual salary attached +to it. The post, certainly not dishonourable in itself, had been +intended by the King as a kindly compliment to the leading statesman +of his great and good ally the Republic. It would be difficult to +say why such a favour conferred on the young man should be held more +discreditable to the receiver than the Order of the Garter recently +bestowed upon the great soldier of the Republic by another friendly +sovereign. It is instructive however to note the language in which +Francis Aerssens spoke of favours and money bestowed by a foreign monarch +upon himself, for Aerssens had come back from his embassy full of gall +and bitterness against Barneveld. Thenceforth he was to be his evil +demon. + +"I didn't inherit property," said this diplomatist. "My father and +mother, thank God, are yet living. I have enjoyed the King's liberality. +It was from an ally, not an enemy, of our country. Were every man +obliged to give a reckoning of everything he possesses over and above his +hereditary estates, who in the government would pass muster? Those who +declare that they have served their country in her greatest trouble, and +lived in splendid houses and in service of princes and great companies +and the like on a yearly salary of 4000 florins, may not approve these +maxims." + +It should be remembered that Barneveld, if this was a fling at the +Advocate, had acquired a large fortune by marriage, and, although +certainly not averse from gathering gear, had, as will be seen on a +subsequent page, easily explained the manner in which his property had +increased. No proof was ever offered or attempted of the anonymous +calumnies levelled at him in this regard. + +"I never had the management of finances," continued Aerssens. "My +profits I have gained in foreign parts. My condition of life is without +excess, and in my opinion every means are good so long as they are +honourable and legal. They say my post was given me by the Advocate. +Ergo, all my fortune comes from the Advocate. Strenuously to have +striven to make myself agreeable to the King and his counsellors, while +fulfilling my office with fidelity and honour, these are the arts by +which I have prospered, so that my splendour dazzles the eyes of the +envious. The greediness of those who believe that the sun should shine +for them alone was excited, and so I was obliged to resign the embassy." + +So long as Henry lived, the Dutch ambassador saw him daily, and at all +hours, privately, publicly, when he would. Rarely has a foreign envoy +at any court, at any period of history, enjoyed such privileges of being +useful to his government. And there is no doubt that the services of +Aerssens had been most valuable to his country, notwithstanding his +constant care to increase his private fortune through his public +opportunities. He was always ready to be useful to Henry likewise. +When that monarch same time before the truce, and occasionally during +the preliminary negotiations for it, had formed a design to make himself +sovereign of the Provinces, it was Aerssens who charged himself with the +scheme, and would have furthered it with all his might, had the project +not met with opposition both from the Advocate and the Stadholder. +Subsequently it appeared probable that Maurice would not object to the +sovereignty himself, and the Ambassador in Paris, with the King's +consent, was not likely to prove himself hostile to the Prince's +ambition. + +"There is but this means alone," wrote Jeannini to Villeroy, "that can +content him, although hitherto he has done like the rowers, who never +look toward the place whither they wish to go." The attempt of the +Prince to sound Barneveld on this subject through the Princess-Dowager +has already been mentioned, and has much intrinsic probability. +Thenceforward, the republican form of government, the municipal +oligarchies, began to consolidate their power. Yet although the people +as such were not sovereigns, but subjects, and rarely spoken of by the +aristocratic magistrates save with a gentle and patronizing disdain, they +enjoyed a larger liberty than was known anywhere else in the world. +Buzenval was astonished at the "infinite and almost unbridled freedom" +which he witnessed there during his embassy, and which seemed to him +however "without peril to the state." + +The extraordinary means possessed by Aerssens to be important and useful +vanished with the King's death. His secret despatches, painting in +sombre and sarcastic colours the actual condition of affairs at the +French court, were sent back in copy to the French court itself. It was +not known who had played the Ambassador this vilest of tricks, but it was +done during an illness of Barneveld, and without his knowledge. Early in +the year 1613 Aerssens resolved, not to take his final departure, but to +go home on leave of absence. His private intention was to look for some +substantial office of honour and profit at home. Failing of this, he +meant to return to Paris. But with an eye to the main chance as usual, +he ingeniously caused it to be understood at court, without making +positive statements to that effect, that his departure was final. On his +leavetaking, accordingly, he received larger presents from the crown than +had been often given to a retiring ambassador. At least 20,000 florins +were thus added to the frugal store of profits on which he prided +himself. Had he merely gone away on leave of absence, he would have +received no presents whatever. But he never went back. The Queen-Regent +and her ministers were so glad to get rid of him, and so little disposed, +in the straits in which they found themselves, to quarrel with the +powerful republic, as to be willing to write very complimentary public +letters to the States, concerning the character and conduct of the man +whom they so much detested. + +Pluming himself upon these, Aerssens made his appearance in the Assembly +of the States-General, to give account by word of mouth of the condition +of affairs, speaking as if he had only come by permission of their +Mightinesses for temporary purposes. Two months later he was summoned +before the Assembly, and ordered to return to his post. + +Meantime a new French ambassador had arrived at the Hague, in the spring +of 1613. Aubery du Maurier, a son of an obscure country squire, a +Protestant, of moderate opinions, of a sincere but rather obsequious +character, painstaking, diligent, and honest, had been at an earlier day +in the service of the turbulent and intriguing Due de Bouillon. He had +also been employed by Sully as an agent in financial affairs between +Holland and France, and had long been known to Villeroy. He was living +on his estate, in great retirement from all public business, when +Secretary Villeroy suddenly proposed him the embassy to the Hague. +There was no more important diplomatic post at that time in Europe. +Other countries were virtually at peace, but in Holland, notwithstanding +the truce, there vas really not much more than an armistice, and great +armies lay in the Netherlands, as after a battle, sleeping face to face +with arms in their hands. The politics of Christendom were at issue in +the open, elegant, and picturesque village which was the social capital +of the United Provinces. The gentry from Spain, Italy, the south of +Europe, Catholic Germany, had clustered about Spinola at Brussels, to +learn the art of war in his constant campaigning against Maurice. +English and Scotch officers, Frenchmen, Bohemians, Austrians, youths from +the Palatinate and all Protestant countries in Germany, swarmed to the +banners of the prince who had taught the world how Alexander Farnese +could be baffled, and the great Spinola outmanoeuvred. Especially there +was a great number of Frenchmen of figure and quality who thronged to the +Hague, besides the officers of the two French regiments which formed a +regular portion of the States' army. That army was the best appointed +and most conspicuous standing force in Europe. Besides the French +contingent there were always nearly 30,000 infantry and 3000 cavalry on a +war footing, splendidly disciplined, experienced, and admirably armed. +The navy, consisting of thirty war ships, perfectly equipped and manned, +was a match for the combined marine forces of all Europe, and almost as +numerous. + +When the Ambassador went to solemn audience of the States-General, he was +attended by a brilliant group of gentlemen and officers, often to the +number of three hundred, who volunteered to march after him on foot to +honour their sovereign in the person of his ambassador; the Envoy's +carriage following empty behind. Such were the splendid diplomatic +processions often received by the stately Advocate in his plain civic +garb, when grave international questions were to be publicly discussed. + +There was much murmuring in France when the appointment of a personage +comparatively so humble to a position so important was known. It was +considered as a blow aimed directly at the malcontent princes of the +blood, who were at that moment plotting their first levy of arms against +the Queen. Du Maurier had been ill-treated by the Due de Bouillon, who +naturally therefore now denounced the man whom he had injured to the +government to which he was accredited. Being the agent of Mary de' +Medici, he was, of course, described as a tool of the court and a secret +pensioner of Spain. He was to plot with the arch traitor Barneveld as to +the best means for distracting the Provinces and bringing them back into +Spanish subjection. Du Maurier, being especially but secretly charged to +prevent the return of Francis Aerssens to Paris, incurred of course the +enmity of that personage and of the French grandees who ostentatiously +protected him. It was even pretended by Jeannin that the appointment of +a man so slightly known to the world, so inexperienced in diplomacy, and +of a parentage so little distinguished, would be considered an affront by +the States-General. + +But on the whole, Villeroy had made an excellent choice. No safer man +could perhaps have been found in France for a post of such eminence, in +circumstances so delicate, and at a crisis so grave. The man who had +been able to make himself agreeable and useful, while preserving his +integrity, to characters so dissimilar as the refining, self-torturing, +intellectual Duplessis-Mornay, the rude, aggressive, and straightforward +Sully, the deep-revolving, restlessly plotting Bouillon, and the smooth, +silent, and tortuous Villeroy--men between whom there was no friendship, +but, on the contrary, constant rancour--had material in him to render +valuable services at this particular epoch. Everything depended on +patience, tact, watchfulness in threading the distracting, almost +inextricable, maze which had been created by personal rivalries, +ambitions, and jealousies in the state he represented and the one to +which he was accredited. "I ascribe it all to God," he said, in his +testament to his children, "the impenetrable workman who in His goodness +has enabled me to make myself all my life obsequious, respectful, and +serviceable to all, avoiding as much as possible, in contenting some, not +to discontent others." He recommended his children accordingly to +endeavour "to succeed in life by making themselves as humble, +intelligent, and capable as possible." + +This is certainly not a very high type of character, but a safer one for +business than that of the arch intriguer Francis Aerssens. And he had +arrived at the Hague under trying circumstances. Unknown to the foreign +world he was now entering, save through the disparaging rumours +concerning him, sent thither in advance by the powerful personages +arrayed against his government, he might have sunk under such a storm at +the outset, but for the incomparable kindness and friendly aid of the +Princess-Dowager, Louise de Coligny. "I had need of her protection and +recommendation as much as of life," said du Maurier; "and she gave them +in such excess as to annihilate an infinity of calumnies which envy had +excited against me on every side." He had also a most difficult and +delicate matter to arrange at the very moment of his arrival. + +For Aerssens had done his best not only to produce a dangerous division +in the politics of the Republic, but to force a rupture between the +French government and the States. He had carried matters before the +assembly with so high a hand as to make it seem impossible to get rid of +him without public scandal. He made a parade of the official letters +from the Queen-Regent and her ministers, in which he was spoken of in +terms of conventional compliment. He did not know, and Barneveld wished, +if possible, to spare him the annoyance of knowing, that both Queen and +ministers, so soon as informed that there was a chance of coming back +to them, had written letters breathing great repugnance to him and +intimating that he would not be received. Other high personages of state +had written to express their resentment at his duplicity, perpetual +mischief-making, and machinations against the peace of the kingdom, and +stating the impossibility of his resuming the embassy at Paris. And at +last the queen wrote to the States-General to say that, having heard +their intention to send him back to a post "from which he had taken leave +formally and officially," she wished to prevent such a step. "We should +see M. Aerssens less willingly than comports with our friendship for you +and good neighbourhood. Any other you could send would be most welcome, +as M. du Maurier will explain to you more amply." + +And to du Maurier himself she wrote distinctly, "Rather than suffer the +return of the said Aerssens, you will declare that for causes which +regard the good of our affairs and our particular satisfaction we cannot +and will not receive him in the functions which he has exercised here, +and we rely too implicitly upon the good friendship of My Lords the +States to do anything in this that would so much displease us." + +And on the same day Villeroy privately wrote to the Ambassador, "If, in +spite of all this, Aerssens should endeavour to return, he will not be +received, after the knowledge we have of his factious spirit, most +dangerous in a public personage in a state such as ours and in the +minority of the King." + +Meantime Aerssens had been going about flaunting letters in everybody's +face from the Duc de Bouillon insisting on the necessity of his return! +The fact in itself would have been sufficient to warrant his removal, for +the Duke was just taking up arms against his sovereign. Unless the +States meant to interfere officially and directly in the civil war about +to break out in France, they could hardly send a minister to the +government on recommendation of the leader of the rebellion. + +It had, however, become impossible to remove him without an explosion. +Barneveld, who, said du Maurier, "knew the man to his finger nails," had +been reluctant to "break the ice," and wished for official notice in the +matter from the Queen. Maurice protected the troublesome diplomatist. +"'Tis incredible," said the French ambassador "how covertly Prince +Maurice is carrying himself, contrary to his wont, in this whole affair. +I don't know whether it is from simple jealousy to Barneveld, or if there +is some mystery concealed below the surface." + +Du Maurier had accordingly been obliged to ask his government for +distinct and official instructions. "He holds to his place," said he, +"by so slight and fragile a root as not to require two hands to pluck him +up, the little finger being enough. There is no doubt that he has been +in concert with those who are making use of him to re-establish their +credit with the States, and to embark Prince Maurice contrary to his +preceding custom in a cabal with them." + +Thus a question of removing an obnoxious diplomatist could hardly be +graver, for it was believed that he was doing his best to involve the +military chief of his own state in a game of treason and rebellion +against the government to which he was accredited. It was not the first +nor likely to be the last of Bouillon's deadly intrigues. But the man +who had been privy to Biron's conspiracy against the crown and life of +his sovereign was hardly a safe ally for his brother-in-law, the +straightforward stadholder. + +The instructions desired by du Maurier and by Barneveld had, as we have +seen, at last arrived. The French ambassador thus fortified appeared +before the Assembly of the States-General and officially demanded the +recall of Aerssens. In a letter addressed privately and confidentially +to their Mightinesses, he said, "If in spite of us you throw him at our +feet, we shall fling him back at your head." + +At last Maurice yielded to, the representations of the French envoy, and +Aerssens felt obliged to resign his claims to the post. The States- +General passed a resolution that it would be proper to employ him in some +other capacity in order to show that his services had been agreeable to +them, he having now declared that he could no longer be useful in France. +Maurice, seeing that it was impossible to save him, admitted to du +Maurier his unsteadiness and duplicity, and said that, if possessed of +the confidence of a great king, he would be capable of destroying the +state in less than a year. + +But this had not always been the Prince's opinion, nor was it likely to +remain unchanged. As for Villeroy, he denied flatly that the cause of +his displeasure had been that Aerssens had penetrated into his most +secret affairs. He protested, on the contrary, that his annoyance with +him had partly proceeded from the slight acquaintance he had acquired of +his policy, and that, while boasting to be better informed than any one, +he was in the habit of inventing and imagining things in order to get +credit for himself. + +It was highly essential that the secret of this affair should be made +clear; for its influence on subsequent events was to be deep and wide. +For the moment Aerssens remained without employment, and there was no +open rupture with Barneveld. The only difference of opinion between the +Advocate and himself, he said, was whether he had or had not definitely +resigned his post on leaving Paris. + +Meantime it was necessary to fix upon a successor for this most important +post. The war soon after the new year had broken out in France. Conde, +Bouillon, and the other malcontent princes with their followers had taken +possession of the fortress of Mezieres, and issued a letter in the name +of Conde to the Queen-Regent demanding an assembly of the States-General +of the kingdom and rupture of the Spanish marriages. Both parties, that +of the government and that of the rebellion, sought the sympathy and +active succour of the States. Maurice, acting now in perfect accord +with the Advocate, sustained the Queen and execrated the rebellion of +his relatives with perfect frankness. Conde, he said, had got his head +stuffed full of almanacs whose predictions he wished to see realized. +He vowed he would have shortened by a head the commander of the garrison +who betrayed Mezieres, if he had been under his control. He forbade on +pain of death the departure of any officer or private of the French +regiments from serving the rebels, and placed the whole French force at +the disposal of the Queen, with as many Netherland regiments as could be +spared. One soldier was hanged and three others branded with the mark of +a gibbet on the face for attempting desertion. The legal government was +loyally sustained by the authority of the States, notwithstanding all the +intrigues of Aerssens with the agents of the princes to procure them +assistance. The mutiny for the time was brief, and was settled on the +15th of May 1614, by the peace of Sainte-Menehould, as much a caricature +of a treaty as the rising had been the parody of a war. Van der Myle, +son-in-law of Barneveld, who had been charged with a special and +temporary mission to France, brought back the terms, of the convention to +the States-General. On the other hand, Conde and his confederates sent a +special agent to the Netherlands to give their account of the war and the +negotiation, who refused to confer either with du Maurier or Barneveld, +but who held much conference with Aerssens. + +It was obvious enough that the mutiny of the princes would become +chronic. In truth, what other condition was possible with two characters +like Mary de' Medici and the Prince of Conde respectively at the head of +the government and the revolt? What had France to hope for but to remain +the bloody playground for mischievous idiots, who threw about the +firebrands and arrows of reckless civil war in pursuit of the paltriest +of personal aims? + +Van der Myle had pretensions to the vacant place of Aerssens. He had +some experience in diplomacy. He had conducted skilfully enough the +first mission of the States to Venice, and had subsequently been employed +in matters of moment. But he was son-in-law to Barneveld, and although +the Advocate was certainly not free from the charge of nepotism, he +shrank from the reproach of having apparently removed Aerssens to make a +place for one of his own family. + +Van der Myle remained to bear the brunt of the late ambassador's malice, +and to engage at a little later period in hottest controversy with him, +personal and political. "Why should van der Myle strut about, with his +arms akimbo like a peacock?" complained Aerssens one day in confused +metaphor. A question not easy to answer satisfactorily. + +The minister selected was a certain Baron Asperen de Langerac, wholly +unversed in diplomacy or other public affairs, with abilities not above +the average. A series of questions addressed by him to the Advocate, the +answers to which, scrawled on the margin of the paper, were to serve for +his general instructions, showed an ingenuousness as amusing as the +replies of Barneveld were experienced and substantial. + +In general he was directed to be friendly and respectful to every one, to +the Queen-Regent and her counsellors especially, and, within the limits +of becoming reverence for her, to cultivate the good graces of the Prince +of Conde and the other great nobles still malcontent and rebellious, but +whose present movement, as Barneveld foresaw, was drawing rapidly to a +close. Langerac arrived in Paris on the 5th of April 1614. + +Du Maurier thought the new ambassador likely to "fall a prey to the +specious language and gentle attractions of the Due de Bouillon." He +also described him as very dependent upon Prince Maurice. On the other +hand Langerac professed unbounded and almost childlike reverence for +Barneveld, was devoted to his person, and breathed as it were only +through his inspiration. Time would show whether those sentiments would +outlast every possible storm. + + + + +CHAPTER X. + + Weakness of the Rulers of France and England--The Wisdom of + Barneveld inspires Jealousy--Sir Dudley Carleton succeeds Winwood-- + Young Neuburg under the Guidance of Maximilian--Barneveld strives to + have the Treaty of Xanten enforced--Spain and the Emperor wish to + make the States abandon their Position with regard to the Duchies-- + The French Government refuses to aid the States--Spain and the + Emperor resolve to hold Wesel--The great Religious War begun--The + Protestant Union and Catholic League both wish to secure the Border + Provinces--Troubles in Turkey--Spanish Fleet seizes La Roche--Spain + places large Armies on a War Footing. + +Few things are stranger in history than the apathy with which the wide +designs of the Catholic party were at that moment regarded. The +preparations for the immense struggle which posterity learned to call the +Thirty Years' War, and to shudder when speaking of it, were going forward +on every side. In truth the war had really begun, yet those most deeply +menaced by it at the outset looked on with innocent calmness because +their own roofs were not quite yet in a blaze. The passage of arms in +the duchies, the outlines of which have just been indicated, and which +was the natural sequel of the campaign carried out four years earlier on +the same territory, had been ended by a mockery. In France, reduced +almost to imbecility by the absence of a guiding brain during a long +minority, fallen under the distaff of a dowager both weak and wicked, +distracted by the intrigues and quarrels of a swarm of self-seeking +grandees, and with all its offices, from highest to lowest, of court, +state, jurisprudence, and magistracy, sold as openly and as cynically as +the commonest wares, there were few to comprehend or to grapple with the +danger. It should have seemed obvious to the meanest capacity in the +kingdom that the great house of Austria, reigning supreme in Spain and in +Germany, could not be allowed to crush the Duke of Savoy on the one side, +and Bohemia, Moravia, and the Netherlands on the other without danger of +subjection for France. Yet the aim of the Queen-Regent was to cultivate +an impossible alliance with her inevitable foe. + +And in England, ruled as it then was with no master mind to enforce +against its sovereign the great lessons of policy, internal and external, +on which its welfare and almost its imperial existence depended, the only +ambition of those who could make their opinions felt was to pursue the +same impossibility, intimate alliance with the universal foe. + +Any man with slightest pretensions to statesmanship knew that the liberty +for Protestant worship in Imperial Germany, extorted by force, had been +given reluctantly, and would be valid only as long as that force +could still be exerted or should remain obviously in reserve. +The "Majesty-Letter" and the "Convention" of the two religions would +prove as flimsy as the parchment on which they were engrossed, the +Protestant churches built under that sanction would be shattered like +glass, if once the Catholic rulers could feel their hands as clear as +their consciences would be for violating their sworn faith to heretics. +Men knew, even if the easy-going and uxorious emperor, into which +character the once busy and turbulent Archduke Matthias had subsided, +might be willing to keep his pledges, that Ferdinand of Styria, who would +soon succeed him, and Maximilian of Bavaria were men who knew their own +minds, and had mentally never resigned one inch of the ground which +Protestantism imagined itself to have conquered. + +These things seem plain as daylight to all who look back upon them +through the long vista of the past; but the sovereign of England did not +see them or did not choose to see them. He saw only the Infanta and her +two millions of dowry, and he knew that by calling Parliament together +to ask subsidies for an anti-Catholic war he should ruin those golden +matrimonial prospects for his son, while encouraging those "shoemakers," +his subjects, to go beyond their "last," by consulting the +representatives of his people on matters pertaining to the mysteries of +government. He was slowly digging the grave of the monarchy and building +the scaffold of his son; but he did his work with a laborious and +pedantic trifling, when really engaged in state affairs, most amazing to +contemplate. He had no penny to give to the cause in which his nearest +relatives mere so deeply involved and for which his only possible allies +were pledged; but he was ready to give advice to all parties, and with +ludicrous gravity imagined himself playing the umpire between great +contending hosts, when in reality he was only playing the fool at the +beck of masters before whom he quaked. + +"You are not to vilipend my counsel," said he one day to a foreign envoy. +"I am neither a camel nor an ass to take up all this work on my +shoulders. Where would you find another king as willing to do +it as I am?" + +The King had little time and no money to give to serve his own family and +allies and the cause of Protestantism, but he could squander vast sums +upon worthless favourites, and consume reams of paper on controverted +points of divinity. The appointment of Vorstius to the chair of theology +in Leyden aroused more indignation in his bosom, and occupied more of his +time, than the conquests of Spinola in the duchies, and the menaces of +Spain against Savoy and Bohemia. He perpetually preached moderation to +the States in the matter of the debateable territory, although moderation +at that moment meant submission to the House of Austria. He chose to +affect confidence in the good faith of those who were playing a comedy +by which no statesman could be deceived, but which had secured the +approbation of the Solomon of the age. + +But there was one man who was not deceived. The warnings and the +lamentations of Barneveld sound to us out of that far distant time like +the voice of an inspired prophet. It is possible that a portion of the +wrath to come might have been averted had there been many men in high +places to heed his voice. I do not wish to exaggerate the power and +wisdom of the man, nor to set him forth as one of the greatest heroes of +history. But posterity has done far less than justice to a statesman and +sage who wielded a vast influence at a most critical period in the fate +of Christendom, and uniformly wielded it to promote the cause of +temperate human liberty, both political and religious. Viewed by the +light of two centuries and a half of additional experience, he may appear +to have made mistakes, but none that were necessarily disastrous or even +mischievous. Compared with the prevailing idea of the age in which he +lived, his schemes of polity seem to dilate into large dimensions, his +sentiments of religious freedom, however limited to our modern ideas, +mark an epoch in human progress, and in regard to the general +commonwealth of Christendom, of which he was so leading a citizen, the +part he played was a lofty one. No man certainly understood the tendency +of his age more exactly, took a broader and more comprehensive view than +he did of the policy necessary to preserve the largest portion of the +results of the past three-quarters of a century, or had pondered the +relative value of great conflicting forces more skilfully. Had his +counsels been always followed, had illustrious birth placed him virtually +upon a throne, as was the case with William the Silent, and thus allowed +him occasionally to carry out the designs of a great mind with almost +despotic authority, it might have been better for the world. But in that +age it was royal blood alone that could command unflinching obedience +without exciting personal rivalry. Men quailed before his majestic +intellect, but hated him for the power which was its necessary result. +They already felt a stupid delight in cavilling at his pedigree. To +dispute his claim to a place among the ancient nobility to which he was +an honour was to revenge themselves for the rank he unquestionably +possessed side by side in all but birth with the kings and rulers of the +world. Whether envy and jealousy be vices more incident to the +republican form of government than to other political systems may be an +open question. But it is no question whatever that Barneveld's every +footstep from this period forward was dogged by envy as patient as it was +devouring. Jealousy stuck to him like his shadow. We have examined the +relations which existed between Winwood and himself; we have seen that +ambassador, now secretary of state for James, never weary in denouncing +the Advocate's haughtiness and grim resolution to govern the country +according to its laws rather than at the dictate of a foreign sovereign, +and in flinging forth malicious insinuations in regard to his relations +to Spain. The man whose every hour was devoted in spite of a thousand +obstacles strewn by stupidity, treachery, and apathy, as well as by envy, +hatred, and bigotry--to the organizing of a grand and universal league of +Protestantism against Spain, and to rolling up with strenuous and +sometimes despairing arms a dead mountain weight, ever ready to fall back +upon and crush him, was accused in dark and mysterious whispers, soon to +grow louder and bolder, of a treacherous inclination for Spain. + +There is nothing less surprising nor more sickening for those who observe +public life, and wish to retain faith in the human species, than the +almost infinite power of the meanest of passions. + +The Advocate was obliged at the very outset of Langerac's mission to +France to give him a warning on this subject. + +"Should her Majesty make kindly mention of me," he said, "you will say +nothing of it in your despatches as you did in your last, although I am +sure with the best intentions. It profits me not, and many take umbrage +at it; wherefore it is wise to forbear." + +But this was a trifle. By and by there would be many to take umbrage at +every whisper in his favour, whether from crowned heads or from the +simplest in the social scale. Meantime he instructed the Ambassador, +without paying heed to personal compliments to his chief, to do his best +to keep the French government out of the hands of Spain, and with that +object in view to smooth over the differences between the two great +parties in the kingdom, and to gain the confidence, if possible, of Conde +and Nevers and Bouillon, while never failing in straightforward respect +and loyal friendship to the Queen-Regent and her ministers, as the +legitimate heads of the government. + +From England a new ambassador was soon to take the place of Winwood. +Sir Dudley Carleton was a diplomatist of respectable abilities, and well +trained to business and routine. Perhaps on the whole there was none +other, in that epoch of official mediocrity, more competent than he to +fill what was then certainly the most important of foreign posts. His +course of life had in no wise familiarized him with the intricacies of +the Dutch constitution, nor could the diplomatic profession, combined +with a long residence at Venice, be deemed especially favourable for deep +studies of the mysteries of predestination. Yet he would be found ready +at the bidding of his master to grapple with Grotius and Barneveld on the +field of history and law, and thread with Uytenbogaert or Taurinus all +the subtleties of Arminianism and Gomarism as if he had been half his +life both a regular practitioner at the Supreme Court of the Hague and +professor of theology at the University of Leyden. Whether the triumphs +achieved in such encounters were substantial and due entirely to his own +genius might be doubtful. At all events he had a sovereign behind him +who was incapable of making a mistake on any subject. + +"You shall not forget," said James in his instructions to Sir Dudley, +"that you are the minister of that master whom God hath made the sole +protector of his religion . . . . . and you may let fall how hateful +the maintaining of erroneous opinions is to the majesty of God and how +displeasing to us." + +The warlike operations of 1614 had been ended by the abortive peace +of Xanten. The two rival pretenders to the duchies were to halve the +territory, drawing lots for the first choice, all foreign troops were +to be withdrawn, and a pledge was to be given that no fortress should +be placed in the hands of any power. But Spain at the last moment had +refused to sanction the treaty, and everything was remitted to what might +be exactly described as a state of sixes and sevens. Subsequently it was +hoped that the States' troops might be induced to withdraw simultaneously +with the Catholic forces on an undertaking by Spinola that there should +be no re-occupation of the disputed territory either by the Republic or +by Spain. But Barneveld accurately pointed out that, although the +Marquis was a splendid commander and, so long as he was at the head of +the armies, a most powerful potentate, he might be superseded at any +moment. Count Bucquoy, for example, might suddenly appear in his place +and refuse to be bound by any military arrangement of his predecessor. +Then the Archduke proposed to give a guarantee that in case of a mutual +withdrawal there should be no return of the troops, no recapture of +garrisons. But Barneveld, speaking for the States, liked not the +security. The Archduke was but the puppet of Spain, and Spain had no +part in the guarantee. She held the strings, and might cause him at any +moment to play what pranks she chose. It would be the easiest thing in +the world for despotic Spain, so the Advocate thought, to reappear +suddenly in force again at a moment's notice after the States' troops had +been withdrawn and partially disbanded, and it would be difficult for the +many-headed and many-tongued republic to act with similar promptness. +To withdraw without a guarantee from Spain to the Treaty of Xanten, which +had once been signed, sealed, and all but ratified, would be to give up +fifty points in the game. Nothing but disaster could ensue. The +Advocate as leader in all these negotiations and correspondence was +ever actuated by the favourite quotation of William the Silent from +Demosthenes, that the safest citadel against an invader and a tyrant is +distrust. And he always distrusted in these dealings, for he was sure +the Spanish cabinet was trying to make fools of the States, and there +were many ready to assist it in the task. Now that one of the +pretenders, temporary master of half the duchies, the Prince of Neuburg, +had espoused both Catholicism and the sister of the Archbishop of Cologne +and the Duke of Bavaria, it would be more safe than ever for Spain to +make a temporary withdrawal. Maximilian of Bavaria was beyond all +question the ablest and most determined leader of the Catholic party in +Germany, and the most straightforward and sincere. No man before or +since his epoch had, like him, been destined to refuse, and more than +once refuse, the Imperial crown. + +Through his apostasy the Prince of Neuburg was in danger of losing his +hereditary estates, his brothers endeavouring to dispossess him on the +ground of the late duke's will, disinheriting any one of his heirs who +should become a convert to Catholicism. He had accordingly implored aid +from the King of Spain. Archduke Albert had urged Philip to render such +assistance as a matter of justice, and the Emperor had naturally declared +that the whole right as eldest son belonged, notwithstanding the will, +to the Prince. + +With the young Neuburg accordingly under the able guidance of Maximilian, +it was not likely that the grasp of the Spanish party upon these all- +important territories would be really loosened. The Emperor still +claimed the right to decide among the candidates and to hold the +provinces under sequestration till the decision should be made--that was +to say, until the Greek Kalends. The original attempt to do this through +Archduke Leopold had been thwarted, as we have seen, by the prompt +movements of Maurice sustained by the policy of Barneveld. The Advocate +was resolved that the Emperor's name should not be mentioned either in +the preamble or body of the treaty. And his course throughout the +simulations, which were never negotiations, was perpetually baffled as +much by the easiness and languor of his allies as the ingenuity of the +enemy. + +He was reproached with the loss of Wesel, that Geneva of the Rhine, +which would never be abandoned by Spain if it was not done forthwith. +Let Spain guarantee the Treaty of Xanten, he said, and then she cannot +come back. All else is illusion. Moreover, the Emperor had given +positive orders that Wesel should not be given up. He was assured by +Villeroy that France would never put on her harness for Aachen, that +cradle of Protestantism. That was for the States-General to do, whom it +so much more nearly concerned. The whole aim of Barneveld was not to +destroy the Treaty of Xanten, but to enforce it in the only way in which +it could be enforced, by the guarantee of Spain. So secured, it would be +a barrier in the universal war of religion which he foresaw was soon to +break out. But it was the resolve of Spain, instead of pledging herself +to the treaty, to establish the legal control of the territory in the +hand of the Emperor. Neuburg complained that Philip in writing to him +did not give him the title of Duke of Julich and Cleve, although be had +been placed in possession of those estates by the arms of Spain. Philip, +referring to Archduke Albert for his opinion on this subject, was advised +that, as the Emperor had not given Neuburg the investiture of the +duchies, the King was quite right in refusing him the title. Even +should the Treaty of Xanten be executed, neither he nor the Elector of +Brandenburg would be anything but administrators until the question of +right was decided by the Emperor. + +Spain had sent Neuburg the Order of the Golden Fleece as a reward for his +conversion, but did not intend him to be anything but a man of straw in +the territories which he claimed by sovereign right. They were to form a +permanent bulwark to the Empire, to Spain, and to Catholicism. + +Barneveld of course could never see the secret letters passing between +Brussels and Madrid, but his insight into the purposes of the enemy was +almost as acute as if the correspondence of Philip and Albert had been in +the pigeonholes of his writing-desk in the Kneuterdyk. + +The whole object of Spain and the Emperor, acting through the Archduke, +was to force the States to abandon their positions in the duchies +simultaneously with the withdrawal of the Spanish troops, and to be +satisfied with a bare convention between themselves and Archduke Albert +that there should be no renewed occupation by either party. Barneveld, +finding it impossible to get Spain upon the treaty, was resolved that at +least the two mediating powers, their great allies, the sovereigns of +Great Britain and France, should guarantee the convention, and that the +promises of the Archduke should be made to them. This was steadily +refused by Spain; for the Archduke never moved an inch in the matter +except according to the orders of Spain, and besides battling and +buffeting with the Archduke, Barneveld was constantly deafened with the +clamour of the English king, who always declared Spain to be in the right +whatever she did, and forced to endure with what patience he might the +goading of that King's envoy. France, on the other hand, supported the +States as firmly as could have been reasonably expected. + +"We proposed," said the Archduke, instructing an envoy whom he was +sending to Madrid with detailed accounts of these negotiations, "that +the promise should be made to each other as usual in treaties. But the +Hollanders said the promise should be made to the Kings of France and +England, at which the Emperor would have been deeply offended, as if +in the affair he was of no account at all. At any moment by this +arrangement in concert with France and England the Hollanders might walk +in and do what they liked." + +Certainly there could have been no succincter eulogy of the policy +steadily recommended, as we shall have occasion to see, by Barneveld. +Had he on this critical occasion been backed by England and France +combined, Spain would have been forced to beat a retreat, and +Protestantism in the great general war just beginning would have had +an enormous advantage in position. But the English Solomon could not +see the wisdom of this policy. "The King of England says we are right," +continued the Archduke, "and has ordered his ambassador to insist on our +view. The French ambassador here says that his colleague at the Hague +has similar instructions, but admits that he has not acted up to them. +There is not much chance of the Hollanders changing. It would be well +that the King should send a written ultimatum that the Hollanders should +sign the convention which we propose. If they don't agree, the world at +least will see that it is not we who are in fault." + +The world would see, and would never have forgiven a statesman in +the position of Barneveld, had he accepted a bald agreement from a +subordinate like the Archduke, a perfectly insignificant personage in +the great drama then enacting, and given up guarantees both from the +Archduke's master and from the two great allies of the Republic. He +stood out manfully against Spain and England at every hazard, and under a +pelting storm of obloquy, and this was the man whose designs the English +secretary of state had dared to describe "as of no other nature than to +cause the Provinces to relapse into the hands of Spain." + +It appeared too a little later that Barneveld's influence with the French +government, owing to his judicious support of it so long as it was a +government, had been decidedly successful. Drugged as France was by the +Spanish marriage treaty, she was yet not so sluggish nor spell-bound as +the King of Great Britain. + +"France will not urge upon the Hollanders to execute the proposal as we +made it," wrote the Archduke to the King, "so negotiations are at a +standstill. The Hollanders say it is better that each party should +remain with what each possesses. So that if it does not come to blows, +and if these insolences go on as they have done, the Hollanders will be +gaining and occupying more territory every day." + +Thus once more the ancient enemies and masters of the Republic were +making the eulogy of the Dutch statesman. It was impossible at present +for the States to regain Wesel, nor that other early stronghold of the +Reformation, the old Imperial city of Aachen (Aix-la-Chapelle). The +price to be paid was too exorbitant. + +The French government had persistently refused to assist the States and +possessory princes in the recovery of this stronghold. The Queen-Regent +was afraid of offending Spain, although her government had induced the +citizens of the place to make the treaty now violated by that country. +The Dutch ambassador had been instructed categorically to enquire whether +their Majesties meant to assist Aachen and the princes if attacked by the +Archdukes. "No," said Villeroy; "we are not interested in Aachen, 'tis +too far off. Let them look for assistance to those who advised their +mutiny." + +To the Ambassador's remonstrance that France was both interested in and +pledged to them, the Secretary of State replied, "We made the treaty +through compassion and love, but we shall not put on harness for Aachen. +Don't think it. You, the States and the United Provinces, may assist +them if you like." + +The Envoy then reminded the Minister that the States-General had always +agreed to go forward evenly in this business with the Kings of Great +Britain and France and the united princes, the matter being of equal +importance to all. They had given no further pledge than this to the +Union. + +It was plain, however, that France was determined not to lift a finger at +that moment. The Duke of Bouillon and those acting with him had tried +hard to induce their Majesties "to write seriously to the Archduke in +order at least to intimidate him by stiff talk," but it was hopeless. +They thought it was not a time then to quarrel with their neighbour and +give offence to Spain. + +So the stiff talk was omitted, and the Archduke was not intimidated. The +man who had so often intimidated him was in his grave, and his widow was +occupied in marrying her son to the Infanta. "These are the first- +fruits," said Aerssens, "of the new negotiations with Spain." + +Both the Spanish king and the Emperor were resolved to hold Wesel to the +very last. Until the States should retire from all their positions on +the bare word of the Archduke, that the Spanish forces once withdrawn +would never return, the Protestants of those two cities must suffer. +There was no help for it. To save them would be to abandon all. For +no true statesman could be so ingenuous as thus to throw all the cards +on the table for the Spanish and Imperial cabinet to shuffle them at +pleasure for a new deal. The Duke of Neuburg, now Catholic and +especially protected by Spain, had become, instead of a pretender with +more or less law on his side, a mere standard-bearer and agent of the +Great Catholic League in the debateable land. He was to be supported at +all hazard by the Spanish forces, according to the express command of +Philip's government, especially now that his two brothers with the +countenance of the States were disputing his right to his hereditary +dominions in Germany. + +The Archduke was sullen enough at what he called the weak-mindedness of +France. Notwithstanding that by express orders from Spain he had sent +5000 troops under command of Juan de Rivas to the Queen's assistance just +before the peace of Sainte-Menehould, he could not induce her government +to take the firm part which the English king did in browbeating the +Hollanders. + +"'Tis certain," he complained, "that if, instead of this sluggishness on +the part of France, they had done us there the same good services we have +had from England, the Hollanders would have accepted the promise just as +it was proposed by us." He implored the King, therefore, to use his +strongest influence with the French government that it should strenuously +intervene with the Hollanders, and compel them to sign the proposal which +they rejected. "There is no means of composition if France does not +oblige them to sign," said Albert rather piteously. + +But it was not without reason that Barneveld had in many of his letters +instructed the States' ambassador, Langerac, "to caress the old +gentleman" (meaning and never naming Villeroy), for he would prove to be +in spite of all obstacles a good friend to the States, as he always had +been. And Villeroy did hold firm. Whether the Archduke was right or +not in his conviction, that, if France would only unite with England in +exerting a strong pressure on the Hollanders, they would evacuate the +duchies, and so give up the game, the correspondence of Barneveld shows +very accurately. But the Archduke, of course, had not seen that +correspondence. + +The Advocate knew what was plotting, what was impending, what was +actually accomplished, for he was accustomed to sweep the whole horizon +with an anxious and comprehensive glance. He knew without requiring to +read the secret letters of the enemy that vast preparations for an +extensive war against the Reformation were already completed. The +movements in the duchies were the first drops of a coming deluge. +The great religious war which was to last a generation of mankind had +already begun; the immediate and apparent pretext being a little +disputed succession to some petty sovereignties, the true cause being +the necessity for each great party--the Protestant Union and the Catholic +League--to secure these border provinces, the possession of which would +be of such inestimable advantage to either. If nothing decisive occurred +in the year 1614, the following year would still be more convenient for +the League. There had been troubles in Turkey. The Grand Vizier had +been murdered. The Sultan was engaged in a war with Persia. There was +no eastern bulwark in Europe to the ever menacing power of the Turk and +of Mahometanism in Europe save Hungary alone. Supported and ruled as +that kingdom was by the House of Austria, the temper of the populations +of Germany had become such as to make it doubtful in the present conflict +of religious opinions between them and their rulers whether the Turk or +the Spaniard would be most odious as an invader. But for the moment, +Spain and the Emperor had their hands free. They were not in danger of +an attack from below the Danube. Moreover, the Spanish fleet had been +achieving considerable successes on the Barbary coast, having seized La +Roche, and one or two important citadels, useful both against the +corsairs and against sudden attacks by sea from the Turk. There were at +least 100,000 men on a war footing ready to take the field at command of +the two branches of the House of Austria, Spanish and German. In the +little war about Montserrat, Savoy was on the point of being crushed, +and Savoy was by position and policy the only possible ally, in the +south, of the Netherlands and of Protestant Germany. + +While professing the most pacific sentiments towards the States, and a +profound anxiety to withdraw his troops from their borders, the King of +Spain, besides daily increasing those forces, had just raised 4,000,000 +ducats, a large portion of which was lodged with his bankers in Brussels. +Deeds like those were of more significance than sugared words. + + + + +ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS: + +Almost infinite power of the meanest of passions +Ludicrous gravity +Safest citadel against an invader and a tyrant is distrust +Their own roofs were not quite yet in a blaze +Therefore now denounced the man whom he had injured + + + +End of this Project Gutenberg Etext Life of John Barneveld, v6, Motley #91 +by John Lothrop Motley + + + + + + +ETEXT EDITOR'S BOOKMARKS, ENTIRE JOHN OF BARNEVELD 1609-1615: + +Abstinence from inquisition into consciences and private parlour +Advanced orthodox party-Puritans +Allowed the demon of religious hatred to enter into its body +Almost infinite power of the meanest of passions +And now the knife of another priest-led fanatic +Aristocracy of God's elect +As with his own people, keeping no back-door open +At a blow decapitated France +Atheist, a tyrant, because he resisted dictation from the clergy +Behead, torture, burn alive, and bury alive all heretics +Christian sympathy and a small assistance not being sufficient +Conclusive victory for the allies seemed as predestined +Contained within itself the germs of a larger liberty +Could not be both judge and party in the suit +Covered now with the satirical dust of centuries +Deadly hatred of Puritans in England and Holland +Determined to bring the very name of liberty into contempt +Disputing the eternal damnation of young children +Doctrine of predestination in its sternest and strictest sense +Emperor of Japan addressed him as his brother monarch +Epernon, the true murderer of Henry +Estimating his character and judging his judges +Everybody should mind his own business +Fate, free will, or absolute foreknowledge +Father Cotton, who was only too ready to betray the secrets +Give him advice if he asked it, and money when he required +Great war of religion and politics was postponed +He was not imperial of aspect on canvas or coin +He was a sincere bigot +He who would have all may easily lose all +He who spreads the snare always tumbles into the ditch himself +Impatience is often on the part of the non-combatants +Intense bigotry of conviction +International friendship, the self-interest of each +It was the true religion, and there was none other +James of England, who admired, envied, and hated Henry +Jealousy, that potent principle +Jesuit Mariana--justifying the killing of excommunicated kings +King's definite and final intentions, varied from day to day +Language which is ever living because it is dead +Louis XIII. +Ludicrous gravity +More fiercely opposed to each other than to Papists +Most detestable verses that even he had ever composed +Neither kings nor governments are apt to value logic +No man can be neutral in civil contentions +No synod had a right to claim Netherlanders as slaves +No man pretended to think of the State +None but God to compel me to say more than I choose to say +Outdoing himself in dogmatism and inconsistency +Philip IV. +Power the poison of which it is so difficult to resist +Practised successfully the talent of silence +Presents of considerable sums of money to the negotiators made +Priests shall control the state or the state govern the priests +Princes show what they have in them at twenty-five or never +Putting the cart before the oxen +Queen is entirely in the hands of Spain and the priests +Religion was made the strumpet of Political Ambition +Religious toleration, which is a phrase of insult +Safest citadel against an invader and a tyrant is distrust +Schism in the Church had become a public fact +Secure the prizes of war without the troubles and dangers +Senectus edam maorbus est +She declined to be his procuress +Small matter which human folly had dilated into a great one +Smooth words, in the plentiful lack of any substantial +So much in advance of his time as to favor religious equality +Stroke of a broken table knife sharpened on a carriage wheel +That cynical commerce in human lives +The defence of the civil authority against the priesthood +The assassin, tortured and torn by four horses +The truth in shortest about matters of importance +The voice of slanderers +The Catholic League and the Protestant Union +The vehicle is often prized more than the freight +Their own roofs were not quite yet in a blaze +Theological hatred was in full blaze throughout the country +Theology and politics were one +There was no use in holding language of authority to him +There was but one king in Europe, Henry the Bearnese +Therefore now denounced the man whom he had injured +They have killed him, 'e ammazato,' cried Concini +Things he could tell which are too odious and dreadful +Thirty Years' War tread on the heels of the forty years +To look down upon their inferior and lost fellow creatures +Uncouple the dogs and let them run +Unimaginable outrage as the most legitimate industry +Vows of an eternal friendship of several weeks' duration +What could save the House of Austria, the cause of Papacy +Whether repentance could effect salvation +Whether dead infants were hopelessly damned +Whose mutual hatred was now artfully inflamed by partisans +Wish to appear learned in matters of which they are ignorant +Work of the aforesaid Puritans and a few Jesuits +Wrath of the Jesuits at this exercise of legal authority + + + + + +*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK LIFE OF JOHN OF BARNEVELD, 1609-15 *** + +************ This file should be named jm92v10.txt or jm92v10.zip *********** + 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