PART ONE
Philip II in the Netherlands
1555–1559
CHAPTER I
The Abdication of Emperor Charles V
Abdication of Charles Resolved Upon — Brussels in the 16th Century — Hall of the Palace Described — Portraits of Prominent Individuals Present at the Ceremony — Formalities of the Abdication — Universal Emotion — Remarks upon the Character and Career of Charles — His retirement at Juste
CHAPTER II
Philip II and the Conflict with France
Sketch of Philip II — Characteristics of Mary Tudor — Portrait of Philip — His Council — Rivalry of Ruy Gomez and Alva — Character of Ruy Gomez — Queen Mary of Hungary — Sketch of Philibert of Savoy — Truce of Vaucelles — Secret Treaty between the pope and Henry II — Rejoicings in the Netherlands on account of the Peace — Purposes of Philip — Re‑enactment of the Edict of 1550 — The King’s Dissimulation — “Request” to the Provinces — Infraction of the Truce in Italy — Character of pope Paul IV — Intrigues of Cardinal Caraffa — War against Spain Resolved upon by France — Campaign in Italy — Amicable Siege of Rome — Peace with the Pontiff — Hostilities on the Flemish Border — Coligny foiled at Douay — Sacks Lens — Philip in England — Queen Mary Engages in the War — Philip’s Army Assembled at Givet — Portrait of Count Egmont — The French Army under Coligny and Montmorency — Siege of St. Quentin — Attempts of the Constable to Relieve the City — Battle of St. Quentin — Hesitation and Timidity of Philip — City of St. Quentin Taken and Sacked — Continued Indecision of Philip — His Army Disbanded — Campaign of the Duke of Guise — Capture of Calais — Interview between Cardinal de Lorraine and the Bishop of Arras — Secret Combinations for a League between France and Spain against Heresy — Languid Movements of Guise — Foray of De Thermes on the Flemish Frontier — Battle of Gravelines — Popularity of Egmont — Enmity of Alva
CHAPTER III
State of the Netherlands and the Beginning of Persecution in Spain
Secret Negotiations for Peace — Two Fresh Armies Assembled, but Inactive — Negotiations at Cercamp — Death of Mary Tudor — Treaty of Cateau Cambresis — Death of Henry II — Policy of Catharine de Medici — Revelations by Henry II to the Prince of Orange — Funeral of Charles V in Brussels — Universal Joy in the Netherlands at the Restoration of Peace — Organization of the Government by Philip, and Preparations for his Departure — Appointment of Margaret of Parma as Regent of the Netherlands — Three Councils — The Consulta — The Stadholders of the Different Provinces — Dissatisfaction Caused by the Foreign Troops — Assembly of the Estates at Ghent to Receive the Parting Instructions and Farewell of the King — Speech of the Bishop of Arras — Request for Three Millions — Fierce Denunciation of Heresy on the Part of Philip — Strenuous Enforcement of the Edicts Commanded — Reply by the States of Arthois — Unexpected conditions — Rage of the King — Similar Conduct on the Part of the other Provinces — Remonstrance in the Name of States‑General against the Foreign Soldiery — Formal Reply on the Part of the Crown — Departure of the King from the Netherlands — Autos‑da‑fé in Spain
§
PART TWO
Administration of the Duchess Margaret
1559–1567
CHAPTER I
Preparations for Persecution in the Netherlands
Biographical Sketch and Portrait of Margaret of Parma — The State Council — Berlaymont — Viglius — Sketch of William the Silent — Portrait of Antony Perrenot, afterwards Cardinal Granvelle — General View of the Political, Social and Religious Condition of the Netherlands — Habits of the Aristocracy — Emulation in Extravagance — Pecuniary Embarrassments — Sympathy for the Reformation Steadily Increasing among the People, the True Cause of the Impending Revolt — Measures of the Government — Edict of 1550 Described — Papal Bulls Granted to Philip for Increasing the Number of Bishops in the Netherlands — Necessity for Retaining the Spanish troops to Enforce the Policy of Persecution
CHAPTER II
Opposition to Philip and Cardinal Granvelle in the Netherlands
The Marriage of William of Orange to Princess Anna of Saxony
Agitation in the Netherlands — The Ancient Charters Resorted to as Barriers against the Measures of Government — “Joyous Entrance” of Brabant — Constitution of Holland — Growing Unpopularity of Antony Perrenot, Archbishop of Mechlin — Opposition to the New Bishoprics, by Orange, Egmont, and other Influential Nobles — Fury of the People at the Continued Presence of the Foreign Soldiery — Orange Resigns the Command of the Legion — The Troops Recalled — Philip’s Personal Attention to the Details of Persecution — Perrenot becomes Cardinal de Granvelle — All the Power of Government in his Hands — His Increasing Unpopularity — Animosity and Violence of Egmont towards the Cardinal — Relations between Orange and Granvelle — Ancient Friendship Gradually Changing to Enmity — Renewal of the Magistracy at Antwerp — Quarrel between the Prince and Cardinal — Joint Letter of Orange and Egmont to the King — Answer of the King — Indignation of Philip against Count Horn — Secret Correspondence between the King and Cardinal — Remonstrances against the New Bishoprics — Philip’s Private Financial Statements — Penury of the Exchequer in Spain and in the Provinces — Plan for Debasing the Coin — Marriage of William the Silent with the Princess of Lorraine Circumvented — Negotiations for his Matrimonial Alliance with Princess Anna of Saxony — Correspondence between Granvelle and Philip upon the Subject — Opposition of Landgrave Philip and of Philip II — Character and Conduct of Elector Augustus — Mission of Count Schwartzburg — Communications of Orange to the King and to Duchess Margaret — Characteristic Letter of Philip — Artful Conduct of Granvelle and of the Regent — Visit of Orange to Dresden — Proposed “Note” of Elector Augustus — Refusal of the Prince — Protest of the Landgrave against the Marriage — Preparations for the Wedding at Leipsic — Notarial Instrument Drawn up on the Marriage Day — Wedding Ceremonies and Festivities — Entrance of Granvelle into Mechlin as Archbishop — Compromise in Brabant between the Abbeys and Bishops
CHAPTER III
The Inquisition and the Conflicts between Granvelle and the Nobles
The Inquisition the Great Cause of the Revolt — The Three Varieties of the Institution — The Spanish Inquisition Described — The Episcopal Inquisition in the Netherlands — The Papal Inquisition Established in the Provinces by Charles V — His Instructions to the Inquisitors — They are Renewed by Philip — Inquisitor Titelmann — Instances of his Manner of Proceeding — Spanish and Netherland Inquisitions Compared — Conduct of Granvelle — Faveau and Mallart Condemned at Valenciennes — “Journée des Maubrulés” — Severe Measures at Valenciennes — Attack of the Rhetoric Clubs upon Granvelle — Granvelle’s Insinuations against Egmont and Simon Renard — Timidity of Viglius — Universal Hatred toward the Cardinal — Buffoonery of Brederode and Lumey — Courage of Granvelle — Philip Taxes the Netherlands for the Suppression of the Huguenots in France — Meeting of the Knights of the Fleece — Assembly at the House of Orange — Demand upon the Estates for Supplies — Montigny appointed envoy to Spain — Open and Determined Opposition to Granvelle — Secret Representations by the Cardinal to Philip, Concerning Egmont and other Seigniors — Line of Conduct Traced out for the King — Montigny’s Representations in Spain — Unsatisfactory Result of his Mission
CHAPTER IV
The Departure and Retirement of Cardinal Granvelle
Joint letter to Philip from Orange, Egmont, and Horn — Egmont’s quarrel with Aerschot and with Aremberg — Philip’s Answer to the Three Nobles — His Instructions to the Duchess — Egmont Declines the King’s Invitation to Visit Spain — Second Letter of the Three Seigniors — Mission of Armenteros — Letter of Alva — Secret Letters of Granvelle to Philip — The Cardinal’s Insinuations and Instructions — His Complaints as to the Lukewarmness of Berghen and Montigny in the Cause of the Inquisition — Anecdotes to their Discredit Privately Chronicled by Granvelle — Supposed Necessity for the King’s Presence in the Provinces — Correspondence of Lazarus Schwendi — Approaching Crisis — Anxiety of Granvelle to Retire — Banquet of Caspar Schetz — Invention of the Foolscap Livery — Correspondence of the Duchess and of the Cardinal with Philip upon the subject — Entire Withdrawal of the Three Seigniors from the State Council — The King Advises with Alva Concerning the Recall of Granvelle — Elaborate Duplicity of Philip’s Arrangements — His Secret Note to the Cardinal — His Dissembling Letters to Others — Departure of Granvelle from the Netherlands — Various Opinions as to its Cause — Ludicrous Conduct of Brederode and Hoogstraaten — Fabulous Statements in Granvelle’s Correspondence Concerning his Recall — Universal Mystification — The Cardinal Deceived by the King — Granvelle in Retirement — His Epicureanism — Fears in the Provinces as to his Return — Universal Joy at his Departure — Representations to his Discredit Made by the Duchess to Philip — Her Hypocritical Letters to the Cardinal — Masquerade at Count Mansfeld’s — Chantonnay’s Advice to his Brother — Review of Granvelle’s Administration and Estimate of his Character
CHAPTER V
Persecutions and Resistance
Return of the Three Seigniors to the State Council — Policy of Orange — Corrupt Character of the Government — Efforts of the prince in Favor of Reform — Influence of Armenteros — Painful Situation of Viglius — His Anxiety to Retire — Secret Charges against him Transmitted by the Duchess to Philip — Ominous Signs of the Times — Attention of Philip to the Details of Persecution — Execution of Fabricius and Tumult at Antwerp — Horrible Cruelty towards the Protestants — Remonstrance of the Magistracy of Bruges and of the Four Flemish Estates against Titelmann — Obduracy of Philip — Council of Trent — Quarrel for Precedence between the French and Spanish Envoys — Order for the Publication of the Trent Decrees in the Netherlands — Opposition to the Measure — Reluctance of the Duchess — Egmont Accepts a Mission to Spain — Violent Debate in the Council concerning his Instructions — Remarkable Speech of Orange — Apoplexy of Viglius — Temporary Appointment of Hopper — Departure of Egmont — Disgraceful Scene at Cambray — Character of the Archbishop — Egmont in Spain — Flattery and Bribery — Council of Doctors — Vehement Declarations of Philip — His Instructions to Egmont at his Departure — Proceedings of Orange in Regard to his Principality — Egmont’s Report to the State Council concerning his Mission — His Vainglory — Renewed Orders from Philip to Continue the Persecution — Indignation of Egmont — Habitual Dissimulation of the King — Reproof of Egmont by Orange — Assembly of Doctors in Brussels — Result of their Deliberations Transmitted to Philip — Universal Excitement in the Netherlands — New Punishment for Heretics — Interview at Bayonne between Catharine de Medici and her Daughter, the Queen of Spain — Mistaken Views upon this Subject — Diplomacy of Alva — Artful Conduct of Catharine — Stringent Letters from Philip to the Duchess with Regard to the Inquisition — Consternation of Margaret and of Viglius — New Proclamation of the Edicts, the Inquisition, and the Council of Trent — Fury of the People — Resistance of the Leading Seigniors and of the Brabant Council — Brabant Declared Free of the Inquisition — Prince Alexander of Parma Betrothed to Donna Maria of Portugal — Her Portrait — Expensive Preparations for the Nuptials — Assembly of the Golden Fleece — Oration of Viglius — Wedding of Prince Alexander
CHAPTER VI
Continued Conflicts and Field-Preaching in the Netherlands
Francis Junius — His Sermon at Culemburg House — The Compromise — Portraits of Sainte Aldegonde, of Louis Nassau, of “Toison d’Or,” of Charles Mansfeld — Sketch of the Compromise — Attitude of Orange — His Letter to the duchess — Signers of the Compromise — Indiscretion of the Confederates — Espionage over Philip by Orange — Dissatisfaction of the Seigniors — Conduct of Egmont — Despair of the People — Emigration to England — Its Effects — The Request — Meeting at Breda and Hoogstraaten — Exaggerated Statements concerning the Request in the State Council — Hesitation of the duchess — Assembly of Notables — Debate concerning the Request and the Inquisition — Character of Brederode — Arrival of the Petitioners in Brussels — Presentation of the Request — Emotion of Margaret — Speech of Brederode — Sketch of the Request — Memorable Sarcasm of Berlaymont — Deliberation in the State Council — Apostille to the Request — Answer to the Apostille — Reply of the duchess — Speech of D’Esquerdes — Response of Margaret — Memorable Banquet at Culemburg House — Name of “the Beggars” Adopted — Orange, Egmont, and Horn Break up the Riotous Meeting — Costume of “the Beggars” — Brederode at Antwerp — Horrible Execution at Oudenarde — Similar Cruelties throughout the Provinces — Project of “Moderation” — Religious Views of Orange — His Resignation of all his Offices not Accepted — The “Moderation” Characterized — Egmont at Arras — Debate on the “Moderation” — Vacillation of Egmont — Mission of Montigny and Berghen to Spain — Instructions to the Envoys — Secret Correspondence of Philip with the Pope concerning the Netherland Inquisition and the Edicts — Field‑Preaching in the Provinces — Modet at Ghent — Other Preachers Characterized — Excitement at Tournay — Peter Gabriel at Harlem — Field‑Preaching near Antwerp — Embarrassment of the Regent — Excitement at Antwerp — Pensionary Wesenbeck sent to Brussels — Orange at Antwerp — His Patriotic Course — Misrepresentation of the duchess — Intemperate Zeal of Dr. Rythovius — Meeting at St. Trond — Conference at Duffel — Louis of Nassau Deputed to the Regent — Unsatisfactory Negotiations
CHAPTER VII
The Destruction of the Idols
Ecclesiastical Architecture in the Netherlands — The Image‑Breaking — Description of Antwerp Cathedral — Ceremony of the Ommegang — Precursory Disturbances — Iconoclasts at Antwerp — Incidents of the Image‑Breaking in Various Cities — Events at Tournay — Preaching of Wille — Disturbance by a Little Boy — Churches Sacked at Tournay — Disinterment of Duke Adolphus of Gueldres — Iconoclasts Defeated and Massacred at Anchin — Bartholomew’s Day at Valenciennes — General Characteristics of the Image‑Breaking — Testimony of Contemporaries as to the Honesty of the Rioters — Consternation of the Duchess — Projected flight to Mons — Advice of Horn and other Seigniors — Accord of the 25th of August
CHAPTER VIII
The Nobles Strive to Avoid Rebellion
Secret Policy of the Government‑Berghen and Montigny fn Spain — Debates at Segovia — Correspondence of the duchess with Philip‑Procrastination and Dissimulation of the king — Secret Communication to the Pope — Effect in the Provinces of the king’s Letters to the Government — Secret Instructions to the duchess — Responding Statements of Margaret — Her Misrepresentations concerning Orange, Egmont, and Others — Wrath and Duplicity of Philip — Egmont’s Exertions in Flanders — Orange returns to Antwerp — His Tolerant Spirit — Agreement of the Second of September — Horn at Tournay — Excavations in the Cathedral — Almost Universal Attendance at the Preaching — Building of Temples Commenced — Difficult Position of Horn — Preaching in the Clothiers’ Hall — Horn Recalled — Noircarmes at Tournay — Friendly Correspondence of Margaret with Orange, Egmont, Horn, and Hoogstraaten — Her Secret Defamation of these Persons
CHAPTER IX
The Siege of Valenciennes and the Courage of William of Orange at Antwerp
Position of Orange — The interview at Dendermonde — The Supposititious Letters of Alava — Views of Egmont — Isolation of Orange — Conduct of Egmont and of Horn — Confederacy of the Nobles Dissolved — Weak Behavior of Prominent Personages — Watchfulness of Orange — Convocation of States-General Demanded — Pamphlet of Orange — City of Valenciennes Refuses a Garrison — Influence of La Grange and De Bray — City Declared in a State of Siege — Invested by Noircarmes — Movements to Relieve the Place — Calvinists defeated at Lannoy and at Waterlots — Elation of the Government — The Siege Pressed more Closely — Cruelties Practiced upon the Country People — Courage of the Inhabitants — Remonstrance to the Knights of the Fleece — Conduct of Brederode — Orange at Amsterdam — New Oath Demanded by Government — Orange Refuses — He Offers his Resignation of All Offices — Meeting at Breda — New “Request” of Brederode — He Creates Disturbances and Levies Troops in Antwerp — Conduct of Hoogstraaten — Plans of Brederode — Supposed Connivance of Orange — Alarm at Brussels — Tholouse at Ostrawell — Brederode in Holland — De Beauvoir Defeats Tholouse — Excitement at Antwerp — Determined Conduct of Orange — Three Days’ Tumult at Antwerp Suppressed by the Wisdom and Courage of Orange
CHAPTER X
Despair in the Provinces and Mass Emigration
Egmont and Aerschot before Valenciennes — Severity of Egmont — Capitulation of the City — Escape and Capture of the Ministers — Execution of La Grange and De Bray — Horrible Cruelty at Valenciennes — Effects of the Reduction of Valenciennes — The Duchess at Antwerp — Armed Invasion of the Provinces Decided upon in Spain — Appointment of Alva — Indignation of Margaret — Mission of De Billy — Pretended Visit of Philip — Attempts of the Duchess to Gain over Orange — Mission of Berty — Interview between Orange and Egmont at Willebrock — Orange’s letters to Philip, to Egmont, and to Horn — Orange Departs from the Netherlands — Philip’s Letter to Egmont — Secret Intelligence Received by Orange — La Torre’s Mission to Brederode — Brederode’s Departure and Death — Death of Berghen — Despair in the Provinces — Great Emigration — Cruelties Practiced upon Those of the New Religion — Edict of the 24th of May — Wrath of the King
§
PART THREE
ALVA
1567–1573
CHAPTER I
The Arrival of the Duke of Alva, the Blood-Council, and the Departure of Duchess Margaret
Continued Dissensions in the Spanish Cabinet — Ruy Gomez and Alva — Conquest of the Netherlands Entrusted to the Duke — Birth, Previous Career, and Character of Alva — Organization of the Invading Army — Its March to the Provinces — Complaints of Duchess Margaret — Alva Receives Deputations on the Frontier — Interview Between the Duke and Egmont — Reception of Alva by the Duchess of Parma — Circular Letters to the Cities Requiring their Acceptance of Garrisons — Margaret’s Secret Correspondence — Universal Apprehension — Keys of the Great Cities Demanded by Alva — Secret Plans of the Government, Arranged before the Duke’s Departure — Arrest of Orange, Egmont, Horn, and Others Determined Upon — Stealthy Course of the Government towards Them — Infatuation of Egmont — Warnings Addressed to him by De Billy and Others — Measures to Entrap Count Horn — Banquet of the Grand Prior — The Grand Prior’s Warning to Egmont — Evil Counsels of Noircarmes — Arrests of Egmont, Horn, Bakkerzeel, and Straalen — Popular Consternation — Petulant Conduct of Duchess Margaret — Characteristic Comments of Granvelle — His Secret Machinations and Disclaimers — Berghen and Montigny — Last Moments of Marquis Berghen — Perfidy of Ruy Gomez — Establishment of the “Blood‑Council” — Its Leading Features — Insidious Behavior of Viglius — Secret Correspondence, concerning the President, between Philip and Alva — Members of the “Blood‑Council” — Portraits of Vargas and Hessels — Mode of Proceeding Adopted by the Council — Wholesale Executions — Despair in the Provinces — The Resignation of Duchess Margaret Accepted — Her Departure from the Netherlands — Renewed Civil War in France — Death of Montmorency — Auxiliary Troops sent by Alva to France — Erection of Antwerp Citadel — Description of the Citadel
CHAPTER II
The First Battles of the Eighty Years’ War and the Executions of Egmont and Horn
Orange, Count Louis, Hoogstraaten, and others Cited before the Blood‑Council — Charges against Them — Letter of Orange in Reply — Position and Sentiments of the Prince — Seizure of Count de Buren — Details of that Transaction — Petitions to the Council from Louvain and other Places — Sentence of Death against the whole Population of the Netherlands Pronounced by the Spanish Inquisition and proclaimed by Philip — Cruel Inventions against Heretics — The Wild Beggars — Preliminary Proceedings of the Council against Egmont and Horn — Interrogatories Addressed to them in Prison — Articles of Accusation against Them — Foreclosure of the Cases — Pleas to the Jurisdiction — Efforts by the Countesses Egmont and Horn, by many Knights of the Fleece, and by the Emperor, in favor of the Prisoners — Answers of Alva and of Philip — Obsequious Behavior of Viglius — Difficulties Arising from the Golden Fleece Statutes set Aside — Particulars of the Charges against Count Horn and of his Defense — Articles of Accusation against Egmont — Sketch of his Reply — Reflections upon the Two Trials — Attitude of Orange — His Published “Justification” — His Secret Combinations — His Commission to Count Louis — Large Sums of Money Subscribed by the Nassau Family, by Netherland Refugees, and Others — Great Personal Sacrifices Made by the Prince — Quadruple Scheme for Invading the Netherlands — Defeat of the Patriots under Cocqueville — Defeat of Villers — Invasion of Friesland by Count Louis — Measures of Alva to Oppose Him — Command of the Royalists Entrusted to Aremberg and Meghen — The Duke’s Plan for the Campaign — Skirmish at Dam — Detention of Meghen — Count Louis at Heiliger‑Lee — Nature of the Ground — Advance of Aremberg — Disposition of the Patriot Forces — Impatience of the Spanish Troops to Engage — Battle of Heiliger‑Lee — Defeat and Death of Aremberg — Death of Adolphus Nassau — Effects of the Battle — Anger and Severe Measures of Alva — Eighteen Nobles Executed at Brussels — Sentence of Death Pronounced upon Egmont and Horn — The Bishop of Ypres Sent to Egmont — Fruitless Intercession by the Prelate and the Countess — Egmont’s Last Night in Prison — The “Grande Place” at Brussels — Details Concerning the Execution of Egmont and Horn — Observation upon the Characters of the Two Nobles — Destitute Condition of Egmont’s Family
CHAPTER III
Alva Defeats Louis of Nassau
Preparations of the Duke against Count Louis — Precarious Situation of Louis in Friesland — Timidity of the Inhabitants — Alva in Friesland — Skirmishing near Groningen — Retreat of the Patriots‑Error Committed by Louis — His Position at Jemmingen — Mutinous Demonstrations of his Troops — Louis Partially Restores Order — Attempt to Destroy the Dykes Interrupted by the Arrival of Alva’s Forces — Artful Strategy of the Duke — Defeat of Count Louis and Utter Destruction of his Army — Outrages Committed by the Spaniards — Alva at Utrecht — Execution of Vrouw van Diemen — Episode of Don Carlos — Fables concerning him and Queen Isabella — Mystery Concerning his Death — Secret Letters of Philip to the Pope — The One Containing the Truth of the Transaction still Concealed in the Vatican — Case against Philip as Related by Mathieu, De Thou, and Others — Testimony in the King’s Favor by the Nuncio, the Venetian Envoy, and Others — Doubtful State of the Question — Anecdotes concerning Don Carlos — His character
CHAPTER IV
The Prince of Orange Contends with the Duke of Alva
Continued and Excessive Barbarity of the Government — Execution of Antony van Straalen, of “Red‑Rod” Spelle — The Prince of Orange Advised by his German Friends to Remain Quiet — Heroic Sentiments of Orange — His Religious Opinions — His Efforts in Favor of Toleration — His Fervent Piety — His Public Correspondence with the Emperor — His “Justification,” his “Warning,” and other Papers Characterized — The Prince, with a Considerable Army, crosses the Rhine — Passage of the Meuse at Stochem — He Offers Battle to Alva — Determination of the Duke to Avoid an Engagement — Comparison of his Present Situation with his Previous Position in Friesland — Masterly Tactics of the Duke — Skirmish on the Geta — Defeat of the Orangists — Death of Hoogstraaten — Junction with Genlis — Adherence of Alva to his Original Plan — The Prince Crosses the Frontier of France — Correspondence between Charles IX and Orange — The Patriot Army Disbanded at Strasburg — Comments by Granvelle upon the Position of the Prince — Triumphant Attitude of Alva — Festivities at Brussels — Colossal Statue of Alva Erected by himself in Antwerp Citadel — Intercession of the Emperor with Philip — Memorial of Six Electors to the Emperor — Mission of the Archduke Charles to Spain — His Negotiations with Philip — Public and Private Correspondence between the King and Emperor — Duplicity of Maximilian — Abrupt Conclusion to the Intervention — Granvelle’s Suggestions to Philip concerning the Treaty of Passau
CHAPTER V
The Tyranny of Alva and Philip, the Murder of Montigny, and the Flood of 1570
Quarrel between Alva and Queen Elizabeth of England — Spanish Funds Seized by the English Government — Non‑Intercourse between England and the Netherlands — Stringent Measures against Heresy — Continued Persecution — Individual Cases — Present of Hat and Sword to Alva from the Pope — Determination of the Governor‑General to Establish a System of Arbitrary Taxation in the Provinces — Assembly of Estates at Brussels — Alva’s decrees Laid before Them — The Hundredth, Tenth, and Fifth Pence — Opposition of Viglius to the Project — Estates of Various Provinces give a Reluctant Consent — Determined Resistance of Utrecht — The City and Province Cited before the Blood-Council — Sentence of Confiscation and Disfranchisement against Both — Appeal to the King — Difficulty of Collecting the New Tax — Commutation for Two Years — Projects for a Pardon‑General — Growing Disfavor of the Duke — His Desire to Resign his Post — Secret Hostility between the Governor and Viglius — Altered Sentiments of the President — Opinions Expressed by Granvelle — The Pardon Pompously Proclaimed by the Duke at Antwerp — Character of the Amnesty — Dissatisfaction of the People with the Act — Complaints of Alva to the king — Fortunes and Fate of Baron Montigny in Spain — His Confinement at Segovia — His Attempt to Escape — Its Failure — His Mock Trial — His Wife’s Appeal to Philip — His Condemnation — His Secret Assassination Determined Upon — Its Details, as Carefully Prescribed and Superintended by the King — Terrible Inundation throughout the Netherlands — Immense Destruction of Life and Property in Friesland — Lowestein Castle Taken by De Ruyter, by Stratagem — Recapture of the Place by the Spaniards — Desperate Resistance and Death of De Ruyter
CHAPTER VI
The Fortitude of Orange, the Treachery of Philip, and Rebellion against Alva’s Taxation
Orange and Count Louis in France — Peace with the Huguenots — Coligny’s Memoir, Presented by Request to Charles IX, on the Subject of Invading the Netherlands — Secret Correspondence of Orange Organized by Paul Buys‑Privateering Commissions Issued by the Prince — Regulations Prescribed by him for the Fleets thus Created — Impoverished Condition of the Prince — His Fortitude — His Personal Sacrifices and Privations — His Generosity — Renewed Contest between the Duke and the Estates on the Subject of the Tenth and Twentieth Pence — Violent Disputes in the Council — Firm Opposition of Viglius — Edict Commanding the Immediate Collection of the Tax — Popular Tumults — Viglius Denounced by Alva‑The Duke’s Fierce Complaints to the King — Secret Schemes of Philip against Queen Elizabeth of England — The Ridolphi Plot to Murder Elizabeth Countenanced by Philip and Pius V — The King’s Orders to Alva to Further the Plan — The Duke’s Remonstrances — Explosion of the Plot — Obstinacy of Philip‑Renewed Complaints of Alva as to the Imprudent Service Required of Him — Other Attempts of Philip to Murder Elizabeth — Don John of Austria in the Levant — Battle of Lepanto — Slothfulness of Selim — Appointment of Medina Cœli — Incessant Wrangling in Brussels upon the Tax — Persevering efforts of Orange — Contempt of Alva for the Prince — Proposed Sentence of Ignominy against his Name — Sonoy’s Mission to Germany — Remarkable Papers Issued by the Prince — The “Harangue” — Intense Hatred for Alva Etertained by the Highest as well as Lower Orders — Visit of Francis de Alva to Brussels — His Unfavorable Report to the King — Querulous Language of the Duke — Deputation to Spain — Universal Revolt against the Tax — Ferocity of Alva — Execution of Eighteen Tradesmen Secretly Ordered — Interrupted by the Capture of Brill‑Beggars of the Sea‑The Younger Wild Boar of Ardennes — Reconciliation between the English Government and that of Alva — The Netherland Privateersmen Ordered out of English ports — De la Marck’s Fleet before Brill — The Town Summoned to Surrender — Commissioners Sent out to the Fleet — Flight of the Magistrates and Townspeople — Capture of the Place — Indignation of Alva — Popular Exultation in Brussels — Puns and Caricatures — Bossu Ordered to Recover the town of Brill — His Defeat — His Perfidious Entrance into Rotterdam — Massacre in that City — Flushing Revolutionized — Unsuccessful Attempt of Governor de Bourgogne to Recall the Citizens to their Obedience — Expedition under Treslong from Brill to Assist the Town of Flushing — Murder of Pacheco by the Patriots — de’t Zeraerts Appointed Governor of Walcheren by Orange
CHAPTER VII
The Power and Self-Restraint of Orange, and the Atrocities of the Spaniards
Municipal Revolution throughout Holland and Zealand — Characteristics of the Movement in Various Places — Sonoy Commissioned by Orange as Governor of North Holland — Theory of the Provisional Government — Instructions of the Prince to his Officers — Oath Prescribed — Clause of Toleration — Surprise of Mons by Count Louis — Exertions of Antony Oliver — Details of the Capture — Assembly of the Citizens — Speeches of Genlis and of Count Louis — Effect of the Various Movements upon Alva — Don Frederic Ordered to invest Mons — The Duke’s Impatience to Retire — Arrival of Medina Cœli — His Narrow Escape — Capture of the Lisbon Fleet — Affectation of Cordiality between Alva and Medina — Concessions by King and Viceroy on the Subject of the Tenth Penny — Estates of Holland Assembled, by Summons of Orange, at Dort — Appeals from the Prince to this Congress for Funds to Pay his Newly Levied Army — Theory of the Provisional States’ Assembly — Source and Nature of its Authority — Speech of St. Aldegonde — Liberality of the Estates and the Provinces — Pledges Exchanged between the Prince’s Representative and the Congress — Commission to De la Marck Ratified — Virtual Dictatorship of Orange — Limitation of his Power by his Own Act — Count Louis at Mons — Reinforcements Led from France by Genlis — Rashness of that Officer — His Total Defeat — Orange Again in the Field — Roormond Taken — Excesses of the Patriot Army — Proclamation of Orange, Commanding Respect to All Personal and Religious Rights — His Reply to the Emperor’s Summons — His Progress in the Netherlands — Hopes Entertained from France — Reinforcements under Coligny Promised to Orange by Charles IX — The Massacre of St. Bartholomew — The Event Characterized — Effect in England, in Rome, and in Other Parts of Europe — Excessive Hilarity of Philip — Extravagant Encomium Bestowed by him upon Charles IX — Order Sent by Philip to Put All French Prisoners in the Netherlands to Death — Secret Correspondence of Charles IX with his Envoy in the Netherlands — Exultation of the Spaniards before Mons — Alva Urged by the French Envoy, according to his Master’s Commands, to Put All the Frenchmen in Mons, and Those Already Captured, to Death — Effect of the Massacre upon the Prince of Orange — Alva and Medina in the Camp before Mons — Hopelessness of the Prince’s Scheme to Obtain Battle from Alva — Romero’s Encamisada — Narrow Escape of the Prince — Mutiny and Dissolution of his Army — His Return to Holland — His Steadfastness — Desperate Position of Count Louis in Mons — Sentiments of Alva — Capitulation of Mons — Courteous Reception of Count Louis by the Spanish Generals — Hypocrisy of these Demonstrations — Nature of the Mons Capitulation — Horrible Violation of its Terms — Noircarmes at Mons — Establishment of a Blood Council in the City — Wholesale Executions — Cruelty and Cupidity of Noircarmes — Late Discovery of the Archives of these Crimes — Return of the Revolted Cities of Brabant and Flanders to Obedience — Sack of Mechlin by the Spaniards — Details of that Event
CHAPTER VIII
The Battles of Tergoes and Harlem
Affairs in Holland and Zealand—Siege of Tergoes by the Patriots — Importance of the Place — Difficulty of Relieving It — Its Position — Audacious Plan for Sending Succor across the “Drowned Land” — Brilliant and Successful Expedition of Mondragon — The Siege Raised — Horrible Sack of Zutphen — Base Conduct of Count Van den Berg — Refusal of Naarden to Surrender — Subsequent Unsuccessful Deputation to Make Terms with Don Frederic — Don Frederic before Naarden — Treachery of Romero — The Spaniards Admitted — General Massacre of the Garrison and Burghers — The City Burned to the Ground — Warm Reception of Orange in Holland — Secret Negotiations with the Estates — Desperate Character of the Struggle Between Spain and the Provinces — Don Frederic in Amsterdam — Plans for Reducing Holland — Skirmish on the Ice at Amsterdam — Preparation in Harlem for the Expected Siege — Description of the City — Early Operations — Complete Investment — Numbers of Besiegers and Besieged — Mutual Barbarities Determined Repulse of the First Assault — Failure of Batenburg’s Expedition — Cruelties in City and Camp — Mining and Countermining — Second Assault Victoriously Repelled — Suffering and Disease in Harlem — Disposition of Don Frederic to Retire — Memorable Rebuke By Alva — Efforts of Orange to Relieve the Place — Sonoy’s Expedition — Exploit of John Haring — Cruel Execution of Prisoners on Both Sides — Quiryn Dirkzoon and his Family Put to Death in the City — Fleets upon the Lake — Defeat of the Patriot Armada — Dreadful Suffering and Starvation in the City — Parley with the Besiegers — Despair of the City — Appeal to Orange — Expedition under Batenburg to Relieve the City — His Defeat and Death — Desperate Condition of Harlem — Its Surrender at Discretion — Sanguinary Executions — General Massacre — Expense of the Victory in Blood and Money — Joy of Philip at the News
CHAPTER IX
The Siege of Alkmaar and the Eventual Failure of the Duke of Alva
Position of Alva — Hatred Entertained for him by Elevated Personages — Quarrels between him and Medina Cœli — Departure of the Latter — Complaints to the King by Each of the Other — Attempts at Conciliation Addressed by Government to the People of the Netherlands — Grotesque Character of the Address — Mutinous Demonstration of the Spanish Troops — Secret Overtures to Orange — Obedience, with Difficulty, Restored by Alva — Commencement of the Siege of Alkmaar — Sanguinary Menaces of the Duke — Encouraging and Enthusiastic Language of the Prince — Preparations in Alkmaar for Defense — The First Assault Steadily Repulsed — Refusal of the Soldiers to Storm a Second Time — Expedition of the Carpenter-Envoy — Orders of the Prince to Flood the Country — The Carpenter’s Dispatches in the Enemy’s Hands — Effect Produced Upon the Spaniards — The Siege Raised — Negotiations of Count Louis with France — Uneasiness and Secret Correspondence of the Duke — Convention with the English Government — Objects Pursued by Orange — Cruelty of De La Marck — His Dismissal from Office and Subsequent Death — Negotiations with France — Altered Tone of the French Court with Regard to the St. Bartholomew — Ill Effects of the Crime upon the Royal Projects — Hypocrisy of the Spanish Government — Letter of Louis to Charles IX — Complaints of Charles IX — Secret Aspirations of that Monarch and of Philip — Intrigues Concerning the Polish Election — Renewed Negotiations between Schomberg and Count Louis, with Consent of Orange — Conditions Prescribed by the Prince — Articles of Secret Alliance — Remarkable Letter of Count Louis to Charles IX — Responsible and Isolated Situation of Orange — The “Address” and the “Epistle” — Religious Sentiments of the Prince — Naval Action on the Zuyder Zee — Captivity of Bossu and of Saint Aldegonde — Odious Position of Alva — His Unceasing Cruelty — Execution of Uitenhoove — Fraud Practiced by Alva upon his Creditors — Arrival of Requesens, the New Governor-General — Departure of Alva — Concluding Remarks upon his Administration
§
PART FOUR
ADMINISTRATION OF THE GRAND COMMANDER
1573–1576
CHAPTER I
The Beginning of Requesens’ Administration and the Battle of Mookerheyde
Previous Career of Requesens — Philip’s Passion for Detail — Apparent and Real Purposes of Government — Universal Desire for Peace — Correspondence of Leading Royalists with Orange — Bankruptcy of the Exchequer at Alva’s Departure — Expensive Nature of the War — Pretense of Mildness on the Part of the Commander — His Private Views — Distress of Mondragon at Middelburg — Crippled Condition of Holland — Orange’s Secret Negotiations with France — St. Aldegonde’s Views in Captivity — Expedition to Relieve Middelburg — Counter-Preparations of Orange — Defeat of the Expedition — Capitulation of Mondragon — Plans of Orange and his Brothers — An Army under Count Louis Crosses the Rhine — Measures Taken by Requesens — Maneuvers of Avila and of Louis — The Two Armies in Face at Mook — Battle of Mook-Heath — Overthrow and Death of Count Louis — The Phantom Battle — Character of Louis of Nassau — Painful Uncertainty as to his Fate — Periodical Mutinies of the Spanish Troops Characterized — Mutiny after the Battle of Mook — Antwerp Attacked and Occupied — Insolent and Oppressive Conduct of the Mutineers — Offers of Requesens Refused — Mutiny in the Citadel — Exploits of Salvatierra — Terms of Composition — Soldiers’ Feast on the Mere — Successful Expedition of Admiral Boisot
CHAPTER II
The Siege of Leyden
First Siege of Leyden — Commencement of the Second — Description of the City — Preparations for Defence — Letters of Orange — Act of Amnesty Issued by Requesens — Its Conditions — Its Reception by the Hollanders — Correspondence of the Glippers — Sorties and Fierce Combats beneath the Walls of Leyden — Position of the Prince — His Project of Relief — Magnanimity of the People — Breaking of the Dykes — Emotions in the City and the Besieging Camp — Letter of the Estates of Holland — Dangerous Illness of the Prince — The “Wild Zealanders” — Admiral Boisot Commences his Voyage — Sanguinary Combat on the Land-Scheiding — Occupation of that Dyke and of the Green Way — Pauses and Progress of the Flotilla — The Prince Visits the Fleet — Horrible Sufferings in the City — Speech of Van der Werf — Heroism of the Inhabitants — The Admiral’s Letters — The Storm — Advance of Boisot — Lammen Fortress — An Anxious Night — Midnight Retreat of the Spaniards — The Admiral Enters the City — Thanksgiving in the Great Church — The Prince in Leyden — Parting Words of Valdez — Mutiny — Leyden University Founded — The Charter — Inauguration Ceremonies
CHAPTER III
Peace Negotiations
Marriage of William of Orange to Charlotte de Bourbon
The Death of Requesens
Latter Days of the Blood-Council — Informal and Insincere Negotiations for Peace — Characteristics of the Negotiators and of their Diplomatic Correspondence — Dr. Junius — Secret Conferences between Dr. Leoninus and Orange — Steadfastness of the Prince — Changes in the Internal Government of the Northern Provinces — Generosity and Increasing Power of the Municipalities — Incipient Jealousy in Regard to Orange Rebuked — His Offer of Resignation Refused by the Estates — His Elevation to Almost Unlimited Power — Renewed Mediation of Maximilian — Views and Positions of the Parties — Advice of Orange Opening of Negotiations at Breda — Propositions and Counter-Propositions — Adroitness of the Plenipotentiaries on Both Sides — Insincere Diplomacy and Unsatisfactory Results — Union of Holland and Zealand under the Prince of Orange — Act Defining his Powers — Charlotte de Bourbon — Character, Fortunes, and Fate of Anna of Saxony — Marriage of Orange with Mademoiselle de Bourbon — Indignation Thereby Excited — Horrible Tortures inflicted upon Papists by Sonoy in North Holland — Oudewater and Schoonoven Taken by Hierges — The Isles of Zealand — A Submarine Expedition Projected — Details of the Adventure — Its Entire Success — Death of Chiappin Vitelli — Deliberations in Holland and Zealand concerning the Renunciation of Philip’s Authority — Declaration at Delft — Doubts as to which of the Great Powers the Sovereignty Should be Offered — Secret International Relations — Mission to England — Unsatisfactory Negotiations with Elizabeth — Position of the Grand Commander — Siege of Zierickzee — Generosity of Count John — Desperate Project of the Prince — Death and Character of Requesens
CHAPTER IV
The Continued Vigilance of Orange and the Outbreak of Mutiny in the Spanish Troops
Assumption of Affairs by the State Council at Brussels — Hesitation at Madrid — Joachim Hopper — Mal-Administration — Vigilance of Orange — The Provinces Drawn More Closely Together — Inequality of the Conflict — Physical Condition of Holland — New Act of Union between Holland and Zealand — Authority of the Prince Defined and Enlarged — Provincial Polity Characterized — Generous Sentiments of the Prince — His Tolerant Spirit — Letters from the King — Attitude of the Great Powers towards the Netherlands — Correspondence and Policy of Elizabeth — Secret Negotiations with France and Alençon — Confused and Menacing Aspect of Germany — Responsible and Laborious Position of Orange — Attempt to Relieve Zierickzee — Death of Admiral Boisot — Capitulation of the City upon Honorable Terms — Mutiny of the Spanish Troops in Schouwen — General Causes of Discontent — Alarming Increase of the Mutiny — The Rebel Regiments Enter Brabant — Fruitless Attempts to Pacify Them — They Take Possession of Alost — Edicts, Denouncing Them, from the State Council — Intense Excitement in Brussels and Antwerp — Letters from Philip Brought by Marquis Havré — The King’s Continued Procrastination — Ruinous Royal Confirmation of the Authority Assumed by the State Council — United and General Resistance to Foreign Military Oppression — The German Troops and the Antwerp Garrison under Avila Join the Revolt — Letter of Verdugo — A Crisis Approaching — Jerome de Roda in the Citadel — The Mutiny Universal
CHAPTER V
The Congress of Ghent and the “Spanish Fury”
Religious and Political Sympathies and Antipathies in the Seventeen Provinces — Unanimous Hatred for the Foreign Soldiery — Use Made by the Prince of the Mutiny — His Correspondence — Necessity of Union Enforced — A Congress from Nearly All the Provinces Meets at Ghent — Skirmishes between the Foreign Troops and Partisan Bands — Slaughter at Tisnacq — Suspicions Entertained of the State-Council — Arrest of the State-Council — Siege of Ghent Citadel — Assistance Sent by Orange — Maestricht Lost and Regained — Wealthy and Perilous Condition of Antwerp — Preparations of the Mutineers under the Secret Superintendence of Avila — Stupidity of Oberstein — Duplicity of Don Sancho — Reinforcements of Walloons under Havré, Egmont, and Others, Sent to Antwerp — Governor Champagny’s Preparations for the Expected Assault of the Mutineers — Insubordination, Incapacity, and Negligence of All but Him — Concentration of All the Mutineers from Different Points, in the Citadel — The Attack — The Panic — The Flight — The Massacre — The Fire — The Sack — Other Details of the “Spanish Fury” — Statistics of Murder and Robbery — Letter of Orange to the States-General — Surrender of Ghent Citadel — Conclusion of the “Ghent Pacification” — The Treaty Characterized — Forms of Ratification — Fall of Zierickzee and Recovery of Zealand
§
PART FIVE
DON JOHN OF AUSTRIA
1576–1578
CHAPTER I
The Beginning of Don John’s Administration and the Perpetual Edict
Birth and Parentage of Don John — Barbara Blomberg — Early Education and Recognition by Philip — Brilliant Military Career — Campaign against the Moors — Battle of Lepanto — Extravagant Ambition — Secret and Rapid Journey of the New Governor to the Netherlands — Contrast between Don John and William of Orange — Secret Instructions of Philip and Private Purposes of the Governor — Cautious Policy and Correspondence of the Prince — Preliminary Negotiations with Don John at Luxemburg Characterized — Union of Brussels — Resumption of Negotiations with the Governor at Huy — The Discussions Analyzed and Characterized — Influence of the New Emperor Rudolph II and of his Envoys — Treaty of Marche en Famine, or the Perpetual Edict, Signed — Remarks upon that Transaction — Views and Efforts of Orange in Opposition to the Treaty — His Letter, in Name of Holland and Zealand, to the States-General — Anxiety of the Royal Government to Gain over the Prince — Secret Mission of Leoninus — His Instructions from Don John — Fruitless Attempts to Corrupt the Prince — Secret Correspondence between Don John and Orange — Don John at Louvain — His Efforts to Ingratiate himself with the Netherlanders — His Incipient Popularity — Departure of the Spanish Troops — Duke of Aerschot Appointed Governor of Antwerp Citadel — His Insincere Character
CHAPTER II
The Convictions of the Prince of Orange and his Negotiations with Don John
Triumphal Entrance of Don John into Brussels — Reverse of the Picture — Analysis of the Secret Correspondence of Don John and Escovedo with Antonio Perez — Plots against the Governor’s Liberty — His Desponding Language and Gloomy Anticipations — Recommendation of Severe Measures — Position and Principles of Orange and his Family — His Private Views on the Question of Peace and War — His Toleration to Catholics and Anabaptists Censured by his Friends — Death of Viglius — New Mission from the Governor to Orange — Details of the Gertruydenberg Conferences — Nature and Results of these Negotiations — Papers Exchanged between the Envoys and Orange — Peter Panis Executed for Heresy — Three Parties in the Netherlands — Dissimulation of Don John — His Dread of Capture
CHAPTER III
Further Activities and Correspondence of the Prince of Orange and Don John
The City of Namur — Margaret of Valois — Her Intrigues in Hainault in Favor of Alençon — Her Reception by Don John at Namur — Festivities in her Honor — Seizure of Namur Citadel by Don John — Plan for Seizing that of Antwerp — Letter of the Estates to Philip, Sent by Escovedo — Fortunes and Fate of Escovedo in Madrid — Repairing of Dykes — The Prince’s Visit to Holland — His Letter to the Estates-General on the Subject of Namur Citadel — His Visit to Utrecht — Correspondence and Commissioners between Don John and the Estates — Acrimonious and Passionate Character of these Colloquies — Attempt of Treslong upon Antwerp Citadel Frustrated by De Bourse — Fortunate Panic of the German Mercenaries — Antwerp Evacuated by the Foreign Troops — Renewed Correspondence — Audacity of the Governor’s Demands — Letters of Escovedo and Others Intercepted — Private Schemes of Don John not Understood by the Estates — His Letter to the Empress Dowager — More Correspondence with the Estates — Painful and False Position of the Governor — Demolition, in Part, of Antwerp Citadel, and of Other Fortresses by the Patriots — Statue of Alva — Letter of Estates-General to the King
CHAPTER IV
The New Brussels Union and the Destruction of the States’ Army
Orange Invited to Visit Brussels — His Correspondence upon the Subject with the Estates-General — Triumphant Journey of the Prince to the Capital — Stop Put by him to the Negotiations with Don John — New and Stringent Demands Made upon the Governor — His Indignation — Open Rupture — Intrigue of Netherland Grandees with Archduke Matthias — Policy of Orange — Attitude of Queen Elizabeth — Flight of Matthias from Vienna — Anxiety of Elizabeth — Adroitness of the Prince — The Office of Ruward — Election of Orange to that Dignity — His Complaints against the Great Nobles — Aerschot Governor of Flanders — A Storm Brewing in Ghent — Ryhove and Imbize — Blood-Councillor Hessels — Arrogance of the Aristocratic Party in Flanders — Ryhove’s Secret Interview with Orange — Outbreak at Ghent — Arrest of Aerschot, Hessels, and Others of the Reactionary Party — The Duke Liberated at Demand of Orange — The Prince’s Visit to Ghent — “Rhetorical” Demonstrations — The New Brussels Union Characterized — Treaty with England — Articles by which Matthias is Nominally Constituted Governor-General — His Inauguration at Brussels — Brilliant and Fantastic Ceremonies — Letter of Don John to the Emperor — His Anger with England — An Army Collecting — Arrival of Alexander Farnese — Injudicious Distribution of Offices in the States’ Army — The States’ Army Fall Back upon Gemblours, Followed by Don John — Tremendous Overthrow of the Patriots — Wonderful Disparity in the Respective Losses of the Two Armies
CHAPTER V
The Struggles, Failures, and Death of Don John of Austria
Towns Taken by Don John — Wrath Excited against the Aristocratic Party by the Recent Defeat — Attempts upon Amsterdam — “Satisfaction” of Amsterdam and its Effects — De Selles Sent with Royal Letters from Spain — Terms Offered by Philip — Proclamation of Don John — Correspondence between de Selles and the States-General — Between the King and the Governor-General — New Forces Raised by the States — St. Aldegonde at the Diet — Municipal Revolution in Amsterdam — The Prince’s Letter on the Subject of the Anabaptists of Middelburg — The Two Armies Inactive — De la Noue — Action at Rijnemants — John Casimir — Perverse Politics of Queen Elizabeth — Alençon in the Netherlands — Portrait of the Duke — Orange’s Position in Regard to Him — Avowed and Supposed Policy of the French Court — Anger of Elizabeth — Terms Arranged between Alençon and the Estates — Renewed Negotiations with Don John — Severe Terms Offered Him — Interview of the English envoys with the Governor — Despondency of Don John — Orange’s Attempts to Enforce a Religious Peace — His Isolation in Sentiment — The Malcontent Party — Count John Governor of Gelderland — Proposed Form of Religious Peace — Proclamation to that Effect by Orange, in Antwerp — A Petition in Favor of the Roman Church Presented by Champagny and Other Catholic Nobles to the States-General — Consequent Commotion in Brussels — Champagny and Others Imprisoned — Indolence and Poverty of the Two Armies — Illness and Melancholy of Don John — His Letters to Doria, to Mendoza, and to the King — Death of Don John — Suspicions of Poison — Pompous Burial — Removal of his Body to Spain — Concluding Remarks upon his Character
§
PART SIX
ALEXANDER OF PARMA
1578–1584
CHAPTER I
Alexander Farnese of Parma, Treason among the Nobles, and the Union of Utrecht
Birth, Education, Marriage, and Youthful Character of Alexander Farnese — His Private Adventures — Exploits at Lepanto and at Gemblours — He Succeeds to the Government — Personal Appearance and Characteristics — Aspect of Affairs — Internal Dissensions — Anjou at Mons — John Casimir’s Intrigues at Ghent — Anjou Disbands his Soldiers — The Netherlands Ravaged by Various Foreign Troops — Anarchy — and Confusion in Ghent — Imbize and Ryhove — Fate of Hessels and Visch — New Pacification drawn up by Orange — Representations of Queen Elizabeth — Remonstrance of Brussels — Riots and Image — Breaking in Ghent — Displeasure of Orange — His Presence Implored at Ghent, where he Establishes a Religious Peace — Painful Situation of John Casimir — Sharp Rebukes of Elizabeth — He Takes his Departure — His Troops Apply to Farnese, who Allows Them to Leave the Country — Anjou’s Departure and Manifesto — Elizabeth’s Letters to the States — General with Regard to Him — Complimentary Addresses by the Estates the Duke — Death of Bossu — Calumnies against Orange — Venality of the Malcontent Grandees — La Motte’s Treason — Intrigues of the Prior of Renty — Saint Aldegonde at Arras — The Prior of St. Vaast’s Exertions — Opposition of the Clergy in the Walloon Provinces to the Taxation of the General Government — Triangular Contest — Municipal Revolution in Arras Led by Gosson and others — Counter-Revolution — Rapid Trials and Executions — “Reconciliation” of the Malcontent Chieftains — Secret Treaty of Mount St. Eloi — Mischief Made by the Prior of Renty — His Accusations against the Reconciled Lords — Vengeance Taken upon Him — Counter-Movement by the Liberal Party — Union of Utrecht — The Act Analyzed and Characterized
CHAPTER II
Religious Tumults in the Cities and the Siege of Maestricht
Parma’s Feint upon Antwerp — He Invests Maestricht — Deputation and Letters from the States-General, from Brussels, and from Parma, to the Walloon Provinces — Active Negotiations by Orange and by Farnese — Walloon Envoys in Parma’s Camp before Maestricht — Festivities — The Treaty of Reconciliation — Rejoicings of the Royalist Party — Comedy Enacted at the Paris Theatres — Religious Tumults in Antwerp, Utrecht, and Other Cities — Religious Peace enforced by Orange — Philip Egmont’s Unsuccessful Attempt upon Brussels — Siege of Maestricht — Failure at the Tongres Gate — Mining and Counter-Mining — Partial Destruction of the Tongres Ravelin — Simultaneous Attack upon the Tongres and Bois-le-Duc Gates — The Spaniards Repulsed with Great Loss — Gradual Encroachments of the Besiegers — Bloody Contests — The Town Taken — Horrible Massacre — Triumphal Entrance and Solemn Thanksgiving — Calumnious Attacks upon Orange — Renewed Troubles in Ghent — Imbize and Dathenus — The Presence of the Prince Solicited — Coup d’État of Imbize — Order Restored, and Imbize Expelled by Orange
CHAPTER III
Negotiations, Dissensions, and Treason
The Cologne Conferences — Intentions of the Parties — Preliminary Attempt by Government to Purchase the Prince of Orange — Offer and Rejection of Various Articles among the Plenipotentiaries — Departure of the Imperial Commissioners — Ultimatum of the States Compared with that of the Royal Government — Barren Negotiations Terminated — Treason of De Bours, Governor of Mechlin — Liberal Theories concerning the Nature of Government — Abjuration of Philip Imminent — Self-Denial of Orange — Attitude of Germany — Of England — Marriage Negotiations between Elizabeth and Anjou — Orange Favors the Election of the Duke as Sovereign — Address and Speeches of the Prince — Parsimony and Interprovincial Jealousy Rebuked — Secret Correspondence of Count Renneberg with the Royal Government — His Treason at Groningen
CHAPTER IV
The Declaration of Independence of the United Provinces
Captivity of La Moue — Cruel Propositions of Philip — Siege of Groningen — Death of Barthold Entes — His Character — Hohenlo Commands in the North — His Incompetence — He is Defeated on Hardenberg Heath — Petty Operations — Isolation of Orange — Dissatisfaction and Departure of Count John — Remonstrance of Archduke Matthias — Embassy to Anjou — Holland and Zealand Offer the Sovereignty to Orange — Conquest of Portugal — Granvelle Proposes the Ban against the Prince — It is Published — The Document Analyzed — The Apology of Orange Analyzed and Characterized — Siege of Steenwyk by Renneberg — Forgeries — Siege Relieved — Death of Renneberg — Institution of the “Land-Council” — Duchess of Parma sent to the Netherlands — Anger of Alexander — Prohibition of Catholic Worship in Antwerp, Utrecht, and Elsewhere — Declaration of Independence by the United Provinces — Negotiations with Anjou — The Sovereignty of Holland and Zealand Provisionally Accepted by Orange — Tripartition of the Netherlands — Power of the Prince Described — Act of Abjuration Analyzed — Philosophy of Netherland Politics — Views of the Government Compact — Acquiescence by the People in the Action of the Estates — Departure of Archduke Matthias
CHAPTER V
The Inauguration of the Duke of Anjou, and an Attempt to Assassinate the Prince of Orange
Policy of electing Anjou as Sovereign — Commoda et Incommoda — Views of Orange — Opinions at the French Court — Anjou Relieves Cambray — Parma Besieges Tournay — Brave Defense by the Princess of Espinoy — Honorable Capitulation — Anjou’s Courtship in England — The Duke’s Arrival in the Netherlands — Portrait of Anjou — Festivities in Flushing — Inauguration at Antwerp — The Conditions or Articles Subscribed to by the Duke — Attempt upon the Life of Orange — The Assassin’s Papers — Confession of Venero — Gaspar Anastro — His Escape — Execution of Venero and Zimmermann — Precarious Condition of the Prince — His Recovery — Death of the Princess — Premature Letters of Parma — Further Negotiations with Orange as to the Sovereignty of Holland and Zealand — Character of the Revised Constitution — Comparison of the Positions of the Prince Before and After his Acceptance of the Countship
CHAPTER VI
The Treachery of Anjou and the “French Fury”
Parma Recalls the Foreign Troops — Siege of Oudenarde — Coolness of Alexander — Capture of the City and of Ninove — Inauguration of Anjou at Ghent — Attempt upon his Life and that of Orange — Lamoral Egmont’s Implication in the Plot — Parma’s Unsuccessful Attack upon Ghent — Secret Plans of Anjou — Dunkirk, Ostend, and Other Towns Surprised by his Adherents — Failure at Bruges — Suspicions at Antwerp — Duplicity of Anjou — The “French Fury” — Details of that Transaction — Discomfiture and Disgrace of the Duke — His Subsequent Effrontery — His Letters to the Magistracy of Antwerp, to the Estates, and to Orange — Extensive Correspondence between Anjou and the French Court with Orange and the Estates — Difficult Position of the Prince — His Policy — Remarkable Letter to the States-General — Provisional Arrangement with Anjou — Marriage of the Archbishop of Cologne — Marriage of Orange with Louisa do Coligny — Movements in Holland, Brabant, Flanders, and Other Provinces, to Induce the Prince to Accept Sovereignty over the Whole Country — His Steady Refusal — Treason of Van den Berg in Gueldres — Intrigues of Prince Chimay and Imbize in Flanders — Counter-Efforts of Orange and the Patriot Party — Fate of Imbize — Reconciliation of Bruges — Death of Anjou
CHAPTER VII
The Legacy of William the Silent
Various Attempts upon the Life of Orange — Delft — Mansion of the Prince Described — Francis Guion or Balthazar Gérard — His Antecedents — His Correspondence and Interviews with Parma and with d’Assonleville — His Employment in France — His Return to Delft and Interview with Orange — The Crime — The Confession — The Punishment — The Consequences — Concluding Remarks