GReat and Mighty are the Kingdoms in your posses­sion, which extend far and wide, throughout all the world: but much more great, and farre more excellent are the vertues and knowledge, by which you hold, preserue and governe the same righ­teously, even to the vttermost extent of felicity.

In the meane time let me now intreat you, ô most peaceful Princes, that you will heare me with a friendly and well-affected minde, the sequell hereof, and fundamen­tally will understand wherefore the Spaniards doe most falsely ac­cuse vs; That this peace was violated and broken by vs: which accu­sation I hold to be very grievous.

Among other Conditions, Lawes, and Contracts of this peace, this was one of the chiefest and weightiest: That Don Iohn should not admit any Spaniard or stranger, nor any of them; by whose counsell and advise it was evidently knowne, that the Provinces were brought into that extreme spoyle, into the Councell: And contra­rily, [Page] hee called, and sent for them to him, kept them in his Court, and in his most secret chambers; That Baptista Taxis, a most nota­ble Spie, and enemy of our common affaires, who a little before had beene Secretary vnto Duke d' Alva, who was not onely adioyned to his priuy Counsell, but also was made and set ouer them. Besides him one Octauius Gonzago an Italian, as also hee tooke vnto him one Escouedo, a crafty Spanish Fox, vnto whom hee adioyned certaine Netherlanders. But what Netherlanders I pray you? Those who partly had beene the stirrers vp and fauourers of so many miseries; who were both hated of their natiue Countrey, and of all good men; viz. Barlemont, Megan, Hierge, Flojon, Hautepenny, Assonuille, and other plagues of their Countrey, who hauing ordained the Law of Lentulus, Cataline and Cassius, established the same with their coun­sels & deeds, viz. That all those that by preseruing the Common-wealth would be preserued, should be declared for enemies.

By this counsell and aduice, the Spaniards presently, euen at the be­ginning of this peace, should haue surprized the Towne of Gent, if the good and profitable counsell, and also the valiant deeds of the States, had not hindred the same; For don Iohn himselfe could not refraine nor keep in his hatred and enmity any longer, which he bore to the Netherlanders, but had quickly forgot that sacred oath, which he had sworne, vpon the Euangelists, before the Bishop of Shertogen­boseh, and the Popes Nuncius, or spirituall Embassadour.

He had promised and sworn; that hee would deale with all the souldiers in the Netherlands, who were 15000, about their Arreara­ges, to the end, that they thereupon might bee discharged, like as in the agreement of the peace had beene concluded. And contrarily thereunto, he promised the Souldiers, in the Kings behalfe, anew, to haue greater meanes, honours, offices and rewards: and held a most mischieuous counsel with Fronsberghen and Focker, Collonels of the German souldiers; part of whose wicked counsell hee effected, and the rest being hindred by the States he could not effect.

But yet to the end, that you may see and know the ground of this Businesse, I will in few words declare vnto you how the matter fell out: For vnder these two conditions or couenants, viz. in main­taining of the Romish Religion; and in yeelding lawfull obedience to the King, did the whole Treatie of the peace consist.

[Page]And when the States which had sworne hereunto with an high Oath, then were they presently admitted, that those affaires concer­ning the Land, which presently in the beginning of the treatie of peace were begunne, but could not be concluded vpon, that they should be dispatched and concluded in the next assembly of the States.

But yet Don Iohn, whose affection burned with a lust and long­ing desire, by some secret and concealed practice to breake the peace, and to begin the warre againe, casting all these conditions and promi­ses at his heeles, made a way for those complaints which Phillip, and all the former Governours had vsed as a cloake to cover all their in­tended w [...]cked imgainations against the Rei-publicke, viz. That the Hollanders and Sealanders neglected and despised the Romish Religi­on; and by that meanes the commandement of the King was neg­lected.

Vpon this Anvile did they hammer night and day? they assayled the States, and were exceeding troublesome vnto them, counselling them that they altogether should beginne the warres, against Holland, Sealand, and the Prince of Orange, who was the most eminent Cham­pion against the vniust government of the Spaniards, who indeede had beene exceeding beneficiall to the whole Common-wealth.

In this counsell Don Iohn had his eye vpon these two obiects, which should be exceeding profitable and serviceable to further his intent; that by their Ciuill warres, the substance and treasure of the land might be exhausted, and they being weakned and bruysed by their owne Warre, that then he, with the more ease and conveniency might suppresse them together.

Whereas he still persisting with these desires and intreaties, being as it were dasht against a Rocke by a Tempest: The States answered him; that it were better and more profitable for the Common-wealth, That concerning all those matters whereof Don Iohn made his com­plaints, to haue them by a friendly composition decided, and vnited, in the assembly of the States; and if they could haue imprinted or per­swaded him to haue beleeued the same, we had never fallen into the miseries of a Ciuill Warre.

For what is more repugnant to the common good, and to all hu­mane Lawes and Iustice; then to try by warre, those controversies, [Page] which may be decyded by Right and Reason. Arch [...]damus (though no Christian King, but of a stately, honourable any provident Nation) sayd; That it was vnlawfull to take Armes against those, who were willing to haue the matter tryed by Law. When and iniury had beene offered to the Romanes themselues; they did not presently begin with wars: but did first send Clarigatum, that is, they caused those things that were stollen or taken away, to be more apparently and manifest­ly demanded againe.

But how profitable, good, and wel-ordred is the cumstome of the Common-wealth of the Venetians, which I lately saw and observed; where they will not suffer that the principall Nobles themselues of that flourishing Common-wealth, should contend, chide, or main­taine enmity among themselues, for, or about other mens small and petty affaires. But they bring the same into their Senate, or Coun­cell, and there they desire, pray, and admonish them, that they will remember, and be mindfull, that they are all of them Saint Markes children (which name they haue given their Rei-publicke) and that they are brethren, and Burgeses of such a free and happy govern­ment, and that it was not beseeming for them, for any particular busi­nesse, to cherish and foster any private dissention or hatred, which might thereafter prooue to be more generall, to the perill and danger of that Rei-publicke.

Which custome aboue all other affaires ought to be vsed in the affaires concerning the Land, and ought to be esteemed of in all wel-ordered Common-wealths. If this were so, we should not see one City so against another (oftentimes in one Province or Rei-publicke) or one Noble-man so against another of the contrary party, to threaten warre, murther, destruction, burning and blaking, nor violence to assault each other.

But now to returne to our former purpose, in respect that there are two sorts of Warres: the one with words by way of Iustice; the other with violence. The first being proper to men, the second to vnreasonable beasts. And that wee must necessarily avoyde vio­lence, vnlesse the course of Iustice be denyed vs. Therefore we must beleeue that the States farre rather would haue decyded those con­troversies, by their good and wholesome counsels, by reason and conference; then to make them greater by Warre and spilling the [Page] blood of the Citizens. Contrarily Don Iohn complaineth of the States very publiquely: Hee reprooues and vpbraids them all for Re­bels, and then deales with the High-dutch Souldiers no longer by secret dealing in the affaires very prejudiciall to the Common-wealth (with whom very cunningly hee had long time dealt with all) but then began he very publickly to deale with them; so that the whole discovery of that businesse, by divers intercepted letters, was fully come to the knowledge of the States. And many things they dayly saw with their eyes, as first when he removed his Court and family, with his Councell-companions to Bergen in Henegow (being a very strong Towne, and very fit for his conjurations and complottings) and commanded that the same should bee provided with a strong Garrison.

Moreover, when as he surprized the Castle of Antwerpe by Trea­cherie, and did surprize those well provided and fortified Townes of Namen and Charlemont, and put a strong guard into them of his owne souldiers, thinking thereafter by treachery to haue taken in the Towne of Brussels, So that already the principall and chiefe Cities and Townes, by the great number of his Forts and Citadels, where beleagred and oppressed; and then he wholly beganne to set vp him­selfe against the Rei-publick; and also many other things were then done by his advise and motion: whereas hee according to his oath, ought to haue advised, that all the souldiers should haue layd downe their Armes, and presently to haue departed out of the Country.

All which things appearing manifestly to the eyes of the States, who adjudged that the same tented to the subversion of the Com­mon-wealth; they thought that they were bound continually to keepe a good counsel-watch; neither did they turne their eyes aside from the Rei-publick, from that time that he sought to haue all the governe­ment alone, vnto whom they in all officiousnesse (not being mooved by any distemperature of minde) sent as Embassadours vnto him, Marolaus and Brusus, charging them that they should present and shew, their full performance, innocency, and integrity, and should free them from all suspition and evill conceit, (the which they most certainly knew, that he mischievously had dissembled,) that the faith that was given at Gent should be renued: They should also pro­mise, that the States should make diligent enquirie, and exe­cute [Page] seuere punishment vppon those Treacherous murtherers and conspirators, who (as he sayd) layd waite for his life, and had conspired against him; (making a shewe and dissembling, as if to prevent the same, hee went to Namen:) They would aug­ment his Guard more then those he had already, to the number of three hundred compleat armed men, who should bee all of them Netherlanders, the which before that time was never offered to any Governour or Ruler. And yet with all these supplicati­ons and intreaties they effected nothing; for there was neither mo­desty nor reason to be found in Don Iohn. Nay, hee could not bri­dle nor keepe in his owne evill arrogancy and audacious passion; but declared the same to Marollaus at the same time of his Em­bassage, boasting himselfe, that hee now did wholly assure himselfe, and that hee doubted not, but that hee had brought vnder the subjection of his will and command, the Citie of Ant­werpe, that hee had no lacke neither of money nor men; that hee now had all things in a readinesse, for the furnishing of a Warre; and that hee with his sword, would purchase vnto himselfe a greater authority, power, command and government; then the States had promised and granted him in the pacification of Gent; and that it was his will, that these Embassadours should re­port all these things vnto the States, for he would not conceale any thing from them that hee knew to appertaine to this his intent and will. This matter is undoubtedly sure and certaine, and sufficiently knowne before this, so that heere it is not needefull to produce witnesses. And although it be a very miserable thing, not to be able to deny, and very shamefull to be confest; yet I thinke verily that the Spaniards themselues (although they be lesse shamelesse then a man would beleeue they are) cannot deny this at any time. Don Iohn had written vnto Tre-longe, and to his other companions and fellow-workers of his secret trickes and conspiracies, That hee had given as a Cymbrian spoyle the wealth of the Citizens of Ant­werpe, for a prey vnto his Souldiers. The souldiers ranged already through the City, as mortall enemies, and forced the Citizens to giue them whatsoever they listed: Many of the principall citizens began to flye out of the City, and as it were banished: by which meanes the traffique and trading of the Marchants by shipping, beganne to cease. [Page] And although there were great and manifest tokens of their malig­nant enmity; yet neuertheles the States did beare al this very mode­ratly and modestly, and indeed would haue born yet much more, if that mortall and pittifull proiect which Don Iohn intended, had not beene discouered and made manifest as the day; euen as if a man at the first sight seemed to perceiue some livelesse and insensible crea­ture, and afterwards by more certain and sure signes and tokens, be­ginneth to think of what quality that was whereof hee doubted: e­uen so the States did also very easily vnderstand, by all those things which they had seene, that this prince did cherish in his mind and counsels, an hatred tending to the ruine of the common-wealth: but of what qualitie that he was, and how farre he would extend himselfe ouer the reipublick, that they most euidently discerned and distin­guished thereafter, both out of his owne, and by letters from others. For there were many letters intercepted in Gasconie, viz. Two of Don Iohns, written by himselfe vnto the King, and other from him written to Anthonie Perez the chiefe of the Kings Covncell; More­over fiue letters from Escouedo to the King, out of which the States might assuredly vnderstand, that there were fed and bred monsters, and strang impostures; that privat conspiracies were there practised; that there was great dissention mingled among the Cities and the Nobilitie of the Netherlands; and by what meanes the same was ef­fected; and how fit and serviceable it was that tyrany and the Inqvi­sition, according to that firme resolution of the Spaniards, should bee brought in & established; and to that end soldiers, armes, and all war­licke preparation very earnestly was required for the King.

Consider and vnderstand, illustrious Princes, the secret and privie conspiracies of this man: Heare the words which this man vseth in his letters written to the King, which (as I said before) were inter­cepted. In regard that this bodie (saith he) is so vnhealthful, that it can­not be cured any otherwise, but by cutting off of the vnsound members, you must now carefully obserue this occasion which is presented. And Es­couedo adds thereunto the rest very amply, as a good interpreter of his meaning, who might very well write that which Don Iohn himselfe would not giue to vnderstand. This Escouedo was the right minion and seruant of Audacitie and Treacherie, whom I thinke by reason of his nature and manners, was named Escouedo, because that hee knew [Page] by his deceit to bring the miserable Netherlanders into his net. He wrot that vnto the King which Don Iohn would haue him to write, viz. That it possibly could not be, that the Netherlanders should be brought vnder the pure and perfect obedience and will of the King, vnlesse that first they were tamed and constrained thereunto with fire and sword. That therfore both men and armes were very needfull, and that the same must be effected by warre. By the which as a good architecture of the Spanish tyranny, he gaue them to vnderstand, that the crueltie and ri­gour which Alua and Requisenius had abused, must not continually be put in practise, but that the Netherlanders must bee ensnared by a greater deceit and hypocrisie. Like as in Nauigation, it is a point of knowledge to see before hand the storme, that although men can­not attaine the hauen, yet (if altering the course) you may attaine thereinto, then it is a foolish deed to keepe that course which before was taken with great perill and danger, rather then that you altering the same, might attaine to the wish for haven. For so was his opi­nion, that the first raging and madnesse of the Spaniards must bee somewhat mollified, and now must go to worke with dissembled faith and promises. That Don Iohn who had an incredible modera­tion, and an indifferent minde betwixt Ambition and Crueltie, might very fortunately effect the same. Hee aduised by his owne and his masters counsell, that England should be first surprised and conque­red by warre, and then it would be easie to svrprize the Netherlandish prouinces.

In those letters which Don Iohn sent vnto Anthony Perez his spe­ciall friend; He gaue him to vnderstand that he was of such a nature and condition, that he could not liue still in idlenesse, nor could a­way with the lawes of peace; and that his mind and conscience could not indure that he should wholly submit himselfe to the priuiledges and lawes of the Netherlanders, but that he farre rather by force of Armes would obtaine and effect for the King, a whole absolute, and vn­limited government over the Netherlands.

And if now you do not sufficiently see and perceiue, that Don Iohn first broak the pacification of Gent, where the same by so many and cleare proofes doth appeare. Then remember (by the Eternall God) remember, I say, what reasons he vsed to the Embassadours of our States at Marche and Famines, when he sayd, that he would keepe [Page] the contracts and conditions of peace so long, vntill that covenant which was begun, should repent him, that is, vntill hee by his sweet entisings, and hypocriticall lenitie, hauing rockt the States asleepe, at the last might destroy them; and with them suppresse the whole Rei­publick. For after the death of Iohn, Philip shewed very manifestly that that same in very deed should haue befallen vs, like as he at Me­chlen by the Lord of Selles certified and gaue them to vnderstand, that he would breake the lawes of the peace, and that hee no longer would be bound to keepe them. But I pray you for what occasion? was it for neglecting the Romish Religion? Assuredly it had neuer beene more vsed nor reuerenced with the like deuotion, care and diligence, nor neuer was the zeale of our people so greatly affected thereunto as then. The Bishops of the Churches were then recei­ued; the Schooles and Colleges were partly instituted, partly renew­ed and augmented. Finally, there was not any thing omitted that serued for the maintaining of the customes and ceremonies of the Romish Church. So that our Netherland might well haue compa­red, matched and strouen with Italy and with Rome the chiefe seate and Metropolitane of that Religion. The which the Popes Nuncius, (or spirituall Embassadour) who in his behalfe was sent vnto vs, shal not deny the same. For hee writing himselfe vnto the Pope concer­ning this, saith, that he did much admire, and was therefore excee­ding ioyfull, that those prescriptions and duties (or seruices) of the Romish Church, were exceeding well maintained by the Nether­landers in great devotion and pietie.

How and after what manner the affections, wils, and devotions of all our States, and of all the Netherlanders were affected to the king, I need not to make repetition; neither is it needfvll to proove, that they delighted or loved any thing so mvch as to fvlfill the kings commands, and to shew obedience therevnto. The Trophaes, Py­ramedes and Pageants which were made and prepared so svmptvous and costly to the honor, and at the entrance of Iohn, can testifie this. How did all the Nobles with svch exceeding ioy, wishing him good luck, receiue him? How did all the people with great mirth and re­ioycings receive him? What bankets and sumptuous feasts at the lands charge, were then with mvch delight made for ioy thereof, that this peace was made and concluded? And what great triumphs [Page] all the Netherlanders made and demonstrated vpon all their Theaters when this peace was made, is yet testified by all the inhabiting stran­gers, who were thereat exceedingly droven to admiration, yea were euen astonished.

It was no otherwise then, but as if the Netherlanders had then found the beginning and principles of a wel-governed Common-wealth in the person of this their Chiefe, or Gouernour. Yea, thou thy selfe Iohn, if thou wilt but enter into thine owne heart and con­science, shalt not be able to deny the same, That the Netherlanders did fully keep and obserue all the contracts and conditions of the peace, which they were bound to keep; and neuer denied obedience vnto the commandement of the king, if they were not more vile then the commandements of Manlius, if they did not to too much oppugne the lawes and priviledges.

But to the end that I may produce one instance which farre ex­ceeds all mens admiration; and which shall perfect this our disputa­tion: you must for a certainty acknowledge, that the states had vn­dertaken with force of Armes to haue forced the Hollanders and Zealanders to haue done those things which you most desired, which was the induction, and as it were the ground-worke of your accusations and complaints, if in case they by right, reason, and con­ference, could not be brought thereunto; which things you altoge­ther scorned and rejected, and to the end that this one pretext, this onely pretence might remaine for matter for your false accusations; And that this might be a just occasion for your conjurations: yet this occasion was not sufficient thereunto, neither could it be suffi­cient enough, in regard the same is manifestly knowne vnto all men, not onely to Netherlanders, but also to all strangers, who either saw the whole businesse as it was carried, or else haue heard the same re­ported: That the Hollanders and Zealanders haue alwayes entertai­ned, received, and accomplished the precepts and commandements of the King, no otherwise then if they had been the Oracles or com­mandements of God: That they neuer were carelesse nor negligent in their offices or duties which by the law of Nature they were ow­ing to their Prince. Yet this I will freely confesse, (which I will at­tribute and consecrate to their immortall and most high commenda­tions) that the Hollanders and Zealanders were the first counsellors, and shewed the way first to the other Provinces, to free and to main­taine [Page] the common liberty. For I will at the last, O you most provident men, you most mighty States of Holland and Zealand, convert and turn my speech and oration from those wicked and horrible dealings of that dishonorable man; to your vertues, valours, and abilities. Should I so sleightly passe by the worthinesse and valiant deeds, and manly courage, whereof every mans mouth is full: and for which euery one so highly commendeth, loveth, and honoreth you for.

You haue evermore with a valiant, constant and persevering cou­rage, resisted and rejected that most intolerable and most cruell serui­tude and thraldome of the Inquisition, or Faith-presse. And if they now say, that the authoritie, respect and commandement of the King consisted therein; and that you in respect thereof, would not giue way, nor be obedient vnto the same; wherein indeed consisteth your glory, and whereof you may justly boast; Yet you confesse, to your great commendation, that you haue given these occasions vnto the accusations of Don Iohn: That you, being free from all faults, yet in this you are and will be faulty. And herein you may boast, That you with an especiall providence and wisedome, haue careful­ly watched and kept your selues, so that at no time, neither by any of these, nor any other Spanish trecheries, periuries, tricks, or traps, you haue been cousoned, debaucht, nor insnared: that you were the first which were inflamed with a singular constancie and courage, to deliuer the Reipublicke from the grievous yoake of tyranny and cru­ell government. That you with the toarch of your libertie, haue been a light to enlighten all the other Provinces. And that you had farre rather, by these long-during warres, be spent, die, and indure all kinds of misery and adversitie: then to forsake your customes, lawes and priviledges. I beseech the Lord God, by whose only con­duct, grace and assistance, you haue atchived such admirable things, that you may prosperously continue & perseuere therin from hence­forth perpetually. Now will I turne me againe vnto that from which I haue digressed, and recommend vnto your judgment and arbittre­ment, Oh Christian Princes, all what I haue spoken of the deeds of Don Iohn. Take notice, iudge, and speake what you thinke thereof. Considering that of all the States parts, there is nothing omitted, which by the law and contract they had promised to doe: and con­trarily for Don Iohns part, of the ten parts of the agreement or com­position, which wholly he ought to haue performed, he hath not [Page] discharged any one point thereof well nor honestly as hee ought. And hereby you may see, with what justice and equity we vndertook this businesse, and how we (having vndertaken the same) haue dealt and proceeded therein.

For when the States perceiued, that all their hope and trust for the cashiering of those great numbers of the Germane souldiers was fru­strate, and that they were laid in the cities, townes, and mouthes of the frontier garrisons, and that they kept Namen & Charlemont, be­ing Cities and Castles that were very well provided; to the end that Don Iohn that way, might receiue and bring into the Ne­therlands that great army which hee had desired of the King in his letters; and moreover they perceiving that the hate and enuy of all the souldiers was turned vpon them, and that they with an ex­ceeding greedy desire longed for the pilaging of the greatest Cities, And that they attended onely but for the least signe and token of their Prince, to have falne rauenously and furiously, as raging beasts, and to haue ceized vpon the liues, goods, and meanes of the Ne­therlanders. That Don Iohn himselfe, and other naughty people daily threatned the ruine and subversion of our natiue Countrey. That they by the demostrations, hand-writings, mouthes and letters of their confederates, were themselues conuinced. That they all had a­greed to set the cities and towns on fire, and to haue slaine all the No­bles and chiefe of the Citizens, to haue destroyed the Netherlands, and to have rooted out the Reipublick. Who is he then that would not be awaked and stirred vp for the defence and preseruation of the common good? Who is he that with good counsell would not prevent the trecheries of Iohn: Who would be so vnprovident, and such a coward, that would not defend and maintaine his owne life, with weapons and warre? Assuredly reason hath taught the learned; necessitie the Barbarians; custome the heathens; and nature it selfe the vnreasonable beasts, to repell violence with violence, euen to their vttermost ability.

You your selues, Oh great and gracious Princes, which possesse kingdomes freely and in prosperitie; may easily know and vnder­stand this; and know also that even so it must be done. But what do I say, that you must know it? All the Spaniards our enemies do know it, and will freely confesse the same. For they demonstrate it in their deeds, that the same hath been just, and is so yet. For considering [Page] that Henricus Castellanus (being a bastard) and the great Grand-fa­ther of King Phillip, did expell Peter his lawfull brother and right heire, out of the kingdome, because he seemed to vse tyrannicall dea­ling: and because he seemed to dominiere contrary to the lawes and customes of his kingdome; And, that King Phillip vpon the same conditions that he inherited Spaine, did inherit the Netherlands, (viz. that he should maintaine and religiously obserue the lawes and customes.) Wherefore then may not we, as the Spaniards did reject Peter, even as wel reject Phillip (who oppresseth his subjects with an vnjust and vnlawfull government) and expel him with our armes for euer out of our Provinces.

But I feare, O Princes, that I haue too much abused your patience, and that my oration seemeth to haue run such a course, that I neede not adde any thing more thereunto. Yet I intreat your leaue, that you be pleased to suffer me, though very briefly to continue in that which Phillip sought to effect after the government of Iohn, by the deceit of an hypocriticall and dissembled peace; to the end that you may clearely see and perceiue, wherfore that we, so long as the world stands, may neuer make any peace with Phillip, but now and for euer without ceasing, are bound to Warre against him. The very name of peace (I confesse) is exceeding sweete, a peace that is good and sound: But betweene peace and that bondage which is cloaked, covered, and falsly folded vp in a concealed peace, is indeede a very great diffe­rence. Peace is a still and quiet liberty: but that bondage, or all man­ner of feare thereof, is the extreame of all euils and mischieues. Such was the peace, (if a man may call that peace) which induced, or ra­ther seduced the Netherlanders even vnto Collen.

When at the States by their Embassadours and letters vnto you and your predecessors, Oh all you Princes of Christendome, had againe intreated; that you by your authorities, respect, and exhortations, should ratifie, establish, confirme, and looke vnto that peace which Phillip after a new cousening manner should make, that the same should not be deceitfull: Like as he certainely and most maliciously by his deceit ouer-threw the fame. For the Spaniards then made no delay, but presently brought in new dissentions into Artois and Henego [...]e, causing them to fall away from the other Provinces, o­ver the which they euen vnto this present haue dominiered. Af­terwards by force of Armes, violently they surprised Mastricht, [Page] and moreouer and aboue they, partly by violence, and partly by great promises, haue sovght to get into their power many other cities and prouinces.

And finally is that Vlisses-like-wit Alexander Farnesius Duke of Parma, brought out of Italie, who like vnto a most craftie and cun­ning bird-catcher, with the song of his lenitie, and promises of great rewards, insnared and captiuated all the Cities and Townes of Bra­bant and Flaunders.

Of this Prince I could say very much, which I am constrained to omit: Yet this one matter I cannot passe by in silence; That, al­though in the time of his gouernment hee effected many things very great and eminent for Philip, yet could hee not escape of being suspected, as if hee would haue vndermined the King in the go­uernment, because that through his gentlenesse, linitie and ami­tie; he had drawne vnto him the affections of all the Netherlan­ders, and that hee also seemed perspicuously to haue looked into, and also to beare a hatred to the wickednesse and fraudulent trea­cheries and deceites of the Spaniards. Therefore Philip gaue him fungos, or Toads-bread to eate, which Agrippina had so commended to the Emperour, to the end that by the power and operation thereof, he might be admitted, counted and receiued into the number of the gods.

But I pray you, what was that at last for a peace, which as a Co­met or bright shining starre, shined vnto vs out of the firmament of the Spanish trecheries vnto which the Duke of Parma counselled vs, at what time the Arch-enemy stood, as it were, ouer our heads, and that the incredible great Spanish Fleet filled and couered the great Ocean or main Sea? A Fleet which was so terrible to behold, that I can hardly iudge, whether the Fleet that Xerxus had, which couered the Sea called Mare Ponticum had a greater number of Shippes, more Souldiers, or greater warlike preparation. With this Fleet Phillip had thought totally to haue suppressed vs: who were at that time ravished, as it were, with that pleasant and delightfull sound of peace. Yet when this Fleet, by the onely power of the Almighty God, was wonderfully destroyed and brought to naught; then presently by the Emperours Embassa­dours hee offered these Prouinces a new Treatie of Peace, to the end, that he thereby might transport all his Army and power of [Page] warre out of the Netherlands into France. The treacheries which many yeeres before he had plotted against that kingdome, beganne then to haue a wonderfull good progression: For his naturall kins­man Henry being made away by paracide, (or his murthering of a kinsman,) and the state of all that kingdome, being vtterly con­fused with Ciuill warre; then the matter, and the present occasion required, that he with Armes and a mighty Hoast should pro­secute his designe, in that flourishing and famous great Kingdome of France, which Kingdome hee by violence hauing taken in and conquered, he might thereafter, without any trouble at all, haue subiugated those Netherlandish Prouinces, and all the other King­domes of Christendom.

What? Is it yet lawfull for me, or may I yet speake any more of Arrereges, or residue of the dangers of this Reipublicke? Yes, it is lawfull for me, and it shall be lawful for me alwayes to stand for the dignity of my natiue Countrey, and to confesse the truth. Like as all good Orators, or eloquent speakers, doe euer keepe some of their most forcible and ponderous Arguments to the last. And like as ex­perienced Generals vse to place their best souldiers in the last rankes; euen so Phillip in these latter yeares presented a peace vnto these Ne­therlands, which should be adorned and confirmed with notable fidelity; the whole foundation and chiefe ground worke thereof, lay and consisted in the vertues, mercy, endeuors, diligence, and in the loue of the Arch-duke Ernestus his sisters sonne; who, after the Duke of Parma, was placed in the gouernment of these Prouinces: He promised these Prouinces a peace; not such a peace as should be limited with any grieuous or heauie conditions and contracts, like as the former was; but such a peace as they themselues would wish or desire. In the meane time Phillip sent his great and huge Armies into France, and his secret murtherers into Holland, to haue murthered the Illustrious Prince Mauritts, Earle of Nassow, a famous and nota­ble imitator of the vertues and valour of his father, and a singular defender of our Liberty; and by such an odious and treacherous villainy, to haue made him away; like as they, but a little before, by a most cruell and trecherous hand, had murthered his most worthy and valiant father, the Prince of Orange.

And finally Phillip concluded many more mischieuous, and more wicked purposes against these Prouinces, then euer before he could [Page] haue bethought himselfe of. I doe not speake any thing vnaduisedly, ô Princes, but that which thousands besides me of good reputati­on, can testifie in faith and verity, and that which Phillips owne let­ters doe make good.

What then? Meaneth the king of Spaine, that our States by any propositions of peace, can bee diuerted from their enterprises and designments? Doth he not yet know and vnderstand, that all our affections are so abdurate and hardned, that we will far rather yeeld and giue place to Armes and Warre, then to any kind of new inuen­ted peace-treacheries, after what manner soeuer the same might be propounded? Or, thinketh he peraduenture, that the affections of our States euery day, lie open to his desire and appetite? What? Is he yet ignorant, that the counsels of all our people, with a generall consent and vniformity of voices, are long agoe vnited and knit fast together in this point; and that they will farre rather honourably in warre and Armes liue and die, for their Lawes, and for their na­tiue Country; then from henceforth shamefully to sinke or quaile, vnder his treacheries and deceits? What, doe I say sinke or quaile? Nay, to come into the extreamest euills of Tyrannie; to bee bound with vntolerable and inhamane bonds of slauerie, and to bee recko­ned and accounted among those slaues that are bought and sould. We haue prepared, made ready and sharpened, a perpetuall and an euerlasting warre and Armes against him: we neither haue, nor may cast our eyes vpon any other peace, then vpon such a peace as is grounded, confirmed, and may bee maintained with force and Armes.

But in regard that a little before I beganne to speak of France, and to proue that our warre partly was joyned with that same; ther­fore I will proceede to adde some other matters hereunto, by the which you may evidently see and perceiue, how many treacheries, traps and deceits that Phillip hath laid for them.

He hath a long time since, as you know, O Princes, laboured and endeuored to assaile France, with all the violence and force of his warre; to the end that he by the occasion of the Civill dissentions in France, might effect so much by his wars and charges: that if he could not swallow and devoure the whole Kingdome; yet that at the least he might get a great part thereof. For he had made his full reckoning and accovnt before hand, by preparing of that cruell [Page] Fleet, that both France and England had been a prey vnto their ene­mies: Wheras those good Princes, notwithstanding had nothing at all endamaged him, neither was he by any juiustice provoked to that warre; vnlesse peradventure it be, that he thought this occasion sufficient; that the Pope, at the will and desire of Phillip had ex­communicated those two flourishing Kingdoms, for their exercising and ministery of the Reformed Religion; who for the extirpation and eradication of that Religion; Phillip as a Cato Maior, with the puissance of the Romish Censores (or correction masters) vseth to haue regard vnto all the Kings and people of the earth, and therefore to correct and punish them, which is indeede a matter known vnto you all; for which no man can sufficiently wonder at the shamefulnesse thereof, and might now neither be passed by nor omitted. And that Phillip in these warres of France dealt most ear­nestly, and with the greatest diligence and alacrity, with the Duke of Feres, and other Spaniards of the League, whom he as compani­ons, had assisted in that warre, to haue estranged the Right and Title of the Crowne of France, not onely from the succession or descent of the Kings blood and kinred, but euen from all Frenchmen, and to haue drawne the same to Spaine.

These things are so certaine, O Princes, that there is no man which doubteth of the truth hereof. But to what end do I bring these into your Remembrances; What is this to maintaine the purpose I haue in hand; For this end it serueth; thereby to proue how excee­ding great the ambition is of this most cruell Tyrant; and to the end you may perceiue and see how greatly, not onely we, but euen all of you together, must keep good watch and looke vnto it. For like as the nature of the Vine, is to extend the branches, as the armes thereof farre and wide, and therewith embraceth and layeth hold vpon euery thing that is neer it, if it be not lopt and pruned; Euen so shall Phillip, if you doe not all at once make resistance, at the last destroy and devoure all Christendom, with most cruell and bloo­dy warre.

Moreover, he by his Btibery, and secret conspiracy had lately effected so much in Scotland, that some of the chiefe of that King­dome, should haue received and taken in twenty thousand Spaniards, if they had not been punished (after the matter was knowne and re­vealed) according as their treason deserued. I need not to thinke [Page] with my selfe, that I can sufficiently expresse with words, what trea­sons, what perills, what daungers, he, so oftentimes hath attempted against the Queene and Kingdome of England. Can ambition and violence proceed yet any further? Yes truely, For the like treache­ries practised hee a little before against the Principallity of Collen, the Dukedomes of Gelders, Gulich, Cleane; the County of Berghe, and that ancient Emperiall Towne of Aken: All which is most mani­festly and apparantly knowne by good Testimony, and by his owne letters. And who knoweth in what lurking hole and corner of hi­pocrisie and dissimulation, he hideth and sheltreth his most mortall hate against the most mighty Princes of Italy; whom (as soone as the wind of the first oportunity shall blow (very suddenly, shall be turned into coales and ashes, by his vnquenchable and fearefull great flames of Warre.

Doe ye not yet see and perceiue enough, ô Princes, what treache­ries and deceits that Philip prepareth, for your most happy King­domes and Prouinces, which are your Patrimonies? Considering there is no man so blind nor senselesse, who seeth not, and vnder­standeth not that the ambition of Phillip neuer resteth, but dayly draweth him from land to land, and raiseth a new warre out of war; So that he by warres, sinne, mischiefe, and meere villanous deceits and treacheries, vnder the pretence of a seeming-peace, seeketh to deject and detrude euery one of you from the seate of your Gouern­ment. For this his desire is vnsatiable and immoderate, and cannot be included nor shut vp, neither in Heauen nor in Earth. If that all Phillips Kingdomes which he useth commonly in that long traine or taile of his most proud Titles and Termes of Honour were put or layd into one of the Seales of Critolaes ballance, and in his other seale his Ambition or greedie desire of Honour; All the Kingdomes would scarcely weigh the quantity of one graine, in comparison of his Ambition.

Alexander the Great looked about for more worlds, when he had conquered the whole world; but Phillip would, if he could, with the Gyants assault the heauens. And therefore, O Princes, and you most peacefull Princes, I intreate you, and I would admonish you, that you judge no more of the occasion and lawfulnesse of our warre; but in your judgements and opinions to hold it for good: and I exhort you most earnestly againe and againe, that you by all [Page] meanes, both in your vnderstandings, and with all your powers, will take heed of the treacheries, robberies, and mischievous practises of Phillips deceit.

In former times, whenas the Athenians, partly with warre, and partly with deceits and treacheries, sought to get unto themselues certaine neere adjacent places, as the Cities of Syracusa, Lacaedemon, Messena and Catina: they by their immoderate Ambition, and de­sire of others Rights, drewe such an hatred upon their owne heads, that Darius the most mighty King of Persia, with the whole coun­try of Grecia, voluntarily undertooke and prosecuted warre against them, unto which euery man ranne and hasted, as to quench a pub­licke flame. But you, O most Illustrious Princes, ought long ago to haue expelled Phillip, (with your conjoyned forces from you, and from your prosperous States) that seeketh continually your liues and Kingdomes, by most unjust warre, and by most wicked enter­prises.

And it concernes, and is fitting, not onely for you, who for a long time since, haue beene provoked, spurred, and stirred up there­unto, by the many injuries and ambition of Phillip, but euen you altogether, who see and perceiue, that he incroacheth with violence upon the limmits of your neighbours; and with an easie and slow pace creepeth and incroacheth towards your Countries. It stand­eth you upon in time to looke unto it; to the end, that your neigh­bouring Countries, being conquered and brought under his slauery and bondage, Tyranny, when you lest thinke upon it, do not incroach upon you.

When as Phillip of Macedon, the Father of Alexander the Great, after the Battell with the Tribaldes, had entertained a long dissem­bling warre with the Athenians, the Thebeans assembled themselues for this occasion; fearing, lest when the Athenians had bene conque­red, the fire of their neighbouring-warre might haue flowne unto them. And a little before, there being a confederacy made betwixt two of the mightiest Cities; who, before had bene at extreme enmity with each other, terrified thereby, and by their Embassadors, all the Country of Grecia: esteeming it so, that a common enemy ought and must be repelled with common force; so that if the first inva­sion of Phillip of Macedon, had had good successe; he would not haue held up, nor rested untill he had conquered and subjugated the [Page] whole country of Grecia. The Romanes in former time, perceauing that the power of the Carthaginians increased and grew great, they had an especial care that the Carthagenians should not grow so great as to ouer-master them: And for that end they sent their souldiers to relieue the Mamertines from the beleagring, and to relieue Spain from seruitude of the Africans.

Although that the Venetians are not very lightly incited to warre, but when the matter of necessity constrayneth them: Yet they neuer tefused to send their warlike power for the succour of others that were under them, when they perceaued that their neighbours con­tended with each other, with an vnreasonable and an immoderate violent ambitione.

These, and the like even to an innumirable examples (or fore­deedes) doe teach you, how carefully you must take heede of that most pestilent evill, of the Spanish ambition; and do shew; or proue, that it is a righteous and just cause, that even all you with one con­sent with us, prosecute a warre against that Tyrant.

For our States do know, that the occasion of their warre against Phillip, is not onely exceeding just and righteous, and ever was: but also, that they at no time, now nor never, may cease their warre, that they may make no peace with Phillip, but alwayes must maine­taine warre against that Tyrant. For we are taught by our friends, how we must take heed of our enemies: For if Phillip do gape and long so earnestly, and with such diligence for your Kingdomes; like as you see he daily doth; how then shall we speed? For assuredly he wil never lay aside Armes before that he hath subjugated all the Ne­therlands under him, because it is a Countrey so fit for his purpose; who, out of them may attempt many enterprises upon your King­domes, and dayly may beginne to raise new warres against you, and draw out of them Souldiers, Armes, and all manner of warlike provi­sion against your adjacent Countries. And therefore he would farre rather cast the greatest part of Christendome for a prey to the Turke; then to cease these warres.

At the last Parliament in Germany, he would not consent to fur­nish the Emperor with any soldiers, nor assistance against the Turke; and the reason was, because he might the better vexe Christendome with warre.

Doe yee yet doubt of this, O yee Princes, which you your selues [Page] haue seene, that Phillip in the beginning of our ciuill commotions, had far rather loose two Kingdoms, Tunis and Goulet, which the Turkes, under their General Sinam Bascha then recouered from him, then that hee would for a while cease his warres with us; or would remoue his Souldiers out of these Prouinces, against the most deadly and mortal enemy of all Christendome.

And you know how many Souldiers, how much Armes, and what charges Phillip hath been at, and wasted, to maintain this war against us. So that if you would but reckon up the same, you shall find that he might haue bought and purchased two Netherlands with that mony: although notwithstanding they be very great, rich, and exceeding copious. So that there is no doubte of this, but Phillip would far rather endure the greatest losse that might betide him then that he would leaue Bellgium with out bellum, or the Low-countries without long encountrings of warre, with out strife, without soul­diers, that they might liue in peace and quietnesse, freely and who­ly according to their Lawes and priuiledges. For by this war, and with the conquest of our Prouinces, he wil lay and establish the stron­gest foundation and surest ground-worke of his Monarchy, Sole-dominion, Tyrannie, and cruel Gouernment. For when he saw and perceaued that these Countries were so singularly fitting for his cruel treacheries and desgnments, and that our Lawes and Liberties con­traryly did wholy oppose the same: therfore sought he first of all with warre, with force and violence, to plucke vp, teare in sunder, and with violence, to oppresse the same, to the end, that his subiects of other Kingdoms, which at this present he hath subiugated, or else might subiugate hereafter; from this our concording, and ge­nerall defence of our Lawes and Liberty, might take no example or instance, with the greater courage and alacrity, to stand for, and main­taine their liberty.

What do you then iudge, ô you most peaceful Princes? or what is your conclusion that our States ought to doe, who chiefly seek for the common good of their natiue Countrey? Verily it cannot be with them, as it is vnder the Gouernment of a cruel Tirant, and as it usually is in ill-gouerned Reipublicks: they are not vsed to be lead, and to submit themselues at any time, with cap and knee, as flatterers doe? to the wills, desires, and lusts of their superiour Lords, nor to be dealt with all as hired slaues? considering that [Page] they neuer would admit nor suffer, that their Lawes, Liberties, nor their Reipublick, should bow or submit vnder the yoake of vniust and vnlawfull Government: But haue as good fathers of their natiue-Countrey; as good fighters for their freedome, and Defendors of their Lawes, (like as it must be in a Reipublick which is moderately and ciuilly gouerned by their Prince) directed their designes, wils, and gouernment of their superiour Lord; according to their Lawes, and the preseruation of their Li­berty.

Do you think that the Spaniards shall spoyle and cruell vexe and torment our Reipublick; and that we with shame will leaue and quit the same? Shall we neglect our deare countrey and liberty? Must we despise the lawes of our predecessors? And shall they peruert & turn topsie-turvie our ciuill orders and policy into tyranny? And shall we with wringing hands look vpon the coarse, and behold the exequies or funerall of our patria and natiue countrey? Shal they rend & teare in peeces the body of our common-wealth, and like most ravenous beasts deuoure the same? And shall we like slaues, with praying and intreating, hardly preserue our own liues, goods, and meanes? Or do ye not far rather laud & extol with the highest commendation of ho­nour, this will and affection of our States, for their manumising and preseruing of their deare and natiue countrey? Incite and exhort you them to proceed as they are best able, and to the vttermost of their powers, for the preservation and manumising of their owne liues and liberty? Come not these things daily into your remembrances, when you think of the Netherlandish warre, or discourse thereof, which I haue now demonstrated, and with sure and infallible and vncontrol­lable reasons proued vnto you, viz. that our States, & all the Nether­landers, being drenched and soaked in misery, and oppressed with the cruelty of the Spaniards; and being expeld out of their natiue coun­trey, of meere necessity were constrained to take Arms against Philip. And that now all the other treacheries, infidelities & iniuries which the Spaniards during the time of these wars haue done vnto the Ne­therlanders, being so great, so inhumane, and so incredible, that they themselues (so to speak) do earnestly exhort, do require & command, that the States with a constant courage, should keepe and maintaine their armes, and neither now, nor neuer, to lay them out of their hands; but to shew vnto the other subiects of Phillip (those of Sicilia, [Page] Calabria, Lombardy, Arragon, Castile, India, & Portugal) yea euen vn­to your selues, O Illustrious Princes, I say to shew, and with valiant deeds to proue, that not onely we, but all of you together, yea and all men vpon the face of the earth, far rather ought to dye, then to be­hold or looke vpon the face of that tyrant.

Do ye yet think, or can you imagine with your selues, that Phillip, with the limits of our countrey, hath limited in his tyranny? Do yee not yet see and perceiue, that the high ascending and mortall flames of the Spanish tyranny, devoureth and swalloweth vp the tresholds, doores, and turrets of your kingdomes? Arise, and at the last awake out of this your sleepe and carelesnesse; come hither with speede, and in all haste flye hereinto, for to quench these vniuersall fire­flames. Wherefore do yee seeke vnto vs against our wils, by your counsels, authorities, and respects, to induce vs to make peace with Phillip; whereas it had been more fitting, that you your selues long a­goe, with warre and force of armes should haue expelled Philip, and with an especiall force and power to haue supprest him?

And to the end I may speake vnto you all one after another, you most mighty Princes of Germany, be sencible, that Philip in your Dutchland doth not hunt after a cruell and vniust government; but (so to speake) doth possesse the same already. For he hauing once conquered these Netherlandish prouinces; when you will not bow and submit to his gouernment: he will haue all the hauens of the sea, and the mouthes of all the Germane riuers at his owne will, and in his owne power: thereby afterwards to impose such grieuous toles and taxations, vpon your nauigation and trading, or else whol­ly will hinder the same, euen as it shall please himselfe. And this is that for which, and in behalfe whereof, one or two of the prouinces doe appeare in your assemblies and consultations: you heare him publickly speak his minde, and you esteeme and preferre his tyranni­call advice and counsell, before your owne prosperity and tranqui­lity. You haue him, the Bishop of Frisinghen and Hildeshem prefer­red before; and you haue seene them made Princes and Prince-Ele­ctors of the Empire; The Bishop of Collen, Liege, and Magdeborgh: and you haue seene that the most ambitious Duke of Bavaria hath laid snares for you all.

And to the end that I may turne my speech vnto you, O you illu­strious & mighty powerful Princes of Poland, hath not Philip brought [Page] a great number of that generation of mankind, (I say Iesuites) into your Countrey, by whose religion and policy they haue brought al­most the whole world into an vp-rore, to the end that he by their meanes, with Sun-shine-like deceits, might propound vnto you what his will and counsell is.

To you also, most peaceful Princes of Italy, I haue already sayd, and say againe, that the sword of the Spanish tyranny hangeth by a very small threed ouer your heads, already naked and drawne out of the scabberd.

And for you, O most illustrious Senators (or Priuy Councellors) of Venice, you your selues haue seen and beheld the tyranny of Phillip in your owne State and gouernment, when he sent money to arme the Turke against you; and diuerted the power and force of the Turk from his owne dominions vpon Cypris; although that hee by thee quity and right of the covenant, had been exceedingly oblie­ged and beholding vnto you.

Therefore O Princes of Christendome, yet euen now, at the long­last, be carefull of your owne estates and affaires, of your owne liues and prosperitie; marke and consider it well, that Phillip is enemy and tyrant to you all, and suffer him to liue no longer in the world: but resist and impeach his ambition to reigne, and that his pestilent and mortall government proceed no further. And like as some certaine members are cut off when they begin to be without life and blood, and are hurtfull to all the other parts of the body; euen so must you also esteeme, that this inhumane cruelty in humane shape, must (so to speak) be separated and cut from the common body of men. Verily the deed of the Persians is much to be commended, and ought to be wel thought upon of you all; who when Cometes and Oropastes two of their Magicians (or wise men) by the like tyrannie and mur­ther of Smerdis, King of Persia, possessed the Kingdom: they were slaine by the valour of seuen of the ablest Princes of Persia, all of them running with a singular affection, diligence, and burning zeale to kill and to destroy those tyrants with their swords, one of the Magitians clasped about the neck of one of the Princes whose name was Gebrias, which made his companions to linger the more, because they would not kill him in steed of the Magician (for this was done in a dark place) who commanded the Magician to thrust his sword through his body. Yet in the end the Magician was slaine, and this [Page] valiant Gebrias (who had rather to haue died, then that the tyrant should haue escaped with life) was saved, and had his life preserved, Such an hate did these men beare to tyrants.

The Grecians informer times attributed divine honour to those men who had slaine a tyrant, And doe you thinke that the Nether­landers shall do euill, or more vniust, that they oppose and resist Phi­lip that jnhumane tyrant.

The Romanes expelled their King Taquinus Superbus, because that he, did but in some sort weaken the state of their common-wealth; and shall we suffer or indure Phillip in our common-wealth, who not onely with fire and sword would destroy and turn-vp-side-downe all the Netherlands, but euen the whole world? No, by no meanes. Our States without doubt, will proceede and prepare the way for you to break off, and to expel this tyrant. They wil perseuere to diuert, driue away, and to foyle him so farre and wide from sup­pressing and killing of our prosperity, that once, not onely they and theirs, but also euen the other provinces of the Netherlands, may be­re-established in their former liberty, and may lead them out of the straights of the Spanish tyranny, and repossesse them in the posse­ssion of their predecessors. That finally, they being re-established, and better ordered, and vnited and bound with the Prouinces of the whole Netherlands; they may stop the incursion and invasion of this cruell tyrant, and altogether with one accord may expell him from their prosperity, and from their common liberty. Amen.