CHAP. I.

THere is all the probabi­lity in the world that this fair Province of Holland has not al­wayes been as rich and as populous as we now see it; but quite contrary, it was a kind [Page 2] of a Desert once, and full of great For­rests. The first People that inhabited it were a Colony of Germans, which came out of their Countrey some time before the Birth of our Saviour, and it is from thence that it has the name of Batavia, if we believe the Roman Hi­story, and particularly Tacitus, lib. de moribus Germanorum.

There is no doubt but the Batavi are the chief in strength and valour among the Germans, and that this Nation which was formerly called Cattes, and which up­on a sedition at home invaded these Islands which the Rhene makes, and are now be­come Subjects of the Roman Empire, are the noblest portion of the German State, since History makes so much mention of them, and that it appears so in their hu­mours, customes, and manners, of which the chiefest are these following. 1. That they pay no tributes. 2. That they are free from all contribution towards the War. 3. That they are alwayes reserv'd for the War. 4. That they have the most honourable rank in the Army, as being esteem'd the best Souldiers, and the best skill'd in lancing their Javelots. 'Tis by [Page 3] their help, sayes Tacitus, that the Ro­mans have extended their Empire beyond the Rhene.

The Romans in truth did think them­selves happy to have them for friends and companions; not that I deny but that they were in some way conquered by the same Romans, whom they assist­ed much in their Wars against the Brit­tains, or English; witness the Brittain Castle built by the same Romans; for as Tacitus sayes, it was only by the force of the Batavi and the Tongri that the Ro­mans did overcome the Brittains: be­sides the Emperours were so convinced of their fidelity, that they us'd them as guards to their persons; but because the Romans did begin to oppress them, they revolted from them, as it is re­ported by Tacitus in the fourth Book of his History, in these words:

The Batavi having been us'd in the Wars of Germany, did furnish the Em­pire with arms and men; their principall leaders were Julius Paulus and Claudius Civilis of the Royall Bloud; Paulus being accus'd of rebellion was kill'd, and Clau­dius put in prison, but set at liberty by [Page 4] Galb [...] Civiiis, being a man of parts, took notice of the disorder the Empire was in, and observing the natural aversion the Bataves had for the Romans, because that in raising of Souldiers among them, they aim'd more to satisfie their avarice and foul luxury, than to supply the legi­ons; he fomented under hand at first their discontent, then appearing openly, exhorted them to recover their liberty, and cast off the yoke of slavery. We are not, said he, treated like companions, but like slaves; remember the glory of your Ancestors, and look upon the disorders of the Em­pire, and the Gaules your neighbours, who will joyn with you in the design of recovering your liberty. Thus it appears by this Writer that the Batavi were to have been the Romans companions, and that it was for the breach and non-perfor­mance of that promise that they revolted, and maintain'd a bloody War, in which were perform'd many noble actions.

The end of this War was a peace, in which the Batavi were ca [...]l'd the bro­thers and friends of the Romans, the title of companions seeming not kind enough, since the Countrey was over­run [Page 5] by the Danes and Normans, who were long masters of it, but in the time of Pepin King of France they recover'd their liberties.

CHAP. II.

CHAP. III.

CHAP. IV.

CHAP. V.

CHAP. VI.

CHAP. VII.

KIng Philip having install'd and setled this Princess in the Go­vernment of the Low-Countreys, left her at Brussels with an ample power, and embarqued at Flushing for Spain. Af­ter his departure, that peace and tran­quillity which he left things in, lasted not long; for what with the discontent of great ones, who thought themselves neglected, and the jealousies of the people, who were afraid of being op­press'd by the Inquisition, all men were ready and dispos'd for tumults. Adde to this the non-performance of that promise, which the King had made at his going away, which was to recall all Spanish and forreign Forces out of the Low Countreys.

[Page 40] The first appearance of sedition, was a Petition presented to the Princess, by five hundred Gentlemen, dress'd like beggars. To content them, the Spa­nish Forces were with-drawn; and not long after Cardinal Granvell, whom they much envied, was recall'd. But still in every place there was execution done upon those, whom they call'd he­reticks; who by their constant suffer­ings, so animated the people, that at last they would no longer endure they should be put to death, but rescued them out of the hands of the hang-men, by force.

The King having notice of all, or­der'd that the Councell of Trent should be publish'd in the Low-Countreys, the execution of which caus'd more trou­bles, and gave occasion to the Count Egmont, to take a journey into Spain, there he was very well receiv'd by the King, soon dispatch'd; and in his re­turn home, he brought with him A­lexander, Prince of Parma, Son to the Princess Regent. Prince Maurice of Nassaw was born in this year 1565. in which was fram'd the league or confede­ration [Page 41] of the Nobility, which was fol­lowed by the revolt and rising of the meaner sort, who broke down Images, and Altars, invaded Monasteries and Nunneries, and at last attak'd Towns. But their fury was stop'd by the Coun­trey people, called Wallons, who fell upon them, and routed them.

The Confederates made a new As­sembly at Leege, and there the Regent sent to them the Prince of Orange, and the Count Egmont, to desire them to forbear all new designs. They sent her another Petition, which she defer'd to answer, till the generall Assembly of the Knights of the Golden Fle [...]c [...] should be holden.

In this very year, the Prince of O­range, the Count Egmond, Count Lewis of Nassaw and Horne, met at Dondermond, to consider whether it were safe for them, to let the King, who did threaten to appear with an Ar­my, come peaceably in, or oppose his passage by main force. Upon this Con­sultation, the Gentry and the Mer­chants joyn'd with them, and all re­solv'd to maintain by force, that which [Page 42] they had obtain'd by Petition from the Princess.

The Prince of Orange, his Brother, and Hogestract, met at Breda, and writ to Fgmont, to know whether he would joyn with them; but he refus'd it.

In 1567. was struck the first stroke of War, between Beauvor for the Prin­cess, and the Lord of Tholoze for the Confederates, who were routed, and their leader kill'd in the sight of the in­habitants of Antwerp, who stood upon their Walls, and looked on for a while; till at last seeing their party worsted, they ran to their Arms, but were ap­p [...]ased by the Prince of Orange. The Princess▪ taking heart at this, propos'd a new Oath of Allegiance; but it was first refus'd by Brederode and Horn, and then by the Prince of Orange himself, who forsook all his employments and charges, and retir'd with his Brother into Germany. Before he went he had a meeting with the Count Egmont, and he told him in the presence of Count Mansfield; I foresee, said he, that thou wilt be the Bridge, over which the Spani­ards [Page 43] will march into the Low-Coun­treys.

This departure of the Prince of O­range, and his friends, did for a time so [...]artle most of the Towns, that they began to ask pardon and submit. The small Army which Brederode had ga­ther'd together, was routed and dis­persed, and he forced to fly with his Family into Friezeland. This made Holland and Zeland receive Garrisons, and drive away the Protestant Mini­sters, insomuch that all was setled a­gain, and obedience restor'd to the Prince. Hereupon the Princess writ to the King, to come in person, and by his presence heal up a wound, which else might open afresh; but Philip, glad (it may be) of this occasion, of diminishing the priviledges of his Low-Countrey Subjects, sent the Duke of Alva with an Army to execute his com­mands. The Princess soon perceiv'd, that the severe proud nature of the Duke, would undoe all that her milde temper had made up. In effect, as soon as he came, he clap'd up the Earls of Horn and Egmont: whereupon the [Page 44] Princess desir'd leave to be gone for Ita­ly. Before her departure, she took her leave by Letters of most of the Ci­ties; and the Nobility shewed their re­spects, in waiting upon her to the bor­ders of Germany, where she left them, to their great sorrow, for the loss of so wise and moderate a Princess.

CHAP. VIII.

THe Duke D'alva having pass'd by Savoy and Lorrain, with an Army of 10000. Spaniards and Italians, all old Souldiers, he was sent by the King, to punish and chastize all those, that had any hand in pulling down Churches and Monasteries; or that had any way favour'd the former Confederati­ons. This he executed by a Court of twelve, who were to judge soveraign­ly, and without appeal, of all Delin­quents. This was call'd the Councell [Page 45] of blood, and so frighted the people, that thousands of them fled with their Families, into neighbouring Coun­treys, to the great detriment of those Provinces, as the Princess Margaret had well fore-seen. The Prince of Orange, and they that were with him, had wisely avoided this storm, which they fore-saw; but Henry of Erede­rode, the Earls of Hooghstract, Culem­burg, and Bergue, were cited before this Councell; but they ran into Ger­many, and implor'd the succour of the Princes there. In the mean time the Duke of Culemburghs house was razed to the ground, and Philip his Son ta­ken from Louvain, and sent into Spain to be bred.

By this time the Princes had got an Army; and Hooghstract fell upon Ar­tois, and was there defeated by Da­vila.

Lewis of Nassaw, with his brother Adolfe, invaded Friezeland, and rout­ed the Earl of Aremberg, who oppos'd them: the Earl and Adolfe were both kill'd. D'alva hearing this, resolv'd to meet [...]hem in person; but before he [Page 46] undertook his journey, he made nine­teen Gentlemen be publickly executed; and a little after, caused the Earls of Horne and Egmont to be beheaded; no prayers nor entreaties made in favour of so great a Warriour, being able to prevail with his fierce temper. He va­lued as little the threats of vengeance, that were made after their deaths; but in pursuance of his design, went and fought the Army of Lewis, which he utterly ruin'd; and immediately turn'd head to the Prince of Orange, who was got into Brabant with another conside­rable Army: him he overcame by po­licy; for he refus'd to fight, knowing, that the Princes Army for want of pay, would soon disband, which accordingly fell out.

After this, he demanded the tenth penny, through the whole Low-Coun­treys; and that was the apple of divisi­on, which separated and divided the Low-Countreys, and made two states of them, one part remaining under the Spanish domination, and the other making up that powerfull body of the United Provinces, now acknowledg'd [Page 47] by Philip the fourth, to be Soveraigns. All the people were very much shaken in their affection to Spain, by the for­mer causes; but this last did as it were, precipitate them into war and discord, which have at last by the exactness of their discipline, produced that incom­parable fruit of peace and tranquil­lity.

This tenth penny was a new tribute upon all merchandises; besides there was a twentieth upon immoveables, and a hundredth part upon all for once. But the people concern'd in this de­mand, chose rather to put hands to their swords, than to their purses; and yet by a strange, but necessary effect of their resolution, they have been forc'd to lay much heavier burdens up­on themselves, to enable themselves to maintain the War: but the desire of li­berty made them endure joyfully that, which they were so much afraid of from anothers hand.

In the mean time, the Councell still proceeded to execution upon the guil­ty, and those that refus'd to pay this new imposition: and though the States [Page 48] did represent what damage would befall the Countrey, by the removall of Mark-lands, yet he being jealous of his Authority, made them go on. But there happened an accident, which much vexed the Duke, which was, that Queen Elizabeth of England, stop'd in her harbours, divers Ships loaden with money, destin'd to pay his Army, and caus'd it to be transported into the Tower of London, where i [...] re­main'd, never to be repayed.

This disappointment cool'd the Dukes heat a little, and made him pub­lish a solemn pardon for the following year; but in vain, for by this time he was become so odious, that all the peo­ple forsook, and turn'd to the Prince of Orange, as it appear'd not long after.

About All-Saints day, there hapned an unlucky presage of the following ca­lamities, and which was indeed a great one it self; for the Sea having broken the dikes and sluces, over-flowed al­most all Friezeland, with a great part of Holland and Zeland; they say, that above 20000. persons perished [Page 49] in Friezeland alone. This great mis­fortune made them represent to the Duke, the impossibility of paying the Taxe he requir'd; who little satisfied with their Remonstrances, was upon the point of dealing severely with some Citizens of Bruxels, when the news came that the The name of a Faction. Gueux d'eau, or water Gueux, or Beggars, had sur­prized the Bril upon Palm-Sunday. The chief of this Faction was the Earl of Lumee; who being cast there with his Fleet by a storm, found occasion of surprizing the place, and there discharg'd upon the Church­men, the hatred he owed the Spani­ards. The Count de Bossu hastening to its relief, was beaten off, and then seeking to secure Dort, he was re­fus'd entrance.

Upon this news, all the Towns of Holland cast off the yoke, and joyn'd with the Prince of Orange, except Amsterdam and Schorhof: Flushing in Zeland followed the example of the rest, being animated to it by a Priest.

[Page 50] The Province of Overissel chang'd likewise: but nothing so much trou­bled the Duke, as the taking of Mons in Hainaut by the French, under the conduct of Lewis of Nassaw. For fearing lest Charles of France should take this occasion, of invading the Low-Countreys, he immediately turn'd all his Forces that way, which gave time to the Hollanders, to frame their small Commonwealth, and give it some foundation. He besieged Mons by his Son at first, and at last came him­self, and took it, in spight of Lewis and his Army; who endeavouring to succour the place, were beaten, and forc'd to a retreat. Mons being reco­ver'd, many other Towns yeelded; and Malines for having receiv'd a Gar­rison from the Prince, was sacked. The Dukes Son Frederick, following his Fathers foot-steps, recover'd Over­issel and Friezeland; from thence pas­sed into Holland, and by the bloody action he committed at Naerden, he fastened an indeleble hatred upon his Nation. Harlem also was taken; but Alcmaer stood out, and much fortified the Confederates.

[Page 51] The year 1573. was famous, by the Duke of Alvaes leaving the Low-Coun­treys. He was recall'd by Philip, who thought his absence might bring a calm in this troubled Sea; but the agitation was too great to be so soon layed. He was a cruell proud man; a very good Souldier, but inexorable in his chasti­zings: if he had made a mixture of se­verity and mildness, he had without doubt better fitted the humour of the Nations, he had to do with. He is to this very day in great aversion among the Hollanders, who call all cruell men by his name. It is said of him, that he bragg'd he had brought above 18000. to their end, by the hand of justice: I know not whether it be true; but I know that the States have founded the justice of their pretensions, upon his cruelties. He govern'd six years, and left no body afflicted for his depart. It was said, and well said, that either King Philip should never have sent him, or never have recall'd him.

CHAP. IX.

LEwis of Requesens, high Com­mander of the Kingdome of Ca­stilia, was sent in the place of the Duke; and his famous Statue which he had caused to be set up in Antwerp, was pull'd down by his order, to the great satisfaction of the States. His first care was to set out a Fleet, to succour Mon­dragonius, a brave Captain, who had defended Middleburgh almost two years; but he was ignorant that the Sea was the Throne, these Nations in­tended to settle their Empire in. The Earl Bossu had been beaten the year a­fore by the Hollanders; and now the Zelanders burn'd and destroyed this Fleet, in the presence of Don Lewis, and took Middleburgh.

[Page 53] The Count Lewis of Nassaw had worse fortune; for having brought a brave Army out of Germany, he was met at Nimmiegue by Davila, and en­tirely defeated; himself and his Bro­ther slain. This victory was followed by a sedition in the Spanish Army, which much weakened their power; but being appeas'd, were sent before Leyden, in hopes of having the pillage­ing of that Town; but being there shamefully repulsed, their indignation fell upon their Generall, whom they detained in prison, till they had recei­ved their full pay. After that they took Oudewater and Schoonhof. Many Pro­positions and Treaties were advanced; but none taking effect, Don Lewis fram'd that famous enterprize, by ma­ny thought impossible, of besieging Ziriczee. This Island was in the Con­federates hands, and the Royalists wa­ded through the Sea up to the neck, to go and besiege it: 'tis true, there was no hopes of a return, the Sea being en­creased by the flowing water. Ziric­zee held out nine moneths, after which it yeelded. Vitellio a great Captain di­ed [Page 54] during that siege, and Don Lewis followed him shortly after.

By his death, the Authority came into the hands of the Cou [...]cell of State; who for want of union, ruin'd the Kings affairs, and gave occasion to a fourth sedition of the Spaniards. A little after followed the pacification of Gand, and the alliance of the Provin­ces, against the Spaniards; who seeing themselves generally hated, and that the inhabitants of Antwerp, were about to divide the Town from the Cittadell, by a Trench, agreed at last with the Governour Davila, and sallying out, plunder'd the Town for three dayes to­gether, which was a most barbarous and detestable action.

CHAP. X.

DOn John of Austria was receiv'd Governour, upon condition that he should subscribe to the pacification of Gand, which he did; but finding himself without Authority, he sur­prized Namur; whereupon the States proclaimed him as an enemy, and raised an Army. He was a Bastard of Charles the fifth, and had made himself famous, by that immortall Battle of Lepanto a­gainst the Turks, in which he was Ge­nerall. The States chose in the mean time the Archduke Matthias, Brother to the Emperour Rodolf, for their Go­vernour. Then having assembled their Army at Gemblours, they faced Don Johns Forces; who couragiously en­gaging them, obtained the victory, but [Page 56] liv'd not long after it, declaring Alex­ander, Prince of Parma, for his suc­cessour. This was that famous Alex­ander, who by his valour and conduct, reduced all Artois, Hainaut, Flanders, and Brabant, to their obedience; who took Antwerp, Malines, Ipres, Brussels, and many other Cities; and at last he had brought the Confederates to the necessity of submitting to some forreign Prince for protection, if God had not raised up Prince Morrice to defend them. In the mean time the Archduke Matthias, finding that the States had a mind to be rid of him, and were ready to call the Duke of Alencon, and make him Duke of Brabant, left the Low-Countreys. The Duke of Alencon went first into England, in hopes of being married to Queen Elizabeth; but the match being deferr'd, he went into Brabant, and took possession of the Dutchy.

In the year 1582. the Prince of O­range was shot in the face with a Pistoll, which made the people take some jea­lousie of the French, and threaten to cut their throats, and their new Dukes. [Page 57] He on his side did complain, that all the Authority was in the Prince of Orange his hand; and thereupon fram'd a de­sign upon Antwerp, but fail'd when it came to the execution, so that they were forced to leave the Town: and soon after Alexander made them quit the Countrey, in which he did still ad­vance, having taken Tournay, Oude­nard, and Breda, defeated Biron, and taken Dunkirk.

All this while, William Prince of O­range, was seriously employed in fra­ming, and giving Laws to this new Commonwealth; but being wakened by the progress of Alexander, Duke of Parma, he made a Remonstrance to the United Provinces, that now there was but two wayes left, to provide for their safety; the one was, to submit, and patiently yeeld to the Spanish dominati­on; the other, to declare the King of Spain to be fallen from, and to have lost his right to the said Provinces; and thereupon choose another Prince, men­tioning the Duke of Alenson. The last of these was followed; and in a gene­rall Assembly at Antwerp, King Philip [Page 58] was depriv'd of his right and power in those Provinces, and the Duke of Alenson, as it has been said before, chosen in his place. It is to the great wit and prudence of this Prince of Orange, that Holland owes its liberty; but he liv'd not to enjoy the fruit of his labour, for he was assassinated at Delft, the same year and day that the Duke of Alenson died at Chastea [...] Thy­erry.

Alexander having reduced Ipres and Bergue, resolv'd, against the opinion of all, to besiege Antwerp; and though he met with inconceivable difficulties in the execution, yet he atchiev'd his enterprize with great glory.

But his noble actions, and the brave resistance of the United Provinces, with all the series of the long War they have maintain'd, for the defence of their liberties, have been eloquently writ­ten by divers good Authors, to whom we refer the Reader: our scope in this short Narration being only to instruct him, how Holland and the other Provinces were govern'd be­fore their union; which having per­form'd, [Page 59] we now come to our main design, which is, to give a particu­lar Account of this Union, of the Conditions upon which it was con­cluded, and by which it yet stands, as it follows in the Second Part of this Book.

CHAP. I.

IT was in the Year 1579. that some of the 17. Provinces formerly un­der the Dominion of Philip King of Spain, began to be call'd the United Provinces, because of the League and Union which they made to defend [Page 61] themselves against the Spaniard their common Enemy; and though these Provinces be now in the number of seven, yet at first they were not so many, but those that are mentioned in the Annals are these following; Guel­dre, Zutphen, Holland, Zeeland, the Diocess of Utrect, Friezland, or that Country which is call'd Omland, situa­ted between the Rivers Ems and La­rica, the Country about Nimmiegue and Arnhem, the greatest part of the griet­mans of Friezland, Antwerp, Ypres, and Breda. The Provinces call'd Overyssel and Groningue followed their example, and were admitted into the Union in the Year 1594. Here follow the Arti­cles of this Union.

1. That all the aforesaid Provinces shall be as straightly and intimately uni­ted, as if they did all make up one entire Province and Politick body; and that they shall never be capable of being dis-united by any will, codicil, gift, ces­sion, sale, contract, agreement, or ma­riage of any Prince, nor by any other means whatsoever.

2. That every one of these Provinces [Page 62] shall inviolably keep and enjoy all their Immunities, Customs, Priviledges, and Statutes of their Ancestors; that they shall help one another against all Ene­mies whatsoever; that if it should hap­pen that any contentions should arise between the said Provinces, that the de-bate should be judged either by the or­dinary Judges, or by Umpires friendly chosen, and in the mean time they shall forbear troubling and offending one another till sentence be pronounced.

3. The said Provinces shall be bound to defend and protect each other mutu­ally and freely, against all Princes and Lords either of their own Country or Foreigners, who shall offer to invade them, or commit any act of hostility whatsoever; and for this effect they shall raise such Forces, and such Money and Contribution as shall be thought fit, and judged necessary by the greatest and major part of the Confederates.

4. To the end that the said Provinces be alwayes in a readiness, and provided against all designs of their Enemies, the Frontier Towns shall be Fortified, and provided with Men and Ammunition at [Page 63] the Publick charge, by the consent of all the Provinces; and that those whose Towns are already Fortified, shall ne­vertheless contribute as the rest; and if there be found necessity of building any new Forts, demolishing or change­ing the old ones, that it be done at a common charge.

5. And to the end that the necessary means whereby to answer all these de­signs fail not, there shall be leavied and raised every where alike, and by the same form and way, Taxes and Imposts upon all sorts of Wine, Beer, Wheat, Corn, Salt, Cloths, Silks, Cattle, till'd and pasture Grounds, the weight of Merchandizes, weighed in publick weights, &c. That those Regal Rights belonging heretofore to the King of Spain, shall still remain and be conver­ted to the use aforesaid; that all the Money raised by these, or any other wayes, shall not be destin'd nor imploy­ed for any other use than for the de­fence of the said Provinces; and the said Imposts shall be lessened or encreased according to publick emergencies.

6. That the Frontier Towns shall be [Page 64] bound to receive or dismiss all Garri­sons by the command of the States, as likewise to pay them their pay out of the publick Money; and to the end the safety of the said Towns be the better preserv'd, it is agreed that the Officers of the Garrisons shall be sworn, not only to the States General, but also to the Magistrates of the particular Towns they shall be in; that care be taken to make a Military Law, to the end the Souldiers be not trouble some to the In­habitants; that the Souldiers them­selves in Garrison be not freed from paying the Imposts, and there be a sum set apart by the States to pay the Citi­zens for the lodging and quartering of Souldiers.

7. That a moneth after the publica­tion of this Union, there be a general review made of all those that have at­tain'd the age of 18. years, and are un­der 60. and that their Names be regi­stred and declared to the States General, to be imployed as they shall think fit.

8. That there be made neither Peace, War, nor Truce, nor new Imposition without the consent of all the Provinces, [Page 65] not one resisting or standing out; and as for the other things, that concern the administration and execution of the said alliance, that they be undertaken and perform'd by those that shall be ap­pointed by the greatest part of the Con­federates; yet that all be call'd if there be either Peace or War, or some other important business to be decided; if the States cannot agree, then the busi­ness be put to the Arbitration of the Governors of the particular Provinces, and that all may follow their decision.

9. That none of the said particular Provinces shall make League or Union with any Neighbouring Power, or strange and remote Prince or People, by their own private Authority, and without the consent of the rest; and likewise that if any Princes desire to come into the aforesaid alliance, that they shall be received by common con­sent.

10. That all approve of, or reject the same coyn, stamp, and money; and that as soon as can be, there come forth a rule or settlement for coyning, which all shall follow.

[Page 66] 11. As for the publick exercise of Religion, whether or no any other ought to be receiv'd besides the Pro­testant, let every Province dispose and ordain about it as they please; provi­ded still that they be all bound to let every man have the liberty of his Con­science, without persecution for that subject.

12. If there should happen any con­tests between any of the Provinces, that then those of them that shall not be concern'd, shall have power to deter­mine about the debate of the others; but if in these divisions all were con­cern'd, then let the Governors of all the Provinces meet and decide the mat­ter in a moneths time, after which there shall be no appeal, exception, revision, or nullity to be pleaded.

13. That the said Provinces and Mem­bers of this Union do take a special care, not to give any occasion to Foreign Princes to make War against them; and therefore that they carry themselves towards Strangers with the same equi­ty, justice and moderation, as towards the Naturals; and if any of the Mem­bers [Page 67] do infringe and break this Article, it is the duty and power of the others to constrain them to observe it by all means whatsoever.

14. The States and Governors of each Province shall not lay a heavier Imposi­tion upon those of their Subjects that shall travel to and fro, than upon those that are found Inhabitants.

15. That the Government and pub­lick administration be well setled, as it is agreed; that there be chosen in the Name of all the Confederates some Plenipotentiaries, and that these Plenipo­tentiaries do assign the day and place of the Assembly of the States of each Pro­vince; and that they send to them in due time the Grievances, and Heads of matters they are to treat about. Yet if there be such points as require se­crecy, that then they reserve to declare them in the Assembly General of the States; that all the Provinces being thus advertiz'd, do send their Deputies with their instructions and powers necessary to the place of the Assembly General; that the preference be given by the plu­rality of Votes, except in important [Page 68] affairs; that if some Provinces do neg­lect to send their Deputies, that those that shall meet do nevertheless debate and deliberate, and decree, as if all had been there; but if the things to be de­bated will endure a delay, then the Pro­vinces that have not sent their Deputies shall be call'd upon two or three times, and those that have not convenience of sending their Deputies, let them send their advice by writing.

16. If the States of the particular Provinces, have any knowledge of those things that deserve to be examin'd and pass'd in the Council of the States Ge­neral, let them give notice to the Pleni­potentiaries, who shall assign and call together the Assembly of the Confe­derates.

17. If there should be any difficulty about the interpretation of these Arti­cles, or any doubt arise, let the sence of the major part of the Confederates be taken for the true meaning of all.

18. If it be found necessary to abo­lish or change any Laws already made, or make any new ones, let it be done by the Votes and consent of all.

[Page 69] 19. Let all observe, and solemnly swear to keep inviolably these Laws; that if any thing be done either direct­ly or indirectly contrary to them, let it be ipso facto void; and let it be lawfull for the other Provinces to seise and take the Cities, Possessions, and Goods of those that shall infringe them, and per­sist so to do.

In short, if in these Constitutions there be any thing against the Right of any particular Province now constitu­ting, it shall not be sufficient to make a general renunciation to it, except it be preceded by a particular renunciation of each of the Confederates.

These are the Laws that have been the foundation and basis of this Com­monwealth, and are still exactly obser­ved in all points, except in the 11th. Article concerning Religion, which was alter'd by the States General in the Year 1583.

And since by the Union of Utrect, it is free to amplifie, change and shorten any of the said Articles, when the safety of the Provinces should require it; the States ordain'd, that no Religion should [Page 70] be henceforth receiv'd, but that which is publickly taught in the United Pro­vinces, which is the Reformed; but that if any Members, Provinces, or Papish Towns would enter into this alliance, that then they should enjoy the liberty of their Religion, in subscribing to the rest of the Articles.

CHAP. II.

HAving made a slight draught of the Commonwealth of these U [...]i­ted Provinces, we must now consider what are these Provinces thus united; and to that end it is observable, that all those Towns that do depend on the ad­ministration and Government of the States, do send their Deputies to the Hague, and do share in the Govern­ment; but that those Cities and Towns that have been added, and subjected by [Page 71] the force of Armes, are as conquer'd Nations used to be with the Romans. 'Tis true, that those Towns that by the happy success of the States Armes have been with great cost and time conquer'd in Brabant, have often solicited their admission and reception into the Body of the Commonwealth; but because they have stood the State in so much blood and treasure, and that they are incapable of assisting and being a help against the Enemy, by reason of their long sufferings, and also because it is fit that they alone who first conspir'd to this alliance, should enjoy it, they have not yet obtain'd their request.

But to know whether those Towns of Brabant, to the number of eight, viz. Bolduc, Breda, Berguenopsooun, Mastrect, Grave, Steenbergue, Heindove, and Hel­mont, do deserve the priviledge that the Countrey of Drent now enjoys, viz. of having particular Treasurers not ac­comptable to the States General, is a point which deserves a greater discussi­on than is here to be expected. How­ever within these few years the said Towns have a Court of Judicature, [Page 72] which does Soveraignly and without Appeal judge and decide all controver­sies arising in those parts. This Court sits at the Hague, and is made up of seven Counsellors, one Secretary, one Attorney of the Exchequer, and one Attorney General: The Towns like­wise conquer'd in Flanders have a Court of Judicature at Middlebourg, determining all causes Soveraignly.

The Countrey of Drent has many great Priviledges, as the power to choose a Governor; to contribute to the publick necessities as other Pro­vinces do; and it has also an ambula­tory Court of Justice, which goes from Town to Town to hear causes, and de­cree upon them without Appeal; be­sides it has the liberty of naming Com­missaries for the Treasury; but it has not yet the priviledge of sending De­puties call'd Pensionaries to the States General, because they did not at first come into the League and Alliance made between the other Provinces; and also because since that time there has been no occasion of making any Ar­ticles with any of their Towns, except [Page 73] Couverde, which is disputed too; there being in this Countrey scarce any place which has ju [...] Civitatis, except the little Town of Mepp [...]l, which would sooner attain its desire of taking share in the Government, if by the consent of Drent it were united to some of the neigh­bouring Provinces.

To Drent is ordinarily joyn'd the Mannor or Demean of Rhun, which is an antient Lordship of the House of Munster.

But Gueldres, Holland, Zeeland, U­trect, Friezland, Overyssel and Gronin­gue, with Omlund, are of the first alli­ance, and have for Armes a Lion hold­ing in his paw seven Arrows, the sym­bole of their Union, and the States Ge­neral do use it as their publick Seal.

This order which we have set down, though it were so at first, was neverthe­less disputed between Friezland and U [...]rect, they both pretending to the precedency; but besides that Utrect is in possession, it has two strong reasons: The first is, that formerly all Friezland was subject to the Bishop of Utrect, as for the Spiritual Jurisdiction▪ [...]ly. That [Page 74] a [...] Utrect had declar'd for the Union, when divers Towns of Friezland were yet in suspence.

CHAP. III.

FRom the first time that the Depu­ties met to make and ordain Laws, about the setling and firm establishing of the Commonwealth, it was agreed by the 17th. Article of the Union of Utrect, that as often as the Confederates should have occasion to deliberate a­bout any thing in a set place, they should send thither their Deputies, and these Deputies were call'd the States General of the United Provinces. But the States being not alwayes in a capa­city to meet, by reason of divers obsta­cles, and there being a great necessity of a perpetual Senate or Council, it was [Page 75] found requisite to establish a Council of State, (den Raed van Staten) which was made up of one President, of the Deputies of the Provinces, of one Treasurer, and three Secretaries. There was in those dayes no set place for the meeting of this Council, because that then the settlement was not com­pleated, and things were uncertain: but here are the Articles which this Council was bound to observe, and which were to guide them in their ad­ministration.

First, That in the exercise of their charge they should not so much en­deavour the benefit and advantage of those Provinces which they were Depu­ties for, as the good of the whole Com­monwealth.

2. That they should observe the Laws prescribed them by the Authority of the States General.

3. That they shall take care of the publick Treasure, and pay the wages to all those to whom wages are due.

4. That they shall take care that the affaires of the Confederates do [Page 76] not receive any disadvantage or trou­ble.

5. That they shall send every three moneths to the States of each particular Province, a Compendium of all their Consultations, and the accounts of their expences and receipts.

6. That the States General shall con­sult and deliberate with them in affairs of importance, and that they shall call them together, according to the 19th. Article of the Union.

This last Article was to be understood of such affairs as could not be delayed For their importance.

By succession of time, the Common­wealth continuing to prosper and ad­vance, and the Earl of Leicester being expected in these parts from England, to govern as Lieutenant to Queen E­lizabeth, there was reason to fear that which had already happened, viz. that he or others sitting for him, in the States, should endeavour to dive into the secret of deliberations; whereupon it was resolv'd, to settle, besides this Council of State, the Soveraign Council of the States General, who should al­wayes [Page 77] sit at the Hague, leaving to this Council of State the care of smaller and less important business.

CHAP. IV.

SInce that time, that is, ever since the Year 1587. the Soveraign admini­stration of business has been in the power of the States General and their Soveraign Council; and in it is not only all Majesty and Soveraignty, by vertue of the Union, but they have also the power of deciding some business which the particular Provinces cannot.

1. For in the first [...] [Page 78] lone that give Audience to the Am­bassadors of Princes and Foreign States, and do also send in their own Name Ambassadors abroad for the good of all.

2. This Assembly alone proclaims War, and has the management of it both by Sea and Land.

3. It is to them that the Officers and Souldiers are first sworn, and then to the General that commands the Army.

4. Some Deputies of this Assembly are alwayes appointed to accompany the General in time of War, without whose advice he cannot lawfully begin any enterprize of importance.

5. This Assembly has also its Envoys in the Meetings of the East and West India Companies, because there are often deliberations of War and Peace.

6. It is this Assembly that has the power of chosing a General both by Sea and Land, and of obliging him to take the Oath of allegiance to them.

7. They give Safe-conduct and Passes to all Strangers that desire to passe through their Countrey.

[Page 79] 8. They can pardon and forgive Fu­gitives, and those that have turn'd to the Enemies.

9. They make Orders about the transport and entries of Merchandises.

10. They alone exercise the power of Soveraignty over the conquer'd Ci­ties and Towns of Brabant, Flanders, and other places reduced by force.

11. They ought to take care that all the Provinces remain in friendship and amity one with another; but they ought to comport themselves rather as Remonstrancers than as Commanders.

And in short, they are to take care of all that is directed and addressed to them by Commissions; and whosoever shall well weigh these things, will not won­der if they are honoured with the title of Illustrious High and Mighty, though the States of Holland enjoy only the quality of Noble and Powerfull:

CHAP. V.

THe States Generall are alwayes up­on the Guard, for the rest of the Provinces safety, and for all publick advantages. If therefore the Gover­nour Generall, or the Embassadours and Envoys of other Princes, do make any Propositions, that are of concern and importance to the Commonwealth, it is order'd, that the Deputies do give account of it by Letters, to their re­spective Provinces; and according as their answer is, it is determin'd by the plurality of Votes, except in cases of contribution, for then there is requir'd an unanimous consent of all the Pro­vinces.

From whence it appears, that the States Generall being the representa­tives of those that send them, have no [Page 81] power beyond the extent of their Com­mission, and in such things only as are mention'd by it; but do stand in need of new Orders, when new business happens, and without them they can­not deliberate, nor give their Vote in the Assembly. So that it appears, that they have but a fiduciary and dele­gated power; their Decrees are of no force, if they are not agreed to by the particular Provinces: and to them these Decrees are directed to be pub­lished, rather in a precary and submis­sive way, the stile running; We pray and require our dear and beloved the States, Governours, Deputies, &c. of the respective Provinces, &c. Besides this, every Province makes Laws at home as they please.

CHAP. VI.

THis high Councell alwayes sitting at the Hague, is composed of the Deputies of the seven Provinces, in the order above-mentioned. They are sent in uncertain number; for some Provinces send two, some three, or one, or a greater number; but all the Deputies of one Province, though ne­ver so many, make but one Vote, or Su [...]rage. The Provinces that send them, furnish them for their expences, and give them a considerable allow­ance. The time of their deputation is not limited neither; for some Provin­ces [Page 83] send them for two years, some for four, six, or more, some for all their life. Now all these Provinces are of equall Authority in the States, though Holland, which is the strongest of all, have the custome of drawing some o­thers to its party, and particularly, when Zeeland joyns with it.

But that which is worth observation, and contrary to the opinion of some strangers, is, that though the Provin­ces be very unequall in strength and dignity, and that some contribute four times as much in peace and war, to­wards the publick; yet have they all equall right in deliberations, and none has an authority over the other. Be­tween the Deputies, they observe the order that is receiv'd in their respective Provinces, for their precedency. In Gu [...]ldres the Gentry goes before the Deputies of the Towns, and the Depu­ties of Nimegue precede all the others. In Holland the Deputies of Towns yeeld to the Deputies of the Nobles. In Zeeland the Deputy of the Marquess of Terveer, and of Flushing, precede all the others, as representing the Nobi­lity. [Page 84] In the Diocess of Utrect, the De­puties of the chosen, or Eleu [...], have precedency before the Nobility, and before the Deputies of the Town of Utrect it self. In Friezeland the Depu­ties of the Countrey, call'd (Goon ende Wolden) do precede the Deputies of Towns. In Overissel the Nobles De­puties carry it, before the Deputy of the three great Towns; and the same precedency that Groeningue has upon Omland, its Deputy has upon the De­puty of the other.

These things deserve to be taken no­tice of, because it is ordinarily the first Deputy that presides; and he being ab­sent, the next takes his place: but the same does not preside alwayes in this great Assembly; for the president is changed every week, and the Deputies of the Provinces take it by turns.

Some strangers have been grosly mistaken, to write, that the Gover­nour Generall was the perpetuall Pre­sident of this Assembly; which is so far from being true, that he has not so much, as the liberty of giving his Vote. It cannot be denied indeed, that the [Page 85] States do often ask his advice, and hear his Propositions; and by a receiv'd custome, the President does every day see him, to know whether he has any thing to propose.

When the President takes the Votes, he begins by Gueldres, and goes on to Holland, Zeeland, &c. and having the opinion of all, he concludes according to the plurality of Votes; except it be an affair of great consequence, and that the Deputies desire to have time, to advise with the States of their Pro­vinces. The Clerk or Secretary does at the same time, draw up the resolu­tion of the company, which the Presi­dent signs, and the Secretary after him.

CHAP. VII.

SInce that the Government of Hol­land shall be hereafter propos'd, as a pattern of the other Provinces; it will not be amiss to produce here the Orders, that the States of Holland and West-Friezeland gave upon the third of March, in 1643. to the Deputies they sent to the States Generall.

1. There shall be sent on the be­half of Holland and West-Friezeland, none but capable and sufficient men, that shall not be before-hand engaged in another employment, by Oath or Pension.

[Page 87] 2. It is not lawfull for the Deputies to go beyond the terms of the Treaty of union at Utrect, and the Commands of their Provinces. They shall let pass nothing, that shall be contrary to the priviledges, immunities, and cu­stomes, receiv'd by our Ancestours, without a speciall Order from their States.

3. The said Deputies shall not, nei­ther in this Assembly, nor out of it, treat of peace nor war, nor grant Pa­tents or Priviledges, that might be damageable to Holland or West-Frieze­land; nor levy or cashier Souldiers; nor change the current Coyn; nor forgive traytors: but whensoever things of that nature shall be afoot, they shall give notice to the States of Holland and West-Friezeland, or in their ab­sence, to the Councell of State.

4. They shall neither sell, nor alie­nate the Dominions, Rights, and Privi­ledges belonging to the publick, by vertue of their publick union, without a particular and speciall consent of the Provinces.

5. All the revenues and preroga­tives [Page 88] that belong to the publick, by vertue of Treaties and Agreements made with forreign powers, shall be applied to the benefit of the publick union, and shall be put in the hands of the Treasurer, and the Councell of State, and the States Generall shall not dispose of them.

6. The Deputies shall not, neither by themselves, nor by others, exercise any sort of Judicature upon any cause; but shall send the parties either to the Councell of State, or to the Admiralty, according as the affair is: but they may pronounce sentence upon such Law-Suits, as are subject to be re-view­ed.

7. They cannot by their Authority, hinder and suspend the execution of any sentence, given by any Court whatsoever, either in criminall or civill matters.

8. As soon as the States of Holland and West-Frieze shall meet, they shall immediately send them all the De­liberations made in the States Gene­rall.

9. They shall communicate the af­fairs [Page 89] and concerns of these Countreys, to none but their States; or in their absence, to their Councell of State: and if there fall out any thing that may concern North-Holland, they shall im­mediately give notice to the Deputies of that place.

10. The Councell of State, and the Colledge of the [...]iralty, shall leave that very thing [...] the order so pre­scrib'd; and shall not change, either by themselves, or others, any part of these Instructions.

11. They shall not dispose of the pri [...]pall military, and pol [...]ck Offices, without the particular consent of the States of Holland; neither shall they make such presents, as might lessen the revenue of the publick.

12. They shall have six shillings a day allowed them for their wages.

13. The Deputies shall swear to ob­serve all these Articles; of which, the States of Holland and West-Friezeland, do reserve to themselves a more ample interpretation.

This Order has been made and con­firm'd by the said States the ninth of [Page 90] March, in the year 1643. Here follows the Formulary of the Oath.

I A. B. do promise and swear perpetu­all fidelity to the States of Holland, and West-Friezeland, as being the Sove­raign Lords of the said Provinces; and that I will not assist neither by counsell, nor by deed, or any manner, in any thing that shall be prejudiciall to the aforesaid Authority; and that if I perceive any such thing doing by others, I will imme­diately give notice of it to the States, or in their absence, to their Councell: like­wise that I will defend to my utmost, the prerogatives and honour of the said Coun­treys; as likewise the Reform'd Religion, as it is now taught in those Provinces. In a word; that I will further and ad­vance, as much as in me lyes, the interest of the said Provinces, both in the States Generall, and abroad, as far as it stands with the benefit of the publick union. I do likewise promise to keep secret all things, that shall require to be so kept; that I will receive no forbidden presents; and that I will do all things according to those Or­ders I have now or shall have hereafter.

CHAP. VIII.

BEsides the Assembly of the States Generall, alwayes residing at the Hague; there is besides a great Assem­bly, call'd in the language of the Countrey, De groote Vergaderinge; which is also convocated to meet at the Hague, for affairs of extraordinary importance. This Assembly never meets, till all the Provinces have first given their consent; who do not only prescribe the time and place, but do al­so examine before-hand, in their States, all the points that are to be put in deli­beration, that so they may be able to give positive and certain Orders to their Deputies; and yet are these De­puties often obliged to write back, and have recourse to those that sent them. The Order of this Assembly, is the same with that of the States Generall, and they have the same power.

CHAP. IX.

IT appears by what has been said be­fore, that there is a Councell of State of more ancient standing, than the States Generall. But since the esta­blishment of this last, the first takes cognizance of smaller affairs; as of those things that concern Taxes; or the Militia; or those that regard the Towns and Fortresses conquer'd, and the visit of the fortifications of them. This Councill is compos'd of the Depu­ties of all the Provinces; and the Gene­rall of the Army, (when there is one) is perpetuall President of it, and has his Vote. There are twelve Counsellors from the Provinces; two from Guel­dres; three from Holland; two from [Page 93] Zeeland; two from Friezeland; and Utrect, Overissell, Groeningue, and Om­land, each, one. And because the Generall is often absent, therefore they choose a President, which ordi­narily fall to them by turns. Hereof every man makes a Vote, and they reckon by Pole; and then the greatest number carries it. They sit as long, as it pleases the States that sent them. Friezeland having alwaies had a Go­vernour apart, he has had the privi­ledge of appearing and sitting for them, and of appointing some body to do it in his absence. This Councell being (in effect) as a help to the States Generall, they treat much about affairs of the same nature, and often do give an ac­count of what they do, to the States Generall; who upon their information, do Decree: and then the Decree runs thus: By the Commandment of our Lords, the States Generall of the United Pro­vinces, upon the relation of the Councell of State, of the same Provinces. And besides the Secretary, the President (pro tempore) in the Councell, signs it.

[Page 94] This Councell does ordinarily meet apart, and of its own accord; but sometimes extraordinarily it joyns with the Assembly of the States Generall. When that happens, if the Generall of the Army is there, he takes place a­mong the Deputies of the States Gene­rall, and he takes the most honourable place, at the upper end of a long Ta­ble: and as it often happens, when the Counsellors of State are dismiss'd, he may keep his place, and assist at the other Deliberations of the States.

Now every time that this Councell meets alone, there are two Counsel­lors supernumerary, who have only deliberative voices, and not definitive Votes, that do assist at it. The one is the Superintendant of the Treasury; and the other is the Treasurer, or Receiver Generall himself. The first keeps ac­count, and controuls all publick ex­pences, though he keep not the mo­ney; the other has in his hands all the publick treasure, of which he gives good account. He is ordinarily heard after the Intendant, whose counsell they commonly ask first.

CHAP. X.

EAch Province has a soveraign power within it self, and may exercise all supreme jurisdiction, except such as ought to be common to all by vertue of their union. For example, that can make Laws obligatory to their Sub­jects; choose Magistrates; punish Criminals; coyn Money; set up Uni­versities; make the Dividends of gene­rall Taxes; and impose such as are necessary for the States of the Pro­vince.

Yet this is not to be so understood, as if this Soveraignty of the States, did exclude the soveraign jurisdiction, which many Towns do exercise within their Precinct: for the end of the State [...] being to preserve every ones liberties and priviledges, it is not to be thought they will take away any, that shall be [Page 96] consistent with the Government. As for example, Dort, Nimmegue, Deven­ter, de Camp, de Zwoll, and Gr [...]enin­gue, have many priviledges, which we shall else-where take notice of. Likewise the Countrey of Drent does exercise by its States, a royall and ab­solute Authority, and does commit the administration of it to its Deputies. Omland likewise has the power of im­posing Taxes upon its [...]nhabitants, though it make up one Province▪ with Groeningue. Now here are the particu­lar acts of Soveraignty, of which every Province▪ in particular is barr'd, and which do only belong to them all uni­ted. For they cannot

1. Undertake a new War. 2. Make Peace or Truce. 3. Lay Impositions, which concern the common Union. 4. M [...]ke alliance with Neighbours. 5. Set the value of Money, or make Laws concerning the publick. All these things cannot be done but by common consent.

CHAP. XI.

IN Holland and West-Friezeland the States are compos'd of two sorts of Members; viz. of the Nobles, and of the Deputies of Towns; the Nobles that are famous not only by their antient extraction, but also by the Lordships and Castles which they possess, are the chiefest: they ordinarily meet to the number of twelve or thirteen, and have the first voyce.

The Towns which send their Deputies are these, Dort, Harlem, Leyden, Am­sterdam, Tergou, Rotterdam, Gorchom, Schoonhove, la Brille, Al [...]maer, Enchuse, Edam, Monichdam, and Purmerent. If there be any difficulty about Tributes, or if it be to declare War, or make Peace, then these following Towns are likewise assembled by D [...]puties, Wo [...]rde, Geertrudenbergue, Naerde, Muden, O [...]de▪ [Page 98] watre, Huesdam, Wesop, and Wourcom. The Deputies of Towns are ordinarily Bourgmasters, to whom is ordinarily joyn'd an Alderman or Counsellor, who is call'd a Pensioner.

The great Assembly, call'd (groot mogende) that is, Great and Mighty, is at the Hague, and is vulgarly call'd, The Assembly of the States of Holland and West-Friezeland.

Besides this Assembly which is held but from time to time, there is another ordinary Assembly, which also sits at the Hague, and is a Representative of the States of the Province, and in their absence takes care of the Treasury, and all ordinary affairs; and, if there be occasion, it convocates the Great As­sembly: one Nobleman and the Depu­ties of Towns sit in this, and is call'd, the Counsellors Deputies of the Lords of the States of Holland and West-Frieze­land: The Advocate Pensioner of Hol­land is the Moderator of these two Assemblies, and it is he that gathers the Votes, and performs the Office of Spea­ker; and eight dayes after their sepa­ration, he is bound to send to the No­bles, [Page 99] and to the Deputies of Towns, the deliberations and resolves made in the Assembly.

Zeeland being also govern'd by States, there are two sorts of Mem­bers, viz. the Nobles, and the Deputies of Towns; the Prince of Orange, as Marquess of Treveer and Flessingue, re­presents the Nobles by his Deputy in the Assemblies at Middlebourg, and has the first place.

The Towns that send their Deputies are Middlebourg, Ziriczee, Tergoes, Tertole, Flessingue, and Treveer; these States meet as often as they think fit, and in the intervals seven Deputies sup­ply their room; one in the Name of the Prince, who represents the Nobi­lity, and in the Name of each Town one, to whom are added the Pensioner and the Secretary.

Besides, Walachria, which is the prin­cipal Island of Zeeland, has the right of holding a particular Assembly at Mid­dlebourg, which is ordinarily call'd, the Assembly of the States of the Isle of Wa­lachria, and is composed of one Deputy in the Name of the Prince of Orange, [Page 100] and of six others; three for Middle­bourg, Flessingue and Treveer, two for the rich Landowners of the Island, call'd (de breed geerfde) to whom is adjoyn'd a Secretary.

CHAP. XII.

WIlliam Prince of Orange was the first Governor General of the United Provinces; and since by the de­sert of this Family, this so great a charge has been continued in it, it will not be amiss to set down their Titles and Lordships here.

They are Princes of Orange, Counts of Nassaw, Catinilibogue, Viande, Diest, Lingue, Meurs, Bure, and Leerdam, &c. Marquess of Treveer and Flessingue, Lords Barons of Breda, Grave, Cuych, Diest, Grimbergue, Harental, Branen­dock, Warneston, Arlac, Noseroy, Saint [Page 101] Vite, Doesbourg, Polan, Wilemstad, Nieuward, Ysselstein, of the Fort Saint Martin Guertrude [...]bergue, Chasteanre­nart of the two Swal [...]es of Naddwick, Vicounts hereditary of Antwerp and Besanson, Governors of Gueldres, Hol­land, Zeeland, West-Friezeland, Zut­phen, Overyssel, and Generals by Sea and by Land.

This first noble Prince having been wickedly assassinated in the year 1584. brought such a consternation upon the United Provinces, that many Towns, nay some Provinces, fell back under the Spanish domination. The Earl of Meurs was Governor of Gueldres and Utrect. The Hollanders and Zeelanders chose by provision the Prince Maurice, younger son to the deceased Prince William. William Lewis Earl of Nassaw had been receiv'd General in Friezeland not long before; the Earl of Hohenlo had the conduct of the Army, and the Council of State the management of affairs.

But things were in so great a confu­sion, that the States m [...]strusting their own strength, offer'd themselves to the [Page 102] French; who having used them ill, they address'd themselves to 'Queen Eliza­beth of England, with whom they pre­vailed at last to send them Robert Dud­ley Earl of Leicester.

He came into Holland in 1585. with so absolute a power, that no Governor before him ever had the like; for he had power to name one half of the Council of State; and because he was a credulous easie man, he suffer'd himself to be led by the Nose by some Stran­gers about him, who little intended the advantage of the Low-Countries; and himself being a particular Enemy to Prince Maurice and the Earl of Ho­henlo, at last the hatred against him be­came great, and all the affections of the people and Souldiers turn'd to Mau­rice: the treacherous actions of Stanly and York, English Commanders who had deliver'd Deventer and Zutphen to the Spaniard, had much exasperated the States; and now a general fear began to possess the Lovers of their Coun­trey, least they should either be sold or oppress'd: whereupon the States of Five Provinces gave all the charge of [Page 103] governing to Prince Maurice, who be­ing setled, did soon quash all jealousies and suspicions which did already make people apt to sedition and tumults.

But since our design is not to write Annals, we need not here recite all the glorious actions of Prince Maurice; it is only fit to observe, that William Lewis Earl of Nassaw, then Governor of Friezeland, and since 1550. Gover­nor of Groningue and Omlande, was al­wayes in perfect intelligence with his Cousin Maurice; and so this famous couple of the Nassavian Family ad­vanc'd the affairs of the United Provinces conjoyntly.

Maurice died the 23. of April in the Year 1625. he was a very great Cap­tain, and of incomparable conduct in War, and politick affairs.

Maurice being dead, and Spinola the Spanish General having then besieged Breda, a Town of great importance for the States, they presently chose Henry Frederick of Nassaw, his Brother, for General in his room, and not long after Gueldres, Holland, Zeeland, Utrect and Overyssel accepted of him for their [Page 104] Governor; Groningue, Omlande, and Drent, submitted to Ernest Lasimir of Nassaw, Brother to William Lewis of Nassaw, who was also Governor of Friezeland.

Prince Henry was a worthy successor to his Brothers deserts, as well as Ho­nours, and carried himself with singu­lar valour and prudence; his Cousin Ernest was no small help to him and the Provinces, being a most excellent Field Officer, and in that imployment he died at the siege of Ruremonde in the Year 1632.

His successor to his Governments of Friezeland, &c. was his son Prince Henry; the A [...]hilles of the Hollander; he was young, and by his beginnings did promise so much as might make all men wish him a longer life; but he was kill'd in the Year 1640. his very Enemies bearing witness of his noble valour; and the Friezelanders much afflicted chose his Brother William Fre­derick of Nassaw, who worthily sup­plyed his Brothers loss. Groningue, Omlande, and Drent, coming back to Henry Frederick Prince of Orange, who [Page 105] died likewise at the Hague in 1647. the 14th. of March, having first forced the Spaniards to make Peace.

His only son William took the Oath of Allegiance to the States the same day, as General of all their Forces both by Sea and Land.

A little after, six of the Provi [...]s chose him for their Governor, as they had promised his Father; but Frieze­land alone being already provided of Prince William Frederick, made no change, but engaged that in case he should die, they would then choose the Prince of Orange. But O unexpected misfortune! just as all the Provinces were in hopes of living in a flourishing condition under the protection of this William the second, he died at the Hague in the Year 1650. and that in so short a time, that the noise of his di­sease did scarce fore-run the news of his death; he left the Princess his Lady with Child of a son, of whom she was brought abed eight dayes after the Princes death, who is the now Prince of Orange, whom God keep and preserve, and give him his Ancestors spirit.

CHAP. XIII.

IT is a hard matter to reduce the charge of Governour under certain Heads, because hitherto the Provinces have given them such different in­structions, that they have had a hand in every thing. The States General have hitherto communicated all their designs and counsils with the three Princes of Orange, that have succeeded one another; as also the President of the States General has alwayes used to wait upon his Highness before the sit­ting of the Company; besides, by rea­son of the great Estates they possess in Zeeland, and other Provinces, they en­joy peculiar Priviledges, and have in that consideration and others, many advantages which the Provinces may either amplifie or restrain at their plea­sure.

But leaving all this aside, and con­sidering barely what belongs to the [Page 107] Office of a Governour, we may particu­larly stay upon these six points.

1. The Governour General may par­don and forgive all capital crimes, that deserve death; this Prerogative is call'd (trech van pardonneren.)

2. In those Provinces that have Courts of Judicature, he is alwayes the Presi­dent of them, and his Name and Titles are in the front of all their Acts and Decrees.

3. In certain places where that cu­stom is receiv'd, he names the Magi­strates, either out of a certain number proposed to him, or absolutely as he pleases. It is thus practis'd at Nim­megue; every where in Holland, except at Horne, Enchuse, Edam, and Monchen­da [...]; in Zeeland every where, except at Tergoes; in Utrect every where; in Friezeland the Governour does the like. This Priviledge is extended even to the nomination of (amptmans, or drostam­pen,) of the dignity of Patricians, or (ra [...]ts heers-ampten) and many other which would be too long to name here.

4. He may send Ambassadors to [Page 108] Foreign Princes for his own particular concerns, and give private Audience to the Ambassadors of Foreign States, that are sent to the States General.

5. It is his duty to see the States Orders executed in those Provinces in which he is Governour.

6. By the 9th. and 14th. Articles of the Union of Utrect, he is made Umpire of such contests as should arise between the Provinces, or between any Mem­bers of one Province, or even between the States and some of their Subjects; touching all which he alone can pro­nounce a Soveraign and definitive sen­tence; and if the affairs be of very great consequence, then he may joyn with him some Counsellors of State, without exception of persons; and it is expresly enjoyn'd to all parties, to acquiesce and submit to his A [...]bitration. We shall speak elsewhere of the other attributes of Governour, that have [...]elong'd to him as General by Sea and Land; for these two great charges are not, as some Strangers do, to be confounded; and he that is Governour of the Provinces, is not alwayes General of their Forces.

CHAP. XIV.

SInce we have numbred up the Go­vernours of the United Provinces, and declar'd freely what is their Autho­rity and Power, it is now fit to consider whether they are so necessary to the States, as to make them incapable of subsisting without them. Many Stran­gers are of opinion, that these Provinces cannot be without a Governour General; and the same opinion has taken root in the hearts of many Natives, who are not able to discern those things in the Treaty of Utrect which are essential, from those that are mutable, and may be otherwise disposed of, as the circum­stances of time do vary.

But since the Soveraign Power has never been entirely resigned into the hand of any one Governour, though [Page 110] some have had very many of the Pro­rogatives belonging to it, it is evident, that they in whom the Soveraign Power remains, can perform by themselves those Offices which they are pleas'd to trust a Governour with: therefore if a Governour does nothing but by Com­mission, and that because of the absence of those who impower him to act for them; why shall not they, if they be present, take upon them the execution of those things that were before com­mitted to anothers care? And though Governours be often nam'd and men­tion'd in the Treaty of Utrect, yet was it not intended for a Governour General, for even at that time Utrect had its par­ticular Governour; and some years after it was govern'd by the same Governour that Holland and Zeeland was.

'Tis to as little purpose that some pretend, that it is necessary that each Province should have its particular Go­vernour, who may in fit season prevent and calm all occasions of Civil commo­tions, as the Dictators did in Rome; but in vain, for who sees not but that as hi­therto the way of determining those [Page 111] contests has been by referring them to the Governour, and some Deputies of another Province; so they may, if they please, leave out the Governour, and re­fer their debates to the Deputies of other Provinces alone: particularly considering, that it has been hitherto observ'd, that no Governour ever un­dertook the person of an Umpire, be­fore he had consulted with the States Generall; who being above any inferi­our Province, have the power of hin­dring the progress and encrease of any dissention.

CHAP. XV.

BY the Treaty of Union made at Utrect, it was ordained, that there should be raised an equall summe of Moneys in every Province: but expe­rience [Page 112] hath taught us, that such an e­quality was very unjust. For, for ex­ample; is it fit that there should be no more laid upon an acre of Land in Hol­land, which is very rich, and yeelds twice as much as in any other place, than upon an acre in Gueldres, which is poor, and yeelds not half the revenue. The same difference is to be observ'd in all other things.

It has therefore been judg'd by com­mon consent, more just and profitable for each Province to make a new Order every year; in which each should be taxed according to the then abilities of the said Province, and according to the publick exigencies. So for example; if there be necessity of raising 10000. pound, Holland alone shall furnish 4000. five hundred of it; Zeeland and Friezeland a 1000. a piece; Gueldres Utrect, and Groeningue, 3500. and Transisulania, or Overissell, the rest.

This order being once agreed upon, it belongs to the States of each Province, to consider how it shall be levyed: and this is the true reason why the Taxes and Imposts are so different in the Do­minions [Page 113] of the States Generall.

These Levyes thus order'd, are not alwayes receiv'd in money, and re­turn'd to the publick Treasury of the States Generall, but are distributed by Tallies in the Province it self, to those to whom the States do owe; which is a very wise caution; for it is certain, that money still lessens as it passes through the hands of many receivers.

2. Among these Levyes, it was thought fit from the very beginning, to give leave to all to transport cer­tain merchandize into the neighbouring Low-Countreys, still remaining under the Spanish jurisdiction; but there was and is an impost laid upon them; for the receit of which there are Officers, and seachers upon the Frontier. But to the end this licence might be no wayes prejudiciable to the affairs of this rising Commonwealth, they forbid the transport of Arms or Ammunition, under pain of death. Yet at last when victuals and necessaries for life grew dear among their enemies, and that there was an evident advantage for the Confederates to furnish them with those [Page 114] things, licence was granted, and they drove such a trade with their enemies, as made themselves grow rich and pow­erfull.

3. There is likewise a great summe of money rais'd upon the granting of Pass­ports, to those in the Spanish Domini­ons, who desire to transport them­selves into the Territories of the States; for every Passport costs fifty shillings of English money. And yet lest this also should prove prejudiciall to the State, they seldome grant any to those amongst their enemies, who are either in military or politick employments: and to any others they scarce grant them for longer than the time of six moneths.

4. The Contributions that are levyed upon those Villages, and that part of the Countrey which lyes between the enemy and them, make another part of their supplyes; for these Bourghs pay as much to the States, as to the Spani­ards; and there are Treasurers upon the Frontier for the receit of it.

5. The Imposts payed in the con­quer'd Towns of Brabant and Flanders, [Page 115] make another part of their revenue; for there is excise upon Wine, and Beer, and Salt. A Tax upon Houses, and upon Lands.

6. They receive a part of the plun­der made by the Souldiers upon the enemy.

7. They have hitherto had from the French and the English great summes of money, as long as they have had War with the Spaniards. The French to make diversion, did maintain in the ser­vice of the States, a body of 6000. Foot, and 2000. Horse at their own charges for many years. The serene State of Venice, in vertue of a Treaty made in 1622. did promise 4000. pound a moneth in time of War.

8. They have money at use, (that is) they keep a bank of such mo­neys as are lent the State by parti­culars, and pay use for it; five in the hundred is the use the State payes. All these great summes of money are by the Order of the States, committed to the care of a particular Councell, call'd, A General Directory for the Treasu­ry, [Page 116] which is composed of the De­puties of each Province.

CHAP. XVI.

THe greatest internall or defensive strength of these Countreys, does lye in their situation, which makes all their Towns easily to be for­tified. As for the externall, it con­sists in their Leagues and Alliances with Foreign Princes. Let us speak first of the situation.

That situation which is advantagious for the defence of a Countrey, the ex­ercising of commerce, and consequent­ly growing rich, must needs proceed from the neighbourhood of the Sea, and the affluence of great Rivers and Channells; thence comes the Proverb, [Page 117] The Hollanders are born for the Sea, and the Sea for them: of which they are well convinc'd, and consequently spare no cost nor industry to be the masters upon this Element; having long ago graven upon their Coyn this Motto, Imperator maris est terrae Dominus. If the Spaniards had been so wise, as to have spent that treasure in hindring the Hollanders trade and navigation, that he layed out upon attaking their Coun­trey, he had undoubtedly ruin'd them; and he now perceives it, and does en­deavour by all means, though too late, to obstruct their commerce. Besides the Sea, there are the Rivers of Rhene, Meuse, and Jud, that do make the Countrey almost inaccessible. Besides, if any enemies be taken on this side these Rivers, there is a Law which is exactly observ'd, which commands to hang them up immediately.

The strong Towns are upon the Bor­ders, not only in Brabant, Flanders, Guel­dres, and Friezeland, but also upon the Confines of Germany, as Rhinbergue, We­sel, and divers places bordering upon the Dutchy of Cleves. The reason where­of [Page 118] is this: the War being kindled be­tween the Spaniards and the United Pro­vinces, the Spaniards did first begin to seize, and put themselves in possession of the Towns of the Dutchy of Cleves, and of the Electour of Cullen, that they might the better annoy the Hollanders; who fore-seeing the mischief like to arise from thence, sent an Army, and seized as many of these Towns as they could, put Garrisons into them, and nevertheless still preserv'd the Inhabi­tants in all their propriety, liberty, and priviledges. Hereupon arose great contests between the Emperour the Duke of Cleves, and the Electour of Cullen on one side, and the Hollanders on the other; but the Hollanders kept possession.

Besides the Garrisons they maintain in all Frontier Towns, they have also two Magazines in each, one with Am­munition for War, the other with pro­visions for life.

A Governour commands the Garri­son: they that command in small Fron­tier Towns, are call'd Commanders; and they that command in great strong [Page 119] Towns, are qualified Governours. And for the greater safety of the said Towns, the Keys are partly in the Governours, partly in the Bourgmasters hands. The Civill and Military powers are likewise so distinct, that the Governour has no­thing to do with the Inhabitants, nor the Judges of the place any power over the Souldiers.

As for the Land-Forces, they consist of Strangers and Naturals; but the Strangers do exceed the Naturals in number, who are more enclin'd to long Voyages and Trade, than to Warre. Neither is the State endanger'd, by putting the force and military power in Stangers hands; for they being of dif­ferent Nations, as English, Scotch, French, &c. have different inclinati­ons, and aversions, and so will hardly conspire to oppress their Masters, who do alwayes mingle them in their strong­est Towns.

It is believ'd, that the number of Souldiers paid by the States, and sworn to them, does come very near one hun­dred thousand. The Companies are for the most part of a hundred men; [Page 120] some few excepted, who are either stronger or weaker, as necessity re­quires. The Regiments are of ten, twelve, fourteen, sixteen, eighteen Companies. Each Regiment is com­manded by a Collonel.

The Horse is much inferiour in num­ber to the Foot, because that in these Countreys, the greatest employment for Souldiers is besieging and defending of Towns, in which the Horse are not so necessary, as in set Battles.

There are two sort of Horsemen di­stinguish'd by their Arms, viz. Cui­rasseers, that wear iron breast and back-pieces; and Arquebusiers, that carry short Guns on Horseback. Their Horses ought to be sixteen hand­full high, measuring from the hoof of the fore-foot, to the top of the shoul­der.

The Infantry has about four shillings and six pence a week pay; and the Horse about fifty shillings a moneth. They that are payed by the States mo­ney, are soon and exactly payed, but they whose payment is assign'd upon the money that comes from France, wait a little longer for it.

[Page 121] It is very observable in these Pro­vinces, that though there be no Money in the Treasury, yet the Souldiers re­ceive their pay every week or moneth; for every Regiment chooses an Agita­tour, who resides near the States to sol­licite the payment of those he repre­sents; and when there is no Money in the publick Treasury, he may confi­dently, and does borrow and take up Money for the present necessity; and it is repaid him again with interest by the States order.

The hopes of the great profit there is to be made, engages these Sollicitors to do thus; for when they advance their Money, it is at the rate of 10 per Cent. gains, which they t [...]e upon the arrears which the State owes to the Officers. But this produces another in­convenience, which is, that the Officer being forc'd to give so much to the Sollicitor out of his pay, endeavours to recover it again upon the States, and musters more men in his Company than he really pays. Besides their pay, the Souldiers have likewise their Lodging free, and the States do pay to the Inha­bitants [Page 122] of all Towns upon that score, six pence a week for each Souldier they lodge, and this is call'd Service-Money.

If the Enemies besiege a Town, and that the Money laid up in it for the paying of the Souldiery come to fail, they make Money of Tin, Brass, Lea­ther, or Pastboard; which the Magi­strates set a price upon, and such a one as exceeds very much the price of the matter of which such Money is made. In the mean time the Souldiers take it freely; for the siege being raised, or the Town yielded up, there comes a Treasurer who gives them currant Mo­ney for their other.

All sorts of Provisions that are brought to the Armies, are free from all Imposts and Tributes, in favour of the Souldiers. In the siege of Towns the Souldiers have likewise gratuity given them, some Provisions for their diet out of the publick Magazines.

The Souldiers and inferiour Officers being made Prisoners, are at liberty in paying their ransom, which by agree­ment between the States and the Spani­ards, [Page 123] is a moneths pay of the Prisoners. The Inhabitants or Citizens are not so mildly dealt withall, for they are con­strained to pay whatsoever the Enemy demands, or to rot in Prison, till there be a general exchange made of Priso­ners, which is once or twice a year. The Women and Children under twelve years old are not to be taken.

So much for the Forces in ordinary; In extraordinary dangers there are ex­traordinary Forces rais'd, which they call Waertgelders; to encourage them the more the States do promise them Ten pence a day: but because that many, in hopes of so great a pay, do forsake the ordinary Companies, and take im­ployment in these new ones, it has been often thought fit to command out, instead of these Waertgelders, the Train­bands of every Town, and to mingle with them some old Souldiers, and so make them fit for service.

Every Souldier as well in the Army as in Garrison, is subject to the Juris­diction of a Council of War; which is compos'd in the Field, of the General, and some high Officers; and in a Gar­rison, [Page 124] of the Governour and his Cap­tains; they judge according to the Ar­ticles of the Formulary prescribed and printed by the States order.

The pay of Souldiers on Ship board is 12 s. and 6 d. a moneth, besides which they have their diet, which he that commands the Ship is bound to find them, and receives from the States 6 d. a day for each man.

At Sea there is no such custom as the ransom at Land; nay at first all Priso­ners were bound hand and feet, and thrown over-board; but because so great a cruelty displeased both Spani­ards and Hollanders, they agreed there should be quarter given, but not at such easie rates as at Land. The Spaniards reason for this his so great a severity, was that he might deterr the Hollanders from venturing to Sea; but it pro­duced only this, that it made them de­fend their Ships with more courage and successe than before. Ostend and Dunkirk were the places from whence they made most incursions upon the Hollanders, which made them every year put a Fleet to Sea, and come [Page 125] and besiege the Ports of these two Towns.

CHAP. XVII.

THe external Forces of the United Provinces are their Alliances, which they maintain either by their Ambassadors, or by their Agents. They allow their Ambassadors or­dinarily a thousand pound; only he that is in this quality at Constanti­nople is allowed more, that he may maintain the glory of his Nation to the eyes of that ambitious people. Let us consider these Alliances one after ano­ther.

With the Emperor of Germany there is no Alliance, but only a Friendship, observ'd since these many years in ap­pearance, though not in reality; for [Page 126] the Emperor has often sent great suc­cours to the Spaniards under-hand, and the Hollanders have done the same to the Princes of France and Germany. Yet the Emperor has by divers Embas­sies press'd the United Provinces to de­clare themselves Members of the Em­pire, as their Princes were formerly; writing to them in the stile of Faithfull and Well-beloved.

But the States have been so far from consenting to such a Proposition, that they have often order'd that such Let­ters should be sent back again to the Emperor, without being opened; say­ing, that theirs was a free absolute State, which had never yielded to pay homage to any Prince. In the mean time, there passes between them all Commerce and offices of Friendship.

There was likewise a League and U­nion made between the United Pro­vinces, and the Princes of Germany, to protect them from the oppression which threatned them from the great Power the Emperor was got into; and in this they did nothing but what the care of their Liberty did force them to, for had [Page 127] those Princes been over-power'd, the Low-Countries might have feared the same fate.

Above two hundred years ago there was an Alliance between the Anseatic Towns, and the Low-Countries; and there happening to be amongst the Uni­ted Provinces some of these Towns, as Amsterdam, Middlebourg, Dort, which now make a part of the Common­wealth, it was thought fit to renew the Alliance, which was accordingly done in 1614. by a new Treaty, in which the States oblige themselves to main­tain the Rights and Priviledges of the said Anseatic Towns. This the Emperor took so ill, that he endeavour'd to make those Anseatic Towns that were in the Empire, liable to the crimes of Treason and Rebellion against his Imperial Ma­jesty; but by their Ambassadors they proved, that time out of mind they had the right and priviledge of making such Alliances.

The Treaty of Alliance made for­merly with the King of Denmark, con­cerns nothing but a reciprocal liberty for Traffick, and Commerce; and yet these [Page 128] States have often been forc'd to com­plain to their Ambassadors, of the ex­cessive Rates and Customs they did pay in passing the Sound. But the necessity they stand in of venting their Commo­dities, makes them undergo this hard­ship, and has produced of late a more strict Alliance for the maintaining of Trade.

They are likewise in Friendship with the King and Commonwealth of Po­land, particularly for the great quanti­ties of Corn that come from thence; though the Imposts be there likewise very high, and such as have often made the Hollanders think of changing their Market, and buying in Muscovy; which they would have compass'd by this means: The Countrey people in Mus­covy are such slaves, their Duke being the Proprietary of all their Lands, that they never trouble themselves to plough or sow more Land, than just as much as will make such a product, as can find them and their Families food. Thence it happens, that huge Fields of good ground lie wast. Now the Hot­landers design was, to perswade the [Page 129] Duke of Muscovy to force his Subjects to Till more ground, and so he would be able to drive a great Trade; and to further this, they offer'd to leave Overseers that should direct the work. While this was a treating, the Poles fearing the consequence, bated their Imposts and Customs, and so things re­main as they were.

In the Year 1615. there was a Treaty made likewise with the King of Swede­land, and Traffick was the ground of it. A little before the said King fell upon Germany, the amity was renewed, and it was agreed, that the United Provinces should give the said King 400. pound a moneth as long as the War should last between him and the House of Austria; but since these few years, the succour that has been given to the Dan [...], and the interruption of Trade in that Kings Dominions, have almost chang'd this Friendship into War.

There has been likewise a very good Treaty for Trade, made with the Duke of Muscovy, where, mongst other things, liberty is granted to levy Soul­diers here in his Name, and to trans­port [Page 130] Ammunition for War into his Do­minions.

Trade has also made the States make Treaties with the Emperor of the Turks, the Sophy of Persia, and the Pirates of Thunis and Algier.

In Italy the States have no Alliance, but with the Venetians; which is yet maintain'd for the Honour of these two Commonwealths, which are the only flourishing ones in Europe; and for cer­tain reasons the Venetians do give five hundred pound a moneth to the Hol­landers, towards the maintenance of the War with the Spaniards; as also the Hollanders have promis'd the like suc­cour to Venice, if it should be attaqued by the Spaniard.

In the first birth of the Common­wealth, there was a most advantagious Treaty made with the English, under the reign of Queen Elizabeth, who maintain'd this reeling State by the succours of Men, and great sums of Money, which she sent over to them; though in such a way, that the Hol­landers were bound to respect her as if they had been her Subjects. Now that [Page 131] the Peace is made with the Spaniards, there remains nothing of this Alliance, but the liberty of Trade and Commerce, and the use of the English Ports.

There has been likewise many Trea­ties with the King of France, and the States of the United Provinces have re­ceiv'd from him great sums of Money towards the carrying on of the War.

CHAP. XVIII.

SInce it is true, that a State is main­tain'd by those means by which it is first acquir'd, the United Provinces ought not to neglect their Maritine affairs, because they have and do re­ally get all their subsistance out of the Sea.

This Sea-strength consists in a num­ber of Men of War, par [...] whereof be­long [Page 132] to the States, and part to particu­lar men, and are call'd Privateers. The first are set out at the charges of the publick; the other borrow only the States Banner and Commission, though to encourage them the States have pro­pos'd to them a set price, according to the value of the thing they take from the Enemy.

The Men of War of the States, serve to convoy Merchant-men to and fro, and preserve them from danger of Pi­rates and Enemies.

The Privateers are most imployed to give chase to, and take the rich India Ships of the Spaniards coming from the West-Indies.

The High Admiral, who at present is the Governour General of the States, commands over all Ships of War, but he seldom goes in person, because his presence is necessary at home; his room is supplyed by a Vice-Admiral.

The Great Council, call'd the States G [...]neral, being as well oblig'd to look after the Maritine affairs, as the Land business; and yet finding themselves over-burden'd with business, they have [Page 133] discharg'd that care, by choosing some others to compose a Body or Council, which shall order all Sea-affairs in the Name of the States.

There are divers of these Assemblies, and particularly in those three Pro­vinces which are near the Sea, viz. in Holland, at Amsterdam, Roterdam, and Horne, this last is sometimes transpor­ted to Enchusen, which is a Town of North-Holland; in Zeeland, at Mid­dlebourg; and in Friezeland, formerly at Do [...]cum, but is now transported to Harlingue.

Each of these Assemblies consists of seven Counsellors or Senators, who being chosen by the Members of each Province, are delegated and impower'd by the States General; they have a Se­cretary and a Treasurer.

The Governour General is the head of all these Assemblies, as High Admiral; the Vice-Admiral represents him in his absence; these Deputies did formerly use to meet at the Hague twice a year, and do still meet there, when the affairs require a conjoynt deliberation with the States, about the necessary means [Page 134] of securing the Sea, and furthering Commerce.

They have a Treasury particular to themselves, and the Money which is in it, is gather'd from the Money that their own Merchants and Strangers pay for Convoys; and likewise from the Imposts laid upon Commodities, that are transported from one Harbour to another. There is likewise brought in­to this Treasury all the Money that is rais'd by giving licenses to transport Commodities to the Enemies.

The Deputies of these Assemblies are bound to give an account every quar­ter, of all their expences and receipts, to the Commissioners from the States General.

They have also the power of naming Captains to the Men of War, but then the Admiral chooses out of those that they have nam'd. In a word, their charge is so to secure the Sea, as there be no interruption neither from Pirates nor Enemies of any other sort, in Trade and Navigation; to judge and deter­mine all causes between Seamen and Officers, and that Soveraignly and [Page 135] without appeal; provided the summe in dispute exceed not fifty pounds; observing exactly all brevity and expedition, not suffering long ha­rangues in any Cause, or giving leave to the parties to reply more than once or twice, and that because or­dinarily Sea people have occasion of departing upon long Voyages, and cannot come again suddenly.

Last of all, it belongs to them to see that the States be payed their pro­portion of what is taken. The fifth part of all prizes belongs to them; the tenth to the Amirall; and the rest to those that have set out the Privateer; as also to the Captain and Sea-men. This is only to be un­derstood of Privateers.

CHAP. XIX.

VVE have seen hitherto what is the Government of the whole Body of the United Provinces: now we may descend to the particular Towns.

The Towns are govern'd by a Bailif, a Senate, or Councill, by Bourgmasters, or Consuls, and by Aldermen.

There is but one Bailif in each Town, who to say true has no power of him­self to pronounce judgement; but in criminal Causes he is as it were an At­tourney-Generall, and manages accu­sations against offenders in the name of the States. This is done before the Aldermen, who have power to examine the heads of the accusation, and to pro­nounce sentence. The Bailifs have no Sallary, and all the profit of their pla­ces rises from the Fines that are lay'd upon the guilty.

[Page 137] The Senate, and the greatest, is that which is call'd (Den breeden ra [...]d [...] or De Vroedschap) in most Towns, as at Leyden, it is compos'd of about fourty persons, according to the number of the richest Citizens, more or less. The ancient Laws admit none to be of this Senate, but such as are of the rich­er sort. This Assembly seldome meets, but upon the occasion of choosing new Magistrates; as also when the States of the Province are to meet, then the heads of the Deliberations are examin'd in this Senate before-hand. They do also controle and correct their Bourg­masters, and Aldermen, if in the Assem­bly of the States they chance to go be­yond their Commission. And to the end they may do it without fear, it has been ordain'd by our wise Ancestours, that the charge of Senatour should be perpetuall, that so they may not fear to be persecuted, for what they shall do in the defence of the publick li­berty.

The Bourgmasters and Aldermen are chosen from amongst these Senatours, by the plurality of voices.

[Page 138] In some places there are four Bourg­masters, and in some there are but two. Their Office is to determine all that concerns the good order of the Town; as also to inform themselves of all the fallings out of the Citizens, and bring them either by themselves, or others, to an agreement: which if they cannot compass, then their duty is to cite them before the Aldermen. They meet in a common Chamber, and give audience to all Inhabitants without distincti­on.

In some places there are seven Alder­men, in others nine; They are the Judges of the Town who meet three or four set times a week, and determine all civill Causes between the Inhabitants, and judge all crimes propos'd by the Bailif. For the first cognizance of the Cause belongs to the Judge of the place, where he that is cited dwells. Except they be priviledged Causes, the Towns judge of no greater summe than five pounds, and the Bourghs of thirty shil­lings; though in very great Cities they may judge as far as thirty pound. The appeal is first to the Court of the Pro­vince, [Page 139] and then to the great Councill, where there is a double number of Judges; they that are cast are fin'd for having appeal'd without reason. In the Court of the Province the Fine is three pound ten shillings; in the great Councill, of six pound; and when the Process is re-viewed, if the sentence be confirm'd, the Fine is of twenty pound.

As for criminall Causes, the Judges are absolute, and there is no appeal from them, neither in the Villages, nor in the Towns; except the Bailif require that the criminall should under­go a severer punishment, and then the accused has liberty to defend him­self.

There are two sort of Laws in Hol­land; the first sort is the Customes, Pri­viledges, and Constitutions of the Coun­trey, and former Princes, and of the States. The second is the Roman Law, call'd the Civill Law.

Moreover, that the course of justice be not retarded, nor the Judges time taken up in petty businesses, there are chosen by the Aldermen, a certain [Page 140] number of the richer sort of Citizens, who are call'd Commissaries of small Causes. These take cognizance of all Causes that are not above five pound; as also of all Actions for reparation of Honour; and of the Differences be­tween Masters and Servants, and such like. An Alderman presides ordinarily in this Assembly, and is ordinarily a good Civilian.

There is also in the Senate, or Town-House, and in the Colledge of the Bourgmasters, one who is call'd a Syndi [...], or Pensioner, who ought to be eloquent and learn'd, as being the Speaker of the whole Town, or Corporation, in their most important affairs.

CHAP. XX.

SInce as Tacitus sayes, there is no War without pay, nor no pay without tributes, and that that is the particular case of the United Provinces, who have been long in War, to which they have all contributed their share; it is fit to consider of the wayes they use to levy them.

There are two sorts of Tributes; the ordinary, and the extraordinary. The ordinary, which being once granted, are alwayes continued; the extraordi­nary, which are levied but for some certain time, and are then left off.

There are three sorts of extraordi­nary Tributes; viz. the Tribute by Head, or Pole-money; the Chimney-money, [Page 142] and the Land Taxes.

The Pole-money is so levied, that the State has twenty pence for every Head; they that are extream poor are freed from this Tribute. To my remem­brance this was never practis'd but once, and then too there was great murmuring, and many refus'd to pay.

The Chimney-money is that Tribute, which is paid for every Chimney or Hearth, which is twenty pence; and in this the Hollanders have imitated the Spaniards in the Kingdome of Naples.

The third Tribute, call'd a Land Taxe, may be properly call'd the two hundredth penny, for out of two hun­dred pound a year, for example, is paid one pound to the States. So out of four hundred, two pounds, or four­ty shillings.

To this may be objected, that it is a very hard thing, if not impossible, for the perfect knowledge of the true value of mens Estates to be had. It is an­swer'd, that the Magistrate does take his measure from the publick voice, [Page 143] and the generall report, that any man has to have such and such revenues. And because in this there is room for a mistake, the Law gives any man leave to complain of the greatness of his Taxe; and if he will take his Oath he is not worth so much as the world va­lues his Estate at, his Taxe shall be mo­derated.

As for the ordinary Tributes, the chief are these following.

1. The Tribute from Salt, call'd in Dutch (Sonte geldt) it is levied after this manner: The Magistrate of the Town visits each Family, and reckons every head of it; then they guess at the quantity of Salt that they may reasona­bly be thought to spend in one year; and thereupon they exact from them a summe of money, proportionable to the quantity of Salt they are to have. And in some Towns they set a price up­on the measure of Salt, high or low, as they please.

2. The Excise upon Beer, which all the Citizens pay without distinction, comes to twenty pence a Barrell; ex­cept the small Beer, which is not worth [Page 144] above half a Crown a Barrell, paies no­thing.

3. Another Excise upon Beer, paid only by Brewers, which comes to twelve pence a Barrell. Besides, all Seamen, Marriners, and Merchants, pay Excise for all English and German Beer they bring in.

4. The Victuallers, and those that sell Beer, pay other twenty pence for every Barrell.

5. Every Hogshead of Vinegar paies nine shillings.

6. The Impost upon French Wines mounts to six pence upon every Stoop. Rhenish and Spanish Wines pay twelve pence a Stoop. Brandyes of Wine pay ten pence. Of Beer, five pence.

7. Butter payes six shillings a Bar­rell, which contains three hundred and twenty pound. And for the little Bar­rells, call'd (Kops tuchen) there is paid a Farthing a piece.

8. A piece of Oyl paies six shillings; if▪ Fish. Oyl then four shillings and six pence.

9. Candles of Wax, and Tallow, pay ten pence a hundred weight.

[Page 145] 10. The Impost of round measures, is that money which is paid for all those commodities that are measur'd in round measures, as Corn, Seeds, Salt, Lime, &c. And the Merchants that buy great quantities, do nevertheless pay this Impost.

11. Turfs for fewell pay a penny half-penny a Tun; and Coals from England and Scotland pay thirty shillings for every hundred Tun. The Coals burnt in the light Houses pay nothing.

12. The Impost upon hard merchan­dizes, as five pence for every hundred of Lead; three half-pence for every thousand of Lime-Stones.

13. For Wood to burn is paid the eight part of what it costs.

14. Silk and gold Stuffs pay, of twelve pence, one, in every Yard or Ell.

15. Woollen Cloths pay thus; every piece of English Cloth not being yet dy­ed, payes three pound, if the said piece be worth sixteen Florins of Flanders, that is nine pound, or thereabouts. Every piece worth twelve pound payes four pound, &c. Hangings and other Houshold-stuff pay one penny in nine [Page 146] of what they are worth. The way of prising Merchandize is to ask the Mer­chant himself, what he values it at; if he undervalue it to save Custom, then the Master of the Custom-house may take it, and pay to the Merchant the price he values it at.

16. The Impost upon all Corn that is ground in the Mills in Holland, which every body payes without exception, comes to five pound, one crown, and twelve pence for every quarter of Wheat; to half as much for the quarter of Rye; to five and thirty shillings for Barley and Oates.

17. The Impost upon all Cattle, Sheep, or Hogs that are kill'd, comes to one penny in seven of the money they are sold for.

18. There is also three pence a moneth paid for every Horn'd Beast above three years old; as also two pence a moneth for every Horse above three years old.

19. The Imposts upon Herrings and Salt-Fish, brought to the Citizens houses to sell, comes to twenty pence a Pannier.

[Page 147] 20. The retail Fishmonger payes for S [...]urgeons and Salmons the 9th. penny of what they cost.

21. Tobacco payes 10 pence a pound; the Barrel of Soap 11 shillings; every Barrel of Pitch 16 pence.

22. Every Chariot and little Bark payes 20 pence a year; every Coach payes 10 shillings a year.

23. All Farms and Rack Rents pay the 16th. penny of the value they yield yearly; and those Lands that the Pro­prietary keeps in his own hand, are valued and estimated by the Magi­strate.

24. All Lands that are sowed with any sort of Grain whatsoever, or what­soever Trees they are planted with, pay 4 pence half-penny an acre, rec­koning from the moneth they were sowed or planted, to the moneth that the recolt is made in.

25. Every house payes about the 8th. part of the Rent it is let for; as if for 48 pound a year, it payes 6 pound to the States; but because the Rent of houses is subject to rise or fall, the Ma­gistrate sets a constant price upon them, [Page 148] according to their bigness and conve­niency.

26. The Tribute for Servants and Maids comes to 20 pence a head, which every Master or Mistress is bound to pay for them.

27. The Impost upon all Immovables that are sold, under which title great Ships are comprehended, comes to the 40th. penny, that is out of the price of the thing sold the State has the 40th. part, which is a very considerable tax, for there is no place in the World where Immovables alter their property so often as in Holland, it being a Pro­verb of Leyden, that every three year half of the Town is sold or alienated.

28. The Tribute due for the Great and Little Seals, is a groat for every sheet of paper where the Great Seal is applyed, to two pence where the Little. To understand the greatness of this Tribute, the Reader must know that the States of Holland have ordain'd, for no other end than for this, that no Wills, Contracts, or any sort of Wri­tings that shall be produc'd before the Judges, shall be written in any other [Page 149] paper than that which is sealed by the States, else they shall be void; and hereupon they thought fit to have two Seals, one for businesses of small im­portance, and a great one for impor­tant affairs.

There are many other sorts of Tri­butes, which it would be too long to relate; besides, they have all been publish'd together by the States order. Now let us consider the wayes of levy­ing these Tributes, which that we may the better do, let us consider those de­liberations and opinions touching this matter, which were had when it was first debated.

The Proposition of finding a way of raising these Revenues being made, some were of opinion to give Autho­rity to the Magistrates of Towns, or to some persons whom the State should pay to gather these Taxes, and be ac­comptable for them; thinking it nei­ther safe nor profitable for the States to farm them out. And here are the Rea­sons they relyed upon.

1. Because publick persons, and par­ticularly Magistrates, have a greater [Page 150] Authority with them, and so are fitter to keep the people more in awe.

2. Because many of these Revenues, as the Excise upon Beer for example, could not be fixed and certain; for sometimes one Town consumes more one year than another, so that there could be no measures taken with Far­mers.

3. They represented, that it was dan­gerous to trust in Subjects hands the publick Revenue; for what if the Far­mers should play the Knaves and break, and hereupon they concluded that Far­mers were not fit men.

Some of a quite contrary opinion did maintain, that there were certain Imposts which ought to be Farm'd out for so much a year; adding, that the Impositions were laid upon two sorts of things, upon stable and constant ones, as Houses and Lands which re­main, and whose number and value were easily known; and upon uncer­tain ones, as the consumption of Wine and Beer, &c. The first sort they al­low'd to be rais'd by Magistrates, the [Page 151] other they desir'd to Farm out, and that for divers Reasons.

1. Because the people do by all arts and cheats endeavour to avoid the pay­ing of these Excises; that the Farmers for their own concern would be very exact and quick-sighted in the disco­very of such frauds.

2. These Farmers would have power enough, for they would be backed by the Civil power.

3. That it was of consequence for a State to know precisely its Revenues; which could not be if they were not farm'd and stated. That without this the State could not know how to frame designs, nor what to trust to in the exe­cution of them. That thus doing, that is, by Farming, the State would come to a better knowledge of its true Re­venue; for by enhancing of it every year, they would at last raise it to the utmost. That it would be expedient to Farm these Incomes to Citizens, only for one year, that so the condition of many Citizens would be better'd, and they enabled to offer more to the Com­monwealth.

[Page 152] 4. Lastly, that there was no fear of their breaking, for they would require from the Farmer such security as should secure the publick; besides, that they might be order'd to bring in every moneth a part of the money.

This opinion was followed, and this way of proceeding is observed to this day; and this is the way they take of Farming them out.

The States by Proclamation publish, that such a day such Revenues are to be Farm'd, and that they will let those have them that shall bid highest. He that obtains it, gives security immedi­ately, and such as the State may lay hold on if he fail.

There has been two things invented by the Farmers to hinder fraud, and stealing of Custome and Excise; the one is, that all Porters do take every year an Oath, to carry no Merchandize whatsoever into any Citizens house, without giving notice to the Farmer, and taking a Pass from him. The se­cond, that they that are once disco­vered to have cheated the Farmers, are soundly fin'd, because that faults that [Page 153] may be easily committed, and which are very profitable to the offenders, can­not probably be hindred but by rigo­rous penalties.

CHAP. XXI.

THis methinks is a fit occasion to speak of these powerfull Corpo­rations; for they do make a great part of the strength of these Nations, and are a source of riches to them.

These Companies are Assemblies of particular Merchants, establish'd and confirm'd by Authority in their Union. By which power they may, to the ex­clusion of all others, raise Souldiers at their own charges; make Leagues and Alliances with the Indian Princes; and to bring home certain Commodities from the Indies, which none other must vent but they.

Two things particularly were the [Page 154] cause of this Enterprize, of sayling to the Indies: the one was the strict pro­hibitions of the King of Spain, forbid­ding the Hollanders all Trade and Com­merce into Spain, the only place from which those Indian Merchandizes could be fetched. The other was the unreasonable Rates that the Spanish Merchants did then sell their Wares at; with the exorbitant Customes that Strangers who traded with them, were forced to pay. Insomuch that Spain was become the only Magazine and Bank of riches in Europe, having assem­bled all the treasures of the richest part of the world, whereby they might sub­due the rest.

There happened at this very time another accident, which much contri­buted to the framing of this design. One Cornelius Houtman a Hollander, having divers years faithfully serv'd the Spaniards and Portuguesses, in their navigation to the Indies, was at last ta­ken prisoner by the Negroes, and not like to come out of captivity, except he could pay a ransome far beyond his rich­es and power: he in this strait implor'd [Page 155] the help of some Merchants of Amster­dam, who redeem'd him, upon condi­tion that he should reveal to them all the secret and profit of the Spaniards navigation to the Indies. By this means it came to be known, that their gain was for every five or six pound, a hundred.

One only thing did seem then most to oppose the Hollanders design, and that was, that it was with some regret, that they did see that the Venetians Trade would now fall to the ground. For whereas hitherto they had receiv'd the Merchandizes of the Indies by Per­sia, and so over-land to the Grand Caire, and did then furnish the rest of Europe with them; it was easie to fore­see, that the Hollanders would be able to perform this Voyage by Sea with less cost. But self-love, together with the desire of being reveng'd of the Spaniard, prevail'd against this obstacle. But let us consider the first rise of this Company.

The first Company or Association of Merchants, (for at first they were not authorized, as they now are by the [Page 156] States) chose for Curators or Di­rectors, these following; Henry Hudd, Reynier Paw, Charles de Oude, Jean Poppey, Henry Duick, Theodore de Os, Silvard Petrisein, and Arnould ten Grooten Huyle.

These considering that the way by the Glaciall Sea, though the shorter by 2000. leagues, and the safer from ene­mies, was nevertheless the more dan­gerous, because they were not sure of a passage; fitted out four Ships, and sent them by the ordinary way, under the conduct of Cornelius Houtman, in the year 1595. But being return'd two years and four moneths after, with much less profit than was expected, that did not hinder them from setting out a new Fleet. And as they were busie about it, they had notice that some other Merchants of Amsterdam had the same design; whereupon they propos'd to them to joyn their purses, which they did, and made up a Fleet of eight Ships, under the conduct of James van Neck.

At the same time there was fram'd a company at Rotterdam, who under­took [Page 157] the way to the Indies by the Straight of Magellan, and the South-Sea; James Mahu undertook the Voy­age.

But before that the Fleet of eight Sail could be come back, the same Asso­ciates sent out three more; and a little after return'd back four of the eight that had been sent first, with a very considerable lading, and much to the advantage of the Adventurers. The noise of the great gains to be made this way, made some other Merchants, for the most part Brabancons, compose another Company, call'd the Brabant Company, and in the year 1599. this Company sent four Ships, to which the first Company added four more.

The Spaniards in the mean time con­sidering the great progress of these new Enterprizes, and fore-seeing the ruine of their rich Trade by them, resolv'd to use all possible means to crush them while they were yet in their birth. Whereupon they fitted out a Fleet of thirteen strong men of War, who meeting with five Hollanders, engaged [Page 158] them, but were at last constrain'd to fly, and yeeld the Hollanders the victory. This check making the Spani­ard sensible that strength and open force were not like to prevail, they went another way to work, and employed the Portuguesses, whose interest was very strong with most of the Indian peoples and Princes: they endeavour­ed by all means to make the Dutch so odious to those Nations, that they should abstain from all Trade and Com­merce with them, representing them as Pirates and Rebels to their King. But the States Generall being inform'd of this hard measure given them by the Portuguesses, gave order to all their Sub­jects, to assault and take all Ships that should any wayes strive to oppose their navigation to the Indies.

Thus they struggled pretty well with this great obstacle. But the Merchants themselves being divided into different Companies, and not acting all unani­mously, did spoil one anothers Trade; for either they would all come to one Port of the Indies, and so enhance the price of the Natives Commodity, and [Page 159] debase their own, or commit some other errour, which made most of their Ships return with much less profit than might have been otherwise expected. The States considering these inconve­niencies, resolv'd to make up one cer­tain Company of all the different Ad­venturers that would come in, and to grant to them alone the priviledge of trading to the Indies, under certain Conditions. This Order of the States being publish'd, many out of hopes of gain, others out of love to their Coun­trey, put in different summes, which all together made up six hundred thou­sand pound, the first stock upon which this Company has built its prodigious Encrease.

All those that had conributed were call'd Partners, in Dutch (Participan­ten) because they had part in all the profit and loss of the Company.

But all those that had contributed more than six hundred pound, were call'd head-Partners, (hooft-Partici­panten) and out of these alone were, and are to this day, chosen the Curators or Directors of the Company, with a very large power.

[Page 160] All these head-Partners together, have the priviledge of naming out of their own number, the Curators, and then in some places the States of the Province, in others the Magistrates of Towns are to choose them out of those that are nam'd.

The Curators are bound to give an account of all incomes and expences, once a year to the head-Partners. They manage all the business of the Company, and are continued in their employment all their life-time, or at least for one and twenty years. They hold their Assemblies in the most con­venient places of each Province, and their Assemblies are call'd Cham­bers.

In each of these Chambers, there are a set number of Curators; at Amster­dam there are twenty; in Zeeland twelve; upon the Meuse fourteen; and fourteen in West-Friezeland.

Besides these ordinary Assemblies, there are setled in each Province some extraordinary ones, upon occasion, to which the Chambers send their Depu­ties, and all the Chambers of that Pro­vince [Page 161] are bound to stand to the Delibe­rations of this that is made up of them all. This Chamber is setled at Amster­dam for Holland, and at Middlebourg for Zeeland.

This extraordinary Assembly con­sists of seventeen Deputies, call'd (de Vergaderinge van Seventien.) Each Chamber knows the number of Depu­ties that it must send to this Assembly, some more and some less, proportiona­bly still to the first money that they put in.

This is the form of Government that this Company lives under within the States Territories; and amongst all its Constitutions this is the principall, that the Curators shall employ with all care and speed the summes that shall be furnish'd to them, for the setting out of a strong Fleet well arm'd, to drive the Portuguesses and Spaniards out of those Forts and strong places which they hold; and in buying those Manu­factures and Wares which we exchange with the Indians, giving a yearly ac­count of their receits and expences; that out of the product something may [Page 162] still be layed aside, whereby to confirm and advance the Companies Trade and Settlement in those parts; that the rest shall be equally distributed to all the sharers, to every one according to the proportion of the money first put in by them. And this Distribution is com­monly call'd Uytde [...]linge.

This noble establishment thus begun, fail'd not of a very happy success; for now all interests being united as well as strengths, the work was carried on una­nimously: and by the exchange of some things, (of small value with us) as Looking-Glasses, Feathers, Chry­stall, and Glass Rings, Bracelets, Ba­bies, and other such bables, made at Nurembergue in Germany, the Com­pany receiv'd from the silly Indians, Silk, Stuffs, Pearls, all sorts of aro­matick Druggs, of great value, and things of that nature. To this adde, the taking of divers strong places and Forts from the Portuguesses and Spani­ards, who at first little dreamed of be­ing invaded so far off, by those whom they thought they did put so much to it at home.

[Page 163] By these means, in six years time, viz. from the year 1602. to the year 1608. the Company came to see their capitall summe of six hundred thousand pound, encreas'd to almost three milli­ons of English money, besides all the gain that had been distributed among the partners. And besides, their Con­quests are such, and their Dominions so enlarged in the Indies, that they have under their power or protection divers great Kingdomes and Countreys; be­sides many others who have granted to them alone, exclusively to the Spani­ards and Portuguesses, the liberty of Trade amongst them.

Things being brought to this flou­rishing condition, it was thought fit to lay the foundation of a new Common­wealth; and for this purpose they chose a Town which they call'd Batavia, which is so well fortified and encom­pass'd with a strong Wall of Bricks, that it was able these late years, to hold out before all the Forces of the great Emperour of Java, who besieged it with an Army of two hundred thousand men.

[Page 164] It was order'd that the Governour Ge­neral of the Indies for the Company, should here reside, and keep a Royal Court; where he enjoyes the same power that the Governour General does in Holland; he keeps a greater equi­page, and marches with more state than some Kings of Europe, that he may the more be respected by his own Subjects, and the barbarous Nations round about. At first this dignity was for life, but be­cause it seem'd dangerous to let so much power reside in one man so long, it was resolv'd to follow the Spaniards cu­stom, and limit the time of their Go­vernment to three years.

In this Town are likewise establish'd two Soveraign Courts, in one whereof fits the Governour with his Associates, to treat of the publick affairs of the So­ciety, as Peace, War, Alliances, Trade, &c. the other is a Court of Justice, where causes are tryed between parti­cular men.

Besides this, there are in all Pro­vinces and Islands depending upon the Company, two Soveraign Magistrates; one of which commands the Militia, [Page 165] which is quarter'd in different places, to be in a readiness to keep the Natives down; and the other has the care of all that concerns Trade; and to the end that they may not behave them­selves dishonestly, there are adjoyn'd to them certain Officers call'd Censours, who keep a Register of all Occurrences, and give account of them every quar­ter to the Governour and his Council. Out of these Registers the Council picks the condition and posture of the Companies affairs, and having drawn it up, sends it into Holland; and the Curatours thereby know how to govern themselves in their supplyes.

At the same time there was some project made for the better multiply­ing of this Colony, that so at last they might equal the Indians in number, and not need to drain Europe every year for men. To further this, they built a pub­lick house, in which were maintain'd at the publick charge great numbers of young Maids, brought from Holland; and the Souldiers and Seamen had li­berty to make their addresses and mar­ry them. But this did not succeed, for [Page 166] it was found by experience that the children born of Dutch Parents in the Indies, were not so lusty nor so long liv'd as those that were born of a Dutch Father and an Indian Mother.

The Trade to the Indies is driven with ready money, or with Exchange; the Japponeses take ready money; all the Indians exchange their Commodities for ours, which at first were of so small a value, and theirs so rich, that for every five pounds worth of ours, we had a hundred pounds worth of theirs. Some of these Nations have given to the Hollanders alone, the priviledge of Trading with them; for example, they alone can buy Pepper, and by conse­quence set what price they please upon that Commodity.

Every year in certain seasons the Fleets set sail for Holland, and every year new Fleets go from Holland for the Indies. The Merchandizes brought from India to Holland, are publickly exposed to sale, and the money produ­ced, distributed among the Sharers; so for a hundred pound which a particular man▪ shall have put into the common [Page 167] stock, he shall have rarely twenty, sometimes thirty, and most commonly fourty pound profit; so that the an­nual rent comes almost to half the Capital.

This distribution is made either in Money, or Merchandize; the truth is, that heretofore they did seldom use to deliver out any Merchandize, but of late some Nations of Europe having gone about to set up the same Trade to the Indies, the Hollanders to discourage and break them at their first begin­ings, did think fit to make a distribu­tion of Merchandize. Whereupon there coming abroad at once so much, the price of all could not choose but fall, and so make these Strangers not able to afford them at such easie rates. 'Tis true, that this did the Company them­selves much prejudice, but still it was a less loss to them, for the greatest mis­chief that can befall them, is that other Nations find the way to the Indies.

There is besides, this considerable ad­vantage, that all the Sharers do not on­ly make a vast interest of their money, but their Capital encreases every day, [Page 168] as the Companies stock encreases. So if he that has put in at first 400 pound, will sell (which they seldom do) his right to another, he will without diffi­culty get 1800 pound for it; and it is to be hoped, that at last the very annual distributions will be worth the Capital every year.

Some years ago the Company of the West-Indies was establish'd after the same model; and a purpose to cross its settlement, the King of Spain de­manded a Truce of twelve years from the States; one of the Articles of which was, that the Hollanders should under­take no Navigation to the West-Indies: he obtain'd it, and all that while the de­sign was crush'd; but shortly after the Truce expir'd, it was again set a foot with more eagerness.

The Capital of this Company was seven hundred thousand pound, and the Curatours having set out a brave Fleet, the Town of St. Sauveur, otherwise call'd baia de todos los Santos, was car­ried and taken from the Spaniards; but shortly after it was unfortunately lost again. In the mean time, the booty [Page 169] made by taking and plundering the Spa­niards and Portugu [...]ses Ships was so rich, that the Sharers of the Company re­ceiv'd five and twenty per Cent. at the first distribution. A little after the Spa­niards Silver Fleet, valued at twelve hundred thousand pound, having been taken, the Sharers had half their Capi­tal refunded to them; but experience soon made appear, that in this the Cura­tours were rather prodigal than liberal, because that the Company having then no setled establishment in the West-Indies, it had been better to have im­ployed that money towards a further confirmation of their affairs, particu­larly having undertaken so smart a War against the Spaniards and Por­tugueses.

For this reason, their Capital being exhausted by following misfortunes, the Curatours were fain to exact a new Contribution from the Sharers, viz. the moiety of what they had given at first, which made up twelve hundred thou­sand pound, to which were added four hundred thousand pound more, and re­solution was taken to pay interest of six [Page 170] per Cent. for all the money advanc'd to the Company. Their Treasury thus re­cruited, gave them courage to under­take a new Expedition, upon the great Town of Fernambove; after this they invaded some borders of Africa, from whence having driven the Portugueses, they got into possession of the Trade with the Africans, who sell their young Negroes. This is the sinew of the West-India Trade, for they being of a strong robust constitution, are able to endure those hardships in the Sugar Mills and Mines, that no Indians or Europeans are able to undergo.

Though things have since succeeded pretty luckily, yet have not the Cu­ratours made any dividends amongst the Sharers; not but that they have brought from thence twice or thrice every year vast quantities of rich La­dings, which they have well sold; but because they have alwayes been forced to maintain War, till the Portugueses re­volted from the Spaniards.

The Orders and Constitution of this Company, are conformable to those of the East-Indies, except that there are [Page 171] alwayes some Deputies from the States General, that do preside in their extra­ordinary Assemblies; and this because the States have contributed a great sum of money towards their first establish­ment.

The Soveraign command both by Land and Sea, is in the hands of a Cap­tain General, that resides in Brazeel; it is now Prince Maurice of Nassaw. There are added to him as his Councel, two or three of the Curatours of the Company; there is also a Soveraign Court of Justice to hear and determine causes between particular men.

This Company has other designs, and does not resolve to keep within the streight limits of Brazeel, but en­deavours to open a passage to those rich M [...]nes of Silver which the Spani­ards and Indians are at present in pos­session of; this enterprize seems likely enough to succeed, particularly since the Chilians, an Indian Nation that in­habits the Sea-side, is in War with the Spaniard, and wants nothing but Armes and Discipline; which the Hollanders will be easily induced to furnish them [Page 172] with, it being so much their own advan­tage. The Souldiers of this Company and Officers, are sworn not only to the Curatours, but also to the States Gene­ral, and to the General of the Army; because it is not safe that private men should have an Army at their com­mand.

These two Companies have the privi­ledge of Trading alone into both the Indies, not for ever, but for twenty or thirty year, more or less. And it was wisely order'd so for two reasons: First, because it may be the necessity of affairs might have been such, as to have oblig'd the States to make Peace or Truce with the Spaniards; which it may be would not have been obtain'd, without relinquishing the Trade to the Indies, which they could not do had they granted a perpetual priviledge to these Companies. Secondly, that when­soever they demand the renewing of their Priviledges, the Commonwealth may take occasion to demand a round sum of money in acknowledgement of the favour they receive.

In a word, these two Companies are [Page 173] so well establish'd, as to be upon all oc­casions a very great prop to the State; for they are a Nursery of Souldiers and Seamen, out of which in time of War the States may upon a sudden be pro­vided with Ships, Armes, and some thousands of Men, and by which in time of Peace, many thousands got a very handsom livelihood.

CHAP. XXII.

CArdinal Bentivoglio, who was for some time the Popes Nuncio in the Low-Countries, has writ the History of their Wars, and in his Book has given me occasion of adding here this Chapter. For he has propounded the same Question, and after he has brought some Reasons, which seem to conclude in favour of the perpetuity of this Com­monwealth, [Page 174] he does produce some others to shew that a contrary opinion is more likely.

'Tis certainly a great vanity to go about to dispute about futures; yet the Form and Government, and present felicity of a State, may give us leave to give a guess at its future happiness.

And first, if we consider the cause of the founding of this State, we cannot think that it will ever be dissolv'd: For that was the recovering of lost Liber­ties, and the preservation of them when recovered; two things mightily priz'd by all mankind, but particularly by the Northern Nations of the world. Besides, not only by this the Liberties of all its Subjects are secur'd, but none of the neighbouring Nations can stand in fear of losing theirs, by the increase of this; so that it will be no bodies In­terest to procure a change; for the people cannot be more easie than they are already: adde to this the mutual aversion between the Spaniards and the Hollanders, that it is natural to fear, and not to trust those that we have offended.

[Page 175] Besides, let any body cast back their eyes upon the first change, and they shall find it such as no body is offended at. 'Tis most certain, that when in Go­vernment men pass from one extre­mity to the other, there are many whom a desire of the first Government does sollicite and possess; but here it was not so, for except the change that was made of the person of the King of Spain, for the States General, there was no change made in the Laws, Consti­tutions, and Customs of these Pro­vinces. Since therefore that the antient Laws, and Magistrates, and all other Priviledges do remain, it is easily agreed, that the change was scarce sen­sible to the Inhabitants. And upon this we may found this maxim, that Those States that have suffer'd least in their change, are like to last longest.

The inequality of strength and riches in these Provinces, is one of the tyes of their perpetuity, though ordinarily it be the cause of ruptures and fallings out in these cases.

If we consider the riches of these Pro­vinces, and the industry of the Inhabi­tants [Page 176] to acquire them, we may certainly conclude that they will not be wanting to themselves in their Government; besides, without doubt as long as the Spaniards power shall give occasion of jealousie to Europe, England and France will never forsake the protection of Holland.

If we consider also the example of some Commonwealths of our time, as of the Swizzers, who do not only main­tain themselves free from neighbour­ing Princes, by the natural situation of their Countrey, but are a terrour to many of them. These are our reasons, but Cardinal Bentivoglio brings some against them as follows.

Liberty begets license, that begets inequality, inequality begets Monar­chy; so the Romans having driven out Kings, gave themselves up to the en­joyment of their Liberty; after that, they fell out by the inequality of Charges and Honours, and at last fell under the domination of Emperors.

To this is answer'd, that it is in vain that this example is alleadged, because the change proceeded from the over­sight [Page 177] in the constitution of the Roman Government, in which it was not pro­vided against inequality; but it is not so with the Hollanders.

As for what he sayes, that the Au­thority of the Governour General is too great, we do confess it; yet the Au­thority of the States is above it, for in him lies only perswasion, in them the power of commanding.

If it be objected, that the charges of a War are here incredible and exces­sive, and that the Treasury must needs be exhausted. I shall answer, that our Enemies are not in a better condition, but there is this difference between us, that our Enemies grow Beggars, and we grow rich under this oppression.

If it be further urged, that one Pro­vince, Holland, is much superiour to the others in strength and riches, and so may usurpe the domination over the rest. I shall answer, that in this inequa­lity of power, all the Provinces are equal in Authority, and do not meddle with one anothers affairs.

As for the diversity and plurality of Religions, it is so far from being an [Page 178] apple of discord, that it is a tye of uni­on and concord, every one being pleas'd with the liberty he has to enjoy the freedome of his conscience.

CHAP. XXIII.

GErmany which is one of the noblest parts of Europe, is divided into two parts, high and low. It is not our design to say any thing of the higher Germany.

The lower, call'd the Eye of the North, by reason of its excellency, is compos'd of seventeen Provinces. Those of them that lye upon the banks of the River Rhin towards the North, were us'd to be reckoned among the Lordships of the upper Germany; and the others upon the banks of the same River, towards the East, were ancient­ly [Page 179] esteem'd dependances of Gallia Bel­gica. Each of them have been go­vern'd till within these few years, by their particular Princes and Prin­cesses.

The Provinces of Brabant, Limbourg, Luxembourg, and Gueldres, were go­vern'd by Dukes. Flanders, Artois, Hainaut, Zeeland, Holland, Namur, and Zutphen, by Earls. Antwerp which bears the title of the Marquessship of the holy Empire, by a Marquess. Friezeland, Utrect, Overyssell, Malines, and Groeningue, by Bishops and parti­cular Lords.

The Emperor Charles the fifth was the first Soveraign of all these rich Pro­vinces; to the possession of which he attain'd, by being Heir to the Branch of Burgundy, and the Houses of Spain and Austria.

Philip his Son was his Successor in his time. The exorbitant punishments in­flicted on those that professed Protestant Religion, with the intolerable severity of the Inquisition; the breach of the peoples priviledges, made them revolt, and endeavour to maintain by force, [Page 180] that which tyranny would extort from them. Their Enterprize has been bless'd with success; for seven of these Provinces have cast off the yoke of obe­dience due unto him, and have made an Union and League together for their defence, whence they are call'd the United Provinces, and are Gueldres, Zutphen, Holland, Zeeland, Frieze, Utrect, Overyssell, and Groeningue.

These are the Provinces, for whose service that incomparable Hero, Mo­rice of Nassaw, Son to William Prince of Orange, has waged and managed a War against the most powerfull Prince in Europe, with a success worthy his prudence and courage. He was so ac­complish'd a Prince, that it is better to be silent, than to go about to praise one, whose merits can never be e­quall'd with words; but they are writ­ten in the hearts of all the Nations he so highly obliged by his singular valor and conduct.

The Provinces above-mentioned ha­ving occasion to treat of their publick concerns, send their Deputies to the Hague, some one, some two or more, [Page 181] according as their rank and priviledge is. They are ordinarily chosen among the most sufficient, able, and pious men, and such as deserve to be admir'd for their experience. They are com­monly call'd the States Generall, and have the power of treating and con­cluding the most important affairs of the Commonwealth, as Peace, War, &c. In a word; their duty is to an­swer all the ends of Government, that they may preserve the Commonwealth flourishing, and safe. But I have un­dertaken to give a particular account of the Government of the Hollanders, and I think fit to give the Reader notice, that whatsoever is said of them, may be applyed to the other Provinces, on­ly things are done in Holland with a greater apparatus, and more solidity.

Thyerry of Aquitain was the first Earl of Holland; thirty Earls or Countesses have succeeded him in this dignity, all upon condition to preserve the privi­ledges and immunities of the people; which having been exactly observ'd by them all, were first violated by Philip the second, King of Spain, for which [Page 182] he was deposed, and from that time forward the Soveraign Power devolv'd to the States. The States are a publick Assembly of the Nobles and the Deputies of Towns. The Brederodes have the first rank among the Nobles; the Wassenars were more ancient; the Egmonts the powerfullest; the Scages follow the Brederodes; then the Assendelf; the Douses; the Warmonts; the Podgeests; the Matenesses, and others. The Reader must forgive me if I am mistaken in this account.

Three Nobles and no less are us'd to sit in the States of Holland. The Towns that send Deputies, never send fewer than two. There are six princi­pall Towns who have this right; Dort, Harlem, Delf, Leyden, Amsterdam, Ter­gou. There are also some others, as in South-Holland, Rotterdam, Gorchum, Schiedam, Schoonhoove, the Brill; in North-Holland, Alcmaer, Horn, Enchuse.

It is likewise practis'd to call the No­bles to ordinary Assemblies; but when there is an extraordinary Deputation for making of Peace or War, &c. then the other smaller Towns may likewise send their Deputies.

[Page 183] The States of Holland meet ordinari­ly every quarter once, and sometimes between while, and that at the Hague, as the States of Gueldres at Nimmegue, or Zutphen. The Provinciall Advo­cate presides in these Assemblies, and takes care that they be held with order, and things manag'd with prudence. He resides ordinarily at the Hague, and does no other Office but this; he is to shew himself impartiall and just even to the least Borrough or Corporation; he must take care that nothing pass that is contrary to the Customes and Privi­ledges of the Province. The first day of the Assembly he is to perform the Office of Speaker, and to break the matters to the Deputies, to ask their advices, and take their Votes, and declare for those that are the major part. He is also to keep a Register of all that is done, and to send a Copy of it to all the Nobles and Towns, within eight dayes after the rising of the Assembly.

The States being solemnly assem­bled, and having all taken an Oath of fidelity and secrecy, do deliberate about the Propositions made by the Ad­vocate, [Page 184] which are ordinarily reduced to heads. Their ordinary matters are Subsidies, Contributions, &c. Chan­ges in State and Government, Peace, War, Leagues; of alienating, giving, and otherwise disposing of things be­longing to the Province; of granting Priviledges, Patents, and many other things, which for brevity I omit.

As for the order observ'd in giving their Votes; the Nobles begin, then the Towns follow in the order they are set down above; every one says his opinion and reasons with leasure, and quietly, no body interrupting him, and that which the major part carries, is the Law.

The States as it has been said, meet but once every three moneths; there­fore because there may be extraordina­ry business, they choose certain Depu­ties, who sit alwayes to deliberate of such matters as happen between the Meeting times, and which cannot be deferr'd. By the care of these all Land and Sea-affairs are govern'd, and all ministred. The Deputies are call'd Collegues, and they that take care of [Page 185] the Sea-affairs, Counsellors of the Ad­miralty.

They are six in the Colledge of De­puties, and are most commonly cho­sen for one year, out of the Nobles and Citizens of Towns, and are bound by Oath to observe carefully, and without interest, all that shall be commanded them, to take neither bribe, present, nor pension from any person or per­sons. They are to confer Notes with the Governour of the Province, and to give him good and faithfull coun­sell.

They are also to take great care, that the Resolves and Orders of the last As­semblies be put in execution; to deli­berate of all such things as are not left to the Governours care; to call toge­ther the States upon such occasions as will admit of no delay.

They are also to provide, that the Towns and Villages of the Province do live in peace and union one with ano­ther; and that there be no violation of the States Orders, either by force or fraud; to sollicit punishment against riotous Souldiers and Officers that com­mit [Page 186] Exactions and Extortions.

They are also to keep a Register of the Arms that are in the Magazines; that the ordinary proportion of Ammu­nition be deliver'd to the Garrisons; that from time to time there be made Fortresses and Forts in Holland, and those kept in repair. It is not to be forgotten, that it is to them at last that comes all Exchequer Suits about the publick revenue and receit of Cu­stomes, &c.

In the absence of the Governour Gene­rall they determine all Causes concern­ing Prisoners of War, touching Plun­der and Booty, &c.

Here follows the method they use in all their affairs.

1. They do the business that con­cerns the whole Province.

2. Those affairs that regard Towns and Corporations.

Last of all, They decide the Contro­versies between private persons.

The Counsellors of the Admiralty who are six in number, ought to be very carefull, and to act conjoyntly with the Admirall, the States, and their De­puties, [Page 187] to have alwayes a convenient Fleet ready, to secure the Sea from Pi­rates, and that all Merchants and Pas­sengers passing to and fro upon Rivers and Channels, be duely provided of Pasports. They are also to find out the ablest Pilots and stoutest Captains, and when they have sworn them, give them their Orders. They are sove­raign Judges of all abuses and frauds committed in falsifying and counter­feiting Pasports; as also of all quarrels and suits between Sea-men and Souldi­ers aboard the Ships. In a word; they have all the power that Admirals do enjoy in England, France, or any other Countrey.

I have not time to shew here by what Agents and Officers the States do administer justice to their Subjects; keep accounts of their treasure; give Livings and Fees to be held from them; and many other things, which would require a greater Volume.

It remains to satisfie some Politici­ans curiosity, who would know it may be, whether our State be Monarchie, Aristocracie, or Democracie; or of [Page 188] which of these it participates most. To which I answer, that I think the Government of Holland to be a fit mixture of them all.

In the person of the Governour Generall, who commands the Armies both at Land and Sea with an ab­solute Authority, is seen Monarchie; the States represent Aristocracie; and Democracie is seen in the Go­vernment of the Cities and Towns, for nothing is done without the consent of the meanest Inhabitant.

CHAP. XXIV.

THe Knights, Nobles, and Towns of Holland and West-Frieze, re­presenting the States of the said Provin­ces, after a mature deliberation and communication of the business with the Nobles and Senates of Towns, and carefully weigh'd their advice and an­swer, have in discharge of their Oath and duties, thought fit to publish and make known to all the world by a pub­lick Edict, the State of Government of the said Provinces, being perswaded, that all Readers will be inclin'd to pitty and favour the deplorable estate of our Countrey.

[Page 190] It is most certain for that in past ages, for the time of 800. years, the Sove­raign Administration of the Provinces of Holland, West-Frieze, or Zeeland, was committed to the care of Earls or Countesses, who had receiv'd this pow­er from the States, and that upon cer­tain Conditions.

These Earls did govern with so much moderation and prudence, that they did never undertake either to declare War, or make Peace, or lay Imposts or Taxes, without asking the advice and consent of the Nobles, and of the Magistrates of Towns, though they had their own Privy Councellors, men of great capacity and abilities; but they did much yeeld to the Authority of the States, for any business that concern'd these Nations.

This Government thus founded up­on equity and justice, could not choose but attract the blessings of Heaven up­on its Lords; and indeed it did, for no Princes ever perform'd more glorious actions, or receiv'd more demonstrati­ons of honour from their Neighbours, than they. William the second, Earl [Page 191] of Holland, was chosen Emperor in the year 1247. And that which is yet an addition of glory for these Princes, is, that they have maintain'd many bloody Wars, obtain'd many famous victories, and alwayes so defended the very bor­ders of their States, that their enemies have not been able to get any ground upon them.

We may also protest with truth, that in the space of 800. years, Holland and Zeeland were never conquer'd nor sub­jected by any Strangers whatsoever; neither did they pass under the power of any Foreign Prince, which is an ad­vantage that we believe no State in Eu­rope, except it be the Republick of Ve­nice, can brag of.

We do ingeniously confess, that the firm Constitution of this our Govern­ment, does consist in the union and good intelligence which is between the States and the Prince; for the power of these Earls was very inconsiderable without the help of the States, they having nothing but their own Demean or Revenue to live upon, and uphold the splendor of their Court. We have [Page 192] also observ'd, by what means and Au­thority they have often made their Courts remember that duty, which some evil counsellors had perswaded them to forget, and that not only by Remonstrances and Petitions, but often by chastizing and personally punishing those, who wickedly abusing the Prin­ces Authority, did lead them so much out of the way of justice and modera­tion.

We find likewise in our Histories, that the States have chosen Guardians for their Princes under age; and that William the Fifth being run mad, they created a Lieutenant-Governour in his room. In a word; 'tis a thing questi­on'd by no body, that the Soveraign power was alwayes in the States, whensoever their Princes came to die, or were otherwise disabled from per­forming the Functions of their Charge; and in those Cases they did appoint a Governour, whom they called Guar­dian, or (Ruwarde.)

Under the Domination of the Dukes of Burgundy this Right was also main­tain'd; for a little after the death of [Page 193] Charles their Duke, and his Daughter the Dutchess Mary, Maximilian of Austria having undertaken to intro­duce some novelties, and oppress the Authority of the States, was so op­pos'd, that had he continued he had without doubt undone himself.

The Emperor Charles being yet mi­nor receiv'd Guardians, and the Pro­vinces receiv'd Governors from the said States; and though their liberties had suffer'd some diminution under the Dukes of Burgundy, yet did the said Emperor alwayes respect and honour them, as being perswaded that without their assistance his power could not stand. Upon this Subject he gave ma­ny grave admonitions to his Son, wishing him to govern with all mode­ration; and not by any means to ex­asperate that power, whose consent he must have to enjoy his Preroga­tive.

And indeed he now knows to his own and these Provinces great cost, the truth of what his Father did foretell; for there can be no other cause alledged of the troubles and revolutions of the [Page 194] Low-Countreys, than his going about to infringe their Priviledges, and fasten the yoke of servitude about their necks. Though these things be as clear as day, yet we have thought it necessary to publish them to the world; because that many being yet in suspence and ill-inform'd, do think that the States are only a tumultuous Assembly of some Deputies, who being men con­cern'd in the quarrell, do carry on things more according to their own ends, than to the publick good. But they that will open their eyes, and con­sider the noble actions perform'd in Holland and Zeeland within these fifteen years, will easily see that they cannot be the effect of some few persons passi­on, but they must necessarily be secon­ded by the unanimous consent of whole Nations.

Therefore that none may any longer have the least pretext for their doubts, we will give such evidences of our power, as shall shew whence it is de­r [...]v'd.

The Princes that heretofore go­vern'd, were not only possess'd at first [Page 195] of this honour, by the consent and a­greement of the States, but have also been continued in this their dignity, by the same, means that all those bo­dies of which they were made heads, did remain in the same entire state of liberty; a thing which it may be we should not now be able to brag of, had not the States alwayes had a vigilant eye upon the actions of ambitious Prin­ces, and the malice of ill Counsellors, and applied present remedies upon all occasions, and so stop'd up the way to tyranny, as to make it not worth their while to endeavour it.

These States are divided into two bodies; the Nobility, and the Towns.

The Nobility, by reason of their an­cient extraction, their rich possessions, and their gallant actions, do justly compose the first body, and meet with the Deputies of Towns in publick As­semblies, to provide for the Common­wealth.

The Towns have almost all the same Government.

The Colledge of Senators of the Towns is chosen from among the Patricians, [Page 196] who in some places are forty, in others thirty four, twenty, more or less. Being once rais'd to this honour, they enjoy it as long as they live, or as long as they have Jus Civita [...]is: when they die or remove to other places, others are chosen in their place by the common consent of the Citizens.

These Colledges alone have the pow­er of deliberating and determining the affairs of the Towns, and that which is resolv'd upon in these Assemblies, is by the people receiv'd and obeyed.

In this Colledge are every year chosen the Magistrates, viz. four Bourgema­sters, three, two, or seven Aldermen, (for so 'tis they call the Judges) to ad­minister justice for one year. In some Provinces these Magistrates are chosen absolutely; and in others there is a double number chosen, and out of them the Governor chooses those that are to be Judges.

The Bourgemasters duty is to take care to make good orders be kept through­out the City in all things, and to pro­vide that the publick be no wayes dam­maged. The Aldermen determine [Page 197] Causes, and punish Crimes. The Col­ledges have the super-intendance over all these in Holland, Zeeland, and West-Frieze; insomuch that the Princes of these Provinces had not reserv'd to themselves any other power, than to create one to preside in these Assem­blies. This is the true state of these Countreys; whence may be inferr'd, that the Magistrates, the Senates, and the Nobility joyn'd together, do re­present the whole body of these Nati­ons, and that their government is so e­qually temper'd, as to subsist as long as it has done, and with as much if not more felicity.

When publick affairs require that these Colledges of the Nobility and Towns should meet, they are adver­tis'd of it by their Deputies, who do call them together by express Writs sent to them, in which the heads of the matters to be deliberated upon, are in­serted. These having been discuss'd and weigh'd in the Assembly, Deputies are sent to the States Generall, with power to consult and determine such things, as shall be found necessary for [Page 198] the good of all the Provinces.

The Nobility is present in a compe­tent number. The Towns send one Bourgemaster, with some Senators. Their duty in generall is to treat and decide, concerning all that has any re­lation to the welfare of the State; and particularly they are bound to provide for the maintaining of the Immunities and Priviledges.

These assembled are call'd the States; not that they are, but because they re­present a nobler and more powerfull Assembly which sent them thither. Neither is it to be imagin'd, that one can easily by favour and faction attaine to this degree of honour; for besides that naturally the common people are averse: for those that seem to desire the choice of such a one, is void of its self. Besides, who would be so mad in the age we live in, as to purchase ambitiously an employment, which carries with it nothing but cares and af­flictions; and which, by the malice of those who study to defame and black the most unspotted reputation, is a place of danger, rather than a degree [Page 199] of elevation? Certainly they that are well acquainted with our Common­wealth, will witness how many artifi­ces, nay what threats and constraints we are fain to use, to get the Deputies to accept of their charges.

When these Assemblies are dissolv'd, the Deputies are bound to give an ac­count of the Resolutions to those that sent them.

This is that foundation upon the which our Commonwealth was first built, and has stood for this 700. years, as it appears by our Histories. 'Tis by this union that we have maintain'd a War for these many years, without the loss of any of our members; and that since our League, no Towns have re­volted, nor none of our Armies divided into parties: for which no better rea­son can be given, than that we have proceeded in all things justly, accor­ding to the Constitution of our Govern­ment.

For this reason that every one might share in the Government, we have granted to many small Towns, who formerly did not use to be call'd to the [Page 200] generall Assemblies, the priviledge of sending their Deputies, and taking part in the administration of all affairs, that so they may the more willingly support the paying of Taxes, which they themselves shall have thought fit to impose.

Upon the same score the Nobility has the liberty of assisting at these publick Assemblies, in such numbers as they please. Provided still they be of the body of the great Assembly, except those that are priviledg'd.

If any body can prove that any of the Nobles or Deputies of Towns has gone beyond his Commission, or has come short of it, or any wayes fail'd in the trust put in him, he shall be bound to come in the presence of those that did depute him, and justifie himself; and in case he refuse, he shall be punish'd according to the rigour of the Law; and we shall think our selves oblig'd to those that shall accuse him, and bound to thank them, as true and faithfull lo­vers of their Countrey.

But as for those that do cast aspersi­ons, and forge calumnies against the [Page 201] States, it is fit they should know that they are much mistaken, if they think to deal with the Nobility and Deputies of Towns, as with private men. For though they may be led away, and in­duc'd to deride their actions and resolu­tions, innocently, and only to make sport; yet do we here declare, that those we shall find doing so malici­ously, and with a design of subverting our State, by vilifying the Governors thereof, we shall hold as enemies, and punish accordingly.

Therefore be it known to all, that we that do here declare that the Sove­raign power is in the States, do not mean that it is in the Deputies, but in those that sent them, whom they re­present by vertue of their Commissi­on.

This is a truth which many Princes, and particularly her most Serene Ma­jesty the Queen of England, as also his Excellency the Prince of Orange, when he was sworn Governour, did both acknowledge. Neither do we think that any body can dispute so con­stant a verity; for else it would follow, [Page 202] that the States have not, now they are free, so much power as they had be­fore: and not only the contracts made with the English, and the creation of the Governor Generall, would be inva­lid, but all that the States have so nobly perform'd, since these fifteen years, would be unjust, which no body but our greatest enemies will, or dare say.

From what has been said, it appears how great a necessity there is of keep­ing inviolable the Authority of the said States, as the foundation of all the safe­ty of our Commonwealth, and of let­ting every body know, that the Sove­raign power is no less in them now than it was under their former Princes. Decreed at the Hague, and order'd to be publish'd by the common consent of the States. Made at Har [...]m [...] the six­teenth of October, in the year 1587.

CHAP. I.

SOme Writers say, that the word Holland is deriv'd from the G [...]r­man word Holtlandt, which is as much as to say, a Countrey of Wood; and they found this their conjecture upon the names of many Villages, [Page 204] which have been nam'd from their Woods. Our Annals likewise do say, that formerly this Province was full of Forrests, and the Sea-side all border'd with Trees.

There was not above a hundred years ago a large Forrest in the Island of Texel, (which does as it were make up the tail of the Lion, which the seven­teen Provinces put together do repre­sent.) And to this day there are bo­dies and stumps of Trees, which do of­ten hurt Ships, and entangle their Ca­bles about their roots, which in a storm is often the cause of the loss of divers Ships; for that reason the Fishermen never cast their Nets there, for fear of tearing them.

Some others say, and that probably enough, that the word Holland does denote the property of the Earth, which in most places seems hollow, and quakes as if it swam upon the top of the Water. To this purpose Guicciardin tells a Story of a Cow, That passing in a Meadow half a mile from Harlem, fell into a Ditch, and was drown'd, and [...]re [...] dayes after was found in a Lake [Page 205] hard by the Town, on the East-side of it, which had no communication with the Ditch.

The third opinion, and that which is most likely to be true, is, that these Provinces having been conquer'd by the Normans, they gave them the name of the Provinces they came out of. And in effect, not only whole Provinces, but many Towns and Villages have the same names here, and in Denemark, as Zeeland, Oland, besides the Kingdome of Norway; the Towns, as Schagen, Bergen, Valkenburg, and many others, which it is needless to set down.

In all antiquity it is observable, that when ever a Nation did enlarge by Conquests or Colonies, the same cu­stome was put in use. So the French having entred Gallia drive out the Ro­mans, and call'd the Countrey France. The Spaniards do the same in the West-Indies. And to go no further, the Dutch themselves have given the name of Batavia to that great Town in the Indies, which they have made the seat of their Trade and Empire in those parts.

[Page 206] These Northern Nations, not content with their having deluge-like over-run these Countreys, pass'd into Neustria, and call'd it Normandy; and to this day the people of that Province have an ac­cent much resembling that of the Danes in their tongue, which is not a small conjecture that they are come original­ly out of the North. Our Authors do not agree about the time that these Nations did invade Holland, and whe­ther they were again driven out by the French or no.

CHAP. II.

UNder the name of the Low Coun­treys are comprehended the se­venteen Provinces, and before these troubles Flanders was esteem'd the best of them; but now Holland may more [Page 207] justly claim that title, as being the rich­est Countrey in the world for its big­ness.

Holland is encompassed almost on three sides by the Ocean, viz. on the West, the East, and the North; it has Brabant, the River Meuse, and Utrect, to the South. It may be said of this Province as an Ancient said of France, that there is no desert, solitude, nor empty place in it; for there has been such an affluence and concourse of peo­ple by reason of the Wars, that it is al­most too little to hold them. The Circuit of Holland is only a hundred and fourscore miles, and in this com­pass are comprehended great Lakes, and a part of the South Sea. Its length is taken from the Island Schelling, in the North, to the River Scheld, and Zee­land in the South. The breadth is not above twenty four miles, if we take it in a straight line in the middle, from Catwyck by the Sea-side, to Woerden, a small Town upon the Frontiers of Utrect.

The chief and principall Towns are six in number; Dort, Harlem, Delft, [Page 208] Leyden, Amsterdam, Goude. The o­thers that are less Towns, but who do send their Deputies to the States Gene­rall, are these; Rotterdam, Gorcum, Schiedam, Schoonhove, Briel, Alcmaer, Horn, Enchuyse, Edam, Monnicken­dam, Medenblick, and Purmerend. The other Towns are not admitted to the same priviledges, either because they are built upon the conquer'd Countrey of Brabant, as Gertruden­bergh, Heusden, Workum; or because they have particular Lords, that will not have them belong to the States, as Vianen is owned by the Brederodes, and Yselsteyn is claim'd by the States of Utrect; or else because they are poor, and cannot bear the charges of Depu­ties, as Woerde, Audewater, Heukelom, Asperen, Leerdam, Naerden, W [...]sop, and Muyden, of which mention shall be made hereafter.

The principall Burroughs which have the priviledges of Towns, though they be not wall'd, are, the Hague, Vlaer­ding, Grav [...]sant, Delfs-haven, Bever­wyck, Schagen, Nieuport.

There are in Holland above two [Page 209] hundred Villages, which if you consi­der for their building, trade, and rich­es, they may take place of many Towns in other Countreys; but the fairest of them are Nortwic, Reensburg, Worbury, Maeslant-s [...]ys, Egmond, Ryswyck, Geervliet, &c.

Vlaerding Re [...]nsburg, and Bev [...]wyck were in former ages reckon'd amongst the strongest and fairest Towns of this Province; as also Geervliet. But Hol­land is much chang'd since its troubles, and many Towns are risen by trade and their situation, which before were very inconsiderable. I have heard old Wo­men say, how they could remember that Lootwyck was as big again as it is now, and that it has been by little and little eaten away by the Ocean, its too powerfull Neighbour.

In the year 1574. at Schevelinge, near the Hague, the Sea broke in, and car­ried away 121. Houses, as any body may see it recorded upon a Picture in the Church. In a word, the ruine of the neighbouring Provinces, and the great a version of the people to slavery, has made them all resort to this, and [Page 210] there produce that plenty and abun­dance of all things, which commonly follows great numbers of people, par­ticularly being so situated, as to take the advantage of three great Rivers, and the Sea.

CHAP. III.

HOlland is divided into the South or Meridionall part, which reaches from Zeeland, Brabant, and Utrect, to the Dike at Sparendam, and that is above half Holland; and into North-Holland, or West-Frieze, which reach­es from Amsterdam to the North Sea: and the people though penn'd up as it were in so small a compass, does ne­vertheless differ very much in manners, customes, and Cloathes, in these parts.

The Kennemaers, which the Annals speak so much of, did live between [Page 211] Harlem, Alcmaer, Beverwy [...]k, and Pur­merend. There is a little Mountain be­tween these Towns, which carries the name of St. Albert, and there the Earls were install'd Lords of the Kennemaers; and near that place they kept their Courts, as well because of the beauty of the Countrey, as for the conveni­ence of many fair Castles that are built there, such as Cleves, Brederode, Vel­sen, Egmond.

Waterland is so call'd, because of the abundance of waters, on the top of which it seems to swim. There are in it but three little Towns, viz. Edam, Monnicken-dam, and Purmerend.

That part of Holland which is nearest the North, has a soft moorish Soyl, not at all fit to be till'd. From the Downs to the Frontier of Brabant, 'tis nothing but Meadows, which towards the end of October begin to be cover'd with water, and which encreases by continuall rains and storms, and that lasts all Winter, insomuch that in most places you see nothing but some Stee­ples and Houses, which look as if they came out of the Sea; all these fine Mea­dows [Page 212] being then cover'd with Boats, and the Dikes with Passengers. This Water does mightily fatten the ground; and in the beginning of February, (provided the Frosts do not hinder it) begins to be emptied, by the admirable invention of those Wind-mills, which drive away these deluges of Water, and confine them to certain Channels. The Earth being dry begins about March to look green, and then the Cattell come out to grazing.

Now it is to be observ'd, that the fa­vourable Wind for Holland is the South-East, and the worst is the North-West.

To prevent the dangerous effects of so much Water, this Countrey is full of Banks, rais'd by the industry of the Inhabitants, and which have cost vast summes of money to make, as they do still to maintain and keep in repair. The chief is the bank of the River Issel, that of the Meuse, of Sparendam, and of Medenblick. The care of them be­longs to the Dyckgraves of each Hun­dred, and to the Heemrades, who are Gentlemen of the Countrey.

[Page 213] In the year 1638. the Dike of Issel broke by the thawing of the River; for the Rhyne carrying huge mountains of Ice, they eat into it, and made [...] breach of many foot, not far from Utrect; whereupon almost all Holland was over­flown with clear water, which did little hurt: the breach was soon made up, and the water drain'd by the help of the Wind-mills.

The Earth produces all sorts of Fruits and good Corn about R [...]ns­bourg and Nortwyck, as also near Vooer­schote and Warmont, but not enough for the vast multitudes of people that swarm in this Countrey, therefore the great supply is from Poland and Moscovy. There grows besides here Hemp and Flax, for fine Linnen, and Sayls, &c.

There are incomparably more Mea­dows than arable grounds, which feed a world of Cattle; particularly a large sort of Cows, vvhich give great store of Milk, of which is made excellent But­ter, and rare Cheeses, which are sent all the world over. In some places there are Cows that yeeld three great Pales full of Milk a day.

[Page 214] Every Spring there comes great store of [...]ean Cows and Oxen from Danne­mark, Jutland, and H [...]lstein, which are within three weeks time fa [...]ed up­on these excellent pastures. In some places they [...]owe the Grass twice a year; and the Hay is much better than in any other place; it is for that reason, that the Horses and Cows are bigger and taller than in any other place.

The Earth of which the Turss are made is call'd Veens, which being cut out of the Ditches, and exposed to the Sun-beams, grows hard, and then be­ing kept some time in a Barn or Garret, grows dry, and fit for fewell. The best are those that come from Frieze­land, and they use them in Brewing and Baking. They have all much sul­phure in them, and being mingled with Wood, make an excellent fire.

The mountains of Sand call'd Downs, serve as a bar to the fury of the Ocean; and though they seem barren, yet have they an advantage, which is, that they are full of Rabbits, which are both a pleasant diversion, and a good provisi­on for Passengers.

[Page 215] The Sea-side from the Meuse to the Texel is about a hundred miles in length; and there is so plain and smooth a way between the Mountains and the Sea, that it is a great pleasure to travell in it either afoot or on Horse-back. When the Sea is calm, you may see the Ships under sail; and if there be a storm, it is with a kind of terrible delight, that you may perceive the threatning Sea come, and spend all its fury upon this even shore.

There are some pleasant Forrests standing yet, as that of the Hague and Harlem. There is likewise a Wood at Sevenhuyse, a fine Village five leagues from Leyden, where the Scholars go twice a year to take the sport of shaking the Trees, and making a great sort of Bird that builds in them fall at their feet.

It is most certain that this Province was anciently full of Trees, which (according to the opinion of some Au­thors) were destroyed by that horri­ble storm, which hapned in the year 860. and which shut up the mouth of the River Rhene near Lat [...]i [...], made it [Page 216] take another course, and mingle with the Meuse, after a great devastation of Woods, Lands, and Houses. In proof whereof you see that the Channell that comes from U [...]rect, and passes through Leyden, retains yet the name of the Rhyne. The Countrey people in dig­ging do find to this day in the Veens, and other places, great bodies and branches of Trees, particularly towards the South. Nay they have found Nuts entire and well preserv'd in the bottom of the Water, though there has been no Trees to bear them since this hun­dred years.

And indeed it is no wonder that a Countrey formerly over-run with Wood, should now be so empty of it, since we know that Germany which is now so full of Towns and Cities, was anciently one great Forrest al­most.

The Air is pretty well temper'd in Holland, though cold do a little predo­minate, there being continuall winds and frequent rains; but the inconstancy of the Climate is such, that the seasons seem to be in a perpetuall confusion. [Page 217] It rains ordinarily in the Dog-dayes; and sometimes in July it is as cold as in December. Likewise in Winter it is sometimes so warm and milde weather, that one can hardly endure a fire: but as the heat is never violent, so the cold is seldome lasting, according to the Proverb that sayes, that rigorous Ma­sters do not govern long; yet is there no such generall Rule but admits of an ex­ception; for there has been long and hot Summers, and violent cold lasting Winters: the Annals speak of some, as of the year 1149.

When the Channels are frozen, they slide upon them with a certain sort of Shooes call'd Skates, which have a long, shining, narrow, crooked Iron, that stands out before. They that are perfect in this exercise turn their Feet inwards, that the Iron may take the more hold of the Ice, upon which they fly like Birds in the air with that swift­ness, that one can hardly follow them with the eye. The Women too use this as a diversion, and many do very pretty tricks upon the Ice; but most are content with a straight course, as [Page 218] much as needs to get heat and ground. Every Sunday after Sermon all the peo­ple of the Towns come out upon the Ice, some to slide and others to look on. I knew a young Clown of ten year old, who did brag that he had gone eighteen miles or six leagues in an hour upon his Skates. The same laid a Wa­ger with a Peasant his neighbour, that he would sooner slide three leagues, than the other should ride one and a half with the best Horse he should get. It is ordinary for these sort of people to go from Leyden to Amsterdam in an hour and a quarter, if the Ice be even, and yet that is near eighteen miles.

There are besides things call'd Trais­neaur, like our Sledges, that are of two sorts, some that are drawn by Horses, and others that a man drives before him as he slides upon the Ice. There are also Boats, that having a great Iron under them, sail along, and go sometimes fifteen leagues an hour; but that is seldome practis'd, because there is danger in it, and because that often the Ice is not even.

When it has snowed and frozen to­gether, [Page 219] they use great Sledges to go across the Meadows, and not follow the ordinary way. Some wonder to see the Countrey people carry great Poles upon their Shoulders; but the reason of it is, that if the Ice should break, they might by the favour of their Poles, (both ends of which would lye upon the two extremities of the crack'd Ice) get out again. The te­merity of the Hollanders deserves to be blam'd; for many will venture upon one nights Ice, and thence happen ma­ny sad accidents.

Holland is so flat and even a Coun­trey, that you see not a Mountain nor a Hill, except those Sand-hills that keep out the Sea. It is almost all Mea­dows, cut into a thousand Channels, which in Summer by their delicate green, and their variety of Flowers, are a pleasant object to look on. 'Tis true, that in some places the Earth pro­duces Corn, Beans, Pease, and all sorts of grains; the Mountains of Sand are full of Rabbits; the Waters of excellent Fishes; and the Air supplyes them with Fowl from the Northern [Page 220] parts, viz. with Woodcocks, Snipes, Hernes, &c. insomuch that Holland may be call'd very justly, the Marrow of the Low Countreys, as well for its fertility, as for the delights and plea­sures that may be enjoyed in it. It seems a terrestriall Paradise for its Meadows and pleasant Fields, the Channels and Rivers so ingeniously contriv'd for Trade, and the noble magnificence of its Buildings. We must needs confess that there are very few plow'd grounds, considering the vast numbers of people that must be fed; and yet there are no where great­er Store-houses, nor better furnish'd than here: nay Holland may with rea­son be call'd the Store-house of Europe, considering the vast transportation of all sorts of grains that are made from hence into Italy, Spain, England, France, and Brabant, when their own Corn has fail'd them by any accident of War or Famine.

That great Man Scaliger speaking of the Wonders of this Province, sayes, that here grows no Vines, and yet here is more Wine than in any one place in Europe. [Page 221] In effect, the Wines of the Rhene, the Mosella, and the Mouse, come to Dort, and from thence into all the o­ther places of these Countreys. The Wines of France, Spain, and Greece, come to Amsterdam and Rotterdam.

There grows very little Wood, and yet there are no where to be found more Carpenters and Joyners than here. And it may be there is not in the rest of Chrystendome, so many Ships and Boats as in this one Province: there is scarce a Peasant but has his Boat to bring his Commodities to the Towns. To be short; sayes he, we live amongst the waters, and yet we drink not of them. There are no Flocks of Sheep, and very little Flax; and yet where is made more Cloth and Linnen than here? I adde, that there are no Mines in Holland, and yet all sorts of Mettals are more abundant here than in any part of the world, as it appears by the rich Furnitures and Ornaments of the Houses of our Citizens, whose Wives delight in that more than in any thing else.

Strangers cannot easily conceive [Page 222] these wonders, or at least they alone amongst them that understand the se­cret of Trade, and what vast advanta­ges the Hollanders have reap'd from that War, which they so long and so generously maintain'd against Spain, and which at last ending in an honour­able peace, has left them Masters of the Trade of the world, fetching by their Ships from the remotest parts of it all that's good and precious, and to be had for money.

CHAP. IV.

THe old Hollanders were formerly despised by their Neighbours, for the grossness of their temper, and the simplicity of their life. They were us'd to be call'd Block-heads, and eaters of Cheese and Milk: but as they for­merly had the reputation of silly, so now they are esteemed as subtil and un­derstanding [Page 223] a Nation as any is in Eu­rope; as may be well evidenced from their Treaties and Alliances made with Strangers. This I think proceeds from that Commerce they drive through all the world, and from the mixture made amongst them by divers Strangers that have setled in these parts; for above half those that do inhabit the Towns are either Strangers, or descended from them.

They all love their Liberties, even those that have made but a few years stay in the Province, as if the genius of it had a secret power over mens inclina­tions. It is not lawfull to beat nor strike any body. Servants have as great priviledges as their Masters, who dare not abuse them with blows. And if any body chance to be so far tran­sported by their passion, as to [...]t their Man or Maid-servant, and [...] come to the hearing of the Magistrate, they are fined for it, and often forc'd to pay them their whole year of wages, though not due, and so turn them away.

There are no Slaves in Holland, but [Page 224] any man in that condition is free as soon as he sets his foot on that ground. The Hollanders are very constant in their resolutions, and seldome desist till they have obtain'd their end.

They are not so much upon the pun­ctilio of honor, as the other Nations, but are rather given to Trade and getting, and they seem as if they had suck'd in with their milk the insatiable desire of acquiring. They never complain of the pains they take, and go as merrily to the Indies, as if they went to their Countrey Houses. They are of a strong Constitution, tall proper men, and very capable of whatsoever they undertake.

Those amongst them that prefer the study of Liberal Arts to the desire of growing rich, do succeed as prospe­rously; for without doubt or flattery, Holland has produced as many learn'd and ingenious persons as any Province in Europe. Others follow the Art of Painting, and transport themselves in­to Italy, where are the best Masters of the world; and by these means good Pictures are very common here, there [Page 225] being scarce an ordinary Tradesman, whose House is not adorn'd with them. If there be any body that has any new invention or discovery, he shall be sure to find money for it here, if it will yeeld any.

Above all things the Hollander, hate all Quarrels and Duels; as likewise they abhor all treacherous actions, blasphemy, swearing, &c. They are no wayes bloody-minded, but much more enclin'd to compassion than their Neighbours.

I pass to their way of living. And first of their Winter-Provision.

In the beginning of Autumn when the Turfs are dry, they lay in their provision of them. Towards Novem­ber they buy an Oxe, or half a one, ac­cording as their Family is, that they salt and smoke for Summer, eating it with Butter or Sallet. Every Sunday they take out a great piece out of their salting-Tub, upon which they dine: this piece comes every day after upon the Table all the week long, with some other Dish of boyl'd Meat, or Milk. They do not love Pottage so much as [Page 226] the French; neither do they much e­steem Leek, or Garlick, or Onion. They are not nice in their Diet, and none amongst them, but the very rich, do eat after the French fashion.

They have that common custome of all Northern Nations, which is, that they delight much in drinking and feast­ing with their friends; if any chance to be quarrelsome in his drink, he is pre­sently driven out of the Company. Here we must not omit a certain cu­stome, which has for drift, peace, a­mity, and concord: All the Towns are divided into divers Quarters, called Neighbourhoods; every one of these has a Master, and he has his Counsel­lors; if there happen any quarrell, the parties appear before him, who endea­vours to agree them; if he cannot, then they may go twice a week before the Commissioners for hearing of quar­rels, and keeping peace amongst Neighbours; if they cannot bring them to take or give satisfaction, then they may go to Law.

The Treasurer of each Neighbourhood receives the Fines, which are these fol­lowing: [Page 227] If any one has not waited up­on a dead body of the Neighbourhood going to be buried, he is fin'd three half-pence. The Heirs or Kindred of the dead person are bound to make a Present, according to their quality, though there be no set Tax. For a Childe they give not so much as for a person of age. The gift that is made for a married person, is call'd in the language of the Countrey a fat Dish. When a Citizen purchases a House, he is bound to a Present proportionable to the value of his House.

When there is a pretty round summe of money got together by six or seven years gathering, the Master and his Counsellors meet at the desire of the Neighbours, and appoint a day for a Treat, which lasts ordinarily three or four. 'Tis most commonly in Autumn, and there every one comes with his Wife, but without either Children or Dogs, under pain of being fined. Be­fore they sit down, the Laws of the Feast are publickly read; amongst which the chiefest are, that you must not blaspheme, nor start any discourse about [Page 228] Religion, for fear of falling out. Then the Master sits down with his Wife, and the Counsellors next to him of each side; the others draw lots for their pla­ces. If any one press another to drink more than he is able, he payes a Fine; if he strike, he is banish'd the company, and not admitted the next day without asking pardon. At eight of the Clock every one goes out, and waits upon the Master to his Lodging, where they begin to drink afresh, till wine and sleep part them, and bring them to their own homes. All the time is pass'd merrily, and without Ceremony, as if they were all equall. The four dayes being ended, they summe up what they have spent; and if the publick purse cannot pay the charges, they supply it by an equall contribution. I have re­cited this custome at large, that from it may be deduced some knowledge of their humour. They are very patient, and not so hasty as other Nations, and have a Proverb amongst them, which sayes, that Rich people do not use to fight. They ha [...]e going to Law; and as for affronts and injurious words they are [Page 229] made amends for, by the recantation and confession of him that is in the wrong; then they shake hands, and are made friends.

The married Women and Maids are very fair and chaste. They have a great care of their House, and keep all their Cupboards, Cabinets, even the Floors, extream neat: some of them are so curious, as not to let you come in­to their rubb'd Rooms, without putting on a pair of Slippers, or making your own Shooes very clean. The Women do enjoy as much liberty as their Hus­bands; and it is an unpardonable fault to beat them. I have often heard them say, that if a Husband does beat his Wife, he is bound to give his Neigh­bours a Gammon of Bacon; and if she beat him, she is bound to give two. Every day they rub and wash the lower Floors, and straw them with fine Sand, and make them so neat, that Strangers often make a scruple of spitting in them. If the Citizens Wives are thus neat, the Countrey people are no wayes inferior to them in that point; for they keep all even to their Stables very clean. The [Page 230] Houshold-stuff of the better sort is very rich, of gold and silver, and carv'd work; good Hangings; excellent Pictures; rare Cabinets, fill'd with China, &c.

I have observ'd one thing of the Hol­landers by living long amongst them, which is, that they do not easily give credit to such as tell strange Stories and wonderfull accidents, hapned a great way off; and when, by their silence and postures, they seem to admire it, 'tis then that they believe least of all what you say, but they do not take pleasure in contradicting. They are not given to swearing, nor robbing; but are tender-hearted, and inclin'd to pity, and will not willingly see any body wrong'd in their presence.

They are a little too indulgent to their Children, and are punished for it; for many of them rebell against their Parents, and at last go away to the In­dies, the ordinary vent of these Provin­ces. When any body tells them of their fondness to their Children, they presently say, Does any body spoil their own Face, or cut off their own Nose?

[Page 231] They are very laborious and indu­strious, and in the name of liberty and profit undertake any thing. They love familiarity, and are much taken with people that being of great quality do not refuse to eat and drink with them. Prince William the first, Prince of O­range, won their hearts with that popu­lar way, and did the King of Spain more mischief by it, than if he had been at the head of an Army against him. They despise and undervalue proud people; and to please them, you must conform to their humour. They are very free, and open apparently, but are indeed alwayes upon their guard. They hate cheats, and are seldome deceiv'd twice.

Those amongst them that are de­scended from Strangers, do retain something of their first origine, and are a good while before they become right Hollanders.

We have spoke already of their Diet; but this is only to be added, that Trade having brought riches, sumptuosity has followed: so that the Hague may be call'd a compendium of the most [Page 232] glorious Courts in Chrystendome, and Amsterdam the magazine of all that's precious in Europe.

CHAP. V.

IT is an ordinary saying in Holland, that He that will work can never want, and it is a very true one; for there are so many Trades kept going by their great commerce, that no body can want work. All Arts are here ex­ercised; and experience shews, that Manufactures are better made here than in the other Provinces. All turns to account here; and even they that make clean the Kennals with an Iron, and Nets at the end of it to bring up the or­dure, may earn half a Crown a day, if they will work hard. Children, as so on as they are bound Apprentice, get their [Page 233] own bread. Amongst the Countrey people, some make Butter and Cheese; others cut up Turfs; every Market­day they bring their Milk, and Butter, and Whey to Town, which the Tradesmen and Journeymen live most upon.

Among the Citizens, some put out their Money, and live upon the inter­est; others trade with it, and are call'd Merchants. Their chief Commodities are Butter, and Cheese, and Cloth, and many other Manufactures, as we shall see in the Description of Ley­den.

The situation of this noble Province is such, as if Nature intended it for the generall Mart of Europe; for it has the neighbourhood of the Sea, and is it self full of navigable Lakes, Rivers, Chan­nels, all which are night and day loaded with Boats and Passengers. Many Channels have been made since the publication of the peace with Spain, as that from Leyden to Harlem, and from Amsterdam to Goude, which is call'd (Trech-Sch [...]ite [...]) because there the Boats are drawn by Horses, that so [Page 234] they may come in at set-times. The said Channels are made with the greatest ease that can be; for as soon as you have digg'd three or four foot, you meet with the water.

The Herring-Fishing is properly the golden Mines of this Countrey, by the great revenue it brings yearly to it. It is a hard matter to say how many thousands of men are kept by it; for besides those that go to Sea, who are a great number, there are employed as many more in making of Boats and Bar­rels to pickle them up in.

Every Summer in June there sets out a Fleet of Fishermen from the Meuse; they call them Busses. They cast their Nets near the English Coast upon Mid­summer-Eve, according to the ancient custome; they pickle them up in Bar­rels, and serve all the rest of the world with them: the last Fishing is most va­lued, and the Herrings of that Fishing are all carried abroad. Ten dayes af­ter Midsummer they may sell them pub­lickly, but not before; then many go up and down, crying, Fresh Herring, which are esteem'd as a dainty by every [Page 235] body. The name of the man that first invented the way of pickleing them, deserves to be known; it was William Bueckeld, and he died at Bieverliet, in the year 1347. Charles the fifth Em­peror went one day to see his Tomb, in acknowledgment of the service he had done his Countrey.

The Merchants do every day encrease their Trade by making Societies and Companies, and setting out men of War at their own charges to protect their Ships home. They never want Seamen, for the Hollanders do delight in going to Sea; nay I have heard ma­ny of them say, that they could never enjoy their health but at Sea. There are many of these Companies; as that of Moscovy, for Furrs, Skins, and Rye; that of Island and Groenland, for the fishing of Whales: but the chiefest of all, and who with Force and Arms drive a prodigious Trade, are the East and West-India Companies, who have a Patent from the States.

The West-India Company had made great profit by the taking of the Baia de [...]odos l [...]s sanctos, and of the Silver Fleet [Page 236] which Jason Peter Hain brought into Holland, in the year 1629. which also was the cause of the taking of Bosleduke from the Spaniards. The taking of Fernambuco did likewise give hopes of conquering the rest of Brasil; but after the depart of the noble Count Morice of Nassaw, the Negroes and Portugueses joyning together, revolted, and re­duced the Company to great extremi­ties; since it has suffer'd another de­feat, which has almost made an end of ruining it. It has often been proposed to unite it with the East-India Compa­ny; but all in vain, for the one is too high and rich, and the other too poor.

The East-India Company has its principall Seat at Amsterdam. 'Tis this Company that has Kings and King­domes tributary to it, and depending upon it. 'Tis this Company that makes the Hollanders name famous in the re­motest parts of the Earth, and triumphs over the riches of the Orient, bringing home Pearls, Diamonds, Gold, all sorts of Aromatick Druggs, &c. Be­sides Batavia, the principall Town, [Page 237] the Company has a great number of strong Forts well in order, to protect their Merchants, terrifie Strangers, and keep the Indians in awe. 'Tis thought that the Company payes above 10000 men; the places and employ­ments are much valued, and not to be come by but by the intercession of some great friend.

Every Summer about August there comes in an East-India Fleet of ten or twelve Ships, which is esteem'd to bring in the value of above a million of gold. The prohibitions that Philip King of Spain made to the Hollanders from tra­ding in his Countrey, were the cause of this Enterprize. 'Tis said that the Ve­ [...]etians did counsell and further it for a design, which succeeded otherwise than they expected, and to their own loss. The Ships that go for the Indies are of extraordinary bulk. Every one that has put in a thousand pounds may be a Director; and every one that has a hun­dred pounds there, may have three hundred for it; and every hundred yeelds forty and forty five, sometimes more, sometimes less. The riches of [Page 238] this Company are inestimable; and to go about to describe them, were to desire credit to a thing which to most people would seem fabu­lous, though they are very reall in themselves.

All the Channels render them­selves into Lakes, and they into the Sea. There are two chief o­vertures to the Ocean; the first is the mouth of the River Meuse, which is at the Brill, and G [...]ree; the other from Amsterdam, and the Towns of North-Holland, to the Texel.

CHAP. VI.

THough Holland be both naturally, and by the greatness of its com­merce, aboundant in all things; yet every thing is extream dear, and that for two reasons; first, because of the [Page 239] greatness of the Consumption, caus'd by the affluence of people from all parts; the other, because of the Ex­cise which is upon every thing almost, and which is easily supported by the In­habitants, by reason of the great gains every one is able to make in his pro­fession. These Imposts are so layed and gather'd, that they are willingly payed, though there be nothing free from them. The Money that is thus rais'd, comes to a vast summe, which added to the situation of the Countrey, has made all the King of Spain's endea­vours vain. But to shew the greatness of this Tribute, I will give only this ex­ample: A Cow of nine years old, if it be sold for five pound, will have payed above six pound to the States. There is never a Dish comes to Table, but has payed excise above twenty times. The States seeing the necessity of ha­ving money to defend their liberties, did by little and little, and not all at once, settle these Excises, so that the people bear it chearfully enough. In the time of the War, every one pay'd the two hundredth penny of their [Page 240] Estates; they only that were not worth two hundred pound principall, were exempted from this contribution. There are many other Imposts, which may be all seen in the Second Part of this Book, in the Chapter of Imposts. All that is wonderfull, is to consider that that very thing for the fear of which these Nations revolted from the Spaniards, has been put in execution in a higher manner upon themselves, by their own consent, and prov'd the means of their preservation.

Let us now come to the description of particular Towns; and let us begin by Leyden, which is to the rest, as the Spring is to the other seasons of the year, the gayest, and most pleasant. Towns in other Countries are subject to the injuries of time and revolutions, but here they spring up, encrease, and grow bigger every day. This Town a­mongst the rest, has had the good for­tune to be one of the most flourishing of the Low Countreys. The Ocean is on the West-side of it, and within twelve miles; Harlem on the North, within fifteen; and Amsterdam within one [Page 241] and twenty; Utrect within thirty, towards the East; Delft and the Hague on the South and South-West, and within nine miles distance.

CHAP. VII.

THis Town, the greatest and most pleasant that is in Europe, (if we consider the magnificence of its Build­ings, the breadth of its Streets, the conveniencies of its Channels, and the pleasing shade of the Trees planted on each side the Channels) is situated up­on the ancient River of Rhene, which goes through it, makes many Islands, and then joyns in one bed at the white Gate. It is almost in the Center of Holland, and from it we will draw lines to the rest of the Cities, which are as it were the circumference. It is a very ancient City, as appears by the Burg, built either by the Romans or Sax­ons; [Page 242] whence many derive the word Leyden from Legio, there being there a Roman Legion in quarters. The opi­nion of some is that it was built by an English man, in the year 1050. Plu­tarch and Ptolomy mention it; and An­tonine calls it the Capital of the Ger­mans.

The Burg-graves of Leyden have ta­ken their name from this Burg, which is round and high, and from it one may discover all the adjacent Meadows, the sandy Downs, and the Sea of Harlem. The ascent to it is by steps, and round about it as well as within are Fruit-Trees in abundance. It has about a hundred and fifty foot in compass; and within these few years there has been bred up Hedges all trimm'd, and cut into Labyrinths, which in a short time will make it a very recreative place.

In the year 1121. the great Church was consecrated to St. Peter; 'tis one of the finest Churches in Holland, ha­ving three ranks of Pillars on each side without the Quire. It is said that there was a high Tower, which serv'd as a [Page 243] Light-House to those that were at Sea, and pass'd before Catvic, but it fell down in the year 1509.

In the year 1344. the Church dedi­cated to St. Pancratius, was bless'd; it is a stately Building, so much of it as is done. It is now the Church of the French and Walloons; the great Scali­ger lyes buried in it.

In the year 1573. the Spaniards ha­ving taken Harlem after a long and te­dious siege, went and sate down before Alcmaer; but being forc'd to raise the siege of that place, they came before Leyden; but hearing of Count Frede­rick de Nassaw his coming, they re­tir'd. A little after having recruited their Army, they came again under the conduct of their Generall Baldese, who judging that it would be a hard matter to take the Town by force, resolv'd to starve them to a surrender. The Inha­bitants endur'd all the extremities of famine, and at last the banks that kept in the Rivers Meuse and Issel, being broke on purpose by the Hollanders, the Spaniards were forced to forsake their Trenches. The first relief came [Page 244] into the Town the third of October, which is still made an anniversary day of Thanksgiving. Every year there is a Play made in representation of this siege, which draws great numbers of people to see it, and the money ga­ther'd is given to poor Orphans. In the middle of the famine a troop of Ci­tizens being come to the door of one Peter Adrian de Verf, cried out aloud, that they must either surrender, or perish with hunger; but he answer'd them with an immortall constancy, Friends, kill me if you will, and divide me between you; for it is the same thing to me to die by your hands, or by the hands of my enemies. They made Paper-money, with this Inscription, H [...]c libertatis ergo pugno pro patria, &c. which is to say, We endure all these miseries for our liberty and our Countrey. I will adde, that as Leyden has been the second Town that sustain'd valiantly the Spani­ards attacks, so the Sas of Gand was the last place but one which fell into the States hands, and that by the fault of the Governor, who was not able to make use of his Sluces, against those who by [Page 245] water had driven the Spaniards from their Walls.

A year after this painfull siege, was establish'd the famous University of Leyden, to recompence the Inhabi­tants for their constant sufferings. But many other reasons might invite the States to choose this Town before any other; for it is neat, finely built, de­licate Walks, and a pleasant Countrey about the Town, the Sea near it. The University was inaugurated the eighth of February, in the year 1574. and every year upon the same day is de­clar'd Rector, he whom his Highness the Prince of Orange is pleas'd to choose, out of three that are nam'd to him.

Here has alwayes been very famous professors in all faculties; but particu­larly the Civil Law and Physick have al­wayes flourished, by the particular care of his Highness the Prince of Orange. The great Scaliger, and the incompa­rable Salmazius, have been as the two great Lights among the other Stars of this learn'd Firmament. There are be­sides Lectures of Divinity, Mathema­ticks; [Page 246] in all which the professors do ex­cell, as being chosen with care, and well recompenc'd for their labours. When any one dies, the three Curators provide another of the same faculty; so the University is alwayes sup­plied.

Those Students that are written in the University-Book do enjoy great priviledges. They that are above twenty year old, may have fourscore quarts of Wine in a year, which pay no excise, and half a barrell of Beer every moneth free likewise. They give a groat to the Servants of the University every quarter.

The Rector or Chancellor has his Counsellors, before whom are brought all quarrels, and they endeavour to make the parties agree; if they will not, then they may go to a triall be­fore the University- Counsell, where the Rector presides, and decides without ap­peal in civil matters. If any of the Stu­dents have committed a crime that de­serves death or otherwise, the Officers of justice cannot take him before they have the Rectors consent; and then too [Page 247] they may not carry him to a loathsome prison, but into the Town-House Hall.

Duels are severely prohibited, ever since a Danish Student was kill'd in one. Besides they are forbid to commit any riot in the night time, or break the Ci­tizens Windows, under pain of a consi­derable Fine, and often of being ban­nish'd.

There is a Watch goes on purpose to hinder such disorders, which takes a­way Scholars Swords if they be inso­lent, and carries them to prison, where next day they are produc'd before the University- Counsell. There are also as good Masters for all Exercises, as Ri­ding, Dancing, &c. as any where, and the Italian, French, and Spanish Tongues are taught excellently well. Here are Students of all Nations of Eu­rope, most of them Gentlemen of good Families; and often Princes, and great Lords Sons, have been seen to come hither for their education. They all have a dependance upon the Rector; and to this day never any Member of the University was put to death, except a [Page 248] servant to a Prince, who confess'd him­self to be the author of a murder that had been committed.

The University has Schools for the different Lectures; and on the North­side of the great Court, is the famous Printing Press of John Elzevier, so well known for his fair Characters. It is placed upon the Rapembourg, the fairest Street of all the Town; for in the middle of it runs a large Channell, and of each side is a rowe of tall Trees from one end to the other. The Pavy has a little fall towards the Channell, so that it can never be dirty let there fall never so much rain. There are five fair Bridges over this Channell, and abundance of delicate Houses on each side. 'Tis not only this Street that is thus shaded, but all the Town; so that he was in the right that desir'd to know, whether Leyden was in a Wood, or a Wood in Leyden. We should never have done if I would particularize all the singularities of Leyden: the great and most frequented Street begins at the Gate of the Hague, and ends at Utrect Gate; it is the broadest and highest [Page 249] Street of the Town. The most consi­derable next is Harlem Street, which has a Channell call'd the old Rhene, in­to which all the other Channels do fa [...]l, and which ends it self at Catvic. It is adorn'd with four stone Bridges, one of which is the largest and fairest of all the Town: it is call'd the Corn-Bridge, because that on every Market-day the Countrey people take up their stations upon it with their Corn. There is another likewise call'd the Fish-Bridge, because the Fishermen do there expose their Sea-Fish to sale. The best Fish comes from Catvic; that of Maeslant­sluys is not valued, as being ordinarily stale.

If this City had but running Water, a great Market-place, and some foun­tains of clear Water for drink, it would be the pleasantest in all Europe; but no­thing can be ex omni parte beatum, ac­complish'd in all points. There has been lately built a Church in a circular figure, admir'd by all Strangers for its incomparable Architecture both within and without. The first Sermon was preach'd in it some weeks before Easter, in the year 1650.

[Page 250] The Town is so populous, by reason that poor people of the neighbouring Countries do seek a refuge here in time of War, that it is a hard matter to get a Chamber in the new Town. Here is the great manufacture of that excellent Cloths which are transported all the world over; they cannot make any such any where else. The fine Wool comes from Spain, and the course from England, and Pom [...]rania. All sorts of Nations work in the manufacture, where many other Stuffs are made.

In Summer during the hot weather, these Channels do send forth a noysome smell, particularly when the weather inclines to rain; the reason of it is, the drying up of the Lake of Soetermeer, which did use to cleanse the Town by flowing into it. To prevent this, the Magistrates have caus'd two large Channels to be made, and two Mills to be set upon them, to drive the Water into the Town at one end, and two o­ther that drive or carry it out at the o­ther end; so that by this invention the City is free'd from that noysom and in­fectious smell, though often it fail too [Page 251] in the great heat of Summer, when there is a great calm, and no winde stirring.

We must not omit to speak of the Anatomy-House; it being the place that ought most to attract Strangers eyes, for the singular curiosities that are in it. There you shall see Egyptian Mummiaes, Pagan Idols, Birds and Beasts brought from China, and remo­ter places, whole Skeletons, and an infinite number of other things, which cannot be here set down, no more than viewed, in a short time. In the fore­part of this Church, above the Fen­cing-School that was, and is now the English Church, there is a fine Library full of all sorts of Books in all Tongues; besides the Legacy of great Scaliger, which is a number of Hebrew Books; all the Manuscripts of the Library of Bonaventure, Vulcan, and the Books that Golias brought out of the Levant. There are other private Libraries, which the civility of the owners makes publick: and it is not only the Profes­sors, but even the Citizens that are cu­rious in Libraries; insomuch that if Au­thors [Page 252] were lost else-where, they would soon be restor'd by the Hollan­ders.

There are often Libraries publickly sold to them that give most for them; and this way of exposing all sorts of Goods to publick sale, is very ordinary in Holland, and they that buy them have credit for some moneths.

The City has eight Gates all new, with their Bridges. The Galleries be­yond the Town-Ditch are set with Trees, having on one side the Ram­part, and on the other are the Gardens and Meadows near the Town.

The City was very un-inhabited for a great while after the siege; the Grass did grow in the Streets, and most of the Houses were thatch'd: but now they are all cover'd with Tile, or blew Slate; and since the year 1636. this Town is embelish'd, and grown better by half in half.

There is an Hospitall for poor Passen­gers, and decayed old people; as also a Bedlam or place for mad folks; all being very neatly kept, and the sick well serv'd. The Orphans Hospitall [Page 253] is a noble Building, and of a great ex­tent. In it are ordinarily about 500. Children, who are taught to read and write, and bound Apprentices as they grow up. Besides this, there are great numbers of Alms-Houses for poor peo­ple; they call them Hoffies in Dutch: the fairest of these is the Pape­graft.

The care that is taken in Holland of such Families as cannot get their living, is very remarkable, and deserves praise. In the Winter time there are deliver'd to them at the publick charge, so many Blankets, Sheets, so much Bread, &c. to keep them from dying either by cold or hunger. They that are either over-burdened with Children, or otherwise undone by any accident, go to the Masters of the poor, and receive relief according to their necessities. But this charity is not extended to the poor Catholicks, though the gather­ings be made generally, and from all Religions. The number of those that have a share in this charity mounts ordinarily to above 20000. in this City.

[Page 254] Every quarter the Magistrate goes through the Town, having before­hand given notice to the Citizens, and makes a collection of what every one is pleas'd to bestow. And thus all the poor are so supplied, that in any ex­tremity they cannot want Bread, and so cannot from their necessity take an occasion of rising. This is practis'd through all Holland; but no where so exactly as at Leyden.

In the year 1629. the King of Swede­land having landed an Army in Borus­sia, stopt all the Rivers, and hindred the coming of Corn from Poland; whereupon Bread grew so dear of a sudden, that the common people not being able to go to the price, began to mutiny, and some of them broke in upon a Baker. But immediately the Citizens appearing in Arms, dissipated this tumultuous rabble, and having whipt two or three of them, made the rest go quietly home. Then the Ma­gistrates gave out Rye to the Bakers, to distribute to such poor as should bring such a mark in testimony of their po­verty.

[Page 255] Every year in April the Magistrates go through all the Town, and every one must set forth before his door his Fire-Ladder, Buckets, and Sayl, to the end that if Fire should happen any where, it might be readily extinguish'd. This is a very laudable custome, and observ'd over all Holland. All night long in Winter, from nine of the clock to four in the morning, there are men that go through every Street with a Bell, singing the hours and half-hours. They are bound to convey to their Lodgings all drunken people, and such as have lost their way. They take care against Fires; give warning to those that have not shut their doors.

In Summer they begin at ten of the clock, and retire at four in the morn­ing. They that set upon them or af­front them, are severely punish'd; as was seen lately at the Hague, where a great Lord having in drink kill'd one of them, was notwithstanding all power­full intercessions, beheaded, to be an example to every one else.

The Magistrates that administer ju­stice are chosen out of the forty Nota­bles, [Page 256] all Protestants, and rich Citizens. Out of these are chosen every year four Bourgemasters at St. Martins Feast in November, and seven Aldermen on St. James day in July.

There is besides another Assembly, call'd the Masters of the Pupils and Or­phans; before whom such Men or Wo­men that have Children, but desire to marry again, must appear, and take their Oath that they have conceal'd no part of their Estate, but that their In­ventory is good and true; and then the Parents are bound to breed them accor­ding to their quality, and to assign them a summe of Money upon an im­moveable, proportionable to the prin­cipall.

The Towns has besides, its Over­seers and Surveyors for Building; that when any thing, as Bridges or Gates, &c. requires repair, it may be speedily done.

Every year there are two great Fairs at Leyden, during which time no man can be arrested for Debt. The chiefest is held on Ascension day, and lasts eight dayes. Upon the Monday the Citizens [Page 257] meet in the Dozles, a place full of Trees, where every one may exercise in shooting with Cross-bowes, and Bowes and Arrows. It is a very plea­sant place, by reason of the shady Walks, and of two good Taverns that are in it; in the Windows of one of which are represented all the Earls of Holland, down to Philip King of Spain. In most of the Towns of Holland there are of these Dozles, which shews the warlike temper of these Nations, so far as to be able to preserve their liber­ties.

In this place the six Companies of Ci­tizens, which make near 2000 men, do use to train. The most ancient Cap­tain has the Van. They appear with great glory, and perform their Exerci­ses very well.

The other Fair is that which us'd to be held in memory of the deliverance of Leyden, and was wont to last ten dayes; but it is now put down, and the Story only represented in a Tragedie, to which there is great flocking.

Now let us say something about their way of selling Houses, Gar­dens, &c.

[Page 258] 'Tis ordinarily about the end of No­vember till February, that Houses are to be sold. There is a note set up decla­ring the situation of the House, the Owner, the Neighbours, the name of him that lives in it, and his Trade; and lastly, the House where the Bargain is to be driven on a set day. The day be­ing come, all those that have a mind to it come to the House appointed, which is ordinarily a Tavern. And thus the business is managed:

An Attorney with a Cryer goes through all the Chambers, where there is Company, reads the Conditions up­on which it is to be sold, and declares whether there be any Rent charg'd up­on it or no. The Cryer asks them if they have all heard, and observ'd well what has been read, and who amongst them will se [...] a price upon the House. For example, a House shall be worth 600. pound; and in the first Chamber there will be offer'd 320. then the Cry­er goes to the second Chamber, and tells them that the House has been al­ready valued at 320. thereupon it may be some body offers 20. more. Then [Page 259] he goes to the third, and so to all; and it may be the House is rais'd to 400. pounds. Then he comes back to the first, and tells them, Gentlemen, the House is valued at 400. then it may be some body addes 20. more. The Cry­er goes back to all the Chambers, and if no body offer more, he goes to the seller, and tells him what is offer'd for his House; if [...]he does not like the price, he bids the Cryer [...], that if there be any body that will speak to the seller, he may come to him. And if he be very desirous to be rid of his House, then he sends a Duccatoon or two, with this condition, that he that will raise 50. pound in the price, shall have the money. The Cryer goes back and tells the company; then he that sayes first (to me) has the money. Then the Cryer goes back, and his Master gives him more money: for example, if the first were two Duccatoons for 50. pounds, the second money shall be two Duccatoons, and two Angels in gold, for him that shall bid 30. pound more. If that be taken, then he brings a great­er summe still, till there be no body [Page 260] left that will take any more money; and all those that do take any are ob­lig'd to declare their names. This be­ing done, it may be does not yet make up above 500. pound; then the Cryer tells them, Gentlemen, my Master would fain make 600. pound of his House. I will bate the other 100. pound by degrees; then he begins, 90. 80. 70. 60. 50. 40. 30. 20. 10. till there be some body that speaks; and then the House is sold for 500. pound, and so much odd money as hath been taken. If he bate all, and no body speak, then he that took the last mo­ney is the buyer, and must give in se­curity the same night. If it happen that some body has drawn money, un­der hopes of being out-bid, with inten­tion to keep the money, if unluckily for him no body does out-bid him, he must take the House; if he can give no security, he is carried to prison, and publickly whipt, to give example to the rest. The House thus sold, and se­curity given, the buyer is to pay all the charges, which come to 10. pounds at least, so that they that have been there, are scot-free.

[Page 261] The Gardens and Tombs are sold or­dinarily after the same manner; the money to be laid down in three pay­ments, and of every 40. Crowns, the City is to have one, which is a great re­venue to it. Thus I have describ'd at length the way of selling, because it is almost the same thing in all the other Towns of Holland.

In the year 1635. and 36. it pleas'd God to visit Holland, and parti­cularly Leyden, with a great Plague, insomuch that the Church-yards could not hold the dead, but the Bastions were taken to bury them in.

At the same time, or a little after, the Plague being somewhat over, War was proclaim'd between the two Crowns of France and Spain, that made many people who before liv'd upon the Frontiers, come and seek refuge at Leyden; they fill'd up the empty Hou­ses. Seven years after by the com­mand of the Magistrates, the Church-yards were levell'd, the dead bones transported else-where, and Trees planted, which now do begin to grow.

[Page 262] There are many other particularities; as the Prison where the Count William was born. The Count Florent was also born at Leyden.

In the Chamber of the Bourgemasters, there is a Picture of Luke of Leyden's making, which was so valued by the Emperor Rodolf, that he offer'd to give as many pieces of gold for it, as would cover it. It represents the day of Judgement.

John of Leyden, a Taylor, was in the first change of the Roman Religion, made King of the Anabaptists; and ha­ving seized Munster, he made himself be treated as a King, wearing a Crown of gold; and when he did go abroad, had alwayes two Boyes before him, one of which carried a Sword, and the other the Bible. All that did not fall down and worship him were immedi­ately condemned to die, and executed. He kept 14. Wives, and caus'd one to be kill'd, because she despis'd his in­spirations. The Bishop laid siege to the place, and John made the people endure as much as ever Saguntum or Je­rusalem endur'd, assuring them still of a [Page 263] sudden deliverance. But at last the Town was taken, and the King with his accessaries taken and punish'd as they deserv'd. They keep yet at Ley­den the Table upon which this Taylor did use to sit and work. May all those that disobey their Magistrates come to as bad an end.

CHAP. VIII.

THe Territory about Leyden is call'd Rhinlant, where is made the best Butter of all Holland. It is full of many fine Villages, which for the nobleness of their Buildings might be reckoned small Towns.

I will begin with Rinsbourg, which was anciently a well fortified Town. About a league from it, Petronella, Sister to the Emperor Lotair, founded an Abbey for Nuns of quality; and by [Page 264] its ruines it ap [...] have been a fine structure. The [...] many ancient Epitaphs; one I have seen of a Nun in the year 1218. It did depend for the spirituall on the Bishoprick of Utrect, and so did all Holland, there being in it never a Bishops See; but not for the temporall, as some have writ. The Earls of Holland and their Ladies did use to be buried here.

A league further is Nortvic, within a mile of the Sea. Because of the plea­santness of the place many Gentlemen live in it. Valkenbourg next is a fa­mous place for the Horse-Fair held there every moneth of September; I have been told, that before the War there did come to it Merchants from all parts of the world. It is a very plea­sant place, as well as Catvic, where live many rich men that live of their re­venues. The Rhene did anciently enter the Sea here; and there was a square Castle built at the mouth of the River, but it is now buried under water. We find it written, that there were the Ro­mans Magazines and Store-houses a­gainst the English. Of late when the [Page 265] Sea has been very [...] [...]y a constant South-wind, the [...]ndations have been seen.

In Summer the Scholars and Citizens go to wash there, and eat fresh Fish; as also to breathe the salt Air of the Sea, which is held very wholesome. They that hire Horses may go all along the shore by the two Catvicks, and Walc­kembourg, and return by Nortvic, Rinsbourg, and Oestgeest. Wassenaer is situated just by the sandy Downs; it did formerly belong to the Prince de Lime, but now it belongs to the ho­nourable Family of the Wassenaers.

Warmout is a league and half from the Town on Harlem-side. By the way are two or three very fine Farms; and particularly one near the Channell: when you have pass'd the Bridge, you leave upon your right hand Lochorst, and then you come into the most delici­ous Village in the world; the Lord of it is Mr. James Wassenaer, whose Fa­ther was Admiral, and has eminently serv'd the publick in military and civil employments. The Arminians have a Church here; the Church is on the [Page 266] out-side of the Village; as also the Lords House, which is a fair Castle, with a Moat round about it.

Oestgeest is a Village in the Sands, which belongs to the Corporation of the City of Leyden. I my self have seen the Sand taken away three foot deep, carried to the Town and there sold; and an Acre of that ground which before was not worth 20. pound, made worth fourscore. Soutervoude is to the South, at a leagues distance from the Town; the way to it lies through Lam, leav­ing on your left hand the Castle of Cro­nestien, a fine House, and Gardens. This Village is little, but it is in a fine Soil, and has the best pasture grounds about Leyden.

The Magistrates have bought the Lordship of it; as also that of Leyder­dorp, a Village that has more Palaces than Countrey peoples Houses. 'Tis here where we must admire the magni­ficence of the Citizens; for one would think that there were an emulation be­tween them, who should shew most marks of riches by their expences. It is built on both sides the Rhene, that [Page 267] goes through it; and behinde the Hou­ses in the Meadows is a Church, be­hinde which there was formerly a Mo­nasterie. Between Leyden and Fer­rie there was another Nunnerie, which was built upon a clayish ground, out of which Bricks are made now. In the year 1616. the Work-men found in digging two Meddals of gold, repre­senting the Emperor Nero to the life; I have seen them both. Woorschoten is another fine Village, belonging to Monsieur de Duvenvoord, whose Father was Keeper of the Great Seal. Here­abouts the Countrey is so delicious, that it is a kind of Paradise upon earth; as well because of the diversity of Fields, Meadows, and Woods, as of the prospect of so many stately Edifices, and neat Gardens.

The Countrey people wear very good Cloathes, ordinarily of black, but without Cloaks. Their Wives have gold Rings on their fingers. It is not very rare to meet with Peasants here worth 10000. pound; they enjoy as great a liberty as any Citizen. Every Village has its Bailif, Secretary, Bourge­master, [Page 268] and Judges; and besides a cer­tain sort of Countreymen that they call Welboremans, that is, men of a good Family, and well descended.

Alphen is half way to Woorde, and takes its name from a Roman Knight. There are very few Antiquities to be seen in Holland, because that all the Countrey has been chang'd and new peopled, and the Towns and Villages new built; so that there are no foot­steps of what it was, it is so encreased in riches and beauty. I come now to Caudekerk, where there is a fair Castle belonging to Monsi [...]ur de Podgeest. All these Villages have their Fairs once a year, which anciently were never kept without some skirmish at Back-sword. The stoutest did use to hang up a Back-sword, and he that did come and touch it, was engaged in a combate, which was to be perform'd after this manner: First the parties break off the points of their Swords; then they take their Hats in their left hands to defend their faces, and nevertheless they often pare off a Cheek, or a Nose, or so. But these Duels are strictly forbidden, [Page 269] and severely punish'd, if attempt­ed.

This Countrey is so finely diversifi­ed, that it wants nothing for a perfect prospect. For though Vines do not naturally grow in it, yet by the indu­stry of the Inhabitants, there are many which produce Grapes enough for their eating. And as for Wine, they are sufficiently furnish'd by Sea.

Now I come back to the Town, and observe, that it is the Garden of all the adjacent Province for Lettice, Parsley, Carrets, Pease, Beans, Parshley, &c. which are transported to Zeeland and Utrect. At Amsterdam you shall hear them cry, Leyden Parsnips. And in­deed the Gardiners industry is most ad­mirable, for they have five or six crops in a year upon the same ground. I was desirous to know how much an Acre of ground might be worth to be sold; and it was answer'd, that Meadow was a­bout sevenscore pound an Acre; Corn grounds about 200. but Gardenage a­bout 250. and sometimes 300. pound an Acre.

Every day at six of the clock goes off [Page 270] the first Boat for Amsterdam, and at twelve a clock the last; at eight and at eleven for Harlem; at twelve for U­trect. There are eight Barks for the Hague, and as many for [...] elft. And so from these two Towns for Leyden; from the Spring to October they go out at five a clock; and after, at half an hour past five. The Arms of the Town are the Cross Keyes.

The Citizens are govern'd with so much moderation by the Magistrates, that since the beginning of the Com­monwealth to this day, there has been no tumult nor rising by reason of Tax­es, Impositions, or the coming of Strangers, or for any other cause.

But now let us come to that power­full City, from which Neptune seems to take his Orders; I mean Amsterdam.

CHAP. IX.

THis Town which has not its like in the whole world, if we consider its Commerce, the conveniency of its Harbour, and the means it has of set­ting out powerfull Fleets, takes its name from a Castle built upon Ye, be­longing to the Lords of Amstel. It is seven leagues distant from Leyden, and you may go to it four different wayes; the most ordinary is that of the great Lake; the next by Harlem, and by the Channell made lately; the third in a Waggon, or on Horseback, by the Veenes; and the fourth by the night-Boat, that you meet at Leyderdorp. Since the late Wars, this Town is en­creased above two thirds; and there­fore we shall inquire into its Antiqui­ties.

Many think that at first it was but a little Village for Fishermen, which has [Page 272] encreas'd by little and little. In the year 1296. the Lord of Amstel was one of the Confederates of Gerrard de Vel­sen, who kill'd the Count Florent.

1470. the Town was wall'd with a brick Wall, to resist the invasions of those of U [...]rect, who had often brought the Town into great danger. Not long after it was almost all consum'd by fire; then built again, and according as Trade encreas'd, it grew bigger still, and richer. The Emperor Maximi­lian in acknowledgement of the good services they had done him, and as a testimony of their industry and Trade, added an Imperial Crown over their Coat of Arms, which are three Crosses, almost like St. Andrews.

There was formerly in it three Mo­nasteries for men, and thirteen Nun­neries, which are all now employed to other uses.

The Factions of the Houcs and the Cabelians have often afflicted this noble City, like those of the G [...]elphes and Gi­belins in Italy. But that which brought it nearest its ruine, was the attempt made by the Anabaptists.

[Page 273] In the year 1525. that wicked King of Munster desiring to strengthen his party, by the addition of some conside­rable place, sent one of his Emissaries, nam'd Golen; who passing through Friezeland rais'd great tumults and se­ditions there: which being quash'd, he fled to Amsterdam, and there lurking for a while, struck in at last with a man of his own principles, call'd Groet Be­lite, and they two together resolv'd to make a party, and set upon the Town at some unexpected hour. They got together the chief of their Sect, and made a resolution to fall on at midnight by the sound of a Bell; but this wicked plot was discover'd just upon its execu­tion, and with much ado hindred: for a young man of their side went and told the Magistrates, that the Anabaptists to the number of 600. were marching to seize the Town. While they were yet in deliberation, they heard the sound of Drums, and found that the Anabap­tists had already gotten into the Mar­ket-place, and invaded the Town­house. In this confusion a Citizen had the fore-sight to carry away the Rope [Page 274] of the Bell, which the seditious did in­tend to ring, as a signall to all theirs to unite, and a terrour to the sleepy Citi­zens, that did luckily contribute much to the saving of the City. For by this time, the Magistrates having sent a­bout, and got many House-keepers un­der Arms, resolv'd to stop up all the Avenues to the Market-place with Hop­sacks, and make a strong Barricado be­hinde them. The morning come, gave the Townsmen leave to see the great­ness of the wickedness intended, and the inconsiderable number of the sediti­ous; who seeing themselves exposed to be pelted in that wide place, took san­ctuary in the Town-house, but thither they were pursued and cut in pieces, some few scaping by the favour of the night that came on. This conjuration thus quell'd, the Magistrates forbid the Citizens under great penalties, to lodg any Stranger that should be infected with such dangerous principles. Yet in the year 1515. there were more of these Fanaticks, both men and women, that running naked through the Streets with horrible cryes, had like to have [Page 275] surprized the Town-house, but they were suppress'd and punish'd. The Anabap­tists of this age do renounce them, for they do not hold it lawfull to fight at all.

All this great Town is built upon Pi­lotis, which are great Trees driven by main force into the ground, which is all moorish, to be as a foundation to build upon; and ordinarily it costs as much laying, as all the rest of the Fabrick does building up. The Town is like a Crescent, or half Moon, which ere it be long will fill up its round. In the Port there are so many Vessels, that we may say that he that has not seen Am­sterdam, has not seen a Harbour: for in the Spring, from one end to the other of it, there is such a forrest of Masts, that Strangers are struck with wonder, and do believe, with reason, that all the Harbours of the world together cannot make so many Sayl.

Every year in April there goes out a great Fleet for the Baltic Sea; I have heard many say, that in that Fleet in the time of War do go above 1500. Sayl of Ships: then reckon all those that go for [Page 276] France, and elsewhere, and all the Barks that are upon the Channels in the Town.

The finest Streets are the Fosses, the Imperial, the Royal, the Cingel, the Street of Harlem, which is all newly built There are also three prodigious Sluces; and all the Bridges that were formerly of wood, are now of stone, with iron Vails and Balasters.

The Town house which is now a building, the foundations of which have cost many hundred thousands of pounds, is to be a Master-piece, and a miracle beyond the seven that Antiquity bragg'd so much of.

In the year 1595. the Monasterie of Sancta Clara was chang'd into a House of correction, call'd the Tucht Huyse, for those Children that will not be obedient to their Parents. At the coming in, there are two Lions upon the door, bridled, as an emblem to the wilde youth of the Town. They make them work; some sawe Brasil-wood, others do harder things, according to their faults and dispositions. If they refuse to work, they are put into a low Cellar, [Page 277] and water is let in upon them; if they will stand still and be drown'd, they may; if they will pump and deliver themselves, then they are help'd out again.

Some are put in for their life, others for a certain time. As lately there is a Law, that whosoever draws his Knife to strike another, shall either pay 10. pound fine, or work three moneths in the House of correction. Some are put in by their rich Parents, not to work, but only to put a stop to their extrava­gant expences, and they come out when they give testimonies of their re­pentance, and desire to mend.

The same year there was a like House set up for young Maids, that should live in a licentious way. Every year in August it is free for all people to go in, and see the miserable condition of these offenders.

The great Hospital has above 4000. pound a year; besides, it is thought that every year there are distributed many thousands of pounds to poor Fa­milies.

The East-India Company has a no­ble [Page 278] House, full of rich treasure; as al­so the Bank-Generall, in which are al­wayes many millions. This Company is grown so powerfull, that they can set out a Fleet of men of War if need be; and in the Indies they make no­thing of waging War with Kings, as lately with the King of Java, and yet drove on their Trade too.

There are here many fair Churches; but I shall mention only that of St. Ka­therine, burn'd down in 1645. and is now built again better than before. Hard by the said Church are laid the foundations of a Tower, which is to be exceeding high; 6000, 300, and odd great Trees have been driven into a piece of ground of about a 100. foot square, to be Pilotis for the foundation of the Tower. In the Church the Mi­nisters Pulpit is contriv'd with great art, with the four Evangelists, and a Tower above it. In the Glass-windows is the good Emperor Maximilian his Pi­cture.

There are two great Suburbs or Fauxbonrgs, one upon the way to U­trect, and the other that goes to Over­tom, [Page 279] a Village where the Boats that come from Leyden pass upon Rowlers. There is built a fair Pest-house.

'Tis commonly said that this City is very like Venice; for my part I believe Amsterdam to be much superiour in riches: though the most serene State of Venice can bragg of having maintain'd a War for this twenty year, against the whole force of the Turks, without as­sistance from any but the Pope. This Town is exceedingly well govern'd; every ones liberty preserv'd, and safe­ty provided for all: and even in the night-time you may go any where, without fear of being robb'd or kill'd.

The Air is not quite so good as at Leyden, by reason that it is environ'd with Marishes, which make it in accessi­ble; but it is better seated for Trade, which is its life. Let us go to Harlem.

CHAP. X.

I Shall speak very little of the Anti­quity of this pleasant Town; for in the darkness of past times it is so hard to distinguish fables from truth, that it will make any wise person forbear from obtruding old Stories upon an ingenu­ous Reader.

The first time we find any mention made of the valour of its Inhabitants, is in the year 1245. when Pope Innocent at the Council of Lyons made St. Lewis King of France, and William Earl of Holland undertook the relief of the holy Land. For the Army being come before Da­mietta, a great Chain did hinder the ap­proach of the Navy: this the Harlem­men undertook to break, and did exe­cute their design, giving entry to the whole Fleet; in memory of which the Town has for Arms, a Sword with four [Page 281] Stars, and a Cross at the end of it.

William King of the Romans gave the Inhabitants many great priviledges. But if the victory carried in Palestina made them famous, the Art of Printing here invented has made them as remar­kable: though Me [...]ts an Electorall Town does claim the same honour, but not so justly; for it was by a Prentice who upon Christmas-Eve run away from Harlem, with the Letters and In­struments serving to the Art of Print­ing, taking his time when all the peo­ple were at Church. Laurent Coster was the name of the man that invented this Art.

In the year 1292. the Faction of the Casembrots seized upon the Town, and plunder'd the Houses of most of the considerable Citizens; but it was crush'd by Albert Duke of Saxony, and the Town condemn'd to a Fine of 27000. Crowns, and to the loss of its priviledges.

In the year 1574. the Spaniards un­der the conduct of Frederick, Son to the Duke of Alba, having taken Sut­phenen, [Page 282] and cruelly cut the throats of all the Townsmen of Naerden, came and laid siege to Harlem: the Garri­son was 4000. strong, and refusing all conditions of a surrender, made brave sallyes upon them, hanging the Spanish prisoners upon the Walls; and in deri­sion of the tenth penny which the Spa­niard would levy, throwing over to them eleven Heads of their prisoners. But the Spaniards were sufficiently re­veng'd, for they forced them to yeeld at discretion, though the very Women fought valiantly for their liberty.

This Town is rather long than square, and is wash'd by the River Sparen.

In the Market-place is the Town­house, a stately Building; and over against it is the great Church, dedicated to St. Bavon: it is looked upon as the finest Church in all Holland.

There are many Meadows about the Town; and on the Sea-side mountains of Sand; and there is a Wood towards Leyden, about half a mile from the Town, which is a great diversion to the Citizens, not only of Harlem, but of [Page 283] Amsterdam. Towards the North there are Suburbs and great Gardens. Har­lem is pretty populous, and holds a per­petuall communication with Amster­dam and Leyden by Boats, which go and come at all hours. In the year 1657. was made a Channell between Leyden and the said Town.

The greatest Trade of Harlem is in Linnen; for there is the finest and whitest Holland. There are likewise many Weavers: I remember I was told that once all these Weavers for­sook their Trade, and turn'd Tulip-Merchants, at the time when the fancy for Tulips did reign over all the Low-Countries and France. Besides, they do brew excellent Beer in this Town, which being transported into Frieze­land grows better there than in Harlem it self.

The Villages round about are Hem­stede, Sparenvow, Tetrode, &c. There are also the Castles of Brederode, Har­lee, and Velsen; of which there remains little but the ruines. Monsieur Adrian Paw, Lord of Hemstede, &c. has com­pil'd there a fair Library of Books, of [Page 284] all Languages and Sciences, and such a one as will hardly be match'd by any private person. He is a very eminent man, employed as Plenipotentiary in the Treaty at Munster; though some do endeavour to cast aspersions upon him, as if he had had a hand in the troubles of England.

Between Harlem and Leyden there are many fair Villages; amongst which Helegon, Lys, and Tassum, are three of the best, not above a league distant from one another. Not far from them is the House of Feiling, now belonging to his High­ness the Prince of Orange; and a noble Castle that Monsieur Dalmade has caus'd to be built of late. In coming from Harlem to Leyden, you have the Downs or sandy Hills on the right hand, and on the left the great Lake of Harlem which is alwayes co­ver'd with Boats, going and coming with Merchandizes.

CHAP. XI.

THis Town is situated in a Plain a­mongst pleasant Meadows, and was built by Godfrey the Crooked, Duke of Lorrain, who had conquer'd Holland by the assistance of the Bishop of U­trect. I find nothing in our Annals concerning this place that is memora­ble, except that after a siege of six weeks, the Town was taken by Albert of Bavaria, because they had receiv'd the Faction of the Hoves: the Town was dis-mantled, the Castle pull'd down, and the Inhabitants fin'd 10000. Crowns to the Duke.

In the year 1536. in the moneth of May, the Town was burnt down by accident; and it was observ'd that a — not being able to save her young ones, because they were not fledged, flew her self into the flame, and died with them: but out of [Page 286] the ashes of this rose a much more no­ble Town.

1584. The Prince William of Orange was traiterously kill'd by a Bourguignon, and there lies buried in a pompous Mo­nument, in acknowledgement of the great actions he perform'd for the pub­lick liberty.

There are two fair Churches, which have each a very high Steeple; and a Town-house at the end of the Market-place, with an Inscription in Latin up­on it, to this purpose:

They have here a great Trade of Beer, which they brew very well. The Town is not so big as Leyden, but it has a fairer Market-place; and though there be not so much Trade, nor the Houses so richly adorn'd on the inside, yet are there very rich Citizens. [Page 287] The Countrey about lies lower than about Leyden; therefore in certain sea­sons, as when the Wind is North-East, if they should open their Sluces, all the Meadows about Delft would be over­flown. Delft is but four leagues from Leyden, and you have the convenience of a Waggon. Between these two Towns lies Lordsendam, a great and fair Village, which grows rich since the Channell of Leyden was made. There are two great Sluces to preserve the Countrey about Delft.

Voorburg is a little on one side the Channell, and is the ancientest Village in Holland. There are yet to be seen some foundations of a strong Castle built by the Romans, as it appears by the Inscriptions of the Stones that are every day taken from among the ru­ines. It being so near the Hague, and upon the passage of so many people, seems rather a Town than a Village. It is but two leagues and a half from Leyden, and one league from the Hague.

Losdun is a Village near the Hague, in which was a Nunnery for Gentle­men, [Page 288] and Noblemens Daughters, and no others; founded by Margaret, Countess of Holland, whose Daughter Machtilde was brought abed of 365. Children at once, as many as there are dayes in the year; who were all bapti­zed by Otho, Bishop of Utrect: the name of John was given to the males, and that of Elizabeth to the females, who all died the same day with their Mother. The Story sayes that this Princess refus'd Alms to a poor Wo­man, that had Twins in her Arms, say­ing, that they were not of one mans getting; whereupon the poor Woman finding her self unjustly suspected, wish'd her as many at a time as there were dayes in the year. In memory of this History there is a Picture hung up in the Church, with an Inscription to this purpose; Here is a monstrous and memorable thing, which has not had its like since the beginning of the world: Reader, having perused this Story, go away and admire it.

Near the Meuse there is a Castle with 365. Windows, which are the names of the said Children; and yet there are [Page 289] many people that do not believe this Story at all. This Village has a sandy ground on one side of it, and on the other a fertile Corn-Countrey, call'd Vestland.

CHAP. XII.

THis Town is very ancient, and rich, by reason of the great a­bundance of all sorts of Merchandizes that come down the Rhene. Its situati­on is incomparable; for it is environ'd with the Waters of the Rhene and Meuse, which make it a place of great Trade. It is call'd the Maiden Town, because it was never taken, though of­ten besieged, and once particularly by the Duke of Brabant, in the year 1304. For he having conquer'd a great part of Holland, and committed all sorts of inhumanities upon that Na­tion, sate down at last before Dort; but the Citizens unexpectedly sallying [Page 290] out upon him, routed his whole Army, and pursued him to Bosleduke; and in their way home, obtain'd a victory over the Flemmings at Isselmond.

In the year 1421. upon St. Kathe­rines day, the Banks broke near Dort, and about threescore and ten fair Villa­ges were swallowed up by this unmerci­full Element of Water; and above a 100000. men died miserably with their Wives and Children. It is said, that a wicked Countrey-Boor being en­vious of his Neighbours prosperity, made one night a Hole in the Bank, that he might drown him and all his Fa­mily in their Beds, with a design of stopping it again: but the Tide coming in with a strong Winde, broke quite through; first drown'd this perfidious Rogue, and then overwhelm'd all that stood in its way. Since the Water ha­ving by little and little been driven a­way by the industry of the infatigable Inhabitants, they have drain'd most part of that which lay under Water, and discover'd some Villages. There is hopes of getting all, during this peace; but it can only be done in the great heat of Summer.

[Page 291] As it happens often, that when we are ignorant of the cause of a thing, we are apt to attribute it to some invisible supernaturall power, or to our sins, that provoke Gods anger; so some have said, that these Villages were drown'd, because they did make ill use of their great riches; that they would not wear any other than golden Spurrs, and liv'd in a great magnificence.

But let us return to the Town, which by an unlucky accident of Fire had like to have been quite destroyed; there were burn'd above 2000. Houses, with the Town-house, and Cathedral-Church.

1618. the National Syn [...]d was held in the same Town, under the Authority of the high and mighty Lords the States Generall, to decide those Controver­sies that were risen concerning Prede­stination. There were present many learned men both from France and o­ther parts; amongst others, the most Reverend Father in God the Archbi­shop of Canterbury, who since was be­headed in the troubles in England.

Dort was the place where was born [Page 292] that factious Preacher, Brother Corneli­us Adrian, of whom the people to this day tell so many pleasant Stories. For my part, I have heard worthy per­sons say, that he was really a very elo­quent person, who did ravish his hear­ers with admiration; but that he did handle some points, that were a little too free in those dayes; but he fear'd no body. He died at Bruges.

It is to be observ'd, that when the Earls of Holland were to be inaugura­ted, that is, acknowledged for lawfull Princes, they did first come into Dort, and there did swear to the States to ob­serve all their liberties and priviledges, from whom consequently they did re­ceive an Oath of Allegiance. In the Assembly of the States of Holland, the Dort-Deputies have the first place, and speak first.

Before the Town are taken great quantities of all sorts of Fish, and par­ticularly of Salmon; for in one year there were sold in the said Town 892. Salmons: and it is commonly said, that Servants put it in their bargain, that they shall not eat Salmon above twice a Week.

[Page 293] There is a very convenient Port for [...]ll Merchandizes coming down the [...]hene; and it is in this City that all the Rhenish Wine is first unloaden. But this is enough of the first Town of Hol­land in dignity; which besides the beauty of its Edifices, is placed in a fruitfull Soyl, and a temperate Air. Leyden is distant ten leagues from Dort, and the ordinary way is by Water.

CHAP. XIII.

THis is the sixth and last of the great Towns, five leagues from Ley­den. It lies upon the River Yss [...]l, upon the conjunction of two Rivers, of which the Waters are clear, and full of Fish. There are many delicious Gar­dens for the Citizens diversion; and the Air is exceeding good.

In the year 1272. it was built by the Count Florent, and adorn'd with many priviledges; a 100. years after it was [Page 294] burnt down to the ground; as likewise in the year 1420. in the War between Jacqueline of Bavaria, and Philip of Burgundy.

There is a fine Market-place, in the middle of which is the Town-house; and near it is the great Church, which has been twice burnt. Before the Wars it us'd to be much admir'd for its Bells; as also for the Glass-Win­dows, which are very curiously ena­mel'd.

The Air is so good here that the Plague is never in the City; there be­ing no standing Waters near it; and yet the situation of the Town is such, that there is no bringing any Artillery to beat it, for the Inhabitants can by their Sluces drown all the Countrey round about. Besides, it is environ'd with so deep a Ditch, that it strikes ter­rour into a beholder. The Citizens are most of them people that search a retreat from the World, and love quiet and peace. After Leyden, 'tis the pret­tiest and wholesomest Town in Hol­land.

CHAP. XIV.

THis Town which is now one of the greatest and most Trading-Towns of Holland, is nevertheless but the first of the small Towns.

In 1270. it was first wall'd; and 27. years after it was taken by the Flem­mings.

In 1418. Brederode, head of the Faction of the Hoves, surprized it. It is a place that does every day augment, and grow bigger, by reason of the great resort of Shipping to its Harbour. There is made the best Beer in all Hol­land. When the Prince of Orange was in the Field, he did use to drink no o­ther than Rotterdam-Beer. Some years ago there was an English man of War cast away in the Harbour; and since there has been spent a great deal of Money to get it up again, but all in vain.

[Page 296] The great Erasmus, so well known, [...] his Learning and Books, was born [...] in 1467, and died at Fryburg in Alsatia; there is his Statue in Copper, upon the Bridge, with his Book in his hand. This Town is the next to Am­sterdam for Trade; and here are to be met with, Ships for England, Scot­land, France, Spain, and the In­dies.

CHAP. XV.

WIthin half a league of Rotter­dam, there is a pretty Bur­rough, call'd Delfs-haven; so nam'd, because that the Duke Albert of Ba­varia, in acknowledgement of the ser­vices he had received from those of Delft, granted them the liberty of ma­king a Port from Overschia, a Village that is about half way between Delft and Rotterdam. The Inhabitants are [Page 297] most of them Seamen, and send o [...] very year great numbers of B [...] for the fishing of Herring. Its [...] on is such, that with small cost it might be so fortified, as to be made im­pregnable. Upon the same River, a league off, is Schiedam, a famous Town for Fishing. Vlarding is hard by, a small Village, but formerly a strong Town; the Meuse being a little too near it, has devoured a great part of it. Masanluys is a fair Burrough, two leagues lower; the Inhabitants whereof are most Fishermen. They that take shipping at the Bril, go through this Burrough.

Having cross'd the Meuse, which is above a league broad in this place, you come to the Briel, which is at the mouth of the River, and all Ships that come from Rotterdam, pass before it. This Town was taken by onset by the Count of Lumay, in 1572. and it was the first place that the Water- Gueux took from the Spaniards; and here were laid the first foundations of that Commonwealth, which now flourishes in the Netherlands. The Town is po­pulous, [Page 298] and the Territory fruitfull in Wheat; but the Air is thick, and thence proceeds the extream rudeness of its Inhabitants, a vice common to all Sea-Towns.

But let us cross the Meuse again to go to the Hague; and in our way see St. Grave-sant, a place where formerly the Earls of Holland did use to keep their Court. The Countrey round about is very fruitfull in Corn and Pasture­grounds. Here are made those green Cheeses which the Hollanders do so much value.

Not far off is Hontslardick, where the last Prince of Orange of glorious memory built a most stately House, a­dorn'd with Walks and Galleries, and much visited by Strangers.

Riisvick is another fair Village, where the said Prince has another House, in a very pleasant situation a­mong the Meadows, and being full in the eyes of those that come from Delft. It is full of excellent Pictures of the best Masters of Europe. And now let us en­ter the Hague, the delicatest Burrough in the whole World, as all those that [Page 299] have seen any thing abroad, do wil­lingly confess.

CHAP. XVI.

THis place, which by the breadth of its Streets, the nobleness of its Buildings, the pleasant shade of its Trees, and the civility of its Inhabi­tants, may justly claim the title of the most pleasant place in the World, and make all men envy the happiness of those that live in it, has on Delft-side an extent of lovely Meadows; and on the other side over against them the sandy Hills, that keep in the Sea, which is but half a league distant from the Town. And upon the shore is Scheve­ling, which furnishes the C [...]tizens with fresh Fish.

That side which is towards Leyden, is a great Wood of Oaks, where there is a Park full of Deer; the Earls of Hol­land did formerly reside here, and now [Page 300] the Prince of Orange does keep in it a most splendid Court. On one side o [...] this Wood is a great Pond, round a­bout which of late are built many noble Houses. The Dozles make the corner; Prince William laid the first Stone of them himself. Behinde the Court, over against the other corner, is a House built by Prince Maurice of Nas­saw, in which are the Pictures of most of the Kings of Europe, with many ra­rities from America.

The Voorhout, with the House to­wards the Princes Palace, on the Ponds, make the finest part of the Hague. Here every evening are seen many Lords and Ladies taking the Air, some in their Coaches, and some afoot.

The Jacobins Cloister is still call'd the Cloister-Church. There is another Church lately built in a round figure, and there is not a fairer out-side in all the 17. Provinces; within there is ne­ver a Pillar, insomuch that the Minister in his Pulpit may be seen and heard by all those that are in the Church. The Chappell of the Earls of Holland is now the Fr [...]nch Church.

[Page 301] There are two very fine Piazzaes, one before and the other behinde the Princes Palace, where all the Houses are like so many Palaces themselves; there live the Deputies of the States Ge­nerall. The Towns have each of them built Houses for their Deputies; and that which is for Leyden, is to my liking the best, and most advantagiously situ­ated. The Embassadors of Princes have also their Houses here.

The Market-place is before the great Church, which has a very high square Steeple, and may be seen a great way off. There is another fine Street, though not finish'd, call'd Le fosse du Prince; here live many Strangers, some for business, and others for their advantage. There are many French; they have a Quarter to themselves. Besides, there are many people of qua­lity that keep their Coaches, and contri­bute much, to make the Court at the Hague one of the gloriousest Courts of the World.

Now let us return to Leyden by the Wood, on the right hand of which is a very fair Castle, belong­ing [Page 302] to the Princess Dowager. From this Wood to a league within the Town 'tis all Sand, full of Rabbits and Coneys. And here we may admire the Hollanders industry, that diggs and carries away the Sand, and makes a good arable ground.

From Leyden to Werden there are six leagues, either upon a Bank, or by the Channell; and beyond the Sluce of Goude are Suamerdam and Bodegrave, the latter of which is one of the fairest Villages in all Holland.

CHAP. XVII.

THis Town was built in 1374. by the Bishop of Utrect, to keep the Citi­zens of Utrect in awe. It has been the occasion of great Wars between these two Provinces; but at last by the conspiracy of Heman de Voerden with de Velsen, it was reduced under the Hollanders obedience. The Rhene goes through it, and in its Fauxbourgs are made great quantities of Bricks. There is a Castle formerly held impregnable, in which the Admiral of Arragon was kept prisoner a great while, after the Battle of Flanders.

From Voerden we will turn our backs to Utrect, and our side to Montfort, and come to Undevater, and so follow the borders of the Province. This Town is upon Issel, within a league of Montfort; it is but little, but very pleasant. In 1579. it was taken and [Page 304] sackt by the Spaniards, to revenge the affront they had receiv'd before Ley­den, and in payment of their arrears. From this place you may go to Goude, and by the Meuse to Rotterdam. All along the said River are nothing but fair Villages, and pleasant Countrey-Houses.

Now let us cross the River Lec, and see the Towns lying upon it. It is pro­perly one of the Branches of the Rhene, upon which are situated Aulembourg, and Viane, a small Town which belongs to the Brederodes, and is not reckon'd among the Towns of Holland. In it e­very thing is cheap, for there is little or no Excise payed, and all those that do break in Holland, may sowe themselves here, and have a protection from the Lord of the place.

There is in it a fair Castle, in which ordinarily Monsieur Brederode re­sides.

Four leagues lower is Schoon-hoven, which takes its name from the beauty of its Gardens; for Schoon signifies fair, and Hoff Garden, or Court. Some by reason of its Harbour have call'd it Schoon-haff.

[Page 305] The River is here very broad, and there are many Salmon and other deli­cate Fish taken in it. The Town is small, but very pleasant, and there are fine Walks about it.

An Earl of Holland caus'd a Bank to be raised from Ameron to the said Town, in favour of the Bishop O­tho.

In the year 1424. the said Town was deliver'd to Jaequeline, Countess of Holland, by the treachery of the Ci­tizens; but the Castle held out, though there were but a Garrison of 50. stout men in it: at last they yeelded, and had all quarter and their liberties, ex­cept one Albert Beiling, whose vertue and loyalty is as much to be prized, as that of the Roman Regulus; for having obtain'd leave to go home and settle his Estate, and having given no other security than his Parole, he fail'd not upon the day appointed to come and render himself prisoner.

Between L [...]c and Vahal there is ano­ther little River, call'd Lingue, upon which are three small Towns, which the curious will do well to see before they come to Gorcum.

[Page 306] Asperen, a small Town upon the same River, which was anciently a Fee of the noble House of Arkel, as well as Heu­kelom. There was a very ancient Castle.

Leerdam is in the middle of these two little Towns, and belonging to the same Family: it is almost square, and there are many Gardens. Frederick, Count Egmond, having married Mary, Daughter to the Lord of Arkel, was the first Earl of Leerdam. It belongs now to the Prince of Orange, for the Prince Philip, great Uncle to this Prince, had it from his Mother, Anna of Egmond.

Gorcum is now one of the strongest places of the Low-Countreys, being re­gularly fortified according to the mo­dern way. It is upon the Meuse, a­bout five leagues above Dort. It was first built by a Gentleman of the House of Arkel, who had a fair Castle here. The River Lingue runs through it, and brings in all Commodities to the Inha­bitants. This Town is one of the Keys of Holland, together with the strong Castle of Louvestein, situated a little [Page 307] higher, upon the confluence of the two Rivers. It is famous for having been the prison of many Arminian Ministers; and amongst others of that learn'd Hu­go Grotius, who was since Embassador from the King of Sweden to the King of France. He got out by a very witty stratagem, fled into Brabant, and from thence pass'd into France. He endea­vour'd at last to reconcile all mindes about Religion; but the Politicians on one side, and the Churchmen on the other, frustrated his good intentions. He died at Rostoc in Ruckelbnrg, com­ing home, and his body lies buried at Delft.

To go to Heusden you must go out of the limits, and pass by Bommel, though it be not altogether necessary, for there is another way. Bommel is an Island which defends Holland, and is about two leagues from Bosleduke, most admirably fortified.

But let us come to Heusden, which is below Bosleduke, upon the Meuse, and let us consider it, not for the contro­versie, that is, whether it be of the Dutchy of Brabant, or of Holland; but [Page 308] for its admirable Fortifications. It is environ'd with seven or eight Bastions, and some half Moons. This with the breadth of the River secures it from all danger, and Holland from all fear on that side.

There is likewise a Fort in the Island of Hemert, upon the Vahal, which de­fends Heusden; a thing to be seen be­fore you go down the River, and fol­low the borders of Brabant, upon which lies Voroum, a small Town, with four Bastions between Louvestein and Gorcum.

This little place, with the Lordship of Altena, was sold to the States for 10000. pound, and is now a Rampart to the whole Province. All the Towns fronting upon Gueldres are very well fortified, and in a better Air than the Towns of Holland, as having better Waters; but they are much inferior in beauty, neatness, and riches.

Iselstein is a small Town situated up­on Yssel, which they of Utrect have of­ten laid claim to, and there has been War between the Bishops of Utrect and the Earls of Holland for it; the place [Page 309] standing in a fruitfull pleasant Soyl. It is rather long than square, and adorn'd with fine Gardens; the Prince of O­range is Lord of it. Now let us fol­low the Frontier of Brabant, to the West.

As soon as you come out of the Lordship of Altena, you meet with the strong Town of Gertrudenbergue, divi­ded from Holland by a great Lake that the Rhene and the Meuse make before Dort. It is almost a half Moon, of which two thirds are bath'd with the Water of the Lake, and has excellent Bastions. Besides, there are Forts with Sluces, which can drown the rest of the ground which lies low.

In the year 1321. the Castle was built; and a 100. year after both the Town and the Cathedrall Church were both burnt down by those of Dort, who took it after a long siege. It belongs now to the Prince of Orange, having often chang'd Masters by the chance of War. There is taken before it great quantities of Salmon; but I have heard a Citizen relate, that in the time of the War their Fishing fail'd, because of the [Page 310] great noise of the Canonadoes, that frighted all the Fish away.

To go from Gertrudenbergue by land to Clundert, you must leave Breda on the left hand, and pass by Sevenberg, a Lordship which depends on Brabant. Clundert has eight Bastions, and some Ravelins, and was first wall'd by Prince William the first, whose it was, and since fortified. It has a fine Church, and good Bells.

Willemstradt is hard by, a Town which bears the name of its founder. It has seven Bastions, a double Ditch, and a fair Harbour. It has Brabant on the South, and Zeeland on the North, which seems to communicate to it something of the courseness of its Air; for here are bred Feavers, very hard to be cur'd, insomuch as those that have them seem as if they were bewitched. The Citizens of Leyden can testifie it to their cost; for many of them were in Garrison there in the War time, and when they came home, some died, some lingred a great while, and in all, I know not above three that scap'd be­ing very sick.

[Page 311] I have spoke of these little Towns, only for their Fortifications; let us now see the Islands that are over a­gainst Zeeland. The first is Overslac; you must land at Ol [...]rens Plact, a Vil­lage where the Fleet of Shallops was to have landed, 1631. In the said Island which is very fertile in Corn, is a fair Village, call'd Sommerdi [...]ke, the Lord of which was Governor of Nimme­gue.

At the end of this Island is another, in which is the Town of Gouree, the Harbour of which is now stop'd up with Sand.

Between Gouree and Helwetsluys there is a great depth of Water, where the greatest Ships may ride. Now we are come to the Island of Vorne, the chief­est place of which is the Briel, then Geervliet, where there was a Colledge of Canons; and Huervliet, a fine place belonging to Mr. de Kerchove, high Huntsman of Holland. The rest of this Island which ends at Dort, is call'd Beyerland, and the other part Stryac, where there are many rich Villages, the best of which is Isselmond.

CHAP. XVIII.

WE have seen the borders of this Province towards Gueldres, Utrect, Brabant, and Zeland; we have now a journey to take South-East, be­fore we go directly North, to see three small Towns. From Amsterdam you go by Sea to Naerden, the chief Town of Goylant. It has been destroyed, and then built up again; the old foun­dations are yet to be seen in the South-Sea, when a certain Winde blows and drives out the Sea.

The Citizens of this place acquir'd great reputation, by taking that Tray­tor Gerrard de Velsen, who was carry­ing the Earl Florent prisoner into England.

In the year 1355. the second Town [Page 313] was built, and adorn'd with priviledges by the Duke William of Bavaria.

In 1481. they of Utrect having given the Hollanders a great overthrow, sur­prized the Town of Naerden by an in­genious stratagem; for they dress'd a good number of young Souldiers like Countreywomen going to Market, who being let in, seized a Gate of the Town, and gave entrance to the ene­mies: the Citizens redeem'd them­selves from fire and sword by a great summe of money. But a little after they were reveng'd; for falling upon the Bishoprick, they kill'd 1500. of their enemies upon the spot, and in memory of that advantage, built a high Tower, with this Inscription, Utrect hold thy peace.

In 1486. the said Town was almost all burnt down; and this misfortune seem'd to be a fore-runner of that which befell them about a 100. years after: for Frederick, Son to the Duke of Al­va, having taken Zutpheen, fell upon Naerden. The Citizens not expecting so sudden an alarm, were not so provi­dent as to send Embassadors to mediate [Page 314] for them; but seeing the Army at their Gates, surrender'd their Town into the victors hands, and trusted to his discre­tion and mercy: but he participating much of the cruell humor of his Father, commanded all the Inhabitants to be as­sembled in the publick Market-place, and there sent them Monks to confess them, and pronounce to them their sentence of death. The poor creatures who thought to have heard their par­don proclaim'd, were immediately set upon by some Regiments, and cruelly slaughter'd. This barbarous execution brought so great an odium upon the Spaniards, that it made the people of Leyden rather resolve to starve, than yeeld to the mercy of so cruell a Nation. That which is most remarkable too, is, that they were most of them Catholicks; and I think it is from thence that comes that deriding Proverb in Holland, Art thou a Catholick, that is good for thy soul.

Mude is hard by Naerden, upon the River Veckt, and at the mouth of the South-Sea. It is a little Town, which has a very ancient Castle, in which was [Page 315] kept prisoner the Count Florent.

Hard by is Wesop upon the same Ri­ver, famous for its good Beer, where­of much is brought to Leyden, where it is call'd, for its excellency, the Flem­mings Physick.

All the Countrey from Amsterdam, taking by Voerden to Leyden, shut in by the Sea of Harlem, is very low; it is all Meadow, or Turf-ground; as also between Leyden, Goude, and Rotter­dam, there are digg'd great quantities of Turfs: nay the Earth is so cut in ma­ny places, that it is inaccessible other­wise than by Boat, which is a Subject of great admiration to Strangers.

The Boats that go in the night-time from Leyderdorp to Amsterdam, pass through the Lake of Brassmermeere, and stay about two hours at a Village call'd Bilderdam; then in the morning they arrive at another call'd Ouderkerk, which is a league from Amsterdam. There are Waggons that go by land; and it is particularly the Earth of this Countrey that is observ'd to tremble and quake. When it has rain'd, the wayes are all drown'd, and become like a Marsh.

CHAP. XIX.

OF all the Rivers that come from Germany and Water-Holland, the chiefest is the Rhene, which divides into two branches; one retains the name of Rhene, and the other is call'd Vahal, and that receives the Meuse, which comes from Lorrain, and goes through the Town of Leege. These Rivers meet all before Gorcum, and flow gen­tly into the Sea, near Dort and Rotter­dam, making all the Islands we have spoke of. The Countrey lying low, there are abundance of Lakes, into which enter a great many Channels, made by Art. The greatest of these Lakes is Harlem-Lake, which begins to extend it self between Leyden and the Village of Kague, which stand in at Island at the mouth of the said Lake, into which the Boats enter here. Those Boats that go to Harlem, keep [Page 317] on the left hand, and they that go to Amsterdam, on the right, and pass by Alsemeer. This Lake is very broad, but not deep; between Harlem and Amsterdam it grows narrower, and is call'd Sprin [...]smeere: there is a Dike or Bank with prodigious Sluces, which are opened according as the Wind [...]its, to let out some of the Water into the River Ye. Here the Harlem Boats stay, and the Passengers land, and see a fair House, built by the noble Col­ledge of the Heemrades.

On Amsterdam-side it grows still nar­rower, till you come to Overtom, a fair Village of the Jurisdiction of Har­lem, which keeps the passage shut by a Dike, over which the Boats which go from Leyden to Amsterdam must pass, by the means of certain wooden Row­lers, and other Instruments. This ob­stacle is to force the great Boats full of Merchandizes, to go by Harlem, to the profit of the said Town.

This Lake before the Wars was not half so big; and I have heard old men say, that from their remembrance it had encreased the compass of above [Page 318] four miles. Every year it eats away some of the Land that borders upon it, insomuch that the neighbouring Cor­porations have often met to consult a­bout the drayning of it, but as yet without effect. It would require a­bove 500. miles, and the cost would a­mount to above 200000. pound; but the bottome being partly Veenes, and partly good Land, would sell well, and defray a good part of the ex­pence.

This Lake is very full of Fish, and breeds Eeles of a prodigious bigness, as all [...]imy Waters do. But I shall not speak any more of this nor other Lakes, nor of the holes which the Countrey people make every day by digging up Turfs, which if at last by some rupture they should meet, would go near to drown all this lower Region, and swal­low up these fine Meadows. Now let us go to North-Holland.

CHAP. XX.

THis part is so call'd, because it has Holland on the South, and Friezeland on the East, from which it is divided by the South-Sea, which some Authors affirm to have been formerly so narrow, that it might have been pass'd over with a plank. This Coun­trey is likewise call'd Waterland, by rea­son of the many Lakes that it abounds with; some of them have been drayn'd, viz. Beemster, Ziip, and Schermer, which are now rich grounds, where the chief Citizens of Amsterdam have Houses and Gardens. Every where here there are Dikes; that of Mede [...] ­bliike is made of a certain matter which the Sea casts up, this Element prepa­ring thus a bridle to its own fury.

This Countrey has on the North the Ocean and the Texel, and on the South [Page 320] the River Ye, and is joyn'd to the South-part of Holland, by a small neck of Land on Harlem-side.

This people drives a great Trade, by means of the Water they are environ'd with, which at the same time does so fortifie them, as to secure them from all acts of hostility. They keep their old fashions and customes; and yet they are not so simple as they appear, but are indeed very sincere, and more to be believ'd upon their simple affirma­tive, than other Nations upon their oaths and blasphemies. The Women are equally chaste and fair, and often a young man shall sit a whole night by his Mistress, and never hold any dis­course any wayes offensive to her ho­nour. They have most of them red Hair, and their locks guilded upon their fore-heads. They wear not Handker­chiefs, but a velvet Whisk, with a gol­den Hook and Clasp. That which I think very undecent, is, that they wear their Petticoats so short, that they scarce come below their knees. The men wear plain Bands, square Beards, have a grave behaviour, and are of a [Page 321] strong complexion, and tall stature. All their business is Commerce, which they have with all the Northern Countries; and particularly Herrings are their great Commodity.

Between Harlem and Alcmaer there is a pleasant Village, whither anciently people did use to go in pilgrimage. It is situated upon the Sea of Wiie; the bank that begins there is call'd St. A­gaths bank; and the other which goes to Sardam is call'd Assendelftdike. At Sardam are continually built great Ships for the Indies. But let us take our way to Alcmaer.

CHAP. XXI.

ALcmaer is not only one of the fi­nest Towns of Holland, but also of all the Low-Countries, for the beau­tiousness of its Buildings, and the neat­ness of its Streets. The Wars that it maintain'd against the Friezelanders, bear witness of its antiquity.

It is very rich, and has a great Trade. Many of its Inhabitants live pleasantly, having very fine Gardens, and a fine Countrey.

In 1328. it was burnt; the Frieze­landers have often besieged it: and in the year 1517. it was taken and plun­der'd for eight dayes by those of Guel­dres.

The Earl Florent the fifth made a Dike to the very extremities of the Countrey, to hinder the Friezelanders incursions. There are fair marks to shoot at, for the exercise and diversion of the Citi­zens; [Page 323] and next to Leyden, it has the reputation of being the cleanliest Town in Holland. The Spaniards after the ta­king of Harlem laid siege to it, but in wain; they were forced to quit the Town, partly by reason of the ill Airs and partly because of the stout resist, ance made by the Townsmen. Thi Town is near the Schermer, the greatest Lake of this Septentrionall part.

At some leagues from Alcmaer upon the North-Sea-side, is the Hontbos, where there are monstrous Dikes, made in a most singular manner, to re­sist the fury of the Ocean, which here does most desperately threaten the ru­ine of all Holland. Therefore there is a double bank, that so in case one should break, the other might give the people time to repair the first. From thence you may go to the Texel, or take your way to Seay n by the Ziipe.

Seayen is a great Village, situated in a fat Countrey, where Land is as dear again as in any part of Holland. There has been Trees, the Fruits of which have been sold for 10. pound in one [Page 324] year. It has a very large Market­place. The Lords of Seayen are de­scended from the House of Bavaria. It is the mid-way between Alcmaer and Medenbliick.

Medenbliick is an ancient Town; all Authors agree that it was formerly the Metropolis, before Horne and Enchusen were built. Some derive its name from the River Medem [...]lack, of which there remains no marks; neither is it proba­ble that the famous Prince R [...]lbold did live here.

It was taken by the Kenemars in the year 1426. and in 1514. they of Guel­dres burnt it down to the ground. It has high and strong Dikes to keep out the South-Sea, for the Land lies a great deal lower than the Water. When there is a great storm, and that the Sea beats with that violence, that it does threaten the utter ruine of all that oppo­ses it, the Inhabitants clap Sails all along between the Dike and the Water, and so hinder it from piercing into the body of the bank: a pretty invention, and to which they owe the safety of their whole Countrey. There is an old [Page 325] Castle which some suspect to have been the Palace of the Princes of Friezeland. Here live most of your Wood-Mer­chants, that drive a great Trade to Norway, and in the North. Let us follow the Sea-side, and come to En­chusen.

CHAP. XXII.

THis Town is environ'd on three parts by the Sea. It is like a half-Moon, and makes a point or neck of Land, which advances into the Zuyder­zee. It is said that in 1394. Albert, Earl of Holland, set sayl from hence with a Fleet of 300. Boats, to transport his Army into Friezeland; an argument that then it was a famous Port. 'Tis true, that as time changes all things, so has it done this Harbour; for now the Sands that are got into the mouth of it, do much hinder the entrance of great Ships; yet are there often built here [Page 326] great Ships for the Indies, and great Fleets do sayl from hence to the Baltic Seas.

It was not yet wall'd when it was burnt by John of Arkel, and Nicholas Putene in 1279. In 1426. it was as­saulted by the Kenemars; and the same year, some Souldiers of the Countess Jacqueline, coming in upon a sudden, surprized about a 100. of the principall Citizens at dinner, and cut off all their Heads; a barbarous action, which does come near the cruelty of our Age.

In 1514. a part of the Rampart, and many Houses, were destroyed by an Inundation.

1537. the Gueldreses having de­nounc'd War to Holland, had like to have surpriz'd the said Town; but the Water being low, they fail'd of their design.

This was the first Town that revolted from the Spaniards in North-Holland. In the year 1591. the Town was en­larged, and it now drives a great Trade in Her [...]ngs and Salt-Fish. It has strong Dikes, and it needs them, being built [Page 327] upon the Sea; which is the reason why it has no good Water to drink, the Countrey lying so low. By the complaints of its Inhabitants we perceive that it decayes in Trade, and has formerly had a greater Com­merce, which appears by many empty Houses.

There is a very good Alms-house; and the Steeple is considerable for its height, being built in so moorish a soft ground. These three Towns, Enchu­sen, Horne, and Medenbliick, have e­qually, but successively, the priviledge of coyning Money, each for the space of seven years, and then they begin again. Horne now calls upon us to ad­mire its beauty and Trade, with the con­venience of its Harbour.

CHAP. XXIII.

THis Town is the second of North-Holland. It is built upon the South-Sea, and has the best Harbour of all that Coast. There was in this Town a famous Faction of the Kenne­mars; but they were routed by the Ci­tizens after a long combate. They took likewise the Fleet of the Osserlins, by the help of those of Enchuse, and so ended that troublesome War in 1441.

In 1557. the Dikes being broke, so much Water got into the Town, as had like to have drowned it; but by the in­dustry of the Inhabitants, the banks were soon repaired again.

There is but a little arm of the Sea to be pass'd to come to Edam, two leagues from Horne. It is a small Town, built triangular-wise upon the River of Ye, [Page 329] in the fattest part of Holland. Here is made the best Holland Cheese with red Rinde, so much sought after by all Na­tions; and indeed it yeelds not to the Parmesan.

In the year 1430. we finde in our Annals, that the D [...]kes being broke, and having overflowed the Meadows, some Maids of Edam were in a Boat, going to milk the Cowes at Purmerend, and it being low Water, they perceived a Sea-Nymph in the Mud; they were at first frighted, but at last taking cou­rage, drew nearer, got her into their Boat, and brought her to Edam, where she was washed and cloathed; she did eat our diet, and had learn'd to spin; but still her instinct did carry her to her naturall Element, the Water, in which she did much delight: they could never teach her to speak. She was transport­ed to Harlem, where she liv'd many years. A certain Author sayes, that they had infus'd some knowledge of God into her, and that she did use to bowe before the Crucifix.

Monickendam is hard by Edam, up­on the River Monic, which signifies [Page 330] Monk, and it has for Arms, a Monk. The Town is very little, and situated upon the Sea-side. In 1426. it was taken by the Kenemars. It has been twice burnt down all, except the Church, and the Carmelites Mona­stery.

Purmerend was wall'd in the Wars, 1573. There is a C [...]e which did be­long to the House of [...]gmond; but it has been bought by the States in 1590.

North-Holland is almost quite envi­ron'd with Water, and joyn'd to the rest of Holland by a neck of Land, from Bevervic to Vic, about a league broad. This small Province which is not in all above 20. leagues in compass, deserves that Strangers should take the pains to come to it, if it be but to see those prodigious Dikes and Banks, which preserve the Countrey from an infallible Inundation.

There are three or four little Islands in the South-Sea, besides the Texel, the Ulic, and some others, that are to­wards Friezeland, and do break the first fury of the North-Sea. But we will [Page 331] leave them, to return to Leyden by the Honsbos; and having once again ad­mir'd the Dikes, go afoot by that lovely sandy shore, which is from the Hons­bos to Beeve, a sandy mountain at the mouth of the Meuse, for the space of 24. leagues. It is the finest way in the world; for on one side are the high sandy Hills, and on the other the Sea, which is not deep near the sh [...]re; inso­much that in calm Weather one may go in a great way without being [...]ut to swim: and it is upon this s [...]re that most Ships are forced to run, when they cannot in a storm get out to Sea; par­ticularly in Winter, when the nights are dark and long.

When a Ship is thus cast away, and some body scapes, the Goods aboard here are preserv'd for the owners; but if all be drown'd, then what the Sea casts up belongs to the Countrey. It happens often likewise that after a great storm, a sort of Whales call'd by the In­habitants, Potwisch, are found sticking upon these Sands; these likewise be­long to the County: and I saw one that was sold for 50. pounds; they make [Page 332] Oyl of the Flesh, and use the Bones for other uses. The Sea likewise does cast up great quantities of Cockle shells, which are gather'd to make a sort of Quicklime, much whiter than that of France, but not so good to make Mor­ter with. Sometimes there are some very fine sorts of Shells, but seldome; for those which are kept as rarities, come most from the Indies.

You may see in your way Egmond, a Village, from which came the noble Family of Egmond. All these sandy Hills, from the Honsbos to Beer, are full of Rabbits, which you may see in thousands; it is forbidden to kill or take any of them, under a certain Fine; and to hunt them, you must have leave from the high Huntsman of Holland, or be one of the Nobles of the Countrey. There you may see Eagles, that endea­vour to prey upon the Connies.

The Peasants hard by have a pretty way of catching them undiscover'd, which is, that in Winter the poor Beasts finding no green thing upon the ground to eat, all being cover'd with Snow, draw near the Houses, in most of which [Page 333] there is a little hole that goes into the Cellar, in which are green Cabbage­leaves; the Rabbits emboldened by hunger, creep in by a board set there on purpose, and no sooner are they entred, but the Peasant pulls away the board, and the Rabbit falls into the Cellar. But the Peasant does not brag of his good fortune, nor invite his Neighbours to the good cheer.

These Du [...]es, or sandy Mountains, are full of physicall Herbs, which the Students of Leyden do much seek after, particularly in the Spring-time, in the company of their Professors; and such Plants as cannot endure the cold, are transplanted into a Gallery which looks to the South, in which are three Stoves, for their conservation all Winter long. This Academy has also another Galle­ry, in which are many curiosities, as Pagans Idols, Indian Serpents skins, little Chips, and Cloths and Shooes of the Indians. The Gardener gives to the curious a little Paper, in which is contain'd the explication of all these; and the Book-binders sell a little Book, in which are all the names of the Plants [Page 334] that are in the said Garden.

This Academy was formerly a Nun­nery, out of which the Nuns being driven by the great revolution of Eu­rope for Religion, had each of them a small Prebendary for their life assign­ed to them; and I remember two that did use to come from Boyslednke to Ley­den, to receive their Sallary.

In the Divinity-School are kept all publick acts, and all Degrees are taken. They that take them publickly are ho­nour'd with the Magistrates Presents, who ordinarily send them in some Pre­sents of Wine, after the custome of Germany; then they make a Feast to the Professors, and are very merry. They that cannot afford to be at so much charge, are receiv'd privately, and under the Chimney, as the Proverb sayes. The Commencements are ordinarily in Summer, about the Dog-dayes.

Upon the said Academy is built a high Tower, on purpose for Astronomers to make observations. There are like­wise many rare Instruments of a new invention, serving to the same end; here being excellent Professors in [Page 335] all the parts of the Mathematicks.

The Princes House is upon the Rappe [...]bourg, and has a fine square Court, with a Garden. It was a re­ligious House for Women, who 'tis said had purchased the place the House stands on with spinning. The lower part of the Church is a magazine for Ammunition, and the upper a Store-house for Corn. This I have added, as omitted in the first De­scription of Leyden, with which I have perfected my intended Account of the Cities, Towns, and Villages in Holland. Now I will say some­thing of their Religion.

CHAP. XXIV.

I Will not here undertake to dispute, which is the best of all those Religi­ons that are here tolerated, knowing that it is too ticklish a matter to be handled, without giving offence to some body. I shall only relate barely, how many sorts of Religions there are within the limits of the United Pro­vinces.

They being at their first revolt oppo­site to Spain in all things: resolv'd to give as much liberty as that King would deny, and to tolerate all Religions, because he would suffer but one. In order to this, the State thriving in their Wars, took upon them to drive out the Priests, Monks, and Nuns, as so many Emissaries of Rome, and stiff maintainers of one only Religion. The chief Mo­del and Reformation was made accor­ding [Page 337] to the Churches of Geneva, and the high Palatinate; and to this day they that pretend to any Charge or Of­fice, must be of this Religion, if they desire to be admitted.

They that follow the Doctrine of Martin Luther, have all freedome in Holland, and liberty to build Churches among the Houses, to distinguish them from the other Reform'd. The Ana­baptists have likewise theirs, and are divided into divers Sects. They that have the great Assembly are call'd Drec Wagens. And I will say this to their praise, that in their Meetings they ex­pound Scripture, without making any invectives, or railing upon any body else.

In the beginning those of the Re­form'd Religion in Holland, were call'd Geux, or Beggars; as in France, Hu­guenots, a name which the vulgar yet retain with joy, bragging, that they were neither Papists nor Martinists, but Geux. This was the occasion of their being thus nam'd: In the begin­ning of the troubles, 500. Gentlemen being come to Brussels, to present a Pe­tition [Page 338] to the Princess of Parma, then Governant, came of a sudden into her Palace; she being at the Window, talking with the Earl of Varlemont, was frighted with so sudden and so great an appearance, and asked him if he knew what it mean'd; who answered, Madam, Do not trouble your self, they are but Beggars; Ce ne sout que des Geux. This being told these Gentle­men at Supper, they all agreed to dress themselves in Beggars Cloaks, and take wooden Dishes in their Hands, with this Motto, We are all the Kings faithfull Servants, even to Beggary.

We must not forget the Arminians, who have made a Schisme among the Reform'd about Predestination. The Gomarists or Counter-Remonstrants opposed the said Articles of Predestina­tion; they were thus nam'd from their two Heads, who were both professors of Divinity in Leyden, Arminius and Gomarius. Their Division had such in­fluence among the people, that the Towns did already beg [...]n to take in Gar­ [...]sons, to maintain each their opinion by force. Prince Maurice by the Or­der [Page 339] of the States applied a remedy to these Disorders. Barnevelt was taken and beheaded, some Magistrates of Towns deposed, and many Ministers of the Arminians imprisoned, their Do­ctrine being condemn'd by the Synod of Dort.

But the Arminians have never been at quiet, till they have obtain'd a free exercise through most Towns of Hol­land, as Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and the Hague it self, but not at Harlem, nor Leyden; in the last of which places, they have often met in the open Streets, sung their Psalms, and preached, but have still been disturbed by the Magi­strate. At last seeing they could not gain a Church in the Town, they have been glad to obtain leave to meet at Warmont, a Village hard by it, which the Lord of the place has willingly grant­ed, for the benefit that arises to his Village by it.

The Jews are publickly tolerated, and have their Synagogues in Amster­dam.

The Catholicks are the only excluded from this liberty, though they be in [Page 340] great numbers, and most of them natu­rall Hollanders, whose Ancestors have contributed both their bloods and mo­ney, to the driving out of the Spani­ards; but all that is forgotten, and they enjoy nothing but a liberty of consci­ence, in which they rest quietly. Ma­ny Politicians of our Age have thought, that the reason why they are thus kept under, was, because the King of Spain, the profess'd enemy of the States, was of their Religion; and that if peace were once concluded, there would be more indulgence shewed. But I think our Politicians mistaken in their conje­cture, and do rather look upon the Hollanders, as people that have imita­ted the Romans; who having once dri­ven out the Tarquins, and tasted the sweetness of liberty, did not spare Col­latin himself, who had been one of the great opposers of tyranny, not because there was cause, but because he was of the Royall Race. So I do not dispute, whether the Papists have given Subject to distrust them; but I say, they have given occasion to fear them, because they are of our enemies Religion. 'Tis [Page 341] true, that in some Towns, where the memory of the actions perform'd by the Catholicks, in order to the publick li­berty, is yet preserv'd, they have the freedome of meeting in private Houses. The Countrey people do persevere very constantly in the said Religion, and are not so constrained as in the Towns, though they are derided by all Sects whatsoever.

Their Ceremonies in Burying are the same all over Holland; and since ' [...]is a Religious Worship, we shall here de­scribe the form of it.

The Catholicks and Lutherans suffer not their Dead to be buried any where, but in Churches and Church-yards. The Reform'd are not so scrupulous, and say, that one Earth is not holier than another, neither do they use much Ceremony.

As soon as the person is dead, the Neighbours sewe the Body up in a Winding-sheet, and they are treated with a Collation, and a Cup of Sack; then they make a Note of the names of those they intend to invite. The day appointed being come, they meet a­bout [Page 342] Two of the Clock in the After­noon, in the House of the deceased; there their names are call'd over, and they go out two by two, the Kindred next the Body, and the Friends after them, every one according to his qua­lity. The Body being buried, they come back to the House, where he that goes first invites the company in; then they are presented with Wine, and e­very one drinks as much as he pleases, and goes away when he thinks fit. The richer sort are buried in the Church, and the company has Rhenish Wine given them. The poor give Beer.

The young Men and Maids are carri­ed by young people. The Body is all cover'd with Flowers, and the Bearers have a branch of Laurell or Rosemary in their Hand. If it be a person of qua­lity, all the Bearers are presented with a summe of Money, which they go and spend in a treating-House. There is al­wayes a certain summe to be given to the purse of the Neighbourhood. And such as have not a burying place in the Church, must pay very dear for it, if [Page 343] they intend to have one. They for whom the biggest Bell rings, pay [...]0. shillings at least. The Papists are very observant of that Ceremony; but the Reform'd laugh at it, as a piece of Su­perstition, and instituted for the Churches profit. However these Bu­ryings without Prayers or Ceremony, cost as much as the Obsequies of the Catholicks in France. After the bury­ing of a Professor, there is a Speech made in honour of him. If the Body be not in the Church at half an hour past two, there is a Fine of 20. shillings to be payed; if it be not there till after three, then there is the double due.

Some are so ill-bred, as to drink themselves drunk at these Buryings; and when they go home in their long Cloaks, you shall finde them in the mire; but the people of quality come not to that extremity, but after two or three Glasses of Wine, return qui­etly.

Besides all these Religions, there is a certain Assembly held at Rinsbourg, ten or twelve times a year, where every [Page 344] one that will has the liberty of ma­king an Exhortation; it is call'd the Assembly of the free-minded. There are many others that sit at home reading the Scripture, and never come to any Church, ex­cept it be out of curiosity. The Arianisme has those that pro­fess it. In a word, any body may follow his own opinion, but not profess it with a publick Wor­ship. There are Atheists enough too.

CHAP. XXV.

HOlland has for Arms a — with this Motto, for Liberty. It is ob­servable, that almost all the Provinces of the Low-Countries have a Lion for their Arms; which made Charles their Duke desirous to make one Kingdome of them, call'd the Kingdome of the Li­on; but while he was adding to it Lor­rain and the Swizzers, he died, and left the title of Duke only to his Succes­sors.

The Emperor Charl [...]s the fifth had the same design; but he met with so much opposition in the priviledges, and the diversity of humours and tongues in the different Provinces, that he was fain to give over the design of it; he being besides busied with continuall Wars.

There are also many Gentlemen in [Page 346] the Low-Countries, that bear a Lion in their Coat. But since my design is on­ly to speak of Holland, I shall mention no other than the Nobility of that Pro­vince, as well to publish their antiquity, as to stop the mouthes of some Stran­gers, who either by an absurd igno­rance, or maliciously, do publish that there are no Gentlemen in Holland. 'Tis true, that the length of the Civill Wars has been the death of many of that couragious Nobility, who seeking Honour have died in the bed of it, and so some Families of ancient extract are quite extinguish'd. But there are yet many remaining, who may contend for antiquity and splendor with most Fami­lies in Europe.

'Tis commonly said, that the Italian Nobility do not scruple to trade. The French indeed are nicer, and think it a degenerating from their birth; yet do they not make any difficulty of marry­ing a Citizens Daughter, if she be rich, and can by her means repair the lustre of their decayed Nobility.

But the Germans do not only abhor Traffick, but think it a greater baseness, [Page 347] to mingle their blood with one meanly born.

The Hollanders seem to be in the middle between these extreams.

For first, The Dutch Nobility does not trade. They love War, for the de­fence of their Countrey; are not Du­ellists, nor quarrelsome, like the French; love Learning, particularly the Mathematicks; live pleasantly in their Countrey-Houses; and may with­out degenerating marry whom they please.

The Gentlemen in Holland have al­wayes enjoyed great priviledges; for the ancient Earls did never undertake any thing without their advice, as it is now observ'd in Denmarke and Po­land.

The three principall Families are the Brederodes, the Wassenaers, and the Egmonds; of whom the Proverb is,

The Brederodes are descended from the Earls of Holland; and the Story is, [Page 348] that Sitfrid, the youngest Son of Ar­nold of Ghent, and Grandson to Didier, second Earl of Holland, being fallen under his Fathers indignation and ha­tred, was afterwards pardon'd; and [...]he Earl to shew his kindness and recon­ciliation, caus'd Land to be measur'd out to him with larger Roods: thence he was call'd Brederode; and from him is descended this Family, by his eldest Son Didier; and from his younger, Simon, Lord of Teling, are descended the Lords of Toll and Lecke.

The Wassenaers fetch their origine from a Village between Leyden and the Hague; and their name is deriv'd from the right they had in former Ages to the Waters, Ponds, and Lakes, in Holland. They pretend to be descended from that famous Captain, Claudius Civilis, of whom Tacitus makes honourable men­tion. They have been Burg-graves of Leyden, and are yet highly esteem'd. From them are descended the Duven­vords, the Warmonts, the Bouchorts, the Polanes, the Matenesses, all the Flower of the Dutch Nobility.

They that represent the Nobility [Page 349] of Holland in the States Generall, are these following; whereof some are dead:

John Wolfard, Lord of Brederode and Viane.

John de Wassenaer, Lord of Duven­vord, &c.

Vesele de Boteselaer, Lord of Aspe­ren, &c.

James of Wingarde, Lord of Ben­thuise, Soctemeer, &c.

Albert de Scagen, Baron of Scagen, Harengbuisen, &c.

James of Wassenaer, and Duvenvord, Lord of Warmont.

Henry de Raphorst, Lord of Ra­phorst, &c.

James de Mateness, Lord of Mate­ness, Rivier, Opmeer, &c.

Francis Arsen, Knight, Lord of Sommersdiick.

Besides these, there are divers other Families, as those of Arquel, Kenem­bourg, Haserson, Alquemade, Opdam, Gaudriaen, Sevenhuysen, Vanderlaen, Benthuse, Asmal, &c. who are all by Alphabeticall order, in the Book entitu­led, The Theatre of the Towns and Coun­ty [Page 350] of Holland, by the Learned Monsieur Boxhorne; together with the noble actions of their Ancestors.

CHAP. XXVI.

THere is no Province in the World, where the Inhabitants enjoy more liberty, than in Holland. Nay, as soon as any Slave coming from a foreign Countrey, sets his foot upon the Dutch shore, he is free. The Gentlemen are Princes and Fathers of their Families. The Countrey people when they have payed their Rents, are as free as the Citizens. If a Gentleman abuse or kill any of them, he is in great danger of losing his life, if the crime deserve it. Here is no partiality; and let every one know, that the Laws are here in their force.

The Magistrates are bound to main­tain the Citizens Priviledges, and pre­serve them from all Oppression. The [Page 351] Masters may not beat their Servants, nor the Mistresses their Maids. But above all, every one is Master at home; and it is a capitall offence to offer vio­lence to a man in his own House.

One may travell freely through all Holland, by day and by night, with­out fear of being rob'd. High-way men are never pardon'd; Theeves are sometimes, but not those among them that break into Houses, or steal Sheep in the Pasture-grounds.

No body is forced to stay here any longer than he thinks fit. Here is liber­ty of Conscience, and no body is forc'd to go to the Protestant Churches. The liberty of speaking freely, even of Ma­gistrates themselves, is too great; and that which else-where would be a crime, is here laughed at.

The German Students, I remember, were once about to set up a custome, which is in use in most of the German Universities, by which the new comers are very ill treated for the first year; but the Magistrates oppos'd it, and threatned all those that should go about to introduce such a slavery, in a free Countrey.

[Page 352] Here are never made any Rules a­bout what people onght to wear; every one wears what he pleases. Nay any body may transport as much Gold and Silver as he pleases, and no body shall hinder him, as they do in England, and France. In a word, all that is reasona­ble, is lawfull.

They that say that the Nobility are not respected in Holland, are very much mistaken. For those amongst them that do govern themselves with moderation, and are familiar with their Inferiors, are infinitely beloved; but the proud and haughty are despised and hated.

Here is the greatest Equality in the World. It is ordinary to hear a mean Fellow in a dispute with a Citizen, say, I am as much as you; if you be richer than I, 'tis well for you. But the wiser sort avoid such quarrels, as it is easie to do, by keeping a fit distance between them and the common people.

Certainly when I do reflect upon the miserable condition of some Christians in Europe; as of the Peasants in Lytua­nia, and almost all over Poland, where [Page 353] the Lords have the power of hang­ing them, when they run away from their tyranny; in Bohemia, and some other places of Germa­ny; in Denmarke, and Sweden, where the Gentlemen do [...]ighly abuse the Commons; I cannot choose but cry out, O happy Hol­land, that hast preserv'd that pre­cious jewel of Liberty; preserve it well, for with its loss, goes that of thy happiness!

CHAP. XXVII.

I Do not intend to speak here of the ordinary Trade that is driven by Shipping, to the Northern parts of the World; nor of that which is carried on in England, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, &c.

My design is to speak of those Voya­ges undertaken within these threescore years to the Indies, which were under­taken upon this occasion:

The King of Spain having seized up­on, and confiscated some Ships belong­ing to the Hollanders, that did trade in his Ports, which were then the Mart of Europe, for the East-India Merchandi­zes, made some Merchants resolve to set out a Fleet of eight Sayl for the In­dies; whereof four were to go the long way, and four others to go by the North, and endeavour to finde out a [Page 355] passage to China, by the North-Sea; it being the shorter way to the Indies by half in half.

These four last set sayl from the Texel the fifth of June, 1594. and the eigh­teenth they came to Kildus in Lapland; and some time after they discover'd the Island of Nova Zembla, between mountains of Ice.

In this journey they met no Pirates nor enemies, but great white fierce Bears, which would follow them upon the land, and in the Sea; as one parti­cularly did, for leaping into the Sea, to follow their long Boat which they had ma [...]d out, they shot him, and hurt him; but he nevertheless following still, they threw a Rope about his neck, thinking to carry him away alive after them to Austerdam; nevertheless this furious Beast had the force to leap with his two fore-feet upon the Boat, and so frighted the Seamen, that they were all ready to leap into the Sea, had not the Rope by good luck entangled it self about the Rudder; whereupon one run him through with a Pike, and kill'd him.

[Page 356] They met besides with a sort of great Fish, as big as Oxen, call'd Valres; their Head is like an Oxes, and they have two Teeth that come out like Boars Tushes.

At last seeing the season of the year far spent, they went back, and some dayes after met with the other Ships which had left them, and learn'd from them that they had been in the Tartari­an Ocean, which they had found full of Whales. That they had landed, and discover'd a Cross upon a Mountain, near which they had found some Sacks of Meal, and something written upon the Cross in Russian Characters. At last they all arriv'd at Amsterdam in Sep­tember, having been hindred by the Ice to go any further.

The chief of these was one William Barenson, who having made the recitall of their journey, there was a second Voyage resolv'd of, under the conduct of the said William; but they met with the same obstacles again, though it were in August. They met with a Shal­lop laden with Barks of Trees, and Geese, and such other Merchandizes, [Page 357] which waited for the Russian Fleet, which every year goes that way. They that were in the Bark did say, that within a few dayes the Sea would be so frozen, as that one might go over the Ice into Tartary. The Hollanders in­vited them aboard, and presented them with Butter and Cheese, which they re­fused, saying, it was fasting-day, but took some Herrings. Having left them, and seen the Countrey of the Samoctes, which they found to be a bar­barous people, wearing Buff-skins, they steered their course to the States Island, a place which they found full of Hares, whereof they made provision. Some pass'd into the Continent, not far from the Island, and there a furious Bear kill'd two, and routed all the rest of the company, though twenty in number, and well arm'd with Pikes; at last with succour from the Ship, the Bear was kill'd. After which they set sayl for Holland, running much hazard in the Ice, but arriv'd without any o­ther loss than of those two men.

The small success of this Voyage, could not discourage the undertakers [Page 358] from venturing once more, under the conduct of the same William Barenson, to whose Ship James Heemskerke was ad­ed, as Commissary. Two Ships set sayl the eighteenth of May, and met with the first Ice the fifth of June. They sayled up and down till the eigh­teenth, without being able to meet with any passage. Wherefore one re­turn'd into Holland; Barenson having steered to Nova Zembla, and endea­vouring to leave it behinde him, was surprized by the Ice, and his Ship fro­zen up. In this extremity, some ha­ving landed, found abundance of Tim­ber, about a league within the shore; with that they built a little House, which they cover'd with the Boards of their Ship, and had Wood enough left to make fire with. The Sun forsook them quite from the fourth of Novem­ber, to the twenty fourth of January. Till the Sun forsook them, the Bears tormented them; but they had great relief by a sort of Foxes which they did use to catch and rost, and make warm Caps of their Skins. Their Beer and their Sack being frozen, they were fain [Page 359] to break them with an Axe, and thaw them upon the fire; and when their Beer was spent, they were fain to melt the Snow, and drink it. At last the Sun came a­gain, but with him the Bears, who did persecute so as they were not able to stir out; of them they kill'd many, and us'd their fat in stead of Oyl to burn in Lamps. Twelfth­day being come, they resolv'd to be merry, and choose King and Queen, making their King, King of Nova Zembla, and the Islands a­bout it. After some time they be­gun to think of returning home, not in their Ship, for that they could not stir; but in their Boat, which with much ado they fitted up, and set sayl the fifteenth of June, among shoals of Ice, the Bears still following them upon the Ice, and into the Sea. The f [...]h of July they came to the Cross Island, and the eighteenth they met with two Russian Boats, who gave them some refreshments, and at last they came to Amsterdam, in October, [Page 360] 1597. having lost Barenson, and four more.

CHAP. XXVIII.

IN the generall recitall of so many de­licious Wonders, we have it may be omitted some, which we here adde by way of Supplement.

North-Holland had formerly a great Lake, near Purmerend, which has been drain'd with great pains and charges; it is now a most fertile spot of ground, about 20. mile in compass. The Cattle there is the biggest and fattest of all the Low-Countries.

It is confidently reported, that in the generall contribution of the Provin­ces towards the War, Holland gives 57. in a 100. and Amsterdam alone gives above 27. of the 57. from whence may be inferr'd, what are the riches of that Town. The revenue of the said City [Page 361] comes to above 4000. pound a day, according to the Treatise that has been Printed of it. This year, 1650. the Excise of Beer, Meat, and Corn, be­ing farm'd out to them that bid most, was let at a 150000. pounds. Besides these, there is the Wine-Excise, the Taxes upon Houses, the eighth penny, and a thousand others.

There is a Square-house before the Town-house, where all things are weigh'd; it yeelds above 10000. pound a year.

There is a Glass-house, in which Chrystall-Glasses are made, not inferi­or to Venice-Glasses; as also excellent Looking Glasses, which do attract all mens admiration.

The Rhetoricians or Po [...]ts-house de­serves to be remembred, it being a lau­dable custome, practis'd almost all over the Low Countries; which is, that peo­ple given to Poetry have a House at Amsterdam, where they may represent Playes. They are distinguish'd into different Chambers, and make Aenig­mes, which if unridled carry a prize with them for the Oedipus.

[Page 362] I shall end by the publick Library, to shew that our Merchants have not for­got Learning, amongst the hurry and noise of their Trade.

It is hard by the South Church, and very well stored with all sorts of curi­ous Books. The Epigram that is at the Door gives people warning how they are to behave themselves, when they are within.

There is added to it a Physick-Gar­den, which encreases every day, by the care that the Magistrates take to fur­nish it with rare Plants, at great char­ges.

But let us leave Amsterdam, for fear we lose our selves in the confusion of so many remarkable things; and come and rest our selves at Leyden, the Gar­den of Holland. Our nearest way will be by the Lake of Harlem, for with a fair Winde we may arrive in four hours; but if the Winde be contrary, we may go by Harlem in two hours by the Channell, and then take a Chariot for six and twenty pence, which will carry us in two hours more to Leyden. When the Winde is strong, and contra­ry, [Page 363] the way by the Sea of Harlem is troublesome, for it makes those sick that have often been upon the Sea with­out inconvenience; and though in ma­ny places it has not above six foot Wa­ter, yet not long ago a Boat with Pas­sengers was over-turn'd, and they drown'd.

Though there be many tempests and storms upon it, yet within this 25 years I do not remember any ill acci­dent but this I have now mention'd; and that great misfortune which befell the unfortunate Queen of Bohemia, when she receiv'd the terrible news, how the King her Husband had sav'd himself with swimming, but that her eldest Son was drown'd in this unmerci­full Element.

The King had left Harlem in Novem­ber, 1629. towards the evening; the night proved very dark and tempestu­ous, and the Lake much agitated by great Windes, when unfortunately in the obscurity, another Boat fell foul of his, and sunk it immediately. The poor young Prince was heard to cry out, Ab Sir, dear Father, pray save me! [Page 364] but all in vain, for the darkness of the night hindring the distinguishing of ob­jects, it was impossible to relieve him, and so he perish'd in the flower of his youth, to the unspeakable affliction of all that were acquainted with his forwardness in all Arts and Scien­ces.

The two famous Cities of Holland are Leyden and Amsterdam; one is the Market of all foreign Commodities, and the other of Manufactures of all sorts. Neither is there any City that has so great a Revenue, next to Am­sterdam, as Leyden, as it appears by the last years Excise only upon Beer, Corn, and Cattle, which came to 50000. pound.

There is wanting to Leyden a good Harbour to the Sea, without passing by other Towns, and it has been proposed to make one at Caetvic, which is but two leagues from it. Nay, the Mathe­maticians and Engineers having been ad­vised with, do say the thing is feasible; others say that it cannot be, and that ei­ther the Sea would choak up the Har­bour with Sand, or it may be if let in, [Page 365] drown all the Countrey. To which it is answered, that the securest way would be to go by Wass [...]naer, and make the overture between two Mountains: but this design is now buried in oblivi­on. Being one day in the company of a Mathematician at Catvic, he told me, that the Sea being calm is about half a foot higher than the Meadows about Leyden; so that if in the Spring-tides, or a storm, the Sea should make way through those Mountains of Sand, in­fallibly the Countrey would be all lost.

The most dangerous Winde for Hol­land is a North-West-Winde, towards the Equinox, with a storm; but God Almighty by his providence hinders these three so dangerous enemies, from assailing us all at one time.

Holland is so populous, that you can hardly go a stones cast without meeting with Houses or Villages.

The Hollanders Diversions are these: In Summer a Citizen shall hire a Boat for himself and his Family, to go and eat fresh-Water Fish. In Winter he shall hire a Sledge upon the Ice. They [Page 366] are not given to gaming at Dice or Cards, but will play at Bowles and Ta­bles. They are not quarrelsome, nor apt to strike, but will scold and call one another all to naught, before they come to blowes.

Towards Autumn, and in Winter, the Students pastime is to go and shoot at the wilde-Ducks and Geese; and if they shoot at the Countrey-peoples, as they will often out of roguery, then fol­lows a scuffle, in which the weakest goes to the Wall.

Their industry is most admirable for inventing, and improving other peo­ples inventions, witness Printing, and Telescope-Glasses. The Art of Navi­gation is better understood here than in any place of the World: so is Fortifica­tion, and all military Discipline; in so much that a Low-Countrey Souldier, when he comes to another Kingdome is presently made much of, and advan­ced. The Hollanders are the best in the World at Draining, witness what they have done in England and France, at Bourdeaux, and in Britany.

But their Fishing is a thing which in [Page 367] [...]ll manners deserves admiration. But they have one odd diverting way of it, which I shall here relate.

There are three Islands which serve as a bar to the Ocean: The first is the Texel, where are made excellent Chee­ses. The second is the Ulic, where are taken great quantities of Muscles. The third is Schelling, the Inhabitants of which last are much given to Fishing, and the way that they use to catch the Fish, which they call a Sea-Dog, is ve­ry pleasant. They disguise themselves like Beasts, and at certain hours that these Fishes are us'd to come out upon the shore, they leap and dance before them, and by a thousand antick tricks make them follow them, and leave the shore: in the mean time those that are in Ambushcade set their Nets; then the dancers throw off their Masks, and ta­king their humane shape upon them, come upon the poor Sea-Dogs, who en­deavouring to re-gain the Sea are en­tangled in the Nets, and made a prey to those that had diverted them.

The Hollanders transport salt-Fish all the World over.

[Page 368] There is not any season in the year that does not produce some particular pleasure. For what is more pleasant, than to see the Meadows cover'd with Flowers all the Spring and Summer. Autumn produces an abundance of Fruits. The Winter is more pleasant here than any where else; for in so sad a season, the diversion of the fro­zen Channels, full of people, sli­ding upon them, is no small one. Wood is not dear here; and you shall have more for 10. pound at Amsterdam, than at Paris for 15. If the Water be not to be drunk, in recompence there is very good [...]eer to be had. 'Tis true, that the Windes and the Rain are very fre­quent, by reason of the Neighbour­hood of the Sea; but the inconveni­ence is recompenced by the conve­nience of travelling; for if the wayes be broke and bad, you may go by Water. A Merchant never misses of an opportunity of tran­sporting himself and his Goods, the Channels being loaded night [Page 369] and day with an infinite number of Boats.

But as there is nothing abso­lutely perfect, Holland has its Cloudes, its North-Windes, its Rains, and its foggy Mists, which do much bate of the beauty and pleasantness of this fam'd and re­nowned Province.