¶ Margaret by the grace of God Duchesse of Parme , and of Plaisance . &c. Regente and Gouernesse .

RIght dere and welbeloued , although that from the beginnyng of the raigne of the Kyng , my Soueraigne Lorde , of the Countries on this side , aswell by the renuyng and publishyng of the Placardes and ordinaunces of the Emperour Charles , my soueraigne lorde of moste high memorie deceassed ( whom God haue in his glorie ) touchyng the state of Religion , ratified and confirmed by his royall maiestie , that the same whiche hath since béen written you , euen at his last departure from the said Countries , for his Kyngdome of Spain , you might alwaies knowe the good zeele and moste holie affeccion of his said maiestie , to the conseruacion of our old true faith and catholike Religion , and to the weedyng out of all sectes and heresies , in these saied Countries on this side : Notwithstandyng this , as it hath pleased his said maiestie for certain occasions , to renewe againe vnto vs his moste holie intent , by his last letters , we haue thought good by expresse charge thereof , to represent that whiche his maiestie hath written vnto vs , whiche is thus in effecte : That his Maiestie desiryng nothynge more then the conseruacion of of the said Religion , and of his good subiectes on this side , in good tranquilitie , peace , vnitie , and concorde , and to preserue them from the inconueniences , whiche haue been seen to chaunce in many places of Christendome , for the chaungyng of the saied Religion : His saied maiestie willeth and intendeth , that the said Placardes and Ordinaunces , of his Imperiall maiestie deceassed and his predecessors , be kepte and obserued in all poinctes , as it is also the intent of his saied maiestie , to cause to bée well and straitly obserued that which is decréed by the holie Councell of Trente , and the Prouinciall congregacions , especially as touchyng the reformacion of the Clergie , without resistyng the saied decrées in any thyng , to the ende that punishing the heresies , the maners also maie be corrected : Also that all fauour and assistaunce bée geuen to the Inquisitors , of the faithe and the erecucion of their offices , and that the Inquisicion bée made by the saied Inquisitours , as it hath béen made heretofore , and as apperteineth to them by diuine and humain right , the whiche thyng his Maiestie also expressely commaundeth , by his saied letters . And folowyng this writyng of his said maieste , and to obey therevnto , in a thyng so holy and fauourable , we could not omitte to write this vnto you , for to praie you , require you , and of the behalfe of his saied maiestie to commaunde you very expressely , to call and guide your selues herein , accordyng to the ordinaunce of his said Maiestie , without gainstandyng it in any poyncte or article , and that you cause thesame to be vnderstanded to the officers , and those of the lawe , of the principall Tounes of the Countrie and Countie of 〈◊〉 to th ende that thei maie order theim selues thereafter , without dissimulacion or couine , vnder the penalties conteined in the same Placardes . And so moche the better to haue knowledge of it , that ye appoincte and assigne a Councellour of your Colledge ( who notwithstandyng maie be chaunged from half yere to half yere , to th ende that one alone be not alwaies charged ) and he to doe none other thyng , but to haue regarde to the saied Countrie of 〈◊〉 for the obseruacion of the decrées of the said holy Councell , and to aduertise you alwaies of that whiche shal bée needefull to bée prouided for , accordyng to the intente of his saied maiestie . And to the ende that wé maie alwaies knowe the state of the saied Religion , as is aforesaied , wee desire and commaunde you as aforsaied , that from thrée monethes to thrée monethes , ye write vnto vs the successe particularly , makyng your recourse to vs in matters of difficultée , or to them of the priuie counsaill of his said maiestie , that report maie be made vnto vs , wheras likewise we will appoinct some Councellor , who shall take the charge particularly , and shall conferre with you , and hym that shal be sent by you . And to the ende that vppon all this afore saied , you might so moche the better se the expresse pleasure of his saied maiestie , wée haue caused to bee ioyned herevnto , the chief poinctes of the letters and other writynges of his saied maiestie , concernyng this matter , to the ende to order and guide your selues , accordyng to the forme and tenour of thesame without defaulte . And thus moste deare and welbeloued , the Lorde haue you in his kepyng .

Written at Brussells the .xviii. daie of December . Anno Dni .1565 . H. Vt vnderneth was written Margarita . And lower then that the Seale of Ouerlope . Vpon the backe was moreouer written , to our right deare and welbeloued , the President and people of the Counsell of the kyng in .

¶ An extract of the last letters and writynges sent by the Kyng to Madame the Duchesse , with the last dispatche , concernyng the state of Religion .

First of all , as concernyng the Placardes and Ordinaunces aswell old as newe , touchyng the said state of Religion , that his Maiestie vnderstandyng the estate wherein the affaires of Religion nowe stand on this side , it is not conuenient to make , as touchyng the saied Placardes and Ordinaunces any chaunge , but that the saied Placardes of the Emperours Maiestie deceassed , and those of his saied Maiestie be also executed . And his Maiestie hath perceiued the cause of the euill which hath chaunced , and of that it is so augmented & gone so farre , to haue béen by the negligence , slouthfulnesse , and dissimulacion of the Iudges . And that if there be any Iudges , whiche dare not or will not execute them , for fear of any tumult , then let his Maiestie thereof haue knowledge , to the ende that he maie prouide other of stouter harte & better zeale , to the excucion thereof , wherof there can be no default in those saied Countries , seyng there be so many Catholikes , and men desirous to serue God and his Maiestie , and that doyng this , and executing the saied Placardes , it is to be hoped that by that meanes , the hurt whiche is doen maie be the better and soner remedied .

For the seconde , as concernyng that whiche toucheth the Inquisitours of the faithe , his Maiestie chargeth her highnesse , to helpe that the saied Inquisitours bée fauoured in that , which toucheth the execucion and administracion of their charge , in asmoche as is conuenient for the profite and sustentacion of the Religion , beyng th intent of his Maiestie , that the saied Inquisicion be made by the said Inquisitours , as it hath béen vntill this tyme , and as to them belongeth by diuine and humaine right , and that this is no newe thyng , seyng that it hath been alwaies doen so in the tyme of the Emperours Maiestie deceassed , and of his maiestie also . The inconueniences whiche are to bee feared , beyng moche more apparaunt , more nigh , and greater , when there is not prouision made for the saied Inquisitors , of that whiche apperteineth to their office , and that thei are not assisted . And because her highnes doeth vnderstande what this importeth , his Maiestie chargeth her as moche as she maie to doe whatsoeuer shal be necessary thervnto , and that she doe not consente , that any other thing be intreated of , her highnesse knowyng how moche his Maiestie hath the harte , desire , and contented that it shall thus bee .

For the third , his Maiestie commaundeth her highnes , that seyng that the holie Councell of Trent was alredy published , that there rested nothyng but that whiche toucheth the execucion , whiche belongeth to the Bishops , her highnesse should cause them to make all spede and assistance possible , to th ende that she enforce her self as behoueth . Also that the same be executed , whiche the said Councell of Trente hath decreed , as concerning the reformacion of the life and maners of the spiritualtie , his maiestie chargyng as well her highnesse , as the officers of his saied Maiestie , to geue all the fauour and encouragyng that should be néedefull , and that if in case it should bée requisite , that on the behalf of his Maiestie , she should cause it to bee dispatchte quickly , especially where the people of the Churche , will not obeye to the reformacion made by the Bishops , conformable to the decrée of the saied Councell of Trente .

And for conclusion , sithe that whiche his Maiestie writeth to her highnesse , as is aforsaied , is that whiche belongeth to the profite of the Religion & of the countrie on this side , whiche were nothynge worthe without thesame , and that this is the waie for to keepe them in Iustice , peace , and tranquilitie . And because her highnes séeth what it importeth , his maiestie requireth her againe to folowe the waie , whereby that whiche is aforesaied , maie be brought to effect , & that it shal be the thing , wherby his Maiestie maie receiue moche contentacion , aswell of her highnesse , as of the Lordes beyng vnder her , to whom her highnesse should geue in charge thesame , to the ende that thei implose themselues as his Maiestie trusteth that thei will not faile , knowyng the contentment that thei shal doe vnto him , besides that thei shal fulfill the duetie of soche personages as thei be , and accordyng to the obligacion that thei haue to the seruice of God , and of his maiestie and to the vniuersall profit of the countrey on this side , and also of theim selues perticularly .

¶ The President and Councell of the Kynges maiestie of Hollande , Zelande , and Frieslande .

NOble , worthie , and discrete , and also good frendes , we haue receiued certaine letters of the Duches , Regent of the Kynges Maiestie in these lowe countries , with express ; e commission and commaundement vnto your honors . For to certifie how his maiestie , nothing in the world more doeth require then the conseruacion of the Catholike religion , and his good subiectes of these countries in good peace , reste , quietnesse and vnion to maintaine , and thesame to kepe from all inconueniences , the whiche in many places of Christendome , by the chaungyng of religion , be chaunsed and happened : Doeth will you to vnderstande that the Proclamacions and ordinaunces of the late Imperiall maiestie , made vpon poinctes of religion to be kept , and in all poinctes to be mainteined and executed , as also the minde of his maiestie is well and straightly to maintain that , whiche by the holy & generall Councell of Trent by the Prouinciall synodes hath béen ordeined and statuted , and in especiall as touchyng the reformacion of the Spiritualtie , without any thyng againste the same , to doe that in correctyng of the heresies , euill maners , by thesame maie be amended and punished : Therefore his maiestie doeth will that the Inquisitors of the faithe , in the executyng and exercisyng of their office , shall haue all the helpe and assistance that you are able to shewe or do vnto them : and that the Inquisicion by the same Inquisitors be doen in like sort , as it hath béen vnto this present tyme , accordyng as it apperteineth vnto them , by Spirituall and Temporal lawes , the whiche his Maiestie expressely hath commaunded , and in thesame to his Maiestie , in so holy & good a matter to be obedient , we could no lesse do , then to write these presentes , and in thesame to require , and in the name of his Maiestie to commaunde very earnestly , that in these you will dooe , accordyng vnto the will & ordinaunces of ●is maiestie , without doyng , or suffring to be doen against thesame in any poincte , vpon paine and penaltie of the Placarde and ordinance comprehended , like as by vs hath béen in the departyng of his maiestie out of this lowe Countree , by his maiestie at large hath béen written . You shall further kepe and obserue the laste Proclamacion , published the .29 . daie of Marche afore Easter . Anno .1563 . touching the Midwifes with also that that hath been commaunded you by our letters missiues , at the sending of thesame proclamacion , as to kepe and take good regard vpon al suche as do absent themselues from the churche , not heating Masse vpon the Sondaie & holy day in that his Maiesties letters , the .29 . daie of Marche Anno .1563 . and ours the 11 of Aprill . An 1564. after Easter , & vnto vs . Certified that daily more and more , vpon the stretes , wagons , boates , and shippes , and other places , dishonest & vnreuerent songes he vsed against the holie Sacramentes of the Altar , Baptisme , and others : We charge & ordein your honore , thesame comming vnto your knowledge , with all comely maner , thesame to let & hinder , and those to apprehend that shall syng any suche Songes , contrary to the christen faith , vnto the tenour of his maiesties Proclamacion aforesaied , and to the intent that you , and also all the subiectes , the better ordein your selues , vnto the good pleasure and will of his maiesties Proclamacion : you shall henceforthe take better regarde , that the Proclamacion vpon the poinctes of Religion namely the Proclamacion of the yere of our Lorde .1556 . euery halfe yere bee renued and published , to th ende that suche as bee enclined to any newe learnyng and sectes , by the penaltie in the Proclamacion conteined , might be retired .

Noble worthie , discrete , & in especiall good frendes , our lorde God be with you : written at the Hage the 8 of Ianuary . 1565. Stilo curi .

¶ The Proposicion made by Mounsire de Brederode , to Madame the Duchesse , before he presented the declaracion .

MAdame , the gentlemen assembled in this toune , and others of like qualitie in compitente nomber , who for certain respectes , are not here present , haue staied for the seruice of the kyng , and the publike weale of this lowe Countrie , to present vnto your highnesse with all humilitie , this declaracion , vpon the whiche it shal please you to geue soche order , as shal bée thought conuenient , humbly besechyng your highnesse , to take it in good parte . And further Madam , we are aduertised to haue been charged before your highnesse , before the lordes of the Councell , and others , that this our deliberacion , hath chiefly béen made for to raise vp tumultes , vprores & sedicions , and , whiche is more abhominable , thei haue charged vs that we would chaunge our Prince , hauyng practises , leagues ; and conspiracies , with Princes & Capttaines straungers , aswell Frenchemen , Almaines , as others , whiche thyng we neuer thought ●pon ; and is altogether contrary to our loyaltie , and to that whiche your highnes shall finde by this declaracion : besechyng neuerthelesse your highnesse , to name and discouer vnto vs , theim that haue so vniustly blamed so noble and honourable a company .

Moreouer Madame , the Lordes here present haue vnderstandyng , that there is some emongest them , who perticularly are accused and charged , to haue taken in hande and gone about , to bryng to effecte the forsaied wicked enterprise , aswell with Frenchmen , as other straungers , whereat we feele our selues greatly greued . And therefore humbly besech your highnesse and fauor , as to name the accusars , and accused , to the ende that the wronge and mischief beyng discouered , your highnesse maie make brief and manifest Iustice , and by that meanes suppresse the euilles and slaunders , whiche might come vpon it , beyng well assured that your highnes will neuer suffer , that soche a noble and honourable company , should remaine charged , with so greate infamies and wicked actes .

¶ The request of the Nobilitie of the lowe Countrie , presented to Madame the Duchesse of Parme and Plaisance . &c.

MAdame , it is well enough knowen that throughout all Christendome hath alwaies been greatlie renowmed ( as it is yet at this presente ) the greate fidelitie of the people of this lowe Countrie , to wardes their lordes and naturall Princes , wherin the nobilitie hath alwaies kept the chief rancke , as thesame whiche hath neuer spared neither bodie nor goodes , for the conseruacion and encrease of the greatnesse of theim . In the whiche we the moste humble subiectes of his maiestie will alwaies continue from good to better , so that bothe daie & night we kepe our selues redie , for to doe hym most humble seruice , bothe with our bodies and goodes : and seyng in what case the affaires are at this presente , haue thought beste to charge our selues with some ill will , then to keepe secrete from your highnesse , thynges whiche might hereafter tourne to the preiudice of his maiestie , and forthwith altogether trouble the rest and tranquilitie of this countrie . Trustyng that th effecte will appere in tyme , that emongeste all the seruices which we might haue doen , or hereafter maie do to his maiestie , this same ought to be accompted emongest the moste notable , and to best purpose , whereby wée assuredly perswade our selues , that your highnes can not take it but in very good part . Although then , Madame , that wee doubte not but that all that , whiche his maiestie hath heretofore , and also nowe presently of newe doeth constitute , touchyng the Inquisicion and straite obseruacion of the Placardes for the state of religion , hath had some foundacion and iuste title , to wit , to continue that which the Emperor Charles , of most high memorie decessed , had established for a good intente . Neuerthelesse consideryng that the difference of one time from an other , bryngeth immediatly with it diuersitie of remedies , and that now of late within these fewe yeres the saied Placarde , notwithstandyng that thei were not executed with all rigour , haue neuerthelesse giuen occasion to many greuous inconueniences . Certainly the last resolucion of his maiestie , by the whiche he forbad not onely that the said Placardes should not be mitigated , but also plainly commaunded , that the Inquision should bee obserued , and the Placardes executed with all rigour , doeth geue vs sufficient iuste occasion to feare , that therby not onely the saied inconueniences should greatly encrease , but also that in th ende should folowe a commotion and generall sedicion , tendyng to the miserable ruine of the whole countrie , accordyng as the manifest tokens of the alteracion of the people ( whiche nowe appeareth on euery side ) doeth geue vs plainly to vnderstande .

Wherfore , knowyng the euidencie & greatnesse of the daunger , whiche doeth threaten vs , haue hitherto hoped that either by the lordes , or by th estates of the countrée , declaracion should be made in conuenient time vnto your highnes , to th end to remedie it , by taking awaie the cause & originall of the euill : but since hauyng séen , that thei haue not executed it for some occasion to vs vnknowen , and that in the meane while the euill encreaseth daily , in somoche that the danger of sedicion & generall rebellion is euen at hand , we haue thought it good , folowing the othe of fidelitie & homage together , with the good will that we beare to his maiestie and the Countrie , not to tary and longer , but rather to set forthe our selues with the firste , to do the duetie required , and so moche the more boldly , because wee haue more occasion to trust that his maiestie will take our aduertisement in very good part , seyng that the matter toucheth be nerer , then it doeth any other , seyng that wee are in more daunger of the inconueniences and calamities , whiche customably come of soche like accidentes , hauing for the moste part our houses and goodes scituate in the fieldes , and readie to be a praie to euery man : consideryng also generally , that folowyng the rigour of the saied Placardes , as his maiestie hath expresly commaunded to procede , there shall not bee emongest vs any man , no nor in the whole countrie on this side , of what estate or condicion soeuer he be , that shall not bee founde giltie of the confiscation and forfeicture of his bodie and goodes , and subiecte to the reproche of the firste enemie , who to haue parte of the confiscation , will accuse hym vnder colour of the Placardes , not hauyng any other thyng left hym for refuge , but onely the dissimulacion of the officer , into whose mercie his life & goodes are wholly put . In consideracion whereof , wee haue so moche the more occasion , moste humbly to beseche your highnes ( as in deede we beseche you by this present requeste ) for to geue good order herein . And ( for the importaunce of the matter ) to sende as spedely as maie bee , an expresse and fitte manne to his maiestie to aduertise hym , and beseche hym moste humbly on our behalfe , that it would please hym to prouide as well for the tyme present , as the tyme to come . And forasmoche as the same can not be doen , suffryng the saied Placardes to remaine in their force , seeyng that thereof dependeth the sprynge , and originall of the saied inconueniences : that it would please hym to abolishe thesame , the whiche shal be nedefull for the withstandyng of the totall ruine and losse of all his countries on this side .

And to th ende that his maiestie haue no occasion to thinke that wee ( whiche pretende nothyng but to doe hym moste humble obedience ) would take in hande to bridle hym , or make hym a Lawe at our pleasure ( as wee doubte not but our aduersaries will interprete it for our disaduantage ) it maie please his maiestie , to make other Ordinaunces , by the aduise and consent of all the estate generally assembled , to the ende to forsée to this aforesaied , by other meanes more apte and conuenient , and without so euident daungers . Besechyng also moste humbly his highnesse , that vntill soche tyme that his maiestie shal attende to our iust request , and geue order accordyng to his good and iust pleasure , that in the meane tyme he forsee vnto the saied daungers , by a generall staie , aswell of the Inquisicion , as of all execucion of the said Placardes , vntill soche tyme that his maiestie haue taken other order .

Protestyng expresly , that in asmoche as to vs apparteineth , wée are acquited of our duetie by this presente aduertisemente : Sith that from henceforthe , wée discharge our selues before God and men , declaryng , that if any inconuenience , disorder , sedicion , rebellion , or sheddyng of blood , do hereafter come to passe , through faulte that there hath not been remedy taken in tyme , we can not be blamed for kepyng close so apparant an euill , wherin wée take God , the Kyng , your highnesse , and the Lordes of his Counsell , to gether and our conscience in witnesse , that we haue proceded as behoueth good and lawfull seruitors , and faithfull subiectes of the Kyng , not exceadyng in any thyng the limites of our duetie , wherefore also wee so moche the more instantly beseche , that your highnesse will see vnto it , before that the euill happen .

Presented by Mounsire Henry of Brederode , Lorde of the said place , with Lodewicke Erie of Nassowe th erles of Berge and Culenborgh accompanied with the Nobilitie of the lowe Countrie , the .5 . of Aprill 1565. before Easter .

¶ The Answere made in the Counsell of Estate , by Madame . &c. vpon the declaracion goyng before .

HEr highnesse , hauyng vnderstanded , what is required and domaunded , by the matters conteined in this requeste , is fully determined to sende towardes the Kynges maisstie , for to presente it vnto hym , and to ●se towardes hym all good meanes , that her highnesse shall thynke , may serue to dispose and encline his sai● Maiestie , to condiscende to the request of the saied suppliantes , who ought not to doubt , but that all thynges shal bée worthy and conformable to his natiue and accustomed benignitie : her highnes hauyng alredy ( before the commyng of the saied suppliantes , by the assistaunce and aduise of the gouernours of the Prouinces , Knightes of the Order , and those of the Councell , beyng vnder her ) gone about to conceiue and addresse , a moderacion of the said Placardes , touchyng the state of Religion , for to presente it vnto his saied maiestie . The whiche moderacion her highnes hopeth should be found soche , that it should geue to euery one reasonable contentment . And seing that th aucthoritie of her highnes , as the suppliantes maie well consider and vnderstand , doeth not extende so farre , as to be able to stay the Inquisicion , and the Placardes as thei demaunde , and that it behoueth not to leaue the countrie , as touchyng religion without lawe , her highnesse trusteth that the suppliantes will content them selues with this , that she sende ( to the ende aforsaid ) towardes the kynges maiestie , and in the meane tyme whilest she waiteth for his answere , her highnes will geue order , that aswell by the Inquisitors ( wherof there haue béen vntill nowe ) that by the officers whiche haue the ouersight , thynges be executed discretly , and modestly , as apperteineth to their charges , in soche sorte that there bee no occasion geuen of complainte , her highnes trustyng also , that the suppliantes will order themselues after soche fashion , that it shall not be nedefull to vse it otherwise . And it is to bee hoped that by the good meanes , whiche her hignes shall make to his maiestie , he shal be content to discharge the other of the Inquisicion where she is , accordyng as it maye be vnderstanded , that it is now declared vpon the requeste of the chief tounes of Brabant , that thei shall not bée charged with it . And her highnes will labour so moche the more fréely towardes his maiestie , to the ende and effect aforesaied , in that she is assured that the suppliauntes doe minde and intende determinatly , to bryng in no newe thyng , contrary to the auncient religion , obserued in the countrée on this side , but to mainteine it and obserue it with all their power .

Made by her highnes at Brusels , the 6. daie of Aprill .1565 . before Easter .

¶ The Replie vpon the Answere goyng before made the. 8. daie of Aprill .

MAdame , hauyng séen the aunswer , which it hath pleased your highnes to geue vs , we will not faile first of all to thancke moste humbly your highnesse , for the briefe expedicion thereof , especially of the satisfaccion that your highnesse hath had of this our assemble , the whiche was made for none other occasion , but for the good seruice of the kinges maiestie , & the tranquilitie of the countrie : And for the better contentment , and rest of the same Countrée , wee haue greatly desired that the saied aunswere of your highnesse , had been made more ample and plainer . Neuerthelesse , sithe that your highnes hath not the aucthoritie that we desired , as wée vnderstande , whereof we are very sory , wee truste accordyng to the hope and assuraunce that your highnesse hath geuen vs , that there shal bee soche order made , aswell towardes the Magistrates , as the Inquisitors , enioynyng them to staie themselues from all sutes proceadyng of the Inquisicion , Ordinaunces , or Placardes , aswell old , as newe , touchyng the state of Religion , vntill the Kynges Maiestie haue otherwise detreed . Of our parte , Madame , sith that we desire nothyng but to folowe all that whiche by his maiestie , with the aduise and consent of the Estates generally assembled shal be decreed , for the mainteinyng of the aunciente Religion , wee trust to gide our selues in soche sort , that your highnesse shall haue no occasion of miscontentment . And if any man commit any hainous or sedicious acte , that he be by your highnes , and them of the Councell to Estate , appoincted s●…ke punishement , as the desert of the deede shall require . Protestyng againe that if any inconuenience doe rise , by faulte of not hauyng geuen good order , that wee haue fulfilled our duetie , moste humbly besechyng your highnes to hold that our dutie as agreable and bounden , receiuyng it for the seruice of his Maiestie . Offring our selues to remain moste humble and obediente seruitours to your highnesse : and to dye at his feete for his seruice , as oft as it shall please your highnes to commaunde vs .

¶ Requestes of the fower members of Flanders , and the Cities , and Cassellries ioynyng thereunto vpon the effecte of Inquisicion .

SHewyng and requiryng in all humilitie , the fower members of your countrée and Countesse of Flanders , as well for them as for all the Citées , Cassellries in generall of all the Inhabiters , and Subiectes of the same Countrees . How that not long sithens , thei had presented your Maiestie a supplicacion , for that it might please your highnes , to permitte the suppliantes , to emoy in the afore written qualitie , their old libertie and freedome , for the preseruacion of them , and to forbidde the Inquisitours , and other Spirituall persones , for the bryngyng in of any newe matters , through the practise of Inquisicion , and that vpon the afore written supplicacion , as it nothyng had been ordeined . For that your maiestie firste and formoste require in perticular , to vnderstande the meanyng of the suppliantes , accordyng to supplicacions here vnto annexed , so is it that thei for the satisfaccion , thei nowe adressyng them selues vnto your Maiestie , as to the same perforsed by obligacion of their othe , and to the conseruacion and welfare , of your afore written lowe Countrées : as also newly thervnto moued , through the newe practise and subteltie of my Lorde the Bisshoppe of Bridgis , and of miaster Peter Litelman , them namyng Inquisitours , as it appereth by the copie of the articles by them , shewyng herevnto annexed . Therefore requiryng very humbly , that you takyng regarde , vpon the reasons hereby rehearsed at large , by the afore saied supplicacion , and in especiall that your patrimoniall landes , their neighbours not brought to bondage or subieccion , of the aforesaied Inquisicion , by libertie of the whiche , your other patremoniall Countrées , the Inhabitours of the afore written , your countrée of Flanders , should be occasioned to depart , and to leaue their Countrée and landes , for the auoydyng of soche bondage , vexacion and subieccion , as alredy hath béen found by experience . It maie please your Maiestie , to let the suppliantes enioy peaceably the aforesaied , their rightes , fréedomes , customes , and vsaunces , and for as moche as the exercise of the aforesaid Inquisicion , is directly contrary to al the aforesaied rightes , freedome , customes , and vsances of the saied suppliantes : the same wholy to disanull , and wholy to frustrate and make voide , in asmoche as it toucheth the temporall persones . Forbiddyng furthermore all Spirituall Iustices , to take any knowlege of matters belongyng vnto the knowledge of temporall iurisdiccion , but thesame to putte onely to the iudgement of the Temporal Iudges . And not to consent that the Inhabiters of your afore written countrees of Flanders , more straightly to be bound to any inquisite or rigour of Ordinaunces and Proclamacions , made touchyng Religion , then other their ioynyng countrees and Prouinces , the aforesaied declaracions Your maiestie well assuring that thei of your countrée of Flanders , and the Commons in generall , hauyng no other meanyng or desire , then them selues to employe , & to the countrée masion , and mainteinyng of the old catholike faithe , & to al the seruice of your maiestie , as true and obediente subiectes of thesame .

anno .1565 . April after Easter .