¶ A true and briefe description of the Netherland Prouinces .

THE Low-countries are so named because their situation is low , The originall name of the Low Countries . in comparison of high Germanie : There are diuers Riuers in them , as the Rhyne , Meuse , Scheld , Waell , and many others , which springing forth of the high mountaines , runne through the Countrie , and emptie themselues into the great Northerne Ocean , where the said Countries are situated . Her situation . The Countie of Embden and the Riuer Amisa , the Countries of Benthem , Westphalia , Cleues and Iuliers , the Bishopricks of Cologne and Treues , and the countries of Lorayne and France , are their limits .

The Low Countrey is commonly diuided into seuenteene Prouinces : It is diuided into 17. Prouinces , and their names . viz. into foure Duchies , Brabant , Limbourg , Luxembourg , and Guelders : eight Counties , Holland , Zeland , Flanders , Artois , Haynault , Namur , Zutphen , and the Marquisat of the sacred Empire : Why they a●e ●alled 17. Prouinces . And into fiue Seignories , viz. Malines , Vtrecht , frise , Ouer-Ysell , and Gronninghe . They are termed seuenteene Prouinces by reason of the seuenteene seuerall titles giuen to their Princes ; we can giue no other sound reason for it . At any generall Assemblie , al the Prouinces are not called or summoned , nor haue voy●●s , or doe orderly contribute to generall impositions : for the Marquisat of the sacred Empire of Antuerpe , is not reckoned among the Prouinces : the Duchie of Limbourgh , with Valckenbourgh and Dalem , belong to Brabant : Tournay and Tournesis with Lille , Douay and Orchies , are not vsually numbred among the seuenteene Prouinces , yet both of them contribute , each of them as a Prouince : The like doe Valenciennes and Drent . This Low Countrey about the yeare 1550 in the time of the Emperour Charles the fist , did graunt his demaund in a summe of 300000 Florins to be payd monethly , which was called Nouentale or Nouenaire . We find that Limbourgh , Luxembourgh , Guelders and Gronninghe being Frontiers , payd nothing towards this contribution , for they were very poore and behind hand , so as none but these 13 Prouinces and Townes contributed ; namely Brabant , Flaunders , Artois , Haynault , Valenciennes , Lille , Douay , Orchies , Holland , Zeland , Namur , Tournay , Tournesis , Malines , and Vtrecht , yet we must not thinke that the rest are excluded from conuocations and generall Assemblies .

Her circuit . The Low Countrey is in circuit 340 Flemmish Leagues , or one thousand Italian or English miles . There are more than two hundred walled Cities in it , The number of townes and villages . and one hundred and fifty Townes which haue the priuiledge and iurisdiction of Cities , with aboue 600 Villages ; but during these long warres they haue been very much lessened and ruined . And to giue satisfaction to the curious reader , I will here set downe a generall number whereby he may know how many townes and villages there are in euery Prouince . Namely in the foure . How many Tow●es and Villages there are in euerie Prouince . Dutchies . Townes . Villages . Brabant . 26. 700. Luxembourg . 23. 1169. Limbourg . 5. 123. Guelders . 24. 300. In the eight Counties . Townes . Villages . Holland . 33. 400. Zeland . 10. 101. Flanders . 35. 1178. Artois . 12. 754. Haynault . 24. 950. Namur . 4. 184. Zutphen . The Marquisat . In the fiue Seigniories . Townes . Villages . Vttrecht . 5. 70. Frise. 11. 345. Ouer-Ysell . 11. 101. Gronninghe . 1. 145. Maliues . 1. 9.

In old time before the Natiuitie of Christ , Vnder what countries the Romans comprehended the 17. Prouinces , & wherefore they were called Belgia . the Romans and Iulius Caesar comprehended this countrey vnder Gaule Belgik , or Belgia ; a name imposed vpon it by her neighbors , because the Inhabitants were hawty and bould people , not induring the losse of their libertie , or preiudice of their customes and priuiledges : So that as Caesar writes , they are the strongest and valiantest nation of the Gaules . They had in those dayes sundrie names , as Germans , Batauians , Frisons , Aduatici , Menapians , Atrebates , Neruins and Morini &c. The Germans are at this day called Almans : the Batauians are the Hollanders , How highly the Romans esteemed this Nation : and their ancient names . and partly those of Guelders : the Frisons , those of Frise : the Aduatici , those of Antuerp : the Menapians , partly those of Guelders and Cleue : the Atrebates , those of Arras , and places neere adioyning : the Neruins , those of Tournay : the Morini , Flemings , &c.

Concerning the scituation of the sayd countries , it is for the most part champaine , The forme of the Countrie and fertillity thereof except the Prouinces of Luxembourgh , Limbourg , Namur and Haynault , where the countrey is hilly : and part of Brabant , Flanders , Guelders and Ouer-Ysell is sandie . All the Prouinces are generally fruitfull , and those which lye to the Southward beare some vines . The higher parts of the countrey afford pleasant groues of all sorts of trees , the Champayne abounds with all kind of cattell ; the woods are stored with birds & fowle ; the Sea and riuers are full of fish : there are braue and goodlie horses bred in Flanders , Holland , Zeland & Friseland : though the ayre be grosse and moist , yet in all places ( the Sea side except ) it is good and wholesome . It is a countrey which for traffique is commodiously seated for all the chiefe countries of Europe , in regard of her great Riuers ; The originall of some Riuers which runne through the Countrey . as the Rhyne , which descendeth from the mountaines of Swisserland , and diuiding it selfe into three branches runneth through Germany & some part of the Netherlands , emptying it selfe into the German Ocean : next the Danubium , it is the greatest ryuer of Europe : the Meuse runnes from the mountaynes of Burgundy as farre as Langres : the Scheld comes from Picardie and Vermandois . Besides , the Sea doth so fauour them as in two dayes & two nights they may saile from home to Norway , and in fiue or sixe dayes to Denmarke , and from thence to Swethland . Westward , they may in few houres goe into England , and from hence along the coast of Fraunce into Spayne , and to the East and West-Indies .

Holland and Zeland surpasse all other Prouinces in shipping . For this cause the Low Countries , especially Holland and Zeland , are very rich in shipping , wherein the greatest part of their power , all their traffique and wealth consists ; so as it is almost incredible to beleeue that sometimes there are seuen or eight hundred great Ships , readie to set sayle into the East , besides those which goe towards the West into England , France , Spayne , Italy , the Islands , and along the coast of Africk , and to the East & West Indies , all of them being well manned and prouided . Besides merchants ships , there are many hundred other , which in the countrie language are termed Buysen , Doog-booten , and Crabbens , with which they goe a fishing for Herring , Cod , and Salmon . When they goe to fish for Herrings , there will be sometime seuen or eight hundred of these Buysen or Booten ; which euery yere make three voyages to Sea : so as the wealth which the Inhabitants of this countrey get by Sea is not to be reckoned , nor the Mariners numbred which liue thereby ; for the townes and villages abound in women and children which do nothing but weaue Nets , and in great multitudes of people whose occupation is to build ships .

The Netherlanders are for the most part tall , strong , faire , and cleane timbred . Euery Prouince doth a little participat with her neighbours dispositions ; as those who dwell towards the East , doe somewhat resemble the Easterlings , those of the South the Almans , they in the West the French . Their apparell is comely , but not so costly as the Germans , who therein follow the curiositie and new fashions of their neighbours : they are giuen to drink , but not so much as the Almans , nor so vsually as three or fourscore yeares agoe : they are of a setled iudgement and constant in all their affaires , seldome wauering either in prosperity or aduersity , they are witty and industrious , and apt to inuent all maner of arts , to comprehend and teach them , and therein surpasse all other Nations : they are neuer idle but euer in action , much addicted to trade of merchandise , the which , more than other nations they seek through the whole world : they are very seruiceable to all men , and not so proud and ambitious as other people : But they are naturally sparing and louers of gaine , which makes them willingly see other countries , Commendation of the Netherland women . so as in euery place a man shall find Dutchmen . The women are likewise verie seruiceable , and giue themselues to all sorts of worke , which in other Countries , seruants will refuse to doe : they likewise trade in merchandise , and in al honest maner conuerse with men : they detest adultery notwithstanding that they often want their husbands companies : this may perhaps seeme strange to diuers Nations .

They soone learne and speake all maner of Tongues : Commendation of the Dutch Tongue . their antient speech is high Dutch : vpon the Frontiers of France they speak Wallon , a corrupted Language : their Speech is rough , but very rich and perfect , surpassing all other Languages in antiquitie and perfection , for it hath more than 2170 words monosillables , as Simon Steuin of Bruges witnesseth in his booke called , the Rudiments of the art of weighing , where he sets them downe ; thereunto adding a discourse concerning the worthinesse of the Low Dutch Tongue , fit to be read of all those that loue the sayd Language : which is in a maner the very same that was spoken 1700 yeres agoe in Iulius Caesars time , sauing that euery Prouince hath borrowed the sound and accent of her neighbours : a speech further extended and spoken in moe places than any other , euen from Calais in France , as farre as Norway , Swethen , Liuonia , and further . It is a Countrey where strangers are better vsed than in any other : they are a Christian people , The Netherlanders louers of Liberty . louers of pietie & Libertie , as all their Histories and moderne wars testifie : for since the ouerthrow of the Roman Empire , they haue freed themselues from all bondage and inuasion , and haue inuaded and mastered other Nations , as the realm of France with the Salicks and Franconians their neighbors , &c.

The Countrie being diuided into Prouinces , they haue acknowledged some Soueraigne Lords ; but on certaine conditions , still keeping them from growing great , for feare of being subiugated by them , and therefore they especially loued them when they were young : The Princes of the Low Cou●tries haue done many valiant deedes . these Prouinces liuing thus peaceably vnder their Lords , and vniting themselues together in time of need , haue oftentimes purchased renowne by valiant actions , as well against the Romans as other nations , namely against the Turks and Sarafens , as appeares by their exploits vnder the conduct of Godfrey of Bouillon and other Kings of Ierusalem , as also vnder Baldwin Earle of Flaunders who woon the Empire of Constantinople , with many other enterprises mentioned in their Cronicles and Histories . In a word they are a people of whom the famous Historian Cornelius Tacitus writes thus ; the Gaules fought for their libertie , the Germans for bootie ; but the Battauians for glorie and honour . In this regard the Roman Emperors chose them to guard their own persons , esteeming them the valliantest and loyallest people of the world : and some of them , as the Battauians and Frisons , haue been declared friends and companions of the Romans .

Notwithstanding that all these Low Countries haue in time past beene sundrie Prouinces and Soueraignties vnder seuerall Princes , yet at last they haue beene reduced vnder foure Dukes of Burgundi - , afterwards vnder the Archdukes of Austria , and finally vnder one lord absolute , the Emperour Charles the fist , and his sonne Philip King of Spayne . How the Low Countries haue beene reduced vnder one Lord It shall not be amisse briefely to set down , how , when , & after what maner they became subiect to these last Princes : and let this continue in eternall memorie , that the Spanyards haue attainted the gouernment of these Low countries , not to rule them as their owne subiects , according to their Lawes , but as a free Nation , by their owne Lawes and priuiledges .

Margaret daughter to Lewis de Male marieth Philip the Hardie , on whom he begat Iohn sans peur . Lewis de Male , by his father , Earle of Flanders , Neuers , Retel , Salines , Antuerp , and Malines , and by his mother , Earle of Burgondie and Artois , had a daughter named Margaret , by Margaret his wife daughter to Iohn the third Duke of Brabant : this ladie in the yere 1369 in Gant , maried Philip of Valois surnamed the Hardie , Duke of Burgondie , He marieth the E●rle of Hollands daughter and begets Phillip le Bon. the yongest sonne to Iohn the French King : from these two descended Iohn ( sans peur ) Earle of Flanders , Burgondie , Artois , &c. This Iohn of Valois , did in the yere 1415 marrie the ladie Margaret daughter to the Earle of Haynault , Holland , Zeland , and Friseland ; and was treacherously slayne at Montereau in Fraunce ann 1419 the nineteenth of September , being eight and fortie yeares old , and in the fifteenth yeare of his raigne : he died ( as some say ) by the Dolphins command .

His onely sonne , How Phillip le Bon obtained the possession of the whole Low-countries . Phillip ( le Bon ) succeeded him being three and twentie yeares old , and was Duke of Burgondie , Earle of Flanders , Artois , Burgondie , Palatin & Marquesse of the sacred Empire , & lord of Salines and Malines . He did moreouer in the yere 1429 by the death of Earle Dideric of Namur , succeed him in the same Earledome , which he first bought ; and by the death of Phillip Duke of Brabant , who died without heires , he did in the yeare 1430 obtaine the Dutchies of Lorraine , Brabant ; and Limbourg ; and by the death of Iacoba countesse of Holland &c. his neece , he got in the yeare 1436 the Earledomes of Haynault , Holland , Zeland and Friseland . In the yere 1443 , his Aunt gaue him the Duchie of Luxembourgh , first as protector thereof , and afterwards as absolute lord . He was the first of the house of Burgondie that instituted the order of the Golden fleece at Bruges in Flaunders , He that first instituted the order of the golden fleece marrieth Isabell of Portugall , by whom he had a sonne called Charles the Warrior , who is acknowledged for lord of the Low-countries , and makes a purchase . when he maried Isabell of Portugall in the yeare 1450 : He died at Bruges ann 1467 in the 72 yeare of his age , and 48 of his raigne . He left his onely sonne Charles of Valois surnamed the Warrior , heire to all these countries : who succeeded his father in the 34 yeare of his age : for an annuall pention , and the sum of 92000 crownes of gold , he bought the duchie of Guelderland & county of Zutphen of Arnold Earle of Egmond ; who dying , did by his last will and Testament confirme the said sale , making Duke Charles his heire , disinheriting his own sonne Adolfe because he had rebelled against him . He goes about to make the Low-countries a kingdome . This Duke tooke possession of Guelderland in ann 1473 : He sought to make the Low-countries a kingdome , and to that end promised to marrie his onely daughter to the Emperour Frederic the thirds son , and he would haue called it the kingdome of Burgondie ; because in former time Burgondie had been a kingdome : but in regard euerie Prouince was Soueraigne , and had her priuiledges , lawes and reueneues apart , differing in weights and measures , and had neuer graunted their Princes any other but limited power , How and where he dyed . this motion was reiected . This braue warrior was slaine before Nancy anno 1477 the fist day of Ianuarie , betrayed by an Italian Earle called Campobasso that serued him ( by the instigation of Lewis the eleuenth French king , the Swisses & Lorrai●s ) after that he had woon three battailes . Three dayes after his death he was found naked in a marish which was frosen , as Philip of Comines writes in his Historie : His daughter Marie of Valois marrieth Maximillian of Austria , by whom she had two children . he was foure and fortie yeares old , and left one onely daughter and heire behind him , called Marie of Valois , of the age of eighteene yeares , who in anno 1477 on the eighteenth of August , married Maximillian of Austria , who recouered from the French king whatsoeuer he had taken from his wife : he reestablished the order of the golden fleece , which in those dayes was very contemptible ; this he did in anno 1478. They had two children betwixt them , a sonne named Philip and a daughter called Margaret . Marie of Burgondie the third yeare after she was married fell from her horse , Maximillian goes about to reduce some of the Low-countrie Prouinces vnder the Roman Empire . and of that fall dyed . Maximillian for a time gouerned those countries in the behalfe of his sonne Philip , but not verie faithfully , for he went about to allienat and diuide the Prouinces of Brabant , Holland , Zeland and Friseland from the Low-countries , to giue them to his father the Emperour Frederic , and did many matters to the preiudice of those countries which to rehearse would be too long . Philip his sonne is acknowledged Prince , and marrieth D. Ioan of Spaine In the yeare 1492 his sonne Philip was acknowledged Prince of the whole Low-countries , and confirmed as hereditarie lord thereof . In an. 1496 in the Citie of Lier in Brabant he married D. Ioane of Spayne , so as the Low-countries being before vnited by sundrie marriages , are lastly by this coniunction fallen to the house of Spayne ; and although they haue attayned to a kind of perfect prosperitie , yet by this meanes they are fallen into a long and vnnecessarie warre , and into the troubles of ciuile broiles , to the great hurt and preiudice of the sayd countries : and hereby haue the seuenteene Prouinces beene vnder the Spanish gouernement these seuentie or eightie yeares .

How the Prouinces are at this day diuided , and who possesse them . This present yeare 1610 since the said Prouinces haue beene diuided , the Archdukes Albert and Isabella Clara , inioy one part thereof ; namely Brabant , Limbourg , Luxembourg , Flanders , Artois , Haynault , Namur , Lille , Douay , Orchies , Tourney and Tournesis , Malines , Valenciennes , Cambray , with part of Guelderland , and the Seigniorie of Linguen , excepting some places of Brabant and Flanders , which my Lords the estates doe yet hold ' wanting nothing but peace . The estates of the vnited Prouinces possesse the rest , as the three parts of Guelderland , Holland , Zealand , Friseland , Vtrecht , Gronningen , and the territories adioyning , Ouer-Ysell and Drent , with certaine parcels of Brabant and Flaunders , all which Countries contribute towards the warre .

We will now speake somewhat of the particular estate of these Prouinces , Countries vnder the Archdukes . as they stand in this present yere 1610 during the truce : and first , of those vnder the gouernement of the Archdukes , of Brabant , Brabant . which they wholy enioy , except the Townes of Berghen op Zoom , Breda , Steenbergh , Willem-stadt , Graue , and certaine Forts , all which are vnder the gouernement of the estates of the vnited Prouinces . These Countries haue for the space of fourtie yeares , during the warres , suffered much , as well by the enemie , as their owne souldiers , mutyning often through want of pay , and in such sort oppressing the Countrie , as it is a wonder how the poore people still breath ; whereby we may coniecture of the Countries power . There are diuers good Townes which are places of refuge for the distressed Boores. The Citie of Louayn is yet in good estate . Bruxels by meanes of the Court still prospers and flourisheth . The Towne of Boisleduke or Sertoghen busch , although it hath endured many assaults and sieges , doth neuerthelesse enioy her pristine good fortune . But the Citie of Antuerpe , renouned for her beautie and trade of merchandise , hath suffered much , hauing beene sackt , ransomed , and partly burnt , and enforced to build a Cittadell which hourely keepes it in awe , by meanes whereof she hath lost her trade , so as now it is onely frequented by some few Lawyers , and receiuers of the Princes reuenewes , which doth somewhat helpe it . The people and inhabitants of Brabant during these wrrres● are wasted and consumed more than the one halfe .

Malines a Soueraigne Citie and Seigniorie hath beene twice taken , Malines . and more spoyled than any other .

Limbourg , Limbourg , Valckenbourg and Namur . Valckenbourg and Dalem , haue likewise been much afflicted , together with the Citie of Namur ; yet at this day they are in reasonable good estate .

Luxembourgh of all other Prouinces of the Low-countries , Luxembourg . hath bin least troubled , & sustained no other losse , than sometimes to giue passage to the armies . Haynault Artois . In Haynault , Artois , Valenciennes , Lille , Douay , Orchies , Tournay , Tournesis and Cambray , the chief townes at the beginning of the warres , haue been taken and sackt , and the countrey wasted and spoiled , which was no noueltie to them , beeing accustomed thereunto in the French wars : they now prosper , & impositions haue done them more harme than warre .

Flanders . Flanders during these forty yeares warre hath greatest cause to complaine , hauing been masterd by the seditious vulgar , all her chiefe cities and townes haue been besieged , woon , and sackt , Graueling and some other few forts excepted : diuers townes and great villages haue been made heaps of earth , so as in this prouince alone , more townes , villages , castles and cloisters haue been ruined , than in any other , so that the countrey is halfe vnpeopled , and the inhabitants retired into other lands . The Archdukes possesse all Flanders , except the townes of Sluce , Axel , Ternheuse , the whole Isle of Katsant , Biervliedt , Ardenbourgh with some other sorts and strong places . In stead of these townes and those of Brabant heretofore mentioned the Archdukes possesse part of Guelderland , and therein the towne of Ruremond , together with Gueldre , Venlo , Watchtendone , Strale and Grolle , then the towns of Lingen and Oldenzeel , in the farthest parts of the lowcountries : which by a firme and desired peace would soone recouer their former wealth and beautie .

Countries vnder the States gouernement . My Lords the states of the vnited prouinces possesse these countries following , the three parts remaining of the duchy of Guelderland , vnder which is comprehended the countie of Zutphen , and the Archdukes inioy the towne of Grolle . These countries haue been much afflicted , for all the best townes therein haue been besieged , taken , and sackt , in which regard their wealth is small in comparison of that of other prouinces .

Holland . Holland at the beginning was more ruined than any other prouince , her cities haue been besieged taken and burnt : but at last by warre shee hath obtained peace , increasing in great wealth and prosperitie , euen then when her neighbours confronted her : now it is so populous and so abounds in shipping , as at this day no countrie of the world can compare with it for nauigation , or flourisheth more in trade of merchandize , as may appeare by the towns of Amsterdam , Rotterdam , Encheusen , and many others .

Zealand after many miseries had all her townes besieged and taken by famine and other meanes , Zealand . the dikes leueld , so as by boate men passed ouer the countrey ; yet at last shee hath freed her selfe from these calamities , and reflourisheth in traffique , people , and shipping , according to her Embleme , Luctor & emergo .

Frizeland hath likewise been greatly ruined , Frizeland . but it hath euer borne it selfe nobly in warre , and according to the state and proportion thereof , the country still flourisheth .

The duke of Alua hath done more hurt and wrong to Vtrecht than to any other Prouince , Vtrecht . and since then it hath been greatly indaungered by discord and dissention ; but Vnited with the other prouinces it doth by little & little recouer her former greatnesse and prosperitie , and increaseth in trafficke .

The chiefe townes of Ouer-yssell and Drenct haue been besieged and taken oftner than once , Ouer-yssell . and the champayne countrie ruined by sundry inuasions .

Gronninguen and the country adioyning together with her neighbours haue indured much , Gronninguen . the towne hath been besieged and taken sundry times , and the countries round about it spoiled ; but they are now quiet , though somewhat burthened with impositions , the greatest part thereof being vnder contribution , which they pay to the Garrisons of Linguen and Oldenzeel , by which meanes the countrie is much impouerished .

Yet the vnited prouinces of the low countries are all of them in better estate than the rest , The vnited prouinces flourish more than any other . because the sea lies open to them , hauing many shippes , the Northerne Ocean at their command , and diuers other riuers ; multitudes of people , comming thither from other prouinces vnder hope of trafficke and gaine , and for the libertie of conscience which they freely enioy . These countries are by war growne rich , though it may seeme contrary to nature and reason , & do wonderfully flourish as appeares by their fortes , number of great townes , and sumptuous buildings .

So that the low countries may generally va●nt to be ( according to the bignesle thereof ) in number of great , Conclusion . strong and well peopled Cities and Fortes the excellenrest countrey in the world , in which for the space of fortie yeres that the warre continued , the brauest soldiers of Europe haue been and yet are trained vp and exercised in the schoole of Mars .

If any desire to reade a more ample description of these Low-countries ; let him for Brabant read Adrianus Barlandus , for Flanders Iacobus Marchantius , for Holland Adrianus Iunius the Hollander , borne in Horne ; or the generall description of the Low-countries , written by Lodouico Guicciardin , all which may giue him better satisfaction : For it sufficeth me to haue written thus much briefely , and as it were by the way .

¶ A description of the Hague and Court of Holland : As also by whom and when the sayd Court was builded , and to what end .

BEsides all the goodlie , rich , pleasant , and walled towns of Holland , there are diuers and sundrie Seigniories or townes not walled , sumptuously built , and so inriched , as in beautifull & stately building doe not onely equall many Cities , but farre excell them , being by their Princes and Lords adorned with sundrie priuiledges . Description of the Hague . Among which there is none more excellent , beautifull , better seated , or plesanter than the Hague of the Earles : which because it is such , was chosen by the Princes and Earles of the countrie for their delightfull aboad ; there establishing their Priuie Councell , and Court of Iustice , where all suits , pleas , and controuersies of Holland and Zeland are debated and decided .

Her beautie & number of houses . The Hague , in wealth , stately buildings , pleasant gardens , and great number of Nobilitie surpasseth diuers cities of Holland and Zeland : there are in it more than 2000 great and goodlie houses , and many new are daylie built , yea whole streets .

Description of the Court of Holland . Among all the great and goodly houses of the Nobilitie , in the Hague , there is none more stately and magnificent , than that which is called the Court of Holland . Which rightly may bee termed Royall , By whom and when it was built . because it was built in anno 1249 by Earle William , second of that name , and the fifteenth Earle of Holland , Zeland , Frizeland , &c. who for his excellent vertue and valour was by the mutuall consent of the electors chosen king of Romans , and afterwards confirmed on the day of all Saints in anno 1246 , as appeares by the old Cronicle of Holland in the eighteenth diuision and thirteenth Chapter . This Royall Court is after the manner of Castles enuironed with Dikes , and hath sundrie gates , in which the Princes gards doe watch day and night . On the North side of the Court there is a large and goodlie fishpond , incompassed with many high trees , vnder whose shade it is pleasant walking in sommer to auoid the heate of the sunne : and the place where these trees stand is called in the vulgar tongue Viuerberg , which is as much to say , as the fishponds hill .

Within this building is a large and spacious hall , built ( as the auncient chronicle of Holland saith ) of a certaine wood brought from Ireland which will neuer rotte , nor beare any spiders or other venimous worme . This hall is inuironed with diuers and sundry shoppes , well furnished with all manner of books in all languages , and with goodly pictures .

But the most excellent of them are , the siluer coate armours , trumpets and ensignes which hang there in great number , woon from the enemie at the defeat of Turnhout , and at the battaile of Flanders , which are hung vp in the roofe of the hall for a perpetuall remembrance .

There is the prince or gouernor of Holland , The princes court . Zeland , & Westfrize-lands court : which is the illustrious and mighty lord , Maurice of Nassau , prince of Orange , &c. who hath gouerned three and twenty yeeres with such fortunat successe as we may rightly terme him Pater patriae .

It is also a place dedicated to law and administration of Iustice , A place dedicated to Law and iustice . where the Councell ( being moe in number than were the Consentes dei in times past ) debate all causes , examine and iudge them : they are I say moe in number ; for the councell of Consentes were but twelue ; and these counsellors are foureteene beside their chiefe whom they call president . This assemblie of counsellors , who were wont to remaine at Grauesand , was transported hither by count William aboue mentioned , after that hee had receiued the title of king of Romans .

Beside this assemblie of counsellours which is called the prouinciall councell ; By whom the 〈◊〉 councel was transse● to the Hague . an other was established in anno 1582 in stead of the great councell of Malines , and it is a soueraigne councell of Iustice , called the great councell , whether all causes which are brought to be decided , by appeale or reformation of the sentences of the aboue named prouinciall court and other iudges , are sentenced by finall decree , without any appeale from thence to any other , yet re-examination may be craued , and error propounded : in such cases the States of the Countrey appoint certaine men beside the aboue named Councell , to reuiew the pleas which haue beene iudged , and to deliuer their opinions whether there be any error in the said sentence or not : and according to their conclusion , euerie man must rest satisfied without any contradiction .

The Councell of Brabant . An other Councell is likewise established , called the Councell of Brabant , which hath power ouer that part , Townes , Villages , and inhabitants of the sayd Countrey of Brabant vnder the gouernment of my Lords the generall States : In this Councell all matters are handled , by commission , commaundement and instruction of the generall States , according to the ancient custome of the Chauncerie and Court fiscall of Brabant , to the end euerie man may be orderly gouerned by their Lawes and Priuiledges . Lastly beside all these there do reside in this Court of Holland , my Lords the States generall , the States of Holland and West-frizeland , the Councell of State , the masters of accounts of the Chamber of Accounts of Holland , the Councell of warre &c. euerie of these hauing their Chamber apart .

Description of the Parke at the Hague . Before we end this description of the Hague , it shall not be impertinent briefely to speake of the situation of the Parke , which is in length 1500 paces , but nothing so much in bredth : there growe Oakes , Elmes , Ash and other Trees , on whose boughes , great and small melodious Birds doe with their Songs delight and recreat the sences of the hearers : there are Deere , Hares and Conies . It is a place worthie the Muses , and where Princes , Earles , Lords , Councellors , Aduocats , and all sorts of people doe vsually walke to recreat themselues after their toyles . I might speake of many other matters ; but because mine intent is onely to touch them as it were by the way , I referre the curious Reader to Lodouico Guicciardine his description made many yeares since , which of late hath beene newly printed , augmented , and inriched with maps .

The Genealogie of William of Nassau , Prince of Orange &c. with the rehearsall of his death and funeralls .

BEfore we set downe the great and valorous actions of the most illustrious Prince , Maurice of Nassau , we will briefely in manner of an introduction speake somewhat of the Genealogie , descent , birth , life and death of my Lord his father , William of Nassau of happie memorie .

William by the grace of God , The Prince of Orange his Titles . Prince of Orange , Earle of Nassau , Catzenelbogen , Dietz , Vianda &c. Marquis of Veer and Flushing ; Vicount of Antuerpe and Bezanson , Baron of Breda , Diest , Grimberg , Arley , Nozeroy &c. Lord of Castelbelin , Lieutenant generall in the Low-countries , and Gouernour of Brabant , Holland , Zeland , Vtrecht and Frize-land , Admirall of the Belgick Seas , was sonne to William of Nassau , brother to Count Henrie of Nassau , both of them sonnes to Iohn who was brother to Engelbert , to whom Iohn of Nassau was Father , 〈…〉 and Marie of Loon their mother . This William married Iulian Countesse of Stolberg , a verie wise and vertuous Ladie , by whom hee had fiue sonnes ; namely William of Nassau Prince of Orange &c. Iohn of Nassau , Lodwicke , Adolph , and Henrie , three of them were slayne in the Low-countrie warres ; and seuen daughters , all excellently well married to Earles , and haue had many children , so that the sayd Ladie , mother to my Lord of happie memorie , being 75 yeares old , did in anno 1578 see of her owne issue , 123 persons both Earles and Countesses her children , and childrens children : how the number is since encreased to me is vnknowne .

The late Prince of Orange of happie memorie was borne at Dillenbourg in anno 1533 the foureteenth of Aprill old stile . Where & when he was borne . He was of more than middle stature , the colour of his beard browne , more leaue than fat . What his inward parts were , his heroicke actions testifie . His first wife daughter to Count ●●ren . Being come to mans state , he married first , the onely daughter and heire of Maximillian of Egmont , Earle of Buren Leerdam &c. on whom he begat Philip of Nassau Count of Buren , now Prince of Orange ; and a daughter called Marie , married to Graue Hohenlo .

His second wife was Anne , His second wife daughter to the Elector of Saxonie . sole daughter to the Elector Maurice Duke of Saxonie , by whom he had a sonne called Maurice of Nassau borne of Dillenbourg , in the Countie of Nassau , the thirteenth of Nouember anno 1567 : by whose discreet and valorous conduct it pleased God to blesse these Low-countries , before extreamely afflicted . He had moreouer two daughters by her , the one named Anne , the other Emillia .

His third choice was the Ladie Charlotta of Bourbon , His third wife daughter to Duke Mompensier . daughter to Duke Mompensier of Fraunce , by whom he had sixe daughters ; namely Louisa Iuliana , Elizabeth , Catherina Belgica , Flandrina , Charlotta Brabantina , and Emillia Secunda .

His fourth wife daughter to Count Colligni . His fourth and last wife was , Louisa of Colligni , daughter to the Admirall of Fraunce , and widow to the Lord Telligni ( both her father and husband were slaine in the masacre at Paris ) by whom he had a sonne , borne in the Towne of Delft called Henrie Frederick , a Prince worthie such a father . I will not write the life and actions of this valorous Prince : For it is not my meaning or intent to make a long discourse of all his victories and defeatures by sea and land , taking of towns , sieges , difficulties , & trauels , miseries whereunto this life is subiect , especially that of Princes and great men ; nor likewise how often , and by sundrie wayes his enemies haue sought to murther him . Onely I will briefely set downe how he was treacherously slayne in the Towne of Delft : And if any be desirous to see a more ample description thereof , let him read the Histories of things done in the Netherlands , written by Emanuell Demetrus , Iohn Petit and others .

The manner of the Princes death . In the yeare 1584 in the beginning of May , there came to the Princes Court in the Towne of Delft , a young man of the age of seuen and twentie yeares , of a middle stature , simple countenance , and euell aspect , his name was Baltazar Gerard borne at Villesans in Burgondie , he had changed his name , and termed himselfe Francis Guyon of Besançon , sonne to Peter Guyon of Lyons who had beene put to death for his Religion , and for enterprising somewhat in behalfe of those of the reformed Religion . This fellow deliuered a letter to the sayd Prince , shewing vnto him the zeale he did beare to the reformed Religion , and how desirous he was to serue him ; and withall , how that passing through Luxembourg , he had visited a Cosin of his called Iohn du Prè , Secetarie to Count Mansfelt , with whom he had continued for a time , till at last he resolued for the quiet of his conscience to leaue him : The which he was the sooner enforced to do , because the Iesuits began to suspect him : He told him besides how that he had gotten from his Cosen diuers blanks signed by Count Mansfelt , whereof hee thought good vse might be made for enterprising vpon certaine towns of Luxembourg & elsewhere , with many other such like discourses & circumstances , tending to this end to insinuat himselfe into the Princes fauour , and to enter into his seruice . He grew likewise familliar vnder colour of Religion with certaine of the Princes houshold seruants , and was present at Sermons and vsuall Prayers , carrying eyther a Psalme Booke Bible or Testament still in his hand .

The Prince acquainted with all this , answered that he thought those signed blankes would doe small good in any enterprise , but onely serue to safe-conduct messengers from Bruxels to Cambray , and therefore willed him to leaue some of them . And at what time the Lord of Schoonwall went into Fraunce , his Excellencie thought good to send the sayd Baltazar with him to the Marshall Byron , who men thought should haue beene Gouernour of Cambray , that he might make vse of these signed blankes : And with him he went into Fraunce .

After that , he returned from Fraunce with Letters both to the Prince and States , mentioning the death of the Duke of Brabant & A njou , in which regard the Prince sent for him into his Chamber as he lay in his bed , that he might particularly informe him of the Dukes death .

He hath confest since , that if his dagger had beene then about him , hee would haue killed him in his bed . Within a while after he was commaunded to returne into Fraunce , whereupon he craued some money , shewing how his hose and shooes were broken : the Prince commaunded his Secretarie to giue him some on the eight day of Iulie ; with this money he bought two Pistols of one of the Gard , therewith to execute his diuelish enterprise .

The tenth of Iulie about dinner time , The Prince of Orange slayne by Baltazar Gerard who nanamed himselfe Francis Guyon . he came to the Prince , of whom with a fearefull and trembling voice he craued a passe-port , which the Princesse ( there present ) did well obserue , who asked the Prince what he was , because shee saw he had a bad countenance ; his Excellencie told her that he was a fellow that sued for a passeport , and so gaue order for his dispatch : Whilest they were at dinner , he was seene to walke neere the stables behind the house towards the Towne Rampiers : After dinner as the Prince was comming sorth , this murderer stood without the Hall doore , & making shew as if he craued his passe-port , he discharged one of his Pistols vpon him , charged with three bullets : The Prince feeling himselfe hurt , The Prince of Orange his last words . sayd onely thus , My God , take pittie on my soule , I am sore wounded , my God , take pittie on my soule , and on this poore people . Hauing vttered these words he began to stagger , but was supported by Iaques Maldrè , ( who witnesseth that he heard those words ) and was set downe vpon the staires , where he grew speechlesse : And as the Countesse of Swartsenbourg ( his sister ) asked him in the high Dutch Tongue if he did not recommended his soule to Iesus Christ , he aunswered in the same language , yea , and neuer afterwards spake . He was presently layed vpon a bed in the same roome where he dined ; where within a while after hee gaue vp the ghost . He died on the 10 of Iulie 1584. Such was the end of this Prince , esteemed not onely of his friends but enemies , the most wise , constant , magnanimous , patient , and excellent Prince , that liued or died in our time , according to his Embleme , Saeuis tranquillus in vndis , which is to say , quiet in the middest of troubles : A goodlie end , seeing he died for his Countrie , a thing which all godlie wise men desire , whom death neuer takes vnprouided ; as also , because he was soon freed from feare and griefe ; a death , whereby our great God hath since manifested , that the good successe of warre depended not on this Princes person , but on his mightie arme , seeing that the victorie which his enemies thought they had gained of him , sorted not according to their desire , but hath conuicted them of inhumane crueltie : for his second sonne , Maurice of Nassau Prince of Orange , did from that time ( though he were not aboue 17 or 18 yeares old ) resolue to follow his Fathers steps , and to serue his Countrie : And the better to incite him thereunto , 〈…〉 . he inuented an Embleme , of a Tree cut downe to the root from which issued tender young plants , which in time became Trees , and vnderneath , this motto in Latine , Tandem sit surculus arbor , viz. In time the plant becomes a Tree : inferring thereby that they had not yet woon all by his fathers death , represented by the cut Tree , but that the plants which sprouted forth , might in time let them that cut the Tree , know , how worthie their rash and bloudie attempt is , to be derided by the whole world .

The Princesse his wife ( there present ) was greatly grieued , crying out , and intreating God to giue her the gift of patience , seeing it had pleased him to take her father , first husband , & now the prince , from the world .

The murderer sought to haue escaped by a back way , & in running let fall the other Pistoll , hauing alreadie passed the stables , and running through the Schol-street , towards the Rampiers , thought to leape from the walles downe into the Dike , which was full of water , hauing two bladders and a quill to blow wind into them , which he thought to make vse of for his better swimming ouer : But he was ouertaken and stayed by two of the Princes seruants . At first he was perplext and daunted , but when he perceiued they did not hurt him , he began to take courage , hoping perhaps to haue his fact allowed , and by some meanes to escape ; and sayd that he had done nothing but that which the King his master had commaunded him . He was carried before the Magistrats of Delft to be examined ; There he craued paper , penne and inke , promising ( seeing he was prisoner ) to vnfold the truth of the matter , which he did not , but mingled many lyes among some true points , as it afterwards appeared .

He confessed , The murderers 〈◊〉 confession 〈…〉 in writing . that his name was Baltazar Gerard of Ville sans in Burgondie , and that for the space of sixe yeares he had a desire to kill the Prince , which he imparted to diuers , who reprehended him for it . But , some three yeres past vnderstanding that the Prince of Orange stood attainted and condemned by the King of Spayn , he vsed meanes to come hither to execute that sentence : yet hearing that a certaine Biscan had alreadie dispatcht him , he put himselfe into the seruice of Iohn du Prè , Secretarie to Count Mansfeldt : but within a while after hauing notice that the Prince still liued , he resolued to kill him whatsoeuer should happen , hoping to find meanes of secret departure from Count Mansfeldts Campe , to the Prince , and by seeming to be of his Religion , to present him certain blankes of the sayd Earles signed and sealed with red wax , and so to watch a time to kill him with lesse daunger . But at last being hindered by sundrie occasions , in March he left his master and came to Treues , where he confest himselfe to a Iesuit , vnto whom he bewrayed his designe , intreating him after Easter to acquaint Count Mansfeldt therewith . This Iesuit aduised him to impart it likewise to the Prince of Parma , which he afterwards did by letter in the Citie of Tournay , but he durst not tarie for an answer fearing least he would take the carrying of those blankes in bad part ; with which hee went to Delft to put his plot in execution : But finding no fit opportunitie to doe it , he went into Fraunce with the Lord Caron , from whence he was sent backe with letters both to the Prince and States , containing the death of the Duke of Anjou : and afterwards he watcht all occasions to performe his diuellish enterprise , thinking it the fittest time to dispatch him , either at a Sermon , or when he should bee at meat : and that thereupon he had bought two Pistols , and charged them , the one with three bullets wherewith he shot the Prince , and the other with two which he could make no vse of , being hindered by the Gard , for which he was verie sorie , affirming that if at that time he had beene two thousand miles from thence , he would haue returned backe to kill him . All this did he voluntarily and without torture confesse and set downe in writing . Afterwards being in Prison , he confest at sundrie times that which followeth , and perseuered in it to the verie death .

First , ( without any torture ) he declared that not long before he vnderstood the Kings proscription against the Prince , being in May last at Delft , he would haue done the deed , if he could haue found a fit time , and meanes to escape : Afterwards he sued to carrie letters of the Dukes death , and that the day before , he thought to haue slayne him , but that he durst not then attempt it , because he saw no meanes of escape . But the same day he did it , he wholly resolued to contemne all daunger and to kill the Prince , though he were inuironed with fiftie thousand men .

Concerning his declaration to the Iesuit he persisted in his former confession : and how that being in Fraunce , this businesse did so torment him as he could not rest night nor day : Whereupon , he quarrelled with some of his fellow seruants , that he might the sooner be dispatched away with letters ; And if in that journey he should haue missed his purpose , his meaning was to haue returned into Fraunce and to haue become one of the reformed religion in some Congregation or other ; and to haue so delt with the Consistorie , as he would haue obtayned letters of recommendation to get him accesse to the Prince , and by that meanes to perform the deed . Being tortured , & likewise before , he confest that he had acquainted Doctor Gery Warden of the Friers at Tournay with his purpose . After his torture he confessed that the sayd Frier had incouraged him , and giuen him his blessing , promising to pray to God for him . That the Iesuit of Treues had likewise assured him , that if he died in the attempt , he should be reckoned in the number of martyrs . He had likewise imparted the same to 3 other Iesuits .

Parma by Assonuille encourageth him to this diuelish enterprise . Being againe tortured , he sayd that he was a poore fellow , seeking some means to aduance himselfe : That he had acquainted the Prince of Parma with his plot , who appointed the Counsellor Assonuille to conferre with him : who vpon the difficultie of the matter told him , that he should doe great good seruice to the King of Spayne , and that the Prince of Parma allowed thereof , so as if he performed it , he should receiue the recompence proposed in the proscription ; but if he shold be taken , he aduised him by no means to make any mention of the Prince of Parma . He told Assonuille that he would change his name , and call himselfe Francis Guyon son to Peter Guyon put to death for Religion and his goods confiscat , and so being a poore fellow and wanting meanes , but yet affectionat to Religion he would goe to the Princes Court , and the better to insinuat , hee would present him his seruice and those sealed Blankes : all this did Assonuille consent to , and vehemently exhorted him to performe it ; intreating him againe not to make any mention of the Prince of Parma , for diuers respects , and perceiuing him resolute in the attempt , he sayd vnto him , Goe my sonne , if thou performe this , the King will keepe his promise with thee , and thou shalt purchase immortall fame : He should beside haue the Prince of Parma for his friend ; that the sayd Prince had seene those blankes and was content they should be vsed , but Count Mansfeldt should change and alter his seale , and haue it no more engrauen in the forme of a Lozenge ; with diuers other instructions which Assonuille gaue him : Whereupon the sayd Baltazar aunswered , that he hoped so well to counterfeit himselfe to be of the reformed Religion , as to get into the seruice of some Secretarie , thereby to find some oportunitie , to present letters to the Prince to signe , and in the meane time to kill him with his ponyard . After his torture , he still continued in one mind ; that he was not sorie for the fact , but if it were againe to be done he would attempt it though it should cost him a thousand liues .

All these confessions , both those that he had voluntarily set down in writing , and those that he made vpon the torture , seen & heard , my Lords of the great Councell & those of the Prouinciall , appointed to examin and judge the prisoner , together with the magistrats of Delft , pronounced sentence against the said Baltazar , as followeth .

Baltazar Gerard borne at Villesans in the franche county of Burgondie , Sen●ence pronounced against Baltazar Gerard the 14 of Iulie . hauing confest to haue attempted to kill the illustrious and mightie Lord the Prince of Orange , and , to this end , obtayned certaine Blankes from Count Mansfeldt , and conferred with the Counsellour Assonuille in Tournay sent to him by the Prince of Parma , who had promised him , that if the Prisoner should execute the sentence of proscripion against the Prince of Orange , the King of Spayne , should pay him the recompence proposed in the sayd proscription , together with the summe of fiue and twentie thousand Ducats : that the sayd prisoner should call himselfe Frauncis Guyon , and make shew of beeing affectionat to the reformed Religion , to haue the better accesse to the Princes Court . That the sayd Prisoner according to this resolution came thither vnder the name of Frauncis Guyon , and , on the ninth of Iulie , bought two Pistols , which on the tenth day he charged whilest my Lord the Prince was at dinner , and returning , hung them at his girdle , and hid them vnder his Cloke : And as the sayd Prince after dinner was going forth of the Hall to ascend the staires leading to his Chamber , he discharged one of the Pistols , wherewith he slew the sayd Lord Prince . This being an execrable deed , and abhominable treacherie , perpetrated against the person of so illustrious a Prince of happie memorie , the offendor ought not to escape vnpunished , but is to be seuerely chastised , to serue for an example to all others .

In this regard , my Lords aboue named , hauing well and maturely weighed the confession of the sayd prisoner , and considered euerie circumstance thereof , haue by these presents condemned and doe condemne the sayd Baltazar Gerard to be led to a scaffold erected before the State-house of the sayd Citie ; there first to haue his right hand , wherewith he committed this so execrable fact , burned betwixt two burning yrons , and afterwards his flesh to be burnt and torne off with burning pincers in sixe seueral parts of his bodie , as legges , armes , and other fleshie places , and lastly to be quarered aliue , his bowels and heart to be taken forth and throwne in his face , his head cut off , and his quarters to be set vpon the foure Bulwarkes , and his head vpon a pole to stand vpon the Schoole-Tower behind the Princes house , and all his goods to be confiscat . This sentence was pronounced in the State-house of the Citie of Delft the 14 of Iulie , anno 1584. Signed , A vander Moer .

The execution and death of Baltazar Gerard . On Saturday the foureteenth of Iulie , hee was publikely brought to a scaffold set vp in the Market place of Delft , where he was executed according to the sentence , with admirable patience , shewing the same courage and resolution he had at first : he would not conferre with any Minister ; when his hand and flesh was burnt and torne off , he made no noyse , nor seemed at all to be moued : and in this manner was quartered , and his head set vpon a pole , which was afterward secretly stollen away .

After this illustrious Prince was thus slayne by the hand of this wretched Bourguignon ; A description of the Prince of Orange his funeral 's . his bodie , by the commaundement of my Lords the States of Holland , Zealand , Frize land & Vtrecht , was magnificently buried in the new Church of Delft , where his tombe is now to be seene . His funerals were solemnized after this maner . First the Burguers of Delft armed , went before , next them the Trumpets , after them followed eight horse , trapped with black downe to the ground , behind euerie horse went a Gentleman bearing a banner representing the Armes of the sayd Lord Princes Signiories , with Scutchions on euerie Horse . The first Horse was led by two Gentlemen , the one called Gerard de Schoten , and the other Paule Wijts , representing the Citie of Breda : The banner with the Armes of Breda was borne by Philip of Grutere Lord of Direxland . The second was conducted by the Lord vander Delft and the Lord N. de Roules : And the Lord Iohn of Egmont carried the banner with the Armes of the Marquisat of Terueer and Flushing . The third by the Lord of Sprangen , and the Lord Iohn of Oestrum , Captaine of the Castle of Woerden : And the Lord of Rosuè carried the banner with the Armes of Chalon . The fourth was conducted by the Lord Floris Serclays , and the Lord Peter of Roon , baylie of Putte : and the Lord Iasper of Poelgeest carried the banner with the Armes of Diest . The fist by the Lord Iacob of Almond and the Lord N. of Raephorst : and the Lord Gerard v●nder Aa bore the banner with the Armes of Vianden . The sixt was led by the Lord of Wijngaerd , and the Lord of Linden : and the Lord Lancelot carried the banner with the armes of Catzenelbogen . The seuenth was borne by Philip vander Aa , and the Lord Harman of Outenhorst : and the Lord Cornelius de Swete carried the banner with the armes of Nassau . The eight was conducted by the Lord Iohn Baex , Captain of the Castle of Heusden , & the Lord Dieric of Dvuenuoord baylie of the Briell : and the Lord of Marquet , carried the banner with the armes of Orange . All these Lords were clad in blacke with long Clokes downe to the foot . Next followed the Lord of Mansardt bearing the Cornet , the Lord of Rihouen the Guidon , and the Lord of Naeltwijck the banner , in euerie of which was the Princes Embleme . After them followed foure Scutcheons of the Princes foure Signiories , viz. Nassau , Stolbourg , Hessen , and Conningstein borne by the Barons of Peterschen and Deure , the Lord Wencelij of Botselaer , and Iohn of Assendelst , Lord of Cralingen . The lord Iohn of Egmond lord of Kenensbourg , followed bearing his armes with his crest and colors . After him followed the Lord Daniell of Botselaer Lord of Merwe bearing the Helme ; the Lord Duits Captaine of the Gard bearing the sword , and the Lord Wolfart of Brederode with the Coat-armor . Next , the Lord of Brecht and the Sr. of Malderè led the mourning Horse trapped with black Veluet down to the ground . The Earle of Ouerstein followed carrying a drawne sword , and the Baron of Creange a Coronet of Gold ; these were attended by three Stewards or masters of houshold , to witt , the Lords vander Aa , Audenfort , and Viry with white staues in their hands : after them followed twelue men carrying the Beere wherein was the Princes bodie hung with the Princes armes . On each side of the bodie , went the Lord Iohn of Burgondie Lord of Froymont : the Lord Walraue , Lord of Brederode , the Lord of Merode and the Signior de Soeterwoude . After the bodie and Heraulds of Armes , followed Prince Maurice of Nassau sonne to the Prince in a mourning robe , the trayne whereof was borne by the Lord of Sonsfelt , his Tutor . On his right hand went the Elector Truxses of Cologne , & on the left , Count Hohenlo . After them followed Count William of Nassau , Count Philip of Nassau , and the Earle of Solms , each of them going alone . They were followed by my Lords , the generall States , the Councell of State , the States of Holland , the Presidents and Councellors of the great Councell , and of the prouinciall Councell of Holland , with their Secretaries . Next them , the Pretor , Burgomasters , and all the Magistrats of Delft ; after them followed ministers , the Princes Captaines and Officers confusedly attended by multitudes of people .

These funerals were solemnised with incredible sorrow of the whole towne of Delft . There was nothing seen & heard that day ouer the whole citie but sighs , teares , and lamentations for the death of this good and vertuous Prince , the people beseeching God to preserue and defend these Countries from greater daungers and difficulties , which by this Princes death seemed to threaten them .