The
Aunswer
of
the
generall
Estates
of
the
vnited
Prouinces
of
the
Low
Countries
,
to
the
Letter
of
the
Archduke
of
Austria
.
THE
generall
Estates
of
the
vnited
Low
Countries
,
in
the
assembly
of
their
people
,
haue
opened
and
redd
the
Letter
of
the
most
excellent
Prince
Ernestus
,
Archduke
of
Austria
,
Duke
of
Burgundie
.
&c.
closed
and
sealed
with
the
Seale
of
his
Highnes
,
dated
in
Brussels
,
the
sixe
day
of
this
present
Month
of
May
:
receiued
the
twelfth
of
the
same
Moneth
,
by
the
hands
of
Maister
Otto
Hartius
,
and
Ieronimus
Coomans
,
learned
in
the
Lawes
:
at
whose
insinuation
,
doone
the
next
day
after
,
to
say
the
xiij
.
day
:
haue
the
16.
day
of
the
said
Moneth
,
in
the
assembly
of
their
aforesaid
people
,
deliuered
vp
in
wryting
,
as
appeareth
by
the
clauses
in
the
aforesaid
Letter
inserted
.
And
after
due
examination
of
the
afore-saide
writing
and
Letter
,
(
to
the
end
they
might
open
to
his
Highnes
their
good
intent
&
meaning
,
)
haue
declared
,
and
by
these
presents
doo
declare
,
that
since
the
time
that
their
people
(
for
vrgent
occasions
and
very
necessitie
,
)
were
constrained
to
put
themselues
in
Armor
,
for
the
behoofe
of
the
freedome
of
the
Low
Countries
,
with
the
priuiledges
and
iurisdiction
of
the
same
in
generall
,
and
of
the
Prouinces
,
people
,
Citties
,
and
Indwellers
of
the
same
in
particuler
:
and
for
repulsing
of
the
Spanish
tyrannie
,
and
lordly
gouernment
,
ouer
the
consciences
,
bodies
and
goods
,
of
the
Inhabitants
of
the
sayde
Low
Countries
,
their
wiues
and
children
:
their
meaning
and
intent
alwaies
was
,
&
yet
is
,
to
maintaine
the
same
(
with
the
helpe
of
GOD
)
against
the
Spanyards
and
their
adherents
.
With
thys
stedfast
hope
,
that
almightie
God
through
his
gracious
goodnesse
and
blessing
,
shall
further
the
same
their
vpright
meaning
and
good
intent
,
which
the
longer
,
the
more
is
not
onely
found
to
be
for
their
owne
Low-Countries
,
but
also
toucheth
the
estate
of
all
their
neighbours
,
Kings
,
Princes
,
and
Common-wealths
.
Like
as
their
people
haue
found
also
(
through
the
power
of
Gods
mighty
hand
,
)
that
hee
hath
not
onely
blessed
their
meanes
and
pretences
,
but
also
hath
mooued
the
harts
of
Kings
and
Princes
their
Neighbours
,
to
the
vpholding
&
maintenance
of
their
aforesaid
needeful
and
vpright
intents
.
Whereof
their
people
do
attribute
the
praise
only
to
God
,
trusting
in
the
vnalterable
power
of
his
godly
Maiestie
,
expecting
at
his
hands
and
goodnes
a
laudable
issue
and
ende
of
heauie
warres
:
hauing
sure
confidence
that
their
people
of
the
Low
Countries
in
general
,
shall
be
vnited
,
and
brought
into
their
olde
estate
and
prosperitie
.
The
which
they
more
earnestly
doe
desire
,
in
that
they
haue
well
proued
and
tryed
,
and
besides
that
,
do
yet
very
well
remember
the
commodities
,
quietnes
,
and
pleasantnes
of
peace
,
rest
,
and
vnitie
:
but
also
contrariwise
,
haue
found
and
felt
the
incommodities
,
disquietnes
,
and
vnfruitfulnes
of
warres
.
But
like
as
his
Highnes
declareth
in
the
said
letter
,
and
professeth
his
good
will
and
affection
,
and
thanketh
al
those
,
that
are
vprightly
affectioned
to
the
vnity
and
prosperity
of
the
Lowe
Countries
:
so
haue
they
and
their
people
also
great
cause
to
complaine
before
God
and
all
the
worlde
,
ouer
them
,
which
yet
vnder
the
pretence
of
peace
,
doo
seeke
and
practise
the
spilling
of
innocent
blood
of
Christians
,
and
to
further
the
ruine
and
vtter
decay
of
the
Low
Countries
,
whervnto
the
Spanish
counsel
(
who
now
in
all
respects
do
finde
themselues
sore
offended
with
these
Countries
)
will
worke
more
extreamely
then
before
:
vsing
thereto
such
horrible
shamefull
,
and
vnlawfull
proceedings
,
as
heeretofore
hath
not
beene
heard
or
thought
on
.
And
much
more
is
the
vtter
ruine
and
decay
of
these
Countries
to
be
looked
for
,
in
this
respect
that
it
is
well
knowne
to
all
the
world
,
into
what
extremity
they
are
come
,
and
how
their
cases
do
stand
.
Namely
the
destruction
of
innocent
blood
by
the
Hangmans
hand
,
of
many
thousand
innocent
and
guiltlesse
people
,
aswell
men
as
weomen
of
all
qualities
,
amongst
which
haue
beene
some
of
the
principallest
Lords
of
the
land
.
The
violation
of
the
principallest
freedomes
,
priuiledges
,
and
iurisdictions
of
the
Lowe
Countries
,
and
Citties
,
aswell
in
generall
as
perticuler
,
many
murthers
,
burnings
,
violation
,
erations
,
concussions
,
and
o●her
enormities
and
execrable
deedes
,
after
very
many
remonstrations
,
supplications
,
with
sending
of
certaine
of
the
Neitherlandish
Lords
into
Spaine
,
as
namely
amongst
others
the
Marqu●s
of
Bergen
,
and
the
Lord
of
Monteng●y
,
who
there
were
ill
dealt
withall
,
and
vsed
against
the
law
of
Nations
.
Also
the
intercession
of
great
Potentates
,
done
in
vaine
,
to
the
end
that
the
Lowe
Countries
,
the
people
,
Citties
and
good
Inhabitants
themselues
,
might
be
suffered
to
inioy
their
laudable
freedomes
priuiledges
and
iurisdictions
:
and
the
tyranny
of
the
Spanish
nation
and
their
adhearents
ouer
their
consciences
,
bodies
and
goods
,
might
be
cast
of
,
which
hath
brought
their
people
to
these
aforesaid
extreamities
.
And
therefore
it
may
please
his
Highnes
to
vnderstand
that
the
States
before
named
,
haue
with
good
insight
and
pondering
,
proceeded
,
as
they
doo
nowe
shewe
themselues
,
towards
the
welfare
of
these
Countries
and
inhabitants
thereof
,
like
as
in
times
past
,
and
in
like
cases
is
alreadie
passed
.
And
that
their
people
canont
beleeue
,
much
lesse
be
assured
any
waies
,
of
any
alteration
of
the
Spanish
humors
,
which
heretofore
haue
beene
more
apparant
,
and
part
of
them
promised
,
with
great
losse
and
damage
to
these
Countries
.
For
in
the
beginning
of
these
warres
,
the
out-rage
of
the
Spaniardes
was
so
great
,
that
all
were
put
to
death
,
which
came
into
their
power
.
And
to
vse
such
like
law
,
for
so
laudable
a
matter
,
as
the
conseruation
of
their
natiue
Countrey
,
against
forraine
tyranny
,
either
with
their
counsel
or
deedes
,
that
not
only
their
plaine
Countries
were
wasted
:
but
also
many
principall
Citties
with
murthering
,
robbing
burning
,
and
other
horrible
,
execrable
and
vnnaturall
dealing
,
euen
whilst
such
matters
were
intreated
of
,
and
let
the
people
of
these
Countries
be
assured
,
that
no
other
thing
is
to
bee
looked
for
at
the
Spaniards
hands
,
which
in
the
end
wil
not
turne
to
the
vtter
shame
,
ruine
,
and
ouer-throwe
of
these
Inhabitants
.
There
began
the
blood
thirsty
Counsell
to
chaunge
,
and
theyr
humors
,
to
alter
in
apparance
:
but
in
such
sort
that
the
people
marked
that
it
would
fall
out
hard
with
them
to
come
with
anie
force
:
and
therefore
haue
had
many
parleys
and
conferences
.
And
the
first
entreatement
of
peace
began
in
Anno.
1574.
which
the
Estates
of
Holland
and
Zealand
(
vsing
their
olde
honest
and
simple
manner
)
were
mooued
to
seeke
redresse
of
their
griefes
,
by
writings
remonstrations
and
others
.
The
fruit
and
effect
of
this
intreaty
,
was
perfectly
perceiued
and
seene
in
Brabant
,
by
the
first
ouer-fall
of
the
Citty
of
Antwerpe
,
named
by
the
Spaniards
in
their
Histories
,
Fuere
Villacos
:
and
in
Hollande
and
Zeland
,
with
their
strong
and
seconde
besieging
of
the
Citty
of
Leiden
,
which
notwithstanding
through
the
grace
of
God
,
the
trustines
of
her
Confederates
,
and
their
owne
goodnes
:
were
preserued
from
the
power
of
the
enemie
.
Yea
,
with
such
an
extraordinarie
terror
to
the
Spanyards
which
lay
before
the
Citty
,
were
by
the
mightie
hand
of
God
so
daunted
in
their
courages
,
that
they
ran
confusedly
out
of
Holland
,
and
shortly
after
did
meane
to
ouerthrowe
the
goodly
Cittie
of
Vtricht
,
as
they
and
others
of
the
Spanish
nation
,
had
done
the
same
yeere
,
in
the
former
Citty
of
Antwerpe
.
This
first
deceitfull
entrety
of
peace
,
comming
to
this
effect
and
ended
,
the
second
was
taken
in
hande
,
at
the
intercession
of
the
most
high
and
mighty
Emperour
Maximilian
,
his
Highnes
Father
,
in
Anno
,
1575.
within
the
Citty
of
Breda
.
Howe
little
the
same
entreatie
was
meant
on
the
Spaniardes
side
,
towards
the
welfare
and
prosperity
of
the
Low
Countries
,
the
cléere
testimonies
doo
bring
with
them
:
and
the
fruites
thereof
was
no
other
thing
,
but
more
preparation
of
warres
then
before
.
So
that
shortly
after
,
there
followed
the
ouer-fall
of
the
Citties
of
Bueren
,
Leerdam
,
Oudewater
,
Schoonhouen
,
Bommeney
,
and
the
besieging
of
the
Citty
of
Sirikzea
:
whereby
hath
procéeded
,
what
the
Spaniards
and
their
adherents
,
haue
done
,
with
theyr
robbing
,
murthering
,
and
other
horrible
deedes
.
Yea
,
the
ouer-fall
of
Citties
,
on
their
partes
,
haue
beene
in
such
haynous
manner
,
that
no
man
could
longer
suffer
or
abide
the
same
,
but
haue
proclaimed
them
enimies
of
the
Low
Countries
.
Wherevpon
followed
the
vnion
and
confederacy
at
Gaunt
,
in
Nouember
,
Anno.
1576.
betwixt
the
Netherlandish
Prouinces
,
and
for
the
conseruation
of
the
welfare
of
the
same
,
theyr
freedoms
and
Lawes
:
is
well
knowne
to
euery
one
,
howe
vntruly
the
same
vnion
and
confederacie
was
accepted
on
the
Spanish
side
,
and
what
deceit
and
enmitie
was
mingled
amongst
it
.
The
Letters
of
Estoued
,
the
violation
vsed
by
Don
Iohn
,
the
expresse
declaration
,
from
the
Spanish
Counsell
,
brought
ouer
by
the
Baron
of
Selles
,
and
published
in
Mecklin
,
the
seuerall
dealings
at
Louen
,
the
sending
of
sundry
Embassadors
of
diuers
Potentates
:
haue
giuen
sufficient
testimony
thereof
,
in
Anno
1577.
and
1588.
How
deceitful
,
shameful
,
hurtful
and
greeuous
,
the
issue
of
the
entreaty
of
peace
was
,
begun
at
Cullen
with
such
great
solemnity
,
is
well
knowne
to
euerie
one
.
Also
that
during
the
same
,
not
onely
the
Prouinces
of
Haynault
and
Arthois
,
with
sundrie
other
principall
Citties
,
were
seduced
to
this
particuler
tractation
:
but
also
all
outward
force
vsed
towards
the
Citty
of
Maistricht
.
And
many
priuie
and
naughty
practises
put
in
vse
in
other
Prouinces
,
and
amongst
the
people
of
the
same
,
to
moue
the
same
to
tollerations
,
to
their
vtter
ruine
and
vndooing
.
With
what
practise
afterwards
,
were
the
Citties
of
Flaunders
brought
to
tractation
,
and
what
braue
prohemes
were
there
done
,
and
what
excellent
end
it
had
,
is
manifested
by
the
actes
thereof
.
To
what
intent
was
the
intreaty
of
peace
in
Anno
1587.
and
1588.
What
deceit
and
force
lay
hid
vnderneath
the
same
:
the
Spanish
Armada
(
come
ouer
during
the
same
intreaty
and
ouercome
by
Gods
mighty
hand
)
hath
made
manifest
.
To
what
intent
afterwards
in
Anno
1591.
was
the
Emperors
Maiestie
occasioned
anew
,
to
take
the
affaires
of
the
Low-Countries
into
his
hands
,
the
Leaguers
doe
testifie
,
which
from
time
to
time
,
are
sent
out
of
the
Lowe-Countries
against
the
French
King
.
Whereby
it
is
made
more
manifest
,
that
the
Spaniards
will
and
meaning
is
,
with
their
adherents
,
to
be
alwaies
in
wars
and
Armor
,
vsing
the
pretext
of
furthering
of
Romish
religion
.
But
to
speake
the
trueth
,
for
their
pretended
generall
domination
&
tyranny
,
which
they
would
establish
ouer
all
Christendome
:
and
to
rob
and
spoile
all
Kings
,
Princes
,
Landes
&
Common-wealths
,
of
their
due
rights
and
prerogatiues
.
Like
as
of
late
was
practised
against
the
Quéene
of
England
,
by
sending
ouer
that
proude
and
mighty
Armada
,
in
Anno
1588.
And
the
tryumph
before
the
victory
,
openly
sung
and
put
forth
in
print
,
is
manifested
.
And
likewise
the
wars
and
busines
in
Fraunce
since
the
same
yeere
,
namely
in
the
beginning
of
the
next
yeere
after
,
about
the
translation
of
the
Crowne
of
Fraunce
,
not
onely
the
King
now
present
,
and
all
the
Princes
of
the
bloode
,
but
generally
all
French-men
,
are
so
entreated
of
the
Spaniards
(
vnder
the
name
of
Infante
,
)
because
of
the
Spanish
Counsell
and
suffrence
,
by
the
Duke
of
Ferris
,
and
other
Spanish
Ministers
,
neither
is
there
any
tryall
,
but
by
the
Parliament
of
Paris
,
and
others
reuolted
from
the
League
,
by
arrest
of
other
iustifications
put
foorth
in
print
,
is
made
manifest
.
And
as
good
regard
is
to
be
taken
,
to
the
complot
made
in
Scotland
,
in
Anno
1592.
with
many
of
the
principall
Lordes
there
.
That
twentie
thousand
Spanish
souldiers
shold
haue
been
sent
and
receiued
into
Scotland
,
which
in
the
yeare
past
,
is
wonderfull
come
to
light
(
for
which
some
were
punished
with
death
.
)
And
it
is
not
to
be
beleeued
,
that
the
same
was
builded
vpon
any
other
foundation
,
or
otherwise
dealt
withall
,
then
practised
with
the
Bishoppricks
of
Collen
and
Strasburg
,
the
Dukedomes
of
Gulick
,
Cleue
and
Berg
,
and
the
imperiall
Citty
of
Aichen
,
which
not
onely
diuerse
&
sundry
intercepted
letters
,
but
also
the
deedes
themselues
do
manifestlie
declare
.
Finally
,
what
agreement
was
there
pretended
with
the
greatest
Princes
of
Italie
?
howe
were
they
busied
in
seeking
to
bring
Holland
,
and
Zealand
vnder
them
?
(
wherewith
all
the
vnited
Prouinces
were
also
meant
.
)
To
the
ende
that
therein
they
might
make
their
Sedem
belli
,
fast
and
sure
against
all
Christendome
.
Yea
,
in
such
sort
,
that
men
would
rather
the
Turke
should
be
let
in
,
and
a
great
part
of
Christendome
:
then
these
warres
,
&
men
of
warres
,
prepared
&
destenied
to
the
destruction
of
the
Low
Countries
,
and
the
people
thereof
.
And
to
sumne
vp
the
matter
,
how
the
Emperours
Maiestie
and
the
Princes
of
Germany
haue
been
dealt
withall
(
only
to
the
furthering
of
the
said
spanish
gouernment
,
)
appeareth
euidentlie
by
the
letters
signed
by
the
the
King
of
Spaine
,
whereof
a
translation
is
heereby
inserted
(
the
originall
set
apart
)
which
letters
do
mention
also
,
the
points
propounded
by
his
Highnes
:
to
wit
,
that
the
meaning
of
the
Spanish
counsell
is
not
(
through
his
Highnes
)
for
any
good
meaning
of
Christendome
:
much
lesse
to
bring
the
Lowe
Countries
,
to
rest
and
quietnes
.
In
that
it
appeareth
,
that
the
Earle
of
Fuentes
,
Don
William
of
Saint
Clement
,
and
Stephen
di
Narro
,
(
al
three
spaniards
)
are
appointed
for
his
principall
Counsellers
for
matters
touching
the
Lowe
Countries
,
that
the
same
strangers
should
rule
his
Highnes
,
howe
the
Lordes
of
Neitherland
are
to
be
trusted
,
the
Low
Countries
to
be
ruled
,
and
the
vnited
Prouinces
to
be
brought
vnder
subiection
.
The
Estates
do
not
doubt
,
but
his
Highnes
hath
well
vnderstood
,
that
through
the
practise
and
procurement
of
the
aforesaid
Earle
of
Fuentes
,
and
Stephen
di
Narra
,
not
long
agoe
Doctor
Lopez
,
Phisition
to
the
Queenes
Maiestie
of
England
,
was
promised
fiftie
thousand
Crounes
to
poyson
her
Maiestie
.
And
that
the
same
Doctor
Lopez
,
Emanuell
Lewes
Tinaco
,
and
Stephen
Ferrera
de
Saua
(
all
companions
of
the
aforesaid
murtherish
feate
)
were
taken
in
England
&
iudged
to
death
.
That
through
the
practise
and
procurement
of
the
said
Fuentes
and
di
Narra
:
Emanuell
Andraga
tooke
on
him
to
poyson
the
French
King
with
a
Nosegay
of
flowers
or
Roses
,
so
tempred
with
pouder
,
that
the
very
smel
therof
should
poisen
him
to
death
.
We
omit
the
matter
(
and
what
thereby
will
fal
out
)
of
Michael
Remichon
,
(
otherwise
naming
himselfe
Triuiere
)
a
Priest
of
Namour
,
that
was
sent
two
monthes
agoe
from
Brussels
disguised
in
the
apparel
of
a
souldier
,
into
the
vnited
Prouinces
.
Who
hath
confessed
,
that
he
and
certaine
other
murtherers
,
with
fayre
promises
and
money
,
were
sent
foorth
to
murther
the
most
excellent
Prince
,
Morrice
borne
Prince
of
Orrenge
,
and
Earle
of
Nassow
.
Yea
,
that
his
Princely
Highnes
yongest
Sonne
,
(
beeing
onely
tenne
yeares
olde
,
)
and
lying
in
the
Vniuersitie
of
Leiden
at
Schoole
bee
not
taken
from
thence
,
as
his
eldest
Brother
the
Earle
of
Buren
,
against
all
right
,
freedome
and
priuiledges
of
the
Countrey
,
and
all
lawes
of
Nations
,
was
violentlie
carried
out
of
Louen
,
looking
dailie
to
be
murthered
.
Like
as
the
said
Spanish
counsel
through
their
murtherish
acts
,
did
kil
the
Prince
of
Orrenge
his
Highnes
father
.
Out
of
which
his
Highnes
,
and
euery
one
without
any
gainsaying
,
may
well
vnderstand
,
by
what
people
,
and
by
what
meanes
,
the
good
Inhabitants
of
the
Low
Countries
haue
beene
deceiued
,
and
howe
little
the
Estates
haue
forgotten
the
same
.
Being
occasioned
to
say
as
much
nowe
of
this
aforesaid
entreaty
of
peace
of
the
Spaniards
,
and
to
iudge
with
like
affection
thereof
,
as
of
these
matters
rehearsed
.
Yea
,
now
such
horrible
and
shamefull
matters
do
come
to
light
against
the
Realmes
of
Fraunce
,
England
,
and
these
Countries
:
as
neuer
the
like
was
before
.
So
that
the
humors
of
the
Spanish
counsell
are
altered
,
for
any
goodnes
towards
these
Countries
,
neither
is
there
any
appearance
that
the
same
should
be
furthered
,
seeing
that
they
are
now
most
highly
offended
.
Or
that
these
Countries
(
whereunto
they
pretend
such
right
)
should
be
better
dealt
withall
,
then
the
Kingdoms
of
Fraunce
,
England
,
and
Scotland
,
whose
subiects
are
in
like
authority
and
like
dignitie
.
For
which
causes
,
the
foresaide
Estates
,
in
respect
of
their
dutie
and
oath
,
are
bound
and
forced
,
to
take
better
heede
and
regard
,
to
the
crafty
practises
of
the
aforesaid
Counsell
.
Especially
the
vnited
Prouinces
,
for
such
horrible
pretended
murther
of
the
King
of
Fraunce
,
and
Queene
of
England
,
with
the
apparence
of
warres
since
his
Highnes
comming
into
the
Lowe-Countries
,
begun
and
continued
against
the
Crowne
and
estate
of
Fraunce
.
And
yet
are
not
against
it
,
but
that
all
former
pretexts
ceasing
,
do
take
the
motion
so
neere
their
harts
,
as
the
good
allience
,
friendship
and
Communalty
of
the
matter
requireth
.
And
all
is
,
that
a
man
might
well
beleeue
,
that
his
Highnes
hath
a
misliking
of
such
murthering
and
diuilish
actes
▪
yet
notwithstanding
greater
heede
is
to
be
taken
,
to
the
purpose
of
the
ill
will
,
meaning
and
intent
of
the
King
of
Spaine
,
and
Spanish
counsell
,
of
whome
his
Highnes
hath
his
Commission
and
authoritie
(
who
also
at
all
times
may
reuoke
the
same
,
and
put
another
in
his
place
)
against
which
no
man
can
assure
him
,
with
any
condition
.
Whereby
the
aforesaid
generall
Estates
,
cannot
perceiue
that
they
should
reape
any
fruite
or
profit
by
the
aforesaid
intreatie
of
peace
,
either
within
the
said
vnited
Prouinces
,
or
without
the
same
,
with
the
Queenes
Maiestie
of
England
,
(
with
whom
in
such
matters
and
others
they
stand
fast
in
confedracy
,
)
nor
yet
with
the
French
King
,
and
other
Potentates
,
Princes
and
Common
wealths
of
these
Countries
the
whole
Christian
cause
,
their
friends
and
alliances
.
But
do
meane
to
haue
their
refuge
vnto
almightie
God
,
at
whose
mightie
hand
and
goodnes
,
they
looke
for
a
laudable
issue
of
their
righteous
cause
,
(
as
they
haue
alwaies
pondered
,
and
yet
do
consider
,
howe
alterable
worldly
matters
are
)
expecting
not
onely
the
welfare
of
the
vnited
Prouinces
:
but
also
of
the
Neitherlandish
Prouinces
to
the
furthering
of
his
glory
and
holy
word
.
Thus
ended
and
resolued
in
the
assembly
of
the
Lordes
Estates
generall
,
in
Earles
Hagh
.
the
27.
of
May
.
Anno.
1594.
Ernestus
,
by
the
grace
of
God
Archduke
of
Austria
,
&c.
Knight
of
the
Order
,
Lieutenant
,
Gouernour
,
and
Generall
Captaine
.
HOnourable
,
Noble
,
Worshipfull
&c.
The
inward
natural
loue
and
affection
,
which
we
beare
to
the
rest
,
and
welfare
of
the
Lowe
Countries
,
and
the
misliking
which
we
haue
long
had
of
discord
and
miserie
wherein
they
are
:
is
the
principall
cause
that
hath
mooued
vs
to
take
vpon
vs
the
gouernment
thereof
,
with
stedfast
hope
that
almightie
God
would
giue
vs
his
grace
,
that
we
might
release
you
from
these
heauy
and
ciuill
warres
,
which
now
haue
lasted
so
long
,
to
the
great
griefe
,
oppression
,
and
hinderance
of
the
said
Countries
,
and
of
all
Christendome
.
For
if
men
will
consider
in
what
estate
and
prosperitie
they
were
in
times
past
,
when
they
were
in
peace
and
vnitie
,
vnder
due
obedience
of
the
house
of
Burgundy
and
Austria
,
and
the
good
rules
and
orders
kept
the
same
time
,
in
points
of
iustice
,
pollicy
and
other
orders
of
wars
,
whereby
the
aforesaid
Countryes
were
increased
and
renowned
throughout
all
Kingdomes
and
Countries
.
Also
the
great
riches
which
was
so
aboundant
there
,
by
meanes
of
the
dealings
,
aliences
,
confederacies
,
nauigation
and
Traffick
,
which
they
had
to
Portingall
,
Spaine
and
India
:
we
are
sure
that
there
is
no
man
of
vnderstanding
,
that
is
not
sorry
with
his
whole
hart
,
for
so
great
and
pittifull
alteration
of
the
said
Countries
,
in
the
time
of
sixe
and
twentie
yeares
or
vpwadrs
,
with
the
manifold
oppressions
,
exactions
and
greeuances
,
which
the
poore
common
people
in
that
time
,
haue
suffered
,
and
in
sundry
places
therof
,
yet
presently
is
suffered
.
And
that
do
also
wish
,
that
with
the
first
,
some
good
end
and
tollerable
meanes
might
be
wrought
,
to
bring
the
said
Countries
,
into
their
former
estates
common
tranquillity
,
due
obedience
and
agreement
.
Wherevnto
also
wee
do
imploy
all
our
thoughts
,
and
with
the
same
pretence
and
meaning
are
come
hether
,
leauing
the
company
of
the
Emperours
Maiestie
our
Soueraigne
Lorde
and
Brother
,
and
others
our
Bretheren
and
Kinsfolkes
,
our
natiue
Countrie
,
and
the
gouernment
of
so
many
Kingdomes
and
Countries
,
committed
vnto
vs
,
with
departing
from
other
things
,
not
néedful
heere
to
be
repeated
:
to
the
end
we
might
find
you
ready
to
come
to
our
good
meaning
and
intent
.
And
although
we
doubt
not
,
but
that
all
the
same
is
well
knowne
to
your
people
,
as
well
by
common
report
as
otherwise
,
and
by
them
accepted
,
as
wee
hartily
desire
the
safety
,
rest
and
welfare
of
you
,
and
those
which
come
after
you
:
yet
notwithstanding
,
wee
haue
thought
it
necessary
and
conuenient
,
to
let
your
people
knowe
&
vnderstand
the
same
by
these
presents
:
as
well
to
abandon
all
suspition
,
as
to
the
more
neerer
reuealing
of
our
foresaid
goodnes
and
vpright
inclination
towardes
you
,
and
those
which
might
looke
for
the
same
at
our
hands
.
Forasmuch
then
,
as
the
matter
toucheh
you
so
neer
:
you
,
your
people
,
and
those
which
are
vnder
you
,
should
set
before
your
eyes
,
the
luck
,
fortune
and
welfare
,
which
thereby
might
come
and
redound
to
your
natiue
Countrey
,
so
pittifully
oppressed
and
spoyled
through
these
long
lasting
warres
.
And
so
far
foorth
as
the
good
luck
which
you
had
this
last
yeare
(
as
matters
of
warre
bee
sickle
and
inconstant
)
should
make
any
to
forget
the
foresaid
euils
and
mischiefes
,
and
not
to
think
vpon
those
which
might
chaunce
and
fall
out
,
and
thereby
seeme
to
assure
themselues
ten
fold
,
without
any
accepting
of
this
good
occasion
:
shall
it
not
then
bee
needefull
to
thinke
on
examples
and
things
passed
,
which
teacheth
that
in
short
time
such
great
alteration
may
happen
:
that
oftentimes
that
is
soone
lost
,
which
shortly
before
hath
beene
gotten
with
greate
labour
,
honour
and
reputation
.
Wherefore
we
do
pray
you
both
hartely
and
earnestly
,
that
you
will
altogether
take
good
counsell
therein
,
deepely
weighing
and
pondring
all
things
,
and
you
your selues
offer
vs
such
laudable
and
honest
conditions
of
peace
,
that
by
meanes
thereof
it
may
be
perceiued
,
the
sooner
the
better
,
that
you
be
not
such
,
as
seeke
to
lengthen
or
prolong
the
warres
,
which
bringeth
so
many
kindes
of
oppressions
to
the
Communally
,
as
is
well
knowne
to
all
men
:
but
that
thereby
the
same
might
be
brought
to
some
perfect
ende
,
sure
rest
and
quietnes
.
And
for
our
parts
,
we
wil
shew
you
with
our
déedes
,
that
no
deceit
or
craft
is
hid
therein
,
not
seeking
any
thing
els
,
then
a
true
stedfast
peace
:
which
,
and
all
that
we
do
,
is
with
good
earnest
,
and
simplicity
,
to
the
furthering
of
the
Common
wealth
.
Wherein
if
you
shew
your
good
will
:
Then
shall
you
shewe
what
you
esteeme
and
thinke
of
vs
,
and
desire
to
be
in
time
of
neede
,
as
is
best
knowne
to
you
your selues
.
Like
as
the
bringers
hereof
Maister
Otto
Hartius
and
Ieronimus
Coomans
learned
in
the
lawes
,
shall
declare
,
being
thereto
appointed
by
vs
,
with
proffering
of
our
good
will
towards
you
.
Praying
almightie
God
.
&c.
From
Brussels
the
fift
of
May
,
Anno.
1594.
Vnderneath
stood
,
Yours
to
commaund
Ernestus
.
The
superscription
was
,
¶
To
the
Honorable
,
the
Estates
of
Gelderland
,
Holand
,
Zealand
;
Freesland
,
Vtricht
,
Ouer-Jsell
,
and
others
,
assembled
at
Earles
Hagh
in
Holand
.
¶
The
proposition
done
by
Otto
Hartius
,
and
Jeronimus
Coomans
,
learned
in
the
Lawes
:
to
the
Lords
the
generall
Estates
of
the
vnited
Nether-landish
Prouinces
.
My
Lords
,
AS
wée
lately
had
gotten
Pasport
of
the
Lordes
of
the
Counsell
of
the
Estates
,
that
wee
might
come
into
these
vnited
Prouinces
,
for
the
dispatching
of
our
busines
and
particuler
matter
,
(
for
which
we
yeeld
the
said
Lordes
freendlie
thanks
,
and
those
which
put
to
their
helping
hands
for
furthering
of
the
same
,
)
with
offering
the
like
to
be
done
,
&
to
be
sorrowed
for
on
our
side
,
for
those
which
shall
néede
to
goe
from
hence
:
and
the
same
beeing
brought
to
the
knowledge
of
his
Highnes
,
the
Arch-duke
of
Austria
Ernestus
,
he
hath
thought
good
to
send
vs
,
that
we
shoulde
in
his
name
salute
you
,
proffering
you
all
good
:
and
to
declare
vnto
you
,
that
the
principall
cause
which
moued
him
to
send
vs
into
these
Countries
,
was
the
singuler
loue
&
affection
which
he
hath
alwaies
borne
to
the
welfare
and
quietnes
of
the
same
.
And
that
he
hopeth
,
that
God
of
his
grace
will
sende
such
meanes
,
that
through
him
,
the
same
may
be
vnited
againe
in
good
peace
and
tranquility
,
as
it
was
before
the
beginning
of
these
ciuill
troubles
:
towards
the
which
,
and
to
vnderstande
hys
good
will
and
meaning
the
better
,
hee
hath
charged
and
commaunded
vs
,
to
recite
vnto
your
Worships
,
the
Letters
which
we
deliuered
the
twelfth
day
of
this
Month
of
May
.
Hoping
that
your
Worshippes
shall
thereby
cleerely
perceaue
his
will
and
meaning
is
,
to
settle
a
sure
peace
and
long
during
vnitie
in
these
Countries
,
and
that
the
indwellers
thereof
may
be
pacified
,
to
their
contentment
.
And
although
the
same
in
the
yeare
past
,
prooued
to
bee
in
vaine
,
and
also
when
any
entreaty
of
peace
,
or
accord
is
agreed
vpon
,
straightwayes
through
misconstruing
therof
:
they
fall
into
new
enmity
and
warres
,
(
through
whose
occasion
and
dooing
,
is
not
at
this
time
to
be
ript
vp
,
and
God
graunt
it
be
not
hereafter
neither
.
)
So
that
if
your
Worships
should
be
conceiued
with
any
mistrust
of
suspicion
,
or
mooued
with
any
misliking
,
to
deny
such
reasonable
conference
,
especially
,
because
that
lately
matters
haue
fallen
out
,
according
to
the
will
and
pleasure
of
your
Worshippes
yet
doth
his
Highnes
hope
,
that
the
same
shall
not
rest
or
depend
vpon
any
temporall
and
alterable
prosperitie
,
whereby
this
present
occasion
should
cease
,
or
come
to
none
effect
.
For
which
all
honest
people
,
and
louers
of
the
whole
Lands
,
peace
and
vnitie
:
should
desire
and
wish
your
worships
to
set
the
same
before
your
eyes
.
First
,
that
all
worldly
matters
,
haue
their
howres
,
times
and
seasons
.
And
like
as
there
is
a
time
of
diffidence
:
thereafter
may
well
come
and
followe
a
season
of
confidence
.
That
all
men
together
ought
to
trust
vnto
,
and
to
looke
to
the
security
of
himselfe
and
his
successors
.
Secondly
,
there
neuer
rose
vp
in
any
Country
,
so
great
wars
tumults
or
discorde
,
either
publiquely
or
perticularly
,
but
it
was
lastly
ended
and
layde
downe
,
more
with
entreaties
and
conditions
,
then
with
force
of
Armes
.
For
warre
is
of
such
vnhappie
fruitfulnes
,
that
it
bringeth
out
,
a
beard
to
one
,
and
a
foote
to
another
.
Thirdly
,
that
it
neuer
went
well
or
prospered
with
any
Prince
,
estate
or
Common
wealth
,
which
refused
or
denyed
a
laudable
proffer
of
entreaty
of
peace
.
Touching
which
,
wee
had
rather
haue
the
examples
of
our
time
,
and
remembrance
thereof
,
to
passe
vntouched
:
then
by
repeating
or
reauealing
therof
,
to
remember
the
faults
of
them
or
others
.
For
if
your
Worships
at
this
time
should
bee
mooued
or
detracted
,
with
any
kinde
of
diffidence
or
mistrust
,
or
thinking
to
refer
the
same
till
another
time
:
yet
,
wee
hope
you
will
respect
the
time
and
season
,
and
howe
the
sam●
is
put
to
the
arbitriment
of
your
Worships
and
of
other
persons
,
to
say
,
with
his
Highnes
sprong
out
of
the
house
of
Austria
,
whose
vpright
dealing
,
vnderstanding
,
vertue
and
honour
,
well
beseemeth
such
a
Prince
.
Whereby
only
may
be
vnderstood
,
that
seauen
or
eight
one
after
another
of
the
same
house
haue
come
to
bée
Emperours
,
not
by
succession
,
which
is
giuen
aswell
to
euill
as
good
Princes
:
but
by
the
voyces
and
free
election
of
the
Electors
,
and
Common-estates
of
the
Empire
,
commonly
grounded
on
princely
vertue
and
constancy
,
in
worde
and
deede
,
of
him
that
is
elected
.
Like
as
not
long
agoe
,
appeared
in
the
person
of
Maximilian
the
second
,
Father
to
his
Highnes
,
who
for
his
moderation
and
goodnes
,
might
haue
been
accounted
for
a
speciall
selected
instrument
of
the
Common
wealth
,
for
reforming
of
discords
and
controuersies
of
religion
,
to
hold
vp
in
ballance
,
and
to
lay
downe
:
Such
as
the
like
of
him
hath
not
beene
in
times
past
:
or
likelie
to
follow
.
And
following
the
footesteps
of
the
same
,
hath
by
vs
sent
the
original
letter
to
your
Worships
,
which
wee
doubt
not
is
receiued
by
your
Worships
with
such
frendly
and
good
affection
,
as
we
do
hold
assuredly
the
same
to
be
written
without
enemity
.
We
pray
therfore
and
earnestly
request
you
:
that
your
Worshippes
,
will
duely
ponder
the
contents
of
the
same
,
with
such
an
answere
,
that
his
Highnes
and
all
honest
people
,
may
the
sooner
the
better
,
haue
cause
to
conceaue
some
good
hope
of
their
long
desired
peace
,
which
they
looke
to
haue
through
your
worships
wisdome
and
prouidence
.
With
humble
petition
,
that
if
your
Worships
repre-senting
this
honourable
assembly
,
or
any
one
in
perticuler
,
should
finde
himselfe
agreeued
,
with
any
difficulty
,
in
any
wordes
,
points
or
vnderstanding
of
the
aforesaid
writing
of
hys
Highnes
:
we
are
ready
at
all
times
to
explane
the
same
if
wee
may
stand
you
in
any
steede
.
Also
we
hope
that
our
interpreting
thereof
,
shall
bee
to
your
Worships
contentment
.
Which
in
effect
is
contayned
in
the
force
of
the
clauses
of
the
said
letter
of
Credent
,
and
standeth
vpon
our
persons
.
Friendly
praying
you
to
accept
thereof
in
good
part
.
And
note
withall
by
the
way
,
(
with
your
Worships
leaue
,
)
●●at
by
the
confession
and
declaration
of
certaine
persons
which
are
taken
and
examined
:
his
Highnes
is
empreached
,
that
hee
should
haue
pretended
the
death
of
Earle
Morrice
of
Nassow
,
through
the
meanes
of
the
same
persons
,
or
otherwise
,
as
likewise
should
haue
been
done
to
the
Earle
of
Barlaymont
.
Being
an
absurd
and
impudent
delation
,
because
they
neuer
came
,
or
euer
passed
from
his
Highnes
,
in
the
least
respect
,
or
from
his
house
or
stock
,
from
which
in
times
past
,
neither
such
infamous
deedes
haue
proceeded
,
nor
with
Gods
helpe
shall
proceede
.
We
are
heere
in
the
name
of
his
Highnes
,
to
enquire
the
truth
of
the
matter
,
praying
your
Worshippes
that
the
prisoners
may
be
safely
kept
,
and
sent
with
some
Comissary
to
Antwerp
or
Brussels
,
with
writing
to
his
Highnes
that
they
at
certaine
time
and
place
,
be
sent
back
againe
,
or
els
to
be
transported
to
Breda
,
being
vnder
the
iurisdiction
of
this
gouernment
,
to
the
said
Earle
of
Barlaymont
,
who
for
this
purpose
shall
be
accompained
with
a
Comissary
in
the
name
of
his
Highnes
,
and
appeare
there
in
person
,
to
examine
them
vpon
such
circumstances
and
perticulers
,
as
shal
be
aduised
,
and
found
needefull
to
be
examined
of
.
With
due
pasport
to
be
giuen
.
Or
els
if
it
please
your
Worships
to
aduise
some
other
expedient
meanes
,
that
the
trueth
may
be
discouered
,
which
surelie
should
redound
to
the
vnburthening
and
excusing
of
his
Highnes
:
and
your
Worships
shall
thereby
attaine
great
honour
for
your
good
iustice
,
as
in
such
case
the
like
hath
not
beene
thought
of
,
or
of
any
other
perticuler
consideration
,
which
the
prisoners
should
say
and
declare
,
or
els
not
publishing
the
same
,
to
the
preiudice
of
any
man
,
or
contemning
any
good
meaning
of
his
Highnes
.
&c.
Propounded
and
done
in
the
assembly
of
the
Lords
the
generall
Estates
,
the
sixteenth
of
May
.
Anno
1594.
in
Earles
Hagh
.
And
subscribed
by
vs
Otto
Hartius
,
and
Ieronimus
Coomans
.
FINIS
.