The second admonition, sent by the subdued prouinces to Holland thereby to entice them by faire-seeming reasons, groundlesse threates, and vnlike examples to make peace with the Spaniards. With the Hollanders aunswere to the same. Translated out of Dutch into English by H.W.

To Holland .

PEace , O peace , O swéetest estate , neuer was a swéeter word heard . Peace enemy to strife , contention and reuenge , thée I séeke and desire from the bottome of my heart : thou art the most precious iewell that euer was found , the spring of welfare and delight . Thou healest that which controuersie hath wounded . Thou causest the scattered thinges to be relyed . Thou causest and createst ioy and pleasure in euery place . Where peace is , there are our yeares doubled : there life is long , and all our life is swéet : there is riches and plentie at full : there fortune is not séene so vnstedfast . Thou art the treasure where all good is inclosed , and the beautifying of the worlde , to whome all honor is due by common accord .

Happie are they that seeke peace sayth the word of the Lord .

PEace dwelleth in the kingdome of God . Peace Christ hath recommended vnto all beléeuers . With peace are gloriously rewarded and swéetly crowned Gods people . Peace is the principall testament which the Lord before his death bequeathed and recommended vs . Peace is the bond & perfect image , where through wee deserue the heauens , and without peace all woulde vanish to nought , for through discord each thing decayeth . Peace hindreth destruction , desolation , and griefe . Peace makes kingdomes and countries to flourish . Peace is euery where greatly estéemed : nature forceth all men to loue peace . And what is there more delectable then peace , to agrée and continue in amitie to the end .

Wo to him who is a friend to strife .

THou O Peace art pleasing vnto all nations , and full of consolation , yet neuerthelesse in these broyles , we sée thée inhumanelie excluded out of the Hollandish limites . Whence doth this proceede O Hollandia ? insooth it is a strange matter , that thou hatest the thing which euery one naturally desireth . Art thou blind ? art thou so sencelesse that thou chusest mortail poyson rather then daintie and exquisite food ? wilt thou neuer rise out of this thy obscuritie , and lay aside this pernitious discord . Thou art like vnto a sicke person , or the frantike , which madly reiect the good and holesome thinges proffered them . Compare the passed time vnto the present , before thou didst reiect thy obeysance , was it not farre better then to liue in this sort imothered in strife and contention , and like beastes shedding the blood of thy members ?

Where peace is hated no mercie can dwell .

THou art molested and pilled with taxations , and giuest the soldier the substance , whereon thy people shoulde liue . The common trafficke doth melt and consume , for it must be vsed with force and might . And as long while as thou doest embrace this pestiferous contention , thou shalt find no rest nor quiet in no place : yea finally euery one will forsake thée : for all Europe ( for thy sake ) endureth great miserie , thou must know that each thing hath but his time , and thy doing cannot continue long . Oh that thou woldest once consider thy owne good , thy hart woulde turne and bee moued . What profit is it alwayes to continue the warres ? what pleasure in mischéeuing one another ? thy successors shal hereafter feele the smart , vnlesse thou change thy hate

One otfen knoweth his fault , but repenteth too late .

ACcept peace , beléeue the counsaile of thy friends : bow somewhat thy head , and cease thy obstinacie : reiect passion who bereaueth the fences , and apalleth the spirit , but let his light shine . Peace is at hande if thou canst but affect her . Thy Prince ( O Holland ) is neither rigorous nor cruell . I fought be passed which any greeue thée , thinke thy selfe hath béene cause thereof , each thing may easily be amended , if in case thou wilt be ruled by reason , his lappe is open , his goodnesse is readie , séeke peace , and all will be well : Thou shalt be holpe , appeased and disburthened , and fedde as a limme of the patrimony : Turne to thy wonted obedience , acknowledge thy superiors .

All shal be well , and things past forgotten .

T Is time , t is time , that thou shouldest perceiue thine owne welfare , and hasten to peace before it waxe too late , for although thou doest abound in wealth and content , whereof thy courage swelleth , yet think how others in like case haue béene serued when they refused the peace , t is wisedome to take occasion when it is proffered , and helpe himselfe with fortune when she smileth . The Athenians because they once subdued and gouerned the Spartans , Athens . thought to gouerne all with their might , and would hearken to no peace , but what happened vnto those which they thought to suppresse , they became their subiects . This is the worldes course in all humaine affaires , which to day exalt , and to morrow wil make a slaue .

Wise is he who at others harmes doth warning take .

WHen the vnwise Romains reiected the swéet peace which Caesar kindly offered them , Rome . and that ( as the historie saith ) Pompeius with his armies thought to withstand Caesars might , a fire was kindled , which consumed the earth and ruined Rome the mightie people lost his former libertie : Pompey was murthered , and all the nobilitie subdued : and in that sort that monarchy which whilome ruled and swayed ouer the world was subdued & brought to nought , where ( if they had accepted peace ) they might haue continued in their former estate . Consider this , the time is the manifester of all hidden things , marke then what profit occasion well taken doth bring .

Vnwise is he who the vncertaine before the sure doth prefer .

Carthage . ALso if Carthage had helde , and not violated the true peace which was granted them by Fabius , they might very well haue shunned the destruction which after befell them , when the Romaines the second time raised their standardes against them . Had Mithridates accepted the alliance which was kindly proffered him , Mithridates . he had neuer fallen into those daungers , nor in the wars which dured fortie yeares , but because he could not fancie peace , he spoiled his kingdome & lost his life . Iugurtha Also had not Iugurtha through euill counsaile reiected the peace offered him , hee had neuer béene caryed captiue to Rome , where hee ended his life in miserie and thrail .

He neuer fared well , that on the warre him founded .

WHen Israel departed out of the deserts , trauelling with great paine towardes the land of promise , they requested king Sehon to let them passe peaceably , Sehon . they not desiring to hurt his realme , but he proud and vnwise rather chose warre , then peace with loue , wherefore obstinacie had her reward , being cause that he lost both kingdome and life . Also when the Beniamites euill minded , Beniamites . had sinned and disturbed all Israel , might at the beginning of the broyles with small amends haue ceased the warres , but no , they came into the field against their brethren , by which they were pittifully discomfited , and 25000. of them were slayne , and their Cittie burnt all within thrée daies .

Hee that neglecteth occasion proffered , needes not complaine .

10.

NEuer had béene séene the heapes of murthered Troianes and flouds of their blood , nor yet that flourishing kingdome spoyled by the valiant Gréekes , who at the first proffered them conditions of peace , but alas they were bereaued of their former wittes , not being able to loue peace . Had eke the victorious Persian Cirus accepted the peace in Scithia , which Tomyris sonne proffered him , he had not béen discomfited and slain in that vnluckie battaile , where all his hoste ( though great ) was put to the sworde , and his seuered head was ( by Tomiris ) bathed in his owne blood , O mischieuous and vnluckie chance . But yet more , O the mischieuous and wicked workes of men which do cause them .

He that is prouident , may beware in time .

11.

THe Citie of Siracusa so highly renowned , that she was compared to Carthage , is not she likewise come to the like mishap , Siracuse . and by the warre pittifully spoyled ? for they also reiected the peace which Marcelles was willing to giue them , they stood very stoutly vpon their instruments , which Archimedes made them , wherwithall in the Romain Campe they did many wonderfull exploits to their aduantage , yet notwithstanding their triple wall , all their couragious soldiers , nor yet their strange deuises did any whit profite them against the Romaine wrath , but were ouerthrowne and made pillage , where they lost both their honour , and fréedome .

He that lets a good opotunitie escape , may after want it .

12.

HAd Iudea ( when she was kindled with anger and desire to deliuer her selfe from the Romaine subiection ) with prouidence shunned the perill which hung ouer her heade , Iudea . and learned to breake her high minded and rebellious courage , before Vespatian came , who ( as is known ) brought them all into desolation , she had neuer felt that gréeuous smart , whereof whole histories are scarce able to tell the miserie : she might haue had mercie & béen conserued , where to the contrarie she hath aboade more miserie then any people on earth . O how wise is he , who séeketh rest and tranquillitie . why chuse you the badde rather then the good ? is not vnitie farre better then dissention ?

What reason will not do , experience teacheth .

13.

Cosroe . THe king Cosroe that mightie potentate , who continually raised the Persian estate , had he kindly accepted the peace , which vnfaynedly was by the Emperour proffered , hee had had fortune so his wish , & her whéele wold not so soone haue turned . Heraclius sought peace , as the thing most beneficiall vnto both : but Cosroe was therewithall not appaid , he thirsted after warre , and hee was suffised , with thrée sundry battailes , which all went against him , had not he scorned the Emperors kindnesse , & refused peace , he had not had that reprochfull discomfiture , nor brought himselfe and his people in that distresse . Marke then what negligence doth cause , when in time one cannot foresee his owne good .

What strife doth spoyle , doth bind the peace .

14.

1519. 1521. HOw fared in old time the Spanish band , which also knew not their superiors counsaile , they were offered peace to ende the broyles , but they rather chose the warre , and the miseries of the same which was the cause that they were persecuted , banisht and slaine , he who refuseth peace proffered , doth not deserue to haue it afterwardes . N●ples . F●s●a . And how often haue the Neapolitaines béene distressed ? Moreouer reade what of Friesland is written for they being in strife with the Saxons , refused peace : yea more came in the field with the Emperour . Wherefore O Holland take care to deale wisely , accept peace , strife hath endured enough .

The whole bodie greeues at the discord of the limmes .

15.

BOth Cleueland and Gelderland can record what profite the warre bringes , when peace is refused , had they somewhat abased their high mindes as they were counsayled , they had not fallen into the destruction which hath ruined all the land . Moreouer call to remembrance O Holland what issue the broiles in North Holland tooke , North Holland . when thy communaltie rebelliously were risen vp against their Magistrates , and as enraged people ran about , all their mindes being bent to murther and bloodshed , they also were proffered peace , but they desirous to liue at libertie and rule all thinges to their owne fancie refused the same , where through at last they were well punished for their foolish pretence .

It seldome goes well where the people doth rule .

16.

O Friend , let this bee a looking glasse vnto thée , these examples are manifest and knowne . Shunne strife , and desire peace : let none spare himselfe to that swéet and delectable estate , visit thy prince , send thy ambassadors , not to nourish the warre , nor to exile peace , but endeuour thy selfe to vnity , for concordia is the swéetest treasure on earth , thy neighbors and allies desire the same , giue eare vnto them : thy superiors expect thée and will heare thée , and their hearts are bent to thée , depart from this wicked resistance , whereunto some counsaile thée , but the craftie and subtill séeke more their owne profite thereby , then thy preferment , or thy countries good . It is alwaies good fishing in troubled water , and cutting broade girdles out of other mens leather .

A fayned friend ought to be shunned as an enemie .

17.

THou art fedde with lies and dissimulations , thou art perswaded to exclude the truth , and that thy vertues and praise shall be extolled in the places where the earth is full of veynes of gold , thou art euery where greatly estéemd , because thou canst so mightily rule Mars himselfe . In the East and North thy fame is spread , by reason whereof thou thinkest all the world will adore thée , thou persuadest thy selfe to be inuincible , but surely it will faile thée , for God doth alwaies abate such high minds : thou wilt neither stoop nor obay , but séekest to become a common wealth of some newe manner : consider I pray what a man doth in his wantonnesse when ease and pride hath possessed his heart : are all thy deedes allowed ? wilt thou no more harber after subiection .

Where force is a counsailour , wisdome is forgotten .

18.

BVt finally ( Holland ) thou shalt find thyne error : there were neuer yet found rebels , which in their faults were not confuted & ouerthrowen , with plagues as is euery where seen and known : take examples in Gods house it selfe , where an Angell raysed himselfe against the Almightie God , yea an Angell who in glory and beautie farre surpassed all the rest , as scriptures do vnfolde , fell hee not and the rest with an incurable wound ? because against their soueraigne they rebelled : from the most highest he was made the basest , from the fayrest to the ouglyest , from great glorie to eternall confusion : a short pleasure bringeth great griefe , an example to all subiectes .

What rebellion winnes is no victorie .

19.

Israelites . HOw often hath Israel beene plagued of God , brought in néed and chastised , when the commandement of Moyses did not like them , and did still transgresse the same : also how wonderfully God punished the 10. tribes which were rebelled from the royall seat & subiection of Iuda . Absolon . Also Absolon with his complices very shamefully rose vp in armes against Dauid , and a thousand others ( too long to rehearse ) the which God hath punished . Rebellion is an infection , a stinke , a thing hated , an ouerruled mallice , and iniustice , the picture and image of hellish discord . A poyson of a deadly composition , a tree bearing deadly fruit .

A common wealth is spoyled where strife is begunne .

20.

THe heathen histories do also record how seuerely the Citie of Thebes in Grecia was punished for her rebellion , being reuolted from the Macedonians , but they had losse in stead of profit , and in stead of libertie were brought in more seruitude . Capua . Numatia . Capua also lost her glorie , when she began to rebell : how deare did Numatia buy her foolish rebellion , and the Italian vassalles which rose vp against the Romaine estate ? Bellum sociale Bataui . How fared the Batauians ( thy first seede ) in their rebellion during Vespasians raygne , the beginning was luckie , but the ende desolate , as Tacitus shewes in his Romaine Chronicle .

He that seekes to raise himselfe falles often in the dirt .

21.

HOw much blood hath Italie shed when the enraged people set their mutinies abroach , and ( as we finde written ) the Germaine Emperor appeased them . What Germany endured in that time , when Carolus Quintus raigned , Germany . is manifest , the Magistrates were exiled for their libertie , the beginning had a faire glose , but the end proued bad : In summe all people and nations haue beene destroyed by their rebellion , the bookes are ful of their doings , and the memorie thereof will neuer perish : wherefore O Holland take example by them then , accept concord which is offered thee , behold the truth , put off that ougly maske , behold anothers woundes and heale thy selfe .

A peace seeking heart doth find peace euery where .

22.

WHereupon doest thou put thy trust , and whet thy clawes to shew thy strength ? doest thou thinke no bodie shall hinder thee , & that thou shalt vse thy superiors power , he will at some time escape , although thou passest not therefore ) and as a Lion shew thee his grinning teeth . Of thy great trafficke thou art very proude as though thou onely couldest rule the same , and make it continue , but no , not so , for that stands not in humaine power , onlie in God , who doth it giue and take : that floode would soone bee runne dry , those incommes which now doth fill thy Casse will soon melt , the maine foundation whereon thy common wealth doeth liue is of people diuers of minds and humors , and a variable thréed who so thereon doth weaue , shal be subiect to many mutations .

Where the communaltie is mad can be no stable estate .

23.

THy common wealth is vnstedfast , it cannot endure , whom to day they raise , to morrow they pull downe : the fauors of the people are neither rockes nor walles , but continually wauering as the leafe by the wind , they will be grieued and become wanton , as then looke for a mutation . They which now raigne and rule , and by their computation sit fast , shal fall in indignation , and what then shal follow is knowne to God . But this is alwaies the end where such tumultuous people beare any sway . Is it not better to haue peace , while as yet thy case seemes sure and stable , then to stay vntill occasion doth turne from thée , and fortune change , according to her variable and euer chaunging vse .

When one stayes too long the sore waxeth incurable .

24.

O Hollandia that féedest thy selfe with strife and contention , and blindly louest warre and trouble , wee admonish thée , and God shews thee tokens to the end thou shouldst rise out of this entangled net to thine owne good , why dost thou hate peace ? why dost thou shed the blood of thy brethren ? what are we Barbarians , man-eating Caniballes or heathens forsaken of God ? Oh no , but thinke that thou doest it for christians , thy owne country men and neerest friends : driue Mars from hence , and let vs with a christian like mind , knit our forces , strength and treasures together , let vs oppose our selues against Gods enemies in Hungaria , where now Christendome prospereth , and driue out the Turke , who intendes to deuour vs : there is a rightfull warre and well founded .

He fightes well who Gods prayse doth exalt .

25.

LEt concordia descend , let the fire bee quenched which euery where flameth . Discordia doth sell her baite deare : we can find no liking in her , a louely vnion would please vs far better then thus to drinke Mars his bittter reuenge . Come Holland , cease thy ire , the swéet Doue presents vnto thy hands an Oliue branch . In peace is ioy , rest and ease : in peace we shall become amiable . The warre makes all thinges féeble and weake : Peace féeds and heales : discord and contention doth banish all good : Peace bréedes good successe , vnion and loue . Come O Holland , let peace shine , for in sure peace consistes thine and my safety .

Where peace dwels good lucke is manifold .

All is well that ends well .

The Hollanders Answere to the seduced Prouinces vpon the rehearsed Admonition .

THat the bloody warre doth destroy and spoile all things , and that the swéet peace is a great treasure and highly estéemed , that know I better then thy selfe , although thou admonish me . But sithence that peace is so much by thee desired , why then doest thou not preach the same vnto thy Idoll Phillip of Spaine , who what with hanging , strangling , murthering , and burning , destroyeth ( in a manner ) all the worlde , as to all is manifest , for he continually doth not only plague me , but also Barbary , the East and west Indies , him you do not correct , but allow it all , whereby we manifestly see that among the meat which thou proferest , vs , is mixed mortall poyson , which with reason wee hate : warie consideration shewes and explaines me thy meaning , and that thou seekest nothing els but to hang a nette ouer our heades , thou hast at more times deceyued my subiects : thou shalt not as now effect any thing , for we know thy old trickes .

Know ye that it is bad taking one Foxe with an other .

Yet all peace is not good , for a fained peace which should be hurtfull , or which might cause losse of lawfull liberty or priuiledges a rightfull war is to be preferred before such a peace . THe laudes of a true peace I cannot enough pronounce : my pen is too quicke , my tongue too vnskilfull : one that were far more enriched , yea with heauenly skill were not able enough to expresse the same . All places in the world are seene ( through peace ) to farewell and the countries to flourish . A right peace defendeth both the land and people from trouble : an vnfained honorable peace is the best thing that one can desire , but thinke not therefore that I will with thee consent to accept any peace , as if they were all in one degree : No , I assure my selfe , that any war to withstand an enemie is both laudable and honorable , and to the contrarie some peace hurtfull and nought : warres vndertaken for honorable causes tending for himselfe and his , their goodes or life , for freedome or in defence of Gods lawes are honorable , but peace which threatens the losse of all these may ( with right ) be refused : against such one may make a rightfull warre .

T is an accursed peace which destroyes Gods word .

Which peace is good and to be desired . WHen peace doth free from care and trouble , when she diminisheth the daungers and perilles , when by her meanes great costs and charges are forborne : when she yeeldeth quiet and tranquillitie of life and minde : as then it is a holy worke to make peace with our enemie . But when as one standeth in doubt and feare , Which peace is nought and to be shunned least vnder the peace her faire vaile lie not hidden some secrete mischiefe , then she is mortall venome mixed in a wholesome potion . One ought alwaies to be bent to peace , ( so farre forth she be cleare from deceit and daunger ) we are naturally giuen to seeke peace , but not in such sort that she should be worse then the warre : for without securitie of life goodes and conscience what is it ? That the name of peace should onely bee vnto vs a deceitfull pleasure : a peace whereby one doth leese freedome and libertie is a detestable plague in the eares of the wise .

A rightfull warre is better then a faigned peace .

WHerefore we haue here wisely to consider if it bee not damageable to make peace with euery one , if that with procuring a peace we subuert not our selues into an eternall slauerie , in such sort that wee had better to endure the warre , then to liue in a peace which bréedes seruitude . Many haue by warres wonne their libertie , & maintained the same : others by bad peace haue made slaues , A true libertie is to be preferred aboue life . Thou shewest vs the disasters of the peace with many examples , as if with ( trusting therin ) did seeke after it , but yet many haue in choosing peace won their welfare and exiled tiranny : others haue through peace lost their libertie , and through their light beliefe béene made slaues . Libertie is the chiefest thing during ones life , her we ought with our life to maintaine : in the defence of life and goods one will endaunger himselfe , but yet aboue all , libertie is to be preferred .

It is honor to expose his life in defence of his libertie and patrimony .

IN the defence of our libertie and securitie , Which to attaine the war were enterprised , & to keep them they must be continnued , expecting by the grace of God a good issue . Saguntines . Athens . Our desire of peace hath alwaies appeared but hath been but badly recompensed . which wee will not misse : we are altogether zealously bent , which our burning zeale shall not be quenched , nor is there any one in that respect , which shall turne our minds , we hate them with our hartes which herein contrarie vs : we fight couragiously and willingly , the armes shall not easily be pulled out of our handes , neyther yet doe we reioyce in bloodie battailes , we hope the best , being alwaies readie rather to abide the hardest brunt , then to bee made slaues . The noble Saguntines , haue in spite of their foes rather chosen to die by famine and miserie , then by a slauish peace to saue their liues . The Athenians too weak for the might of the Barbarians , haue rather suffred their cittie to bee ouerthrowne and spoyled , then to be brought vnder their subiection .

An honourable death is to bee preferred before a slauish life .

The treatise of peace at Breda was dearly bought by those of Buerē Leerdam . Ouwater , Shoonhouen , and Zieriezee . The pacification of Gaunt was of the Spanish side most trecherously violated , as it was concluded before the treatise was made as apeared by diuers letters . By meanes of the treatise of peace of Cullen , was Mastricht , Artoys , Haynalt , and Flaunders , seuered and rent from the other vnited prouinces , & broght again vnder the Spanish yoke . Anno 88 when with the Spanish Armado all seemd to be conquered , as then the peace was also spoken of . Anno 94. when Ernestus so flatteringly , profferd peace by Ieronimus Coema●s , and Otto Hartius . THat I haue sought to bring all things to an vnfained peace , hath appeared by my peaceable dealing : but thou hast alwaies , sought ( vnder thy peace ) to couer deceit . In the treatise of peace at Breda , appeared thy deceitfull trickes . Bueren Leerdam , Ouwater , Shoonhouen , beare yet the markes of thy peace : Immediatly after Ziericzee was beset . The pacification of Gaunt thou didst violate : thy pretence appeared by the letters of Escouedo . Also by the letters of the Baron of Selles which he brought with him at Mechelen , from the Spanish counsaile . The violation of Don Ian against honor , oath and law manifestly appeared : it may be said without feare , that nothing but treasons and surmises were intended in all thy faire shewes of peace , stretching to the annulling and exiling of the vertuous . T is in vaine , thy faultes are no more to be fauoured .

But vntruth hath yet hitherto paid his mayster .

HOw deceitfull , shamefull , & pernicious was the treatise of peace of Cullen vnto me , the time hath taught . The siege of the good Citie of Mastricht with many other subtill deuices haue also bewrayed the same , Artoys and Henalt with others were thereby seduced . The dealing with Flaunders ( to my losse ) and to what peace thou and thine were inclined , when the Prince of Parma proffered peace to her Maiestie , was manifestly shewed by the Spanish Fleete . More what peace Ernestus brought who sought to murther his excellencie , as if there by all matters might be pacified . More , the heade of the Inquisition , Lieuetenant vnto thy holy father , ( yea when it was least suspected ) sheweth his cruell nature , which ( not a yeare agoe ) buried a silly maiden aliue .

A foole is he that will be a slaue if he may chuse .

IF so it were that we desired peace , yet there is no meanes to recouer the same of the Spaniard , the ground and foundation of truth to bind peace , dependeth on the faith , this may not be forsaken : without faith or trust no accorde is to bee made which one may trust on , or that will dure , or ought to forbeare any alliance with those which kept not their word , faith , nor oath : feare of vnthankfulnesse causeth an vnquiet minde . The faith is the onely thing whereon peace must be built , and where she is absent ( wheron we ought to build ) we must like an Oxe stande in feare of the axe : this is euen the true exposition thereof . Let the peace defend vs from the euils present and to come , for by a broken peace , to run againe to the warres it falles crueller then before , and brings farre more griefe and trouble .

Alliance without truth , breeds feare of life and goods .

NO Wolues Beares , Lyons , nor Tygers neuer so ouer cruell are not so pernicious as vnfaithfulnesse , for if so bee that they intend to assaile any one they will roare and bray : before the wracke the sea and tempest will tosse the shippe to and fro , Perfidie is the highest mischiefe in mens dealing . and before it raynes the cloudes will frowne : but vnfaithfulnesse séekes by all subtill and deceitfull meanes and faire shewes to couer the intended mischiefe , thereby to draw his allyes into danger . There is nothing more perillous then an enemie supposed a friend , for we are carefull of our known foes , with armes , regard & watch to preuent them . Also courage , vnitie , & inuincible strength asist vs , but the enemie who is a supposed friend , Embden . hath meanes to mischieue vs both night and day . Embden is our glasse by which we haue séen what lurketh vnder false friendship .

Wise is he who by his countries harme is taught foresight .

10.

THe Spaniards peace are méere lies and deceit , It is impossible to make a firme & true peace with the Spaniard . a very Iudas kisse wherewith they seeke to betray vs , yea euen the peace which Ioab gaue Amasa , euen so they intend with faire words to ruine vs . Thou that seekest peace giuest vs occasion to refuse thy peace , It appeareth by thy reasons , though they are cunningly couered : for thou praisest thy prince to be full of mercie , that his lappe is open , his goodnesse readie . But thou sayest presently after : If he were cruell and seuere , it were no maruell , for he hath reason , being that we are cause of our owne hurt . This is enough , we are content : but sooner shall heauen and earth be ioyned , sooner shall water and fire ( through arte ) be mixed together , then I will enter into such peace with thee , which would in no way be beneficiall vnto vs .

He that sees another burne , let him beware of ●indging .

11.

The first proofe . The vse of princes . THis I proue by the nature and vse of many Princes : the olde aduentures and experiences doe also teach the same , that they should neuer enter into alliance or make peace , vnlesse wee know it to be to their furtherance and profit , that also they shoulde not keepe the same no longer ( without brabling ) then it shoulde be to their good and profite . Machiauell their maister doeth also giue this precept , Machiauels doctrine . Iulius Cesar . that any promise which a prince might haue made , he neede not to hold , if hee find any damage thereby . Iulius Caesar also vsed to say , if one may breake a promise or a right against any liuing , Lysander . one may do it to gouerne or rule . This is also Lysanders opinion : with bables ( saith he ) one deceiues children , but those of ryper yeares and iudgement with oathes , eyther to reuenge an iniurie , or to hinder and repulse the intent & might of ones enemy .

Great trust giues the faithlesse meanes to work mischiefe .

12.

Iulius Pope . IVlius the second of that name Pope of Rome said that neither with Spaniards , Dutch , or Wallons ( whom hee named Barbaros ) he neuer did enter into peace , but onely to withdrawe them backe out of Italie . Maximillian Phillips grandfather was also wont to say , Maximilian . that hee neuer made peace with the French but to reuenge his former wrongs , which hee supposed to haue receiued . Antiochus Illustris deceyued Ierusalem by false peace . We find how Antiochus Illustris with a deceiptful intent made peace with the Iewes , and immediately after sent his Generall Apollonius , who vtterly destroyed and burned Ierusalem : the people he made captiues , and constrained them to forsake their God . Those which circumcised themselues , hee crossed & murdred , the women he strangled , and killed the children about their necks .

Mistrust is the best weapon against tyrants .

13.

ANtiochus Empator through the counsaile of Lysias besieged Ierusalem , and begirt the same with his troupes : Antiochus Empator deceyued the Iewes by false peace . but perceyuing he should not take the same by force , he sought to deceiue them with a false peace , makes an agréement with them , permits them to vse their lawes and religion with their libertie , but hauing entred the citie , he neither respected oath nor honor , but caused all the walles and fortresses of the Cittie to bee pulled downe . Through his command was many a man drowned , captiued , Alcimus to his owne kindred . and murthered . Alcimus did great mischiefe in murthering & strangling , when he desired peace with his owne linage , hee being of the Tribe of Aron , no harme was suspected in him , in somuch that this great trusting hath béene deere vnto the Iewes . Tryphon . Ionathan . Ionathan had neuer béene betrayed by Tryphon , had hee not giuen credit to his words , but should rather haue prepared himselfe to the combat with him .

Vnwise is he who by peace expeecteth any good of the wicked .

14.

THat we haue reason to feare can we farther explain , A more particular vse of Princes towardes their subiectes . in that a mighty prince or potentate being displeased with his subiects ; and must fauour them for some occasion , cannot wholly depose his wrath , but wel dissemble the same for a while : insomuch that when he finds oportunitie there is no punishment , no reuenge , so vnmercifull or cruell , which is badde inough ( in his opinion ) for the former committed offence : and although he sweare to keepe inuiolably the peace , yet ought one neuerthelesse to feare , because who now keep their word so little as princes to their subiectes , for they estéeme it a small matter , being we sée they seldome make peace with them ( being in contention ) vnlesse they be thereto ( by extreame neede ) compelled . Then followes ( as they estéeme ) that any oath taken through compulsion may be broken when they wil. And to verifie this , we cannot find any example that a prince , who though he haue neuer so solemnely sworne truce .

But finding oportunitie hath not reueng'd his wrong .

15.

LOdouicus the seconde King of France , Lewes the second . was forced to conclude and make a peace with his subiects which had deposed him , the which he solemnely swore , but yet afterwards hee made them all subtilly away . The Duke of Nemours , Burgundie , and Arminiac lost their liues , yea hee was so much bent to reuenge , that he poisoned his owne brother Charles : A kings crueltie cuts all through , The king of Feza . and nothing can resist the same . The King of Feza being lately besieged by his younger brother was compelled to craue a peace , the communaltie obtayned reasonable conditions betweene both , whereunto they were sworne . The king being escaped this danger , his brother comming to embrace him , he strangled him & caused him to be cast out of the window . Many one thinks himselfe secure when he is in most daunger .

Vnder the greenest grasse lurks the most venomous snake .

16.

Henry the 6. HEnry the sixt of that name King of England , was forced to make an agréement with Rychard Duke of Yorke , whereunto he firmely swore & promised the said Richard and his heires the succession of the crowne after his death , but notwithstanding all that , hee was afterwardes slaine in the fielde by the kinges procurement . Anthonius Caracalla . Anthonius Caracalla in reuenge of some flout or mockerie done to him , by subtill practices put to death all the youth of Alexandria in a place where they were assembled , not doubting of any such mischiefe . Ferdinandus of Arragon also broke his oath , Ferdinandus . and promise done vnto his nobles who had conspired against him , for hee caused them all secretly to bee made away , although notwithstanding diuers Princes were as sureties vnto the said promise .

It is bad going as a guest vnder sureties into a Lions denne .

17.

THe mercy which we are to expect , should 100. yeares after the day be bemoaned by our successors , An especiall cause why of the Spaniardes we expect neither pardon , nor obliuion of our factes . for they esteeme vs worse then Iewes , heathens , or Turkes , yea we are all condemned to lose both our liues and goods , for we haue rent the yoke of the tyrant from our neckes , and haue openly taken armes against him , his false idolatry we haue exiled , and wholly changed the same according to the scriptures : renounced the king , & proclaimed him an enemie , as the cruell Spanish broode which hath sworne our spoile : against the Inquisition no meanes haue beene spared , and all done what was possible to smother their crueltie . Wee haue chosen other Potentates , this is treason to his Maiestie in the highest degrée : wherefore we assure our selues that all hope of mercy is lost , & that thou séekest to deceaue vs with thy swéet words .

He that belieues easily , is cause of his owne harme .

18.

WHat beliefe or faith ought to be held vnto them who haue sinned so grosly , An example of his deedes and nature , Granada . what pardon we shold haue ( God be praised ) we know it is a mockerie that thou tellest vs our offences shall be pardoned , by them who are more inclined to reuenge then pardon : we remember how pittifully Granada was vsed , the inhabitants exiled , and the countrie planted with Castilians , their goods confiscated and themselues made slaues , going with a marke burnt in their foreheades . Arragon . Also how he handled Aragon against the lawes and priuiledges of the same wherunto he was sworne , he condemneth the right , slayeth it as a foe , as soone as hee had got the lande in his possession : marke but the couenantes whereunto the countrie had sworne him , and how they were performed to many a ones griefe : he that will not learne by all these examples , let him prepare himselfe to die or to be made a slaue .

A reuengefull harte respecteth not honor nor oth to haue his will .

19.

HE that most will seeke to know the kings kinde , let him sée what seruants he vseth , and let him call their valiant déeds to mind , and what commissioners of his haue beene in this country , Granuelle , Vergas , Roda , and the Duke D'Alba their maister in crueltie : Don Ian with Escouedo , and others which were not to be glutted with blood , and were ( without faith , truth , or honor ) prompt to spoile , robbe , burne and destroy . Don Ian said that a king were fitter to inherit woods , trées mountains , beasts , water or other sencelesse things , then to be Lord of a mightie countrie , wherein he should suffer so much as one rebell , or any one of contrary religion , which at his pleasure hee might not put to death . The Marquisse of Kisbrooke had rather flowen ( with his ) to the Diuel then to leaue persecuting the Heretikes : that they had such intents they were not ashamed to shew not onely in this country , but through all the world .

The man doth purpose , but God doth dispose .

20.

THe West Indians much commend the Spaniard , in 〈◊〉 it appeares by the countrie , which was wont like an Ant 〈◊〉 to abound in people , which now by the Spaniards bloody handes are all murthered , falling on them without reason or occasion : within these few yeares they strangled & murthered aboue 180. times hundreth thousand liuing soules . In Castile are not by the thousand part so many bloodthirstie roagues , as in the lande guiltlesse haue béene smothered : who euer heard of more horrible crueltie , no tongue so learned that can fully set forth the same . He that desireth to know further hereof , let him reade Bartolomeus de las Casas , who writes that they haue rent the infants from the breasts of their mothers , taking them by the legs dashed out their braines against the stones , cut in péeces and throwne to the dogges : many hundrethes haue béene by the dogges deuoured , many rosted , sodde , & inhumanely deuoured .

The commemoration hereof would wound a stony heart .

21.

IF yet thy king estéeme his honor aboue reuenge , yet in his religion he will neuer budge , His religion . which concludes ( as by the counsayle of Constance was decréede , whereon wee ought to consider ) that one néedes not kéepe any oath vnto Heretickes : this giues vs occasion enough to mistrust , for though the king had sworne vnto vs a thousand oaths , An. 1080. when it pleaseth the Pope ( on whom more then on God they trust ) he may be discharged of his oath . Pope Gregorie the 7. was the first that made this law against the Emperour Henry the fourth , who displeasing him , hee put him in the banne , The Bishops of M●nts and Cullin . and egged and incited Rodolphus of Swaben against him , after he had giuen him a dispensation of the oath , which the saide Rodolph had done to the Emperour . But so it happened that in the conflict Rodolphus lost his right hand , wherefore he said vnto the Bishops his counsaylors : Lo there Gods iust punishment wee not respected . There lies now the hand which swore homage vnto Henry my true Lord .

It is lost labour to seek to deceyue God .

22.

Tom. 3. Consil . fol. 860. THe counsaile of Constance not onely concluded , to keepe no faith vnto Heretickes , but moreouer constrained and commanded , to breake , rent and annullate the sworne oath . It appeareth by the Emperour Sygismundus who was very loath so shamefully to breake his oath , done to the king Laodislaus , Iohannes Hus Ieronimus de Praga . Eccius in Lutherum , counsailes the Emperour to breake his oth in putting them to death . Hus & Prage contrary to and against his safeconduct were throwne in the fire . Eccius practised also to vse those tricks against Luther in Worms as aboue is said , maintaining these decrées very stoutly to the Emperours preiudice , that hee shoulde retire his giuen conducte , yea more that he was bound to do it by the councles decrée , if he would be reputed a true sonne vnto the holy Church . The Spanyard is named thus , as in pardons are séene , hee being very obedient to worke after that order .

One refraines often from euill through diligent consideration .

23.

BY this Constantish and holy fathers decrée , Iulianus , was the Cardinal Iulianus sent into Hungarie to giue knowledge vnto Iohannes Huniades that he might break the truce betwéen the Turks : from which thing he woulde fayne haue refrained as vnlawfull , for hee resisted the same a great while , but was by the Councell forced , wherefore he refused the Turkish peace . The Hungarians began the warres very stoutly : but the Turkes greatly displeased with that faithlesse déede , assembled a mighty hoast , with which they fell in Hungarie like hungry Wolues , beating al the Christians wholly out of the field . There died the Cardinall and Laodislao : here it appeared that vnto them , & not vnto God their faithlesse behauiour is a pleasure , for hee that brake the sworne truce , trusting on his strength in stead of hoped victory they had a shamefull discomfiture .

Vntruth and pride neuer remaine vnpunished .

24.

SEcondly this is a Maxime of the Papall doctrine that one may do euill if good procéed thereof , The second part of his religion . Iesuites . especially if it be to the furtherance of the holy Church , and enterprised to that end , the Iesuites those murtherers of Princes , say and affirme , that one may bereaue kings , princes , and Lords of their liues , dissemble any manner of way to deceaue the Heretickes , & that any euil is good , so it procéed of a good intent . Thirdly the Popes authoritie . Thirdly such might is giuen to the Pope , that he can binde and vnbinde any thing which is in the compasse of the worlde , that is , hee may cast downe or raise Empires and kingdomes , and discharge or keepe oathes : the Pope is all aboue all , hee may alwaies aboue and against right doe what hee will : hee hath the right of the king of kinges , for no man how great soeuer may say , The Canon . why doest thou so .

The Pope ( with you ) is no man , but a God on earth .

25.

The faithlesse neuer wants occasion . FInally the perfidious ( when hee espies oportunitie to reuenge his wronges ) whereunto they are generally addicted , wantes no excuses and occasions to breake his oath . They will kéepe their oathes in small matters , to the ende , that when time serues , they may through their dissimulations worke their will the better : this was shewed vnto Scipio Africanus by Fabius , saying didst thou not once trust to Syphacius , The counsell of Fabius . and Numidis , let it be a warning vnto thée not to be deceaued againe : for the trothlesse keeps his word and oath in small thinges , thereby the better to attaine the good opinions of euery one , by the which he may with lesse perill & more profite worke his treason . Hee then that refuseth Gods manifest aide against the sword , must be seene to bee deceyued with the Oliue branch and faire shew of peace .

Once deceyued one hath the more cause alwaies to mistrust his foe .

26.

OVt of these aboue written examples and reasons , is to bee perceyued , that Holland and her allies are well informed and resolued not to enter into peace so vnaduisedly with the proud Spaniard , but continually mistrust his wonted treacherie ; the more hauing considered that many nations haue been through their easie belieuing and too much trusting deceiued , and almost spoyled : others to the contrarie , mistrusting , and by their diligent foresight haue eschued their approching perilles , preserued their libertie , and defended their common wealth : it is bad to stand at anothers mercie , & especially of his enemies whom one hath iniured Magdenburge , and Rochel , Magdenburge Rochell . chose rather to dye in the desence of their libertie , then to trust to those which are wicked by nature , whereby they haue preserued themselues , who else were now ouerthrowne .

Through stedfastnes the Crown of victorie is wonne .

27.

THe Admirall of France had he not reiected the many aduertisementes and counsels giuen him , The Admirall of France trusting to the many oathes of the king was with many thousands pittifully murthered . Parthes Artabanus . he had not beene so pittifully murdred : the dissimulations of Charles the 9. had not beene so hurtfull vnto him : at Paris had not happened such a massacre where the streets were strawed with murthered bodies of 10000. Protestantes , besides many thousandes in other Cities : Who would not abhorre such crueltie , and rather choose an honorable war , before such treacherous agreements . Had Artabanus not put too much confidence in his enemie , the Parthians had not béene by Bascianus Caracalla so cruelly murthered , had hee not geuen consent to the match of his daughter , hee had protected the people from that destruction for when Caracalla more like an enemie then a frende , with his men came for his bryde , the Parthians comming in amiable sort , weaponlesse to receiue him , hee in a moment fell with his men vpon them , Artabanus hardly escaped , he saw his people massacred .

The vnexperienced must often times learne to their damage .

28.

THe plagues which thou preposest vnto vs , which thou sayest fel vpon these which scorn peace , we neyther expect nor feare them , because that the estates nor causes of such as thou namest are not to be compared to ours , the example which thou shewest vs of Iulius Caesar , is without sence , and not any way to the purpose ; Iulius Cesar . Example shewing also that the greatest potentates ought to keep themselues within their owne limmits , and to know God . for Caesar sought ( through ambition ) to be chiefe of Rome , thereby to bercaue them of their former libertie , he sought thereby to transport ( at his pleasure ) the armies into Italie , to bring his paternitie to slauerie , yet in the end he bought it with his life , wherefore the example is in our behalfe , and shewes vs in that as Iulius Caesar bought his paternity in slauery : euen so hath done the king of Spaine , seeking to suppresse these countries , yet God punisheth his pride , by that little Prouince which he little doubted , insomuch that his punishment is no lesse then Caesars .

As the deede is so deserues it like punishment .

29.

Carthage . CArthage did often make peace with Rome : but they broke it againe , setting aside al honor and oathes , whereat the Romaines being iustly moued , because they esteemed their oath so much , and yet were vsed contrarily , they made towards Carthage with all their powers , and recompenced them for their treachery : the deede deserued no lesse , for falsenesse and periury are commonly requited with losse , and that thou comparest vs vnto Mithridates , that hath no resemblance , neither any way Mithridates intendes to subuert Asia and Europe vnder his subiection : Mithridates . murthers many Romains , yea wil ouer●●●ow Rome it selfe , for which cause the Romaines with a great host resisted him , vanquished and punished him accordingly , Phillip ( like Mithridates ) meant to ouerrunne al the earth , and become a Monarche , shall if it please God finde like fare ,

For they that couet all , commonly loose all .

30.

Iugurtha . EVen as Iugurth wrongfully ruled ouer the Numedians , so haue Phillips Predicessors against all right tyranized ouer many kingdomes , as Cicilia , Naples , the Indies and such like , but they shall yet with right , withdrawe themselues from him , yea through Gods iust iudgement rise vp all against him , as we with reason haue abandoned him , for as it is wonne so it will thriue .

Sehon . As the Israelites desired Sehon to let them passe peaceably , and quietly through his land , which he refusing , the Israelites had good occasion to fal on him & destroy him euen so haue we onely sought as obedient subiectes according to our paternall right to enioy our libertie , this not onely is refused , but also those which sued for the same , and many others were slaine : This vnmeasurable crueltie moues and compels vs to resist and hate the Spanish broode .

It is lawfull to resist force , when necessitie constraines .

Paris . PAris most trecherously bereaued Menelaus of Helena his dear wife , who first in frendship was by the Grecians asked again , but the denyall incited them to anger in such sort , that they assembled a mighty host , and finally the Troians as they deserued were ruined : so also the king of Spaine shall not easily cleare himselfe from these countries , because he hath rauished our Helen , which is our libertie , the which to recouer , we will not feare to aduenture our liues and liuing , vntill the last droppe of our bloode , for who would liue content being bereaued of so sweete a blessing , and to liue in bondage of life and conscience ? that is no wayes our intent nor desire , God through his mercy will strengthen vs all in our pretences .

It is honorable to loue libertie aboue life .

IT is not in our power ; nor we may not make any couenant nor peace with our Prince , since you name our warre a causelesse rebellion , we ought therefore than belike ( as obedient subiects ) to cease the war , to render al our aduantage , forsake al our right , acknowledge our Superiors againe , set our selues in the first estate , if so be we will not tast the punishment due to rebels , wee must couch to his command , returne to our old customes , deliuer vp all the land , giue our Prince power to do and leaue at his pleasure , he is our superior , our war is meare wantonnesse and pride , which we to our power maintaine stoutelie and without licence , what all this would be we haue beene taught by the Gallowes , sword , water and fire , for in the time of obedience those cruelties were vsed , aboue 80000. haue in the Netherlandes beene put to death byforme of iustice , onely accused of Heresie .

This thou namest peace , but it is a miserable slauery .

33.

ANd that our warre is no rebellion , nor madnes , wee manifest clearely with cittizenlike and godly lawes , we acknowledge a Lorde , but none that shall rule ouer vs in such sort , that at his pleasure he shall make vs slaues , except hee can shew and proue that our libertie may be hindred and subuerted to slauerie at the command of thy king : but this is manifest , the people choose a Prince : but he sweares first at his crowning , to be vnto them , their lawes and liberties an eternall defendor , and to maintaine them and augment them with all his might , then sweares the people in recompence of his promise to be true to him ( so far forth he kéepe his oath and worde ) hee then that preferres one to an estate is more to bée esteemed , then he that is preferred , although this will seeme ridiculous to the flatterers , also one which is exalted to some estate beleeues for sure that hee that hath raised him hath the power in his misdemeanor to pull him downe againe .

He that on condition is raysed , may with condition be abased

34.

THat the king of Spaine hath not conquered vs with the sworde ( but that he was made Earle vpon condition , wée can easily proue , the order of electing or crowning doth shew the same : for he swore first to vs , and afterwarde wee to him , wee also see the manner of the swearing in Arragon when they elect any one to the kingly estate , wee haue also chosen thee for our Lord and king on condition , Trala●s . that thou shouldest keepe inuiolably our rightes and priuiledges otherwise not . Traianus is also of this mind , when he putteth the sword in the hands of his cheefest ruler , saying , holde and iustly vse this thy geuensworde , if in case I am valiant and true against my enemies in the fielde , but if otherwise , vse it against me with al force , hereby follow that when a Prince sweares , and then goes from his worde , that as then the oath of the subiectes is also of no worth , but may iustly compell and force the Prince to doe iustice .

He that will be truely delt with , must first be true himselfe .

35.

THe Prince that is sworne to the countries priuiledges to keepe and defend them , not to diminish but to augment them , and that afterwardes by all subtill and deceitfull meanes , will spoile the countrie of the same : may hee not iustly bee declared a Periure of all his subiectes , and deposed from his rule , without that the same be accounted rebellion , and especially since that our Predicessors in their priuiledges concluded ( necessitie excepted ) neuer to resist their Princes actions , all the while they were iust true and good , kéeping their oath , and defended vs as they ought , all that while wée haue obeyed them with life & goodes . as much as any people on earth . The hystorie of Carolus Audax sufficiently shewes the same , ●aro●s Audax . how true and willing his subiectes were , sending him in diuers warres great assistances of their frée will , and how hée was estéemed and loued of little and great .

It is more security for a Prince to be loued then feared .

36 :

WHen Kinges will rule ouer consciences and mindes , and will be obayed , against Gods lawes in such respect , one may with all godly and worldly right , withstand them , without therefore vsing any rebellion , whether it be right in Gods sight to obay you rather then God iudge you , Act. 4. v. 19. this appeared also in the Hebrew midwiues , which in the killing of the babes did not effect the kinges command , Exod. 1. v. 17. Gods mighty hande preserued Sydrach , Misach , and Abednago , Daniel 3. v. 28. Dan. 6. v. 16. from the scorching flames of fire , because they spurned at the kinges command , and trusted in him . And Daniell refusing to offer vnto Bell was cast into the Lyons denne , from the which by Gods miraculous power he was saued . Mathias with his 5. Brethren reiected the kinges command , nay more raised an armie against him , God blessed their war , praysed and furthered their pretence , & through his helpe they recouered their freedome .

Against tyranny all God-fearing people may fight .

37.

SInce this our Prince hath sought to vse vs not as good subiects but as vanquished slaues , nor yet would not cease his persecutions , by no good perswasions , nor grant libertie of conscience , but moreouer such as sued for it , hath he condemned as Traitors , and put them to death , the countrie being moued , vrged , and forced , through extreame necessitie , which according to her priuiledges was lawfull , to procure meanes to disturbe , and hinder such like tyranny , to liue in her wonted libertie , hath not of any desire of gaine , nor treacherie , but of meere neede and necessity exposed her selfe to the warre , therein following the example of many nations , the which had receiued nothing so much iniurie as wee , yet haue they exiled and driuen their Princes away , neither were they reputed rebels , nor yet receiued any damage thereby .

He doth no bodie wrong who defendes his owne right .

38.

EDwarde the second Edward ●e second Englandes king through bad counsaile putteth certaine of his Barons to death , without eyther reason or lawful cause : but the other Peares of the land moued by that cruelty assembled together an hoast of men , tooke him prisoner , and declared him vnworthy , Christern . Tarquinius Superbus . Caius Caligula Nero. Domitianus C●mmodus Maximus . Christern of Denmark was imprisoned after that he was e●led , and Tarquinius Superbus for his cruelty was deposed by the Romaines the which hee had plagued , and altred their gouernement , insomuch that they displeased them . Caius Caligula a monstrous tyrant , was also therefore murthered by the Romaines : Nero for his filthy and horrible factes was declared a foe , and his life persecuted , and Domitianus , Commodus , Maximus , and more , others of like crueltie were vsed accordingly , for they that seeke the spoile of the common welth , are alwaies seene to buy it deare .

No Tyrant that euer could escape Gods punishment .

39.

BEing then that our warre is no rebellion , as manifestly appeares , and sufficiently proued by true examples , and infallible argumentes , thou doest vs great wrong to compare vs to rebellious Absolon , or to the wicked Israelites : for no comparison can be made of it , we are in no wise to stand in feare of the punishment , which rebels haue endured , but since wee put our trust in the almighty God , wee will continually expect a good issue of our iust quarrell although thou seekest through thy threates to quench our courages , vanting of thy maisters Lyonly téeth , with all his forces , stedfastly trusting on our God , thy threates wee let flie , remayning coniunctly in our intent , esteeming far better to haue iust warre , then a dissembled peace .

Who so trusts on Gods aide , is neuer put to shame .

40.

〈…〉 IT séemes that thou hast learned the bragging of thy maister Rapsace , who also cryed , wherein dost thou relie , wherein dost thou trust ? but what God did , and commanded in the next chapter , thou hast not read or perhaps but badly remembred : hee shall not enter the citty , nor endamage the same , for I wil defend and kéepe it , 〈…〉 for my seruant Dauids sake who trusted in mee , I will protect her against the tyrantes pretences , Baldeus also boasted before Leidiz , that one should sooner touch the starres then the cittie be rescued , but God displeased at this blasphemie sent them vnnaturall floodes , whereby his pretence was disturbed . Thou that through false peace seekest to bring vs in thy net consider the matter : for if thou art not blinded through thy wilfulnes , thou must of force confesse that our resistance which thou seest is no humane worke .

God fauoreth our case , for the defence of his Christ .

Assure thy selfe that I trust not so much on the helpe of my neighbores and allies , as on the iust and vpright dealing which we dayly vse : for when with diligent care I consider the forepassed , and ballance the issue thereof , it giues mee a great cause of hope , that this will ende wel , and that I shal want no meanes , while I feele Gods hand , his bounty , aide , and blessing which are the infallablest tokens of a good issue of the vnstedfastnes thereby , thou makest a great discourse , that it hanges in no mens handes , and that it is dayly seene , but I know they are stedfast , and neuer deceiued any , except he displeased God through our great sinne : I trust and beléeue assuredlie that they are bound to me , as long as I shall with zeale prosecute this iust cause , and wil through Gods mercy , and in spight of the Spaniarde as a yong bud florish , which thou with all thy force shalt not hinder .

Gods blessing will dwell alwaies fast with the God-fearing .

42.

ANd finally when thou comest forth with thy Princes power , name him with a common name , because thou knowest not thy right : yet for reasons to your aduantage , doe not name him : neuerthelesse we perceiue thy deceipt cunningly cloaked there vnder , as the Asse of Cuma couered with the Lyons skinne : but through his long cares he was knowne : so thou also with thy peace , masked with a Foxes skinne : we perceiue thy intent : for thou shewest thy maister in forme of a Lyon , of whome wee feare to bée deceiued in the end : because wee see many footesteppes inward : but none outwarde , whereby is seene his malice is not onely to vs : but also to them that neuer iniured him , out of thy own wordes we construe his meaning , and what a happy peace wee should haue : we are Lambes , thy Lord a Lyon , those two kindes neuer agree , besides we are nations of diuers humors .

Contrary humors doe quicklie breake vnitie .

IF then you , our neighbores , of the seduced Prouinces , so much and so feruentlie desire peace , the way is open , a good s●… peace is at hand , which thou now maist attaine , in following our good counsaile , it being impossible for you to continue in Peace when you shoulde be contracted vnto God with vs : and the proude Spaniarde , open thy eyes , know thy enemie , when thou maist driue him away , which through Gods helpe and thy neighbores , may easily and in short space bee effected , then peace wil yeelde vs traffick , welfare , and plenty , the peace shal be sure without false shew , the more since wee are a nation of one kinde and condition , who also though to their damage keepe their oath and respect their honors , endeauour thou to doe this ridde thy selfe from the Spanish venime , trust on Gods mercy , and not on thy kinges great Forces .

He that puts his trust in God , neuer comes to shame .

44.

IF not , then you Batauians , which haue vndertaken the defence of your priuiledges , let not the feare of death daunt your inuincible courages you shal not onely thereby recouer infinite praise , but also hereafter an eternal life : but if you faint , and will seeke to shunne the perils , you bring your selues & your successors in great disquietnesse : wherefore then take courage , and for the defence of thy patrimony ( in recompence that shee hath nourished thee ) and for your liberty spare neither life nor goods , let not any wayes the desire of this fickle life expel the wonted courages from your hartes , let not the praise and renowne of the Battauians ) which hetherto hath continued , any way be blemished nor diminished , although dangers are at hand , shew that this meaning is deepely imprinted in your hartes .

Farre better to endure a warre that shoulde neuer cease , then to be deceiued by a false peace .

FINIS .