GIve me leave , ( warranted by 1584. The siege of Antwerp . Livies example ) to tel you by way of preface in this part of my work , ( which in the beginning most annuall writers use openly to professe , ) that I am to speake of a siege more memorable by farr , then ever yet was laid to any citty : for how great . never were rivers bridled with stronger bulwarkes , nor wits armed with more adventurous stratagems , nor by Souldiers , who in many sieges had gathered both skill , and courage was it ever more gallantly fought . Here Castles were erected on violent rivers , mines discovered amongst the waters , Riversoverflowing rampiers , and againe , rampires outtoping the rivers : and as if the labour of Antwerp siege onely seemed but little , designes were extended by the Generall into other places ; And at the same time , five most strong and potent Cities were all Antwerp . Gaunt . Dendermund , Bruxels , Mechlin . With what forces it was begun . at once besieged , all in a yeares compasse subdued . These great attempts , with what great forces , with what courages they were perfected , now I doe begin not negligently to relate .

Part of the Catholicke army was drawne into the Garisons of Cities and Forts ; part fought in Friesland under Verdugo prefect of that province and Taffius his Lievetenant , against William of Nassau , and Martin Schench , Count Aremberg , and Manrieque had in armes two regiments of Germanes about Colen . Appi●s Manrique a Spanyard , but borne in Germany . de Comitibus , and Blastius Capisuccus , with some troops of horse , made excursions into Zutphan . The Marquesse of Renthi with his Regiment of Walloones , guarded Artois , and Vaynolt , against the motions of the French . There were foure Regiments , and some companies besides , with Alexander Prince of Parma , in Brabant and Flanders . Besides three Regiments were newly come out of Spaine , which ( as before we related ) King Philip , after his Navall fight at the Tercera Islands , had sent into the Low-countries . And with these forces , which amounted to about ten thousand foot , and one thousand seven hundred horse ( for he had contracted the seven Regiments , which as I said were but halfe So Alexander writ to the King . July 15. full into five ) Alexander having first advised with his Councell of warr began the siege of Antwerp .

Antwerp is situated on the river Scheldt , being almost five miles in compasse , and containeth an hundred The Inhabitants of the Citty . It s forme . Inhabitants , besides Seafaring people● . It much resembles the forme of a bended bow , whose st●ing is the banke of the river , there being not any other Citty in all the Netherlands stronglier fortified or better appointed against It s strength . an enemy . That side which bendeth into Brabant , most high walles , from which ten strong Turrets appeare , so placed as with mutuall aide they may relieve each other , environed with a great ditch of water , securely defend . The side toward Flanders , hath for a trench , the river Scheldt , capable not onely of single ships , but even of whole Navies ; yea someties there have been numbred about two thousand ships in the port and river : whence trafficking with a great part of the world , the River playes not onely the Merchant , by bringing in all forraine commodities , but the warriour also for Auxiliary The consultation of besieging it . forces . But how much securer the Anwerpians were , so much the more cautious were Alexanders Councellours . There were present at the councell , besides Count Mansfield , and the rest of the regall Senate never wont to be absent , Mondragonius , Billius , Olivera , and Pacius , all Spaniards of Belgians , there were Mottaevs , Goigne , and Licquius , for the rest of the Low-country men were absent : of others , there were Camillus à Monte , George Basta , and Camillus Capisuccus . Most of these Most are against it . were even amazed with the greatnesse of the proposed designe , and thought the attempt more bold , then could be brought to a prosperous end . For said they , he who would think of besieging Antwerp , ought seriously to consider whether hee have sufficient forces , wherewith at the same time , he may block it up by land in Brabant , and by the river on Flanders side : For it were in vaine to besiege it by land , to which by the river , if not from above from Gaunt , at least from below , to witt , from the Sea , both provision and reliefe may continually be brought in . But the river was so broad , that it could not be blockt up by lesse then two armies on either side one . Wherefore hee had need of three armies , who from Brabant , and either banke of the river Scheldt , might stop reliefe . But that would not be done , by reason of his small forces . Neither had he sufficient shipps wherewith to hinder the enemies Navie about to enter the river from the sea . To these things added Billius , that the complaints of the Souldiers more troubled him , who being defrauded of their pay , not comming from Spaine , almost hungerstarved , and most of them halfe naked , verily were unfit to be brought to a siege , of more then one moneths continuance . Nor did Pacius and Montius omit , that it was seriously to bee thought on , whether it were best to begin Antwerp siege , leaving Dendermund , Gaunt , and other holds behind him from whence the enemy with free excursions , might disturbe the bringing in of provision unto the Army , and the raising of Fortifications . Lastly , all except Mondragonius , and Capisuccus , Two only excepted . who committed all to Alexanders fortune , thought it unsafe and unseasonable , to set upon so great designes with so small forces . Therefore turning from the siege of Antwerp , to And strive to divert his minde from the siege . besiege Alexander , they stand about him with joynt prayers : and objecting the danger of losing both his and their owne honours , they endeavor to subdue his minde in his resolution still immoveable . But hee But his opinion is to besiege it . commending their care , in the first place said that he had reflected on all those things which they conceived to be the greatest dangers . Notwithstanding he did not thinke , out that after they had heard him reason a little on the matter , they would think better of the success . Then hee began much after this manner : That hee had not the thought of invading Antwerp , before he was encouraged by pious men , that it would be acceptable to God : and had known the Kings minde concerning it . Neither did he doubt that human and ordinary helps would be wanting , which for the present might perswade the expedition . For , he certainly knew , that the enemies were never in like fear , being within few months afflicted with so many and so great losses by the Kings Army ; viz. Being destitute of the Prince of Orange's counsells , out of hope of succour from the French , and having lost so many Townes and Castles , nere adjoyning to Antwerp . And surely , when the walls being battered , do tremble and shake , then with greater certainty may the assault be pursued . And from thence had he greater encouragement to assail the affrighted enemies , even in their chiefest fortresse of war , and to carry that terrour through the strong holds of Brabant : not with vain hope , that they will for fear of losing Antwerp , either slight other places ; or , for fear of losing other places , will not be able to defend it . Indeed he had but few forces to set upon so many things with ; but , they were skilfull in war , accustomed to victory ; and , which is above all , conducted by great commanders . For , unto which of your hands here present , might not one safely deliver the charge of an Army ? FOR , by the skill of Captains , and prowesse of Souldiers , an Army is doubled . And be they never so many , those be but few who conclude the victory . As of a spear , how long soever the palm only of the cuspe doth all the execution . GREAT forces are not alwaies to be wished for in war , no more then great bodies , being for the most part subject to many infirmities , us'd to be more pamper'd , move flowlier , and are but fairer marks to be levelled at . Nor had he cast over with himselfe so to win Antwerp , that it was needfull to imploy many Souldiers about it ; fith that by land , a few troopes of Horse , making inroades into the territories of Antwerp , between Liere , Hochstrate , and Breda , Townes of the Kings party , might easily hinder traffick . And by the River , towards the Ocean ( from whence the greatest force of the enemy was to be feared ) he had determined , either to take the Castles on both sides the River ; or to build new ones ; and from thence with Canon shot to restrain the Ships passage , if not all , at least so much , as that the Merchants might perceive their losse , and the City , full of Inhabitants might be wearied out for want of provision . Nor seemed those forces which for the present he had with him , unable to perform these things : Nor did he doubt of their obedience in the work , having try'd , that his Souldiers were more couragious in battle , then mutinous in their quarters : But , lest they should be discouraged , he had lately received a summe of mony from the King , which he would divide amongst his Veterans ; for those that were newly come out of Spain , had already received pay . Although it was not to be feared , but that his Souldiers would willingly undergo the siege of Antwerp , from which so great booty might be expected . There were many yet in the Army , who , about eight years since , had sufficient experience of the riches of that Empory , the yet memory whereof inciting them , they will doubtlesse enkindle in their fellowes the desire of like plunder . Lastly , for security of the Army , he had provided , that provision might safely from the territories of Wasia be conveyed unto the Camp . Nor had he so left Gaunt and Dendermund behinde , that the Kings Army had any cause to fear ; for they would have enough to do , to defend themselves from our Souldiers , plac'd in Castles , newly rais'd thereabout . Wherefore , seeing that many things for the present invited him , no reasons appeared sufficient to withdraw him from it ; let them leave that only determination to him , and with great and constant courages begin the Siege of Antwerp ; and from whence he forsaw the accesse of all Brabant would follow : And they might be confident , that the Mother of God , patronesse of Antwerp , having been wickedly banished from her own City by Heresie , they now , refusing no perill , to restore her to her antient possession , would not forsake them in their so pious attempts . The Siege of Antwerp once decreed , The Siege is decreed . rather by Alexander's authority then his Oration , command was forthwith given to provide things necessary for it ; which by reason theywere many , and in severall places : For , Antwerp , Gaunt ; Bruxells , Dendermund , and Mechlin were all at once attempted , I thought it worth my labour to prescribe the sites of these places .

Antwerp , by Reason of the River How Antwerp is defended by the River Scheldt . By the Castles placed on the River banks . Scheldt , sufficiently strong of it selfe , by the many Forts and Sconces plac't thereon , especially towards the Ocean , is yet far stronger , chiefly by two , about nine miles from Antwerp ; the one called Lillo , taking its name from a neighbouring Village , Mondragonius , by the Duke of Alva's appointment had erected on the coast of Brabant : The other called Liefken●koeck , the confederate Provinces possessed of Antwerpe , built on the other side of the River over against Lillo ; and not long after took Lillo also . By commerce of the same River , By commerce of the same River , with Gaunt . Antwerp is joyned to Gaunt , distant about thirty miles . Dendermund with Dendermund , strengthens the traffick in the mid-way between Antwerp and Gaunt , placed also on the River Scheldt . But neerer , about twelve miles from Antwerp , is seated Mechlin : And by the with Mechlin , River Dele running into the Scheldt , under the name of Rupel , gives and takes mutuall assistance . A little further distant from Antwerp is Bruxells : and with Bruxels 24 miles . but having opened themselves a ditch or channell fit for navigation , they can sail into Rupel , and thence sliding into the Scheldt , enter Antwerp . Prince Alexander well apprehending all these things , determined not with severall Armies to lay siege to every City , for that by a hundred and fiftie thousand souldiers could not be effected : but as he had begun at Gaunt , erecting Sconces and Forts Alexander begins to cut off this entercourse . a distance off , and blocking up the Rivers , by which the Cities had their relief , by little and little meant to make them feel the miseries of a Siege , without the noise of a Siege : Therefore sending Plato his Enginere , with a band of Souldiers to Wettera , he commanded Anthony Olivera , who kept the bridge lately built there on the Scheldt against Gaunt , to raise from Gaunt . from Dendermund , a new Fort towards Dendermund , thereby to cut off all hopes of commerce between Gaunt , Antwerp , and Dendermund . He dispatched part of Igniquesius regiment to the Village of Willebroeck , which is between Mechlin and Antwerp , to besiege the from Mechlin , Castle erected there on the bank of the River , and stop the passage of Bruxells and from Bruxels . channell , whose chiefest defence is Willebroeck . Then applying himselfe Then sets upon the Siege both by land and water . He commits the land to George Basta . unto Antwerp , he thus distributed the Siege amongst the chiefest Commanders of his Army : He commanded George Basta , Commissarie of the Horse , a wise and valiant man , with some troops of Epirots and Italians , to guard the country about Antwerp in Brabant ; and so to provide , that in time of need , calling for aid from the next Forts , he might see , that no provision should be carried into the City out of Brabant . As for the banks of the River Scheldt , The banks of the Scheldt , Flanders side to Rubasius . That of Brabant to Mansfield . Flanders side , where the Army then lay , he committed to Marquesse Rubasius , Generall of the Horse , and that of Brabant to Peter Ernest Count Mansfield , Camp-Master-Generall . To Mansfield he added Christopher Mondragonius , and part of the Army , viz. four thousand and five hundred foot and eight Troops of horse . To Rubasius he joyned Gasper Billius , and Peter Pacins , with three thousand foot and four troops of Horse ; and commanded , that as well they , that stay'd on this side , as those that were to passe over the Scheldt , with all celerity should assault and take the enemies Forts and Castles , plac'd on both sides the River towards the Ocean . And from thence to oppose themselves against the enemies sailing from Holland and Zealand to Antwerp . Wherefore he commanded Mondragonius Before whom Mondragonius goes on his side , with his Regiment , consisting of twenty one colours , to go before Count Mansfield , who was soon after to follow with the rest of his forces , and at Rupelmund , and Borcht , to passe over his Souldiers into Brabant in boats : Which he did and puts to flight the enemies shipcoming to oppose him . prosperously execute , putting to flight by Canon shot , the Admirall's ship of Antwerp , which came to hinder his passage , after it had received some hurt . The City being highly Antwerp . offended at the negligence of the Garison Souldiers ; but when they saw the Kings Army spread on both sides the River , and their tents so suddenly pitch'd , their anger was turned into care . For now Alexander moving with his Court from Tourney , Alexander pitcheth in a Village of Flanders . Not far from him Rubasius . came to Bevera , a Village of Flanders , about seven miles from Antwerp , and there fortified himselfe : not far from his pavillions , Rubasius , with all his warlick Magazine , sat down in the Village of ●alloo on the Scheldt , having first ejected the Garison Souldiers hence . Between both , Between both Charles Mansfield . but neerer to Alexander , Charles Count Mansfield , son to Earnest , Master of the Artillerie , those for seat of his military Engines the Village of Melsen . But on Brabant side , On Brabant side Mansfield the Father , Count Mansfield Camp-master Generall , following Mondragonius over the Scheldt , plac'd his tents in the Village of Straboeck , about four miles distant from Lillo : which ( because Alexander design'd that seat for himselfe ) he diligently fortified . A distance off , in the Village of Berendrecht , and Mondragonius , was the station of Mondragonius : with whom afterwards , neer Stanflict Camillus à Monte , and with Montitius and Capisuccus . Capisuccus joyned theirs . Assoon as it was perceived , that Antwerp was by the Kings Army attacqued on every side , the Antwerpians , although at first , knowing both theirs , and the enemies forces , had jeered at the enterprise ; The Antwerpians prepare for their defence . Phil Marnixius of Mont Saint Aldegund . yet , notwithstanding , fearing Alexanders fortune , they couragiously prepared for their defence . Aldegund governed the City as Consul , the Prince of Orange's most intimate friend , and next after him , was out-topped in authority by none of the States . By his advice , especiall Especially on both banks of the Scheldt . care was taken of fortifying the Castles on either side the River . The chiefest were Lillo on Brabant side , Liesken shoeck on Flanders coast , and the Forts standing in the Isle of Doele . Odettus Tilinius , son to Lanoy , The Isle of Doele . with a fresh cohort of French , took upon him to defend Lillo . John Pettin , an old Colonell , was commanded to fortifie Lieskenshoeck with a new mud-wall . The like care was taken of the other forts . The bank at Safting and other places being cut , and a way opened for the Scheldt to overflow the fields of Wasia , even unto Antwerp . They sent some also to Bergen-Zom to gather Souldiers ; and others to demand aid from Zeland and Holland , and also to sollicite William Blosse de Treslong , Admirall of Zealand sea .

But now , as they had orders , And Alexander's Commanders invade both sides of the River . Mondrag . Rubas . Mondragonius advanced against Lillo ; Rubasius against the Isle of Doele , but with contrary successe ; for the one by aged caution making delay , lost opportunity ; the other burning with youthfull celerity , set upon the enemy , unprovided both of counsell and defence . The Isle of Doele , which is made by a Rampyre or Dyke The Isle of Doele , and its Castles . drawn about against deluges , is defended by foure Castles , and there endeth the territory of Wasia . Thither Rubasius , sending before Pacius Regiment , came sooner then could be expected ; therefore the Castle of Antonia yieded it selfe forthwith to The Castles of Antonia and Teruent . Rubasius ; and the Garison of Teruent not expecting the enemy fled away : But , it fell out far otherwise at Lief-kenshoeck . It was kept by about eight Liefkenshoeck . hundred Souldiers , who fiercely rejected Rubasius's Trumpeter , demanding the render of their Castle , for three daies most valiantly maintained their defence , untill by Canon shot , the Rampire being beaten down in severall places , and Prince Alexander advancing from Bevera , and offering them in vain kinde conditions , he commanded Rubasius not any longer to deferr the assault , who sending thither Hernandus de Isla , and Gasparine Lucensis , Captaines of select companies , commanded them not to admit any to mercy ; who , although at the first assault they were repulsed ; yet , venturing again , they took the Castle , put about foure hundred of the enemies to the sword , drowned almost two hundred , and Rubasius takes it , brought away seven Colours ; Pettin Governour of the Castle being slain by Rubasius own hand , who the same night marched to Noort , the last Fort of the Isle , scituate on the Scheldt ; but Fer●mius Governour of that place , having conveyed all his Artillery into Ships , kill'd all his Cattle , and set fire on the Fort , retired to Antwerp . From thence the Army retired to Safting , which only held remained untaken , but finding it void of defendants , they began to make up the cleft of the bank , against the waters bursting forth from the left side of the River . And thus by Rubasius's expedition , Antwerp was and wins all Flanders bank . disarmed of the Forts on Flanders coast , and of all the Country of Wasia , lying along the Scheldt ; when in the interim on Brabant side , Mondragonius marched against Lillo , Mondragonius sets upon Lillo . knowing how strong a Castle , both by scituation and fortification he was to attempt , as having built it himselfe , and for that he was too cautious of the enemies strength , as conscious of it , he gave time to admit a Garison into Lillo . It HELPS , to wit , sometimes not to know dangers , which if known , would be a hinderance to victory . For two thousand souldiers under Balfurius , a Scotch The Garrison encreased . Colonell , were received into the Castle , against part of whom , sallying out under Tillinius , Mondragonius He fights with them , sallying out , advanced with his Regiment , and giving them battle , it was with equall losse a long time disputed , untill the Cataracts which were within the Castle being drawn , and the River Scheldt then swelling with the tyde , let out amongst the Spaniards , the Mondragonians not being able any longer to endure , both the vehemency without success . of the Canons thundring from the Castle , and the tempest of the water , and having lost Aloysius Toletanus , and Peter Padilla , two valiant Captains , by little and little retired , and were compelled to move their station into a safer place ; with great constancy , chiefly of the Spaniards , But with great constancy of the Spaniards . carrying away in the fight of the enemies their wheel-pieces on their shoulders , and wading in the water up to the breasts . Nor were they so dismaid , when they could not by reason of the deluge , assail the enemies on the front , on the right side , climbing up the banks of the Scheldt ( upon which the Castle stands ) they obstinately again attempted the assault , and having taken a little Sconce , they fiercely stormed the Castle : but the Rampire being cut in many places , hindred their entrance : Therefore being out of hope of winning the Castle , they were by his excellency commanded Whom Alex. calls off . to retreat to Stabroeck , and there to prohibit the excursions of the Garison souldiers from Lillo .

Whilst the confederates defended Lillo , they lost Herentalls . For the Antwerpians solicitous of Lillo , called thence the Scotch Garison , and Herentals by Caesius means . trusted Herentals to the Townsmen . Wherefore Caesius ( the Horse being divided between him and George Basta ) making inroads into those places , did not let slip so fit an opportunity ; Count Nicol. Caes . for , having sojourned there as a Prisoner , he had contracted great familiarity with the chiefest Townsmen , and therefore easily perswaded them , that not expecting the Victorious Army , they should deliver the Town to the Prince of Parma ; which was scarcely effected , when the Townsmen , having first admitted Caesius into the Town , the Garison Souldiers being by the Antwerpians ( too late repenting them of Submits to the Kin. their rash counsell ) commanded to returne , shut their Gates , turned their Cannons against them , and beat them off . For that service , Caesius obtained of the Prince the Government of that place . But , Alexander for the present having lost opportunity of taking Lillo , thought it not convenient to spend any longer time about that siege , which if it were taken , together with Liefkenshoeck on the opposite bank , which he already had , the enemies ships could not by them be sufficiently prohibited from passage , by reason of the rivers breadth , and the daring enemies in the dead of the night , waiting for the help of the tyde violently rushing in from the sea , might easily delude both Castles endeavours : Wherefore Alexander thinks of a Bridge to block up the Scheldt . seeing the Rivers passage could not be obstructed , unlesse by the interposition of a bridge , he judged it all one , whether to erect it there , between Lillo and Liefkenshoeck , or else-where , raising Castles in some other places . Wherefore measuring ( as it were ) the Channell , Alexander , to whose opinion the most antient and skilfull Marriners , with his Captains Baroccius and Plato , easily assented , thought it best to block up the River not far from Lillo towards Antwerp , between Calloo , a He chooseth the place between ●alloo and Ordam , for three reasons . village of Flanders , and Ordam , a village of Brabant . The motives , as he writ to the King , why he chiefly chose that place , were these ; Because the Scheldt there is not so very broad , and a hillock of earth , like to a bed of sand ( which they call a bank ) stretching it selfe out from the shore , straitneth the channell . Besides , in that place , the river bending it selfe a little towards the right hand , the shipps have therefore almost need of another winde , so that they cannot so directly , and with like violence keep on their course . Lastly , he had try'd , that the earth there was full of gravell and solid , and most commodious , both for raising and upholding the work . Moreover , He commands Castles to be built on either side the River , at the ends of the bridge , he had committed the charge of building the Castles on both sides the River , which should be the heads of the bridge , viz. Flanders side to Rubasius , and Brabant to Mondragonius . That for reverence to the Mother of God , to whom he had dedicated the whole work from the beginning , was called Saint . Maries ; this in the honour of the King , Saint Philips . Besides , he erected other Castles in other places , some for defence and others elsewhere . of his Army , others against the enemies Forts ; and those that were placed against Antwerp , were called of Saint Peter , and Saint Barbara ; those against Lillo of the Blessed Trinity .

Whilst Alexander was continually busied in earnest labours on both THE SIEGE OF DENDERMUND . sides the River , and was thought there to have his whole care employed ; secretly , with Pacius's Regiment , and a band of Italians , he sets upon the Siege of Dendermund .

Dendermund is situated at the mouth of the River Dender , from It s site . whence it takes its name , which River runneth into the Scheldt ; wherefore by reason of its site and fabrick , it was reckoned amongst the strongest Cities in Flanders : and in regard it is seated in the mid-way between Gaunt and Antwerp , is very commodious to them Commodious to the bordering enemies . both . Alexander determined long since to bring it under subjection , as well to enterpose it as a bar , to cut off all passage and commerce between both Cities , as to exonerate himselfe of the trouble of dividing his forces , for he was forc'● continually to keep a guard in the Country about Gaunt and Dendermund . Thither he sent before John Gamboa with Augustine Forces are sent thither before Igniquesius . Regiment , commanding him to take the sluces of Dender , which the enemies with a Mill neer the City had fortified , and from whence they might easily overwhelm the places neer adjacent : Which he had scarce effected , having killed about fiftie of the defendants ; and put First , the sluce is taken . the rest to flight ; when from Bruxells side appeared Charles Count Mansfield , with five troopes of Horse , and some Companies of Walloones ; and from the other side at Waestmuster , Alexander with Pacius's Regiment ; who forthwith setting guards on the river Scheldt , both above and below , and environing the City , planted his Cannons against the Fort before Bruxels gate . Mortagnus Then the city is besieged , viz. The gate towards Bruxels . The Governour had carefully fortified it , with eight hundred souldiers , besides armed townsmen , instead of Rihovius their Governour , who then was absent , commanded the City ; he fortified all places industriously but especially Bruxels fortification , strengthening it with most of his Veterans , especially the fort before the City , against the force of the enemy : and from thence they continually shot , and not in vain , against the Royalists , but weakly fenced . The first terrour they struck was by the death of Peter Pacius , a Spanish Colonell who behinde a gabion , or From whence shooting they kill Pacius , wicker basket , directing a Cannon against the enemy , was suddenly slain with a Musquet-bullet , piercing his head . The same day , a little after , Peter Tassius , overseer of the Army , was slain , being shot also into the and Tassius . head with a Musquet-bullet . At the first , with great griefe of the Spaniards , especially for the losse of Peter Pacius , a man conspicuous for his piety and valour , who , because he had a care of his souldiers necessities , as if he had been their Father , was commonly called Peter de Pan ; but afterwards with so great rage against The Spaniards are thereby incensed ; the enemy , and desire of revenge , that the Cannons having not as yet made a sufficient breach in the Fort , they all contentiously desire the assault . ANGER to wit , sometimes , addeth more force , then losse doth diminish . They have yet another motive to whet their fury . The Garison souldiers brought into the especially seeing the Saints injured . Fort with a mimick kinde of state , a great Image of a Saint , and setting it upon the battlements , after they had abused it with derisions and stripes , furiously tumbled it down : At which spectacle , all their hearts were incensed with indignation ; yea , the Captains could scarcely contain the fury of their souldiers , threatningly demanding the signe of the onset . Whereupon Alexander thinking it best to make use of their heat , seeing the front of the Fort to be beaten down , and part of the back also , Alexander gives order for the assault . he chose three souldiers out of every Spanish company ( which amounted not to above fifty ) and commanded them , being conducted by two Captains of Pacius's Regiment , to assail the back : he also chose as many of the same Regiment , led also by two Captains , to follow after ; he attributed the front to the Italians and Germans , and commanded the Walloones to assault the side with scaling Ladders . Notwithstanding he deferred the assault untill the next day , which was the Eve of the assumption of our Blessed Lady , because on that Feast ( as he advertised the Captains ) the Queen of heaven assisting them , he Trusting in the help of the E. Virgin . doubted not but to revenge the Injuries of the Saints . Nor was he deceived in his piety . And now they begun the assault on all sides , with great animosity and contempt of death ; but especially the Spaniards . And for two houres it was gallantly fought on both sides , but , at length the Royalists prevailed , and with the losse of fifteen only of their souldiers , took the Fort ; but , the defendants The Fort is taken . lost above eightie , and the rest fled into the City : which , although the Spaniards from the higher place commanded ; yet , notwithstanding the strength of the Walls , the interiour Bulwarks , and especially the Ditch , which being very deep , and full of water , hindred their accesse to the Walls , seem'd to retard the conquest : Besides , the City on a suddain , by a sleight occasion , but made greater by conceit , was much animated . There were some Carriages loaden Provision sent unto the Farnesian Camp , with provision , sent from the Village of Gaure to Alexanders Army , when about two hundred and fiftie souldiers issuing out of Gaunt , from whence Dendermund had requested ayde , and putting to flight the convoy Intercepted by these of Gaunt ; neer to Alst , joyfully brought away the booty . But short was the joy of both Cities ; for Olivera having notice thereof , drew forth from the Fort of Wettera some troopes of Horse , and meeting them not farre from Gaunt , unawares set upon the conquerors , and either killing or taking but recovered with their overthrow , was sent back to the Army . them prisoners , for there did not one escape by flight , sent back the Carriages to Alexander . But the Dendermundians had yet a farr greater affliction ; for , when the River was turn'd , and drawn another way , ( which they never expected ) and thereby the Ditch , their chiefest defence drained , they were daunted with that unheard of celerity : for , within five daies , with admirable expedition , they had seen Bridges built , Rivers blockt up , Tents pitched , the City besieged , the Walls deprived of their Tr●nch of water , their Fort taken , nor any rest either night or day allowed them , fearing any longer to provoke the Conquerour , they sent a Trumpeter to demand a parley , and Dendermund delivered to Alex . 17. Aug. delivered up the City ; the Citizens being fined in sixty thousand Florens ; the Souldiers ( which were about five hundred ) sent away without either horse or armes , and the City commanded to receive what Garrison it pleased the Prince of Parma . Wherefore three companies of Spaniards of Pacius's Regiment , and two of Italians entred the Town , Alexander creating John de Rivas , an old Captain Iohn de Rivas made Governour , of the same Regiment , for a noble act performed at that expedition , Governour of the City . For , he committing some Carts , made ready in the night-time , loaden with Faggots , to the forwardest of his Captains , to be conveyed into the ditch of the Fort , thereby to defend the assailants ; Rivius was the first that drove the Cart forward against the enemy ; who having notice of the design , had prepared themselves to shoot from the Fort , and he was the first , and soon after the only man , that adventured to advance against a storm of leaden hailstones ; for two of his fellowes were shot , and he also a little after wounded in the shoulder ; notwithstanding , he with a couragious spirit , and a threatning look stood to for his gallant exploit . his work , nor did he desist , before he had driven his Cart to the place intended ; and in defiance of his enemies , with all his might , did drive the next Cart , forsaken by his wounded souldiers , even unto the front of the Fortresse . Then by Alexander's appointment he was carried into his Tent , and in reward of his approved valour made Governour of the City . But Prince Alexander , although in the beginning , the Siege of Dendermund was by Mondragonius judged to be a tedious businesse , and would not ( as he said ) be dispatched , before the earth was covered over with snow ; yet , the eleventh day after he departed from Bevera , the City being very strong of it selfe , and within short And the expedition dispatched sooner then was expected . time like to draw Gaunt the same way , was by his counsell , authority , help , and especially fame , which was Alexanders chiefest favourite , brought under subjection ; and then he Returnes to Antwerp . returned to the siege of Antwerp , where the summe of his cares resided .

Alexander together with Plato and Baroccius ( whose judgments next to his Councell of War he chiefly made use of ) contrived of what form the work should be to block up the River : and commanded , that He prepares timber for building the bridge . the longest Trees that could be found , should in the territorie of Wasia , especially neer the Castle of Vorhoteus , and other places , be cut down : and with a huge number of faggots , boughs , and other timber , be conveyed into the Church of Calloo : a great part whereof being already brought , he , whilst some ship-masts fetch'd further off were expected , began , partly to fortifie the Forts of He fortifies St. Mar. and St. Phil. and the banks of the Scheldt . Saint Maries and Saint Philips , partly to build new Castles on either side of the River , and carefully to provide , that the workmen and Carpenters , ready to set upon the ground-work of the Bridge , should not be hindred and disturbed by the enemies Navie . But Consul Aldegund , being Aldegund jeers at it . informed at Antwerp by his Emissaries what was in agitation , it is strange how ridiculously he contemned it , and in the presence of many , censur'd it as vain and foolish ; whether deceived himselfe he thought so , or desired that others should be of that opinion : For , said he , Prince Alexander , even drunk with prosperity , thinking by the interposition of a Bridge , to bridle the liberty of the Scheldt , doth too much confide in himselfe ; for that River will no more brook the shackles of engines , then the free Belgians the bondage of Spaniards . The River in that place , if he know not , is two thousand foure hundred foot broad , deep , when the tyde is out of it , above sixty , and when the sea sends in the tyde , it encreases at least twelve foot . And how can the Spaniards have in readinesse trees of so huge length and firmnesse to out-top that channell , and appeare above the water ; nor could this bee expected to be done by shipps , which perhaps might be in place of a Bridge , sith that for the present the besiegers had none with them , nor could any be conveyed to them , but before the walls and part of Antwerp . But in nothing did the Prince of Parma so grosly mistake , as in deferring the work till almost winter , when the River now congealeth into ice , then breaketh into huge pieces , even like swimming Islands : hee surely hath but little knowledge of the place , if he think to make a wooden Bridge to endure and hold out against Mountaines of ice , forced and dashed by the Tyde rushing in furiously from the Sea against it : which if with like violence should bee moved against the City it self , though firmly founded , would without doubt subvert it . And these things will certainely come to passe , though Antwerp act nothing , but sit still as a spectatour . But what if on the one side , viz. from Antwerp , and on the other side from Holland and Zealand , the Bridge should at once bee assayled by both our Navies , what can Alexander interpose against the winter , the sea , and our Fleets ? enemies all at once combining against him , to protect that weake● foundation raised in the Waters ? Thus whilst Aldegund either out of dissimulation or contempt of the danger , gave encouragement to his Souldiers ; Alexander having already begun the work , brought the River under subjection .

Now I will following Julius Caesars The description of the bridge . example , who was as carefull in describing , as hee was in building of his Bridge over the Rheine , exactly and distinctly deliver unto you the modell of the work , because rather by fame then knowledge it begot admiration with many : especially I having seen the form of the same bridge , with the Castles and Forts thereunto adjoyning , in a great frame of Wood composed by a rare Artificer of Gaunt , which Prince Alexander , together with a Table representing also in colours the whole work sent to Rome , which then by all was much admired . It was made after this manner : First , at St. Maries Fort , three piles of an equall distance from the Bank , St. Maries Fort. and placed about five foot one from another , were fastened into the River It s beginning on Flanders bank on Piles thus placed . by a wonderfull and quick invention . After these , there were as many distant from the first , eleven foot , and five foot one from another : from these about thirteene foot off were three others : and from these succeeded three others , eleven foot distant ; and thus by course , as it were severall couples , some eleven , and some thirteene foot asunder , they were so farre extended into the middle of the River , that by reason of the depth of the Channell , and violent course of the waters , there could not any more Trees how long soever be fastend , twelve piles of seventy foot long being fixed in the river , almost in a Quadrangle , to be the basis or ground-work of the Castle , finished this part of the Pile-work , and the topps of all the Piles before-mentioned joyned together by beams laid length-way , connected by overthwart-planks like lattisses were for the Causey , or floore of the Bridge : On the out-side in the mid-way betweene every Ternall of Piles , there was a beame standing out five foot from the said piles struck fast into the Waters : which by two other beams as it were Armes , taking hold of two of the adverse Piles , in form of a wedge bound fast the whole work to the opposite beames . And this was observed in every ternall juncture on both sides the foundation . But yet more distant outwardly , on either side there went along another row of Piles over against those which were placed three in a rank , about twenty foot off , from the bottome of which , to about the superficies of the Water , were raised great props , which being put under the sharp Angles of the former work , and in the middle meeting together cros-wise like claspes joined together the inner Piles , and there by wonderfully strengthned the whole Machine . The work thus ordered , boards were The way over the bridge upon beames boarded and fenced . laid over the former Floore , to make even the passage over the Bridge , which was securely flancked on either side against Musquet-shot , with strong and firme Plancks , five foot high , with a Parapet of two foot , with like solid boards was the Castle , the intended station of the Souldiery in the furthest part of the work fortifyed . The passage of the Bridge being twelve foot broad , admitted eight Souldiers to march on breast : and the Castle forty foot broad , and fifty two foot long , was capable of about fifty Souldiers . And whilst this part of the Bridge on Flanders side , was built , at the same time at St. Philips . Fort on Brabant side was the other part of the The same was observed on Brabant side . Bridge fabricated , after the same fashion a Castle being built also at the end of it for the Souldiers , saving that on this side the Channell being not so deepe , the foundation was continued on farre further , for it was nine hundred The length of the steccada on both sides , foot in length , when the other was not above two hundred . The Souldiers call'd both parts of the Pile-work Steccada . The middle which was the greater halfe of the River yet remained open : for it was betweene both Castles above one thousand two hundred and fifty foot . In which place the Chanell was of such an immense deepnesse The breadth of the River betwixt both works , could not be made up by Poles for the depth thereof . and violent rapidity , that it was impossible to fasten any more Piles by what Engine soever : Alexander therfore determined to block up that passage by the interposition of the Ships , sending to Dunkirk , that if there were any there to fetch them from thence , but there were not many , nor could they be conveyed through the Scheldt but in fight of Gaunt and Antwerp . Yet he had great hopes , that Gaunt as hee was enformed thence by credible persons , would ere long come into his hands , and so he might from thence abundantly furnish himself with ships , Marriners , and other warlike Magazine . In the interim he thought it sufficient that the River was straightned , and the passage not onely made narrower , but by the Castles fortifyed on both sides almost unaccessible , and thereby the hopes of Antwerp contracted . But the further it was divulged that the besieged being hindred of navigation were at want of provision , so much the more were many Merchants spurred on with hope of gaine to carry victuals into the City , there scarce passing any day , but some Shippes expecting the opportunity of the sea , and forced forward by the violence of the And therefore some Auxiliary shippes daily passed to Antwerp , through the open passage . Tyde , entered the City with prosperous temerity , although from every side , but especially from the two Castles there were many both surprized , and by Cannon cast away .

But the delivering up of Gaunt terrifyed the Antwerpians confidence , The delivery of GAVNT . The Gandavians brought under by Famine . and gave great advantage to Alexanders designe ; for they of Gaunt were not onely out of hopes of provision , both by sea and land : but daily afflicted more and more , on the one side by Olivera , and on the other by Varambone , who quartering in the Village of Hevergeme neere the River Livia , and having joyned his Burgundians and English with Olivera's Horse , harassed and plundered all the Countrey about Gaunt , on both sides the City : wherefore now their haughty courages beginning to cool , they sent a Trumpeter to Bevera to intreat Prince Alexander to give safe conduct to their Commissioners to come to him : who being admitted , offered to deliver their City on the same Septem. 15. They after submit and quest certaine conditions of Alexander , tearms as those of Bridges had delivered theirs , and which then also were offered to Gaunt . But Alexander utterly denied them those , for that when new symptomes appear , new Physick must be prescribed ; and checkt them who gives no care to them . because they had not only with great contumacy sleighted those conditions that were heretofore offered but also by new injuries against Religion and things sacred ; and by strange punishments inflicted on those of the Royall Party , had provoked his Majesties just indignation : and bad them reflect on their former trespasses , and not to expect He blames them and dismisseth them . any other conditions then the Kings mercy . But they laid the fault on a few , and said their City was strong and able to hold out a siege yet for many moneths : and shewed his Majesties Letters of France brought They excuse themselves but in vaine . them by Prunaeus his Embassadour , with an assured hope of his aid : And in fine , added , that they feared , if they should returne without dispatch of their businesse the seditious Citizens bearing an unplacable hatred against the Spaniard , would desperately set fire on the City , and leave nothing for the Conquerers to triumph over but ashes . Alexander nothing moved herewith , sent them to President Richardott : from whom hearing the unpleasant conditions which he mentioned to be imposed on Gaunt , especially when amongst other discourse , he said that he saw a private Letter sent from Spaine , that perswaded the Prince of Parma not to admit the Gandavians upon any other tearms , then such as his Grandfather Charles the first had done , not pardoning them til they came as suppliants with Halters about their Necks , and halfe naked to submit themselves ; at which words the conditioners took such distast that they returned to Gaunt . But the next day in the Cities name , there They depart , but returne againe . came two chief Gentlemen , Peter Devos , and Peter Cortevilla , and for the Soul diery three Captaines , and that they might trans-act all things with greater facility with Prince Alexander , following the ancient practice of the Brittaines , who about to make And use this Art . peace with Caesar joyned with their Embassadours , Comius of Arras Caesars neere friend , whom a little before they had taken Prisoner : So they taking with them out of prison Frederick Perrenot Lord of Champine , & he together They deliver the City to Alex. and receive these conditions . with Richardott , conferring apart in the end concluded on these conditions . The Prince of Parma Governor of the Low-countreys doth in his Majesties name pardon & indemnify the Gandavians received into favor & protection of all their former Delinquencies and grants all their ancient Priviledges . The punishment which was merited by all being reduced to six Citizens only , and those six also whom hee had demanded to bee delivered , to receive punishment at his pleasure , most mercifully hee forgives , reserving the disposition of all other matters to himself . He taxeth the City in two hundred thousand Florens , & commands the Citizens to reedify the Imperiall Fort , & all the Churches & Religious houses . Gives order that the Clergy be recall'd , & restor'd to their goods & possessions , of which in these last troubles they were deprived . He gran teth to the Hereticks leave to stay at Gaunt two years , to set in order their affairs , & then to depart . He also permiteth the garison souldiers , ( which were somwhat above two thousand ) to march away with their Armes , & hee to substitute others in their places , of what Nation hee pleased .

And having thus setled these affairs , he brought into the City three thousand Foot and five Troops of Horse under Olivera , and created the Lord of Champine , lately close prisoner there , and twice in danger to have lost his life Governor of the City . The Alex. orders the state of Gaunt , both civill , and sacred . Arch Bishop of Mechlin was also sent for to see to the Clergy of Gaunt , and to reduce into the City the Priests and religious Families , and to reconcile to God and true Religion the desertors of the Orthodox Faith ; And after this manner the Prince , as well as hee then could , ( being otherwise imployed ) took care of the civill and Ecclesiasticall affaires of Gaunt . And thus this City , the greatest in all the Belgick Provinces came into his Majesties hands being excellently well fortifyed with Walls , Ditches , and Forts against And of the Victory of this greatest and strongest City . all On-sets of great Armies whatsoever and within no lesse strong by the windings and inclosures of Rivers , and Channells , by which being cut into many Islands : if the Suburbs should bee taken , the Citizens may retire into those Islands , and cutting downe the Bridges may have them : Lastly , for safe refuges , this ( I say ) so great and rich a City , besieged rather by the terrour of Alexanders Name , then by a few stations of Souldiers plac't about it , with very little cost to the King , no losse of souldiers was compell'd to receive what conditions it pleased the Conquerer , with so great gaine of all warlick Magazine , there being caried from thence a huge number both of Wall and field Pieces , Military Engines , carts , Pioneers and other workemen , besides shippes and Marriners , that Prince Alexander sending a Messenger to He sent newes to the King . to Spaine with newes of the Victory ; to adde something ( as hee writ ) to the solemnity , then intended as hee understood , for the Nuptialls of Princesse Catharine his Majesties Married to the Duke of Savoy . Daughter ; after a relation of the Victory lastly affirmed , that he never amongst all his prosperous successe in the Low-countreys , had tryall of Gods bounteous goodnesse at a fitter time then in this Victory over Gaunt , of it selfe great , but shortly to produce a greater .

Nor was the fruit of this Victory Shippes brought from Gaunt to finish the Bridg. long concealed : There were thirty two shipps , besides some Barges , man'd with five hundred Souldiers brought from Gaunt , to be conveyed downe to the Scheldt to Caloo . But because betweene Gaunt and Caloo was seated Antwerp , before whose workes they were to passe , they determined thus to shun it . The Antwerpians having opened the bankes of the Scheldt at Lasling And through the fields drowned by the enemies . and other places , ( as I said before ) had overwhelmed the greatest part of the Countrey , even to the Village of Borcht a little beyond Antwerp , and excepting the Isle of Doele , Caloo , and some other Forts which were free from the Deluge , had covered over with waters all the sea-coast of Flanders . Alexander laying hold of this opportunity , as soone as the shippes were set out from Gaunt , and safely passed Dendermund and Rupelmund , Cities now of the Kings party , and being augmented with some Frigots Avoiding Antwerp . and little Galleys , commanded them to leave Antwerp on their right hand , and divert their course to Eorcht , and cutting there the banks of the River , to break out into the fields then flowing with Waters , which they , after a short skirmish with the And fighting with good successe . Antwerpian fleet , ( which came thither to stop them ) killing John Cocke the Admirall , and being guarded with a new Fort raised on purpose neere Borcht prosperously performed . Then steering towards Caloo , and breaking through the Rampire of Blacherse at St. Francis Fort , at length at Sebastians , the banks of the river being cut , and sliding againe into the Scheldt came to Alexander with so much the greater joy to the Army , for that Are conveyed to Alex. it was reported , the Royall shippes were scarcely passed Borcht , when a new navy from Antwerp , under the conduct of Tilinius , flew into the help of Cocke . This Tilinius some dayes before , whilst the Confederates on every But Tilinius sonne to Lanoy , sailing from Lillo to Antwerp , side assailed and disturbed the workmen building the Bridge , departing in the night from Lillo , made an escape to Antwerp , and drew with him three Spanish Barges , but seeing Not without some booty . the Royalists to have worsted the Antwerpians shipps , and already passed the bank of the Scheldt even to Borcht , lest that passage and port should hereafter Iye open to any more shippes coming from Gaunt , with the Fleet that came with him , cast Anchor where the bank of the River was Raising a Castle bindered that passage from Gaunt , opened , and there erected and fortifyed a Castle which was called Tilinius . Then returning to Antwerp , and consulting with Aldegunde and the chiefest Commanders , when they had determined to call from Zutphan Count Holach , to move Colonell Morgan to assist them with his English Regiment , and againe to demand aid from the French ; He engaged himselfe to go to the Hollanders , and solicite their Navie . And expecting the ebbing of the sea in an armed Galley , Afterward sailing back to solicite the Hollanders . having sent before one of his Barges , about midnight escaped betweene the wooden bridges , but by and by falling on the Lord of Bills Galley and shippes ; who by Prince Alexanders appointment , kept guard between the bridge and Lief-kenshoeck after some dispute was overcome , taken prisoner , Is taken . and sent to the Castle of Tourney , With great losse to the States . with no lesse losse to Antwerp , deprived of a stout and hardy Captaine , then griefe to his father Lanoy , with Lanoy taken before . that captivity twice captivated . But the damage given by Tilinius , who by placing shippes neere Borcht , had debard the Royalists from thence , and so block't up the shippes passage The passage from Gaunt being obstructed . from Gaunt , was not recompenced by this defeat : Which greatly vexed Prince Alexander , standing in need of shippes , by the interposition wherof the now finished bridge might at length block up the Scheldt , and inhibite the passage to the enemies , who daily in despight of all danger passed that way , and continually transported some provision to Antwerp , especially the neerer it drew to winter , he feared every thing would grow to a worse condition , principally the ice of the river , then which as the inhabitants threatned , there could not happen a more certaine mischiefe . Besides , hee had need of more shippes for the defence of the bridge against the enemies attempts , invading it either from the sea , or Antwerp , or from both sides at once . Therefore advising but in vaine , with those that were best acquainted with the Waters and places thereabouts , he himselfe , either necessity urging wit , or rather , ( as we writ to the King ) God inspiring it into his minde , after he had well viewed and taken notice of the Countrey all about Alexander deviseth another else where . the River , intended ( following D●usus , and Conbulonus example , who in those places made Ditches , he from the Rheine unto the lake of Flevus , this betweene the Mosse and the Rheine not farre from the coast of Holland : ) to make a channell capable 14. Novem. of shippes , from Steken , a Village of Wasia , and draw it on even to Caloo . And although a great patt of his Pioneers were else-where imployed ; yet assured of his souldiers obedience , ( for Alexander had attained , that that which heretofore was esteemed Might and Authority , now became emulation and customary ) Himselfe the Architect of his owne designe , amongst his souldiers and pioneers as one of them ; laid his hands to the work , and a little above Steken , whither an arm He beginneth the Channell . of Moere a river of Gaunt reacheth , opens the head of the ditch , and letting Moere into it , drawes on the And letting the River into it . channell to a place , where by reason of the former inundation , the Waters were sufficiently deepe five miles distant from Steken . Thence bending its course through the fields that were ebber of waters , to the Village of Gillis , hee brought it between Verbock , and the Fort of Devera , to Calloo , and so to the Army , and in fine cutting the bank of the Scheldt disburdened it into the river : and built there a Sconce call'd Perla , for the defence of this new Port and Haven , which in that place hee determined for his shipping . And thus though the passage through , the Scheldt was obstructed by the enemies , yet having opened a new and much shorter cut , into which the shipping from Gaunt , through the River Drawes it even to the camp . Moere might enter , and so be conveyed to the Army , hee sufficiently provided plenty of Timber for the bridge , and provision for the Army with great admiration of the enemies ; seeing so huge a work , so speedily perfected : and rejoycing of his souldiers , highly and not sparingly extolling the Prince of Parma , to whose honour they call'd this new Fosse , Parma . The length of it measuring both the dry land and the over-whelmed fields , The length of it . was fourteen miles : and first , there came from , Gaunt that way seaventeen Barks but afterwards as the greatest The commodiousnesse of it . Rivers of all Flanders do meet at Gaunt , so from all places of Flanders , all kind of Merchandize began to bee brought to the Camps , with no little gaine to the Townes and Villages , safely conveying thither , and uttering their vendible commodities ; with the greatest benefit to the souldiers , whom all the time of the siege , this one channell abundantly supplyed with victualls , so as they needed not to leave their Posts and Enfignes . But the principall Shippes are brought through it to perfect the bridge . profit of Parma then was , to bring in shippes to finish the bridge : Yet by reason of the frost they were some dayes retarded , for the River Scheldt , which was almost all frozen up , being broken , huge pieces of Ice were heaped together , which if perhaps with the violence of the Tyde , had been dash't against the bridge : doubtlesse had dissipated and overthrowne the shippes standing in the midst of the River , where it runs with greater violence . Certainly some huge fragments of the congealed River , forcibly being dash't against the bridge , and sticking into the substance of the piles , almost half a palme , were a sufficient proofe , of what strength and firmnesse it was , standing immoveable and stable against such sharp darts , violently hurl'd by the raging billowes of the Ocean . But as soon as the Winter began to dissolve , and lesse And the violence of the congealed River ceasing , they are made use of . 1585. feare of the Ice they returned to their work . The middle part of the River ( as is before signifyed ) between the Castles lay open little lesse then one thousand three hundred foot . To block up which there were thirty two Those shippes were chiefly two . shippes , of sixty six foot long a piece , and twelve foot broad interposed , with their sides together evenly placed . Nor were they joyned close together , Thus ordered . but distant one from another twenty two foot , and tyed together in foure places , at the Fore-deck , middle , and sterne by Cable-ropes , and chaines . Besides , every shipp from the Fore-deck and sterne was stayed by Anchors so cast that the river swelling up , and the Cables loosned by the Marriners helpe , the rank of shippes might be raised unhurt . But the distance between every ship was made up by beames , and boarded by overthwart planks , fastned unto the hatches : Over these the passage is made . whereby there was made a continuall bridge between the Castles , of one thousand three hundred foot long , flancked also with battlements of firme plancks , as was observed in both parts of the Steccada , to which , this middle bridge was connected . To every ship for their defence were attributed thirty souldiers , fenced with hurdles and gabions , foure Marriners , and two double Cannons : But for the Fortified with souldiers , Marriners and Cannons , Castles there were farre more defendants ; and to every corner of them so many Cannons , two whereof were plac't for the defence of the Steccada , and two for the shippes . And for the For the defence of the whole work , there were 97. Cannons . protection of all the whole bridge , there were ninety seven great Gunns . Nor was this work sooner perfected , but another was dispatched , which might be to this a munition and fortification . And as before City gates A double defence placed before the Bridge . some Forts or bulwarks a little distant from the Walls are wont to be rais'd aginst the enemies , by opposition of which they may be retarded , and dull'd , that they cannot assault the City it selfe , but first tyred and diminished ; so this new Bulwark ( as Baroccius the inventor of it , reasoned ) would be a tuition to the bridge , upon which the enemies shippes must of necessity run and be intangled , before they could freely and in full force assail the bridge . And after this manner was the structure of this Machine . Before the Navall bridge , but about a Of the kinde of structure . darts cast off , there were thirty three boats , placed three and three together , their sides somewhat distant one from another , fastned together with huge beames layd over , and shippes Mafts . Then three others connected after the same manner , but separated from the first three a little distance : so againe others , succeeded with equall distance , even unto the eleventh Ternall . Besides , from every one of these Ternalls , stood out forty beames in a forked order , being very long , round , and their points sharpned with iron ; which like Pike-men in the front of an Army , might terrify with their points set and turned against the enemy , those that advanced against them . These Boats were fill'd with empty Hogs-heads , left they should be swallowed up , either by the streame or tyde : these were on either side stayed with Anchors , but their Cables long and slack , that the River rising with the tyde , they might also rise with it , therefore they call'd them Floates .

The one of these Engines , for there were two were plac't towards Antwerp , the other towards the Ocean , either of these being one thousand two hundred and fifty two foot long , were so farre extended into the breadth of the River , that they might by their opposition and hinderance , defend all the Navall bridge , and part of the Castles . Lastly , his Excellency adding a Navy of forty sayle of shippes and galleys , twenty on Flanders fide , and as many on the coast of Brabant , for the safeguard of the Bridge ; after the seaventh moneth of the siege , brought this work to a happy end : And built a bridge over the Scheldt , two thousand four hundred foot long , of that And the bridge 2400 foot long , being finished . firmnesse , that both horse and foot , with Carriages and Wheel-pieces might safely passe to and fro , as occasion required between Flanders and The passage from Antwerp to the sea , is wholly cut off . Brabant ; block't up the river , and took away all hopes of commerce between the Sea and the Antwerpians . That day , on which the bridge and its fortifications were finished ( being That day , the work was finished , the souldiers celebrate with great joy . the feast of St. Matthias the Apostle , which Prince Alexander divined to be to him , as he writ to the King , luckie for the memory of his Grand-father Charles the fifth , to whom that day often proved fortunate ) all the Army celebrated it with military triumph . A great part of the souldiery were placed on the new bridge , as if , having subjugated and trampled on the Scheldt , they were already Victors : part from the Castles , and Forts built on both sides the River ; some from the ships , many from their stations and tents ; all with joyful Volleys of their Artillery and exulting shouts wish't life and Victory to their noble Generall the Prince of Parma . Whilst Alexander likewise gives thanks to God . he , who knew the designe to be begun by the singular Will of God , and by him protected amongst the continuall conflicts , both of the enemies , and elements , rendring with a submissive minde , thanks and praises to the Divine Majesty , pray'd that the worke might continue and be defended by his most omnipotent hand .

But as soon as it was known at Antwerp , The Antwerpians admire to see the work finished . the passage of the Scheldt to be stop't by a bridge , and many afar off beheld the Machine ; it is scarce credible , with what admiration and consternation the people were taken . Yea , there were of opinion , that this could not be invented by humane Art , but the modell of it by some demonicall inspiration demonstrated to the Prince of Parma , and accomplished by Artificers , and Tooles sent from Pluto . Indeed Aldegund , all thought then hee dissembled his feare , was mightily dejected ; and in a Book , which after the delivery of Antwerp he set forth , affirmed to be above humane judgement , that a River of that Aldegunds judgement of it . nature , could by mortall hands be obstructed . And verily amongst all the Ancients , one can hardly read of a more exquisite and rare piece of work . I know Caesars bridge a little beyond the Belgick boundes , built over the Rheine , to be by Historians Compared to Caesars Bridge . made famous . But Caesars bridge on the Rheine was erected on a far straiter , and by reason of the Summer time more shallow place . Alexanders bridled a river broader , almost by the halfe , hard by the Ocean , yea mixt with it , and tossed by the fury of that Element . Besides , he had every thing Caesar . ready brought from confederate Provinces , offering shippes and Timber : Alexand●r had few necessaries at hand , most things to fetch afar off , now surprized by the English , then by the Hollanders , alwayes in danger of the enemies . And that Caesars bridge was but for a short time to be used , to wit , for once transporting of an army , and therefore did not need to be of that stability , as of necessity Alexanders must , to hold out a siege of many moneths continuance . Lastly , Caesar stood in no dread of enemies , who , as soon as the bridge began to be erected , fled away , Alexander in sight of an hostile and most potent City , erected a Bridge amongst Waters , restlesse by the Tyde of the restlesse Ocean , betwixt Antwerp and the Antwerp . Sea , both held by the enemies , now thence , then from Antwerp , often from both sides at once , assailed by dangerous invasions of the enemies shipps . So as if the Name of Caesar were but taken from Rheine , and added to this bridge of Antwerp , our age , I believe , needed not to be ashamed of their Caesar's . But a spy sent by Aldegund to the Camp , to take notice of the fabrick of the Bridge , and the enemies designes , aggravated the besieged Cities cares , who being known and apprehended , but treated by the Prince of Parma , otherwise A Sco●t from Antwerp taken . then he feard , ( to wit , in imitation of Scipio , who with like security of himselfe , and contempt of the enemy , admitted Anniballs scouts , ) was commanded to walke about the Army , diligently to take notice of the bridg , to number the shippes , Artillery , and Forts , and then without feare to return to him . Being returned , go quoth he to those that sent thee , and And is sent back from Alex . with these words . after thou hast related all things thou hast with thy eyes beheld , add that Alexander Farneze , with a constant resolution hath determined with himselfe , not to depart from the siege , till under that ( and points to the Bridge ) he bury himselfe , or by it force a way into the City .

But the newes of the unfortunate attempt of Bolduc , was to Antwerp a The attemps of Bolduc . farre greater terrour then the relation they had from the Scout at his return . The States confederate amongst What was decreed by the states at their meeting . other things , agitated at their meeting at Middleburg , had thus divided their Forces . Whilst Tresland Admirall of Zealand , was drawing his fleet to Lillo , Count Holack should attempt Bolduck which if the Prince of Parma should releeve , ( for so they disputed ) doubtlesse , the bridge and the Castles would be left destitute of their accustomed defence , and so their fleet might have a more facile accesse , and onset upon the bridge , but if hee neglected Bolduck , and chose rather to attend to the head of the Warr , it could not hold out long , especially when some of the Citizens had promised their indeavours , and if Bolduc were taken , they might convey succours to Antwerp by land , not needing the sea . And now by Holacks command fifty foot souldiers Iulians charge . under Claragius lay in ambush , before the City gate , which tends towards Antwerp , and as soon in the morning as the Citizens opened that gate , and let down the draw-bridge , on a sudden they shewed themselves , and putting to flight the Citizens , took that gate . And forthwith three hundred horse , and seven hundred foot not farre off listening to the successe , commanded by Holach himselfe enter the City : and being divided , some march Holach and his forces enter the City . into the market-place , some lay hand on the Magazine and Artillery , many now as secure of the Victory , furiously Who fall to plunder . spread themselves all over in pillaging this rich City . And a Corporall The keeper of the gate joynes himselfe to the plunderers . with three souldiers appointed by Holack to look to the gate , now supposing the City to be taken , lest hee should bee defrauded of the fruits of the Victory , basely forsook his station , and joyned himselfe to his plundering companions . At that time by chance , Altapen newly recovered of his sicknesse was at Bolduc , and hearing the noyse of the enemies , arm'd himselfe , and drawing with him forty Lanciers of Elmont his Italian Troop , who then was Governour of the City , advanced to the Market-place , and with his presence greatly animated the dejected Citizens , and Altapen charges the enemies . fiercely charged the Van-guard of the enemies . Then the Governour Elmont They fight . By and by others also . followes Altapens example : and with both , some Citizens joyn themselves : others by their own conduct , and with mutuall exhortation invade the enemies : and taking up armes every where , it was all the City over , both in the streets and Market , with different resolutions , but equall obstinacy on both sides disputed . These , the love of their City , care of their wives , children and fortunes , inflamed against the assailants , and robbers ; these were encouraged with the glory of surprizing the City , and the great booties which now were in their hands . But , whether EVERY one more carefully defends his owne , then strives to take others , or the armed croud of Citizens increasing for , FOR THE most part a few begin high designes , but are soon seconded by many ; the Hollachians were forc't to defist from plunder , and fall to their own defence . And were yet encouraged with hope of succours , Holach being gone to call in more forces , which for this purpose lay privately in a Neighbouring Village . But an old man seeing the gate sleighted by the Holach departs to fetch in more forces . Holachians , privily crept down from an adjoyning Turret , cutting in sunder the tyes , and letting down the Port-cullis , shut out and deluded the enemies , being one thousand horse and Returnes with them . But the gate being shut , he is not admitted . two thousand foot , posting with all speed to the City , and even then at the gates , whereby it came to passe that the Holachians now fighting with unequall number and courage were all either shut up within the City , and miserably cut off ; or voluntarily Then following the slaughter of the Holachians . leaping from the Walls into the Ditch , excepting a few , were swallowed up by the Waters . At which time it is reported that many also of the Citizens , as yet ignorant of the delivery of their City , in a precipitate flight , and with vaine feare of them , to whom they themselves were a terrour , fell down headlong from the opposite part of the City Walls , and so both the victours and conquered were alike drowned . But it is more probable that they were not by ignorance of the Victory , but guilty of Treason , driven to flight & that fate . Amongst the dead , were found Ferdinand Truchsesius , brother to the deposed Imperiall Elector , and the Prince of Oranges base sonne , besides Count Holachs Lieftenant , and some German Captaines of Pike-men .

Thus this City already taken , was by one Corporall quitting his post lost , and saved by the undaunted courage of Altapen . And so accordingly the Corporall flying from the walls The keeper of the gate punished . received his merited punishment , who by Holachs command lost his head . Altapen and Elmont Prince Alexander highly extolling them both , were by the Kings letters as signals of his thanks , honoured , together with a Altapen rewarded . gift sent to Altapen .

As the newes of this defeat entred Bruxels besieged , is tormented with Famine . Antwerp , at the same time almost some horse , and suddenly after foot also , the reliques of the slaughter given by George Basta Commissary Generall of the horse , confusedly fled into the City . For Viluord a Towne neer adjoyning to Bruxels , not long before being taken by the Royalists , and Ambrose Landriano left there to defend it , those of Bruxels were miserably tormented for lack of provision . Wherefore the Mechlinians . and the Antwerpians , had thus agreed to releeve them , that they should provide provision , and these a Convoy . But by They of Mechlin and Antwerp send them provision , with a great Convoy . chance this came to the Prince of Parma's knowledge , who appointed George Basta from Tornhout , and Edward Lanceavech from Liere , Governour of that Garrison , to joyne their forces , and about Viluord to enambush them-selves . And now at the close of the evening , they saw nine But falling on an Ambuscado of the Royalists . Troopes of Horse and almost thirteen ●oot companies , to march before two hundred Carriages , and but a slender guard on the Reer . For by reason of the vicinity of Mechlin , they suspected not any danger . Whereupon the Royalists to make shew of greater forces , with great and sudden sounding of Drummes and Trumpets , charged the Van of the enemies horse ; then the foot and horse joining themselves , whilst on both sides it was couragiously fought , the Waggoneers conveyed away the carriages , and drove most of them back to Mechlin , from Are beaten and put to flight . whence a little before they came : whereby the Royalists with greater fury pursuing the fight , slew at least two hundred , and took many prisosoners , but especially of Ragters horses , With prey to the Victours . for they brought away above four hundred , kill'd and routed all the rest , and thought it sufficient , so to have disappointed the Antwerpians designe , to their no small damage , and to have dash't all hopes of releeving Bruxels , now in great distresse for want of provision . And indeed the The famine increaseth at Bruxels . famine in that rich , famous , and most populous City , grew almost intollerable , although oftentimes many , both men and women were sent out , thereby to ease it . But most of them by the Kings horse were either by shot forced back into the City , or not returning , were taken and hanged up : but they commanded the women , having their garments cut above their knees , with that disgrace to return to be with their fellowes hunger-starv'd . And truly every day there , many miserably perish't for lack of meat ; yea , it is reported , that a mother of many children , being inwardly tormented with their continuall lamentations , A miserable example . caused them to drink poyson , and afterwards drunk it her selfe , thereby to prevent the irksomnesse of a tedious death . Then discord famines companion , entred the City , some of the Discord increaseth as the famine . Citizens being in mind to surrender the City , others still retaining their obstinacy with hope of help from France : these with armed souldiers possess themselves of the Pallace , those with like preparation of armes took the Market-place and Town-house . Til at length in despair of the French succours , and seeing all passages on every side the City to bee obstructed , Viluord lost , and Willebroeck the head of their chiefe Navigation , together with the garrison taken by Igniquesius Regiment ; Templaeus Governour of the City , the souldiery , and They send to Alex . to deliver up the City . the Magistrates , sent their severall Commissioners into the Camp to Alexander , to render up the City to his mercy : onely petitioning they might receive conditions , not dishonourable to their City , the seat of the Belgick Princesse : adding that their constant fidelity to his mother the Dutchess of Parma , deserved something at her sonnes hands . Alexander after a short reprehension , that that Faith to his mother , and the King her Lord , they By whom being reprehended , had rashly changed , and by a furious edict , had made him exile to his own , yet putting them in good hopes of his Majesties clemency , dismissed them to President Richardott , by whose especiall meanes they agreed on these They receive these conditions . Articles . The Citizens now received into his Majesties favour : being no otherwise charged with any fine of money , are onely commanded to repaire the Churches , to restore the precious furniture of the Kings Pallace , and the sacred Ornaments of his Chappell , which they had plundered or else to pay their worth . As for the goods they had taken from the houses of Cardinal Granuell , Count Mansfield , & other rich men , whether they were to be restored or no , was left to be determined afterwards ; Lastly , the Hereticks had leave to tarry in the City two years for the setling of their affaires : and the souldiers ( which were about one thousand five hundred foot , and foure hundred horse ) are permitted to march away with their armes , bag , and baggage , but without either banners displayed , or light matches , their drummes and Trumpets silent : and before they departed , they were sworne : the common souldiers not to beare armes against his Majesty of Spaine for foure moneths , and the Officers for seven moneths . At whose departure , Anthony Lord of Goigney , an ancient Commander , even from the time of Charles the fifth ; was by Prince Alexander Lastly , hee provides for the civill and sacred affaires . appointed Governour of the City , with some companies of Walloones and Spaniards . Then Richardott was sent thither , together with Garner one of the privy Councell , to be over the Councell , and new Magistrates , and to regulate the civill affaires . And in fine , the charge of the Clergy was with like care committed to the Arch-Bishop of Mechlin , to whose Diocesse Bruxels then belonged .

And within lesse then a moneth The render of NIEVMEGHEN . Nievmeghen , the Metropolitan of Guelders , came into his Majesties hands . SO THINGS conjoyned , if once disjoynted , they all suddenly go to wrack . Count Meursius Governor of that Province , intended to have increased the garrison at Nieumeghen ( there being already for its defence foure hundred foot , and two hundred horse ) thereby to terrify the faction of the Catholicks in that City , of whom he was jealous . But new garrison souldiers were both to the Catholicks & Hereticks equally unwelcome , and therefore not admitted ; yea , Vpon a contef● amongft the Citizens . the Catholicks privately conspired amongst themselves to remove the old garrison : whereof Alexander having notice , to whom not any of the enemies designes lay concealed , forthwith Altapen privately aideth the Catholieks . appointed Altapen , whom hee had placed in Guelderland to wait on the motions of Count Meursius , that he should diligently attend to that prize . Hee thereupon consulting with the Catholick Citizens , sent secretly now and then , some faithfull and valiant men into the City to strengthen the Catholick party : Who when they were gotten to a sufficient head , set open the gates , and admitted Altapen And they prevailing , is admitted . with a select force of horse into the City , who joyned with them , standing ready in armes . Whereupon the garrison souldiers affrighted with the with the sudden surprize , without the least resistance , or delay submitted And takes the City . themselves , and were forthwith sent away . Whereupon the Nievmeghens sent their chiefest Citizens to his Excellency : and obtaining what conditions they desired , returned to their ancient loyalty and obedience . Wherefore Prince Alexander commanded a solemne thanksgiving to the Divine goodnesse ; with as great joy through the Army , as mutiny at Antwerp at the sad tydings , first at the losse of With great mutiny at Antwerp . Bruxels the Court of Brabant , then of the surprizing of Nievmeghen , in times past the seate of Charles the Great : and by reason of the commodiousnesse of the River , Waele of greatest importance in all Guelders . So that indeed Aldegund with all his Rhetorick , could not have repressed the tumult of the people , if their dejected Which upon some good news is quieted . spirits had not been animated at the newes of the vaine and bloody successe of the Royalists attempting Ostend : and the recovery of Lief-kenshoeck with other Forts .

And truly the assult of Ostend by The attempt of OSTEND . Valentine Lord of Mott , doth much resemble both for its beginning , successe and end , that of Bolduc , attempted almost at the same time ( as we have before related ) by Count Holach . The Lord of Mott with some companies of Camillus Capissuccus Italian Regiment , and drawing part of the Presidiaries out of the adjacent garrisons , together with a Regiment of Waloones , led by Lewis Memorancy Baron of Beury , for his Father the Lord of Berse ; on the sudden slew the watch of Ostend , plac't at the Sea-port : then entring the old Town ( for Mottaeus enters the City . Ostend is divided into two parts ) and killing all those that made head against them , held it as Conquerer almost four houres . But hee departing to fetch Cannons to open a way into the new Town , in the interim most The souldiers falling to plunder , of his souldiers disperst themselves greedy of plunder : an accustomed evill , which in such unfortunate attempts will alwayes be condemned in souldiers , alwayes caused by covetousnesse . It also happened that some of the Captaines , to whom the sett And the Captaines making delay . houre of assaulting the City was prescribed , stayd beyond their limited time , whereby the Townesmen and garrison souldiers joyning both their forces in a body , easily mastered the assailants , scattered up and down , at their pleasures pillaging the City . Hinder the victory . And although Memorancy having gathered many of his souldiers together , Which whilst Memorancy urgeth forward , and ordering them in a ring as well as hee could , omitted nothing whereby hee might valiantly re-inforce the fight ; yet the enemies number increasing , he was slaine gallantly Is slaine fighting . fighting in the very front of his souldiers , and his body cast into the Waters , whereby his children were deprived of that small comfort ; but they could not ecclipse the memory of his renowned valour , which was too worthy to be buried in the Waters . There were many slaine on both sides , but farre more on the Royalists , The overthrow of the rest . amongst whom there fell foure Captains , besides the losse of two Ensignes of the Italian Regiment , which because they were a long time stoutly defended by their bearers , and came not into their enemies hands but by their deaths , it was permitted by the law of Armes to display new ones in their places . The rest of the assailants , after the death of their Commanders And flight . fled away . Three Captaines also Three Captaines therefore condemned , were by Prince Alexander condemned to lose their heads , but for the singular valour of one of these Captains , often made proofe of in the Warres But afterwards set at liberty . they were after some dayes imprisonment , all set at liberty . But the fleet from Zealand , which as we have before The Navie of zealand . related , and fame divulged , was privately designed at the consultation of MIddleburg , was to the Spanish Camp a farre greater terrour . Yet the Prince of Parma plac't great hope in the delay of Treslong , Admirall of that Navie ; for hearing that this The Admirall protracts time . Treslong , upon some jarres betweene him and Adulph Meetkirk had taken distast at the States of Zealand , his Excellency being attentive to such like occasions , had already courted him with kind complementall Letters , Being courted by Alexander with many promises . and invited him to joyne with the Royall party , offering him great matters , and putting him in hope of creating him Knight of the Order of the golden Fleece . And indeed Treslong , whether hanging in suspence or not sufficiently provided for an assault , seemed but slowly to set forward his shippes to transport provision to Antwerp , and hinder the perfecting of the bridge : not without the sinister reports of many , and open complaints of the States against such The States complaine of his delay , whom he sleights . a jealous procrastination . Which hee more intollerably resented , because proud of his deserts , for surprizing Brill , with the helpe of Lume ( the first beginning and Origin of depressing the Spanish Dominion ) thought the united Provinces to bee greatly indebted to him . Wherefore following the like rash hastinesse of Lume , when hee could not containe himselfe from menacing and casting And as ingratefull threatens them . out reproaches against the Zealanders ; almost with the like successe as Lume , was by the Councell of Zealand , degraded from his Admiralls place , and not long after imprisoned , But is removed from his Admirals place . there remaining , untill by the Mediation of the Queen of England he was released , and retyred into Holland , where the businesse being againe agitated by the high Court of that Province , who took it ill , that the Councell But after set at liberty by the Hollanders . of Zealand should act things without their knowledge , he was discharged : whether they found him truly guiltlesse , and condemned onely because he was rich , and hated : and for feare , lest exasperated with the late affront , hee should desert their party , and joyne with the enemy . And therefore the Hollanders advancing him to And honoured . high Dignities , retained him with them . But before all this , Treslong acting nothing as yet , the Zealanders collected together all the shippes they The Navie of zealand , entering the Scheldt , setsupon Lief-kenshoeck . could , and under Justin of Nassau , the Prince of Oranges base sonne , sent them from the sea into the Scheldt , who setting upon Lief-kenshoeck with the helpe of the shippes belonging to Lillo the opposite fort , batter the Castle with so strong an impression of their Cannons , that now the fort being beaten down in many places , and a sufficient breach made for an ascent , after a sharp rather then constant resistance of the Royalists , the Walloones who kept the Castle either slain or put to chase , they not onely recovered Lief-kenshoeck , but Antonia And take it . also its Governour not daring to fight , and almost all the Isle of Doele : With other Castles . with great indignation of Prince Alexander , who sending forces with all speed , and urging forward the shippes that kept centrie not farre off , was yet by the Governour of Antonia , and his souldiers over hasty flight prevented . Wherefore his Excellency being implacably incensed , banished the Alex. punisheth the Governors , Governour of Lief-kenshoeck , and beheaded the Governour of Antonia This Victory , as it warranted the States free Navigation , safely to passe with reliefe between their Castles on both sides the River , even from the sea to the bridge , so it hastened their enterprize agreed on at their meeting ; The confederates designe of invading the bridge . viz. that at the same time , when the Antwerpians should with their pretended stratagem invade , and overthrow the Bridge , the Hollanders and Zealanders should approach with their Navie , and convey provision through the breach of the Bridge . But lest the shipps-masts plac't before the Bridge , and fastened to boats ( which as is before said , were called floates ) should bee an obstacle to the Antwerpians disigne : there were Marriners appointed , to transport themselves in First of removing the floates from before the bridge . the dead of the night in light shallops , or by some secret invention to dive under the Waters , and with great hooks and knives to cut the Cables , and turn the Masts downe the River against the bridge . But Barroccius having put chaines to the Anchors , in Which they attempting , were represt . stead of ropes : and causing fires to be made along the river side , all the night through , their intent was frustrated .

But the Antwerpians having now finished the shipps , which they a long time had prepared for the unevitable Seaventeen Antwerpian shippes . destruction of the bridge certifyed their Navie on the other side , that the shipps , which were made ready , should on the fourth day of Aprill next ensuing set forth from the City . And that they with their fleet and store of provision , should without faile , that night bee ready at hand , for they might passe through the not to be doubted breach of the bridge , without danger . I will out of Prince Alexanders letters to the King , and from a brief commentary of Captaine Tuccius concerning this designe , exactly relate the invention and effect of these shippes , because in all Antiquity any thing more terrible was never heard off . Frederick Jambell , The inventour . an admirable Engineer , coming out of Italy into Spaine , is said a long time to have desired accesse to the King , that he might offer him his service , which would be very advantagious for him in the Low-Countries . But being a long time put off , and at last sleighted ; as hee was not brought up at Court to patience , departed thence in a rage , and threatned erelong so to effect , that his Majesty of Spaine , should heare of the name of this despised person not without teares . And then went to Antwerp , where he got by this occasion ; as I have begun to relate , a fit opportunity of expressing the malice of his galled mind . He built foure shippes with The structure of foure of them . flat bottomes , and high sides , both of them much thicker and stronger then ordinary : and thus invented to make Mines made in them . mines in the Waters . First of all , in the keele of the ship , hee made a wall of lime and brick , as it were the floar , or ground-work , one foot high , and five foot broad : and extended it the length of the Ship ; then hee erected walls on each side the compasse of the foundation , three foot high , and as broad , covering them close , being first fill'd with Gun-powder tempered by an exqnisite Art , known only to himselfe . The covering was of Grave-stones , Mill-stones , and other huge stones . Upon this covering hee made another height Vault-wise , of Mill-stones , and other huge stones also , which leaning one to another made a ridge , that the slaughter might not onely be straight forwards , but on either side ; within this higher vault he laid Iron and Marble balls , chaines , blocks , nailes , knives , and whatsoever this wicked witty man thought most damageable . Lastly , as farre as lay open between the sides of the ship , and the wall and roof of the mine , he fill'd up with square stones close joined , and beams fastened with Iron . But covered , and hid all these things with strong planks , and a brick floore , in the middle whereof hee set fire to a pyle of wood , ( that the shippes might seeme to bee set out in that order to burne downe the bridge ) putting under the Wood , pitch and brimstone , not to bee extinguished , before the mine should be fir'd with the prepared Timber , hee fram'd two wayes to Two wayes of firing the mines fire the Mine : In some of the shippes plac't matches besmear'd with gunpowder , which being privily extended through part of the keele , were stretched into the Mine , of that length , as by a certain measure he had before tryed , would continue light , untill the shippes should come to the bridge . In other shippes , hee used those kinde of clockes , which are wont by an admirable and pleasant Art , to be exhibited in stead of night-watchers to light lamps . And so ordered the stratagem , that it should continue with a gentle motion of the wheeles , untill the ship arrived at the bridge : and then with a sudden and violent meeting together of the wheeles , and flint , strike some sparcles , which recived in the bruised gun-powder there scattered , taking fire , might inflame the train there layd : and this reaching to the mouth of the Mine , might speedily convey that creeping fire into it . Jambell having finished foure shippes after this manner , added to them thirteen lesser , To these foure greater , are added thirteen lesser . having within them nothing hurtfull , but the Hatches covered with huge fires . Nor was this preparation unseene of the Royalists , although The Royalists in the interim solicitous . they were ignorant of the stratagem : who imagined the fleet was in making ready in the City , to the intent the bridge might at once be assailed on the one side by the Antwerpians , and on the other by the Hollanders and Zealanders . Wherefore his Excellency strengthening the Castles , and Forts with greater guards , and calling to the bridge the chiefe of his souldiers , had a watchfull eye to the enemies designes : who by how much hee seemed the better prepared to divert the slaughter , was so much neerer The shippes appeare from the City . 8. Aprill . to receive it . When behold from the City there appeared three shippes brightly shining with fire , and a little after followed others , and after those others . Then all the noyse in the Camp was arme arme , and the bridge was filled with souldiers . The shipps were carried down the river two and three together , in so orderly a course , as if they were but to make a shew ; for they were then governed by Marrlners : and the fire in every ship shined so clearly , that they seemed not to carry Their fires made a wonderfull shew in the night , fires , but verily to burn themselves , and so fire to saile , and bee nourished amongst the Waters . And truly that night was that Scene acted , which might have been a pleasant spectacle , if the spectatours had beene exempt from feare and care . For the banks of the River , and the Castles plac't thereon shined with continuall fires . The Companies of armed men ranged along As also the souldiers along the banks . the banks made a reflection of the shining light : the fiery shippes amidst the Scheldt hurtlesly spitting their flames , it was to bee doubted , whether they came to be a sport , or ( full of deceit ) a destruction . Then the aspect and pomp of the Commanders and Souldiers shining in bright Armour , their weapons drawne , and colours displai'd all along the bridge , augmented the Pageant . Lastly , all things composed to the uncertaine pleasure of this new Theater , both struck terrour , and yet were delightfull : they feared , and yet had pleasure in the cause of their feare . And now these shippes were scarcely two miles off the bridge , when the Marriners The shippes approach neerer ; that conducted them , directing their helmes , turned those four shipps that were made with Mines straight down the midst of the channell , against the bridge , not so greatly caring for the rest and forthwith setting fire to the match leap't into the boats to behold a farre off the successe . But they wanting their Pilots , did not at all keep one course : most of the lesser The lesser having no success . either dash't themselves against the opposite Machines that were fenced with sharp pykes , or running on ground stuck to the banks . But of the foure that carried within them ruine , one leaking was swallowed up in the midst of the River , vomiting onely smoake and Thunder . Two others of Nor three of the greater . the foure towards Caloo , ( the River being deeper there and running swifter ) the Wind blowing hard out of Brabant , forc't on Flanders coast , and there grounded them . Nor did the The fourth is stay'd by the floates . fourth seeme to have any better fortune being almost cast on Flanders coast , and violently driven upon the very farthest part of the floates . Therefore the Royalists now shaking off feare especially when the fires began Then the Royalists fear is turned to mirth . to diminish in many of the lesser shippes , and were almost extinguished , wondered at the enemies designes , and scoffed with Military jeeres , that so great preparation was to no purpose . Yea , they were so bold , as from Flanders side , to board one of those shippes that was gravel'd there , and try with javelins what might bee within it . When that shipp , which I spake of last , being greater and stronger But when it broke through the floates , then the rest , easily escaped those sharp pointed Engines , broke downe the opposite Machine , and came on fiercely against the bridge . Then were the souldiers renewing their shoutes , againe solicitous and fearfull . And They were again solicitous . Prince Alexander , who having his thoughts bent severall wayes , now had regard to the Navy lying at Lillo , then nearer attending to the Antwerpians designe , forthwith at those Alex. hastens to divert the shipp from the Bridge . shoutes repaired thither , where the fire-ship seemed to attempt ; and commanded some Marriners to board the ship disperse the wood , and quench the fire : others to keep off and prevent the danger with long poles , and pikes . He himselfe stood in the wooden Castle , which is the furthest part of the Pile-work from Flanders side , to which the navall bridge is connected . There were with him Rubasius , Cajatane , Billius , and Vastius , with other chiefe Commanders , besides the guard of the place . Amongst whom a Spanish Ensigne , an ancient servant to A Spanish Ensigne endeavours to remove him from the Bridge . the Farnezes , having some knowledg insuch like Engines , was the preserver of Prince Alexanders life . Whether he knew how excellent Jambell was in this Art , and perhaps had heard how hee had been treated in Spaine : and therefore suspected this device to be set forth out of the work-house of this incensed man . Or not by humane reasoning hee did it , but God , who then had determined Antwerp should be taken by so couragious and pious a Generall , putting it into his mind , came to his Excellency , and most earnestly desired him , that seeing now hee had sufficiently provided what things were necessary for the present , hee would please to withdraw himselfe thence , and not to trust his life , on which every souldiers life , yea , the very Warr it selfe depended , to so perilous a place . But being rejected , hee insisted in his suit twice or thrice , and not taken notice Being rejected , he still insists ; of hee prostrated himselfe at his knees , and said , I most humbly beseech and intreat you most Illustrious Prince , by your life , which now I see exposed to present hazzard , once to take counsell of your servant . And saying thus , hee reverently took hold of his garment , and with a kind of commanding authority , And almost compell's him . besought him to follow him . Alexander interpreting the unwonted freedome of the man , as from a higher power , at last consented , Vastius Alexander departs from the Bridge : and Cajatane following him . And as scarcely entered Saint Maries Fort on Flanders shoare , when the houre of the limited time approaching , on a sudden the fatall ship burst , with such a horrid crash , as if the very skies At the same time the fireshipp burst , had rent asunder , heaven and earth had charged one another , and the whole Machine of the earth it selfe had quaked . For the storm of stones , chaines , and bullets , being cast out with Thunder and lightning , there The wonderfull force of it . followed such a slaughter , as no man , but that actually it happened , could have imagined . The Castle , on which the infernall ship fell , the pile-work of the bridge next to Saint Maries Fort , that part of the navall bridge next the Castle souldiers , Marriners , Commanders , a great number of Cannons , armour , and armes , all these this furious whirle-wind swept away together , tossed in the ayre , and disperst as wind doth leaves of Trees . The Scheldt prodigiously gaping , was first seen to discover its bottom , then swelling above the banks , was even with the Rampires , and overflowed Saint Maries Fort above a foot . The motion of the panting earth extended its force and feare above nine miles . There were found stones , and that very great ones as grave stones and the like , a mile off the River , struck into the ground , in some places foure palmes . But no losse or destruction was more The slaughter various . miserable then of men : some the hellish violence of the fires , either forthwith consumed , or furiously and miserably dash't them together : or shot them as it were into the ayre , amongst stones and wood , who straight-wayes were bruised falling on the earth , or drowned if lighting in the River . Others were stifled with the pestiferous vapours , not wounded otherwise : some the swelling river long tormented with hot scalding waters : many were slaine in the shoure of falling stones , and some the grave-stones both kill'd , and intombed ; Yet this direfull infernall fury , omitted not to make some sport in this so lamentable a Tragedy . The Viscount of Bruxels was taken , and darted out of his own ship by this sudden Tempest , but fell over-thwart another shipp plac't a good distance off . This devillish The severall chances of others . whirle-wind carried Captaine Tuccius heavy arm'd out of Saint Maries Fort like light chaffe in the ayre , and cast him down in the midst of the River , out of which hee being well skilled in swimming loosing his armour , and protected by the Mother of God , whose ayde hee implored with great confidence , escaped without any harme . But a young man of Prince Alexanders life-guard dispatched a farr greater journey ; for snatched from the bridge a distance from Flanders side , he was carried over a great part of the river into Brabant , being but a little hurt in that shoulder which first light to the ground ; and said , hee seem'd like a bullet shot out of a piece of Ordinance , he felt behind him such a violence forcing him forward . Indeed , The judgement of some concerning this Engine . there were some of opinion that survived the slaughter , that what man soever fabricated this execrable Engine , composed that direfull plague not of naturall stuffe but fetch'c that terrible fire from the infernall furnaces of hell : that without doubt hee provoked that Thunder and lightning by Art magick from the Skies : attracted the pestiferous vapours from no other place , then the black dungeon of Pluto : and derived the very waters burning beyond measure and custome from the Stygian lake . It is so FAMILIAR amongst men , to judge that whatsoever is beyond their capacity , is also above humane power to effect . Vasquius Sergeant Major of a Spanish Regiment , writes , The number of those that were slaine . there were eight hundred slaine , besides a great number that were wounded and maimed : Nor doth Tuccius speak of any fewer , who were both present at the slaughter ; Amongst whom there fell many brave souldiers , chiefe Officers and leaders : But the death of Rubasius and Billius , which happened in the Castle , from which Prince Alexander departed , amongst whom Billius , farre surpassed the losse of all the rest . Gaspar Robley a Portuguese , but by his wife a Dutch Lady , Lord of Bill , had been Governour of Friez-land , and was then Colonell of a German Regiment , and Captaine of a Troop of horse , an ancient and expert souldier , as ever any , a faithfull Counsellour , and highly esteemed by the Prince of Parma , who giving the Regiment to one of his sonnes , and the Troop of horse to another , continued the love of the Father towards his children . But many things concurred to the honour of Robert Marquesse Rubasius , his ancient Nobility And Rubasius , His Elogium : from the house of the Melunes : his great riches of his owne , and increased by the accesse of the Principality , which Prince Alexander ( his brother being proscribed ) had obtained for him of the King . This great authority both at home and in the Camp , being both Governour of Artois , and Generall of the horse : which he left greater to his successours ; being the first General of the horse , to whom ( Prince Alexander permitting it ) the lances began to bee bowed , an honourable kind of salutation , accustomed onely to the sole Generall of the Army , which from that time was brought in custome : and some yeares after it was allowed , that the Cornets of horse should bow downe their colours to the Generall of the Horse . For his military mind there was none more confident , or fortunate : and therefore hee was often by the States confederate , invited to return to their party , for whom hee had once fought against the King : In the interim they feared him , as conscious of their councells and strength . The love of Prince Alexander heaped these dignities upon him , which his Excellency knew hee well deserved , for the returne of Waloone Provinces , chiefly by his example , to their allegiance : for his discovery and preventing the treacheries plotted against him : & his incomparable care and reverence , continually acknowledging how greatly hee was obliged to the Prince of Parma , almost adoring the very name of Alexander , though otherwise high-minded and haughty . But the death of Rubasius , And others . and many others , caused not only by this ship at the bridge , but by the other that was grounded vomiting its poyson not without the losse of many , ( for the third was driven to the bank , but the fire-work being extinguished by waters , had no effect ) the approach of day , not without great griefe discovered for that night amidst the pittiful groaning of wounded persons , nothing was thought on , but each one to lament his misfortune , all struck with terrour , and almost out of their wits , being ignorant of their comrades lives , and not assured of their owne . And the feare encreased Yea Alex. himselfe was thought to bee slaine . with the supposed death of their Generall Prince Alexander : because so lately seene in the Castle , which the fire first took hold on , and consumed : often reflecting on those words , which hee spoke in the hearing of many to the Antwerpian scout , viz. that the bridge should either be his Tombe , or a path to the Victory . They thinking that hee too truly had foretold his death , and the place where . And verily his Excellency although a good distance off the bridg , was never in greater perill of death ; for a great stake falling on him , in His danger . the entrance of Saint Maries Fort , being tossed with the whirle-wind of the disturbed ayre , between the Helmet and shoulder , struck him to the ground , where he was found with his sword drawn , like to one in a trance , and Bastius by him imbracing his knees : Cajatane also lying not farre off , hurt in the head with a stone . Prince Alexander after a while coming to himselfe . when he saw so many His griefe at the overthrow , dead corps of his souldiers Iye prostrate about , heard the miserable lamentations , with which some being fastened and hanging on the beams of the bridge others covered with heaps of stones , or halfe buried under grave-stones , implored the helpe of their fellowes : when hee beheld the Steccada to be torne in pieces , the Castle utterly destroyed , and three shippes that were next to it devoured by the River : and understood that those , that were in them , both Marriners , souldiers , and their Captaines , all to be oppressed in the same ruine and hearing no certainty of Rubasius ; hee was indeed in extreme sorrow , yet not at all dejected , although deserted by his Yet not dejected . deare and faithfull fellow souldiers , in so great a ruine of his labours ; and all being in despaire , yet he alone for all this huge discomfiture took courage , constancy , and bore himselfe as superiour to the mis-fortune ; and taking to him Mondragonius , Charles Mans field , and Camillus Capisuccus , besides others that escaped the tempest : to whom also George Basta , and Casius with a select Troop of horse , call'd thither by the thunder and lightning , came on the spurr ; hee went round the stations , shippes , and tents : whose first and chiefest Hee walkes the round , care was , to send the wounded unto the hospitall of Bevera , to help every one the best hee could : to comfort Assists the wounded , with his presence , words , and encouragement , to extenuate their opinion Comforts all with his presence , & words , of the mis-fortune ; he denied not but that many were hurt , yet divers of them began to revive , come to themselves , and take breath , and strength : nor were the enemies exempt from that terrour , with which they had struck others , seeing they durst not proceed forward in the darknesse , being ignorant of the overthrow , and carefull of themselves . One thing was seriously to be provided for , viz. that the day should not reveale the breach And animases them to repaire the Bridge . of the bridge , which the night concealed from the enemies ; Certainly it is scarce credible , how much the sight of Prince Alexander elevated the dejected spirits of his souldiers , and repressed their feare of the enemies approach . The arivall also of Maurique with his German Regiment , whom the Prince of Parma , after the losse of Lief-kenshoeck , with all speed had sent for out of Guelders , fell out very opportunely . Therefore with Emulous alacrity , Prince Alexander THE Bridge is repaired . himselfe giving the first example , without distinction of Commanders , or souldiers , they all contentiously apply themselves to repaire the bridge , not because hee thought the invention and labour of many moneths , could be restored in foure houres : yet the breach of the bridge , by mending the Steccada , and interposing shippes , in some manner closed up , might seem in the morning to the enemies scouts not to be impaired at all ; knowing In shew onely to delude the enemies . souldiers are some times kept off , as well by meere appearances , as true realities , being alwayes exercised with jealousies and feares ; and with that false spectacle their eyes being deluded and terrifyed , their courages would easily give back . And hee presented them with as seemly a Pageant , as hee And did so . could wish : for by their great dexterity in the rest of the night , the beams which floated on the Waters , being layd in their former places , new piles erected , poles layd over-thwart , and what else they had at hand driven into the River , and shippes linked betweene as they were , he so fitly repaired the bridge , placing souldiers thereon , commanding Drumms and Trumpets continually to bee ratled and sounded ; that the enemies Navy was by this imaginary species gull'd , and hindered from an assault ; which , if it had advanced from Lillo , might easily have broken through that temporary supply : but afterwards the work being daily strengthened , it was really retarded . And verily it was uncertaine whether the Prince of Parma Being thereby highly praised , especially by the King . had greater courage now , in repairing the bridge , or before in building it . Indeed , the King upon this occasion , rendering him many thanks , wrot with his own hand , That hee was not provided of words , where with hee might sufficiently extoll his constancy , and dexterity in that very nick of his distressed affaires . And there wanted not some , who reflecting June 6. on the Machine erected above the Waters at the siege of Tyre , ( so famous in times past ) and its destruction by the fire-ship of the enemies , The comparison of Alexander Prince of Parma , with Alexander King of Macedon , in repairing the Bridge , did not absurdly , or against reason , compare Alexander Prince of Parma , with Alexander King of Macedon : For neither could they find Antwerp to be a part any wayes inferiour to Tyre , nor the Scheldt to be of lesse breadth then the Tirian Sea , being there foure furlongs ; and indeed to make a way through the Waters , by casting huge heapes of stones , and whole woods of Trees , confusedly together into the Sea seemed a vaster labour , and required the helpe of many hands : but to bridle a River of no lesse greatnesse then that Sea , by a Bridge connected together by Art , was farre more ingenious and curious . Certainly , the Tirian ship performing its execution with pitch and brimstone , was not worthy to bee compared to the Antwerpian , fighting with fire , stinking vapours , stones , scalding waters , and so with all the Elements at one . And yet for all this great overthrow , the Prince of Parma in one piece of a night repaired the bridge , and constantly held on the siege till victorious : when Alexander of Macedon was almost in despaire , and but that the fortunate arrivall of his Navy from Cyprus stayed him , and at last was cause of his conquest , he was in mind to have quit the siege . And truly , they may conclude their comparison of the Prince of Parma with the King of Macedon , not to be unequall in the structure , and reparation of this Machine : and if the excellency of the writers were alike , they might match one another in every thing . The day following when no enemies appeared , and newes was brought back by the scout-boats , sent that night by his Excellency towards Lillo , that the enemies fleet lay still , as ignorant , viz. of their own victory , their mindes by Gods especiall providence being diverted from the attempt ; It was Alex. gives order to bury the dead bodies . thought fit to take care of burying the dead : but then the griefe of the Army was renewed , whilst some acknowledge and interr their neighbours , and kins-folks , others amongst strangers found their friends , and searching met but more objects of dis-comfort : all at the cruell and lamentable aspect of mangled bodies , and heads torne off , their fury increasing against the enemies , they both lamented , and yet threatned . The Corps of Rubasius scarcely to be discerned , being taken down from the shipp where it hung , with such solemnity as time and place permitted , Prince Alexander himselfe , not without teares interred ; He himselfe interrs Rubasius : which piety of his towards his souldiers , and participation of griefe , was exceeding gratefull to the Army . But Billius being daily sought for , was some moneths after , when the bridge Billius was found afterwards . was taken down found hanging on a pyle , being first taken notice of , by a golden Chaine , which hee alwayes wore , and honourably interred at Antwerp .