An Exhortation Concerning the Estate of Christendom, Text

An Exhortation Concerning the Estate of Christendom · Text

A pithie, And moſt earneſt exhortation, concerning the eſtate of Chriſtiandome, together with the meanes to preſerue and defend the ſame;

DEDICATED To al chriſtian Kings Princes and Potentates, with all other the eſtates of Chriſtiandome:

By a Germaine Gentleman, a louer of his Countrey.

Printed at Antwerpe. ANNO D. 1583.

p. 1To all Chriſtian Kinges, Princes and Potentates, with all other the eſtates of Chriſtendome.

IF we would in the ballance of vnderſtanding weye and ponder what ſoeuer the councels & actions which we conceaue in other mens affaires and buſines, we ſhould no dout builde the whole eſtate of our life vponupon a more aſſured foundation, & with al eſchue an infinite number of calamities aſwell publique as perticuler which now we do incurre. For the examples of other mens perils and loſſes, being the moſte faithfull teachers and expert guids of this preſent life, would make vsus more warie and ſtand vsus in ſtead of a rule whereby to direct al our enterpriſes, determinations, & the cōduct of al our affairs. This kind of wiſedome hauehave the moſte circumſpect p. 2in all ages, accounted to be, not onelyonly of the greateſt profite, but alſo moſt milde and tollerable, and which doth yeelde greateſt contentation to the practitioners of the ſame.

Howbeit it happeneth for the moſt part, that in the gouernm̄et & directiō of our affaires we be ſo altered, either with hope, or feare, or ſome other humane frailty or infirmity, that we can not cōprehend or forſee the miſchief which euē at hand hangeth ouer our heads, vntil it hath vtterly ſnared and caught vsus through ſome ſudden & vnloked for fall & ruine, and ſo we doe fully ſuffer the puniſhment due to our dulnes & negligence: Whereby notwithſtanding we do many times wiſely enter into the conſideration of other mens affairs, yet in caſe our ſelues be to eſchue the like perilles, it falleth ordinarily out, that either in pondring the waightines of the matter, either amazed with doubt of the vncertain euent therof, either waiting that others firſt ſet to their handes, either hoping time enough to be able to prouide therfore, we do ſo prolōg our buſines p. 3that the cōmodity & occaſiō eſcaping vsus, al this goodly wiſdome, and wary forecaſt that we had conceiued in the conſideration of the exāples of other mens miſchāces, vaniſheth into ſmoke & ſo ſodēly wereth away, that wecānot thereof reape any fruit or commodity.

Hitherto was there neuer prouince, Towne, or valeant & vertuous citizen, but did account their ſafety, libertye & cōmon quiet to depend vpō the moderat & peaceable gouernmēt of their mightieſt borderers: as alſo that nothing went ſo nere thē, or was of ſuch importance, as their neighbors to eſtabliſh their eſtate in iuſtice, or moderat affection, & in peaceable cōteining thē ſelues within their owne bounds & limits, as it were within certaine ſtrong bulwarks & barriers. And aſſuredly as ambitiō is euer to be feared & ſuſpected in all maner of perſōs, ſo is it moſt dangerous in thoſe, who being alredy of great power & ſtrength, cannot neuertheleſſe bridle their couetous aſſections, how large ſoeuer the extent of their boundes & limites be: For ſith it is vnpoſſible that any innouations, p. 4or alterations in kingdomes and common wealths, can hapen without peruerting, moleſting or general confounding of al things, it muſt neceſſarily folow that not only the bordering prouinces, but alſo thoſe countries which lie farther off, being toſſed & turmoiled with the waues & billowes of ſuch their neighbours ambition, ſhal finally bee entangled and ſwallowed vp in the gulfe of ſo horrible calamitie.

For as the waues of the Ocean Sea, being toſſed with ſome mighty ſtorm & ſo ſwelling out of their banks & ordinary limittes, may at the firſt with ſmal labor be reſtrained through ſome ſtrong wall ſpeedily erected & by the diligence of al the neighbours & borderers, each helping other in ſo great peril, oppoſed againſt thē: but hauing once pierced & made breach in a bank or two, & therby diſpearſing thēſelues & ſlowing ouer the whole champion country without reſtreint, cānot after ward either by power or policie be reduced, or ſtopped from breeding and working ineſtimable & ineuitable calamity p. 5among both men & cattell inhabiting the ſaide Countrye, but alſo oftentimes againſt whole towns, countries and Kingdoms lying further off: Euen ſo likewiſe ambitious Princes endeuouring to enlarge their owne boundes and limits, although with other mens loſſes, may eaſily in the beginning of their enterpriſes bee repreſſed, and by a common conſent and correſpondence of their neighboures, generallye oppoſinge themſelues againſt their attempts, be ſo reſtreined within their own bounds and limittes, that hardlye they ſhall put any to loſſe or other notable inconuenience: but hauing once paſſed their armies into other mens prouinces, and beeing allured by the ſweeteneſſe of taking ſome ſtrong holde or place of importance, and ſo conceiuing ſome hope of further extending the boundes of their empire: and eſpecially knowing their name to bee growne terrible amongſt their neighboures, there is then no meanes, power, or force how great ſo euer, either any p. 6other let, that can ſtop the forcible courſe of their madde affection and franticke ambition, coueting to rule and command ouer others. This matter whoſoeuer among the wiſeſt hauehave heretofore conſidered (as all thoſe hauehave done, which thought it neceſſarye to vſe diſcreet moderation in the conduct of their affaires) hauehave euer holden this for a principle, namely that it is the duety of euerye good countriman, eſpecially of Kings, princes and gouernours, not onelyonly diligently and in time to ſee that the affayres of their Countryes, people and prouinces be in good eſtate, and quietly and peaceably ordered, but alſo to preuent ſuch Princes and neighboures as are prouoked by ambition and allured with deſire of rule, from tranſporting any power, vnderunder whatſoeuer colour and pretence, into other mens dominions, alſo from all ambitious enlargeing of their own bounds & limits.

VponUpon this grounde did the Romans, ſeeking euen in the beginning to ſuppreſſe p. 7the power of the Carthagenians and to ſet Spayne free from the Africane bondage, thinke it neceſſary to aide the Mamertynes whom they had beſieged.

For this cauſe when Antiochus the noble, vnderunder title of the protectorſhip of his nephew, ſought to ſeaze vppon Aegypt, the ſaid Romans commaunded him to deſiſt, & content himſelf with the poſſesſion of his predeceſſors ancient dominions: and that generally they neuer ſuffred any prince or common wealth whatſoeuer to riſe into too great power.

Hereupon alſo the Venetians both now and aforetime obtayned the name of wiſdome & ſinguler forecaſt. For as they were neuer eaſily induced to new warres, ſo hauehave they alwais neuertheleſſe in ſuch manner tempered their determinations and counſailes, that if any neighbour, either prince or common wealth, through immoderat deſire of gouernment, areared warre agaynſt his borderers, their armies were ſtill in readineſſe as a helpe p. 8and ſafegard to the weaker party, to the end that thus reſtraining the forces of the Italian Princes & commonwealths in equall balance, they might kepe them from all hope of ſubduing them by force of armes, which perpetuall reſolution of theirs is among all other excellent matters noted to bee the moſt certaine reaſon, whereby we ſee their common wealth not onelyonly to hauehave flouriſhed and proſpered aboue a thouſād years, but alſo in al vertue & wiſdome to be growne into admiration among other nations. This was that Maxime which Laurence de Medicis, the wiſeſt man in his time in Italie, did ſo earneſtly and with ſo ſingular endeuour all his life time both followe and maintaine, vntounto whome that great quietneſſe and tranquility which ſo long as he liued all Italie did enioy, was in the opinion of moſt hyſtoriographers attributed: For he ſo brideled the affections of the Italian Princes and ſouerainties, partly by councell and aduice, and partly by the power and authority of the Florentine p. 9common wealth, wherof himſelfe was chiefe gouernour, that if any, ambitiouſly pasſing his boundes and limits did enterpriſe ought againſt his neighbour, he was immediatly reduced into his duety by the mutuall power of other Princes and people vnited together.

To be briefe, there is no wiſe man but ſeeth, knoweth, and is fully reſolued, yea, and grieuouſly accuſeth that people, tearming them traytours to their Country, who eyther daunted with feare and cowardlineſſe, or prouoked with deſire of reſt and quietneſſe, either drowned in retchleſneſſe, or deteined in ciuill diſſentions, hauehave ſo ſuffered their ambitious neighbors empire to encreaſe, that afterward being vnable to bear the brunt or withſtand the power and might thereof, they hauehave beene forced with their owne eyes to ſee themſelues ſuppreſſed, and their Country reduced into extreame miſery and calamity. Yea, who is there among vsus, that is not of opinion that the ancient Gaules might p. 10hauehave liued in liberty & bin exēpt frō the Romans bōdage, if by cōmon coū ſel & cōſent they had altogether with ſtoode the power of Iulius Caeſar? But ſome ſtanding as idle lookers vpō the ſubuerſiō of their neighbors, & other with their owne weapons encreaſing the power of the Romaynes, thinges grew in ſhort ſpace to that extremitie that the ſo mighty & large empire of the Gaules was in the ende reſtrained into a Roman prouince, & vtterlyouerwhelmed in moſt vile bondage.

Howe hauehave the Italians themſeleues ſped? If at the beginning they had with a common power and army ſuppreſſed the riſing of the Romans, and not ſuffered the Antiates, Crustumniens, Centans and Latins each one ſeuerally, alſo ſoon after the Volſques, Aeques, Sabins, & then the Samnites, Vmbres, Brutians, Hetrurians, and other people by little and little one after another to hauehave ſtouped vnderunder their yoake: had they not firſt preſerued their owne liberty, and then freed al other nations in Europe from that infamous bōdage wherunto they afterward fel? and yet p. 11did there not in manner any of them reap any benefit of al theſe examples: For notwithſtanding they well weyed other mens caſes, yet was there none that coulde accomodate the fruite of ſuch conſideration to him ſelfe or his own time. So that after Italie, immediatly Cicil, thē Affrica, & within a while al Aſia, & finally in a manner the vniuerſal worlde being come vnderunder the power of the Romans, felt the burden of their folly. Through the like giddines & negligence, wherin the harts of Chriſtiā kings & princes hauehave heretofore bene drowned, the Saraſens hauehave found oportunity & means moſt villanouſly to entrap & entangle the chiefeſt churches of Aſia, Affrica & Aegypt, vnderunder the lamentable yoke & bōdage of Mahomet, through the which they bee vtterly alienated from the true knoweledge of the Heauenlye Doctrine: whoſe ſuccesſion and tiranny, the cruell Empire of the Ottomanns, which tooke their beeginning of ſo contēptible an ofspring & is now (euē with a trice) enhanced to ſuch might, as it hauehave penetrated not onelyonly into p. 12the dominions of Aſia & Affrica, but alſo hauehave ſubuerted, ouerthrown and turned topſy turuy euen the inwarde Prouinces of Europe, hauehave ſeazed vpō. Yea it is euident to all men that moſt Chriſtian kings and nations being either buſied in their owne ciuil warres & domeſtical diſſentions, either daunted with daſtardlineſſe, or ſwelling in ambition, little weening their neighbours loſſes to be in ought preiudicial vntounto their eſtates, and each one ſeuerally ſuppoſing himſelfe to hauehave of his own, power ſufficiēt to turn the ſtorm from him and his dominions, hauehave giuen the Turkes more leiſure & oportunitie to execute their cruell determinations then them ſelues durſte hauehave deſired, or ſo much as once hauehave hoped for. So that had not the pollicy power of Germany withſtoode their flame, and thought it expedient, by an Emperial decree, with the coniunction of their whole forces, coine & publique reuenues to preuent theſe proceedinges of the Ottomanus, long ſince had the whole Empire of Chirſtiandome p. 13bene ſubuerted and wholy reduced into aſhes: yea the very power & ſtrength of Germany was it which alone heretofore withſtoode the Romane armies: For when all the reſt of Europe together with the inhabitants of Affrica and Aſia, vntounto the very Perſians had vniuerſally thorough their aforeſaid ſlouth accepted the yoke of the Romane Empire, the Germaines only, aſſembling their whole forces togither, ſundry times conquered and ouerthrewe their whole power, & ſome times winning, ſometimes looſing did ſtill ſo ſupply their armies, that the ciuil warres enſuing in the Romane Empire, they with great force and in ſundry places, made diuers and notable roades & inuaſions into the ſaid Empire, & finally gathered ſuch courage that they taught thoſe, who before were inured in conqueſtes and victories, now not only to receiue the yoke of the Germane Empire, but alſo did vtterly ſubuert and in manner roote them out, which their ſo valiaunt victories & noble valure can not by the p. 14poſterity be ſufficiently extolled and commended.

Howbeit the more valiant and victorious that our predeceſſours hauehave bene: the more maruelous, & among al honorable perſons lamentable may it be, that thus degenerating from the auncient valeantiſe & victorious vertue of our forefathers, we do peceably beholde and quietly ſuffer the cruell and proud yoke of the Spaniſh tyranny (already extended almoſt ouer the whole worlde) thus leyſurely to encroche vponupon vsus, to the end for euer to ſubuert both vsus and our poſterity together.

I wil not by compariſons of nations and Princes one with an other, make any name more odious then other (for al kind of ſeruitude is heauy and intollerable, and vtterly vnworthy any that beareth the face of a man) but I doubt whether the yoke of the Spaniſh nation, (drawing their petigree from the Moores and Saraſens, and of late through force and rigour of the inquiſition forced vnwillingly to profeſſe p. 15Chriſtian Religion) be any whit more tolerable then the Turkiſh bondage: Of my ſelfe I will affirme nothing, onelyonly I referre the iudgement thereof to the inhabitants of Granado, the Indians, Neopolitains and others: notwithſtanding vndoutedly the Romane yoke, although it were through the greedy coueteouſnes of both Emperours and ſouldiours (who are ſaide to hauehave deſtroyed more confederate Cities with their gariſons, then enemies townes with their armies) intollerable to all men: yet beeing compared with the pride, cruelty, and ouetouſnes of the Spaniards, may by reaſon of ſundry moſt excellent vertues, wherewith it was endewed, be both termed, and accounted in liew of bondage, liberty, and in ſtead of a forced obedience, a iuſt and lawful commandement: but howſoeuer that caſe ſtā deth al the world doth plainely perceaue, that vnleſſe in time it be looked vntounto, and by ſome general conſent and vnion of the counſail and force of al other Kings & princes, the Spaniſh p. 16purpoſes be preuented and ſubuerted, it wil ſhortly ſo come to paſſe that their ſtrength being growne to perfection thorough the common negligence and want of conſideration in all, thoſe men ſhall ouer late begin to reſiſt him, which now at pleaſure and eaſe beholding the fire conſuming the lowe countries, doe not thinke that the flame thereof doeth anye whit touch them, either conſider that through their owe ſlouth and ſimple forecaſt, the coales of Spaniſhe ambition will in ſhorte ſpace ſo kindle and take holde, that they will reduce both their owne territories, and the dominions of al other ſtates and Princes into aſhes.

Neither are they to ſuppoſe that this Fire of Spaniſh ambition is to bee termined with the Prouinces of Barbant, Holand, and Zealand, ſith that already not onelyonly the flakes and ſparckles, but alſo the very firy flames thereof are flowen into Italy, France, England, Scotland, and Germanie: Yea and hauehave taken holde of almoſt al the p. 17habitable lande. And which is more, euen the Spaniards themſelues do not forbeare to rereporte that by a certaine celeſtiall conſtitution, the monarchie of the whole worlde is due vntounto them, hauing as an earneſt peny thereof, through their owne power and might, conquered a new world to our aunceſters heretofore vnknowen, which they hauehave beautified with lawes and cuſtomes, poliſhed with maners and diſcipline, and indued, and inſtructed in the Romiſh Catholique religion: thinking it to be their bounden duetie: alſo that they ought, hauing eſtabliſhed their Monarchie, to endeuour them ſelues to force all other people, and nations vntounto their Religion and diſcipline, and thorough the onelyonly terrour of their armies, and power of their Empire, to determine all controuerſies in al places & cauſes concerning Chriſtian religion.

Theſe thinges doe they not onelyonly dayly in familiar ſpeech giuegive out: but alſo in deedes, whiche are the p. 18aſſured tokens, and in al their actions, counſails and enterpiſes, aſwel paſt as preſent, confirme: for their onelyonly ſtudy, and the marke wherat they continually leuel, is, how they may, when they hauehave ſubdued the low countries, in the middeſt of the ſame eſtabliſh an ordinary reſorte for the warres, from whence they may at al times at their pleaſure and eaſe paſſe their armies in to England, France, or Germany, and ſo firſt with al rigour to entreate theſe whom they hauehave found moſt contrary to their enterpriſes, and afterward to preſcribe vntounto all other Chriſtian Kings, Princes, and nations, whatſoeuer ſhal come in their heads, and thus excluding each from al help of other, and compaſſing them with their armies, to reduce vnderunder their yoke all thoſe which willingly wil not yeelde vntounto them al ready and perfect obedience.

This is the marke whereat they alwaies hauehave ſhot. To this ende hauehave al their counſailes, practiſes and deuiſes tended, as appeareth in that hauing p. 19with their armies oppreſſed Italy, they ſence not only extended their power into Germanie vnderunder colour of reſtoring religion, but alſo hauehave endeuoured to ſubdue the whole eſtate and monarchie of Chriſtiandome vntounto their ſubiection.

And that I may the more plainely open this matter vntounto you, moſte mighty Kinges, Princes, and Magiſtrates. It is expedient orderly to ſet downe a briefe and manifeſt diſcourſe of all the counſayles, dealinges and practiſes of the Spaniards, euen from the original of their enterpriſes vntounto this time, to the end their purpoſes, driftes and deuiſes beeing detected and layde open to the whole worlde, we may in time apply and miniſter al conuenient and meete medicines to that miſchiefe, which is ſo knowen to the whole chriſtian common wealth. Wherein I will not vndoubtedly rehearſe any thing, but that which hauehave bene done in the face of the whole worlde, and as it were, in ſo publique a theatre, that no man can be ignorant p. 20thereof, which thing whileſt I do diſcourſe and ſet before your eyes, I beſeech you (noble Princes) vouchſafe to be attentiue, and turning your affections from all opinions preiuditially conceaued, diligently to apply your mindes to conſider, and vnderſtand the aſſured and liuely truth of the whole affaires.

The Spaniarde therefore, through the valiauncy of King Ferdinando, deliuered out of the bondage of the Moores, and by continuall exerciſe in Warres, growne ſo perfect and ſkilfull in armes, that he had conceiued a certaine opinion of himſelfe, that he had either ſurmounted all other nations in warlike knowledge and fame, or at the leaſt boorded the moſte excellent, did immediatly caſt his view vponupon Italy, and in his heart deuiſed to attempt to ſubdue the ſame to his obedience, being thereunto eſpecially moued, and allured by reaſon of the great plenty, and aboundance of all thinges in the ſaide Countrie, which they had found and tried at ſuch time p. 21as the Arragons (by nation Spaniards, and then ruling in Naples) had craued their helpe againſt the French armies: they had before encroched vpō the French the Ile of Sicil, being a very cōmodious place for paſſage of their munition, armyes, & ſouldiours, and very conuenient for the prouiſion of whatſoeuer were requiſite & neceſſary either to the making of warre, or relieuing the wantes of their men.

Giuing ouer therefore the defence of the poſterity of Alfonce, who had craued their helpe, they entred communication of accord with the French and ſo agreed to part betweene them al that prouince. But perceiuing the French to be ſlacke in their buſines & ſlow in proſecuting this warre: taking occaſiō of ſome cōtrouerſie ariſing about their bounds, they renued the warres againſt them with all extremitie, and yet ſo, that ſhortly after, propounding on bothe ſides certaine conditions of peace, the ſame was through the helpe of Archduke Philip the king of Castiles neuew concluded: p. 22By which policie, being in very good time put in vſe for the ſtaying of the French ſuccour, which being leauied, was ready to march, it fel out that the remaynder of the French Armies, whom Gonſalue ſurpriſed neere the riuer of Garillan, was quite ouerthrown and as it were vtterly rooted out: So as the French, beeing by this meanes cleane expelled out of the Realme of Naples, it was an eaſie matter for the Spaniardes there at their pleaſure to build Forts and Caſtles, and the ſame to fortefie with ſtrong Garriſons, and ſo to eſtabliſh a cōmodious ſeat, from whence they might afterwarde eaſely commaund ouer the reſt of all Italy.

About the ſame time alſo the Biſhop of Rome, hauing by his aucthoritie made partition of the Indies between the Porting…les and the Castillians, and by meanes thereof, as it had beene by ſome heauenly decree, they had with vnſpeakable cruelty ranſacked and waſted an incredible extent of Land, and ſo ſubdued to their gouernment all America, togeather with that great p. 23cōpaſſe of the weſt Indies: alſo that at the ſame tyme they had ioyned to their Dominion that parte of Gaule which is called Belgica, by meanes of aliance contracted by the mariage of the ſayde Archduke Philips: thinking them ſelues furniſhed with a ſufficient and fit treaſure for the conduct of the warres, as well by reaſon of the Golde and ſpice, which yearely they brought verye plentifully out of the Indies, as alſo through the great profit that dayly did ariſe of the ordinarie nauigations and tranfique of the Flemiſh Marchants in Spaine, (a matter of great encreaſe vntounto their reuenues and ordinarie cuſtomes) they caſt in their mindes no longer to forbeare the inuaſion and ſubduing of the reſt of Italy: according to which determination, vnderunder pretence to ayde the Sforces againſt the French, they firſte entred into Lombardia, a very ritch and fruitfull countrie: There hauing firſt expelled the French, and then ſubdued and oppreſſed the Sforces, they ſtrengthened it to their owne vſe p. 24with fortreſſes and ſtrong Garriſons. They altred alſo the eſtate of Florence, Siene, Piſe, and all Thuſcane, in giuing them ſuch a Duke as they knew to depend of them ſelues, and in all things to ſauour their attempts: and hauing confirmed the aucthority of the Doryes in the city of Genes (which beeing a verye commodious Hauen, was at that time moleſted with ciuil diſſentions) they aſſured & boūd it to their owne deuotions.

Finally vnderunder the fauour of the prouinces of the Lowe Countries, finding oportunity (after that Charles was by the voyce of the electors choſen emperor) & making way through the ſayde prouinces, they did diuerſly moleſt the realme of France: Alſo vnderunder pretence of eſtabliſhing the popiſh religion, they gaue a notable gird euen into the bowels of Germany, yea and that with ſo good ſucceſſe, that hauing ouercomen, and in battail taken the proteſtant princes, they bent their whole minds aſſuredly to bring the ſame into ſubiection and ſo to appropriate p. 25it to their own inheritance, & to that intent placed their ſpaniſh gariſons in ſundry Fortes, euen in the centre thereof.

Howbeit ſeeing that the naturall moderation and equitye of Charles coulde not be alured to ſatisfie their ſo ambitious interpriſes: Alſo conſidering that they were not long able to defend & keepe the places where their garriſons were lodged, as well for that they were to far from Spaine, as alſo becauſe they were inuyroned with ſuch warlicke people and nations: And with all ſeeing them ſelues by Duke Maurice his armies expelled and ſo dryuen oute of all high Germany: beſides that, not ſinding ſuch ſucceſſe as they hoped for in the wars which ſundry times they had renewed againſt the French: beeing wonderfullye chaſed and much bewayling the taking of ſo notable and ritche a praye oute of theire handes, they did of necesſitye ſtay the courſe of their purpoſes, and ſo proceeded no further in the purſuite p. 26of their enterprize: Thus refrayned they them ſelues vntill ſuch tyme as the Emperour, being returned into Spaine, the ambitious, haughty and meere Spaniſh mind of King Philip, was found meete to ſatisfie their deſire, and that thereby they tooke fit occaſion to reenter, althogh an other way, into that path which before they were forced to forſake: For they conſidered that they could not ſafely at their pleaſures conduct any army into France or Germany: Alſo that if they brought any, yet ſhoulde they want both munition and all other meanes wherewith to proſecute the warres, euen the firſt day, vnleſſe before they had poſſesſion of the Hauens of Holland and Zealand, & withall had eſtabliſhed good and ſufficient Spaniſh garriſons, throughout the Prouinces of the low Countries: that they had rayſed new tributes and impoſtes for their payes: To be briefe, that they had choſen a conuenient ſeate from whence they might at eaſe continue and proſecute the war: But p. 27perceiuing that they coulde not well compaſſe any of all theſe pointes ſo long as the priuiledges of the Countrie (which doth exclude all ſtraungers from the adminiſtration of their eſtate, and admitteth no other then home born parſons therein) continued in force: Alſo that they might not leauy any ſubſidy or new tribute: neither put Garriſon in any place, without the counſell of the eſtates, they concluded among them ſelues, before they proſecuted the inlarging of their limites, that neceſſarily they muſt reſtrayne and brydle this the ouer large liberty of the eſtates of the Country, and depriue them of their priuiledges, freedomes and ancient cuſtomes: To be breefe, that they muſt debarre them from all ſuch meanes, help, and ſuccour, as time out of minde had ſtoode them in ſteade, for the maintenaunce of the dignity and aſſuraunce of thoſe Prouinces: to the ende that thus wreſting and getting into their owne hands the commoditie to erect Caſtles & fortreſſes at their pleaſures, p. 28and to leauy new tributes & taxes as they liſte: alſo to choſe within theſe floriſhing prouinces ſuch a ſeate as in their opiniōs might ſeem moſt cōmodious for the wars, & ſo the whole being throghly brought vnderunder their ſubiection and by ſpaniſh legions aſſured vntounto thē: they might in time to come vſe the ſame for the aſſaulting of any whōſoeuer they liſted. To this ende hauehave they euer ſince directed their whole ſtudies, counſailes and actions, namely, either by hooke or crooke to find means to diſtribute in the prouinces of the low coūtries a gariſō of ten thouſād ſouldiers of the old bands: to the end that ioining therto the choice of the footmen of A…tors & Hencult, & ſtrengthning thē with the ordinary bands, whome the king according to the maner of the ancient Lords of the ſayd countries, doth vſually intertain, hauing alſo the frendſhip or aliance of ſome Germain prince, euen by oth bounde vntounto them, or if posſibly it might bee, getting the poſſesſion of ſome neighbour city of Germany, they p. 29may ſo oftē as occaſiō ſhal ſerue, reenforce the ſaid power with a good nū ber of Germayn horſemen, & ſo vponupon eueryevery occurrence hauehave a cōpleat armyredy. For this intēt was Duke Eric of Brunſwik at the firſt choſen, whom the king with an annual pentiō reteined: the ſame time alſo took they coūſel to take Coulogue & Munster: but as the eſtats of the low coūtrys did obſtinatly refuſe al ſpaniſh gariſōs: & therwith in ſtātly required the reuoking of thoſe out of the coūtry which yet remained of the french wars, vtterly refuſing (in caſe this were not performed) the aid of money which was required at their hands, it fell out that by reaſon of the ouerthrow taken at Felbes in Affrica, wherin the ſpaniſh legiōs were almoſt quit conſumed, the king, who very vnpatiētly bare this demād at the hands of the ſtates, & was alredy reſolued to puniſh it as a treazō, being ouercome with the necesſity of his own affaires, ſeemed to find it ſomwhat reaſonable & ſo ſuffered the reuoking of the ſaid bandes out of the countries, to the end with them to keepe and defende p. 30the paſſages of Italy & Spaine, togither with his houlds in Affrica, againſt the ordinary incurſions of the …urkes and Moores: being neuertheleſſe fully reſolued (as himſelfe could not but cō feſſe, which alſo the Spaniaras in their writings hauehave teſtified) vponupon the firſt commodity to returne the ſaide garriſons, who with armes & open force ſhould blot out the iniury ſuppoſed to be wrought againſte the Spanith name, and with a more ſtricte bonde ſhould bridle and reſtraine the ouer great liberty and authority of al theſe prouinces.

For the compaſſing thereof, there fel out nothing more fitte and apparant then the Kinges conſtant and perpetual deſire, care and zeale, earneſtly & ſtrictly to eſtabliſh the Romish religion in the lowe Countries, which cauſed him in all his letters written out of Spaine, ordinarily to accuſe the Ducheſſe of Parma, and the chiefe Lords and Magiſtrates of the country, that they were not earneſt enough in theſe cauſes: ſaying that he well perceaued p. 31that vnleſſe they vſed more violent remedies then afore tyme, the Romiſh religion woulde ſoone be extinguiſhed throughout Flounders, which for his part, he woulde neuer permit, but rather to hazarde whatſoeuer lands and kingdoms he yet poſſeſſed: Wherefore that he willed and ordeyned that the rigour of the edicts and placards of religiō, ſhuld be executed without diſſimulation, and that they ſhould not vponupon any, whatſoeuer occaſion be moderated, qualified or in anye wiſe mitigated: but rather that their ſtrictnes ſhoulde be augmented and increaſed: & to that end that they ſhuld create new Biſhops whom they ſhould make inquiſitours for matters of Faith: that Granuel Archbiſhop of Mali…es, a little before become a cardinal, who by reaſon of his intollerable ambition and inordinate deſire of gouernment, had incurred the malice of al eſtates, ſhould be made head and preſident of that colledge: that to the end the ſayd biſhops might more diligently attend to the ſaid inquiſitiō, p. 32ſome of the ſpoiles of diuers Abots & other Prelates of the countrey, whom they accuſed to be to negligēt in perſecuting & puniſhing of the heretiks, ſhuld be diſtributed among them: & with al that the hearing of all cauſes, if neuer ſo ſmallye they pertained to matter of religion, ſhould be reſerued to them: whervpon euen at one time, & by one means, al ſorts of people of the ſaid cuntries were greuouſly offended. The princes & great Lords could not patiently ſuffer the adminiſtratiō of the affaires to be taken from them & cōmitted to one Granuel, a new mā & a ſtranger. The nobility coulde not like that authority ouer their liues & goods ſhuld (to the preiudice of their country cuſtomes) be cōmitted to vnknown, beggerly & baſe perſons, who coueting their goods & treſurs, might eaſely find means to accuſe & betraye them. The magiſtrates & rulers of cities and towns did murmure that the iudgments & priuiledges of the cuntry, cōtrary to the kings oth ſo ſolēnly ſworn, ſhold be taken frō them & put p. 33into the hands of raſcals, & ſuch as beſids were by oth bound to a forraine prince, the pope of Rome, and had already giuen out ſufficient teſtimony & proofe of their cruelty & couetouſnes: To be briefe, the whole cominalty generally complained that in ſtead of ſheepheards they were committed to the cuſtody of rauening wolues cō tinually gaping after their goods, ſo that ſundry merchants determined to ſeek new habitations in forrain countries, which diuers of thē did indeed: al theſe things being rehearſed to the king in ſundri ſuplications, peticions, meſſages & ambaſſages (the ſtates inſtātly requiring that by ſuch innouatiōs, ſo faithfula people to their princes might not be forced any whit to deminiſh their accuſtomed obediēce) ſo far was he frō giuing audiēce, or harkning to their peticions, that contrariwiſe, obſtinatly refuſing all their demands, he would that euē the decrees of the counſel of Trident (whereby in maner al the lawes & cuſtomes of the cuntry were infringed) ſhould be publiſhed throughout the ſaid prouinces.

p. 34And in deede by that meanes hee foūd the cōmodity of the time ſo lōg looked for: For in caſe his preceptes tooke place, the aucthority of the inquiſitours once eſtabliſhed, and the lawes and cuſtomes of the countrey infringed, it would be no hard matter to put to death all ſuch as had either aucthority or countenaunce among the people, and ſo alſo the Spaniſhe garriſons together with a new forme of regiment might eaſely be brought in: but contrarywiſe, if herein they refuſed to obeye his decrees (as there was no other likelihood, conſidering how al ſortes of people were by theſe demaundes oppreſſed) then neceſſarily muſt inſue both tumultes and diſorder, for the pacifiyng whereof, the Spaniſh garrizons muſt needes be returned, and ſo how ſo euer the world went, the obſtinate reiecting of the Kinges commaundement, ſhould (as a matter of Treaſon) miniſter cauſe ſufficient to chaſtize the people with fire and ſwoorde: Neither was he deceiued in the euent of this counſaile.

p. 35For ſome of the chiefe Nobility hauing exhibited a certaine requeſt into the Court, wherein was prooued that the kinges commaundement concerning Placards was not onelyonly pernicious to the common wealth, but alſo daungerous to them ſelues, requiring therefore that the publication of the ſayd Placards might ceaſe, vntill the king were informed of their demāds by ſuche notable perſons as to that end ſhould expreſly trauail to his maieſtie: the people thereby conceiuing hope of greater liberty, tooke vppon them, (and peraduenture ſomewhat more then was requiſite) openlye to profeſſe the reformed religion, which the king and Spaniards did ſo greatly deteſt and abhor: This ſo honeſt and aparant occaſion miniſtred vntounto the king means, firſt to condemne ſuch of the nobility of treazon as had exhibited the ſayde requeſt, and ſo to execute the ambaſſadours which by the gouerneſſe cōmandement went vntounto him, & then vnderunder the conduct of the Duke of Alua, to ſend the old ſpaniſh p. 36bandes into the low countries, to the end, vnderunder pretence of religion, to put to death al ſuch of the chiefe lords & nobles of the country, as coulde not brook their demeanures: to eſtabliſhe paines of death againſt al good men▪ to entangle the people with charges, impoſtes, & grieuous bondage: to erect fortreſſe & caſtles in their towns and finally to depriue the eſtates and magiſtrats of al aucthority: the nobility of al dignity & preeminence: the people of their ſubſtāce & welth: the towns of their lawes, cuſtomes, priuiledges & freedoms: and finally all the prouinces generally of their auncient honor, dignity & power, & ſo to open a way to the counſell ſo long before taken, for the eſtabliſhing of the ſeate of their premeditated wars in the low countries. Al which things the world knoweth ſo wel: as alſo how the Duke of Alua hath endeuored to bring thē to effect, that I ſhal not here neede to make any further demōſtratiō or repeticiō. Vndoutedly any man that wold open the eyes of his vnderſtanding & p. 37narrowly conſider of theſe counſailes & demenures, might plainly perceiue that al theſe drifts tended not to the ſubduing of the lowe countries, who refuſed no kind of obedience, but rather to the laying of a firme foundatiō of the ſpaniſh monarchy that they leuel at. And indeed the Duke of Alua immediatly vponupon his ariual in the low cuntries, determined to ſet vponupon the City of Coulogne, vnderunder pretence that ſhe had admitted into the nūber of Burgeſes the king of Spayns pretended rebels, & at the ſame time ſought alſo to bring into his ſubiectiō the city of Mūster in Westphaly: both which interpriſes had at one time takē place had not the prince of Orenge, who thē had leuied a ſtrong power in Germany interrupted his whol deuiſes & vtterly ſubuerted the courſe of his counſel & practiſes: which notwithſtāding, he did not neuertheles forbeare to preſcribe & cōmand lawes to the inhabittants of Coulogne, or with great threts to moue the magiſtrats to his obedience: At the ſame time alſo he firſte p. 38delt with the biſhop of Treuers, (who promiſed al helpe and fauour in the aduancement of the Kings affairs) to the great preiudice of the Palatin elector of hapy memory, & after grew to debate with him for the chiefe town of his countrie, which he affirmed to be vnderunder the King his maiſters protection. He alſo limited to the Duke of Cleue, ſuche counſailours as ſhould no otherwiſe gouerne his Countrey then as if it had wholy ben vnderunder the abſolute commaunde of the king of Spayne: he ſought to binde the Earle of Embden vntounto him as his vaſſall vnderunder colour of protection and ſafgard: He commaunded the inhabitantes of Liege, to furniſh him of weapons, furniture & victuals. To be brief, he exccuted vponupon al borderers all abſolute authority, commandement & power. And as for the princes that were farther off: firſt he quarrelled with the moſt high and noble Queene of England, vnderunder colour & pretence of entercourſe, and empriſoned ſuch Engliſh merchants, as vſually trafiqued in p. 39the ſaid prouinces: he commaunded her to baniſh whō he lift, whiles himſelfe not onelyonly harboured and friendly entreated in the low countries ſundry lewd perſons, which had beene attainted of treaſon againſt their ſoueraigne, but alſo enriched them with giftes and yearly pentions. By ſundry deuiſes and driftes did they ſolicite the Queene of Scots (being then priſoner) to worke ſome new trecherous deuiſe: they loded with honor and rewardes the murderers of the regent of Scotland, vſing both thē, their counſailes and endeuours in ſundry their affaires. And what not? they found means by the Popes bul to pronoūce the Queene of England an heretique and vnlawful inheritour: They rayſed troubles againſt her in the hart of her Realme: They put her in daunger of her life: They did by publication habandon her Realme to the firſt that woulde or could ſurpriſe or ſeaze vppon it, and expreſſely charged Don Iohn of Auctrich perticularly, immediately vponupon the quieting of the lowe p. 40countries to leauy mortall warre againſt her, to marrye the Queene of Scottes, and with her to appropriate to him ſelfe the Realmes of Englande, Scotlande, and Irelande: Theſe thinges when they coulde not compaſſe to their mindes, by reaſon of the warres reuiued amonge the Eſtates of the lowe Countries, they ſought to bring to paſſe thorough Irelande, whether they tranſported, in outwarde ſhewe, in the Popes name, but in trueth by the commaundemente, motion and will of the King of Spaine, a number of Italians and Spaniardes, that they paſſing through that ile, (which they hoped to finde wholy at their deuotion) into the realme of England, might the more commodiouſly ſubdue and bring it vnderunder their power and authoritie. And had not the King, at the Duke of Aluaes perſwaſion (who wondred at the difficulties and lettes that happened in this enterpriſe,) thought it beſt to referre this matter p. 41to a more conuenient time, the waight of all this warre had longe ſince bene tranſported into Englande in hope that that beeing firſt gotten, the Spaniard thereby being at quiet on that ſide of the Sea, might hauehave a more readye way to ſubdue all the whole lowe countries.

And as for Fraunce, whiche by reaſon of the Kinges noneage was troubled with domeſticall diſſention, they omitted no manner of inuentions, or pollicies, but emploied their whole induſtry, care and ſtudy to wrappe and entangle it more and more in ciuill warres, to the end, that when the ſame ſo floriſhing, and mighty a Realme were with her own weapons almoſte ſubuerted and deſtroyed, they might as their leaſure, with more opportunitye, and as conueniēt time ſerued, with the leſſe a do ſubdue it: neither neede I here much to ſtande vppon thoſe meanes whiche they hauehave vſed to heape more coales vponupon theſe ciuil flames: what helpes they hauehave miniſtered to the p. 42nouriſhing of theſe diſcordes, with what affection they hauehave trauailed in it, what actions among parties, clokinges, leagues and conſpiracies they hauehave inuented wherwith to maintein and vpholde this miſerable kindling: For the moſt Chriſtian king doth euidently & wel know that diuers times they hauehave procured his ſubiects to rebel, and ſought means again to bring them to take armes: yea and leaſt any man ſhould thinke they did it for zeale to their Catholique religion, they hauehave with promiſes of greate ſummes of ready monie ſought to ſeduce the heartes of the Princes, defenders of the reformed religion: neither is he ignorant how often he hath ben informed that ſundry times they hauehave endeuoured to corrupt, ſeduce, and winne from their ſworne allegiaunce the particuler gouernours of townes, fortreſſes, and hauens on the ſea coſtes: how they hauehave with great diligence laboured euen the King of Nauai, promiſing him great ſummes of money in caſe he would break the p. 43peace laſt concluded: yea howe they hauehave proceeded euen to his highnes, perſwading him to take armes, to the ſubuerſion of the King his brother, and the deſolation of his whole kingdome: whome when they perceyued nothing prone to ſerue their miſchieuous tournes, they hauehave ſought to make away with poyſon and ſworde, hauing to that ende, hired expreſſe murderers, who ſince hauehave by law ben executed. I wil not here ſpeake what number of pentioners the King of Spaine hath bounde to his deuotion, not onelyonly in the priuie councel of the King of France, but alſo of all other Chriſtian Kinges, Princes and potentates, through whom he doth at his pleaſure trouble the eſtates of ſome, procure the riſing of others ſubiects, ouerthrow and ſupplant whatſoeuer counſails are holden againſt him, and to be briefe, make them determine and like of all that he thinketh commodious to himſelf: This is manifeſtly and well knowen to all Kinges and Princes, to whoſe detriment theſe p. 44thinges are put in practiſe: none dare the while ſpeak any worde of al theſe matters or once open his lips againſt them: ſo greatly are all mens mindes ouertaken with feare and aſtonied at the onelyonly name of the Spaniſh nation.

What ſhall I ſay of our Germany? which being in greater daunger then any other Prouince, yea almoſt already ſwallowed vp in this monſterous gulfe of Spaniſh ambition, doth (as in outward ſhew it were ſufficiently warranted) make no account of her own danger, weening that the fire which hath cōſumed her neighbors houſes, & is entred euen into her own bowels doth no whit touch her at all: ſo that this Empire, which aforetime was wōt ſo valiantly to defend, both her owne liberty and the liberty of al chriſtiandome, doth now ſeem to be more cowardly & rechleſſe in preuenting the eſtabliſhing of that yoke that threatneth the whole world, then any other nation. It is euident that the King of Spaine hath in Germany not onelyonly his pēſioners & priuy whiſprers which reueale p. 45to him al their Princes coūcels, & enterpriſes, but alſo a publike couſailour in the chamber of the empire, by whō he vnderſtandeth the whole affaires of al the countrie, & determineth al maters as if he wer a prince of the Empire in the degree of the reſt. He hath alſo his place by his Embaſſadors in al the aſſemblies of the Empire: he carefully cōſidereth of al that is done in al their diets, he endeuoureth to learne all their ſecrets, & hath no leſſe intelligence & notice, the ſeuē electors themſelues: and what may be more vnworthy, or more contumelious to the Germain natiō, either more dangerous & fit for the ſurpriſing of their liberty, then not to cal any Emperiall diet: any conuocation in the Empire: any counſayle: any aſſembly of eſtates: yea almoſte execute any adminiſtration of priuate iuſtice: without the preſence, counſayle, and (as I may almoſte ſay) without the will and commaundenent of the Kinge of Spaine? But vnderunder what pretence? forſooth by reaſon of the p. 46precinct of Burgundy, which beeing numbred among the Emperiall precinctes, the king of Spain muſt be accompted among the Princes of the Empire. And what is this, moſt Noble Princes, other then a manifeſt mockery and contempt of you, your aucthority, and auncient glory? Yea and wittingly, before your faces, and with your owne conſent, a ſnarling of you in the haulter of Spaniſhe bondage? The emperor Charles hauing by force oppreſſed Germany, and beeing inuyroned with his ſpaniſh and Italian legions, called an Emperiall diet at Auſburge, as I weene in the yeare 1548: Wherein he declared that in diuers parts of the low countries there were ſundry Townes and prouinces which in olde time were wont to take their lawes and be ſubiect to the Emperial chamber, wherevnto they did ordinarilye appeale: To be briefe, that they had alwayes beene holden and reputed among the precincts of Germany, wherevpon ſundry and many queſtions and controuerſies did oftentimes p. 47ariſe, he would therefore, ſaide he, at once both end their quarrels, and doe a great pleaſure to all Germanie: and therefore purpoſed to decree, that as well thoſe Prouinces which he had in the nether Germany, as alſo the reſt that lay in the Belgique Gaule, beeing reduced into an Emperiall precinct, ſhould from thenceforth be reputed, holden, and tearmed, The precinct of Burgundy: and that in reſpect therof, he and his ſucceſſors ſhould disburſe towarde the charges of the Empire, twiſe ſo much as eueryevery two Electours were to contribute to the warres againſt the Turke: and ſo they ſhould hereafter remaine exempt and free, not onelyonly from all kindes of contributions and collections of mony, but alſo from al iuriſdiction of the chamber, and the lawes and decrees of the Empire. Here may we beholde the price of the ſpoiles of our iuriſdiction, aucthority and power, alſo the rewarde of our bondage: This is that ſmall ſumme of money wherewith the moſte ſacred dignitie and freedome p. 48of our Empire is ſupplanted, & authority giuen to aforeine prince, (with whom we hauehave no bond of affinity, correſpondence of language, neighborhod, or agreement of lawes and cuſtomes) to enter into our diets: to hauehave a place in our aſſemblies: to giuegive his voice in our Emperial chamber: to be briefe, to peruſe and conſider of al our counſailes, and actions, either publike or priuate.

If to ſerue a maiſter, notwithſtanding he be neither rigorous he hauty, be of it ſelfe a miſery, who ſeeth not our Germany in moſte miſerable eſtate, where the King of Spaine may, if he wil, commaunde at pleaſure? But what need I ſay, he might if he would, ſith al the world doth plainly ſee that in effect he doth commande both far and neer? For what is it that the Spaniard hath not gained by the erectiō of this precinct of Burgundy? except that he doth not onelyonly rule there at his pleaſure, but alſo vſeth al abſolute authority ouer the precinct of Weſtphaly, which time out of minde was p. 49accounted one of the chiefeſt, and mightieſt in all Germany: yea he ſo commaundeth there, that there is none which dare in any wiſe controll or gainſay him. As for example. HaueHave not the inhabit antes of Liedge hitherto obeyed his Empire: either the Duchyes of Cleue and Iuliers: and finally the whole territories of Coulogne, and Weſtphaly, beene at his deuotion? And yet not content with this kinde of commaundement, he ſeeketh after a newe ſorte of obligation to ſubdue and conquere them, and ſo to extend his Empire generally ouer all Germany: Therefore to ſay nothing of thoſe men, who being in poſſeſsion almoſte of all the ſtraightes of Germanie, euen from the foote of the Alpes to the Ocean Sea, are moſte readye to obey his commaundementes, and dare not refuſe any of his requeſtes: neither to ſpeake of thoſe who being by bloud, alliance, league, and neere affinity vnited and knit vntounto him, do commaund ouer Iſtria, Carinthia, Croatia, & the p. 50moſt part of Pannonia, yea and beare ſoueraigne authority euen in Bauaria, poſſeſsing all the heades and ſprings of the Riuers of Licus, Aenus, and Danow, and are pearched ouer the heades of Augusta, Ratiſpone, and other mighty Emperial cities: to hold my peace, alſo of thoſe, who holding as it were the rudder of the Empire, (in hope hereafter to attaine to the ſucceſsion of the kingdome of Spain) will not once oppoſe them ſelues againſt his riſing and might: who ſeeeth not whervnto this vnquenchable thirſt & ambition of the young Duke of Banaria, Biſhop of Frifinguen doeth tende? who beeing egged on by the King of Spaines induſtrie, armed with his authority, and kindeled with his commaundementes, is ſo inflamed and burneth in ſo wonderfull ambition, that he can not be ſatiſfied with anye Biſhoplike dignities or princely authorities whatſouer? he hath almoſt in a moment atteined vntounto ſo greate and mightie power, that in ſtrength he may compare with ſundry p. 51Kinges of Europe, and is iuſtly to be doubted of, and feared among all the Princes of Germany: And in truth there be ſundry noble Realmes in Europe, which neither in greateneſſe and extent: in multitude of people: in ſtrength of ſouldiers: or in aboundance of all thinges neceſſary, are to be compared with the principalities that pertaine to his iuriſdiction and are vnderunder his obedience: all which notwithſtanding, he can not yet be quiet, but frying and flaming in the ambitious fury of the Spaniſh nation, he coueteth and aſpireth daily to greater matters: For he hath already by the King of Spains helpe and ſuite obteined, beſides the Biſhoppricks of Friſinguen, and Hildeſheim, the principaltye ouer the countrie of Liedge, which in ſcituation, extent and power of people is nothing inferiour to any other Prouince: herevnto endeuoreth he alſo to ioyne the Electorſhip of Coulogne: for notwithſtanding hitherto the Countrey of Liedge hath openly enough, and vnfaynedly p. 52aided and ſuccoured the Spaniards with armour, artillery, victuals, and al other neceſſarye prouiſion for the warres, yet ſo long as the Biſhop was any whit reſtrained in the awe of the Biſhop of Coulogne, he thought it not good plainly to ſhew his mind, but although in effect he had ſubmitted his whole eſtate to the Spaniſh obedience, yet did he ſtill in words beare himſelf a newter: howbe it now to the end the Spaniard might without controlement commaunde at pleaſure hee ſeeketh partely by force, partely by threatninges, and partely by the Popes aucthoritie to inueſt him (or rather in his name and perſon him ſelfe) with the electorall dignitie, and Archebiſhoppricke of Coulogne, by whoſe meanes he may not onelyonly proſecute his wars in the lowe countries, and nether Germany, euen with the weapons and power of Germanie it ſelfe: but alſo prepare the waye to ſubdue to his dominions all the vpper Germany p. 53alſo, and take into his handes the diſpoſition of the toules and tributes due to the Electors, and other Princes, whiche hauehave alwayes (moſt noble Princes) beene accounted, and that iuſtly, the ſinewes and preſeruation of the dignity and aucthority of your Empire: but beeing once loſte, and through this newe election of the Archebiſhop of Coulogne, reduced into the power of a forraine Prince will be vntounto you in ſteade of fetters and ſtockes, to kepe you from leauying warre in your neceſſities, and to force you to bowe downe your neckes to the Spaniſh yoke, ſo often or whenſoeuer he ſhall thinke good.

For hereafter ſhall not King Philipp neede to trouble him ſelfe with making a bridge ouer the Rhyne as did Iulius Caeſar, ſith the chiefe city of the Empire, the Electoral ſea of Coulogne, & the Archbiſhops whole dioceſſe ſhal with the twinkling of his eie be as redy to obey him as ther Prince, p. 54and ſo ſtand him in ſtead of a bridge, gate, and paſſage: what elſe ſhall the Spaniarde neede whereby abſolutely to commaunde ouer all Germany? to preſcribe lawes, and ordinances at his pleaſure? and to leauy warres againſt whom ſo euer he ſhall thinke good? vnleſſe peraduenture he wanteth yet ſome hauen in the mouth of the Germaine ſea wherby he may vponupon eueryevery, neceſsity tranſporte his ſouldiers out of Spaine: But for that he hath prouided, yea ſo well that he can not ſtand in neede of any more: for vnderunder colour of raiſing warre in Frieſland, and tranſporting victuals into the lowe Countries, he earneſtly craueth poſſeſsion of the riuer of Ems: for the atteining whereof, he hath giuen commiſsion to Billy the Portingale ſo to deale with Ertſart Earle of Eaſt Friſeland his vaſſal, that he would as it were in loane and for a tyme graunt him the vſe of the Towne of Embden: Offering in recompence and rewarde for ſo greate a benefite, the propriety of the Towne of Groening, p. 55(which beeing enuyroned with the ſpaniſh forces, and ſecluded from all commodity of victuals, he may recouer when he liſt) alſo the gouernment of Burgundy with the reuenues, demaynes, and other the commodities thervnto belonging, retayning neuertheleſſe his ordinary garriſons in the ſame. If he may obtayn this, then ſhal he get into his power all the principal riuers of Germany, namely Danowe, Rhine, Like, Aene, Meuſe, Moſelle, and Ems: And as by his kindered, alyes & vaſſals he hath all the lande paſſages open vntounto him, ſo now ſhall there be no thing by ſea able either to breake his power, or ſlacke the courſe of his enterpriſes. Finally alſo calling to mind the difficulties and lets which the inuincible force of neither Saxony miniſtred in the affaires of the Emperour Charlemaine: Alſo remembring how the one onelyonly towne of Maydenburge beeing abandoned of all her neighbours and alyes, did neuerthe…eſſe keepe footing againſt the victorious army of the inuincible Emperour p. 56Charles the fifth his father: ſtopped the courſe of his victories, yea & wholly brake his power, he hath found meanes to miniſter a medicine and prouide a ſalue for this ſoare, to the end there might be no ſtop to let the aduauncement of his Empire in Germany. For he hath by his endeuours ſo dealt with the Pope and the Emperour, that beſides all the prefermentes before mentioned, they hauehave by faithful promiſe bound them ſelues to conferre to the Bauarian, the Byſhoprick of Maidenborow, that is to ſay, the whole power of Saxony.

And for his part, he accompteth it no difference, whether by him ſelfe, or by his deputy, vaſſall, kinſman or confederate wholly affected to the furtherance of his enterpriſes, he get the poſſeſſion of any thing: Beſides that hee is particulerly and aſſuredly perſwaded, that by this biſhop he may hauehave aucthoritie to commaunde what he pleaſe: All which notwithſtanding, he is not yet content, but to remooue all manner of ſtumbling p. 57blocks out of his way he endeuoreth by all diligent meanes and practizes to create him Primate of all Germany, and ſo to deale, that by his will and onelyonly aucthoritie all eccleſiaſtical Prebends and promotions throgh out Germany may be conferred and gyuen to whom he liſt.

And do you not yet feele (moſt noble Germaine princes) that the king of Spaine (I will not ſay onelyonly ſoliciteth earneſtly) but already poſſeſſeth and keepeth in his hands the ſtate of the whole Empire? That it is he who hauing forcibly ſupplanted the lowe countries, ſhal be Lord of al the ports and hauens of the Occean ſea, & the mouthes of all riuers in Germany? That it is he that at his pleaſure ſhal exclude you from all benefite and vſe of trafique: That ſeeketh the dominion ouer the riuer Ems? That ſeazeth vponupon and diſpoſeth all your tributes, toules and reuenues? That preſcribeth Lawes and ordinaunces to the inhabitauntes of Cleeue lande, Iuliers, Liedge, and Weſtphalye? p. 58that would bring the ſtate of Coulogne to his obedience? that it is he whoſe Kinſmen confederates and reteyners doe commaunde ouer great nations and large prouinces in Germany? that it is he who perſonally being in Spain, hath neuertheleſſe his ſeat and voyce in all your aſſemblyes and imperiall dyets? that it is he that ſpieth, conſidereth of and noteth all your counſails, actions and moſt ſecret affaires? that it is he that doth not onelyonly commaund, forbid, eſtabliſh, and confirme what ſo euer he liſteth, but alſo giueth & appointeth vntounto you the biſhops of Triſinghem Heldeſheim & that eſtabliſheth princes & electours of the Empire at Coulogne, Liege, & Maydenburg? and to be briefe, that it is he who ſeeking dominion ouer the mighty eccleſiaſticall ſtate of our nation, nominateth a Primate in Germany at his deuotiō? and to ſupply all theſe roomes, preſenteth vntounto you one only perſō, one onelyonly man, and him ſuch a one as is very neare vntounto him in bloud, affinitie and confederacie, and bound vntounto p. 59him by the law of protection: alſo for a number of benefites receiued at his hand, wholly ſubiect to his ordinaunces: Yea ſuch a one as he is aſſured, will not ſpeake, doe, or attempt any thing without his will and commandement. And finally that man who he knoweth will through infinite controuerſies that he hath with many of the Germain princes, kindle ſuch a fire of diuiſion and diſcorde throughout the whole Empyre as can neuer be quenched, but by the vtter ſubuerſion of all Germany. For who knoweth not that great and old quarrel that is betweene him and the noble Dukes of the houſe of Brunſwik for the title of a thouſand and one villages that he requireth of them, Which vndoutedlye he will not forget, ne ſuffer ſo to ſleepe: Or who is ignorant of the enuious emulation that is between this family of Bauier and the County Palatins for the preeminence of the electorate of the Empire? Or how they do complaine that it was taken from their name, ſtocke and family? Which p. 60quarrell if this biſhop (when hee is through your ſilence and at the king of Spaines purſuite growne to ſuch aucthority) doth renewe, as vndoubtedly he will: how many wofull tragedies wil it breed in Germany? what a gap will it open to the ſpaniſh tiranny and our bondage? and finally what ouerthrowe, ſorowes and deſolation wil it bring vponupon our miſerable, foliſh & vnaduiſed country? & yet moſt (noble princes & excellent eſtates of the empire) you do not onelyonly beare with theſe thinges & ſay nothing, but alſo taking your ſound reſt, and careles of all, you are become idle gazers (as it were for pleſure, vponupon the ouerthrow & calamities of your next neigbours) yea, notwithſtanding this ſo daungerous a fier hath burned their houſes almoſt to the groūd, & be kindled at your gats, & is euen come ſo neere, as to ſcortch your very beds, yet do you not thinke the matter to touch your ſelues either that it is time for you to withſtād the practiſes of ſo ambitious and haughty a Prince.

p. 61And what is to be ſayde to all other kinges, princes, and eſtates of Chriſtendom? Euen that the like ſloth and ſlugiſhnes detaineth them eueryevery one: For while the onelyonly low countries do oppoſe them ſelues againſte the king of Spaines tiranny, and doe giuegive al other kings, princes and chriſtian common wealthes time, leaſure, and oportunity to turne away this bondage, & by their example do ſhew how eaſie a matter it is not only to ſhake, but alſo euen vtterly to vndermine & ſubuert theſe foundations of tiranny, there is none of thē al that wil once ſeeme to miſlike of a matter of ſo great importance? But as if purpoſedly each one endeuored to augment & increaſe the ſpanierds power to their own deſtruction, ſitting with their armes a croſſe or leaning on their elbowes they doe permit & ſuffer the low countries (already waſted and conſumed with the force & long continuance of this war) in ſuch wiſe to quaile & deminiſh, that being at their wits ende, they knowe not what counſayle to take, either p. 62what other courſe they may beſt followe.

The King of Fraunce beeing daunted with his brother the Duke of Anieowes raſhe and vnaduiſed attemptes, gazeth vponupon the fier which kindleth farre and neere among his neighbours: thinking him ſelfe peraduenture of force ſufficient to keep and defend both him and his eſtate. The Duke of Anieow not knowing what to doe, can neither determine nor perceiue what is good for him ſelfe. Others likewiſe, wondering at the Realme of Portingale which the the Spaniard hath newly conquered, do ſit ſtill, as not reſolued what counſell to take. The Spaniard in the meane time, ouer aweth all the low country with his whole power, and finding none to withſtand him, layeth firme & aſſured foundations of his ſo long coueted Monarchy: So that through the onelyonly terror of his name, ſtrength and power, his fame is blown al ouer, euen into the vttermoſt partes of the Eaſt and Weſt, and ſo in effect he apporpriateth p. 63to himſelf only, the name of Vniuerſall, which aforetime the Byſhopps of Rome hauehave entituled him withal. Which prediction doeth in trueth (moſt noble Kings, princes and Chriſtian Magiſtrates) threaten vntounto you a miſerable bondage, and throgh your negligence promiſeth vntounto him a Catholike power, that is to ſay, an vniuerſall dominion and tyrannie ouer all nations and prouinces, vnleſſe in time your ſelues doe ſeeke ſome remedie.

King Phillip of Macedon, was iuſtly ſuſpected of the Greciās, becauſe that ſubduing certaine people of Thracia, their neighbours, they feared that he pryed into the liberties of the reſt of all their countries: and therefore the Athenians doubting leſt the fire of ambition that conſumed his bowels would braſt out, and not onelyonly kindle in Grecia, but euen conſume all Aſia, thought it requiſit with the common power and ſtrength of Greece to ſuppreſſe and breake his might: neither was their ſuſpition in vaine as the euent p. 64ſhewed: for notwithſtāding king Philip being preuēted by death could not compaſſe and bring to effect the imaginations of his minde, yet did he leaue to his ſonne Alexander ſuche a choice number of ſouldiours & warriers, that the young man being ambitious, did through their force and valiancy ſubdue not onelyonly all Greece, but alſo Aſia, Siria, Babilon, Perſia and Aegypt: and hauing ſcoured all ouer euen to the ends of India, and Scithia, did in a ſmall time erect and eſtabliſh the third and chief monarchie of the worlde after the Perſians. All which notwithſtanding, we do not yet feare the ambitious power of the King of Spaine, neither thinke it neceſſary to ſuppres his vnreaſonable forces, who not in one place onelyonly, but in many and diuers, hath his whole armies of olde bandes, and practiſed ſouldiers, whom he ſtill doth mainteine in ordinary garriſons: & hath ready at all aſſaies aboue 30000. men of war: who hath extēded the limits of his Empire into Affrica, Aſia, Europe, and America, p. 65euen to the Eaſt, and Weſt Indies: who by Sea hath ouerthrown the poer of the Ottomans: who hath ioyned to his kingdom al Portingale with innumerable other Ilandes, and moſte floriſhing kingdomes: who ruleth Italy, which was wont to command ouer all the world, as it pleaſe him: who is Lord of ſundry portes and hauens in Affrica: who eueryevery where poſſeſſeth the Ocean Sea: who hath in his power the chiefeſt Ilandes and hauens of the mediterranean ſea: & to be briefe who through the only terrour of his name, decreeth, commandeth and effectually fulfilleth what he liſt among all Princes and Chriſtian nations.

Howbeit if any man weene that cō. tenting him ſelf with ſo large an Empire, he will not hereafter attēpt any thing but what equity & law ſhal permit: vndoutedly the ſame is willingly deceiued, & flattring himſelf, hath no care of his own honor, liberty, or life. For firſt the deſire of gouernmēt is vn ſatiable, & like to a flaming fire, which the more ſtuf & mater that it findeth, p. 66the further it doth ſtretch and extend it ſelfe, waſting all as it goeth. Againe who ſeeth not that by this manifeſt vſurping of Portingale, euē in the face of the whol world, the king of Spaine meaneth not to ſubmit himſelfe to any lawes, rytes, or capitulations whatſoeuer. For if he had thought himſelf to hauehave had any right in the ſayde ſucceſsion, why did he by force preuent the lawes? or by fire and ſworde the holy decree of the ludges? wherfore hath he abuſed King Antony, the Queene, mother to the moſt chriſtian King, the Duke of Bragrance, & euen the Prince of Parmats ſonne: and to be briefe, all thoſe that pretended any title to the ſayd kingdome?

Shall we then yet thinke that either conſcience, iuſtice, or equitie can take place in him, who ſo euidently hath declared that in matter of gouerment he will not take or meaſure his right, other then with the power and force of his armies? that hee, who with his money hath armed the Turke againſt the Venetians, & ſo turned that ſtorm p. 67from himſelfe vntounto his confederates in Ciprus, can thinke himſelfe bound vntounto any couenants, treaties, or agreements whatſoeuer? That that mans fierie ambition, who hath not kept any couenants with the inhabitaunts of Grenado, the Indians, or Flemings any longer then he founde them profitable to himſelfe, cā be ſtayed by any bonde of league or confederacie of aliance? Either what conſcience, right or lawe can binde him, who by the principles or precepts of his religion, together with the Byſhopp of Romes authoritie, thinketh himſelfe releaſed from all bondes of fayth or promiſe? ſhall we hope that he, who coulde not by any bonds of mariage be reſtrayned frō Inceſt: for any louelove or duetie of matrimony abſteine frō adultery: for any naturall louelove forbeare parricide: or for any ſworne fayth refrayne from periurie: being beſides ſo ambitious as all men know: ſo deſirous to enlarge the bounds of his Empire, & ſo far tranſported with purſuit of reuenge, may by any propoſition of equitie, p. 68right, lawe, or Iuſtice be cooled and brought to reaſonable order in whatſoeuer matter? As if it were not as lawful for the Biſ. of Rome to diſpēſe, by his Bul, as wel with the lawes, bounds and limits of kingdomes and Prouinces, as with the bands of matrimony, and faith ſo ſolemnly ſworne. But to what purpoſe is it for vsus to think vnderunder pretence of law & iuſtice to moderate that mans ambitiō, who hath bene long reſolued, that he hath lawfull and iuſt title, to inuade other mens kingdomes, and if he may to bring the ſame into his ſubiection?

For among all princes, potentates, and Chriſtian common wealthes, who is there againſt whō he thinketh not him ſelfe long ſince to hauehave had ſufficient and iuſt cauſe to moue warres? He will accuſe the King of Fraunce, that he did not onelyonly not hinder his brothers attempts in Flanders, but alſo ayded him with men, money, and Weapons, and ſo beganne the warres: That in the behoofe of the Queen his mother, he hath in warlike p. 69maner aſſaulted the Ilandes apperteining to his obedience, fought with his nauie: and not onelyonly receiued & harboured Don Anthony his enemy & ſuppoſed rebel in his kingdome, but alſo aided and aſsiſted him both with men and money: alſo that he ſuccoured the low countries aſmuch as poſſibly he could.

To the Queene of England he will alleage, that firſt by the Popes Bulles ſhe is denounced an heretique, and therevpon excommunicated: then, that in diuerſe dealinges both by Sea and by land ſhe hath ſhewed herſelfe to be his enemie: that in her dominions ſhe hath harboured and ayded his enemies, with men, munition, money and ſhippes: that ſhe hath fauoured Don Anthony in all his enterpriſes: and that vppon eueryevery opportunity ſhe hath intercepted his nauie and treaſure comming from the Indyes.

Amongeſt the Germaine Princes, ſome he wil accuſe for ſuccouring the Prince of Orenge, and others for their p. 70parſonal preſence in the Flemiſh wars Againſt ſome he wil raiſe controuerſies in reſpect of their territories by means of the Biſhop of Friſenguen, & againſt others for the preeminence of the electorate: & generally he wil accuſe al to be either heretikes, or to be confederate with thoſe that hauehave ſhaken of the Biſhop of Romes obediēce whome altogether the Pope will (as heretofore he hath done) command to be by force reduced to their dueties. And I pray you, is not al this ſufficient to ſerue for a very good colour to make him, who accounteth of all the Popes precepts, as of heauenly reuelations: And of his excommunications, as of celeſtiall thunderboltes, to aſſaile them? Who of him ſelfe is a ſworne enemy to religion, abhorring it as the plague of the worlde: who in all his counſailes, purpoſes, practiſes, and leagues that euer he made, hath no other meaning but to roote it out and quight to ſuppreſſe it? and who being the moſt ambitious prince aliue doth yet proteſt that he had rather p. 71loſe all his dominions and dignities, then leaue any ſparke of this religion vnquēched? And to be brief, who maketh no more accounte of the Germaines, then if they were Turkes, Sarazens or Moores. Yea, will not the Pone thinke himſelfe to hauehave as full power after his thunderbolts of excommunication, to exhibite Germany as a pray to king Philip, as had his predeceſſours to giuegive it to his Father the Emperour Charles? Pope Paule the thirde and his predeceſſour Clement the feuenth did threaten Charles the fifth with excommunications, becauſe hee thought it requiſite to pacifie the trouble (ariſing in Germany for matter of religion) rather by the aucthoritie of a general councell, then by proceedinge by force of armes: yea in the ende with their thonderboltes of excommunication they droue that good prince (for ſtill he relented to them) to ſuch an exigent, that as an extreame remedie, he was forced to make wars with al extremitie. And ſhall we now think that p. 72the Pope do want means to perſwade the king of Spaine (who of himſelfe is ſufficiently inclyned that way) that he hath iuſt cauſe by meere ſtrength to reduce them to the faith of the Romiſhe Church? If any man thinke that the feare hereof toucheth no more but the proteſtant princes, alſo that they which ſtill hauehave perſeuered in Popery need not doubt or miſtruſt any thing: Let him call to mind that the Henries, Ottoes, Frederickes and other moſt mightye, and in all commendable vertues, moſt excellēt Emperors your predeceſſors (moſt noble princes) did in their daies profeſſe the ſame faith & religion with the popes, and yet coulde not eſcape their thonderbolts and moſt wrongfull excommunications: But that ſome of them ſee their Empyres tranſlated and gyuen to forraine princes: Others came bare footed and bare headed to aske them forgyueneſſe, and ſubmitting them ſelues to be troden vnderunder the Popes feete could not neuertheleſſe mollifie their mindes without ſuffering p. 73great iniuries & tollerating notable abuſes: Let him ſuppoſe that the Pope wanteth no occaſions to arme the Spaniard to the deſtruction of the Germaines, ſeeing that they which be of his owne religion, do not onelyonly not oppoſe them ſelues againſt the proteſtantes, but alſo daily enter a legue, amity, and firme alyaunce with them: Let him coniecture that the ſpanierds not beeing able to ſubdue Germany to their own dominiō, neither to reduce it to the Popes obedience, vnleſſe to that end, they contract amity with the reſt, eyther in reſpect of ancient allance, or by right of protection, or for feare of their armies: it is neceſſary for the Germains to ſtande to one of theſe conditions, namely, either to ioyn with the ſpaniardes in the conqueſt of their fellow cuntry me, or els vniting their whole forces together, to take armes againſt thē for the deliuery of an Germany out of their bondage: This vnles they doe ſpedely take in hād, & ſo vſing the occaſiō of the affairs of the low coūtries p. 74doe cutte off the encreaſe of the Spaniſh power, they ſhal hereafter in vain each after other, endeuour to turne away the force of their tyrannie.

Certainly moſt noble princes, the King of Spains power is great: and yet is it ſuch, that as by your ſufferance, (I had almoſt ſaid ſlouth) the foundations therof hauehave ſprong and growen forward, ſo may it again by your vnion as eaſily be ſhaken, and finally with ſmall labour by your power and concorde be brought to vtter ſubuerſion. For all the Prouinces of his obedience do lie ſeparate a great way each from other, whereby their victuals may eaſily be cut off, their forces debarred, and their ſtrength vtterly ouerthrowen, in caſe you will but of your ſelues helpe your ſelues, and not ſuffer Italy: by a liſt running thorough the middeſt of Germany to be ioyned with Flaunders. A matter ſo much the eaſier for you to compaſſe, for that you ſee euidently how al nations do abhorre their great tyranny, and attend no other but opportunitie p. 75to free themſelues out of their bō dage. Neithe are you ignoraunt with how weake a power, and with what a handfull of men, or ſmal beginnings, the Prince of Orenge hath waſted & brought to naught their great enterpriſes, & conſumed their mighty armies: what a while the low countries (deſtitute of al aide and bereaued of ſuccour) hauehave borne the brunt of ſo mighty a Prince: alſo in what daunger within theſe fewe yeares Don Iohn of Auſtrich, & of late daies the Prince of Parma were of being driuen out of all the ſaid low countries with their whole power: yea & that at that time, had not ſundry prouinces by reaſon of ciuil diſſention departed from the general vnion: & the Duke of Aniow through peruerſe counſail let ſlip his good fortune which he poſſeſſed, they had not only abādoned Flanders, but alſo peraduēture limited their dominions with the Pirinean mountaines. So that as you are not to cōtēne their might & ſuffer it thus to growe on, ſo hauehave you no cauſe moſt noble Princes p. 76to fear the greatnes therof, or to dant you frō valiant defence of your ſelues or reuenge of the common liberty.

The king of Spains power can not greatly hurt you, if in time you ſee to your buſineſſe: If you neglect not the warres of the low coūtries: if through your authority you vndermine al Billies purpoſes concerning the riuer of Ems: if you repreſſe the fiery ambitiō of the Duke of Bauier togeather with his exceeding affection to the king of Spain: if with the moſt chriſtiā king, if with the right excellēt Queen of England, & al other chriſtian princes and potentats you do earneſtly cōſider of ſome neceſſary meanes to ſuppreſſe this their ouer great power and authority. But if contrariwiſe you ſuffer the inhabitauntes of the low cuntries, your next neighbours (through the ſpaniſh power almoſt waſted) yet to be cōſumed with the ſtrēgh of Germany: if you hould your peaces when you ſee the inhabitants of Cleueland, Iuliers, & Coulogn euē quake for fear at the precepts of the king of Spain: if you force not the inhabitāts of liedge p. 77to ayd the cōmō enemy with money, munition & wepons, as hitherto they hauehave opēly don: If you bridle not the vile ambition of the Duke of Bauier, but ſuffer him to ioyne the Archbiſhoprick of Coulogn & electorial dignity to his authority: If you reſtraine him not from ioyning his forces with the ſpaniſh to the deſtruction of Flanders, and exclude not the ſpaniard frō al the hauens of the Ocean ſea: doubt not but Flāders being brought vnderunder the yoke. Germany deuided into factions: France conſumed in ciuil wars, or with drawn into ſundry opiniōs & diuers affections: the terror of the ſpaniſh name, & waight of his empire wil become a mighty tēpeſt & ineuitable inundation, which hauing pierſed the cauſies, ditches & bāks, wil ſhortly be ſufficient through the fury of his ambitiō to incroch al chriſtēdō togither. Againſt which procedings if any man wil thē oppoſe himſelf, either by force or otherwiſe, he ſhal (though to late) finde that which in the beginning of our diſcourſe wee hauehave ſet downe, p. 78namely, that fit opportunitie to doe well being once eſcaped vsus (which wil neuer be recouered either by intreaty or compulſion) wil cry vengeaunce againſt vsus, and bring vppon vsus that plague which our rechleſnes and negligence doth deſerue.

This prognoſtication I beſeeche God to turne from all Chriſtendom, eſpecially from Germanie, my ſweete countrie: moſt earneſtly deſiring him in the name of our Sauiour IESVS CHRIST, that he will vouchſafe in his holy ſpirit to aſsiſt all your counſails (moſt noble princes of thempire, & you al other chriſtian Kings, Princes and magiſtrates) and therewith ſo gouerne, conduct and frame all your enterpriſes and determinations, that you may conclude vponupon, and put in execution whatſoeuer ſhal ſeem moſt iuſt, profitable, requiſite, and neceſſary for the benefite of all Chriſtendome, the glory of his holy name, and the wealth and ſaluation of his people.

FINIS.

End of the text · Phillips Marnix, An Exhortation Concerning the Estate of Christendom (1583)