for Germany—­His Example is followed by the Lords—­Extensive Emigration—­Arrival of the Duke of Orleans—­Egmont’s Humiliation—­Alva’s Powers—­Arrest of Egmont and others—–­Alva’s first Acts of Tyranny—­Council of Blood—­Recall of the Government—­Alva’s Character—­He summons the Prince of Orange, who is tried by Contumacy—­Horrors committed by Alva—­Desolate State of the Country—­Trial and Execution of Egmont and Horn—­The Prince of Orange raises an Army in Germany, and opens his first Campaign in the Netherlands—­Battle of Heiligerlee—­Death of Adolphus of Nassau—­Battle of Jemminghem—­Success and skilful Conduct of Alva—­Dispersion of the Prince of Orange’s Army—­Growth of the naval Power of the Patriots—­Inundation in Holland and Friesland—­Alva reproached by Philip—­Duke of Medina-Celi appointed Governor—­Is attacked, and his fleet destroyed by the Patriots—­Demands his Recall—­Policy of the English Queen, Elizabeth—­The Dutch take Brille—­General Revolt in Holland and Zealand—­New Expedition of the Prince of Orange—­Siege of Mons—­Success of the Prince—­Siege of Haarlem—­Of Alkmaer—­Removal of Alva—­Don Luis Zanega y Requesens appointed Governor-General.

CHAPTER X

TO THE PACIFICATION OF GHENT

A.D. 1573—­1576

Character of Requesens—­His conciliating Conduct—­Renews the War against the States—­Siege of Middleburg—­Generosity of the Prince of Orange—­Naval Victory—­State of Flanders—­Count Louis of Nassau—­Battle of Mookerheyde—­Counts Louis and Henry slain—­Mutiny of the Spanish Troops—­Siege of Leyden—­Negotiations for Peace at Breda—­The Spaniards take Zuriczee—­Requesens dies—­The Government devolves on the Council of State—­Miserable State of the Country, and Despair of the Patriots—­Spanish Mutineers—­The States-General are convoked, and the Council arrested by the Grand Bailiff of Brabant—­The Spanish Mutineers sack and capture Maestricht, and afterward Antwerp—­The States-General assemble at Ghent and assume the Government—­The Pacification of Ghent.

CHAPTER XI

To the renunciation of the sovereignty of Spain and the declaration of independence

A.D. 1576—­1580

Don John of Austria, Governor-General, arrives in the Netherlands—­His Character and Conduct—­The States send an Envoy to Elizabeth of England—­She advances them a Loan of Money—­The Union of Brussels—­The Treaty of Marche-en-Famenne, called the Perpetual Edict—­The impetuous Conduct of Don John excites the public Suspicion—­He seizes on the Citadel of Namur—­The Prince of Orange is named Protector of Brabant—­The People destroy the Citadels of Antwerp and other Towns—­The Duke of Arschot is named Governor of Flanders—­He