THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC

By John Lothrop Motley 1855 1570 [chapter vi.]

Orange and Count Louis in France—­Peace with the Huguenots—­ Coligny’s memoir, presented by request to Charles IX., on the subject of invading the Netherlands—­Secret correspondence of Orange organized by Paul Buys—­Privateering commissions issued by the Prince—­Regulations prescribed by him for the fleets thus created—­ Impoverished condition of the Prince—­His fortitude—­His personal sacrifices and privations—­His generosity—­Renewed contest between the Duke and the Estates on the subject of the tenth and twentieth pence—­Violent disputes in the council—­Firm opposition of Viglius—­ Edict commanding the immediate collection of the tax—­Popular tumults—­Viglius denounced by Alva—­The Duke’s fierce complaints to the King—­Secret schemes of Philip against Queen Elizabeth of England—­The Ridolphi plot to murder Elizabeth countenanced by Philip and Pius V.—­The King’s orders to Alva to further the plan—­ The Duke’s remonstrances—­Explosion of the plot—­Obstinacy of Philip—­Renewed complaints of Alva as to the imprudent service required of him—­Other attempts of Philip to murder Elizabeth—­Don John of Austria in the Levant——­Battle of Lepanto—­Slothfulness of Selim—­Appointment of Medina Celi—­Incessant wrangling in Brussels upon the tax—­Persevering efforts of Orange—­Contempt of Alva for the Prince—­Proposed sentence of ignominy against his name—­Sonoy’s mission to Germany—­Remarkable papers issued by the Prince—­The “harangue”—­Intense hatred for Alva entertained by the highest as well as lower orders—­Visit of Francis de Alva to Brussels—­His unfavourable report to the King—­Querulous language of the Duke—­ Deputation to Spain—­Universal revolt against the tax—­Ferocity of Alva—­Execution of eighteen tradesmen secretly ordered—­Interrupted by the capture of Brill—­Beggars of the sea—­The younger Wild Boar of Ardennes—­Reconciliation between the English government and that of Alva—­The Netherland privateersmen ordered out of English ports—­ De la Marck’s fleet before Brill—­The town summoned to surrender—­ Commissioners sent out to the fleet—­Flight of the magistrates and townspeople—­Capture of the place—­Indignation of Alva—­Popular exultation in Brussels—­Puns and Caricatures—­Bossu ordered to recover the town of Brill—­His defeat—­His perfidious entrance into Rotterdam—­Massacre in that city—­Flushing revolutionized—­ Unsuccessful attempt of Governor de Bourgogne to recal the citizens to their obedience—­Expedition under Treslong from Brill to assist the town of Flushing—­Murder of Paccheco by the Patriots—­Zeraerts appointed Governor of Walcheren by Orange.

While such had been the domestic events of the Netherlands during the years 1569 and 1570, the Prince of Orange, although again a wanderer, had never allowed himself to despair.  During this whole period, the darkest hour for himself and for his country, he was ever watchful.