of Berty—­Interview between Orange and Egmont at Willebroek—­Orange’s letters to Philip, to Egmont, and to Horn—­ Orange departs from the Netherlands—­Philip’s letter to Egmont—­ Secret intelligence received by Orange—­La Torre’s mission to Brederode—­Brederode’s departure and death—­Death of Bergen—­Despair in the provinces—­Great emigration—­Cruelties practised upon those of the new religion—­Edict of 24th May—­Wrath of the King.

Valenciennes, whose fate depended so closely upon the issue of these various events, was now trembling to her fall.  Noircarmes had been drawing the lines more and more closely about the city, and by a refinement of cruelty had compelled many Calvinists from Tournay to act as pioneers in the trenches against their own brethren in Valenciennes.  After the defeat of Tholouse, and the consequent frustration of all Brederode’s arrangements to relieve the siege, the Duchess had sent a fresh summons to Valenciennes, together with letters acquainting the citizens with the results of the Ostrawell battle.  The intelligence was not believed.  Egmont and Aerschot, however, to whom Margaret had entrusted this last mission to the beleaguered town, roundly rebuked the deputies who came to treat with them, for their insolence in daring to doubt the word of the Regent.  The two seigniors had established themselves in the Chateau of Beusnage, at a league’s distance from Valenciennes.  Here they received commissioners from the city, half of whom were Catholics appointed by the magistrates, half Calvinists deputed by the consistories.  These envoys were informed that the Duchess would pardon the city for its past offences, provided the gates should now be opened, the garrison received, and a complete suppression of all religion except that of Rome acquiesced in without a murmur.  As nearly the whole population was of the Calvinist faith, these terms could hardly be thought favorable.  It was, however, added, that fourteen days should be allowed to the Reformers for the purpose of converting their property, and retiring from the country.

The deputies, after conferring with their constituents in the, city, returned on the following day with counter-propositions, which were not more likely to find favor with the government.  They offered to accept the garrison, provided the soldiers should live at their own expense, without any tax to the citizens for their board, lodging, or pay.  They claimed that all property which had been seized should be restored, all persons accused of treason liberated.  They demanded the unconditional revocation of the edict by which the city had been declared rebellious, together with a guarantee from the Knights of the Fleece and the state council that the terms of the propose& treaty should be strictly observed.