Title:  The Rise of the Dutch Republic, 1576

Author:  John Lothrop Motley

Release Date:  January, 2004 [EBook #4825] [Yes, we are more than one year ahead of schedule] [This file was first posted on March 26, 2002]

Edition:  10

Language:  English

Character set encoding:  ASCII

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MOTLEY’S history of the Netherlands, Project Gutenberg Edition, Volume 25.

THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC, 1576

By John Lothop Motley

1855

CHAPTER IV.

Assumption of affairs by the state council at Brussels—­Hesitation at Madrid—­Joachim Hopper—­Mal-administration—­Vigilance of Orange—­ The provinces drawn more closely together—­Inequality of the conflict—­Physical condition of Holland—­New act of Union between Holland and Zealand—­Authority of the Prince defined and enlarged—­ Provincial polity characterized—­Generous sentiments of the Prince—­ His tolerant spirit—­Letters from the King—­Attitude of the great powers towards the Netherlands—­Correspondence and policy of Elizabeth—­Secret negotiations with France and Alencon—­Confused and menacing aspect of Germany—­Responsible, and laborious position of Orange—­Attempt to relieve Zierickzee—­Death of Admiral Boisot—­ Capitulation of the city upon honourable terms—­Mutiny of the Spanish troops in Schouwen—­General causes of discontent—­Alarming increase of the mutiny—­The rebel regiments enter Brabant—­Fruitless attempts to pacify them—­They take possession of Alost—­Edicts, denouncing them, from the state council—­Intense excitement in Brussels and Antwerp—­Letters from Philip brought by Marquis Havre—­ The King’s continued procrastination—­Ruinous royal confirmation of the authority assumed by the state council—­United and general resistance to foreign military oppression—­The German troops and the Antwerp garrison, under Avila, join the revolt—­Letter of Verdugo—­ A crisis approaching—­Jerome de Roda in the citadel—­The mutiny universal.

The death of Requesens, notwithstanding his four days’ illness, occurred so suddenly, that he had not had time to appoint his successor.  Had he exercised this privilege, which his patent conferred upon him, it was supposed that he would have nominated Count Mansfeld to exercise the functions of Governor-General, until the King should otherwise ordain.