Deeply criminal in the eyes of all religious parties
     He had omitted to execute heretics
     Holy Office condemned all the inhabitants of the Netherlands
     Not for a new doctrine, but for liberty of conscience
     Questioning nothing, doubting nothing, fearing nothing
     The perpetual reproductions of history
     Wealth was an unpardonable sin

MOTLEY’S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION, VOLUME 16.

THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC

By John Lothrop Motley
1855

1568 [Chapter iii.]

Preparations of the Duke against Count Louis—­Precarious situation of Louis in Friesland—­Timidity of the inhabitants—­Alva in Friesland—­Skirmishing near Groningen—­Retreat of the patriots—­ Error committed by Louis—­His position at Jemmingen—­Mutinous demonstrations of his troops—­Louis partially restores order—­ Attempt to destroy the dykes interrupted by the arrival of Alva’s forces—­Artful strategy of the Duke—­Defeat of Count Louis and utter destruction of his army—­Outrages committed by the Spaniards—­Alva at Utrecht—­Execution of Vrow van Diemen—­Episode of Don Carlos—­ Fables concerning him and Queen Isabella—­Mystery, concerning his death—­Secret letters of Philip to the Pope—­The one containing the truth of the transaction still concealed in the Vatican—­Case against Philip as related by Mathieu, De Thou, and others—­Testimony in the King’s favor by the nuncio, the Venetian envoy, and others—­ Doubtful state of the question—­Anecdotes concerning Don Carlos—­His character.

Those measures were taken with the precision and promptness which marked the Duke’s character, when precision and promptness were desirable.  There had been a terrible energy in his every step, since the successful foray of Louis Nassau.  Having determined to take the field in person with nearly all the Spanish veterans, he had at once acted upon the necessity of making the capital secure, after his back should be turned.  It was impossible to leave three thousand choice troops to guard Count Egmont.  A less number seemed insufficient to prevent a rescue.  He had, therefore, no longer delayed the chastisement which had already been determined, but which the events in the north had precipitated.  Thus the only positive result of Louis Nassau’s victory was the execution of his imprisoned friends.

The expedition under Aremberg had failed from two causes.  The Spanish force had been inadequate, and they had attacked the enemy at a disadvantage.  The imprudent attack was the result of the contempt with which they had regarded their antagonist.  These errors were not to be repeated.  Alva ordered Count Meghem, now commanding in the province of Groningen, on no account to hazard hostilities until the game was sure.  He also immediately ordered large reinforcements to move forward to the seat of war.  The commanders