Rise of the Dutch Republic, the � Volume 28: 1578, part II by Motley, John Lothrop, 1814-1877

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The Rise Of The Dutch Republic, 1578 1855 Chapter V.

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MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, Project Gutenberg Edition, Vol. 30

THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC, 1578

By John Lothrop Motley

1855

CHAPTER V.

Towns taken by Don John--Wrath excited against the aristocratic
party by the recent defeat--Attempts upon Amsterdam--"Satisfaction"
of Amsterdam and its effects--De Selles sent with royal letters from
Spain--Terms offered by Philip--Proclamation of Don John--
Correspondence between de Selles and the States-General--Between the
King and the Governor-General--New forces raised by the States--St.
Aldegonde at the Diet--Municipal revolution in Amsterdam--The
Prince's letter on the subject of the Anabaptists of Middelburg--
The two armies inactive--De la None--Action at Rijnemants--John
Casimir--Perverse politics of Queen Elizabeth--Alencon in the
Netherlands--Portrait of the Duke--Orange's position in regard to
him--Avowed and supposed policy of the French court--Anger of
Elizabeth--Terms arranged between Alencon and the Estates--Renewed
negotiations with Don John--Severe terms offered him--Interview of
the English envoys with the Governor--Despondency of Don John--
Orange's attempts to enforce a religious peace--His isolation in
sentiment--The malcontent party--Count John Governor of Gelderland
--Proposed form of religious peace--Proclamation to that effect by
Orange, in Antwerp--A petition in favor of the Roman Church
presented by Champagny and other Catholic nobles to the States--
General--Consequent commotion in Brussels--Champagny and others
imprisoned--Indolence and poverty of the two armies--Illness and
melancholy of Don John--His letters to Doria, to Mendoza, and to the
King--Death of Don John--Suspicions of poison--Pompous burial--
Removal of his body to Spain--Concluding remarks upon his character.

Don John having thus vindicated his own military fame and the amazing superiority of the Spanish arms, followed up his victory by the rapid reduction of many towns of second-rate importance Louvain, Judoigne, Tirlemont, Aerschot, Bauvignes, Sichem, Nivelle, Roeux, Soignies, Binch, Beaumont, Walcourt, Tviaubeuge, and Chimay, either submitted to their conqueror, or were taken after short sieges. The usual atrocities were inflicted upon the unfortunate inhabitants of towns where resistance was attempted. The commandant of Sichem was hanged out of his own window, along with several chief burghers and officers, while the garrison was put to the sword, and the bodies cast into the Denver. The only crime committed by these unfortunates was to have ventured a blow or two in behalf of the firesides which they were employed to protect.