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March 21.
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723. Another copy of the above ; but for the words between * * is
substituted: Up to the number of 5,000 horse and 6,000 foot,
which they hereby accept. . . .—Antwerp, 21 March 1578.
Copy. Fr. 1½ pp. [Holl. and Fl. V. 90.]
|
|
724. Another copy. Endd. by L. Tomson, and in a later
hand. Fr. 2 pp. [Ibid. V. 91.]
|
|
725. Another copy. Endd. by Daniel Rogers. Fr. 1½ pp.
[Ibid. V. 92.]
|
|
726. Another copy. 'The States' second answer.' Marginal
notes by L. Tomson. Fr. 2 pp. [For. E.B. Misc. II.]
|
March 22.
K. d. L. x.
340.
|
727. NOTES on LOW COUNTRY matters, for the COUNCIL.
QUESTIONS.
1. How to satisfy the Marquis of Havrech as to the Queen
not sending her forces.
2. Whether the Queen shall not help them if they do not
obtain peace otherwise.
3. By what means peace is to be sought for them.
4. If forces are granted them what things are to be thought of.
ANSWERS.
1. The Queen had the following reasons to stay the sending
of forces : (1) Hearing that Count Lalaing and other Governors
of provinces had declared that they would not agree to have
forces from England. (2) That Casimir was not likely to come
to their aid, as was stated by the Marquis, since without his
cavalry her Majesty could not confidently commit her forces, being
footmen, to the Low Countries. (3) She understood that if her
forces went into the Low Countries the French King would
openly send forces to aid Don John. She concluded therefore
to lend Casimir 20,000l. to levy a larger force than hers would
have been, viz. : footmen and horsemen, and also
to give credit for 100,000l., and if necessary lend Casimir another
20,000l. on security for repayment.
2. She will be forced to aid them rather than see them overcome
by Spaniards or by French. The causes are too many and
too apparent for avoiding inevitable [sic] danger to herself and
the Crown.
3. It is honourable to send to the Low Countries some persons
of value, credit and wisdom to move both parties to peace, and
first to a surceance [sic] of arms, and if the failure comes from
Don John then to let him know her Majesty's resolution.
4. To agree upon numbers and pay. The charges must be
cast for levying the loan and for transport. A place assigned
where they may have a staple for victuals and for refuge ; it
must be on the seaside. How it shall be guarded. When payment
by the States shall begin.
Draft in Burghley's hand. Endd. 3 pp. [Holl. and Fl.
V. 93.]
|
March 23.
K. d. L. x.
342.
|
728. DAVISON to the SECRETARIES.
By the States' answer in writing to Mr. Rogers' proposals
and by his own relation, you may so well understand in what
part her Highness' last resolution is taken, that I need say no
more. However, I would not forget to advertise you thus much,
that the matter turning out contrary to their hope—for they had
confidence that though her Majesty might delay to see what issue
affairs would grow to, she would go through with her resolution—
has been of so hard digestion that several of the Estates have
since earnestly insisted with the Prince and Council to find some
suitable means of peace, for seeing that her Majesty had changed
her first resolution to another which could not, as they thought,
yield that fruit which she intended and their affairs required
(because our 6,000 men would have been there ere this, while
Casimir's reiters and foot cannot come down in ten or twelve
weeks, a delay that the present state of things will hardly suffer),
and seeing that they cannot reckon on open assistance from her
Majesty or any other neighbour, and cannot of themselves go
through with this war, they thought it unmeet to prefer a doubtful
war to a tolerable peace, if it might be had, and therefore
prayed the Council to consider the two following means :—One,
that whereas the Emperor had made an overture of peace and
offered himself as mediator, they should send someone to him to
'labour' his favour in that behalf ; the other, that as M. de Selles
had written to him from Liége to send deputies there to meet
the commissioners of the Emperor and the Duke of Cleves, making
them hope that things would fall out to their profit and satisfaction,
they thought it fitting to send someone to them to see
what hope there was in that behalf. And although the Prince
and others showed the danger of this counsel the matter is not
so quenched, but that someone or other blows every day at that
coal ; the rather because they have since heard by M. de Famars
that there is a new difficulty propounded about the obligations.
The uncertainty of that negotiation and the extra charge they
will be at in entertaining the troops which they have allowed
Casimir above his first proportion instead of her Majesty's forces
is the reason why I can get no decided answer to the proposal
you wished me to make to the Prince for the entertainment of
certain gentlemen of our nation who were desirous to come over
to serve. Of this I stand in doubt, whether the States have money
or none ; partly for the reasons aforesaid, partly because having
made their computation they will hardly entertain more, partly
because the ill government of our nation among them has heretofore
been such that they are loth to entertain unless her Majesty
intermeddles openly in the cause. But you may treat of this
with the Marquis.
La Fugiere sent from the Duke of Alençon departed hence
last week with only a general answer ; the States taking time
to advise as to his proposals on behalf of the Duke, who has
since by a letter of the 9th inst. solicited a decided answer, which
is yet suspended.
The enemy has attempted nothing since his entry into Bins,
but is said to have divided his camp into two parts, one marching
to besiege Philippeville, where are nine companies of soldiers
under M. de Floreines ; the other going to 'At,' a town about
four leagues from Mons towards Flanders. The former, if those
within do their part, is able to occupy the enemy for seven or
eight weeks.
There is news that some practice intended upon the town of
Arras was discovered this week, and that the Bishop, with one
Vasseur, who has a son secretary to Don John, and others, have
been apprehended.
M. du Riove, with 1,000 foot and 150 lancers from Ghent,
entered Bruges the 20th inst. by means of intelligence in the
town, which having been suspected is now at their devotion. The
details I think you may understand from Mr. Allen, who, as
I guess, was in the town just then.
Count Adolph de 'Newnare,' a German, very honest, religious,
and well-affected to our nation, is gone to-day, sent by the Archduke
to the Emperor and divers Princes of Germany, to let them
know the state of things here ; to desire assistance against Don
John, or if that cannot be obtained to procure license for the
levying of 10,000 reiters and 3,000 lansquenets in the Empire ;
to complain to the Emperor of the injury he does his brother
by giving Don John the title due to him by the election of the
States, and that having written divers letters to his Majesty he
has received no answer—in short to let him know the desperate
course these countries will be driven to take if the Emperor and
Empire abandon them. But men are in great doubt what success
his negotiations will have.—23 March 1578 [sic].
Draft. Endd. 3 pp. [Ibid. V. 94.]
|
March 23.
K. d. L. x.
345.
|
729. JACQUES DE ROSSEL, Mustermaster, to BURGHLEY.
My affection to her Majesty's service and goodwill towards the
English nation, known to all here, and especially to her Majesty's
ambassador, has made me bold to write to you, urged thereto
by M. Edouart Odessa [Woodshawe], who has assured me that
you like to hear from men who know what is going on. Affairs
at present progress variously among this motley crew. The
French are keenly interested, especially the Duke of Alençon
and his agents here, who are practising by endless and incredible
means in divers parts of the country to gain possession of several
places in Artois, Flanders, and Hainault, having, as is asserted,
persons at their devotions ; the most part of these have by any
means been discovered and matters set right by the Council of
State, some of whom cleverly feign to favour their party, which
causes affairs to be delayed, although the Duke importunately
solicits for dispatch. M. de Willerval, who is high in his favour,
starts shortly as the bearer of some words to satisfy him and stir
him up to show some of that goodwill which he professes to bear
towards the Low Countries. He has already been assured that
having executed these proposals and obtained the eldest Infanta
of Spain (of which he assures himself) the Estates will be
very well-affected towards him. This talk is mere play ; he
promises himself that he will perform some feat of notice in this
country, whence he will get great advantage. For my part, I
doubt that such a course will turn out more injurious than
advantageous to him, knowing the country and climate. I will
not pursue this subject further, as you will hear all details from
your ambassador.
As for Don John's present state, they are following up their
victory, taking little towns in the open country for the sake
of victuals and refreshment, all his people being starved and
overworked. He himself is at Namur, awaiting some reinforcement
of Spaniards and Italians—in less numbers than he thought,
as I know on sure authority. In the hope of this succour he
had consented to the French abstaining from coming to his aid
under pretext of some discontent. He has been frustrated of the
hope he had of intelligence within Maestricht, Mons, Bruges and
Arras, which have all been discovered and set right by extraordinary
means, as you may have heard, so that the enemy does
not dare to attack defended towns without further forces. When
they arrive his plan may be to assault Philippeville.
These are some of the occurrents to serve as an earnest for
your acceptance.—Antwerp, 23 March 1578.
Add. Endd. by Burghley : 29 April [sic], 1578, Jaq. de
Rosse, Commissioner of Musters in the Low Countries. Fr. 2
pp. [Ibid. V. 95.]
|
March 24.
K. d. L. x.
347.
|
730. ROGERS to the SECRETARIES.
After conferring with Mr. Davison on the 15th inst. respecting
my charge, I went the same afternoon to the Prince, who granted
me audience at once. After presenting her Majesty's commendations
and delivering such letters as I had for him, I told him
how her Majesty had understood by Mr. Leighton's report in
what need he and the States stood of aid against Don John ; the
daily increase of whose forces had caused her to resolve upon
certain means whereby their present danger might be relieved
and greater dangers avoided. Which means, though they might
seem different from her former resolution, if he would well consider
the matter in itself he would not find it so, and she thought
to perform their desire with greater advantage if he weighed the
inconveniences that were likely to ensue from the first plan.
With that I pointed out that he could not be ignorant of the
French King's intention to employ part of his forces upon the
Low Countries if any forces were sent from England, conceiving
that whatever colour her Majesty made of aiding them her
intention and meaning were to impatronise herself of the country,
and although she were far from such intention, yet as he could
not be removed from this opinion he inclined to a course which
would turn them to a worse inconvenience if they could not be
content to resolve with her Majesty upon a better remedy. I
added that she was perplexed both with the aforesaid intention
and with other matters touching herself, but had found an
expedient way to meet all inconveniences, and no less sufficient
for their relief. It was her pleasure that I should open this first
to him and afterwards to the States. Then I told him of Dr.
Beutrich's coming to England, by whom her Majesty had learnt
the request made to Duke Casimir by the States to bring to their
aid a certain number of troops. Her Majesty found that the
Duke could easily be induced hereto, if the States desired him
to bring a number competent for his honour and surety. And
as she well understood of what value he was and saw that the
Estates were partly entered into the same way already, she thought
well to ask him to levy in place of his own force 5,000 horse
and 6,000 Swiss, to be employed in the defence and under his
charge, for furnishing which levy I affirmed she had made an
overture to her minister, being at her Court, of a present disbursement
of 20,000l., and another 20,000l. to be received the day of
the muster, 'out of' [qy. = extra] the sum of 100,000l., for which
the Estates were to receive her bonds. Yet I affirmed that if
before the time of the muster the Estates should not be able
to take up either the whole of the aforesaid 100,000l. or part of
the same on her Majesty's bonds, by means of which they should
be unable to furnish the pay that would be then required, whereby
the whole service might be endangered, she would be content
to disburse the same likewise rather than they should be disappointed
of so necessary an aid. By this way the Estates would
through her provision receive more men and money than before
was agreed upon. I besought him therefore to do his best to
persuade the Estates to allow what her Majesty thought so
requisite for their preservation.
Here I stayed, making no mention of any conditions, to hear
what he would answer. He heard me very attentively, and perceiving
that I expected an answer, began as his manner is to
answer the points in order as I had proposed them. First he
said he was glad of my coming ; he knew me well and would be
glad to have occasion to show his goodwill towards me. Touching
the matter itself it was not private, but touched the whole state,
and therefore he could not yet say what the Estates would answer,
but 'in form of discourse' he meant to say his opinion. It might
so fall out that the Estates' answer would be like what I should
hear from him. He marvelled at nothing so much as that her
Majesty had changed her former determination, which not only
would have bound the Low Countries to her forever, but would
also have been most honourable to her in all respects. He
affirmed she had first of all offered her own soldiers, so that he
could not enough wonder she should alter her resolution when it
was concluded, and here he repeated the negotiation and how the
Estates had sent the Marquis of Havrech into the Low Countries
[sic]. He confessed the Estates had committed the first fault
in refusing English soldiers at the beginning, but that by his
procuring they had at last concluded and order was sent to the
Marquis in October to consult with her for the sending of English
soldiers. If they had come, "without all peradventure," quoth he,
"Don John had not after this sort won towns, as he since has
done." Her Majesty had promised that she would first send to
the King of Spain and Don John, and if an answer were not
returned according to her expectation she would declare herself.
Mr. Leighton at his second return to him had promised she would
send the aid agreed upon. "Now all the fault will be laid on
me," quoth he, "and my enemies will be glad they have got an
occasion to say that if the Prince of Orange had not without the
Estates to depend on the Queen of England they had received
succour from some other place or otherwise provided for themselves,
whereas now they have not only lost much time in awaiting
help from England, but are yet to lose two months at least,
for Duke Casimir cannot be with them for eight or nine weeks."
He added that no fault brought greater inconvenience in time
of war than losing time. "I pray God," said he, "Count Lalaing,
Artois, and Hainault take not a sudden resolution and enter into
covenants with the French when they perceive they have yet
two months to wait." Here he mentioned M. de Feugere, lately
sent from the Duke of Alençon to the States, whose negotiations
need not be repeated here.
Touching the number which her Majesty ascribed to Duke
Casimir, he said the Duke would be content with 4,000 reiters
and 5,000 foot. He had referred the matter to Beutrich, his
councillor. He thought the Estates would be better pleased if
the money to be paid to Casimir were handed to them. They
had already sent him 24,000 dollars. The reiters were to have
32,000 florins a month for each 1,000 of them. He looked for
5,000 reiters in the course of that week, but meanwhile all the
damage the States had received and would receive till succour
came arose from the loss of time and breach of promise.
I replied that her Majesty had altered her first resolution for
their advantage, while the loss of time was not so much her fault
as the Estates', who by the end of January had not yet all agreed
to receive English soldiers. Count Lalaing, with the provinces
of Artois and Hainault, as he himself had told me on my return
from Germany, had withstood the decision of the rest, and though
the Marquis might have come to terms with her Majesty in
October it was not till the beginning of February that M. de
Famars came with the consent of the Estates. I hoped therefore
he would further her last resolution, which if the Estates liked
I was forthwith to go to Casimir that he might accelerate his
aid. I added that I had letters from her Majesty to his Highness
and the Estates, and should be glad to have my audience
hastened.
He answered that he would do his best, but he was afraid if
her Majesty took no further steps the Estates would come to
terms with others, and he doubted of the Hollanders' and
Zealanders' constancy in defending the religion if she withdrew
the sending of the Earl of Leicester. He feared, too, that the
obligations would not profit them as much as they would have
done if her promise had been kept, and that the change in her
resolution might hinder her credit abroad. As for my audience
he would procure it diligently. This was the sum of my talk
with him on the 15th.
On leaving him I went to the Princess' chamber and delivered
the Queen's letter, adding that the handkerchiefs which she had
sent were acceptable to her Majesty. Having read the letter
she said she was glad that her Majesty had taken them in good
worth. She wished for nothing so much as occasion to show her
duty to her Majesty, with many words of entire affection towards
her prosperity. She asked of her Majesty's health and how my
Lord of Leicester did, and trusted she should see me often before
my departure.—Antwerp, 24 March 1578.
Add. Endd. 4½ pp. [Holl. and Fl. V. 98.]
|
March 24.
K. d. L. x.
351.
|
731. ROGERS to the SECRETARIES.
The Prince promised on the 15th to procure me audience,
and on the following day I was appointed to meet the Council
of State at eleven and to be with the States-General at four. He
who brought the message spoke to Mr. Davison, who was then
otherwise engaged about eleven, and not knowing that the
message was to me told me nothing of it. Consequently I did
not go to the Council at eleven. In the afternoon M. Villiers
came, and from him I heard of the mistake, and was desired
to come to the Estates. He thought they would have appointed
some to deal with me, for there is little secresy where there are
so many hearers. When I came to them, I told them that upon
Mr. Leighton's report of their State, her Majesty had resolved
upon certain means to relieve them, and had sent me to declare
them. I presented her letter and desired them to consider whether
it were better I should make any relation to them or they appoint
some to deal with me. They opened her Majesty's letter and
read it, afterwards desiring me to retire into a chamber hard by,
and they would consult on my proposal. I was soon called back,
and one of them in the name of the whole informed me that
they thought it good to desire me to open to them all my charge,
seeing the letter was written to them generally. I then began
to explain the means her Majesty had thought best for their
relief, as I send herewith in French [see No. 701], and delivered
the same to them in writing. The message was very acceptable
to them. They said they would confer with the Council of State,
and desired me to address myself to them ; they would send me
word in the morning when I could have audience, and thanked
me for my pains.
In the morning about eight the Prince sent to me, desiring
me to come to his Highness and the Council. I went at once
to the Court, where I was brought into the Archduke's inner
chamber, where he was with Leoninus and Adolf Meetkerke, both
councillors. I was desired before I came to speak in Latin, that
his Highness might understand, and did so, according to the copy
I send herewith. After he had heard all, with a smiling and
amicable countenance he thanked her Majesty for her remembrance
of him and her care for the countries, and said he would
deliberate with the Council, advising me to put everything in
writing and send it to him, which I did the same day, the 17th.
On the 18th I went to salute the Duke of Aerschot, M. Schetz,
Allegonde, Lisvelt and Meetkerke, to whom I commended my
negotiations and asked them to hasten an answer. On the 19th
I returned to the Prince to enquire how my message was liked
by the Estates, and to communicate 'inwardly' with him touching
the Earl of Leicester's affection to him and such companies
of Englishmen as were 'well bent' to serve him, according to
your and my Lord Treasurer's instructions. He said that the
Estates had that day sent to the Council, requesting him and
the others, as the Queen would not permit the Earl of Leicester
to come with such aid as was covenanted, to send at once to the
Emperor and M. de Selles for a peace, or to find other ways of
succour, which I heard afterwards from others. As to the Earl
of Leicester, he said that his only coming and countenancing
them would have stood the States instead of 6,000 men, and the
6,000 Englishmen under his charge would have been worth 12,000,
for he knew of what consequence was an English soldier under
so noble, wise, and courteous a Count. He said that the States
would have been proud of his arrival, but would not much esteem
English companies unless led by some nobleman of their country.
He would try to have my answer hastened, and that it might
agree with her Majesty's expectation.
On the 20th he sent word the answer was made, and I should
have it the 21st. As it was not ready on the 22nd, I went to
some of the Council, asking them to further it, and also went
to his Excellency to have it accelerated. He told me the contents
of it ; the difficulty was that the Estates would have the
Duke to come with only 4,000 horse and 5,000 foot. I replied
that the diminution of the number might hinder the effect of
the aid which her Majesty wished them to have, and that she
wished the Duke to be accompanied by a greater number. I
feared he would not come with a smaller number than I had
mentioned, and I should be loath to make so great a journey in
vain. He answered that the country could not nourish so many
horsemen and that the Duke was content to come with 4,000 reiters
and 5,000 foot. I began to answer that in case of necessity her
Majesty thought it better to have store than want ; that in great
numbers all persons were not of the same value, and a multitude
often encouraged when small numbers would dismay among mercenary
men ; if the Estates wished to deduct any, it were best
to decide to retain him who was likely to be most assured to
them ; her Majesty understood that among those whom they meant
to call to their service were some to whom the King of Spain
was greatly indebted, and if so inconveniences might be wrought
by the enemy such as might endanger their whole forces ; she
was sure they they had no captain of greater value or on whom
they might more safely rely than Duke Casimir, and no general
would choose his people better ; in sum, that she thought he was
the only man that might stand them to great purpose, and that
side might think itself happy to whose succour he should incline.
Further, I 'avouched' that the sea being free to the States, they
would lack no oats. He confessed all this to be true, and would
be well content, if the States would be brought to it, that the
Duke came with the number proposed, and he was minded to
persuade them to it. Afterwards he sent me word that the
Estates had agreed upon 5,000 horse and 5,000 foot. At last
they concluded not to change the number her Majesty prescribed.
Dr. Beutrich says he heard that the Count of Swartzenburche
[Schwarzburg] especially envied the large number which Casimir
was to bring, and affirms that the Prince was in some jealousy
of the Duke, for if he came the Estates might perhaps prefer him
before the Prince. M. Villiers told me another reason, which was
that the Prince thought he could better rule the Duke if he came
with a less number.
On Sunday, the 23rd, about twelve o'clock, his Highness and
the Council sent for me. I came at once, trusting to receive
my answer, as happened. The Archduke commanded Leoninus
to declare it to me in the presence of MM. Froidmont, Willerval,
Frezin, the Seneschal of Hainault, Dannevitz, and others. He
commended the Earl of Leicester, and how happy they would have
been if they might have seen him in the Low Countries. He
said his Highness and the Estates would not yet despair of his
coming. His Latin speech being contained in the answer which
I send herewith, I need not make long discourse of it.
I answered that her Majesty would be glad to aid their
necessities, especially if she understood that they so ordered their
affairs that some good result might ensue. As for the Earl of
Leicester, I avouched that he was most troubled in mind that he
could not come as promised, and how gladly he would hazard all
he has to serve his Highness and the Estates ; if he did not come
the fault was not in him. Meanwhile he would stand them in
good stead, abiding with her Majesty. Then I requested those
present that I might have in writing the promise Leoninus spoke
of, viz., that as soon as Casimir had received the money they
would deliver the obligation into the hands of her Majesty's agent.
They promised I should have it this day, and his Highness also
gave me his letters to her Majesty and to the Marquis of Havrech,
desiring I would commend him heartily to my Lord of Leicester.
I have not yet received the promise in writing ; if I had I would
at once depart towards Duke Casimir. They have promised to
send one with me to him, and I hope to go on the 26th, as
soon as I have received their promise.—Antwerp, 24 March 1578.
Add. Endd. by Wilson. 4⅓ pp. [Ibid. V. 96.]
|
March 24.
K. d. L. x.
355.
|
732. ROGERS to the SECRETARIES.
I have had much to do before I could obtain the full number
for Duke Casimir to be granted. The Estates General made no
difficulty, but certain particular men who are to have charge
withstood, being moved by ambition. Dr. Beutrich affirms that
the Duke will make all possible expedition, and by the letters
he writes it would appear he is most ready. But Beutrich has
had to do here with the Prince of Orange, not with the Prince
of Condé, who gave him 1,000 crowns every month for his pay.
The Prince of Orange, who knows how to levy reiters, means to
give nothing for doctors' stipends, which made him treat this
coldly, thinking he would have dealt with the Prince to have
constrained him to win him with a stipend. He stood upon three
things : what aid the Estates would give his master in case the
King of Spain made war upon him ; that they should make no
peace without his master's consent ; and that he should know
who would command the Duke in the camp, for Count 'Swarthenburche'
seeks to be the Archduke's lieutenant. But I understood
the Prince himself will go to the camp and take the Archduke
with him. Beutrich is afraid only that the other 20,000l. which
are to be paid at the muster, will not be ready in time, which
may hinder the expedition. This morning he sent me the schedule
enclosed. I asked if 2,000 or 3,000 Englishmen might not serve
among the Duke's footmen to make up the 6,000, which he likes
well, and I doubt not but the Duke will like better. Of this
I have spoken with Mr. Davison, but I must first receive order
from you ; wherefore I beseech you to let me know by this bearer,
Robert Browne, her Majesty's decision. If she is content, then
let order be taken, the best gentlemen to have charge ; for
Morgaine has been so importunate here that the Prince has been
wearied to hear English soldiers mentioned. Besides this, Dr.
Beutrich received letters yesterday from the Duke, which he communicated
to me ; in which he adds among other things that the
Elector, his brother, has a very good opinion of me, and wishes
me to bring some letter from her Majesty to him, both to congratulate
on the accord between the brethren and to further the
cause of the religion against the Ubiquitaries. He writes that
the Count of Mompelgart, heir to the Duke of Wirtemberg, being
set on by the said Duke, has imprisoned some of the citizens
of Mompelgart for withstanding the book of Dr. Andreas ; which
when the Swiss heard (who have a league with the said country
for the defence of the religion), they sent an ambassage that if
he did not deliver them at once they would enter his country
with 20,000 men to teach him to maintain the religion better.
Whereupon the Count forthwith delivered them, and sent into
the town to desire the magistrate to come and dine with him,
who yet would not come. This stoutness of the Switzers will do
much good.
There is a Diet at Worms at present for the affairs of the Low
Countries, beginning on the 15th inst. The Estates mean to send
thither, and Allegonda is named. Adolf, Count of Newenar,
departed yesterday towards the Emperor, sent by the Archduke
and the States. I have long known him, and as he heard that
I was sent hither, being well affected to her Majesty, he communicated
his instructions to me, written in the Archduke's name,
but projected by the Prince. He is to tell the Emperor that his
brother and the Estates marvel he does not so much as write to
the Archduke, who departed from him with his consent. Besides
he does injury as it were to his brother in calling Don John
still Governor, seeing the Estates have with one consent rejected
him and pronounced Matthias Governor. He desires his aid for
the Low Countries as appertaining to the Empire, and to procure
that the Tenth Circle be commanded to aid them, as members of
that circle. Also to give leave for 10,000 reiters to come for their
service and to prevent the marching of Don John's, and to banish
and proscribe Colonel 'Powlwiller.' He is to give the Emperor
plainly to understand that unless he helps them against Don
John, whom he calls a Bastard and unworthy to be counted
amongst Princes, the Estates will be compelled to provide for
themselves otherwise, to his prejudice. When the instructions
were 'opened' to the Estates on the 22nd, some of them were so
angry that they said if the Emperor would not aid his brother,
they would send him back ; for why should they pay him 120,000
florins a year if he could not obtain his own brother's protection.
If you think it good that her Majesty should permit Englishmen
to serve the Duke and expedient that she write to the Elector
Palatine, I hope you will have it in remembrance.—Antwerp,
24 March 1578.
Add. Forwarded to Walsingham and endd. by L. Tomson.
2½ pp. [Ibid. V. 97.]
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March 24.
K. d. L. x.
357.
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733. ROGERS to WILSON.
I have written three letters touching my negotiation to you
and Mr. Secretary Walsingham. As for other occurrents, though
no doubt Mr. Davison has written largely, I could not but write
somewhat to my Lord of Leicester ; which I send herewith to you,
asking you to read it, seal it, and have it delivered.
They are long in answering here, and I did not receive their
decision till twelve o'clock yesterday. Among others who do well
here, none are comparable to those of Ghent. They have taken
order that one of every ten must serve as a soldier, and the other
nine must entertain him ; and having lately understood what friends
Don John had in Bruges and Ypres, they sent 2,000 to Bruges
on the 20th, and sent also to Ypres, and have secured those towns.
I come at a desperate season, as you will understand by my
letter to the Earl of Leicester. 'The good Prince travaileth
wondrously to conserve these men, and winneth credit daily.'
He is sorry that the Earl of Leicester does not come. I have told
him my Lord's affection towards him, and he answers that is the
cause which makes him the more melancholic because he does
not come. The Princess thinks that after him there is none in
England to whom she is more beholden than you, and she would
have been glad to have had your daughter, in order that she
might have shown her thanks to you. M. 'Allegonda,' Meetkerke,
Lisvelt, Frezin, and whom I should have named first, the Duke,
'have them heartily commended to you, so [too] that Loodwick
Guiciardin.'
I am waiting to have their promises in writing, which they
must give for the obligations to be made, when they hear that
Casimir has received the 20,000l. I send an epigram upon
Casimir, which I made before, but have altered it.
I send two copies of my negotiation, one as I spoke it in Latin
to his Highness, the other in French, as I delivered it to the
Estates. Please show the Latin to the Lord Treasurer, who at
my departure told me I deserved not only a pension, but a good
office. If you think it might do me good to show it to her
Majesty, please do so.
Don John is gone with most of his army towards Philippeville,
where Baron Florian holds the town with eight ensigns.—Antwerp,
24 March 1578.
Appended is an epigram of 18 elegiac lines, as follows :
Epigramma ad illustrem heroem, Joannem Casimirum, Religionis
et Reip. acerrimum vindicem.
Cum Medicaea suis Medea furoribus orbem,
Imprimis Gallas implicuisset opes :
Diraque pontificis jam ferveret ira Quirini,
Ac fureret miris Gallia foeta viris :
Cum contra dirasque pyras, virusque malignum,
Nil opis aspiceret credita turba Deo :
Bis juvere tui pressos, Casimire, leones,
Bisque comes signis Mars fuit ipse tuis.
Tum via vi patuit : tibi nam quae impervia tanto?
Qui comitem raptas in sacra bella Deum.
Mox diraeque pyrae virusque recessit inerme
Imperio miro, dux Casimire, tuo ;
Mirandasque duplex fregit victoria diras,
Unde suo canitur cum duce palma duplex,
Quod si nunc simili succurras ordine Belgis,
Quos Hispana truci verberat ira manu :
Palma triplex celso te iure sacrarit Olympo,
Ac Mire-mirus, non Quasi-mirus eris.
Daniel Rogersius, bene merito Lib. Pos.
Add. Endd. 2 pp. [Ibid. V. 99.]
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March 25.
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734. The ESTATES' PROMISE for the OBLIGATION to be made.
This day, the 25th March 1578, the States-General hereby promise
Mr. Daniel Rogers, ambassador from the Queen of England, that
they will deliver to her resident ambassador proper and sufficient
obligation for the sum of 20,000l. sterling to be repaid to her
or her agent one year after the date of the said obligation. They
will give it in the same form as that given before for a similar
sum lent them by her Majesty in the year preceding this. This
they promise to do as soon as it shall appear that the said sum
has been received by Duke Casimir. They will give a similar
form if in addition to this sum her Majesty advances them another
20,000l. (Signed), Cornelius Weellemans.
Copy. Endd. by D. Rogers. Fr. ¾ p. [Ibid. V. 100.]
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735. Another copy. Endd. by D. Rogers. Fr. ¾ p. [Ibid.
V. 101.]
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735 (bis). Another copy. Fr. 1 p. [For. E.B. Misc. II.]
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