The Aunswere Of the Lords the Estates generall of the vnited Prouinces of the Lowe-Countries, to the Letter of the Archduke of Austria, heereafter inserted.
Together VVith the proposition done in the name of the sayde Arch-duke to the forenamed States, by Otto Hartius, and Jeronimus Coomans, learned in the Lawes.
❧ Also, the extract of certaine Letters, written out of the Campe before Groning.
❀ Printed first at Middelburgh, by Richard Schilders, Printer to the Estates of the Land and Earledome of Zealand. 1594.
LONDON, Printed by Iohn Wolfe.
The Aunswer of the generall Estates of the vnited Prouinces of the Low Countries, to the Letter of the Archduke of Austria.
THE generall Estates of the vnited Low Countries, in the assembly of their people, haue opened and redd the Letter of the most excellent Prince Ernestus, Archduke of Austria, Duke of Burgundie. &c. closed and sealed with the Seale of his Highnes, dated in Brussels, the sixe day of this present Month of May: receiued the twelfth of the same Moneth, by the hands of Maister Otto Hartius, and Ieronimus Coomans, learned in the Lawes: at whose insinuation, doone the next day after, to say the xiij. day: haue the 16. day of the said Moneth, in the assembly of their aforesaid people, deliuered vp in wryting, as appeareth by the clauses in the aforesaid Letter inserted. And after due examination of the afore-saide writing and Letter, (to the end they might open to his Highnes their good intent & meaning,) haue declared, and by these presents doo declare, that since the time that their people (for vrgent occasions and very necessitie,) were constrained to put themselues in Armor, for the behoofe of the freedome of the Low Countries, with the priuiledges and iurisdiction of the same in generall, and of the Prouinces, people, Citties, and Indwellers of the same in particuler: and for repulsing of the Spanish tyrannie, and lordly gouernment, ouer the consciences, bodies and goods, of the Inhabitants of the sayde Low Countries, their wiues and children: their meaning and intent alwaies was, & yet is, to maintaine the same (with the helpe of GOD) against the Spanyards and their adherents.
With thys stedfast hope, that almightie God through his gracious goodnesse and blessing, shall further the same their vpright meaning and good intent, which the longer, the more is not onely found to be for their owne Low-Countries, but also toucheth the estate of all their neighbours, Kings, Princes, and Common-wealths. Like as their people haue found also (through the power of Gods mighty hand,) that hee hath not onely blessed their meanes and pretences, but also hath mooued the harts of Kings and Princes their Neighbours, to the vpholding & maintenance [Page 4]of their aforesaid needeful and vpright intents. Whereof their people do attribute the praise only to God, trusting in the vnalterable power of his godly Maiestie, expecting at his hands and goodnes a laudable issue and ende of heauie warres: hauing sure confidence that their people of the Low Countries in general, shall be vnited, and brought into their olde estate and prosperitie. The which they more earnestly doe desire, in that they haue well proued and tryed, and besides that, do yet very well remember the commodities, quietnes, and pleasantnes of peace, rest, and vnitie: but also contrariwise, haue found and felt the incommodities, disquietnes, and vnfruitfulnes of warres. But like as his Highnes declareth in the said letter, and professeth his good will and affection, and thanketh al those, that are vprightly affectioned to the vnity and prosperity of the Lowe Countries: so haue they and their people also great cause to complaine before God and all the worlde, ouer them, which yet vnder the pretence of peace, doo seeke and practise the spilling of innocent blood of Christians, and to further the ruine and vtter decay of the Low Countries, whervnto the Spanish counsel (who now in all respects do finde themselues sore offended with these Countries) will worke more extreamely then before: vsing thereto such horrible shamefull, and vnlawfull proceedings, as heeretofore hath not beene heard or thought on.
And much more is the vtter ruine and decay of these Countries to be looked for, in this respect that it is well knowne to all the world, into what extremity they are come, and how their cases do stand. Namely the destruction of innocent blood by the Hangmans hand, of many thousand innocent and guiltlesse people, aswell men as weomen of all qualities, amongst which haue beene some of the principallest Lords of the land. The violation of the principallest freedomes, priuiledges, and iurisdictions of the Lowe Countries, and Citties, aswell in generall as perticuler, many murthers, burnings, violation, erations, concussions, and o [...]her enormities and execrable deedes, after very many remonstrations, supplications, with sending of certaine of the Neitherlandish Lords into Spaine, as namely amongst others the Marqu [...]s of Bergen, and the Lord of Monteng [...]y, who there were ill dealt withall, and vsed against the law of Nations.
Also the intercession of great Potentates, done in vaine, to the end that the Lowe Countries, the people, Citties and good Inhabitants themselues, might be suffered to inioy their laudable freedomes priuiledges and iurisdictions: and the tyranny of the Spanish nation and their adhearents ouer their consciences, bodies and goods, might be cast of, which hath brought their people to these aforesaid extreamities. And therefore it may please his Highnes to vnderstand that the States before named, haue with good insight and pondering, proceeded, as they doo nowe shewe themselues, towards the welfare of these Countries and inhabitants thereof, like as in times past, and in like cases is alreadie passed.
And that their people canont beleeue, much lesse be assured any waies, of any alteration of the Spanish humors, which heretofore haue beene more apparant, and part of them promised, with great losse and damage to these Countries. For in the beginning of these warres, the out-rage of the Spaniardes was so great, that all were put to death, which came into their power.
And to vse such like law, for so laudable a matter, as the conseruation of their natiue Countrey, against forraine tyranny, either with their counsel or deedes, that not only their plaine Countries were wasted: but also many principall Citties with murthering, robbing burning, and other horrible, execrable and vnnaturall dealing, euen whilst such matters were intreated of, and let the people of these Countries be assured, that no other thing is to bee looked for at the Spaniards hands, which in the end wil not turne to the vtter shame, ruine, and ouer-throwe of these Inhabitants.
There began the blood thirsty Counsell to chaunge, and theyr humors, to alter in apparance: but in such sort that the people marked that it would fall out hard with them to come with anie force: and therefore haue had many parleys and conferences. And the first entreatement of peace began in Anno. 1574. which the Estates of Holland and Zealand (vsing their olde honest and simple manner) were mooued to seeke redresse of their griefes, by writings remonstrations and others. The fruit and effect of this intreaty, was perfectly perceiued and seene in Brabant, by the first [Page 6]ouer-fall of the Citty of Antwerpe, named by the Spaniards in their Histories, Fuere Villacos: and in Hollande and Zeland, with their strong and seconde besieging of the Citty of Leiden, which notwithstanding through the grace of God, the trustines of her Confederates, and their owne goodnes: were preserued from the power of the enemie. Yea, with such an extraordinarie terror to the Spanyards which lay before the Citty, were by the mightie hand of God so daunted in their courages, that they ran confusedly out of Holland, and shortly after did meane to ouerthrowe the goodly Cittie of Vtricht, as they and others of the Spanish nation, had done the same yeere, in the former Citty of Antwerpe.
This first deceitfull entrety of peace, comming to this effect and ended, the second was taken in hande, at the intercession of the most high and mighty Emperour Maximilian, his Highnes Father, in Anno, 1575. within the Citty of Breda. Howe little the same entreatie was meant on the Spaniardes side, towards the welfare and prosperity of the Low Countries, the cléere testimonies doo bring with them: and the fruites thereof was no other thing, but more preparation of warres then before. So that shortly after, there followed the ouer-fall of the Citties of Bueren, Leerdam, Oudewater, Schoonhouen, Bommeney, and the besieging of the Citty of Sirikzea: whereby hath procéeded, what the Spaniards and their adherents, haue done, with theyr robbing, murthering, and other horrible deedes. Yea, the ouerfall of Citties, on their partes, haue beene in such haynous manner, that no man could longer suffer or abide the same, but haue proclaimed them enimies of the Low Countries.
Wherevpon followed the vnion and confederacy at Gaunt, in Nouember, Anno. 1576. betwixt the Netherlandish Prouinces, and for the conseruation of the welfare of the same, theyr freedoms and Lawes: is well knowne to euery one, howe vntruly the same vnion and confederacie was accepted on the Spanish side, and what deceit and enmitie was mingled amongst it. The Letters of Estoued, the violation vsed by Don Iohn, the expresse declaration, from the Spanish Counsell, brought ouer by the Baron of Selles, and published in Mecklin, the seuerall dealings at Louen, the sending of sundry Embassadors of diuers Potentates: [Page 7]haue giuen sufficient testimony thereof, in Anno 1577. and 1588. How deceitful, shameful, hurtful and greeuous, the issue of the entreaty of peace was, begun at Cullen with such great solemnity, is well knowne to euerie one. Also that during the same, not onely the Prouinces of Haynault and Arthois, with sundrie other principall Citties, were seduced to this particuler tractation: but also all outward force vsed towards the Citty of Maistricht. And many priuie and naughty practises put in vse in other Prouinces, and amongst the people of the same, to moue the same to tollerations, to their vtter ruine and vndooing.
With what practise afterwards, were the Citties of Flaunders brought to tractation, and what braue prohemes were there done, and what excellent end it had, is manifested by the actes thereof. To what intent was the intreaty of peace in Anno 1587. and 1588. What deceit and force lay hid vnderneath the same: the Spanish Armada (come ouer during the same intreaty and ouercome by Gods mighty hand) hath made manifest. To what intent afterwards in Anno 1591. was the Emperors Maiestie occasioned anew, to take the affaires of the Low-Countries into his hands, the Leaguers doe testifie, which from time to time, are sent out of the Lowe-Countries against the French King. Whereby it is made more manifest, that the Spaniards will and meaning is, with their adherents, to be alwaies in wars and Armor, vsing the pretext of furthering of Romish religion. But to speake the trueth, for their pretended generall domination & tyranny, which they would establish ouer all Christendome: and to rob and spoile all Kings, Princes, Landes & Common-wealths, of their due rights and prerogatiues. Like as of late was practised against the Quéene of England, by sending ouer that proude and mighty Armada, in Anno 1588. And the tryumph before the victory, openly sung and put forth in print, is manifested. And likewise the wars and busines in Fraunce since the same yeere, namely in the beginning of the next yeere after, about the translation of the Crowne of Fraunce, not onely the King now present, and all the Princes of the bloode, but generally all French-men, are so entreated of the Spaniards (vnder the name of Infante,) because of the Spanish Counsell and suffrence, by the Duke of Ferris, and other Spanish Ministers, neither is there any tryall, [Page 8]but by the Parliament of Paris, and others reuolted from the League, by arrest of other iustifications put foorth in print, is made manifest.
And as good regard is to be taken, to the complot made in Scotland, in Anno 1592. with many of the principall Lordes there. That twentie thousand Spanish souldiers shold haue been sent and receiued into Scotland, which in the yeare past, is wonderfull come to light (for which some were punished with death.) And it is not to be beleeued, y t the same was builded vpon any other foundation, or otherwise dealt withall, then practised with the Bishoppricks of Collen and Strasburg, the Dukedomes of Gulick, Cleue and Berg, and the imperiall Citty of Aichen, which not onely diuerse & sundry intercepted letters, but also the deedes thē selues do manifestlie declare. Finally, what agreement was there pretended with the greatest Princes of Italie? howe were they busied in seeking to bring Holland, and Zealand vnder them? (wherewith all the vnited Prouinces were also meant.) To the ende that therein they might make their Sedem belli, fast and sure against all Christendome. Yea, in such sort, that men would rather the Turke should be let in, and a great part of Christendome: then these warres, & men of warres, prepared & destenied to the destruction of the Low Countries, and the people thereof.
And to sumne vp the matter, how the Emperours Maiestie and the Princes of Germany haue been dealt withall (only to the furthering of the said spanish gouernment,) appeareth euidentlie by the letters signed by the the King of Spaine, whereof a translation is heereby inserted (the originall set apart) which letters do mention also, the points propounded by his Highnes: to wit, that the meaning of the Spanish coūsell is not (through his Highnes) for any good meaning of Christendome: much lesse to bring the Lowe Countries, to rest and quietnes. In that it appeareth, that the Earle of Fuentes, Don William of Saint Clement, and Stephen di Narro, (al three spaniards) are appointed for his principall Counsellers for matters touching the Lowe Countries, that the same strangers should rule his Highnes, howe the Lordes of Neitherland are to be trusted, the Low Countries to be ruled, and the vnited Prouinces to be brought vnder subiection. The Estates do not doubt, but his Highnes hath well vnderstood, that [Page 9]through the practise and procurement of the aforesaid Earle of Fuentes, and Stephen di Narra, not long agoe Doctor Lopez, Phisition to the Queenes Maiestie of England, was promised fiftie thousand Crounes to poyson her Maiestie. And that the same Doctor Lopez, Emanuell Lewes Tinaco, and Stephen Ferrera de Saua (all companions of the aforesaid murtherish feate) were taken in England & iudged to death. That through the practise and procurement of the said Fuentes and di Narra: Emanuell Andraga tooke on him to poyson y e French King with a Nosegay of flowers or Roses, so tempred with pouder, that the very smel therof should poisen him to death. We omit the matter (and what thereby will fal out) of Michael Remichon, (otherwise naming himselfe Triuiere) a Priest of Namour, y t was sent two monthes agoe frō Brussels disguised in the apparel of a souldier, into the vnited Prouinces. Who hath confessed, that he and certaine other murtherers, with fayre promises and money, were sent foorth to murther the most excellent Prince, Morrice borne Prince of Orrenge, and Earle of Nassow.
Yea, that his Princely Highnes yongest Sonne, (beeing onely tenne yeares olde,) and lying in the Vniuersitie of Leiden at Schoole bee not taken from thence, as his eldest Brother the Earle of Buren, against all right, freedome and priuiledges of the Countrey, and all lawes of Nations, was violentlie carried out of Louen, looking dailie to be murthered. Like as the said Spanish counsel through their murtherish acts, did kil the Prince of Orrenge his Highnes father. Out of which his Highnes, and euery one without any gainsaying, may well vnderstand, by what people, and by what meanes, the good Inhabitants of the Low Countries haue beene deceiued, and howe little the Estates haue forgotten the same. Being occasioned to say as much nowe of this aforesaid entreaty of peace of the Spaniards, and to iudge with like affection thereof, as of these matters rehearsed. Yea, now such horrible and shamefull matters do come to light against the Realmes of Fraunce, England, and these Countries: as neuer the like was before. So that the humors of the Spanish counsell are altered, for any goodnes towards these Countries, neither is there any appearance that the same should be furthered, seeing that they are now most highly offended.
Or that these Countries (whereunto they pretend such right) should be better dealt withall, then the Kingdoms of Fraunce, England, and Scotland, whose subiects are in like authority and like dignitie. For which causes, the foresaide Estates, in respect of their dutie and oath, are bound and forced, to take better heede and regard, to the crafty practises of the aforesaid Counsell. Especially the vnited Prouinces, for such horrible pretended murther of the King of Fraunce, and Queene of England, with the apparence of warres since his Highnes comming into the Lowe-Countries, begun and continued against the Crowne and estate of Fraunce.
And yet are not against it, but that all former pretexts ceasing, do take the motion so neere their harts, as the good allience, friendship and Communalty of the matter requireth. And all is, that a man might well beleeue, that his Highnes hath a misliking of such murthering and diuilish actes▪ yet notwithstanding greater heede is to be taken, to the purpose of the ill will, meaning and intent of the King of Spaine, and Spanish counsell, of whome his Highnes hath his Commission and authoritie (who also at all times may reuoke the same, and put another in his place) against which no man can assure him, with any condition. Whereby the aforesaid generall Estates, cannot perceiue that they should reape any fruite or profit by the aforesaid intreatie of peace, either within the said vnited Prouinces, or without the same, with the Queenes Maiestie of England, (with whom in such matters and others they stand fast in confedracy,) nor yet with the French King, and other Potentates, Princes and Common wealths of these Countries the whole Christian cause, their friends and alliances. But do meane to haue their refuge vnto almightie God, at whose mightie hand and goodnes, they looke for a laudable issue of their righteous cause, (as they haue alwaies pondered, and yet do consider, howe alterable worldly matters are) expecting not onely the welfare of the vnited Prouinces: but also of the Neitherlandish Prouinces to the furthering of his glory and holy word.
Thus ended and resolued in the assembly of the Lordes Estates generall, in Earles Hagh. the 27. of May. Anno. 1594.
Ernestus, by the grace of God Archduke of Austria, &c. Knight of the Order, Lieutenant, Gouernour, and Generall Captaine.
HOnourable, Noble, Worshipfull &c. The inward natural loue and affection, which we beare to the rest, and welfare of the Lowe Countries, and the misliking which we haue long had of discord and miserie wherein they are: is the principall cause that hath mooued vs to take vpon vs the gouernment thereof, with stedfast hope that almightie God would giue vs his grace, that we might release you frō these heauy and ciuill warres, which now haue lasted so long, to the great griefe, oppression, and hinderance of the said Countries, and of all Christendome. For if men will consider in what estate and prosperitie they were in times past, when they were in peace and vnitie, vnder due obedience of the house of Burgundy and Austria, and the good rules and orders kept the same time, in points of iustice, pollicy and other orders of wars, whereby the aforesaid Countryes were increased and renowned throughout all Kingdomes and Countries.
Also the great riches which was so aboundant there, by meanes of the dealings, aliences, confederacies, nauigation and Traffick, which they had to Portingall, Spaine and India: we are sure that there is no man of vnderstanding, that is not sorry with his whole hart, for so great and pittifull alteration of the said Countries, in the time of sixe and twentie yeares or vpwadrs, with the manifold oppressions, exactions and greeuances, which the poore common people in that time, haue suffered, and in sundry places therof, yet presently is suffered. And that do also wish, that with the first, some good end and tollerable meanes might be wrought, to bring the said Countries, into their former estates common tranquillity, due obedience and agreement. Wherevnto also wee do imploy all our thoughts, and with the same pretence and meaning are come hether, leauing the company of the Emperours Maiestie our Soueraigne Lorde and Brother, and others our Bretheren and Kinsfolkes, our natiue Countrie, and the gouernment of so many Kingdomes and Countries, committed [Page 12]vnto vs, with departing from other things, not néedful heere to be repeated: to the end we might find you ready to come to our good meaning and intent. And although we doubt not, but that all the same is well knowne to your people, as well by common report as otherwise, and by them accepted, as wee hartily desire the safety, rest and welfare of you, and those which come after you: yet notwithstanding, wee haue thought it necessary and conuenient, to let your people knowe & vnderstand the same by these presents: as well to abandon all suspition, as to the more neerer reuealing of our foresaid goodnes and vpright inclination towardes you, and those which might looke for the same at our hands. Forasmuch then, as the matter toucheh you so neer: you, your people, and those which are vnder you, should set before your eyes, the luck, fortune and welfare, which thereby might come and redound to your natiue Countrey, so pittifully oppressed and spoyled through these long lasting warres. And so far foorth as the good luck which you had this last yeare (as matters of warre bee sickle and inconstant) should make any to forget the foresaid euils and mischiefes, and not to think vpon those which might chaunce and fall out, and thereby seeme to assure themselues ten fold, without any accepting of this good occasion: shall it not then bee needefull to thinke on examples and things passed, which teacheth that in short time such great alteration may happen: that oftentimes that is soone lost, which shortly before hath beene gotten with greate labour, honour and reputation. Wherefore we do pray you both hartely and earnestly, that you will altogether take good counsell therein, deepely weighing and pondring all things, and you your selues offer vs such laudable and honest conditions of peace, that by meanes thereof it may be perceiued, the sooner the better, that you be not such, as seeke to lengthen or prolong the warres, which bringeth so many kindes of oppressions to the Communally, as is well knowne to all men: but that thereby the same might be brought to some perfect ende, sure rest and quietnes.
And for our parts, we wil shew you with our déedes, that no deceit or craft is hid therein, not seeking any thing els, then a true stedfast peace: which, and all that we do, is with good earnest, and simplicity, to the furthering of the Common wealth. Wherein [Page 13]if you shew your good will: Then shall you shewe what you esteeme and thinke of vs, and desire to be in time of neede, as is best knowne to you your selues. Like as the bringers hereof Maister Otto Hartius and Ieronimus Coomans learned in the lawes, shall declare, being thereto appointed by vs, with proffering of our good will towards you. Praying almightie God. &c.
The superscription was,
¶ To the Honorable, the Estates of Gelderland, Holand, Zealand; Freesland, Ʋtricht, Ouer-Jsell, and others, assembled at Earles Hagh in Holand.
¶ The proposition done by Otto Hartius, and Jeronimus Coomans, learned in the Lawes: to the Lords the generall Estates of the vnited Nether-landish Prouinces.
AS wée lately had gotten Pasport of the Lordes of y e Counsell of the Estates, that wee might come into these vnited Prouinces, for the dispatching of our busines and particuler matter, (for which we yeeld the said Lordes freendlie thanks, and those which put to their helping hands for furthering of the same,) with offering the like to be done, & to be sorrowed for on our side, for those which shall néede to goe from hence: and the same beeing brought to the knowledge of his Highnes, the Arch-duke of Austria Ernestus, he hath thought good to send vs, that we shoulde in his name salute you, proffering you all good: and to declare vnto you, y t the principall cause which moued him to send vs into these Countries, was the singuler loue & affection which he hath alwaies borne to the welfare and quietnes of the same. And that he hopeth, that God of his grace will sende such meanes, that through him, the same may be vnited againe in good peace and tranquility, as it was before the beginning of these ciuill troubles: towards the which, and to vnderstande hys good will and meaning the better, hee hath charged and commaunded vs, to recite vnto your Worships, the Letters which we deliuered the twelfth day of this Month of May. Hoping y t your Worshippes [Page 14]shall thereby cleerely perceaue his will and meaning is, to settle a sure peace and long during vnitie in these Countries, and that the indwellers thereof may be pacified, to their contentment.
And although the same in the yeare past, prooued to bee in vaine, and also when any entreaty of peace, or accord is agreed vpon, straightwayes through misconstruing therof: they fall into new enmity and warres, (through whose occasion and dooing, is not at this time to be ript vp, and God graunt it be not hereafter neither.) So that if your Worships should be conceiued with any mistrust of suspicion, or mooued with any misliking, to deny such reasonable conference, especially, because that lately matters haue fallen out, according to the will and pleasure of your Worshippes yet doth his Highnes hope, that the same shall not rest or depend vpon any temporall and alterable prosperitie, whereby this present occasion should cease, or come to none effect. For which all honest people, and louers of the whole Lands, peace and vnitie: should desire and wish your worships to set the same before your eyes.
First, that all worldly matters, haue their howres, times and seasons. And like as there is a time of diffidence: thereafter may well come and followe a season of confidence. That all men together ought to trust vnto, and to looke to the security of himselfe and his successors.
Secondly, there neuer rose vp in any Country, so great wars tumults or discorde, either publiquely or perticularly, but it was lastly ended and layde downe, more with entreaties and conditions, then with force of Armes. For warre is of such vnhappie fruitfulnes, that it bringeth out, a beard to one, and a foote to another.
Thirdly, that it neuer went well or prospered with any Prince, estate or Common wealth, which refused or denyed a laudable proffer of entreaty of peace. Touching which, wee had rather haue the examples of our time, and remembrance thereof, to passe vntouched: then by repeating or reauealing therof, to remember the faults of them or others. For if your Worships at this time should bee mooued or detracted, with any kinde of diffidence or mistrust, or thinking to refer the same till another time: yet, wee [Page 15]hope you will respect the time and season, and howe the sam [...] is put to the arbitriment of your Worships and of other persons, to say, with his Highnes sprong out of the house of Austria, whose vpright dealing, vnderstanding, vertue and honour, well beseemeth such a Prince. Whereby only may be vnderstood, that seauen or eight one after another of the same house haue come to bée Emperours, not by succession, which is giuen aswell to euill as good Princes: but by the voyces and free election of the Electors, and Common-estates of the Empire, commonly grounded on princely vertue and constancy, in worde and deede, of him that is elected.
Like as not long agoe, appeared in the person of Maximilian the second, Father to his Highnes, who for his moderation and goodnes, might haue been accounted for a speciall selected instrument of the Common wealth, for reforming of discords and controuersies of religion, to hold vp in ballance, and to lay downe: Such as the like of him hath not beene in times past: or likelie to follow.
And following the footesteps of the same, hath by vs sent the original letter to your Worships, which wee doubt not is receiued by your Worships with such frendly and good affection, as we do hold assuredly the same to be written without enemity.
We pray therfore and earnestly request you: that your Worshippes, will duely ponder the contents of the same, with such an answere, that his Highnes and all honest people, may the sooner the better, haue cause to conceaue some good hope of their long desired peace, which they looke to haue through your worships wisdome and prouidence. With humble petition, that if your Worships repre-senting this honourable assembly, or any one in perticuler, should finde himselfe agreeued, with any difficulty, in any wordes, points or vnderstanding of the aforesaid writing of hys Highnes: we are ready at all times to explane the same if wee may stand you in any steede.
Also we hope that our interpreting thereof, shall bee to your Worships contentment. Which in effect is cōtayned in the force of the clauses of the said letter of Credent, and standeth vpon our persons. Friendly praying you to accept thereof in good part.
And note withall by the way, (with your Worships leaue,) [...]at by the confession and declaration of certaine persons which are taken and examined: his Highnes is empreached, that hee should haue pretended the death of Earle Morrice of Nassow, through the meanes of the same persons, or otherwise, as likewise should haue been done to the Earle of Barlaymont. Being an absurd and impudent delation, because they neuer came, or euer passed from his Highnes, in the least respect, or from his house or stock, from which in times past, neither such infamous deedes haue proceeded, nor with Gods helpe shall proceede.
We are heere in the name of his Highnes, to enquire the truth of the matter, praying your Worshippes that the prisoners may be safely kept, and sent with some Comissary to Antwerp or Brussels, with writing to his Highnes that they at certaine time and place, be sent back againe, or els to be transported to Breda, being vnder the iurisdiction of this gouernment, to the said Earle of Barlaymont, who for this purpose shall be accompained with a Comissary in the name of his Highnes, and appeare there in person, to examine them vpon such circumstances and perticulers, as shalbe aduised, and found needefull to be examined of. With due pasport to be giuen. Or els if it please your Worships to aduise some other expedient meanes, that the trueth may be discouered, which surelie should redound to the vnburthening and excusing of his Highnes: and your Worships shall thereby attaine great honour for your good iustice, as in such case the like hath not beene thought of, or of any other perticuler consideration, which the prisoners should say and declare, or els not publishing the same, to the preiudice of any man, or contemning any good meaning of his Highnes. &c. Propounded and done in the assembly of the Lords the generall Estates, the sixteenth of May. Anno 1594. in Earles Hagh. And subscribed by vs Otto Hartius, and Ieronimus Coomans.