The Life and Death of John of Barneveld, Advocate of Holland, 1614-17 | Page 2

drowse.
"I believe," he said to one of his agents in that country, "that the
Evangelical electors and princes and the other estates are not alive to
the danger. I am sure that it is not apprehended in Great Britain. France
is threatened with troubles. These are the means to subjugate the
religion, the laws and liberties of Germany. Without an army the troops
now on foot in Italy cannot be kept out of Germany. Yet we do not hear
that the Evangelicals are making provision of troops, money, or any
other necessaries. In this country we have about one hundred places
occupied with our troops, among whom are many who could destroy a
whole army. But the maintenance of these places prevents our being
very strong in the field, especially outside our frontiers. But if in all
Germany there be many places held by the Evangelicals which would
disperse a great army is very doubtful. Keep a watchful eye. Economy
is a good thing, but the protection of a country and its inhabitants must
be laid to heart. Watch well if against these Provinces, and against
Bohemia, Austria, and other as it is pretended rebellious states, these
plans are not directed. Look out for the movements of the Italian and
Bavarian troops against Germany. You see how they are nursing the
troubles and misunderstandings in France, and turning them to
account."
He instructed the new ambassador in Paris to urge upon the French
government the absolute necessity of punctuality in furnishing the
payment of their contingent in the Netherlands according to convention.
The States of Holland themselves had advanced the money during three
years' past, but this anticipation was becoming very onerous. It was
necessary to pay the troops every month regularly, but the funds from
Paris were always in arrear. England contributed about one-half as
much in subsidy, but these moneys went in paying the garrisons of
Brielle, Flushing, and Rammekens, fortresses pledged to that crown.
The Ambassador was shrewdly told not to enlarge on the special
employment of the English funds while holding up to the Queen's
government that she was not the only potentate who helped bear
burthens for the Provinces, and insisted on a continuation of this aid.
"Remember and let them remember," said the Advocate, "that the

reforms which they are pretending to make there by relieving the
subjects of contributions tends to enervate the royal authority and
dignity both within and without, to diminish its lustre and reputation,
and in sum to make the King unable to gratify and assist his subjects,
friends, and allies. Make them understand that the taxation in these
Provinces is ten times higher than there, and that My Lords the States
hitherto by the grace of God and good administration have contrived to
maintain it in order to be useful to themselves and their friends. Take
great pains to have it well understood that this is even more honourable
and more necessary for a king of France, especially in his minority,
than for a republic 'hoc turbato seculo.' We all see clearly how some
potentates in Europe are keeping at all time under one pretext or
another strong forces well armed on a war footing. It therefore behoves
his Majesty to be likewise provided with troops, and at least with a
good exchequer and all the requirements of war, as well for the security
of his own state as for the maintenance of the grandeur and laudable
reputation left to him by the deceased king."
Truly here was sound and substantial advice, never and nowhere more
needed than in France. It was given too with such good effect as to bear
fruit even upon stoniest ground, and it is a refreshing spectacle to see
this plain Advocate of a republic, so lately sprung into existence out of
the depths of oppression and rebellion, calmly summoning great kings
as it were before him and instructing them in those vital duties of
government in discharge of which the country he administered already
furnished a model. Had England and France each possessed a
Barneveld at that epoch, they might well have given in exchange for
him a wilderness of Epernons and Sillerys, Bouillons and Conde's; of
Winwoods, Lakes, Carrs, and Villierses. But Elizabeth with her
counsellors was gone, and Henry was gone, and Richelieu had not
come; while in England James and his minions were diligently opening
an abyss between government and people which in less than half a
lifetime more should engulph the kingdom.
Two months later he informed the States' ambassador of the
communications made by the Prince of Conde and the Dukes of Nevers
and Bouillon to the government at the Hague now that they had
effected a kind of reconciliation with the Queen. Langerac was
especially instructed to