The Rise of the Dutch Republic, 1564-65

The Rise of the Dutch Republic,
1564-65

The Project Gutenberg Ebook Rise of the Dutch Republic, 1564-65, by
Motley #9 in our series by John Lothrop Motley
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Title: The Rise of the Dutch Republic, 1564-65
Author: John Lothrop Motley
Release Date: January, 2004 [EBook #4809] [Yes, we are more than
one year ahead of schedule] [This file was first posted on March 12,
2002]

Edition: 10
Language: English
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*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE
DUTCH REPUBLIC, 1564-65 ***

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MOTLEY'S HISTORY OF THE NETHERLANDS, PG EDITION,
VOLUME 9.
THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC
JOHN LOTHROP MOTLEY, D.C.L., LL.D.
1855

1564-1565 [

CHAPTER V
.]
Return of the three seigniors to the state council--Policy of
Orange--Corrupt character of the government--Efforts of the Prince in
favor of reform--Influence of Armenteros--Painful situation of
Viglius--His anxiety to retire--Secret charges against him transmitted
by the Duchess to Philip--Ominous signs of the times-- Attention of
Philip to the details of persecution--Execution of Fabricius, and tumult
at Antwerp--Horrible cruelty towards the Protestants--Remonstrance of
the Magistracy of Bruges and of the four Flemish estates against
Titelmann--Obduracy of Philip--Council of Trent--Quarrel for
precedence between the French and Spanish envoys--Order for the
publication of the Trent decrees in the Netherlands--Opposition to the
measure--Reluctance of the Duchess-- Egmont accepts a mission to

Spain--Violent debate in the council concerning his
instructions--Remarkable speech of Orange--Apoplexy of
Viglius--Temporary appointment of Hopper--Departure of Egmont--
Disgraceful scene at Cambray--Character of the Archbishop--Egmont
in Spain--Flattery and bribery--Council of Doctors--Vehement
declarations of Philip--His instructions to Egmont at his departure
--Proceedings of Orange in regard to his principality--Egmont's report
to the state council concerning his mission--His vainglory-- Renewed
orders from Philip to continue the persecution--Indignation of
Egmont--Habitual dissimulation of the King--Reproof of Egmont by
Orange--Assembly of doctors in Brussels--Result of their deliberations
transmitted to Philip--Universal excitement in the Netherlands--New
punishment for heretics--Interview at Bayonne between Catharine de
Medici and her daughter, the Queen of Spain-- Mistaken views upon
this subject--Diplomacy of Alva--Artful conduct of
Catharine--Stringent letters from Philip to the Duchess with regard to
the inquisition--Consternation of Margaret and of Viglius --New
proclamation of the Edicts, the Inquisition, and the Council of
Trent--Fury of the people--Resistance of the leading seigniors and of
the Brabant Council--Brabant declared free of the inquisition--Prince
Alexander of Parma betrothed to Donna Maria of Portugal--Her
portrait--Expensive preparations for the nuptials-- Assembly of the
Golden Fleece--Oration of Viglius--Wedding of Prince Alexander.
The remainder of the year, in the spring of which the Cardinal had left
the Netherlands, was one of anarchy, confusion, and corruption. At first
there had been a sensation of relief.
Philip had exchanged letters of exceeding amity with Orange, Egmont,
and Horn. These three seigniors had written, immediately upon
Granvelle's retreat, to assure the King of their willingness to obey the
royal commands, and to resume their duties at the state council. They
had, however, assured the Duchess that the reappearance of the
Cardinal in the country would be the signal for their instantaneous
withdrawal. They appeared at the council daily, working with the
utmost assiduity often till late into the night. Orange had three great
objects in view, by attaining which the country, in his opinion, might
yet be saved, and the threatened convulsions averted. These were to
convoke the states- general, to moderate or abolish the edicts, and to

suppress the council of finance and the privy council, leaving only the
council of state. The two first of these points, if gained, would, of
course, subvert the whole absolute policy which Philip and Granvelle
had enforced; it was, therefore, hardly probable that any impression
would be made upon the secret determination of the government in
these respects.