The Rise of the Dutch Republic, 1564-65 | Page 9

Orange, the instructions for Egmont
were accordingly considerably modified from the original draughts of
Viglius. As drawn up by the new President, they contained at least a
few hints to his Majesty as to the propriety of mitigating the edicts and
extending some mercy to his suffering people. The document was,
however, not very satisfactory to the Prince, nor did he perhaps rely
very implicitly upon the character of the envoy.
Egmont set forth upon his journey early in January (1565). He travelled
in great state. He was escorted as far as Cambray by several nobles of
his acquaintance, who improved the occasion by a series of tremendous
banquets during the Count's sojourn, which was protracted till the end
of January. The most noted of these gentlemen were Hoogstraaten,
Brederode, the younger Mansfeld, Culemburg, and Noircarmes. Before
they parted with the envoy, they drew up a paper which they signed
with their blood, and afterwards placed in the hands of his Countess. In
this document they promised, on account of their "inexpressible and

very singular affection" for Egmont, that if, during his mission to Spain,
any evil should befal him, they would, on their faith as gentlemen and
cavaliers of honor, take vengeance, therefore, upon the Cardinal
Granvelle, or upon all who should be the instigators thereof.
[Green v. P., Archives, etc., i. 345, from Arnoldi, Hist. Denkwurd, p.
282., It is remarkable that after the return of the Count from. Spain,
Hoogstraaten received this singular bond from the Countess, and gave
it to Mansfeld, to be burned in his presence. Mansfeld, however,
advised keeping it, on account of Noircarmes, whose signature was
attached to the document, and whom he knew to be so false and
deceitful a man that it might be well to have it within their power at
some future day to reproach him therewith.--Ibid. It will be seen in the
sequel that Noircarmes more than justified the opinion of Mansfeld, but
that the subsequent career of Mansfeld himself did not entitle him to
reproach any of Philip's noble hangmen.]
Wherever Brederode was, there, it was probable, would be much severe
carousing. Before the conclusion, accordingly, of the visit to Cambray,
that ancient city rang with the scandal created by a most uproarious
scene. A banquet was given to Egmont and his friends in the citadel.
Brederode, his cousin Lumey, and the other nobles from Brussels, were
all present. The Archbishop of Cambray, a man very odious to the
liberal party in the provinces, was also bidden to the feast. During the
dinner, this prelate, although treated with marked respect by Egmont,
was the object of much banter and coarse pleasantry by the ruder
portion of the guests. Especially these convivial gentlemen took infinite
pains to overload him with challenges to huge bumpers of wine; it
being thought very desirable, if possible; to place the Archbishop under
the table. This pleasantry was alternated with much rude sarcasm
concerning the new bishoprics. The conversation then fell upon other
topics, among others, naturally upon the mission of Count Egmont.
Brederede observed that it was a very hazardous matter to allow so
eminent a personage to leave the land at such a critical period. Should
any thing happen to the Count, the Netherlands would sustain an
immense loss. The Archbishop, irritated by the previous conversation,
ironically requested the speaker to be comforted, "because," said he, "it
will always be easy to find a new Egmont." Upon this, Brederode,
beside himself with rage, cried out vehemently, "Are we to tolerate

such language from this priest?" Gulemburg, too, turning upon the
offender, observed, "Your observation would be much more applicable
to your own case. If you were to die, 't would be easy to find five
hundred of your merit, to replace you in the see of Cambray." The
conversation was, to say the least, becoming personal. The Bishop,
desirous of terminating this keen encounter of wits, lifted a goblet full
of wine and challenged Brederode to drink. That gentleman declined
the invitation. After the cloth had been removed, the cup circulated
more freely than ever. The revelry became fast and furious. One of the
younger gentlemen who was seated near the Bishop snatched the
bonnet of that dignitary from his head and placed it upon his own. He
then drained a bumper to his health, and passed the goblet and the cap
to his next neighbor. Both circulated till they reached the Viscount of
Ghent, who arose from his seat and respectfully restored the cap to its
owner. Brederode then took a large "cup of silver and gold," filled it to
the brim, and drained it to the confusion of Cardinal Granvelle;
stigmatizing that departed minister, as he finished, by an epithet of
more vigor than decency. He then called upon all the