'An Offer Made by the Archdukes and Accepted by the States in April 1607 (1607)'

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An offer made by the Archdukes and accepted by the States in Aprill i607.

The Archedukes affectinge nothinge more then to see the low Countreis and theire good inhabitants deliuered from theire Wars, doe heereby declare w[i]th good deliberac[i]on that they ar contented to treate w[i]th the States gen[er]all of the vnited provinces in quallitie, and as holdinge them for Countries Provinces and States free, ouer the w[hi]ch theire highnesses doe pretende nothinge, be it by waie of a perpetuall peace or of a Truce or suspention of Armes for twelue, fyfteene or twenty yeares at the choise of the said States and all vpon reasonable condic[i]o[n] Amonge w[hi]ch Condic[i]ons alsoe shalbe agreed aswell by the conclusion of perpetuall peace as the said Truice or suspention of Armes that either shall abide w[i]th that w[hi]ch hee nowe holdeth and possesseth vnles by a Comon consent it can[n] bee otherwise Concluded, to accomodate theire highnesses and the said States togeather w[i]th the Countries respectiuely, by exchange of some Townes or places: he likewise vpon the order and Assurance of the Traffique and frequentac[i]on, w[i]th the dependances and likewise of the intervention agreem[en]t and maintenance of that w[hi]ch shalbe concluded, And theire highnesses, havinge ripelie considered the Constituc[i]on and state of the vnited provinces and purposinge to deale w[i]th them sincerely and w[i]thout deceit, and to admitt the said States. tyme to resolue of what is most convenient for the Comon good) are contented that the personnes whome they shall depute for the said Treatie (borne in the lowe Countreis) shall assemble w[i]th those of the States in equall nomber at such tyme and place as the said States shall make choise of. And to thend that the premisses may the better proceede, be it to a perpetuall peace or the said Truice theire highnesses are Contented that for the eight next monethes there be a Cessation of all sieges Surprises of Townes and fortresses, Invations and lodgings in the provinces and quarters and the buildinge of anie fortes. Provided that the said States shall graunte and 107r accord (also) of theire side the said provitionall cessation and that w[i]thin eight daies after the presentac[i]on of these and that before the first daie of September next cominge they shall make their declarac[i]on vnto theire highnesses vpon the said principall treatie offered them, either of peace or suspenc[i]on of Armes w[i]th the tyme and place to be chosen to that ende. / . Theise Condic[i]ons and all other hostile actions by sea and lande in all the Lowe Countries, and by Sea in Spaine and else where aswell for the regard of the kinge of Spaine as theire highnesses from the daie of [Blank] And w[i]th Condic[i]on that yf from that daie and Moneth the one p[ar]te (havinge not beene adu[er]tised thereof) taketh anie thinge vpon the other it shalbe restored againe were accordinge to the Archdukes first proposic[i]on inserted in the originall of that before written accepted offer where this mark ◌ is impressed but nowe by the States accepted and theire {exc}eption by the Archduke accorded. Jointly w[i]th the States acception of the Archdukes offer, they demaunded, and he consented promise, that the kinge of Spaines Aggreation and declarac[i]on to that of his highnesses, shall w[i]thin the first three monethes next followinge the first daie of the Cessac[i]on bee deliu[er]ed vnto the States. / .

The Negotiation of the Archdukes Comissioners w[i]th those of [th]e States hath since [tha]t ouerture among other, produced especiallie these effectes. / .

That it shalbe lawfull for the States havinge nowe graunted a Comission Cessac[i]on at the Sea vpon theese Coastes as farr as the Gorlings) to continewe theire accustomed guardes notw[i]thstandinge the Cessation) vpon the Coastes of Flaunders to hinder the ingresse and egresse in to and out of the Archdukes havens. That no Souldier w[i]thout theire lymitted Garrisons nor other inhabitants that shalbe found in theire contrarie Prouinces shall enioye the freedome of Cessac[i]on but remaine subieect to the rigour of Warre, vnlesse they haue license expresselie to that ende That w[i]thin sixe weekes after the kinge of Spaines declarac[i]on and aggreation to what the Archdukes hath done and shall doe touchinge the peace soe delyuered vnto the States they Will recall theire fleete of Warre from Spaine. That 107v duringe the tyme limitted for the deliu[er]ie of the kinge of Spaines Aggreation the States will not reenforce there present Fleete and Strength of warre at Sea. vpon the Coasts of Spaine That duringe the cessation of the States will suffer the small fisherie of the Archdukes havens peaceable to labour in and out w[i]thout molestac[i]on. / .

Essaies of Coniecture vpon the foresaid propositions and Negotiac[i]ons touchinge Cessac[i]on of Armes, and peace betweene the Archduke and the States. by Gerllill Tauerner, veritate et reuerentia, more, eet amore. / .

The Scope of my coniecture diuides it selfe into three discourses. / .

1 Vppon some perticulares for the most p[ar]t proper to the Cessation, provided, excepted and graunted by the States. /

2 What reasons there are, that either doe or ought move his highnes the Archdukes inclinac[i]on to a peace, and what to bringe the kinge of Spaines accorde. / .

Whether the States should affecte a peace vpon this offer of his highnesses w[i]th the amplificac[i]on of discourse vppon some particulars concerninge the conclusion and state of peace /

Touchinge particulars provided excepted and graunted by the States. Prouided / . That w[i]thin three monethes after the first daie of the Cessac[i]on the kinge of Spaines Aggreac[i]on to what the Archduke hath done and shaall doe touchinge the peace shalbe deliu[er]ed to the States. / .

This is the Base whereon the frame and Architecture of the Negotiac[i]on ought to be erected, for the sufficient authoritie of the offer (because the kinge of Spaine is the principall pretender ou[er] them) must consist either vpon the kinge of Spaines publique disclamac[i]on of his p[re]tended right and claime to the principallitie of theise 108r Countries by hauinge gyven his interest wholy to the Archduke and his next bloude and soe successivelie to all psoteritie descendinge theire or in his authenticall authorism[en]t and ratificac[i]on of what the Archduke shall treate and conclude and boeth in respect aswell of the kinge of Spaines posteritie as his Maiestie: w[i]thout th{e}se full subscriptions and aknowledgm[en]{t} the graunts wilbe vnfirme / Provided that the deputies of his highnes shall assemble w[i]th those of the States in equall nomber at such tyme and place as the States shall make choise of and that the tyme and place of Covention vpon conclusion shalbe appointed likewise by the choise of the States. /

This caution is very requisite and conformable consideringe howe vnfaithfullie som[m]e p[ar]ties haue heeretofore beene dealt w[i]thall in thier conventions for pacificac[i]ons w[i]th that syde/ . And for theire further hopes the badd successes that soe manie plotts of bloud in this o[u]r Adge haue suffered to the Conspirators ruine and the wonder full deliu[er]ie of those that were conspired against (a manifest expression of th’almighties wrath and iustice bent against the hands and harts, and heades of suche inhumaine practizes) shalbe w[i]th the front terror, foorce [th]e vniu[er]sall world desiste to vndertake the subverc[i]on of State by such vnnaturall deluges, and immoderac[i]ons of bloud. This for theire further hope, but not securetie, soe longe as loue of earthlie principallitie preceades the hope of heavenly kingdome in the Sowle of Man, And yf anie malignant Stratagem be carried vnder his pretence of peace yf this solide face of goodnes beares a hollowe harte and badnes of the Myne: I am p[er]swaded is dangerous not bent vpon anie weake p[ar]ticular. but carried w[i]th a purpose full of hoepe and probabillitie to worke the ruine and subverc[i]on of the States, soe vnexpected free and almost boundlesse are his offers and soe deepely in his faith ingaged. Provided That it shalbe lawfull for the States havinge nowe graunted a Cessation at Sea as farre as the Gorlings) to holde and to continewe theire accustomed guardes vpon the Coasts of Flaunders to hinder the ingress and egress in to and owt of the Archedukes Havens. / .

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Howsoeu[er] the States are moued to intertaine the treatie as a worke pretendinge the reciprocall and mutuall benefitt respectiuelie of all the Netherland{es}sh provinces on either side yet since it cannot be denied that Treaties and Cessations may somtimes be rather bent to a misterious and offensiue and then w[i]th sinceritie to the pretence, And that a iealousie of such a meaninge maie produce a multitude of ag arguments ro render it excusable in this particular where theire opposer (in respect of them is by religion pollicie and nature to bee suspected for an Enemy rather then loeked for as a freind. It may be therfore well admitted them to stand vppon their guard how gratious and conformable soeu[er] his pretences seeme to bee and of the gen[er]allitie and bodie of theire guarde, this Cawtion is a limbe, For Treaties that are bent to A misterious end maie amonge other Aymes tend to the supplies assistances and intervenc[i]ons of those forraine freeinds and instruments they want by the way of Free passage granted by cessac[i]on and prohibited by warre And though the end of Treatie bee not lymitted in that, For to express my thought the benefitt of such particular vnlasting helpes beares noe proporc[i]on w[i]th the nature of ouerture) yet since his highnes havinge noe assurance that the Treatie shall produce a worke to satisfie the expectac[i]on of his purpose for a peace, and finding waies layd open to bringe in spplies for warre hee coulde not haue neglected to make vse of such an opportuntie as (in the vncertentie of suche a Case) advanceth him appointment for his better State against the worser yf the better failes. / . The future danger and preiudice whereof the better to prevent this caution holdes a guarde nor could his highnes make a difficultie in accordinge it provided only for defence, since it should be a kinde of inequallitie in the cessac[i]on partiallie against the States to reduce theire Navie wholie from theire Guards at Sea where they com[m]aunde in cheife when for the equallitinge of that reducc[i]on on the States behalfe109r behalfe his Highnes havinge no thinge at the Sea of equall force to theires had not the meanes to make a Conterpoies. / . Excepted. /

The Cessation touchinge Spaine propounded by the Archduke in his firste offer. /

There were noe sence the States should haue subscribed to a cessation touchinge Spaine till Spaine had bound it selfe vnto the like for them and ratefied the Archdukes declarac[i]on in theire cause a matter yet in promise onelie, not p[er]formed w[i]thout p[er]formance of the w[hi]ch the p[ro]gress of the rest goes on in vayne. Besides the States offence vpon the kinge of Spaine soe much imports the vnited provinces that nothinge shoulde p[er]swade a retracc[i]on of the same but knowledge of some vtilitie that it would bringe theire State in gen[er]all much lesse to see an acte or twoe of treatie in a plaie of peace: wherevnto w[i]thout the kinge of Spaines accorde to what his highnes doeth and shall negotiate (an Aggreac[i]on then dowbted of) this whole affaier concerninge must {} of necessitie haue turned / All soildiors w[i]thout theire limitted garrisons and other inhabitants that shalbe founde in theire contrarie provinces from inioyinge the freedome of Cessation and shall remayne subiect to the rigor of warre w[i]thout licence expresselie to that ende/. From this exception Spring[es] a twoe fould vse first. It prevents the danger that the libertie of intervention betweene twoe states in an affaier of this kingdome may bringe vnto the syde that hath the greater cause to suspecte the secrett practices and meaninge of this opposite, For yf offence be meant and that the Stratagem bee carried by a traitors hand the libertie of intervenc[i]on shaddowes his passages and gyves him more facilitie for smoothe convaiances, whereby hee may dispatch his practices iuste as a Cutt purse carriers his leger de Main for the p[er]formance of the theft more cleanely and securely from detection in a Crowde then whereby the people are distinguished in their places and expressed in sight. / . Whereas the prohibition of that libertie renders the waie more readie to declare the tract of conspirators proceedings because his stopps are not soe easelie defaced and hidden from the Eye in an vnbeaten pathe, asin a trodden waie frequented by the Concourse of a multitude. / .

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And nowe his highnes and the States are so deuided and aparte there cannot pass a noate or signe of Correspondence vnsuspected even by comon sence/ . Secondly it holdes there guardes and frontiers more conteyned and vigelant, whereas the libertie of intervention would haue bredd secureties dissoluc[i]on/. And though the Surface of this exception seem{s} to regarde respectiuely aswell his highnes as the States. Yet it in the vse it gyues the more peculier inclinac[i]on to the States not that the instituc[i]on is guiltie of partiallitie but in a due and iust regard particularlie to the safetie of theire State, by reason they haue more cause then his highnes to make vse of suche preventions and preservatiues/ .

That w[i]thin sixe weeks after the kinge of Spaines aggreac[i]on aforesaid bee deliuered vnto the States they will recall theire Fleete of Warre from Spaine and that duringe the tyme limitted for that deliu[er]ie they will not reenforce theire present Fleete vppon the Coasts of Spaine. / .

In these graunts togeather w[i]th the excepted propositions made by his highnes in his first offer tendinge to this ende it may be noted howe affectiuelie his highnes prosecutes the retraction of the States offence from Spaine and w[i]th such earnestnes as yf it seemed to pointe at somthinge movinge at that Warre w[hi]ch ioyned w[i]th other motives) hath aduised this ouerture. / . True it is the States proiected Warre nowe readie to be sett on foete against the kinge of Spaine imports his Ma[jes]tie to labour the prevention of the same because it is bent against his Indians and other parts of the principall supporters of his State, And even to the nature and extent of his highnes offer, for sodainenes and amplitude agrees soe well in tyme and measure w[i]th the birth and dimentions of that the States designe; as it deserves a voice in the Coniecturable reasons that haue moued this treatie for a peace. /

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But now this noted affection that his highnes seemes to beare the retraction of that warre, maie minister occasion of twoe questions. first, whether when the States haue drawen theire warre from thence and duringe the suspence of theire hostilitie his Ma[jes]t[ie]s defecte of present strength in Coll{or}es Guarrisons fortiffications shipping and other necessaries pertinent to the resistance of the States proiected warre against him in his Coast[es] and Seas of America and Africa (yf that be anie motiue in this ouerture) maie be supplied. the second wheather duringe this Cessation theie his Ma[jes]tie securelie bringinge home his Treasure maie not furnishe the lowe Countrie warre w[i]th a supplie of monie (yf want thereof be likewise anie motiue in this ouerture) and soe when theise effectuall points are fortefied make an Evasion from the peace vnto the disadvantage of the States And that the rather since the libertie and lawfullnes to make excepc[i]on to some pointe propounded in the Treatie maie when the cessac[i]on is extended to the fullnes of tyme to satisfie that purpose shaddowe a misterious evation w[i]thout discreaditinge the protestac[i]on of sinceritie / To these I answeare theise. .i the offer of the peace pretendinge suche a large conformitie and seeminge in the sup[er]ficies soe reasonable. The States could not well haue refused to treate w[i]thout incurringe an vniu[er]sall imputac[i]on of pervesnes and pride: To treate weare vaine ww[i]thout the kinge of Spaines accorde because he is the principall pretender ou[er] them The kinge of Spaynes accord would questionles haue beene denied w[i]thout Cessation graunted by the States, aswell for him in Spaine as for his highnes in the Netherlands. Soe that it followeth almost of necessitie, the States must graunte vpon some Condic[i]on the revocation of theire warre from Spaine. 2 The verie name of an attempt of sound found acc[i]on and a well compacted frame suche as is this designe of the States as will appeare where I approche more pertinentlie to the pointe, directed w[i]th an ayme against the Indians and such partes whereon the 110v mightines of Spaine consist[es], and w[hi]ch hee cannot be depriued of but his State muste of necessitie growe weake and humble beares such a terror on the fronte, that beinge alreadie apprehended w[i]th feare. noe reinforcement or supplie that such a litle tyme canne furnishe him w[i]thall wilbe soe full and compleate, as to make him confident in his abillitie to master it by force, but still there will remayne, in suche a waightie and important cause some diffedence and dowbt of an assured habillitie w[hi]ch will p[er]swade him rather to divert then stand the hazard of the Checke, the rather since the interprise is in the subiect vnexampled and nothinge of experience drawen from action doeth present itselfe to Councell or instruct the managinge of the defence 3. Suche supplie as this Cessac[i]on maie advaunce the Archdukes warre, can bee but temporarie, farr from a sufficiencie to wage the tyme required for conquest of soe stronge a scituac[i]on as the vnited provinces w[hi]ch are by nature soe defensible that Com[m]on industrie maie easelie prevent theire sudden subuertion and muste by woen by peeces when soeu[er] warre attempt[es] w[i]th meanes to conquer them, and then consideringe the refuges as well contingent as domestique of the vnited provinces., I am p[er]swaded that the Archedukes warre howsoeu[er] such a tyme maie furnish him w[i]th p[re]sent reinforcem[en]t or supplie shall notw[i]thstandinge fall into the form[er] state of want, when warre block[es] vpp theire passages againe, Soe that this ou[er]ture extends itselfe (in my opinion) to a farther ende thatt that, and is to large to limitt her purposed expectac[i]on in soe smale an vse./ 4. Since [th]e revocation shall not be made vntill the kinge of Spaine hath ratefied the Archdukes declarac[i]on, w[hi]ch extends even to the freenes of theire State. the damage of the States will not be verie greate in that exchange conceyvinge that for the credditt 111r and assistance of theire cause that declarac[i]on will advance more benefitt then anie suche p[ar]ticular supplie as either that of Spaine w[hi]ch tendes more properlie and but vncertainlie and weakelie to defend Spaine then hurte the States or that belonginge to his highnes for the waginge of the war{}in the lowe countries w[hi]ch cannot take awaie the cause of his defects but onlie sett a little temporarie florish on his sworde can disadvantage them, And to provid the better against the vncertaine yssues of this temporisinge busines The States haue the wisdome to containe the constituc[i]on and the ba{n}ke of that theire worthie proiect bent against the kinge of Spaine whole and entire, and not onlie vndissolued but growinge (also and increasinge in appointm[en]t[es] and habillities to the ende that yf the treatie bringe noe resoluc[i]on forthe for peace they may bee readie and prepared to vse the first occasion season and oportunitie for warre

That the States duringe the cessac[i]on will suffer the smale fisherie of the Archedukes havens to labour in and w[i]thout molestac[i]on /

This graunte maie serue to gyve the world to vnderstande that whatsoeu[er] they refuse to graunt imports some danger to theire State and that theire affections are conformable and readie to admitt the mutuall benefitt of all the Netherlandes aswell of those subiected to his highnes as of theese subsistinge w[i]th them selues soe farre as maie be yealded not endangeringe the publique saftie of thire owne: /

My coniectures What reasons there are that either doe or ought to moue the Archeduk inclinac[i]on to a peace and what to bringe the kinge of Spaynes accorde. / .

To moue his highnes the Archedukes intent to peace these reasons maye in my coniecture bee conceiued. / .

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1 hee hath litle or noe probabillitie to reduce the States into the Armes of Spaine by force

2 hee hath some cause of force feare to loose by the continewance of warre not onelie his hoepe of winninge all but even this present interest alsoe in anie of the Netherlands.

3 hee hath greate reason to continewe his present estate in the Netherlandes. yf not by warre by peace. /.

And to bringe the kinge of Spaines accorde ther may be coniec tured the considerac[i]on of the Archedukes twoe first motyues

The continewance of the warres threatens the deprivac[i]on of his Ma[jes]t[ies] best p[ar]ticulers where on the pride and greatnes of his power consists and further the hasars of his principallitie

Of all these heades I will discourse in order as they followe. Touchinge the Archedukes first motiue. That hee hath litlr or nothinge probabillitie to reduce the States into the Armes of Spaine by foorce will appeare by comparing theire seu[er]all estates aswell in the domestique constituc[i]on of the Netherlands as alsoe in the apect[es] of theire contingents and assistancs. / .

In the domestique constituc[i]on of the Netherlands are to be compared as necessarie materialls. / .

1 The habillities of theire com[m]on wealthes to sustaine Warre.

2 The affections of theire Subiect[es] to contribute vnto the Warre.

3 Theire power to impose taxes on theire Subiects.

4. The naturall strength of theire Scituations

5 The fortifficac[i]ons and other warlike appointm[en]ts out of power and industrie to hold the naturall advantages of Seate. / .

And in the Aspects of theire contingents and assistancs. The p[ar]ticular addic[i]ons or supplies that the defects or powers w[i]thin the proper and domestique constituc[i]on of theire states shall receyue. / .

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First touchinge the abillities of theire com[m]on wealthes. His Highnes provinces are not soe able as those of the States to contribute vnto the Warre howsoeu[er] the Archedukes Army may beare a while the more florished Ensigne, the States com[m]on wealth, (notw[i]thstandinge) though but the defendant partie shall carrie the more easie burthen of the greifes and miseries of warre, because theire traffique the life blood of theire boedie pollitique. Whereon theire people for the most p[ar]te consiste hath verie free and open entercourse and passage beeinge but a litle subiect to obstruction and impeachem[en]t, still increasinge the measure of theire Stocks. / . Whereas the Archedukes provinces depriued of theire libertie at Sea by the Strength of the States Navie produce but litle other profits of them selues then what the lande bring[es] forth. And blessings of the land, are by a land warre continewallie suppressed and trodden downe on disorders of this warres and in his prouinc[es] the more because the loese disorders of his warre are curbd but w[i]th a loese an easie reyne where miserie is more, habillitie is lesse. / .

Conserninge the willingnes of the Subiect[es]. /

The Subiects of his highnes are not soe willinge as those of the States to contribute vnto the Warre. /

The Marchants of the Vnited provin[es] incorporated in there Townes whose traffique is increased by blockinge vpp the convenient hauens and portes of marte in his highnes side, will in affecc[i]on to theire Townes vfould theire ssubstanc[es] assistantlie and amplie for the Warre because the Warre augments the benefitt of theire p[ar]ticular. / .

Whereas his highnes provinces beinge w[i]thin the Freedome of com[m]erce for the inlargem[en]t whereof they haue hetherto the more willingly imp[ar]ted to the warre, Nowe since theire hopes to recou[er] it, by warre, are become discouraged theire willingnes growes (likewise wearie to sustaine the warre, w[hi]ch ia a heauie burthen of a light importance in respecte of theire desires. / .

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Theire hopes to recou[er] theire com[m]erce by force and practizes of enmitie are discouraged by the interception of twoe passages of hostillities vpon the ends whereof theire warlike hoopes to prosper were erected. /

1 In that theire ou[er]ture of Ostend, (whereon there hoepes were highlie raised as on a worke promisinge them much libertie) is frustrate in effect of theire losse of Sluice and the dependancs. And then to add vnto that sence of theire debillitie theire purchase of experience bought vpon Ostend maie w[i]th good reason discourage the consception of such an other enterprise w[hi]ch after it hath spent them much tymes bloud and treasure for an vncertaine successe besides the hinderancs and wants that will begett in other actions and defencs maie accidentallie be frustrated of the propounded vse by either opposers footinge and confrontm[en]t in some other place of like importance /

2 Whereas his Ma[jes]tie of Spaine and his highnes the Archedukes had about the tyme of Queene Elizabeths death published an edict conteininge certeine pollitique incitem[en]ts and inductions to invite and drawe awaie the M[er]chants and other substanciall inha[b]itants of the vnited prouincs from thence to theire dominions w[hi]ch was a practize threateninge dissoluc[i]on to the State pollitique of the vnited provincs because, besides inductions of encouragem[en]t it seem’d to importe some matter of necessitie as an express p[ro]hibic[i]on against all of the vnited provincs to make anie traffique into theire dominions directlie or indirectlie vnder paine to be whollie made prize of besides the waight of manie other greevious penalties, vnless they first w[i]thdrewe theire contribuc[i]on customes and obedience from the States and the execution of this edict must necessarilie haue turn’d to the damage of the States Marchants soe longe as they weare to trade diuided, and a partie: And consequentlie had not a publique remedie bene provided) haue 113r moved and stirred vp dangerous contractions provatelie for change, the hope of this practise is likewise disanimated by a Counter act of the States providinge for theire Marchants defence in driuinge theire commerce w[hi]ch confirmed theire continewance to the States side w[i]th bonds of benefitt that weaued and knitt the comon cause of the vnited prouincs togeather w[i]th the Marchants p[ar]ticuler into one peece and worke. ./.

Left margin: The new com pany of Mer chants erected by the States to open [th]e traffique into [th]e West Indeas The Subiects (therefore) of the Archeduks maritine territories seeinge themselues continewallie locked vpp when to theire memories and eies the wealthes and blessings of theire form[er] libertie togeather w[i]th a p[re]sentac[i]on of the free and prosperous traffique of the vnited provincs, appeare and findinge that peace and nothinge but peace is likelie to repaier theire ruines and dilapidac[i]ons wherew[i]th the buildings of the Vnited provincs are raisde the pleasinge and attractiue obiect of a florishing and wealthie State conferrs theire respects vnto the causes that effect the same, and theire desires in a thinge soe plentifull of benefitt and good importance to the State and com[m]on wealth whereon they lyue cannot but mooue the Archeduks harte in theire behalfe.

3 Of theire powers to impose on the Subiect. / . His highnes cannot impose of a Taxe soe safelie as the States.

1 Because the States are naturall people of the Countries they gou[er]ne, his highnes to his a stranger. /.

2 The States people will rather beare and endure anie other tollerable gou[er]m[en]t then be retorned into the Armes of Spaine because the insolence and cruelties of Spaynes Vice gerents haue impressed in them (almoste) an irreconcilliable hate towards the Spanishe predominance. / .

3 The opinion of a people is better p[er]swaded of a taxe imposed by an Aristocrate whose correspondent quallitie doeth make it seeme more interressed ingaged and affected for the com[m]on benefitt, then by a prince, the highnes and transcendance of whose place more distant from familliar popularitie begetts construcc[i]on, That a Taxe imposed by him exhausts and exacts theire tribute rather to maintaine the formall pride of Courtlines and State, then anie necessarie seruice tendinge to the com[m]on good. /. 113v The best and cheefest of the vnited provincs are of soe broken a Cituac[i]on and interceptable passages that yf theire people in theire discontentm[en]ts should commove, theire Comotion maie w[i]th litle difficultie be prevented rowted and suppressed before the increase of nomber growe to anie dangerous head and w[i]th the more facillitie and assurance, since the greater p[ar]te of theire people consistinge vpon trade Contented, because theire libertie to driue the husbandmen Courses they professe gyves them increase of meanes to liue mixte w[i]th the discontented and strongly seated on the passag[es], doe serve for guardes vpon the States advantages of Seate to hold the discontented Subiect in deuotion to the State. . /.

Whereas the Archedukes provincs are for the moste p[ar]te Champion w[hi]ch admitts much more ease to gather heade and w[i]th temptac[i]on, since the cheefest Subiect[es] by reason theire Subiection to his warre continewes the inlargem[en]t of theire Comon benefitt (Comerce) imprisoned (as it were) w[i]thin the States offenciue circumventinge power at sea are possessed w[i]th motiues vrginge them to discontent. / .

And lastlie to confirme the constituc[i]on of the States power to impose vpon the Subiect, and to dishable his highnesses w[i]th dangerous infirmitie, The generall obedience of the States Armie is intire and sounde, whereas his highnesses is very seldome vndeuided but possessed w[i]th mutinies. / .

Of the nature of theire Scituations 4 His Highnesses proving are in the nature of theire scituac[i]on lesse defensible then those of the States first because the best of the vnited provincs are floudes his highnesses Champion. Floud[es] and broken water Lands are in theire natures lesse accessable and passable then champion groundes 114r and being guarded by an apt industrious inhabitant provided of such aunswerable appointm[en]ts as the States (aswell by Sea as land) are furnished w[i]th an opposite lande warre shall haue litle proceedinge admitted vpon them w[i]thout greate daunger to be interupted and circumvented. / .

2 The Stat[es] possesse convenient seates of Strength vpon the best of the Archeduk[es] provinc[es], w[hi]ch serue not onlie as a rampier of defence to holde the vnited provinces in good securetie w[i]thin them selues but alsoe as a doer to gyve the States an open easie waie of entrance and accesse vpon his Highness yf occasion gyves them purpose to invade. /

3 To add facillitie to all the States. Proceedinges in theire acc[i]ons of theire warres and to his Highnesses impediment there scituac[i]on gyves them more dexteritie an actiue quallitie of verie mother vse in warre. To leade an expedic[i]on of defence or enterprice w[i]th readines and speede from place to place, then cann his Highnesses afforde and w[i]th a lesser chardge: For land wherein his highnes is almost confinde admitts not transportac[i]on w[i]th soe easie chardge and motion as the water w[hi]ch the States comaunde. / .

Lastlie in the proper and domestique constituc[i]on of the Netherlands and concerninge theire appointm[en]t[es] for theire holdinge of theire growndes appointm[en]t[es] besides the habillities alreadie spoken of deuide them selues accordinge to the different nature of the scituac[i]on into the fortifficac[i]onss w[i]th the dependices vpon the lande Shippinge w[i]th provition at Sea, and men to gouerne and mannage boethe. /.

Touchinge Fortifficac[i]on w[i]th the peculiar requisite appointm[en]ts on the lande neither side discou[er]s wwant, but on the Sea the Navie of the States is cheefelie Stronge a power aboue his Highnesses, aswell invasiue as defensiue as the quallitie of theire warre shall leade. /. Thus farre it seemes to me that the domestique Constituc[i]on of the vnited provinc[es] is more defensible, able, willinge Subiect and confident to sustaine the warre then his Highnesses only exceptinge that there yet remaines one necessarie vndiscourste wherein his highenesse exceades the States proprietie in Strength. . . Namelie Menn.114v It cannot be denied (indeed) that his Highnesses meanes to raise supplies of mercenary menn consistinge cheefelie of Wallones. A nation warlike populous and borne in his Territories are properlie more seruiceable plentifull and readie then the States abillities. for that respect in theire domestique State whose Ilanders whereof theire cheefest populac[i]ons doe consiste though a populous ciuillitie affordes not suche a multiplicitie of mercinarie nombers not a people soe disposed and actiue in the ordinarie seruice of the lande warre. Howe eu[er] pregnant, provident industrious prudent Councellors But for the seruice of the Sea the States are well provided in them selues because the Ilanders of the vnited provinc[es] are euen by nature besides there practise verie apt for water workes. / . And to supplie theire want of souildiors for the lande it will appeare they may bee furnished from the neighbours kingdomes sufficientlie to make them hable to confront. / . But ere I enter w[i]th theire forraine powers I will sett downe vppon the foete of this discourse concerninge the domestique constituc[i]ons of theire States, my estimac[i]on of theire Wants w[i]thin them selues to th’ende the vse of theire forraine powers maie the better be expressed. / .

From my obseruac[i]on made vpon theire seu[er]all domestique powers. I finde theire want[es] compared as followeth. / .

The wants of his Highnes: is. first Shippinge 2 some men 3 money The wants of the States: is first more men. 2 some money Concerninge those defect[es] the aspects of theire contingent[es] and assistanc[es] expresse themselues thus. / . For his Highnes wante of Shipinge hee hathe no p[ro]babillitie to bee supplied. Hee hath noe other assistance for supplie then Spayne. yf Spayne should attempt an invation of the States provincesd. his convenient preparac[i]ons by reason his ordinarie Navie is of an vnnavigable buildinge 115r for the lowe Countries seas his marriners his discontinewed and inexpert in theire channells and his distance verie remote would gyue the States sufficient tyme to make them selues appointed to defende. / .

Besides yf the scituac[i]on of the vnited provinc[es] be well obserued it will appeare that by reason the broekennes of the land[es] guarded by a Sea power maie circumvent a landed enemie and soe depriuinge him of releife either distroy or force him to compounde and quite his enterprise, to invade them therefore, will in moste places be to smale purpose except theire power at Sea be first ou[er]come. /.

And to prevent theire defeate at Sea theire Sea power vnited (w[hi]ch w[i]th good obseruac[i]ons anf industrie maie be p[er]formed before Spayne cann attempt) is vallued verie sufficient to resiste yf not to beate the Spanish Nauie and to confirme that power to them, theire Navigation will continewe and preserue theire Nauie in her present strength yea and increase her foerce. / .

2 As for men the States meanes to raise supplies of warlike strangers exceedes his Highnesses sufficientlie to make theire Armie hable to confronte: the Archedukes cheefe supplies of men besides his lowe Duche and Wallones whereof the States exceedes in one his Highnes in the other are compos’d of Spaniards Italians English French and Almans and cheefe of those States consiste cheefelie of greate Brittaynes french and Almans. / .

The Archedukes Spaniardes and Italians add somthinge to his fortes and holdes not much vnto his seruice for the feild by reason the longe and difficult waie of transportac[i]on besides some other reasons that disapt them for the feild will render theire supplies w[i]th an excessiue chardge vntimelie and vncertaine for the requisite appoibtm[en]t of his Warre. /

Of greate Brittaines howsoeu[er] the comon inclinac[i]on (as it appeared in all changes after noueltie drewe a greate concourse in the begininge of Englands peace to the Archedukes side yet nowe that humor beinge satisfied the course is lesse affectedlie pursued and muche the lesse for three other reasons restraininge the same.

115v

1 The greatest popular p[ar]te of England is more affected to the States by reason of the conformance in religion different from his Highnesses.

2 That p[ar]te w[hi]ch because of Suspic[i]on is more affected to his Highnes restraine them selues notw[i]thstandinge of theire passage to his side by theire vnwillingnes to subscribe to those good lawes of reseruac[i]on necessarilie prouided to prevent suche daungers as might otherwise ensue to the state of England by theire vnexamined libertie in that course.

3 Suche as are Newtralls in affecc[i]on by reason of his Highness difficultie and dangerous transportac[i]ons more easelie converted to the State, whose passages are more prepared and free /.

From Fraunce the States alliance w[i]th that Nation is first by consanguinitie 2 by comerce 3 in that the States pros peritie in this warre importes that kingdomes good. Attracts the greater concourse to their side. And lastlie touchinge Almaines they are comon to either side and verie seruiceable./. Thus by the differences of theire forraine helpes the States (it appeares) haue sufficient meanes to supplie theire owne difitiencie of men[n].

Tis true the States these twoe yeares past haue suffered losse but rather by some other causes then the want of men Certaine it is p[ar]te of that losse thath fallen vppon them by other kindes of vnsufficiencie though theire Armie I graunte hath beene in nomber some what lesse. yf that inequallitie and disproportion be supposed a cause whereby they lost I cann affirme it comes not by theire want of possibillitie to levie men[n]. For touchinge English I haue obserued that yf the States had gyven more large comission for there English levies the tymes well chosen places of residence 116r for officers of levie convenientlie disposed and one of vnderstandinge for the gen[er]allitie to gou[er]ne the p[ar]ticulars would haue increased the nomber of theire list to dowble that they raised. / .

It maie be likewise soe in other p[ar]tes. And by the bearinge of theire acc[i]on it seems to me that whie theire Armie exceeded not in nomber, was rather owt of industrie then necessitie. And w[hi]ch is more howsoeu[er] the Archeduke conceyuinge this Newtrallitie of England to be his best occasion tyme and opportunitie wherein he canne make triall of his foerce hath stretched his vttermost to bringe a gallant Armie and an offensiue warre into the feild. And that the States extendinge not theire industrie soe farre as possibillitie helde onelie a defensiue Armie some what lesse in nomber then his. yet when the disposic[i]on of the States Armie aswell for order as for resoluc[i]on shalbe waighed, it maye be thought that had the States beene pleased to haue expressed themselues more actiuelie vpon some tymelie offers of advantages and opportunities that did present themselues more actiuelie vpon some tymelie offers of advantages theire greate losse had beene prevented yet noe dowbt theire wisdomes carried theire affaires w[i]th provident respect to some more worthie, necessarie end concerninge theire estate in gen[er]all then is the hassard of A Generall, for savinge a p[ar]ticular howeu[er] yf the enterprise had com[m]e to triall the event might happely haue approued the bodie of theire Armie free from an essentiall weakenes to confront or fight./.

Touchinge money howsoeu[er] his highnes setts some tymes a gouldene flourish on his sworde yet the uncertentie of his revenewe to maintaine the same sufferinge the lustre nowe and then to fade and weare awaie the rust and cancker of it selfe duringe the want of the preservative, will eate as farr into his edge as his edge did cutt before into the States. ./. His necessarie supplies of money unp[er] formeable owt of his proper revenewe beinge p[re]sum’d vppon the helpe of Spayne his trust to that assistance stands w[i]th perrell and uncertantie since Spayne it selfe by reason of the manie Garrisons it houldes is often vnfurnished to gyue towardes A 116v forraine expence and soe remote in seate that a supplie from thence maye come vntimelie to prevent the dangerous incon veniences exemplified in mutines begott by want, besides the hassard that muste vndergoe to bee cut of by the watch of the States at sea. / . Nowe for the States supplies of money as his highnes is supported by Spayne soe one or other deepely interessed in the States successe will vnderpropp yf not protect them out of provident aduise to prevent theire fall on whose subsistance the saftie of his owne p[ar]ticular in some respects, depends. /. And though theire forraine helpes in that be lesse then are his highnesses Yett maie there wants receyue as full supplie because theire owne habilitie is more then his proprietie in that. / Besides theire vnderhand helpes by reason of theire neerenes and more sure conveyance will in effect holde ballance w[i]th his highnes professed assistanc[es] since his are somtimes vnable allwaies vncertaine seldome competent. / .

Moreou[er] the States haue yet a refuge more then hath his Highnes, for they haue taken litle of theire countrie to sustaine the warre more then the com[m]on disposic[i]on of obedience hath imparted as an ordinarie due accordinge to the necessarie measure of theire imposic[i]ons for the maintenance of com[m]on libertie. Soe that yf theire revenewes raisde by imposic[i]on or deriued from comon helpes shoude come by accident to faiule in theire sufficiencie they haue the extraordinarie disposic[i]on of an able willinge people vnexacted on reserued to satisfie necessitie and entertaine the tyme in suche an extremitie, till ordinarie meanes retorne into theire wonted force../ .

Whereas his Highnes hath alreadie runne that refuge out of breath and almost owt of harte consideringe the promised end of takinge vp on credditt, the clearinge of Flaunders is vnaccomplished and prevented notw[i]thstanding the imp[ar]tinge of theire best habillities to furnish out the enterprise. / .

117r

Soe that yf ordinarie revenewes become weake or wantinge his highnes shalbe driuen into an exigent more straight and dangerous and more remote from refuge then the States. / .

This beinge A Species proper to the Netherlandes habilitie it maie be saide I gyue it an vnproper place inferringe it amonge theire forraine helpes, Yet since it is a temporarie refuge not an ordinarie meanes w[hi]ch kinde of power is neu[er] to bee vsed till ordinarie meanes become disable or difitient it will not be imp[er]tinent to the conclusio[n] of this point. / . Nowe therefore after theise examinac[i]ons of his Highnesses estate aswell domestique as forraine proper as borrowed I finde a twoe fould want w[i]thin his power vncertaine of supplie by meanes of foerce. That is to saie of Shippinge and money whereof soe longe as he remaines vnfurnished he hathe noe probabillitie to conquer because how eu[er] his offensiue Armie duringe his contentinge purse, may florish in a gallant nomber Yet his proceedings in a yeare or twoe spoendinge his strength to eate awaie throughe a defence soe inaccessible and vnpassable by industrie and nature as the vnited prouinc[es] cannot inlardge his confines verie muche / And once in three Yeares space the Shipping of the States well imployd maie interrupt the forraine treasure that contents his Armie and soe begett a discontentm[en]t mutine and weakenes in his power w[hi]ch will extend themselues into a lardge advantage that discreetlie entertainde and followed maie in one yeares spaace recouer. / . For howsoeu[er] the professor in the Schoole of pollitiques reputed soe profound hath to expresse howe muche a greater strength of men exceedes a better parse in gen[er]all advantage to the com[m]on cause imputed ignorance and error to a certeine Iudgem[en]t that esteemed money to the scinnewes of warres. Yett I am confident in this opinion that of a warre continewed and length of tyme moneys and the very scinnewes that holde the limbes and members of an Armie togeather And when those scinnewes creake ar shrincke the bodie of that warre becomes disable and decaies aswell in foorce as actiuenes. But true it is 117v there maie be even continewed warres of such equall a quallitie that will advance contentm[en]t to the Armie w[i]thout exactinge it from the peculiar and provided treasure meerelie of the Prince or State it serves. / Suche are the warres like those of Alexander the greate whose recydencies and motions quarterd & leade vpon a Strangers lande theire spoyle gyues satisfacc[i]on to the Armie insteed of paie. /. Yet whencesoeuer theire contentm[en]t shalbe drawen from freend, or evemie it muste consiste on money. And therefore where the meanes to raise it on the enemie is wantinge it muste be furnished out of freends revenewes and habilities or yf the habilities of freend[es] doe likewise faile, the want will in the end dissband and vndoe the confidence and service of anie Armie howe gallant soeu[er] in nomber. Suche is the Archedukes state whosed warre muste lyve vpon his owne vncompetences and the vncertaine Assistanc[es] of Spayne. And suche are the condic[i]ons of theNetherlandish opposites by reason of theire wants and refuges that they (transportinge the designes of either side somtime w[i]th fludd somtyme w[i]th ebbe w[i]thout A certaine and continewed progress) tend rather yf theire Armies continewe and the States dispose themselues but onelie to defende to a p[er]petuall warre then anie conqueringe ende. whereof the Archeduke muste needes be wearie first aswell beecause the vnited prouinc[es] are lesse opprest by warre then his as alsoe for that a p[er]petuall warre gyues better satisfacc[i]on to the States then him for they toeke armes w[i]th purpose to defend, w[hi]ch by p[er]petuall warre is in some kinde p[er]formed but Spaine and hee w[i]th an intent and hoepe to ou[er]come w[hi]ch by p[er]petuall warre canne neu[er] be attaind vnto. / And as his Highnesis or shalbe wearie first of warre. soe followes it. he is the first that should indevoure his repoese and rest by peace the thinge soe infinitelie wondered at. / . 118r Thus farre Concerninge his improbabillitie to conquer three states by foorce

Touchinge his highnesses second Motiue.

He hathe some cause of feare to loese by the continewance of the warre his present interest (alsoe) and possession in theNetherlandes. ./.

For introducc[i]on to discourse that pointe it maie be supposed that France could effect the protecc[i]on of the vnited provinc[es] First because experience gathered from the howse of Burgundie maie p[er]swade that the fall of the Netherlandes into the Armes of Spayne would succeed to the hurte of Fraunce Secondlie for that reasonne obseruinge the constituc[i]on of Fraunce and the Netherlandes will conclude that the Netherlandes ioyned w[i]th Fraunce would constitute the same a mightie potent Monarchie i in regarde of theire coniunction of seate w[hi]ch will compose them an entire vnited boodie 2 because of theire comodious scituac[i]on for commerce w[hi]ch consequentli will attract him wealth. 3 In respect of the Nether landes naturall in accessabilitie or at least vnapassabilitie w[hi]ch ioyned w[i]th Fraunce will stand like an vnpregnable fortificac[i]on vpon his coaste frontier to defend him against invitac[i]on 4 by reason of tht answerable strength at sea w[hi]ch they woulde add vnto his power aswell invasiue as defensive against som[m]e potentates his neighbours whome for pretence and power he hath in ieaslosie. / . Nowe yf [tha]t Fraunce should vndertake to protect them and in the meane tyme the Ciuill peace of Fraunce continew firme and greate Brittaine newtrall: the Archedukes were threa tned in very fewe yeares to be dryven owt of the Netherlandes. /

First because Fraunce is populous to raise a greate armie w[i]th muche expedic[i]on wealthie to maintaine a flourishinge Armie w[i]th good competencie and convenientlie seated to make continewall invation w[i]th litle difficultie

2 To add facillitie to the progress of his power the States p[re]sent dissigne vpon America and Affrica prosequited w[i]th actiuenes and life will diu[er]te the Archedukes Spanish assistance and leaue his highness in gou[er]nement distracted and confounded w[i]th the French invasions and the States alarmes heere and there on eu[er]ie side offensiuelie and in the middeste a discontented Subiect vnresolued in his defence For when his Highness shall 118v haue lost the maritine townes, his inland Subiects Findinge them selues soe circumvented w[i]th dispaire of redemption will not onlie entertaine, but meditate also and labour meanes of revolte. / It maie bee heere obiected that Fraunce examininge the present constituc[i]on of it selfe and then remem bringe what a vigilant preventinge eye a certaine potent Neighbour ought to hould vpon the progresse of his power Shall finde infirmities at home and foerce abroade that maie advaunce them selues against his enterprise not onlie to prevent the inlardgem[en]t but alsoe to attempt the diminuc[i]on of his power and the restrycc[i]on of his bonds of Monarchie reasons that should diswade him to protect [th]e Netherlandes and soe the States become depriued of that hoepe. /.

To opproue notw[i]thstandinge my assertion that his highnes hath some cause of feare to loese by the continewance of the warres. I will inferre first a daungerous infirmitie in the domestique constituc[i]on of his Highnes power and secondlie a probabilitie in the States vnborrowed strengthe to nourishe that infirmitie even till it hathe begotten an incurable consumption in his State. /.

The infirmitie expresseth it selfe in this his sufficiencie of purse to satisfie the paiment of his Armie in whole leaves{:} a greate p[ar]te of the generall entertainem[en]t continuallie suspended and detainde from eu[er]y p[ar]ticular w[hi]ch in smale tyme amountinge to a greate som[m]e gyves occasion of mutine, the malivolence and malignancie, whereof is by example of theire form[er] good successe in suche eruptions growne at this present to an exceedinge bouldnes, A daungerous diuision in his power since they that mutine are for the most p[ar]te suche men whoese obedience hee hath moste reason to preserve and whose revolte he hathe greatest cause to prevent of all the Nations in his Armie because they consiste chefelie of Wallones his seruiceablest men of warre. by reason that besides 119r theire aptnes for the feilde they are in nomber strongest and in seates the readiest to admitt supplie w[i]thout whose seruice hee is not hable to expose him selfe into the feilde. / Nowe to nourishe that infirmitie vntill it growe vnto uncurable disease The States haue bent a warre against the kinge of Spaynes dominion in America and Affrica vpon w[hi]ch growndes beinge the best p[ar]ticulars belon ginge vnto Spayne the supportac[i]on of the Archedukes weaknes and debilitie consists. w[hi]ch supportac[i]on removes the Architecture of his State Massive and waightie lest vpon a narrowe loose vnfirm foundac[i]on will stand vnstedfastlie waueringe and totteringe ready to fall vnder an offensiue warre that shall attempt to batter it. / .

To gyve that proiect of the States the better hoepe and probabillitie to prosper the fleete that carries the designe is straighted w[i]th good confidence in it selfe to transporte her requisite proceedinges from hence and some encouragem[en]t to welcome her attempts ashoore vppon the landinge of her enterprise there. /. Her confidence consists besides her foerce vpon her constituc[i]on pollitique whose frame is raisde vpon soe good a grownde that the prouision of her proceedings, although the treasure of the com[m]on pursse be at anie tyme necessarilie exhausted for the domestique warre, shall seldome be soe muche neglected as to disapointe the service of the particular because besides those habilities that the com[m]on pursse and power of the vnited provinc[es] ordaine to her shee shalbe still supported w[i]th an able stocke composd of private substanc[es]. / And her incouragem[en]t theire maie be derived from the practices of those tractes whoe being oppressed and greeued w[i]th miserie and bondage w[i]th the heavie gou[er]ne m[en]t of Spaine hathe hetherto heeretofore inflicted on them maie bee easilie drawen to ioyne w[i]th anie newe attempt that promiseth to alter thoese condic[i]ons w[hi]ch they hate. / . Nowe yf it shall please God to bless that hoepefull proiect of the States w[i]th good successe yea yf it weare but an enterprise of muche lesse hoepefull then this that coulde but for a yeare or twoe com[m]aunde and intercepte the passages betweene the Spaniarde and his 119v Mynes of Golde the Archedukes warre alreadie rraisd w[i]th mutinies by want of money will fall into a com[m]on discontentment and confounde itselfe makinge by that diuision followed w[i]th the States invasion A wounde incurable in the bodie of his State endaungeringe the life thereof by a consuminge languishm[en]t yf not distroyinge it by Suddaine deathe:/ Soe muche touchinge his Highnes seconde Motiue. /.

The thirde Motiue

The Archeduke hath greate reason to continewe his present possession yf not by warre by peace. /.

His present possession onelie in the Netherlandes is of all his other dignities wheather in possession or promise absolutelie the most worthie / If then there be suche cause of diffidence to confirme it by warre hee hath greate cause and reason to indououre the assurance thereof by peace /.

And thus by the premisses that appeares to me that his Highnesses the Archeduke maie by moude w[i]th good reason to affecte a true peace../. Nowe to p[er]swade his Ma[jes]t[ie]s aggreac[i]on of Spayne to peace there maie be coniectured. First the considerac[i]ons of the Archedukes twoe Firste motiues / Namelie That hee hath litle or noe probabilitie to reduce the States into the armes of Spayne by foerce and some cause of feare not onlie not to winne but alsoe to loese../ .

The contynewance of the warre threatens the depriuac[i]on alsoe of those his Ma[jes]ties best particulars wherein the pride and greatenes of his power consistes. And further the hassarde of his principallitie. /.

The States companie of Merchants before menc[i]oned haue vndertaken w[i]th good probabilitie to prosper to open a waie for traffique into America and Affrica. the 120r Mynes of his Ma[jes]ties welthe the growndes of his pride and the chefest bases wherein the pillors of his greatenes doe consiste. /. Yf it please God to blesse that designe in the successe accordinge to the hoepe, the instituc[i]on and begininge gyves the Attractiue obiect of the goulden Fleete is life to drawe the hartes of other Nations to the like desire and consequentlie to the like. /. The communitie to other Nations of those partes depri vinge him of his possession reserved in them will threaten further the hassard of his principallitie. because when the protestant princes shall see the poepes champion soe disabled the apprehension of the advantage maie offer them incourgem[en]t ro proiecte an uniu[er] sall reformac[i]on of the Churche through Christendome the rather since besides theire duties to religious officers the p[re]seruac[i]on of theire Temporall estates will incessantlie importune it. because soe longe as Antechriste striues to bee plac’d aboue that w[hi]ch is called God the Poepe will continewallie labour to cast downe Gods leivtenante from his throenes./ .For the confusion of whose divelishe practises the Attemptee (proceedinge soe) is like to make a waie throughe Spayne either by proposic[i]on of aduise to drawe him to conforme tie and reformac[i]on of yf aduise wwill take noe place by foerce./ . his Ma[jes]tie therfore in dowbt of the successe of that designe and leaste the prosperous successe thereof should open and exemplefie a waie to other Nations for the like com[m]unitie and participac[i]on in that whose reservac[i]on his estate imports him to regard and consequentlie attempt him further to be secured from soe daungerous a hassarde of his greatenes. maie for a retractac[i]on of that enterprise from suche Attemptes on him abroade, be the rather drawen to admitt the vndertakers those peacefull Motiues of contentment in them selues att hoome./ . The operac[i]on of a Compounde made of the collected Simples (howe simple soeu[er] mixed w[i]th other argum[en]t[es] and reasons of a ioynte effecacie) maie be suppos’d to haue wrought the purgac[i]on of that chollericke distemp[er]ature of warre in the affections of Austria the rather and w[i]th more facillitie since twoe good preparatiues be ministred before./ . 120v Namely The States when in the eye of opinion theire affaires did seeme to decline and Spayne (it may be) expected they shoulde seeke for peace expressed euen then an Argum[en]t of confidence and resoluc[i]on in them not onlie to endure but alsoe to prosecute the warre as appeareth in their Octroy: made for the constituc[i]on of theire Merchants companie (erected) to continewe theire com[m]erce persistable againste the Spanish offence where they ordaine that noe finall accounte shalbe made of that Negotiation vntill the ende of 36 yeares and then the form[er] ballanced and clered, to institute the same yf the participants consents a newe Secondlie the scoepe and purpose of the State of Spayne affectinge heeretofore the Empire of Europe w[hi]ch moued it the more willinglie to entertaine all occasions to drawe the sworde of warre. Nowe since experience hath proued it but a vaine conception, the hoepe thereof is dead and w[i]th hoepe to ouercome an inclinac[i]on alsoe to pursue, instructinge the moderac[i]on of theire experienced counsaile rather to loeke backe to a plentifull peace, then to continewe paie to a fruitles Warre. And to conclude this pointe w[i]th that w[hi]ch I suppose, confederates theire disposic[i]ons to this peace. I muste not be vnmindfull of his Holines the Poepe: For yf that attribute of holines be not vnworthelie succeeded to him, yf hee degenerates not from the Sanctitie of thoese his predecessors that lyved in the simple godlie and primitiue age of the Churche. hee is the peacemaker gen[er]all of all christendome. But hee vsurpes that name of holines, the mother of tranquillitie and peace. / For yf his workes be veiwed and examined pride and ambic[i]on the verie opposites to the humilitie and peace of sowle: where w[i]th the Churche of God should bee indued soe palpablie and demonstratiuelie appeare in him, that noe vnblinded eye but maie see his spirritt to bee even the convenc[i]on howse of worldlie perturbac[i]ons and disquietnesses w[hi]ch w[i]th incessant 121r motion carrie and transporte his contemplac[i]ons vpon the light winge of vanitie hou[er]inge betweene heaven and earth seldome descendinge w[i]th a thought into the Grave nor aspiringe w[i]th a meditation higher then the Moene../ Soe that yf this propounded peace be by a true syncere and peaceable intent produced it were an errour to suppose the Poepe to haue the leaste correspondencie w[i]th it vnlesse the scence and apprehension of necessitie bee interpos’d betweene his pride and him. / . But yf it bee a temporisinge stratagem intended to a deceiptfull ende the Poepe affect[es] the State of temporallitie soe well, that w[i]thout offence or synne against his holines. hee maie be thought to be Primus Motor and directer of the same./.

Howsoeu[er] I am of opinion tgat in this affaire he hath a voice and gand because it muche concernes his owne particular not onlie for the reasons before me[n]c[i]oned, that importe the kinge of Spaine wherein the Poope likewise is deepelie interessed but alsoe in annother respect peculiar to him selfe. / . Religion and pollicie beginne to take roote and spreade in manie braunches against the effect[es] of his Supremacie even in the land and Nation where hee lyves, the groweth thereof he feares and would suppresse Spaine that should vndertake his quarrell is ingaged in other warres: Thoese warres converted into peace his forces and habillities drawen neere hoeme will beare the better fronte and contenaunce againste the boldnesses that rise soe neare the residence of Romes securitie. / And then to countervail that fauor to the kinge of Spaine, the Poepe maie happelie promise to prevaile for him more affectuallie vppon the vnited provinces w[i]th a feawe vnderminings Iesuit[es] then Spinola w[i]th the open foerce of an Armie of Menn. And w[i]th Halfe the chardge though Goulde indeede muste bee an instrument. ./.

121v

Soe that by theese computac[i]ons the cause and meaninge of his ouerture for peace, consist[es] of Necessitie and miserie. ./. And I imagine the hoepe and end expected once by them, is that they should by one worke bee able not onlie to diuert the danger of an enterprise that threatens to subdue themselues but also to subdue or reduce the vndertakers of that Attempt into the compasse of theire power and furnish themselues of instruments and means against occasion offers it selfe for the accomplishm[en]t of greater and more offensiue purposes then by continewed warre cann be acchived. /.

Wheather the States shoulde affecte a peace vpon this offer of his Highnesses ./ .In disputinge this question there are to bee considered. that. the conclusion of this peace accordinge to the amplitude of the effecte wilbe lesse honorable to Spaine then to the States. the lesse honorable the more discontentfull and soe the more provokinge a desire to change. /. A State seldome stoopes her honor but in necessitie or mistery. and the p[ar]tinge from honor holdes the Sperritt in labours to recou[er] it againe. /. It is against the Poepes profession whose principles are built vpon by Spaine to keepe faithe w[i]th protestants. / . To vndermine principallitie by dissembled waies hath beene warranted by the supreame heade of the Spanish Churche in diuerse p[ar]ticulers. And ambition is neu[er] more apte touchinge honor and faithe vnder a good pretence to a bad ende then when seeminge religion pleades her excuse. /.

Synce the desire of amitie betweene principallities proceedes most com[m]onlie from necessarie reasons that concerne the seu[er]all and proper good and not so muche from anie Naturall or other true affenitie of loue, the selfe respects of Naturall contracts. therefore takinge soe faste a roete in gen[er]all muste needes bee deepelie planted: in this particular where arguments of hatred and offence 122r wilbe accorded to posteritie and (while the gou[er]ment of Spaineis anie where honored in the Netherlands) keepe hidden sparks of this combustion still aliue to gyue the vnquiett Spirritts that are allwaies accident to Princes Courtes. conttinewall subiect for there turbulence to worke vppon. /. And to gyve fier to suche Saltpeter braines the common disagreem[en]t of theire verie soules in matter of religion wilbe still in readines. That difference is like to bee pursued w[i]th greater heate offence, and daunger by the Spanish syde againste the States then on the contrarie. /. First because of religion the growndes and principles professed by the States Churche are true and good: but those of Spaine muche falsefied and badd. / Bad waies bee still more earnestlie pursued then good, and goodnes workes more openlie then badnes whose malitious practizes are carried secretlie in Mynes and darkenes, therefore muche more daungerous

2 The whore of Babilon trickt in the pride w[i]th scensuall pleasures and delights. beesetts her fornicators w[i]th soe deepe a passion that they hazard even theire deerest good vppon the creditt onlie onlie of her idle promises incompassinge the moste wicked inhumaine and barbarous practices to satisfie her luste. Yea even these soules that simplie in them selues are farre from suche contriuinge perswaded by her pleasingnes doe vndertake the moste abhominable damnable and deevlish practices as works of merritt to theire eu[er]lastinge good. From theise and other considerac[i]ons of the like nature it maie be argued. Firste that the States haue cause to suspect an ill meaninge in this ouerture for a peace / secondlie that yf necessitie hath wrought this ouerture when there necessitie dissolueth the bandes of amitie are like to breake. /. To stande vppon a guarde against the daunger of w[hi]ch opposites. The States, before they conclude vpon the offer haue reason to resolue them selues. / Firste wheather they are able to winne the Netherlands by warre. / . secondly whether a peace will not augm[en]t the Spanish strength & detract from theirs. and soe disable theire power to defende./ .

122v

If boethe or either of theise questions bee resolued affirmatiuelye the States haue greater reason to persiste in warres them graunte a peace to th’ends to secure themselues from the daungerous consequence[es] of an ill meaninge, and in meere necessitie to prevente theire fall w[hi]ch w[i]th the dissabillitie of theire defence is like to be attempted. ./.

Touchinge theire habillities tto conquer it muste consiste (next vnder god) either of vpon forraine protecc[i]on or on the vertue of theire offencive warre proiected against the kinge of Spaine. /. As for forraine protecc[i]on by whose power they maye hoepe to wynne, the first declares noe promise to vndertake: the seconde importes an vncertaine and a daungerous successe w[i]thout the aggreation of the first. / . Concerninge the firste first from greate Brittaine. Spaines longe experience makes him knowe and feele that the amitie of England muche more of Greate Brittaine is worthie of his loue. beinge therefore possest thereof his necessitie will make him labour to preserue it: And Englandes natiue and religious faith will neu[er] gyue the firste occasion to breake it. And vntill it be broeken the united Prouinces duringe theire present State are promised noe protec[i]on thence. /. Yet howsoeu[er] yf protecc[i]on maye be theire obtained the argum[en]ts that would induce them to conclude w[i]th this suspected ou[er]ture for peace maie w[i]th good reason be ou[er]throwne. /. But as for the seconde From Fraunce. First that protecc[i]on is vncertaine in it selfe. alone of good successe because (amonge other reasons) the Frenche Kinge beinge of a decaied bodie promiseth noe longe life, The Dolphin is in minoritie: A Protector is gen[er]allie {emulated} the kings bloud flowes in a diuided streame. 123r religion is diuided and boeth presuminge in theire seu[er]all strength The Nobilitie are verie manie and some very powerfull in them selues. All theise are infirmities that maie dishable it to consiste in itselfe muche more to protect anie other./ 2 The protecc[i]on of Fraunce maie happen w[i]thout the consent of Greate Brittaine) to tourne to theire p[er]ill because the Seates of Fraunce and Netherlands w[i]th other materialls and maine circumstanc[es] be considered it will appeare that there coniunction and vnion would proue to be of daungerous consequence to the State of England. England therefore shall haue litle cause to suffer a procee dinge to that end. And yf the power of England shalbe forced for otherwise it neu[er] will appose it selfe. the vnited prouinc[es] shall haue cause to feare theire ill successe aswell for that diuision wherevnto Fraunce is subiect as alsoe because England is hable to beate them att theire owne weapons and in theire owne propper Element the water wherein theire power consists. w[hi]ch yf it suffer wracke will sincke theire State. /. This seperac[i]on and reserudnes betweene the kingdom of England aand Fraunce in matter of extremitie is of a necessarie vse. but where a moderac[i]on maie haue place to discontract them in eu[er]y p[ar]te were in regard of a third power not soo convenient for the mutuall saftie of theire States. w[hi]ch moderac[i]on rather should in this particular be admitted. for howsoeu[er] they shall beare them selues aparte when the maliuolent aspect of eyther on the other is the question betweene them. Yet nowe in this where they are interressed bothe (for some respect) alike in one in the same affaire and seeinge neyther canne by a thirde be ou[er]come w[i]thout the others imminent p[er]ill. they haue reason to consent in counsaling the managinge thereof. / Heauen therefore soe inspire theire Counsailes w[i]th the light of wisdome that they maye provide and prevent against the vyolence and power of Roemes pride. Spaynes desire of Empiere and the goulde of India confederated in a faction. And that this calme of peace be not a meanes to recreat those wearied Spirritts and enable 123v them w[i]th actiuenes and strength against occasion waken them to make a warre more Stormie violent and daungerous For when desier and meanes remayne stronge enterprises are begotten and produced / .

Nowe touchinge theire offensiue warre vppon the kinge of Spayne. w[hi]ch settinge theire protecc[i]ons asyde is the onlie hoepefull meane and instrument (next vnder god) they haue to wynne. Yet not soe hoepefull as to be relied vppon w[i]thout forraine consent. / Noe dowbt that warre proceedinge w[i]th a blessed and prosperous successe will highly raise the state of theire affaires and yet expresseth reasons of p[er]swasions to induce a second to the worke for it importes a verie probable begininge for an hable waie to ou[er]throwe the pride of Antechriste to roete owt the seditions of thoese inhumaine abhominable practices of fyer and bloud, that will soe longe as Antechrist continewes proud and fearefull of his fall make fearefull inundac[i]ons and Combustions in the com[m]on peace of Christendome, to replant the vniformitie of the true primatiue Churche of Christendome to convert manie barbarous nations from theire ignoraunce and infidelitie the true knowledge and worshipp of God. &c./ . Oh thaat I had habillitie and libertie of voice to open and expresse my harte. But since my voyce is lesser then my zeale and that my humble reverence vnto the height of State prohibitts me to measure thoese transcendences soe farre aboue the dutie of my reache. I will locke vpp the contemplat[i]ons of my soule onely from that entyre bothe natiue and religious) love I owe my Soveraigne and Countrie lett me deliuer the generall. /

124r

If anie consequence of daunger to the State of England lurke in the conclusion of this peace Nowe is tyme to prevent it. Nowe when a worthie purpose well proiected and digested and composed w[i]th able Substances, is readie to be sett on foete against the head of that ambitious mightines. Nowe when the bodie of that power and faccultie of that action is wearie and fainte Nowe when the fresh remembrance of the Poepes abhominable practizes will moue the gen[er]all harte of all vnblinded iudgm[en]t[es] to applaude the interprise as tendinge to suppresse his pride and chastice his arrogancie &c. / For procrastinate that wworke of providence by sufferinge peace If anie Daunger lurke in it is like to take awaie or weaken those habilities and oportunities that nowe present them selues. And then it will be difficultier to defend them nowe to ou[er]come, then when his wearie bodie shalbe recreated w[i]th the reste of peace. his Indians fortefied his Navie multiplied his Coeffers fild and all his vaines swelld highe w[i]th pride then when the constituc[i]on of that noble purpose of the States shalbe dissolued and by the participant[es] diuerted or p[er]swaded into other courses different from that. Then when his ostentac[i]on of conformitie w[i]th other practizes of insinuation shall haue recouered reputac[i]on for him w[i]th the vnited provinc[es] redeeme him owt of theire publique hate and skrewed his name and power againe into the Netherland[es] &c. If therefore an hable protection will contract his power w[i]th this the States Dissigne theire hoepe to ou[er]come by warre and dowbt to subsist by peace might move them to affect a conquest rather then a composic[i]on that theire worke of peace might soe be Crownde w[i]th a more sure establishm[en]t. . But yf theire enterprise cannot be seconded protcted nor assisted but left suspended betweene hoope and dowbt the States haue reason notw[i]thstandinge the Archedukes difficulties and theire 124v hoepes to affecte an honorable composic[i]on prouided it dishables not the instrum[en]t[es] of theire defence: first because the goodnessuccesse of that Dissigne is but in hoepe and expectac[i]on vnassured../ 2 Yf that dissigne be ou[er]throwne it will fall to theire heavie damage because it will dishable manie of theire merchants discourage the vnitie and confidence of theire people and weaken theire power att Sea w[hi]ch are the cheefest ioyntes whereon the bodie of theire State dothe moue. /. 3 w[i]thout the good successe of that Dissigne they are of themselues and theire vnderhand helpes. but able to resiste and not to conquere w[hi]ch tendinge to a perpetuall warre wilbe perpetuallie miserable. /. 4 They have little reasonne to relie presuminglie vpon theire owne (onelie) p[ar]ticular power and habilitie aswell consideringe theire principall subsistaunce when theire owne habilities did stoope vnder the handes of opression, wwas hitherto supported and protected (next under god) by the soueraigne and gratious helpe of forraine power. And alsoe that yf suche a forrayne power shall finde it requisite hee maie in the iudgement of reason diuerte or hinder even their greatest vndertakinge. Soe that w[i]thout protecc[i]on the Stat[es] haue reason to affect this peace prouided it dishables not the instrum[en]ts of theire defence. . /. Nowe wheather a peace muste necessarelie dishable theire power to defende. ./ .

This question in the scence and apprehension (onelie) of the eare will (questionlesse) sounde harche and strange consideringe it hath the com[m]on voyce that peace is boeth the mother and Nursse of plentifull habillities. ./ . But for N the Netherlands in theire deuided State yf they weare rightly vnderstoed the due consideration. 125r will approue it (not an idle feare) but an indeavor of a requisite truste and prouidence to call even an intended peace in question howe it standes disposed vnto the States: for peace doethe promise to supplie theire opposites w[i]th those materiall necessarie instruments the wants whereof dishables him to wynne. Namelie Shippinge and Money. /. Touchinge Shippinge a peace will promise him increase. /. First Because hee hathe convenient Havens and Townes for Marte and traffique the principall beginers and maintayners of a Navie. /. 2 As warre by blockinge vpp his Highnesses havens and Townes of Marte converted all theire traffique to the vnited provinc[es] by reasonne they weare open for Commerce. Soe peace restoringe to his highnes provinces the freedome of the sameSea will w[i]th that libertie reverte a parte of that commerce they loste by warre. /. As warre by takinge Antwerpe prisoner enlardged the liberties of Anstardame: soe peace by Settinge Antwerpe free will reduce the liberties of Ansterdame thoughe not confine them in the narrowe bowndes and lymitts w[hi]ch they hadd before they warre into the lesser scoepe. /. For the vnited provinces in this theire present State are like a traded Cittie w[hi]ch florisheth the more because noe other corporac[i]on sealed on the passage hathe the priveledge and libertie to share the frequentation of the waie / But when a second Corporac[i]on shall advaunce itselfe vpon the passage of the firste (ambitious to the same prerogative and benefitt) the building[es] and erections of the seconde raisd w[i]th substaunces detracted from the firste It followes that as the seconde ryseth the firste declines w[hi]ch kynde of growth shoets vpp to a predominate hight sonest of Anie. ./ . 3 There are reasons of com[m]oditie and conveniencie (as a better State and better ayre) to drawe the Staples of forraine commodities to the Archedukes syde, and wheather the Staples goe of suche comodities as are of vniuersall 125v trade and vse the concourse com[m]onlie of other Merchants followes and his increase of Shippinge will growe to the States preiudice the more by reason it beinge to be made w[i]thin the Netherlands will be of an aunswerable buildinge for theire Seas his Marriners experienced in theire havens and landinge places and his State of a prepared readines to take the offer of opertunitie for Attempt. And as for money a peace will furnishe the Archedukes syde before the States. Firste because the Archedukes debts I coniecture will in the mutuall league betweene his highnes and the kinge of Spayne be cutt of whereas the States engaged to theire confederats and freends, the satisfacc[i]on of theire debt[es] will expend a good p[ar]te of theire revenewe while in the meane tyme his highnes shalbe layinge vpp in stoere . /. 2 The States havinge the greater cause to suspect the protestac[i]on of sinceritie concerninge peace are bounde in providence to holde a greater guarde vppon theire frontiers then his highnes shall on his whereby theire chardge will exceade his. 3. The States haue noe other subiect of revenewe then the vnited provinc[es]. whereas the Archeduke besides his provinces (contracted) w[i]th the kinge of Spayne shall haue the goulde of India to his addic[i]on. /

4 The kinge of Spaine by reason of his vniu[er]sall peace transportinge his treasure safelie home will in a fewe yeares growe riche and hable for a second warre yf other meanes and instrum[en]ts Concurre. ./. And theese advantages synce the Archedukes provinc[es] are like to be transmitted to the handes of Spaine vpon his highnes death, will questionlesse 126r bee entertaind and prosecuted w[i]th the best of industrie. /.

Thus it appeares theese twoe supplies of Shippes and money A peace will promise to advaunce to him: but yet (mee thinckes) not soe sufficientlie as to produce him to a seconde warre unlesse togeather w[i]th his supplies, diuision and improuidence possesse the vnited provinces. or that the accumulac[i]on of his power and wheatherwealth will make him hable to contest and warre w[i]th Greate Brittaine and Fraunce. besides w[hi]ch though I hoepe will neu[er] bee Yet are they point[es] of serious consequence and subiect for the moste elected ripest Iudgem[en]ts w[i]th the verie sowle of prudence to consulte vppon. /. But so longe as they continewe in a faithfull vnitie of State and that the powers of theire contingences & confederat[es] be not dishabled to protect theire owne difensiue instrum[en]ts may stand in competent habilitie as well in peace as warre. /. Firste Because the States haue more havens for com[m]erce then his Highnes and therefore more meanes to increase Shippinge. ./.

2 The States provinc[es] haue one other meanes and preservac[i]on of Navigac[i]on namelie fishinge w[hi]ch the Archeduke cannot soe plentifullie accomodate his provinc[es] w[i]th all. /.

3 The States comaunde the Channell of Antwerpe the Archduk cheefest Towne of Marte. w[hi]ch is a bridle that discreetely mannaged will muche assiste the holdinge of the Archedukes whole estate in good devotion to the peace. /

4 The States are before hand and alreadie furnished of a power att sea. whereas his highnes is to beginne, Soe that his steppes and proseading[es] prudentlie and diligentlie obserued they maie easelie provide that his strength and power at Sea shall neu[er] growe to exceade theires. ./ . And as for money and other assistanc[es] out of Spaine they shall arriue w[hi]ch cause of dowbt to undertake a second warre vnlesse I saie his power be of a ioynte habilitie to warre againste the other. 126v mightiest potents of Christendome because they are som[m]e potentat[es] of good habilitie to gyve a good addic[i]on and assistance to the States, whoe by contingencie of Seate and other nearenesses are interessed in the States prosperitie and haue cause to add a supportac[i]on to prevent the Spanish triumphe ou[er] them and then the freenes of theire State dischardginge theire defensive warre of all the imputac[i]ons of vnlawfullnes w[hi]ch questionles haue heeretofore suspended theire assistanc[es] betweene dowbt and resoluc[i]on will promise to obtaine protections for them more resolued and confident Nowe touchinge practizes to worke diuision in the constituc[i]on of theire State. ./ .

There lurkes the daungerossest ill, concerning the vnited provinc[es] in p[ar]ticular that canne bee hidden in this rancke and ou[er]growinge goodnes of a peace yet not of suche necessitie alone as to p[er]swade them to refuse an honorable peace since the p[re]vention of that p[er]ill maie by the wisdomes of theire gou[er]ment and Counsaile be p[er]formed soe longe as God whoe hetherto hath stoede vppon theire side shall not oppose him selfe. /. To conclude my discourse vpon this question, wheather the States shoulde effecte a peace vppon this offer of his Highnesses

The substaunce of my voyce is this. A peace will furnishe Spaine w[i]th more habilities then now hee hath As for the States thoughe there bee some hoepes that theire defence will not by peace be vtterly dishabled yet questionles it will in manie points dishable there offencive warre. not onlie by the tyme and meanes w[i]th Spaine shall thereby haue to fortefie himselfe: but alsoe by dissoluinge the consitutc[i]on of there p[re]sent instrum[en]t[es] and purposes, w[hi]ch discontracted once will 127r hardlie bee reduced to theire vnited bodie againe. And howsoeu[er] the entent maie proue will gyue theire opposite encouragem[en]ts and incitac[i]ons to a second warre. /. A gallant actiue warre directed and sett forward therefore w[i]th a mynde and probabilitie of meanes to conquere woulde bee the more assured course. Yet howsoeu[er] they haue reason to referr the makinge of theire resoluc[i]ons to the counsaile of thoese powers by whose protecc[i]ons and assistanc[es] next vnder God they haue subsisted heatherto. . /.

An amplificac[i]on of discourse concerninge practizes that maie tend to the diuision and dissoluinge of the constituc[i]on of the vnited prouinc[es] in the Condic[i]on and State of peace yf it bee brought to passe. ./.

If anie misterie be meant to make diuision in the constituc[i]on of the States. the Stratagematist[es] and Ingeners. of Hell. maie plott theire practices into two kindes ./. i Insinuac[i]on .2. Violence.

Insinuation well prevented, Violence is halfe defeated because insinuac[i]on woerkes the gen[er]all pointe more lardgelie then violence prepares her waies, and serves to frame and forge her instruments to worke w[i]th all: as Traitors to betraie men of State: Shipping and fortifficac[i]on the principall subiect[es] in the vnited provinces that violence woulde worke vpon to distrucc[i]on wracke and Surprise. ./. But for there full defeate: no dowbt the Iustic of God w[hi]ch hath expressed his wrath in miracles againste the works of suche abhominable practizes will neu[er] suffer them to attaine to theire desyred end. /. Insinuation maie tend to the w[i]thdrawinge of theire Merchants. 2 devidinge theire vnitie of State. 3 possessinge them selues of some fortifications of importance to an offensiue warre./. The drawinge awaie of theire Merchant[es] maie be endeuoured by practisinge occasions of discontentment in them touchinge there condic[i]ons w[i]th the States and settinge obiect[es] of Encouragem[en]t and attracc[i]on before them on the Archedukes syde./. Touchinge the better prevention whereof theire cautions amonge other are not altogeather voyde of vse. ./. That the retractac[i]on and dissoluinge of theire 127v erected companie of Marchants begett noe evill discontentm[en]t in the participants whoese affecc[i]ons they haue reason to continewe devoted to the State. ./. 2. That good reseruation of contentm[en]ts bee provided for theire owne Townes of Traffique to continewe theire establishd corporac[i]ons. /.

3 That they be carefull to continewe the Staples of suche Forraine comodities as are of vniu[er]sall trade and vse properlie to theire owne Townes, for wheather the Staples goe of suche commodities the concourse com[m]onlie of other marchants followes. / .4: That whereas the diuerse of the substantiall inhabitants of the vnited provinces haue interest in the Archedukes syde by right of theire former possessions good heede be taken leaste vnder cullor of satisfa ction suche men on whose habilitie the State muche dependes be not alienated. ./. The diuision of theere vnited state maie be practised by the secrett plotts of vndermyninge papists. by the temptac[i]on of corruptinge goulde by the publique work[es] of ostentac[i]on tendinge to make the people

discontented w[i]th theire owne condic[i]ons and to steale awaie theire hartes. /. Towards the prevention whereof these Articles amonge manie other seeme not muche impertinent. / 1 That true religion be w[i]th faithfull zeale and vigilance maintained and bent soe farre as Christian moderac[i]on will admitt against the dangerous insinuac[i]ons of seditious Romanist[es]. a faction that will still be turbulentlie stirringe vpp combustions to maintaine a life and warmenes in the shakinge Ague and consumption of theire churche. /. 2. That A prudent eye be helde vpon the correspondencies and passages of publique persons w[i]th the other side. . / .

3 That while theire State continewe an Aristocratic no one be gyven more power in gou[er]m[en]t thereof then maie securelie be revoked. . / .

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4 That noe conception be produced but buried in the wombe that would devide the vnited provinc[es] into pluralitie of Gouerments and all occasions ministred and entertained that may confirm theire present vnitie. / . 5. That whereas they are to raise theire moneis on the people (onelie) of theire provinc[es] the Archedukes. his more dependentlie vpon the borrowed Mynes of Spaine, They therefore provide that when theire Commons shall compare there impositions w[i]th those of his Highnes and fynde theire owne more heavie there scence of the burthen cause not the daungerous offices of misconstructions murmurings and discontentm[en]t[es] / 6. That synce they are engaged to theire assistanc[es] and confederat[es]. theire present imposic[i]ons therefore hauinge first exprest theire reasons of p[er]swasion for the same. be still continewed till theire sum[m]es be raised. And in the raisinge of those som[m]es theire wisdomes maie togeather w[ith] respect vnto that end converte the worke w[i]th good vse to the aduauncem[en]t of theire provisionall habilities. For nowe the people are inured to it the custome makes it easie digestable the rather when they doe for:see the ende thereof approchinge dailie nearer them. Whereas to intermitt cessac[i]on of the taxe and then to innovate the same a newe will w[i]th the taste of former sweetnes begett distast of that displeasingnes and gyue aspirers and conspirers leave and incouragement[es] to worke vppon discontented multitude. / .

To dispossesse the States of Fortificac[i]ons important to an offensiue warre for Spaine thoughe Violence maie claime the stronger hande yet insinuation labours to assiste the worke as appeares in the Archedukes desier to chaunge some Townes w[hi]ch hee expresseth in a clause incerted in his offer by the waie. /.

To provide against the daunger of suche praactices it behoues them. . /. Firste that the Archedukes desier to chaunge som[m]e Townes be lefte vnsatisfied. . / .

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For though to make exchaunge of suche particulars as either side is nowe possessed of in the provinces whose greater p[ar]te and tytle is subiect to the contrarie side be in com[m]on sence a fitt and reasonable graunte because that eache syde then shall haue the provinc[es] hee beares the title of intirelie free from forraine interest. Yet to make suche an exchaunge would gyve his Highnes lardge advantage for a second warre and infinitelie to [th]e damage of the States. /

For Sluice Bergin vp soome and Breda w[i]th other fortes and holdes vpon the Coastes are like to be the places that his Highnes bendes his cheefest ayme vppon because they are the meanes, weare hee possessed of them to free his cheefeste provinces. of daungerous invations to inlarge his Maryntine affaires and in tyme to vndermyne the state of the neighbour Ilandes advantages that well persued and seconded will threaten to subdue the States. / . Whereas the Archedukes foetinge in the States provinces importes not soe muche benefitt to him or preiudice to them as theires in his. were it returned into his handes. / . And for the reservac[i]on of thoese theire possessions the States maie freely stande, synce if his highnes obserues the sence of his offer. the States exception of that his inference shall noe waie interupt the course of treatie nor obstructe the passages of peace But for the apparant lawfullnes in holdinge those Townes that lye w[i]thin the Archedukes provinces. iudiciall care ought to be had that by a publique Acte they bee depropriated from the claime and tytle of the provinces wherein they lye and corporate in the States proprietie leaste yf his Highnes or his successors tytle in Capite129r and gen[er]allie to the provinces of Brabante. Flaunders &c. bee assented by the States it comprehendes thoese places and soe reserues a lawfull nes. to him or them vppon accasion of advantage ro reviue theire claime to them as an induction to a faarther warre. . / .

That to distande theire Armie they proceade noe faster then maie continewe them a strength to holde proporc[i]on w[i]th his highnes reserued troapes. / . That faithfull and sufficient Garrisons bee continewed in the important frontiers especiallie yf the Corporac[i]ons maie be suspected of vnsoundnes to theire State: Yet soe that togeather w[i]th theire guardes they use and an industrie to worke conformance of Affection. where vnsoundnes is for to containe theire bodies when they are diuided in theire mindes maintaine a nourishm[en]t in theire desire to chaunge. / .

And to conclude the assurance of the reste it seemes to beare a good aspect to them. that they indeauour w[i]th a studious industrie to contract them selues w[i]th a confederate whose amitie by reason of the stabilitie of the State Neighbourhoed of Seate correspondence of power and conformancie of religion maie gyve them the moste sure hable readie and faithfull assistance / That yf the sure establishm[en]t of theire peace maie

by the hable protecc[i]on of some other principallitie be better p[er]formed then by them selues in their Aristocratie: there free condic[i]on be not a temptinge obiecte of Ambition to diuerte theire eies of providence and due respecte w[i]th loue of selfe desiringe rule from thate estate vnder whose gou[er]nment they maye more safelie and assuredlie subsiste. . / .

Left margin: protection is p[er]formed by one of power of reall Mightines in prin cipallity, so thatt My meaning as Not a translation of their state into another: Name onely a forme of Gouernment Lastlie touchinge the choise admitted them wheather for a Truce or a perpetuall peace. / .

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A Truice or suspention of Armes maintaines a vigilance more liuelie for the preseruation of theire State then A perpetuall peace. And makes the com[m]on disposic[i]on of the lande more willinglie imparte itselfe and stoepe to what shall iustlie be imposed, because they see apparant reasonne to provide for theire defence whereas the{} apprehention of perpetuall peace flatters the people to securetie and moeues them easelie to misconture any Acte of providence that pleaseth not the taste of comon sence. besides a truice though seeminge to confine the peace reviveth not a warre the soener for that lymmitt nor canne the promise of perpetuall peace assure a peace vnto the States the longer for that promise synce whensoeu[er] good advantages shall by the Spanish syde be founde Spaines loue and Roemes fidelitie are like to breake awaie through anie promise of a peace to warre. And yett thoughe truice confines the peace soe longe as the States remaine in theire habilitie they maie expecte a further treatie even from Spaine it selfe to gyue enlargement to the Truice and soe continewe. / .

If then a Truice will admitt as reall confirmation to the publique Acte that shalbe made to ratefie the freenes of theire State yt seemes of worthe to bee preferred. . /