THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC, 1577-1578

By John Lothrop Motley

1855




CHAPTER IV.

Orange invited to visit Brussels--His correspondence upon the
subject with the estates--general--Triumphant journey of the Prince
to the capital----Stop put by him to the negotiations with Don John
--New and stringent demands made upon the Governor--His indignation
--Open rupture--Intrigue of Netherland grandees with Archduke
Matthias--Policy of Orange--Attitude of Queen Elizabeth--Flight of
Matthias from Vienna--Anxiety of Elizabeth--Adroitness of the
Prince--The office of Reward--Election of Orange to that dignity--
His complaints against the great nobles--Aerschot Governor of
Flanders--A storm brewing in Ghent--Ryhove and Imbize--Blood-
Councillor Hessels--Arrogance of the aristocratic party in Flanders
--Ryhove's secret interview with Orange--Outbreak at Ghent--Arrest
of Aerschot, Hessels, and others of the reactionary party--The Duke
liberated at demand of Orange--The Prince's visit to Ghent--
Rhetorical demonstrations--The new Brussels Union characterized--
Treaty with England--Articles by which Matthias is nominally
constituted Governor-General--His inauguration at Brussels--
Brilliant and fantastic ceremonies--Letter of Don John to the
Emperor--His anger with England--An army collecting--Arrival of