THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC, 1578

By John Lothrop Motley

1855



CHAPTER V.

Towns taken by Don John--Wrath excited against the aristocratic
party by the recent defeat--Attempts upon Amsterdam--"Satisfaction"
of Amsterdam and its effects--De Selles sent with royal letters from
Spain--Terms offered by Philip--Proclamation of Don John--
Correspondence between de Selles and the States-General--Between the
King and the Governor-General--New forces raised by the States--St.
Aldegonde at the Diet--Municipal revolution in Amsterdam--The
Prince's letter on the subject of the Anabaptists of Middelburg--
The two armies inactive--De la None--Action at Rijnemants--John
Casimir--Perverse politics of Queen Elizabeth--Alencon in the
Netherlands--Portrait of the Duke--Orange's position in regard to
him--Avowed and supposed policy of the French court--Anger of
Elizabeth--Terms arranged between Alencon and the Estates--Renewed
negotiations with Don John--Severe terms offered him--Interview of
the English envoys with the Governor--Despondency of Don John--
Orange's attempts to enforce a religious peace--His isolation in
sentiment--The malcontent party--Count John Governor of Gelderland
--Proposed form of religious peace--Proclamation to that effect by
Orange, in Antwerp--A petition in favor of the Roman Church
presented by Champagny and other Catholic nobles to the States--