THE RISE OF THE DUTCH REPUBLIC, 1578

By John Lothrop Motley

1855




PART VI.

ALEXANDER OF PARMA

1578-1584.



CHAPTER I.

Birth, education, marriage, and youthful character of Alexander
Farnese--His private adventures--Exploits at Lepanto and at
Gemblours--He succeeds to the government--Personal appearance and
characteristics--Aspect of affairs--Internal dissensions--Anjou at
Mons--John Casimir's intrigues at Ghent--Anjou disbands his
soldiers--The Netherlands ravaged by various foreign troops--Anarchy
and confusion in Ghent--Imbize and Ryhove--Fate of Hessels and
Visch--New Pacification drawn up by Orange--Representations of Queen
Elizabeth--Remonstrance of Brussels Riots and image-breaking in
Ghent--Displeasure of Orange--His presence implored at Ghent, where
he establishes a Religious Peace--Painful situation of John Casimir