History of the United Netherlands, 1594



CHAPTER XXX.

Prince Maurice lays siege to Gertruydenberg--Advantages of the new
system of warfare--Progress of the besieging operations--Superiority
of Maurice's manoeuvres--Adventure of Count Philip of Nassau--
Capitulation of Gertruydenberg--Mutiny among the Spanish troops--
Attempt of Verdugo to retake Coeworden--Suspicions of treason in the
English garrison at Ostend--Letter of Queen Elizabeth to Sir Edward
Norris on the subject--Second attempt on Coeworden--Assault on
Groningen by Maurice--Second adventure of Philip of Nassau--Narrow
escape of Prince Maurice--Surrender of Groningen--Particulars of the
siege--Question of religious toleration--Progress of the United
Netherlands--Condition of the "obedient" Netherlands--Incompetency
of Peter Mansfeld as Governor--Archduke Ernest, the successor of
Farnese--Difficulties of his position--His unpopularity--Great
achievements of the republicans--Triumphal entry of Ernest into
Brussels and Antwerp--Magnificence of the spectacle--Disaffection of
the Spanish troops--Great military rebellion--Philip's proposal to
destroy the English fleet--His assassination plans--Plot to poison
Queen Elizabeth--Conspiracies against Prince Maurice--Futile
attempts at negotiation--Proposal of a marriage between Henry and
the Infanta--Secret mission from Henry to the King of Spain--Special
dispatch to England and the Staten--Henry obtains further aid from
Queen Elizabeth and the States--Council--Anxiety of the Protestant
countries to bring about a war with Spain--Aspect of affairs at the
close of the year 1594.