History of the United Netherlands, 1604-1605


CHAPTER XLIII.

Policy of the King of France--Operations of Prince Maurice--Plans
for a Flemish Campaign--Passage into Flanders--Fort St. Catharine--
Flight of its garrison, and occupation by Maurice--Surrender of
Ysendyke and Aardenburg--Skirmish at Stamper's Hook--Siege of Sluys
by Prince Maurice--Ineffectual attempt of Spinola to relieve the
town--Its capitulation and restoration to the States--Death of Lewis
Gunther of Nassau--Operations at Ostend--Surrender of the garrison--
Desolation of the scene after its evacuation.

The States-General had begun to forget the severe lesson taught them in
the Nieuport campaign. Being determined to hold Ostend, they became very
impatient, in the early part of the present year, that Maurice should
once more invade Flanders, at the head of a relieving army, and drive the
archdukes from before the town.

They were much influenced in this policy by the persistent advice of the
French king. To the importunities of their envoy at Paris, Henry had,
during the past eighteen months, replied by urging the States to invade
Flanders and seize its ports. When they had thus something to place as
pledges in his hands, he might accede to their clamour and declare war
against Spain. But he scarcely concealed his intention, in such case, to
annex both the obedient and the United Netherlands to his own dominions.
Meantime, before getting into the saddle, he chose to be guaranteed
against loss. "Assure my lords the States that I love them," he said,
"and shall always do my best for them." His affection for the territory