The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Volume 10: 1566, part I

From the opening

Francis Junius--His sermon at Culemburg House--The Compromise-- Portraits of Sainte Aldegonde, of Louis 'Nassau, of "Toison d'Or," of Charles Mansfeld--Sketch of the Compromise--Attitude of Orange-- His letter to the Duchess--Signers of the Compromise--Indiscretion of the confederates--Espionage over Philip by Orange-- Dissatisfaction of the seigniors--Conduct of Egmont--Despair of the people--Emigration to England--Its effects--The request--Meeting at Breda and Hoogstraaten--Exaggerated statements concerning the Request in the state council--Hesitation of the Duchess--Assembly of notables--Debate concerning the Request and the inquisition-- Character of Brederode--Arrival of the petitioners in Brussels-- Presentation of the Request--Emotion of Margaret--Speech of Brederode--Sketch of the Request--Memorable sarcasm of Berlaymont-- Deliberation in the state council--Apostille to the Request--Answer to the Apostille--Reply of the Duchess--Speech of D'Esquerdes-- Response of Margaret--Memorable banquet at Culemburg House--Name of "the beggars" adopted--Orange, Egmont, and Horn break up the riotous meeting--Costume of "the beggars"--Brederode at Antwerp--Horrible execution at Oudenardo--Similar cruelties throughout the provinces-- Project of "Moderation"--Religious views of Orange--His resignation of all his offices not accepted--The "Moderation" characterized-- Egmont at Arras Debate on the "Moderation"--Vacillation of Egmont-- Mission of Montigny and Berghen to Spain--Instructions to the envoys--Secret correspondence of Philip with the Pope concerning the Netherland inquisition and the edicts--Field-preaching in the provinces--Modet at Ghent--Other preachers characterized--Excitement at Tournay--Peter Gabriel at Harlem--Field--preaching near Antwerp-- Embarrassment of the Regent--Excitement at Antwerp--Pensionary Wesenbeck sent to Brussels--Orange at Antwerp--His patriotic course --Misrepresentation of the Duchess--Intemperate zeal of Dr. Rythovius--Meeting at St. Trond--Conference at Duffel--Louis of Nassau deputed to the Regent--Unsatisfactory negotiations.

The most remarkable occurrence in the earlier part of the year 1556 was the famous Compromise. This document, by which the signers pledged themselves to oppose the inquisition, and to defend each other against all consequences of such a resistance, was probably the work of Philip de Marnix, Lord of Sainte Aldegonde. Much obscurity, however, rests upon the origin of this league. Its foundations had already been laid in the latter part of the preceding year. The nuptials of Parma with the Portuguese princess had been the cause of much festivity, not only in Brussels, but at Antwerp.

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