The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Volume 25: 1577, part II

From the opening

Triumphal entrance of Don John into Brussels--Reverse of the picture --Analysis of the secret correspondence of Don John and Escovedo with Antonio Perez--Plots against the Governor's liberty--His desponding language and gloomy anticipations--Recommendation of severe measures--Position and principles of Orange and his family-- His private views on the question of peace and war--His toleration to Catholics and Anabaptists censured by his friends--Death of Viglius--New mission from the Governor to Orange--Details of the Gertruydenberg conferences--Nature and results of these negotiations--Papers exchanged between the envoys and Orange--Peter Panis executed for heresy--Three parties in the Netherlands-- Dissimulation of Don John--His dread of capture.

As already narrated, the soldiery had retired definitely from the country at the end of April, after which Don John made his triumphal entrance into Brussels on the 1st of May. It was long since so festive a May-day had gladdened the hearts of Brabant. So much holiday magnificence had not been seen in the Netherlands for years. A solemn procession of burghers, preceded by six thousand troops, and garnished by the free companies of archers and musketeers, in their picturesque costumes, escorted the young prince along the streets of the capital. Don John was on horseback, wrapped in a long green cloak, riding between the Bishop of Liege and the Papal nuncio. He passed beneath countless triumphal arches. Banners waved before him, on which the battle of Lepanto, and other striking scenes in his life, were emblazoned. Minstrels sang verses, poets recited odes, rhetoric clubs enacted fantastic dramas in his honor, as he rode along. Young virgins crowned him with laurels. Fair women innumerable were clustered at every window, roof, and balcony, their bright robes floating like summer clouds above him. "Softly from those lovely clouds," says a gallant chronicler, "descended the gentle rain of flowers." Garlands were strewed before his feet, laurelled victory sat upon his brow. The same conventional enthusiasm and decoration which had characterized the holiday marches of a thousand conventional heroes were successfully produced.

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