Accession of Philip II.—­His Character and Government—­His Wars with France, and with the Pope—­Peace with the Pope—­Battle of St. Quentin—­Battle of Gravelines—­Peace of Cateau-Cambresis—­Death of Mary of England—­Philip’s Despotism—­Establishes a Provisional Government—­Convenes the States—­General at Ghent—­His Minister Granvelle—­Goes to Zealand—­Embarks for Spain—­Prosperity revives—­ Effects of the Provisional Government—­Marguerite of Palma—­ Character of Granvelle—­Viglius de Berlaimont—­Departure of the spanish Troops—­Clergy—­Bishops—­National Discontent—­Granvelle appointed Cardinal—­Edict against Heresy—­Popular Indignation—­ Reformation—­State of Brabant—­Confederacy against Granvelle—­ Prince of Orange—­Counts Egmont and Horn join the Prince against Granvelle—­Granvelle recalled—­Council of Trent—­Its Decrees received with Reprobation—­Decrees against Reformers—­Philip’s Bigotry—­Establishment of the Inquisition—­Popular Resistance.

CHAPTER VIII

COMMENCEMENT OF THE REVOLUTION

A.D. 1566

Commencement of the Revolution—­Defence of the Prince of Orange—­Confederacy of the Nobles—­Louis of Nassau—­De Brederode—­Philip de St. Aldegonde—­Assembly of the Council of State—­Confederates enter Brussels—­Take the Title of Gueux—­Quit Brussels, and disperse in the Provinces—­Measures of Government—­ Growing Power of the Confederates—­Progress of the Reformation—­ Field Preaching—­Herman Stricker—­Boldness of the Protestants—­ Peter Dathen—­Ambrose Ville—­Situation of Antwerp—­The Prince repairs to it, and saves it—­Meeting of the Confederates at St. Trond—–­The Prince of Orange and Count Egmont treat with them—­ Tyranny of Philip and Moderation of the Spanish Council—­Image Breakers—­Destruction of the Cathedral, of Antwerp—­Terror of Government—­Firmness of Viglius—­Arbitration between the Court and the People—­Concessions made by Government—­Restoration of Tranquillity.

CHAPTER IX

TO THE ADMINISTRATION OF REQUESENS

A.D. 1566—­1573

Philip’s Vindictiveness and Hypocrisy—­Progress of Protestantism—­Gradual Dissolution of the Conspiracy—­Artifices of Philip and the Court to disunite the Protestants—­Firmness of the Prince of Orange—­Conference at Termonde—­Egmont abandons the Patriot Cause—­Fatal Effects of his Conduct—­Commencement of Hostilities—­Siege of Valenciennes—­Protestant Synod at Antwerp—­Haughty Conduct of the Government—­Royalists Repulsed at Bois-le-duc—­Battle of Osterweel, and Defeat of the Patriots—­Antwerp again saved by the Firmness and Prudence of the Prince of Orange—­Capitulation of Valenciennes—­Success of the Royalists—­Death of De Brederode—­New Oath of Allegiance; Refused by the Prince of Orange and others—­The Prince resolves on voluntary Banishment, and departs