Joy of Philip II.—­The United Provinces solicit the Aid of France and England—­Elizabeth sends them a supply of Troops under the Earl of Leicester—­He returns to England—­Treachery of some English and Scotch Officers—­Prince Maurice commences his Career—­The Spanish Armada—­Justin of Nassau blocks up the Prince of Parma in the Flemish Ports—­Ruin of the Armada—­Philip’s Mock Piety on hearing the News—­Leicester dies—­Exploits and Death of Martin Schenck—­Breda surprised—­The Duke of Parma leads his Army into France—­His famous Retreat—­His Death and Character.

CHAPTER XIV

To the independence of Belgium and the death of Phillip II.

A.D. 1592—­1599

Count Mansfield named Governor-General—­State of Flanders and Brabant—­The Archduke Ernest named Governor-General—­Attempts against the Life of Prince Maurice—­He takes Groningen—­Death of the Archduke Ernest—­Count Fuentes named Governor-General—­He takes Cambray and other Towns—­Is soon replaced by the Archduke Albert of Austria—­His high Reputation—­He opens his first Campaign in the Netherlands—­His Successes—­Prince Maurice gains the Battle of Turnhout—­Peace of Vervins—­Philip yields the Sovereignty of the Netherlands to Albert and Isabella—­A new Plot against the Life of Prince Maurice—­Albert sets out for Spain, and receives the News of Philip’s Death—­Albert arrives in Spain, and solemnizes his Marriage with the Infanta Isabella—­Review of the State of the Netherlands.

CHAPTER XV

TO THE CAMPAIGN OF PRINCE MAURICE AND SPINOLA

A.D. 1599—­1604

Cardinal Andrew of Austria Governor—­Francisco Mendoza, Admiral of Aragon, invades the neutral States of Germany—­His atrocious Conduct—­Prince Maurice takes the Field—­His masterly Movements—­Sybilla of Cleves raises an Army, which is, quickly destroyed—­Great Exertions of the States-General—­Naval Expedition under Vander Goes—­Its complete Failure—­Critical Situation of the United Provinces—­Arrival of the Archduke in Brussels—­Success of Prince Maurice—­His Expedition into Flanders—­Energy of the Archduke—­Heroism of Isabella—­Progress of Albert’s Army—­Its first Success—­Firmness of Maurice—­The Battle of Nieuport—­Total Defeat of the Royalists—­Consequences of the Victory—­Prince Maurice returns to Holland—­Negotiations for Peace—­Siege of Ostend—­Death of Elizabeth of England—­United Provinces send Ambassadors to James I.—­Successful Negotiations of Barneveldt and the Duke of Sully in London—­Peace between England and Spain—­Brilliant Campaign between Spinola and Prince Maurice—­Battle of Roeroord—­Naval Transactions—­Progress of Dutch Influence in India—­Establishment of the East India Company.