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 for Germany--His Example is followed by the Lords--Extensive Emigration--Arrival of the Duke of Orleans--Egmont's Humiliation--Alva's Powers--Arrest of Egmont and others---Alva's first Acts of Tyranny--Council of Blood--Recall of the Government--Alva's Character--He summons the Prince of Orange, who is tried by Contumacy--Horrors committed by Alva--Desolate State of the Country--Trial and Execution of Egmont and Horn--The Prince of Orange raises an Army in Germany, and opens his first Campaign in the Netherlands--Battle of Heiligerlee--Death of Adolphus of Nassau--Battle of Jemminghem--Success and skilful Conduct of Alva--Dispersion of the Prince of Orange's Army--Growth of the naval Power of the Patriots--Inundation in Holland and Friesland--Alva reproached by Philip--Duke of Medina-Celi appointed Governor--Is attacked, and his fleet destroyed by the Patriots--Demands his Recall--Policy of the English Queen, Elizabeth--The Dutch take Brille--General Revolt in Holland and Zealand--New Expedition of the Prince of Orange--Siege of Mons--Success of the Prince--Siege of Haarlem--Of Alkmaer--Removal of Alva--Don Luis Zanega y Requesens appointed Governor-General. CHAPTER X TO THE PACIFICATION OF GHENT A.D. 1573--1576 Character of Requesens--His conciliating Conduct--Renews the War against the States--Siege of Middleburg--Generosity of the Prince of Orange--Naval Victory--State of Flanders--Count Louis of Nassau--Battle of Mookerheyde--Counts Louis and Henry slain--Mutiny of the Spanish Troops--Siege of Leyden--Negotiations for Peace at Breda--The Spaniards take Zuriczee--Requesens dies--The Government devolves on the Council of State--Miserable State of the Country, and Despair of the Patriots--Spanish Mutineers--The States-General are convoked, and the Council arrested by the Grand Bailiff of Brabant--The Spanish Mutineers sack and capture Maestricht, and afterward Antwerp--The States-General assemble at Ghent and assume the Government--The Pacification of Ghent. CHAPTER XI TO THE RENUNCIATION OF THE SOVEREIGNTY OF SPAIN AND THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE A.D. 1576--1580