Effects of William's Death on the History of his Country--Firm Conduct of the United Provinces--They reject the Overtures of the Prince of Parma--He reduces the whole of Flanders--Deplorable Situation of the Country--Vigorous Measures of the Northern States--Antwerp besieged--Operations of the Siege--Immense Exertions of the Besiegers--The Infernal Machine--Battle on the Dike of Couvestien--Surrender of Antwerp--Extravagant 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