The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Volume 30: 1579-80Motley, John Lothrop
History
The Rise of the Dutch Republic — Volume 30: 1579-80
Motley, John Lothrop
Netherlands -- Church history; Netherlands -- History -- Eighty Years' War, 1568-1648
A similar tumult, arising from the same cause, at Utrecht, was attended
with the like result. On the other hand, the city of Brussels was
astonished by a feeble and unsuccessful attempts at treason, made by a
youth who bore an illustrious name. Philip, Count of Egmont, eldest son
of the unfortunate Lamoral, had command of a regiment in the service of
the states. He had, besides, a small body of cavalry in immediate
attendance upon his person. He had for some time felt inclined--like the
Lalains, Meluns, La Mottes, and others to reconcile himself with the
Crown, and he wisely thought that the terms accorded to him would be more
liberal if he could bring the capital of Brabant with him as a peace
offering to his Majesty. His residence was in Brussels. His regiment
was stationed outside the gates, but in the immediate neighbourhood of
the city. On the morning of the 4th of June he despatched his troopers--
as had been frequently his custom--on various errands into the country.
On their return, after having summoned the regiment, they easily mastered
and butchered the guard at the gate through which they had re-entered,
supplying their place with men from their own ranks. The Egmont regiment
then came marching through the gate in good order--Count Philip at their
head--and proceeded to station themselves upon the Grande Place in the
centre of the city. All this was at dawn of day. The burghers, who
looked forth from their houses, were astounded and perplexed by this
movement at so unwonted an hour, and hastened to seize their weapons.
Egmont sent a detachment to take possession of the palace. He was too
late. Colonel Van der Tympel, commandant of the city, had been beforehand
with him, had got his troops under arms, and now secured the rebellious
detachment. Meantime, the alarm had spread. Armed burghers came from
every house, and barricades were hastily thrown up across every one of
the narrow streets leading to the square. Every issue was closed. Not a
man of Egmont's adherents--if he indeed had adherents among the townsmen
--dared to show his face. The young traitor and his whole regiment,
drawn up on the Grande Place, were completely entrapped. He had not
taken Brussels, but assuredly Brussels had taken him. All day long he
was kept in his self-elected prison and pillory, bursting with rage and
shame. His soldiers, who were without meat or drink, became insolent and
uproarious, and he was doomed also to hear the bitter and well-merited
taunts of the towns-people. A thousand stinging gibes, suggested by his
name and the locality, were mercilessly launched upon him. He was asked
if he came thither to seek his father's head. He was reminded that the
morrow was the anniversary of that father's murder upon that very spot--
by those with whom the son would now make his treasonable peace. He was
bidden to tear up but a few stones from the pavement beneath his feet,
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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