that very occasion the death of Count Egmont
was determined on by Philip and the Cardinal. They had, however, to
abide their time.

Fearful was the vengeance the Cardinal took, not only on the nobles, but
on all the people of this unhappy country. But I am anticipating.

The most terrible and remorseless instrument employed for this purpose
was Peter Titelmann, Inquisitor General. Throughout the whole of
Flanders, Douay, and Tournay, the most populous portions of the
Netherlands, he proceeded at a rapid pace, spreading dismay far and
wide, dragging suspected persons from their firesides or beds, and
thrusting them into dismal dungeons: arresting, torturing, strangling,
burning, with hardly the shadow of warrant, information, or process.

My heart sickens as I contemplate the dreadful scenes I was often
compelled to witness, and I think of the number of those simply accused
of reading the Bible who were hurried to the flames. Even the Roman
Catholics, who had hitherto looked on with indifference, were now
aroused, and representations were made to the Regent of the fearful
proceedings of Peter Titelmann, the Inquisitor.

Still the Protestant faith was not put down, and Philip, maddened by the
opposition he met with, at length issued a decree condemning to death
the whole of his subjects who would not conform to the Church of Rome.
The Prince of Orange, a moderate man, and one who never spoke without
weighing his words, declared that, at this time, fifty thousand persons
in the provinces had been put to death in obedience to the edicts.

Philip declared, that as his father had chastised his people with a
scourge, he would make them feel the effect of a whip of scorpions. The
edicts were enforced, therefore, with renewed vigour; and, as may be
supposed, all who could escape fled out of this doomed land as soon as
possible. The tide of commerce was completely changed, and whereas
formerly manufactures were sent from Antwerp to England, now every week
vessels came from Sandwich to Antwerp laden with silk, satin, and cloth
manufactured in England.

My sagacious patron had long seen the course events were taking. I may
state now that, for some years past, he had been busily employed in
purchasing gunpowder, arquebuses, cannon, and all sorts of munitions of
war, as well as cordage, and all naval stores required for fitting out
ships. He had urged the English Government also to increase their
military forces, and t