lB8 DEFECTION OF THE NETHERLANDS 



inundation. The batavian bravery discovered the im- 

 bed)] ity of the mailer of the world, as the lignal 

 courage of their progenitors expo fed to all Europe the 

 fplendid decline of the fpanifh monarchy, The fame 

 fertility of invention in the commander's at both times 

 caufed the war to continue with equal obftinacy, and 

 to end aim oft as doubtfully : one difference, how- 

 ever, is remarkably linking; the Romans and Bata- 

 vian s fought with humanity, for they fought not for 

 religion. 



For thoroughly underftanding. this great revolution, 

 we fhould caft an eye on the former hiftory of the 

 country, in order to know the Hate in which it was 

 at the time when this remarkable change took place. 



The entrance of thefe nations into hiftory is the mo- 

 ment of their downfall ; from their conquerors they re- 

 ceived a political exiftence. The extensive landfcape 

 of which Germany forms the boundary towards the 

 eaft, France to the fouth, the german ocean to the 

 weft and north, and which we comprize under the ge- 

 neral name of the Netherlands, was, at the time of the 

 incurflon of the Romans into belgic Gaul divided into 

 three nations, all three of german origin, of german 

 manners, and of germari ftrength. The Rhine formed 

 its limits. On this fide the river dwelt the Belgi*, on 

 the other the Frillans, and the Batavi on the ifland 



* In that part of the low countries which now comprehends the 

 catholic Netherlands and the States-general. The Batavi, with 

 the Canniuefaters,. an inconsiderable people in connection with 

 them, inhabited a part of Holland, a part of modern Cleves, 

 Gueldres, Utrecht and OveryiTel j all the reft were Frifi. 



formed 



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