£l8 DEFECTION OF THE NETHERLANDS 



Charles totally miffed of his aim in prefcnting his 

 fon to the Flemings. They would have found'his yoke 

 lefs galling afterwards, if he had never fer his foot in 

 their country. But his countenance told them what 

 they had to expect ; his entrance into Brufiels loft him 

 the affection of all. The emperor's amicable conde- 

 fcenfion to the people was now brought into contrail: 

 with the haughty aufterity of his fon. They had now 

 feen the creature from whom their fufferings were af- 

 terwards to proceed. The facred awe which conceal- 

 ment and diftance would have procured him, was dif- 

 fipated by his prefence. . He flood in their memories, 

 a man like themfelves, and a man of but fmall consi- 

 deration. In his vifage they had read the bafe defigns 

 upon their liberty which he was already revolving in 

 his breaft. They were prepared to find in him a tyrant, 

 and armed themfelves to meet him. 



The Netherlands were the firft throne from which 

 Charles the fifth defcended. In prefence of a folemn 

 affembly at Brufiels, he abfolved the general eftates 

 from their oath, and transferred them to king Philip, 

 his fon. Turning to him, he finifhed his addrefs by ' 

 faying? . " If my death had put you in poifeffion of 

 c< thefe countries, fuch a valuable domain would have 

 €C given me a high claim to your gratitude.* But now, 

 <c that I refign them to you of my voluntary choice, 

 <c as I anticipate my death that I may giye you the en- 

 * fi joyment of them : I now require of you that you 

 fC reckon up in your mind what you think you ftand 

 " indebted to me for the grant of this people. Other 

 u princes efteem themfelves happy, at being able to 

 " gratify their children with the crown which death 



