Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1856-02-23
MISCELLANY.
EXECUTION OF EGMoNT AND
HOORNE.


The following extract from Prescoit's His
tory ef the Reign of King Phillip II, of Spain,
just Published by Phillips, Sampson g. Co.,
Boston, is perhaps the finest descriptive passage
in the great work
On the second of June, 1868, a body Of three
thousand men were ordered TO Gheni 10 escort
the Counts Egmont and Hoorne to Brussels.-
No resistance was offered, although the pres
ence Of the Spaniards caused great sensation
among the inhabitants Of the place, who too
well foreboded the fate of their beloved lord.
The uobles, each accompanied by two Off
GERS, we're put into separate chariois. They
were guarded BY twenty companies Of pikeman
and arquebusiers and detachment Of lancers,
among whom was body of the Dukes own
horse rode in the van, while another Of equal
strength protected the rear. Under this strong
escort they moved slowly towards Brussels
One night they halted at Dendermonde, and TO-
wards evening, on the fourth of the month, en-
tered the capital. As the marshal array defl-
ed through its streets, there was no one, how
ever stonthearted he might be, says an eye
witness, who could behold the funeral pomp Of
!
melancholy music without feeling of sickness
at his heart.
The prisoners were at once conducted TO the
Brodlbuys, or Bread house, usually known as
the Mdison du ROi-that venerable pile in the
market place of Brussels, still visited by every
traveller for its curious architecture, and yet
more as the last resting-place Of the Flemish
lords. Here they were lodged in separate rooms
small, dark. and uncomfortable, and scaniily
provided with furniture. Nearly the whole Of
the force which had escorted them to Brussels
any attempt at a rescue. But none was made;
and the night passed away without disturbance,
except what was occasioned by the sound of
busy workmen employed in constructing scaf-
fold for the scene Of execution on the following
day.
On the afternoon of the fourth, the duke Of
Alva had sent for Martin RiihOvius, bishop OF
Ypres, and, communicating TO him the sentence
of the nobles he requested the preate TO visit
the prisoners, acquaint them of their fate, and
prepare them for their execution on the follow
ing day. The bishop, an excellent man, and
the personal friend of Egmont, was astounded
by the tidings. He threw himself at Alva's
feet, imploring mercy for the prisoners, and il
he could not spare their lives, beseeching him
at least to giant them more time for preparation.
But Alva sternly rebuked the prelate, saying
that he had been summoned not to thwart the
execution of the law, but to console The prison.
, ers and enable them to die like Christians The
bishop, finding his entreaties useless, rose and
addressed himself to his melancholy mission.
Ii was near midnight when he entered Egg
mont's apartment where he found the poor no
bleman, whose strength had been already reduc'
ed by confinement, and who was wearied by the
fatigue of the journey, buried in slumber. II
is said that the two lords, when summoned iC
Brussels had INDUCED the vain hope that il wa;
TO inform them Of the conclusion of their trial
, and their acquital However this may be
I Egmont seems TO have been but ll.prepared fol
: the dreadful tdngs he received. He turned
> deadly pale as he listened to the bishop, and ex
claimed, with deep emotion, 1t is a terrible
sentence. Little did imagine that any offence
had committed against God or the king shoulC
merit such a punishment II is not death
fear. Death is the common lot Of all. But
: shrink from dishonor. Yet | may hope tha
5 my suiferings will so far expiaie my offences
that my innocent family will not be involved il
my ruin by the confscaion Of my property
This much, at least think ! may claim ii
consideration of my past services. Then, al
ter pause, he added, Since my death is tn
will of God and his Majesty, will try to NEE
it with patience. He asked the bishop If Their
f., were no hope. On being answered, Nom
whatever he resolved TO devote himself a
once 10 preparing for the solemn change.
D He rose from his couch and hastily dresse'