History of Protestantism in the Netherlands - James Aitken Wylie

for the war to be waged for these objects. Louis of
Nassau was one of the best soldiers of the age, and
had the cause as much at heart as the prince
himself. The count was successful in raising levies
in the north of Germany. The motto of his arms
was "The freedom of the nation and of
conscience," and blazoned on his banners were the
words "Victory or death."[1]
Besides the soldiers recruited in the north of
Germany by Count Louis, levies had been raised in
France and in the Duchy of Cleves, and it was
arranged that the liberating army should enter the
Netherlands at four points. One division was to
march from the south and enter by Artois; a second
was to descend along the Meuse from the east;
Count Louis was to attack on the north; and the
prince himself, at the head of the main body of
liberators, was to strike at the heart of the
Netherlands by occupying Brabant. The attacking
forces on the south and east were repulsed with
great slaughter; but the attack on the north under
Count Louis was signally successful.
265