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The enemy professed unbounded confidence; Van den Berg not doubting that he should be relieved by Verdugo, and Verdugo being sure that Van den Berg would need no relief. The Portuguese veteran indeed was inclined to wonder at Maurice's presumption in attacking so impregnable a fortress. "If Coeworden does not hold," said he, "there is no place in the world that can hold."
On the night of the 6th of May, he broke up his camp and stole away in the darkness, without sound of drum or trumpet, leaving all his fortifications and burning all his huts. Thus had Maurice, after showing the world how strong places were to be reduced, given a striking exhibition of the manner in which they were to be saved. Coeworden, after thirty-one weeks' investment, was relieved.
Verdugo and Frederic van den Berg picked up a few cities, and strong places which had thrown off their allegiance September, to the king Auerzyl, Schlochteren, Winschoten, Wedde, Ootmarzum and invested the much more important town of Coeworden, which Maurice had so recently reduced to the authority of the Union.
Farnese, although nominally the governor, felt himself unequal to take the field against the vigorous young commander who was carrying everything before him in the north and east. Upon the Mansfelds was the responsibility for saving Steenwyk and Coeworden, and to the Mansfelds did Verdugo send piteously, but in vain, for efficient help.
To the inexpressible joy of the stadholder, the Genoese seemed suddenly struck with blindness. The prize was almost in his hands and he threw away all his advantages. Instead of darting at once upon Coeworden he paused for nearly a month, during which period he seemed intoxicated with a success so rapidly achieved, and especially with his adroitness in outwitting the great stadholder.
Maurice, giving profound thanks to God for his enemy's infatuation, passed by Lingen, and having now, with his cousin's reinforcements, a force of nine thousand foot and three thousand horse, threw himself into Coeworden, strengthened and garrisoned that vital fortress which Spinola would perhaps have taken as easily as he had done Lingen, made all the neighbouring positions secure, and then fell back towards Wesel on the Rhine, in order to watch his antagonist.
From the Death of William the Silent to the Twelve Year's Truce 1609 By John Lothrop Motley Return of Prince Maurice to the siege of Steenwyck Capitulation of the besieged Effects of the introduction of mining operations Maurice besieges Coeworden Verdugo attempts to relieve the city, but fails The city capitulates, and Prince Maurice retreats into winter quarters.
Prince Maurice lays siege to Gertruydenberg Advantages of the new system of warfare Progress of the besieging operations Superiority of Maurice's manoeuvres Adventure of Count Philip of Nassau Capitulation of Gertruydenberg Mutiny among the Spanish troops Attempt of Verdugo to retake Coeworden Suspicions of treason in the English garrison at Ostend Letter of Queen Elizabeth to Sir Edward Norris on the subject Second attempt on Coeworden Assault on Groningen by Maurice Second adventure of Philip of Nassau Narrow escape of Prince Maurice Surrender of Groningen Particulars of the siege Question of religious toleration Progress of the United Netherlands Condition of the "obedient" Netherlands Incompetency of Peter Mansfeld as Governor Archduke Ernest, the successor of Farnese Difficulties of his position His unpopularity Great achievements of the republicans Triumphal entry of Ernest into Brussels and Antwerp Magnificence of the spectacle Disaffection of the Spanish troops Great military rebellion Philip's proposal to destroy the English fleet His assassination plans Plot to poison Queen Elizabeth Conspiracies against Prince Maurice Futile attempts at negotiation Proposal of a marriage between Henry and the Infanta Secret mission from Henry to the King of Spain Special dispatch to England and the Staten Henry obtains further aid from Queen Elizabeth and the States Council Anxiety of the Protestant countries to bring about a war with Spain Aspect of affairs at the close of the year 1594.
Without letting the grass grow under his feet, Maurice now led his army from Steenwyck to Zwol and arrived on the 26th July before Coeworden. This place, very strong by art and still stronger by-nature, was the other key to all north Netherland Friesland, Groningen, and Drenthe.
On the 3rd of September Verdugo, with the whole force at his disposal, amounting to four thousand foot and eighteen hundred horse, was at the village of Emblichen, within a league of the besieged city. That night a peasant was captured with letters from Verdugo to the Governor of Coeworden, giving information that he intended to make an assault on the besiegers on the night of 6th-7th September.
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