CHAPTER II

The union of the Low Countries to Spain--The Italian suzerainty--The effects thereof--Etiquette of the House of Burgundy adopted in Spain--Ruy Gomez--Philip’s voyage--His unpopularity with Germans and Flemings--Fresh proposals for his marriage--The family compact for the imperial succession--Defection of Maurice of Saxony--War with France--Treaty of Passau--Defeat of the emperor at Metz.....20