192
TOUR THROUGH
the noblest sentiment which can inhabit the human breast — carried to a greater extent, or more sacredly adhered to, than by the brave Gueses[1] who severed the Provinces from the dominion of Spain, maintained their liberties against the gigantic forces of that monarchy, and by their courage, resolution, and wisdom, finally established in triumph the republic.
At Haerlem is an elegant museum of natural history, formed by Doctor Van Marum, to which strangers find an easy access. This cabinet is superior to any in Holland. It is arranged with much science and taste, and<references>
- ↑ This appellation, which signifies beggars, is reported to have originated thus. At an early period of the troubles in the Low-countries, five hundred patriots assembled in the court-yard of the palace at Brussels, to present a petition to the Duchess of Parma, natural daughter of Charles V. and at that time governante of the Netherlands, against the establishment of the inquisition. The princess, alarmed at the sight of so many men, demanded who they were, and one of the courtiers contemptuously replied, they were gueses, or beggars. The appellation was henceforward bestowed on the patriotic party by their enemies as a term of bitter reproach, and adopted by the friends of liberty as a title of glorious distinction.
