THE FANATIC. A Tale of the Netherlands. FREELY MODERNIZED FROM AN OLD DUTCH CHRONICLE. Talk of the grape, it maddens for a night, But when ambition rages in the brain, Or when the wits of giddy-headed men ODO OF BAYEUX. THE history of Belgium from about the middle to the close of the sixteenth century, records events of a still more stormy cast than those recently witnessed in that debateable section of Europe. It includes the details of a civil war that raged for upwards of forty years-a contest which, though distinguished by all the terrible characteristics of social strife, must be ever and dearly memorable for its happy effect in promoting the advances of liberty and knowledge. When Philip II. ascended the Spanish throne, the Netherlands were in a highly prosperous condition. The provinces, according to their ancient usages, enjoyed B |