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106 expedition to Cleves and the siege of Juliers. His experience in the Netherlands, where he had assisted at the sieges of Grave, Sluys and other places, had made him proficient in everything connected with fortification, and at Juliers he had plenty of opportunity of showing his skill as an engineer, and his ability as a commander. Writing to Lord Salisbury, Sir Ralph Winwood, the British ambassador at the Hague, who had himself visited the army investing Juliers, says, "I cannot sufficiently represent unto your Lordship his industry and diligence, and how by his example, to stir up watchfulness and care in others, he doth descend to the duty of a simple Captain. If anything be to be desired in him, it is this, that he would be more respectful of his person, which he doth often hazardously expose to danger; quem saepe transit casus aliquando invenit: his horse this week was killed under him by a shot of a culverin." Other writers bear witness to his activity, his reckless courage, and his power of inspiring enthusiasm in his men. The town surrendered on August 22nd, after five weeks' siege, and Winwood declared that though the honour belonged of right to Count Maurice, yet for his part he would attribute the successful outcome "to the diligence and judgment of Sir Edward Cecil."

For the next few years he passed much of his time at Court, where he stood high in the favour of the Prince of Wales, who sent him in May, 1612, as his proxy to stand sponsor to the child of