AFTER the King by way of Embassie had intreated the Prince of Transiluania to Chri­sten his Childe, the young Prince I meane borne, so au­spiciously in Prague about the end of December 1619. to the vnexpressable comfort of all the Kingdome, and confederate Prouinces: hee made a iourney to Proslaw, the principall towne of Silesia, the effect whereof tended to this purpose, that by his personall ap­pearance amongst them, he not onely corrobora­ted their good opinions of him, but rectified cer­taine disorders, and from that excellent diuision of Commutatiue and distributiue Iustice, ope­ned a larger hand of bountie to such as stood in need of his fauour, and shewed a stronger arme of Maiestie to those that neglected his power. But vnderstanding that the Transiluanians were alreadie on the way toward Prague, hee hasted [Page] thither; and by the middle of March was wel­commed with many happie relations of seuerall victories, both in opening the passages, and de­feating the Emperours armie; as if Philip of Ma­cedon should haue newes at an instant, that the Spartanes were subiugated: Olympia bare him a Sonne, and his seruants carried away the games of Hercules. So that to make him more way to his ioy, about the end of March, Count Henricus Turzo, with other Noble-men, in the name of Bethlem Gabor, came to bee God-father to the young Prince; there were diuers Lords of Hun­garie in his companie, and thirtie Hussaros, as they call them, exceedingly wel mounted, six Ca­roches, each of them drawne with sixe Horses, and an hundred horses besides, with good equi­page, and well appointed. Notwithstanding such was the pleasure of the King to keepe correspon­dencie with his owne magnificence, that he sent them twelue Coaches more, with diuers officers of the Crowne, among whom was principall the high great Steward the Baron of Lobcowitz, a man grateful vnto them, as hauing formerly been in Hungarie, and now of sufficiencie to put an e­quall recompence in the other scale against many fauours by them extended toward him: In this manner they came to the great Citie, and the ve­rie next day had audience, wherin as an ouer plus to their embassie, they assured his Maiestie, that about the 1. of May, which was the Diet of New­snak, [Page] the Crowne of Hungarie would be deter­mined, and those forces he had requested, accele­rated vnto him.

When the day of solemnitie approached, wherein I passe ouer the concourse of people, and many remarkable accidents tending to the expa­tiating the Bohemian glorie, his Maiestie sent his owne Caroch by the Baron of Buslwitz, the better to accommodate the Earle to the Court; and so the King, with Count Turzo, the Duke of Wittenbergh, and the Prince of Orange his Am­bassador, who were the other God-fathers, went to the Church with the Lords of the States of the Countrey, and the Ambassadors of the incor­porated Prouinces: Doctor Scultetus did preach, taking his Text out of the 15. of Iohn, I am the Vine: And when the Sermon was finished, o­ther religious ceremonies began, the yong Prince being brought into a place of sequestration, yet publique enough for the satisfaction of the people; by the greatest Ladie in the Land, called Ouerburgrauen, who supplied the place of God­mother; and had on her right hand, his Maiesties brother; and on her left, the Duke of Weymar: The Lords and Officers went before them, and the Ladies and Gentlewomen followed behind: At euerie entrie or change of places, the trumpets sounded, and the drummes beate, till they came vp to a stately marble table, whereon a bazon of Gold stood, seruing in steed of a Font to dip the [Page] Child in. The Count Turzo held him in his armes all the Christning time, and gaue him the name of Robert, as intimating, that the first Ro­man Emperor of his Maiesties Family was so cal­led; but questionlesse this was the direction of both the Councels, and a policie of the Prince of Transiluania, to induce the people to conceiue or apprehend, that there might once againe be Em­perours from their now Bohemian King.

After the Prince was named, he was deliuered to the rest of the Ambassadors there present; and so the deputies of the three States of the Crown, the Lords of Silesia, Morauia, the higher and lower Lusatia, with many other Ladies of estima­tion, had the sight of him by turnes, and blessed him extraordinarily euen in his cradle.

But time is the determiner of all things, and so in time, after some accomplishment of ceremonie, they returned in order as they came, except the King, and some speciall Lords and Ladies, who followed by themselues, making as it were ano­ther shew of State: but it should seeme the reason of the Kings protraction was to entertaine a pre­sent, which the Count Turzo offered at the going out of the Church, a verie faire and well shaped Turkish Horse, richly caparisond; the saddle and all things appertaining, were pounced with floures of Gold-smiths worke, interlaced with many precious Stones, the verie couering was richly embroydered; and the Horse, as if he had [Page] knowne his owne glorie, grew want only proud a­gaine, to shew his brauerie to the companie.

The royall dinner was solemnised in a great Hall builded on the Riuer for that purpose, some call it the Mew; some, Moldan; and some, Mol­dauia, as it maketh seuerall windings thorow the Cities. The Feast lasted so long, that that night they could doe no more, but retyre into a house of pleasure, scituated in the priuie Garden, and for this purpose made as it were to shew a new countenance with great varietie of refreshing, as guilding, painting, and vnvsuall pargetting: He's here. They passed the residue of the time with musicke, dances, and another banquet. The next day, the States of Bohemia presented a gift to the young Prince, of 2000. pounds in valuati­on, and the other Ambassadors and Lords offe­red verie largely: so that a man may well crie out of the warres, as a consumer of Treasure, and im­pouerisher of Kingdomes. For I am sure here was so great remonstrance of abundance, that a man would sweare they neyther wanted men, nor money.

To morrow is a preparation to celebrate the Baron of Donaws marriage, and the next day an expectation of a Tilting, and euerie day an inui­tation of iollitie. For in truth, they that saw the noble customes and princely iollity of King Fre­derick, his Queene, his Brother the Duke of Weymar, and the rest of the Lords and Ladies, [Page] (more then solemnitie of Prayers and giuing thankes vnto God) would little imagine, they had such intanglements of affaires abroad, or at any time discomforts at home.

I Haue receiued yours, wherein is contained the request of succour, propounded by the Ambassadour of the Emperour to our King: and hauing communicated it to those of our Na­tion, which are here (as I am,) I doe here repre­sent vnto you the iudgement which wee doe all make, of what may and ought to be answered, to those who are of opinion to yeeld the succour which is required, by an inueterate enemie to France, and to the House of our Kings, against the King Frederick of Bohemia, one of our anci­ent Allies, and one whose House hath deserued so well and so often of the House of our Kings and of France in generall.

Wee say then, that if these Inducers are not [Page] more Spanish then French, at the least they doe heauily offend against the Principles of our State by a grosse folly: by a remarkable basenesse, and by a manifest iniustice.

By folly, first in setting themselues against those who serue for a counterpoyse for the State of France, to balance it against a power so great, as is alreadie become fearefull to all the States of Christendome; particularly in this, that by the Instrumencie of the Iesuites, it pretendeth to be erected into a fift Monarchie, by the ruine of o­ther Kings and Princes.

The second follie were, to goe with such faci­litie to the succour of them, who in the life time of Henry the fourth, did refuse his interposition to accommodate the differences risen betweene certaine Princes of the Empire, allied and con­federated with France; one of the principall Of­ficers of the Emperour Rodulph, hauing dared to say, that the King should trouble himselfe with the affaires of his own State, and in the difference now in question, while it was yet in termes to bee accōmodated: my Lord the Duke of Neuers be­ing then at Vienna, and hauing charge from our King to offer his interposition, it was neglected and contemned. And now after the Turke hath refused to giue them succour, sued for at his gate foure seuerall times, they come to our King and State, against which they haue continually prac­tized, during these last fiftie yeares: which they [Page] haue deuided by ciuill warres, and thereunto cō ­tributed their armes and practises, and made vse of our miseries as farre forth as they could. This is far from taking hold vpon the occasion which is presented, as it were by the hand and conduct of God to regaine Cambray, Nauarre, and other Demesnes of France, vsurped by this House; and to take from them the means to vse the like cour­ses hereafter, and to ouercome the Allies of France.

The third folly, were out of meere iollitie to intangle our selues in a quarrell, to reestablish that which it seemes the will of God is, that it should not bee: whose workes doe appeare in the sudden consent of so many Nations, and the vnanimous cōciliation of so different inclinations, all swaying to cast off the yoke of a domination violent and cruell; and tending to the ouerthrow of all right, both diuine and humane.

The fourth folly were to drayne the reuen­nues of the King, to weaken him in Men, by the diminutions which such warres doe bring, and to reduce the harts of the French to the affection of that Stranger, from whose faction the prece­ding Kings haue had pain enough to diuert them, and into which they had beene throwne by wic­ked inducements.

The fifth were, in that our King taking a re­solution to beare his Armes against his Allies, in fauour of the common enemie, it might cause so [Page] great an hatred against him, that they might grow to accord with this enemie, thrust on by an indignation, which could not bee in this case but very forcible; ioyntly to turn their forces against the State of France, which they should find drai­ned of money, weakned in men, and no way pre­pared for such an inconuenience. Whereas the true Counsell of State were, when the Neigh­bours are in warre, to make a stock of money, to furnish the frontiers with men and munitions of warre, and to keepe our selues on our Gard more then euer.

So should it likewise be a great ingratitude and basenesse, to perswade a most Christian King, to render euill for good, to those Princes who haue so often, so readily, and so vsefully succoured him with Men, Armes, and Money, for which hee is yet indebted in sums of very great importance, employed for the conseruation of the House Royall and State of France, against the attempts and assaults of those, who are not now ashamed to demand succour against our Benefactors.

Herein likewise are they answered that would succour the Emperor vnder hand: for that which is naught being done openly, is not better by be­ing done in secret: and to commit a basenesse in secret, is as much as to commit a theft without witnesse. Besides, that it is vnworthy of the dignitie of our King, to counsell him to such actions which haue need to be concealed, and yet [Page] cannot be, being subiect to disaduow and reuoca­tion when hee shall bee required thereto by his Allies.

Finally, there should bee a great wickednesse in such a proceeding, and a great iniustice in the maine matter: for as to the first, who is it that can approue that one should runne vpon his friends, vpon the simple report of his enemies? Must not both the parties be heard, and haue leisure to in­forme the King of their actions, or if you will not belieue them, to send vnto the place to know the truth? And as for the maine cause, it will be found very good on the side of the Bohemians; For first, the Emperour Ferdinand was neuer chosen (neither could be) King of Bohemia; then when it is pretended that hee was chosen, hee was not chosen, because the States of Morauia, Silesia, and Lusatia, were not called vnto it, and the princi­pall persons of Bohemia had no voice in it: but this pretended Election was made by the sur­prize of certaine Pensioners of Spaine; who on the other side could not proceed to a new Electi­on, during the life of the Emperour, who was al­so King of Bohemia: for hee that liues hath no Heire.

But supposing the Election of Ferdinand, to be good, hauing after it, against his solemne Oath, violated the Lawes of his Countrey, endeuoured to abolish the Priuiledges, and so to make it of an electiue Kingdome, hereditary: failed in his faith [Page] and word giuen to the States of the Countrey, not to meddle with the gouernment during the life of the Emperour Matthias: exercised all kinds of violences and cruelties against the Inha­bitants; his domination being degenerated into Tyranny, those whose had right to elect him King, might reiect him, hauing rendred himselfe vnworthy.

Now against all these reasons, there are made fiue Obiections, to wit, that this war being made for the subiect of Religion, that the most Chri­stian King ought to vndertake it: that the Empe­rour Ferdinand is Vncle by the Mother to the Queene: that succour in distresse is a mutuall of­fice which Kings doe owe one to another: that the example of reuolt against the Prince ought to be repressed: and lastly, that it is to be doub­ted that the Turke may make his vse and bene­fit of these wars among the Christians his neigh­bours. As for the first it may bee remembred, that when the house of Austria did inuade France, they did sticke this calumnie vpon our Kings, that they were Heretikes or fauourers of Heretikes; And now to disunite them from their friends and ancient Allies, they doe coniure them by the protection of the Church of Rome, which from all antiquitie they haue che­rished, and peraduenture would not stick to tell the King, with Saint Gregorie the first Pope of that name, that the Kings of France doe alone [Page] deserue the name of Catholike, which doth not belong to any else.

But this pretext of Religion, is the ordinarie Maske of those who would ouerrunne such as are of a beliefe differing from them, and beg the as­sistance of them which are of their owne opini­on. This is that olde Cloke of two sides, which shewes on the one side the publike good of Chri­stendome, and sets forth on the other side, a fay­ned zeale of Religion, thorow which notwith­standing is nothing to be seene but ambition and hypocrisie.

It is question (say they) of Religion, but may not that bee preserued but vnder the Empire of Austria? Will you beleeue the accusers only? shall wee condemne our Allies without hearing them vpon this point? And if it were true, would not the Catholike inhabitants of the Countrey send to request the Kings assistance? And yet in this case were it fit to thinke of the matter. For since euery King and Soueraigne in his Territorie is not accountable of his admini­stration to his Neighbours, and that wee our selues would not approoue that others should come to controll vs in this point, wee ought to feare the example of such a proceeding in time to come.

Secondly, if you pronounce a iudgement that it is a warre of Religion, you giue leaue thereby to the greatest part of the Emperours Armie to [Page] depart home, who are Protestants of the Coun­tries of Stiria, Carinthia, Austria, &c. And you doe put the Duke of Saxe, and other Protestants out of doubt, who haue not hitherto taken this warre for other then a warre of State. Besides there doe follow two inconueniences.

First, that you doe taxe of desertion of the Ca­tholike Religion, those Princes and States Catho­like, who doe assist the King of Bohemia.

The second, that you doe alarme, deuide, and put into euill agreement the Subiects of this State, the inclinations of whom cannot be too wel vnited, for the repose of this Kingdome.

But to take away this Maske of Religion, you need but to consider the matter how it hath pas­sed: for at that instant that the Iesuites were dri­uen out of Bohemia, by the aduice of the Ca­tholikes themselues, all the other Orders of Priests and Religious persons, were receiued into the protection of the States of the Countrey. Since that, the King Frederick the first, both at the time of his Election and Coronation hath confirmed it, and hath moreouer published it in his Declaration: and lastly hath written it to our King by his Letter of the 20 of October last. By which it followeth that this feare cannot fall into the conceit of any, but such, as hauing no cer­tainly in their faith and word, doe iudge of others by their owne proceeding.

The second perswasion of the Partisans of the [Page] Emperour is to say, that he is Vnkle by the mo­ther to the Queene; but they leaue out that the alliance of State, doth extend farther then any personall alliance; as they could well say when it was contracted, that marriages were but parti­cular contracts, to take away all shadowes from diuers who did enter into ielousies at that time: and now they would haue it cleane contrary, that particular pactions should preiudice the publique right of State, so as it may serue for their pur­pose.

But when this alliance it selfe was in question, the stipulations, renunciations, and other clauses which they themselues caused to bee inserted, without any other occasion, then through the ie­lousie which they beare against the State of France, and the feare which they had that it might haue been augmented by this alliance, doe sufficiently exclude the Queene, particularly not to interest her selfe in the quarrells of State be­tweene these two houses.

The third obiection, is taken from the com­mon interest of Kings, and from the support which the afflicted doe request; which is a cleane contrarie Style from that which they did endite, during the warre of Piemont, during which they did pursue as criminals those who did assist the Duke of Sauoy, whose State the King of Spaine did inuade, without any more apparent subiect, then for the alliance which he had treated, with the late King Henrie the Fourth.

[Page]But these men doe now preach charitie for their owne profit, and yet doe they retaine Na­uarre, of which they spoyled one of the Kings Ancestors, who came to assist our King: nor will they yeeld vp the places which they vsurped du­ring the league which they stirred vp, & entertai­ned as long as they could.

But if this argument to succour the afflicted be good, were it not more to purpose to assist the King of Bohemia, whose Predecessors haue con­tracted alliance with our Kings, and haue assisted them with men and money against the League, and the house of the Emperour? who haue this word by writing, in many of his Letters; and the Acts and Registers of his owne Chamber of Ac­counts, for proofe of their good deeds, and good offices towards our Kings and their States?

Nor is it to any purpose here for them to al­ledge in the fourth place, the euill example of the reuolt of subiects against their Prince, who haue stirred vp and entertained the same amongst vs, and who doe now receiue by the diuine chastise­ment, and for a lawfull subiect, the experience in their owne Countries, of the disorders which they haue produced in the States of their neigh­bours. And, on the other part, the Bohemians, both in regard of what is said before, and of the reasons layd downe in their Declaration, are sufficiently iustified against this accusation.

Finally, To omit nothing which may carrie any speciousnesse with it, there is proposed the [Page] feare, lest the Turke may make vse of this diuisi­on. But on which side hath he beene alreadie in­uited, but by the Emperour Ferdinand? who hath not onely caused the King of Spaine to sue to him for peace, but hath caused his Ambassa­dour to make exceeding great instance foure seue­rall times to the great Lord at his gate, to giue him succour; which hauing beene refused him, he comes now to our King out of despaire of all o­ther assistance. But if this apprehension be seri­ously taken, it is that that should inuite the other Princes of Christendome, to leaue Bohemia in Peace, and to order the grieuances done vnto the Empire: and vs not to exasperate against France in all the allies, kindred, and friends of the King of Bohemia, who are neither so few, nor so weake, but that they ought to be taken into con­sideration.

See here Sir, What is our iudgement concer­ning this vndue request made of succour to our King, by his inueterated enemies, against the most certaine and vsefull allies of his House and Crowne. Wherein we esteeme that all his good and faithfull subiects will agree with vs, and that they will call to minde the meanes vpon which the State of France our common Countrey is founded, and hath subsisted for so many yeares: not to permit that a new Counsail, which among the Iesuites they call of Conscience, should not onely taxe all other Counsellers, as if they had no Conscience, but vnder this pretence doth ouer­throw [Page] all order, both diuine and humane. For (I pray) what would haue become of the State of France, during the warres of the League, when these Inducers of Counsels of Conscience did rage against our Kings, & did pursue their ruine? Let them remember that by such Counsels and Counsellers, there hath hitherto arriued all mis­fortune to those Princes, which haue hearkned to them, and beene serued by them. The King of Poland for his part could tell, how hee came to lose Swethland; so could the house of Austria it selfe speake of the Low-Countries, many yeares since; and that which is now to be seene in respect of the realmes of Bohemia, and Prouinces incor­porated, Hungarie and Austria. This is enough to cause other Princes to beware, at the least hence­forward. And I pray God, with all other good French-men, to giue our King the grace both to testifie in the view of all Christendome, which hath her eyes vpon him, the stedfastnesse of his word to his good friends and allies against their common enemie, for their protection, and the repose of his subiects: and his iust indignation a­gainst those who doe counsaile him to the contra­rie. I am,

CHristian, Elector of Saxonie, greeteth you happily: We receiued your Letters (most illustrious King) dated at Vienna the 27. of September of this yeare present. Wherein, ac­cording to your accustomed manner of friendly imparting your selfe vnto vs by Letters, you giue vs to vnderstand, that the happie euent of cheere­full homage yeelded vnto you by the States of Morauia, the twentieth of August, in the Citie of Prin; putting you in liuely hope of the like suc­cesse from the people of the lower Austria: you haue notwithstanding found the quite contrarie: that is to say, you finde, there is no pressing the States of this Countrie to any oath of fidelitie, be­fore their iust complaints be heard, and their anci­ent rites and priuiledges confirmed: although your Maiestie had many times promised to re­dresse their agrieuances, according to the equitie [Page] of their cause, as the custome in this case is. On which bare promise, the Inhabitants beyond the Ens would not relie, but perseuered constantly in the former resolution: And therfore you require, that wee would not giue credit to those which go about to settle some sinister opinion in our mind: but rather that we should perswade them to lay aside their obstinacie, and so to come vnder the o­bedience which they owe vnto you, with the sur­plusage of all that which is further comprehen­ded in the same Letters.

Your Maiestie certainely may be assured, that you are no waies deceiued in the good opinion you entertaine of our fidelitie towards you, in that from our first entrie made vpon the Elector­ship, we may confidently auerre, without any vaine boasting, that all our Counsels aimed at the preseruation of the greatnesse, reputation, and authoritie of the house of Austria, in maintaining the securitie thereof against all their enemies. And therefore we cannot without singular discontent­ment apprehend the discommoditie accrewing thereby to you, which daily augmenteth in eue­rie mans sight; and other affaires proceeding con­tinually with the same contrariety, seeme further to threaten you with worser successe.

And though it no waies beseemeth vs to pre­scribe you, vnlesse of an happie and fortunate reigne: notwithstanding, you manifesting daily the great amitie and confidence you repose in vs, [Page] we will not feare, to deliuer vnto you freely our opinion and aduice touching this matter, humbly intreating you to take it in good part: whereof we assure our selues, from your accustomed huma­nitie and clemencie.

And first of all, who knowes not how the house of Austria, hath hitherto beene eleuated aboue all other Princely Families vnder the sacred Empire? with how many seuerall dignities it hath beene augmented to euerie mans satisfaction and con­tentment, so that many persons, both of high and meane calling, haue voluntarily come vnder her tutelage and protection, being verie well entrea­ted, and with all wished clemencie?

But there is no man, how faint a louer of truth soeuer he be, which must not needs confesse, how your Family of long time hath met with no more violent aduersaries then the Court of Rome, and Sect of Iesuites, together with those that adhere vnto them, with their turbulent and immode­rate Counsels, which the States of the Empire, neither could nor can any wayes support. Your Serenitie otherwise conceiues, that no other rea­son mooued the so many goodly Prouinces of the Netherlands to shrinke from their hereditarie and naturall Lord, then these so intemperate and precipitant courses, which haue planted such irradicable defiance between Subiects and their Princes and Magistrates, that no Treaties can re­moue or supplant the same: As in verie truth, [Page] all those consulted Treaties could neuer con­firme those Estates in any setled peace. Further­more, what hath so extenuated and dishonoured so many renowned victories, obtained by the sa­cred Imperiall Maiestie against the Turke, as Bel­ioyeuse, by a secret instinct out of the Iesuites Schooles? For the common enemie being seated in the nauell or center as it were of Hungarie, with mightie forces both of horse & foot; at that verie instant it was, when fire was giuen to the most outragious persequutions: nay, and in so many seuerall places, that his said Imperall Maie­stie, by this means, lost Strigonium, Transiluania, Hungarie, Valachia, and Moldauia: the recouery of which Prouinces, cost our deare Germaine Countries many millions of men, and an infinite treasure in Gold and Siluer. During this cruell warre, these tumultuous people were not satisfi­ed, in partly dishonouring, and making fruitlesse the victories of his Imperiall Maiestie: and part­ly, opposing and crossing them; but the Iesuites further, by all manner of wicked stratagems, wit­tingly perseuered in their persequutions, in Ca­rinthia, Carmola, and Stiria, exposing the princi­pall Inhabitants of the said Prouinces to cruell Proscriptions, while the Turke, in the meane while, toooke in Camsa: For, what other cause was there, why the States of the Sacred Empire, after the last Dyet of Ratisbone, without any laudable effect, or any firme and mutuall recon­ciliation, [Page] separated themselues, but onely the Ie­suites and their importunities? who did nothing but exclaime, that the most pious Constitution of the peace of the Religion, was nothing but a meere delay, a truce, an Interim, or tolleration, scandalizing in this case, euen the Counsell of Trent; and this they divulged all ouer, in their writings. From which, and many other occasi­ons, superfluous here to write, many complots and practises being vndertaken, to the great pre­iudice of the house of Austria; your Highnesse may euidently discerne the truth of what we pro­duced; to wit, that your illustrious Family hath met with no more capitall and deadly enemies in all the world then the Court of Rome, the Iesu­ites and their Societie. I speake nothing of so many pernicious practises, and disastrous assaults, which the Iesuites haue attempted against other Kings and Monarkes in France, England, Poland, Sweden, Venice, and other places, without all remorse or shame; that if God had not euen by way of miracle, preuented their diabolicall des­signes, they had turned entire Kingdomes topsie turvie, whole Countries with their Inhabitants, and had reduced them for euer to a finall and absolute ruine. For wheresoeuer this Sect, or ra­ther insect kind of Creatures plant, they bring with them all manner of disasters and mi­series.

To conclude, if by their Counsells and insti­gations, [Page] which (I must tell you) are no wayes grounded vpon any true politike foundation: but rather as Spiders, wouen out of themselues, their venemous passions, and Scholasticall Dreames, they haue excited Subiects, yea, and the entyre Prouinces of some Princes, to mutinie and reuolt; they can create no new Inhabitants or Subiects, themselues flye away into Italy, or somewhere else, leauing behind them a mortife­rous stinke, and the Impressions of an horrible, and vast desolation.

But admit your Maiesty, may haue beene per­swaded by some, that you are in no sort tyed to ratifie and confirme vnto your Subiects their an­cient Rights, and Priuiledges; aboue others, those that concerne the free exercise and practice of the Confession of Auspurg, which were granted to the people by the Emperours of famous memo­rie, Ferdinand, and Maximilian, for no small summes of money: and therefore vpon no bene­ficiall tearmes, but those very burdensome and chargeable; wee are willing to excuse your Highnesse innocence herein, and naked sincerity: beleeuing rather that this was performed by the enemies formerly mentioned, who seeme to af­fect your Highnesse ouerthrow, and to depriue you of your Prouinces: exciting, and drawing eyther by malice, or grosse stupidity, the generall enemie of the Christian name, into the heart of the Countrey, who, without any great difficulty, [Page] is like to be Master of all these so renowned Re­gions, with whole Hungarie, the which (except present order bee taken to the contrarie) will bee enforced to come vnder the Turkish protection.

For your Serenity knowes, that both the one and other Austria haue now contracted a verie firme League with the Kingdome of Hungarie, and other Prouinces: so as if you grant not fa­uourable permissions to the one, as well as to the other, they being equally interessed in the cause of offence, by vertue of the Confederation, by you approou'd; the other parts will yeeld them ayde and succour. And though as Subiects, they are ready to expose their liues for their Soue­raigne, their bloud, yea, euen their second drops which is their goods, and prodigally to cast away whatsoeuer they haue in their power: yet what can be imagined more deplorable and miserable, then to racke and torment their soules by such an extraordinary, and seruile Tyranny? That same Apothegme of Stephen King of Poland, was very prayse-worthy; who talking of some persecutions begun in his Kingdome; said: That he was King ouer a people, but not of their con­sciences. It seemes this good King well appre­hended, that Religion was not to bee planted by the rigor of Fire and Sword: but leauing his sub­iects freely to build vpon that beleefe, by which they hope for eternall life, and no wayes herein disturbing them. And your famous Predeces­sors, [Page] Princes that were endued with admirable experience and wisdome, plainly perceiued, that those Princes of Germany and Estates of the Em­pire, which neuer gaue way to this oppression of conscience, haue beene wonderfully belou'd and obseru'd of their Subiects, for this only cause, en­ioying hereby a most happie Reigne, and tran­quillity.

Our deuotion therefore, towards your Illu­strious Family, being to euery one well knowne; and from whence this loyall & simple admoniti­on proceeds: your Serenitie hauing not the least surmise to thinke, that we were falsly aduertized by your Subiects: but on the contrarie let all the world duly obserue, what hearts they carrie to you, and your thrice Illustrious Family, that in­stigate you to these preposterous courses, which common experience, and the miserable euent of present affaires, sufficiently testifie. We therefore in all humble affection beseech your Maiestie, that conformable to the trust you repose in vs, hauing perused these Letters to take them in good part, and according to the Lawes, to the In­habitants both of the one and other Austria, ra­tifying those Priuiledges which they haue deare­ly bought, you will permit them the free exercise of the Confession of Ausburge, not putting hereafter their Consciences to the Rack. And so relying on this Confirmation, as a member, and Elector of the Sacred Empire, beyond all com­parison, [Page] we did more truely labour your owne, and the greatnes of your Family, then the whole bodie of the Iesuites, and their Followers; wher­of sufficient testimonie, hath beene giuen, during the sixteene yeares of this Hungarian warre, and that your Illustrious House, hath beene more sincerely by vs affected then euer it either hath, or will be, by this pestiferous Sect. Otherwise if you take this friendly aduertizement in good part, be sure your Subiects will yeeld you abso­lute obedience, neither sparing their liues, nor goods, in your seruice; no wayes doubting of their fidelitie, or of any effect that can ensue. By this meanes you shall purchase immortall glorie, and endlesse exaltations, both amongst Strangers and the Princes of the Empire, obtayning fur­ther from God all blessings both of bodie, and soule; and the same God will daily amplifie you with new dignities, and most wished euents. Con­trariwise, if you suffer the Iesuites and their Lo­custs, so to abuse your bountie and clemencie, (which will not sincke into our perswasion:) Let it suffice, that we innocently protest, that all our reiterated Admonitions aymed at no other end, but to preuent the House of Austria from those perils and dangers which threaten it: and any vn­expected accidents falling out to the contrarie, we are exempted herein from fault & blame. And thus in sincere equitie, we hope to be excused by God and Men: the which out of our affectionate [Page] loue and zeale, wee did not thinke good to con­ceale from your Highnesse.

Dated the 6. of Octob. 1608. at Dresden.

AT what time wee sate in Counsell with our Princes and Nobilitie, moued by the vrgent occasions of the renowned Kingdome of Hun­garie, I did at once receiue one answer from your Maiestie vnto both my Letters, sent by the Illu­strious Gentleman Stephen Haller; & as my Let­ters (occasions so requiring) were two, so ha­uing obtained an answere which agreeable to the weight of the affaires consisted of two parts, the matter was maturely deliberated by the Coun­sell: and perceiuing present danger in delay, I would not deferre to sollicite your Maiestie the more earnestly about the last declaration of your Highnesse gracious pleasure.

And whereas I perceiue your Maiestie doth simply and absolutely vnderstand my declarati­on of the truce, in this sense; that during the time of League no ayde may be sent by the Hungari­ans to the Bohemians, and the rest of their Con­federates: the retexing of which question will much illustrate both parts of the present answere: your Royall Maiestie may please to vnderstand the whole course of the matter in this sense and not otherwise.

In the Polonian Assembly there haue beene [Page] three contracts made with me only: and in those, many transactions (and that for diuers respects) confirmed.

First, Truce and Conditions of Peace with your Imperiall Maiestie.

Secondly, with the Bohemians and the other Confederate Prouinces.

Thirdly, with the Peeres and States of the Illustrions Kingdome of Hungarie.

And I confesse, that I seemed in the opinion of many so entangled by that parley (contrarie al­most and opposite in diuers passages vnto it selfe) that deserued and promised equitie could not possibly bee obserued towards both parties, but the one must either bee something neglected or iniuried by me; which so sinister conceit of mee that I may speedily remooue from the mindes of men (especially if your sacred Maiestie or Counsellors haue entertained it,) pleaseth it you to be informed of the certaine truth and diuerse conclusions.

The Hungarian Nation hath confirmed a per­petuall league with the Bohemians: and we haue promised mutually by oath to liue and dye toge­ther in withstanding all enemies: so as to make peace or warre with any, not aduertizing the o­ther, is vnlawfull for either part. This agreement and couenant betwixt vs tooke place, when by notice giuen them, and their consent, I ratified the peace which I now haue with your Maiestie. [Page] But since the second Article, I being silent, doth oblige your Maiestie expresly to grant the same peace vpon demand, to our Complices and Con­federates, the Bohemians and the other Prouin­ces, which you haue granted vs; and that your Maiestie is bound to harken after my motions, which doe but seeke that the cessation of Armes vpon iust and equall conditions, should bee on e­uery side granted; If I shall perceiue your Maie­stie to satisfie in no part this solemne protestati­on, but contrarily with renewed forces to sound the alarme and put your Souldiers in Armes to suppresse vs: if I obserue your Maiestie, as daily complaints informe, contrary to the hope and expectation of all good men, to swerue alreadie (which be farre from you) from this agreement; who can bee ignorant that my selfe is no longer, neither the Hungarian Nation obliged to you? Nay, if wee aide not without delay our friends, whose protection we vndertake, we shall vnwor­thily bee accused, by them of disloyaltie. I doe therefore abundantly satisfie the Bohemians and others, in soliciting your Maiestie for their truce like our owne: which, if I obtayne of you as due by couenant, or if I discerne their suspected and dangerous estate by vaine lingrings and delayes; neither your Maiestie, nor any other shall euer accuse mee or the Hungarian Nation of promise breaking, if wee finde our most bitter enemies, whom obligation tyed to league and peaceable­nesse. [Page] Wherefore your Maiestie is not otherwise to vnderstand my declaration of the truce placed expressely in the second Article, then the writing it selfe witnesseth; that this our league with the Bohemians is not, neither can bee made simply common, as if together at the same time and in all kindes of league wee were tyed to each other. Neither are they so neglected and forsaken of vs that there is no profit procured vnto them by our confederacie. Moreouer I requiring it, and fa­uouring iust and equall conditions, your Maiesty is by couenant bound to grant like truce vnto them as to vs; which if you doe not, we are no further to contend in the matter with words and pen. Let truth ouer sway all things. Since I labour and sweate now the third time in solliciting your Maiestie in our Confederates and Friends cause, and that with obtestation.

NOtwithstanding wee haue more diligently obserued in the ternarie request made to the Romane Emperour, on the behalfe of making League with the Confederates, how he constant­ly [Page] determineth: and though wee should expect his answere before our expedition of aide to the Confederate Lords, yet vnderstanding to our great griefe the hostile proceedings of Caesar and his partakers against them, wee thought by these presents with all friendly speed to signifie it vnto your Highnesse, desiring you would withdraw your forces, and not presently, and hand to hand conflicting with the enemie hazard your Armie vntill this present day, our succours which with deliberate counsell wee haue appointed for the Confederate Princes be ioyned with you. Yet in the interim, if Caesars Armies shall make excur­sion or spoyle in the Territories of Morauia, or Austria, or remouing his Tents shall pitch them in more fortified places, or shall seeme to hinder the meanes of procuring victuals and reliefe, wee deny because of the distance of place that you are to depart vntill the comming of our Forces: in the speedie furnishing & dispatching of whom we will vse on our parts all diligence, to the end their speedie arriuing may abundantly recom­pence delay. Which thing we thought fit not to conceale from your Illustrious Person: but re­commending vnto you our sincere endeuours, do wish the happie successe and fortune of these at­tempts.

WE vnderstand by both your Letters sent vnto vs, not only the vnfriendly but also hostile intentions of Caesar towards vs: not with­out great admiration and griefe. Which thing happening contrarie to our hope and opinion, he may not maruell if in deferring our aides lon­ger then necessity and our owne desires require, we prouide for our selues. For hauing made such League with Ferdinand, as hee was to grant the like vpon demand to our Friends and Confede­rates, it appeareth by the last Letters sent by Cae­sar, and also by the inclosed, in what manner wee haue sollicited and vrged the granting thereof in Caesars Court. Perceiuing therefore Caesars so manifest hostilitie, and the truce to be broken and violated by him, and that hee hath not satisfied the agrements betwixt vs and him, wee will con­uert by Gods helpe all our cogitations, studies & forces to the aide of our Confederates, neither will wee make delay in an office so necessarie. Of which things by our Secretary (or Gentleman V­sher) we would more fully signifie vnto you. And [Page] commending your Illustrious Lordship to the diuine protection, doe wish all felicitie against the common Enemie. Giuen in the free and king­ly Citie Cassouia, 16. March, 1620.

VVE doubt not but your Excellencie hath sufficiently vnderstood of the present troubles, and the successe of them in the Noble Kingdome of Hungary: but concerning their causes and proper Reasons, you haue not onely diuersly and indirectly bin informed, but also our opposers haue delated vnto you vnmeet and vn­true rumours concerning both our purposes and person. These we will in disdaine passe by as the Fictions and Comments of giddie braines, rather then discouer them with tedious ambages. Your Grace shall now receiue the true description of our designements. When as vnwittingly he pres­sed the person of the most sacred Emperour, and Kingly Maiestie of Ferdinand, because of the ancient persecution of our Orthodox and sound Religion, bearing it well in minde: So that [Page] the Gouernment and Administration of his Maiestie was not only suspected but grudged at by all his Subiects, the couered and lurking fire in their minds beganne first in Bohemia to flame forth. Which in the beginning they might easily and with Clemencie (if they had so pleased) according to wisedome and due office haue extinguished, ere it had proceeded to such com­bustion. But hauing now by many companies of people aggregated together from all the most re­mote parts of Europe, so ouer-spread and ouer-runne Bohemia & Morauia, that the Inhabitants were almost constrayned to surrender to the Ene­mie both life and goods, libertie and their Reli­gion; they threatned with like tumultuous Armes and Forces, to inuade and oppresse pre­sently, publikely and resolutely, Hungary and Transiluania, wee and the other Princes beeing vanquished and surprized. Wherefore the Mora­uians and Bohemians with the Austrians and o­ther Confederates, doe all of them protest vnto vs the perill of those ensuing warres, and intreate vs by the right of our ancient league to succour their afflicted and decaying State. Being therfore sollicited by so many Kingdomes, and compel­led by the authoritie of ancient league, we did (our condition so requiring) aide by counsell and approbation our Confederate friends: yet so as we determined neither to haue any forces of the Turke, neither to suppresse the Romane Catho­likes, [Page] or any other Religion, the Iesuiticall Facti­only excepted; but would maintayne the profes­sion of our Orthodoxe Faith, and free the liber­ties & impayred Estates of other Countries from violence and tyrannie. Wherefore our actions witnesse that our intention hath bin no other hi­therto▪ forasmuch as we haue confirmed a league with his Imperiall and Royall Maiestie in the Kingdome of Hungarie, so that hee would please after sufficient demand to grant the same Articles to the Bohemians & the other our confederates, which wee haue not ceased by our Letters and Ambassages to solicite: to the intent the ruines of the Kingdomes, and the streames of Christian bloud might be diuerted. Moreouer, that Armes laid aside, profitable intreaties and agreements might take place, and such broyles might cease▪ & peace bee obtayned by the attending of both parts to most iust and equal conditions. Our selues desire rather to manifest our wishes to deserue well and highly of all Christian Princes and Kingdomes by practice rather then by wordes and Letters. Amongst the which also attributing very much to your princely equanimitie in these troublesome times of Christian Kingdomes, doe commend with singular confidence our owne in­deuours, and our Confederates vnto you; the principall scope whereof, being no other then the establishing of peace & tranquillity, & the re­storing vnto liberty our Countries, Lawes, & Re­ligion, [Page] it is meet your Excellence do promote and further amongst those with whom you shall con­uerse, this so holy and commendable studie; and doe sincerely fauour the rights and equitie of our Confederates, and conceite vs most respectfull of you in all things. But if (which wee suppose not) his Imperiall Maiestie shall altogether deny to our Confederates the conditions of Peace being solemnely demanded, or (not vnderstanding first by way of peaceable in treaty the iust and equall cause of both parts) shall by his owne enterprise or by other conuert his power to the vtter ruine of those Kingdomes, wee cannot in any case so forsake our friends as not to shew our selues in­continently enemies vnto them whosoeuer shall so inuade them and breake the Truce. Which thing being vnfit to be done among Christians, so it behooueth your Highnesse to prouide for the concord of Christian Kingdomes rather then fa­uour wars and hostile enmities. Concerning all which we desire to know your Highnes pleasure and sentence. We doe wish vnto your Excellence vnfainedly all prosperitie. Giuen in our Towne, Rima Zombath, 29. Ianuary 1620.