The entrance of Mazzarini, continued through the first years regency, of Anna Maria of Austria, Qu. Dowager of France, and mother of the present Monarch. Louis XIV. Wherein the principall causes of those revolutions, that have since happened in that kingdome, may be discovered — Entrance of Mazzarini. Part 2

The entrance of Mazzarini, continued through the first years regency, of Anna Maria of Austria, Qu. Dowager of France, and mother of the present Monarch. Louis XIV. Wherein the principall causes of those revolutions, that have since happened in that kingdome, may be discovered — Entrance of Mazzarini. Part 2

Table of contents

Title page

To the Reader.

The Second Part of the ENTRANCE of MAZZARINI.

Pos•scrip•.

ERRATA.

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THE ENTRANCE OF MAZZARINI, CONTINUED Through the first years REGENCY, of ANNA MARIA of AUSTRIA, Qu. Dowager of FRANCE, and Mother of the present Monarch. LOVIS XIV.

Wherein the principall causes of those Revolutions, that have since happened in that Kingdome, may be discovered.

OXFORD Printed by ANN LICHFIELD, Printer to the Vniversity, 1658.

To the Reader.

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ONce, since I exposed a former part of these relations, I thought rather, to have letten that go out of it selfe, which had gotten out into the light; then by adding more fuell to warme my selfe any longer at the censures of my owne kindling. But leisure and a long winter, joyn'd with the other incentives of my friends, made me light at last this end too; I doubt to wast before the Sun, and burne [Page] day-light, being only a divulger of things, that were before publick in other languages. And so, my only wisdome might have been, to have hidden my head in obscurity, while I left my body so obnoxious: but I love not to complement so far, as to furnish any one, with a reall argument against myselfe. I had rather have it thought, as it is in truth, that I am not meerely a Collectour out of any others, that have written in the same fashion, which no other has done hitherto: but I myselfe have made my own subject, and squar'd my designe out of whole quarries' [Page] without any injury to another man's wall. Though, I must confesse, I have not yet deserv'd to challenge so much credit to my self, without any other recommendation. But as the first is above my merit; so the second is too [...]verse to my proper inclination: And therefore, I appeale rather, to the favour of my fortune, which lies in the Candor of my Readers, and so take a long adieu of them, and of any the like adventures for the future.

The Second Part of the ENTRANCE of MAZZARINI.

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THe death of Lewis, surnamed the Iust, was no lesse to be counted immature in respect of his age, which was but of two and forty years; then of that of his Successor, which was but of foure and eight months: and of the interests of his Crowne, which, on other more accounts, were to look for most apparent and sure [Page] concussions. For his grand enemy the Spaniard, who before had beaten many waies to get a suspension of hostility, on expectation of this accident, and the consequences likely to ensue, did now confound the sent, and utterly refuse to be found again in the same tracks: but rather bent his whole sagacity and power to drive it to extremity. The dependents on the Crowne for it wonted powerfull aides particularly the Swedes and Catalonians were grievously stricken with th [...] sense of the same thing: and a [...] its allies became the colder i [...] their Treaties, by how much th [...] affaires were more important especially the States of Holla [...] would needs let the cord sli [...] which so lately held them in th [...] strictest league. Within the Kingdome, the Houses of Vendosm [...][Page]Guise, Espernon, Boüillon, and others of the more potent, pretended to high satisfactions, for the injuries that the late Government had left upon them. Nay, the Queen herselfe and Duke of Orleans, had matter of high displeasure against the creatures and alliances of the late Cardinall (which yet held the chiefe places of authority & dignity in France) from whom they had each endured a long persecution. The severall high Officers of State and Warre, that had been at pleasure deprived, exiled, confined. The Courts of Parliament, whose power had been in a great part exauctorated: and the people that had suffered so long▪ and miserable impositions to the maintenance of sundry great armies, and payment of vast pensions to forraine States and Princes might now [Page] combine severally to make a new settlement very tachy and untractable. What, that the Kin [...] left an empty Exchequer, and necessity for the same charges, i [...] not greater, to be still continued while the same occasions still remained in open and vast dominions, that were inviron'd on al [...] sides with potent enemies, and had no other walls, then Armies to defend them? What, that thi [...] defence was vaine without offen [...] ding, and this offending was either subject to great losses; or a [...] best, encreased those scattere [...] acquisitions, which drew th [...] blood from the heart to the extremities? This was the outwar [...] face of things, besides the mo [...] impenetrable difficulties, whic [...] a multitude of pretenders migh [...] occasion in the working of thei [...] interests. Let us therefore pursu [...] [Page] the winding of these torrents, and see how they may loose their eddinesse in the current of events.

On the day after the late Kings death, the Qu. Regent, accompanied by the young King, the Dukes of Anjou and Orleans, with the guards of foot and Horse, and a numerous throng of People came from St Germans into Paris, and went strait to dismount at the Louure: from whence the young King dispatched forthwith his Letters to the Parlement, wherein he imparted to them the death of the King his father, commanding them to continue in the exercise of their charges, and that he expected when they should come to make a new oath of fealty to him, without making any mention of the Queen Regent, who thereupon (if we may believe that such an action should [Page] be done without her cognisance, expressed her selfe to be dissatisfied as well as the Parlement, for that a new Oath was required of them against custome: but the fault was all laid upon the Ministers: and in Particular the Secretary de. Guenegaud bore some check for it, which, it may be thought, he did not feele much, as being not alone in it. The Parlement expected when the Queen should come to their Court, to take possession of the Regency. The Ministers of the Court when the Parliament should come thither in their Body, and Scarlet Robes, as they use when they march in Ceremony, or assemble themselves about the publick affaire [...] in the Kings presence) to doe obeisance to the King and Queen [...] But now (if ever) was a time t [...] stand on priviledge. Wherefor [...] [Page] the Parlement considering anoient customes, agreed only to send their Deputies thither in their blacks, the rather to elude the new Oath pretended to be offer'd them. These addressed themselves to their Majesties, assuring them of their Allegeance, and beseeching the King to come and sit on his bed of Justice (as the Royall Throne in the Parlement is there stiled.) In fine these Offices are accepted in the forme as they are rendred, and their request is granted.

But ere these Deputies part, the Duke of Orleans has other busines with them, which neither any scruple within his spirit, or gout within his shoe can hinder him from bringing. He acquaints them therefore that in the time of the King his Brother, he had brought to the Parlement a Declaration, [Page] and made semblance of approving it, that he might not be taxed with disobedience: but in truth that he judged that Declaratiō to be defective, & not observable: especially in that part which restraines the Authority of the Qu. Regent, to whose prudence he intended to be the first that should remit the sum of the Government, without whateever limitations: and tells them further, that the Prince of Condè was also of the same mind. Indeed they both knew how intimately the Queene might be grieved, that, contrary to former precedents, her Regency was so restrained and hamper'd by the King deceased, and therefore sought by the freeing of her interests to clear their own: for the same prescript forme of Government did equallize them (the First Princes [Page]of the Blood, notwithstanding their prerogatives in the custome of that Kingdome) with the other Councellors, and, it may be when accounts were cast, render them much inferiour: for if all results were to passe by plurality of votes, t'was easy to be ghessed, that the Card. Mazzarin, the Secretary de Chauigny, and the Chancellour Se [...]uier might joyne together for their common interest and sway all affaires at their owne pleasure. This was a notable stroke of the Princes, that looked like a generous action, and was received with good applause as most agreeable to the Government of France, which had ever been a pure Monarchy: but there was another fate in it, then they expected, though at first it seemed to run luckily.

On the Monday following, [Page] which was the 18th of May and fourth from the Kings death, the Qu. brought her Royall Pupill to place him in the Throne of Justice, and herselfe at his righthand; accompanied with the Duke of Orleans, the Princes of Condè and Conti, the Duke of Vendosme, and other the principall Peeres and Officers of the Kingdome, where the Yong King first broke up silence with these words Messicurs, I am come to see you to testify my affections to you. My Chancellor will tell you the rest. But first the Queen and Princes of the blood tooke their turnes, which may deserve some recitall. She exprest hersel [...]e thus;

My Lords and Gentlemen,

The death of my Lord the late King, although it has not at all surprised me, by reason of his long weaknesse, yet has it fild me with [Page] so much griefe, that hitherto I have been uncapable of comfort, or of councell: and although the affaires of the Kingdome should require a continuall application to suffice to all occasions both at home and abroad; my affliction has been so great, that it has put me beside the thinking what J were to doe, till to'ther day that your Deputies came to salute the King my Son and bring their protestations of Loyalty and Obedience to him, beseeching him to come and sit on his Throne of Justice, and take the place of his Ancestors, which act is considered as a marke of Royalty, which I were willing to doe this day to testify to this Company, that on all occasions I shall be well contented to serve my selfe of your Councells, praying you to give unto the King my Son and unto Me such as you shall judge in your Consciences [Page] to be most conducible to the good of the State.

Then the Duke of Orleans, resuming the Speech, addressed it to the Queen, remonstrating to her.

The satisfaction which all the Kingdome ought to have of her actions, as he had sufficiently signified to the Deputies of Parlement the last Saturday, when he told them that the whole honour of the Government was due not only to her Condition as Mother of the King; but also to her merit and virtue: and that the REGENCY being conferred on her by the order of the late King, and afterwards verified in Parlement in his presence, he did not desire any other part in affaires then what should please her to impart to him, not pretending to any vantage from whatsoever particular clause contained [Page] in the foresaid Declaration.

The Prince of Condè applauded the generosity of the Duke, adding withall, that it was not only profitable, but also necessary to the good government of the STATE, that the cheife authority should not be divided.

Then succeeded the Lord Chancellor, and after him Monsieur Talon, the King's Advocate, whose formall speeches cannot be brought into our lists, without breaking them. At last, the Chancellor, rising from his Seat goes to the Royall Throne, and Kneeling there expects the Kings opinion from the mouth of the Queen, who excused her Selfe, alledging that she had no other then the sense of the Parlement. Whereupon returning to hisSeat, and asking the opinion of the rest, the Duke of Orleans added, [Page] that the [...]auses inserted in the last declaration did always seem extraordinary unto him, and without example: Nor had he eve [...] subscribed to them, but for obedience, & not to contradict the King's will, though he ever thougt they could not be put in execution; and as he had, for his owne particular, quitted all pretensions in it; so now it was his judgment, that the whole authority should be committed to the Queen. The Pr. of Condè; and all the other Nobles, Officers, and Councellours concurred in this vote: and so the Chancellor (howsoever, one may conclude, against his mind) pronounced the arrest following.

The King sitting on his Throne of justice in the presence and with the councell of the Duke of Orleans his, Vncle of his cosins the Princes of [Page]Condè and of Conti, and of other Princes, Prelates, Peeres and Officers of the Crowne hath declared & doth declare the Queen his Mother, Regent of France, according to the will of the deceased King, his most honored Lord and Father, to have care of the education and nourture of his person, and the absolute, full, and entire administration of the affaires of his Kingdom during his Minority. His aforesaid Majesty doth also will and intend, that the Duke of Orleans his Vncle shall be Lieutenant Generall in all the provinces of the said Kingdome under the Authority of the said Regent; and that under the same Authority his foresaid Vncle shall be chiefe of his Councill, and in his absence his Cosin, the Prince of Condè, it resting in the will of the Queen to make choice of persons of worth and experience in such [Page] as she shall think fit, to debate in the said Councills, without being otherwise obliged to follow the plurality of voices, then she her selfe pleaseth. His aforesaid Majesty ordaines that this present arrest be read, published and registred in all Baily-wicks &c.

The Queen felt her selfe now well established; and the Card. Mazzarini with the Secretary de Chavigny expecting nothing lesse then to be licenced, or fall into worse disgraces were ready to demand retirement; when the Queen, pretending only as she expressed her selfe, not to depend on her Ministers, but the [...] on her, confirmed in the Councill all that had been nominated by the King her husband: and in particular (though the scope of the Parlement seemed to winde another way) treated the Cardinall with [Page] demonstrations of a singular estimation: whereby t'was soon left to be gathered, that she was no lesse jealous of saving her own power, by taking caution against the only sway of the Princes of the blood; then Lewis himselfe had been of his Childrens interest on that supposall. Yet besides these sheadded to her Council the Bishop of Beauvais, her grand Almoner, sending to Rome to get the red hat for him: and joyned himwith the Card. Mazzarin, and one F. Vincent Gen. of the Missionaries in the Council of Conscience for the distribution of benefices.

The season of the year was now advanced to a high Cam [...]gne; for the furthering whereof [...]owards Italy, we have heard already what overtures were made to those of Venice: But to [...]nforce this towards Flanders, 'tis [Page] now time to examine what issue the other treatyes with those of Holland might produce.

It came to a signing of articles by Ambassadors, and Commissioners on either part, dated March 30 1643. the tenor of which imported thus much.

That the King, & Lords-State shall set on foot an army of 18 or 20000, Foot, and 4500, o [...] 5000, Horse, which shall ente into Flanders the next May, if he that is Commander in cheife fo [...] the King of Spain doe not issu [...] sooner but in that case the King and the said States shall be ob [...] liged to set out their Armies bot [...] at the same time, on what soeve [...] side the enemy shall turne: That that of the Lords States shall atta [...] que some strong fortresse on the [...] side, and his Majesty on his: o [...] else give such diversion to the enemy, [Page] by striking into his Country, that may divide his forces and leave the Prince of Orange, by that meanes, the greater facility in gaining of his Enterprise. Yet, that if his Majesty intend but a simple diversion, that then he put himselfe into the field a fortnight before the said Prince. But if both resolve to attaque someplace that then they shall precisely issue on the same day.

The said Lords-States doe oblige themselves, by the 8th of Aprill, to equippe at their owne charges a fleet of 30 Vessells of warre provided with two, three, four, and five hundred boats to ply about the Coast of Calais to hinder the enemys passage into Flanders by Sea, and in case the Kings Army does attaque any place on the Coast of Flanders, the said 30 Vessells shall remaine [Page] on the same Coast, during the enterprise, to besiege it by Sea and helpe to the transportation of such victuall to the Kings Army, as shall be sent from France, or bought of them at a reasonable rate.

Moreover the said States do [...] faithfully promise to suffer the Kings forces to passe to and fro, upon the Rhine to Wesel, & upon the Meuse, to Maestrich, when they shall be requested, so it may not tend to the prejudice of their States.

They shall also keep their Army on foot, as long as the good of the common cause shal require, and the season of the year permit.

On these Conditions his Majesty was to ayde the Lords-State for this year with, a summe of one million, and two hundred thousand Livers to be faithfully expended [Page] by the said Lords, in the leuying and maintaining of such forces extraordinary, as were agreed on for this purpose, which payment should be made punctually at 3 termes, (viz) foure hundred thousand Livers at the ratifying of this treaty, four hundred thousand more, next Iuly, and the rest in October following.

Only the said Lords-States doe consent, that upon the said summe of one Million, and two hundred thousand Livers received, the pensions of the French Officers should be taken out, and paid according to the treaty of Iune 1630, and of Aprill 1634, whereby a summe of fifty thousand Livers, was rereserved to be distributed by the French Ambassadour to the French Officers.

Lastly, that this treaty shall no ways derogate from any former; [Page] but rather confirme them all in full force and vigor.

The stone was not rolled thus farre without great travell, but it soone recoiled, and got thereby a Crosse-byas, wedg'd in with such reasons, as will discover thēselves hereafter: But if ever t'were worth the cost of such pensions, so many yeares continued, to purchase the slowfooted aides of the H [...]ll [...]nd [...]rs, besides the proffers of afaire pa [...]tage, let them account (for me) whom it more concernes, what a [...] fit conditions for the English.

But in the Interim the Spanish forces, that are left hovering about the frontires of Picardie, are are no way negligent to gaine their advantages: to wch purpose they had sent before some part o [...] their Army, which they still augmented with new recruites (th [...] French corresponding with the [...] in the same manner) till Do [...][Page]Francesco di Melo a Portughese at that time Governor of the low Countryes for the King of Spain, arrived with the maine succours drawne from Luxenburg and the neigbouring Provinces making up in all an army of [...]ive and twenty thousand men effective.

This party was so highly satisfy'd with such a trust reposed in him, and so desirous to recommend himselfe by a brave discharge of it (so as they are commonly affected, that have no great pretensions besides their own merits) that he had multiplyed letters to the Court, and Councill of Warre at Madrid, communicating his intentions about the ordering of this Campagne, which were, not to attaque an [...] place, least he should endanger the crumbling of his Majestys forces in those parts against some rugged siege, but [Page] only to appear on the frontires of France, and be in a readines, when any alterations should happen there by the Kings death, to follow his advantage: or siding with some party, thatshould have recourse to him, make his entrancewithin the heart of that Kingdome, which might exceedingly enhance conditions at the opening of the treaty for a generall peace, that had been now some time in agitation, and Plenipotentiary's furnished on both sides. A designe, wherein he met with much applause, as [...]itted to the juncture of affaires then current. But he incurred the ordinary fate of such ambitions▪ as covet to overdoe their actions, though he had raised in himselfe, no lesse then others, a great expectation of his Conduct in this expedition, by his successe the yeare before at the battell of Honcourt.

[Page] On the ninth of May he musters his Troupes about Quesnoy, distributing among them some pay, and then leaves the Count of Fuensaldagn [...], Governor of [...]ambray with foure thousand foot, and two thousand horse, about those quarters to advance, as occasion should require; he himselfe marching with twelue thousand foot, and seven thousand horse towards La Capelle, where he made a shew of sitting downe: but rising on a sudden entred into Tei [...]asche, a Province that lies `twixt Picardie and Champagne, harrassing and burning the Country thereabouts (as if indeed his stroke pointed to the heart of France) while he sent the Count of [...]sembourg with a party of sixe thousand▪ foot, and two thousand horse to sit downe before Rocroy, a place so little, that one may thinke, it was not much [Page] suspected, being also so slenderly provided of a Garrison, that it had not above threee hundred foot in it, without horse: yet o [...] great importance, because from thence there is a ready way to Paris without the passing of any river, whereupon the rest of the Army soon arrived, and se [...]ting themselves to storm the fortresse, which was but of five Bulwark [...] not enskonced, but only warded by some halfe moones, within 3 days they carried four of these, the Governour [...]ussreville for scarcenesse of people being glad to draw his souldiers to secure the body of the place▪ yet in gaining one of them, the Cavalier Vis [...]o [...]ti a Noble Milarese in this service, lost about one hundred and fifty of his tertia, on which the Cannon from the towne charged with bagg's of small shot did great execution.

[Page] Some accuse the Generall in this place of too much confidence in his own forces with undue contempt of his enemy because, they say, he neither sufficiently intercepted all the advenues, whereby reliefe might come to the City nor yet tooke care to intrench himselfe, which had he beene a true Spaniard, he would not have omitted. It may be, he did it to be punctuall to his engaged designe of not besieging any place, nor thought this deserved the delaying of his army: but might be forthwith carried, and otherwise not so fit to be left upon his backe, when he should sweepe his way before him into Fran [...]e, which, as he thought had no army in a readynesse to counterpoise him, or once appear before the place distressed in any season to relieue it: But, if I may [Page] be as free to descant as other men peradventure Melo intended to reserue some masterpeece till he might shew it in the effect it selfe▪ if fortune had beene so favourable to his designes, as commonly those that have an ambition of glory mix'd with the love of their Master's service (as if they thought themselves in effect to be free, and not in reason [...]o be gaged, like meere Instruments, to the solitary ends of any other) doe affect to retayne always somwhat in their owne power, and discretion, by which they may upon occasion, shew themselves apart in some sufficiency of their own But these are not the least subject to miscarriages, whether for having too faire an hope in Contingencies, they aime at great things overhastily, and sauing their activity for such periods, become too perfunctory in the intermediate actions, whereby[Page]they should secure their progresse; whereas neither hope, nor proofe of fortune should make one sleight the least moments in the balance, and some successe should rather take us up from oscitancy, because the reason of all events is so variable: or else, for being inwardly puffed up, they are apt to bound over those occurrents, which they may leave to be stumbling blocks another time.

Yet to bring this siege to the better issue, and hinder any aides from that side, he sends order to Generall Bek to hold himselfe with a thousand foot, and two thousand horse on the frontires of Luxenborg, in assaulting a little Castle there, upon the Meuse, which might also secure any Conuoyes from the towne of Namur for the serving of his own Campe, and keep those forces in a readinesse to joine with him whensoever [Page] notice should be given.

The newes of this enterprise [...]ing brought to the Duke of Eng [...] en, a Captaine of two and twent [...] years old, the thē flower of Frenc [...] Galantrie, inspir'd his soule wi [...] no lesse joy in the hope of a ba [...]tell, then it would some other the certainty of a triumph rea [...] drest, and set before them: As the only Heroick love were t [...] of glory, and the only Cour [...]sh [...] this of danger.

He was then quartered wi [...] fourteene thousand men abo [...] Encre, a faire towne on the utmo [...] frontires towards Ar [...]ois, which was the directest way from [...] midst of [...]France to the midst Flanders: Incontinent he bea [...]s [...] rendevous to those troopes th [...] he had in a readynesse, and se [...] his march towards the Enemy, di [...]patching present orders to oth [...] [Page] two brigades commanded by the Marquis of Géures and Monsieur d' Espenan to joyne with him upon the way: which accordingly put in punctuall execution, he aduanced with an Army twenty thousand strong to deliver the place besieged, using diligence in his march, because he was resolu'd to engage the first that should impeach his proceeding. But when he was come within four Leagues of the City, he had intelligence that it was invested by all the Spanish forces, hard pressed, and driven from their outer fortifications, circumstances that would have turn'd, or whe [...] his blade beyond the edge, if it had not been good mettall, but being now brought almost to the point of ingagement, he foin'd with some suspence, to make thereby the better judgment of [Page] a passe which was to reach the heart of h [...]s enemy. The ardor of this Prince was happy in the symbolizing of his cheife Officers, but especially of the Mareschal de Gassion, whose pareil inclinations, heighth'ned with a lively industry, and long experience, (gotten in the discipline of the cheifest Master of the modern age, the great Gustavus) prompted his genius to the same affectations, and gained therewithall the heart of his Generall. Whereupon he sends him before with a thousand horse, to cast in some recruits into the place, and to discover the state of the Spanish Army, whether it were intrenched, or whether it advanced to meet the succours: Having well considered the fashion of the Leagure, for want of foote, he dismounted two hundred CaraCarabines [Page] and Firelocks committed to the guidance of the Sieur de S. Martin, and left them lurking in the hedges with an hundred horse to assist them, while he with the rest went to beat up the enemy's quarters, & fell on the guard of Cavalry which belonged unto Bucquoy: wherein though he found himselfe so unhappily encumbred in a marish ground, that he could not make so strong an impression as he intended; yet he did not faile of his whole designe▪ for this so sudden, and furious an Alarme to that quarter of the enemy made them run thither and leave an open field for the succours to enter into the City; which immediately infused such a new courage into the breasts of those defendants, that the fire which grew intense before, by being [...]traitned, did now enforce its passage [Page] sage with the more violence: [...] these considering the danger [...] approaches of the enemy, that [...] shouldered themselves under so [...] earth within a narrow ma [...] of their towne ditch, and th [...] their Sally [...] port being too r [...] mote, did leave them roome the [...] to dispose themselves at large, a [...] so to prepare an Assault witho [...] difficulty, tooke an hardy, and [...] pricious resolution to slide dow [...] by a rampire', with their Musk [...] betwixt their leggs, & their bac [...] staied on them; which as read [...] done, they hastned to storme the approach, and met so good succ [...] in it, that they presently clee [...] all that trench, and out in pe [...] those that guarded it.

The tempered discourse [...] Gassion when he came to gi [...] the Generall an account of [...] delegacy on this affaire, joyn [...] [Page] with so faire a proofe at the first commencement of the action, did secretly transport his mind with such a passion, as, you may thinke, one cannot describ or imagine, that cannot have the happinesse to feele somwhat like it: but t'was as the quintessence of some rich spirits, drop by drop, infused into his flames, which at first, with a kind of unsatiable covetize of hearing, drew the matter to the center, restraining his soule by excesse of pleasure to a narrow compasse so full of vigor, that it could not long containe its selfe from impatiency: and yet for fear, least betraying such a passion he might encounter some ungratefull contestation of his end with those by whom he was to atchieue it, he matures the calling of a Councill of War, before which, with the continency [Page] of a well-weigh'd Generall, h [...] puts the question to the board [...] what might be fit to doe in thi [...] juncture.

And first the Lieut. General [...] l' Hospital (if I may here use a priviledge by prescription, which I my selfe allow not in a profest Historian) deliver'd his mind in this manner.

Were it now a time to raise the first repute of the French nation, whose courage and prowesse is the most renowned of any other; or vindicate our own valor, which is not th [...] of new men, or of fresh Soldiers, from the obloquy of the world; [...] if we had to do with rude and barbarous enemies, as we have with those that are Competito [...] with us in military force and discipline, I should not utterly refuse this time for engagement, though under many disadvantages. But [Page] since our end is rather to uphold a reputation already gotten with the acquists that have attended it▪ & this may be done with honour, by a bare waiting on the enemie to straiten & incommodate him (which will be look't upon at this time as a mating and outbraving of him) and a battell can't be offer'd without apparent difficulties and most unequall hazzards, I thinke it may deserve some serious pondering, if not a plaine suspense of any further action at the present; unlesse such as I hinted before, or casting in some more succours, if need require, within the place, which if it serve but to defend it, and so defeat the Spaniards of their designe, it may suffice by it self to overthrow their army without any notable losse or hazzard; and this is as noble a way of overcomming, as the gaining of a [Page] field, and more Gaesarean: for he though he never refused to stand th [...] [...]ury of our untrained Ancestor [...] yet when he was to fight with Afra [...]nius or Pompey, men of the lik [...] expertnesse with himselfe, he studie [...] still to gaine by his conduct, & shif [...] a Battell to extremities. And if [...] can earne the victory, it matters no [...] so much whether it be by the strok [...] of fortune or the sithe of time; for it will be weighed rather by its consequence, then the first bruit of it [...] But if we venture a battell nowwithout necessity, in my opinion we shall but lay great oddes on an even wager; if (at least) I may call it even▪ while our enemies are more in number; and our superiours in artillery and ammunition: and what thoug [...] the issue of the battell should favo [...] our audacitie? What should we gai [...] besides the field? whereas if [...] should fall to loose it, as what endeavours [Page] of man can hinder the possibltities of the war?) we must inevitably expose our Countrey and [...]azzard the embroiling of it in all manner of confusions: for if his Majesty should now shortly yeeld to his languishing, wch is genarally feared, & this army, which othewise might serve to balance the peace of France, and keep the war without it should be overthrowen, I dare not imagine what might follow. Wherefore my advice at present is to temporize, rather thē engage further then we may draw our army off at our owne discretion.

Thus he spake and there were others of his opinion. But the glory, hope, and courage, which now had lighted a fire of emulation in the generous heart of Gassion were so incented by the sprinklings of these more cooler deliberations (as the most Heroicke spirits feele the influence of [Page] the sun upon their hearts, mor [...] then that other of the moon upo [...] their brains) that the difficulti [...] objected in this enterprise, mad [...] his vertue glow the more intensel [...] knowing that the merit would b [...] more precious by how much th [...] present exigency of the State wa [...] more sensible, the renoun mor [...] cleer & evident by the puissanc [...] of the enemy, & the victory not u [...] certain with that resolution, whic [...] he did not seem to himself to hav [...] put upon him, like an harnes, [...] to have inspir'd in him by the ge [...]nius of successe. Which drew a reply from him to this effect.

The succours, which have alread [...] been cast into this place, may we [...] serve to rouse the industry of our e [...]nemies, but not to secure it: and i [...] we will decline the Battell, we mus [...] incurre the hazzard of seeing it forced to our beards; or if we cast i [...] [Page] more supplies, divide our strength, and neither leave our selves in state to offer or refuse it. But in my opinion, since the enemie has [...] rich Country of his own behind him, & is now set down without a curtain before this hold, there is no other way remaining either to in [...]ommodate or oppose him, but offering combat, and obliging him to accept it; which now he sh [...]ws a freedome to: but if wee once let the occasion slip, will scarce be found so much at open guard again. For my part, I cannot count it safe to delay any time of impeaching the enemies design, nor agreeing wtih the reputation of our Armes, being thus near to forbeare of fronting him. Nor yet that more courage should be added to his present insolency, or any despondence to our own men, which the pride of the Spaniards, and our own diffidence must needs create in them. And [Page] therefore this is my advice and de [...]s [...]re, that we make all haste possibl [...] [...]o ciment with them.

So he left abruptly, thinking that in short speech there are quicker stings, a [...]d prompter resentmēts left in the hearers; which he found true with others; but especially with the Duke, whose native ardor arising from a French, a youthfull, and a Royal blood, sent such spirits to croud that passage unto reason which disswaded Fighting, and opened the Files to the contrary; that hardly any argument could gain access, which did not come with the sound of Trumpet, and beat of Drum to salute the General with hope of Victory. But as great Spirits have many wayes to palliate their designes accordi [...]g to others mens reasons, which of themselves would not serve them above the [Page] half way, so he, to shew himselfe the fitter Moderator, propounds a seeming middle way, but indeed a certain one, to engage de l' Hospital, and his other Field-Officers in a necessity of encountring. He tels them, hee would march the Army as farre as the Wood (for Rocroy stands upon a Green, environ'd on all sides with a wooddy place of tenne miles diameter) and there that they might be under shelter, and have it in their power to fight, or to doe otherwise, as they should see reason.

Which being the issue of that consultation, Gassion is againe dispatched to clear the way before their Army, and feize himself of such Posts as he should find convenient for disposing of the maine Body which was to follow after. Whereupon hee pusheth through [Page] few of the Enemies Guards, and enters into a Plain of a mile and halfs extent, that lyes between i [...] and the City, without any other opposition, or shew of being taken notice of, although the Spaniard [...] might easily have prevented him, if they had Marshalled there first, and guarded onely two Passes, which were so straight that neither hee, nor the rest of the Army could have advanced through them in any order: Or if they had faln on them while they were encumbred, have gotten a great victory. But this omission was imputed afterwards (as men are ingenious to find out faults for the unfortunate, and virtues for the prosperous) to an over weening fancy, which made them either ignorant, or negligent of the French motions, perswading themselves, that they du [...]st not bide a [Page] Battel, but onely assay the casting in some more reliefe; and it may be therefore fear'd to draw off at any distance from the place, lest the French Cavalry should find means to effectuate that design.

Gassion, being thus advanc'd to amuse the Enemy, and by accosting nearer to inure his own men to be more confident, and more familiar with danger, marches on with twelve Troops of Horse to goe and view the Huts of the Enemy, and what extent they occupyed, whereby hee soon perceiv'd, that General Melo, as if he sleighted this shew as a meer bravery, did but slowly rouse to put his people in Battalia, and therefore, as a safe time, dispatcheth notice to the Duke to hasten his advancement with the rest of the Army; who no lesse impatient of all delayes, was gone afore with a [Page] small party of Horse to pry and learn the site of the places thereabouts; but immediately upon this advice inorders the Marquis of Géures to march afore diligently with the Vantguard, to secure yet further the passage to the rest: But it was so troublesome, that afore the French Army could get well through, the Spanish was come up in set Squadrons ready to charge them, which made the Duke push his Van the more forward to get room, obliging the Spaniards to quit a certain eminency which they had first gotten.

The Captains that had been met in Melo's Praetorium to advise about the Battel were diversly inclined, particularly the Camp-Master General, the Count of Fontaines, a Souldier of fifty years experience, delivered this as his [Page] sence: That it would be the best way to guard their station onely til General Bek should arrive with his supplies of four thousand men more, but a few houres then distant, and at night to entrench themselves, that so the Enemy might not venture to come on till they were ready for them without apparent hazzard. But the Governour General, reputing himself to have already the over-powering of his Adversary, and the taking of opportunity by the forehand to be necessary to his proceedings, disposed himselfe rather to prepare for the Battel.

The two Armies being come within Musket-shot, saluted one another with loud out-cryes, casting their Hats in the air, and their Montiers in one anothers faces: And as if the manner of managing each Army had been debated in [Page] the same Council, and Fortune resolved to put them on even termes before the Combat, they both deferred the decision of the quarrel till the next day, beating as it were an alta by mutual agreement, and that (which the oldest Souldier did admire) with so much quiet on both sides (except that their Cannon began to parley before the evening, to the greater damage of the French, that were the worser furnished of Artillery) that a false Allarm did not passe all night between them. The Duke though he would faine anticipate Bek, yet could not come up to engage, because his left Wing had yet but a dangerous station among the Marshes. The same respect to Bek made the Governour entertain the same resolution, being herein, it may be, the more unhappy, that he neither [Page] entirely followed his owne inclination of buckling sooner while the French were encumber'd, nor yet the counsel of Fontaines, to entrench himself: but being still tenacious of his first conceipt, lest the French should get more succours to pass into the Town, he by night withdrew his Army nearer to it, and brought himselfe to want such roome as before he had commodious for him.

The Marshal de Gassion made a better use of the darknesse, to enlarge his right Wing (a stratagem which hee said hee had learned from his Master Gustav [...]) with which hee intended to assayl tha [...] of the Spaniards in the Flank, and 'twas observed, that hee did not herein fail of his judgement, but rather that it was a main stroke to the Victory.

[Page] In the meane time the Duke of Anguien, to shew how capable [...] young spirit may be of commanding virtues, rides about all nigh [...] with some of his [...]h [...]ef Officers to animate his Troops with his own life and presence; to acquaint them with the true reason why he did not leade them on to fight th [...] day before; not for any shadow of fear, or diffidence, unlesse in the untrustinesse of the ground, and promising to conduct them the next day to the head of their Enemyes. A thing that assured his Souldiers to him; endearing his courage to their affection, and their endeavours to his utmost service. But when the Armyes met again the next morning, that of the Spanish houted to the French with opprobrious language, the tydings of their King's death, which indeed the French Generals [Page] had received over night, with order (as 'twas reported) not to venture on a Battel; but they so prudently dissembled it, that this stratagem was deaded (like a Cannon shot in Wool-packs) by the incredulity of the Souldiers; and so now nothing else remained but the chocque it self.

The French Cavalry (in all six thousand, were dispos'd to either Wing, and interlaced with choice Musketiers to protect them; and the whole Army (except a Body of Reserve commanded by the Baron de Sirot, of about twelve hundred Horse) made a great Front, and so advanced with a just and steady pace against the Spanish Army, which had drawn it self up within an halfe miles distance nearer to the Town, in a readiness to receive them. But these in the marshalling of their [Page] Army were much disgusted by the setting of the Duke of Albuq [...]que, a young Gallant, privileged by his birth to bee a Grand [...] Spain, to command the Horse [...] prejudice of the Count of [...] quoy, an approved Captain, wh [...] was hereupon licensed to retire to his Government of Mons, leaving this charge to his Competitor.

The left Wing of the Frenc [...] Army being led by the Duke himself, who appeared all in Iron, except his head, whereon he [...]hose rather to wear his Hat and Plum [...] of white Feathers, begunne a terrible and furious Charge, which not availing to break the ranks o [...] the Spaniards right Wing, began to slake its first vigour, and being hardly prest to give back, not without disorder; the Lievetenant General de l' Hospital, and the [Page] Mareschal de la Fertè Seneterre being both wounded, and this latter taken prisoner, though after rescued; the Spaniards gaining on this side all their Cannon, which were some eight Peeces, disposed in the Front of this Wing; and the two Swisse Regiments with another of Picardy, placed in the spaces of these Squadrons, went to utter havock. But what the French lost in one place, they gained in another; for their right Wing under Gassion, comming to charge the left of the Austrians, being weak and not sustained by any Infantry, after a first and second violent recharging overbore them, the greatest part being cut in pieces, which struck such a terrour in a fresh Body of the Spanish Cavalry, that were advancing to their succour, that without one Pistol shot, or daring once fac [...] [Page] them (which some impute one [...]ly to their disgust) they retired in good order to their own Infan [...]try, but that could not save eithe [...] of them: for Gassion's men al [...] already flesh'd in carnage, pursue [...] so furiously, that after some ob [...]stinacy at last they overthre [...] them, making further lavish o [...] two Foot Squadrons, commanded by Don Antonio di Vellanda, and the Count di Vivalda, with th [...] death of these, and slaughter o [...] more than twenty Captains, and a thousand Souldiers.

This gave him leisure to attend their left wing, that reste [...] yet victorious: so that turning o [...] them in the rear while the Baro [...] of Sirot aduanced with his reserv [...] and the rallied fugitives, to charg [...] them in the front, they oblige [...] them to cease their pursuit, and look to their owne safety: bu [...] [Page] soon found themselves overpowred and put to flight, leaving the Cannon which they had taken to be reprised by the Conquerour.

Besides a few shattered Regiments, which Melo hardly drew off (being forced to cast away his Generalls baston to save himselfe) there remained nothing but 5 regiments of the Veteran Spanish, infantry, in the head whereof the Count of Fontaines made himselfe be placed in a chaire, because he was in fetters of the Gout, resolving to sacrifice their lives together for the expiating of their owne honour, and cancelling the disgrace of the rest of their army. They maintained their ground above 2 houres, having sustained 5 or 6 charges, as if they meant to hold it out till the whole dispute might be re-cōmenced, and force their fortune yet to step into the [Page] lighter balance, wherein the noble Count shew'd the excellency of his direction, and these their admirable addresse in the performance, till the eagernesse of an army just ready to touch the goal of victory, and importunely remora'd, especially the Switzers (raging for the losse they had sustained that day) bore so rudely on their Pikes, that at last they forced the remainders of them to crie forquarter. But their ground shew'd like the Skeleton of a battell, and the Carkasses lay so exactly in rank & file, wth such a Captain in the head of them, as might have Kindled emulation in the Generall, that he had not found the same bed of honour to lay himselfe in, but must returne to his Government to be shortly after outed; and in the mean while to hear him a native [...] most bitterly lamen [...] ted [Page] by the Flamands, and himselfe accused of al these disastres by his in-capacitie (which they objected) of such a charge as he sustained. And althoug he published severall writings (being yet a little more unhappy that none of these could fall into my hands to be inserted here in his favor) full of arguments, excusing his owne cond [...]ct; yet it could availe nothing to stop the common Vogue, which becomes deafe to all reason, where the event answers not their needs or passions.

The battel lasted 6 houres, & cost the Conquerors, as some account 2500 of their men; others but 1400. among which none of gre [...]t quality save the Count of Noailles, The Spaniards losse was reckoned at least 4000, some say 5000, among which above these b [...]fore mentioned was the Count of Is [...]mborg, [Page] and 7000 taken prisoners, with 20 peeces of Cannon, 170 Ensignes, 14 Cornets, 2 Banners and all their baggage and ammunition. Nor was the staffe of Melo a small embellishment to the other trophies, which (if you can but phancie it) was presented to the Duke of Anguien with this Heroicke Elogy.

Once, when the faire Charlotte did salute

The Chast Lucina for her tender fruit,

A shooting-starre did through the Cup conveigh

That part of heaven it had unto the boy:

And then how it had found it told to fame

Another center to revive its flame.

Then let not fame now higher soaring doubt

To sound what wonders in Anguien sprou [...]n;

Whose youthfull courage [...], like a lambent fire

Preyes o're those spirits which the world admire

In elder chiefes: the lightning of his rage

Dissolves their swords before they dare engage.

And while their tropheys, like an ivy-bind

Climbing by some old wall, at last do wind

In scan [...]y [...]wigges about their frosty eaves

[Page] (The goodly guerdon that their age receives)

His laurell on his temples over spredde

Doth in one triumph shew another budde.

Then take, brave son of beauty and of warre

These glittring spoises, the beamings of thy star,

And let this staffe, if it be placed so,

As that at Tralles, to a Palme-tree grow.

The newes of any victory is ever welcome, especially at Paris, where they are observed to be the greatest sympathizers with their fortunes of any others: but this was not only a flourish to take with vulgar spirits, but a stroke that made an exquisite harmony at the Louure, it being an early crisis to the REGENCY, and a symptome of convalescency: for it allay'd the boiling of discontented spirits, with drawing the fewell of their presumption, and giving them leisure to settle and evaporate: it raised the allies and confederats [Page] of the Crowne, that now desponding of the wonted vigor of the French conjunctions, were about to treat apart their interests with the house of Austria. Nor was it now a time to derogate from this exploit by questioning how advised, since anhigh valour & a like successe had approved it. But at the Court of Spain, the same messenger, which brought the newes of the death of Louis, by which they promised themselves so great advantages, brought also this of the ruine at Rocroy, wch quash'd all and made their hopes as jarringly recoile upon them, as curious wires that burst in over-winding and ravell upon their springs.

Yet neither these distasters, nor this hostilitie did abate any point of ceremony at that Court in solemnizing the exequialls of his M [...]j [...]stie [...] Brother in-law of France [Page] in his owne chappell, where the King and Queen and cheife nobilitie then present put themselves in ample traines of mourning, and had three solemne masses sung, the first celibrated by a Bishop, the second by an Arch-bishop, and the third by the Pope's Nuntio: and after that hard a patheticall oration deliver'd by the Confessor of the late Card, Infanta in the praise of Louis and his most Christian vertues, with the circumstances of his death, which mollified the hearts and drew tears from s [...]me of the Auditory, while he p [...]udently omitted and covered such passages, as might have turn'd the minds of the Spaniards. But let us take our [...]ongie here, and back again to the Court of France,

Where the King's Council employ their accurate deliberations about some orders to be issued for the [Page] best improvement of the victory: But the Cardinal's advice (which he presented in an excellent discourse on that subject) to set presently on Thionuille (a strong place in Luxenborg, which might protect the towne of Mets and the adjacent territory, assure the Mozelle with the communication betwixt France and the Elector of Triers, intercept the Spaniards commerce that way from the lower Palati [...]e, where they then ruled,) prevailed with the Qu. as a great enterprise, represented hopefull, and in case it should succeed, full of glory to her Government as what would shew it self an ent [...]e fruit of the present guidance o [...] affaires, without reference to any provision whatsoever, made in the former reigne. Where upon a speedy order is dispatched to the Duke of Anguien (who was then in prosecution of his victory, [Page] ravaging the enemies countrey, and sacking all places that were but weakly guarded) to hasten towards the siege of that place: but first to give the enemie a strong diversion by forcing them towards Brusselles, and so leave them to suspect any other thing, rather then this of Thionville: and another order was dispatched, at the same time, to the Marquis of Gévres to go forth-with with that body that he commanded in Champagne, to sit downe before it, which on his part was so well executed, and the City so surprised, that he secured all the advenues till the Dukes arrivall.

The unfortunate Melo, was using his utmost diligence to recruit an armie, wherewithall to oppose the French progresse, & draining some of his more remote Garrisons, whereof this was [Page] one, being then 2000 strong and 80 leagues distant from the French armie, to make up a strong body of Infantry, which were most endammaged in the late battell▪ but being again amused by the dubiousnesse of the enemies marching, he sends command to General Beck to flank them with 6000 men, and wait upon their motions: who now ghessing at the true designe, crossed the Meuse at Namur cutting thereby a nearer way to Thionville, and so had intercepted the Dukes march, but that the French had sent a flying army without baggage to clear the Coast before them, while the rest followed with the grosse artillery and ammunition: yet he so accosted them that before they could defend it, he put in a supplie of 800 men into the garrison.

The siege was oppos'd vigorously [Page] by frequent shots and Sallies almost two moneths. The Marquis of Gévres lost his life in it, The Duke at once had all his attendants wounded when he went to oversee a battery that was raising. Mons. d' Espenan was lightly wounded in the head, and Gasslon so grieuously, that the Queen despeeded the Count of Rantzau to supply his place, and the Card. presented him on that occasion with a paire of Barbes, and sixe other Coach-horses with a purse of a thousand sterlings: & there wanted no diligence to supply that army in this service. Some foot regiments were sent to recruit them out of Burgundy, of which one Italian of the Card▪ Mazzarini's & three other were raised a new to augment them under the names of the Queen and the Duke of Orleans, 500000 franks were sent to the [Page] Generall-Duke, besides a sum [...] from his father, the Pr. of Con [...] for his private expences. Th [...] besieged sustained the springi [...] of two mines, repulsed more assaults, made great slaughter, an [...] at last when they saw no hope [...] succour capitulated hard: but the Duke, to make a shorter work [...] with them, & let them know wha [...] favour, he was ready to grant to their valour caused his other Mine [...] to be shew'd to their Commissioners, & after gave them honorable articles, dated the 8th of Aug. 1643.

The Hollanders whose conjunction, according to the late treaty, was hitherto in vaine expected (and when there was most need of seconding the designes of their Confederates by some diversion, whether indeed they were jealous of the French successes, or nillingly induc't to comport with the [Page] Prince of Orange's desires, while they thought their owne interests not much ingaged) began now to be drawn by a sense of som advantage, and the Prince's indisposition of health (which as yet served for their excuse) being now well amended, he imbarqued his army on certain vessells to attempt the prise of Hulst: but finding the Spaniard [...] there too well provided, he had order from the States to attempt Sass van Gant, but herein also Melo prevented him, being ready with a good army to wait upon him, and so oblig'd him to retire to Assenden, where he found leisure to think of some stratagem to defray the honour and charges of his expedition, since 'twas now too late to acquit himselfe of either by force of armes.

Whereupon he sends his whole [Page] cavalry with 3000 foot to surpris [...] the quarters of Don Andrea Cantel [...] in the houses about Antwerp▪ an [...] the next morning puts a quantit [...] of his men in the habit of boor [...] comming early to the Marke [...] to seize themselves of a gate [...] the city: but the Spaniards haveing smelt the plot pelted th [...] first comers with their Musket [...] which giving warning to the other guards and notice to the enemy of their unsuspected discovery▪ they hastned their retrea [...] thoug not so fast, but the Spani [...]ards with Cantelmo [...], taking th [...] alarme, overtook some of them and encouraged thereby pursued with such eagernesse, that at last some of them fell on an ambush of the Hollanders, where Don Giovan [...] Borgia Lieut. Generall of the horse, with other Officers, remained Pris [...]ners, and Don Andrea was [Page] forced to returne with losse to his owne quarters.

This exploit suffic'd the Hollanders for this Campagne, & the Lords States found themselves so much aggrieved at the charges occasioned by the barkes that were at first imployed, that all the applications of the French Ambassador de la Tuillerie, could scarce prevaile with them from unseasonable reclaiming of their army to winter quarters, a thing which strangely disgusted the French Ministers, to see how little their confederates esteemed the common cause, while they loved so well their money, that sometimes they would receive it in nothing else but Franks of weight, which they might returne with most advantage in the species of their owne Countrey, And when they had received it against the [Page] common enemy, employ'd it rather to counter-balance their friends prosperity, as if they more desired to gage their progresse, through jealousy of the future, then advance their owne interest with present acquisitions. And these misprisions were the more augmented by their starting back from the articles already made with France, alleadging that the Queen being to pay them certain summes according to the treaty, which she could not doe but by authoritie of the young King, it should be necessary to renew the overtures of agreement, wherein though they did not shew themselves obstinate, but at last complyed with the French Ambassador in confirming the last treaty; yet they gave the Spaniards to observe their coldnesse, and thereby to move with them [Page] the more instantly, to sever themselves from the French interests, and treat apart their owne conditions of peace with the King of Spain: wherein they promised them the more fairely, to defeat the French designes towards the Munster treaty, as well as to divide their strength; nor failed of being well listned to, notwithstanding the great renitency of these their Allies.

And the Swedes in Germany, that ere while had been but ill satisfied of the French addresses on their side, to counter-batter the house of Austria (since both had agreed to distract the Emperor's forces by the sound and eccho of their mutuall diversions, so promoting one anothers pretentions to be urged in the treaty before mentioned) and being more diffident [Page] of any further vigor in th [...] designe to be expected from that crowne, since the late Cardinall, and the King, in whose perso [...] the totall correspondency in this affaire seemed to be involved▪ were unseasonably taken off, and a new Government to succeed, whose abilitie, at such a juncture▪ they were no lesse to suspect, then their affection, and indeed t'was thought the Queen's conscience would have laboured hard with this doubt, join'd with a passion towards her owne house (if a Church [...]man had not stood by her chaire of state with a ready hand to assist her) began now to think apart of their owne interests, and what conditions to make for themselves without regard to their late Confederacy: but assoone as the Cardinals letters were imparted to them by the Chancellor Oxenstiern, assuring [Page] them of the constant applications of that crowne to prosecute, as much as ever, their common designes till the generall peace: it quite restored their former confidence with resolution to persist in this issue, as was before agreed. Nor had they any reason or affection to manage their alliance so leiger-handedly as the Hollanders (to whom the Cardinal's letters of the like importance were yet so acceptable, that they sent copies of them to every good towne & house throughout their states: and no lesse, though it may be not expressed in the same fashion, were his others to the Prince of Orange, the Dutchesse of Savoy, the Lady Lantgrave Van Hessen, the King of Portugal, and the Catalonians) but to wish as well as might be to the French progresse in weakning the house of Austri [...], [Page] while they themselves were there by enabled, together with the be [...]nefit of their pay and the Germ [...] booty, to exact their owne adva [...]tages.

But as the blood comes of [...]ner to the heart before it ma [...] an entire circulation; so the cur [...]rent of our discourse must back [...] againe to Paris, to consider the in [...]ner state of France, before it ca [...] arrive in Italy, or in Catalonia.

We remember what graceswe [...] before granted by the late King [...] and how the new Governmen [...] did enlarge them; insomuch tha [...] the Queens bounty did almost amount to a generall indemnity▪ yet with obligation to come and justify themselves in Parlement, which occasioned some difficulty in stating the greater cases.

And first the Duke of Esper [...]o [...] ▪ having fled into England in his [Page] fathers life time (where the King conferred the garter on him) to avoide the persecutions of the late Card. imputing the losse at Fontarabie to his account, presented, with his petition, a protestation of nullitie to the sentence denounc'd against him without any legall processe, and with out much difficulty was re-admitted to enjoy his estate with the Government of Guie [...]ne, wherewithall the Count of Harcourt, a noble cient of the Guisards, had been gratifi'd in his absence, and in lieu thereof is now recompenced with the charge of Gran Escuyer (or Mr. of the horse) & a pension of 10000 Crownes a year from the King's exchequer.

The Duke of Guise (who before his elder Brother died at Florence) was destined to the, church, and invested with the Archbishopricke [Page] of Reims, the Abbacy of S. De [...] and 500000 liures rent in bene [...]ces, whereof he was deprived, the late Card. (because engaged [...] a promise of marriage) fou [...] more favour yet in the proe [...] of his restitution: for whereas [...] Council were ready to grant [...] reparation by the usuall forme [...] abolition, the Card. Mazzar [...] represented to her Majesty [...] great aversation the old Dutche [...] had conceived against that for [...] desiring only a simple declaratio [...] innocency (wherein her aime [...] at recovering the Ecclesiastic [...] promotions, and all in one act [...] which though her Majesty grac [...]ously condescended to; yet it [...] with many difficulties in the Par [...]lement, which, pleading their le [...]gall sentence given against [...] Duke, pronounced an arrest, ob [...]liging him to take an abolit [...]o [...] [Page] [...]hich at last the Duke, to avoide [...] further tediousnesse was will [...]g to accept; and so had it rati [...]d in Parlement, while the instan [...] of the Pr. of Conde & Card. Maz [...]ri [...]i sufficed towards the Queen [...] Council to remit also his form [...] benefices to his dispoall. Yet the [...]ke was now married to an other [...]dy at Brusselles (where he retired [...] Richelieu's displeasure, & dealt [...]ith the Spaniards there for the [...]ount of Soissons) then her that be [...]re he had promised, though at his [...]turne into France he left her too, [...] sued afterwards for a divorce.

The Duke of Boüillon's case [...]ust be driven somewhat higher [...] get a true intelligence of it. [...]is name is Frederick Maurice de lae [...], son of Henry de la Tour [...] of Boüillon, Prince of Sedan, [...]count of Turenne &c. and of [...]lisabeth of Nassau daughter of [Page] William Prince of Orange, and [...] the Marshall de Turenne for his on [...] Brother. His Ancestors were und [...] the clientele of France, and [...] father premier Mareschal when [...] died: But the present Duke, ha [...]ving made himselfe a Catholick [...] some time before; joyn'd in leag [...] [...]irst with the Count of Soisso [...] and after that with the Marq [...] of Cinq Marcs against the crowne [...] (though he then commanded [...] forces of France in Italy) an [...] being in both oppressed, he [...] constrained to purchase his [...] and liberty by putting his sove [...]rainty of Sedan with the adjace [...] domaine in the King of France [...] power. But now he hoped if [...] to re-enter on his estates by th [...] interest of the house of Orange, [...] favour of the Duke of Orlean [...] whom formerly he had engaged▪ or his alliance with the Princ [...] [Page] [...] Cond [...], (which was somewhat [...], by marriage of one of his [...]ters to the Duke of Trimoüille [...] Prince's Cosin Germain) where [...] the reason of state made strong [...]ainst him: yet, at least, as a Sove [...]igne Prince by birth and title, [...] obtain a worthy recompense, [...]nd an high ranke in France, with [...]he title of Prince and Princesse [...] himselfe and Dutchesse, where [...] he made much instance, and [...]ound the other Dukes and Peers of France no lesse averse to it.

Whereupon he chose rather, then [...] hearken to other recompences [...]ropounded to him, to retire to his [...]state of Turenne in the Province of Gascony, which giving jealousy [...] the Qu. she sent again to him [...] come and finish the affaire a [...]out Sedan, which he pretended [...] satisfy; but insted thereof with [...]ew privately into Italy, where he [Page] sojourned 3 years, and at last was glad to returne into France, accepting the same recompence that was before proffer'd to him, whic [...] was the Dutchy of Auuergne (with a summe of money)

The Duke of Vendos [...]e, a naturall son of Henry the 4 by the Dutchesse of Beaufort, having mar [...]ried Frances, only daughter of Philip Emanuel of Lorraine Duke o [...] Mercoeur, by whom he had two sons, the eldest bearing title o [...] Duke of Mercoeur, and the younger of Beaufort, was with these hi [...] sons, the principall of those th [...] were ingratiated and freed from the imputation of Mons. le Grands conspiracie, which as readily made way for him to all his forme [...] rights and privileges besides the Government of Bretagne, whereunto because he had some pretence of property by the said marage, [Page] the late Card, tooke advantage to dispossess him: as he had dealt with the former Duke of Guise, who claiming some right to the County of Provence, as descended from Renè of Aniou, King of Sicilie, and Count of Provence (who left this estate to Lewis XI. in prejudice of the Princes of the house Lorrain, whereof himselfe was the next to the first, that now enjoye'd the absolute right and title to that Soverainty) and herewithall the Admiralty of the Levant sea, he first disseizeth him of this Government, and then procures from the King a Declaration to suppresse the charge of Admiral, and instead thereof to erect that of Grand-Master, chiefe, and Surintendant Generall of the Navigation, and commerce of France, which he got to be invested in his owne person, and left by his will [Page] to his Nephew the Duke of Fron [...]sac.

And because in the Duke's absence, the Mareschal de la Meilleraye, by the favour of Richelie [...] (whose mother being the Marshall's fathers sister made them Cousin germains) and of the Government of Brest in Bretag [...] (which accruing to him by the Duke of Brissac's daughter, render'd it convenient to entrust the Lieutenancy of the whole province to his charge) did supply insted of Governour, the Duke employes his utmost interest to recover that dignity wherein Beaufo [...] casting an evill eye on Meilleraye, affected so much passion, th [...] it drew the court almost into parties. This occasion'd some overtures to compremize this differe [...]ce with a profer to the Duke of Ven [...]sme of the Governmen [...] [Page] of Champagne in lieu of the other, and the charge of Grand Escuyer (then not disposed) to the Duke of Beaufort to quiet him: but nothing would satisfie at that time but a restitution, which dash'd all further treating, and left disturbed spirits, to agitate the animosities of Beaufort, as it soone appeared.

But in the mean while an accident that befell the Secretary de Chavigny somwhat like that other which broke over Noyers, if the Cardinall Mazzarini had not lent an hand at last to alleviate it, may entertain our contemplation with some other variety. Monsieur Bouthiller having had a faire time of offices and employments, was now willing to abate somewhat in the use of his fortunes and quit the charge which he enjoyed, of Sur-intendant of the finances to [Page] the Queens disposall, hoping that this action might reflect the more favour upon his son, the Count of Chavigny, but she immediately conferred it on Mousieur le Bailleul, and Mons. d' Avaux to exercise it joyntly; and whether indeed the Queen resenting that unpala [...]able forme of message, which the Count brought with the Kings declaration (according to which, notwithstanding, she had confirmed him in her Council) intended to chastise him with the veirges of Royall eyes, or he having priviledge to sit in Council covered, did frie (as we say) in his own grease by the dayly kindlingof his conceipt, that he was not had in answerable regard or estimation: in [...]ine, he was so much perplexed, that he could not refrain to ease his mind in the breast of his Confessor; who thereupon preaching [Page] to him of the vanitie of all wordly happinesse, or Court [...]favour, concluded with an exhortation to him to think of another way of employing his devoirs, for the good of Christendome, by promoting of the generall peace, and insted of that office of Secretary of the King's commandments, to apply himself to become a Plenipotentiary of the Crowne, at the Munster treaty. Which done, this Father (Amelot of the order of the Orators) informes the Countesse of Brienne, what thoughts and resolutions were working in the mind of the Secretary de Chavigny, who being a Lady of high descent, & of a present and subtle spirit, applauded these his purposes, advising the Father to keep him still intent upon them. And a while after this, she sends in hast for the Priest again, and then delivers [Page] to him, under the seale of secrecy, this intelligence, which she said she had heard herselfe in the Queens Cabinet, from her owne mouth, that the Qu. intended to remove the secretary de Chavigny frō his place, & therefore out of good affection, to prevent any such unhandsome accident, she had took that care to get a timely meeting with him (the said father) that by his meanes some notice of it might be conveighed to the Count to make his best advantage of it. Nor were these tidings any sooner trilled in his eare, but they found a ready credence, and as soone imported his passion with the fear of such a slurre, the doubt of removal from all other publick managements, and loosing the emolument (which they use in France with Royall priviledge) of his decession, so that hastening to [Page] the Cardinal, he importunes the favour of him, to obtaine a licence for him from the Queen, to deposit his charge of Secretary, and he omitted no argument to diswade him: yet (not prevailing) would not faile to satisfie his desires, but accordingly procures a liberty for him to transferre his office to the Count of Brienne, re-imbursing himself of the charges, that he pretended.

But afore this businesse was well ac [...]complished, Chavigny had bethought himselfe better, and altering his resolution, employed his principall friends, and in particular the Duke of Bellegarde towards the Duke of Orleans, to help restore him to his former station. But the Queen answered, that she could not so disparage herselfe and government by admitting an imputation of feminine inconstancy, [Page] that he demised his charge, although to the Count of Brien [...]e, against her will, and now that he had the grant of it, she would not hear of any retractation, yet she condescended, at the instance of the Cardinall, to salve his Honour, in the nominating of him for one of her Plenipotentiaryes for the generall peace, which did a little palliate the reputation of his discretion, from the piercing aire of court-talke, that being a person of spirit & policie, he should be so trepan'd between a Priest & a woman.

A sleighter cause then, this did almost occasion a great embroilement; for one night when the Dutchesse of Montbazon had revells at her house, she caused one of her waiting Gentlewomen to take up two love-letters, that fell from the Marquis of Coligny, a Cosin & a confident of the Duke of [Page] Anguyen, and so consequently of his sister the Dutchesse of Longueville, and thence conveighing them to her owne chamber▪ had them read before many Gentlemen perswading them, that that Lady had directed them to the Marquis (which was thought to be of envy, because she had a picque at this (which was the [...]d) mar [...]iage of the Duke of Longueville.) The Princesse of Condè having newes of this, is presently shod with Mercury, and away she hastens to the Queen, to require justice for this injury, while the Dutches demands the producing of these supposed letters▪ to be confronted with others of [...]her own, only the Husband shewes to sleight these passages; but the rest of the house of Condè gave to know, if the Queen did not right them, that they would fasten some affront on that Dutchesse, whose [Page] Husband the Duke of Montbazon▪ [...] (having some ailiance by the marriage of one of his daughters, by a former venter, to the Duke of Chevre [...]se) with the family of the Guisardes, had these engaged therefore to protect his house from any disgrace whatsoever, And among these, Beaufort would needs be the principall. The Queen commits the cementing of this rupture to the Cardinall's politenesse, and he, as the best means to procure it, perswades the Q [...] to invite both parties with their relations, and some persons of high quality, to her owne appartment, and there with the traine and the intruders, were about 500 persons attending on this occasion▪ The Princesse of Conde exprest herselfe [...]irst.

That since her Majesty had signified her pleasure to her, that for the[Page]benefit of the crowne and her proper satisfaction, she desired to see the differences composed betwixt her house and the Dutchesse of Montbazon, she was most willing to condescend thereunto, since for her Majestyes pleasure and the welfare of the Kingdome she was to sacrifice her life and honour. But the Dutchesse of Montbazon, (having laid aside her mourning for that day, and richly cloa [...]h'd herselfe with her hair, her eyes & her black patches, set to her gallant humour) came close up to the Princesse, and after mutuall salutations began to read a billet tied to her Fan in these precise termes. I come to protest to ye, that I am—where the Princesse interrupted her, saying to the Cardinall—see, s [...]ee knowes not whom she speakes to, but the Dutchesse not at all moved proceeds, Madam, I am come hitherto [Page]protest to you, that I am most innocent of the basenesse, wherewithall I am charged, there being no person of h [...]nour, that can affirme such a calumny: and if I had committed any fault in this sort, I should submit readily to any penalty, that her Majesty should appoint me, nor should I ever appear in the sight of the world, without having askt you pardon. And I beseech you to beleeve, that I shall not at any time faile in that respect which I owe, and that conceipt which I have of the virtue and merit of Madam de Longueville. To which again the Princesse answered, Madam, I axcept readily of the assurance, which you give me of having no share in the slander divulged, referring all to the Command which the Queen has herein laid upon me. Which thus ended, the Lady of Montbazon turned to the Princesse and after a short discourse, tooke [Page] her leave, with the like haughtines, as she shewed at her first entrance.

And it soone appeared, that these greifes were but sleightly skinned; for a while after when the Queen was invited by the Dutchesse of Chevreuse to a banquet, in her garden, she would have had the Princesse to have gone in with her; but she refusing to come where the Dutchesse of Montbazon was, her Majesty sent courteously to the said Dutchesse, to desire her, that she would be pleased to withdraw herselfe, wherin when she discover'd a great reluctancy, the Queen herselfe withdrew, much altered, and gave order forthwith to the secretary de Guenega ud, to intimate to her in her name, that she abstain from Court: and she indeed expecting nothing lesse, prevented that order; retiring to her place [Page] at Rochefort, about some 30 miles from Paris: but thither 'tis sent after her, that she doe not stirre from thence without precise order from her Majesty.

This gave pretences to the Duke of Beaufort to get some blades about him: especially since 'twas commonly said in Paris, that the Marquis of Coligny being now on his returne from the Campe at Thionville, intended to retort some iujuryon of Madam Montbazon for the blemish wherewithall she had asperst him. Nor was that common rumour of a vaine surmise [...] for as soone as the Marquis was arrived, he sent a challenge to the Duke of Guise, as the chiefe of all that justifi'd that Ladyes quarrel, wherein he fell twice wounded to the ground and was permitted by the like generosity of the Duke, which scorn'd at first to serve it [Page] self of the prerogative of his title and quality, to rise again. But yet at last, though the Duke had received a sleight wound in his right shoulder, he buckled a gain so strictly with his defier, that he forc't him to part with his sword, and aske his life of him, though it could not much availe him, for (God not being so intreated) he died shortly after of the hurts received in this encounter.

The Count of Chavigny was now providing for his journey, & whether it were for a faire diversion, or for curiosity to see some of his choicer utensills, especially a couple of stately court-cupboards of white and gilt plate, or rather intended by the Queen and Card. as an Honour to him, Her Majesty came to entertain herself with the said Count at the Castle of Boisde Vincennes, whereof he was the Governour; [Page] but in the middle of this treatment arrives Beaufort, discovering (as 'twas surmised) a notable alteration in his countenance, when he mist the Cardinal there, to whom he was become diffident, and towards whom he had an ill eye, as the obstacle of his designes, while certain Cavaliers, suspected to be set by him to kill his Eminency, scouted in little parties about the Wood, leaving strange apprehensions of their designe. And this notice was brough [...] to the Cardinall, with such an Eccho, as if the Duke, having failed to to find him there, was coming to surprise him in his owne palace: whereupon he hasted to recover himselfe in the Louure, where the principall of the Court came to congratulate with him, for the danger that he had escaped, and next day the Duke was arrested [Page] in the Queens name, by the Captaine of her guards, and sent to the same Castle as a Prisoner, and the Cardinall had the like guard allowed for his person, as his predecessor had before. But this perswaded him to procure the detaining of Chavigny, as a necessary friend to have about him, and in his stead to send Monsieur de Servient with instructions for the treaty.

The discovery of a plot gives great advantage, and just plea to any Potentate, that was the object of it, to secure himselfe more and root deeper; Mazzarin found occasion by this meanes to move the Queen to prevent all dissentions, that might be fomented in her Council, that so she might become the better fortified about her heart, to resist those qualmes, which might annoy her in civill [Page] broiles such as alwayes use to infest the Minority of the French Kings, and such as did already discover some sad prognosticks to he [...] Regency. Which so prevailed with her Majesty, that she dismissed the Bishops of Beauvais (of whom we have before made mention) and of Lisieux from sitting any longer in her councils▪ bringing in, in their steads, th [...] Lord Chancellor and the Pen [...] tentiary of Nostredame in Paris, consenting likewise to bid som [...] withdrawing to those that we [...] suspected of disaffection, or had [...] ill character in the former reign [...] ▪

The Duke of Vendosuse with hi [...] son, the Duke of Mercoeur, were also set a distance from the court o [...] city of Paris, and the former by some rumours that were spred becoming more suspicious, was cited to his defence, and soldien [Page] sent to arrest him, but he made [...]cape first to Geneva, and thence into Italy; from whence how he since returned, and had the Go [...]ernment of Provence, with the of [...]ce of Grand Master &c. that is [...] lieu of High Admirall, and the survivall of this charge to his son the Duke of Beaufort, given to con [...]ent him, cannot fall within mycir [...]t, any more then the following Honours of the Duke of Mercoeur and his marriage to one of the Cardinau's nieces, it being a great [...] in policie towards a friendship to be a potent enemy, and their amitie being commonly more de [...]ired that have power, and will, to doe us mischiefe, then those that have both to do us good.

The stroke, which imminent danger can inflict, was no where else so green and tender as in Catatalonia, [Page] since the enemies, that the feared were more potent neighbours, which had lately been the [...] Masters, and the aide of France, that they now relyed on, was more on a nominall subjection then any reall dependance (these not having any bridle put into their hands, whereby to hinder the Catalonians, at their pleasure to reconcile themselves with Spain, and help to drive out them their adopted Guardians) Therefore the more care was requisite, to exhib [...] tokens of good affection to these people, since it was by this only correspondence, that the interest of the one could be preserved, and the hearts of the other surmount their owne Despondences.

Nor did the Spaniards pretermit any due application of their designes to the Catalans: for [Page] whilest the imminent death of the late King was under expectation, the King of Spain in person, which since the time of Charles the fift has been somewhat rare, advanced to Saragoça to foment some revolting from his enemies and adde the more vigor to his forces that way, as well as to encourage those of Arragon and Valencia, who being next neigbours, & sometimes dangerously touched by the near nesse of the fire, had shewed themselves very forward in raising men for his Majestie's service, without pleading of their priviledges, as they us'd too scrupulouslyon other occasions: but finding these efforts of theirs the worse seconded, by how much they did their part the better, began now to speak out their discontentments. Yet neither the newes of that King's approaching, or of this Kings death, [Page] the writings scattered in Barcelon [...], exhorting them to returne to the open armes of their true and naturall Lord, while they were now freed, before any new allegeance should come to be tenderd them; nor the downefall of Olivarez, who served for a former pretence to their defectiō, could any way alter the aversion of these people from the yoke of Castile, as they shewed openly by practising the same ceremonies, at the death of the French King, which before they used for that of the Spanish, [...] some exceedings in the sumpt [...] ousnesse, which was interpreted as an owning of his successor to be their Lord.

The French ministers were no lesse diligent to support their hopes of wonted succour, and qualifie their other jealousies, and because they could not dissemble [Page] their suspected unprovidednesle to issue in Campagne by reason of these accidents, they endeavour [...]d to shew the more courage with those they had; and sent a strong partie to wast the county of Rivagerça (a vale sprinkled with good [...]ownes within the Kingdome of [...]rragon) which therewithall took and pillaged the towne and castle of Estadiglia, a place of 1000 houses, and within 3 leagues of Monçon, which it might well serve to protect in the French hands, and so defend the ground which they had gained within that Kingdome.

But his Majesty of Spain forth [...] with issues orders from Saragoca to D. Filippo di Silva, to goe and beset that place, quitting the designe of Balaguer, as too too hazzardous, it being hard to get any ill disaster recruited there a little [Page] good successe at first promising fairely to accumulate in its progresse. Whereupon, according to appointment, the Marquesse of Mortara issues out of Fraga, with a body of 2500 horse towards Lerida, a place whereof the French were most jealous, to carry their sollicitude that way, and otherwise to pay themselves by surprising some of their enemys in the quarters thereabouts, which taking effect, as it was designed, among the rest some 50 Catalans were taken prisoners, which expecting no other but the punishment of Rebells, were freely dismissed by the Marquis, saying, that His King did not make warre against his subjects, but against his Enemeies. This allarme sounded high at Barcelona, where the Vice-roy, for want of expected supplies out of France, not being [Page] ready to put himselfe into the field with forces able to wage his enemie, was fain to hear his amorous pastimes objected to him, while the countrey was in imminent danger: and they again from him, their backwardnesse at such a time, to lend their assistance towards the paying of his armie, whereby he got from them a summe of 50000 Crownes, and then put himselfe on the way to Lerida, to provide for its securitie and that of Flix, which two he most feared. And once, when he went out with a party to cleer the Coast, he fell foule on a greater number of the enemy: and, being by nature bold and froward was trap't in the middle of them, his followers routed, and himself a prisoner for an hour or two, till at last espying where a few of his guard were coming to relieve him [Page] having been by good fortune unknown that while, he spurred towards them, and by the fleetnesse of his horse recover'd Liberty.

Silva had by this time cover'd his back before Monçon, not having above 5000 foot, and 600 horse with him, because there was not forrage to be had for a greater number; but he had quartered near at hand other 3000, and 1500 more to dispatch on any necessary expedition, whensoever the French should attempt to succour it, while the king himself did valiantly appoint, at Sarogoça, an hundred Masses to be celebrated every day, for the happy successe of his Armes abroad.

The Vice-roy was sufficiently rous'd with this newes: But what should he do? He sends to Barcelona for 500 musketiers, and they send 1000 and order the posse Principatûs, [Page] the whole Militia of the Country to attend him, wherein those of his Dutchy of Cardona vied to be the forwardest, and with these directly marches to the trenches of the Spaniards, provoking them to battle: but he returnes answer, that first he would have Monçon, and after not refuse the combat. Wherefore finding that he could not force them, he retired with his forces backe to Lerida, and shortly after to Barcelona, to their great disgust there, and the Governour of Monçon was left to make his owne conditions, as he did very honorably: and this exploit (which made way for that of Lerida the next year) sufficed the Spaniards for this Campagne, returning to their winter Quarters, and the King with this Trophy to his court at Madrid.

In our way from hence to Italy we [Page] meet with an insurrection of certain peasants against the exacters of the taxes▪ whereof one or two Ringleaders being taken and carried to Villa Franca, they were presently followed to the gates of the city, by about 10000 of them, with apeece of ordnance, demanding, with their fellowes, the Intendent of justice, who had caused them to be arrested: but the Mareschal de Schomberg with a few troopes out of Languedoc did soone suppresse these, as the Marquis of Aumont did some others, more menacing, in Poictou and Xantongne, with a few Regiments which he had in a readynesse there.

The state of Milan having now a new governor sent them out of Flanders, the Marquisse of Vellada, (the rather for having been an in [Page] timate friend of Prince Thomas, when they served the King of Spain together there, he might be the more proper to reduce him to his old devotion) might have hoped for some new favour from their fortune, as usually happens at such junctures, if before he saw himselfe duely placed in his charge, he had not seen his enemie successefull in the field by the taking of Villanuova d' Asti (a place which bridled Asti, the only prise which the French had made the last Campagne in lieu of the Tortona) and now at liberty to employ their entire forces with the Savoyards on some other enterprise.

And first they attempted Alessandria, securing all the advenues about the place with about 8000 foot, and 4000 horse excepting only one quarter reserved for the [Page] Marquis of Ville, who was now ready to returne thither from Villanuoua, with 2000 foot more: but the Spaniards took that nicke of time to reinforce that garrison, though before well enough provided (but that the Prince trusted somewhat to his intelligence with in it) with 1000 more both horse and foot, which obliged them to give over that designe, as not feasible. so that now it returned to the Council what exploit to try next, Valenza was most in their eye, but their forces scarce sufficient, because to straiten that they should be held to maintaine their siege in two quarters on the opposite banks of Po; and Breme, though a noble prize, was too strongly fortified. Wherefore the result fell on Trino, a place that might be more commodiously invested a and being neare their [Page] friends, might better subsist there with their armie, and free them from the ordinary annoiances, which the Spaniards turned on them from that Hold: yet neither could they now wind their march with such traines though they divided and went about; as to seduce their enemy: or prevent his putting in 200 dragoones, and Cuirassiers the same night that they came to blocke it, making up in all a garrison of 1500 foot, and 300 horse, under the command of the Baron of Vatteville their Governour.

While the Prince, with his Brother Maurice of Savoy, and the Vicount (now Marshal) of Turenne, employed themselves in this Siege, they appointed Monsieur de Couunges, Governour of Casale, with a part of that garrison, and other levies made about the Country [Page] adjacent to take in Camin a little Castle which might serve to secure any convoys of victuall from Casale to the campe, which happily ensued, giving commodity to the Siegers to ply it close abouea moneths, (when those within having stoutly maintain'd themselves so long, & now no longer able to repaire or man their breaches) were forced to capitulate. The new Governor was advanced with a part of his army between Novara and Oleggio, to cut off the French designes of seizing any Post besides the river Tesin: but they, having wel refresh't their soldiers, wheele about to Pontestura, a fortresse lying upon the Po betwixt Casale and Trino, where the Marquis (since also Marshal) of Plessi [...]-Praslin form'd the siege (Pr. Thomas and Turenne being both out of health) while the Marquis of Ville lay on t' other side of the [Page] river to hinder any succours. The garrison had 800 foot in it without horse, and were not waning to their owne defence, till they themselves did accidentally set fire to a mine of their enemies which blew up the miner and two other workmen: but made such abreach upon themselves, as forced them also to accept of conditions. The Governour had no remedy but to secure the places that were yet in danger, wherein he used great diligence; such as great regret and hope in the future would excite in him: & he French accounting themselves well appaied for this Campagne, retir'd to their winter Quarters.

But while the feud of eitheir nation employes its force of armes on the skirts of Italy, it holds their reciprocall art and interest in no lesse exercise to gain authority in the heart of it, by bearing away the honour of Mediation betwixt [Page] the Pope, and the League above-mentioned. And however among the infinite revolutions that every age produceth, there remaines but little record to posterity; save only where a lavish sword does engrave its owne tracke in indelible characters; yet in those emergents, which have gnaw'd their passage by the teeth of time, and travell through the joints of severall coalescent fortunes, there are left (though in lighter mould) more curious signatures of humane passions to be observed.

When this quarrell first began, and the French to intercede in it, the Cardinall of Richeli [...]u was at the helme, and he in a bad opinion with the Pope: so that after the breach of the treaty at Castel-G [...] orgio, the French & Ecclesiasticks did recriminate one another, and [Page] the Pope charged Richelieu and his instrument de Lionne, to study rather to imbroile all things, then to pacify: and he every where declaimed against the Barberini, and wrote in his owne defence against the Cardinall Spada, who had been the Popes Plenipotentialy at that treaty. But when the cardinall Mazzarini was come to the Goverment: the Pope and the Barberini consider'd him as a great confident obliged to them for his advancement, and bore a better eye to any overtures that afterwards [...] from that crowne. And he, that had not so much quick-silver in his humour, as his predecessor applied himselfe the more seriously to gaine this honour, as a notable point to illustrate the reputation of that crown and accredit himselfe in his owne Country. Wherefore considering [Page] that although the Marquis of Fontenay's returne, did somewhat reduce the French interposition into new request; yet Mons de Lionne, by reason of disgusts that had passed, could no more continue a gracious person in the way of mediating, he procures the sending of Cardinall Bichi, then in France, in a noble way, and full commission to be the Plenipotentiary of that crowne, and its Mediator between the parties: which by reason of the Quality and qualities of the person, an Italian, a Cardinall, the most accort and full of Gentilesse of any other, was generally accepted with these Princes, and all proceedings towards a peace, left in suspense till his arrivall, though de Lionne, and the other French Ministers, did nothing slacke their wonted diligence to promote them.

[Page] And this was a quick in centive to the Spaniard, to thrust in between this juncture, and get the standard of his auhority erected first on the temple of peace; (especially in that countrey where his awe had formerly borne so high, that the Princes of it durst not dispose of their subjects, of their children, or of their own persons without consent of his Council: & the French, that were his competitors, had not a foot of land in it, besides their late acquists, that yet were under contestation) but many circumstances did still create him new impediments.

And first, that through the whole Pontificate of this Pope, which nowhad lasted 20 years and upwards, there had been perpe [...]uae simultates betwixt him and the Spaniards, these declaring him adverse to their interests, as in effect [Page] his Nephews were constant partisans of the other side. Then, that the Spanish Ambassador and the Cardinalls, that were dependants of that Crown, had divers Moneths since (and before Fontenay) retir'd in disgust from Rome (because the Portugall Ambassador (Lamego) pretending to be so received, and by assistance of the French, repulsing the Spaniard's violence, and endangering his Person in a street encounter, were countenanced more then He) whereby there rested a certain strangenesse on all their interposalls, with such a distance, that every overture tooke wind before it tooke effect: whereas the French were still at hand to manage all their instances with life and presence towards the Pope, towards the Republick, and towards the respective Princes. Add [Page] to these, that it was so long before any resolutions or patents could come from Spain; that those which at last arrived to the Viceroy of Naples, to the Governor of Milan, to their Ambassador at Venice, to the Cardinalls Monti, Cueua, and Albernoz were all stale and importune: and so accordingly were their Ministers treated by the Cardinall Barberino, imparting nothing else but good words to them, and old rejected propositions, which had first been in the French hands, and could not be adjusted. And when they complain'd to the League of their non-admission to be Mediators; not withstanding their Masters good will, and right of neighbourhood, to interpose in all good offices, they receive in answer: that it was not their part to offer; but accept conditions from the [Page] part of Rome, and that they were ready to hear any, that should bring the fairest termes of peace, which they had had before in ampler manner from the French Ambassador: and therefore gaind no more but complement, and to be made acquainted civillyas they proceeded.

Besides these, there were two other obstalces, close: but more insuperable: the first, that the King of Spain sent not any Minister on that purpose, whereas the French had first recalled the Marshal d' Extrée from Rome, because he had incurred disgusts there, and sent the Marquis of Fontenay in his sted, on this very errand: and when he also was disgusted, and gone from Rome, they soon procured his re-calling; and the better to promote his applications, dispatched first de Lionne, [Page] and then Bichi, to accommodate them with the other parties: which were otherwise accepted, then the Agents or Ambassadors of the Vice-roy of Naples, and Governor of Milan, whose power in any emergent difficulty should referre to the Council at Madrid. The other, that when the Pope would have joined with the Spaniards to chastise the French, when their Ambassador had retir'd and left him hardly pressed by the League, there were no aides or Compliances to be got from them (as the Duke of Parma did also find, notwithstanding promises to keep him from accepting the French proffers, who as readily suppy'd him both with men and money) whether for want of confidence, or because reduc't to extream frugality to make both the ends of Naples and Milan hold together, [Page] and lend besides an helping hand to Flanders, whereas they saw, to their great jealousy, a power of French both in Popes and leagues service, not knowing how they might be bestowed either in the warres, or after a peace concluded.

Bichi arrived in Iune to execute his commission, and first takes a Passe of the Duke of Florence, to conduct himself from Genoua to Parma, where that Duke being then absent, the Duke of Modena took occasion to invite him thither to complement, and prepare him for certain private interests, which he desired to have comprehended in the treaty of peace; but thought it not then time to discover himself freely, nor the other to take any cognisance, onely to sound his intentions, & take the altitude of his aims, which were [Page] at other pretensions that he had with the holy See about Comucchio and Ferrar [...]: Thence he takes his way to Bondeno, a town of the state Ecclesiastical, where the D. of Parma was, having taken it in the war, and treats with him about the propositions which had already been sent from Rome to him, by the Marquis of Fontenay; but he found him most determined, now the terme assigned at Castel-Georgio was expired, to hearken to no depositing; but effectual restitution: wherein having well inform'd himself of his disposition, he goes to Corraro, the Venetian Proveditor at Finale, from whom he could onely get thus much in general terms, that the colleagues did desire a firme and durable peace, and that the late treaty at Castel-Georgio did admonish them to proceed with [Page] circumspection. Whereupon he addresseth himself next to th [...] Cardinal Antonio Barberino, the Popes nephew at Bologna, where he had the charge of his forces, acquainting him with the good disposition that he found towards a peace, and presseth the nomination of a Plenipotentiary on the Popes part to promote a treaty; which the Cardinal answered, assuring him of his Holinesses intention to that purpose already designed in the person of Cardinal Donghi. And with this he returnes again to Corraro, and General Pesaro, urging them to move their Republique to the same correspondence, and writes to the French Ambassadour at Venice to apply himself effectually in the Colledge to that end, and withall sends a writing to him, which had almost spoiled all in the first beginning.

[Page] For when the Cardinal Bi [...]hi [...]ound that no good was to be [...]one on the old propositions; but [...]hat from him a new Mediatour, [...]ew overtures were expected: he [...]ramed a new draught at Bol [...]na [...]ut of the old, compared with the [...]etters from Rome of the French Ambassadour, expressing the Cardinal Francesco Barberino's sense about the manner of according, which he communicated to the Cardinal Antonio and Secretary Ferragalo, and obtaining their approbation imparted them first to the Venetian Generals, and then to the French Ambassadour Resident there, to be communicated to the senate, whereupon he obtained from them the nomination of their plenipotentiary, the Procurator Nani. But when this draught was sent to Rome by the Secretary Ferragalo, the Card. [Page] Francesco forthwith displaces him utters raish speeches concerning Bichi, and in a Congregation [...] state, procures the disallowing of them with marginall exceptions, to severall clauses in them: and is highly dissatisfied, that such a thing should be sent from Bologna, (from whence the Ecclesiastical c [...] probation might be presumed) before it were exhibited at Rome: wth was not all; for something was to be understood, which it grieved the Cardinall Barb. to have unwarily been expressed: for whereas the restitution of Castro was before exhibited, the Card. (who had hither to framed a 1000 collusions to evade this restitution) thought in some measure to have satisfied his passion against the Duke, by hindring him at Rome in some emolument of grain, issuing out of that state, to the [Page] Duke's banke by severall patents granted by former Popes in favour of that house: but his secret drift in this businesse not being comprehended by his Brother An [...]onio, or their Secretary, when the termes of the draught came to be altered, it alter'd the case with it, and Bichi's proffers became thereby more ample then was intended. But he surmiseth nothing yet of what is poaching at the Court of Rome: in the mean time he takes his way towards Florence to comply also with that Prin [...]e, as one of the chief of the league, and learn what satisfaction t'was that he pretended, where he found a faire reception and nothing in effect more; but that he held it not convenient to admit any negotiation apart, but that the Plenipotentiaries of the Colleagues should agree together of [Page] of what points to be insisted o [...] and with that answer returnes to Lombardy to resume the further management of the treaty, wher [...] he hears, that by the instances [...] the Marquis of Fontenay, the Cardinall Doughi was upon his way, but with order by no means to admit of his folio: but onely of that exhibited formerly by the Marquis, and sent to the other Resident at Venice. But all this while the many pleas of Bichi to procure a suspension of hostility, could availe little with the parties, especially with the league, who followed their armes the more vigorously, because they being to receive conditions would be sure to bea [...] them downe to reason, while they had their adversary at the advantage, having lately beaten them at Mongiovino, and shortly after with a greater stroke at Pittigliano, [Page] where the grand Dukes forces proved the heaviest to them. Yet the Duke of Modena was so much overpowred in his estates by the Church forces, and found the Venetians so much startled at the taking of Lagoscuro (a strong place on their [...]ide of the river P [...], which exposed all their palaces, and country houses to plunder & utter ruine) by the Papalins, that he could get no aides from them (they being all so poli [...]quely ligued, that they lov'd their [...]eighbours rather, for themselves then as themselves) that he was contented to hearken, without standing on termes, forren to the plea in hand, to a faire agreement, as well as the Venetians, for the reason specified: and the Grand Duke, because nothing was to be gotten by the war: for one neighbour will not permit any [Page] augmentation in Italy to another; but all are all against him that removes the Landmarke [...] and plucking up the floodgates [...] a sure lefting in some forren in u [...] dation, wherewithall that Countrey has been so often plagued. And especially, that which is gotten of the Church, being not any private Patrimony; but S. Peter [...] must be rendred back to the next successor, or else all Christendome engaged in the quartell: So that though the Chu [...] usurpe on other temporalities, ye [...] her owne are sacred and not to be touched. And this was the reason why the war was so temperat [...] and in so long a time's continuance (above 2 years) so little do [...] not that the state Ecclesiasticall [...] match enough for so many neigh [...]bours (though of extent much larger within Italy, then any [Page] one of the ligued Princes: or so much richer; for it has but little benefit of the sea, and was so much exhausted, that no way was left to get money; the wealth of that state being in few hands, the Peasans, miserable, and the publick poore, unlesse the Church [...]tensills be reckon'd in the summe which would inflame it to a vastness: so that one Million was taken out of the Castel S. Angelo, which was one of the five put in [...]y Sixtus 5. on that condition that [...] should not be taken out but in case of extremity, when the city of Rome was in utmost danger: a [...]d 15. Cardinals made at once to raise mony) but because of the remissenesse of the league, as be [...]ng defensive rather than offensive and against the Barberini, as they would have it stiled, rather than against the Church. Nor was the D. of Parma so scrupulous on this [Page] occasion, when excommunicated but he expelled all the Religions in his dominions, that were of the State-Ecclesiastial, and all that would not continue in the exercise of their charges, and promise loyalty to him: and he himselfe frequented Masses more than before. Nor did his Neighbours feare to joyn with him, notwithstanding that enchantment, set upon his doores.

But now, that all parties [...] peace, there is nothing more [...] noyant to it, then the point of reputation, the remora (the truest remora) of puntilioes: to remove which, the Card. Bichi would omit no expedient: but what can be do, while the most remorsive of any other, stuck upon himselfe, when he hears how his writing had been censured? Wherefore, being on his way, from Bondeno towards Ferrara, and accompany'd [Page] thither by de Lionne, the Cardinall Donhgi came at some good distance to receive him, and en [...]ing all into one Coach, there passed some resentive discourse between thē: which de Lionne gave the first occasion to, complaining of the vanity of any negotiation, by what was seen in the past treaty of Castel-Geo [...]gio, land taxing the artifice of the Ecclesiasticks, with aversion to the peace: which led the Card. to speak, in like manner, of the bad requitall of his endeavours, by the censuring of his proposalls, although he had thereby with-held the Duke of Parma from assaulting the fort of Lagofcuro, at the same time with the Ve [...]etians; stopped the pretensions of the Duke of Modena; ballanced the Duke of Florence; obliged the benevolence of France towards the church, and obtained the nominating [Page] of Plenipotentiaries for the treaty; that his writing contain'd nothing but what he had other writings to justifie it by, and in [...] nothing different from the former, sent from Rome. That it should be as if it never were, for that he wold demand the original of the Vene [...]ian Generalls and burne it in the Card▪ presence at Rome, where he was resolued to conduct himselfe next in his owne vindication, though he had reason to fear that that action would cast all things farther from agreement, then ever they were before, and bring the league more powerfully arm'd and combin'd on the state Ecclesiasticall, then ever to that time.

Donghi answered, that he came as a new Plenipotentiary on a new negotiation, that the Pope did embrace his Eminency's endeavours [Page] towards the peace, and that the Cardinall Barberino's desire did only tend to that scope, that these proposalls might passe only as an [...]t of the same, as he was Media [...]or; and not as yet allow'd at Rome (for Donghi abstained as yet to expresse himselfe fully to his commission in this particular) and for his Eminency's intention of going to the Court of Rome, commended and advised it, as a thing proper for him to do, as a Cardinal and Mediatour, to passe the like offic [...]s with his Holinesse, as he had already done with the other Princes, assuring him, that his arrival there had been erewhile expected.

But when the two Cardinals were come to Ferrara, they retired without d [...] Lionne's intervention, to debate more effectually about the meanes to purchase this [Page] glory to themsevles, and benefit to all Italy, to compremise this difference with the re-establishment of peace betwixt all parties, and first consider'd of the place of meeting for the Plenipotentiaries. Bichi urged, that such a ground of confidence might be laid in the ligued Princes, as to leave it to their election, Doughi, that that respect and reverence might be done to his Holiness and the Church, to have it within the Ecclesiastical State: which was the summe of their dispute, at that meeting, and so they part both, to returne to Rome by several wayes.

Bichi takes the way of Florence, and to salve his reputation of ha [...]ing exceeded his Commission, [...]nd being disapprov'd at Rome, [...]ives out that, that writing of his [...]as not disallowed, but onely disavowed [Page] by the Cardinal Barberino to be none of his, to content the Spaniards, complaining that overtutes of more importance were communicated to the French Ministers, then to those of his Catholick Majesty.

The Imperial Ambassadour, being moved by the Spanish, doth yet persist at the Senate, in declaring the Pope's willingnesse to deposite Castro in the Emperour's hands, & acquaints them that his Imperial Majesty had licenced the Duke of Savelli from his service (because he was a Roman subject, and at this time Lieutenant General of their armes) lest his partiality should be a prejudice to his Majesties mediation. The Senate knew this to be a delusion of the Barberini (effectual restitution having been before proffer'd to the French Ministers) yet they answer with good respect [Page] referring to the meeting of the several plenipotentiaries▪ but when the Ambassadour pressed further, than an Imperial Deputy might be present at it, they put it off on purpose, to stop any such pretension.

It does not so directly belong to this scene to follow the Cardinal Bichi in the infinite windings through which he was train'd [...]t Rome, nor to consider the jealousie of the Colleagues on his delaying so long there without any issue: and much longer he might have been, notwithstanding his dexterity, if the last chocque at Pitigli [...]no had not forced them to some conclusion: suffice it to say, that at the latter end of November he returnes with his propositions well adjusted and power to treat of any Neutrall place, being void of garrison, within the Mantouan [Page] But cōsidering on the way, what obstructions were likely to accrue with this designed congresse, both in respect of the formalities of precedure which might occasion some distgusts: & the counter-working of so many divers heads and interests, but especially by the spleen of the Austrians, which would not cease to deale by him and the peace here, as they had done at Rome, casting all imaginable rubbs against the course of it, he thought it better to treat with the interessed Princes themselves at their owne places, and so passing from one to another to prepare them for the sealing of Articles interchangably. Which once before induc't him to delay at Florence t [...]l he had cōmunicated this design & found an approbation of it frō all side [...], Then he offers by the French Resident [Page] at Venice, to transport himselfe thither to finish this affaire, which they accept the gladlier, that the Grand Duke might not rest Arbiter of the league, by drawing all the management that way; and when he arrived there, his entertainment was extraordinary. When he came to their confines, they ordered the Podestà of Chiozza, to receive him at the Polesella, and discharge him, with sumptuous treatment, through all their dominion. I omit the noble way of meeting and receiving him into their City▪ But when he came to his publick audience, the Doge met him at the top of the staires with the whole Signory; where he tooke off his crowne to salute him, and putting himself on the left hand, walkes uncover'd to the Gran Sala, & so to the steps of the Throne▪ where they mounted [Page] both together, but yet the Cardinall a little befoe, and was the first placed in the Ducall seat, enlarged on purpose for this occasion, to receive a persons. Being thus sate at the Dukes right hand, he presented his Majesty's credentiall letters, which were read by a secretarie, before a numerous throng of people. After which the Cardinall deliver'd his publick complement, and the Doge made answer, which ended that ceremony, and prepared so well for following negotiations, that within a while after, when he tooke his leave to meet again with Donghi, the whole treaty had been finished; but that a dangerous sicknes of the Pope had almost reversed all: but as soone as he recover'd it, Donghi transferres himself to Ferrara to subcribe the articles, the other Plenipotentiaries [Page] waiting at Venice to subscribe them in like manner, and date them the same day, the import whereof amounted to thus much.

That the Pope and Leagu [...] should plight their faith to the K. of France, that all things should be restored to the State wherein they were before the Wars, whereof the said King should take hostages to be deliuer'd at Casale till the execution, and the said King should promise and engage to turn his arms on the non-observer of this accord, and should crave absolution in due manner, on behalfe of the Duke of Parma, which was accordingly subscribed March 31. 1644. by Donghi the Popes Plenipotentiary at Ferrara, by Bichi for the King of France (who also stipulated for the Duke of Prama) and the other 3 Commissioners [Page] at Venice, the same day: which was the ending at present of this turmoile, to the great content and reputation of the French Ministers. But although the treaty were punctually put in execution, within the terme of 60 dayes after signing: yet it did not long availe the Duke of Parma: for the next Pope Innocent the 10. on a sudden reprised and razed Castro to the ground, erecting only in the middle of it (as I have been told at Rome) a stone with this inscription, Qu [...] stava Castro. And the present Pope, Alex. 7. has re-entred on these Estates, and the Emoluments of them, as confiscations to the Church (which was the Dukes undertaker towards the Montists) notwithstanding the remonstrances of his Ambassador, pretending that the sicknesse was only the cause why the Duke [Page] had not satisfied his obligations within the terme indented: but the Duke at present is young, and under too great ingagements (besides his love of pleasure) to recover these estates: nor shall ever, in any probability, be able to find the like assistance, as his Father did.

And here I may have a faire outlet, which I would gladly have burst through, to have found sooner.

We have now survey'd the whole Campagne of this yeare, excepting only one encroachment unluckily jutting into Germany▪ where the Count of Guebriant, being straitned and overpowered by the Duke of Bavaria in his quarters, between Brisaoh and Strasburg, and his corres [...]ondents, the Swedes, diverted then into Denmark (with almost as great su [...] cesse, [Page] as at this instant) sollicites earnestly at the Court for new recruits: which accordingly sends order to the Duke of Anguien, to dispatch some of his squadrons from Thionville thither, it being but a few dayes march distant, wherein when the said Duke had observed orders, he came himselfe to Paris, to see his Lady, and the little son, which she had lately brought him, to the great content of the kindred of the late Cardinall, whose Niece she was. The same night he went to reverence the Queen, who received him with tokens, answerable to that esteeme which she made of his valour, and the signal services, that he had render'd to the Crowne in that Campagne. But he had not rested long, before he is again designed to conduct other aides into Germany, which either the blandishments of [Page] the Court, or an opinion that such a service might be as well discharged by any ordinary Marshal of the Campe, as by himselfe, or else that he had some other recompense in his eye, then yet he had obtained; made him frame excuses to the great disgust of the Ministers of state, who therupon perswaded with her Majesty to commit that charge to the Duke of Ango [...]lesmo, who being nigh upon the place might assume it the more readily: but upon the first receipt of this commission, he immediately dispatches a Gentleman to the Court to excuse himsel [...] that from expedition, being hindred by the gou [...] from exposing himself to any other paines: which unexpected answer would have troubled the Queen and her Council, if at the same time the Duke of Angnien, being promppted [Page] with an ardor after new triumphs, had not offer'd to resume that trust to the great contentment of the Queen, and all the Kingdom, as the confluence of Soldiers proved. And while the rest are providing the Count of Ranzàu is dispatch'd afore with about 8000 choice men, drawne out of the Queens Regiments, with the Scotch and French guards to joyne with Guebriant, and so to force the Bavarians out of Wirtemberg and seize themselves of their quarters: that so they might not onely subsist themselves; but returne the burden of those Soldiers on the estates of their own Elector, and so oblige him to hearken to a peace, and raise themselves to the higher reputation, within Germany, at the opening of the Munster Congress.

The arrivall of the Count of [Page] Ranzaù (making the army up some 14000 men) was very troublesome to the thoughts of the Marshall of Guebrian, least he, being a great favorite of the Cardinal's, should be sent as his controller, and if any disgrace should happen, to be his successour, which apprehension became disastrous to his conduct: for although he were more sensible, then any other, of the danger of passing too hastily to the other side of the Rhine: yet the sense of Ranzau, being followed by the officers under him, imposed a neeessity on the Marshal to put it in execution: so that on the first day of Novemb. they began to advance by a bad token; for the sky, that was clear before, mantled on a sudden, and fell in continued folds of snow for a moneth together, which made the ways so deep that the Cannon was not dragged [Page] without great dificulty: and Generall Ro [...]a, whom the Marshal sent before to discover and cleer the coast, though he had been, at other times, a vigilant & a valiant Captain, was at night surprised in his Quarter, by one Coll. Sporch, a Captain before of no note; and his men, which were the double number, routed by 600 of this Sporch's, with the prise of 800 horse. Which news being brought to Guebrian did so amuse him, that he said publickly: that such a Capt. that had given so signall proofes of his valour, in 30 severall occasions and above, which he could reckon, should be so surprised and beaten by one Coll. Sporch, did confirme in him his former doubts that, what had been prognosticated in the councill, would not answer in the event, and with that he went to hear Masse.

[Page] The squadrons of Ranzau were but ill provided for the warfare of a German winter: and many got away from the army. Nor was the scarcity of bread a small disaster to it, which the beaten Soldiers put among the baggage; but the rest that carried it in their Knapsacks spoil'd by the weather; so that once again, Guebrian devised to assigne them to their quarters: but Rantzau again prevailed with him to assault Rotweil, a place fortified with towers and a dry trench without bulwarks: and the Snow continuing the Cannon was not yet arrived at the Campe; so that the defendants repulsed all assaults with great slaughter, and prolong'd the time till the Bavarians had united all their forces to come and succor it: so that once again the Gen. mov'd with the Count of Ranzau to withdraw [Page] their army: but with the like successe as he had done before. Wherefore applying his utmost diligence to prosecute the storme, and direct the mines with one of the ordnance (that were since com in) he was stricken by a Cannon shot in the right arme, which proved mortall to him, and griveous to the soldiery (he being reputed one of the prime Captains of the age) who notwithstanding, after 14 dayes spent in this siege, constrained the delivery of this place.

But least the death of Guebrian should seeme to contibute to the glory of Ranzàu, while he leads the army further to Tutlinghen, the Bavarians come upon him on the sudden, by the benefit of a wood near at hand, and having surprised the artillery, unexpectedly turned it against the city, and then [Page] blockt it up, holding all the Souldiers within it, Prisoners. On which noise, Generall Rosa hastens with his Cavalry to the Head-quarter: but finding his attempt too late, and the Bavarians set in battel, he went to return to Rotweil: but before he could recover it, he finds it reprised by his enemies. The other Quarters of the French Army were overpowr'd in the like manner: onely▪ ten Regiments of Horse tooke flight, which the Italian Reg [...]ment of Cardinal Mazzarin coming to joyn withall, and to maintain their ground, remained for the most part dead (after brave resistance) upon the place. Ra [...] zàu himselfe remained prisoner, with his chief Officers, above five thousand more, and two and fifty Cornets and Ensigns, with all the Baggage and the Cannon: Yet▪ [Page] [...] [Page] jealousie to these their Confederates, about any under-hand compliances, relating to their common interests, now to be de [...]at [...]d▪ His business here, is, onely to attend the motions of the Fre [...]ch Plenipotentiaries, and to be sure (at least) to keep as much state, as they should doe, about his ap [...]pearance, and advancement towards the place. But these we shall finde in Holland, employing all their art, to engage that people to an adequate concurren [...]e with them at the Treaty; so that both their satisfactions should run in one line, and neither of them admit of either Peace, or Truce, without the issue of the other: and in case, the Peace should not be concluded (as it hapned) before the next Campagne, to prepare some overtures, which afterwards took effect, of joyning their [Page] united Forces, by Sea and Land [...] to thrust the Spaniards out of [...]raveling and Dunkerk. The success of which, as then glorious to the Cardinal's direction, and now revived by another (I hope) yet more vigorous and noble conjunction, will (no doubt) dispense with my hand, and engage sublimer Pens to glory in the subject.

[...] sat eru [...]t qui dicere laudes, Galle, tuas cupiant & tristia condere [...] bella.

Pos [...]scrip [...].

[Page]

[...] kind of pedantry) then they themselves have done those others, whose credits they usurp, which would impose upon the Reader with too [...]much impertinency. Yet I doe not envy a faire acknowledgement, (though I am beholden to more than twenty more) to Him that has done me the greatest courtesie, for the matter of so poor a webbe; and to let the world know, that it is Mercurio [Page] di Siri, [...] Writer so voluminous, that we need not either of us suspect a translation. Though I have rambled in such a fashion through Him, and so confounded him with oothers, and abounded in my own liberty, that I could wish it; either for the publick benefit, or my own vindication. But in the interim, I do not think the end can deserve so much paius, or the poorness of my reputation provoke any free spirit, to under go the trouble of comparing them: so that all my security is the smallnes of my own merit, and the assurance of my good intention, which having done no wrong, is [...]t lyable to much exception: especially, if you be pleased first, to correct these few Errata, and think, if you find any more of lighter consequence, that I either oversaw, or on purpose did neglect them.

ERRATA.

[Page]

[...]

FINIS.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

The entrance of Mazzarini, continued through the first years regency, of Anna Maria of Austria, Qu. Dowager of France, and mother of the present Monarch. Louis XIV. Wherein the principall causes of those revolutions, that have since happened in that kingdome, may be discoveredEntrance of Mazzarini. Part 2

Tanner, Thomas, 1630-1682.

Edition statement

1658

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2005-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A62724

ID [STC]

Wing T141

ID [STC]

ESTC R208969

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

99825422

ID [PROQUEST]

99825422

ID [VID]

29804

Availability

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Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A62724)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 29804)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2155:6)

Source

— The entrance of Mazzarini, continued through the first years regency, of Anna Maria of Austria, Qu. Dowager of France, and mother of the present Monarch. Louis XIV. Wherein the principall causes of those revolutions, that have since happened in that kingdome, may be discovered, Entrance of Mazzarini. Part 2, Tanner, Thomas, 1630-1682..

Extent

[10], 80, 69-141, [3] p.

printed by Ann Lichfield, printer to the Vniversity,. Oxford :: 1658.. (By Thomas Tanner.) (Gatherings B & C are in 8's, and the rest in 12's.) (The preliminaries include the dedication to the Lord Protector, and "To the reader".) (Errata on final page.) (Stained and tightly bound; print show-through.) (Reproduction of the original in the Bodleian Library.)

Creation

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