Queen and Cardinal and also to the Prince who being then at Court and upon the first knowledge of it was returning home had he not been stayed by her Majesty and the Cardinal who represented to him that those persons could have no other designe in meeting there but against him and therefore desired him that he would by no means hazard his person The Prince was at last perswaded by them and went to lodge for that night at his Stewards house but to be satisfied touching the matter sent home his Coach accompanied with some of his Servants and retinue When they came neer Pont Neus two Horsemen came up with the Coach but not finding him there went to that of the Count Duras which followed and discharged several shot into it one of which killed a Lackey that was in it This made the Prince who had designed the destruction of the Frondeurs Faction that the Heads thereof might not be made use of by the Court to frame a party in opposition to him readily lay hold on this occasion for the doing of it by taking this Assassinate to have been intended against him The Cardinal who looked on this conjuncture as favourable to the designe he had of making an immortal hatred between the Prince and the Frondeurs laid hold on the occasion which he managed very dextrously by making the Prince sensible that all this was a Plot of the Duke of Beaufort and the Coadjutor to take away his life because by his agreement with the Court he had given a stop to their designes mean while there having been great talk touching the matter attempted by Bollaye the Duke of Beaufort brought him unto the Marshal Grammont's House where the Prince supped to justifie himself from having had any ill intentions against his person The Prince answered he knew not whom to suspect but could not see Bollaye since he had endeavoured to make a rising among the people whereby he had incurr'd his Majesties displeasure Beaufort answered that he was well assured Bollaye had not the least ill thought towards his Highness for which he would be a pledge for him and if he should appear in the least guilty would be the first man to punish him The Prince thanked him and the Marshal having desired him to stay Supper he dismiss'd Bollaye and sate down with them The Signior de Bovillon la Mark Captain of the Guard of Switzers and Bollaye's Father-in-law besought the Queen to pardon the action by him done the Saturday before but her Majesty told him it was a matter of high consequence and that therefore she must not stop the course of Justice The Duke of Orleans returned to Paris the same day having been sent for by the Queen to consult touching some fit means to quiet the disturbances begun and to assist the Parliament in punishing such as upon examination should appear guilty As soon as the Duke came to Court there was a private Council held and the next morning a Letter was sent to the Parliament giving them orders to make enquiry and proceed against those who had endeavoured to raise Storms in Paris and to assassinate Iolly concluding with words full of confidence of their zeal and affection unto his Majesties service and the publick Peace and quiet of the Kingdom Next day the Parliament met and thither came the Duke of Orleans accompanied with the Prince the Dukes of Vendosme Elboeuse Mercoeur Bovillon and several others where his Majesties Letter being presented by Monsieur Saintes was ordered to be read and registered The Duke of Orleans thereupon made a handsom discourse touching the present juncture of affairs but the Prince was silent though 't was reported he intended to enter his complaint in Parliament The City-Colonels and Captains were all summoned to the Town-house and commanded not to take Arms or chain the Streets without express order from the City-Council upon a report which was spread that the discontented party intended a second rising The Parliament ordered the restraint of Bollay of the Advocate Germain of the Provost de L'Argent and of Anean a Wine-Merchant and then the Prince made his own complaint and demanded Justice for the assassinate designed against him Her Majesty the same day sent for several of the principal Citizens and assured them that the King her Son was very much satisfied with the proof he had now of their Loyalty and Affection towards his service notwithstanding the great endeavours used by some factious spirits to raise Commotions And it was really a great satisfaction to the Court who thought that Paris would upon the least provocation have risen against them to finde that on the contrary the Parisians were very Loyal and affectionate unto his Majesty and that if the contrary had at any time appeared 't was brought about by the false practices of some few seditious persons who were Enemies to the publick Peace The Parliament adjourned then for six days that those who were to make enquiries might have time to do it during which Monsieur de Iolly upon what occasion it was not known presented a Petition to the Great Chamber setting forth that the Assassinate attempted against him being a private action was no matter of State nor had any connexion with their crime who endeavoured to raise Sedition in Paris and therefore prayed that his Cause might not be judged in Parliament but left to be determined in the ordinary Court appointed for the tryal of those Cases and that he might have leave to proceed there against those who were guilty and their Complices adding that he had now gotten some light touching the matter and hoped in case he were left at liberty to proceed freely therein to make a full discovery thereof Upon this Petition it was ordered that he should give in his Charge in Parliament and that the Great Chamber should have the hearing of it Upon the 20 th of December all the Chambers being met there appeared the Duke of Orleans attended by the Princes of Condé and Conty the Dukes of Beaufort Retz Bresac and Luynes the Coadjutor and other Councellors of Honour above 20 in number This Meeting and two others which were held upon the 22 th and 24 th of the same Moneth were spent in contests touching the persons who were to be Judges exceptions being taken against all those who were parties either as persons against whom the Assassinate was intended or as favourers of the designe of doing it amongst which the Duke of Beaufort and the Coadjutor were pointed at so as after several disputes touching that matter the Assembly broke up without agreeing any thing and was adjourned till the Wednesday after the Holy-days But the Prince was so positively resolved to pursue the resolution he had taken to destroy the Faction of the Frondeurs that 't was an easie matter for the Court to gain him with the shew of being troubled at the attempt against him and render him a mortal Enemy unto the Duke of Beaufort
were as yet open on two or three sides writ to Count Fuenseldagne That the City was in danger to be lost unless it were speedily relieved and mentioned the way to do it which was to march straight forward with the body of the Army towards the Fortifications feigning to fall upon one Quarter and to send 2000 Foot to another Quarter which was not yet intrenched so as the one or the other of them might easily enter where they were least looked for This Letter was intercepted by the French and being decifer'd was sent to Count Harcourt that he might so order his Affairs as to disappoint the Enemies The Spaniards assaulted the Quarters The French thought assuredly either to take or to cut in pieces the 2000 men that came to relieve the Town but notwithstanding they got in no man knew how nor no man withstanding them Some would have it that it was by the negligence of an Officer who quitted a Barricado to run to hear a noise that was made in another part but be it what you will it hapned so unexpectedly as all were amazed at it yea even the Spaniards themselves The French imputed it to the Germans who as strangers might perchance have been favourable to the Enemy But the common Opinion was That it hapned by a very great Mist that fell then and by the negligence of an Officer that guarded the Barricado Harcourt hereupon rais'd the Camp to the great discontent of the Court for it was thought his Forces were such as he might have taken it although the relief was entered He retreated to Cambresi whereat the Arch-Duke being very much joy'd as having saved a place of such importance he sent the Marquiss Sfondrato with 6000 men toward the Washes of Flanders to observe Palvan's proceedings propounding nothing to himself during that Campagnia but how to keep the French from making more attempts Thus the Armies kept for some days neer one another wanting many necessaries The King and Court kept still at Compeigne and were the more displeased with this accident for that they saw the Frondeurs and other Male-contents of Paris rejoyced thereat as if they had thereby received a great Victory being so blinded with hatred as the French were seen to rejoyce at their own ruine left good success might have increased the Cardinal's Reputation Beaufort and the Coadjutor and others who envied his fortune gave out That he was the cause why the King did not return to Paris rendring him thereby hateful to the Inhabitants who got much by the Courts being at Paris and so highly were they incensed against those that were of the Royal Party as in scorn the Frondeurs called them Mazaâ—inians Two things did much trouble the Court and the Cardinal to whom as chief Director all both good and bad success were attributed so as he resolved to go himself to the Camp upon pretence to treat of general Peace with the Spanish Plenipotentiary Pignoranda who was to that purpose to be at Valenciennes as was agreed upon by the Pope's Nuntio and the Venetian Embassador On the 22 of Iuly he went to Chasteau-Cambrey where the King's Army lay and was accompanied by the Dukes Vandosm and Mercoeur the Mareshal Villeroy and Pâ—essis Prasin together with dâ—ierâ— others of the Court He was received in the Camp with all applause due to his Eminency Where he had divers consultations with the prime men whom he admitted to the Treaty and inviting them frequently encouraged them to shew their Worth and Valour Then causing the Army to be mustered he presented them with considerable Donatives particularly the Dutch Commanders declaring That he never had the least suspition that Cambray was relieved through any miscarriage of theirs and that the King was of the same opinion from whom he brought Letters to General Ohem wherein his Majesty expressed his opinion of their innocency and by these and other civilities endeavoured to sweeten them who for the imputation falsly laid upon them threatned to forsake the Service as being freemen and Forreigners and did win upon their affections for all the French could do to their prejudice And there being nothing that makes Souldiers willinger to hazard their Lives than to shew them a means how to make amends for their sufferings he moved that they should march into the Island of St. Armand a rich and plentiful Country seated between the Rivers Scheld and Scarpe Which being agreed upon the French marched into that fruitful Island and entred into the midst of it without any opposition for their coming was unexpected and pillaged whatsoever they pleased to the as great confusion of the Inhabitants as grief of the Spaniards who were generally blamed by all Flanders for their inadvertency therein The Arch-Duke went thither to see whether the Enemy were to be fought with or no and driven from thence and took up his Quarters there where the Scarpe falls into the Scheld to keep the French from advancing further And since his Army could not fight the French being fewer in number he by the advantage of scituation defended the Passes and sent for Souldiers from Flanders and from all the neighbouring Provinces to increase his Army The French quartered in this opulent Country for above two Moneths running up and down without doing any thing till finding it needful to possess themselves of some place behinde them whereby they might facilitate the bringing of necessaries to the Camp and keep their Cavalry without any trouble in the Enemy's Country Count Harcourt rose on the 7 th of August from the Abby of Denaim where he was encamped after the Spaniards had retreated to Valenciennes and went to Arleux between Doway and Bocheim which is a small tract of Ground Islanded by the River Scarpe and by the Rivolets of Sluce and Sally five Leagues from Arras where he staid some days as well to hinder the Spaniards from bringing Provisions to their Camp from Doway Cambray Bocheim and other places as to get Victuals for his Army And not long after parting from thence he encamped within sight of Valenciennes and went himself in person with 1500 Horse and 2000 Commanded Foot to assault the Town of Condé scituated in a place where it is not overlooked any where having a no contemptible Castle which is watered by the Rivers Escaut and Aisne Count Broglio had the charge of assaulting the Town given him which he did with incredible speed and lodged suddainly upon the Counterscarp of the Town and forced the Enemy quickly to surrender it Colonel Grondes marching out of it on the 24 th of August with 500 Foot and 50 Horse which were Convoy'd by Monsieur Beauvais to Valenciennes Upon this advice the Arch-Duke advanc'd to Morteigne but hearing that that place was lost went neer Tourney summoning together all the scattered Souldiery and the Country-Militia to keep the French from making further progress who marched even within sight of Brussels though not without the inconveniency of want of
the Count putting himself in the head of those Gentlemen he had with him and seconded by two Bodies of the Inhabitants which were drawn up made so fierce an Assault upon the Ramparts that Grasset forsaken by his men who were terrified with so unlook'd-for an attempt rendered the place upon Composition in less than an hours time after it was attacqued This good success was seconded by the surprize of the Castle of Clermont in Lorain by means of an intelligence which the Marquiss Ferte Senneterre Governour of that Province had with two Serjeants of the Garrison and the Kings Forces took possession of it on the 27 th day of Ianuary And the Fortress of Danvillers which was commanded by the Prince of Marsilliack his Brother as hath been said returned unto the Kings obedience the Garrison rising against him by the perswasion of Captain Bocherelle who imprisoned their Governour and gave up the place in the doing whereof he was not more commended for his Loyalty than the Governour was blamed for his great indiscretion in not foreseeing of the danger and changing some of the Officers of that Garrison when he took the resolution to change his party The Duke of Vendosme coming to Dijon in Burgundy removed the Garrison and Governour out of the Castle there putting into it other Souldiers under the command of Monsieur de Conetty taking security from the Inhabitants for their fidelity as he did also from those of St. Iean de Losne and of Verdune by means of some Commissioners whom they sent to him This was the more resented by Condé because he believed those people would shew their affections to his Family by the close espousing of his Interests on this occasion And this was thought to be the cause that he never after had any kindness for the Burgundians and when he was released declined the coming into that Province The next care of the Court was to regulate the affairs of Roan and Normandy where Count Harcourt was placed to prevent any rising of the Friends or Party of the Duke of Longueville the Garrison and Governour of the Old Palace were removed thence and 100 French Souldiers placed there under the command of Monsieur de Montroit Fourville The Count Harcourt took the ordinary Oath of Fidelity as Governour-General of the Province before Monsieur D' s second President of the Parliament there and Monsieur de Montenay a Councellor of Parliament appointed principal Captain of the City by the Parliament voluntarily quitted his command to take away all occasion of suspition from the Court he being a very intimate friend of the Duke's and Monsieur de Sallet had his command And because the same day the King went to Roan the Council of State published a Declaration whereby the Duke de Bovillon the Prince de Marsilliack and the Marshals de Breze and de Turenne were commanded within the space of 14 days to come to Court and that in case of failer they should incur the crime of Lease Majesté and be prosecuted as Rebels to the State this Declaration was verified by the Parliament of Paris by whom the Duke of Beaufort the Coadjutor Broussel and Charion were the same day declared innocent of the crime whereof they were accused His Majesty returned after upon the 22 th of February having quieted all Normandy without any blow struck and changed the Governours in the strong Holds there without stir excepting onely in Pont de L' Arche where Monsieur de Chambois being Governour refused at first to submit upon pretence of some thousands of Crowns which he alledged to be due unto him but the matter was afterwards adjusted by a composition Presently after this his Majesty sent Monsieur de Villiere of the Family de Phillippeaux Secretary of State a person of excellent parts to require the Seals from the Chancellor Seguier and restored them presently to the Marquiss de Chasteau Neuf at the instance of the Frondeurs who did very earnestly desire it they having been 17 years before taken from him by Cardinal Richlieu for the intelligence he had held with the Dutchess of Chevereux in opposition to him The Court resolved to take away the Seals from the Chancellor and restore them to Chasteau Neuf because there was a necessity to satisfie the Frondeurs who were very earnest for it and though Seguier were a very able person and truly faithful to his Majesties Interests for which cause he had a great esteem from the Parliament yet the Council thought it necessary to sacrifice him for the satisfaction of those Malecontents to avoid the ill consequences which otherwise their jealousies and complaints might have occasioned The Court was also very desirous to have setled all things in Burgundy as they had done before in Normandy and to that purpose upon the fifth of March the King the Queen and Duke of Anjou attended by the Cardinal the Dukes of Ioyeuse and Les Diguieres the Marshals de Gramont Plessis Pralin and Villeroy and many Lords and persons of quality marched thither by the way of Melun and Monteraux and the 24 th day of the same Moneth the Cardinal came to St. Iean de Loue whither he caused the Troops drawn together in the neighbouring places to advance under the command of the Duke of Vendosme notwithstanding the great Rains to attacque Seuvre which the Prince of Condé had late before caused to be called by the name of Belle Garde This place was kept by 500 Foot and 400 Horse commanded by the Count Tavanes and Monsieur de St. Muand the Duke of Vendosme together with the Count de Palau the Lieutenant-General and the Count de Navailes and Monsieur Plessis Besansson Marshals de Camp and one part of the Army took up their Quarters at Champblanc and the Marquiss d'Vxelles Major-general and the Marquesses de Chatelluau and Roncelvoles with the rest of the Army quartered at St. George where they began presently to make their Approaches with about 1200 Pioneers brought from the neighbouring Towns it being not thought necessary to fortifie their Camp by reason that Marshal Turenne was far off and had no reason to suspect that any such thing should be attempted but principally because he was to pass divers Rivers and leave several Garrisons of the King 's at his back in case he should have a desire to relieve them The besieged made what provision they could for their defence and suspecting the Inhabitants to be inclined to the King took away their Arms and set Guards upon them His Majesty being at this time in Burgundy not far from the Camp and being moved by a curiosity natural to his Martial inclination and a desire to hasten the taking of the place came to St. Iean de Losne over-night and the next morning into the Camp to view the several Posts and the besieged being summoned to yield by Monsieur Tivoliere Lieutenant to the Queens Guards he gave them notice of his Majesty's being in the
Friends put forth a Declaration wherein the Prince promised to second the Duke of Orleans in making the Coadjutor Cardinal All these acts were by Croisy and Camertine intimate friends to the Coadjutor carried to the Duke of Orleans who underwrit two copies without reading them nor knew he what the contents were more than what the Coadjutor was pleased to acquaint him with Without whose suggestion doubtlesly Orleans intended no ill to the Cardinal nor would the Princes friends have demanded more than the Prince his liberty which when it should have been had the Parliament would not have prest for keeping the Cardinal from Court These writings being afterwards carried to the Princess Palatine and to the Duke of Nemeurs to be subscribed by them they agreed that they should remain with Croisy who was to deliver them to the Duke of Orleans or to Conde when he should be at liberty Incouraged by these Treaties the Frondeurs began to solicit the Princes liberties which made the Cardinal aware ere long of Orleans his alienation from him not so much out of any coolness that he found in him as for the bad speeches which many of his Court used concerning him but he was not yet fully inform'd of the secret plots that were a weaving against him and it was strange that so many days being spent in these Treaties he got no perfect notice of them they were too far advanc't before he perceived them so as after having imploi'd many persons in Messages and Proposals he at last offer'd in the presence of both King and Queen to be reconciled but this was rather in appearance than real but though Orleans forbore not the Cardinals Conversation and Dined sometimes with him yet after he had underwritten the aforesaid Treaties he could not so well dissemble as not to discover his inward mind The Cardinal who was not to be parallel'd for wariness finding this and knowing that there could be nothing but the ill impressions suggested by the Frondeurs and of his other Enemies speaking thereof with the Queen in her Chamber on the Twenty sixth of Ianuary at night told her that her Majesty must warily observe the proceedings of Parliament where it might be there were Fairfaxes and Cromwells The Duke who minded nothing but how to execute the Coadjutors suggestions thought the pretence fit to give fire to the Mine so as the Parliament being met on the first of February to think of the fittest means how to get the Princes out of Prison being perswaded that the Court did not desire it and that the Kings promise was only to gain time the Coadjutor being now sure to be assisted by Orleans unmasked himself and spoke more freely than before he shewed how necessary it was to get the Princes liberty as soon as might be and that he had order from the Duke to assure them that this was his opinion which he would imploy all his power to effect The Counsellors wonder'd much to hear this for believing hitherto that the Duke stood well with the Queen they could not discern whence this alteration should proceed Beaufort ratified what the Coadjutor had said and declared that he was of the same mind nothing was resolved upon that day for the Members being astonished at the novelty adjourn'd till the next day and the Coadjutor going to acquaint Orleans how well the Parliament was pleased with what he had told them in his name made him the more inamored with their applause and established him more firmly in the Resolution which he had taken Monsieur Tillier going at that instant to know from the Duke whether what the Coadjutor had said in Parliament was by his Highness permission or no or done barely by the Coadjutors self answered somewhat angrily that what the Coadjutor had said was done by his desire and that he should always approve of what he should say or do The whole Court was much surprised with this answer and made them resolve to send to Treat with the Princes touching their liberty The next day the Duke of Orleans moved thereunto by the Coadjutor sent for the Lord Keeper for Marishal Villeroy and for the Secretary of State Tillier and bad them tell the Queen in his name That he would never come to Court nor sit in Council as long as the Cardinal was there and said further to Villeroy That as Lieutenant General of the State he assigned over the keeping of the King's person unto him which his head should be answerable for On Friday the third of February having with yet greater energie by order from Orleans repeated his opinion touching the Princes liberty told the Assembly how the Cardinal had told the Queen in presence of the King that there were Fairfaxes and Cromwells in the Parliament that it was to be feared that their intentions were to suppress Regal Authority according to the example of England That the Duke not able to tolerate so great a Calumny had assured the King that it was altogether false and that there was none but faithful servants to his Majesty either in the Parliament or City whereof he would become surety both in general and in particular and that the Duke had told the Cardinals self that he was a wicked man and worthy to be reprehended for instilling such ill opinions into a young King against his affectionate Subjects by whom his Majesty was generally loved their hatred extending only to the Cardinal whom they knew to be the only cause of the Kingdoms ruine And that upon this the Duke had sent the day before for the aforesaid Lords and had wisht them to tell the Queen that he would come no more to Court whilst the Cardinal was there At the names of Cromwell and Fairfax they were all highly scandalized insomuch as three propositions were made against the Cardinal the first that he should be made Prisoner the second and this was made by President Viola who was more incens'd against him than all the rest that he should be sent for to the Parliament to give an account of his Administration and for the words which he had said to the dishonour of the French Nation Here the first President interrupted him saying he was too hasty and after some contest between him and Coulin who spoke impertinently against the Cardinal the third proposal was made which was humbly to desire the Queen that he might be sent from Court the meanwhile the Coadjutor's friends having divulged throughout the City the aforesaid words spoken by the Cardinal of Cromwell and Fairfax the male-contents resented it and said they were injured for the French do not only love but even idolatrize their King so as in a moment the whole City which was quiet before grew mutinous the people running up and down the Streets yea even in the Palace it self crying out Let the King live and let Mazarine dye The Queen sent the next day to the Duke of Orleans to know whether he would be content or no that
not be done without jealousies amongst themselves and in the Parliament it self which was desirous to inlarge its Authority which being usurped must needs have been to the prejudice of the Princes whose Maxim it was to keep the Court weak and flexible to their pretentions but not to increase the power of Parliaments which was the reason why they abstained from all violence and meddled not with the Government not forbearing notwithstanding to bereave the Queen as much as in them lay of her faithfullest servants that they might place their friends and confidents about her which though it were foreseen by her and her State-Officers yet they suffered that cloud to discharge it self upon the Cardinal and they instead of giving themselves over to the contrary party did stoutly maintain Regal greatness so to find out means how to bring the Cardinal back so the remainder of that year past on as shall be by degrees related 4 The Spaniards in Flanders were this mean while intent upon what the issues of the Novelties which were budding forth in France would be upon which other considerable consequences for them did depend They sent to the Dutchess of Longueville and to Marishal Turenne in Steney to mind them of the agreement made between them never to separate till the Princes were set at liberty and the peace between the two Crowns were concluded They answered that they would go to Paris to co-operate therein as much as they could and that if the Spaniards should not be content and that their Mediation should do no good they would return again to Steney and make good their promise where with all were fully satisfied whereupon the Dutchess went from Steney and sent Monsieur Sarasine Secretary to the Prince of County to Brussels to thank the Arch-Duke and Count Fuensaldaglia to assure them that when they should be at Paris they would indeavour the perfecting of the treaty by which the Princes after their disimprisonment had obliged themselves to continue the War till such time as peace were concluded between the two Crowns The Dutchess came to Paris on the 15 th of March with great applause of the People and was met without the City by the Princes her Brothers by her Husband and by a great many Lords and Ladies and this the rather because her coming brought with it some appearance of a general peace which the people did very much desire so as if her departure from Paris were cause of great disorder her return was no less noble and glorious The Gates of Paris were still guarded as before with Armed Citizens for they still suspected the Queen would carry away the King and now the Court nor L' Hostelle de Orleans were no more frequented with visits but Conde's house and Longuevilles the famousest Warriers flocking to the one and all the Ladies to the other the Prince of Conde and his Sister Longueville might have then become Arbitrators of the Kingdom if actually keeping that inclination to peace as they seemed by their words to do they had made use of the favourable conjuncture of time for they coveted nothing more than reality in proceeding of the Treaty of peace nor was there any that doubted the truth of their desires for the Dutchess of Longueville sent away Monsieur Croisy to Steney with power from the Court to conclude peace or a general Truce This treaty was so carried on as though neither the Spaniards nor the Princes faction did really desire it it afforded Turenne a fair pretence to withdraw from the Spaniards imployment so as that Orleans as shall be hereafter related being afterwards offended by the innovations of Paris for the permission given by the Council to the Marquess of Chasteauneuf the Flanders Agents thought it now a fit time to listen to the proposals of peace made by Croisy For the whole negotiation was reduced to a particular conference between the Duke of Orleans and the Archduke without the intervening of Mediators and it being believed that the Queen would not trust the Duke of Orleans with such a negotiation the Archduke made his good intentions towards peace appear unto the people which if refused would increase the troubles in France for all the stops that should be met with therein would be imputed to the Court but it proved otherwise for the Duke of Orleans being in some sort reconciled to the Queen the Spanish Agents though they gloried in this their desire by sending Don Gabriel di Toledo to Paris and by assenting to the particular conference which was agreed should be held between Peroun and Cambrey Croisy having declared that the Duke of Orleans the Duke of Longueville the first President and Count Servient would be there their little desire thereunto appeared when they said that they must first expect orders from Spain and that though they knew it was the Catholick King 's intention that this treaty should be commenced they could proceed no further therein till they had received Commission from the Catholick Court which was by the going of Marquess Sillery to Brussels who by his proposal puzled the whole business wherefore Turenne knowing that he had fully satisfied his promise of procuring peace took occasion to retire and to fall totally off from the interest of Spain and went likewise from Steney to Paris But Conde being intent upon making himself great and professing much gratitude and affection to the Duke of Orleans that he might come more vigorously with him in withstanding the violences of the Court and to bind themselves to a more faithful confederacy concluded articles of marriage between the Princess of Alanson and the Duke of Anguienne Conde's eldest Son which though peradventure it might not be pleasing at Court by reason of the consequences which it drew after it yet it behoved the Court to seem to like it for the prejudice which might have been otherwise received by the increase of popular tumults Conde's indeavour to break the Marriage between the Dutchess of Chevereux and his Brother was very prejudicial to him for thereby he provoked a Ladies hatred who was apt to bring much trouble upon him the success whereof by reason of what insued thereupon being worthy to be known I will briefly acquaint you with it The Dutchess of Chevereux was always no less noble than generous in her proceedings wherefore the first time that the Prince of Conde visited her after he was at liberty she delivered up unto him the promise which her friends had gotten in writing for the marriage between his Brother and her Daughter saying that she had not desired that writing to oblige him thereunto otherwise than to assure him by such an earnest of her indeavouring his liberty This noble action was much talkt of at Court whereat the Queen was much troubled as if she did triumph over her misfortunes so as not only for the Queens dislike thereof but in respect of the interest of the Crown these insuing marriages were held to be the
forerunners of new troubles for that the Alliance made between Subjects of so great birth and spirit might if they lifted keep the Kingdom still in disorder had not several interests interposed in breaking this Alliance one whereof was the Dutchess of Longuevil's arrival at Paris who as being a handsome young Lady could not without envy tolerate this honour in Madamoselle Chevereux who was not so old as she who when she should be her Brothers wife as Princess of the blood was to be her Superior and because she could not brook coming beneath her being infinitely beloved by her Brother the Prince of County she indeavoured to divert him as much as she could from the Marriage to this was added the opinion of the Prince of Conde that his Brothers life might be shortned by this Marriage he being in the opinion of Phisicians but of a weak complexion but much more that he might not be bound to renounce for ever the great possessions which belong'd unto him by Church-livings and that he might also give too great countenance to the faction of the Frondeurs nor was the Court wanting in having an influence upon this whose Agents and particularly Count Serviente and Monsieur de Lyons had a great hand in the Government thereof who being still thought to be good friends and faithful servants to the Prince did according to what suited best with his interests infuse into him what they knew was good for the King's service The Queen likewise had a part therein who being desired by the Prince so to do wisht the Dutchess of Chevereux to proceed no further in this Alliance without the Courts consent in short the treaty vanisht the very Princes failing in their Devoirs whereat the house of Chevereux was highly scandalized in so much as the Dutchess who was very sensible of injuries and of a manlike spirit resolved by the Coadjutor's means who was her great friend to be revenged Whilst this treaty was breaking off the Duke of Rochfaucolt to bring it on again agreed with Madame de Rhodes an intimate friend to the Dutchess to her Daughter and to the Coadjutor that it behoved the Prince of Conde to have his Brothers Marriage take effect and that it behoved the Frondeurs to make Conde Governour of Guienne County Governour of Provence and Lieutenant General of Guienne and that this should be done at one and the same time on both sides But the Frondeurs not being in a condition to make good what they offer'd unto the Prince he thought himself also not bound to observe what he had promised concerning the Marriage The Coadjutor who was become an Enemy to the Dutchess of Longueville and to Rochfaucolt told the Prince that the Dutchess and her friends were not troubled at his proceedings in this affair but that the Dutchess of Longueville did for her particular concernments go about to break this match yea without the Prince his knowledg and that therefore he acquainted him therewith that he might be aware thereof the Prince finding out the design was very angry and told the Coadjutor in plain terms that he was sure to expect little from him and from the Dutchess of Chevereux when the match should be concluded since he sought to put division in his Family and to put discord between him and his sister allied unto him no less in love than in blood and then he communicated the whole business to the Dutchess and to the Duke of Rochfaucolt The Prince by this visit found that his Brother was really in love with Chevereux and that he had desired President Viola to draw up the Articles that so all obstacles might be removed and the business not retarded That Monsieur de Leghe a friend to Chevereux had discoursed long and frequently with County so as these things being added to the Advertisement of President Mortaro who was a friend and servant of Conde's who told him that the Marriage was to be concluded secretly without expecting dispensation and without his participation which made him resolve to take his Brother off from the thought thereof awakening in him some jealousie which he had formerly conceived adding that he thought he might do well to renounce that contract wherein his Sister Longueville did also labour so as they joyntly agreed how to silence it for ever and afterwards they agreed with Count Serviente and with Monsieur de Lyon that the Queen should forbid Chevereux and County to proceed any further in these espousals which was the cause of all the distasts and disagreements which insued afterwards and which did facilitate the Cardinals return to Court Thus Conde losing the Dutchess of Chevereux lost also the Coadjutor who became his bitter Enemy as well for this as for that he found he either could not or would not help him to be Cardinal The Duke of Bullion and Marishal Turenne flew also from him for his coolness in maintaining their interests in the business of Sedam he likewise lost Grandpree for not restoring him to his Government of Moson in the acquisition whereof he had so great a share and which was yet held by the Spaniards he likewise lost the Marquess Savebeuf by reason of some certain pretentions which he had and by his changeable nature he lost the first President of Parliament Mole for having prefer'd President Viola to be Secretary of State before Champetreux who was his eldest Son and with him he also lost many Counsellors of Parliament he likewise lost the Princess Palatine for not using his Authority in making Marquess Vieville superintendent of the Finances as also in consideration of her own interest and that she having assisted Conde so much she had not as yet got any good thereby she knew that to quench her thirst she must go to the Fountain's head and that persons of her condition could receive favours only from the King wherefore upon conference with the Dutchess of Longueville they both agreed that if they could get the Prince to give way that the Cardinal might return to Court they might have what they would of the King they communicated this their thought to him who suspended his resolution therein neither granting nor denying it Which they interpreting to the best sense the Princess Palatine motioned it to the Queen who listned attentively thereunto and said she would procure excellent conditions for Conde if he would do his duty But he having divers respects one contrary to another was a while doubtful what answer he should make but being told by his friends that he could not handsomely treat thereof without the Duke of Orlean's consent who had dealt so cordially for him and remembring with what applause he was received in Paris when after his imprisonment he came thither not so much in respect of himself as for being held to be a bitter Enemy to the Cardinal he resolved upon the denial wherefore the Princess Palatine having discover'd her thought unto him under the Seal of secrecy and he
Duke of Orleans Before the Seals were taken away upon fear that the Duke of Orleans might withdraw from Court and seduce Conde along with him the Queen being desirous to recompence the first President with as good a thing or better made many gracious offers to him as to make a fifth Secretary of State and give the place to his eldest Son or to buy a Presidents place in Parliament for him or to give him his own place after his life but he not being content with any of these she offered to make him Archbishop of Tolouse and indow him with 6000 pound sterling a year And it was further said that she offered to make him a Cardinal and his Son first President so as he would willingly resign the Seals all which he did scornfully refuse and contrary to the wishes of all his friends who told him that a Cardinal and a first President were never known in France to be of one and the same Family which made it be believed that either he thought very well of himself or that he feared to be deluded or that the place of Guard de Seaux was to be prefer'd before all these A treaty of peace with Spain was this mean while introduced by the Dutchess of Longueville's and Marishal Tâ—renne's return to Paris but Conde foreseeing that if this were effected he should be ruined he resolved to send Marquess Sillery about the end of April to Flanders under pretence of the same treaty of peace but in effect to negotiate his own concernments and to renew the treaty which was held at Steney with the Spaniards by Monsieur Croisy and this was the first correspondency which the Prince had with the Spaniards and which yet continues and was the cause why the Spanish Agents did not agree with France touching the general peace The Duke of Espernoun desired as much as the Court did that he might be permitted to quit the Government of Guien so to shuâ— the disorders which might insue by his remaining in a Province ill afâ—eâ—ted to his name the only difficulty lay in finding out another Government equivalent to that of Guienne It was reported that the Prince of Conde not being well pleased with those of Burgundy for not having appeared in hâ—s imprisonment cooled in the affection which he bore them before Espeâ—â—oun thought therefore that Conde would be easily perswaded to change Governments with him especially being much obliged to the 〈◊〉 for having made head against the King for his liberty wherefore the Duke of Candâ—lle sent Gourvill to propound this unto the Prince whom he found willing to accept thereof upon some conditions which were that he would have Guieâ—ne with all the Towns therein and that he should reserve unto himself in Burgundy the Castle of Dijeon and the Town of St. Iohn de Asne no mention was made of Belgard it being his own particular Patrimony for that Burgundy yielded five or six thousand pounds sterling more than Guienne but these things not being agreed upon the business broke off The Cardinal hearing of this negotiation wish'd the Queen not to permit this change for many reasons which shall be hereafter mentioned The Prince hearing this began to desire that which formerly he had not cared for saying that he would have that change with the aforesaid retentions and that if the Court were against it he would cause new troubles this business was often debated in the Privy Council pro contra Some said that Guienne was well â—cituated for receiving help from Spain and England in case of revolt That the Prince of Conde held intelligence with Spain already which was the only cause why he desired that Government that Guienne and Poictou joyn'd one upon another whereof the Duke of Rochefaucolt was then Governour who was Conde's great friend that the Duke of Rohan Chabot in Anjou was of the same party that Brovages both of them places of importance and the Islands of Olleron and Ree were in Count Ognon's hand who declared against the King that Normandy was under the Duke of Longueville Brother in law to Conde and that Britany was in the Government of Marishal Millerey who was about to ally himself to the said Prince by marrying his Son to Madamoselle de Tremaglia That by reason of so many Towns Provinces and friends back'd by the Spaniards and if need should be by the English France was exposed to apparent danger it was therefore concluded that this evident danger was not to be permitted in so many important Provinces the rather for that the Prince keeping Belgard St. Iohn de Asne and the Castle of Dijeon in his hands should be still as good as Master of Burgundy These reasons were of themselves sufficient not to permit that Province to the Prince of Conde had not Count Serviente one of long experience in Court affairs with strong reasons maintained the contrary he said that in great storms experienced Mariners stood not upon casting part of their loading over-board to save the rest that the King's Authority was in great danger that it was therefore needful not only to watch carefully but even to spend whole nights in thinking how to fence it if not in whole yet in part from the assaults of ambitious people that their Majesties were as Prisoners in their Palace whilst the Frondeurs pretended to take the Regency from the Queen and to take the Government of the whole Kingdom upon themselves That the Assemblies of the Clergy and of the Nobility prest the calling of the States General pretending to keep off the King's majority till he were Eighteen years old and in the mean time to chuse a Governour of the Kingdom That that strong-wound-up Rope composed of the several threads of many friends became strong and not to be broken that destruction was at hand unless this knot were untied by the yielding of one and abating of the other party that he was of their opinion who held that it was not good to grant Guienne to the Prince so to make him greater but that when he considered how great an acquisition it would be to take off a Prince of such esteem from the Frondeurs he was of another mind for that the true means to break the knot of the Enemy was to divide them the Male-contents being then only to be pacified when they see themselves abandoned by great ones that it was true that Guienne was of importance for scituation and for the peoples condition but that it was as true that it could not prove so prejudicial as was supposed That it was well known that the greatest part of the Gascons were of the Prince his opinion and that it was not to be doubted but that they would second his designs as well if he were far off as if he were their Governour so as by giving him that Government that was only given him which was already at his disposal and that by gaining Burgundy made him lose what he had That
which did aggravate him and Broussels self said that for all his diligent search he had found nothing whereof to accuse him but Counsellor Longueville a man of a great reach and very turbulent said in the Assembly that they were to make process against a man for particular affairs but that other proceedings were to be had in management of the State and that mere shadows were to be made use of and that it made for the publick good to give sentence as Caiphas did inferring thereby that to cloke their private intentions who were it right or wrong would rid their hands of him they must make him cause of all the blame palliating thâ— injustice with zeal to the common good The Prince all this while forbare not to bind himself faster to Orleans Beaufort the Frondeurs and Parliament telling them that his ruine was not aimed at by the Court without drawing theirs after it that he had always served the King faithfully and that those who sought to distroy him made use of the fruits of his Victories He afterwards forbad his Troops to joyn with those of the King alledging the Authority and consent of the Duke of Orleans who being Lieutenant General of the Kingdom during the King's Minority might command this as he pretended but whilst these affairs depended thus his friends thought he did much amiss in not putting on a ready resolution to fall by degrees from the King's Army and go to Charite a great Town upon the Loire half way between Paris and Lyons where when he should be arrived the Queen would never have left Paris and brought the King to wage War with him but were it either for want of ready resolution or that he would not be the first who should begin a breach which the Prince his Father left him for an unalterable Maxim or as it is more likely that he thought to send one of high esteem to command those Troops he unfortunately let this opportunity slip The Court beginning afterwards to take courage fell at unawares upon these Forces which they did not defeat because they were not all got together but they forced them to retreat in great disorder towards Steney upon the Mose and to go out of the Kingdom with great loss of those that ran away suspecting then some danger to his own person he began to be very circumspectful of his ways in Paris and quite forbore the Court and as it was apparent that his actions did not answer to what the Queen might expect from him nor to the good intentions he promised her Majesty when she granted him the Government of Guienne but did rather daily covet more Offices and Governments of Towns for his friends and those that did depend upon him that he took a course contrary to what was expected from his gratitude the Queen to counterpoise his power was forced to listen to what was propounded by the Frondeurs which was that they would serve her with all their faction in case she were not satisfied with him so as though the Privy Council were unwilling to come to an open breach with Conde thinking it better to keep him fastned to the Royal Family and because till then he had always refused to mingle with the Frondeurs with whom he was displeased for their having failed him in many things and sought to make use of him rather for their own concernments than for his sake at last the Court being forced by the Prince his too scornful comportments and by his too high pretentions Monsieur de Lyon with whom the Coadjutor was desirous to speak was permitted to see the Coadjutor in Count Montresor's house as he did once or twice the which being observed by one that dwelt over against Montresor's house he by means of Count Chavigny acquainted the Prince therewith who was afterward better advertised thereof by the Duke of Orleans to whom the Coadjutor had intrusted the business the Prince began to suspect that he was once more intrapped so as to this terror infused into him by Chavigny another accident being added of certain Soldiers who were upon the Guard in the Fauburg of St. Germains to bring in some Wine which were di contrabando without paying the impost he thought verily that those were the Regiments of Guard which were to enter his house as he was falsly informed by his Domesticks Vieville and Recuses Wherefore getting on Horseback by night on the sixth of Iuly he went out on the back side of L' Hostelle de Orleans where his fear making him mistake certain Horses that were loaden with Victuals for Troops of Horse which might wait for him he went with the Prince of County to his house at St. Maure to shun what he had suspected and thither came the Dukes of Nemeurs Rochefaucolt Richelieu and Bullion Marishal de la Motte and other of his friends with as much wonder to the Court as it was till then far from any such thought At his going out of Paris the Prince sent Veneville to acquaint the Dutchess of Longueville that she should also retire to St. Maure least she might be staid in the City and so all his designs discovered who though she were sick of a Feaver followed him Her malady increased and lasted above three weeks which was the cause why the Princes her Brothers could not hold their Counsels as they had wont to do in her house for fear of disturbing her who was troubled with increase of Paroxismes when her malady decreased which was six weeks before the declaring of War she resolved to go from her Brother before it was resolved what he should do for being upon treaty of either agreeing or totally falling off from the Court she would not have a hand in any thing which come what would come she disliked she considered that though peace seemed good it was not certain and if War should be thought necessary her Family would be thereby much indangered She therefore desired the Prince to let her depart and that since the Princess his Wife would be better in Montrond than in St. Maure where she might be an incombrance upon any occasion that should happen he would give her leave to wait upon her the rather for that such a retirement would make the Court jealous it not being ill to keep it in fear of War till it should indeavour to hinder it Conde consented thereunto and the Princesses went away not having any hand in what was afterwards resolved It appeared better at first that the Dutchess of Longueville should go to Normandy to her Husband than to Montronde least by following her Brother who was for War and abandoning her Husband who loved peace it might be believed that she was of a troublesome spirit but two reasons moved her to the contrary The first because the Duke of Longueville having after his liberty desired to have nothing to do with what concern'd his Brother in Law but to wind himself out of the party if the Dutchess
and he was so confident of his valour and so doubtful to meet with hardship if he should oppose him as he offer'd to give him Stenay and to that purpose gave order to Monsieur Chammegli who commanded there to receive his Troops and totally to obey him in which hopes the Prince continued for above four moneths not sending any other to command there which was the chief occasion of the dissipation of those Troops But Turenne did generously refuse all his offers and those that came to him as well from Flanders as Spain joyning on the contrary with the King his Master as shall be said Whilst the Prince staid in Burdeaux he gave out Monies and Commissions to as many as would serve him and thinking it fitting to secure himself of the upper Guienne and of Perigneaux he made a journey accompanied by few more than Prince Marsilliack Son to Duke Rochefaucolt But to return to what the Coadjutor did when he knew that the Princess Palatine indeavoured to reconcile the Prince to the Court he to disturb it sent one to the Cardinal to offer him his service and to go out of the Kingdom upon any Embassy or imployment to avoid all jealousies and promised him that he would make the King go to Rheimes and would reconcile him with the Duke of Orleans and that resuming his posture with satisfaction to his Royal Highness he should return to Germany to end the treaty of the general peace which was commenced by the said Cardinal as shall be said Moreover Marquess Noirmonstore who was firm to the Coadjutors concernment not only out of friendship but because he was allied to the Dutchess Chevereux and that he hoped to be made Duke and Peer and to get some Government offer'd a confident of the Cardinals to deposite into his hands the Brief for nomination of a Cardinal and Warrant for a Duke and Peer of France till such time as they should bring him back to the administration of Government and that then and not till then they would receive the said Brief and Warrant But the Princess Palatine having brought Bertet who was the man that came too and fro from the Cardinal to the Coadjutor who was willing to go himself to Brules was obliged by strong arguments to perswade the Cardinal that the Coadjutor was generously minded that it behoved him to prevent him by being beneficial to him and that his thoughts being generous and full of gratitude he would use more hearty indeavours upon these motives than any other This being a proposal of reciprocal advantage it was to be believed that it was sincerely meant He therefore accepted the offer and gave the business in charge to Abbate Vndedei who at last brought the Queen against her will to give way to the naming of the Coadjutor to be Cardinal at the next Election The Coadjutor seemed to be very well content and acknowledged himself highly obliged but not being able to use deceit without too much ingratitude he went very warily about to take it out of his hands for considering that his name was not acceptable to the Pope it might so fall out that it would not so satisfie him who was the promoter of this favour and so that he might refuse it at least make it more difficult as had befaln Abbate Riviere The Cardinal to oblige him the more refer'd the said nomination to the Queen who out of the same respects having assigned it over to the Duke of Orleans the Coadjutor began to study how he might obtain his ends and delude the Cardinal in what he had promised him wherefore finding that treaties with Conde grew desperate and his desire being to see both Conde and the Cardinal ruined so as he might have the absolute Government of affairs he withdrew himself dextrously from what he had promised upon frivolous excuses and sought by monies and the means of his Kinsman Cavaliere Gondi who was a chief Officer of the great Dukes to make sure the Court of Rome whither he sent his confident Abbate Charie with much expence and presents whereof he was not sparing to sollicite his so much desired promotion and to get it effected before more novelties should arise in France which might revoke the said nomination fearing least the Cardinal might do as he had done by Abbate Riviere whom he had undone by delays This touched the Cardinal to the quick for he was acquainted with the Coadjutors designs so as fitter medicines being applyed to a known mallady he knew so well how to apply such Antidotes as at last as shall be seen in the progress of this History he salved all wounds miraculously and triumphed more than ever over his Enemies and over persecution and envy But as report doth usually aggrandize things which not being visible men do with curiosity desire to know the Princes his provisions being given out at Paris to be greater than they were the rumor grew so great as people grew to be severally minded some thought that the Prince made War merely out of ambition to aggrandize himself others that he intended to raise himself to what was equal to his prepotency and experience in managing Arms and the Court was not only full of these conceptions but even many good Citizens of Paris who being stir'd up as well by fear of a civil war as hoodwinck'd by ignorance of the Arcana fancied that the Cardinal being out of the Kingdom it was not known what the Prince did drive at for the first overture of breach was grounded upon his desire of having the Cardinal banish'd which when it should be obtained the cause being removed the effect would cease by these whisperings the Prince fell somewhat from that general affection which he had gotten amongst the Parisians after his being set at liberty others thought that he prepared for defensive War rather out of fear of the Court than out of any other design But the Court nourishing the opinion that they were the effects of insatiable ambition that they might have a lawful pretence to apply powerful remedies to the evils that threatned the State gave out that upon the present occurrances it was requisite that the King should go in person to Berry to withstand the first commotions but two more important and concealed reasons moved thereunto The first to secure it self by going out of Paris from the people and Frondeurs who so insolently had block'd them up in the Palace which they might do again upon any new rumour that might arise The second out of a desire that the Cardinal might return which could not be done if the Court should tarry in Paris by reason of the Predominion of the Frondeurs and seditious Male-contents Chasteauneuf adhered to the first reason as well to shew himself willing to please their Majesties as out of a belief that if the Court should be further off the Cardinal would find more difficulty to return being to make a long and dangerous journey of which opinion were
come The Duke of Nemeurs having already past over the River with some of his men the Kings men thinking that more of the Enemy were past retreated to beyond their quarters and left the breast-work free to Conde who passing over on the head of 100 Horse went with some others to fall upon Oquincourt's hindmost quarter which he took as he had done the others and whilst they were busie in plundering here the Marishal knew by the light of the fire which burnt the Houses that there was not above 300 of the Plunderers wherefore he made towards them with 700 Horse which when the Prince perceived he drew out his Squadron and marching in the first file himself with Nemeurs Beaufort Rochefaucolt Marsillac Tavanes and three or four more of his Gentlemen he exposed himself and all the chief of his party to do the duties of ordinary Gentlemen The Kings Troops charged his Squadron and having given fire neither side gave back but at the second Volly the Duke Nemeurs was wounded and had his Horse kill'd under him at last the Prince was forced to give back and all the Officers having made the light Horse stay haulted some 50 paces off not being further charged by the Kings Troops wherefore a Squadron of 30 Horse belonging to Megly coming on at the same time Conde and the rest of his Commanders placed themselves again on the head of his men and charged Oquincourt on the Front and worsted him nor were his men ever able to rally again From thence he went to before Blenau and Oquincourt followed the baggage which was then totally plundered by the Prince his men The Marishal by reason of these exigents retreated by the advantage of the night to joyn with General Turenne Monsieur de Espouse headed his Squadron and went directly towards St. Prive that he might get from thence to Briara The Croats staid in their first quarter sounding their Trumpets to make it be believed that their whole body was there and they had order if they should be charged to run as fast as they could by another way thither Oquincourt rid all the rest of that night and met not with any incounter for the Enemy did but seem to follow him and in lieu thereof chased 200 Horse which on purpose went another way When Turenne heard first of the assault he caused to sound to Horse throughout all his quarters and joyning his Troops speedily together he marched toward the place where the assault was given to bring relief but having heard by the fugitives of the disorder and the misfortune which fame makes always greater than it is being ratified by divers Captains and Officers he thought half the Kings Troops had been lost and that in such a case it was better to think of retreating and of saving the rest of the Army which if it should be lost the Kings person would be in no small danger than to hazard a new bickering yet he took a contrary resolution and rallying his Soldiers as he marched he went straight toward Osay on this side the Channel where Count Naivailes quarters were thinking by the knowledg he had of those parts to get into some advantagious station and that when the Prince should see him march so franckly towards him he would be more weary in his march and more apprehensive and that fortune which always favours the forward would not abandon him in this which was thought a great piece of valour When he had put his men in battel array and had rallied many that ran away he advanced couragiously against the Enemy There is a small thin Wood within three leagues of Briara which parted the Generals quarters nor could the one come to the other but by a narrow causey near which Turenne advanced thinking to make the Prince believe that he would make use thereof and defend it which the Prince did cunningly suffer him to do intending afterwards to incompass him and totally undo him But Turenne with the wariness of a gallant Commander possest himself of the causey with 50 Horse observing Conde's ways who thinking to have him in a Net went presently towards the Wood with his whole Army and with two pieces of Artillery Then Turenne in stead of defending the Causey as he made it be thought he would do and which would have been his utter undoing came speedily out and drew out his men into an orderly Battalia in the midst of the plain whereby Conde thinking that the Kings Army retreated sent out some Squadrons to pursue it But Turenne facing soon about fell upon those that were advanced that he might fight them before the rest were come forth Conde knowing his disadvantage haulted and recalled those that were advanced declaring that none but Marishal Turenne could have kept him from an intire Victory and that of all the friends that he had ever lost he was grieved for none so much as for him The Kings men drew up towards the Wood where they planted their Canon and began to play upon the Enemy who were a little damnified not having Canon sufficient to answer the frequent shot of the adversary Monsieur Marrais Brother to Marishal Grance and chief Commander of the Valoi's Regiment were there slain Turenne having thus by his mere industry stop'd the Army of the Princes they stood facing one another all that day when Oquincourt came in with almost all his men for he had lost but few and those more by the darkness of the night than by the Sword of the Enemy Oquincourt spoke with the Prince who in a civil manner sent one of Turenne's Captains whom he had taken that night back to him and writ unto him that though he never thought to have seen him in the head of an Army against him the Prince yet he declared that he had always been bound to him and would ever be his servant he presented his service in the same Letter to his Brother the Duke of Bullion The rest of the day being spent in the playing of Canon the Kings Generals a little before night caused their Troops to retreat Conde did the like returning by the same way that he came from Braliera and went the next day to Chastillion where having staid three or four days he found it necessary to go to Paris being sent for thither by his confidents to interrupt the treaties which were then in hand between the Inhabitants the Parliament and the Duke of Orleans by such as were partial to the Court and for the jealousie he had of the Coadjutor The Dukes of Beaufort and Rochefaucolt Prince Marciliack Monsieur Guitaut and divers other Lords and Gentlemen went along with him which was the cause of the prejudice which afterward befell him and his party The nights success being brought to Court with such inlargements as use to accompany uncertainties did much perplex all mens minds for it was thought that day would prove fatal to one or other of the parties and as the French measure
Kingdom That Marcouse and Vaubecourt should be given for Hostages on the Kings behalf and Count Linville and the General of the Artillery on the Dukes with promise that no Hostility should be committed in his march the treaty was thus stipulated by Turenne much to his glory which being concluded in the face of both Armies the Lorrainers began presently to march towards Bria Whilst things went thus in these parts the Parliament who now that Lorrain was come thought they had hit the nail on the head raising their pretensions still higher sent President Nesmond again to the Court to insist upon sending the Cardinal away the Commissioners being come to Melune made the Parliaments desire known adding that it was a small business for a King to deprive himself of a Servant whereby he was to regain the obedience of so many who had withdrawn themselves from it only out of that respect The King returned his answer in writing That having often heard the Remonstrances made by his Parliament wherein they still asserted their intentions to maintain regal Authority and that they would always contribute their chiefest power to the advantage of his service and that finding the wound did now begin to Gangrene without speedy remedy he desired that their Commissioners might meet with his Privy Council to the end that they might joyntly find some remedy for the threatning mischief and to keep his people from the apparent ruine whereinto they were ready to fall through the capricious unquietness and ambition of some sew and that his Majesty indeavoured nothing more than how to restore his Kingdom to its former splendor When Nesmond had read this answer he reply'd That the only way to satisfie all was to send away the Cardinal The King thus interrupted him and with a serious aspect said You have heard my pleasure no more words The Commissioners returned to Paris where they gave an exact account to their Companions of what had past Many were for accepting the propounded Conferences but Brussels with an appearing zeal to the common welfare was firm that there needed no other Conference or negotiation since all was reduced to one sole head which was the sending away the Cardinal who being the sole occasion of all resentments they must stand upon it for this being had all controversies would be ended And the more averse he found the King to part with him the more he prest it not for that he cared much for it but that knowing how difficult a business it would be he might nourish the diffidences and maintain discord For it was apparent that if the Parliament had believed that the King would have parted with the Cardinal and with that re-unite the Princes to his service he would never have pretended thereunto but would have underhand indeavoured his tarrying for it did not make for him that the Kings Authority should be the more fortified by the joyning of the Princes with his Majesty and that consequently the pretences of the Parliament should languish Brussels opinion being adhered unto it was decreed that the Commissioners without any delay should return again to the King and tell his Majesty that they had nothing to add nor to propose but the effectual dismissing of the Cardinal in conformity to the decrees and Declarations made by his Majesty and to the protestation made by the Princes who were ready to lay down Arms as soon as the Cardinal should be gon out of the Kingdom Letters written from the Queen of Sweeden to the Parliament were given to the Commissioners to be delivered to the King the content whereof was her offering her self to interpose as a friend and confederate to the Crown of France in agreeing all parties The Commissioners came to Melune the 12 th of Iune and had Audience two days after they represented the desolation of the State by the Cardinals return which they said was the only cause of all the disturbances of the Kingdom The business was referred to the Council of State and the answers examined the Cardinal renued his many former desires that he might be dismist saying it was not fit that the peace of the Kingdom should be confounded merely for him This the King denyed saying that he was master and was to be served by whom he pleased and that none but God could prescribe laws to him The next Sunday the Commissioners had Audience again wherein the King gave them a writing saying that thereby they should know his pleasure Monsieur Vrilliere read it and gave it to President Nesmond wherewith he went to Paris the contents of the Letter were these That the King did very much wonder seeing there were so many wise and well advised Subjects in the Parliament that they should not know the desire of dismissing the Cardinal was but a specious and nice pretence since the true cause of all the troubles appeared to be the interest and ambition of those who had took up Arms and waged War when the Cardinal was in Germany dismist from the Court and Government which made it clearly appear that the maladies of a State are not cured whilst pretences are stood upon the roots whereof produce as many mischiefs as by those pretences are desired to be cut off so there was no remedy that would do good but to pluck up the chiefest and deepest evil by the Root That if his Majesty should permit the Cardinal to withdraw himself into some forreign imployment with due respect to his honour how should he be secured that the Male-contents would be quieted since his departure in the beginning of the last year had rather augmented than moderated the troubles so as it was not to be hoped it should fall out otherwise when he should be gone again unless the cause which produced the effect were presently taken away That his Majesty did desire speedy and permanent quiet to his Subjects that they might not fall into the former inconveniences the rather for that he knew well that at the same time when the Princes declared they were ready to lay down Arms if the Cardinal were sent away they provided for the contrary by strengthning their party with Forreigners and by seducing other of his Majesties Subjects from their obedience that what the Duke of Orleans had said some days before to the Commonalty of Paris touching his having no power over the Duke of Lorrains men which he had boasted to have brought was not like to that which he had affirmed in Parliament that the treaty made with the Spaniards by the Prince of Conde mentioned not laying down of Arms if the Cardinal were sent away nor indeed could it be spoken of since he was in Germany when it was made That therefore the Princes were to give real and positive security for performing what they promised wherefore he desired to know whether they renounced all leagues and associations made with Forreigners and all particular treaties had and made with his Majesties Subjects against his Royal service
following will know this only can be said That the Price of 50000 Crowns set on his head and all the Scorns and Contempts cast upon his Reputation were onely the Effects of a Passion which being wisely dissembled by this Cardinal served afterwards to let them see his good and just Intentions and made him at last triumphant overall his Persecutions and rendred his Ministry Glorious to all Posterity The same Night his Majesty kept him to Supper with himself in the Lodgings of the Mareschal de Villeroy that Night were many Bone-fires made and the next day as he returned from Mass he cast some Money amongst the people as he had done the day before upon the way in the Countrey as he passed along And the Visits which he received from the Grandees at Court and other particular Persons of all Orders and Conditions being over he betook himself unto the management of the Affairs of the Crown The same day there came to Paris also his three Neeces who had been alwayes with him who were also met out of the Port of St. Honorè by the Princess of Carignan the Marshal of Guebran his Lady the Marchioness of Ampous and several other Ladies of Quality These Ladies were also Lodged in the Louvre in a Quarter apart over the Queens Lodgings The King since his return had not done any thing in the distribution of Offices and Charges either Ecclesiastical or Secular although many were void and there were a great number of pretenders being desirous to expect the Cardinal's coming and to give him the Honour of disposing them as he who was best informed of each man's merit whereby he made himself also to be much more observed whilest every man being in hope to be rewarded according to his merit became more ready and careful in the Service of his Majesty He had notwithstanding of himself passed the Edicts for New Impositions and done all other things which were like to prove displeasing to the People because had it been done after the Cardinal's Return it might seem to have been done at his sollicitation whereby those Crimes would have been afresh imputed to him whereof he had formerly though without cause been esteemed guilty But there remaining unto him now by the special Favour of his Majesty the disposition of the Church Benefices and divers other Offices and Charges of the Court and Kingdome he began presently to make a distribution of them among such persons as he esteemed best deserving and fittest for the Imployments reserving notwithstanding a good part of them undisposed that he might keep up the hopes of such as were for the present disappointed of Imployments To the Count Servient who was a Minister of State of great Wisdome well deserving of the Crown and most Affectionate to his Majestie 's Service in which he was grown old having spent his time in the management of sundry Charges to the advantage of the Publick he gave the Office of super-Intendant over the Finances vacant by the death of the Marquiss of Vienville with whom was joyned Monsieur Fouquet Procureur General who was also made Minister of State a Person of great Merit for his continued Loyalty to his Majesty to whom upon all occasions and particularly in the Translation of the Parliament to Pontoise heâ—â—ad rendred very particular Service so as there was then seen at the same time two super-Intendants of the Finances as there was also a Chancellor and a Keeper of the Great Seal a thing seldome practised although the like hath been before during the Ministry of the Cardinal Richelieu To these Super-Intendants were also added four Intendants of the Finances who were the Monsieurs Paget Boisleue Housset and Brisaccier he took also good order for payment of the King's Revenues to the great ease and satisfaction of the Farmers of them Cardinal Anthonio Barberini coming about that time to Paris the Dignity of Great Almoner of France vacant by the death of Cardinal Richelieu Archbishop of Lions was conferred upon him by the means of Mazarine who endeavoured to give testimony of his gratitude and to oblige him more strictly to the Crown as conceiving his protection in Rome necessary unto the Interests of France the Cardinal Francisco his Brother being accounted averse to them by whom ill offices had been then lately done unto his Majesty by Letters censuring the Conduct and direction of Affairs It was reported in Court That this change in Cardinal Barberini was because he was gained by the Pope and Spaniard upon the hope of restoring to him the Profits of the Ecclesiastical Benefices of Naples and Sicily and the Money sequestred in Rome when the Pope pretended by calling him to account to undo the House of Barberini That which moved the Pope to a re-union with the Barberins was because having not long to live he thought not fit to leave a lasting Feud between his own Relations and that Family which was still powerful in Rome and the Spaniards also desired the same that they might take off the dependence of that Family upon France and find no opposition from them upon the Election of a new Pope The Cardinal Francisco therefore being transported with this hope because he had no other pretext made use of this That he had been neglected in France the Cardinal Mazarine having married his own Niece to the Duke Mercoeur without concerning himself to find a party for his Niece as he might have done And seeming to resent this highly he commanded the Abbot his Nephew who was at Lions to take away privately the Prince Praefect and all his Family from thence causing them to retire into Italy near Vincenza and this he did whilest Cardinal Anthonio was in Paris without giving him the least notice of it This sudden Resolution appeared strange in France and the rather because there had been alwaies a good intelligence between that Baberini and Cardinal Mazarine unto whom he had proposed some years before the Marriage of one of his Nieces Colonel Vaini her Cousin being sent into France about it and the thing had been agreed by his Majestie 's consent and Writings drawn up touching the Marriage After this Reconciliation of Cardinal Barberini with the Pope that this Union with that House might be more firm there was a Marriage concluded between Don Maffeo Barberini then the Abbot and a little Niece of the Pope in consideration of which Marriage the Prince Prefetto was promoted to be Cardinal and renounced the Inheritance unto his said Brother the Bridegroom The Bishoprick of Poictiers worth about 30000 Crowns yearly was also given to the said Cardinal Anthonio the same being void by the death of Monsieur Rocheposay an Excellent Prelate who had enjoyed that Dignity 40 years and had in two important occasions preserved that Countrey to the King himself with a halfe Pike in hand followed by the people who were much devoted â—â— him standing in opposition to the Nobility who in the former Wars had taken Arms for
of Oleron upon Monsieur de Louches and the Towers of Rochel upon Monsieur d' Aunais all of them the Cardinal's Confidents to whose direction Fortune favourably corresponding all things were thereby and by his own good Conduct so well ordered that the effects which followed rendred all his Actions intirely commendable and praise-worthy They Negotiated also with the Count d' Harcourt to agree with him to deliver up Brisac doubting that he might Treat with some Forraign Prince and endanger thereby that most Important Place but the Treaty being upon the point of conclusion was interrupted because whilest it was thought that Prince would content himself with the Government of Anjou and the Fort of Fera in exchange of his Command in Alsatia he finding that they had some thoughts of Arresting the Prince of Armagnuc his eldest Son who studied in Paris caused him privately to withdraw thence and come unto him to Brisac which gave a stop to all Treaties and renewed the former jealousies and distrusts of him It was then generally thought that Harcourt being a Prince of great Valour and having such a Fortress in his hands would have driven things to an extremity and taken his advantage upon agreeing with the Court to have gotten the most that he could promise to himself for the restoring of it but he did not having a Mind too noble to stoop unto an Action which might shew want of Faith and Ingenuity contenting himself with the payment of the Garrison and his own security in that place without making any other Proposition though the first Treaty had been interrupted The King's Councel on the other part did not much sollicit him for several Reasons The first was Because they hoped that when he should want money the Garrison being unpaid would revolt against him The second Because they would not engage themselves to Treat with him till it appeared who was Master of the place Charlevois being there who gave sufficiently to understand that his Authority there was not absolute And the third Because knowing how great a Friend he was to his own Reputation he would â—urely never undertake an Action which might lessen his Fame and Reputation and therefore they thought not best to make a Treaty with Harcourt lest they might have another to make with Charlevois Which was the cause that when the Count renewed his Negotiation by the Baron de Milet and the Abbot de la Charente who communicated all things with the Duke d' Elbeuf the Prince of Harcourt the Duke d' Harpaion the Marquiss d' Ampouz and other Kindred and Friends the Cardinal alwayes delayed the matter Monsieur de Besâ—â—s Captain of his Guard went to Brisac upon pretence to conclude the Treaty but instead of that whereof he outwardly made shew corrupted the Garrison of Philipsbourgh into which Fort they suffered the Kings Troops to enter publishing a thing very injurious to the Count his Loyalty that they had done it because the Count was in Treaty to sell it to the Duke of Lorrain whereupon order was given to the King's Querries not to receive his Orders any more as Grand Escuyer of France and command was given to Mareschal de la Ferte Senneterre to march with his Majestie 's Forces into Alsatia and make Warr against those Places which held for the Count to enforce him unto those Capitulations which his Majesty should think fit to grant him The Mareschal besieged and in a few daies took the Castle of Betford defended valiantly by the Count de Susa and gave notice unto the Count That he should give up Brisac without other pretensions and retire himself into his Government of Alsatia or to Philipsbourgh which should be restored unto him Harecourt shewed himself willing to submit unto his Majestie 's pleasure entred into a Treaty with the Mareschal and accepted the Articles subscribed by him the substance whereof was That there should be paid unto him 40000 Doubloones to pay Charlevois and the Garrison of Brisac and 10000 to himself for a greater sum expended by him in maintaining the Garrisons of Brisac and Phillipsburgh This Treaty was by the Mareschal dispatch't away to Court to be ratified and brought thither by Monsieur de Brinon his Nephew but the Cardinal being assured that the Count dâ—Harcourt could not Treat with the Spaniard as being not absolute Master of the place and less with the Emperour who would not listen to it as well by reason of the 3000000 which France was to pay unto the Arch-Duke Charles Ferdinand of Inspurgh granted by the Treaty of Munster as because he would not give occasion unto the French to draw the Swedes again into Germany refused to approve the Treaty made by the Mareschal but the said de Brinon and Monsieur Dautichamp who had been sent along to Court by the Count for the said Ratification were sent back with Orders to revoke all that had been granted and Monsieur de Senneterre by the said de Brinon writ to the Mareschal his Son That there was no cause for him to take offence at this disowning of his Articles but he was to obey in all things The Mareschal observed punctually his Orders and sent the said Brinon with his Letters of excuse unto the Count letting him know That his Majesty had not approved the Treaty he had made and that there remained therefore nothing to be done but to submit unto his will which was That all things should be restored unto the former state That he should forthwith give up Brisac into his hands and that he would instantly advance into Alsatia to reduce all those Places that should refuse to give Obedience Harecourt at a news so unexpected was greatly troubled and esteeming himself to be deluded pretended that the Mareschal should make good his Parol to him and upon that account kept Brinon prisoner but it availed not because the Mareschal caused Dautichamp to be forthwith Arrested in his return from Court and sent Monsieur de Castlenau his Lieutenant General to take in Tannes Dautichamp seeing all his endeavours to be released fruitless desired the Mareschal to consider him as a prisoner of Warr and give him liberty upon his Parol which being granted he continued his Journey towards Brisac and came to Tannes at the same instant that Castlenau was about to attack the Suburb which was trenched in he wrote instantly unto the Mareschal praying him that the Assault might be forborn assuring him That the Count d'Harcourt would command Monsieur de Grun Governour of the place to open him the Gates But the Mareschal taking it to be onely a delay for gaining time gave order that they should give no farther time whereupon the Suburb being taken by the King's Forces and Castlenau having granted them a Truce till Dautichamp's return who went with all diligence towards Brisac and in his passage saw the Mareschal at Cernay who made him hope for the continuance of that Truce until the 9th of March in the morning that
who arrived there in May but his true Errand was to sollicite for Supplies because the French being Masters of the Garonne did so fortifie themselves there that 't was very hard to drive them thence and in case that were not done it followed consequently that Bourdeaux in which the King's Party grew daily stronger must be lost Lusignan had good words given him there were 200000 Crowns consigned unto him and at his parting the Order for the Vessels to set sail from the Port of Passage were put into his hands but that was afterward suspended by reason of the impossibility of putting it in execution and in lieu of it Batteville was commanded that he should with all speed possible get into Bourdeaux by the Lake of Archazon to keep up the hearts of the people and give some hopes unto the Prince of Conty and the Principal Persons of the Party He was there to propose three things to them One Whether they thought fit the Spanish Fleet should advance into the Garonne and hazard a Battle The Second Whether they would have him lie in the Mouth of the River And the Third Whether they were willing he should sayl to Britanny or Normandy to divert the French by giving disturbance in those Places There were also sent 900 Irish more towards Guienne and the Archduke and Spanish Ministers in Flanders were written unto by the King that they should forthwith draw into the Field and pay 200000 Crowns more unto the Prince of Conde to re-inforce his Troops that he might march into France whereby the Cardinal being obliged to draw that way with all his Forces should not be able to continue the Enterprize of Guienne and that there might be during that time some fit means used for putting things into a good posture in that Province But neither could these Orders be performed because the Ship which carried 300000 Rials into Flanders falling into the English hands they took the Money although the King of Spain were then a friend to England and kept for some time as lawful prize it being in a Holland Bottom But these Misfortunes are not to be imputed unto the negligence of Ministers but to the accidents of time which often frustrates the success of prudent Counsels There were 30000 Doubloons more sent to the Fleet and Batteville was Commanded to try all ways of getting into the Garonne and opening the Passage into Bourdeaux and that he should make use of that Sum to corrupt some of the French Commanders which notwithstanding prevailed nothing they being all of them loyal and constant in their Duty to his Majesty The Count Fiesco and divers others went again also into Spain to represent the Necessities and solicite for Assistance unto Guienne though 't were conceived by some 't was rather to receive the Money and Rewards which by the Catholick King 's generosity were prodigally dispensed unto as many French as came to his Court which caused many to endeavour more the getting of his Money than his Service whereby he was abused And whosoever shall consider the Sums of Money distributed among the Male-contents of France will find them to have been sufficient to have conquered a whole Kingdom and notwithstanding were issued only upon expectations which either through treachery or ignorance were disappointed Mean while the Duke of Vendosme hastned the building of the Fort Ca sar upon the Garonne and of another in the Countrey about the place where the two Rivers meet beginning at the rising ground of the House of Aliâ—â—t and from thence making Forts to hinder the Communication of the Places held by the Princes with Bourdeaux and to take from them Lerâ—â—ns a place sâ—ituate at the Point where the Dordogne falls into the Garonne which was garrisoned by 500 Irish under the Command of Colonel Dillon To which purpose upon the 26th of May he shipped the Regiments Melleray and Normandy in Gallies and Brigantines and by the favour of the Tide the Cavalier Albret Mareschal de Camp and the men under his Command skirmished in passing by with the Gallies which lay under that Fort there imbarked then the Count Cominges Lieutenant-General the Brothers Count and Baron of Montesson and the Lord Garteret who treated with the said Colonel Dillon Governour of the place and perswaded him instead of defending himself to change his Party and to put himself and all his Souldiers into the King of France his Service this happened because the Irish Souldiers were extremely discontented as having been sold like slaves unto the Spaniard and therefore having no tie of Honour or other Obligation lying upon them This Example had been seconded by others of that Nation by reason of a scruple of Conscience they had to serve the Spaniard who were so much united with the English contrary to the Allegiance they owed their Prince if Marsin foreseeing it had not enforced the Officers of every Regiment to give Hostages into their hands The loss of Lermont was very grievous to the Bourdelois for the importance of the place whereby the Royallists took from them the benefit of the Rivers in the Command of which consisted their safety or their ruine Notwithstanding all these advantages the clemencie of his Majesty and of his Ministers made him continue still the Treaty of Peace with those who amongst that crowd of rebellious Spirits seemed best affected to it upon perswassion that the hope of Pardon would work more than the fear of punishment And therefore in the Month of May another General Pardon and Oblivion was published for all in Bourdeaux with Expressions That his Majesty was more inclined to use Mercy than Rigour Upon this there was a general Assembly made in the Publick Palace to consult whether it were better to accept thereof and give an end unto the Publick miseries or persist in their disobedience 'T was thought by men of the best Judgment that 't was much more expedient for Subjects to live in obedience under their own natural Prince than with the shadow of Liberty under a stranger The fear of the Olmiere kept every one in awe there were notwithstanding several things debated amongst some of that Council but the obstinacie of those Plebeyans could not be overcome with Politick considerations They seemed to be all of them charmed by the Spaniard they inclined to think they should be forthwith freed they perswaded themselves what they desired they believed nothing which thwarted their imaginations and being conceited they had that in their hands which by false colours was represented to them by the Princes they concluded no other Oblivion or Amnesty was to be accepted but that wherein the Prince of Conde was included for whose cause they had taken Arms and brought a War to their own Doors and that whoever should speak contrary to this resolution should as a Traytor to his Country be drowned in the River These Persons made account the offers which the Court made were an effect of weakness proceeding from Necessity