This hope was much augmented when Philip the Third King of Spain was friends with Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy and laid down those Arms and dismissed those men wherewith he threatened that Duke so to oppose the French in the Dukedom of Millain which Duke Emanuel having at the same time made great preparation of Arms and holding strict Intelligence with King Henry made it be doubted that he intended to trouble Italy and to assault the State of Millain had he not been interrupted by the death of Henry the Fourth of France just when he was ready for so great an Enterprise And the less it was expected that King Philip should let slip the occasion of resenting himself when the Duke was bereft of his assistance from France by the death of King Henry the more was his goodness praised and his mildness pleasing for not minding what might peradventure have happened if affairs had succeeded otherwise he had more respect to the good of Christendom to the peace of Italy and to his Alliance with the Duke then to the desire of revenge a great incitement to all men but more to powerful Princes when they think themselves injured not only by their inferiours but by their equals The Kings rage was much mitigated towards the Duke by the great desire which the Princes of Italy seemed to have thereof by the intercession of Pope Paul the Fift and by the efficacious intreaties made with much affection by Philebert the Dukes second Son to the King his Uncle who was sent by his Father into Spain to give satisfaction on his behalf but the Authority and favour of Mary Queen of France was of no less help herein who by the death of her Husband having the Government of her young Son the King and being Regent of the Kingdom did very seasonobly interpose her self in this Reconciliation Foâ—… though the Intelligence held with the Duke and the great preparations of that Kingdom had caused great Commotions and diffidence in the Court of Spain yet it not being manifest against whom the Arms and ends of that King were intended it so fell out That his magnanimous thoughts ceasing by his death as also the doubts and suspicions conceived in Spain by reason of those great preparations the same Peace and good correspondency continued between Spain and France which though if the King had lived was very likely to have been disturbed was never demonstratively broken And it making for the Queen to keep peace with Spain so to shun the troubles and contestations which her Authority and the guidance of her Son King Lewis his affairs a Minor of ten years old might probably meet with amidst Arms and Commotions in France which was yet full of many humours and Fractions and of so many Religions and wherein the wounds and scars of the late civil Wars were not yet well healed she wisely chose rather to be aiding to the Duke by Negotiation then by Forces which she must have sent into Piedmont The necessity of her backing the Dukes cause being made to appear in Spain by reason and the readiness of her Self and Kingdom also by some preparations upon the Confines of Italy the King pardoning so great offences at the mediation of such Intercessors partly admitting of the Dukes justification with such dissimulation as is sometimes used by Princes he gave order for the disbanding of his Army in the State of Millain which was designed to have assaulted Piedmont Affairs being thus composed and Peace being proclaimed to the satisfaction of all men the publick Affairs of Italy were in so good a posture and so consolidated in a continual quiet as there was no signe seen of any the least appearing storm which could any ways shake the solid Basis of her peaceful condition or the tranquillity of her former quiet For the French who were the only and without all question the most powerful means to cause Novelty and Commotions in Italy being detained by their Kings minority and busied in the necessary care of the preservation of the Domestical affairs of the Kingdom were unable to imploy themselves for the space of many years in foreign affairs Whence it was to be believed that they would not unprovoked disturb that peace which had been with some Anxiety indeavoured by themselves and for their own interests And the Spaniards who being Masters of the Islands of Sicily and Sardigna of the Kingdom of Naples and State of Millain did rule over the greatest and best part of Italy though as being Superior to the other Potentates they might easily cause and continue Commotions in her yet being naturally apt to preserve peace and having by the experience of many years known how happy it was for them to keep the chief place of Authority in Italy by means of their so ample Dominions peacefully and quietly it was no question but that they would be solicitous in preserving her quiet for the future as they had profest themselves to be in the former and present Occurrences The Dutch and Switzers adhered unto the Authority of Spain the latter by reason of the streight League with the State of Millain whereby they reaped much advantage both to the private and to the publick And the former in respect of the Kings of Spain who were the chief of the House of Austria so powerful in Germany by reason of the many Adherences and great States which she hath there and of the Imperial Crown which hath continued in her by so many successions by which means those Kings did not only preserve Italy unprejudiced by the Forces of those two fierce Nations so formidable by reason of their vicinity and power but did the better secure the Majesty of their own Empire and the large Precinct of their Dominions and do also keep the Kingdoms of Spain in more security which are at the present richer then any other Kingdom through the immense Treasure which are abundantly subminstred to them by the unexhausted Mines of the Indies and new World by a Fleet of seventy Gallies distributed in the Havens of Spain Genoa Naples and Sicily The other Princes of Italy divided into unequal Seigniories did therefore reverence and yield observancy to so great and so well grounded a power the lesser whereof did for sundry respects absolutely adhere thereunto and injoy'd quiet under the protection thereof and the greater placing the ground-work of Principality upon Peace minded more the preservation of their Dominions by counsel then inlarging their Confines by Arms and all of them though they saw so great a forreign Empire radicated in the bowels of Italy yet not having for many years been thereby molested and therefore accustomed to injoy their own Territories a long time in a happy and secure Peace they were better contented to bear with the condition of the present Times though upon some disadvantage then out of a desire of absolute liberty to irritate those Forces against them whereunto they were not of themselves equal Nay
Hollanders not without much satisfaction to Spain which was then desirous to see an end of so expensive a War So as the Spaniards had no reason to complain of any assistance given to the united Provinces wherein the chief foundation of their Justice lay That therefore when France was free of Civil Wars and had regained her former vigour the King not being able to be wanting to the just cause of the German Princes who had recourse to him touching the succession of the States of Iuliers and Cleves though it was conceived that he had contracted several Leagues against the Austrians Yet if that Kings life had not been cut off in the nick of time all those Leagues and Unions spoken of would have soon been seen vanish into smoak and it would have been known that they served for nothing but appearing threats since it made not for that the King who was then well in years whose issue was young and his Kingdom not yet seled to enter into new Wars for the interests of other men and leave his Kingdom to his young children involved in forreign Wars For he might be sure that Regal Authority which curb'd civil dissentions ceasing together with his life the Kingdom which seemed now to be united would fall into its former disorders which would draw forreign Forces into the Kingdom That the present King growng in years had given the King of Spain no occasion of complaint but had alwayes corresponded with him as became Princes that were friends and joyn'd in affinity That the first encounters arose from what had hapned in the Valtoline wherein the King had interested himself out of his being bound to protect the Grisons and out of the great prejudice which was thereby occasioned to his own affairs and to the German and Italian Princes That the first intermission was in a civil manner not by Arms which the King took not up till the first conventions of Madrid were undervalued and that notwithstanding the King of France did temporise to ripen some difficulties But that seeing no satisfaction given he was forced to betake himself to Arms the business not being yet well adjusted he was once again necessitated to take up Arms for the just and necessary defence of the Duke of Nevers who was by violence kept from succeeding in the State of Mantua and Montferrat and for no other reason but for that that Duke was born in France was of kin to the King and held great possessions of the Crown of France That if the Auxiliary Forces of France in the behalf of that Duke if the Peace of Susa ought to be accounted violence or injustice meerly for that they wanted the Cesarean Authority that the appearing of the Spaniards against that very Duke not the division of Montferrat made between the Spanish Agents and the Duke of Savoy were not countenanced nor corroborated by the Emperour that if the merits of the cause if the intention of Arms and dissention between these two Kings were to be balanced without byass those of France would appear to be more just and less concerned then those of Spain Since the later tended to the offence the other to the defence of an assaulted Prince so as the Spaniards had nothing to object against the Arms of France nor could the Emperour account his authority more injured by the French then by the Spaniards And that the award of the cause made on the behalf of the French by the Peace of Ratisbone did more justifie the Proceedings of the French then of the Spaniards For what concern'd the affairs of Germany many other reasons were alledged amongst the rest that there was a difference to be put between the Princes of France and the German Princes that the Regal Authority of France was Monarchical to which all the Princes of France are Vassals that Germany on the contrary was Aristocratical consisting of several Sovereign Princes and free Cities who chusing the Emperour for their Head obey not as Subjects to a Sovereign but as Members and Colleagues of the Empire enjoying many priviledges and exemptions which suit not with Sovereign Authority from which exemptions the Emperour not being able to derogate if by any excess of private power exceeding the known Authority of the Laws heâ—…at any time endeavour to derogate from them or not observe them they hold themselves as much injur'd by him as the Citizens of a Common-wealth would do if their Head abusing Authority and contemning the publick Laws should aspire at Tyranny That all Germany did at the present groan under the burthen of the excessive Austrian authority that she had lost not only the substance but the very shadow of her original Liberty and was therefore forced to send for the King of Swedeland from the utmost Northern parts to recover their almost lost Liberty That this defence did anciently belong to the Kings of France to whom upon like occasions the German Princes had wont to have recourse That the present King out of his too great respect born to the House of Austria had neglected this his duty to the German Princes that he could not without much loss of reputation degenerate from the Kings his Predecessors nor by abandoning those Princes suffer the King of Sweden to prevent him in that office which did of due belong to him nor would the Concernments of his own Kingdom tolerate that the Austrian Authority should extend it self further by the oppression of those Princes And as concerning the conclusion of peace with the Emperour it was neither strange nor new that the King should not make peace without his Colleagues the German Princes since there have been so many both ancient and modern examples seen of peace solemnly concluded between Princes and Vassals that have risen up against their Sovereign Prince The peace of Constance made between the Emperour Frederick sirnamed Barbarossa and the Cities of Italy which had rebelled against him the Truce between the King of Spain and the Hollanders so many peaces made between the very Kings of France and their contumacious people in the last Civil Wars and the peace made not many years ago between the Emperour and the Elector of Saxony are sufficient proofs of peace made between a Subject and a Sovereign It was therefore concluded that the King of France his interesting himself in the civil dissentions of Germany and in the several peaces that were to be concluded was not only just and usual but more necessary then that which King Philip the second undertook in the troubles of France which could neither in justice nor for convenience be parallel'd to this and though the King appeared to have undertaken them only for Religion it was at last discovered that it was more govern'd therein by State interest then by Religion and that therefore if there were any parallel to be made between the countenancing of Germany and that of France France might be said to have learn'd the the Doctrine of fomenting the differences
irksome to them through solitariness They were honoured only with Titles and exterior demonstrations but were not otherwise in any favour or Authority at Court The eldest Prince died not long after who upon the like occasions had great disputes with the Duke of Lerma and the rest returned into Italy if not displeased with the King at least but badly satisfied wiâ—…h the Court as not finding that countenance and welcome as they thought became their condition These and the like accidents though out of private occasions and proceeding rather from the State-Officers then from the King wounded the Duke to the very soul who was much exasperated by former proceedings and if he had met with any occasion he would peradventure have been willing to have vented his disdain but neither the times nor the condition of his own affairs corresponding with his desire of resentment he was forced to cloâ—…e his passions and to expect a more opportune time whilst thus fought with by inward haâ—…red such occasions at last happened when he least expected them as brought those opportunities home unto him then which if he had sought after them he could not have met with greater William dalle Marche Duke of Iuliers and Cleves died about this time in whose death all his whole Family failing many several German Princes pretended to the Succession of those States Amongst the rest Leopold one of the Arch-Dukes of Austria and the Princes of Brandenburge and Newburg which latter two joining against the Arch-Duke possest themselves of all that appertained to those Dukedoms except Iuliers which fell into his power Leopold's Cauâ—…e was not adhered unto only by the House of Austria and by the King of Spain but by all the Catholick German Princes who thinking it pernitious for the Catholick Religion that those States should fall into the hands of Heretick Princes contracted a League in the behalf of the Arch-Duke and chose the Duke of Bavaria for their Captain-General The two 〈◊〉 finding themselves too weak against such a League had recourse to the King of France whose Kingdom after so many calamities of preceding wars having now injoy'd peace for many years and consequently flourishing more in Arms people and riches then it was ever known to be before himselâ—… being obeyed by all the Orders of this Kingdom and reverenced by all the Princes of Christendom and not thinking it became him that the Crown of Spain and House of Austria should grow to a greater height took upon him the protection of those Princes and with caution to the Catholick Religion of those Inhabitants he promised to assist themin the possession of the controverted States in whose cause the Protestant Princes of Germany did also adhere And the King of France being made their Head they prepared openly to oppose the Arch-Duke the King perceâ—…ving that from hence great combustions were likely to arise applied his mind to much greater designs Betaking himself therefore not only to make stout preparations of Arms throughout his whole Kingdom but also to negotiate new Leagues and Unions with Forâ—…eigners he sollicited many of the Italian Princes to whom he thought the neighbourhood of the Spaniards was either suspitious or troublesome promising them great Rewards and increase of Dominions if by joyning their Forces with him they would take up Arms in Italy against the King of Spains Dominions The chief of these were the Venetians and the Duke of Savoy the former in respect of the great opinion which was held not only of their forces and wealth but of their Counsel and Wisdom The other for the Neighbourhood of his Dominions and for the vivacity of his military Spirit naturally inclined to new Enterprises as also out of the distastes and bad satisfaction which he had often received from the Spanish State-Ministers Count Fuentes who though he was very old and upon the confines of death was yet alive and much feared and reverenced and the Affairs of Spain flourished much as hath been said under his Government The 〈◊〉 notwithstanding either professing to abhor turbulence and novelty or fearing to provoke the Spaniards refusing the first great offers made to them by the King of France would have no hand in a business of such moment which was like to work great Revolutions in the world not without danger to their own Affairs The Duke who on the contrary though strangely scandalized at the Court of Spain would not let slip such an occasion willingly and was therefore willing to listen to the Kings great offers whereof one was to marry the Kings eldest Daughter to Prince Victorio yet calling to mind the long and bitter wars which the Kings of France had made upon his Father and Grandfather by whom they were beaten almost out of all their Dominions And on the contrary his recovery and being kept in long possession of them by the favour and adherence of the Crown of Spain the annual Revenues which he received from thence which would upon any the least occasion be taken from him to boot with the troubles and wars which he was to undergo by incensing the Spaniards in all these respects he began to doubt lest to pass from the one adherence to the other would be too dangerous for him and for his Children who were by so streight interests and by so near alliance joyn'd to the King of Spain wherefore not totally excluding but keeping the Treaty on foot with the French he thought to make use of this occasion as of the means whereby retaining his former friendship with the King of Spain but upon better conditions he might get a greater esteem put upon himself and his affairs Or totally foregoing Union with Spain which he thought would be now reduced to subjection and slavery indeavour to link himself close with France and by the â—…avour and assistance thereof arrive at that Grandezza and Augmentation of State which having long looked for in vain from the Crown of Spain he could never attain unto He therefore demanded one of the Daughters of Spain for Wife to his Son together with a Portion in Land which might serve in recompence for his antient pretences and other annual Revenues and honourable places for his other Children to the end that they might live in Port and Splendour sutatable to the Nephews of so great a King And to remove the obstacles and difficulties which he might meet with in these desires he thought it necessary to win the Duke of Lerma and to interest him in these his demands for when he should have got him he hoped he should succeed the more easily in all the rest Laying aside therefore all former contentions and emulations â—…e loaded him as it is said with hopes and mighty promises which depending absolutely upon his own will might bring unusual greatness and splendour upon his Family and descendants wheâ—…eby to make so powerful a Minister of State give way unto and facilitaâ—…e whatsoever he should demand of the King for his Sons
necessarily they must be Four hundred French were at this time come by Sea amongst which were many Gentlemen and people of good account who were friends and adherents to Nevers who at the first hearing of these rumours came from France to assist him and being back'd by Gallies belonging to the Kingdom came in the Seas of Genoa in small Barks to find him out rather as Travellers than Souldiers for though the State of Genoa had with an intention of keeping neutral inclined at the beginning of these Commotions not to give passage to 2000 Tuscans which the Great Duke had destin'd for the assistance of Mantua yet being much troubled lest Montferrat should change its Lord at last winked at any one that should pass privately through her Territories in assistance thereof But these people who came from France in haste not being very well provided proved not so advantagious as the condition of the time required save only that they gave some reputation to the Affairs of Montferrat and that witnessing the readiness of that Nation and the zeal thereof towards the Duke of Mantua it made the News which was divulg'd in Italy of the great preparations of that Kingdom be believed And yet the necessary delay which the French succour required making their hopes of the reliefe of Nice but small doubtlesly when the Duke of Savoy should have got it he would have been Master of all this part of Montferrat which was all reduced to underneath the Duke of Savoy's obedience save Cassalle and Pontestura And consequently all men being full of fears and jealousies they murmured greatly against the Governour of Millain that he should so long suffer so great a violence that he should so little value the Kings reputation he was held to be the Pieâ—…ra dâ—… 〈◊〉 the Sâ—… of offence or stumbling block to be the original mover and first fautorer of so violent and detestable an enterprise for how durst the Duke else have dared to attempt a State which was taken into the protection of so great a King How else durst he despise the Majesty of that Crown and the so neer and powerfull Forces of the State of Millain Nay they murmured against the King himself and the Spanish Nation as if they had openly conspired with the Duke of Savoy against the Duke of Mantua in a nick of time when the King of France was not able by reason of his Minority to oppose their designs Wherefore all Italy was in a rage and seeing the harmony of concord out of tune and the common safety and publick quiet disordered began to distrust the King and that Nation whose ambition and desire of rule was not bounded with Montferrat And as the private men did not forbear expressing their sense and back bitings in Libels clapt up in divers publick places even in the City of Millain so the Potentates of Italy began to waver in their friendship and inclination to that Crown and bethought themselves of new remedies whereby to provide against those dangers which they thought the safety of the common Affairs might be subject unto by so great a novelty But in this fluctuation of minds and accidents Orders came from Spain which causing much joy shew'd how vain their murmurings and bad opinions were of that King and Nation The News of these so great Commotions was come to that Court both from Italy and France and though they fell upon many considerations yet the Justice and Equity of the Cause prevailing before all other respects with that King and Counsel as likewise the Peace of Italy and the not permitting that any other Princes should grow greater by the oppression of another principal foundations whereupon having always wisely ballanced the Affairs of Italy they had also the better secured their own it was with extraordinary readiness resolved in that Court according to the great and urgent importunities of the Pope and Princes of Italy and according to the Queen of France her desire that the Duke of Mantua should immediately be put into the full possession of whole Montferrat In conformity whereunto it being known that Prince Victorio was come to Barcelona being sent by his Father to draw the King and that Court to favour his Cause he was immediately commanded to tarry in Montferrat not far from Barcelona and not being admitted to see the King to tarry there till restitution of whole Montferrat should be made by the Duke his Father Which action was of much satisfaction to all Italians and shew'd how much the King and Court of Spain were unconcern'd in these commotions On the contrary it was cause of infinite distaste to the Duke of Savoy he thinking peradventure that the King of Spain being not content to favour his adversary in his sentence but that out of an ambition of purchasing the name of a just and uncorrupted Prince he would not stick to suppress him even in his own son in whom he had placed his final hope and whatsoever he was to expect from that Court which had made him covet that the world might know he was more in favour with that King then the other Italian Princes These Orders being come the Governour was ready to obey them but his Orders being very slowly proceeded in the Swissers not being as yet arrived nor Rho's nor Gambaloita's Regiment yet fill'd and Nice being sorely beset both by day and night the Town began to be out of hope of holding out long for the relief thereof it was therefore necessary at the present to make use of almost the whole ordinary Garrison of the State of Millain Wherefore Don Antonio di Leva Prince of Ascoli one of the Grandees of Spain who being at that time in the State of Millain was chosen by the King to be Camp-Master General was sent thither with six Companies of Light-Horse whereof Don Sanchio de Salina Lievtenant of the Cavalry of the State was Captain with 3000 Spanish Foot commanded by the Camp-Masters Luigi di Cordova and Giovan Bravo di Laguna and some few Italians assembled together by Lodovico Gambaloita which did not in all make 4000 Foot and 600 Horse who joyning at Iâ—…cisa a Town in Montferrat with Prince Vincenso and the Duke of Nevers who had with them 600 other Horse and about 2000 Foot amongst which were French thâ—…y marched in company towards Nice But the Duke seeing that his designs were withstood on one side by Cesars command and on the other side by the King of Spains Forces and finding also that Italy was against him and the French much irritated and consequently knowing that it was impossible for him to withstand so many Potentates who were joyn'd together against him in the behalf of the Duke of Mantua whom he peradventure had hoped to have supprest and undoubtedly to have vanquished at the first push making vertue of necessity resolved to yield to the condition of times and to give way unto the Kings will whose Forces having never formerly withstood he had
into Spain had acquainted that Court with Spinola's aversion to the Duke with the bad intelligence which pass'd between him and Collalto and what sad consequences might thereupon insue to the prejudice of the common cause he had also accused Spinola of being too apparently inclined to making peace upon any whatsoever conditions such as would not only be dishonourable for their Forces but apparently dangerous for the common affairs and that it could not be known whence this should proceed unless it were from his bad inclination towards the Duke with whom he had proceeded so seveâ—…ely so as nothing but ruinous effects to the common affairs could be expected from so great a discrepancy of humours ends and wills since the Duke not being able any longer to endure it would be forced to use any means for his own honour and safety to these powerful reasons he added no less prevailing proofs amongst others the rough draught of certain Capitulâ—…tions of Peace written by Spinola's Secretary whereby though the King of France was obliged to free the Duke of Savoys Dominions and to withdraw his Forces into France yet was there no caution mentioned for the observance thereof so as it was in the Kings will and choice whether or no he would observe what he was bound unto by the Articles though all things should be punctually observed by the rest nor was this all he covenanted by the same Capitulations that all the Potentates of Italy and Germany the Electors by name should favour the States of Mantua and Montferrat in case they should be molested by any and the Duke obliged himself to afford passage and victuals to the French Armies if they should be sent to succour those States a League or rather a Conspiracy of all these Princes against the Emperour and King of Spain if at any time the Emperour should upon any just cause proceed against his Vassal or if the King of Spain should assist the Emperour and yet said Scaglia Spinola winking at so great indignities and prejudices would willingly have accepted and subscribed it had it not been abhorred by the Duke and by Collalto with the unanimous consent of all the Captains as being too insolent and too unworthy of the Cesarean authority and repuls'd as too prejudicial to Piedmont and to the State of Millain These and other reasons prevailed sufficiently with the Conde Duca who was more inclined to the Duke of Savoy then to Spinola so as there needed not many perswasions to induce him to limit Spinola's authority in the point of making peace so as when Mazarine going into France to Negotiate with the King return'd to Italy with the conclusion agreed upon by the King he found all broken off and in disorder by new Directions in this interim the old Duke being dead a suspension of Arms was treated of by the new Duke between himself and the Commanders of Cesar and the King of Spains party on one side and the French Commanders on the other side as well in Italy as out of it by which all hostility and innovation of the Fortifications hostile acts and taking of Towns was inhibited that the City and Castle of Casalle should be assigned over to Spinola and that he should furnish the Citadel being paid for it with Victuals during the time of Truce that if the peace should be concluded in Ratisbone it should be observed on all sides if not concluded by the 15th of October that the Truce should cease and that it should be lawful for the French afterwards to endeavour the relief of the Citadel and for the others to defend it and that each of them might use their Arms and do all hostile acts as before the Truce that if the Citadel should not be succoured during the whole moneth of October it should be delivered over to Spinola who was to have Hostages given him for the performance thereof that if it should be succoured Spinola should re-deliver the Castle and Citadel The French Commanders durst not accept of this Truce without express order from the King though Toras inform'd them often what want they had of Victuals Moneys and Men many whereof were dead of the Plague protesting that he could not keep it longer then September this Proposal being sent to Paris it was easily agreed to for there they desired time for the delivery of Casalle to the end that thereby they might make the peace which was in treaty at Ratisbone upon betteâ—… conditions or might have time to relieve it if peace should not be concluded Whereupon Monsieur di Bresse was immediately sent to Italy with express Orders to the French Commanders and to the Duke du Mayne who as hath been said was in Casalle that they should accept of it but some time being this mean while past Casalle was not in the former condition for the besiegers as hath been formerly said were gotten into the Ditch and the Neapolitans who besieged the City were fallen upon the Walls and the Plague having consumed many of the defendants it might probably be supposed that for want of men the like might befall that place as had hapned to Mantua it being likewise known that those within the Town were in great scarcity of Victuals wherefore Spinola making his advantage thereof would no longer listen to any suspension to any Truce or peace especially as concerning making the Citadel longer-liv'd by furnishing it with Victuals and not innovating any thing during the Truce nor making new defences against such succours as should come when the Truce should be expired Spinola was at this time much wearied both in body and mind by the labours he had taken and by the agitation of spirit which he had suffered in these present Occurrences the lessening of his power had wounded him sorely wherefore falling sick and his malady both of body and mind encreasing he soon became unfit for managing so important an enterprise or indeed for any other enterprise it was therefore requisite to send for the Marquess of San ' Croce who was then at Genoa and for the Lord Chancellor and those of the Cabinet Councel from Millain who being come to the Camp opened the Kings Orders which provided for a successour in case Spinola should die and therein they found San ' Croce nominated to whom Spinola relinquish'd the Government of all things Spinola went from the Camp and retired to Castel nuovo di Scrivia in the Tortonese to be cured of his sickness but being ancient and his sickness encreasing he dyed on the 25th of September two moneths after the late Duke of Savoy The Affairs of War and Government went less in reputation by Spinola's death the Duke of Savoy wearied with the troubles of a long war which he saw was still maintained in his Country and not being pleased that the Spaniards should suffer him to lose his State so they might get Casalle listned willingly to the offers of France which promised to restore him to the entire possession of
all that had been taken from him and moreover satisfaction and recompence for his pretences to Montferrat for the King of France finding what difficulty and danger there would be in relieving Casalle by reason of the Dukes opposition laboured to win him over from the contrary party and if the Duke could be safely re-possess'd of his own by peace wherefore should he wait for the recoveâ—…y thereof by the uncertain and ruinous events of war moreover by favouring the business of Casalle he made fetters for his own slavery since then by preserving that place he might recover his own State and have satisfaction for all his pretences what reason had he to endeavour the getting of it with so much loss to his Subjects and prejucice to his own Dominions but these practices met with these difficulties the Duke would not part from the Cesarean and Spanish side without being effectually restored to all that had been taken from him and the King would keep it as a pledge for the restitution of Mantua already lost and of Cassalle if for want of relief it should chance to be lost Yet this treaty being on foot made the Duke more remisse in his joyning with Spain and desirous to handle the businesse so as that the Spaniards should desire a general peace whereby he was sure to be restored to his former condition and that Cassalle should not fall into the Spaniards hands yet he wisely cloked these his ends with several artifices He answerâ—…d the French who promising speedy possession of all that he had lost earnestly prest him to declare for their King that â—…e could not in honour passe so suddenly from the friendship of the King of Spain to enmity with him and that it would be too great an indignity that the same Sun which at his rising saw him a Friend to that King should at his setting finde him his Enemy That there should some time be allowed between the one and the other as Summer turnes not suddenly to Winter without the interposing of Autumn nor Winter to Summer without the like interposal of the Spring he offerâ—…d notwithstanding to declare himself neutral for a while till businesse might be brought to some reasonable composition and that in case the Spaniards should fail of doing what became them he would be ready to declare for France and to oppose those who would oppose reason These were the points discus'd in these present negotiations but neither was Collalto right to the King of Spain's cause for though now that his rival Spinola was removed it appeared that he might more favour the enterprize of Cassalle had it been for nothing else but that the easinesse of the success wherein he had cooperated might double the glory which he pretended to by the taking of Mantua yet through the hate which he bore to the name of Spain he held better intelligence with the new Duke then with the Spaniards and persisting in his first resolution of minding the defence of Piedmont and the opposing of the French more then the taking of Cassalle he would not afford any help thereunto This his ill will proceeded not from the aversion of the Cesarean Officers to those of Spain but from ill offices done him by the Spanish Agents to the Emperour for thinking that he bore no good will unto the King they had used all the means they could to remove him from his charge and that he might be sent for back into Germany and eertainly it had been done had it not been for his Wife whose favour with the Emperour defended him against the endeavours of the Spaniards The Duke being therefore inclined to the French for the recovery of his State or to the preservation of Cassalle for his own indempnity and knowing that the losse of that Town would mar the general peace which was the onely thing which could put him into his former condition and Collalto being totally inclined to favour the Dukes interest and Sancta Croce not being of so warlike a disposition as was Spinola but being rather mild and remiss and much addicted to civil negotiations much lesse to the troubles and dangers of war it was necessary that those that looked asquint upon the taking of Cassalle having more field-â—…oom allowed by the weaknesse of the present Government should openly vent their dissatisfaction and shew the greater resentment The first action of want of respect towards Sancta Croce and of great prejudice to the main affair was the Truce and suspension of Arms which Spinola refused and which was now accepted of by the Duke in favour to the French and by Collalto in favour to the Duke which had it been never so little a while delay'd the City and Citadel of Cassalle would certainly have been surrendered This suspension being by them accepted and subscribed without Sancta Croce his knowledge nay contrary to his will was presently sent to Sancta Croce to be by him subscribed This appeared to Sancta Croce and to the other Commanders to be an action as indeed it was so proud and arrogant as if the Duke and Collalto did thereby arrogate unto themselves the supream arbitracy of things even about Croce's self Yet wanting Courage to contradict it or to resent it he unwillingly gave way unto it and the fear of the Dukes and Collalto's alienation prevailing over his dignity he subscribed the Truce and suspension of Arms For had he done otherwise the common cause being by them abandoned or indeed cross'd might be reduced inâ—…o great streights The Truce being thus by common consent accepted the King of Spain's Forces quit Piedmont retreated to the State of Millain Collalto staying behind with the Cesarean Forces Those who were before Cassalle retired likewise into the State of Millain to refresh themselves after the labour which they had taken in the siege except 2000 who entred the City the Castle which by the Articles of Truce were assigned over to Sancta Croce and some few Foot who stay'd to guard the Artillery and quarters Sancta Croce spake with the Duke and with Collalto in Pontestura after that the Truce was subscribed They seemed to be both of them willing to refer all things belonging to the management of the war to him and by respectful and reverent behaviour sought to mitigate his anger and to excuse what they had done it was not known whether they did this really to make satisfaction for what they had done or to draw money from him which they very much prest for for they were known to be in truth otherwise minded Yet so weak of counsell was he as he did not onely take all in good part but sought to buy their good wills with ready moneies whereof though he himself were in great streights he disburs'd 200000 Ducates part whereof the Duke received part Collalto And because by the Articles of Truce all making of Fortifications was forbidden Sancta Croce imploy'd himself in making provision of faggots and of other
he had done the first time which the Spanish Agents were not able to indure they had betaken themselves to sow discord in his Royal family making the Duke of Lorrein their Instrument therein and that thus they had endeavoured to Arm France against France that the same King of Spain had sent a powerful Fleet to Sea to assault Provence and that he was neer assaulting it several times had he not been sometimes detained by the season of the year sometimes by storms that moreover he had furnished the Duke of Orleans with Forces to pass armed through France to the end that being back'd by the Army of Catalogna and by the Fleet at Sea he might trouble France then falling upon the Affairs of Germany they complained mightily that the Austrians ends tended only to make the Elective Imperial Diadem hereditary and that therefore under the specious pretence of the Catholick Religion they aimed only at the abasing and annihilating of the Catholick and the Protestant Forces to the end that having extinguished the latter they might the more easily subdue the others and so arrive at that Monarchy whereunto though they had no reason to pretend yet did they thirst after nothing more and that the King of France not being able neither in justice nor for the safety of his Kingdom nor in respect of his ancient and hereditary adherence to the German Princes to tolerate that the house of Austria should make way to so great advantages by the ruine of his Colleagues lest when he should have compassed his defire he might pretend superiority over all Christian Princes had desired to see the affairs of Germany reduced into such a condition by civil means as that the German Princes might live in safety and not fear being ruinated and that so he might not be necessitated to defend them by Arms and that therefore upon several occasions discourses of peace he had always propounded a general peace wherein all might be comprehended and all things might be amicably composed for said they no peace is otherwise truly made but like fire buried under ashes breaks forth into a greater flame that it made not for the King of France nor for his honour to compose differences with the Emperour without including his Confederates who might be overcome afterwards by the Austrian Forces and that the same consideration was to be had touching the affairs of the Valtoline the King having made it be treaâ—…ed of in the peace of Cherasco and of Madrid that some course might be taken to remedy what was done to the contrary at the peace of Monsone but that these endeavours not being listned unto though they were propounded with much zeal to the publick peace the King was forced to take up Arms so to get such satisfaction which he could not do by friendly mâ—…ans But the Court of Spain complain'd no less nor did they cease to oppugne the accusations and complaints made by the French these began from before from the peace of Vervin which was made the year 1601 wherein all reciprocal offences being laid aside it was agreed that neither of the Kings should protect any one to the prejudice of the other but should renounce all Leagues and Intelligences contracted to the prejudice of either of them and that notwithstanding this the year was hardly ended when the French appeared in Holland under the King of France his own Colours against the King of Spains Forces nor did King Henry the Fourth with whom that peace was made ever re-cal so open Hostility save only in appearance and by vain Edicts which were never put in execution insomuch as the French continuing in that Militia the King cared not for the complaints made by the Spanish Agents but was wont to jest and mock at them whereby they infer'd that that King was the first breaker of peace and the original occasion of any hostility which had been afterward either tacitely or openly committed against him if any such had been committed and that therefore the French had no just cause to complain they added that King Henry did contrive a League with great Potentates afterwards against Philip the Third which was unperfected by the said Kings sudden death and that though Philip the Third might easily have resented these so open Hostilities and gainsayings of peace after Henry's death making use of the pupillar age of the then present King and of the ill humours and factions of France yet publick peace prevailing over all resentment he pass'd by so great an offence and became the defender of the young King and of the Queen Dowager and consented to the reciprocal Marriage to the end that peace and union might thereby be the better established between the two Crowns passing from hence to the League of Avignion the year 1623 whereof the present King of France was pretended to be the Author they said that from thence proceeded the following wars of Germany and of Italy against the Emperour and King of Spain which being happily ended for the Austrians the peace of Monsone insued which the King of Spain did not only not countervene but when it was concluded had assisted the King of France with a powerful Fleet in the so important business of Rochel and had assisted him therein at the same time when the King of France did openly assist the Rebels in Holland against him then coming to the last wars of Mantua and Montferrat they complained that the King of France had taken upon him the protection of the Duke of Nevers a Vassal of the Empire against his Sovereign the Emperour and against the Spanish Forces imploy'd in defending Cesars Authority that the King of France had no occasion to interest himself in that business which did not at all concern him but was proper to the Emperour and much less reason had he to meddle in dividing Montferrat between the Dukes of Savoy and Nevers though he had done it with much prejudice to the Emperours Authority in the peace of Susa Wherefore the Emperour nor King of Spain had no reason to ratifie that peace that then they came to the peace of Ratisbone wherein the Affairs both of Germany and of Italy being setled it was soon broken for what concern'd the Affairs of Germany by the King of France by the League which he soon made with the King of Sweden and as for the Affairs of Italy it was not sincerely observed since he extorted Pinarvolo from the Duke of Savoy contrary to the Articles of that peace and here heaping up all the accusations against the King of France touching his protecting the German Princes the Elector of Triers and the Duke of Nevers they said that these protections did foment the Subjects of the Empire against the Emperour just as if the Emperour of King of Spain should take upon them to protect the French who had taken up Arms against the King of France and should foment and assist them so as the King of France numbers
the Valtoline from Germany or from the State of Millain with the confining Principalities whereas they could not keep from being offended nor secure themselves of protection and assistance from France by reason of the far distance thereof in case they should be molested in that Valley by the neighbouring Austrian Forces by reason of the difficulties and excessive charge which the recovery of that Valley did continually cost that Crown and howsoever it was much better for them to be sure not to be molested by the neighbouring Forces of Austria then after being molested to be protected by the far-off the French The prefix'd time being past Rohan who had several times indeavoured to escape but still in vain was forced to surrender the places held by him and to free them from the French with which he was set at liberty and was forced to resign up to the Grisons all that he had got in those parts and so â—…o be gone elsewhere with little honour The Grisons being thus fully restored to Liberty sent their Deputies to Millain to conclude this so important Treaty The Valtolinians sent their Deputies thither also but the business growing excessive difficult and the Governour not knowing how to decide it they were all turn'd over to the Court of Spain whither the Deputies being come and being very well received by the King of Spain and having their expences discharged all the time they were there the business was almost two years in hand The Valtolinians pleaded the ancient Rights of their Liberty the Grisons tyrannical oppression their zeal to Religion their constant loyalty to the Crown and towards the Austrian name their protection of Liberty given by his Majesties particular decree and promised them by his royal word the Pontifical Decrees and the Sacred Canons which forbid that Catholicks should be under the subjection of Hereticks the Popes own Authority who would not permit that the Empire of the Grisons should extend to that Valley the Articles of Monsone the offers made unto them by the King of France if they would accept of his protection their constant refusal thereof and finally the sufferings which they had undergone for doing so They also desired that the condition of the Grisons with whom his Majesty treated of joyning in League to the prejudice of their Liberty might be considered they being Hereticks Enemies to the Catholick Religion falsifyers of their words who term not standing to their Covenants liberty and the being obliged thereunto Slavery and that they would bear with any thing so they might get the Valtoline again which when they should have gotten they would renew their confederacy with France with the Venetians and with any other Potentate that they should please to renue it or to continue it with and would carry themselves without any respect to any conventions so as the present agreements would neither gain their affections to the Crown nor would it secure the covenanted passages but would be the loss of the constant Faith and Loyalty of the Valtolinians and of the saâ—…e passage thorough that Valley which his Majesty had till now constantly enjoyed All which reasons being alleadged and reiterated over and over and amplified were not sufficient to hinder the things agreed upon at Ispruch For the Court of Spain were confident that the Grisons would continue constant in the observancy thereof for the same reason which had brought them to make this new confederacy which was what was said before their being sure during the confederacy not to be disturbed in their possession of the Valtoline by the Austrian Forces from whence they could onely expect molestation So as the King might be sure that whilst no novelty should happen on his account in the Valtoline the Grisons would not violate the new confederacy and so that to shun any occasion of trouble in the Valtoline they would forbear any of the least alteration of what was agreed upon And the King thought that he had fully satisfied the Valtolinians both in their spiritual and temporal interests by the two conditions which were annexed to the Confederacy The first whereof was that the Catholick Religion should be sincerely observed there without any mixture of Heresie The other that a Tribunal should be erected in that Valley of two grave men and men of authority the one to be chosen by the Governour of Millain the other by the Grisons to which Tribunal the Valtolinians were to have recourse in point of any civil or criminal grievances which they should receive from the Grisons Agents or Officers Thus the Valtolinians obtained entirely the chief point concerning Religion for the preservation whereof according to their own profession they had first taken up Arms and they did in a great part receive satisfaction in the other point touching their politick Liberty they not being to be oppress'd for the future by the Grisons in these two points And yet this settlement for what concern'd the cause of the Valtolinians was variously discoursed upon Some blamed it as being unworthy the Religion and Majesty of the King for the reasons alleadged by the Valtolinians and for that it seemed drawn thereunto by the great advantages which he got by this new convention he had abandoned nay suffer'd his Clients the Valtolinians who had deserved so well of him and of the Catholick Religion for which they had undergone so great and so many troubles to be trampled upon in their Liberty and Religion by the tyranny of the Grisons Others though they wondred at the Kings determination did notwithstanding execute it out of the necessity whereunto the Kings Affairs were at the present reduced But those that discoursed hereof more freely did not only approve of the Kings Resolution but without any regard almost had to the vâ—…in name of the Liberty and protection of the Valtolinians did commend it as being done justly and wisely Considering that the Liberty of the Valtoline as it leaned upon the King of Spain was of its own nature odious to all the world and impossible to be maintained by humane force They therefore concluded that the King neither could nor ought to permit that his Royal Authority and therewithall the Catholick Religion for want of his assistance should be endangered in other more important places by his up holding the Catholick Religion and the politick liberty of that little Canton The Affairs of the Valtoline being then adjusted the Deputies were sent to Millain that the conditions of the confederacy might be there stipulated as they were afterwards But whilst this so hard and so important business was discussed there the Governour by his Forces but much more by his Industry ended the important enterprize of Bremi This place as hath been formerly said was of a large circuit and very commodiously seated environed with ditches flank'd with Bulwarks abundantly provided with Victuals and Ammunition munited with a numerous Garrison and briefly reduced into a Fort Royall and therefore held by the French to be
Princes absence is sworn Governess and Regent being compel'd by the King of France she renews League with him The Governour of Millain goes to before Vercelli and after a long Siege takes it upon Articles The Princes of Savoy assisted by the Spaniards and Piedmontese take many Towns and make much progress they go to before Turin and having tarried before it some days retire without doing any thing falling as before to over-run Piedmont they are received every where till Forces being sent to the Dutchess from France under the Duke of Longueville she recovers Chiavasco and other Towns which the Princes had taken The Prince Cardinal fearing Corneo goes to defend it and Prince Thomaso going once more with the Spanish Forces to before Turin surpriseth the Town and the Governour of Millain coming in unto him with all their Forces attempt the taking of the Citadel whither the Dutchess was retired The Siege is suspended by a Truce which being ended the French under the new General Count Hartcourt take Cheri but being presently besieged by the Governour of Millain they are forced through Famine to quit it and retreat in the face of the enemy to Carmagnuola 628 BOOK XVII You shall read in this Book the Treaties of Agreement between the Dowager and the Princes and the interests between the Princes and the Governour of Millain how the Governour goes with a powerful Army to Cassalle how it is relieved by Harcourt how he fought the Governour before he could bring in the succour and had the better of the Fight and did not only relieve but perfectly free the place Harcourt being victorious goes presently to Turin he takes the Capuchins Bridge over the Poe fortifies himself there and afterwards begirts the City with a vast Line and endeavours to get it by Famine Prince Thomaso being in it but ere long he seeth the Governour upon the Hills with a powerful Army coming to relieve the besieged Prince the Governour finding it impossible to bring the succour by that way strives to get a pass over the River towards Montcalleri and having gotten it he passeth over the Poe where quitting the Hills he takes up new quarters and thinking to make the French abandon the enterprize by Famine he possesseth himself of the Avenues by which Victuals were brought to the Camp so as they would have been quickly made to remove had not the Prince Thomaso who was impatient of delay made the Governour to fall upon the Enemies Trenches and to relieve him so which falling out unfortunately and the Governour not thinking himself any longer safe in his quarters beyond the Poe returns to his quarters upon the Hills where he tarried assisting the besieged in what he was able till the City was surrendred which hapned two moneths and eleven dayes after the unfortunate assault given to the French Trenches that the besieged City might be relieved Prince Thomaso comes out of Turin and retreats to Inurea where he is desired by Monsigniore Mazzarini who was come Embassadour from the King of France into Piedmont a little before Turin was surrendred to joyn with the French but Count Siruela coming to him from the Governour of Millain he makes new capitulations with him to joyn with the Crown of Spain and the Count Della Rivera being sent by the same Governour to the same purpose to the Prince Cardinal the Embassadour Mazzarini having notice thereof forceth Prince Thomaso to joyn with the French upon conditions one of which was that the Prince should go to Paris within one moneths space which condition was not observed for the Prince instead of going to France passeth secretly to Nice where he and his brother re-conform their union to the Crown of Spain to Rivera the Embassadour Mazzarini who went to Nice to confirm the one Prince and to draw the other over to the French party laboured the contrary very much at the same time the Governour of Millain is sent for into Spain and is succeeded in that Government by Count Siruela the French go to Montcalvo take the Town at their first arrival and afterwards the Castle which yields without expecting succour 686. BOOK XVIII The Crown of France and French Commanders being but badly satisfied with Prince Thomaso for his non-observance of the Capitulation made by him go to drive him out of Inurea which being better defended then assaulted holds out till the Governour sends succour who going afterwards to before Chiavasso Forces the French almost to quit the Enterprise that they may relieve Chiavasso and Don Vincenzo Gonzaga coming to the French quarters before Inurea forceth them to their much prejudice to give over the Enterprise wholly and the Prince enters joyfully into the City The Dowagers Generals recover Ceva Mondovi and the Castle of Carru and then joyning with the French go to before Cuneo and take it The Spaniards take Montcalvo The Prince of Monaco drives out the Spanish Garrison and introduceth the French to the great prejudice of the Spanish Affairs the misfortunes whereof are by a short digression related Cardinal Richlieu dies The Conde Duca falls from all Authority and Greatness in the Court of Spain The differences between the Dowager and the Princes are at last composed The Princes forsake the Spanish party and adhere unto the French Prince Thomaso joyning with the French after some small actions done to the prejudice of Spain goes with the Duke of Longueville with a strong Army to before Tortona which after a long time is taken but some months after is re-taken with much ado by the Spaniards in which interim Prince Thomaso recovers Asti and all the Towns that were held by the Spaniards in Piedmont except Vercelli 744 THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK I. The Contents FRancis Duke of Mantua and Montferrate being dead Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy pretends the return of his Daughter Margaret Wife to the late Francis into Piedmont together with Mary her only Daughter Cardinal Ferdinando Brother and Successor to Francis retards his Sister in Law 's return and keeps his Niece in Mantua Hereupon differences arise between the two Dukes wherefore the Duke of Savoy renewing his ancient claim to Montferrat which was pretended to by his Predecessors assaults that State at unawares possesseth himself of the Cities of Alba and Trino indeavours the like of Moncalvo but not being able to get the Fort levies people to take it The Condition of Italy is also given in the Prooemium then by way of digression the Duke of Savoys pretences to Montferrate is discoursed upon and many other Interests and Accidents which occurred between the said Duke and the Court of Spain at several Times and upon divers Occasions ITALY hoped long to continue that Peace which She had already injoyed for so many years when by the unexpected death of Henry the Fourth King of France she was freed of the great suspition of War which she had cause to apprehend by reason of the great preparations of that Kingdom
found to be in the Spanish State-Ministers of having â—…er either consigned over or deposited which desire could the less be concealed for that at the same time by their means and in her behalf the Cause touching the Succession of that State was studied by some of the best Lawyers and in some of the Academies of Italy wherefore not only Cardinal Ferdinando grew jealous but even those who had a care of his particular Affairs and of the Affairs of Italy in general Nor was this without reason for great were the pretensions which the House of Savoyâ—…ad â—…ad to Moniferrat against the House of Gonzaga and much strife and contention had formerly past between the two Families in that Point It was likewise thought that the Citadel of Cossalle of a very large circuit well Garisoned and which was very strong might prove prejudicial to the State of Millain if it should fall into the hands of a Prince who did not wholly confide in the King as there were many reasons then to make it be believed the Cardinal did not So as so many indeavours concerning the Child afforded reason of suspicion that if she should come into the Duke of Savoys hands he might by marrying her to one of his Sons intend to adde new claims to that State so also it was not a little doubted that if she should chance to fall into the Kings hands his Officers might make use thereof as of a means whereby to disturb the affairs of Montferrat and because if either of these should happen it would be contrary to the quiet and satisfaction of the Italian Princes they did in private and in publick exhort Cardinal Ferdinando not to suffer that the Child might by any means be taken out of his power And the Queen of France Sister to the said Cardinals Mother gave order to the Marquess of Trinello whom she sent Embassadour in Extraordinary upon other occasions to the Pope that taking Mantua in his way he should advise the Cardinal not to give way to the Dukes demands but to withstand the fervent indeavours of the Kings Agents publickly professing also that she would protect him in what particularly concerned the present Occurrences She made these her Resolutions be known to all the Italian Princes and especially the Duke himself who by the Spanish favour appeared to be more then meanly set upon these Indeavours Nor did the Emperor Matthias who was neerly allied to the Cardinal by his Wife Daughter to a Sister of Duke Vicenzo the Cardinals Father shew himself less favourable in this Cause The Duke proceeded from friendly indeavours to justifie his demands by the Prerogative granted by all Laws to the Mother to have the Guardianship of her Children The Cardinal said that it was not notwithstanding lawful for her to carry her Daughter out of her Fathers Dominions nor to withdraw her from the â—…ight and company of her nearest friends under the name of Guardianship He likewise urged the minority of the Mother who was incapable of being Guardian to another she her self being in need of one by the same Laws which she had alledged And though this Exception made also against the Cardinals own Person yet the Emperor Supream Judge of both their Persons and of both their Estates confiding in his Integrity and judging that a Prince was not incapable of being Guardian to a young Child who was without any exception judg'd to be capable of the Government of two Dukedoms declared him to be his Nieces lawful Guardian and gave him order that not suffering her to go out of Mantua he should not trust her custody with any other But it was the pretensions to Montferrat which though not publickly owned as yet was thought to be the chief scope of this Negotiation and which in all mens opinion was the hidden fire which inflamed the ones desire and made the other more diffident These Flames breaking out afterwards into so much a greater combustion by how much they were at first suppres'd by dissimulation it will be necessary to proceed to their Declarations as well for what belonged to the House of Savoy as also to the Princess Mary who 's Guardianship was that which was only then disputed between these two Princes so to know the better what it was that secretly brought this business into many streights and difficulties as also whence the so many rumours arose which were after publickly given out Montferrat now in the possession of the Family of the House of Gonzaga Dukes of Mantua as being then an Appendix to the sacred Empire was given by the Emperour Otho the first in â—…e to his Son in law Alareme of Saxony and to those that should descend from him both Male and Female In whose Line Male the Dukedom of Montferrat continuing a long time fell at last upon Violante Daughter to William the fift sirnamed the Great and Sister to John the last of Alarem's line Male who being married to Andronicus Paleologi Emperour of Constantinople made Theodorus her second Son by Andronicus Heir to that State inâ—…iling it upon those that should descend from him Theodorus married a Daughter of his named also Violante to Aimone then Count of Savoy with an addition of Dowry by as was afterwards pretended by thâ—…se that descended from her an express Article that if her Line Male should at any time fail her said Daughter Violante should succeed to the Dukedoâ—… of Montferrat and after her death those that should descend from her Theodorus his Line male failing the year 1533. by the death of Marquess Johanni Georgio Paleologi Charles the third then Duke of Savoy who was descended from Violante began to pretend to the succession of that State excluding Margâ—…ret Wife to Frederick Duke of Mantua who being Daughter to William the Second elder Brother to Jovan Georgio and remaining in possession of Montferrat by the death of her Uncle defended it against Charles of Savoy as her proper and Paternal State Charles alledged as the first ground of his pretension that since he and Margaret did both of them equally descend from Theodorus and Montferrat being to pass from the Male Line to the Female he Charles ought by reason of his sex to be preferred before Margarite though she were of Parentage and nearer in succession to Jovan Georgio last possessor of the State in Controversie Thus said he goes the Succession of all such Marchionate Fee Tenure and birth-right by all Laws He produced for his second Argument the aforesaid Matrimonial Agreement whereby he pretended to be prefer'd before any Female or before any one that was descended from Theodorus by the Female Line as come from Violante For his last plea he made use of the Lady Bianca's lâ—…st Will and Testament who was Heir to the first William Paleologus Marquess of Montâ—…errat who dyed without any Issue male which Bâ—…anca being married to Câ—…arles the first Duke of Savoy did at her death nominate him Charles the Third for Heir General so
the Duke of Savoy's intentions seemed to differ according to the condition of times from what they were when he married his Daughter to the Prince of Mantua for failing of the Grandezza which he hoped for if King Henry had lived by his death and by the streight Union of the two Crowns he did not listen to the new Marriage of his Daughter for that thereby his designs of inlarging his Principality by some other means and the leaving it greater to his posterity then he had received it from his Ancestors would be disturbed He saw Montferrat a great State and very convenient for him as lying almost in the bosome of Piedmont furnished but with few forces and lesseâ—… Garisons far from the City of Mantua was now almost vacant between the uncertain Succession of the off-spring which was to come and his Nieces questionableness therein He knew how many Reasons he himself had to pretend thereunto how much the Dukes his Predecessors had laboured to get it and having not only had it in his thoughts whilst his Son in law was alive but given manifest signs of his desire thereof he thought the occasion was now very ripe and the time fit to execute his secret designs of making himself easily Master thereof if when he should have got his Daughter and his Niece into his possession he might honest his ends by the Title of Succession of the Male Issue which he hoped for by his Daughter or at least by that of his Niece who was already in being and when by shewing those of Montferrat their true Lord and Master he might either cunningly bring them to accept of him for the Protector of their State and young Duke or force them by arms to obey him Nor were there some wanting who incouraged him in these designs by fair hopes and promises of the peoples rising Guido de Conti di St George was then in the Court at Turin the chief of the Nobility of Montferrat rich in Inheritances and personal Estate and powerful in friends and adherents This man had not many years ago a Cardinal to his Uncle of very much esteem and who as it was commonly believed would have been Pope had he not been kept from it as was thought by the contrary indeavours of Duke Vincent who it may be was jealous to see a subject of his so highly exal ed or resenting the displeasure he had received from him whilst being leâ—…t Legat by Pope Clement the Eighth in Ferrara which was but newly regained to the Church he entred with Sword in hand into the State of Mantua touching the difference of Confines where he did much prejudice to the Towns neighbouring upon the State of Ferrara and though the Count's Predecessors had formerly been raised to great Authority and Honour from but mean fortune by the extraordinary favour of Duke William Father to Duke Vincent yet the memory of former good turns being of less force with the Count then the prejudice and injury which he had newly received he was but badly inclined to the House of Gonzaga And therefore not thinking himself looked upon by the Duke according to his quality and that his ways were narrowly pry'd into he had almost given over his Country and was retired into Piedmont where he was in no little Authority and favour with the Duke by whom he was highly graced with the Order of the Annuntiata and other imployments and dignities he being as much alienated in mind from his Prince as in person from his Country out of revenge and out of hopes of farther preferment profest he had much Intelligence with the Inhabitants of Montferrat and promised much to the Duke in their behalf The recourse and inclination which the Citizens of Cassalle and formerly to Emanuel Philibertus Father to the present Duke of Savoy when William Duke of Mantua usurping upon their pretended liberties got absolute dominion over them and their being still but ill satisfied therewith gave more of credit to these his promises And as the business seemed in these respects to be easie enough of it self to be effected so neither did the Duke want other reasons which would secure him from meeting with any impediments from elsewhere for though Montferrat and the Dukedom of Mantua had formerly been under the protection of Spain wherefore the Dukes of Savoy not taking themselves to the way of Arms had only civilly made trial of that of Reason yet this protection seemed to 〈◊〉 in the person of the Cardinal for that he having in the Court of Room where he was chosen Protector of France by the Queen his Aunt exercised that Charge not only with extraordinary affection and inclination to the French but sometimes much distasted the Spanish Agents He seemed upon occasions to make less account of the favour and grace of that King and Nation and though being by his Brothers death near possessing the States he thought it neither reasoâ—…able nor safe for him to abet the Cardinal Protector of France but necessary to preserve the friendship and countenance under which his Ancestors had for so many years happily injoyed the Principallity wherefore he had immediate recourse to the King of Spain for the favour of his wonted protection he could not as yet obtain his desire for the King deferred and protracted the expedition of this affair not without much jealousie in the Cardinal and in all his Court wherefore the Duke who was not ignorant of these difficulties thought he might probably hope that that King and Nation either out of anger to the Cardinal or for the safety of the State of Millain for which it did not make that Montferrat especially in respect of the Citadel of Cassalle should fall into the hands of a Prince in whom the Crown did not confide and who having discovered himself to adhere to France was likely to incline more thereunto in the future troubles then unto its adversary and though for the aforesaid reasons the King had doubtlesly moâ—…e cause to suspect the very person of Duke Charles Emanuel yet as the desire of obtaining ones ends makes the means of obtaining it appear more likely and easie he peradventure perswaded himself that many other things would cause that King and that Court not to oppose his intention the Alliance which he and Duke Francis his Sons had with him the design which amidst these troubles the Kings party might peradventure have of securing themselves of Cassalle the desire which it was probable the King and his Officers might have of giving him satisfaction so to avoid giving him occasion of disordering Italy again and because it made not for the Kings advantage to satisfie him by the lessening his own Dominions he thought that out of all or out of some of the aforesaid Reasons the King passing by his antient and now doubtful protection of Montferrat ought at least not to hinder him from possessing himself of that State whereunto he had long pretended Hereunto was added the streight
in Moncalleri The Prince had order from Cesar to threaten him with an Imperial Bando or an Edict of the Emperour against him unless he should instantly restore the places he had taken and forbear further offending Montferrat with Arms which was a State held in fee-Farm from the Empire but the Prince not thinking it a seasonable time to exasperate the Duke mitigating his Embassie and turning the Threat into Exhortations perswaded him to pursue his pretentions by Law and not by Arms. It was sore for the Duke to interrupt this so fortunate way which he was in and to withdraw when he was almost possess'd of Victory He therefore bethought himself to take occasion by this present stop of justifying his Cause and not refraining his proceedings to propose such Articles as not being likely to be accepted by his Adversary might necessiâ—…ate him to declare a difference in the King of Spain and might consequently win himself more favour from that Crown His Answer was That he was ready to desist from the Enterprise and referring the whole difference to Cesar and the King that he would deposite the Towns of Montferrat into their hands which was no more then to put them absolutely into the hands of the King and of his State-Ministers of whom Ferdinando was jealous for the aforesaid Reasons which jealousie was increased in him by this his Adversaries so great confidence For Cesar having no Forces in Italy would not in likelihood make any use of the trust imposed in him but by way of colour And yet the Prince of Castiglione who was not diffident of the Court of Spain as the Duke was was not displeased with the proposal especially as the present condition of affairs stood He therefore went for Mantua believing certainly to perswade the Duke thereunto but he found himself absolutely averse were it either out of the aforesaid Reasons or for that Cesar had by Letters exhorted him not to admit of any middle way without being first fully possessed of all things or that he began to be of better hopes finding that he was favoured by the Venetians and great Duke and that he began to find the King of France well inclined towards him In this Interim Montcalvo was surrendered to Count Guido who had plaâ—…d upon it with Artillery and made many assaults upon it in so much as those within finding themselves void of all defence did at the first Article to surrender if they were not relieved within three days And the Governour of Cassalle having in vain desired but only one thousand Foot from the Governour of Millain to put thereinto it would without all doubt have fallen into the Dukes hands within the time prefix'd had not the Cavalier Ottavio Valperga d'Conti di Rivara who came out of Pontestura with 500 of his men got safe into the Castle where leaving men and Ammunition he went out again the next night and passing through the Enemy with more prejudice to them then to his own men he returned to fâ—…om whence he went the day before This Relief did for a while delay but did not totally hinder the Surrender for Count Guido shut up all the avenues to the Castle by a continued Trench and making some Mines underneath the Bulwarks and beating down the Parapets he brought the Enemy to utmost despair who not being able to keep any longer upon the Walls and seeing no hopes of succour surrendeâ—…ed fifteen days after the beginning of the Siege Montcalvo being taken there did not any thing remain in the Duke of Mantua's obedâ—…ence in the upper Montferrat but Cassalle and Pontestura and what the Garisons of those places could defend Pontestura was not strong of it self but standing upon the Poe and very fit for the Enterprise of Cassalle it had been somewhat fortified at the begining of these Commotions and furnished with a reasonable Garison which Garison the Duke of Savoy intending peradventure to advance Cassalle summoned upon pain of life to surrender within a short time Prince Vicenzo was at this time in Cassalle with his Mantuans and the Duke of Nevers was there also but fearing lest they should leave the City unprovided or distrusting the valour of their men if in their going to succour Pontestura they should light upon the Dukes men who were incouraged by such success they would not send to assist it as was necessary they should have done but thought it better to secure Cassalle which was the chief place of the whole State and not to hazzard those men which were the prime forces that the Duke of Mantua could assemble at that time But on the other side the loss being too great which would be had if Pontestura should not be succoured they got leave of the Governour of Millain that some Companies of Spanish Foot should enâ—…er thereinto with the Kings Colours in reverence whereunto the Duke â—…orbore the Siege And thinking that to attempt Cassalle would be a weighty business and too great for his Forces especially since he had disposed of the most of his men in the Garisons of the Towns which he had already taken Therefore altering his resolution he turned to the lower Montferrat where the Country about Acqui had not as yet been touched by his Forces There was but two Towns therein which could dispute the whole Dominion thereof with him Nice and San Damiano for the City of Acqui was not able to make any long resistance and the other Castle of Ponzone which lay towards the Sea served rather to guard the Pasâ—… then to defend the Country And as for San Damiano though it was strongly situated and munited with Artillery and an extraordinary Garison yet being divided from Montferrat and invironed by the Territories of Montferrat it was not sufficient of its self to hinder his advancing The Duke was therefore content to annoy it with only a few Souldiers and some Pieces of Artillery not doubting but that when he should have possess'd himself of the other parts thereabouts it would fall into his hands He therefore went with all his Forces to the expugning of Nice as that which being placed upon the Frontiers of his Dominions hindered him from making himself Master of the parts about Acqui and of all the neighbouring Country This is a Town great enough situated in a Plain abounding in Victuals and capable of a great Garison The figure thereof is like a broken Pyramide by the side whereof a small River called Nizza runs on one side and on the other side the River Belbo somewhat greater which serve her for a great Ditch and these waters mingling together a little forwarder they finish the imperfect Pyramid of the said Town The Walls are very old and weak and as those of the antient form for the most part without Flanks or Bulwarks only on the point which looks towards Alessandria there is a Castle with some Towers but much ruinated by time The Basis which looks towards Piedmont is of a large extent
impeached to have held private intelligence with the Duke of Savoy having spent four days in going with his Army from Alessandria to Nice which was but 12 miles seemed in effect to have consented to that delay which in resolute terms he had dénied to do in presence of his Captains to the Marquess of Neviglie who was sent to Alessandria to stop him And after those of Piedmont were gone from before Nice he under pretence that they might return when he should be gone left a Garison in the Town with the Kings Colours which seemed rather to have possest themselves thereof then to have freed it The Governour of Millain's self after having mustred the Army to the end that all things might be fully understood by him and by the King instead of forcing the Duke of Savoy to obey the Kings orders began to abhor Nevers his French men nor would he suffer the Tuscan succours to pass into the State of Millain and turning to the Mantuan Officers told them it stood not with the Kings honour that their Prince should make use of other assistance then his The Duke of Mantua thought it somewhat sore to bereave himself of their aid who were so readily come from so far of to assist him and to put himself absolutely into their hands which before he had so much distrusted especially since thereby he might have highly offended the Queen of France and have alienated that Nation from him a strong curb as all men thought to the avarice of the Spanish Ministers and to the small inclination which they had to him But since it becomes a man sometimes in urgent and great extremities to submit to anothers discretion Duke Ferdinando finding the French promises and aid to be far off and uncertain that the Pope was free of nothing but good will that he could make but little use of the Tuscan succour without the Governours good will who by denying them passage did not only make them of no uses to him upon the present occasion but a continual excessive charge that the Venetian aid were but weak and that they were not only as the Tuscans to depend upon the Governours good will but uncertain and not very safe For the fear being once removed that the Spaniards should possess themselves of Montferrat it made for the interest of that Common-wealth that the Duke of Savoy should make himself master thereof to the end that by weakning a neighbouring Prince a Potentate might be raised in Lombardy of almost equal Forces to the State of Millain whom by reason of the far distance of their Confines he had not only no reason not to fear but might be confident he might by powerful diversions be a security to him if at any time he should be assaulted or troubled by the Spanish Forces On the contrary he saw that the Spaniards of whom he was assured by the Queen of France were interested in this present Insurrection for ends contrary to those of the Venetians Having therefore cast up all things he knew that he and his affairs were so far ingaged as he must of necessity satisfie those in whose power it lay either speedily to suppress him or to raise him up wherefore he resolved at the last much to the dissatisfaction of the Duke of Nevers to adhere unto them Which resolution though it was not well approved of by the Italian Princes who thought it contrary to the safety of his Affairs yet it proved afterwards by the event good For the Governour not being able any longer to delay the execution of the Kings Commission and fearing the coming of the French which was much more spoken of by all men then was true and moreover being desirous to satisfie all the world and so many Princes as had conceived ill impressions of him he compel'd the Duke of Savoy to make restitution without any further delay On the other behalf the Duke of Savoy fearing to be taken between the Armies of France which he understood were stirring upon the Confines and the Governours Forces which were ready to compel him and having resolved by obedience to overcome the King and Court of Spain presupposing that this his so great and ready liberality would be recompensed by as great a â—…avour he at last gave way to the Kings will whereunto nothing did so much induce him as by way of compâ—…t he afterwards protested as the Governours word given unto him in the Kings name that his Grandchild should within a few days be 〈◊〉 unto him that he would obtain pardon for the Rebells and recompence for the losses and expences of the War and that finally his pretences to Montferrat should be decided within a short time And because the Duke for his honour sake hated to deliver over what he had taken directly into the hands of his adversary the business was thus carried that he should deliver it all into the hands of the Princes of Castiglionâ—… and Ascoll as State-Ministers the one of them of the Emperour and the other of the King of Spain to be disposed oâ—… to him that had most right thereunto that the said Princes should then immediately assign them over to the Duke of Mantua as to him to whom by the Laws they ought to be restored he having been bereâ—… thereof Thus did neither the Duke of Savoy prejudice his own interest by referring his cause to Justice nor the Duke of Mantua who was suddenly repossest of what was his suffer any damage or delay and the Kings Ordinances were obey'd being alter'd only in appearance not in substance The aforesaid Princes went each with an equall portion of men to Trino where the Gate was thrown open unto them by which whilst they and their people entred the Dukes Garison went out by another Gate after whom the Kings men went out at the same Gate who being but then entred and making no abode there left the Town in free possession to Prince Vicenzo who was entred with those of Mantua immediately after the Kings men The like was done three days after by Alba and Montcalvo and the other Towns of Montferrat and the Spanish Garison was likewise taken out of Nice as also the Siege from before San Damiano which held still for Duke Ferdinando Who within three moneths after the first assault was meerly by the Kings Authority almost without unsheathing a sword intirely put into possession of that State which he had almost totally lost The Italians were not a little pleased at this restitution wherein the King shew'd such celerity and constancy and as it is usual with men when they find themselves freed from what they had long feared to run headlong into the contrary affection so these being long possest with jealousies and fears it cannot be exprest how much they admired the Kings goodness and magnanimity Who preferring the justice and honesty of the Cause before all other respects would not yield that the assaulted Prince should be injured And it appearing to
so zealous in protecting his Dukes Dominions would now so highly injure him in his honour These and other Reasons alledged by the Embassadour were much seconded by the Queen of France her pretentions who sollicited from Mantua made a third in this Affair desiring that the young Lady's education might be allotted to her as to one neerer of kin to her then the King was in case the Duke of Mantua should not be trusted with her Whereupon the King were it either that he approved of the Reasons alledged or to avoid giving dissatisfaction to the Queen dissisted further pursuing his demand Many will have it that the King required this at first more out of his own genius and tender affection to his Nephews the Princes of Savoy then by any advice of his Counsellours or out of any sinister intention to the Duke of Mantua and that it not being intrinsecally approved of by any one no not by the Duke of Lerma from whom he was seldom wont to differ in opinion it had not its just perfection it being known that at the same time when Pimentello was sent to Mantua the answer which that Duke was to make was suggested to him by the Governour of Millain and the manner which he was to observe upon this occurrency to the end that he might retain his Nephew And doubtlesly the Governour did this by order from the Spanish Ministers of State who were desirous to moderate the Kings desires by delays Many were much troubled to think what the truth of this might be the business being spun out at length and what the issue thereof would be not being known During these doubtful proceedings the Duke of Mantua fell sick and there being but little hopes of his recovery it was feared by the Italians that his unseasonable death in these turbulent times might hasten the Spaniards secret designs for he not having any issue and his brother not being likely to have any his Dominions would fall upon the Duke of Nevers the next of kin to the house of Gonsaga who being born in France was for his great adherences and many possessions which he had there esteemed to be more French then Italian Nor was there any that did doubt but that the Spaniards would rather suffer any other condition then that a French-man should possess so great a State in Italy Wherefore all mens minds were possest with fear and confusion foreseeing what troubles and revolutions would insue upon the Dukes death which seemed to be confirmed by bad Auguries and prodigies For in the same year of 1613 on the 11 of October there arose a terrible tempest at Sea the like to which was never seen which beginning at Provence and running along with much terrour to the uttermost parts of the Kingdom of Naples did so agitate the Ligustick and Tuscan seas as entring even into the Havens which were otherwise very safe it sunke almost all the ships therein to the great prejudice of the Merchants and to the terrour of all lookers on the same tempest penetrated into Lombardy where it threw down houses rent up trees by the roots and did such mischief as had never been before so as many as it ofâ—…en falls out when men are astonished with amazement begâ—…n to hold these accidents prodigious as so many signs wherewith the heavens did threaten much greater calamity to come to these Prodigies were added the troubles of France which having been quiet till then under the Queens regency was not a little disturbed For the Princes of the Kingdom were not able to suffer that Concino Concini and his wife both of them being Florentines and the Queens great favourites should be prefer'd before them in Authority and in the conduct of publick Affairs They were likewise much troubled at the Kings Marriage with the Infanta of Spain fearing lest such an union might tend to the diminution of that Authority which they by all means indeavoured to arrogate unto themselves in that Kingdom And the opposition of France being held to be a great curb to the Spanish Forces in Italy therefore that Nation being divided within it self and troubled with civil Wars Italy remained at the Spaniards discretion whose ends and designs not being to be withstood by any other Forces there was no means left of keeping their King from attempting any whatsoever novelty whereby to increase their Kings Empire to the universal prejudice The Duke of Mantua's self whose loss was then chiefliest concerned seemed more to abandon his own cause then any other for not being content to have incens'd France against him and distasted the Princes of Italy by his usage of the Duke of Nevers French he seemed to throw himself too much into the King of Spain's hands and to depend to much upon the Spanish State-Ministers And this course not being commonly approved of then though it proved to be very good afterwards he seemed little to mind the eminent danger of his own Affairs The more for that conferring the Bishoprick of Casalle upon Monsigneur Pasquale a natural Subject of the Kings he had also made Don Alphonso d' Avalos Governour over all Montferrat who though he was an Italian born and a kinne to him yet being originally come from Spain and prosessing to be more a Spaniard then an Italian being also held to be such a one by the King and his State-Ministers the Duke seemed to have but poorly provided for the so turbulent condition of his Affairs by these two Elections at which the Queen and State of Venice were much the more incens'd who publickly seeming to favour the Duke desired to curb the Forces and power of his Protector as much as they could and yet the Queen being careful of her Niece Affairs she sent the Marquess di Coure into Italy a Lord of much authority and reputation and one who had with much grandezza discharged the office of several chief Embassies She sent him with title of Embassadour in extraordinary for the Occurences of Italy to the end that treating as well with the two Dukes as with the Governour of Millain and Commonwealth of Venice he might compose Affairs in a peaceable manner But when he came to Piedmont he could not see the Duke who not desirous to treat with any in this business but the King and Court of Spain from whence he expected much favour he went a little before the Embassadour came thither to Nice in Provence to quiet some commotions which were raised in those parts So as the Embassadour passing to Millain and then to Mantua and from thence to Venice kept in Italy till the beginning of the next year which was 1614. This year produced at last effects which shewed the good intention of the King and did once more free the Italians of the fears which they had conceived by the last years successes For the King having on one side often comforted the Duke of Savoy and on the other side press'd much upon the Duke of Mantua not without
received or to revenge them That the Duke had given just occasion of suspicion some years before that he would have indeavoured to disturb Italy with his own and forreign Arms and that the King after reconciliation had accused him for being still in Arms contrary to Article That hence he had the convenience to fall upon Montferrat That things continuing in the same posture and the Duke keeping himself armed without any probable occasion and holding still Intelligence with the French his ends and intentions were much the more to be suspected and that by what appeared he was but ill satisfied with the King for his no ways pleasing resolves upon the present occasion So as he could not consent thereunto without great danger of more novelties That it was lawful for any one to do what he listed at home wherein none could justly hinder him but that notwithstanding all men should so live and govern themselves as that their neighbours might quietly maintain what was theirs without any cause of jealousie That the King had temporized long before he proceeded to any such Command using gentle and respectful terms towards the Duke whereat the very Princes of Italy who grew jealous of the Kings patience appeared to be openly grieved And that though the King had often taken up Arms yet never without necessary and evident occasion which ceasing he had forthwith laid them down without injury to any one and without invading one foot of ground belonging to any neighbouring Prince That the Duke ought to have imitated the King in this example rather then in the former since without any war made against him he had of himself taken up Arms And therefore as the passing a mans word not to offend is accepted where there is necessity of keeping armed so it is of no weight where that consideration ceasing it is necessary to come to execution which any man may indeavour to do by Arms when no other means hath proved profitable for to keep still in Arms upon the Confines is a thing too prejudicial to the Prince and people full of suspicion and moreover subject to the like dangers and inconveniencies which are sought to be prevented by keeping in Arms But the Dukes offer to disarm jointly with the Governour as it answered the major part of the opposite reasons so did it draw the present question to a nearer point for the same respects of publick peace reciprocal security and satisfaction being in such a case equally to be pleaded on all sides it was only to be considered whether the parity of reason which agrees amongst equals disagree amongst unequals In which ambiguity the Duke was compelled to accommodate himself to the condition of times and to give way to the will of the more powerful or by defending the liberty and Sovereignry of his State shew by arms what is often seen to happen That Fortune Valour and the variety of Humane actions can equal the disequallity of Forces and States Many notwithstanding who approved of the Cause dissallowed of the Kings Resolution thinking that doubtlesly it had been more expedient and better done not to irritate the Duke still more whose mind was already sufficiently ulcerated for former distastes by his appearing now to favour his adversary so much nor to press him more and necessitate him by new Commands to the utmost necessity nay even to desperation which forc'd him to resent the action by throwing off all observance and respect that he might have allowed him the satisfaction of being somewhat better armed then usual and to have dissembled this fervency as had been done some years before which because the precedent and present passages had shew'd and would shew not to be profitable and the continual expence whereof made it daily more prejudicial it was to be believed that after having somewhat taken fire again it would have quenched of it self whereas on the contrary by blowing the coal instead of quenching it they indangered the making it flame higher and prove more perillous But the respect of the Kings Honour and regal Majesty prevailed with the Kings Council which being well rooted in the continued peace of Italy and in the observancy born unto him even until this present by the Italian Princes and now more confirmed by the Dukes last Obsequies and reverend carriage had so possest the Spanish State-Ministers as promising themselves much more then they ought to have done they did undoubtedly believe that the Duke would not do otherwise upon this occasion then he had done formerly and lately in the business of Montferrat and that howsoever any the least appearance of war would be sufficient to suppress any Commotion whatsoever and make him desist especially when both France and Italy being offended with him for his having assaulted Montferrat did concur in making him look well about him and incited the King to make war upon him upon that account Many lay the fault of these alterations in a great part upon the Duke of Lerma's antient emulation and private ambition who being desireous to take from the Dukes pretentions and to abate the edge of his genius easily forgot and laid aside the useful consideration of what importance his conjunction would be and the good correspondency of the House of Savoy with the Crown of Spain of the preservation wheâ—…eof the preceding Kings had been very careful and studied the continuance thereof Howsoever that Court having resolved that the Duke should give no more occasion of new scandals but that he should lay down Arms and suffer others to live in peace the Governour of Millain received order to prepare a sufficient Army to assault him in his own Dominions if he should resist the Kings resolutions but to the end that what was resolved of might be done more justifiably and with less disturbance to the French and to the Italian Princes it was given out that those Arms were not raised to suppress the Duke and that the Kings intention was not to bereave him of any part of his Territories but only to possess himself of some places in Piedmont with â—…ention of restoring them presently after he should have humbled himself and yielded to the Kings demands They hoped that by carrying the business thus moderately without disturbing the Affairs of Italy and with less jealousie to the Potentates thereof they might preserve the authority of the Kings Orders and peace with advantage and honour to the Crown But the Duke was otherwise minded who being exceedingly exasperated at the little account which was made of his interests in that Court was ashamed of the obedience that he had shewed thereunto Being therefore resolved not to be frighted at the Spanish Threats and preparations he prepared sollicitously to defend himself Nor did he altogether despair to do it for though he knew himself very unable to make defence yet he could not believe that the French and Venetians and Princes of Italy would ever suffer him to be supprest to their own so
might draw neerer the sea he sent Don Lewis di Cordia Don Piedro Sarmiento Don Ieronymo Pimontello and Thomaso Caracciolo to quarter in those parts with their Brigadoes and some Companies of Iovan Piedro Zerbelloves Brigade and afterwards being advised thereunto by Sancta Croce and Don Carlo Poria who were come into Allessandria he ordeâ—…ed Don Piedro Sarmiento to 〈◊〉 himself of Montbaldne Dente Roccaverano and Cortemiglia by which places the Spaniards became masters of all that Country which lying between the River of Genoa and the lower Montferrat is called Le Langhe Montbaldone and Dente came in immediately to Sarmieneo who going with his Artillery to Roccaverano it is not known for what cause and therefore not without wonder to all men he had new orders to supersede wherefore retiring back the Duke sent 100 Foot to re inforce the Garrison of Cortemiglia he afterwards took Bozalasco Gorzegno Manoxino and other Towns thereabouts this was the success of the Wars of Piedmont in the year 1614 at the end whereof the Governour went to Millain to take order for greater provisions for War the next year and two Millions of Ducates being come to the Haven of Genoa part whereof was for the Army in Flanders part for that in Lombardy the Gabels upon Merchandize and other things was increased to above a third part in Millain The sum whereof being turn'd into annual revenue and a good part thereof sold to particular persons brought great store of moneys into the Exchequer which were afterwards assigned for the War which was noised would be great the next year Levies of men were ordered to be made in Germany Swisserland in the Kingdom of Naples and in Lombardy and not herewith all content the King desired the Genoeses the great Duke of Tuscany the Duke of Urbin Duke of Parma and the Commonwealth of Lucca to send such men to the State of Millain as either for their own concernments or by the condition of obligation they were bound to do and he did this not so much out of necessity as for the honour of the undertaking and to shew how much the Princes of Italy did adhere to the Kings party yea even against an Italian Prince The Princes of Italy were not well pleased to see him proceed with such a bulk of War against the Duke for though the defence and protection of Montferrat and the preservation of publick peace had at first rendred the title and cause of the Spanish Forces less odious yet since the end was now altered and that revenge was indeavoured which made them apprehend worser things they began in respect of the common interest to abhor the proceeding and yet Urbin Parma and Lucca preferring the Kings Authority before any other respect yielded easily to the Kings request The great Duke made some difficulty alledging that being obliged to send 4000 Foot and 400 Horse for the State of Sienna which he held in Fee from the Crown of Spain to defend the State of Millain he was not now bound to do it when as the State making an offensive and not a defensive War his obligation and tenure thereof was inlarged the example being of great consequence and of greater prejudice but reply being made that that which assaulteth must of necessity also be defended his excuse was not accepted of chiefly since as it was said he who held so great a State in Fee from the King ought not to stand so precisely upon the words of his obligation It was therefore agreed that 2000 Foot should effectually be sent which should serve to defend the State and not to offend the Duke and some supplies of money were sent the Genueses case was otherwise who not being requiâ—…ed to administer relief out of any obligation but only by way of fiendship and correspondency and for the great Interest which they had in the Crown of Spain excused themselves upon the necessity they had to guard their Confines towards Piedmont and to keep the Sea and River open for the passage of the people which came to the State of Millain which Reasons gave satisfaction The Duke was not this mean while idle for being much incouraged by the past successes and having after he saw the Governour once more gone out of Piedmont quartered his men in several parts of the State he was wholly bent upon desending himself and not upon agreement He sollicited the promised assistance of the Transalpine Princes and guessing at what was to come by what was past he grew so confident that as he was wont to say his own person was sufficient for half the Spanish preparations Yet the fear of the future war grew daily greater and was confirmed by the knowledge that though the King had declared it did not become a free Prince to ask pardon of another Prince upon the making of peace and that therefore he never expected any such thing from the Duke yet with an intention of resenting what the Duke had done in his Dominions he had openly refused to accept of the last Capitulation subscribed by the Duke But this fear was much more increased by the retaining a Post who coming from Spain was taken Prisoner as he past in a little Barque from Antibo to Finale and was sent to Turin with the Kings and Councels Letters the which being opened and Printed the Duke caused to be divulged throughout Italy together with other Writings wherein he justified his own actions tending as he said only to the defence of his own State which is so natural for all men to do and to the preservation of peace To obtain the which he added he had not refused any submission which became a free Prince And because the Kings Lettess and those of his Counsel contained bitter complaints of what had happened and sharp reprehensions of the Governours actions and breathing forth nothing but fire and threats charged him with having troubled him with grievous war The Duke taking his rise from their apprehensions fill'd the Papers with grievous Revilings of the Spanish Nation blaming the Spaniards without any respect That under the fair pretence of peace they aimed only at the usurpation of his State and that therefore the King refusing the just Capitulations subscribed by him the Duke did incite all the Princes of Italy against him drawing forth all the usual Garrisons of the Kingdom of Naples and Scicily pardoning the most heinous offendors as if he did proceed with all his Forces and Authority against an enemy to Christendom Nor did the following actions delay the confirmation of the fear of the future war for hardly was the tacite Truce occasioned by the sharpness of the season ceased when Arms were taken up with greater fervor about the end of March 1615. Cordona's Spaniards who were quartered in the Langhe were the first that moved who through intelligence held with those of Roccavrano who were weary of the French Garrison entered the Town by night through a hole made in the walls and slew
peradventure that the apprehension of the neighbouring Army the Embassadours intercedings and the fear of having war intimated to him in the King of France his name might prepare him for conditions of peace so all things might be with much honour appeased without any danger or hazzard to the Kings Affairs That this might peradventure also be the cause that when he had got the Victory he was contented with the Dukes retreat and proceeded no further And that thinking that he being superiour in forces and victorious he might willingly listen to the urgent and efficacious protestations of the French Embassadour who acquainted him that the King did not intend he should proceed with loose Reins to oppress the Duke assuring him also that the Duke being overcome in battel could not but accept of the conditions of Peace as the Embassador mingling hopes and promises day by day with his protestations assured him it would succeed This is that which is pleaded in the discharge and defence of the Governour bâ—…sides many other Orders given which are unknown which were secretly sent to the Governour from the Duke of Lerma according to which it behoved him to govern himself for it was then tacitly murmured amongst many which increased afterwards in fame and opinion and was constantly and universally believed That the Duke of Lerma to whose severity the reason of these Commotions was chiefly attributed seeing how much contrary to his expectation and contrary to the Kings affairs they increased and fearing lest the disturbance of peace and the Dukes alienation might at long running ruine his own inteâ—…ests did streightly charge the Governour that setting side all other respects he should wholly mind composition and reconciliation with the Duke and that he was precisely commanded to slâ—…cken the carrying on of the war But these things werâ—… neither then nor afterwards so certainly manifest as that they were able to quench the pregnant suspicions which were formerly had of him Therefore the contrary opinion of those did generally prevail who aâ—…guing either out of self-emulation or out of a sinister impression of his actions said That none of the Kings Orders could be so precise or limited especially the far distance being considered but that they were to be varied according to the variation of affairs nor that the Governours hands ought to be so bound up as that he might not make use of his forces according as time and occasion should require Nor that any Negotiation of peace should with any reason so much impede the heat of war as that the progress of the latter should be lost or slackened in respect of not disturbing the uncertain conclusion of the former They made no account of the apprehension of future evils as being vain and not consonant to these times for the Governour having a well-experienced Army on foot commanded by the best Commanders of these times and provided with all things fitting for war which received greater force and reputation by the assistance of divers Iâ—…alian Princes things were so well asscertained as he might be confident of not only maâ—…ntaining Italy in her wonted fidelity and inclination to the King but to keep forreigners from moving and to suppress such as had moved And howsoever what sinister action said they could ever happen which would not be less then the prejudice which would result from the disbanding of that Army which being kept on foot was able to repair all inconveniencies and which being disbanded did infâ—…llibly draw after it all those mischiefs nay greater then those which were so much feared therefore said they it behoved the Commander in chief to know the condition of his own forces to make use of them to his best advantage by streightning and assaulting the enemy and by keeping him so molested as that he might desire covet nay account it a great favour to obtain a secure peace which assuredly is always most advantagious to those who are most against it That all Commanders and Generals had always govern'd themselves so and that by so doing they had reaped great advantage honourable conditions and much reputation to their Princes affairs but that to keep idle within Works to sit quietly under Pavillions and to expect that the enemy should be inclined to peace to suffer themselves to be wheeled about by words to feed themselves with vain promises of interessed Staâ—…e-Ministers and to shew small inclination to war and a great dâ—…sire of peace was nothing else but to increase the adversaries confidence to make him the prouder and more bold to alienate him from Articles of peace to make him backward and harder to consent to that which he finds to be so much indeavoured by his Adversary These and the like things were spoken of throughout Italy in the very Camp at all assemblies of men who not knowing the final ends of Princes and Commanders and of the Reasons which make them operate or which keeps them from doing so and less knowing what would have happened if they had done according to their intentions and discourses do often arrogate unto themselves to the prejudice of other mens reputations the censuring of humane actions even as if the heart of him that governs or future events were apparent to theâ—…r eye And confining the duty of a Writer to the bare narration of what passeth will not permit of his judgment in the truest and most equitable ratiocination to him who shall be pleased and satisfied with his pains it is most certain that the Governour in the general opinion of men made himself suspected of having at the first instead of extinguishing disloyally nourish'd that fire the suppression whereof if he had more indeavoured he would have shut up the mouth of detraction and have beâ—…ter justified his loyalty to his King and together with his own reputation wherein he suffer'd very much have preserved the Kings honour which beginning from the first to bow did afterwards decline without any stop as the future success will shew But that we may return to where we left whilst the Army wasted as hath been said the indeavours of peace were not given over by the Agents of Princes the French Embassadour did Negotiate it together with Pier Francesco Costa Bishop of Savoy and Nutio resident with the Duke who succeeded Savelli he having for some particular indispositions of his own obtained leave to return to Rome and together with them the same Zeno for the Commonwealth of Venice with whom but apart from the Nuntio St Dudly Carleton did intervene who was come from Venice were he had been Embassadour in ordinary and was come a little before into Piedmont with the title of Embassadour extraordinary from the King of England which King adhering privately to the Dukes affairs at the same time that he Negotiated the peace as a friend to both had taken order for the disbursing of a hundred thousand Ducates to the Duke at Lyons and also seeming as if it were done by the Peers of
the Kingdom but in effect by his own command sent him some Ships as it was said fraughted with Foot Count Iohn of Nassau was also daily expected to come with men by land from Holland and it was heard that succours came from Germany to assist the said Duke which were sent him from the Protestant Princes of that Nation who did not a little foment the Wars of Piedmont Nor did the Venetians foment them less then they though secretly who from the beginning being anxious at the proceedings of the Spanish Army and fearing that the Duke might be oppress'd began to assist him underhand with moneys and advice and afterwards seeâ—…g his affairs proceed prosperously they being desirous to abate the Spanish grandezza were not wanting in sustaining him and shoaring him up to the end that he might resist him who thought to suppress him So all these Princes being thought privately to blow this fire it was imagined that their Embassadours who Negotiated the business did not proceed therein with sincerity unless it were the Popes Nuntio for both their manner of treating and form of conclusion was sufficiently different from that reallity which in appearance they did profess and contrary to the great confidence and good correspondency between the Kings of Spain and France the French Embassadour having the â—…ppointment made at Madrid in one hand and in the otheâ—… the intimation of War being consequently able to compel the Duke by the latter and to force the Governour by the other so as he was the chief Arbitrator of all that Negotiation the rather for that the French Souldiers and Captains who fought on the Dukes behalf depending upon his command he might at his pleasure make them forego their Arms and bereave the Duke of the greatest part of his Forces and though by orders from his King he was to be careful of the reputation of the Spanish Crown and to give satisfaction thereunto and as a good servant to so great a King ought not to suffer the peace to be concluded otherwise for the example which it would be to all greater Kings and being trusted by the Barons of France was chosen by the Queen to be imploy'd for this end at the Court of Spain yet the Authority and common desire of the Princes of that Kingdom wherein they differ'd from the King in point of keeping friendship with the Crown of Spain prevailing more with him as also peradventure the French humour naturally averse to the name of Spaniard he made less account of the Kings command which was the chief cause of all the inconveniences which befell the Spanish Army For doubtlesly things would have gone otherwise if he had punctually observed his Kings directions immediately after the Victory upon the Hills but whilst under pretence of not exasperating the Duke he proceeded sometimes too favourably with him and sometimes approving of his jealousies he feared that by intimating War unto him Piedmont might be made a prey to the Victorious Army much to the Kings prejudice and that therefore he temporiseth with the Duke wherein he is fautor'd by the English and Venetian Embassadours the Duke knowing what was done fenc'd himself on one side with subterfugeâ—… and delays and on the other side assaulted the Enemies Trenches and faced him and on the contrary the Spanish Army as hath been said mouldred away and the weaker they grew in Forces and Men the Duke had the less mind to come to an agreement and consequently standing harder upon the advantage of Articles propounded delays and greater difficulties and hoping to get the better at the last had a greater desire to fight and venting his conceived hatred against the Spaniards aspired at glory by the total Victory of so invincible an Army and the Embassadours who would spin the thread of the Negotiation aâ—… they were resolved to do held the Governours in hand with efficacious promises of peace the conclusion whereof being from day to day defer'd and they the mean while delighting to see the miseries of the Spanish Army they delaied so long as finding it at last reduced to so great weakness as that it was not able to fall upon any enterprise they began to treat of new conditions which together with the three particulars of Madrid contained many other things of satisfaction to the Duke Thus was the Capitulations of peace made upon the beneath written terms and agreement That the Duke should disarm effectually within one moneth and retaining only four Companies of Swissers for the safety of his States together with as many of his Subjects as he would should casheâ—…r all the rest of his men that he should not offend the Duke of Mantua's Dominions and that his pretentions should be discus'd in the Emperours Courts of Justice On the contrary the French Embassadour promised that the Rebels of Montferrat should be pardoned and be fully restored to their Goods Honours and Offices that he should be protected by France in case he should be molested by the Spaniard contrary to what was agreed upon to which purpose express command was given in the Kings name to Marshall Diguere Governour of Dolpheny and to the other Governours of Provinces confining upon the Dukes Territories that immediately without expecting any orders from the King they should succour the Duke in case the Conventions should not be agreed upon that the Swissers and Walloons should be restored to free Commerce in the State of Millain that the places taken by either side should be restored that all the French should be generally pardoned who had served in the present War contrary to the Kings command that the King of Spain should not demand passâ—…ge for six moneths space of the Duke for any men That the Duke should have three moneths allowed him to give notice to his friends that they were to abstain from any hostility against the King during which time the Duke repairing any damage which should be done nothing of Hostility which should happen should prejudice tâ—…e peace and herewith the removal of the Spanish Army was agreed upon in form following That the French Embassadour should desire the Duke to draw a thousand Foot out of Asti at whose marching out he would write to the Governour and cause him to quit his quarters and to retreat to Croce Bianca and to Quarto Which being done tâ—…e same Embassadour was to intreat the Duke to remove the rest of the Souldiers out of the City and the French Embassadour promised that on the same day that that should be done the Spanish Army should march out of Piedmont and that then the Duke should immediately disâ—…rm but with this promise from the Embassadour that after such effectual laying down of Arms the Governour should so dispose of the Kings Army as neither the Duke nor any other Prince of Italy should thereby have any cause of jealousie and that the King of France should ratifie the agreement within twenty days All these Articles and Conventions were reciprocal
the affairs of the Crown in Italy to their former condition and reputation But things being brought to that pass as they could not be repaired either without great maturity of counsel or without extraordinary valour in War this choice proved not a convenient remedy for the malady for when Inoiosa in conformity to the agreed upon Articles laid down Arms and afterwards offer'd himself to be the first who should restore what was gotten in the preceding War it was not agreed upon in express words that the King was to lay down Arms but it was only said that the Governour should so dispose of the Kings Armies as neither for state nor time the Duke or any other Prince should have reason to be jealous thereof nor though the Duke had commanded upon pain of great punishments all forreign Souldiers to depart his Dominions did they really depart for many French under the name of Savoâ—…ards and many Walloons under the name of Swissers by reason of the conformity in their apparel and speech kept concealedly there whereof it was held tâ—…e Duke was not â—…acitely ignorant Many also if all were true which was pretended against the Duke were sent by him into some parts of Piedmont far from the Commerce of Forreigners and unfrequented by them so as the diligence of those that were sent by Inoiosa into Piedmont to certifie the effectual performance of the Treaty of peace proved but vain And many of the French Commanders kept publickly in Turin some by reason of sickness some for their own affairs and others under colour of being the Dukes particular servants And yet Inoiosa being desirous that the peace made by him might be perfected and to leâ—…ve it as little as he could in the power of his successour when he heard wâ—…at relation his Spies brought back he without any more ado dismiss'd his Swissers and the Regiments of the Italian Princes and reforming the Spanish Companies and Lombards which were much diminished he cashiered likewise many Captains and Officers and â—…educed his men to a much lesser number and not to come short of the Duke in his forwardness of restoring such places as were taken he gave order to the Governour of Oneglia that he should be ready upon the first notice given to quit the Town who therefore began to send away some Artillery and Ammunition But the face of affairs alter'd at the coming of his Successour whereof as soon as Inoiosa had notice he went from Millain and not tarrying to see his successour he went with two Gallies into Spain richer in moneys which he had gotten in his Government and by the War then in any glory he had gotten in the last actions whereof to excuse himself he gave out that he carried with him particular orders which he had received from Spain meaning those of the Duke of Lerma and the opinions of many of the Council of War in Millain according to which he professed he had govern'd himself upon all occurrences When he came to Spain he was by order from the King confined in Alcala where his cause being tried by Justice and the Judges who were deputed by the King to examine his actions not agreeing in their sentence he at last after some moneths space was admitted to see the King and was acquitted of all imputations It was thought by many that the Duke of Lerma's favour stood him in much stead who besmeared himself sufficiently in procuring his liberty for the doubt conceived lest by his depression who was a creature of his his own reputation might be concerned especially for that he doubted lest many of his rivals might use all their indeavours to have him condemned rather out of a desire to lessen his the Dukes authority and grandezza then to see the guilty person punished for his misdemeanors but though his Grandezza till now untouched did also in these affairs surpass his corrivals yet envy increasing upon these occasions and the gate to murmure being opened he began from this time to decline and fell afterwards totally Tâ—…e first thing the new Governour did was to revoke the Reformaâ—…ion made by his predecessour in the Spanish and Lombarde Companieâ—… under no other colour but for that the less worthy Captains and Officers were detained and the more deserving and experienced were casheired foâ—… what remained though he in words profest the observance of the treaty of peace yet there appeared many signs which shewed he was otherwise minded for being naturally zealous of the Kings dignity he even with injurious words detested the actions of his predecessour of whom having received ill impressions he in his actions and countenance appeared every day to be more and more offended and broke often out into spiteful speeches against the Duke even to the telling him he would in a short time reduce him to nothing and that he was very certain that the Kings affairs especially for what concern'd him the Duke should be otherwise handled under his Government then they had been It was also observed that as he sailed above the City of Nice when he passed from Antibo to Finale he shewed no friendly intention not resaluting that Fort with shot according to custom being moreover visited by the said Duke by way of Embassie as Italâ—…an Princes are wont to visit new Governours he did not answer with equal civility till delay had made it unseasonable and being offer'd by the Duke to have all places restored as soon as he should have laid down Arms he answered that the Duke ought first to do all that he was obliged by agreement to do before he should pretend to the observancy of any thing agreed upon He moreover rejected Claudio Marini who in the King of France his name desired him to disarm telling him that he was no legitimate person for that King so as the Duke and all Italy were not a little doubtful of his intentions which for what he afterwards manifested was not to break the peace at first nor yet to keep his Army idle for he was by the King forbid to do eitheir of these but were it either for the greater preservation of Dignity in disarming he would seem to do it of his own good will and not as being bound so to do or at the request of any other or that he had really any such injunction from Spain or that he was moved thereunto for tâ—…e honour of his King or out of private glory he delay'd the execution of the agreement not without hope as appeared afterwards so to better the Kings conditions It was notwithstanding believed that he had a mind to bring the Duke to lay aside the Articles of Asti and to humble himself of his own accord unto the King into whose hands if he would totally put himself he should be receâ—…ved into like favour as formerly and treated with more advantagious satisfaction wherein if he should have prevailed he should much to his glory have abolished those abominable conditions and also have
of water The like did those of a certain Fort called la Trinita built by the Austrians a little higher to these happy successes was added the taking of Fara a small Castle between Luciniso and Gradisca which being plaied upon by the Cannon yielded upon Articles and Baglione a valiant Colonel was sorely wounded before it Thus did the affairs of the Venetians alter in Friuli but they were not idle the mean while in Istria and Dalmatia for Marcho Loredano Commissary in those parts and Benedetto da Leze Commissary of Horse as they scoured the Country met with several incounters wherein having the better they took many prisoners and slew many and some Galleys going to Antignana after having plaid upon it long they took it upon Articles and aâ—…erwards scouring along the Coast of Pessino they put it to fire and sword and Iovanni Iacomo Zane Commissary of Dalmatia went to before Segna but for want of provision durst not attempt it but turning to Mosconizza after having plaid upon it two days took it Berses upon the bank of the River and the Fort of Sirissa over against the Island Pago through the Garrisons discord fell also into the Venetians hands But not long after the Austrians being become masters of the field in those parts by the multitude of men that came in to assist them they ran all over with much terror burning and ruinating all the Country and the Venetians Subjects the affairs of which States began sore to go less in reputation all mens eyes being bent upon Lombardy where the war grew hotter between the Governour of Millain and the Duke The Duke as hath been said was entred into private consederacy with the Venetians in whose name publickly but privately for the service of the Duke of Savoy a Regiment of 4000 Foot was raised in France by the Marquess of Castiglione besides many others who flock'd in threves into Piedmont The Duke had also made his complaints in that Court of the difficulties interposed by the Goveâ—…nour in the performance of the Treaty and though the Reasons wherewith he strove to imprint in that Nation the necessity which they had for the Kings honour to make the Articles be observed prevailed but little with the King and Queen who were not to be removed from their friendship with Spain yet having made great impression in the Prince of Conde and in the other Colleagues they afforded them more occasion efficaciously to demand the Reformation which they pretended unto of the Kingdom openly complaining that the Queen Mother by reason of her secret intelligence held with the Court of Spain and the chief Officers and State-Ministers of the Kingdom for the great advantage they got in that Court and that they might not withstand the Queens authority did wink at and did not value the Kingdoms saâ—…ety nor the honour of the King who by reason of his years was incapable of knowing how much the sustaining of Piedmont concerned the safety of that Court Wherefore these having sent Monsieur d' Orfe to Piedmont to the end that his assisting the Duke in the name of the Confederates he might incourage him and give him reputation they also made open demonstration in France that they would savour the Dukes affairs by all the means they might But in effect their whole ends tended to bring about their own interests whereunto the union of the two Crowns being contrary they found no better means to break it then by pressing the affairs of Piedmont and that the King of Spain being busied in Italy might be less able to assist their King and yet the King and Queen were it either to take away this occasion of complaint from the Princes or that they had a real value for the observance of the Treaty the execution whereof they never had forborn to indeavour though in a moderate manner as becomes Princes really united they always found the Court of Spain veâ—…y ready to allow of the Dukes disarming as legitimate and forward to order the Governour that disbanding his Army he might readily and without difficulty or delay observe the residue of the Treaty not so much for that the peace of Italy was there desired as for that the Duke of Lerma who was interested in Inoioso's defence and thinking that according to the custom of Courts he was bound to make good his actions would that all exceptions being laid aside the peace of Asti should by all means be executed and made good But were it either that those orders were not over precise or were peradventure so express'd as that they left a power in the Governour to do therein according to the condition of the present times and occurrences or that the Duke thought he could not execute them in consideration of the new accidents and preparations for war as well on the Dukes behalf as on the Venetians or else as some would have it that he had so involved himself in the thought thereof or had ingaged himself so deeply that the Duke should by his means be brought to humble himself to the King and that the Capitulations of Asti should be cancelled as that he thought he could not in honour do less he did not much care to see them performed many were of opinion that as the aforesaid orders proceeded not from the Kings nor his Councils mind but from the Duke of Lerma's meer will whose excessive authority grown odious to the Grandees of Spain began to decline as hath been said aâ—…er the success of Piedmont so were they not punctually observed nor much valued by Don Pietro for he thinking that the Grandezza and Majesty of the Crown lay now upon his Shoulders which he thought had not been very carefully sustained by the Duke of Lerma out of private respects was not well pleased that Lerma preferring his own affairs before those of others unless it were Inâ—…iosa's whom he detested should abandon the publick cause which he professing himself to be very zealous of was ready to repair wherefore not openly gainsaying the Kings commands but execusing himself upon the Venetians new occasions upon the Dukes new commotions and upon the strange pretentions of the French he did as it were by force draw the Court to incline to his opinion Hereunto was added that he not being able to per swade himself but that the past disorders had been occasioned through his predecessours fault and tacite Collusion he took it for granted that when the Duke should see himself assaulted by a powerful Army commanded by himself who proceeded really and would assault Piedmont with all the true rules and rigour of war should out of excessive fear yield and humble himself unto the King he therefore being big with vast conceits promised by Letters written to the Court that he would bring him under without almost once unsheathing his sword and without breaking the peace of Italy by his demonstrations only and by his preparations and that undoubtedly he would repair the publick dignity
communicated nothing to the rest save sleight and ordinary affairs whereat they thinking themselves injured did the more willingly thwart his Counsels and Resolutions The Embassadour Bettune returned about the end of August from Turin who professing that he had used all his best indeavours to make the Duke bear all due respect to the King and to the house of Austria brought with him in the Kings name a middle way for composure of the present differences Which was that the Treaty of Asti should be made good with the reciprocal restitution of all places taken away that it might be lawful for them both to keep armed with reciprocal word of not offending each other till such time as it should be fully accorded within a certain prefixt time in which interim the whole Treaty might be fully performed and that the Governour should abstain from injuring the Venetians whilst the King should indeavour the composure of those differences by his Embassadours sent to the Emperour to the Archduke and to the Venetians These Proposals were debated in full Council where it fell into consideration 〈◊〉 if the Duke and the Venetians being agreed the Kings Forces should go against one of them and the other should assault the State of Millain whether the war might be diveâ—…ted from the assaulted Dominions and that the Governour not having a sufficient Army for two offensive wars whether it were better to accept of tâ—…e Proposal only so far as regarded the affairs of Piedmont and turn with the Army against the Venetians so to divert them from the war of Friuli or whether if the said Proposals should not be allowed of they should assault Piedmont it was said for the first part that the war against the Venetians was the chief cause of retaining and afterwards of increasing the present Army that it might seem sufficient for the Kings honour to seem to lay down Arms as the Duke had done instead of effectually doing so and the King of France having by the Dukes word secured those of Spain that Montferrat should not be assaulted whether the King especially when the Duke should have past his word again not to innovate any thing to the prejudice of the State of Millain might dissemble and keep still in Arms so to keep from making war upon him which would not be so easily decided because he was daily succoured by men from France that therefore it was more expedient to secure affairs with the Duke to assault the Venetians Towns to bereave them of all defence and so to assist the Archduke by diversion But they were much troubled left the Duke when he should see the Kings Forces go against the Venetians might think himself free and might assault the State of Millain according to the Articles of Confedeâ—…acy and this the rather for that the Marshal being at the same time gone for France with speech that he was to return suddenly armed the Duke was gone to Creseentino where having built a Bridge aâ—… hath been said over the Poe he did not only prepare for defence but drawing neer the Confines of Millain did fortifie at la Motta where having also thrown a Bridge over the Sefia a River which divides his State from that of Millain he gave evident signs that he would be the first who would pass over with his Army which begun already to be numerous To remove these doubts the Embassadour was demanded whether his word past of not offending would serve if the Kings Forces should march to the prejudice of the Venetians and he answering that he had had no speech thereof with the Duke the other opinion prevailed that war should be made upon Piedmont though Don Giovan Vives who was got into great power with the Governour and was commonly thought either the Author or great Fautorer of the renewed war seeing the Court of Spain averse from war and for the aforesaid Reasons the Governour weary or grown cooler therein or peradventure to keep the fault from being imputed to him if any inconvenience should happen by the war which the Duke was advised against giving his opinion openly in writing exhorted the Governour to accept of the Embassadours offer for what concern'd peace with the Duke and that setting in the Frontiers of Piedmont 7000 Swissers and 10000 other Souldiers did exhort him to assault the Venetians State with the remainder of his Army which was 13000 Foot and 2000 Horse molesting it till such time as they should restore to the Archduke what they had taken from him in that war But this advise being neither accepted by the Duke nor allowed of by the rest nor yet the Embassadours new Proposals this answer was given the Embassadour That his Propositions were not answer able to the Capitulations at Asti nor if they were was there any Reasoâ—… to yield thereunto the many things which the Duke had to object against them being understood that the King of France who was interessed in these affairs only for what concerned him in that Capitulation was not allowed to make any new Proposals that in respect of the new alliance and good correspondencâ—… which was contracted bâ—…tween him and the King of Spain he should rather oppose theâ—… intâ—…rpose himself in the so many commotions made by the Duke to the house of Austria and to the Kings Dominions tending to the prejudice of the publick peace and this so much the rather as that the same Proposals would not be a fitting remedy for the present evils for by keeping in Arms the people werâ—… excessively prejudiced Princes were pâ—…t to infiniâ—… expence and nâ—…w unlooked for Tumults were indangered from whencâ—… bloâ—…dy Wars might afterwards 〈◊〉 that it was superfluous to restore that anticipately which differences not being afterwards agreed was necessary to be retaken And in fine the Governour complained that the Embassadour after having a moneths space allowed him to treat of atonement should propound nâ—… terms and new delays when he should have brought the Dukes ultimate resoluâ—…ons touching â—…is accepting or not accepting of the 〈◊〉 which was offer'd him though afterwards laying the fault upon the Duke he added that this was one of that Princes usual pieces of cunning that he might the bettâ—…r prepare himself for the defence and that letting the season for the Field pass over the Kings Forces might become unuseful to offend This answer was followed with extraordinary orders and diligence in putting the resolution which was put on in execution for the Embassadour not ceasing to give them hopes and almost assurances that the Duke should promise not to move no not though they went against the Venetians he did not obtain his chief end which was to keep them from providing for war for the Governour sent Orders to 〈◊〉 that were already upon the Venetian Confines and to the rest of the Souldiery that was in the State that they should speedily march into the Novarese whither he said he would send the Artillery and Ammunition the next day
Foot between Radolfo Pianta Head of the Grisons that were of the French Faction and Cavalier Robustelli the chief of the Valtoline Faction was much fomented by Feria but with so much secresie as it was not known to any of the Princes Agents that were in Millain This Insurrection of the Valtolinians began the year 1620. The pretence was that they being anciently Confederates with the Grisons the Grisons being the stronger had turn'd their Confederacy into Command and exercised too great Tyranny over them not only over their persons and fortunes but over their Consciences and would therefore introduce the poyson of Calvinism and withdraw the people from their Fore-fathers Religion which they had suck'd in with their milk For after they had driven out those that sided with the French the Grisons as hath been said made their Preachers Arbitrators of their affairs who began to prohibite Indulgences in the Valtoline and to preach Calvinism to possess themselves of Churches and Monasteries and to make Colledges thereof for the breeding up of youth in their Sect to the end that they might totally root out the Catholick Religion And that this might the more easily be effected they put some of the chiefest and most religious of thaâ—… Valley to death Having therefore by Feria's assistance shaken off the servitude suffer'd by the Grisons they put all the Heretical Officers and Preachers to death that they could lay hands on Afterwards the better to maintain the begun Insurrection they possess'd themselves of the Passes whereby the Grisons might fall down upon them and vanquish them and fell to munite them with men and Fortifications wherein they were the more fortunaâ—…e for that Count Iohn Serbellone having by Orders from Feria assembled about 2500 Foot without the beating up of Drum was entred into the Valtoline to assist them But the Grisons preventing these designs fell speedily down with a great many men into the Valley of Chiavenna and from thence environing the upper part of the Lake they woond about into the Valtoline where having taken and fortified some convenient places to keep out relief from the State of Millain they went to Troana a great Town in the Valtoline and coming from thence to the Bâ—…idge caâ—…led Ganda upon the Adda they fortified it and made themselves Masters of Sondrio By which successes the Valtolinians 〈◊〉 the Grisons made more open recourse to the Duke of Feria for more powerful succour in this their so great danger Feria was not deaâ—… to their 〈◊〉 nor backwards in subministring succour for seeing the Proceedings of the Enemy and fearing greater 〈◊〉 commanded Gil de l'Arena to endeâ—…vour the securing of the affairs of the Valtoline who had fortified himself in Morbegno with those men who came in threeves into the Valtoline which he having happily done and recovered the bridge Ganda with the death of the Garrison who opposed him the Grisons forsook Sondrio and retreated towards Chiavenna But to the end that they might not enter another time by that way into the Valtoline Feria ordered Don Ieronimo Pimontello General of the Light-Horse of the State of Millain who by his directions was drawn neer the Confines of the Valtoline with some Companies of Horse and Foot to possess himself of the Shore of Chiavenna which being scituated upon the Head of the Lake lies in the mid-way by which people pass conveniently from Chiavenna into the Valtoline This Shore or Bank was well fortified by some of the Grisons who resenting the Spaniards attempts in the Valtoline were fallen down into the State of Millain and had given upon some of the neerest Towns thereof and carried away some Pillage Pimontello sent about 500 Souldiers in Barques to assault that Garrison which consisted of 300 Foot who landing not far from the Garrison went towards the bank intending to assault it But the Garrison being affrighted at their coming abandoned that Station and not staying to be assaulted fled into Chiavenna so as the bank fell without any disputing into Pimontello's hands which he forth with fortified By such like demonstrations as these the Duke of Feria had plainly declared that he had sufficiently ingaged not only the King of Spains Forces but his name in this Enterprise being moved chiefly thereunto out of two reasons The one because he saw the Heretick Swissers and the Venetians had openly ingaged themselves in the Grisons cause and in recovery of the Valtoline that Senate having sent money into those parts to raise two Brigadoes the one Swissers the other Grisons wherewith to go to the recovery of the Valtoline The other because the King of France his Agents by order from their King who was offended with the Grisons did not only consent unto but had a hand in the Valtoline insurrection and desired Feria to protect them All this was endeavoured from France to the end that the Grisons being molested on that part might have the more reason to have recourse to their King and their King by that means might govern them as he listed and causing them to abandon the Venetian Confederacy might recover his ancient Authority with that Nation wherefore Feria taking courage from the consent and intercession of the French and pretence from the Venetians intermission to meddle in that Affair thought it might be likely to succeed well whereby such conveniencies and safety would redound to his Kings Affairs He notwithstanding clâ—…aked his designs with the mantle of Religion as if he would have it believed that it was rather his zeal to the Catholick Faith and to Gods service than the conveniencies and interest of State and of his King which had made him embrace a business of that importance professing himself thereâ—…ure to be a better Catholick than Polititian he sent Priests of holy and devout life into those parts to preach the Word of God and to convert souls to the Catholick Religion He aggravated the wicked and detestable actions of the Calvinists committed against those of the Valtoline to force them to receive Calvin's Heretical Doctrine and the danger of that disease being diffused abroad in the neighbouring parts of Italy and State of Millain might infect all Italy with the contagion thereof Nor herewithal content he acquainted the Pope with the whole business intreating him and exhorting him by particular Letters not only to approve of but to concur in his actions in so pious and Catholick a business The pretence was very just and the colours very lively and apparent to justifie so great an action nor could there be a fitter occasion to effect it but the slavery of Italy which lay hidden under these religious pretences spoil'd all the glory and good which adorned this action and it being not probable that so many Princes whose liberty was concern'd in this business would ever suffer that the Duke of Feria should insnare their States and Liberties with such conceits as these it might upon better grounds be supposed he would meet with very many
Kingdom being in trouble and by directly entring into war with the King of Spain to kindle new fires at home upon the interests of others the fresh example of his Father King Henry was also sufficient to keep him from such an enterprise who when he was in greatest authority and his Kingdom in compleat peace did not break with the King of Spain for building Fort Fuentes which was so prejudicial to the interests of the same Grisons nor would he meddle in those affairs otherwise then by intercession how much might it be said then did it become the present King in the beginning of his Reign the Forces of his Kingdom being divided amidst so many Domestick troubles to forgo his Fathers example and to engage himself in Forreign affairs against a most powerful King the event whereof being of such weight and importance might certainly be supposed would prove if not altogether prejudicial at least long and dangerous to do this it was requisite to have a powerful Army just as if he went to get the State of Millain back'd by the German Forces Besides moneys the sinews of war were wanting and many other things necessary for such an expedition on the other side he was obliged by being bound to protect his Colleagues and their States which he could not with his honour see abused but his Kingdoms interest did urge him much more theâ—…eunto to the prejudice whereof so great a union of the Austrâ—…an Dominions did redound nor had the example of his Father King Henry alledged to the contrary any thing at all to do in this case nothing being then upon the stage but a Fort built by the Spaniards upon their own ground whereas now the usurpation of States was in question the oppression of a Commonwealth confederate with his Kingdom the manifest danger of the Apostolick See and of many other Italian Princes Friends to the Crown which he could not with wisdom nor honour suffer to fall under the Spaniards slavery as for examples that of the same Henry might serve when not being able to suffer that the possession of Cleves and Iuliers should be disputed with the German Princes nor that the Spaniards should increase their power and reputation by the oppression of those Princes and by usurping those States he took up Arms against the Crown of Spain and against the house of Austria and incited almost all Christendom against them that these examples and respects were to be prefer'd before anger conceived against the Grisons for making League with the Venetians if contrary to custom we ought in important resolutions to have any consideration at all upon private spleens which were never known to be prefer'd in well regulated Counsels before wholsome deliberations To these Reasons which were of great force were added the Venetians and the Sovoiards instigations who shewing themselves ready to concur in the same war wish'd consideration might be had that the authority of the French was at an end in Italy if the King should not be permitted to enter by that way or should suffer those parts to be fortified by which they might enter with a few men into that Province in defence of so many Friends and Clients of their Kingdom for the good of the Apostolick See and to curb the covetousness and ambition of the Spaniards who when they should once become masters of what they had usurped and have thereby joyn'd the King of Spains Forces with those of the Austrians in Germany would grow unsupportable for their natural pride and arrogancy and invincible by reason of their Command Authority and Power insomuch as the Princes of Italy being deprived of the French aid which was the only support of their liberty would be forced wholly and every where to yield to the King of Spains pleasure and to reverence and adore the name of Spaniard as an earthly Deity from whence they were to expect and to acknowledge the life and safety of their affairs or otherwise their utter ruine how great a glory how great an honour would it be to the now King in the first beginning of his Reign and as it might be said of his life to win so much authority in Italy not only by sustaining the Duke of Savoy against the Forces of the Spaniards but by becoming Arbitrator of peace or war between that Duke and the Crown of Spain wherefore then should he not only lose so great an acquisition but by abandoning the Grisons the ancient Confederates of his Kingdom and by permitting all the Princes of Italy to fall under the slavery of the Spaniard make the world see that the King of France had neither courage nor power to defend his Confederates to strengthen so many Princes who expect from him only cure for so mortal a wound to provide against so great prejudice which would redound to himself in his reputation and to his Friends and Clients in their Safety States and Liberties These and the like Reasons very much press'd and vehemently pursued in that Court might peradventure work upon their wills but could not remove the difficulties of the enterprise for how was it possible for that King who then lay panting before Montalban a great Town in the midst of his Kingdom when France was divided into several Factions and the Kings Treasure exhausted to think of Forreign enterprises against the King of Spain and house of Austria who were already possess'd of the Valtoline and almost of the whole State of the Grisons who joyning in the Common Cause the State of Millain would abound in Dutch and by means of their Indian Gold they might turn his Kingdom up-side down now when it was full of ill humours the King and his Council did therefore what was most convenient for their present condition which was to proceed friendly with the Court of Spain and to treat of composing the present Occurrences in a civil way To this purpose Monsieur Bossompier was sent extraordinary Embassadour to the King of Spain and finding there more likelihood of good success then he could have imagined he thought the business happily ended but the French finding afterwards that the effects were not answerable but that the Spaniards sought by sophisticated interpretations to annihilate and overthrow all Conventions and that having proceeded further in Rhetia they had in part lacerated in part subjugated the Liberty and Commonwealth of the Grisons putting new and bitter conditions upon them wholly contrary to what had been by common consent agreed upon at Madrid they thought themselves doubly concerned in this business for to the ancient Consederacy and Protection of the Grisons was added the Capitulation at Madrid which the French could not without a great affront to their King suffer to be so trodden under foot and by the easiness of satisfying their desires which they found in the Spanish Court concerning this business conceiving better of themselves and worse of the Spaniards they thought that when the King of Spain should see them in
Arms ready to resent the injury he would by no means expect their moving nor that the affairs of Italy should be more discomposed then formerly for any such respect therefore not admitting that the Treaty at Madrid should be null and void by reason of the Swiffers they pretended it was to be observed offering new warranties or cautions equal to the former for the performing of what was agreed upon and if otherwise they threatned making Leagues and to prepare for Italy so as France was full of warlike preparations giving out that it was to take that satisfaction by Arms which they would not do by Negotiation and to this purpose the Duke of Savoy who spur'd on this business being gone to Avignon whither the King of France was come in person from the neighbouring Camp before Montalban the foundations of League were laid wherein the Venetian Embassadours did intervene which certainly would have been perfected had not the Popes Nuntio hindred it by affirming that for an undoubtâ—…d Truth the King of Spain had refer'd the whole business of the Valtoline to be decided by the Pope but all that the Nuntio had affirmed proving afterwards to be but words the Treaty of the League was reassumed with greater fervency for the King of France began to discern by the not observance of the Convention at Madrid and by the noveltâ—…es committed against the Grison by the Archduke and Duke of Feria that the Rebels of his Kingdom were secretly fomented with moneys by the Spanish Agents to the end that being entertain'd with domestick wars they should not be at leisure to think upon Forreign wars which were it true or false being believed by the King to be contrary to the good correspondency which was then profest between the two Crowns he was much incensed at it wherefore speaking not long after with the Prince of Piedmont who was come to Lyons he stipulated the League with him in the Duke his Fathers name which was a little before in Treaty against the States of Italy appertaining to the Crown of Spain for restoring the Grisons to the ancient possession of their State and Liberty and to their possession of the Valtoline and it being divulged that the King was so servent in this business as he would compose differences yea even upon disadvantagious terms with the Hereticks of his own Kingdom rather then suffer such an affront to be done unto himself and his Clients and Confederates to be so much injured Italy grew greatly apprehensive of new troubles which seemed also to be just then threatned and foretold by Celestial Prodigies and Impressions In the year 1618 and in the moneth of November there appeared a great Comet above Saturn and according to the opinion of the most famous Mathematicians very neer the Stars of the eighth Sphear whose angry head was like to the Star called Mars and tail thereof which was very long and like a Squirrils tail was extended or spread abroad 20 degrees with two motions the one retrograde from the East to the West wherewith it ran from the ninth of Scorpio to the eighth of Virgo the other from the South to the North wherewith it â—…an 64 degrees the head thereof terminating in that same Star which stands in the middest of the tail of Ursa Major and the tail of it almost touching that mis-shapen Star which is hard by the tail of the Serpent It was seen in Persia in the Indies and in Iapan it ran through all the parts of the World and continued till the end of December A little before it appeared another impression was seen which was like a Log of fire but lasted but a very little while Mathematicians Prognosticated several things hereby and those who think the success of humane affairs depend upon Celestial influences as upon second causes for these apparitions preceding the Insurrection in the Valtoline many attributed the wars which proceeded from thence to the maligne effects of those apparitions and the present Occurrence which grew daily hotter and hotter to be a well prepared Materia to receive the malignity of these influences but these Prodigies which are most commonly fallacious caused not these new Ruptures to be so much apprehended as did the continual practises which were had every where Feria appeared very constant and resolute in keeping what was gotten and to this purpose had used all his Reasons and Authority with his friends in Spain that the glory of his actions might not be disturb'd by his rivals On the contrary the Venetians who were very fervent in this business were resolved by all means possible to bring it to the end which they so much desired The Duke of Savoy desirous of new wars thought every hour a year till he had begun war with the Spaniard The Pope not able to tollerate that the Capitulation at Madrid wherein he had co-operated should not take effect was very ill satisfied and gave manifest signs of his resentment the King of France egg'd on by so many Princes who had recourse to him as to the chief foundation of common resolutions was ready to end this business by Arms since he could not do it by Treaties The King of Spain was doubly concern'd in this business for to the respect of Religion which was the chief cause why he had medled therein was added the Decree of protecting the Valtoline and the liberty thereof nor could he with honour abandon the enterprise though he should not value the other weighty interests of his Crown on the other side seeing so many jealousies such ill satisfaction so great a combination of Princes who threatned much mischief to Italy he began to reflect upon the prejudice which might redound if new wars in Italy should be added to the wars of Germany and Flanders which at this time were very hot and how hard would it be to make sufficient provisions in all parts which if they should fail in any one place would necessarily draw on the ruine of all the rest Labouring therefore amongst so many weighty and differing respects but chiefly under the great apprehension of the immense troubles which might insue unto Italy as that which prevailed over all other more wholsome resolves he chose the middle way which was to deposite the Forts of the Valioline into the Popes hands to the end that he might keep them with his own Captains and Souldiers in the name of the Apostolick See to dispose of them afterwards with satisfaction to Religion and to both the Crowns whereby Religion was not injured for laying the care thereof upon the Pope he himself was freed from further trouble therein nor was the liberty of those of the Valtoline thereby prejudiced for the Pope being to satisfie both the Crowns therein it was not to be supposed that the Crown of Spain would ever be satisfied with any thing which might be contrary to their Liberty Thus the war being removed from Italy it seemed that the Crown of Spain had with
Chamber in defence of the Valtoline which did appertain little or nothing to the Church but spare them for the eminent danger of the State of Urbine which speeches being accompanied with some other favourable Demonstrations to the French did trouble the Spaniards and made them very circumspect in the business of Urbino lest the Pope to make a greater conjunction with the King of France might probably precipitate the business of the Valtoline and yet being naturally very considerate he had two Consultations about the business of the Valtoline of the most conspicuous Theologists of the Court and most exemplary for holiness of life who having discus'd the business were of opinion that the Pope ought not to permit Catholicks to return under the yoke of Hereticks out of the evident danger of their souls which belonging to the Flock of our Saviour Christ it became him according to the Gospel to defend them like a good Shepherd from the Wolves though with the hazard of his own life Thus did the Affairs of the Valtoline alter out of several respects in that Court just like the ebbing and flowing of the Sea and the Pope not being resolved what to do in it that he might hold them both in hand temporized and delai'd his resolution but the French who whilst Gregory lived were quiet when they had a Pope who was their friend began to rouse up and to pretend that the Valtoline the Forts being demolished was to return under the Grisons command nor did they admit of any exception unless that for what concern'd the safety of the Catholick Religion the Pope should be the determiner this they said was dictated by the first Capitulations at Madrid and thus Reason and the King of France his Obligation to Protect the Grifons did require they persisted the more in these pretentions for that they saw their affairs were much altered for in the Spanish Court instead of alliance enmity with the English was increased the Spanish Army in Flanders and all the Forces of those States were busied before Breda a very strong Town of the Hollanders both for Situation Fortification and for its being triple fenced by water the taking of it was held impossible the Siege very long and of uncertain success the Hollanders having raised a strong Army to relieve it The Affairs of that Court had had but bad success in the Indies and in America for Ormuz a very strong Town situated in the mouth of Persia a principal place for Merchandize and of great annual revenue and of greater concernment for the command of the East-Indies was taken by those Barbarians they being assisted by English shipping the Baja de todes santos or All Saints Bay the chiefest staple Town of Brasile being perhaps in pursuance of the League of Avignon assaulted by a Holland Fleet was taken and sack'd which having had booty thâ—…re to the value of above two Millions of Ducates fortified themselves there intending further progress these were two mighty blows to the Crown of Spain which did oblige that King to send a powerful Army as he did to recover them and to boot that the event of these Affairs was uncertain they required great store of shipping multitudes of men and money nor were the wars of Germany yet wholly at an end for many Rebels of the Empire and whose Forces seemed rather to increase then to lessen did molest it in several places for the King of Denmark in conformity to the League at Avignon came into the Field very strong and had made himself head of the Protestant Princes who took up Arms against the Emperour to restore the Palatine to his Patrimonial State and who made great progress in the lower Germany On the contrary the Affairs of France which till now had been full of troubles and civil wars seemed to be brought into a safe Harbour and by several accidents to be in a better condition the King of England having broken the match with Spain had concluded a Marriage between his Son the Prince of Wales and a Sister to the King of France who was yet unmarried and joyning in League with him promised great things against the interest of Spain both by Sea and Land answerable to the League of Avignon and the tumults of France were either totally composed or it was in the Kings power to end them which accidents concurring at the same time were able to incite any Prince to novelties though never so much an enemy thereunto much more the King of France and French Nation who were so far interessed and ingaged in the business of the Valtoline and therefore though after many Consultations had in Rome between the Embassadours of Spain and France of themselves and afterwards with the Pope the Pope put forth at last some Articles touching the security in point of Religion amongst those of the Valtoline whereunto the Embassadour did agree and made others between themselves in their Kings name whereby the Valtoline when the Forts should be demolished was to return to be under the Grisons but with some Articles Conditions and upon pain of Escheat in case of swarving from the agreement and particularly with leave for the King of Spain to pass men thorow it yet the King of France accepting only those that were propounded by the Pope did absolutely refuse those that were agreed upon by the Embassadour and being highly offended with the Commandator Sillery who was his Embassadour he sent Monsieur di Bittune to succeed him and sent for Sillery back to France and did not only deprive him of his favour but removed his Brother who was Lord Chancellor and the Chancellors Son who was Secretary of State together with other of their dependants from their imployments being apprehensive as was said that they held some secret intelligence with the Court of Spain and being incensed against the King of Spain desired the Pope that he would either cause the Forts to be demolished or else restore them to the King of Spain to the end that he might make way to their demolishment without offence to the Apostolick See but the Articles of depositure withstood the demolishing and the restitution was gainsaid for fear of raising new wars between the two Kings so as look with how much more circumspection it became the Pope to proceed in his resolves so much more did the fervency of the French increase who not brooking any delay and seeing things in a way for war furthered the execution of the League and the preparations for all things requisite for what was resolved on But the Marriage which was just at this time in hand between Prince Phileberto of Savoy and Princess Maria Daughter to Francis late Duke of Mantua did either totally hinder or at least retard for the present the effects of so great a combination by which Treaty the Duke of Savoy who if he were not the head was a principal member of this League was diverted from the common Counsels The Spaniards had
affairs which being by him abandoned were totally ruined the Grisons who were chiefly concern'd in the prejudice of the Valtoline could not tolerate that after having run so many dangers in point of liberty and suffer'd such calamities they should be deprived of so noble a part of their Dominions nor that their Protector the King of France should after his publick profession made to the contrary have consented so far when they did most believe to be restored by his Arms so as they complained bitterly and did openly refuse to accept of those Articles by which they were inforced to renounce their own interests the Venetians were mad seeing themselves deprived of that advantage which they thought themselves sure of after the expence of so much Treasure after having undergone so many Troubles after so many Plots and Artifices whereby for their own safety and the safety of Italy they had turned the world upside down the Pope was variously spoken of herein those who minded the reality of affairs thought he had reason to be very well satisfied with this peace since he had thereby vindicated his reputation by the restitution of the Forts which were to be put into his hands again and might pretend that his taking up Arms had been a great cause why the King of France had been brought to more moderate conditions on the contrary those who were more speculative and who were already sufficiently ill conceited of the Pope thought that as he had with so much dissimulation suffer'd the King of France to enter armed into the Valtoline so to secure Italy from imminent slavery and to abate the Spanish Grandezza so likewise that he took it very ill that the King of France should have stood upon so hard terms with his Legate in composing the affairs of the Valioline and if he were not ill satisfied for these respects they thought he could not be very well pleased finding that his neutrality which he had so publickly profess'd and the course which he had steered upon these present occurrences had not only not made him Arbitrator of the present Controversies but that the two Kings had agreed them without his knowledge and not without some prejudice to his authority and the Duke of Savoy was no less impatient at this then were the other Confederates for considering that instead of the resentment which he pretended unto against the Genoeses instead of the acquisition which he had hoped to have made in their Dominions he had lost many of his Patrimonial Towns lost his Artillery left in Gavi and his Galley with the Sea-Standard he thought that being to re-have them by agreement and not by force was to acknowledge that he had been a loser by that war so as he knew not well what to do to this was added that the peace being proclaim'd in France just at that time that the Prince his Son was in Paris and was gone thither to keep the King and that Court stedfast to the League and to procure new and greater preparations for war to be reassumed the next year which preparations that they might be the more certain and more dependent upon the Dukes authority and that he might have no occasion to contend with the French Captains and Officers as he had done with the Constable the Prince had desired and as it was afterwards reported obtained from the King the charge with title of General of the King of France his Forces in Italy wherefore the Duke being become proud as thinking himself grown formidable to his enemies and more regarded by the King of France then any of the Confederates now that he saw himself faln from such an height of expectation and abandoned by the French Court when he least expected it he held himself to be highly affronted and that the world would laugh at him but it was in vain to complain for the two Kings were firmly resolved to see their determinations effected and the Confederates not being able to do any thing without the King of France were forced to succumb and patiently to swallow down so bitter a pill and of so hard disgestion and the King of France who had no excuse for what he had done cared not much for their being unsatisfied his Agents sheltering themselves under the Kings greatness and authority alledg'd not any thing in defence of what their King had done but that the interests of the Kingdom required it should be so with which they said it behoved and was necessary that the Confederates should comply sometimes suffering it to escape out of their mouths when they were strait put to it that the Confederates not being any ways to be compared to their King they must look upon him as their superiour The Princes of France were no less ill satisfied with the peace it self then were the Potentates of the League wherefore hating the King as well as him who had been the chief cause of concluding the peace some who were discontented with the present condition of affairs and desirous of novelties and pretences to conspire against the Kings person and against Armand du Plesses Cardinal di Richelieu the Kings chief and most intimate Counsellor and Favorite and it not being known what the true causes were which caused the King to be so sollicitous in procuring this peace so speedily and with such secrecie some would have it and it was afterwards publickly spoken that the signs of the dangerous conspiracy which was discovered in the Court of France against the Kings person forc'd him to compose businesses abroad upon any conditions that he might the more securely provide against home conspiracies but the business being discovered in Nantes four moneths after the peace was concluded does totally exclude that consideration but whatsoever the matter was were it that the peace were the effect of the Conspiracy or the Conspiracy of the peace some Princes of France taking the unhappy conduct of the Kings affairs by the unfortunate success of war and by the dishonourable peace as pretence for their Conspiracy and finding that they could not pull down the Cardinal by reason of the constant belief the King had in him plotted to pull down the King himself many were thought to be complices in this Conspiracy the Duke and Cavalier di Vandosme natural Brothers to the King many were imprisoned upon this account the Count di Soissons Prince of the blood his absenting himself from the Court made him be suspected to be guilty many said that Monsieur d'Orleans the Kings Brother and heir to the Crown together with several other chief Officers who were very inward with the King were held to have a hand in it The Plot was that the King should be kil'd or deposed and that having no Sons the said Orleans should be made King upon whose genius as being more tractable and conformable to their humours those laid their foundations who endeavoured new resolutions in the world and the ruine of the League in prejudice to peace
lessen the glory of what is gotten prefer'd the increase of reputation before the advantage of retention whereunto they were perswaded by their no want of Artillery nor Gallies and chiefly because the Duke had shewed the like respect to them in the Artillery which were taken in Riviera greater difficulties remained about the principal point of Zuccharello the Duke requiring that it should be restored to him as a thing bought by him before or else that he might be recompensed with as much Land elsewhere and the Commonwealth refusing both these the difficulty was reduced to be decided by moneys wherein the Mediators at last agreeing they disagreed in the sum The Duke did not only demand what he had disbursed but the interest which amounted to too immoderate a sum wherefore and because the French demanded reparation should be made to Claudio Marini for the prejudice he had suffer'd in having his house pul'd own whereunto the Commonwealth not consenting the French Embassadour departed speedily for France and left the business undecided but whilst the business concerning peace was thus negotiated in Spain affairs did not pass with that quietness and safety in the River of Genoa as was hoped for by Castagneda's Negotiation Mark Antonie Brancacchio Camp-master and Governour for the Commonwealth in Ormea went by leave from his Uncle the General with 600 paid Foot and as many of the Militia to surprise and sack Briga a great Town not far off belonging to the Duke of Ormea being come to a Bridge neer the Town which contrary to his opinion he found well munited he met with stout resistance which spun out the business to such a length as though the Genoese had possess'd themselves of the Bridge and of some neighbouring Houses yet some Souldiers coming from Tenda to defend it they worsted the Assailants and slew a hundred of them so as the rest were forced to sit down by their loss and to retreat to Ormea from whence they were come the Duke pretending that this was done in time of Truce exclaimed much against it without whose knowledge this dissaster had hapned and being desirous to know how it came to pass found that Mark Antonio by License from his Uncle General Brancaccio before he had received Orders from the Senate to abstain from doing any offence had done this the General having forgotten to recall his License a frivolous excuse and which would not have kept the Fact unpunished had not the Dukes Captains violated the suspension of keeping from doing any injury made by Castagneda a little before for one of the Dukes Gallies going from Villa Franca had given chase to a Barque of Genoa and had taken it neer Albenga and brought it to Villa Franca the Masters of the Merchandize nor of the Barque never having received any satisfaction but the Duke impatient of affront watched for revenge and having had private intelligence with the Captains of the Garrison in Zuccharello he sent 600 Horse with Musketeers encroupe to Garessi a Town neer Zuccharello with intention that being let in by the Conspirators in the evening privately by the Conspirators and killing as many of the Garrison as should resist them they should make themselves masters of the Town which being done they should go that very night being guided by one that was of the Plot to Albenga about six miles off where General Brancaccio relying upon the Garrisons of Pieve and Zuccharello did carelesly reside and as if he were to acquaint him with somewhat of great importance whilst he could not have advertisment of what had hapned at Zuccharello he should beat down the Gate of the City and let in his companions who should not be far off take the General prisoner make himself master of the City and make way for the taking of Pieve and of all the Towns till you come to Porto Mauritio which Towns were not likely to make any long resistance when Albenga should be taken The design had prospered had not the Conspiracy which was very neer being effected come to light but it being suppress'd and the Author and Complices thereof imprisoned they according to Military custom were made to pass the Pikes and the Garrisons being changed and the places of greatest importance re-inforced the Dukes men were forc'd to give over the enterprise and to retreat The peace of the Commonwealth was likewise disturb'd by the Duke of Guise his sudden coming from Marcelles with seven Galleoons amongst which was l' Almirante a Vessel of great burthen and very well munited with Artillery the end thereof was never known for Guise meeting with a tempest whilst he was under sail neer Corsica he was driven by the violence of the wind to within sight of Genoa The Commonwealth sent speedy Orders and Advertisment to Corsica where it was thought the blow was aimed and presently Rigging out 12 Gallies part her own part the King of Spains and furnishing them with excellent Souldiers and with all warlike preparations they put to Sea two days afterwards conducted by Don Carlo d' Oria who upon this occasion was chosen General of the Fleet but it being presently known that Guise being forced by tempest was got to Ligorne where he staid to make some repairs for what he had suffered by the violence of the Seas Don Carlo made thitherward and came to Anchor at Marzocco a safe Habour within two miles of Ligorne after two days Guise put to Sea again and made strait for Marcelles being still pursued by Doria within Cannon-shot till going out of the Ligustick Sea he came into that of Provence and so retreated to Marcelles Many men thought that he had only made this shew of coming out wherein nothing of hostility past except the making some shot to no purpose afar off at the Gallies which pursued him to satisfie the Duke of Savoy for the moneys he had received from him The year 1626 pass'd over with these petty accidents about the end whereof Ferdinando Duke of Mantua died who having no Sons was succeeded by his Brother Vincenzo the third Son to Vincenzo the only issue that was left of the Line of his Grand-father William and of his Brothers The year 1627 insued a year which proved very calamitous to many private Gentlemen of Genoa in their fortunes for those that did Traffick with the Court of Spain having about ten millions of moneys owing them which they were appointed to have received out of the moneys which were to come in the Plate-Fleets the King alter'd their payment giving them satisfaction in lieu thereof in juri with irreparable prejudice and loss of the Contract for these particular Genoese owing great sums of money to other men since they were not paid in ready money by the King could not satisfie others but with the same juri or with much delay of time when selling those juri they might pay them in ready money The Conde Duca was the chief cause of this great grievance to the Genoese whereby
but some peradventure may doubt that the Crown of Spain being incens'd at our denial may joyn with the Duke and appear against us on his behalf Truly he that shall doubt this will in my opinion shew how little he understands the affairs of the world and that he knows not how â—…asily the hatred and anger of Princes are laid aside when they are not concern'd in point of State Affairs John Bernavelt the greatest man amongst the States of Holland a man of excellent advice the Oracle of the united Provinces grown old in State Affairs having past all the Imployment as well within the Commonwealth as abroad who had been imploy'd by way of Embassie in all the weightiest affairs to the Northren Kings and Potentates this man not many years ago being troubled by the emulation of Count Maurice and the authority of the more powerful prosecutor prevailing over the worth and merit of so gallant a man he was put to death so great was the fame of his worth such was the good opinion of his actions as the Princes of those parts did compassionate his misfortune and the King of France interceded for his pardon not with his name subscribed to blanks but by an extraordinary Embassadour all men know of what power that King is with the united Provinces and how well that Crown hath deserved of them and yet the Kings intercessions not being listned to he lost his head what ruine do you hear Gentlemen that this repulse brought with it to the Hollanders you may peradventure think that a French-like fury more terrible then the raging of the Sea might devour those Provinces nothing less the King was not all troubled at it he broke not with the Commonwealth which had been a friend to his Crown nay he did not so much as withdraw his wonted favours and succours from them how unequal is the comparison if you consider the quality of the Deliquents the enormity of the fault or the occasion of the demand and shall we doubt to findless moderation in the Court of Spain in a cause incomparably better then the Hollanders did in France shall we think that the King of Spain will ever subscribe to so wicked and exorbitant demands of the Duke of Savoy and of his Agents in Italy or that he will joyn with Savoy against us to revenge himself upon us for our denial how far do these conceits differ from the ways of that Court how contrary to the weighty concerns of that Crown how repugnant to the Faith and Magnanimity that his Majesty professeth and observes to his Friends and which upon all occasions but particularly in these last wars he hath profess'd to us and effectually maintained the sencelesse fear of the King if Spains anger being removed what are we to apprehend if we consent not to these so unjust demands our Citizens lives peradventure who are Prisoners with the Duke where are the Bruto 's where the Torquato 's who for the preservation of Military Discipline spared not their own Sons lives I call you generous noble and truly Roman minds to witnesse and your Curtii and Decii also who did willingly sacrifice your own lives for your Country and for the safety of the Roman Legions for Gods sake if you be called upon do but only appear to the confusion of such if any such there be amongst us who can be wrought upon to any sinister resolution either by neernesse of blood or tendernesse of affection or by the vain danger of the Confederates but why talk I of the doubt or danger of our Prisoners lives who will ever believe so brute and barbarous an action in a Christian Prince which would appear infamous and bestial in a Scythian Thracian or Cannibal I pray you say if this Prince who hath insidiated our lives by so horrid a Conspiracy should bring the business to be doubtful and dangerous what should we do shall we suffer the publick safety to run certain ruine for saving the lives of a few though never so deserving Citizens nor would they themselves so much do I confide in their worth give way thereunto nay were they permitted upon their promise given to be true prisoners to appear before us I assure my self that like so many Attili Regoli they would supplicate us that preferring the publick honour before their private safeties we should shew that constancy which the duty we ow to our selves and Country obligeth us unto and that having gotten their request they would with a generous and constant mind return to receive the punishment which should be provided for them and on the contrnry if by their pardon obtained they should find this Commonwealth so shamefully deform'd with such a scar and miserably perishing and like to die of such a wound they would detest their own lives and would hate those to death who should so shamefully have betrayed the Publick for their private safety they would in fine if the heavens should have so ordered their destiny not value that life which when at home and amongst their friends a Catarrhe Fever or any sleight accident might by an obscure death bâ—…reave them of whereas now they shall live gloriously for ever not only for having served their Country with their lives and fortunes in these wars but for having been sacrificed like innocent Vâ—…ctimes for the publick safety This opinion was not only attentively listned unto but approved by an unanimous consent of all the hearers insomuch as any one repugnant voice or suffrage being produced not any one of the prisoners kindred whereof many were present at this Debate gave their Votes to the contrary wherefore in pursuance of the Sentence pronounced against the Prisoners not allowing them any minute of delay more then what is usually appointed by the Law four of the Conspirators were beheaded who had been found guilty by former process at which the Duke being highly incensed he gave Order that four of his Prisoners should lose their heads appearing resolute to have it done and the Heads man was even now ready to do his office but at last being either overcome by the intreaties of some of his followers or frighted with the unworthiness and atrocity of the action or that peradventure he did never really intend it he commanded forbearance and the Governour and other Officers no less incensed then the Duke against the Commonwealth seemed to be mightily scandalized not so much for that adhering to the Duke they desired to make him know that they joyn'd with him in being unsatisfied as for having upon this occasion sufficiently engaged the Kings Authority they thought it was not a little prejudiced by this the Commonwealths so absolute resolution insomuch as though two of those Conspirators who were already beheaded were sent by the Governour to the Commonwealth before the Duke appeared to favour the Conspiracy yet some other of them being come unto his hands he set them at liberty not making any the least account of the
business might be put over to the Law and given out writings and published the opinions of Civilians in Print whereby he strove to prove there was no reason why he should be forced to forgo his Dominions without the cause given why and afterward having complained very much why the like commands had not been sent to the Duke of Savoy and to the Governour of Millain who had actually and by violence possess'd themselves of part of his Dominions and still proceeded to possess themselves of the rest they came to the third Summons wherein Cesar declared that if Nevers would put what he possess'd into his hands the Duke of Savoy and the Governour of Millain should do the like with what they had taken of his Nevers seemed to accept of this offer and to this purpose he sent his Son the Duke of Retell to Cesars Court that he might expedite the dispatch of the business by favour of the Empress who was Sister to the three last Dukes of Mantua and did wish well to Nevers his cause to whom she was neerly allied in blood but being come thither he found that Cesar perceiving that neither the Duke nor Spaniards would be brought to make any restitution and it was hard for him to compel them to it had mitigated the Edict and accommodating himself to the times had made a new Proposal by which the Duke of Savoy and the Spaniards were permitted in Cesars name to keep what they had taken and the Duke of Nevers was to possess the City and entire Dukedom of Mantua so as the Dutch who were to be sent by the Emperour into Italy might have the City Castle and Citadel of Casalle assigned over unto them till cause to the contrary was known Retell not being able to get better conditions and not being received nor acknowledged by the Emperour as Prince of Mantua by reason of the Spaniards earnest desire to the contrary lest by such a Declaration his pretentions might not seem to be tacitely granted and the Kings cause in Montferrat might in the eyes of the world seem to be damnified he departed but ill satisfied from that Court and the new Proposals were not accepted of by his Father whose fear of the Emperours Edicts were lessened by the weakness of the Spanish Army and the King of France his prosperous proceedings made him believe more in the favour and forces of that Kingdom then in the Imperial Dâ—…crees or Decisions In these Negotiations and Transactions the year 1628 ended and the King of France having at last compass'd his ends upon Rochel whereinto he entred victorious and triumphing on All Saints day he prepared to pass over the Mountains with gallant Forces to assist the Duke of Nevers for the Hugonots of France having received a great blow by the loss of Rochel and the Affairs of France being almost perfectly setled nothing was heard of in that Kingdom but preparations for Italy which being divided into two Armies the one was to pass through Dolpheny and Syonois to the relief of Montferrat and the King prepared to pass over the Mountains personally therein and the other was to advance by the County of Nizza and by the River of Genoa towards Casalle the Spaniards nor the Duke of Savoy could not believe so strange a resolution they thought it was impossible that the King having his Kingdom yet full of troubles and exhausted of moneys his Army being weary and wasted before Rochel could pass over the Alps in the midst of Winter with great forces and carry over Victuals Artillery and other necessaries for so great an action the Alps being yet loaded with Snow Especially when he should know that he would be opposed by the Duke of Savoy who being joyn'd in Forces and Intelligence with the Spaniards was to resist him strongly at the Passes which he kept well garrison'd and munited hoping therefore that the fame of these great preparations would prove but talk they continued the Siege the scarcity of Victuals increased this their confidence which scarcity being so great an impediment to their Forces who were masters and peaceful possessors of the State of Millain and of Piedmont it would assuredly prove a much greater hindrance to the French if they should come into Italy and have occasion to keep there for a great conduct of Victuals being requisite to feed so great an Army it would be impossible for the French to compass it and consequently the greater their numbers were which should pass the Alps the easilier and the sooner they would be overcome meerly by Famine they therefore thought that this sole consideration should not only retarde but retain the fury of the French Forces at least for this year and that in the mean while the enterprise of Cassalle undisturb'd by any Forreign assistance would be happily effected The Court of Spain confiding in these difficulties did not only not make any necessary preparations for defence but forbore to send the Duke the succours which they had promised for the maintaining of Piedmont and to oppose the French Forces they forbare also to endeavour diversion by the Pirenean Mountains and by Burgony and by secretly fomenting the Rebels in France so to keep that King in work and busied with his home affairs and consequently from medling with those of Forreigners the pretermission of which provisions did not only facilitate the resolution taken by the French but did incite them to it For the King being firm to his resolution valued not any of the difficulties or contrary considerations being confident to overcome them and to make his way by the Sword The fame of the mighty preparations of this Kingdom increasing greater then those of any of the preceding Kings the Spaniards and the Duke began at last to fear not only the success but whatsoever might be the result of so great and so neer an Army The Duke and Governour were likewise much troubled for not having for a long time heard from the Court of Spain for the Spaniards being jealous of France through which the expresses used to pass and the Sea not being open in Winter people could not without much difficulty pass from Spain into Italy and such had the ill fortune been as three several Posts that had been sent from Spain being driven by violent winds upon the Coast of Provence were detain'd and had their Letters intercepted so as the deliberations of Italy depending much upon the results of that Court the Duke and Governour knew not in such a perplexity of business what to do nor was it only the scarcity of moneys and want of advertisment which kept them from making any provision but neither had they time to make new Levies of men for the necessary defence of the State of Millain and for the Provisions for the Army before Cassalle and for the Forces which were towards the Cremonese and which were already much diminished it was therefore thought the best expedient to beat up Drums in the State of
the Arms of France which demand being made when the Army before Casalle was in greater want of men then ever it had been he wish'd they might not be granted him that by that denial he might have a fair pretence to forego friendship with Spain and to abandon the Cause which till then he held in common with that Crown And that when Spinola had punctually satisfied his demand and sent the men contrary to the Dukes expectation he was troubled at their coming which made him not only make them keep upon the Confines but by hard usage endeavoured to make them return back but when he saw his Counsels prevented by the King of France his speed he speedily summoned them in to his defence against the Kings Army which he saw came suddenly upon him and by their help made what defence so short a time and the imminent necessity could permit him to make for though there was no collusion in the conflict at Susa yet the unseasonable demand made by the Spanish Agents the little satisfaction he seemed to receive by their coming the preceding Negotiations and the Conclusion of the subsequent Agreement shew that the Duke was much more inclined to imbrace friendship with France upon new terms then according to the observance of his Ancestors to keep union with the Crown of Spain But it may be said that the then so dangerous condition of Affairs forced the Duke to put on this resolution and it being usual with Princes to make all change lawfull not onely when their State is in danger but where they may better or increase their condition there was not any one that blamed the Dukes Counsels nor his Actions How ever it was the King of France his name was generally exalted to the skies throughout all Italy in several Writings and Composures they said he deservedly merited the title of Just for having assisted an oppress'd Prince the title of powerful for that he had opposed himself in Arms to the oppressors of generous Protector because without any private end or interest nay with such inconveniency to his own affairs with so much trouble and hazard of his own person he could not tolerate the oppression of a Prince who was his friend Some praised the speed of his advancing others the undaunted execution others his miraculous happy success they wonder'd how so many difficulties of the season Alps sterility and opposition yielded to his fortunate Arms and Genius how he had had the courage being tired both himself and Army in hardships undergone before Rochel to pass armed over the Alps in the midst of Winter and to come into Italy to free her from imminent slavery and to assist his Petitioner in his greatest extremity they could not comprehend how at his only presence so many Forces such preparations of Arms and so many Plots against a Client of his Crown should vanish just like a shadow before the Sun some called him the Protector of the oppressed others the avenger of the liberty of Italy and expecting greater proceedings from such a beginning they promised unto themselves great alterations almost all the Princes of Italy sent Embassadours to him partly to congratulate his so happy success and to thank him for having freed them from the imminent slavery they apprehended if Casalle should be taken partly to purchase his favour in case as it was much feared he had any further intentions then the freeing of Cassalle and that he might not prejudice their Dominions some and particularly the Venetians to incite him as it was said to advance further with his Arms offering to joyn their Forces and Intelligence with him against the Spaniards with whom they were very ill satisfied in what concerned the Valtoline and this new commotion against Montferrat but the King did soon free all men from such suspitions and by his sudden and unexpected resolution broke off the thred of his so prosperous Fortune for on the last of April he return'd into France leaving the Cardinal and chief Officers of the Court in Susa not tarrying till the business of Montferrat should be ratified from Spain but leaving the things unconcluded and unperfect for which he had with so great fervour and preparation entred Italy The Cardinal and the rest soon followed after the King leaving Marshal Cricky in Susa supream Governour of the affairs of Italy with 6000 Foot and 500 Horse The occasion of this so sudden and so unexpected departure was variously interpreted some allotting it to the Kings vivacity of spirit some to his moderation as if content with having freed his Friend with having secured peace to Italy and to so many Princes who apprehended the contrary he had with a Prince-like magnanimity let the world see not only how just his thoughts were but how moderate and content upon such an occasion and so great an opportunity of affairs and how far he was from dreaming of novelties or of disturbing the publick peace but these specious pretences not being able to prevail with those who could have desired more constancy and resolution in the King and much less with those who desirous of novelty had conceived great hopes by the Kings coming the French gave out that the Duke of Roan head of the Hugonots in France seeing his party ruined by the loss of Rochel and that he could not get ready help to sustain himself from Spain whither he had dispatch'd Messengers of purpose by reason of the great scarcity of moneys began to cry Peccavi and would render obedience to the King which because it was likely to put a final end to the troubles of France was of so great moment to the Kings affairs as that all other enterprises set aside it forced him to return to secure them which though by the soon ensuing accidents appeared might be true yet not being then believed it was not sufficient to maintain the reputation of the French Forces which being but a little before formidable to Italy by reason of so prosperous success began after the Kings departure to decline and the rather for that it was soon known that it was a new tumult of the Hugonots who had fortified themselves in the Mountains of Auvergnia and not Roans surrender which had forced the King to return thither to suppress them This the Kings so sudden departure afforded also occasion of belief and this was afterwards judged to be the truest cause that the King was come into Italy with far smaller Forces then fame gave out which not being fit for new enterprises he had done more wisely to content himself with the glory which he had won then to hazard the loss thereof by falling upon new enterprises But be it what it would that occasioned the Kings departure it sufficiently lessened the reputation of the Kings Forces and on the contrary the Spaniards who seemed to be totally quel'd began out of these respects and other favourable accidents to hold up their heads The Duke of Savoy though he appeared
Quarter some Contribution in what quality or quantity Collalto pleased to take it The Army being in their Quarters the besieged sallied out in great numbers and molested the stations held by the Enemy not without some advantage to themselves and prejudice to the Enemy Nevers going out himself in person with the Prince his Son and a good Band of men fell upon Mormitolo a place some five miles off where about one hundred Dutch were quartered who yielded unto him upon discretion He afterward went to Castiglione which he likewise took whereby making way for relief from Verona the Venetians had conveniency to convey victuals into the City they met with contrary fortune at Rivolta on the left bank of Mincio where it falls into the Lake which Town rising in Insurrections by the fomentation of the Venetians was recovered by the Dutch who went thither with the death of all the Towns-men who refusing to surrender the Town were even to the very Infants put to the Sword and though the Dutch Horse foraged the Countrey yet some succours were brought in from the State of Venice which being done by stealth were not sufficient by much for the need the City was in which being begirt by the Enemy wanted food and was also hardly handled by the Plague which was very great here as also in all the neighbouring Towns and Cities insomuch as getting into the City of Venice people died so fast as the care thereof was almost quite given over by those that had the looking to it the like hapned in Millain Bullognia and in all the Cities of Lombardy Romagnia and Tuscany but whilst the Cesarian Army winter'd in the State of Mantua and Spinola's Forces in Montferrat provisions for war as also Negotiations for peace ceased not in both which not only the Commanders in the Armies but the Princes of Italy laboured The Pope seeing the Dutch forces so neer the Church-Dominions sent about 18000 Foot into the parts about Bullognia under his Brother Don Carlo and 2000 horse and sollicited the building of Fort Urbano which he had resolved upon two years before and was begun at Castel Franco upon the way that leads from Modena to Bullognia and was a good and fitting Bulwark to Romagnia and the Church-Territories on that side but that he might likewise by his authority and endeavours stop the evils which threatned Italy he made Cardinal Antonio his Brothers second Son Legate who being also come into Bullognia where his Father govern'd the Ecclesiastick Forces he sent Monsieur Iovan Iacomo Panciruolo to Mantua to treat of some suspension of Arms between the Duke of Nevers and Collalto to the end that in the interim they might the more commodiously and with the better hopes treat of peace But this was but in vain for Collalto growing proud with successe made still higher demands and the Duke who had nothing more to grant but Mantua and Casalle had not wherewithall to satisfie his demands and pretensions so as there was no middle way left for them to meet in and the lesse for that the siege of Mantua being given over with so little honour to the Cesarean Forces and Casalle not as yet attempted by Spinola the new Dukes hopes were not a little comforted nor his confidence a little increased of being sustained by them who fomented him and were his well-wishers For whilst these two places held good all the other Town taken by the enemy either in the state of Mantua or Montferrat made but little for the main concernment of the Warr and it being very probable that the Armies being afflicted by the Pestilence by the Winter inconveniences and by those of the Campagina they would in time lessen and it was to be hoped that being much diminished of themselves they would be reduced to such a condition as not being able to withstand the French Forces which were to passe over the Alps very strong the next Spring they would be easily driven from their quarters a consideration which did must afflict Spinola For having two Armies on his back which he was to furnish with expences and provisions he feared he must be forc'd to squander out monies to no purpose this Winter and have need of it himself afterwards when there should be occasion to lay it out with profit Wherefore growing very sparing thereof he was lesse carefull in satisfying the Duke of Savoy's demands and necessities though he had other greater respects to keep him from furnishing him with monies which he proceeding from distrust did daily increase by reason of his continual treating with the French Sometimes by means of the victuals which â—…as bound to furnish the Army with which was to passe over the Mountains Sometimes by doing the like to those of Casalle Sometimes by the conduct-monies which were agreed to be given them when they should be come into Piedmont Sometimes by the negotiations which daily past touching the Dukes joyning his Forces with the French whereof there were pregnant suspicions by many demonstrations made by the Duke on purpose to make Spinola jealous Wherefore these actions being really repugnant to that good correspondency and inclination which the Duke profestto the Kings affairs when he demanded monies of Spinola and it seeming somewhat hard to Spinola that he should feed one with monies who continually fomented the enemy and who held continually so close intelligence with them he demanded from the Duke some cautionary Townes in Piedmont if he would be furnished with monies for security of his profest good will and inclination to the King of Spaine's affaires The demand did very much trouble not onely the Duke but all the Princes of Italy for it increased the jealousies of the Italian Princes if Spinola should get yet further footing in Piedmont to boot with what the Spaniards pretended to in Montferrat and the Duke in whom the Italian Princes did confide that he would not forgo the common cause as well in respect of his own as of the common interest Having complained to the King of Spain of the demands made by Spinola he obtained Orders from the Court to Spinola that he should desist from such demands and Spinola that the Duke might not be too much exasperated received some check for his too much severity Great Preparations for Warr were not only made in Italy but also elsewhere The King of France raised a mighty Army to come stronger then formerly into Piedmont and the Emperour and the King of Spain to keep the French from opposing the Duke and from forcing him to joyn with theâ—… prepared to assault France the one on the side of Spain the other on the side of Germany But both these proved rather Rumours then Reallities the want of money was the cause why on the King of Spain's side he having hardly sufficient to supply the Warrs within Italy Flanders and Germany so as he had not where withall to begin and maintain a new Warr with France And also the scarcity of
the peace made at Lubeck the Army was not onely superfluous but grievous to the people and prejudicial to Germany which ought now to be eased of so great a burthen aâ—… permitted to injoy the fruit of peace The Emperour did not incline to these so weighty and important demands knowing very well whereunto they tended nor yet the Spanish Agents who were resident in that Court who were much concern'd in maintaining the Emperours authority and the Austrian name wherein their King was interessed but the King of Sweden a powerful Northern King having about this time past the Baltick Sea and being come into the lower Germany with an Army of 20000 Foot and 2000 Horse the Electors made Protestation that they would never contribute to the charge of that new war unless they were satisfied in their demands The Empeour and Spanish Agents being badly advised gave way thereunto at last but it was not long ere he repented himself soundly for though Arms were laid down by by the peace of Lubeck yet discontents and hatred were not laid aside nor yet the ardent desire of more absolute liberty and the conditions of that peace being advantagious for the Austrian Empire did rather serve to incite the male-contents to novelties then keep them within the limits of that peace the disarming of the Emperour was no better then to put Arms into the Swedes hands and into those of the male-content Princes and such as were mortal Enemies to the Austrian name The Electors having obtain'd their desire were backwards in chusing the King of the Romans which though it were not openly desired by the Emperour yet being negotiated privately began to be found so hard a business as the Emperour thought it not fit to demand it openly and the Electors made use of several pretences to put off the Election nor now that the Emperour was disarmed did they let slip the occasion of shewing their resentments and of endeavouring some better condition of liberty The Protestants began to lay plots against the Austrian power and by little and little began to hold intelligence with the King of Sweden who having by their adherence gotten greater forces in a short time took many Cities subdued many Provinces and having gotten many famous Victories overran Germany within the space of a few moneths not without great danger to the Austrian authority and to the Catholick Religion nor content with such a continued course of Victory he drew neer Italy and made her fear the renewing of those miseries which she had formerly felt by the Goths and the other Northren Nations The affairs of the Empire and of the Catholick Religion were never so perplex'd in Germany nor brought to so neer a ruine as after the coming in of this Northern King all the Hereticks and male-contents adhered to him who in his Military Ensigns writ himself the Defender of the Faith and Protector of the German Liberty The Duke of Pomerania first of all and afterwards the Elector of Brandenburge and lastly the Elector of Saxony joyned openly with him against the Emperour and after them many other lesser Princes and almost all the Hans Towns of the Empire joyned with him as with their deliverer and the Emperour having laid down his Arms could hardly raise a new Army to withstand so apparent ruine almost all the Souldiers that he had cashiered took pay under the Swede allured by the fame of his valour by the Victories he had got by his grateful genius to the Souldiery who was received and followed with unspeakable applause as if the heavens had sent him to be their Deliverer The Armies of the Catholick League and of the Emperour which were joyn'd together were defeated in a great Battel before Lypsick and Tilly chief Captain of that League a famous Commander for many Victories which he had gotten against the Protestant League and against the King of Denmark and who now succeeded dismiss'd Wallestein was therein hurt so as the Emperour seeing no other way to withstand the ruinous condition of the Empire nor how to defend the Austrian Dominions was forc'd to recall Wallestein from Bohemia whither after his being dismiss'd he had withdrawn himself to lead a private life and restoring him upon what condition he could desire to his former dignity he opposed him to the Swede who like a swift torrent overrun all Germany The Emperours Army commanded by Fritland and the Swedish Forces led on by their King came to a pitch'd Field neer Lutsen a City in Misnia wherein the King being victorious had prescribed Laws to Germany had he not been slain by some Musketiers whilst with his wonted valour he pursued Victory he died in the latter end of the year 1632 thirty moneths after he had set his foot in Germany But to re-assume the thred of my Discourse the Diet at Ratisbone freed France from being insulted over by the Germans for Fritland who had order as hath been said to fall upon France expecting what would be the issue of that Diet instead of turning with his Forces upon France would be himself present at Ratisbone to obviate the violence which he foresaw would fall upon him but not being able to decline it and the Emperour being forced not only to depose him but to cashier his Army and foreseeing another war threatned from the North France escaped being assaulted also on that side and the Electors who held intelligence with the King of France favouring Nevers his Cause as the most just approved not of the Emperours actions but complain'd that contrary to the Laws and Institutions of the Empire he had sent Armies into Italy without participating the business with them wherefore the resolutions and provisions of that Court growing colder the King of France had better conveniency to mind the wars of Italy and to send strong succours to Nevers he destined the Cardinal of Richelieu to be the Captain General of the Forces which he sent into Piedmont with full power to manage war and peace The Army those being comprehended who were in Susa and Montferrat consisted of 22000 Foot and 2000 Horse and the Cardinal had three Marshals of France for his assistants Cricky la Force and Scomberge The King had already bargained with the Duke of Savoy for provision of Victuals and Ammunition for war together with conduct moneys for the passage of his Army and had agreed with the same Duke that he should assist in the enterprise with 15000 men and as for Victuals he had agreed to deliver unto him 15000 sacks or quarters in Nizza di Provenza which the Duke was to present unto the Army in Piedmont three crowns of gold being allowed for the conduct of every sack or quarter so as the Cardinal being very hot upon the business and thinking to find all things ready for the enterprise in Piedmont parted from Paris in the time of Christmas and coming to Lyons in the beginning of the year 1630 tarried there some days to receive the people
resentment or for the imminent danger of the French â—…r for the high conditions the Cardinal would give him he would do the same Metamorphosis against him as he now promised to do in prejudice to the French and being loth to hazard the main point upon such uncertainty he waited for better counsel and safer resolves as the event should fall out but the Cardinal did no less abhor the Dukes ways then did Spinola since they tended to bring him to follow his will to wage war as he listed to â—…n the Kings Forces which were destined to protect an oppressed Prince to the profecution of his vast ends and his revenge and that against other Princes against whom they were not intended and in fine to change the Kings designs and enterprises with those of his own and as if he were his servant to be ready to do what the Duke listed if he would have his friendship holding therefore these pretentions to be too high and the price of such an union too exorbitant he would not listen to new Treaties but threatned to force him to perform Agreement wherefore he would not so much as speak with the Prince who being come to Savoy desired to Negotiate with him but refer'd the Treaty till he should be come to Piedmont and for the better proof of his resolution endeavouring to make the Duke the more afraid he went from Lyons towards the Alps leaving the Marshal dela Force there to gather the Army together and to bring it to Piedmont The Duke had fortified Auvigliana as hath been said and had well munited it and was gone thither with the body of his Army to defend it his Army consisted of 12000 Foot and about 3000 Horse and knowing that the Cardinal must needs drive him from thence if he would relieve Casalle and that he could not sit down before Auvigliana for want of victuals nor relieve Casalle he feared not his threats for not having wherewithall to feed his Army nor wherewith to succour Casalle he must either agree with him or waste himself idly in Susa or return with shame into France and therefore the nearer he saw the Cardinal come with a numerous Army the more advantage he thought he had of treating or certainty of victory and consequently he continued the stiffer in his pretences and propounded the more difficulties in what he was much prest unto by the French and by Marshal Crickey So as the Cardinal being come from Lyons into Ambrano and hearing there much contrary to what he expected that the Duke continued in his obduratenesse and that it was impossible to alter him he for a while forbore the course which when he parted from Lyons he thought would be so dreadful to the Duke For finding that to go against the Dukes will to relieve Casalle which was the chief cause of that expedition was no better then to hazard himself and his Army upon manifest ruine as also the Kings Honour and the whole enterprize he began to find by experience how unreasonable it was upon these termes and in the present conjuncture of affairs to justle with him when he was back'd by the Spanish and Dutch Forces Wherefore allaying his heat he began to treat more moderately with him and endeavour'd to make him pliable with satisfactory proposalls that he might bring him to joyn with the Kings Forces in that enterprize and interest himself really in relieving Casalle but his lenitives proved as vain as did his threats For although the Duke had all his demands how strange and how extraordinary soever granted him yet still pretending greater things and turning back from what he had agreed unto he used delayes to the end that thereby the difficulties and necessities of the French Army might the mean while grow greater insomuch as the Cardinal being come to Susa where he spoke with the Prince who was come to Bossolano to visit him he did not only not come to any conclusion but did not so much as begin to treat For the Prince who when he went to Savoy to negotiate with him could not so much as be allowed audience being willing to resent that usage the ceremonial part being past would not propound any thing pretending that it was the Cardinal who was to make the first proposals and make an overture to the businesse The reasons of this obdurancy and so great aversion in the Duke may many of them be gathered from the then present circumstances and occasions For to the many injuries received from the French and from the Cardinal and to the abusive peace of Montsone was added the Cardinals proud carriage towards the Prince not admitting him when he came to treat so much as to come within his presence whereof the Duke had wont to complain much and conceiving thereby and by other proceedings that the Cardinal was not only very averse to his interests but bent to ruine him he thought that no offers nor agreements would be observed unto him nay the greater the things were which the present necessity might force him to he thought the effecting of them would be the harder afterwards and the more odious Wherefore fearing that he might be deceived he would not change the present time for the future the Kings coming to Susa and the conventions which he was forc'd to give way unto there touched him to the quick and as â—…e thought himself fallen from that opinion wherein he desired to be held of being able to keep the French out of Italy or bring them in as he listed so he imagined there was no better nor no more opportune remedy to he I so sore a wound then to oppose their passage now by the total ruine of the enterprize and of their Army to leave a perpetual example to the French how necessary it was for them to esteem him as the only Porter of the Alps and for the Spaniards to put a value upon him and to treat him with advantagious conditions as the Bulwark of Italy and of the state of Millain this was the highest pitch of his Grandezza this the very sence of his soul and having fixt his eye upon this as upon a mark to shoot at he thought that if he should hit it all occasions that could be from the French came short of it it was also thought that he feared lest when the Cardinal should see himself in great power and safety by his joyning with him he might afterwards make peace with the Spaniard excluding his interests just as it hapned at the peace of Monsone so as hating to joyn expresly with either party whereby he was to make himself subject to one of them and an enemy to the other he was constant to his neutrality whereby he was superiour to them both yet he broke not with any of them but cloaking his actions with neutrality he fenced himself with tergiversations Neither would the French who needed him exceedingly break with him but dissembling all the hard usage they met with
say by his great donatives for he favouring the Dukes Cause as if the Common Cause were concerned therein desired it might be taken into consideration in the first place so as to boot with the emulation which was already grown between them not only diversity of opinions but distastes arose upon this occasion from whence much prejudice did râ—…dound to the main affair which being distracted by the several interests and emulations of private men was subject to great hazards just like a Ship which is agitated by contrary windes so as Collalto not willing to be left alone to prosecute the business of Piedmont withdrew to the Army before Mantua saying publickly that if others would prefer their Prince his particular cause before what was the common concernment he was likewise obliged to prefer the business of Mantua wherein the Emperour was particularly interessed before that of Casalle or Piedmont The Legate being this mean while gone to Pinarollo had acquainted Cardinal Richelieu with what had been agreed unto in Alessandria by Spinola and San ' Croce he found him willing to yield to all save to what concern'd the restitution of Pinarollo which he said it was necessary for him to keep as well out of the pretences which the King of France laid thereunto as for the security of Nevers his affairs and of the peace which was to be concluded which having been violated many times as he said on the Spanish side he might justly fear it might meet again with some troubles when he should be past back over the Mountains but it was rather thought that he refused to restore Pinarolio out of private ambition for he was very proud of having gotten a place of such importance for the Kings affairs and as France was much grieved when Pinarollo was restored to the Father of this present Prince by Henry the Third King of France so being now as much pleased with the recovery thereof the Cardinal would not together with the advantage of the acquisition lose the perpetual glory of having done so great a benefit to the Crown or France but this being a point of such importance for the conclusion or exclusion of peace in which things belonging to others are usually restored the retaining thereof was now discuss'd only as being contrary to the title pretended unto by the Kings Forces wherein Richelieu mitigated the Proposal and reduced the retention thereof to the space of two years offering the Duke Montcalvo and some other Towns in Montferrat in pawn for the restoring of it but this being held to be yet too hard a condition wherein the observance of the agreement was reduced to the Arbitrement of the French who when Casalle and Mantua should be freed it was hard to say what they would have done it was finally proposed that the Dutch should keep the Towns taken from the Grisons and the French those of the Dukes till such time as the affairs of Italy should be adjusted within fifteen days which when they should be adjusted and composed whatsoever was retained should be by both sides restored Spinola listned to this Proposal which he thought to be more moderate insomuch as discoursing thereof in the presence of the Duke of Savoy and of the other Commanders he said that he would readily agree thereunto if the time of restitution might be prolonged for the space of two moneths the Duke who was already very much unsatisfied with Spinola could not give way to such a length of time but letting his anger burst out which till then he had kept in he exclaimed very much upon him as did Colalto also and it being discovered that there was speech of a meeting between the Cardinal and Spinola and that intelligence was held between them the jealousie grew greater both of them being found to be no well-wishers to the Duke This suspition was much fomented by the friendship which was contracted between them when Spinola in his passage from Flanders to Spain went to the Camp before Rochel to kiss the Kings hand where being received with unusual favours by the Cardinal the Cardinal was much commended by a relation which Spinola made to the King of the well ordering of that Siege and by his assuring him of happy and speedy success if the same course should be still taken and to all this it was added that a dispatch which was at this very time sent to Spinola being intercepted Richelieu sent it to him close sealed as it was and unbroken up which being known by the Duke afforded him much cause of jealousie Thus the Treaty of peace being broken preparation was made for war and the Duke resenting Spinola's usage sent the Abbot Scaglia to complain unto the King of Spinola's strange and rigorous proceedings tending not onely to the prejudice of him the Duke but to the dis-service of the Kings affairs and of the common cause which could receive no advantage by the Dukes dis-satisfaction and he made his Daughter in Law complain of the Cardinal in the Court of France but particularly to the Queen-Mother who though she had been very well pleased formerly with the Cardinals greatness began to be jealous of him now by reason of his too great authority and of the credit which he had won with the King so as it was in several manners ill spoken of some accusing him of too great hatred to the Duke that being ordered to deal friendly with him his only endeavours in this expedition had been to incense him and by his ill usage to alienate him from the Kings interest some accused him of want of experience in Military affairs some of injustice and violence who had turned those Forces which were destined to defend an injured Prince to oppress another who was so neer allied to the King a Friend and Confederate of the Crown to the great scandal of the Kings Forces to the danger of the enterprise and of that Army wherein were so many Lords and Commanders wherefore finding himself complained of and apprehending the Kings displeasure whereinto he might run by his absence he left the management of affairs in Piedmont with the Marshals dela Force and Scomberg and return'd with Cricky into France whither when he was come and had given an account of his action and of what streights the Duke had put him in he had much adoto clear himself from the faults which were laid to his charge by his ill-willers Thus went the Duke about to prejudice the Cardinals fortune by his endeavours which he could never overthrow by his Forces nor by his so many Plots and Stratagems Whilst the business of peace was debated in Turin Don Philippo Spinola was got neer Pontestura and had begirt it on all sides and began his Batteries the French had begun some unperfect Fortifications and those of Casalle that the longer that place held out the longer might they themselves be preserved they thought good to lessen their own Garrison and Provisions and imploy them in the
the Sacred Empire which they publickly said were broken and violated as well in this as in many other things they tacitely reproved him for having by the Cesarean Arms and Authority assisted the rather violent then just ends of the Spanish Agents against a Vassal who was ready to acknowledge that he held those States from Cesar and did with all submission desire to be invested thereinto they exaggerated the strange consequences which would result to Germany from these commotions for the King of France and Prince of Italy being desirous for their own safety sake to maintain those States and that Duke though they could not directly oppose the Cesarean and Spanish Forces in his defence did notwithstanding hold intelligence together and did assist the German Princes underhand who were desirous of novelties that they might alienate themselves from the Emperour and incite the people against him and that they did also administer aid to the King of Swedland to the end that the Emperours Forces being held play in Germany might not foment the Spaniards in Italy they persisted the more confidently in these their complaints for that they saw the Emperour unarmed and themselves favoured and set on by the King of France with whom they held strict and secret Intelligence That King had sent Monsieur Leon Embassadour to the Diet to justifie in appearance his assisting a Vassal of the Sacred Empire against the Spaniards who under the colour of the Sacred Empire strove to oppress him and to possess themselves of his Dominions to make way for the Monarchy of Italy which they so much coveted but in effect to sollicite the Electors and Princes of Germany who were ill satisfied with the present condition of affairs and to encourage them to joyn in beating down the Austrian greatness and to favour the Duke of Nevers his cause which the Pope did also favour who was veâ—…y desirous to keep those States in the House of Gonsaga to the end that by excluding the Spaniards from thence Italy might not hazard the loss of Liberty but he chiefly favoured the emulation which all the German Princes bore to the Spaniards by reason of the excessive authority which the King of Spains Agents arrogaâ—…ed unto them selves in Cesar's Court wherein pretending to be above all they seemed as if they would govern the affairs of Germany as they listed and the Emperour as well for his conjunction in interest as for his necessity of being supplied with moneys was forc'd to adhere unto them which the Germans not being able to tolerate they did oppose their ends and interests so as under colour of the justice of Nevers his cause and of preserving the rights of the German Empire they cross'd the Emperor in this very cause and would maintain it against the Spanish Agents who endeavoured to suffocate it by power in Cesars Court as they did to oppress it by Arms in Italy wherefore they reiterated their former Protestations not to joyn in the defence of the war made by the King of Swedland whose actions increasing in fame and reputation began to make men bethink themselves The Duke of Savoy also and Collalto fomented the speedy conclusion of the peace who both of them writ to that Diet and told the Emperour and the Electors that Piedmont could no longer maintain the war whose affairs running manifest ruine the Duke was forced either to succumb to the King of France or to agree with him if either of which should happen all things would necessarily be ruined The Emperour who had no Forces on foot and saw such an aversion in the Electors and in so many other Princes to the wars of Italy being scandalized at the unjust proceedings against Nevers the Emperour being also touched in conscience and desirous of his Sons election for which he had already given way to much greater things easily consented to all their desires many things were therefore treated of many things pretended and neer concluding in favour to the Duke of Nevers and to the great prejudice of the Spanish pretensions Don Carlo Doria Duke of Turcis was then Embassadour in extraordinary from the King of Spain in Ratisbone being sent to that Diet to further the Election of the King of the Romans in the person of the King of Hungary Son to the Emperour married at this time to Mary Sister to the King of Spain but this Election not being to be treated of in this Diet because it was not in imated therein as was necessary by the Laws of the Empire and for that the Electors of Saxony and of Brandenburg disgusted by the Emperour and almost quite alienated from him were neither come thither nor had sent their Proctories thither And after Orders taken in the Diet for the Affairs of Germany and of the Empire the Negotiations were reduced to the Affairs of Italy and particularly to the Duke of Nevers his Cause Doria who saw upon what disadvantagious terms the Peace was treated on for the King of Spain and how far the French prevailed by the help and Intelligence held by the Electors and that the Emperour being forced by the leudness of the Times and of his own Interests could not govern his pretensions as he would have done but was forced to incline towards giving them satisfaction even much to the prejudice of his own Affairs he earnestly desired and obtained it That he not being sent to Treat of Peace in the Kings Name might be permitted to acquaint the King upon what Conditions the Agreement was negotiated before it was concluded Thus having gotten a suspension for two moneths they forbare to conclude what they were already agreed upon Whilst the peace was treated on in Ratisbone it was not abandoned by the Nuntio Panciruâ—…lo in Italy wherein all parties were well inclined unto it the King of France Duke of Savoy and Collalto for the same reasons for which they did sollicite it in Germany and the two last because they liked not the business of Casalle The Duke by reason of the great prejudice which would result to him if it should succeed happily and Collalto out of the emulation he bore to Spinola and his hatred to the Spaniards which respects on the contrary made Spinola very much desire it lest that the bad correspondency with the Duke and Collalto's emulation might ruine it to his great discredit Collalto having appeared so averse unto it as that he would not grant him one bare thousand men though he cashiered them after Mantua was taken and Spinola needed them much before Casalle so as Spinola being inforc'd by so many difficulties and diffidences had promised the Nuntio to quit the enterprise if the French would forego the Dukes Towns which they had taken and would retreat to beyond the Mountains which Agreement being accepted by the King of France would have been effected had not his authority been restrained by new Orders from Spain for Abbot Scaglia who was sent as hath been said by the late Duke
some advantagious Composition whereby the State of Affairs might be compounded with more reputat on and safety The small opinion they had of the Spanish Army and their firm belief that neither the Duke nor Dutch would joyn there with before Casalle did the more encourage them and made them hotter upon the Enterprise Mazarine wrote from the French Camp to the Duke That in respect of the Peace made at Ratisbone the French would proceed no further And the Duke shew'd this Letter to Galasso who was head of the Dutch that remained in Piedmont And that they might have no occasion to remove he contrary to what he had formerly refused immediately allotted them excellent Quarters And though the Duke appeared to have done all this for the safety of Piedmont against the French who were yet there under Tavanes yet the jealousie encreasing daily that he held intelligence with the French hoping to be by them restored to his State he was suspected to dissemble therein Nor was Mazarine exempt from like suspition who though as Agent from the Pope he seemed to be a friend and mediator between all parties yet the Pope himself appeared to be inwardly more inclined to the preserving than to the taking of Cassalle and his trusting to the French too much when he writ to the Duke that they should advance no further not suiting with the wariness and sagacity of a Mediator made the Spaniards suspect the more that he did not proceed sincerely with them But the streights that the Spanish Commanders were in forc'd them to swallow down any thing and with less speculativâ—… considerations to dissemble also and to minde the Kings business which they saw was in too apparent danger and their perceiving that both Friends and Enemies and Mediators and all both internal and external accidents did conspire and co-operate the ruine of the Enterprise did weaken their Counsels and confound their Resolutions At the first news that was heard that the Enemy being entred into the Territories of Asti did advance Ieronymo Gambacorti was forthwith sent against them with a thousand Horse with whom the Dutch Horse which were quartered in Acqui were ordered to joyn and the Duke of Savoy was also to send them 3000 Foot from Piedmont side to the end that with this body of men they might if not directly at least indirectly oppose the French by molesting them on the Rere on the flanks and by keeping them from Victuals But neither did the Dutch Horse nor the Dukes men appear the Horse being past over the Tannaro at Govone was entred into Piedmont and was joyn'd to the others of their Nation and the Dukes men went not past St Damiano And the Duke trusting perhaps to Mazarine his Advertisement did not only not think of making any opposition but indeavoured to keep the Dutch in Piedmont so as Gambacorti's Expedition wrought no effect at all onely that watching the Enemies ways and finding that they advanced he speedily gave notice thereof to the Camp that they might be prepared to receive them whereupon it was necessary to have recourse to Collalto and to get him to send for all the Dutch from Piedmont to joyn with the Kings Forces against the French But Collalto shrinking up his shoulders and persisting in his opinion would have the Dutch stay to defend Piedmont and the Peace made at Ratisbone which he had proclaimed whereby all hostile acts were forbidden him did honest his denial Wherefore the Camp being full of confusion and terrour by reason of the uncertainty of the coming of the Dutch and the certainty that the French did advance quaked for fear All men laid this hard dealing of Collalto to a tacite Intelligence with the Duke and by the Dukes means with the French But provision came seasonably from Germany against this so bitter and necessary accident Don Carlo Doria seeing it was impossible â—…or him to hinder the conclusion of Peace at Ratisbone which he judged to be so prejudicial to the Kings honour to the safety of his Affairs and that he could not stave it off till the Citadel of Cassalle should be taken obtained Letters from the Emperour to Collalto wherein he was ordered Thâ—…t since by the Articles of Peace he could not have to do in that business in his behalf and since it was not known whether the King of France would accept of the Peace or no especially not being obliged to do it That in caâ—…e the French should not allow thereof he should obey San Croce and assist him with all his Forces Thus the Cause and Title being altered the War which was made before in Cesar's Name was made in the Name of the King of Spain and the Emperours Forces which were Principals at first became accessory to the King of Spain's and the Kings which were accessory became upon this occasion Principal Collalto who before refused to send a thousand men to Casalle and suffered all things to run to ruine having received new Orders from the Emperour summoned all his men into the field Galasso was come thither the night before the French appeared with some of them the rest came the night after Gambacorti after he had coasted along the French Army to the Confines of the State of Millain retreated to the Camp And the French parting from the Territories of Asti went to Annone where finding the Gates shut they agreed for passage with the Towns-men without giving or receiving any molestation They came from Annone by the Valley of Grana to Occimiano where staying that night and the day following they had notice That the Spanish Camp was well fortified with Trenches and Artillery towards the Hills and that therefore they might with less danger assault them on the Plain where the Fortifications and Trenches were weaker and imperfect Wherefore they resolved to advance by the way of the Plain Advancing thus on that side where they were least expected they took Frassinetto together with the neighbouring Bridge over the Poe by which Victuals and forrage were brought to the Camp from Allessandrino and Occimiano and whereby the Spanish Army was debarr'd Commerce with Allessandrino and there not being many Carriages nor Barques in the Camp wherewith to throw over another Bridge they began to want Victuals and the penury grew the greater by the coming of the Dutch nor had they draught Horses for the Train of Artillery so as it was hard for them to bring them from the Hills where they were already planted to the Trenches towards the Plain where there were not above eight little Pieces All of them were so troubled with doubt whether the Dutch would come to the Camp or no and with fear That if they should not come all would be ruined as their coming was not sufficient to cancel their fear nor to curb their confusion They wanted old and experienced Camp-Masters and Serjeants to put their men in Battle Array Galasso was the only man who by order from San Croce took that
the succession of Savoy fell the occasion of the Cardinals going thither was given out to be for his own respect that he might go from thence to Flanders to visite his Aunt the Archdutchess and for others to be present at some solemn Festivals which were to be had in that Court When the Cardinal was come to Paris he did not pursue his journey but tarried there with his Brother till such time as Pinarollo was assigned over into the Kings Officers hands which being done they all returned to Piedmont the going of these Princes to that Court and their tarrying there till the assigning over of Pinarollo made all men think that they were sent thither and kept as Hostages of the secret Agreement between the King and Duke contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone the secrâ—…t Capitulation of the first Agreement of Cherasco against which the Duke of Feria did so much exclaim seemed to say as much Servien's long delay in coming into Italy touching a business of so great importance and wherein haste was required by all partâ—…es though it was then attributed to some other cause was afterwards â—…eld for cerâ—…ain that it was done to give time for this resolution which was not as then ripe nor digested the notable prejudice suffer'd by the Duke of Mantua so openly taken into protection by the King of France and consented unto by the same Kings Agents in favour to the Duke of Savoy who had been a profess'd enemy to the Kings interest and who besides hâ—…ving cost that Crown so great an expence of men and moneys had also made him lose whole Armâ—…es and his reputation in the enterprise of Casalle was commonly judged to be the price and the reward of this secret Treaty between the Duke and the King of France touching the concession of Pinarollo which may appear to be clearly comprehended by the very writing delivered to the Duke by the Embassadour Servien wherein after the â—…acite threats in case of denial he endeavoured to perswade the Duke to give way unto the demands by way of gratitude for the great obligation which he had to the King by whose favour â—…e had gotten so great a part of Montferrat The Kings suffering himself for so frivolous and sleight occasions which by treaty might easily be compounded to be brought to resolve upon a thing of so great moment when France which required peace and restauration broke forth into combustion of Civil War by the flight of his Mother and Brother made all men believe that without assurance of having it readily granted he would not have adventured to make such a demand which if it had been denied obliged him to undertake greater wars then those which after so much expence of moneys and blood he was to thank fortune for his coming off with honour with Forces already wearied and little better then beaten and upon a less just title then the former On the other side the great respect not to say fear which the Duke when he was already restored to all his Dominions shew'd to have of those Forces which when he was in a worse condition he had so boldly resisted his so much distrust of aid from Spain by which being assisted he nor his Father feâ—…red not to provoke the French Forces his having by his so high and almost impossible demands rather rejected then desired those succours from the Duke of Feria which he might have received and was bound to accept of rather then to quit so many places of importance The Duke not being moved at so unjust demands which rather then to have granted he was upon all accounts to have run any whatsoever Fortune his having yielded to the worst demand and more prâ—…judicial to himself of the four his no shew of resentment after such an assignation but his pretending a reward for it from the Crown of Spain as if he had once more thereby secured the State of Millain confirmed the general prejudiciate opinion that this demand was no news unto him but a thing long before agreed upon this general opinion was afâ—…erwards better confirmed by the sale made by the Duke the next year of the same Towns to the King and of their Territorie wherein many other Towns were conâ—…ained and by this sale it was comprehended that it was not his alledged zeal to the publick peace nor the security of his Client and Friends but his desire to have a gate alwayes open into Italy which caused the King to make such high and strange demands and so contrary to the Covenants of Ratisbone and Chirasco agreed unto by his Agents in his name and ratified by the King himself in the effectual restitution of the Town of Piedmont the 500000 Ducates which the Duke of Savoy was to restore to the Duke of Mantua for the overplus of the Towns in Montferrat assigned to him by the Arbitrement of Chirasco the which the King being obliged to make good to that Duke he afterwards profes'd that he kept them against the same Duke of Mantua for the charges he had been at in making war for the defence and maintaining of his dominions was considered in the price of so many important Towns The Duke granted and afterwards sold unto the King those Towns upon which the liberty and subjection of Piedmont did depend and wherein his sovereignty did consist and his not being onely a great and free Prince and master of himself but an Arbitrator of great affairs between two mighty Kings and their worth being inestimable the Towns of Montferrat which were assigned were sold at a very under rate For if Duke Charles Emanuel did grant all the Country of Bresse to the King of France a large Country and of great revenue onely that he might keep Saluzzo and thereby remain â—…ree and absolute master of Piedmont the French being excepted what comparison is to be made between Pinarollo and all the valley of Perosa in consideration of the Marquesate of Saluzzo especially the great opportunity and consequence of Pinarollo's scituation being considered and what proportion can the Towns assigned in Montferrat beat with Bressa which was granted so great a Country and so full of numerous Towns Yet the now Dukes action was excused by the necessity he was in to comply with the Kings pleasure who being posses'd not only of the Towns lately granted in Piedmont but of all Savoy and so many other Towns of Piedmont and having no hopes ever to regain them by force it behoved him to do as the times required and of two evils to chuse the least since affairs were brought to such a condition as he was rather to thank the King for what was in the Kings power to deny him then to forego what not being able to regain was really rather to be esteemed the Kings then his and which being denyed gave occasion not onely to retain that but all the other Towns that the King was posses'd of Cardinal Richelieu being proud of so advantagious an
which they aspired to give Laws to all men and to suffocate thâ—… Liberty and Sovereignty of the Princes of Italy and though the double and clandestine dealing between the King and Duke were contrary to the peace of Ratisbone and to the Treaties of Cherasco yet winking at so great a gainsaying they allowed of the Kings justification and on the contrary the Declaration made by the Emperour touching the investment of the Duke of Mantua the day before was judged to be clandestine and yet he who shall justly consider the cause which moved the Emperour to make that Declaration will find that he was not to be blamed for it nor had any and much less the King of France reason to complain of the Articles which were granted before for the Articles of Ratisbone being reciprocal between the Emperour and the King it was clear that the one party observing them when the other did not it was lawful for the observer to withdraw from what he had on his side done but the original fault of the first moving against the Duke of Mantua conveighing sinister influences into all actions which did depend upon that moving did little justifie any action which might any ways prejudice the Dukes interest and the Italians minds being incumbered by fear that the former wars of the Valtoline and then those against Mantua and Montferrat aimed at the inslaving of Italy they allowed no place to any more subtile interpretations or considerations to define what was just and honest since justice and honesty seemed to have taken up the highest seat in the balance which did secure the Liberty of Italy and whatsoever co-operated to lessening the Spanish greatness being held good for the common liberty and safety was esteemed just and honest according to that saying salus populi suprema lex esto for this respect the Duke of Feria's suspition was not thought just who seeing the French brought into Mantua and Casalle and the Grisons parts gartison'd with French pretended that it was against the Article of Peace the events soon shewed that the pretence was not vain since it was seen that those places fell into the hands of the French so as their actions were applauded and the Spaniards suspitions blamed some of the Iâ—…alian Princes joyed to see that the French were became as it were Arbitrators of Italy and little less then masters of Mantua Montferrat and Piedmont and Concha if for no other cause at least for that they thought them by reason and opportunity to be of equal power and authority to the Spaniards and peradventure superiour to them by reason of the adheâ—…ence which those Princes would rather have with him then with the King Spain for they desired to keep the Spanish Forces curb'd by those of France the Spaniards being grown jealous and hateful to them this was the success of the ill advised ill govern'd and worse justifiable Spanish Forces this was the fruit they reaped of their so much stirring to no other end but that they could not tolerate that a Prince who depended upon France should have any possessions in Italy nor were the King of France his Forces less fortunate out of Italy for to boot with the Garrisons put into the Grisons Country whereby they depended no less upon his arbitrement then did the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua he did at the same time assault Lorrain with a powerful Army being offended with that Duke who had received and fomented the Duke of Orleans who as hath been said was fled from the Court and the Duke of Lorrain having no means to defend himself the Emperouâ—… and all Germany being sufficiently molested and a great part of Germany possess'd by the Swedes he was forced to humble himself to the King and to sue for peace which was not granted him without parting with some of his chiefest Towns and being thus received into protection he obliged himself not only to give free passage to the King through Lorrain whensoever he would go with an Army into Germany but to joyn with him in that war and assist him with a certain number of men whilst he went to defend the liberty of the German Princes the ancient Friends and Conâ—…ederates of his Crown wherefore when the King drew neer Germany with his Army the Ecclesiastick Electors and many other German Lords and Princes put themselves under the protection of the Crown of France pretending fear of the Swedish Forces but in effect to have a Protector of their greater liberty to which they aspired against the Austrian authority Much about the time that the Peace of Ratisbone was concluded a League as hath been said was made between the King of France and the King of Swedland in defence of all common Friends and of all the German Princes in their oppressed Liberties and to restore Germany and the Princes thereof to the same condition they were in before the war began in which League the King of France obliged himself to pay 400000 Crowns a year unto the Swede for maintenance of his Army which was as much as to set up a Standard in maintenance of the German Rebellion unto which all male-contents might have recourse nor did the design prove vain for after the famous Victory of the Swede and Duke of Saxony before Lypsick as hath been elsewhere said wherein the Emperours Army and that of the League was discomfited and almost all slain and wherein Tilly was also sorely wounded the Protestant Princes openly adhered unto the Swede and joyn'd with him against the Emperour and those who in respect of the Catholick Religion could not openly adhere unto an Heretick Prince who was manifestly bent to take â—…he Empire from the house of Austria and to overthrow the Catholick Religion and who were unsatisfied with the Austrian Dominion taking pretence from their fearing the Swede had recourse to the King of France by whom being taken into protection they covenanted neutrality between the Swede and the Emperour and to permit the King of France to pass armed through their Territories by means of which protection they were secured from the Swedish Forces and the Emperour who was by this means bereft of the adherence and help of almost all the German Princes and also openly assaulted by the Swede and his adherents and molested under-hand by the King of France was brought to so low a condition as not being well able to withstand so many enemies the affairs of the Empire were in a very sad condition to this was added that the Duke of Bavaria who was head of the Catholick League and the greatest maintainer of the Catholick Religion and who next to the Elector of Saxony was the greatest support of the Empire and of the house of Austria especially after Saxony his revolt was also though very secretly confederated with the King of France which King by Articles of Confederacy was bound to maintain the upper Palatinate and the Electoral Dignity for ever in this Duke and in the
they prepared either to revenge received wrongs or to keep off those which were threatned But the King of Spain was at the present troubled most to see that the King of France joyning with the Hollanders and Protestant Princes of Germany prepared to oppose his Brother the Infanta Cardinal Ferdinando his journey into Flanders wherein the Cardinall was first to advise and then to succeed his Aunt Clara Eugenia who was now grown very old in the government of those Provinces And the King thinking that by reason of so many oppositions it would be safer for him to go by Italy and Germany then by Sea he knew that it was necessary to make way for him by powerfull Armies wherefore to boot with the great preparation of Arms and Men made to this purpose by the Duke of Feria in the State of Millain it was also thought necessary to molest France on the parts towards Spain as well in regard of this expedition as for relieving Germany and Flanders opposed by the French that thereby the King of France being strongly assaulted on that side might not onely be diverted from opposing the Cardinals journey but also from fomenting the Wars of Germany and Flanders the Duke of Orleans Brother to the King of France who was already gon together with the Queen-Mother from the Court into Flanders was thought to be a proportionate means answerable to the assistance given by the King of France to the Rebel Hollanders Who by making head and holding intelligence with many French Lords that were displeased at Cardinal Richelieu his too great authority and at the Government of those times plotted new broyles in France he holding intelligence with the Duke of Momorancy Governour of Languedock and peradventure with the Duke of Guise Governour of Provence obtained 2000 excellent Horse from the King of Spain with which passing at unawares thorough France without any opposition for none durst take up Arms against the Kings Brother without express command from the King he came to Languedoâ—…k and by the assistance of the King of Spain's Army in Catalognia he thought to raise commotions in the Kingdom and to make a strong faction whereby he thought to allay the Cardinals authority and to alter the Government quite But being at the very first overcome by the Kings Forces and taken Prisoner together with Momorancy that fire was quench'd almost before it was kindled which would otherwise have held France long in combustion and consequently have kept the King and Richelieu from plotting mischieâ—… against the House of Austria Yet this did not retard the Infanta's journey who mounting into the Gallyes at Barcellona some moneths after Orleans his imprisonment came from thence to Genoa the year 1633. where being received with great pomp he saw and admired the great Fabrick of the new Walls passing from thence to Millain he found the Duke of Feria busie in raising an Army for his conduct and so intended to go speedily for Flanders War grew hotter in Germany after the battle of Lutzen and after the King of Sweden's death for neither the Swedish Commanders nor the German Princes who were alienated from the Emperour were any whit dismaid after the Kings death for the Swedes as if their dead Kings Spirit were revived in them continued the War with the like Courage and Fortune and the Princes and people of Germany being desirous of their pretended Liberty to the recovery whereof they were with much satisfaction led on by the King and almost put into possession being resolved not to fall from so exalted a beginning by the death of their Leader were wholly intent upon this and joyn'd in heart and in intelligence and avoiding all Strife and Emulation they formed a Faction which maintaining the dead Kings Quarrel might quell the Austrian Authority and might bring them to their desired Liberty Duke Bernard Waimer descended from the ancient Dukes of Saxony was chosen somewhat tumultuously by the Swedish Army to be their Captain General the next day after the battle of Lutzen he was a Captain of Courage and Authority and very highly esteem'd in the Army for his experience and Valour and moreover a great Enemy to the Austrian Name for that his great Grand-Father had been bereft by Charles the Fifth of the Electorall dignity and of the Dukedom of Saxony and he himself as descending from him was kept from it by the subsequent Austrian Emperours He muster'd the Souldiers that remained after the battle and finding them to amount to the number of 16000 he went with them to joyn with that part of the Duke of Saxony's Forces which not being present at the Batâ—…le was yet fresh and intire and entring therewithall into Saxony he drove out the Cesarean Garrisons who were possess'd thereof before and did not onely recover the City of Lipswick but all the rest of the Dukedom not meeting with any opposition for Wallestein the Emperours General being rather conquered then Conquerour had quitted the Field and his Cannon to the Enemy after the battle and was retreated with the remainder of his Army into Bohemia where partly minding the recruiting of his Army partly detain'd by the rigor of the Winter he suffered the Enemies Army to go whither it listed But the German Princes having obtained the same assistance from the Deputies of the Crown of Swethland which was given them during the Kings life and seeing the League confirm'd between the King of France and Crown of Swethland for the affairs of Germany they met in a Dyet about the beginning of the year 33 with the chief Officers and Captains of the Swedish Army wherein they agreed upon Nine Articles for the maintaining of the common cause and for the maintenance of the War which they resolved to continue in Germany with like fervour They made Oxenstern supream Governour of the common affairs who was Chancellor of Swethland and who coming into Germany with the King never parted from him a man of excellent Wisedom and profound Counsell very valiant and long experienced in Civil and Military Government to whom they gave a certain number of Deputies chosen out of divers Provinces of Germany which the Dutch call Circles who were as so many Senators to assist in Counsell with him They then divided all the Forces of their joynt union into four parts and made four Armies of them which were to carry on the War in four parts of Germany under four Commanders Arnheim the Duke of Saxony's General a stern Captain and little short of Wallestein in Military Affairs was to enter Slesia with the first Army of which Province the Duke of Saxony meant to make himself Master The second was given to the Duke of Lunenburg who was therewith to fall upon Westphalia The third was assigned to Duke Weymer who falling from the General-ship to which he was chosen by the Army by this reformation was to enter therewith into Franconia Marshal Horne and Col. Bannier were appointed to command the fourth two of
introduce a Vote absolutely depending upon the King of France into the Electoral colledge A thing which though it was sufficiently contrary to reason and to the preeminence of the German Empire and repugnant to the Votes of the German Nation yet would it not have been ill looked upon by the Protestant Princes in those times and to such as were ill affected to the Austrian Name And the Emperour fearing these plots which he saw were a framing by this Electory he ordered the Infanta that he should secure his person In order whereunto the Infanta put 2000 Souldiers in some barks cover'd with cloth like to Merchants vessels which pass upon those Rivers and sent them down the Mosell towards Tryers which is seated upon the bank thereof whither being come by night and telling the Sentinels that they were boats come from Lucemberg they fastned two Petards to two Gates by one of which they entred and by the other 200 Horse which were sent by land to that purpose by the Infanta who coming to the Gate at the same time that it was beaten down by the Petard the Horse and Foot entred the Town at unawares cut the French Garrison in pieces who were overcome with fear and the darkness of the night and easily made themselves Masters of the City and of the Elector who being speedily carried to Lucemburg and from thence to Namures and so to Brussels was honourably treated there as an Archbishop and Elector but was diligently guarded as a Prisoner The King of France held himself highly offended by this action as if it had been done in a resentment of the new Protection whereinto that Prince had put himself he therefore made the Electors liberty be demanded of the Infanta by his Resident who was then in that Court to which the Infanta answered That what was done at Tryers was done by the Emperours express command and that therefore he was to address himself to Cesar. The King not being satisfied with this answer sent an Herauld to the Infanta who did intimate War against him and against the King of Spain expresly declaring and protesting That that intimation should serve as effectually for the King of Spain as if it had been given to his own Person in Madrid Many Discourses pass'd about under the Names of the Kings themselves and of others as they stood severally interessed or devoted to either of the Courts wherein each side sharpely defended their cause The most solid and most ascertained Reasons of this breach publish'd in print by the King of France in his own Name were That the Elector of Tryers being abandoned by the Emperour when the Empire beaten by the Swedish Forces was not well able to sustain it self not knowing whom to â—…ly unto for refuge had put himself into his protection to free himself from being suppress'd by them wherefore he deserved not to be made prisoner for doing so without citation or being condemned he therefore accused it as not only unjust but unworthy being committed against a Sacred Person an Archbishop and one of the seven Electors of the Empire and that since it redounded not only to the great offence of his Crown in respect of the protection whereunto the Elector had put himself but to the like of the Apostolick See and of the Electoral Colledg the Pope and Electors were to resent it as well as he To this was answered That that Elector had never put himself into the protection of the King of France but had only desired some assistance from him as from a Prince that was his friend against the Swedes so as even by the Electors own confession the title of protection was faulty which was the chief foundation of the complaint and of the injury pretended to be done to the King and if the Elector had desired or received help under the name of protection he ought not to have withdrawn him from the natural Sovereigâ—…y of the Emperour nor from the protection of the Dukes of Luxenberg he being a Prince of the Empire and under the protection of the ancient Dukes of Luxenberg it being a clear thing That a natural Subject cannot withdraw himself from the Jurisdiction of his Sovereign Prince nor prejudicate it by any action of his and that howsoever his protection against the King of Sweden did not extend against the Emperour or King of Spain the one being his Sovereign the other his ancient Protector no otherwise then fealty by a natural Subject of a Prince sworn to another Prince from whom he holds any Town or Castle in Fee shall never be of force to engage him against his natural Prince nor to withdraw him from his obedience That therefore the King of France ought not by title of new protection to intermeddle with what the Electors Sovereign Prince was pleased to order The ground-work of the breach seeming to be shaken by these Reasons the King of France pleaded other former injuries which he had at several times and upon several occasions received from the Crown of Spain and beginning from the reciprocal Marriages made between the two Kings it was said that the Spaniards had never ceased to make plots against the quiet and safety of France and in the first place That the King of Spain had waged war with the Duke of Savoy under the honourable pretence of protecting the House of Mantua against which the same King did afterwards conspire himself for no other reason but because the Duke would not joyn with him in making war with the King of France To this was added the revolutions of the Valtoline to the prejudice of the Grisons ancient Clients and Confederates of the Crown of France which were endeavoured for no other end and somented by the King of Spain but only that he might carry the war more commodiously through the Valtoline from Germany to Italy and from Italy to Germany and to make himself Master of the parts confining upon the Valtoline That the Court of Spain not being able to endure the good correspondency which was held between France and England had by means of Marquess Mirabello his Embassadour at Paris sowed dissentions and discords between them and fomented the Rebellion of the Hereticks of France to the end that the King being busied in suppressing them might not have leisure to defend Mantua and Montferrat which were then powerfully assaulted by the Spaniards and that when the King of France had by the success of his Forces and by the Peace of Susa freed Cassalle the first time the King of Spain had not only let slip that occasion of preserving Peace in Italy and of securing the liberty of the Client of France but had called in the Dutch against the City of Mantua whilest his Commanders endeavoured once more to take Cassalle by force whereby the King of France was forced to send his Arms back again into Italy to secure his Confederates and to keep the Spaniards within some bounds wherein faring as successfully as
between people and their natural Princes and of interessing her self therein for her own safety and grandezza from the School of Spain but that the greatest part of these pretensions were rather seeming then substantial for Polybius relating the true cause of the wars between the Romans and Carthaginians doth not approve them as just and though some Princes use to keep inferiour Princes low and to weaken the superiour such proceedings are to be esteemed rather tyrannical then rational and if King Philip the Second had attained to such Counsels he would never have consented to the peace of Vervin wherein Territories and Towns of importance were restored to the King of France who was then the inferiour wherefore that peace cannot be pretended to be slavery though the Austrians were superiour to the French both in Dominions and Power for the Romans after the peace given to the Privernati as they will have it were superiour to them and if peace between Princes of unequal power may be violated by reason of the inferiours weakness no firm peace would ever be made between them unless the more powerful should divide States and Forces with the less powerful They therefore concluded that none of the reasons alledged did excuse the King of France his countervenings nor could the League concluded by his means some years after between Spain and the Hollanders free him from the preceding countervening but did rather aggravate it as well because the Hollanders being strengthned by those fomentings were made the more able to withstand their King and to force him to so disadvantagious a Truce as also by continuing the said assistance to them when the Truce was expired Passing then to the Affairs of the Valtoline it was said That the short relation of that business would suffice to let the world see whether of those two Princes were to be blamed The King of Spain protected the liberty and the Religion of the Valtolinians by securing them in both by some little Forts erected in the Valley against the imminent slavery of the Grisons who were prepared to subjugate them by force and the Valtolinians wanting men to munite them the French and with them the Venetians stormed very much when Spanish Garrisons were put thereinto as if the Spaniards had no other end but to make themselves Masters of the Valley the King of Spain to clear both them and the Venetians deposited the Valtoline together with the Fortâ—… therein into the Popes hands who was choseâ—… by them both to be Arbitrator of the whole business with power to dispose thâ—…reof as he should seâ—… reason to do that while this was depending the King of France possest himself both of the Valley and of the Forts by Force of Arms that when the Pope sent men to recover them the King who would not make War with the Pope upon this account agreed with the King of Spain in the peace of Monsone to restore the Valtoline but upon very favourable conditions touching the Liberty and Religion of the Valtolinians and that the Pope should demolish the Forts whereunto the King of Spain condescended only because the King of France obliged himself to observe the Covenants which were made in favour to the Valtolinians so as the Forts were superfluous seeing that the two Kings were ingaged by the Peace to maintain the Liberty and Religion of the Inhabitants Therefore by this so favourable Peace to the Valtolinians the King of Spain was justified in his first taking up Arms. Neither did the Duke of Nevers his business deserve much defence if men will justly consider the result thereof for that Prince was not at all satisfied with the King of France his protection since he was deprived of Cassalle and of the greater part of Montferrat which were conferr'd upon the Duke of Savoy in recompence for his pretensions and for Pinarollo which was assigned over to the King of France contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone and Cherasco so as the Agreement with the King of Spain which was so much exclaimed against would have been better for the Duke of Nevers then the protection of France so much boasted of by the French And for what concerns the medling in differences between a Sovereign and his Subjects many considerations were propounded in favour of the Austrians for in Peaces made between the Emperour and the King of France the King had more then once renounced such Leagues and Protections and promised not to protect those Princes against the Emperour so that as the present discourse began with Polybius his Authority the controversie may be ended by Lucan's Authority who decides the difference between Cesar and Pompey in these words Tu nova ne veteres obscurent acta Triumphos Et victis cedat piratica Laurea Gallis Magne times Te jam series ususque laborum Erigit impatiensque loci fortuna secundi Nec quemquam jam ferre potest Gallusve priorem Austriacusve parem Quis justius induat arma Scire nefas magno se Iudice quisque tuetur Victrix Causa Deis placuit sed Victa Catoni Immediately after the intimation of this war made in the King of France his name to the Infanta did the publication of the League made between him and the Hollanders which hath formerly been mentioned follow and the execution thereof followed the publication forthwith for the King of France going to Campania assembled an Army of above 20000 fighting men and sent it into the Country of Lucemburg under the conduct of the two Marshals Chatillione and Bresse whereinto being entred it presently took Orcimon and Rocca strong places upon the Confines but of small consideration which yielded without fighting and afterwards it took Marca a more considerable Town and so advanc'd into the Country which is under the King of Spain Against this Army the Infanta sent out a strength of 10000 Foot and of 3000 Horse the most whereof were tumultuously raâ—…sed and made Prince Thomaso of Savoy their Commander in chief who being distasted with the Duke his Brother was privately stoln from Savoy whereof â—…e had the title of Governour and having first spent some moneths in the Court of Flanders he joyn'd with the King of Spains Forces in those parts The Prince being come neer the enemy though he knew himself inferior to them in numbers yet having the advantage in situation he refused not battle which they presented him Battle being given neer to the Town of Avein after having fought valiantly four hours he was worsted left three or four thousand of his men dead upon the place to boot with his Artillery and besides many other Souldiers and Captains of good condition who were taken Prisoners The Hollanders were by the Covenants of the League to assault the Provinces which were obedient to the Crown of Spain aâ—… the same time with another Army on their side and delaying to do it they afforded the Infanta a breathing time after his defeat but coming at last into the
would ensue which would make him subject to perpetual wars and much expence being desirous to get quit of this trouble he had a design to win the hearts of the Valtolinians and by granting them all that they had from the Crown of Spain to alienate them from that Crown and make them wholly depend upon his Crown and by this means to spare the continual expence he was at in maintaining that Valley at his devotion embracing therefore the cause of their Liberty he offer'd the Valtolinians more advantagious conditions then they could get from the Austrians whilst they should depend upon his protection this course did totally alienate the Grisons from the Crown of France nor did it gain the Valtolinians who could never be brought to confide in the Kings promises which if they should have done they were sure they should be more prosecuted by the Arms of Austria which confined upon them then by the French which were so far from them and the Grisons did believe that the unexpected conditions so contrary to that absolute Dominion which they pre ended to under the Valtolinians and which they expected to obtain from the King of France were but cunningly propounded to cause delay which would at last end in a manifest exclusion of the promised restitution so as they were highly offended and moreover the Fort which Rohan did still keep well munited with French Garrisons in Rhetia seemed to them to be but formal fetters of the publick liberty which they saw was reduced to greater subjection whilst the Valtoline was possess'd by the French they likewise observed Rohans residence in Coira the Metropolitan City of Rhetia where he carried himself imperiously with them rather like a Princely Governour then like a Guest or Embassadour seeming as if he labour'd to overthrow the publick Liberty To these publick distastes other private grievances were added by reason of detaining the Pensions which the King was used to pay to the principal men of that Nation to the end that by their authority they might keep the people well affected to him so as failing of those advantages they did by contrary endeavours strive to divert those that did depend upon their authority from the French these people being therefore much incensed and weary of this usage they hatched ill will and persevering but untowardly in the ancient League with that Crown they consulted with themselves how they might throw off their present condition which they thought was reduced to slavery and shun the worser which they feared they should shortly be brought unto but having well debated these things and finding that they could not compass their ends without being upheld by some great Potentate they quietly dissembled the iniquity of their present condition the best they could expecting some opportunity whereby they might free themselves from this imminent subjection On the other side the Court of Spain and her Agents in Italy knew as well the necessity as the difficulty of recovering the Valtoline especially in times of such insufferable troubles and considering the jealousies and suspicions and afterwards the hatred and enmities that the recovery thereof if they should get it would bring upon them from the Venetians and from all the Princes of Italy who for their own safety sake did not well endure the Spaniards superiority in that Valley they considered also the continual wars which they must have upon this account the expence of moneys the shedding of blood the great disturbance which that Valley occasioned to the Kings Affairs which like a Bone out of Joynt did discompose the whole Body of the Austrian Monarchy Things being in this posture Don Frederick de Henriques the Spanish Embassadour happened to be in the Court at Ispruch and a Deputy of the Grisons who was named Granazza one of great credit and Authority in that Common-wealth between whom occasion being acdentally offered of discoursing of the Valtoline something arose between them touching the composure of those affairs which like seed sown in well prepared ground took root and produced the fruits of those Agreements which did afterwards insue for the business being well discuss'd and digested between them they agreed that the French should be driven out of the Valtoline by the joynt Forces of the King of Spain and of the Grisons and that the Catholique Religion and the profession thereof being allowed to the Valtolinians without any mixture of Heresie the King of Spain should adjust businesses between them and the Grisons which if the Valtolinians should not agree unto they should be no longer assisted by the King of Spain's Forces They likewise agreed upon a perpetual Confederacy between the Crown of Spain and that Republick with free leave for the King of Spain's people to pass thorow the Rhetian State and upon obligation of serving the Crown of Spain in the Wars of Millain with a certain number of men to be paid by the King of Spain together with many pensions promised to the prime men of that Nation Things being thus rather rough-cast then perfected the Grisons who were impatient of the Company of the French took heart and causing some Forces to come from the State of Millain they made themselves masters of the Valtoline and drave the French from thence and being assisted from Germany they recovered the Forts of Reno and Steinc which were yet held by the French and afterwards coming to a general insurrection Rohan himself was taken prisoner from whom when they had got him into their power they got by Agreement stipulated the restitution of as many Forts as were yet in his hands and the withdrawing of all the French out of Rhetia upon tie that he should remain Prisoner till all that he had promised were performed This news being heard in Millain the Spaniards were not so much delighted therewith as they were afraid that the Agreement made at Ispruch would vanish to nothing if during six weeks time the King of France should get power or authority in that Diet nor did they fear in vain for that King leaving the way of War as too tedious and costly fell to Treaty to keep those people in their loyalty and to this purpose besides moneys given about he offered to give them the Valtoline freely without any condition belonging to Religion or Justice but nothing would do any good for the Governour of Millain having sent Agents into those parts with monies and power to offer much more then the French did he prevailed so as the Grisons stood firm to what was agreed on at Ispruch for being weary of their ancient friendship with France they desired to try new Fortune which they assured themselves they should find more prosperous in the Confederacy with Spain The Grisons knew that the possession of the Valtoline which was the principal point of this Negotiation was to be held more safely by the friendship from Spain then from France for their Confederacy with Spain secured them from any disturbance they should have in
examples did the Prince Cardinal goe about to justifie his and his Brothers cause and both of them thinking that they might ground their pretentions best in the Court of Spain they laboured there and with the Spanish Agents in Italy to get their cause to be embraced by them and powerfully assisted by their Forces wishing them also to consider how much danger would redound not only to their Kings Reputation but to his Affairs and Dominions that the supream arbitrement of Piedmont should depend upon the pleasure of the King of France by his Sisters means which King making himself master afterwards of the chief Towns confining upon the State of Millain the Crown of Spain might get a new and a powerful neighbour that it became not his Majesty to suffer that he and his Brother should be so persecuted for the name sake only of having adhered to him then he strove to perswade theâ—… that the business would be easie by reason of the peoples inclination who desired beyond comparison rather to be govern'd by their natural Princes then by a forreign Lady who was suspected by reason of her greatly enforced and necessary dependancy upon the King her Brother upon whom being of necessity to relie a blind man might easily see the ruine of the house of Savoy and the danger of having the people recommended to their protection subjected to a forreign yoke and that therefore it was most certain that when the people of Piedmont should see their Princes accompanied by any considerable strength they would unanimously abandon the Dowager and adhere to them but these reasons could not prevail with other Princes who were concern'd at a further distance with the concernments of Piedmont and much less with the Spanish Court and Agents whom it concerned more neerly were it either that they were weary of seeing the war renewed in Lombardy or that fearing according to the ancient Spanish maximes that to wrastle in Piedmont would undoubtedly draw on war from France in the State of Millain they desired rather to enjoy the present advantage then hastily to provoke trouble they therefore held it better not to disquiet the present peace though it were doubtful then to enter into new wars which might be long and costly and of uncertain event thus thinking it suited better with the common interest not to innovate then to maintain the Princes presentions by Forces they proceeded cooly and reservedly with them and seemed more inclined to disswade them from pursuing so dangerous a business then to adhere unto them therein whereby to make the Dowager jealous they found yet the Princes of Italy lesser inclined to them who being desired by the Cardinal that together with their so just cause they would embrace the common concernment of Italy which did so much depend upon the good or bad success of Piedmont none of them would so much as appear to favour their pretences The Dowagers affairs seemed therefore to proceed successfully on this side if fortune had not pleased to put a spoke into her wheel here the Dowager could â—…ave desired no greater safety to her self nor to her Sons Principality and the Princes though exiled might have shared in the happiness as was thought by those who saw best into business but the heavens had destined it otherwise for the King of France who was more obliged then the Mother her self by reason of the protection he profess'd to take of the young Duke to preserve the peace of Piedmont which was so necessary for the present affairs of his Sister and Nephew became the chief instrument of disturbing it to the great admiration of all those who considering the inconstancy and vieiffitude of humane affairs wonder'd that the Spaniards who had great reason to oppose the Dowager should willingly offer her peace and that the King of France should purposely disturb it This King was with miraculous fortune and valour got rid of the wars and troubles whereinto the Austrian Forces had brought his Kingdom as hath been said before wherefore he prepared to revenge himself by falling upon the Emperour and King of Spains Territories with as much fervour as they had done upon his to this end he had disburst moneys to the Hollanders and to Duke Weymer to the end that these passing back over the Rhein might enter Germany with the men which he had furnish'd them withall and re-enforcing the Swedish weakned party might renew war with the Emperour and these having at last recovered Schincks Sconce and making ready a powerful Army which they joyned with another Army that he had raised in his Kingdom and entring Flanders might assault those Provinces which were under the King of Spain and embroil them as formerly they had done but the Swedes and Hollanders covenanted with the King that he should assault the State of Millain with a powerful Army at the same time that they should fall upon Germany and Flanders to the end that the Austrian power being assaulted on several parts might be the more easily subdued and that the King of Spain being molested in Italy might not assist the Austrians in those parts he therefore substituted the Cardinal of la Vallette in lieu of deceased Cricky in the command of his Forces in Piedmont and assigned him men and moneys wherewith to renew the war in the State of Millain which could not be done without the consent of the Dowager of Savoy the French Armies being to pass through her State before they could enter the State of Millain she was therefore desired by the King not only to renew the League which was made with her husband and which was then expiring but that she would joyn her Forces in Piedmont with his and resolve to make war upon the State of Millain The Dowager being no less affrighted then surprized with this demand by which all her designs were overthrown said and did all she could to evade it First she represented unto his Majesty how much better peace would be for her and her Son in those his tender years then war how much the present times did differ from those when her Husband lived wherefore she was to govern her self by other Counsels that for the present the safety of her Sons States consisted chiefly in peace and the ruine thereof in war she therefore desired him not to put her upon so dangerous a point that it better became the protection which â—…s Majesty profess'd to preserve peace in Piedmont and to keep 〈◊〉 â—…om the revolutions and combustions of war then to put it to the hazard of dangerous events by fomenting war made by his Majesty elsewhere that the intreaties of his Widow Sister and the innocence of his little Nephew ought to prevail more with his Majesty then the fierce cruelty of the Swedes and Hollanders or the ambitious and unquiet advice of his Counsellors who pretend to vent their rage against the house of Austrâ—…a at the cost of Piedmont that his Majesty ought not to subscribe to
and that he would easily reduce affairs into their former condition Which hopes being greedily conceived and believed that he should be able to make that Court slacken their former orders and permit more freedom to him in conducting the publick affairs according to his own mind and according as times and occasions should serve but howsoever affairs went there for the more intimate occasions of this new commotion appeared too observe and too repugnant within themselves and peradventure were no less unknown to the Officers through whose hands they past then to the people who only minded the effects it is certain that the Duke either took or the Governour gave him occasion of re-assuming those Arms which being naturally given to war he had unwillingly laid down from the wresting of the meaning of the Capitulations of Asti from the dispute about their execution and from the rigorous pâ—…etentions about the point of honour between the Duke and the Governour Wherefore the Governour seeing him busie in preparing for a new war and being himself no less desirous to set it on fire tâ—…en the Duke thinking undoubtedly to bring him lower and to subdue his Forces he began to prepare an Army not inferiour to that of the preceding year he took order for men in Germany in Burgony in Swisserland and in the Kingdom of Naples he disburst moneys to fill up the Brigades of Lombardy and to raise new Foot in the State of Millain so rather as it were out of sport and out of a fained shew then out of any deliberate will war was again begun by him who was able to have quench'd the fire thereof which afterwards breaking forth in earnest and contrary to his opinion who caused it was the occasion of much prejudice and ruine to the people of Lombardy And as the first war was not improperly termed the Duke of Lerma's war so this upon better grounds was called Tolledo's war The troubles of France were at this time reduced to such terms as the King being neer the Princes Forces with a powerful Army the business had like to have been decided by a Battel But the King and Queen choosing rather even upon disadvantagious terms to forbear shedding of civil blood and to secure affairs then to get the Victory by the ruine and destruction of the Kingdom and by the common danger were not against According many things by way of Negotiation even contrary to their wills and authority Whereof two were the â—…iefest the first that the principal State-ministers should be removed from their Offices in whose places others of the confiding Princes should be put the other that the King should swear to make the Treaty of Asti be observed Wherefore the King understanding what orders the King of Spain had given to the Governour commanded Lodovico Mangiaâ—…te who was his Ageat in Turin to go to Millain and sollicit the execution of that Treaty Who being come to Millain and having spoken with the Governour desiring him in the Kings name that he would become more pliable and prosecute the begun execution of that Capitulation with all sincerity received this answer that the Kings Army was much lessened by the dismission of the Swissers and of those of Tuscany Urbane Parma and Lucca and by the death and running away of the Lombardy Regiments that the King was not obliged to disarme by the Articles of Asti and lesse upon new occasions to reassume Arms that notwithstanding he the Governour had for the intire observancy of the Capitulations offer'd the Duke reciprocal restitution of what had been taken which the Duke had refused and that not relying upon the words of two so good and so great Kings who offer'd to secure him from the Forces of the State of Millain he contrary to the said Capitulations had detained most of his men in Piedmont and therefore given new reason of jealousies and that notwithstanding he the Governour offer'd again the proposal of restitution and promised not to offend him if the Duke would resolve to observe the Capitulations intirely and that if he should refuse to do this he the Agent might witness this to the King to the end that he might be fully satisfied of the new preparations made by the Duke and of what he should hereafter do and that he might plainly see that he the Governour would proceed with such authority and reputation as became his King without obviating the peace The Governour gave this answer in writing to the Agent and made the same be given to the King by the Duke of Montelion in Paris who writ him word back that the King had approved thereof But the Prince of Conde the other confederates seemed to understand it otherwise whose authority by this new and advantagious agreement was then very great and got ground upon the King who by reason of his tender years was not yet constant in his Counsels and Resolutioâ—…s They therefore agreed to send an Embassadour into Italy and made choice of Philippo di Bettune a nimble-witted Gentleman and well experienced in the affairs of Italy where he had been Embassadour many years with the Pope from the King his Commission was to find out the Governour and press him to the perfect performance of the Treaty This mean while all things inclined daily to a manifest breach in Lombardy for new seeds of troubles being already sown the Duke arm'd strongly and so did the Governour the Duke threaâ—…ned to reassume the war in Montferrat by reason of the Duke of Mantua's backwardness to pardon the Rebels the Governour would quarter his men in that State not only to defend it from the Duke but also that he might be the readieâ—… to offend Piedmont and to the end tâ—…at the Duke of Savoy fearing to be assaulted neerer hand and as it were at his own doors might lay aside his thought of assaulting others But the Duke of Mantua refusing to receive forreign Souldiers into Montferrat the Princes of Italy storm'd thereat and chiefly the Duke of Savoy who from a â—…ore assailant being become a jealous Protector of that State did not only exclaim against it for his own interest but to raise suspicions of the Governour and of the Spanish Court and to make them be ill thought of by the Italians and renewing the ancient jealousies he gave out that under colour of defending and protecting Montferrat the Governour did fully intend to usurpe it and the Queen Mother exclaiming much against it in the Court of Spain the King of Spain commanded absolutely that it should be forborn At this time the Duke of Savoy increased in reputation it being given out that the French Embassadour came in favour to him who as it was said was sent from the Prince of Conde and from the consederates who managed the affairs of that Court as they listed and seemed to adhere sufficiently to his cause not was the tacite League between him the Duke and the Commonwealth of Venice of less consideration which being
formerly kept secret grew now to be manifest The King of England and many other Protestant Princes of Cermany who seemed to â—…avour him confirm'd him in his belief that being upheld by so many and so potent Princes he might withstand the violence which was thrâ—…atned him and this opinion was increased in many men by the coming of Embassadours at this time to Turin from the King of England and from some German Princes but that which did out do all other appearings and seemings Marshal Deguieres's coming into Piedmont made all men wonder he having been long held to be one of the best Commanders in France and one who took the Dukes affairs very much to heart and more an enemy to Spain then any other French-man this man though he came in a peaceful posture and unarmed as it were to be a superintendent over the French Embassadour's Negotiations and privately to inform himself whether things were in that dangerous condition as the Duke related them to be yet the good correspondency which was held between him and the Duke and his continual assisting him his being nominated in the Capitulations of Asti to see all things perform'd and much more the great desire which he and the other French-men seemed to have of maintaining and backing the Duke upon this occasion so to lessen the Authority of the Spaniard in Italy made it appear manifestly that if the Governour should persist resolute in not disarming he would call the French Souldiery into Piedmont who were said to be ready at his beck upon the Confines of Italy and prepared for Piedmont His coming therefore did not only much countenance the Duke but all the Embassadours future Negotiation and the Duke being very vigilant and ready witted and accustomed to consort the disposition of his genius with outward demonstrations made much use of this present occasion in bâ—…asting of his own Forces and of the assistance which was promised him and which he hoped for wherefore receiving the Marshal with excessive and unusual honour and with singular magnificence and keeping close at very private Counsel with him â—…e seemed to repose much confidence in him not pretermitting any term of honour and liberality to make to himself propitious particularly such who being intimate with the Marshal might further most his ends and his desires but these so many demonstrations did more prejudice then further the conclusion of the agreement for the Spanish Ministers of State being very much troubled at the King of France and King of England's interposing themselves in the affairs of Italy did very much dislike nor could they tollerate the Capitulation agreed upon in France wherein the King swore unto the Prince of Conde and the other confederates that he would cause the Articles of Asti to be performed and the Embassadours and Marshals coming to see them executed and the new preparations which were said to be made in France for Italy being hereunto added they thought that the French did arrogate that authority to them in Italy by rigour and threats which the occasion and conjuncture of times and much easiness of the preceding Governour of Millain had procured unto their King and that the Venetians and other Princes did by declaring themselves to adhere unto the Duke pretend to have an eye unto their Crowns authority so as if the power and dignity thereof were therein too much concerned they thought themselves the more bound to resist what so great a union of wills did threaten for that the danger was greater that if they should give way it might be esteemed they did it out of fear of the French Forces A respect which if it penetrated deep into any one it must needs make a deeper impression in the Governour as in him who being come into Italy wholly inflamed with exalted thoughts who had put himself in a posture of restoring his Kings authority to its former condition would have been too much failing to himself and to the opinion which he had generally won if he had gone less in any thing then what he had at first so openly profest and it would have been basely done by him it seeing his affairs grow worse and worse he had not indeavoured by all possible means to sustain them and if he had not been the more sollicitous in providing for war by how much his enemies bravadoes were the greater Therefore to boot with the moneys which he had already disburst for raising of men that it might be seen he durst sheâ—… his face and to make them jealous who did almost already openly threaâ—…en him he sent some Forces to the Venetians Confines and to the Confines of Piedmont and as if he would assault the Staâ—…e of Venice for the effects of their League with the Duke appeaâ—…ed daily more and more he gave order for a Bridge to be made over the Adda Whereat though the Commonwealth were much troubled yet having a great scarcity of men at that time the Senators not being able to do more were forc'd to commit the defence of that part of the State to the people of the Country Whilst the Governour was thus busied in making preparations every where the Embassadour after having staid some days at Turin came to Millain the substance of whose Embassie was That the King had by reason of the accidents which hindred the laying down of Arms used many indeavours to the Duke and given him his word to secure him from the extraordinary Militia of the State of Millain but that the Duke not being therewithal satisfied the King out of his great desire to publick peace and by the obligation which was upon him by the Articles of Astiâ—… did desire him that he would prosecute the disarming which was begun by his Predecessors to the end that the restitutions of the Towns might be come to and the execution of other things appointed by the peace To this proposal which was given in in writing the Governour replied in a long discourse given also in in writing wherein by a methodical Narration of all things that had occur'd from the beginning of the war of Montferrat to the peace made at Asti he inferr'd That the King had done all things for the protection and security of that State to which he was much sollicited by the Queen of France That the King was not bound by the Treaty of peace to dismiss no not so much as one man and that the Duke had only at the beginning given satisfaction in this point but that he had afterwards openly countervened it by the many novelties attempted against Montferrat by his new Levies of men and by his League lately concluded with the Venetians against the House of Austria So as the King was in all acceptations free from the Articles of peace That the Duke refused the security offered him by the words of two so great Kings not out of any doubt or distrust but in favour to the Venetians and that therefore the King of France was no
the Crown of Spain reaped so much discredit as the Kings Revenues nor the Plate-Fleets Treasure being able to supply ordinary provisions the King could not find any afterwards who would supply him upon any the most urgent occasions and whereas formerly all the Gold of Europe was ready at his service by reason of his Credit and Correspondency with the Genoese the Contract failing and the King and Genoese failing both of them in their Credit all Nations called in their moneys and would no longer trust them who negotiated with the Crown of Spain so as the King instead of the wealth and affluence of Gold which he hoped for by his Decrees found extream penury and incredible scarcity of ready moneys The Court Affairs were yet more intricated for that the Conde Duca through his hatred and abhorrescence of the Genoeses resolving not to make any more Contracts with them applied himself to the Portugueses and drew them to Contract and exalting them with extraordinary favours profess'd that for the future he would make use of them instead of the Genoese to the end that they being for the most part such as are descended from those who turning from Judaism to the Catholick Faith are treated as servants or slaves in that Kingdom he might the better manage them and winde them at his pleasure and make use of their means and substance with less respect and force them to Contract upon any conditions but failing in this his new counsel and course for the Portugeses were not sufficient to undergo so weighty a business neither by their own Wealth nor Credit nor by their correspondency with other Nations he was aware though too late that by one sole Decree he had irreparably prejudiced the Kings affairs and had destroyed that well-adjusted frame which as the chief ground-work of the enterprises and strength of that Crown whose Grandezza was envied by her Corrivals the Leagues nor Forces of so many Confederate Princes could not beat down the late preceding years nor was it long ere he reaped the fruit of so unfortunate a resolve for no means being found to send moneys into Flanders the Kings business was greatly indangered the Army not being able there to go that year into the Field so as he did not only not make any progress in his affairs that year but the Hollanders took Groll with but indifferent Forces a strong Town and of great consequence in the County of Zutphen and the next year not fearing the Enemies Army they turned all their Land-preparations to the like at Sea for raising 80 Men of War they sent them towards America and entring the Gulf of Mexico they took the Merchants Ships which parting from Don Iovan di Sua went to Havanna to joyn with the Galleoons and moreover took many other rich Vessels in several parts of the Ocean which past from the Indies and from America to Spain which losses were the occasion of yet greater mischiefs not only for what the Spanish and Portuguese Merchants suffered by the interruption of their Traffick in the Indies and in America but also for that the Hollanders being inriched by so great booty were able to increase their Forces the next year and made greater acquisitions of Weesel and Bolduke places of great concern in Guelderland and in Brabant and on the contrary the Spanish Army entring Holland by the Velen was forc'd to retreat without doing any thing The losses and calamities which befell some Gentlemen of Genoa in their private fortunes was succeeded by another publick calamity which though it hapned the insuing year 1628 had its rise as the Duke professed from a petty accident which fell out this year the Town of Pigna being taken as hath been said by the Genoese paid obedience to them though there was no Garrison in it General Brancaccio thought it fit after the Peace to quarter some Companies of Dutch Souldiers there who for their greater satisfaction and for the safety of the Town made Trenches round about it where having kept quiet for some moneths it so sell out as some of them going upon their private occasions to Busso a little Village under the jurisdiction of Pigna not above a mile off which formerly had rendred willing obedience to the Captain of Pigna they found a Garrison of the Dukes men in it which being told to the Captain and by him to General Brancaccio order was given to drive them from thence the Dukes men defended themselves but not being able to resist the most of them together with some of the Town Inhabitants both men and women were slain The Duke who had not forgot what had hapned at Briga was very much scandalized with this second accident which seemed to be another attempt against that entercourse which had been wrought by the mediation of Castagneda and exclaiming sufficiently against the Spaniards both in the Court of Rome and to other Princes he publish'd a Manifesto wherein he accused the Genoeses as infringers of the Truce and of the agreed upon suspension of Arms for having retaken Pigna which they had formerly abondoned he hereunto added the assault at Briga the spoiling of the Country the extortions and damages occasioned to his Subjects by the Souldiers of the Commonwealth that they had attempted to suborn his vassals cut down many Chesnut-tree in Ormea and that lastly by what had been done at Busso they had manifested how little they valued the Spanish Agents their Faith their Word and the suspension of Arms made by the Spanish Agents wherefore he demanded satisfaction if not he threatned revenge to this purpose he sent the Abbot of Virgis to Genoa to treat with the Marquesses of San ' Croce and Castagneda the Commonwealth appointed process to be made against those who had used such cruelty towards women and children at Bussâ—… and none being found guilty but some few Corsicks who were fled only one of them that hapned to fall into the hands of Justice was hang'd but the Duke continuing his threats seemed as if he would once more assault the Commonwealth The Duke of Feria was at this time sent for back into Spain who till further provision should be taken was succeeded by Don Gonzalle di Cordua who fearing some novelty to be made by the Duke and thinking himself by the new League made with the Commonwealths obliged to defend her Territories he sent Count Luigi Terto to the Western River with his Brigade against which the Duke did likewise greatly exclaim in the same Manifesto pretending that the King ought not to assist those who by the breach of Truce had given him just reason of resentment nor could he do it without express breach of the Convention at Monsone by which it was agreed that if any tumults should arise in Italy between the Colleagues of either of the Crowns none of their Majesties should assist his Colleague till the occasion of difference had been discust in the others Court and there compounded whilst these things