partake of the fruits of his Victories and Authority They were further to adde that by the deposing of this General his promises would faile of being effected and they were to faile in their pretended satisfactions for whosoever else should Command would indeavour to reward those whom he already found inroled in his owne affection not those whom he should know depended upon his rivall and that it being usuall in these times to hate such as are friends to our Enemies preferring privat passion before publique good they should be necessitated to much obsequious sufferance to preserve themselves in his favour that therefore it behoved them all to intercede by their humble supplications to Walestein his Highnesse that he would not forgoe this Army which so much needed his assistance and wherein his owne interest so much consisted and that they should doe well to informe the Emperour how prejudiciall the losse of this Commander would be By this Tiberian cunning of Walesteine the chiefest of the Army were much moved for it is naturall to humane affection greedily to solicit such things as they desire when those things seem to shun them The other Colonels perswaded by these leading men whose speeches seemed as so many oracles such reverence did they beare unto them by reason of their intimacy with the Generall agreed all in a resolution joyntly to present themselves before Walesteine and to intreat him not to hurle that Army into a precipice of miseries which he had raised above the mountaines of Victory and Glory that they would not yeeld to obey any other Generall that great was the necessity the tempest violent the Imperiall dignity likely to be overthrown should it be deprived of his Worth that therefore they were resolved to follow him and never forgoe his Command Walesteine seeing the hearts of his Commanders so well disposed to his service wrought it so as that Illo should secretly and as it were of himselfe propound unto the rest of the Colonels that if they desired his Highnesse should continue his charge they were to secure him of their faith let whatsoever mischiefe happen through the malignity of the times and of his enviers with giving him somewhat under their hands to this purpose The Colonels who as hath been formerly said were very well affected to him for his liberality used towards them aswell in honours as in favours the greatest tye wherby the Souldiers love can be bound and who therefore reverenced him he having particularly obliged many of them by conferring places upon them which he would not perhaps have given to others following herein the Ottoman policy who value none nor take any into their Musters save such as are valiant and couragious resolved to underwrite and subscribe unto a writing drawne up to this purpose Wee Colonels and Chieftaines of the Warre whose names are under written understanding that the Duke of Mechelberg was resolved to quit his Command of Generalissimo to his Caesarian Majesty since that he is falsly calumniated in the Court at Vienna though we have ever knowne his actions to be most loyall and taking into mature consideration that if this should happen much mischief would insue hereupon wee therefore moved out of the fidelitie wee owe to his Caesarian Majestie to the Roman Religion and to the whole Empire having willingly and out of our owne accord humbly besought our said Generall not to abandon us in this so important conjuncture and great emergency wherein his assistance is so requisite doe all of us promise and oblige our selves upon the faith of Gentlemen of honour to stick still close unto him nor ever to part from him or relinquish him for any cause or accident whatsoever after the best manner and with the greatest faithfulnesse we are able This writing subscribed by 42 Colonells did much inhearten Walesteine and afflict the Austrian Ministers of State who no wayes affrighted with the eminency of this danger but rather assuring themselves by these proceedings of what before they did suspect betooke themselves to their deepest wisedome and acutest wit Whereupon it was given out that the wisest of the Austrian Officers meeting on the 12th of Ianuary in Count d'Ognates house the Spanish Embassadour the fittest meanes were considered of how to save the Imperiall authoritie from receiving a blow by the treachery of this man Some were of opinion That they ought to temporize and beare with his actions and afterwards upon fitting occasions withdraw the Souldiers from him under the command of Italian Colonels and not Bohemians or Dutch that so being deprived of his so much feared retinue he might be brought to give an account of his actions Many knowing that in State-affaires Princes ought not to deferre their resolutions but rather to consider every shadow of danger as a reall harm were of opinion and this was the embraced advice That Picolomini and Gallasse men of unsuspected fidelitie should be suddenly sent unto him to arrest his person But some difficultie appearing likewise in this resolution the good successe whereof was not certaine for that Walesteine was begirt with many Troopes of his Kinsmen and such as sided with him so as though the rest of his Army should have obeyed the Emperours letters Parents conferred upon Gallasse which notwithstanding would be hardly effected the Bohemian Captains and the greater part of the Dutch Commanders whose affections were great unto their Generall would not withdraw themselves from his obedience whereby hee might betake himselfe with his most intimate friends to some strong holds from whence hee could not be gotten out without surprizall or siege things of time and full of lets the Enemy being neer at hand by whom he might be succourd and so the undertaking prove rather prejudiciall then profitable therefore craft and deceipt was thought to be the best resolution and that to compasse their ends they were to corrupt some of his Commanders the true way to work mischiefe to ones Enemy for there is no so secure Treason as that which is wrought by ones deerest friends or most esteemed Servants nor was there any better meanes found to secure themselves from this flame then to take away the fuell that fed it They therefore secretly wrought an understanding with some Irish Officers of Tersica's Regiment with whom certaine Spaniards were very inward that by all meanes they might be sure to secure Walesteines person by which action to boot with the purchase of immortall glory they were promised large recompence and extraordinary honour nor should they by such an act any whit staine their reputation or their bounden duty since that fighting under the Empire of Ferdinand the second they were first bound to him before unto their Generall nay it would bee a great evidence of their loyalty to fence their Prince from Felony These words prevailed much with Lesley Captaine of Tersica's Regiment who betaking himselfe unto the businesse communicated the whole affaire to Captaine Butler and then to Cordon Lieutenant-Colonell and
they know they may usurpe that from their friends which they desire that there was no safe living amongst them who coveting to rule over all men keepe their ambition onely so long hidden as they thinke it not fit to discover it That the reverence pretended to by the Church-men was knowne to be too pleasing and that they could not chuse but thinke them their Enemies that did not reverence them that their avarice was tinder so ready to take fire at their owne interest that any least sparke of profit was able to make them spread abroad a combustion of all manner of miseries and vexations that the Declaration made some yeares before by the Emperour at the instigation of the Ecclesiastiques was not to be indured to wit that he would have restitution made 〈◊〉 the Churches goods a large part whereof had beene by the Protestants possessed for above a hundred yeares that this was much to his prejudice whose incomes were for the most part composed thereof that this one pretence of the Austrians was sufficient to demonstrate their ends tended to suppresse the Princes of the Empire and to overthrow the faith of the Gospel that wise men ought not to refuse an occasion of securing themselves from those they feare that it was a more profitable expedient to follow the forâ—une of Warre with a bold resolution then being exposed to the injuries of friends to live continually full of feares under the yoake of subjection in an uncertaine peace Princes even in their weaknesses have a certaine kind of prerogative above the wisedome of private men so as though the Duke was for these reasons confirmed in his desired resolutions yet since in consultations all men ought to be heard what they can say he earnestly desired the rest to speake freely their opinions Some who were made wary by experience did not in silence passe by the example of those unadvised Princes who siding with the Emperours Enemies became food to the ravenous fury of the Militia and had inriched those who would have alwayes lived miserable in peace They said The disorder of the Souldier was to be borne withall particularly when covering their Licencionesse by the credit of their advancing they are freed from their deserved punishment that such occasions were to be taken away as doe cause pretences by him who deres not to be by them convinc'd that covetousnesse is not by any meanes more allayd then by the easie comming thereby that the designes of great men are not to be loosened by the hands of inferiours That it is alwayes good not to take notice of offences when by taking notice of them we againe pull them upon us that patience in peace was more profitable then the inquietudes of Warre that the Dukedome of Wirtenberg stood betweene Alsatia and Swabenland Provinces full of the Austrians Forces That it could not rayse above 12000. Souldiers and those unexperienced in Warre accustomed to rest and quiet and free from noyse that in all the Dukedome there were onely Sordendorfe Heybrun and Onviell Castle which were able for any time to withstand a Field Army That it would be found better counsell to keepe in good correspondency with the Emperour as the Dukes his Predecessors had done leaving behind them the fame of having beene loyall to the Empire then by leaning to a Forraine and dangerous friendship to purchase the title of Rebell Yet were not these reasons of force enough to allay the heat of his spirit and quench that fire which the Dukes inclination considered was kindled in the greatest part of his Counsellours so as conveying what he had most precious into Onviell Castle standing upon the side of an unaccessible Rock in the midst of an open Countrey betweene Constance on the East-side the Rhyne and Zwitsers on the South and Wirtenberg on the North he took up Armes in the Swedes behalf Gustavus Horn who was about Francfurt upon the Main heaâ—â—â—hereof advanced suddenly with all the men he could get out of the Garrisons of the lower Palatinat and Franconia into Alsatia as well to make further progresse into that Country as to assist foment the Duke in the Declaration he had made who hating intirely the Papists and being a young-man so given to Warre when he should see himselfe thus upheld would not stick to declare himselfe an open Enemy to the Emperour The which the Swedes desired much he should doe for it was hard for them to subsist in Alsatia under those Forts without the Dukes assistance from whence they might have Men Munition Pioniers Carriages and necessary Victualls Which being done Horne assembled the Body of an Army together consisting of 10000. fighting men and ten pieces of Cannon This preparation of the Swedes made Strasburg bethink themselves which till then had kept Neutralls as not knowing who should have the better the which Town wishing well to the Swedes either for their Conformitie in Religion or for the apprehended greatnesse of the Imperialists added to these their desires by the rationall pretence of seeing themselves on all sides surrounded by them And affirmed it was rashnesse to deny that which could not be made good that the Imperialists Forces were farre off that opiniatricy could not be maintained without neere and opportune succours that the libertie of Cities consisted in keeping friendship with those who they stood in feare of in taking away the occasion of threats and protesting They would doe the like to the Austrians whensoever they should be encamped neer them they declared themselves to side with the Swedes and assisted Horne with what they were able Strasburg is seated in the middle of Alsatia being the Metropolis of that Province in a spacious fruitfull and lovely place within Cannon shot of the Reine upon the which a Bridge of no small consideration is maintained with exact Fortifications It is perfectly wel Situated furnished with all sorts of defence in so much as it may be tearmed one of the best Cities of Germany It enjoyes its libertie is well peopled with Merchandizing-men and by Traffique becomes Rich Faire and Great Now whil'st the Imperiallists kept on the other side the Rhyn Horne made himselfe master of all the Townes on this side which upon the first appearance of the enemy were abandoned by the Romanists so drawing neer Offemberg a Towne Fortified with Wals and Towers after the ancient manner four Leagues from Strasburg upon the Confines of Wirtimberg the Towne maintained it selfe against him and thrice repused his assaults but at length not finding themselves able to make a safe resistance it came to composition and tooke Lawes from the Conquerour Thus went the affaires in Dlsatia when the Austrians who were under the Command of Count Shamburg in Slesia and of Don Baltazar Maradas in Bohemia received orders from Walesteine to enter Lusatia and that whil'st he should entertaine the Kings Forces under Nurenberg they should indeavour some-what of advantage in those parts The Commission was obeyed so as
consider his fortune the quality and numbers of his Commanders and Souldiers will see that no Emperour since Charles the firsts time had a more flourishing Army greater store of Souldiers more able Commanders nor more absolute experience leaving out many who betooke themselves to serve other Princes after his charge was taken from him at the Dyet at Ratisbon I cannot omit to put you minde of what might be hoped for from the valour of Godfrey Pappenheim Iohn Aldringer Philip Mansfeild Baron Cronemberg Holch Offcuts Schamburg Tiffembec Festemberg Ghets Merodes Fuchari Harnem D'Harcourt Asfelt Benecawsem and other Dutch Gentlemen each of which was worthy to lead an Army and governe a Province as likewise from the vertue and beyond humane intelligence of a Mathias Gallasso Ernestus Montecuculi Octavius Picolomini Hanniball Gonsagâ— Peter Ferari Iames Stozzi Ralphe Collâ—redo Marques Grana Duke Savell Chiesa Isolanâ— and others all fit for chiefe Commanders besides an infinit number of other hopefull and worthy Colonels The Austrian jealousies being buried with Walesteine the Caesarian Court and Spanish Counsellours began to thinke of choosing another Generall The Spaniards desired the place of Generalissimo might be conferred upon the King of Hungary who they hoped would be advised by them as also that they doe not willingly submit to be commanded by any of another Nation contrary and to the shame of many other Countries who for base lucre hire themselves out to serve this or that man and oft-times beare Armes against their naturall Prince They did this likewise for that by his Majesties marching into the Field many of the Nobility of Hungary Bohemia and Austria would be invited to follow him and fall to raising of Souldiers This Election was put to the Vote and jointly agreed upon by the whole Councell whereupon great hast was made in giving a beginning to the businesse and in raising Forces aswell in all the Territories belonging unto the Emperour as also in Italy so to bring the Army into a better condition for the Spaniards who had the whole mannaging of this affaire were diligent in making their Counsels prove advantagious and that they might impede all murmurings which might easily arise from hence they purposed to be in such a condition at their appearing in the field as that they might do some-what which he had not yet done whose ruine they were said to have been and therefore they made use of their Forces and advice knowing that if after Walesteines death the affaires of the Empire should impaire all the blame should be laid upon them the people would have occasion to complain of their behaviours and be inforced to withdraw themselves to their owne affaires in Germany that Walesteine would be declared to have been an honest man since things are so carried in the world as men never looke to the good intentions wherewith ought is done but onely to the good or bad effects which result from thence and mens eyâ— are onely set upon such things as are of profit and advantage and not upon such from which though without any fault of the agents any harme or prejudice is received The Baron Offcuts Serjeant-Major-Generall of the Battaile Colonell Spor and other Commanders and Officers were afterwards arrested as complices with Walesteine who upon hearing such as were found guilty were punished and the innocent set at liberty In Slesia this meane while Landsperg which was besieged by the Saxons after the Imperialists returne into Bohemia being inforced by want of victuals threw open the gates to the Enemy and on the first day of Aprill 1300 Foot and 350 Horse marched out of it Some Troops of the Imperialists kept in Rinfield under the CoÌ„mand of Colonell Mertij who scouring the Country and molesting such as were quartered in those parts did not a little indammage them when Count Philip Ringrâ—ve thinking to free himselfe of this trouble resolved to bring his Forces before it which though there were no great appearance that it would make any great defence yet the bodies of valiant Souldiers being that which oft-times makes the trenches the Caesarians did here so valiantly withstand the Swedes onset and the Governour shewed so much resolution and judgement as that making use of such defences as would have served others rather for a cause of feare then confidence he made continually new intrenchments digging up new grounds filling houses up with earth making Palisadoes and Wood-workes where any breach was made in the Wals by the Swedish Artillery as when the Enemy thought to enter the Towne through any such breach they then found greater hinderances for these their inward trenches being furnished with coragious valiant Muskettiers with Morter-pieces loaded w th bags of Bullets and with Pikemen whilst the Swedes got upon the battered Wals ready to leap into the Towne they received such salutations of Musket-shot as they were forced to retreat and thinke of some other meanes how to advance and win ground in the which they lost so much time so many men as that the Imperialists did bravely and as I may say almost beyond example make their party good from the 4th of Aprill till the 18th of August At last more overcome by Hunger then by the Enemy they capitulated and Martij marched forth with 400 Foot and 30 Horse to his unspeakable glory in having so long defended so weake a hold But if the Swedes made these proceedings in Alsatia the Duke of Bavaria was not the meane while idle who having made all requisite Provisions for the recovery of Ratisbon by which he was not a little incommodated he marched with an Army of 14000 Souldiers towards Strawbing the last day save one of March against the which he planted his Cannon and the Swedish Garrison having for some dayes made stout resistance they articled at last and threw open their Gates unto his Highnesse On the other side Horne in upper Swabenland having well-weighed the Austrians proceedings and knowing that Miminghen would bee a place fitting for his purpose to make there an Arsenall of Armes and a Magazine of all fitting Provisions that he and his Forces might keep in those parts he resolved to try the taking of it whereupon comming before it and beginning gallantly to play upon it with 14 piece of Cannon the Imperialists under the coÌ„mand of Count D'Arcus having couragiously maintained the Assault wanting succour and not being above 700 Foot to defend so great a circuit of Wall were at last inforced to yeeld and upon Articles to open the Gates to the Conquerour The Duke of Lorayn who at this time kept in the Vogesan Mountains which border upon the uttermost parts of Lorayne towards Burgundy and Germany perceiving by the French-mens surprisall of Lorayne by their Garrison in Nancy by other places possest by their Forces and by the King of France's anger occasioned by Duke Charles his sinister behaviour and chiefely by reason of his Brothers marriage who married the Princesse Margueret at
at their pleasure and the Caesarians being at liberty to over-run the state of Wirtenberg and the Territories of Vlm they would not onely have thence all things requisite for their Army but they would necessitate them to forgoe that place for feare of being beaten thence and consequently the City not receiving necessary succour would surrender it self in sight of their Army Others advised that they should withdraw their Army for their better security sake a little further from the Caesarians till the arrivall of their expected succour but neither was this thought fitting for their retreat would have invited the Enemy to follow them and to plunder the state of Wirtenberg and the recruits expected from Franconia could not without great difficulty and evident danger come to the Swedish Army So at last their joint opinions was to succour Nordlinghen but in such sort as the Army should not want victuals from the Dukedome of Wirtenberg nor that that state should be left to the discretion of the Imperialists and though this resolution was likewise upon well-grounded reasons withstood by Cratz who was then newly come as one who was better acquainted with the Country and the Enemies Forces amongst whom he had long commanded publickly protesting that so rash an attempt ought not to be made against a fresh victorious Army and so recruited without a further addition of Forces which was to be expected by the Ringraves arrivall who was by this time nigh at hand and by some other Troopes likewise not farre off and Horne was likewise of this opinion adding that an Army consisting of great numbers and those new Souldiers ought rather to be fought withall by keeping them busied and molested then by the Sword for not being able to keep themselves long in an impoverished Country they must of necessity either perish or begone just as befell the Duke of Feria the yeare before yet for that both Cratz and Horne were willing to please Waymer and Offcherchen who as none of the wisest would in jeasting manner say that these their Counsells and Advises partooke of feare they were so much incenst at these speeches which reflected so much upon them as they concluded to put in execution and to be themselves the first that should prosecute this resolution They therefore raised their Camp the first day of September which consisted of 12000 Foot and 8000 Horse and 28 piece of Cannon There was a Hill neer the City called Arensperg upon the which if they should have incamped themselves the besieged would have thereby beene much comforted and the Caesarians so much incommodated as they would for certaine have beene inforced in a short time to raise their Siege The Swedes therefore marched towards that Hill to effect what they had agreed upon the Imperialists heard of this their motion but not being able to imagine what their designe might be not dreaming that ever they would make so hard an attempt they moved not from their quarters till they saw them neer their Corps de guarde which they had re-inforced with some Regiments of Horse finding afterwards some bands of Swedish Muskettiers belonging to Waymer which were the Vanguard and drew after them some pieces of Cannon made towards them not willing to contest the Field with them they gave them way and retired themselves to the aforesaid Hill Arensperg the place which the Swedes had designed to incamp themselves in Duke Waymer with a great Body of Horse set upon the said Corps de guarde and though they were with equall valour withstood by them and Sadlers and Cratz his Regiments beaten backe at last being overborne by the Swedish Horse which furiously and in a joynt body Charged them they and such other Troopes as were sent in to their succour were inforced to give backe with the losse of many of the Austrians and in particular Prior Aldobrandini perish't there a valiant Gentleman and deservedly beloved of all The like befell another passage guarded by 400 Spaniards which was by force of Armes taken by Colonell Vistem after a stout defence made by the Enemy and for that that station was of so great moment onely for as long as the wood continued neer unto which it was and the end whereof extended to where the Imperialists were incamped in Battaile-array they were so farre advanced and their Muskettiers so ingaged as that they were necessitated to indeavour likewise the gaining of the plaine But Waymer being confronted by a gallant Body of Caesarians and he not having men enough to set upon them Horne who though he still were of the same minde which was to keep upon Arensperg and make himsele master thereof on that side which extends it selfe to the left hand that he might there expect the Ringrave who was within two little dayes march and had with him about 8000 of the bravest and best experienced Souldiers of all the Army since he saw that to proceed like a wiseman was esteemed a token of Cowardise by those who by reason of their former good successes despised the Enemy and would come to a Battaile to shew that he likewise wanted not courage and that hee knew not what feare meant hee furiously fell upon those trenches which were made by the Spaniards and giving upon two Battaglions of Foot though they had much adoe to get unto a halfe moone which stood upon the very beginning of the height yet Charging them through after a bloody fight wherin the Count de Solmes and Colonell Verms were slaine who had the charge to defend it with their Regiments they entred thereinto where instead of haulting and making good the station as Horne commanded them they advanced to set upon the Squadrons of the Spanish Army which was placed in Battaile-array where being Charged by the Austrian Horse and the rest of the Swedes not being able to succour them for that the Trenches were not to be pasâ— by horse and much pester'd with smoake occasioned through the firing of the Imperialists Ammunition they fled away in great confusion so as the Spaniards might easily advance and regaine that important station which proved afterwards the ruine of the Swedes This rout given to the Protestants would not have proved so prejudiciall if the Horse which was appointed to backe them had advanced in due time opened the fences as Horne had commanded them They say this omission was occasioned by the incumbrance of some Carriages over-turned in the Woods which contrary to the orders they had received advancing before the said Horse was a cause of detaining them for a while and this was the reason why that advantage was lost which afterwards 't was impossible to recover for whilst the Swedish Foot advanced forwards into the Trenches not being backt by their Horse the greatest part of them were cut in pieces by the Austrian Horse The fight was valiantly performed for some while not onely here but likewise on the left wing with the Caesarian Horse whose Charges the Swedes valiantly
from holding any prejudiciall correspondency with the French as likewise to procure from them some succour if not of men nor money yet of minds well disposed towards his affaires he gave the charge hereof to Crast one of his Court-Counsellours who parting from Vienna and comming to Venice after having with all tearmes of courtesie and appearing confidence but as was repâ—rted without obtaining one penny of money dispatcht his Embassy with that Republique pursued his journey to the other Princes from whom receiving likewise all such satisfaction as is usually given by excuses and faire words the negotiation proved of little or no effect For the Italian Princes resenting their expences occasioned by the ambition of the Austrian Agents and their numbers being much diminished by the contagion brought into their States by the Imperialists could neither have any appetite to disgest such dangers nor reason sufficient to perswade them to soment a greatnesse which in due time would be exercised against the benefactors thereof But the Spaniards who were now become strong and numerous in the State of Milan for to boot with the Horse and Foot sent to them from the Kingdome of Naples there were likewise arrived 8 of Gileda's his Companies 6 Companies of Foot belonging to Colonell Lunardi 10 of Horse to the Count De Slich and other 10 of Dragoones to Colonell Girone thinking it now time to move some whither resolved to doe somewhat in recompence of the Hostilitie used in the Countrey of Regio against the Duke of Modena by the Savoyards and those of Parma They therefore entred upon the Piacenzan Territories set upon and tooke S. Iohns Castle which suddenly yeelded by reason of the flow advance of succour which came not time enough though it were sent by Marquis Villa Wherefore those of Parma the Towne being lost retreated which they could not so suddenly doe but that being followed by those of Modena they suffered some losse in the skirmish which certainly would have beene greater had not the Spaniards thought this their retreat a stratagem to draw them into an ambush so as they ceased from further pursuing them and retreated to S. Iohns Castle where leaving a Garrison of 700 Dutch Foot Gambaccorta the Governour of the Horse had order to over-run the Piacenzan Territories the which hee did burning some Barkes upon the Poe and bringing good store of Cattell into Cremona Which hostile acts being understood by the French Crequi that he might seem not to neglect the State of Parma thought to make the Spaniards quit the Pâ—acenzan Territories by diversion he therefore sent out some Companies of Horse and Foot who pillaged some Townes and Villages on this side the Poe sackt Palestro Confienza and Robio but got not much thereby for all the best things had been wisely conveyed away from thence before into places of greater strength Wherefore the Governour sent speedily a good Body of men to the Confines of Novara and hee himselfe went in person to Briagras to looke to the preservation of the State and to oppose the Enemies designes who notwithstanding continuing their inrodes did likewise sack Vespola Bannier being inheartned by the Saxons retreat advanced with his Army from Magdeburg towards Henneberg a place neer Sala where meeting with 7 Imperiall Regiments hee fought with them and put them to flight inforcing them to retreat with some losse from thence he came before Leipsick set upon it and would have taken it had not the Elector who was much concerned in the losse thereof in respect of his owne interest and for the reputation of his Forces speedily joyned himselfe with Colonell Maracini who commanded a Body of Caesarians to the number of about 7000 and was advanced thitherward the which when Bannier understood after having gotten some contribution from the neighbouring Townes he retired towards Hall upon the Sala not to hazard the fortune of a Battaile wherein he feared hee should receive some great prejudice being weake in men and the Saxons having about 28000 fighting men the Caesarians being cast into the number The Pope and great Duke of Tuscany who were not a little grieved at the troubles of Italy and in particular at the falling out betweene Modena and Parma from which they saw much of incommodity might in time ensue to their States for this was a businesse wherein they were likely to be interessed both the one for the one the other for the other party resolved to indeavour an agreement between them before businesses should be growne to a greater hight They therefore begun to negotiat to purpose with their Highnesses insomuch as by their interpositions the Forces of Modena retreated from the Territories of Parma and shortly after their differences were quieted through the good indeavours of Monsignior Mellino Bishop of Imola sent to this purpose from the Pope to Modena and Parma On the other side the Spaniards perceived there was no better way to bring the Duke of Parma to their devotion then to reduce him to a necessity of being succoured by the French upon the confidence whereof he had declared himselfe For when he should see that their words and their deeds did not correspond as they were confident they would not he would have just cause to provide for his own safety And they likewise knew that to succour Piacenza and to withstand the Spanish Forces which were about Montferrat it would be requisite for them to have a very great Army of which there was but little likelihood for the French came unwillingly into Italy and the few that were there every day ran away and their Commanders minded more their owne preservation and their making good cheer in Montferrat and Piemont then the winning of another Country which conteined in it so many and so great incommodities difficulties They therefore resolved to appeare more ready to offend him and on the fifth of March made some of their men advance and tooke the Town and Castle of Colorno a place between the Poe and the River Parma which upon the sight of Cannon Articled and yielded as likewise did Merano a place belonging to the jurisdiction of Parma upon the side of Poe towards Casall the greater Advancing further they lodged in the Townes of Count Saint Secundo giving out that they did it to remit the heirs of that Count into their Territories their father having lost his life in the businesse of the Valteline in the King of Spaines service In all which they prospered and met with no lets there being no Souldiers to oppose them for little lesse then their whole Militia was in Parma and Piacenza and retreated into their strong places to keep themselves safe till the arrivall of the promised succour from France And Villa who kept still about Piacenza durst not come forth of his quarters with those few men he had as not able to oppose the Spaniards Crequi hearing of these invasions indeavoured to do somewhat in the State of Milan so to divert the
part of Christendome THE XIII BOOK The Contents of the Thirteenth Book Peace is concluded betweene Parma and Spaine by the interposition of the great Duke of Tuscany The French goe out of Piacenza and the Spaniards withdraw their Forces from those Territories This accommodation is ill understood by the French Count Fabio Scotti is imprisoned in France What the French-men did hereupon Duke Waymer enters Burgondy and forceth Gallasse to retire He enters Alsatia and takes Rinfield Bannier being recruited with men makes towards the Saxons The Emperour Ferdinand the second dyes and his Son Ferdinand the third succeeds him in the Empire The Grisons drive the French out of the Valteline and Rhetia The Saxons joyne with the Imperialists and oppose the Swedes a great Battell ensues Azfelt is routed the Saxons make head againe and repulse the Swedes The Spaniards proceed on in Lombardy Hermesteine is besieged by the Imperialists and succour'd by the Swedes by Stratagem The French land in Sardinnia but to no purpose They take the Islands of S. Marguerit and S. Honore Expediences used by the new Emperour for the good government of the Empire A League treated on betweene the Grisons and Spaniards The French invade Flanders on one side and the Hollanders on another Breda is besieged by the Prince of Orange Hermesteine is yeelded to the Imperialists John de Wert goes to take in Hannaw Waymer intends to succour it but is denyed passage by those of Strasburg Gallasse comes in to the succour of the Saxons therefore the Swedes retreat Hannaw is taken by intelligence or correspondency The Swedes retreat into the Old Towne and compound with the Imperialists THe good newes of the King of the Romans Creation being speedily brought to Milan as it was cause of extraordinary contentment in the King of Spaines Ministers of State in the Commanders Souldiers and all the people who by all sorts of apparent Iubilies witnessed by their Feasts Justings Ridings and other extraordinary signes of joy no lesse then had been observed in other places and as hath beene said the honour and satisfaction that they received thereby so was it interpreted as an happy augure of the ensuing yeare and pronounced as a favourable presage of good fortune to the Forces of his most Catholique Majestie and it was not long ere the effects proved it to be so For the great Duke of Tuscany wisely fore-seeing the Duke of Parma's ruine if he should continue his union with France from whence succour would prove desperate as well by reason of the farre distance thereof and their want of men as also of the causes which made for the interests of the French whom it became not though they had had a greater strength of men to imploy them in a wasted Countrey in the midst of their Enemies without money or requisite Provisions for Warre the issue whereof would have beene that the greater part of their Souldiers naturally impatient of suffering and desirous of chance would have runne away into the State of Mantua the Churches dominions and into the State of Venice and thus weaken the Ensignes of France and bring them to hard bargaine And his Highnesse seeing the Spaniards continued with great gallantry to strengthen Piacenza which could not hold out much longer without reliefe and being lost would not so easily be redeemed especially the Citadell to keepe the which the Spaniards would not want valide reasons and faire pretences The great Duke being likewise not pleased that his Kinsman should be bereaved of his patrimony nor yet that the Spaniard should inlarge his dominions in Italy he sent more strict Commission to Pandolphini that he should goe againe to Piacenza and make the Duke see how palpable the danger was that over-hung him and exhort him to make an accommodation with the Spaniards with whom if Parma would give him leave he the great Duke would Treat and make an agreement which should be to his advantage The Pope likewise who was troubled that that Citie should be lost for that it held of the Church ordered Count Carpegna to acquaint the Duke how his Holinesse not intending that the fee-Farme-Lands of the Church should be further ruinated wisht him to thinke of compounding the businesse he likewise commanded Carpegna to shew the Duke how little hopes there was succour and of the performance of the Frenchmens promise as he might daily see by the effects for though they promised to doe wonders so to keepe him in league yet their actions did in no wayes correspond with their words They at last made him comply with the counsell given him by the Pope and the great Duke whereupon after many negotiations in the beginning of February the businesse was adjusted wherein the Duke of Parma was much obliged to the great Duke who upon this occasion shewed himselfe to be his very good Friend and Kinsman The French were brought out of the Towne under pretence of being mustered the Duke unexpectedly began to complaine to Monsieur De S. Paule of the negligence of his Kings Officers in sending him his due and promised succour and to shew him how faithfully he had behaved himselfe in the behalfe of France which being done he dismist all the French out of Piacenza as also out of Parma and all other parts of his dominions and sent them to their owne homes at which they very much repined thinking themselves to be abused though the Duke had alwayes behaved himselfe ingenuously and done all that by his new friendship he was bound to doe for it is alwayes lawfull for Princes to change their Copy when their States are at the stake All the Princes of Italy were greatly pleased with this accommodation for by such ruptures great troubles were likely to have risen in Italy and now the Forces withdrawing themselves towards Piemont the other Provinces were at quiet and their peace was the more firmely established by the weakning of the two Crownes it being the opinion of wisemen that other Potentates ought to indeavour the keeping of these two great Kings at oddes with equalitie of successe to the end that being intent to Warre within themselves they may not fall to prejudice lesse powerfull Princes The Spaniards notwithstanding who proceed leisurely and wait patiently for occasions which being by them opportunely layd hold on brings them usually no little advantage did inwardly like well enough of this accommodation for here their jealousies being buried by the laying downe of Armes and consequently by their disbanding their companies increasing and their confining neighbours growing weaker by the want of those Souldiers they with much contentment fore-saw that if Fortune should favour them against the French they should be able to inlarge the limits of the State of Milan and to secure themselves from Forreigne invasion for unarmed Princes not being able on the sudden to poise up the ballance which panched a little downewards in the declination of the French partie they were confident to bring their
gave out that he would quarter his whole Army that Winter in the State of Milan but these words tooke not effect for Leganes having brought the greatest part of his Army about Valenza the Marshall altered his mind and returned to Winter in his former quarters of Piemont and Montferrat Whereby the Spaniards finding it an easie matter to take Brem they had many reasons to goe about it before they should betake themselves to their Winter quarters and before the French should receive more recruits from France But the season proved afterwards so exceeding wet and the wayes so deepe as they could not without much incommoditie march with their Cannon wherefore upon better advice Leganes resolved to leave garrisons on the Frontiers particularly in Lumello and Carasona whose fortifications were not yet perfected and disperse his Army in the Townes of that state with intention to appeare in the Spring with greater numbers in the field and doe that which though it was deferred was not forgotten The face of affaires was changed in Lombardy by the death of Victorios Amadreo Duke of Savoy as also by the decease of Charles Duke of Mantua who died a little before the other on the 21th of September For Charles having left his Grandchild very young and his sonnes Wife Mary Governesse of her sonne till he should come to bee 18 yeares old 't was foreseen that from hence alteration would proceed for the wiser sort were of opinion that the Princesse was of another genius then was Charles who could not forget his affection to the French and that the greater part of the Mantoans being Leaguniosised and not onely naturally small friends to Forrainers but much exasperated against those whom they termed the cause of their ruine they might easily perswade the young lady to keep faire correspondency with the Spaniard under whom they thought themselves to be bettered when indeed they were by so much more impaired by how much a King of Spaine is greater then a Duke of Mantua at which the French who through Charles his unadvisednesse were now in the best Townes of Montferrat taking offence some adverse accident might fall out Others said the Duchesse being but young and much solicited by her mother Marguerit of Savoy and the Empresse Ellinor she might perhaps listen to a new marriage And that when the Infante of Spaine could get footing in Mantua and in the right of the young Lady lawfully keep what he had gotten in Montferrat hee would willingly yeeld to marry her and that the Princesse would not be unwilling to better her condition in these present emergencies from whence great troubles must needs arise for if the Spaniards should once get into Mantua and the Citadell of Casalle there was no hope though they might intend to restore the state to the lawfull heire that ever they would take their garrisons out of such important places Whereupon every Potentate apprehending the Spaniards greatnesse they would prepare to obviat what might prove prejudiciall to them and so those poore Countries would bee the Scaene of Warre Some notwithstanding replied to the discourse touching this marriage with reasons not improbable to wit that it would hardly be affected for that the Princesse being esteemed to be fruitfull it did not comply with the Spaniards that their Kings brother should have children out of the reason of State of keeping the government in one onely and that therefore when they should thinke upon a match for him they were to provide a Wife that were barren and on the other side they aswell saw that if the Mantuans should keep constant to the French they should not onely be treated by them as subjects and the Duke of Mantua's Authority be assubjected to the pleasure of France but which was of greater consideration if the Spaniards could not beare that the French Forces should bee in Cassalle they would consequently never be contented till they were removed from thence So as the Warre hapning in an Orphans state his subjects were likely to prove the mischiefes thereof although others reflecting hereupon and who were not of opinion that this made for the Duke did probably maintaine that Warre was little or nothing troublesome to those who were therein brought up and that both parties being desirous to keep that warlike people well affected to them they should be gently proceeded with by them both and being well treated they might consequently by making the best of their affaires expect more profit from Warre then from Peace But it was not long ere the effects of such cogitations began to shew themselves For the Princesse taking upon her the government of her sonne and being more addicted to the Italian gravity then to the French freedome seemed little satisfied with the proceedings of the French and in particular she seemed not to be well pleased with Monsieur de Torre who commanded under Charles as generall of all his Forces for he not able to submit the French liberty to the moderation of Italy had by his affability won the good will of many and almost got all the Nobility of Mantua to follow his Capricioes so as basterdizing the customes of Mantua with the mode of France his actions were no wayes pleasing to the Princes nor yet to others who knew it was not fit to introduce such a noveltie So as aswell to free her selfe from such a spectacle as also to injoy that soveraignty which became her and which was by this man through his Kings authority in some sort moderated as also that by so doing she might partly shew the Spaniards her Mother and her Aunt that she was independant as concerning France and for other reasons the Princesse so behaved her selfe as she made Monsieur de Torre depart from Mantua who going to Venice and from thence being sent for into Montferrat the superintendency of Cassalle was committed to his charge and the French by these demonstrations growing jealous of the Princesse and her Ministers of state they fell to such resolutions in Casall as shall hereafter be mentioned But to returne to the Duke he was well enough composed in the parts of his body and no lesse inriched in those of his minde for to boot with a generall knowledge he was easily appeased and governed by reason his being borne and bred up in France was the cause why he as all others who naturally affect their owne Country taken with the courteous behaviour of the French Nobility by the good entertainment he partook of at the Court and by addition of his naturall clymat could not when he was transplanted into Italy overcome his nature by art so as rather then to forgoe his affection to France he incurr'd the anger of Spaine and submitted his state to the discretion of their Forces which peradventure hee might have shunn'd and would have been more advantagious to him then Warre if with the change of soyle hee could have changed that genius which made him beare so great an inclination
to the French Hee had a solid judgement a temperat minde a goodnesse not despicable he was given to Warre worldly enough and desirous of riches knowing at least imagining that he being a Frenchman and esteemed by his Subjects to be the cause of their misfortunes they did not much affect him which made him not confide in them nay his diffidence grew to so great a hight as he writ whatsoever was of most importance with his owne hand he had wont to keep in writing all the faults committed by his Officers that hee might shew when he would make no further use of them hee had reason for what he did Thus did he dismisse Parma and Caffin the two Secretaries of state shewing them their faults registred for what remaines hee was of good example had a good conscience and perfect will his onely fault being his too much love of Mony hee lived ten yeares Duke of Mantua died when hee was 61 yeares old of such a strength of body as naturally hee might have lived longer The Spaniards did above all other things labour to finde out a means whereby to hinder the French from entring into the strong holds of Piemont with which they were as much troubled as were the consequences great which did depend thereon for hardly should they be able to drive them from those holds wherein being to bee imployed without any impediment from Dolpheny which joynes upon Savoy those Townes would be as it were annext to France and consequently in processe of time the Spaniards would no longer confine upon a Duke but upon a puissant King nothing inferiour to them in strength and should thereby receive such prejudice as states doe by having potent neighbours These considerations causing therefore much thought in the Spaniards they at last light upon one of the best and most singular remedies that could be â—â—plied to this malady Which was to send for Prince Thomas into the State of Milan as one who was much beloved by the people of Savoy and Piemont to the end that entring Piemont with the Spanish Forces he should either by force perswade the Duchesse to deliver up unto him the government and drive away the French or else by the adherence of the people and holding good intelligence with the Nobility of Piemont make way for such proceedings as happen usually upon like occasions But many things were requisit before this resolution was to be tane secrecy was chiefely esteemed necessary that the French might not be jealous hereof and then they were to contrive their intelligence with such as sided with them they therefore cloaked this their intention and seemed onely to minde the bringing in of more Souldiers from Germany Swisserland Spaine and Naples which occasioning a beliefe in the French that the Spaniards would rather use their power then wits they kept quiet within their owne stations not moving any whither But Don Francisco de Melo who was already gon as hath been said towards Cullen and then towards Flanders having notice of these designes altered his course and turned towards Vienna to negotiat there not onely concerning these agreements but to get succour for the State of Milan which might be sufficient to effect the businesse intended of bringing Prince Thomas into Piemont To the which the affaires of the Empire being very urgent the Dutch Counsellors did not consent for Caesars necessity was much greater then was the Spaniards and the people who were continually grieved with contribution and free-quarter knew the danger of the approaching evill and murmur'd that those who should be kept for their defence should be sent out of the Empire to assist others complaining not without reason of the Emperours ministers of State Yet the Spaniards desires prevailing alwayes with the Emperour it being they that furnish Gold for the succour of Germany and doe their utmost indeavour to maintaine the Imperiall dignity they got leave to raise other Regiments and were in the same sort be-friended by the Arch-Duchesse of Ispruch who suffered them to raise Forces in her State The agreement being afterwards made with the Emperour concerning Prince Thomas his comming into Italy who was informed that the Emperour would invest him in some such dominion as should give him satisfaction out of what hee should win by the assistance of the Spaniards Melo parted from Vienâ—a and went on his journy towards Flanders This meane while Prince Thomas who had been advertised by the Infante of the Spaniards intentions to give a beginning to the businesse thought it fitting to send the Baron Pallavicino to his brother the Cardinall with whom he might work a perfect understanding so as they might agree secretly upon what would be most advantagious for their Nephews state to the end that it might not be usurped either by the French or Spaniard they thought the occasion fair to send the same Pallavisino to the Duchesse their sister in law to condole the D. death he being fittest for such an imployment and not at all suspected at the Court of Turineâ—00 â—00 the end that whil'st he made that his errand to the Duchesse he might underhand agree things with those that were friends to the Cardinall Prince Leganes not failing likewise on his part did continually solicit the Viceroyes of Naples and Sicely to ship away other Souldiers that were raised in those Kingdoms and sent Don Diego Patigne to Genoa to agree there for monies He visited the Count Montery Viceroy of Naples at Pegi as he was going for Spain in his return from his government that he might inform him of the present affairs of Lombardy and so Montery might punctually inform the King of Spain of all things better by word of mouth then Leganes could do by letters He reformed his weak Companies added their Souldiers to other Companies that were more compleat he sent likewise Count Biglia with some Monies to Coira to keep the Grisons true who were again tampered with by the French to make them breake with the Spaniards he pretermitted not any thing that might make for the safety of the state of Milan which of all other states was most esteemed of by the Spaniards for if they should once have lost it it would be hard for them to recover it again for that the King of Spain had no other Territories joyning upon it wherein to raise necessary succors the honour of their Army would be lost and they should runne hazard of losing all they had in Italy For the Passages being shut up to any succour from Germany and the succours from Spaine being weake and uncertaine the Protestants of Italy might easily drive the Spaniards from out their Countrey and particularly out of the Kingdome of Naples the subsistance whereof as also all the Spanish Grandezza in Italy depended upon the State of Milan At the newes of these preparations the Duchesse of Savoy who was a very couragious Princesse began notwithstanding to be somewhat apprehensive for she very well
fore-saw that Piemont was likely to be the Sceance whereon all the Warre betweene those two Crownes was to be acted She called her Counsell together and advised upon what was fitteâ—â— to be done upon the present and did openly declare That though she were the King of France his Sister yet she was Mother to the Duke of Savoy and that she thought her selfe more concerned in her Sonne then in her Brother The present affaires were had in consultation and very well discust It was generally agreed upon by all that if they might be suffered to be Neuters and not to declare themselves for either partie it would be the wisest course they could take The bringing of the Cardinal into the government was also discoursed of to which some were inclined for if he shold come thither the King of France his Forces might be prejudiced by assistance from Spaine and doubtlesly the French turning their threats into handsome desires and efficacious promises would rather indeavour to divert the Duchesse from siding with the Spaniard and to hold good correspondency with her Brother then exasperate her against them and peradventure this would have beene the best resolution they could have put on But there were in it such difficulties as it behoved them to leave the thought thereof for besides that the government of one so neere of blood to the Heire afforded cause of jealousie the Duchesse as are all other Princes being desirous to be chiefe in the government and not to admit of a Companion would not give way thereunto But that which did chiefly hinder the taking such a resolution was the King of France his protestation who threatned that if the Piemontois should take the Cardinal into the State belonging to the Duke of Savoy he would presently wage Warre with them and the French being already masters of the strongest and most important passages of Savoy and Piemont they would straightwayes have brought that State into evident danger They likewise fore-saw that they were not to ground their hopes upon assistance from Spaine for though the French should be beaten which would not easily be done if they should really intend such a Warre it was not to be doubted but that whilest the Spaniards warred in Piemont those Townes which should have escaped the insolencies of the French would have tasted the Spaniards indiscretion and so much the rather for that they had not as then any hope to carry the Warre on the other side the Mountaines for the French being possest of Casalle and the greatest part of Montferrat it would require some time to drive them from thence and therefore the Warre would be maintained in the bowells of Piemont to the great prejudice of those Inhabitants They being then of two evills to chuse the least resolved to put themselves totally upon the protection of France and to this purpose the Marquis Parelo was sent by the Duchesse to her Brother to desire succour and assistance although this was knowne to be a hazardous resolution for not being able to put themselves into the protection of France without receiving the French into their strong holds they would not be easily got to forgoe them so as either by permitting them to Lord it there the Dukes authoritie must be lost or else the Spanish Forces which most apprehended this neighbour-hood if they should endeavour to drive them out by force the State of Piemont would first be ruin'd by their encamping and if afterwards things should happen successefully and the Spaniards be brought into that State they would have the better pretence to keepe it as the purchase of their Swords Whence it is easily seene what prejudice such States receive as have Infants for their supreme Lords But as the Austrians prepared by all meanes possible to ruine France so were not the French idle in contriving how to countermine the Spaniards cunning which they much apprehended and at the same time that the Spaniards built their designes upon the Prince of Savoy the French who confided very much in Duke Waymers valour began to lay the foundations of their future Fabrick So as Waymers Army being much increased by recruits from France and by moneys he had received from them wherewithall to satisfie the Dutch he thought it no longer time to keepe idle in his quarters but fore-going them in Chapell and the Countrey of Fistemberg he kept the Fields with his united Army in those Territories which caused the Austriâ—â—s to doubt whether he intended to march against Bavaria or else to enter Rhetia to revenge the injuries done to Rohan Divers were their suspitions and their discourses divers but whilst every one not without much feare stood expecting where this blow should fall foreseeing some mischiefe Waymer on the sudden and unexpectedly came before Rinfield which in his absence was againe taken by the Austrians where he planted his Cannon and according to his wonted diligence playd upon the Walls So as though the Towne were well defended by a good Garrison yet it not being a place fit to resist the moderne violences of the Pick-Axe and Mines it was not able to be maintained many dayes without sudden fitting relief The Imperiall Commanders whose Forces were increased by succours sent from Bavaria and Franconia thought it not honourable for their Prince nor that it became their reputation to suffer such a Citie besieged but by a few to be lost whilst they looked on mature deliberation being had in the Councell of Warre concerning what was to be done it was resolved that Duke Savell and Iohn de Wert should goe to the succour of it they therefore marched with their Army which consisted of about 12000 fighting-men in good order to effect their purpose But being advertised that Speureter one of their Colonells was come to about Lindaw and Constance with 4000 Souldiers with command to joyne with them they resolved to expect his comming before they went any further Therefore they haulted in Obercal Schoma and Lomat Villages betweene Friburg and Rinfield and by great fires gave notice to the besieged that they were upon their march to succour them to the end that they might be the more constant in maintaining the Towne They afterwards dispatcht away Posts to Speureter to hasten his comming to them continuing their resolution of succouring the Towne and in Battell Array advanced towards the Swedish quarters Waymer being advertised by his Spies that the Imperialists were not strong enough to effect this designe sent some Troopes of Horse and two Regiments of Foot on this side Rhyn and doubling the Guards on that part continued his Siege no wayes fearing the Enemy The Caesarians seeming as if they would turne toward Laâ—fâ—mburg that by taking that Towne which was not fit to resist the Cannon they might become Masters of the passage over the Rhyn unexpectedly fell upon the stations guarded by the Swedes who surprised by this accident and not being able to withstand the furious assault given by the
by Goltz And here he fighting himself with his sword in his hand and by his example infusing courage into the other souldiers and Captaines the battle grew so hot as shooting being given over nothing was seen but swords smeared with blood men and horses overturned and trod on by their own companions Ghetz all this while looking on that hee might come in according to appointment when Goltz and the other Captaines should have made the breach which they vaunted they would doe advanced not one inch for knowing that the enemie had likewise a reserve he intended not to hazard the whole Army unlesse hee should see the Van prevaile somewhat he therefore kept his station and would not follow his compagnions They being therefore hotly pursued by Weymars fresh men were forced to think of a retreat which ensued in such disorder as some French troopes had leisure to do no small execution upon the Caesarians Weymar pursuing Goltz in the same manner handled him so as the greatest part of his men were either slaine or taken prisoners whereat Savell and Goltz were so incensed exclaiming against Ghetz and upbraiding him with cowardize and unworthinesse as they by their letters to the Emperour Duke of Bavaria did accuse him of being the cause of all their losse and mischiefe Which being received as a trueth for great men must never acknowledge to have erred in their Commissions the miscarriage of their men and Weymars valour being attributed to Ghetz his mis-governement Philip Count Mansesielt Captain of the Emperours Guard was sent into Alsatia with ample authority to enquire into this accident to provide for what was necessary to the preservation of that importāt place The Romanists Army was much troubled at these disagreements For besides the losse of 4000. of the best men Ghetz had they greatly murmured against Ghetz his backe friends as if they had accused him falsely and seemed not to be well pleased with the processe that was making against him giving out in a skarpe and bitter manner that good and faithfull servants were through the wickednesse of their enemies and envyers rewarded with imprisonment so as the mischief that was hereupon likely to ensue was very great Ghetz having foreseen all these proceedings for hee very well knew that this successe as it would be related by the emulation of other Commanders would not only prejudice his reputation but bring his life in danger for such omissions as prove harmfull to the State are seldome favourably interpreted by Princes and oft times judged by Justice it selfe when blinded with passion he made his addresse to the Emperour with whom for his ancient services he was held in some esteem and who he knew had better respect unto and did more love his faithfull servants to the end that enterposing his Imperiall authority with the Duke of Bavaria he might not suffer him to be injured by the false informations of his enemies nor that integrity abused with which hee had at all times served his Prince offering willingly to enter himselfe into any of his Caesarian Majesties Forts and submit to the sentence of his just Tribunall To which the Emperour in his good nature was ready to condiscend had not the Duke of Bavaria who was advertised hereof sent suddenly an expresse messenger to Vienna to entreat his Majestie not to undertake the defence of an Officer of his whose faults were of too tender a condition and assuring him that all right and Justice should be observed in his processe Wherefore Ghetz being sent for to give an account of his actions was with a good guard brought into Bavaria The French being risen from before Saint Omer and Marishall Schattillion being joyned with Signieur de St. Previll in the parts about Ardres to make amends for the last ill successe and recover the reputation wherein the French seemed to suffer he resolved to storm Rentij For this Fort being built upon a passe of no small consideration upon the Frontiers of France by the taking of this place of refuge from the Spaniards they would not know how to make inrodes into the parts thereabouts and the way would be the more open for the French to enter freely into the dominions of Spaine He therefore came unexpectedly before the place and planted his Cannon against it and in a short time tooke it by storm and the French not having need thereof as having other Forts neer at hand it was forth-with slighted by command from the King and the people therein disperst into the neighbouring parts and haulting upon these Frontiers quarters were frequently beaten up skirmishes made by the horse of both sides the Commanders were very vigilant in keeping what they had got At this time 15. Gallies were come into the Port de Vado with about 1500. Foot part from Barcellona and part from Cesely who expected orders here from Milan where they should land their men When Don Roderigo de Valesco a Spaniard who in the Generalls absence commanded therein in chiefe understanding that the French Gallies were discovered to be in the Genoan Sea and knowing them to be but 15. and a Brigandine called a Councell of the chief Spaniards where it being argued whether they should fight or keepe quiet in the Haven it was the joynt opinion of all that they should set upon the French They therefore put to Sea and were little above seven miles from Genoa when they began about ten a clock in the morning on the first of September to salute each other with their Cannon and at last falling to boord with their swords and half-pikes the action grew so bloody as great was the slaughter which was made amongst the souldiers and much was the blood which ran out from the fore-decks and sides of the Gallies for many of the Knights of Malta being in the French Gallies who are accustomed to Sea-fights the fight was very hot on both sides but at last the French prevailing it behoved the Spaniards to flye with the loss of 6. of their Gallies amongst which the Capitana of Secely and Padrona of Spain And taking there of the French Gallies which for want of souldiers and Marriners were left at Sea and which were La Marishalla La Vanbelle and La Sernier the rest saved themselves within the Haven of Genoa The fight continued the space of 2. hours which being thus ended a storm arose the next night wherein the French Gallies lost La Patrona di Spagna by the breaking of the rope wherewith she was towed which being afterwards found by some Tartane and Coraline was brought to Genoa having first taken out of her all the money goods that was in her which was left with the chiefe Magistrate of Albenga and which was all afterwards restored to the French though to the small satisfaction of the Spaniard as causing strange rumors The Spainish gallies parting afterwards from Genoa came to Porto Fino to mend the harms they had received by
put so great an esteeme upon the Imperiall greatnesse wherewith their owne Grandetsa is likewise upheld should only intend their owne interest and provide for the safety of Flanders and Italy by drawing the best Souldiers from out the Emperours Armie and that chiefely fearing the power of France they endeavoured most of all to fence themselves against it Others that were more speculative affirmed the cause of this not to proceed so much from what hath been said as from a more profound end for they held the Spaniards did not so intensively mind the affairs of the Empire as well for that they more valued what was their owne then what appertained unto another as that it seemed no such prejudice could be received by the Sweeds then as the ignorant people talked of For before they could come into the heart of the Imperiall patrimony the Sweeds were to passe through the States of Brandemburg Saxony and the States of other Protestant Princes who had made their peace with the Emperour so as those States would be first exposed to the miseries of Warre and it made for the Emperour that the Warre might fall out amongst the Protestants who when they should be by themselves weakened the Emperours pulse would beate the higher So as when afterwards they should have defended Flanders Italy from the French and have come to some accommodation with that Crown or by any new accident some intestine broyles might againe rise up in France they might then turn all their strength against the impoverished and weakened Princes of Germany and reduce them more easily to their obedience and accomplish that vast designe which the Spaniards aimed at The Dutch observing the Spaniards manner of proceedings wherein they never found the effects which they comforted Caesar and his Court with neither knowing whether they had been faithfull to them or no in their relating to them the pleasure of the King of Spaine and his Counsell but rather fearing that his agents might have altered or with-drawne from his orders Haniball Gonsaga brother to the Prince of Bozolo was sent Embassadour extraordinary from the Emperour to acquaint the Court of Spaine with the condition of Germany with the importancy of the losse of Brisacke and with what need there was of a puissant army to recover it and to hinder the further advancement of Weymar and Bannier who being Commanders of great esteeme respect was to be had to their experience and successe The Arch Dutchess of Inspruch did likewise send to the same purpose Pagano a Jesuite a very understāding man for knowing what influence the Jesuites have upon the Spaniards whose councels are for the most part governed by them shee thought him fitter then any other Subject of Tiroll to obtaine what was desired Picolomeni was ratified Generall of the Flanders Forces Gallasse having recovered his health was entreated to reassume the government of the Armie and to have a care to the preservation of Bohemia which the Sweedes seemed much to threaten all the levies of men were in great haste sent to the Frontiers Lamboy was likewise sent to treat with Weymar under-hand to see whether they could entice this brave Commander from adhering to the French and which imported more to get him to relinquish Brisacke by offering him the Dukedome of Cobury and by other promises The Grisonne Embassadour returned very well satisfied in their negotiations from Spaine where they had been very well treated and were nobly received at Millan with presents and other demonstrations which made them very well satisfied with the new friendship they had contracted with Spaine in briefe great preparations were made in all parts and negotiations earnestly pursued But as the Austrian preparations were great in all parts of their dominions the King of France came not short of them in his vast designes For to boote with a great Armie which hee had got together upon the Frontiers of Artoise between Amyens and Abbeville commanded by Monsieur de Millervy chiefe Commander of the Artillery and other souldiery towards Mets commanded by Monsieur Ficchieres the Viscount Arpagia more men were continually raised in France and taken into pay to the end that their army might stil be kept in vigour their places be supplyed who perished or ran away Wherefore the Infanta fearing the French had some great design in hand he sent for some of Picolomenies men who were quartered about Cleves and dispatched them away with Colonell Breda and Horch towards the Mosell that there they might have an eye to the French and withstand them the best they might And Picolomeny who was at Bona in the Country of Cullen to be assistant with Colonell Glem and the Marquesse Caretto at the Councell of Warre which was held concerning the present affaires when hee understood the Frenchmens march he forth-with returned post to his army and removing it from its former quarters he came betweene Mosa and Mossell and halted there preparing to execute the Infanta's orders But all this kept not the French from going on with their resolutions For it was agreed in the Kings Councell that Theonuille should be this yeare endeavoured to be taken a Fort of mighty importance which lying upon the Moselle benath Mets kept the way open for the Spaniards from Lucemburg to Loreyn whereinto when things should succeede well they might enter The French therefore that they might make this place sure sent Ficchiers with sixteene thousand men to besiege it on the 10th of May and because they had resolved at the same time to undertake somewhat else elsewhere Milleray having mustered his army neer Abeville on the 13. of May which he found to consist of 18000. men together with a good traine of Artillery hee went to take in Hesden a strong place invironed with exact and regular Bastions scituated in the Champion which extends it selfe from the Sea to Dorlens a passage of great consideration to open the way for further enterprizes in Flanders he therefore planted his batteries and began the siege On the other side likewise the Prince of Conde Marishall Schamburg who had raised another great army in Languedocke about Tolowse went to the taking in of Salsa a Fort upon the confines of Catalonia belonging to the K. of Spaine by which the ingresse being opened on that side they might bring some troubles upon those Kingdomes and Duke Weymar went at the same time before Salies a City in Burgundy Four Sieges at one and the same time of remarkable consideration and which do evidently witnesse the power of that Kingdome which to boote with the Armies before these Forts three of which are thought to be the best of all Europe did at the same time maintaine a Warre in Italy an Armie in Alsatia a Fleet at Sea and contributed great summes of money to the Hollanders Swissers Sweeds and others all which was done by that Kingdome alone without the aide or assistance of any others The Commanders fought a vye against