with sending Aldringer to joyne with the said Duke he likewise sent him for his re-inforcement the Horse of the Grand Prior Aldobrandini of the young Colloredo of Maracini and one Regiment of Isolini his Crabats commanding them notwithstanding not to make too much haste either for that he desired Bavaria should be totally ruinated or for that if the Bavarians should have the better the glory might not be attributed to them which he alone coveted or for that he liked not his men should be consumed so farre from where he commanded for being onely intent how to effect his own designes with ease he cared not upon what disadvantage he put others the workes of a proud and cruell man The Duke of Bavaria kept with his Army about Ratisbone solliciting speedy succour from Walesteine who notwithstanding being hardly hereunto moved alleadged for his excuse the newes of some good hopes hee had of making peace with Saxony still feeding Bavaria with hopes neverthelesse when at last he perceived that Harnems faire words though solid in circumstances and of good appearance brought not any thing to maturity and that the King still advanced insomuch as having made himselfe master of Bavaria hee might easily arear Austria a signe that he might compasse his designes not onely by his numerous Forces but likewise by the assistance hee expected from the ill affected Inhabitants of Austria about Lintz who were much unsatisfied with the Emperours government and who when the King should draw neer them would doubtlesly declare themselves and would side with the Swedes the priviledges and franchise of many Cities of the Empire being envied by many other Towns which though they neighbour upon them are yet in subjection doth awake in them likewise a desire to enjoy the like liberty and not to appeare inferiour to the others whence ariseth that whilest they hope to make good their resolutions they feare not to put them in execution and this hath been the cause why the peoples evill disposition and the difference of Religion have more prejudicated the Austrian power then the invasion of the enemy Walesteine then resolved to advance with his Forces as well to shun mens murmering at his so long delay and to go into Bohemia there to effect peace by his weapons since words gifts and promises had not been of force enough to obviat the difficulties met withall in the negotiation as likewise to recover Prage a thing which the Spaniards much desired who the better to authorise their advise had designed to bring thither the King of Hungary and his Queen and they would have done it by reason of their farre distance from Vienna there being no small emulation between them and the German Lords who being much troubled that the Spanish Courtiers who came with the Queen should be admitted to serve contrary as they said to all forme anciently used and which was almost become a Law That a Prince should have no servants placed about him save such as are of his own Country and subjects to him they attested that strangers were not to be admitted in a Court to have equall authority with those of the Nation which they had by all meanes indeavoured and by their monies purchased Hee in the Moneth of April went from Lenam and took his way towards Pilsen in Bohemia where Galasse then quartered hee from thence dispatch't expresses into Slesia Austria and wheresoever else any of the Emperours Forces were that they should all march towards him the which being done hee mustered his men in lesse then twenty dayes neere Pilsen and found them to be above 30000 Souldiers On the other side the King of Swethland who did not let time run uselesly away having brought his Forces before Auspurg the 10th of April made himselfe Master thereof with lesse difficulty then did the Duke of Bavaria when he brought in his 2000 Foot and 200 Horse For the people being many and the greatest part of them Protestants they said they would not take up Armes against a King who was their friend and of the same Religion and the Roman Catholike Garrison not being of it selfe able to defend the walls and fence themselves from the Citizens the Towne and King shooke hands at first sight Auspurg is seated in the noble Province of Swabenland between the Rivers Vertech and Lech upon the Confines of Bavaria and between Tirold and the Danube in a most pleasant Countrey it is a Hauns Towne one of the fairest and richest of all Germany of a large circuite and full of people all given to merchandizing it is not very strong as being fortified after the ancient manner yet in respect of the situation and of the number of Citizens it may be reckoned amongst the good Cities of Germany The King by staying some dayes in this City all which time he entertained himselfe in sports Invitations and Feasts and particularly in playing at Ballowne at which he himselfe played seemed as it was spoken of by diverse to have laid aside the gallantry of his minde and to have delighted himselfe in the sweetes of pleasure he notwithstanding changed these conceipts and made it be knowne that though he knew how to emulate Hanniball in victories yet did not he imitate him in the flatteries of Capua 't was known he endeavoured by keeping himselfe a while quiet to obtaine that which he could not hope for by much labour and if the event was not good the fault lay in them that received the directions not in him that gave them He during this leisure-time held intelligence with Fornespech a Colonell of Foot of the Army of the League who had formerly served in Prusia against the Polacks and had agreed with him upon a certaine time to be let into the Fort of Ingolstat wherein his Regiment was quartred The King beleeving by this mans treacherie to make himselfe Master of so important a place parted unlooked for from Auspurg with his Army consisting of 14000 soldiers came on the twentieth of April to Dunawert where faigning to passe over the Danube and goe towards Franconia he did unexpectedly come before Ingolstat the Governour whereof having some suspition of the said Fornespech for treachery which is displeasing to God betrayes it self did not only change his men from their Quarters but setting a Guard upon the Colonells selfe and his Officers he doubled the Guards planted the Cannon upon the walls and tacitely expected the comming of the Swedes who having stolne privately into the ditches and fitted their Ladders to the appointed places where they thought to have this Colonels men keeping the Guard they were received with so great a Tempest of Cannon and Musket-shot which made such havocke amongst the souldiers and some of the Captaines who desirous of such an enterprize and being couragious and lovers of glory ran thither where their life was most endangered as they were inforced to fall backe into the ditches and retire And the King himselfe who was lighted
Swedes kept their men all that night long in Battell-Array and the Generalls though they had conveniency to rest themselves in their Coaches did notwithstanding dismisse them saying It was not fitting they alone should enjoy their ease where so many friends and fellow Souldiers suffered hardnesse they therefore were content to lye that night which was very cold and snowy upon the naked earth neere the rest of the Souldiers An example which ought to be followed by such Commanders as desire to winne the Souldiers love for there is no greater cause of murmuring then inequalitie and to enjoy a mans owne ease whilst his Companions are in misery If King Gustavus did Acts of wonder with a few men this was one of the chiefest causes thereof for he thereby gave others reason to imitate and follow his example The Swedes the next morning perceiving the Spaniards did not advance as they expected they should doe and that they could not draw them into the open Field and Horne being moreover advertised that they began to march towards Sigmering a place which though it were upon the Danube lyes yet more lower towards Bavaria And fearing least Feria and Aldringer who were wise Commanders and of a refined understanding should winne the hand of them and get into Wirtenberg by Balings side which was but two Leagues off where the Imperialists yet kept the strong Castle of Solerme situated upon a craggy Mountaine and which was then besieged by the Wirtenbergers and that they might passe from thence to Filisberg to relieve that Fort and so getting over the Rhyn recruit Haghenaw runne over the Palatinate joyne themselves with the remainder of the Lorayne Forces and with those that were rays'd in Burgundy and advance prosperously on the other side the River to Brisach they went from Dutling and tooke the same way and lodged that very night in Drussing where the newes being that Feria was upon his march and it was moreover confirmed that he had throwne a Bridge over the Danube at Shamering Horne sent 500 Horse under the Conduct of the Lieutenant Colonell of the Finlanders who was well practised in such like affaires to discover the Enemies Designe and to take some prisoners by whom he might learne what condition their Army was in This man went boldly on and as he thought to surprise a quarter wherein were 1000 of the Enemies Horse he found them ready to entertaine him as having had notice of his intention he was unexpectedly set upon by them and himselfe with many of his men taken prisoners The newes still continuing that the Caesarians were upon their march the Swedish Commanders advanced to Baling to hinder their entrance on that side into the aforesaid Dukedome and there they stayd But being againe informed that the Duke of Feria was parted from Aldringer and that he marched with onely 12000 towards Brisach and that Aldringer being sent for backe by Walesteine returned with the rest into Bavaria Horne gave order to follow them and therefore Weymar marched with his Forces towards Ebing Horne and Berchenfield towards Newstat that they might meet together before Brisach to re-inforce that Campe and preventing the Spaniards force them to depart from thence but as soone as they had begun this their march there came certaine newes that the speech of their parting was not true but that it was a stratagem of theirs by leaving their Baggage intrench't in Miskerck and that they were in hast gone towards the Rhyn and were already at Egen The Swedish Generalls advising what was hereupon to be done they resolved to follow them and to leave their Baggage at Rutuile a priviledged Citie upon the Frontiers of Wirtenberg and which was with good correspondency with the Switzers that they might make the more speedy march and overtake them Weymar therefore returned back and together with Horne and Berchenfield returned to Shemburg and marching all that night they were the next morning at Drussing Whilst the Souldiers very weary with their long marches rested themselves in this Village Horne was advertised by Letters from Scafhause that the Imperialists were past by the Townes of that Canton of which they had burnt two whereat the Protestant Switzers being much inraged had taken up Armes that many thousands of them were gathered together intending to proceed in hostile manner with those they should find had provoked them thereunto that therefore wanting Horses to backe them in the Field while they should revenge this Out-rage done unto them they desired his assistance therein This advice did much amuse Weymar and Horn though they gave not much credit to the Letters knowing that the Switzers who were divided in their opinions doe not so easily put on such resolutions of declaring themselves Enemies to a great Prince They resolved notwithstanding that they might let their friends know they never abandoned good neighbours to send Berchenfield with part of the Army to Newstat that Horne should keepe about Rotevile and that Weymar with 40 Companies of Horse should goe to know what those of Scafhause wanted When Horn was come to Rotevile Weymar came hastily to him from his quarters and brought with him certaine Letters from Oxesterne which were directed to Horne which when they were opened and a secret Commission found therein they soone changed their former orders for Weymar leaving his intention of going to Scafhause tooke the way of Franconia that he might againe come into Bavaria to the enterprise of Ratisbone to the which he was invited by secret advertisements given him by the Elector of Saxony and other Protestant friends that it was now time to thinke upon some action that was unexpected by the Caesarians for Walesteine who was distasted seemed very desirous that somewhat of mis-fortune might befall the Spanish Army and the Duke of Bavaria as he who had beene the cause that the Spaniards had passed over the Mountaines with a power independent and that Aldringer too joyned with them and that it was verily conceived that if the Swedes would endeavour the ruine of Bavaria he would not budge one foot to succour them and just so it proved as shall be said hereafter Berchenfield was left with the residue of the Army to goe to Offemberg to watch the Spaniards proceedings beyond Brisack and Marshall Horne tooke his way with 2000 Horse towards Eneding from whence he sent away a Trumpet to acquaint the Magistrates of Scafhause with his comming and so went himselfe to Bergher a little Village belonging to that Canton where he found the Deputies of the said Citie fuller of Wine then resolution for the preparations which were said to be made by the Protestant Switzers were found not be such as was given out there being onely 1000 Foot sent by the Canton of Zurich under the command of Colonell Vldrich for the defence of that Citie and to no other purpose neither did they conclude any thing but stood with their Glasses in their hands till two houres within night at which time
his most Catholique Majestie had with just reasons tane up Armes against that Kingdome not out of any intention to bereave the King of what was his since the Spaniards who have enough of the world and abound in charitie never covet what belongs to another but onely thereby to reduce the King to an universall peace which was so much desired by the Austrians for the welfare of the poore people who are those that at the last are onely indammaged by Warre and to get the States restored which were taken from the Duke of Lorayne and others as also to have satisfaction given to the Queene Mother and to have those Nobles restored to their Estates who were banished the Kingdom not for any fault of theirs but onely for that they would not depend upon his Majesties Ministers of State whom they knew to be no friends to France and in particular upon the Cardinall of Richelieu whom they feared most of all the rest having a genious opposite to the Spaniards and one who knew how the affaires of that Crowne went wherein there would be charitie and no little merit at Gods hands and all the world if those people and Princes could perswade the King to punish those as Traytors who were the cause the Kingdome was so much weakened by assisting strangers This Manifesto being published in France and comming to the Court afforded occasion of laughter to the Lords there who were much taken with the expression of the Spaniards charitie in not coveting what belongs to another they found all this to be but an invention to throw seeds of diâ—â—idence betweene the great ones too much inclined to noveltie and to put them in mind how their fore-fathers had strugled with their Kings to doe the like amongst the people who were desirous of quiet and not willing to undergoe new Impositions and in fine that this was but a bait to draw some male-contents over to them by whose meanes they pretended to receive no small benefit Yet was it not of force enough to have any outward operation for the late example of Monmerancy and other great ones of the Conspiracy had sufficiently taught them that the Subject might hope to be borne withall and pardoned for any other fault save that of infidelitie And every one knew very well that if the Crowne of France had consumed sufficient treasure by the government of such Officers yet were they secure from intestine Warres whereby that flourishing Kingdome had so much suffered in former times and which were easie enough to be renewed againe for every little distaste taken by a French Prince was sufficient to subvert whole Provinces so as it was better to indure some Taxations then to be exposed to the insolencies of a friend and violence of an enemy Moreover they saw a Dukedome of Lorayne joyned unto the Crowne the reveneues whereof did farre exceed all the expences they had beene at together with so many other Cities in Alsatia and in Italy where formerly they had not one foot of ground the maintaining whereof did keepe the Enemies of the Crowne in continuall suspition and afforded them meanes of thinking upon other enterprises and of helping upon all occasions such as were friends to France when they should be incombred by their Enemies The French having possest themselves of the seat of Panperduto and made their Trenches there in the open Fields which gave them no small hopes of further advancement and knowing that without any more adoe they should bring Milan into great streights for want of Victualls if carrying their Forces aside the great Lake they should cut from them those Provisions which were thereby brought unto the Citie they resolved upon the taking of Arona a Towne upon the Tessine in the mouth of the said Lake which would make them to perfect their designe They therefore marched with part of their Forces thetherwards but were not proserous in the attempt for all the neighbouring people taking up Armes together with others under the command of Count Iulius Caesar Borromeo they were saluted with many Cannon shot from divers places which were held by the Milanois on those Hills so as it behoved them to retreat that they might not dis-joint their Army which kept about Panperduto expecting the event of that enterprise by the benefit whereof they designed to marke where they might have greatest hopes of advantage But these proceedings were not well interpreted by those of Milan which made them murmur and complaine of the Spaniards for that they had assembled so many men together kept them so long in that State to the so great incommoditie and losse of so many people whom they had not courage to defend now that they stood in need of their helpe At which the Spaniards being much galled who fore-saw the apparent danger that over-hung them if they should make any further delay they resolved to alter their determination of keeping themselves in strong holds so to reduce the French to a scarcitie of Victualls and into a condition of receiving some great overthrow and propounded that content might be given to the Milanois by their undertaking some generous action whereby the others minds which were so farre sunck in dispaire might be somewhat comforted Leganes therefore on the 22th of Iune went from Biagras where he mustred his Army which the Militia of the Countrey being therein comprehended consisted of 15000 Foot and about 4000 Horse he was accompanied by Don Francisco di Melo Marquis Spinola and many other chiefe Commanders and in a grave and sober march he advanced in good order towards the French Army which kept in battell array within their Trenches but it being somewhat late there onely past an ordinary skirmish betweene the Horse of both parties which lasted almost all the night with little losse to either side for the Spaniards went warily to worke that they might not be brought upon disadvantage and the French attended some fitting occasion to charge them upon advantage so as the meane while the night came on which stickled the businesse Leganes notwithstanding knowing very well the Enemies condition and finding in his Souldiers a great desire to fight appeared the next morning at Sun-rising in good order before the French who kept themselves in battell array within their Trenches and going boldly on with the Spaniish and Dutch Foot against the Trenches the French though they did valiantly defend themselves and withstand their Enemies who fought very couragiously yet could they not keep one of their Foot battaglions from being routed which was charged by the Neapolitan Horse for the French Horse which were on the left wing towards the Ditch of Panperduto being playd upon by 3 pieces of the Spaniards Ordnance which were placed upon the edge of the said Ditch and being thereby much indammaged were wheeled about towards La Cassina di Tornavento from whence these Foot receding and others by reason of their feare they retreated towards the River under the shelter of
thereunto nor yet to let them partake of what they had gotten and promised unto them but to receive the usurped state from their protection thinking that now when they had obtained their desires the French should make their words good declaring themselves able with their owne Forces to preserve their recovered patrimony began to have sinister opinions of the French-mens actions From whence a desire of independent libertie budding forth those evills ensued afterwards unto the French which perhaps they had not met withall had they governed themselves otherwise For by re-calling their Souldiers from those Valleys and by maintaining necessary Garrisons of the Switzers and Grisons therein they would not onely have held good correspondency with those Colleagues have undeceived those Princes who thought their Armes tended onely to their owne greatnesse but might have hoped for some considerable advantage from such a Chiefetaine as was Rohan and from such a strength as was his so experienced in other parts at least if they would have made use of them But as the immoderate desire of government is alwayes hunger-starved so as it can hardly come neere what belongs unto another without taking some morsells thence so many will have it that the French reaped not those effects which at the first was hoped for by reason of their confidence and too farre inlarged thoughts And moreover many are of opinion that Rohans firme foundation in Protestanisme whereof he was a chiefe professor and one who firmely believed he should never be forsaken by those of the same Religion helped at first to make the French withdraw their friendship from the Grisons for the interest of state is the onely hand which holds fast or le ts loose the affection as well of Christians as of Pagans When Mentz was recovered by the Imperialists they re-called the Elector thereof who when the King of Swethland appeared first in Germany in Armes was fled to Cobn. The Spaniards fore-saw that if the Emperour who was now of good age should dye during these present emergencies before his Sonne should be declared King of the Romans there might be feare enough the Empire might not continue in the house of Austria it being a difficult businesse to get all the Electors to a Dyet to that effect For certainly the King of France would pretend thereunto and consequently by promises gifts and threats he might easily divert some of the Electors from their intentions of favouring the house of Austria and more particularly they apprehended the Ecclesiasticall Electors as they who having their states confining upon those parts which were possest by the French were more exposed to their hostilitie then the rest The Hans-Townes being now freed of their Oath might together with the other Protestant Princes joyne in the Election of such a Protestant Prince to be Emperour as should put for it which might make the Elector of Saxony looke after it as one who hath had former Emperours of his house The Duke of Bavaria when he should find certaintie in the assistance of France when he should know the edge thereof was not to be abated and that France would at least indeavour that the Empire should no longer continue in the house of Austria he might peradventure be perswaded to side with them In fine the Austrian greatnesse being envied and feared by the greatest part if not by all the Potentates of Europe every one of them either openly or secretly embracing this occasion would adde their helping hands to the dis-membring and weakning of it in Germany where as 't is without all doubt that if they had an Emperour joyned with the so Potent house of Spaine there would be little cause of jealousie of any of the other Electors upon whom the Election should fall for his power would be counterpoised by the other German Princes and by the house of Austria it selfe which set the Empire aside was very powerfull in Germany having for its inheritance Bohemia part of Hungary the Austria's Alsatia Stiria Carinthia Croatia and other Provinces in that Kingdome The Spaniards therefore were of opinion that this apparent disorder was to be prevented and that the succession should be secured whilest the Dutch fought under their Masters Standard They therefore negotiated with the Elector of Mentz as the first Elector of the Empire and perswaded him as one much obliged to them for the re-possessing of his State to intimate the Dyet at Ratisbon wherein many matters pertaining to the safetie of the Empire might be treated on as also a choice might be made of a King of the Romans to succeed the Emperour so to secure Germany from such alteration as might easily happen if the Emperour should doe otherwise then well To this the Elector of Mentz gave way inviting the rest of the Electors to meet at Ratisbon on the 24th day of Iune next ensuing where his Caesarian Majestie should likewise be and the King of Bohemia who hath the seaventh voyce amongst the Electors The Imperialists heard of the invasion made by Oranghell in La Marca wherein taking likewise Golchenitz by assault he put all the Imperiall Garrison to the Sword Whereupon fearing least likewise he might set upon Frankfort upon Oder Colonell Vngher who was in Slesia was sent with 5000 Caesarian Souldiers to succour that City At whose arrivall the Inhabitants thereof were as much joy'd as they were much terrified at the newes of the invasion so as it behoved the Swedes to face about and prosecute their first designe which was to joyne with Bannier for the preservation of Magdeburg and to oppose themselves to the wayes of the Saxons and Imperialists which when the Duke of Saxon understood he made Maracini advance with his men towards Oder to hinder Oranghells further proceedings or his joyning with Bannier which if it had happened time enough that Elector would have had somewhat else to doe then to have sitten down before a strong Towne which had a prettie Army in the Field to assist it The businesse of Magdeburg being by common consent agreed upon by the Electorall Councell and all Provisions made tending thereunto The Elector past over the Elb at Wirtenberg before any addition of Forces were come to Bannier with 25000 fighting-men and 38 piece of Cannon and in battell array advanc't to Strastan where Bannier was with the Swedish Army who hearing of the Saxons approach had fortified himselfe and put his men in readinesse to fight though this were rather but to shew he seemed not to feare them then that he really had any equivalent strength for Bannier who was a very wise man in warlike affaires knew very well he had not Forces sufficient to oppose so numerous an Army all his men not amounting to above 14000. And therefore making it knowne that his courage failed him not he privately by night parted from his quarters destroying them and all the Townes through which he past And that the Saxons might not know whether he retreated but be
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
Spinola when hee tooke the same Towne in the yeare 1624. Piccolomini finding it lost labour to indeavour the succouring of La Chappelle went with his Army to before Maubrug a City seated between Landresi and Mons neer the river Sambra that if La Chapelle should be lost somewhat might be had by the taking of Maubrug The Cardinall of Vallette who after he had taken the Castle of Bussegni waited upon the Austrians to see what they would doe seeing what danger the City was in which if it should be lost he looking on would have redounded much to the shame of the French Forces marched speedily towards the Imperialists Camp But Piccolomini who knew himselfe inferiour in force to the French raised his Tents before they came up unto him not judging it now time to grapple with them and this the rather for that it was the Austrians firme advice and the Emperours expresse command who as it was thought would not have willingly dispossest himselfe of so many men though it had been for his owne affaires of the Empire that care should be had to spare the Souldiers as much as might bee since Germany being by reason of so many Warres depopulated recruits must be had from farre and would be hardly come by whereas France on the contrary being united and full of Warlike people who were desirous to see the world the King found no difficulty in recruiting his Armies hee therefore retreated neer Mons. The Imperialists retreat from Pomerania into the State of Brunswick and Alberstat incouraged the Swedes and Orenghell being joyned with Bannier they came both together to Stettin where agreeing that no favourable occasion was to bee pretermitted which might invite them to further advancement they resolved upon the recovery of Garts aswell to free the Villages which were under the command of their Forts from being insulted upon by the Garrison of that place as to open their way to greater Atchievements when the Forces should be come up unto them which were continually taken into pay by the Swedish Officers in Swethland and in Pomerania which place not being able to resist the Swedes and the Inhabitants thereof the greatest part being Protestants desirous to returne to the government of those of the same Religion and publickly to enjoy that liberty of Conscience which they so much valued and the Emperours Souldiers who had the Guard thereof fearing no lesse the injuries of the Inhabitants no well-wishers to the Roman-Catholiques then the Swedes invasion they surrendred the Towne to Bannier who was contented they should march out with their Armes and Baggage though the Citizens thereof complaining that the Imperialists carried away with them many things taken from their houses desired that was taken from them might be restored to them for the Imperialists in lieu of pay which they laid claim unto took away wheresoever they came all they could lay their hands on without any manner of respect The Swedes growing still more bold by these successes they marched without any let to before Verben where planting their Cannon and beating downe their Trenches the Saxons who had the Guard thereof staid not to be Assaulted but surrendred the City and many of them who hoped for little good from the Dukes pay changed colours and inroled themselves under the Swedes which the Elector did much resent who knowing very well that if fortune should prove propitious to the Swedes his mortall Enemies all the mischiefe and all the storme was to fall upon him and his State was likely to prove the seat of Warre he incontinently advertised the Court at Vienna therewithall as also Gallasse who for want of Victuals Mony and Men disbanded through hunger and sufferings durst not stirre from his lodgings into the Army for feare of a generall mutiny and representing the generall ruine which over-hung his estate he required and very earnestly prest the Emperour not to faile in his promised assistance Whereupon the Austrian Counsell knowing how necessary it was to give satisfaction to this Prince from whose friendship Bohemia received great advantage having Saxony for their out Wall without which the Warre would suddainly bee brought into that Kingdome though their Cofers were empty yet the Spanish fleet supplied the want thereof the Spaniards seeming no lesse concern'd herein then the Dutch and furnished 300000 Dollars which were sent to Gallasse with orders to oppose the Swedes with which the Army being a little comforted they went from their quarters in Brunswick and marched towards Bannier who not yet able to withstand the Forces both of the Emperour and Saxony went from Verben and haulted betwen Demitz and Stettin thinking to incommodiat the Imperialâ—sts as formerly and to drive them backe from whence they came rather by Famine then by the Sword so as the Saxons being left about Verben they suddainely retook it and Gallasse comming before Demin tryed though in vaine to take that Fort for not being able to reduce it so speedily as he had thought he was forced for want of Victuals to inlarge his quarters towards Brandenburg where being followed by the Swedes who were much inforced by fresh succour come from Swethland divers skirmishes past daily between them but of no great moment At this time William Landsgrave of Hessen a sprightly Prince and given to the Warres exhorted the King of England all that he could to make use of this opportunity in remitting the Counts Palatine into their State to which purpose many men were raised about Meppen and aswell for this as for other common causes the League between France Swethland and Holland was againe established in which France promised to pay 12000 Souldiers Swethland 5000 and Holland 5000. The Landsgrave being now gone in person to Meppen to consider what course was to be taken for the mannaging of this Warre and from thence to Holland to agree with those States what was best to be done in these present emergencies whilest he returned well-satisfied with his negotions to his owne Country he fell into a malignant Feaver in Leer a City which lies neer the Amasio between Meppen and Embden whereof hee dyed to the great griefe of the Protestants who loved this Prince exceedingly hee being a constant defender of their Religion and very firme in his friendship with his confederates never failing in his promise though unevitable ruine appeared thereby to his Dominions Therefore did the King of Swethland to answer him in affection as when he fell to praâ—se any one hee never forgot the Landsgrave of Hessen and Duke Bernard Waymer affirming that these two young Princes surpassed the gray-headed wits of Germany and that the Kingdome wherein they were had reason to boast The Landsgrave was a comely presence his body well composed hee injoyed a proportionable activity his aspect was pleasing whilest he was young he went into Holland and and lived under the Discipline of that great Maurice Prince of Orenge by obeying he learned how to command as Students get learning from
Crabats going before as is their custome light upon some Swedish Companies cut 300 of them in pieces and took about a hundred Carriages of Victuals from them which they were bringing from Wertemberg unto Waymers Army Mongagliards triall who was governour of Brem was now had in Cassall and he being found guilty of high Treason for having abused the Kings pay to the so great prejudice of the King his master and been the cause of the losse of the place by converting it to his owne use hee was adjudged to lose his head which accordingly hee did in the market place of the said Town on the 22th day of Aprill his goods were confiscated and a Pillar erected in the market place to perpetuate the memory of such a Treason and for the example of all such as are governours of any Fort who when occasion shall serve ought rather to chuse death then an ignominious Surrender The end of the fourteenth Book The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE XV. BOOK The Contents of the Fifteenth Book The Swedes are much troubled by the Duke of Saxonies continued hostility They summon a Dyet and resolve to continue the Warre in Germany The Cardinall of Valette goes to Piemont to take the Command of the French Forces He makes the Governour of Cassall be beheaded to the great restentment of the Mantuans The Spaniards goe to the taking of Vercelles and effect it The French enter into Biscay take Airon and besiege Fontarabbia The Venetian Fleet fight with 17. Turkish Galleys in the Haven of Vellona and get the Victory Ghets endeavours to succour Brisacke but is routed by Weymar Fifteene Spanish Gallies fight with as many French within sight of Genua and are beaten The Spanyards make great preparations towards Mount-ferrat The young Duke of Savoy Francis Giacinto dyes and much of Novelty iâ— occasioned thereby Francis Duke of Modena goes to the Court of Spaine The Dolphine of France is born to the great contentment of all that Kingdome Rupert Prince Palatine of Rhine is routed by Azfelt taken prisoner and carried into Austria Weymar routs some of the Duke of Lorreyns souldiers and takes the little Fort of the Bridge before Brisack The Imperialists require succour for Brisack from the Spanyards in Italy SUch were the preparations for Warre made on all sides by the Austrians and such was the Elector of Saxonies constancy in union with Caesar against the Crowne of Swethland as that the Swedes being thereat confused and no lesse incensed they were frequent in their Counsells and in using all oportune expediences how to prevent that mischiefe which they saw ready to fall upon them and they were much the more troubled for that they saw the Princes of the same Religion ready to fall into the same precipice for they knew that in policy it was not good for that Elector but was repugnant to the reasons of State to suffer the Sweeds to be driven beyond the Sea For by their being Masters of the strong holds in Pomerania a diversion was maintained a counterpoyse which at any time when the Imperiall Power should aime at the absolute Monarchy of Germany would fitly ballance and maintaine the authority of the Electors and of the other Princes of Germany in their vigorous degree for being in the midst between two great ones when one of them should plot to bring them to their subjection they would presently out of state interest be assisted by the other and so being able by the helpe of the one to contend with the other their correspondency would be the more esteemed by their neighbours on the other side The Elector notwithstanding as it oft times fares with those who being mastered by their passions doe sometimes wander out of the right way and especially when their Counsellours being by their owne particular interests made to side with other Princes sooth their Masters in what they are most inclined unto being now as much an enemy and hating the Sweeds as much as he formerly was their friend and shewed himself affectionate to them continuing his spleene and preparing by all meanes to work them mischiefe afforded the Sweedish Ministers of State occasion of thought The Sweeds knew of what consequence the maintaining of their armies in Germany was to the interest of their Kingdome wherein they now having gotten a great repute and their name being grown famous which formerly inclosed in the most remote corners of the North was unknown to other Nations such an augmentation of State was of great consideration the Crowne of Swethland being thereby the more strengthened and they reaping no usuall advantage by the Warres of Germany so as they were not to forgoe such meanes whereby they might proceede how to keep what they had gotten To boote with the publique Interest the Swedes were moved hereunto in regard of their own particulars For by the plunder of those Townes they enriched their owne persons most of them being but of meane fortunes and by their traffique in the Havens of Pomerania and Germany from the like in Swethland they enriched their publike magazines and Ware-houses bettering thereby as well the publique as the private so as so specious an atchievement and which was with so much labour gotten ought to be by all meanes possible preserved The Swedes being moved by these and other greater reasons and understanding how the Saxons strengthened by continuall Austrian recruits pursued Bannier they summoned a Dyet of the States Generall of Swethland wherein the importancy of affairs being maturely discussed it was with joynt consent agreed upon that the War should be continued and to that purpose that a new levy should be made of 12000. Foote and 3000. horse to recruite their Armies and to provide for all things that were necessary for the maintenance thereof The French likewise were not unmindefull to provide for such things as made most for their greatnesse and for the continuation of the Warre And they found there was no more powerfull diversion to weaken the Spanyards Forces in Flanders in Alsatia upon which their thoughts were then wholly bent then by carrying fire home to their owne houses to the end that being intent to quench that they could not so easily runne to extinguish farre-off combustions They found no better way how to overthrow those Councells which being solidly taken in the Court of Spaine do usually produce ingenuous wayes how to get what belongs unto another then by affording them occasion of spending their time in thinking upon their own defence They knew that to boote with keeping the forces of Italy employed in the State of Milaine so as they could not over-run Alsatia it was also not little advantagious to stop the recruites which might from Spaine come into Flanders Italy for the Spanyards were to keep an Armie in their owne Kingdome and that this was one of the most probable courses which could make for the good of the French to wit
Candalle being not long before dead of a Feaver who commanded there in Chiefe Hee by orders from the King made Monseiur de Toures Governour thereof hee who whilst Charles Duke of Mantoa lived was Generall to his Highnesse in Mantoa By this time the actions of the Cardinall of Savoy and of his Brother were generally murmured at for that being exasperated against the State of their innocent Nephew they made it the scean of so bitter and unhappy a warre and because the Nobility and common people being divided some did secretly adhere unto the Princes and did also manifest their resolutions some kept constant to the Dutchesse thinking it absolute fellony to forsake her who was their Dukes Governesse and represented his person so all parts were full of horror and confusion some fearing to be punished by the Dutchesse and the French others being frightned at the Princes threats backt by the Spaniards And the Princes pretending to have law on their side in their laying claime to what could not be denyed them and being therein much more confirmed by a late Declaration made by the Emperor wherin he declared the late Dukes last will and Testament as null invalid and the pretences of the two just Princes they printed a Manifesto in Asti conteyning all the reasons why they were forced to endeavour by force of arms to get the Guardian-ship of the Duke their Nephew answerable to the Lawes of the State and did therein afterwards signifie how that whatsoever the Dutchesse had done as Governesse to her Sonne was invalid as in particular the League she had made with her Brother the King of France And they ordained upon paine of life and the danger of incurring high Treason that no Subject whatsoever should for the time to come take part with the Dutchesse nor obey her They likewise declared the orders of the Annuntiata and of the Crosse of Saint Maurice and Lazarus conferr'd by the Dutchesse upon divers Cavalliers to be null and of no validity unlesse they should come at the same time to have those orders confirmed by them as also that the Governours of all Towns should acknowledge them for their superiours and come and receive the confirmation of their governments from them otherwise if they should remaine in their obedience to the Dutchesse they should be understood as guilty of High Treason forfeite their Honours and their Estates The Sweeds being inhartened by the taking of Zuicka and having thereby secured the passes over the Mulda upon any occasion of retreat they came with part of their army before Freiberg that by the taking thereof they might the easilier enter into Saxony but as this was a place of great moment to the Elector of Saxony so did hee employ all his Forces to the defence thereof and some of his troopes joyning with Marcini they marched thitherward to releive it as they did For Bannier not having made any considerable Works or Trenches about it nor having men enough to fight it behoved him to retreat So to shun the necessity of giving battle having formerly stood a charge upon his reere wherein he suffered some losse and he himselfe was lightly hurt with an Harquebuse But if the Sweeds were not pleased with the businesse of Freiburg they recovered the losse they there received by their good successe at the same time before Demmin which they had besieged some moneths before For the Town being reduced to great extreamity yeilded upon parley to the Sweedes who having hereby made themselves Masters of all Pomerania wherein they had many uselesse Garrisons they drew from thence as many people as they could and marched towards Bannier who being gone from his former quarters was retreated towards Aldemberg to expect those recruits Marcini invited thereunto by his good successe and encouraged the more by this retreate pursued him with more daring then forces to Valtheim For Bannier expecting the succour which was already upon their march towards him did cunningly by his retreate entice the enemie after him that they might be so farre engaged in their pursuit as not to be able to shun battle wherein he might have his deupon them But his expected succour not appearing though he knew they made long marches he intrencht himselfe neere the River Scope which runs between Chimnits and Freyburg not farre from whence Marcini also haulted to expect the arrivall of some Troopes which were comming to his succour from Bohemia and that he might not engage himself any further for the losse of Demmin being of great consequence and all those people marching towards Bohemia he fore-saw he should incurre some mischiefe without a greater strength Letters were therefore with all diligence dispatcht away to Vienna to solicite the hasting away of men that were raised in Morania Hungary and else-where as also to desire that the Emperour would come to Prague by whose presence the people there would not be a little sollaced they being much mastered by fear confusion by reason of the Swâ—eds great preparations Concerning which having had many consultations the Councellors were irresolute in their resolves doubtfull in what they should pitch upon and troubled in their thoughts For this Warre not being to be maintained without money from Spaine nor yet to be mannaged handsomely without the whole Caesarian Forces both these were known to be prejudiciall For the forces of the Empire could not be divided without giving distast and prâ—judice to the Spaniards nor any moneys being to be received from Spaine without imparting some Dutch aide to the King of Spaines Dominions The Dutch therefore complained of being brought to such a condition as they must refer themselves to the pleasure of the Spanish State Ministers who they affirmed had beene the cause of the loss of Brisacke not only by having deteyned Picolomeni and Lamboy in Flanders in a time when they should have made use of their succour and which they joyning with Ghets might have effected but by not consenting to send some Italian Forces into Alsatia to save that important place which was the key of the Empire and the losse whereof was so prejudiciall to all Germany being earâ—estly desired so to doe Some therefore exclaimed bitterly agaâ—nst them and prest that all their Forces might be sent for from Flanders that so they might tend their owne welfare before the wel-fare of others But the Spaniards who knew how prejudiciall it would be to them to be deprived of the Dutch assistance behaved themselves dexterously with those that were of their party And they likewise knowing what loss they were likely to undergoe without the support of moneyes from Spaine the Emperours Coffers being empty no contribution being to be had from the harrassed Country nor so many armies being therein to be maintained the sequell was that the one and the other of them concealing and cloaking their distasts according to exact policy they applyed all their consultations to the common interest Many notwithstanding wondred that the Spaniards who