kept them on foot With this incouragement la Cadé and the Directorships took Arms pretending by forcible remedies to keep the Grisa in the ancient Union Pompeo Pianta the supposed chief Contriver of the disagreements was killed and Visconti with many of the Faction of Spain were forced to retire in great haste out of the Country because to the first fury of that inraged people nothing being able to resist the Catholick Switzers also with their Colonel Betlinger retired leaving Cannon and Baggage behind La Lega Grisa then joyned themselves to the other but Feria in hopes which quickly vanished to keep the Torrent of these armed people far from the Valley did not only strengthen the Forts but to facilitate the gaining of Chiavena caused an Invasion to be made into the Valley of Musocco which alone of the three Leagues is situate on this side the Mountains The Inhabitants though Catholicks yet for all that not inclined to the Spaniards having cold and ice for the defence of their situation hid themselves behind a great Trench of Snow whence sallying without being observed they so unexpectedly charged the Spanish Troops that leaving five hundred dead upon the place they retired dispersed by several ways into the Milanese Thus every day were their minds as well as Troops more and more imbrued in blood and the Venetians finding in the Princes of Italy more apprehension of the evil than resolution for the remedy had recourse again to the King of England by the means of Girolamo Lando ordinary Ambassadour representing to him the state of things to be in a condition of great contingency James with wonted magnificence of words answers That he took to heart the security and safety of Europe That the Interests of Italy were always in his eye and in his cares That he held the Republick above all in a choice confidence and constant friendship And did therefore declare that if his Son-in-law were despoiled of his Patrimonial Countries he would send a powerful Army into Germany to uphold him If the Hollanders should be invaded he would not spare his assistance and if the Venetians should suffer any molestation he would succour them with the Forces of all his Kingdoms and for an earnest offered a present Levy in England of ten thousand Souldiers The Senate by Letters express renders him thanks in abundance esteeming those magnificat offers for a grace if not an assistance It was now no secret that at this time the Spaniards themselves kept the King in hope of the Marriage of Mary second Daughter of Philip with the Prince of Wales to the end to make him suspected by all and beget a belief in himself that the restitution of the Palatinate should be one of the chief Articles in that agreement He nevertheless at Madrid presses also effectually for the restitution of the Valteline and Bassompiere arriving thereupon pursues the same the Popes Nuntio also and the Ambassadour of the Venetians contributing thereto their endeavours But the death of Philip the Third leaves for some days the business in suspence The face of the Court was a little before this much changed for although Lerma with the Purple of a Cardinal had thought to cover himself from changes and accidents yet it being difficult by honest means to maintain the ascendant over the Genius of Princes he escaped not the accustomed malignant influence of Envy and of Fortune Publick discourses ran abroad that he had with poyson procured the death of the Queen Margaret by the cooperation of Roderigo Calderone who had a power over her mind equal to that which he exercised over the will of the King The disorders in the Government being over and above imputed to him and in many things calumny envy and the interest of a few being joyned to what was true his disgrace from the hatred of all was fiercely promoted Having for some time since wrestled with many in this narrow path of the ambition of Court he met with no more fierce Competitor than the Duke D'Vceda his own Son closely oyned up with Father Luigio Aliaga he Kings Confessor so that there was not a corner that was not cunningly beset even to the inward retirement of Conscience and the most secret Colloquies of the Soul The King at last yields to the general desire of the Court and Kingdoms and in honour of the Purple silencing his accusations commands him to retire It remained a doubt whether in an age proclaimed by the wrath of Heaven to the mocquery of Favourites the King would not have taken upon himself the Government when death in the forty third year of his age takes him away from the troubles which Empire carries with it His years would surely have been more memorable if he had been born a private man rather than a King because being better adorned with the ornaments of life than endowed with the skill to command as goodness piety and continuance placed him in a degree higher than ordinary Subjects so the disapplication to Government rendred him lower than was fit or necessary By publick defects private vertues being corrupted and in particular keeping his mind in idleness it was believed that he had reserved nothing for himself to do but to consent to all that which the Favourite had a mind to Thus the Government of the World recommended to Princes as to the true Shepherds falls into mercenary hands making themselves not understood but by the sound voice of interest and the authority of ambition the people suffer ruine and calamity and the Princes themselves render account to God of that Talent which they have suffered their Ministers to make merchandize of It is certain that Philip in the agony of death was not so much comforted with the calling to mind his innocent life as he was troubled with the sting of conscience for his omissions in Government The report was that the Maxims of Interest yielding in that instant to the Law of God the restitution of the Valteline was precisely ordered The Son Philip the Fourth comes to the Kingdom in an age so young being but sixteen years old that the World had cause heedfully to observe whether ambition the common disease of Princes would sooner move or satiate him But it quickly appeared that the Ascendant of Favourites was not yet set for dispatches being brought to the King he delivers them to Gasparo di Gusman Conde d'Olivares and he shewing himself backward though he desired it commanded they should be given to whom the Count would appoint He feigning modesty assigns them to Balthasar di Zuniga an old Minister and of great credit but yet by concert for Zuniga being his Uncle they had agreed to support one another whereupon taking off the Mask the Power fell to the Count who quickly honoured besides with the Title of Duke will be found with this double attribute in the following relation to be more famous than fortunate From the Republick according to custom were appointed an
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resolved to apply themselves to the same Arts which the Enemy practised by endeavouring to overcome famine with famine and by hindering Victuals from the Camp to reduce Spinola to the fortune of the besieged But he with the prudence of an excellent Captain foreseeing the necessity had also provided for it by a flying body causing the Convoys to be so strongly conducted that the Hollanders either durst not attacque them or attempting it could not break them It happened that for the securing of one the Garrison of the Castle of Antwerp was much weakned Maurice whom Fortune seldom reproached for neglecting of occasions attempts to surprise it and having chosen a dark night with Bridges made for that purpose passes the Ditch though very broad and raising the Ladders which at the head of them were so fastened that with Ropes they were easily set up he was now upon the Rampart when one of the Ladders falling back upon its bridge made such a noise that the Sentinels heeding it and they with some shot advertizing the Guards the Alarm was given in the Castle The Hollanders taking fright retired leaving some of their Engines behind and now Force not being sufficient nor Art succeeding the hope of preserving the place was reduced to succours which with great earnestness the States sollicited from the Crowns of England and France Which last besides the money promised in their Treaty would not meddle further in that cause having obtained their purpose to keep a great part of the Spanish Power ingaged in that Country It maintained over and above the War in Italy nor were unquietnesses wanting within the Kingdom whilst Soubize either foreseeing from far the Siege of Rochel or moved to it by those that desired to divert the Crown from foreign occurrences had endeavoured to possess himself of some of the Ships Royal in the Port of Blavet and although the design succeeded not nevertheless to the Kings great resentment he possessed the Islands near to Rochel and infested the Sea with Piracy and the Land with disbarkings To oppose and suppress Rohan who in Languedoc and other parts was contriving Commotions the Kings Fleet assembles under Command of the Duke of Monmorency and Souldiers were sent into several places to no small disturbance of the Wars in Italy and the necessities of Flanders But England had its Forces at liberty and minds inflamed for James in the month of March of this year being dead it looked as if the spirit of quiet would have extinguished with him whilst his Successor Charles as vigorous in his age as in the desire of Glory and hatred against the Spaniards was believed that with his Fathers Crown he would have assumed differing thoughts He ingages himself presently to a great arming by Sea with which he publishes to attempt upon Spain it self the Head and Seat of its great Power and at the same time raises an Army to put under Mansfelts Command for the restoring the out-lawed Palatine into his Countries for which purpose making a League with the King of Denmark he disburses money to him to the end that making War with the same design in the Empire he should not make Peace with Ferdinand without the Kings knowledge and the restoring the Palatine But Breda that had been many months besieged could not expect concerts so remote King Charles therefore to preserve it applies means more ready it serving also his ends to keep the Spanish Forces imployed in the Low Countries lest sending them into the Empire they might hinder the principal design which was the restoring of Frederick Hoping then that France would concur in the same intention he resolves that Mansfelt with a good number of English Foot should pass the Sea and landing at Calais should first joyn Halverstat with two thousand Horse and afterwards altogether the Prince of Orange to relieve the Town But betwixt England and France it was found that after the Marriage the interest of State or rather the passion of Favourites converted the bonds of affection into causes of hatred Europe in those times reckoned amidst its unhappy destiny that the Government of it depended upon three young Kings yet in the flower of their age Princes of great power desirous of glory and in interest contrary but in this alone by Genius agreeing that they committed the burden of their affairs to the will of their Ministers for with an equal independency France was governed by Richelieu and Spain by Olivares and Great Britany by Buckingham confounding affections with interest as well publick as private Betwixt the Cardinal and Buckingham open animosities discovered themselves for causes so much the more unadvised as they were more hard to be known Buckingham being in France to carry back Charles his Bride it seemed that in the free conversations of that Court he had taken the boldness to discover something of his inclination to the Queen whilst the Cardinal was inflamed with the same passions or rather feigned to be so with aversion in her who with vertue equal to the nobleness of blood equally despised the vanity of the one and abhorred the artifices of the other Whereupon the Factions arising amongst the Ladies of the Court were not so secret but that the King was obliged to make a noise and banish some But the contention betwixt the two Favourites was for power and Richelieu by reason of the favour of the King in his own Kingdom prevailing in Authority procured to Buckingham many mortifications and disgusts The other was no sooner arrived at London with the Bride but to make shew of a power not inferiour by ill using her thought to revenge himself The Catholick Religion served for a pretext whilst the Family brought out of France according to the Contract of Marriage practised it whence distasts brake forth to such a degree that the minds of the Spouses being alienated and affections betwixt the Crowns themselves disturbed it looked as if discord had been the Bride-maid at that Wedding All this passed to the prejudice of the Interests of the Palatine and of Holland For Mansfelt at the instant that he had imbarked the English Army France denying him the Port of Calais and entry into the Kingdom was forced to land in Holland after having negotiated several days betwixt the two Kings But the Souldiers remaining on board the Ships wasted time and almost themselves and in their passage weather-beaten by a great storm troubled with rains and many inconveniences they arrived so diminished and languishing that the succours was found to be less than was needful and fame had made them Nevertheless at the noise of their landing the Spanish Ministers being moved and Spinola resolved not to stir from the place now reduced to extremity assembled in an instant with the pomp of their great power another Army of thirty thousand Foot and eight thousand Horse of the Trained-bands of the Country intermixed with some old Souldiers drawn out of Garrisons with which and the succours together
assault defended by the Albanian Foot would have sent succours but Coevre thought it not fit that the Army should be ingaged for so small a matter but rather retired to the Bridge of Ganda abandoning the Country and several places upon the Mountain together with the Towns of Trahona Cepsono San Giovanni and others even to Morbegno The Germans entred into all but the Venetians not well suffering the indignity of this success and apprehending the danger of all the rest sent into the Valteline with all speed the Duke of Candales Son of the Duke of Espernon lately come into the Service of the Republick with his Regiment of French and an hundred Horse at the arrival whereof Giorgio taking courage and after many difficulties drawing the Marquess to his opinion they drew out into the Plain and having sent Melander by the way of the Mountain attacqued the Posts Papenhaim not to let himself be taken in the middle betwixt them lightly skirmishing abandons them retiring out of the Valley The Rock of Corbeio did now divide the Confines and the Armies and the Winter no less than the weakness of their Forces put a stop to their proceedings though the Regiment of Fecquieres as a seasonable relief was arrived out of France During this season improper for the management of Arms the Confederates apply themselves to confirm what they had got placing two Forts one in the Center of the Valley at Tirano and another near to the entrance at Trahona the first garrisoned by the French and the second by the Venetians Nor was there the least doubt of the continuance of the War the year following because the Negotiation of Peace by the Cardinal Barberin in the Court of France was come to nothing he by reason of his Purple his Ministry and nearness to the Pope having had an exquisite reception but found the business as much intricate and difficult His offices consisted in complaints for the Invasion in demands for the consignment of the Forts in scruples of restoring the Valley to the Grisons in propositions to withdraw it from their Dominion as the only means to secure Religion and the Consciences of the people But the Cardinal Richelieu the Mareshal of Schomberg and the Secretary of State Herbault deputed by the King to confer with the Legate insisted That the Treaty of Madrid should be executed adding that Chiavena by the French and la Riva by the Spaniards should by way of respect be delivered to the Pope to be presently demolished and afterwards the other Forts successively the demolishing of the one always preceding the delivery of another That in this condition they should afterwards be restored to the Grisons with a Covenant express that the Catholick Worship alone should be there practised the Magistrates and Inhabitants of a contrary belief excepted The Legate shewing himself not contented herewith proposed at least a general suspension of Arms in Italy but was rejected by the French the Ambassadours of Venice and Savoy mainly opposing it who believed that the Confederates intricated in the vain hopes of Peace would imploy themselves more slackly to the provision for War and so would be of no other use but to confirm the Spaniards In their predominancy to enfeeble the French and to consume the Italians betwixt Jealousies and Charges The Legate then seeing his longer stay unprofitable to the Treaty and prejudicial to good Manners departs without expecting the issue of an Assembly of some chief persons which Richelieu called because he foresaw that the aim of the Favourite being but to interest the most accredited of the Kingdom in his own judgment their opinions as it happened would not be differing from his counsels The Kingdom enjoyed now within a certain appearing quiet since Soubize being driven out of the Island and his Ships dispersed certain Articles were agreed with the Huguenots which Rochel also at last received under the caution of the King of England that they should be observed by France and it looked as if the King were now to imploy himself more powerfully to the Affairs of the Valteline to promote which the Venetians had sent besides to that Court Simeon Contarini Cavalier Procurator as Ambassadour Extraordinary But the Pope ill digesting after the disparaging his Troops the repulse also in the Treaty declared that in the Spring to come he would return into the Valley with six thousand Foot and five hundred Horse under the Command of Torquato Conti. To give ground and reputation to this undertaking he sollicited Leopoldus who by devotion of the holy year was then at Rome to invade it on his side He sends to Milan the Prior Aldobrandino who concerted that the Governour was to provide Victuals furnish necessaries and Cannon and supply also a number of Souldiers which should waste in the occasions of War at the charge of the King though under the Popes own Colours The Confederates strucken with this so sudden resolution shewed themselves greatly moved that Vrban renouncing to the intentions of a professed Neutrality would make himself a Party in this War in which amidst so many considerations the most holy one of Religion served henceforth but for a shadow The Cardinal Magalotti therefore having communicated to their Ministers in Rome that the noise of those Arms tended against the Grisons only they let him know That the interest of that people being indistinct from the common concern of the League as much as the Princes venerated the sacred name of the High Priest so much they were resolved not to abandon the Cause of their Friends and the universal good of Italy Surely whoever considered the appearance only and noise of this undertaking divulged by the Pope would easily be perswaded that his mind being overcome with the hopes of the Marriage of Stigliana with his Nephew and the private interests of the Family he had given himself up in prey to the will of the Austrians and would draw stronger arguments from his having destined the Cardinal Barberine immediately upon his return to Rome Legate into Spain under the title to hold at the Sacred Font a Daughter born about that time to the King but he ruminating in his mind upon more absconded ends governed himself by motives more secret for having discovered the secret Negotiations which passed betwixt the two Crowns and knowing that the Peace betwixt them was near being concluded to the deluding of the rest he had a mind by this ostentation of vigour and Arms to uphold to the World the reputation and opinion which he thought prejudiced by the suffering of so great an affront Nevertheless in affairs of a like nature the cause being not to be dived into before the effects every one believed that by interessing the Name and Authority of the Pope the War would be exasperated Preparations were made on all sides of Arms and of minds and the French feigning to be equally pressed demanded by Monsieur de Bassompiere a great Levy of Switzers and that passage
by the Duke to be put into the power of the Spaniards they doubted lest the Duke of Mantua should take jealousie and in his regard the Venetians resent it From the effect only and the execution was argued the substance of the Conditions The Garrison of the French in Piacenza was sufficiently strong and in a condition if it had been aware of the Treaty to have crossed it and to have resisted if they had attempted to turn them out by force The Duke therefore obliged not only to make use of secrecy but of care calling together the Souldiers with Monsieur Paulo who commanded them into a place apart under pretence of giving them a months pay and there turning the Cannon against them excusing in a few words the necessity of the agreement with courteous expressions gave them their discharge To those that were in Piacenza passage was permitted through the Milanese towards Piedmont the others that were in Parma retired to Viadana in the Mantuan and from thence through the State of the Venetians passed by small parties into the Valteline And now the Duke was restored by the Spaniards into those Territories taken by them and into Goods which at the beginning of the War he possessed in the Kingdom of Naples and had been confiscate With the Duke of Modena misunderstandings ceased Rossena being rendred back to Edward He on the other side gives up Sabioneda as the price of the Peace and the Restitutions withdrawing his Garrison out of it and receiving an hundred thousand Crowns of the Governour of Milan under the notion of repairing his expences Tiberio Brancaccio was hereupon observed to enter into it with Neapolitan Foot it being given out to take away from the envy of the fact that by the Testament of the old Princess of Stigliana who at this time dyed he was named Governour whereupon he had levied those Souldiers for the custody of it till amidst many Pretenders the cause should be decided by the Emperour Time quickly discovers the dissembling it coming clearly to be known that the Revenue being left to Anna a young Princess as hath been said and she married to the Duke of Medina de las Torres Vice-King of Naples the Governour and the Garrison depended upon the Spaniards who with the Art of patience and opportunity came at last to the possession of that a sole thought whereof had formerly raised jealousies and stirs Great was the sorrow with which in France they understood the agreement Richelieu comprehending that to retain the old friends faithful to acquire new ones in Italy no means could have been more powerful than vigorously to have maintained and protected him that with so much fervency had discovered himself to side with that Crown But if France with its distractions excused the abandoning of the Duke he with his necessity justified the agreement so that admitting easily of his excuses the King assures him of his affection and the Duke preserved in his heart his inclinations entire to the French Nevertheless the reputation and interest of France had hereupon a great down-fall every where in Italy whilst the Grisons also perceiving that they were rather oppressed than succoured by Rohan shoke off the yoke obtaining of the Spaniards those Conditions which in the Treaty of Monzone they were to have had of the French Out of the supposition to be restored to the possession of the Valteline or rather by the promise made them by Rohan they were perswaded to receive the Bridle of the Forts and to concur in the Enterprise with Arms. The Duke then being pressed by the three Leagues to put the Valley into their hands now making excuses and then proposing Treaties to the end to unite the minds of the people to their ancient Lords affected delays At last he succeeded to adjust an agreement in which they consented the Judicature remaining to those of the Valteline and the exercise of the sole Catholick Religion being permitted in the Valley Richelieu who by reason of his designs upon Italy desired to retain that purchase interposed several delays and at last disapproves of some of the Articles Whereupon the Grisons out of the desire to recover the Valley passing to impatience and from thence into fury plunge themselves into the utmost extremities the Duke who after his Retreat out of the Milanese had layn a long time sick not being able by reason of his indisposition to imploy himself in person for dispersing their Assemblies and Authority afar off serving for little after having promised the Grison-Militia which mutined for want of pay satisfaction within a time prefixed the money not coming they remained so much the more provoked and in disorder The Commons thereupon meeting publickly in Flanks sent Deputies to Inspruch to demand assistance to drive away the French and the Duke causing himself to be carried to Coira to restrain and delude them with new Propositions found how difficult it is that a people should suffer it self to be long deceived for he saw himself environed with Guards though at large yet in such sort that it was not thought safe for him to return into the Valteline where Monsieur de Leques remained with eight thousand Souldiers This wary proceeding of his was greatly blamed in France it seeming that the state of affairs required that resolute and hazardous counsels should have been preferred before those more prudent and cautious There is no doubt but if Rohan could have joyned the Army in time he might easily have suppressed that multitude which though it blustered boldly in the Diets would have been found dejected and confused in the field But time being given them and with it boldness there was concluded in the Court of Inspruch by the Deputies of the three Leagues with Frederico Enriques Ambassadour of Spain a Treaty in which the Governour of Milan was obliged To pay to the Grison Souldiery such advances as they pretended from the French to drive them out of the Valteline with united Forces restoring it to the three Leagues with reserve of the passages to the Spaniards with a perpetual alliance betwixt the Milanese and Rhetia besides certain pensions to be paid by the King to the Commons and to private persons and the obligation to entertain in his service a body of Souldiers of that Nation The Agreement was hardly made but the Country without expecting the ratification was seen in Arms and the Grison Troops revolted against the French Commanders so that Rohan the way towards the Valteline being stopped was forced to retire into the Fort of the Rhine with eighth hundred men of Zurich of the Regiment of Smith and two hundred French Into some of the Passes that were abandoned the Grisons immediately entred then with six Regiments of that Nation compleated with money from Spain and with the assistance of certain Troops sent from Gallas they invest the Fort. Serbellone advances to the Lago di Como to keep Leques in distraction who wanting orders from the Duke
and swallows all and dilates it self there where it seems to seek a boundary Castro is concerned at present But why so great preparations for a weak place ill provided without other reputation but that which the same of the present affairs gives it That place taken they will go forward Parma and Piacenza shall not go free and Duke Edward vanquished what seems not easie to the fast and avarice of the Barberins Who then will be so bold to call a great Vndertaking a small Business A flame which will be increased by it self with the fuel of so many designs and interests The Spaniards always cautious fear for the Kingdom of Naples The Grand Duke a most prudent Prince apprehends for Tuscany Others observe with terrour the example for if he that offends will also revenge himself who is not offended by the Barberins The Princes have several times born without resentment their contempts if they permit at present also a profitable violence to what height will their attempts grow Who knows but that the Nephews of Urban knowing they have offended many design not to fortifie themselves before-hand against all or that in the decaying age of the Vncle perceiving their Dominion to be staggering design not to maintain with Arms if not in their own persons an hereditary Command at least a continual Pontificat in those depending on them in their Maxims and in their Interests I invite not the Senate to resentments nor call to remembrance the injuries the disgusts and the spightfulness I would say past if the memory of their attempts against our Dignity and the Piety of our worthy Ancestors were not yet even by the defacing of the Marble conspicuous at present I rather exhort with a generous setting at naught of our own concerns to contribute to the good of Christendom that much which may be pretended But that we should permit the oppression of the Duke of Parma and suffer a fire which will not only burn Italy but transport its flames into all the Catholick Provinces will stir up the Protestants and inflame the Barbarians is not my advice and if the Barberins in a short and casual command neglect the consequences of so great evils they ought not to be omitted by the Princes to whom with the perpetuity of Dominion is recommended by God the safety of the people and the care of the world This cannot be better effected than by opposing the beginnings maintaining Castro and assisting the Duke of Parma that he may be able to succour and defend it if otherwise it be lost and that with this blow of Sword and Fire there be added a new plague to the so many languishings of Italy and Arms come to be imployed the War will be so long and accidents will happen so unforeseen that the most averse will be constrained to take part in it If by shewing a force only we may gain Peace why shall we let Hostility run on with so much slaughter and such spreading calamities that our Posterity perhaps will have cause for many Ages to deplore the memory and Authors of them I firmly believe that it is sufficient to declare our selves and give them to understand at Rome that these Novelties Violences and Invasions are not to be endured The Barberins will hearken to Conditions when they see their Arms not likely to have success and with the Equilibrium of the Princes and to the honour of whom shall have been the Author of it a Peace will be concluded confirming thereby the greatest benefit which our Republick can possibly do to Italy to Christendom and to the Church it self Although some inclined to this course nevertheless it seemed to the major part not yet seasonable to resolve Whereupon Vincenzo Gussoni Cavalier spake War being the ultimate Decree of the power and of the right and reason of Princes it is fit to enter into it with a slow pace and if the Barberins do therein precipitate themselves it belongs to us to oppose discretion to impatience and with prudence to bridle passions I confess that to the Popes Nephews moderation would be of equal commendation and duty but withal the Duke of Parma hath no need of Spurs a fiery Prince who provoked by himself runs to resentments The wisdom therefore of the Senate for the asswaging of Spirits and humours ought to the one to use effectual remonstrances and to the other moderation of counsels It is no time at present to add an increase of evils to this afflicted Country It languishes but too much by the War which though it rage in the extreme parts yet attracts the blood the money the minds and apprehensions of all But if in that part which remains untouched by the fire we shall cut the veins and the sinews what will follow of it else but an extreme languishment and in conclusion an unhappy falling under the designs of Strangers and the desires of the Barbarians Italy cannot make War with the alone Forces of the Italians Both the Crowns will greedily come in and confounding ours with their own interests we shall relegate the hopes of Peace to those Assemblies where not to end them the Treaties cannot yet find a beginning The invitations the promises of two most powerful Kings the Conjuncture of the Times the hopes of great advantages have not hitherto been able to remove us out of our Neutrality therefore moderating counsels with justice and prudence we have let the World know that there is no cause here that without cause can perswade us to a War And shall we now by another way and that by compulsion enter into the Labyrinth of the common discords and shall we therein be guided by casualties accidents and the will of others Who knows not but when the Barberins shall believe themselves not able to compass their designs they will shelter themselves under the countenance of a greater Power and being to strives invited by both the Crowns it will be at their choice to declare for that which shall prove most advantagious or appear most successful So the weaker joyning it self to the one the other in opposition will necessarily intrude it self or be called in Shall we then see the Mediators of the common Peace of Christendom fall foul among themselves with need of Interposers or rather of assistance Shall the Pope appear environed with armed men And will the Senate of Venice be willing to contradict themselves in that boast to have always imployed their Sword against the Enemies of the Church My opinion is that following the most peaceable Counsels such emergencies cannot spring up as may dispute peace with violence but I rather foresee the case very easie For if the Nephews of the Pope shall be willing to alter and disturb the affairs of Italy and with the Arms of the Princes vent their private revenges I know well that it will be of necessity to oppose them and not to suffer the injustice and the example But if the end which is tranquillity
of no import to it self The Pope therefore seemed to hear with trouble the offices brought to him by order of the Senate and rather making light of them not without scorn refuses to stop the course of Law and admit Mediators betwixt Soveraign and Vassal of whom he intended to require humiliations persisting to have him come in person to render him the respect was due to him Nor had the Barberins greater apprehensions of the other Princes observing that the Ministers of Spain though fluctuant amidst most weighty jealousies proceeded nevertheless with great moderation and the Ambassador of France notwithstanding the protection which his King shewed to have Prince Edward in proceeded with coolness and reserve both the Crowns agreeing in the maxims and the interests rather to gain than make themselves Enemies with the Pope and his House Moreover the Grand Duke and the other Italian Princes the Pope being armed seemed rather in suspicion to receive disturbance than capable to give it and so much the more by how much the Barberins amused them in Treaty with greater gentleness discoursing in particular of several expedients with the Marquess Montecucoli sent to Rome by the Duke of Modena and those consisted in depositing Castro in hand of the Cardinal d' Este Brother of the Duke of the same name for so long till that the purchase of Pontremoli being concluded by the Barberins which for want of money the Spaniards were treating to sell this might be consigned to Edward and that remain to the Church or that the Camera undertaking the obligation to pay the Montisis should recompense the Farnesi with other Fiefs in lieu of Castro It was also proposed that to secure present suspicions an Ecclesiastical Garrison should remain in that place for some years and then jealousies being removed every thing to return freely to their first owners Yet the Cardinal Barbarin not long after declares himself that any expedient would hardly be admitted which required the restitution of Castro and Montalto but as to the more open Country seems to think that to render that the Pope would not be found much against it There was great difficulty in all the parties agreeing in one point only to make use of equal art to gain the advantage of time and protract with delusions the Treaty the Barberins on the one side proposing conditions to consume the Duke and weary the Mediators and the Duke on the other giving them the hearing though resolved to grant nothing the better to arm himself make himself Friends and well impress his rights and interests in all the Courts But the Duke of Mâ—dena quickly comprehending to what end the Treaty tended recalls his Minister from Rome and the great Duke shewed himself weary having not been able to obtain of Vrban any limitation of time and retardment of the sentence nor of the Duke that in token of obedience he would send his eldest Son to Rome he resolutely refusing to put the Successor of his Country into the hands of his Enemies The Venetians kept themselves silent but the Barberins interpreting it as in effect it was rather an argument of discontent than a token of satisfaction in the answers received repenting the harshness of them commanded the Nuntio that he should piece up the Treaty again He with the wonted forms shewed By the gaining of Castro the War ended the Popes honour satisfied the Law of Justice fulfilled provided the Duke would remain quiet The Army afterwards by the assistance of the Prefect being remarkably increased at Ferrara and Bologna and Forts on this side the Po raised at Figarolo and Melara with strong Guards the Nuntio represented it as a necessary caution and bridle to the Dukes transports who turbulent and fierce armed as if he would headily contend with the Pope about power and dispute right with his Soveraign This served not at all to mitigate jealousies and disgusts for the fortifying on the Banks of the Po was not only against ancient Covenants with those of Ferrara but might prove of extream prejudice to the Polesine a Country betwixt the Adica and the Po subject to the overflowings of many waters and indowed with as much population and wealth as it was destitute of Towns and exposed without other defence but that which the nature of the situation with the Dikes of the Water-courses and Rivers gives it With all this the Senate not at all amused with the Nuntios expressions strengthened the neighbouring Garrisons An. Dom. 1642 and sent to that border four thousand Foot with some Companies of Horse At Rome in this interim Monitories and Bulls thundred one after the other citing the Duke to the Court with a safe conduct in which was prescribed him a train of fifty persons only But the Duke published a long Manifest in print which though a while after answered by the Ecclesiastick party was nevertheless relished by the world with great applause because with much moderation and modesty it deduced the Treaties Priviledges and Rights which supported his cause He declares withal his intention to send an Ambassador to Vrban to carry him his obedience and those motives which he had not been able to alledge in the Process but the Pope excluded his admission The publication nevertheless of the sentence was deferred for some days not so much for certain terms which they call contumacious as because Raggi the Auditor della Camera to whom the publication of Bulls belonged being of the number of those promoted to the Cardinalat that charge was for some days vacant In the foresaid promotion Vrban at last was willing knowing that it was not his interest to continue for this cause in greater disgusts to flatter the Princes with exalting to the Cardinal dignity the Prince of Esté Mazarine and Peretti named by the Emperour and both the Crowns For the Republick was promoted Mark Antonio Bragadino Bishop of Vicenza whose Grandfather barbarously starved in Cyprus by Mustasa after his valorous defence of Famagosta rendred the Nephew so much the more worthy of that Purple which is so fitly dyed in the Blood of the Martyrs for the Christian Faith ANNO MDCXLII The jealousies and thoughts what would become of the affair of Castro were extended also to Strangers who seeing the Princes of Italy arm so eagerly either not thinking the cause deserved it or believing that it being easily composed they would turn themselves to greater designs endeavoured to strifes to assure themselves of their intentions and draw them to their party The Spaniards in particular propounded that laying aside for the present the dispute of Castro or agreeing it with some easie expedient the Princes of Italy should unite in a League with their Crown and concert the defence and common quiet by upholding the present state of things To say truth in Italy mens minds stood in suspence concerning the motion of the French Armies for that in the beginning of the year in the cold season the King with the Cardinal
connivence the party of the malecontents increasing had thoughts of retiring from Narbonne where he thought himself not safe but before he would do it supplicates the King that he would come to see him either to unloose him from the malecontents or to awaken in him with Eloquence and Art his former thoughts of him Lewis refusing to do it be then knew he was totally lost and therefore as fast as he could though in a bad season causes his Guards to carry him by hand in a certain Couch of Wood where he reposed upon a Bed towards the Baths of Terrascona to go forwards afterwards into Dauphiné and Provenze whither the Governours of those Provinces which were depending upon him invited him In this Conjuncture came the News that Guische had been defeated on the Frontiers of Flanders and that Paris was in great apprehension Many judged that the Count being in a strict intelligence with the Cardinal had by an affected negligence been the cause of this sinister accident to the end that in the confusion of things the King might know how necessary would be to him the Minister in whom the intelligence of the Kingdom rested In effect no other Expedient offered it self to Lewis but to send a Courrier after the Cardinal requiring him that to so sudden an emergency he would apply seasonable remedies for the better ordering whereof he desired in some place to speak with him But as the same Fortune in opposition to the Kingdom contributed to the prosperity of the Cardinal so did he heap much greater advantage from the accident for continuing his Journey very uncertain what measures to take the Treaty of Orleans made with the Spaniards came to his hands He presently sends it to the King to the end that he might know that whatsoever wounded the authority and favour of the Minister did withal strike through his own felicity and the Grandeur of the Kingdom Lewis was as much moved as the relapse of his Brother the ingratitude of le Grand and the perfidy of others deserved wherefore changing his affections into anger he goes to Narbonne and there to the end the Arrest might be done out of the Camp and with less noise he caused St. Mars and de Thou to be put Prisoners ordering secretly in Italy whither Bouillon was gone to command the Army that the same should be done with him He then goes to Tarrascona where the Cardinal staid and there speaking together they vented even with tears their affections and past disgusts The King communicates all that to the Cardinal which they had suggested against him and this confirmed the King in the opinion that in his fidelity and power consisted the greatest defence against foreign Forces and domestick Treacheries Thus the Mine being sprung into the Air Orleans asked the Kings pardon who grants it him on condition to see him no more and that with an assignment of two hundred thousand Francs he would retire to Nissi a Town upon the Confines of Savoy Melo the hope vanishing of raising so great a storm in France draws near to Sedan to perswade at least the Mother and Wife of Bouillon who was now a Prisoner in Italy at Casal to admit into the place a Spanish Garrison But he obtained it not because those Princesses considered the preservation of it the best caution they had of the Dukes life Making then an Incursion into the Territory of Bologne with the taking of certain Forts presently retaken by Harcourt the Spaniards ended the Campagnia on the side of Flanders The minds of the King and his Minister being reconciled and by that concord the Forces also of the Army strengthened before Perpignan by the concourse of much Gentry from the neighbouring Provinces the French prepared themselves to resist the more resolute attempts which the Spaniards gave out they would hazard The Naval Army of Spain under the Command of the Prince John Carlo di Medici General of the Sea was to second by Water the Relief which the Marquess di Torrecuso was to attempt by Land But retarding his march too too long Perpignan the Victuals after several months siege being spent and the Garrison wasted was at last rendred to the Mareshals Schomberg and la Meilleray whilst the King weakly in his health was at some distance from the Camp The loss of this place was of importance to the Spaniards and most afflicting to the Conde Duke who to hinder it had without effect imployed Treasures Treaties and Arts infinite The doubt more particularly tormented him lest while the happiness of successes maintained Richelieu amidst so many contrarieties his ill Fortune should at last weary the Kings affection towards him And the report was that he came into the Kings Cabinet lamenting and afflicted and falling upon his knees with tears demanded leave to expose himself to some certain danger to kill himself or at least to retire into the most obscure corner of the World to deliver himself from that unhappy Destiny which pursued him and that the King asking with apprehension the cause and understanding it to be the loss of Perpignan did embrace and comfort him ascribing all to the disposition of the Divine Will After Perpignan Salses was also taken and at last out of time the Army appears commanded by the Marquess of Leganes which consisted of twenty thousand Foot and six thousand Horse but coming to a Battel with the French that were inferiour in number the Spaniards at first prevailed but at last superfluously busying themselves in drawing off three Cannon gained in the first shock la Mothe Haudancourt rallying his men charges the Vanguard and disorders it Night thereupon coming on both Armies retired each ascribing to it self the Victory The Spaniards having possessed Aitona a weak place and more weakly defended were quickly wasted through scarcity of Victuals which were to be brought from far and with excessive charge Richelieu triumphed over his intestine no less than foreign Enemies for Perpignan rendred St. Mars and Thou had their heads cut off at Lyons and Bouillon threatned with the same punishment ransoms himself with the delivery of Sedan to the King to which Cardinal Mazarine betwixt the terrours of death and the hopes of great recompence perswaded him In these distractions was highly advantagious to Richelieu the common desire of the Confederates of France to maintain him for having some of them his Pensioners and in a manner all depending on him they imployed their offices with the King and Orange in particular little less than with protests gave him to understand that in the belief of the Cardinals ruine he contrary to his former inclinations had counselled the Provinces to hearken to a Truce with Spain fearing lest Maxims being changed with the change of Government there might be a change also with new Favourites in the faith of the Crown towards its Confederates At this time the Queen Mary Wife Mother-in-law and Mother of the greatest Kings of Europe wandring without shelter or refuge
acts past and to the excommunication he should legitimate the crimes of Felony which were laid to his charge But no sooner was this exhibited to the French Ministers but Barbarino sollicites the Spanish Cardinals to propose to the Grand Duke a suspension of Arms and the depositing Castro into his hand with a Brief apart which should give him power to render it to the Duke of Parma when he should perform those humiliations which should be agreed on The Confederates besides displeasure conceived at the late manner of proceeding in the Treaty found many doubtful significations and sly evasions to be contained in the present Propositions and above all become jealous that Mediators and Propositions were so often changed refused the suspension of Arms declaring notwithstanding to the Ambassadours of both the Crowns their will to be most inclined to Peace when it might be obtained upon conditions that might render it lasting honourable and safe The Count della Rocca Ambassadour Extraordinary from Spain being at this time arrived at Venice and Giovanni d'Frasso at Florence and they insisting upon things already rejected obtained answers not differing The Spanish Cardinals thereupon at Rome hearkened to new Propositions of Union betwixt the Pope and King Philip which the Cardinal Barberino ceased not to suggest to give jealousie to the Confederates but the Republick in the name of all the League made so lively complaints of it at Madrid with a protest that the League on the other side would accept the invitations which France had so long made them to close with that Crown that the King immediately orders that all such practices should be broken off Nay the Vice-King of Naples upon the Popes demand of nine hundred Horse due for the investiture of that Kingdom in case the Ecclesiastick State should be invaded denys them this not being the cause of the holy See but of his Family and Kindred And to say truth the Crowns by reason of the employments wherein they were ingaged and much more for the condition of their domestick affairs had little reason to interest themselves but by mediation and offices for in Spain with the disgrace of the Minister and in France with the death of the King Government was changed King Philip returned from Saragossa to Madrid had in his heart somewhat cooled his affection towards the Condé Duke whether it was that by reason of continual disgraces the unhappy director of his Affairs was become troublesom to him or that he had perceived things had been hitherto represented to him by the Favourite in a prospective differing from the truth And now many from necessity saw themselves bound laying flattery and fear aside to speak plain but none durst be the first till the Queen supported by the Emperour with Letters under his own hand to the King and with the discourse of the Marquess di Grana his Ambassador resolved to break through the vail and discover the secrets All then took the Cue and the very meanest persons either by notes in writing or by word of mouth sollicited the King to put away the Minister and assume the Government to himself He marvelling within himself to have ignored till now the causes of this disgrace overcome with the light of so many advertisements which all at a time unvailed him was wavering at first with himself apprehending the burden of the Government and doubting lest the wonted frauds of Court were practised against the Favourite but at last not able to resist the consent of all orders him one day on a sudden to retire himself to Loeches Olivares undaunted readily obeys going disguised out of the Court for fear of the people who if they are wont to follow Favourites whilst they shine in the station of favour and greatness endeavour much more to tread them under foot when they are precipitated by Fortune This resolution was applauded by all with excess of joy The Grandees formerly sent away and oppressed returned to serve the King and render the Court more majestical and the People offered to strifes men and money animated by the report that the King would take upon him the care of the Government hitherto neglected But either fainting at the burden or new to business and with more new Ministers in the tediousness of business and the difficulties of various accidents he had fallen back insensibly into the former affection towards Olivares if all the Court had not with an unanimous murmuring opposed it nay if Olivares himself had not rather precipitated his hopes for willing by the publishing of certain Writings to clear himself he offended many in such sort that the King thought it best to send him yet further off and confine him to Toro There not accustomed to quiet and afflicting himself as great wits are wont to do he dyes within a while of grief It cannot be denyed but that he had great parts of vivacity of wit and application to business but they were either corrupted by a rash violence which oftentimes in counsel carried him to extremities or were frustrated by fortune which always crost his designs He never suffered himself to be corrupted by Strangers but it was imputed to him that with flattery or not opposing he sometimes betrayed the Kings service He possessed with great jealousie the Kings favour and the power which to arrogate it to himself alone he took from the Council and every body else He employed few and those of his dependants but he proved so unfortunate a Judge of abilities that of all those he employed some wanting diligence many capacities and all approbation he was very often for the faults and errours of others condemned by the world He always vainly shewed his power but he laid up no great riches nor fortified his private power against the publick authority with Places Armies and Governments For this cause if his Government was not applauded his fall made no great noise nor was his death considered The King in truth though he published the contrary could not or would not govern by himself alone Whereupon Luigi d' Haro Nephew but withall an Enemy to Olivares insinuates himself by little and little and with great modesty shewing his obedience to the King in a short time takes upon him the administration of the Government But in France conformable to the nature of the people the changes passed with a greater noise for that Lewis amidst the cares of his mind and the unquietness of his body was fallen sick even to extream languishing By reason of the tender age of his Son he was exercised in difficult thoughts about the direction of affairs and no less were troubled the principal Ministers the reliques of Richelieu's Faction fearing lest the Queen coming to the authority of the Regency should for former disgusts revenge her self against them Mazarine therefore Bottiglier Superintendent of the Finances and his Son Chavigni Secretary of State being reduced to serious consults about their Fortune endeavoured to possess the King with the