thâ— minds of men They complain grievously tâ— Mazarine whom they did now obliquely reflect upon For the Grandees and Leading-men in the House drove at this to cast all the blame upon him out of a mischievous and bad design not to expeâ— him which was then scarce thought of by any but to over-awe him and render him subservient to their Interests I do not deny that some there were who wished him turned off through the fraiâ— temper of humane Spirit that always judgeth that best which it wants There was one Peter Broussel a Member of the Parliament of Paris most single in his carriage easie of access a vertuous and most honest man of no ill Principles but easie to be led by the designing party Therefore he seemed fit to be made the subject of the tinkling Cymbal to sound for the publick discontent The seeds of Civil discord are fomented every day more than other The Masters of Requests publish a Libel very derogatory to the Kings Authority They unite with the Parliament and joyn together in disobedience to the Kings Prohibition They agitate about the male-administration of the Kingdom That the publick money was misemployed to private uses thereupon there was no Treasury no Common-wealth that burdens were laid upon the people such as they were no longer able to bear That there was an end of the French Empire some person must be found out to relieve the distressed State Now if any one thought the Kings Revenue too small it would have the defect supplied not by oppressing the Subject but by good husbandry that every one should limit his expences not after his lusts which are unlimited but according to his means That it was but a pretended complaint that the Kings Revenue was not sufficient for his Disbursements whenas so many former Kings have lived upon them with credit and splendour have been renowned in the Field and terrible to their Enemies both in Peace and War The more strictly these Meetings were prohibited the more often were they held Blammeny Charton and Broussel speak more boldly than the rest That in the Minority of the King the Charge of the Kingdom lay upon the Parliament time would come as heretofore hath fallen out that the King coming to Age and entring himself upon managing the Government would call the Parliament to an account for the mis-government of the State of France Therefore they should provide to be found such as had the courage to be good Patriots in bad Times such would they be as should pity the publick misery and prevent future Troubles How it reflected upon the French Name and was scandalous in the face of Europe that none could be found within so famous a Kingdom worthy to be intrusted to set at the Helm of that State but they must be put to make use of a strangers head That it a hard a hard case cry they Country-men and if there were any drop of true French Blood running in our veins intolerable that a Spanish Woman and a Foreigner Roman be he or Sicilian should tread upon her Kingdoms That the Princes of the Blood should be so tame as that none of them should dare to open his mouth but let it be stopped with promises In the mean time the Common-wealth goes to wrack no man ventures with the publick Fortune but every one shifts for himself They make indeed say they many and fair offers but as soon as a crust is thrown before them they are still and sleep soundly over the publick Sufferings What have we to do with Italian Fidlers with Players and Comedians The Manners of France are of themselves more than enough corrupt and do not need Out-landish debaucheries These carry out our money and bring in their vices To what purpose are there so many Scenes and Operas to represent incestuous Amours whose subjects for the most part contain adulterous Acts A custom of seeing such sights grows into a boldness of imitating such practices Our young Gentry learns nothing from thence but names of new lusts and unbandsom Ribaldry Our Country-manners are by degrees abolished and utterly turned out by taking in lasciviousness from abroad so that whatever means of corrupting or being corrupted is any where had may be seen in the City and our Youth degenerates into foreign fashions by having no business wherein to be employed Nor is there only a liberty â—o all loosness but a kind of constraint For persons have been taken notice of that did not come to see Comedies Are they not likely to prove rare Judges that attend upon wanton Tunes and Melody of Voices That nights too farther were taken up with these disgraceful entertainments that so no time might be left to modesty but in a promiscuous Company what every debauched Wretch designed in the day he might take the boldness to effect in the night For Mazarine himself that he perhaps was of a blameless life and had a profound Wit but that it was through his indulgence that the Court swarmed with Italians the Streets â—rung of nothing but their unknown Gibbrish which grates upon our ears That the money is spent upon Plays whilst brave men are left to struggle with extreme indigence Where are those ancient Statesmen that assisted the needy that did not count the Church-Revenues their private Possessions but the reward of Vertue What is more shameful than for men of Honour to wait in the Ante-Chamber without any distinction from the mean Attenders day and night to stand to the mercy or scorn of Porters and discontented to take Coach left the babling Servant should unhappily blaze abroad the misadventure of a Visit attempted without success That Biragues the Milaâ—nite heretofore was intrusted with the Management of our Affairs but he was of integrity no Scholar indeed nor trained up to Arts or Sciences only supported the Person of Chancellour and no more And this practice was in good time used to win the Transalpine Galls to bear our yoke The Marquess d' Ancres never presided over our Counsels but was tolerated for the Queens particular favour which he enjoyed and had been longer if he had not so far forgot himseâ—â— and us as to turn all to his own ends and within left posterity this Caution not over-much to trust the deceitful Complements of French-men Now the master sounds far different abroad the world that 〈◊〉 have put our necks under a foreign yoke that 〈◊〉 France depends upon Julius Mazarine that he keep under the same Roof with the King is called Prime Minister a name unknown to us under that pretenâ—â— that he deals about War and Peace about the Exchequer the Dignities and Revenues of the Church the Principal Offices of the State as about his own Concernment without any controul That the King and Queen are not to be applied to but by his permission And what is more scandalous that the Italian Ministers carry them so loftily as that no man of any understanding can endure their
hard to one that had never been pinched with cares or sufferings while he was yet scarce in the prime of his youth he had arrived at those preferments which would have satisfied many men of great Name to have held in their old age For through the high favour of Richlieu during his time he run a race of unimpeached Honour Uncapable of suffering adversity with patience because he blushed not at the being conscious of any former meanness Thus missing those respects that had been constantly paid him he was astonished at the first blow of Flortune having fed himself with a strong conceit of being uppermost He bears Mazarine a spleen and never leaves turning all things till he could overturn him The Mutineers catch up a new occasion of complaining in publick That Justice was perverted and the Laws trampled upon in the case of Chavigny That no person might be held in prison but for a certain space of time and that very short without declaring his Crime and having his defence heard in the House such new Ordinances and those that follow That Strangers should be removed from bearing Offices in the State The oppressed Provinces mull be eased and Paris groaning under the excessive burden of Taxes the King 〈◊〉 be brought home to his principal City These are the chief Heads that were diversly controverted both at Ruel and at S. Germains between the Court and Parliament the Judgments sometimes of Orleans sometimes of Conde leaning either this or that way upon secret ends and that were ready to burst out into farther dissensions Here begins a general storm to gather over Mazarine against whom openly as against a Rock the seditious Billows break their strength Orleans steps in as Mediator between Court and Parliament He would make up the differences yet was heartily glad they were made supposed by that means to promote the Interests of the Abbot de Rivieres that was designed for a Hat at Rome Conde returned from the Campagne elated with his fresh Victory at first dealt roughly with the Senate afterwards flattered their Leaders entertained 〈◊〉 moderate thoughts pretended at least to Constable or Admiral Longueville instigated his Brother in Law boasting that he had obtained Havre de Grace the famous strength of Normandy Although in truth there were no such promise made him yet â—he vapoured after his wonted manner so taking â—an occasion to fall from his former Party The Archbishop of Corinth put Longueville on to such courses upon a vain expectation as if he should be declared by an Act of Parliament Prince of the Blood as we call them And because what the mind desires it is easie to perswade it self shall come to pass He cherished such vain dreams in â—his thoughts with a pleasing credulity Anne Bourbon the Wife of Longueville was of great moment to the Faction she carried along with her the Archbishop of Corinth the Duke of Retz her Brother Conti with Rochefoucault who was then that Ladies Cabinet-Counsellor A Woman of a high Spirit and shrewd Wit that could turn her Creatures into a thousand shapes could not turn her own violent inclinations Turbulent without advantage expecting nothing from the Confusions bur the bare confusions She too pretended the publick and private Good as the rest did that their Tyranny must be abated with Arms who had put the King upon cruel Counsels and rendred the Princes odious to him and suspected Amidst these matters the Queen having always a smoother brow than publick state of Affairs did deserve seeth her self manifestly struck at through the sides of Mazarine She composeth her face to cheerfulness recollecting her thought how to provide for the future She bridles her grief nor imparts the knowledge of it to any confident The secret loftiness of her spirit over power'd her look tempering her gesture and carriage in a conflict between dissimulation and a jâ—â— sorrow still secure in contempt of the Factioâ— Mazarine knew the affections of the Princes weâ—â— unsound and that their counsels were revealed 〈◊〉 the Mutineers Nor was more dangerous plotting in the Town than in the Camp Politickly taking no notice of all this he applied his mind to 〈◊〉 accommodation Although he believed that these bold outrages are to be feared at the first heat where they have taken time abate of themselves and as the Faction grows stale utterly fall That when people are glutted with perpetual new fancies they always return to the Reverence of their lawful Sovereign and is Repentance extorted from them though against their wills These and the like things being debated in his mind and seeing that the Grandees were secretly affected to the Tumults he thinks it not safe to make use of hands suspected of prevarication in an Engagement that might ruine all That there were but a few about the King and those of ill-affected and perverse Judgments that took indeed this Party but would fight on the opposite side if occasion offered This sense of Mazarine was disliked by many understanding men who were of opinion That the distress of the young King would be a case raising the detestation of all Nations whose Governours can never be quiet if their Subjects may controul them in the choice of their Ministers or ensnare them for their honesty Therefore it were better to press close upon the Faction now startled that loyal Subjects have always fought with more courage for their King than others will for their evil design Mazarine adhered to his resolution that his Majesty should return to the City and their Proposals should be granted As though greater evils might have bin feared had he not yielded to be deceived Here were it superfluous to transcribe the Articles set out in the publick Gazette The substance of them amounts to this as I have already said That many Taxes were to be abated in Towns and Country the Provinces were to be eased of them by the Masters of Requests no man might be kept in prison above the space of one natural day without answering to his charge in the House which was eagerly disputed and approved even by the Court-party every one thinking his own private Concernment lay in the Case Chavigny is released and turns aside to Tours where looking down upon the vanities of the Court as from the lofty Tower of a contented mind he applied his thoughts to the study of wisdom in which resolution how long he persevered the sequel of the Story will declare Frances de Lorraine the Dutchess of Vandome exhibited a Petition in the behalf of her Husbands and her Childrens ill usage which the Parliament â—udged improper then and there Thus the first â—eat of Paris asswaged I now apply my self to future accidents of a more grievous nature These matters being thus composed about the end of October his Majesty returns to Paris The Faction not at all struck with fear or grief for their Riot cannot abandon its unquiet disposition but having got strength through his Majesties Royal Clemency and
the obtaining their Petitions as being now established by Law maketh the former Concessions but a step to higher Demands The Parliament not yet fully calmed boiled up with new designs The storm of Envy dischargeth it self upon Mazarine who in so suipicious a time jealous of every thing did certainly look for greater Troubles It is openly cryed out That the Aâ— must be laid to the root the Stranger must be expelled out of the Kingdom as though that were the only cure for the publick Distemper Reverence every day abated more than other every body would presume to advise and to be giving directions how to govern the State The confusion of impolitick Guides began to swell as high as the rage of the common People Approaching danger might be read in the faces of the Courtiers Violet a man full of self-confidence spoke boldly thus in the House That Mazarine wanted nothing of being King but the Title and Crown What was yet obtained was but a Preludium to his future Greatness He would every day trample more hard upon the weak years of an undiscerning Child Whâ—â— Peer â—aith he will be able to stand against him after he hath run out his full race of unbounded ambitiâ—â— and avance Then looking upon Orleance and Conde saith he This is your Concernment Coâ—â— disliked such a bold slander Chastillon had informed Violet that such Discourses would please thâ— Prince who had already visited Broussel and Longueville to advance his interest by popularity But whether Condes mind were wavering or whetheâ— upon change of judgment he esteemed it the better way to vindicate his Sacred Majesty whatever were the occasion he frowned at the words that were then thrown out against Mazarine That Fate was to be blamed not Mazarine He aimed chiefly at the Kingdoms happiness nor did proudly vaunt in so high a Fortune Why should it be matter of offence to any that the vertuous qualities of that Eminent Stranger might in their passage impart their lustre to France That the Queen by order of her deceased Husband had taken him on to sustain part of her cares seeing her own neck could not bear up under such a pressing load unless she found out this assistance Nothing could be condemned in him but his happiness He did not ground any strength upon Garrisons nor upon Castles did not interest his Majesties Treasure That the Queen did not so much recompense his past fidelity with Honours and Gifts as engage it for the future That the King could not without reproach abandon him to his Enemies but might maintain him with Honour and Conscience and without any danger to his Estate Mazarine answered several times That he would be gone so that he were neither way-laid nor assaulted That he longed for nothing more after so many obligations than a peaceful departure It began then to be questioned amongst some of the prime Nobility which way he might be most safely conveyed away and in what disguise A Lady of great Quality promised she would in the evening furnish him with a Habit proper to that purpose But all these passages were but ridiculous for he never intended to go away nor if he had was there need of any Mask or Disguise The Queen fearing to provoke the fierceness of the Times Enemies and Fates dealt warily Shâ— cleared Mazarine of all Censure only doubted this lest by his indulgence to the Grandees he might have exposed his Dignity to contempt and injuries It was evident that he had not occasioned the growing Troubles of France by any mis-government or misdemeanour of his Mazarine at the sight of the raw and angry sores of the Body Politick always looking at the main chance and end took care that the Kingdom might be restored to perfect and durable soundness and upon the breaking out afresh of so many cicatrized boyls having found in the malignant humor the strength of Fortune relying upon his skill never questioned a prosperous issue by patience gentle usage and lenitives At this time the Slingers press for performance of the promises made at S. Germans which being once yielded farewel his Majesties Prerogative It was weighed in a nice scale by what Expedient the Court might save it self from the new Billows that were rising Meilleray that loved to have no way but what was through smoak and Gun-powder nor cared so much to enter through open Ports as to force them advises That the King should reside in the Bastille and Magazine and having seized the Isle of the Louvre with a strong Party should batter the Town and invade the principal places of it to the executing which design he proffers his effectual service Michaâ—â— Tellier often to be mentioned counsels That the King should go out of Town and the passages stoppâ— for bringing in the bread from Gonesse if that were prevented the Rout would fall Upon the Heads of the Faction would pay obedience to their bellies not to them that an hungry people is tamer than a Victime knocked down Conde willing to approve his duty to his Majesty in such an Exigent of Affairs votes That the City should be close besieged and the Rebels broke by force Mazarine first disliking all these courses as full of hazardous consequence declares That many incurable evils may come from those courses That the Granaries even of private men were full in Paris the innocent too would be destroyed for the fault of the Delinquents Yet the Counsel of laying a Siege was not without apparent probability of good success Madame Longueville full of discontent and unable to endure with any patience that Conde was torn from her Party draws in to her Brother Conti free from Plots and not having a heart hardned in bad designs her Husband the Archbishop of Corinth with his Followers and Rochefoucault newly come from the Campagne This last was her chief Confident A Genius of Friendship had inspired them both in the House of the Palais which was embarqued in the same bottom Beaufort Elboeuf and innumerable others came into the Party The multitude of Slingers wat great both in the Parliament and in the principal Families of the City All which particulars I shall afterwards more fully handle It was the fifth day of the new year consecrated to the Festival of the Kings who came from the East to worship Christ lately born this day the City kept with great jollity and feasting after the usual manner when the Queen full of publick and private cares sate close with Mazarine in Consultation about carrying on the future War Thâ— Kings Majesty was more and more dishonoured by the shameless Rebellion Mazarine weighing thâ— disgrace justly apprehended lest his Majesty should every day be more undervalued Many ways hâ— considered being well assured such is the French temper as to measure all actions by the success and to attribute for the most part to Fortune what is due to Vertue Defeats are punished with them by contempt Upon the Disquisition at length this Vote
so great a Heroe shed Clanleil would not surrender but refused to receive quarter and redeem life at the loss of liberty The Paris Troops drew up without the Port of S. Anthoine in an idle Bravado Conde did not think fit then to fall upon them but having secured Charenton with a Garrison drew off Two days after Beaufort and Marsillac go out with a strong Party to regain the Town They are presently commanded another way to succour Noirmont convoying Provisions whom Grammont did disturb upon the Rear He was come as far as Vitry not in the high Road but by Lanes over Commons and Vineyards There was a sharp Encounter of both Parties fighting stoutly but upon the coming in of la Motte who was not far off Grammont returned to S. Clouds having rifled part of the Convoy When word was brought to Paris of Beauforts danger the whole City run out at the Gates to meet him the minds of the Commons being transported either with fear of their hazard or down-right phrens Since the times of the Guises the affections of the Populace have not been more violently carried forth upon any other Again the Parliament writeth to Plessis Guenegault the Kings Secretary and Register of the Council a Letter containing and moâ— virulent Libel against Mazarine The substance of it was as of the rest that they were ready to obey his Majesty so that Mazarine might be removed 〈◊〉 brought to Tryal That his power was unsufferable he did alienate the affections of the King from the welfare of his Subjects All things must be managed at his will and pleasure That the publick Revenâ—â—â— raised by whatever difficulties were interverted to 〈◊〉 private and particular occasions and what meanâ— had been designed by the cares of our Ancestors fâ—â— supporting the common safety and honour were by a sad miscarriage lavished out upon certain persons thâ— cannot yet lose the memory of their former obscurity and the apprehensions left themselves or their Heiâ—â— should again relapse into it That a new broad 〈◊〉 Nephews is every day expected from Rome to be obtruded upon us and their insatiable avarice and ambition crammed at the publick Charge That the Prince was captivated and abused by their Enchantments to injure himself and Subjects with a destructive indulgence and immoderate profuseness But yâ—â— so vigorous a Reverence the French had toward Majâ—â—â— imprinted in them That the very Cradles of such 〈◊〉 were born to the Crown did strike an awe into thâ—â— with a secret instinct and they never presumed to withdraw their Allegiance from them That Mazarine to lay the grounds of his tyrannical Vsurpation did form the young Kings mind according to his own and disposed the affections of his Majesty without any regard to Persons of Merit towards his own Creatures thinking himself a loser as often as any besides himself or his Partisans had any gift bestowed upon him by the Royal Bounty That the Queen being deceived by the false Vertues or the glittering Vices of him did certainly not indeed destine the wealthiest Citizens to her present passion but like Victimes reserve them to a more safe vengeance These and suck like expressions the Paper contained pretending to be sent by the whole Parliament whose sounder part complied with the Mutineers not so much through their own disaffection as the malignancy of the Times But those who did obstinately carry on the Faction among the people were either such as knew in their own conscience that they were guilty of some other Crimes besides the villany of the Civil War and so lent that breath to the Tumult which of right belonged to the Halter or such whose indigence feared to beg in peace and lived upon the Troubles of the State Many were led aside by their own simplicity and easiness of belief who when the Visors were thrown off were not a little troubled how they might come about again to be honest the truth of their Leaders growing every day more suspected and new Forces drawing from all parts into the Kings Camp So soon as ever Mazarine perceived for no disposition was naturally more averse to cruelty that the poor City might be pardoned without any dangerous president of remissness he was of advice that the opportunity should be laid hold of whilst the King on every side victorious having disarmed the Rebellion by the blood of a few might in consistence with his Royal Honour make the Peace of his Subjects his own gift It was resolved to send a Herald with Letters to the Parliament the Provost of the Merchants and Conti who were promised an Act of Oblivion for their past miscarriages so they would come to ask the King pardon within four days This was the first light that sprung towards the quiet of the State which by what steps it advanced and at length arrived to a full Peace I shall discourse in short The Herald is not admitted into the Town but having laid down his Packet Of Letters upon a Turn-Pike in the Suburb of S. Honoré went back again The Parliament proceeds slowly and holding a long and uncertain consideration at length concludeth that the present opportunity of Accommodation should be embraced Thereupon they request from the Chancellor and Tellier Pass-ports for the Kings Sollicitor and Counsel to go safely to the Court and give the Queen satisfaction why the Herald was not permitted entrance into the city But lest whilst these Tendencies to Peace proceeded so fairly the City should be distressed for want of provision Marsillac goes to meet Noirmont convoying store of provisions from the Country of Brye Granzy under whose Command the Kings Troops were that lay quartered at Laigne and in that Country prepares to fall upon Noirmont He wisely taking advantage of the ground avoided engaging The storm discharged if self upon Marsillac marching along the Champagne But the Mechanick Militia making faint resistance against the tryed that is veterane Royal Army suddenly disperseth Marsillac wounded and hardly brought off is carried to Paris half dead having received wounds more than enough quite to dispatch him After safe conduct received Talon Melian and Bignon go for S. Germans with this instruction not rashly to obstruct the Overtures of Peace now made The King and Queen sate in the middle the chiefest of the Princes and Nobles on either side After that those three Commoners in nature of Commisioners had with due Applications and decent Behaviour testified their respect to the Assembly and with a first and second Reverence to the King and Queen Mother then a little advancing had bowed low When they were come within competent distance the Queen gave significations of her favourable Reception of them When Talon thus began It hath been long since Madam the top of our desires to lye prostrate at your feet Vnder your Regency France is the most happy of all Nations Towards Subjects dejected and obnoxious to your Justice extend mercy The only look of your Majesty is able to take
Nobles may marry without first by way of Honour acquainting the King with it I waited upon Mazarine not by order of Conde but Madame Longueville to acquaint him with the whole matter after it was done He having set his looks in a dissembling posture as his fashion was made answer Whether the Contract were lawfully made or no that must be decided by the proper Judges nor was it for him to interpose in a matter wherewith he had not been at all made acquainted And having designed one of his Nieces for the Duke of Richlieu out of a thankful remembrance of his obligations to his Uncle He said with a smile Tha 〈◊〉 his opinion his Niece was not inferior to Katherine Poussart In earnest I could not discern that he was in passion such a command he had of his â—ook and language all his life time Yet was he inwardly exulcerated in his spirit that Conde would â—ever desist his old practices Hereupon he not only persists in his design of imprisoning the Prince but resolves to hasten it being plainly satisfied that he made this but a step â—o proceed to farther indignities Longueville reâ—enting the affront takes advice to relinquish all â—nterests with Conde and resign himself up entirely â—o the disposal of the Queen and Mazarine And â—n truth he had need of such Protectors to recover his liberty his Wife being grown intolerable and â—e not able to bring her under any rule by reason â—he was abetted by Conde He humbly begs of the Queen and Mazarine in my presence pardon for his part offences promising for the future his duâ—itiful Allegiance in opposition to all men whatsoever The Cardinal gave no credit to Longuevilles professions and the issue verified his judgment for the Mother of Conde desirous to preserve a right understanding in her Family having suspicion of the discontent so througly reconciled her Son and Son in Law together that Longueville did as faithfully promise Conde his service as he had done â—he Queen and Mazarine that day before Which being presently revealed to Mazarine by Chabot did quite take off his affections from Longueville and so much the more because at the same time he had informed the Abbot of Riviere of his imminent danger This Mazarine took very hainously being resolved to ruine Riviere that so he might come the fairer at Conde Till this time Mazarine had intended to sever Longueville from sharing in the Imprisonment but finding him so fickle of his word after resolved to involve him in a commâ—â— ruine with his Brother in Law I return to the Marriage of Richlieu which Conde did not promote but to make it appear in what high Authority he was that could advance or depress at pleasure and that he might make the Governer of Havre de Grace to be at his devotion Corinth the Head of the Slingers in nothing sluggish but always intent upon every occasion having got a lucky and fit accident dextrously cherishes the matter of new troubles springing forth upon occasion of the Rents yearly payable to the Creditors of the City that is such as let out their monies in the Chamber of the City at a certain Interest and the Principal secured as having Part mortgaged for it The persons interessed complaining of the ill payment of that Rent a Committee was chosen of six eminent Citizens who should find out Expedients for paying the money Amongst the rest were the President Charton Joli Bellote and Couture Now when those private meetings looked towards Sedition the prime President of the Parliament of Paris Mole making a fair Harangue to the throng of Creditors which walking the streets in Troops seemed to menace disturbance to the State promised that he would 〈◊〉 his utmost endeavour that they should be fully satisfied by the Parliament The Rout giving out threatning terms nor enduring to wait and instigated by those that had more factious spirits than wisdom broke out into ill language and particularly Couture who was ordered to be arrested by the Pursuivants which attempted in vain to do it Hereupon arose divers murmurings But nothing seemed a fitter opportunity to the Mutineers for rising than if any one of the Bouttefeux were slain or at least wounded Therefore as Joli was riding in his Coach Chartons house he is shot without drawing any blood a Pistol is discharged by a suborned Fellow who having pierced the Coach-leather with a harmless Bullet immediately gallopping away vanished out of sight Joli crys out not having been much against his will struck at but through his own falshood That good Patriots were murdered that this was the effect of Mole ' s menaces Charton highly resented the attempt as making it his own case though both were secure enough both from the danger of expecting or having received any harm All this was but mummery to make the City take up Arms. The Heads of the Slingers were glad and made their advantage of Joli's wound murmuring that honest men standing up stoutly for their Countrys good should have such violence offered them What security was there in the City it was no longer Paris but a Den of Thieves They consult who is the fittest person to set the City in an uproar The most likely man to do the feat is pitched upon one Eschalart Laboulaye a very popular person and one that was in great reputation for having conveyed provisions into the City in the time of the Siege He therefore incites them with language gesture affection to take up Arms advises to shut up their Shops draw the Chains cross the Streets and all other like actions of a Town running frantick Whether it were that Boulaye out-run the popular fury or that the Citizens were not in that fit troubled with the overflowing of the gall all was husht and quiet That beast is not always in the humor nor can the common People at every moment fall into its frenzy fits This Crisis soon passes over and it belongs to none but old Crafts-masters in the trade of Rebellion to nick those Articles of time Yet their stomachs swelled and one might have seen flocks of dissatisfied persons at an evening in the Lanes and Streets whispering one with another Conde after his reconciliation to Mazarine so far kept his word to the Queen as to exercise declared Hostility both against the Slingers and all other Mutineers making it his principal business to cast down whatsoever stood up in opposition to the Court yet in such a manner as that he might seem the prime Actor not a Minister to execute what he was ordered So at once he both highly distasted the Slingers and in maintaining the Royal Authority eclipsed it The Slingers before they rendred themselves and interests to Mazarine for the pulling down of Conde strive rather to win the Prince over to their Party to make him instrumental for the overthrowing of Mazarine But the Prince receiving them coldly and desiring to be rid of them as most unwelcome Guests then the Slingers
and unwilling to abet her own being deceived Therefore first comes Longueville to Trie and towards the evening Conde attended but with a few taking his way through Pontoise where he gathered a strong and stout Party that if any Plot should be laid for him he might get clear off Nor did he guess amiss For it was scarcely known by Rumors dispersed that the Prince passed towards Normandy by Pontoise but Madam Esguillione who was of very great power in Pontoise offered her assistance to the Queen for the surprising Conde which Harcourt also promised that he would execute The Queen refused the proffer either cut off by the difficulty and narrowness of time or because she apprehended worse consequences The King with the Queen came into the Parliament Sept. 7. 1661. with a solemn Pomp. Her Majesty having made a short Recital of her Regency delivers up the Government to her Son to whom kneeling down she offfered to kiss his Hand which the King decently refusing saluted his Mother giving her thanks for having sate at the Helm and safely steered the Vessel of the State through so many Quick-sands and Rocks The Chancellor Seguier restored to his former place said more But 〈◊〉 the Premier President most largely recounted the dangers escaped and the hopes of approaching quiet The Assembly being dissolved they returned in the same order to the Louvre where the Queen managed all after the same custom and manner as she was wont before and therefore this Turn of Government need not distinguish the beginning of a new Book by its date whenas there was no Change in the Order of the Supreme Government Chasteauneuf is named Prime Minister Mâ—le Keeper of the Seal Vieville High Treasurer There were the usual Congratulations and Joying of Friends as all Novelty is spent in flattery Thanks were given Seguier and promises renewed of bringing him into his former Credit which he seemed to take well for having found all things generally successful if any adversity did fall out his bearing it patiently prepared matter for his praise The first Action of the new King was to fall upon Condes Forces at Marle Guise and Vervain a little City between them as though they were the Enemies They were partly routed and some slain part under the Command of Tavan recovered Stenay the Sanctuary of the Wretches Orleans used all possible endeavours to obtain as a favour the benefit of three days respit which was denied him From thence was the rise of the Civil War which I shall recount in the following Book more at large Condes not being present at the Inauguration of the King astonished all men Conti before the proceeding of the Train delivered the King a Letter from his Brother wherein he excused his Absence and promised unspotted Allegiance to his Majesty The King took it slightingly and read it not over When this was heard at Trie Conde put of a face of grief to pacifie Longueville who positively affirmed that the Queen would set all this right in time dehorting the Prince by prudent Councils from Civil War For his Wealths sake left him by his Father an Estate deposited in sure Banks not on a fâ—iling bottom his Charges his Governments the long Hands of the King whose Age now grew up to Revenge That civil War is a dreadful Beasts which hath eternally devoured its Followers That such an Action hath this inconveniency attending it as to level all that are Accessories in the Guilt That the very Perswaders of it will voluntarily return to their Duty when they are tired out with their present condition and detect the fallacy by a treachery throwing the Odium upon him That by money received for the use of the Wars after they have a very little while abated their domestical necessities they shall bring upon themselves beggary afresh On the Kings side there shines out a fair expectation of Riches Charges Honours that he might promise but could not perform any such thing Thereupon would follow a languishing contempt in their Spirits who seemed now the Incendiaries of the Civil Discords This and the like said Longueville which I the more boldly affirm because I was only by and heard it Conde having setled his resolutions upon War â—lights such admonitions discovers to his Brother his Designs Strength Confederacies already made with the Spaniard and English that the Grandees of the Kingdom were inclined to him the intended Revolts of Marsin and Dognon and that Nemours should by Prerogative of Blood command in chief the Army if case of his own falling sick Set up â—aith he thy Standard in the midst of Normandy among a people that will flock in out of their very hate of Mazarine who is greedily expected by the Queen and will come to the derision of the Parliament and trampling upon their Ordinances What can you expect when torn from me but destruction and ruine They fall upon me first that they might more easily come at you whose Government they grudge at as being near the City and Mazarine designs it to himself Longueville replies All that he held in Normandy were weak Castles neither supplied with Provision nor Men that he had no Money and his Authority every day abated wherein the strength of War consisted Then saith Conde Do you forsake and abandon me to Vengeance I will never do so saith he Rather let my whole Estate perish In all adversities I will bear you company and run the hazard with you with all my strength Hereupon they shook hands and engaged their words mutually The Prince adds The Spaniards will supply money the English men At the English Name Longueville the Off-spring of John de Dunon who gloriously chased that odious Nation from the Bounds of France started I had rather at my own charges saith he raise Souldiers But if the weight of the War should be discharged first upon me I am not half able to sustain the Royal Choques Conde answers I will be with you and march speedily in the Head of 2000 choice Horse Whether Longueville were inwardly touched or whether not having the confidence to deny Conde any thing to his face he promised all in my single presence The Prince rejoyced that thereby he added authority to the confederacy and increased in reputation with the Spaniard and English but when he saw all frowning upon him he prepares to withdraw the safest way he could possible after that the Conference at Trie was over he retires to his House at Chantilly avoiding to pass by Pontoise apprehending the being laid for in his return not without grounds I went back for Paris to give her Majesty an account of what had past in the Conference and to say truth I spared Longueville whose promising Conde assistance had it been revealed would have diverted the first Expedition of the Court upon Normandy and within a month have reduced the Governor of that Country to extremities which would have been not unwelcome to the Prince So small a respit had
were newly set on foot Here the proceeding stopped Mazarine having commended the prudence of the Commissioners exhorted them to bend their whole cares upon the Swede and Hollander that it was hot likely Penneranda would insist so much upon formalities unless he were secure of them Whilst these things were under debate the year 1648. passed on when in the mouth of September the French Ambassadors declared that they had it in their last Instructions that they should no longer dwell upon the matter unless the Article about Lorraine proceeded in form as hath been above-mentioned The Hollanders impatient for Peace looking upon the French successes with a jealous eye and thinking that the present opportunity was to be laid hold upon without advice of the French without advice of the Mediators conclude with Penneranda so it was believed The French not well digesting that sent to the Hague to complain of it So far was this from obtaining any thing in favour of the French friendship as that the Truce was turned into a perpetual Peace reserving their Commerce and the continuance of what they were in possession of Pauw the Commissioner of Amsterdam supported the whole weight of the Pacification against the other six Provinces â—â—ute the Zelander contributed his diligent assistance to that also Thus the Hollanders having for so many years been supported by the French Forces Counsels many joyned in a league of Amity with the Spaniards their Enemies So far have we been from suffering any prejudice by it that it hath rather turned to our great Glory Allies joyned without the Arms of any the Spaniards having been brought to terms of Peace glorious for us without c. Thus the Commissioners having been baffled after so many expedients in vain attempted the Assembly most famous next after that of Trent for such a resort of Nations was dissolved without any effect At Osnaburgh almost at the same time was the Agreement of the German Peace concluded without the intervention of the Spaniards By that Provision the Swedes honourably endeavouring to gain the French assent to the Capitulations the Princes and Free-States of the Empire were principally satisfied in this that they might freely serve God according to their Conscience that is a toleration of performing Divine Service after their own way This so fretted Chighi the Nuncio that he tore the Papers about the Peace and swore he would hear no farther the Swedes got the hither Pomerania with other adjoyning places The Savarian had his Territory enlarged by an accession of the Upper Palatinate To our share fell Alsatia with some Dependants the payment of a certain sum of Money being assigned in consideration of Damages to repair the house of Austria An equal and fair regard was also had of the Swedes At the end of the whole work are to be subjoyned the Articles of Munster agreed at Osnabrug land at length eompleated and concluded in the Isle of Phesants at that absolute Peace which at this day is in full force and power and that it might always so continue I could wish Thus shall I not be charged with negligence if I go off from these matters which loath me and would nauseate others in like manner as the Wars of Pisa in Guicciardine that have blemished that Work otherwise excellent Divers were the Rumours over Europe of the frustrating their General expectation of Peace some casting the blame upon the French others upon the Spaniard Thereupon came out Libels incentives of Discord but who were the occasion that the business of the Peace was not setled at Munster would require more volumes then one to relate I am assured by the Letters of Longueville to to Mazarine that the Spaniards by their backwardness still aim'd at excepting against some particulars that so they might the more easily after their concludeing of Peace with the Hollanders disappoint the hopes of the French And when Mazarine fearing lest the French Ministers being tyed up too close to the Royal Instructions might not be able to resolve extempore difficulties that were moved did by frequent Letters enquire of Longueville whether any thing more were to be remitted of the Kings right that he might have full Authority to transact that Longueville answered to it that the Spaniards were averse from all accommodation and only strived to seperate from the French their Allies This I can easily prove by the Originals that I have several times read Afterwards when France was in flames with the Civil War the King of spain candidly discovered to an understanding man the Embassadour of a most powerful Prince that Penneranda would be induced by no Instructions to hearken to Peace and still found out new pretences that he might not be forced to conclude it but that the event had proved it to have been wisely done by him seeing that within four years the fairest Cities had been re-taken by the French divisions which must have been quitted by the Agreement at Munster Mazarine amidst the Civil Dissentions left no means unassayed to revive the Treaty of Peace Contareni at his intreaty attended upon fetching about the business and came to the particular of chusing a fit place fit for the Meeting upon the Frontiers of France and Flanders Penneranda slighted all such motions being not backward to make his advantages of the disturbances in France For said he If when the French prospered in the first times of their Kings Minority my Master was averse from Peace wherefore in the height of their Civil War should he receive dishonourable Conditions At length Vautorce is sent to Brussels Penneranda unbosometh himself to him He could never find in his heart to subscribe those celebrated conditions at Munster although he seemed to give his assent to them they were so unreasonable that no true Spaniard who had any love for his Country but would scorn them And if the sottishness of those that live at this day had proceeded so far as to have accepted that Agreement there would have risen out of their Bones such as should disanul the Munster-League The last Essay was by Lyonne who being at Cambray used all possible means to induce Penneranda to a Treaty but the endeavours or Lyonne proved ineffectual Penneranda standing unmovable to the point of reclaiming all that had been taken from them who went afterwards into Spain and gave an account of his Ministry Upon the whole matter the Counsel of Spain was divided Penneranda whether he thought so or to maintain the credit of this performance of that Trust in the presence of the King before that Honourable Board affirms that Mazarine neither was willing to have Peace nor was there reason he should be willing Divers Arguments he brought to confirm his Position Fuensaldagne even in his absence asserted the contrary by Letter that it was Mazarines interest to have Peace Don Lewis de Haro was at uncertainty which to believe so did the two opposite Judgments leave the King of Spain dissatisfied In the mean
Presence-Chamber whither within a quarter of an hours time Conde being called in falls down at the Kings feet but was presently raised up as is usual on such an occasion the first word was most attentively watched for but instead of that was a courteous whispering that one would soon have imagined a hearty reconciliation After this having visited the Queen and Anjou he presented the choice Commanders of his Army Boutteville and Mersin and the rest not concealing the Vertues of each Marsin disfigured more then any else with scars received for Conde no less confounded with the Kings bounty as the memory of his own carriage and the publick hatred the cause of which was the more grievous in that it was just casting his eyes on the ground acquitted himself with only looking up to Conde In Conde there was no abjectness no pride no change of temper in a change of Condition his mind had on the sudden wheeled about from Banishment and Guilt to Majesty He admitted all mirth and plenty applyed himself to such as flocked about him and expatiated in Flatteries having a quick Wit in a graceful return of Complements Whatsoever he said or did although without Art delighted the ears and eyes of them that were present Further that he might allay the name of Souldier which sounds harsh amongst the idle Courtiers with other vertues he avowed his resolution of following a quiet and peaceful life One might have seen faces shining with a sudden cheerfulness the cloud of so many part troubles being in a short time scattered So much power had that brightness of blood that of successes and what is above all nothings being difficult to Conde's Fates Thus having spent about eight days he returns back the same way hearing as he came along the death of the Duke of Orleans of whom I shall speak afterwards He that in work and upon the march lately consorted with the Common-Souldier in Flanders reserving intire the Authority of a General at Paris vies with the most Courtly Lords in Ceremony and Complements As mens Affections were forward Conde's Wit increased his Reputation being adequate to any fortune whatsoever the gracefulness of his Countenance with a certain Majesty his prosperity mens minds bending towards him and instead of all his Fortune To have escaped so many imminent mischiefs be restored to his house advanced in glory One might see the Prinees Palace from early in the morning till late at night swarm with people Men come out of curiosity return with content cannot be satisfied with gazing admire the same vertue which lately they hated his youthful affections and which had been heretofore loose now â—â—rbed with heavy cares his conditions altered for the better and though he were but middle-aged as to years yet was he reported to have parallel'd the longest time of life as to Glory These things were heard at Court and believed to be more then in truth they were his Popularity was condemned and it was disliked that he had received Bishops with courtesie above the ordinary rate that he had nailed Mourning to the top of his Coach for the death of Orleans It is a Custom which is past into a Law that none may assume this to themselves besides the immediate issue of Kings He that had so often nailed Canons dares not now nail his Coach The Prince complains of mischief in the new Court equally grievous but not equally condemned yet modestly as amongst his Masters thanked Mazarine for giving him such advice For the avoiding these and the like jealousies he resolves to leave the City for a time and retire into Burgundy The Government of that Province which had been restored him was the Pretence nor to spread his sail any more to prejudicial Fame but seek a cure of his Troubles from lying still He takes along with him young Enguien already shewed to the Fates that he might produce him among the Peoples It will not be amiss to observe that the Lorrainers and Guises payed their respects to the Prince by Proxy lest they should walk lower-most and on the left hand in his house They complained that he observed this practice which his Father had neglected and remitted The Duke of Orleans born of Henry the Fourth and Mary Medices only Brother of Lewis XIII having laid down the Civil Arms would pass off the discontents that were risen in his Spirit for the ill success of his design with retiring to Blois No longer did he give himself over to be ruled by any of his Servants imparted his cares only to his Wife Margaret de Lorraine trusted her only with his secrets and the thoughts of his Soul Turned of the sudden Antiquary and Herbalist more exquisite then comported with the Quality of so High-born a Prince Delighted in Dogs and Hunting and ranging the Woods not for Venison but to save the Deer Set all the City of Bloâ—se into a Religious Humour Masses without end openly professed himself Devout Votary to use a new Term upon a new Subject when as God is to be adored in Spirit only not only to be served with that Ostentation Those that rise to that height in a phrensie of Zeal fearing not loving wrong him whom they worship Religion is to be used with moderation as all good things which cease to be such if that be wanting Amongst these and the like courses he fell sick and having Antimony unduely administred within a Week died of a Lethargy Having been a hopeful Child and passed his youth in pleasure always under the direction of his Servants never at his own disposal Margaret de Lorraine spends a few days to compose her spirit being transported with grief and impatient Then rides to Paris with her three Daughters and the Herse going before The Corps of Gaston is deposited at St. Denis among the Tombs of his Ancestours with a Private Burial at small Charges the Heralds scarce paid The Kings according to Agreement meet the French stays at St. John de Luz the Spaniard with his Daughter at Fuenterabie Thither is sent Ondedei Bishop of Friuli to make the Contract by a Proxy who performed the Ceremony with an unaffected Gravity At last broke forth that day which put an end to the War and consummateâ— the marriage The Island formerly confident of such high transactions how Spectatress receives the Majesties and the Nobles of both Kingdoms The French King flourishing in years the Spaniard declined This casting a great shadow with his Trunk that with his Leaves Maria Teresa keeping close under her Fathers wing wishes and fears the issue of what was to follow The two Kings having passed their interchangeable salutes there was time to imagine what they Would say There was for some space such a profound silence universally The Old King admires in his Son-in-law that valour could consist with so great comeliness Lewis and Mary dwelt in astonishment upon mutual contemplation of each other So in the whole company every one admired at that which