would buoy up hopes with ceremonious Applications and would enlarge Nobility with the offer of Titles carrying himself so fairly that every where he might appear freed from the being apprehended to have done wrong But so fast in keeping counsel that he was wholly inaccessible even to those that were reputed his greatest Confidents He would never brag any thing in vanity of words Towards prosperity and adversity he bore an even face not mind And though great he was accounted whilst he stood in his fall and when he was down he appeared greater In truth by his Courage he deserved that his Calamity should at last turn to his Glory Being given to dissimulation he yielded an ear to Suspicions and Slanderers Large in promises which oftentimes he did not perform or if he did make them good the Courtesie was long pondered with scruples and delay and extorted by importunity so that he made it unserviceable consuming the joy with the tediousness of expectation Sometimes he rewarded Vertue but never went forth to meet it And that upon acquaintance with the French Temper which presently upon receiving one favour thinks of a new one He fell under Infamy seldom for his own many times for others actions The malignity of Fortune often overcame his Arts and in him Fate was too hard for Vertue In so great a happiness of Nature there was an eminent complication of all exquisite qualities which were consistent with transcendent Vertues The Reputation of Clemency he stood upon even when severity had been expedient to absolute Government By Gentleness he arrived to that Praise with which many many have grown famous by violent and rigorous courses In truth no innocent Ghosts will torture him no publick Evils nor domestick can justly be reproached upon him He deserved well of our Ancestors and Posterity having increased the Empire by the accession of Territory and not impaired it by any eminâ—nt loss It must be marked that he fell into times different to Richlieu's He had most sore Enemies that rivalled a Woman and a Child Being haughtily secure through his own Conscience and the Kings Love he stoutly waged and gloriously finished a War that had been rashly undertaken Comparable to any of the Ancients for profoundness of Understanding he was buried amidst the Applauses of Victory in his own Triumph THE TWELFTH BOOK OF THE History of FRANCE The CONTENTS Provision is made for the exhausted Treasury the Spaniard lays an Injunction upon his Embassadours not to contend any more with the French about Precedency Lorrain Covenants with the King about his Country Dunkirk is purchased from the English The Pope repairs the violation done to the French Embassadour at Rome The Emperour requires and receives aid against the Turks invading Hungary The French Trade is spread through the New World AFter the Death of Mazarine the Kings Cabinet Counsellours were Michael Tellier Hugh Lyonne both Secretaries of State and John Baptista Colbert Lord Treasurer men of great Vertue and Fame There is no more certain evidence of a great Prince then to take and employ able men and of reputation for all will presently judge that he is such a one as those be that are about him The Progress into Britanny that had been long talked of at Court at lest about the end of the month of July Anno 1661. broke out upon the head of Nicholas Fouquet who was Arrested as he returned from the Kings Council He was carried into the Castle of Anger 's from thence to Vincennes and at last to the Bastille The greatness of the blow seconded the wishes of his Friends none offering to interpose between him and that stroke which was set on by so Powerful a hand He was a man of a noble Spirit but ruined by his good Nature and blinded by Prosperity if it may be called Prosperity the disposing of a vast Treasure being neither rightly acquainted with his own Station nor the falshood of Flatterers he fell not out of a greediness of hoarding but of scattering Money Yet none appeared in his defence when he came in trouble so widely had he offended and in such a compass as if he had made that his only business He is not the only person that this Mask hath trapanned the same Visour hath deluded thousands Where is the man who hath escaped out of these Nets but hath left some feathers upon this Bird-lime the lust of women too playing about such streams of Gold The King passed no fierce no hasty sentence but gave the Prisoner time to give in his own and others misdemeanours He erected a Court of honest men chosen out of every Parliament of France lest their power should be corrupted if they had been few These were by Commission to make inquiry into the Embezelling the Publick Money to discover by what Caverns what Gulfs it was wasted The young King would have his Chequer improve in height Restraint was needful though late yet there was no penalty laid upon Fouquet but that of Banishment See the storms and tossings of life that no Wisdom can ever regulate in the slippery Pinnacle and Precipice of the Court It is a hard matter in any sort of life so to behave ones self as not to trip and it is a great gift of nature to have common sense and not presume too much upon Fortune At the close of February 1662 the King was present in Parliament that the conditions of Agreement accorded with Charles of Lorrain might be consirmed by their Act. The substance of thâ—m was to this effect That Charles Duke of Lorrain being without Issue doth voluntarily without any constraint make over to Lewis King of France all his right in the Dukedoms of Lorrain and Barr that the same Charles during his life shall command both Countries with Soveraign Authority his Subjects continuing free from all new Taxes and Impositions that the King have free power as soon as he pleaseth to fortifie Marsal that if the Duke be invaded in Germany in the Low-Countries in Franche-Comte that the King shall come in to his defence that the Accession of so great a Territory is compensated by adopting them into the Royal Family After the Imperial Progeny of the Bourbons that the Princes of Lorrain be advanced into the Priviledges of the Blood-Royal Yet that they may not exceed the number of four who should be of that Family Authorized to the passing of Publick Acts. That all these so great Priviledges are granted upon the condition that they who pretend to he descended of that Line all actually subscribe the Articles otherwise to be void and of no effect With such a Bridle was the notorious Pride of that Audacious House restrained Divers discourses past about a business of that moment the Publick voice disliked it the more understanding did not joyn in it the Court was divided those that were still foremost in compliance as the custom is magnifie the Kings Prudence The more Sowre condemn it in dubious words
but in the morning embraced and kissed Cinque-Mars and had talked very courteously to de Thou having naturally that quality and being practised to disgust his anger under fine language The King being glad when the matter was over but perplexed till it was put in execution parts from Narbo The same was done to de Bouillon at â—asailles The Prisoners are brought to Lyons where by chosen Judges that were resolved to do Richlieu's work before ever they heard the impeachment they are condemned to lose their lives De Bouillon got off by the Surrender of Sedan Cinque-Mars and de thou pay dear for their destructive friendship with the loss of their lives Whether Cinque-Mars practised de Thou to draw him into the Plot or whether de Thou was contented enough to be wrought upon doth not appear However both were upon a Scaffold beheaded with great compassion of the Standers by and lamentation of all the Country De Thou bore his condition not stoutly but with a Christian sense was long and earnest at his prayers which now might receive no comfortable return No Criminal hath been known to suffer with more pity of the Beholders D'Effiat received his Fate resolutely in the prime of his Youth by his own vertues and others vices running headlong upon Fame The King was then onward in his Journey on the way to Paris Richlieu that was ever satisfied with punishment never with repentance ordered the execution and almost looked on to see it done and as if he took content to hear their dying groans was loth to depart from Lyons certified the King by Letter that Perpignan was taken and his Enemies cut off Which was an unhandsom expression Reason indeed there is to blame for ingratitude and indiscretion D'Effiat especially who might easily have compassed by time only what he attempted with over-hastiness and by ill practices against the Laws both of God and man The two poor men are worthily condemned for being Traitors but the principal cause of their death was because they could not brook with a slavish tameness to avow the fatal baseness of their Country The one was Son to a Mareshal of France The other received a great addition to his splendor from James Augustus Thuanus our most eminent Historian of an Illustrious Family among those of the long Robe prime President of the Parliament of Paris a person renowned of great vertue and by his ancient Linage allied to many honourable Houses of France Richlieu either haunted or stung in conscience at the remembrance of so many Executions never free from discontent gives out that the tenderness to his Country imported him beyond all private affections And now more like a Sceleton than his Eminence being carried upon the shoulders of men hath houses broken down to make him room to come in at so much French blood lost at home so much shed in the field disquiets and dejects his spirit now imprisoned in a languishing body I have but one request to make the Readers of this Story that they would not suffer so many Noble men executed to pass off in oblivion as though they stole out from the Stage of the World Let Persons of Honour challenge this Priviledge that as they are distinguished from the Vulgar by their Funerals so they may receive a peculiar memorial in recording their fall I mean the Vendosmes the Ornani the Marillaes the Montmorancies upon whom I judge it best not to dilate the Cramaillaes the Bassompeirres the Vistries the Chastelneufs with innumerable others basely imprisoned At length this scarcely breathing Corps nothing benefited by the Waters of Borbogne is brought to Paris carrying about it the incentive of its own pain in a spirit more exulcerated than the body Many marks of exasperation formerly smothered then burst out Distrust of the King a desire to remove such as were not Confidents imposing upon his Masters ear by Chavigny growing daily fierce through an habitual and implanted arrogancy whilst Lewis suspected Armand Armand did no less suspect Lewis A matter of Scandal In the mean time Richlien's distemper grew upon him Many discoursed of the benefits of Liberty The greatest number past their censure who were likely to succeed in favour all called for Peace cryed out against Wars which had been commenced against the House of Austria not so much out of desire to enlarge the Empire or upon any considerable expectation as for the establishing the power of Richlieu Some few days before his last His Majesty came to Town to visit the sick Cardinal Many tears past on both sides and tokens of affection The King thought it his best course to lay aside his displeasure and not to grate the memory of a dying man with any disgustful words Therefore during the whole time of his sickness he visited him by Messengers oftner than Kings are wont and sent to him his principal Physitians were it out of care or to observe his condition The last day frequent intelligence was brought of his declining No body imagining he would be so curious to enquire what he should be sorry to hear yet His Majesty put on his Countenance an appearance of sadness when he was sure that his grudge was satisfied and conceiving he might now be safely kind constrained himself to let fall a tear and forced groans from a joyful breast Armand du Plessis Richlieu was born at Paris of a noble and untainted Extraction his Father was Francis du Plessis his Mother Susanne du Port he had a fair Estate which he wasted First an Abbot afterwards Bishop No excellent Preacher having fed upon the Chimaera's of the Sorbon unacquainted with the more polite Learning while the Marques d'Ancres was in favour Secretary to the Queen Mother Then confin'd to Avignon Recalled from thence by her means was made prime Minister of State Shortly after the poor Lady found her favours over-hastily heaped upon him for she being by his means chased out of the Kingdom an Exile having wandered thorow Holland and England without any certain abode at length in Cologne broken with afflictious changed an unhappy life for a desirable death But this by the way To return to Richlieu whole shape if Posterity shall be so curious as to enquire was comely and tall nor wanted he gravity tempered with a graceful aspect He lived 57 years was in favour 18. Having passed a middle age in respect of glory and eternal fame may be judged to have run the longest period of life For he had obtained whatever could be wished for What could Fortune heap upon one so succcssful and accomplished What was more blessed than for him continuing in Honour flourishing in Fame to secure future Events seeing that nothing in Nature is so fickle as Power that depends upon anothers pleasure After the decease of Richlieu the Cabinet-Counsel to the King were Cardinal Julius Mazarine a Roman by birth Leo Bouthillier Chavigny and Soublet Noyer both Secretaries of State This Triumvirate did not agree Some courting by
Walks paved with bright Diamonds and bordered with the Green of Emraulds From the barren Land comes no Vintage but without bearing increase it blesses the Vine-dresser and never fails his hope being content with being gleaned by the eye only There was at this time a Staple so that many of our Merchants went over to Agra and came back in a blessed condition There were also Operas for Comical Scenes splendidly built and Actors fetched from all parts Nothing was happier than Paris at that time It triumphed abroad fearing nothing at home Nomischiefs of Factions no cruelty of Plots the serenity of the Court being clouded by no discontent The Queen-Mother not yet exercised by the Fates through their clemency found by experience that nothing was more delightful than her Government Mazarines Justice appeared in determining of Causes and his singular affability towards those who brought their Complaints and Requests to him Every hour he admitted to Audience without any surly Introducer would never interrupt any one in his Speech till the modesty of the Suitor warned him to be silent His glory was yet unspotted with any slander He healed whatever was wounded not rip'd up nor would examine strictly every trivial matter that he might be thought to have found and not made us good Money flew about him plentifully in the City for Julius was not yet given out to think of the hoarding up of it who though he were naturally tenacious acquired a reputation of bounty by a niggardly way of giving He had not as yet avowedly abandoned himself to a desire after Wealth He seemed to possess not to be possessed As malice and envy afterwards spoke falsely of the man Publick Charges Ecclesiastical and Secular Dignities not dismembred not with a large portion of them intercepted were the rewards of only vertue The faith of the Courtiers was not yet engaged by Bribes Who would think of such a sudden that all should change and this Summer-calm turn into storms more grievous than Winter-tempests First of all the Tribe of the Scholars to whom yet he had founded and dedicated his Library jear and defame Mazarine in divers Pamphlets but such as are not long-lived as most pieces of the French This hath been observed that almost nothing hath proceeded from the Wits of that Nation which promises immortality whereas in other things France is one of the most famous Countries of the whole World and fruitful in so many Commodities it is barren in this only Spirits naturally inclined to Drollery and Jest a faculty of talking extempore with some appearance perhaps of raillery They haunt great mens Tables wander about their Academies trick and trim their native tongue without end and boast of having refined their Language they trot about this way and that way to make Visits do not delight in secret solitude which is the only ferment of studies They contend in most barbarous Emulations whereupon ariseth unhandsom detraction and ridiculous saucines They are the very Ophiogenes and Psilli that 〈◊〉 out only the poyson of Books The Women following Scholars in tongue would use detraction upon their Couches and in their Circles they would curiously unravel the Government watch the words and actions of Mazarine study his Nature and more and more question the mans Honesty Some of them prostitute themselves to search our some State-secret infect their Husbands unawares with the malignancy These were the means that gave birth these that gave growth to the distempeâ— spreading through the Provinces for after our Example the Kingdom is fashioned At that time four not ill-humor'd but such as did more hurt by their life than good by their Wit set all France in a Combustion The far extended ugliness of the scandal should have been redressed by severity and had they been duely punished they would have brought as much credit to the State as by their ill government they wrought shame They afterwards when their designs failed as is usual precondemning themselves turned Nuns by a false dissembling of Religion and a gross superstition the door being shut to their vices grown out of season when rotten old age condemned by the Looking-glass by its own peremptory sentence doth dread it self It is a high task not to fight with but flye from sin nor to moderate but mortifie lusts The Parliament not of Paris only but of Rouen Bourdeaux and Britanny with others even murmured The people watching for Changes and Troubles follow their Examples as is common Openly that Mazarine must be removed by whom the work of Peace was obstructed that the subtle man loved War that so he might conceal his Robberies The Princes under-hand abetted him yet did the like by their Creatures and Emissaries nay even gave out that they would not have Mazarine removed but awed that so they might fish from him kept in fear what they listed that they could not have a more able Minister they must take heed lest banishing away the Italian they should come into the hands of some bold French-man who would restrain their unreasonable Suits which were infinite Mazarine took no notice of all this and by a prudent moderation withstood the storm Scattered all about embers covered with ashes upon which they like blind men and not well versed in Politicks walked as the issue proved I do not think that ever any Insurrection supported by so great preparation and strength did ever so vanish away â—n smoak nor a Faction discussed with such dexerity So many Nobles so many Princes the Parliaments of the whole Kingdom all the Capital Cities a great part of the Armies all not able to â—on-plus a Stranger Either must that man have â—xcelled in the Art of Government or sloth and Cowarâ—ise have reigned in these There were not wanting that took encouragement to enter upon these troubles from the English who prospered although they had revolted from their King Charles I. King of England ruled over three Kingdoms with the affections of his Subjects Not being contented with this happy state of Affairs he would innovate some things in Worship that so Calvinism which is sapless and slovenly might look fine in a handsom dress trimmed up with the Ceremonies Scotland first opposes the new Liturgy which the Parliament of England affirmed was bending towards the Catholick Religion Popery they call it the same way also did the Scotch Parliament lean These were the first beginnings of the Trouble Nothing is more certain then that neither the King nor Archbishop of Canterbury Primate of England had any inclination towards the turning Catholicks but leaving the Doctrine unaltered would have put a Pale of Reverence about the Church of England There had been thoughts perhaps about retaining the solemn Sacrifice as we call it retrenching the multitude of Masses which through the unpreparedness of the people and impurity of the Priests bring Scandal to Religion especially of barring it out of private Houses since it is clearly observed the oftner there is Massing in private the
more hard and hasty the Master of the House grows and the whole Family the worse This hath been the sâ—nse of James and before him famous men have haâ— the same thoughts Erasmus Cassander Melancthonâ— and the latest de Dominis Archbishop of Spalattoâ— It hath always been dangerous to touch holy thingâ—â— as those who in the Old Testament are punished for a rash touch For what matter is it how the profession of Religion stand so that people by it worship God the giver of all good and be obedient to the Supreme Powers But lest I should against my resolution insensibly winde my self into a Whirl-pool my Boat shall coast along the shore leaving that best King of England as the following Book declares among the Essexes Fairfaxes and at length Cromwells brought to extremities impeached not only to have innovated in the Worship but under that pretence to have altered the established Form of Government that he might get no less absolute Authority than the King of France concerning whom what is his Power were a crime to question He only reigns truly What a malignant Star did then in all places influence Kingdoms You see at the same time the Fates of France you see of England Naples Catalaunia and Portugal which having broken its Allegiance hitherto kept to the Philips by instinct in a heat chose for their King the Duke of Braganza throwing off the Castillians How was it but by Fate that Philip. II. came into that Kingdom which seemed so established in multitude of Successors that there was no room nor crevise even for the most presumptuous hope Mark Emmanuel King of Portugal had married three Wives Thee first Isabella the eldest of the Daughters of Ferdinand and Isabella King and Queen of Spain His Issue by her Michael who if he had lived had been the undoubted Heir of Spain in the whole extent of his Empire he dyed a Child and his Mother in Child-bed Therefore he then took to Wife another Mary the third Daughter of Ferdinando and Isabella For Joan who was the second was given to Philip of Austria of which Match are the present Kings of Spain Of her Emmanued begets in truth a numerous Issue six Sons two Daughters Lastly of a third Match also which he contracted with Leonora Daughter of Philip of Austria and Joan he had two Children a Son and a Daughter This House was grounded upon so many Props Nonâ— to come to their Children what a Train twenty two were before Philip and the Succession and hindered the accrewment of this adventitious Estate And yet see whether the Fates invites us He came and succeeded in right of Isabella his Mother the Wife of Charles the V. which was the elder of Emmanuels Daughters passing by Catharine Daughter of Edward Duke of Guimarance who was the sixth Son of the same Emmanuel and Wife of John Duke of Braganza Bâ— the same Fates tacking about it is returned to the right Lords the Dukes of Braganza I know not by what secret cause besides the manifest these thingâ— thus fall out that whereas in other Arts men grow perfect by practice in this of Government it proves ordinarily quite contrary and Princes swerve rarely hold out in a straight path to the Goal From the Compliances of all they gather scornfulness Even that mighty weight of Empire may for some timâ—â— hardly always be sustained with an upright neck Men tire and bend where there is no other thing to restrain but the regard of a good Name and naked Vertue and especially Religion To this Corrupters 〈◊〉 contribute an evil connatural with Courts and such as commending ill actions give a biass that way 〈◊〉 turn Power into Licentiousness But there is some occasion too given by Subjects who are refractory and perverse and unthankeful towards the best Princes resent that with trouble and disdain and so by degrees take off their affections the more if there be Sedition or Rebellion or Plottings Then they think they have just title to oppress and afflict All smart for the guilt of the major part Blessed we who after so many provocations of severity have not seen the Sword drawn but against the Enemy For this reason the Publick Felicity seems to have singled out Mazarine to bring him to this Government who hath so principled the young King For how great mildness have we found in his life time how great do we enjoy since his death from the best and most just of Kings But neither did favours nor clemency work upon men to alter their minds The storm every day more furiously discharged upon Mazarine The Grandees rejoyced provided to be still craving who accounted former concessions not a stop but a step to farther Petitions A man of great importance and then admitted with favour to the Cardinals ear advised him to fortifie his Interest with potent Friendships and Alliances that he was therefore undervalued because he had not sure footing in France that he seemed as though he had thoughts of returning into his Country when he had made his Fortunes that these and the like words were given abroad that great sums of money were transmitted to Rome he had there bought and furnished a House forgetting our Estate had Banks of money out at use in Venice and Genoua Mazarine hearkened to the Counsel as appeared beneficial as the issue proved afflictive Therefore first of all he thought of matching his Nephew Mancini with the only Daughter of the Count d'Ales the Cousin Germain of Conde How much spirit did he think was in Conde whose Alliance he esteemed the remedy of his Troubles In truth Conde stood in Condes own light or else he might have carried all in France before him I am assured that it was the top of Mazarines ambition to have been serviceable to him as his Master The Princes mind in this particular mistaken refused the offer being able to acquire as he thought of himself more glory than if he should seem to depend on an odious Minister Not in this point only but every where else he forfeited great opportunities and equalled not his vast Successes with any prudence Conde seemed to slight such a Match which Mazarine made use of me to sue for Longueville being certified of the whole business as he was greedy to find occasions voluntarily interposes himself promising his effectual assistance not without a reward For he that needed nothing but quiet thought it a disparagement in troublesom times to get nothing and when a fire was kindled not to warm his own fingers And being seriously advised that in a bad Age he would dare to be good could never be brought to put off that humor of trassicking Whereas no sort dispositon stands upon so unsteady ground looking over with a readiness to precipitate into folly and vanity but it may easily be managed by the rein of prudence to return into the straight path only our Princes incapable of any but suborned advice draw against it Therefore did Longueville
some that four or five of the prime Ring-leaders of the Faction should be executed and when they were taken off that the rest would fall in pieces Mazarine opposed affirming that the common people would contend more earnestly for avenging them when they were dead than to advance their Honour whilst they were alive Here they declare in a great Train that would take the Parliaments part First Elbaeuf slips from the Court and relying on his three Children offers the Parliament his Service not without good hopes as he gave out to draw the Duke of Orleans into his party which device soon after came to nothing Bouillon laying off his Mask with a voice pretending to truth swears to be at the Parliaments devotion presents his Wife and Children as Hostages to be sureties for that word which was never certain So much could Madame de Longueville prevail that she brought over to the Party her Brother Conti her Husband with Rochefoucault and Mermont though to her great danger The people triumphed in mirth for the coming of so many Grandees The Duke of Longueville was fretted at the Honour so hastily done d'Elboeuf in the Parliament and at that very moment thought of his Government of Normandy whither he retired shortly after having made many fair offers of services only with a design of getting somewhat from the King and left off to stickle for the Faction which he never followed with any earnestness None was more easily drawn to take up a Party none did with less regret lay it down again Beaufort who had escaped being imprisoned by keeping secret rides into the Town on Horseback with so great applause that the common People run along by his side as once they flocked after the Duke of Guise Mareschal de la Motte either through the instigation of the Duke of Longueville to whom he was much obliged or through the memory of his Imprisonment at Lyons joyned with the Faction The Archbishop of Corinth was more powerful than any of them in Dependents Authority and Eloquence His desigâ— was to render himself terrible to them Elboeufs to rake money Bouillons to be bought off to the Court-party at a high rate Longuevilles to screâ— out somewhat though never so small Contys nothing but to comply with his Sister Rochefoucaâ—â— gaped after his own profit without having beeâ— any ways disobliged The Dutchess of Longueville followed that inclination which is the most sweet in Nature her modesty always survived her affections though Fame was not afraid to be lye her which she afterwards enjoyed unstained to the increasing Honour of her Posterity Thus past on a few days Some in the nature of Commissionerâ— came from the one and the other side forward and backward to treat of an Accommodation Again troublesom Contests were renewed some were of advice that the War should be soon dispatched others that the Rebels should be consumed with 〈◊〉 longer harassing In the City came out divers Libels against Mazarine In the Court men did not confute those reproaches with words but blows The face of preparations on both sides were unequalled matched Here were a throng hudled together and new-raised Forces All full of confusion mens looks either fearing or designing some barbarous attempt Despair hurried them into resolutions of horrour whilst they reflected upon the obscurity of their Souldiery Far other was the appearance of the Royal Camp Majesty the Cause so many Princes so many Dukes Commanders with more warrantable Commissions gained reverence Great hopes in Conde as one renowned for Martial experience and not inferiour in Wit being come to maturity in prudence for counsel did advance the reputation of the Royal Party by the Excellency of his Name Intent upon every imployment even the meanest laid claim to nothing of his high Birth but his Spirit hazarding his person for the publick safety The Mutineers thought they could carry all with more ease if he were taken off or withdrawn His Sister the Dutchess of Longueville within the Town was as active and couragious as her Brother in the opposite part She renders herself in the Parliament House and her Boy born in the troubles newly dropt into the world as pledges of her faithfulness Presently restoring a countenance to the party which her pangs whilst she was in labour had swallowed up The Officers and common Souldiers stood promiscuously about the bed where she lay in She so artificially dispenses her smiles and glances that no one in that great confluence might think himself neglected or disregarded Their spirits broken with the publick Confusions yet did not desist from a stubborn defence In the mean time the Bastille is taken by the Faction upon Surrender De Trambley the Governour being not sorely pressed is supposed to have fought as one that was not desirous of Victory Nothing did so much exasperate their spirits as the lamentable face of the Country about Paris depopulated by the insolency of the Souldiers No place in the world surpasseth it for quality A sweet Air no poysonous Vermine abundance of Springs Rivers and Brooks do refresh and environ it The Dog-days do not scorch it with drought nor the Winter nip it with frost but the juâ—â— ground doth enrich the Husband-man with a plentiful crop It is a great relief to the Inhabiters of that fortunate Isle that wherever the Palaces and Halls leave any space there are most rich pastures well stocked and wooded This Country thus fairly planted the rude Souldier of a sudden laid wast to such a pass did discord bring the poor Citizens When will the common People grow wiser and detest all counsels of disloyalty In the mean time Normandy was of no small moment to the War with its Governor Longueville who although he did ill agree with the ocher Leaders of the Faction yet had at that time no small interest in Rouen and all over that Country Harcourt comes there to take possession of it by the Kings order one of a hasty resolution and elevated with his sudden Commission with his old Troops engaged the raw and forward Bands of Longueville without success so much were all incensed against Mazarine Part of the Parliament of Rouen went to Vernon upon the Seyne part tarried without regard at S. Germans waiting for the Kings Orders the remainder dispersing not knowing where to render themselves waited to see the issue of Affairs The Coast of Normandy doth for the generality lie upon the Ocean There is great abundance of pastures and fruit and so rich a soil 〈◊〉 that it satisfies both its Natives and Neighbours and much more would it satisfie them unless they were immoderate in eating and such were the condition of the Clime as did require much meat A flatulent people is conceited of it self as if it fed the Imperial City and had the famine or plenty of Paris in its power when as it pays indeed tribute rather than maintenance and doth not so properly keep as drudge for the victorious people The
difficultties knowing that he had not abilities to go through with him Wise men have admired by what conduct he could so long dwell in so fickle and changeable a favour At length the Womens insinuations against him defeated all his diligence at last his affection to Conde overthrew him if that may be called a ruine which is a glorious harbour of rest and honour The Queen being certified of Madame Longuevilles intentions who was resolved not to stir from Diepe but there to prepare for a stout defence having hired Souldiers to that purpose with money by all means raised concludes to go into Normandy which lay open for her Entrance With sufficient Forces to restrain the attempts of Madame Longueville The whole Court comes to Rouen through a Country obnoxious and submissive dissembling a friendliness and prone to take whatsoever side where security and profit is offered Every ones interest in that Quarter is the sad bane of true affection Amongst so many friends of Longueville purchased at so dear a rate and with such artifice not one stirred The Parliament of Rouen freely renders to his Majesties pleasure So great is the peoples policy that all rejoyced at the fall of Longueville who had never wronged any one In the mean while his Wife endeavours not with female lamentations but with all her power by prudence counsel and language to put Montigny the Governor and the Diepois into a posture of stout defence The people refuse and affrighted by the Kings approach who was now drawing nigh in Person and by the awful Presence of Majesty conclude upon a Surrender Montigny himself talked of nothing but obedience as he said due to the King Commissioners are sent to treat on the way and offer their Allegiance declaring that they owned no friend against whom his Majesties Trumpets should be blown Plesse Belliere is made Governor of Diepe Montigny now laying down his Commission The Dutchess of Longueville thus abandoned shifts for her self and flyes making her escape secretly riding on a pitiful Jade through by-ways without either hope or help As she rid along by the Sea-side she lights upon some Vessel accidentally on which she embarques with some hazard Having been likely to be drowned and hardly saved at length she ventures to Sea and after the being tossed by Fates and Billows arrives at Rotterdam in Holland distressed with the want of all neâ—â—cearies at a hard season of the year and tempestuous Sea Her body brought up tenderly could hold out all this From hence dated comes from her a long Epistle to the Queen That she was through infinite dangers arrived at Holland having been obliged to venture her life on the waves for avoiding the cruelty of Mazarine who sought her ruine at Paris and now newly in Normandy breathing out the destruction of the Condes House She beseeches her Majesty to pity her condition and sinking Family that if there be any room for Petition she would be intreated to conceive a good opinion of her and not suffer her self any longer to be inchanted by the delusions of the Cardinal In such like terms did this afflicted Princess now come to Harbour disburden her oppressed mind as is the custom of grief But finding no opportunity of advancing her Cause in Holland she pawned her Jewels and having raised a sum of money went up the Maze towards Stenay Whither when she was come she advised about making a League with the Spaniard Before the King left Normandy he changed every thing after his pleasure The awe of him ranged all under obedience The Governors of Castles that had been Longuevilles Creatures were turned out Castles are no such strong Bars as the Nobles of France take them to be They are firm against a little commotion but flye asunder at a great Choque In the Borders against us are not contemptible but in the Inland Countries of no use Harcourt is made Governor of the whole Province Richlieu presently after the Contract of Marriage had shrouded himself and his Lady in the Castle of Havre de Grace obliging the Garrison to stand by him The King summons him to Rouen and when he sought demurs Mazarine not forgeting Armandus his tricks finds out an Expedient to gratifie the Youth and advises him to send his Lady that should serve in her Husbands stead She comes The late commenced Marriage is approved and the Honour of Dutchess conferred on the Bride The Castle of Havre de Grace is committed to S. Amor the Lieutenant of Esguillon which wisely now as on the like occasions complyed with the times During this S. Agnan doth good service at Bourges He storms the Castle that Palledium of the City whose strength lay not in the Works but venerable Antiquity and reduces all to the Kings obedience The like succeeds in Burgundy where Vendosme had an easie and prone Expedition The Castles and Cities newly at the Princes devotion readily surrender By this it plainly appeared that our Noble men take a very ill course when they are so importunate to extort places fortified which have no strength but with his Majesties pleasure This practice so often condemned is always retained By this means their Creatures are preserved from starving after that by a miserable servitude they have purchased themselves such Nests from whence they may afterwards tyrannize as far as their power extends over his Majesties Subjects Clermont about the Borders of Lorraine which was under the Command of Conde is invaded by Seneterre Danvillers is by a wile wrought over through Becharels means to render to the Kings Forces That Garrison too had been brought by Conde through his Sicters artifices to take part with Roehefoucault Whose Brother put into that Government never changing the Garrison but relying on Souldiers that he had no proof of was shamefully deluded Bouillon Thurenne Rochefoucault and the rest summoned to the Court do not come in And are thereupon declared guilty of High Treason by the usual way of Process with us At the same time Beaufort Corinth Broussel Charton and the rest are in Parliament acquitted of the charge and suspicion of the Attempt against Conde So great was the power of the Slingers that they brought the Queen to comply with all their Interests The very principal of their Designs was to make strong applications that Seguier might be removed and Chastelneuf being weary of his long confinement might be restored to the keeping of the Great Seal He had been Vice-chancellor fifteen years before afterwards for fourteen years imprisoned at Engoulesmes by Richlien in a disconsolate condition upon some slight and frivolous pretence At the beginning of the Spring his Majesty attended by his Nobility marches into Burgundy where he is received with so great applause as was never to this day known in the memory of man What else is practised especially in this part of France but that Princes and Grandees should relye upon their Dependencies and be deserted by them in time of need as on the contrary
out of Town over Orleans and the Faction When he committed the Princes when he released them not voluntarily but by compulsion when he trusted Chevrense iâ— returning into the Town and afterwards in departing the Kingdom and at last when he procured Corinth the promotion of a Hat that Judgment of his so often steady was dazled All these Particulars on which he reflected too late he is judged to have done in compliance with the Queen and against his own sense Charlotte Monmorancy the Mother of Conde aâ— this Juncture of time desceased it is uncertain whether of grief or her natural death Her Fame waâ— divided between favour and envy For some time careful of her conversation always curious of heâ— Beauty No habit of patience although her condition were not unexercised with frequent calamities She indulged the vainest Deity more than any Woman amidst very few moments of discretion yet she always bore a resemblance of wisdom But I have spoken more elsewhere concerning this Princess Clode Memmius Avozzi dyed much about the same time scarcely above fifty five years old having comprised in that narrow period of time so great a stock of vertues as scarce any Gown-man in France From his first entrance into publick Imployment he directed his chief actions to the obtaining Fame which by the rareness of his parts he soon obtained to favour him and then by an inofensive tenour of an upright conversation together with excellent services he brought to an high eminency being renowned for his most celebrated Embassies over Italy Germany and the farthest of the West the Danes the Poles the Goths and Vandals in which at his pleasure he brought into League those people of warlike Natures At last in the Treaties of Munster and Osnabruge he did such service for establishing Peace with his industry acuteness and policy that he indeed was not in fault but that a glorious conclusion had been made of that infinite Work Expecting of the Kings promise the Order of Knighthood which is the principal of the Kingdom he was in the mean while invested in the Charge of High Treasurer which in an exemplar Bravery and Gallantry he voluntarily laid down with clean hands invincible by covetousness and stubbornly upright Inquisitive posterity will diligently search of what lineage this lively Picture of Honour sprang I say of the Mammian whicâ—â—â— when one or two golden branches are plucked of doth eternally sprout forth with the same metal being an ever flourishing stock of vertues and daily illustrating its ancient and unquestionable Nobility with the lustre of excellent qualities Now I come to the foreign Actions which proceeded to the ruine of France in Italy the Walâ— Country and especially Catalaunia for there Mâ—â—â—ara took from us Flix it is upon the River Iber a Fort of great importance and Tortugia a Sea-poâ—â— Town Miravet and Fausset and other places He was General of the Spanish Army which exceeded not 5000 Horse and Foot but so weak were the Forces of France at that time and so great the scarcity of all things that Mercoeur the Vice-roy being reduced to extremities was forced to go back and leave the Government and Charge of the War to Sanmegrin seconded by Balthazar as well as he could For all these misfortunes were we beholden to the Sling of Paris which mark of infamy no traâ—â— of time will wear out In so great a calamity of the State our Souldiery over all the Quarter of Catalannia was without heart without discipline and without money The Garrison-Souldiers after the manner of France plundered and laid waste the neighbouring Territory and when they had pillaged all would tear from them as it were their very hearts blood Hereupon grew despair which gives courage to the greatest Coward Joseph Margareta assisted every where with his counsel and vigilant care he evaded a thousand Plots laid for him by the Spaniards But what could he do in so deplorable and lost a State No Country-man of ours paid a more untainted Loyalty to France than this Margaret whom we afterwards saw a banished man to draw a foreign air and feed on the bread of affliction bearing an immortal hatred to the Spaniards either slighting or despairing of pardon In Picardy the Spaniard invaded nothing but weak places and such as lay naked to the first comer for the only reputation of the Mareschal d'Estres preserved Laon and Soissons unattempted by the Enemies strength Fuensaldaigne stopped a while at Bryenne driving the Cattel for what other action did he perform Praslin defended Rheims in Champagne No damage was done to the neighbourhood besides the depopulating of houses excepting the misadventure Hoquincourt only a person more suited for beating up others than guarding his own Quarters But those occurrents are more notorious than to stand in need of my relation The report spreading of the prosperous successes in Guyâ—nne Leopoldus with part of the Cavalry speedily marches back to Brussels lest he might be judged to have made a less handsome Retreat just upon the Kings approach in Person In the mean while Joyeux Granpre Governor of Mozome upon the Masze between Stenay and Sedan with greater courage than judgment embracing Condes party eagerly as he doth every thing was deceived in this that he aided the Princes cause with his bare person only Mozome continuing yet at the devotion of the King and breaking their word to their Governor He huffed and being heady at action and sudden consels nor well digesting the boldness of the Garrison strives to avenge it and incites Fuensaldaigne with Gamarrâ— to the Siege of Mazome which when it was reduced nevertheless he could not get the Government from the cautious Spaniard Hereupon growing melancholy and not duely respected by Conde after his enlargement recovered his Majesties favour and his Government Mozome by the mediation of Fabert Afterwards having given many proofs of his valour he made it appear what Martial Discipline Grandprey had in an Engagement in the open field upon a March in Sallies and at all occasions as though Fortune had no power to destroy him he was daring beyond valour and successful as may be instanced in the single fight of Sillery against the Condeans After the carrying of Mozome Thurenne carried his torn Army into Winter-quarters between the Mazze and the Ausne Fuensaldaigne departs it had been more advisable to quarter together having made no expedition into France that might bear weight or turn the scale of affairs for what is more pitiful than with a pompous Preparation to have triumphed over a few plundered Peasants over Chastelet Rhetel and Mozome How great trembling the Spaniard had caused at their Entrance so great joy left they at their Departure having left Thurenne and Gamarra who shortly after paid soundly for their unhapply staying behind Nor did that vain Bravado either enlarge the Princes or encourage the dissaffected party or advantage the Sling but only served for an empty Scene of Action with a small disaster to
Banishment somewhat more provident for the World Having therefore received some supply of money by faithful Courâ—iers after a few days spent in Havre de Grace for â—etting his mind and busines in order he departed and guarded by 100 Horse went to Dorlans whither the Queen had dispatched Beringham with Râ—vigny to command him in her Name with all possible speed to quit the Kingdom of France for all things were running to ruine Amidst so many misfortunes nothing more afflicted him than thâ— he should be an occasion of the Queens trouble With some reluctancy he entred upon the Journey but afterwards resolutely executing his intention exceeded in his future courage the former caâ— ages compared together so that he might be judged rather happily to withdraw than flye out 〈◊〉 the Kingdom He designed for Alsatia or the Elector of Colognes Country and taking in his way Peronne la Fere Rhetel lately reduced by his Arâ—â— and Barleduke stayed at Clermont where he was honourably entertained by Seneterre not regarding the Parliaments Orders There being certified 〈◊〉 the favourable affctions of the Archbishop of Coâ—logne towards him he preferred such a Retreat before Alsatia and therefore bent his course towardâ— Sedan where Fabert Hoquincourt Navaille Mâ— dejus and Broglie offer him their service couragiously and faithfully if he would stay in France anâ— by force of Arms resist the Faction nor suffer himself to be born down by the stream of mad men 〈◊〉 supposing it is questionable whether not discreetly that the present case needed not such Helpers returned them thanks and promised he should 〈◊〉 forget their courteous proffer There is nothing sweeter in this world than the shewing kindness iâ— adversity He chose rather to be safely miserablâ— than to endanger the Kingdom already afflicted And because he could not come at Cologne but 〈◊〉 must pass through the Spanish Territory having obtained leave of her Catholick Majesty as was â—greeable to Reason and Honour and received Passes from Leopoldus and Fuensaldagne he goes straight through Aix la Chappelle where he light upon Fabio Cighi the Popes Nuncio in Conference with whom the matter of the Peace among other things fell into Discourse but their Judgments differed whereupon afterwards grew a disgust between them upon I know not what Piqne Don Antonio Pementelli the Governor of Newport was â—ent with a Troop of Croats to wait upon the Cardinal All offers were made by the Spaniards to have shaken his faith had they not encountred a man of Constancy Pementelli too threw in occasional mention about the Peace as being by Fate designed an Instrument for so holy a Work and perhaps the motion had taken effect had not Sillery sent from Conde to Brussels broken off the beginnings of the Conference newly put upon the Loom Hereupon the Spaniards promised themselves mighty advantages from Conde and believed France drawing towards its last gasps Therefore was the Treaty broken off lest any umbrage should be given by it to Conde whom they had fast to them already and were resolved to bind in stronger links that is to make a purchase of our losses as the Castillions are still wont to do always with unlucky success Mazarine wearied with travel and cares comes in safety to Brouell the Palace of the Elector of Cologne The Elector with the Principal of the Clergy visit their new Guest beseeching him to make free use of any part of their Territory as he pleased Magnifience and Courtesie are the eternal Badges of the House of Bavaria Mazarine hath proof of both with his Family Kindred and all the Planks of his Shipwrack Equal to that of the Refugies was the joy of their Receivers at they coming of such Persons which increased with the continuance when at the saluting of men almost of the meaner sort he would add some notes of familiarity And as much as the crowd of persons flocking about him would permit trusted his person to all of them Nones Age nor weakness nor Sex stayed any from silling their eyes with gazing on this strange sight For he was often at Church in his Cardinals Robe not laying off the Habit of his Dignity The Children would know him the Youthâ— point at him the Aged admire him Sick men too would creep out of their houses to gaze and leave him but a narrow path to pass along Let us now leave Brouell which no Posterity wâ— think of without kind reflexions and return 〈◊〉 Paris where a long Letter of Mazarine to the Queen and the Count de Brienne his Majesties Secretary was read over with an audible voice in the Privy Council That being over-born by the Conâ—â—racy and Envy of his Enemies in as much as his truth and innocency could find no place now be was chased away and in Banishment with his shipwracked Family he took the boldness to complain to the most 〈◊〉 of Queens that he foresaw no end of Fortunes outragâ— but had reason to expect every day more cruel usage For such Presidents never stay where they begun bâ— though they be let into a narrow cut make a wide Iâ—â—dation That he had been striped of all he had by 〈◊〉 implacable Rivals who had the wind now for â—â—em nay that their spleen was vented upon his Housold-stuff and what other Rarities he had ordered to 〈◊〉 brought from Rome for the Ornament of Paris â—hat he had gained nothing by so great labours for â—he service of many years but a Hat which he was â—illing and ready to return them again seeking no â—ther advantage than a Corner wherein to hide his â— sgrace but that no storm should be so violent as to â—nge his Loyalty although he were exposed to never apparent danger This powerful Letter brought me to relent but exasperated more who took â—ourage from their numbers Mazarine is voted a full House Guilty of high Treason the Disturâ—r of the publick Peace and Enemy of France for â—ving committed Piracy turning from a Minister to Picaroon and so interrupting the Commerce of foâ—reign Ships for having conveyed the French Treasure to his own Country of Italy for having been always 〈◊〉 evil Counsellor to the Queen and implanting his â—n ill Principles of Government into his Majesties â—ind masking his vices under dissimulation Cerâ—ainly nothing must be more depraved than his mind 〈◊〉 no higher rewards could be propounded to have â—racted him to vertue nor if he be corrupt is there â—t any Bar to call him to an Account before it â—ict Prohibitions are made that no French-man â—ould hold correspondence with him imposing a â—ere penalty on all that should presume to transâ—ss Broussel and Munier were chosen Commissiâ—â—ers to make strict enquiry into Mazarines Accounts and return them into the Exchequer there was this unhappy aggravation that Covetousness ministred an occasion to Cruelty But who would have thought that the Sacred Acts should mix with the Profane and Monitories as they call them be published through all Churches by which was enjoyned under threats
Servient to the States staggering Avozzi as he passed by according to his devoutness had dropt some intimations of advice at the Hague about tolerating the Catholick Profession That they should do this truly for their Kindreds sake they should do it for the memory of their Ancestors not to hate the Religion which they had approved more cruelly than the Tenents of the Anabaptists that are new and destructive to Government who are tolerated among the Hollanders while the Catholicks are excluded This puzzled them that are for Liberty of Conscience Servient was judged more fit for the Embassie and he discharged it worthily At the Hague he made an eloquent Speech as he had an excellent Understanding and Utterance At last saith he the Arts that your Ancestors feared are broke out And have you forgot the Courage of your Fathers who avoided the Embassies of Kings for Peace not as the Councils of Friends but as the Plots of Enemies If there be no deceit in the bottom why doth not Pinneranda deal above board That which is honest and fair needs no Arts to disguise it Softness in a warlike Nation is over-hasty It is suspicious to have Liberty offered by a King not conquered and to have it secured by the Confession of a Prince disclaimed Although ye do obtain it by force of Arms yet the receiving it of the Spaniard is the first way to slavery That Philip was never so self-denying as to throw away his just Government but doth allow the Dutch the short respit of a temporary Liberty That Kings gather strength by delay When the hatred is worn away and past injuries forgot that people return to their Allegiance In Peace the vices that accompany security are to be feared When your Arms are laid down you shall never be at Peace you have no ground to fear the sad misfortunes of being surprised So many fortified Towns so many Men of War such strength of Horse and Foot trained for the Field The Ocean drawn about you and the Valour of your most excellent General he pointed at Orange there present will defend you and what is more the joynt Arms of my Master who stands not in such need of you as to assist those that slight his Counsel This Advice comes to you from a Friend from your first Confederate from a provident King whose only Interest is your safety I do not engage you to eternize the War I cry after Peace but such a one whose Issue may be secure by the French Warranty and that there is need of joyning Councils to that effect It is strange with what heats the Proposition was debated in all the States Sometimes even Mazarine was not spared as though he had secret hopes of future advantages by the miseries of the suited Allies Some Emissaries came secretly from Panneranda to the Hague to set out all Secrets which was not unknown to Servient Wherefore saith he do there come Spies but to search if there be any evenue open for deceit and money to enter in at Servient whether by his Eloquence or his Reasons obtained this that neither Party without the consent of the other should capitulate with the Spaniard the common Enemy He returned to Munster after he had brought the Provinces to be of one mind which was to his credit Mazarine always suspected some false trick from the Hollanders nor did the issue deceive him the French grew more and more hateful whose Arms prevailed to the destruction of the Spaniards Debates hung undetermined at Munster All things proceeded slowly Before former Propositions were dispatched new Pretensions are set on foot nor could difficulties easily be solved the Commissioners of the lesser Princes murmured and did not conceal it that they would not be the Spectators of that Comedy whose whole Scene was laid at Paris and Madrid The Spaniards ordered their proceeding so dextrously that none did otherwise but impute a Cessation of Hostility to them and a desire of continuing the War to us and as the beginning of the Troubles was charged upon Richlieu so the obstruction of Peace was upon Mazarine who loved to tread safe and consequently slow From the very first he foresaw that Peace could not be had from the Spaniard without extorting it by force of Arms and therefore he must propagate both intestine and foreign Wars that so France becoming victorious in all Parts might prescribe Laws of Peace At Munster after divers Proposals without any effect at length this Project was broached as conclusive which by the Mediators was offered to our Commissioners That the King of Spain in favour to the most desired Peace doth quit to the King of France the County of Russillon the perpetual possession of the conquered Towns in Flanders and Franche Comte so that Portugal may be left to the Spanish Vengeance That the Duke of Lorraine be satisfied and what places in the Territories of the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua have been taken by both Kings may be respectively restored to their proper Lord. For â—her matters in Italy he promised to stand to the award of the Pope and Republick of Venice The controverted pretensions of the Emperour and the Dependencies on the Empire to be reserved to the Agreement of the Meeting at Osnabrug Thus far Penrâ—anda but with an intention of picking quarrels and only for a blind to deliver the Spaniards from the Odium of the War and to discharge it wholly upon the French by that means giving our Allies and Confederates an occasion to fall off from us Then there went abroad a Rumor that the Peace was concluded not at Munster only but in the Neighbourhood and thence into remote parts The Mediators come with joy to Longuevilles house One might have seen their faces shine with a sudden lightsomness Chighi in a manner prostrating himself before Longueville begs and intreats him That now matters were in a posture more promising than could have been hoped for he would content himself and that he with his Fellow-Commissioners would not insist too strictly upon Niceties then shewing him a Pen Take that and sign This Pen will bring you more Glory than that Sword of your great Grandfather of Downs wherewith he chased the English out of France and freed his Country from oppression Penneranda indeed had in a Vapour offered these specious but insidious Proposals The French answer that many things which they had already agreed upon were omitted as first of Braganza whether King or Usurper of Portugal that all mention should be waved Lorraine should be restored but not fully he that had so often violated his Covenant should for a penalty lose some part of his Dominion at least the towring Fortifications of Nancey be dismantled that so being disabled from twice doing mischief he might for the future learn to demean himself with more moderation that Duarte of Braganza should be enlarged which the French maintained had been already discussed but Peâ—neranda had omitted and formalized upon as though they