qualities in high esteem after his death And indeed he had so often and so generously employ'd those rare Endowments for the safety and honour of the Kingdom that his Vertue could never have been too highly commended could he have added the qualities of a good Subject to those other excellencies which rendred him one of the greatest men of his time A little before the Duke of Guise's death the King had dismist from Court the High Chancellor Chiverny and the â—ieures de Believre and de Villeroy Secretaries of State upon considerations that were then variously interpreted though the King would have the Duke of Espernon believe that the chief cause of Mounsieur de Villeroy's disgrace was the business of Angoulesme which his Majesty wholly laid to his charge and that the Duke might the better be confirm'd in this opinion the Sieur de Révol a particular creature of the Dukes one that was under him Comptroller of the Exchequer of Provence and that had no interest at Court saving his Protection was receiv'd into his Place His Majesty had no sooner absolutely determin'd the Duke of Guise's Ruine than that foreseeing the consequences so bloody an execution was likely to draw after it he dispatch'd away Colonel Alphonso Corso afterwards Mareschal d'Ornano to seize upon the Duke of Mayenâ—e at Lyons where he then resided which if it could have been in time effected his Majesty had in all apparence been secur'd from the greatest part of those mischiefs which this action afterwards produc'd but the Duke having receiv'd the news of his Brothers Deaths some hours before Alphonso's arrival was already in great diligence got to Horse and fled out at one Gate of the City as Ornano entred at another to surprize him and by that means first recovered Dijon and afterwards Paris without any impediment Where he was no sooner arriv'd than that laying aside that moderation he had euer manifested during his Brother's Life he declar'd himself Head of that Party he had ever till then to his great Reputation seem'd to condemn and drawing together all the Forces of the League that lay scatter'd up and down in several places he of them without stirring from Paris made a very considerable Army His Majesty easily judg'd that this storm would suddenly break upon him and fail'd not out of that foresight to call all his principal Servants about him which nevertheless made up but an inconsiderable Body and such as could no ways secure him from any attempt of the Enemy So that he was advis'd to send once more to the King of Navarre to intreat him to advance with his Troops to his succour which notwithstanding the King not being able to perswade himself to do his regard to Religion and the 〈◊〉 he bore to the Pope opposing that Council he only at that time sent Orders to the Duke of Espernon who had then a considerable Force on Foot to come over to him though afterwards and after many deliberations being also dispos'd to call in the King of Navarâ—e he sent to the Duke that before he put himself upon his march he should first go to this Prince to make the first overtures of this business to him The Sieur de Beaujeu was purposely dispatch'd to the Duke with these Orders which were no sooner receiv'd by him than he departed from Angoulesme to go to St Iean d' Angely where the King of Navarre then was and where having found him well dispos'd and very ready to do his Majesty the Service he desired of his Person and Faction he immediately made himself ready to go to the King who seeing his Enemies now ready to fall upon him had sent a new and instant Express to the Duke in all haste to come and joyn with him which express Order to satisfie with the greatest diligence he rather chose to leave the Negotiation he had already so successfully begun with the King of Navarre to the Dutchess of Angoulesme who soon after brought it to effect than one moment to defer his attendance on his Master in so critical a time and on so urgent an occasion All these great transactions hapned at Court after the Duke of Espernon had retir'd himself from thence into his Governments Neither was he in his retirement or in his choice of the place he retir'd unto either unactive in himself or in a Scene improper for his Majesties Service for he was no sooner disingag'd from the enterprize of Angoulesme but that he put himself immediately into a condition to awe many of his ill Neighbours in the adjoyning Provinces so as either to continue them in or to make them return unto their duty For which purpose having increas'd his Forces the first occasion he had to employ them was against those of the Religion who having beâ—ieg'd Periguex and upon the point to make themselves Masters of the place at the Duke's approach rais'd the Siege in great disorder and retir'd not without some considerable loss The Duke was after this preparing himself for greater enterprizes when Beaujeu brought him those foremention'd Orders from the King by whom having understood the great preparations the Duke of Mayenne made to come first to Blois and from thence to Touâ—s whither the King had then retir'd himself and knowing his Majesty almost naked of all defense and as it were expos'd to the violence of his Enemies he thought it necessary upon the instant to move with all his Forces that way and at the same time by a Gentleman to give his Majesty notice of his motion that he might receive his Majesties Commands upon the way By which Gentleman the King sent him presently word that the most important service he could then do him was to put himself into Blois For the Duke of Mayenne having resolv'd to make his first attempt upon that place either by the ruine of the Castle to revenge in part the death of his two Brothers who there last their lives or to make that City which by its vicinity to Tours was very proper to watch all advantages against the King his seat of War his Majesty conceiv'd there would be little security for him in Tours should his Enemy possess himself of that Post and had therefore bent all his care and endeavour to preserve it out of the power of the League His Majesty would have put the Mareschal de Biron into that place and afterwards he having excus'd himself the Mareschal d' Aumont but both the one and the other having refus'd the danger of defending and with unequal Forces a place that being in it self open on all sides was not well to be defended and that was to expect the first fury of the League to be bent against it his Majesty turn'd his thoughts towards the Duke of Espernon and knowing that the difficulty of the undertaking would be no little motive to make the Duke embrace it his Majesty sent him word that the Mareschals de Biron and d'
continued in a hopeful Heir But as this was the richest Present this young Princess could possibly make him so it was God knows the last she ten days only surviving the Birth who being deliver'd upon the fourteenth of April and dying the four and twentieth after left her noble Husband a Widower and all France her mourners The Duke receiv'd this sad news as he was upon his return from Medoc to which place the Wrack of the Carrick had oblig'd him to make a second Journey and where now that the season gave him leave to come nearer to the Sea we saw a most incredible thing which was the Relicks of this mighty Vessel several pieces whereof were to be seen for above a quarter of a League together along the shoar and in so great number that whoever had seen those floating Spoils would rather have judg'd them the ruines of some demolish'd City than the remains of one single Ship The Duke with much ado recover'd twelve great brass Pieces that were buried in the Sands which were also all that could be sav'd of an hundred and eight or ten that were aboard either the Carrick or the Gallions that Convoy'd her Upon his return from this short Journey the Duke receiv'd intelligence of the Death of the Dutchess de la Valette at which though his Affliction seem'd to be so great that nothing could be more it was nevertheless exceeded by that of the Husband who having staid behind at Bordeaux during this Journey into Medoc knew nothing of his misfortune till the return of the Duke his Father but then all the comfort they were capable of was their mutual Affliction wherein as a more just occasion of sorrow could not possibly arrive so could it not possibly be express'd with more or with more unfained tears Upon this sad occasion both the Father and the Son receiv'd many Complements of Consolation from the whole Court the King the Queens the Monsieur and Madame with all the other Princes and Princesses and almost all of any eminent condition at Court manifested their interest in this dire misfortune But they had scarce wip'd off the tears for this first disaster when it was succeeded by another of almost equal concern for I remember that the Gentleman sent by the Monsieur and Madame upon this consolatory Envoy was scarce departed from Bâ—rdeaux when they receiv'd the intelligence at once of the happy delivery of Madame and the deplorable accident of her death an occasion by which they were oblig'd to their great grief to make a quick return of the Monsiâ—ur's Complement and to recommence a new showr of tears even before the first storm was overblown In this variety of good and evil events but as it usually falls out in the course of humane life such as had more in them of evil than good the Duke saw himself necessitated to engage in a Dispute with the Cardinal and upon this occasion The rumour that had been spread abroad of the infinite Riches the shipwrack'd Carrick carried in her had allur'd the Cardinal to put in that title to the spoil which he pretended his Office of Superintendent of the Navies with which he had also confounded that of Admiral gave him to all the wracks that should happen upon the Coasts of France Wherein doubting nevertheless that the ordinary Officers he had establish'd at Bordeaux as in all other parts and Havens of the Kingdom would not be sufficient to justifie his Claim against the Duke of Espernon who was upon the place and whom he knew to be a man that would not easily be baffled out of his Right he caus'd a Commission to be directed to one Fortia a young Master of Requests that under the Authority of the Royal Name he might with greater facility obtain his own desires This business was at first debated with great civility and moderation and the Duke was very willing to satisfie the Commissioner of his Right and Title by shewing him Evidences of above three hundred years standing by which his Ancestors had ever been maintain'd in their Title to all the Wracks that hapned upon the Coast of Medoc exclusively not only to the Officers of the Admiralty but even to the King himself by whose predecessors it had been formerly demis'd in free gift to the Lords of Candale for ever After which he moreover deliver'd him Copies of those Evidences clearing to him by several Authentick Writings and Records his antient and lawful Right which he desir'd him to prefer to the Council together with his Reasons and the equity of his cause But this was not the thing was desir'd at Court and Fortia was blam'd for having taken cognisance of the Duke's Title and for having receiv'd Copies of his Deeds as if he had a mind to bring a business to the issue of a Suit and Tryal wherein they intended that Authority should stand for Law Fortia therefore having receiv'd this check would for the future endeavour by violence to repair what he had by moderation and respect to Equity overthrown and to that end began to talk to the Duke in other terms than he had us'd at first wherin meeting with a Spirit that was not to be frighted with the menaces of the Court the heat of their disputes grew at last to an open Quarrel betwixt them Whereupon the Commissary either unwilling or not daring to have any more to do with the Duke desir'd to be recall'd as he was and it is not to be doubted at his return to the Cardinal fail'd not to lay all the evil success of his own ill carriage at the Duke's door by whose ill offices the former discontents were not likely to be any thing qualified much less appeas'd The Duke had in the mean time dispatch'd away le Plessis to the King to beseech his Majesty that he would please to send to the Parliament of Paris to do him right in his lawful claim giving him moreover instructions to go to the Cardinal and in his name to conjure him to sue forth his Title by such of his own Council as he should himself think fit and that he for his part would willingly stand to their award but the Duke's case was too clear for the Cardinal to submit his to reference He had already seen his Title which was such as he knew nothing but the Sovereign Authority could supersede and that made him deaf to any thing of Arbitration He chose therefore rather to continue his pretense under the protection of the Royal Name and to that purpose procur'd Monsieur Servient another Master of Requests to be put into Commission to prosecute his Title in Fortia's stead a man that by his dexterity and handsome carriage prevail'd so far upon the Duke's inclination and esteem that he obtain'd that from him and in a very few days which the other had been constrain'd to give over as a hopeless thing and impossible to be effected The Duke
the Archbishop of Bordeaux was one of those who possess'd the Cardinal with this belief so that the Duke and he not having been as you may have observ'd very good friends before an Office like this could not but incense him anew and the more justly by how much his Honour was therein so highly concern'd He was impatient to think they should represent him for a man that would harbour violent Designs against the person of a Cardinal and a Priest which certainly was the thing that most contributed to the great Disputes that hapned betwixt them the ensuing year of which you will have a suddain accompt and such a one as will take up a great part of this last Volume The Duke who neither then nor of some time after knew any thing of the ill impressions the Cardinal had been possess'd withal continued to use him at the same rate he had begun his Guards attended him where-ever he mov'd he never went abroad but extraordinarily well accompanied and many Gentlemen of the Country who had come in to him upon the Queens arrival still continuing about his person The day that the Cardinal departed for Broüage the Duke thinking thereby to pay him a greater Civility and respect follow'd by his Guards and Friends conducted him to his Boat By which new Complement he so reviv'd his former Apprehension that some have since said the Cardinal had a mind to make the world believe he had avoided a very eminent danger by escaping out of the Duke of Espernon's hands The Duke could never perswade himself that the Cardinal could have any such apprehension he being a man of too great judgment not to see that had he had any design upon his person nothing could have hindred him from the execution of that design He had been without dispute the strongest in the Cardinal's Lodgings when he took the first alarm and during the whole time of his stay at Bordeaux the favour of the people being nothing inclin'd to him his Domesticks alone had not been able to have made any resistance against those of the Duke especially fortified as he was by such a number of his Friends of the Province It is therefore evident that the Duke never had any intention to hurt him forasmuch as he did not do it but he had nevertheless an opinion and that opinion was grounded upon great probabilities that the Cardina'ls ambitious spirit was offended to the last degree that he had not paid the same respect to his Person he had done to that of the Queen and that being he could not handsomly publish the true cause of his discontent he had palliated it with this pretense to have the more plausible colour of revenging himself upon the Duke as upon an enemy who had plotted against his life The Cardinal was no sooner got to Broüage but that whether it was the change of Air or the joy to see himself in a place of safety that produc'd this good effect his health began visibly to improve when the Duke of Espernon ignorant as yet of the ill impressions he had been possess'd withal concerning his former Visits dispatch'd a Gentleman to him to enquire of his amendment It was by the return of this Envoy that he was acquainted with all the former story of which the Cardinal de la Valette his Son who had never departed from Cardinal Richelieu during the whole time of his sickness gave him a full accompt This suspicion so lightly grounded and so much contrary to his intention did much more offend than any way incline the Duke to offer anything inâ—his own justification And although he very well foresaw that a jealousie of this nature whether feign'd or true threatned him with some great and sudden mischief it was nevertheless so far from rendring him more flexible or more complacent that he chose rather to expose himself to the worst effects of the Cardinal 's unresisted power than to recede in the least from his ordinary way of living This Journey of the Cardinal 's to Bordeaux and the morosity of his distemper there was not fatal to the Duke alone the disgrace of the Garde des Sceaux de Chastâ—au-Neuf being as has been said resolv'd upon at the same time the reasons of which disgrace are to this day a secret though the thing it self was soon enough publickly known for the Cardinal had no sooner seen the King but that Chasteau-Neuf had Orders sent him to retire to Ruffee in Angoumois who being upon his way in Obedience to that command a second Order overtook him by which he was carried away Prisoner to the Castle of Angoulesme The Duke of Espernon who stood highly oblig'd to this Gentleman's friendship for several acts of Favour in his Affairs and who had moreover his Vertue and Integrity in very great esteem was very much afflicted at his misfortune yet did he even from the accident it self derive such a consolation as serv'd very much to sweeten his discontent And that was the choice the King had made of President Seguier on him to confer the Seal one that was the Duke's intimate and very faithful Friend and of whom from his first Employments he had made so advantageous a judgment that he conceiv'd there was no advancement how high soever in his Profession to which he might not justly pretend if his Vertues once came to be sufficiently known But if the Duke began the year with so great an occasion of joy Fortune who never suffers the Affairs of this world to continue long in the same posture did also not long defer to poyson his content by one of the rudest Assaults he had met withal in the whole course of his life and since the Archbishop of Bordeaux was the Instrument by which she wrought this disgrace it will not be impertinent to give a brief accompt of that which kindled their first Divisions and the ensuing causes that occasion'd this last Disorder This Prelate Brother to the Cardinal de Sourdis had immediately upon the death of his elder Brother succeeded him in the Archbishoprick of Bordeaux but not in the good intelligence had been betwixt the Duke of Espernon and him not that the Duke had not this mans merit which was very great in high consideration also he had Wit Courage Dexterity and many other good qualities which had formerly acquir'd his esteem but the intimacy he had with Cardinal Richelieu rendred his friendship so suspected to him that he could not confide in a person he saw engag'd in so strict a League with another he did not love As for the Cardinal de Sourdis who had no such connexion the Duke had ever liv'd with him in so perfect an Intelligence as has rarely been observ'd betwixt two persons of so eminent condition to have been maintain'd so inviolate and sincere Yet was it not without the admiration of all that knew their Humours they were both in the one and the other
and committing every where all the barbarous acts of an inhumane fury Amongst all these horrid Riots those which were committed at Agen were the most extreme La Cour des Aides was at this time establish'd in this City and it was upon the Officers of this Court that they exercis'd the most notable violence all that the people could meet withal being miserably burnt or Massacred for in popular furies we seldom read of ordinary executions the Eleus were handled after the same manner many honest Burgers were by their Enemies put into the number of Gabellers and had the same measure So that had not President du Bernet who was President of the Chambre de l' Edict that had its seat in the same City oppos'd this Torrent of popular fury with greater vigour than was to be expected from a man of his profession it is certainly believ'd that not one man of condition would have been left alive in the whole City Neither had the disorder been less at Perigueux had it not been for the presence of Vertamont Intendant de la Iustice for the Duke knowing the humour of this people enclin'd to Licence had entreated Vertamont to go thither under colour of some Commission of his Intendancy where he was scarcely arriv'd when the people rose in Commotion as in other places falling upon some Officers of the Election and other innocent persons to make a horrid Massacre And then it was that Vertamont abandoning the care of his own person encourag'd the Magistrates boldly to oppose the popular Fury and putting himself in the head of them made no difficulty to reâ—cue some poor people who were going to be sacrific'd to their barbarous cruelty out of the hands of the insolent rabble So that with an extraordinary fortune the effect of his generous resolution he contain'd this City in its Obedience giving in himself at the same time a great Example of Justice and Moderation in so dangerous an occurrence Though the Duke had enough to do in the City of Bordeaux yet did he not fail however even in the midst of these confusions with incredible diligence and care to disperse his Orders throughout all parts of the Province in the remotest parts whereof the report being spread that all things continued quiet at Bordeaux by the respect to the Dukes Authority and Person the other Cities that had taken Arms by the example of this quieted themselves also by the same consideration by which means the Licence of the people was kept within some moderate bounds a moderation nevertheless that hung by so slender a thred that upon the least occasion worse and more dangerous Commotions were to be expected The Duke had no Forces neither was any to be hop'd for out of any part of the Province and it was a matter of extraordinary difficulty to send him any from any other place so that he was constrain'd in so great an exigency to have recourse to other means and to cause some of the promoters of this Sedition to be treated withal for the bringing about of that which he saw no other possible way to effect Wherein he also succeeded so well that these people allur'd by promises of Indemnity and some hopes of reward gave themselves up absolutely to his dispose so that it was by this politick way of proceeding he in the end totally secur'd both the City of Bordeaux and the whole Province of Guienne The disorder had continued so long and with so much noise that there was few of the Incendiaries who were not in every quarter particularly known of which there were very many who had formerly born Arms in the King's Regiments of Foot and who being grown weary of that profession were return'd again to their old Trades These men wrought upon by the Duke's Exhortations and the greatest part of them moreover touch'd with the sence of the moderation he had exercis'd towards them notwithstanding the greatness of their offences promis'd him that nothing should pass amongst the people of which he should not have continual notice and they were as good as their words giving him by their constant intelligence means and opportunity to prevent those evils which otherwise would infallibly have given the last blow to the publick Peace The Commotions of the City were no sooner in some measure appeas'd but that the madness diffus'd it self into the Villages of the adjacent Country These people having in the time of one of the foremention'd Mutinies taken occasion to rifle some Houses of the City were return'd with their Booty to their own homes by whose ill example their Neighbours were so excited to Rapine that in a moment all the Boors threw away the instruments of their labour and betook themselves to Arms. In this posture they rob'd the Country houses they assembled themselves in great numbers in all the Suburbs of Bordeaux and would attempt to make their way into the City it self where they were so much desired by the basest of the people that they did their endeavours also to let them in The greatest appearance of them was in the Suburb de Saint Surin to which place the Duke's house was near enough for him to hear their clamours and hideous yells and from his Chamber Window that look'd into the Fields to see the Fire they had kindled in several houses of which the greatest part were miserably consum'd At the sight of these barbarous Riots it was impossible to detain him but although he was at last fall'n into an almost unintermitted indisposition he got out of his bed mounted to Horse by night and with forty or fifty Gentlemen his Guards and some of the Town Companies went out towards these Mutineers They had fortified themselves in several places of the Suburb had Barricado'd the Church and made a countenance of resolution to defend themselves nevertheless at the Duke's arrival they almost all disbanded and ran away none saving those in the Church making any resistance who also at the first Volley was discharg'd upon them fled after their fellows when the Cavalry putting themselves in pursuit of those who had recover'd the Fields some forty or fifty of them were miserably slain It is not to be imagin'd how strangely the Duke was afflicted at the death of these wretched people This little evil nevertheless conduc'd very much to a far greater good for the report of this Execution dispersing it self in a moment throughout the whole Province the other Country people who sate expecting the good or evil success of their fellows made themselves for this year wise by the example of their misfortune and without engaging in the folly of the greater Cities were content to sit spectators of their Tumults and Disorders There were indeed hardly any more after this action for the Duke de la Valette coming presently after to the Duke his Father they bent their joynt endeavours to the healing of some secret discontents that yet
to the Duke of Eguillon 283 Challenge from the Prince of Joinville to the Duke of Espernon 244 Chartres surrendred to the King 114 135 Chasteau-Neuf Garde des Sceaux in disgrace 507 Chastillon slain before Chartres 135 Church Lands in Bearn restor'd 306 Cicutat taken by the Duke of Espernon 150 Cinque-Mars Grand Escuyer of France 634 Cisteron taken by the Duke of Espernon 150 Cittadel of Xaintes demolish'd 362 Civil War breaks out 431 Commotion of the Princes of the Blood to hinder the Match with Spain 291 Comparison betwixt the Duke of Espernon and â—'Esdiguieres 405 Conspiracy of Angoulesme 87 sequentibus Conspiracy against the Queen Mother at Angoulesme 363 Conspiracy against the Duke of Espernon 180 181 Council of sixteen and their practices 68 69 Count de Brenne 344 Count de Candalle slain at the storming of Sommieres 60 Count de Bethune sent to treat with the Queen Mother 354 Count de Moret slain 496 Count de Soissons retires from Court 572 Count de Soissons furiously exasperated against the Duke of Espernon 273 Crequi made Camp-Master to the Regiment of Guards 228 La Croix sent by the Duke de Luines to the Duke of Espernon 369 D. DEath of the Cardinal of Guise 106 Death of the Dutchess of Espernon 158 Death of Pere Ange de Joyeuse 248 Death of the Duke of Cleves 250 Death of the Duke de Luines 395 Death of the Count de Soissoâ—s slain at the Battel of Sedan 628 Death of the Dutchess de la Valette 444 Death of the Dutchess of Orleans 445 Defagues Massacred at Bordeaux 538 Description of the City of Metz 39 Difference betwixt the Duke of Espernon and the Parliament of Paris 207 sequentibus Difference betwixt the Duke of Espernon and Villeroy Secretary of State 42 52 Difference betwixt Pope Paul the Fifth and the Republick of Venice compos'd by the King of France 246 Difference betwixt the Duke of Espernon and the Archbishop of Bordeaux 507 Disorders of the Kingdom 284 Dispute betwixt the Duke of Espernon and the Mareschal d' Ornano 210 211 Another 238 Dispute betwixt the Dukes of Espernon and Guise 243 Dispute betwixt the Prince of Joinville and the Duke of Espernon 244 Dispute betwixt the Duke of Espernon and the Baron de la Chastagneraye 274 Dispute betwixt the Duke of Espernon and Cardinal Richelieu about the Portugal Carricks 446 Disputes betwixt the Duke of Espernon and the Parliament of Bordeaux 424 429 Continued 436 Duel betwixt two Captains 170 Duel betwixt two Souldiers 286 Duke de Candalle discontented at his Partage given him by his Father 278 He is Married to the Dutchess of Haluin 278 His Voyage into the Levant 280 He misdemeans himself in Xaintonge 294 He comes to his Father to Bordeaux 443 444 His Death 600 E. EDict de Crue erected 557 Edict of the Vnion with the League published at Roan 80 Education of the Duke of Espernon 's Children 275 English Land in the Isle of Rhe 448 Are Defeated 455 Engagement betwixt the Duke of Espernon and I'Esdiguieres 165 Enterview betwixt the King and the Queen Mother at Cousieres 366 L' Esdiguieres Created Constable of France 405 Esgarrebaques Governour of Toulon 172 Espernon Duke offer'd by the King his Majesties Sister-in-Law in Marriage which he modestly refuses 25 He is sent to Treat with the King of Navarre 31 By whom he is offer'd the Princess Katharine the King 's only Sister in Marriage 33 His dangerous fall near to Lyons 34 35 He is offer'd the Duke of Guises Daughter since Princess of Conty in Marriage which he refuses 36 He is sent with an Army into Provence 50 His Exploits there 51 Espernon Duke Married to Margaret de Foix and de Candalle 59 sequ Espernon Duke beats up a Quarter of German Horse 63 Espernon Duke invested with the Offices vacant by the Death of the Duke of Joyeuse slain at the Battel of Coutras as also with those vacant by the Duke de Bellegarde slain at the same Battel 65 He exposes himself to very great danger 69 He retires from Court 80 He returns to Court and is well receiv'd 111 He refuses to follow Henry the Fourth and leaves the Army 119 121 He is shot into the mouth at Pierre Fonds 134 He is sent Governour and Captain General of all the Kings Forces into Provence 141 142 His miraculous escape before Aix 156 He is forsaken by his Friends in Provence 176 He is traduc'd by the Cardinal d' Ossat 183 He comes to the King to Amiens 200 His expedition into Limousin 240 Espernon Duke goes to the Hostel de Ville at Paris upon the Death of Henry the Fourth 258 And to the Augustins 259 His Harangue there ibid. Espernon Duke re-establish'd in Metz 267 Espernon Duke generously refuses to consent to the Murther of the Duke of Sully though his Enemy 265 He divides his Estate amongst his three Sons 277 He rejects the proferr'd Alliance of the Mareschal d' Encre 282 He falls sick at Angoulesme 295 Espernon Duke in Disgrace 297 Espernon Duke in great danger 298 He retires from Court 299 He presents himself before Rochelle 303 Espernon Duke's preparation in order to the Queen Mothers escape from Blois 332 His Magnificence 364 His Letter to the King 365 Espernon Duke his Expedition into Bearne 380 His successes there 383 His Generosity 384 Espernon Duke his Expedition against Rochelle 389 His Actions there 392 Espernon Duke goes to lay Siege to Royan 398 Espernon Duke created Governour of Guienne 403 He takes possession of his Government 420 He falls sick 456 He entertains the Queen at Cadillac 503 Espernon Duke stops the Progress of Rebellion in Guienne 486 And thereupon is confiâ—'d to his House Plassac 528 He is Excommunicated 505 Absolv'd 532 He falls sick 536 Espernon Duke goes against the Mutineers of Bordeaux 541 And suppresses them 550 Espernon Duke aspers'd ibid. He receives some reparation 553 He again falls sick 555 And again at Bayonne 563 Espernon Duke in the greatest Disgrace 598 He is depos'd from his Government and calâ—mniated 599 Whereupon he again falls sick 600 And again at Plassac 618 Espernon Duke commanded to retire to Loches and upon what occasion 619 sequ His arrival there 631 Espernon Duke falls mortally sick 644 His good disposition to dye 646 His Death 650 Estampes taken by Assault 114 D'Estampes barbarously slain 168 F. FAmine in Guienne 480 Father Arnoux a Iesuite 320 Favier sent to Metz as a spy upon the Duke of Espernon 314 Faure a common Souldier receives a Cannon-shot in the Belly of which he miraculously escapes 402 La Fere surpriz'd by the Prince of Condé 22 Surrendred to the King 169 Fewd betwixt the Princes of the Blood and the Duke of Espernon 273 Wherein the Queen Regent is favourable to the Duke 274 Fontarabie besieg'd by the Prince of Condé 563 The Prince defeated there 596 Fontrailles 634 Fort of Aix demolish'd 172 Fort at Arras taken by
Assault by the Duke of Espernon 201 Frejus taken by the Duke of Espernon 150 G. GArde des Sceaux du Vair 310 Gergeau taken by the King 114 De Gourgues first President of the Parliament of Bordeaux 418 His Letter to the Duke of Espernon 419 Which begets an open Rupture betwixt them 423 His Death and Character 459 Grillon 189 190 Guines surrender'd to the Arch-Duke of Austria 196 Guise Duke retires from Court and breaks into Rebellion 29 He approaches with his Army to Paris 42 Comes to Court 81 His Death 106 Guise Duke Son to the late Duke of Guise created Governour of Provence 174 He goes into Provence with an Army against the Duke of Espernon 175 H. HAM surrendred to the Arch-Duke of Austria 196 Harangue of the Duke of Espernon in the Hostel de Ville of Paris 259 Henry the third Proclaims War with the Hugonots 49 He forbids the Duke of Guise from coming to Paris 70 Who notwithstanding comes 71 He resolves to put the Duke of Guise to Death 105 Henry the Third retires to Chartres 72 Henry the Third together with the King of Navarre escape narrowly of being both taken at Tours 110 Henry the Third slâ—in at St. Clou 116 117 Henry the â—ourth turns Roman Catholick 160 Henry the Fourth comes to the Leaguer before Amiens 200 Henry the Fourths Expedition to Sedan 245 Henry the Fourth raises a mighty Army 250 Henry the Fourths Speech to the Queen in the Duke of Espernon 's Favour 251 Henry the Fourth slain by Ravillac 253 I. JAne Albret Queen of Navarre deny'd entrance into Lietoure by Monsieur de la Valette 3 4 La Iliere Governour of Loches 341 Joyeuse rises in favour 15 He is shot in the Face at the Siege of la Fere 23 Advanc'd to the Dignity of Duke and Peer of France 26 He is slain at the Battel of Coutras 65 Isle of Maran surpriz'd by the Duke of Espernon 394 K. KAtharine of Bourbon only Sister to Henry the Fourth Married to the Duke of Bar 203 King of Navarre advances to the relief of the D. of Espernon at Angoulesme 100 King of Sweeden wins the Battel of Lipsick 490 King of Navarre makes his escape from St. Germanes 9 He joyns Forces with Henry the Third of France 110 His First aversion to the Duke of Espernon augmented at the Siege of Estampes 114 115 L. LAfin's Character 206 Laon Besieg'd 230 League take up Arms 38 Their Exploits 41 They publish a Manifesto against the Duke of Espernon and his Brother 75 Lendrecis taken by the Duke de Candalle 583 Letter from the Queen Mother to the Duke of Espernon 323 Another 329 Another 330 Another 352 Letter from the King to the Q Mother ibid. Letter from the King to the Duke of Espernon 521 Letter from the Queen to the Duke of Espernon and from the Cardinal 608 Answer to the Cardinal 's 609 Letter from Lewis the Thirteenth to the Queen Mother after her escape from Blois 354 Letter from Lewis the Thirteenth to the Duke of Espernon 622 The Answer 623 Lewis the Thirteenth resolves to arrest the Duke of Espernon 311 Lewis the Thirteenth his Expedition into Italy 461 He falls sick at Lyons 478 Recovers 480 Limoges Rescu'd by the Duke of Espernon out of the hands of the League 125 Lorme 's Treachery 334 sequ Lorrain Duke makes War upon France 471 Luines the great Favourite 308 His Quarrel to the Duke of Espernon 310 His design to 〈◊〉 him 311 Prevented by the Duke's retiring 312 M. MAdaillan calumniates the Duke of Espernon 635 Madam the Kings Sister falls sick of the Small Pox at Poictiers 292 Marcelles attempted by the Duke of Esper non but in vain 153 Mareschal Byron sent Ambassadour into England 217 And into Switzerland 218 Mareschal Byron arrives at Fountain Bleau 222 He is beheaded 223 Mareschal d' Encre takes Arms against the Prince of Condé and his Faction 300 His Death 307 Mareschal de Themines his difference with the Duke of Espernon 421 They are reconcil'd 423 Marquis de la Valette Marries Madamoiselle de Vernevil Marquis de la Force revolts in Bearne 379 Marquis de la Valette like to be slain by a Mine 401 Marsillac slain at the Siege of Privas 284 Mascaron slain before Chartres 135 Match with the Infanta of Spain concluded 282 Matelet defeated attempting to relieve Callis 195 Maubeuge taken by the Duke de Candalle 583 Mauzac surrender'd to the D. of Esp. 144 Mayenne Duke goes with a great Army against the Queen Mother 356 He is slain by a Musket-shâ—t before Montauban 395 Minieux defeated and taken Prisoner by the Duke of Espernon 133 Miraculous escape 182 Mirebeau taken by the Spaniard 562 Moissac surrendred to the Duke of Espernon 144 Moncassin wounded at Tours 110 Monserrat describ'd 409 Monsieur de la Valette defeats part of the Forcin Army at Lizere 66 Monsieur Marries the Dutchess of Montpensier 439 Monsieur retires in discontent from Court 471 He returns 472 He retires again from Court 572 Monsieur retires into Flanders 484 He invades the Kingdom 〈◊〉 France 492 Monsieur de la Valette Brother to the Duke of Espernon slain at the Siege of Roquebrune 138 Montauban reliev'd by the Duke of Espernon 144 Surrendred 464 Montauron surrendred to Mercy to the D. of Espernon 145 Montereau Faut-Yonne taken by Petarr 115 Montmelian surrendred to the King's Army 208 Montmorency D. declares in favour of the Monsieur 492 He is taken Prisoner 497 He is brought to Tholouze in order to his Trial 498 The Duke of Espernon intercedes for him but in vain 499 He is beheaded 502 Montpellier besieg'd 410 Surrendred 414 Montpensier Duke Marries Katharine de Joyeuse 203 His Death 247 Money sent by the Queen Mother to the Duke of Espernon in order to her escape from the Castle of Blois 330 N. NEgrepolisse taken by assault 403 Nevers D. presents himself with a great Army before Metz 358 359 La Noue his attempt and Character 392 Noyon surrendred to the King 135 O. OAth Administred to the Queen Mother 320 Obeliske erected by the Duke of Espernon in the Church of St. Clou to the Memory of his Master Henry the third of France 269 Obsequies of the two Kings Henry the Third and Fourth of France perform'd at one and the same time 269 Office of Colonel General of France erected in Favour of the Duke of Espernon 37 P. PAris besieg'd 116 Parliament of Bordeaux draw up an Information against the Duke of Espernon 519 Peace with the Hugonots concluded 436 Peace betwixt the King and the Queen Mother concluded at Angoulesme 358 Peace concluded with the Prince of Condé 286 Peace between the Crowns of France and Spain concluded at Vervins 202 203 Peace concluded with Savoy 209 Pedro Medici wounded at the storming of Aglimant in Caramania 280 Perigueux Revolts but the Mutiny is appeas'd by Verthamont Intendant de la Justice 548 Peyroles deserts the Duke of Espernon 177 Philip Cospean his beginning
Father such a relation to the History of his Son as will not permit their names to be separated without manifest injury to the one or the other Finding my self then oblig'd to look a little back and to say something of his Father before I come to him I shall tell you with the best Historians of that time that he was rank'd amongst the greatest Captains of this Kingdom and that by the meer consideration of his Prudence and Valour without any advantage of Favour he was made Camp-Master to the Light Horse of France and the Kings Lieutenant General in Guienne a Province abounding in Nobility and Gentry and men of such spirits as would have made a difficulty of their Obedience to any Superiour where there had not been an indisputable concurrence of Merit and Blood But these two qualities happily meeting in the person of Mounsier de la Valette gave him so great an interest if not so absolute a power in that Countrey that notwithstanding it was during the time of his Government unquiet and mutinous in many places and in some even to a contempt of the Kings Royal Power yet his Authority never received in those very places the least affront or contradiction He commanded Armies in chief which were led paid arm'd provided for and kept together by his Conduct and Care and I my self have seen many Acts and Monuments of that time which sufficiently discover the Power and Dignity he preserv'd entire even in the most difficult functions of his charge It was he who in the Battels of Dreux of Iarnac and of Moncountour who in the Skiâ—mishes of Iasennes of Rene le Duc and in all the most signal actions of his time exercising the Office of Comp-Master to the Light Horse by his courage and conduct won to himself a principal share of the Honour due to the successes of the Royal Arms and chiefly in the Battel of Iarnac which he undertook with so much prudence and fought it with so much bravery that they who write the Transactions of that time attribute supereminently to him the reputation of that dayes Victory It was he that made the brave Retreat of Houdan one of the most memorable Exploits of that Age which though it be recorded by other Writers deserves to be recited here and the circumstances which I have several times heard repeated to the Duke his Son will not render a relation suspected that stands justified by our own Historians The Hugonot Army had laid siege to the City of Chartres and that of the King was dispos'd to relieve it but that being a work of greater preparation and leisure than the condition of the besieged could well admit the Royal Party conceiv'd that to disturb the Enemies Camp with frequent Alarums would give the defendants some convenient respite till a sufficient succour might be made ready to come Mounsieur de la Valette was he that would take upon him to execute this design and accordingly keeping himself for the most part on Horseback he gave so good an account of what he had undertaken that few dayes past wherein he obtain'd not some signal advantage over the Enemy Now beating up one quarter now alarming another with such an active and unwearied diligence as put the Enemy to an unintermitted duty and forc'd them continually to stand to their Arms. The Admiral Coligny who commanded at this Leaguer under the Prince of Conde nettled at the inconveniences his Army suffered by these frequent inroads of Mounsieur de la Valette meditatated with himself a revenge and to lay a Trap to catch him to which purpose he stole privately from his Camp with 3500 Horse Mounsieur de la Valette having but 500 in all lay baiting his Horses in a Wood for the execution of his enterprize The Admiral who had observ'd his motion surpriz'd him in this posture set upon him and charg'd him almost before perceiv'd notwithstanding all which he found a brave resistance and Mounsieur de la Valette without being astonish't â—either at the presence of so great a Captain or the inequality of their Armies having given his Souldiers time to mount charg'd him several times with advantage and made good his Retreat for six Leagues together in the open Countrey of Beausse the Admiral never being able during the retreat either to break his order or force him to a general engagement an action of so high a repute that there are few Historians who have not set a particular mark upon it for one of the most memorable of that time If we yet pass from his publick actions of Command to enquire into the private engagements of his single person I can perhaps fit you with as remarkable a story of that kind as you have read Iane Albret Queen of Navarre a great Fautress to those of the Reformed Religion of which she her self also made publick Profession desirous to draw all places within her demean into the same perswasion presented her self before Leitoure to be there receiv'd A Town of so advantageous a situation and therefore so considerable in Guienne that the successive Governours of that Province have ever had a particular regard to the preservation of that place Mounsieur de la Valette who had received private Instructions from King Charles the Ninth to have an eye to the actions of this Princess and to frustrate her designs but with all outward shew of respect the King being unwilling to break openly with her having intelligence that she meant to attempt that place prevented her by his diligence and at her coming refus'd her entrance into that Town The Queen highly incens'd at this affront makes her complaint to the King who to satisfie her seem'd in publick to condemn an action which in his heart he highly approv'd commanding him to go as far as Pau where the Queen then resided and there by all the submissive means imaginable to make his excuse Mounsieur de la Valette having received this command attended only by one Page very well mounted and another inferiour servant takes his journey to the Queen to whom he humbly offer'd all the excuses and submissions that the dignity of the offended party could reasonably exact from a meaner offender and for a higher ofâ—ence But this Princess of a sex and condition not apt to forget an Injury was by no means satisfied with whatever he could say to appease her and whether it were that she discover'd to two Gentlemen of her Court whereof one was called Pinsons and the other Bisquerre that nothing but the death of Mounsieur de la Valette could satisfie her or that they of themselves as Courts ordinarily produce wicked instruments enough to execute the passions of the Great voluntarily meditated his ruine is yet to be discover'd But so it was that these two combin'd together to lie in wait for him by the way he was to return and to dispatch him Mounsieur de la Valette having taken his leave
cold in the business after he had reproach'd them with their unseasonable violence which he said had hinder'd him from bringing about by easie and infallible ways the utter extirpation of Heresie a thing he more earnestly desir'd than any of them he told them flatly that since by them this business was first set on foot it was reasonable that they who had been the promoters of it should likewise be at the charge of the War His Majesty thought by grasping thus at their purses to take off their edge of fighting and by representing to them the charge and incommodities of War he should at the same time imprint in them a hatred and aversion to it But what reasons can prevail with a pre-possess'd and exasperated multitude The people displeas'd at the difficulties the King laid before them and sufâ—ering themselves to be seduc'd by the malepert Preachers of the League who by their seditious Sermons had soon perswaded them into commotion impos'd upon the King a necessity of beginning the War and forgetting the respect due to the Majesty of their Prince gave him in plain terms to understand that he should not be safe in his own Louvre if he did not forthwith betake himself to Arms. The condition of the time and the conditions of the Treaty lately concluded with the League equally obliging the King to fall into speedy action and also to serve himself with some of the Heads of that Party in this Expedition his Majesty to comply with his own necessity and likewise to satisfie that Article dispatch'd the Duke of Mayenne into Guienne against the King of Navarre the Duke of Guise himself desiring to remain in his Government of Champagne to guard the Frontiers and that he might have in the other Armies He was also to set on foot such persons as he knew were faithful to him He sent the Mareschal de Biron into Xaintonge against the Prince of Condâ— and the Duke of Ioyeuse into Languedoc reserving for the Duke of Espernon as a Servant in whom he repos'd the greatest trust the Employment of Provence A Government which being a little before left vacant by the Death of the Grand Prior of France Bastard of Valois had been conferr'd upon him and a Province wherein of all other his Majesties Authority had the greatest need of support having formerly been much weakned by the two contrary Factions that divided the State Whereof one was commanded by the Sieur de Lesdiguieres Head of the Hugonot Party and the other by the Sieur de Vins the Kings Lieutenant there but a man very partial to the League His Majesty therefore desiring amidst the confusion that was made by these two Parties to secure the Countrey to himself sent thither the Duke of Espernon with a good Army appointing Mounsieur de la Valette his Brother for his Lieutenant in that Service neither was he deceiv'd in his choice for in less than four months time Province and Dauphiné were wholly settled in his obedience the only part almost of the Kingdom where his Majesty was effectively and truly serv'd and had he had many more such Servants to employ his Affairs had certainly and in a very little time chang'd their face and the Royal Authority been rescued from the Rebellious Insolence that trod it under foot in most Provinces of France The Office of Colonel General having given the Duke absolute Authority over the Infantry there was great contest amongst the old Regiments which should be preferr'd to follow him in this action in which he made shift to satisfie the ambition of the greatest part his Majesty who gave him absolute power in matters of greater difficulty being content that his best Souldiers should serve under his trustiest Captain so that he drew out a good part of the Regiment of Guards of that of Ficardy and Champagne with other Companies out of other Regiments to the number of ten thousand Foot to which was added twelve hundred Horse and twelve piece of Cannon with their Equipage The Duke having about the end of Summer led his Army into Provence put them immediately into vigorous Action Vins was the first he undertook who having before been worsted by Lesdiguieres was in no condition of making any great resisâ—ance and Lesdiguieres though victorious over the League finding yet himself too weak to oppose the King's Army conducted by so experienc'd Commanders by withdrawing into his own strength gave the two Brothers liberty to make themselves Masters of Seynes Breoules Chorges and many other Considerable places as well in Provence as Dauphiné with wonderful expedition so that by these successes the two Factions which had so long afflicted those two good Provinces being equally supprest the Duke had leisure to return to Court where his presence was not a little necessary to countermine such Practices of which Mounsieur de Villeroy says in his Mesmoires the Duke suspected him to be Author as were by his Enemies set on foot against him Neither did the Duke need to make any great difficulty of retiring from Provence considering the good posture he had brought Affairs into and that he left his second self upon the place not only in fidelity and zeal to the King's Service but also in valour and experience namely Mounsieur de la Valette his Brother a man whose Vertues had acquir'd so great a Reputation with all worthy men that he is never to be spoke of without very worthy mention and the highest Characters of Honour But the Duke had no sooner turn'd his back of Provence and taken back part of the Army with him than the contrary Factions encourag'd by this Division of the Army made head anew so that it was necessary to set another Army on foot to oppose them the care of which now wholly rested upon Valette nor did there need a more active and experienc'd Captain His principal Exploits were against the League to whose succour the Duke of Savoy came in person an ambitious Prince and one that watching all opportunities of enlarging his own Dominion had from the Leagues first taking Arms joyn'd himself with the Countess of Saut the Sieur dâ— Vins the Compte de Carses and other persons of Quality of that side neither has he what Treaties of Peace soever have been concluded with the League ever desisted from his first design of keeping that Countrey by force of Arms. But la Valette after having won from him the so celebrated Battel of Vignon did so uncessantly press upon him and in several other encounters obtain'd so many advantages over him that he forc'd him to retire beyond the Alpes and to let Provence alone Neither did Dauphiné escape his diligence for Lesdiguieres finding himself too weak to meet him in the Field gave him opportunity to withdraw Geyssens from the Cittadel of Valence which he held in the name of the League having been plac'd in that command by the Duke of Mayenne and to recover Gap into the King's Obedience
He says that the King at the Duke's dismission to go to the Army his Majesty had given him in command gave him this reproach Che la Corte lo teneua in concetto di poltrone é chegli era bene di levarsi questo fregio dal viso which is to say That the Court look'd upon him as a Poltron and that he should do well to wipe off that blemish Towards the Dukes latter end I read this History to him which was then newly publish'd in France and the Duke had very highly commended the Author though in many particulars he had not spoken very favourably of him above all he infinitely commended the exact care he had taken to inform himself of the secret motives by which the several interests of that time were carried on of which he does in truth for the most part render a very precise and very often a very true accompt But when he heard these words which were so highly injurious to the Duke of Ioyeuse he could not forbear crying out â— hat D'Avila was a lyar that he himself was present when the Duke of Joyeuse took his leave of the King that his Majesty could never have had so great a kindness for a man of whom he had once entertain'd so mean an opinion that on the contrary be esteem'd him to be as valiant and as brave a Gentleman as any was in his Kingdom And where D'Avila continues to say that he was become burthensome to the King that the King could no longer bear it and that he therefore sent him upon this expedition purposely to be cut off the Duke of Espernon bore witness That he saw the King weep at the Duke of Joyeuse his departure than which there could not be a greater evidence of his tenderness and affection to him That had the King had a mind to have been rid of him and to have expos'd him to the King of Navarre's Forces he would never have set him out with an Army almost twice as strong as that he was employ'd against and made up of as good Souldiers as any were in the Kingdom so that if he lost the Battel of Coutras it was rather through the chance of War or through the Valour and good fortune of the King of Navarre than by any default of his Army And to answer yet further to what has been writ concerning his Favour of which D'Aubigné only speaks by hear-say making stories as it is his custom at the random of his own passion and fancy The Duke has told me that the King was indeed grown colder towards the Duke of Ioyeuse than he had formerly observ'd him but that he only attributed that to the Alliance the Duke had contracted with the House of Lorain and that it was only a diminution of â—avour and never grew to a disgrace and indeed had his Majesty conceiv'd a positive aversion to him would he have given such publick evidences of sorrow for his Death as he did would he have honour'd his dead Body with that excessive Pomp and those unusual Obsequies which were such as gave all the Nobility occasion to murmur having never before been allow'd to any save to the Princes of the Blood and to the Constables of France exclusively to all other great men of the Kingdom The Historians of that time have further discours'd of the jealousie betwixt the two Favourites to which I can answer on the Duke of Espernon's behalf that I could never find by any thing I could ever gather from him that he had been in the least touch'd with that passion neither is it very likely considering the advantage the Duke visibly had in the Kings Opinion there could be any jealousie on his part but if there had formerly been any such thing betwixt them as it is hardly possible but there must have been some emulation betwixt two concurrents in so high a pretense as that of a Kings Favour the Death of the Duke of Ioyeuse and a long series of time having worn out those impressions there now remain'd nothing more in the Duke of Espernon's memory than the remembrance of their near Relation and former Friendship Some time before the Duke of Ioyeuse his Death the knot of that Alliance had been broken by the death of Catherine de Nogaret and dela Valettâ— the Duke of Espernon's Sister who having at the King's motion and to the common satisfaction of both the Favourites been married to the Count de Bouchage younger Brother to the Duke of Ioyeuse after they had for four or five years only liv'd together in a most perfect harmony this Vertuous Lady died leaving one Daughter only behind her namely Catheâ—ine de Ioyeuse the same who having formerly been Dutchess of Montpensier is now Dutchess of Guise a Princess of undisputed Vertue and such as has ever shone equally bright throughout the prosperities and afflictions that have divided her life The Câ—mpte de Bouchage after having lost his Wife finding nothing in the world either to allure him or to comfort him retyr'd himself from it amongst the Father Capuchins where he took upon him the Habit of that Order and there continued some years under the name of Father Ange de Ioyeuse 'T is true the Pope having since enjoyn'd his Superiours to perswade him abroad again to the end he might be Head of the League in Languedoc that he obey'd his command but it was to return afterwards into the same order again as soon as Affairs would give him leave where he continued to his death and died in great opinion of Sanctity And since upon occasion I have been drawn aside to mention this Marriage out of its due order it is reasonable that I now speak of that of the Duke which happened at this time The Duke therefore having been offer'd a match with the Sister-in-law of his King and having been esteem'd not unworthy to marry with the King of Navarre's Sister her Brother being at that time immediate Heir to the Crown It is to be presum'd he might reasonably pretend to the greatest Fortune whatsoever in France but amongst the many were propos'd to him he preferr'd that with Marguerite de Foix and de Candelle Daughter and Heir to Henry de Foix and de Candelle and to Mary de Montmorency before all the rest The Father and Mother of this Lady died both young her Mother of Sickness and her Father at the Siege of Sommieres For the Duke de Anville his Brother in law having undertaken that Siege the Compte do Candelle rais'd two thousand men amongst his Tenants in Gascony to favour his Design a very considerable supply in the weak condition the Duke de Anville's Army then was where being come and finding the breach already made and the assault ready to be given he intreated the Honour of the first Assault might be conferr'd upon his men who he desir'd might give immediate proof of their Valour A fatal request which having been granted to him
with them recover'd a little pair of stone Stairs the only refuge was left them and where they intended to defend themselves to the â—ast man neither wanted they means so to do for being all arm'd which neither the Duke nor any of his Followers were and resolute Fellows as they had sufficiently made it appear and having only a narrow pair of Stairs to make good they were not to be assaulted but with infinite hazard in a place of so great advantage which made the Duke resolve upon putting fire to the Stairs to the end he might there as it were besieg'd keep them in Whilst these things were doing within the Castle a Maid came running and told the Duke that the Consuls Brother with a great number of armed Men were upon entring by a hole they had made in the Wall on that side next the Curtain which made him immediately repair thither as where his presence was most necessary leaving only three of his Guard to make good the Stair-foot where the Consul and his Confederates were that they might attempt nothing in his absence At his coming into the Court he found the Consul's Brother and another with him already enter'd the place who both of them strove with incredible valour to make way for the rest But the Duke having soon kill'd the first with his own hand the other being no better handled by his Followers and having left a sufficient Guard upon the place he ran presently to another Alarm no less dangerous than this he had already taken so good order in For the Conspirators without having as we have said before been able to force the great Gate by reason of the vigorous resistance they had met there were run to another little Postern that no body dream'd of with fire to burn it down by which means and by a petard they had also got to blow it open they doubted not to force their entrance that way but the Duke arriving opportunely upon the place with some fifteen he had rallied together after a dangerous and obstinate Conflict beat back the Assailants and so fortified it for the future that it was impossible for them afterwards to force that pass Whilst the Duke was thus busie without those who were with the Consul upon the Stairs seeing the passage now guarded by only the three Souldiers who had been left to that purpose attempted to make their way and to escape which they hop'd they might do whilst the Duke and his Servants were elsewhere employ'd intending afterwards to force some of the Avenues it being impossible they should be all well guarded the Duke having so few about him and to let in the rest of their Confederates to their succour But the Duke with marvellous diligence presenting himself in all places where there was any suspicion of danger coming opportunely in when they were already disputing it with his Guards and having by the death of one of the Inhabitants whom he dispatch'd with his own hand beaten back the rest defeated them of all further hopes of escaping out of his Power In which encounter he ran an exceeding great hazard for the Stairs upon which they fought having been already loosened in the Joynts by the heat of the fire and moreover shaken by the agitation of the Combaâ—ants could no longer support it self from falling down with a sudden ruine the step whereon the Duke stood only remaining firm who without so miraculous a fortune had certainly perish'd in the fall Miran a Gentleman of good understanding and great courage told me some years ago this Story in which as he had himself a particular share so has he often assur'd me that without the Duke 's personal courage great vigilancy and noble resolution he did believe they had never escap'd that eminent peril that in his life he never saw a man so constant in all kinds of danger and that as they who had faithfully serv'd him in this occasion had doubtless deserv'd very well at his hands so stood they no less oblig'd to him for their own preservation than he to them for his having done more towards it in his own single person than almost all the rest all their endeavours put together The Inhabitants who had this while possest themselves of a House call'd the Queens Castle separated only from that wherein the Duke was assaulted by a little Court and of equal height with it by powring continual shot in at the Windows which were very large and high did not a little incommodate the Duke another inconvenience to be provided against as it speedily was and as that had already done for the other defects of the place so well that it was almost impossible by strength of hand to force him The toil and bustle of this Action having been sudden and violent and the Fight almost unintermitted from the beginning the Duke and those with him found themselves so weary and their strength so abated that to refresh themselves and to recover a little breath the Duke call'd for something to drink but upon examination there were but four Bottles of Wine no Water at all and very little and that course Bread to be found in all the Castle neither was there any more to be hop'd for the Inhabitants being as they were Masters of all the Kitchins and other Offices as also of a Well in the back Court which could not possibly be recover'd from them an irreparable and unexpected inconvenience to the Duke and his Followers who saw themselves at once assaulted with Enemies within and without and more violently with hunger and thirst two Enemies they could the worst defend themselves against a condition in which they continued for two dayes and one night and wherein the Duke's constancy is no less to be admir'd than in so gallantly defending himself against the violence of his armed Adversaries the necessities of Nature being much harder to be contended withal than the most obstinate attempts of the most resolute Enemy Hitherto the Duke saw no signs of succour Tagent his Cousin and Lieutenant in that Government was at Xaintes with the Troops and the Cittadel wherein he had a trusty Servant had made no shew of standing for him having not so much as made one Cannon or Musquet shot against the City For the Consul who was no less circumspect than valiant having when he first plotted the Design of this Enterprize forgot nothing that might any way contribute to the success had cunningly drawn Bordes Governour of the Cittadel into the Town under colour of some important Business he was to communicate to him and had there seiz'd of his Person so that at the same time the Duke was first assaulted in the Castle they who had Bordes in custody brought him before the Cittadel and with a Dagger at his Throat commanded him to yield it up but he scorn'd to do a thing so unworthy of himself in so great an exigency and his Lieutenant remain'd also firm in his duty
strong that Mounsieur de la Valette's Battery having plaid upon that side which was best fortified and not working that speedy effect he desir'd he would remove 〈…〉 other side and in 〈◊〉 impatience to put an end to an enterprize so much inferiour to his greater designs would himself help to remove the Cannon to a more advantageous place where being expos'd to the Enemies view open and in his Doublet only 〈…〉 lost many of our best Captains he receiv'd a Musquet shot in the head the eleventh day of Ianuary of which within thirteen hours after he died All the Historians of his time celebrated the Vertues of this 〈…〉 highest 〈◊〉 of Honour the King himself appear'd infinâ—â—ely concern'd aâ— his death by which he was depriv'd of a valiant Captain and a faithful Subject Nay even 〈◊〉 Enemies lamented his loss so great an interest has Vertue in generous minds but the Duke hiâ— Brother was afflicted to the last degree He had ever lov'd him to an example of Fraternal Affection had never made any distinction betwixt the interests of so good a Brother and his own he had invested him in a very considerable share of his own fortune he had bestow'd upon him the Government of Provence with the Office of Admiral of France he had been continually assisting to him with his Purse and Credit and had ever made him a partaker in all the advantages of his Master's Favour benefits of which Mounsieur de la Valette had on his part made so modest and so vertuous an use that he thought himself oblig'd having no posterity to provide for to husband them for the Duke his Brother's Service Which gratiâ—â—de to hâ—s Benefactor was rewarded by a good fortune to himself for having little frequented the Court the discontents and disgraces which sometimes perplext the Duke could neverâ— reach or reflect upon him who had continually been abroad in action and that with so good success that his merit made him by every one thought worthy of that greatness he possess'd so that he was favour'd and esteem'd by all good men without the least mixrure of hatred or envy Neither was he on his part wanting to his own Reputation and Interest but ever behav'd himself in all his Employments with infinite moderation sweetness liberality and noble Courage Vertues that establish'd him in his Government with such Authority and that rendred him so considerable to the Princes bordering upon Provence that their respect to him begot in them a singular regard towards the Duke his Brother whom no man was willing upon a light occasion to offend left this whom all the world knew to be so kind a Brother and so good a Friend by an injury offer'd to so dear a Relation might be tempted into extremities that usually are the effects of so just a resentment It appears therefore by this how great a support he was to his Family but this unfortunate blow depriv'd the Duke at once of so considerable a Fortune of so powerful an Assistant of so honourable Employments and of the person of all others most dearly beloved by him The Office of Admiral of France was presently and that by the Duke's consent conferr'd upon St. Blancart since Duke and Mareschal de Biron his Kinsman and intimate Friend who as we have already observ'd put himself into the Duke's Service in the beginning of his Favour but who afterwards by his good Services had advanc'd himself very high in his Majesties esteem Some have said that the King to whom the Duke's greatness was become suspected had a good mind at the same time to have dispos'd of the Government of Provence also but that having consider'd most of the principal Cities of that Province were in the custody of the Duke's Friends or their Substitutes who had serv'd Volunteers under Mounsieur de la Valette that the Forces there residing were made up of their Creatures such as only serv'd upon the two Brothers account it was to be fear'd the Duke's Discontents would be humour'd by his Friends who might interest themselves in his Disgrace So that his Majesty thinking it neither convenient nor safe as Affairs then stood directly to disoblige the Duke was forc'd to comply with the necessity of the time and to consent to what he could not well hinder without endangering the Affairs of that Province Mounsieur de la Valette was no sooner dead but that all his Officers assembled themselves together to advise what upon this accident they were best to do where without much debate it was concluded that to express the affection they had ever born their dead General and the respect they had for the Duke his Brother to whom they would that affection should now descend it was fit to send to the King humbly to entreat his Majesty that he would send the Duke of Espernon to command them in the place of Mounsieur de la Valette declaring freely withal that under the command of any other they should not so chearfully continue those services they had for the time past so successfully perform'd and accordingly with this Message they dispatch'd away the â—ieurs d' Esgarrebacques and de Mesplâ—s two of the most eminent amongst them both in Valour and Condition to the Court The Duke of Espernon being advertis'd of the deputation of these two Gentlemen to the King by the Sieur de Peyroles dispatch'd to him at the same time by the Chief Officers of Provence sent himself also to solicite his Majesty for that they had so favourably pursu'd in his behalf Representing to him That the Government of Provence could not be reputed vacant whilst he was living who had put it into his Brothers hands upon no other account than to preserve it in his Majesties Obedience whilst himself with such as depended upon him expos'd his Life and Fortune elsewhere for his Service That the first and true title to that Government remain'd in him and that since he was so unfortunate as to survive his Brother he had that confidence in his Majesties Justice that he would not add to his affliction by depriving him of an Employment he had only transferr'd to another that he might himself be at more liberty to do him more and better service And as if the Duke had been already assur'd of his Majesties Favour to him or that he would not seem in the least to suspect it he publish'd his resolution of going into Provence and made great preparations in order to that expedition The King foreseeing that the Duke would of all others be the most acceptably receiv'd by that people and knowing also that in the confusion the Kingdom then was the Government of Provence wherein the Duke of Savoy and the League had made a dangerous progress since the death of Mounsieur de la Valette could not be maintain'd as it ought otherwise than by the Duke's â—nterest there thought fit not to contradict his claim and consequently about the end of
March the same year sent him a Commission to go into Provence in quality of Captain General of all his Forces there without revoking the title of Governour which had been granted to him by Henry the III. as also without any confirmation of it but commanding by particular dispatches all the Cities and all his Servants in that Province to acknowledge and obey him giving the Duke in this some seeming satisfaction till he might find a time and opportunity gently to withdraw him from thence The Duke having thus obtain'd leave of the King prepar'd himself with all expedition to depart from his Governments of Xaintonge and Angoumois but not before he had first settled his Domestick Affairs the chief of which was the Inheritance of Mounsieur de la Valette who some days before his Death had made a Will wherein 't is true he had made the Duke his Heir but with so little advantage to him that the very particulars of the Will exceeded the value of his Estate He had given great Legacies to all his Friends and to all his Servants of which he had not omitted one who was not very liberally rewarded He had moreover given many pious Legacies for publick Buildings Foundations of Convents and Hospitals and with all this liberality left so many Debts behind him that the Duke was advis'd not to meddle 〈◊〉 the Inheritance as a thing that would certainly be a burthen to him But he far from embracing an Advice which though prudently enough given he thought would not be honourable for him to follow could not think his Brothers intention sufficiently fulfill'd if he did not add something of his own to his Liberalities A Resolution he so peremptorily executed that all those who were mentioned in the Will were satisfied before the Testator's personal Estate could be priz'd or his Revenue gather'd in Having thus settled this business whilst his Friends were busie levying such Forces as he intended to lead into Provence he had now nothing left to do but to begin his Journey except to take a review of his Army Of which the Cavalry was commanded by the Sieurs de Chalais d' Ambleville d' Ars who is still full of vigour at the writing of this History and I think the only Cavalier remaining of all the Officers of that Army de Touverac de Miran de Gohas de Bordes d' Estausan de Puygailliart young Masses de Boisseau and some others each having a hundred Light Horse in his Troop The Infantry had for Camp Masters the Baron de Mata Bonnouvrier Pernes and la Rodérie the names of the rest I could not learn time having worn out their Memories But the Commanders and Souldiers were such that it was not possible to see any where a more complete nor a more spritely Body There remain'd in Provence of those who had kept themselves together since the death of Mounsieur de la Valette his own Troop of Gens-d ' Armes and that of the Baron de Montaut his Cousin consisting each of two hundred Cuirassiers with that of the Marquiss de Cadenot consisting of one The Troops of Light Horse under the command of Belloe of Ramefort of Lyons of St. Andiol that of Buous with his Regiment of Foot commanded by the Chevalier de Buous his Brother with the Regiments of Merarques and de Valaveyre Soon after the Duke's Arrival in those parts he was yet re-inforc'd with fifteen hundred Foot which the Sieur de Gouvernet brought him out of Dauphiné and the Constable his Uncle to whom he gave a Visit as he pass'd through Languedoc furnish'd him with three hundred Light Horse under the Command of the Sieurs de Poyraux de Monteson and d' Entragues So that he no sooner came into Provencâ— but that he had above ten thousand Foot besides what he was supply'd withal from the Garrisons of the Country which made up three thousand more and at least fifteen or sixteen hundred Horse The Mareschals de Camp to those Forces he had rais'd himself were the Sieurs de Megrin and de Bonnouvrier and of those in Provence Montaut and le Passage who having serv'd in the same quality under his Brother he thought by no means fit to be disoblig'd So many and so vast Leagues made at the Duke 's own charges could not but very much exhaust his purse which had before been weakned by the excessive expense he had been at for the Service of the two Kings For in his Voyage to Henry the III at Tours he had as has been said rais'd six thousand Foot and twelve hundred Horse and in the last Campagne he had brought to Henry IIII. four thousand Foot and eight hundred Light Horse which could not be rais'd without infinite expense So that it is no wonder if he was now reduc'd to borrowing as indeed he was and did borrow a very considerable summe at Angoulesme where one particular man Francois Redout by name Sieur de Nevillac lent him at his departure from thence fifty thousand Crowns and which more oblig'd the Duke a thing I have often heard him speak of with great commendation of this Gentlemans proceeding so generously that he would not so much as accept a bond for his Security but only a Memorandum of three or four Lines so great a Confidence he had in the Duke's Integrity Nor was he deceiv'd his mony being punctually repaid at the appointed day Things being thus order'd the Duke departed from Angoulesme the fifth day of Iune the same year taking his way through Perigort towards Quercy but there was no little contest betwixt his Honour and Affection in taking leave of his Dutchess whom her Vertue and Fruitfulness had rendred to him more dear than ever and who on her part as if she had foreseen this parting should be their last as indeed it was could by no means consent to this separation though they were at last both of them constrain'd to yield to the necessity his Duty and Honour impos'd upon him There accru'd no little advantage to his Majesties Affairs by this Armies taking the way of Quercy for the Marquis de Themines since Mareschal of France gave the Duke notice as he was upon his March that the Forces the League had in Languedoc under the command of the Duke de Ioyeuse had besig'd Villoâ—nur which though a little Town was nevertheless very considerable for its situation upon the River Tarn and for its vicinity to Tholouse being but four Leagues distant from thence Râ—nies a Gentleman of great Valour who had the command of that place upon the first Alarm had put himself with about fifteen or sixteen Gentlemen of his Friends into it but it had been impossible having no body but the Inhabitants to assist him to have defended it long without relief and that no body but the Duke was able to give him Which Father Ange de Ioyeuse a Capuchin the Duke's Brother-in-law and then at Tholouse fearing he would do and
flew from such an Engine This Cannoneer under the protection of some little Truce of which there happen many in such Sieges either for the carrying off their Dead or some other occasion had unknown crept into the Fort and had there diligently observ'd every part of the Duke's Quarter He had also discover'd that the Duke every afternoon us'd to play at Cards in the Parlour of his Tent and had observ'd so much as the place where his Chair was constantly set Having thus inform'd himself of all these circumstances he return'd to the City where after he had levell'd his two Guns to his own desire he was so confident of his skill as to offer odds that in one of two shots he was about to make he would either kill the Duke of Espernon or very much endanger his life when immediately giving fire he prov'd in part as good as his word the shot lighting directly into the place to which it had been by his eye before directed The Duke was at this time playing at Primero and set betwixt two Gentlemen one called le Poâ—y the others name I could not learn who were both of them beaten to pieces one over and the other under the Duke who by an incredible vigilancy of Fortune being at that instant bow'd down upon the Table to draw the money he had newly won upon a rest escap'd that fatal blow yet though he escap'd death it was not without two great wounds one by a piece of one of the poor Gentlemen's Bones that pierc'd deep into his Belly and the other by another piece of a Bone in his hip of both which he carried the marks along with him to his Grave Those of the Town who were soon aware of the lucky hit their Cannoneer had made believing the effect of it to be greater than indeed it was would not let slip an opportunity wherein they conceiv'd something might be executed to their own advantage wherefore they immediately sent out St. Romans one of their Mareschals de Camp with an hundred and fifty Light Horse at one Gate and Bezaudun with the like number at another to try if in the confusion they heard in the Fort something might not be attempted with success who had they found a fit advantage were to have been seconded by the entire Forces of the City but the Duke notwithstanding the pain of his Wounds omitting nothing of his usual care was no sooner taken up from the ground where the shoâ— had beaten him down than he commanded every one to stand to his Arms by which means the Enemy whose design it was to have come upon the Surprize seeing the Duke's Forces ready to receive them retir'd without fighting being soon undeceiv'd in their false hopes both of the Duke's death and of the Defeat of his Army The Duke's Wounds which every one at first judg'd to be mortal made his Chirurgeons resolve upon removing him out of the noise and tumult of the Fort into a Farm hard by a place which to them seem'd to be very secure from any practice of the Enemy But this opinion instead of giving him that quiet and repose they kindly intended had once more like to have cost him his life for the besieg'd who watch'd all opportunities of making continual attempts upon the Duke's person having observ'd that the place to which he was retir'd although covered by the Fort was nevertheless at a good distance from his Camp and only guarded by a small party of Horse resolv'd to try either to take him alive or at least to kill him in his Quarters To this purpose therefore sallying out of the Town with 400 of their best Horse they furiously set upon the Duke's Horse-Guard who were all presently cut to pieces and Camseque who commanded them laid dead upon the place D' Ars whose duty it was to relieve them coming fortunately in upon their Defeat renew'd the Fight where he so bravely withstood the Enemies fury that after his Brother Ceré had been wounded and maim'd with infinite Blows and himself beaten from his Horse and remounted by one of his Compagnions he gave du Passage one of the Duke 's Mareschals de Camp time to come in to his succour by whose assistance the Enemy was at last forc'd to retire leaving many of their men dead upon the place as the Baron d' Ars in this conflict lost the most part of his Troop This Cannon-shot which at the little distance of 200 paces had only wounded the Duke was not so favourable to the Dutchess his Wife whom it kill'd out-right at the distance of 200 Leagues This Lady had been brought to bed as has been said before this same year 1593 of Lewis since Cardinal de la Valette whom the grief for her Husbands absence which was nothing diminished by the course of time had still so far kept back from the recovery of her former strength after her lying in that what was only a little indisposition at first being much encreas'd by her melancholy grew to such a distemper as made her Friends at last begin to apprehend a mortal consequence from her disconsolate life To divert this ill humour therefore they often perswaded her to go abroad sometimes to Church sometimes on Visits when being gone out one day to hear Mass at her return she espied one of the Duke's Foot-men who unknown to him had been by some of his Officers dispatch'd away to Angoulesme on purpose to prevent any false rumors that might there be spread concerning the Duke's accident and so discreetly to acquaint the Dutchess with what had hapned that she might not unseasonably be surpriz'd with the news of his mischance an honest and a prudent care in them though her destiny rendred all these precautions fruitless and vain for she had no sooner cast her eye on the fellow who being but newly arriv'd had as yet spoke to none but that she call'd him to her suddenly demanding of him her Letters from the Duke to whom the poor Lacquy surpriz'd and daâ—nted at her demand innocently related that the Duke was wounded and by a Cannon-shot But as if that word had been the shot it self the Dutchess sunk down in a swoon as one that apprehending a Cannon shot could be no less than mortal would not survive him she concluded to be dead and who was far dearer to her than her own life In which condition she was presently taken up by her people and carried home where all possible means was us'd to bring her to her self as at last she was though it was only to make her more sensible of death which followed the ninth day after she had heard the unhappy news Before her Death she made a Will wherein she bequeath'd whatever was in her gift to the Duke her Husband to whom recommending her Children as the common pledges of their mutual affection she conjur'd him for their sakes never to marry again Thus died this young and
excellent Lady in the six and twentieth Year of her Age after having manifested an indifferency for life becoming her masculine Courage and Resignation unto Death worthy her great Piety and Vertue The Sieur du-Masses Lieutenant for the King under the Duke in that Government dispatch'd a Courier to the Duke to acquaint him with his loss as also with the Dutchess her dying request unto him who after having given publick testimonies of his affliction than which nothing could be greater he vow'd to observe what she expected from his fidelity to the last hour of his Life A promise that he as faithfully observ'd though in the space of fifty years that he surviv'd this excellent Lady he was offer'd many and great advantageous matches which he still refus'd ever professing that the respect he bore to his dead Ladies last request did and should with-hold him from embracing a new Wife and fâ—om embarquing in a new Fortune Fortune had hitherto so favour'd the Duke in almost all his Enterprizes that his Affairs had been carried on with great prosperity and success and the Provisions he had drawn from the Province or bought with his own mony had kept his Army in so good Discipline and Obedience that the Provencials had tasted very little of the incommodities of War Yet wanted there not some unquiet Spirits who enemies to the peoples peace as envious of the Duke 's good Fortune endeavour'd by all imaginable ways to debauch from him the respect and good will he had by his noble carriage acquir'd from the greater part of the Country and from the better sort of men perswading them that his severe and hasty humour proceeded from a purpose he had to usurp an absolute Authority over them and rendring his best intentions so suspected to the people as made them at last refuse to pay their accustomed Taxes It was by so much the easier to corrupt these undiscerning spirits by how much a certain emulation has ever been observ'd to be betwixt the Provencials and Gascons as seems to have been hereditary if not natural to those two people So that the Provencials not being able to endure the dominion of those with whom they had ever disputed the prize of Glory and Valour were easily tempted to shake off the yoke that either was or was pretended to be impos'd upon them After therefore as has been said they had denied the Duke those Contributions which until then they had willingly paid most of the Souldiers of the Country who were in his Army retir'd themselves and some of the chief Nobility pretended to favour at Court by accusing him of inordinate Ambition though all his endeavour to make himself considerable in Provence was only in order to his Majesties Service The Duke seeing things in this ill condition would by force have reduc'd them to their former posture but this remedy which was by no means proper for the constitution of that people ripping up the memory of the severe punishments he had in such cases inflicted upon several men in divers places serv'd only to make them desperate in their disobedience and to incenâ—e them to the last degree Thus did all those who had manifested an animosity against the Duke begin to apprehend falling into his power amongst which the Leaguers were in the greatest fear who as their obstinate Rebellion had made their fault much greater than theirs who like Souldiers had defended Montauron so did they fear a worse punishment if worse could be than had been inflicted upon them They saw their City of Aix reduc'd to the last extremity neither would those within stay till they could come to their Relief The Count de Carces a particular Enemy to the Duke besides the hatred that diversity of interest does usually beget above all things dreaded to fall into his hands so that Friends and Enemies those who pretended to be Royallists and Leaguers conspiring together to hinder the Duke's further advancement he saw almost in a moment all Provence in Mutiny and Insurrection The King had already publickly embrac'd the Catholick Religion of which he had made open profession at St. Dennis the five and twentieth day of Iuly this same year whose Conversion having taken away all manner of pretense from such as had declar'd they forsook his Majesties Service upon no other accompt than the Interest of Religion the Inhabitants of Aix conceiv'd they could now no longer continue in their Rebellion without manifesting to all the world that they were sway'd by other considerations than those they had already declar'd to which the Count de Carces making use of this time and occasion adding his perswasions one while representing to them their Duty to their Prince and another the severity they were to expect from the Duke of Espernon animated as he must of necessity be by the hatred they had in this Siege express'd against his Person he at last prevail'd with them to send away speedily to the King to assure his Majesty of their Fidelity and Obedience This was the first thing that discover'd a disunion in the League of which though the Duke of Mayenne highly complain'd to the Count de Carces reproaching him with weakness and charging him with all the miscarriages that should after happen to their Faction yet was he deaf to his reproaches and the fear of falling into the Duke's hands as he was upon the point to do the City of Aix not being able longer to hold out being more prevalent upon him than the respect of his Alliance he resolutely persisted in his first Design But the Count de Carces was not satisfied with hindering the Duke from making himself Master of the City of Aix only the hatred he implacably bore him proceeding yet further and to contrivances of more dangerous consequence against him There was none who did not believe the King had a jealousie of the Duke's Designs amongst whom the Count de Carces who understood it better than the rest easily perswaded himself that his Majesty would not suffer the Duke to encrease his Reputation and Power in Provence by the taking of Aix one of the most important places of that Province And he further knew the Duke would as hardly consent to have his Conquest so near effected forestall'd and the prey snatch'd out of his hands So that in this diversity of pretensions he doubted not but that the King's aversion to the Duke as also his mistrust of him would be infinitely encreas'd which in the end succeeded as he had foreseen and projected The Estates of the Country assembled at Aix appointed Deputies to go make a tender to the King of the obedience of their City provided his Majesty would please to protect them against the Duke of Espernon whose power they said was grown formidable and his insolence not to be endur'd 'T is true he had acted vigorously against them but they would not say That had he proceeded with greater moderation they would ever
Nephew Morges in whose company to his own misfortune was Bezaudun who had formerly been Mareschal de Camp for the League in Provence The Duke seeing this Vant-guard come up with a countenance to fight made his also advance to meet them which he would himself in person lead up as he did and made so gallant and so fortunate a charge that after a short but brisk dispute himself bravely fighting at the head of his men they totally routed the party and drove Morges wounded into the very Ditch that parted the two main Bodies kill'd a great many men as he also lost some and carried away very many Prisoners without leaving so much as one of his own men in the Enemies hands Yet had Mounsieur l' Esdiguieres the patience all this while to see his men beaten and trodden under foot without once offering to come out of his Trench or though he made some light skirmishes about the skirts of the Ditch without expressing any inclination to a total engagement A coldness that the Duke very well observing and satisfied with his own success which he had infinitely hazarded should he have made any further attempt upon the Enemy in a place of so great advantage contented himself with only facing some hours in the Field to try if l' Esdiguieres had any mind to repair his loss but to no purpose he still keeping the â—ame station and being by no provocation to be â—empted out of the advantage of his Post. And this is the truth of what pass'd at this occasion as I received it from honourable and not to be suspected testimony who were present at the engagement and who impartially related the story though the sequel it self makes it plain enough for had Mounsieur l' Esdiguieres had the least imaginable advantage is it to be suppos'd that he would have suffer'd the Duke to have carried away so many and so considerable Pris'ners before his face as the Historians themselves confess to be taken in this Battel No doubtless neither was it such a triumph for him to remain Master of the Field the Duke never intending to stay upon the place of Battel the ill Quarters he had been enforc'd to take up withal upon his March in a very unfruitful Country not permitting him to stay long there without he intended to destroy his men to which consideration was also added that he was in danger of losing his Fort at Aix left but slenderly guarded by drawing so many men from thence upon this occasion and therefore it especially concern'd him not longer to expose a place of that importance which was indeed the main cause that made him to return but not retreat Amongst the Prisoners taken at this Battel was the Mareschal de Camp Bezaudun whom I nam'd but now a Gentleman for his Parts and Courage of high repute amongst those of his own Faction but he would yet make himself more remarkable by professing and that in publick an implacable hatred to the Duke's Person neither were words sufficient to express his Malice nor did he think it enough that he had by divers calumnies bespatter'd the Duke's Honour unless he made his injuries more publick by printing several Libels of which he declar'd himself to be the Author which indeed was one thing that had cherish'd in the Duke an animosity against him but there was yet another by which he was more justly provok'd and of which those who have condemn'd the Duke for causing him to be as they say unhandsomely slain have made no mention I think it therefore very fit to insert it here to vindicate the Duke from the aspersion has been unjustly cast upon him about this Gentleman's death Bezaudun formerly in some engagement had the fortune to take a Gentleman Prisoner whose name was D' Estampes a man for whom the Duke had an exceeding kindness and whom in the beginning of his restraint Bezaudun had us'd with great civility but suspecting soon after and perhaps upon too light grounds that his Prisoner had not observ'd a due regard to the honour of his house he forthwith resolv'd to take a severe revenge To which purpose causing himself to be carried in a Chair into the Market-place of Aix being unable to walk by reason of some Wounds he had receiv'd he there caus'd his Prisoner to be brought before him where having demanded of him in the presence of a great many people whom the novelty of the action had assembled together if he complain'd of his usage D' Estampes made answer that he was so far from complaining that he had highly commended it and should do so as long as he had life You should not then have given me cause to complain of you says Bezaudun and withal cry'd kill him which inhumane Sentence was scarce pronounc'd but that the poor Gentleman was by some Bezaudun had brought along for that purpose immediately run through and through and laid dead upon the place This barbarous act that possess'd with horror all such as beheld it being soon brought to the Duke's ear he then made a vow that if ever the Murtherer fell into his hands he should receive the same measure And such was Bezaudun's ill fortune to be presented to the Duke in a time when the murther of his Friend was yet fresh in his memory for the Prisoners taken in the Battel being immediately and upon the place brought before him and amongst the rest Bezaudun completely arm'd with his Bever down and the Duke asking as he had of the rest who he was the Prisoner himself made answer that he was Bezaudun at which the Duke turning aside his head as loathing the sight of a man so odious to him and against whom he had so often publish'd an implacable hatred could not forbear to express some dissatisfaction with those who had receiv'd him to Quarter whereupon one of them without more express order discharg'd a Pistol in his head by which he was laid upon the ground the second was discharg'd by a Brother-in-law of his own and both mortal Thus have you the truth of this business which had it been carried with less cruelty had doubtless been more to be commended though the many offences and injuries the Duke had receiv'd being duly consider'd it may in some sort pretend to an excuse especially the fact having been committed by no order from the Duke but by Servants of his who conceiv'd it would be an acceptable service to him Neither is it to be denied but that the War has produc'd many other actions of this nature wherein as great severity has been practis'd upon far less provocation The Duke after this Battel perceiving l' Esdiguierâ—s to be palpably favour'd by almost all who had formerly stood for the League in Provence many of them having listed themselves under this Hugonot Captain as also by those who were affectionate to the King seeing an Army likewise on foot against him twice as numerous as his own and not knowing
Duke of Guise with whom the Duke being one night very pleasant in her Lodging they there contriv'd a piece of mirth which in the issue very much fail'd their expectation Grillon Camp-Master to the Regiment of Guards a Gentleman of Provence was reputed one of the bravest men of his time and with good reason the signal testimonies he had in a thousand occasions given of his Valour approaching nearer to the vanity of a Romance than to the truth of serious History This Gentleman after the recovery of Marselles was dismiss'd from the King to the Duke of Guise to be assisting to him in his reputation advice and valour for the conservation of that place for his Majesty well knowing what a longing and watchful eye his Enemies had upon that City and himself also being very tender of so important a place would spare no cost not omit no care to preserve iâ— safe from any designs without or within by violence or practice The Duke of Gâ—ise then in the height of his mirth calling to mind that Grillon was ordinarily call'd l' homme sans peur thinking it not impossible to shew the world he was capable of the Passion of fear as well as other men and to make him lose that name with some other young men of his own gay humour about him contriv'd to have an Alarm suddenly given under Grillon's window as if the Enemy had entred the Town and at the same time causing two Horses to be brought to the door of his Lodging runs himself up stairs into his Chamber where with a counterfeited distraction he hastily told him that all was lost that the Enemy had made himself Master of the Port and of the City that they had forc'd the Guards dispers'd and beaten all that could make head against him and that no more resistance being to be made he thought it better to retire than to add to their Enemies Victory by their own Ruine that therefore he was come to call him out that they might make their retreat together to which purpose two Horses waited ready at the door of his Lodging and that he desir'd him to make hast lest they should be surpriz'd by the Enemy before they could find means to escape Grillon though he had been fast asleep at the beginning of this false Alarm and was yet scarce awake when the Duke of Guise told him this story yet without being at all surpriz'd he call'd for his cloaths and his Arms saying withal that too easie credit was not to be given to reports in the tumult and confusion of Alarms but that should the intelligence prove true it were far more honourable to die with their Swords in their hands than to survive the loss of such a City which being all the Duke of Guise could get from him he not being to be perswaded out of that resolution they went together out of the Chamber when being in the middle of the stairs the Duke being able to hold no longer burst out into laughter by which Grâ—llon understanding the Raillery with a furious countenance grasping the Duke by the Arm and rapping out a terrible Oath the usual preface to all his discourses he said Young man never make it your sport to try the Courage of a man of Honour for by the Death hadst thou made in me a discovery of fear or surprize I would have stabh'd my Dagger into thy heart and so return'd back into his Chamber without more words This Story which I have from a very good hand a person of Quality who had it from the Duke of Guiseâ—s own mouth I thought too remarkable to be overslipt Neither do I think Grillon to be less esteem'd for this â—ally of fury which appears however to be wrap'd up in very good sense than in the constancy of his courage that would not consent he should retire from or out-live the loss of so important a City And since I have spoken of the blasphemies that were so frequent in his mouth I shall tell you what I have heard the Duke of Espernon say who had him long under his command which is that many years before his death though he had a perfect strength and vigour in all his other parts he had nevertheless so great a weakness in his tongue that he could not articulate or bring out one word that any body could understand God bâ—ing doubtless pleas'd by a manifest judgment to punish him in that part which by so many Oaths and Blasphemies had so often offended against his Divine Honour and most Holy Name The end of the First Part. THE HISTORY OF THE LIFE OF THE Duke of ESPERNON THE GREAT FAVOURITE OF FRANCE ENGLISHED BY CHARLES COTTON Esq The Second Part. Nihil est aptius ad delectationem Lectoris quà m temporum varietates fortunaeque vicissitudines quae etsi nobis optabiles in experiendo non fuerunt in legendo tamen erunt jucundae Cic. Epist. 12. l. 5. LONDON Printed for Henry Brome MDCLXX THE HISTORY Of the LIFE of the Duke of Espernon THE SECOND PART The Fifth Book THE Duke of Espernon having as before is said taken his leave of Provence in the company of the Marquiss of Roquelaure soon after presented himself before his Majesty at Paris who was then but newly return'd from his Voyage of Picardy an expedition wherein he had met with very various success Fortune having plaid with both hands in the distribution of Honour and Disgrace She had indeed shew'd her self favourable to him in the Enterprize of la Fere a place that being one of the most important upon the Frontier and having by the League been put into the Spaniards hands had been so Fortified and Victualled by the new Possessors that the King judging it not to be recover'd by fine force without the manifest loss of an infinâ—te number of good men thought it better to streighten it at a distance by blocking up and building Forts upon all the Avenues by which it could any way be supply'd or reliev'd than to hazard his men by a nearer and more regular Siege a way that doubtless was the safest and most likely in the end to succeed but as no Counsels are so perfect as to point out the certain event of things this way of proceeding prov'd so slow as gave the Enemy in the interim time and opportunity to bring about other designs of such importance as made the King sick of the success of his own enterprize even before it took effect Albert Arch-Duke and also Cardinal of Austria was now newly enter'd upon the Government of the hereditary Countries of Flanders from whence the King of Spain had lately call'd home the â—ondé de Fuentes â— Prince that stirr'd 〈◊〉 by the emulâ—tion of this Predecessor's exploits who the year before had won â—rom France le Catelet Dourlens and Cambray had put on a resolution to do things that should as far out-shine the Conde's less atchievements as he himself in Birth and Quality
he had receiv'd from the King conceiving this business what gloss soever might be put upon it would be interpreted to his disgrace and would pass in the opinions of men at honour for a Bravado and an affront to him in his Government could by no means perswade himself to digest it which made him very important with the King that his Majesty would please to absolve him from so injurious a condition a thing the King who had him in great esteem would as willingly have done But his Royal Word being already pass'd to the Duke whom he knew to be as obstinate as the other in things wherein his Honour was concern'd and not knowing how at once to satisfie two so different humours matters were in all apparence going into as ill terms as at first when an accident fell out that soon took the Duke off all thoughts of that Solemnity The Dutchess of Bar the King 's only Sister hapned to dye at this time which gave the King occasion to write to the Duke of Espernon that he assur'd himself all such good Subjects and Servants as he was would rather lament with him for the loss of so dear a Relation than to think of Mirth and publick Solemnities of Joy at so unseasonable a time a command so much the easier for the Duke to obey by how much he himself had particular reason to be really afflicted at the death of that excellent Lady So that by this accident the Mareschal d' Ornano saw himself disingag'd from one of the greatest extremities he had ever found himself involv'd in it having been otherwise necessary for him either absolutely to disobey the King which he could not have done without incurring his disgrace or patiently to submit to an affront he himself had declar'd to be the greatest he could possibly receive and that 't is said he was resolv'd to have avoided by laying down his Commission such as were most perfect in his passionate nature being confident had it come to the push he would certainly have ransom'd himself from that submission at the price of his Fortune The Duke continued some time after this in Guienne and from thence returned into Angoumois where he spent the remainder of the year without being call'd thence upon any publick occasion All things as has been said were quiet and the King seem'd to be wholly taken up with the care of husbanding and filling his Exchequer wherein though some believ'd him to be meerly carried on by a natural inclination to the love of mony yet his designs which a few years after disclos'd themselves gave the world an accompt that there was more of design than avarice in the exact care he took to moderate the excessive expense had by his predecessor been introduc'd into the Kingdom The Duke of Espernon nevertheless could have wish'd his Majesty had been more open handed to the Garrisons in his Government those of Angoulesme and Xaintes being so ill paid that they could hardly subsist which putting him into an apprehension that those places become now as it were Frontier Towns since those of the Reformed Religion had made a kind of separation in the State of which Rochelle seem'd to be the Metropolitan City might be lost in his hands he continually represented to the King the danger those Cities were in but without being regarded at all which made him in the beginning of the ensuing year resolve upon a Journey to Court to try if in person and by word of mouth he could not prevail more than by continual importunities in writing he had hitherto done where being arriv'd and presenting himself before the King his Majesty as'd him in what condition he had left his Governments to whom the Duke reply'd That they could not possibly be in a worse the necessity of the Souldiery in Garrison being so great that he durst not undertake for the security of those places committed to his charge To which the King having made answer That they were us'd as others were The Duke who very well knew the difference his Majesty made betwixt his Catholick Garrisons and the neighbouring places possess'd by those of the Reform'd Religion took the liberty to tell him that those who had so inform'd his Majesty had given him a very ill accompt of his Affairs the Garrisons of those of the Religion who perhaps were arm'd to the prejudice of his Service being nothing in Arrear whilst the Catholicks who were firm in their obedience were ready to perish for want of pay The King nettled at so tart a reply and angry that the Duke should give him so publick a reproach in the discovery of a truth he had a mind for many reasons should have been conceal'd suffer'd himself to be so far transported by his passion that he could not forbear to tell the Duke He was perverse and importunate That he sought all occasions to displease him That he would have done him a greater kindness to have kept still at the distance he was at than to come into his presence only to offend him and for the close of all that he had long observ'd he did not love him To which the Duke without being thunder-struck at the King's anger which might perhaps have surpriz'd another man less confident of his Fidelity than he insisting upon the last words answered coldly but after a serious manner Sir your Majesty has not a more faithful Subject than my self in your Kingdom and I had rather die than do any thing contrary to the least particle of my duty But Sir for what concerns friendship your Majesty knows very well that is a thing not to be acquir'd but by Friendship At so bold and generous an answer there was none who was not astonish'd at the Duke's freedom and that was not ready to condemn his rashness though the King himself who knew how to put a just value upon great actions and how to interpret language of this nature was of a more favourable opinion and gave no reply but on the contrary reflecting upon what the Duke had said converted his indignation into esteem and interpreting what others thought temerity for an effect of honest liberty proceeding from a good conscience resolv'd to make himself belov'd by the way the Duke had laid him down and from that time forward began to use him much better than he had ever done Neither was the Duke wanting on his part but perceiving his Majesties good disposition towards him and adding the spur of affection to what he had formerly perform'd upon the meer accompt of duty he at last obtain'd so great a share in his Majesties favour and good opinion that before his death he receiv'd as many testimonies of his Royal good Will and Confidence as any other person of his condition whatsoever in the Kingdom This confidence began soon after to appear by the command the King was pleas'd to give the Duke over the Horse and Foot he sent into Limousin when tir'd
out with the continual disorders the excess of his clemency begat every day in his Kingdom he was resolv'd to take order once for all and by a severe and exemplary punishment to quiet the Rebellion some of Mounsieur de Boüillons Servants openly maintain'd after his departure out of the Kingdom in Perigord Quercy and Limousin The Mareschal de Boüillon was seiz'd of many very fair possessions and had many Friends and Servants in those Provinces where the Nobility Gentry and Commons being also naturally inclin'd to Arms it was no hard matter to perswade them into commotion The King had been given to understand that under the pretense of seeking protection only from the Protestant Princes of Germany and the Swisse Cantons the Mareschal endeavour'd to interest them in the Quarrel of those of the Religion in France by possessing them as it was said that since the King's Conversion their usage was far different from what it had formerly been and the liberty of Conscience far more restrain'd than it us'd to be Neither did his Majesty doubt but that all of his opinion in his Kingdom would easily be induc'd to follow the Duke of Boüillon's discontent who had acquir'd an absolute reputation among them He farther saw that many Catholicks made no scruple to joyn with him to the end they might re-enjoy the licence of War which would by no means be allow'd them in the better times of Peace He knew that great summes of mony were distributed for the raising of men which mony was suspected to come from Spain from whence all the intestine broils of his Kingdom had ever been countenanc'd and promoted Evil dispositions that being all joyn'd together were sufficient to produce great disorders in the State and to reduce the King in spite of his heart to the necessity of a Civil War His Majesty therefore thinking it very convenient to prevent all these disorders and to suffocate them in their Birth resolv'd to go in person to Limousin either by his Presence to appease or by his Authority to suppress the begun Commotions but to dispose them to their obedience if possible before his arrival to chastise some Offenders without drawing the Odium immediately upon himself and to reduce every one to his Duty he order'd the Duke of Espernon to go before with six Companies only of his Regiment of Guards and four Troops of Horse not doubting but with this little Body together with the Duke's Interest which was very considerable in those parts of which some places were under his own Government he would be able to give a better accompt of his Expedition than another perhaps could do with greater Forces And to the end that his Justice might accompany his Arms he joyn'd to the Duke Iean Iaques de Mesmes Segnieur de Roissy Master of Requests with Commission of Oyer and Terminer to sit upon the Life and Death of the Offenders This was he so famous for his Integrity and Valour that was afterwards Doyen to the Council of State where though the esteem every one had of his Vertue was very great yet was it no more than was due to his merit although afterwards in the progress of a long life he had this honour added to the rest he enjoy'd to see his name illustrated by a noble Posterity not any man scarce of his condition in the Kingdom having supply'd the State with so great and able Ministers The Duke having taken his leave of the King advanc'd into Limousin where he would have Crequy Camp-Master to the Regiment of Guards to command in person the Forces he took along with him and where the most turbulent spirits at his unexpected arrival which by his diligence had almost got the start of any intelligence of his coming mediâ—ated nothing less than their defense some of the most advis'd fearing to have to do with the Duke or de Roissy appeal'd to his Majesties mercy and by the acknowledgement of their offense obtain'd their Pardon others retir'd themselves to the Duke de Boüillon to Sedan the most imprudent or the most unfortunate only falling into the hands of Justice Of which five or six suffer'd death though many others were punish'd by more moderate ways so that before the King's arrival at Limoges all those Countries that before breath'd nothing but Sedition and Disorder were now so calm and still that his Majesty had nothing to do but by his Clemency to settle Rebels newly reclaim'd from their Disobedience in their Duty and to reward his faithful Subjects by the demonstrations of his Grace and Favour The end of the Fifth Book THE HISTORY Of the LIFE of the Duke of Espernon The Sixth Book THE Affairs of Limousin that had taken up the Duke of Espernon the whole year having been compos'd with the facility you have heard the King return'd again to Paris attended by the Duke who had now nothing left to do behind The antiquated enmity that so many years had been nourish'd betwixt the House of Guise and him continued still which was ready to discover it self upon every light occasion and almost as oft as they met to come to a bustle betwixt them In all which disputes the Duke notwithstanding that that Illustrious Family by the greatness of their Birth and by their Offices in the State by their vast possessions in the Kingdom and above all by the great number of generous Princes of which it was compos'd as also by the potency of their Alliances made up a great part of the Court would never give them the least ground but ever sustein'd their power with great Spirit and Vigour neither did he want such a number of Relations and Servants as might secure him from the apprehension of the greatness of any He had sometime before this had a brisk dispute with the Duke of Guise the King being at Lyons which proceeded so far that the Duke of Espernon by the hands of la Pierre one of the Duke's Gentlemen receiv'd a Challenge from him though the Quarrel had been so publick and the Duke of Guise was so narrowly watch'd by his Friends that he could not get out into the Field wherein the Duke of Espernon was better serv'd by his who permitted him to go out of the City with Gohas whom he took with him for his second but being call'd back by the King's Command who would himself compose their difference that Quarrel was soon at an end There hapned at this time another betwixt the Duke of Espernon and the Prince of Ioinville now Duke of Chevreuse and Brother to the Duke of Guise for this Prince having staid the Coach of a Woman of Quality at the outer Gate of the Louvre one night that the King had appointed a great Dancing at Court and the Duke coming out with the Duke of Montensier to go home the Ladies Coach so stopt the Gate that the Duke's could not possibly pass wherefore he commanded the Coachman to make way But the Duke of
in the whole world a Kingdom to be found more glorious more flourishing or more happy than that of France during the Reign of this mighty Prince Yet could not all this reputation abroad secure him from afflictions at home neither could his greatness and bounty exempt him from the power of Death who first exercising his cruelty upon some of his Family discharg'd in the end his whole rage and fury upon his own person The precedent year had ravish'd from him one of the Princes his Children and this depriv'd him of the Duke of Montpâ—nsier his Cousin a Prince for whom his Majesty had as great a kindness as for any whatsoever of his Blood as he made it appear by the true sorrow he manifested for his death but the Duke of Espernon was afflicted beyond all expression I have already given an accompt of the Alliance betwixt these two and of the particular Friendship that Alliance begot I shall now further say they were inseparable in their conversation their Interests went ever hand in hand with one another and it will be hard to find a Friendship so pure and constant betwixt two private persons as they ever preserved entire in the corruptions and revolutions of the Court Neither could the friendship of a Prince of his extraction and vertue be otherwise than of great importance to the Duke whose prosperity and advancement had procur'd him so much envy and consequently so many enemies yet was he constrain'd to submit to the inevitable necessity of death and to bear with patience a loss for which there was no other remedy This accident was yet follow'd by another the ensuing year at which the Duke was almost equally afflicted Pere Ange de Ioyeuse Father-in-law to the Duke of Montpensier had been return'd into the Order of Fathers Capuchins from the year 1599. from which time he had continued in the austerity of his Canon with so great zeal and sanctity that he was become a president of Vertue and Holy Living to all the Religious Men of his Order Yet did he not when returning to the observation of his Vow he threw off all worldly vanities and desires banish from his breast those true affections which Nature and Reason had planted in his heart but on the contrary had ever in his greatest retirement cherish'd the Duke's friendship as if he had been his true Brother in Blood as he was in Alliance and Affection Neither was the Duke on his part less sedulous to improve so vertuous an Interest ever honouring and loving him even in his penitential Sack-cloath at as high a rate as when he liv'd in the greatest Lustre in the most honourable employments and applying himself with greater diligence to the Interests of his House and to the advancement of his Daughter than when he himself liv'd upon the great Theatre of the busie world so that in different capacities of living their friendship continued still one and the same till death came to cut the knot which along had power to dissolve it This Holy man died at Rivoly in Piedmont in his return from Rome in great reputation of Sanctity and Vertue which has since by time been made more manifest to all The following year affords so little considerable to be said of the Duke of Espernon in particular the Court being at this time wrap'd in so great a calm and security that there is nothing of moment to be reported of any save the King himself that it might well enough be pass'd over in silence But having hitherto found out something or other to record in the foregoing years I had rather travel not out of my subject only but also out of the affairs of the Kingdom than to omit the most glorious proof his Majesty could possibly give of his Authority with all the Princes and States of Christendom in the conclusion of the Truce betwixt the Crown of Spain and the States of the United Provinces This great affair had been fruitlesly propos'd almost from the very first bustle of Arms in that Country neither had endeavours been wanting even in the heat of the most bloody executions that the fury of War has perhaps produc'd in any part of Europe for the effecting of so good a work Treaties of Accommodation having every year during those troubles been constantly by some or other set on foot but the animosity of Factions the difference of Religions and the variety of Events that had ever kept Affairs on both sides as it were in-equal balance had so exasperated the minds of men that scarce any proposition of Peace would be endur'd A work it seems reserv'd to be an additional Ray to the King's Glory whose reputation only could cut the knot of all those difficulties Spain had great need of Peace which having often without interessing the King in the Affair sought in vain he was in fine constrain'd to apply himself to him to procure it and wholly to submit all things to his Arbitration A task the King very well satisfied with so high and publick an acknowledgment of his power as readily undertook and to that purpose dispatch'd away President Ianin and the Sieur de Râ—issy to manage the Work by whose prudent conduct fortified by their Masters Reputation they effected that by the weight of Authority which perhaps their dexterity how great soever without great labour and expence of much time could not otherwise have brought to pass So that things were reduc'd to the point the parties concern'd could themselves desire from whence followed an universal Peace amongst all Christian Princes It was into this tranquille condition that the Affairs of Europe were first to be wrought before the King could begin to form it into the new mould he had long design'd for this great Prince born to reconcile Monarchy and Justice being unable to endure the proud Authority with which the Crown of Spain lorded it over all her Neighbours and more impatient that by the expansion of his Empire the Spaniard should reap advantages which he conceiv'd were more justly due to his Birth and Valour he resolv'd to clip the wings of this soaring greatness to make him give back those Territories he usurp'd from his Neighbours to restore the Republicks their ancient liberty and finally to reduce his power to the limits of his primitive possession This in short is all that can be said of the King's designs and all that such as conceiv'd they penetrated deepest into his most private thoughts could possibly divine it being most certain that he discover'd the bottom of his design to none which had it been communicated to any the Duke of Espernon would doubtless in this conjuncture have participated of the trust but as this great Prince would execute all things in his own person so did he here reserve to himself the secret of his resolutions insomuch that though his Army was all ready drawn into the Field that he himself was immediately to
should no ways engage him to any partiality in his favour nor in the least restrain the liberty of his proceeding in that concern A coldness that so much disgusted the Count de Soissens who expected a greater complacency and freedom from him that his affection so violently begun was not likely long to last The first opposition he met with in the Duke to his desires was in the proposal he made him to give way that he might cause the Duke of Sully to be stab'd in the Louvre He was their common Enemy and the sole cause of all the trouble had befall'n this Prince and of his retirement from Court wherein the inury he had receiv'd was such that although the King had laid upon him his positive command to be reconcil'd he had notwithstanding rather chosen to abandon the Court than to do it The Duke had also receiv'd from the Duke of Sully a great Creature of the late King 's all the ill Offices could possibly have been done by the most implacable Enemy which being not unknown to the Count de Soissons he doubted not to have met an Animosity in the Duke against him as great as his own and to have found him as prompt to his revenge but he was deceiv'd the Duke excusing himself by telling the Count he could by no means permit so great a violence to be offer'd in the King's Palace beseeching him to consider that the Guards which he had the honour to command being principally design'd to preserve the respect due to his Majesties Person and Presence inviolate and such as it ought to be he should commit an irreparable offense to his Duty should he consent to favour an act of so dangerous Example An answer at which the Count a man of a furious and cholerick temper was infinitely mov'd yet his interest not permitting him to break with the Duke he for that time with an extraordinary patience made the best shift he could to dissemble his discontent During these transactions at Court there was something pass'd also at Metz wherein the Duke was no little concern'd you have already heard how Arquien Lieutenant Colonel to the Regiment of Guards had immediately upon the King's Death taken post to retire himself into the Cittadel of which he was Governour afâ—â—â— whom the Duke had sent Mun to spoil his Design so that Mun who was much the younger man having posted in great diligence overtook him some six Stages short of Metz where he found him so bruis'd with riding that he was scarce in a condition to perform the rest of his Journey When Arquien who saw himself likely to be prevented and in danger to be deny'd admittance into Metz by the Duke's Servants plainly told Mun That he made no doubt but that his Journey was occasion'd by a just suspicion the Duke had conceiv'd of his sudden departure without his Order and Command that therein he must needs confess he had been to blame but that he had been prompted to that diligence by a jealousie the Duke might perhaps have detain'd him by force in Paris with an intent to deprive him of his command in the Cittadel That he therefore had undertaken that journey simply and for no other end than to keep his possession of that place which was the most considerable member of his Fortune and the only reward of his Service but with no design to disserve the Duke That he was his Servant neither did he desire to govern so much as in the Cittadel but under his Authority and Command That for a testimony of his Candour and good intention herein he promis'd Mun if he would slack his diligence and let them go together not to enter the Cittadel till first he should by the consent of the Duke 's own Creatures be permitted so to do submitting moreover till it should be by them determin'd that the Garrison there should be divided betwixt them A proposition that Mun conceiving to be as fair as the Duke could himself desire he condescended to the condition and accordingly in his company perform'd the rest of the Journey arriving both together at the City Where being come they immediately assembled the Duke's Friends and Servants which were Tilladet and Fromigieres Captains of the two Companies of the Guards who were in Garrison at Metz and Momas Camp-Master to the old Garrison amongst whom it was concluded that Tilladet the elder Captain should with an hundred men only of his Company enter the Cittadel till the Duke's further pleasure could be known a number that to the Duke's Friends seem'd sufficient to make good their Quarter should Arquien intend any thing but fair as Arquien thought his would be able to maintain his Authority and to over-power the other should the Duke be obstinately bent to exclude him absolutely from his Command Things then being thus concluded Arquien whilst yet in the City sent order to his Lieutenant to receive Tilladet into the Cittadel with such Souldiers as he should bring alonâ— with him not naming any number as not suspecting any foul play a negligence which the Duke's Servants making use of to his advantage they caus'd above fifty more and those the best men they could chuse out of all the Companies to be added to the hundred that by Article were to be admitted who being all without any difficulty receiv'd into the Cittadel it soon appear'd Arquien's was not the strongest Party and that the advantage he had in number his Garrison consisting of two hundred men being balanc'd by the quality of the Souldiers Tilladet was rather in a condition to give than to receive the Law from him Arquien having thus by an excess of faithful dealing perform'd his promise went himself last of all into the Cittadel where he was no sooner come but that his Lieutenant at the first word told him he was no longer Master of the place to whom Arquien having reply'd that an hundred men could not dispute his Authority there the Lieutenant gave him to understand that almost twice so many were already got in which he had not dar'd but to receive not knowing the precise number of those he was to admit at which Arquien now sensible of the oversight he had committed was so enrag'd that he would presently revenge himself upon Tilladet and was ready to fall on Tilladet also on his part preparing for the Encounter when the Friends of both parties who were in the City came in at the first noise of the disorder At their first coming they found the Gates of the Cittadel shut but being opened in the end to such as pretended to endeavour an Accommodation it was with much ado concluded that for Arquiens satisfaction Tilladet to whom he chiefly laid the blame as contriver of the Treachery and Surprize should depart the place but that those Souldiers already enter'd should continue there and that Fromigieres should come in to command them Thus ended this dispute and thus was the Duke of Espernon's absolute
Authority though with some trouble re-establish'd in Metz which from the time of Sobole's dereliction until now he had altogether lost Fromigieres being receiv'd into the Cittadel was still more and more fortified by new Souldiers which the Duke's friends continually slipt in from the City so that Arquien seeing himself in a lost condition and also stung with the conscience of his own fault he return'd in all haste back to Paris at once to beg the Duke of Espernon's pardon and to implore the Queen Regents Justice Where being come and finding the Duke inflexible to his submissions and positively resolute to hold what he had seeing he was to expect no good accompt from him he thought fit as his last refuge to appeal to the Queen Neither did he want interest at Court to support and countenance his cause where besides de Montigny his Brother a man of great merit and esteem and afterwards Mareschal of France he had many Relations and Friends together with the Duke's Enemies who could not without great heart-burning see him re-settled in so considerable a command Of this number were the Lords of the House of Guise and their Family who made up a great part of the Court and who being all averse to the Duke's greatness endeavour'd by possessing the Queen that the action of Metz was an intolerable affront to her Authority to make her restore Arquien to his Command They represented to her that this was an Affair by the late King conceiv'd to be of such importance to the State that his Majesty had made no difficulty to make a Journey thither in person and on purpose to retrive this place out of the Duke of Espernon's hands That his Fidelity ought at this time to be much the rather suspected by how much his Ambition was more inordinate and less easie to be cur'd That having under pretense of some trivial Services to her Majesty in the beginning of her Administration committed a violence of this high nature he made it plain that his sole aim was in this new face of Affairs to establish his own particular greatness and that instead of endeavouring to continue Subjects in their Duty by the example of a Subjects Obedience he had himself committed the greatest insolence imaginable against the Sovereign Power by dispossessing one of the most ancient and faithful Servants of the Crown from a place wherein he had serv'd without the least blemish or reproach It is certain that the Queen how well satisfied soever with the Duke of Espernon was notwithstanding something stagger'd in her resolution at this Remonstrance but the Duke having also given his reasons and represented to her of what importance it was to have his Majesties Authority in the City and Cittadel of Metz conjoyn'd in one man that the emulation of two Governours might not produce mutiny such as would endanger the introducing of Forein Power into the place with how long and with what Fidelity he had serv'd his Kings in that Government the Authority being united in his Person he found the Queen so well dispos'd to accept of his justification that she was absolutely satisfied so that from that time forward nothing was more thought of in that business save only how to content Arquien in finding out for him some other command that might hold proportion with that Employment In the transaction of this Affair Fortune as upon other occasions would needs interest her self to appear in the Duke's Favour De Vic Governour of Calice was one of the principal Mediators in this difference who on the one side making profession of great respect to the Duke's Service and on the other of a strict friendship with Arquien labour'd with extraordinary passion and diligence to satisfie both parties in their pretense and had brought matters to so good an issue that nothing remain'd to their mutual satisfaction save only to find out a Government for Arquien equal to that whereof he was now divested but there was none at this time vacant of equal value which was the only knot in the Affair At last this poor Gentleman prov'd both the Mediator and the price of their Accommodation who had acted so vigorously in the Treaty that with posting to and again in the most violent heats of Summer he was surpriz'd with a Pleurisie whereof in six days he dy'd With his Government Arquien was recompens'd who after that quit claim to the Cittadel of Metz leaving the Duke absolute Master of it as before a possession he afterwards kept till that a few years before his death he demised it in favour of Cardinal de la Valette his Son Amidst these many important Affairs the Duke was not unmindful of his particular Duties whereof one and to which he conceiv'd himself most particularly oblig'd was to manifest his gratitude to Henry the III. his Master and Benefactor He had formerly after his death attended his Body to Compiegne where the misfortunes of War and the confusion of Affairs not permitting at that time a performance of his Funeral Rites and the Queen now resolving to begin the Regency with those of the late King he humbly begg'd of her to give him leave to make use of that opportunity for the interment of Henry the III. wherein her Majesty doing an Act worthy her Piety would add little or nothing to the expense she was already resolv'd to make The Queen readily consented to his request so that the Duke accompanied with a great number of Lords and Gentlemen went to fetch the Body from Compiegne from whence he convey'd it to St. Denis where it was deposited in the ancient Sepulchre of the Kings of France Neither was this the sole testimony the Duke gave of his gratitude to his old Master the Records of his Bounty and Favour being so impress'd in his memory that they perish'd not but in his Grave where all things are buried in Oblivion A little before his death causing a Marble Pillar one of the most celebrated pieces of Architecture of these late times to be carried and set up in the Church of St. Clou wherein he was so curious as to make it be wrought in his own House and almost in his own sight his design being to found a Revenue of a thousand Livers yearly for the Service of the Chappel where it was erected which was also adorn'd with Pictures and pav'd with Marble at his own charge but some difficulties arising about the settlement of that Foundation which could not be clear'd before his death the thing to his great grief remain'd imperfect The Ceremony of these Obsequies perform'd in the end of Iune was immediately follow'd by the return of the Prince of Condé to Court where he arriv'd in Iuly and where all the men of condition contended who should give him the greatest testimonies of joy for his return Amongst whom although the Duke of Espernon was none of the latest yet was he not the best receiv'd The Duke of Sully who had great need
of this Princes Protection had prevented others in the possession of his Favour and conceiving he should make himself more acceptable by rendring the affection of other Grandees suspected to him he had amongst others pointed out the Duke of Espernon for one of those of whom he had most reason to complain An ill Office that having at first preferr'd in general terms he afterwards pursu'd by particular circumstance telling the Prince that the Duke had doubled the Guards of the Louvre at his arrival and put all the King's Family into Arms as they had been to defend it against a common Enemy Which impression the Prince was more apt to receive by how much he believ'd that the Duke being already in a great degree of Favour with the Queen and very intimate with the Count de Soissons must needs be jealous of his return which he could not consider but as a great power directly opposite to all his concerns which made him at the first interview receive him not only with apparent coldness but also not able to dissemble his dissatisfaction reproach him for having endeavour'd to possess the Queen with some suspicions to his prejudice The Duke surpriz'd at so unexpected an entertainment and so groundless a reproach he having alter'd nothing in the usual Guards that had been kept in the Louvre since the King's Death and nettled with the sense of so injurious an Office gave aloud the Lye to all those who had branded him with so false a Calumny Yet would not this publick and generous profession of the truth so satisfie and appease the Prince that there was not still some remains of discontent in his mind against the Duke He did not think him so affectionate to him as to the Count de Soissons and seeing him advanc'd to that height of Reputation with the Queen could not expect he should be favourable to him in the design he had to assume that place in Court and to share that Authority in the management of Affairs which were due to his Birth and Greatness So that here the Court was divided the Prince of Condé having his Faction and the Count of Soissons his amongst whom the Duke of Espernon was the chief and most considerable member Yet did not this diversity of Interests produce any sudden ill effect the Princes paying a due respect to the Queen and being by her admitted into the debate of Affairs though the most important were carried on by other hands The Cabinet Council at this time consisted of the Duke of Espernon the Chancellour de Sillery President Ianin and Mounsieur de Villeroy wherein the Duke's Vote had the greatest sway and his Opinions did usually prevail by whom it being conceiv'd necessary for the honour of the Nation and the memory of the late King to pursue the Enterprize of Iuliers which had been the pretense of his Majesties Arms he propounded and got it to be concluded that the Mareschal de la Chasire with an Army of 10000 Foot and 1200. Horse should be sent to assist the interested Princes in the restitution of this Place The issue of which expedition was as succesful as could be wish'd the places possess'd by the Arch-Duke Leopold were restor'd into the hands of the Marquis of Brandebourg and the Duke of Newbourg so that Affairs on that side remain'd in as good a forwardness as could be desir'd to be shortly compos'd as they were to the satisfaction of the German Princes As in the occasion we spoke of last things were carried on for the honour so was it no less necessary for the safety of the Kingdom to give some satisfaction and assurance to those of the Reform'd Religion in the beginning of this new Reign it being very much to be fear'd this Faction which at this time was very powerful pretending a violation of the Edicts formerly publish'd in their toleration might run into insurrection to the ruine of the publick peace Wherein the Duke was of opinion to prevent either the real jealousie or else the evil intentions of those who were likely to breed any Commotion by Declarations to confirm the ancient Edicts granted in their favour It is very true that he had no kindness for their Religion but he thought it nevertheless unfit to violate the publick Faith where what he did then for reason of State he has ever since observ'd in his own particular administration so that though an enemy to new opinions he was notwithstanding ever very solicitous to maintain the professors of them within his Governments in peace and safety and it has been observ'd that although at Metz the best Families of the City were of that perswasion that they abounded in Xaintongue and Angoumois and that Guienne was not free it could never be perceiv'd that he made any distinction betwixt them and other the Kings Subjects except where he found them refractory and disobedient to his Commands These precautions so seasonably apply'd in this turn of State secur'd the Peace of the Kingdom both within and without to so fortunate a degree that a more happy Government could not possibly have been wish'd Which certainly if we consider the great number of discontents within before the King's death the distastes many persons of great Quality had taken who breath'd nothing but revenge with the Ambition that reigns in all Courts able to overthrow the surest foundations is infinitely to be wondred at To which may be added the envy of neighbouring Princes who could not without anxiety and apprehension suffer the height of prosperity to which France was already advanc'd together with the Artifices of such as usually in the troubles of a State seek to repair the ruines of their own desperate Fortunes all which evil dispositions could not according to humane imagination have found a more favourable juncture than during a Regency to have produc'd their fatal effects and yet never was France at greater peace within it self nor more respected of her Neighbours than in all the whole time of the Queens administration Wherein though I dare not I confess attribute the whole reputation of the good Government to the Duke of Espernon alone who having call'd the most prudent and experienc'd Ministers of the latter Reign into his Councils they ought also to share in the praise yet can I not in equity deny him the first place of Honour he having without dispute the greatest Authority and consequently having ever carried the greatest sway in the results of the most important Affairs This Power and Reputation being the ordinary objects of envy even amongst men of equal condition it is no wonder if the Princes of the Blood were jealous of the Duke of Espernon's greatness who as they said unknown to them dispos'd the greatest Affairs of the Kingdom wherein they particulary complain'd that he had perswaded the Queen to resolve upon a match betwixt the King and the Infanta of Spain a thing which in his Minority was not to
places The first intimation of this design the Duke receiv'd from the Queens own mouth who by a favour never before or since granted to any permitted him to take a number of select Souldiers in his own Livery for the Guard of his Person to attend him in all places so much as into the Louvre it self which favour was highly improved to him when for his greater security she moreover gave way that he should chuse some Gentlemen of Quality of his most confident Friends to enter with him arm'd even into her own Cabinet Those whom the Duke made choice of for this purpose were Chetin Brother to the Mareschal de St. Geran Sauue-Baeuf Bonneval the Count de Maillé Castelbaiart and Marillac all men of approved Valour a Grace which though it gave great jealousie and distaste to the Princes and Grandees of the Court who were the Duke's Adversaries her Majesty thought it fit notwithstanding to give him leave to defend his own life against whomsoever would make any attempt against it Amongst these many and great disputes wherein the Duke saw himself involv'd he forgot not the care of his Childrens Education whom he brought up to the most laborious Exercises and for whom after a foundation of Letters not only of a bare knowledge in the Latine Tongue but in the Principles of Philosophy also he took care to provide the greatest man without contradiction in Europe for the Exercises of the Body especially that of Riding which was the Sieur de la Broâ—e formerly in the Constable de Montmorencies entertainment after whose Death the Duke gain'd him to himself by so great Benefits that he gave him at one clap ten thousand Crowns in Gold with an Annuity of a thousand Crowns issuing out of the Hostel de Ville of Paris the most certain Revenue at that time in France Neither did he here limit his Bounties Under this Gentleman's excellent Discipline his two eldest Sons arriv'd to such a perfection in their exercises that no young Lords of their condition in the Kingdom went before them When they had acquir'd as much by precept as seem'd necessary he conceiv'd it time they should establish that knowledge by experience and by observing the manners and ways of living of other Countries to which purpose having put them into an Equipage suiting their quality he sent them into Germany to the end that by the different Governments of the several little Republicks of which the vast body of that Empire is compos'd they might be better enabled to judge of good and evil customs and extract a more certain knowledge for their own future conduct in the Employments to which they were by him design'd They arriv'd in that Country in a very troublesome time when all ways were very difficult and unsafe but the illustrious name of the Father in greater repute in any part of Europe than in France it self present vertues being for the most part less consider'd did not only open all ways and secure all passes to them but made them also receiv'd with great respect and honour'd with many civilities and favours by all the Princes and Republicks of both parties After having staid some time in Germany and visited at leisure the Cities and most eminent places there they went from thence into Italy where they made a considerable stay and where for the greatest part they made their residence at Rome continuing still their Exercises from whence they went to visit the most eminent Cities of that sweetest part of Europe where having made an acquaintance with most of the Princes and Lords of that Nation they return'd into France Whilst the two eldest were thus forming their minds and bodies to such qualities as were either necessary or at least becoming their condition Lewis the youngest of the three design'd for the Church was with no less care brought up in the knowledge of Letters whom so soon as the Duke his Father conceiv'd to be of a fit age he sent him to La Flesche to the Colledge of the Father Jesuits where the discipline requisite for the profession he was to take upon him was in very great repute He there continued several years and came not thence till he had first run through all the degrees by which men climb to the highest pitch of knowledge and in effect when he was call'd thence to come to Court he had made so happy a progress that Cardinal Perron a great friend of his Fathers having been by him intreated to discourse with his Son had an exceeding great opinion of him and believ'd him likely to make one of the greatest men of that age if he proceeded in his profession with a diligence proportionable to the great parts wherewith he enter'd into it The three Brothers arriving almost all at the same time at Court the Duke their Father began to think of establishing the greatness of his Family upon the surest foundation and thereupon consider'd each of them by himself for the dividing his Estate amongst them wherein though they were all embellish'd with so many excellent qualities that it could hardly be discern'd which had the greatest merit yet the Duke having design'd to confer his own name upon the second that consideration enclin'd him a little more to him than the other two By Article at his Marriage with Margaret de Foix Countess of Candale his eldest Son was to carry the name of Foix and to inherit his Mothers Estate clear'd and augmented by the Duke's mony and his own name was also so great what by the vertue of his Ancestors and what by his own that he would not leave him on whom it was conferr'd inferiour either in Reputation or Estate to any whomsoever of his condition in the Kingdom He had already by his Service obtain'd from the Queen Regent the Reversion of all his Offices viz. of that of Colonel General of the Infantry of France of first Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber an Office he had ever kept since his first Favour of Governour of the City and Cittadel of Metz and of the Messin Country of the Provinces Cities and Castles of Xaintes and Angoulesme of the City and Government of Rochelle the Country of Aulins with the higher and lower Limousin of the City Castle and Territory of Boulogne and of the City Country and Castle of Loches all which he at this time thus divided amongst his three Sons To his eldest the Count of Candale he assign'd in present causing him forthwith to be admitted into it the Office of first Gentleman of the Bed-Chamber with the Governments of Angoumois Xaintonge Aulins and Limousin in Remainder to which he added the whole Estate of the House of Candale amounting to above fourscore thousand Livers yearly revenue in goodly Lordships as also the Dutchy of Espernon with the Earldom of Montfort together with other Lands arising to above fifty thousand Crowns a year to which the Duke having obtain'd an assurance of a Mareschal's Staff for this Son so
soon as a more mature age and experience should render him capable of that Employment he conceiv'd that a high Spirit as his was ought to rest very well satisfied with so fair a Fortune To the Marquis de la Valette his second Son he assign'd his Office of Colonel and the Government of Metz in reversion with the rest of his Estate whether hereditary or purchas'd which made up a Revenue equal to the first together with his share of the Rents and personal Estate For his third Son also he provided to the value of fifty thousand Crowns a year at least in Church preferments of which he was not content only to put him into present possession but gave him moreover a years Revenue advance that he might have wherewithal to maintain a port suitable to his condition to which he further added the survivancy of the Government of Boulogne and Loches with the Office of chief Almoner to the King which was a leading step to that of great Almoner of France In this distribution of his Fortune the Duke 's paternal care and liberality might a man would have thought have amply satisfied the most aspiring Ambitions and the most avaritious Natures neither could the two youngest enough magnifie the bounty of so good a Father who by his Industry and his Blood had rais'd them to such a height of Riches and Honour but some malevolent Spirits enemies to the peace and happiness of the eldest by a violence upon his nature perswaded him he had not been kindly us'd in this partition that therein his younger Brother had the best and most solid Employments assign'd to him whereof one was a Command of it self sufficient to oblige all the Gentlemen of France together with a Frontier much more considerable than the best Province of the Kingdom whereas what was consign'd to him was only an Office of little value and no great repute at Court with the expectation of a Mareschal's Staff considerable 't was true but a great way off and that for his Governments they lay so in the heart of the Kingdom that his Authority would be very little or nothing at all by which means making him at first undervalue the benefits he had receiv'd they so debauch'd his gratitude at last as to make him publickly complain of his Fathers proceeding and to despise all he had seeing he had not all he desir'd The Duke advertis'd of his Sons discontent labour'd all he could to reclaim him and make him see his error which he afterwards did neither could any thing be more grateful and obedient than he ever carried himself so oft as he suffer'd himself to be govern'd by his own natural inclination Even before the King's death the Fortune and Greatness of the Father with the merit and Riches of the Sons had rendred their Alliances so considerable that there were few persons of great Quality at Court who had not been offer'd to the Duke in Marriage with them but amongst the several Matches propos'd for the Count de Candale his eldest Son the Duke preferr'd that with the Dutchess of Haluin Grand-child to the Duke of Haluin and Daughter to the Marquis de Megnelay the inheritrix of a rich and illustrious Family before all the rest Whereupon a Marriage betwixt them shortly ensu'd though discontents soon after arising grew at last to that height that in a few years they came to an absolute separation Those who had the power to sow division in the Marriage-Bed had the same to perswade the Count de Candale into an open breach with the Duke his Father the grief whereof the most sensible of any he had ever met with in the whole course of his life as it was the cause of infinite others which befel him afterwards had like to have brought him to his Grave Yet did the Duke as if he had already foreseen what did after fall out all an indulgent Father could possibly do to reconcile himself to his Son and his Son to his Duty wherein though Le Plessis the usual mediator of all differences in that Family did as much as could be expected from an extraordinary prudence and a sincere affection it proved all to no effect the Count either unable to support the injury he believ'd had been done him in the partition of the Offices or not well enduring the presence of a Father he was conscious to himself he had not kindly us'd being resolv'd by a voluntary Exile to seek some repose for his troubled mind He determin'd therefore to forsake France but the end of his Travel was not simply for diversion neither could he satisfie himself with the meer exercise of some Vertues only to be practis'd in the obscurity of retirement and in the privacy of a Closet it was by painful and perillous actions and by exposing his life to the uncertain event of great Enterprizes that he would qualifie and sweeten his discontents Spurr'd on therefore by this generous resolution he took the second time the way of Italy where arriving at the Court of the great Duke of Tuscany at a time when he was equipping some Gallies for the Levant he entreated that Prince to permit him with his friends to put himself aboard those Vessels There had not any person of his condition for many years gone out of the Kingdom with so honourable a Train of Gentlemen and those in so handsome an Equipage as the Count did having above fifty Gentlemen of good quality in his company whom either their respect to the Father or the esteem of his own person had prevail'd upon to run the same fortune with him Loziere de Themines Monberaut Calonges Magnas the two Brothers de la Tour Villandry Cipierre Vernegue Monplaisir de Vic la Boissiere with many other Gentlemen of note were of this number when the Duke his Father how afflicted soever at his resolution yet unwilling he should be expos'd to so infinite and almost inevitable dangers without some prudent and faithful person to stand by him in all hazards permitted Le Plessis likewise who had been very useful to him in his former Travels to attend him in this sally also not doubting but he would by his conduct be as serviceable to him in his military undertakings as he had formerly been by his dexterity in other Affairs The Duke of Florence having consented that the Count de Candale with his Companions should embarque in his Gallies they cours'd up and down the Coasts of the Levant performing some exploits by Sea and making some attempts by Land and always with good success but the particular design of this expedition being upon the Fortress of Aglimant the most important of all Caramania they were to steer their course that way and to prepare themselves to assault it This Fortress favour'd by a good Harbour was man'd with six hundred Turks and moreover furnish'd with Artillery Ammunition and all things necessary for its defense which as it lay expos'd to the
Regiment of Guards into the Palace insomuch that all the Base-Court Galleries and the very Hall it self was full of them The Duke pretended he went to present himself in obedience to the Process had been issued out against him though no one could believe he went in such a posture with any intent of submission So that the Parliament advertiz'd of his coming with so great a Train and not knowing his design nor to what his passion might transport him suddenly adjourn'd retiring every man his own way before their usual time As it is hard to govern a confus'd and unruly multitude a sort of young hair-brain'd fellows who attended the Duke offer'd some indignities and affronts to some of the inferiour Officers of the Court and being most of them in Boots purposely intangled their Spurs in the Ushers and Proctors Gowns thinking thereby the more to oblige the Duke as they appear'd more sensible of his offense An insolence that infinitely aggravated the business which without that had been foul enough of it self A great complaint whereof was made against the Duke as responsible for all that hapned at the Palace every one believing that in the design he had to brave the Parliament all things were done by his order which had pass'd in his presence If the Duke had manifested a resentment of the injury he had receiv'd from the Parliament the Parliament express'd no less for what the Duke had done to the contempt of their Dignity yet did they make no complaint thereof to the King but remaining in a profound silence the truest sign of a violent affliction order'd a cessation of Justice with a determinate resolution never to meet again till first a publick and solemn reparation should be made This business proceeding to such a height put the King and Queen into a very great confusion they thought it neither convenient nor safe in this juncture of Affairs which seem'd to threaten some sudden mischief to disoblige the Duke of Espernon neither did they think it an easie matter to perswade him to pay the Parliament any great submissions who on the other side would in such a case as this accept of no ordinary satisfaction At last the King sent the Duke de Vantadour to the Palace to tell the Parliament from him That by their Body his person being represented all the injury they pretended to have receiv'd from the Duke of Espernon reflected immediately upon him That his Majesty also took it to himself to whom it did belong to vindicate his own Honour which he should be sufficiently able to do without any necessity upon them of espousing his Quarrel but that because the business had made some noise that might perhaps have given some offense to the publick he therefore desir'd they should receive a publick satisfaction and such a one as should satisfie the world of the great respect he had to Justice That in order thereunto it was his pleasure the Prisoner should be return'd to the same place from whence he had been taken and by the same person by whom he had been fetch'd away and as for what concern'd the Duke who protested he had no intention to offend the Parliament in what he had done he should be desir'd in his own person to make the same protestation before them Things being thus order'd the Duke of Espernon the nine and twentieth of the same month went to the Palace when though with no extraordinary Train about his person so many nevertheless of his Friends had convey'd themselves into the Palace as were sufficient to make head against his Enemies should they by taking advantage of the place or by pretending to do a right to the Assembly have attempted any thing against him Being come into the great Chamber and having taken his accustomed seat he speaking with his hat on in few words Remonstrated That having never had other intent than to pay all due respect to an Assembly in which he had had the honour for many years to have some place he could not but admire they should interpret what was an effect of that due honour and respect for a premeditated offense That he was not altogether so unthrifty of his own Interest as to offer an injury to them which he could not but know would rebound upon himself That he had for two and thirty years past been a Member of that Honourable Body during all which time there had not been perhaps a man of his condition more passionate for their Service than himself in the Kingdom That he had set down amongst the good fortunes of his life the opportunity he had happily met withal of expressing his good Affection to the Dignity of that Assembly when after the death of Henry the Great of Glorious Memory he had first advis'd them to make use of their own Authority in providing for the Regency of the Kingdom That he had tendred them his Service upon that occasion which had not been altogether ineffectual to the putting them in possession of a priviledge which would doubtless be taken notice of in ages yet to come That if any indiscreet persons had made use of his name either for the pretense of their insolencies or in the prosecution of their own private revenge he seriously demanded their Justice as the person most concern'd in the offense That he very well knew his enemies would lay hold of that occasion to make him appear in all the fault but that he did humbly beseech them to judge more favourably of his intentions and that all things past might be forgot concluding his speech with these very words That he diâ— intreat to be excus'd if in a rude and unpolish'd discourse he had not given that satisfaction he could have wish'd to their Learned Ears who having been all his life a Captain of Foot had ever made it more his study to do than to speak well To which the first President Verdun after having gather'd the Votes of the Assembly return'd this Answer That since the King was graciously pleas'd to incline more to Clemency than Rigour the Court by his Majesties express Command and in consideration of his many brave Services as also willing to make the best interpretation of what had pass'd accepted of his excuse hoping thereby for the future to engage both himself and his Sons to pay those Services to the King and Kingdom to which they were in gratitude oblig'd and to that Court the Honour and respect was due unto them Of which he never after fail'd neither at the hour of his death was there any person of his condition in the Kingdom who had more friends than he in that honourable Assembly nor that had more reason upon several occasions to magnifie their Justice The end of the Sixth Book THE HISTORY Of the LIFE of the Duke of Espernon The Seventh Book SOon after the forementioned dispute betwixt the Parliament and the Duke the Assembly of Estates broke up which instead of the happy
this return of the King to Paris the Duke of Guise was made General of the Army which had hitherto serv'd under the Mareschal de Bois-Dauphin and the Duke of Espernon had also the absolute Authority of their Majesties Conduct conferr'd upon him who for fear of distasting the Duke of Guise would never till then pretend to any command an undertaking wherein he so acquitted himself as might give him reasonable expectation of a grateful return But who can promise to himself any fruits of his services especially at Court where the best are usually rewarded with hatred or envy nor had the Duke 's a better acknowledgment when having perform'd all that could be expected from a Loyal Subject and a brave Gentleman and that their Majesties by his vigilancy and valour were once settled in safety there was nothing more thought of than how to revenge the Mareschal d' Encre even at the price of so good and so faithful a Servant The first evidence the Duke met withal of any manifest disgrace was upon the occasion of a vacancy that hapned in the Company of la Courbe one of the Captains in the Regiment of Guards a Gentleman that having serv'd long and with great Reputation in that Command and hapning to die in this Journey and his Son a young and hopeful Cavalier having before his Fathers death been admitted Ensign to that Company the Duke who had been a great lover of the Father whose brave and late Services seem'd likewise to plead in behalf of the Son had mov'd their Majesties in his Favour that that Command might be conferr'd upon him Since the death of the late King nor of long before had the Duke ever appear'd zealous in any request he had not without any great difficulty obtain'd neither had he less but more reason now than ever to expect the same favour his recent Services having been of that importance to the Kings Affairs all which nevertheless being either not regarded or forgot and the design had before been concluded to disoblige him prevailing above the merits of the Father the pretenders Right and the Duke's Interest who interceded for him la Besne Lieutenant to the same Company was preferr'd before young la Courbe how displeas'd soever the Duke seem'd to be at that Election Yet did he not resent this ill usage so high as to leave the Court satisfying himself at present with manifesting his discontents bymany and publick complaints though in vain the Court now no more caring to offend him but on the contrary taking this occasion to exclude him from the Council where his candid and unbyass'd opinions did nothing relish with such as would have all things give way to their own private interests and doubtless had he at this time in the least bandied with his enemies they would immediately have attempted upon his person that the Mareschal d' Encre and his Wife might by so powerful an opposes be no longer travers'd in their designs The Duke's Affairs were in this posture when their Majesties having first recover'd Poictiers and afterwards Chastellerant where the Peace concluded at Loudun was sign'd arriv'd in the end at Tours neither did the Duke there fail how ill soever he saw himself entertain'd continually to pay all due reverence to the Queen when coming one day into her Chamber with a great many other Lords and Gentlemen one of the beams that supported the floor suddenly broke insomuch that all that side of the Room fell down with a sudden ruine overwhelming all those that stood upon it to their exceeding great peril Many persons of very eminent quality were engag'd in the danger of this fall amongst whom the Count de Soissons then very young was one as also the Duke Bassompierre Villeroy and some others The Duke being always very well attended his Servants suddenly leap'd into the midst of the ruines to relieve him where though himself was dangerously engag'd and very much hurt in several places especially in one shoulder he nevertheless call'd out to his Friends to run and save the Count himself also assisting as much as in him â—ay to disingage him from the rubbish and to put him out of danger by the Window of a low Parlour being much more solicitous of this Prince's safety than his own who being by his own and his Servants diligence secur'd he afterwards disingag'd himself from the ruines and wounded as has been said was convey'd to his own Lodgings The Queen Mother who by good fortune had escap'd the danger that part of the Chamber where she sate being supported by the more faithful strength of the other Beam that remain'd entire sent very graciously to visit all the persons of Quality who had receiv'd any hurt by this accident the Duke only who was design'd for the worst usage excepted It is not to be doubted but that the Duke must needs highly resent so manifest a preterition by which he evidently perceiv'd they intended to make him sensible of his disgrace so that fearing should he continue at Court after so clear a testimony of disfavour something of a ruder nature might be put upon him he forthwith resolv'd to retire himself as he did but with high and publick complaints of the injustice was done him and of the unworthy recompense he received for all his Service He spent two days before his departure in visiting and taking leave of his friends forbearing nevertheless that Ceremony to all he conceiv'd not to be such in what degree of favour soever they might be at Court he either having never understood or having never been willing to learn those mean Court Maxims that oblige men to dissemble their resentments and to give thanks for injuries receiv'd declaring on the contrary to all the world that he went away with the dissatisfaction an honest man ought to have for the loss of his time and service Notwithstanding at last taking his leave of their Majesties he was by the King and Queen very civilly dismist though the Queen Mother receiv'd his last complements with the usual coldness she had already begun to discover upon several occasions After this manner the Duke retir'd back to Angoulesme his old and ordinary refuge in all his disgraces whilst their Majesties continued their Journey to Paris where they arriv'd in Iune and whither the Prince of Condé also imagining he had by the Treaty of Loudon establish'd his Affairs in so sure a condition that it was not in the power of event to work any alteration to his disadvantage came presently after but he soon found that nothing is more unstable than a power how great soever that depends meerly upon its own strength the sole name of a King though a Child and the publick administration managed by a man hateful to all being sufficient to arrest him in the very arms of all his Confederates and even in the City of Paris where he believ'd his person through the affections of the people in greater
Rucellay propos'd this negotiation to him who as readily undertook it and having receiv'd full instructions together with the Queens Letters of Credence came to Metz where at the Moors-Head he took up his Inn and from thence sent to le Plessis whom all the world knew to be the man in greatest trust about the Duke to entreat him that he would take the pains to come see one of his old acquaintance without further discovering himself I have heard le Plessis say that by this Complement he presently guess'd what the business might be that brought this man whoever he was to Town yet would he not appear upon this first Summons but having a Valet de Chambre in his dependence that he had bred from a Boy in whom he durst confide and of whose dexterity and discretion he had often made tryal upon several occasions he commanded him to go to the Moors-Head to see who it was desir'd to speak with him and to observe if it were a face he had formerly seen or one that was altogether a stranger to him This man's name was Cadillac which I insert here because we shall shortly find him a principal Agent in this Affair Cadillac accordingly comes to the Inn where his eye had soon found out his man he observ'd him spoke to him and by his accent soon discover'd him to be a stranger of which he presently carried back a report to his Master giving him withal a description of his person Le Plessis confirm'd by this accompt in his former opinion would by no means confer with him till he had first acquainted the Duke but having receiv'd his Order takes his way towards the Inn. Thither being come in the confusion and hurry that usually happens in those houses of publick entertainment he soon found out the man he sought for runs to him and embraces him as if they had been the greatest friends in the world though they had never seen one another before enquiring of him aloud of their friends in Xaintonge where this stranger had never been who nevertheless very well understanding le Plessis meaning deliver'd him the services of several persons they neither of them both knew after which le Plessis drawing him aside and entring into more particular conference with him receiv'd from his mouth the first overtures of his Treaty which he also undertook to carry back to the Duke No sooner therefore was he parted from Vincentio but that he went to find out the Duke at the Haute Pierre the place where the Governours of Metz ordinarily reside where he gave him an accompt of the strangers business together with the humble request he made to be admitted to a further Conference with his own person Whereupon the Duke call'd for his two Sons the Marquis de la Valette and the Archbishop of Tholouze since Cardinal de la Valette it appearing very reasonable they should participate of the Counsel who were to have so great a share in the execution of the design where amongst them it was concluded that the Duke should the next day give audience to this Envoy in the Abby of St. Vincent in Metz belonging to the Archbishop of Tholouze According to which determination the stranger was early the next morning conducted thither by the foresaid Cadillac whither the Duke coming presently after under colour of a visit to the Abbot he went to seek out Vincentio in the Chamber before appointed for him where he gave him his first audience in the presence of le Plessis only and where Vincentio deliver'd him a Letter from the Queen Mother that contained these words Cousin I entreat you not to doubt the Fidelity of the person that shall deliver you this Letter but to believe whatever he shall tell you leaving it however to your own choice either to return your answer by him or by any other you shall think fit to the earnest request he shall make you in my behalf promising you withal that he shall propose nothing to you contrary in the least to the Service of the King my Son who shall himself one day give you thanks for the assistance you shall now give me in this occasion wherein you may also oblige me whilst I live to be Your very good Cousin Marie From Blois this 18th of Iuly 1618. This Letter being read and the Duke having ask'd the Bearer what he had more to say He represented to him the many and signal Services he had formerly perform'd for the Queen first in promoting her Interest when she was declar'd Regent and afterwards throughout the whole course of her Administration telling him withal how infinitely her Majesty was afflicted That she had not acknowledg'd those Services at so just a rate as the quality of them did truly deserve That nevertheless she having shew'd her self ready to gratifie him in several things of some importance to him she doubted not but that a generous heart as his was would be apter to record those testimonies of her Favour and Affection to him than some little discontents that could not so justly be imputed to her as to the necessity of the time and the occurrences that imposed them That he very well knew the late King her Lord and Husband had a few days before his death as if he had foreseen the persecution was preparing against her recommended her Interests to his care and protection wherein he had already in part so worthily perform'd the Trust that great Prince had repos'd in his Vertue that she had reason to believe he would continue to oblige her for ever That she was now reduc'd to such a condition by the violence of her Enemies as after being depriv'd of her liberty to think her self in great peril of her life That the King her Son though his constraint was less apparent was not himself however exempt from the tyranny they exercis'd upon her person That it was in his power to redeem them both from the slavery they were in wherein although she doubted not but that the King would one day acknowledge a Service of this nature to such a degree as the importance of it would justly deserve she in the mean time would notwithstanding take all the obligation upon her self and engage to make him see the effects of such a gratitude as he might reasonably expect from a Princess who conceiv'd her self oblig'd to his generosity for her liberty and her life The Duke having made answer to this discourse in such terms of submission and respect as befitted a Subject to a Princess of her condition the Mother of his King and one from whom amongst some little unkindnesses he had receiv'd many benefits and signal favours proceeded without more ceremony to the negotiation in the progress whereof Vincentio in the Queens name promis'd so many men and places and such summes of mony proposing withal so great and so advantageous conditions for the Duke as made him conceive the proposition worth the thinking of
ready to return upon the first orders he should receive That except what concern'd the interest of his Majesties Service he was Monsieur de la Force's Friend and Servant That he had not sought that employment against him and that he should be exceeding glad to hear his Majesty was satisfied with his submissions But that till then he should not delay a minute the execution of the Orders he had receiv'd no consideration either of his own his friends or any other person under the Sun being of force to divert him in the least from his Duty This first Embassy having therefore taken no effect it was soon seconded by another of which one Charles the principal Minister of Bearne was the Bearer This person in the quality of a Deputy from the Countrey was sent to represent to him the sterility of the Countrey the poverty of the Inhabitants and difficulty of the ways and the resolution of the people to make a smart resistance should they who were at present in as good a disposition as could be desir'd be urg'd to the last extremes but the Duke having flatly told him that the end of his expedition was to cause the King to be obey'd and to chastise all those that should rebel against him He was sent back very much astonish'd at so brisk a reply The Marquis de la Force that perhaps expected no better a success from his deputations having been well enough acquainted with the Duke of Espernon to know he was not a man easie to be impos'd upon would therefore make what preparation he could to oppose him but he found so general a fear and astonishment among the people that he evidently saw it was to hazard his own ruine should he expect the Duke's coming into his Government The Bearnois had no sooner heard the Duke's name but that they gave themselves for lost their haughty and declar'd insolence with which they had a few days before overthrown the King's Order and trodden his Authority under foot and their high Vaunts that they would defend their Religion and their Countreys liberty to the last man were converted into a Panick terror so that on a sudden whole Cities were left desolate men of the best quality among them with their Wives and Families seeking their safety in their flight out of a just apprehension of all the punishments an offended Prince might reasonably inflict upon a mutinous and disobedient people In this general consternation of the Bearnois the Duke drew near to Ortez the first City in Rebellion he met upon his way the Castle whereof was of it self very strong and had of late been moreover fortified and furnish'd with all necessaries of War which also shut up the pass of the whole Countrey and was of so advantageous a situation as was very easie to be defended but those within what countenance soever they had before put on of a resolute defense no sooner heard the Duke had sent for Cannon from Navarrens to force them but they presently surrendred without staying till they could be brought up This success was of no little importance to the Duke who had he met with much opposition in this first enterprize having but ten Foot Companies wherewith to form a Siege no Officers to serve his Artillery little Ammunition no Victual Money or any other means to subsist four days in a place had been in great danger of being stop'd from making any further progress into the Countrey All which difficulties though he had beforehand very well consider'd and foreseen he would notwithstanding try the experiment knowing very well that in matters of War all was not always to be expected from an enemy he either could or should do And from this success he took his measures of what he might promise to himself in reducing the other Garrisons nothing doubting from that time forwards but he should bring all his other enterprizes to an honourable and successful issue As the business of Ortez had given the Duke very good hopes of his expedition so it totally overthrew those of the Marquis de la Force who no sooner had intelligence of the surrender of this place but that he made haste to be gone that he might not be hemm'd in with the Duke's Forces whilst the Duke on the other side to make his advantage of the astonishment the Marquis his flight must of necessity leave the whole Country in advanc'd with all diligence from Ortez to Olleron where some fortifications had lately been made which were also at his appearing deserted without the least shew of opposition An unfortunate fellow a Souldier and a Provençal had been the main director in this work where he suffred himself to be surpriz'd so that the Duke who was oblig'd to make some example was not sorry this wretch should expiate for all the rest as accordingly he did being condemn'd by a Council of War and hang'd at his own Barricado where the poor fellow at his death lamented the ill fortune he had to be born a Provençal declaring he was sacrific'd to the Duke's antiquated hatred to those of his Countrey and that his Bitth was his greatest Crime though it was nevertheless altogether untrue After this there being neither judgment to be pass'd nor execution to be done the Duke went to Nay to Salies to Sauveterre and lastly to Pau where the fear of his severity that had before frighted every one from his habitation being converted into an absolute confidence in his Clemency and Goodness every one return'd to his own home The Cities which at his coming had been almost totally deserted were on a sudden re inhabited insomuch that from that time forward all the Duke had to do was only to receive the tenders and protestations of their obedience and to set down some Rules for their Civil Regiment which was order'd with so much Justice and Wisdom or so fortunately at least the equality of all things was so entirely preserv'd and he took such care to reconcile the Interests of Religion wherein the incompatibility had been so great before and had with so much heat fomented their divisions that both parties were satisfied with the equal shares he divided betwixt them in the publick administration since which time there has been no revolt nor commotion in that Province it having ever since continued in peace and obedience under the Justice of the Duke's Discipline which is there inviolately observ'd to this day And all this was perform'd in less than three weeks time his Journey thither his stay there and his return thence being in all not two months expedition neither did it cost the King twelve thousand Livers I having seen the Accompt of the Army which did not in all arise to that little summe 'T is true withal that the Duke reckon'd nothing upon his own account contenting himself with causing some Officers to be paid that at his instance had serv'd upon this occasion So that by the influence
extended the limits of our own Kingdom Two days after he came to Perpignan Here it was that the Duke first perceiv'd how fruitless all his caution to conceal his person had been he finding at his arrival there the Garrison already drawn out to receive him and the Governour so soon as he was alighted coming to his Lodging to kiss hands and to offer him admittance into the Cittadel though the Duke making no other advantage of his Complement than in such a case he ought to do after having return'd his thanks in the most civil terms so obliging an invitation requir'd would still remain in the Town He parted thence the next morning before day it being necessary to avoid the excessive heats of the Countrey and the season to end his Journey by six of the clock in the morning and to repose himself the rest of the day And here he was likewise constrain'd either for fear of wanting forage for Horse or with less difficulty to pass the Mountains and Rocks to leave his Horses and to mount upon Mules The Gates were set open for him at the appointed hour and two Troops of the Garrison Horse were found ready to convoy him two Leagues from the City he was moreover saluted by all the Artillery at his departure A complement so loud as the adjacent Countrey being thereby given to understand that so unusual an honour was not paid to a person of ordinary condition he found at Stelrie at Girone at la Roque and the other places through which he pass'd that the Spanish pride hindred not their gravity from paying all due honour and respect to Vertue He came at last to Barcelona where the Duke de Alcala Vice-Roy of Catalognia so soon as he heard of his arrival came in person to visit him excusing himself in that he had not had timely notice of his coming that he might have come out to meet him and to receive him without the City as he said he had order from the King his Master to do Being return'd home it was not long before he sent the Duke his Coach of Ceremony drawn by six great and very beautiful Gennets for him to go abroad and take the Aire A sight at which the Duke who had ever been and who continued to his death a great lover of the Horses of Spain was almost impatient that so noble Creatures should be subdu'd to so mean a use nevertheless so great is the contagion of example especially where the glory of emulation seems to be concern'd that he was afterwards himself the first who show'd such another set of Horses in France he being a few years after very often observ'd in the Cours at Paris in a very rich Coach drawn by six dapple-Gray Spanish Horses to which I could add that it was in the company of Ladies too and that at the age of threescore and ten he was content to be seen playing the young man upon the greatest Theatre of Europe He staid two whole days at Barcelona during which time he view'd at leisure the greatness and beauty of the City The Viceroy invited him to his Palace where he had assembled the best company of men to wait upon him and the finest women in the Town to entertain him which was a very extraordinary favour This civility was moreover attended with a Ball a Comedy and a noble Banquet and from hence the Viceroy carried him to the Cours which extends it self in very great length upon the Sea-shore and where we could not but wonder at the delicacy of that people the Ghing of all the Gallies in the Harbour being drawn out every night to water this Cours which is above two thousand paces long We at first thought it an extraordinary thing done only in favour of the Duke but we were soon dispossess'd of that error when we understood that the Inhabitants to defend themselves from the dust and to qualifie the excessive ardours of the Sun had impos'd this new task as an addition to the other intolerable labours of their miserable slaves From Barcelona the Dâ—ke went at last to Monserrat where he continued three days entire at his Devotion not without admiring the excellent Oeconomy observ'd in this Abby where there are ordinarily above two thousand five hundred persons provided for every day for which all the provisions so much as wood and water must be fetch'd a great way off upon Mules the Rock being so dry and unfruitful as neither to afford the one nor the other of these much less the other necessaâ—ies of life The Duke presented the Abby with many very rich and noble Ornaments adding to his Presents an Almes of five hundred Crowns of Gold for three thousand Masses and so return'd into France The Religious Governours of this Abby never take any mony for their Hospitality which they in Charity bestow upon all Pilgrims indifferently of what condition soever for three days together but they also never refuse how much soever any one is dispos'd to give for Masses During the Duke's abode in this place those of his followers who were nimblest of Foot had the curiosity to climb the top of the Mountain to see the Hermitages which being thirteen in number are situated upon the most inaccessible precipices of the Rock and inhabited by so many devout persons who subsist upon almost no other nourishment than Herbs and Fruit. Though we met with great difficulty and danger in this attempt and had very much ado to satisfie our desires we saw nevertheless that one of the most unwieldy and unready footed Animals that is to say a Mule went twice a week the same way alone and without being guided to carry these good people their allowance and could with great security set his four feet in very narrow paths where we had much ado to dispose of our two so great a priviledge has Custom but what we thought the most strange of all was to see Birds of all sorts and of those kinds which with us are the most wild and untractable so familiar with these Holy men as to peck meat out of their mouths and suffer themselves to be handled living in as great security with them as amongst us those of more docile natures which we have reclaim'd and made tame with the greatest diligence and art At his return from this Voyage the Duke found the Treaty absolutely broken off and the King ready to sit down before Unel an Enterprize wherein his Majesty was pleas'd to make use of the Duke's person and particular Servants as he did afterwards at the Siege of Somnieres at both which Leaguers the Duke lost many Gentlemen of great Valour and Desert Of which number Pâ—igeolet a Captain in the Regiment of Guards and who had but lately quitted a Lieutenancy in the Regiment of Piedmont for this preferment was one as also Courbon l' Enchere Brouls and some other Officers of name who depended upon him These two places having given but a
came to wait upon him in so great numbers and so handsomely attended that he could hardly have been better accompanied in any other part of his Government They here pass'd away the time as people usually do in the Bathing season in all sorts of innocent Recreations to which the good Company there had invited the Ladies as well as the Gentlemen of the Countrey when the Duke after having bestow'd more of his time upon his friends than to the consultation of his own health which at so great an age continued in a marvellous vigour would return back towards the lower Gascony to see the miserable condition of that part of the Province still groaning under the same heavy judgments wherewith at his first coming from Court he had found it afflicted Whilst the Duke was preparing for his return he receiv'd news of the Grace his second Son had receiv'd from the King who had lately conferr'd upon him the honour of Duke and Peer he had long before receiv'd his Patent for that Dignity which has made me so often in the preceding discourse give him that Title but he had neither taken his Oath nor assum'd his place in Parliament till this time The Territory of Ville-Bois settled upon him by the Duke his Father at his Marriage was also honour'd with the Title of a Dutchy by that means leaving its former denomination to take that of its Lord and Owner That which rendred this new Dignity more remarkable was that Cardinal Richelieu at this time advanc'd to the greatest height a Subject can be capable of would at the same Session be installed in the same degree of honour so that they were both receiv'd together in Parliament and both their Letters Patents the same day verified and confirmed The Duke though at present ill enough dealt withal at Court and inwardly not over-well satisfied with former passages could not however but acknowledge this for a favour so that once in his life accommodating himself to the time he writ a Letter of Complement to the Cardinal to which he soon after return'd an answer obliging enough wherein after he had reply'd to the Duke's civility concerning his Sons promotion he proceeded to acquaint him that the Cardinal his youngest Son had been lately created Governour of Anjou A news at which the Duke was highly pleas'd but as joy seldom arrives without some mixture of bitterness this was soon follow'd by one of the most just and most sensible afflictions that could almost arrive which was the Death of le Plessis his beloved and faithful Servant This Gentleman equally wise and valiant dextrous and faithful and who had all these qualities eminent in him to a very conspicuous degree had been so happy that the Services which had been acceptable to the Father were no less pleasing to his Sons insomuch that not one of them but was passionate for his advancement and ambitious to contribute something to his Fortune a thing he himself so little considered that had he not met with Masters liberal in their own Natures his deserts had been the worst rewarded of any mans of his time but such was the acknowledgment they all paid to his merit that the Cardinal de la Valette was no sooner provided of the Government of Anjou but that he cast his eye upon le Plessis to bestow upon him one of the best and principal Commands of that Province which was that of the Castle of Anger 's He had already that of Chasteau Trompette of Bordeaux neither would the Duke consent to be totally depriv'd of his Service all that he could condescend unto to satisfie his Son being to share with him in this good Servant and to give way that he should serve at the Castle of Anger 's still keeping the command of Chasteau Trompette Le Plessis having therefore taken his leave of the Duke at Condom to go to take possession of his new Government staid by the way to keep his Christmas at Bordeaux with an intention after the Holy days were pass'd to continue his Journey to Anger 's but his Devotion making him commit a violence upon his health at this time something impair'd by an indisposition that began to grow upon him his Disease increas'd to such a degree at midnight Mass that the conclusion of his Prayers was almost the end of his Life He went out of the Church seiz'd with a Catarre by which his breathing being stop'd and all sense and memory taken away he was in a few hours totally suffocated He could not certainly by a more Christian nor a more easie death have finish'd a very excellent life but the Duke of Espernon could not of a long time after be comforted for his loss neither indeed could a greater almost have befallen him he having scarce any other Servant left that was allow'd the liberty to tell his Master what he conceiv'd was best for the good of his Service the Duke who would never slacken the severe hand he ever held over all his Servants not enduring that any of them should presume to advise him this only by the prerogative of his Age and approv'd Fidelity was dispens'd from that Law a dispensation that he notwithstanding ever made use of with so great modesty as to make it appear it was rather a Priviledge granted by the Master's bounty than any Empire usurp'd by the Servant over his Masters affections The life of the Duke of Espernon and his particular actions have so great a connexion with the publick interest that his story is no where to be long continued without putting the writer upon a necessity of interweaving something of the general concerns of the Kingdom which obliges me in this place to resume the gross of Affairs and with the year to enter into transactions of very great importance wherein the Duke had so eminent a share that his greatest enemies and such as were most emulous of his glory cannot but do him that right as to confess that he strook the greatest stroke in the success of the Royal Arms. The Queen Mother and the Monsieur being retir'd out of the Kingdom it was not likely but that two so great persons being open and profess'd enemies to the Cardinal whom they had publickly declar'd to be the Author of their discontents would do their utmost endeavours to make him feel the effects of their indignation but it appearing that the King was in a manner oblig'd in honour to protect his Minister and that he was not consequently to be assaulted without offending his Majesty himself they were to expect a great and vigorous opposition to whatever attempts they should make upon the Cardinal's Fortune These two discontented Princes therefore well foreseeing this difficulty willingly accepted the offers made them by the Emperour the King of Spain and the Duke of Lorain to take Arms in their favour but as it was impossible these separate Forces should unite and move at the same time whereas
under his Authority and trembled at his Name If he was touch'd to the quick by these Afflictions he was no less sensible of the privation of all his Priviledges Appointments Pensions and other Emoluments that were the lawful Perquisits of his several Offices and Commands whereby they cut him off at one blow above fifty thousand Crowns of yearly Revenne and by which means he found himself reduc'd to the bare Revenue of his own Estate wherein he also suffer'd a very considerable diminution These Affronts and injuries were succeeded by long and painful Diseases and those by the death of his eldest Son together with the Condemnation of the second by which Sentence he also was dead in Law Yet was not this all and Almighty God who upon so great and illustrious a Subject would please to manifâ—st the strength of his Arm left him nothing entire upon which He did not evidently make it appear There remain'd to him in all these mishaps one refuge that might still afford some stay and support to his Affairs and cherish him with some hope one day to restore them to their primitive condition The Cardinal de la Valette his Son was in a great Employment he had formerly oblig'd Cardinal Richelieu to the highest degree he was believ'd to be in great favour and consideration with him he had at least obtain'd a promise from him that the old Age of the Duke his Father should not be molested this Son was also ravish'd from him with the rest and nothing left him to which he could in his greatest extremities have any visible recourse We have often heard mention of the several afflictions and chastisements wherewith Almighty God hath sometimes been pleas'd to visit sinful men but let us consider whether amongst all the examples of his Justice there be many more eminent than these in the case of the duke of Espernon It had now been threescore and two years since the Duke first tasted the sweets of Favour from which time Fortune together with his own Vertue had rais'd him to all the degrees of Greatness that render men considerable upon earth There had scarce a year pass'd over his head which had not added something to his Prosperity he had acquir'd as great Riches as many Offices and Titles as much Respect Reputation and Authority as any other whoever of his time but above all his Greatness seem'd to be establish'd and secure in the support of his three Sons any of which by his merit was sufficient alone to sustain the Burthen who all three in less than six months space were ravish'd from him and himself reduc'd to the most deplorable soliâ—ude was possibly to be seen or conceiv'd He acknowledg'd the Finger of God to be in all this he submitted to his Justice and was never observ'd more to reverence his unresisted Power than when his hand lay most heavy upon him But would it not be too light a preterition to pass over the Death of the Cardinal de la Valette with so little Ceremony and to take no further notice of it than by what has been already said Yes doubtless and it was of too great importance to the interests of the Duke his Father to be slipt over with so slight a mention I shall therefore tell you that this Cardinal after the Death of the Duke de Candale his Brother had alone sustain'd the King's declining Affairs in Italy and with a very inconsiderably Army had at once withstood the power of our Enemies and the infidelity of our Allies but in the end either worn out with the continual toil of so many Affairs or wounded with the ill usage he saw his Family daily receive he fell into a Melancholy that put him at last into a desperate Disease The beginning of this Distemper was as light as it had been in that of the Duke de Candale and the issue of it as fatal At the first news the Duke of Espernon receiv'd of his indisposition though he had an account withal that it was without any symptome of danger he could not nevertheless forbear crying out aloud to those who were about him That his Son was a dead man A saying which though at first spoke in passion only in a few days turn'd into a Prophesie the intelligence that came in from time to time of his condition still signified an encrease of his Diâ—temper till after having seventeen days strugled with a Disease that at the fifth had been concluded mortal he ended a glorious Life by a very constant and Christian Death The Prince of Ioinville eldest Son to the Duke of Guise exercis'd at that time his first Arms under the Discipline of so dear and so generous a Kinsman the Mareschal de Turenne had also an Employment of Maresâ—hal de Camp in his Army both which writ the Duke of Espernon the sad news of his Death But de Thou who never parted almost from his Bed-side in all the time of his Sickness and who had his entire Confidence in all things writ a long Relation of it to be presented to the Duke so soon as he should be in a condition to endure the reading Here it was that his Servants were in the greatest strait they doubted not but that this loss which apparently gave the last blow to all his hopes would afflict him to the last degree and although Nature and the Vertues of this Son should have taken a less impression upon him than all the world knew they had done they yet fear'd his Constancy being exhausted by preceding misfortunes he had not a sufficient stock left wherewithal to sustain the assault of this new affliction In this perplexity they had recourse to d' Espruets Bishop of Saint Papoul a Prelate whom the Duke as well for his profound Learning as his exemplary Piety and Goodness had in great Reverence and particular Esteem The Bishop at the first word very readily put himself into his Coach and in all diligence came to Plassac where presenting himself before the Duke after he had some time entertain'd him with indifferent things falling at last into discourse of his Sons Sickness he told him that all his Friends and Servants were in great suspence at some uncertain rumours that were spread abroad in the Country At that word the Duke was no more in doubt but that he was dead yet would he not upon the instant extract the utmost truth of his unfortunate loss but changing his Discourse entertain'd the Bishop with Affairs of another nature till they were both call'd to Dinner as they soon after were It may easily be judg'd what a Dinner this was for the Duke who could feed on nothing save his own sad Imaginations his restlessness all the while he sate at meat sufficiently maniâ—esting the anguish of his Soul he notwithstanding contain'd himself in this violent agitation of mind and continued at Table so long as was necessary to satisfie what was due to Decency and Respect without suffering
himself to be transported into any action unbecoming his Gravity and Wisdom The Table being taken away and he having retir'd himself into his Chamber sooner than he ordinarily us'd to do he caus'd his Secretary to be call'd in his behalf to write to Messieurs de Ioinville de Turenne de Thou and de Fontravilles to recommend to them the care of his Sons health to whom all humane help was already fruitless and vain writing moreover to him himself some few lines under his own hand One of his Gentlemen who had lately been sent on the same errand was now ready to depart with this new Dispatch when the Duke overcome with the violent agitations of his mind was constrain'd to cast himself upon his Bed where calling his Secretary to him he said to him these words I do not know why you should all dally with me thus long nor to what end you should conceal from me the Death of the Cardinal my Son is it that you imagine me so weak I have not fortitude enough to support the News Do not you deceive me as the rest have done but tell me the naked truth which also cannot long be conceal'd from me At which words the poor Gentleman who for four or five days had had the power to govern his Tongue had not now the same command over his Eyes so that his Tears having whether he would or no betray'd him to be the Messenger of the ill news he had hitherto so faithfully conceal'd he proceeded by word of mouth to interpret what was before but too legible in his tears and told his Master That what he had prophesied the first hour he heard of his Sons Sickness was but too true That the news of his Death had been brought four days ago but that his people apprehending left so great a blow of mishap might ruine his health had address'd themselves to Monsieur de Saint Papoul to fortifie him with his Consolation in acquainting him with the fatal News At which words he lift up his hands to Heaven and after a profound Sigh cried out aloud O Lord since thou hast reserv'd my old Age to survive the loss of my three Children be pleas'd withal to give me strength wherewith to support the severity of thy Judgments Hereupon the Bishop of Saint Papoul was presently call'd in to him who after having highly commended his resignation of himself and his Affairs to the Will of God made him a Learned Discourse infinitely full of such admirable Arguments and Examples both Christian and Moral as were proper for his disconsolate condition And then it was that they presented him with the relations of the Sickness and Death of the Cardinal his Son wherein was observ'd so many testimonies of Piety and Resignation so firm a confidence in the Divine Mercy and so little concern for Humane Life that every one concluded him infinitely happy to have take his leave of it in so good and so holy a disposition and it was also from thence that the Duke deriv'd his chiefest Consolations After this he requested some respite from his Friends wherein to satisfie the resentments of Nature and in private to pay some tears to his Affliction His Curtains were therefore drawn when his tears which he had hitherto with so great violence to his sorrow suppress'd having now liberty to â—ally out flow'd in so great abundance that those about him began to fear his immoderate passion might endanger his health but having remain'd two hours in this condition he himself at last rows'd up his spirits so long overcharg'd with grief and was heard to say That Tears were to be left to women and that it would be a shame a man could not allay his grief but by so poor and effeminate a Remedy That he would live perhaps to survive his Enemies When starting from his Bed he had so great a power over himself as the same day again to appear in publick He entreated the Bishop of Papoul to bear him company where he walk'd with him above two hours on foot entertaining him all the while either with Discourses of Piety or the state of his present Fortune and that with a constancy this good Prelate could never sufficiently magnifie and admire It must nevertheless be confess'd that amongst all these afflictions which were many and extreme the Duke likewise receiv'd very many and great Consolations or at least what were intended for such there being few persons of any eminent condition in France who did not manifest the part they shar'd with him in his grief The King did him the Honour to write very obligingly to him he receiv'd the same Favour from the Queen the Monsieur all the Princes Cardinal Richelieu and almost all who were any ways considerable either in Birth or Dignity in the Kingdom gave him testimonies either of their Affection or Esteem upon this sad occasion But if out of all these Complements he did extract any real Consolation it was chiefly from the gracious manifestations of the Queens Royal Favour to him which took so much the deeper impression upon his mind by how much he knew they proceeded from the heart of this excellent Princess He had ever made her the object of all his Services neither was there any he would not have been very ready to have perform'd for her even in this moment of his greatest Adversity An inclination that as it gave him a legitimate Title to her Grace and Favour so was he the man of all the other Great Ones of the Kingdom that had the highest place in her Esteem but the condition of the time not permitting her to manifest it to that degree her Majesty could have desir'd she did upon this occasion all she had the liberty to do which was to send him a very obliging Letter written with her own hand of which the Contents were these Cousin I can here neither fully express nor altogether conceal the sorrow I share with you for the loss you have sustain'd in the person of my Cousin the Cardinal de la Valette your Son the sence whereof being too great to be express'd by words I shall only entreat you to believe that I partake in it equally with any person living And since it is from God alone that you are to hope for a true Consolation I do from my heart beseech him of his Divine Goodness to fortifie your mind against the severity of this accident and to pour his Blessings upon you in the abundance that is heartily wish'd by her whom you know really to be Your very good Cousin Anne From St. Germains en Laye the 12 th of Octob. 1639. Cardinal Richelieu also would not upon such an occasion be wanting in the Ceremony of a Complement but it signified no more than so and these were the words My Lord I can not sufficiently manifest to you the extreme sorrow I sustain for the Death of Monsieur the Cardinal de la Valette and
rare and eminent qualities proper for that calling as might have rendred him one of the greatest men of the Profession and besides that the Duke was induc'd to give him these prudent Exhortations by the consideration of their Alliance and the Affection and Esteem he had for his person he did moreover herein not a little gratifie the desire of his Relations and Friends who knowing what a Power the Duke had with him never ceas'd importuning him to use his utmost interest and endeavour to withdraw him from that unquiet kind of life he had for some time lead But his Destiny carried it above their Prudence and Foresight and he must in the end add to the number of the Illustrious unhappy of his time The Duke had not the grief of seeing his deplorable end his own Death sometime preceding as we shall shortly see and of which this in my opinion was the cause From the time that the Duke of Espernon had been establish'd in the Government of Guienne he having conceiv'd that to add greater weight to his Authority it would not be inconvenient to inflict some exemplary punishment upon some notable Offenders a Gentleman of that Province but one the most unworthy of that Quality of any that ever wore that Character called Madaillan fell within the danger of his Justice The Duke therefore being solicited and importun'd on a thousand hands to cause Justice to be executed upon this man for an infinite number of Crimes whereof he stood Convict he at last attempted to seize him that he might be brought to condigne Punishment but this wretch as Distrustful and Cunning as Villanous and Wicked still found means to escape the hands of the Serjeants who had order from the Duke to apprehend him and lay a long time conceal'd in the Province In the end notwithstanding he was constrain'd to fly which he did and put himself into the Enemies Armies not to Fight for he was never guilty of any handsome Action but to Plunder and to Betray insomuch that in a very little space he had to his other Crimes added that of a Fugitive from all Parties He was in Pay with the Imperialists the Swedes the Spaniards and the States of Holland after which famous Exploits he return'd home to his own house hoping that time had worn out of the Duke's mind the memory of his former Offences but he soon perceiv'd there was no abiding in the Duke's Government for men of his known and detected manners He there liv'd therefore in so perpetual fear as made him to keep a kind of Garrison in his House which the Duke having notice of he resolv'd to cause some of his Souldiery to beset the House and by fine force to take him This Deliberation which could not be executed without some noise gave Madaillan leisure to make his escape he took therefore at this time the way of Italy and went to Genoa where he presented Prince Auria with some counterfeit Letters from the Duke of Montmorency under favour of which he gull'd this Prince of some very considerable Summes of Money From thence he went to Rome where he insinuated himself into the Family of the Count de Brassac Ambassadour there for the King of France of whom by virtue of other Counterfeit Letters he was favourably receiv'd But it is not to be believ'd how many Cheats Insolencies and other abominable Crimes he committed under our Ambassadours Protection till in the end the Count tir'd out with the Complaints he daily receiv'd of his lewd Behaviour was upon the point to have deliver'd him into the hands of Justice if he had not fairly ran away After this manner Madaillan returns back into France neither could he possibly have arriv'd in a more favourable conjuncture for such men as he it being precisely at the time of the great Revolts of Guienne and wherein he also had the share that was his due The King being willing to communicate his Grace at the Duke's instance towards such as had been guilty of those Disorders the said Duke had nevertheless a care to cause such to be excepted from the general Indemnity as were tax'd with other hainous and notorious Crimes conceiving it neither just nor of good Example that by new Crimes men should pretend to Pardon for the old and that by great Offences they should obtain an impunity for others of less importance The King maturely weighing these good Reasons of the Duke proceeded according to his Advice by which means Madaillan found himself in much more danger after the Pardon of the other Delinquents than at any time before he had ever been His Conscience besides the Crimes already mention'd did moreove accuse him of several others of a horrid and unheard of nature For the incest he had committed with his own Daughter had in his Process been prov'd against him the Parricide having moreover caus'd three Children he had by her to be murther'd before his own eyes He had been Convict of having four Wives at one and the same time and of all the other abominable Actions can be imagin'd what was there then that ought to be suspected from an Enemy arm'd with so much wickedness and so many horrid and detested Crimes This desperate Villain seeing himself and his Affairs in so lost and irrecoverable a condition and knowing the persecution the Duke of Espernon and all his Family suffer'd under at that time took a resolution to fall upon him to his final Ruine and to assault him with so hateful a Calumny as that the sole Accusation should of it self and of course put the party accus'd out of all manner of defence Big therefore with this accurs'd design he goes to Paris where not finding the King he addresses himself to the Dutchess of Eguillon to whom concealing his Name as being too well known in a studied Discourse of which he was capable enough he delivers in great secresie That there was a Conspiracy on foot against the proper Person of the King himself and also against that of the Cardinal her Uncle Neither was he content to make a bare discovery of the pretended Treason and proceeded moreover to undertake to justifie what he had said by literal proofs provided he might have three months Protection granted him in Guienne where his Enemies he said had invented false Crimes against him on purpose to destroy him It is to be presum'd he did not forget the Duke of Espernon's name in this first Accusation though it was afterwards deny'd at Court when the business came to be discover'd The Dutchess however interested as she was in the Person of the Cardinal and startled as she ought to be with the horror of so prodigious a Treason writ in all haste to the Court which was then at Amiens from whence without any difficulty at all she obtain'd the safe Conduct Madaillan had desir'd in order to the producing his Proofs He must needs have some money also which was
that it never after left him but with his Life Within a few hours after he had been laid in Bed Fabert whom he had a passionate desire to see and had a long time expected came to see him He was by him presented with a great many Letters from several of his Friends But the Duke without opening any one of them contented himself with embracing him only and entreating to be excus'd that he was not in a condition that day to entertain him referr'd it till the next morning in hopes by that time to be in a better posture of Health At another time his active and curious Spirit that was never tir'd out with business would not have referr'd the discoursing with a Friend he so dearly lov'd till the morrow but now as if he had foreseen what a small share remain'd to him of Worldly things he had not so much as the Curiosity to inform himself of any His Fever which the first day was judg'd to be Quotidian a sort of Ague he us'd frequently to have and which also did not a little contribute to the better support of his Health continued from the first to the second and from the second to the third Fit with so excessive violence that Motivier his Physician a man very excellent in his profession and who had for many years been very diligent about his Person judg'd him from that time forwards to be in very great danger as well by reason of his wonderful great Age and the evil dispositions that had preceded his Disease as from the Disease it self He was therefore of opinion that a Father Capuchin should be sent for to the end he might in due time prepare him for Confession the Fathers of that Order having a particular priviledge to administer that Sacrament to him They were the more hasty to make this provision for his Conscience by how much they perceiv'd him sometimes to fall into Fits of Raving which gave them an apprehension that his distemper encreasing his judgment might be totally taken from him which notwithstanding did not so fall out This good Father being come to the Duke under pretence of a meer Visit only put him insensibly upon the contempt of worldly things and the necessity of Death and came at last by degrees to touch a little at Confession The Duke though by this discourse he presently guess'd at the ill opinion they had of him and that they began to despair of his Life yet did he nevertheless make no shew of astonishment or surprize but on the contrary submitting with great serenity and calmness to the good Pleasure of Almighty God he told the Holy Father That he had highly oblig'd him in putting him in mind of his Conscience That he was Old and Sick That in a better estate of Health his end could not be far distant from him and that being by the Grace of God a Christian he intended to dye after a Christian manner After which few words intreating he would give him some time to prepare himself for this Sacrament he caus'd him to retire into another Room He commanded his Servants also to leave him alone and to depart out of his Chamber which being accordingly done after he had two hours recollected himself he caus'd the Father to be again call'd in who could never enough commend the Zeal and Repentance he observ'd in this illustrious Penitent It was about noon that he made his Confession and about four of the Clock the same day he desir'd the Holy Eucharist which he receiv'd with so great Piety and Reverence as was not a little edifying to all the Assistants He at the same time gave charge to his Almoner to acquaint him when it was time to receive the Extreme Unction taking order for all these last Ceremonies with so manly an indifferency and so great a tranquillity of mind as if he had rather been taking care for some other in a dying condition than busie about any thing that immediately concern'd himself He was never heard at any time either to wish for Life or to repine at Death but performing without trouble and disorder what was to be done so well to receive the one and to part fairly with the other he in my opinion at this time gave the greatest proof and example of his Courage and Constancy that he had ever done His Disease growing every day more violent than other he was the fourth day of his Sickness observ'd to fall into more and more extravagant Ravings than at any time before to which his Chest also began to be so obstructed that there was a visible difficulty of Breathing All which dangerous Accidents and mortal Symptomes in an Age like that of his making every one conclude his dissolution to be very near they talk'd to him no more of any thing but God a Discourse that he also on his part hearkened to with great willingness and aâ—â—ention He had at all times had a Crucifix fastned to his Beds-feet upon which he now perpetually fixt his eyes and having caus'd his Chaplet to be put about his Arm because he wanted strength to hold it in his hand he was continually lifting it to his mouth to kiss it The fifth day of his Sickness was very much worse than those that had gone before and if upon his other days he had had some intervals of repose the continuation of his Disease having infected all that remain'd in him of found and uncorrupt he was totally oppress'd without any release or intermission at all The extremities of his Disease therefore causing it to be judg'd convenient to make use of the extremest Remedies both for Soul and Body his Physician resolv'd upon a Bleeding and the Ecclesiasticks upon the Extreme Unction of which the last nam'd preceded the other About two hours after midnight the Dutchess de la Valette the Marquis and Marquise de la Valette her Children got up to be assisting at this Holy Ceremony to whom the Servants also being come in he in the presence of all his Family with exceeding Meekness and profound Reverence receiv'd that Sacrament So soon as he saw the Priest enter the Chamber he rais'd himself up in his Bed and having pull'd off his Cap remain'd uncovered all the time of the Administration making his Responces aloud to all the Prayers of the Church and to all the Psalms especially the Miserere which he repeated by heart with a great many Penitent Tears This Ceremony being over they left him some time to his repose and about ten in the morning the sixth day of his Sickness and also that of his Death his Physician caus'd him to be let Blood He found himself yet capable of this Remedy and moreover found by it some kind of present Relief his Chest was much less obstructed and his Deliriums had far longer intervals than before insomuch that he began to have a better opinion of himself telling us as it was very true that two years before a Bleeding
had sav'd his Life and that he found himself very much reliev'd by this but all these Hopes were no other than feeble Rayes that threatned us with a sudden and fatal Eclipse At three in the Afternoon he appear'd so infinitely chang'd that it was judg'd impossible for him to pass over that day neither was he himself insensible of it and certainly it was an extraordinary mercy he receiv'd in this Extremity to have his Judgment more perfect and entire and his mind better compos'd at this than at any other time during the whole course of his Sickness His last moments he employ'd in entertaining Fabert from the day of his arrival he had never seen him but having now on a sudden remembred he was in the house he caus'd him immediately to be call'd where after he had embrac'd him in his Arms he told him That he would not now lose time in giving hiâ— new assurances of an Affection which would henceforward be useless to him but that he would conjure him by those testimonies he had sometime receiv'd that he would preserve his to his declining Family That he did entreat him to assure the King he dy'd his Majesties most humble and most faithful Servant and in his Name humbly to beseech him to Honour his little Children whom the Disgrace of the Duke their Father expos'd to infinite Injuries with his gracious Protection That they had the Honour to appertain to his Majesty That nothing could be imputed to their Innocency and that he hop'd they would one day by their Services manifest their Gratitude for his Bounty and Favour Though to render the King more favourable to this Request and to those Relations he did recommend thereby there seem'd to be a kind of necessity that he should also send some Complement to the Cardinal he did not do it nevertheless which some of his people thinking he had through forgetfulness omitted they made bold to put him in mind to whom after a little pause he return'd no other answer but that he was his Servant The same Complement but with a very great deal of difference in the tender manner of delivery he sent to the Chancellour Monsieur Seguier who had ever manifested for him a constant and inviolate Friendship as also to several other Persons of Quality at Court The severity that had been exercis'd upon his Family making him believe that their Enemies aim'd at no less than their total Ruine he would enjoyn Fabert of all his Governments and Commands to ask the Castle of Loches only in favour of the Marquis de la Valette his Grandchild and that only because seeing himself upon the point to expire he could have wish'd that his Body after his Death might have been in the power of no other than those of his own Blood A request so modest and so inconsiderable in it self that he doubted not but it would be easily granted and that he might have retriv'd this little piece from the wrack of his great Fortune but he was deceiv'd and the ill nature of his Enemies was such that even that was also deny'd him After he had dismiss'd Fabert he caus'd the Dutchess de la Valette his Daughter-in-Law the Marquis de la Valette and the Marquise his Sister to come to his Bed-side to whom after he had in general deliver'd himself in several expressions of great Passion and tenderness and exhorted them to Unity and Mutual Affection directing his Speech to the Marquis He in the first place recommended to him the Service of God and next that of the King without ever alienating himself from it upon any colour or pretence whatever to honour his Father and in what estate soever to pay him all the Duty and Service of a good and Obedient Son and never to remember the Injuries had been done him of which he charg'd him in express terms to retain no kind of resentment assuring them all that living in that Unity and good Intelligence with one another he had recommended to them God Almighty would bless them as he bless'd them with all his heart After which proceeding to some consolatory Admonitions wherewithal to moderate their Grief he with great difficulty lifted up his hand to give them his last Benediction This Action thus pass'd he turn'd himself to the other side of the Bed either to repose himself after this last effort of his Spirits and Voice or to conceal his Tears which although by tenderness and good Nature rather than want of Courage extracted from him yet would he not be reproach'd with such a weakness still retaining so much vigour as to maintain decency and the constancy he had ever manifested in all his Actions even in death it self He was heard indeed to fetch some profound sighs and often to repeat the name of his Son de la Valette who of all his Children had ever been dearest to him but that also was all he yielded to the impulse of nature in this final Separation Having thus paid some Sighs to his Grief several good and Learned Divines who were assisting about him again put him upon the Discourse of Piety and the forgiveness of his Enemies to whom he still constantly reply'd that he freely forgave them all naming withal those from whom he had receiv'd the greatest and most irreparable wrongs when some of them more zealous than the rest seeing him in so good a disposition ask'd him if he did not also forgive his Servants who had any way displeas'd him To whom he again reply'd that yes and withal his heart but there being one of them who a few days before he had fall'n upon with very severe and passionate Language the same person who had engag'd in the former Interrogatories proceeding indiscreetly enough to ask him if he did not also ask pardon of those he might have himself offended His courage not totally abated in this last extremity being a little inflam'd at the proposal of this reciprocal submission he made answer that it was sufficient he had pardon'd those of his people who had offended him and that he had never heard that to dye well a Master was oblig'd to make Honourable Satisfaction to his own Domesticks Those who were nearest to him perceiv'd him to be a little transported at that word but it was very easie to pacifie and compose him and after that nothing was heard from him but ardent Prayers to God neither was he observ'd to do any thing more than to turn his eyes towards the Crucifix and to kiss his Beads In this condition he lay when his strength visibly impairing but his mind remaining in a great tranquillity and calm they perceiv'd him by little and little to decline and faint away sensibly observing Death to disperse it self over all his Limbs His Legs first grew stiffe and cold which cold in a few hours seiz'd of his other parts till it came at last to his Heart Thus the thirteenth day of Ianuary and the sixth of
King The Duke of Espernoâ— stands out The Duke obstinate to leave the Army The Kâ—ng perswaded to cause the Duke to be stab'd The Duke goes to take his leave of the King The King 's angry Speech to the Duke The Remonstrances of the Duke's Friends to perswade him to stay The Duke fortifies the Castle of Angoulesme and the Cittadel of Xaintes The Dâ—ke rescues Limoges out of the hands of the League The Duâ—e 〈◊〉 St. Germâ—n which surrenâ—ers The Dâ—ke call'd back into Angoumois to suppress the Leaguers there The Dâ—ke relieves Bâ—urg Anno 1591. The birth of Henry de Foix and de la Valette the Duke of Espernon's eldest Son The birth of Bernard de Fâ—ix and de la Valetâ—e the Duke's second Son The Birth of Lewis Cardinal de la Valette the Duke's youngest Son Passages at Coâ—rt in the Duke's absence The King importun'd to hasten his Conversion The Dâ—ke of Espernon returns to Court D'Avila The Siege of Chartres The Duke goes into Picardy An attempt â—pon the Duke of Espernon by the Duke of Aumale Minieux routed by by the Duke and taken prisoner The Duke 's ill usage at Corbie The Duke shot into the mouth at Pierre Fonds The Duke returns to the King Chartres after an obstinate Siege surrendred to the King and soon after Noyon The Duke of Espernon retires into his own Government Anno 1592. The Duke prepares to return to the King Is hindred by the death of Mounsieur de la Valette hiâ— Brother Mounsieur de la Valette 's exploitâ— in Provence and 〈◊〉 Mounsiâ—ur de 〈◊〉 The Office of Admiral conferr'd upon St. Blancart The Duke demands of the King the Government of Provence The Forces the Duke carried with him into Provence And what he found there The Duke enforc'd to borrow mony The Duke departs from Angoulâ—sme The Duke relieves Villemuâ—â— The Dâ—ke relieves Mantaubon by the taking in several Castles from the League The Siege of Montauâ—on The Duke of Espâ—rnon's severâ—ty The Siege of Arles Arles surrendred The Sâ—ege of Aâ—tibe Aâ—bigné Antiâ—e taken by Assault The Surrender of Cannes Mounsieur de Thoâ— Anno 1593. The Duke reduces several revolted Towns The Dâ—ke makes an attempt first upon Aix aâ—d after upon Marseâ—â—es Forts built against Aix The Enâ—my endeavours by frequent sallies to hinder the Duke's Works A great sally made by the besieged An attempt upon Marselles The Dâ—ke returns to Aix The Duke 's miraculous escape The Inhabitants of Aix imagining the Duke slain make another sally The Duke in a new danger The Death of the Dutchess of Espernon Anno 1594. The Provencials Revolt from the Duke King Henry the IIII. turns Roman Catholick Mounsieur de Thou Designs oâ— the Count de Carces against the Duke Anno 1595. The King sends secret Orders to l' Esdiguieres and Colonel Alphonso d' Ornano The Duke is resolute to maintain himself in his Government The King resolves to remove the Dâ—ke from the Government of Provence Mounsieur de l' Esdiguieres enâ—ers with an Army into Provence against the Duke The Duke goes out to meet Mounsieur de l' Esdiguieres A true accompt of the Action The Duke'â— Victory fatal to Bezaudun The Duke at last is necessitated to an Accommodation The Duke goes over to Languedoc A remarkable Duel betwixt two of the Duke's Captains The Fort of Aix surpriz'd by Mounsieur l' Esdiguieres The Fort of Aix demolish'd Many other places revolt from the Duke The Duke returns into Provence The Duke of Guise made Governour of Provence The Duke of Guise and Mounsieur l' Esdiguieres go against the Dâ—ke of Espernon The Duke resolute to stand upon his deâ—ence The Duke abandoned by most of his friends The Duke of Espernon enters into a general mistrust of all his followers A Skirmish betwixt the Duke of Guise and the Duke of Espernon All things averse to the Duke in Provence A Plot against the Duke of Espernon's life A Quintal is an hundred weight The Duke 's wonderfâ—l escape Reflections upon the several dangers of the Duke of Espernon's life Anno 1596. The Duke of Espernon traduc'd by the Cardinal d' Ossâ—t Other Calumnies against the Duke The Duke of Espernon rejecting all offers from Savoy Spain and the Duke of Mayenne submits himself to the King The Duke of Espernon receiv'd into Favour A digression upon a remarkable passage * The man without fear The posture of Affairs at the Duke of Espernon's arrival at Court A design upon Calice A remarkable action of Campagâ—â—â— * Or younger Brother * Cardinal Bentivâ—gâ—â—o De Thou Anno 1597. The Pope sends his Legat into France An Assembly at Roan * He is call'd by Iean de Serres Heâ—nâ—nl 〈◊〉 The Duke of Espernon comes to the King at Amiens A surprize design'd upon Arras 〈◊〉 Anno 1598. The peace concluded 〈◊〉 Vervins The Marriage of the Duke of Montpensur with Katharine de Ioyeuse now Dutchess of Guise and Niece to the Duke of Espernon Anno 1599. The Duke of Savoy begins to practice with the Mareschal de Biron The Cardinal Aldobrandino sent by the Pope into France The Peace with Savoy concluded The Duke of Espernon leaves the Court to go into Angoumois and goes into Guienne Anno 1600. A dispute betwixt the the Duke and the Mareschald ' Ornane Anno 1601. The King reconciles the Duke and the Mareschal The birth of the Dolphin afterwards Lewis the XIII Anno 1602. The Conspiracy of Mâ—reschal Biron and the Duke's carriage in that business Birâ—n in this Journey betwixt Dijon and Montbelliâ—rd was for four hours together in private Conference with Wattevile the Duke of Savoy's Ageâ—t D Serres page 978. Mounsieur Crequy made Camp-Master to the Regiment of Guards Anno 1603. The state of Affairs at Court during the Peace The story of Pimentel The advancement of Philip Cospean Bishop of Lizieux by the Duke of Espernon's means Anno 1604. A neâ— qâ—arrel like to rise betwixt the Duke oâ— Espernon and the Mareschal d' Ornano A bold answer from the Duke to the King well receiv'd and turn'd to his advantage Anno 1605. The Duke's expedition into Limousin A dispute betwixt the Duke of Espernon and the Duke of Guise Another quarrel betwixt the Duke of Espernon and the Priâ—ce of Ioinville Anno 1606. The King makes anâ— expedition to Seâ—n wherein the command of tâ—e Vâ—nt-Guard is commitâ—ed to the Duke of Espernon Anno 1607. The deâ—th of the Duke of Montpâ—nsier Anno 1608. The death of Pere Ange de Ioyeuse the Duke's Brother-in-law Anno 1609. The Truce betwixt Spain and Holland concluded by the King's mediation Anno 1610. The King makes great preparation for War * De Serres says the King intended to leave the Constable and the Chancellor in thaâ— trust The Death of Henry the IIII. * Who were the Mareschal de Roquelaure the Mâ—rquis de la Force the Sieur de Liencourt and the Marquis de Mireâ—eau * De Sâ—rres says by a mistake
the Duke his Father After having preserv'd Metz by disarming the Inhabitants The Duke of Mayenne refuses to accept the Peace and endeavours to engage the Duke of Espernon in his discontents Who refuses to stir The King goes into Guienne and Bearne The Duke of Espernon presents himself to the King and asks his pardon And is very well receiv'd The Duke receives a promise of his Majesties coming to his house at Cadillas Where he is maâ—nificently entertain'â— The King departs from Cadillac to go into Bearne And reduces that Province to their obedience Which nevertheless continueâ— but a short space Anno 1621. The Archbishop of Tholouzâ— made Cardinal The Duke's expedition into Bearâ—â— The Duke receives his Commission The Duke begins his Journey A great number of Gentlemen come in to follow the Duke of Espâ—rnon in this expedition The Maâ—quis de la Force sends to â—â—vert the Duke â—â—om comâ—ing into Bearne The sudden terror of the Bearnois As also of the Souldiery The Duke quiets Bearne in a very short time And at very little expense A generous act of the Dâ—ke of Espernâ—n The Duke of Espernon returns out of Bearne to the Siege of St. Ieâ—n de Angely The King 's great favour and justice to the Duke of Espernon at his return from his expedition of Bearne The Duke of Espernon applyeâ— himself to the Sâ—ege The Marquis de la Valette receives a Musquet-shot before St. Iean dâ— Aâ—gely St. Iean de Angely surrendred The Duke of Espâ—rnon preserves the Town of St. Iean de Angely from being sack'd by the Souldier The Duke of Espernon's employment before Râ—châ—â—le The Duke receives the command of the Army at Cognac He obtains of the King Monsieur d' Aâ—try now Chancellor of France for Intâ—ndant de Iustice in this expedition The Duke of Espernon takes up his Quarters before Rochelle Several actions before Rochelle betwixt the Duke of Espernon and the besieged The first propositions that were made to the Duke for the blocking up the Harbour of Râ—chelle The surprizal of the Isle of Maron by the Duke of Espernon The King's exploits in Guienne The death of the Duke de Luines Anno 1622. The Duke of Espernon goes to the King at Poictiers The Duke of Espernon sent to lay Sieâ—e to Râ—yan Royan taken to the Duke of Espernon's great â—onour Strange Wounds The march of the Kings Army into Guienne and their progress there The Duke of Espernon receives his Patent for the Government of Guienne A comparison betwixt the Dukes of Espernon and l' Esdiguieres with some reflections upon the different ways of their advancement The Duke resolves to attend the King's person in his expeditions The Duke of Espernon takes a Journy into Catalognia The Duke's reception in all the Cities through which he pass'd The Dâ—ke of Espernon returns out of Catalognia The Siege of Montpelliâ—r A prudent counsel of the Duke of Espernon which not being follow'd cost the lives of a great many very brave men Another prudent advice of the Duke of Espernon's rejected The Peace concluded before Montpelliâ—r The King returns towards Paris The King comes to Lyons where the Marriage is celebrated betwixt the Duke de la Valette and Mâ—dâ—moiselle de Verneüil Anno 1623. The Dâ—ke of Espernon goes â—owards Guienne The begiâ—ning of the ill intelligence betwixt the Duke and the first President de Goâ—rgues Which begets that betwixt the Duke and the Parliament The Duke arrives in Guienne The Duke's reception at Bordeaâ—x * Iuraâ—s de Bordeaux are the same with the Sheriffâ— in other Câ—ties A difference betwixt the Duke and the Mareschal de Themines the Kings Lieutenant in Guienne * Or chief Jurisdiction An Accommodation betwixt the Duke and the Mareschal Themines The Duke coâ—es to aâ— open rupâ—â—re with the first President Who engages the company in â—is quarrel The Duke settles his Domestick Affairs The Duke of Espâ—rnon goes to Court Arrives at Paris Anno 1624. A generous act of the Duke of Espernon The Duke goes from Paris Cardinal Richelieu created chief Minister of State New differences betwixt the Duke of Espernon and the Parliament of Bordeaux The Cardâ—nal Richelieu opposite to the Duke Anno 1625. A new War The Revolt of Montauban The Duke's Forces The Countrey about Montauban laid waste Those of the Religion make a vigorous resistance Soubizâ— endeavoâ—rs to divert the Duke The Peace concluded Anno 1626. A new breach betwixt the Duke and the Parliament of Bordeaux Which grows to a very great height Leon Brâ—lart sent to Bordeaux to labour an Accommodatâ—on Wherein he does not sâ—â—ceed The business is referr'd to the Council who make an Award prejudicial to both parties A disorder at Court The Marriage betwixt the Monsiâ—ur and the Dutchâ—ss of Montpâ—nsiâ—r 〈◊〉 Letter to the Dâ—ke of Espernonâ—â— â—er great Uâ—cle Anno 1627. The Duke appoâ—nts a Tilting at Bordeâ—ux The Shipwrack of the Portugal Carricks The Duke de Candâ—le the Duke of Espernon's eldest Son comes to tâ—e Solemnity The Birth of the Duke of Candale the Duke of Espernon's Gâ—andchild The death of the Dâ—tchess de la Vaâ—ette 〈…〉 New occaâ—â—ons of misunderstanding betwixt the Duke and Cardinal Richeliâ—u about the wrack of the Câ—rrick The Cardinals pretensions The Duke's Title The Duke offers â—o 〈◊〉 to a reference which is refus'd by the Cardinal Monsieur Servient employ'd in the business who reconcâ—les the difference * Sous a peny the Sous de Paris or Sol Marque is peny â—arthing English * 〈◊〉 my Aâ—thour calâ—'d the Duke de 〈◊〉 Our English Authors that as they must needs be better inform'd of the motives of this War are likely better to inform us give a far different accompt Vide Bakers Chronicle The English land in the Isle of Ré * Six thousand our Historians say The Cardinals Orders to oppose the English Le Plessis the Duke of Espernon's Domestick Servant has the command of a Regiment â—onâ—err'd upon him upon this occasion Anno 1628. The Duke of Espernon's Letter of advice to the Duke of Angoulesme The Duke of Angoulesme's answer The Commotion of the whole Hugonot Paâ—ty And of Montauban * Chambre de l' Edict and Chambre Me-partie is all one it being as has been said elsewhere a Court erected in favour of those of the Religion consisting the one half of Catholicks and the other of those of their own party The Prince of Condé made the Lieutenant General in Guienne and some other adjoyning Provinceâ— The Duke of Espernon opposes himself to the Duke of Rohan who was moving with an Army to the relief of Rochelle The Prince of Condé lays Siege to St. Afrique With ill success The Duke sent Monsieur Fabert to Court The Duke of Espernon falls â—â—ck The Duke recovers Rochelle surrendred to the King Anno 1629. The death of 〈◊〉 Chief President de Gourgues Spain and Savoy invade Mantua The King goes into Italy The Duke de la Valette forces le pas de
calms the Sedition The Boorâ— Mâ—tiny The Duke of Espernoâ—â— goes onâ— againâ—t them And disperses them From whence a calm ensues The Duke â—soers'd after all his brave Service The honesty of one of the Mutineers Cardinal Richelieu's civil Letter to the Duke of Espernon The Duke receives some satisfaction But not full The Cardinal de la Valette sent at the head of a great Army into Germany A brave Retreat of the Cardinal de la Valette The Duke dissatisfied that the Cardinal de la Valette his Son should follow the profession of Arms. The Duke of Espernon falls dangerously sick Anno 1636. The Spaniard mâ—kes preparation to invade Guienne The Coâ—rt neglects the Duke's Intelligence And provides very slenderly â—or the defence of the Frontiers * A Statute of Augmentation * Taxes or Imposts A rare example of the Duke's love to the people The Duke for all the injuries he had receiv'd of Briet would take no other revenge but only to put him into a fright The Parliament of Bordeaux interest themselves in the affront offer'd to Briâ—t The great Employments of the Duke of Espernon's Family The 〈…〉 Guienne The Duke of Espernon falls â—ick at Bayonne The Spanish Army enters into Biscay The Duke de la Valette comes to his Father to Bayonne The Spaniards make themselves Masters of the Country of Labourt and take the Fort of Socâ—a without resistance A panick fear in the City of Bayonne They are encourag'd by the Duke of Espernon The order taken by the Duke of Espernon for the conservation of the pâ—ace A remarkable oversight in the Spaniard The Duke of Espernon goes from Bayonne to Dacqs And from thence sends a Dispatch to the King An exemplary Fidelity in the Inhabitants of Biscay Anno 1637. The Duke of Espernon raises Forces with his own money The fiâ—st cause of the Dâ—ke de la Vaâ—ette's Disgrace The manner of the Duke de la Valett's Conduct after he entred into Cardinal Richelieu's Aâ—liance Discontents arise betwixt them The Monsieur and the Count de Soissons retire from Court And send to the Duke of Espernon to engage him in their Quarrel Who exeâ—ses himseâ—â— The Cardinal dissembles his dissatisfaction with the Dukes of Espernon and de la Valette And puts them joyntly in Commission for the Affairs of Guienne A formidabâ—e Rebell on breaks out in several Provinces of France The number of the Rebels And their progress The Rebels suppress'd by the Duke de la Valette * Des Prevosts The Court 〈◊〉 the news of tâ—e 〈◊〉 de 〈◊〉 Valett's Victory very coldly The Duke of Espernon refuses to 〈◊〉 money by Impositions upon the people The Duke de la Valette defeats the Spanish Army without Fighting Which nevertheless is but coldly receiv'd at Court The Duke de Candale and the Cardinal de la Valette command the Army in Picardy Annâ— 1638. The Duke asks leave to retire himself to Plassac * Secretaire de Commandemens ou d'Estat The four Principal Secretaries who in the Court of France sign Letters Patents and Dispatches of State Anno 1637. The Duke de la Valette is constrained to make a journey to Court But with infinite danger The Frince of Condé arrives in Guienne The Royal Army baffled before Fontarabie For which the Duke de la Valette is unjâ—stly blâ—m'd Reasons for his Justification The Duke of Espernon returns without Order from the King inhis Government of Guienne The Duke of Espernon receiveâ— news of the Bâ—rth of the Dolphin The Duke receives news of the Defeat of Fontarabie The Duke of Espernon returns to Plassâ—c A very extraordinary accident by Lâ—gâ—â—ning Passionate expressions of the Cardinal agaiâ—st the Duke de la Valette By which he is diverted from going to Courâ— The Duke of Espernon's Dâ—sgraces Hâ— is depos'd of his Government The Dâ—ke of Espernon calumniateâ— Anno 1639. The Duke of Espernon falls dangerously sick The Death of the Duke de Candale The Duke de la Valette sentenc'd to Death with Confiscarion of Offices Honors and Estate The Duke de la Valette solemnly justified The Duke of Espernâ—n still persecuted by the privation of a good part of his Estate The Death of the Cardinal de la Valette The Duke of Espeâ—non's constancy The Duke of Espernon receives many Consolatory Letters both from the King Queen the Monsieur Cardinal and most of the Eminent persons of the Kingdom The Queens Letter to the Duke of Espernon The Cardinal's Letter to the Duke of Espernon The Duke of Espernon's Letter to Cardinal Richelieu Anno 1640. The Prince of Condé offers his Service to the Duke of Espernon upon some Conditions Which are rejected by the Duke New persecutions for the Duke of Espernon The Duke of Espernon's noble constancy Three remarkable stories of the Duke of Espernon's good Fortune whereof this is the first * A piece of money to the value of xviii pence sterling * The second Story The third Sâ—ory Anno 1641. The Duke of Espernon falls dangâ—rously sick The estate of the Affairs of the Kingdom from whence the Cardinal took occasion to send the Duke of Espernon to Loches A malicious Contrivance against the Duke of Espernon The King's Letter to the Duke of Espernon The Duke of Espernon's Letter to the King The generous proceeding of the Mareschal de Scomberg The Duke of Espernon's irresolution concerning the Journey of Loches * One whereof I find in Davila when the Duke of Elbeauf was sent thither Prisoner presently after the Death of the Duke of Guise at Blois The Count de Soissons makes great preparation for War News brought to the Duke of Espernon of the Death of the Count de Soâ—ssons slain at the Battel of Sedan The Duke of Espâ—rnâ—n's Letter to the King His Majesties Letter to the Duke The Cardinals Letter to the Duke The Dâ—ke of Espâ—rnon 〈◊〉 at Leches and is there receiv'd with great Honour The Cardinals Letter to the Duke of Espâ—rnon The Duke's answer The Cardinal's Return to the Duke's answer Commotions at Court stir'd up by the Favourite Cinq-Mars * Above all things take heed of the Baâ—â—ille Monsieur de Thou involv'd in the Grand Esâ—uyer's ruine The Calumny of Madaillan against the Duke the cause of his Death Madaillan's Character His Resolution to ruine the Dâ—ke of Espernon His Artifice herein He proposes his Design to his Complices The Duke 〈…〉 And dispatches his Secretary to Court to justifie himself His Secretary is favourably receiv'd by the Cardinal And an Order granted to apprehend Madaillan and his Complices The King's Letter to the Duke of Espernon The Cardinal's Letter to the Dâ—ke of Espernon * Oâ— Prison The Dâ—ke of Espernon sends a Letter of thanks to Cardinal Richelieu Anno 1642. The Sickness and Death of the Duke of Espernon The Dâ—ke's good dispoâ—â—tions to dye The Duke's last reqâ—est to the King concerning his Children * Amende honorable signifies something more but what cannot be inteâ—ded by the Author in this place His Death
ordinary employments and not knowing what to think of so profound a sleep resolv'd to venture into the Queens Chamber Where being enter'd and not seeing the Queen they look'd for Katherine who likewise was no where to be found Every one therefore being amaz'd at so strange a Solitude they sought and call'd but all in vain neither could they imagine which way they could be gone the Ladders by which the Queen had gone down having been thrown into the River the better to conceal the manner of her escape At last having been some time in suspense they had some news of the Queens motion which begot a new astonishment amongst them though proceeding from several motives The most faithful and affectionate were glad she had recover'd her liberty whereas those who had been corrupted by the Favourite which were very many fearing on the one side they should stand suspected at Court to have been assisting to the Queen in her design and on the other lest her Majesty well inform'd of their infidelity should punish theâ— according to their desert knew not which way to turn nor what to do Whilst they were in this confusion her Majesty writ to the Marquise de Guercheville her Lady of Honour to let her and the rest of her women know of her arrival at Loches where she would stay two days to expect them and where both they and her other Servants who had a mind to come to her should be welcome excepting five and forty or fifty which as suspected to her she gave order should be turn'd away withal that such as could not come time enough to Loches might find her at Angoulesme whither she was design'd to go The Queen no sooner saw her self at full liberty but that she began to meditate of the means to defend her self from the Favourite's persecution which in all probability was likely to be violent enough as also to give the Duke the best colour she could to justifie what he had done To this purpose therefore she deliver'd him the original of the Letter the King had sent her under his own hand whereby she was permitted to go whither she would into any part of the Kingdom Which Letter she also accompanied with another from her self to the Duke a few days antidated and after the time of his arrival at Confolans wherein she entreated his assistance in the prosecution of her design By which means the Duke was clear'd of the imputation the Court laid to his charge that he had taken away the Queen by force and against her will which had been a crime as well towards the Mother as the Son The two Letters were these The King's Letter to the Queen under his own hand Madam Having understood you have an intention to visit some Religious places I am infinitely satisfied with the news and shall be much more if for the future you would resolve to stir and travel more abroad than hitherto you have done as I conceive it may conduce much to your health which is exceeding dear unto me If my Affairs would permit I would with all my heart accompany you in my own person as I shall do with my Letters to the places where you go to the end you may be receiv'd respected and honour'd equally to my self who am more than can be express'd Madam Your most humble and obedient Son Lovis From Paris this last of October 1618. The Queen Mothers Letter to the Duke of Espernon deliver'd to him with the former Cousin I stand oblig'd to represent to the King my Son the general Discontents of his people at the ill management of his Affairs and the troubles which by reason of his Nobilities being absent from him I apprehend will ensue to the prejudice of his Crown and Kingdom A duty which as all good men inform me it is particularly mine I resolve to perform though I were certain to lose thereby that little remains to me both of liberty and life Both which you may secure by permitting me to this effect to retire my self first to Loches and then to Angoulesme and by assisting me in my way with your company and advice wherein if neither the necessity nor the justice of my intentions can prevail upon you yet the reading this inclosed from the King my Son ought to do it by which you will see he permits me to to travel whither I think fit expressing a desire that his Subjects should in all places where I go pay me all honour and respect equal to his own person though I intend to make no other use of it than what shall be consistent with the good of his own Service Which being perform'd I do promise and protest â—nto you that when his own good nature shall be as free as my word is now he himself shall thank you for the assistance you have given me in an occasion so important to him and his own particular Affairs The rest I will commit to the fidelity of this bearer that is as to the time and manner of my removal wherein I conjure you not to fail without nevertheless enjoyning you either secrefie or care which your own wisdom will inform you to be very requisite Only I shall tell you that by this you will eternally oblige me to you and yours So praying God to inspire you with this good deliberation and to give you all the satisfaction I desire I rest Your very good Cousin Marie From Blois the 14. of February 1619. This Letter of Rucellay's style who now although a stranger undertook nevertheless to serve the Queen in the nature of a Secretary being dispatch'd it was necessary they should think also of writing to the King to give his Majesty notice of the Queens removal and of the design she had to retire her self to Angoulesme In which Letter she represented The ill usage she had for some time suffer'd at Blois doubtless without his Majesties intention but through the sole Tyranny of some about his person who exercis'd no less Authority over his Majesties own Royal disposition whose insolence and cruelty descending from her upon most of the great men of the Nation she had very great reason to fear that so many men of quality being discontented and those discontents concurring with the dissatisfaction of the people oppress'd by all sorts of violence would in the end be the ruine of his Kingdom That therefore she had put her self into liberty that she might at greater convenience represent to his Majesty matters of so high importance to him and his Affairs and had chosen to retire her self into the Duke of Espernon's Governments by so much the rather by how much his fidelity and good affection to the Crown had never suffer'd the least dispute That the late King her Lord and Husband out of the testimonies he had receiv'd of his Vertue and Integrity had but a few days before his death advis'd her to repose her confidence in him above all other
great Ministers of the Kingdom and that therefore she conceived she could not erre in following the advice of so mighty a Prince and in committing her self to the conduct of so faithful a Servant From Loches the 25th of Feb. 1619. The King had no sooner receiv'd this Letter but that the Favourites began to study an answer which though it were in shew respective enough to the Queen was yet full of threats towards the Duke Wherein after his Majesty had express'd to the Queen his astonishment at the violence the Duke of Espernon had committed upon her person he went on with great heat to declare That of all others he could never have suspected an offense of that nature believing there had not been that man in the world who in a profound and inviolate peace had had the impudence which were the express terms of the Letter not only to execute but even to meditate a resolution to attempt upon the liberty of the Mother of his King From whence his Majesty proceeding to menaces of the most severe and exemplary punishment he in the end justified those about his person from the ill usage whereof she complain'd as having been done by his own order and that with as much favour and respect as any Son of a much inferiour Birth could pay to a Mother declaring withal that he was resolv'd to take Arms thereby to put her in full possession of that liberty her enemies had taken from her and to cause the honour and respect to be paid her which was due to her person The rest was committed to the Count de Bethune who was sent away with this dispatch and who was to reside with the Queen to treat with her about an Accommodation a Treaty his Majesty immediately set on foot not thinking it fit till that way had first been try'd to commence a War wherein the Queen his Mother would be head of the adverse party A respect that did not long continue Whilst Bethune with this Commission took the way to Angoulesme the Queen Mother who departed from Loches the same day that she sent her Letter to Court was there arriv'd It was upon the first of March 1619. that she enter'd the City where she was no sooner come but that she dispatch'd away to all parts to dispose those who had promis'd to engage in her quarrel to declare now in her favour Most of the Grandees of the Kingdom were at this time retir'd from Court and almost all dissatisfied with the present Government yet whether it were as I have said that seeing the Duke of Espernon had already so engross'd the entire honour of the Action they could not in reason expect to share with him who had alone executed the most glorious and dangerous part of the design or that they had been taken off by the Favourites promises who in this juncture had not neglected to prevent the effect of their discontents however it was they were glad to do their own work at the Duke's expense and as they had had no hand in the action would not in the least appear in the Queens behalf The Duke of Espernon therefore with such Friends and Servants as he had must alone stand the brunt of the Royal Arms and undergo the utmost effect of his Majesties indignation The Queen 't is true granted out several Commissions and disburst some money not considerable for Leavies all which though it signified little to the work yet had she betwixt five and six thousand foot and betwixt eight and nine hundred Horse that were rais'd in the Duke's Governments by his own interest He had from the beginning of the Queens Regency made provision of Arms for ten thousand Foot and six hundred Horse which were now taken out and of so great use that could the Friends he had in Guienne have assisted him according to their affections he had upon his own accompt rais'd a very considerable Army But the Duke of Mayenne who was Governour of that Province having in this occasion been prepossess'd by the Favourite by whom the command of the Army that was to go against the Queen was conferr'd upon him it was not likely he should suffer those Troops to go out of his Government which were to be employ'd against him yet did not the Duke fail however of a very considerable succour from thence so great an affection and esteem they had for him in that Countrey the Marquis de Montferrant and Foncaude Brothers the Count de Calonges and some other Gentlemen of quality all considerations laid apart exposing themselves freely to the persecutions of the Court and the displeasure of a powerful Governour to pay that duty they ow'd and had sworn to the Duke of Espernon though having opportunity to draw away their men by Files only and that with great difficulty and danger they could not serve him so effectually as they desir'd Is the Queen found her self thus weak in the place where she was in person her party was in no better a condition in other parts of the Kingdom The Duke of Boüillon himself of whom the Marquis de la Valette thought himself secure refuâ—ing so much as to declare for the Queen who having long expected what the first success of Arms and the issue of the Queens Declarations would be and seeing neither the one nor the other which novelty often renders vigorous and considerable had produc'd any signal effect he was content to sit neuter and to attend the event by whose example some other persons of condition who had engag'd to take Arms in Champagne â—icardie and the neighbouring Provinces and that had been made to believe the Duke of Boüillon would head them refus'd likewise to stir all the most zealous and affectionate to the Queens Service could do being to come in in their own persons which signified no great matter Of which number were the Marquis de Môny Breauté Bourbonne Bethancourt and some others The Marquis de Themines came in also of another side though the Mareschal his Father was on the contrary party but it was only to command the Queens Guards of which he was Captain so that in effect the whole weight of the business lay still upon the Duke of Espernon The Favourites were in a far better condition who after they had on all sides prepossess'd the minds of the great ones and perverted the inclinations they might have had in favour of the Queen Mother had powerfully arm'd themselves rather indeed against the Duke than her The Duke of Mayenne was in the head of ten thousand Foot and twelve hundred Horse for the most part old Souldiers ready to enter into Angoumois The Count de Schomberg the Kings Lieutenant under the Duke in Limousin had receiv'd order to make Leavies to impede those the Duke was making in that Countrey which having done he soon employ'd them in an Enterprize of greater noise than moment though very disadvantageous to the Queens Interest