to be read in men Fortune having taken much away from me hath left me the conversation of the French Natures which I do here in a manner limbe This in truth is more profitable than to be informed of bare particular occurrents I compose and write what another Age will read Our own disregarding it self as having left off to do commendable Actions thinks it impertinent to be praised or dispraised and defies Images because it dreads them As to Mazarine I speak not of his Fortune but of himself who was known to me not for any obligation but many wrongs that I received from him since my whole family is beholding to him singly for its calamities Nevertheless such is the power of truth that I cannot slothfully suppress the praises of so great a Personage but am over-ruled to give them their due Encomium leaving to others to dilate in flattering Discourses THE SECOND BOOK OF THE HISTORY OF FRANCE The CONTENTS Of the Actions at Home and in the Field during the happy five years under the most prudent Conduct as ever was from the Year 1643. wherein Lewis dyed to the Year 1648. when the Civil War was unfortunately commenced IN such a State of Affairs although flourishing there is no question to be made but that the House of Austria would have lifted up their head many amongst us having already plotted a Rebellion and got together by divers practices fuel for the Combustion had not Mazarine his Envyers carp at it the ends being secret obviated the imminent dangers by entertaining the quieter sort of men with hope gifts and the sweetness of ease and by scattering the active and military men through Germany Flanders Italy and Spain upon hard and desperate Services towaste and repel the Enemy lest he should be hindered by intestine dissensions to carry on his Plot at home and abroad What would have been the consequent if such a multitude of idle persons having got head under a minor King and casting of the Princes awe should have been sollicited to raise Civil Disturbances Before the pledges of the Kingdom were grown to full age and the dearness of their Soveraign which is made habitual by time had cemented their spirits The Estate not yet firmly setled would have been broke to pieces with discord which his gentle moderation did cherish for five years and brought to such perfection that being grown to full strength it could bear any shock though the malignancy of the French Fate should charge it never so furiously Therefore waving Occurrents rather ordinary than worthy the relating I shall write only those passages whose knowledge hath influence upon life counting it more eligible to edifie the Understanding than to feed the Fancy with an empty Narrative of Proceedings Here is not to be expected any Journal to give a particular account of Actions with their Circumstances but you will find secret Advices refined from vulgar Errours short and mystical so that I confess he had need have a piercing Judgment that can reach and fathom my meaning He that is not provided of that let him not offer to meddle with my Book but go about some other business The first Essay of the new King was the Expedition of Rocroy Roc-Roy or the Royal Rock is a Garrison at the Entrance of the Forest of Ardenne fortified with strong Works Hardly any foot of arable Land is near it All the parts round about it are over-run with Heath and Bryars The place is of such importance that the Garrison which holds it may freely march up as far as Paris and the vast Plain of Champaigne lies open to be scoured over by the Scouts from Rocroy Nothing was accounted more advisable among the Officers of the Army in the Low-Country after the death of Lewis than to reduce that Frontier Therefore May 12. 1643. Rocroy is closely beleaguered the Out-works are presently stormed the Defendents which were about 500 not being able to make good such a Line against so furious an Attaque The Spaniards lodge in the neighbouring Quarters more like Conquerors than Combatants Don Francisco Melo was Captain General The Count Issemburgh Duke Albuquerque and Count Fuentanon Lieutenants The Army consisted of 20000 men Intelligence being brought of this Enguien who was quartered in Picardy united his Infantry which lay upon the Ause with his Cavalry lying upon the Oyse and immediately sent away Gassion with 500 Horse to scout and do such farther Execution as the matter should require Gassion giving the Enemy perpetual Alarms whilst he and a Party are engaged conveys a 100 choice Musquetiers into the besieged Castle no small relief to the Garrison that was now sorely distressed Enguien with hard marches having drawn together the whole of his strength on the 17. of May quarters at Bossue a Town four miles distant from Roc-Roy Hither comes also Gassion A Counsel of War is called about the relieving of Rocroy There were some of opinion that they needed not give Battle but only send in succour the prevailing advice was to put it to a pitched Field There were narrow Lanes and By-paths to be got over before the Forces could come to draw up on even ground That part is gallantly performed and with notable success The French could hardly be kept in from running upon the Enemy even at the very break of day That was the fiery courage of the French yet there was this farther consideration that a French-man coming over from the Enemy had informed that Beke was upon his march drawing near with a Recruit to re-inforce the Spaniards Now Beke was of no mean esteem among both Wallons and French Such reward being given the Informer as his condition required all things are prepared for the hazard of a final decision And now the whole order of the future Engagement is brought under the eye All things are marshalled with exquisite care and providence on both sides and such preparations made that night as though a Battel had been bid against the next day Enguien judging it better to stay till broad day-light encouraged them and afterwards sent them to refresh themselves when this was done he went about the Companies standing to their Arms with the Field-Officers and his Attendants inspiring into the Troops of Souldiers a fortitude worthy of their ancient Glory and past Monuments He could neither endure to stand still nor would relieve his wearied body with sleep The Army had at no time seen the General so sprightly and did readily draw from his undaunted looks an assured conjecture of Victory At length when the clear light discovered ours and the Enemies Battalia Enguien rejecting the advice of his cautious friends clapt on a sleight Breast-plate and no Helmet that his face might be open and manifest to the Souldiers during the whole Engagement The Battel was thus set in array Gasston to command the right Wing Hospital the left with Seneterre The Wings were inforced with the reserve of Espenan Enguien turned his quick eyes to
afterwards fell upon all that lay in their way in general without so much as regarding the situation of Places This War proved unproportionable to the expectation of the German Nation whose valour heretofore victorious over the Romans at this juncture appeared to have been superannuated At the same time Enguien scarcely having a beard and but newly writing man seemed both to have dispatched Germany and to enter upon Triumphs in all places rowing along the conquered Rhyne Like fire which having preyed upon the obvious Wood is checked by the intervention of a River The Inroad a while stopped at Mariandale the neighbouring Inhabitants call it Mergenstheim There Thurenne Enguien was a great way off being straightned for provision had dispersed his Forces for Forrage whilst himself secure of the Enemies consulted what was to be done The Austrians and Bavarians under the Conduct of Merck and Hans Werth suddenly assault him He gathering together what Forces the pressing necessity would permit refused not to stand the utmost tryal Thurenne acting the part both of Commander and Souldier stoutly seconded by Rosa withstood the Enemy charging with desperate rage and at length when he could not be safe even in Merindol leaving behind him his Baggage and Artillary retired to the parts about the Main with his Horse Trac did gallant service in heartning the Souldiers The rest of ours escaped towards Flesburg and having passed the Rhyne at Spire got safe to Mentz to joyn with Thurenne Enguien being certified of this unfortunate Engagement obliged Conismark the Swede and Guez Colonel of the Hessians although they were averse and pressed after returning home into their Country to tarry but so long with him till he had got a pass upon the Nicer Glen was come up to re-inforce the Enemies Army not a little puffed up with their success at Merindol Enguien having left all his Baggage at Wisloque designed to surprise Hailbrun between the Danube and Rhyne The Enemies which had a suspicion of some such intention march with unwearied haste and pitch upon a Hill not far off from the Walls of Hailbrun lying so that the Nicer running before them ours could neither enter Hailbrun nor assail the Enemy Therefore it is resolved to march on towards Frankendale and the Danube Conismark left our Army and followed his own designs The Hessians endeavouring to do the like but being restrained and countermanded by the Landgravinne stayed with us After many Proposals debated on all sides it is resolved to beat the Enemy up as far as the Danube and return to Hailbrun but both Armies each day marching in a parallel line there were not wanting light Skirmishes A long time they shot their Guns off in view of each other A Moor lying between hindred their engaging Ours bent their course towards Norling the Enemies towards Donavert Enguien had an intention to turn for Hailbrun when of a sudden he is informed that the Enemy came on eager upon fighting and was between the River of Weran and our Army Enguien might easily have avoided it had he not been resolved for the Encounter His cheerfulness filled the hearts of all with hope Never was he more undaunted never more secure both Armies fell to prayers after a laudable custom to encourage the Souldiers who having performed this duty appear to fall on more couragiously although God called upon in due order doth not always come in to assistance Grammont led the light Wing Thurenne the left the Foot in the main Body was commanded by Marsin Chasteaâ—nâ—â—f and Bellenauw the Hessians with their Guez and Heems in the Rear Chabot brought on the Reserve Moussay delivered Enguiens orders on every part But what shall I speak of the presages in the minds of mortal men At Paris before the â—ight the Victory was published nor were there hidden the imminent signs of the destined success The like hath been heretofore remarked among the Romans A Village with a Castle lying between both Armies was furiously battered with our Canon Thither came down the Enemies from the top of the Hill and ours at the same time The Dispute seemed to have been about the surprising a paultry Dorp Enguien was every where conspicuous in his most noted Coat of Armour and rid among his Troops commending or reproving as every one merited and stoutly inforced what parts were weakned by the Enemies execution When our Army seemed to decline Grammont comes in who having restored the day is with Chatre taken Prisoner and carried to Muncken the Metropolis of Bavaria The right Wing had bin utterly lost unless new courage had been infused into the Souldiers by the valour of Thurenne who commanded the left Thither also comes up Enguien twice wounded and having had two Horses killed under him The Enemy having shewed what stubbornness they could were compelled to retire towards Donavert which Town having plundered they past the Danube never thinking themselves safe till they had got on the other side It was not judged prudential to pursue Their Guns and Baggage were taken the evidence of a compleat Victory Merck the General was slain Glen taken and the Duke of Holsten 4000 destroyed 2000 taken Enguien having transferred the whole glory upon Thurenne possessed Norling How should â—onismark be vexed at our prosperity to have been absent because he had not appeased with Austrain blood the Swedes that is his Country-mens Ghosts and had not washed the field a few years before stained with so much gore for our Army stood upon the same ground as the Swedes had done before The same furrows were once more watered Once more Norlingue saw Armies drawn up in Battalia and that petty City in it self ignoble was ennobled by having its Plains scoured over with a double pitched fight but the news of the success was carried with such speed that the King knew his having vanquished before his having been engaged and the news of the Victory out-run the message of the danger but in truth as hath been already said it was presage not the swiftness of the Post After Enguien had wearied his body with so many toils he fell into a sickness but being soon recovered of that he returned to Paris The City rung of nothing but Enguien his excellent accomplishments of mind that ripeness wherein heâ— so early surpassed great Commanders his resolution in running through dangers his expedition in laying and executing designs his faith in keeping Articles clemency towards Prisoners temperance even in lawful pleasures His maligners gave out that all these good qualities were spoiled by his hearkning to paultry Counsellors his following debauched Treats his deriding vertuous and grave men with bitter jests his being more penurious than his Father Such were the rash speeches of some men It was believed by the wiser that his accumulated successes were the causes of all the Troubles that afterwards he fell into to his great prejudice the Princes mind having been depraved by Flatterers who presuming too much upon himself and false Counsel
the right and to the left presuming upon Victory while the Event was yet in suspense Never was Fortune braved with a more forward joy yet there were called to prayers for obtaining Victory the Priests a generation believed by alas too many a useless burden of the earth The Conflict was sharp and the Dispute maintained with a stiff obstinacy Our left Wing came to a sad misfortune Seneterre discharging manfully the part both of Commander and Souldier was shot and cut He having had his Horse killed under him was carried off and soon after came in again The Enemies too were possessed of our Ordnance which the excelling valour or Hospital recovered but when he was wounded in the Arm were lost again and turned upon us the fortune of the day was changed by Syrot who charged gallantly and came to succour the left Wing that was in apparent danger and almost trampled down The Wallons Germans and Italians being slain the hardest part of the work was behind to deal with a Regiment of Castillians stout and invincible The Infantry of the right Wing had often charged but always without any success At length Gassion being not ignorant of what importance that Regiment was bringing up with him the Horse of the right Wing broke in upon the close Ranks and routed them Presently the Enemies Army was totally defeated The cruel rage of our Switzars discharged their fury upon the Spaniards who counted it brave to die before the face of their Commanders rather than to take Quarter Fuentes the Master of the Ordnance in the Enemies Camp avoided the disgrace of flight by dying in the Bed of Honour Their Switzars affected the reputation of having their Colonel killed who during the Engagement was carried about in a Sedan he had made oath never to fight against the French neither on Horse-back nor on foot The Count of Issemberg accounting that there was less danger in running away than in being made Prisoner escaped away wounded and a little after dyed of his wound Melo leaving behind him his Commanders staff which came afterwards into the victorious hands of Enguien having rid full eight miles by the swiftness of his Steed hid himself within the Town of Mariemburgh attended by a few that bore him company in his flight having abandoned his whole Army and it was a confessed truth that the Souldier that day fought like a most valiant General and the General run away like a most cowardly Souldier only the renown of Enguien gave him the glory of having been vanquished by so great a Person It was now no longer a fight but a mixt Carnage A slaughter here of one there of whole Companies Limbs of men lye scattered about upon the ground Souldiers maimed and disabled yet would not leave grasping their Arms till through the expence of much blood they sunk down and dyed Some fled the shortest way others got into the opposite Wood and paths unknown to the Pursuers Naked men encounter with such as are armed and the wounded with such as are whole As is the fashion when fear possesseth the spirit Enguien would no longer pursue them upon the flight but commanded their weary hands their thirsty bodies their blunted Arms to be quiet and having gone through a business of singular danger entred Roc-Roy in Triumph Now he owed this Victory more to his Valour than Fortune For he both drew up his Army most skilfully fought couragiously and with excellent judgment despised the loss of his great Guns knowing that the main concern was the keeping the Army in order and holding the field Then what is rare in that heat of Passion and Age. He pursued them upon the flight with more prudence than eagerness All that were present confessed that Hospital Seneterre Gassion Syrot Espenan deserved to have Enguien for their General and Enguien to have such Officers This hath been too large in the Relation but so many following Engagements shall be all comprehended under this one Roc-Roy being relieved Thionvilles Attaque is resolved upon It is a City of the Dukedom of Luxemburgh cut by the Mazelyn in two parts the one looks towards Metz the other Triers for it hath two Gates situated in a Valley fortified with Trenches and Bulwarks incomparably well At that time judged to have been of great importance not so much to expiate the slaughter of Fequier by putting it to the Sword which had been a quarrel suiting our bravery but that the French Territory might be enlarged by such an Acquist Therefore having wasted the Country and reduced some few Villages on the thirtieth day after the Battel at Rocroy the French Army came within view of Thionville with the same push of fortune carried Guere and Gassion went before to take up the Armies Quarters Conde with prodigious swiftness by the fourth days march came to Metz and a Recruit of new-raised men being taken on there his Army was compleated in numbers By the Counsels of the Commanders by the works activity and patience of the Souldiers by the valour of Enguien within four months time after the Siege was laid there came into our hands that City famous to the memory of posterity for the antiquity of its Original and frequent varieties of Fortune which having escaped many casualties now as it were restored the new Peace cherishing all doth rest quietly under the protection of the French clemency Because there had been assaults with variety of success and many men lost before it when News came to Paris that Thionville was taken there was infinite rejoycing the Churches were full of those that give God thanks for the Victory the Entry too of Enguien being more celebrated than is the custom by the people running in multitudes out of Town to meet him exceeded the usual measure of Honour The League that we had struck with Gustavâ—â— Adolphus the great King of Sweden lasted as long as he lived When he was dead it was renewed with his Successors amongst whom Duke Bernard of Weymar a Branch of the House of Saxony or rather the very stock was eminent for his great merits Our Arms were joyned with the Gothick under that renowned Duke who dying of the Plague not being poysoned as was malignantly given out that he might not oppose Richlieu's designs the Commandâ— in chief over the Army was committed to Weybrantz who was already acquainted with the German Souldiers and Discipline a name well known to the Hercynian and Rhyne His Engagements proved very fortunate by a victory over Lamboy and divers Enterprises still successful At length as is the usual Fate of Martial men having his Arm broken with a Canon bullet before the Walls at the Siege of Rothuel he lived to come into the City Those that accompanied him weeping gave an appearance to the Army looking on as if they had been following not Weybrantz but his Corps His mind continued unshaken and after he had given all his orders as though he had discharged the duty of his
Nation Falconbridge is honourably received by the King and having been presented sumptuously and magnificently returned home In the mean time Thurenne assaulted Dunkirk the Marquess of Leyds more stoutly defending The Spanish Low-Countries bent and restrained their whole Power to relieve the distressed City Dou Juan d'Austria and Conde drew up not far off and sent in Hoquincourt who as he views the French Camp was shot through by a common Souldier happy in his misfortune because by looking out his Fate he anticipated the destruction that was imminent over the Spaniards Thurenne June 14. 1658. about nine in the morning having left the care of the Trench to Richlieu went to seek the approaching Spaniard and met with him which gave the Enemy terrour The Marquess of Crequi commanded the right wing and he was matched with Conde who understood not to be conquered Chaste aunaud Mauvissier led the left Squadron where stood Lockhart with his English Scarce was ever a more bloody Fight in so short a time Whatsoever old Souldiers were in the Spanish Forces fell before the face of Don Juan who being himself obliged to retreat is reported to have cryed out That he was conquered by savage Beasts that rushed on furiously without any sense of danger Few of the French were lost Conde having his Horse killed under him escaped hardly mounted on anothers His most intimate friends were taken Guitault Mely Boutteville Collins and others The Baggage and Colours left upon the place fell to the Victor Thurennes valour was extolled even by the Enemy who in so great a Battel acted more than commanded And what less could be expected of such a Captain to whom no face of War is new and strange who hath imbibed all Military Discipline and perfected it by long practice having been so often exercised by Fortune and always out-done others and himself No farther hope of Relief being left the besieged Leyda held out Dunkirk to the last undaunted and at last crushed under so many cares and hazardous attempts dyed of a shot fortunate in this that he did not survive the destruction of the City but had its monumental Walls the Witnesses of his Valour The besieged City followed his Fate which surrendred to the French King He on the 25. of June entred it thinking himself abundantly satisfied in securing the old Religion Lockhart in the Name of Cromwell engaged by solemn Oath that the Catholick Profession should be preserved entire at Dunkirk The neighbouring Cities Bergen Dixmuid and Feurne readily render to the King Crequi is sent in a pompous Ambassade to Cromwell with Mazarines Nephew in his Train This was the last Blaze of that petty Tyrant who dyed not long after in his Bed a rare instance The whole World run a madding after the Fanatick to whose industry was attributed what should be imputed to the Vicissitude of Times The dulness of his stupid Age acquired him Reputation Such Monsters do arise when unavoidable Alterations are imminent which must be without delay taken off or the proper time attended yet for all this passions of cruelty are not to be provoked nor mens spirits inflamed to Revenge They oftentimes fall into no great inconveniencies who take wrongs patiently Amidst these prosperous successes the King falls into a Feaver at Calais judged mortal His Mother groaned over the Fate of her Son France of her King Mazarine of his Master Supplications are made at all Altars and Prayers for his Majesties Recovery publickly enjoyned Mazarine day and night sate by his Bed-side to make him governable in taking Physick which he would taste himself either to take off the unpleasantness or make proof of it The eleventh day accounted Critical the King seemed at the point of death could scarcely lift up his eyes that now appeared almost set in his head The agony of the disease a little remitting he came to know them that stood by him his Majesty never being totally eclipsed Oftentimes turning to Mazarine whom he obligingly called by the name of Friend would ask him to advise him freely of the extreme danger of his life since his Mother out of tenderness of affection could not Philip Duke of Anjou the Kings Brother to whom upon the death of Lewis the succession had devolved demeaned himself modestly Plesse Praslin was his Governor Although there wanted not among the Courtiers Spirits desirous after Alteration that before the setting of the Sun adored the rising one The King having Antimony with judgment administred him by Geunault recovered and being conveyed to Paris payed his Vows in Nostre-dame-Church a Heart of massie Gold was hung upon the Wall as an Oblation Afterwards to confirm his Health he retired to Fountainbelleau Mazarine stayed some time behind to advance the Siege of Graveling Mareschal Ferte carrying on the Expedition whilst Thurenne gives terror all abroad over Flanders The taking of Graveling was the last Monument of the French Glory before the Conclusion of the Peace Ferdinand III. was dead and before his Father Ferdinand the King of the Romans The Imperial Throne was vacant for Leopoldus being in his Minority was not yet of an Age capable to manage the Empire Thus was there a wide field set open for the Ambition of the Princes This seemed a fit opportunity to rend the Imperial Dignity from the House of Austria It is a hard matter to throw down from its ancient Seat a reigning Family that is confirmed by the uninterrupted succession of so many years Gustavus Adolphus King of Swethland having a just quarrel against the Austrians had indeed laid aside all thought concerning himself but promised his Service to promote the Interest of others There occurred worthy of the Empire in the Bavarian Line Ferdinandus Maria Duke of Bavaria if you consider his power if prudence and maturity of Age Philip William Duke of Newburgh An honourable Embassie is ordered by the French King for the performance of which Gramont Mareschal of France and the Marquess Lyonne are chosen by the King with these Instructions To go to Frankfurt upon Meyne where the Electoral Diet was held that there they should possess the Electors minds should pervent the Spanish designs should obviate the applications of Pigneranda who was manifestly designed a Broker of Voices That the Germans should be minded of their ancient liberty and of chusing an Emperour not of the House of Austria upon the remembrance of their arrogant exercise of their Authority to steer their motions by the directions of the Bishop of Mentz Upon his Advice this Embassie was undertaken The Ambassadors perform their parts diligently â—ating that of Bravery and Magnificence wherein they did not so much feed the eyes of the Vulgar as the hopes of the Grandees They decently address to the Elector of Mentz and the rest That their Master did not sue for the Empire in his own behalf but for some German Prince That the Electors should assume Spirits worthy of their Predecessors and not suffer the Empire gotten by
Son too whose name was Miecrilaus In the Year 1040. a Benedictine Monk profest To him already engaged by oath were Ambassadors sent demanding their Prince The Pope dispenses with his Vows allowing him alsoâ—licence to marry upon condition that the Polanders for the time to come should slave their Crowns with a Monachal Tonsure and should also yearly contribute Pence towards S. Peters Wax-Tapers as a Monument of the Indulgence Thus was Casimire attended into his Kingdom received with consent and joy married a Wife begot Children of her propagating the Kingdom to his Posterity So did a Fugitive Monk Deacon possess Country Crown nay Wife with Favour Praise and Pardon Ferrario Pallavicini a Canon Regular a Parmesan of a Noble House sharply inweighing in libellous Pamphets against the Practices of the Roman Court lost his Head at Avignon and gave instance how unsafe a thing it is to touch upon the Roman State in Writing though never so truly Harcourt having performed his Embassy in Britain matters as he thought tending to an Accommodation taught as the Event afterwards informed him that the highest Martialists are not the deepest Politicians Orleans more greedy after glory than qualified for it never attainted for plotting Treason nor under suspicion of aspiring hopes nor Adviser of putting any to death nor Abetter although he wanted not occasion of taking revenge whether weary of lying still or excited by the Victories of Enguien or at the instigation of those under whose Tuition he was all his life time resolved to put himself too upon the Fortune of War Gravelin the strongest Garrison of that Sea-coast among the Picards heretofore the Worlds end seemed an expedition worthy of so great a Prince Orange at that time besieged the Sasse of Gant sending in Tromp as an Auxiliary to block up the Port of Gravelin with the Holland Fleet. Meilleray and Gassion were joyned with Orleans no mean Assistants They marched several ways to distract and amuse the Enemy in three Parties yet the Spaniard had some jealousies of the design to be upon Gravelin for the Sluces were drawn up and the Country lying about laid under water By the same Art was the Plain drained by ours as it had been drowned by them At the first days the labour seemed tolerable upon continuance the ground being dry and parched with the Suns vehemency not a few dyed for drought the low Springs scarcely supplying the running Streams and the Beasts seeking for the Rivers which they had lately swam over Orleans appearing in the Head of his Army from break of day till late at night without meat or drink shewed by his own example how sweet it is to suffer gloriously At the sixth days march he appeared in the Camp before the Walls of Gravelin Meilleray Gassion Rantzow Ferte Imbausse afterwards called Mareschal d'Estampes perform gallant Service The Approaches are made regularly that is by Bulwarks Trenches Fagots Mines Ambushes The Souldiers suffered hardships were killed The Officers vapour and brag of their Acts as is usual not a few slain innumerable wounded The General visits the Leagure more than once rejoycing at the dangers extols the gallant performances bestows money relieves the afflicted comforts the sick There was no weak Souldier whose life and recovery was not so assisted by Gastons care as if that mind most distracted with so great a load of cares had attended upon this business only Such as were not in due order as far as the President was not of ill consequence he pardoned using frequently admonitions rarely chastisement Piccolomini attempts the relief not only without success but with loss Orange that lay against Melo plyes his work in taking the Sasse of Gant promises Orleans his assistance in case that he needâ—d it Tromp played his part stoutly at length on 〈◊〉 Anne's day the Articles of Surrender being signâ—â—d on both sides Gravelin came into the hands of â—rleans as he entred the City this Divine saying was marked to have fallen from him Let us try this way if we can to gain the affections of all and to pursue a lasting Victory Let this be the new French mode of Vanquishing brought up by me to fortifie ourselves by mercy and bounty In the mean time being even revoked by the King upon occasion of congratulating his success when he might have pursued the Victory he chose rather to enjoy it nor yet did there follow any small breathing time By the League made with the Swedes and Weymor those petty Cities upon the Rhyne about Brisacque were left under our Jurisdiction which was an eye-sore to the Enemy Thereupon Friburg of Briscow is first besieged by them The flower and strength of the Austrian Party the Bavarian Forces and their Leader Merck an old Commander and stout Souldier furiously batter the Town Enguien that was then come to Saverne certified by Thurenne of the Enemies Attempt hastens to Benfield and thence to Brisack where having conferred with Thurenne he made no resolution till he had first viewed the state of the matter upon the place But by this time the Bavarians had reduced Friburg to necessity of Surrender having come upon them before they were expected Afterwards having drawn up their Army upon a rugged and steep Mountain and barricado'd within fell'd Trees and entrenched round they consulted in security what course they should take Enguien in that boystrous Current of Age boiling with an ardent desire to fight was of opinion to fall down-right upon the Enemy some judged that an oblique Compass should be fetched He insisted that Artifices should be let alone and they must conquer with valour that conquers all things Never was scarce ever will be a more eager ardour of fighting Enguien himself leaping off his Horse pushed amidst the thickest of the Enemies Thurenne fell upon the Rear It was judged more advantagious to be united so the two Camps were made one They fought eight hours which is rare with doubtful success by reason of the continual rain The night came in good time to the Souldiers that were wearied with their Coats soaked through with wet By the break of the next day they are alarm'd again the Bavarian not knowing to give ground but still renewing the fight At length it was observed that the Enemy endeavoured not a flight but Retreat No men ever sold their lives at so dear a rate That day opened the French a Road into Germany which Enguien so ranged over with Victories that by the attendance of Fortune and guidance of Valour he reckoned so many successes as days After Merck was conquered no body was ashamed to be conquered only Flesburg gave a check to his rapid course The first storm discharged it self like a clap of Thunder with a violent fury upon that which being taken the French Troops pouring along upon both Banks of the Rhyne brought under their power Spira the place of the Imperial Diet Mentz the Electors Seat and the pleasant Worms Hitherto ours dealt but with single Cities
Conde For he apprehended that without asking his consent much less in despight of him he might not once aspire to that Match with young Mercoeur nay without Beansorts consent he refused to proceed any farther that so he might curb his youthful spirits apt to flye out and might carry off from the Mutineers one of their great Supporters He had no other design in matching his Nieces but that of the French and did it more to advance the publick Peace than his private Fortunes since he might have had better offers at Rome or in Italy than in France Conde did for some time demur before he would openly declare his Judgment Not a few persons rather imported by their own passions than tender of the Princes Honour did spur him on day and night advising him not to let Fortune which now offered it self so fairly to him slip out of his hands and had rather have all things again thrown into confusion than that he should rest satisfied in an offer of certain quietness nor were there Flatterers wanting who would have pushed his generous mind and spirit raised up in expectation of great preferment but unwary of bad Artifices to pursue fairer hopes The general distant of Mazarine and indignation of being enthralled to a Foreigners Usurpation got him many friends The Duke de Bouillon and Chavigny were the chief the former immensely greedy after a Change that at last he might find some opportunity by our Troubles to recover his Town of Sedan The latter not being able to bear with any patience the loss of his Greatness and his being turned out of Favouâ— Conde having been long divided in his thoughts at length thus resolves to fall upon Mazarine to affront him above board and no longer under-hand to thwart him That was the first day of our calamity that the last of the French concord Glaâ— was the Sling at Condes falling off by the Treachery of which he was afterwards scornfully cast into prison In the mean time the Spaniards assault S. Venant and Ypres whereupon it is resolved that the Court should leave S. Germans and go to Coâ—pingne that so they might at less distance discover the Enemies designs and be nearer to obviate them Paris that is never pleased complains that they had carried away the King From that occasion reproaches are thrown upon Mazarine and Libelâ— without end It was judged fit to dispatch Orleans about the beginning of June to heal the discontents of the people The Provost des Marchandâ— with the assistance of some grave Citizens restrain the licentiousness of so many dangerous Pamphlets Orleans is most instantly requested that his Majesty might be induced to return with all convenient speed to his Capital City that this Article was of indispensable necessity to preserve the publick quiet and the earnest prayer of all the honest party Mazarine could not digest that his Majesty should abide there where at the turning of the tide the waves of the late Sedition did yet roll At that time Mareschal d'Hoquincourt under colour that a Plot had been laid for him in the Camp of a sudden withdraws himself from the imminent danger as he pretended and keeping close within Peronne gave some umbrage as though he had been wavering Mazarine had thoughts of the Government of Picardy but whether he could not agree with d'Elboeuf about the price or whether he were uncertain of gaining himself the fortified Towns in that Country waving that intention he thought upon some others Now such a value he had for Hoquincourt that he declared himself to have an ambition for his friendship Both on a certain day meet at an appointed place and as if they had been to engage in a Duel are both attended with an equal number of Souldiers There were strict Articles agreed on which held for some time but afterwards the agreement broke and they fell into extreme dissensions During this time the Army growing soft by disuse of Action and pillaging the Country where it lay idle it was resolved speedily to put them upon some considerable imployment to the end both of giving the Enemy terrour and getting them reputation amidst the Rebels The Kings Counsel were divided about the matter of the Expedition Some advised Doway others Aviennes Mazarine pressed that Cambray rather than any should be attaqued having at that time but 500 men in Garrison as certain information had been brought It is a Frontier Town upon the Border of France heretofore in a manner a Free-State but Homager to the Empire ruled by its Archbishop under certain Laws standing on the right side of the Scaldy or Escault A City eyed jealously as being of great moment to which side soever it belongs The Generalship is proffered to the Prince of Conde upon his refusal Harcourt accepts it who beleaguers Cambray but without any effect for upon the conveying in of succours one night in a fog by the negligence of the Sentinels the Siege was raised before it was well laid at which the Faction laughed and not a few of the Courtiers were well pleased Mazarine was thought to have taken up that resolution that he might have made the Town his own after it had been taken So had it been heretofore granted Balagny and having been lost by his negligence is at this day held by the Spaniard in right of Conquest Amidst these Affairs the War not being closely pursued Convoys past freely on all parts The Courtiers spend their time in Feasts and entertaining one another And because there is no chear without it be made in Paris thither Jarcey Jerzy San-Megrin and divers others poste up These being at Supper with Candale at Renards were very merry when of a sudden Beaufort comes in upon them as they were in their Jollity and gives Jerzey threatning language nay some say farther that he bastonado'd him The Company dissolves the Board is tumbled down you would have thought it the Fray of the Lapithae It was given out that the matter could no ways be made up but in a fair Duel But after the French wont the beginning of the quarrel is hot but the end flags their tempers being easily wrought upon Much Broth was spilt on the Table-cloth but no blood-shed and after such a sharp bickering all presently were made very good friends Two things did most afflict Mazarine the unhappy attempt upon Cambray and the Borders laid waste by Free-quarters where a general dearth was very sore Then to delude melancholy he goes into the French Camp accompanied with the chief of the Courtiers as though he would treat with Pignoranda at Valenciennes about Peace It is incredible with what Art Eloquence and smoothness of Language he asswaged the most unruly especially the Alemans whom he promised and at length gave leave to make an Incursion into the Enemies Country All parts were there laid waste to no less damage than terrour the Cattel driven the Souldier satisfied Harcourt that he might not be thought to have done
allay the success in Guyenne The Court is come safe to Paris where all things run towards ruine Mazarine finding his return to be destructive counted it better upon the repulse of Foreigners to win what is held by others than to overcome what is at home He arrives at Rheims about the end of Novemb. An 1650. with a great Train for War the Army consisted of 12000. choice men the Captain was Praslin a person always stout and loyal yet I know not whether he ever received rewards suitable to his actions farned all abroad The Siege of Rhetel is resolved upon It is a City upon the Ausne famous for variety of Fortune more than any thing else It hath so often changed one Master for another and one Enemy for another as a Ball banded to and fro Happy in the fruitfulness of the soil There is still the first Camp upon falling out The rough flints with which it is paved prove it to be naturally warlike John Delipont a Napolitan held the Garrison with 200 Horse and 1500 Foot but the French attaquing it presently pierce the Suburb and batter the Walls falling with age And neglect Three days after Delipont not able to sustain so furious an Attaque signed Articles of Surrender and marched out before the day accorded In so great a fright was he although there were hope of Thurennes coming who having advanced towards his relief upon hearing the Surrender at Tugny retreated The Cardinal speedily came to Rethel that he might in person upon the place encourage and advise them Praslin was by this time got up to Thurenne resolved to try it out in a pitched Battel Thurenne was vexed to be thus put by his Winter-quarters and left at uncertainties whether to betake himself then what fretted him worse was the shameful loss of Rhetel the work having been carried only by two Regiments for the gross of the French Army slighting the Siege in long and late Marches hunted out the Enemy Praslin is certified by Hoquincourt and Rose the German that Thurenne was not gone far but drew himself up for fight in the next Valley of Bourg which he had signified to his Souldiers by a three-fold discharge of his Guns Shortly that is about an hour after both Armies marched in parallel Lines each seeking an advantagious ground Thurenne waited for the Lorrainers by whose coming up being strengthned he stood off no longer but committed the main tryal to the Fortune of a Battel The day was the 15. of December Anno 1650. in cloudy Weather The Village next to the Plain where the fight was is commonly called Somp one might better call it a heap of Cottages Thurennes Cavalry were about 5 his Infantry about 4000 the Lorrainers were led by Ligneville and Fouge the Savoyard the Wallons by San-Maria the Germans by Lanaw There were also French Rebels The Croats Dragoons led the Forlorn like the Roman Rorarii that with their light-shot begin the Engagement as the smaller drops are wont to fall before it rains down-right It the Van were six great Guns placed so that it may pass for a fair pitched Battel The French Battalia was skilfully drawn up and was the very flower of the old Souldiers among which were most eminent Villequier and Hoquincourt Navaille Manichamp Pradeau Inville and not a few others of long Experience of War the whole Body amounted to above 10000 and had their Pieces of Artillery too but lighter ones Praslin appearing in the Head of the right wing gave out his Orders Thurenne after his usual manner led his left Wing The hottest of the Engagement was upon our right side where the Son of Praslin a very hopeful young Gentleman was lost Durâ—s and Bouteville with Beauvosse and Montolier at the first charge broke through our whole Wing and came up to the very Train of Artillery Manichamp first routed the Lorrainners Villequier came up also and gave a great turn to the wavering and uncertain Victory Lanaw who commanded five German Regiments being made Prisoner after his Horse was killed under him gave terrour to his Party and here the face of the day which was before doubtful began to alter At the same moment were take Ligneville and Fouge which gave the Lorrainers under them occasion to give back Then the Victory turned manifestly to the French side For Thurenne having his Horse wounded under him could no longer be present to give quick Orders in the sudden Emergencies at several parts nay he was near the being taken Prisoner and so he had been unless he had been lent a Horse to escape on and had got clear by passing for a French man All on both Wings of Thurenne were either taken or slain and only his own Regiment stood it out to the last There were taken Prisoner Boutteville Gamarra Ligneville S. Quintine and Hocourt and the Kettle-drums and Colours lost In the French Army besides the Son of Praslin Alvimar Corvald Valey Brense and the Brother of Rosa were lost and about 500 common Souldiers Thurenne retired by Barleduc to Stenay to Madam Longuevilles who made acquainted with the loss received though deserving yet couragiously refused Leopoldus his offers that is a Refuge in Flanders In the mean time Chasteau Porcien Asilie Quatrechamp Bouzance Guncource Charbon Beaâ—mont and the like Towns beyond the Ausne possessed by the Spaniards voluntarily render themselves to the French Seneterre makes large Inroads into Lorraine having reduced not a few petty Cities and Towns to obedience Such was the issue of Rhetel-fight where the Counsels of the Cardinal and the Courage of Prâ—slin triumphed even to envy which immediately pouring in overthrew all Mazarines Proceedings so Prudence is for the most part wont to sink under Fortune For adorning the Victory and procuring more Creatures the Office of Mareschal was made common and as it were promiscuously dispensed Villequier afterwards styled d'Aumont Hoquincourt Stneterre and to gratifie Orleans Ferte Imbausse were preferred to that Dignity Grancey being offended that he was not taken into the crowd of Mareschals withdrew to his Government of Gravelin giving out high Words by reason of which afterwards at the interposition of Orleans he compassed his desire lest otherwise Gravelin might have been in some danger which was the Top and Crown of the Triumphs of Orleans It was grown a fashion to extort all things by threats nor was there at that time any readier way to Riches and Honours Not so much the calamity of the Age had introduced this and the like ill usages into France as the unbridled liberty of the Court especially taking upon them at that time Mazarine under constraint would promise any thing only for that little moment till he had redeemed himself out of the pressure of his Exigents having a tender forhead to deny any one any thing And as water on a smooth board or stone easily follows which way soever the fingers draw it so did he comply with every Petition which were infinite As often as
plot and carry on an Attempt of Rebellion to the manifest contempt of the Royal Majesty It is now the second month that he harbours in the City never so much as rising nor saluting the King but once and that slightly but in the Parliament and all abroad disperses malignant Speeches â—arping at the Government though well managed to disaffect the people and draw them of from their due Allegiance that he had fortified his Garrisons levied Souldiers in the Countries all over which he had drawn such as were ready to fall off to his own devotion and party that open Intelligence was held with the Spaniard at Brussels continually that he had not procured the Enemies Garrison to be drawn out of Stenay which was a condition of his Enlargement that Forces united always at Marle did obey only the Orders of the Prince to the prejudice and affront of the Royal Army that those mho quitted his Majesties Colours came in to Condes where was plundering instead of Martial Discipline and Hostility acted over Champaigne and Picardy as though they were the Enemies Country that all these were insolencies which her Majesty could not digest without casting away the Helm of the Kingdom which would hereafter be reproached on her Therefore they should freely utter their Judgments if they had any kindlings of Duty towards his Majesty that she had disburdened her Spirit in these just complaints the rather because within twenty days she must give up the Account of her Regency to the King that would then come to be of Age. All supprest their sense of the matters herein mentioned only Conti answered That all these were the Devices of their Enemies which his Brother would easily confute In the mean time the Differences were fomented as served to mens advantages These are raised by Court-Vassals whose practice it is to praise or diâ—praise all things good or bad alike To whisper in mens ears dissemblingly and upon design for their private gains The naked merit of a painful service carries no Honour with it for which this wary and most excellent Prince is bought and sold Servient Tellier and Lyonne being chased away Villeroy and Bryenne answered the shadow but not the substance of a Privy Council Zongo Ondedei one of Pizarro strongly affected to Mazarine who took the courage to espouse the Fate of the Banished rather than pursue his own acted many things stoutly and gravely which might justly countervail the cares of a Prime Minister But lying under the imputation of being an Alien could advance no higher therefore insinuated his Counsels underhand by other persons Those openly designed were Chasteauneuf Mole and Vieville The first as Candidate of the Supreme Ministry the second as Keeper of the Seals Seguier being again put out of Office who was bandied like a Ball by this and that hand and the last designed for the Treasury commonly called Barboni because they wore long Beards and Mustaches turned up with Whiskers hated of Conde as shall be related But during this Mercoeurs business took up the Court and Parliament who scarcely with the Queens consent rid poste to Cologne and was married by the Archbishop that Elector to Mancina Mazarines Niece Such assurance was there of Mazarines being in Favour The Parliament was highly incensed against the prohibited Marriage at the special instigation of Conde All this fell out as well as he could wish and from thence was a powerful occasion to hasten his Enterprise because Mazarine was charged still to hold his Usurpation Conde thought it his Interest to wash off the Aspersions cast upon him not so much out of any advantage that he reaped by it as to depress and baffle the Queen and his Enemies Therefore he extorts from Orleans a Testimonial to compurge him of the Articles charged upon him It was read in the Parliament That the Duke of Orleans doth give assurance that the Forces are kept at Marle not without his consent who had sent Valone thither to command Condes and his own Troops not Seneterre who was a Mazarinist that he as Lieutenant General of the Kingdom had power so to do as to Stenay that Conde had always offered his service to out the Spaniard from it either by strength or policy In a word that he had never observed any thing in the Prince but a mind upright and affected to the King and Kingdom To declare him guilty of high Treason for holding correspondence with the Enemy was an ill advised act which he was not acquainted with but a few hours before Such a Remonstrance from Orleans troubled the Queen who as she was most skilful of dissembling did yet conceal her resentments Orleans craved pardon for what he had done promising this should be the last kindness he would do Conde It was promised they would not foment discords Although the Parliament and Orleans were inclined to judge Conde innocent the Prince would bear down his Enemies therefore he publishes a Manifesto very brave indeed After the Memorial of Orleans he needed no farther Apology yet that he might obviate scattered Rumors and might stop the mouth of Fame and stiffle Discovery he had these few things to say for himself That he held nothing in France but what was left him by his Father Stenay and Clermont were recompenses for the Admiralty of right devolved upon him by the death of the Duke of Breze Brother-in-Law After thirteen months Imprisonment that the Enlargement might be called by him an Innocent not a Favour but Justice That he could not be excluded from the Kings Council whereof his Father had been appointed the Principal by the Will of the late deceased King That he had not fortified his Party with Castles whereas on the contrary Mazarine had possessed himself of all the Forts in France by his Confidents All the Forces that he kept at Marle were not so much to be grudged at whenas France owed to such Troops as those the greatest part of their Victories and they were kept a foot at the appointment of the Duke of Orleans who was legally invested in the power of ordering those Affairs That he had changed Burgundy where his Estate was deposited for Guyenne that by that means the poor Country might be relieved from the Tyrannical Government of Espernon That he had with good reason kept the fortified Towns in Burgundy as having been purchased by his Father with the consent and allowance of the King That nothing was given him in lieu of them by Guyenne That Servient Tellier and Lyonne representing Mazarine were justly removed with the Applause of the Senate but for his forbearing to come to the King and his Council that was commended by all understanding men whenas the Queen did avowedly conâ—ide in his declared Enemies that he must beware of their Plots that he might not fall again into their Traps wherein he had been once already caught By his Intelligence with the Enemy with which he was so much reproached that he pretended nothing
of the Garonne the Spanish Fleet under Santacruz their Admiral It was studiously endeavoured to conceal that Arrival the Spaniards who pretend to carry away the reputations of Policy from the other Europeans maturely ponder into what juncture of Affairs they were plung'd between the hopes of Bourdeaux cut short their Complices vanquish'd Bourg lost and Libourn and so the French Forces every where Victorious What should they do it was ev'n their wisest course immediately to go back again which was accordingly done with small but some damage Vendosme and Candale are not only receiv'd in Bourdeaux with loud acclamations but such was their confidence in that Warlike People that they forbore the having any Guard and trusted themselves with the Burger of Bourdeaux that hath no baseness in him Vandosme could speak well counsel wisely industriously execute and had a great reach to lay Plots and Stratagems to circumvent his Enemy Conti retires to Cadillac still casting in his mind the alliance of Mazarine The Princess of Conde with Enguien to Brabant to her husband Mechlin was the Ladies residence Madam Longueville cloistered her self a long time at Moulines in a Nunnery afterwards returning to her husband lived in concord with him for vertue and piety exemplary Marsin Fiesque and Lenet returned to the Spaniards The Court of Bourdeaux which during these troubles sate at Agennois returns to the principal City some few only removed Perigord and Villeneuve of Agennois turning from their factiousness wherein they were the most notorious in the Country submit to the King d' Estrade vanquisht the residue of the Spaniards was Governour of Guyenne and made Mayor of Bourdeaux Conde depending upon the rising of the French which he had hopes would appear at his coming and that he might not grow lazy and loose credit among the Spaniards in keeping within leagures enters Picardy with a numerous Army and overrâ—ns the whole breadth of the Province as far as Roye and Noyon having seized the banks of the Oyse with so great a flourish to raise up the Embers of the Faction which was now layd unable to rise any more Thurenne was ordered with Seneterre thither having this Instruction to decline engagement which Conde did with all his might provoke â—â—intsaldagne who commanded the Spaniards did exceedingly avoyd it too lest he might be taxed to have brought that strong party upon which the preservation of the Low-Countries did depend into evident danger He had Instructions limited to certain cautions to skirt upon France and carry the Frontiers before him but not rush himself far into the Bowels of it therefore his heat being alâ—y'd and the year grown to the Autumn least the Army should return to their Winter quarters without some exploit Siege is clap'd to Rocroy whose strength lay in the stout defence of Mountague In the mean time Thurenne for diversion of the Enemy besiegeth Mozome and soon taketh it After that Rocroy was disabled with loss of men and had spent their Ammunion the Spaniards become Maâ—â—ers of it and bestow it upon Conde to pacifie his â—nger against Fuensaldagne which he had shew'd with violence during the whole time of the Siege â—nd that would have proceeded to worse had not â—â—opaldus come in as a Mediatour with whom too â—e had a contest who should give out the Word â—nd to decide the controversie they were fain to take a middle way Such a quarrelsom business hath ill-fortune perpetually been whilst ev'ry one would shift off the blame of bad successes upon the other After the taking of Saint Menhoud the Court minded nothing but Masks and Comedies In the Palace of Louvre the Wedding of Conti was solemnized with the Countess of Martinezze the Cardinals Neice The policy of the Prince is to be commended in providing for himself and Conde's Family by such an Alliance His Generosity too is commendable in refusing gallantly the goods of his Brother that were offered him further his Fortune was remarkable in having light upon a Wife worthy to have been Courted abating the accessions of a splendid condition for her Beauty and Vertue She challeng'd nothing from heâ— Uncles greatness but the content in it never caring to be more then private though comparable with the highest Ladies Their Mother too was presenâ— Mazarines Sister who gave a like proof with heâ— Daughter that Felicity had added nothing to them but the deporting themselves so in that condition as it gave testimony to their Humility During the publick joy Charles D. of Lorrain 〈◊〉 made Prisoner at Brussels and hurried away intâ— Antwerp Castle and afterwards conveyed by Sâ—â— to Toledo in Spain after so many Campania's madâ— in that Nation He could not hastily have expected such a turn whom Fortune had so often dâ—â—ceiv'd It was given out that he had clash'd wiâ—â— Conde but the soreness of their anger consider'â— does abundantly demonstrate that he had madâ— some secret contract with the French Oftentimes had he been forwarn'd of the danger that was ready to fall upon him but despis'd all admonitions and had a plain dream of it that very night which was the last of his liberty in the Low-Countries Predictions are not to be heeded but dreams may with moderation and without Superstition For the Spirit being oppress'd with cares oftentimes the apparitions of future occurrents do pass before our thought in time of sleep whether excited by the trouble of our mind or the presage of our working fancies Duke Francis of Lorrain the Prisoners Brother is courted by both sides as being to succeed in the command over those Lorrain Troops He judg'd it more convenient to join with the Spaniard and afterwards without having perform'd any considerable Action embrac'd the French Protection the issue proving neither successful to himself nor the French The year following after the Inauguration of his Majesty at Rhevins which is perform'd with a Glewy Ointment the tradition is that the Viol dropt from Heaven only for the saving of the Kings of France Thurenne takes Stenay a City upon the Maze held by a Garrison or Conde's Seneterre forces to a surrender but not without expence of blood Mountmidy in the Dukedom of Luxemburgh The Castle strong by natural situation and fortify'd by Art was so couragiously defended that the Fortune of France had almost been check'd at that place from passing farther Mountmaudict or Mountdamnable it was not unreasonably call'd by the Antients being built upon a Natural Rock The Spaniards out of confidence that the Siege would either be long or fruitless fall with the gross of their Army upon Arras Who could believe that the Arms of his Majesty should be so fortunate as that upon the arrival of Thurenne and the application of our whole strength with an incredible effusion of Treasure the Rendition was extorted with such speed that the Victorious Army being possess'd of Mont-midy did also relieve Arras which Mondejus held bravely out in extremity of distress Here was the last attempt of Leopoldus