and was composed of 6000. Foot belonging to the Regiments of Gratz Contras Holia Offâ—nts Montecucoli and Differt which were all lead on by the Sieur D'Offcutz upon a dapple-gray horse behinde these Foot and behinde the baggadge which came in the Rear marched the Regiments of the Colonels Montecka Michna and others which were commanded by the Counts of Mansfield and Fucari great men in Germany Tilly as the soule of the body kept himselfe in the midst of the Army accompanied by many Gentlemen of quality stiled Voluntiers he rod on a chesnut horse had on him a gray sute and was armed back and brest The Imperialists Army being thus ordered and placed in a very advantagious place upon which all the great pieces of Ordnance were raised they stood waiting to see what the King would doe but hee having advanced the Saxon horse against the Crabats and the Curaseers which guarded the left flanke of the Emperors Army and the Crabats charging fiercely upon the Swedes being back't by the body of the armed horse the fight was very hot about three houres after Sunne-rising where after the discharging of their Pistols and their incountring with their swords the Saxon horse gave backe being charged in the front and on the flanke by the Imperialists Vanguard of horse lead on by Shamburg and Cronemberg who with their Swords in hand prest hard upon them who falling foule upon the Electors squadrons in this confusion and hurley burley opened the way to the Caesarian horse to do no small execution on them The King seeing what prejudice the Saxons received commanded Bannier to advance with his horse of the right wing against the left wing of Tillyes Army which being lead on by Count Fistemberg did in close order couragiously set forward to meet the Enemy Hee likewise set forwards two great squadrons of Swedish Horse seconded by a squadron of Foot and lead on by Hebron against the Crabats who boldly advanced to discharge their Carabines opening the horse files and there being faced by Muskettiers they to their great losse received a sore salute of Musket-shot and some field pieces charged with bags of Musket-bullets did so powre downe shot amongst them as many of them being put out of their rankes and many unhorst they caused much mischiefe to their squadrons Yet notwithstanding not abating their courage they amidst the bloud which in all places flowed apace and the smoake and fire which lightned round about them gave on undauntedly and with much violence upon the Saxon horse who being drill'd through by the uncessant shot of certaine Culverings and likewise charged by some squadrons lead on by Tilly's selfe who being followed by some of the bands of the most ancient stoutest and best experienced Souldiers as likewise by many Voluntiers charged through them they were routed and began to be scattered on all sides leaving the field to the Conquerour The King seeing this confusion and the eminency of danger the Elector not being able to stay his men from running away neither by threates nor yet by intreaties hee advanced some Squadrons of the Findlanders Horse which were kept for a reserve and he himselfe with his sword in hand hasted to the place where the Imperialists Artillery was placed which he found guarded but by a few men the greatest part of them being run to the Pillage of the Saxons who were run away and made himselfe master of it and straightway turning the Cannon upon the Enemy made them play upon the flanke of the Caesarians who prosecuting their victory laid load upon the Foot Regiments of Colonell Steinack Halli and Hebrun who being sent by the King to incourage the Saxons did there desperately defend themselves with their Pikes and Muskets Hee then caused some Horse to advance against certaine battaglions of Foot who came from the Imperialists Reare-guard unbackt by Horse which caused such feare in them as setting upon them in divers parts with Curasiers mixt with some few Muskets though the enemy made good their ground for about an houres space the old Souldiers not ceasing with incredible undauntednesse to fight though lam'd and wounded they were at last routed their Pikes cut in pieces on all sides their Foot trod underfoot and their Rankes broken then seeing what impression his men made amongst the enemy he commanded Gustavus Horne with part of his Horse and some Foot to make good the Artillery which he had wonne and that he should withstand Popenheime who with the Imperialists Horse of the Battaile and foure battaglions of Foot came hastily on to succour his side Then observing how the Imperialists crying Victory Victory were run to the Baggage and were intent thereupon as if the Battaile had been ended hee couragiously placed himselfe in the head of 4000. choice Horse followed by 4000. good Muskettiers and 800. Dragoons and crying out follow me and feare not he with his sword in his hand charged the Imperialists giving in upon them with so much violence mingling his men amongst theirs and killing many of them with his owne hand as though they indeavoured to rally themselves together and make head against him yet their Souldiers being scattered some here some there and some of them busie in pillaging the Carriages they could not resist the Swedes invading them who charging afresh with more fury and force had in the space of an houre slaine the greatest part of them Tilly was mad to see this unwonted confusion of his men he solicitously indeavoured to get his men in order againe and to re-assume the fight to him Popenheime hasted with Squadron of reserve though sorely wounded in two places the blood gush't from him apace but being pursued by Bannier and Horne with whom till then he had been a fighting and by this time the grosse of both Armies being gotten likewise thither the scuffle began againe the Cannon thundred from every side some loaded with great bullets some with bags of small ones there was nothing seen but smoake fire and bloud some of the most couragious without mercy trod under the horses feet and members torne from the body by the Cannon flying in the aire Then was the Battaile renewed on all sides on Flanke Front and Reare amidst this horror the King with some able and resolute squadrons charged in and with his sword made way through the thickest of the Caesarian squadrons Here the Findlanders Horse shewed such assurednes and resolution as cheerfully incouraging each other with their voices they charged Tillyes squadrons through and through so as the Imperialists no longer able to defend themselves against these men who had banished all feare of death who were inheartened with the opinion of winning the day and had likewise got the advantage of the winde which with a briske gale blew the smoak and powder into the enemies eyes they in disorderly retreat fell foule upon the squadrons of their owne Foot which being by them opened and broken began to run Tilly observing this confusion
come out of hotâ—houses and places under ground no accompt was made of them he commanded us to march in Battaile-array resolving to fight with them but the Wirtenbergers coasting along the woods never parted from them for though they were more in Foot then we yet came they short of us in Horse and Discipline wherein the Caesarians were growne prefect by their former warres A businesse of so great importance as is the advantage that old Souldiers have over new ones and in particular Country people for these men taking up Armes against their will not to serve their Prince but to obey him and being bread up in the idlenesse of Peace are not able to indure the hardnesse of warre so as their mindes being alwayes upon their owne families it is impossible to divert them from the thought thereof and their intensivenesse to peace and quiet imbaseth their courage Montecuculi desirous to adde to these his proceedings and being incouraged by information and scouts which assured him that there were no other Forces then what hath been said in those parts came the next morning with his Horse and Dragoones to Knitling a Towne of Wirtenberg weakly walled and situated the Inhabitants whereof prepared for defence refusing to surrender the Towne I know not whither they did this as knowing succour was at hand or for that the Imperialists wanted Foot and Cannon or for that it is naturall to cowardly people to seem valiant when they feare nothing But not being able to withstand a fierce assault made by the Dragoones and Light-horse who upon this occasion were lighted from horseback they fled in such confusion from their stations and foure of the Caesarian Souldiers advanced so couragiously forward as possessing themselves of the wicket of the great gate which was left open and abandoned they let downe the draw-bridge and let in their Companions who being followed by the Horse put as many to the sword as at the first they met withall and angry that they found therein no booty for the Townsmen had conveyed away all the best things they had to Heylburne they revenged themselves by setting the Towne on fire in foure places which being as is usually in Germany for the most part built of wood it was in six houres burnt to the ground Which may serve for an example to such Citizens as never having seen the sword drawne at their gates and thinking to affright and oppugne the enemy with lovely plumes in their Helmets and rich Scarfes about their necks doe not afterwards make good their bravery of speech with gallantry of heart and so lose their Country Honour Substance and lastly their Lives The Emperours Commanders were not delighted with this fiery spectacle occasioned by wicked and distrustfull Souldiers they themselves being Gentlemen full of honour and humanity but soon after some Scouts being returned who were sent abroad to learne the Condition of the enemy brought word backe that the Governour of Heidelberg beeng issued out of the Towne with 800 Foot to surprise Wiseloch a walled Town of those parts was incompassed in a wood by 500 Horse of the Rheingraves for the which he desired assistance protesting that if they would speedily free him froÌ„ that danger the Swedes being easily put to flight the Town would remaine at the good will of the Roman-Catholicks wherein the best things of the Country-people that lived thereabouts was brought Montecuculi though hee listned unwillingly to these hopes yet Ossa who was an old man and experienced in these parts insisting that they should go on the desire of bootie being able to blind-fold the eyes of difficultie resolved to march thither-ward yet did he this onely with his Horse to the end that upon any extremitie he might safely retire and therefore he sent his Foot and Cannon towards Filsburg Mounsieur De Bambaglione a Loraynese and Colonel of the Emperours side was therefore ordered to advance who descrying two Companies of the Enemies Horse which conveyed some Carriages of Baggage believing there were no more there then the aforesaid 500. Horse and no whit feaâ—ing such an number gave on furiously against them who betaking themselves to their heeles retired upon a good gallop till such time as being past a narrow passage in a plaine which led them into another open Country invironed with thick Woods they faced about making Bambaglione believe their trust lay onely in the advantagiousnesse of those Woods Here passed a slight Skirmish the Swedes still retiring towards Wiseloch and Bambaglione pursuing them till such time as he fell upon an Ambush of the Reingraves and of Colonell Bernard Sciavalis Ki one who was well conversant in those parts from whence he was so played on by Musquets and set upon by Curiassiers as after having made what brave defence could be expected from a gallant Souldier he fell downe dead most of his Souldiers being together with him slaine or taken Prisoners Those who were not so farre advanced as the rest and who were better Horst and knew the wayes through the Woods assisted by the night recovered Filsburg from whence Montecuculi soone removed with the rest of his men and came to his former Quarters of Brisack and Colmar This indeavour of the Imperialists wakened those that slept therefore the Duke of Wirtenberg who durst not formerly declare himselfe an Enemy finding himselfe injured by the surprisall of Knitting and other Townes assembled all the men of his state together and marcht into the Field intending to doe by the Austrians as they had done by him But because nothing rayses a Princes mind more to consideration then doth the importance of Warre though the Duke of immature age well inclined to Warre full of vast designes which were fomented by the troubles begun in France and confirmed in him by his Councellours out of the hatred they bore to the Roman Catholiques and the Swedes suggestions and the hopes they had in them minded not what the event might be which a wise man ought alwayes to have like a looking-Glasse before his eyes and though he infinitely desired to enter friendship with the King of Swedes yet not forgetting the Maxime That it is good to have the opinion of others as well that he might have wherewithall to cloake the defects of wisedome as likewise that he might lay to their charge any thing of evill that might befall resolved to send for his Chiefe Councellours and to advise with them upon the injuries he had received from the Caesarians and what revenge he ought to take He with great resentment urged that the Imperiall Officers were insufferable in their demeanour that they thirsted after other mens estates were ungratefull to their friends intending onely their owne interest that they thought they should merit at Gods hands by being cruell unto and by ruinating the Protestants that the pretence of Religion was so esteemed of by the Romanists as they thought their faith was not broken when the occasion being palliated by some invention
of Lutzen fields did thus order his Army The plaine of Lutzen extends it selfe for the space of one League from the North to the South and is girt about from the West to the North by certaine Woods which divide it from another plaine towards the North-side thereof is the Village Cursits which amidst the descent of a pleasant Strond that runnes in Crookes sometimes more sometimes lesse is rather an Ornament then hinderance unto it Amidst certain Hills there lyes another space of ground towards the South-East which parteth Cursits and Lutzen on the East-side stands Lutzen from whence a plaine arising the space between the East and South is back't by a delightfull ascent of Hills The broadest part of the plaine falling downe betweene the West and the South affords a Prospect not bounded by the eye About a League from Lutzen lyeth a ridge of Hills environed by a little Rivolet thence from West to East there runs a Trench almost demolish't at the end whereof not farre from the Village stands a little house which serves for a shelter to the Inhabitants of four Wind-mils seated on the ridge of those Hills Upon the left wing of the Vanguard led on by his Majestie who kept before it with some of his Domestick Servants not attired like a Prince but clad in plaine Spanish Leather upon a dapple gray Horse were 3000 Horse all Gothes and Findlanders old Souldiers divided into six Squadrons under the Colonells Vansleben Ruthen and Wistumb Gentlemen of tryed experience amongst which were mingled five Rankes of Musquetiers betweene the one and the other Flank to play upon the Enemies Horse before they should come within Pistol-shot All these were well mounted armed with Curasses Pistols and broad Swords like Faulchions which being drawn and held up by them in their bridle-hand did by the reflection of the Sunne adde to the lustre of their Squadrons and to the terror of the lookers on These were followed by foure Battaglions of Dutch and Swedish Foot who marching in equall distances from the one Flanke to the other were appoynted for the reserve part of them in black Cassocks part in Yellow under 28 Ensignes all garnished with the Kings Armes to which were joyn'd the Regiments of Vincher Reglingem and Duke Waymer led on by Vildesteime under 18 Ensignes these were all commanded by Count Waissemburg a Duch-man who marched with his Pike in his hand foure paces before them In the Battle it selfe other foure Bodies of Foot marched with a large Front and these marched after the former so as they might without confusion enter into the voyd place of the one or the other Flanks they belonged to the Regiments of Stechnits Breesteime Lunisteime Steimbech and Hanalt all of them chiefe heads of the Army under 34 Ensignes led on by these Commanders clothed in glittering apparell an observation had in time of Battell that they might be the better knowne with each of them a Pike in his hand On the left Flank were other 3000 Dutch Horse divided into six Squadrons furnished with Curasses Pistols Swords and Pole-axes which had on the one side a Hammer and on the other a wreathen poynt of Iron wherwithall to throw Troopers off Horseâ—back pulling them therewithall either by their clothes or by the buckles of their Armour These were led on by Duke Bernard Waymer who rid before them on a Sorrell Horse with a Curasse on his back accompanied with two Cornets of Gentlemen of worth who desirous to learne the art of warfare kept neer him and amongst these were five Ranks of Musquetiers mingled for the aforesaid purpose amongst which were the Regiments of the Kings Guard under 22 Standards of the Colonells Coleberg Curlander Branghells Wishawsem and Corfilice Afore the right Flanke were 20 pieces of field Cannon placed and as many before the left to shoot bags of Bullets the greater Artillery to the number of 26. Being placed in the mid'st of the Front of the Foot Battaglions Marshall Kniphausen led on the Reare mounted on a browne Bay composed of English Scottish and French Regiments belonging to the Colonells Milaâ—i Chrestorfe Torre Hassia Kniphausen Offckercken and Duke William of Waymer under 52 Ensignes divided into foure Bodies soure in a square forme foure with a long Front and often Squadrons of Horse and Dragoones five upon the right hand commanded by the Colonells Oemens Bosse Isalers and Agafelt before which Armed at all pieces did the Baron Offckercken march and amongst these divers Rankes of Musquetiers The left Wing likewise conteined five Squadrons of Horse belonging to the Regiments of Peckerman Balarches Galdesteim Plato and Duke William of Waymers on the Front whereof marched these Gentlemen followed by some of their Comrades very well Armed and Horst His Army being thus ordered and having called before him all the chiefe of his Army and acquainted them with what orders he intended to have kept that day commanding Psalmes to be sung throughout the whole Campe and Prayers to be made to God for Victory he got upon an ambling Nag spotted blacke and white and twice rode about and surveyed all his Squadrons enlivening them all with his affable behaviour sweetnesse of speech and cheerfull countenance telling them how confidently he relyed upon their knowne valour how weake the Enemy was incouraging them through the hope of bootie this being the end of all their labours the perfection of their glory and the accomplishment of their greatnesse which when they should obteine nothing could stand betweene them and the Crowne of Victory whereunto being by all of them answered with joyfull acclamations it was observed that some as if they had presaged what was to insue said unto him Oh Sir have a care of your Person and feare not us to which he answering My Valiant and beloved Compagnions wee have hitherto had but our first course courage now we are to expect the banquet and making the Baggage women and boyes who were mingled amongst the Troopes to be set a farre off he himselfe being got upon a dun Horse the Army moved enheartned by the sound of warlike instruments and with cheerfull martiall-like phrases whereby every one was incouraged and thus he advanced towards the Caesarians Neither was Walesteine wanting in vigilancy but having received newes that Pappenheim had faced about and was marching apace towards him having calculated the time aright and finding that he would come in very opportunely he advised with his chief CoÌ„manders whether he should resolve to give the King Battell or keepe undeneath Leypzig and indeavour to overcome the Enemy rather by Famine then by Sword They all resolved upon fighting and that they should in no wayes turne their backe upon the Swedes who would thereby be the more incouraged seeing their King march't resolutely in their Front He therefore upon the breake of day drew forth his Army likewise and appeared in Battell array before the Swedish Vanguard who with their Field Cannon were now in sight and towards noone
trampled upon them making it thereby be seen that the apprehension of death accompanies not valiant Souldiers to their grave But the Swedish Horse being by this time come in to second their Companions and the King supplying the fight with new Battaglions of Foot and the Imperialists being no lesse diligent on their sides the Battaile grew hotter then before one Battaglion fighting with another not onely with Muskets but with Pikes yea single Swords Whil'st on this side blowes were thus dealt about the Duke of Waymer appeared no lesse hardy on the other side nor the Imperialists lesse couragious for Levisteimes Steimbechs and Bristeimes Foot being advanced against Granas Fucari Holke and Prainers Regiments led on by Gallasse the hurley burley was no lesse violent on this side then on the right Flanke For the Swedish Foot giving on in close Rancks upon the Millers houses and the Ditch manfully made good by the Romanists and the Caesarian Cannon from the Wind-mills and the Swedish Cannon which were planted just against them playing reciprocally one upon another though the Imperialists shot playing upon the Swedes on the Flanke did them small hurt yet were they so withstood by Musquet shot and by the valour of the Austrian Commanders as Waymer seeing he was not able to effect his intended designe left Caleburgh Corlander and Theishansem for a Conduct to the Foot whilst he in the head of Corfilier and Franghels Regiment seconded by Vildesteimes Regiment of Foot facing about to that part which lyes betweene Lâ—â—zen and the Wind-mills fell upon the Imperialists on the flanke and so renewed the fight which grew so hot on all sides as nothing but clouds of smoake and lightnings of fire were to be discerned At this time when the victory though very bloudy appeared most on the Swedish side the King being advertised that Pappenheimes men began now to appeare and had already charged some of the light Horse of the Rear-guard surprised at this unexpected accident and madded to see so much time spent in passing the ditch Walestein had made which he thought not would have been of such use galloped to the Front of the Rear and having given the Commanders charge what orders they should keep in fighting with these fresh Forces of Pappenheim longing to know their state and condition though the Baron Offchercheim Lieutenant-generall of the Horse cryed out unto him more then once I beseech you Sir set not so small a value upon your owne life I beg it here of you in the midst of all your Army and do it for the common good of all your Souldiers and Servants leave the care of discovering the Enemies condition to me and to this Sword yet not weighing his words nor the supplications of the rest but spurring forward with some of his domesticke Servants and with the Regiment of Horse which was then his owne Guard having discryed the Enemy and being with some few advanced to discover them a certaine Troop of Horse of Piccolominies Regiment being sent before with other bands of Horse to hasten Pappenheimâ— to come and joine with them to discover the Country and learne the Swedes condition meeting with him who went in the head of his Regiment and at their very first discharging of their Pistols fortune would so have it as that one Bullet hit the King on the arme and another underneath the right shoulder wherewith falling from off his horse he forthwith dyed That this was the end of so brave a King no greater certaintie is knowne then from the mouth of a Page which was then with him there being at that time but onely two more with him who ran the same fortune as the King did for he was so far before the Squadron that followed him as that they could not see how the mischiefe happened The newes of this so great losse being presently noysed throughout the Army was likely to have bred some disorder but Waymer cloaking the businesse by suffering his body to lye in the Field and giving it out that he was not dead but that he was taken Prisoner and that it became his Souldiers to fight manfully that they might rescue him the Swedes were so exasperated thereby and the Commanders so incensed as not thinking any death more glorious then that wherein they should accompany their Lord Master They placed themselves in the heads of their Regiments Duke Waymer in particular placed himself in the head of the Blew Regiment recoÌ„mending the fight about the Wind-mils to Ruthen and Waisemberg advanced towards Pappenheim So likewise did all the other Commanders against Walesteines Squadrons who though they were with equall valour withstood by the Imperialists yet were the Imperialists thereby much indammaged Pappenheim who in the head of his Vangard flew upon the Swedes that were led on by Kniphausen in the beginning of the conflict was wounded with a Cannon-shot whereof he shortly after dy'd as he was carryed in a Coach towards Stalla to be cured The losse of this Commander was no lesse direfull to the Caesarian Campe then was the losse of the King to the Swedes wherefore Walesteine dispatched suddenly a Piemontesse Captaine to Major Generall Rinoch with order that he should charge with the Horse that was kept for reserve suddenly upon the Swedes who were in some confusion by reason of their Kings death which Waymer could not keep concealed The Piemontesse inquired of Rinoch how affaires went who answered very ill-favouredly for that Pappenheim had received his deaths wound and the Battell was lost which though he said it onely to him yet was it suddenly noysed abroad through the whole Campe who were thereat struck with feare So as Rinoch that he might not hazard his men but upon some ground and that he might see what the issue of the Battaile would be kept his station observing which way the fortue of the day would incline before he would further ingage himselfe and instead of falling upon the Enemy forbore further advancing which was a great cause of the Swedes safety for many of the Roman-Catholique Commanders and Souldiers being hereby cast downe and afraid they began to give back leaving the field to the Enemies Horse which desperatly pursued them Walesteine perceiving how his Souldiers ran towards Lutzen to save themselves fired the Towne aswell to obviat the disorder as for his farther security on that side and he himselfe came to the head of his men to make them fight again with threatning punishment and promising reward but it was impossible for him to make them stand such feare had Pappenheime's death infused into them and a rumour that said the Battaile is lost we are all undone Piccolominy seeing the confusion and facing the Enemy though he had tired foure horses and was now upon the fift and though his bloud ran downe through the wounds he had received and that he was desired by the other Commanders to retire himselfe to whom he answered that bloud shed upon such
it it was with dolefull lamentations of the whole Army put into a Coach and sent with a good guard to Neuburg and from thence to Hall The Swedes having heer got some Cannon which for want of Horses were left behind by the Imperialists some Crabats which were come to fetch them off being put to flight Offchirch pursued them but Walesteine who was then at Leypzyg expecting the arrivall of some Regiments who were not in the Battell and the recruiting of the disbanded Forces with those of Holke to whom he had sent to come to him being hereof informed by his Scouts he called a Councell of Warre wherein he demanded the opinion of all his Commanders whether they should make good the station where they were or else retreat Somewere of opinion That to retreat was rather a signe of losse then Victory that they pretended to be Victors and therefore it mis-became them to â—lye from those whom they gave out they had beaten that they had a safe refuge within the Walls of Leypzig if they should apprehend danger in the Field that they might there expect Holkes arrivall and other Souldiers from the neighbouring parts by which addition they should not be short of the Swedes in number might to the field again and Crowne their Victory Walesteine was well enough inclined hereunto but it being knowne that there was not in Leypzig two dayes Victuals for the Souldiers that the people therein adhered unto the Swedes that the Duke of Saxony being not farre off upon his march might sâ—ut up the passage into Bohemia that the Swedes being grieved would in a desperate manner flye upon them and that it was much better for them to expect what effect the Kings death would worke then to fall to blowes with them who thought they could not lose their lives better then in accompanying their King seeing moreover how the Swedes had received new Forces from Saxony not finding any advantage in staying any longer in that Citie with their men who were wearyed and somewhat affrighted by the cowardice of some Officers who some few dayes after payd for their Treachery in Prage he resolved to be gone and therefore having reviewed his Forces and given them new orders he sent them towards Borne neere Pleise and he himselfe followed them that very day in the Reare with Troopes conducted by some Colonells who were not so much wounded as were the rest Other Companies of Horse came up afterwards unto him who being abroad to informe themselves of the Enemies condition were not at the Battell And having exhorted the Citizens to be mindfull of gratitude promising that if they would so doe he would keepe good correspondency with them as should appeare upon any future occasion he marched towards Bohemia intending to Winter in that Kingdome and in the meane time to expect what effects the Kings death would produce The newes of the Kings death was suddenly spread every where and the successe thereof was confusedly discoursed of in divers parts those who never heard that a King ranne any hazard in a Battell were strangely and unusually astonished to many the newes seemed an illusion or Chimera a very dreame neither could it fall into their imâ—gâ—nation that that King could be slaine who not long before was surrounded with Victories and Triumphs and who seemed not onely to have perswaded Fortune to partialitie but to have subdued her Others would have it that this was but newes given abroad to know what men would thinke thereof and that the King was privately gone into Swethland which secret departure of his was given out for his death All the Protestant Princes were much cast downe at this so important advertisement words are not able to expresse the griefe which this losse caused in the Hauns Townes There were many who wept for eight dayes together and would take no sustenance the Country people and Garrison-Souldiers moved pittie whilst flocking together and full of feare scratching their heads and looking like so many Lambes that had lost their flocke they ranne like mad men up and downe calling upon their King The resentments of all other Princes were but shadowes in respect of the Elector of Saxonies sorrow being strucke almost dead at the newes thereof he spared not for teares or sighs but broke forth into such like speeches as this The King of all valiant hearts is dead the German liberty hath lost its onely prop. There was not any one in France England nor Holland who was not grieved at this misfortune Those Kings and Princes confest a gallant King was dead and that they had not words sufficient to expresse the griefe they thereat conceived there was not any Nobleman or Common Subject in those Provinces who did not commisserate his losse the Papists and those that were his Enemies durst not hold up their heads as seeming to rejoyce the fame of his valour and of his civill comportments had not onely captivated the good will of his Souldiers and his owne Subjects but even the like of strangers and his very Enemies never was Prince so beloved as hee those who had never seen his Majesticall person coveted to injoy the sight thereof in effigies Painters were never so much set on worke as in drawing this Prince his picture every one desired to have it when it was brought downe into any Country where it had not formerly beene seen the bringer of it was sure to want no visiters There was not any one in Germany Noble or not Noble who did not make more esteem of it then of any other picture in his house the French English and Italians never stucke for price so they might have a Coppy Hee was tall of stature somewhat corpulent of a Majesticall aspect which wrought in men reverence admiration love and feare his countenance was faire mixt with red his haire and beard flaxen insomuch as he was called by many the Yellow King hee was not full out eight and thirty yeares old from his Infancy he was addicted to warre desirous of renowne and ambitious of good repute in all his actions he exprest wisedome in all his speeches gracefull eloquence in all his treaties affability in his enterprises boldnesse in businesse constancy in difficult affaires discretion in battailes courage in dangers undauntednesse upon occasions watchfulnesse In fine he was a Prince who knew all and understood all Never was Commander served with greater applause and affection he gave satisfaction to every one either with praise promises or affability praise-worthy actions were by him written in Characters not to he razed out he forgot not services received he was pleasant in his discourse not costly in his entertainments He did not disdaine to speake with all men and many times as he walked before his people and his Souldiers he would aske them how they did what they did and what they would have every private Cavalier or Commander was admitted to his Table and to his Chamber he had wont to say that
upon these Confines towards Ramberville a Towne on the side of Motona a River of Lorayne and the Garrison of Brisach being very sufficient for that Fort whether all the Garrisons of those Townes which he had taken in had retreated themselves he recommended the care of that Province to the care of Otho Lodowick Ringrave and passed over the Rhyn at Sconaw between Strasburg and Brisach and came with 8000 Foot and 1000 Horse before Freiburg a little walled Towne within foure houres march of Brisach hold by the Imperialists he set upon it and with little difficultie obteined it it being a place of no defence from thence he advanced forward and joyning with the Duke of Wirtenbergs Forces who were about 2000 Foot and 600 Horse they marched towards Enghem a little Towne towards the Switzers Cantons and the Lake of Constance that he might likewise joyne with Bannier who stayd with 4000 Souldiers to guard the Townes about Auspurg till he was hindered by the Caesarians from so doing who did already besiege Mimingen and Kempten in Swabenland But Horne came too late for Mimingen no longer able to resist the Imperialists was inforced to yeeld upon conditions which were not afterwards kept by the Bavarians and to give themselves up into the hands of the Roman Catholiques who deteining the Officers Prisoners constrained the Magistrates to pay a great Contribution This was said to be occasioned by reason of some words of the Governour and by the default of the Commissioners Kempten being invironed with old walls and Towers but wanting Rampiers of Earth after having susteined eight dayes continuall Battery being more oppressed by the Imperialists who after the taking of Mimingen ranne all thither was taken by Storme and all that were met withall in heat of blood or that were knowne to be Souldiers were put to the Sword Whilst the Austrians were about the taking of Kempten and Marshall Horne was marching that wayes to bring the besieged opportune succour some Squadrons of the Imperialists Horse commanded by Colonell Galbert met with Plate a Swedish Commander who was sent to enquire after their wayes and the skirmish betweene them being begunne the Roman Catholiques were forc't to give back For certaine other Troopes of the Enemy which followed after them set so fiercely upon them as that Galbert a gallant Souldier and one that was not used to turne his back whilst he manfully defended himselfe was together with many of his Souldiers slain and many other were taken prisoners the remainder saving themselves by the favour of the night which afforded them meanes of safe retreating Whereupon Horne seeing he could doe them no more harme without great disadvantage to himselfe marched towards Mindelheim betweene Auspurg and Mimingen which at first preparing for defence and being provided of all necessaries when they saw the Cannon ready to batter that they might not make proofe of the violence that was threatned them they resolved to accept the Conditions that were offered and to yeeld to the Swedes Aldringer this meane while being come to Kansbeuren which lyes betweene Auspurg and Kempten upon the River Vertach and being there advertised of the surrender of Mindelheim he thought himself not safe there wherefore having put a good Garrison into it he withdrew himself towards Bavaria there to attend fresh succor from Walestein and Horn came to Kausbeuren surprised it by Petars forcing the Guardians thereof who defended themselves in a corner of the Towne barricadoed up with Carts to yeeld and inrole themselves under his Banners This meane while those of Brisach being delivered from Horne and the Ringrave being imploy'd about Altchirch a Castle in Alsatia neer Wirtenberg they sent some Country people under colour of carrying somewhat to sell at Newenburg upon the Rhyn betweene Brisach and Basel charging them to make a stand in the Gate and cut in pieces the small guard of the Swedes that were there which being by them accordingly done with weapons which they carried hid under their rustick habits Colonell Mantrenti's Horse and the like of Harcourt who waited to that end at a set distance came speedily in at the signe given made themselves Masters of the Citie cut many of the Garrison in pieces tooke many prisoners and brought the best things of the Citie with them to Brisach And for that men doe not usually feare blowes a farre off the Duke of Lorayne seeing Alsatia quit of the Swedes perswaded by the Imperialists impatient to expect the event of the Protestant assemblies touching the indempnitie pretended upon Zurbein and Dacsteine and comforted by Spanish hopes resolved since the Swedes absence permitted him now so to doe to make himselfe Master of those places which were not farre from Strasburg at the foot of those Mountains which divide Lorayne from Alsatia therfore his men advancing with their Cannon he set upon them and they not being provided of Garrisons nor sufficient Ammunition and the Inhabitants being better affected to the Austrians then to the Swedes and surprised by this unlook'd for accident believing for certaine that the Duke in respect of his owne particular interest would never have indeavoured a breach with France which had more then once willed him to keepe at home and not shew any hostilitie against his friends yeelded and tooke in a Garrison of Loraynes The Imperialists of Brâ—sach likewise under Montecuculi re-inforced by some Countrey people of the neighbouring parts and solicited by intelligence from certaine Citizens from Haghenaw betooke themselves to the taking in of that Towne wherein they prospered for the Inhabitants having invited the Governour and chiefe Officers of the Garrison to dinner according to the German custome they so plyed the Governour Officers and Souldiers of the guard with Wine sophisticated with sleeping-powder as it was no hard matter to take the Governour and Officers who were fast asleepe prisoners and to win the Court de guard of that Gate whereby they let in the Caesarian Forces who to that purpose lay concealed not farre from thence This successe is fitting to be observed by those who have the charge of any Citie or strong hould committed by their Prince to their care that they be not frequent at invitations or feasts made by the Inhabitants but that they be diligent in their owne quarters and take order for such things as they thinke appertaine as well to the politique part as to the defence of the place recommended to their fidelitie and care It being usuall for men to be incouraged to make new attempts by the prosperous successe of others the Country people of Verdgaw and Altchirch rising in commotion against the Swedes and taking Psitten a Village where some of their Horse were quartered set upon them so unexpectedly as that not having time to betake themselves to horse they tooke their Captaine prisoner slew the Souldiers and used the prisoners with much barbarismâ— which when the Ringrave heard of and how the Lorayners and Austrians had behaved
Swedes kept their men all that night long in Battell-Array and the Generalls though they had conveniency to rest themselves in their Coaches did notwithstanding dismisse them saying It was not fitting they alone should enjoy their ease where so many friends and fellow Souldiers suffered hardnesse they therefore were content to lye that night which was very cold and snowy upon the naked earth neere the rest of the Souldiers An example which ought to be followed by such Commanders as desire to winne the Souldiers love for there is no greater cause of murmuring then inequalitie and to enjoy a mans owne ease whilst his Companions are in misery If King Gustavus did Acts of wonder with a few men this was one of the chiefest causes thereof for he thereby gave others reason to imitate and follow his example The Swedes the next morning perceiving the Spaniards did not advance as they expected they should doe and that they could not draw them into the open Field and Horne being moreover advertised that they began to march towards Sigmering a place which though it were upon the Danube lyes yet more lower towards Bavaria And fearing least Feria and Aldringer who were wise Commanders and of a refined understanding should winne the hand of them and get into Wirtenberg by Balings side which was but two Leagues off where the Imperialists yet kept the strong Castle of Solerme situated upon a craggy Mountaine and which was then besieged by the Wirtenbergers and that they might passe from thence to Filisberg to relieve that Fort and so getting over the Rhyn recruit Haghenaw runne over the Palatinate joyne themselves with the remainder of the Lorayne Forces and with those that were rays'd in Burgundy and advance prosperously on the other side the River to Brisach they went from Dutling and tooke the same way and lodged that very night in Drussing where the newes being that Feria was upon his march and it was moreover confirmed that he had throwne a Bridge over the Danube at Shamering Horne sent 500 Horse under the Conduct of the Lieutenant Colonell of the Finlanders who was well practised in such like affaires to discover the Enemies Designe and to take some prisoners by whom he might learne what condition their Army was in This man went boldly on and as he thought to surprise a quarter wherein were 1000 of the Enemies Horse he found them ready to entertaine him as having had notice of his intention he was unexpectedly set upon by them and himselfe with many of his men taken prisoners The newes still continuing that the Caesarians were upon their march the Swedish Commanders advanced to Baling to hinder their entrance on that side into the aforesaid Dukedome and there they stayd But being againe informed that the Duke of Feria was parted from Aldringer and that he marched with onely 12000 towards Brisach and that Aldringer being sent for backe by Walesteine returned with the rest into Bavaria Horne gave order to follow them and therefore Weymar marched with his Forces towards Ebing Horne and Berchenfield towards Newstat that they might meet together before Brisach to re-inforce that Campe and preventing the Spaniards force them to depart from thence but as soone as they had begun this their march there came certaine newes that the speech of their parting was not true but that it was a stratagem of theirs by leaving their Baggage intrench't in Miskerck and that they were in hast gone towards the Rhyn and were already at Egen The Swedish Generalls advising what was hereupon to be done they resolved to follow them and to leave their Baggage at Rutuile a priviledged Citie upon the Frontiers of Wirtenberg and which was with good correspondency with the Switzers that they might make the more speedy march and overtake them Weymar therefore returned back and together with Horne and Berchenfield returned to Shemburg and marching all that night they were the next morning at Drussing Whilst the Souldiers very weary with their long marches rested themselves in this Village Horne was advertised by Letters from Scafhause that the Imperialists were past by the Townes of that Canton of which they had burnt two whereat the Protestant Switzers being much inraged had taken up Armes that many thousands of them were gathered together intending to proceed in hostile manner with those they should find had provoked them thereunto that therefore wanting Horses to backe them in the Field while they should revenge this Out-rage done unto them they desired his assistance therein This advice did much amuse Weymar and Horn though they gave not much credit to the Letters knowing that the Switzers who were divided in their opinions doe not so easily put on such resolutions of declaring themselves Enemies to a great Prince They resolved notwithstanding that they might let their friends know they never abandoned good neighbours to send Berchenfield with part of the Army to Newstat that Horne should keepe about Rotevile and that Weymar with 40 Companies of Horse should goe to know what those of Scafhause wanted When Horn was come to Rotevile Weymar came hastily to him from his quarters and brought with him certaine Letters from Oxesterne which were directed to Horne which when they were opened and a secret Commission found therein they soone changed their former orders for Weymar leaving his intention of going to Scafhause tooke the way of Franconia that he might againe come into Bavaria to the enterprise of Ratisbone to the which he was invited by secret advertisements given him by the Elector of Saxony and other Protestant friends that it was now time to thinke upon some action that was unexpected by the Caesarians for Walesteine who was distasted seemed very desirous that somewhat of mis-fortune might befall the Spanish Army and the Duke of Bavaria as he who had beene the cause that the Spaniards had passed over the Mountaines with a power independent and that Aldringer too joyned with them and that it was verily conceived that if the Swedes would endeavour the ruine of Bavaria he would not budge one foot to succour them and just so it proved as shall be said hereafter Berchenfield was left with the residue of the Army to goe to Offemberg to watch the Spaniards proceedings beyond Brisack and Marshall Horne tooke his way with 2000 Horse towards Eneding from whence he sent away a Trumpet to acquaint the Magistrates of Scafhause with his comming and so went himselfe to Bergher a little Village belonging to that Canton where he found the Deputies of the said Citie fuller of Wine then resolution for the preparations which were said to be made by the Protestant Switzers were found not be such as was given out there being onely 1000 Foot sent by the Canton of Zurich under the command of Colonell Vldrich for the defence of that Citie and to no other purpose neither did they conclude any thing but stood with their Glasses in their hands till two houres within night at which time
likewise who was very affectionate to the house of Austria to boot with the Brigado of Foot which he raysed at his owne costs in Helvetia did upon this occasion likewise assist the state of Milan with 300 Horse under the command of Marquis Cosimo Richardi Whereupon Beliviere leaving Venice came to Florence not out of any intention to make the great Duke side with the Crowne of France but at least to moderate the evill opinion which the Princes of Italy might have taken of that Crowne by reason of the French-mens falling into Italy and to keepe the great Duke as much as possibly he could from assisting the Spaniards And because the opinion grew stronger every day that the Duke of Savoy held secret intelligence with the Spaniards 't is said that to moderate in some sort this report the King of Spaines Agents held it fit to dismisse the Abbot Torre who was the Duke of Savoyes Embassadour from Milan under pretence that considering the breach made by his Master against the King of Spaine it was not fitting a Minister of his should keep with those against whom he had declared himselfe an open Enemy At this time Don Franchesco di Mello a man of great esteeme sent as extraordinary Embassadour from Spaine to the Emperour tooke Milan in his way and staid there it being reported he was to have beene made Governour thereof The Spaniards this meane while building very much upon the Duke of Modena's declaring himselfe for them as well for the assistance they might expect from that Prince of warlike people as for the credit of being reverenced by such an Italian Potentate not respecting the right of discent in the Prince of Correggio mediated with the Emperour therein in the behalfe of the Duke of Modena that the true Prince might be deprived thereof and the other invested thereinto as it insued upon the promise of disbursing 200000 Dollars The Elector of Saxony having after some dayes stout defence made by the Swedes taken the Castle of Hall knew it was requisite for him to joyne with the Imperiall Troopes who were then in good numbers about Franckfort upon the Oder that they might joyntly invade those Townes which were by them pretended unto and were held and gainsaid them by the Swedes He therefore marched towards Berlin a Citie of Brandenberg upon the Hault where the Swedes were who were much grieved at the uniting of those Forces as making much against that which they intended and being hereof advertised Bannier thought it expedient to remove from thence Therefore having brought his Souldiers neere Ratzaw and having quickly taken Verbeâ— which not being in a condition to stand out immediately Articled the small Garrison which guarded it marching out with their Bagge and Baggage he left therein a good guard for it was a place of some moment for him and then marched with his Army towards the Enemy where some Regiments of the Swedish Horse meeting with some Squadrons of the Saxons which scoured the Countrey they so evilly treated them as that they made them runne away to the Electors head-quarters The Elector of Brandenburg was much troubled with this Hostility betweene the Swedes and Saxons who confining upon them both if he should declare himselfe for either side he should bring the Warre home to his owne doores So was likewise the Duke of Mechelberg who could expect nothing but much prejudice from this their falling out Therefore an accommodation betweene the Swedes and Saxons being very much desired by those two Princes they were not wanting in their best indeavours to compose those differences but they could doe no good therein for the Swedish Commanders being particularly offended by the Elector and incited through a deâ—ire of Warre whereon their greatnesse did consist for they thereby much inriched themselves held the businesse in suspence upon very small hopes and at last all the differences consisting in a declaration which contained that before they would proceed further they would be repossessed of all that they did possesse the yeare 1634. the Treaty fell to the ground The French-men fayling in their intentions of taking Valenza which for the reasons formerly alledged they much desired seeing that the numbers of the Spaniards did dayly increase in the state of Milan by the assistance of other Princes their friends for now the Dutch began to march towards them under the command of Prince Borso of Este and Colonell Giledas together with other Switzers to boot with many Foot that were raysed in the state of Modena and in Tuscany and those that every day were landed from Spaine and Naples thought it fitting to ease the quarters of Montferrat which began to be very burthensome to those people by sending backe the Duke of Parma's Forces into their owne Countrey But because their numbers were much lessened in lying before Vabenza and that they could not without evident danger passe through the Territories of Tortona and so enter into Piacenza without being back't with greater Forces and when they should be luckily arrived there they were not able to defend their state from the Spaniards who were expected to invade them they indeavoured all they might to make the Duke of Savoy joyne his Generall the Marquis Villa with those of Parma who with the Savoy Horse might back the Duke of Parma till he should come to his own home where when he should be they would then bethinke themselves of new resolutions to which the Duke gave way though he suspected that the French did this to weaken his Forces that they might have him the more at their beck for by his suffering Valenza to be succoured the French had renewed the former jealousies they had of his actions Villa therefore left his quarters and marching towards Tortona began to doe as was agreed upon but the Spaniards who had heard hereof sent speedily away 3000 Foot and 10 Companies of Horse to Tortona whither they came on the 23th of December and lodged in the Suburbs of the Citie from whence they sent out Scouts to discover the Enemies proceedings and understanding that Villa with his Horse appeared already in very good order upon the Territories of that Town they thought it expedient to foord over the Sâ—rivia a Torrent not far from thence and send some Horse towards the Savoyards seconded by divers Files of Musquets intending to set upon them on the Flanke and by fighting with them to make the Colleagues alter their intentions But the Spaniards finding themselves not strong enough to encounter them though they were somewhat advantaged by the protection of the Citie and the Cannon thereof which playd upon the Enemies Horse being come within their reach they kept their stations forbearing to make any further attempt so as while this was a doing the Foot which marched on the other side came successefully to the new Castle of Scrivia not having so much as one Musquet-shot made at them though there were some Spanish and Neapolitan Foot there and
Imperialists after their Horse had skirmished a while and entertained the Enemy whilst their Foot might get under the shelter of the Cannon of their other Sconces they betook themselves to their heeles to their no little losse for being pursued by the grosse body of the Imperialists many of them were slaine and many taken prisoners Waymer having at the same time received a new recruit of French-men who at the newes of these the Imperialists preparations were come in to his succour being much netled at this blow for he was full of courage and one who coveted Battell he sent all his Forces on this side Rhyn and having ordered his Army was ready to fall upon the Enemy But the Duke of Rohan who desirous to see the end of this Siege was for his pastime come from Zurick to Waymer being knowne to be extreamely good at Military stratagems by the powerfull reasons alledged and which were approved of by the Swedes with-held Waymer from coping with the Enemy he thought it better for Waymer to conceale his courage and by seeming rather fearefull to make the Austrians the more vaine-glorious who it being usuall for confidence to produce presumption whereby enterprises are oft-times lost seeing the Swedes retreat and concluding thereby that they were not in a condition to resist would conceive greater hopes in their advancing Rohans advice was therefore imbraced which was That the Swedes seeming to feare the Iâ—pirialists assault and quitting their first stations whilst the Enemy should too boldly pursue them they should by a great Ambush stop their course and the whole Army facing about they should charge home upon them But Wert who was an old and an experienced Commander advancing advisedly did temporise lest he might fall upon the Ambush he haulted that he might the better informe himselfe of the Swedes proceedings who now retreating contrary to their custome made him believe they had some stratagem on Foot And that hee might the better discover the Swedes condition and prevent their cunning he advanced with part of his Army and all his Chiefe Commanders At last being abused by his Spies and unexpectedly set upon by Waymer Rohan and the whole Army the Austrians behaved themselves valiantly and had the better of the Swedes at the first for to boot with having broke divers of their Ranks they tooke Rohan prisoner Waymer at the newes hereof gave forward himselfe in person on the head of his Troopes and making his way with his Sword through the Enemies Battaglions he fell upon Echendorphs Regiment who had Rohan away prisoner routed it recovered Rohan and tooke Echendorph prisoner And Rohan getting upon a brave Gennet which Waymer furnisht him withall he together with Waymer on the Front of the Squadrons of the Ringraves and the French Horse gave on upon the Caesarians who being set upon by Schiavalischi and Calambac's Horse fought stoutly but the residue of the Romanists Horse not comming in time enough who notwithstanding made all the hast they could to come in to succour the Imperialists Generalls having used their utmost power and valour and being invironed on all sides by the Enemy and abandoned by their own men they were compelled to demand quarter and yeelded themselves prisoners to Waymer with the losse of the greatest part of their best Souldiers of their Baggage and such Cannon as they had Iohn de Wert Savell and Speureter were brought to Valdshut where they were with all civilitie entertained by Waymer as famous and renowned Commanders But Savell through intelligence held with some upon the place and by corrupting the Guard made an escape to Waymers great resentment who was much troubled at the losse of this Prince as he severely shewed upon his complices Rohan who in this skirmish was lightly hurt with a Musquet-shot in the Leg was much importuned by Waymer who exceedingly loved him to withdraw himselfe and have his wound drest but he esteeming it but a small hurt it at last gangrend in so much as he dyed thereof not many dayes after to the great griefe of Waymer and all the other Commanders and of all the Protestants For he was a very wise man and who governing his actions more by his considerate discretion then by his daring force had gotten many Victories And had he beene a Romanist so as the King of France might without any suspition of his loyaltie or scandall of his other Roman Catholique Subjects have intrusted him with the managing of his most important affaires what might have beene expected from him commanding a powerfull Army who with the weake power of the Protestants had alwayes maintained himselfe against the King in France it selfe Rohan was a French Prince Duke and Peer of France being bred up and educated in the Warres under Henry the great he attained to such experience as following the opinion and partie of the Protestants he was by them chosen to be their Generall in which charge he alwayes worthily behaved himselfe till such time as he got the Kings pardon He was civilly behaved courteous in his entertainment and of a very sweet condition which made him much approved of by such as had dealings with him He had a sharpe wit was wary in his proceedings and advised in his Counsells He was not proud nor seemed he to be ambitious nor were there any reprehensible faults knowne in him He was noble in his expences and despised increase of wealth a gallant part in a compleat Commander And when any discourse was offered upon this point by any who were straight-handed and had betaken themselves to the War onely for lucre sake he had wont to say that such men ought to be abhorred by all Princes because where particular interest militats the glory of the publick keeps not the field and good will dwells not where Avarice keeps house that that soule wants the freedome of sacrificing it selfe to glory which is fettered by Gold that nothing of worth nor generousnesse can be expected from him who studies onely how to acquire riches He was alwayes diligent in what concerned businesse infinitly inquisitive after novelties desirous of correspondency with men of worth he used such subtlety in all his actions as that he atchieved his ends more thereby then by his Forces he spared not for Mony in rewarding Intelligencers which he kept in all parts and affirmed that such were the eyes of an Army he was so suspicious as where he held a bad opinion he feared even truth it selfe he was of such an impression as where once he fixt his minde even reason could hardly alter him He discoursed willingly spoke with all men was very inquisitive and would know every the meanest matter whereupon hee had wont to say that as ever hearb hath its vertue so every man hath his saying and that oft times that was learned from the meaner sort which was not had from the greatest and hee added that those Princes were of no great worth that were not the subject of the peoples chat
and the eminency of danger got upon a fresh horse and resolving rather to dye then to be the spectator of so many mens miseries and of this blemish to all those victories which had immortalized him used all the means he could to stay his men and with his owne hand slew many of them that ran away the like did Popenheime who so couragiously behaved himselfe as through his heat of bloud not sensible of the weaknesse his wounds had caused in him he with his sword forced backe the fugitives and did for some little time keep the remainder of their Troops together but the feare of the enemy prevailing more with them then the threates and blows of their own Commanders it was impossible to rally them again Wherefore Tilly being wounded in the arme with a Pistoll-shot and having his head cut with a sword of one of the enemies with whom aged as he was he more then once had with his sword in hand incountred and knowing that there was no more resisting of the Swedes fury who slew all they met with hee with those few who yet he found about him took his way towards Fulda and recovered the territories of that Prince Popenheime having seven wounds upon him was stript by the Swedes and left for dead in the field amongst the dead bodyes from whence by the helpe of a country-man he was the next morning carryed to Hall and from thence to Fulda to be cured In this dayes battaile about 10000. Imperialists were slain wounded and taken prisoners many of which were slaine by the country people who in their flight slew as many of them with their clubs as they met withall Those of the better sort that perished here of the Emperors side were the Duke of Holestanie the Colonels Bangert and Blancart the Baron Schamburg with many Captaines and other Officers The King found 1000. of his men missing and the Electour of Saxony 4000. of his The Battaile being ended the King commanded a retreat to be founded to recall such Troopes as disorderly followed the flying enemy and all of them being returned to their Colours he being accompanied by the Elector and other Princes and the heads of his Army did in a stately manner and mounted on a pasing horse visit all his squadrons and thanked them all for their valiant behaviour they all cryed out long live the King and nothing was heard but vollies of Muskets and the going off of Cannons Having afterwards taken requisite order for the solemnization of this victory and giving his Souldiers leave to retire into their quarters and refresh themselves for what they had that day suffered hee went to his owne lodging where after having a good while discoursed with the Duke of Saxony of what advantage would by this victory redound to all the Protestant Princes he sate downe at Table where certainly his meat was very pleasing unto him his discourse being onely that he thought no greater contentment could be then for a Generall to see himselfe victorious over an enemies army The news of this victory being speedily brought to the Emperors Court did much astonish the Austrians and as great was their confusion as was the consequence of their losse especially since it came so unexpectedly upon them who relying too much upon their former victories and present power thought they had led fortune in a string but within a few dayes after they were much more cast downe and waving upon a sea of thoughts their hopes were ready to suffer shipwrack for it was wispered in the Court and other places that besides the prejudice received by this dayes losse 't was added that the Duke of Bavaria much considering the Swedes victories and listning to the protestations made unto him by the King it was not without reason feared that there had beene some overtuâ—es of agreement between these by the mediation of the King of France who said that to that purpose he had obtained from the Swedes a cessation of Armes for some dayes and that this intelligence betweene Bavaria and the Swedes was held notwithstanding that Tilly by men drawne out of Garrisons by Focaries men raised in Bavaria and â—wabenland and by Aldringers forces returned from Italy had gotten new strength whereby the Romanists first fears were a little lessned This caused much jealousie amongst the Imperialists and much suspition and diffidence grew hereupon amongst them occasioned through the nicety of the interest of Princes to whom shadows seem substances Aldringer believing though injuriously that the Electour as Princes use to doe should side with the party whereby his territories might bee more secured resolved not to joyne with Bavaria feigning to returne to winter himselfe and to place himselfe in the defence of Moravia and Bohemia but before he did this he with specious words exhorted his Commanders Souldiers not to forgoe their loyalty thus the Army being little lesse then in confusion the Caesarian Souldiers retiring where their Leaders were most concerned and all things out of order many consultations were held in the Emperors Court wherin each Counsellor advising as they were most concerned in their affections self interest their resolutions grew more and more confused Where there are many Counsellours many are the counsels that are given and the diversitie of nations makes men differ in their interest The Spaniards advised that Ferdinando King of Hungary the Emperors sonne should march into the field whose authority they said would draw many of the Nobility out of their nests of idlenesse and make many private men apply themselves to raise new forces of which there was then great need besides it would be a meanes to winne the young King to better esteem with his father and to ingratiate himselfe with him they further said that the Majesty and presence of a Prince was of much availment in an Army that Counsels were more readily had and the results thereof were the more opportune when the authority is supreme in the Commander and that that was a businesse of great importance in the Military art that the remainder of those Forces on which the publique hope and safety did depend ought not to be trusted to the Command of a private man who either drawne over by the enemy stir'd up by the unquietnesse of ambition moved by his owne particuler interest or counselled by his passions might be able to give the Law to his Lord and master But the Dutch suspected that this might be but cunning carryed by ambition which covets command for they imagined the Spaniards named the King to this imployment not so much for the publique good as for their owne particular intents for if the King should have gon into the field they would have had a stroake in his Counsels being already admitted into the Court under pretence of serving the Queene sister to King Philip and so by little and little getting sooting in places of command they might become arbitrators of the Interests and of the governing the
bridle the Inhabitants aswell of the one as of the other circle moreover besides the securing of what he had already wonne there was hereby a way opened to ends not yet knowne He gave it the name of Gustavemborg though through the Souldiers playing upon the Roman Catholiques it came to be called the Priests scourge alleadging thereby that being seated in the sight of Mentz and in the very midst of the Electorate it was fit to keep the neighbouring Prelates in obedience and under the yoake of the Swedish Forces Having left order for the perfecting of this Fabricke and for the preservation of Mentz he with his Army marched in Ianuary against Spier the Magistry whereof endeavoured though in vaine to keep Newters for the King having declared himselfe to be an Enemy to that name this Towne accorded as did likewise Wormes Landaw and Weissenburg Cities beyond the Rhen in the lower Palatinate beguiâ—t only with ancient walls these submitted themselves unto the King quartered some of the Swedish Regiments and parted with some monies to free themselves from the insolency of the souldiers Franckendal and Heidelberg Townes well provided with men victuals and Fortifications were the only two places that held out against the King For though they were at this time set upon with much violence they undauntedly defended themselves and rendred the attempts of the Enemy vaine who held it not fit to lose time before such Forts since they were Masters of the Field and consequently might over-run whole Provinces and hinder the new recruiting of the Enemyes Army Franckendal lyes in an open Countrey between Spier and Wormes surrounded with gallant Bulwarkes Ditches and Rampiers it was anciently the chiefe strength the Elector Palatine had but since the overthrow in Bohemia it was held by the Austrians Heidelberg is seated upon the Nâ—cker in the mouth of two Mountaines upon which the Palace and Castle stands and here the Count Palatine had wont to keep his residence before the Emperor bereft him of his state At the same time that the Swedish Forces meeting with lesse opposition did over-run the Countrey that lyes upon the Rhen and Franconia Popenheime having drawne out the greatest part of the Garrisons from the places upon the Wesser and out of the Countrey of Brounswyck they being knowne to be little available to the preservation of those places weake in situation and Fortification and having gathered together a Body of men to about 10000 Souldiers he recovered Barleben upon the Elb which made no great resistance from thence he passed towards Magdeburg to relieve the besieged for being beleaguerd by Bannier they were reduced to some necessity and herein his successe was good For Bannier understanding his approach and thinking the Romanists Army to be much greater then his withdrew himselfe aside to Kalbe upon the banks of Elb. Here he tooke up his Quarter in an advantagious Seat shunning to fight for the King having given generall directions to all his Commanders who were disjoyned from the Army that himselfe led that without great advantage and certainty of victory they should shun comming to a generall conflict he temporised betaking himselfe only to such enterprises as agreed with the Kings instructions whose ends was to keep the Imperialists Forces severed in sundry places that he might have the more freedome to make his desired Conquests and to beat the maine Body of the Roman Catholiques which when he should have done the members thereof would be of no use Pappenheim having thus raised the siege though he failed in some intentions he had of falling upon the Swedes Quarters who had withdrawne themselves further off entred Magdeburg and straightway sent his Van-guard towards Gomeren a place belonging to the jurisdiction of the Bishop thereof upon the Confines of Saxony but hee began no sooner to march then he was advertised that George Duke of Lunenburg a Protestant Prince and who adhered to the Swedes was drawing neere to Wolfenbuttell a place of great moment which made him thinke it requisite to turne his march thitherward for this Towne standing in the Center of the territories of Brounswyck and being strongly seated upon the River Alre being likewise the place of refuge for the Imperialists and the Arsenall of their Army by meanes whereof their Forces in those parts did wholly subsist if it should have fallen into the Swedes power either by holding intelligence or otherwise it would have been a great advantage to the Protestants Forces and a very great blow unto the Roman Catholiques hee therefore drew out the Garrison from Magdeburg and knowing it would be a difficult matter to maintaine it he slighted it breaking downe the Wals in sundry parts to the end it might not be of service to the Swedes hee advanced toward Sechenser and Wolfenbuttell about the end of Ianuary Bannier had newes hereof who being certified of truth that the Imperialists were departed returned suddenly to Magdeburg where he left good order for the repayring it judging it a place of no small importance for the affaires of Swethland hee from thence marched after Pappenheime and wonne Steimbruck intending thereby to streighten the enemies Army for this being a passe of some importance upon the River Obroe and very commodious for the Imperialists the Swedes might here have fought with much advantage against their enemies but Pappenheime did so gallantly acquite himselfe as though he was beset on both side by the Protestants he without any losse came to Beterloo a strong place not farre from the River Glien between the territories of Heye and the Bishoprick of Hildeskeim having brought under Contribution the Townes of Brounswyck and Lunenburg rich Provinces which lye between the Wesser and the Elb bordering on the South upon Misnia and Thuringia on the North upon the Lower Saxony hee at last recovered the Confines of Hamelen that hee might make use of that City and of the Wesser aswell for the safeguard of his owne Forces as for the preservation of such Townes as had not yet revolted from Caesar wherein his successe was so happy that by this occasion he had meanes to shew how advantagious in war it is to have undaunted wise and valliant Commanders and which is of greatest concernment such as understand their profession hee defended he maintained himselfe and with a few men stopt the enemies advancing who knowing him to be resolute and industrious durst not come to handy-blowes with him effects which are not onely occasioned by mens fearfull apprehensions whose losse takes its rise from selfe beliefe but particularly by the valour of other men which begets feare and admiration even in the Enemy High mindes are alwayes verst about great matters the King being gone from Mentz considered the importancy of Creutsbag a Towne seated upon the River Nayle which takes its head from a little Lake in the state of Swibrechen called Scheidambergerway'd fals into the Rhyn at Binghem by the taking hereof he should secure unto himselfe the possession of
pick't out men strong and couragious for the continuall duties which they are put unto requires they should be such their office is to backe the grosse body of the Horse and upon occasion to light from horsebacke possesse themselves of the most advantagious places and play upon the enemy with their Muskets which if they shall not be able to doe they getting on horseback may easily retire themselves to the grosse of their Army these are sent upon convoyes are imployed in making of ambushes speedily in surprising fitting passes in cleering waies assailing Forts and in doing all things which are requisite in the mannaging of Armes they for the most part serve with Foot Muskets they carry their match lighted tyed to a cloven sticke which is fastened to the headstall of their horse they have short swords and a little Axe hanging at their girdles to cut wood break downe Pallisadoes and to do other occurrences this is a new sort of Militia and of late usage in the last warres of Bohemia and Germany and the effect hath shewed it to be of great use some will have Ernestus Count Mansfeild to be the first inventer thereof who fighting against the Emperour being an exile and having no permanent place of safety horst his Foot that he might the more readily march whither hee would Walesteine being advertised that some Carriages of Ammunition were comming from Herbipoli to the Kings Camp not thinking it fit to let them passe resolved to bereave the enemy of this supply and to relieve his owne men therewithall hee gave the charge hereof to Colonell Spor one much verst in warre to whom he to that purpose allotted some Regiments of Curassiers Dragoones and Crabats This Spor put readily in execution chasing some scouts backe to the King taking some prisoners and others saved themselves from the Imperialists in the woods Spor not knowing that any of them were fled away for the wary prisoners affirmed unanimously that there was no more in their company pursued the enterprise and ordered his ambush weighting for the comming of the Swedes but the King having advertisement hereof presently doubled his ambush which Spor was not aware of so as he was retiring to his quarters for seeing no more Swedes appeare he feared they had had information he sell upon the Kings ambush which handled him very sorely few of his men escaping away by flight he himselfe being taken Prisoner and the Marquesse of Gonsagas Regiment who valiantly maintained the brunt had much adoe to retreat Issolani he who by continuall and briske skirmishes afflicted the Swedes whereby he had not onely wonne credit to that Nation which was therefore tearmed the Swedes scourge but advantaged himselfe thereby for Walesteine who was a bountifull Prince and prodigall to brave and couragious Souldiers had presented him with 4000 Dollers and a gallant horse knowing that the Kings new way of waging warre had prejudiced their fencing and being much incensed at the routing of his Hungarians at Allerspurg at the late businesse of Spor and in other incounters went with 1000 Horse into the fields and resolutely fell upon some of the Kings Squadrons broke them kill'd about 300 of them and much to his content brought Walesteine two of the enenies Horseâ—Standerds and for that reward given by the Prince unto the Souldier is a great provocation to good service and the true bond whereby to keep fast the obsequious affection of Commanders he was brought to the quarters of Gount Michenea Commissary-generall of the Caesarian Army to be congratulated according to the German fashion by viands and wine for this his service where passing from healths to play he lost well nigh all the reward given him by Walesteine when during his play he was againe presented by Walesteine with 2000 whereupon being restored to what he had lost and leaving play hee immediatly went to Court where being told by the Generall that a Convoy of the enemies were upon their march from Erbipoli hee without replying for Walesteine loved to be so dealt withall lept into his saddle went towards them and meeting with the enemies Horse after a fight stoutly made good by both sides the Crabats at last prevailed having slaine about 200 Swedes hurt many others and taken many prisoners they came backe to their quarters with three Cornets where meat was provided for those Souldiers whereby they were well refreshed who were before well-nigh famished I thought good to commemorate this act of Walesteines liberallity to the end that by his example it may be knowne of what force a Generals generosity is with his Souldiers and that though Walesteine was held for strangely extravagant insomuch as many thought all his actions had a tang of madnesse yet for what belonged to a Worthy he was a man of most eminent vertue all his actions leaned upon the deepest mysteries of experimentall policy upon which occasions me-thinkes I should not omit any thing though if I should relate all my story would be nothing but the recounting of his magnanimous acts He was prodigall in his rewards and severe in his punishments and as his gifts did alwayes exceed thousands of Crownes so were his punishments seldome or never lesse then death He who thought himselfe to be no ordinary Prince and to have a more then generous heart neither knew how neither would reward vertue and fidelity with small recompence and therefore he had wont to say that the worth and service of a Souldier was to be esteemed so great and acceptable by how great the price was wherewith it was recompenced and by how great estimation was put thereon and that he that thought to be served good cheap had but cheap service done him for the reward of a thing ought to be answerable to the worth thereof Vertue was therefore cherished and much made of in his Court insomuch as every one indeavoured to go thither fraughted therewithall as much as he could just as Merchants doe who carry their merchandise thither where they have the best vent and therefore he never rewarded any man poorly and herein I must not forget an act of magnificence used by him to an Astrologer Walesteine was so given to affect judiciall Astrology as that he governed all his actions as if it were by the influence thereof undertaking businesse then when he seemed to be seconded by propitious Starres and forbearing any action when he discovered an averse constellation and imploying onely such in the charge of his Army at whose nativity the Planets seemed to be well inclined and to whom they promised good fortune in warre He being informed that there was a Genovesse in Vienna named Iohn Baptista Seni a professor in that learning who had foretold many things that had accordingly succeeded sent Iohn Peroni a Florentine who was very inward with him to bring him to his service which hee did agreeing with him for a pension of 25 Duckets a Month at which Walestein being offended he sharply reprehended
guard kept by the said Colonells Souldiers a Corporall casting his eye upon him and finding he had somewhat underneath his Cassock which raysed it up asked him whether he went and what it was he had under his Cassock The other replyed It was bread that he was going for Victuals whereat the Corporall desiring to have part thereof found it to be a piece of Plate so as he stopped him upon suspition The Sutler being hereupon dismaid believing that this had not befalne him onely for the Plates sake but for his having intelligence with the King presently confessed all and peached his Compagnion who was taken and on the very day the King came to charge the Imperialists quarters he and his fellow Colleague were broken upon a Wheele Such events use often to befâ—ll Traytors who for money sell themselves to death and to eternall infamy The King went streight on to charge Aldringers Trenches who being aware thereof and expecting his comming beat him back bravely with no little slaughter of the Swedes so as seeing he was not here able to execute his intent he wheeled about and fell upon those Trenches that were guarded by the Bavarians by whom being likewise repulsed he resolved to plant some Cannon upon a hill neere a little wood hoping by his frequent shot to make the enemy dislodge and bring them into the field where he might fight with them upon great advantage â—e began then to play so furiously with his Cannon upon the Imperialists quarters as that in lesse then six houres he had made above 400 shot at them Walesteine perceiving how the Swedish Cannon molested some of his quarters Commanded that all the Souldiers should keep themselves under the Trenches and that all the boyes women and other uselesse people should withdraw themselves into a hallow Dell which lay between Gallasse his quarters and Aldringers whereby he remedied the mischiefe he might have received for all the shot flying over them did them no harme The King seeing how little good his Cannon did removed from thence and thought to possesse himselfe of the rise of another hill which more commanded the enemies quarters but this being foreseen by Gallasse who speedily brought two Regiments of Foot thither and there Intrenched them the King gave over the enterprise and retired to his former station in a wood hard by where being pursued by the Caesarians who incouraged by Walesteine fought couragiously a faire skirmish was begun on both sides which continued from Friday night the 4th of September till about Ten of the Clock the next Sunday-morning great was the losse of both sides but without comparison much greatest on the Swedes for besides many brave Commanders and Gentlemen of Worth they lost about a thousand Souldiers there were slaine of the Imperialists about 400 amongst which Colonell Don Maria Caraffa a Neopolitan and Colonell Fucari Both Armies shewed singular valour in their behaviour the King Walesteine and all the Commanders keeping still amidst the haile of Musket-shot to give fitting directions This bloudy skirmish made the King know to his cost that many times event sutes not with expectation for besides the losse he suffered here he foresawe a greater danger threatned by Famine Victuals and Forrage for horse growing every day more scarce so as on the 15th of September he held a long consultation with the chiefe of his Commanders wherein was discussed how they might be gon from Nurenberg but so as the Citizens thereof might not be left to the discretion of the Romanists 't was evidently seen that any longer stay there was prejudiciall to the Souldier who was not therewithall contented but beginning to waver on all sides said these were not the effects the King had promised them to lye and moulder away before a Towne and doe no good they saw that the remainder of Victuals which were necessary for the maintenance of the Citizens being consumed by the Swedish Army the Swedes and Citizens would both of them be reduced to great streights and Nurenberg being full of people would be for want of Victuals in great danger of falling into Walesteines power who had cunningly sowen sedition amongst some of the Citizens he for this and other reasons resolved to be gon and having very well satisfied the Senate of the City with the necessity of his departing renewed his friendship with them and taking a friendly farewell of all the people who filled the aire with their wishing God to blesse him and good fortune to follow him leaving with them 2000 Foot for their better strength he marched with his whole Army which consisted of 26000 fighting men towards Bamberg to refresh his men wearied with continuall duties Walesteine who knew likewise he could tarry no longer there his Victuals and Forrage being well-nigh exhausted and fearing lest whilest he should finde it a hard businesse to take Nurenberg the King might easily advance to some new designe and that his Forces being weakened by lying before that Town he should be the worse able to keep afterwards in the field He likewise raised his Camp and marched towards Sindetspacke not farre from Nurenberg where he haulted and mustered his men who appeared to be 36000 Souldiers he left Gallasse in the Reare with directions to fire all the Villages of those parts which he did and that then he should go towards Misuia to drive the Saxon Forces thence whil'st he himselfe went to Bamberg a City in Franconia upon the Mayne belonging to the Bishop thereof who hath there the power of Civill Juridiction and stayed with his whole Army in some neer neighbouring Villages for his end was onely to entertaine the King and not to put himselfe upon the danger and uncertainty of a Battaile whil'st Gallasse and Holke going into Saxony with 10000 Souldiers might ruinate the Country and force the Elector thereof to come to an accommodation when he should see himselfe not succoured by the Swedes who would have worke enough found them by Walesteines Forces He afterwards sent the Marquesse Grana an Italian with 4000 Foot and 1500 Horse all Commanded men to invade the Marquessat of Brait a jurisdiction of the same Province not farre from the Diocesse of Nurenberg which the Marquesse Grana did with good successe and little trouble Brait not being in condition to withstand a good Body of choice men wanting Rampiers Men and Munition for their defence But Hornes proceedings in Bavaria whereinto he was entred with eight thousand Foot and foure thousand Horse occasioned fearfull confusion in those who were accustomed to the security of peace and therefore the assistance of their Princes Forces being acknowledged to be necessary it behoved the Elector to part from Walesteine and with his men and those of Aldringers amounting to the number of 14000 Souldiers to returne into Bavaria towards Raim a place invironed with strong wals after the ancient mode in a considerable situation upon the Leech lying between Dunawert and Augspurg which was the passage
of Ratisbon and the King of Hungary appeared likewise on the other side Waymer who was much troubled that so famous a purchase which he to his great renowne had wonne should be lost passing over the Danube at Kelchaine a place above Ratisbon neer to the said River entred the City and marching with wonderfull admiration in the sight of the Enemies whole Army hee put thereinto a recruit of about a thousand Souldiers and some barrels of Powder But the Imperialists setting upon the Towne on all sides Waymer presently advertised Horne thereof and desired that he would come and joyne Forces with him that they might defend that City the losse whereof would much impaire the fame and honour of the Swedish Forces lessen their credit with the rest of their confederates and greatly incourage the Enemy Horne having first put Garrisons into such places as he had taken in Swabenland and particularly in Bucorne went towards Auspurg and in his comming to Leech he understood that Laâ—shut a strong and considerable place being seated upon the Iser in the midst of Bavaria was unprovided of things necessary for the defence thereof and this being a place of importance for the reliefe of Ratisbon though he were by reduplicated letters earnestly desired by Waymer to come and joyne with him yet wisely considering that by such a diversion hee might cause much trouble to the people of Bavaria and that it was more expedient to let the Imperialists still go on in losing of their men in the taking of Ratisbon where daily they lost the flowre of their Army he resolved by temporising not to let slip the opportunity of taking Lanshut he therefore marched thitherward with an Army conâ—isting of 6000 Foot and 4000 Horse with which Waymer not being well pleased it might from his speeches be gathered that he thought Horne did envy his valour being displeased at Waymers being made Generall That he did not joyne Forces with him because he could not obey him that hee intended by the taking of Lunshut to inhaunce his owne glory and by the losse of Ratisbon to obscure his Duke Waymer and Count Cratz who being fled some moneths before from Iugulstat was made master of the Field in the Swedish Army as hath been said that they might divert the Imperialists from Ratisbon set downe before Fortheime where having spent some time to little purpose and yet desirous to succour Ratisbon by diversion Waymer left the aforesaid Cratz with 5000 fighting men before Fortheime and returned himselfe to his first station that he might joyne with Horne and joyntly raise the Imperialists Harnem having received a recruit of 5 Regiments which were sent him into Slesia from Bannier passed with his Army towards Olaw the Governour whereof finding himselfe not able to resist the Enemy wanting sufficient Garrison to maintaine rampired Wals set fire on the City and betooke himselfe to the Castle wherein being besieged and not receiving any succour after 20 dayes suffering he submitted to the discretion of the besiegers The Siege of Ratisbon continued against the which the Imperialists thundred Cannon-shot hailed Musket-bullets and used Granadoes and other artificiall fires to effect their desires wherein though they found much more of difficulty then they at first imagined yet did not they quite lay aside their hopes but this being the first enterprise undertaken by an Army commanded by a King in person who was come into the field with so great Forces wherein if he should not prevaile all his credit would be lost and the Enemy inheartned they imployed all their might to overcome whatsoever difficulties The Swedes and Inhabitants were no lesse vigilant in defending themselves with equall valour molesting the Imperialists with continuall Sallies and hindering their approaches by great and small shot wherewithall many were slaine for the besieged not having their wals rampired whereby to resist the Enemies briske Assaults it behoved them by their frequent shooting to keep them aloofe off the which was done with much diligence as that through the smoake and fire of Cannon shot the Towne seemed to be all on fire when Aldringer by order from the King went with 15 Regiments to succour Lanshut which was streightly beset by Horne and as he thought to enter in by one Gate the Swedes being let in by the other whilst he was upon the Bridge ready to enter the Towne he was slaine with a Musket-bullet not without suspition that this had happened unto him from his owne side in revenge of some injuries done unto them for such was his severity as hee was rather feared then beloved by the Souldier Amongst other Sallies the Swedes made one gallant one on the Eleventh of Iune wherein withstood by the Imperialists who were led on by their chiefe Commanders though they were faine to give backe yet did they much indammage the Caesarians and slew some Gentlemen of good estimation amongst which Colonell Prainer whose losse was very considerable for hee was a Dutch Gentleman for his worth very much beloved both by the Emperour and King and for his valour in Military affaires well esteemed of by the Souldiers Aldringer being slaine at whose death not onely the Emperour but the Duke of Bavaria and all the Commanders of the Aâ—my were very much grieved Colonell Iohn Wert was chosen to succeed in his place a Souldier of knowne valour and great experience this man was sent with some Regiments towards Rain to recruit those Troopes which were gone with Aldringer to succour Lanshut and meeting with some Swedish Companies which scoured those neighbouring parts he fought with them and brought away many prisoners some Cornets of Horse and defeated above 500 of Horse Souldiers by which good successe hee did not onely purchase the good will of the King of Hungary but of the Duke of Bavaria and every other Commander and soone opened the way to have a greater valuation put upon him But for that to proceed further on and to bury Aldringers conditions in silence would not onely be an injury to his desert but offend the curiositie of him that reads I will make the memory of his fame survive his life He was a native of Lucemberg of meane birth having past his child-hood moved thereunto by his naturall genius and sprightly desire he put himselfe in service with some Noblemen who travelled into France to study whereunto he likewise applyed himselfe and became the Master of many Languages and intelligent in many affaires from thence passing into Italy he was entertained for Auditor by Count Madrucci from thence he went to Trent and by his Pen wrought himselfe into the Prince his Auditory where having studied a while at last were it either his fortune or by reason of the malignitie of the times he was envyed by many and being much scandalized with the actions of some of his Colleagues he resolved to be gonne and not certaine what course to take he went towards Inspruch resolving to follow the occupation that he should
very loath to lose this place it being a seat of great consequence as well for the interest of the Crowne of Swethland as for the reputation of their Forces for if this place should be lost whilst they and their Armies stood looking on to boot with the feare which would be thereby caused in other Townes recommended to his charge they should much lessen the valuation which was yet put upon them and their Armes and it being naturall to all men to love their owne actions best and which have their originall from them as fathers doe their children Waymer who had had the chiefe hand in taking this Towne and who desired the preservation thereof as the issue of his valour not dreaming of any other object but how to relieve it thought all the reasons alledged by Horne and such Captaines as adhered unto him invallid And rather blinded by affection of desire then illuminated by military reason he was resolute in his opinion that they were to imploy all their skill and industry to make the King of Hungary faile in his first enterprise for the Swedes together with their friends and confidents being hereby incouraged it would be a cooling carde to the Imperialists in their subsequent proceedings And if this place should be by the Swedes preserved to boot with the good successe that they might build hereupon it might be added that the Austrians would grow so to distrust the Spaniards being those who perswaded to the taking of a Towne weakely walled and in the heart of their own dominions and not succeeding therin as they would have but small hopes to take places better fortified by which all those bad effects would be produced as usually are occasioned by a conceit taken by the common people and Souldiers He therefore resolved by all meanes to relieve it Horne who maturely fore-saw the event which might ensue and who was one that desired rather to governe his actions with advisednesse then rash violence opposed Waymers opinion againe who thought it better to hazard a danger wherein was hope then to injoy advantage wherein was feare From hence not onely disagreement in Councells began to arise betweene these two Generalls but particular emulation and distastes whence proceeded those subsequent sinister events which the Austrians patiently and wisely suffering to grow ripe gathered thence such fruits as is the usuall product of such disparitie Alcha being surrendred Horne came to Dunawert and that he might not more exasperate Waymer who being Generall Horne was very much troubled he could not joyne with him in opinion he joyned with him who was already come thither with his Forces that he might adhere to Hornes counsell if he could not bring Horne to agree with him in the relieving of Ratisbon They held divers Councells of Warre at Dunawert wherein the present emergencies being wisely weighed the major part were of opinion that to undertake the reliefe would be a hazardous and rash action so much the rather for that the Swedish Army was much inferiour to the Imperialists being in all hardly 16000 fighting men for Cratz as hath been said stayd before Fortheim and the Ringrave who had received orders to come from Alsatia and bring his men which were about 6000 to strengthen the Swedish Army delay'd his going for he did not greatly desire to joyne with Waymer under whose command he pretended not to be It was notwithstanding resolved that they should molest the Imperialists as much as they were able by hindring them in foraging by cutting off their Victualls and keeping them from advancing to other enterprises till such time as being hindred by continuall molestations they might light upon some advantagious time to try the fortune of a battell and likewise expect the Saxons fortunate proceedings who being gotten almost to Prague if they should take that Citie it would infuse much terrour into the people of that Kingdome and peradventure would make the Imperialists remove from before Ratisbon and bring them to looke unto the safetie of Bohemia the preservation whereof they ought with all diligence to be carefull of as well for their owne interests as for the honour of their Armes The Austrians considering how the Saxons proceeded in Slesia and the advancements they had made in Bohemia some Regiments were sent by the King of Hungary to defend Prague and to recruit Colloredo whose Army by reason of continuall action was much diminished And because Peace with that Elector was stil much desired by the Austrians knowing it would be a hard matter to proceed against the Swedes who were very strong of themselves fomented by that union of the Protestants other Princes if Saxony should be still their Enemy to wait upon whose Army half the Imperialists Forces were necessitated to be imployed Count Tantmiscorfe the Emperours chiefe Counsellour was againe sent to Luitmeritz with new pretences But the Elector persisting still in his high demands no good came of it so as this treatie breaking off and Harnem joyning with some Swedish Regiments they together with Luitmeritz tooke Fridland and Falchenberg places notwithstanding of no great moment so as Colonell Pech had order to depart from the Caesarian Camp that hee might joyne with Colloredo who was encamped about Colts that so they might both of them jointly oppose the Enemies designes against Bohemia The Imperialists this meane while did their utmost to put an end to the taking of Ratisbon and though the besieged defended themselves with unexpressible valour and of unheard of opposition insomuch as many of the Romanists were afraid they should never compasse their desired end yet glory being that which sweetens all difficulties the Imperialists egg'd on by the presence of the King himselfe who in his own person amidst the haile of Musket-shot incouraged them did with so much violence and obstinate valour set upon Off a Borough without the City on the other side the River at the head of the Bridge as that though the walls thereof were with equall emulation defended by Cannon Musket Mines and artificiall fires at last the Imperialists made themselves masters thereof by a generall Assault wherein such was the slaughter as the very wals in some places guttered downe bloud and readily turning the Cannon upon the Towne they began to play upon the wals thereof on that side likewise from whence the besieged being desirous to reply as it behoved them to doe that they might keep them off with their Cannon and frequent Musket-shot they began to finde that their store of Powder was mightily shrunk without the which not being able to defend themselves and finding no hopes of succour they thought of surrendring whereby they might receive more advantagious tearmes then in like cases are usually had from the Victor Therefore the Governour having acquainted all his Officers in what condition the Town was that the want of Ammunition was great there not being Powder enough to maintaine three dayes shot and that without great store thereof that frequent
at their pleasure and the Caesarians being at liberty to over-run the state of Wirtenberg and the Territories of Vlm they would not onely have thence all things requisite for their Army but they would necessitate them to forgoe that place for feare of being beaten thence and consequently the City not receiving necessary succour would surrender it self in sight of their Army Others advised that they should withdraw their Army for their better security sake a little further from the Caesarians till the arrivall of their expected succour but neither was this thought fitting for their retreat would have invited the Enemy to follow them and to plunder the state of Wirtenberg and the recruits expected from Franconia could not without great difficulty and evident danger come to the Swedish Army So at last their joint opinions was to succour Nordlinghen but in such sort as the Army should not want victuals from the Dukedome of Wirtenberg nor that that state should be left to the discretion of the Imperialists and though this resolution was likewise upon well-grounded reasons withstood by Cratz who was then newly come as one who was better acquainted with the Country and the Enemies Forces amongst whom he had long commanded publickly protesting that so rash an attempt ought not to be made against a fresh victorious Army and so recruited without a further addition of Forces which was to be expected by the Ringraves arrivall who was by this time nigh at hand and by some other Troopes likewise not farre off and Horne was likewise of this opinion adding that an Army consisting of great numbers and those new Souldiers ought rather to be fought withall by keeping them busied and molested then by the Sword for not being able to keep themselves long in an impoverished Country they must of necessity either perish or begone just as befell the Duke of Feria the yeare before yet for that both Cratz and Horne were willing to please Waymer and Offcherchen who as none of the wisest would in jeasting manner say that these their Counsells and Advises partooke of feare they were so much incenst at these speeches which reflected so much upon them as they concluded to put in execution and to be themselves the first that should prosecute this resolution They therefore raised their Camp the first day of September which consisted of 12000 Foot and 8000 Horse and 28 piece of Cannon There was a Hill neer the City called Arensperg upon the which if they should have incamped themselves the besieged would have thereby beene much comforted and the Caesarians so much incommodated as they would for certaine have beene inforced in a short time to raise their Siege The Swedes therefore marched towards that Hill to effect what they had agreed upon the Imperialists heard of this their motion but not being able to imagine what their designe might be not dreaming that ever they would make so hard an attempt they moved not from their quarters till they saw them neer their Corps de guarde which they had re-inforced with some Regiments of Horse finding afterwards some bands of Swedish Muskettiers belonging to Waymer which were the Vanguard and drew after them some pieces of Cannon made towards them not willing to contest the Field with them they gave them way and retired themselves to the aforesaid Hill Arensperg the place which the Swedes had designed to incamp themselves in Duke Waymer with a great Body of Horse set upon the said Corps de guarde and though they were with equall valour withstood by them and Sadlers and Cratz his Regiments beaten backe at last being overborne by the Swedish Horse which furiously and in a joynt body Charged them they and such other Troopes as were sent in to their succour were inforced to give backe with the losse of many of the Austrians and in particular Prior Aldobrandini perish't there a valiant Gentleman and deservedly beloved of all The like befell another passage guarded by 400 Spaniards which was by force of Armes taken by Colonell Vistem after a stout defence made by the Enemy and for that that station was of so great moment onely for as long as the wood continued neer unto which it was and the end whereof extended to where the Imperialists were incamped in Battaile-array they were so farre advanced and their Muskettiers so ingaged as that they were necessitated to indeavour likewise the gaining of the plaine But Waymer being confronted by a gallant Body of Caesarians and he not having men enough to set upon them Horne who though he still were of the same minde which was to keep upon Arensperg and make himsele master thereof on that side which extends it selfe to the left hand that he might there expect the Ringrave who was within two little dayes march and had with him about 8000 of the bravest and best experienced Souldiers of all the Army since he saw that to proceed like a wiseman was esteemed a token of Cowardise by those who by reason of their former good successes despised the Enemy and would come to a Battaile to shew that he likewise wanted not courage and that hee knew not what feare meant hee furiously fell upon those trenches which were made by the Spaniards and giving upon two Battaglions of Foot though they had much adoe to get unto a halfe moone which stood upon the very beginning of the height yet Charging them through after a bloody fight wherin the Count de Solmes and Colonell Verms were slaine who had the charge to defend it with their Regiments they entred thereinto where instead of haulting and making good the station as Horne commanded them they advanced to set upon the Squadrons of the Spanish Army which was placed in Battaile-array where being Charged by the Austrian Horse and the rest of the Swedes not being able to succour them for that the Trenches were not to be pasâ— by horse and much pester'd with smoake occasioned through the firing of the Imperialists Ammunition they fled away in great confusion so as the Spaniards might easily advance and regaine that important station which proved afterwards the ruine of the Swedes This rout given to the Protestants would not have proved so prejudiciall if the Horse which was appointed to backe them had advanced in due time opened the fences as Horne had commanded them They say this omission was occasioned by the incumbrance of some Carriages over-turned in the Woods which contrary to the orders they had received advancing before the said Horse was a cause of detaining them for a while and this was the reason why that advantage was lost which afterwards 't was impossible to recover for whilst the Swedish Foot advanced forwards into the Trenches not being backt by their Horse the greatest part of them were cut in pieces by the Austrian Horse The fight was valiantly performed for some while not onely here but likewise on the left wing with the Caesarian Horse whose Charges the Swedes valiantly
from holding any prejudiciall correspondency with the French as likewise to procure from them some succour if not of men nor money yet of minds well disposed towards his affaires he gave the charge hereof to Crast one of his Court-Counsellours who parting from Vienna and comming to Venice after having with all tearmes of courtesie and appearing confidence but as was repâ—rted without obtaining one penny of money dispatcht his Embassy with that Republique pursued his journey to the other Princes from whom receiving likewise all such satisfaction as is usually given by excuses and faire words the negotiation proved of little or no effect For the Italian Princes resenting their expences occasioned by the ambition of the Austrian Agents and their numbers being much diminished by the contagion brought into their States by the Imperialists could neither have any appetite to disgest such dangers nor reason sufficient to perswade them to soment a greatnesse which in due time would be exercised against the benefactors thereof But the Spaniards who were now become strong and numerous in the State of Milan for to boot with the Horse and Foot sent to them from the Kingdome of Naples there were likewise arrived 8 of Gileda's his Companies 6 Companies of Foot belonging to Colonell Lunardi 10 of Horse to the Count De Slich and other 10 of Dragoones to Colonell Girone thinking it now time to move some whither resolved to doe somewhat in recompence of the Hostilitie used in the Countrey of Regio against the Duke of Modena by the Savoyards and those of Parma They therefore entred upon the Piacenzan Territories set upon and tooke S. Iohns Castle which suddenly yeelded by reason of the flow advance of succour which came not time enough though it were sent by Marquis Villa Wherefore those of Parma the Towne being lost retreated which they could not so suddenly doe but that being followed by those of Modena they suffered some losse in the skirmish which certainly would have beene greater had not the Spaniards thought this their retreat a stratagem to draw them into an ambush so as they ceased from further pursuing them and retreated to S. Iohns Castle where leaving a Garrison of 700 Dutch Foot Gambaccorta the Governour of the Horse had order to over-run the Piacenzan Territories the which hee did burning some Barkes upon the Poe and bringing good store of Cattell into Cremona Which hostile acts being understood by the French Crequi that he might seem not to neglect the State of Parma thought to make the Spaniards quit the Pâ—acenzan Territories by diversion he therefore sent out some Companies of Horse and Foot who pillaged some Townes and Villages on this side the Poe sackt Palestro Confienza and Robio but got not much thereby for all the best things had been wisely conveyed away from thence before into places of greater strength Wherefore the Governour sent speedily a good Body of men to the Confines of Novara and hee himselfe went in person to Briagras to looke to the preservation of the State and to oppose the Enemies designes who notwithstanding continuing their inrodes did likewise sack Vespola Bannier being inheartned by the Saxons retreat advanced with his Army from Magdeburg towards Henneberg a place neer Sala where meeting with 7 Imperiall Regiments hee fought with them and put them to flight inforcing them to retreat with some losse from thence he came before Leipsick set upon it and would have taken it had not the Elector who was much concerned in the losse thereof in respect of his owne interest and for the reputation of his Forces speedily joyned himselfe with Colonell Maracini who commanded a Body of Caesarians to the number of about 7000 and was advanced thitherward the which when Bannier understood after having gotten some contribution from the neighbouring Townes he retired towards Hall upon the Sala not to hazard the fortune of a Battaile wherein he feared hee should receive some great prejudice being weake in men and the Saxons having about 28000 fighting men the Caesarians being cast into the number The Pope and great Duke of Tuscany who were not a little grieved at the troubles of Italy and in particular at the falling out betweene Modena and Parma from which they saw much of incommodity might in time ensue to their States for this was a businesse wherein they were likely to be interessed both the one for the one the other for the other party resolved to indeavour an agreement between them before businesses should be growne to a greater hight They therefore begun to negotiat to purpose with their Highnesses insomuch as by their interpositions the Forces of Modena retreated from the Territories of Parma and shortly after their differences were quieted through the good indeavours of Monsignior Mellino Bishop of Imola sent to this purpose from the Pope to Modena and Parma On the other side the Spaniards perceived there was no better way to bring the Duke of Parma to their devotion then to reduce him to a necessity of being succoured by the French upon the confidence whereof he had declared himselfe For when he should see that their words and their deeds did not correspond as they were confident they would not he would have just cause to provide for his own safety And they likewise knew that to succour Piacenza and to withstand the Spanish Forces which were about Montferrat it would be requisite for them to have a very great Army of which there was but little likelihood for the French came unwillingly into Italy and the few that were there every day ran away and their Commanders minded more their owne preservation and their making good cheer in Montferrat and Piemont then the winning of another Country which conteined in it so many and so great incommodities difficulties They therefore resolved to appeare more ready to offend him and on the fifth of March made some of their men advance and tooke the Town and Castle of Colorno a place between the Poe and the River Parma which upon the sight of Cannon Articled and yielded as likewise did Merano a place belonging to the jurisdiction of Parma upon the side of Poe towards Casall the greater Advancing further they lodged in the Townes of Count Saint Secundo giving out that they did it to remit the heirs of that Count into their Territories their father having lost his life in the businesse of the Valteline in the King of Spaines service In all which they prospered and met with no lets there being no Souldiers to oppose them for little lesse then their whole Militia was in Parma and Piacenza and retreated into their strong places to keep themselves safe till the arrivall of the promised succour from France And Villa who kept still about Piacenza durst not come forth of his quarters with those few men he had as not able to oppose the Spaniards Crequi hearing of these invasions indeavoured to do somewhat in the State of Milan so to divert the
which so much conceirned his Prince He therefore marched towards Burgondy to joyne with some of the Duke of Loreynes troopes that yet remained in that Province and then joyntly with the remainder of the Caesarian Army to indeavour the recovery of that reputation which if it were not altogether lost was little better But whilest he indeavoured to execute his intention with 1000. horse and 1500 foote Monseiur de Ficchiers being advertised thereof who with part of the French army kept upon the Frontiers of Loreyne which lay towards Germany that he might be ready to march wheither occasion should require went forthwith to encounter Savell as fortune doth not so easily turne to favour those whom shee hath once turned her back upon when they were come to Blowes the Imperialists being on all sides invironed by the French who were many more in number then they Savell with much adoe saved him selfe and his horse leaving the Foote to the discretion of the Enemy who tooke many of them prisoners and got about 80. Carriages of Victualls and Baggadge which when Reynock who was Governour of Brisack understood knowing that his last hopes were vanisht away in smoake and seeing it was decreed by the Fates that that place should be lost which was brought to its last gaspe and there being neither force nor industy that can fight against hunger he condiscended to yeild the Towne up to Weymar and to receive those honourable conditions that were offered him he therefore on the eighteenth of December marched out with Banners flying with Armes and baggadg and other such accustomed ceremonyes Thus were the Austerians deprived of this so important a place to the great displeasure of the Caesarian Court and very great resentment of the Duke of Bavaria who having long before foreseene the businesse and the ruine that was likely to ensue had given exact information thereof to the Emperour and his Ministers of state and thought the Emperours officers had failed much in their duty in taking no greater care for the preservation of a place which was the very soule of all those Provinces for they might easily have victualled and munitioned it for a longer time And the Spaniards leaving sufficient forces for their Warre in Itally and Flanders might easily have succord it and have kept afflicted Germany from those new wounds which that they might heale their owne they suffered her without compassion to receive Bavaria was moreover greived at this losse because it being the key of Alsatia a Province which serves for an out Bull-worke to his states more perticularly to the Palatinat his Enemies being got in thither would keep his dominions in perpetuall feare and agitation And though some saw that this place being to remaine free in Weymars possession it might easily hereafter be either made to have no dependency upon France or else returne againe into the Austreans hands either by composition or stratagem yet the feare least before this should happen the French might get footing there which when they should have done they would not so easily be driven out was a thing infinitly considerable in reason of State By how much therefore the Imperialists were hereat afflicted the French were as much pleased and Weymar who blowne up with glory in having wonne a place of such importance before the face of so many forces conspired against him 't was feared he might inlarge his thoughts and afflict the remainder of those states noe lesse then the King of Sweden had done whereof he was debar'd by his suddaine death as in its proper place shall be said Weymar having placed a Guarrison in this Towne and all things necessary or requisite for the defence thereof he left Collonell Erlack for the Governour thereof a Swise by nation and marched with his Army into Burgondy that he might winter there and be at the King of France his disposall whereat his first entrance he tooke many places amongst the rest the Castle of Ioux and Collonell Rosa staied to take in Tan that he might deprive the Enemy of that place of retreate and the better secure the passage from Burgondy into Flanders Passing forwards from Ioux Weymar made himselfe Master of Ponterlin which was no strong place of Nosaret another weake place towards the River Daime and being tould that some of the Enemyes troopes were quartered about Ornans a Towne upon the River Lonne he over run all those neighbouring Townes but to little purpose for upon the newes of his coming the Burgonians had forsaken them and were got into Bisansonne Banniers forces being now increased by the accesse of the people which the Swedish Ministers of State sent him in from all sides and Gallasse on the contray being inforced to retreate through the want of victualls and of money and by reason of his Armies being much diminished by sufferings and by the plague did without any manner of feare keep the feilds in those parts where finding he was dreaded and knowing the power of daring when the adversary gives back he advanced to make further acheevements and continued firme in his opinion of bringing all the Warre upon the Enemyes Country and of easing those Provinces which being quartered upon now by the one now by the other side the people which yet remained therein were brought into great want He therefore rose from his winter quarters in the one and the other Marca and in Brunswick and having mustered his Army which he found to be about 26000. fightingmen he in good order marched towards Turingia a bould undertaking but rendred feasible by reason of the confusion and paucety of the Imperiall forces in those parts The newes whereof coming to Dresden and to Prage and this neighbour-hood being very prejudiciall to that Duke and to the Bohemians convenient provisions were earnestly demanded of the Emperour who no lesse fearing these proceedings held daily Councels touching the present Emergencies Orders were sent to Azfelt who was yet about Westfalia having an eye to the proceedings of King and the Prince Elector who endeavoured all they might to rally their Forces to march with part of his souldiers towards Fulda and to discover what the Sweeds intentions were The people who were quartered in the Bishopprick of Munster and others in those Provinces were sent towards the Wesser that they might come to Gallasse in Bohemia who being indisposed in body but much more in minde by reason of Azfelts prosperous fortune who began publiquely to say hee would no longer be subordinate or subservient to him desired to withdraw himselfe to a private life At which the Caesarian Councell being not a little troubled he was comforted with good words and had leave given him to tend the recovery of his health but not to quit his charge obliging him as soone as hee should be recovered to reassume the employment which in his absence was committed to Colonell Slich But Gallasse thinking that these appearances proceeded not from the heart because he saw that together
with the change of Officers the estimation was also changed which was formerly put upon his merit and quality but that it did proceed from simulation where-withall the spots of the mind are covered and that Azfelt was desirous to enter into his place and thereunto perswaded by the backing of such as favoured him he continued his former desires and obtained leave to stay in Bohemia til he should have perfectly recovered his health in which interim time might peradventure teach him to thinke upon some other course Marcini was likewise commanded to joyn with the Duke of Saxons men and that afterwards joyning with Salis the Generall of the Artillery who was about Sala with some 6000. souldiers they should unanimously oppose the enemies proceedings on this side whilst Azfelt molested them on the other side And the Emperour that he might be neerer them to give them fitting orders resolved to remove his Court to Prague The Regiments of Colonell Cheinitz and Colonell Posen both of them the Duke of Saxons subjects were brought into Lypsia and for what remained nothing was left undone which was thought convenient to the wisedome of Councells some moneyes were sent to Slich who was already come into Bohemia wherewithall to satisfie the souldiers and appease the tumults which were made for want of pay and the usuall contribution of the countrey which was already wholly desolated But as provisions which are made in hast and in sight of the enemie use to be but of little availement for the feare they have of no good successe and the confusion occasioned by hast doth exceedingly impede that assurance which otherwise is had when men are in a readinesse to defend themselves with sufficient strength so these hasty prepatations serving but to imbase mens minds make the souldier fearfull did little good For Bannier whilst these spent their time in advising losing no time tooke Torgaw Newenburg upon the Sala and other places belonging to the Elector of Saxony and without any opposition was already Master of the field keeping about Lipsicke and the Frontiers of Bohemia to the great astonishment of those people many whereof not thinking themselves safe in Prague it selfe fled with the best of their moveables into Townes towards the Danube And their apprehensions were so much the greater in that Salis the Austrians Serjeant-Major Generall pretending to beate backe Bannier and hinder him from advancing further went to the parts about Elchenitz to relieve Zucka which was besieged by the enemie where he met with some Sweeds who scoured those countreyes and who charged him so eagerly as that his fore-runners turning backe at the very first and the rest apprehending feare by their flight Salis had much adoe to save himselfe and some few of his horse by getting into Egra having lost about 500. of his men 10. Standards 14. Ensignes the newes whereof comming to Zucka they immediately surrendred the Towne on the 7th of March as likewise did Chimenits which was besieged the same time Whilst the Sweeds prospered daily more and more in Germany against the Saxons whilst Weymar tooke in such places in Burgondy as being weakly scituated and walled could not withstand his fierce assaults and whilst preparations for War were daily made upon the Frontiers of Picardy Prince Thomas went post from Flanders and came to Trent from whence sending speedy advertisement to Milan and to his Brother the Cardinall Don Iohn d'Artagia Captaine of the Guard was forth-with sent by Leganes to meete him upon the Confines The Cardinall came to Lodi and sent the Counts of Mossano and Masserati to welcome him when he came on the tenth of March to Vaniero Leganes Don Martin d'Aragona Don Antonio di Sermiento the Lord Chancellour and an infinite number of Cavalliers and Tituladoes came to meete him Where having stayed some sixe hours and agreed upon the way how he might enter into Piemont they returned the same night to Meltsi a place belonging to Cardinall Triuulsio and the next morning to Millan strict orders being afterwards given to the Governour of Alessandria and to those of Brem and Vercelles that they might make greater provision of Hay and corne for horses in those parts Don Martin d' Aragona was sent towards Alessandria with orders to assemble together all the souldiery and to be ready to put in effect such resolutions as should be agreed upon And because Princes never use to let slip any negotiation when the keeping of them on foote is not prejudiciall to them Prince Thomas sent the Baron Palavesine and the Count de Saravelle to his Sister in Law the Dutchesse Dowager to acquaint her with his pretences who returning from their fruitlesse journey informed his Highnesse how that great were the cummotions in Turin and throughout all Piemont occasioned by his comming and by his pretences whereupon he tooke better heart and the Spaniards hoped more in their designes For the Inhabitants of Piemont who pretended that all their misfortunes arose from the French and who would be better pleased with the government of their owne naturall Princes then in making tryall of the interest they had of the French or of the Spaniards hostility greatly desired though to their own losse to be quit of that feare which was insupportable to them Therefore after many consultations they put on such resolutions as were thought convenient to effect their designes and Commission was sent to Aragon who had already gathered together about 7000. Foot and 1500. horse in the parts of Alessandria that he should goe to the Lange to take in Cingio a place not contemptible and wherein was a French Garrison And it was ordered that Prince Thomas should goe to Novar and from thence to Vercelles And that the Cardinall should goe towards Astigiano with some other Forces to see whether he could get into that Citie or no for the French-men going into the Lange to attend upon the proceedings of Don Martin Prince Thomas might easily effect what was agreed upon amongst them And therefore after Leganes was come on the 17th of March to Margiano where both the Princes of Savoy were expecting the Spaniards resolution to their desires which were that they might enter Piemont by reason of the Spanish Forces but as in their owne right and here againe consultations being had of what course was best to be taken the Princes againe demanded that they might be permitted to enter Piemont with the Spanish forces as lent unto them by the King of Spaine and not otherwise for that the Subjects being hereby encouraged would be the more willingly brought to agree with them when they should see their Princes enter in their owne names and the Nobility would have better grounded pretences to side with them since their reason for so doing would appeare legitimate it being to keepe that State from falling into the hands of strangers They further shewed that to have the Spaniards enter into lieu of the French was not the right way to win