THE HISTORY OF FRANCE Written in ITALIAN BY The Count GVALDO PRIORATO Containing all the Memorable Actions IN FRANCE AND Other Neighbouring KINGDOMS The Translation whereof being begun by The Right Honourable HENRY late Earl of Monmouth Was finished by WILLIAM BRENT s LONDON Printed for William Place at Grays-Inne-Gate Thomas Basset Thomas Dring and Iohn Leigh in Fleetstreet MDCLXXVI To the Right Honourable and Truly Noble LADY MARTHA COUNTESS of MONMOVTH MADAM I Have in obedience to your Ladyships Commands turned into English so much of the Count Gualdo his Book as your Noble and Worthy Lord and Husband being prevented by Death left untranslated I am not ignorant how great a rashness and presumption it was heretofore accounted for an unskilful Workman to attempt the finishing of Apelles Table but I shall hope the meanness of my Stile will give your Ladyship no cause of offence when you consider that the defects thereof are so far from prejudicing your Lord's Work that like a Foil they may serve to adde something unto the Lustre of it And I am confident I shall deserve from the Reader his Thanks as well as Pardon for blundering at the remainder of the Book since 't is the cause of publishing the rest whereby our Nation may have the benefit of being acquainted with all Designes Intrigues and Affairs of State transacted in those years whereof it treats delivered to them by the choice Pens of two persons so accomplished as were the Author and his Lordship And howsoever I have resolved rather to expose my self unto the danger of any Censure whatsoever than be wanting to the profession I have made of being MADAM Your Ladyship 's most obedient Servant William Brent THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO THE READER AMongst those changes which the vicissitude of Worldly things hath in this our Age produced I believe there are none either more worthy to be remembered or that can better satisfie our Curiosities than a clear knowledge of the late Revolutions in France and the War between the Crowns of France and Spain which still continues for whether we consider the Slights and Policies used by the different Factions to advance their several Parties or the multiplicity of Intrigues occasioned by those Contests or the great Waste and Spoils committed by the Armies in their Marches of which the bloody marks do yet remain in several Provinces or the sad Consequences of that Craft Envy and Emulation wherewith all Treaties have been managed or lastly the deep Prudence Care and Foresight whereby the mischiefs thereby designed have been avoided I may with confidence affirm no time or place can furnish us with better instances touching all those matters than the Transactions in those Civil Wars I therefore who from my first coming to look into the World have always thought no employment could be more Noble than that of setting down all memorable Actions of the present Age for the Instruction of that to come since History may well be termed the Nurse of all Illustrious Actions and the onely life of Fame and Memory have endeavoured to oblige Posterity by giving a sincere account of what hath passed that they may thereby be invited to imitate what is praise-worthy and avoid those things that deserve blame And since it concerns every man who makes Truth his object to use great diligence in the discovery of her because this beautious Lady seldom appears in publick places I resolved therefore to make a Voyage into France as I had done before to Germany Flanders England and other Countries where action was that I might being an Eye-witness be better able to give a true relation of all passages wherein I can hardly express the diligence and caution I have used not being satisfied with a superficial knowledge of things but endeavouring to penetrate into the true Motives Ends and Interests of those that acted As for the manner of my Writing it is the same that I have always used rude and unpolished suitable to the Profession of a Souldier wherein I have the honour to serve the famous Commonwealth of Venice as my Ancestors have done before me in the principal Employments under the command of that Republick This I assure the Reader that as these my Relations are not adorned with any Flourishes of Eloquence so he will finde them void of Passion or private Interest no party having ever gratified or disobliged me and the onely end I have in writing being to give a true account of what hath pass'd unto Posterity I make use of the same freedom in relation of all actions as well praise-worthy as blamable neither hath that been ever the least hindrance to me which hath deterred many viz. The publishing a History of persons whilst they live and therefore if there be any who thinks I am too sparing in his praises I desire he would impute it to my want of skill and would also consider that brave Exploits bring their own Triumphs along with them and Vertue is the best reward unto it self If any one be Censured or Reproached he must blame not the Copy but the Original since History performs the Office onely of a Glass and like an Eccho doth but redouble what hath formerly been spoken And if I have mistaken any thing in this Relation I shall be ready upon better information to rectifie it during his Life by acknowledging my errour in the reprinting of this History which is a Right can never be afforded unto any person after Death FAREWEL s THE HISTORY OF FRANCE The FIRST BOOK The CONTENTS The general state of France Its Alliances How the Parliament of Paris is composed The great Council The Chamber of Accounts The Court of Ayds The Paoletta Selling of Offices The rise of the Troubles The increase of Masters of Requests Monsieur Emery Means used to discredit the Cardinal Masters of Requests unite The Queen sends to reprove them The Parliament meets notwithstanding the Prohibition Deputies in the Chamber of St. Lewis Emery's Office taken from him The Parliament provoked to higher designes The Frondeurs or Slingers The Cardinal maintains the Kings Authority The Council lay aside complying Proposition to imprison some of the Parliament The Cardinal dissents Brousel arrested in his own house His words to his Children President Blanmenil arrested Charton escapes Commotions in Paris The Court prepare to maintain what they had done The great danger of the Chancellor The Parliament desert him Marshal de Milleraye relieves him The Chancellor's Coach assaulted He is graciously received by their Majesties His Saying The tumult increaseth The Chancellor's house plundered The Parliament desire freedom of Prisoners The first President 's Speech The Queen's Answer People furious First President couragious The Cardinals opinion He is incognito Parliament at Palais-Royal they resolve to continue The beginning of the War Chavigny imprisoned Di Gaulas banished President Nicola his Speech The Parliaments desire The Answer of the Prince and Queen Decree of the Council Deputies civilly received The
went to Haure de Grace with firm intention either to agree all things with the Princes or else to keep them still in Prison and here he was aware of the falsehood of many who appeared to be his friends and how he had done ill in not making their Majesties go from Paris before he went away When it was known for certain that he was gone many friends of his went after him causing a noise in the Streets which began in Madamoselles House whose Servants going out armed into the Streets stopt all passengers as well Gentlemen as others whom the common people carried before her and she making them be detained Prisoners gave order with a man-like readiness that all passages should be blockt up suspecting that the King and Queen would also be gone One of those that were stopt was Monsieur d' Estardes the Governour of Dunkirk a man of great loyalty towards the King who was soon released by the Duke of Orleans the noise of their Majesties departure still continuing they suddenly took up arms Beaufort Count Tavannes Monsieur di Chambois and a great many other Gentlemen got on Horse back and ran in hast about the Palace-Royal and the aim of some of the most seditious being to take the King from the Queen and carry him to Pallazzo della litta the City Town house They made it be given out that the Queen was about to go out of Paris and to carry the King along with her which made the people so jealous as being stark mad they armed all the ends of the Streets which led to the Palace-Royal making also some Baracadoes and this rumour being in a moment spred throughout all Paris the commotion was great and the Frondeurs manifested their hatred against the Cardinal with unheard of noise more than before The next morning every one being surprised with this the Cardinals so unexpected departure the Parliament met and ordered that humble thanks should be returned to the Queen and that she should be again desired to give order for the Princes liberty and hereunto they added a desire that she would make a Declaration whereby all Forrainers should for the future be excluded from the Kings Counsel and all those of the Nation who had taken any Oath to any other Prince than the King After Dinner the Queen sent the Guard de Seaux Marishal Villeroy and Secretary Tillier to intreat the Duke of Orleans to come to Council but he by the Coadjutor's Council refused to come saying he could not do it with safety till the Princes were at liberty the Queen did again under her own hand-writing desire him to come but he stood firm upon the negative replying that he would not come till according to his word the Princes were set at liberty and that there was no safety for him there till the Cardinal were gone further off nor could he be induced to please the Queen though those Lords offer'd themselves to remain Hostages if he doubted the safety of his person The Parliament Commissioners came to her Majesty to thank her for the Cardinals departure and to desire her that she would send away her Letters to Haure de Grace to which she answered that she was fully resolved to take all necessary order for the Princes freedom but that shemust first speak with the Duke of Orleans for there were some particulars concerning their imprisonment which were not to be communicated to all That she had offer'd to go to L' Hostelle d' Orleans or to any neutral place as to the Queen of England's Court if the Duke would speak with her touching this affair not thinking that he would refuse to come and take his place in Council after she had satisfied him in the Cardinals departure that if Orleans refused to communicate his opinion to her she should be obliged to call the great ones of the Kingdom together to advise with them of what was to be done and that she could say no more till she had assembled her Council The next day the Parliament met where the first President reported what the Queen had said whereupon Orleans said It was not at all necessary that he should go to the Court to speak his opinion for he would never say but what he had already often said and which he did now again affirm that he was ready to set his hand to the releasing of the Princes and to the sending of the Cardinal out of the Kingdom That the Queen jested when she said that she had sent him away for she had only made him change his habitation going from her Palace at Paris to that of St. Germans where he still plaid the part of chief Minister of State writ Letters gave Council and had ordered imployment as well since he was gone as he did before that when the Princes were imprisoned their Mothers Children Kindred Friends and all that depended on them were sent out of Paris But when the Cardinal was sent away with a report that he was not to return yet his Nephew Mancini and his Nieces staid still at Court and complained to the King of their Uncles departure whence it was easily to be perceived that the Queen had not suffered him to depart but that she intended he should return and that she dream't of nothing less than of the Princes liberty This being said the decree was almost resolved upon which was made the next day Several opinions being given many were for the issuing out of a Decree against the Cardinal his Fautorers and Adherents and against all those that were gone out with him But Orleans said there was no reason to punish his friends for accompanying him since they had therein behaved themselves honourably others moved to set a brand upon his house by declaring him a Perturber of the publick peace Monsieur Landes Payen said a man could not serve two Masters reflecting upon some of the Members who seemed to be for the Parliament and yet served the Court he added that all Cardinals should be forbidden all imployments in State-affairs as those who by their Dignities are sworn to serve the Pope and by being State-Ministers are sworn to serve the King that they could not serve the one without being false unto the other there were some who spoke against having any more Favorites in France to which the Duke of Orleans reply'd we are all of us the Kings Subjects and though I be in a very eminent degree yet I am one as all you are we must not give Laws to our Soveraigns nor force their inclinations by inhibiting them to love one Subject more than another it were I must confess said he to be desired that Kings would never have any Favorite but they are not to forbid it At last the Duke not thinking it sit to make such hast his opinion prevailed and it was decreed that their Majesties should be desired to give order for the disimprisonment of the Princes and that they should declare their intentions
Friends put forth a Declaration wherein the Prince promised to second the Duke of Orleans in making the Coadjutor Cardinal All these acts were by Croisy and Camertine intimate friends to the Coadjutor carried to the Duke of Orleans who underwrit two copies without reading them nor knew he what the contents were more than what the Coadjutor was pleased to acquaint him with Without whose suggestion doubtlesly Orleans intended no ill to the Cardinal nor would the Princes friends have demanded more than the Prince his liberty which when it should have been had the Parliament would not have prest for keeping the Cardinal from Court These writings being afterwards carried to the Princess Palatine and to the Duke of Nemeurs to be subscribed by them they agreed that they should remain with Croisy who was to deliver them to the Duke of Orleans or to Conde when he should be at liberty Incouraged by these Treaties the Frondeurs began to solicit the Princes liberties which made the Cardinal aware ere long of Orleans his alienation from him not so much out of any coolness that he found in him as for the bad speeches which many of his Court used concerning him but he was not yet fully inform'd of the secret plots that were a weaving against him and it was strange that so many days being spent in these Treaties he got no perfect notice of them they were too far advanc't before he perceived them so as after having imploi'd many persons in Messages and Proposals he at last offer'd in the presence of both King and Queen to be reconciled but this was rather in appearance than real but though Orleans forbore not the Cardinals Conversation and Dined sometimes with him yet after he had underwritten the aforesaid Treaties he could not so well dissemble as not to discover his inward mind The Cardinal who was not to be parallel'd for wariness finding this and knowing that there could be nothing but the ill impressions suggested by the Frondeurs and of his other Enemies speaking thereof with the Queen in her Chamber on the Twenty sixth of Ianuary at night told her that her Majesty must warily observe the proceedings of Parliament where it might be there were Fairfaxes and Cromwells The Duke who minded nothing but how to execute the Coadjutors suggestions thought the pretence fit to give fire to the Mine so as the Parliament being met on the first of February to think of the fittest means how to get the Princes out of Prison being perswaded that the Court did not desire it and that the Kings promise was only to gain time the Coadjutor being now sure to be assisted by Orleans unmasked himself and spoke more freely than before he shewed how necessary it was to get the Princes liberty as soon as might be and that he had order from the Duke to assure them that this was his opinion which he would imploy all his power to effect The Counsellors wonder'd much to hear this for believing hitherto that the Duke stood well with the Queen they could not discern whence this alteration should proceed Beaufort ratified what the Coadjutor had said and declared that he was of the same mind nothing was resolved upon that day for the Members being astonished at the novelty adjourn'd till the next day and the Coadjutor going to acquaint Orleans how well the Parliament was pleased with what he had told them in his name made him the more inamored with their applause and established him more firmly in the Resolution which he had taken Monsieur Tillier going at that instant to know from the Duke whether what the Coadjutor had said in Parliament was by his Highness permission or no or done barely by the Coadjutors self answered somewhat angrily that what the Coadjutor had said was done by his desire and that he should always approve of what he should say or do The whole Court was much surprised with this answer and made them resolve to send to Treat with the Princes touching their liberty The next day the Duke of Orleans moved thereunto by the Coadjutor sent for the Lord Keeper for Marishal Villeroy and for the Secretary of State Tillier and bad them tell the Queen in his name That he would never come to Court nor sit in Council as long as the Cardinal was there and said further to Villeroy That as Lieutenant General of the State he assigned over the keeping of the King's person unto him which his head should be answerable for On Friday the third of February having with yet greater energie by order from Orleans repeated his opinion touching the Princes liberty told the Assembly how the Cardinal had told the Queen in presence of the King that there were Fairfaxes and Cromwells in the Parliament that it was to be feared that their intentions were to suppress Regal Authority according to the example of England That the Duke not able to tolerate so great a Calumny had assured the King that it was altogether false and that there was none but faithful servants to his Majesty either in the Parliament or City whereof he would become surety both in general and in particular and that the Duke had told the Cardinals self that he was a wicked man and worthy to be reprehended for instilling such ill opinions into a young King against his affectionate Subjects by whom his Majesty was generally loved their hatred extending only to the Cardinal whom they knew to be the only cause of the Kingdoms ruine And that upon this the Duke had sent the day before for the aforesaid Lords and had wisht them to tell the Queen that he would come no more to Court whilst the Cardinal was there At the names of Cromwell and Fairfax they were all highly scandalized insomuch as three propositions were made against the Cardinal the first that he should be made Prisoner the second and this was made by President Viola who was more incens'd against him than all the rest that he should be sent for to the Parliament to give an account of his Administration and for the words which he had said to the dishonour of the French Nation Here the first President interrupted him saying he was too hasty and after some contest between him and Coulin who spoke impertinently against the Cardinal the third proposal was made which was humbly to desire the Queen that he might be sent from Court the meanwhile the Coadjutor's friends having divulged throughout the City the aforesaid words spoken by the Cardinal of Cromwell and Fairfax the male-contents resented it and said they were injured for the French do not only love but even idolatrize their King so as in a moment the whole City which was quiet before grew mutinous the people running up and down the Streets yea even in the Palace it self crying out Let the King live and let Mazarine dye The Queen sent the next day to the Duke of Orleans to know whether he would be content or no that
they obtained from him in these words We do consent and approve that the Nobility do Assemble to give in their grievances in writing so asthey put them into our hands and that they comprehend not any thing therein which is not conformable to the orders and decrees of the States General and that when they shall have received satisfaction in their grievances they dissolve when we shall bid them Vpon these conditions we promise them our protection This was written and subscribed on the second of February 1651. They then sent to the Prince of Conde and to the other Princes to congratulate their liberty and Marquess Lordis President of the Nobility made an Encomiastical Oration to the Prince the act of Union was subscribed on the 21 th of February as it had been drawn up seventeen days before by all the Nobility of the Assembly except the elder Marquess Vieville who was won over to the Court upon hope of being made superintendant of the Finances The Princes were well satisfied with the Assemblies complement they then dispatched away Letters through all the Provinces to exhort all other Gentlemen to enter into their Union and continued the Assembly that they might advance their designs Count Fiesco did very much labour the Convocation of the States General as the only means to come by the wisht for general peace strove to keep the Clergy firm to their first intentions and accordingly Archbishop Ambrune and Bishop Cominges spoke boldly for this Convocation using examples and places of Scripture to draw all men to the same opinion In this interim the Parliament which did not like the Convocation of the States General as well for fear left their Authority might thereby be moderated and that the Sale of places might peradventure be thereby suppressed and confer'd upon better deserving men as also out of the innate jealousie which is commonly found between Parliaments and States the latter pretending to be superior in Authority and the other did maintaining that States can resolve nothing unless it be by them verified notwithstanding met And here Monsieur de Coqueley brought a request presented by the Procurator General wherein he blamed the Assembly of the Nobility for being met without the King's Authority and insisted upon the inhibiting thereof but whilst they were deliberating hereupon and that the first President moved that the first Authors thereof should be punished reading the Letters sent by the Assembly to the several Provinces wherein the Duke of Orleans was concerned by whose permission the Assembly met that Duke and the Prince of Conde were intreated to come to the Parliament to deliberate upon this weighty affair for the Assembly began to be in great vogue in the Provinces and there was danger that by continuing the Assembly new disorders might arise This mean while the Queen by agreement with the Duke of Orleans and the Prince of Conde sent on the 16 th of March to the Marishal de L' Hospitalle to inform the aforesaid meeting that it should break up and that as for their desire of having the States General called they should have it granted to meet on the first of October next at Tours The same was confirmed by the Duke of Orleans and the Captain of his Guard past his word that what had been said by the Marishal de L' Hospitalle in the name of the King and Queen should be punctually perform'd The like did the Cavaliere de Vieville by order from the Princes of Conde and County none of which were pleased with the calling of the States General as things too prejudicial to Regal Authority and to themselves in particular and therefore they sought by such excuses and promises to carry things on to the end that all might afterwards dissolve into nothing The Duke of Orleans instigated by the Coadjutor who partook of all his secret Councils became Protector of the Assembly of the Nobility the major part whereof depended upon him as being his intimate friends And the Coadjutor being very much troubled that even French Cardinals were by Decree of Parliament debar'd being of the Privy Council whereby he was deprived of his hope of becoming the chief Minister of State and of being Cardinal made the Duke of Orleans incourage the Clergy to joyn with the Nobility and to complain onto the Queen of the unjust proceedings of Parliament whereat the Court was not at all displeased seeing her adversaries at variance within themselves This Assembly of the Nobility was introduced when the King's Authority began to totter by reason of the hatred conceived against the Cardinal and it was begun by certain Bishops who were discontented at the Court proceedings and by certain Nobles who were not therewith well pleased only to make a noise and to make themselves of some consideration at first these Assemblies were held but by a few and in private houses The chief Authors of those of the Clergy were the Archbishop of Sens Brother to Marquess Termer the Bishops of Orleans Haghen and the old Bishop of Albi who were all three of the house of Bene and come to France from Florence the Bishop of Cominges and others the Marquess of Lourdis and of Vieville the Counts of Betumirs Fiesco Montresore Vrse Fourilles Montignack and others who were all without any charge and but little considered at Court they took their pretence from some ill usage of the Nobility in the Country of Vexin by the King's Officers about a suit touching some counterbar'd Salt brought in by the Soldiers and hid amongst their baggage in the March which the Army made towards the Frontiers some of them came to Paris to complain thereof and finding men displeased at the imprisonment of the Princes and laying hold of that pretence that Mazarine had told the Queen in full Council that the Nobility of France hated the King and that the Parliament would do as that of England had done they bethought themselves of calling the Assemblies by the Assent and Authority of the Duke of Orleans who was not altogether content with the Court. So as nothing but novelty was sought after whereby to win credit and get some Office or place in the King's Council The same whereof being spread over the whole Kingdom so numerous was the concourse of Prelates and of Cavaliers as they became formidable not only to the Court and Parliament but even to the Princes who had first protected the Assembly for they thought that the States General would moderate their power by taking away their Governments and places and that peradventure they would take the boldness of England for when the third Estate should concur and the States General should be met the Arbitrement of affairs would almost depend upon these Afterwards private houses proving too little for these Assemblies they were adjourned to the Covent of St. Francis and St. Augustine where in the great Halls thereof affairs were disposed of in good order But this being done without the King's
Duke of Orleans Before the Seals were taken away upon fear that the Duke of Orleans might withdraw from Court and seduce Conde along with him the Queen being desirous to recompence the first President with as good a thing or better made many gracious offers to him as to make a fifth Secretary of State and give the place to his eldest Son or to buy a Presidents place in Parliament for him or to give him his own place after his life but he not being content with any of these she offered to make him Archbishop of Tolouse and indow him with 6000 pound sterling a year And it was further said that she offered to make him a Cardinal and his Son first President so as he would willingly resign the Seals all which he did scornfully refuse and contrary to the wishes of all his friends who told him that a Cardinal and a first President were never known in France to be of one and the same Family which made it be believed that either he thought very well of himself or that he feared to be deluded or that the place of Guard de Seaux was to be prefer'd before all these A treaty of peace with Spain was this mean while introduced by the Dutchess of Longueville's and Marishal Tâ—renne's return to Paris but Conde foreseeing that if this were effected he should be ruined he resolved to send Marquess Sillery about the end of April to Flanders under pretence of the same treaty of peace but in effect to negotiate his own concernments and to renew the treaty which was held at Steney with the Spaniards by Monsieur Croisy and this was the first correspondency which the Prince had with the Spaniards and which yet continues and was the cause why the Spanish Agents did not agree with France touching the general peace The Duke of Espernoun desired as much as the Court did that he might be permitted to quit the Government of Guien so to shuâ— the disorders which might insue by his remaining in a Province ill afâ—eâ—ted to his name the only difficulty lay in finding out another Government equivalent to that of Guienne It was reported that the Prince of Conde not being well pleased with those of Burgundy for not having appeared in hâ—s imprisonment cooled in the affection which he bore them before Espeâ—â—oun thought therefore that Conde would be easily perswaded to change Governments with him especially being much obliged to the 〈◊〉 for having made head against the King for his liberty wherefore the Duke of Candâ—lle sent Gourvill to propound this unto the Prince whom he found willing to accept thereof upon some conditions which were that he would have Guieâ—ne with all the Towns therein and that he should reserve unto himself in Burgundy the Castle of Dijeon and the Town of St. Iohn de Asne no mention was made of Belgard it being his own particular Patrimony for that Burgundy yielded five or six thousand pounds sterling more than Guienne but these things not being agreed upon the business broke off The Cardinal hearing of this negotiation wish'd the Queen not to permit this change for many reasons which shall be hereafter mentioned The Prince hearing this began to desire that which formerly he had not cared for saying that he would have that change with the aforesaid retentions and that if the Court were against it he would cause new troubles this business was often debated in the Privy Council pro contra Some said that Guienne was well â—cituated for receiving help from Spain and England in case of revolt That the Prince of Conde held intelligence with Spain already which was the only cause why he desired that Government that Guienne and Poictou joyn'd one upon another whereof the Duke of Rochefaucolt was then Governour who was Conde's great friend that the Duke of Rohan Chabot in Anjou was of the same party that Brovages both of them places of importance and the Islands of Olleron and Ree were in Count Ognon's hand who declared against the King that Normandy was under the Duke of Longueville Brother in law to Conde and that Britany was in the Government of Marishal Millerey who was about to ally himself to the said Prince by marrying his Son to Madamoselle de Tremaglia That by reason of so many Towns Provinces and friends back'd by the Spaniards and if need should be by the English France was exposed to apparent danger it was therefore concluded that this evident danger was not to be permitted in so many important Provinces the rather for that the Prince keeping Belgard St. Iohn de Asne and the Castle of Dijeon in his hands should be still as good as Master of Burgundy These reasons were of themselves sufficient not to permit that Province to the Prince of Conde had not Count Serviente one of long experience in Court affairs with strong reasons maintained the contrary he said that in great storms experienced Mariners stood not upon casting part of their loading over-board to save the rest that the King's Authority was in great danger that it was therefore needful not only to watch carefully but even to spend whole nights in thinking how to fence it if not in whole yet in part from the assaults of ambitious people that their Majesties were as Prisoners in their Palace whilst the Frondeurs pretended to take the Regency from the Queen and to take the Government of the whole Kingdom upon themselves That the Assemblies of the Clergy and of the Nobility prest the calling of the States General pretending to keep off the King's majority till he were Eighteen years old and in the mean time to chuse a Governour of the Kingdom That that strong-wound-up Rope composed of the several threads of many friends became strong and not to be broken that destruction was at hand unless this knot were untied by the yielding of one and abating of the other party that he was of their opinion who held that it was not good to grant Guienne to the Prince so to make him greater but that when he considered how great an acquisition it would be to take off a Prince of such esteem from the Frondeurs he was of another mind for that the true means to break the knot of the Enemy was to divide them the Male-contents being then only to be pacified when they see themselves abandoned by great ones that it was true that Guienne was of importance for scituation and for the peoples condition but that it was as true that it could not prove so prejudicial as was supposed That it was well known that the greatest part of the Gascons were of the Prince his opinion and that it was not to be doubted but that they would second his designs as well if he were far off as if he were their Governour so as by giving him that Government that was only given him which was already at his disposal and that by gaining Burgundy made him lose what he had That
also of the Messieurs della Forza except the Marquess who was in Normandy and intended to do as Bullion and Turenne should do he sent Gurville back to Paris the same night that together with Gaucourt who attended the Duke of Orleans on his behalf they might tell Orleans that he could not upon any terms accept of the conference desired in Richelieu For that having disbursed much money in raising men and being ready to declare this might suspend their resolution and make his Officers retard the levies which were already begun intending to make use of the monies which they had received in case of agreement moreover his conditions with the Spaniards would be broken and he should be much puzled not being able to rely upon the Dukes constancy who adhered to the Coadjutor his declared Enemy The Duke accepted of the Prince his justification and though he did effectually follow the Coadjutors advice yet he always declared for the Prince against all men except the King's person But Conde and those of his party finding that the Coadjutor did still cross him in all things and that he would ingage with the Court out of the hopes of being made Cardinal and fearing also that if he should close Orleans might by the Coadjutors means fail him he bethought himself with his trustiest friends how he might rid himself of the Coadjutor whom he apprehendedmuch for that he was very bold revengful had many abettors and infinitely ingenious Some were for killing him presently but the Prince who was of a more generous mind would not give way unto it declaring his hatred to all Treachery but he resolved to remove him from Paris and to imprison him somewhere else which being resolved upon Gurville a man of a ready wit and lively spirit had the imployment given him who taking it upon him authorized under the Prince his hand who made him plenipotentiary he sent for some of his friends and kindred to Paris and causing Monsieur della Roche to come from Danvilliers with others that depended upon him and in whom he durst boldly trust feigning afterwards to go from Paris and to go for Germany to take the Elector of Brandenburg's Forces into pay which being to be cashiered by reason of the peace made with the Duke of Newburg he kept concealed in the City and calling his men together he told them that he had orders from the Prince to make a great man Prisoner and not telling them who it was save only two in whom he thought he might safely confide and who always followed the Coadjutor who telling him one night that he was in the Dutchess Chevereux house he placed his confidents between the Gates du Conference and le Guichet commanding them not to stir from thence He moreover placed 15 Foot over against the Louvre and he himself stood near Chevereux her house to observe his coming out hoping that if he went not along the River he might advance his men to the new Bridge and to the Ponte de nostre dame if his Coach should go by the Râ—e St. Honore but the Coadjutor went out in a Coach with Ladies and his own Coach followed without Torches which made them believe he was not yet gone The next day the Coadjutor was not very well and kept his house But Gurville being told that he was the next day in a house at Marets where he used to entertain himself at night he diligently assembled his men but not so many as were sufficient to have all things in readiness before he came out So as Gurville failed in his design Gurville had always a Coach with him to put the Coadjutor into The design was to carry him to Danvilliers with 15 or 20 Horse which was not hard to do but the Heavenly influences having power over mortals actions we must believe that they seconded not these designs for though the Coadjutor suspected not these plots yet being wish'd by his friends to be circumspect he withdrew himself to his house early and went not out by night not so much out of any apprehension of the Prince as of the Cardinal least he should have indeavoured his death and lay the fault upon the Prince who was his more discovered Enemy So as Gurville perceiving that in many days the Coadjutor returned home late but once and then well accompanied he feared that he was discovered and therefore fearing some disaster might befall himself he resolved to return and to put off the business till a more favourable conjuncture of time he therefore sent his men away secretly and he withdrew himself cautiously from all publick Company Monsieur de la Roche went from Gurenne with Monsieur de Fay Lieutenant of the Prince of Countie's Guard as he came from Brussels but he was stopt at Chastres it being thought that he brought the Princes treaty with Spain along with him wherefore he was imprisoned together with a servant of his who being interrogated upon pain of death what company his master had kept since he went from Danvilliers said that he met with many as he came along the River and that he feared Gurville had a design to make somebody Prisoner which was interpreted to be the Coadjutor who did all he could to come by the certainty thereof but though he could have no certain proofs thereof he was perswaded that Gurville would have detain'd him wherefore he also indeavoured to take Gurville in his return but without success Count Tavanes who as hath been said was gotten to Stenay and to the neighbouring places with the Prince his Troops knowing that he could not subsist in those parts sought how to get with his men into Guienne where the Prince wanted old Soldiers But finding the chief passes possessed by the King's Soldiers he sent to Flanders to negotiate with the Spaniards and being promised to be received by them he past with his Troops over the Mause and retreated towards Charlemont where being eyed by the King's Forces under the Command of Marishal Ferte Senetre he with much danger past over part of Luxemburg and going over the River Semoy near Sedam and then by Liege he repast over the Mause at the Bridge of Gives and entred safely into Hamault and so having with these few Forces escaped the King's Soldiers they were received and quartered in the Spanish Towns whereby France was freed of their continual inroads And the Spaniards intentions being to let all other things alone and foment civil war in France they furnished the said Tavanes with monies as well to satisfie his Soldiers who for want thereof lessened daily some running away some dying for want as to make them fit to go through with their design in pursuit whereof the Spaniards failed not to increase the jealousies and distasts which the Parliament of England pretended to have received from France as well for the welcome which the King of great Britain and his followers received there and for their inciting the Scots to go against
ought never to believe where they had once deceived nor think to find truth in those who had been so fouly false But Prince Thomaso of Savoy who had a chief hand in the Government and who as a Forreigner desired what might be most serviceable to their Majesties wisely weighing the prejudice which might be received by suffering favourable occasions to escape their hands was for entring Paris without delay for driving the prime Seditious out and as the Princes had made use of the popularity to strengthen their party so the King ought to serve himself of the same to overthrow the contrary faction Turenne was of the same Opinion who considering that the parts about Paris were totally ruin'd and the King's Army consequently but ill maintain'd said It was requisite to be Masters of Paris in respect of the abundance of all things there and that without that City the King might be called a Prince without a Crown This Opinion was imbraced In pursuance hereof the Mareschal de l'Hospitall the Provost des Merchants and the Sheriffs being restored to their places went with the said Colonels into Paris to the great satisfaction of the people Those of the contrary party indeavoured to keep them from coming into the City saying That they would find but little safety there amongst a people that hated them And Orleans said in particular That he not being able to promise them any thing they ought to think what a hazard they should run But these Threats did no good for being informed how well the people were disposed to receive the King they were also assured to be made welcome The Mareschal de l'Hospitall presently took possession of the Bastile and of the Arsenal putting out Louvieres and order was taken through all the Corners and Streets of the City that the people might rest quiet His Majesty ordered his Parliament at Pontoise to meet on the Two and twentieth day afterwards at the Louvre where he intended himself to lodge and the King of England who lived in the Cardinal's Palace withdrew himself he moreover writ to the Commonalty that his Majesty would make his Entry the same Two and twentieth day that therefore Souldiers should be removed from the Gates and that all Inhabitants should exercise their Professions which was speedily done and all the Guards were taken off Madamoiselle was made acquainted that the Duke of Anjou being to lye in her Lodgings at the Louvre she was to leave them which she unwillingly did retiring to the House provided for extraordinary Embassadours in the Suburbs of St. Germains near the Duke her Father's House On Monday Morning the Parliament met whither Orleans Beaufort Estampes and other Lords met President Nesmond told them He had received a Letter from the King and that the like was sent to every particular Councellour willing them to be the next Morning at the Louvre to understand his Majesties will touching the particular Affairs Orleans and twelve other Councellours said they had received none which they seemed to resent much and were greatly abashed finding that their ends were utterly ruin'd the business was debated The King's party being call'd to speak their Opinion were for the Parliaments Meeting in the Gallery at the Louvre Those who had received no Letters knowing thereby that they were in disgrace opposed it shewing how harmful such a president might be to the priviledge of Parliament Nesmond said The King might keep his Parliament in what place of Paris he pleased alledging that the like had formerly been done in the time of Henry the 2d and Henry the 3d. He moreover said That la Camera delle Vacationi had resolved to carry the Cloth of State and the King's Seat of Justice into the same Gallery and that it behoved them to obey the major part agreeing herein They resolved to be the next Morning by Sun-rising at the place appointed in red Robes Yet the Councellours Meusniera and Refuge were appointed to acquaint the Chancellour and Guard de Seaux how prejudicial this would be to the King's Service and to their Authority The same 21 of October their Majesties and the whole Court went from St Germains towards Paris whither about noon came the Chancellour and Guard de Seaux and after them the Presidents Noyon and Cognieux The King din'd at Ruell in the Dutchess of Aiguillon's Palace where he was nobly entertain'd by the said Dutchess from hence he sent Count Noget one who was very zealous in the King's Service to acquaint the Duke of Orleans with his Majesties coming and to wish him as from himself to meet and complement his Majesty assuring him that he should be gratiously received The Duke was strangely surprised not thinking that the King would come so unexpectedly to Paris where the unquiet disposition of those yet remained who had so much outraged his Authority He answered the Count coldly That he askt eight dayes to give his Resolution since he could not do it without acquainting the Prince of Conde with it with whom he was ingaged in friendship The King being come to St. Clous and hearring no news of the Dukes coming sent the Duke to say the same thing unto him His Highness was much beset with two weighty considerations on the one side he was troubled to think he must deny to pay his due respects to his Nephew the King on the other side he feared to fail in his friendship to the Prince of Conde which might make the World doubt whether he did it out of necessity or out of any other respect At last he resolved not to go and it was thought he did it by the advice of the Cardinal de Retz who thought if the Duke would tarry in Paris he might inable him against the Court by many who depended upon him The mean while the Mareschal de l'Hospitalle the Provost de Merchants the Sheriffs and others who were met in the Town-House prepared to meet the King with all Magnificency and to Welcome him as became faithful Subjects to do They met his Majesty with a great number of civil People besides Magistrates and Officers and returned that night with him to Paris 't was late ere the King arrived for he linger'd by the way expecting Orleans his coming not thinking it fit to enter the City whilst he was there or that he would promise to go out the next morning for it became not Regal Dignity that he should tarry there without seeing his Majesty He was met by a great number of people without the Gates of all Conditions above 300000 persons came to see his Entry which he made on Horse-back accompanyed by the King of England Prince Thomaso by a great number of Princes Dukes and Mareschals of France and other Lords who were then in the City The Queen came after the King in Coach together with the Duke of Aâ—â— jou she entred by Port St. Honore and went by the Cardinal's Palace where the King of great Britain lighted from Horse-back
powerful and the rashness of the Common People incapable of reason was too prevalent so as they abandoned themselves to be wholly guided by presumption and especially those of the Olmiera giving a sinister interpretation unto the counsels of good Citizens terming those false who with the greatest candour and strongest reason laboured for the Publick Good and thereupon rejected all Advice and Counsel and moreover threatned those who concurred not with them and grew the prouder hereupon as being given to understand that the Propositions made unto them were not the effects of love and kindness but were produced by fear and weakness The surest Props they thought to be those Promises made them by the Spaniard who with Money and other Arts had gained the Principal Persons of the Councils and Factions they thought also that the English would not neglect an occasion so favourable to them to advance their own Interests during the Divisions in France by assisting that City which was establishing it self like another Rochel they hoped the Prince of Conde with the Arms of Flanders would make an impression as far as Paris and that he would make that way so powerful a diversion as the King's Forces should be no more able to advance towards Bourdeaux wherein the Princess the Prince of Conty and the Dutchess of Longueville by their presence gave some splendour of light unto the darkness wherewith they were overshadowed These considerations seemed likely and the colours wherewith they were set out were able to deceive a prudent eye so as their obstinacie grew so obdurate that 't was thought difficult if not impossible to re-establish the King's Authority over that furious people linked unto Spain which omitmitted no mean with the profuse expence of Gold to keep up that Party that gave life unto their greatness But for as much as particular Interests are generally preferred before the Publick and those hopes which seem to flourish most in shew fail oftnest in producing their effects The Burdelois were disappointed in their expectations and although they dispatcht Deputies to London to represent unto the Parliament and General Cromwel how important their subsistance was unto the Interests of England and that the English well knew how much it concerned them to keep up the Divisions in France and had also a will and desire to do it yet were these reflexions so counterpoized by other considerations that the regard to future things had greater force to move them than the present The English had upon their hands a Warr with Holland that tottering Government had not foundations strong enough to support a design of such importance and the consideration that by ruining France the Power of Spain most averse alwaies to their Religion would be increased made them know it suited not with the present state of things to break with France which would be able in that case concluding a Peace with Spain by the assistance of Holland and intelligence with the English who obey that New Government onely because they want Power to oppose it to bring their King Charles into the Kingdom and let in amongst them those Confusions and Disorders which they endeavoured to produce amongst their Neighbours in all probability unto their total ruine so as they esteemed it better for them that the Discord between the two Crowns should be continued that they might mutually weaken each other than to turn onely against one of them which could be no advantage to the English To these Reasons was added another Point of Policy then a great Secret and that was The particular Design of Cromwell to reform that Government which iâ— the form it stood he knew could not continue so as it was not fit to ingage in Forraign Quarrels having occasion to make use of the Forces for himself and to imploy his Thoughts in the first place about the stablishing of his own Dominion in those Kingdomes full of Malecontents of persons envious of his Fortune and of people greedy of Novelties so as he assured Monsieur Burdeâ—u who was then resident in London from the Christian King that he would preserve Peace and good intelligence with France The Burdelois notwithstanding did not totally despair of relief being hopes given them that the Warr with the Hollander being ended and a peace concluded with them which was now in Treaty there should be some care taken of their Interests As for Spain she did what possibly she could to keep up that advantage for her self but the Indian Fleets and other the Revenues of the Catholick King were not sufficient to satisfie so many Pretenders and maintain War in so many places neither could his Kingdomes and Dominions exhausted of Men furnish the Souldiers that were necessary and therefore he was forced to move in England for leave to raise some Irish which was forthwith granted thereby to purge the Countrey from Catholicks and persons ill-affected to the new Republick from Germany no Souldiers could be had because Money was wanting to supply the charge those Levies being more expensive notwithstanding the favourable conjuncture of circumstances to their advantage which was a great proof of the Spaniards weakness There were at several times above 2000 Irish sent to reinforce the Prince's Party in Guienne the Marquiss de Santa Cruz had order to make ready the Fleet in Biscay and the Baron of Batteville to draw together Men and Provisions fit to make a return into the Garonne and upon promises and other engagements of repayment considerable Sums of Money were remitted as well to Bourdeau's as Flanders for making of new Levies and fitting out the Army that it might march with the Prince of Conde into France on the one side whilest the Burdelois should make a strong diversion on the other But the Money which was remitted was so well liked of by the persons into whose hands it came that the part which they converted to their own particular uses was generally greater then what was laid out in the publick business whereby the designs of the Catholick Court were not onely retarded but sometimes also overthrown the said Court not being able by reason of its distance from the Provinces wherein the Warr was managed to give those Orders and Directions necessary to be taken according to accidents and the present conjuncture of Affairs whereby great inconveniencies do sometimes happen and the most prudent Orders and Designs are overthrown To this was also added That the Spanish Councel was very often deceived by the different relatives of the French that served them who magnifying the Forces and intelligence of their own party and vilifying and abasing that of their King filled with vain hopes even thâ— most Prudent persons who grounding their deliberations thereupon found themselves after to be involved in greater difficulties Whereas on the contrary France being an united Body was able readily to give directions unto all its Members and having for Steers-man to the Government Cardinal Mazarine who had a most clear and perfect knowledge
the Malecontents of the Prince's Party were above measure disturbed foreseeing that this loss was a true prefage of their utter ruine The French on the other side proud of so fortunate Success resolved to make a farther progress and without making stop resolved to take Libourne and thereupon whilest the Duke of Vendosme staid in Bourg to give such Orders as were necessary and to dispatch away Artillery and Provisions fitting for the Enterprise Monsieur d'Estrades with 1200 Foot and 400 Horse after two dayes stay marched towards it and in his passage took the Castles of Savagnac and Laubardemont and passed the River Iolla the 9th of Iuly the Foot in Boats at Guistres and the Horse a League from thence at the Foord of Coustras The Place was next day viewed and Quarters set out for the Troops until the coming of Vendosme who the 11th day at Night arrived with the Cannon and Ammunition going up the Dordogne and passing happily under the Enemies Fort not above half Pistol shot off by the assistance of the Galley being one of those appointed for his Guard which was commanded by Monsieur de la Monnerie Commissary General of the Admiralty after which the Trench was begun on that side of the River where the Duke of Vendosme was lodged and the care of this Attack was given to the Count of Montesson Colonel of the Regiment of Bretagne and a Battery of two pieces of Cannon d' Estrades attacked on the other side of the River Ille and Monsieur de St. Romain assisted in making the Approaches and another Battery with the Regiment of Douglass In this mean time the besieged made a great Salley on that side with Horse and Foot but were so briskly repulsed that they durst never after peep abroad Both the Attacks were advanced with so much vigour that the second day the French were Masters of two Half-Moons in one of which they took 17 prisoners and a breach being there opened on the Duke's side and a Mine ready to be sprung on that of d' Estrades the besieged upon the 17th of Iuly founded a Parley and demanded the same Terms as were granted unto Bourg but 't was refused them the French thinking it not reasonable that Libourne should think it self 'equal to Bourg at last it was agreed That as to the French and Irish Souldiers they should be Prisoners of Warr the Officers should have liberty to return to their own houses and twelve onely should have liberty to carry the Baggage away with them The Souldiers who were about 800 divided themselves under the King's colours where they voluntarily entred themselves into Service The Justice of the King's Cause was visibly approved by the facility wherewith these two Important Places were gained by his Forces and the diligence and abilities of his Captains appeared likewise to be very great and particularly in the Enterprise of Libourne which being Garrison'd by more than 800 Souldiers in pay was besieged and taken by an Army of 2200 Foot and Four hundred Horse the remainder of the Troops being divided part of them placed in Garrison at Bourg part part left to make good the Posts of Castillon and Monreal and the rest Commanded upon several Parties by the Generals upon the notice they got by Letters of Marsin intercepted and undeciphered that his Lieutenants marched with some Troops of Perigord and Quercy unto the relief of that place which being the principal foundation of the subsistance of Bourdeaux was furnished with all things necessary for the holding out of a long Siege This second loss put all the Inhabitants into a wonderful apprehension and the Prince's Party lost much of their first Credit the people crying out That in lieu of the Succour which they hoped for they were contriving to cast them into the slavery abominated by them The Citizens therefore made several Assemblies and examining the state of their Affairs found clearly that their hopes of subsistence were very small without speedy Succour which could not be elsewhere had but from Spain or England they therefore sent away to sollicite the Catholique King's Generals for their promised Succours and failed not to request of General Cromwell That he would open the Passage of the River and give maintenance unto that City which would bring so great advantages to England But the Spaniards who desired very much to perform this Request wanted Forces and the English who could with ease have done it had no thoughts of putting it in execution The French who saw well that Expedition was the Mother of Success and were sensible that either the Spaniard might get Forces or the English an inclination to succour Bourdeaux disposed themselves with extraordinary diligence to put in execution all those things which might serve to reduce that People speedily under obedience and therefore Libourne being taken they quarter'd their Troops as near as possibly they could to Bourdeaux that they might incommodate the Citizens and deprive them of all communication with the Countrey The Duke of Vendosme held the Castle of Lermont all the Countrey between the two Seas and by means of the Fleet was Master of the River The Duke of Candale with his Forces divided upon the principal Passes was Master of all the Avenues having to back them the Fort Casar the Bourg of Blanquefort and the Quarter of Begle and thereby hindred the City from receiving any Relief on that side where they had before got it and expected it afresh from Spain and the Count de Marin was sent to take the Castle de la Teste de Certes wherein was that Garrison which had facilitated the Count de Fiesco his passage formerly But although 't were certain that Force was the securest means to restore the King's Authority within that City yet considering it might be long first 't was thought fit to try the means for reducing the Inhabitants unto a voluntary submission The House of Espernon had in it a great number of Creatures and well-affected persons gained by their long abiding in those Parts who notwithstanding the Seditious Cabals had alwaies retained their good affections Which made it easie for the Duke of Candale a Prince generally beloved for his Virtuous and Noble Qualities to set on foot a Treaty upon this design with the well disposed Citizens By means therefore of Friends and Confidents there being many others disposed to Peace they thought fit to attempt the means of bringing it about The multitudes of Country people running into the City for fear of the Souldiers served wonderfully to make the scarcity of Provisions appear because the Corn being with great dexterity bought up and hidden in private houses and the Mills being out of order by biding of the stones and other implements the Bakers were not able to find Bread sufficient to furnish such a multitude whereupon the throng of people who were present at the distribution of it began to think that the want was extream great and that therefore the publick