indeavour at least the getting of some-what some-where else Hee therefore quitting the Palatinat entred into Bavaria at Landsperg and came before Biberack the which he did furiously set upon for his Souldiers who were accustomed to Conquest being long kept fasting were very forwards so as the Towne not being able to resist such Assaults as the Swedes prepared to make wanting both sufficient Garrison and Walls yeelded on the 12th of Aprill and 400 Foot and 70 Horse were suffered to march out Hornes returne into Swabenland gave Allarme to all the Imperialists thereabouts and awakened the Commanders and this his comming causing many men to wonder who thought it was incredible that he should forsake Bavaria some began to thinke there was some-what more in 't and in particular Ossa who commanded in those precincts was more suspitious then the rest as was soone after seen in Colonell Peter Chinich of Salutorne Governour of Lindaw who was arrested and sent prisoner with a good guard into Tiroll but his reputation suffred in no one particular but only by the false suspition of the said Ossa who bore him little good will occasioned by the great friendship and correspondency which Chinich held with the Switzers and in particular with those of Zurich and Berne two Cantons which confided but indifferently in the Austrians and this much the more because some Spaniards that were of Ossa's party and held not that any one could be faithfull to them who was not a Romanist fearing much lest Chinich might be a Protestant and by reason of the good opinion the Protestants had of him they agreed to ruine him rather to free themselves of this suspition then for that he deserved it which was sufficient to nourish a conceipt that he had held Intelligence with the Duke of Rohan who was then in Rhetia And matters of State being like wax which takes heat and is distemperd upon any the least occasion he was imprisoned before he was accused though his innocency appearing afterwards by his absolution his loyalty shone forth the brighter Filisberg which as we have already said was besieged by the Swedes was now by Famine brought to great extremity insomuch as Bawmbergher and Swarez who had the custody thereof yeelded upon parly and had very honourable conditions the Fort being surrendred up to Colonell Smigberg on the 13th of Ianuary The losse of this place though it were not of so great consideration in respect of the situation yet it being a principall place it was in the present conjuncture thought to import much by reason of the consequences which depended on it for that it was likely it might fall into the Frenchmens hands who when they should have gotten thither they might easily advance further and maintaine themselves in Alsatia and in the lower Palatinat Yet they who seemed to be greater Politicians discoursed alternately hereupon those who opposed the reasons alleaged by the Swedes answered that it was better to leave it in the hands of the Imperialists then to win it for the French to whom when they should not surrender it they should shew little desire of continuing longer friendship with them by which their Interests was to receive no small detriment and by granting it the gaine would appeare to be prejudiciall for besides the depriving of themselves of such a place to retreat unto they would draw a power upon their shoulders which assuming unto it selfe the title of being arbitratour of their affaires the Swedes who should continue in those parts would consequently be brought to reverence the Lawes of France from whence it would insue that their authority being limited and made dependant on the French their atchievements would be unperfect and their greatnesse would not be suffered to exceed the limits which they should allow them And though others said that it was not to be imagined that the French would betake themselves to a businesse of small satisfaction suppose the negative thereunto were granted for that their Interests required good intelligence with friends of so great power who might otherwise wax jealous yet wise men foresaw that no good effect could ensue hereupon since that the desire of rule is blinde and the reasons of preserving it prevaile over whatsoever other respect But the considerations which the Protestants had hereupon were farre short of those held by the Austrians for they thought this to be a greater losse then any they yet had suffered not for that the Swedes or Protestants got much thereby whose power consisting in the Union of many they hoped that in time and by such meanes as they might use they should recover from them what they had lost but for feare lest it should fall into the hands of the French whose greatnesse being upheld by the Crown of their onely Monarch and those Provinces neighbouring upon their Kingdome they well â—oresaw what difficulties they should meet withall in the regaining of it The mindes therefore of the Councellours were confused their judgements uncertaine their resolutions timorous their remedies doubtfull and their hopes inconstant Yet all this notwithstanding the Spaniards who are alwayes undaunted in adversity carefull of their affaires and most faithfull in all their doings failed not with their refined judgements to calme the perplexity of their mindes to secure their feares to advise what was expedient to proportion agreements and to confirme faith in the certainty of hope The end of the seventh Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE VIII BOOK The Contents of the Eighth Booke Wherein is described what the Austrians condition was in Italy and in Germany The doath and fashions of the Duke of Feria Iealousies in the Austrian Ministers of State touching Walesteines behaviour Meanes used by them to guard themselves against his infidelitie Orders taken therein and how his death ensued The rumours caused hereupon A Compendium of his life and qualities with an opinion upon the efficacy of his fortune and of his Army Ferdinand King of Hungary chosen chiefe Commander of the Imperialists Forces His preparations to march into the Field Divers proceedings of the Swedes in Swabenland and Alsatia Charles Duke of Lorayne his making over his estate to the Cardinall his Brother This mans marriage with the Princesse Claudia Iealousies caused in the French by reason of this Marriage the flight of the Duke and Dutches from Nancy The going of Prince Thomas of Savoy to take upon him the command of the Spanish Forces in Flanders The Swedes undertakings in Swabenland The King of Hungaries entrance into the Field The Swedes Negotiations in Holland and in England The Landgrave of Hessen his proceedings The Siege of Motha and of Bitsch in Lorayne THe Spanish Army was this meane while quartered in Bavaria to recruit themselves and the Spaniards and Italians were very solicitous and diligent in compleating their Companies that they might recover that renowne which was rather lessened by the badnesse of
Duke of Savoy is much prest by the French and Spaniards at last he resolves to satisfie the French Duke Waymer takes pay of the King of France Oxesterne goes from Germany for Swethland The Austrians make divers proceedings about the Rhyn The Dutchmen come to the succour of the Valteline Great confusion in the state of Milan by reason of the French Hostilitie The Spaniards helpe them Artois is assayled by the French Forces and much of action is had in those parts The Duke of Saxony indeavours to shun breaking with the Swedes but cannot prevaile they declare themselves his Enemies The King of Hungary comes into the Field he passes into Wirtenberg and hath an eye to the proceedings of the French The Austrians indeavour to put distastes betweene France and England but faile in their designe The Duke of Bavaria is married to the Emperours Daughter The Spaniards surprise Sckinck-Sconce The Duke of Crequi passes into Monferrat enters the state of Milan takes many places encamps before Valenza The Milanois are hereat much affraid Rohan proceeds sâ—ccessefully in the Valteline The Hollanders goe to regaine Schinck-Sconce The Forces of Parma and Savoy joyne with the French before Valenza The Spaniards complaine unto the Pope of the Duke of Parma The Duke in a Remonstrance publisheth his Reasons The Spaniards make great preâ—arations for the defence of Milan by a Fleet at Sea they surprise the Island of S. Honore and S. Marguerit WHilst the Imperiall Forces to the wonder of many remained idle in their Quarters at Wirtenberg Lieutenant Colonell Iaspar Baumberger formerly Governour at Filisburg he who before he surrendred that place to the Swedes cunningly and peradventure with intention of making use thereof upon fitting occasion made the Palizadoes to be saw'd on some sides of the Fort and to be so repleated that if at any time any reasonable force should be used against them they might be broken in sunder and throwne downe the season serving for this purpose which was so cold as that all the Ditches were hard frozen over and incouraged by the good correspondency which he held with all the parts thereabouts for whilst he had the government of that place he so behaved himselfe as he had generally wonne the good will of all the neighbouring people not doing as the French who by making continuall inrodes into the neighbouring Townes and by other different wayes of proceeding and Military licentiousnesse had purchased the peoples hatred did secretly acquaint the King of Hungary and some other prime Counsellours and Chiefe Commanders of the Caesarian Army with his designe Who debating hereupon some were of a contrary opinion affirming That the event of a businesse must be maturely fore-seene before the businesse it selfe be undertaken that it was well knowne how that Fort was valued by the French what trouble and paines they had to get it from the Swedes and that therefore it was not to be doubted that as the losse would be more resented so would the distaste they should take thereat be the greater that it was not yet time to come to open enmitie with the French who were at peace within themselves had recovered their Kings Brother and who united within themselves were of themselves alone without any other assistance formidable to all Europe a Nation alwayes desirous of Warre which could not wish for a better occasion then such a conjuncture to breake with the Spaniards being as well their greatest Enemies as their chiefest Rivalls and who by having an Army out of their Kingdome might thereby evacuate those unquiet humours wherewithall they doe abound and which uses to occasion home-troubles amongst them very advantagious to those that feare them and without which all attempts against them are vaine that Flanders was not able at one and the same time to maintaine it selfe against the Hollanders and defend it selfe against the French who might easily fall upon Artois that the Forces of Burgondy were too small to defend it selfe from those much more powerfull of a King of France that Italy which was drained by the continuall evacuation of so many men sent into Germany and Flanders most Princes being at this crisis of time well inclined towards the French might run a great hazard if it should at this time be set upon that it was no doubt that either Flanders or Italy without succour from Germany could make their partie good against the French that it was credible that the Spaniards who were much concerned in the possession of those Provinces were to expect succour from the Emperour whereby the Dutch Army being weakned the Swedes joyning consequently with the French Forces the Warre was likely to be kept on Foot in the Empire to the great prejudice of those people that it was therefore better for them to temporise and persisting in the way they were in before they should breake with France to weaken the Swedes re-assume a good correspondency with the Hanse-Townes and conclude the peace with Saxony without the which it would be dangerous for them to have to doe with the French To these wel-grounded Reasons reply was made by those who knew how advantagious it was to make Achievements without cost That occasions of securing themselves and growing greater were not to be let slip when Fortune proffers the meanes that the proceedings of the French were no longer concealed that the harmes occasioned by them were apparently seene how they indeavoured to oppresse the house of Austria and aggrandise themselves that the blowes of a declared Enemy were lesse to be feared then those of a diffident and feigned friend that it was to be considered the French would alwayes foment the Austrians Enemies and strongly assist them out of hopes of getting somewhat thereby and that keeping themselves in peace whilst others were by the eares as others grew weaker they must consequently grow the stronger that the proceedings of the French out of France was not much to be feared for that the impatiency and eagernesse of that Nation not being long to be tollerated by others of a different genius 't was probably to be hoped they might alter the affections and friendship of their Confederates that it made not for any of the other Protestants that they should get footing out of France that it would be hard for them to make any proceedings in Flanders by reason of the strong holds and situation thereof that it was held the Hollanders would never agree they should grow greater in those parts That Burgundy wanted not Forts upon the Frontiers sufficient to consume whatsoever Army and that the losse of that Countrey would be prejudiciall to Helvetia whereunto it was not expedient to change the Confines of a King whose Territories were dis-joyned with those of a formidable Monarch whose state was united that more might be feared in Italy then elsewhere but since it made not for the advantage of the Princes and Potentates thereof that the state of Milan should be taken from the Spaniards and
appearance all things were fairely carryed on 〈◊〉 the English no lesse mindfull of the Spanish actions who under the colour of good neighbour-hood had formerly indeavoured by an Armado at Sea to land their men in that Kingdome and under pretence of comforting the oppressed Romanists to conquer it did very well know that the French could not be held under without promoting the Spaniards whom for many respects they ought more to dread then the Brench and in particular because the English greatnesse consisting at Sea which they must passe over who will set footing in that Kingdome they had more reason to feare the Spaniards that were as well potent by Sea as Land then the French farre inferriour to them in shipping and strength at Sea And for that the King of England was first to have satisfaction given him in his pretences of having the Palatinate restored to his Nephewes which was a businesse the Austrians desired not to heare of their thoughts proved imperfect especially since the Palatinate was conferr'd upon the Duke Bavaria and likewise the Electorall Cap so as it seemed not faire to bereave him of the title of Elector though the Palatinate should be taken from him and as good an estate given him Divers Propositions were therefore propounded hereupon by the wariest Court-Counsellours Some were of opinion That England was by all meanes possible to be satisfied not onely so to winne the love and affection of the King thereof but to interest him in a League which might moderate the excessive power of France already growne to too great an height and to take from the Protestants their pretence of taking up Armes against the Emperour by restoring the Palatinate and Electoricall Dignitie the which was knowne to many to be of great importance since that it little concerned the Emperour and his affaires whether that state were in the hands of the Duke of Bavaria or in the Prince Palatines and yet the not restoring thereof was of great concernment That by reason of this the Austrians became hatefull to the Protestant Princes and 't was a prevalent cause of raysing Warre which being fomented by France and England did much endammage the Empire as experience had already shewen for the expences the Austrians had beene at in the late Warres did twentie times exceed the full value of the Palatinate that notwithstanding not to quit good correspondency with Bavaria nor breake faith with him who was alwayes ready to disburse his owne monyes and indanger his state for Caesars service the Palatinate might be changed for the upper Austria as it had beene formerly done And that the title of Elector might rest in the Duke of Bavaria during his life and afterwards returne to the Palatine for that though they should not intend to doe so they should by this promise winne time to put the affaires of the Empire in order and get to be in a condition of altering their word at their pleasure Others thought it good to feed England with good words but that their actions should onely aime at their owne interests for though the Palatinate should be restored the English would not notwithstanding declare themselves Enemies to France for since it made for the interest of their Kingdome that both these Crownes should be weakened by the Warre they would endeavour to keepe the ballance equally poised betweene them that so by their ruines they might the more secure the peace and accommodation of their owne quiet Kingdome And as for the distaste they might receive by the not restitution of the Palatinate they should not any wayes apprehend that for the English would never joyne with the French to oppresse the Spaniards lest thereby they should augment their already excessive Forces which necessarily they ought to be jealous of but they would rather foment that partie whose declination might make the other more dreadfull Others affirmed It were more convenient to give in Lieu of the Palatinate some Lands in Swabendland and in Wirtenberg to the Duke of Bavaria and that the title of Elector should remaine to him during his life In fine the most voyces were for the restitution of the Palatinate but the putting of it in execution was much hindred through the feare the Imperialists had of distasting the Duke of Bavaria whose assistance was now more necessary for them then formerly And thus was this so weightie resolution retarded and inveloped with other considerations when Maximilian wisely fore-seeing that the Austrian Ministers of State might resolve upon somewhat which might give satisfaction to England and finding there was no better way to crosse it then by obliging the Emperour to have a greater care to the interest of his owne house he bethought himself of marrying the Emperours Daughter as well to winne more upon Caesars good will by this new alliance as to oblige his Imperiall Majestie rather to favour his grand-children then strangers This marriage was therefore managed with reciprocall desire the Duke desired it the more to oblige the Emperour and King of Hungary to continue friendship with him as likewise that he might have issue to succeed him in his Dominions which as yet he had not Caesar listened willingly thereunto as well to shew his affection to Bavaria as likewise to make him by this tye more firme to what concerned Caesar and to keepe him from being wrought upon by the perswasions and promises of France as it was said was mainely indeavoured by vast hopes whereby to withdraw him from his siding with the Emperour and certainly if the Duke should as things then stood have given eare thereunto such a resolution might have tended much to the prejudice of Caesar. The businesse was therefore wholly concluded though some good wits murmured thereat pretending to fore-see that such fruits might proceed from this marriage as might prove bitter to the Emperours house Whilest France and Germany were thus busied each of them making what preparations they could for the present affaires a Hollander named Entholts who being banished his Countrey lived amongst the Spaniards in Flanders and who was very ill satisfied with the states of Holland because they had beheaded his Father for having as it was layd to his charge conspired with other two of his companions to deliver up the Fort of Tiell seated upon the Wall betweene Bonniell and Niminghen unto the Spaniards whilest he lived in a Countrey that profest Neutralitie this Entholts holding intelligence with some kindred and friends of his who often used to advertise him how affaires went in those Provinces thought how he might effect somewhat which might correspond with his desires as it is usuall with men whose passion exciteth them to revenge And being advertised that the Fort of Skinck a very strong place situated upon the poynt of the Island made by the Rhyn which dividing it selfe here into two parts that on the left hand takes the name of the Wall the other on the right hand continuing the name of the Rhyn till it
they see imbroyle the relation as not being of Capacity either to understand or to remember what hath hapned and so all foundations grounded thereupon prove vaine A batttle sought betweene the French and Spaniards will not without some alteration be related either by a Frenchman or a Spaniard Affection is of a nature not unlike to wine it tastes of the caske the private passion of the minde pertakes of the quality of Torrents it is troubled and growes cleare againe answerable to the raine by which it is fed If any shall say that pen takes a precipitate and dangerous course which writes of present emergencyes unbridled by adulation t is granted But he who writes in times when the government of the present Princes is not to be blamed need not feare to fall upon the unpleasing off-spring of truth The Princes of this age are knowne to be ruled by justice and governed by reason And if through the interest of state or by the advice of their councell they doe any thing which is not acceptable to all men they are not therein blameable for the greatnesse of men of might is not seene in the peacefullnesse of minde but is discerned in their sprightly thoughts and vast intents The Encomiums of the worthy Princes even of these ages are celebrated with no greater titles then so many Caesars or Alexanders Greatnesse loves greatnesse The Danuby Rhyne and Po are great because the concourse of many Rivers goes to make them great Principalityes are likewise plants which branch forth and increase in hight more or lesse accordingly as the ground is fertill where they are planted The desire of glory and greatnesse reignes not onely amongst the better but amongst the inferiour yea the basest sort of men The private who neighbours upon an inferiour rests not content till he hath joyned his neighbours land unto his owne Such a genious labours to get the priority amongst those who are esteemed lovers of rarityes the souldier fights and looseth his life to increase his fame amonst men humane desires not unlike to torrents by how much they are more swolne with the waters of glory the more headlong doe they run oft times breake the banks or bounds of faith and promises Those who have not been conversant in any other nation then their owne and yet governed by a certaine Sympathy professe themselves to side sometimes with this sometimes with that stranger may peradventure wry the neck when they shall heare of any bad accident which hath befallen one that they liked and may perchance say I am in some places too free spoken If it shall so fall out I would have them to know I writ not to give satisfaction to any one save to truth it selfe and that men write ill when they omitt writing what is ill fortune is not alwayes favourable and therefore when she frownes she cannot be said to smile Who apprehends the satisfying of all men does by his owne beliefe begin to prejudicate what he writes Bouldnesse in relation freedome in judgment discretion in words and wisedome in contriving are the reynes which ought to governe the pen of an Historian If others who may be of an opinion that such events as are written whilest the actors themselves are yet living are usually written partially and with adulation and not adaequate to the times and to the persons and shall therefore blame me for writing so early let them remember that the force and credit of truth is so much the greater by how much it hath the more witnesses That writings which are kept lockt up in a chest are like some plants which kept in their own originall earth never grow unles they be tane from thence and placed some where else no lesse then these ought past events in History to be transplanted whilest the bowes remaine in memory for that if any bastard plant be given for legitimate by the inocculation of amendment in the second impression it may become legitimate Nor is it at any time a fault which is occasioned by the faultinesse of an other I have thaught it fitting in these my labours to describe the conditions of such Princes and chiefe Commanders as have perished that they may serve for looking glasses to such as succeede them If it be objected I onely writ their praises and that Encomiums belong not to the weaving of a History I would have it knowne I make not use of such spectacles or prospective glasses whereby men discerne spots in the Moone That the praises fall not from my pen but from their merit And History requires the representation of such whose actions are the soule of discourse and the marrow of instruction Those who peradventure from the tribunall of their judgement shall give senâ—ence against me blaming either my stile my discriptions the composure of the narrative part the scarcity or superfluity of my words or what ever els they ought to know that I am a souldier and no perfect Scholler and that as such a one I appeale from their seate of judement so as the sentence rests null I have not stroven to adorne my writings by inventing eloquent and polished Orations made by Commanders and other gracefull digressions which not for that they are so in themselves but to shew thâ—ir quaint witts many use in their compositions as well for that I thinke those conceits fitter for the Schooles or chaire of an Orator to delight the hearers then for a campe where the generall doth usually infuse courage into his souldiers with succinct words conteyning in them only the hopes of reaping honour and advantage as also for that it seemes not sitting to me that the Maske wherewith a Tale is disguised should be applyed to the face of a serious truth I have done that I may not be to tedious to thee be contented to accept of metal drawne out of mine owne myne DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM THE Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome from 1629. to 1640. THE I. BOOK The Contents of the First Booke The First Book relates the Originall of the War made by Gustavus King of Swethland against the Emperour Ferdinand the second What the Condition of Germany was at that time what Friendship and Intelligence the King had with Forraigne Princes before this War began his Military Preparations made in Swethland what Counsells he held and what Resolutions he put on His entrance into Germany his landing in the Isle of Rugen First entrance into Pomerania What confusion this unexpected novelty wrought among the Roman Catholiques The League between France and Swethland the Conditions and Advantages thereof Divers Proceedings Resolutions Counsells and Policies of all the concerned Parties Preparations in England to reinforce the Swedish Army The ill will born by Protestants towards the Austrian Ministers of State and their good affections towards the Swedes The taking of Franckfort upon the Oder and other advancements made by the King The Description of such Provinces Places or
of Gustavus Horne to take in Dam a place not far from Stettin standing upon a little River called Plana which being manned by five hundred Austrians and wanting moderne Fortifications compounded upon the first sight of the Swedish Cannon and went himselfe in person with the rest before Newgarten a little Towne walled about upon the side of a little Lake derived from the River Hamerbeck and wherein were about foure hundred Souldiers in Garrison he in two dayes made himselfe Master of it then running over that slip of land which lies betweene the aforesaid River of Hamerbeck and the River Meltanne he tooke Criffenburg a Towne watered by Rega and Triptoe seated on the utmost parts of Pomerania towards the sea upon the banks of Meltanne which without any contestation yeilded on the other side Gustavus Horne repassing over the Oder quickly tooke in Costin Freinwalt Anchan and Ockermand all of them walled Townes of Pomerania beyond the Oder towards the West and all of them guarded by Imperiall Garrisons which being only fortified by ancient Rampiers and high Towers suddenly compounded and the greatest part of those Souldiers who amazed at the prosperous successe of the Swedes knew not whether to flye for safety enrolled themselves under the Swedish Colours passing from hence he likewise won Passevalke Barth and Grimmen places which though of small defence yet for the Imperialists to retreat unto Then considering that if the prop of Griffenhaghen should be taken from the Imperialists the rest of the Townes which were held in those parts by the Romanists would be much weakned he came before Honigsberg a Town walled about after the ancient manner and guarded by five hundred Souldiers seated in the furthermost part of Pomerania upon the Confines of Maria nova he took it in three dayes There came in moreover to his obedience Lippin by the side of a little Lake from whence the River Mizaell takes its rise Arsnsnalde a Towne upon the shore of Ina Bernsheine a Towne upon the same River and Bâ—rwalde which lyes betweene Mizell and Ronigsberg all of them weakely walled about after the ancient manner and of small resistance The fame of the Swedes proceedings being this meane while spread abroad in France and England whereat these two Crownes did much rejoyce The King of Great Brittaine whom the restitution of the Palatinate much concerned solicited the promised Levy which being begun by foure thousand Foot destined for the King of Swethlands service and furnishing him with good summes of Money he tyed himselfe in streighter bonds or friendship with him the French likewise who for the interest of State coveted this diversion by the which they might the more easily succour Montferrat and which was the proper way to moderate the Spaniards greatnesse which growing more powerfull did more and more covet the Universall Monarchie and filled all the Potentates of Europe with Jealousie sent Mounsieur de Carnace Embassadour to the King of Swethland as well to congratulate his happy entry as to make good what he had promised him before his marching which Embassadour was by the King received with great alacrity and after some short negotiations a League was concluded betweene these two Crownes the 22. day of January in the yeare 1631. in the Campe at Barwalde the grounds whereof were That the Princes who were oppressed by the Austrian Faction should be restored to their former States Townes and liberty and that for the maintenance of this War his most Christian Majestie would pay every yeare foure hundred thousand Dollars This agreement being of no small support to the Swedish affaires as well for the reall assistance as for the reputation got by the friendship of so puissant a King to the which many German Princes as also Forreners ought to have had respect before they should have undertaken to have assisted the Imperialists was magnificently solemnized with the greatest demonstrations of joy and jubile which by the Swedes could be exprest great Bonfires were made aswell in the Campe as in the Cities and Forts which they had won The Cannon was heard to go off incessantly for three nights together feasts and banquets were celebrated with all expression of joy the generall satisfaction caused by this new amity was every where easily to be discerned The King having likewise at the same time received three hundred thousand Dollars from the King of England and having notice how the people that were raised for his service to the number of two thousand Foot were under saile in the Haven of Dover under the conduct of the Marquesse Hamilton to go for Pomerania and finding his Army much inforced by many Leavies made by his Commanders in the neighbouring Provinces from which many of the Enemies Souldiers fled away he saw he was not now to refuse his good fortune but to march forward with his Forces to new Conquests his Army then being Mustered at Stettin in the presence of the French Embassadour was found to consist of about twenty thousand gallant Souldiers all well Disciplin'd and though the Imperiall Forces in Gratz Greffinhaghen did much oppresse Pomerania insomuch as he was desired by the Inhabitants to ease them of that burthen yet not approving to turne into those parts he held it better to passe with his Army into the Dutchy of Mechelburg and to get footing also in those parts aswell that he might draw neare the Landgrave of Hessen who having declared himselfe for the Swedish Party and made offer of his life and fortune unto the King gave pay unto eight thousand Souldiers as likewise that he might hold intelligence with Lubeck Hamburg and other Haunce towns which having driven the Imperialists from them he might much advantage himselfe by them for they were stored with people and with Money and 〈◊〉 many Protestant Princes had withdrawne themselves thither for shelter from the fury of the Imperialists who had then seized upon their Provinces where together with those helpes he should receive no little advantage by the rising of those Inhabitants who for the publique liberty would not refuse to spend such wealth as they should bring with them which they could not better lay out then for the recovery of their Countrey and the maintenance of the publique quiet Hereunto was added that the Dutchy of Mechelburg coasting upon Pomerania and the Marquessat of Brandenburg the latter was thereby the more secure and the Elector taking pretence from the Armies at hand of the King his Brother in Law thereby to free himselfe from Caesars obedience he sound it would be no hard matter to get him to declare himselfe the King was moreover hereunto moved by the alliance of the Dukes his Nephews of that name for being dispossest by the Imperialists and their States conferred upon Walesteine a private Subject it was a thing that could not be suffered either by the King or by the Princes nor by the Haunce Townes He therefore imbarqued his Army at Stettin the sixth of September
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
a few dayes made his approaches to the Ditch and Walls the Towne though it were onely surrounded with a single Ditch and Towers after the ancient manner and some Trenches made where it was weakest resolved notwithstanding to defend it selfe The Inhabitants did therefore make Rampiers of earth against the Walls the Gates and such Towers as they thought weakest made places to retreat unto cut off their streets closing them up with strong Trenches and Pallizadoes and began with their Cannon and Musket-shot to re-salute the Swedish Campe. Horne having playd incessantly upon the Towne with his Cannon for some dayes space and a sufficient breach being made he commanded an assault to be given as was done with much courage and great force by the Scots under Ruthens command but with no lesse valour and boldnesse repulsed by the defendants and some fresh supplyes that were come in unto their succour yet for all this Horne altred not his mind but streightened the Towne every houre more and more throwing downe the Walls and firing the houses with Granadoes artificiall fires and with the Cannon but the besiegeds diligence increasing as did the Swedes offences Hornes confidence began to coole whereupon perceiving that the difficultie grew every day greater that his men grew lesse and that the Garrison in the Towne was increased by dayly succours which were by the Lake sent in his wisedome prevailed over his passion and that he might not from a Generall of an Army become but the Commander of some few Troopes he raysed his siege and returned to his quarters But because the difficultie of these proceedings arose from the Lake which afforded meanes of succour to the Townes built thereupon and it proving unpossible to take any one of them without cutting off the passage thereunto by water he thought the taking of Bucorne would be a good meanes to effect this it being a walled Towne upon the Banks of the Lake between Vberlinghen and Lindaw a fit place to build Boats and to scoure those Rivers He therefore rising from before Vberlinghen turned thitherwards and without any obstacle tooke the Towne and gave present directions for the so fortifying it as that it might be a safe station and gave likewise order for the building of two small men of Warre which might serve to make excursions upon the Lake All things necessary for their going into the Field being prepared in Austria and in Bavaria the Imperialists put themselves in order and prepared to march The King of Hungary parted from Vienna accompanied with a considerable number of Nobilitie and came within a few dayes to Prage where mustering his Army he found therein about 30000 fighting men and having weighed severall expedient meanes how to regaine that place the losse whereof so much molested all those people he left Prage and marched towards Pilsen about the 20th of May but the Duke of Saxony who had given a Rendezvous to all his Forces about Turgaw had sent 12 Regiments towards the Frontiers of Bohemia so to rayse jealousies in the Imperialists who were quartered in that Kingdome and if not to divert the taking of Ratisbon at least to dismember the Austrian Army in obliging it to divide it selfe that so he might afford more way for Waymer and Horne to incampe against them and just so it fell out for that he might not leave that Kingdome unprovided for the King left Collorado there with 10000 Souldiers and his Majestie with the rest of the Army leaving Pilsen went towards the Palatinate having first made very good appoyntment and taken good order with the Duke of Bavaria and Aldringer that they likewise should advance against Ratisbon on the other side The great preparations which were made in all parts of Germany and in the Austrian Dominions by the wisedome and gold of Spaine and on the contrary side the dayly declining of the Protestant and Swedish Forces after the losse of their King the chiefe heads and Governours whereof not caring by new Levyes to recruit their shrunk Companies but onely looking after their owne particular profit and advantage fill'd Oxesterne with many thoughts who as Director of all their affaires had the whole weight lying upon his wisedome and wit availing but little where force is wanting nor such fruitfull actions being to be hoped for from Commanders interessed in their particular gaine as are produced by great and magnanimous hearts nor yet the decaying Contributions being sufficient to satisfie the Souldiers pretences who not having wherewithall to answer their ill-taught wills as formerly by reason of the Countries being impoverished demanded pay Oxesterne resolved forthwith to send his Sonne Embassadour to Holland and into England as well to demand assistance in money men and advice as also their interposition with the King of France for by waging Warre with the Spaniards in Italy and Flaunders the succours which were expected from those Provinces in Germany being deteined for their owne defence the Protestant Forces might more boldly proceed in the Austrian Territories The Embassadour was curteously received by the States and sent away if not fully satisfied in his desires at least comforted with great hopes From thence he went for England where by His Majestie of England hee was nobly entertained as the Sonne of Oxesterne but not bringing any Letters with him from the Queene of Swethland and the English not knowing that Oxesterne had any authoritie to Create Embassadours he was refused audience as an Embassadour wherewithall his Father who was then at Franckfort being suddenly acquainted he being a man greatly esteemed of and of high pretences was thereat scandalized and without more adoe sent for his Sonne backe and seemed nor to be much satisfied with the English nor with his fruitlesse Embassy Hereupon the Deputies of the Confederate Circuits were speedily summoned to Franckfort to consult how they might best mannage the Warre and to put on such resolutions as might be most adequate to the present imminencies Hidelsheim being surrendred as hath beene said to the Landgrave of Hessen he after the taking thereof joyned with George Duke of Lunenberg who was quartered in Westfalia with a strength of men to about 5000 Foot and 2000 Horse they joyntly went towards Scheld a Towne betweene Gostar and Hidelsheim the Garrison whereof being weake as not amounting to above 600 Foot not able to contest against a great Body of Souldiers provided with all necessaries the Commander fore-seeing the Enemies approach thought best to quit the place and tooke away with him the ablest Citizens that he might get Contribution from them then went to Wolfembuttell a considerable strength the preservation whereof as it was greatly indeavoured by the Austrians so did this Governour bend all his thoughts upon the maintaining of it and therefore this Garrison was no little comfort to him though his Souldiers got not all safe thither for being overtaken in this their march by the Swedish Horse who pursued them closely about 40 of them were taken
he resolved to ride streight towards the Frontiers of Picardy and took order to prevent any mischiefe which might insue that upon the day appointed certaine Troopes of French Horse should bee upon those Frontiers Hee went out of Brussels waighted upon by Messieurs de Pilloran de Fargis de Condray Montpensier leaving Monsieur de Candeboune to wait upon the Duchesse his Wife which Candebonne was afterwards sent away by the Spaniards as one they trusted not in And finally he arrived in France to the great contentment of all the Subjects Princes Ministers of state Cardinall and of the King himself which they exprest by Jubilean teares and all outward manifestations of joy and to the as great discontentment of all those who had laid their foundations upon these divisions The Spaniards who if all be true that was said were not very well pleased hereat did notwithstanding wisely cover their inward sorrow giving out how much they were joyed that their Kings Brethren in law were reconciled and that his Highnesse needed not have beene so secret in his departure for as they had courteously received him so would they as willingly have served him and attended him with such decency into France as became so great a Prince The Infanta whom we left after the Battaile of Nordlinghen in the Spanish Army in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg went by Ashaffemburg a City belonging to the Elector of Mentz upon the Main towards Cullen and came happily into the Country of Lucemburg with the great applause of the Inhabitants The King of Hungary having taken Neilburne a City in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg seated upon the Neccar which being onely surrounded with old Wals soone yeelded march't with his Forces towards the Ringrave who kept himselfe with his owne men and those hee had drawne out of Garrisons neer Offemberg to oppose the Caesarians proceedings in those parts not being strong enough to face a great and victorious Army discovering the Imperialists Scouts and having skirmished with them he retired towards Strasburg But being pursued by the Caesarian Horse and not able to get to the Bridge over the Rhyn before they overtooke him whilest hee past over his Foot it behoved him to skirmish with the Imperialists Horse where being overborne by the grosse of the Enemy and not able to passe over the Rhyn by the Bridge which was barricadoed by Carts and Foot he to save his person threw himselfe into the River and by swimming over it escaped the hands of the Enemy but left behinde him at this bout neer 400 Horse and some Carriages After this action the Imperialists fearing lest they might necessitate the Swedes to implore succour from France and to joyne themselves with the Army commanded by the Marshall de la Force who was fallen downe into Alsatia and was then quartered about Lindaw they kept themselves within there quarters for some time in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg not indeavouring any new businesse at which the Swedish Commanders did not a little wonder But this was by politicians interpreted a piece of cunning thus to afford leasure to the Swedes who were totally broken that gathering a little courage they might not give way to the demands made in Mentz by the French Agents concerning those Townes which they held upon the Rhyn and thereabouts and which they had yet refused to surrender But the Elector of Bavaria growing jealous at these delayes by which they seemed rather to seek peace with the Protestant Princes then pursue the warre 't was said that the Austrians foreseeing an almost inevitable rupture with France would first see the businesse of Germany setled that they might the more freely afterwards oppose themselves to the French Forces the which was to be indeavoured before they should declare open Warre against the French for if they should fall foule with them before the other affaire were setled they were likely to meet with greater difficulties then otherwise for inheartned by hopes from France their pretensions would be the loftier The Duke of Bavaria doubted lest the Emperour might conclude this Peace and lest he might remit the Count Palatine into his state so to gaine the friendship of the King of England which it much imported him to have Hee indeavoured therefore by what was gathered from understanding men to thwart this and made Iohn de Wert Commander of the Forces of the Catholicke League of which the said Duke as hath been formerly said was Generalissimo sit downe before Heydelberg the Metropolitan of the lower Palatinat to renew by this hostillity the jealousies between Caesar and the Crowne of England the which Wert did and tooke the Town and shortly after the Castle which wanting succour compounded The losse of this Towne though it opened the way for the Caesarians to advance without any difficulty towards Franckfort and Mentz yet was it not pleasing to the Imperiall Councell For Manheime being garrizon'd by the French a strong hold upon the Rhyn at the mouth of the Neccar formerly possessed by the Spaniards afterwards slighted by them to free themselves of the expence they must be at in maintaining a strong Garrison there which now they needed not and having built a Bridge upon Boates they would not oblige them to passe over the Rhyn and declare Warre They therefore kept themselves within their quarters at Wirtenberg and the Marquisat of Turlach not indeavouring any other enterprise attending the conclusion of Peace with Saxony which at this time was with much fervenvency and almost an assured successe treated of For the distastes which that Elector had taken against Oxesterne for the little respect given by him in his discourses to the Electors actions were growne to a very great height And though the French who were troubled this peace should be concluded sent Monsieur de la Grange to the Elector to disturbe it as it was commonly reported with promise of Monies Armes and assistance yet did they not feare to effect it for the Elector was not greatly well inclined to the greatnesse of Forreigne Protestants in Germany and therefore it was not to be believed hee would nourish the Warre at the desire of the French The end of the ninth Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE X. BOOK The Contents of the Tenth Booke The Imperialists are invited to the surprisall of Filisburg by the Frenchmens neglected Guards many consultations being had they resolve upon the enterprise which they easily obtaine The French are much incenst at this surprisall and make great Military Provisions Franckfort upon the Mayne compounds with the Emperour The Spaniards surprise Triers and carry the Elector prisoner into Flanders Auspurg and other Cities brought to great extremitie cloze in with the Peace of Prague The French fall unexpectedly upon the Valteline and without any dispute make themselves masters thereof The state of Milan takes up Armes and the Spaniards are carefull to preserve the strong holds The
and somewhat of unknowne was agreed upon by the Duke in favour of the King of Spaine Crequi this mean while playd upon Valâ—nza on all sides in so much as those that were wel-wishers to the French gave out a report that Valenza would yeeld or be lost which being got hold of by the common people began to be believed by the great ones and the wisest And this the rather for that the wary Crequi seeing how little good his Forces could doe unassisted by Savoy and Parma from whom as yet he had received nothing but hopes save 10 Companies of Curasses from Savoy under the command of Monsieur Flort a French Gentleman and Marshall of the Field resolved upon some prevalent meanes to perswade the Duke of Parma to declare himselfe openly against the Spaniards for when he should have done so Savoy would have all excuses taken from him why he should not condiscend to the desires incessant pressures made unto him by the French And the more to make Parma as being the further off declare himselfe for the French Crequi by expresse messengers sent him word that the Towne was already so distressed by his assaults as it would doubtlessely suddenly be tane that therefore he desired him to come and honour the Forces of France with his presence for that by so doing he might the more ingratiate himselfe into the favour of the King of France by declaring himselfe when the event of things were yet uncertaine The Duke believing that Crequi spoke like a reall friend being moreover desirous of glory and inheartned by hopes of bettering his condition with the division of the State of Milan suffered himselfe contrary to the opinion of his owne Counsellours to be perswaded by Crequi and to that purpose mustering his men at Saint Iohns Castle where were found to be 4000 Foot and 800 Horse he on the 30th of August sent some Squadrons on this side Poe into the Territories of Coniado the demeanes of Prince Trivullio and on the first of September those of Parma marched very secretly through the Country of Tortona and not meeting with any incounter came before that Town where staying a while and the Duke quartering himselfe neer Poe in Signor Scampa's Palace a Battery was suddainly raised on that side also against the Tenalia which was held by the besieged and moreover hee threw a Bridge of Boates over the River in that part as the Duke of Savoy did likewise on the other side who came thither also soone after with about 5000 men and this was done that they might passe on this side the River and hinder the succour which those of Valenza might receive by the Bridge which was guarded by the Spaniards The Spaniards being very much grieved at the Duke of Parma's hostility and the more for that they had alwayes beene held by the Dukes his predecessors as arbitrators of the affaires of that Dukedome could not tollerate the proceedings of the present Edward they therefore complained bitterly to the Pope to the end that that Dukedome holding of the Church and consequently the Pope being obliged to defend it hee should not afterwards have reason to move them to withdraw their Forces if they should invade that Dukedome since the Duke thereof had first given the occasion The Pope being wrought upon by such perswasions wisht the Duke not to molest the State of Milan lest hee might afterwards give the Spaniards occasion of waging Warre against him the Duke and therein interest the holy Sea The Duke of Parma pretending to have just cause to breake with the Spaniards dispatcht away a Gentleman of his to Genua to advertise that Republicke of his comming into the field and soone after publisht a Manifesto expressing therein what benefits the Crowne of Spaine had recived from his house and how on the contrary that Crowne had evilly requited him how Regent Villani had threatned him for that he had not consented to what had been propounded prejudiciall to his State in respect of sending him into Flanders as hostage of the others faith how instant the Emperours Embassadour had been with him to disburse more Mony then he was able and how he had sent an Embassadour into Spaine to represent unto his Catholicke Majesty how much hee might expect from him which Embassadour was entertained there many Moneths and at last returned backe without any answer The Spaniards knowing very well that the State of Milan was not to be succoured by help from Germany by reason that the passages of the Valteline were stopt by Rohan and that therefore they were to indeavour succour by Sea where it behoved them to have a considerable Fleet to scoure the Seas without danger of the French Vessels had already prepared a good Squadron of Gallies and round-botomb'd Boates in the Mediterranian under the command of Marquis Santa Croâ—â— and thinking it was very fit for their purpose to take the Islands of S. Mâ—rguerit and S. Honore places which would not onely have facilitated their navigation but be a hindrance to the French who passe from Marselles into the Territories of Genua and consequently would be a great trouble to the transportation of such provisions as they should indeavour to send to their Armies in the State of Milan and Montferrat sailed thitherward and landing some of their Foot made themselves easily masters thereof for the French not expecting such an attempt had neglected to put such defence into those Islands as was requisite for them The end of the tenth Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE XI BOOK The Contents of the Eleventh Book The French continue to oppugne Valenza the Spaniards defend themselves valiantly many men of qualitie are slaine before it Gustavenburg falls into the Imperialists hands The Crabats invade France and are worsted Monsieur De Belieure the French Embassadour goes to many Princes of Italy Valenza is luckily succoured by the Spaniards which causeth the French-men to rayse their Siege being ill satisfied with the Duke of Savoy A great bickering in the Valteline betweene Rohan and Serbellone The Spaniards desire and obtaine passage from the Papists Cantons of Switzers for succour from Germany for Milan The Saxons proceedings against the Swedes Marquis Villa passes with those of Parma into the Countrey of Piacenza Marquis Leganes comes to Milan The Court of France is much troubled at the retreat from Valenza Consultation is had upon what is expâ—dient to continue the Warre in Italy The Duke of Parma goes into France to speake with the King Villa enters in hostile manner upon the Territories of the Duke of Modena and is made retire The King of England indeavours the restitution of the Palatinate but in vaine The Emperour demands helpe from the Princes of Italy for the Warre of Germany New Dutch Forces come to the State of Milan whereupon the Spaniards pursue to invade the Territories of the Duke of Parma The French
who had served the Crowne of Swethland 30 yeares to London to the end that being practised in such like affaires he might shew his Majesty of England how easily he might then recover the Palatinat from the Imperialists and Duke of Bavaria if England would goe to worke to purpose being assisted by France and Swethland The Saxons who had retreated from Magdeburg being recruited by 8000 Souldiers which were brought unto them by Azfelt Serjeant Major-Generall of the Battaile did passe backe again over the Sala to set upon Bannier Hee hearing thereof arose suddainly from those parts and retired towards Magdeburg to be aiding to that place which he was very unwilling to lose since the aboad of the Swedish Forces in those Provinces depended thereupon it being a fitting place to invade Saxony and a place whereunto to retreat in case of any hard incounter But being followed at the heeles by the Imperialists hee could not make such haste but that the Saxons got up to his Reer routed them and slew about 400 Swedes who not long after cried quittance with them for the Saxons running confusedly here and there out of a desire of booty they were met by the Swedish Horse who routed two of their Regiments killing and taking about 500 of them and thereby likewise they lost the Towne of Bernberg seated on the Sala upon the Confines of the Bishopricke wherein above 50 Souldiers that were there quartered were put to the Sword Oranghell entring on the other side into la Marca a Province between Pomerania Saxony Brandeburg and Slesia with about 8000 men came without any withstanding to the Gates of Franckfort upon Oder for by his unexpected arrivall and that Province wanting men to make head against him he had free leave to goe whither he would and to sacke many Townes from which the Swedes got rich booty and good store of Beeves and Horses The King of Denmarke knowing that these times wherein the Emperour was greatly molested might serve fitly for him to advantage his Crowne for that 't was likely the Emperour would indeavour to give him satisfaction thereby to winne his friendship as also to make him breake with the Swedes had upon this occasion dispatcht away an Embassadour to Vienna to desire the Emperour to conferre the Bishopricke of Bremen upon a sonne of his as also to negotiat some other affaires who was graciously received and sent away contented For the Emperour that he might have good correspondency with that King during these troubles invested him in that Bishopricke which he pretended unto which being in the Swedes possession it was a good meanes to bring this King to breake with them for he verily believed they would not forgoe it and the other pretending right thereunto this was the way to set them together by the eares and thereby likewise to make a league with Denmarke which doubtlesly would have succeeded had the Parliament of Denmarke yeelded to the Kings desires but the Danes not intending to breake peace with the Swedes as knowing the prejudice of Warre businesses proceeded slowly on and nothing was concluded Count Coloredo was upon the Confines of France who thought to advance into that Kingdome and by inrodes to inrich himselfe and his Souldiers He therefore arose from his quarters with 24 Companies of Horse and past over the Mosell to joyne with 2000 Crabats and so invade the French to some purpose yet did not this indeavour take effect for the Crabats mindfull of what had befallen them in their inrode some moneths agoe denyed to goe with him so as he advanc't with his owne onely Horse and being got into Champania sack't divers Villages chased some French Troopes and got so farre into the Countrey as that Marshall De la Force having time to march with his men to the Mosell by which Coloredo was to re-passe intercepted him and after a gallant skirmish on both sides he forced Coloredo to thinke upon a retreat who not being able to recover any place of safetie for all the passages of the River were pre-possessed together with the losse of his bootie and most of his men he himselfe was taken prisoner by the French by whom he was civilly received as is the custome of that honourable Nation and treated with such courtesie as is used by the French Nobilitie to men of worth The Marshall invited him that very night to supper where he received much satisfaction from La Force and all the French Gentry who were much pleased to have bereft the Emperour of so ingenious and valiant a Gentleman After the rout given to Serbellone Rohan being desirous to proceed and thinking how he might get footing in the King of Spaines Territories and open his way into the State of Milan where many wise men are of opinion he would have made some strange proofe of his valour he having no more to doe in the Valteline which was now wholly possest by the French Forces And considering that when he should have taken Pradell over against the River underneath the Mountaines and neere the Lake he might easily likewise take Francesca and Gravedone little Townes along the Lake towards the West On the third of Aprill he quit his quarters and seeming by false fires to march elsewhere he both by water and by land came to the said Pradell the which he luckily tooke as he also did Francesca and Gravedone the which Towne he made his Souldiers sacke knowing that he could not keepe it as not having orders from his King to quit the Valteline nor Forces enough to beat the Spaniards led on by Serbellone who came eagerly against him He therefore retreated to his former quarters giving out that he had sack't Gravedone as knowing if the French had not done it the Spaniards would These happy successes being neglected by the French who were thought able to have advanced into the State of Milan as well for that Rohan had with him 4000 Foot and about 600 gallant Horse as also that he was not onely accompanied by Fortune but cryed up by Fame which did immortalize his name and render him reverenced and dreaded by his Enemies made the Grisons somewhat suspect that the Kings orders for his not going out of the Valteline were not occasioned for his want of Forces nor lesse out of feare that the places he had made himselfe Master of should be taken by the Austrians as was given out but to keepe the Grisons from possession of the Valley which was faithfully promised them before the French came thereinto and perhaps with intention when they should have achieved their ends in Milan to have the same pretensions upon them as upon the Spaniards Hereupon as jealousies in poynt of libertie chiefly amongst those who are accustomed thereunto are of a nice and tender nature and such as any little suspition is able to cause diffidence to the Grisons who had brought the French Forces into the bosome of their liberties not out of any intention to assubject themselves
and Baggage and 4 pieces of Cannon their numbers consisting of 1200 Foot and 200 Horse which were conveyed to Werben The losse of this place being much regretted by the Swedes not onely for that it was of so great consideration for their affaires but also in that it fell into the Saxons hands who they most perfectly hated afforded Bannier occasion of complaint and to presse againe the Swedish Governours that the Forces which were already assembled in sufficient numbers might advance into those parts But the Elector losing no time but making use of occasion put requisite Garrison into the Towne providing all things necessary for the maintenance thereof and sent his Army to before Werben thinking to fight with Bannier before he should be strengthned by his expected recruits Yet things fell not out as he would have it for Bannier being a wary and wise Commander and knowing it was not yet time to oppose the fury of a Victorious Army with so few men as he had which exceeded not 12000. had retired to betweene Demits and Lavemburg having first left a Garrison in Werben and spoyled all the neighbouring Townes and Villages to the end the Saxons might not find wherewithall to subsist in those parts The Electors Forces set therefore upon Werben as a place of some moment for their affaires which though it were in a condition of holding out some dayes yet the Governour thereof being slaine therein it yeelded at the end of foure dayes as also did Haselberg The which places opening the way to Brandenburg the Saxons advanced thither encamped themselves about the Towne and beset it Bannier seeing no appearance of the expected supply and perceiving that the Saxon Army drew daily neerer him that he might shun such incounters from whence he could expect no good he went likewise from Demits and retreated to the Confines of Mechelberg that he might there joyne with Lesley who being about Luneburg did divers things thereabouts and with Oranghell another Swedish Generall who was quartered about Pernaw to get some Contribution from Berlin and the Electorate of Brandenburg without the which he intended not to move from those quarters He grounded his reasons in that the Souldiers wanting their pay would runne away if they should part from thence and but very few would follow him but his chiefe ends aimed at his owne particular interest which was the thing he onely cared for and so the publique service did in this manner decline by reason of the Commanders avarice These preparations of the Swedes and of the Landsgrave of Hessen who being recruited with 4000 men had betaken himselfe to the taking in off Statberghen made the Imperiall Commanders looke about them who were about Ghiessen upon the banks of Lon fore-seeing that if the Protestant Forces should increase in those Provinces and that they should make themselves Masters of those Townes they would be hardly recovered Wherefore they resolved to march with their Army from those parts to the succour of Statbergken they over-ranne the Territories of Hirschfelt Swartsborne and Homburg belonging to the Countrey of Hessen and seated upon the River Fulda meeting with no opposition for all the people were in the Campe before Statberghen But the Landsgrave hearing of the Imperialists march removed from thence and raysed his Siege retiring to Cassell to defend his owne State and him the Imperialists would have set upon with some advantage had not Lesley who burnt as many Villages and Townes in Westphalia as denyed him Contribution necessitated the Marquis Grana to advance to Hanttorph to have an eye to his proceedings and had not Ghets likewise beene inforced to depart from that State and to goe in re-inforcement of the Imperialists that pursued Bannier The time appoynted for the Dyet at Ratisbon was already expired when his Imperiall Majestie with all his Court and the Deputies of those Princes parted from Vienna and stayd some dayes in Lints that he might afford time to the Princes and others that were bound to be there to arrive before him The Electors of Mentz and Coln the Deputies of Saxony and Brandenburg together with many other chiefe personages who were to assist in the Dyet being come to Ratisbon the Emperour parted from Lints and made his solemne entry into Ratisbon whither the Duke of Bavaria being likewise come they began the Dyet wherein three things were chiefly propounded the first That his Imperiall Majestie being now very old and much weakned in body a King of the Romans might be chosen the second That they should treat of matters touching the Electorate of Triers the third That they should thinke how to remit the Empire into its former splendid condition which if it could not be done that the War was to be continued against the perturbers thereof By these Propositions the Electors soone found that the Austrians ends were onely to make the King of Hungary King of the Romans which when they should have effected they would little care for the decision of the other two poynts In so much as some moved that the other two heads should be resolved on before they came to choose the King of the Romans to the end the Austrians might the more diligently intend the publique quiet but such difficulties were overcome by the Spaniards dexteritie who ingratiated themselves into the affections of the Electors and their Officers As also for that the Earl of Arundell who was Embassadour from England for the restitution of the Palatinate was then at Ratisbon who perceiving there was no mention made thereof in the Dyet did againe move the Emperour that it might be taken into consideration and that they might thinke of what answer they would returne to his Kings desires and this affaire was at last brought to the Table But it not being then time to distaste Bavaria or to rayse jealousies in him the further Treatie thereof was deferr'd to the convention which was to be held at Cullen Of which I have yet said nothing because it being procured by the Popes mediation who as the common father was desirous of agreement betweene the Papists Princes and it never being effected although the Plenipotentiaryes of all the Potentates were named and I not esteeming it yet so easie to be effected by reason of the small desire that Princes have to part with what they have once gotten I reserve my selfe to speake thereof when the effects thereof shall be seene and that the Officers of those Princes who are to compose it shall be brought together The Embassadour being not well satisfied and clearely fore-seeing that the Palatinate was never to be regained but by the same meanes by which it was lost resolved to take his leave and returne unto his King All the Gentry and Commonaltie of France was at this time in Armes and people came from all parts to the Court when the King knowing he had Forces enough in readinesse for his purpose having mustered his Army at S. Denis which consisted of 18000
ways wrought upon by these the Spaniards fetches but answering their Civilities with as much courtesie thanked his Majestie for the honours he had received and took his leave of the Court the King having notwithstanding declared him to be his General of his Navy at Sea that by that title he might keep him as a servant to that Crown The Duke came by gally to Genoa to the great contentment of his Subjects who by his absence and because of the report that hee was to change his State for Sardinia were much sadded And his Councell not thinking it fit for him to deny the raising of 2000. men out of his Dukedome to the King of Spaine who had shown so much affection to his Highness it was concluded it should be done that he might thereby witness his gratitude to his Majesty of Spain for the honours he had received from him yet were not the Spaniards suffered to carry away full 2000. men for that the reason of State shews that Principalities may be termed poor which are poore in Subjects The French all this time continued their siege of Fonterabbia which as it made much for their affaires so was it very prejudiciall to the Spaniards since great consequences arising from the loss of this place all the neighboring parts would have run hazard of falling under the dominion of the French Therefore the Admirall of Castile with an army that he had got together prepared to assail the enemies Camp The which he did on the 7. of September and obteyned his ends For the French who were before the Town being much lessened in their numbers and who were desirous to tarry no longer where they suffered so much did not behave themselves according to their accustomed valour And though the Prince of Conde and other chief Commanders behaved themselves with such courage as becomes men that are ambitious of glory and did endeavour to withstand the Spanyards yet were they not able to doe it for the souldiers villified rather with their being there inclosed then by their enemies valour were so confused and fought so coldly as they were fain to raise the siege which was joyfull news to the Spaniards and as unpleasing to the French and in particular to the King who not thinking that Conde had behaved himselfe answerable to the expectation that was had of him the Prince began to be ill thought of at Court though when the businesse was maturely scand those lost their first impressions who immediately surprized at the appearance of evill stop their eares and will not let in truth But if the French were sad for their no better successe before Fonterabbia the Dolphins birth which was on the fifth of September caused such joy among them and gave such generall contentment throughout all France as they every where exprest such Jubilies and rejoycings as it very well became them to do for so great a blessing from God They who by reason of their Queenes barrennesse for the space of 22. years had given over all hopes of seeing any Issue by their King and who therefore much feared the mischief that might befall the Crown by change of Successor in an instant cleared up their countenances and were greatly consolated at this so great mercy from Heaven The King being piously given threw himselfe upon his knees before a Crucifix humbly returned thanks and acknowledgments to God Almighty for his so great goodnesse towards him The Duke of Orleans who till now was in nature of the Kings Eldest Son next heir unto the Crown came in all hast and with great respect unto the King and humbly acknowledging the Dolphin beg'd of his Majestie that as he had hitherto held him for his son his Majesty would now love him as his Cadet The King taking him up in his armes and imbracing him witnessed his neernesse of blood and the tendernesse of his affection All France was full of jollity as they expressed by their voyces gestures and actions bon-fires abounded every where In briefe as Marriners are comforted by the change of a crosse winde into a favourable gale so did this sterrility being turned to fruitfulnesse make the French rejoyce wherein such as depended on them did share but their enemies were hereat displeased The Count Palatine of Rhene whom my Author must give me leave to call Prince Elector had at this time what with 4000. Foot from England and other forces which by moneyes from the King of England he had raised Collonel Kings men being likewise therein comprehended who was Serjeant Major Generall of the Sweedish army and who had orders to joyne with the Prince Elector about Munster got together a body of men amounting to about 10000. wherewith he was advised by his Captaints friends to joyn with Melander Generall of the Hassian Forces which after the Lansgraves death continued still in service of the Crowne of Swethland that so during the Emperours being held in play by the Sweeds French he might by way of arms enter into the Palatinate and recover that which being so oft put for and desired of the Emperour was still denyed or at least fruitlesly deferr'd But before their undertaking any greater business 't was adjudged fit by men of understanding not to leave any Towns behind their backs which were possest by those of the League since thereby they might easily bring the Imperiallists to great scarcity of victuals if their Army should unadvisedly engage it selfe The Prince Elector therefore by the disbursment of some moneyes got Asnapruch and Mindell to be assigned over to him by the said King to the end he might have places to retreat unto when hee should lye with his army in the fields in those Provinces so as it seemed hee began to proceed on fortunately in those parts But Azfelt being solicited from Vienna to have an eye to the proceedings of these new Forces and the rather for that the Elector of Mens and other Ecclesiasticall Princes had very earnestly desired and accompanied these their desires with protestations that the War might not be suffered to be made upon their Territories hee came thither made towards these new souldiers with about 8000. good men drawn out of Garrisons whose places he supplyed with new men taken out of the Arch-bishopricke of Cullen The Prince Elector being therefore brought to great scarcity of victuals and not able to endure that his men should perish as they daily did through discommodiousness which was very prejudicial to the English who taken from the commodiousness of their own country are usually at their first entrance more sensible of sufferings in the field then are other Nations resolved to fight whereunto he was also inticed by his Captains who troubled that they should find their hopes fail them desired rather to hazard their lives in atchieving an honourable victory then poorely to die through sufferings Both the armies joyned therefore together in battle betweene the Vesser and the County of Osnapruch on the
18. of October where the Prince Electors souldiers being new professors of War and their Commanders no less unexperienced they retreated so confusedly at the first going off of the Canon as being pursued by the Imperiallists horse and on all sides invironed by the enemie who helped their victory by the seeming appearances of more Colours those who saved themselves not by flight were either slaine or taken prisoners amongst which Prince Rupert Count Palatine of Rhene and brâ—ther to the Elector was one who was with a good guard carried prisoner to the Castle of Lynts there died in this action about 4000. of the Prince Electors men and 800. Imperiallists Sergeant-Major-generall King and the Elector saved themselves by swimming and got into Mindem many prime Gentlemen of England were slaine and some taken prisoners This victory though it were not of much moment as some would have it to be for by this the nests were not destroyed from whence new troubles were to be expected and it would rather serve for a further incitement to the King of great Brittan to proceed against the Austrians yet howsoever who shall consider the business and knows what advantage the States of the Roman Catholikes received by the securing of those Forts the reputation of their arms will finde it to be greater then it appeared to be For besides the freeing of the Ecclesiasticall Provinces from the feare they stood in of those forces great was the consequence of the recovery of those places which whilst possest by the Protestants kept the neighbouring Inhabitants in continuall agitation and made the widow of the late Landsgrave strong in her adherence to the Sweedish party The Austrians and Ecclesiasticks did therefore by publike thanksgiving witnesse the content they received hereby The King of Poland was likewise hereat well pleased for his brother Prince Casamire being some moneths before taken prisoner by the French at Bucary upon the Coast of Provence as he was going in a Galley from Genoa to the Court of Spain about some business and from thence carried to the Boys St. Vincent he thought this Count Palatine would be a fitting change for the said Prince Casamire Azfelt after having taken Vecht went to the taking in of Osnapruch which in a few dayes accepted of Lawes from the Conquerour To thwart the succesfull proceedings in these parts Duke Weymar who gallantly surrounded Brisacke did in part recover what those of his faction had lost in the Prince Electors business for receiving advertisement how that 7. Imperiall Regiments led on by Charles Duke of Loreine Bossompier and Mercy being come from Burgondy were upon their march towards Tan that they might fall down from thence and joyne with the other Austrians on this side the Rhene so joyntly endeavour that succour which Ghetz failed in he presently parted from his Camp before Brisack with 6000. commanded men six pieces of Cannon and 4. Cariages of Ammunition and went to meet with the Lorreyners between Vsfholph and Senhaim where he in person boldly set upon a squadron of horse led on by Mercy after an obstinate fight wherein Mercy with his sword in hand did no less gallantly behave himselfe then did Weymar Mercyes horse was killed under him in his retreat the courage of the Caesarians seemed also somewhat to give backe Weymar pursued them closely and though he had received a slight hurt for which his men desired him to withdraw he by no means would give backe but growing more incensed by the sight of his own blood he charged upon the Front of the enemies horse and made them turn back and then pursuing them behind did great execution upon them Greater peradventure would the mischief have been had not a great battaglion of foot commanded by Bossompiere and placed in a convenient place stayed the Sweedes in their pursuit by hailing down musquet shot amongst them for it behoving Weymar to hault here lest he might be engaged in some dangerous encounter the Imperiallists had time to retreat and assembling together againe under the shelter of those musquetiers to fight vigorously but this availed them but a little For Colonell Rose advancing with the rest of the horse and 1500 choise foot whilst the Imperiall foot and the Sweeds foot were here fighting Weymar with his horse charged furiously upon the Duke of Lorreyns Squadrons and routed them putting many of them to the sword so as the Imperiall foot being invironed on all sides they were all either slain or taken prisoners save some few of the reer who saved themselves by flight they lost their baggage their Cannon Bossompier and some other Commanders of account and about 1500. souldiers To second this happy encounter Smitbery hearing thereof who commanded the Camp on the other side of the Rhene before Brisacke he valiantly assaulted the little Fort before the bridg and after a long dispute took it by storm So as the Town being besieged on all sides and brought to great streits and not being to be relieved on any side the Spanish Ministers of State were earnestly desired from those of Caesars Court to send suddainly a flying squadron of betweene sixe and 8000. souldiers from the State of Millan into Alsatia thereby to relieve this place wherein their common interests were so much concerned but these their entreaties could not prevaile with the Spaniards For though they were very much grieved that Brisacke should be lost they more valued the State of Millan then all Alsatia neither did they think it fitting to remove in a season so near winter For besides that they were likely to lose many men in their march by hardnesse and by flight for the Italians being made wary by former examples do not willingly pass the mountains they greatly feared to loose that reputation which the Spaniards do with such punctuality cherish if the businesse should not succeed according to their desires as they much doubted it would not Their answer therefore was faire in words and appearances but short in effects The end of the fifteenth Booke The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE XVI BOOK The Contents of the Sixteenth Book The Cardinall of Savoy comes to the confines of Piemont that by the assistance of Spaine he may enter into that state Hee indeavours to surprise Asti but in vaine the Dutchesse and the French are very jealous and suspect the Inhabitants Brisack after a long seidge being brought to extreamity is yealded to Weymar The Sweeds being reinforced advance make divers atcheevements Prince Thomas of Savoy comes from Flanders is received by the Spaniards and after many consultations hee enters Piemont with the Spanish forces and atcheeves many things The Spaniards under the command of Don Martine d' Aragona goe to before Chengio they take it and Don Martine is slaine The Dutchesse of Savoy much troubled at the proceedings of the Princes her bretheren in Law taketh in the French to guard Turine and the Cittadel there and