time by a French Garrison Having therefore agreed on the manner with Prince Thomas who was then Governour of all the King of Spaines Forces in Flanders and was with the other Austrian Forces in Lucemberg hee made Count Finden march thitherward and by the favour of the season of the Intelligence hee held and of the neglected guards who expected not such an accident the City was suddainly set upon and taken on the 21th of March the Elector made prisoner and brought with a good Convoy to Brussels many of the Garrison slaine and taken This action though it were of some consideration to the House of Austria aswell by the addition of the Towne as for the Electors person who to purchase his liberty would at all times give his voice in the Imperiall Dyet for the crowning of the King of Hungary King of the Romans yet was it thought by some to be no little misfortune for this being a blow wherewithall France being now great in power and Military preparations would bee netled so great ruines were foreseeen as not onely their owne Subjects but their Neighbours yea all Europe should suffer thereby and so it fell out For the King of France to boot with these apparent injuries sufficient to legitimate an occasion of breaking Peace was little satisfied with the proceedings of the Spanish Agents who were publickly peacht by the French for having wrought upon the Duke of Orleans and other subjects of France by many hopes and filled them with vast imaginations thereby to cause civill discords then which they could finde no better diversion and for having done other things prejudiciall to that Kingdome And finding at last the breach might well be retarded but not evaded for the Spaniards would never have suffered the French to make such Achievements without drawing a Sword and not requite them by Armes since it so became them to doe in respect of those who for their sakes were turned out As likewise for that it did not well agree with their government that the French should grow greater and should get neerer to their Confines whereby they should be continually jealous of their neighbourhood and be sure to have them alwayes a counterpoise to their greatnesse whilest under the name of good neighbours they had possest themselves of such Townes as were held by their Forces for the preservation of such as had flowne unto their King for protection They resolved not to permit any longer any such hostility without resentment Having therefore concluded upon Warre the King of France sent an intimation to the Infanta which implyed an open breach unlesse hee would presently restore unto him Triers and set the Elector at liberty the Messenger whereof was not by his Highnesse listned unto Henry Duke of Rohan who was with a great body of men about Ramberviller in Lorayne was commanded to fall downe into Alsatia that he might be ready for the imployment he was put upon Duke Crequi who was returned from his Embassy from Rome and who was made Lieutenant-Generall of all the French Forces in Italy had Commission for the raising of 10000 Foot and 2000 Horse in Dolpheny and Bresse and to be ready to fall into Pâ—emont upon any such order from the King 2000 French Foot were sent to Casalle Much Military Provision was sent to Pinerolle The Inhabitants of Pragelle which is a Vallie on this side the Mountaine of Geneva and from whence issueth the River Chison which having cut through the Vallie of Perosa fals into Poe neer Villefranca were commanded to make certaine places of those Mountaines more easy to be passed that such Souldiers as were to goe from Lyons and Grenoble into Italy might passe that way Monsieur de Bellieure a personage of great esteem was declared Embassadour extraordinary to all the Princes and Potentates of Italy And because the Duke of Parma who was still more and more distasted with the Spanish Agents held good correspondency with the French divers Companies of Horse were sent towards Parma and a good summe of Mony was sent by the King to the Duke thereof to raise new Troopes and for the payment of an Army in his owne state of which together with the assistance of other Princes their friends the French thought to make use to assist them on that other side in the assault they intended to give by the way of Montferrat to the state of Milan And if the effect thereof had been answerable to the wisedome of the plot and his Majesties advice had been readily executed doubtlesse the Spaniards might have run the hazard of losing the state of Milan which did then sufficiently want men for its owne defence Thus the Embassadours being dispatcht away diligent preparations for Warre were made on both sides The newes hereof comming to the Emperours Court which was not yet quite free from the former disorders altered the pulse thereof on this side and did not a little obviat those hopes wherewith they were already much comforted by their late good successe against the Swedes Wherefore fearing some new mischiefe they speedily summoned the wisest of their Councell together and examined such things as most concerned the preservation of the Empire and found that their discords with the Protestant Princes were the repletions which kept it languishing for that the Warre maintained in their owne Territories weakned the Frontiers of Germany and laid low the Spaniards high designes built upon the power of the Emperour 'T was therefore agreed upon that all diligence should be used to finde out an adequat remedy for this malady which they found not to consist in their owne Forces disperst abroad in other places through the hostility of the Princes of the Empire The Elector of Saxony was then againe invited to a new treaty of Peace which was propounded unto him and accompanied with the fairest propositions that necessitie could find out Baron Curts went to Prague to treat with those deputed by the Elector who though at first they were hardly perswaded to come thither they at last agreed upon a meeting wherein the Electors pretensions and the Emperours proffers were made knowne The Duke was found to be already somewhat diffident of the Swedish Agents for the Reasons that have beene said and that he was greatly jealous of the French-mens having declared themselves whose greatnesse was distasted by the Dutch and that he feared lest by the assistance of that King Duke Waymer and the Swedes might grow to such an excessive power as that he himselfe should not dare to answer to Waymers pretensions which might perchance fall upon the Electorate as being formerly the patrimony of his Progenitors Hereunto was added That the Princes of the Empire not being pleased with the depression of the Austrians thereby to exalt Forreiners it was no good Maxime so farre to agrandise their friends as to become afterwards no lesse jealous of their greatnesse then of the Emperours excessive power So as finding himselfe in a condition
which was of Ferias Vanguard being come into the Citie and therewithall much people Ammunition the assault was notwithstanding delayed till more Forces should come which were expected from the Duke of Berchenfield The meane while the besieged sallied couragiously forth upoâ— Crantzlingens quarters to hinder the approaches and breake the batteries but were by the Swedes beat backe with the losse of about 40 Foot and 12 Horâ—e and one Tower falling that day the batteries began to play upon another on the Lakes side The comming of foure piece of great Cannon was expected for those they had did little good by reason of the smalnesse of their Boat and the Duke of Berchenfield was arrived with 4000 Foot and 3000 Horse When newes came that Aldringer being already parted out of Bavaria was upon his march with 20 Regiments of Horse and 4000 Foot and that he had already taken Biberach being notwithstanding followed by D. Weymar who was not far from the Swedish Camp The generall assault which was intended to be made were it either that they stayd for the comming of these men or that they would not hazard themselves in vaine there being a great new succour entred the Towne which added to those that were already there and made about 8000 Foot or for some other reason or for their good successe for which the Swedes had already used all the devotions which in like cases they are used to doe was deferr'd Weymar being this meane while come to Gutleiben which was Hornes quarter with the Colonells Rotutchin Vistem Ransaw Agofelt and Plato prime Commanders of that Army and having spoken with him after about an houres secret discourse concerning the present emergencies he immediately returned to Cheli where about his men lay The next day when the great Cannon appeared those who were desirous of it were confirmed in their opinion that the Siege should be longer continued and the generall assault should be indeavoured But they soone found the error of their conceit for Weymar being in hast returned and having wisely weighed the matter with Horne that every the least delay they should make there conduced much to the prejudice of their designes and interests for the Austrians who marched apace towards their Campe might easily have stopped their passage invironed them with their Forces get luckily into Wirtenberg and make use of the commodiousnesse and situation of that State totally to destroy the Swedish Army they therefore thought it fit suddainly to raise the siege and necessary and fitting directions being given to this purpose their Cannon being withdrawne from the Batteries the Foot in handsome order backt by the Horse past over the Bridge defending themselves with as much gallantry as might be against a briske Sally which the besieged made insomuch as they burnt the barkes and shewed themselves in the Field on the other side the River in perfect Battaile-array The Swedes being risen from before Constantz the Imperialists who were come to the defence thereof came out with great force and courage and being mightily incensed rather against the Protestant Switzer then against the Swedes they over-ranne many of the Protestant Townes in Turgovia dealing hardly with many Protestants where Allarms being given by their Bels and Kesserling the Serjeant-Major of the Country he who being one of Zurich moved not at Hornes arrivall made what haste he could thither but not being able to represse the injuries done by the Imperialists he was sent as a man of quality by those of his owne side to acquaint the Colonels of the Papists Switzers who were yet at Vill with this the Austrians incursion and to present unto them the injuries and violences done by those of Constantz and to be counselled and assisted by them but as soone as he was lighted off horse-backe he was made prisoner by the Roman-Catholiques who gave no reason for it but that he had not intirely done his duty at the comming of the Swedes at which the Protestant Cantons being mightily incensed and more particularly those of Zurich and Berne they betooke themselves to Armes and were upon resolving to breake with them had not the Duke of Rohan and Monsieur Violar the French Embassadour by their interposition and wise dexterity moderated that heat with threatning revenge in every ones breast was likely to have extinguished friendship and to have kindled civill turmoyles which would not so suddainly afterwards have been extinguished The end of the sixth Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE VII BOOK The Contents of the Seventh Booke This Book tells the comming of the Duke of Feria with the Spanish Army into Germany Aldringers joyning with him Their Consultations and Resolutions how to pursue the Warre The Swedes proceedings to shield themselves from being injured by these Forces The advancements of the Spanish Forces in Swabenland and Alsatia Brisach relieved Walesteine distaste for the place conferr'd upon the Duke of Ferias shewne by his actions The Swedes taking of Ratisbone the Duke of Bavaria's being troubled thereat and his complaint concerning it made at Vienna New indeavours of Peace with Saxony begun by Walestein his proceedings not liked of by the Imperialists his advancements in Slesia The Imprisonment of the Count D'la Towre and of Tuball and their flight displeasing to the Emperours Court The Swedes proceedings in Bavaria The Embassadour Crequi The Spaniards and Polaches Embassadours at Rome The Spaniards desire ayde from the Pope The death of Infanta Isabella in Flanders Ferias retyring from Alsatia into Bavaria Suspitions occasioned through Walesteins sinister proceedings Duke Weymar chosen Generall of the Protestant Forces Saxony his jealousies hereupon The Spaniards Councells held in Bavaria The Surrender of Filisburg to the Swedes The Arresting of the Governour of Lindaw Divers discourses upon the emergent Occurrences IT was now neere the end of September and yet Aldringer entertaining himselfe in the taking in of some places particularly of Biberach seemed rather to tarry under this pretence to keepe back recruits from the Spanish Army then out of any necessitie of taking in those places On the 29th of September Biberach being taken he joyned with the Duke of Feria and spoke with him at Ravenspurga a Towne in Swabenland betweene the Lake of Constantz and Danube where the Spaniards seemed not to be a little comforted that Walesteine had commanded his men to contemne their assistance or rather it may be desiring their ruine so as they having got together an Army of about 26000 fighting men who were fit for any enterprise the Duke of Feria calling his chiefe friends together discust the businesse with them what course they were to take to effect their Designes the question propounded was whether they were to advance boldly and not refuse the giving Battell or else more considerately not to ingage themselves in a businesse of such importance but to endeavour to get into Alsatia and succour Brisach Some were for
much of their designes was annihilated and those of the State of Milan not a little troubled for that State wanting men and Provisions requisite for its defence might suddainly have beene set upon by the French who if they had done as they threatned doubtlessely the Dukedome would have beene in some danger of being lost since it failed of succour from Germany which was its principall stay from Naples and Spaine from whence by reason of their farre distance aide could not suddenly be had Signor Antonio Porres was therefore dispatcht away from Milan into Inspruch to solicite the comming of the Dutch to the succour of the Valteline Tiroll though much terrified with this neighbour hood of the French began to beat up her Drummes her Inhabitants ranne to her Confines breaking up the high-wayes and barricadoing them with great Logges of Timber covering themselves with Trenches and betooke themselves to defend their passages with as much diligence as the shortnesse of time would permit The Arch-Dutchesse of Inspruch commanded Fornemont Serjeant Major Generall who was then quartered with his men in Swabenland neere Chempton to passe over S. Maryes Mount and not onely to secure Tiroll but to regaine the places that had beene taken by the French and driving them out of the Valteline to succour the state of Milan and to him were joyned 1000 Foot who were payd by the Spanish Embassadour Fornemont with 4000 Foot and 400 Horse haâ—ted to Mount S. Mary which is a narrow Hill betweene exceeding high Mountaines upon the Confines of Tiroll and the Valteline very hard to be past over From thence he went to the Bathes of Bormio which is another narrow passage where Colonell Pracher was with 1400 Foot and setting couragiously thereupon he made such worke as though he were valiantly withstood by the Grisons and that Monsieur De Landes Regiment and two other Companies of Horse came in to succour yet Pracher knowing the place to be too weake to resist the grosse body of the Dutch which advanced and fearing to be driven out resolved to quit the place and to retreat to Bormio and did so with the losse of about 70 of his men And from thence keeping alwayes on the left hand of Ada he past over Tridolfe a River which issueth out of Valfurba and got to Tirano one of the greatest Townes of the said Valley on this side of the Ada over against the Valley Puschiavo and there refreshing his wearied men Lande not thinking himselfe strong enough to make head against the Imperialists for that the greatest part of the French were in the Countrey of Chiavena with the Duke of Rohan he resolved to get into the Valley of Puschiavo and there to expect succour from Rohan Fornemont making use of the occasion the French-mens retreat afforded him advanced towards Tirano and meeting with no encounter past on to Brus from thence as farre as the little Lake of Puschiavo from whence likewise the French dislodged and withdrew themselves towards the Countie of Chiavena And fearing lest the Duke of Rohan might come in to the succour of the French he writ to Serbellone who was upon the Frontiers of Comasco that making use of this propitious occasion he should set upon the places held by the French on that side that he might divert Rohan from bringing succour to the other side But Fornemont not having given in his Letters his due Titles to Serbellone as it was said and thereupon some distastes growing betweene them Fornemont not well satisfied retired by the Valley of Pedenazza into that of Lenia and leaving his Forces there went to Croren a Towne in the Valley of Venesta Rohan this mean while being advertised by his Spies of the Austrians proceedings went on the 12th of Iuly with the greatest Forces he could on such a sudden get together and not leave the most important places unguarded from the Countie of Chiavena unexpectedly advanced into the Vally of Levin where the Dutch were more then satisfied with their coÌ„modious quarters not fearing any Enemy But being set upon by the wonted fury of the French and not having their Generall with them after having made some confused defence they made use of the benefit which a little Rivolet falling from the Mountaines afforded them and ran away and in this their disordered retreat lost in such as were slain and taken about 700 Foot This businesse being done and Rohan perceiving there was no meanes of subsisting in that Valley for want of Victualls he returned to Puschiavo and for the refreshing of his men as likewise to regaine the places that were lost at Bormio he went to Tirano The Spaniards were no lesse amazed at this rout then at Crequi's passing over the Mountaines with a French Army for they probably fore-saw by the avenues of the Valteline being shut up from receiving any succour from the Dutch by Montferrats and Piemonts being full of Souldiers by the Duke of Parma's diffidency and his high fancies against the state of Milan and by the state of Venice her being armed upon her Frontiers that if they should be set upon in these straights not being above 8000 Foot and 2000 Horse they should runne danger of receiving a great blow Notwithstanding behaving themselves discreetly and having received some recruits from Spaine 700 Neopolitan Horse and some other Foot being landed at Vado they seemed to be a little comforted amidst their pressing troubles But because all their â—opes in these present emergencies lay in the Duke of Savoy who if he should declare himselfe for them they might easily evade the evills that over-hung them the Spaniards did againe renew their negotiations with the Duke of Savoy by the interposition of Duke D'Alvito and others to whom they greatly complained of what had beene lately done by the French contrary to the agreement made at Montsona and Ratisbon That therefore his Catholique Majestie was to take up Armes in his owne defence with whom they desired his Highnesse to joyne in league for the common safetie or that if it stood not with his conveniency to declare himselfe openly their friend he would at least be Neuter without any prejudice to the Territories of their King But the Duke who found himselfe begirt on all sides with the French and who to the instant desires made unto him by the Embassadour Bellieure had new propositions put unto him by Crequi's selfe so as he could not follow the Spaniards advise without provoking the displeasure of the most Christian King and draw the Warre upon himselfe made such an answer as shewed how much he was displeased to find himselfe in such a condition as that he could not adhere to their desires affirming that the reason of State and the experience of past-examples fore-warned him from drawing so great and dangerous a Warre upon himselfe And that therefore he was first to see what resolutions the Pope and other Potentates of Italy would put on each of which was interessed in the
part of Christendome THE XIII BOOK The Contents of the Thirteenth Book Peace is concluded betweene Parma and Spaine by the interposition of the great Duke of Tuscany The French goe out of Piacenza and the Spaniards withdraw their Forces from those Territories This accommodation is ill understood by the French Count Fabio Scotti is imprisoned in France What the French-men did hereupon Duke Waymer enters Burgondy and forceth Gallasse to retire He enters Alsatia and takes Rinfield Bannier being recruited with men makes towards the Saxons The Emperour Ferdinand the second dyes and his Son Ferdinand the third succeeds him in the Empire The Grisons drive the French out of the Valteline and Rhetia The Saxons joyne with the Imperialists and oppose the Swedes a great Battell ensues Azfelt is routed the Saxons make head againe and repulse the Swedes The Spaniards proceed on in Lombardy Hermesteine is besieged by the Imperialists and succour'd by the Swedes by Stratagem The French land in Sardinnia but to no purpose They take the Islands of S. Marguerit and S. Honore Expediences used by the new Emperour for the good government of the Empire A League treated on betweene the Grisons and Spaniards The French invade Flanders on one side and the Hollanders on another Breda is besieged by the Prince of Orange Hermesteine is yeelded to the Imperialists John de Wert goes to take in Hannaw Waymer intends to succour it but is denyed passage by those of Strasburg Gallasse comes in to the succour of the Saxons therefore the Swedes retreat Hannaw is taken by intelligence or correspondency The Swedes retreat into the Old Towne and compound with the Imperialists THe good newes of the King of the Romans Creation being speedily brought to Milan as it was cause of extraordinary contentment in the King of Spaines Ministers of State in the Commanders Souldiers and all the people who by all sorts of apparent Iubilies witnessed by their Feasts Justings Ridings and other extraordinary signes of joy no lesse then had been observed in other places and as hath beene said the honour and satisfaction that they received thereby so was it interpreted as an happy augure of the ensuing yeare and pronounced as a favourable presage of good fortune to the Forces of his most Catholique Majestie and it was not long ere the effects proved it to be so For the great Duke of Tuscany wisely fore-seeing the Duke of Parma's ruine if he should continue his union with France from whence succour would prove desperate as well by reason of the farre distance thereof and their want of men as also of the causes which made for the interests of the French whom it became not though they had had a greater strength of men to imploy them in a wasted Countrey in the midst of their Enemies without money or requisite Provisions for Warre the issue whereof would have beene that the greater part of their Souldiers naturally impatient of suffering and desirous of chance would have runne away into the State of Mantua the Churches dominions and into the State of Venice and thus weaken the Ensignes of France and bring them to hard bargaine And his Highnesse seeing the Spaniards continued with great gallantry to strengthen Piacenza which could not hold out much longer without reliefe and being lost would not so easily be redeemed especially the Citadell to keepe the which the Spaniards would not want valide reasons and faire pretences The great Duke being likewise not pleased that his Kinsman should be bereaved of his patrimony nor yet that the Spaniard should inlarge his dominions in Italy he sent more strict Commission to Pandolphini that he should goe againe to Piacenza and make the Duke see how palpable the danger was that over-hung him and exhort him to make an accommodation with the Spaniards with whom if Parma would give him leave he the great Duke would Treat and make an agreement which should be to his advantage The Pope likewise who was troubled that that Citie should be lost for that it held of the Church ordered Count Carpegna to acquaint the Duke how his Holinesse not intending that the fee-Farme-Lands of the Church should be further ruinated wisht him to thinke of compounding the businesse he likewise commanded Carpegna to shew the Duke how little hopes there was succour and of the performance of the Frenchmens promise as he might daily see by the effects for though they promised to doe wonders so to keepe him in league yet their actions did in no wayes correspond with their words They at last made him comply with the counsell given him by the Pope and the great Duke whereupon after many negotiations in the beginning of February the businesse was adjusted wherein the Duke of Parma was much obliged to the great Duke who upon this occasion shewed himselfe to be his very good Friend and Kinsman The French were brought out of the Towne under pretence of being mustered the Duke unexpectedly began to complaine to Monsieur De S. Paule of the negligence of his Kings Officers in sending him his due and promised succour and to shew him how faithfully he had behaved himselfe in the behalfe of France which being done he dismist all the French out of Piacenza as also out of Parma and all other parts of his dominions and sent them to their owne homes at which they very much repined thinking themselves to be abused though the Duke had alwayes behaved himselfe ingenuously and done all that by his new friendship he was bound to doe for it is alwayes lawfull for Princes to change their Copy when their States are at the stake All the Princes of Italy were greatly pleased with this accommodation for by such ruptures great troubles were likely to have risen in Italy and now the Forces withdrawing themselves towards Piemont the other Provinces were at quiet and their peace was the more firmely established by the weakning of the two Crownes it being the opinion of wisemen that other Potentates ought to indeavour the keeping of these two great Kings at oddes with equalitie of successe to the end that being intent to Warre within themselves they may not fall to prejudice lesse powerfull Princes The Spaniards notwithstanding who proceed leisurely and wait patiently for occasions which being by them opportunely layd hold on brings them usually no little advantage did inwardly like well enough of this accommodation for here their jealousies being buried by the laying downe of Armes and consequently by their disbanding their companies increasing and their confining neighbours growing weaker by the want of those Souldiers they with much contentment fore-saw that if Fortune should favour them against the French they should be able to inlarge the limits of the State of Milan and to secure themselves from Forreigne invasion for unarmed Princes not being able on the sudden to poise up the ballance which panched a little downewards in the declination of the French partie they were confident to bring their
it on three sides with five Batteries which played continually and the Trenches of Approach were with all diligence brought by the Swedes even to the edge of the Ditch of the out-works whereat the Imperialists were so astonished as though they wanted neither Men Munition nor good Rampires for their Defence yet for that bold enterprizes are for the most part seconded by Fortune they seemed as if they had been inchanted to have lost their senses for at the very first onset they little to their honour forsook a strong Tenaglia which for the better defence of the Port Geben was guarded by foure hundred Foot which was the chiefe cause of the losse of the City for the Swedes as the enemy retired got upon the Rampire and advanced even to the Draw-bridge of the Gate where making two Petars to play they at five of the Clocke at night entred and because the entrance of the second Gate was stifly resisted which being inclosed with a great Trench furnished with many Morter-Peeces was not to be won The King who upon such like occasions was beyond measure diligent and fortunate casting his eye upon the Wall which within the Gate was upheld by the ramm'd in earth of the Bulwarks made it suddenly be dug through And whilst the Imperialists busied themselves in the defence of the second Gate not foreseeing the Kings designe on the other part fifty of the boldest of the Kings Foot entred by the hole in the Wall upon the Rampiers and won two Caveliers which stood over the Wall on the left hand of the said Gate and turning the Cannon upon the City did by this surprisall so amaze the besiedged as not knowing what to do they began to thinke how to save their lives therefore making no longer resistance they ran towards the Gate that leades to the Oder that they might passe over and retire themselves in safety to Landsperg But the Swedes roundly charging them and the Imperialists not finding free passage over the Bridge for it was incumbred with Carriages most part of the Souldiers fell into the water and were at the mercy of their Enemies who in hot bloud as in such encounters is usually seene refused to give life to any one that looked like a Souldier and tooke the City using such severe cruelty as in the like case is usually done by Souldiers The losse of Franckfort which was guarded by Sixe Thousand Souldiers as it was of great prejudice to the Austrian affaires and a great abatement to the courage and hopes of the Romanists the greater was the advantage the Swedish occasions got thereby and the greater the Kings comfort who seeing it was now no longer time to pause but to display the sailes of diligence before the good wind of propitious Fortune leaving good guard at Franckfort and fitting directions for the conservation thereof he unlooked for threw himselfe upon Crossen placed in that Angle of the River Queis which gushing out of the Oder gives the name to a good space of ground and then enlarging it selfe to the Confines of Brandenburg and Sagar runs into Pomerania and Sletia Crossen was defended by three hundred Imperialists and many of the best Inhabitants of the neighbouring Villages had withdrawne themselves and the best things they had thither From thence he came before Landsperg against which he planted his batteries and began his Trenches whilst those of the Garrison did valiantly oppose the Swedes The young Count de Gratz who commanded in cheife within the Towne and who was a gallant Commander and one on whom the Souldiers did very much relye was slaine in a brave sally which he made against the Swedes first works The King hereupon threatning a generall assault the Souldiers being much danted by the death of their Chiefetany and the harmes which they continually received from the Enemy resolved to come to an agreement as they did on the sixteenth of April One thousand five hundred Foot marching forth with their weapons bag and baggage Drums beating matches lighted and foure peeces of Cannon By this losse of Landsperg the way being opened to the Swedes into the Electorate of Brandenburg the King thought he had fitting occasion to perswade the Elector to declare himselfe since that his Country being exposed to the Invasion of the Kings Forces it was not to be beleeved that that Prince who was allied unto him by bloud and of the same Religion would refuse his friendship for the Emperours of whose power the Princes of Germany especially the Protestants were not a little jealous Having then made a Bridge upon Boates over the River Spree a River which comes from the furthermost parts of Bohemia towards the upper Lusatia and by her watering those Provinces is of much advantage to them he sent a Trumpet into Brandenburg and desired he might be received in as a friend but there being in the Town a Governor with some of the Forces of the League the King was intreated to tarry till they might advertise Tilly and twelve dayes being granted them to this purpose the said Souldiers did those daies being expired forsake the Towne and withdrew themselves into the Campe before Magdeburg the King entred thereinto to the great content of the people where making no stay he advanced forward towards Berlin the place of the Electors residence situated upon the side of the said Spree where the Elector then was thinking it fitting and becomming civility to use faire meanes first and to captivate the Electors good will rather by agreement than by force He sent the Count Ortenberg to Berlin to acquaint him with the reasons of his comming into his Territories where he intended to demeane himselfe as a friend and kinsman and that his undertakings had only respect to the Common liberty and the preservation of Religion for the which all Princes were bound to unsheath their Swords and to moderate the greatnesse of that House which too greedy of other mens Dominions aymed at nothing but to command over all that his intention was to succour Magdeburg which was in amity with him and in all respects worthy of his protection he therefore invited his Highnesse to do the like and to lend him assistance the Electors being no lesse obliged to the defence of the Common liberty then were the other Protestants that therefore he desired Kusterin and Spandaw for his owne security and Victualls and Amunition for his Army during the enterprize But Ortenbergs negotiation doing no good nor yet the like of Gustavus Horne who was sent after the other by the King to the same purpose he resolved to march forward with his Army for that love joyned with feare might peradventure make him incline to that which was ballanced with another greater doubt The Elector bearing of the Kings being come and knowing himselfe to be so inferiour in strength and other succours as that he could not shun this visit making use of this just occasion to excuse himselfe unto the Emperour for
prejudiciall to his dominion but to the whole interest of the Protestants but the King willing to let the Electour see how ill he had beene advised whilst being able to releive Magdeburg by the preservation whereof his estate would have likewise been secure and whilst he was intreated by him the King to afford him passage and to joyne with him he had denyed to do so and had sent backe the messenger with resolutions no wayes profitable did coolly answer Harnem That his Master had himselfe drawne the warre upon him by having slighted his Counsell or rather for having refused what was by him propounded That his highnesse had some Counsellors about him that were Spaniolised that he needed not poynt out unto him whither the Austrian Monarchy tended for it was apparently seen by former examples that having supprest the liberty of the Hauns townes and the Princes of the Empire he aimed meerly at the Command over all Europe that he knew not how to helpe him for that his designe was to lead his forces elsewhere and that he was very much troubled at this accident which had befallen the Duke Harnem answered with words drawne from the inmost of his heart and which were accompanied with some teares that fell from his eyes that his Majesty as a wise and curteous Prince as a gracious propagator of the faith and as the defender of German liberty ought to forget any thing the Elector had done amisse which had beene occasioned through feare and bad Counsell not out of any diffidence he had of his Majesties friendship to the which he should forever acknowledge himselfe oblieged That Princes are oft times blinded by their interest of state and oft times so hoodwinckt as that they could not refuse the counsels of their Ministers that the wellfare of the publique ought to be preferred before what ever private respect that a Prince ought to forget such things wherein they have not received satisfaction when the doing so redounds to their advantage that reason of state is alwayes furnish't with so choice a disguise as in an instant it can turne the most threatning browes of an enemy into the pleasing countenance of a friend and as soone change the cleer aspect of a favourite into a troubled face The King who did indeed desire nothing more then this though he seemed to feigne the contrary not objecting any thing to these his expressions answered That he would be contented to come aid the Elector upon condition that for his better caution and security hee might have the Fort of Wittenberg delivered up into his hands which is a very strong hold seated upon the Elb in a most pleasant Country begirt with Parrapits and bastions of the latest edition well peopled and a place of great Importance standing between Lusatia and the Bishopricke of Hall as if it were the Center of those two Provinces the key which opens and shuts the way into Saxony That he might receive money for two payments of his Army and that his excellencies eldest sonne might be sent to him and kept by him as an hostage of his fidelity Harnem by speedy post acquainted his Master with these answers whose state was now in great confusion and feare and who returned as speedy answer to the King That not onely Wittenberg but his whole state was at his Command that the money for the Army should forthwith be disbursed and that he himselfe together with his sonne would hasten to come and serve him These Articles being signed by the King and by Harnem in behalfe of the Elector they agreed upon a time of meeting likewise with the Elector of Brandenburg and other confederate Princes The Duke having brought his men to Torgaw between Wittenberg and Dresda upon the Elb and mustering them there he found them to be 16000. fighting men allowing thereunto some of the Country Troops with 28 peeces of Cannon and a very well furnished baggadge hee marched towards Wittenberg where the King appointed to meet him by the first of September Tilly this meane time had invested the wals of Leypzik on divers sides striking feare into the Citizens thereof who were men not verst in warre but for the most part brought up in merchandising insomuch as they saw they could not resist the strong batteries which beat downe their towers on all sides and did presage unto them the unlucky example of Magdeburg They therefore sent forth deputies to speake with Tilly who concluded that the City should be surrendred on Condition that they might enjoy their liberty of Conscience that the Saxon Garrison should march out with their weapons and baggadge and that the City should bee burthened with nothing else but the payment of 200000 Dollers in prosecution whereof on the sixth of September Tilly made his entrance into the Town with the great applause of the Roman Catholique Army Leypzik is seated in a large Champion between the Elb and the Sall watered by the River Elster and the River Pleis which falling into Elster under the very walls of the Towne loses its name This place being seated betwixt the utmost parts of upper Saxony and Misnia and almost in the very heart of Germany is a place of much Traffique aswell in respect of the great concourse of people as of the rich merchandise by reason of the many Faires that are there kept but her fortifications are imperfect and after the ancient manner This meane while the Kings Army and the Electors being joyned and the King seeing himselfe now growne to sufficient strength to give him battell in the field upon which the Totall of this contention did consist he raised his Tents from about Wittenberg on the fourth of September past over the Elb and with speedy march tooke his way towards Leypzik that he might relieve the City but hearing by the way that the Letters written by the Elector to the chiefe Magistrate of the Towne wherein he acquainted him of his being joyned with the King and of the speedy reliefe they were bringing exhorting him in the meane while stoutly to defend the Towne were intercepted by the Imperialists and that now the City was in the power of the Romanists he stayed in the Fields about Bitterfelt and Dieben Towns between the Elb and the River Tena aswell to expect fresh Troops of Souldiers as to informe himselfe better of the Enemies condition that he might betake himselfe to the best resolution Tilly on the other side advertised of the Swedes being joyned with Saxony was much incensed against the Elector and desirous to revenge himselfe for the injury received encouraged by the confidence he had in his Souldiers valour who were acquainted with nothing but victory though he might better have effected his designes by waiting for Aldringer who was not farre off yet not able to appease himselfe he marched out of Leypzik drew his Army into the Fields put it into Battell-array placed his Artillery in the most advantagious places fortified passages
forbore not to spend part of what they had gotten which being ventur'd upon the banke of Plunder was to bring them in double advantage Count Merodes went into Flanders to solicite the Spaniards to raise an Army to oppose Bawdis the Swedes Generall and William Landgrave of Hesse Isolani went into Croatia and Hungary to raise horse and that he might the better intend the service he was honoured with the title of Generall of the Nation all the rest of the Commanders that had Commissions to raise men went some into Moravia some into Slecia Austria Stiria Carinthia and other Provinces where they understood men were least imployed and were given to warres so as every where the Drums were heard to beat the Trumpets to sound and monyes were disburst whereby according to custome the Emperors health being cheerfully drunke and every one providing himselfe with good armes and other acoutrements the people seemed by their discourse to presage the ruine of the Swedes The greatest part of the horse wanted Curasses by the losse of Armes in the late routes and particularly in the battaile of Leypzik where they were either left in the field with their dead owners or elswhere thrown away by such as fled there being therefore great want of armes and artificers some great men of Italy were by Walesteine sent into Lombardi to make a considerable provision of them and other Colonels sent Officers of their owne to the like purpose sparing no money in this behalfe not caring for expence for the Generals intention was to come into the field not onely rich in fame but furnished with whatsoever was requisite to a glorious Army continuing therefore his diligence he treated with the King of Poland to have men from that nation and in this he imployed his Cosen-german Tersica for they had each of them married a daughter of Charles of Arrach the Emperours chiefe Counsellour This man being one of the richest Gentlemen in all Bohemia was not much troubled to finde money to raise 3000. Horse and 4000. Foot of sundry nations Walsteine after this made the Counts Galasse Mansfeild Aldringer and Montecucully Generalls of the Artillery all of them chiefe Commanders of the Army to these he recommended the care of recruting their old companies and the raising of new ones which he allotted unto them and they overcome with the Generals gratitude did their utmost to obey him He moreover appointed eight Serjeant Majors Generals of the Army who have the command over the rest of the Colonels and whose place is to order the Army in the day of Battaile and to these he gave new Commissions to raise men They for the honour they had received and that they might preserve their Generals good will which was ambitiously coveted by all little waying the difficulty of raising men in dispeopled Provinces and full of troubles where the poorest companion could be had under 25. Dollers He gave Commissions to any one that desired imployment and disburst much money by the way of loane that the whole might be made up neither did he make any distinction as then of any that proffered their service for holding it the best counsell that can be given to a Prince who is desirous to inlarge his dominions and to secure himselfe in the faith of his friends and from the injuries of his adversaries to have copious Armies that so he might do that in some moneths which otherwise would require some yeares to effect his intention was to gather together great quantities of armed men who if they should afterwards want experienced Commanders he wanted not old Captaines under whose Colours he might put these new men and casheer those that were uncapable of such imployment before he was to march against the enemy and to this purpose he had wont to say if the Emperour will raise an Army of 30000. Souldiers the Elector of Saxony or some other Prince by the assistance of friends will doe the like that to fight with equall forces was to have the victory to be decided by fortune and not to secure ones owne selfe by power that time would be lost their Territories would be oppressed the subject would be weakened by keeping forces in their own Country businesse would be precipitated and finally peace would ensue the end whereof would be misery and ruine to the vassals that a numerous Army lords it over the fields goes whither it lists meets with no obstacle and being able to scoure the Country at pleasure loses not Contribution nor the meanes to maintaine it selfe and though this be contrary to some experience where a few men have been known to beat a great many he said that this little number must be pick't out of a gallant and well reputed nation and that the execution was easie when the Commander in chiefe had wonne the name of generous and magnanimous towards his Souldiers He would not forbeare to let fall in his discourses that the Imperiall Crowne would be but weake if it were not secured by 100000. Souldiers kept continually in pay for the Empire being a body of many members dissonant in Religion it fals out that by the liberty which many Cities professe and by the power of the Electors and other Princes the Caesarian authority being by them lessened sickens and wanting forces languishes as if Crusht to death by her owne fewdatories in briefe he so handsomely chid the errors of late successes as all such as were dejected by reason of their past terrors were seene suddainly to be clad with new hopes Hee moreover sent expresses to Charles Duke of Lorrayne as well to keep him in good correspondency with the Emperour as to perswade him to raise men in the assistance of the common interest and that he would permit the Austrian officers to raise men in his Country This Prince being of high thoughts and inclyning to warre a lover of novelty counselled by that vivacity which sparkles in the hearts of sprightly Princes and seconded by advice of others which useth not to differ from the inclination and genious of the Master did not onely yield to Walesteines request but declared that he would hazard his life and fortune with him arming and behaving himselfe as the chiefe of this league of which 't is said he aspired to be Generall this was the first beginning of the jealousies between him and France and the reason why he drew upon him the enmity of the King of Sweden These affaires past not without some knowledge of the Queene mother of France mother to the most Christian King and to the Duke of Orleans for at this instant a gentleman of hers came to Zenam who having had some discourse with Walesteine was dismist with appearances that he was well apaid with his negotiation And the Austrians building much upon the troubles of France whose union did not a little disturbe their designes they more seriously applyed themselves to invent meanes and wayes how to hinder the increase of that flourishing Kingdome
by nourishing the differences between the Princes of the bloud and thereby to affoord fuell to the flames of Ambition to kindle a new intestine warre sufficient to disturbe the Forces of that great King aswell by deviating them from his intentions upon the State of Milan which in this conjuncture was much feared as to withhold from thence that assistance which the Protestants expected To this purpose 't is said they sent some of their trustiest creatures concealedly to treate with the Duke of Orleans and other chiefe men that were discontented with the government of the Ministers of State in France not letting slip any thing that might hurle the French into those straights whereunto they were leaning for many were afraid that if the French had declared themselves in this so calamitous time after a hostile manner all their preparations would doubtlesly have been much perplext if not totally shipwrackt but for that when God extends his hand of protection over a crowned head all the plots and hatreds of their envyers are rendred uselesse many considered that the Emperour Ferdinand the second had not a little merited from Heaven whilest Princes and people jealous of the Austrian greatnesse and conspiring together to suppresse the same in stead of embracing an opportune occasion of laying the Emperour upon his backe betooke themselves to things of uncertainty and which concerned their private interests so those armes which openly joyned together would have ruined the Empire being unresolved and expecting what the event of others would be stayed from declaring themselves till such time as the prevailing Forces of the Swedes growing weaker and the Imperiall power in time gathering force they should finde it a hard matter to abate the edge of that strength which was inheartned by the experience of Armies and was made more stable by being shaked Rome increasing under Romulus had the good fortune that whilest she was fought withall by diverse Nations she was not set upon by all at once And whereas being all united they had overcome her they severally were by her overcome and by their ruine affoorded leisure to lay the foundations of the Roman Monarchy It is a truth not to be doubted of that if the French not inferiour in strength to the Austrians and who knew the Imperiall greatnesse ought to have been suppressed had followed the King of Swedes fortune and openly have drawn their swords as afterwards they were inforced to doe they would either have brought the Imperiall dignity to make peace upon their owne conditions or else have led it to some great exigency That fire that is not quencht by a little water gathering more strength and breaking forth in greater flames will not afterwards give way to greater store of water Whence it may be gathered that when a Prince may by his advancing prejudice his Enemy whilest his Enemy is busied on one side he ought not to stand idle on the other for 't is well knowne that those Forces which have overcome their first withstanders made wiser by experience grow keener and better edged against the second Knowing moreover that the only Austrian Forces was not sufficient in such an emergency as this to withstand the evils threatned by the victories and well conducted Armies of the Swedes and of so many other enemies whose numbers by their greatnesse and command was increased they sent first the Cardinall d' Arach Walesteines kinsman to the Pope and after him Duke Savell who being found innocent was absolved of the faults laid unto his charge by Tilly out of some private ill will that he bore him with pressing and earnest desires of being from his Holinesse assisted with good store of monies and newes was brought that the Pope had voted a considerable summe of money to be sent the Emperour though it were demanded with too much pretensions by the Austrian Ministers of State and advised for the interest of their Countrey by some Cardinals of the Spanish Faction and that they knew his Holinesse to be very carefull of the good of Christendome whilest by continuall exhortations he had endeavoured the safety of Lombardy against the fury which the Forces bent without regard upon the destruction of Mantua threatned by whose example the Christian Princes very well perceived that to foment the greatnesse of puissant Princes was nothing else but to nurse up a Serpent in ones bosome which at last would poison its benefactor as it would have proved in past times if the French and Swedes diversions had not recalled those Forces from Italy which neither the prayets exhortations nor protestations of the Pope could prevaile withall to make them turne backe they also sent to other Potentates and Princes of Italy the Count Rabata then Governour of Gradisca no lesse powerfull with his pen then with his sword a gentleman of singular understanding in any affaire who was very much welcomed by them all with many complements but their expeditions proved unusefull When the Enemy watches we must not be asleep therefore if Walesteine did by these new inventions recruit his Army that he might in the Spring appeare in the Field The King of Sweden growne hardy by his victory and other happy successes sent newes of this his prosperous proceedings to such Princes States and Cities as were his friends and disswading the Hauns Townes and Princes of the Empire from assisting his Enemy he did not sit still in this his prosperity but printing a Declaration wherein was contained that he would take aswell Roman Catholiques as Protestants into his protection that he might not lose time but make use of his fortune he resolved forthwith to march with his Army into Franconia This Province extends it selfe on the West and South side to the Confines of the upper and lower Palatinate on the East to Bohemia and Misnia and on the North side to Thuringia so as it may be called the Center of Germany it is partly plaine and partly adorned with pleasant hills of a fruitfull soile though in some parts sandy 'T is watered by the Rivers Mayne Aisah Ridnits Bints Stray Tawber and others to the no little advantage of the Inhabitants The King agreed with the Elector of Saxony how he should behave himselfe in the Kingdome of Bohemia he left Bannier and Tod Marshals of the Field with other great Officers behinde aswell that they might drive from the Confines of Pomerania such of the Emperours Garrisons as yet remained there as likewise that they might endeavour to win Magdeburg and other Townes held by the Caesarians in the lower Saxony and he himselfe parted from Hall upon the River of Sall towards Erfurt the chiefe City of Thuringia This Province is seated between the Rivers Sall and Wesser by which it is much enriched 't is well peopled abounding in Corne Hay and many sorts of Beasts it bounds on the South side upon Franconia on the West upon the Landsgrave of Hessen his Country on the North it is covered with the Herecinian Wood
it is to be beleeved that the rest of the Cities betweene Mâ—lda and Danube would have done the like had not the Saxons themselves set a period to the progresse of their victories for being carelesse and idle in Praga and the adjacent parts though the King had by many redoubled Letters advised and desired the Elector not to affoord Walesteine leasure to apply remedies unto their wounds they gave themselves over to the delights of those parts and gave the Imperialists opportunity to recruite their Army and affoorded Galas meanes to come with good store of Forces to Pilsâ—m a place of great importance in that Kingdom very strongly seated by the which afterwards those Territories were secured The King did not a little rescent this as appeared by his Letters wherein he reproved the Elector of negligence though many of the wisest found it to be done out of cunning for it was apparently seene that fearing by his assistance to raise the Swedish Forces to too great a power and eminency and considering that in such a case he must be subject to their Lawes he temporized that he might affoord the Austrians leisure to counterpoise this greatnesse which weighed down too much on the Swedes side beleeving himself now to be in such a condition as that he at his pleasure might upon advantagious tearmes be reconciled to the Emperour and re-assumed into his former friendship and correspondency whilest the King reaped the fruit of his owne propitious fortune his Cosen the Duke of Mechelberg and Marshall Tod laid seidge to Rostock and tooke it 3000 Foot and 300 Horse marched out of it with their Armes and Baggage the surrender of this Towne was caused by reason of the scarcity of Victuals for so great a number as were there for a great many of the neighbouring Inhabitants had with-drawn themselves thither as likewise many Souldiers that were quartered in the townes thereabouts Bannier came with a fresh Army of about 8000 men into Pomerania and used such diligence in the investing of Vansleber as the Imperialists that were therein unexpectedly surprised straightned in time to put themselves in a defensive posture and having no hopes of escaping for they were surrounded on all sides came to agreement submitting themselves to the Swedes Conditions by whom the Common Souldiers were inforced to inroll themselves under their Colours and the Captaines and Officers were permitted to go into their owne Armies Bannier knowing how advantagious the taking of Magdeburg and the neighbouring Townes would be to the Swedes march'd forwards into that Episcopacy whither also went Benecausem with 5000 Imperialists to ballance the Swedes designes and to relieve the City which 't was feared might be by them taken he fought with the enemies Horse where the Swedes were worsted he notwithstanding beset Magdeburg more straightly into which a succour of 14 Companies of the Romanists Foot were put who by their frequent Sallies did much annoy the Swedish quarters which were thereabouts Auxillius Oxesterne Lord Chancellor of Sweden who had raised men in that Kingdome and in Prusia to re-inforce the Kings Army came much about this time to the Camp with 6000 Foot and 800 Horse so as the King not onely inriched by so many Victories but his Army being increased by the addition of these men had his thoughts hightened and aymed at greater enterprises Wherefore being informed that the Duke of Bavaria made extraordinary preparations for warre and that he had not onely made the greatest part of the country-people guirt swords about them but also sent for Tilly with the Army of the League to protect the upper Palatinat which were manifest tokens of feare whereby the Enemy is oft times invited to further undertakings hee resolved to hinder those preparations and not to afford him time to salve the wound he had received But thinking it first requisite to know the resolution of the Hauns Townes who intended to be but lookers on at this sport not siding with either party he resolved to found their intentions wherefore he acquainted them of Noremberg with his meanings he made knowne unto them the foundation and drift of his Forces and desired they would openly declare themselves either as friends or enemyes and that they would not take any long time to doe it for if they should demurre upon their answer or colour it with any appearing excuses he would take it as an expresse denyall for he liked not neutrallity nor would he take notice of any more then two parties friends or enemies These resolute words of a victorious King were of great efficacy especially amongst the Protestants who coveted much to see their Religion propagated and were ambitious of novelty The States of Noremberg after much debate judged it would be best for them openly to declare themselves as friends unto the King the which they did whereat Tilly was so incensed as though those of Noremberg sent Deputies into the Campe unto him to informe him of the necessity that had enforced them thereunto and so plead their excuse for so doing they could not prevaile with him nor keep him from expressing his rage anger which was the greater by how much greater the losse was that this declaration occasioned by beating his feet against the ground pulling his Muschatoes biting his fingers ends and vowing he would study some way of revenge he forthwith marched towards Rotemberg and Oxemfert two Townes in the midst of Franconia and surprized divers other places of the said Province which could neither be maintained nor succoured in time he likewise endeavoured the taking of Vertheim a strong City seated upon the Maine and in the mouth of Tawber but here he missed his marke for the King having early notice thereof gave the Governour of the Towne so timely advertisement as he furnished it with all requisite provisions he therefore turned his course towards Noremberg resolving to chastise the Governour thereof for his breach of faith but here he likewise missed of his errand for the Citizens having timely provided themselves of all things necessary and the Imperialists not having sufficient Force for such an enterprize and having the Swedes on his backe who gallantly marched after him after having feelingly exprest his resentments to the chiefe Magistrate of the Towne and with great fervency exhorted him not to be failing in his due allegeance to the Emperour he quitted his quarters and tooke his way towards the upper Palatinate recommending Lauffe and Hasperg places belonging to the jurisdiction of the said Noremberg to the care of One Thousand Foot and One Hundred Horse which he left there for their defence he distributed his Troopes part for the Marpuessate of Anspack in the upper Palatinate and part for Suetia The King who very well knew how much it made for his vast designes aswell to make himselfe Master of the Towns upon the Rheine as to bereave the Austrians of the helpe which they might have from thence and that he might turne himselfe towards
present affaires so as calling together his chiefe Councellours and the Prime Commanders of his Army and joyntly weighing the interests of their Forces there were some seconded in their opinion by Benard Waymar who persisted in their advise that they should turne their Forces to the utter subversion of the Roman Catholique Army they made good their opinions with these reasons That the field Forces being scattered Germany being a large and open Country the winning of Townes would be no hard matter which being weake in defence and abandoned by their Armies would strive rather to captivate the Kings good will by ready obedience than draw his anger upon them by their unwise pertinency that they should not do well to lose so much time in the taking in of places of small moment whilest the Enemy recruited and re-inforced his Army that the Austrians had no better friend then time that they had alwayes repaired their losses when either by cunning or otherwise they could fence themselves from the first violence that though the Emperours owne men and monies were well exhausted yet by the assistance of Spanish Gold and by recruites from Italy a Nation by experience knowne to be advantagious to Germany he might remit himselfe into his former condition that the Elector of Bavaria who was much concerned in the Austrians welfare wanted not a stocke of money and territories sufficient from whence to draw out Souldiers and regaine what he had lost And which was of greatest importance that the Generals place was conferred upon Walesteine who having gathered a mass of riches in the past warres being excessively ambitious of glory and great actions would not be failing in any thing that he knew might make him remarkable upon this occasion that they had the French on that side for friends who bringing their Forces upon their frontiers would hinder the Romanists from doing any thing prejudiciall to the Swedes that therefore they should leave off those machinations and rub the soare againe before it be healed But these reasons though they had much of influence upon all the Commanders and drew many of them to be of this opinion yet the King weighing them in the ballance of his wisedome was for his own interest sake inforced to oppose them saying That the Empire hung upon two strings the one composed of the selfe Austrian Forces the other of the Roman Catholique and Ecclesiasticall powers that they were to consider which of these two were to be tane away to overthrow this Chaos that he granted the reasons concerning the Spanish Gold Bavaria and Walesteine were very valid but that they were not to throw behinde their backes but rather intentively to looke upon the aid from Flanders the assistance of the Electors and Ecclesiastickes and of the Duke of Lorayne who being desirous of warre could not hereafter expect a better occasion then this to put himselfe in Armes that these men though they were new and not accustomed to warre yet were they so inheartened by their Princes courage and hope of good successe as seeing us retire they would resume the more courage and cause unto us such prejudice as usually is received from Enemies strengthened by strong impressions that it was requisite to extinguish the fire which increasing would not be so easily supprest before they should carry the Cumbustion elsewhere that the Spanish succours from Flanders was more considerable then from Italy for that compleat Arming would be found hard in Italy A Kingdome impoverished in people and the numbers whereof would be much lessened before they should passe over the Mountaines for that the rigid Climate of Germany and the Germans severe manner of lying in the field did not well agree with that Nation nurc'd up in the delights of Peace that for their money they might have men enow in the Low-Countryes that he knew the Treasury and Forces of the Elector of Bavaria was very considerable but that on the other side he knew he was not so lavish in laying out his monies nor his men so ready to take up Armes that Walesteine was a humerous Foole a fantasticall braine fit for Comedies reverenced for his wealth and fortune not for his wisedome and proper valour that he was envied by many a corrivall with Bavaria and not well thought of by the discreet Don for what concerned their hopes upon the French it was to be granted it would be advantagious to them if Princes were not ambitious of inlarging their dominions But since France was knowne to be no lesse intent to this then whatsoever other Kingdome he could not promise himselfe that the French would invert the proceedings of the Duke of Loraine and of the Ecclesiasticks against the Swedes but rather that leading their Forces upon their Frontiers and entring either as protectors of the one or arbitrators of the other he foresaw they would rather put in for themselves through the disagreement of the Swedes and Imperialists then assist the Protestants in their proceedings moreover that they ought to feare least if they once should get footing here they should following the policy of Princes who are friends as long as it makes for their owne good moderate the greatnesse of others and dissolve the League at any time when they should see the Swedes power grow to an excessive greatnesse Tod and Tuball would be sufficient to hold Tiffenbech and Ghetz play in Slesia that the Elector of Saxony being entred into Bohemia it would be no hard matter to disturbe Walesteines designes and that Bannier was sufficient to watch over Bavarias wayes that therefore they ought to secure themselves on this side for what was on their backs which being done the victory on the other side would easily be affected These reasons alleadged by the King made the Commanders aware that Councels then succeed best when they proceed from the hidden reasons of interests and that no resolution ought to be built upon the faire shewes of Princes the ground-worke of their demonstrations not being composed of any sound materials but coloured over as best seemes pleasing to the eye of the present conjuncture All of them therefore forgoing their first opinions they unanimously condescended to the King who seeing what need they had of a good Sanctuary whereunto upon any ill successe they might safely retreate as likewise how necessary it was to fence Franconia after he had diligently suryeyed all the nighbouring situations could find none more commodious then that Angle which is placed betwixt the Rhene and that part of the Mayne which is over against Mentz on the side of the Palatinate he therefore made a designe be there drawne in his owne presence of a Fort consisting of seven Royall Bulwarkes a Seat so availeable as lying in the midst between the State of Mentz and the Palatinate upon the sides of two Navigable Rivers it might be said to be the Key which opens and shuts the entrance and outgoing on both sides of the Rhene whereby he might continually
with sending Aldringer to joyne with the said Duke he likewise sent him for his re-inforcement the Horse of the Grand Prior Aldobrandini of the young Colloredo of Maracini and one Regiment of Isolini his Crabats commanding them notwithstanding not to make too much haste either for that he desired Bavaria should be totally ruinated or for that if the Bavarians should have the better the glory might not be attributed to them which he alone coveted or for that he liked not his men should be consumed so farre from where he commanded for being onely intent how to effect his own designes with ease he cared not upon what disadvantage he put others the workes of a proud and cruell man The Duke of Bavaria kept with his Army about Ratisbone solliciting speedy succour from Walesteine who notwithstanding being hardly hereunto moved alleadged for his excuse the newes of some good hopes hee had of making peace with Saxony still feeding Bavaria with hopes neverthelesse when at last he perceived that Harnems faire words though solid in circumstances and of good appearance brought not any thing to maturity and that the King still advanced insomuch as having made himselfe master of Bavaria hee might easily arear Austria a signe that he might compasse his designes not onely by his numerous Forces but likewise by the assistance hee expected from the ill affected Inhabitants of Austria about Lintz who were much unsatisfied with the Emperours government and who when the King should draw neer them would doubtlesly declare themselves and would side with the Swedes the priviledges and franchise of many Cities of the Empire being envied by many other Towns which though they neighbour upon them are yet in subjection doth awake in them likewise a desire to enjoy the like liberty and not to appeare inferiour to the others whence ariseth that whilest they hope to make good their resolutions they feare not to put them in execution and this hath been the cause why the peoples evill disposition and the difference of Religion have more prejudicated the Austrian power then the invasion of the enemy Walesteine then resolved to advance with his Forces as well to shun mens murmering at his so long delay and to go into Bohemia there to effect peace by his weapons since words gifts and promises had not been of force enough to obviat the difficulties met withall in the negotiation as likewise to recover Prage a thing which the Spaniards much desired who the better to authorise their advise had designed to bring thither the King of Hungary and his Queen and they would have done it by reason of their farre distance from Vienna there being no small emulation between them and the German Lords who being much troubled that the Spanish Courtiers who came with the Queen should be admitted to serve contrary as they said to all forme anciently used and which was almost become a Law That a Prince should have no servants placed about him save such as are of his own Country and subjects to him they attested that strangers were not to be admitted in a Court to have equall authority with those of the Nation which they had by all meanes indeavoured and by their monies purchased Hee in the Moneth of April went from Lenam and took his way towards Pilsen in Bohemia where Galasse then quartered hee from thence dispatch't expresses into Slesia Austria and wheresoever else any of the Emperours Forces were that they should all march towards him the which being done hee mustered his men in lesse then twenty dayes neere Pilsen and found them to be above 30000 Souldiers On the other side the King of Swethland who did not let time run uselesly away having brought his Forces before Auspurg the 10th of April made himselfe Master thereof with lesse difficulty then did the Duke of Bavaria when he brought in his 2000 Foot and 200 Horse For the people being many and the greatest part of them Protestants they said they would not take up Armes against a King who was their friend and of the same Religion and the Roman Catholike Garrison not being of it selfe able to defend the walls and fence themselves from the Citizens the Towne and King shooke hands at first sight Auspurg is seated in the noble Province of Swabenland between the Rivers Vertech and Lech upon the Confines of Bavaria and between Tirold and the Danube in a most pleasant Countrey it is a Hauns Towne one of the fairest and richest of all Germany of a large circuite and full of people all given to merchandizing it is not very strong as being fortified after the ancient manner yet in respect of the situation and of the number of Citizens it may be reckoned amongst the good Cities of Germany The King by staying some dayes in this City all which time he entertained himselfe in sports Invitations and Feasts and particularly in playing at Ballowne at which he himselfe played seemed as it was spoken of by diverse to have laid aside the gallantry of his minde and to have delighted himselfe in the sweetes of pleasure he notwithstanding changed these conceipts and made it be knowne that though he knew how to emulate Hanniball in victories yet did not he imitate him in the flatteries of Capua 't was known he endeavoured by keeping himselfe a while quiet to obtaine that which he could not hope for by much labour and if the event was not good the fault lay in them that received the directions not in him that gave them He during this leisure-time held intelligence with Fornespech a Colonell of Foot of the Army of the League who had formerly served in Prusia against the Polacks and had agreed with him upon a certaine time to be let into the Fort of Ingolstat wherein his Regiment was quartred The King beleeving by this mans treacherie to make himselfe Master of so important a place parted unlooked for from Auspurg with his Army consisting of 14000 soldiers came on the twentieth of April to Dunawert where faigning to passe over the Danube and goe towards Franconia he did unexpectedly come before Ingolstat the Governour whereof having some suspition of the said Fornespech for treachery which is displeasing to God betrayes it self did not only change his men from their Quarters but setting a Guard upon the Colonells selfe and his Officers he doubled the Guards planted the Cannon upon the walls and tacitely expected the comming of the Swedes who having stolne privately into the ditches and fitted their Ladders to the appointed places where they thought to have this Colonels men keeping the Guard they were received with so great a Tempest of Cannon and Musket-shot which made such havocke amongst the souldiers and some of the Captaines who desirous of such an enterprize and being couragious and lovers of glory ran thither where their life was most endangered as they were inforced to fall backe into the ditches and retire And the King himselfe who was lighted
booty and reputation Walesteine being a wise Commander having found the Kings designes and foreseen that making use of Pappenheime's absence hee would force him to a Battaile upon the successe wherof the Sum. Total lay and having many and various thoughts hereupon weighing duly all that made against him that he might go upon secure grounds he resolved to advise with his Astrologer whom he used to trust with his greatest secrets who found that the Constellations of that Month were not answerable to the Kings former fortune or rather that the Planets seemed to have an ill aspect towards him Grounding much hereupon for imitating the ancient Romans he had an opinion of Aâ—guries and was wont to governe his actions by Astrologicall science which he had studied very diligently he resolved to see whither the Starres which had befriended him at other times would now tell truth or no he then secretly agreed with Pappenheim that hee should temporise and that each of them should advise the other when the King should advance by the shot of Cannon set purposely in fitting places and should by speedy messengers acquaint one another with the Kings proceedings and that in this case he should speedily returne to his men towards Lutzen for hee would entertaine the Swedes with skirmishes and so afford him opportunity to come time enough The King having made haste with his marches towards Lutzen Walesteine gave quickly the signe agreed upon by a three-fold Cannon-shot to Pappenheimes Centinels who were placed at fitting distances to that purpose and by speedy messengers gave him notice thereof and this meane while fearing lest the King might advance further then he desired he should he wrought all night in the digging of a Ditch whereby he advantaged his station and filling it with Muskettiers which were flanked by Cannon he stood expecting the comming of the Swedes who arguing by this their paines that the Imperialists were afraid became the bolder This meane while divers skirmishes were made between the Swedish Horse and Isolani his Crabats with equall losse and herein was passed all the night the King being by the breake of day as it were Master of the field for Walesteine keeping himselfe close within his Ditch would not quit his advantage till Pappenheime should be come to him The King stay'd all night armed in the field not minding what his body suffered and being desired by his Captaine to repose himselfe and take some rest he answered That the example of the Generall sweetens the suffering of the Souldier that to forgoe his vigilancy would shew his care over his men to be but small and make it seeme he did it that he might not feele the incommodities of his owne life which they who doe respect ought not to be in the Saddle with foot in stirrope but at their owne homes upon their downe-beds that the troubles of many suited not with the peace and rest of one alone that the world appertained to the industrious not to the sloathfull that rest was the daughter of idlenesse and peace labour the mother of glory and achievements Thus calling his chiefe Commanders about a little sire which he had caused be made to moderate the ridgednesse of the night he in a sprightly and couragious manner acquainted them with his intentions of joyning Battaile with Walesteine Some there were that advised him hee might doe well to stay for the Forces of Saxony and Lunenburg and others who were upon their march not farre from him with the which hee might the more boldly assault the Enemy that the Swedes being as well in numbers as in situation short of the Imperialists they ought not to hazard the Victories of so many Moneths upon the event of one day that Walesteine commanded an Army who coveted Battaile incited thereunto by necessity and out of a desire that they might injoy the fruits of so many Victories which they had not yet forgotten and driven thereunto by despaire seeing themselves onely subject to sufferings that fortune was unconstant and oft-times a friend to the desperate that Walesteine had Commanders under him desirous of revenge obedient Souldiers and who more apprehended their Generalls frowne then the Swedes Swords that Pappenheim was not so farre off but that if he came not time enough to the Battaile he might come soon enough at least to fall upon the wearied and so totally oppresse them that hee had people with him ancient in experience and advise but young in respect of their daring and ambition and that fortune was obliged to pay tribute to his valour that respect ought to be had to the comming up of the Saxon Forces without which they should fight upon unequall tearmes These reasons though strongly maintained were notwithstanding confuted by the King with lively Arguments made good by the heat of his desire and by his will Too much presuming upon a mans selfe-darkens the wisedome of the wisest Hee replyed that Pappenheime was very farre off that Walesteines Army was now dismembred both of Men and Commanders and that it did not exceed the number of 30000 fighting men that this might be said to be an occasion offered by fortune which ought to be taken by the foretop setting upon the Enemy before he should be more incouraged by accesse of greater Forces for that Walesteine being beaten they might be sure to beat Pappenheime that to expect the comming of the Saxons and Lunibergheses was a certaine losse of time and an appearance of fearing the Enemy that the same time which went to the bringing of them unto the Swedes did not inhibit Pappenheime and others from joyning with the Roman-Catholiques so as they should be still upon the same tearmes that in warre occasion was not to be fore-slowed that Fortune was painted with a lock in the fore-head to shew she ought to be layd hold off that there was no fitter time to set upon an Enemy then when he was discovered to be apprehensive that Walesteine was so who by fortifying himselfe indeavoured to shunne giving Battell that he himselfe would shew the way to any one that should be backward that temporising was then good when advantage might be had by delay that when an Enemy hath put on feare he must not be suffered to dis-robe himselfe thereof and on the contrary when ones owne men are incouraged the time which timely shewes it selfe ought not to be let slip These speeches comming feelingly from a King kept all his Commanders from opposing them and for that it was a nationall custome for Subjects to suit with the inclination of their Princes they durst say no more in opposition either not to seem cowards by disswading from a businesse that bore danger with it or lest the King should take the more notice of such as did oppose his reasons Therefore everyone applauding what he had said they speedily withdrew themselves to their Colours to order their Battaglions and to incourage their people Wherefore the King hasting upon the first entrance
to the Burgers they were counselled by the feare they had of the weakenesse of their owne Forces and out of the desire they had of quiet foreseeing they could not long hold out against so potent an Enemy being every where invironed by them and having no hope of succour as likewise knowing it was alwayes better to listen to such capitulations as are friendly propounded then to be put afterwards to demand them with feare of not having them granted they therefore tooke in the Swedish Garrison forcing the Imperialists though much against their wills to depart hoping notwithstanding to receive them in againe when it should be their fortune to be Masters of the Field and that they should be neere their City At this time Franckendal the chiefe Towne and Fort of the Lower Palatinat being betweene Spier and Worms not farre from the Rhyn and which was exactly fortified was streightly besieged by the Swedes was out of all hope of succour the Austrian Forces being too far from it and the Enemy too neere it so as the Spaniards who were in possession of it finding they could no longer keepe it for that their friends Forces were every where all imployed in the defence of their own Estates consequently they had not wherewithall to assist them these wise States-men knowing how advantagious it is to surrender up that by the way of seeming curtesie which they could not by force maintaine they resolved to handle their necessitie with cunning and artifice Insomuch as the English Embassadour to the Emperour pressing hard for the restitution of this Towne and the rest of the Palatinat they seeming to put a value upon the satisfying of that King and to seem well disposed towards him that they might win upon his good will which they very much needed for their interests in France and Flanders delivered up the Towne into the hands of the English Officers who had been sent over and were entertained into the service of the Crowne of Swethland the one and twentieth day of November The restitution of this place promising the like of the whole Palatinat to the Princes Palatine the Inhabitants thereof who intirely loved their Princes and hoped to have them hereby againe their Soveraignes had their sorrows somewhat lessened for the death of Fredericke Prince Elector and late King of Bohemia who dyed of a Fever in Mentzon the 29th of November 1632. a Prince so sweetly conditioned as that he was universally beloved by all Protestants This Prince was in his first yeares much favoured by fortune hee was first Elector of the Empire possest of the most fruitfull and pleasant County of all Germany insomuch as other seeming to emulate his happinesse kept their eyes onely fixt upon him but as our weaknesse is usually wont to grow so much neerer to an unhappy downfall by how much it is higher raised by worldly ambition so this Prince begirt on every side with peace and quiet upheld with reverent and obsequious estimation strengthened by a dreaded jurisdiction comforted by his Allyance with Iames the first King of great Britane and by the beauty and perfection of the Princesse Elizabeth his Wife secured by confederates both within and without Germany and though of himselfe he was incomparably moderate yet great mens desires being like fire which the more materials are heaped on it the higher doth the flame mount so this peacefull Prince called on by his peoples unquietnesse to a higher degree of Majesty perswaded by the suggestions of his interessed friends to further greatnesse counselled by his unstable ambitious and vain-glorious Ministers of state to inlarge his bounds and finally allured by his wife who as shee was Daughter to a King desired likewise to be Wife unto a King to girt about his Electorall Cap with the Crowne of Bohemia which was presented and offered unto him the flames of ambition being blown by so many somenters notwithstanding his naturall moderation were of force enough to evaporat that wisedome which hee having afterwards lost was the ruine of all that happy Empire giving a beginning to so horrible tourmoyles as doe cause even yet the sufferings of many regions Hee was of a pleasant aspect of a browne complexion of an easie minde of slowe impression a Prince more given to the ease of peace then to the troubles of warre In these dayes some of Walesteines and Tersicas Officers being upon the Confines of Slefia and sent thence towards Polonia passed on together with a good number of Polaches which they had assembled to Neiss which Towne by reason of an insurrection made by the Inhabitants the greatest part whereof were Roman-Catholiques and well affected to the Caesarian party would make use of this occasion and no longer conceale the ill will they bore the Protestants so as upon the appearing of these Forces they quickly delivered themselves up into the hands of the Caesarians when not long after Harnem being advertised thereof faced about with his Army and Tuball laid an ambush for the Polaches wherein he put above 208 of them to the sword whereupon it behoved the said City to submit it selfe againe to the Saxons as did likewise Ratibor and Leschnitz which were ill treated shewing their Rebellion against their native Prince Baudis made no lesse prosperous progresse in the parts about Coln who without being master of the Field did with his Army over-runne all the County when those of Coln fearing lest at last they might bethinke themselves of taking in their Citie made haste to Fortifie Dutts a Towne on this side Rhyn over against their City but by the mediation of my Lords the States of Holland they obteyned leave to be Newtrals upon condition that they were not to Fortifie any place that did not belong unto them Though this Towne was within the limits belonging to them yet Baudis as those are used to doe who minde their own profit desirous of any pretence or just occasion to breake this agreement knowing that this Towne might easily be taken whereby he hoped to inrich himselfe either by taking the sayd City or by composition made by the richer Inhabitants to buy their peace with a summe of mony acquainted the chiefe Magistrate that he expected he should desist from the Fortification which he had begun to make as contrary to the Articles of Capitulation to the which those of the Magistracy did in a handsome manner and with reason reply that their intentions were onely to secure their Towne but this answer satisfied not Baudis who answered againe that under the flowers of this their pretence the Serpent of some deeper designe lay hid whereupon drawne by hopes of profit which oft-times prevailes more with Souldiers then reason doth he resolved to advance and to try his fortune He the next night unexpectedly came before it planted his Great Guns and played upon the weakest side of the Towne where a Bullet fell by chance into the Ammunition and setting fire thereon about 400 men
prepare to rayse the Siege that they might succour their Compagnions when hearing the truth of this last gotten Victory whilst the Trumpets with their Sourdets sounded to Horse they were again comforted every mans countenance was cheared the Cannons playd for joy and bowles of Wine went off apace The French perceiving more cleerly the Duke of Loraynes evill intentions by his continuing intelligence with the Austrians his hostile proceedings against the Colleagues his despising the Kings admonitions his violating of his promise made the yeare before unto his Majestie under his hand his complotting with the Enemies of France in businesses much prejudiciall to that Crowne and discovering more particularly how the Marriage was concluded betweene the Duke of Orleans and Princesse Margueret the Dukes Sister contrary to the Fundamentall Lawes of that Kingdome which inhibite Princes of the Blood to marry without the Crownes consent and thinking now that they had just cause to resent the Dukes actions which were altother contrary to his promises and finding moreover that the Duke of Feria was marching from Milan with an Army thitherward with intention when he should have relieved Brisach to come first into the strong holds of that State and by assisting of Flanders Burgondy and Germany to reduce the French affaires into a greater streight The Marshall De la Force with 20000 Souldiers without any further delay threw himselfe on the 20 of August into the midst of that Dukedome and without any contestation made himselfe Master of the Field and of all the neighbouring Towns whereupon the Duke astonished at this newes knowing himself not able to contest with the Forces of so great a King and fore-seeing moreover the ruine of his state if being obstinate to keepe in Nancy he should quit the Campania he resolved by the joynt Counsell of his Subjects since he could not contend with so great Forces to imbrace such courses as might rather tend to appease the King then to irritate him yet more He therefore recommended the care of that place to the Cardinall Nicola Francesco his Brother and he himselfe together with his Wife and Sister in Law withdrew himselfe to Remiremont towards the Confines of Burgondy and for that his Majestie of France was chiefly incenst that his Brother should Marry with the Dukes Sister and the Duke knowing that if the Princesse Marguerit should fall into the Kings hands before the Marriage should be consummated he would break the Match he resolved to send her disguised in Pages apparell attended upon by three of his most intimate Friends to her Husband into Flanders which insued without any interruption He afterwards sent the Cardinall towards the King who on the 19th of August met the King at Ponte Monson by whom he was graciously received The Cardinall humbly desired the King to pardon any thing that his Brother had done amisse or wherin that State was concerned which was rather ready to put it self under his Princely protection then to provoke his anger The King gave gracious eare to what the Cardinall said and replyd How that the Duke without any occasion had given himselfe over to very evill Councell that he had so oft broke promise with him as he could not now any longer trust him that therefore his firme intention was to secure himselfe of all the Dukes Forts and strong holds during the present Commotions in Germany and that he would have the Princesse Marguerit in his custody and that when these things should be willingly yeelded unto by the Duke he should then taste the effects of his Clemency The Cardinall having by these mannerly excuses moderated the Kings anger and saved himselfe from apparent danger was not notwithstanding herewithall satisfied as indeed it made but little for him for the King saw well enough that all this was but cunning to deferre the time till the Spanish Forces should be arrived wherefore the Cardinall seeing himselfe invironed on all sides by the French having no succour nigh and finding the Spanish promises not likely to take effect agreed to surrender up unto his Majestie the New Citie of Nancy to discard forthwith such people as were there in pay to indeavour that the Princesse Marguerit should be put into his Majesties hands and totally to relinquish the Austrian union But the Duke being after this agreement gone from Remiremâ—nt to Bisansor and causing no small jealousie in the French by the slow disbanding of his Forces as also that it appeared not that he would forgoe his addiction to the Emperour and the King being to boot with this much more offended by reason of the Princesse Marguerits escape he caused his Army to advance in sight of Nancy and sent his complaints interlaced with threats to the Duke who thinking he was able by dissembling the machinations of his desires to free the King from his suspition and being imboldned by the Cardinall Richeleius invitation to whom the King had intrusted the government of all these affairs who then was at Charnes upon the Mosell he resolved though not so advised by his Councellors to goe in Person and speake with him that so he might excuse himselfe and by humbling himselfe procure the safetie of his State since there was no hopes of maintaining it by force or by ayde from Spaine But the French who were little advantaged by their having the New Citie of Nancy whilst they wanted the Old the New Citie being so scituated as it was commanded by the other they resolved to secure themselves of the Old Citie likewise without the which they could not maintaine themselves in the New one The Cardinall after having reproached the Duke for his sinister comportments totally averse to the Rules of good State-government he in the Kings name demanded of him the Old Citie expressing an intention that when the Duke should make good his promises the King would courteously restore all unto him whose aimes were not to take what belonged to another but only to secure himselfe of such a ones loyaltie who by failing therein might prejudice the Crowne of France The Duke who very well knew how hard a matter it was to get strong holds out of the hands of powerfull men when they were once possest of them was not well pleased with this proposition but being much vext and troubled thereat indeavoured by reasons palliated with promises and other proffers to be therein excused but the Cardinall replying that his instructions were to secure himselfe likewise of the Old Towne which by all meanes he must have and threatâ—ning the Duke with some sinister successe if he would not willingly surrender it the Duke much confused and being on all sides invironed by the French forces knowing that he could not evade the blow â— likewise apprehending danger of his own life signed the agreement caused the Town to be delivered up into the hands of the Kings Officers but upon these conditions that neither should the Citizens be disarm'd nor the Duke
partake of the fruits of his Victories and Authority They were further to adde that by the deposing of this General his promises would faile of being effected and they were to faile in their pretended satisfactions for whosoever else should Command would indeavour to reward those whom he already found inroled in his owne affection not those whom he should know depended upon his rivall and that it being usuall in these times to hate such as are friends to our Enemies preferring privat passion before publique good they should be necessitated to much obsequious sufferance to preserve themselves in his favour that therefore it behoved them all to intercede by their humble supplications to Walestein his Highnesse that he would not forgoe this Army which so much needed his assistance and wherein his owne interest so much consisted and that they should doe well to informe the Emperour how prejudiciall the losse of this Commander would be By this Tiberian cunning of Walesteine the chiefest of the Army were much moved for it is naturall to humane affection greedily to solicit such things as they desire when those things seem to shun them The other Colonels perswaded by these leading men whose speeches seemed as so many oracles such reverence did they beare unto them by reason of their intimacy with the Generall agreed all in a resolution joyntly to present themselves before Walesteine and to intreat him not to hurle that Army into a precipice of miseries which he had raised above the mountaines of Victory and Glory that they would not yeeld to obey any other Generall that great was the necessity the tempest violent the Imperiall dignity likely to be overthrown should it be deprived of his Worth that therefore they were resolved to follow him and never forgoe his Command Walesteine seeing the hearts of his Commanders so well disposed to his service wrought it so as that Illo should secretly and as it were of himselfe propound unto the rest of the Colonels that if they desired his Highnesse should continue his charge they were to secure him of their faith let whatsoever mischiefe happen through the malignity of the times and of his enviers with giving him somewhat under their hands to this purpose The Colonels who as hath been formerly said were very well affected to him for his liberality used towards them aswell in honours as in favours the greatest tye wherby the Souldiers love can be bound and who therefore reverenced him he having particularly obliged many of them by conferring places upon them which he would not perhaps have given to others following herein the Ottoman policy who value none nor take any into their Musters save such as are valiant and couragious resolved to underwrite and subscribe unto a writing drawne up to this purpose Wee Colonels and Chieftaines of the Warre whose names are under written understanding that the Duke of Mechelberg was resolved to quit his Command of Generalissimo to his Caesarian Majesty since that he is falsly calumniated in the Court at Vienna though we have ever knowne his actions to be most loyall and taking into mature consideration that if this should happen much mischief would insue hereupon wee therefore moved out of the fidelitie wee owe to his Caesarian Majestie to the Roman Religion and to the whole Empire having willingly and out of our owne accord humbly besought our said Generall not to abandon us in this so important conjuncture and great emergency wherein his assistance is so requisite doe all of us promise and oblige our selves upon the faith of Gentlemen of honour to stick still close unto him nor ever to part from him or relinquish him for any cause or accident whatsoever after the best manner and with the greatest faithfulnesse we are able This writing subscribed by 42 Colonells did much inhearten Walesteine and afflict the Austrian Ministers of State who no wayes affrighted with the eminency of this danger but rather assuring themselves by these proceedings of what before they did suspect betooke themselves to their deepest wisedome and acutest wit Whereupon it was given out that the wisest of the Austrian Officers meeting on the 12th of Ianuary in Count d'Ognates house the Spanish Embassadour the fittest meanes were considered of how to save the Imperiall authoritie from receiving a blow by the treachery of this man Some were of opinion That they ought to temporize and beare with his actions and afterwards upon fitting occasions withdraw the Souldiers from him under the command of Italian Colonels and not Bohemians or Dutch that so being deprived of his so much feared retinue he might be brought to give an account of his actions Many knowing that in State-affaires Princes ought not to deferre their resolutions but rather to consider every shadow of danger as a reall harm were of opinion and this was the embraced advice That Picolomini and Gallasse men of unsuspected fidelitie should be suddenly sent unto him to arrest his person But some difficultie appearing likewise in this resolution the good successe whereof was not certaine for that Walesteine was begirt with many Troopes of his Kinsmen and such as sided with him so as though the rest of his Army should have obeyed the Emperours letters Parents conferred upon Gallasse which notwithstanding would be hardly effected the Bohemian Captains and the greater part of the Dutch Commanders whose affections were great unto their Generall would not withdraw themselves from his obedience whereby hee might betake himselfe with his most intimate friends to some strong holds from whence hee could not be gotten out without surprizall or siege things of time and full of lets the Enemy being neer at hand by whom he might be succourd and so the undertaking prove rather prejudiciall then profitable therefore craft and deceipt was thought to be the best resolution and that to compasse their ends they were to corrupt some of his Commanders the true way to work mischiefe to ones Enemy for there is no so secure Treason as that which is wrought by ones deerest friends or most esteemed Servants nor was there any better meanes found to secure themselves from this flame then to take away the fuell that fed it They therefore secretly wrought an understanding with some Irish Officers of Tersica's Regiment with whom certaine Spaniards were very inward that by all meanes they might be sure to secure Walesteines person by which action to boot with the purchase of immortall glory they were promised large recompence and extraordinary honour nor should they by such an act any whit staine their reputation or their bounden duty since that fighting under the Empire of Ferdinand the second they were first bound to him before unto their Generall nay it would bee a great evidence of their loyalty to fence their Prince from Felony These words prevailed much with Lesley Captaine of Tersica's Regiment who betaking himselfe unto the businesse communicated the whole affaire to Captaine Butler and then to Cordon Lieutenant-Colonell and
Brussels his great danger of being totally bereft of his Dukedome and yet resolving not to forgoe his good Intelligence with the Austrians desirous likewise not to see Lorayne fall into the hands of any others then some of his owne family pitcht upon new resolutions which were very considerable and thought to be very opportune had not he through this vizard looked upon another object and higher designe He therefore resolved to renounce his state to the Cardinall Francis Nicholas his Brother for that he being one that had beene no wayes faultie might easily find both pardon and favour from the King The Cardinall desired the Kings consent thereunto who graciously afforded it him Insomuch as it was reported this was done upon promise he should joyne in alliance with some such Prince as the King should approve of whereupon it was jestingly said it was with the Daughter of Charles Duke of Mantua and that he should really quit all intelligence with the Spaniards and with Duke Charles as those who caused jealousies and suspitions in the French But because these pretences were regulated by the Dukes agreement and the Austrians approbation as it was commonly said to delay time till fortune might look favourably upon the affaires of the Empire and the Spaniards not permitting that the Cardinall should marry with a Subject that depended upon France nor yet that submitting himselfe to the will of the French he should unherd himselfe from them and their protection and the streights wherein they found themselves being of moment herein they the more willingly set about it So as that the marriage which the King approved of might not take effect and that the new Duke might not forsake the Austrian partie they betooke themselves to new resolutions But being the resolutions of Princes when they are farre other then what they promise cloath themselves usually with artificiall honesty and goe beautified by some pretencâ— the true meanes to cover all breach of word Duke Charles wrought the matter so as that the Dutchesse his Wife should relinquish all her claime she had to that Dukedome as heire to Duke Anthony her Father and Charles his Uncle to her Sister the Princesse Claudia for that the Cardinall perswaded afterwards by reason that he should not be Duke if the Princesse Claudia as enfeoffed by the Dutchesse were descended out of the house of Lorayne that I say palliating by these excuses which were so advantagious to this so well woven peece of Art he might marry this Princesse and render the French designe vaine The Cardinall suffering himselfe thus unwisely to be governed by his Brothers interessed counsell and the like of his friends unprovidently and without the Kings knowledge or consent resolved upon this match which proving a great concernment to the French Commanders and Governours who very well knew how ill those Princesse and the people of those parts were inclined to them they sent speedy newes hereof to the Court and were advised to increase their guards and to watch more narrowly over the new Dukes proceedings On the other side this Duke judging by the new demeanour of the French and call'd on by his owne consideration to examine his interests found that he was to expect some new accident he judged it was not safe for him to tarry longer at Nancy where he was little better then a prisoner amidst so many guards nor yet to quit the State which by his assistance he hoped to preserve He chose a third way believed by himself and confident to be the most behovefull for the safety of his owne person upon all occasions and not to give jealousies to the French and this was to retire himselfe to Luneville a place begirt onely with bare Walls seated neare the Mosell ten Leagues from Nancy where the Dukes of Lorayne have their places of pleasure and are wont to recreate themselves with Hunting Under pretence of such disportment he went thither and being there answer came from France to the Letters formerly sent wherein was contained as was commonly reported that the French Commanders should have a diligent eye to secure the forth-comming of both their Highnesses that upon the occasioned appearances since the Dukes deeds differed from his words La Motta should be demanded of him a strong place situated upon a Rock that the Princesse Claudia should be sent to Paris and that the French might be permitted to put a Garrison into Luneville whereby they might keepe those Dukes from parting thence To performe this the Marshall Dela Force went to Luneville and in seemly and faire manner delivered his Embassy to the Duke who surprised with this unexpected accident granted Luneville but did immediately refuse to deliver up La Motta or to be deprived of his Wife upon reasons conformable to the agreement a little before made But the Marshall replying that this was his Commission and exhorting his Highnesse to submit unto the Kings will the Duke growing pale and complaining of violence replyed he had no other place to retire unto but La Motta that his Wife was given unto him for a Companion by God and that nothing but death should part him and her that the King might content himselfe with being Master of Nancy and of all the remainder of his State To which in conclusion the Marshall replyed I ought and will obey my King your Highnesse may doe well to aske counsell this night of your pillow I will send one of his Majesties Captaines of the Guard to morrow for your answer The Marshall this meane while taking his leave gave order that such Foot and Horse as were lodged thereabouts should draw neerer Luneville to prevent any thing of noveltie that might ensue if the Duke should escape thence The next morning the Captaine of the Guard came accompanied with good store of Horse and insisted upon the three demands made by the Marshall but got no other answer from the Duke save onely that if he would accept of Luneville he would deliver it over unto him it being a place of no consideration but that he would never forgoe La Motta nor his Wife and with these words making his owne Wife and the Wife of Duke Charles goe into the Coach he himselfe got on Horse-backe and going from Luneville went towards Marienville The Captaine following him came up unto him and desired to know whether hee intended to goe to which the Duke replyed whether it shall please God since I can find safetie in no place the Captaine added your Highnesse will please to excuse me I onely askt it that I might wait upon you 'T is more then needs said the Duke I am commanded so to do said the Captain and then poynting out unto him the way to Nancy he said your Highnesse must goe this way not that way The Duke astonished to see himselfe thus made prisoner galloped to the Coach where the two Duchesses were and crying out aloud that they were betrayed broke out into such expressions against the
entertained by the Infanta and being furnisht with Monies and all things requisite they went to reside at Florence and in this case remain'd the begun misfortunes of that house which as formerly it had vaunted it selfe to be envied for its happinesse appeared now to be prosecuted by fortune as much as any other whatsoever And by this vicissitude it is proved how unstable humane constancy is how flattering hope is false and what folly is in the best wits The chiefe French Commanders who were quartered every where in that Dukedome upon the newes hereof flockt to Nancy newes was sent to the King The Marshall de la Force was this meane while drawing neer to la Motta to force the Garrison thereof to yeeld if he should not obtaine it by Commission from the Duke when hearing what had happened he delayed not to come before it to raise his batteries and on the fifth of Aprill began to play upon the Towne wherein the Baron d'Ische commanded in Chiefe a valiant Gentleman and who playing reciprocally upon the French shewed he had no mind to yeeld the Towne Prince Thomas was at this time imployed in the government of Cambray and Savoy who incited by his sprightly courage thinking that his Martiall Genius would be suffocated by keeping quiet within the precincts of those Mountaines whilst Warre was waged in all parts else and remembring that nothing doth more prejudice a lively Prince then idlenesse resolved to betake himselfe to some imployment wherein he might exercise his valour whereupon since the Spaniards who exceedingly desire to have the Princes of Italy their stipendaries aswell to draw them to side with them as to make their service seem the more honourable had often times invited him to take upon him the place of his late Brother Prince Philiberto or else the government of the Flanders Forces he resolved at last to accept of their offer Hee therefore consented to take upon him that imployment left Cambray and passing into Burgundy went from thence to Brussels having sent his Wife the Princesse of Corigniano together with his Children to Milan This Princes suddaine departure afforded matter of discourse to the curiosity of our newes-mongers some would have it that he had thus secretly absented himselfe out of some privat distate hee had taken at the Duke his Brother others thought hee thuâ— indeavoured to better his condition invited thereunto by glory and desire to change the government of Savoy for that of Flanders others that were more speculative would not sticke to say that this was done by the privity of the Duke his Brother who was thought by many that though he outwardly appeared to be well affected to the French yet that inwardly hee depended upon the Spanish party so as they thought this his departure was not without the consent of his Brother but covertly cloaked lest he might cause jealousie in the French who were ready openly to declare themselves against the Spaniards The Austrians aswell in Vienna as in all other places were this mean while diligent in providing for the present emergencies and more particularly the Spaniards used all possible meanes to provide for all necessaries for the Field and they imployed all their indeavours that since the place of Generalissimo which was conferred upon the King of Hungary concern'd them in reputation he might performe some notable piece of service To this purpose some Regiments commanded by Colloredo were made to advance towards Slesia where having possest themselves of a great part of the Country they recovered the Citie and Castle of Olss situated in a large plaine between the Oder the Bartsch begirt about with Ditches Wals it made no defence but yeelded upon discretion and the Garrison being 500 Souldiers took service under the Emperours Colours And for that the businesse of Ratisbon was that which most troubled the Spaniards they resolved to indeavour the recovery thereof aswell that they might satisfie the Duke of Bavaria as likewise to honest their owne Counsels for they knew the name of this Citie was famous for the many Dyets had been held therein and therefore the taking of it would sound wel in the peoples eares and would win reputation to the forces of a King who would not be much cried-up should hee meet with misfortune at the first entrance into his government Besides they thought the enterprise would not bee very difficult the Towne being unprovided of necessaries the Country and strong Holds round about it possest by Romanists and it not being in a Condition to resist an Army since it was not perfectly and according to the rules of Fortification walled about or defended nor could be succoured by the Swedes without evident danger difficulty and disadvantage All requisite preparations were made in Austria as also in all other Provinces belonging to the Emperour and his friends to effect so important a businesse wherein so much of reputation lay and so much the rather for that it seemed a shamefull thing to every body that a place not very strong and in the heart of the Romanists Territories should have it in a Garrison of such as were of a repugnant beliefe The Landgrave of Hessen who was with his Army as this time about Hidelshâ—ime did draw neerer unto it And the losse of this place being like to prove a great blow to the Romanists the Elector of Coln perswaded Benecawsem who was Marshall of the Field to succour it by all meanes possible the which though he knew it would be a difficult matter he indeavoured but to no purpose for he was beaten back by the Swedes with some losse in his Reare so as the besieged seeing themselves but in a sad condition failing of their expected succour and thinking that they had done all that their honour did oblige them unto they soone after delivered up that good Citie upon honourable conditions into the hands of the Landsgraves Commanders marching forth with flying Colours Drums beating two piece of Cannon 1700 Foot and 350 Horse The delay of Miminghen had opened the passages of Swabenland and secured the Swedes behind on that part But Horne who knew it would be hard for him to keepe in that Countrey if he should not first make himselfe Master of some place upon the Lake of Constantz and Lindaw being a place not to be then indeavoured by reason of the situation and the strength thereof it being well guarded and much valued by the Austrians and finding Constantz impossible to be taken he thought upon the taking of Vberlinghen which though there were divers circumstances which would render it hard to be taken notwithstanding invited by some intelligence hee held with some of the Protestant inhabitants and comforted by hope which makes men carefull in what they goe about he resolved to try his fortune He to this purpose moved with his Army from their severall quarters and marched thitherward came with 8000 fighting men and 12 piece of Cannon before the Towne and within
demeanure who formerly exasperated by the severe usage of former Ministers of State would never be brought to comply with them divers Imperiall Cities and in particular Nurenberg which was then brought to a bad condition their Traffique being hindred wherewithall the greatest part of the Inhabitans did maintaine themselves and a great scarcity of Victualls being amongst them by the devastation of the Countrey and adjacent parts made by the Armies insomuch as that they payd halfe a Florin for a loafe of bread and a Dollar for a pottle of Wine the Citizens thereof began to move a Treatie of agreement with Caesar making use of this pretence to honest and cloake their faultinesse that they had joyned with the Swedish partie to no other end but for the maintenance of their libertie of Conscience Priviledges and Franchises which they had so many yeares enjoyed and that when they should be listened unto in these their pretensions by the Emperour they would balke all other occasions of violating their Oath and doe homage to him and that they had had sufficient experience that to deliver ones selfe up into the protection of another Prince was a totall for-going of their obedience to their chiefe Soveraign and a prejudicial subjection of themselves to a worser as their state had too well made proof of whilst by having recourse unto the King of Swethland a Prince in appearance very affectionate to his Friends they had purchased the destruction of their Territories the consumption of their Arsenalls and the ruine of all their affaires with an undoubted certaintie that when the King should have brought all Germany under him they should be otherwise treated then by the Imperialists For that Princes who are ambitious of greatnesse retaine nothing in memory save onely what in the present may make for their advantage By reason of the resolution taken at the Dyet at Franckfort by the Protestant partie of making Duke Waymer Generall of the Forces of the union 't was said that the Duke of Saxony grew likewise jealous and that moreover he was not well satisfied with Oxesternes government who he thought did not proceed with him in so sincere a manner as he ought and that the Contributions which were had from the Associate Provinces were not divided amongst the Souldiers as they ought to be but converted to the private use of the Swedish Commanders who were suspected to send into Swethland to their owne homes what they got in Germany whereat the Dutch were not a little troubled whilst they saw another remote Countrey clothed with their spoyles These allegations were likewise occasioned by particular envy which usually reigning amongst States-men and Chiefetaines who are ambitious to be thought the only Christalls wherein the actions of other men ought to be seene had at this time given some signes of the Dukes no great good affected intelligency with the Swedes Whereupon the Austrians making use hereof indeavoured againe by new propositions and proffers to draw this Prince to conclude a Peace upon whose example did depend the other Confederate States and Cities of Germany and to this purpose Deputies were sent from both sides to Pern a Citie on the side of Elb above Dresden where though the Imperialists used all the skill they could to overcome whatsoever oppositions yet was it not possible to allay the Electors distrust and diffidence nor to satisfie his pretensions so as this indeavour proving likewise vaine they continued in their hostility Horne was this meane while come with his Army to Myndelheim to watch over the Spaniards proceedings who gave out that they would goe into the upper Swabenland and into Alsatia When Waymer being advertised that the Imperialists after the taking of Dunawert marched towards Norlinghen one of the chiefe Cities in Swabenland situated in a large plaine begirt with Rampired Walls and strong Towers hastened his march to come and joyne with Horne the which he did at Gutemsberg a place neere the Danube betweene Lavingen and Vlm at the same time when the Caesarians appeared first before Norlinghen Where the Swedes suddenly resolved to passe over the Danube at Lipheim a Towne not farre from Gutemsberg and to incampe themselves in the mouth of the Valley of Rems which is a plaine of about two miles in breadth betweene the Mountaines beginning at the end of the Norlinghen Champian and extends it selfe into the Dukedome of Wirtenberg towards Baling that they might the better secure the Dukedome of Wirtenberg the maintaining whereof was of great advantage to them for all other adjacent parts being ransacked they could onely from hence have Victualls and Forrage for their Armies And because they thought this the most convenient seat not onely to succour Norlinghen but other places of consideration in Swabenland and Franconia they tooke their way through the Territories of Haidnhaim which is a Countrey along the River Brents which is a Countrey upon the Confines of Swabenland towards Wirtenberg and went to Aulen a Towne not farre from thence where though they received advertisement the Count Strozz and Iohn De Wert were gone with a good strength of Horse from the Imperiall Campe to set upon Valerspach and other places of Franconia they would notwithstanding lose no time but went the next day towards Bapsinghen upon the Confines of Swabenland towards Wirtenberg that they might there take their readiest advantage and bring reliefe into the Citie in which march they met with some Imperiall Troopes wherewith they skirmished cut many of them in pieces and tooke some prisoners The Swedes being come to Bapsinghen they the next morning possest themselves of the neighbouring Hill where long consultation was had touching what they were for the present to do Waymer was of opinion that they were to set upon the Caesarian Campe and provoke them to battell but Horne and many other chiefe Officers were of another mind and advised contrary to what Waymer had propounded who notwithstanding persisting in his opinion and being seconded therein by Offcherchin Lieutenant Generall of the Horse 't was resolved that the next morning Waymers Horse which made the right wing of the battell should advance to a straight and incommodious passage in face of the Enemies Campe who were already possest of all the most advantagious neighbouring Avenues to discover whether or no they might passe that way without danger the which being effected they presently found the difficultie greater then they had imagined by reason of Iohn De Werts return who was sent for back from the enterprize of Valerspach by which meanes the Imperialists did much exceed them in numbers wherfore they agreed not to try a battell at that time but onely to send some recruits into the Citie to incourage the Governour and Inhabitants thereof and to exhort them to expect the arrivall of the Ringrave and Cratzs upon whose comming they should be sure to be succoured 200 Musquetiers were therefore conveyed into the Towne by Hornes Horse who went himselfe to the very
Nation not persisting in their first furies and their first heats being over they cannot easily do those Achievements which are proper for flegmatick and patiently minded men Whilest Flanders was jusled on all sides by the Forces of two so great Kings threatning mischiefe and troubles to Italy and that the great preparations of both sides promised a storme Marshall Bannier who was in the Bishopricke of Magdeburg understanding that Peace was concluded between Caesar and the Elector of Saxony as also the uniting of their Forces foreseeing the breach which was likely to ensue between the Swedes and Saxons and knowing the first hostile act would be upon the City of Magdeburg as a place of great concernment to the Elector it being a very strong hold in the bosome of his Territories and to which hee likewise laid pretence began to repaire the Fortifications thereof and to take order for such Provisions as should not onely be necessary for the preservation of the Towne but for the maintenance of all the Swedish Forces in those Provinces These preparations being heard of at Dresden the Elector desiring quiet which made him make Peace with the Emperour sent letters speedily away to Bannier wherein by well grounded reasons hee perswaded him to accept of the Capitulation of Peace made at Prague for the publick quiet and offered him a summe of Mony if he would friendly deliver up Magdeburg into his hands and remove from that Bishopricke Bannier who was not to conclude nor treat any thing herein without the consent of the Crowne of Swethland and the other confederate Princes returned no answer at all but meeting with some Troopes of Saxon Horse and skirmishing with them wherein the Saxons had the worst began the breach with the Elector of whom the Swedes much complained saying hee was not worthy the benefits he had received from their King who to preserve his Dukedome from invasion had not onely imploy'd his owne Forces but shed his blood and lost his life and that instead of ingraving the memory thereof for ever in his heart hee had secretly concluded a Peace prejudiciall to the Crowne of Swethland and to the Princes and States of Germany without acquainting his friends and confederates therwithall as in all reason he ought to have done These complaints of the Swedes comming to the Electors eare he presently published a manifesto wherein was declared That he had made this Peace as a lover of the good of Germany without the which all those States were in danger of being over-run by Forreine Forces That hee had contracted amity with the King of Swethland onely for preservation of the common liberty the which being now yeelded unto by Caesar the reasons were consequently taken away for which he had joyned himselfe in that union That as he intended it the Crowne of Swethland was to be satisfied for all the expences it had been at and to be included in the agreement made at Prague but that the great Chancellour Oxesterne and the other Swedish Officers being ambitious to command in Germany to injoy a better climat then their owne and to inrich themselves by the spoiles of that exhausted Country would not listen thereunto though the businesse was faire and to be desired In briefe that he was a Prince who would not obey the vast desires of such Ministers of State as did not love the weale publicke and lastly that his proceedings were not prejudiciall to the interest of his friends These excuses and declarations did not mitigate but more inflame the Swedish Commanders and invite them to revenge for as good Wine makes the sharpest Vinegar so their former good friendship turned to the greater enmity The King of Hungary who having wintered his men in the Dukedome of Wirtenberg and in Alsatia remained himselfe in Vienna to assist at the emergent consultations and resolves of greatest concernment and to make necessary Provisions for the Empire having agreed with his Captaines what waâ—â—o be done in the future field and parting from Austria with such Forces as he could that Winter get together tooke the shortest way towards Wirtenberg to re-inforce his Army not onely with men but with his owne presence When hee was come to Helbrune the Commissioners of Vlm whose condition did daily impaire and troubles improve allured by the good Articles granted to those of Auspurg and Nurenberg prostrated themselves before his Majesty and demanding pardon were received with such courtesie as is usually practised by generous Princes and sent backe with all their desires subscribed unto Gallasse having received directions from the King to move with his Army and indeavour somewhat whilest his Majesty staid at Helbrune to treat of accommodation with many Cities whose Commissioners flockt to him for pardon past over the Rhyn at Filisburg and knowing that to take Wormes a Towne neer Mentz and Franckendalle seated upon the Rhyn and invironed with Rampired Wals would be a businesse of some moment to make the recovery of Mentz and Franckendalle the more easie set upon it and readily planted his Cannon against it The Swedish Garrison which exceeded not 900 men too small a number to guard so great a circumference of Wall finding all the opposition they could make bootlesse and so much the rather because they durst not trust in the Inhabitants after having seemed to hide this their weakenesse compounded before any assault was made and retreated to Mentz Miminghen following the example of other Haunse Townes understanding the conditions granted to Vlm and being in the midst of the Austrian Forces without hopes of succour did likewise Article with the King of Hungary and was received to favour having its ancient priviledges subscribed unto The like did Schorndorfe one of the strongest Townes of Wirtenberg seated in the Center of that state upon the River Rems in a large Champian invironed with Hills which makes it seeme a Valley this Towne did for some moneths indure the Siege but now compounded and received Lawes from the Enemy The Austrians were not wanting in all requisite diligence but knowing that England though separated by a large arme of the Sea which makes it as it were another world if the French should grow to a greater power would suffer by the shade of so over-spreading a tree the people whereof to boot with their owne politicke interest of not desiring their neighbours increase in greatnesse whether it proceeded from envy or from their naturall hatred occasioned by the diversity of the Nations dis-agreeing in Tongue and Customes or from the memory of the ancient cruell Warres between them and the French were generally jealous of the French indeavoured by the perswasions of such Counsellours as were of their partie to move the King of England in their behalfe so to weaken the French Forces by this friendship for that being entertained in having an eye to these they could not so easily reflect upon Flanders This their indeavour did in realitie meet with many lets and difficulties though in
The raising of the Siege from before Valenza caused much murmure between the French chiefe Commanders and the other Colleagues in their argumentations what had inforced them thereunto Some openly complained of the Duke of Savoy as the authour and abettor thereof others blamed Crequi saying he cared not to end the worke but onely that the Warre should bee prolonged for his owne interest and others accused the French Commanders in generall for that not caring how their Companies diminished they little minded the preservation of their Souldiers so as their Army lessening and the Spaniaâ—ds increasing in their Forces they were necessitated to forgo the enterprise which if it had been wisely handled there were very strong arguments to prove that the Towne could not have been maintained By this confusion of the Colleagues the Spaniards hopes began to bud againe which were well-nigh withered out of feare of losing that Towne Though Celada's death who died within the Town of a malignant Feaver much lessened the contentment which every one had in the victory for this young Gentleman had upon this occasion given such proofe of his worth as had filled all men with much expectation from him After having returned thankes to God with great demonstration of joy they thought that since the French had failed in their taking of Valenza they should be prosperous in their intended purpose of driving Rohan out of the Valteline Egg'd on therefore by this desire which usually accompanies hope they resolved thereupon The enterprise was therefore agreed upon with Serbellone and Robustelli one of the chiefe men of that valley and who depended upon Spaine both which being ambitious to have their share in so great glory were too lavish in their counsells and reasons and coveted by whatsoever meanes to free the afflicted valley and drive out the French who were already dejected by their compagnions retreat from Valenza All such Souldiers and Provisions as were thought requisite for such a businesse were sent therfore away towards Fort Fuentes But because Rohan was then at Tirano about the building of a Fort there for his keeping of that valley Serbellone wisely as became a good and experienced Souldier would first be informed in what condition the French Army was in and what they did before he would advance further Hee therefore sent a friend of Robustelli's from Morbegno thitherward that hee might discover and accordingly advertise them what the Enemy did that so they might governe themselves as they should see occasion This man when he came to Tirano at his entrance in at the Gate were it either by his pale lookes or by the uncertaine answers he gave unto the Guard who according to the Military fashion asked him whence he came and whether hee went was laid hand of and brought to Rohan who like a wise man after having very curteously received him said unto him My friend I know wherfore you are come hither conceale therefore nothing but tell the truth which if you doe I promise you not onely to save your life but to send you safe backe whence you came He not knowing how to answer to such questions as one convinc'd kneeling downe acquainted him with all the affaire and with the Spaniards designe Whereupon imbracing the present occasion which he thought very opportune and not to lose time he called his Commanders and chiefe Officers together and acquainting them with the Spaniards designe incouraged them all by calling to minde their past victories and putting them in hopes of more which seemed like a flash of fire that had made its way through some inclosed place for all doubt and fear of the enemy vanishing immediately from out the hearts of those CoÌ„manders he speedily marched towards Sondrio a Town in the midst of that valley whether he came before the Spaniards knew that hee was gone from Tirano where having refresht his men who lay all night in the fields for he would not suffer them to come into the Towne for the gaining of time and being advertised that the Spaniards Cannon was not yet parted from Delibio a place between the Lake and the River Lesina beneath Fort Fuentes nor yet the Souldiers who were there to guard them hee advised with his Councell of Warre what was best to be done who all joyned in opinion to advance forward and without any delay to set upon the Spaniards that were about Morbegno Serbellone hearing of the French-mens approach would not give one foot backe but in all haste made the Count S. Secondo advance with his Horse on the right hand unto the foot of a Mountaine behinde a little Church dedicated to S. Peter Trivultio's Brigado placed it self towards the Ada having the advantage of a little Fenne not farre from the said Church and the Spaniards staid in the Reere upon the plaine of the Parish of Morbegno Rohan advancing by the Champian of Talemona made Monsieur de Vandy's Regiment march forward to possesse himselfe of Bit Bridge but not comming time enough he found the Spaniards had prevented him Rohan finding these difficulties resolved to make his Horse advance wherin he trusted most but the straightnesse of the place and narrow wayes would not suffer him so to doe wherefore fearing lest they might fall upon some Ambush he coÌ„manded them to retreat made Monsieur de Lecas his men to advance which was composed of new men He was notwithstanding fought withall by the Italians and with no little losse to the French repulsed Rohan being hereat mightily incenst marcht himselfe in person in the head of Frideliera's Regiment and gave upon the Spaniards who with equall valour withstood their fury after an houres very hot service and wherein they fought Sword to Sword the French-men charging with great obstinacy at whose head stood 100 Souldiers lighted from off their Horses Trivulsio's Regiment was at last forc't to forgoe the Fenne and consequently to retreat which being confusedly done by those Souldiers the greatest part of them being new men who had never seene the face of an Enemy before as the other Spaniards had usually done they fled from the French and lost many of their Souldiers and Officers of importance and amongst others the Count S. Secondo This losse made the Austrians perceive how the difficultie of getting the Valteline grew every day greater and greater Yea after Serbellone was routed a body of Dutch advancing towards the Bathes of Bormio so to enter the Valley was likewise routed and driven backe Hereupon they bethought themselves how they might bring the Emperours aide into the state of Milan And lastly knowing no other way but by the Switzers they communicated their desires to the Canton of Lucerna and other Papists Cantons with promise of good store of money who allured by profit suffered them to passe through their Townes Thus by their dexterious behaviour did the Spaniards overcome those difficulties by their moneys which they could not so easily have done by their Sword The great Duke of Tuskany
gave out that he would quarter his whole Army that Winter in the State of Milan but these words tooke not effect for Leganes having brought the greatest part of his Army about Valenza the Marshall altered his mind and returned to Winter in his former quarters of Piemont and Montferrat Whereby the Spaniards finding it an easie matter to take Brem they had many reasons to goe about it before they should betake themselves to their Winter quarters and before the French should receive more recruits from France But the season proved afterwards so exceeding wet and the wayes so deepe as they could not without much incommoditie march with their Cannon wherefore upon better advice Leganes resolved to leave garrisons on the Frontiers particularly in Lumello and Carasona whose fortifications were not yet perfected and disperse his Army in the Townes of that state with intention to appeare in the Spring with greater numbers in the field and doe that which though it was deferred was not forgotten The face of affaires was changed in Lombardy by the death of Victorios Amadreo Duke of Savoy as also by the decease of Charles Duke of Mantua who died a little before the other on the 21th of September For Charles having left his Grandchild very young and his sonnes Wife Mary Governesse of her sonne till he should come to bee 18 yeares old 't was foreseen that from hence alteration would proceed for the wiser sort were of opinion that the Princesse was of another genius then was Charles who could not forget his affection to the French and that the greater part of the Mantoans being Leaguniosised and not onely naturally small friends to Forrainers but much exasperated against those whom they termed the cause of their ruine they might easily perswade the young lady to keep faire correspondency with the Spaniard under whom they thought themselves to be bettered when indeed they were by so much more impaired by how much a King of Spaine is greater then a Duke of Mantua at which the French who through Charles his unadvisednesse were now in the best Townes of Montferrat taking offence some adverse accident might fall out Others said the Duchesse being but young and much solicited by her mother Marguerit of Savoy and the Empresse Ellinor she might perhaps listen to a new marriage And that when the Infante of Spaine could get footing in Mantua and in the right of the young Lady lawfully keep what he had gotten in Montferrat hee would willingly yeeld to marry her and that the Princesse would not be unwilling to better her condition in these present emergencies from whence great troubles must needs arise for if the Spaniards should once get into Mantua and the Citadell of Casalle there was no hope though they might intend to restore the state to the lawfull heire that ever they would take their garrisons out of such important places Whereupon every Potentate apprehending the Spaniards greatnesse they would prepare to obviat what might prove prejudiciall to them and so those poore Countries would bee the Scaene of Warre Some notwithstanding replied to the discourse touching this marriage with reasons not improbable to wit that it would hardly be affected for that the Princesse being esteemed to be fruitfull it did not comply with the Spaniards that their Kings brother should have children out of the reason of State of keeping the government in one onely and that therefore when they should thinke upon a match for him they were to provide a Wife that were barren and on the other side they aswell saw that if the Mantuans should keep constant to the French they should not onely be treated by them as subjects and the Duke of Mantua's Authority be assubjected to the pleasure of France but which was of greater consideration if the Spaniards could not beare that the French Forces should bee in Cassalle they would consequently never be contented till they were removed from thence So as the Warre hapning in an Orphans state his subjects were likely to prove the mischiefes thereof although others reflecting hereupon and who were not of opinion that this made for the Duke did probably maintaine that Warre was little or nothing troublesome to those who were therein brought up and that both parties being desirous to keep that warlike people well affected to them they should be gently proceeded with by them both and being well treated they might consequently by making the best of their affaires expect more profit from Warre then from Peace But it was not long ere the effects of such cogitations began to shew themselves For the Princesse taking upon her the government of her sonne and being more addicted to the Italian gravity then to the French freedome seemed little satisfied with the proceedings of the French and in particular she seemed not to be well pleased with Monsieur de Torre who commanded under Charles as generall of all his Forces for he not able to submit the French liberty to the moderation of Italy had by his affability won the good will of many and almost got all the Nobility of Mantua to follow his Capricioes so as basterdizing the customes of Mantua with the mode of France his actions were no wayes pleasing to the Princes nor yet to others who knew it was not fit to introduce such a noveltie So as aswell to free her selfe from such a spectacle as also to injoy that soveraignty which became her and which was by this man through his Kings authority in some sort moderated as also that by so doing she might partly shew the Spaniards her Mother and her Aunt that she was independant as concerning France and for other reasons the Princesse so behaved her selfe as she made Monsieur de Torre depart from Mantua who going to Venice and from thence being sent for into Montferrat the superintendency of Cassalle was committed to his charge and the French by these demonstrations growing jealous of the Princesse and her Ministers of state they fell to such resolutions in Casall as shall hereafter be mentioned But to returne to the Duke he was well enough composed in the parts of his body and no lesse inriched in those of his minde for to boot with a generall knowledge he was easily appeased and governed by reason his being borne and bred up in France was the cause why he as all others who naturally affect their owne Country taken with the courteous behaviour of the French Nobility by the good entertainment he partook of at the Court and by addition of his naturall clymat could not when he was transplanted into Italy overcome his nature by art so as rather then to forgoe his affection to France he incurr'd the anger of Spaine and submitted his state to the discretion of their Forces which peradventure hee might have shunn'd and would have been more advantagious to him then Warre if with the change of soyle hee could have changed that genius which made him beare so great an inclination
by Goltz And here he fighting himself with his sword in his hand and by his example infusing courage into the other souldiers and Captaines the battle grew so hot as shooting being given over nothing was seen but swords smeared with blood men and horses overturned and trod on by their own companions Ghetz all this while looking on that hee might come in according to appointment when Goltz and the other Captaines should have made the breach which they vaunted they would doe advanced not one inch for knowing that the enemie had likewise a reserve he intended not to hazard the whole Army unlesse hee should see the Van prevaile somewhat he therefore kept his station and would not follow his compagnions They being therefore hotly pursued by Weymars fresh men were forced to think of a retreat which ensued in such disorder as some French troopes had leisure to do no small execution upon the Caesarians Weymar pursuing Goltz in the same manner handled him so as the greatest part of his men were either slaine or taken prisoners whereat Savell and Goltz were so incensed exclaiming against Ghetz and upbraiding him with cowardize and unworthinesse as they by their letters to the Emperour Duke of Bavaria did accuse him of being the cause of all their losse and mischiefe Which being received as a trueth for great men must never acknowledge to have erred in their Commissions the miscarriage of their men and Weymars valour being attributed to Ghetz his mis-governement Philip Count Mansesielt Captain of the Emperours Guard was sent into Alsatia with ample authority to enquire into this accident to provide for what was necessary to the preservation of that importāt place The Romanists Army was much troubled at these disagreements For besides the losse of 4000. of the best men Ghetz had they greatly murmured against Ghetz his backe friends as if they had accused him falsely and seemed not to be well pleased with the processe that was making against him giving out in a skarpe and bitter manner that good and faithfull servants were through the wickednesse of their enemies and envyers rewarded with imprisonment so as the mischief that was hereupon likely to ensue was very great Ghetz having foreseen all these proceedings for hee very well knew that this successe as it would be related by the emulation of other Commanders would not only prejudice his reputation but bring his life in danger for such omissions as prove harmfull to the State are seldome favourably interpreted by Princes and oft times judged by Justice it selfe when blinded with passion he made his addresse to the Emperour with whom for his ancient services he was held in some esteem and who he knew had better respect unto and did more love his faithfull servants to the end that enterposing his Imperiall authority with the Duke of Bavaria he might not suffer him to be injured by the false informations of his enemies nor that integrity abused with which hee had at all times served his Prince offering willingly to enter himselfe into any of his Caesarian Majesties Forts and submit to the sentence of his just Tribunall To which the Emperour in his good nature was ready to condiscend had not the Duke of Bavaria who was advertised hereof sent suddenly an expresse messenger to Vienna to entreat his Majestie not to undertake the defence of an Officer of his whose faults were of too tender a condition and assuring him that all right and Justice should be observed in his processe Wherefore Ghetz being sent for to give an account of his actions was with a good guard brought into Bavaria The French being risen from before Saint Omer and Marishall Schattillion being joyned with Signieur de St. Previll in the parts about Ardres to make amends for the last ill successe and recover the reputation wherein the French seemed to suffer he resolved to storm Rentij For this Fort being built upon a passe of no small consideration upon the Frontiers of France by the taking of this place of refuge from the Spaniards they would not know how to make inrodes into the parts thereabouts and the way would be the more open for the French to enter freely into the dominions of Spaine He therefore came unexpectedly before the place and planted his Cannon against it and in a short time tooke it by storm and the French not having need thereof as having other Forts neer at hand it was forth-with slighted by command from the King and the people therein disperst into the neighbouring parts and haulting upon these Frontiers quarters were frequently beaten up skirmishes made by the horse of both sides the Commanders were very vigilant in keeping what they had got At this time 15. Gallies were come into the Port de Vado with about 1500. Foot part from Barcellona and part from Cesely who expected orders here from Milan where they should land their men When Don Roderigo de Valesco a Spaniard who in the Generalls absence commanded therein in chiefe understanding that the French Gallies were discovered to be in the Genoan Sea and knowing them to be but 15. and a Brigandine called a Councell of the chief Spaniards where it being argued whether they should fight or keepe quiet in the Haven it was the joynt opinion of all that they should set upon the French They therefore put to Sea and were little above seven miles from Genoa when they began about ten a clock in the morning on the first of September to salute each other with their Cannon and at last falling to boord with their swords and half-pikes the action grew so bloody as great was the slaughter which was made amongst the souldiers and much was the blood which ran out from the fore-decks and sides of the Gallies for many of the Knights of Malta being in the French Gallies who are accustomed to Sea-fights the fight was very hot on both sides but at last the French prevailing it behoved the Spaniards to flye with the loss of 6. of their Gallies amongst which the Capitana of Secely and Padrona of Spain And taking there of the French Gallies which for want of souldiers and Marriners were left at Sea and which were La Marishalla La Vanbelle and La Sernier the rest saved themselves within the Haven of Genoa The fight continued the space of 2. hours which being thus ended a storm arose the next night wherein the French Gallies lost La Patrona di Spagna by the breaking of the rope wherewith she was towed which being afterwards found by some Tartane and Coraline was brought to Genoa having first taken out of her all the money goods that was in her which was left with the chiefe Magistrate of Albenga and which was all afterwards restored to the French though to the small satisfaction of the Spaniard as causing strange rumors The Spainish gallies parting afterwards from Genoa came to Porto Fino to mend the harms they had received by
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