the Commonwealth in his sentence but should also free the Commonwealth and the Gulf from being troubled by the Duke of Ossuna it seeming to be improper that he should compose differences as Arbitrator and as an enemy make war upon those who had freely put the differences and occasions of the war to his Arbitrement On the other side the Embassadour never having shewed any special command from his Prince for the absolute remitting it to the King nor no such thing being ever demanded of him it made much for the contrary but howsoever it was the Duke of Lerma being much offended with tââ¦e Embassadour who persisted still in the negative and being much concern'd that so advantââ¦gious Articles for the house of Austria if they should not be received and accepted as pronounced by tââ¦e King as by common Arbitrator should be taken out of the Kings power without precedent submission of the Commonwealth sent for the Embassadour to a meeting where all the Embassadours of other Princes ââ¦esident in that Court were and did bitterly reprove him mainââ¦aining the contrary to what he affirmed to his face and the King being also very much offended profest he would trouble himself no more with it but remitted the whole Negotiation freely over to the Pope who when ââ¦e received the Kings Letters shewed them to Abbot Alessandro Scaglia brother to Marquess Calusio Embassadour Resident for the Duke at Rââ¦me exhorting him to write unto his Prince that the business might be brought to a conclusion The Duke not confiding in tââ¦e Pope for that he found him much inclined to satisfie Spain and for that he had permitted-passage to the Horse which came from Naples to Lombardy and for other things which he had done in favââ¦ur of thaâ⦠Crown made the business known to the Embassadours of his Conââ¦ederate Friends and Princes and then sent to Rome to have the peaââ¦e concluded with express Commission to his Embassadour not to consent to any accommodation except the Articles of Asti were observed and unless the Venetians were secured as had been formerly indeavoured The Pope finding the Duke had not referr'd the business to his free disposal as the King had done was scandalized and would not meddle with it so as it remained unperfected but the same Capitulââ¦tions of Madrid being presented to the Senate at Venice by the Popes Nuntio and by the French Embassadour just at that time when that City quaked for apprehension of the neerness of the Navy at Seâ⦠which having taken the Mahouns was feared would draw neer their Washes and when Vercelles was lost thââ¦y stood not much in approving of the same not as the award of the King who was autââ¦orized by tââ¦em to judge thereof but as propounded by him as a friend and aâ⦠a mediator in the common differences and the Venetians did the more willingly accept of them because they seââ¦med not onââ¦y advantagious for them in all things which they could have desiââ¦ed save in the restitution of the Mahââ¦uns but also for that they seemed like a propitious star which in so great a fluctuation promised to establish peace and tââ¦anquillity in the Commonwealth they therefore forthwith dispatch'd away their commands to Ottaviano Buono and to Vincenzo Guzzoni theââ¦r Embassadours in ordinary and in extraordinary at Paris to stipulate and confirm the same Articles with the King they also impowered the said Embassadours to communicate the same to their Embassadour Gritti in Spain that he might consent to the same Articles in that Court the Commonwealth having chosen to prefer the King of France his Authority before that of the King of Spain were it either in respect of the differences which had past between her and the Ministers of that Crown or that by giving the honour to the King of France and taking it from the King of Spain they thought they did not only deny the King of Spain the Arbitrement of the affairs of Italy which he pretended unto but that they did compound the business with more freedom and reputation as if they thereby had made known to the world that they had never been brought to receive the Laws of peace from the King of Spain as that King had pretended he by his great interests with the Archduke by succouring whom and by his servant the Duke of Ossuna's Hostility seeming in effect to be a party and an enemy this Commission being come to Paris the State-Ministers of that King were no less desirous to have the business concluded then were the Venetian Embassadours in ambition that their King might seem to be the Arbitrator of differences in Italy and the King alledging for his justification that he knew the King of Spains good will as also the danger which might insue by the breaking out of new and greater differences and difficulties if the agreement should be deferred in the name of all the parties that were absent for all which he ingaged his word confirmed and ratified the same Articles as they had been pronounced by the Catholick King the Kings and Dukes Embassadours consented thereunto who were not in any sort acquainted with this peace before it was concluded though the Duke who to divert the war from the Territories of the Commonwealth had drawn it upon himself would never though never so much oppress'd come to any agreement unless the Commonwealth were therein comprehended or secured from the Spanish Forces The little respect which was shewen to the Catholick King increased the envy of this action who being chosen Arbitrator by the Commonwealth or according to themsââ¦lves Mediator and having furthered the Capitulations with so much satisfaction to her though against so great Princes and so neerly allied to him and who were assaulted by the Commonwealth she aââ¦erwards not content to deny that Arbitrement which she seemed so freââ¦ly to have granted him or at least had signified her intention of granting it had by applying her self to the King of France made him the chief Author and Moderator of that peace which she was to acknowledge howsoever from the moderation and goodness of the King of Spain But the peace seemed to be stipulated no less to the prejudice of the Commonwealth for that the restitution of the Mahouns was not therein comprehended which since there was no breach between them and the King of Spain ought as was pretended to be restored as not taken in fair War The Spaniards on the other side pretending that the Kings Declaraââ¦ion to assist the Archduke was a permissive hostility denied restitution and the King refusing to decide this point the Embassadours were pacified with the Kings promise that he would make them be restored and so the Articles of peace went forward But the Commonwealth partly that they might stand upon the advantage of reputation partly to shun the hatred and envy which she purchased by that peace and also for the King of Spain's and Duke of Savoy's satisfaction without whose knowledge the peace was concluded feigned to
say by his great donatives for he favouring the Dukes Cause as if the Common Cause were concerned therein desired it might be taken into consideration in the first place so as to boot with the emulation which was already grown between them not only diversity of opinions but distastes arose upon this occasion from whence much prejudice did rââ¦dound to the main affair which being distracted by the several interests and emulations of private men was subject to great hazards just like a Ship which is agitated by contrary windes so as Collalto not willing to be left alone to prosecute the business of Piedmont withdrew to the Army before Mantua saying publickly that if others would prefer their Prince his particular cause before what was the common concernment he was likewise obliged to prefer the business of Mantua wherein the Emperour was particularly interessed before that of Casalle or Piedmont The Legate being this mean while gone to Pinarollo had acquainted Cardinal Richelieu with what had been agreed unto in Alessandria by Spinola and San ' Croce he found him willing to yield to all save to what concern'd the restitution of Pinarollo which he said it was necessary for him to keep as well out of the pretences which the King of France laid thereunto as for the security of Nevers his affairs and of the peace which was to be concluded which having been violated many times as he said on the Spanish side he might justly fear it might meet again with some troubles when he should be past back over the Mountains but it was rather thought that he refused to restore Pinarolio out of private ambition for he was very proud of having gotten a place of such importance for the Kings affairs and as France was much grieved when Pinarollo was restored to the Father of this present Prince by Henry the Third King of France so being now as much pleased with the recovery thereof the Cardinal would not together with the advantage of the acquisition lose the perpetual glory of having done so great a benefit to the Crown or France but this being a point of such importance for the conclusion or exclusion of peace in which things belonging to others are usually restored the retaining thereof was now discuss'd only as being contrary to the title pretended unto by the Kings Forces wherein Richelieu mitigated the Proposal and reduced the retention thereof to the space of two years offering the Duke Montcalvo and some other Towns in Montferrat in pawn for the restoring of it but this being held to be yet too hard a condition wherein the observance of the agreement was reduced to the Arbitrement of the French who when Casalle and Mantua should be freed it was hard to say what they would have done it was finally proposed that the Dutch should keep the Towns taken from the Grisons and the French those of the Dukes till such time as the affairs of Italy should be adjusted within fifteen days which when they should be adjusted and composed whatsoever was retained should be by both sides restored Spinola listned to this Proposal which he thought to be more moderate insomuch as discoursing thereof in the presence of the Duke of Savoy and of the other Commanders he said that he would readily agree thereunto if the time of restitution might be prolonged for the space of two moneths the Duke who was already very much unsatisfied with Spinola could not give way to such a length of time but letting his anger burst out which till then he had kept in he exclaimed very much upon him as did Colalto also and it being discovered that there was speech of a meeting between the Cardinal and Spinola and that intelligence was held between them the jealousie grew greater both of them being found to be no well-wishers to the Duke This suspition was much fomented by the friendship which was contracted between them when Spinola in his passage from Flanders to Spain went to the Camp before Rochel to kiss the Kings hand where being received with unusual favours by the Cardinal the Cardinal was much commended by a relation which Spinola made to the King of the well ordering of that Siege and by his assuring him of happy and speedy success if the same course should be still taken and to all this it was added that a dispatch which was at this very time sent to Spinola being intercepted Richelieu sent it to him close sealed as it was and unbroken up which being known by the Duke afforded him much cause of jealousie Thus the Treaty of peace being broken preparation was made for war and the Duke resenting Spinola's usage sent the Abbot Scaglia to complain unto the King of Spinola's strange and rigorous proceedings tending not onely to the prejudice of him the Duke but to the dis-service of the Kings affairs and of the common cause which could receive no advantage by the Dukes dis-satisfaction and he made his Daughter in Law complain of the Cardinal in the Court of France but particularly to the Queen-Mother who though she had been very well pleased formerly with the Cardinals greatness began to be jealous of him now by reason of his too great authority and of the credit which he had won with the King so as it was in several manners ill spoken of some accusing him of too great hatred to the Duke that being ordered to deal friendly with him his only endeavours in this expedition had been to incense him and by his ill usage to alienate him from the Kings interest some accused him of want of experience in Military affairs some of injustice and violence who had turned those Forces which were destined to defend an injured Prince to oppress another who was so neer allied to the King a Friend and Confederate of the Crown to the great scandal of the Kings Forces to the danger of the enterprise and of that Army wherein were so many Lords and Commanders wherefore finding himself complained of and apprehending the Kings displeasure whereinto he might run by his absence he left the management of affairs in Piedmont with the Marshals dela Force and Scomberg and return'd with Cricky into France whither when he was come and had given an account of his action and of what streights the Duke had put him in he had much adoto clear himself from the faults which were laid to his charge by his ill-willers Thus went the Duke about to prejudice the Cardinals fortune by his endeavours which he could never overthrow by his Forces nor by his so many Plots and Stratagems Whilst the business of peace was debated in Turin Don Philippo Spinola was got neer Pontestura and had begirt it on all sides and began his Batteries the French had begun some unperfect Fortifications and those of Casalle that the longer that place held out the longer might they themselves be preserved they thought good to lessen their own Garrison and Provisions and imploy them in the
not concurring with him nor joyning in the League to assault or possess himself of the State of Millain he resolved by present offers and future promises to win his good will and to promise that he would make him absolute Lord of the State of Millain these promises were the rather credited by the alliance the King had to him and by his affection to his Sister who being Daughter to a King and Sister to two Queens the King was desirous to confer regal dignity upon her to the end that not being inferiour in degree to her Sisters she might enjoy the title of Queen which he profess'd she should be deservedly honoured with when to the State of Millain Piedmont and Savoy should be added and as an earnest peny of his promises he made the Duke General of his Forces and of those of the League bargaining to allow him 12000 Crowns a moneth not being aware that as no force tames no time consumes nor any present reward counterpoizes the Liberty and Sovereignty of Principality so no tie of alliance or blood can secure it The Duke consenting to what he could not refuse entred into the League and accepted of the Generals place which he was to exercise more according to his own concerns then according to the interests of others it was said and the French did confirm it by their publick complaints and exclamations and the sequel though somewhat ambiguously did afterwards prove it that in the interview that pass'd between the Duke of Savoy and the Infanta when the Infanta came with his Gallies to Villa Franca there pass'd secret negotiations by which the Infanta endeavoured to draw the Duke over to the Spanish party and to win him from the French and that the Duke acquainted the Infanta with what necessity he had to keep fair with the Crown of France lest his State might be over-run by the French Forces who might enter by Pinarvolo and that though he might be sure to be succoured in such a case by the King of Spain as his Father had been yet he was sure that Piedmont could not be the precincts as it always had been wherein the conflict between the Forces of the two Crowns should happen and that though the Spaniards should be victorious the Combate could not but be very prejudicial to his State and ruinous if the success should prove otherwise so as he said he was not to declare for the Spaniard but upon urgent occasion but that when occasion should serve he would always make it known how much he valued the preservation of the Spanish Empire in the State of Millain others added more particular promises that he would never consent to the taking of any Towns in that State but that fighting only in the Campagnia he would carry things with respect to the affairs of that Empire and finally it was commonly believed that a counter-league was tacitely agreed upon between them for the common concernment The Dukes of Modena and Parma and the Lord of Mirandola appeared contrary to the Popes and Duke of Savoy's inward maximes who driven either by their dislike of the Spanish Empire or allured by the great hopes they had in the King of France or eg'd on by the desire of inlarging their Confines wherein they thought themselves all of them too much streightned or being moved by all these respects they gave ear to the new confederacy Those of Modena and Mirandola though they entred into the Negotiation it is not well known whether they concluded and subscribed it or no for as shall be said hereafter they were diverted from it before the publication but the Duke of Parma who was more incens'd against the Spaniards and incited by more resentments and greater hopes did not only willingly and readily enter into the League but amidst the so many troubles and damages which did result to him thereupon shew'd such solid resolution and constancy therein as it seemed not only strange but monstruous to all men every one wondring that a young Prince should so totally abandon the footsteps so happily trod in by his fore-fathers and should so eagerly embrace contrary Counsels The occasions of this so great and constant alteration if we will believe what he published by his Manifesto were of themselves so slight and so inconsiderable as they were generally held rather pretences then real causes thereof so as several discourses arose thereupon the most universal was that the Duke being young when his Father died and his Uncle the Cardinal who was his Guardian dying not long after grew to have haughty thoughts and that being of opinion that the obsequie and adherence to the Spaniards which was held by his Grand-father Father and Uncle to be the chief foundation of Principality was nothing else but meer slavery and that the Sovereignty of Italian Princes who adhered to the Crown of Spain was meer subjection that ââ¦e therefore aspired to more absolute liberty for the arriving whereat he thought that the peace of Italy and the present condition of affairs was a great obstacle which made him prone to embrace novelties and that he was fed with hopes by the French that the Spanish Empire being laid low he might arrive at more greatness and acquire new Dominions and it being conceived that so young a man could not be capable of such high conceptions it was commonly held that Count Fabio Scotto who was his Chamberline and favorite one who was wholly inclined to the French in whose service he had one of his Sons and from whom it was thought he received a Pension did kindle these thoughts and hopes in the young Prince it was thought that this man fomented his Princes inclination with several suggestions and that he strove by several means to incense him against the Spaniards and adhere unto the French propounding unto him the continual servitude which he derived from the obsequies of his Grand-father and Father to the Crown of Spain the meanness of his State and his low condition whilst he should continue to do so and on the contrary the liberty esteem and encrease of fortune which he assuredly would purchase by adhering to the Crown of France also the condition of the present times which concur'd thereunto did much foment such thoughts for when this Prince began to interest himself in these affairs fortune began to smile upon the King of Sââ¦dens proceedings and to ââ¦rown upon the house of Austria and therefore he either perswaded by others or by himself that the fortune and power of the King of France who was the chief upholder of the Swedish Forces being to be much advanced by the ruine of the house of Austria it must needs be excellent Counsel to abandon the falling fortune of that Crown and to be one of the first that should adhere to the others encreasing fortune The Court of Spain had from the beginning discern'd the sprightly genius of this Prince and thinking by some shew of resentment to make him return
irksome to them through solitariness They were honoured only with Titles and exterior demonstrations but were not otherwise in any favour or Authority at Court The eldest Prince died not long after who upon the like occasions had great disputes with the Duke of Lerma and the rest returned into Italy if not displeased with the King at least but badly satisfied wiââ¦h the Court as not finding that countenance and welcome as they thought became their condition These and the like accidents though out of private occasions and proceeding rather from the State-Officers then from the King wounded the Duke to the very soul who was much exasperated by former proceedings and if he had met with any occasion he would peradventure have been willing to have vented his disdain but neither the times nor the condition of his own affairs corresponding with his desire of resentment he was forced to cloââ¦e his passions and to expect a more opportune time whilst thus fought with by inward haââ¦red such occasions at last happened when he least expected them as brought those opportunities home unto him then which if he had sought after them he could not have met with greater William dalle Marche Duke of Iuliers and Cleves died about this time in whose death all his whole Family failing many several German Princes pretended to the Succession of those States Amongst the rest Leopold one of the Arch-Dukes of Austria and the Princes of Brandenburge and Newburg which latter two joining against the Arch-Duke possest themselves of all that appertained to those Dukedoms except Iuliers which fell into his power Leopold's Cauââ¦e was not adhered unto only by the House of Austria and by the King of Spain but by all the Catholick German Princes who thinking it pernitious for the Catholick Religion that those States should fall into the hands of Heretick Princes contracted a League in the behalf of the Arch-Duke and chose the Duke of Bavaria for their Captain-General The two ãâã finding themselves too weak against such a League had recourse to the King of France whose Kingdom after so many calamities of preceding wars having now injoy'd peace for many years and consequently flourishing more in Arms people and riches then it was ever known to be before himselâ⦠being obeyed by all the Orders of this Kingdom and reverenced by all the Princes of Christendom and not thinking it became him that the Crown of Spain and House of Austria should grow to a greater height took upon him the protection of those Princes and with caution to the Catholick Religion of those Inhabitants he promised to assist themin the possession of the controverted States in whose cause the Protestant Princes of Germany did also adhere And the King of France being made their Head they prepared openly to oppose the Arch-Duke the King perceââ¦ving that from hence great combustions were likely to arise applied his mind to much greater designs Betaking himself therefore not only to make stout preparations of Arms throughout his whole Kingdom but also to negotiate new Leagues and Unions with Forââ¦eigners he sollicited many of the Italian Princes to whom he thought the neighbourhood of the Spaniards was either suspitious or troublesome promising them great Rewards and increase of Dominions if by joyning their Forces with him they would take up Arms in Italy against the King of Spains Dominions The chief of these were the Venetians and the Duke of Savoy the former in respect of the great opinion which was held not only of their forces and wealth but of their Counsel and Wisdom The other for the Neighbourhood of his Dominions and for the vivacity of his military Spirit naturally inclined to new Enterprises as also out of the distastes and bad satisfaction which he had often received from the Spanish State-Ministers Count Fuentes who though he was very old and upon the confines of death was yet alive and much feared and reverenced and the Affairs of Spain flourished much as hath been said under his Government The ãâã notwithstanding either professing to abhor turbulence and novelty or fearing to provoke the Spaniards refusing the first great offers made to them by the King of France would have no hand in a business of such moment which was like to work great Revolutions in the world not without danger to their own Affairs The Duke who on the contrary though strangely scandalized at the Court of Spain would not let slip such an occasion willingly and was therefore willing to listen to the Kings great offers whereof one was to marry the Kings eldest Daughter to Prince Victorio yet calling to mind the long and bitter wars which the Kings of France had made upon his Father and Grandfather by whom they were beaten almost out of all their Dominions And on the contrary his recovery and being kept in long possession of them by the favour and adherence of the Crown of Spain the annual Revenues which he received from thence which would upon any the least occasion be taken from him to boot with the troubles and wars which he was to undergo by incensing the Spaniards in all these respects he began to doubt lest to pass from the one adherence to the other would be too dangerous for him and for his Children who were by so streight interests and by so near alliance joyn'd to the King of Spain wherefore not totally excluding but keeping the Treaty on foot with the French he thought to make use of this occasion as of the means whereby retaining his former friendship with the King of Spain but upon better conditions he might get a greater esteem put upon himself and his affairs Or totally foregoing Union with Spain which he thought would be now reduced to subjection and slavery indeavour to link himself close with France and by the ââ¦avour and assistance thereof arrive at that Grandezza and Augmentation of State which having long looked for in vain from the Crown of Spain he could never attain unto He therefore demanded one of the Daughters of Spain for Wife to his Son together with a Portion in Land which might serve in recompence for his antient pretences and other annual Revenues and honourable places for his other Children to the end that they might live in Port and Splendour sutatable to the Nephews of so great a King And to remove the obstacles and difficulties which he might meet with in these desires he thought it necessary to win the Duke of Lerma and to interest him in these his demands for when he should have got him he hoped he should succeed the more easily in all the rest Laying aside therefore all former contentions and emulations ââ¦e loaded him as it is said with hopes and mighty promises which depending absolutely upon his own will might bring unusual greatness and splendour upon his Family and descendants wheââ¦eby to make so powerful a Minister of State give way unto and facilitaââ¦e whatsoever he should demand of the King for his Sons
And at the same time keeping on the Treaty of the new League and his Sons Marriage in Paris he hoped that each of these Crowns would grow to such jealousie by reason of this double Negotiation as that the one not to lose him and the other to gain him they might both of them vie who should give fairer conditions for this Marriage when it should be hotly negotiated at the same time in both these Courts Chusing theââ¦efore for Agents in these his so great designs Count Verrua a Counsellor who was in great favour with him and Monsieur Iacob he sent them both at the same time the former into Spain the latter into France where both of them negotiated their Commissions The Duke of Lerma greedily imbracing this occasion in the Court of Spain that by assisting to make this Maââ¦ch he might aggrandize his own Family so the Treaty of Marriage between Prince Victorio and the Kings Daughter seemed to proceed on fairly For though the King would not Treat of his eldest Daughter whom he had destined to a much greater Marriage yet not being averse to part with his youngest Daughter this Match though not totally agââ¦eed upon yet was it likely to be speedily concluded And Don Phileberto the Dukes second Son was destined to be made Admiral at Sea and the Dukes third Son the Cardinal was to be furnished with the chââ¦ef Church-livings which should be vacant in that Kingdom to a large proportion In pursuit of which Negotiation there were two Gallies already provided by the Duke in Italy to bring the Prince Victorio into Spain together with two of his Sisters that they might be brought up there with the Queen yet many were not fully of an opinion that this would really succeed As if the Duke had juggled in this Marriage with Spain or that he had done it out of cunning to accelerate the Negotiations in France which were carried on with hopes of prosperous success by Iacob For the King having drawn England and the States of Holland into the new League and giving out that he would ââ¦ut the Princes of Brandenburge and Newburg into full possession of the Dukedoms pretended unto by them had already prepared a powerful Army with which and with the Forces of the Colleagues it was thought that he really intended war against Flanders and those parts of the Low-Countries which were under the King of Spain And at the same time he put a Fleet in order at Marselles with intention to assault Genoa and Millain and offered the Duke of Savoy an Army of 20000 Foot and 3000 Horse to be paid by him the King to the end that the Duke might enter into the ãâã of Millain with 12000 Foot and 2000 Horse of his own which State he propounded to the Duke of Savoy as a surplus of Portion in respect of the future Marriage These practises were they either true or but reported did no good to the Treaties of Spain which seemed to be as good as already concluded for the King of Spain growing incens'd thereat did not incline any more to the Marriage of his Daughter and the Duke of Lerma who had cordially listened to Verrua's proposals finding that he was not well looked upon by the Court where the practises held between him and Verrua were known to shew himself averse to the Dukes interests and intelligence who was grown odious to the Court for the same respects did all he could to clear himself thereof And the whole Court out of the same reasons being at the same time scandalized with the Duke of Savoy he thinking that he could promise himself no good from that Crown and despairing to make any progress in that Court quite foregoing any thought of further pursuing his Affairs there and betaking himself to the Kingdom of France he indeavoured to joyn in League and to make Alliance with that King Hence it was that we may return to where we gave over that the Duke of Savoy to the end that he might have greater adherences in Italy as also that he might interest other Princes in his ends and designs married forthwith two of his Daughters wherein King Henry had a hand the eldest to Don Francisco then Prince of Mantua and the other to Alphonso Prince of Modena which was not done without much jealousie that the Dukes their Fathers did privately partake in the same ends and designs And at this very time another Marriage coming strangely to light which was very privately treated of in Rome for the Prince of ãâã the Popes Nephew with a natural Daughter of King Henry it made people very jealous of the Popes Intention This suspicion reached also to many of the Lords of Rome which by many Aââ¦guments drawn from their indeavours and inclinations seemed to follow King Henries party King Henry was then in greater Fortune Authority and Grandezza then peradventure any of the preceding Kings of France had for a long time been he was admired by all Christendom wherefore part of Italy being full of expectation other part full of fear of these so great preparations Italy was partly inclined unto and did tremble at the name and reputation of the French Forces But to the end that the Differences touching Montferrat might not disturb so great hopes as were promised by this Conjunction the Duke of Savoy thought it not good to look too narrowly into them then though they fell into consideration in the conclusion of the Marriage with the Prince of Mantua and therefore he thought it bettâ⦠to hasten the conclusion of that Marriage leaving those differences undecided On the contrary the King of Spain finding whether the confederacy or Affinity of the Italian Princes did at that time tend and indeavouring to disturb it I ââ¦oured though in vain that the same Marriages might be crost but King Henries so unexpected death having either dissipated the ends or allayed the jealousies of that so great Unon and the Duke being afterwards pacified and joined with the King of Spain and the Kingdom of France foregoing the Match with the Duke as having after the Kings death entertained new Negotiations of a double Marriage with Spain whereby Lewis the new King of France was to marry the King of Spains eldest Daughter and King Lewis his Sister she who in her Fathers time was intended for Prince Victorio was also to marry the Prince of Spain to the conclusion of which Marriages there was no leââ¦t at that time but the tender years of those that were to be married Therefore the King and Court of Spain confiding much more in this new Conjunction then they had formerly distrusted the Union of the Italian Princes and their Intelligence with the French did at the same time indeavour that the Marriage might be concluded between the Cardinal and the Dowager Dutchess a thing which made very much for the preservation of peace in Italy and for the new Union which was agreed on with the King of France On the contrary
Asti for what remains it is not divided from Piedmont either by Rivers or Mountains or secured by any Fort The Boundeurs of particular places do distinguish the Jurisdiction of the two Princes This State was not any way prepared for so sudden an assault for the Duke of Mantua's Officers and all the Inhabitants being comforted in expectation of the Marriage which was in Treaty thought themselves to be in secure peace and looked for nothing less then to be assaulted and so much the less for that to boot with Montferrat having been always in the Kings protection whereby they thought they should not be subject to novelties Duke Ferdinando was also assured by the Governour of Millain that the Duke of Savoy would not move without his knowledge and that howsoever he would be ready to assist him and under colour of not giving the Savoyard further occasion of Arming the Governour had exhorted the Mantuan to casheir many of the Montferrat Militia and to Quarter them elsewhere who were Mustered in that State since his Brothers death whe efore the Duke of Savoy making use of this occasion resolved to invade Montferrat by night in several parts on the Twenty second of April and having ordered the Count de Verrua and Captain Alessandro Guerrino to move at the appointed time the latter from Chââ¦arasco whereof he was Governour to fall upon Alba and the other from Asti to possess himself of Montcalvo He himself accompanied by the Princes Victorio and Thomaso his eldest and his youngest Sons by Count Guido St George and other Lords of Piedmont parted from Vercelli with 600 Foot some Troops of Horse and Carirages of Ammunition and marched that very night towards Trino whither beââ¦ng come a little before day break he sent the Commendator della Mââ¦a with some Souldiers to fasten a Petarde after whom he sent 300 Provincials commanded by Captain Rovigliasco and keeping a little behind with the rest of his men he waited till when the Petard should have play'd he might enter together with them The mean while he sent some to take a Castle near the Poe called Gabbiano which yielded without making any resistance The Portcullies of Trino was beaten in two by the Peââ¦ard but Motta advancing further to force the Gate with another Petard which was prepared for that purpose whilst meeting with some hinderance some little delay was made the day began to clear up and these within getting upon the Walls slew the Petardier and hurt some others by Musquet shot amongst which the Commandator della Motta the Barons of Hermansa and Tornone Wherefore the Duke failing in his first design of surprising that Town betook himself to play upon the walls with Artillery which he had caused to be brought from Vercelli and to keep off succour he cut a Trench cross the way which leads from Cassalle placing some Horse in Garison there and some Souldiers to guard the way which leads to Palazzââ¦lo ãâã and ãâã places near to Montferrat The Militia of which places hearing of the Dukes coming marched to get into Trino but were beaten back by the Commandator della Manta The number of the Dukes men multiplied this mean while by the coming in of more and the Battery being begun by Cannon and being by approches advanced to certain Kills from whence they might commodiously play upon the Walls and then give an Assault those of the Town the third day afââ¦er the first assault surrendered the Town of their own accord their Lives Goods and Priviledges being preserved The rewards promised him by the Duke of Savoy and Intelligence held with Count Guido were of moââ¦e force with the Captain of that Place then the Loyalty which he owed to his Prince This Count writ to his friends that these Arms were taken up for the preservation of that State on the behalf of the Princess Mary to whom he said it did of right belong for which he was afterwards banish'd and branded with other aceustomed punishments as guilty of high Treason The same night the City of Alba was assaulted and taken by Guerrini who having fallen upon the Walls on sundry sides by break of day with 600. Foot and a Troop of Horse threw down the Gate towards Tanaro with a Petard by which the Souldiers entering and scaling the Walls in other parts they made themselve Masters thereof without much opposition before the Citizens could put themselves in order to defend the Walls amongst which the Cavalier della Motta the chief man of the City was slain together with some others and Silvio Via Captain of Horse who kept the Castle for Duke Ferdinand being abandoned was quickly forced to surrender it The City was this mean while miserably sack'd by the Dukes Souldiers yet women were kept unviolated and sacred things un-injured otherwise then was done in other parts of Montferrat yet they proceeded severely with the Bishop of that place for being violently drag'd from the sacred Altar where he was upon his knees he was ill beaten and had a Ring pluck'd off which he wore upon his finger and being led Prisoner in shamefull manner through the City he was forc'd to purchase his liberty with his monies which when he had disburs'd he had notwithstanding a Guard put upon him in his own Palace and at last forced to forego the City and to keep in Nivello a place belonging to the Empire It was thought that the Duke of Savoy held Intelligence here also for whom the Prince did suspect were Imprisoned afterwards Alba being taken and sack'd all the Towns and Villages thereabouts came into Guerrini for ââ¦ear of being plundred and of having their Country laid waste Diano a neighbouring Castle and of some consideration yielded unto him within three days but the assault which was intended to be given that very night to Montcalvo was deferr'd till the next night for the Souldiers who were deputed thereunto did a little delay their coming to Asti from whence Count Verrua parting the next night with a good number both of Foot and Horse he sent the Cavalier Redortiers before to fasten a Petard Some Companies of Montferrians were already gotten into that Town and yet the Town being very weak and abandoned by the Garison it was taken at the first Assault and also sack'd but greater provisions being requisite for taking the Castle which was strongly scituated Verrua returned to Asti from whence he sent more men and Artillery and began diligently to oppugne it The mean while the Duke published a Manifesto in Print wherein relating what had past between him and Duke Ferdinando in relation to the Dowager Dutchess his Daughter the Princess his Grand-child and his pretentions to Montferrat he complained that Duke Ferdinando had not kept his word to the Prince Victorio and replied unto the Reasons alledged to the contrary and by a short Narrative of his right to Montferrat indeavoured to justifie what he had done He therefore supplicated the Pope the Emperour the Catholick King
and all the Princes of Christendom that they would approve of this his taking up of Arms in just resentment of the injuries done him by the Duke of Mantua and for the recovery of what ââ¦ad been so unjustly taken from his Ancestors and so long possest by his Adversaries so much to his prejudice concluding that he would not refuââ¦e to listen unto and to accept of such Propositions as should be offered unto him for the accommodation of these differences if they were accompanied with reason and conveniency And to make men conceive the better of this Enterprise and make himself the more formidable he gave out that he held Intelligence with the King of England and with the States of Holland from whom he expected great succour by Sea The End of the first Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK II. The Contents THE Wars of Montferrat is continued to be related as also the Provisions and Negotiations made by the Duke of Mantua and other Princes The Surrender of the Castle of Montcalvo The oppugning of Nizza della Paglia Prince Victorio's going to Spain Orders sent from that Court to Italy touching the protection of Montferrat and the Restitution of the Towns that were taken In execution whereof Nizza is freed and the other Towns restored to the Duke of Mantua The War of Garfagnana between the Duke of Modena and the Common-wealth of Lucca which being accommodated by peace the business of Montferrat is reassumed and divers Negotiations pass between the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua which whilst they are in Treaty Spains final Resolution comes touching the quiet of Italy and the security of Montferrat Prince Victorio returns to Italy badly satisfied with the King and Court of Spain WHen the Princes of Italy had news of these Commotions and heard of what had happened in Montferrat they were not a little astonished For foreseeing the mischiefs that were threatened Italy thereby no man could imagine how the Duke had begun that War to the so great prejudice of the publick Peace and to the so great danger of the Common Affairs Being much perplexed they argued out of circumstances and by probabilities whether it were done merely out of the Dukes own deliberation or by participation had and Intelligence held with the Court of Spain It was hard for any to perswade themselves that that King should consent to the oppression of a State the protection where of he had ever sincerely prosessed especially since it was impossible this should happen without causing commotions in Italy and without making way for Forreign Nations to enter things totally repugnant to those sound Foundations whereupon the safety of his Dominions and the power of his Authority was so happily built But it did no less repugne the total Affairs of his Crown that the Duke of Savoy should add so rich and so well peopled a Dukedom to his Dominions it being so near and lying so opportunely for the State of Millain left his Power being thereby doubled he migâ⦠have a mind to novelties and that afterwards aiming at greater matters he might bend his thoughts to the prejudice of the Publick Peace or at least if he should keep quiet he would be less pliable and depend less upon the Authority of that Crown The Dukes natural Genius made this opinion appear more probable it being hard for him to conââ¦ine himself within the boundeurs of his own Fortune wherefore he had been hardly detained formerly from shewing the bad satisfaction which was discovered to be in him and contrary to the ends of that Crown and to his last streight Intelligence held with King Henry of France which being accompanied by Arms and by the conjuncture of Times had made it appear how much disdain and the desire of greater Affair had prevailed over him wherefore all augmentation of Power or Authority was to be apprehended in him Yet notwithstanding as men are naturally easie to believe those things which they fear most there were but very few who did not firmly believe the contrary as not believing that the Duke would have begun such a business upon his own bottome whereby he would have drawn France upon his back and have irritated Italy They therefore concluded it was impossible he should have put himself and his own Affairs into so manifest trouble unless he had been back'd by that King This opinion was the more confirmed by the flow proceedings of the Spaniards to extinguish this fire which the Duke had kindled and this in process of time did so much increase this opinion as the many evident demonstrations which the King did by his actions manifest the which the more evident they were the more were they interpreted to a sinister sence were not sufficient to remove it The more every one did believe this the more were they puzzled in finding out the ends which could make that King and his State Ministers put on such a resolution And as the supposing of this proved afterwards vain so of necessity must they be but rââ¦ve concerning their imagined ends Many believed that they were permitted this enterprize to the end that they might by terror of Arms get that young Lady which they could not do by Authority or indeââ¦vours Others reasoning more subtilly suspected that they might willingly foment dissention between these Princes out of hopes that the Duke of Mantua not being able of himself to defend that State should as he had often formerly indeavoured change it upon disadvantagious terms the greater part whereof he should have divided with the Duke of Savoy out of a desire to make himself master of the Castle of Casalle Those who discoursed more moderately thought that the Kings State Ministers were willing to see the Duke of Mantua reduced to these streights to necessitate him to have recourse to their King to the end that being either favour'd or disfavour'd by him therein it might be known how much the adherence of that Crown did redound to the advantage of the Princes of Italy Those of Italy being agitated by these thoughts and doubtful what the sequel would prove they were not less anxious for fear of the future mischief then uncertain what remedies to prepare which might be adequate to the eminent danger The mean while the Dukes forces caused great commotion and fear in Montferrat where like ââ¦under the blow was felt before the lightning was seen That State was then unprovided of Arms Men or Ammunition with a powerful Enemy within the bowels thereof who had already made himself master of two of her chief Towns and was ready to take the third and who pillaged many Towns and Villages abandoned by their Inhabitants who yielding to the Enemy ran readily to swear ââ¦ealty unto him The Governour and Mantuan Officers surprized at so unexpected an accident were astonished thinking no less of their own weakness to defend themselves then on the Dukes readiness to offend them they much distrusted the chief Montferratins whom they knew to
necessarily they must be Four hundred French were at this time come by Sea amongst which were many Gentlemen and people of good account who were friends and adherents to Nevers who at the first hearing of these rumours came from France to assist him and being back'd by Gallies belonging to the Kingdom came in the Seas of Genoa in small Barks to find him out rather as Travellers than Souldiers for though the State of Genoa had with an intention of keeping neutral inclined at the beginning of these Commotions not to give passage to 2000 Tuscans which the Great Duke had destin'd for the assistance of Mantua yet being much troubled lest Montferrat should change its Lord at last winked at any one that should pass privately through her Territories in assistance thereof But these people who came from France in haste not being very well provided proved not so advantagious as the condition of the time required save only that they gave some reputation to the Affairs of Montferrat and that witnessing the readiness of that Nation and the zeal thereof towards the Duke of Mantua it made the News which was divulg'd in Italy of the great preparations of that Kingdom be believed And yet the necessary delay which the French succour required making their hopes of the reliefe of Nice but small doubtlesly when the Duke of Savoy should have got it he would have been Master of all this part of Montferrat which was all reduced to underneath the Duke of Savoy's obedience save Cassalle and Pontestura And consequently all men being full of fears and jealousies they murmured greatly against the Governour of Millain that he should so long suffer so great a violence that he should so little value the Kings reputation he was held to be the Pieââ¦ra dâ⦠ãâã the Sâ⦠of offence or stumbling block to be the original mover and first fautorer of so violent and detestable an enterprise for how durst the Duke else have dared to attempt a State which was taken into the protection of so great a King How else durst he despise the Majesty of that Crown and the so neer and powerfull Forces of the State of Millain Nay they murmured against the King himself and the Spanish Nation as if they had openly conspired with the Duke of Savoy against the Duke of Mantua in a nick of time when the King of France was not able by reason of his Minority to oppose their designs Wherefore all Italy was in a rage and seeing the harmony of concord out of tune and the common safety and publick quiet disordered began to distrust the King and that Nation whose ambition and desire of rule was not bounded with Montferrat And as the private men did not forbear expressing their sense and back bitings in Libels clapt up in divers publick places even in the City of Millain so the Potentates of Italy began to waver in their friendship and inclination to that Crown and bethought themselves of new remedies whereby to provide against those dangers which they thought the safety of the common Affairs might be subject unto by so great a novelty But in this fluctuation of minds and accidents Orders came from Spain which causing much joy shew'd how vain their murmurings and bad opinions were of that King and Nation The News of these so great Commotions was come to that Court both from Italy and France and though they fell upon many considerations yet the Justice and Equity of the Cause prevailing before all other respects with that King and Counsel as likewise the Peace of Italy and the not permitting that any other Princes should grow greater by the oppression of another principal foundations whereupon having always wisely ballanced the Affairs of Italy they had also the better secured their own it was with extraordinary readiness resolved in that Court according to the great and urgent importunities of the Pope and Princes of Italy and according to the Queen of France her desire that the Duke of Mantua should immediately be put into the full possession of whole Montferrat In conformity whereunto it being known that Prince Victorio was come to Barcelona being sent by his Father to draw the King and that Court to favour his Cause he was immediately commanded to tarry in Montferrat not far from Barcelona and not being admitted to see the King to tarry there till restitution of whole Montferrat should be made by the Duke his Father Which action was of much satisfaction to all Italians and shew'd how much the King and Court of Spain were unconcern'd in these commotions On the contrary it was cause of infinite distaste to the Duke of Savoy he thinking peradventure that the King of Spain being not content to favour his adversary in his sentence but that out of an ambition of purchasing the name of a just and uncorrupted Prince he would not stick to suppress him even in his own son in whom he had placed his final hope and whatsoever he was to expect from that Court which had made him covet that the world might know he was more in favour with that King then the other Italian Princes These Orders being come the Governour was ready to obey them but his Orders being very slowly proceeded in the Swissers not being as yet arrived nor Rho's nor Gambaloita's Regiment yet fill'd and Nice being sorely beset both by day and night the Town began to be out of hope of holding out long for the relief thereof it was therefore necessary at the present to make use of almost the whole ordinary Garrison of the State of Millain Wherefore Don Antonio di Leva Prince of Ascoli one of the Grandees of Spain who being at that time in the State of Millain was chosen by the King to be Camp-Master General was sent thither with six Companies of Light-Horse whereof Don Sanchio de Salina Lievtenant of the Cavalry of the State was Captain with 3000 Spanish Foot commanded by the Camp-Masters Luigi di Cordova and Giovan Bravo di Laguna and some few Italians assembled together by Lodovico Gambaloita which did not in all make 4000 Foot and 600 Horse who joyning at Iââ¦cisa a Town in Montferrat with Prince Vincenso and the Duke of Nevers who had with them 600 other Horse and about 2000 Foot amongst which were French thââ¦y marched in company towards Nice But the Duke seeing that his designs were withstood on one side by Cesars command and on the other side by the King of Spains Forces and finding also that Italy was against him and the French much irritated and consequently knowing that it was impossible for him to withstand so many Potentates who were joyn'd together against him in the behalf of the Duke of Mantua whom he peradventure had hoped to have supprest and undoubtedly to have vanquished at the first push making vertue of necessity resolved to yield to the condition of times and to give way unto the Kings will whose Forces having never formerly withstood he had
not yet a mind to oppose nor learnt to be contumacious For having endeavoured and peradventure not in vain to make a little delay of the succouring of Nice rather that he might say he had been Master thereof then with intention of keeping it at last seeing the Prince of Ascoli near at hand and Castiglione resolute to defend it he sent the Count of Verââ¦a into the Camp with Orders to Count Guide to remove his men from thence having notwithstanding given notice thereof before to the said Prince to the end that seeming to do it willingly meerly out of the reverence and observancy which he bore to the King his resolution might not be attributed to necessity but as in acknowledgment of the favours he had received Thus the Kings Forces and those of the Duke of Mantua drawing joyntly neer Nice Count Guido began to march off and before he had been gone a mile seeing Prince Ascoli appear with his Army in order he to the end that he might march off with more reputation made his men halt and fââ¦g the Kings Squadrons and ordering his men as if ââ¦e were ready to receive battle if provoked for he exceeded them in number of men and in Artillery though not in his Souldiers valour having but few paid men with him and all the rest ãâã gathered together out of the Shops at Asti and Vercelli But Commissary Bernaââ¦o Barbo a Gentleman of Millaiâ⦠stepping out with some Spanish Commanders he parlyed with the Counts di Verrua and di St George who did advance to this purpose and it was agreed upon between them that if the Duke of Savoy's men would march off the Kings Forces should not meddle with them Thus Count Guido marched with his men towards Piedmont without giving or receiving molestation Though Nice were freed yet Arms between those of Piedmont and of Montferrat were not laid down for the Duke of Savoy's men did not only diligently keep what they had gotten but proceeded to take in other places And on the other side those of Montferrat being encouraged by the relief of Nice and by the King of Spains appearing for their Prince being also exasperated by the bitter injuries received from the Piedmontesans and assisted by those of Mantua and France drove out the Duke of Savoy's Garrisons and endeavoured to return under the Dominion of the House of Gonsaga and of their Natural Lord. ãâã Rivara went with some few men from Pontestura to recover the Castle of Gabbiano but Count Guido coming in on one side with a greater number of Souldiers from Montcalvo and many Horse and Foot on the other side from Trino he retreated to Pontestura not doing any thing Monteggio which is seated on a little hill rose and betook it self to defence but being assaulted on three parts by the Colonels Tassino and Permenââ¦to and a woman fighting valiantly amongst the Country people it was re-taken Montemagno Vignale and Casorso which were likewise risen and fortified by Trenches were again brought under by Count ãâã who was come from Montcalvo The Castle of Vesema was by the Captaiâ⦠thereof basely surrendred to the Piedmontesans ãâã a place ââ¦er Trino and Casalle being also risen and which trusting to iâ⦠plashy scituation denyed to pay tribute was taken sackt and bââ¦t by the Commââ¦ndator della Manta Cassano San Stefano and some other places in the Valleys of Tinello and Belbo were possest by the Dukes men L'Alcare a place within few miles of Savona was recovered by those of Mantua and after re-gained by those of Piedmont The like hapned in other places of less moment and the Mantuan Souldiers being gone to before Canelli and not being able to take it turn'd upoâ⦠Moasâ⦠Alice and Vesema Towns in Montferrat and drove out the Piedmontesans and passing afterwards to ãâã a Town in Pieââ¦ont they sackt it Some Horse-Companies of Savoy being aââ¦aulied at unawares in Grana by three Companies of Mantuan Horse led on by the Marquess Alphonso Gaerrierâ⦠ãâã assisted by the Country-people were routed and put to flââ¦ght some of them were slain and their Ensignes and Baggage lost But the Duke of Nevers egg'd on by some of his men who were unwilling to return into France without having given some proof of their valour went with them and with 50 of the Duke of Mantua's Souldiers to surprize Cââ¦teniglia by night but being discovered he wheeled about to a neighbouring place called Cââ¦lli whither not being able to come before the Sun was up after a fierce assault he was repulst and had some of his men slain and returning back by the Hills lost two small pieces of Ordnance which being sent with a small Guard by the way of the Valley were taken by the Piedmontesans In this interim 4000 Swissers were come to the State of Millain and Don Iohn di Castro had brought 1000 Spaniards from Naples and the Camp-masters Gambaloita and Rho had fill'd up their Regiments so as the Governour had 12000 Foot and 2500 Horse ready to send into the Field There were likewise 13000 Foot and 500 Horse come to Mantua through Garfagnana and Modenese a gallant and powerful aid sent by Cosmo the second great Duke of Tuscany under his brother Prince Francisco and govern'd by excellent Commanders who were likewise accompanied by many of the Tuscan and Roman Nobility and although the Duke of Modena favouring the Duke of Savoy by reason of alliance denied them passage thorough his Territories which he was ready upon his Confines to make good with Arms yet receiving notice from the Governour of Millain that it was for the Kings service that those men were to pass he was contented not to hinder them and yet the Duke of Savoy went from his word and deferring day after day to restore what he had gotten seemed rather inclined to the contrary for he daily re-inforced all the Garisons of the Towns which he was by word obliged to restore he took more men into pay he held intelligence in the Court of France with those Princes who he thought would be desirous of novelties and therefore more likely to joyn with him in his cause either by reason of the ancient emulation which they bore to the Duke of Nevers or being discontented with the present Government and finally keeping his men still in Arms against the Montferrians he intended nothing but preparation for War wherefore the Italians who were jealous of any the least delay began again to waver The proceedings of the Spanish Agents increased their suspicions who dealing very gently with the Duke of Savoy and carrying themselves contrary to the conceived expectation of the King of Spain's orders were not ready answerable to the commands they had received and therefore it was feared that by their being armed they aimed more at the oppression then protection of Montferrat For they did no ways impede the Dukes Forces which as hath been said overran Montferrat without any respect And the Prince of Ascoli who was afterwards boldly
impeached to have held private intelligence with the Duke of Savoy having spent four days in going with his Army from Alessandria to Nice which was but 12 miles seemed in effect to have consented to that delay which in resolute terms he had dénied to do in presence of his Captains to the Marquess of Neviglie who was sent to Alessandria to stop him And after those of Piedmont were gone from before Nice he under pretence that they might return when he should be gone left a Garison in the Town with the Kings Colours which seemed rather to have possest themselves thereof then to have freed it The Governour of Millain's self after having mustred the Army to the end that all things might be fully understood by him and by the King instead of forcing the Duke of Savoy to obey the Kings orders began to abhor Nevers his French men nor would he suffer the Tuscan succours to pass into the State of Millain and turning to the Mantuan Officers told them it stood not with the Kings honour that their Prince should make use of other assistance then his The Duke of Mantua thought it somewhat sore to bereave himself of their aid who were so readily come from so far of to assist him and to put himself absolutely into their hands which before he had so much distrusted especially since thereby he might have highly offended the Queen of France and have alienated that Nation from him a strong curb as all men thought to the avarice of the Spanish Ministers and to the small inclination which they had to him But since it becomes a man sometimes in urgent and great extremities to submit to anothers discretion Duke Ferdinando finding the French promises and aid to be far off and uncertain that the Pope was free of nothing but good will that he could make but little use of the Tuscan succour without the Governours good will who by denying them passage did not only make them of no uses to him upon the present occasion but a continual excessive charge that the Venetian aid were but weak and that they were not only as the Tuscans to depend upon the Governours good will but uncertain and not very safe For the fear being once removed that the Spaniards should possess themselves of Montferrat it made for the interest of that Common-wealth that the Duke of Savoy should make himself master thereof to the end that by weakning a neighbouring Prince a Potentate might be raised in Lombardy of almost equal Forces to the State of Millain whom by reason of the far distance of their Confines he had not only no reason not to fear but might be confident he might by powerful diversions be a security to him if at any time he should be assaulted or troubled by the Spanish Forces On the contrary he saw that the Spaniards of whom he was assured by the Queen of France were interested in this present Insurrection for ends contrary to those of the Venetians Having therefore cast up all things he knew that he and his affairs were so far ingaged as he must of necessity satisfie those in whose power it lay either speedily to suppress him or to raise him up wherefore he resolved at the last much to the dissatisfaction of the Duke of Nevers to adhere unto them Which resolution though it was not well approved of by the Italian Princes who thought it contrary to the safety of his Affairs yet it proved afterwards by the event good For the Governour not being able any longer to delay the execution of the Kings Commission and fearing the coming of the French which was much more spoken of by all men then was true and moreover being desirous to satisfie all the world and so many Princes as had conceived ill impressions of him he compel'd the Duke of Savoy to make restitution without any further delay On the other behalf the Duke of Savoy fearing to be taken between the Armies of France which he understood were stirring upon the Confines and the Governours Forces which were ready to compel him and having resolved by obedience to overcome the King and Court of Spain presupposing that this his so great and ready liberality would be recompensed by as great a ââ¦avour he at last gave way to the Kings will whereunto nothing did so much induce him as by way of compââ¦t he afterwards protested as the Governours word given unto him in the Kings name that his Grandchild should within a few days be ãâã unto him that he would obtain pardon for the Rebells and recompence for the losses and expences of the War and that finally his pretences to Montferrat should be decided within a short time And because the Duke for his honour sake hated to deliver over what he had taken directly into the hands of his adversary the business was thus carried that he should deliver it all into the hands of the Princes of Castiglionâ⦠and Ascoll as State-Ministers the one of them of the Emperour and the other of the King of Spain to be disposed oâ⦠to him that had most right thereunto that the said Princes should then immediately assign them over to the Duke of Mantua as to him to whom by the Laws they ought to be restored he having been bereâ⦠thereof Thus did neither the Duke of Savoy prejudice his own interest by referring his cause to Justice nor the Duke of Mantua who was suddenly repossest of what was his suffer any damage or delay and the Kings Ordinances were obey'd being alter'd only in appearance not in substance The aforesaid Princes went each with an equall portion of men to Trino where the Gate was thrown open unto them by which whilst they and their people entred the Dukes Garison went out by another Gate after whom the Kings men went out at the same Gate who being but then entred and making no abode there left the Town in free possession to Prince Vicenzo who was entred with those of Mantua immediately after the Kings men The like was done three days after by Alba and Montcalvo and the other Towns of Montferrat and the Spanish Garison was likewise taken out of Nice as also the Siege from before San Damiano which held still for Duke Ferdinando Who within three moneths after the first assault was meerly by the Kings Authority almost without unsheathing a sword intirely put into possession of that State which he had almost totally lost The Italians were not a little pleased at this restitution wherein the King shew'd such celerity and constancy and as it is usual with men when they find themselves freed from what they had long feared to run headlong into the contrary affection so these being long possest with jealousies and fears it cannot be exprest how much they admired the Kings goodness and magnanimity Who preferring the justice and honesty of the Cause before all other respects would not yield that the assaulted Prince should be injured And it appearing to
answer in general terms and words relishing more of civility and ceremony then of substance or positive by which it was conceived the Duke was inclin'd to the contrary the Governour dismissing the Swissers and sending the Spanish Horse and Foot to their usual Quarters by a sudden and contrary resolution sent Prince Ascoli with the rest of the Souldiery to quarter in Montferrat Who chusing Villanova for his quarters within four miles of Casalle distributed his men in several parts of that State where he kept them all the next Winter to the excessive damage of those people exhausted already by their former sufferings and by the late War This new and unexpected resolution of the Governours renewed the first jealousies and the Italians conceiving that the King did not proceed so sincerely as they imagined began to suspect him more then before and therefore mistrusting the Spaniards they began to fear that the restitution of the Towns in Montferrat was but a counterfeit shew to lull them asleep and to keep the French Forces from falling furiously into Italy All men did firmly believe that the Spaniards detaining their ancient grudge against the Duke of Mantua and keeping secret intelligence with Piedmont did suffer them to keep armed that so they might have occasion to oppress that State under the honourable title of protecting it or atleast to the end that the Duke of Mantua wearied out with length of negotiation and Court irresolutions consumed by so long quartering and agitated by continual fear of their Enemies and of their Protectors Forces might be brought to desperate conditions and so they might make themselves masters of that State without any noise without fighting and without disturbing the peace of Italy These diffidences were increased by the new and strange comportments of the Kings Officers and Spanish Commanders in Montferrat who believing perhaps that their Kings intention was such did confirm the general opinion with undoubted speeches and as if they were to change condition of Government they sollicited the Montferrians who were weary of so many troubles to desire the Spanish Government that they might be rid of their vexations And adding actions to their words they suffer'd their Souldiers to be licentious arrogating much authority to themselves to the diminution of that Duke whose Officers as being unarmed were fain to wink at divers things to avoid greater mischief wherefore they became of less esteem amongst the Kings Souldiers and Commanders who now seemed to be chief masters All men were likewise scandalized at the daily coming of munition for War from Millain to Piedmont and which was yet worse that Prince Ascold should give them safe conduct thorow Montferrat he and the Governour defending their doing so partly under pretence of friendship between the King and Duke which was not as yet broken partly esteeming any provision the Duke could make against what the King ordained touching the affairs of Montferrat ridiculous as if it were impossible the Duke should ever dare to gainsay it But mens minds were chiefly troubled at the coming of Don Alphonso Piemontello General of the Horse in the State of Millain to Mantua to demand the young Princess in the Kings name With him went not only the chief Officers and Commanders in War to frighten that Prince and to make him part the more easily with his Niece but as if the business were already taken for granted and that they went rather to receive then to demand the young Lady many Coaches were sent along with Pieââ¦ntello to bring her and her train to Millain no man doubted but that this action of the Kings was a strong argument that he was rather minded to alter then to compose the present Affairs For that child was then thought the chiefest means to work novelty And besides that the demanding of her when Montferrat was incumber'd with the Spanish Army was a demand which argued violence and seemed therefore contrary to that good inclination which the King had always profest so much solemnity and such preparations made the Embassie seem rather a protestation or tacite threatning in case of deniall then a simple Negotiation When Pimontello came to Mantua he found the young child sick and the Duke not being able to expose her to that journey without evident danger he made use thereof to deny the sending of her and not so only but he also fenced himself by the Emperours Rescript whereby he was prohibited to deliver her up to any one and yet seeming in general words to be ready to pleasure the King he added that in the interim he would send into Spain to treat of this Affair such a business was not of so easie disgestion or so soon to be granted it being opposed in that Court by the Duke of Savoy's great importunity accompanied with the fresh remembrance of his ready restoring the Towns he had taken by the intreaty and pretentions of the Dowager Mother Nephew to the King by the presence of Prince Victorio and by the Kings word past to the Duke by the Governour of Millain The Duke of Mantua being therefore to make use of some one who might be more then usually wise and industrious to handle a business of such importancy he trusted the managing thereof to Monsigneur Scipio Pasquale di Cosenza a Prelate much esteemed and favoured by him Who being sent extraordinary Embassadour to the King acquainted him and his State-ministers with the merits of the Dukes cause desiring that it might not only be taken notice of by his Majesty as by a just Prince by the way of the known Law of equity but that it might be protected defended and favoured by him as by a Protector He added that to deposite the young Lady especially after the Duke of Savoy had taken up Arms would be an acknowledgement that that Commotion had been just and lawful as also all the other violences and hostilities committed against Montferrat which besides that it did repugne his Majesties most holy deliberations and just Demonstrations the Duke of Mantua could not with honour adhere thereunto since it would always appear unto the world that he had condescended thereunto contrary to all Reason for fear of being again assaulted He then shewed what the Dukes intentions were he did not conceal what the inconveniences were which might be the result thereof he made it be known how much men were scandalized how much Caesars Decrees and the very Laws of Nature were contradicted if that young Lady should by his Majesties command be forced to go out of her paternal Country where she was born out of the Dominions where she was nourisht and separated from their sight and company who were so neer allied to her in blood He wisht it might be considered how much it would redoun'd to his Dukes dis-reputation if his Majesty persisting in his demand should make the world see how little he did confide in his faith and integrity that it was impossible that he who had been so ready and
some sharpnesse to the end that each of them willingly laying aside somewhat of rigour they might come to agreement and finding much backwardness in both these Princes at last that he might not be failing to his protection of Mantua he resolved to declare himself so as no man should have occasion afterwards to doubt his will nor to be troubled at the uncertainty of his inclination He dispatcht away Prince Victorio to whom he made the instrument be given which contained his final resolution Which not being conformable but rather totally repugnant to his and to his Fathers mind the Prince refused to accept so as being offended with the Court and as angry as he durst be with the King he went by Sea into Italy The Instrument ordained that the Duke of Savoy should totally lay down Arms that he should give it under his hand that he would innovate nothing to the prejudice of the Duke of Mantua 's Dominions that he should remit all his pretences to Montferrat to the Emperour as to the Supream Iudge that he should marry his daughter to the Duke of Mantua and that upon this marriage all Rebels should be pardoned and there should be no more discourse of any damage that had been done by the late War To this was added that if the Duke should refuse to consent to the aforesaid things the King would be necessitated to imploy the Forces of his Kingdom in the protection of Montferrat and to obviate the troubles which might insue in Italy The Duke of Savoy was highly offended at this seeing himself not only wholly fallen from the high hopes which he had conceived and hoped to obtain from that Court by his Sons means of getting part of Montferrat but also from that reputation which he had thought to have won by being so neerly allied unto the King whilst instead of being maintain'd by his Majesty of Spain in a business of such concernment he was dealt with all as rigourously as if he had been a stranger without any regard had to his honour or to tde Kings word which as he said was plighted to him Nor was he less distasted to see himself excluded from his pretentions in the young Lady wherein thinking that the justification of his commotion did consist in being the original cause thereof he was no less grieved thereat in point of honour then in point of interest seeing the ends mar'd whereunto he aspired peradventure by the Maidens means And as Pimentello's journey to Mantua had put him in hopes of obtaining her so failing therein he thought himself scorn'd and deluded and led on with vain hopes which he did not a little rescent the great obsequiousness which he had shewed to the Kings Authority by his being so ready to restore and witnessed so many other several ways did imbitter his resentments as also the severity used to his two Sons at Court the one whereof as hath been said was to his so much mortification detained for above a moneth in Montferrat and the other which was Prince Philiberto Lord high Admiral at Sea and who usually resided with the King being without any occasion sent at the same time that his brother came to Court to reside and consequently almost confined at Porto St. Maria the very utmost Precincts of Spain to the end that as the Duke complained afterwards he might fall sick in that ill air and that being deprived of the contentment of seeing his brother he might not then joyn in the treaty of the common affairs All which things as he had already past over which much patience hoping to be at last dealt with the more advantagiously so seeing the same method to be held till the last he could the worse disgest it And therefore joyning these and many other severe passages together he could not indure that the world should know how little esteem was had of him and how little both he and his Sons could promise themselves from their alliance with the King Being thus much disturbed he together with his Son who was come from Spain to Niece went to Turin Where speaking with the Embassadour Coure who was upon his return for France it was believed that bââ¦g scandalized with the King of Spain he would have made any agreement with the Duke of Mantua by the French Embassadours means only that the King of France might have the honour thereof and not the King of Spain and that to that purpose the Popes Nuntio should go from Turin to Mantua by which means the settlement would soon have been had had not the Governour of Millain foreseeing how dishonourable it would have been to the King of Spain that the differences between the Italian Princes should be adjusted by other means then his very seasonably opposed it and wrought so that the Duke of Mantua should not accept of any of the proposed Treaties And the same instrument being sent from Spain to the Governour which the Prince had refused he being ordered to do so by the King sent it to the Duke of Savoy to the end that he might assent thereunto The Duke answered That for his part he was ready to disarm if the King would do so to he demanded that the terms and manner of this Action should be punctually agreed upon He made some difficulty in passing his word that he would not injure Montferrat saying That since he had foregone all his Holds in that State only to satisfie the King all men might be sure that out of the same respect he would not molest it any more He did not consent to remit the differences to be decided by Cesar out of diffidence perhaps of him but said notwithstanding he would refer it to such friends of both sides who being chosen by the Emperour might decide it Lastly He complained that the King should compel him to marry his Daughter contrary to her own will but refused not to do it when the common differences should be decided This last Point was moderated by the King who explained himself that he had propounded the Marriage as a thing which might be acceptable to them both and good for the common quiet and their reciprocal friendship but not that they should be forc'd thereunto contrary to their inclinations In all the rest he persisted and particularly in the first of disarming wherein abhorring all conditions or reciprocalness the Kings pleasure was That if not as Superiour to the Duke in Empire yet as incomparably greater in power and extent of Dominion which made him profess himself to be Arbitrator of Italy and the Moderator of differences between her Princes he should absolutely lay down Arms And yet that if the difference of Montferrat should be accorded all the rest might likewise cease the Governour not having Force enough at his command to compel the Duke to disarm according to the Kings appointment he tryed a new form of composure between the two Dukes each of which having at his desire sent three Deputies to Millain
received or to revenge them That the Duke had given just occasion of suspicion some years before that he would have indeavoured to disturb Italy with his own and forreign Arms and that the King after reconciliation had accused him for being still in Arms contrary to Article That hence he had the convenience to fall upon Montferrat That things continuing in the same posture and the Duke keeping himself armed without any probable occasion and holding still Intelligence with the French his ends and intentions were much the more to be suspected and that by what appeared he was but ill satisfied with the King for his no ways pleasing resolves upon the present occasion So as he could not consent thereunto without great danger of more novelties That it was lawful for any one to do what he listed at home wherein none could justly hinder him but that notwithstanding all men should so live and govern themselves as that their neighbours might quietly maintain what was theirs without any cause of jealousie That the King had temporized long before he proceeded to any such Command using gentle and respectful terms towards the Duke whereat the very Princes of Italy who grew jealous of the Kings patience appeared to be openly grieved And that though the King had often taken up Arms yet never without necessary and evident occasion which ceasing he had forthwith laid them down without injury to any one and without invading one foot of ground belonging to any neighbouring Prince That the Duke ought to have imitated the King in this example rather then in the former since without any war made against him he had of himself taken up Arms And therefore as the passing a mans word not to offend is accepted where there is necessity of keeping armed so it is of no weight where that consideration ceasing it is necessary to come to execution which any man may indeavour to do by Arms when no other means hath proved profitable for to keep still in Arms upon the Confines is a thing too prejudicial to the Prince and people full of suspicion and moreover subject to the like dangers and inconveniencies which are sought to be prevented by keeping in Arms But the Dukes offer to disarm jointly with the Governour as it answered the major part of the opposite reasons so did it draw the present question to a nearer point for the same respects of publick peace reciprocal security and satisfaction being in such a case equally to be pleaded on all sides it was only to be considered whether the parity of reason which agrees amongst equals disagree amongst unequals In which ambiguity the Duke was compelled to accommodate himself to the condition of times and to give way to the will of the more powerful or by defending the liberty and Sovereignry of his State shew by arms what is often seen to happen That Fortune Valour and the variety of Humane actions can equal the disequallity of Forces and States Many notwithstanding who approved of the Cause dissallowed of the Kings Resolution thinking that doubtlesly it had been more expedient and better done not to irritate the Duke still more whose mind was already sufficiently ulcerated for former distastes by his appearing now to favour his adversary so much nor to press him more and necessitate him by new Commands to the utmost necessity nay even to desperation which forc'd him to resent the action by throwing off all observance and respect that he might have allowed him the satisfaction of being somewhat better armed then usual and to have dissembled this fervency as had been done some years before which because the precedent and present passages had shew'd and would shew not to be profitable and the continual expence whereof made it daily more prejudicial it was to be believed that after having somewhat taken fire again it would have quenched of it self whereas on the contrary by blowing the coal instead of quenching it they indangered the making it flame higher and prove more perillous But the respect of the Kings Honour and regal Majesty prevailed with the Kings Council which being well rooted in the continued peace of Italy and in the observancy born unto him even until this present by the Italian Princes and now more confirmed by the Dukes last Obsequies and reverend carriage had so possest the Spanish State-Ministers as promising themselves much more then they ought to have done they did undoubtedly believe that the Duke would not do otherwise upon this occasion then he had done formerly and lately in the business of Montferrat and that howsoever any the least appearance of war would be sufficient to suppress any Commotion whatsoever and make him desist especially when both France and Italy being offended with him for his having assaulted Montferrat did concur in making him look well about him and incited the King to make war upon him upon that account Many lay the fault of these alterations in a great part upon the Duke of Lerma's antient emulation and private ambition who being desireous to take from the Dukes pretentions and to abate the edge of his genius easily forgot and laid aside the useful consideration of what importance his conjunction would be and the good correspondency of the House of Savoy with the Crown of Spain of the preservation wheââ¦eof the preceding Kings had been very careful and studied the continuance thereof Howsoever that Court having resolved that the Duke should give no more occasion of new scandals but that he should lay down Arms and suffer others to live in peace the Governour of Millain received order to prepare a sufficient Army to assault him in his own Dominions if he should resist the Kings resolutions but to the end that what was resolved of might be done more justifiably and with less disturbance to the French and to the Italian Princes it was given out that those Arms were not raised to suppress the Duke and that the Kings intention was not to bereave him of any part of his Territories but only to possess himself of some places in Piedmont with ââ¦ention of restoring them presently after he should have humbled himself and yielded to the Kings demands They hoped that by carrying the business thus moderately without disturbing the Affairs of Italy and with less jealousie to the Potentates thereof they might preserve the authority of the Kings Orders and peace with advantage and honour to the Crown But the Duke was otherwise minded who being exceedingly exasperated at the little account which was made of his interests in that Court was ashamed of the obedience that he had shewed thereunto Being therefore resolved not to be frighted at the Spanish Threats and preparations he prepared sollicitously to defend himself Nor did he altogether despair to do it for though he knew himself very unable to make defence yet he could not believe that the French and Venetians and Princes of Italy would ever suffer him to be supprest to their own so
wherein he was at double expence in a great preparation of Ships and Gallies and in an infinite number of fighting men Wherefore as I am not informed by what is past that the happiness of Italy consists in being governed wholly by her natural Princes so since we manifestly perceive that the times nor our minds are not fram'd for the introducing of that which we account at present the most happy condition it will be great wisdom not out of a desire of novelty to break the thread of things which have been hitherto happily spun For what remains that the Spaniards would secure their own Staââ¦es by building new Forts that they indeavour to disturb our Vessels though we may think it unkindly done yet we have no just reason to take it ill at their hands since they therein do nothing but what other Princes do and what we our selves have thought fit to do in Friuli and elsewhere Nor hath the Duke of Savoy reason to complain of those Commands as he calls them which are laid upon him by the Spaniards whilst it tends to the freeing of Italy from being continually troubled with her forces and her neighbours from suspicion of novelty otherwise I see not why the King should not be suffered to secure his own Dominions except we will suffer the Duke to keep other mens possessions in continual expence and anxiety and inhibit others after having tried all fair ways to free themselves from it by force as is allowed of by natural and civil reason even amongst private men Let us remember I beseech you how much we were troubled at the unexpected assault of Montferrat how much all Italy was molested thereat how much we our selves did indeavour the comfort of the assaulted State and the acquitting it from so sore and sudden troubles both by assisting the Duke of Mantua and by having recourse to the King of Spain And let us argue from hence if the asoresaid alledged may not suffice what just reason what fair colour we have to oppose the intention of the Spanish forces procured as I may say by our selves for the peace and safety of present affairs What jealousies would there be had of our word and constancy if we should indeavour to oppose the King in a war wherein he hath interessed himself at our desires and against a Prince who being so nearly related to him both in blood and concernments ought to be convinced though he had those sinister intentions against us and other Princes as are supposed to the contrary You all know what great offers we did refuse made to us by the King of France if we would join with him against the Spanish Empire when not mââ¦ny years ago having a great Army on foot and being confederate with manypowerful Princes he prepared to make war against that Empire We refused Cremona Giaradada and all the Coast of the Kingdom of Naples which lies upon our Sea because we desired rather to be esteemed peaceful preservers of our own affairs then unquiet disturbers of other mens because we thought it not safe to change the certainty of our present condition for specious future hopes though great ones nor to go out of a happy calm and enter into a troublesome tempestuous sea of novelties And shall the Duke of Savoy make us do that which the King of France a King of such power and authority inviron'd with so great Forces and adherences could not perswade us to if we shaââ¦l upon so sleight terms become the Dukes followers in his unquietness iâ⦠we shall adhere to his will partake of his quarrels and undertake under pretence of the honour and liberty of Italy to revenge his private quarrels with the Spanish Court having been so jealous but a little before of his confederacy therewith if we shall suffer our selves for any conceits of his to be inveloped in a War against a powerful King and Nation whose Forces I know not how those who think them so formidable in time of peace should think them so unconsiderable in times of War as that to free themselves from jealousies which they fancie unto themselves in time of peace they dare irritate them since we have no reason at the present to be jealous of the Spaniards neighbourhood and since we may probably fear it may prove prejudicial if provoked me thinks we should conclude it were not good to innovate or alter the peaceful condition of the present times and that we should lay aside those conceits of Italies liberty which are so fair in appeââ¦rance but in realty very uncertain and dangerous and which as cates which are most esteemed are not meats to cure a sick person but poyson to kill him so peradventure may they extinguish those vital spirits of liberty which we now enjoy And this in my opinion is the likelier to fall out for that they cannot be put in execution without much difficulty by reason of the many contests they will meet withall in the bringing about by reason of the present condition of times and through the disagreeing of our Princes who as formerly so now not being able to suffer that one should exceed another would be the first to recall those forreign Nations in which they now exclaim so much against Nor hath the Duke of Savoy who seems now so zealous for the common liberty and to abhor so much the Spanish Empire been always of that opinion So as it will bee hard for us to secure our selves but that when he shall be satisfied in his pretentions to Montferrat he may afterwards to the prejudice of the common liberty re enter into the former privacy and good intelligence with the King For these Reasons most excellent Senators I conclude that minding the safe Counsels of Peace we may not in wrap our selves in a dangerous War and in the troubles which may result from a contrary resolution These reasons did not please such who detesting the Spanish greatness were much troubled to hear it so asserted and yet though the Senate were not desirous that the Duke should be suppressed lest the Spanish Grandezza might be thereby more increased which being already swoln too high they rather desired to see abased yet the reputation of the Spanish Forces prevailing with them and preferring their own safety and quiet before that of others they considered not as then the contrary reasons and pitch'd upon this last opinion so as looking to be advised by more certain events and not thinking the affairs as yet sufficiently in order nor ripe enough for them to declare themselves they held it not good to display their Sails to that wind which began to breathe from Piedmont True it is that for the Dukes better satisfaction they sent Rainero Zeno into Piedmont with title of Embassadour Extraordinary in lieu of the ordinary Embassadour who when the business should be reconciled was to be sent back to the end that carrying on the business with more authority the Dukes business might not seem
to be totally abandoned by the Commonwealth And there wanted not those who argued by the success that they did not only foment the Duke by private advice and promises but assisted him underhand with supplies The Duke obtained not a much differing resolution from the Court of France where he expected better things from the neighbouring dangers from the vivacity of that Nation and from the Kings minority for the Queen being assured by the King of Spain that he would forbear all hostility in Italy whensoever the Duke would consent to what was demanded she was therewith satisfied and endeavour'd to make the Duke yield to the Kings pleasure in regard of the interest of her Nephew the Duke of Mantua in whose behalf this new War was begun Not listening therefore to any of the Dukes desires or complaints she under severe penalties prohibited all her Subjects to take pay of him and yet she also for the honour of her Kingdom and to give satisfaction to the Princes and Chief Lords of her Count sen Charles a' Anghienes Marquess of Rambolliette to Piedmont Embassadour to exhort the Duke to peace with express commission that if he should forbear to lay down Armes fearing that he might be oppressed afterwards by the Spanish Forces he should give him all such assurances as he himself could desire and offer him the protection of that Crown and the Forces of the whole Kingdom Such was the publick resolution of that Court which was then governed by the Queen who was much inclined to preserve friendship with the Crown of Spain for the Interest of her own authority and greatness and for the quiet and safety also of her Sons affairs which would be less subject to troubles and perturbation by keeping peace and good correspondency with his neighbours That Court continued in the same mind for some years though the King being come to the age of 14 and according to the orders of the Kingdom out of gardianship took upon him the administration of affairs and consequently the Queens regency ceased For depending wholly upon his Mothers authority and advice the change of Government was for a while insensible the name of Governour being only altered The new Kings first action was to ratifie the Marriages contracted with Spain and seeming to be desirous to keep fair correspondency therewith the Duke of Savoy had small hopes of and good from France And though he seemed abandoned of all help from thence the Marshall de Dignieres Governour of Dolphenye sent good store of men continually unto him underhand it not being known whether the Queen did wink thereat or no who hearing that many did murmure that the Duke in so urgent a necessity and danger should be abandoned to the great diminution of the Kings authority and of the Kingdoms interest did underhand give way that the Kings resolution should be countervened And therefore besides those that were sent by de Dignieres many others falling down from the Alps a good number of that Nation were in a short time found to be in Piedmont By which the Duke being comforted aâ⦠also by the promises of other Princes and being incouraged by the good beginning of the War as it is usually seen that enterprizes which at first appear fearful grow by degrees less dreadful he began to confide more in himself and looking for greater successes he was content to be intreated to do that which he bad much reason to desire So as the words nor perswasions of the French Embassadour prevailed but a little with him nor yet those of Monsieur Giulio Savelli who was likewise sent extraordinary Embassadour upon the same occasion to Piedmont by the Pope For the Duke persisting in not composing the affairs of Mantua without having some part of Montferrat given him and denying to lay down arms unless the Governour should do so likewise he refused also to refer the differences to be decided by the Emperour being jealous of him but he consented to refer it to the King of France and to the King of England to which he knew neither the King of Spain nor Duke of Mantua would agree It seemed therefore very hard to reconcile them and the less for that the Duke of Savoy growing bold by the Spanish Armies going out of Piedmont and by their lasie entertaining themselves about the building of the new Fort not caring much to pursue the War he thought he was the more secured from any new assaults Wherefore sending daily Troops of horse out of Vercelles which foording over the very River of the Sesia in sight of the enemies Army which the Governour in the Dukes absence durst not pass thorow with a numerous and gallant Army they dared to insult over the Souldiers which were busied about the Fort without either fear or respect though but by a snatch and away And the Governour being wholly intent about building the Fort did not only not care to suppress their insolence but would not follow the advice of many of the Commanders who thinking it bootless and dishonourable to busie the whole Army about building a Fort which stood in the Kings own ground advised to send part thereof in the interim to prejudice Piedmont where the Duke being imploy'd about the guarding and defending of Vercelles it was probable they might make some good progress But the Dukes affairs which seemed to be secure from any hostile act or at least were not troubled with any ran unexpectedly great hazard at home For the French and Swissers which were under the Dukes pay mutinying upon a small occasion put the City of Vercelles in defence whereof they were then imployed in great danger and confusion nor was the danger of a greater sedition small nor the Dukes labour less in appeasing it but being at last quieted the French as who were suspected of novelty and alteration were distributed into several quarters about the City The Dukes resistance being this mean while known in Spain and what had hapned in Italy contrary to that Courts expectation the King and Council were not a little incensed they thought the Kings honour and authority to be highly offended therefore minding resentment more then the appeasing of rumours they thought it necessary to alter their first orders and to take a more severe course in making the Duke acknowledge the Kings Grandezza which by his entring into the State of Millain in hostile manner he seemed to value but a little They therefore commanded the Governour and their other Officers in Italy that they should proceed no longer against the Duke with such respect as formerly but with all bitterness and severity To which end they gave out orders and made extraordinary provisions The Embassador Vives was returned from the Camp to Genoa who having sent some scouts to Nizza di Provensa and to Villa Franca brought back word that the Castle of Nice though otherwise very strong had only a Garrison of 150 Souldiers in it and but little Ammunition That the City
all his men The Duke was not hereat displeased but foregoing his former obdurancy out of hopes of soon obtaining part of Montferrat he did not insist so much as he had done upon the form of disarming and was perswaded to accept of the proposal Yet were it either that the Articles were cunningly contrived that the Duke giving free consent to the Article of disarming wherein the difficulty lay his fair pretence of providing for his own safety might be taken way or that the Governour thought the Articles repugnant to three points of the Kings Decree the Governour refused to accept of them so as the business was not perfected the rather for that the Governour boasting that he would chastise the Duke for his having entred the Kings Dominions in a hostile manner said he could not consent to any agreement unless the Duke should humble himself to the King and ask his pardon for having offended him by entring his Territories in hostile manner and therefore although the midst of November was over before the Fort was finished and the weather consequently grown very sharp and though the Army which was much lessened by mortality and by the running away of many ought to have been brought into winter Quarters yet the Governour being thereunto sollicited by many of his Captains and much press'd by many of the Officers of the Court who by their Letters desired very much to see the Dukes contumacy severely punish'd by some signal action resolved to go to before Asti for he despaired of getting Vercelles the Duke being there in person with the greatest part of his men This proposal had been several times press'd even from the very first beginning of the war by Rodorigo Oroseo Marquess of Mortara and Governour of Allessandria who being a Souldier and desirous to signalize himself promised the Governour that he would easily take it if he would give him 4000 Foot and 500 Horse but the Governour not giving way thereunto he grew more fervent therein when he saw the Duke busied in building the Fort hoping that he might get it the more easily for that the Duke keeping at Vercelles by reason of the neighbourhood of his Enemies could not divert him nor send any considerable Forces to relieve it Now the times being altered and what was more to be considered the form and design of the enterprise being varied the Governour would of himself attempt it with all his Forces and therefore leaving a sufficient Garrison in Sandoval and having sent away the Artillery before by the Tannaro he attempted to come before it with 1200 Horse 3000 Dutch Foot and 4000 Foot more of several Nations But the Duke as soon as he saw Vercelles free from the Enemies neighbourhood leaving his youngest Son Prince Thomaso there with a reasonable Garrison went with the rest of his men to the defence of Asti passing over the Poe by a Bridge which he quickly threw over between Crescentino and Verrua and whilst the Nuntio and the Embassadour entertained the Governour with divers promises that they would bring the Duke to disarm thereby making him lose much time the Duke minded the more the fortifying of the walls and of other fitting places for the defence of that City The Governours heat was somewhet cooled by the Dukes coming to Asti and much more by the French which he knew fell down into Piedmont wherefore he ordered Iovan Bravo who had already taken up his Quarters at Quarto a Village nere the City to retreat back into Annone and the season growing then to be very sharp and cold he was much confused and found no less difficulty in this Enterprise than in that of Vercelles He saw himself so far advanced as he could not with honour retreat to winter his Army about the City was very incommodious and dangerous to return once more bââ¦ck to the State of Millain did too much repugne the protestations and threats which he had given out he could not therefore do it without much blame and loss of Honour and without being subject to many severe reprehensions from the Court therefore calling a Counsel of War he asked his Field-Officers advice concerning the manner and possibility of quartering that Winter in the Dukes Country Several were the opinions many were against many for quartering there the former alledged the bitterness of the season the weakness and far distance between the places wherein they were to distribute their Army the Dukes being present there who being in a great City and capable of receiving all his men might sally out and suppress one by one all the places wherein their men should be quartered before being so far from one another they could joyn time enough in the common defence They therefore concluded it was better to amend the first resolution of coming before Asti then by persevering in the error be subject to the danger and mischief which might result thereupon The others pleaded and chiefly Morara the chief promoter of the enterprise the conveniences of the Quarters by reason of the vicinity of the State of Millain and of Montferrat from whence provisions might be conveniently brought and also the safety thereof in the Towns of that Country capable to quarter the whole Army which being fortifi'd by Trenches would be able to withstand sudden assaults till such time as succour might be brought from the neighbouring places They mentioned many good effects which might result therefrom first the preservation of the honour of the Kings Forces which otherwise would be totally lost that the State of Millain would be that Winter eased from the charge of quartering and on the contrary the enemies Country troubled therewith which would be thereby kept from assaulting the Kings Towns as they formerly had done and publickly threatned to do again that it was probably to be hoped that time might afford occasions of making themselves masters of the City that very Winter if the Duke not being able as he was not likely to be to keep his men long together without moneys they should chance to mutiny or any other unthought of accident should fall out And as for the bitterness of the season they said it was not now to be taken into consideration the Army being already in the enemies Country and since it differed not much from that when they went from the Novarese In this ambiguity of opinions the Governour sent some Commanders to discover the Country beyong the Tanaro and then going with part of his men by a Bridge which he threw over at Roccad ' Arazzo he ordered Mortara to possess himself with Bravo's Brigado of a Town called Zam up the River overagainst the City which being easily taken he went against 1000 men which he saw passing in boates over the Tanaro But they being quickly repassed and joyn'd with the rest of the Dukes men they began to skirmish with Muskets on both side the banks not without the prejudice and death of some of both the parties amongst which two Spanish
Captains who were shot with a Cannon-bullet from the opposite banke where the Duke himself appeared in a red Coat incouraging his Souldiers giving fire to the Artilleââ¦y with his own hands The Commanders being returned made their relations according to their several opinions Mortara said the Army might be commodiously quartered there but Don Francisco Padiglia General of the Artillery Don Sanchio Salina and Barnabo Barbo Commissary-general who were sent to the same purpose by the Governour were of a contrary opinion And the Governour being sorry that he had come thither desired nothing more then a fair occasion to retreat which he was offer'd by the Nuntio and French Embassadour by proposal of new Capitulations conformable enough to the Kings decree and already accepted of and subscribed by the Duke But the Governour persisting still that there was no way left to execute the Kings decree unless the Duke did first ask the King pardon for the injury he had done after the decree all were scandalized at so proud a pretention and the French Embassadour told him freely that it was not an action fit for a free Prince to ask pardon nor was it ever demanded from the said Duke when not many years before a pacification was made between him and the King of France though unprovoked he had not only assaulted the Kings Territories but taken some of them and that the Capitulation was conformable to the King of Spains mind and such as the Governour ought not to refuse At this very time the Embassadour Vives being sent for by the Governour was return'd to the Camp who before he came from Genoa was present at a consultation had between Sancta Croce Don Piedro di Sieva Captain of the Sicilian Band Don Carlo Doria and the Camp-masters Don Diego Pimontello and Don Piedro Sarmiento The result whereof was that it was absolutely necessary for maintaining the dignity of the Crown and the authority of his Majesties Arms to quarter that Winter in Piedmont wherewith he acquainted the Governour who was already more inclined to depart then to tarry he perswaded him likewise by many Reasons to tarry there at least till such time as having made some notable resentment which might tend to the punishment of the Duke Peace might be concluded upon honourable terms And because the Duke seemed to be much perplexed lest as he professed by the exclusion of Peace some new breach might insue between the two Crowns Vives indeavoured to free him from any such suspicion shewing him that by new orders had from the Court by which without listning to any treaty of peace he was absolutely commanded to keep the War on foot the Governour had good occasion to excuse himself to the Embassadors and to delay the accepting of the Capitulations which were proposed till new orders might come from the King and that the mean while by continuing the War orderly and boldly some honourable action might be luckily light upon which might make way for the King to enter into a treaty of peace with honour and reputation And he added that otherwise the Duke must needs passe unpunished for the injuries done unto the King if the Governour should either immediately accept of the Articles of pââ¦ace or coming out of Piedmont without doing any thing might suffer those same Princes to apply themselves to the King for accepting of the same Capitulations For in such a case the King not being able to refuse them because they contain the three points propounded by his Majesty he should be constrained to agree with the Duke without taking that revenge or making that resentment which he intended to do Moreover he said it would be very dangerous that the Duke seeing him and his Army retreated might again assault the State of Millain and infest it with often inroads These and many other Reasons urged by Vives could not work upon the Governour who was desirous every day more then other to return to Millain Wherefore the business being propounded in Counsel after a long discussion two things were at last resolved upon the one not to accept the Capitulations of peace the other that they would go out of Piedmont For the first they alledged the precise orders from the King for the second the common custom of bringing their Camps to their Winter quarters in October and in May into the field And because the Governour had told the Nuntio and the Embassadour that it was necessary to send those Capitulations first into Spaine they desired a Truce in the interim for forty dayes which it was again disputed whether or no it stood with the reputation of the retreat to give way thereunto And it was concluded in the negative because it was contrary to the Kings orders therefore the Governour sent the Capitulations into Spain and having tacitely afforded a longer Truce then they had expresly refused to do he returned with his Army into the State of Millain after having staid only six days in the Dukes Dominions So this second entrance of the Spanish Army into Piedmont which was publickly protested to be made to chastise the Duke had no better success nor won no greater reputation then did the first Nay at the same time that the Governour stood consulting before Asti Prince Thomaso went by night out of Vercelles with a body of Foot and Horse and on the sudden assaulted Candia a Town belonging to the King and beating down the Gate with a Petard he put it to fire and sword and having staid there all night he returned safe the next morning to Vercelles receiving no offence from the Garrisou of Sandoval which was not far from thence An action which though the Duke protested to proceed without any order from him and before his son had notice of the Capitulation subscribed by him yet it was commonly thought that to revenge himself for this second assault and to free his State once more by diversion he had commanded his son to do it The Governour being returned he made the Duke be by publick Proclamation declared to have forfeited the Dom nion of the City and Country of Asti and of the like of Santia by his hostile acts committed against the State of Millain pretending that those Towns held in Fee of the said State and the Bills thereof were publish'd at the beat of Drum and fastned in some parts of that Country confining upon the State of Millain Against which Proclamation the Duke made another Edict be published wherein denying absolutely that he held those Towns in Fee from the Chamber of Millain and that therefore they could not be proceeded against by way of confiseation he contradicted the Proclamation terming it foolish and ridiculous and commanded his Subjects to keep their wonted loyalty and obedience to him He afterwards possest himself of some other Imperial Fee-towns in the Langhe and amongst those some that held of the Chamber of Millain the Governour not taking any notice theââ¦eof unless it were that fearing the Duke
further after the Duke who was gotten but ill-favour'dly with his men into Canelli tarried divers days in Allessandria waiting for Men Ammunition and Artillery which he had sent for from several parts of the State of Millain for the enterprize of Asti which he gave out he would take in hand The Duke when he had brought his men into Canelli sent them by degrees into Asti whether he also sent victuals and Ammunition for the defence of that City against which he saw the Governour bent all his Forces who parting from Allessandria about the fifth of May tarried six days in Felizzano and going from thence to Annone the last Town upon the Confines of Millain he went with his Army towards Asti He had with him between 16 and 18000 Italian Foot 4000 Spaniards about 2000 Horse the Gens d' Armes being therein comprehended to boot with 6000 other Foot and 500 Horse which he had left under Cavagliero Melzi in Sandoval not so much to guard that Fort as to keep Vercelles in jealousie so as the Duke being forced to keep it well Garrison'd was the less able to defend Asti He had also 7000 other Foot which he shortly expected from Tuscanye Urbine and Lucca by Sea and those of Parma were already come unto the Camp At his going from Annone towards Asti he divided his Foot into four equal Squadrons which being led on by four Troops of Dragoons the Cavalry divided into two Squadrons winged the left side towards the Tannaro the more inward whereof was led on by Don Alfonso Pimontello General thereof and the outward by his Lieutenant Don Sanchio Salina after these came the Gens d' Arms conducted by their General the Marquess of Este the Baggage came after the Squadrons and the Artillery part whereof was also plac'd on the left hand of the Squadrons The City of Asti stands in a plain at the foot of some hills upon the top whereof stands the Castle joyn'd to the City of an ancient shape as are also the rest of the Walls of the City which therefore have not those Flanks nor Rampiers which are used in modern Fortifications On the South side the Tannaro runs two Musket shot distant from the walls the little hills which run in a large compass towards the North bending from thence towards the East terminate in Annone from whence like a half Amphitheaer they encompass all that plain between the Rivolea Versa and the hills of Tannato for some four miles space and somewhat further between Annone and Asti. But the Duke not at all affrighted at the approach of so great an Army would though weaker in Forces face them and hating to keep inclosed within walls would march into the field against them He had with him about some 15000 Foot and 1500 Horse most of them Forreigners and chiefly French who were come thither notwithstanding their Kings severe Edicts to the contrary for the Princes of that Kingdom being desirous of new perturbations and ruptures between the two Kings and it may be that their King might be the Arbitrator of Peace and War in Italy sent many men thither thinking that look how many more of their Nation should be in the Dukes service both Peace and War should the more depend upon their Kings Being come neer Versa and having taken up his Quarters upon the inward bank of the River where was no commodious foording save in two places he sent Monsieur de Roason with 200 Lorrain Horse beyond the River that he might get into some houses belonging to an Inn called Corce Bianca the first bickering fell out here between these men and Alphonso Balesteros Comissary General of the Kings Horse who was sent before with 400 Dragoons to discover the enemy This Skirmish by the concourse of people on both sides grew almost to a Battel the Duke having sent his Van to relieve his men and the Governour some Troops of Curassiers with the Burgonian Forces led on by the Baton Batteville who was also followed by Alfonso Pimontello with his Horse Troop so as the fray increasing both sides fought valiantly in which fight it hapned that the Lorrainers who were on the Dukes side being cloathed and weaponed like to the Kings Burgonians did so mingle with the Burgonians as passing unknown thorow the midst of them they advanc'd even to within sight of the Spanish Camp The Governour advancing towards them bare headed thinking they were his men who fled began much to his danger to reprehend them and to bid them return and fight valiantly but they for fear of death in case they should be known seeming as if they would return to the Skirmish retreated dexterously to their own men leaving their Captain Prisoner together with Cavalier San Rainero and some others There died in this Skirmish an Ensign-Bearer of the Dukes with some others of both sides Balesteros was sorely wounded and Baron Batteville sleightly who together with his Burgonians behaved themselves gallantly both here and during this whole Campagnia and were of great aid to the Enterprise Don Pimentello's Horse fell over and over with him not without great danger of death The Skirmish being over for the Dukes men retreated to beyond the River the Governour advanced even to Versa and took up his Quarters there in the face of the Dukes Army but he sent Iovan Bravo with his Brigade and some pieces of Artillery to Quarter upon the little Hills for his own more safety and for the prejudice of the Enemy But the Duke having munited all the bank of Versa on his side with a long Trench which reached from the little Hills to the Tannaro sent also 2000 Foot to possess themselves of the Hill which was opposite to that where Bravo was Quartered and being mightily well sheltered on all sides and fortified nor being to be assaulted there without apparent danger to the Assailants they began to skirmish from the Hills and from the opposite Trenches with Muskets and Bumbards but more out of force and fury than out of any well taken advice or any great effect This Skirmish continued two or three days without any advantage on either side so as the Spaniards thinking it a shame that the Duke with so unequal Forces durst confront them and keep himself equal to their Army so long they resolved to advance by the Hillocks intending to fight him both on the back and flanks in his own Quarters and to beat up his Quarters The Enterprise was committed to the Prince of Ascoli who whilst he foreslowed the execution thereof meeting with some impediments he afforded the Duke who had notice of all proceedings leasure to possess himself of other stations fitter to hinder or at least to make the Enemies progress more difficult in that part And because it was necessary for the Prince to go by way of anticipation to the oppugning of Castiglione a little Castle scituated upon a little Hill which being of some consequence was furnished with a reasonable
the fervency of the whole Camp who desired nothing else This order being published Sarmiento's battaglion which was the Van marched towards the Hills and through the Souldiers fervour a little more speedily then they ought to have done And as he passed along having discovered some French quarter'd underneath the skirts of the Hills some Neapolitanes were sent to drive them from thence Here the fight begun for Onofrio Muti a Roman Gentleman and Commissââ¦ry General of the Dukes Horse came in to the relief of the French with a great Squadron of Horse which as if they had abandoned the Dukes party past over to amongst the Enemy crying Viva la Spagna Viva la Spagna whereby they did so deceive the Neapolitanes as coming close up to them without receiving any harm and being by them friendly received they immediately drew forth their Swords and wounded some slew other some till such time as being relieved by Gambaloita who seeing what was done from the second Squadron advanced with his men and forc'd the Enemies Horse to retreat And at the same time the Neapolitanes and the rest of the first Squadron clambe up by those streight paths against the thundââ¦r of Cannon and hail of Musket-shot and fighting as they came up the Hill they at last got to the Plain where being back'd by two pieces of Artillery which were conveniently placed they press'd so home upon the French as beginning first to wave and afterwards shamefully to turn their backs they fled into Asti The Duke though in vain sent Monsieur Limogione Lievtenant to Prince Thomaso to assist them that he might set upon and oppose the Enemy with his Horse and he himself turning to the Swissers on the other Hill on whom all his hopes lay began to encourage them to make that station good shewing them That the first Hill was lost not through the valour or number of the Enemy but by the cowardise of the French that they might make amends for the shame and repair the loss Wherefore they had an excellent occasion to shew how much the Swissers did exceed the French in valour and to boast that it was the Swissers that had preserved his reputation and the state of the House of Savoy He therefoââ¦e wished them to make head and face the Enemy not only by keeping them from that station but by beating them also from the other which the French had so basely abandoned That he himself would hazzard his life amongst them to whose valour and worth he had trusted his honour State and reputation that he was therefore ready to keep with them and run the same fortune and fighting valiantly with a pike in his hand either dye there or bear away a plenary and glorious victory from the Enemy That therefore they should fight as valiantly for the defence of that station as they would do for the very walls of Turin and let the world know that the Swissers had not lost the ancient gallantry of their Fore-fathers whereby they had won so many and so famous Victories with so much glory wherein he did not in vain confide nor yet so many other Princes preferring the Swissers worth in the defence of things of greatest importance before that of all other Nations But all these words were spoke in vain for Giovan Bravo who followed Sarmiento having this mean while wheeled about with the second Squadron on the side of the first Hill and got upon the second and together with him Gamboloita and Don Alphonso Pimontello Limogione could do not only not do any thing of moment but the Swissers seeing themselves set on on so many sides turn'd their backs more basely then the French had done without or fighting or shewing their face to the adversary and though the Duke and Prince Thomasâ⦠indeavoured to make head with some Squadrons of Horse and to detain the Swissers which not being able to do they themselves withstood the coming on of the Enemy as much as might be yet his men running faster and faster away and the Enemy coming faster and faster on they were forced to yield and to leave five piece of Cannon in the Enemies hands two of which being thrown into a ditch towards the City were by night recovered by the same Swissers This was that which hapned on the Hills of Asti on the 21th of May wherein though Sarmiento's Squadron fought more then any of the others and particularly Spinello's and Caracciolo's Neapolitans to whom therefore the praise of the Victory was little less then wholly due yet because their too great fervour and fury wherewith they charged the Enemy was a hindrance to their companions and to the Kings other Squadrons who proceeded in a more orderly and Miliââ¦ary manner so as they could not come time enough to the fight therefore these coming up after the French were routed their action was not so advantagious as it would have been if they had made a joynt assault for then doubââ¦lesly the Dukes men would have been totally beaten The number of the slain as is usual is diversly related yet was it less then was to have been expected from such a conflict and no wonder since they minded flying more then fighting The Neapolitans received some loss being deceived by the Dukes Horse who were they only that may be said to have laid about them and to have made some resistance whereas the Kings Horse did little or nothing nor were there many taken prisoners of the Spaniards the only man of account that was taken was Don Francesca di Silva brother to the Duke of Pastranâ⦠who going out a picchering alone out of his ranks and entring with too much youthful spirit amongst the Enemy was wounded and died not many days after a prisoner in Turin Those of quality who fell on the Dukes side were Monsieur di Crepagna Serjeant Major-General and six other Captains on the Kings side six Captains and some other under-Officers Great was the reputation which the Kings Forces won by these successes who were brought very low by the former and very much the suppression of the Dukes party whose affairs were hereby thought to be reduced to so low an ebbe as the news of the loss of the Battle bââ¦ing brought to Turin and the Dukes writings and things of greatest consequence being sent thither men betook themselves to such courses as in times of greatest extremity is usual they carried the Jewels and best of the Courthoushold-stuff into the Castle and as if the Enemy had been before the Walls the people fell to fortifie them to furnish them with Sentinels and Corps de guarde and the women clothed in sackcloth went bare foot in procession to the Churches and sacred places of the City and yet little was the advantage that was got by the Victory For contrary to the common custom of War the Kings affairs did from thence begin to decline in power and reputation and on the contrary those of the Duke grew daily better and more
and to keep back the provisions which were daily brought into Asti Every one therefore spoke ill of him detracting from his Honour and Reputation saying as they were wont that he held private intelligence with the Duke and had no good intentions to the Kings Affairs Now that the true ground of these Detractions as also of what was alledged in his defence for it was variously argued may be known it will be necessary that leaving the Spanish Army in their difficulties and troubles wherein it continued till the end of the war and till the peace was concluded that looking a little backwards we make some particular inquiry The Governour being naturally inclined to proceed with maturity and safety in all his actions and therefore professing that he managed the war not with any military violence but with Spanish slowness and caution seemed in all his resolutions to have for his chief end not to hazzard the present condition of affairs and that therefore as a dangerous Rock to the Kings affairs he abhorred nothing more then to make either the Italians or French jealous that the King would make himself master of Asti and of Piedmont lest such ãâã might move too brisk humours and might perturb the very foundation of the peace of Italy which was far from the intention of the King or his Councel to do These his ends and thoughts which he from the beginning for the justification of the business did not conceal made him afââ¦erwards so circumspect and reserved as well in the prosecution of the war as in all his other actions as the Duke growing bold thereupon and fearing the reputation of his forces the less did with more courage continue the war and the Embassadours who managed the pââ¦ace made use thereof as of a bridle or spur to bring him to what they would The Prince of Ascoli seemed though with more setled thoughts to be of the same opinion to whom the Duke did much adhere as to both of them did some of the Commanders who being gratified by the Governours failed not to side with him in all Consulââ¦ations depending though Mortara declared against them but in vain who according to his custome being averse to the Goveââ¦nours proceedings and not at all abââ¦sh'd at what had happened at Bistagno was for the setting aside of all such respects as pernicious to the final end of the affairs and for the making war manfully To him did the most of the Captains in their hearts incline and openly the whole Army who were scandalized at the Governours so great circumspection the Governour and the Prince were much nourish'd in this disposition by the Negotiation of peace which was hotly treaââ¦ed of in Spain France and Italy For the King of France having sent Monsieur de Silleri with a stately Embassie to carry his Presents to his new Spouse and beginning to grow jealous of the Governours so great preparations against Piedmont had given him Commission to treat efficaciously with the King of Spain touching the manner of composing the Dukes Affairs from which composition after the said Dukes hostile actions the King and Court of Spain seemed to be much averse That King and Court were loath to yield to the King of France his desires thinking them too much mis-becoming Kingly dignity nor suiting with such threats and preparations They were yet more troubled for the examples sake thinking that to agree with the Duke without some preceding just resentment and due revenge for the hostility and little respect shewn would be too great a detriment to the Authority and Reputation of the Crown The Dukes necessity in defending himself pleaded for the other side which being permitted for a free Prince to do did not only mitigate the name of the offence but the offence it self As also the continual desire of preserving Italy in peace which contrary to all expectation was now disturbed by the effusion of so much Christian blood to the so great prejudice of the people and not without danger of France her being interessed therein The respect of Kindred likewise between the King and Duke so as the King being resolved that the resentment should not only be finally forborn but all satisfaction for the preââ¦ended interest by reason of the intercession of his Son in law his conjunction of blood and the peace and quiet of Christendom it was agreed that the Duke being always understood to observe the said three Points which were proposed from the beginning of the war he should be freed from the molestations of war But to the end that all things should be proceeded in with the dignity and reputation of the King and that the Duke should not be minded to be pertinacious as he seemed to be and to refuse the offer it was agreed upon That the King of France should by his Embassadour intimate war to the Duke if he should refuse to accept of the aforesaid three things and that on the contrary if the Duke should accept thereof and that this acceptation should be brought in writing by the French Embassadour to the Governour it might be as an express Command from the King that forbearing all hostility in Piedmont the Army should immediately retreat That things being thus composed without the medling of any of the Kings Officers or their Articling any thing with the Duke it should be interpreted in Spain as a form of composition suiting with the Kings greatness and Majesty the Dukes bare and ready acceptance serving for a full amends and satisfaction for what was past That the Governour was made acquainted with this Agreement by the Embassadour Rambollietto when he was in Felizano and that fearing the danger that might insue unto the Duke by so gallant an Army he should exhort him to desist to the end that the peace which was almost concluded might meet with no disturbance He gave him together with this advice a Letter from Don Inego de Cardevas Embassadour for the King at Paris wherein he gave him notice That the King of France had given order to Ramboglietto to denounce war in his name to the Duke if he should not accept of these three Points And it not being to be believed that the Duke would gain-say the pleasure of these two Kings who as if they were both one proceeded with joint Counsels theââ¦efore the Governour since the occasion of fighting did not deserve that for it the Kings Affairs should be longer disturbed did prefer safe peace before long and dangerous war and thought itsufficââ¦ent to shew war unto the Duke rather then to make war upon him and that it would suffice to come to some honourable action with him rather to make an honourable peace then to damnifie him In token whereof he moved but slowly from Felizzano to Annone and did likewise proceed but slowly for six days about Versa as alâ⦠in beating up the Dukes Quarters in consulting of the whole caââ¦riage of war and of the manner of expugning Asti hoping
peradventure that the apprehension of the neighbouring Army the Embassadours intercedings and the fear of having war intimated to him in the King of France his name might prepare him for conditions of peace so all things might be with much honour appeased without any danger or hazzard to the Kings Affairs That this might peradventure also be the cause that when he had got the Victory he was contented with the Dukes retreat and proceeded no further And that thinking that he being superiour in forces and victorious he might willingly listen to the urgent and efficacious protestations of the French Embassadour who acquainted him that the King did not intend he should proceed with loose Reins to oppress the Duke assuring him also that the Duke being overcome in battel could not but accept of the conditions of Peace as the Embassador mingling hopes and promises day by day with his protestations assured him it would succeed This is that which is pleaded in the discharge and defence of the Governour bââ¦sides many other Orders given which are unknown which were secretly sent to the Governour from the Duke of Lerma according to which it behoved him to govern himself for it was then tacitly murmured amongst many which increased afterwards in fame and opinion and was constantly and universally believed That the Duke of Lerma to whose severity the reason of these Commotions was chiefly attributed seeing how much contrary to his expectation and contrary to the Kings affairs they increased and fearing lest the disturbance of peace and the Dukes alienation might at long running ruine his own inteââ¦ests did streightly charge the Governour that setting side all other respects he should wholly mind composition and reconciliation with the Duke and that he was precisely commanded to slââ¦cken the carrying on of the war But these things werâ⦠neither then nor afterwards so certainly manifest as that they were able to quench the pregnant suspicions which were formerly had of him Therefore the contrary opinion of those did generally prevail who aââ¦guing either out of self-emulation or out of a sinister impression of his actions said That none of the Kings Orders could be so precise or limited especially the far distance being considered but that they were to be varied according to the variation of affairs nor that the Governours hands ought to be so bound up as that he might not make use of his forces according as time and occasion should require Nor that any Negotiation of peace should with any reason so much impede the heat of war as that the progress of the latter should be lost or slackened in respect of not disturbing the uncertain conclusion of the former They made no account of the apprehension of future evils as being vain and not consonant to these times for the Governour having a well-experienced Army on foot commanded by the best Commanders of these times and provided with all things fitting for war which received greater force and reputation by the assistance of divers Iââ¦alian Princes things were so well asscertained as he might be confident of not only maââ¦ntaining Italy in her wonted fidelity and inclination to the King but to keep forreigners from moving and to suppress such as had moved And howsoever what sinister action said they could ever happen which would not be less then the prejudice which would result from the disbanding of that Army which being kept on foot was able to repair all inconveniencies and which being disbanded did infââ¦llibly draw after it all those mischiefs nay greater then those which were so much feared therefore said they it behoved the Commander in chief to know the condition of his own forces to make use of them to his best advantage by streightning and assaulting the enemy and by keeping him so molested as that he might desire covet nay account it a great favour to obtain a secure peace which assuredly is always most advantagious to those who are most against it That all Commanders and Generals had always govern'd themselves so and that by so doing they had reaped great advantage honourable conditions and much reputation to their Princes affairs but that to keep idle within Works to sit quietly under Pavillions and to expect that the enemy should be inclined to peace to suffer themselves to be wheeled about by words to feed themselves with vain promises of interessed Staââ¦e-Ministers and to shew small inclination to war and a great dââ¦sire of peace was nothing else but to increase the adversaries confidence to make him the prouder and more bold to alienate him from Articles of peace to make him backward and harder to consent to that which he finds to be so much indeavoured by his Adversary These and the like things were spoken of throughout Italy in the very Camp at all assemblies of men who not knowing the final ends of Princes and Commanders and of the Reasons which make them operate or which keeps them from doing so and less knowing what would have happened if they had done according to their intentions and discourses do often arrogate unto themselves to the prejudice of other mens reputations the censuring of humane actions even as if the heart of him that governs or future events were apparent to theââ¦r eye And confining the duty of a Writer to the bare narration of what passeth will not permit of his judgment in the truest and most equitable ratiocination to him who shall be pleased and satisfied with his pains it is most certain that the Governour in the general opinion of men made himself suspected of having at the first instead of extinguishing disloyally nourish'd that fire the suppression whereof if he had more indeavoured he would have shut up the mouth of detraction and have beââ¦ter justified his loyalty to his King and together with his own reputation wherein he suffer'd very much have preserved the Kings honour which beginning from the first to bow did afterwards decline without any stop as the future success will shew But that we may return to where we left whilst the Army wasted as hath been said the indeavours of peace were not given over by the Agents of Princes the French Embassadour did Negotiate it together with Pier Francesco Costa Bishop of Savoy and Nutio resident with the Duke who succeeded Savelli he having for some particular indispositions of his own obtained leave to return to Rome and together with them the same Zeno for the Commonwealth of Venice with whom but apart from the Nuntio St Dudly Carleton did intervene who was come from Venice were he had been Embassadour in ordinary and was come a little before into Piedmont with the title of Embassadour extraordinary from the King of England which King adhering privately to the Dukes affairs at the same time that he Negotiated the peace as a friend to both had taken order for the disbursing of a hundred thousand Ducates to the Duke at Lyons and also seeming as if it were done by the Peers of
the Kingdom but in effect by his own command sent him some Ships as it was said fraughted with Foot Count Iohn of Nassau was also daily expected to come with men by land from Holland and it was heard that succours came from Germany to assist the said Duke which were sent him from the Protestant Princes of that Nation who did not a little foment the Wars of Piedmont Nor did the Venetians foment them less then they though secretly who from the beginning being anxious at the proceedings of the Spanish Army and fearing that the Duke might be oppress'd began to assist him underhand with moneys and advice and afterwards seeââ¦g his affairs proceed prosperously they being desirous to abate the Spanish grandezza were not wanting in sustaining him and shoaring him up to the end that he might resist him who thought to suppress him So all these Princes being thought privately to blow this fire it was imagined that their Embassadours who Negotiated the business did not proceed therein with sincerity unless it were the Popes Nuntio for both their manner of treating and form of conclusion was sufficiently different from that reallity which in appearance they did profess and contrary to the great confidence and good correspondency between the Kings of Spain and France the French Embassadour having the ââ¦ppointment made at Madrid in one hand and in the otheâ⦠the intimation of War being consequently able to compel the Duke by the latter and to force the Governour by the other so as he was the chief Arbitrator of all that Negotiation the rather for that the French Souldiers and Captains who fought on the Dukes behalf depending upon his command he might at his pleasure make them forego their Arms and bereave the Duke of the greatest part of his Forces and though by orders from his King he was to be careful of the reputation of the Spanish Crown and to give satisfaction thereunto and as a good servant to so great a King ought not to suffer the peace to be concluded otherwise for the example which it would be to all greater Kings and being trusted by the Barons of France was chosen by the Queen to be imploy'd for this end at the Court of Spain yet the Authority and common desire of the Princes of that Kingdom wherein they differ'd from the King in point of keeping friendship with the Crown of Spain prevailing more with him as also peradventure the French humour naturally averse to the name of Spaniard he made less account of the Kings command which was the chief cause of all the inconveniences which befell the Spanish Army For doubtlesly things would have gone otherwise if he had punctually observed his Kings directions immediately after the Victory upon the Hills but whilst under pretence of not exasperating the Duke he proceeded sometimes too favourably with him and sometimes approving of his jealousies he feared that by intimating War unto him Piedmont might be made a prey to the Victorious Army much to the Kings prejudice and that therefore he temporiseth with the Duke wherein he is fautor'd by the English and Venetian Embassadours the Duke knowing what was done fenc'd himself on one side with subterfugeâ⦠and delays and on the other side assaulted the Enemies Trenches and faced him and on the contrary the Spanish Army as hath been said mouldred away and the weaker they grew in Forces and Men the Duke had the less mind to come to an agreement and consequently standing harder upon the advantage of Articles propounded delays and greater difficulties and hoping to get the better at the last had a greater desire to fight and venting his conceived hatred against the Spaniards aspired at glory by the total Victory of so invincible an Army and the Embassadours who would spin the thread of the Negotiation aâ⦠they were resolved to do held the Governours in hand with efficacious promises of peace the conclusion whereof being from day to day defer'd and they the mean while delighting to see the miseries of the Spanish Army they delaied so long as finding it at last reduced to so great weakness as that it was not able to fall upon any enterprise they began to treat of new conditions which together with the three particulars of Madrid contained many other things of satisfaction to the Duke Thus was the Capitulations of peace made upon the beneath written terms and agreement That the Duke should disarm effectually within one moneth and retaining only four Companies of Swissers for the safety of his States together with as many of his Subjects as he would should casheââ¦r all the rest of his men that he should not offend the Duke of Mantua's Dominions and that his pretentions should be discus'd in the Emperours Courts of Justice On the contrary the French Embassadour promised that the Rebels of Montferrat should be pardoned and be fully restored to their Goods Honours and Offices that he should be protected by France in case he should be molested by the Spaniard contrary to what was agreed upon to which purpose express command was given in the Kings name to Marshall Diguere Governour of Dolpheny and to the other Governours of Provinces confining upon the Dukes Territories that immediately without expecting any orders from the King they should succour the Duke in case the Conventions should not be agreed upon that the Swissers and Walloons should be restored to free Commerce in the State of Millain that the places taken by either side should be restored that all the French should be generally pardoned who had served in the present War contrary to the Kings command that the King of Spain should not demand passââ¦ge for six moneths space of the Duke for any men That the Duke should have three moneths allowed him to give notice to his friends that they were to abstain from any hostility against the King during which time the Duke repairing any damage which should be done nothing of Hostility which should happen should prejudice tââ¦e peace and herewith the removal of the Spanish Army was agreed upon in form following That the French Embassadour should desire the Duke to draw a thousand Foot out of Asti at whose marching out he would write to the Governour and cause him to quit his quarters and to retreat to Croce Bianca and to Quarto Which being done tââ¦e same Embassadour was to intreat the Duke to remove the rest of the Souldiers out of the City and the French Embassadour promised that on the same day that that should be done the Spanish Army should march out of Piedmont and that then the Duke should immediately disââ¦rm but with this promise from the Embassadour that after such effectual laying down of Arms the Governour should so dispose of the Kings Army as neither the Duke nor any other Prince of Italy should thereby have any cause of jealousie and that the King of France should ratifie the agreement within twenty days All these Articles and Conventions were reciprocal
between the Duke and the French Embassadour who bound himself in his Kings name which King took upon himself the whole business and obliged himself to see whatsoever on his side or by the Spanish Agents abundantly executed For what remained there was no mention of any submission to be made by the Duke only in the preamble amongst the Reasons which moved him to peace he alledged the desire he had to witness to the world the obsequence and particular devotion which he had always profess'd to bear unto the King These Articles were subscrââ¦bed by the Embassadours of France England and Venice expresly obââ¦iging their Princes to defend the Duke if all that was promis'd were not made good to him as long as he should observe what he ââ¦ad promised When these Capitulations were ingross'd or drawn up The Duke who he ring that the Germane and Holland succours were at hand thought that he should now get absolute victory over the enemy who weââ¦e reduced to great extremity and were not able to keep longer in their quarters by reason of the excessive heats refused to under-writ the Articles But the French Embassador forced by express command from the King did at last let him know that ââ¦e came to intimate war unto ââ¦im and the Duke shunning his sight he made the Kings Order and the necessity of putting it in exeââ¦ution known to Prince Victorio and commanded the French Souldââ¦ers and Commanders under pain of grievous punishment in the Kings name that they should immediately forego the Dukes service and return to France whither he would follow them the next day which certainly he would have done if the Nuntio had not opportunely interposed his Authority who going several times between him and the Duke and earnestly intreating them not to let the almost concluded peace be disturbed obtained that the Embassadour should tarry and give leave to the Duke to bethink himself better and to reflect upon the danger and necessity of his affairs which would grow to a bad condition if the French who were the chief sinews of his Army should mutiny as they seemed to be already inclined to do or foregoing his pay should be inforced suddenly and in so ill a crisis of time to abandon him Wherefore ââ¦aging at the Embassadour he not without much indignation was at last brought to subscribe the Articles of peace but upon condition that the Instrument should be kept in the Nuntio's hands to be by him assigned over to the Embassadour when he should receive another from him wherein the Governour of Millan should sufficiently bind himself in his Kings name to observe what the French Embassadours had promised on the Kings behalf the Duke being desirous that it should be rather covenanted with him on the King of Spains behalf for that he knew he for his reputation sake abhorr'd to do it He was also satisfied herein though contrary to the capitulations of Madrid and to the intentions of the two Kings yielded unto by the Embassadour of France and by the other Embassadours who were desirous that Peace might be concluded the most that might be to his advantage and honour and therefore the Embassadour of France having written to the Governour who was now reduced to a state rather of giving then of receiving conditions of peace and having obtained sufficient assurance from him under his hand the business was at last totally agreed Whilst these things were a concluding or were rather held to be totally concluded the Duke not being yet satisfied with venting nor with resenting himself went out of the City by night with a great number of his valiantest Souldiers and Captaââ¦ns and assaulted the enemies Trenches He hoped to find them unprovided by reason of their great sufferings and negligent out of their hopes of the near conclusion of peace which made him desire to make great slaughter and notably to resent his conceived injuries but he failed in his design for the Governour having notice thereof re-inforced the Trenches with Garrisons and gave the chief care thereof to Gamboloita and Bravo who managed the business so well as they forced the Duke to retreat with the like prejudice which he had plotted against the Enemies The Duke lost in that affault by night above 200 of his best and valiantest Souldiers besides many Commanders and persons of note and had the Governour as some of his men thought sent a good body of men out of the Trenches who might have fallen upon the Assailants on the Flank not any of the Dukes men might have escaped scot-free and the Duke himself who was affirmed by many to be there preââ¦ent would have run ââ¦anger of his person Wherefore the Governour was for this action also much blamed ill spoken of and detested by the whole Camp The next morning which was Iune the 23d and the 34 day after the Batââ¦l upon the Hills peace was proclaimed and was the very self-same day put in execution for as much as was then requisite wherein the Governour was fain to pass by two things also which though small in themselves yet of no small consideration in point of honour the one that the Dukes Souldiers who went to throw down the abandoned Trenches should kill 200 of the Enemies Souldiers who were found sick there the Spanish Army being in a manner present who were not all of them gone from their quarters the other that the Governour deferring his removal for that day in respect of the scarcity of Carriages as also of the multitude of sick persons and of many other impediments the French Embassadour not admitting of any excuse nor giving way to any one hours delay forced him to dislodge immediately protesting and that resolutely that otherwise he would make the Souldiers return who were gone out of the City and that revoking the command to the contrary he would permit the French to tarry and continue in the Dukes service Thus meerly through their fault who govern'd the Kings Forces not only the enterprise of Asti but those others that proceeded had but bad success and not conformable to the greatness of preparation to the threats and imagined resentments Thus the Governour rather inforc'd then willingly and rather as conquered then conquerour went out of Piedmont sufficiently diminished both in Forces and Reputation who was entred thereinto but forty days before with a flourishing and gallant Army and glorious and triumphant for the Victory he had obtained The End of the third Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK IV. The Contents THe King being but badly satisfied with the peace of Asti makes Don Pietro di Toledo Governour of Millain Between whom and the Duke new differences arise touching the execution of the Articles of peace The Venetians by reason of the Slavonians who molest their Navigation in the Gulf make war in Friuli against the Arch-Duke and in Istria against the Emperour and possessing themselves of many Towns in Friuli come before Gradisca from whence they depart not
about that business and he sent the Senator Lodovico Zoello along with the said Count to the end that the Count passing on to Venice Zoello might bring him the Compendium of the business These being gone to Millain the Governour propounded Propositions to them not only very satisfactory for the Duke but made also many promises of advancing the Duke ââ¦nd his Sons to great preââ¦erment if passing by the nicity of the Capitulations he would humble himself to the King and on the contrary strange doubââ¦s ad difficulties touching the execution and interpreââ¦ation of the said Capitulations if the Duke should tenaciously stick thereunto they were therefore desired to exhort the Duke to write unto the King in conformity to what he had proposed but the Duke being frustrated of any Spanish hopes would not give way to the Governours allurements esteeming them so many baits to make him fall unworthily from that Glory which through so much trouble and danger he had atchieved to the end that throwing himself dishonourably into the Kings Arms and indiscreetly estranging himself from the friendship and protection of those Princes who had subscribed the Peace he might the more easily be brought into his former condition by the Kings Ministers of State with little hope that the same Princes should resent his injuries another time if upon this occasion he should so sleightly have foregone their favour and Authority Resolving therefore to undergo whatsoever misfortune rather than to do what he would not consent unto whilst he had the Enemies Army upon his hands he absolutely denied to forego the Capitulations or to make any submission but pretending that the King was bound by the Articles to disarm he said it was the Embassadours intentions who made them that he should do so though for his Majesties greater honour it was expressed with more circumspection and notwithstanding being desirous that he might not thereby receive any prejudice in compassing his chief end which was that that Army might be disarmed he was content to write a Letter wherein not saying any thing which was not worthy of himself as a free and independent Prince and without parting from the Capitulations at Asti he with great respect excused himself for what had happened and laying the fault upon the late Governour he added that by this means he hoped he should keep himself in his Majesties former favour desiring him to preserve him therein in the same degree which he and his children out of so many relations pretend unto This he sent to the Governour by Zoello with a flying Seal with order that he should deliver it him when he should engage himself by express word that he would dismiss himself within a certain prefixt time But this Letter was neither received by the Governour nor sent into Spain for it did not please him who desired it might have been written more humbly and so as that it might have prejudicated the Capitulations or else thinking that the Duke by that Letter might get a promise of effectual disarming he did not think the prize equivalent to the demande nor the bargain answerââ¦ble to the condition of the present times therefore shewing the Duke the necessity he had to keep his men in Arms by reason of the war in Friuli and offering to restore the places that were taken and giving him his word in the Kings Name that he would not offend him he kept from disarming He added also that the Duke of Mantua would not listen to the pardoning of Rebels and as if the King of France had done more than he had power to do in promising that without his consent he seemed to be prejudiced in the rights of his Principality so as having sent the Marquess Don Iohn Gonzaga into Spain he obtained that that point might be left to his free will that King professing that he though himself not bound by the Articles of that Peace to pardon ãâã and that he would not nor could not justly keep the Duke oâ⦠Mantua from ãâã Jurisdiction in that State which he had obliged himself to protect And therefore the Duke of Mantua being therein encouraged by the new Governour to whom he was near allied and being moreover desirous that the Duke of Savoy might reap no good by this peace he did not only constantly deny the pardoning of Rebels which he waâ⦠much press'd to do by the King of France but selling tââ¦e remainder of Count Guido's goods and confiscating those of the rest who he pretended to be Rebels he also put some of his Subjects to death for having served the contrary party in that War But the Duke of Savoy who could not be satisfied neither by the Kings word nor by the restitution of places taken which the Governour offer'd him without the effectual difarming of the Kings Army seeing that no good was yet got by the peace of Asti but some vain promises by which he had suffer'd himself to be perswaded to lay down Arms and to consent to other of the Kings demands having now lost all hopes of obtaining his intent of the Governour as if he had run the danger of being again assaulted by the Spanish Army and being inforced to send some Souldiers and Ammunition to the Confines of Piedmont that he might thereby move the Princes who were bound to observe the Capitulations to which betaking himself he did not a little exclaim against the not observance of what was agreed upon under their Authority and replying to the Governours oppositions and difficulties he complain'd that all this proceeded only from his not submitting himself unworthily to the King and by renouncing the Articles covenanted from not ââ¦erding himself from their union and from his not undervaluing their Authority and Dignity who were the Arbitrators and Moderators thereof and putting all men in mind but particularly the French how prejudicial it would be to their King and to the honour of France that the Regal Name and Authority should be cancell'd from the Conventions of peace he endeavour'd by all means to make them to get them to be maintain'd and made good promising that for his part he would refuse no pains would not forbear for any expence would not be afraid for any loss or danger but would adventure his own person his sons and his State and whatsoever he held dear in this world that the glory of that King and Nation in having preserved his State unto him and in the Kings having interposed himself as an Arbitratour in compounding the affairs of Italy should not be turned into as much shame and dishonour ââ¦hy not being able to maintain them but though he could promise himself but little from the King of England by reason of the far distance of his Country or of the King of France for the aforesaid reasons yet had he a new occasion to hope well in the favour of the Venetians who being entred as hath been said into a new War with the House of Austria were necessitated for
of water The like did those of a certain Fort called la Trinita built by the Austrians a little higher to these happy successes was added the taking of Fara a small Castle between Luciniso and Gradisca which being plaied upon by the Cannon yielded upon Articles and Baglione a valiant Colonel was sorely wounded before it Thus did the affairs of the Venetians alter in Friuli but they were not idle the mean while in Istria and Dalmatia for Marcho Loredano Commissary in those parts and Benedetto da Leze Commissary of Horse as they scoured the Country met with several incounters wherein having the better they took many prisoners and slew many and some Galleys going to Antignana after having plaid upon it long they took it upon Articles and aââ¦erwards scouring along the Coast of Pessino they put it to fire and sword and Iovanni Iacomo Zane Commissary of Dalmatia went to before Segna but for want of provision durst not attempt it but turning to Mosconizza after having plaid upon it two days took it Berses upon the bank of the River and the Fort of Sirissa over against the Island Pago through the Garrisons discord fell also into the Venetians hands But not long after the Austrians being become masters of the field in those parts by the multitude of men that came in to assist them they ran all over with much terror burning and ruinating all the Country and the Venetians Subjects the affairs of which States began sore to go less in reputation all mens eyes being bent upon Lombardy where the war grew hotter between the Governour of Millain and the Duke The Duke as hath been said was entred into private consederacy with the Venetians in whose name publickly but privately for the service of the Duke of Savoy a Regiment of 4000 Foot was raised in France by the Marquess of Castiglione besides many others who flock'd in threves into Piedmont The Duke had also made his complaints in that Court of the difficulties interposed by the Goveââ¦nour in the performance of the Treaty and though the Reasons wherewith he strove to imprint in that Nation the necessity which they had for the Kings honour to make the Articles be observed prevailed but little with the King and Queen who were not to be removed from their friendship with Spain yet having made great impression in the Prince of Conde and in the other Colleagues they afforded them more occasion efficaciously to demand the Reformation which they pretended unto of the Kingdom openly complaining that the Queen Mother by reason of her secret intelligence held with the Court of Spain and the chief Officers and State-Ministers of the Kingdom for the great advantage they got in that Court and that they might not withstand the Queens authority did wink at and did not value the Kingdoms saââ¦ety nor the honour of the King who by reason of his years was incapable of knowing how much the sustaining of Piedmont concerned the safety of that Court Wherefore these having sent Monsieur d' Orfe to Piedmont to the end that his assisting the Duke in the name of the Confederates he might incourage him and give him reputation they also made open demonstration in France that they would savour the Dukes affairs by all the means they might But in effect their whole ends tended to bring about their own interests whereunto the union of the two Crowns being contrary they found no better means to break it then by pressing the affairs of Piedmont and that the King of Spain being busied in Italy might be less able to assist their King and yet the King and Queen were it either to take away this occasion of complaint from the Princes or that they had a real value for the observance of the Treaty the execution whereof they never had forborn to indeavour though in a moderate manner as becomes Princes really united they always found the Court of Spain veââ¦y ready to allow of the Dukes disarming as legitimate and forward to order the Governour that disbanding his Army he might readily and without difficulty or delay observe the residue of the Treaty not so much for that the peace of Italy was there desired as for that the Duke of Lerma who was interested in Inoioso's defence and thinking that according to the custom of Courts he was bound to make good his actions would that all exceptions being laid aside the peace of Asti should by all means be executed and made good But were it either that those orders were not over precise or were peradventure so express'd as that they left a power in the Governour to do therein according to the condition of the present times and occurrences or that the Duke thought he could not execute them in consideration of the new accidents and preparations for war as well on the Dukes behalf as on the Venetians or else as some would have it that he had so involved himself in the thought thereof or had ingaged himself so deeply that the Duke should by his means be brought to humble himself to the King and that the Capitulations of Asti should be cancelled as that he thought he could not in honour do less he did not much care to see them performed many were of opinion that as the aforesaid orders proceeded not from the Kings nor his Councils mind but from the Duke of Lerma's meer will whose excessive authority grown odious to the Grandees of Spain began to decline as hath been said aââ¦er the success of Piedmont so were they not punctually observed nor much valued by Don Pietro for he thinking that the Grandezza and Majesty of the Crown lay now upon his Shoulders which he thought had not been very carefully sustained by the Duke of Lerma out of private respects was not well pleased that Lerma preferring his own affairs before those of others unless it were Inââ¦iosa's whom he detested should abandon the publick cause which he professing himself to be very zealous of was ready to repair wherefore not openly gainsaying the Kings commands but execusing himself upon the Venetians new occasions upon the Dukes new commotions and upon the strange pretentions of the French he did as it were by force draw the Court to incline to his opinion Hereunto was added that he not being able to per swade himself but that the past disorders had been occasioned through his predecessours fault and tacite Collusion he took it for granted that when the Duke should see himself assaulted by a powerful Army commanded by himself who proceeded really and would assault Piedmont with all the true rules and rigour of war should out of excessive fear yield and humble himself unto the King he therefore being big with vast conceits promised by Letters written to the Court that he would bring him under without almost once unsheathing his sword and without breaking the peace of Italy by his demonstrations only and by his preparations and that undoubtedly he would repair the publick dignity
and that he would easily reduce affairs into their former condition Which hopes being greedily conceived and believed that he should be able to make that Court slacken their former orders and permit more freedom to him in conducting the publick affairs according to his own mind and according as times and occasions should serve but howsoever affairs went there for the more intimate occasions of this new commotion appeared too observe and too repugnant within themselves and peradventure were no less unknown to the Officers through whose hands they past then to the people who only minded the effects it is certain that the Duke either took or the Governour gave him occasion of re-assuming those Arms which being naturally given to war he had unwillingly laid down from the wresting of the meaning of the Capitulations of Asti from the dispute about their execution and from the rigorous pââ¦etentions about the point of honour between the Duke and the Governour Wherefore the Governour seeing him busie in preparing for a new war and being himself no less desirous to set it on fire tââ¦en the Duke thinking undoubtedly to bring him lower and to subdue his Forces he began to prepare an Army not inferiour to that of the preceding year he took order for men in Germany in Burgony in Swisserland and in the Kingdom of Naples he disburst moneys to fill up the Brigades of Lombardy and to raise new Foot in the State of Millain so rather as it were out of sport and out of a fained shew then out of any deliberate will war was again begun by him who was able to have quench'd the fire thereof which afterwards breaking forth in earnest and contrary to his opinion who caused it was the occasion of much prejudice and ruine to the people of Lombardy And as the first war was not improperly termed the Duke of Lerma's war so this upon better grounds was called Tolledo's war The troubles of France were at this time reduced to such terms as the King being neer the Princes Forces with a powerful Army the business had like to have been decided by a Battel But the King and Queen choosing rather even upon disadvantagious terms to forbear shedding of civil blood and to secure affairs then to get the Victory by the ruine and destruction of the Kingdom and by the common danger were not against According many things by way of Negotiation even contrary to their wills and authority Whereof two were the ââ¦iefest the first that the principal State-ministers should be removed from their Offices in whose places others of the confiding Princes should be put the other that the King should swear to make the Treaty of Asti be observed Wherefore the King understanding what orders the King of Spain had given to the Governour commanded Lodovico Mangiaââ¦te who was his Ageat in Turin to go to Millain and sollicit the execution of that Treaty Who being come to Millain and having spoken with the Governour desiring him in the Kings name that he would become more pliable and prosecute the begun execution of that Capitulation with all sincerity received this answer that the Kings Army was much lessened by the dismission of the Swissers and of those of Tuscany Urbane Parma and Lucca and by the death and running away of the Lombardy Regiments that the King was not obliged to disarme by the Articles of Asti and lesse upon new occasions to reassume Arms that notwithstanding he the Governour had for the intire observancy of the Capitulations offer'd the Duke reciprocal restitution of what had been taken which the Duke had refused and that not relying upon the words of two so good and so great Kings who offer'd to secure him from the Forces of the State of Millain he contrary to the said Capitulations had detained most of his men in Piedmont and therefore given new reason of jealousies and that notwithstanding he the Governour offer'd again the proposal of restitution and promised not to offend him if the Duke would resolve to observe the Capitulations intirely and that if he should refuse to do this he the Agent might witness this to the King to the end that he might be fully satisfied of the new preparations made by the Duke and of what he should hereafter do and that he might plainly see that he the Governour would proceed with such authority and reputation as became his King without obviating the peace The Governour gave this answer in writing to the Agent and made the same be given to the King by the Duke of Montelion in Paris who writ him word back that the King had approved thereof But the Prince of Conde the other confederates seemed to understand it otherwise whose authority by this new and advantagious agreement was then very great and got ground upon the King who by reason of his tender years was not yet constant in his Counsels and Resolutioââ¦s They therefore agreed to send an Embassadour into Italy and made choice of Philippo di Bettune a nimble-witted Gentleman and well experienced in the affairs of Italy where he had been Embassadour many years with the Pope from the King his Commission was to find out the Governour and press him to the perfect performance of the Treaty This mean while all things inclined daily to a manifest breach in Lombardy for new seeds of troubles being already sown the Duke arm'd strongly and so did the Governour the Duke threaââ¦ned to reassume the war in Montferrat by reason of the Duke of Mantua's backwardness to pardon the Rebels the Governour would quarter his men in that State not only to defend it from the Duke but also that he might be the readieâ⦠to offend Piedmont and to the end tââ¦at the Duke of Savoy fearing to be assaulted neerer hand and as it were at his own doors might lay aside his thought of assaulting others But the Duke of Mantua refusing to receive forreign Souldiers into Montferrat the Princes of Italy storm'd thereat and chiefly the Duke of Savoy who from a ââ¦ore assailant being become a jealous Protector of that State did not only exclaim against it for his own interest but to raise suspicions of the Governour and of the Spanish Court and to make them be ill thought of by the Italians and renewing the ancient jealousies he gave out that under colour of defending and protecting Montferrat the Governour did fully intend to usurpe it and the Queen Mother exclaiming much against it in the Court of Spain the King of Spain commanded absolutely that it should be forborn At this time the Duke of Savoy increased in reputation it being given out that the French Embassadour came in favour to him who as it was said was sent from the Prince of Conde and from the consederates who managed the affairs of that Court as they listed and seemed to adhere sufficiently to his cause not was the tacite League between him the Duke and the Commonwealth of Venice of less consideration which being
But whilst he laboured both in body and mind about making these preparations he fell into an Ague whereof before he was wholly free he made himself be carryed upon a Bed on the third of September to Candia where he told the Nuntio and the Embassadour both which he had dismist he would wait the Dukes final resolution he staid some days there paying out moneys to the Souldiery which came unto him from several parts and making a Bridge over at la Villata he intended to pass over there with his Army into Montferrat and from thence to where the Duke should be or whither he should like best He had here in a short time a flourishing Army not only in respect of the number and valour of the Souldiers and Commanders but for Artillery Ammuââ¦tion and all things else necessary there were therein 20000 Foot made up of several Nations to wit 4000 Spaniards divided into five Regiments and led on by the Camp-masters Don Iovanni Don Lewis and Don ââ¦onsallo di Cordua Don Ioronymo Pimontello and Don Iohn Bravâ⦠9000 Lombards in five Regiments the one consisting wholly of Muskeââ¦eers led on by Prior Sforza the others by Lodovico Gambaloita Ieronymo Rho Giovanni Pietro Serbollone and Giovan Battista Pecchio all of them likewise Camp-masters 3000 Neapolitans led on by the Camp-masters Carlo-Spinelli Carlo di Sanguine and Thomaso Carracciola 13000 Dutch in two Regiments the one Trentinians led on by Count Guadentio Madruzzi the other Hollanders under Luigi Solz to boot with 6000 Swissers who as being Confederates with the Duke were to tarââ¦y in the State of Millain the Horse wherein the Gens Armes were comprehended came to 3000 under their General Don Alphonso Pimontello they were for the most part new men and untrain'd and therefore though superiour in number yet much inferiour in worth to those of the Duke who keeping still at la Motta with no contemptible forces had with him as fame gave out wherewith he used to keep up the reputation of his own forces 25000 Foot and 2500 chââ¦ice Horse but in effect between 1500 and 2000 Horse which were held to be the flower and sinews of his Army between 8 and 9 thousand French as many Savoiards Swissers Walloons Piedmonteses and Provencials And though the differences of Savoy were not yet composed and that he knew he was to be faced with a more implacable Enemy yet egg'd on by the fiercenss of his spirit and fed with hopes that neither the French nor Venetians would suffer him to perish and perhaps arguing the Governours future actions from his former did not wholly distrust but that after the first onset the war would not continue in the same fervour as it seemed to begin he seemed little to fear the Enemies threats so as instead of sending back the Embassadour with the acceptation of the conditions of peace he made his Horse go to Langosco a Town within the State of Millain and sent Souldiers to take Villa Franca and to burn Murano and other places in Montferrat upon pretence that provision passage and quarter was there given to the Enemy and sending some Shallops down the Sesia loaded with Powder and artificial fire so ordered as that it should play when it came to the Bridge made by the Governour and break it whilst he being not far off intended when the Bridge should be broken to fall with his Horse upon the Garrison which were upon the head of that Bridge towards Montferrat and cut them in pieces but the Shallops being kept back the design failed so as the Dukes Horse appearing on the River bank there hapned a small skirmish betweââ¦n them and the Kings men wherein but little harm was done Thus the second War of Piedmont began from the drawing neer of two Armies which was not occasioned through any differences or Statepretentions not for any fresh injuries done or received nor by any new commands to the Duke that he should lay down Arms but if the truth were known it proceeded on the Dukes side from his ancient rancour and from his desire thereby contracted of venting himself in any whatsoever manner in abating the Spanish Grandezza and on the Governours behalf from the bad success of the late War from the Capitulations concluded with small satisfaction before Asti and from a desire to abolish them and therewithall the prejudice of the laââ¦e actions and to establish the Kings affairs in Italy in their former condition and honour But if we shall mark the outside of things this war had no other title unless it were that the Duke pretending the Governour should dismiss his Army he not doing it did contrary to the same Capitulation reassume Arms and joyning in League with the Venetians would not abandon his Confederates by whom he was so little assisted in the former war of Piedmont and by whom he was so apparently wrong'd in that of Montferrat nor disarm upon the security of both the Kings words nor yet promise not to molest the Kings Dominions These wars and the ends and motives of these Princes was variously discoursed of some praised the Duke for his faith valour and free spirit and cried him up even to the Stars as if he had been a new Marcellus who had taught that the Spaniards power which was held unconquerable might be resisted he was therefore esteemed a seasonable defender of the Venetian Commonwealth and the generous Protector of the Liberty of Italy and the Governour of Millain was detested as one that studied novelties and was no way zealous of the publick peace others who attributed the Dukes resolution to an over contentious mind to an immoderate hatred conceived against the Spaniards and to a too excessive desire of suppressing the authority of that Crown imputed unto him an unquiet spirit and that he was a greater friend to turmoils then to quiet because to the prejudice of peace and of the security of Italy he had let in forreigners into the bowels thereof to the peoples so great loss to the so great effusion of blood and to the so apparent danger not only of himself but to the contaminating of that little of sound or wholsome which was yet left in Italy But they wonder'd not at the Duke by reason of his warlike humour the wisdom of the Venetian Senate was the more common subject of mens discourse why they who were so profest friends to peace a thing so good for their Commonwealth by means whereof they had so long continued to be thought rich and powerful and for which the safety and grandezza of Italy seemed to be upheld by them why they I say should suffer themselves to be ingaged in war with the Archduke for unnecessary and trivial things in which war to boot that they might be sure the German Princes and King of Spain would interest themselves they should to the prejudice of their reputation make known the utmost bounds of their Forces which proving short of what they were generally thought to be
into the Tuscan Sea not without much grief to the Viceroy who not having yet vented his anger would contrary to the Kings command continue the War which was begun Thus was Venice when she least thought of it freed from the very neer danger of being assaulted but she fared no better in the Wars of Friuli for the Captains of the Army that they might not lye idle whilest the Hollanders delayed their coming attempted the Castle of Cestnuts and a Town which was a great one and near it upon the banks of Lisonzo hoping that when they should have taken those two places they might easily take the Tower upon the stone Bridge and pass fââ¦om thence to the expugning of Goritia which when they should have got the Enemies Army would neither have been able to have kept the Field nor to defend Gradisca nor to hold the rest of the Archdukes Country so as whole Friuli falling into the Commonwealths hands the Alps had been the boundââ¦ure of the Dutch Empire a thing which peradventure she concealedly aimed at General Medici parting therefore from Luciniso with many Souldiers sent part of them to take in the Fort and coming with the rest to Piuma he easily took it and leaving people with sufficient provisions and Orders to defend it he returned to Luciniso The others being gotten neer the Fort began to streighten it on two sides hoping verily to take it for there being only eighty Foot in it badly provided either with Victuals or wherewithal to fight they by signs gave notice of their necessity to those of their side wherein they could hardly be provided by the Austrians for besides that the Venetians were numerous and in Piuma and about the Fort and were able to increase their numbers by reason of the neighbourhood of those who were in Luciniso and in St Florini Lisonzâ⦠being swoln by continual rains had broke the Bridge which the Austrians had built upon long-boats and had carried the long boats along with it and the rain continuing it was impossible to pass over Lisonzo it was therefore hard and dangerous to relieve that Fort but more hard and dangerous to abandon it yet at the last the Austrian Commanders of two evils chusing the less resolved to adventure a few men for the safety and preservation of all they therefore planted two Batteries on their shore side against Piuma to keep the Enemy from fortifying and chose out 800 of the best Horse and Foot who being commanded by the Baron Hermisteine and by Captain Henrico Paradiso Navarro and Captain Ferdinandâ⦠Caratti might pass over the Riveâ⦠in a certain place where they were sheltered from the sight of the Enemy and from being offended by them and to this purpose having no Long-boats they took from the standing Pools and Rivers that were neer at hand certain little Shallops made out of the whole timber which the Country-people call Zocchi whereinto the Souldiers got and holding by a long-rope which was thrown over the River did by a few at a time get over to the other shore The business being uââ¦dauntedly begun by Captain Caratti succeeded no less happily except that the rope being broke by the swiftness of the Riveâ⦠two Zocchi with the Souldiers that were in them were drowned at which disaster their companions being not at all dismaid tied certain bundles together and throwing them over the River did by resting on them get without any prejudice to the other side 200 of them went to relieve the Fort and the rest to recover Piuma the former though assisted by the besieged who sallied out of the Fort could not advance but the others when they came neer Piuma infused such terrour into the Venetians as abandoning the Town without making any resistance they betook themselves to their heels and fled without stopping till they came to Luciniso whose example was immediately followed by those who were about the Fort who seeing Piuma abandoned forsook their Trenches also and unpursued ran shamefully away and though at first the Commanders and afterwards Medici who was come then from Luciniso got them to return to their first stations yet afterwards better considering the confusion the Souldiers dismaiedness and the undauntedness of the Enemy who despising death and presenting themselves fiercely before them after they had waded the River which they had so couragiously past over only to relieve the Fort and who therefore were likely not to refuse any danger so they might relieve it they chose to shun the incounter and to forgothe enterprise with some loss of reputation lest they might be driven away with loss and shame the Souldââ¦ers retreated therefore in good order to Luciniso and the Fort was freed by the Austrians singular valour at last the Hollanders appeared 4300 in number in two Regiments led on by Count Iohn Ernestus of Nassaw Nephew to Count Maurice 300 whereof were at her own charge sent by the Princess of Orange under the same Count and 1000 brought at his own expence by Colonel Georgio Sergi Wassenofen who was nobly rewarded by the Venetians for so generous an action these Souldiers were very well armed and clad commanded by many Gentlemen of very good quality and were therefore of great help to the Venetian Camp Wassenofen who was the first that came to Venice was sent by Land to Friuli and the Count coming soon after went by Sea to Montfalcone and from thence to the Camp as soon as Commissary Lando and General Medici saw the Hollanders they immediately betook themselves to pass over the Carso leaving the care of the Camp and of all things on this side to Commissary Nicolo Contareno who succeeded Forscarini with sufficient Forces to Guard the Country and with excellent Orders to be put in execution in due time They caused a Bridge to be privately cast over Cassoianâ⦠four miles below Gradisca by which Lando Medici and Erizzo past over into the Country of Montfalcone with 5000 Foot and about 800 Horse which being joyn'd to Nassaw's Hollanders and to other Souldiers who were muster'd there were divided into four Squadrons according to the ways by which they were to march Commissary Lando though he desired and was resolved to be present at this passage was notwithstanding perswaded by Medici and the rest who to shun adventuring the publick dignity in his person forc'd him to tarry in Montfalcone where he might be more serviceable in taking order and in making provisions for the Enterprise Erizzo was to be ready with a flying Squadron to come in and assist where any need or sudden accident should require Cosimo di Marchesi del Monte he who first discovered Carso went by the first way neerest the Sea and furthest from Lisonzo with 800 Foot and being come to Dobredo he presently took it and for more security began to fortifie it Oratio Balioni went by the next way with 1500 Foot four small pieces good store of Pioneers and Ammunition for War Count Ferdinando Scotto going
good quantity of Powder towards the City This succour being conveyed privately between Fort Sandoval and a little Bulwark neer the Sesia was brought very neer the City but the Enemies Horse falling upon the Van it was presently defeated the middle Squadron throwing away their Ammunition foorded over the Sesia and got to underneath the Walls of the City whereof many being pursued even to the Ditch were many of them slain the third Squadron got safe back to the Duke In this action 120 were taken prisoners of which Orfe his Serjeant-Major Orfe's self having escaped luckily by flight On the Governours party Don Luigi di Leva was slain and Don Ottavio Gonzaga the Baron Batteville and Lodovico Guasco were wounded the first was found sorely wounded lying amongst the expiring bodies and died not long after the other two though sorely wounded also escaped death many of the middle Squadron got into the City but without their Ammunition so as the Town was not at all relieved by this attempt So as a second assault being suddenly given on several sides and which the defendants not being able to resist the assailanââ¦s appearing already with their Banneââ¦s upon the Walls the assaulted helped themselves by a false rumour crying give fire unto the Mine which being heard and believed by the assailanââ¦s who had been oft times strangely deluded they immediatelâ⦠turn'd their backs and abandoning what they had taken fled away headlong which they did not without much loss for being pursued by the Enemy by Musket-shot whereof not any mist and with stones by such as wanted powder they were smitten sorely and doubtlesly if they had given less belief to the Enemies words or had kept longer upon the station which they had taken the business would hââ¦ve been this day dones for many of the defendants wanting powder they were forced to use their Pikes and Swords and two of the Spaââ¦ish Foot who had undauntedly advanced got as far in as to St. Andrews Church where one of them fell and the other being sorely wounded escaped death by Marquess Calusio his generosity who admiring so much valour in an Enemy commanded he should be no more moââ¦ested But in fine many of the defendants being wounded in those assaults amongst which Monsieur di Bles a French Commander their Ammunition being all spent and despaiââ¦ing either to be relieved or able to resist any longer they resolved to come to composiââ¦ion which the French were occasion why Calusio and all the Dukes Captains except it were Sanfrone consented unto for they finding that the Town could not hold out much longer thought they had done sufficiently enough in point of honour and in obligation to the Duke in whose service they thought themselves not bound obstinately to lose their lives he not being their natural Prince nor they fighting for their Country so Evangelista Tosti a Perugian Captain going out with the Governour and two Companies of Horse to Parley he demanded four days Truce which being positively denied the agreement was finally made upon these conditions That all the Ravelines Half-Moons Stations and Fortifications which were without the Wall should be delivered up the next day that the next day after all the Souldiers should march both out of the City and Citadel with Drums beating Trumpets sounding Bullet in mouth Match lighted Colours flying with all their Baggage two pieces of Cannon Mills Cattel Victuals and with every thing else that belonged unto them That they should have sufficient carriages allowed them to carry away their goods their wounded men and all their Implements besides many other Articles very favourable to those of Vercelles upon which conditions Hostages being given on both sides all things were performed with great fidelity and satisfaction there march'd out 4109 Souldiers part on foot part on horse back whereof 600 wounded who were carried in Carts and 300 staid in Vercelles not being able to be removed they marched through the Enemies ranks being praised by all for their valour The Marquess of Calusio and the Engineer Sanfrone were met by Don Piedro and the chief of the Army and honourably received by them and were accompanied by them to the Rendezvouz of Armes where they took their leaves the Governour having in a grave and civil manner shew'd Calusio the great mischief of war and the good which would redound by peace and therefore to offer the Duke the restitution of Vercelles if he would be quiet upon reasonable conditions which that they might the better be concluded he said he would be ready to speak by word of mouth with the Duke in any place of safety There died in this Siege besides those that have been already named Serbellone the Camp-master the Count of Monte Castello Brother to the Marquess of Soncino Don Garzia Gomes General of the Artillery Ieronymo Mormillo a Neapolitan and Lieutenant to Montenegro The Governour himself as he was visiting the Trenches was shot in a place where he wore aââ¦certain relique about his arm but received no harm Montenegro received a shot upon a Button of gold which he had on his Doublet but was not hurt the Siege continued from the 24th of May till the 26th of Iuly following The Duke was not succoured by the French as he hoped and as it was commonly held he would ââ¦ave been the Marshal Diguieres though he had often promis'd it nor any other of that Nation appeared in Piedmont whether they were stââ¦aitly commanded the contrary by the King whose commands they had formerly but little valued or whether corrupted by Spanish Gold it is not known it was known that for the one or the other respect there was pââ¦id at this time from the Court of Spain to the Duke of Montelion Embââ¦ssadour for Spain at Paris 200000 Ducates and also because the peace being hotly Negotiated at this time whereof the French were ambitious to be the Arbitrators who it may be thougââ¦t the King of Spain would be hardly brought to consent thereunto whilst ââ¦e had not the better of the War they intended to gratifie him by not opposing him in this enterprise not so much in respect that the parity of ââ¦greement between the King and Duke would be a dishonourable example to all great Kings as for that the King seeming to have ââ¦he better by the aking of Vercelles and therefore satisfied in point of ãâã ââ¦e might the more confidently and with more reputation conclude it by their Kings means and it was generally held that if the Duke had been assisted but a little by the French Vercelles had not been so easily taken for the Duke coming one night with those few men he had put the Spanish Camp into much fear and confusion left by assaulting some one place he might make his way through the Enemy to the City nor was the fear vain nor danger small for the besiegers being imploi'd in defending so many places in the so long circuit of the Trench and busied not so much in keeping the
be very ill satisfied therewith and according to her accustomed cunning laid the fault wholly upon the Embassadours as if they had done it of their own heads without the Commonwealths knowledge They therefore chose Seignieur Contarini in their place and sent for them presently back to Venice that they might give a severe account of that Action pretending that they had exceeded their secret Orders and particular Instructions They also complained hereof to all the Princes that weââ¦e their Friends protesting that they would not stand to the Articles agreed upon in France But whatsoever their secret Commissions were first it is to be supposed such prime Officers of the Common-wealth would not have transgressed so and moreover it is most certain that their publick Orders and Instructions were general and were sent after that the Senate had a Copy of the Articles published in the Court of Spain after they had been debated in Venice and after the Mahouns were lost So as the Commonwealth could not only not acquit her self by these her exclamations but did the more aggravate her fault and made ââ¦er cause the more odious as if not content with the small respect she had shewn to the King of Spain it had been lawful for her to treat the King of France so likewise who not having medled herein save only at the Commonwealths request and that he might do what would be very acceptable to her she when she had got her desire and advantage thereby would lay the fault upon the King which was her own But this excess past not unreseated for the King stomaching this refusal gave order that the new Embassadour Contarini should be ceââ¦ain'd in Lyons and not suffered to go from thence till the peace should be accepted of in Venice and till the other Embassadours should be freed from all imputation and should be fully restored to the enjoyment of all their dignities and places in the Commonwealth And yet the Venetians persisting in this their pretention a discourse in writing came forth not long after from Venice by which the same Embassadours said that they were forced by the King to stipulate that peace for as they alledged in that manuscript the King of Spain having referred the sole power of arbitrement of the differences in Italy to the King of France the King of France desired to make use of and to exercise that power and that having notice that the Duke of Savoy and the French passing into Piedmont after the surrender of Vercelles had committed violence in Alessandria where they had taken some of the King of Spains Towns the King of France began to doubt that the King of Spain when this should be known should alter his mind and by reason of these innovations should revoke the power of arbitrement which he had already granted So as out of a desire to end these differences before this News should come to the Court of Spain he threatned to abandon the Affairs of the Commonwealth and of the Duke in case the peace should not be speedily concluded and that he would joyn with tââ¦e King of Spain to the prejudice both of the Venetians and Duke of Savoy and that he did so far persist in this as he would not permit them time to send an Express to Venice So as thinking it the lesser evââ¦l they chose to comply with the Kings desires Which Justifications having neither substance nor solidity in them did make the fault more apparent and did much weaken the Commonwealths plea for if the King of Spain had referred the arbitrement of peace to the King of France why was not the Spanish Embassadour called to this action why was not this expressed in the ingrossing of that peace in the Preface whereof the King of France used as little forceable arguments as he could to honest the prevention that he might justifie it to be his own action as much as might be and what more fair and honourable Justification could ââ¦e produce for himself then this how could the King of Spain transfer the arbitrement of the affairs of Dalmatia Friuli and Istria to the King of France since they belong'd directly to the Emperour and to the Archduke which falling principally in the terminatââ¦on of that peace there was no reason why they should not only not be decided but even not referred without the knowledge of those Princes and without the intervening of their Embassadours and tââ¦e alledged violences as little to be believed if you either consider the Kings Person it being too contrary to the Laws of all Nations and wherein the Common-wealths Embassadours would hardly have met with the same measure at the Divano in Constantinople Or if you mind the rigorous discipline of the Venetian Common-wealth which is a severe exacter of observancy of publick Orders and Commissions from their Embassadours it not being likely that the Senators of that Commonwealth should so easily be threaââ¦ened into so great a transgression For who could fear that that King without any fault of the Dukes or Common-wealths who were then absent and knew not his Princely pleasure and which is of more moment contrary to his own interest should so threaten the Embassadours only for a little refractoriness every one being probably to believe that the King would have highly commended their wisdom and constancy in refusing to adhere unto him As for the fear that the King of Spain should revoke the power of Arbitrement by reason of the new Commotions in Italy the vanity of the Paper doth therein more appear since it is most certain that the new Rumours and Insultations against the Towns in Alexandria began on the third and ended on the ninth of September and that the peace was concluded in Paris on the sixth day of the same Moneth How could the King of France in so short a time have notice of that Commotion How could he so soon resolve what to do not to lose the power oâ⦠arbitrement granted him how could ââ¦e ãâã with the Embassadours and afford them time to consult upon deliberaââ¦e and stipulate the Peace adde to this the large Authority and Power which the Commonwealth gives unto her Embassadours which they being to confer as they did were they not permitted to make peace And that if the peace agreed upon in Spain should not please the Common-wealth that it should be stipulated in France We may thereââ¦ore probably conclude by that Paper Writing or Discourse that the Common-wealths Embassadours were moved to that action rather out of any other respect then of that which was alledged But let us return to our Story The same Capitulations which were stipulated in France as hath been said were twenty days after accepted in Spain and agreed unto by the Emperours and Archdukes Embassadours in the names of their Princes by the Duke of Lerma in the King of Spains name and by the Embassadour Gritti in the name of the Commonwealth for the Court and King of Spain finding that the
Forces and Ensignes of the Kingdom under publick faith for that the affairs of the war were already agreed between the two Kings which had kept him from making provision of new men and by Expresses sent speedily away to Paris he made the like complaints to the King of France accusing his Ministers that by assaulting the State of Millain with the Arms and Ensigns of France they had broken the good understanding and the Conventions of peace which were agreed upon between their Majesties of France and Spain But on the other side seeing so many French and Dutch in Piedmont and fearing that they had higher aims he did the more sollicite that the new levies might be made which were already appointed and as if the safety of the whole State of Millain had been therein concern'd he writ into Spain for speedy supplies of money and demanded the succour from the Princes of Italy which they were bound to send for the defence of the State of Milain and to the Viceroy of Naples that he would immediately send him the Souldiers which were in the Fleet it being then returned from the Gulf for it was not thought that the peace though concluded would be observed by reason of the Dukes new resentments wherein it was much doubted that dissimulation might be used though it was known that the King of France had sent in all haste to the Court of Spain to excuse himself for what had happened as being done contrary to his orders and beyond all expectation through the too great fervor and ardency of his Commanders who were more inclin'd to novelty then that their two Majesties should joyn together in Union And if the Duke when he was beaten and under batches was so little pliable to Treatie of peace how much less was it likely that he would now conââ¦ent thereunto when he was on the upper hand How was it to be believed that ââ¦e and the other Commanders should abandon so raââ¦e an occasion in the present conjuncture of times and accompanied with so great good success But the errours were already too much multiplied which were committed either in undertaking or in prosecuting the war the ââ¦aking up of Arms for a meer punctillio of honour had produced too bitter fruits the King and Court of Spain having been interessed in this war contrary to their own will by their Ministers in Italy minding now more the safety and quiet of Italy then the honesting of an advantagious peace which was that for which the Italian Agents fought did detest the continuance thereof beyond measure and the King of France not being able to minde the affairs of Italy and not being desirous to lose the honour of having once again made peace in Italy wish'd that it might be made by any whatsoever means and therefore as the King of Spain accepting of the King of France his satisfactions had sent very precise Orders into Italy for the execution of what was agreed upon so the King of France having upon the complaints made by the Governour sent a Messenger into Italy to reprehend the French Lords and Commanders sharply for what they had done and to wish them upon pain of grievous punishment to desist Italy was freed from the troubles of the late war and from the fear and dread of that which was to insue which was likely to have been more cruel and bloody then the former So as the Duke seeing himself on the one side at it were abandoned by the Venetians and that the two Kings were desirous he should agree and on the other side that he had brought his affairs to such a pass as that he might compound with satisfaction gave way to what was establish'd in France and in Spain the rather for that he was fully secured by the King of France that Vercelles should be restored and that his State should be secured and defended Thus then the here under-written Articles were made on the ninth of October in Paris whither the Governour was gone between the said Governour and the French Embassadour with the Cardinals assistance and intervening That the Duke should lay down Arms before the present moneth October should be ended according to the peace of Asti of which disarming the Embassadour promised the Governour should have notice given him by the King of Fââ¦ance that he should restore all places appertaining to the Duke of Mantua to the Church to the Empire and to whatsoever particular person this being done that the Governour to comply with the King of France his desire should in the King his Masters name restore immediately whatsoever had been taken during the war that all prisoners should be set at liberty on both sides as soon as the Duke should have restored that this being done the Governour should dispose of his Army according to the Articles of Asti upon these terms a period was put to the wars of Lombardy and Piedmont and the Duke at last laid down Arms rather for that he had less occasion to use them then that his desire to use them was lessened Rumours ceased not for all this on the Venetians behalf they were freed from fear of the Spanish Fleet which was gone by the Kings command from the Gulf and retreated into the Tyrrhene Sea they perceived the weakness of the Spanish Counsels and Forces in Lombardy that the Dukes Forces by the great recruits from France and Germany had got the upper hand they argued by the dissimulation used in the Court of Spain and by the insultings suffer'd in Alessandria that the King and that Court were weary of war in Italy and desirous to make peace upon any terms They therefore being confident that they should meet with the same respect and the like usage notwithstanding the peace already made will continue the Siege of Gradisca which they saw was reduced to so great streights as it could not long hold out howsoever were it either for the reputation of their Forces or out of a desire of getting that Town they could not think of coming empty-handed out of this war wherein they had been at so much pains and expence and doubtlesly if they had effected their intention all things would have been again in great disorder so loth would they have been to part with that they had gotten but their Counsel proved not at all fortunate for Archduke Leopold who had still an eye to the conduct of that war upon the Confines of Friuli and the Spanish Embassadour Resident in Venice knowing how impossible it was to be relieved nor having any other means whereby to provide for the preservation of that place writ to the Governour of Millain letting him know in what danger it was of being lost unless as the last remedy he would molest the Confines of the Commonwealth on his side The Governour therefore made many of the Forces who were quartered upon those Confines pass into the Counties of Bergomo and Crema who took from the Venetians the Castle of Fara
and Mantua listned first to the Duke of Mantua who being impatient to be still subject to be molested by the Duke of Savoy and being also desirous of revenge for the losses and injuries which he had suffered indeavoured to give the Duke of Savoy a more powerful neighbour then himself wherefor coming to Pavia where he spoke with the new Governour he offer'd to yield up Montferrat to the King of Spain upon the receiving of another State by way of change which might be equivalent to Montferrat a business which could not be effected as well by reason of the inequality of the bargain as for that it was of an odious consequence and badly resented not only by the Duke of Savoy but by the Venetians and by the French and which consequently would have afforded occasions of new jealousies and commotion instead of taking them away wherefore forgoing the further pursuit thereof he fell upon a more pleasing Negotiation to compose the differences of Montferrat so as both the Dukes might be contented and that wound might for ever be cured which was likely yet to cause so great Commotions in the now peaceful condition of Italy but this indeavour proved vain by reason of the too great difference of the two Princes pretentions so as though Feria treated thereof first with the Duke of Mantua in Pavia and afterwards with Phileberto Prince of Savoy who was at this time come from Sicily to Piedmont yet nothing was concluded but those ends are seldom composed which are most earnestly indeavoured This so great desire of peace and satisââ¦action to the Princes of Italy shewn by the King and Spanish Agents now when the edge of their weapons was taken off by the late accidents produced effects clean contrary to their intentions for the Duke of Savoy and the Venetians finding thereby that the Court of Spain did forgo much of their high an antient pretentions when they had met with a constant couragious resistance grew the prouder and thinking that they were sure of the Kings good will they laid aside all fear of future molestation and much of their respect to the Authority and Power of that Crown and therefore holding back from what they saw the King did so intensively desire they thought by their being prepared for action to put a stand to the resolutions of that Court and to make them do whatsoever they pleased as if the King would grant any thing and would not refuse any conditions which might be favourable to their pretentions and this conceit was of such Force as the Venetians were iâ⦠eââ¦ther in resentment of the injuries and losses they had received or out of new jealousies occasioned by the much provision for war brought by the Duke of Ossuna into Manfredonia a Haven in Puglia in the Adriatick Sea were imboldned as was conceived by the stout encounters which were there had to cause that City to be entred in hostââ¦le manner by the Turkish Fleet sack'd and the Ammunition thereoâ⦠part taken away part thrown away nor did the other Princes of Italy who for so many years before had been incumbââ¦ed by the Spaniards too great authority disapprove of these comportments thinking that the lower the Spaniards were brought they should be the more excused by the Ministers of that Court or at least treat with less pride and surquedry so as though they in outward appearance persevered in their wonââ¦ed ââ¦espect and obsequie et they were inwardly glad to see their condition better'd at the cost of others But the French were much exalted in pride and pretentions for having twice fomented the commotions in Italy by their Forces and twice composed them by their Authority so as they thought themselves to be become now absolute Arbitââ¦ators of the affairs of Italy from which they had so many years before been excluded therefore though they kept friendship and good correspondency punctually with the Crown of Spain and shun'd all occasions of falling out with them yet being no less studious then the Spaniards to increase their friendship with the Italian Princes which that they might continue they indeavoured as much as they could to keep the Duke of Savoy and the Venetians united nay to draw them to themselves and to separate them totally from the Crown of Spain the former having been the Bridge and Gate whereby their Forces entred Italy and the latter a powerful Instrument to maintain their Authority by whose means and by their Authority in the Court of Rome they hoped to turn and winde all things as they listed and to make a strong counterpoise in the midst of Italy where they possess'd nothing to the Spaniards who had so great possessions there to this purpose the King of France was pleased to give his eldest unmarriââ¦d Sister for Wife to the Prince of Piedmont and chose the Cardinââ¦l of Piedmont who was gone to reside at Rome to be Protector of France assigning over Annual Rents and Ecclesiastical Benefices to him and turning all the Authority and Favour of the Crown upon him to the end that he might live in the Court of Rome with no less splendor then authority which actions gave no little jealousie to the Court of Spain as if the King of France did by these so strict conjunctions and great favours aspire to lay surer foundations for his own affairs in Italy and to out-do the Spaniards The accidents and conjuncture of times did also much augment the preââ¦entions of the French and the Venetians for the Truce being expired between the King of Spain and the Hollanders which was contracted for twelve years in the year 1609 the King of Spain made war upon them hoping to reduce them to their antient obedience and in Germany the affairs of the Empire and of the house of Austria met with stout opposition by reason of the great wars and troubles of that Province begun in Bohemia the Inhabitants whereof rebelling against Archduke Ferdinando who was chosen to be their King some few years before went to a new Election and chose the Prince Elector Palatine for their King And therefore Archduke Ferdinando who in the year 16ââ¦9 succeeded Mathias in the Empire declared the Bohemians and the Palatine to be Rebels and made war upon them to chastise the one's rebellion and to allay the others Tyranny and because the Catholick Princes of Germany and the Duke of Saxony joyn'd in League and adhered to the Emperour and the Protestant Princes joyn'd also in a League which they called the Union and adhered to the Palatine opposing the others the King of Spain was necessitated to assist the Emperour with all his Forces to the end that the Cesarian and Austrian Authority beginning to toââ¦er in Germany it might not draw after it the ruine of the States in Italy and Flanders which were so neer conjoyn'd to the safety and Grandezza of the house of Austria and Crown of Spain so as these two wars being risen up like two devouring whirle-pools of men and
had been oppress'd and suffocated by their more powerful Confederate And the Tyranny was the more cruelly exercised against them for that the Catholick Religion was constantly profest by the Valtolinians and Calvins abhorred Wherefore said they the Commotions of the Valtoline were not nor could not be esteemed Rebellion but the defence and maintaining of the Catholick Religion and the recovery of their natural Liberty which was not only allowed of but favoured and assisteâ⦠by all Laws both humane and divine That this was the reason why no Prince how great or powerful soever having neither jurisdiction nor command over them could without using violence bring them under the command of others and much less under the unjust Tyranny of the usurpers of their Liberty from which by singular divine goodness and by the so great hazard of their lives and fortunes they had once withdrawn themselves Nay that all lawful and just Princes the more great and powerful they were were the more obliged by the Laws of Nations and by Gods Laws to favour and take into their protection the Liberties of opprest people and to turn all the forces of their Kingdoms to the destruction and beating down of Tyrants who were aââ¦hor'd and persecuted by all Laws both divine and humane And if the defence of the Valtolinians liberty was to be expected from any of the Princes of the present Age it did undoubtedly belong more to his Majesty then to any other who having taken the Valtolinians Religion and liberty into his protection before the Capitulation stipulated with the King of France he could not without breach of his Royal Word abandon them nor make them to do an action so contrary to the protection his Majesty had taken of them by forcing them to return to their former slavish condition But that this did bââ¦long to him ââ¦lone much more by reason of the hereditary profession of the House of Austria of always being the safe shield and constant defence of the Catholick Religion which was so annexed to the liberty of the Valtoline as the ruine ââ¦f he latter did necessarily draw after it the ruine of the other for who would doubt but if the Valââ¦oline should return again to underneath the slavery of the Grisons the Catholick Religion would be there trodden under foot Nor did that Article of the Convention whereby it was agreed that Religion should be returned to the same condition as it was in the year 1617. make any thing for the preservation thereof for his Majesty was abused in that Point as well as in the other of Religion being falsly given to understand that the Roman Religion was that year unblemished and undefaced there and that this cousenage was so much the greater as the inconveniences and exorbitances which did thereby result were the greater and that therefore the better provision was to be had for it Saying that the demolitions and profanations of Churches the usurpation of Church goods the Martyrdomes and banishment of religious people the Schools and Seminaries for the breeding up of youth in Calvinisme the abolition of Images prohibition of Indulgences and many other impious and enormious abominations were introduced in the Valtolme long before the year 1617. And on the contrary that obedience to the Pope the Introduction of the holy Office the accepting of Bishops and Prelates of the holy Church the accepting of the Councel of Trent and of the Gregorian Kalander the publication of Indulgencies the abolishing of Heretical Schools and Seminaries the Restitution of demolished Churches of the goods and persons of Church men and finally the extirpation of Hereticks and Her sies were the fruits and products of Liberty recovered the year 1620. Who sees not then said they that if that Article being to be put in execution and that Religion be reduced to the state it was in the year 1617. That your Majesty being highly abused doth command that all those abominations which were abolished in the year 1620. shall return in the Valtoline and that on the contrary that all of Holy and Catholical which was blessedly introduced there together with liberty be abolished We cannot said they without blushing and confusion represent unto your Majesty that which your most Catholick mind cannot without horror hear and know to be true not only all sacred Canons and most holy Councils of the Catholick Church do not only reprove such Conventions but do punish the Authors Fantors and Introducers of all these abominable impieties with severest excommunication the Solemn Oath your Majesty took a little before your Coronation to the high Almighty God to the Princes and People of this so Catholick Crown doth not admit of such Conventions The Catholick Kings your Predecessours who have spent so much Gold and blood of their best Vassels for the maintenance of Divine Worship and for the beating down of Heresie who have not valued the loss of whole Provinces for not admitting of any other then the Catholick Religion do conjure your Majesty the Inheritor not only of so many Kingdoms but of so great Catholick zeal not to allow of that Covention to which the world knows had you not been abused you would not have consented for all your Kingdoms They finally concluded with exaggerating the iniquity and inhumane cruelties of the Grisons which they were sure would increase together with their fierce hatred against the miserable inhabitants of the Valtoââ¦ine for their having taken up Arms in defence of their natural liberty and of the Holy Faith The King was doubtlesly moved with these Reasons which being afterwards divulged in the Court the chief Lords and Officers thereof and the people in general finding the resulting inconveniences by this cousââ¦nage put upon the King were much moved thereat and did confess that nothing more contrary to the Faith nor more prejudicial to Catholicks could be contracted amongst Heretick Princes and storming thereat knew not what to do whereby with safety to the Kings royal word and agreement the Convention might be kept from being put in execution and whilst they were busied thereabout a new accident fell out which furnish'd them with a means A Diet was resolved upon for the execution of this agreement amongst the Swissers to be celebrated in Lucerna one of the chief Catholick Cantons of that Nation wherein to boot with the Deputies of all the Cantons Monsieur Scappi Apostolick Nuntio with the Swissers was to be present for the Pope Monsieur Myron and Monsieur Monholon Embassadours in ordinary and extraordinary for the King of France and Gueffiere Resident in Rhetia and Andriano Tomasini President of the Parliament of Burgony for the King of Spain and the Duke of Feria was commanded to observe Tomasini's Orders for what should be resolved upon in that Diet touching the affairs of the Valtoline the Deputies also of the Grisons appeared at this Diet who presenting the Decree of general pardon granted to those of the Valtoline demanded the demollishing of the Forts lately erected
Grandezza being by such a sound obstacle disjoyn'd and segregated from Italy could less easily hold intelligence with the Iââ¦alian Princes or administer hopes of assistance to them Wherefore Feria seeing how much by the success of that Enterprize happily begun under his auspicious Government and more happily ended he had exceââ¦ded the hopes of his Predecessors returned full of joy and glory to Millain triumphing over the Grisons with the Artillery recovered after a hundred years which being adorned with Lawrel were in manner of Triumph drawn before him But look how much the condition of the Crown of Spain was better and more advantaged by so many good successes so much the more did Jealousie increase amongst the Italian Princes and the apprehension of their own Liberty and Command and together with this jealousie envy and endeavours of opposition increased in those that envyed the Spanish greatness the latter not being able to see so great an advancement in authority nor the others to see that little loop-hole much to their grief shut up by which their liberty in the greatest and most urgent streights might breathe And as some stood lookers on and quiet observers of these events the lesser expecting when the greater should move so the Duke of Savoy though the preââ¦udice did not chiefly belong unto him unless it were that the Spaniards needing now no longer any passage through Savoy should have less occasion to put an esteem upon him yet were it either that as an Italian Prince he was touched with the danger of others or that he thought the too much Grandezza of the Spaniard might prove dangerous to his own affairs or that he did desire by all means to cross the ends and designs of that Crown he thought it no little diminution to his own Interests that the Spaniards should not any more stand in much need of his Friendship But the Venetians were chiefly mad hereat whom the danger did more nearly concern as those that saw that the Spaniards and Archduke by getting firm footing in the Grisons Country and by the Forts erected in the Valtoline had not only disturb'd their ends and bereaved them of the good they hoped for by League with that Nation but as it were imprisoned their liberty and laid it at their feet wherefore as if the total of their affairs and their utmost ruine were in question they resolved to remove every stone to omit for no expence nor labour and to refuse no danger so they might provide against the prejudice and mischief of so great an alteration of affairs and finding that the moneys they had disburst amongst the Grisons and Swissers the raising of men intended in those parts their assisting of those people that they might subsist and not be oppressed by the Spaniard had proved altogether vain and that they of themselves were not able to undertake such a business They resolved to move those Princes whose interests might be concern'd in the ends and actions of the Spaniards tââ¦rouze themselves up upon so great an occasion they forbore not to exclaim against those actions and to make it known in the Courts of all Princes as well Italians as Forreigners what the Spaniards ends were in entring upon this enterprise and how under the vail of Religion they did undermine the Common Liberty incited people to rebel maââ¦e themselves masters of other mens States aimed at the reducing of Italy into slavery to suffocate the Apostolick See to give the Law to all Italian Princes and after having put the yoke about their neck make them dependent upon the Spanish Empire and be at their beck that this was a great step whereby to ascend and arrive at the absolute Monarchy of Iââ¦aly and of all Christendom which they so earnestly thirsted after that the interest of all men the safety of the Empire and the Common Liberty were herein treated of that therefore with an unanimous consent they ought to withstand these beginnings oppose the progress of these unions and concatenations of States so prejudicial to all men to the end that when all remedies should be too late they might not in vain bewail those losses which would be the infallible result of their not having moved upon this occasion that doubtlesly if they would all resent themselves and behave themselves generously in this affair the Spaniards would be forced to yield to their unanimous will and consent and desist from the enterprise which they had begun against the Common Safety and Liberty These and the like Reasons alledged by the Venetians at the beginning of these Commotions in France Rome Italy amongst the Swissers and Grisons wrought not much effect nor were of such moment as such an accident required The Court of France not being well pleased with the Venetiââ¦n League desired that the Grisons affairs might be perturbed and that the Venetians might reap but bitter fruit of their Negotiations the Pope who was full of years and of indispositions shew'd not such resentment as would have been necessary the Swissers disagreed within themselves and as the event shewed afterwards inclined more to favour the Spaniards Designs then the Interest of the Common Cause so as the Grisons being left alone in the Field though set on and fomented by the Venetians were forced to succumb to the stronger But Gregory having succeeded Paul in the Popedom as hath been said who seemed to resent the business more then his Predecessour had done and the French finding what advantage had redounded to the Spaniards by the revolt of the Valtoline and how much they had suffer'd thereby in their own authority they began to be no less troubled thereat then the Venetians and by title of Protection over the Grisons the ancient Confederates of that Crown to pretend that they might be restored to the entire possession of their liberty and of the Valtoline But many things opposed their desires the League between the Venetians and that Nation confirm'd contrary to the Authority of that Crown by which and from which so many inconveniences did arise the war which the King of France made against the Hereticks of his own Country to reduce them to his obedience and to the obedience of the Catholick Church and therefore taking from them those priviledges which they had extorted in the former wars he was intent with all his Forces to heal that wound which troubled his Kingdom and besides that this war did keep him sufficiently busie and kept him from forreign imployment the Title thereof also like that which the Spaniards did pretend against the Grisons would not permit that he without manifest repugnancy should favour those same Hereticks out of his Kingdom which he did with such fervency and religious zeal endeavour to extirpate at home The peace also and good correspondency between his Crown and the Crown of Spain did repugne it which being very convenient for the common interest it did not suit well with the King of France to discompose especially his own
Kingdom being in trouble and by directly entring into war with the King of Spain to kindle new fires at home upon the interests of others the fresh example of his Father King Henry was also sufficient to keep him from such an enterprise who when he was in greatest authority and his Kingdom in compleat peace did not break with the King of Spain for building Fort Fuentes which was so prejudicial to the interests of the same Grisons nor would he meddle in those affairs otherwise then by intercession how much might it be said then did it become the present King in the beginning of his Reign the Forces of his Kingdom being divided amidst so many Domestick troubles to forgo his Fathers example and to engage himself in Forreign affairs against a most powerful King the event whereof being of such weight and importance might certainly be supposed would prove if not altogether prejudicial at least long and dangerous to do this it was requisite to have a powerful Army just as if he went to get the State of Millain back'd by the German Forces Besides moneys the sinews of war were wanting and many other things necessary for such an expedition on the other side he was obliged by being bound to protect his Colleagues and their States which he could not with his honour see abused but his Kingdoms interest did urge him much more theââ¦eunto to the prejudice whereof so great a union of the Austrââ¦an Dominions did redound nor had the example of his Father King Henry alledged to the contrary any thing at all to do in this case nothing being then upon the stage but a Fort built by the Spaniards upon their own ground whereas now the usurpation of States was in question the oppression of a Commonwealth confederate with his Kingdom the manifest danger of the Apostolick See and of many other Italian Princes Friends to the Crown which he could not with wisdom nor honour suffer to fall under the Spaniards slavery as for examples that of the same Henry might serve when not being able to suffer that the possession of Cleves and Iuliers should be disputed with the German Princes nor that the Spaniards should increase their power and reputation by the oppression of those Princes and by usurping those States he took up Arms against the Crown of Spain and against the house of Austria and incited almost all Christendom against them that these examples and respects were to be prefer'd before anger conceived against the Grisons for making League with the Venetians if contrary to custom we ought in important resolutions to have any consideration at all upon private spleens which were never known to be prefer'd in well regulated Counsels before wholsome deliberations To these Reasons which were of great force were added the Venetians and the Sovoiards instigations who shewing themselves ready to concur in the same war wish'd consideration might be had that the authority of the French was at an end in Italy if the King should not be permitted to enter by that way or should suffer those parts to be fortified by which they might enter with a few men into that Province in defence of so many Friends and Clients of their Kingdom for the good of the Apostolick See and to curb the covetousness and ambition of the Spaniards who when they should once become masters of what they had usurped and have thereby joyn'd the King of Spains Forces with those of the Austrians in Germany would grow unsupportable for their natural pride and arrogancy and invincible by reason of their Command Authority and Power insomuch as the Princes of Italy being deprived of the French aid which was the only support of their liberty would be forced wholly and every where to yield to the King of Spains pleasure and to reverence and adore the name of Spaniard as an earthly Deity from whence they were to expect and to acknowledge the life and safety of their affairs or otherwise their utter ruine how great a glory how great an honour would it be to the now King in the first beginning of his Reign and as it might be said of his life to win so much authority in Italy not only by sustaining the Duke of Savoy against the Forces of the Spaniards but by becoming Arbitrator of peace or war between that Duke and the Crown of Spain wherefore then should he not only lose so great an acquisition but by abandoning the Grisons the ancient Confederates of his Kingdom and by permitting all the Princes of Italy to fall under the slavery of the Spaniard make the world see that the King of France had neither courage nor power to defend his Confederates to strengthen so many Princes who expect from him only cure for so mortal a wound to provide against so great prejudice which would redound to himself in his reputation and to his Friends and Clients in their Safety States and Liberties These and the like Reasons very much press'd and vehemently pursued in that Court might peradventure work upon their wills but could not remove the difficulties of the enterprise for how was it possible for that King who then lay panting before Montalban a great Town in the midst of his Kingdom when France was divided into several Factions and the Kings Treasure exhausted to think of Forreign enterprises against the King of Spain and house of Austria who were already possess'd of the Valtoline and almost of the whole State of the Grisons who joyning in the Common Cause the State of Millain would abound in Dutch and by means of their Indian Gold they might turn his Kingdom up-side down now when it was full of ill humours the King and his Council did therefore what was most convenient for their present condition which was to proceed friendly with the Court of Spain and to treat of composing the present Occurrences in a civil way To this purpose Monsieur Bossompier was sent extraordinary Embassadour to the King of Spain and finding there more likelihood of good success then he could have imagined he thought the business happily ended but the French finding afterwards that the effects were not answerable but that the Spaniards sought by sophisticated interpretations to annihilate and overthrow all Conventions and that having proceeded further in Rhetia they had in part lacerated in part subjugated the Liberty and Commonwealth of the Grisons putting new and bitter conditions upon them wholly contrary to what had been by common consent agreed upon at Madrid they thought themselves doubly concerned in this business for to the ancient Consederacy and Protection of the Grisons was added the Capitulation at Madrid which the French could not without a great affront to their King suffer to be so trodden under foot and by the easiness of satisfying their desires which they found in the Spanish Court concerning this business conceiving better of themselves and worse of the Spaniards they thought that when the King of Spain should see them in
not therewithal contented as not being willing by any means in a business of so great concernment and importance to depend upon anothers will subject to so many casualties and accidents of Variation which might peradventure happen And because the business of the Palatinate grew more difficult the King of Spain keeping himself within the bounds of not promising any effectualy estitution which the Prince of Wales desired and pretended that it was promised affirming that he would use his Authority and best indeavours with the Emperour to whom he said the inteââ¦est of concession did chiefly belong and upon whom the disposal of that State did absolutely depend men began therefore daily to suspect more and more that the Court of Spain having been from the beginning intentionally and inwardly against the Match they had only cunningly held on the Treaty partly out of their own ambition and Grandezza partly for the Honour of the Prince whom they seemed to esteem very highly but chiefly that they might gain time and advance the mean while in the business of the Valtoline Which the Prince percerving he parted from that Court after he had been six Moneths there without having made any conclusion and imbarking in a Fleet which was come from England to re-conduct him he returned to his own Kingdom carrying with him implacable hatred grievous complaints revenge and enmity instead of friendship and a Wife Here I the Translator of this Book must crave leave both of my Author and Reader which if it may not be granted me I will presume to take to insert a passage which then happened and does relate to this Story it being a full and perfect Vindication of a scandalous imputation laid by some black back-biting Dogs nay foul-mouth'd Curs upon this then glorious Prince my since blessed King and now and for ever that undoubtedly happy Saint in Heaven King Charles late Monarch of Great Britain and Ireland they being defirous to make the world believe by their scurrilous speeches and writings that this pious conscientious and religious King was a Papist in his heart and intended to introduce Popery into this Land And truly since it falls out so pat and so aptly here I cannot forbear doing it though I know it be unusual and contrary to custome for Translators to adde any thing of their own and this it was I Who had the honour to be bred up with this hopeful Prince and who account it my greatest happiness to have known him and to have been known by him when he was King having heard a street Report that this Infanta his then Mistress and since Wife to the King of Hungary was turned Lutheran according to the gratious freedom his Majesty was always used to afford me I told him of it one day when he was at Dinner upon the hearing whereof His ever blessed Majesty was pleased to say Harry if this be true I am confident I know who turn'd her which I desiring to know who it might be His Majesty answered Padre Rohose This Padre Rohose said His Majesty when I came to Spain was Confessor to the Infanta and in the absence of the Kings Confessor was also Confessor to the King He was one said His blessed Majesty who gave very diligent attendance upon me when I came first to Spain and for two or three Moneths space never failed to wait upon me when I was at Dinner insomuch as some acquaintance being grown between us he one day moved me that a Disputation might be had in publick between my Chaplains and some of the King of Spains Priests in point of Religion affirming that he knew it would be very pleasing to the Infanta I answered no saying I came not hither to turn nor to be turned in my Religion by any publick Argumentations nor have I any such Commission from the King my Father but rather a Command to the contrary but if you Padre Rohose have any thing to object against the Religion which I profess I will give you the hearing in private Padre Rohose being glad that he had got thus much began to object somewhat against the Religion profess'd in my Fathers Dominions at the beginning whereof said the Prince laying his hand upon the others Arm No Padre Rohose this is not the way this is to Dispute de non concessis But let me give you an account of my Faith and of the Tenents of my Religion first and then if you have any thing to object speak your mind freely Padre Rohose being herewith content as surely he had good reason the Prince began and made him a full and true relation of the Tenents of his Religion which when he had done Rohose replyed Sir do you believe all this Yes said the Prince And will your Highness give me leave said Padre Rohose to affirm this to others from your mouth Yes said the Prince do it boldly for this is the Religion I was born in and bred up in the Religion which is profess'd in my Fathers three Kingdoms and wherein by the Grace of God I am resolved to live and dye Why then said Padre Rohose for ought I know Sir you may be saved as well as I. My blessed King having told me this I asked His Majesty whether Rohose did not object any thing against what His Majesty had said Not at the present replied His Majesty but some few days after he took me aside and began to alledge some trivial things against what he had heard me say to which said the King I gave him such an Answer as I heard no further news of Padre Rohose for a good while whereat marvelling not a little I wonder said the Prince one day in publick why Padre Rohose hath not visited me of late What is become of him To which he was answered by a whisper in the ear That the Priest Rohose was forbidden coming any more to the Prince his Court left instead of his converting the Prince the Prince should convert him I could not omit mentioning this remarkable Passage here since as I said before I had so pat an occasion to do it and since it was to my self that His blessed Majesty was pleased to make this Relation upon the aforesaid occasion And upon the Faith of a Christian and Word of a Gentleman this is the full sence and as near as I can remember the very words His ever blessed Majesty was pleased to do me the honour as to tell me which though they wrought nothing upon me more then what I did formerly know and did confidently believe if they be not able to stop the mouths of those slanderous companions and make them bite out those Tongues wherewith they have indeavoured to throw dirt upon the Memory of His Sacred Majesty yet at least his constant perseverance in the profession and witnessing his Faith at his unpresidented death me thinks should make them do it And now to pursue my Authour again These practises made the French grow cooler as I have
Machinations whereby the world was to be turned up-side down and the Catholick Religon to be disturb'd the Spaniards though this Union might seem to be true by many successes which insued not having any certain proof which might clear these jealousies thought it a ââ¦afer way to work upon the new Pope by dissimulation then to alienate him further from them by complaints and vain resentments that which did most trouble the Pope was how to establish the Dukedom of Urbine in the Apostolick See which was as it were devolved thereunto by the sudden death of the Prince only Son to the old Duke who a little before the Popes Election was found dead in his Bed having been very well the night before when he went into it for he having no oââ¦er issue but a very young Daughter and the Duke being so very old as he was not likely to live long much lesse to have any more Children that Dukedom when he should be dead was to fall to the Apostolick See whereof it was an antient Fee ãâã and as this so great addition of State to the Church was odious to the confining Princes the Venetians and the great Duke so neither did the Spaniards approve of it wherefore they began to talk how they might continue that young infant in the Principality whereof by the ââ¦enure of investing she was absolutely uncapable by marrying her to a confiding Prince and so with satisfaction to all keep that State from being united to the Church the manifest claim of the Church did oppose these designs against which nothing could be attempted without open violence and without troubling the whole World Neither did the Pââ¦ety and Religion of the old Duke permit that to the prejudice of his soul and conscience he should leave his people whom he loved very well involved after his life in fore wars the difficulty of managing the business was likewise a rub and the great contestation which would be found in effecting it there not being any Prince to be found for this Marriage with whom the other Princes would be content so great an addition to the great Duke of Tuscany Cosin german to the Infants Mother who was Daughter to Cosmo the Second Father to Ferdinando the Second now great Duke of Tuscony on whom mens eyes were more fixed for this business then on any other was equally suspicious to the Spaniards and Venetians and to the other Princes of Italy It made more for the interest of them all to leave it in the Church the common Mother and Commonwealth the Empire whereof is more moderate by reason of the Sacerdotal profession of the often change of Popes and necessary vicissitude of Prelates which govern her and wherein all Princes had more reason to confide as being more interessed therein whereas on the contrary by joyning that State to Tuscany too great and powerful a Pincipality would be constituted in the very heart of Italy which extending from the one Sea to the other and dividing whole Italy it would have born too great a sway in all general affairs and dividing wholly the Kingdom of Naples from the State of Millain it might have been too prejudicial to the interests of the Crown of Spain in those troublesome times which afterwards hapned To this moreover was added the tender years of the great Duke who was under the Government of his Mother and Grand-mother that Archduchess of Austria Sister to the present Emperour and Daughter to the laââ¦e Duke of Lorrein and therefore little able to enter upon new undertakings so much controverted and of so high importance to fix their thoughts upon any of the Popes Nephews as was then spoken of would have been indeed more acceptable to all for it would have hindered the connexion of States a thing so prejudicial to that equality by which Italy is at the present maintained nor would the Spanââ¦ards have been against it to shun so great an addition to the greatness of the Church and to win the Popes favour but to boot that the Pope himself was not for it it was a scandalous example and subject to be revoked by the insuing Popes by the precise orders and institutions of the Church confirm'd by the reiterated Oaths of the Cardinals and Popes by which the new Feofments of States which are devolved to the Apostolick See are forbidden and the Infants age did most of all oppose it who was incapable of contracting Marriage so as by reason of the continual variation of worldly affairs no certain resolution could be taken in a business of such importance whereby all Princes might be satisfied and yet the Spanish Agents did abbet these endeavours but of all othââ¦rs Don Antonio di Tolledo Duke of Alva and Viceroy of Naples who was allied to the great Duke was most zealous in the business for the great Duke and the old Duke of Urbine being aware that Monsieur Santorio made by the new Pope Bishop of Urbine and who was speedily sent to his Episcopal residence began to be busie and to interpose his Authority in some Affairs which appertain'd more to the State then to his Episcopal care was not only much displeased with Santorio but interpreting it as if the Pope anticipating the time of the lapse had sent him as a Superintendent over the Affairs of the State thought himself much injured wherefore being angred he sent the Child to the Court of Florence and re-inforced Tossone and the other principal places with Garrisons and seemed desirous to Marry his Grand-child to the great Duke The Pope was certainly much troubled at these passages being wholly bent to reunite this State to the Apostolick See insomuch as waxing jealous he sent many men to the Confines of Tuscany and Urbine but they produced contrary effects to what the Spaniards pretended for they did the more unite the Pope to the King of France who having no Territories in Italy would always be a great friend to the Churches pretences and greatness which increasing without any prejudice to his Crown was prejudicial to the Grandezza of Spain which was envied by France and therefore the Pope that he might the better fortifie himself against the Spanish Machinations and that he might be reveng'd of them who endeavoured to anger him he shewed himself very resolute in the affairs of the Valtoline that when he had rid his hands thereof he might with more diligence attend the affairs of Urbine and because the Spaniards when they deposited the Forts of the Valtoline obliged themselves to the end that the Church might be put to no prejudice nor expence to pay such stipends as should be necessary for the Souldiers that they might defend them and the Spanish Agents having failed in their payments the Pope who was in teh mean while to take order for pay said with much freââ¦dom that he would not forgo what was his own for what according to the Grammarians was Appellative nor would he squander away the moneys of the Apostolick
Chamber in defence of the Valtoline which did appertain little or nothing to the Church but spare them for the eminent danger of the State of Urbine which speeches being accompanied with some other favourable Demonstrations to the French did trouble the Spaniards and made them very circumspect in the business of Urbino lest the Pope to make a greater conjunction with the King of France might probably precipitate the business of the Valtoline and yet being naturally very considerate he had two Consultations about the business of the Valtoline of the most conspicuous Theologists of the Court and most exemplary for holiness of life who having discus'd the business were of opinion that the Pope ought not to permit Catholicks to return under the yoke of Hereticks out of the evident danger of their souls which belonging to the Flock of our Saviour Christ it became him according to the Gospel to defend them like a good Shepherd from the Wolves though with the hazard of his own life Thus did the Affairs of the Valtoline alter out of several respects in that Court just like the ebbing and flowing of the Sea and the Pope not being resolved what to do in it that he might hold them both in hand temporized and delai'd his resolution but the French who whilst Gregory lived were quiet when they had a Pope who was their friend began to rouse up and to pretend that the Valtoline the Forts being demolished was to return under the Grisons command nor did they admit of any exception unless that for what concern'd the safety of the Catholick Religion the Pope should be the determiner this they said was dictated by the first Capitulations at Madrid and thus Reason and the King of France his Obligation to Protect the Grifons did require they persisted the more in these pretentions for that they saw their affairs were much altered for in the Spanish Court instead of alliance enmity with the English was increased the Spanish Army in Flanders and all the Forces of those States were busied before Breda a very strong Town of the Hollanders both for Situation Fortification and for its being triple fenced by water the taking of it was held impossible the Siege very long and of uncertain success the Hollanders having raised a strong Army to relieve it The Affairs of that Court had had but bad success in the Indies and in America for Ormuz a very strong Town situated in the mouth of Persia a principal place for Merchandize and of great annual revenue and of greater concernment for the command of the East-Indies was taken by those Barbarians they being assisted by English shipping the Baja de todes santos or All Saints Bay the chiefest staple Town of Brasile being perhaps in pursuance of the League of Avignon assaulted by a Holland Fleet was taken and sack'd which having had booty thââ¦re to the value of above two Millions of Ducates fortified themselves there intending further progress these were two mighty blows to the Crown of Spain which did oblige that King to send a powerful Army as he did to recover them and to boot that the event of these Affairs was uncertain they required great store of shipping multitudes of men and money nor were the wars of Germany yet wholly at an end for many Rebels of the Empire and whose Forces seemed rather to increase then to lessen did molest it in several places for the King of Denmark in conformity to the League at Avignon came into the Field very strong and had made himself head of the Protestant Princes who took up Arms against the Emperour to restore the Palatine to his Patrimonial State and who made great progress in the lower Germany On the contrary the Affairs of France which till now had been full of troubles and civil wars seemed to be brought into a safe Harbour and by several accidents to be in a better condition the King of England having broken the match with Spain had concluded a Marriage between his Son the Prince of Wales and a Sister to the King of France who was yet unmarried and joyning in League with him promised great things against the interest of Spain both by Sea and Land answerable to the League of Avignon and the tumults of France were either totally composed or it was in the Kings power to end them which accidents concurring at the same time were able to incite any Prince to novelties though never so much an enemy thereunto much more the King of France and French Nation who were so far interessed and ingaged in the business of the Valtoline and therefore though after many Consultations had in Rome between the Embassadours of Spain and France of themselves and afterwards with the Pope the Pope put forth at last some Articles touching the security in point of Religion amongst those of the Valtoline whereunto the Embassadour did agree and made others between themselves in their Kings name whereby the Valtoline when the Forts should be demolished was to return to be under the Grisons but with some Articles Conditions and upon pain of Escheat in case of swarving from the agreement and particularly with leave for the King of Spain to pass men thorow it yet the King of France accepting only those that were propounded by the Pope did absolutely refuse those that were agreed upon by the Embassadour and being highly offended with the Commandator Sillery who was his Embassadour he sent Monsieur di Bittune to succeed him and sent for Sillery back to France and did not only deprive him of his favour but removed his Brother who was Lord Chancellor and the Chancellors Son who was Secretary of State together with other of their dependants from their imployments being apprehensive as was said that they held some secret intelligence with the Court of Spain and being incensed against the King of Spain desired the Pope that he would either cause the Forts to be demolished or else restore them to the King of Spain to the end that he might make way to their demolishment without offence to the Apostolick See but the Articles of depositure withstood the demolishing and the restitution was gainsaid for fear of raising new wars between the two Kings so as look with how much more circumspection it became the Pope to proceed in his resolves so much more did the fervency of the French increase who not brooking any delay and seeing things in a way for war furthered the execution of the League and the preparations for all things requisite for what was resolved on But the Marriage which was just at this time in hand between Prince Phileberto of Savoy and Princess Maria Daughter to Francis late Duke of Mantua did either totally hinder or at least retard for the present the effects of so great a combination by which Treaty the Duke of Savoy who if he were not the head was a principal member of this League was diverted from the common Counsels The Spaniards had
administration of the King of Spains Treasure they receive Pensions Titles and Dignities from his Crown they receive the chief Government of his Kingdoms and States the prime jurisdiction over his Fleets at Sea the absolute command over his Land Armies they are admitted into and chosen to be Counsellors of his Privy Council and yet so many and so great Dignities Titles Imployments Offices and Preeminences do not at all prejudicate or weaken the Principality of their common Country but do rather strengthen it The occasion of so many miraculous effects may be attributed to the union and good Government of the Commonwealth which keeping her Forts Garrisons and the whole ground-works of the State in her own hands by the favour of her people who are more inclined to live free then any others and by the leaning-stock or support of her Nobility which being bound up and united in one body doth much exceed the grandezza of any one private Citizen and is sufficient to suppress any whatsoever force and to curb any intention which shall be contrary to the present Government it may be attributed to the good opinion of the Kings of Spain who being on the one side certain that they may have any thing of the Commonwealth in the condition she now is in which they can desire at her hands always provided her liberty be preserved and on the other side apprehensive of the strange consequences which might result from the turn of Affairs they have reason to abhor all novelty or alteration of Government But it may chiefly be attributed to the private Citizens ardent desire of liberty who being taught by the calamities of former times that the Principality of one alone is unsupportable to a people that are born free and how dangerous it is for him who shall arrive thereat and being made to know by their present happiness how pleasant useful and glorious a thing lââ¦berty injoyed in common is to all men and how much it makes them be esteemed in the Courts of Forreign Princes they love better to increaââ¦e and better themselves by the preservation then by the ruine of the common liberty and growing greater by their private fortunes to restore that splendor multiplied to their Countrey which at first they receââ¦ved from her They are therefore able to make it known in Princes Courts where they live how advantagious it is for their affairs ãâã Genoa should live in liberty and if at any time by any strange accidenâ⦠they be put to struggle for the maintenance thereof they by their greatness of spirit can shew themselves so zeââ¦lous in that behalf as by a generous refusal of the greatest Dignities Preferments and Fortunes which they hold from the King they are able to divert ill advised designs and to free their Country from the sinister influences which the bad counsels of any Officer can threaten it withall The interests then of the Crowne of Spaine and of the Commonwealth being thus fast link'd together those who envââ¦ed the Spanish greatness could not bear with such a parity of fortune and endeavoured by all means possible to break it sometimes openly endeavouring the common liberty of Italy ãâã they strove to ãâã themselves as a Prince of Italy sometimes whispering jealousies and suspicions secretly between both parties sometimes upbraiding the Genoeses with their having received dignities and riches from that Crown as gilded ââ¦etters of their liberty which under the shadow of friendship and equal confederacy was the base and servile slavery of the Spanish Empire King Henry the Fourth of France whom the French after his death honour'd with the Cognomen of Great having bent his thoughts in his latter years upon quelling the Grandezza of the house of Austria and of the Crown of Spain fix'd his eyes first upon the Commonwealth of Genoa intending to make his first blow at her as at one of the corner-stones of so great a Monarchy with firm resolution to cut that knot in pieces with the sword since he saw it impossible to be loosened otherwise but this design falling by the sudden fatal death of the said King the image thereof remain'd imprinted in his successors who thinking that the State of Genoa was become more then Spanish by this undissolvable knot and that it made too much against the common ends and designs did not only abhor the name of a Genoese but began to betake themselves against the Commonwealth thinking that when she should be abased the Spanish Empire should receive a shrew'd blow and that taking their rise so high the success must needs be good for they made their account that when they should have possess'd themselves of the State of Genoa the State of Millain being shut up on that side and being debarred from succour by Sea would be the sooner taken by Land Armies and that the Kingdoms of Naples and Sicily being so far distant from Spain would hardly be kept the breaking of the Contract which would certainly be effected by the loss of the Staââ¦e of Genoa incited them as much as any ohter respect and the Crown of Spain remaââ¦ing unable to make provisions for Armies they held for certain that the chief sinews of the Spanish Empire being thus cut in pieces the affairs of that Crown would give against such encounters as would make way for much further proceedings they therefore resolved to bend all their endeavours to plot any thing and to use all force against the State of Genoa as against that which did chiefly withstand the ends and interests of the common cause no provision was had for this by the last League of Avignon but the enmity which not long after arose between the Commonwealth and the Duke of Savoy touching the Marquisate Zuccharello much fomented these their machinations which enmity daily increasing a great combustion brake forth ââ¦rom a little sparke The Duke was not inclin'd at first to make war with the Genoeses upon this account for though he was senfible enough of their resistance and appeared to be already much in that resentment yet the ââ¦reaty of Marriage between Prince Philiberto and the Princess of Mantua detained him and forced him to swallow down any thing out of a desire of getting more pretences to Montferrat by this Match and to reunite himself to the Crown of Spain for to break with the Genoeses did diametrically oppugne both these ends whââ¦ch his mind was then chiefly set upon for there was no doubt but the King of Spain would interest himself with the Genoeses wherefore forbearing rigorous proceedings and falling upon a more moderate way he tried to get out of this trouble by some fair means he endeavour'd to get the Spanish Agents to delay the assigning over of Zuccharello for a while upon agreement that he would plead the utmost of his pretences within a few days in the Cesarian Court and that if he did not then obtain his intent it should be lawful for the Commonwealth to injoy this their new
and since he saw he could hope for none from Spain by reason of the Courts great aversion thereunto and for that the Fleet which was gone to recover Brasile had carried away 10000 men from those Kingdoms and that Marquess Spinola who was imploied before Breda did rather want then abound in men and that for the aforesaid respects he could not ground much upon the Kingdom of Naples he betook himself to Germany where without expecting any order from the King he gave out Commissions for making great levies of Germans Besides because he could not expect provisions of moneys from Spain and that the State of Millain was so exhausted as it could not furnish him with any he applied himself to the Genoeses nor was his application in vain for some of the richest Gentlemen of Genoa and who did most study the interests of that Crown seeing how much the welfare of the Commonwealth was concern'd in the preservation of the State of Millain furnish'd him immediately upon his ââ¦are obligation with between three and four hundred thousand Ducates by which he was inabled to disburse the first payments and to raise four Dutch Regiments consisting of 4000 Foot apiece he believed that the Confederates intended their first blow against the Valtoline because he understood the preparations were in greatest readiness in those parts all the provisions of the Counties of Bergamo and Brossia were brought into Vââ¦lcomonica which confines upon the Valtoline The Marquess of Coure had already raised two Regiments of Swissers and one of Vallesani besides two others which were come to him together with 600 Horse from France through the Country of Berne much Victuals and Ammunition was sent him from the Country of Bressâ⦠by the Rivers and Lakes of Helvetia so as not being able to conceal that any longer which was apparent to all mens eyes Feria sent often Messengers on purpose to advertise the Marquess of Bagni of every particular he being the head of the Ecclesiasticks in the Valtoline which Messengers being experienced in affairs of war and known in Fortifications might visite those Forts and might see whether they wanted any thing or no and who might offer Bagni Forces to re-inforce his Garrisons and to withstand the approaching assault but Bagni still refused his offers alledging that he had no orders from the Pope to receive nor to introduce any Garrisons of Forreign Princes into his Forts and the Pope did refuse it as well as he whom the Duke of Pastrana Spanish Embassadour at Rome did very much press thereunto in the name of the King and of Feria giving him a particular account of the danger the Valtoline was in of being assaulted by the Consederate Forces The occasiââ¦n of this rââ¦fusal appeared plainly to be because the Pope as also the Court of Spain trusting in the express and clear promises of the French that ââ¦ey would bear all respect to the Forts which were guarded by the Ecclesiasticks and that the Kings Forces would never commit any hostility against the Ensigns of the holy Chuch did not apprehend the fears which were thought to be very remote and idle and therefore being unwilling to beget diffidence and distrust in either of the Kings he added that the succours which were offer'd were superfluous and dangerous lest they might draw humours to that wound which they endeavoured to heal by succours for he said it was probable that the French would take pretence to assault the Forts of the Valtoline from the entring of the Spanish succours thereinto and would turn those Forces against them which they profess'd were intended elsewhere and that they would assault them not as deposited in the Popes hands but as assigned over by him contrary to the agreement of the Deposition to the Spaniards so as esteeming the remedy a mischief he thought the Articles of the Depositure and the Majesty of the Popes name and Ensigns to be a surer defence and a fitter means to remove new occasions of war then the Auxiliary Arms of that Crown he therefore did so far persist in his constant refusal as the many and pregnant evidences which were laid before him by the Spanish Agents that the French preparations were intended against the Valtoline were always by him repuls'd as imaginary jealousies vain rumours and as subââ¦le Spanish inventions Thus did the Pope carry himself in these and in other Commotions which not long after happened against the State of Genoa for a great many Souldiers being already pass'd from France into Piedmont where the Constable was already arrived and the Duke of Savoy making also great preparations for war out of his immense hatred against the Genoeses the Commonwealth had recourse to the Pope that he would intercede with the Duke and that he would assist them with some men in this so great and so neer at hand danger but all these endeavours and applications were to no purpose for the Pope constant to his resolution of Neutrality would not grant her any succour only to shew himself desirous of her preservation he proposed a League between him and the great Duke for the defence of the States in common which Proposition the Genoeses took to be either a kind of honourable denial of their request or an endeavouring to separate the Commonwealth from the Crown of Spain to the prejudice of that conjunction which if ever at any time was now necessary for them and from whence they might promise themselves more potent certain and undoubted aid then from any other Prince or Potentate and thereby to draw her insensibly into a League with the contrary parties which were chiefly ill minded towards her for there being but little correspondency then between the Pope and the King of Spain and on the contrary much distrust the Commonwealth could not joyn in League with o her Princes and particularly with the Pope without offending the King of Spain and without injurying the good will correspondency and the weighty interests of the common affairs nor could she without danger to her self separate her self from the union of that Crown which she had found to be so certain for the space of so many years so advantagious honourable and faithful which Crown were it only for the necessity of her own interests was forced to sustain her with all her power so to cast her self into the arms of the Confederate Princes who so vehemently conspired her ruine and yet the Commonwealth trying the Pope as it were with the like cunning answered that they would willingly accept of the Confederacy if the King of Spain were therein comprehended which the Pope not giving way unto for it would be an apparent parting from his profess'd neutrality and a drawing the enmity of the King of France and of the other Confederates upon him the Commonwealth was therefore not to hope for any assistance from the Pope for 1000 Foot being at the same time desired of him by the Commonwealth and by the great Duke who had but little
it being now in the power of the Ecclesiasticks he thought that if he should take it it would be a mighty stop to keep the Enemy from assaulting the State of Millain he plotted with Iohn Francisco Sacchetti the Popes Commissary-General in the Valtoline who was then in Millain to re-inforce the Garrison of Riva with a thousand Foot which if he would give way thereunto he would send thither Sacchetti consented as either not knowing the importance of the place or thinking it too hard to deny so small a matter in such a precipice of affairs so as 1000 Foot entring they re-inforced that place both with Fortifications and Garrison La Riva is nothing but an Inn to which is joyned a little Haven where the Merchandize which go and come from Germany into the State of Millain do lade and unlade it stands upon the top of the upper Lake which as being lesser is called Agheto and joyns by a strait channel to the lower Lake just as the head is joyn'd to the breast of the body by the neck the situation of La Riva is very narrow between the Lake and the Mountains which drawing neer the waters in this place leaves a little margine which serves for a shore a certain little Mountain stands over la Riva over which many high Mountains stand This place is of such consequence as whosoever will pass from the Valtoline into the State of Millain with Armies and Artillery must either go full upon Fort Fuentes which is upon the left side of the Adda where she falls into the Lake or go about by the River of the Lake and pass over to the shore opposite to the Fort and go from thence into the State of Millain and therefore as Fort Fuentes is too hard an encounter for those that will fall down by that way and assault that State so to go about by the Rivers of the Lake is impossible if la Riva which is in the midst thereof be fortified the Governour got leave to have it in his hands and to fortifie it strongly and munite it with men to oppose it as a fence against the Torrent of the French Forces nor was his Counsel therein bad for Coure having possess'd himself of the Valtoline as he would go to the recovery of Chiavenna by the River of the Lake and when he should have taken it would have saln down with his Army into the State of Millain he saw his design prevented by Feria's diligence so as being forced to change his way he turn'd back again by the same craggy Rhetian Mountains by which he came into the Valtoline and was necessitated to take a long and troublesome compass about by the Vale of Chiavenna but without any incumbrances or Artillery which because he was not able to bring thorow those Mountains he was fain to leave in the Valtoline Chiavenna made some resistance but not being able to hold out yielded as did the rest to the French and Coure finding that it would be impossible to pass by thence into the State of Millain without Artillery knew he must necessarily first expugne la Riva the which was the only deposited Fort that remained untaken leaving therefore some of his men in Chiavenna he returned with the rest into the Valtoline by the same craggy Mountains by which he was come The Duke of Feria on the other side commanded Serbellone that to boot with the thousand Foot which were already entred he should enter la Riva with 2000 more Foot who being come thither made many Fortifications as well upon the Plain of the Mountain as upon the Passes towards Chiavenna and towards the way that leads from the Valtoline and moreover that he might keep the Enemy from passing over with Barques into the opposite part of the Lake he munited all the Passes which were on the other side of the River of the Lake and of the Channel that were fit for landing to the end that Coure might not effect that by Water which he could never do by Land as long as la Riva held out so as that very Inn was able to put a stop unto the vast designs of the French and the other Confederates who when they should have taken it thought to have done great matters in Italy Thus la Riva only excepted all the Valtoline together with the Counties of Bormio and Chiavenna which by joynt consent of both the Crowns were deposited into the Popes hands were taken by the French and Venetians more by cunning and dissembling then by open force The Duke of Feria as he could not meddle in the defence before the taking of the Valtoline without order from the Pope so professing that the business did not belong unto his King after the depositure would not go to the recovery thereof without new orders but being content to keep la Riva expected new directions from the Court and the Court unwilling to come upon this occasion to a breach with France had recourse to the Pope laying all the burthen of this affair upon him and pretending the observance of agreement from him desired him that he would endeavour the restoring of the Valtoline and offer'd to assist him therein if he from whose hands the Valtoline was taken would use his own name for the recovery thereof The Pope abhorring to break with France no less then the King of Spain and thinking that the Spaniards would lay all the burthen upon his shoulders examin'd this business otherwise he considered how unworthy a thing it would be for the Pontifical Office to become the Author and Promoter of Discord and Wars between two Kings between whom as Sons of the holy Church he was bound to endeavour peace and union he considered that the ambition of some of the Spanish Agents contrary to the safety of the affairs of Italy had given just occasion for the present commotions wherin he neither out of right nor justice nor State-interest ought to favour them that possibly the King of France might have no hand in Coure's actions or that if he had his aim might only be to suppress the Spanish ends and to secure the common affairs of Italy that therefore it was necessary first to spie into his intentions that difficult and dangerous businesses were brought with more ease and safety into the Haven by fair means then by rigour and severity and that it would not be wisely done to fall foul at first whereby if the King should grow obstinate in the business he would by all means make it good that it was not the part of a Pope to give the King occasion to cast off his obsequiousness and respect towards the Apostolick See nor by making himself a party to give him such reason of distrust as if a breach should happen to fall out afterwards between the two Crowns he should be made unfit to recompose it that the Grandezza of the Apostolick See consisted in this which if she should be a partaker she would necessarily cast the
affairs which being by him abandoned were totally ruined the Grisons who were chiefly concern'd in the prejudice of the Valtoline could not tolerate that after having run so many dangers in point of liberty and suffer'd such calamities they should be deprived of so noble a part of their Dominions nor that their Protector the King of France should after his publick profession made to the contrary have consented so far when they did most believe to be restored by his Arms so as they complained bitterly and did openly refuse to accept of those Articles by which they were inforced to renounce their own interests the Venetians were mad seeing themselves deprived of that advantage which they thought themselves sure of after the expence of so much Treasure after having undergone so many Troubles after so many Plots and Artifices whereby for their own safety and the safety of Italy they had turned the world upside down the Pope was variously spoken of herein those who minded the reality of affairs thought he had reason to be very well satisfied with this peace since he had thereby vindicated his reputation by the restitution of the Forts which were to be put into his hands again and might pretend that his taking up Arms had been a great cause why the King of France had been brought to more moderate conditions on the contrary those who were more speculative and who were already sufficiently ill conceited of the Pope thought that as he had with so much dissimulation suffer'd the King of France to enter armed into the Valtoline so to secure Italy from imminent slavery and to abate the Spanish Grandezza so likewise that he took it very ill that the King of France should have stood upon so hard terms with his Legate in composing the affairs of the Valioline and if he were not ill satisfied for these respects they thought he could not be very well pleased finding that his neutrality which he had so publickly profess'd and the course which he had steered upon these present occurrences had not only not made him Arbitrator of the present Controversies but that the two Kings had agreed them without his knowledge and not without some prejudice to his authority and the Duke of Savoy was no less impatient at this then were the other Confederates for considering that instead of the resentment which he pretended unto against the Genoeses instead of the acquisition which he had hoped to have made in their Dominions he had lost many of his Patrimonial Towns lost his Artillery left in Gavi and his Galley with the Sea-Standard he thought that being to re-have them by agreement and not by force was to acknowledge that he had been a loser by that war so as he knew not well what to do to this was added that the peace being proclaim'd in France just at that time that the Prince his Son was in Paris and was gone thither to keep the King and that Court stedfast to the League and to procure new and greater preparations for war to be reassumed the next year which preparations that they might be the more certain and more dependent upon the Dukes authority and that he might have no occasion to contend with the French Captains and Officers as he had done with the Constable the Prince had desired and as it was afterwards reported obtained from the King the charge with title of General of the King of France his Forces in Italy wherefore the Duke being become proud as thinking himself grown formidable to his enemies and more regarded by the King of France then any of the Confederates now that he saw himself faln from such an height of expectation and abandoned by the French Court when he least expected it he held himself to be highly affronted and that the world would laugh at him but it was in vain to complain for the two Kings were firmly resolved to see their determinations effected and the Confederates not being able to do any thing without the King of France were forced to succumb and patiently to swallow down so bitter a pill and of so hard disgestion and the King of France who had no excuse for what he had done cared not much for their being unsatisfied his Agents sheltering themselves under the Kings greatness and authority alledg'd not any thing in defence of what their King had done but that the interests of the Kingdom required it should be so with which they said it behoved and was necessary that the Confederates should comply sometimes suffering it to escape out of their mouths when they were strait put to it that the Confederates not being any ways to be compared to their King they must look upon him as their superiour The Princes of France were no less ill satisfied with the peace it self then were the Potentates of the League wherefore hating the King as well as him who had been the chief cause of concluding the peace some who were discontented with the present condition of affairs and desirous of novelties and pretences to conspire against the Kings person and against Armand du Plesses Cardinal di Richelieu the Kings chief and most intimate Counsellor and Favorite and it not being known what the true causes were which caused the King to be so sollicitous in procuring this peace so speedily and with such secrecie some would have it and it was afterwards publickly spoken that the signs of the dangerous conspiracy which was discovered in the Court of France against the Kings person forc'd him to compose businesses abroad upon any conditions that he might the more securely provide against home conspiracies but the business being discovered in Nantes four moneths after the peace was concluded does totally exclude that consideration but whatsoever the matter was were it that the peace were the effect of the Conspiracy or the Conspiracy of the peace some Princes of France taking the unhappy conduct of the Kings affairs by the unfortunate success of war and by the dishonourable peace as pretence for their Conspiracy and finding that they could not pull down the Cardinal by reason of the constant belief the King had in him plotted to pull down the King himself many were thought to be complices in this Conspiracy the Duke and Cavalier di Vandosme natural Brothers to the King many were imprisoned upon this account the Count di Soissons Prince of the blood his absenting himself from the Court made him be suspected to be guilty many said that Monsieur d'Orleans the Kings Brother and heir to the Crown together with several other chief Officers who were very inward with the King were held to have a hand in it The Plot was that the King should be kil'd or deposed and that having no Sons the said Orleans should be made King upon whose genius as being more tractable and conformable to their humours those laid their foundations who endeavoured new resolutions in the world and the ruine of the League in prejudice to peace
and when this match was made was thought to be conscious of all things that had past wherat the Duke was very angry and held himself to be much injured and complain'd grievously thereof to the same Sanchiamond who was at this time returned from Turin to Mantua and to Monsieur di Guron a Gentleman sent by the King of France to keep him from the new Reconciliation with new offers not only touching his new pretensions but of assured and powerful assistance against the Genoeses for recovery of the Towns upon the River which were allotted to him by the Articles of Susa for the King of France being sufficiently imploy'd and intent about the business of Rochel did not omit any indeavours whereby the Affairs of Montferrat might be friendly compounded between the two Dukes This was the Auge or Vertical point of this Princes Greatness he being at one and the same time sued unto in his own Court and Idolized as a God on Earth by the Agents of two great Kings and tempted by most advantagious conditions to joyn with them as if all their actions did depend upon him and as if the whole Foundation of the safety of the present Affair did in him consist And as it often falls out in humane affairs that when things are come to the highest point they begin to decline so fared it with this Duke for not being able to mount higher and not being able through the volubility of Affairs to continue long in that pitch he was forced afterwards to stoop from that exaltation and was brought to lose a great part of his State and almost to his utter ruine Being amidst so many Proposals and finding himself together with the former offences injured by the French by the duplicity of this Matrimonial Treaty and being conscious to himself of the fresh injuries done to the King and Crown of France he gave no beliefe to his Agents great offers and thinking that he might build more safely upon the favour of the Spaniards by reason of the community of Interests and by the advantagious bargain which he should get from them in the dividing of Montferrat he rather chose to joyn with Spain than with France and afterwards acquainting the French Agents with this his resolution he tacitely pleaded the Peace of Monsone made by their King for his defence without acquainting his Confederates with it nor making any the least account of their concernments and in a gibing manner added That he had learnt of their King to joyn readily with the Crown of Spain which being now so faithfully united to that of France as might be seen by the helps which France received from Spain in the business of Rochel it shew'd that it was not to be doubted but that he being also joyned to the Crown of Spain would never be able to disunite it from that of France nor be any prejudice to it The French Agents being therefore dismist with small satisfaction as also the French Souldiers who were under his pay but keeping Marini the French Resident in Turin till such time as his own Resident should return from Paris his Reconciliation with Spain was perfectly established but unhappily as it proved by the great prejudice which contrary to their supposals befel both him and the King of Spain By the conclusion and exclusion of these practises the new Dukes affairs were brought to a very bad condition both in hopes and opinion for the King of France who was his chief Protector not being able to sustein him either by authority or force he had little help to expect elsewhere against the Emperour King of Spain and Duke of Savoy who joyn'd all together to drive him out of his State the latter two by force of Arms and the first by Judicial Authority and Edicts so as none of his other Friends who wish'd him well could assist him without indangering themselves since he wanted the strong support of France And the Princes of Italy though they were much troubled at this Prince's prosecution for the example and consequence thereof yet were they forced to proceed very circumspectly in declaring themselves and much more in assisting him nay it was to be feared that if required they would have declared against him The Emperours Authority was at this time very great and formidable having gotten the upper hand of the Prince Palatine and of his abettors all the Princes and Hans Towns of Germany rendred him exact obedience not so much for fear of his powerful Army of above 100000 fighting men which being distributed into several parts of Germany were ready at hand as for that by his happy Successes and continued course of Victory he seemed to be miraculously favoured by the Heavens And truly he was in his actions the most formidable of all his Predecessors and undoubtedly had he turned his Forces upon Italy he would have found ready obedience so as the Pope and Venetians in whom all Nevers his hopes did rest were forced to proceed with great caution in these present affairs which did not directly appertain unto them The Venetians that they might keep from provoking him by adding new injuries to the ancient enmities contracted with this very Emperour when upon the Croates account they assaulted Gradisca and endeavoured to deprive him of his Patrimonial Estate in Friuli and the Pope for that Peace between him and the Emperour making much for the good of Christendome it became not him to break it upon the score of the new Dukes succession Cesar's Authority was likewise augmented by the Peace made by him at this time with the Turk and Transilvanians and by the advantagious offers which were made unto him by his Rebels and by the Head of them the King of Denmark who being several times routed by him in Battel and berest of a great part of his Kingdom desired Peace wherefore it was to be doubted that these Commotions being appeased which were those which did only disturbe the Affairs of Germany the Emperour to maintain his Authority and Command in Italy should have made good his threats of passing into Italy with powerful Forces when the Process should be ended which was then begun against Nevers and that War should be publish'd against him in case he obeyed not the Imperial Edicts or Banne Reason was added to these respects which ought to detain the new Dukes friends from declaring themselves to favour him For the Emperour being Supream Lord of these States and of the new Duke none could or ought legitimately to interpose between him and his Vassal nor reprove or correct any Judgment that should pass there being none to whom recourse was to be had in point of grievance And yet Nevers thinking that to quit his possession willingly was the worst of evils resolved to keep it till the last he therefore betook himself to munite Mantua and Cassalle the best he could both of them being very strong places the last by Art the other by Nature and stood prepared
and finding the Draw-bridge up and the Walls full of defendants he was forced after a sleight attempt to retreat with the loss of eight of his men and having fifteen wounded amongst which he himself was one being hurt though but a little in the head with a stone and Luigi Trotto Camp-master who had the Enterprise of the Mills given him not being able to advance straight forwards for the two Forts which defended them went with 3000 Foot and 200 Horse commanded by Gambacorti into the Island which the Poe makes over against them and having raised a Battery there he did nothing of moment being hindred partly by a great Bââ¦nk which was erected over against the Enemies Battery upon a sandy hill between the Battery and the Mills partly by the fulness of the River which twice overflowed a great part of the Island to the danger of himself and of some of his men whereof some were drown'd in the River and that he might avoid that danger he was forced to retire to the other Bank where he raised another Battery but did thereby no good by reason of the far distance as also for that those of Cassalle removed the Mills a little higher where they were hidden and shelter'd from the sight of the new Battery so as being forced to forego the enterprise there also he retreated to his former Quarters The Duke of Savoy going at the same time out of Turin with 4000 Foot and 1200 Horse had more luckily begun to get what was by the division allotted to his share he fell first upon the City of Alba whither being come he easily took it there being only two Companies of Souldiers in it too weak a Garrison and not suiting with the large circuit of the Walls but in a sleight Skirmish which hapned between his men and the defendants which stood upon the Wall some of his men were slain amongst which the Count di San ' Trinita Alba being taken together with the Country there about he went to Trino with 4000 Foot and 1000 Horse he begirt it on the side which lies towards Casalle by which way only succour could be brought he made a long and crooked Trench about it and plaid upon the Wall with 20 pieces of Cannon placed upon five Batteries and then drew neer the Ditch with Pickaxes and endeavoured to bereave the defendants of their Rampiers the defendants were not above 300 paid Foot 200 of the Train Bands and two Troops of Horses it was but ill provided of Artillery or Munition there being only three small pieces in the Town and some barrels of Powder wherefore the Duke having come with his approaches to the Ditch and taken a little Half-moon and being afterwards gotten under a greater which was over against the Gate he began to undermine it from the one end to the other then threatning the defendants to give fire unto it unless they would yield the Captain of the Garrison though the breach made by Battery was not great and that he had other Plat-forms to retreat unto yet terrifi'd with fear of the mine and having spent all his Munition he demanded that he and his Garrison might be suffer'd to come forth with their Arms and Baggage and that they might be convey'd into Cassalle which Articles being agreed unto by the Duke in ambiguous terms the Captain and five of his Officers were permitted to go into Montcalvo and the Souldiers were set at liberty but the Governour understanding what Articles the Duke had made sent some Troops of Horse towards the way which leads from Trino to Casalle which kept the Souldiers from entring ãâã these two places being taken the Duke was possess'd of all that by the Articles of division fell to his share for the other Towns being but small presently came in unto him and swore fealty and the Duke for the better establishment of what he had gotten began to build a Fort Royal about Trino which being in a short time finished began to be almost as untakeable as Cassalle with no little prejudice to the State of Millain and this Fortification being contrary to the Articles of Division the Duke to appease the Governour sent to take Pontestura and having obtain'd it upon Articles he caused it presently to be delivered up unto him as what belong'd to the King by the Articles of Division being afterwards desirous to take Montcalvo a Town which did not belong to him by the Articles he turn'd all his Forces upon it The Governour and other of the Kings Commanders were not a little troubled at this the Dukes so speedy success for they being imploy'd about the taking of a Town which proved every day harder then other to be taken from whence they could not in honour withdraw nor make any advantagious advancement in the business of Montferrat they envied the Dukes prosperous proceedings nor could they without indignation tolerate to be constrain'd to keep there useless and idle and expect that the Kings Forces should be aided and assisted by the Dukes Forces and because to fall again upon the taking of the Hills as they found at last it was necessary to do would be a business of length and was generally detested by them all since thereby they must confess their errour committed at the beginning of the enterprise they bethought themselves of reaping the same advantage as they should do by making themselves masters of the Hills by another shorter and more easie way and more to their honour Nizza della Paglia held out still for Mantua and being as it were the head and Bulwark of the lower Montferrat many things were brought from thence by way of the Hills into Casalle this Nizza lies upon the road that leads from the Sea and now that Trino and Montcalvo were taken none of the rest of the upper Montferrat being taken out of the power of Mantua could afford any help to the besieged so as when Nizza should be reduced all the rest of the lower Montferrat would be kept from doing so likewise and then Casalle not being to be relieved by of the Hills nor from elsewhere what could it think of but of surrendring this was also chosen before the making themselves masters of the Hills by reason of the news of the coming of the French who having no place of refuge when they should be come into Italy but Nizza it was to be feared that they might fortifie themselves there and making it a Magazine for Arms they might prove a great impediment to the chief Siege out of these Reasons this Enterprise was thought to be more honourable more necessary and convenient and was therefore prefer'd before that of the Hills 4000 Foot were therefore immediately sent thither commanded by Count Iohn Serbellone together with 50 Horse and ten piece of Cannon there was nothing in Nizza but the Montferrian Militia two Sakers and one Murthering piece and there was scarcity of warlike Munition but it is true that Count Egmonte a French
man was come thither some days before with some other of the same Nation most of them experienced men and men of commands who coming from Mantua and passing one after another in disguise through the State of Genoa saw that the Enemy approached Nizza and made stout resistance and Skirmishing with them strove to keep them from taking up their Quarters from fortifying themselves and from making Battery these did for some days hinder the Enemies proceedings but not being able to disturbe them totally the enemy at last planted batteries on three sides and because a good Half-moon was erected against the weakest part of the Wall they made their approaches that way to take it thinking that when they should have done so they might the more easily take the ââ¦own and whilst they advanced with their Spades they attempted to take it by an assault by night but finding the defendants more ready to receive them then they had imagined and more stout resistance they were forc'd to retreat with some loss being retired they endeavoured to get neerer and having got to within the Ditches they digged a mine which when they should have perfected they resolved to give fire unto it and to fall immediately to assault the mine being set on fire before hand by the cunning of those that were within and who made it play wrought no effect and yet the assault was given which was so manfully withstood as the assailants were forced again to retreat with more loss then formerly many of their valiantest Souldiers being therein slain yet this days action was not altogether in vain for the assailants having taken station in the Ditch of the Half-moon they went about to destroy it by fire which being discover'd by the defendants who had spent all their Powder and saw there was no hope of holding out longer they came to Articles which being agreed upon much to their honour and advantage they surrendred the Town after having stoutly defended it for above a fortnight About 500 of the assailants died before it Count Serbellone was hurt there in the arm and thigh with a Musket shot and Count Trotti received a sleight wound in the face all the Towns of the lower Montferrat follow'd this surrender except Ponzone which relying upon the strength of its situation held out for Nevers The Duke of Savoy being gone as hath been said at the same time to Montcalvo took the Town with ease and having plaid upon the Castle with battery and mines he after a while took it also and being invited by the strength and opportunity of the situation it lying between Asti and Trino be kept it for himself contrary to the Articles of Division and contrary to the Governours opinion who thought he would have disposed of it as he had done of Pontestura and placing a Garrison of Piedmonteses in it he said he would accord the business with the King and give him equivalent Towns for it This action of Montcalvo as also the fortifying of Trino was rather wink'd at then well taken by the Governour and other Spanish Agents but the same reasons which induced them to Capitulate with the Duke to keep him by that means from being averse unto them in the business of Casalle when he was not possess'd of any Towns in Montferrat forc'd them to see through their fingers now when by suffering him to possess himself of so great a part of that State they had put him into more power and greatness and when he by fortifying Alba Trino and Montcalvo had made himself more able to defend himself and to offend others Moreover great preparation of Arms and Men being known to be upon the Confines of France it became them not only not to distaste him lest joyning with the French he might plot novelties tending to more prejudice then that of Casalle but they were forced to furnish him with much moneys and men for which he very much press'd to make him oppose and resist the French Forces to the danger whereof since he was first exposed he had just reason to fear that his Dominions would be made the seat of war the demands were thought just and necessary to be granted for the Duke of Nevers seeing himself in effect destitute of help from France that Crown being wholly busied before Rochel he had by mortgaging his Land in France raised about 12000 Foot and 1500 Horse to which by Order from the King Marshall Cricky Governour of Dolpheny was to joyn with the ordinary Gens d' Arms of his Government which might make about 5000 Foot and 500 Horse The Marquess of Montenegro also many of his men being run away for want of pââ¦y desired a recruit of Souldiers to defend that Frontier against the new Duke whose numbers were now grown to be about 8000 Foot and 500 Horse wherewith when he heard that the French were come into Italy he threatned to joyn in the freeing of Casalle and in the recovery of whââ¦t had been lost The Governour and Spanish Agents were doubtlesly troubled at these accidents who being before Casalle a place not likely soon to be taken with few men little money and less credit knew not what to do to satisfie the Dukes just and necessary demands and to withstand so great a deluge of dangers which threatned Italy and chiefly their own Concernments But they were most of all troubled by their fear of the Duke of Savoy's truth and constancy and by their jealousie that having now got a good part of Montferrat he either out of a desire of preserving it or of advancing to greater things or to avoid new Wars in his own Dominions might bethink himself of somewhat else to the prejudice of the Union which he had contracted but a little before with the King especially since it made not much for his own interest that Casalle should fall into the Spaniards ââ¦ands They knew what private intelligence he held continually in the Court of France they knew how he was threatned on the one side and what great offers were made him on the other side by that Court against the Genoeses great inciââ¦ements to work upon any whatsoever constant heart and to make the best composed judgments waver much more the Duke who was generally held to be a friend to Novelties mighty desirous of revenge upon the Genoeses and naturally given to do what made most for the advancement of his own affairs Claudio Marini the French Embassadour was suspected conscious of some secret mystery he being still detained in Turin though under the colour of Hostage till the Dukes Resident should return from France and though the said Duke seemed outwardly very much to study the welfare of the King of Spain's Proceedings and profess'd great constancy to the new contracted Amity and behaved himself with great observancy towards tââ¦at Court and the Agents thereof yet this so great and so extraordinary affection of a Prince who but a little before was an Enemy had in it more of
mile off observing their movings The Marquess seeing that he had to do with the Enemy upon the Plain and upon the skirts of the Mountains sent a good Band of men against those that defended the Mountains and with the rest charged the Dukes right wing where the Neapolitans were who assisted by the Piemontese Horse made stout resistance insomuch as the Assailants not being able to stand before them were forced to give back A thousand of them seeing it was impossible for them to force their way waded thorow the River and getting upon a little hill put themselves there in order The others advancing by the skirts of the Mountains assaulted the Dukes men who seeming to give back drew them into an ambush which they had prepared falling wherinto those of the Ambush fell upon them with such violence as being forc'd to retreat they were afterwards put to flight with a great loss of men Those who were sent at first against them on the hill ran a fortune not much unlike to this for the Prince observing the wind which blew full in their face caused some little Cottages to be set on fire the smoak whereof affording him to send men into some ambushes without being discerned the French men light upon them and were severely dealt with and slain and being also struck with stones which were tumbled down from the higher places they began to run The Conflict lasted from morning to night and the Dukes men were so well disposed of and divided as not any one of them stood idle The Fââ¦ench seemed that night as if they would retire but as the effects shewed they resolved to try their fortune once more which the Prince having learnt by one that was run away he presently sent for fresh supplies of men to the Duke which whilst they were expected the greatest part of the French ââ¦id themselves that night behind certain Trees and the rest upon break of day appeared in a large but very thin and ill-composed Squadron shewing themselves to the Prince to the end that allured by the hopes of Victory he might assault them and so fall into an ambush which they had prepared for him that very night The Prince who expected a re-inforcement stirr'd not so as those who were in the ambush came out and entred into the Squadron seeming as if they would fight with more Forces then they had done the day before but the Prince still keeping in expectation of succour from his Father moved not till finding not long after that the Enemies Squadron was much diminished by the retreating of many of their men he assaulted those that remained who not being able to resist were put to flight and pursued with much slaughter even to the Confines of France whither being come he with held out of observance of the Kings Confines hââ¦ving gotten much baggage and many Arms which the French threw away as they fled After this Victory the Duke and Prince march'd presently towards Pinarolo lest the French being beaten from hence might attempt that pass from whence hearing that they went towards Savoy where Prince Thomaso was the Duke sent most of his men thither but it was superfluous for the French were so confused and dissipated by the discomfiture as hardly any four of them were together in this retreat The Duke won as much reputation by this happy success with the Spaniards as he ever had purchased the contrary before He was publickly acknowledged to be the Kings right hand the bulwark of his Affairs in Italy by this action all offences were cancelled and no reward was equivalent to so great merit the King himself hearing the news said in publick That he would have accounted it a great happiness to have been found with a Pike in his hand by the Duke his Uncles ââ¦ide And the Conde Duca chief Author of the reconciliation boasted not a little that the King and Court began now to taste the fruit of his counsels and negotiations But the more favour the Dukes merits found in the Court the more jealous were the Genoeses who saw their own declination joyn'd to the exaltation of their Enemy An as the Dukes satisfaction seemed to consist in the Affairs of Genoa and the reward equal to his vast expectation and to his implacable hatred to the Genoeses which every day grew greater in him so such a great conjunction of will and so general a disposition as was found to be in that Court to gratifie him made it be much apprehended that some great mischief would redound thereby to the prejudice of the Common-wealth This suspition was encreased by the Conde Duca his not caring for the Genoeses the affronts given to the Embassadors of that Common-wealth and the rigorous proceedings with others of that Nation the upbraiding of the Conspiracy and of other accidents which had hapned at Genoa which accidents might by the connexion of Affairs redound to the prejudice of Italy did very much perplex the Statists of that Court. To these things wherein the publick Interests were concern'd other sinister demonstrations were added which touched the Fortunes and Interests of private men the rigorous Decrees of the preceding year the difficulty in exacting the Revenues the introducing of other Nations to contract with the King to the shame and exclusion of the Genoeses and the continual extorting of monies from those Genoeses who remained yet in Court enforcing them to contribute great sums of monies for the urgent occasions of the Crown by which accidents the face of that Court being totally changed towards the Genoeses both in publick and in private from what it had used to be they put the Common-wealth into some anxiety of their own safety And these Novelties and Commotions being known in Italy they first filled all the Princes of Italy with admiration and then with suspition what the sequel of so great and unexpected an alteration would prove These suspitions had also an influence upon other Nations which being intent upon all occasions did not pretermit their wonted artifices to make the rent greater to the end that they might thereby reap such advantage as might not conduce a little to the conduct of their Affairs and Interests And amongst others a Spanish Courier being intercepted in the Seas of Provence who was sent to their Officers of Italy the French gave out that they had found very strange Negotiation in those Dispatches which past between that Court and the Duke to the prejudice of the Common-wealth which Dispatchââ¦s being sent from the Court of Paris into Italy to the Duke of Nevers and by him participated to the Pope they were by both of them made known to the Common-wealth to the end that growing apparently to distrust they might ioyn with them in the common Cause which might procure the lessening of the Spanish Affairs and the advancement of the Common Cause of Italy And to this purpose they offer'd with arms thrown abroad to receive them into their protection
business might be put over to the Law and given out writings and published the opinions of Civilians in Print whereby he strove to prove there was no reason why he should be forced to forgo his Dominions without the cause given why and afterward having complained very much why the like commands had not been sent to the Duke of Savoy and to the Governour of Millain who had actually and by violence possess'd themselves of part of his Dominions and still proceeded to possess themselves of the rest they came to the third Summons wherein Cesar declared that if Nevers would put what he possess'd into his hands the Duke of Savoy and the Governour of Millain should do the like with what they had taken of his Nevers seemed to accept of this offer and to this purpose he sent his Son the Duke of Retell to Cesars Court that he might expedite the dispatch of the business by favour of the Empress who was Sister to the three last Dukes of Mantua and did wish well to Nevers his cause to whom she was neerly allied in blood but being come thither he found that Cesar perceiving that neither the Duke nor Spaniards would be brought to make any restitution and it was hard for him to compel them to it had mitigated the Edict and accommodating himself to the times had made a new Proposal by which the Duke of Savoy and the Spaniards were permitted in Cesars name to keep what they had taken and the Duke of Nevers was to possess the City and entire Dukedom of Mantua so as the Dutch who were to be sent by the Emperour into Italy might have the City Castle and Citadel of Casalle assigned over unto them till cause to the contrary was known Retell not being able to get better conditions and not being received nor acknowledged by the Emperour as Prince of Mantua by reason of the Spaniards earnest desire to the contrary lest by such a Declaration his pretentions might not seem to be tacitely granted and the Kings cause in Montferrat might in the eyes of the world seem to be damnified he departed but ill satisfied from that Court and the new Proposals were not accepted of by his Father whose fear of the Emperours Edicts were lessened by the weakness of the Spanish Army and the King of France his prosperous proceedings made him believe more in the favour and forces of that Kingdom then in the Imperial Dââ¦crees or Decisions In these Negotiations and Transactions the year 1628 ended and the King of France having at last compass'd his ends upon Rochel whereinto he entred victorious and triumphing on All Saints day he prepared to pass over the Mountains with gallant Forces to assist the Duke of Nevers for the Hugonots of France having received a great blow by the loss of Rochel and the Affairs of France being almost perfectly setled nothing was heard of in that Kingdom but preparations for Italy which being divided into two Armies the one was to pass through Dolpheny and Syonois to the relief of Montferrat and the King prepared to pass over the Mountains personally therein and the other was to advance by the County of Nizza and by the River of Genoa towards Casalle the Spaniards nor the Duke of Savoy could not believe so strange a resolution they thought it was impossible that the King having his Kingdom yet full of troubles and exhausted of moneys his Army being weary and wasted before Rochel could pass over the Alps in the midst of Winter with great forces and carry over Victuals Artillery and other necessaries for so great an action the Alps being yet loaded with Snow Especially when he should know that he would be opposed by the Duke of Savoy who being joyn'd in Forces and Intelligence with the Spaniards was to resist him strongly at the Passes which he kept well garrison'd and munited hoping therefore that the fame of these great preparations would prove but talk they continued the Siege the scarcity of Victuals increased this their confidence which scarcity being so great an impediment to their Forces who were masters and peaceful possessors of the State of Millain and of Piedmont it would assuredly prove a much greater hindrance to the French if they should come into Italy and have occasion to keep there for a great conduct of Victuals being requisite to feed so great an Army it would be impossible for the French to compass it and consequently the greater their numbers were which should pass the Alps the easilier and the sooner they would be overcome meerly by Famine they therefore thought that this sole consideration should not only retarde but retain the fury of the French Forces at least for this year and that in the mean while the enterprise of Cassalle undisturb'd by any Forreign assistance would be happily effected The Court of Spain confiding in these difficulties did not only not make any necessary preparations for defence but forbore to send the Duke the succours which they had promised for the maintaining of Piedmont and to oppose the French Forces they forbare also to endeavour diversion by the Pirenean Mountains and by Burgony and by secretly fomenting the Rebels in France so to keep that King in work and busied with his home affairs and consequently from medling with those of Forreigners the pretermission of which provisions did not only facilitate the resolution taken by the French but did incite them to it For the King being firm to his resolution valued not any of the difficulties or contrary considerations being confident to overcome them and to make his way by the Sword The fame of the mighty preparations of this Kingdom increasing greater then those of any of the preceding Kings the Spaniards and the Duke began at last to fear not only the success but whatsoever might be the result of so great and so neer an Army The Duke and Governour were likewise much troubled for not having for a long time heard from the Court of Spain for the Spaniards being jealous of France through which the expresses used to pass and the Sea not being open in Winter people could not without much difficulty pass from Spain into Italy and such had the ill fortune been as three several Posts that had been sent from Spain being driven by violent winds upon the Coast of Provence were detain'd and had their Letters intercepted so as the deliberations of Italy depending much upon the results of that Court the Duke and Governour knew not in such a perplexity of business what to do nor was it only the scarcity of moneys and want of advertisment which kept them from making any provision but neither had they time to make new Levies of men for the necessary defence of the State of Millain and for the Provisions for the Army before Cassalle and for the Forces which were towards the Cremonese and which were already much diminished it was therefore thought the best expedient to beat up Drums in the State of
Millain for Voluatiers which might be sent to the Camp before Casalle and afford commodity of drawing out the best Souldiery from thence to bring them into the Field to oppose the enemy which provision though it proved not altogether vain for many being driven away by famine and hoping to get away by inrolling themselves and to get Ammunition-bread which though very bad was made desirable by reason of the great scarcity yet this being but a very slender provision to resist the great storm which threatned them the affairs of that State and of Piedmont were reduced into great danger and necessity and that the more for that they heard the numbers of the Venetians were increased upon the Confines of Bergamo and Bressia and that Nevers was ready to march out at the first news of the Frenches advancing with about 8000 Foot and 1200 Horse and if either joyntly or separately they should assault the State of Millain it was feared they might divert the Governours Forces from opposing the French and it was appââ¦ehended that the Duke of Nevers as he had threatned the preceding year would pass into Montferrat and joyn with the King for these respects the Governour went to Lodâ⦠and was forc'd to keep there and to make a Magazine of Arms there against the Venetians and ordered Francisco Paââ¦aglia who succeeded Montenegro that abandoning the Fort of Piadenâ⦠which was built the year before upon the Territories of Mantua and all the rest of the Territories of Cremona he should bring the remainder of those men to defend Cremona only he desired likewise and obtain'd a thousand men from the Duke of Parma and 12 Gallies being come at that time from Naples to Genoa with 2000 Foot he could not make use of them for it was necessary to keep them at Sea to oppose them to the French Army being ready prepared in Provence which was said together with the ships that were expected at Marcelles from Rochel would pass by Nizza into the River of Genoa and that landing their men at Mentone neer Monaco he would pass into Piedmont or into the Seas neer Savona and would by that way take a shorter and more easie course to relieve Casalle to this weak condition were the ââ¦fairs of the State of Millain reduced against the Forces of so powerful an enemy and it being impossible in so great streights to mind the relief of Piedmont the Governour drew out 4000 of the best Foot that were before Casalle to send them into those parts under the Conduct of Don Ieronymo Agostini and being afraid that the Venetians who were joyned in Arms and Intelligence with the French might assault the State of Millain he used means to the Duke of Tuscany that he would intercede and endeavour to make that Commonwealth forbear troubling the King of Spains Dominions in these urgent occasions on the other side the Duke of Savoy finding the weakness of his defence and succour and seeing that his Dominions were likely first to endure the brunt before those of the King of Spain had first sent the Count of Verrua to the King of France and afterwards his Son the Prince to keep the Army from advancing by making some composition with that King suspending therefore his resolution till he saw what the event of these endeavours would be he made Don Ieronymo Agostini to forbear acting any thing with the Governours Auxiliaries in the Territories of Asti but the King being resolved to advance refer'd the Prince of Piedmont to Cardinal Richlieu with whom he treated upon several ways of composition but not agreeing upon any one they concluded a suspension of Arms for five days till the Duke his Father might be advertised of what had past The Duke seeing the King so resolved began with great diligence to fortifie Susa by which way he perceived the King would march with his Army the French had had experience how hard it was to separate the Genoeses from joyning with Spain by way of force wherefore thinking now to make use of the present jealousies which were risen as hath been said and cunningly fomented between the Commonwealth of Genoa and the Crown of Spain they applied themselves to increase these jealousies which they began by Demonstrations and endeavours to the contrary in good will and favour to the Genoeses to try whether they could effect or no wherefore the King being to send a Messenger to the Princes of Italy to acquaint them with the ends and intentions of his coming he dispatch'd away Monsieur di Lande commanding him that when he should be come to Genoa he should not only free those Senators from any apprehension of danger which they might apprehend by his coming but that he should promise them in his name all assistance against any who should go about to infringe their publick liberty which being done that he should immediately go to Mantua and from thence to Venice to acquaint that Duke and that Commonwealth with his coming which he assured them should at the furthest be by the 25th of March wherefore the Duke of Nevers marching into the Field on the day appointed assaulted Cassalle the greater the last Town of the Dukedom of Millain lying towards Mantua and taking it after some little resistance made by the Towns-men he sack'd it and staying there a while brought the neighbouring Towns under contribution he afterwards went to Sabioneta a strong Castle which holds in Fee of the Emperour but took it not being stoutly resisted by a Garrison of the Parmiggiani who were sent thither at the Emperours request by the Duke of Parma The King of France in this interim having sent precise Orders to the Duke of Guise Lieutenant General of the Army of Provence and to the Marquess of Guise's Marshal and Lievtenant to march along into Italy coasting by the Sea side he went himself in person by the Alps towards Piedmont with the Van which consisted of about 12000 Foot and 2000 Horse the greatest part of them being of the French Nobles and having overcome the passage of Mongeveura he fell on the sixth of March into the Valley of Susa where the Duke of Savoy having cut a great Trench upon the way by which the King was to pass half a mile beyond Susa he had placed the Camp-master Bellone there to defend it with his Brigade and behind Bellone stood the Duke prepared with the main body of his men amongst which were the Governour of Millains men under Don Ieronymo Agostini who was fetch'd but a little before from l' Astigiana and the King having possess'd himself of the tops of the Mountains which were all cover'd over with snow commanded some companies of the Fore-lorne-hope to assault the Dukes Trench who not meeting with much resistance for Bellone's men were raw and unexperienced Souldiers took it at the first assault afterwards increasing in numbers by other people who came in into them they assaulted the station where the Duke was with the main body
by all seeming artifice wherewith he was naturally very well indued not only to appease the King but to win upon his genius and to captivate his good will Thus by the Dukes dexterity and cunning many thought that the greatest force of France that had for many years past the Alpes was stopt which finding Italy unprovided of defence might easily have over-run it to the universal ruine and particularly to the danger of the State of Millain But the Duke his having after his opposition found the King rather gracious and favourable then angry and incensed his having received honours rewards satisfaction and recompence instead of revenge and resentment his having by these agreements provided well enough for himself and suffer'd the interests of the Crown of Spain to be prejudiced afforded much talk and murmuring against him not only by the Princes of Italy who were displeased with his being reconciled to the King of Spain which was contrary to the common Interest but even in the Court of Spain by those that envied the Duca's favour with the King who finding it to continue strove to make it appear that the Dukes reconciliation to the King of Spain wherein he was assisted and which was effected by the Conde Duca was a cheat to the King and pernicious to the Interest of the Crown They said that it was he the Duke of Savoy who as might be gathered by many conjectures had made the way plain for the King of France to enter Italy by his secret Intelligence held with the Court of France That it was he who having covenanted for and secured unto himself the retention of a good part of Montferrat had before-hand promised not to oppose him in that Enterprize having therein no respect to the Interest of Spain or to the honour of the Spanish Forces by which he had got such a part of Montferrat and with which he was but a little before confederated That this was the faith of this Prince this the fruit of that reconciliation For otherwise how would the King of France have dared to hazzard his total reputation and glory which he had won in so many home actions and particularly in his late Victory at Rochell in so cold a season against so many difficulties of steep and craggy Mountains and as yet cover'd over with snow and all this only for the freeing of a Town that was not in his Kingdom nor did not any ways belong to him To this end they said that the Duke opposed his worst armed men to withstand the first violence of the most resolute and formidable of the French which was the cause why there was so little fighting and why the strong Pass of Susa was rather abandoned then stoutly defended That the Governour nor other Spanish Agents that were in Turin had not consented to those Articles otherwise then as they were enforced by the Dukes peremptory will who consulting with them in very positive and resolute terms bereft them of the freedom of Election and that protesting that these Agreements were the only remedy against the imminent ruine of the State he tacitely threatened that unless they would consent thereunto they would force him to accept thereof without them and by joyning with the French to provide the best he could for the safety of his own In erest so as they consented to what he would to keep the Kings Affairs from falling into a worse condition And so far did these murmurings prevail as the very French being more desirous to make the Duke be suspected in the Court of Spain then zealous of their Kings glory did by their outward demonstrations confirm what was said in his discredit But it was not probable that the Duke by this Agreement should so much to his own disadvantage part with what he was to expect from the friendship of Spain especially when he was known to be naturally very desirous of making new acquisitions and very tenacious of what he had The loss of Susa did yet more gainsay these objections it being a place of great importance by reason of its situation and of greater profit then any other Town of Piedmont for the Customs which the Fairs that are held there do yield and which are had for the Transportation of Merchandize which pass to and fro between France and Italy which that he should willingly grant unto the King and commit so great a fault was too far from being believed by any that was but indifferently wise for what Reason would admit that by the loss of that advantagious place which was one of the gates of Piedmont and of Italy he should willingly make himself subject to the King of France and be less valued by the Italians and Spaniards To this may be added That when in the preceding years the Duke was assaulted by the powerful Armies of Spain and was consequently in great need of being sustain'd by the French yet would he never grant them so much as any one Tower in Piedmont and how was it likely that upon this present occasion he should agree to yield them a place of such importance before he was assaulted The Fortification also made at Avigliana whilest they were treating of agreement the Artillery which were brought thither after the Capitulation the King looking on his having always for his own defence entertain'd Spanish Auxiliaries as they were actions of much diffidence not to say contumacy towards the King and therefore much to be resented by the French so they seem forceable arguments against that intelligence and collusion which would fain have been proved to have been between him and the French And yet as men incline naturally to sinister interpretations though the Court of Spain hearing these bad tidings and maturely considering the state of affairs did approve of the Dukes actions and rejecting vain rumours caused three Pays to be paid unto him before-hand by their Factors in Genoa of 25000 Crowns a piece which were granted him for the expences of these present occasions yet the contrary impression not being to be removed most thought that that Court had dissembled more according to necessity and to the conveniency of the present occurrences then done upon any real and intimate belief as if it were not consistent with the Kings Interests by unseasonable distrust and resentment totally to alienate the Duke from them but by the contrary appearing well satisfied not only to keep him their friend at such a pinch but to oblige him still more by new benefits to keep still the more united and better inclined to the affairs of the Crown This is evidently apparent in so great variety of opinions and may be affirmed that the Duke thinking upon new agreements which by the Mediation of his Son the Prince were to be accorded demanded 4000 Foot and a certain number of Horse of the Governour and in his absence of Don Philippo Spinola which at the beginning of this War were promised him in case he were assaulted in Piedmont by
the Arms of France which demand being made when the Army before Casalle was in greater want of men then ever it had been he wish'd they might not be granted him that by that denial he might have a fair pretence to forego friendship with Spain and to abandon the Cause which till then he held in common with that Crown And that when Spinola had punctually satisfied his demand and sent the men contrary to the Dukes expectation he was troubled at their coming which made him not only make them keep upon the Confines but by hard usage endeavoured to make them return back but when he saw his Counsels prevented by the King of France his speed he speedily summoned them in to his defence against the Kings Army which he saw came suddenly upon him and by their help made what defence so short a time and the imminent necessity could permit him to make for though there was no collusion in the conflict at Susa yet the unseasonable demand made by the Spanish Agents the little satisfaction he seemed to receive by their coming the preceding Negotiations and the Conclusion of the subsequent Agreement shew that the Duke was much more inclined to imbrace friendship with France upon new terms then according to the observance of his Ancestors to keep union with the Crown of Spain But it may be said that the then so dangerous condition of Affairs forced the Duke to put on this resolution and it being usual with Princes to make all change lawfull not onely when their State is in danger but where they may better or increase their condition there was not any one that blamed the Dukes Counsels nor his Actions How ever it was the King of France his name was generally exalted to the skies throughout all Italy in several Writings and Composures they said he deservedly merited the title of Just for having assisted an oppress'd Prince the title of powerful for that he had opposed himself in Arms to the oppressors of generous Protector because without any private end or interest nay with such inconveniency to his own affairs with so much trouble and hazard of his own person he could not tolerate the oppression of a Prince who was his friend Some praised the speed of his advancing others the undaunted execution others his miraculous happy success they wonder'd how so many difficulties of the season Alps sterility and opposition yielded to his fortunate Arms and Genius how he had had the courage being tired both himself and Army in hardships undergone before Rochel to pass armed over the Alps in the midst of Winter and to come into Italy to free her from imminent slavery and to assist his Petitioner in his greatest extremity they could not comprehend how at his only presence so many Forces such preparations of Arms and so many Plots against a Client of his Crown should vanish just like a shadow before the Sun some called him the Protector of the oppressed others the avenger of the liberty of Italy and expecting greater proceedings from such a beginning they promised unto themselves great alterations almost all the Princes of Italy sent Embassadours to him partly to congratulate his so happy success and to thank him for having freed them from the imminent slavery they apprehended if Casalle should be taken partly to purchase his favour in case as it was much feared he had any further intentions then the freeing of Cassalle and that he might not prejudice their Dominions some and particularly the Venetians to incite him as it was said to advance further with his Arms offering to joyn their Forces and Intelligence with him against the Spaniards with whom they were very ill satisfied in what concerned the Valtoline and this new commotion against Montferrat but the King did soon free all men from such suspitions and by his sudden and unexpected resolution broke off the thred of his so prosperous Fortune for on the last of April he return'd into France leaving the Cardinal and chief Officers of the Court in Susa not tarrying till the business of Montferrat should be ratified from Spain but leaving the things unconcluded and unperfect for which he had with so great fervour and preparation entred Italy The Cardinal and the rest soon followed after the King leaving Marshal Cricky in Susa supream Governour of the affairs of Italy with 6000 Foot and 500 Horse The occasion of this so sudden and so unexpected departure was variously interpreted some allotting it to the Kings vivacity of spirit some to his moderation as if content with having freed his Friend with having secured peace to Italy and to so many Princes who apprehended the contrary he had with a Prince-like magnanimity let the world see not only how just his thoughts were but how moderate and content upon such an occasion and so great an opportunity of affairs and how far he was from dreaming of novelties or of disturbing the publick peace but these specious pretences not being able to prevail with those who could have desired more constancy and resolution in the King and much less with those who desirous of novelty had conceived great hopes by the Kings coming the French gave out that the Duke of Roan head of the Hugonots in France seeing his party ruined by the loss of Rochel and that he could not get ready help to sustain himself from Spain whither he had dispatch'd Messengers of purpose by reason of the great scarcity of moneys began to cry Peccavi and would render obedience to the King which because it was likely to put a final end to the troubles of France was of so great moment to the Kings affairs as that all other enterprises set aside it forced him to return to secure them which though by the soon ensuing accidents appeared might be true yet not being then believed it was not sufficient to maintain the reputation of the French Forces which being but a little before formidable to Italy by reason of so prosperous success began after the Kings departure to decline and the rather for that it was soon known that it was a new tumult of the Hugonots who had fortified themselves in the Mountains of Auvergnia and not Roans surrender which had forced the King to return thither to suppress them This the Kings so sudden departure afforded also occasion of belief and this was afterwards judged to be the truest cause that the King was come into Italy with far smaller Forces then fame gave out which not being fit for new enterprises he had done more wisely to content himself with the glory which he had won then to hazard the loss thereof by falling upon new enterprises But be it what it would that occasioned the Kings departure it sufficiently lessened the reputation of the Kings Forces and on the contrary the Spaniards who seemed to be totally quel'd began out of these respects and other favourable accidents to hold up their heads The Duke of Savoy though he appeared
the peace made at Lubeck the Army was not onely superfluous but grievous to the people and prejudicial to Germany which ought now to be eased of so great a burthen aâ⦠permitted to injoy the fruit of peace The Emperour did not incline to these so weighty and important demands knowing very well whereunto they tended nor yet the Spanish Agents who were resident in that Court who were much concern'd in maintaining the Emperours authority and the Austrian name wherein their King was interessed but the King of Sweden a powerful Northern King having about this time past the Baltick Sea and being come into the lower Germany with an Army of 20000 Foot and 2000 Horse the Electors made Protestation that they would never contribute to the charge of that new war unless they were satisfied in their demands The Empeour and Spanish Agents being badly advised gave way thereunto at last but it was not long ere he repented himself soundly for though Arms were laid down by by the peace of Lubeck yet discontents and hatred were not laid aside nor yet the ardent desire of more absolute liberty and the conditions of that peace being advantagious for the Austrian Empire did rather serve to incite the male-contents to novelties then keep them within the limits of that peace the disarming of the Emperour was no better then to put Arms into the Swedes hands and into those of the male-content Princes and such as were mortal Enemies to the Austrian name The Electors having obtain'd their desire were backwards in chusing the King of the Romans which though it were not openly desired by the Emperour yet being negotiated privately began to be found so hard a business as the Emperour thought it not fit to demand it openly and the Electors made use of several pretences to put off the Election nor now that the Emperour was disarmed did they let slip the occasion of shewing their resentments and of endeavouring some better condition of liberty The Protestants began to lay plots against the Austrian power and by little and little began to hold intelligence with the King of Sweden who having by their adherence gotten greater forces in a short time took many Cities subdued many Provinces and having gotten many famous Victories overran Germany within the space of a few moneths not without great danger to the Austrian authority and to the Catholick Religion nor content with such a continued course of Victory he drew neer Italy and made her fear the renewing of those miseries which she had formerly felt by the Goths and the other Northren Nations The affairs of the Empire and of the Catholick Religion were never so perplex'd in Germany nor brought to so neer a ruine as after the coming in of this Northern King all the Hereticks and male-contents adhered to him who in his Military Ensigns writ himself the Defender of the Faith and Protector of the German Liberty The Duke of Pomerania first of all and afterwards the Elector of Brandenburge and lastly the Elector of Saxony joyned openly with him against the Emperour and after them many other lesser Princes and almost all the Hans Towns of the Empire joyned with him as with their deliverer and the Emperour having laid down his Arms could hardly raise a new Army to withstand so apparent ruine almost all the Souldiers that he had cashiered took pay under the Swede allured by the fame of his valour by the Victories he had got by his grateful genius to the Souldiery who was received and followed with unspeakable applause as if the heavens had sent him to be their Deliverer The Armies of the Catholick League and of the Emperour which were joyn'd together were defeated in a great Battel before Lypsick and Tilly chief Captain of that League a famous Commander for many Victories which he had gotten against the Protestant League and against the King of Denmark and who now succeeded dismiss'd Wallestein was therein hurt so as the Emperour seeing no other way to withstand the ruinous condition of the Empire nor how to defend the Austrian Dominions was forc'd to recall Wallestein from Bohemia whither after his being dismiss'd he had withdrawn himself to lead a private life and restoring him upon what condition he could desire to his former dignity he opposed him to the Swede who like a swift torrent overrun all Germany The Emperours Army commanded by Fritland and the Swedish Forces led on by their King came to a pitch'd Field neer Lutsen a City in Misnia wherein the King being victorious had prescribed Laws to Germany had he not been slain by some Musketiers whilst with his wonted valour he pursued Victory he died in the latter end of the year 1632 thirty moneths after he had set his foot in Germany But to re-assume the thred of my Discourse the Diet at Ratisbone freed France from being insulted over by the Germans for Fritland who had order as hath been said to fall upon France expecting what would be the issue of that Diet instead of turning with his Forces upon France would be himself present at Ratisbone to obviate the violence which he foresaw would fall upon him but not being able to decline it and the Emperour being forced not only to depose him but to cashier his Army and foreseeing another war threatned from the North France escaped being assaulted also on that side and the Electors who held intelligence with the King of France favouring Nevers his Cause as the most just approved not of the Emperours actions but complain'd that contrary to the Laws and Institutions of the Empire he had sent Armies into Italy without participating the business with them wherefore the resolutions and provisions of that Court growing colder the King of France had better conveniency to mind the wars of Italy and to send strong succours to Nevers he destined the Cardinal of Richelieu to be the Captain General of the Forces which he sent into Piedmont with full power to manage war and peace The Army those being comprehended who were in Susa and Montferrat consisted of 22000 Foot and 2000 Horse and the Cardinal had three Marshals of France for his assistants Cricky la Force and Scomberge The King had already bargained with the Duke of Savoy for provision of Victuals and Ammunition for war together with conduct moneys for the passage of his Army and had agreed with the same Duke that he should assist in the enterprise with 15000 men and as for Victuals he had agreed to deliver unto him 15000 sacks or quarters in Nizza di Provenza which the Duke was to present unto the Army in Piedmont three crowns of gold being allowed for the conduct of every sack or quarter so as the Cardinal being very hot upon the business and thinking to find all things ready for the enterprise in Piedmont parted from Paris in the time of Christmas and coming to Lyons in the beginning of the year 1630 tarried there some days to receive the people
though he was inferiour to them in Horse those which were sent to Bricherasco not being yet returned Momorancy was desirous to give battle which if it had been done would have been upon much disadvantage to the Duke but La Force would not give way thereunto Wherefore they retreated to their quarters about Pinarollo and the Plague increasing very much in both Armies they kept in their quarters for many dayes in the face of one another as if they had been in tacite League not doing any thing of moment The King of France proceeded more hotly beyond the Mountains who entring into Savoy with 8000 Foot and 2000 Horse had reduced all Savoy into his power unlesse it were Mommiliano for Prince Thomaso made no opposition he resolved to begirt Mommiliano on all sides and to besiege it a distance for it was a strong and almost invincible place For being inclosed on all sides by his Forces and impossible to be relieved it must of necessity fall into his hands for want of victuals So as needing not many men for that enterprize he sent part of his Forces to recruit his Army in Italy which had need enough of help And Prince Thomaso being sent for back by his Father carried his men with him from Savoy to defend Piedmont Thus both Armies bââ¦ing reinforced they prepared for greater enterprizes the French to relieve Casalle the Duke to withstand them This recruit was sent under Momorancy who was returned from Piedmont into France after the businesse of Cercenaseo it consisted of 10000 Foot and 1000 Horse and ââ¦ell down by the valley of Susa Momorancy intending to joyn with the Forces that were in Pinarollo and crossing Piedmont to draw neer Casalle towards which Marshal De La Force leaving a sufficient Garrison in Pinarollo and in the other places went by the way of the Mountaines to Giavenna neer Susa waiting there for Momorancy who did not much value Avigliana there being almost no Garrison there for the Duke had sent for the greatest part thereof to Pancaler Wherefore he easily took it he likewise believed he should easily passe through the Canevese to Casalle Spinola and the Duke were much troubled at the coming of this recruit but much more with the news of the Kings coming with a greater force who having possest himself as you have heard of Savoy was come neer the Alpes and was at the same time seen upon the Mountain St Barnado So as the Duke perceiving that the King was offended with him knew not how to fence himself against this third coming of the French and Spinola who was ingaged before Casalle but with a few men fearing lest little to his honour he might be forced as his Predecssor had been to abandon that enterprize which contrary to the opinion of all he had of himself undertaken knew not what to do Yet bââ¦ing much prest by the Duke he sent 6000 Dutch to the Mountain who were brought at the King of Spain's charge but very then from Germany and six Troops under Pagan Doria Duke of Avigliana in the Kingdom of Naples and Brother to Prince Doria a young man and who the year before had entred into the Militia under Don Gonsallo and was in the first businesse of Casalle and Spinola to the end that if the King should come he might not be inforc'd to raise the siege or fight took the Souldiers from working in the approaches and imploy'd them in making a crooked and high trench wherewith he invironed the whole Camp And seeing that by this new work and by the men which he had sent the Duke the siege would be slackned and having in vain desired a thousand of his Dutch from Collalto he sent to the Common-wealth of Genoa for a thousand men which he would take into his pay But neither was this granted him for hearing of preparations of Armes in the Provence the Common-wealth would not disfurnish her self and this the rather for that having formerly sent men to before Casalle she could not receive them back when she needed them without manifest danger of infecting the State the Plague being very hot in the Camp before Casalle So Spinola was forced to make use of those men to defend his own Camp which he had begun to oppose others with and the Duke of Savoy fearing Avigliana sent Count Verrââ¦a from Pancaleri with 3000 Foot and Gambacorti with 400 Hose to possesse themselves of the abandoned Trenches and Fortifications that shut up the valley which leads from Susa to Avigliana As they went thither they found the Enemy very neer but having possest themselves of the Trenches first the Prince came in with a great body of men who reinforcing those stations with 2000 Foot incamp'd himself with the rest at Riano within two miles of Avigliana both parties kept within their quarters facing one another two dayes some sleight skirmishes passing between them the third day the French finding it impossible to advance and storm those quarters resolved to give over their going that way to Casalle and endeavoured to retreat joyntly by the Mountain to Pinarollo and passing over the Mountain Giavenna to joyn with La Force who was yet there with his men the way by the Mountain Giavenna was very narrow and hard to passe so as two Brigadoes being already past over the rest remained yet in the plain in danger of being routed if they should be assaulted for that they could not well be succour'd by those that were already past The Prince thought it not fit to let slip this occasion but without tarrying for more of his men who were not above a mile off would fall upon them with those that he had ready hoping that they would suffice to get the victory He had with him about 5000 Dutch two of the Princes Troops of Horse and Doria's six Companies which were new men unexperienced and were not above 300 Horse The French reere which remained in the plain was 3000 Foot and about 400 Horse the choicest of all the Army and Momorancy and Marshal Diââ¦iate with some others of the most experienced Commanders remained in the reere for the greater security thereof Theââ¦e was a great Meere or standing water between them which men past over by two banks the one whereof was on the back the other on the flank of the French Shamburg and Sults advanc'd by the latter with half the Dutch in a close Baââ¦aglione and with the Prince his Troops of Horse by the other the Prince himself in person with the rest of the Dutch commanded by Gallasso and with Doria's Horse The skirmish being begun Momorancy divided his Horse into two squadrons and took a little compasse upon the left hand towards a neighbouring Town called St Ambrosio which led to the way of the Hill The Prince conceiving that the French fled and would climbe the Mountain by that way and get into a place of safety or recover Susa ordered Doria to fall upon them with his Horse and
which if it should fall into the Spaniards hands were it nothing else how much would it lessen the Liberty of ââ¦is Principality being therefore born down by so many afflictions of mind by his bodily labour in war by the miseries of his Country and by the death of so many of his Subjects what by Sword what by Pestilence seeing Savoy lost and so many Towns in Piedmont and that which tormented him most being struck with consternation to see all his artificial cunning wherewith he for many years had ballanced the Arms of France and Spain and had not only maintain'd his own fortune but made himself almost Arbitrator between those two Nations out-done and deluded by Agents of both those Crowns and also seeing his reputation so decayed whereby he thought he had raised his head above the clouds and did even touch heaven with his finger and despairing ever to attain again to his former condition and grandezza he fell mortally sick and not being able long to resist the violence of that sickness he died in the space of three days in the Sixty ninth year of his Age on the 26th of Iuly in Savigliano leaving his State much lessened and ãâã It is said that his Father Duke Emanuel Philibertus a wise and prudent Prince one who was also well read in the wars of his time between the Emperour Charles the Fifth and Francis the First of France had always admonished him but chiefly when he lay upon his death-bed that he should by all means endââ¦vour to keep peace betwââ¦en the two Crowns it being ââ¦he foundation and secââ¦y of hiâ⦠ãâã and that he should meddle the least that was possââ¦ble in any wars ââ¦r contentions which should happen between them an advice which was not well observed though by reason of the troubles which afterwards insued in France it proved not unfortunate but ãâã his Son occasion of becoming greaââ¦er ââ¦nd more glorious yeâ⦠wââ¦en France had ceased as at the present ââ¦rom intestiââ¦e tumults anâ⦠wââ¦s reduced under the exact obedience of a King and of a solid and well regulated Government he found how wiââ¦e he might have been if he had observed it The publick and private actions of this Prince would really afford abundant scope for long and good Discourse on ââ¦e one anâ⦠on the other side ââ¦d perhaps it would noâ⦠be much aâ⦠to enter ââ¦on it since the dââ¦course thereof falling ãâã wâ⦠the concââ¦ion of this Book it would not mââ¦ch inteââ¦upt the thred oâ⦠an Historiâ⦠Narration and would much satisfie their curiosity who shall receive satisfaction in reading these present memorials and yet it will be more wisely done to leave it undone for as the private actions of this Prince might well become the Pen of a private Writer who should undertake to write his Life and Actions particularly so do they almost mis-become the Writer of a general History the publick and principal Actions of this Prince wherein he did very much signalize himself being written in this Book without either adulation or rancour the wise and unbiaââ¦ed Reader who is to judge thereof may of himself observe them and thereout gather that which as it would be superââ¦uous to mention in this place so the Author hath not thought ââ¦it to describe them or to observe them distinctly and particularly The End of the Eleventh Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY Book XII The Contents CHarles Emanuel Duke of Savoy is succeeded by his Son Victorio Amadeo who finding that the French had taken Carignano goes from Savigliano to recover it wherein failing he comes to a conflââ¦ct wherein the French have the better The French go from Carignano to Avigliana which they take Collalto having taken Mantua comes into Piedmont with fresh Forces Peace is treated of in Italy and in Germany and not being able to be concluded in Italy a Truce is endeââ¦voured which being refused by Spinola he dies soon after and after his death is accepââ¦ed of by the Duke of Savoy by ãâã and by the Marquess of San ' Croce who succedes Spinola in the Government of Millain and in being General The Truce being expired the French come with new Forces from France to relieve Casalle and being come to the Trenches of Spinola's Camp just as they were beginning Battel peace is concluded in conformity to the peace formerly made in Germany in execution whereof the interessed Princes Agents meet in Chirasco and there adjust the differences between the Dukes of Savoy and Mââ¦ntua a great part of Montferrat is assigned over to the Duke of Savoy and the manner of restoring the Stateâ⦠of Mââ¦ntua and Montferrat is agreed upon as also the like of the Towns of Piedmont and of the ââ¦isons Towns after the effectual restitution whereof the King of France demands Pinarollo of the Duke of Savoy together with the whole Valley of Perosa and obtains it The proceedings of the King of France and of Swedland in Germany against the Emperour are treated of and the Negotiation and Conclusion of Peace between the Commonwealth of Genoa and the Duke of Savoy together with the miraculous Fabrick of the new Walls made at Genoa and the strange preservation of that City from the Plague wherewith the whole State of Genoa was infected and more then half Italy This twelfth Book and the whole present History is concluded with the Marriage between the King of Hungary Son to the Emperour and the Infanta Mary Sister to the King of Spain and with the Duke of Urbin's death and the devââ¦lving of that State to the Apostolick See THe death of the Duke of Savoy proved not so great an alteration to the main of Affairs by his being succeeded by his Son who was now almost 40 years old bred up in his Fathers School a great Prince and gallant Commander so as being instructed by so excellent a Master in the Art both of War and Peace none doubted but that he would equal his Father in both and being knowing and partaker of the Affairâ⦠of State and of all his Fathers Councils ends and resolutions having for many years being vers'd in publick affairs as well Civil as Military the Principality seemed not to be any thing changed by this new succession but to be continued in the successor and his contrary conditions to Duke Emanuel afforded better hopes of peace and concord for instead of the hatred born by the Agents of both the Crowns to the deceased Duke in his Son the strict bond of Affinity with the King of France was to be considered and of Consaââ¦guinity with the King of Spain so as it was to be believed that the former would not easily consent to the depression of his Sisters Husband which drew along with it inseparably the like of his Sister nor that the other would refuse any thing which might make for the good of a Prince annex'd to him both in blood and Interest and yet as Councils of State which give motion to all things
materials upon any occasion which might happen when the Truce should be expired which notwithstanding he proceeded in but slowly by reason of the greââ¦t hopes he had of peace which being joyned to hââ¦s abhorrence of war and expences all provisions seemed superfluous These hopes accompanied and nourish'd with great desire had also made the Court of France negligent in making new recruits for Italy had not Cardinal Richelieu contrary to the opinion of the whole Council laboured to perswade the King to the contrary Shewing him that in case Peace should not be concluded in the time prefixt for Truce it would be necessary that the Citadel should be surrendred which being come into the Spaniards hands the state of affairs would be reduced to such a condition as it would be bootlesse to hope for any saââ¦sfaction or peace and that so the great expeââ¦ience the so great labour and troubââ¦e which they had been at for the maintaining of Cassalle would together with the reputation and honour of the Armes of France be lost the King being perswaded by these reasons gave order for the levying of as many Souldiers as could be whereof a body of 1200 being raised was sent to Pinarollo under Marshal Marigliack which was a good recruit to the French Camp it being much diminished The 15 of Octob. drew neer and no news being heard of Peace they treated of proroguing the Truce whereof Sancta Croce who naturally abhorr'd the thought of War and the Commanders and Council no less then he were desirous by reason of the confusion and difference of opinions and humours which was amongst them and for the distrust they had of the Duke and of Collalto which made them despair of good success but the French whose numbers were increased fearing that they might dissolve by delay and building very much upon the necessities and weakness of the Enemy refused it as did also the Duke and Collalto being displeased that the first suspension granted by them was ill resented Wherefore because the world thought and the Spaniards seemed assured that what they had done was a that time very seasonable they were now very backward to the end that the good of the former suspension might appear by the contrary effects and that so Sancta Croce and the rest who had blamed it might learn at their own cost to listen better in the future to their Counsels But the condition of affairs being much alter'd from what it was when the Truce was made made the present refusal be approved the French were then weak and despaired of relieving the Town by reason of the stout opposition the City Citadel were reduced to the utmost extremity for want of victuals by the advancing of the siege it was now clean contrary the French were very strong in Piedmont they met with little or no opposition the City and Citadel were that mean while maintained with victuals by the Spaniards and they had some provisions lay'd in for the future The fiege was much lessened their courage cooled preparations slackned and in fine the affairs of the Camp were much worse in Counsell Courage and Union and the reputation thereof was much diminished The Truce being expired and nothing that was done in Ratisbone being known in Italy the French betook themselves to relieve the Town but without victuals or any other provisions for sustenance of the Citadel which they were to relieve their whole Forces consisted of about 15000 Foot and 2000 Horse to boot with some 4000 which were left in Piedmont under Monsieur Di Tauanes to entertain or to give pretence to the Duke and to the Dutch who remained in Piedmont after the Truce to keep from joyning with Sancta Croce if he should oppose the succour and to infuse more terror into the Enemy they used many tricks and inventions to make their preparations appear greater and the number of their men more as well of those who remained in Piedmont as those who went to the relief There were three Marshals chose who were to manage the whole businesse Sforza Scomberg and Marigliack and these were to command every day by turnes the Duke demanded men from Sancta Croce to oppose them but did not obtain them were it either out of distrust or that knowing all the Dutch were in Piedmont would have the remainder for his own safety sake keep before Cassalle Wherefore seeing that neither the Dutch nor the Duke moved the French Army past over the Poe a little below Saluzzo without any opposition and came to Scarnafixo where they mustered on the fifth of Octob. and march'd on the next day having with them only six small pieces of Artillery The Duke of Momorancy being gone to France after the Truce was concluded was not present in this action The marching of this Army and the so constant resolution to relieve the Town afforded much discourse touching the Duke and Collalto whether they held private intelligence with the French or no it being thought that otherwise it was impossible three Marshals should take a journey of fourscore miles in an Enemies Countrey where they had no strong Holds for the safety of their march or upon any occasion for their retreat and therefore subject to be assaulted not without manifest danger and forc'd to fight in any disadvantagious place with a fresh nimble Army stronger then theirs Anâ⦠say they had been sure to meet with no opposition or had had a safe Conduct sent them by the Enemy yet they might have supposed that they should meet with greater difficulties and dangers when they should be at the end of their march and be come within sight of the Enemies Camp For the Enemy being very well intrench'd munited with Artillery and being possess'd of the City and Castle of Casalle they must necessarily either assault them upon too much disadvantage within their Quarters or besiege them there either of which would certainly have been a desperate business but it was a no less dangerous and ill advised Enterprize to attempt the relief of a famish'd place without victuals which had more need of speedy food for nourishment then of men to defend them Whereinto if they should have gotten who sees not they must have surrendred the Town the sooner being to be the sooner famish'd by the entrance of so many men and would have stood in more need of victuals The Army being parted from Scarnafixo march'd to Raconiggi from thence to Somariva del Bosco then to Cerexola that they might from thence come into the County of Asti getting victuals from the neighbouring Towns Whilest they advanced apace and in good order without any opposition the others were nââ¦t idle before Casalle for having notice of the Enemies coming they began to make Trenches as well against the Citadel as against the coming of succour but more diligently on the side of the Hills by which way they thought they would march it being the higher and more advantagious they therefore placed many pieces
always sick and for the most part but oâ⦠the Dutchy of Mantua the business being still managed by Gallasso and Aldringer To this was added that that City being rather taken by stealth then by force of Arms and that stealth succeeding when the City by reason of the great mortality of Souldiers and Inhabitants was like an expiring carcase it lessened much the glory of the Victory and take away the difference of success their glory will assuredly be greater that suffer'd before Casalle then theirs who had the Victory at Mantua Collalto being dead who had full and free authority from the Emperour to make peace and to set a value upon the Towns of Montferrat which were to be restored they sent into Germany expecting new Commands and new Deputations from the Emperours Court they were likewise to expect the same from France for it was known that that King sent Monsieur di Servien Secretary of State into Italy with full authority Cesar soon confer'd the Command upon Gallasso but the Secretaries not appearing after many days expectation made it be much suspected what the Kings mind was touching the observance of the peace to which he profess'd publickly he did not hold himself bound and therefore men knew not what to think touching the restitution of the Towns in Montferrat the reason alledged by the King of France why he held himself not bound was that he having made another League with the King of Swedland in favor of the German Princes against the Emperour much about the same time that the peace of Ratisbone was in treaty or was as good as concluded and the Articles of Ratisbone repugning this League and Union as also the King of France his protection of the German Princes that King not willing to part from the League nor from the protection therein contained pretended that his Embassadour who under-writ the Articles of Ratisbone had neither Commission nor Command to oblige him the King touching the affairs of Germany but only for those of Italy so as being questionlesly free from those of Germany he alledged he could not be bound to observe those of Italy by reason of the correspondent connexion that the one had with the other he therefore protested that if he should agree to that peace for what concern'd the affairs of Italy he would not do it as bound thereunto by the Articles of Ratisbone but out of his meer well-wishing to the peace and quiet of Italy The Spaniards suspected also that the delay made by the French Deputy proceeded from some end the King might have to keep the Spanish and Dutch Forces idle in Italy which the peace being once agreed upon were destined the Spanish for the relief of Flanders against which the Hollanders made great warlike preparations and the Dutch to succour Germany where the King of Swedlands proceedings prospering ââ¦dingly they very much press'd for assistance and succour so to hinder the hazardous affairs of the Emperour and of the King of Spain in both these places from being relieved by those succours for nothing being to be treated of in Italy without the French Deputy the Spanish and Dutch Forces were necessarily to remain in Italy till that business should be perfectly ended only in favour to the Duke of Savoy the Agents who were in Italy chose Cherasco a Town in Piedmont for the place of conference where the Duke kept his Court it being a place least infected with the Plague whereaâ⦠the Duke of Nevers complain'd very much as of a thing thaâ⦠would redound very much to his prejudice for that the deciding of ââ¦o weighty and important a business being to be made in the face and before the eyes of his so great contradictor the ballance would not be so rightly guided as it ought at last the French Deputy appeared in Italy who being kept some days in Susa by the Marshals came to Cherasco about the midst of Febr. in the year 1631 where Monsieur Pancirolo Mazarine Gallasso Toras the Spanish Embassadour for Piedmont and Marshal Scomberg were present The Negotiation being begun the first thing that was handled was that which concerned the Duke of Savoy 's pretensions to as many Towns of Monserrat as were to be assigned over to him to the value of 18000 crowns annual revenue And the Duke persisting that the Towns revenues should be rated according to the ancient Rent and not as they went now contrary to what the Mantuan Agents pretended as an expedient for this and all other differences and pretensions the annual Rent of 18000 crowns was by the Deputies reduced to 15000 according as the King of France had declared by the Articles of Susa For payment whereof fourescore and foure Towns were assigned to the Duke of Savoy amongst which Alba and Trino But because it appeared that the revenue of these Towns came to much more then 15000 crowns the Duke of Savoy was injoyn'd to pay for the overplus 500000 crowns to Nevers and to quit the Infanta Margarit 's portion which Nevers as heir to Duke Francis did owe In lieu of which portion the Duke of Savoy and in his name the Deputies and Arbitrators did assign to the said Margarite La Motto Riva and Costanza three of those Towns which were at the present assigned to the Duke of Savoy it being lawful for him to redeem them at any time upon payment of the portion And by this assignation all the Duke of Savoy 's claimes and pretensions to Monferrat were understood to be fully satisfied As for the performance of the other points it was agreed that within two moneths space Nevers should be put into possession of all his Dominions except what was assign'd to the Duke of Savoy that between the eight and the twentieth day of Aprill all the Dutch and the French should foregoe Italy that the first should return to Germany the others to France leaving those who were in the Mantuan Towns which were reserved to the Emperour and those in the Town of Piedmont which were reserved for the King of France That the Duke of Savoy should also withdraw all his men into Piedmont not removing those who were in the Towns assigned now unto him That within 25 dayes the Duke of Nevers should be invested into his two Dukedoms in the same manner as his Predecessors had been That this being done the Forts which have been erected upon occasion of these present Wars in the States and Towns which had been taken should be demollished by the 23 of May on which day Mantua and the Forts thereunto belonging and Caneto should be consigned to Nevers and the Towns in Piedmont which were held by the French should also on the same day be delivered to the Duke of Savoy and presently after all the Grisons Towns and places which were held by the Emperour as well in Rhetia as in the Votuline should be set free But the difficulty consisting in the sure performance of what was nââ¦w agreed upon each party doubting
that the Towns of Mantua and Piedmont being to be restored on the 23 of May it might so fall out that neither of the parties either out of their own wilfulness or for fear of being deceived would make restitution or that if the one party should do it the other party might not do so which would redound much to the prejudice of the things agreed upon as also of the satisfaction of all and of the publick peace it was therefore concluded that within the 15 dayes prefix'd for the demollishing of the Forts Hostages should be delivered up to the Pope by the Emperour and by the King of France to be detained by the Pope till all things were performed The Pope refused to receive Hostages for restitution of the Towns in Rhetia for that it did not suit with Religion nor with the Majestâ⦠of the Popedom to co-operate in making Towns be restored to Hereticks which were posses'd by Catholicks and the French not being to be satisfied in this point without caution it was agreed upon by an Article apart between the Duke of Savoy and the French Agents to which Gallasso seemed to give his consent That the Duke at the same time should restore his Towns to him should put into Susa and Avigliana a Garrison of Swissers confederates with the King and Valleggiany who were to be chosen and pay'd by him the Duke and who should swear to restore them to the Duke after the due observance of what was agreeed upon at Cherasco Though this capitulation seemed to be the Emperours intention and that of the two Kings who would have had freed Italy of the Dutch and French at one and the same time that without disadvantage of either party all places retained should be restored yet bââ¦cause for assurance of this agreement it was resolved in the 16 Article of the Peace at Ratisbone that hostages should be given who were to be named by the Iââ¦alian Agents who were likewise to chuse to what Prince they should be given and moreover the said Agents were allowed liberty to do any thing else therein which should seem best and safest to them and they choosing the Pope who refused to receive Hostages This accommodation was found to satisfie the French who received some prejudice in the point which concerned the Grisons but the more the French were therewith satisfied the more unsatisfied were the Spââ¦niards and by their means the Emperour The judgement given at Chirasco was also suspected by reason of the exorbitant assignment made unto the Duke of Savoy of so many great and noble Towns in Montferrat which to boot that by the common present calculation they came to 100000 ducates annual revenue it was too prejudicial to the Duke of Nevers and weakned the rest of his State so much as not being able to undergo the burthen of maintaining Cassalle nor to supply it with sufficient victuals the Arbitrators who were aware of it ordered that the Duke of Savoy should permit Nevers to extract 10000 sacks of corn yearly at the price of the Market which extraction to boot with the limitation of time prefixed reduced the maintainance and nourishment of that Town to be at the Duke of Savoy's pleasure who by denying it might besiege it and bring it into great streights It therefore seemed strange that the Agents of the King of France who had by his Arms profest himself to be Nevers his Protector should consent to what was so prejudicial to their Kings Client and the restoring of 500000 ducates together with the freeing of Nevers from payment of the Infanta Margarits portion being nothing else but a forcing of Nevers to alienate so great a part of his Sââ¦ate at so mean a price as those two sums came to made more for Nevers his prejudice and consequently made the Arbitrement more exorbitant and the conditions more unjust At this time the Duke of Feria was again made Governour of Millain in the place of Sancta Croce with whom the Court oâ⦠Spain was very ill satisfied by reason of his ill government of the Kings business And though Feria did not like the thus dismembring of Montferrat especially since the Duke of Savoy being possest thereof by the King of France his means he was in appearance likely to depend more upon him then upon the King of Spain who would never condescend that he should be Master of one foot of ground in Montferrat yet Feria and the other Spanish Agents dissembling their inward resentment of this point as not appertaining to their King they exclaimed mainly and protested against what concern'd the Garrison of Susa and Avigliana and Feria writ to the Emperour and to the King of Spain that they should not allow of the Articles of Chirasco nor to the restitution of Mantua he also complained of Gallasso in the Emperours Court as if adhering too much to Collalto he had inclined more to the Duke of Savoy then to the King of Spain And it was bruted abroad that Gallasso having received great sums of money from the Duke had joyned with the French in being so favourable to the Duke of Savoy in the assigning of the Towns And as if affairs had been in a worse case then ever Feria staid the Brigadoes which were sent for Flanders and the Dutch who according to the Articles of Chirasco were ready to depart notwithstanding that the Emperours affairs being ill handled by the Swedes at this time did very much require succour The business being thus interrupted and all parties being much incens'd by this backwardness in Feria it was thought he the more desired to embroil business that he might have occasion to exercise his warlike ââ¦alent then to appease them wherefore as a friend to novelty he was commonly noted to be of an unquiet spirit And this was observed even in the Court of Spain which was held to be very ill satisfied with the peace of Ratisbone and worse with the agreement of Gasalle it was therefore thought that Feria coveted to repair his Predecessors fault and to signalize the beginning of his Government by actions contrary to his But a Decree made by the Emperour after the peace of Ratisbone did much trouble all mens minds by which he conferr'd all the authority of the Sacred Empire which could be conferr'd in amplest manner upon the King of Spain against contumacious and rebellious Subjects A Decree commonly practised in Germany against disobedient Princes by which that Prince who is warranted to make War is permitted to possess himself of the disobedient Prince his Dominions no restitution being to be made till he have paid the whole charge of the War By virtue of this Decree all Princes and Officers who are Subjects of the Empire are bound to pay obedience to him who hath this Commission as they should do to the Emperour and also to deliver up unto him all Towns and Forts and without making any reply to turn their Arms and Forces whithersoever that King commands This
Decree was occasioned by what had hapned before Casalle after peace was made by the King of France his protesting that he held himself not bound to observe the Articles of that peace and by the agreement of Chirasco which gave little satisfaction for the Emperour finding that the French were not content with the peace but that the King of France at the same time that that peace was made had made a new League with the Swedish King clean contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone and that he furnish'd him with moneââ¦s for the Wââ¦r of Germany and knowing that he could not possibly repair the affairs of the Empire both in Germany and Italy at one and the same time he thought fit to leave the care of the affairs of Italy to the King of Spain the greatest Prince and Feudatory of the Empââ¦e And the Duke of Feria being substituted by the King in this Commission Gallasso who managed the War and Aldringer who had Mantua in possession as also all the ãâã Princes Feudatories to the Empire were to obey him and to assist him as they would have done the Emperours self and Aldringer was bound to deliver Mantua unto him and all the Towns which he held in that Dukedome for that Nevers who having incurr'd the penalty of High Treason by reason of his contumacy and disobedience had no right to that peace but was relapsed into his former fault and the Duke of Feria by virtue of that Decree might proceed against him with all the Forces of the Empire For fear that this should be put in execution the Venetians the French and all Princes who cared for the affairs of Italy apprehended that all things would be ruined if Mantua should be assigned over to the Duke of Feria they were therefore necessitated to endeavour by all means that the peace might be observed and ratified in the first place and afterwards reform the Articles of Chirasco in satisfaction to the Emperour and Spaniards Thus the agreement of Chirasco being of force it was instituted touching the restitution of the Towns and places belonging to the Grisons whereof the doubt remained that the French instead of the Garrison which by the agreement they were to put into Susa might keep Bricherasco but that Gallasso should be constituted in Mantua and Toras in Turin for hostages the one for the restitution of Bricherasco the other for the Towns and places belonging to the Grisons And because this new agreement was made on the 19th of Iune the time of the former agreement being already expired others were made like unto the former In this second agreement the Duke of Feria was likewise limited more precisely touching the Garrison of Millain and the number of the men were lessened which he was to keep there for Garrisons contrary to what in the preceding peace and particularly in this last of Chirasco was observed for whereas in the former it was said that the Kings Forces should not so tarry in the State of Millain as to cause jealousie in the Neighbours in this last they obliged the Governour precisely to send 6000 Foot and 1000 Horse out of Italy and Rhetia of the extraordinary Forces which were in the State and that if after the restitution of the places there should yet remain a greater number of Horse or Foot then is usually kept in that State they should be dismiss'd or should be so disposed of as no more should remain there then was usually kept in Garrison in the time of peace This agreement was perfectly observed At the time appointed the Duke of Mantua was re-invested and restored to the City and State of Mantua freed of all the Dutch who shall for the future be no more called the Duke of Nevers but Duke of Mantua The Towns of Piedmont were also restored to the Duke of Savoy and lastly for full and entire performance of what was coveââ¦anted the Hostages were set at liberty so as Italy was likely to return into her former serene peace But new clouds soon appeââ¦ring amidst this cleer weather drew all meââ¦s eyes upon them and seeming big of thunder lightning and storms made it be feared they would break out into some dangerous tempest The King of France some few days after the Towns and Hostages were with satisfaction to all parties restored demanded some things of the Duke of Savoy which being directly contrary not only to the Covenants but to the fundamental points of the peace of Ratisbone and of the Agreements made at Cherasco did disturb the Affairs in several manners perplex'd the minds of the Italians and gave the Spaniards more cause of complaint and greater reason to think themselves injured then before he demanded the assignment over unto him of Susa and of Avigliana or Pinarollo and Perosa or of Dimone and Cunio or lastly Savigliano together withall the Towns that are upon the passage to Castle Delphino the reason of these his demands he said was that he might have a way open to come into Italy upon any novelty that might be attempted by the Spaniards to the prejudice of his Confederates and to secure himself of the Dukes friendship whom he once more saw inclined to joyn with the Spaniards against him The occasion of these demands were alledged to be for that together with the ardent desire which the Spaniards as ââ¦e said seemed to have to exclude the new Duke of Mantua out of Italy that they might unjustly usurp the States which did by right of succession devolve upon him and besides that they for the same purpose had gone against the Articles of Susa and with their own Forces and those of the Dutch called into Italy by them and paid by their moneys had assaulted his Dominions and taken Mantua from him they now endeavoured to come to a third assault when by reason of the restitution of the Towns of Piedmont and the French their retiring into France they were themselves alone in Italy arm'd in the Field the Duke being weak and unable to resist them for want of moneys and men who were consumed by War and by the Pestilence wherewith his States had been so sorely afflicted The King justified these his doubts and jealousies for that though the Duke of Feria had given his word to Galasso that he would cashier the extraordinary Forces out of the State of Millain and reduce the Souldiers to the number that were usually kept in Garrison in time of peace according to the last Article of Cherasco he on the contrary had retained most of the Foot to boot with Scomburgs Regiment and the Neapolitan Horse which he had not only not dismis'd as he was obliged to do but had raised others by the Marquess Rangone and drawn them neer the Confines of Millain and that many Captains and Officers under colour of Reformadoes were sent by him to Naples to raise more men and bring them into the State of Millain that il Signore Merodes a Captain of the Emperours in Alsatia
had encreased his ââ¦roops with the men that were sent into Flanders and that joyning with Archduke Leopold he threatned innovation against the Grisons and that in the mean while Merodes and his Lievtenant did by several ways molest those people and pick new occasions to break the peace that the Duke of Feria being desired by the Nuntio Panciruolo and press'd thereunto by the Fââ¦ench to cashier those men so to remove all occasions of new jealousies he openly denââ¦ed to do it and this for nothing else but for that as he saââ¦d the new Duke of Mantua had put new Garrisons of French Souldiers into Casalle contrary to Covenants and for that the Grisons contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone had fortified the passes of Stainc and of other places and that therefore it was necessary to provide against these inconveniences by way of anticipation lest other more great might follow thereupon that the Spaniards who were now more powerful in the Emperours Court then the Dutch themselves had labour'd very much even since the Treaty of peace that the Emperour would deliver the City of Mantua into their hands and that not being able to obtain it they had treated with the Imperial Officers who had the Government of that City to deliver it up unto them and that they had proceeded so far therein as they failed but a liââ¦tle of having it done had they not been hindred by such Officers as were faithful to the Emperour and who would not consent to so great a piece of treachery he also said that the Emperour bare no good will to the new Duke nor was pleased with the peace that he himself made for that the next day after the investment was granted he by a secret Article procured by the Spanish Agents had declared the investment should be null and of no effect if at any time the Articles of Ratisbone should not be observed and as if this were directly contrary to the same Articles wherein he in express words covenanted that the investment should be granted in the same manner as it had been formerly granted to the former Dukes the King alledged that that Declaration was procured only to serve for a pretence that the Spaniards might once more assault that Duke and bereave him of his Dukedom upon any slight occasion since they and the Emperour who were parties in this business were made judges of the breach thereof and accusers of those that should break it he further argued that the Spaniards fomented the civil dissentions of his Royal Court and were of intelligence with his Brother and Mother who were at this time fled from the Court of France and were gone into Flanders to the end that he and his Kingdom being troubled with intestine dissentions might not apply themselves to the Affairs of Italy and so they might assault the Duke the third time with greater Forces nor herewithall contented that they endeavoured to draw the Duke of Savoy to joyn with them in their Plots contrived against the quiet of his Kingdom as was discovered by Letters of the Spanish Embassadours Resident with the Duke of Savoy which were intercepted and as might be better comprehended by the Abbot Scaglia's going into England which Abbot being Embassadour from the Duke of Savoy in Madrid at the same time when the Towns of Savoy and Piedmont were restored was sent at the King of Spains charges into England to treat of new Leagues against France he further urged the Cardinal of Savoy his going into Flanders at the same time that the Queen-mother was to be there and the imprisonment of the Baron S. Romano who after having treated in Millain with Feria and afterwards with the Spanish Embassadour in Turin was gone into Languedock with the Dukes Pass-port and with Order to raise men for the Kings Brother moreover Orders given for the going of 500 Spaniards and 2000 Italians at the same time to Barcelona to put those designs in execution which might by all men be imagined Monsieur di Servien who was the Kings Embassadour in Turin havââ¦ng delivered the Duke a long Discourse in writing upon these and other lighter complaints he at last required an answer from him to these the Kings demands within three days to the end that the King might know how to dispose of his Forces that were yet in the Provinces which confine upon Italy putting him also in mind that he the Duke having gotten so great a part of Montferrat by the Kings means and being consequently the only man that had got advantage by the late war he was bound both for convenience and gratitude to do some thing for the safety of the Affairs of Italy and for the satisfaction and reputation of the Kings Forces The Duke immediately acquainted the Governour of Millain with the Kings demands and with the threats which might apparently be seen in case he should deny them adding that he the Duke not having wherewith to resist must be forc'd to chuse the lesser evil and to comply with the Kings will unless he were furnish'd with 10000 effectual Foot and 1000 Horse for the defence of Savoy and with 6000 Foot and 1000 Horse for the defence of Piedmont and if they were paid what was their due he should submit to the Kings will The Governour not being able to furnish him with so many men at the preseââ¦t offer'd to send him as many as he was able now and that he might be suââ¦e that for the future he would procure him what assistance he could for the preservation of his Dominions The Duke not content with these uncertain generalities agreed with the French Embassadour to assign over Pinarollo and Perââ¦sa and San ' Brigata to those very Swissers to whom Susa was assigned the year before upon Oath that they should hold them for the King for six moneths space and that time being ended that they should re-assign them over again to him the Duke unless by his own consent the time of assignment to the King should be prorogued that the King might put a Governour into them who should take the same Oath The Duke obliged himself also and promised not to co-operate with them who should go about to trouble the peace of France during the Kings Mothers and his Brothers absence and to give free passage for the French to enter Italy if they should be brought thither by any novelty against the Duke of Mantua There was not any one who did not resent this so sudden and unexpected demand and who did not wonder and were not amazed at the Dukes so ready yielding thereunto so as none were so void of reason as not to think that it was agreed upon long before between him and the King especially by the many accidents and circumstances which went to the approving thereof The Cardinal of Savoy went to Paris a little before the French restored the Towns of Piedmont and Prince Thomasâ⦠with his Wife and Children on whom the Duke having no Children
the succession of Savoy fell the occasion of the Cardinals going thither was given out to be for his own respect that he might go from thence to Flanders to visite his Aunt the Archdutchess and for others to be present at some solemn Festivals which were to be had in that Court When the Cardinal was come to Paris he did not pursue his journey but tarried there with his Brother till such time as Pinarollo was assigned over into the Kings Officers hands which being done they all returned to Piedmont the going of these Princes to that Court and their tarrying there till the assigning over of Pinarollo made all men think that they were sent thither and kept as Hostages of the secret Agreement between the King and Duke contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone the secrââ¦t Capitulation of the first Agreement of Cherasco against which the Duke of Feria did so much exclaim seemed to say as much Servien's long delay in coming into Italy touching a business of so great importance and wherein haste was required by all partââ¦es though it was then attributed to some other cause was afterwards ââ¦eld for cerââ¦ain that it was done to give time for this resolution which was not as then ripe nor digested the notable prejudice suffer'd by the Duke of Mantua so openly taken into protection by the King of France and consented unto by the same Kings Agents in favour to the Duke of Savoy who had been a profess'd enemy to the Kings interest and who besides hââ¦ving cost that Crown so great an expence of men and moneys had also made him lose whole Armââ¦es and his reputation in the enterprise of Casalle was commonly judged to be the price and the reward of this secret Treaty between the Duke and the King of France touching the concession of Pinarollo which may appear to be clearly comprehended by the very writing delivered to the Duke by the Embassadour Servien wherein after the ââ¦acite threats in case of denial he endeavoured to perswade the Duke to give way unto the demands by way of gratitude for the great obligation which he had to the King by whose favour ââ¦e had gotten so great a part of Montferrat The Kings suffering himself for so frivolous and sleight occasions which by treaty might easily be compounded to be brought to resolve upon a thing of so great moment when France which required peace and restauration broke forth into combustion of Civil War by the flight of his Mother and Brother made all men believe that without assurance of having it readily granted he would not have adventured to make such a demand which if it had been denied obliged him to undertake greater wars then those which after so much expence of moneys and blood he was to thank fortune for his coming off with honour with Forces already wearied and little better then beaten and upon a less just title then the former On the other side the great respect not to say fear which the Duke when he was already restored to all his Dominions shew'd to have of those Forces which when he was in a worse condition he had so boldly resisted his so much distrust of aid from Spain by which being assisted he nor his Father feââ¦red not to provoke the French Forces his having by his so high and almost impossible demands rather rejected then desired those succours from the Duke of Feria which he might have received and was bound to accept of rather then to quit so many places of importance The Duke not being moved at so unjust demands which rather then to have granted he was upon all accounts to have run any whatsoever Fortune his having yielded to the worst demand and more prââ¦judicial to himself of the four his no shew of resentment after such an assignation but his pretending a reward for it from the Crown of Spain as if he had once more thereby secured the State of Millain confirmed the general prejudiciate opinion that this demand was no news unto him but a thing long before agreed upon this general opinion was afââ¦erwards better confirmed by the sale made by the Duke the next year of the same Towns to the King and of their Territorie wherein many other Towns were conââ¦ained and by this sale it was comprehended that it was not his alledged zeal to the publick peace nor the security of his Client and Friends but his desire to have a gate alwayes open into Italy which caused the King to make such high and strange demands and so contrary to the Covenants of Ratisbone and Chirasco agreed unto by his Agents in his name and ratified by the King himself in the effectual restitution of the Town of Piedmont the 500000 Ducates which the Duke of Savoy was to restore to the Duke of Mantua for the overplus of the Towns in Montferrat assigned to him by the Arbitrement of Chirasco the which the King being obliged to make good to that Duke he afterwards profes'd that he kept them against the same Duke of Mantua for the charges he had been at in making war for the defence and maintaining of his dominions was considered in the price of so many important Towns The Duke granted and afterwards sold unto the King those Towns upon which the liberty and subjection of Piedmont did depend and wherein his sovereignty did consist and his not being onely a great and free Prince and master of himself but an Arbitrator of great affairs between two mighty Kings and their worth being inestimable the Towns of Montferrat which were assigned were sold at a very under rate For if Duke Charles Emanuel did grant all the Country of Bresse to the King of France a large Country and of great revenue onely that he might keep Saluzzo and thereby remain ââ¦ree and absolute master of Piedmont the French being excepted what comparison is to be made between Pinarollo and all the valley of Perosa in consideration of the Marquesate of Saluzzo especially the great opportunity and consequence of Pinarollo's scituation being considered and what proportion can the Towns assigned in Montferrat beat with Bressa which was granted so great a Country and so full of numerous Towns Yet the now Dukes action was excused by the necessity he was in to comply with the Kings pleasure who being posses'd not only of the Towns lately granted in Piedmont but of all Savoy and so many other Towns of Piedmont and having no hopes ever to regain them by force it behoved him to do as the times required and of two evils to chuse the least since affairs were brought to such a condition as he was rather to thank the King for what was in the Kings power to deny him then to forego what not being able to regain was really rather to be esteemed the Kings then his and which being denyed gave occasion not onely to retain that but all the other Towns that the King was posses'd of Cardinal Richelieu being proud of so advantagious an
which they aspired to give Laws to all men and to suffocate thâ⦠Liberty and Sovereignty of the Princes of Italy and though the double and clandestine dealing between the King and Duke were contrary to the peace of Ratisbone and to the Treaties of Cherasco yet winking at so great a gainsaying they allowed of the Kings justification and on the contrary the Declaration made by the Emperour touching the investment of the Duke of Mantua the day before was judged to be clandestine and yet he who shall justly consider the cause which moved the Emperour to make that Declaration will find that he was not to be blamed for it nor had any and much less the King of France reason to complain of the Articles which were granted before for the Articles of Ratisbone being reciprocal between the Emperour and the King it was clear that the one party observing them when the other did not it was lawful for the observer to withdraw from what he had on his side done but the original fault of the first moving against the Duke of Mantua conveighing sinister influences into all actions which did depend upon that moving did little justifie any action which might any ways prejudice the Dukes interest and the Italians minds being incumbered by fear that the former wars of the Valtoline and then those against Mantua and Montferrat aimed at the inslaving of Italy they allowed no place to any more subtile interpretations or considerations to define what was just and honest since justice and honesty seemed to have taken up the highest seat in the balance which did secure the Liberty of Italy and whatsoever co-operated to lessening the Spanish greatness being held good for the common liberty and safety was esteemed just and honest according to that saying salus populi suprema lex esto for this respect the Duke of Feria's suspition was not thought just who seeing the French brought into Mantua and Casalle and the Grisons parts gartison'd with French pretended that it was against the Article of Peace the events soon shewed that the pretence was not vain since it was seen that those places fell into the hands of the French so as their actions were applauded and the Spaniards suspitions blamed some of the Iââ¦alian Princes joyed to see that the French were became as it were Arbitrators of Italy and little less then masters of Mantua Montferrat and Piedmont and Concha if for no other cause at least for that they thought them by reason and opportunity to be of equal power and authority to the Spaniards and peradventure superiour to them by reason of the adheââ¦ence which those Princes would rather have with him then with the King Spain for they desired to keep the Spanish Forces curb'd by those of France the Spaniards being grown jealous and hateful to them this was the success of the ill advised ill govern'd and worse justifiable Spanish Forces this was the fruit they reaped of their so much stirring to no other end but that they could not tolerate that a Prince who depended upon France should have any possessions in Italy nor were the King of France his Forces less fortunate out of Italy for to boot with the Garrisons put into the Grisons Country whereby they depended no less upon his arbitrement then did the Dukes of Savoy and Mantua he did at the same time assault Lorrain with a powerful Army being offended with that Duke who had received and fomented the Duke of Orleans who as hath been said was fled from the Court and the Duke of Lorrain having no means to defend himself the Emperouâ⦠and all Germany being sufficiently molested and a great part of Germany possess'd by the Swedes he was forced to humble himself to the King and to sue for peace which was not granted him without parting with some of his chiefest Towns and being thus received into protection he obliged himself not only to give free passage to the King through Lorrain whensoever he would go with an Army into Germany but to joyn with him in that war and assist him with a certain number of men whilst he went to defend the liberty of the German Princes the ancient Friends and Conââ¦ederates of his Crown wherefore when the King drew neer Germany with his Army the Ecclesiastick Electors and many other German Lords and Princes put themselves under the protection of the Crown of France pretending fear of the Swedish Forces but in effect to have a Protector of their greater liberty to which they aspired against the Austrian authority Much about the time that the Peace of Ratisbone was concluded a League as hath been said was made between the King of France and the King of Swedland in defence of all common Friends and of all the German Princes in their oppressed Liberties and to restore Germany and the Princes thereof to the same condition they were in before the war began in which League the King of France obliged himself to pay 400000 Crowns a year unto the Swede for maintenance of his Army which was as much as to set up a Standard in maintenance of the German Rebellion unto which all male-contents might have recourse nor did the design prove vain for after the famous Victory of the Swede and Duke of Saxony before Lypsick as hath been elsewhere said wherein the Emperours Army and that of the League was discomfited and almost all slain and wherein Tilly was also sorely wounded the Protestant Princes openly adhered unto the Swede and joyn'd with him against the Emperour and those who in respect of the Catholick Religion could not openly adhere unto an Heretick Prince who was manifestly bent to take ââ¦he Empire from the house of Austria and to overthrow the Catholick Religion and who were unsatisfied with the Austrian Dominion taking pretence from their fearing the Swede had recourse to the King of France by whom being taken into protection they covenanted neutrality between the Swede and the Emperour and to permit the King of France to pass armed through their Territories by means of which protection they were secured from the Swedish Forces and the Emperour who was by this means bereft of the adherence and help of almost all the German Princes and also openly assaulted by the Swede and his adherents and molested under-hand by the King of France was brought to so low a condition as not being well able to withstand so many enemies the affairs of the Empire were in a very sad condition to this was added that the Duke of Bavaria who was head of the Catholick League and the greatest maintainer of the Catholick Religion and who next to the Elector of Saxony was the greatest support of the Empire and of the house of Austria especially after Saxony his revolt was also though very secretly confederated with the King of France which King by Articles of Confederacy was bound to maintain the upper Palatinate and the Electoral Dignity for ever in this Duke and in the
house of Bavaria which State and Dignity being forfeited by the Prince Elector Palatines Rebellion were for some years before confer'd by the Emperor upon this Duke of Bavaria the occasion which moved this Prince to this resolution was commonly attributed to jealousie of the peace made at this time at Madrid between the Kings of Spain and England for knowing that the King of Spain was displeased at the conââ¦erring of the Electoral State and Dignity upon him and that the authority and power of the house of Bavaria should be so encreased and that he had opposed the Emperour in conferring it upon him and knowing that the King of England whose Sister was Wife to the Palatine labour'd hard that the Palatine or his Son might be restored to their former condition he thought he had just occasion to doubt that the Peace made between the two Kings who were for several respects desirous to deprive him of it might tacitely contain some Agreement between them to his pââ¦ejudice And on the other side having soon after that Peace was concluded sent the Abbot Scaglia into England in appearance to treat of Truce and Peace in the Kings Name with the Hollanders but in effect to treat oâ⦠a League against him as he complain'd and as the King of France had heard therefore both Bavaria and the King of France easily joyn'd in this Convention for their own safeties sake and that they might make plots not inferiour to those that were plotted against him And that they might the better alienate the Bavarian from the Emperour the Kings of France and of Sweden promised him the Imperial Crown whereof when the Emperour should be beaten no Germane Prince seemed to be more capable then he as being the most powerful of all the Catholick Princes and who had most care of the Catholick Religion and for that he as one of the Electors had a Vote in chusing the Emperour and his Brother who was Elector and Arch-bishop of Collen another Vote with whom the Arch-bishop and Elector of Triers would joyn who was the first that had joyned in League with the King of France and had received a French Garrison into that State particularly into the Fort of Hermenestein a strong Fort and of great consequence being scituated where the Mose falls into the Rheyne The Votes of the Electors of Saxony and Brandenburg who were declared Enemies to the House of Austria and who depended upon the Swedish King would likewise have concurr'd in the same Election when the Bavarian should be by that King promoted to the Empire as he ââ¦ad promised The Duke being therefore ââ¦ed with these hopes and apprehending that the Austrians would deprive him of the Palatinate and Electoral Dignity and that they would restoreââ¦it to the Palatine totteââ¦'d in his intelligence with the Emperour and met with a new accident which gave him more and better reason to alienate himself from the Emperour The Emperour being reduc'd to great streights by the Swedish Forces by the rising of so many people and by his being deserted by so many Germane Princes had as hath been elsewhere said for the last remedy of the imminent danger the Empire was then in which also threatned him sent for Wallestine Duke of Fritland and had once more made him general of all his Forces for he was the only man on whom it was thought the welfare of the Empire might saââ¦eliest depend There had been such high distastes between this Wallestine and Bavaria as the Bavarian in the Diet of Ratisbone had been the chief cause of his being laid aside and doubtlesly had the Bavarian openly declared against the Emperour and had adhered to the contrary Parties the Affairs of the Empire would have been but badly sustained But were it either that he received such assurances from the Emperour as took from him all distrust or that his hopes of attaining the Empire seemed but small especially since both the Kings who offered and promised it unto him were known to be ambitious of it themselves or that he was at last wisely aware that the two Kings did desire to separate him from the House of Austria only that they might weaken it and so the more easily suppress it whereupon his ruine would assuredly succeed he medled not with any novelty but stood firm and constant in defence of the Catholick Religion and of the Imperial Majesty To this was added that the chief ends of the two Kings and of all the German Pââ¦nces was to restore the Palatine to his former state and dignity whereof they were much more troubled then was the King of Spain to seâ⦠Bavaria master He therefore had no reason to trust them in what was directly contrary to the end of the common Arms and to the universal desire and consent of whole Germany which for the common concernment could not see the Palatine devesââ¦ed of his Dominion and Bavaria indued theââ¦ewith and as it might be supposed that the two Kings out of these respects did promise that unto him which they could not possibly effect so it might also be comprehended that the same Bavaria seemed to make league and union with the two Kings so to keep the Austrians from depriving him of the State and Dignity which they had confer'd upon him so uncertain and fallacious are the unions and confedeââ¦acies of Princes In this wavering condition were the Affairs of Germany whereof the King of France seemed to be become no lesse Arbitrator then of those of Italy for the Swede differ'd much from him in point of Authority and profes'd to depend much thereupon notwithstanding all the victories he had gotten and all the happy course of his prosperity and the King of France his being deeply ingaged in the affairs of Germany took him much off from the Wars of Italy whereat though the Governour of Millain and the Spanish Agents were much troubled fearing his Forces which they saw were received into the Towns of Italy yet did not his Forces do any thing after the assignment of Pinarollo all things passing quietly on unless it were the preparations and several levies of men the Spaniards being obliged to keep greater Garrisons upon occasion of Pinarollo Cassalle and Mantua The new Duke of Mantua though peacefully possess'd of his States was not at all happy in injoying them for not to mention the troubles which he past thorough the monies spent and the dangers which he ran in arriving at the succession thereof his Dominions were so lessened so dismembred so consumed and wasted both in men and monies as his need of assistance from other Princes to maintain them was greater then the authority or Grandure that he got by them and having ingaged his Lands in France in defending and maintaining his Dominions in Italy he lost the advantage of both his chiefest Towns being possess'd by others he had little more then the bare name of Principality left him Nor was he in a more free and absolute condition of Prince
then when he was a Subject in France and vassal to that Crown so as he who would justly consider this Prince his condition must think that his happinesse in so great possessions redounded to his greater misfortune and that it had been better for him to have wanted them To so many calamities and miseries was added the death of his two onely Sons the Eldest who was Prince of Mantua dyed in Goito six dayes before that Town was ââ¦estored So as the succession of his Family fell upon a young Infant and Son to Princess Maria who after Duke Vincenzo's death was married as hath been said to the Duke of Retell the present Dukes eldest Son who had he lived must hââ¦ve been Prince of Mantua the other who was Duke De Mena or Du Mââ¦yne dyed some few moneths after in Mantua To compleat the quiet and felicity of Italy the composure of the differences between the Common-wealth of Genoa and Duke of Savoy yet remained which being severall times treated of given over and re-assumed could never be brought to perfection For after that by Marquess Rambollieââ¦'s departure from Madrid the businesse was left unperfect Dom Ramires de Prado was sent by the King of Spain to the Camp before Rochell with commission from the King and Common-wealth to negotiate and to conclude that peace Where after much discourse they came to this conclusion that Zuccarello should remain to the Common-wealth upon the payment 100000 Crowns to the Duke but with conditon that the Dukes right should be preserved to what soever more monyes he had disbursed when he first bought that Marquesate Neither of the parties nor yet the King of Spain were pleased with this peace For the Common-wealth was not only troubled at so excessive a sum at which they themselves against reason were assessed but much more for that a gate was left open for the Duke to make new pretentions which might occasion new Wars The Duke on the contrary complained that his interests were valued at no higher a ââ¦ate and moreover did not accept of the Peace because the conspiracy of Genoa hapning at the same time he took new occasion of complaint and altercation upon the impunity which he pretended unto of the Conspirators which was denyed by the Common-wealth And pretending that their punishment was a breach of the Truce agreed upon but a little before he thought that so great an innovation not being imbraââ¦ed nor salved up by the peace of Rochel that capitulation was void which did not perfectly compose the ancient grievances and ââ¦eft the greater and more modern complaints undecided And he being at that time joyn'd with the Crown of Spain upon occasion of the Wars of Montferrat neither had the King of France any authority to make him observe it nor would the King of Spain exasperate him to the prejudice of the new conjunction And therefore easily laying aside the Common-wealths complaints touching the prejudice which she pretended to receive by that peace he did not inforce the execution thereof upon her Thus this peace by the repugnancy of the parties and by the tacite consent of the Arbitrators remained unperfected and the continuing of these differences seemed then to make for the King of Spain's advantage for the Common-wealth being necessitated to keep in Arms and to entertain many to defend her the King had an Army maintained at the Common-wealths charge whereof he might make use according as the Wars of Montferrat should succeed this agreement then not being admitted of and new occasions of distastes hapning the Affairs between these two parties were in greater disorder then ever and the Spaniards were not well looked upon by the Common-wealth for having sided with the Duke in his complaints In these difficulties did things continue during Duke Emanuels life when he was dead the composure of all differences was by his Son absolutely refer'd to the King of Spain Wherefore the Common-wealth willingly accepted of the bargain but with very expresse and precise exclusion of that point which concerned the impunity of the Conspirators of whom they would not suffer any mention to be made it being so exorbitant a thing of so bad example and so contrary to the dignity and safety of Princes The Court of Spain was not well satisfied with this exclusion as if ãâã did miâ⦠become the Majesty of the King that the Common-wealth should proceed with such limitations and reservations when the Duke referr'd all things absolutely to the King at length after many replies the Commonwealth yielded and put her self freely upon the comprimise And the business being long disputed in that Court between Francesco Lomellino the Common-wealths Embââ¦ssadour and the Dukes Embassadour Abbot Scaglia and no resolution being made in that point first the Pope and then the King of France after the re-assigning of Pinarollo offered their indeavours and Authority to the Common-wealth in the composure of differences acquainting her that they would give her better satisfaction then she could hope for from the Court of Spain But the Common-wealth which had already referr'd all unto the King of Spain thought her self not in a condition to accept these offers wherefore thanking both of them for their favour shewed towarââ¦s her she excused her self for not being able to accept of the Grace done unto her by his Holiness and his Majesty without being faulty to his Majesty of Spain since she could not alter nor vary any thing from ãâã she had once granted him At last the Articles of Peace were concluded in Madrid and published about the end of November 1631. which in substance were That both Parties should be obliged to restore what had been taken by which it was declared That the Common-wealth should restore the Towns and Places which she had taken from the Duke the Artillery Gally and all Prisoners and That the Duke should do the like That the Commonwealth should keep Zuccarello paying unto the Duke at four payments 170000 Crowns of Gold in fââ¦ll for whatsoever he could pretend unto upon that account That all things held in Fee or Rented together with all Reprisals and Confiscations made during the War should be restored to the former owners That all who had served the contrary Parties in the late War should have general Pardon granted them namely ten of the Conspirators who were never to re-enter the Common-wealth under pain of the former punishment and of not enjoying the present Grace The Commonwealth accepted Il Lodo though unwillingly rather for that they thought it not ââ¦it to countervene what had been adjudged by an Arbitrator chosen by themselves then that they did not think themselves grieved by the great sum of money in which they thought themselves injuriously sentenced and much more by the impunity of the Conspirââ¦tors to which they thought they should not have been compelled as was promised them when they resolved to come to a free compââ¦imise But the Duke on the contrary exclaimed against this Decree and refused
was in it a Garrison of 3000 Foot and Weymer who was formerly made General of the Confederates Forces desired by the perservation of that place not only to preserve the glory of having taken it but therein also the honour of his commencing General and being gotten thereinto before the King came before it he lefâ⦠a recruit of 1000 Foot together with some Ammuniton there and then leaving it he used all diligence in raising as many men as possibly he could to relieve it but it was too strongly opposed for at the very name of the Kings going to the Field all the Nobility and Princes of Germany strove who should first joyn with him he had with him his own Army and those of Bavaria and the Catholick League he still abounded in men and had brought along with him a hundred pieces of battery yet the Defendants were not at all dismay'd but continued their defence undauntedly for many days but their Ammunition falling short they were at last forced to yield upon honourable Conditions being still playd upon by 100 Cannon and seeing no succour come for Weymer could not assemble Forces sufficient to relieve it he could not get Marshal Horne nor the Lanââ¦grave to come to that enterprise though he had sent for them they being both of them much displeased with his being chosen General and were not willing to be under his command only Horne coming in at last brought so few men with him as being joyned to Weymer's they amounted not to 16000 fighting men too small a number and much inferiour to the Opposers This Victory gotten so succesfully under the first Auspice of a young Prince of great Birth it is impossible to express how much spirit it restored to the Cesarean Forces and how much it revived their valour which Wallestine being dead seemed almost quite extinct conceiving that he being gone who was thought to be the only support of Germany no action of moment could be expected from Cesar's Forces On the other side that Victory did sufficiently abate the pride and haughtiness of the Enemy who puff'd up with success were victorious every where and Fritland being dead they thought they could meet with no opposition the Name of this young Prince was therefore not only exalted to the skies but he was received and cry'd up as a new deliverer of afflicted Germany On the contrary the Confederates Forces having lost much reputation by this action forsook Bavaria and retreated towards Ausââ¦erg and Swevia thinking that the Infanta would come by that way and joyn his Forces with those of the victorious Kings they therefore betook themselves to hinder their joyning from whence they foresaw great ruine and prejudice would ensue to their Affairs The King on the contrary hearing that ãâã was assaulted by the Saââ¦on Forces was already marching to relieve that Kingdom but understanding by the way that it was sufficiently defended and that the Assailants had been repuls'd with great loss from before the Walls of Prague he sent some Regiments thither to strengthen it and returned back and joyning with Bavaria went to before Donavert a strong in Bavaria upon the banks of the Danow which was yet held by the Confederates and which confining upon Franconia and the Country of Wittenberg was the key of Bavaria on that side a place of great importance and having recovered it also happily by assault he also forced some other Towns to surrender Wherefore having recovered almost all Bavaria and left the Duke to recover the rest the King went with his Army and with that of the League against the Country of Wittenberg a fruitful Country and which being till now untouch'd by the present Wars of Germany was thought to be the Magazine of the Confederates Army for the Duke of that Country being a Protestant and having always appeared to be a capital Enemy to the Catholick Religion and to the Austrian Naââ¦e furnish'd the Armies of the League with all things necessary Wherefore the King having refresh'd his men a little went against Nordling the chief City of that Dukedom which joyning with Ulmes not far off was of great concernment for the Affairs of Germany This the Kings resolution made the Chieftains of the contrary party very sollicitous to relieve it lest it might be lost as well as Ratisbone and Donavert so as they thought them bound to do their utmost to defend it Express Orders being therefore sent to all the Forces even those of Garrisons which were in several parts of Germany they commanded them expresly to quit the places and Towns wherein they were and to joyn with them immediately in so necessary and important a succour The King on the other side hearing of so great an union dispatch'd away a Messenger immediately to the Infanta who was then come with his Forces to the Confines of Bavaria desiring him that for the present he would give over prosecuting his journey which he intended for Alsatia and joyn with him in the common enterprize against the common Enemy Alsatia was then abandoned for almost all the Garrisons of the Towns thereof upon General Weymers command were marched towards Nordlingen so as the Infanta might more easily and more securely march thorough Alsatia His chief intent was to get as soon as he could into Flanders where he was much desired by those Provinces which wanted a Governour but ââ¦hearing no better harmony then what concerned the defence of the Catholick Religion the well-fare of the Empire and the Grandezza of his own house which depended all upon his joyning with the King setting all things else aside and not caring for what was said to the contrary he fix'd his thoughts and pitch'd his resolution onely on this union Taking therefore all necessary orders for it he went with his Army towards Monaco where Serbellone and Gambacorta together with the remainders of Feria's Army joyning with him he drew towards the Danube and passing over it about Donevert he came to the Cesarian Camp before Nordlingen whither Weymer was come a little before with his Army and expecting other recruits was firmly set upon the relief thereof He was quartered upon a Hill called Arespurg just over against that part where the Cesarean Camp was pitch'd so as the City was seated just between as in a Diametre between the two Armies and the Hill was within four hours march of the City Weymer out of a desire to end the business endeavoured to draw the King out to battle but the King expecting the Infanta kept within his quarters and endeavouring to keep on the siege would not hazard the publick and his private fortune upon the uncertainty of battle Being afterwards much reinforced by the Infanta's Arrival he neither quitted the siege nor refused battle if it should be presented by the enemy but was prepared for both his Forces consisted of three Armies his own of the Empire that of the Catholick League and that of the Infanta's They in all made up the full
he had done the first time which the Spanish Agents were not able to indure they had betaken themselves to sow discord in his Royal family making the Duke of Lorrein their Instrument therein and that thus they had endeavoured to Arm France against France that the same King of Spain had sent a powerful Fleet to Sea to assault Provence and that he was neer assaulting it several times had he not been sometimes detained by the season of the year sometimes by storms that moreover he had furnished the Duke of Orleans with Forces to pass armed through France to the end that being back'd by the Army of Catalogna and by the Fleet at Sea he might trouble France then falling upon the Affairs of Germany they complained mightily that the Austrians ends tended only to make the Elective Imperial Diadem hereditary and that therefore under the specious pretence of the Catholick Religion they aimed only at the abasing and annihilating of the Catholick and the Protestant Forces to the end that having extinguished the latter they might the more easily subdue the others and so arrive at that Monarchy whereunto though they had no reason to pretend yet did they thirst after nothing more and that the King of France not being able neither in justice nor for the safety of his Kingdom nor in respect of his ancient and hereditary adherence to the German Princes to tolerate that the house of Austria should make way to so great advantages by the ruine of his Colleagues lest when he should have compassed his defire he might pretend superiority over all Christian Princes had desired to see the affairs of Germany reduced into such a condition by civil means as that the German Princes might live in safety and not fear being ruinated and that so he might not be necessitated to defend them by Arms and that therefore upon several occasions discourses of peace he had always propounded a general peace wherein all might be comprehended and all things might be amicably composed for said they no peace is otherwise truly made but like fire buried under ashes breaks forth into a greater flame that it made not for the King of France nor for his honour to compose differences with the Emperour without including his Confederates who might be overcome afterwards by the Austrian Forces and that the same consideration was to be had touching the affairs of the Valtoline the King having made it be treaââ¦ed of in the peace of Cherasco and of Madrid that some course might be taken to remedy what was done to the contrary at the peace of Monsone but that these endeavours not being listned unto though they were propounded with much zeal to the publick peace the King was forced to take up Arms so to get such satisfaction which he could not do by friendly mââ¦ans But the Court of Spain complain'd no less nor did they cease to oppugne the accusations and complaints made by the French these began from before from the peace of Vervin which was made the year 1601 wherein all reciprocal offences being laid aside it was agreed that neither of the Kings should protect any one to the prejudice of the other but should renounce all Leagues and Intelligences contracted to the prejudice of either of them and that notwithstanding this the year was hardly ended when the French appeared in Holland under the King of France his own Colours against the King of Spains Forces nor did King Henry the Fourth with whom that peace was made ever re-cal so open Hostility save only in appearance and by vain Edicts which were never put in execution insomuch as the French continuing in that Militia the King cared not for the complaints made by the Spanish Agents but was wont to jest and mock at them whereby they infer'd that that King was the first breaker of peace and the original occasion of any hostility which had been afterward either tacitely or openly committed against him if any such had been committed and that therefore the French had no just cause to complain they added that King Henry did contrive a League with great Potentates afterwards against Philip the Third which was unperfected by the said Kings sudden death and that though Philip the Third might easily have resented these so open Hostilities and gainsayings of peace after Henry's death making use of the pupillar age of the then present King and of the ill humours and factions of France yet publick peace prevailing over all resentment he pass'd by so great an offence and became the defender of the young King and of the Queen Dowager and consented to the reciprocal Marriage to the end that peace and union might thereby be the better established between the two Crowns passing from hence to the League of Avignion the year 1623 whereof the present King of France was pretended to be the Author they said that from thence proceeded the following wars of Germany and of Italy against the Emperour and King of Spain which being happily ended for the Austrians the peace of Monsone insued which the King of Spain did not only not countervene but when it was concluded had assisted the King of France with a powerful Fleet in the so important business of Rochel and had assisted him therein at the same time when the King of France did openly assist the Rebels in Holland against him then coming to the last wars of Mantua and Montferrat they complained that the King of France had taken upon him the protection of the Duke of Nevers a Vassal of the Empire against his Sovereign the Emperour and against the Spanish Forces imploy'd in defending Cesars Authority that the King of France had no occasion to interest himself in that business which did not at all concern him but was proper to the Emperour and much less reason had he to meddle in dividing Montferrat between the Dukes of Savoy and Nevers though he had done it with much prejudice to the Emperours Authority in the peace of Susa Wherefore the Emperour nor King of Spain had no reason to ratifie that peace that then they came to the peace of Ratisbone wherein the Affairs both of Germany and of Italy being setled it was soon broken for what concern'd the Affairs of Germany by the King of France by the League which he soon made with the King of Sweden and as for the Affairs of Italy it was not sincerely observed since he extorted Pinarvolo from the Duke of Savoy contrary to the Articles of that peace and here heaping up all the accusations against the King of France touching his protecting the German Princes the Elector of Triers and the Duke of Nevers they said that these protections did foment the Subjects of the Empire against the Emperour just as if the Emperour of King of Spain should take upon them to protect the French who had taken up Arms against the King of France and should foment and assist them so as the King of France numbers
between people and their natural Princes and of interessing her self therein for her own safety and grandezza from the School of Spain but that the greatest part of these pretensions were rather seeming then substantial for Polybius relating the true cause of the wars between the Romans and Carthaginians doth not approve them as just and though some Princes use to keep inferiour Princes low and to weaken the superiour such proceedings are to be esteemed rather tyrannical then rational and if King Philip the Second had attained to such Counsels he would never have consented to the peace of Vervin wherein Territories and Towns of importance were restored to the King of France who was then the inferiour wherefore that peace cannot be pretended to be slavery though the Austrians were superiour to the French both in Dominions and Power for the Romans after the peace given to the Privernati as they will have it were superiour to them and if peace between Princes of unequal power may be violated by reason of the inferiours weakness no firm peace would ever be made between them unless the more powerful should divide States and Forces with the less powerful They therefore concluded that none of the reasons alledged did excuse the King of France his countervenings nor could the League concluded by his means some years after between Spain and the Hollanders free him from the preceding countervening but did rather aggravate it as well because the Hollanders being strengthned by those fomentings were made the more able to withstand their King and to force him to so disadvantagious a Truce as also by continuing the said assistance to them when the Truce was expired Passing then to the Affairs of the Valtoline it was said That the short relation of that business would suffice to let the world see whether of those two Princes were to be blamed The King of Spain protected the liberty and the Religion of the Valtolinians by securing them in both by some little Forts erected in the Valley against the imminent slavery of the Grisons who were prepared to subjugate them by force and the Valtolinians wanting men to munite them the French and with them the Venetians stormed very much when Spanish Garrisons were put thereinto as if the Spaniards had no other end but to make themselves Masters of the Valley the King of Spain to clear both them and the Venetians deposited the Valtoline together with the Fortâ⦠therein into the Popes hands who was choseâ⦠by them both to be Arbitrator of the whole business with power to dispose thââ¦reof as he should seâ⦠reason to do that while this was depending the King of France possest himself both of the Valley and of the Forts by Force of Arms that when the Pope sent men to recover them the King who would not make War with the Pope upon this account agreed with the King of Spain in the peace of Monsone to restore the Valtoline but upon very favourable conditions touching the Liberty and Religion of the Valtolinians and that the Pope should demolish the Forts whereunto the King of Spain condescended only because the King of France obliged himself to observe the Covenants which were made in favour to the Valtolinians so as the Forts were superfluous seeing that the two Kings were ingaged by the Peace to maintain the Liberty and Religion of the Inhabitants Therefore by this so favourable Peace to the Valtolinians the King of Spain was justified in his first taking up Arms. Neither did the Duke of Nevers his business deserve much defence if men will justly consider the result thereof for that Prince was not at all satisfied with the King of France his protection since he was deprived of Cassalle and of the greater part of Montferrat which were conferr'd upon the Duke of Savoy in recompence for his pretensions and for Pinarollo which was assigned over to the King of France contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone and Cherasco so as the Agreement with the King of Spain which was so much exclaimed against would have been better for the Duke of Nevers then the protection of France so much boasted of by the French And for what concerns the medling in differences between a Sovereign and his Subjects many considerations were propounded in favour of the Austrians for in Peaces made between the Emperour and the King of France the King had more then once renounced such Leagues and Protections and promised not to protect those Princes against the Emperour so that as the present discourse began with Polybius his Authority the controversie may be ended by Lucan's Authority who decides the difference between Cesar and Pompey in these words Tu nova ne veteres obscurent acta Triumphos Et victis cedat piratica Laurea Gallis Magne times Te jam series ususque laborum Erigit impatiensque loci fortuna secundi Nec quemquam jam ferre potest Gallusve priorem Austriacusve parem Quis justius induat arma Scire nefas magno se Iudice quisque tuetur Victrix Causa Deis placuit sed Victa Catoni Immediately after the intimation of this war made in the King of France his name to the Infanta did the publication of the League made between him and the Hollanders which hath formerly been mentioned follow and the execution thereof followed the publication forthwith for the King of France going to Campania assembled an Army of above 20000 fighting men and sent it into the Country of Lucemburg under the conduct of the two Marshals Chatillione and Bresse whereinto being entred it presently took Orcimon and Rocca strong places upon the Confines but of small consideration which yielded without fighting and afterwards it took Marca a more considerable Town and so advanc'd into the Country which is under the King of Spain Against this Army the Infanta sent out a strength of 10000 Foot and of 3000 Horse the most whereof were tumultuously raââ¦sed and made Prince Thomaso of Savoy their Commander in chief who being distasted with the Duke his Brother was privately stoln from Savoy whereof ââ¦e had the title of Governour and having first spent some moneths in the Court of Flanders he joyn'd with the King of Spains Forces in those parts The Prince being come neer the enemy though he knew himself inferior to them in numbers yet having the advantage in situation he refused not battle which they presented him Battle being given neer to the Town of Avein after having fought valiantly four hours he was worsted left three or four thousand of his men dead upon the place to boot with his Artillery and besides many other Souldiers and Captains of good condition who were taken Prisoners The Hollanders were by the Covenants of the League to assault the Provinces which were obedient to the Crown of Spain aâ⦠the same time with another Army on their side and delaying to do it they afforded the Infanta a breathing time after his defeat but coming at last into the
reason of the times wherein they thought the Genoeses had slackened their studying the Kings good many of the Genoeses complaining and as being greatly concerned by the retention of their Rents exclaiming that it was an unworthy and unjust thing that the Spaniards should purchase the conveniency of passage from the Swissers for great sums of money and other honourable terms and that the Genoeses receiving no recompence should moreover be deprived of their rents which was the fortune wherewith they maintained their Houses and Families and which not being given gratis but bought with ready monies was due unto them by all Laws both Humane and Divine And that moreover the publick dignity was contemned and their Hospitalities were thereby violated The King not approving of what Borgia had done and being desirous in some sort to satisfie the Genoeses complaints which were prest home by their Embassadour Iustiniano did at last order by decree that their merchandise and vessels which were taken should be restored and as the ready execution would have generally much quieted mens minds so the difficulties put therein by the Spanish Agents in Italy did exasperate them and made the proviso unsatisfactory But on the other side the Spaniards did much resent the Common-wealths resolution and not being able to endure that the free concession of landing unloading and passage formerly granted unto those of their Nation should be now any ways controverted they thought that the favour their King had shewn in the last War to the Common-wealth should be prefer'd before any motive which should have made the Common-wealth put on such a resolution The Court of Spain had much adoe to believe that so great a conspiracy against the Common-wealth and the great losses suffer'd by that War should proceed onely from the Duke of Savoy's anger concerning Zuccharello but rather for that the Common-wealth contrary to the ends and interrests of all the Italian Princes would constantly maintain union with the Crown of Spain so as the assistance given by Spain upon that occasion to the Common-wealth to boot that it was not gratis nor at the Kings expence as those which were subministred for the protection of Montferrat but paid for by the monies of the Genoeses was onely due to the Common-wealth from the King by the Laws of gratitude and good correspondency but requisite for the safety of the Kings Affairs in Italy which would have run much hazard by the loss of the Common-wealth But howsoever who knows not how far the merit of benefits received may be cancelled and the memoy of them quite forgot by loading those that received them with wrongs and injuries And yet the Common-wealth minding more the substance of Affairs then Accidents which may happen shew'd plainly to the whole world and to the King and Court of Spain in the ruptures which hapned afterwards how considerately she proceeded in her actions For the Genoeses being amidst these Commotions the French thought they might prevail much with the Common-wealth and thinking that if they could draw her over to their side they should have as good as effected their business they endeavoured to make her declare for them as they had done the like with many other Princes of Italy But the Common-wealth which would never be brought to declare for Spain was far from doing so but carried her self so discreetly in her actions as neither of the Crowns had reason to complain of her So as she was equally pleasing to them both and her carriage in the disputes which succeeded afterwards between the Forces of both the Crowns was well received Wherein she wan so much credit with the French and of Spain's Admiral being then in the Haven of Genoa with the Standard royal and with other Gallies the Admiral of France came at the same time into the same Haven with a greater number of Gallies and better provided for fight and the conflict might have proved dangerous to the Spaniards had not the Common wealth interposed her self So that as if both of them had put their differences to be decided by her they stay'd there quietly with incredible respect and forbearing all the while of their abode there And both their Admirals coming on land walked up and down the City without any quarrelling and that seemed to happen at this time in the Haven City of Genoa which hapned in Noah's Ark where beasts which were at enmity with one another laying aside all their rancour lived peaceably together The like hapned not long after in Savona whereinto eleven Neopolitan Gallies being entred which had landed some Souldiers at Finale they were overtaken by thirteen French Gallies and after them came a great many French Frigats not far from Savona which assuredly would have made themselves masters of the Neopolitan Gallies had not Iohn Baptista Baliano who was then Governour of Savona willed the French General to forbear all Hostility which the French were ready to have used to the Enemy So as the King of Spain and his Agents might perceive how differently the Common-wealth though so many several wayes injured by his Agents had carried her self from what some Italian Princes had done who were near ally'd to the Austrian blood and who had received great honours and favours from the King One whereof as shall be said in its due place being hardly desired to do so by the French declared absolutely for Neutrality and the other joyn'd with the French and went with them to assault Millain These were the practices of the King of France wrought in Italy by his Agents and these were the fruits thereof but yet that King forbore not to attempt that by Arms which he could but weakly compass by negotiation not having drawn any others over to side with him but the Dukes of Savoy and Parma the latter more then willingly the other much inforced when War was openly declared he raised an Army of 2000 Horse and 12000 Foot in Dolpheny and sent it into Piedmont under Marshal Cricky to the end that joyning with the Forces of the Dukes of Savoy and Parma they might begin to fall upon the State of Millain Which being then unprovided of men many whereof were employ'd in the Valtoline against Rohan was but in bad condition to defend it self The Duke of Savoy was to concur in this enterprize with 2000 Horse and with about 10000 Foot and the Duke of Parma with 7000 Foot and 1000 Horse which made in all 5000 Horse and above 25000 Foot a formidable Army for the State of Millain though it had been sufficiently provided of Souldiers much more now when it wanted them so much Cricky appeared about the end of August in the year 1635. with Title of Lieutenant to the Duke of Savoy who was chosen as hath been said Captain General of the League and of the King of France his Forces in Italy and having thrown a bridge over the Sesia he presently took la Villata together with the Fort which the Spaniards had built
to Colonel Imperiale he headed them with his sword in his hand and plucking the Stakes from out the Steccado wherewith the whole ditch was environed he was one of the first that got upon the Parapet all the rest moved by his example followed him so as most of the Garrison were slain and the Ensigne and Captain were taken prisoners The succour past on the mean while without any disturbance and advanced with their Boats which falling down the stream came happily to the Shore at Valenza and by them as much relief as was desired was conveyed in the Enemy looking on who endeavoured in vain to hinder it with their Cannon and Musket shot from the Capuchins Chappel By this succour the Town was not only well provided of all things needful but wholly freed from Siege for the Colleagues despairing to make further progress foreseeing that by the approaching winter the earth would become so spungie as it would not be to be wrought and that the Army being bemired and not able to receive any food would be besieged even in the open field they resolved after fifty days siege to give over the Enterprise and to retreat to the no little confusion of the Commanders in chief who being at variance within themselves and unsatisfied laid the fault of this ill-guided Siege one upon another The Duke of Parma parted not long after much discontented for France where he intended to give a clear and full relation unto the King how Affairs had been carried in this Enterprize and to desire to be protected by him and to be defended in his Dominions which when this business miscarried he apparently foresaw was exposed to the invasion of the Spanish Forces for his having sided with France But this happy success was a little overcast by the death of Colonna who through his extraordinary pains taken in this Siege died the day before the Town was relieved Valenza being freed the Colleagues Army dissolved The Duke of Savoy retreated with his men to Vercelli and the Marshal to Cassalle upon whom the Gates of the Town were shut upon pretence that there being scarcity of Victuals in that City it could not provide food for so great a number of men without evident danger of wanting necessary nourishment for them that were in the Town already wherefore he was forced to divide his men amongst the Towns of Montferrat which though they suffer'd the like want of victuals yet being weak and unable to refuse giving quarter they were forced to yield to the stronger power the remainder of the Duke of Parma's men were likewise distributed into the same Towns the Duke himself being retreated to Cassalle where he had the Castle given him for his lodging on the Spaniards side their Armies were also put into their Winter quarters except some of Serbellone's Brigades which were sent to recover the Valtoline for at the same time which was about the beginning of November Fernamont who had raised more men in Tirvolo prepared to pass the Mounââ¦ains once more to reduce the Valtoline into its former condition to this purpose he had sent to Millain and to Serbellone to agree upon the time when they should fall upon the French joyntly Serbellone on the State of Millains side and he by Tyrvolo that so they might effect their business the sooner and more safely but Rohan's speed prevented these designs who hearing how neer the Dutch were sent immediately 1000 Foot to Bormio whither not long after he himself came with the remainder of his men being come thither he found the Dutch fallen down by unknown ways into the Plain without any delay he once more assaulted them and not without loss on their side forced them to re-pass back over the Mountains to Tyrvolo they being gone Rohan leaving a Garrison in Bormio and fearing lest Serbellone might fall upon him on his back and hearing that many Grisons were come down to assist him he made the like haste as before and brought 4000 Foot with him amongst which 200 Zuricani he appeared unexpected at Morbegno about noon where Serbellone was with 3500 Foot and 200 Horse and not having heard of the rout given to Fernamont expected news of his coming to the end that according to appointment he might at the same time fall upon the enemy on the back but he fared no better then Fernamonte for whilst he was at dinner he unexpectedly was assaulted by Rohan and not having time to assemble his men who were dispers'd into the parts thereabouts he was soon overcome and routed many of his Captains being slain or taken prisoners amongst which the Count di San the second Captain of Horse and Count Valenza Nephew to Serbellone and Serbellone's self being pursued by the enemy fled to Fort Fuentes wounded in the arm and on the back such Souldiers as could save themselves fled some one way some another way to the neerest Towns of the State of Millain Thus Rohan having beaten the enemy the fifth time remained all that Winter master and peaceful possesser of the Valtoline of the Counties of Bormio and of Chiavenna and greatly rejoycing forc'd the Inhabitants to new agreements pretending that the Valtoline contrary to the Articles of Monsone was wholly and totally fallen into the arbitrement of the King of France and not being able to obtain of those Inhabitants though beaten by his Forces and several ways oppress'd any thing of what he demanded he began by strange rigour and extortion to tyrannize over them but they little confiding in the promises of liberty and maintenance of their Religion which were made them in the King of France his name patiently underwent their bad treating and would never forego the authority and protection of the Crown of Spain promising themselves and confidently believing to be preserved and maintain'd by the King of Spain in their intire Liberty and Religion according to his Promises and Decrees miserable and woful wretches whom you shall soon see abandoned to their former yoke of slavery by those in whom they so much trusted and for whose sake they suffer'd so much at the present The End of the Fourteenth Book THE HISTORY OF THE WARS OF ITALY BOOK XV. The Contents THe King of Spain for the preservation of the State of Millain sends a new Governour new men and good store of money thither The Duke of Savoy returning thither with his men and with those of France takes Bremi and reduceth it to a Fort Royal and by frequent inroads troubles that side of the Country The Duke of Parma's Dominions are assaulted by the Spanish Forces after his going for France and are defended by Marquess Villa who is sent thither by the Duke of Savoy With a good strength of Horse and Foot and is defended by strong diversions till the Spring in the beginning whereof the Duke of Parma returns from France endeavours by means of the Colleagues Forces to get into his Country goes to Nizza Della Paglia being to throw down
had also at this very time compass'd his fervent desire of seeing his Son the King of Hungary Elected King of the Romans an Election which had suffered great opposition by those who desirous to abase the Austrian name used all the means they could to keep him from it the which being overcome by the dexterity and several negotiations of the Spanish Agents in that Court and particularly by Count d' Ognate it was happily atchieved about Christmass the year 1636. In which Election the Marquess of Castagneda who was Embassadour from Spain with the same King of Hungary upon whom the Election fell did very much co-operate True it is that the success of the Austrian Forces at this time did very much facilitate this choice which having shut up the Swedes in the furthest corner of Pomerania and were neer driving them out of Germany obliged some of the Electors though contrary to their wills to permit that the Imperial Diadem should be continued in the House of Austria the peace and union of the Duke of Saxony and this Coronation and the late victories did doubtlesly redound much to the greatness and security of the Austrian name so as the Duke of Parma might see how prosperously the Austrians whom he had abandoned proceeded and on the contrary how the dââ¦vo-dââ¦vo-King of France his affairs which he had so readily and with so much tion embraced how much I say they had miscarried and consequently he might easily perceive to what condition his affairs were brought and that to stand pertinaciously to these designs was nothing else but to fight against heaven and to run head-long into ruine he might also know that the Princes of Italy were not well pleased with this new fire which he had kindled in Italy The Pope in consideration of the Sovereignty which the Apostolick See hath over the Duke of Parma's Dominions feared that they might be possess'd by the Spaniards and was angry that the Duke who was his Feudatory should so obstinately subject himself to so many evils wherefore not only he but the great Duke whose Sister was Wife to the Duke of Parma interceded for him to the King of Spain and his Agents to be more reserved in their resentments desiring them to pardon somewhat in respect of the merits of the former Dukes of Parma much in respect of thaâ⦠Prince his young years and not to discompose Italy and they continually sollicited the Duke sometimes by fair means sometimes by foul that he would foresee and know his danger and the like of the common affairs they prevailed more with the King of Spain and his Agents then with the Duke The King seemed willing to pass by so many offences and to restore his Territories free and entire to the Duke as they were before he had used any hostility without lessening his former authority or liberty but all this was nothing for the Dukes devotion to the King of France was such and had so bewitched him as he was no more himself so as not knowing how to forsake this earthly deity by whom he hoped to obtain an earthly Paradise he seemed to rejoyce in becoming a Martyr and in sacrificing his State and Fortune in maintenance of his Faith and Devotion towards that Deity whom he had once adored and to whom he had wholly dedicated himself wherefore the losses he had suffer'd the dangers he had run and those which did still threaten him nor the afflictions of his people who desirous to rid themselves of so many sorrows desired he would incline to peace nor any fair conditions that could be offer'd him could do no good upon him nor did they appear adequate remedies to mitigate his mind but rather made him the more refractory The Governour not being able any longer to endure so much obdurancy justified the Kings intentions to these Princes which was not to oppress this Prince but to reduce him and all Italy to quiet and resolved at last to alter his way of proceeding and to proceed with more severity since he saw fair means could do no good he therefore gave order to Cardinal Trivultio to besiege Piacenza yet closer and sent Colonel Gill di Hays to him a valiant and understanding Souldier who by order from the Cardinal assaulted Rivalta and took it within five days there were in it 400 Foot whereof 50 French who went all free out and the French were sent with a sufficient convoy into France The Cardinal designing afterwards to take the Island which is incompassed by the Poe over against Piacenza sent Serjeant Major Ottaviano Sauli to take it who going first to discover it with the Engineer Prestino drew afterward neer it with his men who being got into the Island they first repuls'd five barques loaded with Souldiers which were sent from Piacenza as soon as the enemies design was known to prepossess the Island he also fortified the bank which was opposite to Piacenza and built a Fort in the midst of the Island whereby he became master of it and began to streighten the City and at the same time the Cardinal and Marquess Antonio Pietro Lunato who was General of the Artillery did much molest the City with their Artillery affairs continued thus for above a moneth in which time the Cardinal sent Don Vincenzo Gonzaga to take several Castles in the territories of Parma and Gill di Hays to take others in those of Piacenza by the taking whereof the Cities of Parma and Piacenza being more streightned were quite excluded all communication at last the Duke seeing the Mills neer the City beaten down by the enemies Artillery the State almost wholly possess'd by the enemy all Commerce kept from the City of Parma himself and his Wise so streightly besieged in Piacenza as the scarcity of victuals was so great in that City that wanting meat even himself to eat he held it for an extraordinary present to receive every week a Calf from Ottaviano Sauli which was duly sent him by order from the Governour and which being safely kept was all the flesh he had for his own Table for the whole week finding himself therefore I say thus streightned and having no hope of succour he foresaw he should be reduced to utmost extremity if he should not yield to these so terrible tempests wherefore he began to listen to conditions of Agreement which were still kept on foot in Millain for all the fighting and batteries by Count Carpegna in the Popes name and in the name of the great Duke by his Secretrary Dominico Pandolphino nor was the agreement hard to be made for the Spanish Agents being desirous to have an end of all this trouble accept of any conditions when therefore it was known that the Duke would parley all hostility was suspended and an agreement was quickly made between Don Francisco di Melo Embassadour plenipotentiary from the King of Spain to the Princes of Italy and Secretary Pandolphino The Articles were approved by the Governour and by the
Duke but were never published but by what was comprehended by the sequele and by what was commonly said they were that the Duke returning to the King of Spains devotion should enjoy the same nay greater honours under the protection of the King Spain then formerly that he should renounce any League made with any other Prince against the Crown of Spain that he should dismiss all the French with a Passport that should be given them by the State of Millain whereby they might safely pass into France and that in lieu of them the Duke should have a Garrison of Italians Dutch or Swissers such as the King should confide in That the Governour should withdraw all his men into the State of Millain quitting all Towns that were taken and leaving them in the same condition they were in before the War all which Articles were fully performed on both sides This Peace as also the precedent War afforded diversity of Discourse Many praised the Kings moderation and magnanimity even to the skies who being so highly offended by so inferiour a Prince had notwithstanding suffer'd it with a Princely Grandezza and had considered tââ¦merits of the offenders ancestors and the youthful spirit of the delinquent against whom he had made war more by constraint then free will but with such moderation as by the manner both of taking up Arms and of laying them down it was evidently seen that the King never intended to suppress this Prince but only that by making him lay down his fierceness he might receive him into his protection and make him capable of all honours and favours that he could expect from his Majesty that therefore the Kings Forces had fought rather to subdue the Prince his obstinacy then his Towns and rather to win his good will then his Dominions many on the contrary detracting from the praise of so singular an action attributed all that had been done neither to the worth nor to any good intention in the King but to meer necessity which had forced him to do so for to have resented himself against this Prince to the oppressing his Principality and possessing himself of his Dominions though perhaps he might easily have done it in this present conjuncture of times yet to keep them would be a very hard business and apt to cause immortal wars so as after having been at much expence in getting them after having been troubled with war to keep them all would end in a necessary restitution that herein the States appertaining to the See of Rome were concerned which would never sit down by so great a loss that the great Duke of Tuscany was herein concern'd a Prince so well affected to the Crown of Spain and who had merited so well thereof and whose friendship was now of great concernment thereunto that the Duke of Parma's wife who was niece to the Emperour was concerned herein so as what reason had he to distaste the great Duke in a thing which so neerly concern'd him in his sisters behalf and by alienating him to give occasion to him who could not sit down by the ruine of his sister and brother in law to fall upon new resolves by way of resentment was the condition of affairs such as this time as that it made for the Crown of Spain to alienate a Prince who was most sincerely inclined to the interest thereof that what was yet of greater importance the satisfaction and safety of all the Princes of Italy was herein concerned who thinking so great an increase of the Spaniards power in Italy was a decrease of their own Empire and Liberty would have turn'd the whole world upside down rather then suffer those States to be joyn'd to that of Millian to what purpose was it then to destroy a Prince whose destruction would occasion war to succeed war hatred to succeed hatred enmity to succeed enmity to the so much prejudice of the destroyer that there was fresh example what wars troubles and dangers the taking away of the Palatinate from it's natural Prince had occasioned and did still occasion to the Emperour and to the House of Austria that the Examples of the Valtoline and Duke of Mantua in Italy were yet more evident thus they by these arguments and examples concluded that necessity was turned to vertue in the King of Spain But the Duke was the subject of no less various discourse some praised others dispraised the generosity of his mind which could not submit to the injuries and oppressions of the Spaniards but had dared to oppose their insolencies that he had given a singular example of a free spirit becoming a Free Prince and had taught the Spaniards who had wont to insult over the Princes of Italy how they ought to esteem them how respectfully they ought to proceed with them and what the greater and more powerful Potentates can do when the lesser can make such noise that the reason why he had not compassed the chief end of his high and generous pretences was not out of any fault of his but of others it being apparent that if they had proceeded effectually before Valenza Italy would never have seen a more illustrious day for her liberty then that wherein he went out armed from his Dominions when fighting the Spaniard at Ponte Carone he had the better of them and slew their Captain who led them on so proudly against him that success cannot detract from the glory of enterprises especially when their miscarriage proceeds from casual accidents that howsoever amidst so many adversities he had made the Spaniards see that a great part of their losses and dangers had proceeded from his alienation that the Pavian and Novarese Towns the Cities of Millain and Pavia together with their territories had doubtlesly suffered more prejudice upon his account then the parts about Parma and Piacenza and that Millain and Pavia had been as neer being lost as Piacenza and Parma that therefore the Potentates of Italy were always to acknowledge the lessening of the Spanish pretensions the moderation and respect which shall hereafter be used towards them the esteem which shall be had of them and their liberty from this Prince others on the contrary ascribed the actions of this Prince neither to worth nor generosity but to madness of youth for beginning at their beginning and continuing to the end of the Tragedy they said that without any just occasion given he had swerved from the footsteps of his forefathers who having placed the soundest foundation of their Principality upon Friendship with Spain had never reason to repent it what reason then had this Prince to doubt the favour and protection of that Crown if he had continued to follow his Predecessors foot-steps but that from his Infancy he had aspiring thoughts and greater pretentions then became his condition that he seemed to undervalue the Friendship of Spain and that by inclining more to that of France he had begot no little distrust of his intentions which caused the Spaniards
to conceive ill of him and to spy into his ways whereby discovering his aversion he had given them occasion to complain thereof and sometimes to break forth into words of just resentment which might have served to admonish him but he esteeming this medicine poyson had broken out upon small occasion nay indeed upon none at all if he would consider things justly chiefly when the question was touching a Prince so inferiour in force and power to the King of Spain and when greater things had been past by by greater Princes and wink'd at to keep them from disturbing the publike peace how many distastes had Duke Charles Emanuel suffered before he broke with Spain nor did he ever come to any breach till his own Dominions were assaulted by the Spaniards so as he may rather be said to have taken up arms in his own defence then against the Crown of Spain how many injuries have the Venetians past by nay how many the Popes themselves not to mention other Princes how many dislikes have been wink'd at between the two Crowns of Spain and France and between them and other Princes that great Princes do sometimes use acts of superiority and Seigniorie towards lesser Princes and the lesser have been known to think it wisdom to suffer them nor do greater Princes use always to look big upon lesser but to proceed moderately with them generously pardoning the defects and failing of lesser Princes committed against them without so much as taking any notice thereof otherwise the world would be turn'd upside down if arms were to be taken up upon every small offence that this is kept for the last refuge of an assaulted or tottering State not to offend or provoke one that is more powerful not to vent hatred upon the weaker or to secure suspition that then there being no occasion of a breach it must necessarily be concluded that either fear of being opprest by the Spanish forces or hopes of getting either the State of Millain or part of it by adhering to France or a desire to put Italy into her former liberty by driving out the Spaniards had thrust him upon this novelty as for fear it was said that being strengthned by the so many merits of his predecessours he could not possibly dread those forces which had been such a prop and defence to other Princes of Italy that had not deserved so well of the Crown of Spain that Ferdinand the Cardinal and after Duke of Mantua might serve to witness this who having given more manifest signs of alienation from that Crown both in Rome and elsewhere then Parma had before the breach yet when he succeeded his Brother in the Principality contrary to the expectation of all men nay of himself he was received into the Protection of the Crown of Spain and effectually defended by the Forces thereof against the Duke of Savoy who was joyn'd in alliance and interest to that King and yet this Ferdinando was not munited by the merits of his predecessors nay his Father was sorely suspected to have conspired against the Crown of Spain and as fear appeared not a sufficient occasion to justifie this commotion so had he less reason to be induced thereunto by hope for not to say that the aggrandizing of ones self is no just reason to make war he who shall balance these hopes justly will find them not to be well placed but that they were very ââ¦rail and unconsiderable The French pretend that the State of Millain doth by ancient right belong unto their Crown and therefore is unalienable either in part or in whole and they have spent more blood and moneys to get it then it is worth and will any one then believe that if the French should get it they would give it him or divide it with him especially since he concur'd to the getting thereof with so small Forces and if reason did not convince him in this former examples might have excluded him from all hopes thereof Lewis King of France won that State assisted by the Venetian Forces and covenanted with them expresly for the City and County of Cremona together with whole Giaradada but as soon as he atchieved his intent he re-demanded of the Commonwealth all that by the said Covenants was due unto her and this not under any other pretence but for that it being a State appertaining to the Crown it could not be dismembred from it and as for the so specious pretences of the Liberty of Italy which never moved the greater Princes of Italy how could they rationally fall into the conceit of this Prince who being none of the chiefest amongst them neither for Forces Wisdom nor Experience in wordly Affairs might learn by their proceedings that though they were sometimes perhaps incited by greater provocations of more absolute liberty yet they have always temporized lest being freed for the present they might be afterwards forc'd to yield to worser conditions and being content with having brought Italy now to a greater equality studied how to preserve her in it these were the considerations which were commonly had upon these occurrences which as we leave undecided so will we leave them free to be approved or disapproved as every one shall think fit And now to return to our discourse a little before this very time when the Duke of Parma's Dominions were by this peace freed from war Donna Anna Caraffa the only Daughter and Heir to the Prince of Stigliano a chief Lady in the Kingdom of Naples was married to the Duke de Medina dellas Torres a chief Lord of the Family of Gusman and one of the Grandees of Spain and who lately succeeded Count Moanterey in the Vice-royalty of the Kingdom of Naples from which marriage a Son was soon born to whom together with the large patrimony in that Kingdom belonging to the Mother the Patronage of Sabioneta did belong as being descended from a Sister of Vespatian Gonzaga married to the Grand-father of Donna Anna this place by reason of its strong situation is almost impregnable seated in the State of Cremona towards the Dukedom of Mantua and therefore of great consequence not only for the City of Cremona but even for the whole State of Millain and whereupon the Spaniards had fix'd their eyes long before being very desirous to be masters of it The Princes of Italy who did not love that the Spaniards should get this place were very jealous of this their desire and the Spaniards never having been able to get footing there though that Lady as also her Father both by birth and marriage were Subjects to the Crown of Spain yet they obtain'd their ends in these times without any violence or just occasion of complaint to the Princes of Italy for the aforesaid marriage and the birth of this Son Heir and Successor to that place made way for them to get that which they valued so much and so much desired but this place being for some respects assigned over to the Duke
as being superfluous in the Emperours own Dominions but desired that the Emperour would give Pasports and safe conducts to all the Princes and Hans Towns of Germany his Confederates as he professed that they might pass safely to the Convention at Cullen and there safely Negotiate their several interests he required also that safe conduct might be given to the United Provinces of the Low-Countrys and to the Queen and Crown of Sweden who were so deeply concerned in that peace he alleadged for this his pretention the bond of League which he had with all these Princes States and Cities which would not suffer him to conclude any peace without their agreement he added that if he should enter into this Negotiation without them he should give them just cause of jealousie and complaint as if he had abandoned them contrary to the Articles of Confederacy the Emperour not permitting that the Princes and Hans Towns of Germany under the Command of the Emperours and who had rebelled should be admitted to treat of peace in company with him who was their Sovereign Lord denied absolutely to grant them safe conduct the rather for that onely the Plenipotentiaries of Sovereign Princes were admitted into the convention at Cullen but the King who had taken up arms in this cause not upon any account of his own but in defence of the Germane liberty said that he having no interest in that cause save only the patronage of those Princes he was but accessory and the Princes Principals so as there was no reason that the Principals should be excluded and the accessory admitted and that it was no new thing but an ancient custom and now in practice that in disorders which sometimes happen between Sovereigns and subjects agreement be made by covenanted Articles and as for the Queen and Crown of Sweden the Emperour did not refuse to grant safe conduct if it should be demanded by her and by the Deputies of that Kingdom and not by the King of France but the Swedes were so far from desiring it as they were entred into private treaty with the Emperour absolutely denying to come with the other Princes to the Convention at Cullen because they knew that the Cardinal Legate who had the first place in this convention would treat them as Hereticks and consequently would not suffer them to intervene in any treaty of peace nor would use such respect to their Agents as he did to those of other Princes the Emperour on the contrary complained of the difficulties interposed by the king of France as if they were apparent Arguments that he did not onely not wish well to peace but that he was more intent then ever upon War and upon fomenting the Insurrections of Germany and that therefore out of these pretensions proceeding slowly in the Treaty of Peace he intended to give occasion to other Princes who though they desired peace would not for their own honours sake seem to desire it more then others to proceed with the like slackness in this affair which was so necessary for the peace of Christendom and therefore the Emperours Plenipotentiaries nor those of the king of France not appearing in Cullen those of the king of Spain who were come to Cullen after the Legate lest by being come before the rest to the Diet they might seem more greedy of peace then others they never appeared in that capacity before the Legate nor did they seem to be come to treat of Peace and the king of France finding not long after that his pretences being contrary to the Negotiation so much desired by all were generally ill resented and that they were imputed rather to his no inclination to peace then to any thing that he alleadged he recalled his Plenipotentiary power confer'd on Berze and Davo and gave it to the Cardinal of Lyons brother to Cardinal Richelieu which occasioned other difficulties which troubled the Treaty no less then did the former for the Caesarean Agents thinking that this was done on purpose that the French Embassadour might by his Cardinal dignity precede all others whereunto the Emperour nor King of Spain would by no means consent they refused to send theirs thither These and other pretentions occasioned such difficulties as not onely no conclusion was come unto but no commencement was given to the Treaty which was propounded by the Pope and in appearance so much desired by all so as the Negotiation proved abortive and ended before it began Let us now return to the Affairs of Italy A Treaty began by chance and almost unthought of in the beginning of the year 1637 which being afterwards continued and concluded put a period to the business of the Valtoline between the two Crowns and the Grisons League in the subjection of the Valtoline which by the Articles of this Conââ¦ederacy was remitted upon some conditions to the three Leagues And that the foundation of this business may be the better known it will be necessary that we re-assume the whole business from the beginning and repeat some things which have been loosely related The ancient Confederacy between the Crown of France and the Grisons appearing to those people to be turned almost into subjection was not willingly suffer'd by them who thought themselves daily more streightned and more invaded in their Liberties by the Agents of that Crown it began to be very bitter when by reason of the Grisons joyning in League with the Venetians the French pretended that their ancient League was thereby prejudiced and their resenting it made the Grisons suspect that they had gone along with the Spaniards in that insurrection which hapned afterwards in the Valtoline these bitternesses encreased by the peace of Monsone by which the liberty of the Valtolinians was approved of so much to their prejudice by the same King who was the Grisons Protector contrary to what the King had always promised and which was profess'd publickly to all the world by Arms but they grew greater and more insufferable when thinking by this last endeavour of the Duke of Rohan to be restored unto the ancient and free possession of the Valtoline they saw they were kept from it by the French Forces and when any endeavour of restitution was had in the Court at Paris the King as Protector of the Valtolinians did not restitution upon condition notwithstanding that the Catholick Religion should be secured there without any mixture of Heresie and that the Civil and Criminal Justice should remain to the Valtolinians answerable to the Capitulations of Monsone This was caused for that the King of France finding that he could not maintain his authority in that Valley which he greatly desired to do without much disturbance to his own affairs without much war and expence and that assigning it to the Grisons it would be immediately taken away by the Austrian Forces and that he should be obliged to recover it again so as the loss succeeding the recovery and the recovery the loss a perpetual circumvolution
would ensue which would make him subject to perpetual wars and much expence being desirous to get quit of this trouble he had a design to win the hearts of the Valtolinians and by granting them all that they had from the Crown of Spain to alienate them from that Crown and make them wholly depend upon his Crown and by this means to spare the continual expence he was at in maintaining that Valley at his devotion embracing therefore the cause of their Liberty he offer'd the Valtolinians more advantagious conditions then they could get from the Austrians whilst they should depend upon his protection this course did totally alienate the Grisons from the Crown of France nor did it gain the Valtolinians who could never be brought to confide in the Kings promises which if they should have done they were sure they should be more prosecuted by the Arms of Austria which confined upon them then by the French which were so far from them and the Grisons did believe that the unexpected conditions so contrary to that absolute Dominion which they pre ended to under the Valtolinians and which they expected to obtain from the King of France were but cunningly propounded to cause delay which would at last end in a manifest exclusion of the promised restitution so as they were highly offended and moreover the Fort which Rohan did still keep well munited with French Garrisons in Rhetia seemed to them to be but formal fetters of the publick liberty which they saw was reduced to greater subjection whilst the Valtoline was possess'd by the French they likewise observed Rohans residence in Coira the Metropolitan City of Rhetia where he carried himself imperiously with them rather like a Princely Governour then like a Guest or Embassadour seeming as if he labour'd to overthrow the publick Liberty To these publick distastes other private grievances were added by reason of detaining the Pensions which the King was used to pay to the principal men of that Nation to the end that by their authority they might keep the people well affected to him so as failing of those advantages they did by contrary endeavours strive to divert those that did depend upon their authority from the French these people being therefore much incensed and weary of this usage they hatched ill will and persevering but untowardly in the ancient League with that Crown they consulted with themselves how they might throw off their present condition which they thought was reduced to slavery and shun the worser which they feared they should shortly be brought unto but having well debated these things and finding that they could not compass their ends without being upheld by some great Potentate they quietly dissembled the iniquity of their present condition the best they could expecting some opportunity whereby they might free themselves from this imminent subjection On the other side the Court of Spain and her Agents in Italy knew as well the necessity as the difficulty of recovering the Valtoline especially in times of such insufferable troubles and considering the jealousies and suspicions and afterwards the hatred and enmities that the recovery thereof if they should get it would bring upon them from the Venetians and from all the Princes of Italy who for their own safety sake did not well endure the Spaniards superiority in that Valley they considered also the continual wars which they must have upon this account the expence of moneys the shedding of blood the great disturbance which that Valley occasioned to the Kings Affairs which like a Bone out of Joynt did discompose the whole Body of the Austrian Monarchy Things being in this posture Don Frederick de Henriques the Spanish Embassadour happened to be in the Court at Ispruch and a Deputy of the Grisons who was named Granazza one of great credit and Authority in that Common-wealth between whom occasion being acdentally offered of discoursing of the Valtoline something arose between them touching the composure of those affairs which like seed sown in well prepared ground took root and produced the fruits of those Agreements which did afterwards insue for the business being well discuss'd and digested between them they agreed that the French should be driven out of the Valtoline by the joynt Forces of the King of Spain and of the Grisons and that the Catholique Religion and the profession thereof being allowed to the Valtolinians without any mixture of Heresie the King of Spain should adjust businesses between them and the Grisons which if the Valtolinians should not agree unto they should be no longer assisted by the King of Spain's Forces They likewise agreed upon a perpetual Confederacy between the Crown of Spain and that Republick with free leave for the King of Spain's people to pass thorow the Rhetian State and upon obligation of serving the Crown of Spain in the Wars of Millain with a certain number of men to be paid by the King of Spain together with many pensions promised to the prime men of that Nation Things being thus rather rough-cast then perfected the Grisons who were impatient of the Company of the French took heart and causing some Forces to come from the State of Millain they made themselves masters of the Valtoline and drave the French from thence and being assisted from Germany they recovered the Forts of Reno and Steinc which were yet held by the French and afterwards coming to a general insurrection Rohan himself was taken prisoner from whom when they had got him into their power they got by Agreement stipulated the restitution of as many Forts as were yet in his hands and the withdrawing of all the French out of Rhetia upon tie that he should remain Prisoner till all that he had promised were performed This news being heard in Millain the Spaniards were not so much delighted therewith as they were afraid that the Agreement made at Ispruch would vanish to nothing if during six weeks time the King of France should get power or authority in that Diet nor did they fear in vain for that King leaving the way of War as too tedious and costly fell to Treaty to keep those people in their loyalty and to this purpose besides moneys given about he offered to give them the Valtoline freely without any condition belonging to Religion or Justice but nothing would do any good for the Governour of Millain having sent Agents into those parts with monies and power to offer much more then the French did he prevailed so as the Grisons stood firm to what was agreed on at Ispruch for being weary of their ancient friendship with France they desired to try new Fortune which they assured themselves they should find more prosperous in the Confederacy with Spain The Grisons knew that the possession of the Valtoline which was the principal point of this Negotiation was to be held more safely by the friendship from Spain then from France for their Confederacy with Spain secured them from any disturbance they should have in
Piedmont by the Spaniards thought it no longer fit to defer it The Governour of Millain had scarcely done with the troubles before Bremi nor were the Souldiers well cured of the wounds which they there received when these commands came to the Governour of Millain from the King he thought that the State of Millain being now free from the French by the recovery of Bremi his Government should hereafter be peaceful but being surprized by new and unexpected orders he was forced to turn his sayles according to the unlooked for wind which was contrary to his calculation He therefore by means of moneys newly received gave order for the raising of 4000 Swissers and propounded Vercelli to himself for his first enterprize to the end that when he should be master thereof his way might be open for further progress in Piedmont This new War made by Spain against Piedmont was made in the Kings Name without any mention of the Princes or their Interests which the King did not then think good to have to do with were it either that he thought his Forces sufficient to invade Piedmont without those of the Princes or that he thought the making use of their name would do him but little good and be of great expence to him or that he thought it misbecame his Forces to embrue their hands in civil Wars and to foment discord between the Nephew and Uncles equally allied in blood to him However it was the Governour in obedience to the Kings commands sent speedily and secretly to all the Souldiers that were quartered in the Lomellina that they should march towards Palestre where having immediately thrown a Bridge over the Sesia he made his Horse pass over it that the passes about Vercelli might be taken and so all supply kept out and the Foot being come the same day towards night they were suddenly quarter'd in several places about the Town The Spaniards and Burgondians were quarter'd between the River Sero and St. Bartolomeo the Italians were quarter'd between St. Bartolomeo and the Zocolanti or Franciscan Fryars The Dutch and Grisons which were newly confederated and which Grisons were never before known to fight in the Spanish Camp were quarter'd between the Zocolanti and the Sesia the Island which is made by the Sesia and the Sero being the most dangerous place of all the rest as most exposed to be assaulted by the Enemy was allotted for quarter to the Marquess Iovan Francisco Serra a Genoese to whom the Governour gave a Brigade of old Neapolitans that he might serve with them as Camp-master in the present war and because the place required a better Garrison to defend it there were added some Companies of Spaniards and Grisons and some Millaineses and that so sudden and unexpected a moving might not appeare strange and unjustifiable the Governour leaving Cardinal Trivultio at the Helm of the State when he marched into the State published a Manifesto in form of an Edict wherein repeating what hath been formerly said he told that the King of France contrary to the Articles of Ratisbone Cherasco had through threats gotten Pinarvolo from the late Duke and had afterwards constrained him to joyn in league against the State of Millain which notwithstanding the King of Spain bearing with that Dukes Childrens minority and considering that those States were governed by a Dowager Princess had pardoned the hostility committed against him by the Father and the Grand-father and not using any resentment against the Orphans or the Widow or State of Piedmont had continued his love and Protection to that Ducal House so as he had not onely forborn all hostility but had acquainted the Dowager that if she desired peace and friendship with him she should not assist the French Armies with men Victuals or any other thing nor continue the league with the King of France but should continue a real Neutrality between the two Crowns offering her moreover to assist her with all the Forces of his Crown in case she should be troubled by her brother for her Neutrality that the Dowager not being permitted by her brother to embrace so justifiable and so convenient a contract was forced to enter into a league against the State of Millain to the end that the King of France might afterwards possess himself of the Orphans State that therefore his Majesty being desirous to continue his Protection to the State and knowing that there was no other humane means to free it from oppression but to make himself master of the Towns of Piedmont he was compelled to assault them not out of any intent of keeping them but to drive out the French and to compel them to a good peace by which when they should restore Pinarvolo and all other the Dukes Towns his Majesty would also restore whatsoever he should have gotten by his Arms in Piedmont and that so the House of Savoy being put into peaceful and quiet possession of the States which it inherited from it's predecessors might enjoy them in peace and security he profest therefore that he intended not to make War upon the Natural Subjects of the Country nor to enter Piedmont as an Enemy wherefore he exhorted the natural Piedmonteses that as he would not suffer his Souldiers to injure them they should also forbear wronging his Souldiers that keeping correspondency with his Majesties Forces they would not oppose their so justifiable intentions which aimed only at the well-fare of their natural Prince and of Piedmont and he lastly declared that if they should do otherwise and assist the French Forces he should be forced to alter his manner of making War and make them partake of the miseries which war brings with it usually This pretence of Protection clad with gracious and affectionate appearance was not generally thought real and in process of time was known to be feigned by the Governour to make his taking up arms appear less odious for the King of Spain his Court and whole Nation provoked by Wars made against him sometimes by Duke Charles Emanuel sometimes by Duke Victorio who joyned in league with France to his prejudice and now lastly by the present Dowager who having renewed the league with her brother was ready to make War upon him not being able to suffer any longer so many hostile Acts resolved at last to cast aside all his Royal respects which inclined him to the good of Savoy and though he knew that the Dowager was compelled to that War and that neither she nor her young son were guilty of their predecessors attempt and much less of this whereunto they were forced yet seeing that the King of France who was more neerly concern'd in his Sister and Nephews interest cared little for what of prejudice might redound to them thereby so as he might make War offensive upon the State of Millain neither did he the King of Spain who was the party assaulted think himself bound to suffer himself to be wrought upon by those respects of love and
And as the Proposals made by the Princes were not in reason to be accepted of by the Dowager so neither could the Princes being in so advantagious a condition allow of the Dowagers Proposals though they were more justifiable The Dowager pretended That as the Principality of Savoy was Monarchical so the Regency in her must be Monarchical so as detesting that it should degenerate into an Oligarchical Triumvirate she would be sole and Sovereign in the Regency The considerations wherewith the two Crowns proceeded in these Affairs were such as no cure was to be found for these present evils without a general Peace for the King of France pretending that Piedmont should be absolutely at his disposal his intention therein was to carry the War freely and without any let into the State of Millain On the contrary the King of Spain endeavouring to keep the French Forces as far as possibly he could from his Dominions was necessitated to uphold the Princes pretentions and to use all means to exclude the Dowager and French from Piedmont and so under colour of making War there in the behalf of the Princes to make himself master of all the chief Towns and to keep the French from the State of Millain and this design proceeded so successfully as the King of France distrusting a good end of his designs by reason of the great obstructions he met with forewent the rigour of his proceedings hitherto against the Princes and was induced to make great offers to Prince Thomaso to the end that by his joyning with him he might miss those oppositions which the people of Piedmont and the Spanish Forces made to the progress of his Arms and the King of Spain was forced to consent largely to the will and interest of the Princes and to command his Agents that they should not distaste them lest being distasted they might pass over to the French party and might bring the Arms of that King into the Confines of the State of Millain so as a general peace seemed to be the only means to piece up all these rents but though all treaties of accommodation were in this desperate condition yet the Dowaââ¦er from the profundity of her sad fortune found out so adequate an expedient and so proportionate to the present conditions as if it had succeeded well as it was very likely to do the Civil Wars had been wholly ended and Forreign Wars unfomented by the Civil would have been much ceased if not quite extinguished She was very apprehensive that she should be wholly excluded all administration if Prince Thomaso should accept of the offers made him by the King of France and Cardinal Richlieu and foreseeing that that would be as displeasing to the Prince Cardinal she sought to close with him wherefore telling him that he was the more obliged to endeavour the quenching of Civil Wars which arising from domestick dissention would undoubtedly cease when the others were at an end by his being neerest to succeed in the Principality She therefore exhorted him to give way to her just Regency upon fair and reasonable conditions she offer'd to give him her eldest Daughter the Princess Maria Lodovica for Wife she who it was so much doubted might carry the succession of the Principality to the Blood Royal of France if she should be married to the Dolphine The offer was not mean nor of small consideration for the Prince Cardinal did not only ascertain the succession of the Principality in his own person which in case the Duke should die he feared might receive incumberances thereby but did assure to himself the favour and good will of the Dowager who from being his Brothers Wife becoming his Wives Mother was interessed in a neerer tye of alliance with him so as he might promise himself she would be much govern'd by him and that he should have a great stroak in the Regency and in the administration of the State I is to be observed that the Caââ¦dinal was very deââ¦irous of issue and noâ⦠finding any Princess in these times more suitable to his ends he was very well pleased with the offer and did readily entertain it which did much facilitate the Articles of Agreement which being dictated by him veââ¦y conformable to the Dowagers intentions were sent to her from Nice and were for the most part accepted of and those whereof there was any dispute were reduced to so neer a composition as there were great hopes all things would be well agreed for it was not very impossible but that the Prince Cardinal might come over to the King of France his party when by this mââ¦rriage he should be become his Nephew But Prince Thomaso hearing of this Treaty was very much incens'd and endeavoured by all means to discompose it he thought that though in reason he had not equal pretence with his Brother to the Guardianship he was not yet inferiour to him in authority by reason of his Military worth by reason of the good will the people bore him and by what he had done in the present debates they were both likewise comprehended in the Emperours Decree so as he thought it not fit to give way to any accommodation whereby he should be debarred all authority and command it was also thought that he liked not that his Brother should maââ¦ry he and his Children being thereby beââ¦est of soââ¦neer hopes of succession be therefore took it ill that any accommodation should be treated of without his cogââ¦izance and fearing that if it should be concluded he should sall to the ground between two stools he presently sent Marquess Bagnasco and the Commendatore Pasero to Nice to disswade his Brother from making any such agreement by the same reasons by which the Prince Cardinal had disswaded him to accept the offers which the King of France offer'd him and to enter his protestation against it in case he should make it When they came thither they found the Prince Cardinal absolutely resolved to embrace the Dowagers motion the desire of quiet prevailing with him and marriage whereunto he was exceedingly inclined but being put in mind and made to see how fair a course of fortune both to himself and Brother he brake by that resolution how great a prejudice their dis-union would be to the common cause what great offers the Prince had refused generously to keep from abandoning him how little reason he had to confide in the Dowagers promises and how little good he could expect from the marriage though it should succeed they exhorted him to follow his Brothers example and to persevere constant to the Spanish party by whose favour and forces being so far advanced he might hope that when the Citadel of Turin should be gotten as certainly it would be they should be put into such a condition as he should not only obtain the marriage for certain which was now uncertainly promis'd him but much greater things The Cardinal being won upon by these reasons and professing that notwithstanding this he would
assault who sometimes held them on with the same hopes and sometimes raised difficulties which made against their desired ends But now that the Spring was come not being able to dissemble any longer he declared his mind unto them and shew'd them the necessity of taking the Citadel of Cassalle first that going with his Army to Turin he might not leave that place behind him from which much mischief might redound to the State of Millain that otherwise he must divide his Forces and must leave part of them in that State and go with the rest to the taking of the Citadel of Turin that they might see how prejudicial such a division would be to both those enterprizes that they should suffer him therefore to acquit himself first of Cassalle which when it should be over he promis'd them faithfully he would apply himself wholly to the business of Turin Citadel The Princes strove by forcible arguments to make him alter his mind shewing him that the good success of Turin would not only be a great furtherance to the main of their affairs but even to those of the King of Spain they told him that he who would make himself master of the Citadel of Cassalle must first begin with that of Turin which being lost the other must needs be lost also by the French who being driven out of Turin could not keep in Piedmont but must be forc'd to pass back over the Alps and leave not onely Cassalle to the arbittrement of the Kings Forces but also the whole affairs of Piedmont so not onely Cassalle but Chiavazzo Carmagnuola together with all the other Towns held by them must be abandoned that therefore many other greatly good successes did depend upon this They represented unto him the weakness of the Enemy who were reduced to a very small number not exceeding 4000 Foot and 2000 Horse ill appointed not able to keep the field nor to defend the Citadel of Turin much less to cause any jealousie to the State of Millain from Cassalle moreover that the Kingdom of France which was not onely troubled with the Wars of Flanders but with those of Catalonia and intestine risings was wholly diverted from the Wars of Italy that Normandy was up in Arms against the King whose example would certainly be followed by many other Provinces that there was therefore no fear that new Forces should come from thence to Piedmont and on the contrary that the Spanish Camp being redoubled by so great recruits which were coming from several parts might easily compass any whatsoever enterprize much more that of the Citadel of Turin which was already half taken they therefore earnestly perswaded him to betake himself to the taking thereof but contrary reasons perswaded the Governour from the going to take the Citadel of Turin and to go to the taking of that of Cassalle first his jealousie of the Negotiations still continued between the Princes and the French to this was added the competition touching who should put the Garrison into the Citadel of Turin which not being yet decided the Governour foresaw that the Princes would bring it in play when the Citadel should be taken so as he was refractory therein which when it should be taken would afford occasion of disorders and dissentions which might afterwards make the Princes go over to the French when they should not be masters of the Citadel on the contrary the felicity which he promised unto himself in the taking the Citadel of Cassalle made him believe that it became him not to weaken the flower of his Forces which he had assembled with so much trouble and with such expence to the Kings Exchequer in the taking of the Citadel of Turin which Forces when they should be employed in the taking of Cassalle would undoubtedly win unto the King a place of such importance for the safety of the State of Millain and by which acquisition so great preheminency and advantage would accrue to the Kings affairs over the neighbouring States and which was not least to be considered the acquisition whereof would make so fair a way to the generall peace he was moreover disswaded from taking that of Turin lest the Princes when they should be posses'd thereof assenting to their self interests and to the Common concerns of the I alian Princes would do what they could to keep that of Cassalle from falling into the Spaniards hands and that they would hinder it by underhand dealing wherefore preferring the good of the Kings affairs before that of the Princes he resolved to employ his foââ¦ces which were then fresh and entire in the enterprize of Cassalle believing that the hopes of being afterwards assisted in that of Turin might keep the Princes faithful to the Spanish party and make them co-operate in that of Cassalle and what was of moââ¦e importance the Governour knew how much the Court of Spain was concern'd in the business of Cassalle not so much out of the desire of getting it as for that they thought the French would have slackned the War of Catalonia for the preservation of Cassalle or the Court was not well satisfied with the orders given to assault Piedmont and that they were too exactly observed and could have desired that the Governour contrary to their orders had begun with the enterprise ãâã Cassalle so to draw the forces of France into those parts so as though he was honoured with the title of a Grandee for the taking of Vercelli yet he had some orders of Revocation to the contrary which Revocation not afresh to incur and that he might at the same time help to secure the State of Millain and also free Cataloâ⦠he could not but prefer the business of Cassalle before that of Turin amongst these publick reasons there wanted not some private ones arising from a certain ambition in the Governour to signalize his name in the Court of Spain by the acquisition of that place which he knew was so much desired there and look how much he saw that enterprize had proved unfortunate to his predecessours in that Government the more diligent he was therein hoping that his glory would be the greater in bringing it to a happy end there were also certain other private emulations between him and the Princes which did not make the Governour any thing at all well affected to their interests for an being Infanta of Spain they treated somewhat briskly with him punctually expecting from him all those observances and respects which are due to the Infanta from the subjects of that Crown to that heighth that in the Campagnia where great Princes use to keep open table and to honour their Commanders with sitting at meat with them they never invited him to dine with them nor ever did he negotiate with them but bareheaded and standing and when he was indisposed in his feet he treated with them either by messengers or letters this his aversion was much increased by the Princes arrogating unto themselves all the honour of the
good that had succeded not attributing it to the Kings forces but to the love of the people of Piedmont not to the Governours valour or Counsels but to their own alleadging for proof thereof what great difficulties he met with before Vercelli when he attempted it without them on the contrary the Governour who came not short of them either in counsel or Military valour alleadged that the peoples affection would have been curb'd and kept back by the Dowager without the assistance of the Kings forces just as befel the Prince Cardinal when being entred into Piedmont he would try what the Authority of a Prince of the blood unarmed could do and when the Princes came first with a powerful Army before the Walls of Turin the Dowagers Authority was such as she did so hold the people within bounds as none durst ever speak much less declare themselves in favour of the Princes or raise any sedition so as to let them see that he was able to undertake and to effect great enterprizes without them he was desirous to apply himself to this wherein the Princes not having any thing to do the business might be acknowledged to be wholly his and consequently the honour which he undoubtedly expected from the happy success thereof might belong wholly to him and not be communicated to any others private and publick interests being thus joyned the Governour having all things in readiness sent Carlo Della Gatta general of the Neapolitan Horse at unawares to preoccupate the ways that led to Cassalle to keep the Monferrat Souldiers who were dispers'd abroad in that State from entring thereinto and he sent the Count di Monte-Castello after Gatta to take L'occimiano both which having observed their Orders they appeared on Palm sunday the year 1640 before that City and took the Town St. Giorgio without fighting which had a Garrison in it only of 40 Souldiers under a French Captain and the Governour being recruââ¦ed with new men from Germany and Naples came thither with the whole Army the next Easâ⦠day his Army consisted of 12000 Foot and 5000 Horse to which soon after were added 2200 Foot come from Spain The Garrison of the place did not exceed 1200 Foot and 300 Horse The French Army which was that that could only ââ¦lieve it being very weak was thought unable so much as to attempt it so as the Governour made himself sure of Victory To this was added the intelligence which was said to be held between the Governour and some of the chief of the Town not without the Dowagers knowledge as was thought who was not well satisfied with the French Garrison being come within sight of the City he thought to fall to work to the end that when he should have taken the City as he thought he should eââ¦sily do he might quarter his Army more commodiously under covert and by a short line to be drawn without the Citadel he thought to save the time and labour of making large Trenches as his predecessors had done when they were to lodge their Army in the Campagnia he therefore made only two quarters the one at the foot of the Hill and the other upon the Plain towards Frassinero two good miles distant one from the other To the latter whither he sent above 1000 Horse under Carlo della Gatta and 400 Foot under the Camp-masters Serra Trotto and Gliglino was added 900 Swissers that of the Hill was divided into two bodies The Marquess of Carââ¦ena who succeeded Don Francisco di Selva in being General of the Horse commanded the one and Don Lewis di Lincastro the other and the Governour who lodged in one of them commanded them both here were eight thousand Foot and four thousand Horse they then began their approache against the City which was besieged on three sides on two between the Citadel and the Castle and on the third neer the Poe which they called Degli Italiani intrusted to Marquesse Serra and they also took a certain House called la Fornace which proved very commodious for the Siege but fortune which would deriââ¦e ââ¦ssured hopes of the Governour and his great Forces appeared very little favourable to him from the very beginning for the great rains which fell for many days together were of great prejudice to him not only in the commencement of his works by which he was to make his approaches but in preserving those which wee already made for it destroy'd them all and the water having sunk down the ways had also made the fields unmanagable so as the two quarters which were far one from the other could not communicate together To these hinderances was added many fierce sallies which though they were with equal fierceness repuls'd they did not a little disturb the Works and hinder the Work-men Whilst the Army did thus little good expecting fairer weather the Governour that the Souldiers might not be idle sent Thomaso Alardo with his Regiment of Dragoons and 400 Foot to take Resignano who having at first taken the out-works had also begun a Mine which when it was finished he gave fire unto and did thereby much good for throwing as much Wall as sufficed to give an assault he went thereunto but unfortunately for some of the Souldiers would not fight and others were crush'd by many Gabbions of earth which fell from the earth-work of the Wall that was blown up falling down when they hasted to get upon the breach those who were forwardest in advancing were repuls'd with the death of the valiantest amongst them and many Spanish Captains were wounded and Toby Palavicino who fought valiantly though they were forsaken by their Souldiers This mean while it was given out as it proved true afterwards that Harcourt taking the greatest number of the French Souldiers that he could out of the Towns of Piedmont accompanied by Marquess Villa who brought 1500 Horse with him and by the Marquess Pianezza who brought 2000 Piedmontese Foot to whom also some Montferrians were gorten had got together a body way of an army with which he betook himself to bring succous by the of Villanuova and that he brought with him twelve pieces of Cannon and some Carriages of Victuals and Munition The more unexpected this news was to the Governour they made the greater impression in him calling therefore a Counsel of War it was consulted whether they should march out against the enemy and fight him in the open field or rise from before Cassalle and go speedily to Turin giving out that the business of Cassalle was but a feigned attempt to draw the enemy thither so to keep up the Souldiers reputation The great advantage in number of Souldiers far more valiant then the enemy who were said to be most of them Vagabonds driven from their houses by Famine and War made for the first opinion that therefore Victory was not to be doubted if they should come to battle and that body of men being destroyed wherein were all the Forces which the enemy could
where having the Poe upon his back he had no where whereby to retreat in case of of ill fortune but by that narrow Bridge which he had caused to be thrown over but when he had fortified he was not over diligent in assaulting the enemies Trenches as if he intended not to hazard his Army under the enemies Fortifications preferring therefore cautious before couragious counsels and the preserving of the Kings Territories before theââ¦e reââ¦et of Turin he aimed at keeping the French Army from Victuals and at forcing it to quit the siege rather by Famine then by the Sword and thus without adventuring or hazarding the Kings Forces to free the City and the Prince and yet to preserve his Army against any unthought of accident which might happen the French Forces being in Piedmont The Princes intentions were diametrically contrary to these who thinking it reasonable that for the preservation of himself his Sisters and the City all the Kings Forces and Interests were to be hazarded held it also necessary to be done so for the safety of the State of Millain for all Piedmont being to be lost by the loss of Turin he held that that State would be but badly preserved after such a loss and he the Prince not being a bare Captain or Governour of a Town he thought he ought not to suffer himself to be reduced to such extreams as that he might afterwards be necessitated to beg his life or at least his liberty of the Conqueror that therefore it became him when he might see from a far off that it was impossible for him to hold out and that he could not be relieved to prevent surrendring by Articles suiting with his condition These complaints went accompanied with tacite protestations that he would accept of the large promises made him by the King of France if he would yield to the treaties of agreement which were yet on foot alledging and giving out that if the Governohr would carry on affairs aiming only at the Kings private interests he ought not to wonder if he the Prince passing by the common concerns should advise and govern himself according to his private ends and those of his house These were the debates and altercations which past between the Prince and Governour during the whole Siege whilst the Prince complain'd that he was abused in his expectation not seeing any effect of so many promises nor of his hoped for succour and the Governour that he was drawn into precipices as concerning the common cause by the Prince and by the too couragious attempt propounded by him which tended not to the good leading on of the succour but to the apparent ruine of the Army and of the whole enterprise which would certainly be brought to a good and honourable issue by safer and more cautious Counsels Thus the Prince who was naturally stout and couragious detested the Governours comportments and accused him of timerousness and sometimes of double dealing and the Governour the more he saw the Prince desirous to hazard all upon the fortune of a general assault the more he thought his Counsels and Proposals to be destructive he therefore would not be drawn from his resolution of delivering the almost famished City by famishing the French Army he therefore sent his Cavalry to over-run the Country and forrage the highways by which Victuals might be brought to the enemies Camp and he found his counsel to be good for he daily heard news of the intercepting of Victuals This his design was also more authenticated by Letters written from the Dowagers Agents to the General which were intercepted wherein he was told that he was not to build much upon any help from Savoy unless he would keep the ways open for succours from else where and the sequel did approve of the Governours counsel for Victuals growing very scant in the French Camp their Souldiers would come to the Walls of the City and beg a piece of bread which sometimes was given them even by the Prince his permission and for that the City wanted Grass and Forrage for Horses more then bread a bartering was agreed upon between the besiegers and besieged for Grass and Straw for bread a great sign of the extream want the besiegers were reduced to The Prince complained grievously of the Governour and propounded sometimes one thing sometimes another that he might be once free of the misery he was in but he was not at all moved therewith he was more moved by the treaties of agreement which were still kept on foot between the Prince and the French Agents and with the great offers that were made the Prince if he would adhere to France and forego Spain and if he and his Brother would quit all claim of Regency to the Dowager wherefore it became the Governour to be very careful of distasting the Prince lest being allured by the French offers and scandalized at his proceedings he might embrace the former wherefore the Prince proposing finally that since he continued constant in overcoming the French by famine it would be better for him to leave a competent Garrison in Montcalleri which might secure that Bridge which kept the way open between his Camp and the parts beyond the Poe and to go with the rest of the Army to Giuliascho and Collegno Towns three miles on the back of Turin upon the way which leads to Pinarollo and Susa for that by residing in Collegno which is situated upon the Dora he would not only block up the aforesaid ways of Susa and Pinarvole but those of the Canavese and of Piedmont by which the enemies Camp would be formally besieged and would be forc'd for fear of famine to rise in a short time The Governour were it either that he approved of this advice or that he desired to like whatsoever the Prince proposed provided that he were not thereby to hazard his men resolved to follow it the rather for that he was counsell'd so to do by the Count Sirvela who was Embassadour in extraordinary from the King of Spain to the Common-wealth of Genoa a Gentleman of excellent parts and who was then in the Camp and by whom the Governour was much ruled and who having by the Kings appointment been ayding to the carrying on of the main affair in all this Campagnia had had his share therein The Governour therefore had already constituted Don Luigi Ponze Di Lion Commander of 2000 Foot and 800 Horse who were to be left for the safety of that quarter when he should go with the rest of his men to those Towns This advice was also furthered by news from France that the King being at last moved by the imminent danger of this enterprise if speedy succour should not be sent had taken order to send good recruits both of men and victuals to the Camp in Piedmont But on a sudden nor was it known upon what occasion the Governour cut his resolution in two which certainly would have been better for the full
like of the whole present War for he said that the streightning of Chiavasso would certainly have forced Harcourt to abandon Conio whereas the loss of Montcalvo being of much less importance would have contributed nothing thereunto The Prince being gone from Chiavasso the Marquess of Caracena foorded over the Poe with his Horse and went to St. Sebastiano were he quartered his Horse in the Towns of Montferrat neer Verrua The Siege of Conio was not in this interim at all intermitted but continued with more vigour on both sides Sallies Assaults Mines Galleries were made use of great were the endeavours of the Assailants and great that of the Defendants neither yielded to other in courage nor valour their vigilancy and diligence were equal every one was so ready to die as death it self being afraid at their countenance seemed for very terrour to shun them but Harcourts singular fortune which appeared averse unto him in the enterprise of Inurea and which was not undertaken by his advice would make him an amends in this which was done by his consent being therefore very much gladded that neither the business of Chiavasso nor of Chirasco had necessitated him to forego the Siege of Conio he endeavoured the more to put an end to that enterprise that he might come time enough to relieve Montcalvo he therefore placed a Battery on the edge of the Ditch ordered a Mine at the Bastion del Ulmo sollicited Count Plessis to finish another Mine which was begun against the Bastion of Madonna which when they were perfected he caused a parley to be beaten for the surrender of the Town but the defendants being resolved to see the effect 25 Foot of Wall was presently blown up and yet the besiegers could not come conveniently to the breach for the Bastion was Plat-form'd wit sand and stones so as it was not without blood that they quartered themselves at the foot of the Wall that was blown up Harcourt not being here with dismaid would gain the top of the Bastion by a new assault and the other Mine at the Bastion del Olmo being ready to play the defendants resolved to parley and after some debates Articles were drawn up and Hostages were given and after 53 days Siege on the 15th of September Harcourt entred the Town triumphing and victorious The Victory was the more singular for that this Town had not been taken in many ageâ⦠it was surrendered upon honourable conditions and the Garrison marched out which was reduced to the number of 400 Foot and 200 Horse Harcourt having dispatch'd this enterprise went speedily to relieve Monicalvo which he would without doubt have done had it not been surrendered two days before his arrival Conio being taken the Dowager ordered Marquess Pianezza to go with all speed to recover Rovello a strong Town and held by a Garrison of the Cardinal as Conio was This place confined upon the County of Pinarvolo and was very convenient for the French interests by reason of their desire to dilate that Confine and the Dowager thought it necessary to the prevent the French from throwing themselves before it nor was she therein deceived for Orders being come from the King that Conio should be restored to the Dowager Harcourt knowing how desirous Richlieu was of getting that Town detain'd the Kings Order and used several pieces of cunning that the Siege might not succeed or that it might be defer'd but Pianezza's diligence prevailed who made himself master thereof and put a Garrison of Piedmonteses into it so as the restitution of Conio as it was ordered by the King was not disturbed by the demolition of this Castle it was assign'd over to the Dowager the next year by the Duke of Bullion who succeeded Harcourt in the place of General and not long after Demont was likewise assign'd over to her a Town in those parts which was possest by the French which actions being glorious to that King who shared not therein in what his Forces had done nor in the arbitrement of fortune but did all out of his goodness and Royal Magnanimity it is incredible what gladness it caused in the Piedmonteses and in all the Italians and these ââ¦ctions serving as a testimony that he would restore all the other places which were held by his Garrisons in Piedmont there was none that doubââ¦ed but that he in his own time would restore all ââ¦e ââ¦est Conio and the two other adjacent Towns being taken the Princes authority was totally excluded from out this side of the Mountains and their power being confined to the County of Nizza it was thought it would not be of any long consistence not long after the Armies were retreated to their quarters the Prince of Monaco having driven the Spanish Garrisons out of that place brought in the French and deprived the Spaniards of that station situated in the utmost Western Liguria upon a Rock which thrusting out into the Sea shapes a kind of Haven which is of great consequence and conveniency to the Spaniards The occasion of so great a novelty and alteration is diversly related The Prince thereof complain'd of the subjection he was held in by the Garrison of the little account that the Spanish Agents made of him of the losses which he suffer'd by adhering to that Crown not having received those emoluments from the Kingdom of Naples which were assigned unto him for his adherence to the Spaniards which he formerly was used to receive and moreover that when the Garrison wanted their pay he was sometime forced to appease them by satisfying them out of his own purse and to shun the plunder which was threatned by the Souldiers as also to avoid the danger of the place which being by occasion of the present Wars much diminished in the Garrison thereof the Kings Agents minded not the re-inforcing thereof nor the putting a sufficient number into it for necessary defence especially at this time when the King of France his Fleet lorded it over the Mediterranean and lay not far from Monaco and whereby he found the designs which the French had upon that place it being ââ¦o weakly Garrison'd so as out of these respects he was forced to free himself from these apparent injuries and dammages at home and from the imminent dangers threatned from abroad on the contrary the Kings Agents partly denying the blame that was laid upon them partly lessening it and excusing it partly by the calamities of the present times pretended that all this had hapned by the Prince of Monaco's own instability they complained that both he and his predecessort having enjoy'd priviledges and ââ¦enenues for above 120 years from the King of Spains liberality very punctually that he now when he saw the Crown reduced to such streights should without any occasion abandon it and betake himself to the French meerly to better his condition and that when in reason he ought to bear with some inconveniencies of the present times considering what great affluence he had formerly received
Cardinal in particular should renounce the protection of the Empire and that Prince Thomaso should be bound to serve the King in person in War against the Spaniards as his Majesty should be pleased to appoint All the other Articles which were to be agreed upon on the 14th of Iune the year 42 together with many other writings which were signed the same day were forthwith sent to France that the King might approve of those which related to the agreements between the Dowager and the Princes and ratifie those that were made between the Princes and his Embassador By these Capitulations which were afterwards perform'd with satisfaction to all as shall be said an end was put to the Wars of Piedmont In the Articles which were made between the Princes and the French Embassadour the Princes were bound to dismiss all the Spanish Souldiers that were with them but it was not express'd when whereunto they thought themselves engaged after Ratification made with the King But this was the hardest point of all others to execute and which caused much trouble especially since the whole Garrison in Inurea were Spaniards yet Prince Thomaso found means how to be easily rid of them At the same time when these Affairs were upon concluding instead of General Harcourt the Duke of Bullion was made Commander in Chief of the French Forces he who had hatched the aforesaid Rebellion in the Town of Sedan but after the Battle and death of the Count Soisons upon humbling himself to the King he was pardoned and was taken into the Kings favour who when he was come into Piedmont and had ioyned with the Dowagers Forces march'd into the field and passing into Alessandria was come as far as Filizzano and Corniente Don Iohn Vasques who was Governour of Alessandria and who was retreated with his men into that City fearing that he would pass over the Tanaro sent all his Cavalry and 1000 Foot under Don Vincenzo Gonzaga toward that river to oppose the Enemy some skirmishes past betvveen these and the Enemy on both sides the river but Bullion making as if he vvould goe somevvhere else vvhich vvas said vvould be either to Pontestura or Trino the Governour went from Millain to Vercelli to hinder any design of the Enemy and to keep him from sitting down before either of those places Upon this occasion Prince Thomaso advised him to take up one quarter before Pontestura wherein he might put 2000 Foot and 1000 Horse offering him his Spanish horse and foot which as he said lay idle in Inurea The Governour accepted his offer being unwilling to disfurnish other places wherefore the Prince sent both Horse and Foot from Inurea towards St. Ia but ordered the Horse that when they should be come to such a certain place they should hault and suffer the Foot to advance But it being quickly known that Bullion was retreated from Tanara the Governour sent back the Foot to Inurea and the Prince refused to receive them under pretence that there was a Truce made between them the Princes and the Dowager and that to shun that this reception might seem a novelty he did not think fit to let them in They therefore retreated to Vercelli so that by this cunning trick the Prince quitted his hands of the Spanish Garrison Nor did the Prince Cardinal want means to free himself from the like incumbrance for either having received or seeming to have received notice that Don Francisco Tuttavilla Captain of the thousand Spaniards which were granted him for the defence of himself and of the County of Nizza had treated with the Garrison of the Castle to his prejudice he sent for him into the Castle and seeming to resent the action he commanded him to go immediately out of the Castle together with his men who were there ready to depart and that he should go out of Piedmont which being done both the Princes were masters of themselves and might the better make good their agreement This dismission was done very seasonably for had it been longer delaid it had hindred not only the execution of this so important business but had hazarded the whole agreement by reason of a sudden accident which hapned in Cassalle Bullion who after he could not get over the Tanaro was returned to Montferrat had quartered his men in the Towns thereabouts and going himself for pastime to Cassalle out of a desire to see that Citadel which was held to be impregnable when he was come into the Citadel contrary to his own expectation and the like of all others was by order from the King seized upon by the Governour of the Citadel and sent back well guarded into France This hapned just ten days after the agreement made by the Princes and five days after they had cashiered the Spaniards which made it be generally conceived that this was done by way of resenting what had hapned at Sedan notwithstanding the Kings pardon this seemed to be an example to the Princes who did always distrust that the Articles made with the Court of France would not be made good unto them and it was commonly conceived that had not the Princes declared so absolutely in the behalf of France by dismissing those men they would have demurred upon those Conventions but being quite deprived of the Spanish assistance though they knew not what might succeed they were forced to rest contented and to expect from whence this blow proceeded and what it aimed at but all doubts and apprehensions soon ceased it being known that the Dukes imprisonment proceeded not out of any old account but out of ââ¦ew jealousies that he was complice in a new conspiracy made against the Cardinal Richlieu by Monsieur St. Mark Grand Escuyer de France and favorite to the King so as all occasions of diffidence ceasing and the Kings ratification being come from France with satisfaction to all they fell to do what was at the present to be done but there was a knot found in the Prince Cardinals businesse which was hard to be untied which proceeded from whether the Marriage should precede the resignation of the Towns in the County of Nizza or the resignation the Marriage whereof there being great distrust on both sides some solution must be found for it which after much discussion was that the Marriage should be celebrated in Nizza by a Proxey to be of purpose deputed by the Princes which Proxey was to swear upon pain of life that the Marriage should be consummated as soon as the Towns should be resigned and that the Governours who were to receive them in the Dowagers behalf should swear unto the Prince before they entred the Towns to re-deliver them to the Prince if they should find the Princess her Proxey backward to celebrate the Marriage Things being tââ¦us adjusted the Prince Cardinal sent Iovan Dominico Doria Marquess of Cerie to Turin with sufficient authority to celebrate the Espousals by words for the future between him the Prince and the eldest Daughter of Savoy
the Duke of Savoy's intentions seemed to differ according to the condition of times from what they were when he married his Daughter to the Prince of Mantua for failing of the Grandezza which he hoped for if King Henry had lived by his death and by the streight Union of the two Crowns he did not listen to the new Marriage of his Daughter for that thereby his designs of inlarging his Principality by some other means and the leaving it greater to his posterity then he had received it from his Ancestors would be disturbed He saw Montferrat a great State and very convenient for him as lying almost in the bosome of Piedmont furnished but with few forces and lesseâ⦠Garisons far from the City of Mantua was now almost vacant between the uncertain Succession of the off-spring which was to come and his Nieces questionableness therein He knew how many Reasons he himself had to pretend thereunto how much the Dukes his Predecessors had laboured to get it and having not only had it in his thoughts whilst his Son in law was alive but given manifest signs of his desire thereof he thought the occasion was now very ripe and the time fit to execute his secret designs of making himself easily Master thereof if when he should have got his Daughter and his Niece into his possession he might honest his ends by the Title of Succession of the Male Issue which he hoped for by his Daughter or at least by that of his Niece who was already in being and when by shewing those of Montferrat their true Lord and Master he might either cunningly bring them to accept of him for the Protector of their State and young Duke or force them by arms to obey him Nor were there some wanting who incouraged him in these designs by fair hopes and promises of the peoples rising Guido de Conti di St George was then in the Court at Turin the chief of the Nobility of Montferrat rich in Inheritances and personal Estate and powerful in friends and adherents This man had not many years ago a Cardinal to his Uncle of very much esteem and who as it was commonly believed would have been Pope had he not been kept from it as was thought by the contrary indeavours of Duke Vincent who it may be was jealous to see a subject of his so highly exal ed or resenting the displeasure he had received from him whilst being leââ¦t Legat by Pope Clement the Eighth in Ferrara which was but newly regained to the Church he entred with Sword in hand into the State of Mantua touching the difference of Confines where he did much prejudice to the Towns neighbouring upon the State of Ferrara and though the Count's Predecessors had formerly been raised to great Authority and Honour from but mean fortune by the extraordinary favour of Duke William Father to Duke Vincent yet the memory of former good turns being of less force with the Count then the prejudice and injury which he had newly received he was but badly inclined to the House of Gonzaga And therefore not thinking himself looked upon by the Duke according to his quality and that his ways were narrowly pry'd into he had almost given over his Country and was retired into Piedmont where he was in no little Authority and favour with the Duke by whom he was highly graced with the Order of the Annuntiata and other imployments and dignities he being as much alienated in mind from his Prince as in person from his Country out of revenge and out of hopes of farther preferment profest he had much Intelligence with the Inhabitants of Montferrat and promised much to the Duke in their behalf The recourse and inclination which the Citizens of Cassalle and formerly to Emanuel Philibertus Father to the present Duke of Savoy when William Duke of Mantua usurping upon their pretended liberties got absolute dominion over them and their being still but ill satisfied therewith gave more of credit to these his promises And as the business seemed in these respects to be easie enough of it self to be effected so neither did the Duke want other reasons which would secure him from meeting with any impediments from elsewhere for though Montferrat and the Dukedom of Mantua had formerly been under the protection of Spain wherefore the Dukes of Savoy not taking themselves to the way of Arms had only civilly made trial of that of Reason yet this protection seemed to ãâã in the person of the Cardinal for that he having in the Court of Room where he was chosen Protector of France by the Queen his Aunt exercised that Charge not only with extraordinary affection and inclination to the French but sometimes much distasted the Spanish Agents He seemed upon occasions to make less account of the favour and grace of that King and Nation and though being by his Brothers death near possessing the States he thought it neither reasoââ¦able nor safe for him to abet the Cardinal Protector of France but necessary to preserve the friendship and countenance under which his Ancestors had for so many years happily injoyed the Principallity wherefore he had immediate recourse to the King of Spain for the favour of his wonted protection he could not as yet obtain his desire for the King deferred and protracted the expedition of this affair not without much jealousie in the Cardinal and in all his Court wherefore the Duke who was not ignorant of these difficulties thought he might probably hope that that King and Nation either out of anger to the Cardinal or for the safety of the State of Millain for which it did not make that Montferrat especially in respect of the Citadel of Cassalle should fall into the hands of a Prince in whom the Crown did not confide and who having discovered himself to adhere to France was likely to incline more thereunto in the future troubles then unto its adversary and though for the aforesaid reasons the King had doubtlesly moââ¦e cause to suspect the very person of Duke Charles Emanuel yet as the desire of obtaining ones ends makes the means of obtaining it appear more likely and easie he peradventure perswaded himself that many other things would cause that King and that Court not to oppose his intention the Alliance which he and Duke Francis his Sons had with him the design which amidst these troubles the Kings party might peradventure have of securing themselves of Cassalle the desire which it was probable the King and his Officers might have of giving him satisfaction so to avoid giving him occasion of disordering Italy again and because it made not for the Kings advantage to satisfie him by the lessening his own Dominions he thought that out of all or out of some of the aforesaid Reasons the King passing by his antient and now doubtful protection of Montferrat ought at least not to hinder him from possessing himself of that State whereunto he had long pretended Hereunto was added the streight
to accept of it wherewith the King thought himself as much injured as he had been formerly displeased with the Commonwealth for limiting the comprimise The Duke complained that the King had been too sparing in limiting the Conspirators as well in ââ¦umber as in the Conditions of their Pardon pretending that all the Conspirators should have been freely pardoned without any limitation he demanded That the Galley might be restored in the same equipage and with the same Galley-slaves tââ¦at were in her when she was taken That the Artillery should be brought into Gavio where it was left and That it might be lawful for him to send men to bring it from thence in a military manner into Piedmont That for the payment of the 170000 Crowns of Gold the quality of the Crown in Gold should be declared and That the Commonwealth should be bound to ascertain the payments at the prefix'd times and That good security should be given for it in France or in some other Parts wherein he might confide The King being much displeased with this stubbornness would by no means be brought to any other Declaration or alteration of Ill Lodâ⦠the rather for that he feared the Duke was thus backward by the Court of France its suggestion and it seemed that that Court thought her self prejudiced by this Decree for that these differences being to be determined according to the Peace of Monsone by both the Kings the King of Spain had ended it himself without participating therein with the King of France not making any account of the Peace of Monsone nor yet of the Peace of Rochel which by common arbitriment was adjusted between the Commonwealth and the Duke It was therefore suspected That the Duke in favour to the French to whom by the assignation of Pinarollo he seemed to be joyned would never be satisfied with any Declaration that the King could make to the end that by this Appeal he might be loose and with scorn to the Spanish Authority put the whole negotiation and decision into the arbitriment of the King of France This suspition was increased by the King of France his offer to the Commonwealth That he would end this business with more satisfaction to her if she would put it to his arbitriment Affairs stood thus in suspense for some moneths during which time the Duke complain'd that so many of his Patrimonial Towns should be deââ¦ain'd from him by the Genoeses and said that he would have recovered them by force of Arms which if he should have done his friends would not have been wanting in assisting him whereby the King of France was understood He therefore caused new rumours not only between him and the Genoeses but even between the two Crowns which would necessarily be engaged in defence the one of the one party the other of the other The Cardinal Infanta Brother to the King being come into Italy he was impowred by the King and by the Parââ¦ies with faculty to decide these points and the controverted points being formerly discuss'd before the said Cardinal by Iovan Michael Zoagli Resident for the Commonwealth and by the Abbot de la Torre Resident for the Duke in Millain the Cardinal declared That as for them who had served either party with Sword in hand in the wars the Pardon should be understood to be free and general but as for those who had been guilty of any Commotion since the year 1625. it should be in the King to declare whether they should be comprehended in the Pardon or no That the Galley should be restored in the condiââ¦ion that it was in at present That the Artillery should be delivered by the Commonwealth in Savona and by the Duke in such places as should be neerest the Commonwealths Territories That the Crowns should be understood according to the Spanish valuation and that no mention should be made of the Dukes putting in security The Duke accepted of this Declaration but not the Commonwealth in respect of the first point wherein power was reserved to the King if it should so fall out whether offenders should be pardoned or no as well because the arbitrement seemed to exceed the Articles of Madrid as also that they desired the business might at once be wholly decided and that no power should be left in the King to meddle any further in the Commonwealths jurisdiction by any Declaration especially since the general word Commotion might be understood to reach to many other things not at the present thought upon in respect whereof the Commonwealth held it not good to have any occasion of coming to dispute with the King whereupon the Cardinal made a new Declaration wherein he pronounced that none of those who were Prisoners for any commotion or other fault unless such as were named in the peace of Madrid should be conceived to be comprehended in the pardon save only such as were Prisoners of War and that the King should make no further declaration touching any that were guilty of faults all things were hereupon ended and put in execution and an end was put to this War made by the Duke upon account of Zuccarello in appearance but in effect by many Princes who envied the Spanish grandezza that they might lessen it by lessening the power of the Commonwealth of Genoa so annex'd and so opportune to the power of Spain The Commonwealth spent in this War above ten millions of Crowns which were raised partly by Taxes from private Citizens partly by Gabels and new Impositions true it is that many Fortifications were computed into these expences for not to mention the lesser Porto Mauritio Gavio and Savona were fortified with Curtains and Bulwarks Royal but staââ¦ely and worthy of wonder is the compass of the new Wall made about the City of Genoa its self upon Mountains which do inviron it which beginning from Capo de la Lanterna which is on the West and going round upon the back of the Mountains towards the North terminates in the Valley of Bisagno and joyns with Capo di Carignano which is the utmost and most Easterly point of the City and turning from thence inward along the Maritime shoar joyns with the ancient Walls incompassing about eight miles the whole Work is almost of Free-stone and so is for the most part the very Castle it self which serves for Curtain and Bulwark except in some places where being unequal it is fil'd up with a strong Wall which being pargeted with Lime and Mortar is not only strong but very beautiful this Fortification is exactly help'd by nature for the Mountains upon which the new Walls are built to boot with their great height are so steep and craggy on the out side as the Walls need fear no assault the foundations so sound and firm as they fear no mining and seated so far off as they are noâ⦠subject to battery any hostility would be obviated by the verâ⦠tumbling down of stones the Country thereabout is so barren as no enemies