occasions hightens glory and gives proofe of loyalty no whit declining in his resolution but incouraging his men and gathering unto them those who were else-where disbanded and forsaken by their owne Commanders shewed himselfe miraculously worthy and made it appeare that in times of greatest danger generous minded men ought to give testimony of their valour This did abate the Enemies eagernesse and afforded Walesteine and Gallasse opportunity to re-re-order some confused Squadrons and to withstand the Swedes Charge who being acertained of their Kings death and the Imperialists being again reunited there falling at that very instant likewise which was about an houre before Sun-set a very thicke fog or mist which played the part of a charitable mediatresse they fearing lest by further ingaging themselves they might run upon some disadvantage resolved to make a stand and to make good their ground and presse no further forward Walesteine likewise finding himselfe abandoned by many of his Captaines some of which were fled some dead and some wounded and all his Camp full of confusion for Pappenheimes death who was generally beloved and that neither he nor his Commands were obeyed resolved to keep in his station without any further attempt so as the one and the other of them contenting themselves with the advantage of their situations they afterwards with-drew into their owne quarters Thus ended the Battaile of Lutzen fought on the 16th of November which was not partiall either to the one or to the other side for each of them kept master of their own ground and the losse was in a manner equall Yet was the Kings death prised by the Caesarians at as high a rate as whatsoever victory and so indeed it proved for with him perished the Swedes good fortune the Souldiers obedience ceased disorders sprung up dissentions were bred amongst Commanders and ambition of precedency diversity of opinions difference of Counsels envy of actions and dissonancy of confederacyes were stirred up There perished in this dayes fight of both sides about 10000 Souldiers it is not known of which side most and many Colonels and Commanders of esteem of which there were wounded of the Imperialists side who afterwards dyed Bartaldo Walesteine and Colonell Chiese and of the Swedes Brundesteim Winckell and divers others the action lasted from Sun rising to an houre before Sun set the greatest slaughter and execution was about noone the Imperialists left some pieces of great Cannon upon the field for want of horses to draw them off the Baggage was not touched either by the one or the other side yet 't is true the Imperialists baggage was much damnified by fire which lightning in the Ammunition blew up many and slew many that were the Guard thereof The end of the fourth Book DOCTRINA PARIT VIRTUTEM The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE V. BOOK The Contents of the Fifth Booke Herein is discovered the condition of the one partie and the other after the Battell of Lutzen The Swedes resolution to fight again with the Imperialists Walesteines retreat into Bohemia How the Protestants received the Kings death His conditions The Roman Catholiques sorrow for the losse of Pappenheim The Swedes taking of Lipsia Gustavus Horne his proceedings in Alsatia The death of Fredericke King of Bohemia Elector Palatine The restoring of Franchendall and other Townes of the Palatinat to his Sonnes Baudis his attempt against the Electorat of Cullen Aldringer his proceedings in Swabenland Reliefe brought to that Province by the Swedes The Imperialists retreat into Bavaria Inrodes made by the Austrians in Alsatia The Duke of Loraynes Achievements The indeavour of Peace with the Duke of Saxony set on foot againe by Walesteine The Imperialists proceedings in Slesia The Dyet held at Helbrune Preparations made by the Duke of Feria at Millan for the comming of the Infant of Spaine The Siege of Hagghenaw in Alsatia and also Filisborg Provisions made by the French in Rhetia A Treatie of Peace propounded to the Hollanders by the Spaniards The event of the Negotiation with Saxony and of the like with the Vnited Provinces THe Battell of Lutzen being thus ended the Swedish Commanders greatly confused for the losse of their King and very weary by reason of the pains they had taken resolved to withdraw themselves to Wisenfells where before they tooke any refreshment being all assembled together having each with other condoled their Kings death at last they paused and having dryed their teares they like undaunted Chiefetaines the constancy of their hearts not failing them for all this so important an accident nor having the clearenesse of their wisedome darkened by the gastlinesse of death and feare but rather which was worthy of remarke comforting each other and moderating each others griefe it was at last propounded by Duke Waymer whether they should hault in expectance of Saxony Laneberg and other Forces already on their march towards them or else before their heat were cooled or their Swords sheathed they should pursue the Enemy astonished through the deaths flight of their men the importancy of this businesse being very well weighed there were some that advised That without further consideration they ought to pursue Walesteine before by new recruits he might take to the Field againe that these were of the number of such advantagious occasions as were not to be let slip that the Swedes were inraged at their Kings death that revenge by pursuing of the Imperialists was that which by the generall applause of the Souldiers was desired and thirsted after that this the Souldiers daring was wonderfull advantagious that if their Prince were lost they ought not at least to abandon the Victory up on which the common good depended that it behoved them who loved the Kings life not to forget his death Whilst the greatest part of the Commanders were pondring such conceptions as these the out-cry of the Souldiers who like so many inraged men broke in asking where the King was thundring in the eares of the Generalls and every one agreeing in opinion of prosecuting the Enemy and this the rather for that the newes just then came of the Duke of Lunebergs arivall at Affendorfe a Village within foure houres march of them after they had cryed up and by the joynt applause of all the Militia chosen Duke Waymer for their Generall who was deservedly beloved by them all and a Prince both for birth and courage deserving such a charge it was resolved that that very night Offchirch should goe with some of the Horse into the Field to recover the Body and the Souldiers being refresh't with Victualls and Wine of which there was great store found in Wisenfells the Swedes appeared againe the next morning in Battell Array upon the same plaine The Sunne was two houres high before they could find the Kings Body which when they found was stript and so dis-figured and mangled with blood and the being trampled on by Horses as hardly could they know
So Walestein as well to acquit himselfe of the favour received as likewise that his intention was not to stirre out of Germany that he might not grow lesse in authorities and for the feare hee had leâ—t his Corrivalls might in his absence plot somewhat to his prejudice procured that imployment for the said Colalto to which the Emperour easily condiscended not so much out of the affection which hee bore to Walestein and Colalto as to satisfie the Spaniards who liked better of Colalto as one lesse haughty and who depended more upon them and set themselves close to this Warre for that the liberty of Italy consisting in the Counterpoising of the Forces of France alwayes desiring to assist that side where they would get footing if they should have wonne Casall a place of Retreat for the French Forces and a Fortresse able to keep the State of Millan in continuall Motion and the Common-wealth of Venice being weakned by the losse of Mantua which Common-wealth of Venice as Arbitrator of all actions in Italy by piously backing Justice is alwayes a helpe to the weakest and doth in part keep the Subjects of Italy alive they did not onely hope to secure the Millanneses but thereby to open the way for their Conquering the remainder of that Kingdome a Designe of all others alwaies most studied of the Spaniards He moreover knew that those of the Nation were ill-apaid that imployments should be conferred upon Strangers that the Haunce Towns Princes of the Empire little affected with the Austrian Government were jealous of the greatnes of the House of Austria and did mainly endeavour the weakning of it which hee observed might easily be effected for that the Emperour in likelihood would be contented to give way to the disbanding of the supernumerarie Forces or else to the sending of them out of the Empire upon some other employment thereby to make Electors at the Election of the King of the Romans willingly adhere to favour the King of Hungary and not more to exasperate those Princes Hee was likewise certifi'd that such Princes of Italy as the Emperour might hope for helpe from against the Protestants were not well contented to see the Imperiall power screwed up so high and were much troubled at the comming of the Army to Reine in Lombardy He hoped well in assistance and diversions from France which by the victories of Lewis the Thirteenth was brought into a peacefull and triumphant condition He hoped likewise for helpe from the King of England who was not well satisfied with the Austrian party for their usurping of the states of the Count Palatins his Nephewes He was no lesse confident of Holland a growing Common-wealth enricht by many Forces both by Sea and Land Hee then saw the occasion was fitting which he knew was not to be neglected but that he was to reassume that Warre which being with little successe begun by others had no other hopes but from his try'd valour To the effecting of these Designes of the yeare 1629. Many Commanders were well received in Swethland who had been returned from the Caesarian Army and from that Army which was sent to assist the King of Polonia under the Conduct of Harnem which was given out to be done by the good will of Walestein who intirely hating every one that did but speak of Reformation desired such Innovations as might make the Emperor know how ill he was advised in lissening to those who by a peacefull way did cunningly lead him to a more dangerous Warre Having received good Intelligence by these and giving them speedy Commissions to raise Forces and on the other side having gathered together the remainder of the Army which was brought back from the Warres of Livonia and having taking such order as was requisite for the Souldiers pay in Gothland Finland and Smoland hee in a few Moneths space found himselfe ready to bee served and obeyed by a strength of old Souldiers to the number of above twelve Thousand Foot and Horse And now hee thought himselfe to bee in a good posture to have ground enough to raise his plotted Designes upon and to hoise Saile for Pomerania Pomerania extends it selfe along the Shore of the Baltique Sea it is bounded on the East by Poland and on the West by the Dukedome of Mechelberg inlarged afterwards by fruitfull Territories even to the Confines of the Marquisate of Brandemburg She receives into her selfe the Noble Oder one of the famous Rivers of Germany which falling from the utmost parts of Moravia upon the Confines of Silicia runnes into the Lake called Grosse Haffe The King having to this purpose called all his Captaines and Officers together and the greatest part of the chiefe of his Kingdomes out of the which the King by a Fundamentall Law cannot upon what pretence soever goe without the consent of all the Orders at Sâ—ocholme the City of his Residence placed right over against Pomerania looking on the South side upon the Sea by two great Armes whereof it is girt about would in publike make knowne what his Designes were Thus being all in the great Hall of his Court hee demonstrated unto them with valid reasons the necessity of this Warre as well for the preservation of his owne Kingdome in quiet as for the maintenance of their Faith and in a very feeling manner enlarged himselfe to this effect That the Empire was now growne to that height as that the thirsty ambition of the greatest therein exceeding their owne limits would spread their Resolutions even over his State since it was evidently seen how he was injur'd by the Imperialists who never having had any thing to doe with the Baltick Sea had now declared Walestein to be Admirall thereof an Usurpation not to be endured by a couragious King that the Princely name of Swethland had in their Imperiall Diets beene villified with scurrilous Writings and Hostill Edicts that he suffered in his Honour by the Austrian Ministers of State that his vast mind cryed for revenge that the occasion of enlarging and securing their Dominions ought not to be let slip by Princes who had their wits about them that Honour Religion and Greatnesse were the things now in question that his Forces did not now differ from them of former times so much dreaded which had brought under the fairest Nation of Europe that the World would say the same of times past that the like Fortune as Alexander Caesar and Achilles had would not be wanting to one of as undaunted a Courage that it did not misbecome a King to quit his owne Countrey whose minde being bent upon Glory Greatnesse and his Subjects Happinesse should not bee imbased by the leasure of Courts that to spend his Talent in the Luxuries and Pleasures of Peace did not become a Prince who had been brought up in Martiall Exercises and lastly hee with a loud voyce said that he would either Sacrifice himselfe to the Negligence of his Fortune or else returne unto his Kingdome
loaded with Glory and Triumphes having made himselfe knowne to be a King worthy of so valiant a People Then making a little pause and finding the affection of all the standers by by the cheerefulnesse of their Aspect for as if they had been immoveable they could not sufficiently shew their approbabation of what he had so well said hee invited them to follow him promising that he would not onely be their Lord and King but their Brother and Companion Dismissing the Councell he employed the ensuing days in hastening the provisions of Victualls Munition and Artillerie till such time as answer being returned from my Lords the States of Holland by whose Intelligence all these Machinations were made and encouraged every day more by that Common-wealth which of all other Principalities as well in respect of the Interest of State as also of Religion was desirous of this noveltie and invited thereunto and heartned therein by Letters from France and England having recommended the leavying of eight thousand other Souldiers to Auxilius Oxasterne Lord Chancellour of that Kingdome and taken order for all things that concerned the good government of the Kingdome which in his absence he left under the protection of the Queen his Wife with the unspeakable applause of all the Nobility and People who in great numbers floct to bid him farewell He imbarqued himselfe and all his Army on the thirteenth of June 1630. in 70 Men of Warre and 200 lesser Barques and directing his course Southward he sailed toward Rugen with intention to surprize it Rugen is an Island in the Baltique Sea bounding upon Pomerania from which it is divided by a Gulfe some few miles broad and is seated just over against Stralshond a Haunce Towne situated upon the Sea side which hath in it a good and much frequented Haven and is environed with strong Rampards and Bulwarks with the chief Magistrates whereof though surrounded with Austrians the King held good Intelligence He sayled from the said thirteenth of June till the foure and twentieth of the same and being happily come to Stralshond hee and his Army came to shore at Rugen they set upon the Imperialists who were placed there in certaine little Forts rather for Guard then for Defence they soon made themselves Masters of it sacking it and plundring it which much pleased the Souldiers as if this so happy a beginning did presage their greater Conquests The King leaving 500 Foot in this Island and two men of War for the safeguard of the Passage and having made it a Store house for his owne Militarie Provisions he took Ship againe on St. Peters day the 29. of the same Moneth and with a good Winde came to Vsedon an Island dis-joyned from the firme Land of Pomerania by two Armes of a Lake or Moorish ground called Frish Haffe into which the Odor bisburthens it selfe where there not being Foot able to withstand the on-set of a strong and fresh Enemy the Imperialists who were there in Garrison resolved to abandon it that they might not come to triall with the Swedish Forces leaving onely two hundred Foot for the defence of certaine Sconces They got to Wolghast a City not contemptible for its situation and fortifications standing upon that Arme of the Channell which divides the said City or Island on the West side from Pomerania called the River Pene by the making good whereof it had been no hard matter to have driven away the Swedes from Vsedon and the adjacent Sconces weakly situated and not well fortified But the King let slip no time wherein the Roman Catholiques found themselves much straightned and by consequence their Forces were weak and their Counsells confused their hope of succour uncertaine and the effects of so suddaine an Incursion full of fears and frights For at this very time at the Diet which was held at Ratisbone for the affaires of the Empire instead of providing for this new Warre with the King of Swethland whom they esteemed a petty Prince the aime of all the Electors tended onely to the disarming of the Emperour and the putting the hatefull and insufferable Walestein out of his charge which they did effect For about this very time the Emperour was unadvisedly perswaded to write to Walestein that having considered that the Generall was in the power of the Souldier and that he himself was in the power of the Generall his pleasure was that he should 〈◊〉 himselfe into his owne Countrey Walesteine being thus dismiss'd readyly laid aside his staffe of Command and writ back a respectfull Letter to the Emperour wherein hee told him that his Imperiall Majestie was not in the power of his Generall but in the hands of his treacherous Ministers of State and so foretelling all the ruine just as it fell out he betook himselfe to a private life in Bohemia The King being minded to make himselfe Master of some Fort which might serve for a Retreat for his Army in case of need before Resolutions and Counsells should bee taken for the defence of their Provinces by fresh Forces having advanced some of his Forces towards Vsedon he without any manner of contestation took almost all the Townes thereof which were plundered by the souldiers and the people that were therein were without respect put to the sword The King at the beginning used much severity to his Enemies for that well knowing of what force punishment is with those that are unable to defend themselves it was not to bee doubted but that the souldiers despairing of all hope of succour and affrighted by their owne danger would lay aside all stubbornnesse which flattered by good usage doth oft-times grow the greater Leaving a thousand Foot there for a Guard and for the recruiting of some weakned places he forth-with re-imbarqued and came into the River of Pand where unshipping his Armie he instantly sate downe before the Walls of Wolghast against the which he planted foure Batteries hee invested it on three sides by speedy Approaches and caus'd so much feare in the Defendants as forsaking the City at the first on-set which being full of Protestants made the Imperialists jealous of the defence thereof and retiring themselves into the Castle wherein for six dayes they resisted the Swedes Assaults at last despairing of succour they yeelded upon Condition of comming forth with their Armes and Baggadge these souldiers were so well pleased with the Kings dealing with them who used much Clemency towards them that as benefits where unexpected are most welcome they thought they got more by losing then they did by overcomming and therefore resolved rather to try the acts of Clemency then blowes of Adversity many of them invited by the Kings new fortune forsook the Imperiall Banners and listed themselves under the Swedish The taking of Wolghast did so dishearten the Austrians that overcome more by their owne beliefe then the Enemies Armes and wanting the necessaries of Warre they were in great confusion so as the King in six dayes more without
and was composed of 6000. Foot belonging to the Regiments of Gratz Contras Holia Offâ—nts Montecucoli and Differt which were all lead on by the Sieur D'Offcutz upon a dapple-gray horse behinde these Foot and behinde the baggadge which came in the Rear marched the Regiments of the Colonels Montecka Michna and others which were commanded by the Counts of Mansfield and Fucari great men in Germany Tilly as the soule of the body kept himselfe in the midst of the Army accompanied by many Gentlemen of quality stiled Voluntiers he rod on a chesnut horse had on him a gray sute and was armed back and brest The Imperialists Army being thus ordered and placed in a very advantagious place upon which all the great pieces of Ordnance were raised they stood waiting to see what the King would doe but hee having advanced the Saxon horse against the Crabats and the Curaseers which guarded the left flanke of the Emperors Army and the Crabats charging fiercely upon the Swedes being back't by the body of the armed horse the fight was very hot about three houres after Sunne-rising where after the discharging of their Pistols and their incountring with their swords the Saxon horse gave backe being charged in the front and on the flanke by the Imperialists Vanguard of horse lead on by Shamburg and Cronemberg who with their Swords in hand prest hard upon them who falling foule upon the Electors squadrons in this confusion and hurley burley opened the way to the Caesarian horse to do no small execution on them The King seeing what prejudice the Saxons received commanded Bannier to advance with his horse of the right wing against the left wing of Tillyes Army which being lead on by Count Fistemberg did in close order couragiously set forward to meet the Enemy Hee likewise set forwards two great squadrons of Swedish Horse seconded by a squadron of Foot and lead on by Hebron against the Crabats who boldly advanced to discharge their Carabines opening the horse files and there being faced by Muskettiers they to their great losse received a sore salute of Musket-shot and some field pieces charged with bags of Musket-bullets did so powre downe shot amongst them as many of them being put out of their rankes and many unhorst they caused much mischiefe to their squadrons Yet notwithstanding not abating their courage they amidst the bloud which in all places flowed apace and the smoake and fire which lightned round about them gave on undauntedly and with much violence upon the Saxon horse who being drill'd through by the uncessant shot of certaine Culverings and likewise charged by some squadrons lead on by Tilly's selfe who being followed by some of the bands of the most ancient stoutest and best experienced Souldiers as likewise by many Voluntiers charged through them they were routed and began to be scattered on all sides leaving the field to the Conquerour The King seeing this confusion and the eminency of danger the Elector not being able to stay his men from running away neither by threates nor yet by intreaties hee advanced some Squadrons of the Findlanders Horse which were kept for a reserve and he himselfe with his sword in hand hasted to the place where the Imperialists Artillery was placed which he found guarded but by a few men the greatest part of them being run to the Pillage of the Saxons who were run away and made himselfe master of it and straightway turning the Cannon upon the Enemy made them play upon the flanke of the Caesarians who prosecuting their victory laid load upon the Foot Regiments of Colonell Steinack Halli and Hebrun who being sent by the King to incourage the Saxons did there desperately defend themselves with their Pikes and Muskets Hee then caused some Horse to advance against certaine battaglions of Foot who came from the Imperialists Reare-guard unbackt by Horse which caused such feare in them as setting upon them in divers parts with Curasiers mixt with some few Muskets though the enemy made good their ground for about an houres space the old Souldiers not ceasing with incredible undauntednesse to fight though lam'd and wounded they were at last routed their Pikes cut in pieces on all sides their Foot trod underfoot and their Rankes broken then seeing what impression his men made amongst the enemy he commanded Gustavus Horne with part of his Horse and some Foot to make good the Artillery which he had wonne and that he should withstand Popenheime who with the Imperialists Horse of the Battaile and foure battaglions of Foot came hastily on to succour his side Then observing how the Imperialists crying Victory Victory were run to the Baggage and were intent thereupon as if the Battaile had been ended hee couragiously placed himselfe in the head of 4000. choice Horse followed by 4000. good Muskettiers and 800. Dragoons and crying out follow me and feare not he with his sword in his hand charged the Imperialists giving in upon them with so much violence mingling his men amongst theirs and killing many of them with his owne hand as though they indeavoured to rally themselves together and make head against him yet their Souldiers being scattered some here some there and some of them busie in pillaging the Carriages they could not resist the Swedes invading them who charging afresh with more fury and force had in the space of an houre slaine the greatest part of them Tilly was mad to see this unwonted confusion of his men he solicitously indeavoured to get his men in order againe and to re-assume the fight to him Popenheime hasted with Squadron of reserve though sorely wounded in two places the blood gush't from him apace but being pursued by Bannier and Horne with whom till then he had been a fighting and by this time the grosse of both Armies being gotten likewise thither the scuffle began againe the Cannon thundred from every side some loaded with great bullets some with bags of small ones there was nothing seen but smoake fire and bloud some of the most couragious without mercy trod under the horses feet and members torne from the body by the Cannon flying in the aire Then was the Battaile renewed on all sides on Flanke Front and Reare amidst this horror the King with some able and resolute squadrons charged in and with his sword made way through the thickest of the Caesarian squadrons Here the Findlanders Horse shewed such assurednes and resolution as cheerfully incouraging each other with their voices they charged Tillyes squadrons through and through so as the Imperialists no longer able to defend themselves against these men who had banished all feare of death who were inheartened with the opinion of winning the day and had likewise got the advantage of the winde which with a briske gale blew the smoak and powder into the enemies eyes they in disorderly retreat fell foule upon the squadrons of their owne Foot which being by them opened and broken began to run Tilly observing this confusion
the Danube resolved to leade his Forces towards the Rheine for when he should have made himselfe Master of the passages thereof he should not only free himselfe from feare of being diverted on that side which he might expect to be by the Spaniards joyned with the Duke of Lorayne and by the Forces of the Electors and other Ecclesiasticall Princes but he should open the way to the French succours whereof he had then large and ample promises he then left some of his Forces in Franconia under the Command of Gustavus Horne to watch the proceedings of the Imperialists and he with the rest of his Army went along the Maine towards Stenheine and marched afterwards from thence with Eight Regiments of Horse towards Hannaw a place surprized a little before through intelligence had with Collonell Tuball he having survayed the Countrey turned on the left hand and with some Troops of Dragoons tooke Offenbeck He then knew it would be no hard matter to take Franckfort a great and faire City and of great trading by reason of Marts or Faires by the great concurrence whereunto of all Nations it is much famed This Towne is pleasantly situated upon the River Mayne in Franconia which River after a course of some thirty miles fals into the Rhene just over against Mentz and by the commodiousnesse of Navigation doth more encrease Traffique It is begirt with Walls and Ditches after the ancient way in no very exact manner the King exhorted the Citizens thereof not to refuse the Propositions of agreement which were offered for as the present conjuncture of time was he could do no lesse then promise safety to the City and secure unto them their Religion but they loath to forgoe their Neutrality speedily dispatched two Deputies to the King to obtaine leave to continue Neuters putting him in mind of the Oath they had taken to the Emperour and of the losse they were to undergo by reason of their Marts and Merchandizing and other good reasons which at another time had not deserved punishment For though this was not numbred amongst the Hauns Townes of Germany yet the greatest part of the Inhabitants were Roman Catholiques and consequently did adhere to the Imperialists so as though they pretend Neutrality they would not have let slip any occasion wherby they might have prejudiced the Swedes as they are used to doe who seem to be what indeed they are not nothing therfore came of this Treaty which whilst they were in discourse of the King made his army advance and before they had ended all they had to say the City might see the Swedish Horse close by their Gates and their Foot in readinesse to set upon it by force if they would not condescend to what was offered them they were therefore enforced least they might meet with the reward of obstinacy courteously to quit that which they could not without harme to themselves gain-say they therefore submitted themselves unto the King and on the seventeenth of November they opened their Gates and gave unto him as an hostage of their fidelity the Burrough of Saxemhausen placed on the head of the Bridge on this side the River over against the City fortified with Bulwarkes and Rampiers where leaving Colonell Vitzhem Governour and six hundred Foot he without delay marched through the City with his Army in good order and that very night came before Hoest not far from Franckfort belonging to the Elector of Mentz The Garrison whereof preparing for defence and seeming with some bodies of shot to be resolute to hold the King play for some time finding at last that they could not shun either being sackt or making some prejudiciall condition they opened their Gates and the most part of the Garrison seeing that Fortune had forsaken their former Masters betooke themselves to the Service of the Swedes When Fortune singles such encounters as happily present themselves ought not to be let slip this place being therefore taken the King gave order that Kenigsteine should presently be set upon which is seated upon a passage of great importance and is of considerable strength so as it commands all the adjacent Country He also sent part of his Forces before Kockein and Vlersheime upon the Maine that they might throw over a Bridge to facilitate more Conquests Having given these orders and seene the Batteries levelled against the Walls of Vlersheime with the taking whereof he was very well pleased for this being neare the Rhene upon the Maine on the side of Mentz freed him from the troubles which the Garrison thereof might occasion him and freeing the Countrey on this side Rhene and thereby securing himselfe behinde he might without any manner of feare goe to new undertakings he built a Bridge of Boates that he might passe his Army and provisions to and again at his pleasure he returned to Franckfort to give audience to certaine Ambassadours and to treat with some great men about the ordering of affaires for the better facilitating the next yeares undertakings but he could not stay there above sixe daies for having received advertisement how that divers Troopes of Spaniards and Flemings raised in Lusemberg were marching apace towards the Palatinate to recruite the Garrisons of Mentz Wormes Franchendall Heidelberg and other Townes in those parts as yet held by the Imperialists he broake off his Treaties of Negotiation and returning speedily to his Army he marched along the Rheine and by the meanes of a Guide who led him a way not much frequented he with the greatest part of his Army which had now done with Vlersheim having at the end of eight daies taken it upon composition went to Ringaw the Country where the best Renish Wines are made he surprized a great Body of Spaniards and Burgonians who were quartered in Walfe putting most of them to the Sword which infused such feare into the Garrisons of Rodesheim and Ernsfeilt Walled Townes neare Mentz but of no great moment as that overcome with the apprehension of the Swedish Forces they opened their gates unto him parting afterwards from Ringaw he advanced so farre and so fast as that he faced Mentz upon the Rhene against the which he made some Cannon play rather by way of salute then with an intention of harme The channell of the River growing here very broad he resolved to repasse over the Mayne to tarry in Berghestrate and seeke out how he might passe over the Rhene there those parts being but slenderly guarded But the Spaniards foreseeing this had burnt and sunke all the Boates on that shoare which were fit to passe over the Swedes insomuch as the King found his labour was here little better then lost When a Dutch Souldier having as it oft fals out won into the friendship of a Fisherman of Gernsheime named Iohn Varter prevailed so farre with him by promise and profers of advantage as that by the helpe of another mariner of the same place they recovered some of the Boates that had been sunke and emptying
off horsebacke encouraging those who yet remained to scale the walls againe and exercising himselfe in all the duties of a bold spirit which is oftentimes seconded by fortune had like to have run danger of his life there for his Horses shoulder was shot off there with a Cannon bullet whose skin was afterwards hung up in the Cathedrall Church of that City as a memoriall thereof The King adventuring his life upon this occasion as likewise in many others afforded much discourse to the Souldiers and Commanders by whom being humbly intreated that he would have a greater care of his owne person he with a pleasing countenance answered a Minister who exhorted him thereunto That a King who puts himselfe in Armes must not dreame of Court-delights and safety that death ought alwayes then to be esteemed deare and cherished when it gives life to honour and is advantagious to the publicke that Masters commands are never better obeyed then in their owne presence Having after this stayed some dayes about the City he resolved to leave certaine Regiments there to hinder the Garrison from making such sallies as they might doe upon his neighbouring Quarters and that he might linger no longer before a Fort the situation wherof gave him no hopes of effecting his desire he marched with his Army towards Landshut a place of some moment in Bavaria seated upon the River Iser in the bosome of the two Rivers Danube and Inn which not being prepared for defence and having in it a timorous people yeelded it selfe at the first Cannot shot And after this having taken Morsperg not farre from the mouth of Iser and Amber he came before Monaco the Metropolis of Bavaria and the Dukes Seat a faire and great City but weakly fenced the Magistrate whereof finding himselfe not in a condition to contest sent twelve of the chiefe of the City to throw themselves before the Kings feet and to desire a treaty for suspension of Armes but this being by the King denied who would not receive it upon any other tearmes then upon discretion it behoved him at last to doe as was desired And the King not having forgot the bloud that was shed by Tillies men at Magdeburg where the Inhabitants were almost all put to the sword and their houses burnt And this being attributed to the Bavarians though as it hath been said it fell out by reason of the fire which tooke in a Drugsters house the King I say taking occasion under this pretence to make the misfortunes of warre seeme lesse terrible to those people who not having till now made any tryall thereof could not well disgest them and that he might have an occasion to make himselfe be esteemed mercifull and consequently their evils appeare lesse to these Citizens for a mischiefe though great becomes a consolation when thereby a greater which is near at hand is prevented he commanded that in revenge of the aforesaid slaughter at Magdeburg Monaco should be set on fire the which the Citizens having notice of and all of them striving who should first throw themselves before the Kings feet they begg'd pardon of him alleadging they were not in any blame of what the Souldiers had mischievously done for that their whole life was spent in traffique and civill affaires at these lamentations and teares the King suffered himselfe soone to be entreated his intentions being not to ruinate and destroy but to preserve and restore he recalled his direction nor was there any fire seene but in Kitchens to make good cheer for the Souldiers and in the Minthouse where 12000 l. in mony was coyned to bestow as a donative or contribution upon the Souldier Many religious people came likewise before the King to entreat safety of him for being more than others enemies to the Protestants they feared to be more injured then others by them yet were they better received then they imagined and in particular the Capuchins were better satisfied then the rest for the King caused some Almes to be given them and commended their Religion and life as honest and good and though one of them had the boldnesse to reprehend him of the errour wherein he lived and to exhort him to acknowledge the Roman Church as other his forefathers had done hee seemed not to be offended at him but to make good esteem of him Walesteines arrivall at Pilsen with so great an Army govern'd by so brave Commanders and so well provided with all things necessary did not onely amuse the King but all the Protestants who thought the Austrians would never have been able to have assembled so many people in so short a time but above all it troubled the State of Nurenberg who by its declaring it selfe in the behalfe of the Swedes was disobedient to the Imperialists and the riches thereof provoked the Souldier to thinke upon revenge they therefore hoping in some sort to allay the ill will the Austrians might beare them by sending to collogue with Walesteine acknowledging him to be the Emperours Generall and acquainting him with the reasons which moved them to declare themselves friends to the Swedes those foure Commissioners who came to Pilsen in the beginning of May to congratulate the said Generall but they met with so strange an entertainment as well shewed how capricious the giver thereof was for at their arivall Walesteine gave order that they should be met in great Pompe as Embassadours of the greatest Princes of Germany that they should be discharged at the publique cost and received with such honour as is wont to be used at publique magnificencies he afterwards put off their audience for six dayes and at last when they came before him with their letters of credence which they presented him withall thereby expounding their Embassy he welcomming them in all honourable manner and receiving them with much appearing courtesie received the letter from their hands which before he had read throughout he answered hee was very well informed of their Embassy that he would come himselfe in person to give them his Answer and that he should then know whither the effects were answerable to the handsome expressions of their letter and so without more Complement dismist them Whereat the Commissioners being much perplext much made on by all and better attended then before returned home The Novelty hereof being knowne in the Camp and in the Court past not without some curious discussions some thought that Walesteine had done a memorable act and that he could not doe better they said such were not to be pardoned who driven thereunto by feare beg it but that they deserved punishment who had forsaken their formerly sworne allegeance and that chastisement was the true looking-glasse for wicked men from thence he dispatched away Colonell Spor a confident friend of Harnems and made 50000 Dollers be delivered out unto him and other Regalities thereby to dazle the eyes of such difficulties as he should meet withall and to re-assume the new Treaty of this accommodation
wherewithall he was much troubled by breaking off the diversion of this peace his ends being to remaine himselfe alone the sole Commander of all the Emperours Forces in Germany against the Swedes but the Treaty being prolonged and nothing therein concluded hee determined to march forward hee therefore mustered his Army at Raconick a place between Pilsen and Prage wherein he found 214 Cornets of Horse all well in order 120 Companies of Foot 44 pieces of Cannon and two thousand Carriages well furnished and having his head full of whimsies and being a great observer of punctuality he would here make knowne his Commands how he intended to be served hee ordained that every one should weare a red Scarfe forbidding all other Colours upon paine of life for hee could not punish any the smalest fault but either by the Gallowes or by the Pillory I cannot herein passe by an accident which befell a Captaine of the Artillery who having upon him a rich Scarfe embroydered with Gold when he first heard this order tore it from about his necke and treading it under his feet shewed his ready inclination to obey his Commands wherewithall the Generall being well pleased he received such reward as is used to proceed from satisfaction for hee was soon after made a Colonell taken into his good opinion and made his Copartner By this example he made the rest readier to serve him as having means to oblige them unto him and the more to secure his own Command and holding it a good rule in policy to keep his Souldiers and Officers in obedience he gave Command under paine of his displeasure that no Souldier Captaine Officer or Colonell whatsoever of Foot should weare any bootes or spurres as on the contrary he forbad the Horse Souldiers and Officers to go at any time without them he imposed such punctuall silence in his Court and more particularly about his owne lodgings as he would not have one thereabouts raise their voices higher then he would doe if he were in a Church which was duly observed by all yea of the chiefest Commanders and this respect given unto him was grown unto that hight that lest they should make a noise with the rowels of their spurres they fastened them with little buckles 'T is said he did this that he might be the more dreaded for he was so over-Mastered with ambition as that no Prince in our age was ever knowne to covet so much respect or to have it observed towards him as this man did and had Hee having given these and other directions to his Army boldly came before Prage and the very first night surrounded it with his Horse commanding Gallasse to set upon it on the side of Mount St. Laurence and the Marquesse of Grana on the Capuchins side Gallasse upon the breake of day played upon the Wals with eight piece of Cannon whereby in a short time a breach being made the Wals being but old and weak a certain hour was appointed to give the assault but the Souldiers of Count Bartaldoe Wallesteines Regiment at the first making of the breach before the houre appointed for entrance was come without any directions from the Generall being desirous to shew their courage and thereby to purchase such reward from Walesteine as he used to bestow upon the valliant fell with such violence upon the breach as they by maine force wonne it and without any withstanding entred the City for the Saxons knowing it impossible to defend so weake wals had withdrawne themselves into the Palace Royall which commands the little City the Marquesse of Grana did the like on the other side so as the Saxons dispairing of defence resolved to parle the which Walesteine being acquainted withall he gave the charge of the Treaty to the said Marquesse as being very fit for that imployment who did mannage it with great advantage and concluded it with honour obliging the besieged to come forth of the Towne barely with the safety of their lives but Walesteine were it either that he would overcome the Elector of Saxony with courtesie and so sweeten any difficulties that might hinder the accommodation or else to requite the honour he received in having his Pallace kept in that City untouched gave the Souldiers their Armes and moreover their Baggage which being the most part booty they had formerly got was worth about 100000 Dollers and made them all who were about 4000 be safely conducted to Letomeritz where the Saxon Army was quartered The Imperialists Souldiers at their entry sack't that part which is called Ofeinstat or the little City at which the Popish Inhabitants murmured since that the new and old City inhabited for the most part by Protestants and Jewes by the Contribution of certaine monies kept themselves from the insolency of the Souldiers the like would notwithstanding have befallen them if the Towne had beene set upon on their side and if the Souldiers could have entred therein by force but their wals and the River saved them and afforded them time to make agreement Prage is in the Kingdome of Bohemia whereof it is the Metropolis it is a large and lovely City divided into three parts two of them on this side Molda called the new and old City and the other on the backe of the Mount St. Laurence called the little City this City formerly in peacefull times was full of people and had in it store of strangers for that many Emperours had kept their Court there the Wals are of bricke after the ancient manner it is not defenceable against an enemies Army unlesse it be defended by another Army without Here Walesteine resolved to stay some time as well to agree what he should next go about as to reassume the Treaty of peace The taking of Prage and other Townes in Bohemia did not more rejoyce the Imperialists then it did Walesteine's selfe who thinking it would be a sufficient argument to perswade the Elector to conclude a peace upon which his minde was wholly bent hee resolved to send againe to Harnem who was in Letomeritz a City lying upon the Elb on the Confines of Bohemia towards Saxony and where the Electors Forces then were observing the Imperialists proceedings and to desire him to put a good end to the peace that was propounded he accompanied this message with new offers promises which though they were very efficacious yet were they not sufficient to draw the Elector into his trap but the Treaty did every day seeme farther off then other Walesteine therefore marched againe with his Army resolving upon the Electors utter ruine and Egra remaining on the part towards the Palatinat neere the River Rosâ—a as also Elnbogen a Towne upon the side of the River Eger in the uttermost parts of Bohemia both of them by reason of their situation considerable places hee about the midst of May dispatch't away Holca Serjeant Major Generall of the Battaile with certaine Forces to take them in the which he easily did for they
the said Peroni for having brought a vertuous or man of worth to serve him for so small wages saying you Florentines had best exercise those your good husbandries with Italians and not with me who abhor to have the learned at so cheap a rate So great a friend was hee to unaccustomed greatnesse hee gave order hee should have forthwith paid unto him for his journy which was but ten Dutch Leagues 400 Dollers and that he should be furnished with a Coach and six Horses and gave unto him a stipend of 2000 Crownes a year to be paid him before hand his Coach and all other requisites being maintained to his hand He so inamored all men with these his magnanimous actions as it was noted he had got unto him the most famous men in all sciences that our age produced and many a privat Souldier for doing some one remarkable act hath been by him in one day preferred to a Captaines place and they have had monies assigned unto them sufficient to maintaine them in that dignity wherby hee did not onely make those observant of him who were so raised by him but did by their examples attract others out of hopes of faring alike so as all his Souldiers strove who should most please him by their worthes and valours not by flatteries and other indirect meanes whereby the good will of many in these corrupt times are wonne By equall rewarding valour he allayd the pretensions of such as were of great birth wonne the good will of the people and making those his favourites who had particular dependency upon him he made himselfe be the more reverenced and bridled the ambition of great personages for to conferre favours onely upon such as are nobly discended makes the meaner sort dispaire To this purpose he had wont to say that worth and vallour did not consist in a spruce-beard in a well-ordered head of haire nor yet in titles of birth and greatnesse but in a dauntlesse spirit and ready hand Hee perfectly detested Ceremonies and feigned Complements too much used now adayes in Courts and therefore he had wont to laugh at those who would bow too low and cringe unto him and mocking them would say this would do well at Rome where a man may catch a cold with standing an houre bareheaded with his hat in his hand upon Indeed Sir it shall be yours Hee also liked not many words used by Lords or other novices in warre in the proffering of their service insomuch as at last he denyed to give audience to any such letting them know that valiant and faithfull actions were the meanes whereby to please a Prince and that thererefore in their service they shoud testifie their valour which would be the most pleasing visit they could make to him yet failed he not to make his Officers welcome all forreigne Cavaliers with much civillity and to reward their good service Neither did he this so much for the aforesaid reasons as for that he very well knew how great an enemy familiarity is to respect and particularly in his case who having formerly had much acquaintance and many comerades who thought themselves therein now to be happy he could not but say that domestickenesse cancelling respect did detract from the splendor of his place and from such observance as his eminency required and that he had rather his commands should be observed by his Officers as Counsels then as orders of his power He severely punished every least default which though it got him the name of cruell yet he valued it not saying this was the true way not to mischiefe his men for he who saw a small fault punisht would the more apprehend the punishment of a greater and this feare becomming the rudder whereby the ship of their actions was steered kept the course therof streight upon the Haven of obedience and of their Masters favour he caused one that waited on him in his Chamber to be hang'd for waking him contrary to his order he banished a Souldier out of his Army for having no bootes on this his severity seemed to many to be tyrannicall and barbarous cruelty but in the hidden secrets of his maximes 't was found to be a discreet piece of wisedome for such events were the Trumpets which banish't Cowards from his Camp and was so wholsome an electuary to the fearefull as many lest they should meet with death through their owne negligence became hardy and one feare drove out another yet did he moderate this bitternesse of his government by the sweet of his rewards of the which he was as liberall as he was prodigall of punishment The end of the third Book The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best part of Christendome THE IV. BOOK The Contents of the Fourth Booke Duke Weymar in Swabenland affrights Tiroll withdrawes and joynes himselfe with the King before Nurenberg Charles Duke of Loraine being environed by the French promises to forbeare taking up Armes for the Austrians His consultation He secretly holds intelligence with the Spaniard adheres to the Duke of Orleance conspiracy against the King his Brother Duke Momerancy is routed tane prisoner and beheaded Ernestus Count Montecuculi is dispatcht away to defend Alsatia is routed by the Swedes The Duke of Wirtenberg not satisfied with the Austrian Ministers of State declares himselfe for the King of Swedes His reasons and resolutions Horne goes to the enterprise of Alsatia His proceedings The Imperialists enter Lusatia their proceedings The Duke of Orleans perswaded by his Favorit Pilleran flyes out againe from the obedience of the King his Brother and retires to Flanders Treveres is taken by the French The Hollanders in the siege of Mastricke defend themselves valiantly against the endeavours of Pappenheims Army and take the Townâ— The proceedings of George Duke of Lunenburg in the Dukedome of Brounswyck The Swedish and Imperialists Armies keep still before Nurenberg fight fiercely in their Trenches Treason discovered in the Roman Catholique Camp The King of Swedes rises from before Nurenberg Walesteine doth the like their proceedings Gustavus Horne from Alsatia enters Bavaria the Duke thereof and Aldringer hasten to the defâ—nce thereof The Country people in the upper Austria make insurrection The King of Swedes at Erfart his counsels conceptions and resolutions he marches towards Walesteine desires battell which is not by the Romanists refused both Armies come to a pitcht field before Letzen the King dyes BOth the Chieftaines of the Armies remained constant in their opinion of confounding their Enemies Walesteine desired to raise the King and to besiege Nurenberg The King resolved to maintaine it and to raise the Romanists Army they each entertaine other dayly with skirmishes and other slight incounters when Duke Weymar having indeavored the taking of Lindaw in Swabenland being come even to the gates of Vbberlingen and Cell Townes seated upon the Bodem Sea in the uttermost easterne parts thereof failing in his intentions which was to surprise the said Fort and thereby
been made unto him by the Senat of Mariemberg who were in scarcity both of Victuall and Traffique wherein their greatest meanes did consist not receiving any benefit from the neighboring Countryes possessed by the Austrians who over-run their Country He therefore turned on the left hand and came in person to Mariemberg where he was honourably received and his Horse not having the lucke to meet with any but five Companies of Crabats who as knowing the Country were abroad to listen after this motion of the Enemy whereof the rest being advertised retired neerer Egra they Charged them and slew some fifty of them Horne on the other side being by sundry letters intreated to come to Waymer he presently removed his Army from about Auspurg and marched towards Dunawert to joyne with him but for that it much imported the Swedes to regaine Rain as a place wâ—ll seated and where passing the Leech they might the easier enter from Bavaria into Swabenland he thought in this his march to take it and therefore drawing his Army about it he erected three Batteries against the new little Fort built by the Bavarians upon the River and won it being afterwards re-inforced by some Regiments sent him by Waymer he hastened the taking of the Towne whither the Bavarians not being able to come time enough who made long marches to come in unto their succour and were expected by the defendants their Ammunition fayling them they were constrained to yeeld with no small losse of Souldiers who are usually more grieved when they are strong yet are debarred of meanes of fighting then when they have meanes to fight and are weake Berchenfelt who being gone from Vetterania a Countrey betweene the Maine and Heccar went to foment the designes of Baudis came before Montabeur a walled Towne betweene the Rivers of Steg and Lain which fall into the Rhyn about Coln which was guarded by foure Companies rather that they might therein be lodged then for the defence thereof and making divers shot at it he tooke it Whereat Merodes being startled who was then in the Territories of that Electorate to hasten the raysing of Forces for the service of the Catholique League he passed over the Rhyn with 3000 Horse 5000 Foot and marched towards Siburg a place situated upon the banks of Seidg not farre from Coln not onely to disturbe the designes of Baudis and Berchenfelt but to beat the Swedes out of the quarters which they had usurped in those parts Now was the Dyet at Helbrun ended where by coÌ„mon consent it was concluded agreed upon that the Electors and Princes of the League should keep constantly united together til such time as what was taken from them by the Austrians should be restored unto them their past Lawes should be established as likewise the privileges of the Cities of the Empire till the Crown of Swethland should be satisfied for its service done to the Confederates each of them promising never to Treat or conclude any Agreement severally without the consent of the rest of the Colleagues And because it was requisite that the many numbers of this body should be joyned to one head by which as by an expert Pilot the Ship of their common interest might be guided in the Sea of their present Emergencies it was resolved that a Juncto of twelve Deputies or Commissioners should be chosen to assist Oxenstern nine of which were to be Germans three Swethlanders who was declared to be the Director thereof and Generall of the Army of the Crowne of Swethland and that this Councell or Juncto was to provide for publique occurrences to deliberate upon all expeditions which concerned the common interest and to take upon them the whole Affaires Alsatia having at this time but few Swedes by reason of Hornes being gone from thence Montecuculi who commanded in chiefe the Emperours Forces in that Province having augmented the number of his Forces at Brisach by the remainders of those which he could get from the Garrisons of the neighbouring Cities which Horne had formerly taken he appeared every day to advance in his proceedings sometimes surprising quarters sometimes troubling the neighbour-garrisons sometimes over-running the Countrey and indeavouring to withdraw the residue of that Province into the said strong hould the preservation whereof was much studied by the Caesarians it being the Key and Sanctuary of Alsatia and Swabenland and the most important and considerable passage of the Rhyn So as the Swedes considering how much their interests were concerned in the having the intire possession of that state and the securing themselves on the Rhynes side they resolved to prosecute the enterprise and to doe this whilst Saxony Treated of Peace whilst Walestein prepared to march into the Field and whilst preparations were making at Millan for augmenting Caesars Forces to the end that they might afterwards turne their Forces whether best pleased them Their returne therefore to this Countrey being resolved upon the first thing propounded was the taking of Haghenaw which standing upon the Frontiers of Lorayne incited the Duke to take up Armes in the behalfe of Caesar and hindred the Commerce of Strasbrough a friendly place and worthy to be upheld since in it did consist the safetie and plentie of those parts Oxesterne having very wisely weighed that it behoved not them to lose their men in the taking in of Townes whilst the Enemy grew stronger in the Field whereon the Game that was begun was finally to be ended put the Commanders in mind that they should use all their care and diligence in preserving their men and the Duke of Berchenfelt who by reason of the arrivall of the Emperours Forces commanded by Merodes and Gronsfield could not hope to advance the rather for that the States of Holland did not willingly adheare to such acquisitions being retired to the Teritories of the Electorate of Coln where his first quarters were about Francfurt he received orders to besiege Haghenaw and Fâ—â—burg lying a little lower on the side of the Rhyn one League distant from Spier from the Garrison whereof parties continually sallyed forth which kept the neighbouring Towns of the Palatinate and Wirtenberg in Contribution Colonell Smidburg a Dutch-man had orders at the same time that he with his men and those of Colonell Abell-moda a Hollander should lay siege to it Montecuculi who fore-saw that this cloud must fall upon him threatning a great tempest failed not notwithstanding in his formerly shewen courage nor in the constancy which upon former occasions he had shewed but continuing his valour which was never seen to go lesse in him he went forth of Brisach and supplyed the weakenesse of his Forces by the strength of his mind He plundered divers Townes cut in pieces 100 of the Enemies Horse where they lay in quarter tooke Rutell a Castle standing upon a hill not farre from Basel and faced Friborg in Briscovia with 700 Foot and 500 chosen Horse to the no little terror of the Garrison
thereof the which he might as easily have taken as the Swedes did when they tooke it had not the Ringrave who was very diligent in Military executions succoured it by charging upon the Caesarians whom he drove to the very gates of Brisach and slew fiftie of them On the other side the Imperialists were gotten to be a considerable number in Slesia towards Sweinitz and with little gaine-saying prospered in that Province the Saxons being marcht into the Field they seemed fearefull to make any new adventures and that they adjourned their designes waiting for Walesteines comming in the Field who after having made great Provision of Cannon Ammunition and other Engines of Warre departed from Prage and though the morning that he went forth the skyes were very cleare yet on the suddaine there rose a terrible storme of Wind Raine and Haile and as he lay that night at Brandais the Towne was set on fire and the greatest part thereof burnt to the ground and great store of Carriages and Cattell were likewise burnt which prodigious accident was thought to foretell no great good fortune likely to befall him He passed on to Chinegrats upon the Confines of Bohemia towards Slesia where he mustered his Army wherein were found to be 140 Foot Ensignes 180 Cornets of Horse 28 pieces of great Cannon and 2000 well furnished Carriages Heere he divided his Army sending Holke with 7000 Souldiers towards Egra to secure Bohemia on that side as likewise to oppose any attempts Duke Waymer might make who had neere about 6000 fighting men consisting partly of his owne men partly of those he had drawne out of the neighbouring Garrisons with the which in the beginning of May he advanced from Franconia At the newes hereof the Elector of Saxony apprehending danger in Walesteines marching with so great Forces towards Slesia and the suspension of Armes being fruitlessely expired he suddenly assembled together all the Forces that were upon the Confines of Bohemia together with those of Brandenburg and the Swedes that were disperst about those parts and gave order that they should march under the command of Tuball towards Neisse to watch over the Caesarian proceedings who being well-nigh 16000 fighting men lay not far from thence expecting Walesteine who stayd eight dayes in Golts a Towne neere Velstritz in expectation of Forces from Bohemia and an answer from the Court of Saxony concerning the particular of Peace which was never by them imbraced but alwayes wisely managed with new conditions The Duke of Bavaria fearing lest by Walesteins being so far off and by the great recruits of Souldiers which the Swedes every day made upon the Confines of his Dukedome his Dominions might receive some notable prejudice he gave command that all the Corne Hay and best moveables of the Villages thereabouts should be brought into the walled Townes and strong holds to the end that if the Swedes should offer at any enterprise they mought not find wherewithall to maintaine their Army and consequently wanting behoofefull necessaries they might through Famine faile of their desires and Aldringer with the rest of the Imperialists incamped about Monaco and beganne there to fortifie himselfe that hee might resist the Swedes and defend that Citie till he should receive such Forces as Walesteine had promised him if occasion should require But Waymer though being joyned with Horne he had neer about 15000 fighting men being informed of Holkes advancing towards Egra who sent by Walesteine to guard the Frontiers on that side had opportunely possessed himselfe of the most considerable seats of the upper Palatinat and knowing likewise that his Brother Duke William had not Forces sufficient to oppose the Imperialists designes he bridled his desire and sent some Regiments of Horse towards Aichstet to observe Holkes proceedings and he himselfe went to between Dunawert and Rain to secure those places Horne went towards Auspurg and the Ringrave returned towards Alsatia to begirt Brisach Whilst the sky of Germany was thus troubled foretelling much misery the clouds threatned no lesse foule weather towards Flanders for the Hollanders growing every day more powerfull had now a gallant Army in readinesse to make some attempt against the Austrians and it was generally resolved on by them to send an Army to take in Rimberg a Fort which stands on the Rhyn on this side of the Weâ—ssell made much for their further inlarging themselves in the Angle which lyes between the Mase and the Rhyn towards the Electorat of Coln The Prince of Orange marched forth therfore with his Army and intrenching himselfe about the Towne did on the 15 th of May begin to raise his Batteries The Saxons knowing themselves to be too weake in Slesia to withstand the great preparations made by Walesteine to drive them out of that Province resolved to retreat towards the Oder that they might make advantage of those Banks and avoid the ingaging of themselves in a disadvantagious Battaile the which they cunningly foresaw and opportunely shunn'd as that in the losse whereof the greatest mischief did consist which could befall that State and that the Austrians might not finde wherewithall commodiously to maintain themselves in that Country they tooke away the Militia Artillery Ammunition and Victuals from the Cities Towns and Villages and brought them into their strong holds and what they could not readily convey away they fired to the end that the Enemy not finding wherewithall to maintaine themselves and Horses might change their mindes and retire from thence without the hazard of a Battaile Waymer and Horne finding by their Intelligence that Holke came upon their backes and fearing lest being shut up in Bavaria they might be inclosed by the Caesarians and Bavarians who were with considerable numbers equally advanced towards the River Par they passed to Dunawert and incamped themselves between Ratisbone and Amberg dividing their Forces into the Bishopricke of Aichstet which after some defence made by the Castle which for six dayes bravely maintained it selfe it fell into their hands being onely invironed with ancient Wals not able to withstand the Cannon Walesteine being come to Goltz and having easily taken it the Saxons having at his first appearance abandoned it and finding that his policy could not prevail but that all his propositions were refused by the State of Saxony which were aware of his ends and whither his ambition did secretly aspire he thought good to move a new treaty of agreement and to put far more moderate Conditions which hee would have Albert Duke of Sassen Laremburg to open and make knowne unto the Saxon Councell which subscribed to a Truce for other two moneths though nothing insued thereon by reason of the immoderatnesse of the Electors pretensions the chiefe scope whereof was that the Edict whereby all the Churches goods were to be restored to the Roman-Catholiques should be repealed This meane while the Imperialists who were commanded by Holke appeared between Ratisbone and Egra so as the Swedes finding what difficulties they should
he met with some Companies of Crabats who by orders from Gallasse kept those wayes and knew not what had happened in Egra nor of the agreement they had a great skirmish together and the Crabats meeting with hard measure were fain to fly for t whereby Waymer being aware of the plot returned backe to his former quarters This newes of Walesteines death and of the other great Commanders being presently known at Vienna and every where divulged did much rejoice such whose mindes were troubled in this perplexity but if such as were faithfull to the Empire were glad hereof those who sided with Walesteine and were his friends were not so for hereby all their designes were cut off nor yet were the Curious satisfied herewithall for matter being likely to arise from such novelties as would please an itching eare they desired not the occasion thereof should be taken away Some that wisht not well to the Austrian party would declare him to be innocent and gave out that the Spaniards had wrongfully accused him and to no other end then to bereave him of that Authority which being independent on them did not please them that they had butcher'd him for that they very well knew hee being full of exalted thoughts which would not suffer him to comply with their intentions nor yet to permit that Forrayners should be entertained to doe that which those of the Nation were able to effect they feared they should not long injoy what they had possest themselves of in Germany where they exceedingly desired to be esteemed of for the Spaniards thinke no man can governe himselfe wisely unlesse assisted by their wily craft Others discoursing upon the grounds of past examples concluded that if Walesteine had been resolved to violate his faith unto his Master he was of so quick a spirit and foresight and was possest of so plenary an Authority as he might easily have effected any thing he had intended Others said that making use of this pretence he cald to minde the injury that was done him in having his charge formerly taken from him without any demerit of his and that therefore he had not forgot revenge Some conceived that he being extraordinarily proud and excessively ambitious of honour could no longer content himselfe with his present condition but that he aimed at the Kingdome of Bohemia though this opinion was moderated by others upon well-grounded reasons for that he was already well in yeares and almost impotent he wanted issue male nor was he likely to have any his honour and reputatition was already sufficiently well grounded the Characters whereof should be registred in memory and that therefore he could not thinke to obscure the glory of his past fidelity with a thought of a short injoying that the event whereof was uncertaine and the infamie certaine Others said that the desire of growing greater blindfolds mens understandings obfuscates their senses and withdrawes the eyes even of the wisest men fixing them onely upon the desired Object that therefore there being few that can resist the force of their affectionâ— and see the gulfe or whirlepoole which keeps neer unto their transcendent greatnesse they unexpectedly slip downe thereinto and that it had thus befalne Walesteine in the quiet condition of his present estate and not contented with the honours and greatnesse which he had acquired The truth was for what may be gathered from considerate men that Walesteine not being satisfied with the Spaniards and Duke of Bavaria for the reasons aforesaid and much suspecting their cunning bethought himselfe how he might best fence himselfe from their blowes and make Germany see how evilly the Emperour was counselled in bringing in of auxiliary Forces whilst he with his owne Forces promised to supply what was needfull desiring that the aid from Spaine might be received in Monies and not in men since Authority is bounded by independent Forces and that therefore as his chiefe end he neither consented to joyne with the Swedes nor openly to rebell against the Emperour But that pretending as Duke of Mechelberg to be a soveraigne Prince and that the Militia paid by his Monie belonged properly to him going off from his charge with the Souldiers that depended on him 't is conceived that by making a third party hee would become a looker on and see where the businesse would end and that which side so ever should seeke for succours from him should be inforced to give him such Conditions as he would desire And for that his confidence in the Emperours goodnesse bereft him of that consideration which ought with well-weighed wisedome to be sounded by men powerfull in Authority he was not aware that the affections of Princes by how much the higher and more unaccessible they are so much the easier are they to be overwhelmed into the hatred of State-jealousies he supposed to reduce Caesar to the necessity of giving him satisfaction by driving out those Forreiners and preserving the Authority which he had granted him but neither daring nor willing impetuously to hazard himselfe upon a point the end whereof was uncertaine and whereby the name of disloyall would certainly bee purchased he temporised in an appearing distaste perswading himselfe out of his ambitious confidence and selfe presumption to reap consolation the which he did firmly beliefe thinking it was not then time to displease him nor that any other could undergoe the great weight of that charge since that his actions appeared alwayes to be very faithfull till that after Feria's comming they began to be somewhat slow in ordinary services and for that the interest of Princes are like purest Christall which is dimm'd and rendred obscure by the least breath and that verball counsells are of more force then those that are conveyed by the pen it was the opinion of many that those who did then possesse Caesars eare tooke opportunity by colourable appearances to make Walesteines actions seem suspitious and to make the Emperours Councell be of the same opinion Many approve hereof by this that if he had totally resolved to forgoe his obedience to the Emperour and side against him he as a wise man and mightily followed would not have given such evidence of his intent State-affaires being of so nice a nature that bare appearances therein appeare reall substances but that concealing his desire under feigned dissimulation he would upon some fitting occasion have withdrawne himselfe from the service together with his chiefe Commanders and Souldiers very well affected to him and that he would have done this so as that the Swedes and Saxons believing him should have come in unto his aid And this was approved of by the testimony of the Swedish Generals who being asked concerning this businesse by men of no common account could not say otherwise But be it how it will the businesse is weighty and worthy of remembrance so as I thinke it not fitting to leave it here abruptly off but by making a short digression to acquaint the reader with some of
a few dayes made his approaches to the Ditch and Walls the Towne though it were onely surrounded with a single Ditch and Towers after the ancient manner and some Trenches made where it was weakest resolved notwithstanding to defend it selfe The Inhabitants did therefore make Rampiers of earth against the Walls the Gates and such Towers as they thought weakest made places to retreat unto cut off their streets closing them up with strong Trenches and Pallizadoes and began with their Cannon and Musket-shot to re-salute the Swedish Campe. Horne having playd incessantly upon the Towne with his Cannon for some dayes space and a sufficient breach being made he commanded an assault to be given as was done with much courage and great force by the Scots under Ruthens command but with no lesse valour and boldnesse repulsed by the defendants and some fresh supplyes that were come in unto their succour yet for all this Horne altred not his mind but streightened the Towne every houre more and more throwing downe the Walls and firing the houses with Granadoes artificiall fires and with the Cannon but the besiegeds diligence increasing as did the Swedes offences Hornes confidence began to coole whereupon perceiving that the difficultie grew every day greater that his men grew lesse and that the Garrison in the Towne was increased by dayly succours which were by the Lake sent in his wisedome prevailed over his passion and that he might not from a Generall of an Army become but the Commander of some few Troopes he raysed his siege and returned to his quarters But because the difficultie of these proceedings arose from the Lake which afforded meanes of succour to the Townes built thereupon and it proving unpossible to take any one of them without cutting off the passage thereunto by water he thought the taking of Bucorne would be a good meanes to effect this it being a walled Towne upon the Banks of the Lake between Vberlinghen and Lindaw a fit place to build Boats and to scoure those Rivers He therefore rising from before Vberlinghen turned thitherwards and without any obstacle tooke the Towne and gave present directions for the so fortifying it as that it might be a safe station and gave likewise order for the building of two small men of Warre which might serve to make excursions upon the Lake All things necessary for their going into the Field being prepared in Austria and in Bavaria the Imperialists put themselves in order and prepared to march The King of Hungary parted from Vienna accompanied with a considerable number of Nobilitie and came within a few dayes to Prage where mustering his Army he found therein about 30000 fighting men and having weighed severall expedient meanes how to regaine that place the losse whereof so much molested all those people he left Prage and marched towards Pilsen about the 20th of May but the Duke of Saxony who had given a Rendezvous to all his Forces about Turgaw had sent 12 Regiments towards the Frontiers of Bohemia so to rayse jealousies in the Imperialists who were quartered in that Kingdome and if not to divert the taking of Ratisbon at least to dismember the Austrian Army in obliging it to divide it selfe that so he might afford more way for Waymer and Horne to incampe against them and just so it fell out for that he might not leave that Kingdome unprovided for the King left Collorado there with 10000 Souldiers and his Majestie with the rest of the Army leaving Pilsen went towards the Palatinate having first made very good appoyntment and taken good order with the Duke of Bavaria and Aldringer that they likewise should advance against Ratisbon on the other side The great preparations which were made in all parts of Germany and in the Austrian Dominions by the wisedome and gold of Spaine and on the contrary side the dayly declining of the Protestant and Swedish Forces after the losse of their King the chiefe heads and Governours whereof not caring by new Levyes to recruit their shrunk Companies but onely looking after their owne particular profit and advantage fill'd Oxesterne with many thoughts who as Director of all their affaires had the whole weight lying upon his wisedome and wit availing but little where force is wanting nor such fruitfull actions being to be hoped for from Commanders interessed in their particular gaine as are produced by great and magnanimous hearts nor yet the decaying Contributions being sufficient to satisfie the Souldiers pretences who not having wherewithall to answer their ill-taught wills as formerly by reason of the Countries being impoverished demanded pay Oxesterne resolved forthwith to send his Sonne Embassadour to Holland and into England as well to demand assistance in money men and advice as also their interposition with the King of France for by waging Warre with the Spaniards in Italy and Flaunders the succours which were expected from those Provinces in Germany being deteined for their owne defence the Protestant Forces might more boldly proceed in the Austrian Territories The Embassadour was curteously received by the States and sent away if not fully satisfied in his desires at least comforted with great hopes From thence he went for England where by His Majestie of England hee was nobly entertained as the Sonne of Oxesterne but not bringing any Letters with him from the Queene of Swethland and the English not knowing that Oxesterne had any authoritie to Create Embassadours he was refused audience as an Embassadour wherewithall his Father who was then at Franckfort being suddenly acquainted he being a man greatly esteemed of and of high pretences was thereat scandalized and without more adoe sent for his Sonne backe and seemed nor to be much satisfied with the English nor with his fruitlesse Embassy Hereupon the Deputies of the Confederate Circuits were speedily summoned to Franckfort to consult how they might best mannage the Warre and to put on such resolutions as might be most adequate to the present imminencies Hidelsheim being surrendred as hath beene said to the Landgrave of Hessen he after the taking thereof joyned with George Duke of Lunenberg who was quartered in Westfalia with a strength of men to about 5000 Foot and 2000 Horse they joyntly went towards Scheld a Towne betweene Gostar and Hidelsheim the Garrison whereof being weake as not amounting to above 600 Foot not able to contest against a great Body of Souldiers provided with all necessaries the Commander fore-seeing the Enemies approach thought best to quit the place and tooke away with him the ablest Citizens that he might get Contribution from them then went to Wolfembuttell a considerable strength the preservation whereof as it was greatly indeavoured by the Austrians so did this Governour bend all his thoughts upon the maintaining of it and therefore this Garrison was no little comfort to him though his Souldiers got not all safe thither for being overtaken in this their march by the Swedish Horse who pursued them closely about 40 of them were taken
at their pleasure and the Caesarians being at liberty to over-run the state of Wirtenberg and the Territories of Vlm they would not onely have thence all things requisite for their Army but they would necessitate them to forgoe that place for feare of being beaten thence and consequently the City not receiving necessary succour would surrender it self in sight of their Army Others advised that they should withdraw their Army for their better security sake a little further from the Caesarians till the arrivall of their expected succour but neither was this thought fitting for their retreat would have invited the Enemy to follow them and to plunder the state of Wirtenberg and the recruits expected from Franconia could not without great difficulty and evident danger come to the Swedish Army So at last their joint opinions was to succour Nordlinghen but in such sort as the Army should not want victuals from the Dukedome of Wirtenberg nor that that state should be left to the discretion of the Imperialists and though this resolution was likewise upon well-grounded reasons withstood by Cratz who was then newly come as one who was better acquainted with the Country and the Enemies Forces amongst whom he had long commanded publickly protesting that so rash an attempt ought not to be made against a fresh victorious Army and so recruited without a further addition of Forces which was to be expected by the Ringraves arrivall who was by this time nigh at hand and by some other Troopes likewise not farre off and Horne was likewise of this opinion adding that an Army consisting of great numbers and those new Souldiers ought rather to be fought withall by keeping them busied and molested then by the Sword for not being able to keep themselves long in an impoverished Country they must of necessity either perish or begone just as befell the Duke of Feria the yeare before yet for that both Cratz and Horne were willing to please Waymer and Offcherchen who as none of the wisest would in jeasting manner say that these their Counsells and Advises partooke of feare they were so much incenst at these speeches which reflected so much upon them as they concluded to put in execution and to be themselves the first that should prosecute this resolution They therefore raised their Camp the first day of September which consisted of 12000 Foot and 8000 Horse and 28 piece of Cannon There was a Hill neer the City called Arensperg upon the which if they should have incamped themselves the besieged would have thereby beene much comforted and the Caesarians so much incommodated as they would for certaine have beene inforced in a short time to raise their Siege The Swedes therefore marched towards that Hill to effect what they had agreed upon the Imperialists heard of this their motion but not being able to imagine what their designe might be not dreaming that ever they would make so hard an attempt they moved not from their quarters till they saw them neer their Corps de guarde which they had re-inforced with some Regiments of Horse finding afterwards some bands of Swedish Muskettiers belonging to Waymer which were the Vanguard and drew after them some pieces of Cannon made towards them not willing to contest the Field with them they gave them way and retired themselves to the aforesaid Hill Arensperg the place which the Swedes had designed to incamp themselves in Duke Waymer with a great Body of Horse set upon the said Corps de guarde and though they were with equall valour withstood by them and Sadlers and Cratz his Regiments beaten backe at last being overborne by the Swedish Horse which furiously and in a joynt body Charged them they and such other Troopes as were sent in to their succour were inforced to give backe with the losse of many of the Austrians and in particular Prior Aldobrandini perish't there a valiant Gentleman and deservedly beloved of all The like befell another passage guarded by 400 Spaniards which was by force of Armes taken by Colonell Vistem after a stout defence made by the Enemy and for that that station was of so great moment onely for as long as the wood continued neer unto which it was and the end whereof extended to where the Imperialists were incamped in Battaile-array they were so farre advanced and their Muskettiers so ingaged as that they were necessitated to indeavour likewise the gaining of the plaine But Waymer being confronted by a gallant Body of Caesarians and he not having men enough to set upon them Horne who though he still were of the same minde which was to keep upon Arensperg and make himsele master thereof on that side which extends it selfe to the left hand that he might there expect the Ringrave who was within two little dayes march and had with him about 8000 of the bravest and best experienced Souldiers of all the Army since he saw that to proceed like a wiseman was esteemed a token of Cowardise by those who by reason of their former good successes despised the Enemy and would come to a Battaile to shew that he likewise wanted not courage and that hee knew not what feare meant hee furiously fell upon those trenches which were made by the Spaniards and giving upon two Battaglions of Foot though they had much adoe to get unto a halfe moone which stood upon the very beginning of the height yet Charging them through after a bloody fight wherin the Count de Solmes and Colonell Verms were slaine who had the charge to defend it with their Regiments they entred thereinto where instead of haulting and making good the station as Horne commanded them they advanced to set upon the Squadrons of the Spanish Army which was placed in Battaile-array where being Charged by the Austrian Horse and the rest of the Swedes not being able to succour them for that the Trenches were not to be pasâ— by horse and much pester'd with smoake occasioned through the firing of the Imperialists Ammunition they fled away in great confusion so as the Spaniards might easily advance and regaine that important station which proved afterwards the ruine of the Swedes This rout given to the Protestants would not have proved so prejudiciall if the Horse which was appointed to backe them had advanced in due time opened the fences as Horne had commanded them They say this omission was occasioned by the incumbrance of some Carriages over-turned in the Woods which contrary to the orders they had received advancing before the said Horse was a cause of detaining them for a while and this was the reason why that advantage was lost which afterwards 't was impossible to recover for whilst the Swedish Foot advanced forwards into the Trenches not being backt by their Horse the greatest part of them were cut in pieces by the Austrian Horse The fight was valiantly performed for some while not onely here but likewise on the left wing with the Caesarian Horse whose Charges the Swedes valiantly
withstood and gallantly repulsed and the businesse grew now to be so hot as that many hard incounters were made and many fierce skirmishes but because the Swedes could not Charge so well by reason of the disadvantage of their situation and not being able to get into their Trenches the Imperialists growing more and more upon them they were inforced to indeavour a retreat but being ingaged a little too forward though Horne had here shewed all the worth of wit and industry that ever was shewen by the undaunted discretion of any ancient experienced Commander the successe was not good Horne made all his Horse advance against the Caesarians and gallantly Charged them that he might have time whilst these were at handy blows with the enemy to draw off his Cannon which was too far advanced and likewise to recover his Foot about a little Towne called Neresham which lies in the vallie between the Hill where the action was and the above named Arensperg and which extends it selfe to a little River hee likewise hoped that his Van-guard should take their station together with the Cannon on the other side the said Towne so as the Reare-ward which was pursued by the Austrians might retreat under the safe-guard of the Artillery and being thus gotten into a place of advantage his Troopes might face about and joyntly with Duke Waymer make head against the Caesarians till the Ringrave who was not farre off might bring opportune succour But the Battaglions of the left Wing tired and worne out with the labour of eight houres continued fight and being charged by reserves and other fresh Troopes of the Caesarians turned their backs and running hastily to save themselves under the shelter of Hornes Vanguard they broke the files thereof and totally discomposed it At the sight hereof Horne and Cratz came in and facing their Regiments ceased not to exhort them to turne head but it was in vaine and impossible to bring them againe into order and the feare of death being more prevalent then the comfort of life deafened and blinded through confusion they ranne with loose reines some here some there as fast as their Horses could carry them Whereupon Horne provoked by honour and by the words which Offcherchen had let fall resolved not to live to be the spectator of so great a misfortune but it not standing with Gods good will that he should then perish he was taken prisoner as was likewise Cratz who being wounded by a Musquet-shot could not escape falling into the Enemies hands This battell lasted from the break of day on the 7th of September till two in the afternoone in the which the Swedes left dead upon the field about 6000 Souldiers the greatest part whereof were Foot lost all their Cannon and Baggage and that which most imported they likewise lost the reputation of their Armes and fortune which favouring all their actions till this instant had made their fame terrible to all Europe and brought them to be so conceited of as that it was thought by the wisest nothing but discords and emulation betweene themselves could have rendred them conquerable Almost all the Horse retreated with Waymer into the Dukedome of Wirtenberg and from thence to Franckfort and some Foot companies retyred to Vlm with Offcherchen who was also wounded This battell was given by the Swedes too unadvisedly and out of too much courage for not being above 20000 fighting men they had the boldnesse to provoke an Army composed of three Armies wherein were above 40000 Souldiers and in place of such advantage as did move laughter in the Romanists many whereof thought that they did it out of dispaire or for want of wit in the Swedish Commanders The Kings Majestie and the Illustrious Infanta wonne immortall glory in this battell Princes who to the wonder of all men were alwayes amidst the Musquet-shot voyd of feare nor would they be withdrawne from thence for any Counsell could be given them but replyed that such Princes as are afear'd ought to keepe themselves in their Royall Pallaces not come into any Army The greatest actions in this battell were performed by the Spaniards and Italians in so much as the Swedes themselves were astonished to see it who set upon their quarters thinking to affright them as being but new Souldiers and yet they found by all they did they had no paragons the Spaniards notwithstanding of all others fought most miraculously with their foot fixt gave testimony of their Valour and Fidelitie in so much as the Dutch-men may confesse it was by their meanes that they received any comfort for doubtlesse without their inforcements and undauntednesse together with this battell they would have lost all meanes of ever gathering head againe Of their Commanders the Marquis of Liganes was by the Swedes themselves accounted worthy of all glory and to be esteemed a gallant Commander yet are not the rest to be forgotten for every one to whose share it fell to fight discharged his dutie as became him Of the Swedes Horne and Cratz were immortallized not so much for the valour shewed by their Swords as for the solid wisedome of their counsells wherein if they had beene followed by the rest they would not doubtlessely have split upon this Rock yet did Waymer Vistum and the rest behave themselves valiantly but the advantage of the ground and the imparitie of Forces tooke off the edge of their fiercenesse Horne being brought prisoner into the Spanish Tents the King and Infanta were desirous to see that man whose valour had made his fame immortall and therefore he was brought to their Lodgings where as he would have prostrated himselfe before his Majestie and the Infanta they like worthy Princes and indued with extraordinary goodnesse raysed him up and receiving him in a curteous and friendly manner told him they were much satisfied in having so worthy and so valiant a prisoner to which Horne replyed and I am proud to be in the hands of so great Princes He was from thence sent backe into the quarters where he was visited by all the Commanders of the Army and the King gave order that he should be treated with all respect and civilitie such as is usually given to men of merit by great and magnanimous Princes Whilst the Austrians were busie in bringing their ends about in Germany and Italy the French were not idle for the great Cardinall Richelieu wisely fore-seeing where the blow prepared by the Spanish braine was to fall used his best industry not to suffer his King to stand a fruitlesse spectator in this controversie and therefore the taking of Bitsch and La Motta was the more plyed both which were surrendred the one through the weaknesse of its Garrison the other by the death of the Governour who as he was comming into the Town from forth a halfe Moone that was without the gates was slaine by a Musquet-shot upon the Draw-bridge The Castle of Vildesteime in the Voghese Mountaine upon the confines of
him And having by the assistance of good Engineers considered that Longina a Towne in the Piacenzan Territories neere the Poe was the fittest place of all others for the Spaniards to keep the command of the River and streighten Piacenza he went thither and gave order for the fortifying thereof wherein many Pioneers were imployed and then resolving to quarter his people in the Countrey of Piacenza that Winter that so hee might ease the State of Milan hee made Signior Iohn Cavalchino Commissary generall of the Spanish Forces in the Countrey of Piacenza and commanded him to forbid upon paine of death that any Souldier should transport Cattell or any sort of Victuals from those Townes to the end there might be sufficient to maintaine the Army there Hee brought his Forces before Caâ—rso which having given fire to some pieces of Cannon rather for the honour of the Souldier then that the Towne was in a condition to defend it selfe the Towne yeelded by the taking hearof the Spaniards did so streighten Piacenza as there was no hope left of its being succour'd unlesse by a compleat Army for besides this place where they tooke up a quarter they put Garrisons into Saint Domno Monticelli Bussetto Firenzvola Corte Maggiore and into other adjacent Towns by reason whereof the French who were imploid in the defence of Piacenza and wherein they began to suffer much for the Spaniards had tane from them the water of Trebbia began to fly to Cremona where being allured by a crowne in Mony and a Pasport which Cardinall Trivulsio gave to every one of them many followed their examples Other fitting orders being given Leganes returned to Pavia to reforme some Companies which were much lessened casheering the Commanders and reducing the Souldiers under other Colours Thus the Spaniards continued their hostilities against Piacenza though Signior Dominico Pandolfini who was resident at Milan from the great Duke and the great Dukes Kinsman indeavoured an agreement between the Spaniards and it And that moreover Count Ambrogio di Carpegna was come thither by Commission from the Pope to perswade the Duke thereof to give way to the said composition Yet as it is usuall not to desist from injuries once done for whatsoever interposition but rather to renew them with the greater vigor that so we may have what we desire at our owne rates the Spaniards casting their eye upon a little Island in the midst of the Poe not farre from Piacenza and not much above Musket shot from certaine Mils which furnish the City with grist and being advertised that those of Parma intended to send some thither the next day so to intrench themselves the better and secure the said Mils against the which the Cannon on the other side the Poe could doe no good they on the 20th of December imbarqued themselves by night at Pizzighettione and comming to the said Island made themselves Masters of it here planting their Cannon in the same boates that had brought them thither against a Bridge which those of Parma had throwne over a branch of the Poe they afterwards turned them upon the Mils and did so fortifie themselves as that they could not bee offended neither by Cannon from Piacenza nor yet from the little Fort which was raised upon the bankes of Poe for the defence of those Mils Colonell Gilidas likewise came with his Dutch-men before Rivalta a strong Towne seated upon the Trebbia eight miles distant from Piacenza and bebegan to play upon it with his Cannon so furiously as being no lesse desirous to have the honour of taking it then the defendants were to maintaine it and keep it from him cruell were the outrages which were offered to the besieged who did desperatly defend themselves So as the Duke seeing himselfe streightned on all sides and hearing no tidings of any reliefe he resolved to send an expresse to Count Scotti at Paris openly protesting that if he were not succoured hee would yeeld to propositions of agreement with the Spaniard The Grisons in Rhetia did now bethinke themselves how they might take possession of the Vateline Rohan indeavoured to satisfie them and by his wisedome to lessen their anger The Swedes increased in numbers every where and provided for all things necessary that they might oppose the Saxons who were too farre advanced Nothing but Warre was noysed in France The chiefe French Commanders in Piemont and Montferrat having their numbers much decreased by the death and flight of their Souldiers were much sadded for not being able to effect that which their sprightly mindes carried them unto The Cardinall of Vallet Waymer and Gallasse having by reason of the ridgednesse of the season betane themselves to their winter-quarters did nothing of moment The Infanta was busied in Flanders in recruting his Army and in providing all things necessary for that Province The Spaniards in the State of Milan increasing continually in their hopes expected an agreement with Parma and built strange imaginations upon the Grisons breaking w th the French which they underhand fomented All the rest of Europ stood attentively expecting what the issue would be of the German French and Spanish Forces When at last the Spanish Ministers of State prevailing by their dexterity as also the Austrian faction over all the French could doe to the contrary and such as sided with them The King of Hungary was on the 22th of December chose King of the Romans at Ratisbon for which great demonstrations of joy was made throughout all Austria and greatly contented were all the Austrians that they had brought their so-much-desired ends into so safe a Haven from out of the troublesome Waters of Calamity whereinto they were plunged well-foreseeing that the Rainbow of these prosperous successes foretold faiâ—e weather to the almost-sunke Empire or that fortune being sorry she had forsaken the party by which she had alwayes been well treated seemed willing to returne againe In Germany their joy was signified by their feastings and redoubled healths to all the Princes of Austria whereby they shewed they put a greater valuation upon their Princes glory and their fidelity to their Prince then upon their own healths drinking oft-times more then their stomacke could beare In Flanders and in Spaine they extrincicated their contentments according to the severall customes of the Countries by Bonefires Tilting Tourney Shoutes Feasts and Daunces In briefe there was not any one in all the States of Austria who did not witnesse his joy of this Election by countenance voice and behaviour in France on the contrary this news was unwelcome and incontinently they declared the Electito be void and invalide alledging it was prosecuted by violence and that the Electors were not suffered to use that freedome which is requisit to their function and with other reasons they pronounced it to be Nul providing every where all things requisit to continue the Warre they had begunne The end of the twelfth Book The Warres and other State-Affaires of the best
beset Selinghestat between Franckfort and Ashburg wherein was a Swedish Garrison and having throwne downe the walls and the defendants having valiantly withstood two Assaults they would not try their fortune in the third which was preparing to bee given them but upon agreement yeelded it upon condition of marching forth without the beat of Drum or Matches lighted but they kept not this condition for in their march one of their Drummers rather out of forgetfulnesse then for any reason there was thereof beat up his Drum at which the Imperialists as those who when they finde an advantage imbrace any occasion whereby they may honest their actions making this their pretence took forthwith all the Swedes prisoners pillaged the Captaines and Officers and mixt the Souldiers amongst their owne Companies Whence it may be observed how requisite solidnesse and wisedome is in Military affaires without which all indeavours are in vaine Passing after this over the Mayne they invironed Hannaw on all sides and presently indeavouring to surprise a little Fort which the Swedes had built without the Gates they were so briskly received as that with the losse of 50 men they were inforced to retreat in such disorder as the Governour perceiving it he made the Garrison fall upon them who had time before the others could beat them backe into the City to get some Corn and bring it into the Fort. Yet this their gallandise was soone quelled for Wert advancing in person himselfe hee drew his lines neerer the Fort and securing them with perfect Trenches hee used the businesse so as the Swedes prospered not in their sallies as they did before for they alwayes came off with the worst and were forced to retreat with losse of honour Duke Waymer hearing of Iohn de Werts proceedings and how he had besieged Hannaw hee presently rose from his quarters which were about Remiremont in Lorayne and was desirous to succour this Fort which had alwayes kept faithfull to the Swedish party whilest all the rest either basely or voluntarily yeelded to the Caesarians and therefore it deserved to be succoured To this purpose hee came to Haggâ—naw and whilest he thought to passe over the Rhyn at the Bridge at Strasburg the Passage was denied him by the Magistrate of that City under pretence that those Citizens intending to keep neutrals and not to declare themselves either for the one or the other side they would shun the occasion of being prejudicialll to either of them At which Waymer very much wondring for upon all other occasions hee had received all manner of helpe from that City hee desired to know what the alteration might be which had made them put on this resolution But the communality of that City desirous peacefully to preserve the liberty which they for so many yeares had enjoyed wisely foresaw that if the French should get the upper hand of the Austrians and should drive them farre from the Rhyn their City should run a hazard of losing its Franchise and they therefore desired that neither the French should grow stronger in those parts nor the Austrians weaker for their Towne being free as in the midst between too great extreams would alwayes be defended by the one of them against the injuries that should be offered her by the other and each of them being to receive advantage from her situation they would both of them strive who should most win her good will Waymer failing herein and it not being now time to shew how ill hee tooke it hee returned to his former quarters in Lorayne and marched from thence towards the Bishopricke of Basill intending to passe the Rhyn there and then to doe what he should thinke fittest to make Wert leave Hannaw by way of diversion or else to doe somewhat himselfe that might counterpoise the losse of that Towne But the Duke of Lorayne who had with him some seven or eight thousand men for the preservation of the rest of the Country foreseeing this studied how he might hinder Waymer in this his voyage Hee to this purpose went to meet the Swedes and indeavouring to withstand them with more courage then force hee at the first encounter lost about 400 men and the rest being fearfull he found his designe vaine so as quitting the field unto the Swedes left hee might meet with greater losse he betooke himselfe to strong holds Whereupon Waymer by reason of this so happy incounter changing his purpose of falling into Alsatia haulted and sent his Horse to Pillage the Towns of the County and he with all his Army incamped himselfe not farre from Bisanson intending to take that City but neither did his purpose take effect here for not being able for want of Victuals to keep longer there it behoved him to retreat and pursue his former voyage towards the Rhyn At which the Imperialists of that Province were so afraid as that presaging their ruine and not thinking themselves safe in their owne Country they forsook all the neighbouring Townes some of them flying to Strasburg some to Basill placing their best moveables and Armes in Brisack the preservation of which Fort made whatsoever the Swedes got besides in Alsatia last but a little Thus did affaires proceed in Alsatia when the Elector of Saxony every houre more molested then other by the incursions of the Swedes as much his Enemies now as formerly his friends not having competent Forces to resist these Souldiers long verst in the mischiefes of Warre did strongly presse the Court at Vienna that according to established agreements the Emperour might thinke of assisting him and 't was given out that from these delayes wherewith he was fed by the Austrians some prejudice might ensue to the Imperiall Crowne as doubtlessely it would have hapned if that Elector had reconciled himselfe with the Swedes and joyned Forces with them So as his succour could no longer be delayed though the Austrians principall scope and willing desire was to have the War maintained and nourished in Saxony for that all other parts having beene visited sometimes by their friends sometimes by their Enemies and consequently destroyed and ruinated if Saxony should likewise be in the same manner weakned the Imperiall dignitie would at last be the more secured Hereupon Gallasse received orders that having first provided for the places of greatest importance in Wirtenberg where his men were then quartered he should march with the rest of his Army which came to about 10000 towards Saxony and that joyning with Azfelt who not long before was gone in succour of the Elector he should not only have a care to defend Saxony but should indeavour to suppresse the Swedish Army and to recover such places as were fallen into the Enemies hands Which Gallasse readily obeying he went after Bannier who was about Torgaw and charged him with such dexteritie as though Bannier behaved himselfe gallantly in his retreat being farre inferiour to the Imperialists in number yet for all his warinesse when the Austrians Vanguard came up to
the Ottoman and mannaging all these affaires to their best advantage Signieur Luigi Contarini a Gentleman much verst in the affaires of Princes and who had purchast much glory in passing through all those first Embassies conferred by his Country did so stoutly behave himselfe with so much zeale to his Common-wealth that at last to the universall content of Christendome and to the great honour of the Common-wealth and her Agents the differences were agreed and the former Article betweene the grand Signieur and the State of Venice again ratified And the Venetians to boot with their taking the 17. Gallies gained the subscription to a new Article wherein it was expresly declared that it might be lawfull for the Venetian Gallies without any manner of respect to pursue such Pirats as should enter into their Sea even into the Havens of the Grand Signieur and underneath his Forts Duke Weymar this mean while strongly besieged Brisack by new forces received from France he secured the field defences which shewed he meant to end that siege with profit so as what the issue of that affaire would be was plainly discerned unless the Imperiallists within the Fort who for want of necessaries began already exceedingly to suffer should receive speedy oportune succour Ghets who had the superintendency of the Papists Army confer'd upon him by the Duke of Bavaria being continually prest by the Duke to raise the Siege endeavoured how hee might with content satisfie the expectation of all the Empire Therefore after having maturely sifted the danger and difficulties of overcomming the Enemies Trenches Savell and Golts both of them Sergeant-Major Generalls of the Battell were of opinion that they should in good order set upon the Sweeds Trenches that the most couragious amongst them should throw themselves headlong upon Weymars Works whereby they doubted not but to beate the Enemie and to free the Citie and they offered to give on themselves in the first ranke But Ghets upon whom the whole burthen of the businesse lay and upon whom the blame would be laid if any evill should happen as it is usuall to impute the success be it good or bad to the Commander in chiefe very well foreseeing the difficulties which doubtless they were to meete withall differed in opinion from them alleadging that Duke Weymars Army was stil the same which not long before had defeated their Army when commanded by Wert a gallant Commander That it was not to be doubted they would hope for the like victory for that victorious souldiers fight with as much courage as the losers doe with feare That it was very well known what a Commander Weymar was resolute in what he took in hand that hee would rather dye gloriously then run away that they were not to undervalue the enemies forces who were assisted by strong troops of old and experienced French led on by worthy Captaines and which imported most fortified in covered Trenches That wise prudent Princes ought chiefly to have a care to the safety of their men not build upon uncertain hopes which are oft times overthrowne by fickle fortune That therefore his opinion was rather to endeavour succour by stratagem then by force that he should like it better to bring their Army neer unto the Enemies Camp in good covered Trenches and then making use of some favourable occasion to set unexpectedly upon them But as all men though of the same Genius differ in their effigies so did these Commanders differ in their opinions Savell and Golts adhered to their former opinion which was boldly to fight and buckle with the Enemy which could not hope for greater advantage then to see the Romanists rather beaten with their owne fear then by their weapons they approved of the reasons alleadged to weigh the difficulty and not presumptuously to precipitate their forces together with their fame but said that delay was the greatest enemy to any enterprize when it is not grounded upon some great piece of cunning that bold enterprizes were favoured by fortune and that great spirits were encouraged by the enemies fear What will our enemies say said they if they shall see us who pretend to be so strong both in numbers in courage lie encamped and not draw neer them what hope wil our Enemies have if it being once noised among them that we are afraid of them they fight with us possest of such an opinion but what wil they say at Vienna and Monacho when they shall see the fruits of our fair promises to be amazement before we see the enemies sword The prolonging of resolution profiteth not when all delays are harmfull If the field Fortifications be now unpenitrable what will they be when by the addition of others they shall be perfected and that the Forces which intend to march from Piemont and other pars shall be come up unto the enemy and have made them so much stronger and in conclusion they protested to Ghets that the occasion was now fitting and that it was not by any meanes to be let slip Ghets finding himselfe hereby to be between two rocks that he must needs give against one of them For if he should keep to his first resolution of temporizing they would blame him of Cowardise and if any mischiefe should ensue they would say they fore-told it and so lay the blame upon him and if he should fight he clearly fore-saw the little advantage he was to reap thereby so as choosing the least danger of the two he resolved to be governed by them Order was given how they should behave themselves upon this occasion Golts leading on the Van was to invade the Sweedish quarters with part of the Army Ghets was to follow them with the Rear to be in readiness to assist them when they should be gotten into the trenches or if they should be beaten backe to make good the retreate This being resolved upon Savell and Golts on the 9 of August in the head of 5 of their best Regiments fell upon the Sweeds works which were with like courage defended whilst the battle was stoutly fought by both sides and the Imperiallists had they been succoured by Ghets who was more then once desired to advance with his fresh men doubted not the victory Weymar came himselfe in person on this side with 4. French Regiments and 2 Dutch so as the Battle was again very hotly begun the Sweeds constantly defending themselves and the Imperiallists worthily behaving themselves hoping still to be succoured by Ghets and here Weymar was like to have lost his life for his horse rising up before startling at the fire of a Pistoll fell backewards with him to the ground where some souldiers came in and fighting miraculously between him and the enemy afforded him time to get upon another horse wherewith he was readily furnisht whereupon going upon a full trot in the head of two gallant French Squadrons hee charged upon another body of Dutch led on by no lesse courage
with the change of Officers the estimation was also changed which was formerly put upon his merit and quality but that it did proceed from simulation where-withall the spots of the mind are covered and that Azfelt was desirous to enter into his place and thereunto perswaded by the backing of such as favoured him he continued his former desires and obtained leave to stay in Bohemia til he should have perfectly recovered his health in which interim time might peradventure teach him to thinke upon some other course Marcini was likewise commanded to joyn with the Duke of Saxons men and that afterwards joyning with Salis the Generall of the Artillery who was about Sala with some 6000. souldiers they should unanimously oppose the enemies proceedings on this side whilst Azfelt molested them on the other side And the Emperour that he might be neerer them to give them fitting orders resolved to remove his Court to Prague The Regiments of Colonell Cheinitz and Colonell Posen both of them the Duke of Saxons subjects were brought into Lypsia and for what remained nothing was left undone which was thought convenient to the wisedome of Councells some moneyes were sent to Slich who was already come into Bohemia wherewithall to satisfie the souldiers and appease the tumults which were made for want of pay and the usuall contribution of the countrey which was already wholly desolated But as provisions which are made in hast and in sight of the enemie use to be but of little availement for the feare they have of no good successe and the confusion occasioned by hast doth exceedingly impede that assurance which otherwise is had when men are in a readinesse to defend themselves with sufficient strength so these hasty prepatations serving but to imbase mens minds make the souldier fearfull did little good For Bannier whilst these spent their time in advising losing no time tooke Torgaw Newenburg upon the Sala and other places belonging to the Elector of Saxony and without any opposition was already Master of the field keeping about Lipsicke and the Frontiers of Bohemia to the great astonishment of those people many whereof not thinking themselves safe in Prague it selfe fled with the best of their moveables into Townes towards the Danube And their apprehensions were so much the greater in that Salis the Austrians Serjeant-Major Generall pretending to beate backe Bannier and hinder him from advancing further went to the parts about Elchenitz to relieve Zucka which was besieged by the enemie where he met with some Sweeds who scoured those countreyes and who charged him so eagerly as that his fore-runners turning backe at the very first and the rest apprehending feare by their flight Salis had much adoe to save himselfe and some few of his horse by getting into Egra having lost about 500. of his men 10. Standards 14. Ensignes the newes whereof comming to Zucka they immediately surrendred the Towne on the 7th of March as likewise did Chimenits which was besieged the same time Whilst the Sweeds prospered daily more and more in Germany against the Saxons whilst Weymar tooke in such places in Burgondy as being weakly scituated and walled could not withstand his fierce assaults and whilst preparations for War were daily made upon the Frontiers of Picardy Prince Thomas went post from Flanders and came to Trent from whence sending speedy advertisement to Milan and to his Brother the Cardinall Don Iohn d'Artagia Captaine of the Guard was forth-with sent by Leganes to meete him upon the Confines The Cardinall came to Lodi and sent the Counts of Mossano and Masserati to welcome him when he came on the tenth of March to Vaniero Leganes Don Martin d'Aragona Don Antonio di Sermiento the Lord Chancellour and an infinite number of Cavalliers and Tituladoes came to meete him Where having stayed some sixe hours and agreed upon the way how he might enter into Piemont they returned the same night to Meltsi a place belonging to Cardinall Triuulsio and the next morning to Millan strict orders being afterwards given to the Governour of Alessandria and to those of Brem and Vercelles that they might make greater provision of Hay and corne for horses in those parts Don Martin d' Aragona was sent towards Alessandria with orders to assemble together all the souldiery and to be ready to put in effect such resolutions as should be agreed upon And because Princes never use to let slip any negotiation when the keeping of them on foote is not prejudiciall to them Prince Thomas sent the Baron Palavesine and the Count de Saravelle to his Sister in Law the Dutchesse Dowager to acquaint her with his pretences who returning from their fruitlesse journey informed his Highnesse how that great were the cummotions in Turin and throughout all Piemont occasioned by his comming and by his pretences whereupon he tooke better heart and the Spaniards hoped more in their designes For the Inhabitants of Piemont who pretended that all their misfortunes arose from the French and who would be better pleased with the government of their owne naturall Princes then in making tryall of the interest they had of the French or of the Spaniards hostility greatly desired though to their own losse to be quit of that feare which was insupportable to them Therefore after many consultations they put on such resolutions as were thought convenient to effect their designes and Commission was sent to Aragon who had already gathered together about 7000. Foot and 1500. horse in the parts of Alessandria that he should goe to the Lange to take in Cingio a place not contemptible and wherein was a French Garrison And it was ordered that Prince Thomas should goe to Novar and from thence to Vercelles And that the Cardinall should goe towards Astigiano with some other Forces to see whether he could get into that Citie or no for the French-men going into the Lange to attend upon the proceedings of Don Martin Prince Thomas might easily effect what was agreed upon amongst them And therefore after Leganes was come on the 17th of March to Margiano where both the Princes of Savoy were expecting the Spaniards resolution to their desires which were that they might enter Piemont by reason of the Spanish Forces but as in their owne right and here againe consultations being had of what course was best to be taken the Princes againe demanded that they might be permitted to enter Piemont with the Spanish forces as lent unto them by the King of Spaine and not otherwise for that the Subjects being hereby encouraged would be the more willingly brought to agree with them when they should see their Princes enter in their owne names and the Nobility would have better grounded pretences to side with them since their reason for so doing would appeare legitimate it being to keepe that State from falling into the hands of strangers They further shewed that to have the Spaniards enter into lieu of the French was not the right way to win
Candalle being not long before dead of a Feaver who commanded there in Chiefe Hee by orders from the King made Monseiur de Toures Governour thereof hee who whilst Charles Duke of Mantoa lived was Generall to his Highnesse in Mantoa By this time the actions of the Cardinall of Savoy and of his Brother were generally murmured at for that being exasperated against the State of their innocent Nephew they made it the scean of so bitter and unhappy a warre and because the Nobility and common people being divided some did secretly adhere unto the Princes and did also manifest their resolutions some kept constant to the Dutchesse thinking it absolute fellony to forsake her who was their Dukes Governesse and represented his person so all parts were full of horror and confusion some fearing to be punished by the Dutchesse and the French others being frightned at the Princes threats backt by the Spaniards And the Princes pretending to have law on their side in their laying claime to what could not be denyed them and being therein much more confirmed by a late Declaration made by the Emperor wherin he declared the late Dukes last will and Testament as null invalid and the pretences of the two just Princes they printed a Manifesto in Asti conteyning all the reasons why they were forced to endeavour by force of arms to get the Guardian-ship of the Duke their Nephew answerable to the Lawes of the State and did therein afterwards signifie how that whatsoever the Dutchesse had done as Governesse to her Sonne was invalid as in particular the League she had made with her Brother the King of France And they ordained upon paine of life and the danger of incurring high Treason that no Subject whatsoever should for the time to come take part with the Dutchesse nor obey her They likewise declared the orders of the Annuntiata and of the Crosse of Saint Maurice and Lazarus conferr'd by the Dutchesse upon divers Cavalliers to be null and of no validity unlesse they should come at the same time to have those orders confirmed by them as also that the Governours of all Towns should acknowledge them for their superiours and come and receive the confirmation of their governments from them otherwise if they should remaine in their obedience to the Dutchesse they should be understood as guilty of High Treason forfeite their Honours and their Estates The Sweeds being inhartened by the taking of Zuicka and having thereby secured the passes over the Mulda upon any occasion of retreat they came with part of their army before Freiberg that by the taking thereof they might the easilier enter into Saxony but as this was a place of great moment to the Elector of Saxony so did hee employ all his Forces to the defence thereof and some of his troopes joyning with Marcini they marched thitherward to releive it as they did For Bannier not having made any considerable Works or Trenches about it nor having men enough to fight it behoved him to retreat So to shun the necessity of giving battle having formerly stood a charge upon his reere wherein he suffered some losse and he himselfe was lightly hurt with an Harquebuse But if the Sweeds were not pleased with the businesse of Freiburg they recovered the losse they there received by their good successe at the same time before Demmin which they had besieged some moneths before For the Town being reduced to great extreamity yeilded upon parley to the Sweedes who having hereby made themselves Masters of all Pomerania wherein they had many uselesse Garrisons they drew from thence as many people as they could and marched towards Bannier who being gone from his former quarters was retreated towards Aldemberg to expect those recruits Marcini invited thereunto by his good successe and encouraged the more by this retreate pursued him with more daring then forces to Valtheim For Bannier expecting the succour which was already upon their march towards him did cunningly by his retreate entice the enemie after him that they might be so farre engaged in their pursuit as not to be able to shun battle wherein he might have his deupon them But his expected succour not appearing though he knew they made long marches he intrencht himselfe neere the River Scope which runs between Chimnits and Freyburg not farre from whence Marcini also haulted to expect the arrivall of some Troopes which were comming to his succour from Bohemia and that he might not engage himself any further for the losse of Demmin being of great consequence and all those people marching towards Bohemia he fore-saw he should incurre some mischiefe without a greater strength Letters were therefore with all diligence dispatcht away to Vienna to solicite the hasting away of men that were raised in Morania Hungary and else-where as also to desire that the Emperour would come to Prague by whose presence the people there would not be a little sollaced they being much mastered by fear confusion by reason of the Swâ—eds great preparations Concerning which having had many consultations the Councellors were irresolute in their resolves doubtfull in what they should pitch upon and troubled in their thoughts For this Warre not being to be maintained without money from Spaine nor yet to be mannaged handsomely without the whole Caesarian Forces both these were known to be prejudiciall For the forces of the Empire could not be divided without giving distast and prâ—judice to the Spaniards nor any moneys being to be received from Spaine without imparting some Dutch aide to the King of Spaines Dominions The Dutch therefore complained of being brought to such a condition as they must refer themselves to the pleasure of the Spanish State Ministers who they affirmed had beene the cause of the loss of Brisacke not only by having deteyned Picolomeni and Lamboy in Flanders in a time when they should have made use of their succour and which they joyning with Ghets might have effected but by not consenting to send some Italian Forces into Alsatia to save that important place which was the key of the Empire and the losse whereof was so prejudiciall to all Germany being earâ—estly desired so to doe Some therefore exclaimed bitterly agaâ—nst them and prest that all their Forces might be sent for from Flanders that so they might tend their owne welfare before the wel-fare of others But the Spaniards who knew how prejudiciall it would be to them to be deprived of the Dutch assistance behaved themselves dexterously with those that were of their party And they likewise knowing what loss they were likely to undergoe without the support of moneyes from Spaine the Emperours Coffers being empty no contribution being to be had from the harrassed Country nor so many armies being therein to be maintained the sequell was that the one and the other of them concealing and cloaking their distasts according to exact policy they applyed all their consultations to the common interest Many notwithstanding wondred that the Spaniards who
these Forts to try who should have the honour first to perfect his undertaking so as the Spaniards were greatly troubled not only in respect of the imminent danger but out of their emulation for they now saw the greatnes of France did much with-draw from the preheminence which the Spaniards pretended unto in Europe yet not giving way either to fear or passion they provided to defend themselves on the one and the other side Picolomeny was sent towards Theonville that with his valour and experience hee might relieve that place The Infanta encamped himselfe with 14000 men neere Borbocke to endeavour the safety of Hesdin Souldiers were raised every where in Spaine to keepe Salsa from being lost and because the Prince of Oringe was at the same time marcht towards Nimenghen to raise jealousies in the Spaniards and to divide their Forces in such manner as they should not be able to defend themselves both against him and against the French the Countrey Militia being made to take up armes who were put into places least suspitious in lieu of the Souldiers that were drawne thereout another great body of men was sent to Gheldren In fine wisedome nor dexterity not being wanting in any part Spain and France and all other States belonging to these two Crownes were full of Armes and abounded in Councells how they might prosperously effect their ends Whilst these things went thus Bannier not seeing the expected recruits appeare for Scallans who had the leading of them entertained himselfe by the way in taking in of some places held by the Imperiallists which though they were not much valued yet by reason of great contributions which were taken from them were advantagious to the Sweeds and being advertized how the Imperiallists grew daily stronger thought to passe over the Elbe so to keepe himselfe the better from their hostility and joyning with those who were in Slesia to encamp there till the expected succor should arrive But Maracini being advertised hereof though he had not Forces sufficient to buckle with the Sweeds who were become the more bold for that they saw their safety depended more upon the edge of their swords he being encourgaged by his former good successe and by the retreate which is oft times esteemed a kinde of flight gave on with more of hope then security between Chimnits and Suika upon the horse led by Plato Sergeant Major of the Sweedish Battle who was cunningly placed by Bannier in the reer upon agreement made between them that if the Imperiallists should appeare he should only entertaine them with skirmishes and should rather seeme to flye away then to resist for that the enemie being thereby much inhartned might without feare fall upon the Ambush which Bannier had laid of 2000. Foote and 500. Dragoones and 12. pieces of Cannon loaded with musquet bullets placed at the entrance of a certaine passage and of 1 500. horse which were ready with Banniers selfe to fall upon the Imperiallists when they should be falne into the Net which the Sweeds had laid for them for knowing the greediness of Souldiers and particularly of such who kept fasting from usuall contributions and pay doe headlong without any manner of respect fall to plunder he thought that the Imperiallists at the first sight would not keepe from falling upon them And Plato in conformity to the appointment made skirmishing with some few troopes and retreating the stratagem tooke effect for the Austrians desirous to doe some-what to up-hold their reputation and fill their pockets charged furiously upon the enemies horse and came in sight of the baggage in defence of which the Sweeds seeming to advance with some files of Foot the other flew upon them who being charged in the reere of Banniers horse as they thought to wheel about on the other side fell so full in the mouth of the Ambush as that the Cannon playing suddenly upon them and some musquets wherewith the hedges were lyned their files were so routed and their ranks so disordered by the falling of their men and horses which were either slaine or wounded as that they fled away in disorder and fell foule upon their owne Foote in horror and confusion overthrowing all order So as being pursued on all sides by the Sweeds great was the slaughter that was made At last the battle being again resumed by the gross body of the Imperiallists led on by Mâ—racini who not able to endure to stand spectator of this bad successe desired to lose his life together with the battle two fierce and bloody encounters were had But the Imperiallists being no longer able to make head against the Sweeds having continually 400. Dragoones upon their backes who pursuing the Imperiall horse did great execution upon their Squadrons by their continuall shooting it behoved them to face about and to endeavour their safety by flight towards Dresden wherein being followed by the Sweeds they lost their baggage eight piece of Cannon many Colours about 4000. Souldiers and Count Erucam Colonell Paradisi with divers other Captains and Officers were taken prisoners to the Austrians so great terrour as fore-seeing by this what they were to expect hereafter all those parrs were full of feare and confusion Azfelt was therefore by redoubled messengers desired to come into Bohemia which hee unwillingly did by reason of the Competition 2000. Hungarians came into that Kingdome who were a very small helpe for plundering and robbing the very Subjects they exasperated the people and were rather a prejudice then any comfort to them The Emperour who was ready to go for Prague deferred his journey and all the forces of Moravia Austria and the other neighbouring Provinces marched towards the Frontiere Bannier encouraged by this happy encounter would not leave Freibury behinde him upon his back but whilest the people were possest with feare his victory was in force he would indeavour to take it He therefore came before it with 10000. fighting men and first by promises and faire meanes invited the Governour to surrender who being an experienced Souldier returned such becoming answer as his duty bound him to so as faire meanes not prevailing he must betake himselfe to foule to dig trenches and plant his Cannon but the inhabitants behaving themselves gallantly Bannier found t' would be a hard peece of worke therefore that he might loose no more time before that place and consequently afford the Imperiallists time to rally themselves he turned his march towards Bohemia and having taken Melnish and Latmerits upon the Elbe he haulted there for all the Austrians being run to Prague and Gallasse who had reassumed his command being encamped upon the white hill with 10000. foote and 4000. horse he found that City would not so easily be taken nor would he without good grounds hazard to loose the honour he had wone haulting therefore at Latmerits and fortifying himselfe there he intended to make a Magasine there of all things necessary for the army thereby to keep Bohemia and Saxony in