also have bestowed so many favours and bounties upon my House that there remains nothing for me to ask Every body was surprized at this discourse For although it be honorable for the Sea to communicate it self through the rivers and for the Soverain to aggrandize his best deserving Subjects yet the Sea ought not to cover all the earth nor the King to diffuse his Royal graces too prodigally upon a Subject Otherwise the rivers will become Sea and the servant Master which cannot but prove very prejudicial As then the Planets would have but little regard to the Sun if they had no need of his light nor the servant to his Master if he could do him no more good So Great men ought to be very circumspect in the distribution of their favours if they would not lose that honour and respect which their Inferiors give them P. There are few Houses in Germany that have so long possessed two Secular Electorships at a time as this hath done Let us see how it lost them G. Otho and Bernard sons to Albertus Vrsus divided this House into two Branches The first was Elector of Brandenbourg and the latter of Saxony who fixed himself at Wittemberg and took for his principal distinctive Coat a Bend Fleury Vert on a Field Barry or and Sable There have been 13. Electors of Brandenbourg descended from Otho whereof the last was Iohn IV. of that name From Bernard there came in a direct Male line the Dukes of Lower Saxony and the Princes of Anhalt the first by the way of Albert I. of that name and Helen daughter to the Emperor Otho IV. and the second by the way of Henry to whom the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa gave the title of Prince of Anhalt There have been 8. Electors of Saxony of this Family The last was Albert II. after whom the Emperor Sigismond preferred Frederick the Warlike Marquis of Misnia before Erick V. Alberts Cousin and lawful Successor to teach us that all things under the Sun are flitting and transitory and that the greatest Houses may be humbled and brought low P. Hath a Soverain any power to take Principalities from one House and transfer them unto another G. A King gives account of his actions to none but God and can do almost all that he will he ought nevertheless to act equitably and not to plunge men of courage into despair then which nothing is more dangerous They that have lost their estate think they have nothing more to lose and are capable of making the greatest repent of the wrongs they have done them The Soverain then may take back the benefits he bestowed when he that received them is become altogether unworthy of them But before he come to that extremity he should endeavour to reduce them unto their duty and having tryed all fair means he must be very careful that he do not faintly and loosely execute the resolutions that he hath generously taken nor rashly undertake a great action which prudence will afterwards perswade him to abandon A Prince should think seriously of a thing before he enters upon it but having begun he should carry it through For there is nothing so repugnant to the of authority Kings as to act by halves nor any thing that so much encourages Subjects to Rebellion as to see that their Masters are afraid of them P. Since the death of Francis Albert who was slain by General Torstenson in Silesia I hear but little speech of these Dukes which makes me conjecture there are but few of them left G. Though Francis II. had ten sons six whereof were married yet there remaine but Iulius Henry Francis Charles and Francis Henry brethren all without hopes of having children and one son of Iulius Henry called Francis Herman who probably will have but few having married his Cousin who is exceeding weak and of a stature to bear few or no children This Prince is at present in the service of the King of Sweden against Poland P. It were great pity that a House so ancient and so illustrious should totally fail but if that do come to pass who will be the heir of it G. The Princes of Anhalt as we have seen come from the same source besides which right they have that of Confraternity Now this House is one of the most numerous in the Empire and because it is equally divided amongst many the Princes are not of the richest Ioachim Ernest who was the only person left of the Family dyed at 50. years of age A. D. 1566. and had 16. children of whom Anne Mary was married to Ioachim Frederick Duke of Lignitz Elizabeth to Ioachim George Elector of Brandenbourg Sibyll to Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg Agnes Hedwig to Augustus Elector of Saxony and after his death to Iohn the younger Duke of Holstein Dorothy Mary to Iohn Duke of Saxon-Weimar and Anne Sophia to Gunther Albert Count of Schurtzebourg The sons divided the Principality into four equal shares because Augustus said he would be content with a Pension for his life not intending to marry But at last upon second thoughts he came back into Germany where he married Sibyll Countess of Solmes and his brethren chose rather to give him a part of the land then pay him a Pension So Iohn George had Dissau Christian resided at Berembourg Augustus fixt his abode at Pleskau Rodolph at Zerbst and Lewis at Cotheim and every one them hath children P. This way of sharing may bring their House to a very weak condition But how do they govern their Estate G. Being all of equal authority and one having no power or command over the lands of another they submit to the eldest of the Family who hath the direction of affairs calls the Princes together when there is need of having their advice upon any matter of importance And as they have but one voice in the Diets so one of them represents all the rest there To conclude these Princes are commonly brave learned active bold courteous and obliging The two Christians of Berembourg father and son have born arms with honour Augustus hath extracted Soverain remedies out of Chymistry and Lewis hath established the society of great Wits or the Fructifying Company whereinto there are at this time admitted and enrolled above 20. Princes and five or 600. Lords Gentlemen or Doctors and other persons of knowledge P. There is much talk of this Society and I have not yet learnt what is the principal aim and intent of it G. This Prince having travelled through all Europe and seen that France and Italy are full of excellent books in the language of the Countrey whereby Ladies and Great men who by reason of their weighty employments cannot have leisure to learn Forain Languages have the means to be instructed in all that concerns them was desirous to introduce the same advantage into Germany and hath succeeded so prosperously in his design that now the Virtuosi of our Countrey cultivate their Mother-tongue enrich and adorn
inferior to the Dukes P. There are some that presume to say that heretofore Counts were greater then Dukes G. Gariban a diligent Spanish Historiographer following the opinion of Vasco affirms that Counts were greater then Dukes and endeavours to prove it from that which is found in the Councils held at Toledo where some that subscribed them styled themselves Comites Proceres and Comites Duces And the reason whereupon they ground that assertion is because all those that have many titles set the greatest in the first place Which nevertheless is not alwayes true for the Cardinals of the Church of Rome when they sign any thing write Deacon Cardinal Priest Cardinal or Bishop Cardinal not to perswade us that the dignity of Deacon Priest or Bishop is above that of Cardinal but to inform us that they are not barely Deacons or Priests but Deacon Cardinals that is the most eminent Princes of the Church And so it was with the Lords that subscribed those Councils they styled themselves Counts and for a distinction from others they added Duke as the more eminent P. You will confess that the sons and brethren of Kings and the greatest Officers of the Imperial and Royal Houses have anciently contented themselves with the title of Count and if the Ducal dignity had been greater they would without question have desired sought for and obtained it G. The titles which Kings have formerly given to their children as also those of Count of the Palace Comes Stabuli or Constable and others which satisfied the principal Officers of the Imperial Court do in no wise derogate from the quality of Duke For at last those Princes better bethought themselves and acknowledging that the name of Duke was alwayes a higher quality then that of Count they desired to be honoured with the same I know very well that the Counties of Castille Portugal Flanders Tyrol Tolouse Provence and Wirtemberg were very illustrious but I know also that the Countreys of Burgundy Bavaria and Lorraine did anciently bear sometimes the title of Kingdom sometimes of Dukedom and that the latter imported no less authority then the other The Princes of Poland Hungary and Bohemia who are at this time great Kings did for many ages bear no more then the quality of Duke Nay some Provinces in Spain were governed by Dukes a thousand years before the birth of Christ and when that Countrey was assaulted by the Carthaginians and afterwards by the Romans it was vigorously defended by the same Dukes who were Soverain and independent From whence you may judge that the title of Duke was almost equal to that of King before ever there were any Counts and so conclude that albeit in certain Countreys and times the title of Duke hath been somewhat abased yet it was never inferior to that of Count but alwayes greater P. The Counts Palatine and the Marquisses of Brandenburg are nevertheless as much or more then the greatest Dukes in Germany G. I agree with you but that derogates nothing from the title of Duke in general forasmuch as those Princes are not barely Counts but Counts Palatine Margraves and Electors and as such placed amongst the first Princes of the Empire P. I am satisfied and having seen that a Duke is and alwayes was greater then a Count I beseech you declare unto me those of the Empire But before we go any further tell me whether you think that true which some Writers affirm that a Duke should have four Counts under him G. I have just now demonstrated unto you that a Count was alwayes less then a Duke But I esteem it a mere dream and a folly below a discoursing soul to resolve that an Emperor should have under him four Kingdoms a King four Dutchies a Duke four Counties a Count four Baronies a Baron four Castellanies and a Castellan four Fiefs Those maxims of Quaternions should be expelled out of your thoughts as ridiculous Otherwise all they that have four Kingdoms would be Emperors and the Emperor losing one of those four which he had would cease to be Emperor Besides all Kingdoms are not equal and it would require a great many such Kingdoms as Valencia Murcia Grenada Algarvia Majorca Minorca Ivica and Yuetot to make one great King And on the other side if any one could have three Kingdoms equal to that of France in richness of soil abundance of People and number of Nobility he might equalize the greatest Emperors and the Count of Champagne to whom seven other Counts did homage would almost double the proportion of a Duke P. Having seen in your former discourse the force of the Latin word Comes and the Dutch Grave together with all its compounds and other things which I desired to know concerning the Counts in general you will oblige me now to come in particular to the Counts of the Empire and tell me what was their original what their power is at present and what their dignity G. Stephanus Paschalis a famous searcher of Antiquity saith there were as many nay more Counts then Cities in Gaule when the French made themselves masters of it and that the Conquerors desiring to use their new Kingdom favourably and give a subdued People no cause of complaint kept up all the offices and commands which the Romans had introduced amongst them The Laws of Charlemagne and of his son Lewis the Debonaire are full of the order which the Counts were to observe in the administration of justice From whence you may gather that the Counts of those times were not raised to such a height of Dignity as they are now P. If the Counts were but Judges who usually are such no longer then their Prince pleaseth how came it to pass that they made themselves masters of the lands which were under their Jurisdiction G. Though the Emperors had power to deprive the Counts of their Offices yet for the most part they let them enjoy them during their lives and if they had any sons capable to succeed them they were preferred before any other And that they might be the better enabled to attend upon the administration of Justice and defend the People when need should require the Emperors granted them Fiefs within the Territory of their Jurisdiction which Fiefs gave them opportunity to make themselves Masters of all the rest and to transmit the same unto their heirs P. Is it long since the Counts made their Counties hereditary G. It is hard to say under what Emperor that remarkable change hapned in the Empire but it is probable that it was under the Descendants of Charlemagne in the time when Charles the Bald and his son Lewis the Stammerer made their residence in France and were at variance with the sons of Lewis Germanicus their kinsmen who said the Imperial dignity belonged to them P. By what you have hitherto said I can sufficiently comprehend what was the power of the ancient Counts Do me the kindness to tell me what that is they have at present G.
Charles V. 291. 292. Kingdom of Bohemia made hereditary to the House of Austria by the Peace of Munster 340. Schemia erected into a Kingdom 38. King of Bohemia the first secular Elector 46. hath neither voice nor place in the general Assemblies of the Empire and why 51. How Sigismond of Luxembourg King of Bohemia named himself to be Emperor 51. Why the Bohemians revolted from the Emperor and chose a new King 321. What Books are fit for a Princes reading 24.25 Extent of the Elector of Brandenbourgs lands 93. Religion of his Subjects 94. Origin of the House of Brandenbourg 97. How it got title to the inheritance of Pomerania 98. How the Lords of Brandenbourg attained to the honours and Lands they possess ibid. What the House of Brandenbourg hath in lieu of Pomerania which was taken from it by the Peace of Munster 99. What disadvantages it receives by the loss of Lower Pomerania ibid. In what quality the Elector of Brandenbourg hath voices in the Assemblies of the Empire ibid. He alternates with the King of Sweden in the Direction of Lower Saxony 100. Differences between the Houses of Brandenbourg and Newbourg concerning the Dutchies of Juliers Cleve and Berg 101. 102. Brandenbourg the last but one of the Electors 102. The number of the present Princes of Brandenbourg and their children 103. Forces and Forts of the Elector of Brandenbourg and of his Cousins of Culembach and Anspach 104. Why the Elector of Brandenbourg is not yet put into possession of the Dutchy of Magdebourg 100. Origin of the Counts of Breda 228. The taking of Brisac 327. Brix a Bishoprick 190. Brunswick a free City 111. Estates of the Dukes of Brunswick Lunebourg wherein considerable ibid. The Princes alliances Origin and Religion of the Branches of Brâ—nswick and Limebourg 113 Golden Bull what it contains when published and why so called 342. The inscription upon the seal of the Golden Bull 344. Whether the Golden Bull may be abrogated and what alterations have been made in it 344. 345. Burgrave what and from whence so called 210. Who bear the title of Burgrave in Germany 214. C. Calvinist Princes in Germany who 208. Archbishop of Cambray his titles and whether he have place in the Assemblies of the Empire 175. 176. Canonries of Strasbourg belonging to Protestant Princes 184. How Hugh Capet born in France but originally a Saâ—on came to be King 16. Catholick Princes in Germany who 208. The power of the Imperial Chambers depends on the Emperor 68. How long the Imperial Chamber was ambulatory when made sedentary and where 67. What the Imperial Chamber takes cognizance of 68. No Appeal from the Judgement of that Chamber 69. Charlemagne a German by extraction 14. When and why proclaimed Emperor by the Pope ibid. Why the Empire and the Kingdom of France continued so short a time in the race of Charlemagne 15. How it made room for the Saxons in Germany and the Capetians in France ibid. Charles V. his voyages by sea and land his voluntary leaving the Government and his death 47. seq Why Charles Duke of Lorraine Uncle to Lewis V. was declared unworthy to succeed unto the Crown of France 15. Circles of Germany and their several Directors 182. Circles of Sawben Franconia and the Rhine divided into quarters a kind of Commonwealth 253. Cities of Germany 263. seq their beauty and magnificence 265. Classes of Assemblies in the Diets their division and order 304. 305. Elector of Collen third Ecclesiastical Elector 46. Collen why called Colonia Agrippina 269. Form of Homage which the Burgers of Collen make to their Bishop ibid. The Bishops confirmation of their priviledges 270. Colmar ibid. Peter Colonna from whom descended 97. Mixture of Conditions detested in Germany 249. Constance a Citty for what remarkable 184. What every Elector bears at the Coronation of the Emperor what Elector crowns him 60. Counts anciently no more then Judges of Cities and Provinces 210. How the Counts Palatine appropriated their several Provinces 211. Counts of Office Counts of Dignity 218. Whether Counts were greater then Dukes ibid. seq How Counts became Proprietors of their Lands and made them hereditary 222. The present Counts what place they have in the Assemblies and how they give their voices there 223. Immediate Counts and their prerogatives 225. Counts of Schwartzbourg Waldek Salme and Morange of what Princes they hold 226. Courage and prudence seldome meet 326. The Lombard and Roman Crowns not essential to the Imperial Dignity 14.15 Crowns of the Emperor and where he receives them 60. Marquisses of Culembach 103. D. Landgraves of Darmstadt and Hesse-Cassel their Religion differences and alliances 132. seq Counts of Delmenhorst extinguished in Antony Gunther and who inherited his Lands 233. 234. Genealogie of the Kings of Denmark and Dukes of Holstein 151. When and how the Kingdom of Denmark was severed from that of Sweden 149. Assemblies of Deputation who have place voice there 309. The Emperors Diademe what anciently and what now 60. Diets called by the Emperor but with consent of the Electors 294. Time necessity and place of Diets 295. Not to be appointed out of Germany 296. First Diet after the Election of an Emperor where held 295. What persons the Emperor calls to the Diets 296. The office and power of the Vice-Marshal at the Diets 297. Cities and Abbesses appear in the Diets by their deputies 299. Order observed in the Diets 300. seq How they proceed upon debates in the Diets 305. seq What matters are treated on in the Diets 307. How conclusions are made in the Diets 308. Directors of each Circle 182. 183. The Ecclesiastical Discipline of Protestant Lords within their Territories 205. 206. Donavert how it became subject to the Duke of Bavaria 270. Lands and alliances of the Marquisses of Dourlach 144 145. Religion of the Branches of Dourlach and Baden their voices and places in the Assemblies 146. Duke of the Grisons the ancientest Duke 216. Why Dukes were sent to the Frontiers ibid. German Dukes all Princes and more considerable then those of France and Spain ibid. How Dukes became so great etymology of the name 217. The Princes of Poland Hungary and Bohemia anciently Dukes 219. Title of Duke anciently equal to that of King 220. E. Counts of East-Friseland 170. seq Ecclesiastical Princes not Bishops that sit in the Diets of the Empire 191. How the Ecclesiâ—sticks grew so rich 196. What Ecclesiastical Government among the Protestants in Germany 205. Counts of Egmont subject to the Duke of Burgundy 226. Eichstedt a Bishoprick in Franconia by whom founded 181. The Electors three Ecclesiastiques and five Seculars with their respective Offices 39. Electors have right to choose and depose an Emperor 40. The number of Electors why seven 50. Why they are Eight now 44. Dignity of Electors as to precedence 44. The Ecclesiastical Electors precede the Seculars 46. The Electors Palatine and of Saxony are Vicars of the Empire during
P. Parents do not love their children with more tenderness nor children their parents with more reverence then I love the Empire and for that cause you can tell me nothing that affects me comparably to the relation of its greatness Continue therefore and as you have touched something of the Majesty of the Head give me some account also of the Members G. The principal Members of the Empire are the Electors which at this present are three Ecclesiasticks and five Seculars They of Mentz Tryers and Collen are Arch-Bishops and Arch-Chancellors the first in Germany the second in France and in the Kingdom of Arles and the third in Italy The Seculars are the King of Bohemia who is great Cup-bearer the Duke of Bavaria who is great Steward the Duke of Saxony who is great Marshal or Constable the Marquis of Brandenburg who is great Chamberlain and the Prince Palatine of the Rhine who is great Treasurer of the Empire P Are those offices which you now mentioned the principal function of each Elector G. There is nothing that makes the Electoral dignity so eminent as the right they have to elect the Emperor and to depose him when by his enormous crimes or by an unmanly idleness he neglects the honour of the Empire the publick good and the duty of his place P. Was the Empire alwayes Elective G. Charlemagne having gotten the Imperial diginty transmitted it to his posterity by way of Succession and that right continued in his House as long as his descendents retained any thing of the generosity of that incomparable Heroical person But when his virtue became totally extinguished in his Successors the Empire was offered to Otho of Saxony who refused it and advised them to confer that honour upon Conrade Duke of Franconia After Conrade Henry Son to Otho of Saxony who had refused the Empire was chosen into his place and his Son Otho the I. succeeded him And that way of succession from Father to Son was observed till the time of Henry IV. who coming to that Dignity while he was under age and ruling badly enough when he was of years to do better the Lords of the Empire began to undervalue his authority and Pope Gregory VII taking occasion by the fore-top declared him unfit to Reign excommunicated him and commanded that the Imperial Scepter should be given to another Then the Germans made a Law whereby they abolished the right of succession and assumed to themselves that of choosing the Emperors P. It seems to me that the Empire was elective sooner then the time you specifie G. Some would have it that the Electors were instituted after the death of the Emperor Otho III. and others only in the time of Rodolph of Habspurg so that there is no certainty to be known in this matter and it is free for every man to follow the opinion he thinks most probable P. When the right of succession from Father to Son was abolished was the power of choosing the Emperors given to the Princes that bear the title of Electors at this day G. When the Empire became Elective all the Princes as well Secular as Ecclesiastical the Lords Prelates and Cities in one word all the Estates of the Empire got the power of creating the Emperors Afterwards in process of time the less considerable were debarred of that right and at length the confusion which grew from that great number of Electors made it be thought convenient to reduce them to a few Then they that held the highest Offices in the Imperial Court excluded all others from them and the Emperor Charles IV. confirmed them in the possession of that right by a regulation which he made thereupon in an Ordinance called The Golden Bull. P. Until what time did that great number of Princes and Lords concur to the election of the Emperors G. It may be made appear to those that will be satisfied with reason that many had a voice in the Election of Emperors until the time of Frederick II. For Otho Frisingensis assures us that Henry II. was chosen Emperor by all the Lords of the Empire and when he was dead Conrade Duke of Franconia was advanced into his place by the consent of all Henry III. son to Conrade was also chosen but there is no mention made of the Electors The Abbot of Vrsperg writes that Henry IV. was raised to the Imperial dignity by the Bishops and Princes of Germany The same Author says that Henry V. was chosen by all that Lotharius II. was made Emperor by two Archbishops eight Bishops many Abbots and Lords of the Imperial Court that Conrade III. was placed upon the Throne the Duke of Saxony not being called to the Election and the See of Mentz being then vacant that Frederick Barbarossa was chosen by all the German princes that Philip came to the Empire by an Election which the Suevians Bavarians and Saxons made of him that Otho IV. received the Scepter from those of Collen Strasbourg and some other Cities The same Abbot of Vrsperg says that the Emperor Otho IV. was excommunicated and that the Princes of Germany to wit the King of Bohemia the Dukes of Austria and Bavaria the Landgrave of Thuringia and many other Princes chose Frederick King of Sicily to whom they had formerly sworn Allegiance even while he was yet in his cradle This is that Frederick until whose time as you see the number of the Electors was uncertain P. There seems to me to be a contradiction in what you say that the Empire was successive until Henry IV. and a little after you affirm that Henry II. Conrade Henry III. and IV. were Elected G. I had taken notice before that the Authors who write upon this subject are at variance among themselves for which reason I alledge those that speak of those Elections And it is sufficient for me to shew you it is the opinion of Writers that the number of Electors was not reduced to Seven till after the time of Frederick II. And here you may observe that the Eighth was not heard of till the last peace of Germany P. Why was the number of them increased at the Treaty of peace concluded at Munster and Osnabrug in the year 1648. G. In the year 1623. the Emperor Ferdinand II. transferred the Electoral dignity from Frederick V. Count Palatine to Maximilian Duke of Bavaria This translation of dignity and many other acts of Soverainty which the Empire remarked in Ferdinand with a jealous eye as the taking upon himself alone to decide matters which cannot be determined but by the judgement of all the Estates of the Empire the resuming of Church-lands possessed by Protestants and giving them to Religious Orders together with a fear of worse proceedings obliged the Princes to joyn in a League and to call strangers to their assistance The War was long and so bloody that it swept away more then half the people of Germany At last both sides being weary an Assembly was held at Munster to
King of Bohemia And the younger brethren of the Palatine House who have place in the Assemblies take it immediately after the Secular Electors as the Archdukes do after the Ecclesiasticks Now all the Princes of this House are descended from two Emperors whose Nephews make two principal Branches both very Potent and Illustrious but of different Religions and perchance no very great friends since they that are sprung from Lewis of Bavaria wear the Electoral Cap which belonged to the descendents of the Emperor Robert And that change came to pass because Frederick V. Elector of the Rhine not regarding the Election that was made of Ferdinand of Austria accepted the Crown of Bohemia whereby he kindled those fires and forged those irons that have wasted our Countrey for above 30. years P. I have already heard say that the Bohemians drew upon themselves and us the mischiefs of the last War by the Election they made of two Kings when they had but one Kingdom to bestow Let us therefore pass by those causes of our evils and according to your accustomed method tell me something of the Original of the priviledges of the greatness and of the alliances of this House G. Many Writers fetch the Original of these Princes out of the loines of Charlemagne and follow the Genealogie down from him to those that are living at this day For my part I know not what to think of it and therefore refer my self to real evidence Yet I dare confidently affirm that the House is very ancient and that since the year 1253. in which Otho Witelpachius Count of Shiern married Agnes heiress of the Palatinate and Bavaria this House hath possessed those two great Principalities with the quality of Elector and great Steward of the Empire It hath given two Emperors to Germany one King to Denmark Sweden and Norway joyntly and another to Sweden alone Without counting I know not how many Generals who have commanded armies in Italy Hungary France and England P. At what time did those Princes reign in Germany Denmark and Sweden G. Lewis of Bavaria was chosen Emperor the 18. of October 1314 and having Reigned gloriously 23. years made room for Charles of Luxembourg the IV. of that name who left Wenceslaus his Successor and he by his intolerable negligence forced the Electors to put Robert Elector Palatine into his place a man low of Stature but of so great courage that the Empire could have wished him endued with immortality if that were to be found here below But he dyed the 18. of May 1410. having Reigned ten years And Christopher his granchild was chosen King of Denmark Sweden and Norway in the year 1430. and dyed without heirs 1448. But Charles Gustavus son of John Casimir a younger brother to the Duke of Zweybruck or Deux-ponts Reigns at this present in Sweden with as much glory as any one of his predecessors and hath a son of Hedwig Eleonor daughter to Frederick Duke of Holstein P. This House descending from two Emperors very renowned in History and having so many and such brave Princes at present worth to be Emperors I wish them those Crown they deserve to wear and desire you to toâ— me whether it enjoys more priviledges theâ— the other Electoral Houses G. The Electors have very great priviledges and the Golden Bull otdains for them allâ— general and every one in particular thaâ— no man appeal from their Justice to any otheâ— whatsoever Yet none of them have preserveâ— this Right entire to them but the Electors oâ— Saxony Brandenburg and of the Rhine Theâ— can all together choose an Emperor and depose him when he is lazy and negligent They have right to prescribe a Capitulation to the Emperor when they have chosen him and to oblige him to swear to the observation thereof Moreover they can meet together once every year without asking leave of any one and consult in that Assembly concerning the publick and their own private affairs Besides this Right which relates to the whole Electoral Colledge the Palatine and the Saxon are Vicars of the Empire and as such they can legitimate Bastards as well of great men as of inferior persons create Notaries and Tabellions confer the Benefices which are in the Emperors nomination give Investiture of lands held in Fee except of Dukedoms and of the Principalities which in Germany are called Fansleben because when the Emperor gives them he puts a standard into the hand of him that receives them and which is most considerable the Elector Palatine can redeem what the Emperor hath sold or engaged at the same value for which it was sold or engaged and which is yet more the Emperor may be convented for Debt before this Elector P. The ancient Emperors gave demonstration of a meekness without example in submiting themselves to the justice of one that is a Subject of the Empire G. No man would deal with Soverains if they did not oblige themselves in Civil matters to some way of Justice and in this case the Emperors have been willing that the Elector Palatine should be their Judge But if the Emperor be accused of Mal-administration the judgement thereupon belongs to all the Electoral Colledge in which case the Elector Palatine is Director of the Process and not he of Mentz though he be Dean of the Electoral Colledge P. Certainly this is no small honour to the Palatine House but wherein consists its greatness G. If these Princes did all aim at the benefit advancement and glory of the whole House in generall and if there were no hatred between the Branches Bavaria the upper lower Palatinate the Landgraveship of Leuchtemberg the Lordships of Simmeren of Deux-Ponts of Weldents the Dutchy of Juliers the Archbishopricâ— of Collen the Bishopricks of Liege Hildesheim and Freisinguen which this House possessseth at this time would make it formidable to all its Enemies as well by reason of its vast forces as because it hath three voices in the Electoral Colledge and at the least eight or ten in that of the Princes P. I know that the Elector of Bavaria in the quality of Duke hath the first voice among the Secular Princes that Duke Albert his Unkle hath one as Landgrave of Leuchtemberg that the Palatine of Simmeren hath another and he of Newbourg too and it may be some other younger brethren of the House have voices also for Deux-ponts in like manner as for the Bishopricks of Hildesheim Liege and Freisinguen But tell me something of the alliances of this House G. It is allied to all the great Families not only of the Empire but of Europe The Emperor Ferdinand II. married in the first year of the Century current Mary Anne daughter to William Duke of Bavaria by whom he had issue Mary Anne wife to Maximilian Duke of Bavaria Cecily wife to Vladislaus IV. King of Poland Ferdinand III. Emperor who had for his first wife Mary Infanta of Spain and by her Mary Anne wife to Philip IV. King of
Spain On the other side Maximilian Duke of Bavaria son of William and of Renata of Lorraine left a son who in the year 1650. married Adelaïs daughter to Victor Amedeus Duke of Savoy and to Christina of France who is allied by consanguinity to all the greatest Kings and Princes in Christendom P. These are indeed very great Alliances G. But this is not all Frederick V. Elector Palatine in the year 1613. married Elizabeth daughter of James King of great Britain and by reason of her the House became allied to the Kings of England and Denmark Philip Lewis his brother in the year 1631. married Mary Eleonor daughter to Joachim Frederick Elector of Brandenbourg and his sister Elizabeth Charlotta was given in marriage to George William Elector of Brandenbourg July 14. 1626. Philip William Duke of Newbourg his first wife was Anne Catherine daughter to Sigismond King of Poland and John Casimir was the worthy husband of Catherine daughter to Charles and mother to Charles Gustavus King of Sweden From whence it may easily be seen that few Houses in Europe are better allied then this which besides what we have newly mentioned is of kin to the Houses of Hesse Gonzaga Bourbon Nassau Saxony Juliers Wirtemberg Rohan and many others P. Is not this Elector Palatine Charles Lewis married G. I forgot to tell you that this Prince who at least equals if he doth not go beyond all his Ancestors in Prudence and Magnaniâ—â—ty hath taken to wife Charlotta the worth daughter of the incomparable Amelia Elizabeth Landgravess of Hess which is sufficienâ— to say that he could not have made a betteâ— choice Edward this Electors brother marâ—â—ed Anne daughter to Charles Duke of Mantâ— and Neuers and Henrietta their sister dye a little after she was married to the Princeâ— Transylvania His other brethren and sisteâ— are yet to marry Robert and Maurice havâ— given proof of their ability and courage upoâ— occasions almost without number and thâ— Princesses Elizabeth Loüyse and Sophia havâ— made skilful masters confess that the Sciencâ— have nothing so sublime nor Picture-drawiâ—â— any thing so marvellous but the wit and hauâ— of these Ladies have been able to reach it P. I hope you will make me a long reciâ—â— of the Genealogies of great persons and theâ— you will not omit these Alliances and these â—â—lustrious Princes and Ladies But that it may bâ— done with the less trouble I shall be conteâ—â— to hear you discourse it at your leisure Leâ— us pass if you please into Saxony and do 〈◊〉 the favour to tell me what you know of theâ—â— Electoral House G. There is not any House in Europe moâ—â— glorious then that of Saxony It restored the honour of the Empire after the race of Charlemagne had lost its first vigour and under oâ—â— Henry and three Otho's it confirmed the Imperial dignity unto Germany it conquered many enemies gave Princes to Savoy and if it be true that Hugh Capet was descended from this House it hath likewise furnished France with their Kings P. Do not the Kings of Denmark also come from Witikind of Saxony G. It is said that the Counts of Oldenbourg are a branch of this great Stock and it is most certain that after the death of Christopher III. the Danes would have chosen Adolph Duke of Schleswick who would not accept of the Crown in regard of his great age declaring that such an honour would be better placed upon the person of Christian Count of Oldenbourg his grandchild and heir apparent The Danes taking this counsel and admiring the generosity of him that gave it chose Christian the first of that name whose posterity Reigns at this day in Denmark Norway Schleswick Holstein Stormar and Dithmarsh P. We will take another time to speak of the Kings of France and Denmark and of the Dukes of Savoy It will be sufficient for the present to inform me when the Electoral Cap was first brought into this House into how many branches it is divided how many voices it hath in the Diets and what are its principal forces and alliances G. The Emperor Sigismond knowing the merit of Frederick the Warlike Marquiss oâ— Misnia and the obligation that the Empire had to his Predecessors charged Eric V. of the House of Saxon-Lawembourg for having lapsâ—â— his due time of demanding the Investiture of the Electorship which his Ancestors had possessed ever since the year 1180. and transfored the same upon the forenamed Frederick oâ— Twelfth-day 1423. Since that time this House hath without interruption possessed the Electoral dignity with the Dutchy of Saxony thâ— Marquisate of Misnia the Landgraveship oâ— Thuringia And by a further accumulation oâ— good fortune it inherited the Principality oâ— Henneberg nay since the last War of Boheâ—â— the Emperor gave the upper and lower Lusaiâ— to Iohn George Elector of this House who diâ—ed the 8. of October 1656. and was interred thâ— 4. of February 1657. with more then Regâ—â—pomp there being 3500. persons in mourâ—ing and 24. Horses of State covered with black and the Electoral Escutcheon embroidered thereon every one of them led by two Gentlemen P. In a late discourse concerning the valiant actions of Duke Bernard Weymar it was sail that he loved not the House of Austria because it took the Electoral dignity from thâ—â— branch G. It is true that Iohn Frederick furnamed the Magnanimous having taken arms for the liberty of Religion was deprived of his dignity by the Emperor Charles V. who took him prisoner near Wirtemberg and gave the Electorate to Maurice in the year 1547. Thus passed this dignity into another branch and the elder became younger brethren For this cause there was but little confidence and kindness between the Princes of this House But as there is no grief which is not diminished by length of time even so the bitterness between these Princes hath been sweetned and they seem to be entirely reconciled For Frederick William Duke of Altembourg took for his second wife Magdalen Sibylla daughter to Iohn George the Elector last deceased and Maurice son to the same Elector hath married Dorothy Mary daughter to William Duke Weymar eldest son of that matchless Bernard whose praises you have heard P. For so much as I perceive this House is divided into many branches G. Not counting the Kings of France and Denmark and the Dukes of Savoy who are the illustrious Ciens that sprung out of this great Tree the Electoral House of Saxony is divided into two principal branches in each whereof there have been six Electors The last of the first branch lost the Electoral dignity because he was unsuccesful in making War for the liberty of Germany against Charles V. and the first of the second branch left the Electoral Cap unto his brother and his posterity for having happily taken and born arms in favour of his Countrey against the same Emperor P. I pray make this business out a little clearer to me G. Frederick III. of that name Elector
and freely acknowledging that I do not know whether these Princes be descended from a General of that incomparable Conqueror of Asia I do know that they are of the most Illustrious and most Ancient personages in Germany P. If I be not mistaken the Emperor Charles IV. admitted Albert and John Dukes of Meklebourg sons to Henry Leo Prince of the Vandals amongst the Princes of the Empire G. Charles IV. receiving those Lords into the number of the Estates of the Empire did not give them the quality of Prince which they had before but only brought them under the protection of the Empire by making them Members thereof upon condition they should be subject to its Laws and contribute to its necessities and so enjoy the same priviledges which other Lords of their degree and quality did P. In the time of the last Wars the Emperor made those Princes feel the weight of his indignation giving their lands to Wallestein a Gentleman of Silesia who by a strange ingratitude and a devillish ambition endeavouring to seat himself upon the Throne of Bohemia and dispossess his Master of it came to a miserable end G. The lamentable death of the Duke of Fridland gives us to understand that Kings have long arms and that no man ought to abuse their favors nor follow the motions which an undaunted courage and an inordinate ambition inspires The Duke of Biron and the Earl of Essex had such like designs and as Tragical Catastrophes As to the Dukes of Meklebourg I am to tell you that the greatest part of the Potentates in Germany have felt the smart of Mars his rods and these Princes as much as any other having seen a great Captain indeed and a renowned Souldier but unworthy of their degree bear the name and Arms of their Principality Nevertheless they re-entred into it by the vertue of the Great Gustavus their Cousin-German and though the conclusion of the Peace took Wismar from them yet it gave them in exchange the Bishopricks of Ratzebourg and Suerin turned into Principalities So as they have lost nothing if they do not prefer the convenience of that Haven and its Fort before twice its Revenue P. I did not know that these Princes were so near of kin to the late King of Sweden G. The Great Gustavus and these Dukes were sons of two sisters daughters to Adolph Duke of Holstein which proximity of blood moved that Heroical Prince to embrace their interest So after the Battel of Leipsick he turned his victorious arms towards the Dutchy of Meklebourg and re-placed these Princes there June 25. 1631. Three years after these Lords were reconciled to the Emperor and at this time live in peace divided into two branches the Chiefs whereof make their residence at Suerin and at Gustron P. Have these two Branches equal shares of the Estate G. They have each of them a moyety of the Dutchy and in regard thereof a seat and voice in the Assemblies But Adolph Frederick hath eight sons and six daughters and Gustavus Adolph who is Head of the other Branch had no body to participate with him being aâ— only son This latter who resides at Gustron iâ— of great spirit knowing courteous affable and generous He married Magdalen Sibyll daughter to Frederick the present Duke of Holstein and hath one son by her The children of Adolph Frederick who resides at Sâ—â—nin are all well made and qualified both in body and mind Christian the eldest hath married his Cousin Christina Margaret daughter to Iohn Albert Duke of Meklebourg And Anne Mary youngest of the daughters is the worthy Consort of Augustus Duke of Saxony son to the Elector Iohn George I. All the rest are still to be married and all worthy of Kings as well for their inward as their outward beauty These Princes have all conjunctly one University at Rostoch which was established there in the year 1419 by Iohn and Albert first Dukes of this House P. I should willingly desire a more particular recital of the Alliances of this House but fearing to be too troublesome to you I shall forbear that and intreat you to tell me something concerning that of Wirtemberg G. I shall not proceed any further till I have acquainted you that the House of Meklebourg hath had in marriage six daughters of Kings and five of Electors within less then 200 years As for that of Wirtemberg which after it had for many ages born the quality of Count was raised to the Ducal Dignity by the consent of all the Estates of the Empire in a Diet held at Wormes 1495 it comes behind never a Family in Revenue alliances piety magnificence and priviledges It hath a Countrey where the Mountains abound in Mines Wines and Woods the Forests are well stored with Timber-trees Game and Venison of all kinds the Valleys are a continuation of Meadows covered with Cattle and watered with Brooks full of Fish the Plains are thick set with Gardens and the Gardens like those of the Hesperides or rather like earthly Paradises There is in no place to be seen fairer rows of Orange-trees Grotta's better contrived and beautified Fountains more artificial nor Fruits more pleasant to the sight and taste then at Stutgardt Few Princes have a house of Pleasure and a Heronry within their Garden as this Duke hath neither is there any one in the Empire that hath a greater care of the Sciences and of Learned persons They that have been at Tubing know how many Princes Counts Lords Barons and Gentlemen have been bred in the noble Colledge which Duke Lewis caused to be built and which his Successors do splendidly maintain there P. Since we are entred upon this discourse make me if you please a more particular description of that Colledge G. It would require a more copious and eloquent tongue then mine to make you comprehend the benefit which the Empire receives by this Athenaeum Princes learn there to fear God to honor the Emperor to serve their Countrey to judge of the sincerity of their Confederates and to cherish their friends Counts Barons and Gentlemen do there learn the ways of winning and keeping the favour of Great men a sweetness of carriage necessary for the maintaining of a perfect friendship amongst equals and an infinity of vertues which are the same thing in their Souls that the Soul is in the body the eye in the head precious stones in gold and flowers in meadows P. I suppose that in this illustrious Colledge the exercises of the body are no more neglected then those of the mind G. One may there learn with little charge and pains that which men go to seek for in Italy and France at the expense of their health and soundness both in body and soul Florence hath nothing for riding the great horse nor Rome and Paris for fencing and dancing Schools which may not be gotten without going out of Tubing where the University and Colledge have excellent Professors in all faculties and principally in those
of Brandenbourg and widow to Christopher the last King of Denmark That Prince having Reigned happily 33. years in Denmark 32. in Norway and 25. in Sweden dyed afterwards A. D. 1482. leaving two sons who succeeded him in this manner John his eldest was King of those three Kingdoms after his Father and gave his brother Frederick the moyety of his Hereditary lands Then having reigned peaceably he dyed A. D. 1513. leaving his son Christian II. to be his Successor That Prince was born A. D. 1481. and married Isabel sister to the Emperor Charles V. by whom he had Dorothy Electoress of Brandenbourg Christina Dutchess of Milan and afterwards of Lorraine and John who dyed bearing arms under the Emperor Charles his Unkle by the Mothers side in the year 1532. Christiern otherwise Christian II. forsook the way of his Father and Grandfather and became so cruel a Tyrant that the Swedes drove him out of their Countrey and placed upon the Throne Gustavus Vasc son to Erick a Swedish Knight A. D. 1523. And nine years after the Danes cast him in prison where he ended his dayes in five more P. Men seem to be of a worse condition then beasts inasmuch as Eagles do not ingender pigeons nor Lions Stags yet Heroical persons rarely beget their like The greatest men are subject to the misfortune of seeing their children unworthy to succeed them But what came to pass after the imprisonment of Christiern G. We will speak in another place of what followed in Sweden In Denmark the Nobility had an honourable memory and high esteem of the virtues of Christian I. and of Iohn wherefore instead of the Tyrant who was prisoner at Sunderbourg they placed Frederick his Unkle by the Fathers side upon the Throne who was very aged and yet he introduced the Doctrine of Luther into Denmark and his own hereditary Principalities That Frederick was the first Duke of Holstein which is held in Fee of the Empire as Schleswick is of Denmark but neither he nor his son Christian III. durst send any body to the Diets fearing they should be but ill used for having assumed the place of a brother-in-law to two Emperors P. It may be those Princes not daring to send their Deputies to the Diets lost the Rank they held there G. Frederick I. of that name King of Denmark was Duke of Holstein before he came to the Crown yet I cannot tell whether he had taken place in the Assemblies of the Empire But to pursue the discourse we have begun that Prince left two sons the elder of whom was King after him by the name of Christian III. and Adolph his younger son Duke of Holstein They had both children from whom all the Princes of this House are descended For Christian was Father to King Frederick II. and to Iohn the younger and Adolph to Iohn Adolph and to Frederick Archbishop of Bremen and Bishop of Lubeck P. I pray draw out this Genealogy a little more at length G. Frederick II. husband to Sophia daughter to Vlrick Duke of Meklebourg had one son and four daughters very worthy of your knowledge For as much as Elizabeth the eldest was married to Henry Iulius Duke of Brunswick Anne to Iames VI. King of Scotland who afterwards got all Great Britain by the death and Testament of Elizabeth Queen of England Augusta to Iohn Adolph Duke of Holstein and Hedwig to Christian II. Elector of Saxony His Son and Successor to the Crown was Christian IV. a great King both in time of peace and war That Prince who admiring the worth of Henry the Great King of France made him his pattern in every thing and had at the least as many sons as he as well Legitimate as Natural But there remains no more of the lawfully begotten then his Successor Frederick III. who hath already many children and may have more P. This King is esteemed throughout all Europe for a knowing Prince and one that sets a value upon good men Let us see the Descendents of Iohn the younger G. That Prince was even goodness it self and God blessed him exceedingly for he had 23. children by Elizabeth Dutchess of Brunswick and Agnes Hedwig Princess of Anhalt his wives Two of those Princes dyed in Hungary one at the illustrious Colledge of Tubing two departed in their infancy and four lived to be married who are fathers of many Lords either residing at Sunderbourg Nortbourg Glugsbourg and Plone or else seeking their fortune in the Wars The daughters were thus married the eldest to a Duke of Lignitz three of the youngest to three Dukes of Pomerania Anne Sabina to a Duke of Wirtemberg Eleonor Sophia to a Prince of Anhalt and Margaret to John Count of Nassau The rest dyed in their Cradle except Eleonor who is still unmarried and leads an exemplary life she is 67. years old yet very lovely for her age and worthy to be visited by Kings for she hath a marvellous way of entertaining those Princes and Ladies that do her the honour to see her And I can assure you I never saw better sweet-meats served any where then at her house nor strangers received with greater civility P. Tell me I pray a little more particularly who are the Descendents of John the younger brother to King Frederick II. G. Alexander his eldest son had six sons whereof the eldest married a Countess of Delmenhorst and at his death left one son and two daughters by her Frederick Philip and Joachim Ernest brethren to Alexander are yet living the first hath three sons and as many daughters the second hath but two sons alive five Princesses married and one to marry the third hath four Princes two whereof have command in the King of Spains service and three Princesses still maids all beautiful and witty and brought up in the School of a Father inferior to none in the Empire for prudence and of a Mother that hath but few equals in all kind of vertues P. Do not forget the Descendents of Adolph younger brother to Christian III. of that name G. Adolph had many sons that dyed young one that was Archbishop of Bremen and John Adolph his eldest married Augusta daughter to Frederick II. King of Denmark These two had issue John Bishop of Lubeck a comely and liberal Prince who dying left his son John Augustus still very young but pretty and exceeding hopeful Frederick this Bishops elder brother hath the moyety of the Dutchies of Schleswick Holstein Stormar and Dithmarsh and takes turns with the King of Denmark in the administration of Justice in having place and voice in the Assemblies of the Empire and in all other Rights of Regality This Prince great in knowledge and magnanimity hath for a partner in his bed and felicity Mary Elizabeth daughter to John George Elector of Saxony by whom he hath still living three sons and five daughters four whereof are married to John Prince of Anhalt Gustavus Adolph Duke of Meklebourg Lewis Landgrave of Darmstadt and Charles Gustavus
and tell me when it obtained the quality of Count and lastly of Prince G. The Counts of East-Friseland and those of Oldenbourg did always maintain great feuds and emulations between one another till the year 1656. At which time Antony Gunther dying without issue lawfully begotten left the King of Denmark and the Duke of Holstein for his Successors And I believe the cause of that mis-understanding might proceed from hence That Mary of Jeuer being married to Eno Count of East-Friseland and having children by him did yet make John Count of Oldenbourg her heir and again that the Counts of East-Friseland being less ancient then those of Oldenbourg are as rich as well or better allied then they and do also exercise Soverain Justice over their Subjects P. I know the Counts of Oldenbourg are the ancienter But when did those of East-Friseland begin G. Vlrick Sirxena Lord of Gietziel and other lands was made Count of East-Friseland by the Emperor Frederick III. A. D. 1454. That Lord married Folca who brought him in Dowry the Lordships of Escui and Stetendorf Of that marriage came Edzar l. of that name Father of Eno who married Mary of Ieuer by whom he had Edzar II. That Count aspired higher then his Predecessors and took to wife Catherine daughter to Gustavus I. King of Sweden of whom he begat Iohn from whom the Counts of Ritberg are descended and Eno II. who married Anne daughter to Adolph Duke of Holstein by whom he had Vlrick husband to Iuliana daughter to Lewis Landgrave of Hesse Darmstadt This Princess remains a Widow and makes it her business to bring up her children well of whom Edzar Ferdinand is still travelling abroad George Christian is at home with her and Eno Lewis her eldest son having continued some time at the Imperial Court was there made Counsellor to the Emperor and Gentleman of his Chamber Afterward in the year 1653 he was raised unto the rank and dignity of Prince by the Emperor Ferdinand III. at the Diet of Ratisbon This Prince was contracted to Henrittta daughter to Frederick Henry of Nassau Prince of Orange while they were both children but the parties not liking one another the Artitles of marriage were broken and Eno Lewis married Iustina Sophia Countess of Barly November 7. 1656. I am told for certain that this Prince hath 150000. Crowns Revenue and thereby is well enabled to maintain the quality he bears which is annext to the eldest alone the other being no more then Counts and having no part in the Countrey P. We are at length arrived to the end of this journey Let us rest a while and afterwards we will take a view of the Ecclesiastical Princes G. I am content and shall in the mean time prepare my self to tell you how the Ecclesiastical Princes live in Germany how many they are what order of place they observe in the Assemblies by whom and how they were raised to their dignity to what Jurisdiction they are subject and all other necessary things that shall come into my head The end of the Fifth Dialogue Dialogue VI. Of the Ecclesiastical Princes of the Empire P. THe Princes Ecclesiastical hold the first rank in the Empire and you place them after the Seculars but it matters not much since it is neither for want of respect nor of knowing their due place Well then let us see whether the Empire be as venerable by the Mitres of its Prelates as it is formidable by the Sword of its Souldiers G. There is never a Countrey in Christendom where Prelates have so much power as in Germany They are almost all Great Princes and as absolute over the Temporalty of their Benefices as a Secular Elector is over his Lands These riches are now and then misapplied to bad uses and the debauches made by Church-men their great Train the dogs the horses they maintain the Jesters they keep for their pleasure and their dissolute life obliged our Predecessors to upbraid them with it and allow us to believe that they gave occasion to Doctor Luther to preach against their Doctrine as well as their evil conversation Yet still it is often seen that the same Prelate possesseth two three nay a greater number of huge Benefices of the Empire and spends the Revenue thereof without any scruple of conscience in worldly pomp continual debauches and other things unworthy of their rank and profession P. These Princes give themselves but little if at all to their studies misusing their riches and think it beneath their greatness to preach the word of God and do other Ecclesiastical functions But they do not all live alike G. Whatever is spoken against ungodly persons doth nothing concern the truly religious There are Prelates of sundry conditions and different humors some are voluptuous and others chast some love nothing but dogs and bouffons others make much of worthy persons Heretofore besides the three Ecclesiastical Electors there were five Archbishops and thirty Bishops that had seat and voice in the Assemblies of the Empire At this time there are not so many because the Archbishopricks of Magdebourg Bremen and Riga and the Bishopricks of Halberstad Minden and Verden have been changed into Secular Principalities as those also of Besanson Verdun Mets and Toul were dismembred from the Empire and inseparably united to the Lands of Spain and France by the last Treaty of Peace And those of Valesia Losanna and Chur have been abolished by the Suisses So that at present there is none but Saltzbourg that holds the rank of Archbishop in the Colledge of the Princes and about twenty Bishops P. The German Church must without question have lost very much by the last Treaty of Peace where three Archbishopricks and six Bishopricks were Secularized G. Riga was cut off from the Empire before and all those other Benefices were in the power of the Lutherans who had no mind to let them slip out of their fingers And so methinks the generality of the Protestant Princes hath lost more by this Treaty then the German Church seeing the Princes have now no more means to provide for their younger brethren as they had before For in real truth the Elector of Saxony had Magdebourg the King of Denmark Bremen and some other Lords the Bishopricks whereof we have last made mention P. The King of Spain having the Archbishopricks of Besanson and Cambray in his possession there is little likelyhood that those Archbishops should come to the Diets of the Empire G. I do not know whether those Prelates have lost the right they had to sit in the Assemblies of the Empire but it is certain that Cambray doth not challenge the place of an Archbishoprick there though it have gotten that name amongst the Prelates of the Low Countreys by the augmentation of Bishopricks in Flanders which King Philip II. made in the beginning of his Reign That Prelate keeps his ancient title and always qualifies himself Duke of Cambray Count of Cambresis and Prince of the
Mares which he had in his grounds dyed without children lawfully begotten in the year 1656. at least if I may believe the Gazette where I read it though some men do not agree to it The King of Denmark and the Duke of Holstein inherited his Counties Iohn Prince of Anhalt the Lordship of Iever and Antony Count of Oldenbourg his natural son all the rest of his lands Those of Erbach find their original in the affection which a daughter of Charlemagnes bore to a Gentleman in her Fathers Court who being recommended by his own merit as much as he was favoured by the generosity of Charles had the honour to marry her after he had had that of being carried upon her back through the Court of the Palace The Counts of Hanau have as large an estate as a great Prince and in that a Justice from which their Subjects cannot appeal And having often both given and taken daughters to and from the best Houses of the Empire they have been so happy as to see a noble Lady of their family steer the State of Hesse and bring it succesfully into the Port during the most dreadful storm that ever blew upon the Empire for many ages P. You pass many Houses over in silence G. Those of which I say nothing are unknown to me The Counts of Helfenstein having flourished above a thousand years expired some years since Those of Leininguen judge their Subjects causes without any Appeal The House of Hohenlohe would be very mighty if it had not divided its lands into many portions The Lords thereof are naturally Souldiers brave well made both in body and mind and glorious as well through their own merit as for that of their Ancestors The Barons of Limbourg whom all Writers place amongst the Counts have a title of Semperfrey always free that no body bears but they They are so ancient that they know not their own beginning and so well known in Germany that their priviledge of being Vicars to the King of Bohemia Great Cup-bearer of the Empire is obvious to every one They of Mansfeld are of different Religions One of the Catholiques is Governor of Raab in Hungary the other is Master of the Horse to the Emperor Of the Lutherans Iohn George is travelling to enable himself to answer the hopes which hâ—s Countrey conceives of his vertue This County is plentiful in Copper and other Minerals and famous for many things but especially for Eiseliben where Doctor Luther was born in the year 1484. and dyed there 63. years after The Counts of Montfort have nothing common with those in France but the name they are certainly very noble very ancient and very vertuous P. If you say nothing of the Counts of Ottinguen and of the Rhingraves I will tell you what I know of them G. I speak of the Counts in an Alphabetical method not always suitable to their merit otherwise many should have come behind those Houses so abounding in extraordinary personages That of Ottinguen is divided into two principal Branches That of Waldenstein is Catholique that of Ottinguen Lutheran and both perfectly well allied but specially Ieachim Ernest who having already had one Countess of Solmes and another of Hehenlobe is in the last place married to a Princess Palatine and had of the two former besides many sweet children Sophia Margaret and Mary Dorothy Sophia Princesses whose graces and endowments of body and mind have acquired to the first the chast love and conjugal bed of Albert Marquiss of Brandenbourg of Anspach to the second that of Eberhard Duke of Wirtemberg and to the Father two Sons-in-law equal in Grandeur piety and magnificence The Rhingraves have furnished matter to so many Histories ancient and modern that no body is a stranger to their vertue nobility and generosity The Counts of Schwartzbourg are great in riches vertue and alliances When I passed through their Countrey Clara Dutchess of Brunswick and Sophia Agnes Princess of Anhalt were widows to two Lords of that House and Antony Gunther had a Princess Palatine Many believe the Counts of Solmes are issued out of those of Nassau They are not rich but you will meet with few Lords so well allyed Frederick Henry Prince of Orange the honour of the Captains of our age had the generous Amelia Joachim Ernest Marquis of Brandenbourg had the Phenix of beauty and chastity Sophia Frederick Marquis of Dourlach the incomparable Eleonor Augustus Prince of Anhalt the pious Sibyll Vlrick Duke of Wirtemberg the amiable Sophia Dorothy Maurice Landgrave of Hesse the fair Agnes and Ernest his son hath at this time Mary Eleonor all Countesses of Solmes From whence we may conclude that this House is fruitful in beautiful and vertuous Ladies P. I would willingly have heard a word of the Counts of Salme and Stolberg but if you find it difficult pass on to the consideration of the Barons of the Empire G. The Counts of Salme were raised to the rank of Princes though their lands be held of the Duke of Lorraine They are Rhingraves and all the Rhingraves bear the name and Arms of Salme They of Stolberg are inferior to none either in antiquity of Nobility or greatness of Alliances or priviledges They coyn money both of gold and silver and bear for their Arms a Stag Sable because one of the ancient Counts of that House giving an entertainment of hunting to the Emperor Conrade of Franconia a black Stag was taken and the Emperor would transmit the memory thereof to posterity by that change of Arms. As to the Barons you ought to know that they who are Estates of the Empire do hardly differ from the Counts but in name In all things else they are equal they marry their daughters they are in the same Classe at the Diets of the Empire they give their Suffrages there after the same manner and enjoy the same immunities lastly they are both alike styled Illustrious P. Methinks we have a great many Barons in Germany G. There are but few Barons of the Empire To be such an one it is necessary to be Matriculated and contribute to the necessities of the State which belongs not to any one of those whom the Emperor creates upon a new score in his hereditary Countreys how rich and potent soever they be And for that cause they have neither voice nor place in the Assemblies of the Empire Many of the ancient Barons have taken the quality of Count those which remain are Creange Fleckenstein Fugger Hohengeroldseck Konigseck Limbourg Maxelrein Perlestein Plaven Rapolstein Schombourg Scheuk of Tautemberg Wolfenstein Winemberg Walbot and it may be some others that are not come to my knowledge Part of those of Creange are Counts but the others are not inferior to them being allyed even to Princes and very near to the Houses of Nassau and the Rhingraves They of Fleckenstein have signalized themselves in the last War where they got honour and served in the quality of Generals The Fuggers are not
very ancient but remarkable for vertue and for their priviledge of Soverain Justice upon their Lands The Barons or Counts of Rapolstein who are otherwise called Ribaupierre were Dukes of Spoleto and having lived many ages with splendor and appeared at several Turnaments are now reduced to John Iames to whom I wish issue male for the preservation of his illustrious House which will otherwise end in him All the rest are unknown to me P. It is something to be Baron of the Empire in regard of the place they have in the Assemblies otherwise I think there is but little difference between one Baron and another G. They that bear the same title are not alwayes of the same condition One who hath been declared Doctor in an University where no man is received but he that hath given proof of his learning is to be preferred before him who hath gotten Letters in another University for a piece of money And so it is in this matter They that are Barons by merit and are allyed to great Families for many generations are and ought to be preferred before those that have not the like advantages Otherwise I do not think that for having place in the Diets one is much to be preferred before another that is equal in vertue merit and antiquity P. I am of your opinion But from whence comes the word Baron G. I think it was derived from the Latin Vir for as Baron signifies a personage illustrious for virtue and birth so also the Latin word Vir signifies a man separate and distinct from the vulgar by his Virtue Now this title hath been diversly taken according to the diversity of times and places By the Barons were anciently understood in France all the Subjects that held immediately of the King and so the word comprehended Dukes Counts and other Lords indifferently This opinion may be verified out of Aymonius and some other Historians who sometimes bring in the King speakto the Lords his followers and when he would exhort them to some generous action begining with these words My Barons The Spaniards speaking of some illustrious persons call them Varones or Barones And therefore Lewis de Camoes in his description of the Conquest of the Indies by the Portugneses begins his Poem in this manner As armas e os Varâ—nes assinalados The Italians only do sometimes take the word Baron for a beggarly fellow P. Have not the Italians Barons also amongst them G. Yes more then Baronies and it may be they are beggars because there are so many of them However it be Barons are every where reckoned above the lowest rate and rank of Nobility except by abuse some one have been raised to that degree who was not a Gentleman before In which case I think the ancient Nobility ought not to give him place nor he to pretend to it because the Letters Patent which a Secretary of the Emperor puts into a piece of Parchment are not of such validity as to make those worthy of that rank who are obnoxious to such notable defects And though the Emperor himself should have commanded his Letters to be dispatched yet were it not to be presumed that he intended to raise an Upstart above him that brought the right of precedence from his mothers womb P. There is not the meanest Baron but thinks himself more then the highest Gentleman G. Usually men flatter themselves and set a greater value upon themselves then they really deserve Even Philosophers take their own measures amiss and the greatest Saints had need to pray earnestly and say from their heart Lord make me to know both my self and Thee that knowing my self I may be humble and knowing Thee I may magnifie thy Name Grant that we may all know our selves banish out of our hearts that common vain pretense to place and precedence teach us to neglect that honour which shines not but in the smoke of vanity Certainly it troubles Germany more then any other Countrey in Europe The end of the Seventh Dialogue Dialogue VIII Of the Knights the Gentlemen the Turnaments and the Cities of the Empire P. TO see the title of this Dialogue one would judge that you put a difference between the Knight and the Gentleman and yet throughout all Germany the Nobility goes under the name of Knighthood and the Gentlemen writing in Latin style themselves Equites that is Knights G. Though German Gentlemen be called Equites in Latin yet it is certain there is difference between the Knight and the Gentleman For first the Knight hath been alwayes more priviledged then the Gentleman 2. The chance of birth makes the Gentleman without his contributing any thing to it but worth and valour raises the Knight to that degree of honour 3. Princes and Lords do not seek for the title of a Gentleman as they do very earnestly for that of a Knight And 4. the Gentleman is born so the Knight comes to be so that is a Gentleman begets a Gentleman but a Knight begets not a Knight P. I have heard say that the sons of great Princes are Knights from their cradle which if it be so it may be said that a Knight begets a Knight G. I know the French say that the sons of their Kings are Knights in the very moment of their birth Nevertheless Lewis XI received the Order of Knighthood by the hand of Philip Duke of Burgundy the day of his Inauguration the 16. August 1461. Francis I. before the Bettel of Marignan September 17. 1515. received the same honour from Peter Bayard a Gentleman of Dauphine who for his valour was surnamed the Knight without reproach And when William Count of Holland was chosen King of the Romans he would be created Knight before he received the Crown Whereby it appears that some great Princes thought they were not born Knights And though I should allow that the sons of Kings are so from their Cradle it is certain that others are not so seeing Princes themselves do not assume that quality if they have not solemnly received that honour P. I know that commonly they that are called Knights are associated into some Order Regular or Secular but I do not know the difference between those Orders G. The Regular Orders have been approved by the Pope under some Rule and the Secular have been instituted by some other Prince The former oblige their Knights to the vows of poverty chastity and obedience the other only to endeavour and procure the honour and advantage of the Head of their Order Now as men are received into the number of Knights for their merit or for the hope which he that bestows that honour hath that the person admitted will do worthy actions so a Knight forfeits and becomes deprived of the same honour for the enormous crimes he commits contrary to the expectation of him that received him into the Fellowship of the Order P. All Knights are not received after the same manner nor degraded for the same offence G.
for the money they disbursed in that War and besides such a considerable summe Pomerania which is more worth then Alsatia is left in their hands G. They have not only received that summe and Pomerania but Wismar also a Port of the Baltique Sea the Fortress of Walfisch the Bailiwick of Poel and Neucloster which heretofore belonged to the House of Meklebourg and which is yet more the Archbishoprick of Bremen and Bishoprick of Verden converted into Dutchies together with the City and Bailywick of Wilshausen In all which lands and Principalities the Swedes have Soverain Justice right to erect an University and to set Imposts upon all commodities that enter into go out of or grow within the Countrey by them conquered and possessed So by that Peace the King of Sweden hath gotten the names and titles of Duke of Bremen Verden and Pomerania Prince of Rugia and Lord of Wismar P. You told me before that during the last War the Swedes had more Forces in Germany then the French and I see now they have reaped much more profit make me understand what satisfaction the Heroical Lady of Hesse received G. That Princess which reigned in the hearts of all those that have had the honour to speak with her had too well served the victorious Party to remain without satisfaction It was therefore accorded unto her for her self her son William and their Successors for ever that besides the general clause of the Article Tandent omnes they should enjoy the Abbey of Hirchfeld with all its appurtenances as well Ecclesiastical as Secular as well without as within the Territory of the said Abbey and the right Lordships and demesnes of the Cities and Bailywicks of Schaumbourg Bukembourg Saxenhaguen and Stathaguen which heretofore belonged to the Bishoprick of Minden and 600000. Crowns in money payable at Cassel within nine moneths after the publication of the Peace And for an accomplishment and full measure of satisfaction the Assembly of Munster ratified the transaction between the two Branches of Cassel and Darmstadt made by the mediation of Ernest Duke of Saxon-Gotta April 14. 1649. and the right of Primogeniture in those two Branches P. Those satisfactions were without question of very hard digestion to the contrary party but a good Peace cannot be bought too dear G. The Emperor lost nothing for by giving up his right in Alsatia he made the Kingdom of Bohemia Hereditary to his House But the Spaniards will not easily be able to comfort themselves for that loss because if Alsatia and Lorraine remain in the hands of the French it will be impossible for them to joyn their Forces of Italy with those of the Low Countreys unless they transport them by Sea with great expense and greater danger or through the Territories of others which cannot be done without buying the friendship of those that are not willing to see the formidable forces of Spain united And from hence grows a great advantage to the French by that Treaty P. Methinks I am now sufficiently instructed in that which concerns our Germany But having heard nothing hitherto of the Golden Bull except some words which you have scattered here and there I would gladly hear you discourse more amply of it G. That Bull is the Diamond Nail which holds together these remainders of the Empire and keeps them from dissolution by the wholesome Ordinances which it contains touching the time the place and the persons which ought to concur to the Election of the Emperor the number immunities and preheminences of the Electors the integrity candor and probity which they ought to use in choosing the first Prince of Christendom the order they ought to keep in their Assemblies as well while they accompany the Emperor as in their seats and places and to cut off all occasion of dispute between the Princes of the Electoral Houses the Emperor by that Edict sets down and prescribes the order they are to observe in their successions who ought to be Tutor and Guardian of their sons during their Minority and at what age they are to come out of Wardship Now because Elective Estates have no symptom more dangerous then while they lie under an Interregnum the Bull provides a remedy for that inconvenience ordaining that the Electors Palatine and of Saxony shall be his Majesties perpetual Vicars and shall have the same power after his death or in his absence that the Emperor had while he was living and present Lastly that Bull contains the office of every Elector at the Coronations Processions and publick Feasts of the Emperor P. Methinks in that Bull the Emperor Charles IV. hath had more care of the Electors then of all the Empire besides G. The Electors are the principal Pillars of our State and the Emperor thinking the destruction of the Empire might follow upon their dissension his special aim was to keep them united together by his Ordinance and to provide for the time to come that there should be no disorder in the Election of the Emperors nor in the Succession of the Princes Electors that the septenary number should continue for ever as most proper for an action of so great importance P. Is that Bull of any bigness G. It is a little book the Original whereof bing written in parchment containes 24. leaves and 30. Chapters of which the 23. first were published at Nuremberg the 10. of Ianuary 1356. and the other seven at Mets on Christmas day in the same year by the full power of his Majesty in the presence and with the consent of the most part of the Princes Lords and other Estates of the Empire the Emperor wearing the Imperial Cloak and having the Crown upon his head the Scepter in one hand and the Ball of the Empire in the other P. Why is that little book called The Golden Bull G. The Letters Patents of Emperors Popes and some other great Princes are called Bulls by reason of the seal which gives them their strength and validity Those Bulls or Seals are not alwayes of the same matter nor of the same bigness but according to the importance of the Letters the Seal is greater or less and of different wax or metal The ordinary Letters are sealed with an impression made upon wax the colour and bigness whereof encreaseth either the respect to or the honour of those persons to whom they are directed and those that contain Edicts are sealed with lead silver or gold according to the importance of the Laws which the Prince publishes From hence it was that this perpetual and irrevocable Edict containing the fundamental Laws of the Empire ought to be sealed with his Majesties great seal and not upon wax lead or silver but upon gold to show that as that metal is incorruptible the most excellent of all so the matters contained in that Bull being the principal Laws of the Empire should be preserved there without alteration P. Tell me more particularly of what fashion that Bull is G. The
Bull which hangs at the Parchment book which we last mentioned is a great round seal of pure gold fastened unto small cords of yellow and red silk on one side whereof there is the Portraiture of the Emperor Charles IV. seated upon his Throne with the Crown on his head the Sceptre in one hand and the Ball in the other having at his right hand the Imperial Arms and those of Bohemia at his left with this Inscription round about the Bull Carolus quartus Divinâ favente clementiâ Romanorum Imperator semper Augustus Bohemiae Rex On the other side of the Bull there is a Castle with two Towers at the bottom and middle whereof there is seen a Gate with these words Aurea Roma and these in the Circumference Roma caput mundi regit Orbis froena rotundi P. Those Laws are fortified with a Seal that declares their importance and I am confident the Emperor will derogate as little from them as he can G. Usually Laws cannot be abrogated but by those that made them and for that reason I believe though the Emperor should be desirous to annul the Golden Bull he would not be permitted so to do because it was published by the advice and with the consent of the Electors and many other Princes and Estates of the Empire who are to concur to its abrogation But the Bull is so advantagious to the Electors that they have no reason to desire the suppression of it nor so much as give way that any thing in it should be changed or altered P. I do not think the Laws contained in the Golden Bull should be totally abolished yet on the other side I do not doubt but something of them may be changed if the necessity of the Empire require it G. It is certain that those Laws will never be wholly abrogated unless the face of the Empire be changed by becoming Hereditary in which case they would all fall of themselves As to particularities it is as certain that something in those Laws may be changed since the Legislators have often derogated from them and even in a matter of great importance the Septenary number of the Electors having been altered into another less convenient by the last Treaty of Peace Besides we have elsewhere seen that although the Election of the King of the Romans ought to be made at Francfort by vertue of that Bull yet Ferdinand I. received that honour at Wormes and other Emperors since at other Cities That Bull doth also ordain that all the Electors should assist at the Mass of the Holy Ghost before they begin the Act of the Election and yet the Protestant Electors are not obliged to be at Church while the Ceremony of the Mass lasts From whence it may be concluded that some of the Laws of the Golden Bull may be altered and dispensed with But I believe I have entertained you long enough upon things that concern the Empire and therefore I shall proceed no further but make an end of this Treatise praying the Almighty that by his grace he would enable you to learn from hence how to serve your Country well me to give you as good an account of the other principal parts of Europe as I have done of Germany THE END A Table of the particular matters contained in this Book A. AAlen 269. Aix why called Aquisgranum and the Royal City and why so much indulged by Charlemagne 266. Dukes of Altembourg from whom descended 85. Alternation what and the five Houses in Germany that take precedency by turns 147. Princes of Anhalt their origin 161. When they lost the Electorship and why 97. Government of the Estate of the Princes of Anhalt 164. Religion and titles of the Princes of Anhalt and Lawembourg 166 Situation of the principality of Anhalt ibid. Marquisses of Anspach younger brethren of the House of Brandenbourg 102. How many Archbishopricks anciently in Germany and how many now that have place in the Assemblies of the Empire 174. How many Archbishopricks and Bishopricks made Secular by the Peace of Munster ibid. Title of Archduke no where but in Austâ—ia and why those Princes took it 214. 215. Counts of Aremberg how advanced and become Princes of Barbanson 169.170 Four sorts of particular Assemblies in Germany 293. Assemblies called Dayes of Election what ibid. Assemblies of Deputation what ibid. Assemblies of Visitations what ibid. Assemblies of the Circles three manner of wayes and how 294. Assemblies of the Diets what they are who takes suffrages there and after what manner 294. seq Augsbourg wherein considerable and for what famous whence and why so called 268. Titles of Augustus and Cesar found no where but in Germany 30. Austregues priviledges what 65. House of Austria its origin 70. Archdukes of Austria and Kings of France of the third Race sprung from the same Root ibid. How the House of Austria became great 71. 72. The lands Estates which it got by marriages ibid. How long it hath been in possession of the Empire 73. Graces and priviledges which the Princes of Austria have received from God Nature and Emperors ibid. Number of Emperors Kings Cardinals Dukes and Archdukes come out of that House ibid. The losses and advantages the house of Austria received by the peace of Munster 340. How the Princes of that House take their place in the Assemblies 74. Daughters of Austria succeed when the Males fail ibid. Princes of Austria their priviledge in case of Duell ibid. How many Princes of Austria there be at this present ibid. The Branch of Austria hath right to succeed that of Burgundy when it fails 75. Why the House of Austria bears the Arms of Wirtemberg 129. Authority of a Prince the soul of Government 12. 13. B. Origin of the Marquisses of Baden 141. Princes of Baden and Hochberg both of the same House 142. Baden and Dourlach principal Branches of the Marquisses of Baden at this time 143. Their alliances and several Estates 143. 144. Bamberg the first Bishoprick of the Empire and its priviledges 178. Prince of Barbanson of the House of Aremberg 170. Alliances of the Counts of Barby 233. What Barons are Estates of the Empire 238. Number of the Barons of the Empire ibid. Difference of Barons one from another 239. Basile a Bishoprick 190. Seven pitcht Battels and other bloody engagements in Germany from the King of Swedens coming in till the Peace 322. Battel of Leipsick ibid. another at Leipsick 324. Battel of Lutzen 323. of Hamelen ibid. of Noâ—tlingâ—en 323. 324. of Wistock 324. of Jancou in Bohemia 325. Baâ—aria possessed at this day by the descendents of the Count of Schieren and by whom before 110. Benefices requiring residence not to be multiplied upon one person 189. Biberac 269. The Bishops of Mets Toul and Verdun take the style of Princes of the Empire 176. Catholick Bishops that sit in the Assemblies of the Empire 177. Bishops by whom anciently chosen 198. seq Bishops Archbishops deposed by
the vacancie ibid. What every Electors Office is when the Emperor eats in Ceremony and who are their Deputies if they be absent 59. How the Electors lit in the Assemblies 304. What Electors and Bishops are usually chosen out of the Body of the Nobility 256. 257. Younger sons of Electoral Houses precede other Princes in the Assemblies 305. Where the Election of an Emperor or King of the Romans ought to be made 49. whether it be better that Kingdoms be Elective or Successive 53.54 The Emperor is a Monarch 31. Confers no Ecclesiastical Benefices 33. No Emperor crowned at Rome since Charles V. 34. How the Emperors lost the right of choosing Popes 35. The Emperor onely can create Kings 38. The Emperor ought to be of a German Family 52. Of what age a Prince should be when chosen Emperor 57. The difference between the Emperor and King of the Romans ibid. What Emperors have been excommunicated by Popes 288. Whether the Emperor can determine matters where the Estates of the Empire do not agree 310. When the Empire was successive 40. When it became Elective and why ibid. The Estates of the Empire and their priviledges 64. 65. At first all the Estates of the Empire chose the Emperor 41. The House of Este in Italy a branch of that of Brunswick 108. F. Faith to be kept with Heretiques 184. seq Ferdinand III. his several Elections and death 314. Fourteen bloody Fights in Germany from the time of the Swedes entrance till the Peace 322. The Fight of Furts 326 of Lignitz in Silesia ibid. of Rheimfeld ibid. of Wittenvayer in Brisgou ibid. of Kemnitz in Misnia 328. of Wolfenbottel ibid of St. Anthony ibid. of Schweinitz in Silesia ibid. of Dutlinguen in the Dutchy of Wirtemberg 329. of Fribourg in Brisgou ibid. of Merkendal in Franconia ibid. The twelfth thirteenth Fights 330. The Fight of Grawembrouck in the Countrey of Juliers 331. Other Fights lefs bloody 332. Barons of Flekenstein 239. Francfort why so called and wherein considerable 271. What Forces France had in Germany when the Peace was made 336. What recompence the French had by that peace 333. French Commanders in the war of Germany 335. Fridberg 272. Frisinguen a Bishoprick 190. The Fructifying Company its end and progress and by whom established 164. Barons of Fuggers 239. The Abbey of Fulda and its priviledges 193. Counts of Furstemberg their origin c. 231. seq G. Difference between a Gentleman and a Knight 242. Immediate Gentlemen of Germany who 251. Why the Emperor supports them Ibid. The order and government amongst those Gentlemen 252. Their priviledges and advantages 256. seq Causes of the War of Germany 315. seq Gluckstad and the King of Denmarks Fort there 274. Gostar called the Imperial Palace and Royal City 272. Descent of the Dukes of Gotta 88. Death of Mareshal de Guebriant 329. Guelnehausen 272. House of the Guelphes their antiquity and Territories 108. seq The voices branches and Fortresses of that House 111 H. Counts of Habspourg a Branch of the Dukes of Zeringuen 70. When and how Rodolph of Habspourg became Emperor ibid. Haguenau Bailliage in Alsatia given to the French 273. Salt-pits of Hal in Swaben 276. Hambourg its strength and Trade 273. seq Counts of Hanau 234. Hanse-towns and their Commerce 280. 281. Heilbrun 276. Helmestadt an University of the Dukes of Brunswick 113. Counts of Henneberg when they failed 92. How the House of Saxony inherited that of Henneberg ibid. Origin of the House of Hesse 129. Henry of Brabant first Landgrave of Hesse 131. Agreement between him and Henry Marquis of Misnia son the Principalities of Hesse and Thuringia ibid. Lewis Landgrave of Hesse refused the Empire ibid. The vertues and good qualities of the Landgraves of Hesse 132. The Religion and differences between Lewis and Maurce Heads of the two Branches of Hesse-Cassel and Darmstadt 133.139 Hesse-Cassel the elder the richer and hath the precedence 134. Alliances of both the Houses ibid. Frederick Landgrave of Hesse Grand Prior of Malta in Germany his Expedition at Carthage 193. The excellencies of Amelia Elizabeth Dowager of Hesse 134.136 Her Forces when the Peace was concluded 337. The advantages she and heâ— son had by that Peace 339. Hildesheim a Bishoprick of miraculous foundation 187. The Princes of Hochberg and Baden of the same House their agreement and reciprocal Testament 142. Lords of Hobenlohe 235. Counts of Hohenzolleren 169. Origin of the Houses of Holstein and Oldenbourg 148. Dutchy of Holstein its extent Revenues 155. Counts of Horne Subiects to the Dukes of Burgundy their origin 226. The benefits and advantages of Hunting 20.21 I. Assessors of the Imperial Chamber how many and by whom appointed 289. Functions of the Intendents and Superintendents over the Lutheran Pastors and Priests 205.206 Order of Justice in the time of Charlemagne 287. Jutland what quantity of Cattle and horses come yearly out of it 155. K. Kaufbegeren why so called 276. Kempten in Latine Campidunum 270. King of the Romans what authority he hath 49. The Arms and Titles of the King of the Romans 57. Kings should not make a Subject too great 159. Dangerous for Kings to execute their resolutions by halves 162. Difference between a Knight and a Gentleman 242.243 Knights Marianites why so called their progress and difference from the Templers 191.192 Example of Kings that have received Knighthood 243. The cause and Original of the Orders of Knighthood 245. seq How the Emperor makes Knights 246. L. Ladies not unfit to Govern 135. seq The taking of General Lamboy 420. Landau 276. Landgrave Judge of an Inland Province 210. How Landgraves became powerful 211. Landgraves Generals of Foot ibid. What Houses in Germany bear the title of Landgrave 213. Landgraveship no where but in Germany ibid. Usefulness of Foraine Languages 8. where the French Language in best spoken 18. What other Countries use it most 26. Where the Italian Language is the purest 17. Where it is most currant 26. Dukes of Lawembourg and Anhalt their origin and antiquity 157. Religion and titles of the Dukes of Lawembourg 166. Laws that oblige all Germany are made in the General Assemblies 62. League of the French Swedes Hollanders and Princes of Germany against the House of Austria 319. League of the Princes for and with the Emperor ibid. Whether a prince ought to be Learned 115. Counts of Leinneguen 234. The Tragical end of John of Leyden 188. Liege a Bishoprick ibid. Barons or Counts of Limbourg their titles and antiquity 235. Barons of Limbourg Deputies to the King of Bohemia as Great Cup-bearer of the Empire ibid. Lindau 276. Duke of Lorrain considerable for the situation of his Countrey 112. Lubeck its situation by whom built 275. Princes of Lunebourg and their Alliances 113. Who brought the Doctrine of Luther into Denmark 150. Lutheran Princes of Germany 208. Lutheran Cities ibid. Luther was born and died at Eiseliben 235. M. Counts of Mansfield
see what is done among their neighbours have no regard to understand what is doing in their own houses My opinion is that before you go out of Germany you learn the State of the Empire lest being skilful in forain things you remain ignorant of domestick affairs and desiring to become a Citizen of the world you be nevertheless but a stranger at home P. You have so often entertained me with relating the rarities of Italy France England and Spain that I am in love with those pleasant Countreys and then the Wars whereof the Low-countreys have been the Theatre and those also which the Swedes have succesfully begun and ended in the Empire inflame my heart with a desire to see Sweden and Flanders Nevertheless since you think fit that we should take a cursory view of the Empire I am content and do therefore pray you to tell me what it is requisite for me to know thereof that when I am in forain Countreys I may be able to discourse of my own and show that I am not ignorant of that which I am concerned to know G. The Ancients have written but few things touching our Empire and modern writers do so much serve and humour their own passion that it is hard to see clear in what they deliver yet because it imports you more to understand Germany then other Countreys I am content to answer unto every thing which you shall be pleased to ask me concerning the State of the Empire Do me the favour then to think of what you desire to learn upon that subject and propose your questions freely P. We will speak if you please of the head and the principal Members of the Empire of their power and authority of the rise progress and alliances of illustrious Houses of the order which they observe in Assemblies of the branches of every Family of the causes of love hatred and jealousie amongst them and of other such like things which shall come into my mind while we are discoursing of them And if occasion offer us any question Political or Moral you will oblige me not to let it pass without a rational discussion Now because Bodin and some other enemies of our State out of envy to see us for so many ages in possession of the Imperial Crown debase the Majesty of the Empire as much as they can and think that our Government is Aristocratical do me the kindness to undertake the defence thereof and acquaint me with the truth of the case G Strangers are to blame when they speak of what they know not and all men when they write contrary to their own judgement It is better to hold ones peace then to smother the truth for although many men hate it and great ones are not usually fed with this diet but under a disguise yet for all that it is pleasant and acceptable to all good and vertuous persons Well then there is nothing under Heaven that can equal the Empire and the title of Cesar and of Augustus is no where to be found but in Germany True it is they that speak of the Emperor as well Germans as strangers deny him an absolute power and I agree that he doth not all that he will nay as earthly powers are in perpetual motion I confess he is no more at such a high period of greatness as Charlemagne and the Saxons were But they that devest the Emperor of the title of Monarch and deny the Empire to be the most divine form of Goverment do equally offend both Him and Us. P. I do not think that the State of the Empire is purely Monarchical because the Emperor is not absolute G. If it were necessary that a Monarch to be so should have absolute power to do every thing that he would there would be no Monarchs at all but such as those monstrous Tyrants the Turk and the Muscovite Therefore when I yield to you that the Emperor doth not absolutely do what he will yet I must not forbear to assure you that he is a Monarch nay the first Monarch in the world and it is actually seen that all other Monarchs of Christendom do willingly give him place P. Is the Emperor subject to Laws G. The Emperor being a man and a Christian is obliged to observe both Humane and Divine Laws and because he promises and swears not to do any thing contrary to the Capitulation which the Electors prescribe to him after his Election doubtless he is bound to keep it in like manner as all Kings are not to violate the fundamental Laws of their State But the obedience he yields to his Laws doth in no case derogate from his right of Soverainty P. Is it not necessary in Monarchies that one alone should command and all the rest obey G. The word Obey should not be taken here in a strict sense it is sufficient that all the members of a Monarchy acknowledge the Monarch for the head from whence all their power dignity and glory is derived And in the case of our Emperor the Electors Princes and other great Lords do freely confess that their dignity is nothing but a beam issuing from the Imperial Majesty P. All men are not of your opinion and there are those who believe that the Princes of the Empire do not acknowledge to hold their greatness of any but God And really it seems that if they did acknowledge to hold it of the Emperor they would not in plain terms use this kind of style N. by the grace of God Duke c. G. That title is communicated to them with that of Elector Duke or Prince and experience teacheth us that when a Count who was not such by the grace of God is raised to the degree of a Prince he forthwith takes the quality of Prince by the grace of God From whence it follows that as no man is Elector Duke or Prince but by the Emperors grant in like manner these Princes are not qualified so but by way of Communication Nay it is impossible that they should be absolutely independent of any but God being as they are Subjects of the Empire receiving their dignity from the Emperor and doing him Homage for their Principalities P. Can the Emperor create Princes Counts and Barons to have place and vote in the Assemblies without the consent and concurrence of the States of the Empire for his so doing G. The Emperor by that ample power which inseparably adheres to the Imperial Majesty may raise persons of merit to the highest Secular dignities but because the States of the Empire might suffer some prejudice if he admitted into their Assemblies all the persons that his Majesty advances to the quality of Prince the Emperors have thought it reasonable to have the consent of the said States conceiving it but just that what concerns a whole body should be approved by the same P. Cannot the Emperor confer Ecclesiastical Benefices and give Bishopricks to whom he pleases G. He hath lost that right by
conclude a Peace and the Ambassadors there found themselves in a great strait how to satisfie the two principal branches of that House Each of them pretended to the Electorate the first having had possession thereof for many ages required the restitution of it and the second alledging the signal services he had done the Empire by which he merited that recompense would not consent to the Peace unless it were provided that he should still enjoy that honor In conclusion as Maximilian had many friends so Charles Lewis did not want his supports Whereupon they came to this agreement That Maximilian Duke of Bavaria should have the first Electorship to him and his posterity and an eighth place should be new-erected for Charles Lewis Prince Palatine of the Rhine upon this condition that if the Gulielmine branch hapned to fail before the Rodolphine these latter should re-enter into their ancient Electorship and the other newly created should be wholly abolished P. I do not wonder that these Princes did so earnestly desire the one to recover and the other to keep the Electorate in his Branch since it is believed that this dignity makes the possessors thereof not inferior to Kings G. The Electoral dignity is very great and they that are endued with it are in a more eminent degree then other Potentates of the Empire because they have power to make the Emperor But I do not think they may be equalled to Kings Nay I remember I have read that the last Duke of Burgundy of the blood Royal of France demanded precedence before the Electors at the Council of Basil and obtained his pretence P. I know that Duke alledging his high descent and the many Dutchies Counties and other Lordships in his possession obtained a declaration from the Council of Basil that in regard of his condition and his great Estates he should precede the Secular Electors But you also know that the Electors have taken place of Kings upon some occasions G. The King of Bohemia gives place to many others except when he is in the Diet for the Election of an Emperor and in the like case the Elector of Brandenburg hath disputed the precedence with Rodolph II. King of Hungary Nevertheless it is out of controversie that the Electoral dignity is inferior to the Royal And it may be proved by the order which the Electors themselves observe for the Elector of Bohemia when he was but Duke had the lowest place but having obtained the title of King he began to go before his Collegues only because it was not thought reasonable that a Royal person Crowned and Anointed should give way to those that were but barely Electors P. Though this dignity do not stand upon equal terms with that of Kings it is nevertheless very great but who is the chiefest among the Electors G. None of them disputes the precedencie with him of Mentz who is Dean of the Electoral Colledge appoints the day and place of the Election when the Emperor is dead or when it is necessary to choose a King of the Romans The second is the Elector of Tryer the third of Collen Thus the Ecclesiasticks take place of the Secular Princes of whom the King of Bohemia is the first the Duke of Bavaria the second the Duke of Saxony the third the Marquiss of Brandenbourg the fourth and the Count Palatine the last Notwithstanding which order I must think the Electors of the Rhine and Saxony to be above all the rest because during the vacancy of the Empire they are Vicars thereof and can do all that is in the Emperors power except giving Investiture to those that hold great Territories or Lordships in Fee of the Empire without being subject to give an account of their administration P. When is it that they choose an Emperor G. The Empire being destitute of a Head by the natural death of the Emperor by his own spontaneous demission or by his demerit when for his unworthiness he is deprived of it they proceed to the election of another P. Methinks it is very strange that they can dispossess an Emperor and much more that there should be any who would voluntarily resign their Crown G. Both the one and the other have been seen more then once and that we may not go too far back to seek for examples very remote from our time it shall be sufficient for me to tell you that Wenceslaus son to Charles IV. being become unfit for the Imperial Crown was forced to surrender it unto Robert the Elector Palatine in the year 1400. And when Charles V. had surpassed all his predecessors in merit and shown by nine voyages which he made into Germany six into Spain seven into Italy four into France ten into the Low-Countreys two into England as many into Africa and by passing the Ocean and Mediterranean Seas eleven times that nothing was impossible to a Prince of his resolution he would further manifest that he knew how to conquer himself and having called his son Philip into the Netherlands he put the Scepter of Spain with all its dependancies into his hands and by William of Nassau Prince of Orange sent the Imperial Crown to his brother who was already King of the Romans After which he retired himself to a quiet solitude in the year 1556. where he lived two more in the contemplation of heavenly joys and went to receive them the 21. of September 1558. P. It is a wonder that a Prince so inclined to honor the holy See did not resign his Scepter into the hands of the Pope G. That incomparable Monarch loved to have the See of Rome flourish but was not willing the glory thereof should be illustrated by the eclipse of the Empire He knew what he ought to the Church and what to Germany He was not ignorant that the Constitutions of Popes aim at the weakning of the Empire and the diminution of its authority but he knew also how to put a difference betwixt just and unjust And by that action he maintained the right of the Empire and yet did wrong to no body P. May a King of the Romans be chosen while the Emperor is living G. There are that think it ought not to be done because it is as much as to give occasion to one to wish the death of another Yet experience which is more to be considered then the speculative fancies of Doctors teaches us that Charles IV. Wenceslaus Maximilian I. and II. Rodolph II. Ferdinand III. and IV. were chosen in the life-time of their predecessors We have not any example that a King of the Romans hath been made against the Emperors will but I think it out of question that they who can depose an Emperor may also appoint him a Successor without his consent P. Some say that when they create a King of the Romans while the Emperor is living they set two Heads upon the Empire and two Masters over Germany G. So long as the Emperor lives the King of the
oâ— Saxony having taken Doctor Luther under hâ— protection left both his dignity and zeal entailed upon his son Iohn the Constant whâ— likewise transmitted them both to Iohn Frederick surnamed the Magnanimous Now it camâ— to pass that Charles V. moved with a zeal foâ— the Catholick Religion endeavoured to makâ— the Protestants submit to the doctrine of Rome which Iohn Frederick Duke of Saxony vigâ— rously opposed But on the other side Masrice son to Henry the Pious Cousin to this Elctor desiring to fish in troubled water anâ— do his own business took part with the Emperor and while that War lasted taking thâ— advantage of Iohn Fredericks absence entre-upon some of his Forts and Castles For which cause the Elector retreated out of Sueâ—ben and came to succour his own Territonâ— The Emperor pursued him beat him took him prisoner and stript him of his Electorship with which he invested Maurice Not long after a fear was awakened in Maurice his mind lest Germany might lose its liberty and the Protestants their Religion whereupon he asked leave of Philip Landgrave of Hesse and though he could not obtain it yet he made himself Head of a Confederacy which forced the Emperor to an accommodation of greater advantage to the Lutherans A little after Maurice died of the wounds he had received in a battel fought between him and Albert Marquiss of Brandenbourg This Prince was succeeded in the Electorship by Augustus his brother who having reigned till the first of October 1585. left the Electoral Cap to Christian I. Father to Christian II. and Iohn George the first of that name who died in the year 1656. and was succeeded by his eldest son P. So the Descendents of Iohn Frederick the Magnanimous lost the Electorship for his undertaking the defense of the Lutheran Religion G. So it was indeed and that Prince is so much the more to be admired that during his imprisonment and after he had lost all he exhorted every man to constancy and opened his purse liberally towards the relief of those that were persecuted for matter of Religion This great personage coming out of his captivity which had continued five years received his lands again which his Successors possess at this day and among others left two sons the elder of whom called by his Fathers name Iohn Frederick having entertained some Rebels in his Fortress of Gotta was besieged there taken and deprived of his estate which yet was restored to Iohn Casimir and Iohn Ernest his children The younger of the foresaid Electoâ— children called Iohn William bare arms for the assistance of Henry II. King of France and afterwards retired to Weymar where he married Dorothy Susan daughter to Frederick Ill. Elector Palatine by whom he had two sons from the elder of which comes Frederick William who resides at Altembourg and from the younger the Dukes of Weymar and Gotta are descended who are the only survivors of teâ— children that he had of whom the undaunted Bernard was the youngest P. I have heard say there is some dispute for precedency between the Duke of Altembourg and those of Weymar and Gotta his Cousins G. In this point there is no regard had to the proximity of blood because there is no yielding in part without losing all However this dispute was determined upon these terms That Duke Frederick William should precede as long as he lived and after his death the most aged should have that preference without respect had to any thing else For in the House of Saxony there being no right of Eldership all the Princes are equal and amongst persons of equal condition age only gives the precedency And it is to be understood that there is no regard had to the right of primogeniture but inasmuch as it concerns the Electorship in which case the nearest kinsman inherits it P. Iohn Casimir and Iohn Ernest sons of Iohn Frederick II. of that name who as you have mentioned above was kept prisoner in the Fortress of Gotta did they leave no children G. No and their Principalities were divided among their Cousins So as Duke Frederick William had the Dutchy of Cobourg and those of Weymar Gotta had that of Eiscnach By means whereof they are all well enough but as it is the custome of these Princes to share their lands equally the lots may chance to become very little for William Duke of Weymar hath four sons and Ernest residing at Gotta seven P. I perceive then that the Descendents of the Elector Iohn Frederick are divided into three branches and after the death of their Fathers they will be sub-divided into three times as many The Nephews of the Elector Augustus will do no less since they are four and likely to have more children I would willingly know out of what Houses they took their wives and what every one of them obtained for his part after the death of the Father G. Iohn George Elector of Saxony Father of another Iohn George and of Augustus Christian and Maurice died in the year 1656. and bequeathed by his last Will to Augustus Administrator of Magdebourg twelve Bailywicks about Hall and in Thuringia to Christian the Diocese of Marsbourg and some lands in Fordland Voidland and in the Mountains to Maurice besides the Dioceses of Naumbourg and Zeitz all that his Electoral Highness pretended to in the Principality of Henneberg and to Iohn George who is Elector besides the lands inseparable from the Electoral dignity he gave the upper and lower Lusatia with some Bailywicks about Dresden Ordering likewise that every one of these Princes should equally participate of the ready money Artillery and the Utensils and equipage of Hunting which he left P. Questionless those Princes must have found a vast Treasure for that Elector caused much money to be coined and so locked it up that very little of it was seen abroad Tell me now something of the marriage of these Princes and of their Sisters G. The Sisters of these Princes are still living and the eldest is married to George Landgrave of Hesse Darmstadt the second to Frederick Duke of Holstein and the youngest to Frederick William Duke of Altembourg The Elector was married the 13. of November 1638. to Magdelen Sibyll daughter to Christian Marquiss of Brandenbourg and hath had one son by her of his own name born the 20. of June 1647. Augustus took to wife November 23. 1647. Anne Mary daughter to Adolph Frederick Duke of Meklebourg and hath three sons by her Christian and Maurice were married upon the same day the first to Christina and the second to Sophia Hedwig sisters and daughters to Philip Duke of Holstein by whom Christian hath two sons and one daughter and his brother hath had children but they are dead as is the Mother also These are all the Princes of Saxony who have their habitations at Dresden at Hall at Marsbourg and at Naumbourg that is all the Descendents of the Elector Augustus They of the other Line which
as we have said was the principal are Frederick William Duke of Altembourg husband to Magdelen Sibyll daughter to John George Elector of Saxony by whom he hath a son and a daughter William Duke of Weymar Cousin to the former husband to Eleonor Dorothy daughter to John George Prince of Anhalt and Ernest his brother residing at Gotta who married Octob. 24.1636 Elizabeth Sophia daughter to Iohn Philip Duke of Saxony By which you see the alliances of these Princes as heretofore you learnt the number of their children For what concerns the voices they have in the Assemblies besides that of the Elector the Administrator of Magdebourg hath one the Duke of Altembourg two they of Weymar and Gotta each of them one and all together one for the Principality of Henneberg P. How did the Saxons come to inherit that Principality G. The Counts of Henneberg having flourished for above 800. years the Emperor offered them the quality of Prince which they accepted But as things of this world are of short continuance that House failed totally in the year 1583. and that of Saxony took possession of the estate by vertue of a Confraternity made between those Princes in the year 1554. This Principality is situated partly upon the mountain and forest of Thuringia partly on this side towards Franconia It remains undivided still because the Elector who hath five eighth shares in it hath not been willing to make partitions in severalty as the Dukes of Altembourg Weymar and Gotta desired him to do This Countrey lies very commodiously for the Princes of Saxony because it joyns their Landgraveship of Thuringia with the lands they hold in Franconia and gives them a passage of great difficulty in that mountain To conclude this House is potent by the extent and fertility of its lands by the great number of Nobility there inhabiting by its good mines of Silver and Copper and by the excellent Fortresses of Leipsick Wittenberg Dresden Konigstein and many others which put these Princes above parallel as well as that Soverain Justice they all exercise upon their own lands from which no man is allowed to appeal P. By what I understand these Princes are to be reckoned amongst the first and greatest of the Empire as well because the most illustrious think themselves happy if they can derive their Origin from this House as also because they are very highly priviledged And if I be not mistaken the Marquisses of Brandenbourg have no great cause to envy them G. I do not know of any King that comes in a direct male Line from the Marquisses of Brandenbourg Nevertheless this House is allied to all the great ones of Christendom and is no less potent those that are the most esteemed in the Empire It hath the Dutchies of Prussia and Cleve the Principalities of Halberstad Minden Sculemberg and Anspach the moyety of Pomerania the expectance or next reversion of the Dutchy of Magdebourg the Marquisate of Brandenbourg whereto the Electoral dignity is annexed in a word it hath so much land that to put it beyond comparison in Germany there remains nothing to be wisht but that the Estates thereof were contiguous P. Are these lands very distant one from another G. They are not so far off but that a Courier setting out from Cleve to ride to this Elector in the furthest parts of Prussia may lye almost every night in his Masters Territories from the Countrey of Cleve into that of Iuliers from thence into the County of the Mark so to Ravensbourg out of which he enters into the Diocese of Minden and from thence into the Principality of Halberstad from whence he reacheth the New Marquisate at night and so of the rest passing on through Pomerania All which voyage is two hundred German leagues long wherein he is not to be equalled by any Prince in Germany P. The Reformed Religion whereof this Elector makes profession differing from that of his Subjects he is thereby less powerful in my opinion and if he would embrace the Lutheran which his Grandfather forsook and as many believe only out of worldly considerations he would enlarge his power and if I be not deceived his Subjects would have more confidence in him G. This Prince is Reformed and all his Subjects except those of Cleve follow the doctrine of Luther but that abates not either the Princes love toward his Subjects or the Subjects obedience toward their Prince His Electoral Highness hath Preaching within his Palace after his way and permits the Lutherans to teach their doctrine through all his Estates Now the diversity of Religion between Kings and their Subjects is little prejudicial to a State except when they would lay violence upon consciences and force men in that which ought to be free P. I am of another opinion and am perswaded that difference in Religion hath poured out those deluges of blood which our Fathers and we have seen with horror in France and Germany G. It is most certain that Religion hath cost many thousand mens lives that it were to be wisht there were but one Religion in a State and that Philip the Prudent II. of that name King of Spain did many times say he had rather not have a Countrey then have it infected with Heresie I do also grant that France and Germany were in danger to perish in their blood by reason of different Religions but it was only when endeavors were used to force men to go to Mass against their will or to deprive Princes of the means to maintain their Subjects in the liberty of their conscience Otherwise Religion is a strong bulwark for the preservation of both those States and the Spanyard did not lose his hope of attaining to the Monarchy of Europe till he saw the Reformation stop the passage against his Gold as well as against his Armies P. I have heard it said that when Henry the Great came to the Crown of France all the Catholicks of Europe bandied their power to hinder him from sitting upon the Throne and that he had not arrived thither but by his valour accompanied with his Right and with the services which he received from the Protestants but I do not see wherein diversity of Religion is beneficial to Germany since the miseries of the last War proceeded from no other source but that G. Germany receives no less advantage from the Reformation of Luther then France from that of Calvin The Empire had been Hereditary before this time and the Princes become Subjects if the Reformation and the desire of maintaining Religion had not opened our eyes The Italians who are very clear-sighted in matters of State have perceived this long since and Bocalini when he brings in Apollo making answer to Sir Thomas Moore that all people will be Catholicks when the King of Spain will be content with Castile and the Emperor with the County of Habspourg shows manifestly that Religion defends us from slavery P. This digression hath not been unpleasant
to me and I believe as you do that Religion and the State do mutually support one the other But do not forget to tell me something of the beginning progress priviledges immunities and alliances of the House of Brandenbourg of which you have begun to speak already G. All they that discourse of this House make it the Head or a Member of the Colonna's of Rome As for me who cannot be perswaded that the great Houses of Germany came out of Italy but on the contrary following the judgement of Thomas Lansius hold it for certain that many great Families of Italy came out of Germany since the time of Charles the great I am of their opinion who would make Peter Colonna that built the strong Castle of Zolleren from which the first Counts of this Family took their name to descend from the ancient Guelphes that is from the Dukes of Brunswick which being so this House gives place to never a one in the Empire for greatness of Origin P. They that pretend to honor our Houses of Germany by fetching them either out of the Trojan horse or the ruines of Rome do not know that the Ancient Germans are of more worth then the fugitive Trojans and the effeminate Romans But I am of your opinion and desire only to be informed how these Lords acquired the honors and estates which they possess G. The Emperor Rodolph of Habspourg being desirous to give some testimony of the value he put upon his nephew Frederick Count of Hohenzolleren made him Burgrave of Nuremberg in the year 1273. and 156. years after upon the 18. of April the Emperor Sigismond raised Frederick V. Burgrave of Nuremberg to the Electoral dignity to recompense him for the acceptable services he had done in the War of Behemia and Hungary So the Princes of Anhalt who had obtained that Electorship by the favor of the Emperor Conrade the III. of that name in the year 1152. lost it by incurring the displeasure of the Emperor Sigismond Some while after certain differâ—ces arising between the Houses of Brandenbâ—â—â— and Pomerania they fell to open hostility aâ—â— at last to an agreement expresly declaring Thâ—â— in case the House of Pomerania hapned to 〈◊〉 the Marquisses of Brandenbourg should possâ—â— the Principalities that belonged to it and â—â—bert of Brandenbourg from great Master of 〈◊〉 Knights Marianites as he was making himself absolute Prince of Prassia received the â—â—vestiture thereof from the King of Polâ—â— The Dutchies of Iuliers Cleve and Berg wâ—â—â— the Counties of the Mark and Ravensbourg were divided between the Elector Iohn Sigâ—â—mond and Wolfgang William Duke of Newbourg some time after the War which thoâ— Principalities occasioned in the year 1610. As for that which this House possesses in Franâ—â—nia it is their ancient patrimony P. Why did not the Elector of Brandenboâ—â—â— take possession of Pomerania as soon as thâ—â— House was totally extinct G. The Elector neglected not his Right aâ—â— would willingly have taken possession of thâ—â— great Principality if it had not been in the hands of the Swedes But the Crown of Sâ—â—den being victorious in Germany and desirouâ— to keep sooting there would not hearken 〈◊〉 any peace but upon condition of leaving this Maritime Province to them it lying very conveniently for them Therefore as Conqueroâ—â— use to give the Law the Swedes kept the choicest of this Province and left the doctrine of Calvin with a part of Pomerania unto this Elector who by way of recompense for his loss obtained the Bishopricks of Halberstad and Minden and the expectance or reversion of the Archbishoprick of Magdebourg converted into Principalities P. I wonder why they should give this Elector three Principalities for the moyety of one and why the Archbishoprick of Magdebourg was not delivered into his hands immediately after the Peace as well as those two other Bishopricks G. I do not think the Lower Pomerania which the Elector hath quitted to the Swedes yields so good a revenue as the Principalities of Magdebourg Halberstad and Minden Nevertheless I am perswaded this Elector would rather have had that part of Pomerania then the three Principalities which he received in lieu of it by reason of the Sea-force he had thereby gotten and the inconvenience of having a potent Neighbour that keeps him in perpetual jealousie And therefore the States of the Empire having regard to those considerations have given him voices in the Assemblie as Duke of Pomerania and of Magdebourg and as Prince of Halberstad and of Minden Now because heretofore the Archbishops of Magdebourg and Bremen took their turns in the Direction of the Circle of Lower Saxony this Elector doth in like manner alternate at this day with the King of Sweden in the same quality As to your other scruple why the Dutchy of Madgebourg was not presently put into his hands you ought to remember that Augustus youngest son of the Elector of Saxony being in possession of it it was not thought meet to dispossess him thereof so long as he lived P. The Gazette hath often made mention of the difference between the Houses of Brandenbourg and Newbourg for the Dutchies of Juliers Cleve and Berg yet I could never learn the ground of it Do me the favour to tell me from whence that contest proceeds G. You are entring into a Labyrinth out of which Ariadne's clew will not bring us back if we pass further on Let it content you then if you please to know that all the Dukes of Saxony many Princes Palatine and amongst others the King of Sweden bear the name and Armes of those Principalities and that it is to be feared they may one day kindle a flame to consume a good part of the Empire Franskiâ—â— Chancellor of Gotta hath made a long narration of this matter in his Treatise of diverse Resolutions to whom I refer you It is sufficient for you at the present to learn that if the Fief follow the Males and that the daughters neither can nor ought to inherit the same the Dukes of Saxony have a better right to it then any other person because they obtained the survivorship of the House of Juliers in recompense of the services which Albert the Couragious did the Emperor and the Empire against Matthias Corvin King of Hungary who molested Austria and against Charles the Brave Duke of Burgundy who had laid siege to Neus and laboured to bring all the Archbishoprick of Collen under his Jurisdiction This grant was made to Albert by the Emperor Frederick III. June 16. 1483. and afterwards confirmed and amplified in the person and posterity of Ernest Duke of Saxony by Maximilian King of the Romans September 18. 1486. and by him again after he was Emperor in the year 1495. But in case it be supposed that Females may inherit those Fiefs it will be then demanded whether this Priviledge which was granted to Mary only daughter to William Duke of Juliers ought to be extended unto Mary Eleonor her daughter and to
their tranquillity depends upon the equal counterpoise of those two Kings and therefore use their endeavours to hinder the one from bringing the other too much under but I dare not affirm that either of them have such high thoughts True it is that every one ought to fear it and that the wisest Princes seeing the balance too heavy on one side help to make weight on the other The King of Sweden who is prudent in Counsel and valiant in fight will not be the last to apply a remedy when he sees the danger And if he should forget his own and the Empires Interest the Venetians Hollanders and Swisses would employ their money and power for the preservation of theirs and our Liberty P. Europe breeds a people so ingenuous knowing valiant and so opposite to servitude that it seems impossible for it ever to come under the obedience of one only person Let us then leave the Ambitious to rack and torture their minds with imaginary conquests and let us look upon the House of the Guelphes which heretofore possest a great part of Germany And if you will oblige me speak as distinctly of it as possibly you can G. This House which without dispute held the first rank after the Electors before the Archbishopricks of Magdebourg and Bremen were converted into Secular Dignities is put back those two degrees Nevertheless it comes not behind any one in antiquity and had its Territories all along the Elbe in the Countrey of Saxony when it followed the fortune of Albovin King of the Lombards first into Pannonia and afterwards into Italy where these people fixt their seat having driven the Goths out of it and gave their name to the Province anciently called Gallia Cisalpina about 200. years before the time of Charlemagne Then it was that this family acquired the Dutchy of Modena which it possesseth even at this day P. Do you think then that the House of Este which still holds the Dutchy of Modena and lost that of Ferrara in the time of Pope Clement VIII after the death of Duke Alphonso is a branch of this of Brunswick G. I make no doubt of it and when the Kingdom of the Lombards was destroyed in Italy by the arms of Charlemagne some Princes of this House came back into their own Countrey where they had still so large an estate and authority that the Emperor Lewis the Debonaire married Iudith a Princess of that family and had by her Charles the Bald who was King of France and Emperor This Empress had a brother named Henry to whom Lewis his Son-in-law son to Lewis Germanicus gave those lands which are now called Bavaria P. These indeed are fair and advantagious alliances which having made those Princes Brothers-in-law and Fathers-in-law to Kings brought them so considerable a Principality G. The Descendents of Henry did not long possess this Countrey for his line failing in Guelphe IV. his Nephews son the Emperor Henry IV. gave his inheritance to Guelphe V. son to the Duke of Ferrara who as we have said was of the same House And in process of time Henry the Proud Duke of Bavaria descended from Guelphe V. married Gertrude daughter to the Emperor Lotharius II. who brought him the Dutchy of Saxony for her Dowry The issue of that marriage was Henry Leo who together with Bavaria and Saxony possessed many great Principalities lying upon the Elbe and elsewhere P. How comes it then to pass that the Successors of Henry Leo have their Estate confined within the Dutchies of Brunswick and Luntbourg G. That Prince being of a high spirrit and not able to comply with the Emperor Frederick Barbarossâ— his Unkle was proscribed and expelled the Empire and when he was thâ—s driven out of his Estates he made his retreat into England to King Henry II. who gave him his daughter Matildis or Mawd to wife and procured his reconciliation with the Emperoâ— But because he had in the mean time disposed of the Dutchy of Bavaria in favor of the Count of Schieren whose posterity enjoys it at this day Henry Leo was restored to no more then the Dutchy of Saxony which Principality past a little after into the House of Saxon-Lawembourg by the marriage of Helen daughter to the Emperor Otho IV. and grandchild to Henry Leo with Albert I. of that name Elector of Saxony At that time Frederick II. gave the title of Duke of Brunswick and Lunebourg to Otho a prince of that House P. The misfortune of Henry Leo should serve for a lesson to Great ones and make all men see that it is necessary to honor Superiors and not to provoke ones Masters G. Many great Princes desiring to shake off the yoke of their due obedience have forfeited their right and lost that which they would not acknowledge to hold of their Soverain That was the quarrel against the King of England who was devested of the Provinces of Normandy and Guyenne by Charles VII King of France And if the Guelphes had husbanded their strength better and paid the Emperor the respect they ought him they had still been the most potent Princes in Germany P. They are far less at present then they were in the time of Henry Leo and yet they seem to be very considerable by their own forces and by their alliances G. All the Houses that have admitted the right of Primogeniture are better kept up then others This having a large Estate and four voices in the Assemblies is divided but into two principal branches which are equal in dignity but the elder in years of the two Chiefs precedes the other in the general and particular Assemblies They all bear the same title and if one branch happen to fail the other shall succeed it They have both of them good Fortresses Wolfenbottel Cel Hanover Lunebourg and Giffhorne are strong places under the command of these Princes Brunswick hath never submitted to their power still enjoying the right of a Free City though the Duke hath often used skill as well as force to bring it under his obedience These Princes can raise and maintain great numbers of Souldiers within their Territories And the neighborhood of Denmark and Sweden may yet make them more considerable the Emperor being always willing to gratifie them to keep them to him and strangers to gain them to their side P. It is certain that a Prince whose lands border upon a Forain State may easily make himself more valuable then if they lay in the heart of the Empire but there is a great deal of prudence to be used in such cases G. The Dukes of Lorraine and Savoye have always been very much considered for the situation of their Estates and the need that neighboring Monarchs had of their assistance For which cause Bocalini having brought them to be weighed at Laurence de Medicis his Scales finds them as heavy as Kings Yet if these Princes be not very quick and expert as well as valiant and resolute they may hazard the
loss of all Emanuel Duke of Savoye who had no equal in courage and but few in prudence having a little slackned the Maximes of his accustomed Politicks saw himself almost totally ruined and Duke Charles of Lorraine is still out of his Countrey for having justled against that party that was able to fall foulest upon him So that Frontier Provinces stand in need of Princes endued with an extraordinary vertue and an unparalleled vigilance otherwise they rather bring bring harm then advantage P. The present Princes of Brunswick and Lunebourg are so great personages that I make no question but they use a Policy worthy of themselves Tell me something of their Alliances G. All the Houses of Germany have great relations but one shall find few of them like this that hath had in marriage seven daughters of Kings one of an Emperor and four Electoral Princesses It hath also bestowed three of its Princesses upon Kings one upon an Archduke many upon Electors and far more upon other Princes of the Empire It hath likewise had in marriage Palatine Princesses Dutchesses of Brabant Saxony Cleve Pomerania Meklebourg Wirtemberg Saxon-Lawembourg and Berg Marchionesses of Brandenbourg Landgravesses of Hesse and in a word daughters of all the illustrious Houses of the Empire P. I think this whole Family is of the Protestant Religion G. When Duke Julius took the government upon him he spent three years in the Reformation of his Countrey and being assisted by the care and knowledge of Doctor James Andrew Chancellor of the University of Tubing brought his design to such perfection in the year 1570. that it continues in vigour to this day and learning in the highest ascendent by the diligence of the Professors which these Princes maintain in their University of Helmestad All this Family follows the doctrine of Luther except Iohn Frederick who was born April 25. 1625. and embracing the Roman-Catholick Religion in the year 1650. solaces himself at this time in Italy P. Hath this Prince many brethren G. The whole branch of Luntbourg consists of four young Lords of whom Ernest Augustus is designed for the Bishoprick of Osnabruâ— Iohn Frederick may arrive to eminent preferment in the Church if he engage not in marriage George William shall be setled at Haâ—vick and Christian Lewis their eldest brother hath married Dorothy daughter to Philip Duke of Holstein This Prince who resides at Cel is obliged to pay to each of his younger brethren 12000. Rix-dollars yearly and much more to the youngest Sophia Amelia their sister is married to Frederick III. King of Denmark and their Mother Anne Eleonor daughter to Lewis Landgrave of Darmstadt is yet living P. Pass on if you please to the branch of Brunswick G. The Head of this branch is Augustus the most knowing Prince of Europe He hath but three sons of whom Rodolph Augustus the eldest hath married Christina Countess of Barby as Antony Vlrick hath done Iuliana Dutchess of Holstein but Ferdinand Albert is a Batchelor So that these two Houses are almost equal in number of Princes as well as in extent of Territory P. I have oftentimes heard mention of the marvellous knowledge of that Duke Augustus and of the Books he hath published and the judgement which I have heard made thereupon obliges me to ask you whether it be necessary that a Prince be learned G. There is no doubt to be made but that Sciences do enhance and adorn the Titles and Souls of Princes as diadems do their heads and jewels their Crowns And although this quality be very rare yet it is necessary to those that would rule happily and gloriously Solomon Alexander the Great Ptolomee Iulius Cesar Augustus the two Antonines and Charlemagne had never attained to so great renown if they had not associated Letters with the sword and learning with valour Wisdom and Knowledge are such Royal endowments that the greatest men do not think any State happy if the Prince be not Wise and Knowing P. Since we are occasionally fallen upon this discourse tell me what Science Princes ought to learn G. The first and most necessary Philosophy of a Prince is to know how to do justice to his People and defend them from their enemies And to that end I think he should study to understand those persons that are able to serve him well and not to neglect the Mathematicks which teach him both to besiege and fortifie places as he ought to form Battalions and batteries to entrench a Camp and to take his advantage As to other things I do not desire that a Prince should spend his time upon Logical notions nor that he should like a Pedant be evermore bringing out some verse of Horace It is sufficient that he be ready in Sacred and Prophane History that he take a delight in Books and consult the dead to learn of them what none of the living dare tell him P. Then you do not believe it requisite for a Prince to be as skilful in Natural Philosophy as Bajazet in Astronomy as Alphonsus King of Aragon nor in Languages as the Emperor Frederick II. was G. It is as great a fault to aim at knowing too much as to learn nothing at all The Prince that hath studied too much despiseth his Counsellors and will fetch all his counsels out of his own head and he that hath learnt nothing is not capable to make choice of the best advices He that would oblige a great Lord to make himself as perfect in the Sciences as they that make it their profession deserves no less blame then if he should forbid him to learn above three words of Latine Learn then to express your mind in good terms read such books as may teach you to know the condition of your friends and of your adversaries be well instructed in truly Christian Politicks let it be your care distinctly to know those that love the publick Interest honor them with such offices as they deserve and leave the rest to your servants P. This subject leads us out of our way I pray let us recover it And since we have said something already of the Dukes of Pomerania that take their turns with the Houses of Meklebourg Wirtemberg Hesse and Baden let us take a view of these four one after the other G. The House of Meklebourg is derived from the Vandal Princes who joyning with the Goths struck terror heretofore into the Roman Eagles and bore their victorious arms in Italy Gaule and Spain P. Do not you believe that Bucephalus his head which they carry in their Escutcheon is not a sure mark that they are descended of one of Alexander the Greats Generals G. Genealogies that are so far fetcht relish more of the Romance then of History and Writers that insist upon such Fables do injury to ancient Houses For my part I think it better to confess my self ignorant from whence a Family draws its beginning then to make even the most credulous to question what is said of it
which are worthy of illustrious persons P. Doth it cost his Highness of Wirtemberg much to maintain the Professors and Masters of exercises which you now mentioned G. More then you think but that expense is not considerable in comparison of the glory which redounds from thence This Colledge and this University are the Pearls which do wonderfully set off the Crown of this Duke For although he be exceedingly at his ease though he have whatsoever he can wish though the delight of Hunting never fail him though every day present him some new delicacies made or growing upon his own Territories yet he would be much less spoken of in Forain Countreys if Eberhard the Wise had not founded that University if Christopher the Prudent had not projected this Colledge if Lewis the Pious had not built it if Frederick the Magnanimous had not endowed it if John Frederick the Peaceable had not preserved it and if Eberhard the Constant had not raised it to a higher point for the good of the Princes Lords and Gentlemen of the Empire P. Are none admitted into this Colledge but persons of quality G. This Colledge would not be illustrious if all sorts might be promiscuously received into it And these Princes having erected it for the education of persons of noble extraction they have thought it convenient to exclude those that are not Gentlemen born to the end that whilest there is none there but such as are obliged to aspire unto an eminent vertue and that have worthy Predecessors to imitate there may be nothing seen but such examples as may give furtherance to young Lords in the purfâ—â— of that mark they aim at Nevertheless it is sufficient qualification for the Masters and Governors of Great men to be modest knowing and pious P. I would gladly know in what manner they live in this Colledge G. Order being the essential principle of all Societies Laws have been made that appoint every one what he is to do and what he is to avoid These Rules are read unto such as enter into the Colledge to remain there and they all promise and engage before the President of the Colledge to observe them except great Lords who are not bound to those Laws but so far forth as decency and the command of their Parents enjoyns them to obey their Governors who are responsible for them and are themselves subject to the Laws which are extreme easie and require nothing of any man but what he cannot well omit without running counter to honour and honesty P. This Institution is worthy of such Princes But is the Dutchy of Wirtemberg so great that it can maintain this Colledge and the University of Tubing without incommodating the Prince G. This Countrey is not so considerable for the extent as for the goodness of the Soil and number of Lordships in which they reckon 63. Cities 158. great Towns 645. Villages 537. Water-mills and 14. Abbeys of large Revenue Before the War this Duke could have brought together 24000. men in 24. hours and at this time he hath a fair Militia afwell of Horse as Foot and many Fortresses whereof Schocenderf Habsperg Anach and Neïf are indifferent good and Hoheuvilz one of the best in Germany P. Do me the favour to acquaint me further with the Priviledges and Alliances of this Prince G. There is no Prince in Germany that hath more noble priviledges then this Duke Not one of his subjects can appeal from his Justice And for that purpose he hath a Presidial Court at Tubing composed of five Gentlemen four Doctors and as many Burgers who give definitive judgement upon all controversies that happen between his Highness Subjects both in Civil and Criminal causes also a Consistory formed of certain Divines and other grave persons who are skilful in matters Ecclesiastical and such as have any relation to the Spiritual as Marriages and Adulteries He hath other Councels also for affairs of State and of the Exchequor As to your demand touching the Alliances of this House I find that anciently the Males married Marchionesses of Brigan Dutchesses of Lernigen daughters of Kings of Poland and of Emperors Dutchesses of Bavaria Milan Savâ—y and Cleve Since they were Dukes Eberhard I. married Barbarâ— of Gonzage Eberhard II. Elizabeth Marchioness of Brandenbourg Vlrick Sabius daughter to Albert the Wise Duke of Bavaria Christopher Anne Mary Marchioness of Brasdenbourg Lewis Dorothy Vrsula Marchioness of Baden and Vrsula Princess Palstine Frederick had Sibyll Princess of Anhalt for the conservatress of his House John Frederick took Barbara Sophia Princess Electoral of Brandenbourg for an assistant and admirer of his Magnificence and Eberhard III. had Anne Catherine Rhingravess for the comfortress of his displeasures in the time of the War and Mary Dorothy Sophia Countess of Ottinguen for a partner of his felicity in the time of peace with whom he lived in such perfect union and harmony that it seemed as it were a taste upon earth of the life hereafter in Heaven P. Hath this Prince no children G. He had 14. by his first wife and hath still nine of them very sweet lovely persons The five Princesses speak French and dance as if they had been bred at Paris The eldest son John Frederick is excellent for horsemanship and at his Weapon William Lewis Frederick Charles and Charles Maximilian are but young but they carry in their countenances such characters of generosity as easily perswade me they will one day make the vertues of their bravest Ancestors live again P. Methinks you are very much addicted to this House and yet you do not tell me that one of the younger sons of Frederick the Magnanimous had Weiltingen and Brents and the youngest of all Monbeliard Ericourt Granges Horbourg Richeville and their appurtenances which give him a voice in the Diets of the Empire and almost all the Nobility in the Franche-County and Burgundy hold of him in Fee Also that this Princes Lands depending upon the Empire enjoy the same right that the Dutchy of Wirtemberg doth and that the eldest Son had the Dutchy entire and left it undivided to his eldest Son G. I have elsewhere said that the right of Primogenitute takes place in this House And since you are not satisfied with what I have told you hitherto you ought to know that the four daughters of Frederick the Magnanimous were married to John George I. Elector of Saxony John George Marquis of Zeguerendorf Frederick Marquis of Baden and Francis Julius Duke of Lower Saxony which are high Alliances The sons of Lewis Frederick Prince of Monbeliard are married the eldest to Sibyll Dutchess of Wirtemberg and the younger to Anne of Coligny Dutchess of Chastillon The younger son of Julius Frederick married a Countess of Aldembourg and the eldest a Dutchess of Mansterberg who brought him is dowry the Principality of Ols in Silesia Vlrick a younger son of the present Duke was General of the Forain Horse for the Spaniard in Flanders where he took to Wife Isabell
by the deceased Princes Subjects he added a clause in his Will to deprive that party of the right of Succession that should oblige his Subjects to change their Religion Notwithstanding which clause Maurice forced the inhabitants of his division to embrace the Reformation of Calvin Lewis taking Maurice to have forfeited the right he had to the inheritance complained of the non-observance of the Will Whereupon they took Arbitrators who judged that the Clause annext to the Testament could not deprive Maurice of the right he had as a Prince of the Empire of obliging his Subjects to follow his Religion Lewis appealed from this Arbitrary sentence to the Court of the Emperor where he found more favour and obtained a Decree that condemned Maurice and an Army that put Lewis into possession of the lands in question Maurice not being able to withstand the Army and the will of the Emperor gave waâ— to power So Lewis surnamed the pious and George his son possest those lands in peace 〈◊〉 Amelia Elizabeth Mother to William VI. hâ—ving an Army at her command used it so oâ—portunely that she drove George out of theâ—tigious Territories and forced him to another Agreement which was mediated by Erâ—â— Duke of Saxony in the year 1647. P. These contentions must needs begethtred between the two Houses But are they 〈◊〉 equal puissance G. That of Cassel is the elder hath prendence and more estate then that of Darmstrâ—â— but they are so far forth equal that each 〈◊〉 them hath a voice in the Assemblies and neither depends in any wise upon the other They are both well allied George Chief of the Branch of Darmstadt is married to the eldâ—â— daughter of the late Elector of Saxony his eldest son to a daughter of Frederick Duke 〈◊〉 Holstein and one of his daughters to Philâ—â— Lewis Duke of Newbourg William the present Prince of Cassel hath taken to wife a sister of the Elector of Brandenbourg and Williams eldeâ— sister is married to Lewis of Tremüoille Dolâ— of Toüars Prince of Tarante and the young est to Charles Lewis Elector Palatine P. You have already told me that Williâ—â— VI. was son to Amelia Elizabeth who governed his person and estate from the year 1637. till the Peace and her Regency was so renowned and so beneficial to that House that I think my self obliged to propose this question to you Whether they do not great wrong to Ladies that esteem them unable to govern a State G. I wonder there should be any Philosophers who dare affirm that the Female Sex is unworthy to bear the Scepter since Histories tell us that Ladies have preserved and enlarged the Kingdoms of Spain England Denmark Sweden Portugal and France that the five former never flourished so much as under two Elizabeths Margaret Christina and Loüyse and that the last was freed from the English yoke by Jane d'Arc commonly called the Maid of Orleans preserved in peace under the Regency of Blanche of Castile Mother to St. Lewis and the bounds thereof advanced under Anne of Austria Mother to the incomparable Lewis XIV the present King P. You will acknowledge that this Sex is usually weak inconstant and faint-hearted and that it is not able either to ride or wear armour for the good of the State G. It is the opinion of those who to decry Ladies tell us they are naturally inconstant fearful and cruel and when we object the illustrious examples of Roman Grecian Spanish German and French Ladies they say they are rare things and such as ought not to be drawn into consequence and that for one that hath administred the State well there be two that have abused their authority I confess they are not all sufficiently qualified to rule but I deny also that all men are so And I may confidently say that never any King of England was better obeyed then Queen Elizabeth that the bravest Swedish Commanders freely acknowledged their victories proceeded as much from the happy Genius of their Queen as from their own valour that Portugal ows its deliverance to Loyse de Gusman who governs it still with admirable prudence that Elizabeth of France wife to Philip IV. would have re-established the affairs of Spain if the impertinency of a Favourite had not held her at distance from the Counsels of the King her husband that the Hessians were never better ruled then by Amelia Elizabeth and that no Prince was ever more moderate in his prosperty nor more constant in adversity then this matchless Lady One example shall make you confess this truth In the year 1647. her Army besieged Paderborne and was forced to raise the siege with loss The news came to her while she sate at Table she read the Letter and told me We have ill news my Troops have been worsted and forced to leave a plate which it concerned me very much to have taken And so sate out her Meal without the least show of any alteration P. No more would a great man be much moved at such a loss G. I know Philip II. seemed not to be concerned when he heard of the victory won at Lepanto and of the losing of a Fleet which he thought Invincible but that Prince was singular in generosity and constancy And to prove that Ladies are worthy to bear the Scepter it is enough that we find some comparable to the most excellent of men P. I submit to your reason but withal I think there are not many Amelia Elizabeths to be found G. There are but few indeed because the malice or envy of men keeps them off from showing their ability and making their prudence and generosity admired Nay I make no question but if there were as many Ladies as there be Princes upon the Throne we should often find Female accomplishments superior to ours enough to make Philosophers recant and acknowledging their error to confess that Ladies are as much if not more excellent then men P. I perceive you love that beautiful Sex and understand their worth and if they had no greater enemies then you they should have the honour that is due to them I shall always be of the same opinion and if ten thousand Philosophers would perswade me the contrary I should not forbear to say and believe that there be many Ladies worthy to govern and would be many more if they were instructed and brought up to great affairs from their youth The end of the Fourth Dialogue Dialogue V. Of the same Secular Princes P. I Would gladly have heard something of the Marquisses of Baden in the preceding Dialogue because they take their turns with the other princes you last mentioned But I hope there is nothing lost G. These Princes as well as all that are Ancient hear many men speak of the beginning of their House but few that speak truth I do not desire to confute opinions contrary to mine nor to entertain you long upon such a subject It is enough for me to tell you what I have learnt from
those Marquisses themselves who have graciously communicated to me what they have drawn out of their own Records But before we go any further I desire you to take notice that the House of Hesse being divided into two Branches whereof one follows Luthers Reformation and the other Calvins each of them hath one Prince that hath withdrawn himself to the Church of Rome Frederick brother to the Landgrave George of Darmstadt grand Prior of the Order of Malta in Germany and Ernest Unkle by the Fathers side to the Landgrave William of Cassel who making as if he would dispute with the ablest men of the two Religions permitted by the Laws of the Empire hath embraced that of Rome together with his Wife who is of the House of Solmes P. I was not ignorant of that change of Religion which hath made noise enough throughout all Germany As for those Writers that fetch what they deliver concerning the antiquity of Houses either out of their own brain or from weak conjectures I think they are much to blame For my part I conceive there is no better way to know from what source Houses are derived then by the Charters and Epitaphs of the Houses themselves G. There are some that think Princes flatter themselves in this point and report fables for truths on purpose to appear more illustrious and more ancient And I am verily perswaded that many endeavour to usurp the Estates of others by vain and false Genealogies nay that our nature cannot endure any that doth not flatter it On the other side I cannot deny but that Princes themselves or their learned servants who have the custody of their Records must know the truth of their beginning and off-spring better then any other person Now the Marquiss George Frederick having caused his own to be searcht out with great care the Prince his Son communicated the same to me such as I here represent it unto you P. The truth is but one pure simple and without mixture Wherefore I pray tell me what you know not regarding the device of some that would draw this House from that of the Vrsins and others from that of Della Scala or the Scaligers some labour to show that Baden and Hochberg were two different Families and others that they are but one G. They that would have this House come out of Italy say that Frederick Barbarossa brought Herman Marquiss of Verona from thence and gave him the Marquisate of Hochberg which cannot be seeing in the time of the Emperor Conrade II. there were already Marquisses at Baden and at Hochberg It is therefore more probable that Berchtold I having two sons divided his Estates between them giving the greatest part thereof to his eldest son Berchtold II. with the title of Duke of Zeringuen and a good share to Herman his younger son with the title of Marquiss This Herman II. having married Judith inheritrice of Baden gave occasion to Herman III. whom he had by her to style himself Marquiss of Baden to take his Mothers Arms and transmit them to his posterity as he did Some while after the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa having ruined Milan and chastised Lombardy put German garrisons in all the strong places and left Herman IV. Governor of Verona When that Prince came back into Germany he was called Marquiss of Verona in memory of that Expedition and that name hath occasioned the mistake of those who write that the Marquisses of Baden are descended from them of Verona P. Then you hold it for certain that the Marquisses of Baden are descended neither from the Gothick Kings nor from the Scaligers nor the Vrsins nor from any Marquisses of Verona whatsoever but from the ancient Counts of Vindonissa and Altembourg who flourished a long time in Swisserland from whom also the Dukes of Zeringuen and Tek the Counts of Habspourg and the Archdukes derive their original G. That is my opinion and I believe it as true as it is certain that Herman Marquiss of Baden founded a Monastery in his Village of Backenau A. D. 1116. which Bruno Bishop of Spire confirmed at the request of the said Herman 1122. and which Herman the younger his son enriched with many endowments in the time of Lotharius II. or Conrade III. A.D. 1145. All which things were done by Marquisses of Baden before there were any according to the opinion of my Adversaries and by the Descendents of Herman son to Berchtold Duke of Zeringuen P. I believe your reasons unanswerable and am absolutely perswaded by them that the Marquisses of Baden did not come out of Italy It lies upon you now to prove that these Princes and those of Hochberg were both of the same House G. On St. Bartholomews day 1490. Christopher Marquiss of Baden and Philip Marquiss of Hochberg made an agreement and a reciprocal Testament whereby one of the Houses surviving the other was to be heir thereof because they both issued out of the same stock and bore the same Arms or with very little difference That Will and Testament was confirmed by the Emperor Maximilian I. A.D. 1499. which is sufficient methinks to prove that those Houses were but Branches from one and the same root P. I am satisfied with what you have told me concerning the unity and descendance of the Houses of Baden and Hochberg Let us now see into how many Branches that of Baden is at present divided G. This House which had been severed into two ever since the year 1200. was re-united after the death of Philip the last of the Hochbergian Branch by vertue of that interchangeable Testament made by him and Christopher as we mentioned before Now Christopher inheriting the lands of Philip A. D. 1503. possessed the two Marquisates till the year 1515. wherein he dyed and his lands were parted between Bernard and Ernest his children who are the Heads of the two principal Branches into which this House is divided at this time P. Make a little larger relation of this matter and show me how the Marquisses of Baden come from Bernard and those of Dourlach from Ernest both sons to Christopher who inherited the entire Estate of Philip Marquiss of Hochberg except the County of Newchastel in Swisserland which Jane daughter to the forementioned Philip brought in Dowry to Lewis of Orleans and it is still in the hands of Henry Duke of Longueville his Nephews son G. By the division thus made between those two brethren Bernard had Baden with its appurtenances He married Frances Countess of Luxembourg by whom he had Christopher who after Philibert his elder brother was slain at the Battel of Moncontour took upon him the government of his Estate That Prince married Cecily daughter to Gustavus first of that name and of his Family King of Sweden among other children he begat Edward Fortunatus Father to William present Marquiss of Baden Knight of the Golden Fleece and Judge of the Imperial Chamber at Spire William hath had two Wives and many children by the first
who was born Princess of Hohenzolleren he hath yet living Leopold William who serves the Emperor with great zeal and reputation Herman Canon of Collen with some others who are yet but young and Ferdinand Maximilian the eldest who knowing that Mary daughter to Amedeus IX Duke of Savoy had been married into his House was desirous to renew that alliance and to that purpose married Loüyse of Savoy daughter to Thomas Prince of Carignan A. D. 1653. by whom he hath one son Herman brother to William makes a Branch apart and hath children of both sexes marriageable P. Hath not this Prince Herman some land◠in the Countrey of Luxembourg and a son Canon of Collen G. Yes Ernest brother to Bernard and son to Christopher who had for his share the Marquisates of Hochberg Pfortzen Weiemberg Baden Vsysiler and Rhetel took to wife Elizabeth daughter to Frederick V. Marquiss of Brandenbourg His son Charles married Anne daughter to Robert Prince Palatine by whom he had many children who all died young except George Frederick He was not to be paralleled for valour and magnanimity yet was beaten at Wimpfen by the misfortune of his powder taking fire while the Battel was fighting which he thereupon lost when he was half-assured of the victory This Prince had two Wives Juliana Vrsula daughter to the Rhingrave Frederick and Agatha daughter to George Count of Erbach Of the latter there remain but Anne and Elizabeth Princesses no less knowing then vertuous and of the former by whom he had 15. children Catherine Vrsula Anne Amelia and Sibyll Magdalen who are thus married the first to Otho eldest son to the Landgrave Maurice and the other two to two Counts of Nassau Sarbruck Ernestine is for her rare vertue and admirable knowledge worthy of an eminent fortune and Frederick their eldest brother the present Prince of Dourlach an incomparable man for his skill in Mathematicks and Opticks hath had five Wives and many children the eldest whereof called by his Fathers name hath married Christina Magdalen the worthy sister of Charles Gustavus King of Sweden and daughter to John Casimir Prince Palatine of Deux-ponts who in his life-time knew better then any man how to get a powerful ascendent over the hearts of all that looked upon him He hath very fine children by her both for outward features and inward faculties The youngest called Charlemagne is eminent for vertue merit and military experience he is married to Mary Juliana Countess of Hohenloch and hath by her one son who will equal his courage and one daughter who will not be inferior to her Mother in comelyness of body and sincerity of heart Gustavus Adolph a younger brother of this House is serving his apprentiship in the school of the King of Sweden and of his brethren whom he will equal or surpass if God give him life and health as I wish him P. You tell me nothing of the controversie between these two Branches nor of the sentence which Edward Fortunatus his Successors obtained against the Marquis George Frederick and his son G. It is not good to rub old sores that are skin'd over nor to speak of differences that are silenced by a determination for fear of grieving those persons whom we respect It is sufficient for you to know that these Princes are good friends that they have forgotten all that is past and endeavour to oblige one another to the uttermost of their power The branch of Baden is Catholique that of Dourlach Lutheran and both zealous in their Religion but that zeal will not hinder them from being kind to one another as to their persons though their interest keep them asunder as to their party Each branch hath one voice in the Assemblies and the Marquis Frederick shall have precedence there as long as he lives but after his death the two Branches shall take their turns that is shall precede alternatively according to the resolution made at Munster by the last Treaty of Peace P. Since we have spoken of Houses in Germany that take their turns successively do me the favour to tell me the manner how that alternation is observed G. You may see in this figure how they sit for ten dayes together after which they begin again and continue as they were before every letter denoting the name of one of the five Houses that take their turns P M W H B M W B P H W H B P M H W M P B B P H M W P M W B H M P W H B W B H M P H P W B M B W M H P The five alternating Houses are Pomerania Meklebourg Wirtemberg Hesse Baden P. I wonder the Houses of Saxon Lawembourg and Anhalt do not precede these five or at least alternate with them seeing they hare had the Electorships of Saxony and Branderbourg at the same time G. The Houses you last mentioned are so far from preceding those five that they follow that of Holstein which comes behind the said five 'T is not that those two Houses are not ancient on the contrary I think their antiquity and greatness hath done them wrong for as we have elsewhere seen the Emperor Sigismond deprived them of the Electoral Dignity to give it to the Marquis of Misnia and the Burgrave of Nuremberg which so morrified those Princes that it made them neglect to appear in the Assemblies and gave opportunity to others to take their place P. I have read that those Princes kept the title of Elector long after they had lost the Electoral Dignity and when they could not have place in the Electoral Colledge they cared but little for taking it among the Princes But tell me something of the House of Holstein before we speak more fully of the other two G. I think I have told you already that the House of Holstein and that of Oldembourg are but one that it was derived from Witikind of Saxony and that after the death of Christopher III. King of Denmark the Danes chose Christian Count of Oldembourg into his place at the intreaty of Adolph Duke of Schleswick his Unkle by the Mothers side who leaving no issue behind him made this Nephew of his heir of a great part of the Cimbrick Chersonese and from that Christian it is that all the Princes are descended who have Reigned in Denmark Norway Schleswick and Holstein ever since that time P. The Kingdom of Sweden having been sever'd from that of Denmark under the Reign of the Princes of the House of Oldembourg it is fit you shew me when and how that came to pass G. I shall do it with all my heart both because you desire it and because I shall be glad in doing that to give some testimony of my gratitude to those Princes who have almost all of them obliged me You must know then that Christian the first of that name being 23. years of age was chosen King of Denmark A. D. 1448. A year after he married Dorothy daughter to John Marquis
King of Sweden And all these Princesses have children P. If promises be debts you are bound to tell me to whom the other Princesses of this House are married G. Elizabeth Juliana daughter to Frederick who resides at Nortbourg married Antony Vlrick Duke of Brunswick A. D. 1656. Her Cousins daughters to Philip are thus married Mary Elizabeth to George Albert Marquiss of Brandenbourg Augusta to Ernest Gunther Duke of Holstein Christina to Christian Duke of Saxony and Dorothy to Christian Lewis Duke of Lunebourg Hedwig is still to marry and Sophia Hedwig dyed after she had born two children to her husband Maurice Duke of Saxony P. Doth the whole Countrey of Schleswick Holstein and their appurtenances yield a great Revenue G. All these Dutchies together make up above 7000. Crowns of yearly Rent I would in good manners adde one Cypher more and make it 70000 lest the Estates of many private English Gentlemen should exceed the Revenue of these Dutchies And although a great part of the Countrey be taken up in Lakes and Forests yet it abounds with all things by reason of the Ocean and Baltick Seas that make many Harbors there There come out of Jutland above 12000. head of Cattle every year and a great number of Horses which are to be brought into the Castle of Gottorf and if his Highness will have any of them he may take them at 18. Rix-dollars a piece The Dutchy of Holstein contains 8000. Ploughs and yet it contributes no more then the City of Lubeck to the necessities of the Empire The peasants there are slaves and the Nobility rich ambitious and valiant as much as any in Europe P. I have heard you say you have drunk so good Spanish Wine at Gottorf Plone Redwisch and Eutin that I am perswaded the remembrance thereof hath made you stay so long in Holstein Yet you must come from thence and see whether the Romeldenph of Ratzebourg and the Beer of Zerbst will be able to keep you at the houses of the Dukes of Saxony and the Princes of Anhalt G. If you would give me leave to entertain you at large about the generosity of the Princes of Holstein we would speak of the horses rings and other gentile presents that were offered me at Gottorf Plone Redwisch and Eutin but since we must pass into the Dutchy of Lawembourg and into the Principality of Anhalt I shall tell you that the Duke Augustus and the Prince Christian have by their favours sufficiently obliged me to be a particular servant to their House which hath at the same time afforded Electors both of Saxony and Brandenbourg P. I shall be glad to know when and how those Princes got and lost those Electorships with the antiquity of their Houses their Titles their Alliances their Religion the number of the Branches whereinto they are divided and other things that you shall judge requisite for my instruction G. No man denies but that these Houses sprung out of one and the same root and that they are reckoned amongst the ancientest in Christendom but I hold it a vanity to enquire for a descent from Father to Son ever since Adams time to ours because the Ancients were more studious to deserve an immortal glory then to seek for Writers to transmit the same to posterity The Author of the Genealogical Tables which the Prince Augustus gave me at Pleskau in the year 1650. Affirms that these Princes were Kings Dukes and Generals of the Saxons even before the coming of Christ and sets down for Head of this Family Berenthobald who in the quality of King led the Saxons to the War against Hermanford King of Thuringia A. D. 524. Limneus goes higher saying they come from Ascana son to Gomer Nephew to Iaphet Noahs son However it be this House is extremely ancient it being above 1000. years since Berenthobald II. and III. were Generals of the Saxons against Clovis II. and Dagobert Kings of France and since Clovis III. King of France married Batildis daughter to Beranger a Princess of this House All which things make it evident that this Family was come to full growth before many very noble ones were produced P. Seeing those Princes were Kings or Dukes of the Saxons how comes it to pass that they kept not that Dignity G. Those titles were not always Hereditary Anciently the Saxons and many other people chose a Duke or a King when they stood in need of one for the War otherwise their State was Aristocratical and Dignities descended not to their heirs In the days of Charlemagne Witikind Head of the Saxons had Aribo Beranger his Son or Brother-in-law for his Lieutenant General And when they were vanquished by the valour of Charles and reconciled to him by the mediation of Henry Count of Henneberg Charlemagne honored Witikind with the quality of Duke and Aribo Beranger with that of Count of Ascania Ballenstet and Hircinia to them and their posterity When they were dead the Descendents of that House became Christians and the Emperor was Godfather to Charles Father to Poppo who took to wife Syndovine daughter to Lewis the Debonaire Emperor and King of France from whom all the princes of this House are propagated P. This indeed is a great alliance but tell me how they came to be Dukes of Saxony and Marquisses of Brandenbourg G. Otho the Great Count of Ascania Ballenstet and Wolpe having married Hileta daughter to Magnus Duke of Saxony had by her Albertus Vrsus who by the favour of the Emperor Conrade III. was made Marquiss and Elector of Brandenbourg the House of Stade being extinguished which had enjoyed that Marquisate a long time A little after Henry Leo Duke of Saxony and Brunswick having disobliged the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa was degraded from his Dignity and the same given to Bernard son to Albertus Vrsus in the Diet of Wirsbourg 1169. which dignity continued in his Family till the year 1423. as that of Marquiss of Brandenbourg did till 1417. P. Do not Princes offend against the maximes of true Politicks when they make their Subjects too great G. Theodosius Duke of Bragansa and the richest Lord in Portugal being dissatisfied with Philip III. his Soverain because he would not suffer the Duke to walk equal by his side absented himself from Court and the Kings servants foreseeing what danger there might be to let a person go away discontented that had so great an estate and authority in a Kingdom full of bad humours entreated his Majesty to satisfie him before he returned from Castile The King commanded he should be brought to him the Duke came and being at Court the King with an extraordinary sweetness said to him Pedid duque Ask what you would have my Lord the Duke whose heart was swelled up with his riches answered Senor los mayores de vnestra Majestad que tanbien han sido los mios hizierontantas mercedes a mi casa que no me queda nada que pedir Sir your Majesties Ancestors who were mine
it translating all the books that they count worthy of their pains P. There are some that undervalue Translations and endeavour to cast an imputation upon them as pernicious to the Common-wealth being causes of lazyness and negligence G. I know there be some learned men are sorry that an entrance is opened into the Temple of wisdom through an easier door then Greek and Latin But notwithstanding their opinion it is certain that Great men should not be debarred of the knowledge necessary for them under the specious pretenses that the Latin and Greek Tongues will be lost in Germany if men may find Learning in their native Language P. If Prince Lewis hath been fortunate in this commendable enterprize his Countrey is greatly obliged to him For these translations do not forbid any man to look into the Originals being only for such as have not time to learn the Languages which furnish us with books But of what Religion are the Princes of these two Houses G. Duke Francis Herman and Iulius Henry his Father who are at this time the eldest and ruling Princes of Saxon-Lawembourg are turned Catholiques the brethren of the forenamed Iulius Henry are Protestants as also the Prince of Anhalt residing at Zerbst All the rest are of the Reformed Religion and very zealous in it The first sort of these Princes take the title of Dukes of Saxony Hungary and Westphalia the other Princes of Anhalt assume that of Counts of Ascania Lords of Berembourg and Zerbst Lawembourg is a fine place upon the Elbe but the Castle is ruined and the Duke lives at Ratzebourg though he have nothing there but the Castle the City belonging to the Duke of Meklebourg The River of Sala crosses the Principality of Anhalt which makes it no less beautiful then fruitful But the Countrey is very little and the Princes stand in need of a greater estate to exercise the liberality to which they have so strong an inclination P. Liberality is the proper vertue of Princes and I think it were better for a great Lord to be profuse then avaritious G. Every man should take a true measure of his ability and give no more then he can well bear Prodigality hath a semblance of something more noble then avarice hath and really it is less odious nay they that gain by it make it pass for a vertue but perchance it is more prejudicial to posterity and no less dangerous then the other extreme Though a King should give away his whole Kingdom he would not satisfie all that ask no nor all that think they deserve much of him It is then more convenient to give with reason never to draw so near the bottom but that Great men may alwayes have wherewithal to gratifie persons of merit and above all they should take special care that their liberality be exercised without the oppression of the People to avoid murmuring which may produce Rebellion P. There is no need of making Laws against giving too much Princes are not so free and there are not many of them that want a Tutor or Overseer in that kind Let us go forward if you please to that which remains concerning the Princes of the Empire G. Seeing we reserve the Dukes of Savoy and Lorraine and the Princes of Orange for another place we have no more to speak of but the Princes of Montbeliard Henneberg Zolleren Aremberg and East-Frizeland P. Did you not say enough of the Princes of Montbeliard when you were discoursing of the Duke of Wirtemberg G. It is true indeed that the Principality of Montbeliard belongs to the House of Wirtemberg ever since the year 1397. at which time Eberhard the younger married Henrietta heiress of that fair Territory Yet it is good for you to know that the present Prince is son to Lewis Frederick grandchild to Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg who having had many sons gave to his youngest the Counties of Montheliard and Horbourg the Soverainty of Ericourt the Lordships of Blamont Clairval Passevant and Richeville with the Barony of Grangeâ— This Prince hath Salt-pits and Iron-works that yield him great profit and a voice in the Assemblies but hath never a child His younger brother keeps his residence at Horbourg and is married to Anne of Coligny by whom he hath children P. It is said that the Prince of Montbeliard had heretofore a hundred thousand Rix-dollars yearly Rent Pass we on to those of Henneberg G. These Lords have not long had the quality of Prince Their Family was utterly extinguished in the year 1583. and their Principality past into the power of the Dukes of Saxony by vertue of a Confraternity The seat of the old Race was at Eslesunguen where their Sepulchres are yet to be seen and many â—pitaphs that evidence the grandeur of that illustrious House which was in great credit in the time of Charlemagne P. There are few Genealogies to be seen wherein the Counts of Henneberg have not a place But since they are all gone I had rather you should give me an account of those of Hohenzolleren G. The House of Hohenzolleren is a Branch of that of Brandenbourg and so this Prince is Vicar to the great Chamberlain of the Empire and gives the Emperor water to wash when he eats in Ceremony if the Elector of Brandenbourg be not present Ertel Frederick Count of Hohenzolleren was made Prince at the Diet of Ratisbon in the year 1623. and all the eldest brethren of his House bear the same quality The present Prince married the daughter and heiress of the Count Henry of Berg his youngest brother is Gentleman of the Chamber to the Emperor and the middlemost Canon of Collen These Lords have estate enough and might be rich yet they are in bad condition for want of order and good husbandry P. The Princes of Hohenzolleren are of very high extraction and have a very noble habitation at Echingnen where the Castle is magnificent and Hohenzolleren is seated upon the brow of a high hill I would willingly know how those of Aremberg were made Princes of the Empire G. These Princes having performed great services to the House of Austria and specially to the King of Spain were advanced to the highest Commands in the Low Countreys where they were often honoured with the Collar of the Golden Fleece and at last obtained a place among the Princes of the Empire by the favour of the Emperor Maximilian II. Duke Albert son to Robert Duke of Aremberg and Claudina Countess of the Rhine married Mary daughter and heiress to Everard Prince of Barbanson by whom he hath left Octavius who at this day bears the quality of Prince of Aremberg and Isabel married to Vlrick Duke of Wirtemberg This Princess is of incomparable beauty and prudence and the Prince her brother extremely courteous P. Being this House hath its lands and habitations upon the King of Spains Territories you may discourse of it more at large in another place Let us now see that of East-Friseland
sacred Empire The Bishops of Mets Toul and Verdun do also bear the title of Princes of the Empire though they neither send any more to the Diets nor have the same power which formerly they had P. There being so many Lutheran Bishopricks converted into a Secular State I do not think the Protestants have many in their possession G. They have none but Lubeck which belongs to the House of Holstein ever since the year 1547. when Balthasar of Rantzau died When I was in that Countrey John Duke of Schleswick and Holstein was Bishop thereof and laid out the Revenue of his Benefice in doing good to the poor and maintaining Gentlemen that had not means to raise themselves at their own charge That Prince dyed A.D. 1650. and had one of his brothers sons for his Successor young in years but very hopeful This Prelate makes his residence at Eutin a fair seat upon a Lake four leagues distant from Lubeck P. Since you have done with the Benefices in Germany which have suffered some alteration you will be so kind as to speak of the others and to begin with Saltzbourg so much famed for its abundance of Salt which makes that Prelate extraordinary rich and for the situation of the City which puts it into the rank of the fairest and strongest in Europe G. Dignities are not only considerable for the strength riches and beauty of a place but also and more especially for the rank they give unto the persons that possess them The Archbishop of Saltzbourg is Legate born of the Apostolick See he alternates with the Archdukes in the Diets of the Empire and gives place to none but the Electors Paris Count of Ladron was long in possession of this Benefice with great honour and when he dyed made room for Gardobaldi Count of Thurin who comes not behind him either in vertue or magnificence P. There is enough said of the Archbishopricks let us see the Bishopricks G. The Catholick Bishops that still enjoy a seat and suffrage in the Assemblies of the Empire are Bamberg Wirsbourg Wormes Spire Eichstedt Augsbourg Constance Hildesheim Paderborne Munster Osnabrug Passau Strasbourg Frisinguen Liege Trent Brix and Basile of which nevertheless Osnabrug belongs to the Catholicks only by turns and after the death of Francis Count of Wirtemberg a most venerable Prelate who was plenipotentiary of the Ecclesiastical Electors at Munster and gave great proof of his prudence dexterity and magnificence to the satisfaction and with the admiration of all the Assembly I say after his death Ernest Augustus Duke of Lunebourg shall be Bishop of Osnabrug though he be a Lutheran All the rest that I mentioned do absolutely belong to the Catholiques greatly fortifying the Popes authority in Germany and bringing a large Revenue to Rome by the obligation the Prelates have to send thither for their Bulls P. I think I have heard that Prague and Olmuts were Suffragans to the Archbishoprick of Mentz and yet you make no mention of them G. These two Bishopricks were Suffragans to Mentz but afterwards united to make up the Archbishoprick of Prague which sends no Deputy to the general Assemblies of the Empire nor hath any place or voice there no more then the Kingdom of Bohemia And that is the reason why I speak not of them here P. Tell me something in particular of every one of the Bishopricks G. That of Bamberg is the first of the Empire it acknowledges no Metropolitan but depends immediately upon the Pope and its Subjects cannot appeal from the Justice thereof This Bishoprick is of Imperial foundation and the Bishop hath right to receive the Oath which the Electors are to take to the Emperor for their Offices of Great Cup-bearer Great Steward Great Marshal and Great Chamberlain And which is to be admired these Electors were anciently hereditary great Cup-bearers great Stewards great Marshals and great Chamberlains to this Bishop who in that had the same honour the Emperor hath though every one thought it strange to see the greatest Princes of the Empire in the service of a Gentleman He that is Bishop at present succeeded Melchior Otho Voite of Salsbourg and is of the same House that he was of This Prelate is exceedingly well lodged at Bamberg where he hath pleasant gardens and excellent walks of Orange-trees but the City is weak which enforces the Bishop to betake himself unto some other place in the time of Wars P. If I be not mistaken Francis Count of Hasfeld brother to him that was General of the Imperial Forces had this Bishoprick and that of Wirsbourg both together and after his death they were given the one to Melchior Otho Voite and the other to John Philip Schemborne Gentlemen of Franconia G. That is true and Anselm Casimir Elector of Mentz departing this life soon after John Philip Schemborne was put into his place with the general applause of all that know him This Prince is fortifying Wirsbourg Castle which is marvellously well situated upon a lofty rising-ground at the foot whereof runs the river Meyn The City is large and fair entirely Catholique as Bamberg is This Bishop bears the title of Duke of Franconia and it is denyed him by none but the Marquisses of Brandenbourg His Countrey is pleasant and well peopled his Subjects are free from all other Jurisdiction and his Fortress of Konigshoiffen is excellent So that this Prelate is able to assist his friends with great forces if he will make use of his men and his money P. He cannot be poor being both Archbishop of Mentz and Bishop of Wirsbourg But Churchmen do oftentimes think more of enriching their kindred then succouring their friends Let us look upon the rest if you please G. Wormes is the Head and Director of the Circle of the Rhine joyntly with the Prince Palatine of Simeren The City is vast as well as Spire and both of them being fit for nothing but to exhaust the Treasure and employ the Army of him that holds them in time of War the Great Gustavus upon that consideration judged it necessary to dismantle them Spire belonged heretofore to Philip Christopher of Sotteren Elector of Tryer who having fortified Vdenheim a Village upon the Rhine where he had a Castle called it Philipsbourg At present the French have a garrison there which costs the Bishop nothing but may in time of war annoy both him and the rest of his neighbours P. Is not this Elector he whom Ferdinand II. caused to be secured and who after he got out of prison engaged himself to France in a perpetual bond of amity and interest G. The very same who to the great grief of his enemies lived till he was 80. years old and dyed A. D. 1652. He was succeeded in his Electorship by Charles Gaspar de Legen and in his Bishoprick of Spire by a Gentleman called Lotharius Frederick of Meternik P. I think it very reasonable that every great Benefice should have its own Prelate G. And I am of the
same opinion but the contrary is often seen in Germany as well as elsewhere Passau and Strasbourg are in the hands of the Archduke Leopold William who is no Priest but administers them by Vicars General Eichsted is a Member of the Circle of Franconia the Bishoprick was founded by Willibald son to Richard King of England who dyed Iuly 7. A. D. 781. This Prelate is one of the most considerable for power in the Empire whether you look upon his Revenue or the Lords and Gentlemen that depend on him Neither he nor the Bishop of Wirsbourg are Directors of the said Circle but the Bishop of Bamberg when the Circle is assembled about Ecclesiastical affairs and the Marquis of Culembach when it is called together about matters purely Secular P. You make a distinction here which is not used in other places for the Bishop of Constance and the Duke of Wirtemberg are Directors of the Circle of Swaben and preside in the Assemblies whether the business under debate be Ecclesiastical or no. G. Most of the Circles have one Ecclesiastical and one Secular Director who call Assemblies together and preside therein without distinction of the matters to be treated on In the Electoral Circle the Electors of Mentz and the Palatine have that right in that of the Rhine the Bishop of Wormes and the Palatine of Simeren in whose room the Landgrave of Darmstadt was substituted during the last war In the Circle of the Upper Saxony that Elector alone hath the presidence of the Assembly in that of the Lower the Archbishop of Magdebourg and the Duke of Brunswick had formerly that right but now the King of Sweden as Duke of Bremen takes turns with that Archbishop without prejudice to the Con-direction of the Duke of Brunswick In the Circle of Westphalia the Bishop of Munster and the Duke of Iuliers have that right in that of Swaben the Bishop of Constance and the Duke of Wirtemberg In the Circle of Bavaria the Archbishop of Saltzbourg and that Duke are Presidents in that of Franconia there having been a great difference between the Bishop of Bamberg and the Marquis of Brandenbourg residing at Culembach it was resolved â—hat if matters purely Ecclesiastical be the occaâ—â—on of assembling the Circle the Bishop of Bamberg alone should have power to convoke it and then he presides there without controul but when the Province is to be called together upon business purely Political the Marquis of Culembach hath the sole right to do it and to preside in the Assembly And this agreement is punctually observed P. Though we be run into another Theam I am glad I have learnt who are the Heads and Directors of the Circles of the Empire And if it be not troublesom to you do me the favour to tell me who presides in the Circles of Austria and Burgundy and then continue your discourse of the Bishopricks G. The Princes of the House of Austria having exalted themselves to a degree above admitting any Peer will have no Companion in the Direction of their Circles and so the Archdukes alone are Directors of the Circle of Austria and the King of Spain of that of Burgundy This Prince since the war he had with the Hollanders hath sent no more Deputies as Charles V. promised to do when the Low Countreys were put under the protection of the Empire Now to pursue our discourse concerning the Bishopricks you shall take notice before we go forward that four Protestant Princes have Canonryes at Strasbourg to wit the Dukes of Brunswick Meklebourg and Wirtemberg and the Marquis of Dourlach P. I am informed that those Benefices are but little worth G. Those Princes value the Canonryes more because upon that account they are Members of the Chapter of Strasbourg then for the Revenue they yield which in truth is hardly sufficient to maintain a servant Augsbourg is famous throughout the World for the beauty of the City for the great number of Goldsmiths and other Artisans that make a thousand curiosities and because in the year 1530. the Protestant Princes did there present their Confession of Faith to the Emperor Charles V. Constance is known throughout all Christendom by reason of the Council held there by order whereof John Hus and Hierome of Prague were burnt without any respect had to the Safe-Conduct of the Emperor Sigismond P. They say Catholiques believe that faith ought not to be kept with Heretiques G. The most rational Catholiques abhor that maxime which if allowed destroyes Commerce ruines Treaties foments Wars sowes Discord quenches Charity and disannuls Religion A Prince should esteem nothing more precious then his word nothing more venerable then his faith nor more sacred then his promise King Francis I. said that if faith were utterly vanisht out of the World it should be found in his word And Charles V. having given his to Doctor Luther observed it religiously It is true indeed that the Spaniards not willing that Luthers Reformation should be charged upon that incomparable Emperor say that he kept his faith because Doctor Luther had already written much and that it would have been more prejudicial to the Church to put him to death then to let him live But that cannot be affirmed without too much diminution to the Glory of that great Prince Be careful then of promising a thing the observing whereof may be of damage to you but make good your promise what ever it cost you and though you should have past your word to a Turk do what you have undertaken P. It is generally said that a man should keep his promise but doth that rule admit of no exception G. Those things that cannot be promised with good reason do with as little reason bind to their observation For example If any one had promised to kill to betray to sell his Master or any other such like thing he would not be obliged to make good his promise for as much as he that promiseth those unlawful things promiseth that whereunto he neither hath nor can have any right And a promise takes its strength from the right which the promiser hath over the thing promised P. Is it not as unlawful to give an Heretique his life which he employes in seducing the People as to kill or beat another man G. Those things are not of the same nature A man cannot be beaten or killed without a violation of all Lawes but by keeping faith with Heretiques none at all are infringed All well-governed Nations have thought it just and necessary to keep their word where it was engaged When Croton a notorious robber presented himself Augustus commanded that sum to be delivered to him which he had promised to the person that should bring in the Bandites head And Pompey gave Pirates both their lives and means to live quietly only because he would not falsifie his promise But certainly there is no less obligation to keep faith with an Heretique then with a Highway-man and a Free-booter unless one believe
commended Tell me how the Prelates in these times obtain their Beneficeâ— G. There are two ways of creating Prelates in Germany the one is called Election and the other Postulation When the Chapter being Canonically assembled chooses one of the members of their Body to be the Head thereof or at least two thirds of the Canons give him their voices he is made Archbishop or Bishop by Election And if the same Canons think it fit to raise unto that Dignity some Prince or Prelate that is not of their Body they call that kind of proceeding Postulation Both these are lawful and the only practised ways in the Empire And it is all I had to tell you concerning the Ecclesiastical persons of Germany which may suffice you unless you desire to know whether they do homage to the Emperor P. I question not but Church-men receive their Fiefs from the Emperor and pay him homage for their Principalities but I would gladly know whether they be more strictly tyed to the Emperor or to the Pope and which side they would take in case his Holiness should make War upon the Empire G. The Holy Scripture teaches us that no man can serve two Masters and I believe the Churchmen of Germany would find the experieace of it if the Emperor and the Pope should have any quarrel or controversie For they are obliged to the Pope as Priests and Prelates and to the Emperor as Feudataries of the Empire They that prefer the Grandeur of Rome before that of Germany would forsake the Emperor and they that undervalue the fulminations of the Vatican would bear up the interest of the Empire against the Pope Now if I durst tell you my thoughts I do verily believe that of ten there would hardly be found one that would depart from the Popes interest P. I think so too and hold it for certain that Popes have brought down the authority of Soverains by the help of Churchmen G. That may well be for the bond of Religion holds men more strongly then any other duty And though wise men distinguish between the true zeal and the capricious humour of Popes yet the greatest part of Christians being perswaded that S. Peter cannot have any unjust pretension doth turn to his side without knowing at what he aims and whether it be by simplicity or malice the Priests have often brought misery upon their Countrey to bring their Princes under the Pope not considering that Soverain estates depend of none but God and that all Churchmen not excepting the Pope himself owe obedience unto their Princes P. The Doctrine of the Popes is absolutely contrary to yours The Holy Father may judge of all without being subject to the judgement of any body being the Sun of the earth and the Emperor but the Moon and therefore 6645. times bigger then he and having power to free the Subjects of another from the Oath they have taken to obey him with how much more reason may he exempt and withdraw himself from the obedience of every other Prince G. Flatterers give that power to Popes who abusing the same have oftentimes been the cause of great Rebellions But the people of this age are not so simple as those of former times who believing these fables forsook their Kings and brutishly spilt the blood of their Countreymen Christians now a dayes turn the eyes of their understanding upon the Primitive Church and see it evidently there that Popes were not alwayes so potent as they are now and indeed that they ought not to be so seeing they style themselves Lieutenants to Christ and Successors to S. Peter the first of whom did alwayes protest that his Kingdom was not of this World and the other teacheth us as well as S Paul that every soul should be subject to the Higher Powers From which words S. Bernard concludes that Popes ought to be subject to Princes P. Many things should be that are not But let us speak no more of the Pope or of his power Let us if you please see how those that preach against him obey their Princes and how Church-matters are administred amongst the Lutherans and the Calvinists in Germany G. It is most certain that the Reformation of Luther and Calvin makes Church-men subject to the Prince under whom they live It is nevertheless to be observed that Protestant Princes do not submit Ecclesiastical affairs to every Tribunal but they have each of them a Consistory where those matters are decided when they are of importance P. Have the Lutherans any Bishops to whom Priests are subject G. In Sweden and Denmark where both Kings and People received the Reformation of Luther they observe almost the same order as in the Church of Rome and persons constituted in Ecclesiastical Dignities have power to prescribe rules to others In Germany where the Lutheran Bishops are as absolute as the Secular Princes they have the right of commanding the Priests of their Diocese to do their duty The other Princes having in their Dominions Deacons Priests particular and general Superintendents do also oblige the inferior Clergy to give an account of their doctrine and lives to their Superiors and to receive their correction These Superintendents visit their Diocese once a year and make an exact enquiry into the Doctrine and mannen of all the Pastors under their inspection P. And have these Superintendents also any Superior G. G. No man is exempted from an obligation to obey the Laws and the greatest of the Clergy have a Superior who can and ought to chastise them when they commit any scandalous offence The complaints that are made against the lowest Priests being come to the Superintendents ear he makes inquisition thereinto and reports it to the Consistory where the ancientest or the most worthy Prelate of the Principality doth usually preside and that Consistory fortified by the power and authority of the Prince ordains what is just and reasonable imprisoning or degrading the offender when they think it necessary Briefly those Consistories are alwayes vigilant for the maintenance of Religion the enlargement of the Kingdom of Christ the peace of Consciences the good of the People and the upholding of Ecclesiastical Discipline P. Do all the Evangelique Lords so they term Lutherans observe the same order in their Territories G. When the errors that had slipt into the Church obliged Princes to reform within their own Dominions every one made choice of one or more personages of great piety and eminent learning by whose advice he framed and set up that order which he would have to take place in the Churches of his Countrey In the Dutchy of Wirtemberg where the Reformation was introduced by Duke Christopher a Prince of incomparable wisdom the Principality is divided into six Dioceses and for every one of them there is a Prelate called Superintendent General who is inspector thereof Those six Prelates have many special and particular ones under them and over them the Provost of Montgarat who presides in the
and those Lords prefer it before all other titles P. I do not think there be many Landgraves G. There is none but the House of Hesse that takes its chief title from thence The Landgraveship of Alsatia was transferred to the King of France by the Treaty of Munster that of Leuchtemberg to the House of Bavaria by the marriage of Duke Albert with Matildis heiress of that Principality that of Thuringia belongs to the Duke of Saxony that of Sausemberg to the Marquiss of Baden and that of Nollembourg to the House of Austria Besides these Landgraveships the Counts of Furstemberg take upon them the quality of Landgraves of Stillinguen and Bath and those of Sultz are styled Landgraves of Klegeu But these two last prefer the title of Count before that of Landgrave from whence you may judge that the Landgraves are not all Princes P. I conceive there is no Landgrave nor Burgrave but in Germany and strangers know not those names in their own Countreys G. Certainly there is no Landgraveship out of Germany but some think that Burgrave is that which Forainers call Viscounts or Viguiers I refer my self to the truth in this case and shall only tell you that they who fansie and take delight in Quaternions say there be four of them in Germany to wit of Nuremberg Magdebourg Strombourg and Reinek The two last whereof are no longer acknowledged for such For Strombourg is a Castle situate between Simeren and Creisenach which belongs to the Elector Palatine and Reinek is fallen to the inheritance of the Counts of Issembourg The Elector of Brandenbourg doth still bear the title of Burgrave of Nuremberg though Frederick V. of that name who was made Elector on St. Johns Eve A. D. 1417. sold unto the Burgers of Nuremberg the Castle which he had in that City and some Villages and Forests with the right of the Schultets or Aldermen for 240000. Florins reserving to himself the name and some rights That of Magdebourg belongs to the Elector of Saxony who bears the title thereof and the Arms which are a Demy-Eagle Argent in a Field Gules There are some other Burgraves as those of Kirchemberg Donau and Fridberg but they are not equal to the former P. Are the Archdukes ancient G. That name was unknown before the time of Frederick III. and I think Maximiliaâ— of Austria was the first that bore it And all the world affords no Archdukes but those of Austria As to the cause for which those Princes took up that glorious title I judge that the Emperors of that House seeing their Family arrived to the highest degree of power and dignity were desirous that it should have a peculiar name to it self and for that reason they would never communicate it to any one else though they have been entreated so to do very often and very earnestly Now the word signifies Prince or chief of Dukes as that of Archbishop signifies Prince or chief of Bishops But I do not see that the Archdukes have any Suffragan Dukes as the Archbishops who have Bishops under them P. I do not believe that the Archdukes pretend to have any Dukes their Suffragans but only to shew by that title that there is as much difference between them and other Dukes as there is between an Archbishop and a Bishop Tell me something of the Dukes G. The title of Duke is very ancient but it hath not alwayes been so considerable as it is now The Romans honoured their chief Officers of war with that name because they led on the souldiers to the battel After that and in process of time the state of affairs obliging the Emperors to have Officers of quality and long experience in war to guard the Frontier Provinces they sent some of their Dukes thither P. The Emperors did not appoint Dukes only for the Government of Frontier provinces seeing those that ly in the midst of the Empire are honoured also with the title of Dukedom G. The first Governor that bore the quality of Duke was he of the Marches of Rhetia a Countrey betwixt Germany and Italy which at this time we call the Grisons To that Province the Emperors sent a Duke to withstand the Germans who oftentimes endeavoured to make irruptions into Italy through that passage since which several Governors as well of other Provinces in the Empire as those on the Borders have had the same honour because it was thought necessary to send garrisons into those parts to keep the People in obedience and also by that means to provide an honourable entertainment for those Lords that had served well in the wars But as nothing is enough for ambition those Governors in the end made themselves masters of the Provinces which they had in charge And so the Dukes grew great by the diminution and enfeebling of their Head as the Marquisses Landgraves Burgraves and Counts in like manner did The word Duke is borrowed from the Latin Ducere as Hertzog in Dutch from words that signify a Conductor of an Army P. Are all Dukes of the same condition G. There is not one in Germany but is a prince and allied to Kings those of other Countreys are not so And whether you consider their antiquity or cast your eye upon their estates Alliances and manner of living they ought certainly to be preferred before those of Spain France and England and to be ranked equally with the greatest of Italy P. I know that in France the ancient Dukedoms have been united to the Crown that in Spain the proud Morisco humour gave the title of a Kingdom to the lands that are not worth a good County and that in England there is never an ancient Duke But before we enter upon a particular consideration of the Counts of the Empire I pray tell me whether the Dukes were alwayes greater and more illustrious then the Counts C We have seen already that the ancients called them Duces that led on souldiers to the battel and Comites those that were taken out of the Emperors Court to administer Justice to the Subjects of the Empire A little after the nature of those employments were altered and the Dukes became Generals of Armies or Governors of Provinces and the Counts chief Justices in the Cities and Provinces of the Empire And both of them made themselves Masters of the lands whereof they were Judges or Governors All those Lords assisted the Emperor in the beginning some at the Councel-board and others in the field all of them performing useful and beneficial service to the State Nay I believe without regarding the title either of Duke or Count the Emperors employed those Lords indifferently in the Palace or in the Armies so that it is hard to judge whether title was the more honourable Yet it is to be observed that there were some Counts by Office and others by Dignity that the former sort were raised to places of authority without regard had to their birth and the others were equal or very little
I do not believe it is your desire to know what Rents Fortresses Cities or Subjects every Count hath much less what they might be able to do all together For it would be impossible for me to answer you Imagining then that you only ask what place they have in the Assemblies and after what manner they give their suffrages there I answer that they sit immediately next after the Princes and that they have two voices one for the Bench of Wetteravia the other for that of Swaben For the rest in their particular Meetings every one hath his voice and being agreed they make choice of one out of their Body to carry their opinion unto the Colledge of the Princes P. Have all the Counts right to sit in the general Assemblies G. They only that are Estates of the Empire enjoy that priviledge and those that are not inscribed in the Matriculation-Roll nor contribute any thing to the necessities nor have any land immediately held of the Empire are absolutely excluded from thence P. Seeing the Counts that the Emperor makes in his hereditary Provinces are not admitted into the Assemblies there will be but few that have place there G. There were more formerly then at this time because some Counties have been erected into Principalities and many are swallowed up into the power of the Princes Tyrol Henneberg Montbeliard Tubing Oldenbourg Spanheim and Weldents belong to the Houses of Austria Saxony Wirtemberg Holstein and the Palatine Schawenbourg Hohenzolleren and East-Friseland have been made principalities the two first by Ferdinand II. and the last by Ferdinand III. who having Reigned twenty years almost in continual trouble entred into the rest of the Blessed the 2. of April in this present year 1657. Now those Lords taking place among the Princes encrease their number and power by the diminution of that of the Counts P. Are all those Counts whose lands have not been erected into Principalities of the same condition and dignity G. To provide a satisfactory answer to your question you must know there be three sorts of Counts in Germany not comprising those of Austria The first are Estates of the Empire as well in regard of their persons as of their Fiefs the second having one or more Lands holding immediately of the Empire and by reason thereof being Estates of the Empire do also hold a Fief of some particular Prince in regard whereof they are his Subjects and obliged to do him some service The third sort have no Fief holding immediately of the Empire and consequently no place in the Diets And thus some have more interest in the benefits and affairs of the Empire then others and seem to be of a higher condition P. All the Immediate Counts of the Empire are like so many little Kings and pay but very few acknowledgements to the Emperor Many of them coyn money and exercise other Regalities whereby they draw near to the rank and condition of Princes and for that cause the very Electors are not thought to marry below themselves when they take such Countesses to be their Wives I do not know whether it be so or no when they take others G. It is certain that the Electors have married Immediate Countesses and I think they might have married others without wronging their posterity There are some Counts who are Subjects and yet have born the quality of Princes for a long time being no way inferior to the greatest I shall not bring many examples of it since it will be sufficient to make you confess this truth when I tell you that if a Prince should marry a Countess of Egmâ—nâ— or of Horn he would do nothing contrary to his Dignity although those Counts were Subjects to the Duke of Burgundy because the first were Dukes of Guelderland and the other are of the House of Montmorancy which is the prime Family of France P. Give me a list of the Counts that have session in the Diets of the Empire G. I shall reckon you those that are come to my knowledge and place them after the order of the Alphabet for fear I should offend against that of their rank Badembourg Barby Bentheim Bramersdorf Castel Delmenhorst Eichemberg Erbach Eberstein Furstemberg Glerchem Hanau Helfenstein Hohehohe or Holach Hohengeroldseck Hohenlandsberg Kirchemberg Lewenstein Limbourg Lupfen Leininguen of Absperg Lippe Mansfeld Montfort Nassau Oldenbourg Ottinguen Orteâ—bourg Reitpolskirchem Rhingraves Reussâ—n Salme Saym Solmes Sults Schwartzbourg Stolberg Tenguen Waldek Walpourg Wied Wineberg Wolkenstein Zimberen The Counts of Schwartzbourg hold lands in Fee of the Dukes of Saxony those of Waldek of the Landgrave of Hesse and the Rhingraves acknowledge the dependance of Salme and Mâ—range upon the Duke of Lorraine P. I do not believe you can give me so exact a relation of all these Counts as you have done of the Princes but if you know any thing concerning them you will do me a pleasure to impart it to me G. I have used my uttermost endeavour to get a Genealogy of the Counts but could never compass it because for the most part they are ignorant themselves of the root of their own Houses So that I know but very little yet if you desire it I shall acquaint you with what I know P. Tell me something of the House of Nassau G. I intended to have spoken of the Lords of that House in another place yet reserving liberty to insist upon them when we shall discourse of the Republick of Holland in the establishment and preservation whereof they have had the greatest hand I shall tell you that some there be who seek the Origin of that House in Cesars Commentaries where he speaks of one Nassua a Prince of Suevia Others would have it come from Rome with the same Emperor and say he gave them the County of Nassau The most incredulous find it illustrious in the Empire many ages since and cannot deny but that Otho Count of Nassau son to John and nephew to Eberhard was General of the Army of the Emperor Henry the Fowler against the Hungarians and thâ—â— he dyed and was buried at Nuremberg At that time it had been long in possession of the Castle of Nassau in the Countrey of Hesse upon the river of Doüa near the place where the Moselle falls into the Rhine A little while after another Otho son to Walderam II. having married the heiress of Guelderland was made the first Count thereof by the Emperor Henry IV. A. D. 1079. and his Successors possessed it in the quality of Counts till the year 1339. at which time the Emperor Lewis of Baveris made Reinold of Nassau Duke of Guelderland A little after that Branch was totally extinguished and the Principality of Guelderland was united to that of Juliers The House continued howsoever potent in lands and number of great personages For Walderam II. left Walderam III. from whom came the Emperor Adolph and the Branch of Sarbrug and Otho III. from whom are descended the Prince of Orange and the Counts
of Nassan Bredâ— and Dilembourg who are great in number and consideration P. I know that House hath produced Heroical spirits that have made the world understand the King of Spain was not invincible and that William Maurice and Frederick Henry of Nassau stopt his Chariot when he was driving apace to the Universal Monarchy Tell not something of their Alliances G. There are few Houses in Europe which are not allyed to that of Nassau Otho married the heiress of Guelderland and brought that County into his House as that of Zutphen also in the year 1079. Another Otho was husband to Adelais who brought him the County of Viande and the Baronies of St. Vit and Grumberg about the year 1350. Enguilbert grandchild to Otho took to wife the heiress of Breda John married Anne Countess of Catzenelleboguen by whom he was Count of Dietz and Henry son to John married Claudina of Chaalâ—â—s upon whom he begat Renatus the universal heir to Philibert of Chaalons Prince of Orange Now Renatus leaving no children by Anne daughter to Antony Duke of Lorraine had for the Successor of his whole estate William of Nassau who was Founder of the Commonwealth of Holland That Prince had four wives Anne of Egmont Countess of Barc Anne daughter to Maurice Duke of Saxony Charlotta of Bourbon Dutchess of Montpensier and Loüyse of Coligni His daughters were married to William Lewis Count of Nassau Emanuel son to Antony King of Portugal Philip Count of Hohenlohe Frederick IV. Elector Palatine Henry de la Tour Duke of Bouillon Claude de la Trimouille Duke of Toüars and Philip Count of Hanau P. I did not think that House was so well allied G. Philip William eldest son to the said William married a sister of the Prince of Conde And William son to Frederick Henry his youngest son while he was in minority was married unto Mary eldest daughter to Charles I. King of Great Britain John brother to William had three Wives and amongst them Cunegonde daughter to Frederick III. Elector Palatine John who was husband to Margaret Dutchess of Holstein and Ernest Casimir to Sophia Dutchess of Brunswick The Counts of Nassau are also very highly allied Lewis married Anne Amelia and John Sibyll Magdalen both daughters to George Frederick Marquiss of Baden From whence you may easily see that there be few Princes so well allied as those of Nassau Lastly those of Sarbrug do still bear the title of Count and all the rest that of Prince P. That which you have told me of the House of Nassau encreases the desire I have to know the other Counts Give some particulars concerning those of Hohenzolleren G. We said something of them when we were speaking of the Princes to which I now adde that Eitel Frederick who was living in the year 1202. married Elizabeth daughter to Adelbert Count of Habspourg the Emperor Rodolph I. his own sister from whom the Electors of Brandenbourg and the Counts of Hehenzolleren are descended Frederick the Blad is very famous for his military exploits and Justus Nicolas for re-edifying the Fort of Hohenzolleren which had been ruined by Henrietta Countess of Wirtemberg and Montbeliard That action was the more illustrious because Philip Duke of Burgundy Albert Elector of Brandenbourg Albert Duke of Austria and Charles Marquiss of Baden laid the first stone of it using a Tray a Trowel and a Mallet all of Silver about the year 1480. The Lords of that House are Hereditary Chamberlains to the Emperor since the time of Maximilian I. who to recompense the services of Eitel Frederick VII of that name honoured him with that Office to him and his Successors P. The House of Furstemberg is very renowned in History I would gladly know something of it G. Those Lords were grown very illustrious in the time of Henry the Fowler to whom Lewis Count of Freibourg and Furstemberg performed great services maintaining at his own charge threescore men at arms against the Huns and he was a party in the Turnament held at Magdebourg in the year 935. He was son to Frederick and to Agnes daughter to a King of Scotland and from him are descended all those that at this time bear the name and arms of Furstemberg Conrade son to Egon and to Agnes Dutchess of Zeringuen being Bishop of Losanna and Cardinal of the title of St. Ruffina was chosen Pope and refused it P. There are more to be found that sollicite for the Popedom then that reject it when it is offered G. Egon brother to Conrade added to his other titles that of Count of Aurach and his Successors enjoyed it till about the year 1443. at which time that County past into the House of Wirtemberg Henry V. accompanied the Emperor Frederick III. when he went to be Crowned at Rome Henry his son dyed at Tournay in the service of the Emperor Maximilian 1. And William son to Courade is celebrated in the History of France for having served and disserved King Francis I. To conclude all those that are living at present are descended from Frederick and Anne Countess of Heclehemberg who left two sons Christopher and Joachim From the first come Elizabeth the worthy Spouse of Frederick Marquiss of Baden Dourlach Eleonor married to Jâ—hu Eusebius Fugger Count of Kirksberg John Maximilian Frebemus Maria John Martin and Frances a young Lady still and of extraordinary beauty From Joachim are descended Francis Egon Canon of Collen and Strasbourg great Steward great Chamberlain and Counsellor of State to the Elector of Collen Herman Egon and William Egon both Church-men Mary Frances widow to William Palatine and Duke of Newbourg and Ferdinand Frederick Egon Counsellor Chamberlain and Captain of the Halberdiers Guard to the Emperor Ferdinand III. This Count was born February 6. 1623. and communicated his Genealogy to me upon the ending of the year 1654. P. I should be glad that you would run through all the Houses of the Counts of the Empire that I might know them well but seeing that is impossible I shall content my self with what you will be pleased to tell me of them G. I will tell you what I know but that will be no great matter The Counts of Barby are allied to the Dukes of Brunswick and to the Princes of Anhalt and East-Friseland they use the title of Noble Lords Those of Castel are as ancient as the Empire in Germany they are of the chiefest persons of Franconia fruitful in vertue great in merit happy in alliance soverain in their Justice and might raise envy in many though they had none but Wolfgang George President of the Councel of State and great Steward of the Court of Wirtemberg a most excellent pattern of piety justice and integrity The Counts of Oldenbourg and of Delmenhorst are totally extinguished by the death of Antony Gunther who having made his name known amongst all the greatest Princes and secured his lands by the great number of Horses which he gave away to save himself from losing 1200. breeding
appearance there then his fellow it hapned at the three and twentieth Turnament which was held at Darmstadt in the year 1403. that the Gentlemen of Franconia and those of Hesse drew so much blood upon one another that there remained dead upon the place seventeen of the former and nine of the latter And yet some have been celebrated since but either that jealousie or the wars which suffer not men to think on such pastimes or other causes to me unknown have absolutely banisht those Exercises by means whereof the Nobility was powerfully attracted to vertue and obliged to accomplish and perfect themselves in all kind of Chivalry P. I believe that as none but Illustrious or Noble persons entred into those Turnaments the number also of the Knights and Squires was limited G. They confined the number of parties allowed to appear for fear it might otherwise grow too great and to avoid the confusion which would arise from too many Masters and Servants For that cause and in regard every mans charges were born there besides that they would admit no new Nobility no Bastard no Usurer none guilty of High Treason no Oppressor of Widows and Orphans none born of Parents whereof one was of base extraction and ignoble no Heretique Murderer Traytor no Coward that had run away from the Battel nor indiscreet person that had given offence to Ladies by word or deed they did also refuse to admit more then one of the same Family at a time Princes came into the Lists with four Squires apiece Counts and Barons with three a Knight with two and a Gentleman with one P. It may be those Exercises will be set up again in their pristine honour and in case that should come to pass I would gladly know what a man should do to be admitted thereunto and how he ought to behave himself being come into the Lists G. The place and hour for the Turnament being resolved they that had a desire to break a Lance there came thither at the time appointed and went to the Presidents Lodging to have their names written down which was done in the presence of three Heralds to whom the Champion delivered his Helmet and Sword and after he had been at Confession he presented himself in the Lists with one two three or four Squires according to the quality of the persons The horses of the Combatants were to be without fault or exception the Caparisons and furniture such as to give no offence their Saddles without any extraordinary raising before or behind and all equal After which they performed all kind of exercises on horseback and when the Jousts were ended every man repaired to the President of his Nation to wait for the sentence of the Judges And he that had best deserved the Prize received it either from the hand of some Lady or from the Prince that gave it P. If the Emperor should ever have a desire to see the skill and sufficiency of his Nobility in that way I would endeavour to make one there and though that should never come to pass I will howsoever take pains to make my self a good Horseman Now since we have discoursed enough concerning Turnaments tell me what you know of the Cities of the Empire G. All the Cities of Germany are either free or subject or partly free and partly subject Those of the first sort acknowledge none but the Emperor are Estates of the Empire and participate in the right of Soverainty the second depend upon Princes Lords and Gentlemen give respect to their Orders and obedience to their Justice the last are those which having been subject have obtained some priviledges from the Emperor from their Princes or by their swords And though they be almost Free yet have they neither voice nor place in the Assemblies nor do they quietly enjoy their pretended priviledges These Cities being rich and potent make bad use of their power endeavouring to shake off the yoke of obedience which they owe to their Masters to whom they give very little respect but try their uttermost to make themselves Imperial Cities Such are Brunswick Erfort and Embden which have evermore some matter or other of dispute the first with the Duke of Brunswick the second with the Elector of Mentz and Embden with the Princes of East-Friseland P. I imagine that the Cities belonging to Princes are neither so wealthy nor so fair as the Imperial G. That rule doth not alwayes hold There are some Imperial Cities to he found of no great consequence as Fridberg Aalen Weiler Gueminde Biberac Dunkelspiel and several others on the the contrary there are divers Cities subject to Princes surpassing in beauty magnificent in buildings and considerable for riches as Munchen Ingolstadt Dresden Wirsbourg Mentz Magdebourg Bamberg Stutgards and Lunebourg but they have not the same right which those lesser places we last mentioned enjoy P. I have often heard say that the Cities of Germany are neither so ancient nor of so fair structure as in other Countreys G. Many good Antiquaries assure us that the Cities on the East-side of the Rhine were built about the time of the Emperor Henry I. but those very Authors say that the City of Trier is one of the Ancientest in Europe and that Strasbourg Wormes and Spire flourished before the time of Julius Caesar As for the beauty and number of Cities our Germany yields to no Province in Europe The Italians who for the most part undervalue all that is on the other side of the Alpes from them cannot deny us that prerogative anst John Botero confesses that for that matter we may give them fifteen and a bisque using these words to that purpose I Thedeschi avanzano di gran lungai Romani And I am sure that the Constable of Castille who to disgrace the greatness and magnificence of Paris told Mareschal d'Ornano that he had left behind him the fairest Cities in Christendom would have changed his opinion if he had seen Germany and been forced to acknowledge in his heart though according to the Spanish vapours he would not have exprest it with his mouth that there is nothing in Spain equal to Antwerp Amsterdam Hambourg Collen Nuremberg Strasbourg Erfort and Augsbourg P. If the Cities of Germany excell all others in beauty then they are inferior to them in nothing for Bocalini esteems them without comparison richer then those in other places when he saith that Laurence de Medicis going about to weigh them the balance wherein he had already weighed all the Estates of Christendom broke not being able to bear so great a burthen But I suppose the houses of Great men are not so embellished in Germany as in Forain Countreys G. I pray be of another mind for when you have seen all Europe you will confess that the Cities and Castles where the Princes and Prelates of Germany make their residence are so stately in buildings so delicious in gardens so artificial in Grots so abounding in Fountains flowers fruits and
that are in possession of the Government and in places where the Principalities are divided into equal shares he calls all that have priviledge to sit in Diets as for example the Dukes of Weimar Altembourg and Gotta who have all voices for their particular Principalities But if all the divided Estates of Princes have but one voice as the Principality of Anhalt all the Lords together appoint one Deputy The Emperor doth also call thither some persons that have not right of Session as Count Papenheim who is always present there to execute the Office of Vice-Marshal And Charles V. caused Doctor Luther to be at the Diet of Wormes in the year 1521. And Rodolph II. called the Assessors of Spire to that of Ratisbon to give an account of their Judgements and Decrees in the year 1608. P. What is the Office of Marshal Papenheim at the Diets G. The Office of Vice-Marshal is 1. To choose Lodgings mark them and set them out for the Princes the most commodiously that possibly may be 2. To take care that all things necessary for the Assembly be brought thither and distributed at a just price weight and measure 3. To survey the Hall or room where the Assembly is to be held and to see it be adorned and fitted suitable to the Dignity of the persons that are to assist there 4. To have a special eye and regard to the publick safety 5. To signifie unto the Princes and other Estates the day and hour when they are to be present at the propounding of affairs and at debates and consultations where he also gatherâ— the voices and lastly he hath Jurisdiction over strangers that come to that place to sell and retail any commodity and the women of pleasure that come thither are obliged to present themselves before him to have their names registred P. As far as I perceive Count Papenheims Office bears a great resemblance with that of Grand Provost of the Household to the King of France But are all the Estates of the Empire obliged to appear in these Assemblies G. The Jurisdiction of the Grand Provost of the King of France his Household extends five Leagues compass about the place where the King resides he puts a price upon all that is sold for the use and entertainment of the Court and in that as in many other things he equals or exceeds the authority of Papenheim But that wherein he surpasses him indeed is that it brings him in 20000. Crowns yearly As to your question you must know that all the Princes of the House of Austria and the Duke of Lorraine are called to the Diets yet go not but when they please P. Are all the other Estates to assist there in person G. All other Lords and Estates as well Ecclesiastical as Secular having right of Session ought to go thither in person unless they be excused by age sickness or other such impediments in which case they are permitted to send their Ambassadors Now when I say All I do not in that generality comprehend the Abbesses who cannot appear with decency to their Sex nor the Cities which cannot be transported It is sufficient then for the Abbesses and the Cities to send their Deputies to the Diets The Estates that go thither in person present themselves to the Emperor when he is present and to his Commissioners when he is absent and they acquaint the Chancellor of Mentz and the Vice-Marshal with their arrival that they may receive advertisement of the day and hour when the Councel is to be held The Ambassadors and the Deputies do not present themselves to the Emperor but to the Elector of Mentz into whose hands they put the Commission or Power by which they are authorized to come P. I am sufficiently informed touching the persons that ought to appear at the Diets Oblige me now to tell me the Order that is observed there G. The Emperor usually goes thither first to the end it may be taken notice of that all other Princes repair to him On the day appointed for opening the Diet the Electors Princes and Ambassadors come to the Emperors Lodging and when the Emperor comes forth to go to the place where the Assembly is to be held all the Ambassadors of absent persons march before in good order two and two or three and three after the Princes the Elector of Trier walks alone and directly after him the Elector of Saxony carrying the Sword naked with the Electors of Bavaria and Brandenbourg at each side the first bearing the Imperial Ball and the other the Golden Sceptre Those Electors are immediately followed by the Emperor who hath on his right hand the Elector of Mentz and on his left him of Collen After the Emperor the King of Bohemia goes alone and after him the Empress when she is in place and her Majesty is followed by all the Ecclesiastical Princes who observe the same Order that the Seculars did P. I believe it is a very fine sight But when they are come to the room which Count Papenheim hath caused to be furnished as richly as can be how do they sit G. Being entred thereinto the Emperor seats himself on a Throne raised upon a scaffold covered with rich Tapistry The Electors sit a degree lower in this order the Archbishop of Mentz followed by him of Collen and he by the Duke of Bavaria take place on the right hand the King of Bohemia when he is present which happens very seldom the Duke of Saxony the Marquis of Brandenbourg and the Count Palatine sit on the left and the Elector of Trier directly over against the Emperor Some say that when there is a King of the Romans the Elector of Trier sits where I said the King of Bohemia was to take his place and the King of the Romans in that place which the Golden Bull assigned to the Elector of Trier Others would have the Elector of Mentz King of Bohemia and Count Palatine to sit on the right hand those of Collen Saxony and Brandenbourg on the left and he of Trier right opposite to the Emperor The other Princes Prelates Counts and Barons are a degree lower then the Electors the Ecclesiastiques taking the right hand and the Seculars the left P. There is nothing to be seen so illustrious as those Assemblies and I fancy that he who hath the honour to speak at the first opening of them sayes very handsom things G. When every one hath taken his place one of the Emperors Counsellors or a Prince on whom that charge is imposed rises up salutes the Company and in an excellent discourse gives thanks to all the Assembly for that in compliance with the Emperors order all those Princes and Lords have freely and cheerfully resorted to that place After which his Majesty continuing the Speech desires the Assembly in few words that they would contribute with all their might so as their Countrey may receive the fruit expected from them That being done a Secretary reads the
Proposition which usually contains no more then the points which the Emperor touched in his summons of calling the Estates together After that is read the Electors Princes and Ambassadors rise up and having conferred together a very little while one of the company answers the Emperor in the name of all the rest that by the proposition even now made unto them they understand the importance of the affairs which obliged his Majesty to call the Assembly together that they know he hath alwayes had and still hath a very particular care of the publick good for which they most humbly thank him assuring him they will do all that lyes in their power for the advantage of the State and to the end they may more maturely deliberate they beseech his Majesty to cause a Copy of the Proposition to be delivered to them and to take their persons and fortunes under the shadow of his protection The Emperor having heard that discourse gives command that the Proposition be communicated to them all exhorts them to give their advice upon every point and promises them his favour and affection Which being done his Majesty goes back again to his Lodging in the same Order as he came P. They say that in those Diets there is more time spent in regulating of places then in deliberating upon business that seldom any thing is resolved there and that one Diet alwayes begets another G. In Germany as well as in other places one equal submits not to another but against his will and the Emperor doth not willingly decide those controversies where the sentence cannot but de displeasing to one of the parties Now because the taking of places is not regulated in every respect nor perchance will ever be there ariseth always some stop to affairs which would not happen if every one were of Vlrick Duke of Wirtemberg his humour who upon a certain occasion where much time was lost in those vanities said that they should put him behind the door so they concluded that for which they came together As to the other branch of your objection they do rarely resolve any business because it is hard to reduce many heads and different interests unto one and the same opinion P. It were well that every one should know his place or be less concerned for it but since that cannot be we must let those abuses take their course Tell me now how they sit when they give their suffrages G. The Estates of the Empire having had some time to consult among themselves the Elector of Mentz sends a note to him of Saxony and he to the Vice-Marshal of the Empire requiring him to give advertisement unto all whom it may concern to repair the next day unto the place appointed at such an hour in the forenoon Which order the Vice-Marshal obeys The Estates having received such notice meet together every one in their own Classe whereof there are three The first is that of the Electors the second that of the Princes as well Ecclesiastical as Secular of the Abbots Counts and Barons the third of the Imperial or Immediate Cities The Electors being met together he of Mentz sits at the upper end those of Trier and Collen on his right and left hand by turns they of Bavaria and Brandenbourg alwayes on the right and the Saxon and Palatine alwayes on the left hand P. As far as I perceive the Electors know their places do not other Princes and Lords know theirs as well G. The Golden Bull assigns a certain place to each Elector but it is not so with the other Lords no nor with the Imperial Cities which have alwayes some protestation to make against the wrong they pretend to be done them The second Classe is distinguisht into two Benches Upon the first sit the Archbishops Bishops Abbots and Abbesses the Grand Master of the Teutonique Order the Archdukes and the Duke of Burgundy upon the second are placed all the Secular Princes Counts and Barons that have right to sit in those Assemblies As to those of the first Bench the Duke of Burgundy seldom sends thither the House of Austria take then turns of precedence with the Archbishop of Saltzbourg who is now the only man left of that quality that sits in the Diets and the Grand Master of the Teutonick Order precedes all the Bishops And further then this I do not know what Order the Bishops and the Abbots observe in their Session As to the Secular Princes the younger sons of the Electoral Houses precede the other Princes whose manner of sitting hath been sufficiently declared already The third Classe is that of the Cities which are also distinguisht into two Branches the Deputy of Collen holds the first rank amongst the Cities of the Rhine and he of Rutisbon amongst those of Swaben P. I can give a near guess of the order observed by the Princes in taking their places and would now understand how they give their voices G. In the first Classe the Elector of Mentz takes the voices proceeding after this manner He first asks the Elector of Trier his opinion and then him of Collen in the third place of the Duke of Bavaria then of Saxony after of Brandenbourg and lastly of the Count Palatine After all which the Elector of Saxony asks him of Mentz his suffrage which is of great importance because being the last he can sway the Balance to which side he thinks good P. The Electors have every one a voice in the deliberations Have other Princes and Lords the like G. In the second Classe the Archbishops Bishops Abbots and Abbesses that bear the quality of Princes the Grand Master of the Teutonick Order and the Secular Princes have for every person one or more voices the other Prelates have two voices amongst them all and the Counts with the Barons as many I say there are some Princes that have more then one voice because it happens that one Prince hath more then one Principality and then he hath as many voices as Immediate Lordships to which that right is annext For example the King of Sweden hath a voice for Bremen for Verden and for Pomerania respectively as also the Elector of Brandenbourg for the same Pomerania and for the Principalities of Halberstad and Minden If there were but one Duke of Brunswick he would have four voices and one Duke of Saxony would have above five or six P. I think I am skilful enough in this point Let us proceed to the suffrage of the Cities G. We have seen before that the third Classe is distinguisht into two Benches The first contains all the Free Cities of the Rhine Alsatia Landfortey Haguenau Wetteravis Baxony and Thuringia the other contains all the other Free Cities of Germany The City wherein the general Assembly is held hath the Directory that is the Deputy of that City is seated near a Table with some Senators and a Register or Clerk of each Bench and gathers the voices asking the opinion first
of the Deputy of Collen then of him of Ratisbon afterwards he returns to the Bench of the Rhine and so to that of Swaben continuing in that manner till he hath done By which it is easily seen that there is not the meanest City but hath a voice amongst the Cities if it have right to sit amongst them but they have but two voices for them all together in the Body of the Empire represented compendiously in the Diets P. What affairs are treated on in those Assemblies G. The matters handled in the Diets are all very important regarding Religion or the Civil Government as may be seen in the Recesse of the Empire which contains the resolutions taken in the general Assemblies and the Ordinances therein made Here you are to take notice that in the Assemblies plurality of voices is usually followed in all sorts of business but because the Catholiques taken in grosse are in greater number and have more voices then the Protestants it hath been thought necessary for the peace of the Empire to take an equal number of persons when they would decide any thing in matter of Religion and where scruple of Conscience might strain too hard upon Justice Which is very useful in a Countrey where two Religions are permitted and specially where the parties are almost equal P. Having discoursed of the time the place and the order of Diets as also of the persons that call them and of those that ought to meet there and of the matters there treated on I pray tell me how the Conclusions are made G. The Conclusion of the Diets is taken as followeth The Electors having pitched upon a Conclusion amongst them send it to the Colledge of the Princes who approve or reject it and that either in whole or in part and send back their opinion to the said Electors Upon this opinion of the Princes the Electors deliberate again and return their deliberation to the Princes desiring them to weigh their reasons if they rest satisfied therewith the business is done but if they persist in a contrary opinion an Appeal is made to the Deputies of the Cities who sometimes adhere to the opinion of the Electors and sometimes to that of the Princes and when they also dissent from both the other Classes as oftentimes they do they propose new Conclusions to which the Electors and the Princes make answer endeavouring to draw them unto their opinion These contrarieties are very often longer then were needful and then the Emperor exhorts them all to agree and in all things to prefer the publick before their own private Interest Such exhortation doth oftentimes prevail so far that every one abates a little of his opinion and comes to an agreement in the whole or in part and when they conceive that things are brought to as good terms as they can expect they send them to his Majesty for his approbation From this difficulty of bringing persons to be of one mind whose interests and desires are so different proceeds that ordinary saying That one Diet is the mother of another and from thence also come those Assemblies of Deputation which we have briefly touched before P. You forgot at that time to tell me who they are that use to sit in the Assemblies of Deputation G. There were anciently called thither all the Electors except the King of Bohemia the Archduke of Austria the Bishops of Wirsbourg and Munster the Duke of Bavaria the Abbots of Weingardt and Ochsenhausen the Count of Furstemberg and the Cities of Collen and Nuremberg At this present besides those above named there are also called the Directors of the Circles of Swaben and Burgundy the Dukes of Brunswick and Pomerania and the Landgrave of Hesse In these Assemblies the Emperors Deputy makes the Proposition to the rest who have every man one voice but when they are voting upon a Conclusion all the Electors together have but one voice and all the other Deputies another P. I am well satisfied in this point but your preceding discourse having informed me that opinions in the Diets are oftentimes stiffely and obstinately held on both sides hath left me in a doubt which obligeth me to ask you whether in case the Estates cannot agree the Emperor should have the power to resolve matters and decide the controverted difficulties according to his own will G. You throw me into a field where Writers fence to the right and to the left all of them bringing probable reasons on their side Excuse me if you please from examining them for I am of opinion for my own part that Conclusions ought to proceed by the consent of the Emperor and the Estates together and that neither the Emperor nor the Estates can conclude any thing alone Nevertheless in your case submission should be given to the Emperors judgement because the obstinacy of the Estates might occasion dangerous factions faction Civil Wars and Civil War the universal ruine of the Empire And moreover it is to be thought that the Emperor being as a common Father to the Princes and the Estates hath as great a care of their good as of his own P. I do confess that in that case obedience should be yielded to the Emperors judgement and that sober and rational men should always choose rather to quit a little of their priviledges and immunities then to kindle a flame in their native Countrey Let us see what is done when the Conclusions are taken G. When the Assembly is come to an agreement and the Head hath prevailed upon the Members or the Members brought the Head to consent unto their opinion the resolutions are set down in writing and signed before they be published Heretofore the Emperor alone signed them or in his absence the King of the Romans afterwards there was added thereunto the Sign and Seal of two Electors two Princes one Abbot one Count and the Deputy of the City where the Assembly was held At this time the signing is as followeth The Recesse that is to say the Act being written in parchment the Emperors Seal is applied below upon two small silken cords joyned together which are then parted in two again to the right side and to the left upon the right-side cord there is impressed the Elector of Mentz his Seal if he be present or in his absence one of the Ecclesiastical Electors below that the Seal of the first Ecclesiastical Prince there present and of one of the Prelates in the third place On the left side of the Imperial Seal the first Secular Elector there present puts his just over against that of the Elector of Mentz then the Duke of Bavaria or in his absence the most eminent Secular Prince then present and in the third place a Count of Wetteravia or of Swaben by turns Lastly the two cords are closed again and fastned with the Seal of the City where the Assembly is kept When that is done the Elector of Mentz reads it openly and then all the Princes and Lords
wait upon the Emperor to his Lodging P. Are all these formalities absolutely necessary G. They are all so necessary that without them the Recesse or Act would not have the power of a Law nor oblige any one to the observation of it But I should have told you that two Originals are drawn Signed and Sealed in the same manner one of which is laid up in the Chancery of the Empire whereof the Elector of Mentz hath the custody and the other in the Chancery of the Emperor There is also a Copy sent to the Chamber of Spirt Here you must take notice that these Acts are framed and written in the German Tongue to the end that all the Subjects of the Empire may understand them neither can they be in any other Language by an Edict which the Emperor Rodolph made to that purpose in the year 1274. The end of the Ninth Dialogue Dialogue X. In what condition the Empire was when the peace was concluded at Munster 1648. And of the Golden Bull. P. WHen the unwelcome news of the Emperor Ferdinand III. his deplorable death had sounded in the ears of all Germany it struck a sensible sorrow upon the hearts of all those that love peace which he had procured for us and fear the disorders which usually happen in the time of an Interregnum I am one of that number and that fear carrying my thoughts back to the sad and calamitous times of his Reign I desire you to tell me something of it G. Ferdinand III. Son to Ferdinand II. Nephew to Charles Archduke of Gratz and great Nephew to the Emperor Ferdinand I. being born the 13. of July 1608. was placed upon the Throne of Hungary in the year 1625. and two years after upon that of Bohemia Then having given proof of his valour prudence and piety he was chosen King of the Romans at Ratisbon in the year 1636. and on the 9. of July 1637. when his Father dyed he took the Reins of the Empire into his hand and was effectually Emperor though his Enemies refused to give him the title till the beginning of the Treaty of Peace which was concluded at Munster the 24. of October 1648. That Prince having enjoyed but little health and less quietness upon earth entred into the fruition of Eternal rest in Heaven the second of April in the year 1657. which was the 20. of his Reign and the 49. of his Age. P. The decease of that pious Prince was the innocent cause of the dispute which is at this day between the Electors of Bavaria and Palatine the first pretending that the Vicarship of the Empire is inseparably annext to his Electorship and the other to the possession of the Lower Palatinate And I remember I have heard you say that Frederick V. Father of this Palatine accepted the Crown of Bohemia which Charles Emanuel Duke of Savoy Bethlelem Gabor Prince of Transylvania John George Elector of Saxony and Maximilian Duke of Bavaria had justly refused when the Bohemians desirous of novelty rejected their King out of which temerarious engagement grew that War which hath afflicted Our Countrey for a long time Now being I hold it more necessary to know the condition wherein Germany was at the beginning and end of our troubles then to learn in what state Rome was at the time when Julius Cesar broke and dissolved the Triumvirate I pray tell me what you know of it G. It is good to know ancient Histories but much better not to be ignorant in the modern I therefore commend your curiosity and for the satisfaction thereof shall tell you it is worth your observation that the peace of many years had filled Germany with riches debauchery and evil humours which could not let Great men be quiet in the enjoyment of their superabundant happiness I do not know whether it be that our nature is always longing for new things or that God usually punishes our excesses even in this life But so it was that the Head and principal Members of the Empire entred into a misunderstanding and distrust of one another while the first endeavouring to enlarge his authority found himself in danger to lose it and the latter desiring to preserve their priviledges filled their states with misery desolation and infinite mortalities P. Some think that the House of Austria being arrived to a formidable greatness projected designs proportioned to its strength and would have made it self absolute as well in Germany as in its Estates of Spain and Italy the apprehension whereof possessing our Nation made it resolve upon the dangeroufest way of preserving it self which is to call in Strangers G. As in eating one bit whets the stomach for another so it is in rule and Government where every addition creates a desire of enlargement Yet I do not believe the House of Austria which is naturally pious and just had ever a design to enrich it self out of the spoils of another but the affection it bears to the Religion of Rome doth easily perswade me that it would willingly have leaped over any other consideration to see the Protestants under the yoke of the Pope P. Do you think that the zeal of Religion which is remarked in those Princes was the cause of our Civil Wars G. It is not impossible but that zeal might have carried the pious disposition of Ferdinand II. upon some enterprize which might clash with that liberty of Religion which was tolerated by the Edicts of his Predecessors and if you adde thereunto with what ease he dissipated the dreadful Forces which Frederick V. Elector Palatine Bethlehem Gabor and his other Confederates had drawn together you will make no further doubt but that his good success inflamed and heightned that zeal of his and that the same great Prince believing his victories to be visible evidences that God called him to humble and bring down every thing that did not acknowledge the See of Rome would have endeavoured to force consciences and make Rome to be reverenced in every place where his Sceptre was obeyed P. Malvezzi pretending to show that the House of Austria took up Arms only in its own defence says that the greatest part of the world conspired its ruine in the year 1625. G. That Marquiss desiring to raise beyond all comparison the merit of Don Gaspar de Gusman Count of Olivares and Duke of Saint Lucar favourite to Philip IV. King of Spain says that by vertue of a League made at Avignon Europe and Africa laid their heads and joyned their hands together against the House of Austria and that the felicity and prudence of that Favourite was such that the King his Master remained victorious every where For says he when it was resolved that the Hollanders should set upon Brasile the Armies of France and Savoy should assault Genoa the King of England should send a Fleet to Cadiz the King of Denmark with the Protestants of Germany should trouble the Empire Venice should assist the Duke of Savoy with
money and the Grisons with money and ammunition to enable them to enter into the Valteline that means should be used to make peace between the Turk and the Persian to the end the first should invade Germany through Hungary and Bethlehem Gabor through Transylvania that the Hollanders should furnish Canon and Canoneers to the Moores of Africa to besiege Mamora and Larache Yet that whirlwind was scattered by the breath of God by the prudence of the Catholique King and by the counsel of the Conde Duke for that Lord sent a Fleet to Brasile which recovered the Bay of Todos los Santos that the Hollanders had taken Genoa and the Valteline were relieved by two Armies which rescued the first when it was brought to the last gasp and preserved the Catholique Religion in the second the English were forced to let Cadiz be quiet after they had lost 5000. men there the Hollanders lost Breda the Africans were repelled from Mamora and Larache with notable loss and after the King of Denmark was beaten at the Battel of Lutter and many other encounters he was finally shut up into a corner within his Isles P. It is true that Christian IV. King of Denmark did his business but ill in Germany and that after the defeat of Frederick V. Elector Palatine of Charles Count of Mansfeld of Christian of Brunswick Bishop of Halberstadt of George Frederick Marquiss of Dourlach and of that King the Emperor was at a high point of prosperity and power G. After all those victories the greatest part of the World thought Ferdinand II. unconquerable as well as he had been unconquered before Now all Europe looking with an evil eye upon the too flourishing condition of the House of Austria and the Emperor endeavouring to re-plant the Monks in their Cloysters from which they had been long excluded and it may be to force all the Members of the Empire to go to Mass Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden animated with the desire or at least with the pretense of maintaining the Protestant Religion and Lewis XIII King of France fearing that the oppression of Germany might bring both the Empire and Europe into slavery they confederated with the Stares of Holland and some German Princes So the Emperor had his hands full on one side with the valiantest Prince that ever wore sword for many years past and on the other the wisest Cardinal that ever was honoured with the Purple And then Ferdinand knew that be had not fastened and secured the instability of Fortunes wheel P. Hercules had not been strong enough to resist so many powerful enemies then it is no marvel if both the counsel and courage of the Emperor were shaken G. The Emperor was not alone to bear that shock For having honoured Maximilian Duke of Bavaria with the Dignity of Frederick V. Elector Palatine he found him ready to follow his fortune and serve him with all the strength of his mind body and estates Ferdinand Elector of Collen brother to Maximilian did the same and the Duke of Lorraine forgeting his own Interest embraced that of the House of Austria the Prelates and some other Princes of the Empire did the like and entred into a Confederacy for that purpose P. Those were strong parties indeed especially being amongst Nations that do not easily take Arms and when they are once taken do more hardly lay them down G. When the Forces of two Enemies are equal if piety employ them to preserve liberty of Conscience or vain-glory to get more Crowns they produce sad and dismal effects and bring destruction upon many Provinces And so it hapned here where love to Religion having united the Protestants of Germany to the King of Sweden the current of his prosperities was so great and so sudden that if death had not put a stop to his victories without doubt his best friends would have had cause to entertain both jealousie and fear of him But when that Mars had shot like thunder from the four corners and through the midst of the Empire so that neither powerful Armies deep Rivers thick Forests nor impregnable Forts could stop the Torrent of his good success he was slain at last the sixth of November 1632. That death did somewhat slacken those unparalleled prosperities but a little after the Generals that succeeded him being assisted with the counsel and good instructions of Cardinal Richelieu and with the Treasure of France laid the foundations of a longer and bloodier War Which obliged the Elector of Saxony and some other Princes to change Interest and endeavour to keep up the greatness of the House of Austria So the Emperor being supported by the Catholique King some Electors and other Potentates of Germany and Italy and the Swedes assisted by the Forces of France Holland and some Protestant Princes the match became so equal that the War held on sometimes with gain sometimes with loss from the year 1630. till 1648. P. It is said that the last War of Germany continued 30. years without intermission G. It is true that the Bohemians being perswaded that the Emperor Matthias derogated from their priviledges and the liberty of their Religion when he gave judgement for the Catholiques in the case concerning some Churches which the Protestants had built at Brunaw and Clostergrab conceived strange designs of revenge and trusting to their own Forces and those of their Confederates they threw the principal Officers of the Realm headlong down from a Tower created a new King and took the field so suddenly that Ferdinand II. their lawful King and new Emperor had cause to say that Crowns have as much sharpness from their thorns as lustre from their precious stones But all that the Elector Palatine the Counts de la Tour and Mansfeld the Marquiss of Dourlach and the King of Denmark attempted did but serve to augment and improve the Forces glory and confidence of the Emperor I count here only from the King of Swedens entring into Germany till the Peace in which time there were fought within the Empire seven pitcht Battels fourteen exceeding bloody Fights and divers others of less note which have reduced our Countrey unto so miserable a condition that one can hardly find a whole unruined house in the Campania nor one Province throughout all the Empire that hath half so much people in it as it had before the last troubles P. Famine and Plague those usual attendants of War came also into play and rifled a world of people But since the relation of past evils is pleasant to those that have gone through them it will not be troublesome to you to tell me at what time in what place and by whom those Battels and Combats were fought and who had the better or the worse in them G. The first Battel was given at Leipsick in Misnia between Gustavus Adolphus King of Sweden of glorious memory on the one part and the Imperialists with their Confederates under the command of Count Tilly on the other
wherein the Swedes got the victory September 7. 1631. The second was fought at Lutzen not far from Leipsick November 6. 1632. between the Swedes having their King for Generalissimo and the Imperial Army commanded by Albert Wallestein Duke of Fridland In that Battel the Swedes had the victory by the resolution of Bernard Duke of Saxony and their other Generals but it cost them their King who was the Cesar of our age and the Emperor on his side lost the flower of his Souldiers and the Achilles of Germany I mean the incomparable Godfrey Count of Papenheim P. That King whose valour was beyond all example ought not to dye but triumphing and Papenheim could not fall but in the company of so great a Prince But it is a thing very extraordinary that an Army should remain victorious where the Commander in chief was slain in the very beginning of the Fight and we hear but of few Princes that have triumphed in their death Pass we on to the other Battels G. The third was at Hamelen July 28. 1663. between the Swedes Hessians and Lunebourgers commanded by George Duke of Lunebourg General of the Circle of Lower Saxony and the Imperialists under the conduct of the Counts of Merode and Grandsfeld where the latter were worsted The fourth which was the first wherein the Emperor had the victory and was one of the bloodiest that had been seen in 30. years before dyed with generous blood the Plains of Nortlinguen an Imperial City of Swaben September 6. 1634. Ferdinand King of Hungary who afterwards was Emperor commanded his Fathers Army and being seconded by the Troops and person of Ferdinand Infante of Spain and of Charles Duke of Lorraine he assaulted and vanquisht Bernard Duke of Weymar and Gustavus Horn Marshal of Sweden who commanded the Swedish Troops That victory was so great that the Swedish party had apparently fallen to nothing if the most Christian King had not contributed his cares and forces to set them up again P. After that Battel John de Werdt took and stript above 50. Gentlemen or Gentlewomen at the Castle of Neuberg G. I have reason to remember that misfortune for though I were at a great distance from thence yet I lost very much there The Fifth made Wistock in the Marquisate of Brandenbourg much spoken of It was there that John George I. of that name Elector of Saxony who had embraced the Imperial Party and was assisted by General Hatzfeld was beaten by John Bannier that Heroical Swede September 24. 1636. The sixth was fought at Leipsick in the same place where the first was without any alteration but that the Imperialists took that ground which the Swedes had before but though they changed their place they did not change their fortune for Torstenson overcame the Archduke Leopold William and Octavio Picolomini Duke of Amalfi renowned Generals of the Imperial Army P. The Catholiques have hitherto won but one of the six Battels wherein they engaged with their enemies Who got the last victory G. The Swedes that were entred into Bohemia under the command of Leonard Torstenson did there at a place called Jancou set upon Count Hatzfeld General of the Imperial Forces and utterly routed him Feb. 24. 1645. These two last Battels together with many combats and taking of Towns gained an immortal name to that Swedish General who was forced to leave the exercise of Souldiery before he was forty years old the Gout having taken away the use of all his Limbs except his Tongue which I have heard him use in accusing of fortune for having too early deprived him of the means of gaining Crowns of Laurel That great personage having thus made himself illustrious by Military actions Christina Queen of Sweden gave him the name with the County of Ortila and History bearing the marks of his eminent vertue will always give him this testimony that he was equal to the greatest Captains of ancient times P. If the gallant men that commanded and dyed in those Battels had been employed against the Turk I am perswaded he had been brought to bow down to the Cross and yield obedience to the Christians G. I think so too and it is a wonder that so much blood being run out of the veins of our Germany hath not brought her even to her grave Yet this is not all she hath lost more valiant persons in the Fights which I am going to relate then in the pitcht Battels The first was that of the King of Sweden who set upon the Imperial Army entrenched and commanded by Wallestein at Furts upon the Old Mountain August 24. 1632. and was forced to retreat with very great loss giving a remarkable example that Great men commit great errors and that the courage of the Lion doth rarely cohabit with the subtilty of the Fox because in some that heat of the heart which is requisite to make a man undaunted dissipates and quickens the coldness of the brain in others that predominant temper of the brain communicates such a faint and languishing quality to the heart as obstructs and fetters its activity The second was fought by the Electors of Saxony and Brandenbourg when they were confederated with the Swedes against the Imperialists who were worsted near Lignitz in Silesia May 3. 1634. The third was that of Rheimfeld where Bernard Duke of Weymar beat the Duke of Savelli and John de Werdt who commanded the Imperial and Bavarian Troops in several encounters from the 18. till the 21. of February 1638. The fourth was given at Wittenvoyer in Brisgou where the same Duke of Saxon-Weymar did again beat the Imperialists and Bavarians commanded by the Count of Gotzen and the Duke of Savelli July 30. 1638. Then that Prince crowned all his former actions when he sent some Generals prisoners to Paris and obliged all Europe to confess that few things were impossible for him to do since notwithstanding all the power of his Enemies used to the contrary he forced the Virgin City of Brisac to submit her self unto his will P. If I be not mistaken Marquiss Virgilio Malvezzi speaking of the Duke Bernard in a little Treatise which he made and intituled Of the successes of the Monarchy of Spain which hapned in the year 1639. says that Prince was more often vanquished then victorious and you say that he obtained two great victories in one year G. I never said he was invincible but I dare confidently affirm that he was never beaten for want of courage or conduct And Malvezzi himself acknowledging that he won more then he lost doth also confess that the design which he had to keep in a Body by himself and to exchange the places he held in Burgundy for those of Colmar Selestadt and Benfeld thereby to make himself master of Strasbourg and by the means of that great and wealthy City to maintain a high reputation as long as the War lasted and to enter upon a Peace with advantage were great thoughts but nothing
disproportionable to the spirit fortune and valour of that excellent Prince The fifth Combat hapned April 4. 1639. near Kemnitz in Misnia where Bannier the Swedes General overcame the Imperialists and Saxons commanded by General Salis. The sixth was an action of the Archduke Leopold and Picolomini more bold then well advised when they set upon the Swedes French and Lunebourgers in their Trenches at Wolfenbottel and were beaten back with the loss of their Foot and the left wing of their Horse June 19. 1641. The seventh signalized Mareshal Guebriant in the Archbishoprick of Collen where having the conduct of the French Army he beat and took prisoner Baron Lamboy General of the Emperors Confederates January 17. 1642. P. After the taking of Lamboy Mareshal Guebriant was very seasonably backed by Frederick Henry of Nassau Prince of Orange G. That German Alexander did a special piece of service to his Allies at that time taking up his Quarters between Rhimberg and Orsoy to succour the Mareshal in case the Spaniards should draw towards him The eighth Combat hapned near Schweinitz in Silesia where Torstenson surprised Francis Albert Duke of Saxon-Lawembourg General of the Imperialists and Saxons who were so soundly beaten there that their General remained dead upon the place May 21. 1642. In the ninth there was but little blood shed but a total rout of the French Army which after the death of Mareshall Guebriant being commanded by Count Iosias de Rantzau was surprised by the Bavarian Forces under the conduct of Hatzfeld and Iohn de Werdt at Dutlinguen a little Town in the Dutchy of Wirtemberg and nothing was saved but a part of the Horse led by General Rose P. The death of the Count de Guebriant occasioned that defeat and the loss of his person was valued at no less a rate then that of all his Troops because of the good services he had and might still have performed G. That Mareshal was exceedingly beloved by the German Troops being a man of singular courage and conduct and so careful of them that in his time they were alwayes very well paid The tenth would have strucken the very trees with fear and admiration if they had had any sense for Lewis de Bourbon then Duke of Anguyen and now Prince of Conde made five assaults upon the Bavarian Army entrenched upon a mountain near Fribourg in Brisgou where he slew their General Gaspar de Mercy in the yeare 1644. forced the Enemies army to quit their Poste and afterwards went to take Philipsbourg and some other places though he had lost very much brave Nobility The Fleventh made Merkendal in Franconia to be talked of where Mareshal Turenne General of the French Forces was surprised by Francis de Mercy General of the Bavarians November 14. 1645. The loss nevertheless was not so great as some Writers would perswade us if that be true which I have been told upon the place The Twelfth was fought by the French and Hessian armies against the Bavarian wherein the loss was almost equal but Francis Baron de Mercy was slain there and the Duke of Anguyen Mareshal Turenne and Geis remained masters of the Field and had the spoil of the dead May. 5. 1646. P. It seemes there is a kind of fatality in things of this world here were two brethren both Generals of the Bavarians and both slain in fight by the Duke of Anguyen It is further remarkable that the French got few or no victories but they cost them very much blood G. Ordinarily the French would carry all by main force and think those victories but little honourable that are gotten by surprize Nevertheless the Generals that are sparing of their Souldiers lives ahve alwayes been and are still more esteemed then they that part with them at so cheap a rate The thirteenth Fight was a sudden unforeseen engagement wherein the Armies of Sweden and France commanded by the Mareshals Charles Gustavus Wrangel Henry de la Tour Prince of Turenne both equally resolute and prudent having accidentally fallen upon the Imperial and Bavarian Forces under the conduct of Melander otherwise called the Count of Holt zapfel and Gronsfeld forced them off their ground and pursued them about two Leagues with great effusion of blood which yet had been far greater if Vlrick Duke of Wirtemberg had not stopped that Torrent by a resolution worthy of his Courage withstanding all the Enemies Forces only with two squadrons of Foot two Bodies of Horse and so giving leisure to those of his Party to rally and recover a place of safety after the death of Melander General of the Imperialists which action in the opinion of both Parties preserved Austria and Bavaria The last Combat was fought Iune 4. 1648. near Grewembrouck in the Country of Iuliers where the Hessian Army under the conduct of General Geis had a great advantage over the Imperial commanded by Baron Lamboy P. I have heard it said by persons of credit who had principal command in that Engagement that Frederick Duke of Wirtemberg did wonders there G. I know if it had not been for that Prince the Hessians had been beaten for their Horse gave ground and they had not gotten the day but for that Duke who commanded the Foot and both by his example encouraged those that remained in the field and by his resolution called back those that were fled But that was not the only place where Duke Frederick of Wirtemberg made his courage to be taken notice of It was he himself that with his Regiment having the Van in the Fight at St. Antony pulled down the Palissades and made way for the Horse to pass when Mareshall Guebriant took Baron Lamboy prisoner So that it may be said without flattering him or wronging the other Officers it was he that got the victory in those two Combats P. I imagine that you speak not here of any but the most memorable actions it being almost impossible there should have been so few engagements of Armies and encounters of Parties in a War wherein all Europe was concerned and where strangers French Spaniards Swedes and Lorrainers were mingled with the Germans plaid their parts for many years together G. You have reason And I confess to write that war would make a great Volume which is not my intention Nevertheless I shall tell you that Iuly 31. 1633. Prince Christian Palatine of Birkenfeld having the sword of Iosias Count of Rantzau to assist him and some Swedish Troops under his command beat the Lorrainers near Pfaffenhoven in the Lower Alsatia March 2. 1634. the Rhingrave Otho Lewis General of some confederate Swedes defeated the Count of Salme at Wateweil in the upper Alsatia and October 7. 1638. Count Hatzfeld an Imperialist scattered the Troops which Charles Lewis Elector Palatine had joyned to some Swedes near Blotu in the County of Lippe P. So many Fights and Battels so many takings and desolations of Cities and so many Mortalities having afflicted and wasted Germany for many years
continuance at length the two parties being weary as well of beating as of being beaten a resolution of peace was mutually taken Tell me I pray in what condition affairs were when that was concluded G. You have already heard there was never a Province in the Empire which by fire and sword by plague and famine had not lost above half its people and which was not reduced to extreme misery yet to recover the Treasure of Peace Germany was content to lay down another and pay the Swedes five millions of gold for the charges of the war one part whereof was employed to satisfie the souldiery another to recompence the valour of those that had served well and the rest to be disposed in liberalities by their Queen P. Did the French lay down armes without being re-imbursed what they spent in that War G. That Nation did not consent to the Peace without knowing why and wherefore but it rather gave or promised money then received any And all its recompence consists in a part of Alsatia and the Fortresses of Brisac and Philipsbourg from which France reaps more honour then profit the Province being unable to furnish wherewithal to keep those places and pay the Civil Officers that should administer Justice there P. I know the most Christian King obliged himself to pay the Archduke of Inspruck three millions of Livres in case he could prevail with the Catholique King to quit the pretensions he had or might have upon Alsatia But had the Crown of Sweden and its Confederates many Troops and places in Germany when the Peace was made G. The Crown of Sweden had at that time five Regiments of Swedish and Finland Horse four and forty of German Horse and five of Dragons which reckoned with some Troops that were in Garrison amounted all together to 411. Companies It had also threescore Regiments of Foot of the same Nations as the former were to wit one and twenty of Swedes and Finlanders and nine and thirty of Germans but they were not all of like strength For the five Regiments of Swedish and Finland Horse had but one and thirty Troops in all and those of the Foot of the same Nation were of four five six seven or eight Companies at the most and of the Germans that of the Kings Guards was of Twenty Companies and those of the higher Officers nay the greatest part of the rest were of twelve Companies apiece P. By what you said last I perceive Germany made War upon Germany and the Swedes made use of us to overcome our selves Let us see whether the French did not so too G. We are blamed for loving money too much and the honour of our Nation too little Now it is certain that although the Swedes have always had Commanders worthy of Empire and that after their King Gustavus Horn John Bannier Leonard Torstenson Charles Gustavus Wrangel Wittemberg and some others have equalled or surpassed the ancient Heroes signalizing their valour in our late Wars yet they had gone out of the Empire with as much shame and as well beaten as the Danes and Transylvanians if they had not had Religion for a pretense our bodies for a buckler and our courages for the instruments of their glory The same thing may be said of the French They have had Generals of their Nation who have always performed the duty of wise Captains and valiant Souldiers and have no less deserved the name of Gallant men though they have fought with less success then the Swedes but as to the rest the French Troops were oftentimes the least part of their Army The French that have commanded in Germany are the Mareshals of La Force Guebriant and Grammont the Cardinal de la Valette the Dukes of Longueville and Anguyen and the Prince of Turenne who had under his command at the time when the Peace was made a hundred and nine Cornets of Light Horse and sixteen Companies of Dragoons in fourteen Regiments not reckoning two Companies which were in the Lower Palatinate two in the Bishoprick of Spire and three in the Dutchy of Wirtemberg Besides that Cavallery the French had a hundred and threescore Companies in eleven Regiments of Infantry and ten Companies at Brisac three and forty in Brisgou four in the Bishoprick of Strasbourg twenty in several Imperial Cities of the Palatinate and Alsatia fifteen in the Bishoprick of Spire nine in the Lower Palatinate thirteen in Lawinguen eleven in the Dutchy of Wirtemberg six in Swaben twelve in the Archbishoprick of Mentz and three in the Marquisate of Baden which make in all three hundred and six Companies as well French as Germans P. So far as I perceive the Confederates had prodigious Forces G. That is not all the Amazon of Germany Amelia Elizabeth Landgravess of Hesse who raised up her Estate when it was beaten as it were down to the ground and by an unparalleled prudence enlarged the straits she was brought into and augmented her Forces when she was thought to be overwhelmed with calamities after the death of William V. her husband had at the conclusion of the Peace eight and fifty Cornets of Horse in five Regiments and 166. Companies of Foot in thirteen without putting into the account fourteen unregimented Companies P. I do not wonder that so many Troops conducted by good Heads obliged the Emperor to a disadvantagious Peace For I cannot think that his Majesty and his Allies had so many Forces after they had been worsted in several encounters G. I do not certainly know the number of the Imperial and Bavarian Troops but doubtless they were very powerful since their Confederate Adversaries were obliged by the Treaty to restore 210. strong places wherein they had garrison and out of which it is probable the whole Empire would hardly have been able to drive them by force P. I know the Swedes had Garrisons in 125. places of Germany the French in 46. and the Hessians in 39. But some of the best are theirs still G. It is true that by the Treaty of Peace the Empire agreed to yield unto the most Christian King for him and his Successors Kings of France for ever the Cities and Bishopricks of Mets Toul and Verdun with Moyenvic Pignerol Brisac the Landgravedom of Alsatia the Vndgerih the Bailywick of Haguenau and the Fortress of Philipsbourg That by the same Treaty the Empire quitted and granted unto the Queen and Kingdom of Sweden all the Hither Pomerania with the Island and Principality of Rugia and the Cities of Stetin Garts Dam Holnau the Isle of Wollin the River of Oder and the Port which it makes by the name of Frischehaff the Collation of those Ecclesiastical Benefices which the Dukes of Pomerania heretofore had in the Bishoprick of Camin and the expectance or Reversion of that Bishoprick nay of the rest of Pomerania and even of the new Marquisate of Brandenbourg in case the heirs male of that Family should happen to fail P. The Swedes received five millions of gold
235. Margraves how they became potent 211. Margraves or Marquisses Generals of Horse ibid. Marquisates of Germany ancienter then in other Countries 212. What Houses still bear the quality of Marquis 213. Matriculation-Roll of the Empire in whose custody 36. Origin of the House of Meklebourg 117. Deprived of their Estates in the last War 118. Restored by the King of Sweden their kinsman 119. What they had in exchange for Wismar ibid. Children and alliances of the two branches of Meklebourg 119.120 Meminguen 277. Elector of Mentz Dean of the Electoral Colledge 46. His voice of greatest weight in the Electoral Classe 305. Two Barons de Mercy brethren both slain in battel by the Duke of Anguyen 330. Minden a Bishoprick secularized 188. Minks and Priests to whom subject 292. Princes of Montbeliard their alliances 127. When the Principality of Montbeliard came into the House of Wirtemberg 167. Counts of Montfort 235. Mulhausen in Thuringia 277. Thomas Muncerus a seditious falfe Prophet ibid. Munster a Bishoprick 188. Murbach Abbey by whom founded 194. N. Origin of the House of Nassau 227. Alliances of the House of Nassau 229. Neuchastel in Suisserland belongs to the Duke of Longueville 143. Nobility in Germany Mediate and Immediate 248. Government of the Immediate Nobility 252. Northausen 278. Nortlinguen famous for the Battel fought there ibid. Nuremberg its Senate and priviledges 277. O. How the word Obey is to be understood in a Monarchy 32. No man is bound to Observe what he cannot reasonably promise 185. The House of Oldenbourg 148. The Counts of Oldenbourg failing by the death of Antony Gunther who inherited his lands 234. Origin of the Princes of Orange 228. Cause and beginning of the Orders of Knighthood 245.246 Several Orders of Knighthood 247. Counts of Ottinguen their branches Religion and alliances 236. P. Paderborne a Bishoprick of miraculous foundation 187. Count Palatine the last secular Elector 46. Elector Palatine first Vicar of the Empire 58. Elector Palatine Judge of the Emperor in case of debt 79. The Palatine House descended from two Emperors now divided into two Branches of different Religion 75. Emperors and Kings sprung out of the Palatine House 77. The power voices and alliances of the Palatine House 80. Palsgrave Chief Justice of the Imperial Palace 210. The death of Count Papenheim 323. Pepin put Childeric the Lazy into a Monastery and made himself King 12. Pepin a German by extraction 14. Pharamond first King of France was Duke of Franconia 11. How Philip II. got the Kingdom of Portugal 72. When Philip the IV. lost it 73. Philipsbourg to whom it belongs 180. Places and provinces left to the Swedes by the peace of Munster 338. When Poland was made a Kingdom 38. How the House of Pomerania fell to Brandenbourg 98. How Popes have diminished the Imperial Majesty 34. When Popes took the title of Universal Bishop ibid. How Emperors lost their right of choosing Popes 85 Popes created or confirmed by Emperors 199 Prague an Archbishoprick hath no voice in the general Assemblies 178. Number of Scholars in the University of Prague 282. Precedence amongst the Princes of the House of Saxony determined 88. Some Prelates have voice in the Assemblies only in Body or by way of Representative 195. Prelates in Germany created by Election or Postulation 202. Why Priests were forbidden all kind of acquisitions 196. Authority of a Prince his greatest support 12. How a Prince may get the reputation of vertuous 13. What books are fit for a Prince to read 24.25 The Princes of the Empire own a dependence on the Emperor 32. What German Princes and Lords are not admitted into the Assemblies of the Empire 65. What Sciences are necessary for Princes 115. Principalities in Germany called Fanslehen and why 78. What the Protestant Princes lost by the Peace at Munster 175. The persons of Protestant Priests subject to the Consistory of their Princes 292. Prum Abbey 194. Q. The Quarters of the Circles of Swaben and their Directors 253. The Quarters of the Rhine and their Directors ibid. The maxime of Quaternions ridiculous 221. Eminent and renowned Queens 137. R Barons of Rapolstein or Ribaupierre 239. Ratisbon for what observeable 278. Recesse or Acts of the Empire how signed and sealed 311. Two Originals of the Recesse where laid up 312. Benefit of the Reformation in Germany and France 96. The Reformation of Luther and Calvin makes Church-men subject to their own Princes 205. Difference between Regalities and Soverainty 66. Great and lesser Regalities ibid. Three Religions allowed in Germany 207. Resolutions of the Diets how signed 311. Reutlinguen 279. The Rhinegraves 236. Rostoch an University of the Dukes of Meklebourg 120. Rottembourg 279. Rotweil where Mareshal Guebriant was slain ibid. S Counts of Salme made Princes 237. Saltzbourg its abundance of Salt 177. Archbishop of Saltzbourg his priviledges ibid. takes place in the Assemblies by turns with the House of Austria 305. Duke of Savoy considerable for the situation of his Countrey 112. Duke of Saxony the third Secular Elector 46. the second Vicar of the Empire 58. The merits of the House of Saxony 82 83. When Frederick the Warlike of Saxony got the Electorship 84. Why Eric V. of Saxon-Lawembourg lost it ibid. How Frederick the Magnanimous lost that Electorship 86. How Maurice of Saxony obtained it whose posterity enjoyes it at this day ibid. The principal Branches of the Electoral House of Saxony 85. Primogeniture not regarded in the House of Saxony 88. Alliances of the present Princes and Princesses of the House of Saxony 90. seq Princes of Saxony their voices in the Assemblies 91. Power of the House of Saxony 92. How the Dutchy of Saxony fell to the house of Lawembourg 110. Counts of Schwartzbourg and their Alliances 236. Schweinfort 279. Selestadt ibid. Counts of Solmes and their Alliances 237. Stabel an Abbey in the Bishoprick of Liege 194. Counts of Stolberg and their arms 237.238 Strasbourg why called Argentina 267. Government armory and other remarkables of Strasbourg 267.268 In what Kingdoms Succession takes place and why 54. The inconveniences of Succession 56. Counts of Sultz call themselves Landgraves of Klegeu 213. Directors of the Circle of Swaben 182 When and how the Kingdom of Sweden was separated from Denmark 249. Progress of the King of Sweden in Germany and his death 320. What money the Swedes had for their charges in the German War 333. What Troops the Swedes had in Germany at the end of the War 334. Swedish Commanders in the German War 335. T. Dukes of Teck descended from the Dukes of Zeringuen 70. Teutonique Order their possessions in Germany 192. The great Master precedes all Bishops 305 Leonard Torstenson a Swedish General his praises 325. Whether Translations of books be useful 165. The benefits of Travelling 6.7 Trent a Bishoprick 190. Tryer the second Ecclesiastical Elector 46. The Elector of Tryer his imprisonment and death 181. Tubing an University of the Dukes of Wirtemberg 122. seq None but